Category: Series

Audio Book Review: Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

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This is the second book in the Story Lake series, and we’re back in the absolute chaos that is Story Lake, along with its ongoing rivalry with the nearby town of Dominion. If you loved the setting in the first book, it only gets better here. The town feels even more alive, more involved, and honestly more unhinged in the best possible way.

If you haven’t read the first book, you’ll get through this one, but you really should check out Story of My Life before proceeding. You’ll thank me, I promise. You can also check out my review.

This book centers around Zoey, Hazel’s best friend and agent. Both Zoey and Hazel are riding high on the success of Hazel’s last book, and Story Lake is fully leaning into the spotlight. As always with Lucy Score, the town itself feels like a character. Everyone knows everyone, everyone has an opinion, and no one minds their own business. Having grown up in a small town, I can confirm… this is painfully accurate.

We also get another Bishop brother thrown into the mix with Gage, the lovable and affable brother who somehow manages to be both a contractor and an attorney. He has that classic “good guy” energy, but there’s more depth to him than you initially expect, especially as the story unfolds.

Lucy Score once again delivers everything I love about her books: small town charm, quirky and lovable older residents, slightly unhinged townspeople, and some truly questionable pets. The raccoon situation alone is enough to make you question everything, and I completely understand why Zoey wants absolutely no part of that chaos. The animals always have just as much personality as the humans, and they somehow end up adding to the madness in the best way.

This story goes deeper emotionally than I expected. Gage’s character is really put to the test when his sister asks him to do the unthinkable. She has formed a relationship with the woman responsible for the accident that caused her spinal injury and killed her husband, and now she wants Gage to defend her in court. It’s messy, complicated, and honestly such an interesting moral conflict. Gage doesn’t know if he can separate his emotions from the situation, but his loyalty to his sister pushes him forward. Watching him wrestle with that decision added a lot of depth to his character, and Zoey plays a huge role in grounding him and giving him the strength to face it.

Now let’s talk about Zoey, because she really shines in this book. As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, I absolutely loved seeing that representation here. It felt real in a way that you don’t always see in fiction. Her diagnosis comes from an elderly retired psychiatrist who basically yells at her, which was both hilarious and oddly perfect. I really connected with how her brain processed everything, especially once she started medication. That feeling of realizing there isn’t anything “wrong” with you, your brain just works differently, was handled in such a validating and honest way.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, but it works. The tension builds gradually, and when things finally start to shift, it feels earned. Lucy Score always does a great job balancing humor with emotional depth, and this one is no exception. You get the banter, the chemistry, and the steam, but also real character growth underneath it all.

I listened to this on audio again, and it absolutely elevated the experience. Sebastian York could read my grocery list and I would still be hooked. His voice is just unfair. Lila Winters is equally incredible, and together they brought Zoey and Gage to life in such a natural, engaging way.

This is another red hot read here. It takes a little time to get there, but the payoff is worth it. Between the humor, the heart, the town dynamics, and the character growth, this was such a satisfying continuation of the series.

Another plus, this book is available on KU!! On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Audio Book Review: Story of My Life by Lucy Score

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

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The two things that made me pick up this book.
1.) Lucy Score wrote it so, automatically add to cart.
2.) It’s described as Gilmore Girls meets Schitts Creek. I LOVED Gilmore Girls when I was younger (I have a different take as an adult, but that’s another story…) so I knew this would be good. And everyone says Schitts Creek is hysterical so…If you loved the Knockemout or Blue Moon series, this is very much on brand for her. Small town romance, chaotic townies, sharp humor, and just the right amount of steam.


Hazel is basically running straight into a midlife crisis and somehow ends up in Story Lake after getting tricked into buying a house that has been… “upgraded” by AI (and by upgraded, I mean absolutely not what she thought she was getting). She’s hoping the move will spark inspiration for her next book, but unfortunately her absolute shit weasel of an ex-husband seems to have stolen all of her creative juju.


Story Lake itself completely steals the show. This is one of those small towns that feels like a character in its own right. It’s full of opinions, drama, gossip, and people who absolutely have nothing better to do than involve themselves in everyone else’s business. The locals are colorful, over-the-top, and hysterical in the best way. As someone who grew up in a small town, I can confidently say… yes, all of this nonsense absolutely happens.


And then there’s the animals. Lucy Score always delivers here, and Goose the eagle might be my favorite “pet” yet. The animals have just as much personality as the humans, and somehow they always end up being part of the chaos.


I listened to this on audio, and I was so excited to see Sebastian York and Lila Winters back for this series. They are two of my absolute favorite narrators, and they completely brought the story to life. Their delivery made the banter sharper, the tension stronger, and the emotional moments hit even harder.
The banter is fun, witty, and full of tension, and while I’d call this kind of enemies-to-lovers-ish, it’s really more of that delicious, slow-burn tension Lucy does so well. Don’t be fooled by the pretty cover, this is another red hot read.


Her best friend Zoey was another standout for me. She’s loveable, fierce, and exactly the kind of friend you want in your corner! She’s equal parts supportive and chaotic. You can already tell she’s being set up for her own story, and I will absolutely be here for it.
This was such a fun read. I was literally laughing out loud at points (which is always awkward when other people are around). If you’re looking for a small town romance with humor, heart, and heat, this is a must-read.

Another plus, this book is available on KU!! On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Book Review: Inside Man by John McMahon

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Inside Man was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, and it absolutely delivered! I love a good police procedural, but sometimes it’s hard to find one that genuinely feels fresh. John McMahon accomplishes that by pairing a complex, layered mystery with a uniquely constructed investigative team.

FBI agent Gardner Camden leads the Bureau’s secretive Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit, a group of brilliant but unconventional agents brought together after career-defining moments (and not always in the way you think…) in other departments. Camden, an analytical genius who sees the world in patterns, thrives in high-level problem solving but struggles with the politics that often accompany leadership.

In this installment, the PAR team is tasked with two seemingly unrelated investigations. One involves a militia group stockpiling weapons and a murdered confidential informant. The other centers on a series of murdered women buried in north Florida. When evidence links both cases to the same unidentified man caught on camera, the scope of the investigation expands into something far more dangerous.

McMahon’s pacing is one of the novel’s greatest strengths. The story moves quickly, yet the layered plotting never becomes confusing. Each twist feels intentional, and the connections unfold in a way that rewards careful reading without overwhelming the audience.

Watching Camden’s analytical mind work through the evidence remains one of the most compelling elements of the series. His growth in this book adds additional depth. With the departure of the team’s former leader, he is forced to step fully into a leadership role while navigating internal FBI pressures. Leadership and diplomacy are not natural strengths for him, and that tension adds a realistic complexity to his character. The emotional weight of his mother’s coma further humanizes him and raises the personal stakes.

The PAR team continues to evolve as well. Their dynamic feels sharper and more cohesive, and the subtle development of Camden’s relationship with Cassie adds a welcome emotional thread without distracting from the central mystery.

Fast-paced, intelligent, and tightly constructed, Inside Man is a strong continuation of the series. Readers who enjoy puzzle-driven crime fiction and character-focused procedurals will find much to appreciate here. I’m already looking forward to the next installment.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and John McMahon for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. As always, I encourage you to read and form your own opinion.

Inside Man is out now! You can grab your copy here. You can also grab your copy of the first book in the PAR series, Head Cases, which you should absolutely read before Inside Man. You’ll thank me later.

Book Review: The Honeymoon Phase by Amy Daws

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

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Listen. If you love a “he’s always loved her” romance, this one is going to hit you right in the feelings.

Luke has been in love with his best friend Addison “Roe” for years. He’s just never said anything because he’s convinced she doesn’t feel the same way. So when Roe finds herself in a situation where she has to get married in order to inherit her family’s lumber business, Luke does what any secretly-in-love best friend would do… he offers himself up as the solution.

What starts as a marriage of convenience turns into something so much messier and sweeter than either of them expected.

This book is full of longing. The quiet kind. The “I’ve loved you forever but I don’t want to lose you” kind. Watching Luke try to protect his heart while also stepping up for Roe was everything. And Roe’s journey? She’s carrying her own emotional baggage and grief, and seeing her slowly realize that the love she’s been looking for has been standing right in front of her was just chef’s kiss.

Their shared history made every small moment feel bigger. Every touch meant something. Every misunderstanding hurt a little more because you know how much they care about each other.

The pacing at the very beginning felt a little choppy during the lumberjack competition setup, but once the story settled in, it absolutely found its rhythm. From there on out, I was hooked.

The small mountain town setting, the found family vibes, the healing from grief, the way their fake marriage slowly turns into something very real… it was all so satisfying.

If you love slow-burn tension, emotional payoff, and a hero who has been quietly in love for years, this book delivers in the best way. It’s tender, angsty, heartfelt, and deeply romantic without feeling over-the-top.

And if you loved Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score or The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, you will absolutely fall for Honeymoon Phase. It has that same small-town warmth, emotional depth, and swoony-but-grounded romance.

Oh and don’t let the cute cover fool you, this one is a slow burn scorcher!

On sale now, you can get your copy here!

You can also check out the other books in the Mountain Men Matchmaker Series:

Book One: Nine Month Contract

Book Two: Seven Year Itch

Book Four: Coming May 2026 Bad Boy Era!

Huge thanks to Amy Daws, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Book Review: Nine Month Contract by Amy Daws

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶/5

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Nine Month Contract is the first installment in Amy Daws’ newest series, Mountain Men Matchmaker, a spin-off of Max and Cozy’s story from the Wait With Me series. The new series centers around the four Fletcher brothers, with Max, the eldest living in Boulder while his three younger siblings have built homes on what’s now known as Fletcher Mountain.

Following a heated falling-out over a woman, the mountain-bound brothers make a dramatic pact to remain single for life. However, Wyatt, one of the brothers, decides it’s time to become a father, just without the complications of marriage. The only problem? His surrogacy agency drops him because he manages to find fault with every potential surrogate.

Enter Everly, Max’s daughter and a well-meaning schemer who previously orchestrated her father’s romance with Cozy. Now, she’s determined to find her uncle not just a surrogate (though she refuses to call her that, preferring incubator) but also a potential partner.

On her way to confront the surrogacy agency, Everly crosses paths with Trista, a woman recently rejected as a surrogate due to her BMI. Everly instantly feels a connection and thinks Trista is the perfect match for Wyatt—both as a surrogate and maybe something more.

Trista, who dreams of starting an animal sanctuary, is driven to surrogacy to fund her goal. Estranged from her toxic family, she’s more comfortable around animals than people. Soon, she and her goat Millie move to the mountain, and what follows is a heartwarming and hilarious story. From unconventional (and awkward) baby-making efforts to unexpected animals taking up residence in Wyatt’s once-empty barn, the novel delivers laughs, tender moments, and slow-burning romance.

This is, of course, a romance novel, so no spoilers here but expect twists, emotional depth, and a well-earned happily ever after for Wyatt and Trista.

One notable addition is the author’s thoughtful note on surrogacy and the research behind it, which I appreciated. For those sensitive to themes of fertility and family planning, a trigger warning may be appropriate.

This book is ideal for readers who enjoy:

🩷Grumpy x Sunshine

🩷Small town romance

🩷Age gap

🩷Curvy FMC

🩷Found family

I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the rest of the series. I do wish I’d read the Wait With Me series beforehand, as Max and Cozy are the leads in Book 5 of that series. But don’t worry, I’ll be diving into that one next. And you don’t need to read it first to love this book (and series!)

Stay tuned for my reviews of Books 2 and 3 in the coming days—I binged the entire series and now just need to catch up on writing the reviews! The fourth book in the series is set for release in May 2026, and you can bet I’ll be first in line to grab it.


You can grab your copy of Nine Month contract here.

RED HOT READ ALERT: this book is sexy sexy! It’s also available on KU, which I always love Thank you to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

Book Review: Malibu Burning by Lee Goldberg

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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If you love morally complex characters, smart heist plots, and high-stakes action, Malibu Burning is your next must-read. The first installment in Lee Goldberg’s new Sharpe & Walker series blends crime fiction, firefighting drama, and an undercurrent of redemption into a tightly woven, page-turning thriller.

Told through dual timelines and perspectives, Malibu Burning introduces two compelling leads: Danny Cole, a former convict and skilled con artist with a surprising moral code, and Andrew Walker, a former U.S. Marshal turned arson investigator. At first, their stories seem disconnected — one plotting a heist in the chaos of a wildfire, the other chasing suspicious fires across California. But as the flames spread, their paths collide in a way that’s both explosive and unexpectedly emotional.

This was my first solo Lee Goldberg novel (though I’ve read and enjoyed his collaborations with Janet Evanovich), and fans of the Fox and O’Hare series will definitely feel at home here. There’s the same slick pacing, clever plotting, and banter-driven dialogue, but Malibu Burning adds a darker, more grounded edge that really works in its favor.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the book is its focus on California’s inmate firefighter program — a system that feels ripe for both praise and critique, and Goldberg handles it with a mix of realism and empathy. It gives the story an extra layer of tension and makes Danny’s motivations feel all the more believable. He’s a morally gray antihero you can’t help but root for, especially as his plans veer from revenge into something far more complicated.

The stakes are high — wildfires rage, a cartel closes in, and the line between right and wrong blurs as the story builds to a cinematic climax. But what elevates this book beyond a typical thriller is its heart. Amid the crime and chaos, there are genuine moments of sacrifice, redemption, and even a spark of hope.

Whether you’re here for the action, the character dynamics, or the Robin Hood-style justice, Malibu Burning delivers. It’s smart, fast, and fiery in all the best ways — and it sets up the Sharpe & Walker series with serious momentum.

The Malibu Burning is out now! You can grab your copy here. The whole series is available on KU for both ebook AND audio!

Click the links below for the rest of the Sharpe & Walker Series

Ashes Never Lie

Hidden in Smoke

Book Review: Head Cases by John McMahon

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Head Cases took me completely by surprise—and I loved every page of it.

This is an intelligent, character-driven police procedural that stands out in the crowded world of FBI thrillers. At its core is Agent Gardner Camden, a brilliant puzzle-solver with sharp instincts, emotional blind spots, and a quietly devastating personal history. He’s not your typical G-Man—and that’s exactly what makes him such a compelling lead.

Gardner heads up the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) Unit, a fringe FBI task force in Jacksonville made up of brilliant misfits who were all sent there for making mistakes or stepping out of line. The team is unconventional, awkward, and endlessly compelling. They don’t play by Bureau rules, but they solve the cases no one else can.

When DNA from a new murder victim links back to a long-dead serial killer, the team is thrust into an active case—rare for them. As more bodies drop, it becomes clear that the killer is leaving behind riddles specifically designed for Gardner. And this time, the case isn’t just professional—it’s personal. The killer knows things they shouldn’t, and the PAR team must stay one step ahead before the trail turns toward them and their families.

What sets Head Cases apart is its deeply flawed, emotionally rich cast. Each member of the PAR Unit is working through some form of damage—professional, personal, or both—and yet their quirks and failings are also what make them exceptional at their jobs.

Gardner is socially awkward, possibly neurodivergent, and entirely devoted to solving puzzles and doing what’s right—even when it’s cost him everything: his marriage, custody of his daughter Camila, and his career trajectory. Still, he wouldn’t change a thing. Cassie, his new partner, transferred to Jacksonville under murky circumstances and shares Gardner’s analytical mind and eye for detail. Their dynamic is layered and full of potential. And hopefully some smoochin’ in the later books. Shooter (yes, that’s what they call her) is the wildcard—an eccentric, badass weapons expert who might just steal the show. Frank, the team’s leader, brings quiet authority and calm—but he also seems to be keeping secrets. Richie, the new recruit, is sharp and capable… but the fact that his personnel file is sealed adds an intriguing mystery to the mix.

The plot moves at a gripping pace, with just enough twists to keep you guessing. The riddles and killer’s pattern are cleverly constructed without feeling gimmicky, and the final reveal genuinely surprised me. It’s amazing to be able to watch Gardner’s brain unravel the clues.

But what I loved most was how authentically human this story feels. Gardner’s neurodivergence isn’t romanticized or exaggerated, it’s simply part of him, and it shapes the way he processes the world, leads the team, and tries (imperfectly) to connect with his daughter. The emotional undercurrent between him and Camila is quiet, but it’s the heart of the book.

This is the kind of series opener that makes you want to binge-read sequels that haven’t even been written yet. If you’re a fan of Criminal Minds, Profiler, or simply love watching a team of outsiders crack impossible cases, this book is for you.

Sign me up for every future PAR Unit release. I’m hooked.

Thank you so much to the author, John McMahon, Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC copy of this book. 

The Head Cases is out now! You can grab your copy here.

Book Review: By Time You Read This by Brianna Labuskes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I usually try to keep my book reviews spoiler-free, but that’s going to be difficult with this one—especially if you haven’t read the first two books in the Raisa Susanto series. So if you’re new to the series, pause here, go read The Lies You Wrote and The Truth You Told, and then come back. I’ll wait.

You’ve been warned: this review contains info from earlier books, and this is not a series where each book stands alone.

This is book three in the series, which follows Raisa Susanto, an FBI forensic linguist who also happens to be the sister of one of the most infamous serial killers. FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto thinks she’s through with the past now that her psychopathic serial killer sister, Isabel, is locked away forever. Then Raisa receives a letter from Isabel. It isn’t much, but it pushes Raisa back into what she thought she had already finished. Now, Isabel is dead, and their other sister, Delaney, is has vanished. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes disturbingly clear that Isabel had a protégé, even while behind bars.

Raisa is manipulated into solving Isabel’s murder, and the deeper she digs, the more evident it becomes that Isabel’s influence hasn’t died with her. She also worries that Delaney is somehow involved. From beyond the grave, Isabel still manages to pull strings—controlling and warping the lives of both of her sisters.

Told through multiple points of view—including Raisa and Delaney’s perspectives, as well as blog transcripts and diary entries—this book is packed with twists and tension that absolutely deliver, just like the previous two installments.

By the end, it feels like Raisa has completed a compelling character arc: she’s come to terms with who she is, who Delaney has become, and who Isabel truly was. Still, I really hope the series continues. The unique blend of police procedural and thriller, told through the lens of forensic linguistics, keeps the narrative fresh, intellectually engaging, and emotionally layered.

📌 Final Thoughts:

If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers with complex sibling dynamics, forensic detail, and emotional depth, this series is a must-read. Just be sure to start at the beginning to truly appreciate the journey. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here! Bonus, the whole series in available in KU for both ebook AND audio!

Many thanks to Brianna Labuskes, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book.

Book Review: Don’t Say a Word by Allison Brennan

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Margo and the rest of the Angelhart family return in the second installment of what’s quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this release ever since finishing You’ll Never Find Me, the first book in the series.

Now working full-time with the family’s private investigation business, Margo—alongside Jack and Tess—takes on the suspicious case of Elijah Martinez, a promising young man found dead from an apparent drug overdose. But no one who knew Elijah believes he ever used drugs. The deeper Margo digs, the more dangerous the case becomes. As key people she speaks with begin turning up dead, the stakes escalate rapidly.

Long-buried secrets resurface, and someone is clearly determined to keep them hidden. But Margo, relentless and sharp, refuses to let go. Like a dog with a bone, she keeps pulling at threads until the truth starts to unravel.

This novel is a solid police procedural and thriller, delivering all the trademark suspense and intricacy we’ve come to expect from Allison Brennan. The added family tension and emotional depth elevate the story even further. We also get more insight into Margo’s father—currently in prison for a murder no one believes he committed, yet he remains tight-lipped about the case. This overarching mystery seems poised to thread through the entire series.

On top of that, federal agents from various government agencies make appearances, adding layers of complexity to the plot. I truly hope this series continues for many more books. The characters are well-developed, and the pacing feels natural and unhurried. I’m fully invested and already looking forward to what’s next.

I also just discovered there are two novellas—Into the Fire and Out of the Shadows—so those are now at the top of my TBR list.

This book comes out on 09/16/2025, but you can preorder your copy here.

Many thanks to Allison Brennan, Harlequin Trade Publishing/MIRA, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book. As always, I recommend reading the book yourself and forming your own opinion.

Murder by Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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As an older millennial, The Golden Girls was just one of those shows that was always on. You know what I mean—flipping channels after school or on a lazy Sunday, and there they were: Blanche, Rose, Dorothy, and Sophia, living their pastel-hued, sass-soaked lives in that iconic Miami house. I can’t even count how many times I’ve fallen asleep to their comforting banter—only to wake up to one of those cheesy “Greatest Hits of the ‘70s” CD collection infomercials playing on loop. That was peak background TV, and honestly? It lives rent-free in my heart.

So when I saw Murder by Cheesecake on NetGalley, promising a Golden Girls–themed cozy mystery, I downloaded it faster than Sophia can deliver a one-liner.

Let me tell you—it delivers.

Author Rachel Ekstrom Courage doesn’t just slap some wigs on a generic mystery plot and call it homage. She gets these women. The voices are spot-on—Dorothy’s dry sarcasm, Blanche’s theatrical flirtiness, Rose’s sweet but slightly unhinged St. Olaf stories, and Sophia’s savage little roasts. You can tell this was written by someone who genuinely loves the show and wanted to bring these characters to life in a fun new way.

The plot? Dorothy is accused of murder, there’s a suspicious cheesecake involved (of course), and suddenly our favorite four are knee-deep in a Miami mystery. It’s a whodunit with bingo halls, bad dates, high-stakes wedding drama, and of course, plenty of snacks. The story moves fast, the dialogue is sharp, and the clues are sprinkled in just enough to keep you guessing without feeling too twisty for the cozy genre.

If you love cozy mysteries, crave some comfort reading, or just miss watching reruns with a bowl of cereal at 11 p.m., this book is for you. It’s like a warm hug from your favorite TV aunties—with a steak knife hidden under the pie plate.

I’ll be first in line for book two. Here’s hoping Blanche gets a steamy love triangle, Rose accidentally solves a crime with a duck, and Sophia ends up running the investigation because let’s be real—she’s already the queen.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Thank you to the author Rachel Ekstrom Courage, the publisher Hyperion Avenue, and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.