Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday November 25, 2025

 

This is what I'm most looking forward to this week.

Second Chance Romance (Harlot's Bay #2) by Olivia Dade

I really like Olivia Dade, though I have not read the first book in this series. Not sure if I have to read it or not, but this one looks really cute!

How about you?

ARC Review: ZomRomCom by Olivia Dade

 

Teaming up with your neighbor during a zombie outbreak is a no-brainer, but if it turns out he’s a vampire . . . the stakes couldn’t be higher, in this infectious new paranormal romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Spoiler Alert.

When Edie Brandstrup attempts to save her sweet, seemingly harmless human neighbor from the first major zombie breach in two decades, she’s stunned to be saved by him—and his ridiculously large sword—instead. As it turns out, he's actually a super-old, super-surly vampire. But for all her neighbor's newly revealed cynicism and lethality, Gaston "Max" Boucher (yes, Gaston) is unexpectedly protective. He wants her to stay in his safety bunker until the breach is resolved. Edie can’t risk more innocent people getting killed, though—and Max won’t let her save them alone.

As they unravel a sinister conspiracy to set zombies loose on the world (again), the duo meet a host of lovable allies and discover they're not the only ones willing to fight for the future of humanity. Despite the awful timing, Edie finds herself falling for the vampire who’s helping her save the world . . . but all their dangerous plans could end their future before it even begins. As she and Max battle side by side, Edie must decide whether having a love worth living for also means having a love you'd die for—and, in a world that grows deadlier by the minute, whether that’s a risk she’s willing to take.

Title: ZomRomCom

Author: Olivia Dade

Publisher: Berkley

Expected Publication Date: September 5, 2025

Review:

Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group/Berkley 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 was my first full length book by this author. I did read a novella by her and remember enjoying it so I wanted to see what she would do with a full story. I was not disappointed. This book was so much fun. Was it a bit full of cheese? It sure was. Paranormal romance with every type of paranormal create and zombies plus lots of laughs. It also challenged what I know of those paranormal creatures from past books I've read.

Edie Brandstrup lives in the containment zone. A place where zombies are the norm, rather than not. But the zombies were originally created for a purpose. Unfortunately, that purpose took a turn and the zomibes got out of control. Edie just wants to live her life and make her artisnal soaps without being bothered. But when she encounters a zombie and realizes the containment zone has been breached, she knows she needs to warm everyone, including her neighbor Chad. But Chad is not who she thought he was since he moved in three years ago. Together they team up to combat the zombie problem and find each other along the way.

This book is full of so many different tropes. I loved each and every one. Grumpy/sunshine vibes, in a dystopian world, full of the paranormal? Why yes, sign me it. Dade took these elements and totally made them work. On top of that, she infused so much comedy into the book. There were pop culture references that were spot on. And the pacing was great. I kept wanting to turn the page to see what happened next. There is a lot of world building in this book. I am thankful for the map and explanations at the beginning as a guide to understand how the containment zones were set up.

Edie was a fun character. I loved that she was older, 38, and not some typically beautiful romance heroine. She's quirky and fun and keeps to herself. And Chad (Max), well, he's a character in and of himself. I loved his grumpy vampire vibes and how they complemented Edie's sunshine. Of course Max has his secrets, which he keeps well hidden. But Edie cracks his icy exterior and eventually gets down to the core of him.

This book is definitely a romcom but there are also a ton of emotional elements woven in. Self worth, post traumatic stress, 

And the final chapter being from a different POV! YES! That sets the scene for the next installment in this series. I didn't even know it was going to be a series so that chapter made me extremely happy. This book was an absolute blast to read. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Author:

Olivia Dade grew up an undeniable nerd, prone to ignoring the world around her as she read any book she could find. Her favorites, though, were always, always romances. As an adult, she earned an M.A. in American history and worked in a variety of jobs that required the donning of actual pants: Colonial Williamsburg interpreter, high school teacher, academic tutor, and (of course) librarian. Now, however, she has finally achieved her lifelong goal of wearing pajamas all day as a hermit-like writer and enthusiastic hag. She currently lives outside Stockholm with her delightful family and their ever-burgeoning collection of books.

Fat Stack Friday January 31, 2025

Happy Friday! Here are the books I got this week!

To Review from NetGalley/Edelweiss/Publisher Sent:

For The Record by Emma Lord

I love me some Emma Lord. While I love her YA stuff, I adore her adult stuff even more. I cannot wait to read this one!

The Thrashers by Julie Soto

I'm reading Not Another Love Song by this author now. I wasn't sure about it in the beginning but now I love it and I cannot wait to see what The Thrashers brings!

Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau

This one was sent to me as a widget from Atria. I had it on my potential request list so it was kizmet that sealed the deal.

Where You're Planted by Melanie Sweeney

I adored Take Me Home by this author. It really tugged at my heart strings. I can't wait to see how she hurts my heart and pieces it back together in this one.

Zomromcom by Olivia Dade

I've not read Dade before (though I do have one of her books in paperback) but I've heard great things. And I love that she uses plus sized FMCs!

Kindle:

The Art of Starting Over by Heidi Mclaughlin

Got this one as one of my freebies because of Prime. It looks like a good read.

The Scientis by Kristen B. Cole

I'll be honest and say I had seen this cover over and over again and it was just too beautiful. When someone posted in one of my book groups it was free, I jumped at the chance to get it.

There's SomethingAbout Mira by Sonali Dev

Another freebie due to my Prime membership. Looks adorable.

Libby/Hoopla:

Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto

Listening to this one now. I wasn't sure at first but now I'm really into it. I love the how the author is using music in this one.

Out of the Woods by Hannah Bonam-Young

I tried this author's first book on audio and did not like it. I do have it on my Kindle so plan to go back and see if it's better that way. This one looked too cute to pass up so I put it on my list and it popped up to read.

The Hot Shot (Game On #4) by Kristen Callihan

I've actually read this one already, many years ago. I've been making my way back through this series. I finished this one yesterday and it was just ok, not as good as the others. 

What did you get this week?

 

Most Anticipated Releases Tuesday November 19, 2024

Happy release day Tuesday November 12, 2024. Here are my most anticipated releases for this week!

The Courting of Bristol Keats (The Courting of Bristol Keats #1) by Mary E. Pearson

THIS BOOK! It's so very good! I wasn't sure I'd like it but ended up loving it so much. I cannot wait for the next one. And the physical copies are so beautiful. I cannot wait to get one. This one is in the running for my top book of the year! You can see my review HERE.

Servant of Earth (The Shards of Magic #1) by Sarah Hawley

I love Sarah Hawley. Her Glimmer Falls series is adorable. I love the sound of this one and cannot wait to give it a try.

Puck & Prejudice by Lia Riley

This one is such a cute premise. I got to read it early and you can see my review HERE.

The Shadows Rule All (Dominions #3) by Abigail Owen

I love Owen. I've read her other series and this one has always been on my list. Now that it is complete, I can dive in. Plus, the covers are so gorgeous.

Under the Mistletoe by Various Authors

These stories were so cute. I loved reading them. Go grab them for free on Amazon! You can see my review of the stories HERE.

What are your most anticipated releases this week?

 

October 2024 Wrap Up

 

Check out my wrap up for October. It was a mediocre month for me, to be honest. Lots of 3 stars reads. My two 5 star ratings fell to Ali Hazelwood, no shocker there. But both were shorts. I hope next month gives me some better reads!

A few ARCs in there with the links next to my rating if you'd like to take a look at my thoughts.

October Wrap

How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn (Kindle ARC) ⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW

Somewhere Beyond The Sea (Cerulean Chronicles #2) by TJ Klune (Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Two Can Play by Ali Hazelwood (Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Wild Eye (Rose Hill #2) by Elsie Silver (Kindle) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars #1) by Thea Guanzon (Kindle/Print/Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden (Kindle) ⭐️⭐️

Take Me Home by Melanie Sweeney (Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Under the Mistletoe Collection (Kindle ARC) REVIEW

            All by My Elf by Olivia Dade ⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Cruel Winter With You by Ali Hazelwood ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Merry Ever After by Tessa Bailey ⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Only Santas In the Buidlng by Alexis Daria ⭐️⭐️⭐️

What You Wish For by Katherine Center (Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Get Lucky by Katherine Center (Audio)⭐️⭐️⭐️

Eleven Houses by Colleen Oakes (Print ARC) ⭐️⭐️✨ REVIEW

With Any Luck by Ashley Poston (Kindle) ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Real Valentine by Sariah Wilson (Kindle) ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Puck and Prejudice by Lia Riley (Kindle ARC) ⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW

Stranger Skies (Drowned Gods #2) by Pascale Lacelle (Kindle/Print ARC) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW

Monstrous Nights (The Witch’s Compendium of Monsters) by Genoveva Dimova (Audio ARC) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW

The Guy At The Wedding by Katherine Center (Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Everyone Is Beautiful by Katherine Center (Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heist Royale (Thieves’ Gambit #2) by Kayvion Lewis (Kindle ARC) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ REVIEW

The Lost Husband by Katherine Center (Audio) ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Have you read any of these? What did you think? What was your favorite read this month?

ARC Review: Under the Mistletoe Collection

 

Curl up by the fire with some of today’s hottest authors as they serve enough holiday joy and magic to melt the frostiest heart. As the temperature drops, friends and neighbors might need to turn up the heat, and even old enemies just might get a second chance.

Let it snow!

Under the Mistletoe is a stirring collection of December romances that thrill and tingle all the way. They can be read or listened to in one swoony sitting.

Title: Under the Mistletoe Amazon Original Stories

Author: Aliz Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey, Olivia Dade, Alexandria Bellefleur, Alexis Daria

Publisher: Amazon

Expected Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Review: 

I've been hearing about Olivia Dade for a while. I even own one of her books (though it's second in the series so I won't read it until I read the first one). What I've heard mostly is she writes realistic female characters, which I'm always wanting to see.
The FMC in this novella, Nina, definitely fits the realistic and relatable bill. I love that she's older. And I love that she's curvy! Realistically, I do wish she was more forthcoming with her best friend, who doesn't play much more than a background character in the story. But perceptions are what they are. The MMC, William, is hard to pin down. Honestly, I didn't really see much development for him and really wanted more. While I understand this may be harder in a short story, I just didn't get any kind of vibe from him. And his side of the story was more told than shown. I think this would have worked better in dual POV.
I love the snowed in trope, though it seemed a bit unrealistic to me to be stuck on the highway and not moving for so many hours without knowing why. I don't live in an area that gets snow storms where people get abandoned so perhaps it happens? But the way the story was told didn't make me feel it was real. The author also wove in the close proximity trope, which I always love.
Overall this one was fun but not spectacular. I would definitely give other books by this author a try in the future.

3 Stars

Review:

I'm a big Tessa Bailey fan. I love her characters and their relationships and ups and down.
This novella was sweet but I felt like it went zero to sixty in 1.2 seconds without much build up.
While I enjoyed the back and forth between Evie and Luke, I kind of needed more. I'm not saying I don't believe in love or lust at first sight, but I also believe there needs to be a bit of a build up.
Tessa introduces us to Evie who is trying to put her and her son's lives back together with a clean move to a new town. And she is very adamant about not wanting to get tangled up with someone because she needs to keep her life simple. Yet she falls hard quickly for Luke, without even really truly knowing him. There's not real background. Same goes for Luke. He's attracted to Evie, I get that, but within two days he wants her to be his wife and I just didn't get the chemistry between them that made that actually happen.
Given this is a short story, I do get there is limited time to get the characters together and get to their happily ever after, but it just felt super rushed in this story and did not feel like typical Bailey for me.
I did appreciate Bailey making Evie a strong independent woman who wanted to make her own decisions. I definitely felt that from her. Luke, on the other hand, is just this big burly man who has siblings and loves his farm but that's about all we know about him. I feel like in such a small town, perhaps introducing some other characters to the story so we could learn about Luke through them would have been helpful.
I feel like this story would have been better as a full novel but overall it was fun, and had nice spice.

3 Stars

Review:

I swear Hazelwood never fails to entertain me. She could write a grocery list and I'd be utterly enthralled. But what she does best is pull all kinds of emotions out of me. Even in her short stories. This book had an absolute chokehold on my heart from the very beginning.
This has a he fell first trope to it with a bit of unrequited love then a friends to lovers aspect through forced proximity.
The story is told in present day with flashbacks important to setting up the relationship between the two main characters: Marc and Jamie. The story is focused solely on them, so you don't get much in the way of the relationships between the other characters who are introduced. You do see some of that through the main character's eyes, though. I can see how this might be hard with a short story, though, as you really need to focus on the main theme and not much else outside of that can really happen.
I love how the characters are lifelong friends. Marc knows so much more about Jamie than she even thinks he knows. He sees her and that really resonated with me. Being seen is so important, even in our times where we are not at our best. And he's so raw and open. Unafraid to be rejected and willing to fight for what he knows he wants, no matter how long it takes. He's patient and protective. Jamie, on the other hand, is blinded to how he feels and then when she knows, she constantly pulls away because she is too afraid to open herself up to love and the potential of hurt. But you know Hazelwood can't leave you with something that's not happy in the end without taking you through a struggle.
I don't know how she does it, but this author always gets into my brain and my heart and makes me love everything about the characters she writes. My one complaint is that it was a short story. I really wanted something much longer to soak in and let sit with me. It was over too fast.

5 Stars

Review:

I have not read anything by this author before. I have to say, I really enjoyed this short story. I'm always looking for new romance authors who give great stories that flow well on the page.
Bellefleur easily established the chemistry between Griffin and Evereigh despite the short time in order to do it. I loved their meet cutes and how you could feel the pull between these two characters. They were sexy and flirty together.
I liked that Bellefleur incorporated other characters into the story who were actually developed enough to see their personalities. That is not an easy feat with such a short time frame to work with.
I will say they did fall into bed rather quickly. I do wish there was more between then prior to it happening. And I just don't believe that two people who barely know each other would not use protection and just trust one another, but maybe that's me.
Overall I enjoyed this short with it's fireman theme and all the saving that happened to create a relationship between the characters. I could definitely see this one as a longer story. I'm excited to have found a new romance author to look into!

4 Stars

Review:

This is my first title by Alexis Daria and I was excited to jump in and see how her writing was. I was not disappointed.
I enjoyed her pacing and her plot. Her writing was good and the story line flowed easily.
She easily developed her characters. I really liked Evie. She was fun and I liked how creative she was. Theo seemed nice but I didn't get too much of him since this was from Evie's point of view and very short. Harder to develop characters in such a short amount of time with only one POV.
The chemistry between the two characters was just ok for me. I didn't really feel it as much as I would have liked.
The side characters were nice, though we didn't get much about them other than them living in the building. I did like the relationship Daria portrayed between Evie and her sister April.
I can definitely see myself picking up more titles from this author in the future!

3 Stars

Authors:

Ali Hazelwood is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of
Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis. She also pursued a
PhD in neuroscience. When Ali is not at work, she can be found
running, eating cake pops, or watching sci-fi movies with her three
cats (and her slightly-less-feline husband).

Tessa Bailey is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The
Au Pair Affair, Fangirl Down, Wreck the Halls, and other romance
novels featuring stubborn blue-collar men and loyal, lovable
heroines. Tessa writes with spice, spirit, swoon, and a guaranteed
happily ever after.

Olivia Dade is the national bestselling author of the stand-alone
novel Ship Wrecked and numerous romance series including
Spoiler Alert, Lovestruck Librarians, There’s Something about
Marysburg, Love Unscripted, and Harlot’s Bay.

Alexandria Bellefleur is a bestselling author of Truly, Madly,
Deeply; The Fiancée Farce; and other swoony contemporary
romances. Her debut novel, Written in the Stars, was a 2021
Lambda Literary Award winner and a 2020 winner of the Ripped
Bodice Awards for Excellence in Romantic Fiction.

Alexis Daria is the international bestselling author of Along Came
Amor, You Had Me at Hola, Take the Lead, and other romance
novels. They have received starred reviews from multiple
publications and have appeared on “Best of” lists in numerous
trade publications.

Fat Stack Friday: Friday October 18, 2024

 

Here are the titles I got this week!

From Libby:

I'm on a Katherine Center Kick. I really love her writing and her stories. I'm determined to read all her books!

What you Wish for by Katherine Center

I've already finished this one. I wasn't sure if I would really like it with how it was going at the beginning but ended up truly enjoying it. It touches on quite a few triggers so be warned: PTSD, death of a friend/loved one, abuse, school shooting, abandonment

Get Lucky by Katherine Center

I'm listening to this one now. I am hoping to finish it today but we shall see what work interruptions happen! So far I love the story: pregnancy, surrogate

For review NetGalley/Edelweiss/Mail:

Under The Mistletoe Collection

I love a good collection of stories. When I saw this pop up on NetGalley as a read now, I jumped at it! It will be free on Amazon for KU and Prime users when it releases on November 12, 2024. And this collection has a few of my favorite authors and a few new to me. I've already read and reviewed all the stories. They will be published to The Cover Contessa on 10/23/24 HERE if you

Unlock the Dark by Sasa Hawk

This one said lovers of Brigid Kemmerer would like it and I love me some Kemmerer, so I downloaded it from Edelweiss. Plus, it's a romantasy stand- alone. You don't see many of those!

The Rose Bargain (The Rose Bargain #1) by Sasha Peyton Smith

I like Sasha Peyton Smith and got to read her Witch Haven books early and enjoyed them. I can't wait to jump into this one. thanks Edelweiss!

Wooing The Witch Queen (Queens of Villany #1) by Stephanie Burgis

This one showed up in the mail. Weird how I can get physical copies of books from Tor but if I request on NetGalley or Edelweiss, I'm always denied. But I'll take what I can get!

What did you get this week?