Yours for the Season by Emily Stone - Book Review

Publication Date: 07th Oct 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Christmas Romance 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Hopeful, though it has a couple of heavy themes 

Melanie (Mel) is not having a great year. Her best friend moved across the world, the love of her life dumped her six months ago, and her business, though going well, was draining her energy. 

However, Finn (the love) shows up at her doorstep asking for help. She would have to act as if they had gotten back together to please his mother, who planned an entire week of Christmas events with Mel included. Mel agrees reluctantly, on the condition that she would get to dump him in public, for him to realize how she felt. 

As they spend more time together, they have to figure out what happened and what they want. 

The story comes in Mel’s third-person POV in the current timeline (present tense) and Finn’s third-person POV in the past timeline. 

My Thoughts: 

This is my first book by the author who is famous for stories set in and around Christmas. I like that the writing is easy to read. The pace is neither slow nor fast. It is steady. 

I won’t talk about the premise since I requested the book knowing what it is. I was curious to see how it would be executed. Been reading second-chance romance more lately (professional research purposes). 

The chapters dealing with the past come from the MMC’s POV, which is a good idea. The timeline is very clear, so we can see the progress in their relationships and know the undercurrents as well. 

The side characters are interesting and add quite a bit to the plot. After all, it is a story about spending a week with the family. 

The book deals with themes like parental decisions, pressure, and how their actions/ words have a long-lasting impact on the kids. Even when things are done with good intentions, they can have negative repercussions. In fact, this is worse since we can’t blame anyone either. 

I wasn’t expecting a health issue as well, but okay. It’s there, so I can’t do anything. At least, the book ends on a positive note, so all is good. 

Miscommunication or lack of proper communication is the conflict, but I think it was handled decently. It felt realistic enough for the characters to think and do what they did. 

My main reason for a relatively low rating is my expectations. I wanted more from the main couple. They did have the required conversations (eventually and in instalments), but I hoped for a bit more banter and tension rather than monologues. 

A little something was missing, which made me reluctant to give it a higher rating (though I am rounding it up since I enjoyed the book). 

To summarize, Yours for the Season is a cozy romance with strong family vibes. It’s a nice read that can leave you with some thoughts and a smile on your face. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Ballantine | Dell, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan - Book Review

Publication Date: 30th Sep 2025

Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic Novel 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Fun! 

Twelve-year-old Eugenia Wang never celebrated her birthday on the actual day, 4th April, since 4 is an unlucky number according to Chinese. Her mother is clear about it. She is also very clear about art being a waste of time. 

This year, Eugenia is determined to do things her way. She applies for the art camp and plans to have a party on her actual birthday (and invite her crush to it). However, when Eugenia is hit on the head with a sneaker during PE, she starts to see visions of impending doom. Is it her anxiety or the universe sending her messages about something? What if her mother is actually right? 

Can Eugenia figure things out before it’s too late? 

My Thoughts: 

This is a tween book suitable for young YA readers (11-15+). Some of the content can be a wee bit scary for young readers who are not yet used to dark stuff like fire and mentions of death. 

The blurb pretty much sets the stage for the book. A stereotyped Asian mom who is almost always frowning and overbearing, an annoying little brother, a cheerful bestie, a good-looking love interest, and a cutesy pug (my favorite part of the book). And of course, our little MC, art-loving, awkward girl who has only one friend at school, is a nerdy girl. 

There’s a bit of diversity and inclusivity with the characters, which I like. It is seamlessly incorporated into the plot rather than being an item on the checklist. 

We could say this has a comic-in-a-comic model since the MC draws comics, and we get to see them (some of which are a result of her recurring nightmares). 

Artwork and presentation are key for a graphic novel, and that’s where this book scores high points. The illustrations are not ‘perfect’ with straight lines and sharp angles. They are softer and rounder with a bit of smudginess that works wonderfully. 

I also like how the nightmares appear in orangey-red, making it easy for kids to separate them from the main plot. Moreover, the text comes in two colors – black for dialogues and red for Eugenia’s thoughts. 

I read the ARC on my computer. It worked well in the default setting. I didn’t have to zoom in and out constantly, so the whole reading experience was enjoyable. 

There’s some crushing and a kissy kissy frame (PG-13). I’m not a fan of crushes and tingling for kids, so I won’t say anything about this. 

The pacing is pretty decent. It starts a bit slow (understandable), but picks up momentum over time. The changes in the characters’ actions towards the end are a bit abrupt despite the leads and foreshadowing we get. After so much stress and tension for the MC, the change could have been slowed or phased. 

Still, the book ends on a hopeful note. There’s a note and a little glossary for the non-English words. Then, we get a sneak peek into the author’s illustration process. This is again my favorite. I love it when illustrators show us a bit of their creative methods. Young artists might find it very interesting! 

To summarize, The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang is an entertaining graphic novel about family, being a tween, parent-child dynamics, and learning to figure things out.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good by Kirsty Applebaum - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th Sep 2025

Genre: Middle-Grade Mystery, Fantasy

4.5 Stars

One Liner: Love it!

Fran doesn’t want to stay with her uncle and aunt or their daughter, her annoying cousin Imogen. Doesn’t matter if it is only for a week. However, even Fran doesn’t expect what she sees. Imogen has disappeared, and no one remembers her, not even her parents or her best friend, Bex!

Fran is not willing to let it go. She will find out where Imogen is. But first, Fran has to determine what the hidden garden on the Stillness Estate has to do with it.

The story comes in the first-person POV of Fran, the third-person POV of Imogen and Bex, and the third-person POV of another character.

My Thoughts:

Nosy Crow is fast becoming a favorite middle-grade publisher. Their books are short, quick, and entertaining! This one is no different.

It has short chapters, 2-3 pages each, and maintains a wonderful tempo. I finished the entire book in a single sitting. Also, the cover is apt for the book.

The storytelling stands out here. We get the story in different POVs and a dual timeline narrative. That ensures that we can know what has happened and see how it affects the present. This also prevents the need for an info dump at a later stage and keeps the reader hooked.  

Though Fran is the protagonist, she is not the only main character. Imogen and Bex also play major roles. I like that Imogen gets a third-person POV while Fran has the first-person (since her narration is a bit more). Kids will not be confused about whose story they are reading.

Moreover, the three girls are distinct from each other. They are layered while still being kids. Neither of them is perfect. They learn, they change, and they grow – all without making the story preachy or boring.

The actual mystery surrounding the disappearance is really intriguing. I wish we had more details about the thing, but kids will enjoy the plot as it is. There’s adventure, suspense, and danger.

The ending feels a bit abrupt, but I can see why it ended that way. It’s perfect for the plot.

After asking for illustrations, I did get one in this book. The first page of each chapter has the illustration of an element from the cover. I won’t mind more, though!

To summarize, The Strange Disappearance of Imogen Good is a wonderful blend of fantasy, mystery, a bit of adventure, danger, and kids who learn to look beyond appearances.

Thank you, NetGalley and Nosy Crow, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley

Murder in the Winter Woods by Katie Gayle - Book Review - Blog Tour

 Series: Julia Bird Mysteries #8

Publication Date: 25^th Sep 2025

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0DZRKHXF6social

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228921537-murder-in-the-winter-woods

Genre: Small Town Cozy Mystery, Contemporary

4 Stars

One Liner: Early Christmas Mystery

Book Blurb:

Julia Bird adores a walk on a winter’s day. The crunch of fresh show under your feet and the promise of hot cocoa by a roaring fire afterwards… But she’s not expecting to find a body in the woods!

It’s Christmas in Berrywick, the busiest time of year for dashing taxi driver Lewis. But when he’s killed in a road accident, the entire village is shaken. Julia Bird, recently appointed to the Road Safety Committee, visits the site so that no other villager suffers the same fate. But when she spies a pendant left in the bushes, she feels certain Lewis’s death was no accident…

As the festive lights twinkle in the village square, Julia vows to uncover the truth. She soon learns not everyone found Lewis’s charm appealing. Sweetshop owner Dora says he had an eye for the ladies, much to his wife’s frustration. Lewis recently gave his life savings to a mysterious businessman who proves difficult to track down. But could these be reasons enough to want him dead?

Then, local beekeeper Matthew is struck by a car near the Christmas market. Julia believes the two deaths must be linked, but contrary to Lewis, Matthew was as sweet as the honey he sold. Who could possibly want to hurt Berrywick’s kindest man?

With no obvious leads, Julia stumbles upon an old picture that finally links Lewis and Matthew. Many years ago they were in a band poised for stardom, but when the bubble burst, their chance at fame vanished quicker than a glass of festive eggnog. Could someone be targeting the band members one by one? And can Julia track them down before the killer strikes again?

An utterly gripping and totally charming cozy mystery set in the English countryside. Fans of M.C. Beaton, Faith Martin and Betty Rowlands will love the Julia Bird Mysteries!

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Julia’s third-person POV.

This is the eighth book in the series and might work as a standalone since the personal track is steady and the focus is on the mystery. Of course, we still see more developments and happy times with loved ones. These are always welcome.

Jake, our chocolate Lab, makes a slightly late entry since he was left at home, as the humans enjoyed the Winter market. Unfair, right? Poor Jake! He lost the opportunity to run around and whack a few displays with his tail.

Given the festive vibe, the mystery feels a bit mellow. It works since the setting (Nov) has the same languid feel. Still, the book discusses important topics. The focal point is road safety, a very important aspect across the world.

The chickens are healthy, though they’ve slowed down due to the cold. Chaplin the cat is in his element and even occasionally displays his affection by bringing gifts. You can guess what kind!

The mystery starts simply. Then, new layers are added to it. Some are red herrings, but some are solid leads. Can you figure out which ones to follow? I guessed it right, and we actually got the answer at one point. Series readers will know it when they see it. ;)

The pacing felt a bit slower than usual, but no complaints. It suits the mood.

To summarize, Murder in the Winter Woods is a solid continuation of the series and a great read if you want a compact little cozy mystery set in winter.

Thank you, Sarah Hardy, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Authors – Katie Gayle

Katie Gayle is the writing partnership of best-selling South African writers Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel. Kate and Gail have, between them, written over ten books of various genres, but with Katie Gayle, they both make their debut in the cozy mystery genre. Both Gail and Kate live in Johannesburg with their husbands, children, dogs, and cats. 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatieGayleWriter

X: https://twitter.com/KatieGayleBooks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiegaylebooks

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Katie Gayle here: https://www.bookouture.com/katie-gayle

***

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This has been a pitstop on the blog tour for #MurderInTheWinterWoods by Bookouture (@bookouture). Thank you for stopping by! 

Cloaked in Deception by Cara Devlin - Book Review

Series: Spencer & Reid Mysteries #4

Publication Date: 13^th Sep 2025

Genre: Historical Mystery

4.5 Stars

One Liner: Keep going!

Leonora Spencer and Detective Inspector Jasper Reid are among the guests at the charity dinner for the Metropolitan and City Police Orphanage when a masked gang attacks the event, resulting in a brutal murder.

Leo is determined to help Jasper, and he is determined to keep her safe. When they find a clue that leads them to a past event, Leo and Jasper have to confront the killer before it is too late.

The story comes in Leo and Jasper’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

We are in the fourth book of the series. While there is enough information to make this a standalone, I recommend starting with the first book. It’s worth the time.

The story starts a month after the previous book ends. There seems to be a faint hope for the FMC (career-wise), though we’ll know for sure in the next book or the last one.

The slow burn is still slow, but the burn has upped the heat a little bit. I like it! Good to see steady progress in the right direction.

The mystery is intriguing and well-executed. It has a few twists and reveals that align with the plotting and fit nicely into each slot. I could guess most of it, though in a different way.

Of course, the FMC has a penchant for getting into danger, and this book is no exception. Thankfully, she also has enough brain to keep herself alive somehow. This helps.

The pacing is moderate, but it sustains the same momentum from start to finish. Even with the internal monologue and thoughts, the intensity doesn’t dip. It doesn’t feel bored or dragging at any point.

The ending has laid the foundation for a showdown, which I think will happen in the last book (6^th). Bring it on!

Book #5 is scheduled for Jan 2026, and I’m counting days already!

To summarize, Cloaked in Deception is a solid mystery and a great continuation to the series. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

My thanks to the author for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

 

Murder by Firelight by Merryn Allingham - Book Review

Series: Flora Steele Mystery #12

Publication Date: 04th Sep 2025

Purchase Link: https://geni.us/B0F6Y558JXsocial

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232435224-murder-by-firelight

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery

4 Stars

One Liner: Good!

Book Blurb:

No one can hold a candle to amateur detectives Flora Steele and Jack Carrington as they ask the burning question… Who is the killer walking the cobbled streets of their historic little town?

Sussex, November 1959: There’s a chill in the air at the Lewes bonfire celebration. Carnival floats fill the narrow streets, fireworks crackle overhead, and Flora and Jack feel the heat of the burning torches lining the streets. But when Trevor French, chief of the Grove Bonfire Society, tumbles from his parade float, they know something is afoot. Trevor didn’t just fall – and amidst the crowds, his killer slips away through the smoke-filled night.

But who would want the respected Trevor dead? As Flora and Jack question the vying bonfire societies, they find a surprisingly competitive underbelly at play. Did Edwin Brooker, former chairman, stoke the flames of rivalry too far? Or are the tears of the victim’s friend, Leo Nelson, faked to keep himself safe?

Just as the sleuths believe they’ve figured it out, the body of a key suspect in the case is found dead on their hearth rug, and Flora and Jack realise that no one is safe – including themselves. Together, can they smoke the murderer out? Or will their chances of survival go up in flames?

A completely addictive and absolutely charming cozy mystery novel. Fans of Agatha Christie, Faith Martin, and Joy Ellis will adore this unputdownable series!

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.

So, we are in the twelfth book of the series. The story can work as a standalone, though you might enjoy it more if you read at least a couple of earlier books.

After complaining about the FMC’s overenthusiasm in the previous books, it’s a relief to see her reluctant to take on a new case in this one. Of course, it’s the MMC who has the itch to know what happened. That said, they solve it together, as they often do, so all is good.

November’s winter plays a good role in the story and elevates the plot as well as the setting. The descriptions of the bonfire night, the costumes, etc., are well done without slowing the narration.

The mystery is quite interesting, with some twists and turns and a few red herrings. I did figure out who the killer was and the reason for it. Easy, since all the clues are provided to the reader. We are not kept in the dark to maintain suspense.  

As always, the side characters add extra charm to the story by appearing a few times here and there. Not a lot of developments in that area, but there are a few. Though the FMC’s clinginess to the past could create some trouble for the couple in the future.

I think I can guess what the next case is likely to be. Let’s see if I’ll be right!

To summarize, Murder in Firelight is a quick cozy mystery that will keep you hooked from start to finish. It’s a small book and can be finished in a couple of sittings.

Thank you, Sarah, NetGalley, and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Merryn Allingham

Merryn taught university literature for many years, and it took a while to pluck up the courage to begin writing herself. Bringing the past to life is a passion and her historical fiction includes Regency romances, wartime sagas, and timeslip novels, all of which have a mystery at their heart. As the books have grown darker, it was only a matter of time before she plunged into crime with a cozy crime series set in rural Sussex against the fascinating backdrop of the 1950s.

Merryn lives in a beautiful old town in Sussex with her husband. When she’s not writing, she tries to keep fit with adult ballet classes and plenty of walking.

Follow the Author:

Website: https://merrynallingham.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MerrynWrites

X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/merrynwrites

Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from Merryn Allingham here:  https://www.bookouture.com/merryn-allingham

***

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Is This Real or Just Pretend? by Emily Sullivan - Book Review

Series: Untitled (#2) 

Publication Date: 09th Sep 2025 

Genre: Historical Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Better than book one 

Alexandra Atkinson (Alex) is a master of business and has spent all her life helping her father with their company. However, none of her talents is of use if she cannot win the approval of the board. It doesn’t help that she has no time or inclination for parties and balls. She never really fit. 

Lucien Taylor is the son of a coachman and a childhood friend of the Atkinson girls. He had always crushed on Winifred, who treated him like a little playmate. Years later, he is back from Paris after a failed business. 

Alex offers a simple proposition – a fake courtship for her to secure the board vote and him to get investment for a new business. It seems easy enough until they realize love could complicate things. 

The story comes in Alex and Lucien’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

Though I didn’t much enjoy the previous book (Duchess Material), I knew I would read this one. I liked Alex in that and liked her even more in this book. It is sad that no one really seems to see her and try to understand her. 

The MMC is nice enough, not a complete idiot, but I didn’t like that he hurt the FMC more than once. He does apologize, yet it doesn’t seem enough. 

The danger elements are pretty much non-existent until the last quarter, so much so that I totally forgot the track until the Inspector walked in. 

The FMC’s sisters have substantial roles, though, as before, I wasn’t much impressed by them. Book three will certainly be interesting, given who it will have as the main leads. 

Historical romance is changing, which is nice in a way. We have the reverse age gap and virgin hero tropes in this one. There is spice (2.5 maybe), which is not great. You can skim through. 

The pacing is solid. I like that it keeps a steady momentum and doesn’t slacken at any point, even when the characters are being idiots. It made me finish the book faster! 

This could have been a proper 4-star if the lead couple had a proper and heartfelt conversation, at least at the end. They patch up and all, but where is the conversation where they sort things out? 

To summarize, Is This Real or Just Pretend? is a fast-paced and entertaining read for a lazy afternoon. You can finish it in three hours or so. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC.

#NetGalley #IsThisRealorJustPretend

A Promise of Forever by Sheryl Lister - Book Review

Series: Firefly Lake #3 

Publication Date: 19th August 2025 

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fic 

3.5 Stars 

One Liner: Low-stakes and sweet

Terri Rhodes and her husband had a whirlwind marriage and moved to Firefly Lake. As time passed, Jon’s legal practice and Terri’s work as an ER nurse made them guests in their own home. Terri yearns to connect with Jon as before work, and an unexpected tragedy changed their lives. 

Jon knows his wife is unhappy, and so is he, but he isn’t willing to talk about it. But when Terri left, Jon was desperate to do anything to bring her back and worried if it was too late. With help from his new Supper Club friends, he hopes to win Terri back no matter what. 

The story comes in the third-person POVs of Terri and Jon. 

My Thoughts: 

When I requested the book, I wasn’t aware that this was the third in a series. Not a problem when I know I’m jumping into a series, but I do like to know it in advance. 

A Table for Two and A Perfect Pairing are the first two books, and it’s clear that I would have enjoyed this more if I had read at least one of them. This book is possibly the last in the series, so it divides the attention between the main couple and the side characters. 

The writing is easy to read, like very easy to read, with light-hearted dialogue and basic descriptions. I could finish the book in 1.5 days, so that tells you something. 

The main characters are likable. They are in love with each other but are going through a tough phase. The MMC has a lot of suppressed trauma to unpack, which he does eventually, since he loves his wife. 

The main side characters were delightful (not a surprise since they featured as leads in the previous books). The others were nice too. In fact, we don’t have villains here. Just some nosy and overbearing people who also learn to tone down by the end. 

Based on the first 50%, this was a 4-star read. However, the plot lost its momentum in the second half. It still had interesting moments, but I felt like it became a bit too easy despite the triggers. 

Food is a strong theme, and there are a couple of recipes at the end for those who want to try. I appreciate this (obviously), though it’s not my kind (doesn’t matter; any food works in books). That said, I’d love a recipe for the 7Up cake. It sounds interesting! I remember there was a trend, maybe, of using soda water in some cakes. Will have to look it up again. 

There’s some open-door romance and spice, but not in detail. Maybe 1.5 on the scale. My favorite is that there’s no unwanted drama. While it does make the book too sweet, it also sticks to the core theme of a couple in love trying to find their way back to each other. It's assuring when the characters confidently state they love their partners with all their hearts and are learning to show it. 

To summarize, A Promise of Forever is a sweet, hopeful, and heartwarming read set in a typical small town where the gossip mill works overtime. Rounding it up since the book made me smile. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #APromiseOfForever

*

TW: premature birth and death of the baby  

Love's a Witch by Tricia O'Malley - Book Review

Series: The Scottish Charms #1

Publication Date: 26th August 2025

Genre: Small Town Witchy Romance

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Enjoyed it! 

Sloane MacGregor vowed never to return to Briarhaven. But with her 25th birthday approaching (the day witches get their magic), she answers the summons of her grandmother and sisters. She also has a teeny task – to break an ancient curse on their bloodline. 

The town’s mayor, Knox Douglas, worked hard to make the town a safe place for magic folk. He doesn’t want the cursed woman messing things up, even if he had a crush on Sloane long ago. 

But… magic has its own plans! 

The story comes in Sloane's (more %) and Knox’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the first book in the series, so the overarching plot is left open. Also, the book divides its time between romance and setting the stage for the central conflict. You’ll enjoy it more if you are prepared for these two. 

There’s insta-lust, though the characters have known each other in their teens. Since we get only a couple of short references to the past, you should be prepared for insta stuff. Though the rest of the book is cozy, the romance is hot and steamy (3.5+ with many ‘searing kisses’). This combination could have been a bit odd, but I was expecting it based on all that inner monologue. 

Family and relationships, small town communities, and a magical setting (such a beautiful place!) are the highlights of the book. Magic is seamlessly integrated into the plotline. The bond between the sisters is realistic. The grandma is a badass. Totally love her. A few side characters like Raven, Dorothy, Henry, etc., are sweet. I hope Raven gets her own book. 

Do you see a cutesy with blue wings on the cover? That’s Blue, an emberwolf (a cross between a dragon and a werewolf) who loves cheese and flies like a drunken bee. Then, there’s a blind cat named Oswald and a wheelchair bound Highlander coo named Higgs. And… another favourite fantasy creature. You can tell they add a lot of charm to the story. 

The curse is mentioned at many places, though it is dealt with only towards the end. And since this will be a series, there’s only a partial resolution. The next book has to be Lyra’s, and we know who the guy is! 

To summarize, Love's a Witch is a cozy witchy romance that also deals with themes like dysfunctional families, finding one’s roots, overbearing parents, and longing for a place called home. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Gallery Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #LovesAWitch

Murder in Hollywood by Millicent Binks - Book Review

Series: An Opal Laplume Mystery #2

Publication Date: 18th August 2025 

Genre: Historical Cozy Mystery 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: It was a fun read 

Opal Laplume gets the job of making costumes for Jean Margeaux, the rising star of Hollywood. However, she has a case on her hands when Jean is killed on the set by a gunshot that was supposed to be fake. With everyone having a motive and hiding secrets, it won’t be easy for Opal to get to the bottom of the truth. But she won’t stop until the killer is found! 

The story comes in Opal’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

After Paris, the FMC is in Hollywood with her miniature black poodle, Napoleon. That little doggy is soon becoming a favorite! Who doesn’t like a pet that looks like a toy with a pom-pom tail? Aww! 

Okay, so the book. 

The Hollywood set from the 1930s comes alive on the pages. The studios and their competitiveness, the place where money wins over ethics, and where no one is a true friend. It’s very well done with the array of characters and the details of backstage working. 

The FMC is a smart pie, sometimes a bit too smart, which leads to more trouble, but usually capable enough. She’s going about making friends, though her backstory says the opposite. Quite a contrast, which explains how she fits better in flashy settings than among the London ton. 

The book should work as a standalone. That said, you’ll meet the guy the FMC has a crush on as well as see another development in the overarching plot dealing with her father. There is enough information to go with the flow. 

Not everything is plausible, and I found a certain event rather strange given her profession, but okay, since it can be explained through the father’s profession. I’m being very vague to avoid spoilers, lol. 

The mystery is decent, easy enough to guess. All clues are right there. The FMC takes some time to connect them, which is expected. 

The pacing was good in the first half or until 65% or so. After that, it seemed to slow down quite a bit. Not sure why it took me more time to read the last section! 

Don’t miss the author’s note! 

To summarize, Murder in Hollywood is an easy and entertaining mystery with some red herrings, clues, drama, and a whole lot of suspects. I’ll be reading the next book since the FMC is easy to like. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #MurderInHollywood

Red Card by Maren Moore - Book Review

Series: Prescott University #1

Publication Date: 12th August 2025

Genre: Contemporary Sports Romance 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Predictable fun 

When British rugby player Cillian “Kill” Cairney gets a permanent red card in London, there’s only one team that’ll take him, an Ivy League school in New Hampshire, even if the players don’t want him around. But he needs this chance to work, to set things right and take care of his younger sister. He has to earn the coach’s respect and impress Rory, the coach’s daughter who lives and breathes rugby. 

Rory grew up loving rugby. This made her an expert, and the team treats her like a bro. The problem is that every other guy also seems to think of her as a wing woman and a bro rather than someone they can date. After a flirting disaster, Rory comes up with an impulsively brilliant plan – Cillian will help her flirt and she’ll help him bond with the teammates. 

What could go wrong? 

The story comes in Rory and Cillian’s first-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

In a way, this is pretty predictable, but that’s not a surprise since most books in the genre are! It has a few flaws, too. On the whole, it’s a fun read if you don’t nit-pick. 

The dual POV is good as we get both their thoughts and see the story progress from their perspectives. Moreover, the voices are distinguishable, which makes it easier to read. 

Though this is a sports romance, it is basically a romance. Sports is there, but only to the extent of a bit of team tussle, mention of practices, and a couple of moves. This could go either way. I don’t mind since rugby is not my game. But if you want to know something useful about the game, you won’t find it here. 

This is a new adult romance, and surprise, surprise, one of those rare books that worked for me to an extent, probably coz it’s pretty lighthearted and the characters are mature enough for their ages. Sure, the FMC has strong pick-me-up vibes, but she doesn’t want to be that. Of course, there’s a backstory, so it doesn’t feel off. 

The MMC is presented as a bad boy but is someone dealing with loads of trauma, grief, and personal shit. He is a grump, but a good guy. I like that he can communicate and goes all in once he decides. Otherwise, which 6’4” guy would be sane enough to think a 5’2” girl has mile-long legs? Dude, our legs can’t even reach the floor if we sit in a bigger chair! 

This is spicy with open-door scenes (4+). It does feel a bit (or lot) awkward if you remember their ages, so it's better to forget/ ignore that, lol. 

You’ll likely need to suspend belief for some stuff. It goes with the territory, I guess. At least, the characters seem to be studying as well and are interested in getting a degree, so that’s something. 

GR shows this is the first in the series. Makes sense. There are a couple of good guys on the team, and then there’s the MMC’s sister (she’s cute). Some of these characters will get their own books, I guess. 

To summarize, Red Card is a lighthearted, steamy romance with some banter, funny scenes, and a bit of heavy themes. It’s low-stakes but maintains the entertainment levels pretty much throughout. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #RedCard

A Merry Irish Christmas by Clodagh Murphy - Book Review

Publication Date: 06th Sep 2025

Genre: Christmas Romance, Contemporary 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Cute! 

Mary decides to fly home to Ireland for Christmas when things end with her boyfriend. Unknown to her, her family plans a similar surprise visit to New York. The result: Mary is home, and her family is in NY. 

As if that’s not enough, the family home is now occupied by a grumpy New Yorker, Evan, who wants nothing to do with her or Christmas. Can the two of them find a way to make Christmas memorable? 

The story comes in Mary’s third-person POV with a few chapters from Evan’s POV (also in the third person). 

My Thoughts: 

This is a short and cute book you can finish in a single sitting. The descriptions are very well done. I could visualize the Irish setting, the weather, and cozy dinners. 

The FMC is easy enough to like. This made the book enjoyable since we get most of the story from her perspective. 

The MMC is a proper grump in the beginning, but he proves himself to be a sweet guy. Just how it should be. I did wish he had more chapters to balance the narrative. 

There are many side characters, though my favorite has to be the mom. She pretty much runs the book, though her scenes are limited. There is also a bit of stereotyping, but given that those characters appear only once throughout the book, I didn’t mind it too much. 

So far, the book seems to be a standalone, which means a subplot has been left open. Maybe there will be another book for that one. It’s not related to the main characters, though. 

Given the timeline, this is no slow burn. It is insta-love. However, I don’t remember them actually saying the word, so that’s something. There’s a teeny bit of spice, but mostly closed door. The banter is fun, which I enjoyed. 

The ending is nice and hopeful, but I do miss not having an epilogue. The only way to make up for it is to complete the subplot in another book. 

To summarize, A Merry Irish Christmas is a lighthearted, cozy, and cute romance with some determined side characters added to the mix. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #AMerryIrishChristmas

Maisie vs the Himalayas by Jack Jackman - Book Review

Series: Masie vs #2 

Publication Date: 14th August 2025 

Genre: Middle Grade Adventure 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: Maisie does it again! 

After the excitement in Antarctica, Maisie travels with her dad to the Himalayas to research for a book titled How to Find Buried Treasure. Maisie sure finds the treasure, but also gets into many tussles and attracts unwanted attention as a thief while dodging dangerous explosions. 

Looks like there are many secrets Maisie doesn’t know about. Will Dad tell her about them, or will it be too late by then? 

The story comes in Maisie’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the second book in the series, and it will be better if you read the first one. It does work as a standalone, but if you are into proper character development and backstories, read both. And honestly, you’ll love them. 

Since the book is from an eleven-year-old kid’s POV, prepare for it to be filled with vivid imagination, sass, impulsiveness, and recklessness. Don’t look for adult maturity in it, though she can surprise you in unexpected ways. 

The day Maisie would keep her promise would probably be declared an international promise day or something (yeah, not gonna happen). As an adult, there were (many) instances I wanted to shake sense into that kid. I’m sure her dad feels the same. 

Unlike the previous book, this has very few characters and is set in just a couple of nearby locations (the caves and the adjacent hotel). However, this doesn’t restrict entertainment or adventure even a little. You can trust that kid to get into trouble even in the safest place, and an old cave is hardly safe! 

We get a little more detail about her dead mother, which, as you can guess, makes the kiddo super happy. She’s a lonely little girl wanting adventures and to spend more time with her dad, who has a superpower but writes boring books. 

Continuing the pattern, each chapter is titled as some sort of ‘How to…’. There can be some spoilers here, so skip the chapter titles if you are particular. I think kids will enjoy the creativity. 

I love that ‘little fire god’ comment. So cute and aligns with what we’d say! 

Once again, I wish the book had at least two or three illustrations. The ones from the cover could have been divided into individual illustrations and added to the file. 

To summarize, Maisie vs the Himalayas is an entertaining, adventurous, and humorous continuation of the series. Be prepared, as it will give kids many ideas that can give you a headache or high blood pressure, lol. 

Now that I know where the next adventure will be, I can’t wait to read it! 

Thank you, NetGalley and NosyCrow, for the eARC.  

#NetGalley #MaisieVstheHimalayas

Love or Your Money Back by Suzy K. Quinn - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 01st July 2025

Purchase Link for Amazon (UK): https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Your-Money-Back-funniest-ebook/dp/B0FDBMMZQQ

Purchase Link for Amazon (US): https://www.amazon.com/Love-Your-Money-Back-funniest-ebook/dp/B0FDBMMZQQ

 Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236605619-love-or-your-money-back

Genre: Contemporary Romance

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Fast-paced

Book Blurb:

Is marriage about love or marketing?

Kat is 34, single and running out of time – she wants to get married before she turns 35, but her fiancé just ditched her for a 21-year-old life coach.

Freddy is a ruthless marketing guru who thinks love is just transactional. He’ll use his marketing genius to make Kat the most sought-after woman in London if she lets him rebrand her struggling company.

With her 35th birthday looming and her love life a disaster, Kat agrees to become Project Marriage.

Can a rebrand king sell happily ever after? Or is love something even the best marketer can't package and promote?

A smart, funny romantic comedy for fans of Emile Henry (Funny Story), Lucy Score, and Ali Hazelwood.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Kat’s first-person POV and Freddy’s third-person POV.

I heard great things about the author’s (Probably) The Greatest Love Story Ever Told and had high expectations from this one. Guess that affected my reading experience a bit.

The book has a terrific pace. No denying that. Also, it will keep you hooked from start to finish. I read it in one sitting (and stayed awake longer than I do).

The dual POV, with one in the third-person, is a wonderful choice. Not only do we get both their perspectives, but we also have no confusion about the voice.

Another plus point is that the FMC has Multiple Sclerosis. Relapsing-Remitting MS, to be precise. She can do anything on a good day, but stress and anxiety can screw it up in a few minutes. Living with MS is not easy, and we see clearly how it affects a person physically, psychologically, and emotionally. It has been seamlessly integrated into the plot.

Let’s just say that my liking and disliking of the MCs was like a Sine wave. As the story progresses, more aspects come to light. What we see at the beginning is not what it is. However, what we see in the next few chapters is also not what it is.  

The FMC is a total despo. Cringe-level max. But this is deliberate characterization. Readers are not expected to agree with her always. Rather, we are to see her strengths and flaws and hope that the bulb will ding over her head and enlighten her. It won’t be easy liking her when you want to knock sense into that brain and wonder just how naïve someone of that age can be.

The MMC is okay. Shows promise and stays true to his arc, which means he will also annoy us quite a bit. It’s almost like a contest – who will exasperate the reader more, lol! This should have made me dislike the book, but it had the opposite effect since it was done intentionally.

There’s a QR code in the last quarter for those who want open-door spice. The author got 50-50 votes on whether to include spice in the book. So, she inserted it as an optional choice (kya kya karna padta hai, to keep all readers happy). Of course, I read it, but later, after finishing the book. There’s also an option to sign up and get a bonus epilogue. You know I can’t resist an epilogue!

There are some funny moments too. Despite everything, I can’t say I enjoyed this a lot. It was fun and interesting, but that’s it. I wouldn’t sing praises about it, though.

Maybe if the backstories were a bit more detailed or the characters (especially the FMC) spent more time introspecting the toxic patterns in her life, it would have worked better. That would have changed the genre from rom-com to rom, but methinks it’s worth a shot.

To summarize, Love or Your Money Back is a quick and lighthearted read with some heavy themes that don’t weigh down the plot or narration. It should work as a beach read or an autumn afternoon read.

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and the author, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

***

Author Bio – Suzy K Quinn

Suzy K Quinn writes romantic comedy / rom com books / cozy mystery and has sold over 1 million books worldwide. She is a bestseller in the UK, US, and Germany and has plans for total world domination with more feel-good books (bestsellers, obviously) in the near future.

Suzy lives in Wivenhoe, Essex, with her husband Demi and two daughters. She is a twin, an incompetent parent of two, and now fully decaffeinated. Her twin sister, Cate Quinn, is also a bestseller author. When she's not writing, she is reading rom coms and cozy mysteries.

Suzy loves her readers and is ALWAYS happy to chat on social media - she's @suzykquinn on all the socials. You can also get a free book at her website: www.suzykquinn.com

Follow the Author:

Facebook: facebook.com/suzykquinnbooks  

Tiktok: @suzykquinn

Instagram: @suzykquinn

Twitter: @suzykquinn

Threads: @suzykquinn

***

This has been a stop on the #LoveorYourMoneyBack blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources (@rararesources). Thanks for stopping by!

Will You Stay Another Day? by Samantha Tonge - Book Review

Publication Date: 11th Aug 2025

Genre: Women’s Fiction 

4 Stars 

One Liner: Hopeful 

Lili sends her best friend, Em, a knock-knock joke, not expecting a reply. After all, it’s Christmas time and almost a year since her bestie passed away. But someone responds, and Lili suggests a meeting. 

There, she meets a man, a handsome stranger, Dylan, who has also been waiting for someone he’s missing. As they spend more time together, this could be their chance to heal and hope for a happier future. 

The story comes in Lili’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

From the premise, you’ll know that the book deals with grief and mourning. Grieving a loved one is the central premise, so if that’s a trigger, you may want to be careful. That said, the book has some wonderful, heartwarming moments about learning to move on while honouring the dead. 

I liked the cover right away, but I like it better after finishing the story. That little suitcase and the cover have a great significance in the plot. 

It might take some time to get into the flow. Since we get the story from Lili’s POV, we have to remember that it shows her state of mind at that point. In fact, it’s the same throughout. 

I wish we had at least a few chapters from the MMC’s perspective. He’s a sweet guy, but I can’t tell you a lot about him. Feels a bit 2D despite having a proper backstory and description. 

Though it has romance (closed door), the focus is mainly on letting go and moving on. This applies on multiple levels. I like how both main characters’ professions align with the theme. 

Some of the side characters are really good. I like Tommo and Megs right away. Glenda, too, of course. The community vibe is strong, and it brings out the snow-town feel and the seasonal spirit to the forefront. 

The book discusses the Japanese tradition of showing respect to non-living items and honoring them the way we honor humans/ relationships. This reminded me of a video I recently saw on social media, where an old machine (in Japan) is being honoured for the service it provided. 

The book starts a few months before Christmas, though it ends with the holiday season. So, this is not exactly a Christmas story, but it has some elements of it. The ending is hopeful and sweet. 

To summarize, Will You Stay Another Day is a story of friendships, family, found family, relationships, and love. It’s a good read for a cozy autumn noon. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for the eARC. 

#NetGalley #WillYouStayAnotherDay