Contemporary | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

DOWNPOUR by Maggie Gates

February 13, 2026

The Griffith Brothers, Book 2

From the publisher:

A paraplegic bull rider and his new home aide fall in love as they pick up the pieces of their lives in the second book in the popular Griffith Brothers series.

Rule #1 of almost dying: Make sure someone knows your passwords. It’s hard to cancel your phone plan if you’re dead.

Rule #2 of almost dying: Make sure your house is clean before you walk up the steps to the pearly gates. It makes selling off your life easier.

All it took was eight seconds for Ray Griffith to win the biggest competition of his life, and one second to lose everything except that championship buckle. He’d left his family’s cattle ranch at eighteen with no intention of ever coming back for good. Now he’s back, learning to navigate life in a wheelchair with a beautiful disaster attempting to burn the house down.

Rule #1 of trying to not get fired: Don’t piss off the grumpy bull rider.

Rule #2 of trying to not get fired: When you do get fired, keep your chin up. The grumpy bull rider was hot.

It was just a little fire. Tiny, even. But that didn’t change the fact that Ray Griffith didn’t want her anywhere near him. But they reached an agreement: if she ignores him, he doesn’t fire her. Easy, right? Turns out not so much if they can’t keep their hands off each other.

https://amzn.to/4a1vwIh

Ray is a former champion bull rider whose life changes in an instant after a devastating fall leaves him quadriplegic. Experimental surgery and relentless physical therapy restore the use of his arms, and he’s able to stand or shuffle short distances—but he now relies on a wheelchair and knows his future will never look the way he imagined. Angry, withdrawn, and determined to push everyone away, Ray has driven off every caregiver his family has hired…until Brooke arrives.

Brooke has lost everyone who ever mattered to her, yet she keeps moving forward with stubborn optimism. All she has to do is make it to her twenty-fifth birthday to access her inheritance, and keeping this job is the only thing standing between her and homelessness. Working for Ray is her last chance—and despite his hostility, she refuses to quit. The family ranch feels more like home than anywhere she’s been in years, even if she keeps reminding herself it’s only temporary…or so she thinks.

I really enjoyed this story. Brooke is essentially a Disney princess: she loves animals, kids, and elderly folks; she’s clumsy, perpetually late, and somehow still utterly adorable. She deserves every good thing that comes her way. I did wish she’d shown more backbone with her awful roommates, though that subplot injected some extra tension.

Ray, by contrast, is gruff, mean, and drowning in frustration. Returning home after the accident forces him to confront everything he’s lost, and he hates feeling like a burden. Brooke slowly pulls him back into the world. He lashes out more than once and has plenty to apologize for, but when he truly screws up, he does the work—on himself, his relationships, and rebuilding trust with his nieces. His journey isn’t easy, but it’s deeply compelling.

The writing is strong, and the secondary characters really shine. Even without reading the first book, the family dynamics are easy to follow and feel fully realized.

Ray’s emotional arc—learning self-worth, accepting help, and allowing people back in—was the heart of the book for me. Brooke sees him in a way no one else does, and their bond develops beautifully. Their banter is fun, their caretaking moments are tender, and the spice is both hot and thoughtfully handled, especially when it comes to disability representation.

Brooke and Ray are complete opposites—pure sunshine and storm clouds—but the dynamic works perfectly. She’s relentlessly positive (sometimes to a fault), and he’s prickly, guarded, and quietly sweet once his walls come down. Their forced proximity and the way they navigate Ray’s new reality make this a heartfelt, charming, one-sitting read. If you love grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, disability rep, rope play, and cowboys, this one is absolutely worth picking up. I can’t wait to pick up Fire Line next – it comes out in March.

2/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DOWNPOUR by Maggie Gates. Berkley. (December 16, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593955956. 384p.

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DUST STORM by Maggie Gates

February 13, 2026

The Griffith Brothers, Book 1

From the publisher:

A single dad rancher and a rich city girl bump heads—and more—in this first cowboy romance in the Griffith Brothers series.

For Christian Griffith, his number one rule is: You ride in my truck, you let me open the door. Another problem in his busy life was the last thing he needed. Unfortunately, argumentative Cassandra Parker showing up on his family’s ranch and sticking her nose in their business isn’t even his biggest problem—neither is the fact that with nowhere else to live, she’s in his house. The biggest problem? The engagement ring on her finger.

Cassandra has a life motto: If you’re going to kill someone, make it look like an accident, cry at the funeral, admit to nothing, and deny everything. Exiled from New York and stranded on a cattle ranch, she didn’t exactly choose to be Christian’s problem. Living with the single dad and his daughters was a downgrade from her high-rise office and city comforts, but she agreed for one simple reason: desperation to save her job and salvage what’s left of her career. And this hot cowboy won’t lasso her into staying a second longer than necessary.

https://amzn.to/3LSuu8j

This romance delivers a compelling enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Cassandra, a sharp-edged city lawyer, and Christian, a widowed single father running a cattle ranch. Their first encounter is pure gasoline on fire, but what begins as friction slowly evolves into an intense, satisfying slow-burn romance.

Cassandra arrives at the ranch at the behest of her fiancé—who appears all too eager to be rid of her—and immediately refuses to soften her city-girl sensibilities. Forced into close quarters with Christian, she finds his steady presence both infuriating and unexpectedly magnetic. Her confrontational nature is the product of years spent defending herself in court and in life, yet Christian looks past her armor. He offers care without conditions, gradually drawing her into his world and the lives of his two daughters.

Though Cassandra has never considered herself maternal, she’s surprised by how deeply she comes to care for the girls. She defends them with ferocity, seeks ways to bring them joy, and begins to feel rooted in this unlikely family. When tragedy strikes, her choice is immediate and instinctive: she stays. In doing so, she realizes the ranch—stilettos and all—has become home.

Christian, meanwhile, has long shut the door on romance. Between the demands of the ranch and raising his daughters alone, there’s no room for anything more. Then Cassandra arrives—brash, uncompromising, and impossible to ignore. He’s drawn to her drive, her resilience, and her beauty, even as he resists what she awakens in him. Christian doesn’t believe in half-measures, and as Cassandra slowly opens herself to love, he watches her become a fierce protector of the people she claims as her own. When crisis hits, she’s already there, caring for him and his girls without hesitation. All that’s left is for him to make sure she stays—because life without her is now unthinkable.

The family dynamics are a standout. Christian’s bond with his daughters is deeply affecting, from growing out his hair to learn how to style theirs to the quiet rituals of their mornings together. Their openness with Cassandra, along with the thoughtful handling of conversations about Christian’s late wife, adds emotional depth and authenticity. Cassandra never loses herself in the process; she remains bold and unapologetic, standing up to principals and even the mayor when it matters—earning Christian’s admiration rather than censure.

The found-family atmosphere and ranch setting feel expansive and warm, with matriarch Claire offering a refreshing alternative to the usual cowboy-patriarch archetype.

While the romance is emotionally rich and engaging, the relationship’s believability occasionally falters. Even so, this is a highly bingeable and enjoyable introduction to a new series. The impact of the central tragedy lays compelling groundwork for book two. Highly recommended for fans of cowboy romances rooted in strong family dynamics.

2/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DUST STORM by Maggie Gates. Berkley. (October 7, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593955949. 416p.

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CATCH HER IF YOU CAN by Tessa Bailey

February 6, 2026

Big Shots, Book 5

From the publisher:

New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new marriage of convenience, friends-to-lovers sports romance about a baseball catcher and the burlesque club owner he can’t get out of his head.

Madden Donahue, the newest catcher for the Yankees, has been in love with Eve Mitchell since high school, but for some mysterious reason, the burlesque club owner always turns him down. That never stopped him from being her self-appointed protector. Case in point, now that Eve’s sister has left Eve with her two children indefinitely, Madden steps in with a proposition—marry him for the much needed health benefits.

Eve has secretly harbored feelings for Madden all along, but there’s one problem—her best friend Skylar called dibs on him when they were fourteen. Eve has always put their friendship above all else, and she’s not willing to risk losing Skylar over a man. Raised by the local strip club owner, Eve is woefully short on friends and treasures the ones she has. But with Skylar happily paired off, Eve finds herself accepting Madden’s proposal—on the condition that their marriage remains strictly private. She’s not about to let her unique profession and maligned reputation destroy Madden’s shiny new career.

Madden won’t let Eve get away that easily, though. What starts as a marriage of convenience soon ignites into something much hotter, and now it’s up to Madden to convince Eve that their connection is far more than a business arrangement. As the passion builds, can their fake marriage become the real deal?

https://amzn.to/4jSAgTE

Madden Donahue is the newest catcher for the New York Yankees—and he’s been hopelessly in love with Eve Mitchell since high school. Back then, Eve kept her distance, partly because her best friend had a crush on him and partly because she’d spent her entire life trying to avoid unwanted attention. As the daughter of a strip club owner in a small town, she’s been judged and tormented for as long as she can remember.

When her father decides to retire, Eve takes over the business and rebrands it as a burlesque club, convinced she can make an honest, successful living on her own terms. It quickly becomes clear that the reality is far more complicated than she expected.

Eve has always cherished the small circle of people who stand by her—including Madden. When her best friend falls for a hockey player, Eve’s guilt over her own long‑standing crush on Madden finally begins to ease. She feels free to acknowledge the truth she’s been hiding for years: she’s been in love with Madden, too. At the same time, her life takes another unexpected turn when her sister checks into rehab for a drug addiction and asks Eve to care for her two young children. Eve doesn’t hesitate—she’s relieved her sister is getting the help she needs and happy to step up for her niece and nephew.

But things spiral when her nephew is diagnosed with asthma. Without health insurance, Eve is overwhelmed by the cost of treatments she can’t afford. When Madden learns what she’s facing, he immediately offers a solution: marriage. By marrying him, the kids would be covered under his excellent health insurance.

Eve is torn. She worries that her reputation as a burlesque club owner could reflect poorly on the Yankees—and on their newest star player. Madden doesn’t care. He refuses to back down, and eventually, Eve agrees, but only under strict conditions: the marriage must remain secret, and they’ll divorce after six months.

Madden hates the terms but accepts them anyway, determined to use those six months to prove that what they share is real—and that their chemistry can’t be ignored. As with the best marriages-of-convenience romances, feelings deepen, secrets unravel, and in this case, they have the added pressure of the relentless paparazzi, bringing plenty of drama before the couple earns their happily ever after.

This was another terrific installment in a series I adore. While Amazon lists it as book five of five, I’m holding out hope for more. This is one of my favorite series by one of my favorite authors—and it ends on a high note.

2/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CATCH HER IF YOU CAN by Tessa Bailey. Avon. (January 20, 2026). ISBN: 978-0063380882. 336p.

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IT HAPPENED ON A SUNDAY by Tracy Wolff

February 6, 2026

From the publisher:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Tracy Wolff comes a fierce, emotional romance about two people surviving the spotlight and choosing love when everything says they shouldn’t.

They call her the Black Widow. A pop star. A tabloid tragedy. A girl who set the world on fire—and got burned in return.

But Sloane Walker doesn’t care what they say. Not anymore. The headlines, the hashtags, the rumors that never die? Let them come. She’s survived worse—like the betrayal that nearly destroyed her and the fans who blamed her for surviving. These days, she’s armor and eyeliner, singing songs that hurt and pretending they don’t.

She’s halfway through a sold-out tour and dangerously close to unraveling when a meet-and-greet throws her into the path of Mateo Sylvester—a media darling with a magnetic smile, a thriving career of his own, and a grandmother who happens to be Sloane’s biggest fan. He knows exactly how brutal the spotlight can be. He’s lived it. He’s got the press eating from his hand. She’s got a flask full of sweet tea, a voice full of ghosts, and no patience for golden boys with good intentions.

She tells herself it’s just a photo op. Just another handshake. Just another public face with private secrets and no idea what it means to bleed for your art.

But Mateo sees more than the stage persona. He sees the cracks in her smile. The songs she’s too scared to write. The girl underneath the glitter, still fighting to stay.

They weren’t supposed to fall. Not in the spotlight. Not when the world is watching. And definitely not when the people closest to them would do anything to keep them apart.

“Over the course of Wolff’s novel, both Sloane and Sly are revealed to be well-developed characters, and the plot moves briskly….An emotionally grounded romantic thriller with enough steam to satisfy genre fans.”―Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/3NJ0QCO

This is a Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce inspired romance that pairs a chart-topping pop star with an NFL star.

Twenty-seven-year-old Matteo “Sly” Sylvester is the quarterback for the Austin Twisters. Raised by his grandmother, Abuela Ximena, alongside his three sisters, Sly’s life revolves around family. To surprise his grandmother, he splurges on concert tickets—and a meet-and-greet—for her favorite artist: pop superstar Sloane Walker, better known as Black Widow. That brief encounter changes everything. A photo Sloane takes with Abuela Ximena accidentally captures Sly in the background, igniting an instant media frenzy. The attraction between Sly and Sloane is undeniable, but Sloane is convinced a relationship would be a mistake. Sly is too kind, too genuine, and far too good to be dragged into her chaotic, hyper-scrutinized world. Sly, however, is all in—and determined to prove they are worth the risk.

Sloane, though, is no stranger to scandal. Both of her former serious partners died tragically—one in a drunk driving accident, the other in a drowning—fueling obsessive fandom, conspiracy theories, and relentless online hate. Deeply traumatized and emotionally guarded, she hides behind a carefully constructed persona, pretending that her flask of sweet tea is bourbon while keeping the world firmly at arm’s length. That armor begins to crack when she meets Sly and his warm, loving grandmother.

Sly is immediately drawn to Sloane’s magnetic yet closed-off nature. Haunted by the trauma of discovering that a teammate assaulted his sister, he carries a fierce protective instinct. When Sloane begins receiving disturbing threats—complete with eerie dolls and escalating danger—his determination to keep her safe only intensifies. As their relationship grows under constant media scrutiny, Sloane must decide whether she is willing to let him in, even as a stalker shadows her tour. With the press tracking their every move and the stalker growing bolder, Sly and Sloane must decide if their connection can survive the pressure.

I wanted to feel more emotionally connected to the characters, but the insta-love element lost me early on, and it took me a while to fully invest in their story. Their backstories unfold slowly, making the first half feel sluggish. That said, both Sly and Sloane are engaging characters, and once the story gains momentum, the tension, drama, and emotional depth come through.

As the plot progresses, it becomes increasingly crowded with crime-thriller elements—including FBI involvement—which distracts from the central romance. Still, one of the novel’s strengths lies in its pop culture nods, especially the clever use of Taylor Swift song titles like “Getaway Car,” “Willow,” “August,” and “Wildest Dreams.”

This is very much a he-falls-first romance, blending a slow-burn romance with some steam. There is plenty of playful banter and a handful of delightfully cheesy, swoon-worthy moments. Ultimately, this is a story about more than romance. It is about healing, standing back up after life knocks you down, piecing yourself together, and learning to accept the joy you deserve.

2/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IT HAPPENED ON A SUNDAY by Tracy Wolff. Entangled: Amara. (September 2, 2025). ISBN: 978-1649379184. 465p.

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JUST ONE TASTE by Lizzy Dent

January 30, 2026

From the publisher:

Olive Stone is about to spend four weeks in Italy with the most beautiful man she’s ever hated.

When Olive Stone and her Italian pseudo-celebrity chef father fell out fourteen years ago, annoyingly handsome Leo Ricci slipped right in as his surrogate son and sous-chef. No one is more surprised than Olive when her father wills her his beloved (and now failing) restaurant. Or that his dying wish was for Olive and Leo to complete his cookbook…together.

She’s determined to sell the restaurant. Leo is determined to convince her not to. As they embark on four weeks in Italy, traveling from Sicily to Tuscany to Liguria, they’ll test each other as often as they test recipes. But the more time Olive and Leo spend together, the more undeniable their attraction grows. Olive finds herself wondering whether selling the restaurant might be running away, and what it might be like to try Just One Taste of Leo Ricci. Because he isn’t who she expected, and this trip might reveal more about who Olive is than she’s ready for.

“Dent’s cozy, slow-burn romance is a heartfelt journey through Italian cuisine and culture. Readers will delight in the rich descriptions of food and dream of a summer holiday in Italy.” —Booklist

“In vivid prose, Dent brings the Italian countryside to life while building a simmering attraction between her leads. Hopeless romantics looking for an armchair vacation will want to check this out.” —Publishers Weekly

“Dent easily balances rom-com tropes with grief. [Just One Taste] doesn’t shy away from examining Olive’s complicated feelings while also indulging in some lighthearted fun. Leo and Olive have serious chemistry that simmers slowly on the back burner as they explore Italy, and the lush descriptions of simple foods like tomatoes, cherries, and oranges will make readers want to book a trip (or at least book a reservation at an Italian restaurant). A delightful, sexy summer read for foodies.” —Kirkus

https://amzn.to/4jSAgTE

I’m finally making my way through Lizzy Dent’s backlist. I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve read so far, and I’ve been meaning to go back to her earlier work—so here we are.

Food critic Olive Stone has been estranged from her Italian, minor-celebrity chef father for fourteen years, ever since her parents’ divorce. He always chose his beloved restaurant, Nicky’s, over his family, a decision that ultimately fractured his marriage and reduced his relationship with Olive to little more than occasional phone calls. So Olive is shocked when, upon his death, he leaves the struggling restaurant to her.

She fully expected it to go to Leo Ricci—the restaurant’s impossibly attractive sous-chef and her father’s surrogate son. What she doesn’t expect is her father’s final request: that Olive and Leo complete his unfinished regional Italian cookbook together.

The plan requires a four-week culinary journey through Sicily, Tuscany, and Liguria (sign me up!) Olive will write the introductory essays for each region, while Leo will contribute recipes that best capture the local flavors. Once the cookbook is complete, Olive is free to sell the restaurant—something she fully intends to do. Leo, meanwhile, is hoping to convince Olive to save Nicky’s and update it with some of his ideas.

As they travel through Italy, clashing over food, memories, and unresolved feelings, the pair must also navigate Olive’s grief and her complicated past with her father. Along the way, unexpected attraction simmers, forcing Olive to reconsider not just the fate of the restaurant, but what she wants for her own life.

The food is abundant, the wine is always flowing, and Italy is vividly brought to life as Olive and Leo eat their way through each region in search of the perfect ingredient to anchor each chapter. Olive also leans on her two supportive friends, Kate and Ginny, as she tries to untangle her emotions and make sense of the choices before her.

While I appreciated the emotional depth of the story—this is less rom-com and more contemporary fiction—I struggled to fully connect with Olive and Leo’s romance. Their attraction is clearly established, but I personally didn’t feel much chemistry, tension, or heat between them. That said, Lizzy Dent does an excellent job capturing the complexity of losing a parent with whom you had a deeply complicated relationship.

I would have loved to get to know Nicky better. We only get one introductory chapter written by him and one by Olive, and I think including more of Nicky’s voice—or all three of Olive’s introductions—could have strengthened the story. With more focus here, the book might have felt just as much like a love story between father and daughter as it was a love letter to Italy.

The romance is enjoyable but definitely secondary. The descriptions of Italy and the food are vivid and immersive; I truly felt transported. I only wish we had learned more about Nicky, and I was disappointed that the book didn’t include any recipes. With all that delicious food described, a few recipes at the end would have been the perfect finishing touch.

1/2026 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

JUST ONE TASTE by Lizzy Dent. G.P. Putnam’s Sons. (July 16, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593716038. 336p.

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FINALLY MINE by Lucy Score

January 16, 2026

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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THE SECRET OF ORANGE BLOSSOM CAKE by Rachel Linden

December 12, 2025

From the publisher:

A magical cookbook and a summer on her family’s Italian olive farm help a brokenhearted social media chef cook up a satisfying new life in this delectable novel from the bestselling author of Recipe for a Charmed Life.

Rising star Jules Costa loves re-creating vintage recipes for her popular online cooking show. But when personal and professional disaster strikes, her only chance to save her career is to complete her new cookbook before the end of the summer. Panicked, Jules returns to her family’s beloved olive farm on the shores of Italy’s stunning Lake Garda. Seeking culinary inspiration, she’s hoping to convince her spunky eighty-year-old Nonna Bruna to share her precious collection of family recipes.

Jules’s plans quickly go awry as she discovers that Nonna’s cookbook has magical and unpredictable powers. It reveals only one recipe at a time, offering a cooking experience guaranteed to satisfy the chef’s palate and bring clarity to their life. Yet the pages remain stubbornly blank for Jules. To make matters worse, the olive farm is in deep financial trouble, and Jules soon uncovers a web of family secrets involving the cookbook and a lost recipe for orange blossom cake that holds the key to everything. Then there’s Nicolo, the boy next door, who broke her young heart years ago. He is now all grown up, even more attractive, and the only person poised to help Jules find answers.

In a whirlwind summer beyond her imagination, Jules begins to unravel the mysteries baked into her family’s history and discovers the essential ingredients to create the future of her dreams.

“Filled to the brim with comfort and coziness… A super sweet, food-filled family story with a side of romance.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Fans of cozy romances and magical realism will not be disappointed in Linden’s latest.”—Booklist

https://amzn.to/48Hlr1h

Juliana Costa never expected her pandemic pastime to change her life. Alongside her roommate Drew, she began posting fifteen-minute Instagram reels re‑creating vintage recipes under the name The Bygone Kitchen. The quirky show quickly attracted attention, and soon a publisher offered Jules an advance for a cookbook. She spent it upgrading her kitchen—only to discover the publisher wanted something different: family recipes. Meanwhile, a producer dangles the promise of streaming her show to a wider audience, but instead, he steals Drew away for another project entirely.

With her career teetering, Jules accepts an unexpected opportunity: spending the summer at her grandmother’s olive farm on the shores of Italy’s Lake Garda, while chaperoning her teenage half‑sister Alex, whom she doesn’t know very well. Jules hasn’t returned in fifteen years, not since her father drowned in the lake. But she hopes Nonna Bruna’s treasured recipes, passed down through generations, will be the key to finishing her cookbook.

When Jules arrives, she finds the family cookbook mysteriously blank. As a child, she had learned to cook by opening its pages at random, preparing whatever recipe appeared. Now, the book reveals nothing—until she discovers its secret. The cookbook is magical, offering only one recipe at a time. For Jules, it reveals the recipe for orange blossom cake, said to grant whoever takes the first bite a vision of the sweetest happiness still awaiting them, only the page is torn, and half the recipe is missing.

Life at the farm is not simple. The olive groves are in financial trouble, and her Nonna’s decades-long feud with the neighboring matriarch has left scars. Jules’s first romance with Nicolo, the boy next door, ended badly many years earlier, but he is still working his family’s very successful farm, and helping out her Nonna, too.

As Jules cooks under her grandmother’s watchful eye, reconnects with her surly sister, and rekindles feelings for Nicolo, she realizes the summer may hold more than just recipes. To save the farm, heal old wounds, and decide her own future, she must recover the missing half of the orange blossom cake recipe—and dare to taste what happiness still lies ahead.

This is another charming, sweet, food-centric romance and an enchanting, magical read.

12/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE SECRET OF ORANGE BLOSSOM CAKE by Rachel Linden. Berkley. (September 30, 2025). ISBN: ‎ 978-0593816639. 384p.

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SNOW KISSED by RaeAnne Thayne

December 12, 2025

From the publisher:

‘Tis the season for a little white lie…

Christmas has always been single mom Holly Goodwin Moore’s favorite time of year. The twinkly lights on the tree, the cookies in the oven, the snow on the ground. But she’s just not feeling it this year. The wedding in her ex’s family is almost here, her daughter, Lydia, is bursting at the seams to be a flower girl…and Holly couldn’t be dreading it more. She told a little white lie about having a new boyfriend as her plus-one, hoping to save face. She needs a date for the wedding…and she needs it now.

Ryan Caldwell wants to be free this holiday season. So even he isn’t sure how he landed in Shelter Springs, looking after his niece, Audrey, with his estranged father down the road. But when he meets Holly, she makes him want to belong for the very first time. So they make a deal: he’ll be her date if she’ll help him give Audrey a true Christmas to remember while her mom is away.

This holiday season, escape to Shelter Springs for a heartwarming story of unexpected romance, festive charm, and the joy of finding love where you least expect it. Perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.

https://amzn.to/4pRkhXU

Holly is a single mom raising her daughter, Lydia—who has Down syndrome—in the charming small town of Shelter Springs, Idaho. Her husband walked out years ago, unable to handle parenting a neurodivergent child, and he’s since remarried and started a new family.

Holly’s best friend is battling alcohol and drug addiction, and when her brother Ryan—a naval helicopter pilot sidelined by an injury and temporarily on desk duty—returns home, it feels like the right moment for her to enter rehab. Ryan agrees to look after his teenage niece, Audrey, during that time. Audrey normally watches Lydia after school while Holly works, so when Ryan steps in, he and Holly meet. Their connection is immediate and undeniable, even though neither is looking for romance.

When Lydia is asked to be the flower girl in Holly’s ex-husband’s sister’s wedding, Holly is invited too—and she desperately needs a plus-one. Her twin sister, Hannah, suggests the perfect solution: ask Ryan. Meanwhile, Ryan wants Audrey to have a wonderful Christmas despite her mom’s absence, but he could use some help with the holiday magic. It’s the ideal trade: he’ll be Holly’s date, and she’ll help him create a warm, festive Christmas for his niece.

As Ryan and Holly spend more time together, their bond grows stronger, and Ryan’s tenderness toward Lydia is especially moving. With Christmas charm woven through every moment, this sweet, heartwarming romance is a true seasonal delight. I love RaeAnne Thayne’s books—especially her holiday stories—and this one is another uplifting read sure to fill anyone with the joy of the season.

12/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SNOW KISSED by RaeAnne Thayne. Canary Street Press (October 7, 2025). ISBN: 978-1335013170. 320p.

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DUKE by Jessica Peterson

December 5, 2025

Lucky River Ranch, Book 4

From the Publisher:

One chance meeting on a Texas ranch.

One wild, too-charming cowboy.

One snowed-in night that changes everything.

Wheeler Rankin isn’t here for romance―she’s come to Lucky River Ranch to visit her best friend, wrangle a business deal, and prove herself to everyone who ever doubted her. But when she collides with Duke Rivers―resident heartbreaker, restless cowboy, and brother to her best friend’s new flame―sparks fly hotter than a Texas summer.

Duke has always dreamed of more than dusty trails and small-town life. He’s itching to see the world, but one unforgettable night with Wheeler changes his course. When a blizzard and a business road trip leave them stranded together, their no-strings flirtation ignites into something deeper.

But passion brings complications―and unexpected news threatens to upend everything Wheeler’s built. As family pressures, old wounds, and new dreams collide, Duke is determined to stand by her side, ready to forge a future neither of them ever imagined.

Can two fiercely independent souls trust in love, face their fears, and find home in each other’s arms? Or will the ghosts of the past keep them apart for good?

Duke is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage.

Delicious tropes:

Best friend’s boyfriend’s brother

Heartbreaker hero

Forced proximity

Found family

Small town

Hot cowboys

https://amzn.to/4aof1q3

Duke, the youngest brother and one of the twins at Lucky River Ranch, loves working the land but secretly dreams of seeing the world. Wheeler, meanwhile, is his sister-in-law Mollie’s business partner. Together, the women run a burgeoning custom cowboy-boot company with a showroom on the ranch and another office in Dallas.

Duke and Wheeler first meet during a family celebration for Cash and Mollie’s engagement. Wheeler is hoping for a casual hookup with a cowboy, but Duke is instantly drawn to her—and wants more than a one-night fling. That alone is enough to send Wheeler running. Struggling with self-esteem, she’s convinced that if Duke gets to know the real her, he’ll bolt. So while she’s working at the ranch, she keeps her distance. But when a trip to Aspen leaves the two of them sharing a room for a night, sparks fly—and they end up sharing the one-night stand Wheeler has always dreamed of.

Soon after, Wheeler suspects she might be pregnant. Mollie insists she take a test, which Mollie’s husband later spots on the bathroom counter. One thing leads to another, and before Wheeler can gather the courage to tell Duke herself, he shows up at her apartment in Dallas.

Wheeler isn’t even sure she wants to keep the baby—a dilemma the story handles with real sensitivity. She’s determined not to repeat her parents’ mistake of rushing into marriage because of a pregnancy. On top of that, she’s focused on growing her business, while Duke’s wanderlust makes her doubt their future together. Yet, with the support of family and friends, Wheeler and Duke confront their fears, talk through their dreams, and ultimately find the happily ever after she never expected.

I devoured this delicious, sexy romance. This series has become one of my favorites, and while each book stands alone beautifully, reading them in order makes the experience even richer. Don’t miss it!

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DUKE by Jessica Peterson. Bloom Books. (December 2, 2025). ISBN: ‎978-1464249532. 416p.

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OTHERWISE ENGAGED by Susan Mallery

December 5, 2025

From the publisher:

A twisty, tender and wise look at how secrets can transform the powerful—and sometimes problematic—bond between mothers and daughters, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery.

When Shannon gets engaged, her beloved mom, Cindy, is the first person she wants to tell—and the last. Cindy’s engaged, too, and has already hinted at a double wedding. The image of a synchronized bouquet toss with her mom fills Shannon with horror. She’ll keep her engagement a secret until Cindy’s I-dos are done.

Victoria has never been proper enough for her mother, Ava, so she stopped trying. She lives on her own terms and amuses herself by pushing Ava’s buttons. Ava loves but doesn’t understand her stuntwoman daughter. When a movie-set mishap brings Victoria home, Ava longs to finally connect.

Chance brings the four women together at a wedding venue, where a shocking secret comes tumbling out. Twenty-four years ago, desperate teenager Cindy chose wealthy Ava to adopt her baby—then changed her mind at the very last second. The loss rocked Ava’s world, leaving her unable to open her heart to the daughter she did adopt, Victoria. As Shannon and Victoria deal with the fallout from the decisions their mothers made, they wrestle with whether who they are is different than who they might have become.

https://amzn.to/4itg2PN

Cindy and her daughter Shannon share a close, loving bond. Cindy raised Shannon on her own and is now happily engaged, while Shannon is in a long-term relationship—prompting Cindy to joke about having a joint wedding. So when Shannon’s boyfriend finally proposes, she’s ecstatic but hesitant to tell her mom. She’s pretty sure Cindy wasn’t joking about the dual ceremony, and that’s the last thing she wants. Cindy, meanwhile, is in a good place after years of struggling as a single mother.

Ava and her daughter, Victoria, couldn’t be more different. Their relationship is tense and distant, with Victoria often openly hostile and Ava constantly feeling like she can’t do anything right. Though they come from wealth—Victoria’s family has money—their emotional connection is lacking. Victoria works as a stuntwoman, but when she’s injured on the job, she reluctantly returns home.

The two mother-daughter pairs meet up at a potential wedding venue, where we learn that Cindy and Ava share a complicated history. When Cindy became pregnant as a teenage, unmarried woman, she planned to give her baby up for adoption. She chose Ava, and the two grew close throughout the pregnancy. But at the last moment, Cindy changed her mind, leaving Ava heartbroken. Soon after, a maid in Ava’s household became pregnant and offered her baby to Ava, but even that couldn’t fill the void or repair the emotional fallout. Ava and Victoria’s strained relationship carries echoes of that loss.

As the women begin spending more time together, long-buried secrets resurface, and emotions run high. Victoria, especially, struggles with jealousy toward Shannon. While everything ultimately resolves, the journey is rocky—filled with mother-daughter blowups, wedding chaos, and unresolved pain. I usually adore Mallery’s books, but this one landed as just an okay read for me.

12/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

OTHERWISE ENGAGED by Susan Mallery. MIRA. (November 4, 2025). ISBN: ‎ 978-0778387268. 368p.