Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite

The Gift by C. D’Angelo is a story of finding one’s destiny and drawing strength and support from loved ones. Since childhood, Toni Agosti had dreamed of joining the LA Philharmonic as a cellist. However, while attending a family wedding in Italy, Toni discovers that one of her ancestors had owned a vineyard in Los Angeles. This discovery ignites a passion in Toni to learn more about her heritage and a feeling that her true calling is in winemaking. The decision creates a conflict with her husband Christian, especially after she discovers she might have a chance of joining the prestigious orchestra. Christian’s true character is revealed, leaving Toni questioning everything she knows about him. Will Toni have the courage to make the right decision for herself, no matter the cost? And how will her family react to a decision that will redefine her life personally and professionally?

At the heart of The Gift: Vintage Vines Series Book 1, C. D’Angelo’s story is about having the courage and resilience to follow one’s dreams and passion. It felt like the universe was aligning to guide Toni toward her true calling, yet testing her resolve with every step she took. Each of the characters in the story had a significant role in Toni’s growth, ultimately leading her to a deeper understanding of herself. I related to Toni’s struggles as she grappled with balancing her aspirations with the expectations of others. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy narratives infused with cultural and artistic elements, and those interested in the history of winegrowing in the Los Angeles region.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Bride Games by Beth Carter is a contemporary romantic comedy that follows single mom Emma Miller as her dream wedding to the perfect man turns into a nightmare when unexpected drama erupts on her big day. Simultaneously, Emma's best friend, TV star Paige Daniels, faces a career crisis after being targeted by online rumors and mysterious texts. As both women navigate the chaos of love and life, they discover that people are playing games with their hearts, and they must find a way to win. Carter’s sharp comedic timing brings humor to even the most stressful situations, making this highly engaging drama feel lighthearted and fun despite the chaos surrounding its heroines.

I loved the dual stories shifting in and out of the plot and eventually interconnecting. Beth Carter excels at crafting authentic female friendships, with Emma and Paige’s bond providing a strong emotional foundation for the novel. There’s a fine line between events being lively and chaotic and wandering into the ridiculous. But Carter’s skill with realistic dialogue and relationship dynamics keeps things grounded as the conspiracy and mystery of the plot begin to sizzle. I also really enjoyed the detail in Emma's and Paige’s emotional landscapes, and although they come from very different worlds, their similarities show a universal need for connection and safety. That’s even more compelling when we discover the surprising threats that are out to spoil their happiness. All this is paired with brilliant pacing and well-timed twists to keep readers hooked, blending laugh-out-loud moments with heartfelt emotions and ensuring a thoroughly enjoyable read from start to finish. Overall, Bride Games is a novel not to be missed by romance fans.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy follows Georgia, Albert, and Betty, three siblings in the throes of their careers and juggling relationships, while their parents, Finn and Ella, prepare to renew their wedding vows. Georgia, an actress like her parents, develops a deep connection with Roo while filming in Iceland, but commitment proves problematic. Albert, an aspiring animator, fears coming out to his family and has a push-and-pull away relationship with Ryan. Betty, a dedicated doctor, wrestles with her feelings for Khalil as she prioritizes work over personal life. Meanwhile, Finn and Ella look back on their family’s journey and rekindle their bond. The story shifts between all of their lives as each works to figure life out, culminating in some surprising decisions and solidifying others.

Going into Cinematic Destinies by Patricia Leavy, I did not know that this is the third book in a trilogy, but I was so happy to find that it reads perfectly as a standalone. That said, I've been hooked enough to the Forrester family to go back and read what I've missed. Leavy's writing style is steady and comfortable. There's a calmness to it that is unique, even when addressing the most complicated and legitimate fears. As readers, we get such a great sense of Finn and Ella and who they are as parents and people that there's an underlying reassurance that everything will be fine in the end. Georgia's storyline was the one I most looked forward to when it popped up again on the page. I mean, there is no downside to a literary visit to the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Leavy makes it absolutely heavenly and it felt like I was right there. Overall, the writing, the characters, the little nods of sizzle, and the brilliant family dynamic make this book a winner. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

I Think He Knows? Question Series Book 2 by Melissa Baldwin is a romantic comedy that follows the life of Serena, a kindergarten teacher navigating the complexities of her profession, and her crush on Coach Cam, the head PE teacher at her school. Serena’s day-to-day interactions with her young students portray a genuine love for her job despite the chaos and challenges she faces. Her friendship and eventual romantic tension with Cam add intrigue and anticipation, keeping the reader engaged and rooting for their relationship to blossom.

Melissa Baldwin’s writing style is fluid and engaging, with well-timed comedic moments that lighten the narrative. The pace sometimes slows, especially where the school dynamics and Serena’s introspections on her feelings for Cam are explored in depth, and allow for character development. The addition of new characters, like Lilly, the new assistant principal with a mysterious past connection to Cam, introduces new twists and turns, making the story more dynamic and complex. This subplot enriches the narrative by adding suspense and speculation about Cam’s past relationships and how they impact his interactions with Serena. I Think He Knows? Question Series Book 2 is an enjoyable read that combines the elements of a workplace romance with the relatable struggles of everyday life. The author successfully captures the essence of her characters’ emotions and the setting of a bustling elementary school, making this book a recommended read for those who enjoy rom-coms with a dose of reality and laughter.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Kissing Toads by Danissa Wilson is an engaging exploration of the quest for love through the metaphor-laden journey of kissing toads to find a prince. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the late 20th century, the story follows Annie, a young woman whose romantic misadventures reflect the shared experiences of a generation navigating the complex waters of love. Annie’s story begins in her youth, shaped by her mother’s strong influence and societal pressures to find a partner. This establishes the foundation for a series of comical yet disheartening romantic entanglements.

First and foremost, the pop culture and nostalgia are second to none. Anyone who’s ever had a ceremonial mock wedding, remembers the avocado era, or dated a guy who always brought along a parade of friends, won’t want to miss Danissa Wilson’s book. The narrative is rich with cultural references that anchor the reader in the period, from the early days of online dating to the social norms that shaped relationships. Her writing style combines sharp wit with smooth, flowing prose. Annie’s evolution from a wide-eyed romantic to a self-assured individual is beautifully portrayed, with each “toad” she encounters teaching her more about her desires and boundaries. In the face of tragedy, readers see a new side of Annie as she confronts the challenges of grief and resilience, uncovering aspects of her character previously hidden by her carefree romantic adventures. Kissing Toads is also a feminist critique of the expectations placed on women to secure happiness through marriage. It challenges these notions subtly and directly, making it a powerful read for contemporary audiences.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Back to Her Future is a work of fiction in the women’s fiction, interpersonal drama, and slice-of-life subgenres, and is part of the Gen X series penned by author Cary J Hansson. The plot follows Meryem, abducted from England to Turkey as a teenager and now, thirty years later, liberated and affluent in Dubai. Her father's confession sends her back to London, where she reunites with childhood friends Alma and Sammy for an impromptu 80s weekend, triggering memories of her abduction and straining their bond. Through a blend of history, everyday life, and tragedy, Hansson crafts an unforgettable narrative exploring friendship, resilience, and self-discovery in the face of trauma.

Author Cary J Hansson puts heart and soul into crafting an immersive and highly emotional novel, navigating Meryem's journey from victim to empowered survivor. Meryem's mantra of looking out for herself is an interesting double-edged sword, showing both strength and vulnerabilities as she tries to protect herself from the world, but also be part of it. The author balances this incredibly well in the narrative, and the interplay between past trauma and present-day struggles is poignant as a result, highlighting the complexities of healing and rebuilding relationships. Hansson's writing skillfully weaves together nostalgia, emotional depth, and suspense with fluidity and confidence, keeping readers engaged until the final page with never a dull moment in the storyline. The novel delivers a powerful thematic punch on the importance of friendship and the hidden resilience we find amidst adversity, which is a deeply worthy message to take away. Overall, I would certainly recommend Back to Her Future for fans of poignant women’s drama.

Reviewed by Sherri Fulmer Moorer for Readers' Favorite

In Bride Swap by Beth Carter, Paige is a popular newscaster who has it all: a great job on the news desk, and a clandestine engagement to the anchor at their rival station. She’s keeping the engagement a secret until they can quietly plan a wedding that’s sure to make a splash on the local scene but there is an unexpected development. Her boss decided to shake things up and put her on a new assignment covering sports. Suddenly, she’s away from her desk and traveling with a new co-anchor hoping to make his mark in the sports world. The only problem was that Paige hated sports, and knew nothing about them. How can she catch up and plan a wedding? In desperation, she turned to her best friend, Emma, a single mother with her own business. Surely Emma can save the day? But Emma had her own life and issues that immediately intruded on wedding planning. These included a daughter starting kindergarten with a swoon-worthy teacher, a thriving business, a home, and too much happening to keep up with the passing of each day. Soon months went by, and no plans had been made. Now what?

Bride Swap by Beth Carter is a charming romantic comedy that will captivate you from the first page. This book was just what I needed. I was looking for something with a solid plot, yet more lighthearted than my usual science fiction and mystery novels. I found it in Bride Swap. This is an appealing story of love and friendship that shows how women with very different lives can form a unique friendship. The author creates a wonderful world full of relatable characters who have the same trials and struggles as women in today's society. I especially liked the way she showed their resilience and ability, not only to cope but to thrive through the unexpected twists and turns of life. This is a great, captivating novel that will keep you engaged and reading well past your bedtime.

Reviewed by Donna Parrey for Readers' Favorite

From the hook of the first two pages to the rollercoaster ride of emotions throughout, readers will be drawn into JJ Elliott’s There Are No Rules For This. The fact that this is JJ Elliott’s debut novel makes one greedy for the next. A tight quartet of women friends becomes a grief-stricken trio when one commits suicide. This is not a spoiler as it is the basic premise of the book right from the beginning but might serve as a trigger warning for some readers. The story rolls out in more than a dozen chapters with intriguing names like “The Time Wine Shot Out My Nose” and “The Time We Got Caught on a Stakeout.” JJ Elliott weaves each chapter with memories that Max, Liddy, and Ali have of Josephine “Feeney” Simms and their newly-hatched plan to hold their own funerals while they are still alive.

There Are No Rules For This gives readers a compelling story and a lot to think about. JJ Elliott’s superb writing kicks in early and never lets up. Readers can relate to her descriptive passages of sorrow, angst, joy, guilt, and peace of mind. The author manages to let us get inside the skins of these women as if we, too, knew one another for years and shared Wine Wednesdays with them in California wine country. The story is well-paced as we follow both the flashbacks that Max, Liddy, and Ali have of Feeney and their struggles to deal with things not said. There Are No Rules For This is women’s fiction at its best, and JJ Elliott is an author you’ll want to hear more from.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

When Cardinals Appear by Katie Eagan Schenck is a good, old-fashioned love story that will tug at readers’ heartstrings. Lanie McAllister is struggling to deal with her mother’s early death from cancer. She’d moved away from their hometown of Cedar Haven to Seattle, to study teaching emotionally and educationally challenged children. The move had resulted in the breakup of her and her high school sweetheart, Nate, but she had since moved on, entering a long-term relationship with James. Now that she had her Master’s degree, she and James planned to live together in California, where Lanie had accepted a job teaching in a school that specialized in children with difficulties and James had transferred from his company’s Seattle office. But now she was back in Cedar Haven. Named by her mother to be the executor of the estate, Lanie must organize the selling of their family home and other possessions. Can Lanie cope with the deep emotional trauma of losing her mother, as well as the likelihood of running into Nate again in this small town?

When Cardinals Appear is an absolute joy to read. I do love a good love story, especially one that has a myriad of backstories and character development and this book fits the bill perfectly. Author Katie Eagan Schenck has created a multifaceted character in Lanie who has strength, depth, and courage which is equally balanced by her vulnerability, uncertainty, and seeming inability to control her destiny. I particularly appreciated her doubts as well as frustrations with the realization that all the people she loved in life seemed determined to control her future and direction, without any regard to what she truly wanted. The irony was, of course, that she didn’t know what she truly wanted because she had been following her mother’s exhortations to get away from Cedar Haven and never settle for less than she deserved. What I found so refreshing, despite it being an oft-told tale, was Lanie’s willingness to embrace her feelings once she finally permitted herself to have legitimate feelings, desires, and aspirations of her own. Everyone, it seemed had an opinion on what was best for Lanie, except for Lanie herself and this was perfectly expressed in the character of her father who struggled to understand why a life in Cedar Haven shouldn’t be good enough for anyone. Every so often, we need a bit of lightness, happiness, and love in our reading and this book fills that need exceptionally well. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Keana Sackett-Moomey for Readers' Favorite

The Space Between Us is a hilarious romantic comedy by Melanie Summers that centers on two prospective lovebirds, Gwen Fox, an astrobiologist, and Ty Sterling, a wealthy CEO. Ty wants to cut funding for Gwen and her research team, but Gwen isn't about to let that happen. She's just as feisty and stubborn as Ty. Thus begins a romantic adventure with this dynamic duo. Gwen and Ty are forced into close proximity on a business trip in the jungles of Peru. This is all part of Ty's dying business partner's final request. Sharing a small tent prompts these two enemies to finally "see" each other and acknowledge their mutually growing attraction. It's only a matter of time before they give in to their feelings. Or will pride get in the way? For the sake of our hearts, we hope it's the first scenario.

If you love reading enthralling enemies-turned-friends-turned-lovers sagas, this intoxicating novel has it all. I recommend The Space Between Us by Melanie Summers to every romance lover. This rom-com is no doubt a 5-star read. Gwen and Ty are fantastic. I feel like a spectator in their love story. I admire their personalities, red-hot chemistry, and how well their relationship progressed throughout the storyline. I enjoyed reading the story from both their POVs. Altogether, the passion, chemistry, racy banter, and spicy moments between them will have your head (and heart) in ecstasy for days without ceasing. End conclusion—if you're looking for a steamy read with good character development, this alluring rom-com is the perfect book for you.