Book Reviews
Below you’ll find reviews for books I’ve read in 2025, sorted by the most recently reviewed. You can also search by genre or visit the index to look for a title or author by name.
The Second Chance Cinema
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for giving me the opportunity to be an early reader of a digital review copy. This one hit shelves on October 7th.
Drake and Ellie are getting married next year. Drake is in construction, while Ellie is a successful writer who has also had a television series (that was, admittedly, a bit of a flop). She writes about hidden gems in such a detailed and transporting way that her work has saved the life of several businesses, bars, restaurants, and shops. When she and Drake take a detour one night down a cobblestone street, they happen upon an old-timey cinema featuring one film: “The Story of You.” Inside, their own memories starting at childhood begin to play. What is this magical place and can Ellie and Drake handle long held secrets being revealed?
No One Was Supposed to Die at this Wedding
Eleanor Dash is back, this time on Catalina Island for her best friend Emma’s wedding. Emma is starring in the film adaptation of Eleanor’s bestselling book, When In Rome, and she’s marrying the co-star playing the character of Connor. Real life Connor (Eleanor’s ex and nemesis), no longer extorting Eleanor, is also back. As are all our favorite characters from Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies. We have Harper (Eleanor’s sister), Oliver (Eleanor’s boyfriend), Connor’s ex-wife, and several new characters as well.
The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold
I think I liked this even more than the first one. If you haven’t read The Blonde Identity yet (review here), I’d recommend that one first. It had been on my TBR (to be read) list for a while, but the publisher offering me a digital review copy of this one is what final got me to pick it up. I’m so glad I did.
The Blonde Identity
Pure fun, plain and simple.
A woman wakes up in Paris with armed thugs after her. She seems to be on the run? But she doesn’t really know because she can’t seem to recall anything about herself, not even her first name. When she sees a video clip of a “wanted” woman on TV she realizes she must be a spy.
The Favorites
My original star rating was a 4 because I felt so conflicted about this book. After letting it sit, I've landed on 4.5 because this definitely has some staying power.
The Favorites made a splash when it released at the beginning of the year, and I see why. It was propulsive and interesting. It was one of those books I couldn’t look away from, even when I wanted to.
Falling into Place
Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the digital review copy in advance. This one hits shelves on August 19th.
I remember picking up Would You Rather by Allison Ashley back in 2022 and laughing on page one. I also remember how refreshing it was to read a romance that was funny, emotional, and swoon-worthy that managed to keep all the bedroom scenes, well, behind the bedroom door. Falling Into Place is the same.
Every Time I Go On Vacation, Someone Dies
More of this genre please!
Every time I pick up a humorous mystery I remember how much I enjoy them. This had been on my radar to be read for a while, but it wasn’t until I won an audiobook copy of the second book in the series on The StoryGraph that I finally checked it out from the library.
Anywhere With You
Ellie Palmer is quickly becoming one of my favorite rom-com authors. Four Weekends and a Funeral was one of my favorite books last year, and I have a feeling Anywhere With You will be one this year.
The Love Haters
Katherine Center always brings the most joy-filled, zippy rom-coms that make me grin and swoon a little. This was no exception. Katie is asked to film a promo video for the US Coast Guard with her work superior's brother, rescue swimmer "Hutch" Hutcheson.
Get Lost with You
This was a cute rom-com set in a small town with lots of interconnected characters. I didn't read the first story in the "Rock Bottom Love" series, but I enjoyed the story of Jillian and Levi reconnecting after years apart.