The Santa Claus Con By Lauren Kung Jessen | Christmas chaos and a whole lot of chemistry

 

Title: The Santa Claus Con 

Author: Lauren Kung Jessen
Genre: Rom-com
Rating: 5⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I went into this expecting a cute, cozy Christmas romance with a little holiday magic and Hallmark vibes. But I got a lot more action than I could have ever imagined. I was here for every second of it.

The Vibe:

Romantic comedy, witty banter, second chance romance  


My Review:


When I signed up to read this, I was expecting a cute Christmas Hallmark/Lifetime movie... What I read was like straight out of an action packed movie with just a splash of romance!!

Scarlett Payne is on desk duty, gets a sketchy tip, and because apparently making reasonable decisions is not her thing, she finds herself caught up in something WAY bigger than she expected.

Nathan hates Christmas. He hates Scarlett, that’s what he tells himself, and he’s still bitter about the last time she went rogue on an operation.

So obviously, these two working together is going to go perfectly. 🤭

I feel it goes without saying their chemistry lights up this story. From their banter, their history, their stubbornness, and the whole I can’t stand you demeanor they both try to hide.

This might be a slight spoiler... but I had to look up what the lampshade costume from A Christmas Story would even look like... because I absolutely LOVE A Christmas Story!!! 😂 And I might have found my costume for Halloween.

By the time I got to the end...

👌🏽 Chef’s kiss.

If you don’t laugh at least once while reading this, you seriously need to check your pulse.

This was such a fun surprise.

5⭐️

I received this arc from NetGalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) aka Forever, in exchange for my honest review




Synopsis:

A swoonworthy and suspenseful holiday rom-com that will make fans of Ally Carter and Carlie Walker laugh out loud and fall completely in love this Christmas season.

It’s the hap-happiest con of the year …

Scarlett Payne and Nathan Lambros agree on exactly one thing: they both despise Christmas. But when Scarlett receives a cryptic letter—from someone claiming to be Santa and threatening to sabotage New York’s Santa Claus Con—they’re the only two FBI agents who can stop the holiday spectacle from turning into a national disaster. Unfortunately, the last time Scarlett saw her former rival, he was breaking her heart. So she’s not exactly eager to ask the grumpiest agent she knows for help, but he’s sadly great at going undercover.

After years of deep cover, Nathan was ready to hand over his badge ... until Scarlett pulls him into one last operation. He’s not sure which is worse—pretending to be Santa or working with the woman he loves but had to push away.

Beneath fake beards and forced cheer, old feelings refuse to stay buried. With one day, one Con, and one mysterious enemy closing in, these two self-proclaimed Grinches are about to find out what’s more difficult: saving Christmas … or risking their hearts all over again

Beautiful Disaster By Courtney W. Dixon | The story I've been waiting for

 

Title: Beautiful Disaster
Author: Courtney W. Dixon
Genre: MM Romance
Rating: 5⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I’ve been waiting for Jinx’s story. But I was absolutely not prepared for how emotional this story would be.

The Vibe:
MM, Age gap, Dom/sub, brat

My Review:
Ms. Dixon, in all my years of reading, how is it I’ve only now just found your books?!
This is the third book I’ve read by this author, and I promise it won’t be the last!! Okay, enough about me…

Like many of us who’ve read Spitting Off the Edge of the World, I fell in love with Jinx and was so very excited to hear he was getting his own story.

Jinx has survived things no one should ever have to, and now he’s trying to figure out who he is outside of that trauma. Watching him struggle through his panic attacks, put on that flirtatious persona as a shield, and slowly learn what it actually feels like to be cared for absolutely wrecked me.

Mason is the complete opposite. He’s all about control, rules, structure, and discipline.

These two needed each other in ways I wasn’t prepared for.

Mason never tried to fix Jinx. He gave him choices. He gave him boundaries. He gave him patience. Most importantly, he showed Jinx that love could look completely different from what he had known before.

Meanwhile, Mason was struggling with his own wounds. Watching these two slowly become a safe place for each other was breathtakingly beautiful. There were so many moments where Jinx would break down, and Mason would simply be there to help him pick up the pieces… when it was called for without question Jinx did the same.

Some of Jinx’s experiences also touched on things that resonated with my own past, which made certain moments particularly emotional for me. I had to put everything down because the feelings were just too much at times.

But that ending… 🥹 …that’s all I’m saying.

Ms. Dixon, I really hope I get to tell you this one day in person. On behalf of all the Jinx’s in this world… thank you. Thank you for seeing us.

These stories you write are works of fiction, but sometimes we’re judged so harshly that we start to believe we’re unworthy of love. Your stories always prove otherwise.

And if you can’t tell by this review… yes… I cried. A LOT. 😭

5⭐️




Synopsis:


I swore off men, only to find someone who has set me free.

Mason Vitali

I’ve finally found my perfect sub, but he’s so much more than that.

What started as an accident turned into fate. Or was it fate that caused the accident? Those eyes of his, so full of fear and want. It’s been eight years since I had a sub, and the last one ended in disaster. I swore to myself: never again. Then here comes this young man, desperate to be seen, to be put in his place. He doesn’t realize it yet… but I do. Jinx is full of vinegar and defiance, but get him in the right mood, and he opens up like a beautiful flower in spring. He bends so easily for me, and in the end, I bend for him. He’s so much deeper and special than I ever imagined. I would give everything up for him.

Jinx

I promised myself no more men. Ever.

Mason Vitali scares me. I’m also intrigued. After being trafficked as an infant and sold into prostitution, I finally had my freedom, but I refused to be with another man. Now, following two years of trying to date women and failing miserably, I want to try something new. Mason is willing to give that to me. Little did I know that having him as my Dom had also given me my life back. My control. My autonomy. I was a prisoner in my body and mind. Mason set me free. But like all things in life, we’ve come to a crossroads. Now, I have to decide whether to let him go so he can thrive or stay and let him fail.

Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles | A Grumpy Neighbor, a Missing Best Friend & Chemistry You Can’t Ignore

 

Title: Across the Vanishing Sky
Author: Catherine Cowles
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads| Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Everyone kept raving about this series, and of course I had to see what the big deal was. 😂 Let me just say… I get it now. I was NOT prepared for how invested I would become with this one. While it did take a minute, but once it hooked me, I was locked in for the long haul.

The Vibe:
Unhinged MMC, grumpy neighbor, emotional, Found family, slow burn


My Review:

I have a serious case of fomo.. and everyone I know who has read it has been raving about this series, so I just had to know for myself what the hype was about.

I almost DNF’d this one in the beginning. The slow burn was excruciatingly slow for me, and y’all already know patience is not exactly one of my strengths when reading..

But once this story starts to heat up chileeeee...It picked UP.

Brae refuses to give up on finding her best friend Nova, and I think that’s what really got me. No matter how many dead ends she hit or how many people tried to convince her to stop looking, she kept pushing forward. After a while, I was just as invested in finding answers as she was.

Dex was the Grumpy, neighbor she just kept running into, who everyone told her could help her. He didn't want to help, of course, but eventually couldn't resist her, or this case.
Underneath all that grumpy man was a loving, protective man, who's just a little unhinged when it comes to Brae, and was willing to ☠️ anyone who harmed her.
The suspense is what really locked me in. You think you know... but you have no idea.

Lord, those final chapters put my emotions through the wringer!! The way I was crying, you would have thought it was my sister/best friend with how emotionally invested I was in what was happening. 😭

And now I’m very curious to see where this series goes next.

4.5 ⭐️

Synopsis:

Braedyn Winslow never expected to return to Starlight Grove—the town that took everything from her. Not after her best friend, the one who’d sacrificed so much for her, vanished without a trace. But with a young son to raise and a past that won’t stay buried, Brae is back…and determined to uncover the truth.

She just didn’t count on the brooding, reclusive mountain man living next door.

Dex Archer is the stuff of local legend—silent, rugged, and surrounded by whispers of his and his brothers’ violent father. But Brae sees through the scowl and his parentage to the man beneath: fiercely loyal, unexpectedly kind…and just dangerous enough to protect her when someone starts warning her off her search.

The closer she gets to the truth, the harder it is to stay away from Dex. And as things get more perilous, Brae realizes the only person she can rely on is the one man who swore never to trust again.

Only someone isn’t happy that Brae has been digging, and they’ll do anything to stop her. But Dex? He’ll do anything to save her, even slip back into the dark…

Capicu Summer by Luna K Wicked | A Love Story Rooted in Home

 

Title: Capicu Summer
Author: Luna K Wicked
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I went into this expecting a fun summertime romance, but instead I was wrapped in the warmth of the culture and the strength of the community. Before I knew it, I was completely caught up in the messy relationships, family drama, and so much more.

The Vibe:

second chance romance, badass fmc, possessive mmc, family legacy


My Review:

Adriana left Altura Heights years ago, believing she had to leave the barrio behind if she wanted something more for herself. But when the man she trusted shows his true colors…and reveals what he has planned for the community that raised her…going home becomes about so much more than returning to where she came from.

And waiting for her there is Yael Cruz.

Adriana and Yael have history. A messy, painful history. But the connection between them is still very much there. Yael is definitely possessive, but he’s also completely sure that Adriana is the woman he wants.

This was a short novella, but it was packed with so much more than just romance. It was about grief, family, community, and fighting for the place that will always be a part of you.

The culture was blended beautifully throughout the story. I could almost taste the food and hear the music. Altura Heights didn’t just feel like the setting…it felt alive, and I truly felt like I was part of the neighborhood while reading.

Prepare yourself to feel every emotion throughout this story. Ms. Wicked gave us an FMC who didn’t need someone else to save her. She just needed to remember who she was, what she was capable of, and where she truly belonged.

I started this book way past my bedtime and was determined to finished this knowing I had to be up very early to start my day, but this was so good there was no way I could put it down.

My only complaint is that I wanted more. 🤭 More of Adriana and Yael, more of the neighborhood, and more time inside this world. 🤗🥰


5⭐️

I received this arc from the author in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:

“And just like that… the first domino falls.”
At Altura, summer brings the heat... and the past you thought you left behind.

Five years after she swore she’d never come back, Adriana Santos returns to the block that raised her and to the man who never left it. Yael Cruz still carries the weight of one choice that shattered them both. But when her dying grandfather forces them to work together, old wounds resurface demanding to felt. What starts off as simmer turns into a fire leaving them exposed to their truth.

Porque donde hubo fuego, las cenizas siempre quedan.

And as the summer heat rises, so do the stakes, because the last game has just begun.



Porque nadie termina hasta el último capicú.

The Christmas Getaway By Debbie Mason | A Magical and Heartfelt Holiday Romance

 

Title: The Christmas Getaway
Author: Debbie Mason
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

There’s just something magical about a heartfelt Christmas romance, and this one gave me all the feels. 🥹

The Vibe:

Romance, slow burn, grumpy sunshine

My Review:

Charlotte is already going through it when this story begins. She’s lost her beloved library, her relationships have been a mess, and she feels like everyone around her is happily coupled up while she’s completely alone. Girl, we’ve all been there. 😩 Her situation felt so relatable that I was hooked almost immediately.

Charlotte and Ewan are complete opposites, but their chemistry and playful banter worked so well together. I really enjoyed watching them slowly let down their walls. Ewan had to learn how to be vulnerable, while Charlotte had to learn how to stand her ground.

I also enjoyed the family drama, especially the Dowager Duchess, who made the perfect rival. The situation involving Matilda gave the story more emotional weight and made it about more than just the romance.

My only issue was that a lot of emotional growth happens within six weeks, and I wish we had gotten more about Charlotte’s library and what came next for her professionally. That part felt slightly glossed over.

Overall, this was a heartfelt slow-burn romance about two people finding love and healing when they least expected it. Their beginning may have been a complete disaster, but watching their relationship blossom into something beautiful made it worth it. 🥹

4⭐️

Thank you, NetGalley and Forever aka Grand Central Publishing, for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review

Synopsis:

Librarian Charlotte Webb has always enjoyed escaping into a good story instead of dealing with reality, especially after her last year. But when her ex struts back into town and invites her to his Christmas wedding, Charlotte has to convince everyone, including herself, that she's moved on.

Deciding an adventure far from home with her perfect—albeit fake—Scottish boyfriend is just what she needs to complete her act, Charlotte boards the plane from New York to Edinburgh, where she bonds with her seat mate, a twelve-year-old girl who is leaving everything she loves in America behind to live abroad with her single father—Ewan, an extremely handsome duke with zero sense of humor.

But when Ewan agrees to keep up Charlotte's boyfriend ruse, sparks begin to fly, and it’s not long before Charlotte’s wondering if her make-believe boyfriend is the real deal.

Make Me Hate You By Kandi Steiner |

 

Title: Make Me Hate You
Author: Kandi Steiner
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Best friend's brother wins every single time

The Vibe:

Best friend's brother, second-chance romance, small town romance

My Review:

I must have been living under a rock because this book was pure gold!!

I laughed a little. I cried a little. This is what romance is made for.

Jasmine returns home for her best friend's wedding after fleeing Bridge Chester, New Hampshire, seven years ago. While she's stayed close with her best friend, returning home means facing the one person she's spent years trying to leave behind... her best friend's brother, Tyler.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that what tore them apart years ago wasn't a lack of love, but a heartbreaking misunderstanding. Seeing them reconnect after so much time apart was emotional and, at times, frustrating. Despite how hard they tried to fight it, the chemistry between them never faltered, even after seven years.

Several moments genuinely made me laugh, while others completely broke my heart. Ms. Steiner did a wonderful job balancing the lighter moments with the emotional weight of lost time, regret, and finding the courage to fight for the life you truly want.

My only small criticism has nothing to do with the story itself. I listened to the audiobook, which was narrated entirely by Holly Warren. Since the epilogue switches to Tyler's POV, I would have enjoyed it even more if that final chapter had been narrated by a male voice. That's not me taking anything away from this narrator she did a solid job, but hearing Tyler's perspective from a male narrator would have made those final moments even more impactful.

That said, it didn't take away from my enjoyment at all.
This was my first Kandi Steiner book, and if all of her stories are like this I'm officially a fan!

5 ⭐

I received this ALC from NetGalley & Keeperton Audiobooks in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:

If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.

Every sip of air is shallow and burning, because in the arms of my best friend’s brother, I’m the closest I’ve ever been to sin.

His eyes flick to my lips, and I remember the first time I tasted him, seven years ago before I left this town and vowed never to return. His hands grip my waist, and I remember the pain when he rejected me, when my entire world crashed down at his command. His jaw clenches, and my senses come alive with one stinging reminder.

I’m not his to kiss, and he’s not mine.

I tried to stay away from Tyler Wagner, putting an entire country between us. But when his sister’s wedding brings us back to the same town, to the same house, I can’t avoid him, no matter how hard I try.

He’s always there, his dark eyes bewitching, luring me into their depths. The memory of us pulls me under like a rip current, and when he flashes that smile, I lose my breath, along with my will, unable to escape his grip and find the surface.

Now, hours before our plus ones arrive for the wedding, I’m in his arms, begging him to make me hate him, knowing he never could.

If he kisses me right now, I’ll drown.

And I’ll take him down with me.

All the Truth In My Lies By Elisabet Benavent | The Truth Always Finds Its Way Out

Title: All the Truth In My Lies
Author: Elisabet Benavent
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

This started as a fun bachelorette trip and quickly turned into a messy emotional roller coaster. Between the secrets, lingering feelings, romantic poetry, and questionable matchmaking, I knew things were going to fall apart. I just wasn’t prepared for how much Coco’s journey would make me reflect on some of my own relationships.

Read This If You Like:

Friends to lovers, Romantic Chaos, poetry

My Review:

The emotional toll secrets and lies can have on our lives… this one made me look back at some of my own relationships.

What was supposed to be a fun bachelorette trip quickly turned into a wild, messy ride filled with lingering feelings, hidden truths, and questionable matchmaking.

Coco is secretly in love with one of her friends, and she knows she shouldn’t be because he is the ex of another friend… talk about messy!

As secrets begin spilling…let’s face it, they always do…relationships are tested, and everyone is forced to confront the things they would normally avoid. Coco’s romantic life becomes increasingly tangled, and my heart genuinely broke for her at certain points. She finally finds the courage to be honest about what she wants, only to be hurt almost immediately afterward.

When she finally finds love, she quickly learns that maybe love isn’t enough after all. Two people can care about one another and still be unable…or unwilling…to give the relationship what it needs. That one hurt, but it also forced her to choose herself. In the end, that is something we all need to remember.

This story is full of complicated friendships, misguided matchmaking, romantic poetry, emotional avoidance, and people attempting to repair their relationships instead of continuing to run away. You know, normal people shit 🤭. It was chaotic, dramatic, funny, frustrating, romantic, and sad.

I originally picked up All the Truth in My Lies because of its upcoming screen adaptation, and now I’m even more excited to see these characters and all their mess come to life.

4⭐️

I received the arc from NetGalley & Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for for my honest review


Synopsis:

Six best friends on a bachelorette road trip. One RV packed with secrets.

Blanca's September wedding is the perfect excuse for one last adventure, so Coco, Loren, and Aroa rent a camper and plot a week of sun splashed beaches, campsite dinners, and dancing till closing time. Marín and Gus jump onboard at the last minute. It should be idyllic—if only the truth weren't riding shotgun.

Coco and Marín are the kind of roommates who make life look easy. Too bad Coco is in love with him. To keep it hidden, she pretends she's still hung up on her ex, Gus… who seems to be writing love poems to someone he won't name. Marín and Aroa's breakup? Messier than anyone admits. Blanca should be glowing for her fiancé, yet she's miles away. And Loren—poor Loren—knows more than he should and can't tell a soul.

What starts as a carefree farewell becomes a pressure cooker of almost confessions and half truths. As the miles roll by, the stories they've told about themselves start to crack, and each of them has to choose what to the friend group they've always been—or the person they might finally be brave enough to become.

Barcelona With Love by Ian Ostroff | Sometimes You Just Have to Go

Title: Barcelona With Love
Author: Ian Ostroff
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 4⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Noah's trip to Barcelona reminded me that life doesn't begin when everything is perfectly planned. Sometimes you just have to go

The Vibe:

Self-discovery

Feel-good

Bittersweet romance

My Review:


I went into this expecting a romance, but what I found was so much more.

After a breakup turns his anniversary trip into a solo adventure, Noah decides to take the leap and travel to Barcelona on his own. Along the way, he meets people from all over the world, forms unexpected friendships, and discovers that sometimes stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to the most memorable experiences.

As I was reading, I couldn't help but think of Eat, Pray, Love..not because the stories are the same, but because they both capture how travel has a way of changing you when you least expect it. This felt like a male perspective on that same idea, and I found myself appreciating the journey just as much as the romance.

I also enjoyed how Mr Ostroff showed us that traveling alone doesn't always mean being lonely. Sometimes all it takes is being open to new experiences and new people for an ordinary trip to become something unforgettable.

While parts of the romance developed a little faster than I would have liked, it fit the whirlwind feeling of traveling and experiencing everything for the first time. The ending wasn't what I expected, but after sitting with it, I think it was exactly the ending this story needed.

More than anything, Noah's trip to Barcelona reminded me that life doesn't begin when everything is perfectly planned. Sometimes you just have to go.

4⭐

I received this arc from the author in exchange for my honest review.




Synopsis:

Noah Pérez, a third-year architecture student convinced he’s starring in God’s favorite sitcom, believes he’s planned the perfect anniversary surprise: a romantic trip to Barcelona for his girlfriend Rachel Segreto. The goal? To reconnect with his Sephardic roots and reignite their relationship before graduation. But then, Rachel’s family invites him to their annual Amalfi Coast getaway at the last minute—ruining his anniversary plans.

When he tries to convince Rachel to pick Barcelona over Amalfi, she views it as being forced to choose between her relationship and her family. With the Segreto family’s reputation already a source of tension for their relationship, it all eventually leads to a painful breakup.



Heartbroken but still determined, Noah sets off on the trip alone and finds himself in a world of hostels and backpackers. That’s where he meets Phoebe, a British entrepreneur who plans to open a café in Portugal. Her fearless approach to life prompts Noah to blurt out an impulsive lie: that he’ll be in The Algarve for her grand opening, even though he’s due back home for senior year. If he stays in Europe, he risks sacrificing what he worked hard for in school. But if he returns home, he risks giving up the “everything” he always wanted to find.

Vacation Situation By Jenny Alexandra | Love Wasn't On the Itinerary

 

Title: Vacation Situation
Author: Jenny Alexandra
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I came for a quick vacation hookup, but stayed for a feel-good vacation romance.

The Vibe:
Forced proximity, he falls first, witty banter, slow burn


My Review:


This is the kind of story that sneaks up on you.

What starts as a fun meet-cute at a beach resort slowly turns into a romance that had me genuinely rooting for Frankie and Theo.

These two are complete opposites. Frankie is impulsive, unapologetically herself, and incredibly talented, even if she doesn’t always see it. Theo is steady, compassionate, and the kind of man who uses his success to lift up the people around him. On paper, they shouldn't work together, and at the same time, they fit perfectly.

Their banter kept me going. It was witty, playful, and never felt forced. Even when the story explored heavier topics, the humor kept everything balanced.

Both Frankie and Theo felt like real people. They each carried their own insecurities and baggage, but instead of trying to fix one another, they simply saw each other for who they were.

I went into this expecting a fun vacation fling filled with chemistry, but it turned out to be so much more. When you find someone who sees the parts of you that you've spent so long trying to hide, it's a win for me every time.

4⭐️

I received this ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review.



Synopsis:

What happens at the Evermore will change your life forever…

Frankie Sinclair doesn’t do relationships—only killer special effects makeup, horror movie marathons, and men she never sees twice. So when her best friend invites her on a last-minute getaway to the Evermore—a dreamy cliffside inn perched above the Pacific—Frankie happily takes the spare spot.

Her plan? One week of fun, zero attachments, and at least one very hot mistake.

Theo Beck is a workaholic and recovering relationship addict. Fresh off a brutal breakup and in the midst of a company acquisition, he's reluctantly sworn off work for a much-needed vacation—something he’s struggling to stick to until he collides with Frankie in a single, unforgettable night.

What starts as a steamy backseat hookup quickly turns into a week-long vacation situation, with three rules: stay (sexy) friends, no big feelings, no expectations.

Except Theo’s already imagining a future he didn’t see coming… and Frankie’s planning her exit before it can become something real.

Tropes:

- spicy
- opposites attract
- he falls first
- forced proximity
- vacation romance
- small town
- situationship

Just a little tease (in no particular order):

- a pirate-ship dance floor
- a high-heel mishap
- fogged-up car windows
- a beach bonfire gone wrong
- chocolate-covered strawberries
- bestie love, always
- “happy ending” massage
— on-again, off-again sexual tension that sizzles

Last Night Was Killer By Mary Pauline Lowry | A Killer night out ...Literally

Title: Last Night was Killer
Author: Mary Pauline Lowry
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Rating: 3 ⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

This was giving Good Girls meets The Hangover, funnier

The Vibe:

Mystery & suspense, Romance, Humor

My Review:

Have you ever had a killer night out with your friends, drank way more than you probably should have, and then woke up the next morning only to find a dead body in your trunk? 🤭

I’m happy to say that has never happened to me. Unfortunately for our FMC, Tilly Turner, that is exactly how her morning begins.

Tilly is a struggling comedian and single mother of two young children who decides to take up pole-dancing classes. After a wild night out with her friends from class, she wakes up with almost no memory of what happened and a dead man in the trunk of her car.

Now, Tilly has one goal: figure out who killed him while desperately hoping it wasn’t her.

This story was hilarious. The situation was completely ridiculous, the characters were entertaining, and I was genuinely curious about what happened during their night out.

However, somewhere in the middle of Tilly’s ‘investigation’, the story started to lose my interest. A lot of the story is spent following her as she tries to retrace their steps and remember what happened that night. After a while, it began to feel repetitive, and the mystery wasn’t moving forward fast enough to keep me fully invested.

As Tilly and her friends attempt to piece together their missing memories while avoiding suspicion, the story gave me major ‘Good Girls’ vibes .. a group of ordinary women getting themselves tangled in a criminal situation that continues to spiral further out of control.

Overall, this was a funny and chaotic read with a great concept. I only wish the humor and momentum carried consistently throughout the rest of the story.

3⭐️

I received this ALC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Synopsis:

When Tilly Turner signed up for an introductory pole-dancing class, she was looking for a distraction. Reeling from her mother’s passing, and with her career as a stand-up comedian in ruins, Tilly has just moved back to the Idaho hometown she was desperate to leave, with her twin daughters in tow.
But Tilly gets more than she bargained for after a night out with her new pole-dancing pals. She wakes to a raging hangover, no memory of the evening before, and a dead body in the trunk of her car.

Who was the dead man? And more importantly, who killed him? Tilly has no alibi and needs answers. But investigating a murder is complicated, especially with an old frenemy circling, childcare plans falling through, and pole-dancing classes to attend. And don’t even mention the sexy ATF agent who she’s trying (and failing) to keep at arm’s length.

As Tilly races to solve the mystery before the police come knocking, she finds herself implicated in a larger plot that includes political subterfuge and arms dealing. But who knows—maybe busting a criminal enterprise will be just the shake-up she needs.

Balancing both heart and hilarity, and with a witty take on the struggles of modern motherhood, Last Night Was Killer is a charming introduction to the most unlikely—and likable—of sleuths.

Awkwardly Ever After by Lindsay Maple

Title: Awkwardly Ever After
Author: Lindsay Maple
Genre: Romantic comedy
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I came for the witchy premise and stayed for the laughs. This was a charming rom-com that reminded me not everything in life needs a magical explanation.

The Vibe:

Romcom, friends to lovers, self discovery, lgbt

My Review:

Awkwardly Ever After immediately gave me The Craft vibes.

The story opens with a group of girls at a sleepover, trying out a spell for what feels like harmless fun. Fast forward years later, and one of them may still be paying the price for it.

Aubrey has been on what feels like a million first dates, and somehow every single one ends in complete disaster. After another failed attempt at finding love, she ends up confiding in Lex, the sister of one of her dates, convinced she's been cursed ever since that night years ago.

Lex, however, isn't buying it.

Determined to prove there's no such thing as a curse, Lex begins tagging along on Aubrey's dates. What follows is one hilarious disaster after another. I genuinely felt for Aubrey because no one should have that much bad luck... and I'll admit, there were moments where even I started wondering if maybe the curse was real.

What I loved most is that this story isn't really about whether a curse exists. It's about the stories we tell ourselves, the beliefs we hold onto, and how those beliefs can shape the way we see our lives.

By the end, I was left with my own interpretation of what had really been happening all along, and I love that the author leaves just enough room for readers to come to their own conclusions.

Overall, this was a funny, charming rom-com that had me laughing from beginning to end while still delivering a surprisingly heartfelt message underneath all the chaos.

4.5⭐️

Thank you, Harlequin Audio, NetGalley, & Lindsay Maple for providing this alc in exchange for my honest review




Synopsis:

You know what they say about hex appeal…

Aubrey is cursed. Literally. One spell gone awry in high school landed her with the most embarrassing love life ever, and now any time Aubrey is in a romantic situation everything ends up being terribly awkward. Sometimes the dates go so badly her would-be partners end up in the emergency room with... intimate injuries.

Aubrey had accepted her lonely lot in life until she meets skeptical data analyst Lex. The unlikely friends team up on a series of data-collecting dates to figure out what makes the curse tick, and what they can do to stop it… but what if that means facing the most awkward situation possible?

To break the curse, Aubrey is forced into her toughest decision date the safe, data-proven perfect candidate, or follow her heart into the unknown with the growing feelings she has for the one person she never imagined being with.

Will she ever get a shot at true love, or is she cursed beyond curing?

Blood Rising by Markus Redmond | The weight of freedom

Title: Blood Rising
Author: Markus Redmond
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 ⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Some stories ask what it means to fight for freedom. Blood Rising asks the even harder question: what happens after you've won? This sequel challenged me in ways I wasn't expecting.

The Vibe:

Historical Fiction, Paranormal elements, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror 


My Review:

Blood Slaves was about fighting for freedom… Blood Rising is about what comes after.

I've always believed it's one thing to overthrow the people who've oppressed you. It's another thing entirely to build something better in its place. That's exactly what this story explores.

Kwadzo is no longer just fighting to survive... he's carrying the weight of an entire people on his shoulders. He wrestles with leadership, responsibility, and the kind of man he aims to become.

Freedom comes with impossible choices. Every decision carries consequences, every victory comes with a new challenge, and the line between justice and vengeance is never as simple as it appears.

Kwadzo never has to carry this story alone. The people around him continue to shape the journey in meaningful ways, each adding another layer to the story and reminding us that no battle is ever won alone.

The way Mr. Redmond blends history, horror, and fantasy continues to amaze me. Each element feels equally important to the story, and together they create something that feels incredibly unique.

The alliances that are formed and the cultural dynamics throughout the story are constant reminders that the Ramangans are still viewed as monsters. For me, that became a metaphor for the world we live in today. I couldn't help but relate it to the experiences of Black people. No matter how much progress is made, no matter how hard we fight for equality and justice, there will always be people who choose to see us through the lens of their own prejudice instead of our humanity.

If you're coming into Blood Rising expecting nonstop bloodshed, it's definitely here. But for me, the heart of this story was what happened after the battle was won.

In all my years of reading and reviewing, I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this. And I can't wait to see what Mr. Redmond has in store for us next.

5⭐


Thank you, Kensington Publishing, Dafina & Markus Redmond, for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:


Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.

But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies, especially as she builds a white vampire army of her own and wages an all-out war against him.

But the gravest threat comes from Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.

Still by Carmen Wilder | Learning to Be Still

 

Title: Still
Author: Carmen Wilder
Genre: MM Romance
Rating: 4⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I went into this expecting a hockey romance. I closed it thinking about resilience, healing, and the quiet courage it takes to let someone love you when every instinct tells you to run.

The Vibe:
Hockey Romance, Forced proximity, college romance, Emotional

My Review:
I went back and forth on how to write this review. No matter what I wrote, it never seemed to capture what this story left me feeling. So in the end, I decided to stop overthinking it and simply write what felt right.

Jamie Nash, captain of Hartwell University's hockey team, and Rhys, a transfer from Eldridge University, completely stole my heart.

From the very beginning, Jamie is hard on Rhys. It feels personal, and I kept wondering what Rhys had done to deserve it. But as the story unfolds, you begin to realize Jamie isn't really fighting Rhys... he's fighting parts of himself that he's spent years trying to keep buried.

Both Jamie and Rhys carry wounds that run far deeper than what you see on the surface. Their experiences have shaped the way they trust, the way they love, and the way they protect themselves. Watching those layers slowly unravel was, for me, the heart of this story.

"The things that hurt us don't care how much time's passed. … They just sit there and wait until it's easier to hurt us again, when we least expect it."

That quote perfectly captures the heart of this book. Trauma doesn't simply disappear because time passes. It waits. It whispers. It convinces you to run before someone has the chance to hurt you again.

What stayed with me most wasn't the romance itself—it was watching Jamie slowly unlearn everything his father taught him about love and about himself. Every time he pushed Rhys away, my heart broke a little more because I understood why he did it. He wasn't rejecting Rhys. He was protecting the only version of himself he'd ever known.

And Rhys... he never tried to fix Jamie. He simply kept showing up.

By the end, I realized this story wasn't just about falling in love. It was about learning to be still enough to let someone love you... and brave enough to stay when every part of you wants to run.

Maybe that's why this book is called Still.

Despite everything they'd been through...
They were still standing.
Still fighting.
Still choosing each other.
Still believing that love was worth the risk.

This isn't just a college hockey romance. It's a beautiful reminder that the things that happen to us may shape us, but they don't have to define us forever.

4⭐️

I received this arc from the author in exchange for my honest review

Synopsis:

Jamie Nash has spent his whole life learning control.

Control on the ice. Control over his body. Control over every thought, feeling, and weakness that could ruin everything he’s worked for. As captain of Harlow University’s hockey team, control is the only reason he survives the pressure.

Then Rhys Callahan transfers in from Eldridge.

Rhys is reckless where Jamie is rigid. Loud where Jamie is silent. Infuriatingly talented. Impossible to ignore. And from the moment they meet, every interaction between them feels less like rivalry and more like a dare neither of them knows how to walk away from.

What starts as tension turns into something neither of them can name. Meaner. Messier.
Wanting each other becomes its own kind of violence.

Because both of them have spent years standing still inside the wreckage of who they used to be — trapped by grief, anger, fear, and the things they survived long before they met each other.

And the closer they get, the more dangerous it becomes.

Because Rhys sees too much.

And Jamie has spent years making sure no one ever gets close enough to.

Still is an emotionally intense MM romance featuring obsessive tension, emotional repression, explosive chemistry, high heat, trauma, and two men finally forced to want something more than survival.

Still is the first novel in The Northbound Series.

Twisted Devotion by Lilith Vincent | Beautifully Toxic

 

Title: Twisted Devotion
Author: Lilith Vincent
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating: 5 ⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Some love stories make you swoon. Others make you question everything. Twisted Devotion lives somewhere in the middle, and I couldn't look away.

The Vibe:
Dark Mafia Romance, Unhinged MMC, secret baby

My Review:

Cristiano Montoni… whew. This man is the definition of beautifully broken.

After everything he endured as a child, it’s no surprise that his love comes out as obsession. He’s a tad more than a little unhinged. But underneath all of that is someone who’s been holding onto the same girl for years, never once letting her go.

Mina did the only thing she knew how to do… she ran. Yet even after all those years apart, neither of them truly moved on. The moment they’re thrown back into each other’s lives, all those buried emotions come crashing back, and from there this story never lets up.

This isn’t a light mafia romance. It’s dark, emotional, and filled with years of trauma and secrets. Their relationship constantly had me questioning whether what they shared was healing or destroying them… in the end, it was both.

“I would rather feel every cut of the knife while I hold your hand than sleep while you suffer alone.”

This perfectly sums up the kind of man Cristiano is. His love isn’t gentle or healthy by any means. But he would carry every ounce of pain himself if it meant protecting the woman he loves.

This is the third book in the Ruthless Arrangements series, and even though I haven’t read the first two books, this one completely stood on its own. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Vincent has in store next… but in the meantime, I’ve got some catching up to do. 🤭

5⭐️

I received this arc from the author in exchange for my honest review

Synopsis:

He’s waited five years to come home to her. She’s spent five years praying he never would.

Cristiano Montoni would crawl over broken glass for one touch, one kiss, one sweet word from me. He has the face of an avenging angel and a body to die for. Powerful. Rich. Dangerous. Deadly.

And heaven protect me, he’s back in Malus.

Five years ago, Cristiano worked his dark magic on me and ruined my life. Five years ago, I fell pregnant with his child. Then he vanished—and I was free.

I gave myself to a man I knew was twisted and terrifying. As the housekeeper’s daughter, I witnessed Cristiano’s brutal punishments at the hands of his father. I tried to put the pieces back together, but Agnello Montoni broke his son. Shattered his heart. Warped his mind.

Now I’m terrified that Cristiano will do the same to his son.

My son.

Our child.

I’ll protect Leon with my life. Cristiano can never know the child is his, or my son will be dragged into a violent underworld from which there’s no escape.

But Cristiano won’t stay away from me. Five years have passed, and he hasn’t changed. He’s still a monster of his father’s making. And I’ve never stopped wanting him.

A Very Good Bad Idea By Emma Chase | Winning Never Looked So Good

 

Title: A Very Good Bad Idea
Author: Emma Chase
Genre: Romantic Comedy 
Rating: 4⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

This was my first Emma Chase book, and now I completely understand why so many readers love her writing. I laughed, I swooned, and before I knew it, I had finished this in one sitting

The Vibe:


Forced proximity, romantic comedy, Rivals to lovers

My Review:


First and foremost, I have heard so many good things about Emma Chase’s books ever since I first started reviewing, but I never got around to reading one. So when the opportunity came up, I jumped on it… and I’m so glad I did.

Both Damon and Jade inherited a valuable property from Clarabell Spicket, but it came with rules and limitations to determine who would become the sole owner. Break a rule… You lose points. Blank. Period.

Determined to win, they both went to great lengths to sabotage one another. Their antics to get ahead of each other had me laughing the entire time. But once they finally stopped fighting what they were feeling and admitted the attraction between them… things heated up fast.

I finished this in less than three hours, and it was such a great time. If you’re looking for a funny, steamy romance that’s perfect for a palate cleanser, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

4⭐️

I received the alc from Valentine PR in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:

No loopholes. No backing out. No leaving for four months.

Damon Burke is intense, handsome and vengefully calculating—he's also certain he'll outlast his competitor.

Jade Buchanan is brilliant, ruthless, and absolutely not losing to him.

But the house seems to have a mind of its own. With faulty wiring, a leaking roof, drafty windows and the occasional wild-life infestation, it just might be trying to kill them. And the more Damon and Jade try to oust each other from the property, the more it brings them together.

Sparks fly, tempers clash—but eventually, all their walls come crumbling down.

It's a bad idea to get too close to your enemy. To care about them, need them, want them more than you've ever wanted anything.

But when rivalry becomes something more than they ever expected, Damon and Jade discover love can be a very good bad idea.

House of Sin By Brittnay J Sears | I need more of this

Title: House of Sin

Author: Brittnay J Sears
Genre: Dark Historical Fiction
Rating: 5⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

This was completely different from what I normally read, but I was locked in from the very beginning.

The Vibe:
Unhinged FMC, Found Family, Feminine power

My Review:

Have you ever read a historical fiction with a DARK, unhinged FMC? No? Yeah, me either. Chile… this was such a good time.

As soon as I picked this book up, I was completely locked in. I’m talking stayed up until 3 a.m., knowing I had to be up by 6 to get ready for work. Then, when I got to work, I still managed to find time to finish the rest of it. And it was so worth it.

Set in the early 1900s, The Oily Cat is a brothel run by a femdom who is determined to protect her ladies by any means necessary. At The Oily Cat, beauty becomes bait, charm becomes a weapon, and when men cross the line, consequences will be paid.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

My girl Bernadette is unhinged to the highest power, and she has absolutely no qualms about it. But she has to be. She’s been through so much in her life that taking control is the only way she knows how to survive. And she teaches her girls to hold that same power for themselves.

Bernadette protects what is hers, and she does not hesitate when someone threatens the women under her care. She is dark, ruthless, and completely unapologetic, and I loved every minute of it.

This was the first book I’ve read by Brittany J. Sears, but it definitely won’t be the last. I cannot wait for the next installment in this series.

5⭐️

I received this ARC from The Author Agency in exchange for my honest review.



Synopsis:

Welcome to The Oily Cat, where desire is currency, and breaking the rules is a death sentence.

Bernadette runs her brothel with ruthless precision. Every woman under her roof is protected, every client knows the rules, and any man who crosses the line doesn’t leave.
For years, the system has worked.
Until a stranger arrives with sinister secrets and a past that refuses to stay buried.
As whispers spread and tensions rise, the careful balance Bernadette has built begins to crack. Old loyalties falter, dangerous truths surface, and the line between predator and prey begins to blur.
Now, with everything she’s fought to protect on the brink of collapse, Bernadette must decide how far she’s willing to go to keep control . . . and how much blood she’s willing to spill to do it.

Because inside The Oily Cat, power is taken, not given, and every sin demands its price.

Anything But love By A.E Jensen & Courtney W. Dixon | The Weight We Carry and the Love That Helps Us Let Go

Title: Anything But Love
Author: A.E Jensen & Courtney W. Dixon
Genre: MM Romance
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts: 

Some books entertain you. Others quietly remind you that healing isn't always loud or dramatic..it can look like patience, vulnerability, and someone choosing to stay when life feels the heaviest.

This was one of those books for me.

The Vibe:
Mental health struggles, emotional, spicy, slow burn, Friends to lovers

My Review:
I seem to be drawn to these trauma-based romance stories. They all seem to have one thing in common: healing. Maybe that’s what keeps pulling me back to them. We could all use a little healing, couldn’t we? Anyway… I’m babbling. 🤭 Back to the review.

Jett and Wes’ story felt like I was watching two of my best friends find each other, fall in love, and show up for one another through every high and low. Every experience they endured made me feel like I was right there beside them. 🥹

Jett’s a former Olympic track runner crushed under the weight of his parents’ expectations; his struggles with mental health rang true. It was truly heartbreaking.

Wes is sunshine personified. He’s open-hearted, genuinely kind, and exactly the kind of person Jett needed. Watching him patiently love someone who struggled to believe he deserved it was beautiful.

The emotional connection between these two is where this story shines. Watching them go from idols to lovers felt natural. The romance was slow enough to be believable while still bringing plenty of chemistry that kept me turning the pages.

My only real issue was the pacing. I spent a good portion of the book waiting for the plot to start plotting, and by the time it did, the payoff didn’t have quite the emotional impact I was hoping for. Even so, it never took away from how invested I became in Jett and Wes or how much I wanted to see them find their way to each other.

This is a heavy story, but it never forgets to give you moments to breathe. Wes’ humor, the family gatherings, and watching a man slowly learn that he is worthy of being loved balanced the heavier themes beautifully.

Jett and Wes are going to stay with me for a long time. Their story hurt, healed, and reminded me that sometimes love really can meet you where you are.

4.5⭐️

I received this arc from the author in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:
Let me in… or walk away before you ruin me.

Wes
I’ve spent my life chasing a good time; no strings, no complications, and no heartbreak. Now that I have a stable job as a physical therapist at the university, I’m ready to look for a deeper connection. Then in walks Jared “Jett” Cordier; former Olympic golden boy, track legend… and the guy I used to watch like he was untouchable. Turns out, he’s closed off, broody, and about as welcoming as a slammed door.

But somewhere between late nights and arguments that burn a little too hot, something shifts and lines blur. One heated moment turns into another, and suddenly we’re involved in something that looks a lot like friends-with-benefits. It’s supposed to stay easy, but nothing about Jett feels casual.

Jett

I had everything once. Then I lost it all—my athletic career, my relationship, my dad.

Starting over as an assistant coach is my do-over. It’s supposed to be simple: keep my head down and do my job. Then comes Wes; too loud, too charming… too much. I’m trying desperately not to be sucked in and to keep him at arm’s length. But in the end, I let him in just enough to get a taste and forget what it feels like to be falling apart.

The more time I spend with Wes, the harder it is to pretend this is nothing. I can feel my walls crumbling, and I’m afraid. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to risk everything again.

🦆 Hero Worship
🦆 Small Town Romance
🦆 Friends with Benefits
🦆 Grumpy/Sunshine
🦆 Mental Health Rep
🦆 Hurt/Comfort
🦆 Rough Start
🦆 Opposites Attract
🦆 Interracial
🦆 Pan Awakening
🦆 Sports Romance/Running
🦆 Workplace Romance

Bless This Hot Mess By Charlie David | More Than Just a Comedy

Title: Bless This Hot Mess
Author: Charlie David
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: 4⭐️ 
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I picked this one up expecting a lighthearted comedy, and while it absolutely delivered on the laughs, I wasn't expecting how much heart it would have. Somewhere between all the chaos and hilarious banter, I found myself completely invested in these wonderfully imperfect characters.

The Vibe:

Chaotic
Feel-Good
Found Family
Laugh-Out-Loud
Heartwarming


My Review:

I went into this story expecting a fun comedy, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much this book would make me laugh. This is a story about friendship, acceptance, faith, and finding your people.

The real stars of this story are the characters.

Rebekkah is dramatic, outspoken, and deeply rooted in her faith. Japheth is the overthinker. Ronald is the confident, athletic guy with more layers than I expected.

Together, these three are absolute magic. Their banter was everything, their friendships felt real, and I found myself looking forward to every conversation because they genuinely sounded like friends who had known each other forever.

The second half shifts into more emotional territory, which surprised me. While it worked.. it also kinda caught me off guard.

Overall, Bless This Hot Mess is exactly what its title promises: a wonderfully messy, genuinely feel-good read that embraces its characters, celebrates their imperfections, and reminds us that sometimes the most dysfunctional families are the ones we choose.

4 ⭐️

I received this arc from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:

SOUNDTRACK. WAIT...IS THIS A BOOK? OR A MUSICAL?
It’s both! Make this story interactive! Find the Bless This Hot Mess soundtrack on all major music storefronts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube and more. Read, listen and sing along. '90s nostalgia never sounded so good.

SYNOPSIS (Buckle-up Buttercup!)
Hilarious, campy, musical and moving, this book provokes you to ponder: If I steal a few hearts, can I still get into Heaven?

When a failing radio station’s morning show starts stealing, sampling and remixing ‘90s pop songs in a Hail Mary attempt at attracting an audience, virtuous virgin Japheth is forced to team up with Rino, a dangerously charming Italian car dealership heir with advertiser dollars to spend and maybe-mafia vibes, and their enemies-to-lovers romance threatens to become the station’s biggest scandal and its only salvation.

At WWJD Radio in Greater Napanee, salvation is off script. The phones are ringing off the hook, the fax machine is spitting out cease-and-desist letters from every boy band of the ’90s, and Trinity, the trio of accidental evangelists, are stealing pop songs “for the Lord.”

There’s Rebekkah; the breathless true believer who, though 30, still refers to herself as an ingénue. Her best friend Japheth; virtuous and still virginal. Ronald: poly, pan, and building an ark in his backyard.

Together with Carrington (part receptionist, part stylist, part chaos incarnate), Suwarna (HR, in charge of keeping her new station owner alive and not ‘disappeared’), and everyone's new boss, Emma-Lou (an heiress with a talent for panic and bangs that weren’t her idea) they’re keeping WWJD barely afloat.

Until it burns down. Literally.

Their only shot at salvation comes from Rino Ferrari: a devastatingly charming Italian car-dealership heir with too much money, too many secrets, and maybe a little mafia energy. Unfortunately for Japheth (romantic mess and professional overthinker), Rino is also the last person he wants to need… and the first person he can’t stop thinking about.

As scandal, suspicion, and undeniable chemistry collide, Japheth and Rino tumble from enemies to lovers in a rom-com where faith is flexible, temptation is tailored, and the guy you’re supposed to hate is the one who makes you feel alive.

Is local car dealer Rino Ferrari a mobster, or just a surprisingly generous Christian with body bags of money to give away? Why did Emma-Lou’s parents really “disappear” in the Bermuda Triangle? And will Trinity rebuild a new station on a floating ark, or sell out to dirty money for fame, tote bags, and a studio album?

Outrageously funny, shockingly tender, and just heretical enough, Bless This Hot Mess will jump-start your heart.