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: Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

 

Pages: 366

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: May 26, 2026

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: It's a Love Story,

Summer Romance, Same Time Next Summer, 

and Nora Goes Off Script 

My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

 

Goodreads says, "Dolly Brick has never met a problem she couldn’t solve. Not when her mom left when she was twelve, and not at thirty-nine when she moves with her son back to Whitfield, Rhode Island, for the summer to keep her dad and brother from losing the family home.

So when she comes across Stewart Whitfield—annoyingly handsome scion of the Whitfield family—with a flat tire and at the wrong end of a very public, very humiliating breakup, it’s in her nature to help. But Stewart’s proposed arrangement ends up being more than either of them bargained for, because as public dinners and high-society benefits turn into sunset boat rides and kisses that hit her bloodstream like a ghost pepper, Dolly starts to feel something more than helpful. She’s never relied on anyone besides herself—can she really start now?"

 

 

 

Dolly Brick is 39 years old and is a single mother. She spends her days as a kindergarten teacher and works a few side jobs to make ends meet. Her father owns Bricks Fish House on the coast of Rhode Island, but has needed help lately managing the business, the declining house, and her disabled brother. So, with the summer off, Dolly returns home to Whitfield, Rhode Island, to help out. After delivering shrimp to the Whitfield mansion, she runs into Stewart Whitfield, who needs some assistance with a flat tire. Dolly has always been independent and self-sufficient, so she helps him out as he doesn't know what he is doing, and they casually hit it off to the point where Stewart makes the suggestion that she be his pretend girlfriend. He was dumped by his fiancée, and work-wise, this is not a good look; his parents expect more of him, too. Dolly could attend a few events and dinners with him, and he would pay her. Dolly and her family (not to mention the house's leaking roof) need this money, so she accepts. How hard could it be to be wined and dined, plus get some new clothing out of it? The more time Dolly spends with Stewart, though, the more she realizes he is a caring man and an all-around good guy. The lines blur between what is her "job" and what is "real." Annabel Monaghan's Dolly All the Time is a heartwarming romance with lovable characters that you can't help but root for.
 
I always adore Monaghan's characters, and Dolly is no different. I love that Monaghan writes about "older" women who are mature and have real-life issues going on. Dolly is a single mom and is also part of the sandwich generation in that she must deal with her aging dad, his house, and, on top of that, her brother, but she does so with such warmth. The real-life issues Dolly encounters are so relatable that many women in their thirties and forties can see themselves in her. 
 
I was wary of the fake-dating trope in Dolly All the Time, but Monaghan pulls it off beautifully. It really worked for me, and Stewart and Dolly's interactions were believable. Their problems were rooted in reality, and it wasn't far-fetched in the very least.  While it's a nice pipe dream that the richest guy in town sweeps a single mom off her feet, it never felt unrealistic. I adored their blossoming romance and how it evolved. 
 
The coastal setting of Rhode Island makes this a good one for summer reading; there are beautiful dinners, baseball games, sailing, and more. Dolly is there for the summer, so that added to the many reasons why Dolly All the Time is one of the best books of the summer. Monaghan can do no wrong; I loved it!
 
Are you a fan of Annabel Monaghan? Have you read Dolly All the Time? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  

 

Book Review: The Shippers by Katherine Center

 

Pages: 336

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: May 19. 2026

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books by Author: The Bodyguard

and The Love Haters 

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "She wants him to help her woo someone else. Genius. Foolproof. Can't go wrong. After a whole lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton decides to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. Armed with pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly divorced wedding guest). Determined to woo him for closure, she ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, as her wingman. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but showed up anyway. Cooper: who moved to London without a word four years ago. Cooper: who broke her heart.

Shipboard antics abound in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance, as JoJo and Cooper team up, fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, get jealous, answer long-held questions, and finally, at last, discover truths about each other that will change everything."

 

 

 

 

Jojo has left her fiancé at the altar and finds herself starting over yet again; she feels she is notoriously bad at love. When her sister gets married and has a destination wedding on a cruise, she is forced to spend time not only with her quirky family but also with her childhood best friend, Cooper. Not only were they inseparable growing up, but to complicate matters further, they stopped talking after she got engaged and he moved to London four years ago. But the more time they spend together on the cruise, the more they fall into their old friendship. Cooper decides to help Jojo in the love department as she wants to gain the attention of newly divorced Finn, who was her first crush. So, over the course of the cruise, Jojo and Cooper try to flirt (and other antics) to gain Finn's attention, but the more time they spend together, the more they realize that maybe they have something there that's more than friendship. Katherine Center's The Shippers is a delightful rom-com with a great cruise ship setting; it makes for fun summer reading.
 
Jojo is a quirky kind of main character that I usually enjoy. I found myself laughing more often than not at some of the antics Jojo and her family get into on the cruise. At times, though, I did feel some of the "games" that she and Cooper were involved in felt a bit immature and got to be a little much. Nonetheless, I felt The Shippers redeemed itself, especially if you enjoy a good friends-to-lovers romance.
 
Center really did a good job developing the secondary characters in The Shippers, such as Jojo's grandmother and her cousin, Harmony. Imagine spending a week on a cruise with all of your extended family and the hilarity that would ensue. Center captured that and more. Plus, the cruise ship setting to a tropical destination makes this a great book to throw in your beach bag this summer.
 
While I felt some parts of the novel were a little overdone, and Jojo irritated me from time to time, overall, I thought The Shippers was a fun summer novel, and her fans will especially enjoy it. Readers know they can always count on a happy ending from Center! Let me know in the comments if you are a fan of Katherine Center and if you plan to read The Shippers this summer.

Book Review: Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune

 

Pages: 432

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: May 5, 2026

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Every Summer After, 

Meet Me at the Lake, One Golden Summer, 

and This Summer Will Be Different 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart in this heart-stopping, utterly romantic new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good."

 

 

Frankie Gardiner and George St. James have been best friends ever since George moved into the creepy house next door to the Gardiners. George came to live with his eccentric grandmother, and once Frankie and George met, they have been inseparable ever since. As they grew up together, survived childhood, the awkward young adult years, and then even lived together platonically in their twenties, they shared all the ups and downs that come with life and never really crossed the line into something more. As the years go by and George pursues his dream as a journalist, their paths cross less and less due to the demands of life and careers that require travel. Frankie gets engaged to Nate, an older professor, but this irritates George as he doesn't think it's a good fit, and a big fight ensues. Things never were the same for them after this, but George has promised to be Frankie's best man, so when the time comes, he shows up for the wedding. However, the wedding doesn't go as planned. Out of the blue, Nate leaves Frankie and cancels the wedding after delivering a letter, which offers her little to no closure. Frankie is obviously gutted, and as time goes by, her friends convince her to take the honeymoon anyway to Torfino, in British Columbia, and take George along. Hopefully, this time together will not only repair their friendship but also her heart. Plus, who wants to waste an amazing vacation? The more time Frankie and George spend together connecting, the more time Frankie realizes that maybe there is something more there with them than just a strong friendship. Do they really want to cross the line? Carley Fortune's Our Perfect Storm is an emotional beach read with a gorgeous setting; fans of Fortune won't be disappointed.
 
I adored Frankie from the start of Our Perfect Storm; she is feisty, headstrong, and relatable. George is everything readers could want in a leading man and a best friend. I adored their friendship, and Fortune really develops it by taking readers back through the use of flashbacks to their childhood, teen years, and more. It really painted a picture of their friendship and how it evolved, so when the story came back to the present, their relationship was even more clear. I also really appreciated all the allusions and references to Little Women, as Frankie and George both love the classic story.
 
The transition from friends to a romantic relationship in Our Perfect Storm was executed beautifully, filled with intense emotions. I found myself questioning whether they would end up together and rooting for them all along, as their chemistry was evident from the beginning. Additionally, the stunning setting of Tofino on Vancouver Island made me want to book a trip there immediately. The coastal backdrop definitely contributed to the novel's summery feel, making Our Perfect Storm a perfect choice for a beach read.
 
So, in the comments below, let me know if you are a fan of Carley Fortune and if you'll be adding Our Perfect Storm to your summer TBR list.  

 

Book Review: The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez

 

Pages: 400

Genre: Adult Romance

Pub. Date: March 24, 2026

Publisher: Forever

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: Just for the Summer,

Part of Your World, Say You'll Remember Me, and Yours Truly

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A beautiful, compelling novel that revels in laughter, friendship, and the messy choices life can throw our way. In everyone’s life, there’s a split-second decision that can change everything...

For Larissa, it came when choosing which guy to ride home with after a concert. That night, she had no idea she’d met the perfect man. She and Chris are great together, co-parenting a slightly unhinged rescue Yorkie, sharing their favorite books, and judging bread (pumpernickel for the win!). For the first time amid all her side hustles to scrape by, things finally feel easy.

But Chris isn't the one who drove Larissa home all those months ago—Chris is her boyfriend's best friend. All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy. Standing by on the sidelines is slowly killing him, but making a move would destroy someone else. And he’s just not that guy."

 

After a fun night out at a concert, Larissa gets a ride home from Mike, and not his more subdued (and slightly grumpy) friend, Chris. Once Larissa and Mike start dating, though, things get complicated. Mike doesn't have it together, and often Chris fills in for him. When Larissa needs a ride to the hospital for her mother's surgery, it's Chris who steps in to help out. The more time they spend together, the more time they realize they have a lot more in common than they thought, and perhaps there is some chemistry, too. She can't help but wonder what if she had gotten a ride home from Chris the night of the concert? Once Chris adopts a rescue dog, Larissa volunteers to help take care of him when Chris can't due to his busy job, and now they are spending even more time together. But Chris could never betray his best friend, even when Mike doesn't deserve someone like Larissa. Readers keep wondering how long they can deny it, though, especially when Mike has some major difficulties he is hiding from Larissa. Abby Jimenez's latest novel, The Night We Met, is a slow-burning romance filled with real-life issues and a strong friends-to-lovers romance.
 
Don't get me wrong. Jimenez writes some of the most enjoyable romances out there, but for me, The Night We Met felt a little too heavy at times. Larissa's life is in shambles. She has a really co-dependent relationship with her mom, who is also a mess , and her dad has screwed over her line of credit. She can't get it together, never went to college, and often needs people to bail her out of situations. This got old for me, because I wanted Larissa to be the hero of her own story without the help of men. Eventually, things fall into place, but she needs a lot of assistance. Which is fine! But......this type of scenario felt very young to me at this point in my life. Mike, her boyfriend, is no different and is battling many issues in his life - some more serious than others and Chris cleans up all his messes. Chris seems like the perfect book boyfriend, but the fact that he is constantly doing this for Mike eventually feels like he is enabling him. This dynamic got old.
 
However, Jimenez does write a good friends-to-lovers romance in The Night We Met. All the aspects of a Jimenez novel that we have come to love are there--witty dialogue, a rescue dog, real-life issues (like a nut allergy!), a realistic romance, and a lot of pining. Due to this, The Night We Met would make a great beach read for those who want a realistic contemporary romance.
 
So, while The Night We Met isn't my favorite of Jimenez's novels, I still enjoyed it overall. Have you read it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, and if you are a fan of Jimenez.  

 

Mini Reviews: Spring Romances

 

We are in the heart of spring, and what better way to embrace it than with a spring romance? These two romances have very different settings, but their unique environments enhance the romance beautifully.

  

The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn

Pages: 464 

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Georgie, All Along

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Physician Layla Bailey has spent over a year telling herself she's moved on from a painful but amicable divorce from her college sweetheart. Staying friends with her ex seemed like the mature thing to do, but when Layla is invited to her former sister-in-law’s destination wedding in Paris—where Layla once spent her own romantic honeymoon—she knows her commitment to maturity might be her worst enemy…especially since her ex isn’t attending alone.

The only thing that could make the week more difficult is getting through it without the distraction of the wedding.... But when what Layla thought was a harmless conversation about the choices of her younger self leads to the bride getting cold feet, Layla finds herself facing down the groom’s mysterious, taciturn best man, Griffin, who will do anything to make sure this wedding happens.

Since she broke it, Griff demands she help him fix it. Going along with his plan to alleviate the engaged couple's doubts seems like Layla’s best chance at maintaining a good relationship with a family she once called her own. But as she learns more about the past heartbreak that’s driving Griff to help his friend, she gets closer and closer to confronting the true depth of her own pain…while finding herself more and more willing to risk it all again for Griff."

 

 

Lydia Bailey is divorced but has always maintained a good relationship with her ex-husband's family. When her former sister-in-law, Sarah, begs her to attend her destination wedding in Paris, Lydia agrees. Although things have remained amicable for everyone, she is aware that her ex-husband, Jamie, will also be present, accompanied by someone new. Upon her arrival, Lydia inadvertently clashes with the elusive best man, Griffin. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to discover a surprising chemistry between them. Complicating matters further, after a girls' night out, Sarah expresses second thoughts about the wedding. When Griffin learns this, he believes that Lydia’s comments during their conversation contributed to Sarah's doubts. Determined to help, Griffin confronts Lydia, and together they work to sort out the issues surrounding the bride and groom. Additionally, having Griffin by her side provides Lydia with a buffer against her ex-husband. The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn is a slow-burning romance set against the captivating backdrop of Paris, which plays a central role in the story.
 
I liked Lydia from the start of The Paris Match. It's not often we get a mature, well-accomplished divorced woman as the protagonist, but I am here for it. I enjoyed her journey to Paris, her awkward encounters with Griffin, which blossomed into something more, and her beautiful time in Paris. Springtime is the perfect time to crack open a book set in Paris (I mean, look at that cover!), so if you are a fan of slow burn romances, this would be a good option for you. Admittedly, I did enjoy Clayborn's Georgie, All Along a little bit more, but overall, this was a solid romance.
 

 

 

 

Darling Daffodils Farm by Brittanee Nicole

Pages: 416 

Genre: Romance

Pub. Date: March 17, 2026

Publisher: Putnam

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "They say you can never tame a wildflower...When aspiring pastry chef, Tally Darling, returns home to her family’s daffodil farm, the last thing she expects to find is a hot—half-naked—farmhand living in her childhood bedroom and running her late daddy’s business.

Jesse Walker might be gorgeous but he’s also infuriatingly grumpy. Walker has no time for Tally and the feeling is mutual.

That is, until Tally hears him moan over one of her signature salted honey cupcakes. And then discovers how good it tastes when they kiss.

As dewy April days turn into warm May evenings, Walker and Tally soon realize that there is a thin line between love and hate. But will their budding connection grow into something that lasts beyond one season?

 

Tally's father has recently passed away, prompting her to return home to her family's farm to help out. Once there, she discovers a mysterious and gruff cowboy living not only in her family's house but also in her room! It turns out he has come to assist on the farm at her mother’s request. Awkwardness ensues! Upon her return, Tally finds herself grappling not only with her grief but also with the new dynamics at the farm. She doesn't fully understand why Jesse, the cowboy, is working there, and she realizes her mother isn't being clear with her about it. The more time Tally spends with Jesse, who is her complete opposite, the more she starts to see that opposites attract. Their grumpy/sunshine romance begins to blossom, but Jesse is hiding secrets from Tally that are nearly ready to come to light. Brittanee Nicole's Darling Daffodils Farm is a sweet romance filled with a touch of spice, small-town charm, and the essence of spring.
 
A daffodil farm is just about the best setting you could think of for a spring romance, am I right? The small town charm just oozes off the pages, which was reminiscent of a Hallmark movie or The Dream Harbor series. But be forewarned! Darling Daffodils Farm isn't your mother's Hallmark movie; there are a ton of spicy scenes! So, if spicy romances are your thing and you are looking for a spring one, this has it all, including the usual tropes, but Nicole does a good job making them feel fresh and fun. 

 

 

Are you a fan of romances? Are any of these books on your TBR list? Let me know 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. 

Captivating Novels to Dive Into After Enjoying Bridgerton

With a new season of Bridgerton finally here, I can’t stop thinking about all the excellent Regency romances waiting on our shelves. If you’re curious about the Bridgerton series itself, you can find my reviews here—but if you’re craving read-alikes to binge next, you’re in the right place.

 

The Gilded Age Heiresses series by Harper St. George

"Even a fortune forged in railroads and steel can't buy entrance into the upper echelons of Victorian high society--for that you need a marriage of convenience."

Miss Lattimore's Letter by Suzanne Allain

 

"The woman who never made a match of her own is making matches for everyone else in this hilarious Regency era comedy of manners."

The Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews

"Victorian high society’s most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London’s most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor."

Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

Brand new paperback edition featuring her sexy, funny, emotionally rich writing and one of the fiercely feminist heroines that made Entertainment Weekly crown her “the utterly intoxicating queen of historical romance.”

Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig

"Willig hits the ground running in a highly entertaining debut novel that romps between centuries and offers a swashbuckling mix of romance, swordplay, espionage, and historical sleuthing."

 

 

 

Last Duke Standing by Julia London

"Fans of Bridgerton will love the this sparkling, witty, and sexy new series from New York Times bestselling author Julia London! With a young future queen in the market for a husband, and the charming--and opinionated--Scottish lord tasked to introduce her to the ton's most eligible bachelors."

 

 

The Rokesby series by Julia Quinn

The first novel of the delightful Bridgerton Prequel series in a stunning new package. There were Bridgertons before the eight alphabetically named siblings, and in this novel, we go back to where it all began."

 

 

  

On My TBR LIST: 

 

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

"A stunning debut for author Evie Dunmore and her Oxford suffragists in which a fiercely independent vicar's daughter takes on a powerful duke in a fiery love story that threatens to upend the British social order."

 

 

Along Came a Lady by Christi Caldwell

"The brooding, illegitimate son of a duke meets his match in the determined woman hired to transform him into a gentleman."

 

 

 

To Have and to Hoax by Martha Waters

"In this fresh and hilarious historical rom-com, an estranged husband and wife in Regency England feign accidents and illness in an attempt to gain attention—and maybe just win each other back in the process."

 

 

 

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

"This book delivers a totally escapist, swoon-worthy romance while offering a glimpse into a period of African American history often overlooked."

 

 

 

A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall

"A lush, sweeping queer historical romance where sparks fly between childhood friends after a life-changing separation."

 

 

 

Mr. Malcom's List by Suzanne Allain

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that an arrogant bachelor insistent on a wife who meets the strictest of requirements—deserves his comeuppance."

 

 

 

Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas

"The first book in her beloved Wallflowers series. The Wallflowers: four young ladies at the side of the ballroom make a pact to help each other find husbands . . . no matter what it takes."

 

 

 

The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare

"When girl meets Duke, their marriage breaks all the rules. It's the first book in the Girl Meets Duke series."

 

 

 

While the Duke Was Sleeping by Sophie Jordan

"Sometimes the man of your dream isn't who you think. It's the first book in the Rogue Files series."" 

 

 

 

Mad and Bad: Real Heroines from the Regency by Bea Koch

"Discover a feminist pop history that looks beyond the Ton and Jane Austen to highlight the Regency women who succeeded on their own terms and were largely lost to history -- until now."

 

Shop All Books Here:

 

What are some of your favorite Bridgerton read-alikes? Have you read any of these books? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.