Goodreads

Release date: December 2, 2025

Publisher: Poisoned Pen

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Natalie’s best friend leaves the dance club with a handsome stranger and is found unconscious at a bus stop the next morning. What happened that night? Only Natalie’s friend knows—except she’s in the hospital, in a coma…
When Natalie sees a handsome man on the cover of a financial magazine, she recognizes the “Man of the Year”—the stranger her friend left the club with.
He is a millionaire. He is famous. He is untouchable. And—Natalie suspects—dangerous. Desperate for answers, she takes a job as a housekeeper at his mansion.
Her plan is simple. Get close to him, watch his every move, gather evidence, and make him pay.

Except something’s not right about the mansion. Strange rules, hostile treatment from the staff, and an eerie feeling that she’s being watched and followed home. And what exactly happened to the previous housekeeper who went missing?
Natalie thought she was setting a trap. But the day she discovers the shocking truth about the “Man of the Year,” she realizes she might have walked straight into his…

Review:

All Eyes on Him is one of those compulsively readable, popcorn thrillers that grabs you from the first chapter and refuses to let go. Iliana Xander leans hard into the binge factor with snappy, short chapters, a propulsive pace, and a plot that thrives on those “just one more…” moments. The setup is instantly gripping: Natalie’s best friend leaves a club with a mystery man, ends up in a coma, and Natalie becomes convinced the “Man of the Year” (a wealthy, polished, powerful figure) is responsible. From there, the story shifts into full cat and mouse mode as Natalie takes a job inside his mansion, stepping directly into enemy territory.

Natalie herself is a frustrating character at times, and honestly? It feels intentional. Xander leans into her flaws to make the tension sharper and the stakes more chaotic, especially as the mansion’s strange rules, hostile staff, and unsettling secrets start to close in around her. The eerie atmosphere, the missing housekeeper, and the sense that someone is always watching create a tense, claustrophobic tone that escalates beautifully. While the book plays in the realm of heightened reality, it delivers exactly what binge readers crave: entertainment, pace, and a whole lot of juicy twists. 

Suspension of disbelief is absolutely required here, but once you’re willing to go along for the ride, it’s wildly fun. Xander layers in multiple POVs that keep the narrative fresh, shifting your suspicions and rewarding you with both big twists and those smaller, delicious surprises that make thrillers so entertaining. Fans of Freida McFadden and Kiersten Modglin will feel right at home — the vibes are punchy, dramatic, twisty, and very “popcorn thriller” in the best way.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 3, 2025

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Synopsis:

In Rudolph, New York, it’s Christmastime all year long. But this December, while the snow-lined streets seem merry and bright, a murder is about to ruin everyone’s holiday cheer…

As the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, Merry Wilkinson knows how to decorate homes for the holidays. That’s why she thinks her float in the semi-annual Santa Claus parade is a shoo-in for best in show. But when the tractor pulling Merry’s float is sabotaged, she has to face facts: there’s a Scrooge in Christmas Town.

Merry isn’t ready to point fingers, especially with a journalist in town writing a puff piece about Rudolph’s Christmas spirit. But when she stumbles upon the reporter’s body on a late night dog walk—and police suspect he was poisoned by a gingerbread cookie crafted by her best friend, Vicky—Merry will have to put down the jingle bells and figure out who’s really been grinching about town, before Vicky ends up on Santa’s naughty list…

Review:

If you love cozy mysteries that feel like curling up under a blanket with cocoa and twinkle lights, Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen by Vicki Delany is the perfect pick. Set in the year round Christmas town of Rudolph, New York, the story follows Merry Wilkinson, the owner of Mrs. Claus’s Treasures, a charming holiday shop in the heart of town. As the residents prepare for their big holiday parade and the arrival of eager tourists, the festivities take a dark turn when a visiting journalist turns up dead. Suddenly, the most wonderful time of the year becomes a tangled web of secrets, small town gossip, and suspicion.

Delany nails the cozy mystery formula—there’s a clever plot with plenty of red herrings, a cast of quirky and endearing townsfolk, and a vivid setting that oozes charm and festive cheer. Merry’s connection to the town (her father is the former mayor and now plays Santa Claus!) gives her a natural role as both sleuth and insider. The humor sprinkled throughout keeps things light even as the mystery deepens, making this the kind of book that feels like watching a Hallmark movie with a dash of murder. It’s a strong start to a series that promises more warmth, laughter, and holiday hijinks in Rudolph.

Overall rating: 4/5

Release date: December 9, 2025

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Narrator: Carly Robins

Synopsis:

An emotionally gripping page-turner about heartbreak, old secrets, and second chances—with an unexpected Cyrano twist. For fans of Lucy Score and Mia Sheridan.

When mathematician Aubrey MacLean’s career implodes, she has no choice but to return to her rural Indiana hometown, at least temporarily. But small towns have long memories, and so does she, especially when it comes to Nick Thacker, the boy who broke her heart.

Nick’s life is long shifts at the steel mill, plus a side business writing love letters for other people. It’s enough to numb his regrets—until his first love returns, stirring up a past he thought he’d buried.

Aubrey is focused on rebuilding her career, until she falls for a new man whose love letters feel achingly familiar. But as their connection deepens, so does her sense that she’s been here before. The similarities must be a coincidence, right? Because if not, Aubrey may have to choose between the life she’s built and the love she left behind…

Review:

Love Letters to Other People hit me right in the emotions, and the audio narration by Carly Robins made it feel even more intimate. She’s been one of my OG audiobook favorites since I first got into listening, so there’s a comfort and familiarity to her voice that instantly pulls me in. Her delivery captures the heartbreak, longing, and tentative hope between Aubrey and Nick in a way that feels raw and deeply human. From the very first chapter, I could feel the weight of their shared history and the ache of everything left unsaid.

Aubrey and Nick’s story unfolds across two timelines—past and present—which adds a beautiful emotional layering. You experience their high school romance as it blossoms and then fractures, and at the same time, you follow the adults they’ve become, still shaped by the choices they made 17 years earlier. That dual perspective makes their second chance arc feel earned, messy, and meaningful. The writing is romantic and heartfelt, and the inclusion of actual love letters added such a tender, nostalgic touch. Their journey to a hard won HEA is full of slow burn tension, emotional upheaval, and growth, and I loved every moment of watching them figure out who they are now, and who they want to be for each other.

If you love emotional second chance romances with secrets, history, and a whole lot of heart, this one absolutely delivers. It’s beautifully written and even more beautifully narrated, and listening to Carly Robins bring these characters to life made the experience feel personal and unforgettable.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Release date: November 20, 2025

Publisher: Amazon Originals

Genre: Romance

Synopsis:

Snow Place Like Home

After a devastating breakup, a sunny veterinarian goes home to the mountains to lick her wounds—and savor a holiday snack—in this heartfelt story from Laura Pavlov, author of the Blushing series.

At her brother’s wedding, Goldie Jacobs brushes shoulders with Ace Bonetti, his childhood best friend turned Hollywood hotshot. Ace has been crushing on Goldie ever since high school, and seeing her again reminds him exactly why. They spend one toe-curling night together, then part ways, expecting nothing more. But when those moments under the mistletoe felt so right, how can they ever let each other go?

Laura Pavlov’s Snow Place Like Home is part of Home Sweet Holidays, a cookie-sweet collection of holiday romances sure to bring color to your cheeks. Read or listen to each story in a single heart-fluttering sitting. And to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the season, don’t miss a special message from each of our holiday heroes!

Goodreads

Merry and Bright

What starts as a Hail Mary fake romance scheme turns into the real deal in this delightful story of holiday deception from Ali Rosen, author of Alternate Endingsand Recipe for Second Chances.

Miriam Brody is dreading Hanukkah with her overbearing family in Charleston. Ditto for dreamy pro football player Cal Durand and Christmas. After sharing a few flirty drinks on the flight there, the strangers conspire to tackle the holidays together, posing as a couple. But as shenanigans unfold, Miriam realizes her feelings are anything but fake. Uh-oh. Are they headed for a holiday miracle—or a holiday disaster?

Ali Rosen’s Merry and Bright is part of Home Sweet Holidays, a cookie-sweet collection of holiday romances sure to bring color to your cheeks. Read or listen to each story in a single heart-fluttering sitting. And to fully immerse yourself in the charm of the season, don’t miss a special message from each of our holiday heroes!

Goodreads

Review:

The Home Sweet Holiday Collection is a delightful bite sized holiday treat, perfect for cozying up with a cup of cocoa. Of the four stories, two really stood out for me, delivering charm, festive vibes, and swoon worthy romance.

Snow Place Like Home by Laura Pavlov follows Goldie, a veterinarian, as she returns home for her brother’s Christmas Day wedding, and Ace, her brother’s best friend and a movie star, who has secretly harbored feelings for her for years. The story is fast, sweet, and full of the author’s signature wit, capturing that perfect mix of holiday cheer, romantic tension, and heartfelt confessions. The wedding set during Christmas adds an extra layer of festive fun, and watching these longtime crushes finally admit their feelings was incredibly satisfying.

Merry and Bright by Ali Rosen was my first by this author, but it certainly won’t be my last. The story follows Miriam and Cal, who meet on a flight home for the holidays—she’s celebrating Hanukkah, he Christmas—and immediately click. Both dreading the family festivities, they agree to a fake dating arrangement that feels effortless and believable. The chemistry between them is instant, sweet, and festive, making this story a standout for its humor, warmth, and that perfect holiday sparkle.

Overall, these two stories made the collection worth diving into, each offering a unique slice of holiday romance that’s fun, heartwarming, and utterly bingeable in one sitting.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 4, 2025

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

College professors Sadie Sheridan and Felix Graham are on sabbatical at Hemlock House, located on a remote mountain homestead established years ago by Felix’s family. When Felix leaves on a work trip but doesn’t return, effectively stranding Sadie on the mountain, her world collapses.

Alone at Hemlock House, frantic Sadie struggles to make sense of what her missing astronomer husband left behind. Forced to confront two mysterious trespassers just as a powerful storm bears down, Sadie and the strangers have no choice but to ride it out together. As conditions worsen and shocking secrets are revealed, Sadie must face whether or not she ever knew the man she married and is she fighting only for her own survival now—or still for the man who promised her the stars?

Where He Left Me is another compelling, emotional thriller from an author who “writes with a poet’s eye for language and a storyteller’s gift for suspense” (William Kent Krueger, New York Times bestselling author).

Review:

Nicole Baart delivers another deeply emotional and quietly haunting story in Where He Left Me. The novel follows Sadie, who retreats with her husband, Felix, to his family’s vacation home Hemlock House, a sprawling estate with an unsettling presence. When Felix leaves for a business trip and doesn’t return on time, Sadie finds herself alone in the house as a storm closes in. Her solitude is soon broken by the arrival of two strangers trespassing on the property, and what unfolds from there is a taut, layered exploration of grief, betrayal, and the secrets we keep.

Told through alternating timelines that trace Sadie and Felix’s relationship from its earliest moments to the tense present, Baart crafts a slow burn suspense that feels both intimate and cinematic. The shifting narrative builds a steady undercurrent of dread, while her lyrical writing grounds the story in emotional realism. As the storm outside grows more violent, the true turbulence lies within Hemlock House—and within Sadie herself—as the truth begins to surface in unexpected and unsettling ways.

Where He Left Me is atmospheric, beautifully written, and psychologically rich. Baart’s signature blend of emotional depth and understated suspense shines here, making this one of those quiet thrillers that lingers long after the final page. If you enjoy character driven mysteries that balance tension with introspection, this is a must read.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 4, 2025

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Is it a boy or a girl? They would die to know…

Madeline and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.

As the aftershocks of the bloody party ripple across the small town, Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.

Review:

The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf is a tense, fast paced thriller that opens with a gender reveal party gone horribly wrong and it only gets more shocking from there. Set among the elite horse ranchers of Nightjar, Gudenkauf peels back the layers of small town wealth and privilege to reveal the festering secrets beneath. Told through multiple points of view—including Madeleine, the glamorous expectant mother; Mellie, a pregnant waitress caught up in the chaos; Lucy, Madeleine’s resentful sister; and Jamie, an ATF agent with his own ties to the town, the story unfolds in brisk, addictive chapters that make it nearly impossible to put down.

Every character in this book is deeply flawed, self interested, or hiding something, which only heightens the tension as their paths collide. Gudenkauf excels at crafting morally gray characters you can’t look away from, no matter how messy their choices get. The twists come fast, and just when you think you’ve figured out where it’s headed, the story takes another dark turn.

With its mix of family drama, high stakes secrets, and explosive revelations, The Perfect Hosts is the definition of a bingeable thriller. It’s sharp, dramatic, and dripping with deceit, perfect for readers who love domestic suspense with a bite and aren’t afraid to dive into a world where everyone has something to lose.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 4, 2025

Publisher: Grand Central

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Late at night…

Abi and Ben are driving home down foggy country roads, arguing about having had to cut short their weekend away when they take a wrong turn. Abi’s driving, but her eyes leave the road for a moment as she says something to Ben – just as he gasps. A man is in front of the car, waving a torch. Abi swerves to avoid him.

You see a family stranded…

Ben tells her they should stop and go back, but Abi refuses. It’s dark, the roads are isolated and they don’t know this stranger. But, as Abi continues on, they see a broken-down car. Every instinct is still telling Abi to drive by, but then she notices the woman holding a car seat with a baby in it.

Would you stop?

For a moment, Abi hesitates, but they can’t leave a mother and baby on the side of the road. Agreeing to give the family a lift, they set off again. But now these strangers are inside their car and it might be the worst mistake they have ever made…

Review:

Strangers in the Car follows Abi and Ben as they set off on what should be a straightforward road trip — until a thick fog, a wrong turn, and a stranded family on the side of the road turn everything upside down. When they decide to pick up the family, noticing they have a baby with them, things take a dark and unexpected turn that’s best left unspoiled. From there, C.M. Ewan delivers the kind of tense, high stakes thriller that has you reading with your shoulders hunched and your heart racing.

This is absolutely a popcorn style thriller, it’s fast paced, cinematic, and packed with short, punchy chapters that make it nearly impossible to stop. You do have to suspend disbelief at times, but if you’re along for the ride, it’s pure fun: twisty, surprising, and anxietyinducing in the best way. Ewan is so good at placing ordinary people in extraordinary, terrifying situations, and Strangers in the Car is another strong example of why his books work so well. It’s wild, consuming, and totally unique, the kind of book you finish in one sitting just to see how far things can possibly go.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 25, 2025

Publisher: Celadon

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Eighteen months and eleven lost bidding wars into house-hunting in the Washington, D.C. suburbs, 37-year-old publicist Margo Miyake gets a tip about the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood, slated to come up for sale in one month. Desperate to escape the cramped apartment she shares with her husband Ian—and in turn, get their marriage, plan to have a baby, and whole life back on track—Margo becomes obsessed with buying the house before it’s publicly listed and the masses descend (with unbeatable, all-cash offers in hand).

A little stalking? Harmless. A bit of trespassing? Necessary. As Margo infiltrates the homeowners’ lives, her tactics grow increasingly unhinged—but just when she thinks she’s won them over, she hits a snag in her plan. Undeterred, she’ll prove again and again that there’s no boundary she won’t cross to seize the dream life she’s been chasing.

Review:

Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino is a wildly entertaining debut that turns the ruthless world of real estate into a battleground of obsession, deceit, and dark humor. Margo, our protagonist, is unhinged in the best way — snarky, desperate, and oddly relatable as she becomes consumed by her quest to secure the perfect home. While she’s not exactly a character you’re supposed to root for, I couldn’t help but cheer her on through every questionable decision and chaotic scheme.

This is a thriller that moves fast, packed with sharp dialogue, biting wit, and plenty of unexpected turns. Kashino balances the absurdity of Margo’s desperation with genuinely smart plotting and darkly funny observations about status, envy, and the lengths people will go to for what they think they deserve. The final act takes things in a darker, twistier direction than I expected and I loved every second of it.

For a debut, Best Offer Wins feels impressively confident and refreshingly original. It’s clever, fast, and full of personality, the kind of book that’ll have everyone talking once they pick it up. If you love thrillers with a biting sense of humor and a delightfully unhinged heroine, this one’s a must read. 🏡💀✨

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: October 21, 2025

Publisher: Harlequin Audio

Narrator: Dara Rosenberg

Synopsis:

Can these exes rekindle their love this Hanukkah?

Evelyn Schwartz has the perfect Hanukkah planned: eight jam-packed days producing the live-action televised musical of A Christmas Carol. Who needs family when you’ve got long hours, impossible deadlines, and your dream job? That is, until an accident on set lands her in the medical bay with one of her chronic migraines, and she’s shocked to find her ex-husband, David Adler, filling in for the usual studio doctor.

It’s been two years since David walked away from Evelyn and their life in Manhattan, and his ex-wife is still the same workaholic who puts her career before everything else—especially her health. But when Evelyn begins hallucinating “ghosts” tied to her past heartbreaks, and every single one leads to David, he finds himself spending much more time with her than he anticipated. And denying the still-smoldering chemistry between them becomes impossible.

As Evelyn revisits her ghosts of Hanukkah past, she and David both begin to wonder if they can have a Hanukkah future. But with a high-stakes production ramping up the pressure on Evelyn, and troublesome spirits forcing them both to confront their most difficult shared memories, it might just take a Hanukkah miracle for these two exes to light the flame on their second-chance at love.

Review:

Jean Meltzer has such a gift for blending humor, heart, and meaningful Jewish representation, and The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah might just be her most emotional story yet. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Dara Rosenberg, who once again delivers a pitch-perfect performance—her narration brings Evelyn and the entire cast vividly to life. Evelyn is a driven executive TV producer working on the biggest show of her career when she’s forced to face the past she’s been avoiding—thanks to a visit from eight ghosts (or heartbreaks) who help her confront the choices and losses that shaped her life.

This story surprised me with its emotional depth and tenderness. It’s more than just a festive romance—it’s a thoughtful exploration of grief, ambition, faith, and the ways love evolves over time. Evelyn’s complicated relationship with her ex-husband David (the show’s on-set doctor) adds a beautiful second-chance, slow-burn layer that felt authentic and earned. Meltzer handles sensitive topics with care and grace, and her author’s note at the end offers powerful context that makes the story resonate even more.

If you love holiday romances but want one that goes beyond meet-cutes and mistletoe, The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah delivers a heartfelt, hopeful, and deeply human story wrapped in the glow of Jewish tradition. Don’t skip the trigger warnings or author’s note—they add valuable insight to an already rich and rewarding listen.