Review - - What They Don't Know

What They Don't Know

by Susan Sands

Moonshine - Book 3

Publisher: Tule

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

When the past comes to call…

Following the death of her mother and the breakup with her cheating fiancé, clinical therapist, Bree Hawthorne, has built a new life for herself and her pup, Tiny, in the mountains of Moonshine, Georgia. Her practice is thriving, and occasionally, she consults with law enforcement, calling on her insights into human behavior to profile and catch criminals. She finally feels happy, and then the body of a former patient is discovered.

Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s agent, Mitch Calloway, is investigating the death of a woman who disappeared two years ago. When he meets Bree, Mitch inadvertently offends the blonde bombshell therapist. Though a skilled investigator, his social skills are beyond rusty, but Bree can forgive much if pie is involved.

Through her experience with cults and unfortunate family ties, Bree is dragged into the investigation, and soon she and the handsome, though seriously awkward GBI officer go undercover as man and wife at a suspicious nature retreat where several women have gone missing. For Bree, it’s a chance for closure on her unconventional past—if she and Mitch can survive the investigation.

PJ's Thoughts:

Susan Sands takes readers back to the small town of Moonshine, Georgia for another chaste romance brimming with emotion. This time, it's clinical therapist, Bree Hawthorne in the spotlight. Bree has been instrumental in offering both therapy and friendship to other characters in this series but now she's the one in the crosshairs of a murder investigation and the handsome agent leading the charge. 

I enjoy Sands' stories, her well-developed characters and the communities with which she surrounds them. In this book, that community includes characters from the first two books of the series. Fans of the series should enjoy catching up with them while readers new to the series should have no trouble reading this book first. 

The romance in this book unfolds alongside the suspense but in a gradual, more gentle fashion. Mitch's neurodivergence contributes to that. I found Sands' handling of his character respectful, caring, and realistic for someone on the Spectrum. Bree is also an intriguing character with hidden layers that slowly reveal themselves as she and Mitch dig deeper into the murder mystery that brings them together. I liked and admired them both and rooted hard for their happy ending.

Other books by Sands have had elements of mystery/suspense but it's stronger in this book and more central to the core of the story. I was drawn into the suspense facet of the book almost immediately and held captive as the author skillfully dropped clues even as she ramped up the tension, including a number of twists along the way. Some I figured out quickly while others were a complete surprise. I love when that happens. 

If you enjoy small-town romance with a healthy dollop of mystery/suspense, intriguing well-developed characters, a strong sense of community, and happy endings, I recommend adding What They Don't Know by Susan Sands to your reading list. I'm glad I did.

Winners - - April Coming Attractions

 

The randomly chosen winners from

April Coming Attractions are:

Laura L

and

Penney Wilfort

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - A Wager at Midnight

A Wager at Midnight

by Vanessa Riley

Betting Against the Duke - Book 2

Publisher: Zebra

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

  

Scarlett Wilcox is willing to live out her life as a spinster if it means being able to continue her medical research to help a friend in need. After all, few husbands would tolerate her dressing as a man to attend lectures at the Royal Academy of Science. If the Duke of Torrance finds her such a specimen, she'll agree to a marriage in name only, much to the dismay of her elder sister, the Viscountess.

When she's unmasked at a lecture on ophthalmology, Scarlett prepares to be disgraced, but she's saved by Trinidadian-born physician Stephen Carew who claims her as a cousin. Dedicated to caring for his community, Stephen has no wish to marry a frivolous and privileged lady, no matter how many fall for his disarming accent and seductive charm. But Scarlett proves the opposite of any he’s ever met before. Yet the pressure to marry blinds them both to the chemistry growing between them, pitting their brilliant minds against their reluctant hearts—as the Duke and Viscountess await with bated breath to see who will win . . . A WAGER AT MIDNIGHT.

PJ's Thoughts:

I'm enjoying this new trilogy from Vanessa Riley that showcases diverse characters of color in Regency London. Riley's books are always rich in historical detail while also featuring well-developed characters who bring the time and place to life on the page. 

While the battle between the Duke and Katherine continues to play out in the background of this second book, it's time for third sister, Scarlett to take center stage. I'm always up for a woman of science in historical romance who has the courage to defy the norm in pursuit of education. Scarlett is one such character and I was with her every step of her journey. She has a true calling, as well as an honorable heart, and a willingness to do whatever it takes in her quest to help others.

It took me a while to settle into Stephen as the right man for Scarlett. There's plenty of simmering chemistry in their squabbles and banter but he's as reluctant to accept her non-traditional brilliance as he is the fact that the young girl he first met is now a grown woman. He's a planner, some might say a slow plodder, with a burning need for acceptance from his community. But he grows as the story unfolds and by the end, I was rooting him on in his quest for Scarlett's heart. 

Riley's books are not fast-paced. They evolve gradually, taking readers on a journey with occasional side trips, as one might experience in real life, with secondary characters - and storylines - only adding to the rich texture of the whole. While Scarlett and Stephen are the featured couple in A Wager at Midnight, I found myself drawn over and over to the Duke and the complications in his life that are at the core of this trilogy and his relationships with the Wilcox sisters. I am literally bouncing with eagerness to discover how his story will evolve when he and Katherine finally step into the romantic spotlight. A scene at the end of A Wager at Midnight leads me to believe it will not be an easy journey for either of them. 

While some books within a trilogy can be enjoyed as a standalone, I do not recommend that with this one. For maximum enjoyment and complete understanding of these characters and their relationships, I strongly encourage readers to begin with A Gamble at Sunset, followed by A Wager at Midnight. 

Winner - - Summer in the City

 

The randomly chosen winner 

of a print copy of

Summer in the City by Alex Aster is:

Rebecca Sutter

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

 

Coming Attractions & Giveaway - - April

 

April has arrived! We are officially in the fourth month of this year and, I don't know about you all, but I'm finding that incredibly difficult to grasp. I feel like I'm going to blink and it will be Christmas again. Once again, we have some terrific books on our schedule this month and more intriguing titles to look forward to in the months ahead. Here's what's cooking this month at The Romance Dish.

We kick things off on Tuesday, April 1 with a review and giveaway of Summer in the City by Alex Aster. This contemporary romance is Aster's adult fiction debut and one of my favorite reads so far this year. 

Friday, April 4 brings a review of A Wager at Midnight. This diverse historical romance is book two in Vanessa Riley's Betting Against the Duke series. 

Join me on Tuesday, April 8 for a review of What They Don't Know by Susan Sands. This second book in Sands' Moonshine series brings romance and suspense in the mountains of Georgia. 

Nancy will be here on Wednesday, April 9 to share her thoughts about The Geographer's Map to Romance. This second book in India Holton's Love's Academic series brings a romcom story for fans of historical romance and fantasy.

I'll be Spilling the Tea on Thursday, April 10 when I share my thoughts about this newest contemporary romance by Brenda Jackson featuring amnesia, family secrets, and a matchmaking great-grandma. 

Stop by Monday, April 14 for a review and giveaway of A Wedding in the Lowcountry by Preslaysa Williams. This friends-to-lovers romance is Williams' third Lowcountry novel but is a standalone. 

Wednesday, April 16 brings a review of Jane and Dan at the End of the World. This marriage in crisis romp by Colleen Oakley is getting lots of great buzz. 

*Note: Just to let you all know, I will not be reviewing this title. It seems to be a fun read with relatable characters and lots of great reviews. I enjoyed what I read but, due to personal experiences, I found myself unexpectedly triggered by aspects of the hostage situation and was not able to continue.  

Stop by Friday, April 18 for a review and giveaway of The Love Simulation by Etta Easton. I thoroughly enjoyed Easton's debut, The Kiss Countdown and am looking forward to reading this sophomore novel. 

We're back in historical England for more romance and mystery from Manda Collins. Join me on Tuesday, April 22 for a review of A Wallflower's Guide to Viscounts and Vice, a sunshine spinster/grumpy viscount/fake engagement story that launches a new series from Collins. 

Stop by on Monday, April 28 for a review of Summer in a Bottle by Annie Rains. This standalone women's fiction novel is brimming with friendship, second-chance romance, and a touch of magic. 

Sabrina Jeffries launches a new series this month with Hazardous to a Duke's Heart. Join me on Tuesday, April 29 when I share my thoughts about this new historical romance. 

Santa will be here on Wednesday, April 30 with a review of Love, The Duke by Amelia Grey, book three in her Say I Do historical romance series. 

That's it, so far, for our April schedule. I hope we have some titles that pique your interest. 

What are you looking forward to this month?

Two randomly chosen people who post a comment before 11:00 PM, April 4 will each receive a print book from my stash.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Review & Giveaway - - Summer in the City

Summer in the City

by Alex Aster

Publisher: William Morrow

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter Elle has the chance of a lifetime to write a big-budget movie set in New York City. The only problem? She’s had writer’s block for months, and her screenplay is due at the end of the summer. 

In a desperate attempt at inspiration, Elle ends up back in the city she swore she would never return to, in an apartment she could never afford (floor-to-ceiling windows, skyline views, and a new coffee shop to haunt included). It’s the perfect place to write her screenplay…until she realizes her new neighbor is tech “Billionaire Bachelor” Parker Warren, her stairwell hookup from two years ago. It’s been a lovers-to-enemies situation ever since. 

When seeing him again turns into a full night of hate-fueled writing, Elle realizes her enemy/twisted muse might just be the key to finishing her screenplay... if she can stand being around her polar opposite. She writes anonymously, and he’s on the cover of every business magazine. He frequents fancy red carpeted events, and she doesn’t like leaving her emotional support five block radius. 

One summer. One wall apart. He needs to fake a buzzy relationship during his company’s precarious acquisition. She needs to write a movie around a list of NYC locations. Both need a break from their unrelenting schedules, and a chance to rediscover the skyscraper glimmering, pizza crusted, sunlit charms of the city.  

Summers always end, and so will this agreement. It’s all pretend. Promise. 

Until it isn’t.

PJ's Thoughts:

This book. What an absolute delight. Aster takes her characters on a lovers (Okay, not really lovers. More of an instant connection make-out session with the lovers potential that goes south when he says something incredibly insulting) - to enemies - to forced proximity - to fake relationship - to (actual) lovers journey that dialed me in and kept me engaged every step of the way.  

I couldn't put this book down. No, really. I read it in one day with a smile on my face the entire time. It's incredibly immersive. The chemistry, the sparkling banter, the swoony, slow-burn romance. How could I not root for these two? I was with Elle and Parker every step of the way. These two complex, fully-dimensional characters had me experiencing all the emotions. I don't want to give away spoilers because this journey deserves to be experienced as it unfolds across the pages so I'll just say that I love Elle's layers and the emotional evolution she undergoes, how she finds her voice and the courage to use it. Parker's evolution is equally enjoyable. I love how he nudges - okay, drags - Elle out of her comfort corner, his unexpected confession, and the decisions he makes when he finally begins to understand what really matters. And I love, love, love that the author took her time with them, gifting readers with this gem of a story that is one of my favorites this year.

While Elle and Parker are the lead characters of this book, there's another one that is just as important: New York City. In many ways, Aster has not only written a romance between Parker and Elle but also a love letter to this vividly and vibrantly depicted city that brings them together. It even made me, a person who craves wide open spaces, want to buy an airline ticket, rent an apartment, and experience all the pleasures of summer in the city. Except running. I draw the line at running. 

If you're looking for a fun, steamy, can't-put-it-down story that keeps you flipping pages late into the night while dreaming of New York City pizza, champagne galas, early mornings in Central Park, found friendships, heroes who cook (yay!), cozy coffee shops, and hard-won happy endings, go no further than Alex Aster's Summer in the City. It has my highest, joyful recommendation. 

Have you visited New York City?

If money were no object, where would you choose to spend a summer in the city?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, April 3 will receive a beautiful hardcover copy of Alex Aster's Summer in the City. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

Winner - - Just Our Luck

 

The randomly chosen winner 

of a print copy of

Just Our Luck by Denise Williams is:

Nicole B

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - The Lady Sparks a Flame

 

The randomly chosen winner

of a print copy of

The Lady Sparks a Flame by 

Elizabeth Everett is:

Suzanne Lercher

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Winner - - Spring Fling

 

The randomly chosen winner 

of a print copy of

Spring Fling by Annie England Noblin is:

Glenda

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Review - - The Anatomy of Magic

The Anatomy of Magic

by J.C. Cervantes

Publisher: Park Row

Release Date: March 11, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

Lilian Estrada seemingly has it all: an ob-gyn star on the rise, a master at balancing work with whirlwind romances and part of a family of fiercely loyal and exceptional women, all bound together by an extraordinary secret. The Estrada women each possess a unique power, and Lily shines with the rare gift to manipulate memories. Yet not even her mystical abilities can shield her from a harrowing event at the hospital, one that sends her powers—and her confidence—spiraling out of control.

Seeking solace, Lily retreats to her family's ancestral home in Mexico, only to find herself face-to-face with a ghost from her past—Sam, the first love she never forgot. Nearly a decade since she last saw him, Sam is hardly the boy she once knew, and as old flames spark to life, Lily must navigate the mysteries of their shared history and the depths of her own heart if she hopes to control her unpredictable magic.

PJ's Thoughts:

I've been looking forward to this book since turning the final page of book one, The Enchanted Hacienda (read my Top Dish review). I'm happy to say it did not let me down. Cervantes has once again crafted an immersive, magical, hard-to-put-down book that reached into my soul and held me captivated from start to finish. 

From the first scenes, we are witness to the chaos and internal pain of Lily's life and given one reason for it. But there is much more at play here - secrets that gradually unfold as Lily and Sam are given a second chance. I love how Cervantes plunges me into the emotions of her characters, how she gradually opens them up to all the pain and joy of life. How she allows them to make questionable decisions, to make the wrong choices, then gives them the opportunity to grow, to right the wrongs, to do better. Be better. I was with them every step of the way, experiencing all the emotions. 

The Estrada family farm with its magical flowers, of course, plays a pivotal role in Lily's evolution as do the members of her family. The strength, resilience, and bond that these women share is the core of these stories. I love how they support one another while also holding each other accountable. Their bonds may stretch but they never break and when the need is great, they all come. 

If you have not yet experienced the magic of these beautifully written stories, I encourage you pick one up and spend time with the women of the Estrada family. I'm already looking forward to whatever Cervantes has in store for them next. 

You could enjoy The Anatomy of Magic on its own but I strongly recommend reading The Enchanted Hacienda first. I loved them both. 

Tour Review & Giveaway - - Just Our Luck

Just Our Luck

by Denise Williams

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Reviewed by Santa

Sybil Sweet has always been lucky, but lately she can’t catch a break. After years of bouncing from job to job in search of something that feels right and from man to man in search of something special, Sybil is worried that she’s the directionless, floundering daughter her family thinks she is. All she really wants now is a little financial stability and carb comfort. Lucky for her, she’s got just enough in the bank to buy a lottery ticket, and the late-night donut store is open.

Kieran Anderson put his dreams of becoming a doctor on hold to take over running his family’s bakery, and after fighting a losing battle to save the place, he’s exhausted, broke, and no closer to getting back to school. But when a whirlwind of a woman sweeps in late one night, flirty energy gives way to more…until she runs out the next morning, leaving behind her winning lottery ticket.

Lucky for Kieran, his attempt to return the ticket looks like a grand romantic gesture and goes viral, sending sales through the roof. In an effort to keep the store afloat and to convince Sybil’s family she can make good relationship choices, they agree to fake a relationship for three months. Even with hundreds of millions of dollars, finding each other might end up being the sweetest bit of luck for both of them.

Santa Says: 

I am fast becoming a Denise Williams fan. I enjoy her books immensely and Just Our Luck does not disappoint. I happily give it five stars because that's what this book makes me feel. Happy.

The book brings Sybil Sweet and Kieran Anderson together when she goes into his family's donut shop after going out with her friends. Sybil has found that her luckiness is not working for her. She’s lost yet another job, her car is held together by duct tape and a prayer and her love life, well the less said about that the better. She lives with her mother who is quietly disappointed in her not reaching her full potential like her successful, soon to be married sister. Always the optimist, she buys a lottery ticket. It could be her lucky draw. 

Kieran is stepping in to help save his family’s donut shop while his grandfather recuperates from a heart attack. It is an uphill battle that he hopes will take a good turn so he can get back to school to complete his medical degree. His sister and grandfather do what they can. Kieran doesn’t believe in luck or chance but that all changes when Sybil walks into his world late one night. 

He reluctantly gets swept up by Sybil's positive attitude and flirtiness. It also helps that he is wildly attracted to her. They flirt and more over his luscious donuts. His sister accidentally walks in on them and Sybil runs out the door. More bad luck for Kieran when he finds the bakery ransacked because the front door was left unlocked. While cleaning up he discovers she left her WINNING lottery ticket behind. His sister suggests he post on line that he has her winning ticket. The post goes viral. 

When Sybil comes to collect she suggests that he take a portion of it to let her know it was there. Kieran is too proud to accept any money. She offers to loan him the money to get the bakery up and running since she feels it was her fault the door was left open. This second meet plays out as customers clamor to the bakery to see who comes to claim the ticket. The public also thinks that the ticket has brought two lovebirds together. Sybil plays this, convincing a reluctant Kiernan to go along with the idea of a fake relationship. It also works to her benefit if she has a steady, live boyfriend at least for the three months leading up to her sister’s wedding. 

Kieran tries his best to keep a clear head about Sybil but her positivity, good vibes and beauty reel him in. This makes his quirky and loveable grandfather very happy. Sybil finds herself falling deep and hard for Kieran. And I was there for every minute of it. 

 ~~~~~~~~~~

Readers, have you read Denise Williams yet?

Do you enjoy fake relationship romances?

Do you ever play the lottery? Ever dreamed about how you would spend the money if you won?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, March 30 will receive a print copy of Just Our Luck.

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

 

Review - - The Two of Us

The Two of Us

by Lori Foster and Maisey Yates

Publisher: Kensington

Release Date: March 25, 2025

Reviewed by PJ

 

The Odd Couple * LORI FOSTER
Ford Caruso agrees to an unusual favor—playing the part of new boyfriend for his adamantly single, irresistibly sexy neighbor Skye Fairchild, whose clueless ex refuses to accept his fate. But as Skye starts dropping by to use Ford’s pool, and even plan dates, the charade begins to feel satisfyingly real, complete with choosing rescue dogs together—a giant mutt and a fierce little chihuahua who adore each other. From one odd couple to another, some things are destined . . .

Force of Nature * MAISEY YATES
Rescuing animals is in Lydia Clay’s blood, so when a mournful old cattle dog named Hank shows up at the shelter, she knows exactly where to take him: to cattle rancher Remington Lane, her brother’s hot, and usually grumpy, best friend. Hank belonged to Remy’s estranged father, which is one strike against him, but when Lydia offers to help the man ease into dog ownership, he can’t say no. And as he and Lydia work together, it looks like an old dog can actually teach this brooding cattleman some heart-warming new tricks . . .

PJ's Thoughts:

Put a dog on the cover of a book and it's the first one I pick up. Put two rescue dogs on the cover and I'm moving it to the top of my tbr. Pair it with two long-time favorite authors and I'm all in. In The Two of Us, Lori Foster and Maisey Yates bring readers two heartwarming contemporary romance stories of couples finding their way to one another, aided by the unconditional love of dogs. 

"The Odd Couple" by Foster features one of my favorite tropes: fake dating between a relationship-averse man and a woman who has been given good reason not to trust men. I really enjoyed these two and the issues they both needed to work through. There's a terrific friend group (Foster does those so well), some complicated family dynamics, a big ole mutt who looks scary but has a marshmallow heart (and stole mine), and a happy ending for both two and four-legged characters. Plus, I hope, the potential for a future story between Skye's twin sister and Ford's best friend.

When I'm looking for emotional depth, complicated family relationships, and hard-won happy endings, Maisey Yates is an author to whom I frequently turn. In "Force of Nature," Yates brings all of those facets to the page along with another favorite trope: best friend's little sister. Add in the fact that Remy's abusive family had him living with Lydia's family through high school and you have a now-grown man who has two reasons to keep his hands off the woman who is capturing more of his heart each day. Lydia and Remy absolutely stole my heart. I love how he embraces her individuality and loves her for it, not in spite of it. I love how she refuses to give up on him, how insistent she is on showing him - by bringing Hank into his life - the road to healing. These characters - and their journey - are so well developed. I was completely invested in them and their road to a happy ending. Also, the scene between Remy and Lydia's mother near the end of the book had me sobbing...in a good way. 

If you're looking for heartwarming stories of love, healing, friendship, family, and the unconditional love of a rescue dog in your life, grab a copy of The Two of Us. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.