Library of the Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar shares a fictional historical fiction based on the heroic true stories of librarians who fought back in Berlin as the Nazi’s try to destroy the works of Jewish writer and more. This is Helene Nathan story. One of the first female librarians at a prestigious German library who risks everything to hide books before they are burned.

In a world of burning books, one woman will risk everything to keep stories alive.

Berlin, 1933. The vibrant cultural heart of Germany is darkening under the shadow of the Nazi regime. For Helene Nathan, one of the first female librarians at a prestigious German library, the books she cherishes are no longer just sources of knowledge--they are targets. As the government begins its systematic purge of literature, compiling lists of "forbidden" works and orchestrating public book burnings, Helene realizes she cannot stand by as her world turns to ash.

Determined to resist the encroaching tyranny, Helene and her colleagues embark on a perilous mission of secretly collecting and hiding the very books slated for destruction. It's a dangerous act of defiance in a city where every neighbor could be an informant and the Gestapo are a constant, looming threat. Her quiet rebellion is especially complicated by the fact that Helene is half-Jewish, and Rudolf Kummer, a ruthless Nazi official, seemingly has a personal vendetta against her.

As the stakes escalate and friends and neighbors begin to disappear, Helene must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice. Her fight is not just for the pages she saves, but for the very soul of her country and the freedom to think.

Based on the heroic true stories of librarians who fought back, Library of Forbidden Books is a gripping tale of courage, the profound power of literature as resistance, and one woman's struggle to preserve humanity in the face of absolute evil.

I love historical fiction steeped in history and am a sucker for stories surrounding books and libraries. Library of Forbidden Books highlights the men and women who risked their lives to protect banned books and what it cost them.

It’s Berlin 1933, and the Nazi regime has begun its systematic purge of literature, compiling lists of “forbidden” works and executing public book burnings. Helene is a half-Jewish librarian who, along with others, attempt to hide forbidden books right under the Nazi’s noses. Rudolf Kummer, a ruthless Nazi official, seems to have a personal vendetta against her and seeks to find these books and send her away.

I liked Helene, who is strong-willed, and most of our time is spent with her. She was married to a German officer when the book burning began. Fellow librarian workers, Lena and Klaus help her hide the books, but there is very little development of secondary characters and I think it would have enhanced the story. Maybe this is because Helene was based on the real librarian?

The story was intense as Helene finds herself in a work camp and expecting her first child. The author gives us a clear picture of not only what happened to these books but also the lengths some went to preserve them, from risking their lives to hide them to memorizing them.

The story includes an epilogue, but be warned it’s not necessarily a happy one. It is perhaps a more factual one and reflects the cost these people endured to protect culture and books.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Mario Escobar

Mario Escobar has a master's degree in modern history and has written numerous books and articles that delve into the depths of church history, the struggle of sectarian groups, and the discovery and colonization of the Americas. Escobar, who makes his home in Madrid, Spain, is passionate about history and its mysteries.

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The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @CaffeinatedReviewer. It’s a chance to share news — a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join weekly, biweekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Another busy week with school and work. Hazel started school on Wednesday and it was an adjustment for her especially since last year she had afternoon pre-k. We’ve had thunderstorms almost daily. Stay caffeinated & spread kindness.

Last Week on the Blog

• Junkyard Riders by Faith Hunter (audiobook review)
• The Calamities by Chuck Wendig (book & audiobook review)
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion Volume 5 by Beth Brower (guest post/ book review)
• North Country by K.A. Tucker (audiobook review)

This Week on the Blog

• Library of Forbidden Books by Mario Escobar (book review)
• Wolftamer by Maggie Rapier (book review)
• The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie, adapted by Charles Osborne (guest post/ audiobook review)
• Thaw of Spring & Burn of Summer by Rebecca Zanetti (book review)

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

• Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts
• Monsters of Ohio by John Scalzi

A special thank you to Macmillan Audio & Tor Publishing

Around The Blogosphere

• Make the switch to Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. You’ll get two audiobooks when you sign up.

Link Up Your Edition Of The Sunday Post

Before you link up, please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post.

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Narrated by Ryan West & Summer Morton, North Country by K.A. Tucker delivers a standalone, second chance romance with a side of mystery and suspense. A touching, swoon-worthy small-town romance that will keep you listening way past your bedtime.

From the USA Today and international bestselling author of the Simple Wild comes a sweeping second-chance, forbidden romance set against the rugged beauty of northern Canada.

Emery McAllister once dreamed of leaving Cold River with the boy next door, but one devastating night destroyed their future and left her heart carefully guarded. Twenty years later, she’s built a life of control: running the town’s police detachment, raising her daughter, and keeping a fragile peace with her ex-husband, the mayor.

She’s certain she has moved on until the day she has dreaded—and secretly hoped for—finally arrives.

Logan Landry is home.

After two decades behind bars for being in the wrong place at the wrong time—and the choices that haunted him ever since—Logan returns to his family’s bison ranch carrying the weight of everything he lost, but especially Emery. Friendship is all he dares hope for now, but seeing her ignites a fire he thought long extinguished.

When a teenage girl disappears and old wounds reopen, Logan becomes Cold River’s favorite suspect, despite his airtight alibi. As distrust closes in, Emery must choose between the life she’s built … and the love she can’t let go.

I love the characters and stories Tucker creates, and was in the mood for a romance and picked up North Country. Tucker did not disappoint. The story takes place in Cold River in Canada. It begins when we meet Logan Landry and Emery McAllister on his eighteenth birthday. The two are neighbors and high school sweethearts. When Logan goes out on the town that night, events change everything. Fast-forward twenty-years and Emery still lives in her ancestral home, is divorced, and the mother of a teen when Logan comes home to his family cattle ranch. The tale that unfolded hooked me and never let go.

Tucker slowly allows readers to understand the events from twenty-years ago while Emery and Logan dance around old feelings, time lost, and the forbidden accepts of resuming their romance. I loved all the feels, Logan’s struggles, and seeing Emery fight for those she cares about.

The story had so many elements I enjoy. We had small-town dynamics, close-knit families, and two mysteries that brought suspense and revealed secrets from the past. Emery followed in her father’s footsteps and is the local Staff Sergeant for the police department. We have townsfolk upset with Logan’s return, a missing teenager, and threats from the local riffraff. All of this blended together, creating characters and stories I was fully vested.

The missing teen case and trouble from Logan’s past were well done. It pushed Emery and Logan to work together and build trust again when he becomes a person of a interest. Their romance felt genuine from their sizzling chemistry to their need to protect loved ones and each other.

Told in dual POV, the story is perfect for audio. Ryan West and Summer Morton brought these characters, their emotions, and the storyline’s tension to life. I highly recommend grabbing your earbuds for this one. It’s the perfect end of summer listen.

Amazon* | Audible| Libro.fm

*kindleunlimited

About K.A. Tucker

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

Website | Facebook

About Ryan West

Ryan West tells stories for a living.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

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Sophia Rose is here with a review of Volume 5 in the Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower. Come see what Sophia loves about this serial-style tale narrated by Genevieve Gaunt.

I took Treasure Island to church with me as a talisman.

“What a lovely bible,” Mrs. Tribly said.

“Isn’t it just?” I replied, hoping she would not ask me to read a favorite verse aloud.

I do not believe the psalmist wrote,

Fifteen men on a dead man’s chest,

Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum.

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighbourhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s. Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.

Sophia Rose’s Review

In the last installment, Emma’s journal covered the time period of the fall and she had to do one of the hardest things in her life- attend the burial of the man she loved.  Now, Beth Brower continues the Emma M Lion epistolary tale with volume five of her journals and the descent from All Hallow’s Eve to the finish of the year.  What misadventures will Emma face in this season?

The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion series is an ongoing serial-style tale that is told in journal entry form of Emma Lion, a young Victorian era miss who has an aptness for mischief, an ability to make eclectic friendships, and a heart for others which gets her into said mischief.  Obviously, the volumes really must be read in order as Emma’s life progresses.

In volume five, Emma is struggling with a dark depression and moroseness because she has buried Maxwell, but can’t seem to get past the overwhelming weight of grief and loss.  She thinks she is hiding this well behind a sunny smile, busy-ness around Lapis Lazuli House and her quirky St. Crispin’s community, even meeting with friends and making a half-hearted effort to find work as her banker suggested.

But it takes an intervention.  Her brooding boarder, her haughty duke, her perky cook-maid, and her enigmatic vicar all step in and hold a figurative mirror up for her to see that she’s barely coping- indeed she’s drowning- as she grows thin, sleepless, and prefers to watch the world go by from her garret room.

What does the trick, pray tell?  I’m keeping mum about that though it might involve a friendship shared, curiosity about said friend’s secrets, a mysterious Roman ghost roaming St. Crispin’s, and a copy of Treasure Island.

Like every other time of the year, the Winter Holiday season in St. Crispin’s neighborhood is celebrated like nowhere else.  Emma now finds herself helping her intrepid friend Mary face the professor she works for with the truth that she’s a woman, doing her last obligatory favor-owed to the larcenous Jack, avoiding her aunt’s country holiday invitation and insistence on meeting Emma’s fictious proper lady’s companion, and of course discovering the perfect gifts for her odd assortment of friends and household.

Volume Five is full of slice of life moments, but it all is woven together in a way that makes the listener/reader care and want to know all the Emma does, says, and thinks.  The witty bantering with the Islington, her uncomfortable soul-searching moments with Pierce and the curious mystical side to Young Hawkes.  Her irritation with her annoying Cousin Archibald who vies with her over control of the house and finances and her care for the two serving staff, Agnes who is trying for a big upper servant’s club membership and Parion who isn’t as useless or quite as she expected. 

It has a feel of very slow-burn romance, but without an actual clear male romantic lead or even contest for male romantic lead as all the men around Emma have remained firmly in the friend category.  An interesting possibility that I look forward to seeing get answered eventually.

Genevieve Gaunt continues to out do herself as the excellent, talented narrator who brings Emma and all the colorful characters to life and puts the heart in the story that is already whimsical, witty and heartwarming.

All in all, this was a table-setter installment, but with all sorts of fascinating tidbits that drew the listener along into wanting it all like a treasure gathering magpie.  A Victorian era historical that I heartily recommend.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Beth Brower

Beth Bower graduated with a degree in literary studies, and is working on the novels that keep pounding on the doors of her mind and none of her characters are very patient to wait their turn. She lives with her wonderful chemist husband and has books in every room of their house.

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About Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.

Goodreads

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I have been enjoying Chuck Wendig’s special brand of horror, (even if he forever ruined apples for me) and was excited to dive into The Calamities, book one of the Fiends. A dark fantasy horror with demons, greed, powerful families and vivid dreams that bring four characters together on a deadly quest. I read along as I listened to the audiobook with it’s all star cast of narrators.

The heir to one of the world’s most influential families reckons with the demonic secret of their power in this contemporary dark fantasy that melds occult magic with shocking family drama, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Accidents.

“Vivid, unsettling, and darkly compelling, The Calamities is Chuck Wendig at his best.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Mourning Mayne knows he’ll one day bear the duty of managing his family’s vast empire of wealth and power. But the feckless Mourning has always struggled to accept this legacy of cruelty, domination, and exploitation . . . and something even darker.

Because the Maynes are no ordinary Hidden in our world are the fiends—half-human, half-demon, and possessed of a dark magic born from buying human souls—and the Maynes are one of the oldest and most influential fiendish families.

But when Mourning’s estranged father, the formidable and terrifying Hadrian Mayne, demands that Mourning return to the fold, he has to decide whether to accept his legacy and embrace his role in the family or to forge his own destiny, and with it, change the course of the world.

Because along the way home, he will meet Key, a black-market seller of human souls, and Quinn, an artist who may hold the dark truth behind the fate of the fiends. Alone, they have all struggled with the darkness of their natures . . . but together, they might find a path out of the shadows.

The Maynes are no ordinary family. In their world you will find the fiends—half-human, half-demon, and possessed of a dark magic born from buying human souls. The Maynes are one of the oldest and most influential fiendish families and Mourning Mayne will one day he will be at the helm of this empire. When we meet Mourning he’s living in Seattle, on the outs with his father but all of that changes when he is summoned home. Mourning soon finds himself searching for his father and the strange place in his dreams.

Key works for the Diantalions another of the powerful families. She doesn’t drink from the fount, but collects souls for them. Her journey will set her on a path towards Mourning.

Something is happening to Quinn. They are having trouble distinguishing between their dreams and reality. Only their orange tabby named Apple brings comfort. The images they draw and their cries for help soon set others on their path.

Silas (the Clever) is servant to another of the families and is sent out into the world to help protect their fount and discover what is happening. Their path crosses with Mourning and soon Mourning, Key, Silas and Quinn will find themselves working together. To save them all or destroy everything they do not know. Trust isn’t given easily and the families are coming for them.

Gads, this was dark and Wendig took his time building each storyline and character as he revealed this world to us. Greed, power and hunger are at its core and something more sinister than the families themselves. The worldbuilding and sheer horror of the world kept me engaged and reminded me a little of The Passage trilogy by Justin Cronin.

As I said, I read along as I listened to the audiobook which quite frankly rocked. The story was narrated by Dani Martineck, Nicole Cash, MacLeod Andrews and Xe Sands. All gave outstanding performances and captures the tone and characters while heightening the horror of it all. I recommend grabbing both the book and audio version. I know I will.

While this is the first of the Fiends books, it ended well with enough of a hook to have me counting down the days until book two. On a side note; if like me you are a fan of Wendig’s work I know you will appreciate all the nods to his previous works in the telling of this tale.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Chuck Wendig

Chuck Wendig is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Star Wars: Aftermath, as well as the Miriam Black thrillers, the Atlanta Burns books, Zer0es/Invasive, Wanderers, and Book of Accidents. He’s also worked in a variety of other formats, including comics, games, film, and television. A finalist for the John W. Campbell Award for Best New Writer and the cowriter of the Emmy-nominated digital narrative Collapsus, he is also known for his books about writing. He lives in Pennsyltucky with his family. His agent is Stacia Decker, with Dunow, Carlson and Lerner.

Website | Instagram

About Dani Martineck

Dani Martineck is a New York-based actor and writer with a passion for stories that help us feel less alone. A published playwright and Audie- and Earphones Award-winning audiobook narrator, they just wrapped their newest short film, Handle With Care (co-starring Vico Ortiz), as part of a short-to-feature pipeline deal with Sundance-lauded producing team The Dazey Phase.

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About MacLeod Andrews

MacLeod Andrews is an American actor and audiobook narrator. He has won 15 Earphone Awards and 2 Audie Awards, as well as acting awards.

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About Nicole Cash

Audie nominated audiobook narrator, proud mama of 2 humans and 2 dogs, inspired by all the people who make the world more beautiful by creating art.

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About Xe Sands

Xe Sands is an award-winning narrator known for her authentic characterizations and intimate delivery. She has more than a decade of experience bringing stories to life through narration, performance, and visual art, including recordings of Wonderland by Stacey D'Erasmo, The Art Forger by B. A. Shapiro, and Survival Lessons by Alice Hoffman. Sands has also been recognized for her engaging romance narrations and was named Most Impressive Narrator Discovery for titles such as Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins and On Thin Ice by Anne Stuart.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

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Junkyard Riders by Faith Hunter is the fifth audiobook in the science fiction fantasy Junkyard Cats. I have come to enjoy the adventures of Shining Smith, her cats and the motley crew who have become her found family. The Dark Riders are closing in and Shining is looking to protect what is hers. CAIT, the AI on the junkyard’s crashed spaceship has her own ideas.

Shining Smith returns, taking on the “Dark Riders,” a paramilitary group motorcycle gang searching for Gov. political power, military connections, and alien tech. The Dark Riders are closing in on Shining’s secrets and, while she would rather nest in her new roadhouse, Shining must protect her own, once again taking the battle to the enemy.

Unfortunately, CAIT, the original AI on the junkyard’s crashed spaceship, has its own agenda buried in the ship’s code and choses this time to implement it. There is nothing Shining can do to stop it, except what she does best–plot an offensive, get her people in place, and hope Jolene can outsmart the virtual alter ego.

But the cataclysmic snow storm crashing in with all the power and subtlety of Mateo in his WarBot suit could be the end of them all.

The setting is a dystopian wasteland set in the future after Chinese Mamabots destroyed most of the world in 2043. I estimate this timeline to be some twenty years later. While each of the audiobooks addresses its own issue, the overall series arc and characters demand they be listened to in the order of their release. With Khristine Hvam narrating the story I promise you won’t be disappointed.

A snowstorm, an ornery AI and trouble knocking at the door have Shining leaving the comforts of the roadhouse. At just under five hours, Junkyard Riders packs a bunch. We’ve got climatic scenes and plenty of danger as the Dark Riders go after territory under Shining’s protection. They are into all kinds of shady stuff including sex trafficking. To do this she is going to need help from her allies as protecting her own will mean going against the Gov and his military.

I of course devoured Junkyard Riders and have come to care for these characters. Shining puts out this tough as nails image, but inside she truly cares about her people even as she makes tough calls that she’ll have to live with. Hvam who narrates captures Shining perfectly allowing the listener to see all sides of her. The voices for secondary characters even jerks like Jagger and the villains make listening a must.

Amazon | Audible

About Faith Hunter

NYT Bestselling author Faith Hunter writes three series: the Jane Yellowrock series, dark urban fantasy novels featuring Jane, a Cherokee Skinwalker; the Rogue Mage novels, a dark, urban fantasy / post apocalyptic series and role playing game featuring Thorn St. Croix; and the Soulwood Series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram.

Website | Facebook | Instagram

About Khristine Hvam

Khristine Hvam is a professional voice artist whose work includes audiobooks, video games, and voice-overs, including as Professor Juniper in the Pokemon television series. Among her narrations are the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa, Dare Me by Megan Abbott, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Khristine lives in New York City.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

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The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @CaffeinatedReviewer. It’s a chance to share news — a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join weekly, biweekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

Back to School went well as we figured things out. Both kids had a great week and like their classes. Hazel had a sleepover with us Saturday night and starts school this Wednesday. Stay caffeinated & spread kindness.

Last Week on the Blog

• Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley (book review)
• Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England (audiobook review)
• Holiday at Pemberley by Kelly Miller (guest post/ book review)
• 15 Year Blogoversary (event/giveaway)

This Week on the Blog

• Junkyard Riders by Faith Hunter (audiobook review)
• The Calamities by Chuck Wendig (book & audiobook review)
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M Lion Volume 5 by Beth Brower (guest post/ book review)
• North Country by K.A. Tucker (audiobook review)

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

• The Age of Witches by Hannah Mathewson
• A Time of Witches by Madeline Martin

A special thank you to Libro.fm, Penguin Audio,

Around The Blogosphere

• Make the switch to Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. You’ll get two audiobooks when you sign up.

Link Up Your Edition Of The Sunday Post

Before you link up, please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post.

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This week marks the fifteenth year of blogging for Caffeinated Reviewer. From it’s humble beginnings at Blogspot to its final home on WordPress.org, it’s morphed from a simple book review blog to a site that now reviews both audiobooks and books in multiple genres to hosting annual events. It’s the home of the Sunday Post, a weekly book haul and blog update. It also hosts the Audiobook Challenge, JIAM Audiobook Challenge and annual Fraterfest & Ho-Ho-Ho Readathon.

Along the way I have made some terrific friends, traveled to book cons and found some amazing authors.

Giveaway

To celebrate I will select one winner to receive their choice of a $15.00 Amazon gift card or Chirp gift card. Leave a comment and let me know if you loved a book I recommended. I will select one winner on August 31, 2026.

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Sophia Rose is here with a low-spice, angsty Pride & Prejudice Regency romance with a paranormal twist. Come check out her thoughts on Holiday at Pemberley by Kelly Miller.

What will Mr. Darcy do when confronted with the mercurial whims of an all-powerful angel?

Fitzwilliam Darcy’s well-ordered life is propelled into chaos when an angel of death, Mr. Graham, compels Darcy to act as his host for a sojourn in the world of mortals.

Can Darcy trust Mr. Graham’s assurance that no harm will come to his beloved family? And why does the angel insist on spending time with Elizabeth?

In this low-spice, angsty Pride & Prejudice Regency romance with a paranormal twist, Darcy and Elizabeth contend with both human and unearthly challenges. Are the fates against them, or will their extraordinary love conquer all?

Holiday at Pemberley is ideal for readers who enjoy plenty of charming scenes with Darcy and Elizabeth, along with a twisty plot that leads to a happily-ever-after ending. Start reading this unique and engaging story today!

Originally published as Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley, this second edition has been re-edited and includes a new epilogue.

Sophia Rose’s Review

What if Fitzwilliam Darcy’s number is up and Death is there to collect him, but instead the angel decides he’d rather take a holiday instead?  Kelly Miller offers an entertaining genre mashup of historical and paranormal in her Pride and Prejudice sequel.

Darcy and Lizzy are married and living their happily ever after, but they are also coming to the realization that marriage is work and sometimes, due to circumstances, the glowing romantic love can get pushed aside for duty and responsibility.  The love is still there, but it takes the shake up of a near death experience for Darcy to realize he needs to prioritize his wife better.  And, Lizzy learns that maybe they weren’t quite over some past foibles as she thought when a stranger who is supposedly her husband’s old university friend along with many other familiar faces comes to stay and complicate their life at Pemberly.

Darcy is the only one who knows that his ‘old university friend’ is no such thing.  In fact, Pemberley is hosting Graham, the angel of death who has a burning curiosity to experience first-hand humanity and the world of the living instead of just getting brief glimpses as he does his job collecting the people at the moment of their death.  Graham insinuates himself into Darcy’s life and to his dismay, is captivated by Elizabeth.  How can he get the unwelcome guest to leave- and leave him to live the life that he has come to value so much more?

Holiday at Pemberley is an updated, expanded version on Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley which I read a few years back.  For those who are wondering what changed, I am sadly not going to be able to point out more than the obvious new epilogue as I only had the general memories of the story from my earlier read.

This was a light and entertaining read that includes a serious layer because a near death experience has jolted the complacency in a marriage and given the family a whole new value on their life together.  Though one doesn’t have to have read P&P to appreciate Holiday at Pemberley, it also functions as a sequel updating on the extended family and friends who show up at Pemberley for various reasons.  Graham has a unique perspective on it all as he watches and experiences things as a human for the first time ala Death Takes a Holiday movie. 

I remember really enjoying this tale the first time and that has not changed.  Kelly Miller’s revitalized romance tale hit the spot as an easy, heartwarming historical paranormal romance read.

Amazon*

*kindleunlimited

About Kelly Miller

When not writing, Award-winning Regency romance author Kelly Miller spends her free time singing, playing the piano, reading, and amusing her dogs. Like a much loved Jane Austen character, she is an excellent walker. She lives in Silicon Valley with her husband, daughter, and their many pets. "Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley," winner, Royal Dragonfly Awards and Indies Today Awards, and finalist, International Book Awards. "Mr. Darcy's Perfect Match" recommended by the Historical Novel Society, a Recommended Read, Author Shout Reader Ready Awards. "Accusing Mr. Darcy," winner, Firebird Book Awards and Queer Indie Awards-Ally Division, and finalist, Wishing Shelf Awards, and a Recommended Read, Author Shout Reader Ready Awards. "A Consuming Love" winner, Royal Dragonfly Awards & a Recommended Read, Author Shout Reader Ready Awards. "Captive Hearts," winner, Royal Dragonfly Awards & Top Pick, Author Shout Reader Ready Awards. Her new release, an Amazon #1 Best Seller, is "A Dutiful Son."

Instagram

About Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.

Goodreads

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I’ve been enjoying cozy fantasy audiobooks and grabbed a Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England. Narrated by Dani Martineck, England delivers a cozy nonbinary fantasy with magic, healing and redemption.

STARDEW VALLEY meets STUDIO GHIBLI in a charming cozy fantasy about healing, redemption, and the subtle magic of simple living. Perfect for fans of Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea and The Spellshop. Welcome home, weary traveler.

When Oaklin Nettlewood accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult, mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Years later, the realm's heroes have finally saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell...leaving destruction in their wake. And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma, Oaklin escapes to a small farm on the edge of Mossley’s Rest and swears an After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever.

The no-nonsense ghost granny who lives in Oaklin’s house has other ideas. As she coaxes Oaklin out of their shell and back into the world, they find companionship (a grumpy horse and a very good dog), friendship (a local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and tentative romance (a paladin-librarian who makes Oaklin's heart come alive for the first time in ages.) Magic even seems possible again—though strictly for foraging magical mushrooms and protecting the farm from bugs.

Healing comes in gentle waves, and Oaklin doesn't have to do it alone. So what does it mean when an inquisitor comes to town to hunt former cultists just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?

Oaklin Nettlewood is running from what the past when they accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult and mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Oaklin remembers very little, and escapes to a small farm on the edge of Mossley’s Rest. They purchase a farm and swear to never use magic again. The tale that unfolds was touching and filled with magic, a ghost and lots of healing and Oaklin learns not all magic is bad.

Oaklin discovers the farm and animals well-tended and that they are not the only occupants of the house. The previous owner, now a ghost granny along with the help of a grumpy horse and adorable dog, work to coax Oaklin into using their magic for the good of the farm and community.

Slowly, Oaklin opens up and makes friends. They finally feel at home. That is until an inquisitor shows up in town. Will Oaklin run or have they found something worth fighting for?

If you love cozy fantasy, you’ll enjoy Mossley Rest and the residents who reside there. Dani Martineck narrates and beautifully captured all of Oaklin’s emotions. She brought the tale and characters to life, enhancing my overall experience. I highly recommend listening.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Autumn K. England

M. K. England grew up on the Space Coast of Florida watching shuttle launches from the backyard. These days, they live on a micro-farm in rural Virginia packed with video and board games, plants, D&D books, and their kid’s giant personality. They’re probably covered in dirt right now. MK is the bestselling author of thirteen novels for kids, teens, and adults.

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About Dani Martineck

Dani Martineck is a New York-based actor and writer with a passion for stories that help us feel less alone. A published playwright and Audie- and Earphones Award-winning audiobook narrator, they just wrapped their newest short film, Handle With Care (co-starring Vico Ortiz), as part of a short-to-feature pipeline deal with Sundance-lauded producing team The Dazey Phase.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

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I absolutely love the Below the Stairs Mystery novels & novellas and was excited for an early copy of Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley. When Daniel McAdam learns a man claims to know about his childhood, Kat and he set out to learn more. It soon leads to murder and a hunt to uncover what he knew. An addictive installment with suspense, touching moments and more.

In Victorian London, valiant cook and amateur sleuth Kat Holloway must help the man she loves solve the murder that will finally uncover his mysterious past, from the New York Times bestselling author of A Silence in Belgrave Square.

Kat Holloway’s beau, Daniel McAdam, has always had a past shrouded in mystery. He knows nothing about his origins, only that a kind man rescued him from the streets all those years ago. So when a man claiming he knows where Daniel comes from turns up dead moments before meeting with them, Daniel goes on the hunt for the killer. It soon becomes clear that to see justice served, Daniel will have to figure out who he truly is and where he came from. When Daniel asks Kat for her assistance, she readily complies, knowing she’ll do whatever it takes to protect the man she’s come to love.

The quest takes Kat and Daniel deep into the East End, where they face dangerous foes from Daniel’s rugged past, many of whom aren’t happy that Daniel now works with the police and will stop at nothing to keep Kat and Daniel from uncovering their secrets. As Kat begins to learn things about Daniel’s history she’s not certain she wants to know, she fears that the darkest secret—his true name and lineage—will tear apart the tender bonds they’ve begun to form.

While each of the books in the Below the Stairs Mysteries contains a mystery for Kat Holloway, our Victorian London cook & amateur sleuth to solve with the help of her beau and friends you’ll want to read them in the order of their release. The characters and their storylines, including a slow-burning romance will pull you in as much as the mysteries.

An attempt to learn more about Daniel’s past puts them in the path of a murder and a dangerous faction of the city. While Daniel looks to solve the murder, Kat enlists the help of her friends, and a man of the cloth to uncover the secrets of Daniel’s past.

In the meantime, big changes are happening. Kat learns news that upsets her even as she takes steps to secure a better future for herself and her daughter. I loved all the threads and the unwavering love we see between Kat and Daniel. The story had some suspenseful moments and I found myself in awe of Kat’s fearlessness.

While this was supposed to be the last book, their story is far from over and whether Ashley continues the story through a traditional publisher or on her own, I will be there to gobble them up.

If you love historical mysteries, happens below the stairs, foodie books, and richly developed characters you will want to devour Murder in Blackfriars and the entire series.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Jennifer Ashley

NY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner. Jennifer's novels have won RWA's RITA and RT Reviewer's Choice awards, have been translated into many different languages and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly.

Website | Facebook

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The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @CaffeinatedReviewer. It’s a chance to share news — a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join weekly, biweekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

We arrived home late Tuesday into early Wednesday and it was pouring. By the time we got home and got the Royals settled it was almost 3 am by the time I crawled into bed. I spent the rest of the week working, doing laundry and restocking the house. Our vacation was wonderful. I completely unplugged and got to dip my toes in the ocean every day. The Royals start school this week. Sophia will be in middle school and her brother has two more years of elementary school. Hazel doesn’t start kindergarten until the 19th. I imagine this week will be full of adjustments as we fall into a routine again. Stay caffeinated & spread kindness.

Last Week on the Blog

• A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett
• How To Tell If Your K-9 Is A Demon by Trista Ricketts

This Week on the Blog

• Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley (book review)
• Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England (audiobook review)
• Holiday at Pemberley by Kelly Miller (guest post/ book review)
• 15 Year Blogoversary (event)

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

• Wickhills by Premee Mohamed
• The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawhon
• Grim Folk Tale by James J. Butcher
• Frost and Venom by Christine Feehan

A special thank you to Tor Books, DoubleDay Books, Penguin Random House, Berkley

Around The Blogosphere

• Make the switch to Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. You’ll get two audiobooks when you sign up.

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Link Up Your Edition Of The Sunday Post

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Narrated by Corvin King, How To Tell If Your K-9 Is A Demon by Trista Ricketts delivered the first paranormal romance in the My K-9 is a Demon series. This paranormal rom-com offered an addictive, laugh out loud tale.

A female cop adopts a K-9 partner who turns out to be a demon, unleashing a hilariously chaotic paranormal rom-com full of supernatural disaster, sharp banter, and a hellish slow-burn romance

She went to adopt a K-9 partner.
She did not mean to adopt a demon.

Officer Kelly “Chuck” Charles thought choosing her new K-9 would be straightforward.
Obedient. Loyal. Not possessed by ancient evil.

She was wrong.

Her new K-9 partner growls in dead languages, smirks like he’s plotting world domination, and reacts to holy water like it personally insulted his ancestors.

Because Malachi isn’t just a dog.
He’s a centuries-old demon trapped in a canine body—morally black, dangerously clever, and very annoyed about it.

The problem?
Chuck doesn’t know any of that yet.

She’s just a cop trying to survive long shifts, bad coffee, and a partner who may or may not be judging her soul.
She definitely doesn’t know she’s part angel.
And she absolutely isn’t prepared for the supernatural chaos headed straight for her life.

When a well-meaning witch gives Malachi his body back, everything goes from “weird dog behavior” to full-blown celestial disaster.

Redeem him.
Banish him.
Or fall for the demon who was never meant to have a heart.

I was looking for a light listen, and love K-9 dogs, so I grabbed How To Tell If Your K-9 is a Demon Hunter. This was my first Ricketts novel, and I had a blast getting to know these characters. If you love dogs and a little paranormal woo-woo it’s worth a listen.

Officer Kelly “Chuck” Charles has been tasked with selecting a pup/dog for her department’s new K-9 unit. She chooses Malachi, who seems to interpret her every need almost as if he understands her. He actually does, in fact, understand her. Malachi is a demon trapped in dog form. He’s morally black, dangerously clever, part succubus, and very annoyed. What could go wrong?

I liked Chuck, who ends up getting Malachi and another dog who isn’t fit for K-9 duty but needs love just the same. The tale that unfolds has humor, sexual tension, danger, and is easily consumed. The suspense thread added some depth, and the concept of the paranormal world, while not new, offered its own take on it. Ricketts establishes the series arc, and I will be curious to see this duo work together.

Corvin King narrates and captured the voices, snark, and humor of this series while setting the tone for the suspenseful elements. In my opinion, the narration elevated the overall story. I highly recommend listening.

Amazon* | Audible | Libro.fm

*kindleunlimited

About Trista Ricketts

Trista Ricketts lives in Texas with her amazing husband, two sons and three black cats. A lifelong lover of fantasy, mythical beings, and the paranormal, she always dreamed of becoming a writer. Though life took her on a different path, her passion for storytelling never waned. On a whim, she decided to write a story, and that single spark ignited a series she is now eager to share with the world. Her debut novel, “Lahaina Noon: Modern Legends of Dragons and Shadows, Book One” blends urban fantasy with epic battles of good versus evil, drawing readers into a world where dragons and magic wielders fight against the dark forces of the Shadow Claw. This is the first book in a series that will keep readers captivated and begging for more.

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About Corvin King

Narrator for both traditional and indie bestselling authors, Corvin King brings a unique and compelling voice to multiple genres.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

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A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett was one of my most anticipated listens of 2026. I was delighted to listen to Andrew Fallaize as I read along. Ana and Din are tasked with solving a murder mystery and clearing an innocent man. Another addictive and brilliant tale that held me spellbound.

Brilliant detective Ana Dolabra must prove a man's innocence to stop a civil war in the third book of the series that began with The Tainted Cup , named an Edgar, Hugo, and World Fantasy Award Finalist and one of the best books of the year ( New York Times Book Review , NPR, Elle ) — from the bestselling author of The Founders Trilogy.

In the canton of Sapirdad, two of the Empire’s most powerful families are moments away from going to war with each other, their hundreds of retainers gathered with swords drawn. If blood is spilled, the whole of the empire may be plunged into starvation and chaos.

To deescalate matters, someone must do the prove that one family’s eldest son is innocent of a gruesome and unforgivable murder, despite the incontrovertible evidence against him.

It is with this undertaking that the great detective Ana Dolabra is tasked, her assistant Din at her side—and the two find themselves racing with great speed and little dignity to the scene.

As ever, the impossible proves little obstacle for the deadly combination of Ana’s intellect and Din’s keen eye, and mere hours after riding into the dusty town, Ana glimpses the greater pattern behind the crime. A deeper, subtler web of death is being woven in plain sight, by a mastermind with an ancient magical technology at his disposal.

But even Ana's uncanny insight is of little use when each new suspect she uncovers ends up dead—with each new killing calculated to bring tensions between the two rival clans past the boiling point. And as Din pursues their adversary through the canton's wild ranges, sprawling ranches, and reeking slaughterhouses, he finds his loyalties divided in unexpected ways.

In the canton of Sapirdad, two powerful farming families are ready to go to war when a young woman is found murdered at the hands of another. A Romeo and Juliet romance goes horribly wrong when the two spend the night at a local inn. Now, Detective Ana Dolabra and her assistant Dinios Kol (Din) must uncover what happened, and the tale that unfolds was highly addictive, dark and brilliant.

Tensions are high as the oldest son of one family is accused of brutally murdering the daughter of the other family. Their clans block roads in and out of the town, each demanding justice all of which could lead to civil war. Ana and Din find themselves tasked with proving the young man innocent, even as all evidence points to his guilt. Soon, between Din’s investigations and Ana’s brilliant mind, they discovered something more sinister at play.

What an addictive and disturbing tale, from the strange creatures who mindlessly harvest to the strange woods, I was completely caught up in the mystery. Ancient magical technology that will give me nightmares long after this series ends was both terrifying and fascinating. From the horrors at the jail to the atmospheric woods, I could not put this down. Our duo works so well together. There is trust between them, even if Din dismisses Ana’s personal recommendations.

We learned more about Din and spent some time with his sister. The story is told from Din’s perspective, and I find his augmentations and thoughts fascinating. I of course, love Ana and her strange mannerisms. I love her mind, wit, and odd behaviors.

Bennett’s world-building of the Khanum Empire continues as Ana and Din move through each area. One soon realizes the depth of the world he has created, from the social structure to the layout. His characters are fleshed out, likeable, and fascinating. His prose brings everything to life, and I can imagine this world from the streets to the dangers that lurk. The Shadow of the Leviathan series is best read/listened to in the order of their release, although each contains its own case to solve.

This is a series that I enjoy reading along as I listen to the narration performed by Andrew Fallaize. He has created unique voices for Din and Ana and truly brings the world to life.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Robert Jackson Bennett

Robert Jackson Bennett is a two-time award winner of the Shirley Jackson Award for Best Novel, an Edgar Award winner for Best Paperback Original, and is also the 2010 recipient of the Sydney J Bounds Award for Best Newcomer, and a Philip K Dick Award Citation of Excellence. City of Stairs was shortlisted for the Locus Award and the World Fantasy Award. City of Blades was a finalist for the 2015 World Fantasy, Locus, and British Fantasy Awards.

Website

About Andrew Fallaize

Andrew Fallaize is a New York-based British actor and voice-over artist. In the UK, he appeared regularly on BBC Radio 3 and 4 with recordings of fiction and nonfiction. His work also includes numerous commercial voice-overs for leading brands and companies.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

Source

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @CaffeinatedReviewer. It’s a chance to share news — a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join weekly, biweekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

We are on vacation and will head home on Tuesday. . . Stay caffeinated & spread kindness.

Last Week on the Blog

• Sunday Post

This Week on the Blog

• A Trade of Blood by Robert Jackson Bennett
• How To Tell If Your K-9 Is A Demon by Trista Ricketts

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

A special thank you to

Around The Blogosphere

• Make the switch to Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. You’ll get two audiobooks when you sign up.

Caffeinated PR

Link Up Your Edition Of The Sunday Post

Before you link up, please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post.

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The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @CaffeinatedReviewer. It’s a chance to share news — a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join weekly, biweekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

We are on vacation, enjoying the beach and family. Stay caffeinated & spread kindness.

Last Week on the Blog

• A Witch and Her Dragon by Emberly Wyndham (audiobook review)
• One Shattered Crown by Rebecca Zanetti (book review)
• Sunday Post

This Week on the Blog

• Sunday Post

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

A special thank you to

Around The Blogosphere

• Make the switch to Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. You’ll get two audiobooks when you sign up.

Caffeinated PR

Link Up Your Edition Of The Sunday Post

Before you link up, please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post.

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One Shattered Crown by Rebecca Zanetti is the third novel in the Grimm Bargains series and is a dark Cinderella retelling. The Mafia, high-tech gadgets, magic, and a steamy romance with plenty of action and suspense had me devouring this in a single evening.

Set in a steamy, neon-lit, high-tech world of magic, money, and explosive desire, this sultry, dark fairytale retelling offers a dystopian romantasy twist on Cinderella.

ELLA
It’s the wedding of the year—a lavish union of two powerhouses. But I’m only here for vengeance against the woman who stole my position as sole heir to my late father’s company, TimeGem Moments, and shipped me off to boarding school. I’ve only made more enemies since. Tonight is my chance to reclaim control. Tonight, TimeGem’s diamond-powered servers are this girl’s best friend. Unless he ruins everything. Justice Beathach, the groom’s unbearably hot brother, with hands built for war and a mouth that spells destruction. He’s lethal, unyielding, and now has me in his crosshairs . . .

JUSTICE
Ella Rendale almost killed my brother once. Now, at his own wedding, she’s almost done it again. I don’t care if he’s forgiven her or if she’s been wronged. I care about one thing: the locked flash drive she leaves behind, spelling my destruction. She can run, she can hide, but when I find her, she’ll give me what I want. But someone else wants her even more than I do—they want her dead. When our enemies close in, I’m forced to protect her, turning the fire between us into an uncontrollable weapon. Now, she’s not just my quarry—she’s my obsession. And I’ll kill anyone who even thinks of taking her from me . . .

While each of the books in the Grimm Bargains series features on romance, there are some overall arc threads and romantic spoilers that have me recommend you devour these in the order of their release.

The story opens at the wedding of one of our previous couples. Ella, best friend to the bride and heir to late father’s company, TimeGem Moments, is in attendance and hoping to get into the groom’s servers. Not to sabotage, but as part of her plan to get TimeGem back from her evil stepmother and her daughters. She’s foiled by the brother of the groom, Justice Beathach. Ella almost accidentally killed his brother, and in saving him, Justice has become ill. He’ll need her formula to figure out a way to undo it. She’s as annoying as she is cute.

You could feel the sexual tension between these two, and their back-and-forth bickering was delightful. Of course, Justice doesn’t simply ask Ella for help; he kidnaps her instead. The tale that unfolded delivered a dark and delicious game of cat and mouse. The romance felt genuine, and Zanetti provided an epilogue that left me smiling.

The overall story involving the virus, gems, and TimeGem was just as addictive as the steamy romance complete with spankings. Someone wants Ella and is trying to pit the other social media companies against each other. Poor Justice just wants to keep Ella safe, and at first maybe for the info he needs, but soon it’s because he can’t live without her. Ella escapes him at every turn, ending up in even more danger. I loved the secondary characters, like Ella’s godmother. Hilarious. I would read a series about those old gals any day. Did I mention there is an adorable pet rescue?

Before opening One Shattered Crown, be sure and turn off your phone, grab your favorite beverage, and remove all distractions because this is one I couldn’t set down.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Rebecca Zanetti

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Rebecca Zanetti has worked as an art curator, Senate aide, lawyer, college professor, and a hearing examiner - only to culminate it all in stories about Alpha males and the women who claim them. She writes dark paranormals, romantic suspense, and sexy contemporary romances.

Website | Facebook

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Narrated by Ruthie Bowles & John William Maddux, A Witch and Her Dragon by Emberly Wyndham is the first audiobook in the Coven Crest Academy series. This cozy, romantic fantasy delivered a fated mate tale with knights, magic, and dragons.

Alina Ravenscroft has a graduate from Coven Crest Academy, master her magic, and join the king's powerful coven of witches. The only problem? The king is her grandfather, and he insists she can't attend without a knight by her side. A bodyguard. A babysitter.

Raelan Ashvale is one of the king's elite knights—and a secret dragon shifter. Raelan is assigned as Princess Alina's personal guard. But there's a Alina is Raelan's fated mate, and for the past three years, he's been doing everything he can to ignore the overwhelming pull between them, the searing need to claim her and make her his own. He can't afford to give in to his desire for her—especially when revealing the secret of his dragon could risk everything for Raelan and his family.

As Alina and Raelan are forced to spend more time together, the growing tension between them becomes impossible to ignore. Raelan has a duty to the king, to his family, and to his secret. But when danger draws closer and threats to Alina's safety become all too real, Raelan will have to confront the dangerous truths about his dragon—and the powerful connection he shares with the princess.

I love stories set against magic academia and grabbed A Witch and Her Dragon. Alina Ravenscroft, granddaughter to the King, wants to join the powerful witches’ coven for her kingdom, but first she will need to hone her skills at the Coven Crest Academy for witches. Her grandfather grants her permission to attend, but she needs to take a bodyguard. Raelan Ashvale is one of the king’s elite knights and a secret dragon shifter. He’s selected as her bodyguard. Neither are happy. Alina finds him standoffish, but that’s because Raelan avoids her. He has known for three years that Alina is his fated mate.

This forced proximity, he fell first romance, had all the elements for an addictive tale. I loved the setting, the touch her and die passion of Raelan and Alina’s openness. The story offers found family, unique familiars, and an intriguing world. Despite loving the concept, I wanted more. Everything is just skimmed over from our dragon shifter’s origin story to the familiars.

Despite issues, I enjoyed the storyline and romance that developed. The back-and-forth banter and our dragon’s fight to remain in control kept me engaged. We get some suspense and a little tension from the forbidden aspects. Ruthie Bowles & John William Maddux narration enhanced the overall story and their character voices added depth. This story delivers an HEA, and it looks like the next audiobook features another student from the academy. So this will work as a standalone.

Amazon* | Audible | Libro.fm

*kindleunlimited

About Emberly Wyndham

Emberly Wyndham writes spicy romance set in both magical worlds and modern ones. From cozy fantasy filled with dragon shifters and vampires to contemporary romance under bright stage lights, her stories aim to deliver heat and heart. She lives in the mountains of Colorado with her husband and their many rescued animals. Together, they run a self-publishing company, and she works with a trusted team of professionals to bring each book to life. When she’s not writing about swoony heroes and forbidden kisses, she’s tending her zone-4B garden, sipping hot tea, and chasing rainbows after summer storms.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

Source

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @CaffeinatedReviewer. It’s a chance to share news — a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join weekly, biweekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

This week was super busy. We leave for vacation Tuesday, which meant a lot of prep. I needed to get client work scheduled, my posts scheduled, pack, clean the house, and stock the fridge for our son who will stay home and get the Royals ready. They are coming with us, and their mom is joining us for the second week. Stay caffeinated & spread kindness.

Last Week on the Blog

• Of Pixies and Pekoe by Shari L. Tapscott (audiobook review)
• Unpredictable Magic by Faith Hunter (book/audiobook review)
• Guess Again by Charlie Donlea (guest reviewer/ book review)
• Fossil Feud by Maggie North (book review)

This Week on the Blog

• A Witch and Her Dragon by Emberly Wyndham (audiobook review)
• One Shattered Crown by Rebecca Zanetti (book review)
• Sunday Post

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

• Wood You Be Mine by Daphne Elliot

A special thank you to Berkley Romance

Around The Blogosphere

• Make the switch to Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. You’ll get two audiobooks when you sign up.

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Link Up Your Edition Of The Sunday Post

Before you link up, please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post.

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Fossil Feud by Maggie North is a STEM romance about two paleontologists who work to excavate a site while trying to stop a fraud and discover feelings along the way. Despite a slow start, I loved the ending.

The hunt for fossils—and love—is on in this steamy, STEMinist romance about two paleontologists who join forces to prevent a fraudulent dinosaur discovery, but accidentally dig up feelings for each other along the way.

Renegade paleontologist Ripley Adams is this close to digging up a fossil treasure and vindication. She’s spent the last three years in academic exile after her ex-boyfriend stole her work, betrayed her trust, and broke her heart in one fell swoop. If she can unearth a complete specimen of her newest discovery—a never-before-seen missing link between dinosaurs and birds—it will put her back on the map and finally restore her ruined reputation.

But when unfairly hot Oxford professor James Smithson crashes Ripley’s dig site, she realizes she’s not the only one searching for redemption in the Montana dirt. James is convinced a splashy new fossil is a fraud, and he needs Ripley’s help to prove it. She’d tell the buttoned-up Brit where to stick his suspicions, but the fake fossil is eerily similar to hers . . . and the fraudster is her ex.

The race is on to reveal a T-rex-sized discovery. Polar opposites Ripley and James will have to find common ground if they’re going to take down a hoax that could ruin them both. And as they dig deeper into their unlikely attraction, Ripley’s excavation boots won’t be the only things getting a little dirty. . . .

I grabbed Fossil Feud after reading the synopsis. I mean paleontologists, a discovery, fraud and romance? Sign me up. While the setup and romance started slow and the geeky bits were not as in-depth, I ended up having a good time and rooting for Ripley Adams.

Paleontologist Ripley Adams has been in academic exile ever since her then-boyfriend stole her work, betrayed her trust, and broke her heart. She has been working on her own with a crew and she’s discovered that may just restore her reputation. She just needs to get it out of the ground.

She is busy working at the dig site when Oxford professor James Smithson arrives asking for her help. He believes a new discovery is a fraud, and it’s eerily similar to Ripley’s own find. The paleontologist claiming credit is none other than her slimy ex.

When her backer suddenly pulls out to support her ex, Ripley will need James’ help to find a backer for her dig, and she agrees to help him expose the fraud. This story has it all: dinosaurs, workplace rivals, forced proximity, STEM, found family, and flawed characters. I had some issues with the pacing and wished for more dino talk; once I got to know everyone, I became invested.

I enjoyed getting the story behind James and Ripley’s brief interactions in academic circles and seeing them dance around their obvious attraction. James is swoony, complicated, and not afraid to be Ripley’s hero. The story exposes problems with academia in particular, validating men over their female counterparts. Don’t worry, Ripley and her found family are about to set that world on fire.

The romance was swoon-worthy, but not without complications. Trust issues and baggage are at the forefront of those problems, leading to character growth. I loved the secondary characters, the side romances, and the team rallying around Ripley and their common goal.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Maggie North

Maggie North writes deeply emotional, strangely hilarious novels at the intersection of romance and women’s fiction. Her favorite subjects include introverts at the end of their [expletive] ropes, STEM, Canada, and other overlooked, underrated things you’d love to discover. She enjoys being autistic a lot more since her diagnosis as an adult. She currently lives in Ottawa, Canada with her spouse, The Kid, and a rotating cast of hypoallergenic aquarium friends.

Instagram

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Sophia Rose is with us today to share her thoughts on Guess Again by Charlie Donlea. A ten-year-old disappearance case breaks wide open. Come check out Sophia’s thoughts on this mystery thriller, perfect for fans of Alex Finlay and Karin Slaughter.

On the 10th anniversary of a teenage girl’s disappearance, her cold case breaks open in dangerous ways…and threatens to tear apart her small Wisconsin town all over again in the masterfully twisty new psychological suspense novel from the internationally bestselling author of Twenty Years Later.

For fans of Riley Sager, Anna Downes, Alex Finlay, Stacy Willingham, and Karin Slaughter.

Ten years ago, 17-year-old high school volleyball star Callie Jones vanished from her quiet Wisconsin lake community. A highly publicized search followed but her body was never found. The case went cold, but the echoes still linger.

Ethan Hall, a former renegade detective turned ER doctor, left law enforcement to escape the horrors of the kid crime division. But on the tenth anniversary of Callie’s disappearance, his former partner, Pete Kramer, makes a desperate request. Pete is the veteran detective who originally investigated the case. Now he’s dying, and to ease his conscience and get closure for the Jones family, he needs Ethan to return to the haunting work he left behind—and solve what happened to Callie, once and for all.

Word soon spreads and everyone in the small town of Cherryview feels a rush of hope that answers will finally be found. Amid a sweltering heatwave, Ethan’s investigation gains momentum, but reexamining old evidence won’t be enough. He needs a new way into the case, no matter how dangerous or unconventional. And it comes from the least likely of sources—an inmate in a maximum-security prison.

Soon Ethan’s methods draw him deeper into a twisted psychological game. Because there is much more to the nightmare of Callie’s disappearance than he imagined, including a connection with his own dark past . . . and secrets that are still worth killing for.

Sophia Rose’s Review

A decade ago, a high school girl went missing, case was never solved. Now her father wants answers, and a former detective turned ER doctor and his detective girlfriend must plunge the depths of a killer’s mind to get answers. I’ve read one Charlie Donlea book, and it gripped me long after I closed the final page. I was ready to plunge in yet again for a twisting thriller that left me clenching my book in suspense.

Dr. Ethan Hall was once a very successful detective in the kid division of police, and he proudly served in his father’s footsteps. But solving crimes related to children got to him, so he left police work behind and got his medical degree, and serves as an ER room doctor. Unfortunately, ‘serve and protect’ is embedded in him and when the governor of Wisconsin begs him to investigate his daughter’s cold case and Ethan’s former partner, suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease wants him to solve this one that has been eating at him, Ethan agrees.

He goes through the reports and testimonies, the evidence and the Cherryview setting.  Nothing new pops up. He needs a new angle, and sadly, he knows where to get it. His father’s killer has been languishing in prison, and Ethan has made good and sure he stays there when his parole hearings come up. Ethan and his girlfriend Maddie must get answers from the guy who tried to kill her, like all his other victims. And Ethan knows he would still like to kill Maddie. They play the man’s game, tracking the clues he gives and finally decide to give him his wish for a prison transfer.  The cold case grows hot, but the chill of a killer on their trail is shiver-worthy.

Guess Again is aptly titled. I was woefully pointing my finger in several directions.  But before that, I was also thoroughly turned around with all the twists and turns through short chapter scenes bouncing between past and present, places, dates, and people. It kept me on my toes to read this style of writing, for sure. The story really grabbed me once the killer upped the ante, and then I barely noticed all the scene movement and just had to know what was coming next for Ethan and Maddie.

I loved their characters a lot. Ethan has such a good soul that I got it why he had to step back from police work. It was breaking him to see the dark side and kids, the sufferers.  But he’s honorable and went right back into the crucible for his old partner and the father who just wanted the peace of closure.  Maggie was a great current partner, having her badge and being the catalyst to draw out the man with the answers. My gut was clenched, knowing that guy who killed Ethan’s dad was plotting even while he was stringing Ethan and Maggie along to get what he wanted- free, and finally succeed in killing her. Whew, there were some big surprises, though some I saw coming.

Guess Again gripped me, and I plowed through it in two sittings.  I’ve only read two now, but I am fast becoming a Charlie Donlea thriller fan and can only push this latest at Thriller fans.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Charlie Donlea

Charlie Donlea is the USA Today, IndieBound, and #1 International bestselling author of critically acclaimed, propulsive thrillers including The Girl Who Was Taken, Don't Believe It, Twenty Years Later, and Those Empty Eyes. His eighth thriller, LONG TIME GONE, explores the science of forensic genealogy. A late bloomer, he was twenty years old when he read his first novel–THE FIRM by John Grisham–and knew he would someday write thrillers. Published in 40 countries and translated into nearly twenty languages, his books have sold 2.5 million copies in the U.S. alone and have been optioned for film and television. Praised for his "soaring pace, teasing plot twists" (BookPage) and talent for writing an ending that "makes your jaw drop" (The New York Times Book Review), Donlea has been called a "bold new writer...on his way to becoming a major figure in the world of suspense" (Publishers Weekly). He was born and raised in Chicago, where he continues to live with his wife and two children. Learn more at his interactive website at CharlieDonlea dot com.

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About Sophia Rose

Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.

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Narrated by Khristine Hvam, Unpredictable Magic by Faith Hunter is the first novel in the Everhart Investigations series. Set in the same world as her bestselling Jane Yellowrock series, Hunter delivered a smart, funny, suspenseful, and addictive start to this new series.

Witches Angelina and Evan Everhart-Trueblood take a case that spirals out of control until the whole city is at risk in this exciting new novel from New York Times bestselling author Faith Hunter.

Angelina Everhart-Trueblood and her brother Evan run Everhart Investigations, a PI firm in Chattanooga that solves paranormal crimes committed by supernatural beings. When their new client wants help finding her friend, who supposedly disappeared during a reception at Angie’s aunt Jane’s winter residence, things get . . . complicated.

The client is not who she appears to be, and demons strike the city for the first time since the Witch War. On top of that, evidence is pointing toward the involvement of an overly ambitious vampire—who just happens to be Angie’s ex-husband.

As Angie and Evan team up with CPD, they will have to dig deep into their magical reserves—and rely on some friends in high places—to rid Chattanooga of the danger creeping into their city.

I love Faith Hunter’s Junkyard Cat series, and have been slowly collecting the Jane Yellowrock series on audio. They are only available through Audible and, ironically, never on sale and can’t be listened to through my library. However, this new series is available on audio, wide. I’ve read a couple of novellas set in Jane’s world, so I was familiar with it, but that isn’t necessary to begin this series.

Angelina Everhart-Trueblood and her brother Evan run Everhart Investigations, a PI firm in Chattanooga. Together they solve paranormal crimes committed by supernatural beings. Their aunt just happens to be Jane Yellowrock. Which places them under royal protection, even though they live outside of the territory, something both wish to maintain. They like their freedom, or at least the illusion of it.

A new client asks for help to locate her missing friend who attended a party at Jane’s Winter residence, one both Evan and Angie (Angelina) attended; things get complicated. I was all in, from their vampire bodyguard to the local police detective. I love the dynamic between brother and sister as we learned about their history from his time in the war to her terrible marriage. Both are powerful witches and have just begun to unlock their potential. Secondary characters enhanced the story, from pets to crazy vamps.

Hunter delivered an engaging tale with magic battles, history, secrets, and fleshed-out characters who kept me turning the pages. Geeky tech and their team added to the story. I loved being able to read along as I listened to this one. I laughed, held my breath, and squealed at the outcome. I cannot wait for more.

Khristine Hvam has narrated for Hunter before, and I love the voices she creates. From her pacing to tone, she elevated my enjoyment. I highly recommend grabbing this one on audio.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Faith Hunter

NYT Bestselling author Faith Hunter writes three series: the Jane Yellowrock series, dark urban fantasy novels featuring Jane, a Cherokee Skinwalker; the Rogue Mage novels, a dark, urban fantasy / post apocalyptic series and role playing game featuring Thorn St. Croix; and the Soulwood Series featuring Nell Nicholson Ingram.

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About Khristine Hvam

Khristine Hvam is a professional voice artist whose work includes audiobooks, video games, and voice-overs, including as Professor Juniper in the Pokemon television series. Among her narrations are the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa, Dare Me by Megan Abbott, and Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. Khristine lives in New York City.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

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It’s time to return to Moss Hollow, Vermont, and our tea shop in Of Pixies and Pekoe by Shari L. Tapscott. This cozy fantasy, narrated by Natalie Duke, is the second audiobook in the Owls, Tea Shops, and Other Magical Nuisances series. Magic, gnomes and mated magic await you….

The author of A Vampire's Guide to Gardening and Obsidian Queen brings you a lighthearted fantasy full of humor and romance, set in a cozy contemporary fae town in Vermont. Welcome to Moss Hollow.

Welcome to Merriweather Tea Shop, where the tea is piping hot, gossip flows like Earl Grey, and a family of gnomes has inconveniently moved into the back garden.

My name is Kit, and I’m the new proprietress. I know next to nothing about tea, but that’s all right, because I’ve hired my owl to help. Except Rowan isn’t an owl anymore, and our friendship isn’t as simple as it used to be.

But that’s the least of my concerns right now. My focus is on my business ledger, which apparently isn’t supposed to be negative. I’ve quickly discovered that running a business is expensive, especially when I can’t touch my aunt’s fortune for another three years.

So, what’s a smart pixie to do when a mage with questionable intentions shows up on her doorstep with a dust pendant and a generous proposal?

Well, I don’t know about a smart one, but I know what I did… And maybe it wasn’t my best idea…

Owls, Tea Shops, and Other Magical Nuisances is a rom-com style contemporary fantasy. The perfect lighthearted escape, this story is sure to delight readers who enjoy cozy magic and humor.

The books in this series feature smoldering-but-sweet, closed-door romance. (Passionate kisses and some innuendo, but no spicy scenes.)

I was excited to return to the Owls, Tea Shops, and Other Magical Nuisances series, and Of Pixies and Pekoe picks up right where Of Owls and Oolong ended. Now that Rowan isn’t an Owl anymore, things are a little complicated. Kit has opened the Merriweather Tea Shop with Rowan’s help, but there, too, things get complicated. There is a leak in the roof and it looks like a family of gnomes have moved into the back garden.

Kit has cooled things off with Ash after the way he behaved. I mean, the man is arrogant. Kit is developing feelings for Rowan and is worried about him leaving to finish mage school. When a mage presents her with an offer, it looks like it could fix everything. I loved all the threads and suspenseful moments. Both the romantic thread and storyline are well-developed but light enough that I simply laid back and listened.

When Kit released Rowan from his owl form, the magic twists and this proved to be an interesting development. I was caught up in their story and enjoyed the narration provided by Natalie Duke. She really captured the tone and voices of each character, enhancing my enjoyment. I look forward to final audiobook, Of Mages and Matcha, releasing next month.

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Shari L. Tapscott

USA Today bestselling author Shari L. Tapscott writes romantic fantasy adventure and contemporary romance. When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys gardening, making soap, and pretending she can sing. She loves white chocolate mochas, furry animals, spending time with her family, and characters who refuse to behave. Tapscott lives in western Colorado with her husband, son, daughter, and several extremely spoiled pets.

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About Natalie Duke

Natalie Duke is an Emmy and SOVAS award winning voice actor. A lifelong voracious reader, Natalie is inspired by excellent writing, complicated characters, and dark humor. She loves a snarky, strong, sarcastic heroine.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2026 Audiobook Challenge

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The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @CaffeinatedReviewer. It’s a chance to share news — a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join weekly, biweekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme

It was a quiet week with work and watching the grandkids. I had a headache that lasted three days, and it made me miserable. The kids and I watched a lot of old movies. Stay caffeinated & spread kindness.

Last Week on the Blog

• An Infinite Love Story by Chanel Cleeton (audiobook review)
• The Forsaken by Dannika Dark (audiobook review)
• The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Volume 4 by Beth Brower (guest reviewer/ book review)
• Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis (book review)

This Week on the Blog

• Of Pixies and Pekoe by Shari L. Tapscott (audiobook review)
• Unpredictable Magic by Faith Hunter (book/audiobook review)
• Guess Again by Charlie Donlea (guest reviewer/ book review)
• Fossil Feud by Maggie North (book review)

New Arrivals at the Caffeinated Cafe

• Murder in Blackfriars by Jennifer Ashley
• How To Tell If Your K-9 Is A Demon by Trista Ricketts
• A Witch and Her Dragon by Emberly Wyndham
• A Trade of Blood By Robert Jackson Bennett

A special thank you to Berkley Publishing Group, Simon Maverick, Tantor Audio & PRH Audio

Around The Blogosphere

• Make the switch to Libro.fm and support independent bookstores. You’ll get two audiobooks when you sign up.

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Before you link up, please be sure your weekly post includes a link back to Caffeinated Reviewer and the Sunday Post.

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Falling Into You by Jill Shalvis is the third standalone romance in the Colburn Brothers series. I was excited to return to Star Falls. I love spending time with the Colburn brothers, their family, and the women who fall for them. Falling for You belongs to Tucker and Hazel. This is a second chance friends to lovers romance that will make you swoon.

Some love stories don’t stay buried, no matter how far you run.

Hazel Pierce has three goals for coming back to Star Falls:
1. Help her estranged dad.
2. Keep things strictly temporary.
3. Absolutely, under no circumstances, fall for Tucker Colburn again.

That plan dies a dramatic, soggy death when a rogue wasp sting sends Hazel swerving off the road and into the river—only to be hauled out, half-drowned and furious, by the Star Falls Fire Department’s finest. Unfortunately, “finest” is ex–best friend, ex–one-night mistake, and the man she’s been avoiding for a decade.

Tucker’s always had a way of getting into her head. And now between a family that thrives on gossip and a town that’s way too small for all this chemistry, Hazel’s running out of ways to avoid the truth. As sparks turn into late-night confessions and slow, toe-curling kisses, Hazel has to decide if she’s done running—from her past, from this town, and from the only man who’s ever made her feel like home. And Tucker has to prove that this time, he’s not just her safe place to crash—he’s her always.

I am a sucker for small-town romances featuring siblings, and Shalvis has delivered in spades. We have three brothers and a younger sister whose childhood was troubled. Together they run a successful construction company and take turns caring for their father.

Tucker is a firefighter and currently has Dad living with him. He and Hazel were childhood friends turned boyfriend/girlfriend before Hazel left town and never returned. After her Dad had a heart attack, she returned to get him sorted and picked up an odd job or two with the Colburn Brothers. So far, she has successfully avoided Tucker, but all that is about to change.

Shalvis weaves in their backstory as the two meet again after an accident. I loved Hazel’s inner dialogue and the back-and-forth banter between them. The chemistry is there, and it’s only a matter of time before we see smoke. Both have a lot of baggage and things to work through, but of course, family is there to interfere in the best possible way…lol I’ll admit to wanting to throw them both in a closet until they talked it out.

We get some suspense when a thread in the series is turned upside down. All of which led to some heroic moments and page-turning action. While I hoped we might get a full book for Kiera, we see her begin again. Falling Into You is perfect for a day at the lake.

Amazon | Audible

About Jill Shalvis

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras with her family and far too many assorted quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's latest, ONE IN A MILLION, on shelves and e-readers now, and get all her bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold.

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