Review: Wide Side by Elsie Silver

About the Book

She's always dreamed of her wedding day. And those dreams never included saying "I do" to a man she hates.

But when Tabitha's nephew's guardianship is contested, she decides she'll do whatever it takes to keep him in Rose Hill. Even if it means marrying the enemy.

Rhys Dupris.

A man who is secretive, broody, and completely infuriating. A man whose work takes him away for weeks on end and brings him back covered in mysterious bruises―ones he won't talk about. In fact, Tabitha and Rhys barely talk at all.

Which would be fine, except when he's not talking, he's staring. And the way he looks at her is borderline indecent.

The tension between them has always been palpable. But living under the same roof is a dangerous temptation.

Tabitha swore she would never forgive him. But that was before she knew the man behind the mask. The one who's fierce and protective. The one who's gentle and patient. The one who shows up for her and her nephew when they need him most.

He's not at all who she thought he was.

And that makes hating her husband so much harder…and loving him just a little too easy.

Review

It’s been a few days since I’ve finished this book and it’s been circling my thoughts since I finished it. Wild Side is the best book within the Rose Hill series, and it’s tied at the top for my favorite Elsie Silver book. Words cannot describe how much I loved this one. It might be a bold statement since it’s still early in the year, but this is my favorite read of the year. I give this one infinite stars.

I would love to thank Elsie Silver personally for creating Rhys and Tabby. I’ll admit that they were not my most anticipated couple within this series. But boy, did they surprise me. In the previous books, readers only know that Tabby dislikes Rhys. We don’t know the extent of their relationship until their book. Tabby’s older sister was Rhys’ tenant, and after she passed, he became the legal guardian of her adorable son, Milo. Tabby is livid about that. Rightfully so, she believes that Rhys evicted her sister and played a part in her death. There’s more to the story, and Rhys and Tabby put aside their differences to ensure that Milo is cared for. With that comes fun, witty banter, to-die-for chemistry, and several heartfelt moments.

Tabby’s still dealing with the emotions of losing her sister to addiction and the complicated relationship that her sister had with their parents. It took her a while to cry, and when she finally did cry, it was a dagger to the heart. She’d do anything for those she loves and is fierce and strong. She had no problem standing up to Rhys—for instance, getting Milo a cat when Rhys had lied and said he was allergic. She’s by far my favorite FMC within this series. I would pay Elsie to give me more of Tabby. I would pay triple for more of Tabby, Rhys, AND Milo. I loved this family so much.

Rhys is the perfect companion for Tabby. Outwardly, he’s a quiet, tough guy. But on the inside, such a softie. He and Milo have such an adorable relationship, and it was very clear he’d do anything for that little boy—like Tabby would. Rhys didn’t have a perfect childhood, and as an adult, he worked hard to have a private life and excel at his craft. It was beautiful how everyone welcomed him to their lives at Rose Hill and how supportive they were of him. Yes, I did cry, especially during a scene when Rhys discovers they all had gathered to watch him on television. This was my first time reading a wrestler romance story, and I’m completely sold. Of course, that could only be because of Rhys Dupris. Regardless, I enjoyed that aspect of the book.

Final Thoughts

I’d give Wild Side infinite stars if I could. My expectations were exceeded, and there were several moments when I cried or almost cried. Tabby and Rhys had a beautiful love story and were absolutely perfect together—special kudos to the found family of it all.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback

Review: The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee

Catherine Bybee brings us back to the Stones with the second book in The Heirs series, The Forgotten One. This novel delivers a blend of family drama, unexpected wealth, and sizzling attraction.

At the heart of the story is Sarah McNeilly, a journalist known for uncovering truths rather than creating sensationalized stories.Given the task to find Maximillian Smith, prepared to do what needs to be done wasn’t prepared to find a man whose life was turned upside down overnight. 

Max, once just a regular guy, suddenly finds himself part of the billionaire Stone family, facing the kind of scrutiny he never imagined. And with Sarah in his course, the chemistry between them is undeniable.

The chemistry between Sara and Max was a slow burn romance that developed beautifully. Beyond the romance, the novel is packed with family mysteries, high-stakes revelations, and deep emotional moments as Max uncovers his past and what it truly means to belong. The transition of the familial relationship between Alex, Chase added another dimension to the story that gave it depth and authenticity. 

Once again another novel by Catherine Bybee that just is such a wonderful read. So far this has been a good series. I’m on the fence if I should say you can read as a standalone but there are some key facts that would make the transition easier into book two, so I would recommend starting with All Our Tomorrows. If you are a fan of romantic suspense, billionaire drama, and warm second chances you will enjoy this book. If you’ve been following the series, make sure you keep your eyes open for the third concluding book, No More Yesterdays. 

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback | Bookshop.org

Review: Taylor Swift is Life by Kathleen Perricone

“Written by Kathleen Perricone, this is truly an inside look at Taylor Swift. From her songs to her clothes to her history and even, some fun things just for fans, this book is honestly one of the coolest ones I’ve read this year.” ―Culturess

Celebrate your best Swiftie life with this gorgeously illustrated, all-encompassing fan book on everything there is to know and love about the modern icon that is Taylor Swift.

From her first vocal lessons at age nine, to learning the guitar at twelve, to becoming the most downloaded women on Spotify, and then breaking the internet with her Eras Tour, Taylor Swift has rocked the music scene and captured the hearts of fans across the globe. Gathering her incredible life story, music, and fan culture all in one place, Taylor Swift Is Life captures her epic achievements, brilliant lyrics, and her incredible ability to connect with her fans like no other musician before her.

This treasure trove of essential Swiftie knowledge includes:

· A full biography capturing her early inspiration and first performances through her through her sensational 2023-2024 Eras Tour

· A full discography of Taylor’s music, including the significance of each album personally and professionally, the meaning behind every Track 5, and all the hidden Easter eggs and symbolism behind the songs.

· Swiftology, or Taylor A to Z, covering significant words, imagery, and people in Taylor’s life that every Swiftie should know, from arm poetry to maple lattes, and polaroids to Zoë Kravitz

· Taylorscopes for every sign, to find out how your stars align with Swift’s music, and learn which Taylor song represents you

Both a tribute to our beloved Tay and a chic showpiece for any well-appointed bookshelf, Taylor Swift Is Life is a must-have title for every true Swiftie.

The Modern Icons series takes you on a journey through the lives and legacies of cultural icons who have shaped our world, from fashion to music to media. With original illustrations and meticulously crafted prose, this series captivates and enlightens, offering a glimpse into the personalities whose unparalleled charm and authenticity have left an indelible mark on popular culture.

Review

This book would be perfect for any Taylor Swift fan or anyone looking to get into her music. I appreciated that the author spent little time on rumors and presented the information. She had direct quotes from Taylor and others and even included album statistics. I wouldn’t consider this a full biography. Instead, I’d consider it an introduction to Taylor and her fandom.

One of my favorite things about this book was the sections dedicated to the albums. For each album, the author gave an overall breakdown, including sales, track lists, inspiration, and creative direction. The Tortured Poets Department is one of my favorite albums, and I enjoyed learning more about it.

Final Thought

Taylor Swift is Life might be small, but there is so much material packed into the pages. From the history of Taylor Swift to Easter eggs to album insight, there is so much here for any Swift fan to enjoy. Not to mention, the artwork is gorgeous, and it’s all very easy to read.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Bookshop.org

Review: High Hopes by Ki Stephens

About the Book

BIRDIE Collins has a plan: finish her junior year in Dayton U’s competitive 3D4M program and secure a coveted arts fellowship. But since a car accident left her battling anxiety and chronic pain, keeping it together has become an uphill climb. The very last thing she needs? A distraction—especially not from a loudmouthed, overly-charming soccer player.

LIAM Donovan is the carefree jokester everyone assumes he is. As a star right winger on Dayton’s D1 soccer team, he’s always ready with a sarcastic remark or teasing grin. But the nonstop banter? It’s a cover for the heavy weight of family expectations he struggles to bear. He doesn’t have time for a complicated artist who sees straight through his defenses.

When Birdie and Liam’s paths collide, what starts as a reluctant partnership quickly turns into something deeper. Late-night study sessions melt into midnight confessions, and they find themselves drawn into each other’s worlds in ways they never expected.

As the final stretch of soccer season heats up and Birdie’s fellowship deadline looms, they’ll have to decide if they’re willing to take a chance on each other. Because sometimes, leaning on someone else isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a leap of faith.

Review

I have read all but one of Ki Stephens’ books. I’ve learned what to expect from her; colossal disappointment is never it. All the books have a certain feel to them. It feels soft, intimate, and quiet—which can sometimes cause the books to hit a low point. The romance is always cute and fluffy—lovable main characters with a natural progression. They feel nice, safe, and soft. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Stephens is a great writer, and I’d like her to try something new and not-so-safe.

With all that being said, High Hopes is my favorite of hers. It’s a standard Ki Stephens contempt romance; however, Birdie and Liam felt elevated. Both have several layers and are trying the best they can. Birdie is a dedicated and passionate ceramist who wants peace and a break. Birdie’s dealing with PTSD and grief while trying to earn a spot at a fellowship as her finances deplete. She’s isolated herself, and her old friends have abandoned her because they didn’t understand what she was going through after her car crash. She truly has no one. Spoiler alert--  she and her roommate become closer, and their friendship is beautiful, adorable, and fun.

Liam is a pathological people-pleaser whose parents make him feel like he’s not enough and try to dictate his life. He wants to play professional soccer, though that isn’t what his parents want for him. In a way, both have hidden their true selves from the world. They are silently suffering, and only when they find each other does someone finally see them. They have a genuine, comfortable friendship that turns into a sweet, endearing romance. There are so many small and thoughtful moments between them that really helped elevate them as a couple. Stephens built an emotional connection with them that met my expectations.

Final Thoughts

High Hopes has the classic soft love romance that one can expect from a Ki Stephens book. This is an art that she has mastered. Birdie and Liam are wonderful characters who deserve a big hug.

Buy on Amazon

Review: Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson

In this chilling and thought-provoking thriller, Poe Webb, a true crime podcaster who thrives on evoking anonymous confessions, finds herself at the center of the kind of story she usually tells. When a stranger claims he is responsible for the death of her mother, Poe becomes unsettled not just by what he says but also because she knows he’s not telling the truth. With her own secrets, she knows because she killed the person who took her mother’s life.

From its chilling premise to its continuous tension, this novel blurs the line between justice and crime. Poe is faced with the moral dilemma of how to expose a lie when she knows the truth has its own consequences. As the pace of the book quickens with anticipation, the novel keeps you engaged as Poe unravels information that threatens to uncover a secret from her past.

As Poe’s past collides with her present, the story brings unexpected twists and reveals that keep the reader hooked until the end.

This book was extremely addicting. The pace of the book made you not want to put it down. It felt like every time something happened, you needed to know what was coming next and it wasn’t what you thought. The way this book was written keeps you completely zoned in with an unsettling grip, especially the interactions between Poe and Ian. 

The alternating from the beginning of the story unfolding and the podcast transcripts of Poe and Ian really set the book on edge for me. I honestly didn’t like Poe until that bomb drop of who her guest was then my perspective stuck in conflict. What’s interesting is the perspective dilemma of the protagonist from this moment on. Considering her perspective on the criminals who confessed to her and the disdain she had for their actions, were her actions in the same category as the people who confessed to her? Was her punishment justified? This sat in the back of my mind as it spun trying to justify rooting for her but in the end it was worth it. 

This was my first book read by this author and I’m beyond excited to read what he has coming in the future. This was written well, thought out and seamed together perfectly. If you are a fan of psychological thrillers, I recommend putting this on your reading list. 

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback | Bookshop.org

Review: Rookie Mistake by Maren Moore

About the Book

I won my brother’s rival in a Date the Player auction… and had the best night of my life.

Davis Guidry is Orleans University’s starting rookie pitcher.

He’s handsome, charming, and an all-around flirt.

After spending a hot, spontaneous night together, we can’t seem to keep our hands off each other.

But our no-strings fun comes crashing down when my overbearing brother, who happens to be Davis’s biggest rival, catches us in action.

Even that seems to only make the fire burn hotter when we’re together.

And suddenly, our secret fling starts to feel like something more than either of us bid on.

Are these casual hookups between us just a fun way to pass my freshman year…

Or have we made the ultimate rookie mistake and caught feelings?

Review

I went in with low expectations for Rookie Mistake. I’ve tried in the past to read books by Maren Moore, and I have rarely succeeded. I’m not a fan of her writing style and was willing to overlook it to at least be entertained and have fun with this one.

I could be overthinking this novella; however, I wasn’t entertained. There’s really no plot at all, and the character felt surface-level to me. They could be exchanged with any other characters in a hockey book and the story wouldn’t change. It was also pretty cringe when Davis proclaimed that Zara wasn’t like any other girl.

Final Thoughts

Rookie Mistake has no real substance. It feels like every other book with this same plot just condensed.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Paperback