BOOK REVIEW: Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy #2) by Callie Hart

January 30, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy #2)
by Callie Hart
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Duty. Blood. Honor. Power.
Saeris Fane doesn’t want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court’s lips, but now that she’s been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she’s discovering that a queen’s life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders. Her ward—and her brother—need her back in her homeland…but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead...

“Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.”

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them.

Review:

Spoilers Below….

Brimstone reminded me of the movie Bedtime Stories where the kids kept piling on these ridiculous aspects to the story, and it just builds into an over the top adventure. Like with the ‘book’ (I really struggled with this plot device), to what she is, to who is attacking, to that ending. As someone who can suspend my belief and fall for mythical creatures, I definitely struggled at times. This story felt disjointed, and not cohesive.

But here’s the thing, I love so many of these characters. I loved watching them struggle and work together. Saeris, Fisher, Onyx, and Carrion are my top favorites. So yes I shed a few tears. But I also found myself bored at times and skimming. I missed the pace from the first book. I wanted to be consumed, and I never felt that with Brimstone.

But my biggest struggle were the plot holes or things that didn’t make sense. They were…..

*We were told that he got Quicksilver in his eye because of the first pool he went in without a relic. But then at the end when he tells about how this is the pool he was forced to go in, it’s not even a Quicksilver pool. It’s something else and it states it is not Quicksilver.

*In Quicksilver it was a huge deal she sat on his right. In Brimstone she wrote her to sit on his left. Why??? 😞

*Those creatures were impossible to kill and kept absorbing their power. So then how did they kill and defeat them outside the Satyrs home at the end when nothing has changed?

*A fae’s true name is to be sacred and never used. He then just switched his name to his true name and uses it and nobody even blinks?

The story ended at a great stopping point. One where we can kind of breathe, but want that next book now. And while I usually give the middle book some leniency, I just couldn’t find it here. So, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the final book in the series pulls me back into this series because Quicksilver is still one of my favorite stories ever.

BOOK REVIEW: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

January 23, 2026 / Jen / 1 Comment

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The bridge is out. The phones are down. And the most famous mystery writer in the world just disappeared out of a locked room two days before Christmas.

Meet Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt:

She’s the new Queen of the Cozy Mystery.

He’s Mr. Big-time Thriller Guy.

She hates his guts.

He thinks her name is Marcie (no matter how many times she’s told him otherwise.)

But when they both accept a cryptic invitation to attend a Christmas house party at a snowbound English estate of a reclusive fan, neither is expecting their host to be the most powerful author in the world: Eleanor Ashley, the Duchess of Death herself.

That night, the weather turns, and the next morning Eleanor is gone.

She vanished in a classic locked-room mystery, and Maggie has to wonder: Is Eleanor in danger? Or is it all some kind of test? Is Ethan the competition? Or is he the only person in that mansion she can trust?

As the snow gets deeper and the stakes get higher, every clue in this cozy holiday mystery will bring Maggie and Ethan closer to the truth—and each other. Because, this Christmas, these two rivals are going to have to become allies (and maybe more) if they have any hope of saving Eleanor.

Assuming they don’t kill each other first.

Review:

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year was a mystery that kept me intrigued, and had a tiny bit of Christmas sprinkled throughout. The characters were so easy to like, and the narrators did a fabulous job of bringing this story to life. There were a lot of hints that made almost everyone look guilty, so I had fun putting the clues together. It gave me old school Agatha Christie vibes! And while I guessed the mystery correctly, I still enjoyed listening to this one because I had no clue if I was right or wrong till all was revealed.

I adored Maggie Chase from the beginning with her sass and take no bs attitude! And I couldn’t help but be intrigued by Ethan Wyatt. He seemed to have a lot more going on then he showed us or Maggie. So as we got to know both of them better, and see moments from their past, I was a goner. I wanted to just push them together. They were perfect for each other. And Ethan even made me shed a few tears, I loved him!

Yet, I had to take away a star, because I personally struggle with loose ends. I’m someone who likes to have things wrapped up in a bow, and this ending was not that. I had so many unanswered questions. Yes we were given a HEA, but I desperately needed answers, sigh. So while I’m not sure if I’ll read this author again, this was fun and a nice change up from the Christmas romances I typically read in December!

BOOK REVIEW: The Sleight Before Christmas (Holiday Hijinx Series #2) by Kate Stewart

January 22, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Sleight Before Christmas by Kate Stewart
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
My kids are a**holes.

Yeah, I said it. I said the thing no father is supposed to say about their children, and I’ll say it again because I miss my wife.

Serena’s checked out and now resides in ‘yes dear’ robot mode, complete with a new eye twitch. Reason being, the impish elves we spawned are currently sucking the life out of her—daily. Thanks to Gracie and Peyton, my patience is hanging by the last orange bulb on a very thin green wire. Thank God we’re headed to Triple Falls. A week of Ruby’s eggnog and a little change of scenery could be just what the woman I love needs to find her way back to herself—and to me. But the closer we get to packing up, the shorter my fuse becomes . . . and the more I’m starting to get ideas of taking drastic measures.

And by drastic, I mean our little goblins won’t be the only ones making Rudolph’s naughty list. I’ve had enough. I’m not giving in this time. No amount of alligator tears or fake apologies are going to cut it.

Ironically, the more I man up and take charge, the more Serena and I are starting to reminisce about the good old days, which is quickly adding up to some heated nights.

Come hell or high water, this Christmas, our kids are going to learn to appreciate the parents they’ve got because I’m getting my girl back . . . even if the two little hellions we created have to pay to bring her back to me—little f*ckers.

The Sleight Before Christmas is book #2 in The Holiday Hijinx series. While it can be read as a stand-alone, it is highly recommended that you read The Plight Before Christmas first.

Review:

The Plight Before Christmas is one of my top favorite holiday romances. So when I saw that Serena and Thatch were getting their own story, I was beyond intrigued. What unfolded was the most entertaining mess ever. Serena was losing it, their kids were a shit show, and Thatch was at his wits end taking away Christmas presents from kids that they spoiled and never disciplined. My only bit of advice is take this book with a grain of salt, because yes it’s fiction but oh wow, I never could have guessed what was going to happen!

“We’ve failed, haven’t we? We’re failing,” she sighs, a thin tear trailing down her cheek.

One of my favorite things about this book was how much Thatch loved his wife! Watching how determined he was to rekindle their romance was sigh worthy. And as we got to see moments from their past, it showed how their whole story was messy and emotional. His dirty mouth and steamy moments made it impossible not to love him!

“We’ve changed probably half a dozen times in our marriage, and I’ve fallen in love with every single version of you, Serena . . .

With unforgettable family members in the mix, I loved having them all back together under one roof. Because this story was laugh out loud hilarious time and again! Girls night was probably one of my top favorite moments, I was laughing so hard I was wheezing and crying at the same time! But there were also deeper, emotional parts too. I definitely cried a few times, especially with the kids involved. And with Christmas sprinkled throughout this story, it made it so entertaining! The Sleight Before Christmas ended with a beautiful happily ever after, even though the road to get there was very rough. And I was left with only one question – what book were they referencing about the grapefruit juice?????? I am so curious, see the quote below lol!

“Hockey books,” I deliver point blank, palming his shoulder. “Look for hockey books on her Kindle. And whatever you do,” I look between them, “do not let them f*ck you with a grapefruit. No matter what they say.”

BOOK REVIEW: Love in Plane Sight by Lauren Connolly

January 9, 2026 / Jen / 2 Comments

Love in Plane Sight by Lauren Connolly
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
With her brother’s grumpy best friend—and her longtime nemesis—as Beth’s flight instructor, her pilot lessons could be a plane disaster or their first-class ticket to forever.

Mayday. Mayday. Engine failure.

When flying with George Bunsen, the last thing Beth Lundberg wants is to be horny in the cockpit. But when her first ride-along dives toward disaster, the perpetually stoic George is forced to execute a skillful emergency landing, and Beth is horrified to find herself with an adrenaline-fueled crush on the pilot. She’s even more shocked when her brother’s best friend offers her discounted flight lessons—possibly out of guilt for almost killing them.

And despite George’s annoying habit of departing any room the moment Beth enters, she really wants to accept. No matter that it’s an egregiously expensive hobby, or that her waitressing wages go right toward her mother’s medical bills, or that she’s already in debt up to her eyebrows. Flying is Beth’s dream, and she could use her private license to earn real money.

The more time they spend navigating the sky, the more the turbulence between George and Beth dissipates. But Beth has seen the burning wreckage that comes from mixing business with pleasure—plus, she’s been keeping a secret that, once revealed, will send all her relationships into a tailspin. Can she really take a risk on romance when her pilot career isn’t even off the ground?

Review:

PS I Hate You is one of my top favorite books ever. So I went into this story thinking I’d at least like it, oh how wrong I was. While the beginning had me hooked, as the story unfolded I struggled to like Beth. She assumed and judged more than I could handle. When you add that to her internal thoughts being depressing, it was impossible for me to connect to her. Plus some of her decisions had me struggling, and I hated how she cared what other people thought who didn’t have her best interest at heart. Beth was someone I couldn’t find myself rooting for.

The guy could compete at an Olympic level in the sport of pretending I don’t exist.

I truly wish there was a different heroine, because I loved George. As her brother’s best friend, he was everything! I loved trying to figure him out and watch as he slowly started to open up. He was kind, caring, thoughtful, and saw so much. Plus I adored her brother too, he was a golden retriever that was impossible not to love! So while the epilogue was fabulous, I just couldn’t find it in my heart to care. Love in Plane Sight was a huge miss for me, BUT I will definitely try another Connolly book because I still constantly think about PS I Hate You all the time. This one just not for me.

“Sometimes the things you love are scary.”

BOOK REVIEWS: A Christmas Spark (Pride & Pranks #0.5) by Cindy Steel & The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole

December 18, 2025 / Jen / 2 Comments

A Christmas Spark (Pride & Pranks #0.5)
by Cindy Steel
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Snowed in at a cabin with the most infuriating man in the world. I may take my chances with the wolves...

When my best friend found out I’d be alone over Christmas, she hooked me up with a week stay in her family’s cabin in Idaho. I was on a publishing deadline for my latest book and was really looking forward to a cozy week by the fire, cuddled up in flannel pajamas with my laptop and hot chocolate.

Alone.

So imagine my surprise when I arrived at the cabin during a blizzard, and found it already occupied. By an all too familiar face and a fine pack of chiseled abs. Even though it had been ten years since I’d last seen Chase, he had no problem picking up exactly where we left off. I had a big problem with it.It didn’t matter what he threw at me—the old nickname, the teasing, his charming grin, or even those chiseled abs (did I already mention those?), I refused to let him get to me after…the incident. Nope, not me. I was made of stone.

Unfortunately, I’m beginning to understand that when you strike Chase against stone…you get sparks.

★A Christmas Spark is a closed-door romantic comedy full of heart, sizzle, witty banter, and one tiny swear word, but swoony kisses are as steamy as it gets!

This is a supplemental novella in the Pride and Pranks Series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but you will see character crossovers!

Review:

Christmas Spark was a snowed in, brother’s best friend, forced proximity holiday romance that was fun to listen to. I adored Penny and her thoughts, she cracked me up. And Chase, oh I wanted to hate him. His actions from the past bothered me, so I was happy to watch him slowly redeem himself. With ice fishing, kissing, and lots of teasing, I enjoyed listening to this one, and I’m excited to read more in this series!

“You’re it for me. Even after all this time, I still want what I wanted in high school. I’m not messing around here. I want us to be together. And I’m pretty damn sure I love you.”

The Christmas Dress by Courtney Cole
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
An enchanted Christmas dress brings two generations of women together for the magic of the season in this delightful holiday story from New York Times bestselling author Courtney Cole.

One Dress. Two Women. The Magic of the Holiday Season.

When hopeful fashionista Meg Julliard must return to her hometown of Chicago to manage her late father’s apartment building, she thinks her dreams of making it in the fashion business are over. Add in her father’s eclectic roster of tenants who all need Meg’s attention (ASAP!), a host of building related disasters, and a handsome handyman she keeps embarrassing herself in front of, and this has all the makings for the worst Christmas she’s ever had.

Ellie Wade, one of the building’s longtime residents, is also not feeling the Christmas Joy this year. She is preparing to move into a nursing home (reluctantly), and is in the process of sorting through her belongings to downsize. Every corner of her apartment holds memories, some good, some bad. But there’s one dress she hesitates to pack up as it represents both the best and worst night of her life.

Ellie and Meg strike up an unlikely friendship and the story of Ellie’s dress comes out. Ellie gifts the gorgeous dress to Meg, hoping that it will bring her more luck, on the condition that she wear it to the building’s Christmas party.

The dress magically fits, and while it eventually leads to the best night of Meg’s life, it also acts as inspiration for Meg to follow a life-long dream of her own, a dream that will help save the crumbling Parkview West, and restore it to its former glory, and keep it as a safe home for all of the current tenants.

The dress and the magic of the holiday season helps both Meg and Ellie find their own happy endings.

Review:

The Christmas Dress was a holiday romance that was sweet, charming, and took us on an emotional and leisurely journey. Meg felt so alone. After losing her father, she had no family left. Leaving her job, and moving to another state, she was overwhelmed with the work that needed to be done to the building she inherited. But watching her journey, as she slowly started to find not only friendship but love too was a beautiful thing.

“You’re not alone, Meg,” Logan says quietly, and his blue eyes drill into mine with a fiery intensity. “You’ve got everyone at Parkview in your corner. And you’ve got me.”
He’s so serious, so sincere, that I almost allow myself to believe it.

With what felt like magic in the air, she was given a second chance at life and happiness. And so were those around her too. I adored watching Meg grow, and it was incredible seeing how far she had come from that first page. Yet I wasn’t a huge fan of a twist later in the story, but I was grateful for how it played out, and I loved the epilogue at the end! This one left me smiling, happy, and I even shed a few tears.

“Grief is a powerful emotion, Meg. It’s okay to feel it however you feel it. It’s not linear. It can come and go. That’s fine, too.”

PS While Logan was my favorite, I didn’t understand how he basically worked for free???