Review: The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

 

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren

Publication Date: July 14th 2026 by Gallery Books

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Emery and Luca, opposites in so many ways, met and fell head-over-heels in love. Now Emery’s life is consumed by work, focused on a top-secret project Luca doesn’t know about.

 

Emery’s project becomes vital when Luca is victim to a hit-and-run. It works, but Luca wakes up with no memory of Emery. Their marriage-in-crisis gets a second chance as Emery and Luca get to know each other all over again.

 

Reviving Luca has the potential to land Emery and her best friend/co-worker, Annie, into big time hot water and they work to keep it secret. Unfortunately, someone’s been paying attention.

 

I liked that Emery, even before the accident, realized things needed to change on her end, but had a hard time believing they communicated so little with how the relationship was described. I had a hard time thinking that Luca would’ve gone through with his plans before trying to talk to Emery first, given the chemistry between them.

 

The Romance Revival was a addictive second-chance romance/marriage-in-crisis type of story. I actually loved all the sci-fi intrigue with Emery’s revival project, and I was more engrossed with that than the romance. The ending was exciting with more danger and thrills than I expected and I enjoyed how it all wrapped up.

3.5 Stars

Book Description:

An unforgettable novel in which one fateful accident erases a troubled marriage from memory—and love gets one extraordinary do-over.

Three years ago, Emery Finch did something completely out of character: She got married. To Luca—the impossibly charming landscaper she met on one blistering night in Vegas who made her laugh, made her dance, made her feel.

But now, Emery is consumed by her top-secret job, missing dinners, forgetting anniversaries, and promising herself Luca will understand once her cutting-edge research comes to light. Until the unthinkable happens: A tragic accident takes Luca from her.

Desperate not to lose him, Emery breaks every rule to bring him back. And Luca would probably thank her for it, if only he could remember her. Their first kiss, their Sunny Sundays at the beach, the life they built together...all of it is gone.

It may be a miracle of science, but for Emery it’s her one shot at a second chance. And this time, she won’t waste it—because true love is always worth reviving.

Audiobook Review: Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier

 

Heart of Glass by Jennifer Hillier

Publication Date: August 25th 2026 by Macmillan Audio

Pages: 368

Audio Book Length: 12hrs 57min

Narrators: Brittany Pressley, Eunice Wong, January LaVoy, Ferdelle Capistrano, Chris Brinkley

Source: Publishers

Rating: ★★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Twenty-five years ago, teenagers Barb, Nicolette, and Lorelei were best friends. Everything changed when Lorelei was found murdered after spending an evening with Sam who was later convicted of Lorelei's murder, along with the murders of four other women. He became known as "The Carnival Killer." Now, a new true crime series is about to air, featuring Sam's account of the crimes. While he confesses to the other murders, he insists he had nothing to do with Lorelei's death.

 

Not long after Lorelei's murder, Barb and Nicolette had a falling out. Nicolette left town, reinvented herself as Cole Lennox, eventually became a reality TV star. Barb was also planning to leave, but when her mother became ill, she returned home to care for her. Now she writes for the local newspaper, but also for an online gossip blog roasting reality shows, particularly the one Nicolette stars in.

 

Barb's focus shifts when a missing woman is found murdered and another woman disappears. Barb starts her own investigation, ultimately helping the police piece things together.

 

There are three POVs: Barb, Nicolette, and the woman in the cabin. There are also audio clips from the upcoming true crime series interviewing Sam.  

 

The POVs feature glimpses into the past, slowly revealing what happened. I was captivated by all them! You get to know each of the three women through their perspective and while they weren’t perfect, I was rooting for all of them!

 

Heart of Glass was so good with secrets, twists, and surprises! I figured out a few things along the way, but some reveals were a surprise. I loved how everything came together in the end!

 

I listened to the audio version with a full cast featuring some of my favorite narrators, one for each of the POVs. They expertly breathed life into each character! I also enjoyed the effects given for the crime-show interviews. The audio version definitely enhanced my enjoyment!

5 Stars

Book Description:

A serial killer recants his long-ago confession regarding a small-town high school girl―and her then-best friends are forced to confront what really happened that night and what's happening now.

Seaside is a small coastal town, known originally for the local amusement park. But twenty-five years ago, a serial killer dubbed The Carnival Killer confessed to the murder of a local high school girl. Now, he's recanted that confession.

Barb, Nicolette, and Lorelei were best friends - then they met "Sam" at Wonderland, the local amusement park. After hanging out with him there, and accompanying him to the drive-in movie, where the twenty-something handsome drifter made out with Lorelei in the backseat. That night was the last time Lorelei was seen alive, her murdered body surfacing a couple of days later in a local cranberry bog.

Barb's dreams of leaving Seaside and becoming a successful writer never materialized and she is a freelancer for the local newspaper and, secretly, writes anonymously about reality tv stars for a hugely successful gossip web-site called Reality Bitch. Specifically, she writes savagely about a long-running show set in Canada called Trophy Wives.

Nicolette left town shortly after Lorelei's body surfaced, never to return. Ultimately, she married a very rich man, moved to Toronto and rebranded herself as Cole Lennox, one of the stars of Trophy Wives.

With the amusement park about to reopen, revitalizing the dying town of Seaside, the Carnival Killer recants his confession about killing Lorelei, the dead body of young woman washes ashore, and the truth about what happened that night twenty-five years ago - and what is happening now - threatens not only the carefully constructed lives of Barb and Nicolette, but the very fabric of Seaside itself.

Review: The Cloak and Dagger Book Club by Jackie McMahon

 

The Cloak and Dagger Club by Jackie McMahon

Publication Date: July 14th 2026 by Berkley

Pages: 368

Source: Publisher 

Rating: ★★★½

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

The Cloak and Dagger Club follows Lucy Hubbard, a new mystery writer who is shocked to receive an invitation to an exclusive gathering of successful crime authors hosted by the legendary Horace Hazelmoor. She's not thrilled to discover that her ex-fiancé, fellow mystery writer Frank Murray, will also be attending.

 

The meeting quickly descends into chaos as a drunken, belligerent Horace insults everyone in attendance. When he's later found murdered with a knife in his back, the members of the club become obvious suspects. Frank soon emerges as the prime suspect, and despite their painful history, Lucy is convinced he's innocent. Determined to clear his name, she begins investigating on her own.

 

Set in the 1930s, this was an enjoyable blend of classic mystery and second-chance romance. The historical setting was well done, and I liked following Lucy as she methodically uncovered clues and pieced together the truth. With its cast of secretive suspects and plenty of motives, the story gave me Agatha Christie vibes.

 

I was also invested in Lucy and Frank's relationship and enjoyed learning about their shared past. However, my biggest frustration was that Frank remained involved with another woman for most of the book, which dampened my enjoyment of the romance and lowered my overall rating.

 

The mystery builds to a suspenseful and satisfying conclusion, with Lucy finding herself in serious danger as she uncovers the truth. While the romance wasn't a perfect fit for me, I enjoyed the mystery and am looking forward to seeing where the series goes next.

3.5 Stars

Book Description: 

Inspired by Agatha Christie's real-life Detection Club, a murder among a group of golden age mystery writers meets a second chance romance in this debut novel from author Jackie McMahon.

London, 1930. Lucy Hubbard is on the cusp of achieving her dreams. With her first mystery novel debuting with strong sales and glowing reviews, she's been invited by Horace Hazelmoor, the king of crime fiction, to join his elite group of writers—the Cloak and Dagger Club.

Thrilled at the opportunity, Lucy finds herself swept up into Horace's glamorous world at the Ritz hotel. She's even willing to put up with the inconvenient presence of her former fiancé, Frank Murray, the club's rising star who is on track to eclipse Horace as Britain's most popular crime writer.

But when Horace is found with a knife in his back, Frank is the police's prime suspect. Despite their complicated history, Lucy knows he's not capable of murder. With suspects galore and the danger rising, these two mystery writers must race to solve the crime—and fight their lingering feelings for each other—before the murderer strikes again.

Sunday Post #350

 

The Sunday Post is hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated reviewer book blog, and is a post to recap my bookish and non-bookish things from the last week. I'm also linking up to The Sunday Salon hosted by Deb Nance @Readerbuzz.

Happy Sunday!

Woke up to a hazy morning. We got to a low of 54F last night and the temps are cooling down and the days are getting shorter!

It was a busy week and I worked yesterday which is one of the reasons I'm getting this up late.

Our neighbor has several plum trees and asked if we wanted to pick some, so my husband and I went over and got a big bag full. I finally had some time on Friday so we started the process of making jam. Had a some kinks in the process and got one batch finished yesterday after work. 

First batch done!

1000 Piece Puzzle Completed: Surfside Bungalow by Galison

Puzzle 43 of 2026

Trying to get my summer puzzles done before I start bringing out the fall themed ones!

Read:

Don't Look Close by Jaima Fixsen-4 Stars

Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley-4 Stars

The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren-3.5 Stars

Angel Heist by Brian Andrews & Jeffrey Wilson-3 Stars

Received:

Rapport: Friendship, Solidarity, Communion, Empathy (Murderbot Diaries #2.5) by Martha Wells

The Damage Man (Orphan X #11.5) by Gregg Hurwitz

The Oxford Guide to Scandal (The Oxford Guide #1) and Lies by Kate Westbury

Thank you to Macmillan Audio!

How was your week?

Audiobook Review: Don't Look Close by Jaima Fixsen

 

Don't Look Close by Jaima Fixsen

Publication Date: August 18th 2026 by Recorded Books

Pages: 352

Audio Book Length: 11hrs 26min

Narrator: Libby McKnight

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Peter Simmons is finally being released from hospital after contracting polio and enduring a long rehabilitation. Unsure of what the future holds, he's looking forward to a fresh start in the quaint mining town where his sister Edie lives and works as a nurse. However, instead of picking him up, Edie calls to say she’s been taken in for questioning after her ex-husband was found murdered.

 

Peter’s a likeable kind of underdog hero. Dealing with mobility issues and adjusting to a new life, he finds himself trying to solve a murder and clear his sister's name. As a newcomer to town, he has to tread carefully while questioning Edie's friends and workmates. The police seem convinced they already have their culprit. Peter's photography skills prove surprisingly useful, helping both with the investigation and providing alibis as the body count continues to rise.

 

I liked both Peter and Edie, although I did think some of their decisions were a little haphazard at times. Edie is a strong character, especially for the era, having the courage to leave an emotionally abusive husband. Her nursing background also comes in handy throughout the story. Peter feels somewhat adrift at the beginning, but the situation he's thrown into gives him a renewed sense of purpose and something to work toward.

 

I really enjoyed Don't Look Close, a murder mystery set in the 1950s. It has the feel of a classic whodunit, with no shortage of suspects that kept me guessing. While this case is solved, the ending makes me wonder if there are more mysteries ahead for Peter.

 

I listened to an audio version and thought Libby McKnight did a good job bringing the characters to life. 

4 Stars

Book Description:

From USA Today bestselling author Jaima Fixsen comes a gripping crime novel perfect for fans of William Kent Kruger, following one man who would do anything for his sister, even if it means catching a serial killer …

If you look closely, you just may catch a killer.

When Peter Simmons calls his sister Edie from the polio rehabilitation ward, he expects to hear that she's on her way to get him. Instead, he learns her ex-husband has been murdered—and whispers around town have turned her into a prime suspect.

Determined to set things right, Peter checks himself out of the hospital and heads to Clairbeck, the rugged mining community Edie calls home. He can't walk or drive unassisted, but armed with his camera and a stubborn streak, he's intent on proving her innocence.

Clairbeck, however, is far from welcoming. Old grudges between miners and the establishment simmer, and even Edie's clinic isn't the safe haven it appears to be. As Peter observes—and then investigates—he starts to wonder … Is someone watching, waiting, and eliminating anyone who steps out of line?

In a town shrouded in secrets, Peter's eye for truth might be the only thing that stops a killer, unless he draws the killer's eye first …

New Release: Puffin in Bloom's Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

 Puffin in Bloom has just released a stunning new edition of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen on August 4th, 2026 and it is so beautiful! A must for any Jane Austen fan!

I'm in love with Rifle Paper & Co.'s Anna Bond beautiful illustrations, sprayed edges and colorful edges for this special edition! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the gifted copy! (see photos below) Here's a bit about the new release:

Puffin in Bloom has just released a stunning new edition of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen and it is so beautiful! Another one to add to my collection!

 

I'm in love with Rifle Paper & Co.'s Anna Bond beautiful illustrations, sprayed edges and colorful edges for this special edition! Thank you to Penguin Random House for the gifted copy! (See photos) Here's a bit about the new release:

 

Puffin in Bloom’s bestselling collection of Jane Austen classics continues with a gorgeous new edition of Sense and Sensibility (on sale August 4 ,2026). The deluxe hardcover arrives ahead of the highly anticipated film adaptation, out later this year and starring Daisy Edgar-Jones. This elevated copy transforms one of Austen’s beloved novels into a keepsake readers will truly treasure, with its gold foil detailing, colorful sprayed edges, full-color endpapers, and ribbon bookmark.

 

Rifle Paper Co. co-founder and artist Anna Bond has reimagined the cover with her signature flroals, offering a bright, modern take on the classic novel that feels as romantic as the story itself. At the center of Sense and Sensibility are sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood, whose very different approaches to love couldn’t be more at odds. Marianne falls fast and feels everything deeply. Elinor quietly carries her own heartbreak, guided by restraint and a strong sense of responsibility. As they navigate love, loss, and the pressures of society, Austen brings warmth and insight to a story that still resonates today.

 

Puffin in Bloom’s Sense and Sensibility: Deluxe Edition offers the perfect entry point for new readers and a fresh, beautifully packaged edition for longtime Austen fans.

 

Jane Austen was born on December 16, 1775, at Steventon near Basingstoke, the seventh child of the rector of the parish. She lived with her family at Steventon until they moved to Bath when her father retired in 1801. After his death in 1805, she moved around with her mother; in 1809, they settled in Chawton, near Alton, Hampshire. Here she remained, except for a few visits to London, until May 1817, when she moved to Winchester to be near her doctor. There she died on July 18, 1817.

 

Anna Bond is an artist, designer, and entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of Rifle Paper Co., a beloved stationery, accessories, and home brand based in Winter Park, Florida. Founded in 2009 with her husband Nathan, Rifle Paper Co. has organically grown from a small, apartment-based business to an industry-leading brand, carried in thousands of stores worldwide. Beyond her work at Rifle Paper Co., Anna is enjoys illustration, interior design, and most of all, trying to keep up with her five young children.

 

PUFFIN IN BLOOM’S SENSE & SENSIBILITY: DELUXE EDITION

by Jane Austen; Cover Illustration by Anna Bond

Puffin Books | $19.00 | Ages 12 and up

ISBN: 9798217320547| on sale August 4, 2026

 

Penguin Random House, the world’s largest trade book publisher, is dedicated to its mission of nourishing a universal passion for reading by connecting authors and their writing with readers everywhere. The company, which employs more than 10,000 people globally, was formed on July 1, 2013, by Bertelsmann and Pearson, who own 75 percent and 25 percent, respectively. With nearly 275 imprints and brands on six continents, Penguin Random House comprises adult and children’s fiction and nonfiction print and digital English- and Spanish-language trade book publishing businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. With over 15,000 new titles, and more than 600 million print, audio and eBooks sold annually, Penguin Random House’s publishing lists include more than 80 Nobel Prize laureates and hundreds of the world’s mostwidely read authors.

Review: The One Who Walked Away by Karen Rose

 

The One Who Walked Away (Mendocino #1) by Karen Rose

Publication Date: August 11th 2026 by Berkley

Pages: 528

Source: Publisher

Rating: ★★★★

Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Libro.fm | Audible | Goodreads

My Thoughts:

Elle Randolph traded her career as a family law attorney in Florida for life as a bounty hunter after a terrible accident ended in tragedy. She left Florida and went to work as a bounty hunter with one of her close friends. Looking for a fugitive leads her to the small, picturesque town of Mendocino, California. When the innkeeper of the hotel they’re staying at is murdered it seems there’s more to the job than they first thought.

 

Detective Ronan Clarke isn’t thrilled to have two bounty hunters muddling his murder investigation, but he gradually forms a reluctant friendship with Elle, and an attraction begins to grow between them. Unlike her partner, Elle seems to have a strong moral compass and is more willing to share important information. Still, as the body count rises, it becomes clear that Elle may know more than she’s letting on.

 

The case grew increasingly intense as the killer became more desperate. At first, I wasn’t sure what their motives were, which kept me guessing throughout the story. I found myself worried not only for Elle but for anyone who crossed paths with her, especially as several clues seemed to point toward her being the murderer.

 

I loved the setting of Mendocino, a town I’ve visited many times. It was easy to picture the charming community and its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean along the Northern California coast.

 

I was also happy with how the romance was handled. It fit naturally into the story without overshadowing the mystery, and given the dangerous circumstances, anything more prominent wouldn’t have felt believable.

 

I really enjoyed The One Who Walked Away, the first book in Karen Rose’s new series. I’m a big fan of her romantic suspense novels and always look forward to her latest releases. I was very satisfied with how everything came together and am hoping there are many more mysteries to come in this series!

4 Stars

Book Description:

A bounty hunter must outrun her past before it catches up to her in this pulse-pounding new standalone thriller

Bounty hunter Elle Randolph takes on every case she can, in an effort to outrun herself. Three years ago, she was the only one who walked away from a car crash that killed her husband and two others. Although she was cleared of any wrongdoing, she is fueled by guilt and dedicated to solving other people’s problems. But her running is over when she’s identified as a person of interest in a murder investigation.

Detective Ronan Clarke, a single dad for fifteen years, has been laser-focused on raising his daughter and serving the people of Mendocino County, California. He’s got everything under control—until a bounty hunter enters his jurisdiction, keeping secrets and bringing murder to his quiet town. The hunter is definitely involved in his current case, but exactly how is his question. Could she be his killer? As he unravels her secrets, he becomes increasingly troubled by what he finds. While Elle is forced to reexamine every painful memory of the life she left behind, Ronan grows more and more sure of her innocence. But can he trust himself to uncover the truth amid their growing attraction?