Mini Reviews: New Beach Reads

 

The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson 

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 30, 2026

Publisher: Penguin

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Pineapple Street

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "When Caroline Lash arrives in Greenhead, Massachusetts, she falls head-over-heels for Van Whittaker, a fleece-wearing, litter-collecting, kayak enthusiast with long, floppy hair and the personality of a Border collie. Born and raised in this picturesque coastal village, Van runs with the same crowd he did as a kid: His ex-girlfriend, Bailey, a beautiful girl who attracts men like moths to a flame; Augusta, old money, horsey, and snobbish; and Fran, surrounded by brothers and sons, too fed up with boys to ever consider marrying one.

Together, the group runs wild through the marshes, beaches, and bars of Greenhead, drinking on houseboats, spending long afternoons sunbathing with their children, and playing games the way they always have. But when Bailey discovers that she is pregnant with Van’s baby, the delicate balance of the group’s friendship is thrown off. Soon Caroline is cast out of the circle and what she does next—in a potent mix of fury and heartbreak—exposes long-held secrets and works the entire town of Greenhead into a lather. Dazzlingly funny, sexy, and as juicy as it is astute, The Shampoo Effect is a story of late-night parties, early mornings with small children, the dawn of midlife, and a group of old friends finally growing up despite all their best efforts to the contrary.

 

Caroline Lash is relocating to the close-knit seaside community of Greenhead, MA, after winning the opportunity to serve as a residency writer. While there, she falls for Van, an environmentalist and super outdoorsy kind of guy, despite their differences, as she is a city girl through and through. The more she hangs out with Van, the more she is privy to his friend group, all their hangouts, whether at beaches or bars, and their secrets, too, as they are dysfunctional. Things are smooth sailing until Van realizes that his ex-girlfriend, Bailey, is pregnant with his baby. But he assures Caroline that he wants to be with her and will platonically support his lifelong friend and on-again-off-again girlfriend, Bailey. There's more drama amongst their friend group, and things get challenging between Van and Caroline, leaving her to question whether they have what it takes to make this work. The Shampoo Effect by Jenny Jackson is pure beach read fun. If you love a dysfunctional friend group and lots of drama, look no further. 
 
Jackson alternates points of view from each friend in The Shampoo Effect, so readers get a behind-the-scenes look into the character's lives and their problems. Each character is dealing with issues, whether it be Bailey's pregnancy, Augusta's marriage issues, Fran's parenthood strife and issues with aging parents, and more. They have always tackled these issues together as friends, but the arrival of Caroline upends their close-knit group. It's always fun when an outsider comes into the circle and really shakes things up, and that is what happens in The Shampoo Effect. While a lot of it felt like rich people problems, that is exactly what I wanted on a hot summer weekend. 
 

 

 

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren 

Pages: 352

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: July 24, 2026 

Publisher: Gallery

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Love and Other Words,

The Paradise Problem, The Unhoneymooners

and Twice in a Blue Moon 

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Three years ago, Emery Finch did something completely out of character: She got married. To Luca—the impossibly charming landscaper she met on one blistering night in Vegas who made her laugh, made her dance, made her feel.

But now, Emery is consumed by her top-secret job, missing dinners, forgetting anniversaries, and promising herself Luca will understand once her cutting-edge research comes to light. Until the unthinkable happens: A tragic accident takes Luca from her.

Desperate not to lose him, Emery breaks every rule to bring him back. And Luca would probably thank her for it, if only he could remember her. Their first kiss, their Sunny Sundays at the beach, the life they built together...all of it is gone.

It may be a miracle of science, but for Emery it’s her one shot at a second chance. And this time, she won’t waste it—because true love is always worth reviving.

 

 
Dr. Emery Martin is living a perfect life at first glance. She is married to her love, Luca; she is working a meaningful job with medical-grade lasers; and she is living in Southern California. Except her job isn't really with lasers, and she hasn't even told her husband. Emery works at a San Diego lab that is working on bringing animals back from the dead; it's top secret, so she can't even talk about it with Luca. Her obsession with work is taking its toll on their marriage, and Luca is starting to get frustrated. On the night of their anniversary dinner (which she forgot about!), Luca gets into an accident, and Emery witnesses it. She administers this drug (which hasn't been tried on humans yet) and saves Luca's life. But at what cost? He wakes up and has no recollection of her. Emery makes it a goal to appreciate him this time around and get him to remember the special love they shared. But things are never easy as that! Christina Lauren's The Romance Revival is a departure from their normal romance novels, as this involves a lot of STEM elements, some sci-fi, and even some aspects of a thriller.
 
One thing I always appreciate about Lauren's novels is the chemistry she creates between her characters. I really loved the romance between Emery and Luca in The Romance Revival. I enjoyed the way they met and their blossoming love. Luca is a fantastic male lead, and I know many of Lauren's fans will thoroughly enjoy him. While I didn’t mind the STEM details in the novel, there were times when they felt a bit over-the-top and unbelievable. This was especially true during the cat-and-mouse chase towards the end of the novel. I appreciate that Lauren tried something new here; while I enjoyed the adorable romance, I felt that other aspects of the novel fell short. Additionally, the cover led me to expect more beach read elements than were actually present. Am I right in thinking that? I still look forward to reading more of Lauren's romances in the future.

 

 

Have you read The Shampoo Effect or The Romance Revival? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

  

Book Review: Wasp's Nest by Kat Stoddard

 

Pages: 272

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: June 23, 2026

Publisher: Celadon

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Tess wants nothing more than for her upcoming society wedding to overshadow the failure of her first marriage. Her fiancé Warren, a steady soon-to-be state senator, is nothing like her first husband. Tess’s relationship with working-class artist Peter was a passionate crash-and-burn, and a chapter of her life that she's ready to forget.

Peter hasn’t seen Tess in five years, so he’s shocked to receive an invitation to her wedding. But he’s moved on too, and it wouldn’t hurt to prove it by showing up with a handsome younger man as his plus-one. Mitch, an aspiring writer, is intrigued by Peter and jumps at the chance to pry into the lives of his Waspy ex-in-laws. What he’s not bargained for is developing serious feelings for both Peter and Peter’s ex―Tess, the bride. But Peter and Tess have complex desires of their own, and Mitch is dangerously close to uncovering them.

Wasp's Nest is a fast-paced, humorous, and heartfelt exploration of the shape of our affections that proves real love triangles connect on all sides.

 

 

 

Tess Lowell is planning her second wedding on her family's gorgeous Cape Cod estate. Her society wedding will be quite an affair, especially since her future husband has senate plans. Except things aren't going quite as planned. Her mischievous brother, Sebastian, has invited her ex-husband, Peter, to the wedding. Tess divorced Peter years ago when he was dealing with his addiction issues and Peter hasn't heard from her since. Peter isn't as acceptable to her high-achieving family as he is merely an artist, but he wants to attend the wedding to get some closure. He decides to bring Mitch, an aspiring writer, whom he met at a dinner party; this should throw them all off! Mitch agrees to attend as he needs inspiration for his next writing project. What ensues over the next seven days on Cape Cod is anything but a simple family wedding. Kat Stoddard's debut, Wasp's Nest, is inspired by The Philadelphia Story and is a juicy, if somewhat, superficial beach read.
 
Much like The Philadelphia Story, Tess comes from a well-off family and her parents have high hopes for her second marriage. However, the sparks are still there between Tess and Peter and things get complicated when Mitch is thrown into the mix. This triangle (it's messy!), plus a wealthy Cape Cod wedding, is sure to keep readers flipping the pages as this is a juicy beach read. But that's where the sparkle ended for me. 
 
I am a huge fan of The Philadelphia Story, so I had high hopes for Wasp's Nest, but the characters weren't nearly as endearing as the original story, not to mention the lack of humor like the original tale. Wasp's Nest felt a little more serious at times. While I did appreciate the allusions to the original story, the new touches definitely modernize the story, as there is bisexuality, current politics, and more. Unfortunately, the Wasp's Nest characters were unlikable, and I didn't find myself caring what happened to them, which ultimately made the story never really take off.
 
I love the idea of a modern The Philadelphia Story, but unfortunately, Wasp's Nest didn't hit its mark or capture the magic of the original story, and it ended up being just an ok read. Have you read the debut novel, Wasp's Nest? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Bridgerton Roundup: Mini Reviews

With a new season of Bridgerton on Netflix, it inspired me to finally finish reading the much-loved series. There's something special about the Bridgerton family and I'm sad to say goodbye to them. If you love all things Bridgerton, check out all of my previous reviews as well as read-alikes and the spin-off series. 

 

It's in His Kiss (Bridgerton #7) by Julia Quinn

Pages: 496

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: June 28, 2005

Publisher: Avon

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Bridgerton series

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Meet Our Hero…
Gareth St. Clair is in a bind. His father, who detests him, is determined to beggar the St. Clair estates and ruin his inheritance. Gareth’s sole bequest is an old family diary, which may or may not contain the secrets of his past… and the key to his future. The problem is—it’s written in Italian, of which Gareth speaks not a word.

Meet Our Heroine…
All the ton agreed: there was no one quite like Hyacinth Bridgerton. She’s fiendishly smart, devilishly outspoken and according to Gareth, probably best in small doses. But there’s something about her—something charming and vexing—that grabs him and won’t quite let go…

Meet Poor Mr. Mozart…
Or don’t. But rest assured, he’s spinning in his grave when Gareth and Hyacinth cross paths at the annual–and annually discordant—Smythe-Smith musicale. To Hyacinth, Gareth’s every word seems a dare, and she offers to translate his diary, even though her Italian is slightly less than perfect. But as they delve into the mysterious text, they discover that the answers they seek lie not in the diary, but in each other… and that there is nothing as simple—or as complicated—as a single, perfect kiss."

 

Gareth St. Clair is in line to inherit his family's estate and fortune, but all that is up in the air as his father is an all-around awful person and is set on destroying his inheritance. Gareth finds his ancestor's diary, written in Italian, and hopes to translate it as he feels it holds some family secrets. Who better to translate it than Hyacinth Bridgerton, who speaks some Italian and spends most of her days reading to his grandmother, Lady Danbury. Everyone knows Hyacinth can be a pill and is extremely outspoken, but that doesn't intimidate Garth in the least. Their adventure translating the diary and piecing the puzzle of his family together leads them to adventure, romance, and even more family secrets waiting to be revealed. Julia Quinn's It's in His Kiss is a delightful addition to the Bridgerton series, filled with snappy dialogue and swoon-worthy romance.
 
I loved Hyacinth from the start of It's in His Kiss; she is everything you could want in a heroine. I also appreciated that this installment in the Bridgerton series included a bit more adventure than the other novels; it was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed figuring out the St. Clair family's mysteries. Quinn also did a great job with the dialogue and the witty banter between Hyacinth and Gareth; it made the story jump off the page and sizzle with a slow-burning romance. It's in His Kiss is a favorite of mine from the series.

 

 

 

On the Way to the Wedding (Bridgerton #8) by Julia Quinn

Pages: 496

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: June 27, 2006

Publisher: Avon

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Bridgerton series

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A funny thing happened... Unlike most men of his acquaintance, Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love. And he is convinced that when he finds the woman of his dreams, he will know in an instant that she is the one. And that is exactly what happened. Except...

She wasn't the one. In fact, the ravishing Miss Hermione Watson is in love with another. But her best friend, the ever-practical Lady Lucinda Abernathy, wants to save Hermione from a disastrous alliance, so she offers to help Gregory win her over. But in the process, Lucy falls in love. With Gregory! Except...

Lucy is engaged. And her uncle is not inclined to let her back out of the betrothal, even once Gregory comes to his senses and realizes that it is Lucy, with her sharp wit and sunny smile, who makes his heart sing. And now, on the way to the wedding, Gregory must risk everything to ensure that when it comes time to kiss the bride, he is the only man standing at the altar..."

 

 

Gregory Bridgerton believes in true love and is determined to find it. When he meets Hermione Watson, he is sure this is it....except she is in love with someone else! Hermione's best friend, Lady Lucinda (Lucy) Abernathy, knows Hermione is headed to disaster with her current crush and agrees to help Gregory woo Hermione. However, the more these two individuals work together and spend time together, the stronger a connection forms. However, before Lucy and Gregory can actually be together, Lucy is already engaged to someone she doesn't want to be with, thanks to her cruel uncle, who is responsible for her betrothal. Julia Quinn's final Bridgerton novel, On the Way to the Wedding, has so many things I love, but overall, it fell flat for me as it wasn't my favorite from the Bridgerton series.

A lot happens in On the Way to the Wedding towards the last twenty five percent of the novel; there's a hostage situation, guns, theatrics, etc, and it just felt really unrealistic and over the top. Due to that, I didn't enjoy the novel as much as I had hoped. I am sad, though, to see the series come to an end as it's one of the best romance series I've read. Even though On the Way to the Wedding was a bit of a letdown, I am still glad I read and listened the series, and it will always be one of my favorites, especially with the marvelous Rosalyn Landor narrating. 
 

Are you a fan of the Bridgerton series? Have you read all the novels? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and which Bridgerton book is your favorite.  

 

Mini Reviews: New Releases

 

Today I’m showcasing two new releases. Lady Tremaine is a fairy‑tale reimagining of Cinderella as told from the "wicked" stepmother's point of view and a BOTM pick for March, and You & Me and You & Me and You & Me is a time‑travel romance with ’90s vibes.

 

Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: March 3, 2026

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A widow twice-over, Etheldreda is now saddled with the care of her two children, a priggish stepdaughter, and a razor-taloned peregrine falcon. Her entire life has become a ruse, just like the manor hall they live grand and ornate on the exterior, but crumbling, brick by brick, inside. Fierce in the face of her misfortune, Ethel clings to her family’s respectability, the lifeboat that will float her daughters straight into the secure banks of marriage.

When a royal ball offers the chance to secure the future she desperately desires, Etheldreda must risk her secrets, pride, and limited resources in pursuit of an invitation for her daughters—only to see her hopes fulfilled by the wrong one. As an engagement to the heir of the kingdom unfolds with unnerving speed, she discovers a sordid secret hidden in the depths of the royal family, forcing her to choose between the security she’s sought for years and the wellbeing of the feckless stepdaughter who has rebuffed her at every turn.

As if Bridgerton met Circe, and exhilarating to its core, Lady Tremaine reimagines the myth of the evil stepmother at the heart of the world’s most famous fairytale. It is a battle cry for a mother’s love for her daughters, and a celebration of women everywhere who make their own fortunes.

 

Lady Tremaine is now twice widowed and finds herself in charge of her two daughters and her sullen stepdaughter, who has never liked her. Her estate is in shambles, money is tight, and it's on her to make sure her daughters find a way to survive and end up with strong marriages. She has even taken it upon herself to hunt for food with her beloved falcon in order to provide for her family. When she hears about a royal ball with the prince looking for a suitable match, she thinks this is her chance. But when push comes to shove, it is only Elin, her stepdaughter, who gets an invitation. As time passes, though, they realize that the Royal family and Prince Charming aren't who they cracked up to be, and maybe this isn't a good match for Elin. Ultimately, Lady Tremaine by Rachel Hochhauser turns the Cinderella fairy tale on its head by giving the stepmother a chance to be understood; she is more than just a wicked stepmother. It's a fun reimagining of a classic tale and will have readers rooting for the stepmother in no time.
 
I love reimagined fairy tales, especially those that focus on misunderstood or lesser-known characters. There is so much more to the "Wicked" stepmother concept, and I find it fascinating to explore Lady Tremaine's character. Hocchauser's portrayal of her was wonderful, showcasing her development as not only a feminist figure but also as a caring mother who wants the best for her daughters. I enjoyed Lady Tremaine and recommend it to fans of fairy tale reimaginings.

 

 

 

You & Me and You & Me and You & Me by Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Reese

Pages: 352 

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance 

Pub. Date: February 10, 2026

Publisher: Penguin

Source: Publisher for review

  My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Adam and Jules have been married for twenty-five years when they discover a time machine in their shed - can it bring back their romantic spark? Or will it unravel everything? Written by a real-life couple who fell in love while writing their bestselling debut novel twenty-five years ago. One couple. One past. A million tomorrows.

Meet Adam and Jules. Married for nearly twenty-five years and stuck in a rut, their future looks, well, boring.

Then Adam stumbles across a box of old mixtapes he and Jules made for each other when they were young and falling in love. He dusts off his vintage stereo, inserts one of the cassettes, presses play … and the unbelievable happens.

With the power to travel back in time, he and Jules can revisit pivotal moments in their pasts. Is this the key to getting their sparkle back? They embark on an epic hunt through the multiverse for their perfect love story. But as they visit the past and recapture the headiness of falling in love, they realize that traveling across time could be as dangerous as it is addictive, because the temptation to change just a few small things is irresistible. As the ripple effects spiral out of control, can they find a way back to their messy and imperfect, yet glorious, real life? Or will they lose each other forever?

 

Adam and Jules have been married for twenty-five years, they have two grown children who really aren't settled, and the day-to-day of their life is really getting them down. Adam doesn't like his job, and Jules is working hard to get her company off the ground, while mounting up credit card debt. They aren't connecting in their marriage like they used to and have grown apart. When they find a box of their old mix tapes, Adam is reluctant to throw them away. He listened to one on their old stereo, and magically, he was transported to the time he gave Jules that mix tape. They realize that they have stumbled onto a time machine of sorts and have agreed to partake in it, but not change anything major. At first, they don't; they just are reliving some of the best moments of their lives, but as time passes, the changes become bigger, and they reverberate into their current lives. Josie Lloyd and Emlyn Rees's You & Me and You & Me and You & Me is a romance that, while at times felt repetitive, was sweet overall and sends the message of appreciating the life you have. 
 
I love a good time travel story, so I appreciated that aspect of You & Me and You & Me and You & Me. I went back and forth between reading the novel and listening to the audiobook, and I have to say that the audio was done very well; it hooked me much more than the actual novel did. I also enjoyed all the '90s nostalgia and the music—one of my favorite elements of the book. However, I didn't care for the repetition; it felt very much like Sliding Doors. I was frustrated with Jules and Adam when they hid important things from each other. While this hasn't been my favorite romance read this year, fans of second-chance romances and time travel will likely appreciate it.

 

 

 Have you read either of these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. 

Book Review: The Astral Library by Kate Quinn

Pages: 304

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Pub. Date: February 17, 2026

Publisher: William Morrow

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Alice Network,

The Phoenix Crown, and The Rose Code 

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Alexandria “Alix” Watson has learned one lesson from her barren childhood in the foster-care system: unlike people, books will never let you down. Working three dead-end jobs to make ends meet and knowing college is a pipe dream, Alix takes nightly refuge in the high-vaulted reading room at the Boston Public Library, escaping into her favorite fantasy novels and dreaming of far-off lands. Until the day she stumbles through a hidden door and meets the Librarian: the ageless, acerbic guardian of a hidden library where the desperate and the lost escape to new lives...inside their favorite books.

The Librarian takes a dazzled Alix under her wing, but before she can escape into the pages of her new life, a shadowy enemy emerges to threaten everyone the Astral Library has ever helped protect. Aided by a dashing costume-shop owner, Alix and the Librarian flee through the Regency drawing rooms of Jane Austen to the back alleys of Sherlock Holmes and the champagne-soaked parties of The Great Gatsby as danger draws inexorably closer. But who does their enemy really wish to destroy—Alix, the Librarian, or the Library itself?"

 

 

Alix Watson has some baggage, and to escape her past and her current disappointments, she has always found respite at the Boston Public Library, specifically the Reading Room. While there, she encounters a different realm, The Astral Library; it's a world where she can travel between books. This sounds like a book lover's dream, am I right? At the Astral Library, Alix meets the Librarian, who is desperate to put lives into books and change their future for the better; however, things do not pan out as planned. Insert the villain, the Library Board. They are unhappy with how the Astral Library is being run and create a lot of problems. The Astral Library by Kate Quinn is a love letter to libraries and books; it had so much potential, but ultimately fell flat for me.
 
I was rooting for Alex from the start of The Astral Library; who doesn't love the idea of jumping into their favorite novel and living within its pages? She gets to brush elbows with Jane Austen in Regency England, wander the shabby alleyways of Sherlock Holmes's London, and hang out with the glamorous Jay Gatsby, among others. It’s a book lover's dream, right? However, an enemy is lurking, and Alex needs to determine whether this threat is coming for her, the library, or both. Once this element of the plot developed, it became challenging for me because the messaging shifted from feeling organic to more heavy-handed. While I agree with the political themes in The Astral Library, particularly regarding book banning, it felt forced rather than a natural part of the story.
 
The Astral Library is a departure from Quinn's usual historical novels, and I enjoyed the magical realism aspect; however, I felt the world-building could have been better. It felt busy and all over the place at times--so much was going on. I prefer Quinn's historical novels overall.
 
Unfortunately, The Astral Library had so much promise, as I am obviously someone who values libraries and books, but overall, it felt disappointing. Have you read The Astral Library? Are you a fan of Kate Quinn? Let me know in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: Anatomy of an Alibi by Ashley Elston

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: January 13, 2026

Publisher: Penguin

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: First Lie Wins,

and 10 Blind Dates 

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Everyone at Chantilly’s Bar noticed out-of-towner Camille Bayliss. Red lips, designer heels, sipping a Negroni. But that woman wasn’t Camille Bayliss. It was Aubrey Price.

Camille Bayliss appears to have the picture-perfect life; she’s married to hotshot lawyer Ben and is the daughter of a wealthy Louisiana family. Only nothing is as it seems: Camille believes Ben has been hiding dirty secrets for years, but she can’t find proof because he tracks her every move.

Aubrey Price has been haunted by the terrible night that changed her life a decade ago, and she’s convinced Benjamin Bayliss knows something about it. Living in a house full of criminals, Aubrey understands there’s more than one way to get to the truth—and she may have found the best way in.

Aubrey and Camille hatch a plan. It sounds simple: For twelve hours, Aubrey will take Camille’s place. Camille will spy on Ben, and the two women will get the answers they desperately seek.

Except the next morning, Ben is found murdered. Both women need an airtight alibi, but only one of them has it. And one false step is all it takes for everything to come undone."

 

Camille Bayliss appears to live the perfect life from the outside, as she is wealthy, resides in a gorgeous home in Louisiana, and is married to Ben Bayliss, an exceptional lawyer. But things aren't what they seem. Ben is hiding secrets, and Camille is determined to uncover them, but Ben has full control of her. He tracks her every move - literally-  and micromanages her. The story opens with Audrey Price, who is working together with Camille, to help her figure out what Ben is hiding. Audrey is pretending to be Camille. When Ben tracks her, he will think she is in one place; meanwhile, the real Camille is snooping through his office. However, things take a dark turn when Camille finds Ben murdered in their house! Cue the mystery, even more secrets, suspects, red herrings, and more. Plus, the two women will need an alibi! Ashley Elston's Anatomy of an Alibi starts out as a promising domestic thriller, but then slowly evolves into a clunky story with a lot of misdirection and too many characters.
 
While Audrey and Camille present themselves as intriguing characters in Anatomy of an Alibi, I found it challenging to connect with them. They seemed to lack some development, possibly due to Elston's tendency to shift perspectives and timelines frequently, which occasionally led to a feeling of disconnection. Audrey’s suspicions about Ben’s actions serve as a significant point of convergence for the two women as they decide to join forces. However, their backgrounds are quite different—while Camille hails from a privileged Southern family, Audrey has faced considerable challenges, having lost her parents and continuing to navigate a difficult path in life.

There are even chapters from Hank Landry's point of view in Anatomy of an Alibi. Hank is Ben's law partner and friend. As you can see, there were a lot of characters to really keep your eye on, and the amount of misdirection made that tough. Once I figured out where the story was going, more suspects unfolded in the small, sleepy town; it felt like many people had issues with Ben.
 
While I enjoyed Elston's First Lie Wins, Anatomy of an Alibi  was just ok for me. There were some major moments of suspense and some twists that I didn't see coming, so I can see why many readers enjoyed this one, but ultimately, it wasn't for me. 
 
Have you read Anatomy of an Alibi? Are you a fan of Ashley Elston? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.   

 

 

Mini Reviews: Adult Fantasy Novels

October is the perfect time to curl up with some enchanting fantasy reads. Today, I'm sharing two adult fantasy novels. While I found both to be somewhat lacking, I don’t regret reading them. One features a captivating Hollywood setting infused with dark academia vibes, while the other is a romantic fantasy that exudes major Gothic elements, making it an ideal choice for the month of October.

 

 Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber

Pages: 336

Genre: Adult Fantasy

Pub. Date: October 7, 2025

Publisher: Orbit

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "It starts with a class in an old movie theater. Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real. When she tracks down a local legend named the Watch Man, who can supposedly tell you when you’ll die, the world finally makes sense. Except that the Watch Man tells her she will die at midnight tomorrow unless she finds an ancient object called the Alchemical Heart.

With the clock ticking, Holland is pulled deeper into this magical world in the heart of Los Angeles—and into the path of a magnetic stranger. Everything about him feels like a bad idea, but he promises Holland that her sister sent him to protect her. As they chase clues and stories that take them closer to the Alchemical Heart, Holland realizes everyone in this intoxicating new world is lying to her, even this stranger. And if she can’t figure out whom to trust, not even the Alchemical Heart will save her."

 

 

Holland St. James is enrolled in a college course titled "Folklore 517," taught by a mysterious professor. The class often feels more like a scavenger hunt than a traditional lecture, but everyone assumes that the content being taught is purely fictional. Right? Not quite. Through this course, Holland becomes convinced that she must track down the Watch Man, an elusive figure who supposedly reveals when you will die. Once she finds him, she is told some ominous news and she believes she needs to find the Alchemial Heart. Enter a mysterious stranger whom she thinks might assist her—though it’s uncertain if he will. Set against a Hollywood backdrop with dark academia vibes, Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber is a fitting October read, despite some parts feeling flat for me.

Alchemy of Secrets is the first novel I've read by Garber, and at times, I didn’t particularly enjoy her writing style. I found myself more invested in the fantastical journey than in the characters themselves. Some chapters are written in the second person, which initially seemed interesting but eventually became jarring. While the focus on magic and film noir provides moments of fun, the lack of character development detracted from my overall experience. Ultimately, it was just an okay read.

The Knight and the Moth by Rachel Gillig 

Pages: 432

Genre: Adult Fantasy/Romantasy

Pub. Date: May 20, 2025

Publisher: Orbit

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum's windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams.

Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil's visions. But when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral's cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god."

 

 

Sybil Delling, also known as Six, is one of the "sisters" at the Aisling Cathedral, where they scry magical springs to interpret omens. As Six and her sisters approach the end of their time at the cathedral, they are eager to explore the world beyond its walls. However, everything changes when the new King of Traum arrives to receive his omen. Six receives dark, ominous signs about the future, and soon after, her sisters begin to disappear. Determined to uncover what happened to them, Sybil teams up with one of the King's knights, Rory. They are complete opposites, and Rory does not even value her work at the cathedral, which makes their partnership challenging. Nevertheless, Sybil is ready to leave the confines of the cathedral, venture into the world, and discover the truth about her missing sisters. Rachel Gillig's The Knight and the Moth is an epic romantasy set in a medieval-esque world filled with Gothic fantasy elements and rich atmosphere.

This is my first experience reading one of Gillig's novels, and I find her to be a fantastic writer. Her prose is lyrical and filled with vivid imagery, which brings the world to life beautifully. My only issue with the novel was the lack of character development and world-building. I struggled to connect with the characters, making the story feel slow-moving at times—except for the last 25% of the book, which raced forward at breakneck speed. The world-buidling was confusing for the first half of the book, which really impacted my enjoyment of the The Knight and the Moth. However, the character I enjoyed the most was Bartholomew, a gargoyle; he was truly the best! If you're looking for a page-turning romance, I believe the genre is oversaturated with good options, so you might want to skip this one unless you are a devoted Gillig fan.

 

Have you read either adult fantasy? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

 

 

Mini Reviews: Debut Beach Reads

 

Some beach reads truly captivate you, keeping you up late as you flip through the pages or lose yourself at the pool. However, other summer novels can feel just okay, serving as a decent way to spend an afternoon. That's what I've experienced with these two new debuts.

Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores

Pages: 320

Genre: Adult Fiction 

Pub. Date: June 24, 2025

Publisher: Bantam

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Nora Davies doesn’t exactly fit in to Winter Park, Florida, where old-guard Floridians mix with the tax-fleeing coastal elite. Twenty-eight and barely making ends meet working at a country club, Nora feels like she’s going nowhere fast. Enter Will a prominent forty-six-year-old lawyer, father to a teenage daughter and recently divorced. The two set Winter Park’s social scene agog when they fall in love and marry after a whirlwind Cinderella-style courtship.

But Winter Park is fully upended when Will disappears the morning after a birthday bash Nora throws for him. Going back and forth between Nora and Will’s romance and the search in the wake of Will’s mysterious disappearance, Nora must answer the question from all Where. Is. Will?

Combining breathless suspense, glittering and juicy social dynamics, and an unforgettable cast of characters, Happy Wife is a clever and subversive novel that explores marriage, wealth, and the secrets that lurk behind closed doors."

 

 

Nora is a second wife, which means she is pretty much a second-class citizen at affluent Winter Park, Florida, where money and connections rule the town. Her husband, Willi, is a workaholic lawyer who often stays at work for days at a time. Her cold reception around town doesn't help things, but thankfully, next-door neighbor, Este, has taken her in. On the night of her husband's birthday party, Will goes missing. He went to retrieve a sweatshirt for his daughter from the boat after the party was over and never returned. Nora wakes up the next morning to an empty house, but doesn't think much of it as Will often disappears for days at a time during a big trial. However, after she doesn't receive any texts from him and his work colleague hasn't heard from him, things start to look dire. Happy Wife by Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores is an average beach read with a touch of mystery.

 

The best part of Happy Wife is the setting of affluent Winter Park. It's an ultra-rich community where it's always summer. The authors do a good job of bringing this setting to life; however, Nora got old after a while, and I was tired of hearing the nauseating problems of the rich. For example, Nora got Botox and other treatments, as well as a trip to the gym, when her husband was missing because "self-care!" Normal people would be spiraling. I did appreciate the flashbacks to the beginning of her relationship with Will, as that helped develop the characters, but other than that, I felt that this novel lacked suspense and substance. I thought it was going to be a thrilling summer read based on the description, but it really lacked in that department and read more like a mystery/family drama. Happy Wife is perfect for readers who want a soapy summer read with not a lot of depth.

Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance

Pub. Date: July 22, 2025

Publisher: Canary Street Press

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Goodreads says, "Best friends Joni and Ren have been inseparable since childhood. So when Joni moves across the country for her job, the two devise a creative way to stay in they’ll be each other’s plus-ones every year for wedding season, no matter what else is happening in their lives.

It’s a tradition that works, until a line is crossed and the friendship they once thought was forever is ruined.

Now Joni is back at their families’ shared summer home for her sister’s wedding, and she’s determined to make the week perfect, even if it means faking a friendship with Ren—and avoiding the truth of why they have to fake it in the first place. How hard can it be to pretend to be friends with the person who once knew you best?

But as sunny beach days together turn into starry nights, Joni begins to question what her life is without Ren in it. And when the wedding arrives, bringing past heartaches to the surface, she’ll be forced to decide if loving Ren means letting him go, or if theirs is a love story worth fighting for.

Joni and Ren have always been best friends, and as they got older, they promised to be each other's plus ones at weddings. However, something changed between them, and they had a falling out. After some time, they are reunited at their family's summer homes on the Oregon Coast as Joni's sister is getting married. Joni wants things to go beautifully for her sister, so she pretends all is ok between her and Ren. Obviously, the more time Joni and Ren spend together, the more they realize their chemistry is still there. They will have to decide if their friendship (and something more!) is worth fighting for. Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely is a satisfying debut, especially for readers who enjoy the friends-to-lovers trope.

Friends to Lovers is a cute debut - perfect for a day at the beach! If you are like me and you love a good friends-to-lovers summer story, this is a good one. I appreciated Blakeley's flashbacks to years prior, as that really developed their relationship, and their chemistry felt genuine. I haven't read many books set on the Oregon Coast, so this was a nice touch, and Blakely brought the beautiful nights and gorgeous scenery to life. I mean, who doesn't love a good summer reunion?

Have you read either book? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

Mini Reviews: The Lure of the Sea

 

I’m sharing two books today that explore the allure of the ocean. One is a romance novel, which begins with the ocean's beauty but also reveals its potential danger. The other is a historical novel with a similar theme. Novels about the ocean are perfect to dive into during spring break!

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: April 1, 2025

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Switch,

The No-Show, and The Wake-Up Call

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Two strangers find themselves stranded at sea together in this epic new love story by bestselling author Beth O’Leary.

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend's daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them."

 

Lexi and Zeke had an incredible one-night stand, but it was more than they bargained for. While on Zeke's father's houseboat, they don't pay attention and when they wake up, they are miles from land. The boat left the dock in the fog without them knowing it and now they are stranded at sea. At first, this sounds romantic. However, as time goes on, they realize that this is a perilous situation. Not to mention, Lexi's best friend and her daughter will be desperate to know what happened to her. Without cell service, and the water reserves dwindling, panic ensues. In the midst of all this, Zeke and Lexi come to realize that they share feelings for one another; it's more than just a one-night stand. If they can make it out of this, will they be able to make it in the real world? Beth O'Leary's Swept Away is an engaging romance, but one that doesn't feel balanced enough as the stressful situations abound.

Many readers have issues with the age gap between Lexi and Zeke, but it didn't bother me as much. I did enjoy their relationship; however, I felt it fell flat at times. It lacked that spark I was expecting based on O'Leary's previous novels. On the other hand, I did think the setting of a houseboat was very original and I liked that aspect of the story until things started to go badly. There were too many stressful situations (lacking water, a festering wound, etc) that took a day in the sun, to much more serious concerns. I also felt like there was a coincidence in the story revealed later on that didn't entirely work for me. I had a hard time suspending my disbelief.  So, all in all, Swept Away was just an ok read for me.

 

 

The Sirens by Emilia Hart

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: 4/1/25

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Weyward

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A story of sisters separated by hundreds of years but bound together in more ways than they can imagine.

2019: Lucy awakens in her ex-lover’s room in the middle of the night with her hands around his throat. Horrified, she flees to her sister’s house on the coast of New South Wales hoping Jess can help explain the vivid dreams that preceded the attack—but her sister is missing. As Lucy waits for her return, she starts to unearth strange rumours about Jess’s town—tales of numerous missing men, spread over decades. A baby abandoned in a sea-swept cave. Whispers of women’s voices on the waves. All the while, her dreams start to feel closer than ever.

1800: Mary and Eliza are torn from their loving home in Ireland and forced onto a convict ship heading for Australia. As the boat takes them farther and farther away from all they know, they begin to notice unexplainable changes in their bodies.

A breathtaking tale of female resilience, The Sirens is an extraordinary novel that captures the sheer power of sisterhood and the indefinable magic of the sea.

 

 

The Sirens follows two major timelines: one from the 1800s and one from current times. In the 1800s, two sisters are sent to a penal colony in Australia. As readers can suspect, these two Irish women were treated horribly. In modern times, sisters Lucy and Jess face similar situations. Lucy escapes college and some upsetting events that occurred and she hopes to connect with her sister who lives on the coast. Once there, she realizes that Jess is missing. Both of these women have an interesting relationship with the ocean and an allergy to water, which only adds to the role that the ocean plays in the story. Fans of Weyward will appreciate The Sirens by Emilia Hart; it's a historical tale filled with romance, mystery, and family drama.

Readers can always count on Hart to showcase sisterhood and include a feminist undertone throughout the novel, just as she did in Weyward. She highlights the power of women better than any other author I've read recently. Also, I appreciated Hart's beautiful writing style which felt poetic at times. Her ability to bring the magic of the ocean to life and the mysticism was fantastic. While I may have enjoyed Weyward a tad bit more, The Sirens is still an outstanding novel that showcases the magic of sisterhood and the sea.

Have you read Swept Away or The Sirens? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.