WHILE IT WAS SNOWING by Julia London

January 23, 2026

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From the publisher:

Under the mistletoe, a single mom and a professional athlete realize they have more in common than the lake house they unexpectedly have to share for the holidays, in this heartwarming romance from New York Times bestselling author Julia London.

All Amy Casey wants for Christmas is to paint. She needs five new paintings for the holiday show at her local art gallery, but between her two teenage sons, her needy ex-husband, and her overbearing parents, she hardly has any time for herself. Luckily, her best friend has the perfect solution: a vacant family lake house in North Texas, all hers for two weeks of distraction-free painting. Or so she thought.

Turns out professional golfer Harrison Neely also rented the lake house so he can spend the holidays rehabbing the injury that has put his career—and life—on hold. Despite the booking snafu, both Amy and Harrison (along with Amy’s old blind dog and the army of child-sized nutcrackers residing in the living room) agree to share the festive lodging.

When an impending snowstorm has the two cozying up by the fire, sparks fly in more ways than one, and they open up to each other, unwrapping secrets and stories they’ve never shared before. But Harrison is expected back on the tournament circuit after the holidays, and Amy’s family needs her. As their departure date looms and her family and his manager press them for answers, they’ll have to decide if this December to remember has been a fun holiday fling, or if they’ve found a Christmas miracle: true love.

https://amzn.to/4qV7fZY

Sometimes you just want a sweet, cozy romance, and this one delivers exactly that. I know it’s January, but I’m not ready to give up my holiday romances yet. Too many books, so little time! I hope you will indulge me, and maybe even join me?

This contemporary holiday romance was such a delightful escape. It’s heartfelt, emotionally rich, and wonderfully character‑driven, with just the right touch of drama and humor. The main characters are well-developed, and there’s even an irresistibly sweet dachshund. I’ve never owned one myself, but my husband had one growing up, and he still talks about that dog with so much affection. All in all, the book gave me every cozy vibe I was craving.

Amy Casey, a human resources manager and divorced mother of two teenage boys, finds her long‑dormant dream of becoming a painter rekindled when a local art gallery hosts a holiday contest. The gallery has already sold a few of her pieces and now wants five more for the competition, an exciting opportunity that also requires time and focus she doesn’t have. Her best friend comes through with the perfect solution: free use of her family’s lake house cabin. It’s ideal—until Amy discovers someone is already staying there. Unbeknownst to Amy or her friend, professional golfer Harrison Neely has rented the house for the holidays.

One of the things I loved most is that Amy and Harrison are older. After the initial shock of the mix-up, they sensibly agree to share the spacious house. Harrison is recovering from a potentially career‑ending knee injury and trying to figure out his next steps. From the start, the two connect easily. Their banter, their conversations, and their shared willingness to embrace a little fun made their dynamic so enjoyable. They understand their responsibilities and know when to prioritize them. Things get even more entertaining when uninvited visitors arrive—her family and his pushy manager—adding plenty of humor to the story.

This is a charming forced‑proximity romance featuring two mature characters (still younger than me!) who are both navigating what comes next in their lives. They’re honest, considerate, and thoughtful about each other’s worlds outside their budding relationship. I appreciated that they each took time to reflect on what they wanted for themselves and how their lives might fit together. Their maturity felt refreshingly real, and it added to the story’s overall warmth.

In the end, this was a cozy, charming holiday read that managed to feel both familiar and fresh—a rare combination. If you’re in the mood for something lighthearted and quick, this one is a lovely choice.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHILE IT WAS SNOWING by Julia London. Berkley. (October 28, 2025). ISBN: 978-0451492425. 313p.

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PROTECTING WHAT’S MINE by Lucy Score

January 23, 2026

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Benevolence, Book 3

From the publisher:

From the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over comes a second-chance romance with a heartwarming emotional journal and a vibrant small-town cast.

Healing isn’t easy―unless you find someone who refuses to let you go. Welcome to Benevolence: where scars fade, hope grows, and every love story is hard-won.

When burned-out trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil escapes to a small town for a fresh start, romance is the last thing on her mind. But her neighbor, the town’s fiercely loyal and impossibly attractive fire chief, refuses to let her hide behind her walls. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most or will their scars ruin everything?

Their slow-burn attraction is electric, but the true heat is in how they mend each other’s hearts. Together, they’ll face community meddling, playful banter, a disaster of a rescue dog who steals the spotlight, and the kind of danger that tests more than their courage.

One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.

Author’s Warning: This small-town happily ever after is smokin’ hot, sweetly hilarious, deliciously suspenseful, and a one-two punch to the feels. One-click for a disaster dog, precocious kids, a good ol’ fistfight, nosy neighbors, high-adrenaline first responder heroics, firefighter bromance, and kitchen sexytimes.

https://amzn.to/4bsNYuj

Fire Chief Lincoln Reed—known around town as “Chief Sexy Pants”—is a hometown hero and an all-around good guy. Charming, loyal, and quick-witted, Linc is great with kids, loves dogs, and isn’t afraid to jump headfirst into chaos when lives are on the line. During a horrific traffic accident, he does exactly that—and it’s there he catches his first glimpse of flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil. One look at her, and the town’s most confident flirt is completely undone. For the first time in his life, Linc is left speechless as she flies off, taking his composure with her.

A lifelong ladies’ man who’s never considered settling down, Linc can’t stop thinking about the woman who literally dropped into his world. When Mack turns out to be the new doctor in town, fate seems determined to keep putting her in his path.

Fresh out of the military, flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie “Dr. Dreamy” O’Neil comes to Benevolence, Maryland, for a much-needed reset. Burned out and struggling with PTSD, she plans to spend six months working at a small family practice and embracing a slower pace of life. But slowing down proves difficult when she keeps running into the town’s charming fire chief—especially after they discover they’re next-door neighbors. Throw in Linc’s feisty yellow lab, Sunshine, and sparks are inevitable.

Guarded and carrying deep secrets, Mack excels in high-pressure emergencies but struggles with everyday connections. Watching her grow—both personally and emotionally—is deeply satisfying. Her chemistry with Linc is electric, fueled by sharp banter, shared purpose, and a mutual drive to save others. Though they seem like opposites, they understand each other in ways no one else does.

Mack may be determined to change her life, and Linc may not fit her carefully laid plans, but his warmth, persistence, and surprising vulnerability slowly break through her defenses. When they finally give in to their undeniable connection, the heat is off the charts—this dirty-talking firefighter absolutely delivers.

By the epilogue, it’s impossible not to feel joyful for the family Linc and Mack build together. Their story is one of healing, trust, respect, and passion—a love that’s hard-won and completely worth it. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it’s better as the final book in a terrific series. I recommend reading them all in order:

Benevolence
1. Pretend You’re Mine
2. Finally Mine
3. Protecting What’s Mine

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

PROTECTING WHAT’S MINE by Lucy Score. Bloom Books. (September 30, 2022). ISBN: 978-1728282589. 464p.

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Spotlight Review: ANNE OF A DIFFERENT ISLAND by Virginia Kantra

January 20, 2026

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From the publisher:

A woman learns to be the heroine of her own life in this heartfelt novel inspired by Anne of Green Gables by New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.

She believed life could follow a plotline—until the story she was living unraveled.

Anne Gallagher has always lived by the book. Anne of Green Gables, that is. Growing up on Mackinac Island, she saw herself as her namesake: the same impulsive charm, the same wild imagination, even the same red hair (dyed, but still). She followed in Anne Shirley’s fictional footsteps, chasing dreams of teaching and writing, and falling for her very own storybook hero.

But when a string of real-life plot twists—a failing romance, a fight with the administration, and the sudden death of her beloved father—pulls her back to the island she once couldn’t wait to leave, Anne is forced to face a truth no story ever prepared her for. Sometimes, life doesn’t follow a script.

Back in the house she grew up in, Anne must confront her past and the people she left behind, including Joe Miller, the boy who once called her “The Pest.” It’s time to figure out what she wants and rewrite her story to create her own happy ending. Not the book version. The real one.

https://amzn.to/45wbAtm

Kantra (The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale) returns with an updated retelling of Anne of Green Gables, set on picturesque Mackinac Island.

Anne Gallagher, a devoted teacher from Chicago, heads back to her childhood home after her father’s sudden death and a bitter dispute over her classroom library. Her boyfriend, a pediatric oncologist, accepts a residency in Atlanta and expects Anne to follow without question.

Reeling from professional betrayal and personal upheaval, Anne seeks refuge on Mackinac Island to regroup. Over the summer, she confronts old wounds with her emotionally distant mother, reconnects with her best friend Daanis, now a busy mom, and gets reacquainted with Joe, the childhood crush who once teased her relentlessly.

As Anne helps at her family’s candy store, she rediscovers the comfort of familiar places and rekindles long-lost connections. Joe becomes an unexpected source of support, and their relationship begins to evolve, hinting at something deeper. But Anne’s summer is anything but idyllic; it is a season of grief, reflection, and tough decisions about love, career, and where she truly belongs.

VERDICT This charming modernization of a classic is sure to suit readers who enjoy Kristan Higgins or Carly Fortune, and should have nostalgic appeal for Montgomery fans.

©Library Journal, 2026

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ANNE OF A DIFFERENT ISLAND by Virginia Kantra. Berkley (January 20, 2026). ISBN: 978-0593816493. 368p.

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Audiobook Sunday: WHERE WE BLOOM by Kristen Proby

January 18, 2026

Narration by Emma Wilder & Connor Crais

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The Blackwells of Montana, Book 2

From the publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author Kristen Proby comes Where We Bloom, an Age Gap, Billionaire, Best Friend’s Brother romance set in Bitterroot Valley!

Connor

After an explosive night together, I thought I’d never see the gorgeous bookstore owner again. We didn’t exchange names and numbers, and when I left her asleep the following morning, I didn’t intend to pursue her. I don’t have time for relationships or entanglements.

I’m the CEO of Gallagher Hotels, and my life is spent traveling around the world, focusing on my business, not a small town in Montana. Even if my thoughts keep returning to the most incredible woman I’ve ever met.

It turns out, my mystery woman, Billie, is my sister’s best friend, and she’s suddenly everywhere I turn. She’s become my obsession and all I think about. She’s become the only thing that means more to me than running my empire. And I’m determined to have her.

Billie

Owning a bookstore in my hometown of Bitterroot Valley has been my lifelong dream since I was a little girl. The only thing that brings me more joy is my love of thrift stores and coffee.

And, maybe, the sexy Irishman with intense emerald-colored eyes that take my breath away. His charming accent, how he looks at me, and the way he spoils me with lavish gifts are just the icing on the cake. I’ve tried to stay away from him, but my resolve is slipping. Nothing is better than being in Connor’s arms and feeling like I’m the most important woman in his world. But being with a high-profile billionaire comes with a price. Can we withstand the storm headed our way, or are we destined to fall apart like delicate blooms in the wind?

https://amzn.to/49HXM2m

Where We Bloom is Book 3 in The Blackwells of Montana series and tells Connor and Billie’s long-anticipated story. One explosive night between them is meant to be a no-strings encounter—until Connor realizes Billie is his sister’s best friend. Suddenly, avoidance becomes impossible, and their undeniable chemistry refuses to stay buried. With Connor’s high-profile billionaire life adding pressure, staying away proves harder than either expected.

Connor, the CEO of a global hotel chain, insists relationships don’t fit into his life. Billie tries to enforce boundaries once the truth comes out, but stolen moments and unresolved feelings keep pulling them back together. The push-and-pull tension is delicious, and watching Connor slowly abandon his “no attachments” rule is incredibly satisfying.

I’ve been waiting for Billie’s book since her story was first teased, and it did not disappoint. Their romance is sweet, sexy, and swoony, filled with sneaky kisses, mounting tension, and genuine emotional growth. Billie stands out as a confident, strong woman who handles drama from Connor’s ex and flirty admirers with impressive grace. As a plus-sized heroine, her self-assuredness feels particularly relatable and inspiring. She’s a thrift-shopping, designer-loving bookworm with sass and honesty that make her irresistible. Connor is completely smitten—protective, generous, and devoted, spoiling her endlessly with eyes only for her.

The audiobook elevates the story even further. Dual narration by Connor Crais and Emma Wilder is excellent. Connor’s Irish accent is spot-on, bringing depth and longing to his performance, while Emma perfectly captures Billie’s sass, confidence, and vulnerability. Their character transitions are seamless and engaging throughout.

As always, the author delivers a well-balanced mix of plot, spice, and character development. The chemistry between Connor and Billie is electric, the family dynamics are strong, and the return to Bitterroot Valley feels like coming home. While each book stands alone, longtime readers will appreciate the payoff after seeing their connection build across the earlier installments.

Where We Bloom is a sexy, age-gap, best friend’s brother romance with just the right amount of tension, heart, and heat—made even better by an irresistible Irish hero. I loved it!

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHERE WE BLOOM by Kristen Proby. Narrators: Emma Wilder & Connor Crais. Dreamscape Media. July 17, 2025. Listening Length: 10 hours and 17 minutes.

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AN ACADEMIC AFFAIR by Jodi McAlister

January 16, 2026

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From the publisher:

From the “masterly” (The New York Times) Jodi McAlister, a charming new romance about two English professors who embark on a fake relationship…only to discover that it may be harder to pretend than they realized.

Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been academic rivals since they first crossed paths as undergraduates in the literature department thirteen years ago. Now that a highly coveted teaching opportunity has come up, their rivalry hits epic proportions. Jonah needs the job to move closer to his recently divorced sister and her children, while Sadie needs the financial security and freedom of a full-time teaching position.

When Sadie notices that the job offers partner hire, however, she hatches a plot to get them both the job. All they must do is get legally married. It’s a simple win-win solution but when sparks begin to fly, it becomes clear that despite their education, these two may not have thought this whole thing through.

Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Abby Jimenez, An Academic Affair pairs Jodi McAlister’s “smart, scorching, and emotionally resonant” (Freya Marske, author of A Restless Truth) writing and academic background to prove that she’s one of the smartest rom-com writers working today.

“Full of humor and emotion, this brilliant novel will have readers crying one moment and laughing the next, then racing to read McAlister’s (Not Here to Make Friends) backlist.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Refreshingly unique [….] Endearing characters, challenging careers, and heartfelt romance make McAlister a writer to watch.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Nerdy romance fans have a new academic pairing to obsess over in McAlister’s An Academic Affair, a literary love fest packed with rivals-to-lovers tension and just the right amount of slow-burn spice […] The burn is slow, the consent is deliberate and caring and the chemistry is undeniable. Fans of Ali Hazelwood will find plenty to love in McAlister’s brainy, big-hearted romance.” —The Observer

“The couple’s chemistry is well worth the wait. Readers will be pleased.” —Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/4sntHwg

This was my first read by this author, and I’m officially hooked. This was such a clever, unusual premise – fake dating and fake marriages abound in the romance universe, but I’ve never heard of a partner hire before. I work for a university that has some married professors, although I’m not sure if the school actually offers this benefit. It definitely worked here, though.

Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been rivals since college. Now, both are English professors with different specializations, competing in an academic landscape where full-time, tenured positions are increasingly rare. Money is tight for both of them, so when a single job opening emerges that could suit either one, their rivalry flares back to life. Who knew academia could be so cutthroat?

Jonah needs the job to be closer to his sister, a single mom who relies on him for support. Sadie needs it because her specialization is rare and is offered at only a few institutions. When she learns that the school offers a partner-hire option, she proposes a marriage of convenience to Jonah—one that could secure them both positions. He’s immediately on board, and before long, these longtime enemies are hurtling towards love.

What lingered with me was the way Jonah’s calm, unwavering devotion slowly breaks through Sadie’s defenses—showing her she doesn’t have to sacrifice her ambition to have love. The emotional resolution felt honest, satisfying, and truly earned.

This is a smart, well-written romance set in an academic world that feels authentic. The author clearly knows this environment, and the characters read like real academics—complete with neuroses, imposter syndrome, and fierce competition. I devoured this in a day; it was fast, fun, and deeply satisfying. Highly recommend!

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

AN ACADEMIC AFFAIR by Jodi McAlister. Atria Books. (November 11, 2025). ISBN: 978-1668092330. 384p.

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FINALLY MINE by Lucy Score

January 16, 2026

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Benevolence, Book 2

From the publisher:

She’s rebuilding her life. He’s learning to heal. Together, they’ll discover that love can be the most powerful rescue of all.

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lucy Score comes a deeply moving small-town romance about finding hope after heartbreak, claiming your worth, and believing in second chances.

For Gloria, survival came first. Now, it’s time to live―and to trust that scars don’t mean broken.

Ten years lost to a controlling relationship have left Gloria determined to take her life back, one bold change at a time. Her next chapter? It’s hers alone. But hometown hero Aldo Moretta, a decorated military veteran with a wicked grin and a heart of gold, refuses to let her give up on love, or herself.

A single unforgettable kiss. A promise that lingers. And when Aldo’s deployment ends unexpectedly, Gloria must find the courage to fight for their happy ending―even if it means becoming the hero she never knew she could be.

Perfect for readers who love emotional small-town romance, strong heroines, and unforgettable love stories that linger long after the last page. 

Author’s Note: You will laugh, cry, and fall head over face for Gloria and Aldo. And the evil rescue kitten. Also the four-letter-word-loving, commando-going Mrs. Moretta who’s just in it for the cookies.

https://amzn.to/4qaUf2r

My Lucy Score obsession continues…

This is a beautiful, emotional story about two wounded souls: a military man who loses a leg in combat and a woman who spent far too long trapped in an abusive relationship. Both carry deep scars—physical and emotional—and the question is whether they can set aside their baggage and finally let love into their lives.

The story runs parallel to Pretend You’re Mine, so readers of that book will recognize a few overlapping scenes. That said, it works perfectly well as a standalone, and you won’t feel lost if this is your first time in this world. Either way, you’re in for a treat: plenty of angst, humor, and emotion as strong characters learn to overcome what they believe defines or damages them.

The book centers on Aldo, a handsome, witty, and thoughtful Army reservist who is also a talented engineer. He’s truly the whole package—and he’s been quietly in love with Gloria from afar since high school. After being deployed, Aldo returns home a hero, but he’s also learning to navigate life after losing part of his leg in the war.

Gloria, meanwhile, spent ten years in an abusive relationship. Her character is written so beautifully that I found myself keeping a box of tissues close by. After nearly a decade of domestic abuse, she finally finds the courage to break free, and her journey—coming to terms with what she endured and recognizing what she truly deserves—is incredibly powerful and inspiring.

Aldo is patient, kind, and unwavering in his support of Gloria. He never leaves her guessing about how special she is, consistently encouraging her, lifting her up, and reminding her of her strength. Gloria is a gentle, kind soul, and it’s heartbreaking to read all she’s been through, which makes her growth even more meaningful.

Together, Aldo and Gloria are two wounded people learning how to heal, trust, and move forward. Their story is tender, emotional, and deeply rewarding—a reminder that love doesn’t require perfection, just courage, compassion, and the willingness to believe you are worthy of more.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

FINALLY MINE by Lucy Score. Bloom Books. (September 30, 2022). ISBN: 978-1728282572. 488p.

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Spotlight Review: REMEMBER THAT DAY by Mary Balogh 

January 13, 2026


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Ravenswood, Book 5

From the publisher:

A soldier and a pacifist make the unlikeliest of pairs, but when passion sparks, there’s nothing that can prevent their love from igniting.

Winifred Cunningham, the adopted daughter of a portrait painter, hopes that her new close friend, Owen Ware, will soon ask for her hand in marriage. But when Owen introduces Winifred to his elder brother Nicholas, the late Earl of Stratton’s second son, the slow burn between them begins.

Nicholas is a cavalry colonel—a hardened soldier whom Winifred at first despises. She finds him intimidating and cruel-looking, while he finds her strange and startlingly forthright. During a summer at Ravenswood, however, Nicholas and Winifred are unwillingly thrown together on several occasions, until they realize the passion that drives their disagreements is not due to dislike—it is because of attraction.

Winifred still awaits Owen’s proposal, and Nicholas has made his intention to marry his commanding officer’s daughter quite clear. With allegiances to other marriage prospects and brotherly bonds at risk, not to mention the age difference between them, Nicholas and Winifred know it would be wholly improper to pursue a romance…

And yet, romance is irresistible. Perhaps even inevitable. 

While some readers might find the low stakes and off-page sex make for an undemanding comfort read, others might be turned off by the leisurely pacing and scenes of rural socializing.—Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/49koe0s

Nicholas from the Ravenswood series and Winifred from the Westcott series cross paths in a story that blends both families’ worlds. Their first glimpse of each other comes at the Trooping the Colour parade, where Colonel Nicholas Ware cuts a striking figure in full dress uniform, leading the cavalry. Winifred attends with Owen Ware—Nicholas’s younger brother and her close friend—who she quietly hopes might one day propose.

They meet properly at Winifred’s come‑out ball. Nicholas enjoys dancing and talking with her and immediately understands why Owen is so fond of her. At thirty‑four, Nicholas has decided it’s time to marry and believes Grace Haviland, the beautiful and impeccably mannered daughter of his commanding officer, would make a suitable wife. Yet Grace is still grieving the loss of two former suitors, and Nicholas is unsure of her true feelings.

Winifred “Winnie” Cunningham, adopted by Camille and Joel Cunningham after being left at the orphanage as a baby, has grown up in a lively, loving household. Joel, a celebrated portrait artist, is invited along with his family by the Earl of Stratton to Ravenswood to paint his mother’s portrait. Grace and her parents are also invited—per Nicholas’s request. Over the two weeks leading up to the Ravenswood summer fête, Nicholas and Winifred spend increasing time together. As he gets to know her, Nicholas begins to see her quiet beauty, warmth, and honesty, and he finds himself unexpectedly envious of Owen.

Winnie, meanwhile, is startled by her immediate attraction to Nicholas. Their first conversation goes poorly—she impulsively equates soldiering with murder, leaving her mortified. She tries to make amends by promising him a dance at her ball, but the evening only reinforces the impossibility of anything between them. Nicholas is courting Grace, and Winnie reminds herself she wants Owen. Yet when her family is invited to Ravenswood for the fête, she realizes her feelings for Nicholas run deeper than she imagined.

Nicholas, convinced he should propose to Grace, arranges for her family to attend the fête so he can make his intentions known. But the more time he spends with Winnie, the more he questions his plans. She is too young for him and not conventionally beautiful—and she seems to dislike him. None of it explains why he can’t shake the sense that choosing Grace would be a mistake.

Winnie, twenty‑one and content with her place in her adoptive family, has never believed marriage essential to happiness. Her friendship with Owen has made her wonder if it could be, but she isn’t certain she loves him. Nicholas, with his noble background and military career, seems entirely out of reach. Still, the spark between them is undeniable, and every encounter at Ravenswood deepens their connection despite their best efforts to ignore it.

The romance unfolds slowly, shaped by two intertwined love triangles and the expectations pressing on both characters. Nicholas feels honor‑bound to Grace; Winnie believes she should marry Owen. Yet fate keeps pushing them together.

The story includes a few kisses and a single mention of the wedding night, which takes place behind closed doors. As with other books in both series, the large cast of secondary characters can feel overwhelming, and the extended descriptions of the summer fête—children’s races, music, maypole dancing, and the grand ball—are far more detailed than necessary. I would have preferred fewer festival activities and significantly fewer characters in order to focus more on the central romance.

Ultimately, this was probably my least favorite book in the series. It felt as though very little happened until nearly three-quarters of the way through, and I found myself repeatedly setting it aside in search of something more engaging. Honestly, if this had been written by almost any other author, I likely wouldn’t have finished it. I did appreciate the happy ending, but given how much I loved the earlier books in both series, this may be where I stop.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

REMEMBER THAT DAY by Mary Balogh. Berkley. (January 6, 2026). ISBN: 978-0593818084. 368p.

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Audiobook Sunday: WHEN WE BREAK by Kristen Proby

January 11, 2026

Narration by Stephanie Németh-Parker & Connor Crais

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The Blackwells of Montana, Book 2

From the publisher:

From New York Times Bestselling author Kristen Proby comes When We Break, a small-town, cowboy, heroine-in-danger romance, set in Bitterroot Valley!

Beckett

I’ve seen the gorgeous redhead with the big black dog that never leaves her side around town. She’s impossible to miss with that lush red hair and perfect green eyes. But it’s when she opens her plump lips and the sound of Ireland comes out of her kissable mouth that I know I’m a goner. I know she’s the one for me and I’ll do whatever it takes to make Skyla Gallagher mine. I can be a patient man and all I want in the world is to worship every bit of her, inside and out.

Skyla

I moved to the lovely town of Bitterroot Valley, Montana, because I needed a safe place. I left my life in New York as a prima ballerina after an injury that I never fully healed from, and to escape the obsession of a madman. I adore this new community, but I must admit that Beckett Blackwell is the very best part. I love his kindness, his patience, and his thoughtfulness. But most of all, I can’t get enough of the way he worships my body, and then does everything he can to pamper me afterwards. Beckett is a drug that I’ve become addicted to. But will my stalker find me in Montana, ruining everything we’ve started together, before we have had our chance at forever?

https://amzn.to/3N0D6df

Skyla was once a prima ballerina in New York, until crossing paths with the wrong man changed everything. His obsession with her escalated into violence, leaving Skyla with a career-ending injury and forcing her to flee the city she loved. She finds refuge in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, where she opens her own dance studio and slowly builds a new life. In this small town, she makes genuine friends and finally begins to feel safe again—especially with her loyal guard dog, Riley, by her side.

Originally from Ireland, Skyla and her protective brother, Connor, come from a family of billionaires, but Skyla has always been fiercely independent and determined to earn her own success. Connor shares that strong work ethic and makes it a priority to check in on his sister often, quietly watching over her.

One night at a local bar, Skyla meets the Blackwell brothers, and Beckett immediately catches her attention. He asks her out, but Skyla—haunted by her past—hesitates and turns him down. Beckett is instantly taken with her, yet he recognizes her emotional scars and approaches her with patience and care.

Despite her fears, Skyla can’t help but fall for a man who so clearly cherishes her. Beck is a natural caretaker, and his love language is unmistakably acts of service. He shows up for Skyla in countless thoughtful ways—from reading to her to making sure Riley feels completely at home. The man even buys five dog beds, so her dog will always have a place to sleep—thoughtful doesn’t even begin to cover it. Beckett is the ultimate caretaker.

Proby delivers a perfect blend of small-town heat and gripping suspense, even giving us chilling glimpses into the stalker’s mind. The audiobook experience is elevated by fantastic narration; Stephanie Németh-Parker delivers an Irish lilt for Skyla that is both authentic and perfectly clear. This is a standout in the series, and I’m already eager for the next installment.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHEN WE BREAK by Kristen Proby. Narrators: Stephanie Németh-Parker & Connor Crais. Dreamscape Media. May 08, 2025. Listening Length: 8 hours and 45 minutes.

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SECRET NIGHTS AND NORTHERN LIGHTS by Megan Oliver 

January 9, 2026

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From the publisher:

Childhood best friends and first loves are reunited on a make-or-break work trip to Iceland, with old feelings coming to the surface in this charming romance from debut author Megan Oliver.

Mona Miller lives her life by platitudes: she’s just fine, thanks; all good; not a problem! Everything is right as rain—even if it’s all a lie. Everyone at the travel magazine where she works knows her as a team player (in other words, the one who won’t complain about the endless fluff pieces pushed her way). But, feeling snubbed after being passed over for a promotion, Mona jumps at an international assignment to Iceland, even though she’s woefully unprepared.

She’s determined to prove her worth, though, and her can-do attitude will scale any glacier. But the freelance photographer paired with her is none other than Benjamin Carter. Ben, her childhood best friend who understood her even when her family didn’t. Ben, her first love—first everything. And Ben, the boy who ghosted her fourteen years ago and left her brokenhearted.

There is a decade’s worth of resentment Mona needs to ignore if she wants to make it through this trip. She’ll put on her “No worries!” façade and hold Ben at a distance. But the more time they spend together, the more the ice around her heart melts. And as those old feelings spark back to life, Mona must decide if she’s willing to go on the biggest adventure of all.

“This contemporary romance is engaging, well-written, and realistic. With well-developed characters who have immediate, almost tangible chemistry and a well-described atmospheric setting whose details pulls readers into the landscape of Iceland, Oliver’s debut is unputdownable.”—Library Journal (STARRED)

“Oliver’s debut is a stunning achievement, full of unresolved emotion and angst that results in feelings simmering to the surface, as well as proof that the embers of true love can never fully die down…An exceptional romance debut that doubles as a love letter to Iceland.”—Kirkus Reviews (STARRED)

“Oliver pens a moving second chance romance against the vivid backdrop of Iceland.” —Booklist

https://amzn.to/49HrGDO

Mona Miller wants more out of life, but her people-pleasing ways have left her overlooked and taken for granted. A travel writer for a magazine, she’s been stuck covering local events while dreaming of far-off destinations. When one of the magazine’s top writers is injured and forced to drop out of a coveted trip to Iceland, Mona unexpectedly gets her chance. She’s thrilled—until she learns she’ll be traveling with world-renowned photographer Ben Carter, her childhood sweetheart and the man who ghosted her and shattered her heart.

There’s one more complication: Ben is a freelancer, and Mona’s boss expects her to convince him to join the magazine’s staff. Professional ambition collides with unresolved feelings, and the past Mona refuses to discuss looms over every interaction.

To make the trip a success, Mona and Ben must confront what went wrong between them—and whether there’s any chance for a future. In a refreshing twist on the usual communication trope, Mona is the one determined to keep the past buried. As she navigates heartbreak, career pressure, and the intimidating scale of her dream assignment, Mona finds herself in over her head. Watching her face her fears and discover her own strength is both satisfying and empowering, proving she’s far more capable than she ever believed.

There’s a welcome spark of heat between Mona and Ben, a perfect contrast to Iceland’s stark, icy landscape. The vivid descriptions of the country’s natural beauty—from its dramatic terrain to its otherworldly wonders—make the setting almost feel like another character. As someone who doesn’t handle cold weather well, this armchair journey to Iceland was perfect—I got all the beauty without the frostbite. Watching Mona and Ben navigate their baggage, overcome numerous obstacles, and ultimately find their way to a well-earned happy ending was deeply satisfying. This is a terrific debut set in an unusual and captivating location, and I’m eager to see what Oliver does next.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SECRET NIGHTS AND NORTHERN LIGHTS by Megan Oliver. Berkley. (November 18, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593952405. 384p.

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PRETEND YOU’RE MINE by Lucy Score

January 9, 2026

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Benevolence, Book 1

From the publisher:

What if the love you’re faking becomes the home you’ve always needed?

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lucy Score comes an emotional small-town romance overflowing with healing, hope, and irresistible slow-burn chemistry.

Harper’s on the run from heartbreak, desperate to find a place where she finally feels safe. Luke Garrison is a soldier, a local legend―guarding his secrets, his family, and his battered heart. When Harper agrees to play the part of his girlfriend to protect him from town gossip, it seems like the perfect arrangement: No feelings. No risk. Just pretend.

But sometimes pretending leads to the most real love of all.

As their fake relationship becomes dangerously real, both must decide if they’re brave enough to claim a second chance at happiness―or risk losing it all.

Start the Benevolence series now and fall for the book readers can’t stop recommending.

https://amzn.to/4sntHwg

Harper’s life implodes when she catches her cheating boyfriend—who also happens to be her boss—in the act. She bolts with nothing but her car keys, leaving her phone, money, and dignity behind. Stranded and running on empty, she pulls into a small-town bar only to witness a man assaulting a woman. Without a second thought, Harper launches herself into the fray, ending up bruised but hailed as a hero.

The man who comes to her rescue is Luke Garrison, a brooding hometown hero shattered by the loss of his pregnant wife years ago. When Luke’s sister realizes Harper is broke and homeless, she brokers a deal: Harper will play Luke’s fake girlfriend for one month to get his meddling parents off his back before his next deployment. In exchange, Harper gets a paycheck and a place to stay.

What starts as a convenient arrangement quickly turns electric. Despite Luke’s vow to never love again, Harper’s fierce resilience cracks his armor. Their connection spans continents through a deployment, but the peace is shattered when the man Harper fought in the parking lot returns for revenge. A terrifying home invasion leaves Harper scarred and Luke consumed by a guilt he can’t escape.

As Luke’s tragic past collides with his present, he lashes out, pushing Harper away to protect himself from more grief. Harper, a former foster child who has spent her life rescuing others, finally stops fighting for a man who won’t fight for himself and disappears. It’s only when Luke realizes Harper is being hunted by the criminal she helped put away that he finally wakes up. He lost his first love to tragedy; he won’t lose Harper to his own fear.

Lucy Score delivers a masterclass in small-town romance, balancing gut-wrenching emotional depth with sharp, witty banter. Harper is a powerhouse of a protagonist—intelligent, sharp-tongued, and deeply compassionate. Luke’s journey from a man “dead inside” to a protective partner is raw and earned. With a vibrant cast of secondary characters and high-stakes tension, this story is a beautiful, sizzling reminder that even the most broken hearts are worthy of a happy ending.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

PRETEND YOU’RE MINE by Lucy Score. Bloom Books. (September 30, 2022). ISBN: 978-1728282565. 480p.

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