Goodreads

Release date: April 1, 2025

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A bestselling romance author flees to Alaska to reinvent herself and write her first murder mystery, but the rugged resort proprietor soon has her fearing she’s living in a rom-com plot instead in this earnestly spectacular debut by a stunning new voice.

Beloved romance author Margot Bradley has a dark secret: she doesn’t believe in Happily Ever Afters. Not for herself, not for her readers, and not even for her characters, for whom she secretly writes alternate endings that swap weddings and babies for divorce papers and the occasional slashed tire. When her Happily Never After document is hacked and released to the public, she finds herself canceled by her readers and dropped by her publisher.

Desperate to find a way to continue supporting her chronically ill sister, Savannah, Margot decides to trade meet-cutes for murder. The fictional kind. Probably. But when Savannah books Margot a six-week stay in a remote Alaskan resort to pen her first murder mystery, Margot finds herself running from a moose and leaping into the arms of the handsome proprietor, making her fear she’s just landed in a romance novel instead.

The last thing Dr. Forrest Wakefield ever expected was to leave his dream job as a cancer researcher to become a glorified bellhop. What he’s really doing at his family’s resort is caring for his stubborn, ailing father, and his puzzle-loving mind is slowly freezing over—until Margot shows up. But Forrest doesn’t have any room in his life for another person he could lose, especially one with a checkout date.

As long snowy nights and one unlikely trope after another draw Margot and Forrest together, they’ll each have to learn to overcome their fears and set their aside assumptions before Margot leaves—or risk becoming a Happily Never After story themselves.

Review:

This was soooo cute and I was floored when I saw it was a debut! Obviously you know by the title that this will play with different romance tropes and there’s basically every single one you can think of here but it was done in such a fun and cheeky manner! It took a pretty cliched series of tropes and put an original and funny spin on things that I just adored. If a romance has witty banter I’m pretty much sold and there was plenty of that goodness here. Besides the amazing romance between Margot and Forrest the relationships with the secondary characters were just as charming too. Margot’s bond with her sister was so special and Forrest’s relationship with his dad made me teary at times. Since she is a romance author this was one big love letter to romancelandia and I thought that was such a cute addition. Loved this one clearly and can’t wait to see what the author comes up with next!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: April 8, 2025

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

One of the most anticipated books of the year, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Weiner, a glimmering novel set in the world of pop music about sisters, motherhood, young love, and the dreams we chase.

Sisters Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were born just a year apart but could not have been more different. Zoe, blessed with charm and beauty, yearned for fame from the moment she could sing into a hairbrush. Cassie was a musical prodigy who never felt at home in her own skin and preferred the safety of the shadows.

On the brink of adulthood in the early 2000s, destiny intervened, catapulting the sisters into the spotlight as the pop sensation the Griffin Sisters, hitting all the touchstones of early aughts fame—SNL, MTV, Rolling Stone magazine—along the way.

But after a whirlwind year in the public eye, the band abruptly broke up.

Two decades later, Zoe’s a housewife; Cassie’s off the grid. The sisters aren’t speaking, and the real reason for the Griffin Sisters’ breakup is still a mystery. Zoe’s teenage daughter, Cherry, who’s determined to be a star in spite of Zoe’s warnings, is on a quest to learn the truth about what happened to the band all those years ago.

As secrets emerge, all three women must face the consequences of their choices: the ones they made and the ones the music industry made for them. Can they forgive each other—and themselves? And will the Griffin Sisters ever make music again?

Review:

I love the author and I always look forward to her books, she seems to explore womanhood in a way that really speaks to me and I was interested to see how she would examine this through the lens of the early aughts. As with all of her work, this is very character driven as it focuses on sisters Zoe and Cassie and Zoe’s daughter, Cherry. It’s a family drama told in the present day and in the past and it also alternates between all of their perspectives. I didn’t connect with Zoe at all, I thought she was awful actually, but I adored Cassie. She deserved so much more than what she got, but the author did a great job exploring her loneliness and melancholy, my heart ached for her. It wasn’t all sad and dramatic, the nostalgic aspect was so fun but also eye opening looking back at that time period as an adult instead of a child. Overall this was great, I loved the messy family drama and the 2000s throwback and if you enjoy books that focus heavily on music try it!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: June 10, 2025

Publisher: Scarlett

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Some secrets keep a couple together.

If you ask Jill Tingley, she’ll tell you she and her husband Jack are college sweethearts living the dream in Southern California. Wealthy, popular and genetically blessed, theirs is an enviable life, though they’ve grown distant in recent years. Newly empty nesting with their daughter Maggie away at college, Jill suggests a road trip to reconnect.

Jack would rather do anything else than drive to Utah with his wife. He’s only stayed in this marriage because of a shared secret, a tragedy in the past he wanted to keep buried. And for his daughter’s sake. But Jack is finished with the charade of his marriage. He’s filing for divorce as soon as they return, no matter what.

But he doesn’t realize what else Jill is hiding.

So begins a cat-and-mouse road trip as a cunning wife—think Ripley in yoga pants—and a reluctant husband match wits and drive each other to the edge. But everything will be fine. Jill still loves Jack and believes he’s the only one for her. She’ll do anything to keep him. Anything. She always has.

Review:

I always have such a fun time with the authors books, she writes some over the top characters that you love to hate and this book introduces us to two new classic Kaira Rouda characters. Jack and Jill are playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse the entire book and I was hooked on their crazy antics. There are some secrets and surprises along the way too, overall a fun and sometimes silly popcorn read that will keep you entertained over a weekend!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: April 15, 2025

Publisher: Blackstone

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Till death do us part. Yours. Not Mine. 

It’s been eleven years since high-powered attorney Sarah Morgan defended her husband, Adam, against the charge of murdering his mistress. Sarah has long since moved on, starting a family with her new husband, Bob Miller, and changing careers. Her life is back to being exactly how she always wanted … or is it?

After discovering Bob engaged in a one-night stand, Sarah wastes no time filing for divorce. However, amid their ugly separation, new DNA evidence is uncovered in the case against Adam, forcing the police to reopen the investigation and putting Sarah right back in the spotlight. Everyone wants to know what really happened, most of all former deputy Marcus Hudson, who is hell-bent on finding the truth.

But when the woman Bob slept with is reported missing, he and Sarah start to fight dirty, and a high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues. Filled with page-turning suspense and Jeneva Rose’s signature twists and turns, this book will have readers wondering: Can Bob and Sarah achieve the perfect divorce? Or will it be “’til death do us part”?

Review:

First of all, that tagline is so good and it immediately caught my attention, I just love it. This is the second in a series and I do think it’s important to read the first book before starting this one. I didn’t remember the details so I found some spoiler reviews lol as a refresher and that worked well for me. The pacing here was fantastic, things moved rapidly right from the start and there was SO much going on here it left my head spinning at times. Not in a bad way, I just really had to focus and stay on my toes because there were so many different plot threads. There were twists galore as well, I lost count of how many and they were all really fun and mostly surprising. Overall a really strong follow up to a book I know so many of you loved, and don’t miss the acknowledgments at the end!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: March 11, 2025

Publisher: Berkeley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

Date night goes off the rails in this hilariously insightful take on midlife and marriage when one unhappy couple find themselves at the heart of a crime in progress, from the USA Today bestselling author of The Mostly True Story of Tanner & Louise.

Jane and Dan have been married for nineteen years, but Jane isn’t sure they’re going to make it to twenty. The mother of two feels unneeded by her teenagers, and her writing career has screeched to an unsuccessful halt. Her one published novel sold under five hundred copies. Worse? She’s pretty sure Dan is cheating on her. When the couple goes to the renowned upscale restaurant La Fin du Monde to celebrate their anniversary, Jane thinks it’s as good a place as any to tell Dan she wants a divorce.

But before they even get to the second course, an underground climate activist group bursts into the dining room. Jane is shocked—and not just because she’s in a hostage situation the likes of which she’s only seen in the movies. Nearly everything the disorganized and bumbling activists say and do is right out of the pages of her failed book. Even Dan (who Jane wasn’t sure even read her book) admits it’s eerily familiar.

Which means Dan and Jane are the only ones who know what’s going to happen next. And they’re the only ones who can stop it. This wasn’t what Jane was thinking of when she said “’til death do us part” all those years ago, but if they can survive this, maybe they can survive anything—even marriage.

Review:

I really liked the setup here, it started out so strong and I immediately liked Jane and appreciated her sense of humor. It doesn’t take a lot of time for the action to start and I was fully invested in what would happen next at the restaurant. I was ok with the kookiness and the sometimes silly plot at first but as the book progressed, it went a little too far at times for me. I really wanted to love this as much as I’ve loved some of the authors other books but it was middle of the road for me. The ending fell flat and after such a quirky buildup I think I wanted a more explosive ending. Not my fave from the author but also not a bad read, just a little too out there for me.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Release date: March 18, 2025

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

HIS FIRST WIFE DIED. NOW THERE’S A VACANCY…

When Emma meets Matthew, a kind, handsome widower, he seems to be just what she needs.

Yet as their relationship moves fast, Emma’s friends worry she might be exploited. She’s a rich woman after all.

Emma doesn’t care Matthew has no money. But as the memory of his perfect first wife hangs over them, Emma does have one tiny doubt.

If Matthew’s wife hadn’t died, he wouldn’t be with her. And Emma wonders if she’s second best. Can she ever fill the dead woman’s shoes?

As jealousy and suspicion blossom between Emma and Matthew, events take a darker, dangerous turn.

Suddenly Emma doesn’t know who she can trust. Her friends? Her husband? Or even herself…?

Review:

This is another slow burn domestic suspense by an author that I know will deliver, you just have to be patient to get to the good stuff. She tends to lay the groundwork in a methodical manner which can take some time in the beginning. Once you get to the action things do pick up in a major way and that’s when I became fully invested. The premise here was good, you have Emma ignoring several red flags about her new boyfriend, Matthew and you think it will go in one direction, but I was pleasantly surprised it veered off course slightly. In the second half there are tons of reveals and turns and I was never quite sure what would happen next. If you like slow burn thrillers, unlikable characters, surprising twists and dramatic endings try this! 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: March 3, 2025

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Saffy is waiting to go into a job interview when she receives a text message from her best friend, Leona:

Can’t speak… don’t text or call… please just come

As Saffy struggles to understand what is happening the phone screen changes:

This message was deleted.

Saffy races to Leona’s house, but when her friend answers the door, she insists everything’s fine. She doesn’t know anything about the message. Saffy can tell something’s not right, but after looking around the house, she can’t think of anything else she can do.

Six hours later, Saffy gets a knock on the door. It’s the police. Leona is missing, with her young child. There’s blood everywhere.

And Saffy was the last one to see them alive…

Review:

There’s one thing I always know before I start a book from the author, I’m guaranteed a unique premise! The idea of a text message being the catalyst for a world of mess was intriguing to me and a deleted message is just the tip of the iceberg for poor Saffy. This was both well written and incredibly well plotted, there are several threads here that the author managed to tie together in such clever ways in the end, definitely not in any ways I would’ve ever thought to. As the story unfolds I found myself really invested and I appreciated how the past really played a role in the present timelines happenings. Another winner from one of my fave domestic thriller authors!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: March 25, 2025

Publisher: Minotaur

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Now: Nicole Forbes lives a quiet life in a small seaside Californian town with her husband and daughter. She is not expecting a writer to knock on her door asking for her personal insight into the downfall of the biggest British band of the 1980s—unveiling the threads of a life she put behind her years ago. The same day, her daughter goes missing and the school claims her aunt picked her up . . . but she doesn’t have an aunt. Convinced of a link between the two, Nicole is forced to revisit long-abandoned memories from her past to protect everything she now holds dear.

1986: Sixteen-year-old Cassie is obsessed with the hottest band in London, Secret Oktober. Harboring an intense crush on the leading man, Ben Edwards, she will do anything she can to capture his attention among the throngs of groupies at the band’s scandalous backstage parties. But when Ben discovers her older sister Nicole singing at a local bar one night, he can’t help but feel drawn to her, setting in motion a collision course that could tear their family apart.

Infused with the sounds of the 80s, this thrilling new novel from the inimitable Sandie Jones will captivate her readers, as she explores what the frenzy of fandom can lead to in this shocking blockbuster.

Review:

I’ve read all of the authors books and this was by far my least favorite. I should’ve DNF it but I kept thinking it would get better and if anything it got worse. It actually seemed like a completely different author, even the style was a huge departure and the lack of character development as well as the lack of tension and excitement left me beyond underwhelmed. There was nothing thrilling or surprising here and the ending was a letdown too so overall a huge miss for me.

Overall rating: 2/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: March 4, 2025

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Mystery, Historical

Synopsis:

“The farmer is dead. He is dead and all anyone wants to know is who killed him.”

When her brother-in-law shoots a dog going after their sheep, Beth doesn’t realize that the gunshot will alter the course of their lives. For the dog belonged to none other than Gabriel Wolfe, the man Beth loved as a teenager—the man who broke her heart all those years ago. Gabriel has returned to the village with his young son Leo, a boy who reminds Beth very much of her own son Bobby, who died a few years earlier.

As Beth is pulled back into Gabriel and Leo’s lives, tensions around the village rise, and jealousy rears its ugly head. Beth and her gentle and kind husband Frank are happily married, but they have their fair share of secrets, and their relationship relies on the past staying buried. And when the truth begins to come out, events spiral out of control, this time with deadly consequences. Beth is forced to make a choice—between the woman she once was, and the woman she has become.

A sweeping, sexy love story with the pace and twists of a thriller, Broken Country is a novel of simmering passion, impossible choices, and explosive consequences that toggles between the past and present to explore the far-reaching legacy of first love.

Synopsis:

This one has been getting rave reviews and I can see why, it’s a beautiful and heartbreaking story that crosses genres with characters that are unforgettable. Everything about this was compelling for me, the love triangle, the mystery aspect, the shifting timelines and the gorgeous writing. I’m not a big fan of literary fiction but if it was all written in this manner maybe I would be because while the writing was so strong, it was also written in a very approachable manner. Sometimes lit fic can feel overwritten but here it was simply beautiful and there were so many quotes and lines that were a sucker punch. I don’t want to get into the plot at all, just know once you start you’ll be dying to know what really happened on the farm and the results were shocking. Book clubs everywhere will be all over this one it’s excellent!

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: March 4, 2025

Publisher: Dial

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of… a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart.

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.

Review:

The queen of the slow burn is back with another heart wrenching and gorgeous romance. I was obsessed with the authors last book and had super high expectations for this one and my expectations were exceeded. I knew going into this there were heavy themes and it would be sad, so I was prepared but this did break my heart. It was slowly and surely put back together though and so worth it but man does the author write about grief in a poignant and absolutely gutting manner. Lenny was an absolute disaster at the beginning of the book, such an accurate portrayal of grief and Miles was the most patient man on the planet with her. Their relationship was the softest and most tender slow burn but it was also so funny, they had amazing banter and their friendship was beautiful as well. When you are in the mood for an emotional, character driven, swoony, beautiful romance this is a must!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.