Review | Where I Should’ve Been by Max Monroe

July 29, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

Everyone in the smalltown of Red Bridge, Vermont, knows Tad Hanson, the hot sheep farmer who can’t control his flock. He doesn’t believe in forever, but he’ll be the best time you’ve ever had―right now. What they don’t know is why.

He’s too charming, too good with that addicting smile of his, too committed to keeping his dark past buried, and too stubborn to imagine his life could be any other way.

Until a snowstorm―and one beautiful woman―send his carefully controlled world spinning.

Successful art director Beatrice “Breezy” Bishop thought she had life figured out―until her father gave her the middle finger from the grave and left the family galleries she built to her entitled younger brother. With nothing left in New York but resentment and regret, she temporarily heads to Red Bridge, looking for space to breathe.

Instead, she finds a sexy, flirty, secret fling with Tad, and a rivalry with the editor of Red Bridge’s newspaper. It’s chaotic, but it’s the happiest she’s ever been.

But secrets never stay secrets for long, and when hearts get involved―and the universe clearly has other plans―walking away isn’t as easy as they thought.

Amazon | Goodreads | Shop the Series

This was my first time reading something from Max Monroe and I didn’t realize this was the 3rd in the series (though I had no issues reading this one out of order) but I will definitely be picking up more.

Breezy – who has been breaking her back to run her family’s art galleries and then has the business yanked out from under her when her father dies and leaves the business to her younger brother (who knows nothing about the galleries) and Tad – a fireman turned sheep farmer who has a ton of past trauma and baggage that keeps him from getting close to people are complex characters who both carry a lot of baggage they need to work through. Breezy has come to Red Bridge to stay with her older brother and try to figure out what she wants to do with her life now that she no longer has the galleries.

Neither one of them are looking for a relationship but their attraction is undeniable so things move rather quickly to what they consider a no strings, casual relationship. Their banter is top notch and it’s great to watch them grow closer without realizing that feelings are developing. Though this was my first foray into Red Bridge, the other characters still had their own fully fledged identities and histories that gave the environment a three dimensional feel (and I can’t wait to check out the first two books in the series).

The only (slight) detractor for me was the lack of communication/miscommunication felt like it went on just a little too long – but that’s probably a me thing as I have a lower tolerance for excessive miscommunication. I understood the motivations behind not wanting to talk about baggage or old scars that kept trying to open, but at some point you just want to lock them in a room and make them talk. (haha)

The climax of the story though was a whirlwind and perfect turning points for both characters in a lot of ways. It definitely kept me on my toes there for a bit until the end and made me even more certain I want to catch up and read the first two.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | Still Smitten by Catana Chetwynd

July 21, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

#1 New York Times Bestselling comics creator Catana returns with an all-new collection, filled to the brim with the heartwarming, cozy commentary on love, relationships, and growing up that fans know and love.

In Still Smitten, Catana welcomes readers into the next chapter of her love story as she shares the ups, downs, and laugh-filled in-betweens of being in a long-term relationship that both celebrates and challenges as you grow alongside each other. With an emphasis on keeping the spark alive, staying in love, and continuing to find your way back to your person after years of individual growth, Still Smitten is the perfect gift for anyone who has found their forever person.

Amazon | Goodreads

I’ve loved Catana Comics for many years now, starting with her instagram posts and then picking up the printed collections when they came out – so imagine my surprise when I saw a new collection came out that I hade missed.

This collection feels more settled than some of the earlier collections and by that I mean it’s more focused on a relationship that is stable, no longer new, but still immensely happy. A lot of the comics are relatable for relationships, earlier collections might be more geared towards newer relationships, but this one is definitely for those who have been in a relationship for a while and know their partner like the back of their hand.

As always the art style is charming and quick to consume, all of the comics are short form, but perfect in their bite size nature, highlighting snapshots of Catana and John’s relationship (though my husband and I often joke we feel like their watching us since so many of the comics are relatable for us).

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | The Ghost of What Remains by Maeve Garner

July 15, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

Sometimes the dead fight just as hard as the living to keep the past buried…especially at Jasper Lake…

Rhys McClaine doesn’t believe in ghosts. Or in wasting his time. So, overseeing a supernatural investigation at his family’s lakeside mansion wasn’t something he looked forward to. Until he met the beautiful paranormal psychologist his great-aunt hired and everything changed…

Phoebe Davenport has dedicated her life to giving the dead a voice. But the living? They’re far more mysterious. Especially him. Rhys is infuriating. Brilliant. Confident. Insufferably handsome. Working with him should be impossible. So why does it feel so…right?

Every secret they uncover draws them closer to the truth and to each other. But when love collides with ghosts that won’t rest, will survival cost Rhys and Phoebe their happily ever after?

Amazon | Goodreads

I love reading books that have some aspect of ghosts or haunted houses, so I was excited to get to this one. I will say, I do wish I had read the first two books first so I had more of that foundation to the story, but it was still really enjoyable.

Maeve Garner’s writing is very atmospheric and lyrical, sometimes this can drag down the pace but I felt it was really well done in this case. It also adds to the overall feel of the book and lent well to the paranormal/supernatural elements.

This book was a wonderful combination of romance, ghost story and lots of emotional moments. The romance was really well balanced, great instant attraction without being insta-love and a slow burn that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I’m hoping I’ll have time to go back and read the trilogy as a whole so I can see how all the stories connect and work together.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | Hart & Souls by Amy J. Elliott

July 3, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

Love never dies, and neither does he, in this second chance romance with a ghostly twist.

Ruby Hart used to believe in happily ever afters. It’s why she runs the Big Tippers and Bodice Rippers book club at the library where she works. But after calling off her engagement six months ago, romance feels more like fiction than fact.

So color Ruby surprised when she gets a call from her ex-fiancé’s phone, only to learn Oliver Blackwood has died in an accident. Or so she thinks, until she comes home to find Ollie’s ghost waiting for her.

Turns out Ruby is a Navigator, part of a long line of Hart women destined to guide souls to the beyond. But when she touches Ollie, he doesn’t move on. Because while he’s dead…he’s also sort of not.

Ollie did betray Ruby, but not the way she thinks. When he was alive, he hunted the undead, tracking a spreading infection that could become an epidemic. Now he is the undead, and he’s tethered to Ruby until they find his zombie body and the creature that bit him, laying them both to rest.

Living with your ex’s ghost 24/7 makes it hard to hold a grudge, and Ruby quickly realizes she might not be as over Ollie as she thought. But if they succeed, Ollie will finally cross over…and Ruby will lose him for good.

For a librarian who wants to believe in happily ever afters again, it may be the ultimate heartbreak.

Amazon | Goodreads

I’m definitely on a paranormal romance kick lately and this one definitely fit the bill. In it we follow Ruby, who has had a bit of a rough time, what with breaking up with her fiancé – when she receives word that he’s actually died. She soon finds out though that things are not that cut and dry, considering she goes home to find Ollie in her house…less corporeal, but there. Thus started their journey to figure out what was going on, while also coming to grips with what that means for them and their relationship. There’s a lot of heartbreak, humor and hijinks so it was a very enjoyable read. There are a lot of things along the way that Ruby and Ollie learn about each other, some resolving of miscommunication, but also some further miscommunication that they need to figure out. The relationships between Ruby, her cousin, mother and aunt are also wonderful to read about and set a good foundation for where the series may go (excited to see that the 2nd book is about Sloane!).

While this is a fun read, and definitely fits that cozy paranormal romance box, there’s also a lot of real trauma and baggage that Ruby especially has to work through – be warned death of a parent and the grief associated is discussed – but the way Ruby processes and comes to terms with that is beautifully done.

It still remains to be seen if the Hart women are truly cursed or not, so maybe that question will be answered in the future!

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | Sunscreen and Spellbooks by Fleur DeVillainy

June 28, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

From author Fleur DeVillainy, author of Spellbound Scones and Sky of Thorns comes a new summer romance that will leave you laughing, swooning and flushed.

Welcome to Crescent Cove—where the sun shines, secrets linger, and every tide brings a little magic.

Catherine Prescott doesn’t believe in magic. Not anymore. Once a prodigy witch, now a burnt-out marketing exec, she’s traded spells for spreadsheets—until a sudden layoff leaves her with nothing but severance pay and an invitation to housesit her aunt’s beach cottage in Crescent Cove.

Her summer plans? Sunscreen, solitude, and maybe a little self-discovery.
Reality? A mischievous dog, a house full of enchanted junk, and a maddeningly handsome marine biologist who insists she’s “disrupting leyline energy.”

Elliot Fitzgerald is sunshine in human form—tanned, barefoot, and entirely too charming. He’s also a sea lion shifter sworn to protect the cove’s magic. When Cat accidentally stirs dormant power beneath the waves, he offers to teach her how to control it… if she agrees to stay close.

Now they’re fake-dating to throw off nosy locals, knee-deep in magical chaos, and discovering that the ocean isn’t the only thing with dangerous pull.

Witty, witchy, and warm as a summer sunset— Sunscreen and Spellbooks is a beachy paranormal rom-com about rediscovering your magic, finding where you belong, and falling in love under the tide.

Amazon | Goodreads | Shop the Series

Having read some of Fleur’s writing before, I was excited to pick this one up (and definitely will be reading some of the other installments in the Crescent Cove series). If you’re looking for a summery paranormal read, this one fits the bill. We follow Catherine and Elliot. Catherine has just lost her job and is a bit adrift, when her aunt asks if she watch her dog for her while she goes on a trip – since she’s lost her job she decides to pack up her life and go back to her small town to do so. Elliot is a sea lion shifter who’s happy in his life working at an animal rescue, but also acknowledges that there’s something missing.

Hilarity ensues as the magic Catherine has tried to shut away and leave behind starts going haywire, especially when Elliot is around. She’s constantly telling herself she’s leaving at the end of summer, so that adds a bit of yearning to the mix. Their relationship as it grows is great to watch, and there’s some further depth as she finally starts to deal with the loneliness and grief that she’s been trying to ignore. She definitely has a ton of growth as a character and the story has a great arc.

Sunscreen and Spellbooks is available now, and on Kindle Unlimited!

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | This Beautiful Lie by Taylor Sullivan

June 13, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

Some secrets don’t stay buried.
They wait—quiet and patient—for the exact moment they can ruin you.
I learned a long time ago that surviving means keeping my heart locked down. No expectations. No hope. No love that asks me to trust like it won’t disappear. Because love doesn’t just leave scars—it takes pieces of you that never heal quite right.
Dean Weston intrigues me.
He’s successful. Steady. The kind of man who shows up without being asked.
Which is why, when he asks me to pretend to be his fiancée, I know right away it’s a terrible idea.
One week at a business retreat.
One carefully crafted love story.
One lie meant to protect us both.
The rules are simple.
Play the perfect couple.
Convince everyone we’re in love.
Walk away without getting hurt.
Only Dean doesn’t fake affection—he offers it easily. Gentle touches that linger longer than they should. Soft smiles meant just for me, like we share something no one else can see. Late-night conversations that stretch past midnight, where he listens in a way that makes me forget I ever learned how to be guarded. He makes me feel safe without promising anything at all, and somewhere along the way, the pretending turns into this beautiful lie I’m terrified to lose. I stop bracing for the fall I know is coming.
Because the truth always surfaces.
Lies unravel, no matter how carefully they’re told.
And some secrets don’t just hurt you.
They break you.

Amazon | Goodreads

In this one we follow Dean and Emily, both of which have a lot of scars relating to love and relationships. Against her better judgement she agrees to play as Dean’s fake fiancé for a business trip and realizes it is a slippery slope from there because somewhere in the act of making others believe they’re in love, things start to feel real.

This is definitely not a light romance, there’s a lot of emotional upheaval and depth. The way the two both learn how to trust each other and their feelings is heavier to read, but so worth it. The characters are three dimensional and it definitely feels like they are truly experiencing the ups and downs of their romance.

Though this is the third book in the series, it seems like they read perfectly fine as standalones – though after checking out Taylor Sullivan’s writing I will definitely be picking up more.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | The Backup Plan by K. Bromberg

May 28, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

Sometimes love isn’t part of the plan. Sometimes it’s the backup plan.

Lucas Hale built his entire life around football.
The franchise quarterback.
The GOAT.
The man everyone on his team counts on.

Recovering from a devastating shoulder injury, the veteran quarterback signs with the Lone Star Rebels for one last chance to prove he still belongs in the league.

There’s just one problem—Dr. Emery Porter.

The Rebels’ new injury specialist isn’t impressed by Lucas’s charm—or his determination to push through pain.

She’s seen the scans.
She knows the damage.
And if she clears him to play, it might mean destroying his career for good.

But the more time they spend together, the more dangerous everything becomes.
For Emery’s career.
For Lucas’s future.
And the harder it becomes to remember where professional boundaries end—and where love begins.

Because if Lucas keeps playing, he could lose everything.
And if Emery stops him . . . she might lose the man she’s fallen for.

Sometimes the biggest risk isn’t losing the game.
It’s losing what you never thought you wanted.

Amazon | Goodreads

Emery is starting over in a new city, trying to reclaim her life after her marriage ended. Lucas is also starting over, trying to salvage his career in a new city, with a new team and a shoulder that has probably been injured too many times.

From their first meeting, who they are as people becomes pretty clear. They have a chance meeting, not knowing who the other is, and then find out later that they are going to be part of each other’s daily life in a work capacity. The attraction is for the most part pretty immediate, so the yearning as they come to terms with their feelings as well as war with if they can risk a relationship considering they both work for the Lone Star Rebels is pretty intense.

Watching their developing friendship and then romantic relationship while both working through their own problems is great, and further enhanced by the fact that we get POVs from both of them. Lucas doesn’t know who he is if he can no longer play football and Emery is fighting her own battles to cement herself with the team and keep her dream job. Their desires clash when questions arise regarding Lucas’ shoulder and Emery has to decide what to reveal to the coaches and trainers.

I appreciated that while there was definitely conflict and some difficulties faced by them, they worked their way through them and became stronger. Their chemistry and banter were top notch and had me laughing.

I’d love to check out the upcoming books in the series as well as I felt there were definitely some side characters I could see getting their own stories.

Happy reading!

*Disclaimer: Amazon links included may be affiliate links that I receive a commission on if purchased through.

Review | The Arcane Realm Chronicles by Larissa Antonioni

April 15, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

“I only killed in one of two ways. By the high lord’s command, or to protect her.”

Renwick

Renwick, the high lord’s most trusted assassin, has been captivated by Davina for years. He has always kept his feelings buried beneath layers of duty, but a growing threat surrounding her makes it hard for him to keep his distance.

Balancing duty and desire, he is torn between his loyalty to Lord Arwen and his need to protect Davina. She is the key to secrets that could unravel the realm, and Renwick wants her–magic, darkness, and all.

Davina

Sixteen years ago, Davina’s parents died under mysterious circumstances, leaving her with a legacy of dark secrets and forbidden magic. Ever since, she has hidden her abilities while serving at Asterin’s Temple, determined to live a quiet life alongside her best friend.

When a murder eerily similar to the one from her childhood surfaces, Davina’s world shatters and her magic threatens to escape.

Their Story

Thrust into a realm of lies and power, Davina and Renwick’s paths collide. Pursuing powerful enemies, and unraveling the truth behind the mysterious murders, they must decide if love can triumph over duty–and if hope can illuminate shadows of the past.

Amazon | Goodreads

Now he’s had her, and he’ll never let her go.

Renwick

Once the high lord’s most trusted assassin, Renwick is no longer bound by obedience alone. His bond to Davina—his Kindraid, his fated mate—ties him to her pain, her power, and the truths she has yet to face.

Protecting her means defying the very systems that shaped him. As the realm fractures under tyranny and betrayal, Renwick must confront the secrets he’s kept and consider how far he’s willing to go to keep his mate alive.

Davina

Davina is broken and captive in the high lord’s manor. Her magic is stolen, her body is destroyed. But she was not weak. She is heir to a throne she never wanted and power that grows by the minute. Haunted by voices whispering of ruin and rule alike, Davina must decide what kind of queen she will become. The darkness within her grows stronger with every truth uncovered, every betrayal revealed.

Their Story Continues

Bound by magic, pain, and a love forged in shadows, Davina and Renwick stand against a corrupt, devastating world.

As ancient powers stir and their home edges closer to collapse, they must decide whether love can survive the weight of crowns and chains.

Will Davina and Renwick survive the pressure and admit they need each other more than ever?

Amazon | Goodreads

Picking up this one immediately after finishing the first one was definitely the way to go. We jump right back into the story. There are a lot of reveals and immediate action needing to be taken. There is a ton of adventure in this installment and the romance just keeps growing.

I didn’t feel like the pacing was as solid as the first one, but it was still enjoyable and a great continuation. I still really enjoyed the writing style and found it easy to consume, so even though it moved a little slower for me, I still devoured it.

Happy reading!

Review | Faeries and Frost by Carly Spade

February 8, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

The second book in a cozy romantasy small town monster romance series with mythology, fairy tales, and folk lore. Books are intersecting standalones and can be read out of order.

Sylvie, the faerie baker.

When I found Arcane Cove after my own people cast me out, I felt home for the first time. Monsters, witches, and all forms of magical beings welcomed me. And who knew my hidden calling would be magical baked goods? The Cove’s residents came to my bakery Muffin Compares to You for sugar and enchanted support, which I was quick to indulge.

Until the day a mysterious, bearded stranger with pointed ears came into my shop, sending my quaint world into a spiraling blizzard. He was off-putting, arrogant, and knew he was handsome. So, why couldn’t I stop thinking about him? And when he said he was looking for a woman, why did I deflate, knowing it wasn’t me?

Jack, the Winter King.

Every solstice offered the chance to find my mate. A portal opened in the lakes surrounding my kingdom, taking me to a randomly chosen realm. Given this solstice would be the thousandth time I’ve searched, I had little hope left.

When I arrived in Arcane Cove, I never expected such a small town to harbor her. I also never thought she’d work in a stuffy, toasty cloud of sugarplums and vanilla. Surely, it was the universe’s idea of nipping me in the butt. Could she truly be my fated mate? And if she was, would she accept me, powers and all, before time ran out? Or would the ice creature within me frighten her away?

This was a fun introduction to Arcane Cove for me (technically this is the 2nd book in the series, but I ended up picking this one up first) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Both Sylvie and Jack have a lot of personal baggage and past trauma to deal with and I really appreciated that though they were short on time, they seemed to prioritize working through that. The characters had real depth and personalities which was so nice to read. While there was definitely conflict and difficulties that were perhaps a little predictable, it was handled really well and the journey was really fun. I’m definitely looking forward to picking up some of Spade’s backlist as well as reading more in this series as they become available.

Happy reading!

Review | Love (Literally) Bites by Corina Bair

January 27, 2026 DeAnneLeave a comment

Nothing sucks more than being sent on a work trip with a (probably) murderous vampire when you’re a chaotic shifter whose life is falling apart.

Once called a freak for her inability to shift, Raya Merritt is now transforming at the worst moments. Rabbit ears mid-presentation? Check. Mouse whiskers in the pool? Yep. Cheetah spots while making out? Sure, why not? After a year of increasing turmoil–and with another full moon approaching–Raya is scrambling to make the most of a shifty situation.

Asher Sullivan is perfectly content. He has a quiet home, a blood bank down the street, and a steady income. He goes to work and comes home–no mayhem, no surprises–just the way he designed it.
Until a relentlessly cheerful shifter shows up in his office and upends it all.

When Raya and Asher are accidentally double-booked into the same hotel room, Raya is determined not to let her inner animal run wild and ruin her career. Against his wishes, Asher’s fangs ache to taste her, while Raya’s shifter side purrs for him and no one else.

Little do they know, more than their jobs are on the line, and they’ll need each other to make it through.

I absolutely devoured this book once I got into it. I really enjoyed the characters, obviously Raya and Asher, but so many of the supporting characters were given clear identities and personalities. I dare anyone not to be charmed by Reverie. I really enjoyed the story progression, though I was worried that perhaps things were moving too fast, but by the end the pacing worked out really well. If you want a story that has a great mix of spice, dynamic scenes and will make you giggle and kick your feet this is definitely one you should pick up. We get both Raya and Asher’s POVs and it makes it even better when we see the moments that they are growing together. Asher is the perfect grumpy to counter Raya’s sunshine and they definitely bring out the best in each other. I can’t wait to get the change to pick up more by this author!

Love (Literally) Bites is out now! Make sure to pick up a copy (and it’s available on KU!).

Happy reading!