Attorney Sage Rosetti is a force to be reckoned with. Work/life balance? Never heard of it. But when the unexpected loss of her mentor sends her spiraling, she’s prescribed a healthy dose of time off. Luckily, she’s just inherited the perfect home where she can recover. Unluckily, she’s now co-owners with her high school crush/nemesis, Jake Walker. How can she truly relax when her heart is at risk?
Sage’s mother, Gia, is dealing with a crisis of her own. A new book is about to reveal their family’s biggest secret—and Gia’s devasting heartbreak. The only person she can confide in is the one man she shouldn’t be getting close to: her sister’s ex.
But just as Sage and Gia are starting to find their paths, someone from Gia’s past resurfaces who could ruin everything they’ve worked so hard to build.
Sage Rosetti is a driven attorney whose life is consumed by her work advocating for the abused and mistreated. Her dedication leaves little room for anything else—no relationships, no vacations, no personal time. But everything changes with one unexpected loss.
When Sage learns that her beloved mentor, Alice, has gone missing, she rushes back to the small town of Sunshine Bay. There, she’s devastated to discover that Alice has passed away. In her will, Alice leaves Sage her home, law practice, and lavender farm. Sage plans to retreat into this inherited sanctuary—but she soon learns the house comes with a surprise co-owner: someone from her past.
Jake, once a troubled teen with abusive parents, was taken in by Alice, who gave him love, stability, and the tools to succeed. He also happens to be Sage’s high school crush—and to her surprise, the feeling was mutual. As Sage and Jake navigate their shared inheritance, old emotions, lingering insecurities, and outside pressures threaten to unravel the fragile bond they’re beginning to rebuild.
Meanwhile, Sage’s mother, Gia, is rediscovering her passion for painting. She’s also developing feelings for Flynn—her sister’s ex. But just as Gia begins to embrace happiness, her sister publishes a tell-all book exposing long-buried family secrets. The resurfacing of old wounds and familiar faces threatens to shatter the peace Gia has fought to reclaim.
This story weaves together family dynamics, romance, laughter, tears, passion, and a touch of mystery—all the beautiful chaos that makes up life’s sweetest moments. It’s a heartwarming family saga with romantic elements that creates a comforting, deeply satisfying read. Now I need to track down the earlier books in the series and catch up on all the drama I’ve missed.
9/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE SWEET LIFE by Debbie Mason.Forever. (June 10, 2025). ISBN: 978-1538768792. 336p.
Brand new small town romance from #1 New York Times bestseller Lucy Score.
A Gilmore Girls meets Schitt’s Creek redemption romcom. What’s more inspiring to a romcom author than a hot, grumpy contractor literally knocking down walls?
Hazel Hart was a successful romance novelist until a breakup drives her straight into writer’s block. Having failed (and failed some more) to deliver her new manuscript, she’s hiding from the world behind a wall of old takeout containers until her publisher lays down the law. If she misses her next deadline it’s The End.
Desperate for inspiration, Hazel impulse-buys a historic home online and flees Manhattan to tiny Story Lake, PA. Upon her dramatic arrival―involving an incident with a bald eagle―she discovers the charm of her new home may have been slightly exaggerated.
The house is a wreck and the town is struggling after their biggest employer shut down. Also, since her raccoon-infested home came with a seat on the town council our introverted heroine is stuck with a front row seat to all the small-town shenanigans.
But Hazel isn’t worried. Not since all six-feet-three inches of grouchy contractor Campbell Bishop slapped a bandage on her forehead and unintentionally inspired the heck out of her. There’s only one thing to do: Hire Cam and his equally gorgeous brothers to renovate her new spider museum…er…house.
Okay two things. A fake date for “research purposes” will really put her work-in-progress on track. Before Hazel knows it, she’s writing a romance novel and living one. At least until the drywall dust settles, the town she’s falling in love with faces bankruptcy, and growly Cam remembers why he can’t live happily ever after.
Author’s Note: “This series is my love letter to every reader who said they wanted to move to a fictional town.”
**Don’t miss out on the stunning, limited DELUXE EDITION, while supplies last, featuring gorgeous designed edges, spot gloss on the cover, a map and chapter POV art.
This is the first book of a new series and was the start of my reading block! I loved this book, and when I was finished, I tried to move on to the next new book I had for review. I kept picking up new books and putting them down. Nothing was holding my attention, so I did a deep dive into Lucy Score’s backlist – reviews to follow! It took half a dozen books or so until I was ready to move on to a new author.
Hazel, a bestselling romance writer, finds herself facing a perfect storm of life changes: a fresh divorce, the loss of her New York City apartment, and a devastating case of writer’s block. In a moment of impulse, she dips into her savings to purchase a house in a tiny Pennsylvania hamlet—a purchase that unexpectedly comes with a seat on the town council.
Reality hits hard when Hazel arrives to discover her new home bears little resemblance to the charming fixer-upper she imagined. It’s a dilapidated mess, complete with a resident raccoon and more spiders than she’d care to count. Still, the town has one saving grace: a highly recommended contractor.
Enter Cam, the local contractor who’s as gorgeous as he is grumpy. Despite his surly attitude, his presence seems to unlock Hazel’s creative block. Desperate to keep her writing mojo flowing, she proposes they fake date. Cam thinks the idea is ridiculous, but Hazel’s charm gradually wears down his resistance.
What starts as a pretend romance soon turns into something real, filled with sizzling tension, hilarious moments, and heartwarming growth. This is a delightful fish-out-of-water romantic comedy where their fake relationship turns steamy, and the quirky townsfolk provide endless entertainment in the best possible way. The story builds to a satisfying happy ending that left me eager for more.
This is classic Score—fun, heartwarming, and populated with lovably eccentric small-town characters. Fair warning: like her other books, this one includes explicit intimate scenes, so readers who prefer fade-to-black romance might want to look elsewhere or skip those pages. For me, it was pure enjoyment from start to finish, and I’m already anticipating the sequel.
9/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
STORY OF MY LIFE by Lucy Score.Bloom Books (March 11, 2025). ISBN: 978-1728297057. 528p.
A steamy new novella from the USA Today bestselling author of The Nanny—available only in audio!
Shy, awkward Cade Monroe must be the only man in Florida who hates the beach. But when the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen kisses him unexpectedly one summer night, he might be forced to change his mind. A year later, and he’s still pining after her. The only catch? She doesn’t seem to remember the kiss. In fact, Cade isn’t sure she even knows he exists.
Nora Whitfield has definitely noticed Cade, the dark-haired, hot-in-a-scowly-way guy who gets coffee from her every morning. But with a past full of heartbreak, Nora isn’t looking to get involved—especially not with a man who barely speaks except to order.
When Cade finds himself desperately needing a new roommate, fate intervenes, thrusting them together. As secrets surface and sparks fly, Cade and Nora must decide if they’re ready to risk their hearts for a second chance at a first kiss.
Room for Two may be a short novella, but it packs a delightful punch. The story follows Cade Monroe, a shy and awkward man who is not a fan of Florida’s beaches, but has never forgotten a magical kiss he once shared with Nora Whitfield on that very beach—but she doesn’t even remember their encounter.
When their meddling friends orchestrate a meeting, neither Cade nor Nora knows what they’re walking into. Cade believes he’s interviewing a potential roommate, while Nora thinks she’s on a blind date with a customer she’s been secretly crushing on for a year. This clever deception sets up a wonderfully awkward beginning that had me completely invested from the start.
As the date-slash-interview unfolds and they realize they’ve been set up, sparks inevitably fly. Secrets begin to unravel, and feelings they’ve both kept hidden become impossible to ignore.
Cade is the kind of hero you can’t help but champion—quiet and grumpy on the surface, yet soft, loyal, and deeply caring underneath. His longing made my heart ache in the most wonderful way. Nora perfectly complements him: she’s strong and relatable, though still healing from past heartbreak. While cautious about opening her heart again, her warmth and playful banter create a natural balance with Cade’s reserved nature, making their chemistry feel both authentic and compelling.
Despite its shorter length, this novella delivers complete satisfaction. The author beautifully crafted the dynamic of two characters secretly pining for each other, allowing their relationship to develop organically within the condensed format. Romances often ask us to suspend our disbelief – can two people really form such a strong connection in one night? I’d like to think so, and Ferguson convinced me.
Narrated in dual POV by Samantha Summer and Teddy Hamilton, the performance adds an extra layer of charm. Their voices breathe life into Cade and Nora, infusing the story with warmth, personality, and emotional depth.
Note: this is only available as an audiobook right now. There is no indication that print versions will be published.
8/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
ROOM FOR TWO by Lana Ferguson.Narrators: Samantha Summers & Teddy Hamilton. Spotify Audiobooks. August 19, 2025. Listening Length: 3 hours and 42 minutes.
A Fast-Paced Spy Adventure of Amnesia, Identical Twins, and Unraveling Deadly Secrets in Europe—The Perfect Romantic Addition to Your … List
The New York Times bestselling YA author of the beloved Gallagher Girls series bursts onto the adult scene with a fast-paced, hilarious road trip rom-com about a woman with amnesia who discovers she’s the identical twin sister of a rogue spy… and must team up with a rugged, grumpy operative to stay alive.
It’s the middle of the night in the middle of Paris and a woman just woke up with no memory.
She only knows three things for certain:
1. She has a splitting headache.
2. The hottest guy she has (probably) ever seen is standing over her, telling her to run.
And oh yeah…
3. People keep trying to kill her.
She doesn’t know who. Or why. But when she sees footage of herself fighting off a dozen men there’s only one explanation: obviously. . . she’s a spy!
Except, according to Mr. Hot Guy, she’s not. She’s a spy’s identical twin sister.
Too bad the only person who knows she’s not the woman they’re looking for is this very grouchy, very sexy, very secret agent who (reluctantly) agrees to help her disappear. Which is easier said than done when a criminal organization wants you dead and every intelligence service in the world wants you caught.
Luckily, no one is looking for a pair of lovesick newlyweds on their honeymoon. And soon they’re lying their way across Europe—dodging bullets and faking kisses as they race to unravel a deadly conspiracy and clear her sister’s name.
But with every secret they uncover, the truth shifts, until she no longer knows who to trust: the twin she can’t remember or the mysterious man she can’t let herself forget…
“Carter serves up an irresistible cocktail of danger and passion in her un-put-downable adult debut . . . This snappy and suspenseful romance fires on all cylinders.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“This hilarious romantic comedy is unputdownable. The characters have instant chemistry, and their well-written dialogue is peppered with witty banter. Readers will be riveted through all of the twists and turns as the protagonists race across Europe with the bad guys hot on their heels. Those who grew up reading Carter’s Gallagher Girls teen series will tear through her adult romance debut and clamor for more.” — Library Journal
This book is an absolute blast! With its perfect blend of humor, spice, and non-stop action, it delivers a genre-bending experience that keeps the adrenaline pumping from start to finish. I hadn’t read the author’s Gallagher Girls YA series, so I came in fresh—not yet part of the Carter cult. But after this adult debut? Consider me converted by its smart writing, engaging plot, and truly unputdownable narrative.
The story kicks off with a gender-flipped Bourne Identity twist: a woman wakes up injured on the streets of Paris, with no memory of who she is or why she’s there. Before she can process anything, the hottest guy she’s ever seen is shouting at her to run—because a pack of motorcycles is barreling toward them, and the riders look deadly serious. She bolts, only to see her own face splashed across TV screens.
Her mysterious, brooding, and undeniably charming companion explains the chaos: she’s not the infamous spy everyone is hunting. That would be her identical twin sister—the one she doesn’t remember having. In fact, she can’t even recall her own name. But now, thanks to their shared face, she’s caught in the crosshairs of multiple intelligence agencies and a ruthless Russian gang.
With no other choice, she throws her trust—and her fate—into the hands of her reluctant protector. Together, they embark on a wild, high-stakes journey across Europe, dodging danger at every turn. Their enemy? One of the most powerful and merciless figures in global crime. Her mission? Stay alive long enough to uncover the truth and clear her sister’s name.
From motorcycles to trains to boats to ski lifts, the European tour is exhilarating, and the action is perfectly balanced by laugh-out-loud moments and witty banter. A total joy to read—highly recommended for anyone looking for a smart, high-octane adventure with heart, heat, and humor.
8/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE BLONDE IDENTITY by Ally Carter.Avon. (August 8, 2023). ISBN: 978-0063276642. 304p.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • She’s the city girl who refuses to be saddled with a man. He’s the cowboy who wants her anyway. From the author of the BookTok sensation Done and Dusted comes the next book in the Rebel Blue Ranch series, a small town romance featuring opposites attract and forced proximity.
The last thing Ada Hart needs is a man to take care of her. Not anymore. After failing out of her interior design program and the disaster that was her short-lived marriage, Ada clawed her way up from her rock bottom. Now, the only person she trusts is herself, and that has gotten her further than ever before. She has her own business, and one of the largest ranches in Wyoming just hired her for the most important project of her career.
When Ada arrives in Meadowlark, she finds herself in a dive bar where she can’t seem to shake the eyes of a handsome cowboy. When she leads him to the back of the bar, he leaves her with a kiss that most people can only fantasize about. She almost regrets that she’ll never see him again . . . except it turns out he’s her new boss.
Weston Ryder is a happy guy. Even happier now that the mystery woman from the bar is the interior designer for his dream project on his family’s ranch. He feels like he hit the jackpot. It’s too bad she wants absolutely nothing to do with him outside of work. Ada is convinced the pull she feels toward Wes will go away, but Wes can’t stop thinking about her. Even though walls are coming down around Rebel Blue, Ada’s walls are firmly in place.
Can they make it through this project without giving in? Or will they both put their dreams on the line for a chance at love?
This is the second book in the Rebel Blue series, and I absolutely loved the “city girl meets country boy” dynamic. It blends several beloved romance tropes—opposites attract, workplace romance, cowboy charm, forced proximity—and balances them beautifully with equal parts fun, banter, angst, and emotional depth. It’s fast-paced, engaging, and genuinely hard to put down.
Ada Hart arrives in Meadowlark, Wyoming, thrilled to be working on the biggest project of her interior-design career. On her first night in town, she stops by the local bar and meets a ridiculously handsome cowboy. One impulsive, steamy moment later, she leaves alone—reminding herself she’s here for work, not distractions. But the next morning, when she walks into Rebel Blue Ranch, she discovers that her new boss is none other than the man from the bar: Weston Ryder. Not exactly the smoothest start to a professional relationship.
Ada is a talented designer eager to grow her business and build a new life far from a toxic marriage. She’s stubborn, a bit shy, and—like so many of us—carries some insecurities. She believes she’s “unlikable,” but as she slowly lets people in, especially the women at the ranch and Wes himself, she begins to realize that isn’t true. Watching her form genuine friendships for the first time is one of the most rewarding parts of the story.
Wes Ryder is the quintessential cowboy hero: kind, gentle, and deeply loyal. As the middle child, he’s long felt overlooked, so when his dream of opening a guest ranch within Rebel Blue Ranch is finally approved by his father and brothers, it feels like a turning point—his chance to create something that’s truly his own.
One of the things I appreciated most about Wes’s character is how thoughtfully the author handled his depression. It’s not a dramatic plot twist or a hurdle to overcome—it’s simply part of who he is. Too often, people expect depression to look like constant sadness, but in reality, many people manage it while leading full, joyful lives. That rang true for me personally, having family and friends who live with depression. Wes is lighthearted, funny, and warm, but that doesn’t make his depression any less real. It was refreshing to see him open up to Ada about it, and I’m grateful Sage chose to portray it with honesty and care.
While Ada and Wes begin with insta-lust, their relationship evolves into something deeper and more meaningful. The pacing allows readers to watch them truly get to know each other, working through communication challenges and personal obstacles on their path to happiness. The emotional tension throughout this journey makes their eventual triumph all the more rewarding. Their journey to a happily-ever-after felt earned, layered, and incredibly satisfying.
I loved this story. It’s heartfelt, smart, and full of warmth—and it left me eager for more from the Rebel Blue series.
A Muscogee pop star and a cowboy who couldn’t be more different come together to strike a deal in this new romantic comedy by Danica Nava, USA Today bestselling author of The Truth According to Ember.
Pop singer Avery Fox has become a national joke after posing scantily clad on the cover of Rolling Stone in a feather warbonnet. What was meant to be a statement of her success as a Native American singer has turned her into a social pariah and dubbed her a fake. With threats coming from every direction and her career at a standstill, she escapes to her estranged grandmother Lottie’s ranch in Oklahoma. Living on the rez is new to Avery—not only does she have to work in the blazing summer heat to earn her keep, but the man who runs Lottie’s horse ranch despises her and wants her gone.
Red Fox Ranch has been home to Lucas Iron Eyes since he was sixteen years old. He has lived by three rules to keep himself out of trouble: 1) preserve the culture, 2) respect the horses, and 3) stick to himself. When he is tasked with picking up Lottie’s granddaughter at the bus station, the last person he expected to see is the Avery Fox. Lucas can’t stand what she represents, but when he’s forced to work with her on the ranch, he can’t get her out of his sight—or his head. He reminds himself to keep to his rules, especially after he finds out the ranch is under threat of being shut down.
It’s clear Avery doesn’t belong here, but they form a tentative truce and make a deal: Avery will help raise funds to save the ranch, and in exchange, Lucas will show her what it really means to be an Indian. It’s purely transactional, absolutely no horsing around…but where’s the fun in that?
Avery Fox, a pop sensation and former child star in the vein of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, finds herself at the center of a media firestorm after appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone in stereotypical Native American attire. The backlash is swift and unforgiving. In an effort to salvage her image—and perhaps her sense of self—her mother, who also serves as her manager, sends her to stay with the grandmother she’s never met at the family’s Red Fox Ranch in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Avery has never met any of her extended family, so arriving at the ranch is a revelation. She’s stunned to discover a community of relatives who genuinely care about her. There she also meets Lucas Iron Eyes, who has lived and worked on the ranch since he was sixteen. With quiet patience, Lucas introduces Avery to the rhythms of ranch life and the deeper meaning of family, belonging, and identity.
The novel’s portrayal of ranch life and Indigenous family dynamics feels deeply rooted and sincere. It’s a story that matters because it gives space to Indigenous characters living full, nuanced lives, rather than reducing them to symbols or confining them to history. In a genre like mainstream romance, where Indigenous representation is still painfully rare, this book stands out. Too often, cowboy romances romanticize rural life while ignoring the cultures that have always existed on that land. This story doesn’t fall into that trap—it centers Indigenous voices, and that makes for a powerful story.
8/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
LOVE IS A WAR SONG by Danica Nava.Berkley. (July 22, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593642627. 336p.
A sweet and sizzling summer romance about a woman who takes a job at a bookstore in Nantucket and gets involved with the man who turns out to be her boss: a billionaire bent on knocking the store down.
When book lover Jade Taylor applies to manage the Little Bay Book Shack on Nantucket Island over the summer, the last thing she needs is the distraction of billionaire resort owner, Liam Haven.
But things take an unexpected turn when Liam becomes Jade’s boss—a man who only reads contracts for pleasure….
In a bid to save the bookshop from being absorbed into the Haven resort, Jade is determined to teach Liam that there’s more to life than acquiring real estate. And if she can make him realize happily ever afters do exist, might she be able to save the island’s bookshop in the process?
Jade, stuck in an entry-level publishing job doing grunt work, jumps at the chance to run a bookshop for the summer on Nantucket—a world away from her small English village. While her loving family supports her American adventure (even if she feels like the family disappointment), she secures a leave of absence and sets off for what promises to be the experience of a lifetime.
Her first encounter on the island is with Liam, whom she assumes runs the ferry service. She quickly discovers the “ferry” is actually his private yacht—because Liam is a billionaire, albeit a grumpy one. Where he’s all sharp edges and cynicism, Jade radiates pure sunshine and optimism. Their instant chemistry leads to a passionate one-night stand, but their summer fling takes a dramatic turn when Jade learns that Liam has purchased the bookstore from her boss. His plan? Tear it down and replace it with luxury cottages for his resort.
Both characters carry emotional baggage, with Liam particularly struggling to overcome childhood trauma. Despite being on opposite sides of the bookstore battle, their magnetic attraction proves impossible to ignore—this is pure, electric insta-lust rather than gentle romance. Jade convinces Liam to give her a chance to boost the shop’s sales, and he reluctantly agrees. But as he gets to know her better, the thought of losing her becomes unbearable. If he closes the bookstore, she’ll have no choice but to return to England.
The central tension drives the story forward: Jade finds herself torn between her undeniable physical attraction to Liam and her disgust at his plans for the bookstore. This internal conflict ultimately forces both characters to confront their feelings and work toward their well-earned happily ever after.
Mary Jane Wells delivers an exceptional narration that elevates the entire story. Her ability to create distinct voices makes it effortless to follow the dialogue between characters. Most impressive is her seamless transition between Jade’s British accent and Liam’s American accent—never once breaking the spell of the story. Wells’ skilled performance transforms the book from a simple read into a vivid, immersive experience that makes for thoroughly engaging listening.
8/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
BOOKED FOR THE SUMMER by Kathryn Freeman.Narrator: Mary Jane Wells. HarperAudio. July 29, 2025 Listening Length: 9 hours and 59 minutes.
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • She’s off-limits, but he’s never been good at following the rules.
Discover the sizzling, small-town brother’s best friend romance that went viral on TikTok—now a special edition with an exclusive sneak peek at the next book in the series and a Q&A with the author!
“A sweet slow burn . . . sunshine in written form.”—USA Today bestselling author Lana Ferguson
For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.
Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.
Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?
I started this series with the last book, Wild and Wrangled, and it was so good that I went back to read the first book in the series. I am planning on reading them all.
Twenty-seven-year-old Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has spent nearly ten years on the barrel racing* circuit, living her dream as a professional rider. Her world comes crashing down when a devastating fall leaves her with a head injury and something far worse—a paralyzing fear of getting back on her horse. Unable to ride without experiencing panic attacks, Emmy makes the difficult decision to return to her family’s Rebel Blue Ranch in Meadowlark, Wyoming, keeping the real reason for her homecoming to herself.
Emmy is surprised to discover that Luke Brooks, the 32-year-old former troublemaker,is working at the ranch, helping out with horseback riding lessons. After facing rejection from his father, stepfather, and biological family, he found acceptance and belonging with the Ryders, becoming best friends with Emmy’s older brother, Gus. Not only does he teach, but he is also the owner of The Devil’s Boot bar, the only fun place to hang out in this small town. Luke has transformed himself from the bad boy Emmy remembers, but despite his changed circumstances, Emmy refuses to believe he’s truly different from the boy who teased her years ago.
When Luke offers to help Emmy overcome her fear and prepare for the upcoming Women’s Professional Rodeo Association tour in Meadowlark, she reluctantly agrees. As they work together, Emmy begins to see past her childhood memories and recognize the man Luke has become. Their growing attraction is complicated by Gus’s longstanding rule that his little sister is off-limits.
As Emmy and Luke’s relationship deepens, real feelings develop between them. Emmy and Luke try to resist, but they end up keeping their relationship a secret. When the truth comes out in a dramatic showdown between Gus and Luke, feelings are laid bare, and everyone is forced to confront what really matters.
Sage brings Meadowlark vividly to life, making the setting feel like another character in the story. With angst, sparks, and strong community ties, this romance blends beloved tropes—small-town charm, brother’s best friend, and enemies-to-lovers—into a fun, emotional read.
*My only complaint about this book is that while Emmy is a professional barrel racer, after reading this book, it wasn’t really clear what that is. A tiny explanation of the sport would have been appreciated!So I Googled, and here is the AI on barrel racing:
Barrel racing is a rodeo event primarily, though not exclusively, for women, where riders race against the clock to complete a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels. It’s known for its speed, skill, and precision, requiring a strong partnership between horse and rider. Women have a rich history in barrel racing, with the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) (originally the Girls Rodeo Association) founded in 1948 to provide a platform for women’s rodeo competition.
From New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne comes a brand-new story about two women, a family secret and a lost manuscript that changes everything…
Raised by her literary icon father Carson Wells, Alison Wells always felt loved, even though her mother died when she was a teen. But when she takes a DNA test on a whim and discovers she has a sister she never knew about, it’s clear there are things her father didn’t tell her before he died. Determined to meet Juniper—her half sister—and unravel the truth of what happened all those years ago, Ali finds herself taking a job as Juniper’s intern. She’ll eventually figure out a way to tell Juniper the truth of their relationship. But she never could have imagined what would happen next…
Juniper Connolly has always been incredibly healthy…until she wakes up in the hospital after experiencing cardiac arrest, with her new—and recently fired—intern to thank for saving her life. It’s clear June needs to de-stress her life a little, so when Ali offers her the use of her family’s cabin in a small Wyoming town, June has no reason not to go. But when she arrives, her life will never be the same.
Under the wide-open spaces of the Wyoming summer sun, Ali and June will untangle the secrets and lies their lives were built on to discover who they really are and what family really means. But even more than that, they’ll build a real relationship with one another and finally become sisters.
This heartwarming story explores themes of family and second chances through the journey of two unlikely sisters.
When Allison’s famous author father passes away, she discovers through DNA testing that she has a half-sister named Juniper living in Seattle. Fresh out of law school and studying for the bar exam, Allison decides to get to know Juniper before revealing their connection. She secures an internship with Juniper, planning to work alongside her sister while figuring out how to share the truth.
However, Allison proves to be a disaster as an intern. Just as Juniper is about to fire her, she suddenly collapses from a heart attack. Allison’s quick thinking with CPR saves her sister’s life until paramedics arrive.
Facing a long recovery from her heart condition, Juniper needs time away from her high-powered executive lifestyle. Allison seizes the opportunity, convincing Juniper to recuperate at the Wyoming cottage where her father wrote his books—an offer the literary fan can’t refuse. Life on the ranch is a stark contrast to Juniper’s fast-paced world.
The peaceful ranch setting forces Juniper to slow down and confront her new health limitations. As she helps Allison sort through their father’s papers for donation to the university library, she also encounters Beck Hunter, Allison’s neighbor. Beck is a former San Francisco trial lawyer with a formidable reputation, and Juniper initially despises him based on her preconceptions. However, she gradually discovers he’s far more complex and caring than she first believed.
Meanwhile, Allison struggles with finding the right moment to reveal their sisterhood. The truth becomes more complicated as Juniper grows attached to the ranch and its people, particularly Beck. When Allison finally shares their family connection, Juniper is shocked but ultimately able to embrace the news positively, having already formed deep emotional bonds with her new life in Wyoming.
As the sisters navigate their newfound relationship, Allison makes her own romantic discovery—realizing she has feelings for Xander, her childhood best friend who now works as a travel vlogger.
While romance weaves through the narrative, the true heart of the story lies in the sisterhood that blossoms between Juniper and Allison. This charming tale will appeal to fans of Hallmark movies, combining small-town warmth, found family dynamics, and closed-door romance into an engaging read.
8/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE LOST BOOK OF FIRST LOVES by RaeAnne Thayne.Canary Street Press. (June 3, 2025). ISBN: 9978-1335476067. 352p.
Swoon-worthy romances with lovable characters, loads of humor, and a healthy dose of drama on the way to a happily ever after.
The Blue Moon series by Lucy Score is a contemporary romance series set in the small town of Blue Moon Bend, in upstate New York. Each book features a different couple finding love amidst the quirky, close-knit community, often involving second chances, matchmaking meddling, and plenty of small-town charm. The series is known for its heartwarming, humorous, and steamy romance stories with engaging characters facing real-life challenges.
Blue Moon Bend is a character in itself, with its gossipy, but ultimately loving, residents and a strong sense of community. Rumor has it that a bunch of hippies got lost after leaving Woodstock and settled in Blue Moon Bend, creating a town that many years later is full of aging hippies and every stereotype you can think of associated with that time: VW buses abound, vegetarians, nudity, astrology, vintage clothes, and more.
Each book focuses on a different couple, but they are interconnected through the town and recurring characters and are best read in order (see author’s note about book 7). The series balances lighthearted humor with heartfelt moments, exploring themes of family, forgiveness, and finding love.
“She’s a woman, not the last piece of f**king pie. And yes, I’m calling dibs if it keeps your hands off her.”
Carter Pierce wants to spend his days tending the family farm he inherited, and that’s about it. After a tour of duty and a few bullet holes, he’s looking forward to some peace and quiet in his hometown. Unfortunately, Blue Moon doesn’t believe in peace and quiet. And his nosy neighbors sure as hell don’t know how to mind their own business.
As it turns out, neither does the big city journalist who arrives to interview him for a magazine article. Summer Lentz is out of place with her designer wardrobe and workaholic schedule. She asks too many questions and gets under his skin with her smart mouth and those denim-blue eyes. She’s also typing his family’s story a mile a minute at his kitchen table and sleeping in the bedroom across the hall. Carter’s only chance for peace is to scare her away from farm life so he can go back to his comfortable, solitary existence.
But Summer’s got a stubborn streak and secrets of her own. And once Carter starts pulling at those threads, he’s not so eager to send her packing. Will a nudge from the matchmaking Beautification Committee result in a happily ever after or a homegrown disaster?
From the BookBitch: This is a wonderful introduction to the kooky town and its inhabitants, along with a smart, sexy romance. It was so good I immediately started reading the next book, and the next – I ripped through this series in about a week, and with my vision problems, that was no small feat! These romcoms bring the sweet and the heat, and I was all in. This first book is a close proximity, opposites attract romance and it worked.
“Your kids are great,” he said, changing the subject.
“Don’t be sweet. I can’t resist sweet,” Gianna warned him.
“Your kids are monsters, and I hate your face.”
Beckett Pierce is the most eligible bachelor in the nosiest small town in upstate New York. But after his last girlfriend handcuffed herself to his porch and set his welcome mat on fire, he’s not looking for any more romance.
Especially if it lands right in his own backyard. And has miles of red hair.
Gianna Decker has her hands full—no, overflowing—with problems. With two kids, a useless ex, and a brand new yoga studio, the last thing on her mind is finding a man who’ll demand more of her time.
Fantasizing about her hot, broody landlord? Mistake. Lusting after the sexy mayor of her new town? Terrible idea. Getting naked with the “favorite” son of her father’s new lady friend? N-O. Getting involved with Beckett has disaster written all over it.
Those stolen kisses were accidental. A few moments of strings-free, sizzling passion couldn’t possibly cause any trouble. At least, not until tempers flare when their families complicate things and the interfering citizens of Blue Moon step in with their special brand of chaos.
From the BookBitch: Blue Moon’s “Beautification Committee” is, in essence, a group of busybody matchmakers whose ideal is the pairing off of everyone in town so they all can live their best lives. They often go too far with their shenanigans, but everyone is always forgiven because you can’t argue with results. Great character development throughout the series hooked me, but the romances are what kept me coming back for more.
There are two things Joey Greer is great at: Raising horses and holding grudges. Eight years ago, her high school sweetheart abandoned her, skipped out on his family, and fled to Hollywood of all places. She vowed never to forgive or forget.
Now big-shot screenwriter Jackson Pierce is back in Blue Moon demanding another chance. No place is safe from him. Not the stables. Not the only bar in town. Not even the clawfoot tub on her own deck.
No matter how good it feels when he sneaks past her defenses to land a kiss or a compliment, she is determined to pretend he doesn’t exist. Except maybe when he’s naked in her bed.
Jax can’t tell Joey the truth about the night he left. It would ruin far more than just their relationship. All he can do is sweep her off her reluctant feet with orgasms, flowers, bacon, and a rescue dog. Oh, and maybe handcuff himself to her for charity too.
The Beautification Committee has a few tricks up its devious sleeve where Jax and Joey are concerned. Tricks that will either leave the past in the past or ensure these two lovebirds can never be in the same room again.
From the BookBitch: This is a second chance, enemies-to-lovers romance, and Score nailed it.
“He’s the kind of man who would talk you into dropping your panties in a coat closet at a party, dole out orgasms like after-dinner mints, and then never call you again.”
Photographer Nikolai Vulkov is a love ’em and leave ’em bad boy with a leather jacket, motorcycle, and sexy-as-sin grin.
He is not Emma Merrill’s type. The feisty brewery manager isn’t impressed by Niko’s charm or his “no strings attached” offer. She’s the kind of girl a man settles down with. And the small town of Blue Moon is where she and her sisters have decided to put down roots.
In Niko’s experience, relationships only lead to heartache. Besides, he’s only in town until he finds a way to get his creative mojo back. He and Emma are completely wrong for each other. Even the matchmaking Beautification Committee agrees. They should definitely stay in the friend zone.
Okay. So maybe they gave in to their attraction that one time. Fine. Five times. Who’s counting? But once Emma’s ex-boyfriend shows up in town, she’ll come to her senses, and Niko will go back to New York. Right?
From the BookBitch: This book centered on a newcomer to town, but the Beautification Committee is on top of it. While Niko may have spent years as a man whore, he’s fallen hard and isn’t quite sure how this whole relationship thing actually works, but it’s so much fun watching him figure it out.
“I want to be upfront with you. No surprises, no secrets. I want you, Eva. And I think you might be it for me.”
Romance novelist Eva Merrill is a hot mess running from her past. She doesn’t mind telling a fib or two to protect her secrets and her family. It’s too bad that she moved to the nosiest small town in the world with Sheriff Sexy—the tall, built, human lie detector. He’s showing way too much interest in her and treating every conversation like it’s an interrogation.
Maybe that’s because she accidentally showed him her boobs in the middle of downtown Blue Moon. Or maybe it’s because he thinks she’s about to commit a crime. It’s definitely not that he’s attracted to her. That only happens in her novels.
Donovan Cardona loves his nice, quiet hometown, and he’s got some pretty strong feelings when it comes to a certain klutzy redhead too. But his gut says she’s hiding something. Just when he starts to peel back those layers to get to the naked truth, the entire town loses its collective mind—and inhibitions.
Can he save the girl from her past and the town from itself?
From the BookBitch: This was my least favorite book in the series. It actually reminded me of Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich, where she has a giraffe roaming the streets of New Jersey. This book was equally silly. The premise is that once every thirty-something years, the whole town goes bonkers, due to astrological phenomena and Uranus (but more for the fun of saying it.) Silly, but I did love the romance at the heart of it.
Davis Gates. Naked. Tossing her a handful of orgasms like he was on a lust-themed parade float.
Innkeeper Eden has got it all. Well, mostly. She’s cornered the hospitality market in Blue Moon offering visitors a place to stay in her hippie-dippie hometown. Business is booming, she’s close—but not too close—to family, and she’s got her dogs and her friends to keep her company.
Unfortunately, she also shares a property line with the crush who broke her teenage heart.
Davis spends his days wrestling control of the family winery from his father’s semi-retired hands. He doesn’t have time for things like dating or dealing with his grudge-holding next-door neighbor. Besides, they’re just the latest generation to participate in their families’ fifty-year feud.
When the Beautification Committee resorts to an unprecedented—and disastrous—matchmaking scheme, enemies Eden and Davis join forces to take them down. These two frenemies can survive being fake lovers for a few weeks if it means teaching their neighbors all’s not fair in love and war.
From the BookBitch: Another second chance romance with some forced proximity thrown in, and once again, a terrific read.
“This would be a lot easier if you had a sense of humor.”
“This would be a lot easier if you were a man.”
John Pierce has plans for these two hundred rundown acres. He sees a farm, a family, a future here. He’s not about to drag someone in on the ground floor. Not before he’s put in the work to turn rubble into a home. But his nosy neighbors have other ideas.
Now, he’s saddled with a grad student who was supposed to be a he. But the curvy, opinionated Phoebe is a smart-mouthed woman who seems to do nothing but question his every move. She’s ruining his nice, quiet life. And if she doesn’t finish her thesis and get out of his guest room soon, he’s going to have to scare her off.
Phoebe desperately needs this degree and the money it will bring. What she doesn’t need is this stubborn farmer’s attitude and his pathological need to avoid her. She’s trapped in this tiny hippie town, trying every trick in the book to get the stalwart John to open up. Her future is on the line. Her family needs her. And she’s not going to let a stubborn farmer stand in her way.
Very intense author note: John and Phoebe’s story is a prequel to the Blue Moon series. It follows the heart-warming, hilarious story of how they met, fell in love, and raised their boys together. But do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT read this book first. Read it sometime after book four. I’m protecting your reader experience here. I promise.
From the BookBitch: Totally agree with that author’s note! I was a bit trepidatious about reading this prequel because I don’t always love them, but this turned out to be my favorite book of the series and left me bawling more times than I care to think about. I am the first to admit that I rarely read a series in order, not because I don’t want to, but usually because I hear about a new book and I don’t realize that it is part of a series. That said, this series is best read in order, including this prequel coming in at book seven.
“Just because I don’t run around with a stupid grin on my face all day every day doesn’t mean I’m grumpy.”
Ryan Sosa, grumpy former corporate accountant, has had it up to here with surprises. He didn’t see getting fired coming. And he certainly didn’t anticipate flying across the country to the world’s hippie-est, happiest, most annoying town to save his great-uncle from some mysterious emergency.
Not only is there actual snow on the ground, it also appears that elves on psychedelics have decked Blue Moon’s halls. But he doesn’t have time to be snarky about the impending Winter Solstice and Multicultural Holiday Celebration—whatever the hell that is. Not when he’s got a farm to save, a free-range sheep that he may or may not have nudged with his stupid microscopic rental car, and some small-town veterinarian telling him she can’t take the animal off his hands.
Dr. Sammy Ames has a practice to manage and a fundraising crisis to attend to. She doesn’t have time to deal with a big-city grouch who doesn’t remember being her first kiss ever. Especially not since he wants to dump a sheep named Stan on her. So not happening. No matter how cute—and pantless—Ryan is when he’s drunk.
Besides, as soon as he solves his uncle’s problem, he’ll be on the first flight out of Blue Moon, never to return again.
It will take a Winter Solstice Miracle or perhaps some matchmaking interference from the Beautification Committee to get these two to see eye-to-eye under the mistletoe…unless he’s the wrong Ryan after all.
From the BookBitch: Just what this series needed, a holiday-themed book! I loved how all the holidays were celebrated and how, once again, the Beautification Committee struck gold. Loved it!
From the author: Go back to Blue Moon to find out how our favorite hippie dippy small town was handling the pandemic. And of course I threw in a hilarious little romance… and goats. I also included your suggestions. Deputy Layla and Guidance Counselor Huck are trapped together. Layla is on the verge of being kicked out of her rental for rescuing too many pets. Huck was just given news meant for someone else!
NOTE: This is a fun short story/novella (50 pages) and is available to read for free on the author’s website. I linked to it in the title above.
If you haven’t read the series and want a tiny taste, you can start here, but it is probably better to read it last. That said, this entire series is available through Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited subscription. I got a three month free subscription during Amazon’s Prime Days last month. It doesn’t pay for me to purchase a subscription as I have access to review copies for free, but when they offer a free subscription, I almost always take them up on it and find something good to read, like this series! For a monthly fee ($11.99/month), subscribers can borrow up to 20 titles at a time, enjoying unlimited reading and listening without due dates, as long as their membership is active. It’s a good deal if you like the books they have, many of which are new, bestsellers, etc. I haven’t tried any of the audiobooks – I can’t figure out how that works exactly, and I’m not a magazine reader, so I haven’t bothered with those. But I can see this being a worthwhile subscription if you read at least a couple of books a month.
Posted by Stacy Alesi 
Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™ 