Happy New Year 2026

 I  want to wish you all a very Happy New Year and thank you for the time you’ve spent with me learning about the books I love. 

I hope you all enjoy the live stream of the ball dropping from Times Square tonight. In case you don’t have the link, feel free to watch here tonight!

Here’s to another 268 books next year! 

What was your favorite book of the year? Mine was The Scientist by Kristen B Cole with the book Twice by Mitch Albom coming in a close second. 

Thank you! I’ll see you… next year

Audiobook ARC Review: The Temptation of Truth by Brit Benson

Title: The Temptation of Truth

Author: Brit Benson
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
Loving her will ruin my life,
But I’m tired of living a lie.

Mabel Rossi is the heartbeat of The Hometown Heartless.
The famous drummer with fast hands, faster wit,
and a light that shines brightly even from the back of the stage.
She’s temptation in lipstick and lace, and I’m just her manager’s niece.
Married, invisible, and completely out of place.

Taking the job on tour was supposed to be a harmless adventure.
Now that I’m here, far from home and my husband,
I’m starting to remember who I was before I lost everything,
and I have Mabel to thank for that.

Between stolen glances and whispered truths,
She coaxes me from the darkness,
Until I can no longer hide from the lies I’ve buried under the life I don’t want.

I’m married to a man I’ve never loved.
She’s so far out of reach it hurts to even want her.
But in quiet hotel hallways and backstage corners,
I start to crave things I shouldn’t.

Even if it’s reckless. Even if it’s wrong.
Because with Mabel, I start to feel alive again.
When she touches me, the fog lifts,
And suddenly, I’m not so scared of tearing it all down just to feel the sun.

Review:

What an awesome book. It showcases how control can ruin a marriage and almost ruin a person. It shows what love can and should be, in its time. This author ekes emotion from every scene; from the first to the last. I can’t wait to read more from this author soon.

The narrators are amazing in this book and I enjoyed that there was a male voice narrating the minor male characters in the book. Kudos to all three narrators.

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.

ARC Audiobook: Only on Gameday by Kristen Callihan

Title: Only on Gameday

Author: Kristen Callihan
 
Buy Link: CLICK HERE

Publisher's Insight:
 
A “fake” fiancée is just the trick to help a bad-boy football player clean up his image. Trouble is, there’s nothing fake about the way August feels about his “pretend” fiancée.
August Luck is on the brink of greatness: top NFL draft pick, a great team, multiple corporate sponsorships, but he keeps messing it up with bonehead moves. After his latest shenanigan goes viral, everyone is telling him to get his act together.

Penelope Morrow grew up with August. Their mothers were best friends. Unfortunately, Pen always fled the room with a look of disapproval on her pretty face whenever August was around. But Pen has a problem too: she inherited her grandparent’s house and can’t pay the estate tax.

On a whim, August decides a temporary public engagement is the solution to both their problems—he’ll pay her taxes, and she’ll help his image. Win-win.

But, when it comes to Pen, nothing is certain or safe. Because Pen isn’t so reserved anymore. This time, she’s smiling back at him. And he likes it. A lot. Will they each survive the ruse unscathed?

Game on...

Perfect for readers who love:

• Shy girl/sunshine boy
• Hero in hot pursuit
• Unrequited love + epic yearning
• Fake dating (or is it?)
• Delicious slow-burn romance
• Childhood nemeses (all grown up)

Review:

Pen and August's love story is one that has to be read. The way they cherish each other is beyond words. It reminds me how lucky I am to have a wonderful man like August (minus the pro-football aspect) and that makes me feel even closer to Pen. 

I've never read a book by Kristen Callihan, but I can see that I'll have to read more if only for the superb character building.

The only thing that I didn't like was that Pen's dad didn't get what he deserved.

I can't wait to see which Luck brother is going to be next (or sister, but I'm rooting for January and March to find a match. (The names in this family cracked me up so much!)

Teddy Hamilton and Maxine Mitchell did an EXCELLENT job with this book! Their voices brought such a richness to the book. I may have fallen a little bit for Teddy's voice... (don't tell my husband).

I'd like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book! <3

************ I received this in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and have not been swayed by this fact. I NEVER charge for a review.