Audiobook Sunday: ROUGHING THE KICKER by Emily Silver

November 16, 2025

Read by Rose Dioro & Teddy Hamilton

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Denver Mountain Lions, Book 1

From the publisher:

He’s my best friend. He’s a pro football player. He’s famous. I’m just the girl next door.

And I’ve been in love with him since I was thirteen.

He doesn’t know. He can never know. But will I be able to hide my feelings when I move in with him?

Jackson Fields. Denver’s star kicker. My best friend since ninth grade.

When an injury sidelines him, I step up. Living with him will be easy. I can hide my feelings long enough to take care of him. Piece of cake.

Except he depends on me for everything. Every touch, every move he makes has butterflies swarming my stomach. I can’t fall for him. Because he’s my friend. And he doesn’t see me as anything else.

But when his situation changes, and he sees me in a new light? Am I willing to risk everything to see if we’ll be good together? Or will we always be destined to be just friends? What’s a girl to do?

https://amzn.to/4oU6HSY

Roughing the Kicker is a charming, feel-good friends-to-lovers romance that kicks off Emily Silver’s newest series with heart and humor. From the very first page, you can’t help but fall for Tenley and Jackson — two lifelong friends whose chemistry has been simmering beneath the surface for years. Add in the easy camaraderie and brotherly banter of Jackson’s Denver Mountain Lions teammates, and you’ve got a story that’s as playful as it is heartwarming.

Tenley and Jackson have known each other since childhood. Both are now living the lives they once dreamed of — Tenley as a beloved kindergarten teacher, and Jackson as the star kicker for the Denver Mountain Lions professional football team. For Jackson, their friendship has always been a steady constant: Tenley is the girl next door, always there when he needs her.

For Tenley, though, it’s been years of secretly loving him from afar — ever since a fateful high school party. Playing Seven Minutes in Heaven in a dark closet gave Tenley the secret kiss she’s never forgotten. Jackson thinks he was in the closet with Rachel, leading to a thirteen-year, on-and-off-again romance. With the wrong girl.

When Jackson suffers a knee injury during the preseason, his world is upended. He quickly realizes his self-centered, self-serving girlfriend, Rachel, isn’t the support he needs. He ends the relationship and turns to Tenley—the one person he knows he can count on. She’s there for him in an instant, moving in to help him through recovery. The close quarters and unexpected intimacy begin to stir something new in Jackson — or maybe it’s something that’s been there all along.

As the two navigate late-night talks, laughter, and Tenley’s lingering memory of that long-ago kiss, Jackson starts to see Tenley in a new light. Thirteen years after that fateful kiss, Jackson finally learns the truth: it was Tenley in the closet that night. The revelation ignites a slow-burn romance that’s both sweet and sensual.

Tenley has a heart full of love and a quiet strength that shines through. Jackson is charming, driven, and unexpectedly tender once he realizes how much Tenley means to him. Their journey isn’t without bumps—Jackson’s doubts and emotional walls add tension—but the payoff is a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after.

This is a quick, heartwarming read filled with humor, tenderness, and plenty of team camaraderie. The glimpses of Jackson’s teammates — and their hilarious, supportive banter — promise even more delights as the series continues.

The only negative was that it felt a bit rushed, given its brevity. I would have liked to see more development between the characters and their relationship. That said, this is a quick, feel-good read that blends flirty fun with emotional depth. If you love friends-to-lovers romances with heart, humor, and a swoon-worthy hero finally waking up to the love that’s been in front of him all along, this one’s for you.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ROUGHING THE KICKER by Emily Silver. Narrators: Rose Dioro & Teddy Hamilton. Tantor Audio; February 06, 2024. ASIN: B0CRZTCTRV. Listening Length: 4 hours and 50 minutes

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MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE by Lauren Blakely

November 14, 2025

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Evergreen Falls, Book 1

From the publisher:

A holiday romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blakely, with spice and fake dating that follows a fiery designer who teams up with her charming billionaire boss for a week-long Christmas competition, and their pretend holiday romance soon starts to feel all too real—now with a never-before-published short story.

“Wanted: hot billionaire to pose as my Christmas boyfriend. Must be willing to make my cheating ex jealous by kissing me under the mistletoe at holiday parties. Bonus if you make him cry.”

To Fable’s surprise, her billionaire boss, Wilder Blaine, is more than willing to take on the challenge of playing her holiday boyfriend. The sexy single dad desperately needs a plus one for a Christmas Eve wedding, where he’s the best man and she’s the maid of honor. With her ex also in the wedding party, the two team up as a pair of insta-lovebirds for the holiday season. Their partnership includes participating in the annual week-long Christmas competition leading up to the snowy destination wedding.

What starts as late nights crafting the best popcorn balls for the contest soon turns into a passionate night together, where the sparks between them are impossible to ignore. But when the holidays end, can their winter wonderland romance turn into something real back at the office? Or are they destined to go the way of a Christmas tree on New Year’s Day?

https://amzn.to/4hNkg4g

Fable is the creative director of merchandise for a professional football team. The team’s owner, Wilder, is a billionaire, a single dad, and—unusually—quite young. It’s hard to think of a real-life counterpart, so I suspended my disbelief and rolled with it.

When Wilder invites his staff to Thanksgiving dinner at his home, Fable walks in on her boyfriend in a very compromising position with the caterer. Furious and humiliated, she storms back to the party—only to witness her sister’s boyfriend proposing. Despite the chaos of her own love life, Fable is genuinely thrilled. Her sister wants a Christmas wedding, which means a tight turnaround, but the family will be spending the holidays in Evergreen Falls, a picture-perfect small town with total Hallmark vibes and a week-long series of festive competitions—from karaoke to gingerbread house decorating to snowball fights and more. Wilder owns the property, so he and his family will be there, too.

Wilder’s aunt loves to meddle in his romantic life, but as a single dad who co-parents peacefully with his ex, he feels he doesn’t have time for dating. His twelve-year-old daughter, Mac, is the center of his world, and their relationship is one of the sweetest parts of the story. I also loved how he and his ex got along—no bitterness, no drama, just mutual respect between two parents who’ve moved on.

Fable needs a date for the wedding—her cheating ex is the groom’s cousin and part of the wedding party. Wilder needs a date to keep his aunt’s matchmaking schemes at bay. So they strike a deal: a fake relationship for the holidays. They report it to HR to keep things professional, then meet up to learn enough about each other to make the ruse believable.

To his credit, Wilder tells his daughter the truth, while Fable confides in her sister—though she makes her promise not to tell her fiancé – not exactly the best way to start a marriage. Wilder, it turns out, has had feelings for Fable since she joined the team, and he’s eager to show her what being treated well really looks like—with kindness, attention, and thoughtful, sometimes extravagant, gestures. He is also determined to show up her ex during those holiday competitions.

Naturally, the fake relationship starts to feel very real. The chemistry between Fable and Wilder absolutely sizzles, but what makes the story shine is his tenderness toward his daughter and the genuine emotional growth between all three. Fable’s reactions—especially after being burned by her ex—feel authentic and relatable.

While slow-going at times, this book delivers everything you want in a holiday romance; it’s a festive escape full of heart, humor, and a happily-ever-after ending.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MY FAVORITE HOLIDATE by Lauren Blakely. Atria Books. (October 7, 2025). ISBN: ‎ 978-1668208502. 384p.

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COWBOY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE by Maisey Yates

November 14, 2025

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Four Corners Ranch, Book 12

From the Publisher:

A favor owed. An Off-limits romance. Four Corners is in for the hottest Christmas it’s ever seen.

Sheena Patrick has done well, all things considered. After her father’s death, she raised her sisters and did all she could to give them the best life possible. But they’re grown and gone now and Sheena is ready to do something for herself. But to accomplish her goals she needs Denver King.

Denver owes Sheena. He spent years watching from afar and making sure she was all right after his father’s illegal activities caused her father’s death. So when Sheena rolls up to the ranch looking to call in the favor he promised, Denver can’t say no. He’ll help her get her axe-throwing bar up and running by Christmas, and consider his debt square. But as the snow falls, sparks fly between the two black sheep of Pyrite Falls. They might be all wrong for everyone else, but are they just right for each other?

https://amzn.to/4hJGKDq

Sheena and Denver have known each other their entire lives. Their connection deepened after tragedy struck—Sheena’s father was killed while working for Denver’s father, the former criminal kingpin of their town, Pyrite Falls, Oregon. Since then, Denver has worked relentlessly to make amends for his father’s crimes, rebuilding his family’s reputation and compensating his father’s victims. Meanwhile, Sheena was left to raise her three younger sisters on her own. Driven by guilt, Denver offered financial support and made a solemn promise: one day, he’d repay her with a favor.

Years later, with her sisters grown and gone, Sheena decides it’s time to call in that favor. Working as a bartender, she dreams of opening her own business—an axe-throwing bar—and approaches Denver King with a detailed proposal. Despite his family’s doubts, Denver doesn’t hesitate to help. In fact, he ends up partnering with her, not realizing that he’s about to fall for her in the process. Sheena, too, is surprised by her growing feelings—and how much she dislikes seeing Denver with anyone else.

Both Sheena and Denver are known in town for their strength, honesty, and fierce loyalty to family. But as they work side by side, they start to see beneath each other’s hard exteriors. The real question is whether they can let their guards down enough to allow someone else to take care of them for once.

I adored these two characters. Both are fiercely driven, deeply loyal, and shaped by painful pasts. Watching them slowly lower their defenses and reveal their vulnerabilities—amidst intense, steamy moments—was powerful. Despite the trauma they carry, the author weaves hope into their journey, showing how love and mutual support can heal even the deepest wounds. I loved this story of redemption, resilience, and unexpected romance.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COWBOY, IT’S COLD OUTSIDE by Maisey Yates. Canary Street Press. (October 28, 2025). ISBN: ‎978-1335652911. 320p.

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Spotlight Review: ANNE OF AVENUE A by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding

November 11, 2025

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For the Love of Austen, Book 3

From the publisher:

Jane Austen’s Persuasion meets the Big Apple in this swoon-worthy holiday romance from the authors of Elizabeth of East Hampton and Emma of 83rd Street.

Eight years ago, Anne Elliot broke Freddie Wentworth’s heart when she refused to give up her five-year plan for the sake of adventure. But despite big dreams, Anne, now thirty, is still living at home with hardly a plan in sight. Anne tries to be optimistic—she knows better than anyone that regret will get you nowhere—but that goes out the window when, thanks to her father’s bad spending habits, her childhood apartment is rented out to the very man still living in her head rent-free.

Freddie Wentworth never thought he would see Anne Elliot again after she dumped him for accepting a job overseas. He spent years trying to forget her, and he’s been mostly successful. So when a job opportunity takes him back to New York, he’s shocked to find out that Anne is not only his new neighbor, but also the former resident of his new Greenwich Village penthouse.

Nearly a decade after Anne and Freddie’s fateful romance, the only thing they still have in common is a desire to leave their relationship firmly in the past. But between a disastrous off-Broadway show and a drunken Thanksgiving dinner, nosey neighbors, and flirtatious friends, Anne and Freddie suddenly find their lives more intertwined than ever before. When old feelings start rising to the surface, they must decide whether to put their hearts on the line or walk away all over again.

“Belleza and Harding have created a glamorous romp that is heartfelt, steamy, and romantic… For fans of the movie Clueless and retellings of classics.”—Library Journal

https://amzn.to/4oDUWQv

I picked this up thinking it was a modern retelling of Anne of Green Gables, but it turned out to be a contemporary spin on Persuasion—which works just as well for me. After all, Jane Austen basically invented the romcom, so I was here for it! I hadn’t realized it was part of the For the Love of Austen series; I previously read the second book, Elizabeth of East Hampton, and loved it. This new installment was another witty, heartwarming delight. Set in the heart of New York City, this is a second-chance romance full of heart, witty banter, and a touch of Christmas magic that feels timeless, while at the same time, contemporary.

Anne’s life hasn’t turned out quite as she planned—and she’s very much a planner. She’s working for her father in reality TV, but when the show’s star gets arrested, production grinds to a halt. Meanwhile, her father’s extravagant spending has caught up with them, forcing the sale of their longtime home. Her father moves out of town, and Anne lucks out when her downstairs neighbor offers her a tiny, windowless bedroom until she can get back on her feet.

Anne’s carefully planned life has gone off the rails. Working for her father in reality TV, she’s blindsided when the show’s star gets arrested and production goes on hiatus. Worse, she discovers her father’s reckless spending has forced them to sell their longtime family apartment. While her father relocates out of town, Anne catches a break when her downstairs neighbor offers her a tiny, windowless bedroom as temporary refuge.

When Freddie and Anne bump into one another in the elevator, the encounter is anything but warm. Freddie is still hurt by how things ended, and Anne is devastated to see him again. Freddie left the country to pursue his passion for sustainable agriculture and built a wildly successful business—so successful that he’s essentially retired despite being years away from forty. But Anne had good reasons for breaking things off, though Freddie never knew the truth. Slowly, they rebuild a friendship that blossoms into something more… until the inevitable third-act heartbreak. But, as any Austen fan knows, love finds its way in the end.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable read—fun, romantic, and full of charm. I liked it enough that I’ll be tracking down the first book in the series, Emma of 83rd Street, next.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ANNE OF AVENUE A by Audrey Bellezza & Emily Harding. Gallery Books (October 28, 2025). ISBN:‎ 978-1668097656. 336p.

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Audiobook Sunday: BAYOU BELOVED by Lexi Blake

November 9, 2025

Read by Jessica Almasy

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Butterfly Bayou, Book 6

From the publisher:

When a woman returns home to Louisiana’s Butterfly Bayou, her high school crush finally notices she exists, in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

Quaid Havery always planned to follow in his father’s footsteps. He went to law school and then came home to take over his dad’s legal practice. Being the only lawyer in small-town Papillon, Quaid is pretty sure he’s seen everything. After all, he was once asked to sue an alligator for defamation of character. He’s prepared for anything the town can throw at him, until he encounters Jayna Cardet. She’s gorgeous, smart, funny, and unlike any woman he’s met before … Except he has.

Jayna never thought she’d return to Papillon, but when her life gets turned around she must learn to live in the close-knit community again. She certainly never dreamed she would practice law in her little town, but she finds herself in the courtroom, and the opposing counsel is her former high school crush, Quaid. It wouldn’t be so bad if the man had developed a beer belly, but Quaid is more handsome than ever. And instead of ignoring her like he did in high school, he’s made it plain that he wants to get to know her.

Thus begins a courtship destined to end in a wedding or a war. Either way, the locals are popping some corn and eagerly awaiting the outcome.

https://amzn.to/4hIriaD

Jayna grew up in a trailer park in the small Louisiana town of Butterfly Bayou. From a young age, she dreamed of escaping her circumstances. Through determination and hard work, she put herself through college and law school. After marrying a fellow attorney, she joined his father’s prestigious law firm in New Orleans. But when Jayna discovered that one of her clients was involved in illegal activity, she did the right thing and reported it. Her honesty came at a steep price—in rapid succession, Jayna finds herself divorced, fired, homeless, and under investigation by the bar association.

With nowhere else to turn, she returns home to live with her mother in the trailer park she once escaped. Her mother resents her for leaving and trying to build a better life, while her sister—a single mom living nearby—seems to be repeating their mother’s mistakes. The family tension is thick, and Jayna feels like a failure all over again.

Butterfly Bayou has only one lawyer, Quaid, and Jayna faces him in court over a property dispute. She had a crush on him back in high school, though he doesn’t remember her. Still, he’s intrigued by her now and wants to get to know her. Quaid inherited his law practice from his father and still lives with his mother, though he keeps a small apartment above his office. When his wastrel of a brother moves in with their mother as well, Quaid moves into the apartment full-time, stirring up old family tensions of his own.

After Jayna’s mother kicks her out, Quaid offers her a place to stay in his apartment. He also gives her office space and passes along legal work he’s too busy to handle. As they live and work side by side, a genuine partnership begins to blossom—despite Quaid’s mother’s disapproval, believing Jayna isn’t good enough for her son.

Jayna faces a crossroads: should she fight to clear her name and return to New Orleans, or stay in Butterfly Bayou and build a new life with Quaid? Ultimately, love and redemption prevail, and the story ends on a hopeful note.

This was my first read in the Butterfly Bayou series, and based on reviews, each book stands alone. I didn’t feel like I missed anything by starting here. The narrator was excellent, bringing each character to life with distinct voices and personalities. I’ll definitely be heading back to the bayou to explore the earlier books in the series.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BAYOU BELOVED by Lexi Blake. Narrator: Jessica Almasy. Blackstone Publishing; March 28, 2023. ASIN: B0BLJ87BFW. Listening Length: 8 hours and 53 minutes

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THE HONEYCRISP ORCHARD INN by Valerie Bowman

November 7, 2025

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Honeycrisp Orchard Romance, Book 1

From the publisher:

A Cozy Small-Town Romance of Rediscovery, Forced Proximity, and the Magic of Autumn Set on a Quaint Apple Orchard

For fans of the Lovelight series and The Pumpkin Spice Café, this cozy and sexy romance follows a young event planner who returns to her family’s inn on an apple orchard to help run their Harvest Festival—only to find herself butting heads with the handsome son of the apple orchard’s owners. 

Ellie Lawson’s city life was treating her just fine until a sour turn of events knocks her out in one fell swoop. Dumped by her boyfriend and fired from her event planning job, she is left with no choice but to return to her parents’ idyllic inn, nestled within a picturesque Honeycrisp orchard on Long Island. Anticipating a quiet hiatus in the attic apartment, she is instead met with Aiden, the stubborn, attractive son of the orchard owner who is currently occupying her planned refuge.

Forced together by circumstance, they find themselves not only roommates but also coworkers, when they’re put in charge by their parents of the orchard’s vital Harvest Festival, a lifeline for both the struggling orchard and the inn. Amidst the enchanting disorder of small-town life, Ellie and Aiden grapple with their conflicting values, burgeoning feelings, and an electrifying tension.

As Ellie discovers the unexpected charm of the life she left behind and Aiden learns there’s much more to Ellie than he’d first assumed, one fact remains: the future of the orchard and the inn depends on their unlikely collaboration.

Embark on a captivating journey of rediscovery, love, and the irreplaceable magic of small-town life.

https://amzn.to/3JbdMzD

Ellie Lawson was living the dream—sort of. She’d been put in charge of a major presentation for her event planning company’s biggest new client, and after months of preparation, she knew her plan was stellar. But the night before her big pitch, her boyfriend—who also happened to be her coworker and roommate—dumped her out of nowhere.

Heartbroken but determined, Ellie throws herself into work, hoping to impress the client and finally earn that long-awaited promotion. Instead, her presentation was met with stunned silence. Moments later, her boss pulls her aside to accuse her of plagiarizing her ex’s work—he had presented her exact plan just before her. Outraged, Ellie tries to explain, but her boss refuses to listen and fires her on the spot.

Now both jobless and homeless, Ellie has no choice but to return home to Long Island, where her parents run a charming inn on an apple orchard owned by their lifelong best friends. They’ve been begging her for years to come home and help with their annual fall Harvest Festival, but she’s always been too busy with her real job. This time, she has no excuse. Her parents are thrilled she’s coming and offer her the attic apartment in the inn—except when she arrives, she finds it already occupied by Aiden, the orchard owners’ son. They grew up together, and Ellie doesn’t realize that Aidan was disappointed that she moved away.

Aiden’s house is under renovation, so the two reluctantly agree to share the small two-bedroom apartment. But when Aiden learns Ellie plans to work on the Harvest Festival, he’s less than thrilled. The festival is his project, and he’s not keen on sharing control. She dives headfirst into planning a festival far grander in scale and budget than Aiden thinks prudent, and their clashing approaches set the stage for constant friction.

Apparently, it’s now mandatory for small-town romances to reference the Gilmore Girls, and this author delivers. As Ellie and Aiden navigate their differences, growing attraction, and shared hopes for the orchard’s success, the Harvest Festival becomes more than an event—it’s a chance to save both the orchard and the inn.

Through it all, Ellie realizes she loves event planning but hates the corporate world that crushed her creativity. When her ex and her former boss reach out—the event she designed is collapsing under his mismanagement—and the client tries to hire her directly, Ellie faces a choice: return to the city or stay in the only place that’s ever truly felt like home.

As Ellie rediscovers the unexpected magic of the life she left behind—and Aiden learns she’s far more than the city girl he assumed—their partnership proves vital to the orchard’s future.

My only quibble? The setting. As someone who grew up on Long Island, I’ve never encountered any small towns remotely like this. Sure, there are orchards, but not the kind that exist in quaint, Gilmore Girls-style villages. The story would have felt more believable to me if the orchard had been set in upstate New York, where quirky small towns abound—but most readers won’t know the difference. Nevertheless, this was a charming, heartwarming read filled with small-town magic and second chances, and I’m looking forward to whatever comes next.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE HONEYCRISP ORCHARD INN by Valerie Bowman. Avon. (September 9, 2025). ISBN: ‎ 978-0063454033. 272p.

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Spotlight Review: HER ONE REGRET by Donna Freitas

November 4, 2025

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From the publisher:

From the author of the book club favorite The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano comes a riveting feminist thriller that tackles an unspeakable taboo: regretting motherhood.

When successful Rhode Island real estate agent Lucy Mendoza vanishes, leaving her baby behind in a grocery store parking lot, the news quickly makes national headlines. Lucy’s best friend, Michelle, is devastated, and terrified that Lucy’s life is at stake. But she knows something that could complicate the police investigation. Lucy had confessed something unspeakable: She regretted becoming a mother so much that she’d fantasized about faking her own kidnapping. If the police and media were to find out, Lucy would become a monster in public opinion. Michelle is sure Lucy would never abandon her daughter. But could she be wrong? Could Lucy have been so desperate she chose to escape her life?

Bestselling author Donna Freitas has drawn from ground-breaking research to bring readers this unforgettable novel. Her One Regret is at once a pulse-pounding feminist thriller, a moving depiction of the realities of motherhood, and a rich exploration of a subject our culture and society have rendered nearly verboten—the possibility that for some women, motherhood is an unfixable mistake.

https://amzn.to/3YbzdVn

Freitas (The Nine Lives of Rose Napolitano) pens both a gripping mystery and a provocative social commentary that is an emotional rollercoaster of a read. When Lucy Mendoza vanishes from a supermarket parking lot, leaving her infant daughter behind, her husband becomes the prime suspect. Despite Lucy’s hints about escape, her best friend Michelle knows something darker is at play. As the investigation unfolds, secrets surface and public opinion turns vicious, casting Lucy as a mother who abandoned her child. Lucy becomes a monster in the media—a woman who dared to regret motherhood. What begins as a missing person case becomes a searing examination of maternal ambivalence, female friendship, and society’s ruthless judgment of women who don’t conform to the motherhood myth that all women long to be mothers. The story exposes the impossible standards placed on mothers and the taboo reality that some women struggle with maternal feelings they are not supposed to have. The book’s most poignant moment may be Freitas’s final note, where she explains her personal struggle with this issue and how she was too afraid to tell this story – until now.

VERDICT Sure to appeal to book groups, this emotionally charged feminist thriller holds up a mirror reflecting the impossible expectations placed on women, inspiring a necessary conversation about choice and regret.

©Library Journal, 2025

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HER ONE REGRET by Donna Freitas. Soho Crime (November 4, 2025). ISBN: 978-1641296380. 384p.

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Audiobook Sunday: DIRTY FLIRTY ENEMY by Piper Rayne

November 2, 2025

Read by Samantha Summers & Daniel Chambers

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White Collar Brothers, Book 2

From the author:

He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations.

I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office.

From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients. Well, is it stealing if the client comes to me?

Even our vicious banter and loathing gazes can’t hide the chemistry between us. Who can blame me? He has enough charisma to make every hot-blooded woman in the city melt with a single word.

Just when I think a mutual respect could be born between us, the biggest developer in the city offers us an opportunity that pits us against each other.

Time to forget Carmelo Mancini’s dreamy eyes and tight abs.

Game on.

https://amzn.to/4hIriaD

We first met Carm in the series opener, Sexy Filthy Boss, where he didn’t make the best impression—and honestly, he didn’t win me over in this book either. Still, it’s Piper Rayne, so I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did.

Carm is a Manhattan real estate agent who markets himself by posing shirtless on billboards. Not exactly professional, but it certainly attracts attention. He’s notorious for his one-night stands and total disinterest in commitment—until Bella enters the picture.

Bella, a former real estate agent, has struck out on her own with a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) business model, helping clients list their properties on the MLS. Her new office space was a bargain, but there’s a catch: it’s right across the hall from Carm’s agency, setting the stage for a classic enemies-to-lovers workplace romance.

Their first real clash comes when Bella unwittingly steals a client who was actually on his way to meet with Carm. Despite finding each other attractive, they’re at odds: Carm resents Bella’s FSBO model threatening traditional agents, while Bella dismisses him as a player and keeps her guard up.

When Bella’s mother’s boyfriend proposes a contest between them—whoever sells more condos in his new building wins—it feels like Bella’s big break. Carm is confident he’ll crush her, certain that buyers in this price range want personal attention, not a DIY approach. But as the competition intensifies, so does their chemistry. Despite their best efforts to stay professional, something deeper starts to grow.

It’s always satisfying to watch the player fall hard, and Carm definitely does. With Piper Rayne’s trademark witty banter, sizzling heat, and fast-paced fun, this one delivers plenty of entertainment—even if it’s not my favorite in the series, it’s still a solid, enjoyable read.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DIRTY FLIRTY ENEMY by Piper Rayne. Narrators: Samantha Summers & Daniel Chambers. Piper Rayne Inc.; August 14, 2019. ASIN: B07WC7JT2L. Listening Length: 7 hours and 45 minutes

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AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE by David Rosenfelt

October 31, 2025

Andy Carpenter Mysteries, Book 32

From the publisher:

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a murder that left a dog stranded in And to All a Good Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt’s bestselling series.

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can’t wait for Christmas. He doesn’t care much about the season, unless it’s football season. Andy’s excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there’s a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.

Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.

The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff’s sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff’s tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.

With David Rosenfelt’s signature humor and hijinks, it’s time to close this case for good and bid it a good night.

“[An] unfailingly entertaining series.”―Kirkus Reviews

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I’ve gone years between reading installments in this series, but now I’ve read two since July. This one helped pull me out of a reading slump—kudos to Rosenfelt for that. I’ve always loved his books: his distinctive voice, clever cases, and trademark blend of wit and warmth make this series such a joy to return to. His “happy pessimism,” sharp humor, memorable cast of recurring characters, and, of course, his deep love of dogs, are what keep me coming back.

Once again, Rosenfelt delivers with a witty, smartly written courtroom mystery filled with heart. In recent years, he’s started releasing an annual Christmas-themed book, which always feels a little extra special. They’re never overly holiday-centric; rather, the season serves as a subtle backdrop. This time, Andy’s wife Laurie has Christmas music playing on a loop since Halloween, much to Andy’s dismay. He tries to tune it out while focusing on what he truly loves: football season. Now semi-retired, Andy would much rather watch sports than work—until a case comes along that he can’t ignore.

Andy is, as always, the champion of the underdog. This time, that underdog is Jeff Wheeler, a man Andy met a few years earlier under tragic circumstances. Jeff had gone to pick up his girlfriend from work when the building exploded. Though he couldn’t reach her, he managed to rescue a puppy trapped in a crate near the entrance. The dog ended up at Andy’s shelter, where Jeff later adopted it. Andy’s philosophy is simple: anyone who runs into a burning building to save a dog can’t possibly be a murderer.

But now Jeff stands accused of killing his late girlfriend’s boss. The evidence is circumstantial but damning, and Andy can’t resist taking the case. He also takes in Jeff’s dog, keeping him safe among his own pack until he can clear Jeff’s name.

Proving Jeff’s innocence requires Andy and his capable team to dig deep—through ashes, lies, and a handful of suspicious characters, each with possible motives. What follows is a race against time, featuring Andy’s trademark courtroom antics, sarcastic charm, and surprising brilliance beneath the bumbling exterior. The tension builds to a sharp, satisfying climax, reminding readers why Andy Carpenter remains one of the most endearing lawyers in fiction.

This is a fast-paced, tightly woven mystery full of humor, heart, and Rosenfelt’s signature snark. His ability to keep the series fresh after thirty-two books is truly impressive. Fans will appreciate seeing all the familiar faces—Laurie, Sam, Eddie, Marcus, Edna—and, of course, Andy’s beloved dogs. New readers can jump right in without having read the earlier installments.

I also have deep admiration for Rosenfelt and his wife, who run the real-life Tara Foundation, responsible for rescuing thousands of dogs. Through his cozy mysteries, Rosenfelt continues to highlight the importance of animal adoption with warmth and compassion.

And To All A Good Bite is the perfect holiday read—or gift—for anyone who loves a smart murder mystery with a generous helping of humor and heart. And dogs.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books. (October 14, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250324573. 304p.

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Spotlight Review: BREATHE WITH ME by Becka Mack

October 28, 2025

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Playing for Keeps, Book 5

From the publisher:

From bestselling author and TikTok sensation Becka Mack comes the final book in her sizzling hockey romance series about a couple who face an agonizing challenge that could bring them closer—or tear them apart.

Cara Hunter is a self-made woman. Driven and fearless, she’s never lost a battle. In fact, the only time she’s fallen to her knees was, well . . . for him.

Emmett Brodie might be one of hockey’s hottest players, but the moment he sees Cara, he’s reduced to a single word: hers. And he’ll stop at nothing to change her last name.

With a love as all-encompassing and fierce as theirs, they become the ultimate power couple and the backbone of their family. But when they decide it’s time to have a baby, they discover their journey to conceiving will be anything but easy. As they face off with infertility, a battle that strips them to their bones, they’ll see just how unshakable their foundation really is.

They thought they could survive anything together, but how do you survive when you’re barely breathing?

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This final installment of the series delivered an emotional gut-punch that left me reeling—and not just because it’s the end. Cara and Emmett’s story takes an unexpectedly heavy turn that hit close to home.

Their relationship starts with instant chemistry. For Emmett, a notorious player who’s never met a puck bunny he didn’t take home, meeting Cara is a thunderbolt—love at first sight. Despite her attempts to resist, their connection is undeniable. Soon they are married, and life seems perfect.

Everything changes when they decide to start a family. While intimacy comes easily, pregnancy doesn’t. After more than a year of trying, they consult a fertility specialist who delivers devastating news: Cara has diminished ovarian reserve with poor egg quality. What follows is a grueling odyssey of treatments—hormone injections, embryo transfers, and month after month of crushing disappointment. For anyone who has experienced infertility (as I have), this was almost unbearably painful. I found myself putting the book down repeatedly to give myself emotional breaks. The author’s unflinching portrayal of this journey is both authentic and agonizing.

Cara’s struggle is raw and real. She becomes depressed, despondent, and barely recognizable to herself, yet refuses to give up. Emmett remains steadfast beside her, but even he can’t reach her anymore. She withdraws completely, and you begin to understand exactly how infertility destroys so many relationships. She tries to leave, but he cannot let her go.

Their eventual path to parenthood comes through fostering (not really a spoiler—you can see it coming). This helps them reconnect and find their way back to each other. Their hard-won happy ending feels earned after such a harrowing journey.

I finished this book emotionally drained yet deeply satisfied—and melancholy that the series has concluded. Despite the difficulty of this particular story, I loved every moment of this series.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BREATHE WITH ME by Becka Mack. Zando – Slowburn (October 28, 2025). ISBN:‎ 978-1638932451. 448p.

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