Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Me and The Times is a thoroughly engaging and fascinating memoir from the pen of Robert W. Stock. Subtitled My Wild Ride from Elevator Operator to New York Times Editor, Columnist, and Change Agent (1967-97), the author presents the details of his life and his many fascinating work encounters through his long career at that paragon of journalistic virtue, The Grey Lady – The New York Times. As a married man with a child at just 19, earning a living for his family was the number one priority for the young Stock and it was through the fortuitous actions of Golda Meir’s sister that he found his first job in a local Bridgeport newspaper. So started a career that would culminate in the role of editor and columnist for the Sunday edition of The New York Times. Through anecdotes and memories of the many stories he covered in his time with the newspaper, the author entertains and enthralls with topics as diverse as covering the petroleum industry when it was in its exploratory heyday, right through to sensitive and relevant topics such as sex for seniors. There will be something here for everyone, especially nostalgia buffs who look back with rose-tinted glasses at the pre-social media and pre-cable news days when the daily newspapers provided the backbone of a citizenry’s information and opinion.

Me and The Times ranks right up there with the most fascinating books I’ve read this year. Having worked as a reporter for a small, bi-weekly newspaper in another life, I fully recognized and appreciated many of the issues and frustrations reporters felt with editors in general. I, like the author, was a notorious user of puns in my copy and could never understand why my editors insisted on removing or rewriting what I thought was incredibly clever wordsmithing. Author Robert W. Stock has led a fascinating and privileged work life as not only an editor and columnist for the most famous newspaper in the world but also at a time when newspapers and their contents were trusted and believed. I’m not sure the same trust and believability can be applied to “news” sources in general today. I agree, as the author points out, that part of the reason for the deep social schisms in society today can be directly laid at the feet of “click-bait” news and the partisanship of various news sources. This memoir is not only about the author’s work life as he is more than willing to delve into all aspects of his childhood as well as his marriages and personal life. This certainly gives the memoir the human touch. The stories and the people he met through his work are a veritable namedrop of many of the most important figures in business, politics, entertainment, and even sports, which no doubt will arouse envy amongst readers. Few books I have read have been as devoid of errors as this one is, clearly validating the author’s main claim to fame; that of being a first-class editor. I loved this book and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite

In The Backup Princess, author Kate O’Keeffe rekindles the feelings I had when I watched The Princess Diaries for the first time. Maddie, a sales assistant at a glazing company from Houston, experiences a life-altering surprise when she discovers she could be the next in line to the throne of Malveaux, a small European country, because of her late mother’s lineage. Stepping into a new country, learning new rules of comportment, and absorbing the history and language of Malveaux, her path crosses with Alex, aka Prince Alexander Archibald George Canossa, the heir of Ledonia, a neighboring country. Although their first meeting doesn’t go as planned, and though both have preconceived notions about each other, they learn that all may not be as they thought. As the days go by and they attend various functions together and participate in The Games, they realize their bond goes beyond mere friendship and that they could be each other’s soulmate. Will they be able to overcome ancient rules to find their forever happiness?

The Backup Princess by Kate O’Keeffe is one to pick up if you are looking for a light read that will not put you through an emotional wringer. The story effectively presents a variety of relatable characters. Maddie comes across as someone down-to-earth, reflective, humorous, and sarcastic. Alex is charming and diplomatic, yet also grounded and introspective while longing for a meaningful connection. Adding to the flavor of the storyline are the rest of the characters, including Alex’s and Maddie’s families, and Maddie’s friend Chloe. The reference to McHottie brought back memories of watching Grey’s Anatomy. The story is told from the point of view of Alex and Maddie, with the reports from a royal correspondent Fabiana Fontaine acting as the third point of view in the narrative. I loved the snippets of humor in the narrative. Whether it was the conversations between Maddie and her grandma or Alex and his siblings, this made Maddie’s experiences more relatable and entertaining. If you are looking for a relaxing read at the end of a stressful day, I suggest this book.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

Penelope Auberge, or Pen, is a brilliant financial planner at Twin Cities Financial based in Minnesota. Her boyfriend, Chad, supports her career. But her life takes an unexpected turn. Houston McGregor, Pen's boss, orders her to drop her clients in favor of her male co-worker again. Then it turns out that Chad is married. Devastated, Pen buys a house in Nashville, Tennessee, and moves there to start a new business. Pen gets an invitation to dinner from a friendly young woman named Deanna, whom she met in a grocery store. Socially awkward, Pen dreads dinner with strangers, but she overcomes her anxiety and meets Deanna's handsome brother, Grant. A keen cyclist, Pen surprises herself again and starts riding with Grant's group. While inspiring others with her vision, Pen is vulnerable. Will she be brave enough to banish her past and embrace hope for a better future with Grant? The False Flat by Melissa Collings is for fans of contemporary romance, women's fiction, and family drama.

Melissa Collings's The False Flat is a haunting, character-driven novel. The author impresses with a meticulous study of the main characters. Pen is a strong woman, but her past traumas and losses take their toll. Her character is relatable because of her inner pain and vulnerability. At the same time, Pen is relentless and has an immense sense of purpose. Grant's character is kind and noble with a unique sense of humor that lightens up the emotional intensity of the narrative. For me, these two characters are the most prominent. There is also the wonderful Deanna, a friend everyone dreams of having. Pen and Grant's love story is touching, profound, and fascinating. The author warns us against keeping family secrets, for they may poison our relationships with loved ones. The author examines a woman's role in today's society and questions family patterns that don't allow women to follow their calling.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Vincent Abajian, the founder of Quantum World and Egami Corporation, had no choice but to stop his adversary Philip Nardin from going ahead with his plan. Nardin had an arrangement with politicians in different states to supply him with homeless people as “lab rats” for his cloning project, and in return, he would provide clean energy to these states. Nardin kidnaps Vincent’s daughter Nozomi, and forces Vincent to relinquish his time-correcting powers. Things quickly get out of hand as world leaders launch a disastrous arms race to weaponize Intreton, a very important mineral for Quantum World, and the purest energy source that can alter reality if mishandled. In a bid to save reality from the imminent danger, Vincent partners with Nardin against political and military forces. He finds himself uncovering ugly truths about someone close to him as he encounters Nardin’s time-twisted alter ego called the Lunatic, all of which open the doors to the possibility of a reset. Get yourself Avi Datta’s The Reset: Time Corrector Series Book 3 to discover how it all goes down.

If you are looking for a gripping time travel, science fiction novel laced with a compelling tale of love, fate, betrayal, deceit, secrets, conspiracies, power, drama, thrills, and action, among much more, Avi Datta’s The Reset is just what you should be looking for. Datta yet again weaves a mind-blowing plot, starring the enigmatic genius Dr. Vincent Abajian. The evocative depictions breathe life into the scenes, making the reading experience feel like watching a sci-fi movie. Datta drives the storyline in a non-linear way, expertly managing the different timelines of the story. This gave the plot a beautifully complex touch. The edge-of-the-seat suspense and the spell-binding plot twists had me flipping through page after page. The well-crafted cast’s complex traits and emotions allowed me to connect with them. Being the final installment in the Time Corrector Series, The Reset can be savored more by first reading the previous installments. This page-turner is an epic and captivating finale of an amazing series.

Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite

The Location Shoot, by award-winning author Patricia Leavy, takes us on a captivating journey through the lives of a group of filmmakers shooting a movie in Sweden. The story follows the controversial filmmaker, Jean Mercier, and his cast, which includes the legendary Hollywood movie star Finn Forrester, and the American philosopher Ella Sinclair. As the film shoot progresses, the characters reflect on their lives and experiences, leading to unexpected relationships and self-discovery. Finn and Ella's love story is a central theme, as Ella struggles with committing to a serious relationship. After filming, the characters' views on life and love have been irrevocably changed, and their reunion at the Cannes Film Festival promises to be unforgettable.

Patricia Leavy's The Location Shoot is hard to put down. Leavy's literary style is engaging and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the Swedish location and the characters' emotions. It explores themes of love, relationships, and self-discovery in thought-provoking ways, encouraging us to reflect on our path in life. The characters grapple with questions many of us face, making the story relatable and enjoyable. Leavy is a master storyteller, skillfully weaving together a narrative that keeps us engaged from start to finish. The pacing is well-balanced, ensuring the story moves forward while allowing for meaningful reflection on the characters' experiences. Ultimately, it's a must-read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining exploration of love, relationships, and self-discovery. Highly recommended!

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Black Dragon is the fourteenth book in The Executioner Knights series by Kathryn Le Veque, but it reads as a standalone story. Amid medieval England's tournaments, Addax, a skilled and wealthy knight, is torn between loyalty and duty. He came to England as a young man with a caravan and worked through the ranks, from a page to a knight to becoming a member of the Executioner Knights serving William Marshal. Addax has built a life for himself. Everything changes when he's drawn into the troubled marriage of his friend Maximillian de Grey. When Maximillian marries Emmeline de Witt, following his father's wishes, Addax leaves jousting to help secure his friend's new legacy. But as he witnesses Maximillian's cruel treatment of his wife, Addax is forced to confront his desires and make a choice that will forever alter the course of his life.

This novel is the well-crafted suspenseful story of a man caught up in a strong moral dilemma, wrestling with internal conflicts and struggling to balance his sense of morality with duty and loyalty. Readers are kept on edge to see what happens next. Kathryn Le Veque brings to life the world of medieval tournaments, crafting a tale of romance and adventure that will captivate readers. She enthralls with her colorful, sophisticated cast of characters. The dynamics between the key characters, especially Addax and Maximilian, are skillfully drawn. The contrast between the two characters, their sense of honor and how they treat women, stands out in this captivating narrative. The writing is exceptional and filled with intriguing details. The Black Dragon is an immersive tale that entertains and entices readers with solid historical elements and relatable characters.

Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite

In The Earl’s Promised Bride, Mary Lancaster presents an enchanting historical romance set in Regency England. Lucy Vale, attending her first ball, is immediately drawn to a stranger whose vibrant energy seems to match her own. Despite the impropriety, she embarks on an adventure with him, nearly avoiding trouble with one of her brothers. The stranger whom she soon learns is named Tyler, lingers in her thoughts long after their encounter. Tyler stirs unexpected feelings in Lucy, making her dread her imminent meeting with her betrothed, Lord Eddleston, a man she has never met. With Tyler sharing her feelings, Lucy faces uncertainty—will her brothers permit her to marry a man of Tyler’s standing, or is there more to the story that could allow them to be together?

In The Earl’s Promised Bride, Mary Lancaster masterfully balances romance and intrigue with exciting, thrilling moments. I loved the historical context with a strict code of conduct and emphasis on reputation that created obstacles for the characters. The dynamics of arranged marriages and the pursuit of advantageous alliances added layers to the plotline. I appreciated Lancaster's thoughtful exploration of women’s lives in this period; for instance, Lucy encouraging her friend Hester to make a choice that is right for her highlights a theme of personal growth and empowerment. Lucy and Tyler’s love story was so heartwarming, building gradually and realistically, with plot twists that kept the story engaging to the very end. I highly recommend this novel to readers who enjoy a well-crafted historical romance with compelling characters and an engaging storyline.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Castilian Pomegranate is a work of historical fiction penned by author Anna Belfrage. The work forms the second book of The Castilian Saga and is written for the mature adult reading audience owing to the presence of sexual situations and graphic violence appropriate to the brutality of the time. In the thirteen century, we find ourselves back with Robert FitzStephan and his wife, Noor, where they have been tasked with an impossible, heart-wrenching chore. The couple has been asked to abandon their foster son Lionel while overseas and to recover a precious jewel – the titular Castilian Pomegranate – but both of these tasks have their own sets of danger and resistance.

Author Anna Belfrage packs a lot into this immersive and engaging historical novel. Yet, it also seemed to fly by in a flurry of excitement because it was so easy to read. The historical details of the work were finely tuned and cinematically descriptive, giving a wonderful sensory feel to the experiences of our central characters. I enjoyed Noor’s energy and fierce nature very much in a new land with new encounters, but I also felt for her deeply when she was put to the test. I also enjoyed the overtones of the period itself, nuanced as it was with the political climate, cultural tensions, and power struggles of the day. This makes for a compelling and believable read with real people who you care for deeply by the novel’s conclusion. Overall, I would highly recommend The Castilian Pomegranate for fans of exciting historical adventure, romance, and drama who are keen to encounter a talented writer and a standout series.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Fixer is the first book in the Damaged Devils series by Charity Parkerson. Since he was eighteen, Chad Haynes had been under the control of a powerful man who paid for his college education in exchange for Chad's commitment to him in every way possible. Now twenty-seven, Chad has nothing but contempt for Kenneth Yearly, who also happens to be a senator and his stepfather. Two years ago, Chad moved to Cage Beach, Florida, and became a successful porn mogul who never misses an opportunity to embarrass his stepfather. When Journey Blue enters Chad's life, both discover an irresistible mutual attraction neither can deny. However, Journey works for a secret organization that seeks to manipulate Ken through Chad. Meanwhile, Ken will do everything to keep Chad under his thumb. What's next in store for Chad and Journey?

If you're a fan of sizzling hot LGBTQ thriller novels, The Fixer is the perfect book for you. Full of romance, suspense, and intrigue, this is a story about love against all odds. Charity Parkerson delivers a gripping first installment in what promises to be an absorbing series with a novel that has your attention from beginning to end. The plot maintains a brisk pace, with a few twists and turns up its sleeve to keep readers on their toes. The characters have definable traits that distinguish them from each other. The relationship between Chad and Journey feels genuine, and you want to see them end up together. Apart from Chad and Journey, I was also invested in the story arcs of Hale, Hardy, and Seven. For readers of erotic romance thrillers, you shouldn't miss out on this one!

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

Having undergone vocal surgery to save his voice, country singer Joe Bob Blade decides he should recuperate in the mystically beautiful Hoh Rain Forest, where he meets his very own babe in the woods in the form of Ali. Mary Alice, or Ali, finds herself soaked to the bone on Joe’s doorstep after a sudden downpour. With nothing but a notepad to communicate with, the two build this undeniable connection with one another. Back in civilization their time spent together seems like a dream neither wants to forget. The Silent Woodsman: The Olympic Peninsula series Book 1 by Cat Treadgold is such a beautiful and heartbreaking story that embodies the meaning of right-person-wrong-time.

Cat Treadgold created a beautiful and intricately woven story with just the right amount of reality. Having gone through a similar situation to Joe, Treadgold has shared a very personal and vulnerable part of herself with this story. Although written in the third person, I loved that the story was told from both Joe’s and Ali’s perspectives. The Silent Woodsman is a slow-burn romance set in the late ’90s. The moderate pace at which it evolved gave me time to focus on the character development of both Joe and Ali. Treadgold didn’t just attach them at the hip after that first encounter; instead, she shows us that life goes on and if it’s meant to be it will happen. I know that this is a work of fiction, but the sense of reality and the obstacles they had to overcome are what made me love their story.