Review & Giveaway - - Inventing Mr. Darcy

Inventing Mr. Darcy

by Susanna Craig

Publisher: Severn House Romance and Saga

Release Date: September 1, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

A truth universally acknowledged: enemies attract!

Grad student Elle Bradshaw is on the cusp of completing her literature PhD. And while life beyond college is terrifying, spending her evening fixing a database malfunction with gorgeous yet grumpy tech geek Fisher Davis is worse. He infuriates her while making her heart race—it’s a distraction she doesn't need!

When a fluke geomagnetic storm leaves them trapped together during a blackout, the fiery kiss that follows is unexpected—and explosive. But catastrophically, the storm also wiped Jane Austen from existence! Now, Elle’s the only person to remember Pride and Prejudice and, it seems, romance itself.

As Elle navigates a world so familiar, yet not her own, she realizes she might just need to put her pride to one side and ask Fisher for help. Could the guy who was once her enemy turn out to be her very own Mr. Darcy . . . ?

PJ's Thoughts:

Whether you've read Jane Austen or not, those of us who read modern-day romance owe a debt of gratitude to the author whose works have inspired multiple generations of readers and writers who love happy endings. Now, imagine what would happen if, without warning, Austen disappeared from our collective memories, leaving only one lone grad student from Minnesota with the memory of Austen and her books. How far would the ripples of that lost literary - and real life - happiness extend? That's the premise of Susanna Craig's Inventing Mr. Darcy. 

As a long-time fan of Craig's historical romances, I was curious to discover what she had in store for readers with this new contemporary romcom. It started out a bit slow for me. Others may have a different experience but for the first third of the book, while I found the characters interesting, I struggled to connect with them. That all began to change the closer the story got to the halfway point. 

The book really hit its stride for me by the 50% mark. The pace picked up and I found that emotional connection I had been looking for, surprising myself with which character touched my heart the most. Spoiler: It was not the one I thought it would be.

Peeling away the underlying layers of Elle and Fisher brought forth the dreams, challenges, and emotional depth of both characters. Their growing feelings, vulnerabilities, intriguing layers, and personal growth brought them to life. I became totally invested in them, their personal relationship, their professional dreams, and in the Austen dilemma, eagerly turning pages to discover what would happen next.

I truly did not know how Craig would resolve the issues facing our lead couple, especially the "disappearing Jane" angle, but am happy to report that everything was wrapped up with a lovely, satisfying, believable bow in the end. 

I don't know if this book was a one-off or if Craig has more contemporary stories in her pocket but whichever direction she takes with upcoming books, I do know that I'll be buying them. 

If you're looking for a contemporary romcom with an original plot, snappy banter, enemies-to-lovers romance, a touch of spice, and a feel-good happy ending, I recommend giving Inventing Mr. Darcy a try. 

Have you read Susanna Craig yet?

What's your favorite contemporary romance trope?

Have you read Jane Austen? What's your favorite Austen novel?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, September 21 will receive a print copy of Inventing Mr. Darcy. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review & Giveaway - - First and Forever

First and Forever

by Lynn Painter

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 12, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Duffy Distefano loves three things: her dad, the family cat, and Minneapolis Coyote football. So after she gets booed out of a game and becomes the internet’s villain following an awful encounter with the team’s beloved mascot, she is disgruntled, to put it mildly. Eager to clear the air, Duffy agrees to an interview on a hit morning show. She doesn’t expect a co-guest to join her—especially not the Coyotes’ star tight end.

When MVP Connor Cunningham gets tasked with damage control to help his team out of a PR nightmare, he finds himself in a highly amusing verbal sparring match with a recently wronged fan on live TV. The interview instantly goes viral, and the public is obsessed with them. Despite his distaste for PR stunts, a strong push from the Coyotes’ PR team to ride the wave results in Connor asking Duffy out. But he quickly discovers being with Duffy is much easier than he anticipated, and somehow it doesn’t feel fake to him. This secret can only blow up, but all he knows is that if he messes things up with Duffy, it’ll be the greatest fumble of his life.

Oozing with chemistry that feels like fireworks and banter that makes you swoon, Lynn Painter delivers her signature blend of heart and humor in this love story that you won’t soon forget.

PJ's Thoughts:

First and Forever is my first book by Lynn Painter. I see all of you out there shaking your heads at me, muttering "first book?" and wondering what rock I've been living under. My only excuse is the tried (but true) too many books, not nearly enough time. I can assure you that after reading this book I will not be using that excuse again. Lynn Painter is now firmly placed on my "must buy, must read" romance list.

I love a book that pulls me in from the get-go and keeps me engaged until the final page, especially if it also gives me well-developed characters who leap from the pages straight into my heart. Characters like Connor and Duffy. I adored them. Their chemistry is top notch, with sparkling banter, plenty of laughs, swoony romance, and emotional underpinnings. There's more than fun and games with these two. I laughed with them, cried with them, and kept eagerly flipping the pages of their story from start to finish.

As a sports obsessed only daughter with multiple brothers and a mischief making father, I especially enjoyed Duffy's family dynamics in this book. I don't know if Painter has brothers but she hits those sibling/parent and sibling/sibling dynamics on the head. It's like she created those characters just for me. 

I loved not only the interactions among the members of Duffy's family but also between Connor and her family. The fan-"boying" over Connor by all of them was an absolute treat. Then there's Connor's own family relationship and Duffy's response to it. It made me want to give them all a big hug. 

If you enjoy contemporary romance bubbling over with humor, heart-tugging emotion, swoony romance, fake dating, and a cheer-worthy happy ending, I recommend picking up a copy of First and Forever by Lynn Painter. It's a keeper. 

Have you read Lynn Painter? 

Do you have a favorite Painter book you recommend? (I'm ready to dive into her back list)

What are you currently reading? 

One randomly chosen person posting a comment before 11:00 PM (Eastern), September 18 will receive a print copy (with sprayed edges) of First and Forever.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - A Hard Habit to Break

A Hard Habit to Break

by Siera London

The Calvary Brothers - Book 2

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Release: August 11, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

At age eighteen, Rachel Johnson left Service, West Virginia with a college acceptance letter, a broken heart, and a blueprint for a new life. Now the star architect is back, for two weeks, and not a second more, for her dad’s wedding—and zero intention of rekindling old flames. But when she’s roped into the town’s redevelopment committee to bring much needed resources for the community, she finds herself face-to-face with the committee chair ... her ex, Noah Calvary.

Firefighter Noah volunteered for this assignment to further his career, not to work with Rachel. A born competitor, Noah isn't thrilled to share the spotlight with the woman who once left him in the dust, but to help the town, he figures he can play nice. And his success could clinch the promotion he’s been angling for.

Rachel’s got vision and a partnership at her firm on the line. Noah’s got a promotion to protect. And every decision is a battle of wills. Their history is messy, but their chemistry is explosive. Between small-town politics, big-time rivalries, and sizzling glances, Noah and Rachel must decide if they’re laying the foundation for professional disaster or finally building something real.

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been looking forward to book two of the Calvary Brothers series since reading Fake It Till You make It (Amarie and Eli - click to read review). This time around it's Noah's turn and this former childhood friends, teenage sweethearts, second-chance romance brings all the feelings. 

I enjoy the second-chance trope, especially when the author takes her time with the couple as London does. She allows Rachel and Noah the time to sort the issues that led to their breakup after high school. They are also given time necessary for individual growth as well as growth as a couple. It may feel like a slow progression to some but, for me, it felt organic and realistic. 

The characters, both primary and secondary are well developed and relatable. I was in Rachel's corner from the get-go. I understood her reasons for leaving Service when she did, her reasons for returning (albeit temporarily), and I appreciated the life she had built for herself in the interim. Noah took me longer to warm up to. In fact, for the first part of the book I didn't like him all. But I think those negative feelings were essential to allow him the time to reflect and mature. By the end of the book I was firmly in his and Rachel's camp and fully supportive of the decisions they made. 

There are many relationships threaded throughout the book - family, friendship, and romantic. I loved the relationship between Rachel and her dad and I found new the relationship between Rachel and her future stepmom very heartwarming. Noah's family was also a favorite, as they were in book one. The sibling dynamic among Noah and his brothers is spot on and their mom, as in the first book, was also a favorite in book two. I love how they call him out on his behavior. 

Rachel's bestie, who accompanies her back to Service, is a hoot. He flat out steals every scene he's in. I do hope we'll see more of him in future books. 

There's one more brother who needs to find his happy ending. I don't know what London has planned for him or when his book will be published but I'll for sure be picking up a copy when it is. 

For readers new to this series, while there are continuing characters from book one, you should be able to start with A Hard Habit to Break without feeling confused or lost. Though I do recommend both.

Have you read Siera London yet?

Do you enjoy a book series that features connected characters, such as siblings, friend groups, etc.?

What are you reading now?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 22 will receive a print copy of A Hard Habit to Break.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

  

 

Review & Giveaway - - Love on the Shelf

Love on the Shelf

by Sheila Roberts

Publisher: MIRA

Release Date: May 26, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

 

The battle lines are drawn—between a romance-loving bookseller and the shock jock determined to tear happily-ever-afters apart.

Alice Willoughby and her mom run HEA Books, a cozy shop devoted to love stories and the people who crave them. Alice is great at matching customers with their perfect happily-ever-after…she just can’t seem to find her own.
Enter Parker Black, a disillusioned radio host who’s reinvented himself as a romance-bashing shock jock. Bitter from his breakup with a romance author who turned love into a four-letter word, Parker takes aim at the entire genre—and his on-air rants start stirring up trouble for Alice’s loyal customers and their partners. He’s arrogant, aggravating, and absolutely not book-boyfriend material.
Parker’s crusade leads to spirited debates and bookstore protests, but when unexpected sparks fly between the two of them Alice begins to wonder if her favorite trope—enemies to lovers—might actually be playing out in real life. Parker may claim romance is a lie…but is he protesting a little too much?
With sharp wit and plenty of charm, USA Today bestselling author Sheila Roberts delivers a modern battle of the sexes where the biggest question is simple:
Are romance novels ruining love—or rewriting it?

PJ's Thoughts:

One of the things I most enjoy about Sheila Roberts' books is the community of characters she creates. They are well developed and almost always include characters who elicit my compassion as well as those I'd happily toss off a cliff (not literally, but definitely in my thoughts). In Love on the Shelf, Roberts once again gives readers a good blend of both.

Humor is central to this battle of the sexes but so is emotion and a storyline that I can easily see playing out in real life. I enjoyed watching Parker and Alice evolve throughout the book, especially Parker. He has many lessons to learn and, boy howdy, do certain characters enjoy delivering them.

This book feels like a women's fiction-romcom blend with multiple relationships, snappy banter, some sweet, Hallmark-style romance, and a hopeful ending. I could definitely envision it playing out on my TV as I read it. 

If you're looking for a fun, feel-good story with laughter and heart, I suggest putting Love on the Shelf on your summer reading list. 

Have you read any of Sheila Roberts' books?

Have you watched any of the Hallmark movies based on her books?

What are you reading this summer?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, July 26 will receive a print copy of Love on the Shelf.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review - - Can't Get Enough of the Duke

Can't Get Enough of the Duke

by Lenora Bell

The Thunderbolt Club - Book 2

Publisher: Avon

Release Date: April 7, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

War hero Deckard Payne, Duke of Warburton, made a battlefield promise to become guardian to orphan Analise Crewe. He certainly didn’t agree to marry the girl! But that’s exactly what happens when he’s forced to wed her to save her honor.

The last thing Analise wants is a loveless marriage to a brooding—albeit handsome—duke who lives in a gloomy castle and keeps his doors—and his heart—tightly locked. He’s determined to keep her at arm’s length—but she’s not easily deterred when there’s a tough case to crack.

Warburton never wanted a wife. Especially an inquisitive and far-too-pretty whirlwind who upends his regimented life. Her sunny, winning ways charm everyone she meets and soon she’s unearthing buried secrets, plotting love matches, and shining light into even the darkest of hearts…his own.

PJ's Thoughts:

Do you enjoy a lively guardian/ward trope? How about grumpy/sunshine? Scandal-forced marriage of convenience? Age gap (it's the Regency, not that unusual)? Sparkling banter? A bit of danger? You'll get all that and more in Lenora Bell's newest book, Can't Get Enough of the Duke. 

To be honest, I couldn't get enough of Analise. If anyone in this book should be grumpy and disillusioned, it's her. Yet she's the one who lifts the spirits of everyone around her. Yes, she's young and a bit naive, impetuous, and too curious for her own good but her heart is in the right place. I adored her. I want to be friends with her. I want to bask in the sunshine of her indomitable spirit. And, let's face it, so does the duke...even if it takes him the majority of the book to realize it. 

Dex (the duke) needs some sunshine in his life. This man is darkness personified. Still struggling with the horrors of the battlefield, physical and emotional wounds, and the pain of personal betrayal, he's encased his heart in ice that shows no signs of thawing. It feels like his rigid rules are the only things holding him together, until little Miss Sunshine comes along and threatens to blow everything to smithereens. I do love watching those "I will not fall prey to love" heroes come apart at the seams. 

If you like spice, you'll get plenty in this book, including a hero who tries to take command in all areas of his life, especially the bedroom. It feels a bit imbalanced in the beginning, especially with the age difference, but it doesn't take long for inexperienced Analise to grow into her own power and even the playing field. 

As an added bonus, there's a book within this book. Analise is an author who has written a fantasy romance with a cursed dragon whose emotional evolution coincidentally parallels that of her own dragon-like Duke of Warburton. A passage from her book begins each chapter of this book and sets the stage for what's to come. I can't be the only reader who found herself just as invested in the outcome for the dragon as the outcome for the dragon-like duke. 

Do you enjoy age-gap romances?

Have you read Lenora Bell? 

The books in Bell's The Thunderbolt Club series are inspired by beloved musicals. Can you guess which musical inspired Can't Get Enough of the Duke?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 9 will received a signed, paperback copy of You're the Duke That I Want, book one in The Thunderbolt Club series.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - - April 2026

 

April is upon us and that's no joke! Month four of this year dawned clear and bright in my neighborhood, a good harbinger for the days ahead and, hopefully, for a successful manned launch this evening. I plan to spend my day losing myself in a new book while soaking up some Vitamin D. Speaking of books, we have some great new stories on the agenda here at The Romance Dish. Let's take a look at what's on tap for April. 

We'll be kicking off the month of April on Friday, April 3 with a review of The Governess's Guide to Spells and Managing Misfit Marquesses by Amy Rose Bennett. This cross-class historical romance - plus a bit of magic - is the second book in Bennett's The Parasol Academy series. 

Tuesday, April 7 brings a review of Can't Get Enough of the Duke by Lenora Bell. It's grumpy/sunshine for the win in the second book of Bell's The Thunderbolt Club historical romance series. 

Join us on Monday, April 13 for a review of The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn. This contemporary romance features poignant emotion, a former sister-in-law's destination wedding, and going toe-to-toe with a mysterious, gruff best man...in Paris. 

We're bring an autumn vibe to small town murder, mystery, and romance on Friday, April 10 with a review of Murder at Cinnamon Falls by R.L. Killmore. 

Reviewer Nancy joins us on Wednesday, April 15 with a review of Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel by Elizabeth Everett. Get ready for an unlikely romance in a hotel occupied by faeries, gargoyles, and a gnome with a bad attitude.

Nancy returns on Friday April 17 with a review of Family Lies by Karen Rose. This fourth book in Rose's The San Diego Case Files series is sure to bring edge-of-the-seat suspense. 

It's time to hit the track on Monday, April 20 with a review of All to Play For by Josie Juniper. This newest installment in Juniper's Frontrunners series features a F1 team's newest and only female driver and a rich, cocky British racing blogger in a battle of wills that just might end up in a life-changing romance. 

Stop by on Wednesday, April 22 for a spotlight on Body Man, a political thriller by Al Pessin. 

Join Nancy on Tuesday, April 28 for a review and giveaway of The Sea Spinner by Julie Johnson. I'm interested to read what Nancy has to say about this magical sequel to Johnson's bestselling The Wind Weaver. 

On Wednesday, April 29 I'll be sharing my thoughts about Nearly a Bride, the second book in Sabrina Jeffries' Lords of Hazard series. This historical romance is brimming with intriguing characters, unexpected twists, and heartwarming romance. 

Rounding out the month on Thursday, April 30 will be Nancy's review of Thistlemarsh by Moorea Corrigan. The tag line for this book has me eager to read Nancy's review: Welcome to Thistlemarsh—a ramshackle estate where an impoverished orphan and a beguiling Faerie collide in an enchanting novel of love, revenge, and ruin.

That's what's on our schedule for the month of April. What are you looking forward to this month?

Two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, April 3 will each receive a book of my choice from my stash. 

* U.S. only

* Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - The Bridge Back to You

The Bridge Back to You

by Riss M. Neilson

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: March 31, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Olivia owes everything to Celia's Place. It’s where she learned how to be a great chef. It’s also where she first fell in love. But at nineteen, Olivia had a wanderlust she couldn’t deny. And Carmello, whose mother owned the restaurant, couldn’t leave Celia's Place behind any more than he could force Olivia to stay.

Now, ten years later, Olivia is a successful personal chef. Her job allows her to travel the world, and she has never stayed in the same place for too long. When Carmello learns that his mother left shares of her beloved restaurant to both him and Olivia, he plans to buy her portion of the shares back quickly and painlessly.

That is until Olivia shows up at the restaurant, ready to help run it. Carmello sees an opportunity: drive Olivia away from his restaurant so that she will want to sign over her shares. But Olivia sees things a bit differently. She finally has the chance to stay in one place and build a home after years on the move, and perhaps now is the right time to explore whether that home can be with the one who got away.

Soon enough, sparks begin to fly, but can Olivia and Carmello avoid the mistakes of the past?

PJ's Thoughts:

I love a book with layers and this book has them in abundance. The characters are layered, the relationships are layered, and the unexpected second chance that lands in the laps of Carmello and Olivia is most definitely layered. Lots of messy, messy layers. 

The pace of the book isn't fast but that works for me. These characters need the time to rebuild trust, to discover what path they are meant to follow, to forgive, and to choose the future that's right for them. There's a lot of push and pull along the way, as well as self-discovery and character growth, which only makes them - and their second chance - more realistic and relatable. It's a journey filled with emotion, longing, and a hard-won happy ending. I especially enjoyed the periodic flashbacks that allow readers to experience their teenage relationship while also following along with them as reunited adults. 

Neilson surrounds the main couple with a supporting cast that shines. I adore Carmello's young son. His relationships with his father, his mother, the restaurant staff, and Olivia are so endearing and feel authentic to his age and personality. Speaking of his mother, kudos to the author for showing admirable friendship and co-parenting between Carmello and his son's mother, two people who care about one another but not romantically.  

There's also realistic depiction of mental health and chronic health issues, with one character's OCD, another's ADHD and endometriosis, and Carmello and Olivia each grieving the death of Carmello's mother, a woman who was instrumental in both of their lives. The self realization of how each of those conditions impacts past and present decisions plays a significant role in their individual growth as well as the evolution of their second-chance romantic journey. Again, more layers that enhance this story and engage readers on new and different levels. 

Finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the food. Much of the book is set at Celia's Place where Carmello creates mouth watering Dominican and Filipino foods that represent his cultural heritage...and kept me drooling pretty much through the entire book. Be ready to be hungry. :)

  

If you're looking for a slow-burn romance with emotional depth, complex characters, complicated relationships, cultural representation, and second chances (at romance and life), give this one a try. And, if you haven't yet discovered Neilson's adult debut, A Love Like the Sun, check out my review here. 

Have you read Riss M. Neilson yet?

Do you enjoy trying food from other cultures? What are your favorites?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 2 will receive a print copy of The Bridge Back to You.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review & Giveaway - - A Bride for Marcus

A Bride for Marcus

by Anne Gracie

Devil Riders - Book 6

Publisher: Gracie Enterprises

Release Date: March 25, 2026

Reviewed by PJ

Marcus, the handsome Earl of Alverleigh, is London’s most eligible bachelor—yet he’s vowed never to marry for love. Bitter experience taught him it only brings pain.

Tessa, his lively childhood friend, is now twenty-four and twice widowed, left destitute by her ruthless brother and the laws that prevent women from financial control. Fiercely independent, she refuses to be controlled again—until she’s on the brink of a third forced marriage.

Marcus rescues her with a practical offer: a sensible marriage between old friends. No passion, no risk—just safety and companionship. Tessa hesitates—her freedom is precious—but scandal forces her hand.

On their honeymoon, can the guarded earl and spirited widow rediscover each other? Will laughter, old memories, and long-buried affection bloom? And can what started as practicality and duty become something tender and true?

PJ's Thoughts:

When one has waited 14 years for a certain pivotal side character's story to be told, one approaches that long-awaited book with high expectations and no small amount of trepidation. One then also stays awake reading until 2:00 AM because she can't bear to go to sleep until said character's long overdue and well deserved HEA is secured. Trepidation? Erased. Expectations? Exceeded. Happy ending? You bet! 

Gracie has infused some of my favorite tropes into this heartfelt story. There's childhood friends reunited as adults, friends to lovers, scandal, marriage of convenience (to neutralize said scandal), found family, and meddling, matchmaking relatives. 

All of the tropes are brought to life through the thoughts and actions of beautifully developed characters. That's one of Anne Gracie's strengths. Her characters - both main and side - are multi-layered and realistically portrayed, never failing to elicit emotional reactions in me, whether positive or negative. She does make the villain(s) in this book truly villainous which, of course, renders their eventual downfall especially delicious. Also, I do love an irascible older relative who meddles for all the right reasons, especially if she doesn't show her hand while doing it. And, bonus, not only do we get a Daisy Chance cameo in this book, we also get her hunky Irish husband!

As for Marcus and Tessa, these two had me in their corner from their first encounter as children. I enjoyed their journeys, both individually and as a couple. It was so much fun to watch Marcus's heart soften and open to love and to cheer Tessa on as she finally claims her agency. Together, they balance one another perfectly and fill all those heart holes that had been so empty before. 

Whether you're a long-time Gracie fan or new to her historical world, A Bride for Marcus is written in such a way that you can easily jump in with this book and not miss a beat. 

Have you read Anne Gracie before?

Do you have a favorite book or series written by her?

What secondary character's book are you still waiting for?

Three randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, March 27 will each receive an e-book copy of A Bride for Marcus.