Fat Stack Friday September 12, 2025

 

Happy Friday! Check out all the goodies I got this week.

Kindle:

Wild Card (Rose Hill #4) by Elsie Silver

I love me some Elsie Silver. This series has been a toss up for me so I hope I love this story.

People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young

Do I know what it's about? Not really. Do I care? Again, not really because it's Bonam-Young and I really like her stories!

What did you get?

ARC Review: Uncharmed (Rewitched #2) by Lucy Jane Woods

 

A “perfect” witch must learn to embrace imperfection and live for herself in this spellbinding cozy fantasy sprinkled with love, laughter, and magic, from the author of Rewitched.

Andromeda "Annie" Wildwood is the perfect witch. She is sugar, spice, and everything nice, each element of her life finely curated and polished to irresistibility by her nightly hex-laced potion routine. She loves to please and nothing makes her happier than when everyone else around her is completely happy.

When Annie’s coven tasks her with guiding an orphan teenage witch through the process of getting her blossoming magical powers under control, Annie is excited for the chance to please and to prove herself. But the ramshackle cabin they’ll be housed in isn’t quite the staycation of Annie’s dreams—and she and Maeve, the headstrong teen, couldn’t be more different.

Just when they’re starting to understand each other, the owner of the cabin unexpectedly returns—and this quietly gruff and handsome warlock is not pleased to find that the coven volunteered his house to a high-maintenance witch and her angsty teen companion.

As this seemingly unlikely trio develop a loyalty and fondness for one another, Annie slowly learns that her people-pleasing may have led her down an impossible, lonely path. If everything about her is so right—why does it all feel so wrong?

Title: Uncharmed (Rewtiched #2)

Author: Lucy Jane Wood

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Expected Publication Date: September 16, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

When I was contacted to review this title, I asked about the previous title and was told it was in the same world with a bit of crossover but not necessary to read the first to understand the second one. I read the first anyway and really enjoyed it. I was excited to jump into this one and see where the story went. I'm all about the cozy fantasy books these days and I was ready to feel all the warm and fuzzies. I will say, there really is no need to read Rewitched in order to read and understand this one. 

Andromeda wants to be perfect and make everyone around her feel that. She spends all her time trying to please others and make them comfortable while ignoring her own needs. Perfection is all she knows. So when it's taken away from her and she's tasked with helping a young witch control her powers, she's not sure how she'll manage it. I really like this character. She really showed what it was like to try and live up to a set of unbelievable standards, especially those we set for ourselves. I enjoyed watching her learn to let go of this perfectionism and realize she is enough just as she is. 

Maeve was also fun to watch. She's a young witch just coming into her power with no idea how to control it. Annie is tasked with helping her and, while I thought they would clash more, they really did compliment each other. And Hal, I really enjoyed his character. He's very laid back. He doesn't get flustered and lets things happen as they need to happen. And he takes Annie as she is. Not even the spell can show her in a different light.

I enjoyed the idea of a found family in this one. 

While I was excited for this one, I did find the pacing a bit slow. I had to push myself through this story.  There were times when I did contemplate stopping all together but I really wanted to see where the author took the plot. The last 20% of the book was probably my favorite part and made it worth the read. But getting there was a bit of a struggle for me. I kept getting pulled out of the book, putting it down, not really wanting to pick it back up. It made me sad. I think what struck me most was the plot. It kind of changes up in the last 25% and takes a turn in a direction I hadn't seen building throughout the book. I feel like it would have been nice to see some of that woven throughout the first 75% of the book,

Overall, it was sweet but did not pack the punch I needed it to pack to truly keep my interest, which was a disappointed given my love of the first book in this series. I can see where other characters might get their chance at a book in this series and I'm hoping if they do, the future stories will be a little more immersive and exciting to read.

2.5 stars rounded to 3

Author:

I found myself falling into the world of writing almost by accident. My blogging friends at university were applying for swanky magazine internships, and I decided I should probably do something useful like that for myself. It was an obvious decision that almost made itself on my behalf, because writing is just who I am, and reading has always just been what I do.

Since happily stumbling my way into my first paid writing position for teen website Sugarscape back in 2013, I've been lucky and thrilled to find myself working freelance for giant titles like Marie Claire US, Cosmopolitan UK, MTV and Metro amongst others.

I am currently attempting to write my first fiction book. Wish me luck! I'm going slowly insane with it, and I am reassuringly told that's a good sign.

ARC Review: He Sees You When You're Sleeping by Alta Hensley

 

Why choose between naughty or nice in this steamy, suspenseful Christmas-themed stalker romance that’s perfect for dark romance readers seeking a spicy, festive read. 

It’s the night before Christmas and I’m alone in the house…

Popular jewelry influencer Chloe Hallman is steeling herself to spend another holiday on her own. Instead, she finds herself drawn to two different guys… a smoldering hot fan of her secret, seductive online persona, and a sexy fireman named Jack who looks out for her in their NYC neighborhood.

She has no idea that I know her better than she knows herself. Her deepest secrets, her darkest desires—she's careful, but I’ve been watching, never leaving footprints in the snow outside her home.

Jack was the first responder to the accident that stole a beautiful young woman's family two Christmases ago, and he's been quietly guarding her ever since. When Jack uncovers Chloe’s secret account, his obsession only grows. Both he and Chloe are drawn to the darkness that mirrors their own.

She’s my Christmas wish come true. And I'm hers. She just doesn’t know it yet.

Will Chloe’s Christmas be a tale of fiery passion...or a dangerous game with a man whose love knows no bounds?

He Sees You When You're Sleeping is a dark romance with a morally grey male lead. Some themes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the content warnings at the beginning of the book.

Tropes: Stalker romance, Acquainted in real life, Christmas romance, Fireman romance, Morally grey MMC, He falls first, Kink friendly

Title: He Sees You When You're Sleeping

Author: Alta Hensley

Publisher: Avon Harper Voyager

Expected Publication Date: September 16, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

There's something about stalker romance that just makes me giggle. It's not really my kink but it's always fun to watch it unfold. Through in some snow and Christmas cheer and you've got a enjoyably silly story, with lots and lots of spice.

Chloe is a jewelry influencer with a nice exterior and a totally naughty interior. What she does in private does not match her cutesy public persona. And she needs to keep it that way if she wants to keep her job. I liked her, though I'm not sure if I truly believe in her naughty kinky side. But it was fun to watch her explore herself and see how far she could take things.

Jack is a sexy fireman who is obsessed with Chloe ever. He watched her to make sure she's safe, even though he knows his actions are wrong. I liked Jack and how much he struggled with the decisions he made. 

The spice level was pretty high in this book. I felt like it took up a good bit of what happened. And I get it, the book was about exploring some kinks, .But I didn't feel like it was especially organic. I needed more of a connection between Jack and Chloe to truly believe they were meant for each other. And I felt like it was lacking in plot for the most part.

I was expecting this to be a bit darker, but it wasn't. The cover reminded me of another dark romance I recently read, which is what drew me to request this one in the first place,

Overall this was a fun read but nothing special. If you're into exploring your kinkier side, voyeurism, and stalking, pick this one up and give it a try.

Author:

Alta Hensley is a USA Today bestselling author of dark romance where the villain always gets the happily ever after.

Twisted, clever, and occasionally unhinged, her books deliver morally gray anti-heroes, sharp-tongued heroines, and happily ever afters that taste even sweeter after a little ruin. With a signature blend of grit, wit, and heat, Alta’s stories prove one thing: Villains deserve love too.

Alta lives on the foggy coast of Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and a pair of dogs who think they’re in charge. When she’s not writing redemption for the irredeemable, she’s walking the coastline or sipping craft beer in eccentric little bars that feel like they belong in her books.

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ARC Review: We Met Like This by Kasie West

 

Beloved author Kasie West's sparkling, seductive adult rom-com debut about a hopeless romantic falling for the one man she never expected. This deluxe paperback features beautiful designed edges; order now to receive it while supplies last!

Can a swipe right turn into swept away?

Margot Hart is a hopeless romantic. That’s why she wants to be a literary agent—to help bring romance books to the world. It’s also why she hates dating apps with all her romance loving soul. She wants her own love story to be just as much fun as the books she reads—a mixed up coffee order, a mistaken identity. She’s not going to tell the story that she swiped right on future husband’s shirtless pic for the rest of her life.

The problem is that her most consistent relationship over the last several years is with Oliver, a guy she keeps rematching with on the apps. They’ve only been on one date and it was a disaster…well, until the make out session in the car before parting ways. But, she keeps reminding herself, a make out session does not a relationship make. And so there will not be a date two regardless of how witty their app banter is.

When Margot gets fired from her job on the same day she meets Oliver again, her life becomes a veritable shit show. Her dream career is dying right before her eyes, and Oliver thinks she’s interested in only one thing: a repeat of the hot make out session they had three years ago so she can get him out of her system. And maybe that is all she wants from him, because she and Oliver are definitely not compatible—he doesn’t hit the snooze button, he runs five miles every morning, he reads nonfiction, and worst of all, she didn’t meet him in cute way! But in her scramble to keep her dream career alive, by opening her own agency, Oliver is there with his golden retriever energy, more steady and helpful than any man she’s ever dated. Just when she thinks she’s overcome her app bias, she realizes that maybe it’s not her who’s holding back, but him. And his reasons are more than she bargained for.

Kasie West's romantic and sexy adult debut is full of witty banter, meet cutes gone awry and, ultimately, true love.

Title: We Met Like This

Author: Kasie West

Publisher: Macmillan Audio/St. Martin's Press

Expected Publication Date: September 16, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for providing me with early access to this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I've always loved Kasie West's YA titles. They are sweet and fun and full of great teenage angst. I was excited to see how she would handle the adult romance realm. I had high expectations that she would pull me in and keep me hooked throughout. But it didn't happen as I thought it might.

While there were some fun parts of this book, I never could truly connect with the characters. They annoyed me more than anything else and I didn't feel like I cared about their story lines. 

First, the relationship between the FMC and her boss gave me the creeps. I just didn't see the draw of her being attracted to him and wanting any kind of relationship with him. She knows it is a mistake but it just keeps happening. And it really puts her in a precarious position. I feel like she was taken advantage of but then never really does anything about it. She lets people walk all over her and never fights for who she is or what she wants.

Then there is the drop of her having a relationship with her sister's ex. It's just even more creepy and cringy.  And I never felt their connection or chemistry between the FMC and MMC, despite their history. They struck me more as friends than anything else. I feel like these relationships were thrown in for the wow factor rather than being essential to the plot or the growth of the FMC.

Add to that the fact that I was totally and completely bored for most if not all of the book and I just didn't love any of it at all. I tried, I really did. I did audio and then switched to the Kindle version. But it didn't matter. The voices of the characters droned on.

Then there was the miscommunication trope which is sewn through almost every part of the book. In most cases I enjoy this type of trope, even if it makes me want to smack the characters. In this book, the miscommunication just keeps coming and coming and just gets annoying.

And the book is toted as a romcom but I didn't laugh, not once, during this one. Where was the banter? Where was the fun? I wanted it! I craved it. But it fell flat. 

There was so much telling and not enough showing. How many times can the reader be told the two characters have insane chemistry? Too many, in my opinion.

And on top of all of the above I just didn't like the narrator, Katie Bloomwood. This is my first book with her and she didn't make me like any of the characters at all. No inflection in her voice, flat tone, just all around boring.

I will say the representation of the dating apps is spot on. It's hard to date in this day and age.

If you're looking for an adult romcom with a strong female characters who learns her worth, don't dive into this one. It definitely reads more YA than adult. It had it's moments but overall just made me want to throw my kindle or phone across the room at all the wrongness that went on. I honestly thought of DNFing this book more times than not and that made me really sad. Sometimes authors just don't hit it right in a new genre and need to work a little more to make it happen. I'm hoping this is a one off for West and any future adult stories will be more well fleshed out and hold my interest.

Author:

I write YA and adult romance novels. I eat chocolate cinnamon bears. Sometimes I go crazy and do both at the same time. A few of my works are: SUNKISSED, PS I LIKE YOU, MOMENT OF TRUTH, WE MET LIKE THIS, and more. My agent is the talented and funny Michelle Wolfson.

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday September 9, 2025

Here are the books I'm most excited about releasing this week!

Wild Card (Rose Hill #4) by Elsie Silver

Super excited for this next installation in the Rose Hill series. I can't wait to see what Silver gives me this time!

People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young

I love Hannah's stories and I'm really looking forward to this new one. I tried to get an early copy but it wasn't in the cards!

Pitcher Perfect (Big Shots #4) by Tessa Bailey

I love me some Bailey. She just has a way of writing stories that make me happy. This one was no different as I got to read it early. You can see my thoughts HERE.

What are you excited about this week?

 

ARC Review: The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor #5) by Laurie Gilmore

The highly anticipated new Dream Harbor romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Pumpkin Spice Café! 🥐

Every book in the Dream Harbor series can be read as a standalone.

❄️❄️❄️❄️

As owner of her beloved Gingerbread Bakery, Annie Andrews should have a love life to match her business; sugary and sweet. But instead, she’s locked in a game of words with the irritatingly upbeat bar owner down the street.

Mac Sullivan has everything he wants, except the girl he dreams of. It’s easier to argue with Annie than get her to talk to him but with Jeanie and Logan’s wedding coming up, they're about to spend a lot more time together.

As the snowflakes fall and with romance in the air, will Annie see that the one she loves to hate might just be her perfect match after all?

The Gingerbread Bakery is a cozy romantic novel with an enemies to lovers dynamic, small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!

Tropes:

• Enemies to lovers
• Found family
• Small Town
• Forced Proximity

Title: The Gingerbread Bakery (Dream Harbor #5)

Author: Laurie Gilmore

Publisher: Harper 360

Expected Publication Date: September 16, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Harper 360 and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I've been loving this series since it was introduced to me through one of my Facebook book groups. Then I saw that Laurie had a group for this series and joined that so I could be with my people. I was excited to chat about all the things Dream Harbor. So, of course, given the chance to get an early copy of this title and read and review, I took it. And I'm so glad I did. This is hands down my most favorite story so far. There is just something about second chance romance that hits differently than any other type of trope. It's the chance for the characters to find redemption and right wrongs that may have been done. It's a chance to watch them as they grow and change and fall back in love for the second time. And Gilmore hit this one spot on! The only reason I put this title down while reading it was because I had to work or tend to family responsibilities. Given the chance, I would have skipped all of that and read this in one sitting, I was that invested.

Annie and Mac have been sprinkled throughout the other books in this series. Their hate for each other palpable. But at the same time, you can feel the tension of chemistry that runs between them. And you know there is something there, something from their history that makes them bicker and fight and hate each other. But it's never really hate.

Mac is such an amazing character. Having spent years away from his home town trying to find himself, he returned three years ago to take over his family's bar business. He has finally found himself and knows who he wants to be, and knows who he wants, as well. But his longing goes unrequited as the mistakes he's made in the past are still haunting him. He's such a golden retriever. I absolutely adore his banter with Annie. Every interaction they have shows they have an undeniable connection. He tries hard to use that to his advantage. And he's not afraid to tell Annie exactly what he wants, even if she's not ready to hear him. He knows they have a lot to work through and makes himself available and vulnerable for this to happen. But it's hard for him to break through Annie's tough exterior. She's built a wall around her heart in the hopes of never being hurt as she was all those years ago by Mac. 

Annie is such a tough cookie. I love her brash manner of approaching things. She's undeniably herself and doesn't take crap from anyone. All she wants to do is take care of others and make them happy. Unfortunately, this often comes at a detriment to her being happy herself. When she and Mac are forced to spend time together, her icy exterior begins to melt. Even though their past is rough, she still feels a pull to Mac. Even as she denies it throughout the book. I love how she slowly comes around and realizes she is allowed to be happy even if she is still hurting from the past and needs to work through it. Mac allows her to feel all her feels.

Gilmore builds the story around a prior couple. So I do suggest this be read in the order the books were written. It will give much more understanding to all the couples in the book and their relationships to each other. This plot is built around the wedding of a previous couple. It was great to watch all those relationships continue. To see how the friendships that have formed continue to grow and change. And the pacing of this book was amazing. I never wanted to put it down. Gilmore built Annie and Mac into a relationship they ultimately couldn't deny, even with the baggage they carried between them. And then alternating time chapters were just another wonderful addition to this story. I loved watching the past unfold while Mac and Annie floated through their present. 

Hands down Annie and Mac are my favorite couple Gilmore has written so far. I loved how she built their story and showed all their vulnerabilities. The story was raw and honest. While the book might be billed as a bit of enemies to lovers, I really didn't get this vibe. It's really the second chance romance that makes it so relatable and understandable. I cannot wait for more in this universe but I know it will soon be coming to an end and I'll be sad for that. If you are looking for cozy romance reads with just a bit of spice, pick up this series and dive into Dream Harbor!

Author:

Laurie Gilmore is a #1 New York Times, Sunday Times, and Globe & Mail bestselling author who writes steamy small-town romance. Her Dream Harbor series is filled with quirky townsfolk, cozy settings, and swoon-worthy romance. The first book in the series, The Pumpkin Spice Cafe, was featured on Good Morning America and was named the TikTok Shop Book of the Year 2024.

She loves finding books with the perfect balance of sweetness and spice and strives for that in her own writing. If you ever wished you lived in Stars Hollow (or that Luke and Lorelai would just get together already!) then her books are definitely for you.

 

Fat Stack Friday September 5, 2025

Here's what I got this week!

Kindle:

Katabsis by R.F. Kuang

The blurb for this one, though! I haven't read any books by this author. I've heard good things about most of her books and this just sounds so good!

Book People by Jackie Ashenden

How could I resist this one with that title? That's it!

Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham

I saw so many great reviews of this. I hope they are true!

The Entanglement of Rival Wizards by Sara Raasch

I have just been loving Raasch's stories like this. I can't wait to give this one a try!

The Race Fever Series by Sawyer Bennett

I mean, how did I not know Bennett wrote an F1 series. I'm so excited to see how these stories unfold!

Date Knight by Sam Parks

An author I follow suggested this one and it looks good so I'm ready to jump in and see what it's all about.

Burn Bright (Cobalt Empire #1) by Krista & Becca Ritchie

I haven't read anything by this duo yet but I have a few of their books (one of which I won on Goodreads). I'm looking forward to some college romance!

What did you get?

 

ARC Review: Pitcher Perfect (Big Shots #4) by Tessa Bailey

#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey is back with an all-new enemies-to-lovers, fake-dating sports romance about a playboy hockey rookie and the disciplined softball pitcher completely immune to his charms.

Boston Bearcats rookie Robbie Corrigan is living the dream. He’s made it to the NHL, his best friend/teammate and fellow “orgasm donor” is his roomie—and the women of Boston love them both. Life is sweet. That is, until he meets Skylar Paige, division 1 softball pitcher, girl least likely to take anyone’s bull…and the one member of the opposite sex immune to his charms. Robbie might be dazzled by the badass pitcher, but Skylar pegs him as a filthy player and wants nothing to do with him.

When he discovers she’s carrying a serious torch for her brother’s best friend, Robbie knows he should just go back to clubbing and whipped cream bikini parties, but he can’t seem to leave Skylar to flounder on her romantic quest to land another man. Nor can he miss out on the opportunity to spend time with her and hopefully redeem himself. Before Robbie knows it, he’s agreed to be Skylar’s fake boyfriend/love coach at an upcoming family wilderness competition where her crush will be in attendance. What could go wrong?

Through a series of contests that require them to trust each other, Robbie and Skylar grow closer and closer until their fake relationship starts to feel like the realest thing they’ve ever known and the sizzling lessons in sensuality burn out of control.

But it’s all just pretend…right?

Title: Pitcher Perfect (Big Shots #4)

Author: Tessa Bailey

Publisher: Avon Harper Voyager

Expected Publication Date: September 9, 2025

REVIEW:

Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and give my honest review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This series has been so much fun to read. I love all the different sports and all the connections Bailey is making with the characters. I was truly excited to read Robbie and Skylar's story. And Bailey did not disappoint with their plot and love story!

Robbie Corrigan is such a great character. I wasn't sure how I would feel about him given his status in the other books where he's the "orgasm donor" and all. While he's pegged as a player, you can see deep down it's not truly who he is. He's actually quite the golden retriever in this story. I just want to squish him now that I know him so much better. He's definitely one of those characters whose depth is misunderstood from the quick meetings we've had with him in the past. He's a big teddy bear and just wants to love and be loved but has been so focused on hockey he hasn't given himself the chance to become who he truly is. Skylar rips him right open and reveals his good boy nature. And his nickname for her, ROCKET, I totally love it.

Skylar Paige is one tough cookie. She's focused and knows what she wants. And she wants her brother's best friend, Madden. But in order to make him see her as more than the little sister, she needs someone to show him who she is. And that someone comes in the form of Robbie Corrigan. Her organize everything brain comes up with a plan for lessons on how to win the guy she wants over. So she makes a list of spice lessons and employees Robbie to help her achieve her goals. She hasn't seen Robbie as anything but a player since she met him, but the more time she spends with him, the more she sees the real him and the real him is very tempting. I love how she slowly warms to him and peels back not only his layers, but her own as well. 

The fake dating trope is always fun for me. This one came with a bit of the enemies to lovers trope, as well. Bailey infuses a great build of chemistry between Skylar and Robbie. Their relationship is very believable as are the feelings they begin to show for each other. I will say the lead up is very short. So while I do believe in them, I'm not sure their short time together would really build to them being the loves of each other's lives. But that didn't detract from me loving their connection. And the banter! Bailey has a lock on making me laugh, usually out loud.

The plot is typical of a rom-com, nothing new, but still satisfying to read because the journey to get to the HEA was fun. And the pacing is on point. I was definitely invested on seeing where the story went and tore through this in a short time.

Overall I really liked this story. It's not my favorite from this series, that remains Fangirl Down because *SWOON*, but I still was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked Robbie and Skyler together. And Bailey definitely alluded to another story with Madden. I need to see him have his HEA!

Author:

New York Times Bestselling author Tessa Bailey can solve all problems except for her own, so she focuses those efforts on stubborn, fictional blue collar men and loyal, lovable heroines. She lives on Long Island avoiding the sun and social interactions, then wonders why no one has called. Dubbed the “Michelangelo of dirty talk,” by Entertainment Weekly, Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon and a guaranteed happily ever after. Catch her on TikTok at @authortessabailey or check out tessabailey.com for a complete list of books.

 

ARC Review: Is This Real or Just Pretend by Emily Sullivan

 

They thought they could fool everyone with a fake courtship, but they may be fooling only themselves...

Alexandra Atkinson prides herself on being in control. It’s why she’s such an asset to her father’s investment firm—along with her utter lack of a social life and her talent for spotting successful ventures for investors. But with her father nearing retirement and the board unwilling to have a female head, Alex could lose everything . . .

After his business partner burned him, Lucien Taylor is determined to start over. But he doesn’t know how until his childhood friend’s sister, Alexandra Atkinson, comes to him with a most unusual proposal: She’ll help Lucien find the funding he needs if he pretends to court her long enough to secure her claim to her father’s company.

But Alex and Lucien soon realize they didn’t quite account for all the details in their arrangement—like how they can undo each other with just a look. And the more time they spend together, the more the intensity shimmering between them can’t be controlled. Not even by Alex. And if they give in? Well, she’s not sure which of them will be in more trouble . . . but she’s willing to find out.

Title: Is This Real or Just Pretend

Author: Emily Sullivan

Publisher: Forever Grand Central Publishing

Expected Publication Date: September 9, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Forever Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this title to read and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series. There's just something about period romance that gets me going. I love the Bridgerton world and Sullivan's books really hit that spot for me.

This book was Alexandra Atkison's turn to find some love. I wasn't sure I'd like her having met her in the first book and finding her to be very standoffish. But Sullivan did a great job of showing her inner thinking in this book. She actually may be my favorite Atkinson sister. Alex has so much more underneath that frosty exterior but she hasn't really ever shown it. She believes she's been good for just one thing: helping her father run his business. She doesn't think she's built for love or for someone to find her lovable. But she's a powerhouse of thinking and business acumen. It makes her a worthy opponent to the field of men among whom she works. Then Lucien Taylor comes back to town and her world is turned upside down. She knows he's always loved her sister, but she needs a partner to show she's stable. Proposing a fake courtship seems like the right thing to do. She doesn't expect to catch feelings for him. Nor does she expect him to return those feelings. 

Lucien has come back to town to visit his sick father. He's tucked his tail between his legs for a business that didn't work out because his business partner wasn't who Lucien thought he was and left him high and dry. He doesn't expect to see his childhood crush or to have dealings with her sister. But Alex makes him an offer he can't refuse: fake courtship and she'll pay him for it so he can get his business back off the town. He doesn't expect to enjoy his time with her or to realize he's falling for her when he's always loved her sister. I really loved Lucien so much. He's a bit naive on some things but worldly with others. He really understands Alex, too, when no one else ever seems to.

Sullivan infuses romance and spice with some great plot points. I love the intrigue she's brought into this series with just the bit of mystery from some not so nice villains. It created some good tension and great expectations for what lies ahead. I expect to see more of this with Freddie's book. And I loved how she introduced pieces from the next story but doesn't give too much away just to keep me on my toes and want to have it in my hands. Sullivan also has on point pacing. I tore through the book, never really wanting to put it down.

Sullivan gives the reader a great story line with intense chemistry between her characters. While it's not necessary to read the first book to understand this one, I loved that I knew the background Sullivan continued to give us. There's banter and romance and just the right amount of spice. I'm really looking forward to more stories in this world and other stories from Sullivan in the future.

Author:

Emily Sullivan is an award-winning author of historical romance and mysteries set in the late Victorian period. Her books have received multiple starred reviews from trade journals including Publishers Weekly and Booklist, and have been praised in publications such as Entertainment Weekly, Buzzfeed, Parade, Self, and Bookpage.

She lives in New England with her family, where she enjoys reading about history and writing about rebellious women.