BOOK REVIEW: The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe

August 26, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Gilded Heiress by Joanna Shupe
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
From USA Today bestselling author Joanna Shupe comes a spicy Anastasia story full of secrets and betrayal, set among the glittering streets of New York City's Gilded Age.

In 1880 a baby was stolen from the wealthiest family in America. Though no ransom was ever demanded, the Pendelton family never gave up hope . . . and their reward became the stuff of legend.

After being raised in a children’s asylum, Josie Smith ends up on the streets and quickly learns how to take care of herself. Her singing voice draws crowds on every corner, and she’ll stop at nothing to become famous and travel the world, loved and adored by all. Maybe then she won’t think about the family who gave her away as an infant.

Leo Hardy isn’t afraid to use his charm and wits to make a fast buck, especially with a mother and five siblings to support. When he stumbles upon a beautiful young woman singing on the street, Leo notices her striking resemblance to the infamous missing baby’s mother, Mrs. Thomas Pendelton. The Hardys lost everything thanks to the Pendeltons, and once Leo sees Josie, he seizes the opportunity to settle the score. All he needs to do is pull off the biggest swindle of his career.

As the two are catapulted into Knickerbocker High Society, they grow closer to their goal, as well as to each other. But secrets can only stay hidden for so long. Soon the truth unfolds, and both Josie and Leo must separate what’s real from what’s just gilding.

Review:

The Gilded Heiress was an Anastasia retelling that swirled with lies, secrets, lust, and revenge. With a morally grey male and a female whose happily ever after will have you rooting for her, this historical romance was a quick read. The sexual tension and development of trust and friendship made this book so easy to devour! For me, it should have been an instant hit. But it didn’t matter how much I tried, I couldn’t ever connect to Josie and Leo. And for me to truly enjoy and fall for a book, I desperately need that connection. My heart was so sad I wasn’t able to. So while this one didn’t work for me, I have a feeling so many others will fall in love with this story!

He seemed almost magical in that moment, a guardian angel who’d dropped out of the sky to help me achieve my dreams. He leaned closer, still holding on to my hand. “You and me, Josie? I guarantee we’ll make headlines together.”

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Falling into Place by Allison Ashley

August 21, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Falling into Place by Allison Ashley
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Finding a date for a reclusive bachelor is her job. It’s also a risk when she becomes the perfect match in an emotional and hopeful romance by the author of If Tomorrow Never Comes.

Accountant and freelance personal stylist Carly Porter, daughter of a compulsive gambler, knows the personal cost of a bad bet. But when she partners with her best friend, Sasha―publisher of a floundering fashion magazine―Carly can’t resist. The highly publicized makeover of an Oklahoma City bachelor could boost sales and be Carly’s ticket to her dream profession. The bachelor in question is none other than Sasha’s older brother, Brooks.

Hardly the party boy Carly remembers from high school, Brooks is now an antisocial, work-obsessed physician still struggling with a devastating loss. But if it means helping his sister, he’s in. It’s Carly’s job to get him out of those lived-in scrubs, style him to the nines, and bring Brooks back to life. But so far, the only real connection is between Brooks and Carly―and falling for a client could cost Carly the career she’s worked so hard for.

To move forward, they’ll both have to overcome their painful pasts. And whatever the risk, maybe even take a chance on love.

Review:

Falling into Place was a slow burn, best friend’s older brother, grumpy sunshine romance that I devoured! This was such a beautiful and emotional story and by that second chapter I was already smiling and laughing out loud. If you love romance that makes you happy and can also make you cry, then definitely add this one on your tbr!

“What’s your favorite part of your body?”
“I didn’t think my answer would be helpful for this.”
Her skin flushed and her mouth dropped open, and he realized how that sounded.
“My brain! Not my . . . Fuck. You know.” He wanted to slide under the table. Maybe they should have gone for beers instead. “Sorry that I, um. Said that. Fuck, I mean.”
Hell. He was in hell.

Brooks was a doctor who was all work and no play. Carly was a personal stylist who did accounting on the side. When Brooks was approached to help save his family’s magazine, how could he say no? With styling assistance by his little sister’s best friend, and going on dates at local businesses, Brooks found himself in a whole new world. And as Brooks and Carly worked together, life took them in a way neither of them expected.

He didn’t say anything for a moment, watching her, and she had the urge to fidget under his perusal. Bite her lip or step away or move closer . . . something. It was her job to help clients find their confidence, but something about this felt different. Heavier.

Right from the beginning, I loved that they both weren’t what the other expected. So much had changed since they last saw each other. Carly was absolutely adorable and so easy to connect to. And Brooks and his grumpy self made me laugh. But within that first meet up, you could feel the attraction between them. The tension and electricity was so palpable. Yet they both had a job to do. Carly was hoping to get a full-time gig because of this, and Brooks was wanting to save his family’s business.

“It’s been more fun than I thought it would be.”
She hummed in victory. “Fashion is fun.”
“I don’t think it’s the clothes I enjoy,” he said quietly.
Her heart hiccupped, and she just stared at him.

I absolutely loved Carly and Brooks’ interaction! Since they knew each other from the past, their ease with one another felt so real. And as texts, banter, and the most adorable moments were added to the equation, this book was happy inducing! Watching Carly get Brooks to smile made my heart soar! Carly was someone I would love to be besties with! And Brooks was a man who easily captured my heart. The reason he started his garden? Oh, I just wanted to hug him. I just wanted to squish the two of them together so they could see what I saw. These two together were everything!

“It’s just a touch uneven . . . There.” She let her hands rest on his hard chest after she straightened it. The fresh, spicy scent of his soap surrounding her was just delicious, and his body so warm. She leaned in, just a little.
His breath hitched, and he didn’t move for a few seconds. She should move back, now. Walk away. Abort mission.
Heart in her throat, she couldn’t seem to make herself go.

With practice dating, longing that will have you turning that page to see what happens next, stolen jeans that had me laughing throughout this story, steamy kisses that perfectly led to fade to black moments, and a love story that warmed my heart, I loved this book! Falling into Place is easily one of my favorite contemporary books this year! The story was beyond adorable, but it was emotional too. I cried and then also found myself sobbing my eyes out. But don’t worry, the ending was absolutely beautiful, and I even cried happy tears! I loved Carly and Brooks with all my heart! And this is definitely my favorite book by Allison Ashley! I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

PS Pepper and Oreo were the cutest!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Ground That Devours Us by Kalla Harris

July 28, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Ground That Devours Us by Kalla Harris
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The world ended ten years ago.

Vampires showed up, took over, and turned the whole planet into their personal all-you-can-drink buffet. The president? Bloodsucker. The government? Bloodsuckers. My social life? Absolutely nonexistent.

But hey, at least I had one thing going for me―slayer training. My twin sister, Ripley, and I were about to go pro, officially joining the ranks of the last people on earth who actually do something about the whole “undead overlords” situation.

And then X had to show up. The vampire boogeyman. The worst of the worst. And instead of killing Ripley, like any decent monster would, he turned her. Now she’s technically a vamp, but something tells me my sister is still in there. Which means I can’t slay her.

Review:

The Ground That Devours Us was the type of book that will completely consume you and was impossible to put down. With a gritty and rugged world, characters that will own you, and a storyline that was dark and hypnotic, this easily sailed onto my favorites list!

Ripley looks up at me, heartbroken. She wants me to accept her, but I don’t know if I can love these new parts of her. Maybe that makes me a monster, too.

Here’s more reasons why I loved this story…

“If you haven’t figured it out yet, I do wild things when it comes to you.”
His words sear me to the core. This is dangerous, this confession.

*X, oh I wanted to hate him. He was ruthless and lethal. And while he took from Ruby, he also protected her. He was all the shades of grey.

*Ruby was fierce, clever, and I was rooting for her every step of the way!

*The banter, hostility, and hate vibes were everything! It’s a slow burn that played out beautifully.

*While this is a book about vampires and humans, it felt unique and new. With a dystopian backdrop, and fantasy elements woven in, I was captivated by the world that they lived in and everything we learned about the vampires.

*At times I was terrified for who I could truly trust and my stomach twisted with unease.

*The stakes grew higher as the story unfolded and I loved the twists and turns!

“What are you most afraid of?”
His answer is quick, breathless. “You. A thousand times, you.”

I cried, laughed, and fell in love. Kalla Harris made a fan for life and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison

July 24, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
With a leading role on a hit TV show and a relationship with Hollywood’s latest heartthrob, Meg Bryan appears to have everything she ever wanted. But underneath, her happiness is as fake as her stage name, Lana Lord. Following a tiny nervous breakdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she books an impromptu trip to Ireland. Specifically, to the village where she and her best friend Aimee always dreamt of moving.

When Meg arrives, the people in town don’t just recognize her, they seem to know her. She quickly―reluctantly―realizes she has somehow slipped into an alternate reality. One where she did move to Ireland as a teenager, one where she never got famous, and―most shocking of all―one where Aimee is alive and well.

She just wants nothing to do with Meg.

Despite her bewilderment, Meg is clear-eyed about one thing: this is a once-in-two-lifetimes chance to reconnect with her friend and repair what she broke . . . or else risk losing Aimee all over again.

Review:

The Other Side of Now was a powerful story about healing and finding yourself. With friendship and love sprinkled in the pages, this magical realism book had me in its clutches. I loved feeling just as lost as Meg and walking in her shoes. It was jaw dropping watching how one different choice could affect so many of those around you. I adored that the story was easy to devour and I loved how much it made me laugh. I also sobbed my eyes out too. And while I understood that ending, I closed the book feeling a little unsatisfied. I needed a look into the future please or I wish I would have known in advance from other reviews what to expect. I still enjoyed the story though, so I am looking forward to whatever Paige Harbison writes next!

PS Cillian was my favorite!

“I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“I miss you all the time.” I can barely get through the words.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Left of Forever (Spunes #2) by Tarah DeWitt

July 24, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

Left of Forever (Spunes #2)
by Tarah DeWitt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This time, they'll get it right.

Wren and Ellis Byrd fell in love as kids, had their son Sam when they were only teenagers, and built a life together in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon. They were made for one another . . . until they fell apart. Now divorced and in their 30s, Wren runs the bakery in town, while Ellis works as a firefighter. They live separate lives, though they are hardly off each other’s minds.

When Ellis and Wren move Sam into college, Ellis convinces Wren to take an extended road trip back to Spunes to see if they can give their relationship one last chance. Amid the gorgeous California coastline and the intimacy they have missed for years, Wren starts to think it just might be possible. But can the past truly be left behind? When words fail and old wounds resurface, it’s a soul-baring letter that could finally reveal the truth―or close the door on them forever.

Review:

Left of Forever was a second chance romance that was heartwarming, laugh out loud hilarious, and had the most fabulous ending! With a road trip and forced proximity, this book was filled with deeply emotional moments plus all the fun. Left of Forever is officially my favorite Tarah DeWitt book!

I’m still in love with my wife.

This story gave us moments from their past, and it made for such a deeper connection with Wren and Ellis. They fell in love when they were kids, had a child when they were teenagers, and fell apart in their 20s. Their past could be so heart wrenching. Now that they were both in their 30s, and their son was going off to college, a road trip was in their future. It felt like their last chance. Was anything still there, or were they truly done forever?

“But what if I could?” I croak. “Fix it, I mean. Wouldn’t it be worth trying?” My chest is an empty, barren cavern without her. My heart took shape around hers, too, and it will never go back.

I already adored Wren in Savor It. She ran the local bakery in town and was bestie’s with Ellis’ sister. Ellis was the oldest of his siblings, a firefighter, and he seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. The story was told from both of their POVs, and they were so easy to connect with and love. Yet they both didn’t seem fully happy with their lives. Wren couldn’t stop thinking about their past, and Ellis desperately missed his wife. Watching them both struggle broke my heart. But as little moments between them caused butterflies to erupt, I held out all the hope!

The sight of him brings the usual pang, but when he looks my way and his mouth hooks into a half-formed smile, I find myself smiling back, reflexively. He stares at me and I at him, and whatever shredded and frayed thread is still between us pulls unbearably tight.

Being on the road trip together forced Wren and Ellis to face their past. There was a lot of hurt and pain that needed to be worked through, so I loved how the communication was handled. They each shared their struggles from the past, yes it was gutting, but it was also beautiful watching them work through their issues. I loved how everything was laid out on the table. And even though the emotions were intense, there was hope woven through it all too.

“Fuck, I missed you.” The pure emotion in his voice sears through me.

But we were also surrounded by flirtatious moments, family intervention that will keep you smiling, a cooking scene that will have you rolling with laughter on the ground, and even occasions of holding hands made my heart soar. The sexual tension was intense, and when they crossed the line to more, it was steamy and so wonderful! Rounding out this story was the most beautiful ending and it made me cry all of the happy tears! I definitely recommend it to all of the romance lovers out there!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*