Review: Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Saturday Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Can fake dating lead to real love? In Kasie West’s next sexy adult romcom two people must decide where the lie ends and the chemistry begins.

Sutton knows she needs therapy. After all, she’s managing her newly opened restaurant remotely while taking care of her ungrateful sick mother. Plus, her boyfriend of two years just dumped her over the phone. But does therapy with a handsome stranger, who she has to pretend to be engaged to, in order to help her friend’s struggling relationship count? Probably not. Then why did she just agree to go? Because she’s had a few too many drinks? Because this stranger, Elijah, is smug and annoying and really, really handsome? Because she feels guilty that she abandoned her best friend, Tara, after high school and this might just make up for it? Whatever the reason, she has committed to this unhinged plan.

What the hell is Sutton doing?

Helping Tara prove a point: a good therapist can tell the difference between real love and fake love. That’s what she’s doing. But as they attend their sessions, Sutton and Elijah only seem to be proving one thing—the lines between pretend desire and real desire are very blurry. This true connection forming between them is threatening to unravel everything Sutton thought she knew about family, friendship, and her own heart.

Review:

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West is a light, flirty romcom that fully embraces a slightly over the top premise and turns it into an entertaining, feel good read. The story follows Sutton, who finds herself caught up in a fake engagement with a stranger in order to participate in couples therapy sessions—yes, it’s a bit chaotic, but if you lean into the setup, it becomes part of the charm. The tone is low angst and fast paced, with witty banter and playful tension carrying the story from start to finish.

What grounds the story is Sutton herself. Beneath the humor and absurdity, she’s dealing with family strain, emotional burnout, and lingering guilt over a fractured friendship, which adds a layer of heart to the narrative. Elijah proves to be the perfect counterpart, he’s confident, slightly smug, but ultimately warm and steady, and their chemistry is immediate and engaging. Together, they strike a balance between humor and sincerity that makes the romance feel both fun and satisfying. This is the kind of book you pick up when you want something easy, swoony, and genuinely enjoyable.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: I Choose Me by Jennie Garth

Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Genre: Memoir

Narrator: Jennie Garth

Synopsis:

Jennie Garth is best known for playing the iconic role of Kelly Taylor in the hit television series “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Now in her 50s, she invites readers into the real story of growing up on screen, facing Hollywood’s impossible beauty standards, and losing—and finding—herself through heartbreak, loss, and the challenge of motherhood. She shares the raw truths of the moments that broke her open and shows the resilience it takes to walk through grief and begin again.

Jennie writes with warmth and candor about learning to quiet the voice that says “not enough,” rediscovering her strength after loss, and daring to take up space, speak her truth, and want more. She opens up about the unglamorous, deeply human moments and finally letting go of the need for perfection and other people’s approval.

Through personal stories, practical advice, and the wisdom earned through her own hard lessons, Jennie lights a path back to self-love and clarity. I Choose Me is for anyone who’s ever felt lost in their roles, struggling to give themselves permission to ask, “What do I want now?” It’s an invitation to honor your own journey, embrace self-care, and believe with compassion that choosing yourself is the bravest, kindest thing you can do.

Review:

I Choose Me by Jennie Garth had all the makings of a memoir I thought I would love, especially as a longtime fan of hers from Beverly Hills 90210. I went in expecting a deeply personal look at her life, relationships, and experiences growing up in the spotlight. And while there are glimpses of that—moments where Jennie reflects on her past, her struggles, and her growth—I found myself wishing the entire book leaned more heavily into those sections. Those were easily the strongest parts: honest, engaging, and exactly what I had hoped for.

Unfortunately, the book shifts heavily into self help territory, and that’s where it lost me. About half of the content felt more like general advice and personal development guidance rather than a true memoir, and the tone occasionally came across as a bit preachy or inauthentic for my taste. It wasn’t overly religious, but it didn’t feel as grounded or personal as I’d hoped. That said, I did really enjoy the audiobook narration, hearing Jennie tell her own story added warmth and familiarity that elevated the experience. Overall, this was a bit of a letdown for me, which is disappointing given how much I wanted to love it.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass

Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The two-time Edgar Award–nominated author of ON A QUIET STREET and THE VACANCY IN ROOM 10, Seraphina Nova Glass, is back with TOO CLOSE TO HOME

Nothing in this idyllic community is quite what it seems…

Those lucky enough to live in the elite lakefront community of Cloverhill Lakes are drawn to it for its safety and top-notch school district. The moms meet for coffee at the park while their kids play, they’re heavily involved in the PTA, and the summers are filled with chardonnay, brunch, sundresses, and backyard bonfires.

But everything changes when Regan Hoffman’s car explodes at the annual Labor Day party. The wrong person is killed, but it was meant for her. As the carefully crafted walls of her community begin to crumble, Regan tries to keep it together—something made infinitely harder when she sees her dead husband…alive.

When a Cloverhill Lakes resident suddenly goes missing, dark secrets begin to surface from underneath the idyllic veneer of their beautiful community—and the truth threatens to destroy them all as Regan finds herself in a fight for her life.

Review:

Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass is the kind of suburban thriller you fly through in a weekend—fast paced, twisty, and packed with secrets that unravel at lightning speed. Set in an idyllic lakefront community where everything looks picture perfect, the story quickly spirals into chaos after a shocking explosion at a neighborhood party sets off a chain reaction of lies, betrayals, and very questionable decisions. The multiple POV structure keeps things moving and adds to the tension as each character brings their own baggage (and secrets) to the table.

This is one of those reads where you absolutely have to suspend disbelief to fully enjoy the ride, but honestly? If you lean into the drama and don’t overthink the logistics, it’s a lot of fun. The plot is unapologetically unhinged in the best way, with twists that keep coming and a constant sense that no one can be trusted. Between the missing persons, shocking reveals, and increasingly chaotic turns, it delivers exactly what you want from a bingeable thriller.

At its core, this is a story about the cracks beneath curated suburban perfection, and it thrives on the messiness hiding just below the surface. If you’re in the mood for something suspenseful, entertaining, and just a little bit outrageous, this one makes for a perfect grab your snacks and don’t move kind of read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: Once in a Blue Moon by Kristan Higgins

Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Recorded Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Narrator: Xe Sands

Synopsis:

From the international bestselling author of PACK UP THE MOON and OUT OF THE CLEAR BLUE SKY

Winnie Smith was never supposed to be that woman. She’s the responsible sister, the behind-the-scenes event planner, the one who avoids drama at all costs. So how did she end up publicly branded as the other woman—and promptly canceled by the Mommy Mafia of Cape Cod? One disastrous relationship, a missing background detail, and suddenly Winnie’s quiet life is in shambles.

Enter Lorenzo Santini, the world-renowned surgeon, feared and revered by colleagues, with zero patience for incompetence and life’s ordinary tasks. Known to hospital staff as Dr. Satan, Lorenzo needs a personal assistant—and Winnie needs a fresh start. It’s strictly business…until it isn’t.

As Winnie manages Lorenzo’s demanding schedule and carefully guarded life, she discovers there’s more beneath his intimidating exterior than arrogance and ambition. And Lorenzo begins to see that Winnie is anything but invisible.

Once in a blue moon, two people who seem to have nothing in common could turn out to be perfect for each other after all.

Review:

There’s something so comforting about returning to a familiar world, and Once in a Blue Moon by Kristan Higgins delivered exactly that for me. While you absolutely don’t need to read the connected books to enjoy this one, longtime fans will appreciate the little threads that tie everything together—especially getting to see beloved characters again (yes, Grandpop 🥹). Higgins has such a gift for creating communities that feel warm, lived in, and full of heart, and stepping back into Winnie’s world felt like coming home.

Winnie is such an easy character to root for, she’s the responsible, behind the scenes sister who suddenly finds herself at the center of unwanted drama. Watching her rebuild after being unfairly labeled and judged was both frustrating and empowering in the best way. And then there’s Lorenzo—aka Dr. Satan—who was such a fun surprise here. Seeing him soften, layer by layer, and getting a deeper look into who he really is made his dynamic with Winnie incredibly satisfying. Their boss/employee relationship evolving into something more was slow, sweet, and filled with those little moments that just work.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Xe Sands and she was, as always, an absolute joy. Her performance added so much depth and personality to both Winnie and Lorenzo, bringing out the humor, tenderness, and emotional beats beautifully. And Winnie’s family? Truly one of the highlights, so loving, warm, and supportive, it made being back with them feel extra special. Honestly, my only complaint is that I wanted more. Higgins never misses for me, and I would happily stay in this world a little longer.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Start at the End by Emma Grey

Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Zibby Books

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

This is a love story . . . but not the one you’re expecting.

Start at the End is a powerful, soul-stirring, sliding-doors novel from the bestselling author of The Last Love Noteand Pictures of You that explores second chances and unwritten endings.

Audrey and Fraser tumble into a romance for the ages. After an unlikely start, they fall deeply in love and dream of the life they’ll build together—until one tragic moment upends everything. Facing the unimaginable and wrestling with guilt, they’re left haunted by “what ifs,” each asking where they would be if fate had spun a different story.

Start at the End is an unforgettable drama of two soulmates who have to find a way to start over when they had only just begun.

Review:

Emma Grey’s Start at the End is a heartbreakingly beautiful exploration of love, loss, and the unthinkable ways life can shift in an instant. Audrey and Fraser’s connection feels immediate and all consuming, the kind of love that readers will ache for and root for in equal measure. But this isn’t a conventional romance, it’s a sliding door story that shows how one moment can ripple into countless “what ifs,” forcing each character to navigate grief, guilt, and the daunting prospect of starting over. Grey handles this delicate structure with a deft touch, ensuring the emotional resonance lands without feeling manipulative.

What makes this book particularly compelling is its emotional realism. Grey’s writing captures the raw, often contradictory feelings of heartbreak, hope, and human fragility with a rare honesty. Moments of tenderness sit alongside gut punch heartbreak, and the characters’ struggles to rebuild their lives feel painfully authentic. As with her previous novels, Grey excels at portraying humanity in all its messy, flawed, yet profoundly beautiful glory. Every scene is charged with depth, every choice weighed with consequence, making it a book that lingers long after the last page.

For book clubs, Start at the End offers layers to unpack—from the ethics of moving on, to the nature of love and destiny, to the quiet, often invisible ways grief shapes us. It’s a story that is both intimate and expansive, heartbreaking yet ultimately hopeful. Fans of Grey will recognize the same emotional acuity and character driven storytelling that makes her novels so unforgettable, and newcomers will be swept up in the intensity of Audrey and Fraser’s journey. This is a book that asks you to feel deeply and think about what it means to start again, even when everything you thought you knew has changed.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Spring Reading List 2026: Romance, Cozy Mysteries & a Little Chaos

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your reading list with stories that feel light, hopeful, and just a little bit escapist. Whether you’re in the mood for swoony romances, charming cozy mysteries, or a few thrillers that add a twist of chaos to all the sunshine, this list has something for every reading mood.

These spring reads lean into fresh starts, small towns, travel, and seasonal charm—with just enough drama to keep things interesting.

🌷 Romance Picks

The Bodyguard — Katherine Center

A sunshiney, laugh out loud romance featuring fake dating, lovable characters, and a heartfelt emotional core. This one is equal parts funny and tender, with a story that feels like it’s meant to be a rom com movie.

Check it out here

A Novel Love Story — Ashley Poston

A whimsical, bookish romance where a woman finds herself inside a fictional town from her favorite series. Charming, magical, and deeply rooted in the love of stories.

Check it out here

What Happens in Amsterdam — Rachel Lynn Solomon

A fresh start abroad turns into a marriage of convenience with an ex, blending travel, second chances, and emotional growth into a romantic and engaging story.

Check it out here

The Magic of Lemon Drop Pie — Rachel Linden

A reflective and uplifting story about second chances, following a woman who gets to experience the life she didn’t choose. Thoughtful, magical, and perfect for a fresh start season.

Check it out here

🫖 Cozy Mysteries

Live and Let Chai — Bree Baker

Set in a seaside town, this cozy mystery follows a tea shop owner who becomes the prime suspect in a murder. Light, charming, and filled with small town vibes.

Check it out here

Arsenic and Adobo — Mia P. Manansala

A food focused cozy mystery with humor and heart, where a woman must solve a murder after a food critic drops dead in her family’s restaurant.

Check it out here

Murder at the Lemonberry Tea — Darci Hannah

A lakeside bakeshop setting, a celebrity chef, and a deadly twist make this a perfect seasonal cozy with strong spring to summer vibes.

Check it out here

Toxic Toffee — Amanda Flower

A spring festival, a small town setting, and a poisoned treat create a fun and festive mystery with just the right amount of intrigue.

Check it out here

🌿🔪 Thrillers (Spring… but make it unhinged)

Not in your soft, sunshiney era? These bring the drama.

The Hunting Wives — May Cobb

A scandalous, addictive thriller filled with toxic friendships, obsession, and secrets set against a lush Southern backdrop.

Check it out here

The Villa — Rachel Hawkins

A glamorous Italian getaway with a dark past, told through dual timelines full of secrets, betrayal, and a haunting history.

Check it out here

Whether you’re in the mood for romance, cozy mysteries, or something a little more chaotic, spring is the perfect time to mix things up and explore new reads.

Let me know your current reading mood—are you in your romance, cozy, or chaos era?

Review: Everyone is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine

Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Severn House

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A woman’s life is upended when her past comes back to mess with her mind in this psychological thriller full of twists and turns.

There’s no such thing as perfect.

It’s been fifteen years since Carly Bennett’s mother was brutally murdered during a home robbery. Since then, she’s worked hard to build a normal life with a stellar career as an English professor—far away from the picture-perfect stepfamily that abandoned her at boarding school.

When a male colleague is found dead in Carly’s office—her name scrawled next to his body—everything she’s strived for starts to fall apart. There are eerie similarities to her mother’s attack, and Carly determines to find the truth. 

Yet things take a bizarre turn when she suddenly experiences lost time, waking up in strange places, and flashes of dormant memories . . . memories that can’t possibly be real. Because, if they are, then she was there the night her mother was killed.

Could Carly have been responsible? Or is something more sinister at play in her stepfamily’s perfect world . . .?

This eerie domestic suspense is perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden and Lisa Jewell.

Review:

Everyone Is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine is an engaging, twisty domestic suspense that leans heavily into family drama, buried trauma, and the lingering impact of the past. Told across dual timelines, the story follows Carly Bennett as she’s pulled back into the mystery of her mother’s murder, an event that shattered her childhood and continues to echo into her present. The past and present structure keeps the narrative moving at a steady, compelling pace, gradually revealing secrets that reshape everything Carly thought she knew.

Carly herself is an intriguing and layered protagonist, especially as her grip on reality begins to blur with unsettling memory gaps and flashes of something darker beneath the surface. The story thrives on that eerie uncertainty—what really happened, what can be trusted, and how much of the past has been buried for a reason. The pacing is quick and the twists keep things entertaining, making it an easy book to fly through, especially for fans of family centered thrillers with psychological elements.

While this one didn’t fully land as a standout for me, it was still a solid and enjoyable read. The exploration of trauma and complicated family dynamics adds depth, even as the story leans into more dramatic, twist driven moments. Overall, it’s a fast paced, intriguing suspense that will appeal to readers who enjoy unraveling messy family secrets with a touch of unreliability and tension.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the award-winning author of Songs in Ursa Major comes an epic, decade-spanning love story that blazes through the worlds of acting and comedy, and charts a connection so powerful it might just break space and time itself.

In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for SNL; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her Massachusetts small town and large family. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.

Seven years later in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.

Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry, and devastating emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?

Review:

Into the Blue by Emma Brodie is a tender, heart wrenching saga that lingers long after the final page. At its core, this is a deeply character driven story about AJ Graves and Noah Drew, two fated soulmates whose lives intertwine across years, distances, and even the blurred lines of acting versus reality. Brodie masterfully explores the raw and authentic emotions of first love, friendship, and the heartbreak of unspoken truths, pulling readers into an angsty, unforgettable romance that is as intimate as it is cosmic.

What sets this story apart is the fascinating backstage peek into the world of acting, particularly improvisational work, which feels both immersive and authentic. AJ’s journey from her small town Massachusetts life to the chaotic allure of New York City and a sci fi TV set adds a unique, cinematic layer to the story. The chemistry between AJ and Noah is electric, their connection unshakable, and the tension (rooted in years of unresolved longing and secrets) keeps the pages turning.

Brodie’s prose is tender, gentle, and yet raw, capturing the nuance of love, heartbreak, and the choices that shape our lives. Into the Blue is perfect for readers who love sagas about soulmates, angsty romance, and stories that make you feel every emotion, all while offering a fresh, behind the scenes glimpse into the acting world. It’s heartbreaking, swoony, and impossible to put down—a love story that feels destined yet painfully real and raw. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Happy Ending by Chloe Liese

Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Gallery

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

From USA TODAY bestselling author Chloe Liese, a clever and heartwarming rom-com that is perfect for fans of Christina Lauren and Annabel Monaghan about two best friends who must fake a relationship for their exes.

Thea and Alex have three things in common—they love food, they hate where they live, and they’re both divorced. Otherwise, they couldn’t be more different.

Thea’s never cooked a day in her life. Alex is a world-class chef. Alex resents feeling stuck in his hometown. Thea resents the town for not feeling more like home. Thea and her ex are in a contentious custody battle for their dog. Alex and his ex amicably coparent their daughter. Beyond a few friends in common, a couple small-world connections (welcome to life in a mid-size city), their lives look nothing alike. Fast forward two years, and they’re truly the best of friends. No one would ever know their friendship began as a lie…

Two years ago, their exes got together immediately following their divorces, and somehow, Thea and Alex found themselves spinning a spite-fueled story about being old friends and first loves. Two years later, what began as a ruse has grown into real friendship—just friendship, despite what friends and family seem to think. But when their exes invite them on a two-week, “two family” beach vacation—daughter and dog included—Alex and Thea start to wonder if this story they’ve spun might have gotten away from them, and if it’s led them to the last place they ever thought it could: a happy ending.

Review:

Happy Ending by Chloe Liese is  the kind of romance that quietly sneaks up on you and then completely owns your heart. This is a slow

burn, friends to lovers story that leans heavily into emotional intimacy, shared history, and the kind of connection that feels both effortless and deeply earned. Told through past and present timelines, the story beautifully builds the foundation of Alex and Thea’s relationship—starting from a messy, spite fueled fake backstory and evolving into something so genuine and meaningful it’s impossible not to root for them.

What really makes this book shine is how character driven it is. Alex and Thea feel like real people navigating real life baggage; divorce, complicated exes, feeling stuck, and figuring out what “home” even means. Their friendship is the heart of the story, and it’s written with so much care and tenderness. You can feel the trust, the safety, the slow shift from platonic love to something deeper. It’s swoony in a soft, grounded way—more about lingering glances and emotional vulnerability than big dramatic moments.

This is a mature, heartfelt romance that prioritizes growth, healing, and connection. The beach vacation setting adds just enough tension to push everything to the surface, but it never overshadows what matters most: Alex and Thea choosing each other in a way that feels intentional and real. Sweet, charming, and deeply endearing, this is one of those romances where you want to wrap both characters in a blanket and protect them at all costs.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

March Recap

March felt like a transition month in the best way — a little bit of everything, but with spring slowly starting to sneak in. I found myself reaching for lighter reads, small town settings, popcorn thrillers and especially cozy mysteries (which I fully cannot get enough of right now). It’s been such a fun, comfort reading kind of season.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up, plus what I’ve been reading, listening to, and watching lately.

ICYMI: March Highlights

March Book Recommendations

A little bit of everything — from cozy escapes to emotional reads and addictive thrillers.

→ Read the full list here

Full March Reading Recap

I had a strong month that had a slow start but then had a bunch of 5 stars in a row!

(Insert link once it’s live)

→ Read the full list here

Spring Break

I also shared a spring break recap filled with bookstore browsing, life lately moments, and a little peek into the balance of reading and real life.

→ See the post here

A Few of My Favorite March Reads

The Me I Used to Be by Kristan Higgins

A beautifully layered, character driven story about friendship, grief, and the lasting impact of the past. Told through dual timelines, this follows four former best friends as they reunite and confront the secrets that changed everything. It’s emotional, thoughtful, and incredibly moving, with just enough warmth and humor to balance the heavier themes. The kind of book that stays with you — and would make an excellent book club pick.

→ Read the full review here

Ryder by Jessica Peterson

Cowboy romance will always have me, and this delivered. Brother’s best friend, friends to lovers, small town, and a bold heroine who goes after what she wants? Say less.

This was emotional, spicy, and full of tension, and the audiobook absolutely elevated the experience — the accents, the chemistry, everything just worked. A perfect final book in the series, and I’m already fully invested in what’s coming next.

→ Read the full review here

Story Lake Series by Lucy Score

Story of My Life

A chaotic, cozy romcom that fully leans into its charm. Think small town antics, quirky residents, and a romance author heroine living out her own messy storyline. It’s funny, heartfelt, and packed with found family vibes — pure comfort reading.

Mistakes Were Made

Such a fun return to Story Lake. Opposites attract, messy in the best way, with great banter, tension, and emotional payoff. I read these back to back and had the best time and this series is officially a comfort read obsession.

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Too Close to Home by Seraphina Nova Glass — fast paced, dramatic, and already pulling me in. Picture a seemingly perfect lake community unraveling after a shocking act of violence… and secrets everywhere.

• Listening: The Hayley Powell series by Lee Hollis — cozy, foodie mysteries set in a small Maine town. Think lobster bakes, small town drama, and murder mixed with humor. I’m having so much fun with these.

• Watching: Summer House on Bravo — I’ve been here since day one and this current drama?? I cannot look away. The West and Amanda situation is wild, and I’m firmly Team Ciara forever. Some of my fave accounts giving updates are facereality16 Bravohistorian and Queensofbravo if you wanna follow the mess.

What’s Next

Very much in my mood reading era right now, but you can definitely expect more seasonal content as we move into spring.

On my radar:

• a spring reads guide (coming soon)

• themed stacks and cozy mystery roundups

• more quick hit rec carousels when I find a new favorite

Thank you for being here — whether you’re reading every post or just checking in when something catches your eye. I appreciate it more than you know 💕