Lisa Harding’s The Wildelings is a slow-burn literary thriller wrapped in the ornate shadows of Dark Academia. With its vivid character studies, morally ambivalent relationships, and deep psychological layering, the novel navigates the intersection of friendship, philosophy, and formative trauma. A novel as beautiful as it is unsettling, The Wildelings reveals how easily love, loyalty, […]
Zeal by Morgan Jerkins
Morgan Jerkins’s Zeal is not just a novel—it’s an excavation of heritage, an ode to Black resilience, and a literary reckoning with the aftermath of slavery. Spanning over a century and a half, this sweeping narrative unfolds through multiple voices and time periods, interlacing romance with historical truths in a way that is both emotionally […]
STARRED Book Review: An Ocean Life

An Ocean Life by T.R. Cotwell Genre: Science Fiction / Marine ISBN: 9798990583719 Print Length: 346 pages Amazon Bookshop Reviewed by Peter Hassebroek Balanced storytelling and evocative descriptions elevate a seemingly implausible premise to a convincing, palpably absorbing adventure. The stresses of entrepreneurialism are encroaching on Mark Forster’s home life. To assuage his wife and […]
The Romance Rivalry by Susan Lee
Sometimes a book comes along that feels like it was written specifically for romance readers who understand the joy, comfort, and occasional absurdity of loving a genre that often gets dismissed as “just smut.” Susan Lee’s “The Romance Rivalry” is that book – a charming meta-romance that both celebrates and gently pokes fun at the […]
Laura Morelli’s latest novel, The Keeper of Lost Art, weaves an exquisite tapestry of historical fact and imaginative fiction, creating a narrative as captivating and layered as the Renaissance masterpieces at its heart. Set against the backdrop of World War II Italy, the novel tells the story of Stella Costa, a young girl sent to […]
The Heart-Shaped Tin by Bee Wilson
In a world increasingly dominated by digital experiences and fleeting connections, Bee Wilson’s The Heart-Shaped Tin serves as a poignant reminder of how the physical objects in our kitchens—often overlooked and underappreciated—become vessels for our most profound emotions and memories. This collection of essays delves into the power of kitchen items to embody our relationships, […]
The Unwedding by Ally Condie

The Unwedding by Ally Condie on June 4, 2024 Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Amateur Sleuth, Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense, Fiction / Women Pages: 320 Format: Hardcover Buy on Amazon Goodreads The setup for The Unwedding is irresistible: a high-end resort perched on the cliffs of Big Sur, a woman grieving the […]
Alice Hoffman’s novella “The Bookstore Family” continues her beloved Once Upon a Time Bookshop series with a bittersweet exploration of what it means to find yourself by returning home. In this fourth installment, Hoffman takes readers from the familiar shores of Brinkley’s Island, Maine to the romantic streets of Paris, crafting a story that feels […]
Review: Half Made Up by James Dunlop

Synopsis: How far would you go for a friend? Andrew MacKay, the sort of man who’s more likely to bet his last penny on a losing horse than lift a finger for anything resembling responsibility, is about to find out. An incurable gambler, chain-smoker, and binge drinker, Andy’s only real talent lies in outliving his […]
In her sophomore novel, “Tell Me How You Really Feel,” Betty Cayouette delivers a refreshingly authentic romance that balances heartwarming moments with sharp commentary on gender inequality in the entertainment industry. Following her debut “One Last Shot,” Cayouette proves she’s no one-hit wonder with this engaging story about two podcasters navigating fame, love, and personal […]