Review: Fun City Heist by Michael Kardos

Fun City Heist by Micahel Kardos is one of the books that you have to sit back and enjoy the ride. Set against the backdrop of the Jersey Shore, this book is filled with unpredictable twists and turns, with characters that you want to side eye but simultaneously root for. Despite the heist being the heart of the story, it’s less about that and more about the loyalty, identity and ways people try to reinvent themselves.

Mo Melnick, a former drummer who once had it all, is renting beach umbrellas on the Jersey Shore at Fun City amusement park. When his ex band mate Johnny Clay shows up with news of his imminent death, he has one request to reunite all the guys for his last dying wish. After how things ended, Mo expects things to be awkward with unresolved grudges. What he didn’t expect is the real reason Johnny wants them back together. A plan to rob the very amusement park where everything took off for them. 

From that moment on, the book takes you on a ride that is messy but charming. This group of middle aged men that were former rockers attempt to pull this off is funny but has some good takeaways underneath. The story parallels Mo’s own journey where he has longed for redemption and a relationship with the daughter that he didn’t get a chance to thoroughly know. 

As someone who grew up along the Jersey shore, I appreciate and envision the setting coming to life with characters that bring their own individual charm to the mix. Humor blended with tension, you can’t help but feel sucked into their drama but enjoy a little detour into their chaotic decision. Underneath the surface is a story that explores friendship, found family, and second chances.

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Review: Princess by Shon

About the Book

Princess Monroe.
Cruel. Conniving. Cold.
Some would even call me a sadist.
But one thing they could never call me was a liar.
I was a woman of my word, even if that meant keeping promises that blurred lines that weren't supposed to be crossed.
I was used to getting what I wanted and moving on. Until him

Review

Princess was short. Too short, in fact. I wasn’t aware that it would end on a cliffhanger and require the next book to be read. Unfortunately, this one doesn’t make me want to read the second one. The romance didn’t pull me in, and I felt like something was missing. It felt like the least interesting part of the book. The book begins with a bang and introduces Princess, who feels like an unapologetically intriguing character. I couldn’t figure out if she was an assassin for hire or something entirely? That isn’t answered in this book. And the story never picks up that excitement for the rest of the story. Princess’ role is clearly defined, with Dom becoming an unforgettable character.

Final Thoughts

Princess was far too short and ended on an unexpected cliffhanger, but it didn’t do enough to make me want to read the next book, especially since the romance felt underdeveloped and uninteresting.

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Review: Tis the Season for a Cowboy by Ava Hunter

About the Author

Everyone says wear the hat, ride the cowboy, but no one ever says anything about divorcing him.

When I return to my favorite little cabin in Silverwood, Montana, for Christmas, I refuse to let anything ruin my five days of solitude or my plan to get my life back on track.

What I didn’t plan for was finding myself shacked up and snowed in with a grumpy cowboy.

But that’s exactly what happens when I run into my ex-husband, Hank Blue.

I’ve been dead set on forgetting the man whose heart I broke three years ago. Being stuck together means we’re forced to face the past and what tore our marriage apart in the first place. Even worse, I’m forced to remember everything about the man I loved. That rugged, handsome cowboy with a heart of gold. Those sweet kisses under the mistletoe. The yearning look in his sapphire eyes every time we touch. Soon, the only thing hotter than the fire in the hearth of our old cabin is the heat between us.

I’m falling for my ex-husband. Again.

And as Christmas approaches and my time in Silverwood ends, it’s clear that Hank still wants forever.

But I’m not sure if all the old feelings we stirred up can make up for the heartbreak of our past.

Is he just a cowboy I used to know?

Or is this a second chance wrapped up in a shiny red bow?

Review

The success of a second-chance novella depends on authors being able to convince readers that these two characters should get back together. Admittedly, I think that Ava Hunter does a decent job and builds a strong, believable emotional foundation rooted in shared history, grief, and lingering affection. The chemistry between Bellamy and Hank feels authentic, and several moments throughout the novella highlight why they should be together despite being apart for 3 years.

The story centers on Bellamy and Hank. Two characters who were once married and inseparable; however, grief changed the course of their relationship, leading them to divorce. Three years after their divorce, Bellamy decides to spend Christmas at the cabin after her painting career has stalled. She believes that returning to the Christmas tree farm will give her motivation to finish something. Bellamy assumes she will be left alone; however, upon arrival, she is face-to-face with her ex-husband. Hank never left the farm, nor has he ever stopped loving her. He’s been emotionally stuck, and now that she is back, he isn’t willing to let her go. Their reunion is inevitable despite both having their guards up and fearing getting their hearts broken again. Although I wasn’t particularly attached to the characters, I appreciated that they found their way back together.

That being said, the novella’s biggest weakness lies in the treatment of Bellamy. There seemed to be an imbalance. It seemed like Bellamy was the one who made the biggest sacrifices. She moved from the city to be with him. Lost her dog when they separated. The farm. Additionally, she again had to make another sacrifice to save the farm. It would have strengthened the story to see Hank risk more or truly give something up to earn their second chance.

Final Thoughts

'Tis the Season for a Cowboy succeeds in delivering a warm, emotionally grounded second-chance romance. While the treatment of Bellamy felt frustrating, it is a satisfying journey to see Bellamy and Hank back together.

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Review: No Place Like You by Jillian Meadows

About the Book

Childhood friends turned high school rivals fall into a small-town fake dating scheme in this sweet, spicy, and utterly irresistible romance from the author of Give Me Butterflies.

Fable Oaks never planned to return to Fern River. But after a string of failures, here she is, living in her parents’ backyard, watching her beloved late grandfather’s A-frame crumble around her. She can't seem to find her direction, and to make matters worse, Theo Nikolaou, her ex-best friend, has also resurfaced, distracting dimples and charming grin in tow.

Theo knew it was only a matter of time before he came back. The demons of his past once drove him to leave, but Fern River always seemed meant to be. So, when Theo’s boss, Arthur, announces he is selling his veterinary practice, it feels like the perfect opportunity. He just needs to show Arthur he’s sticking around for good. And when Fable—Fable, with her smart mouth and sexy curls—quite literally falls into Theo's lap, an idea forms.

If they can convince the town that they're madly in love, it could solve all their problems. Theo can prove to Arthur he's settling down, and Fable can get some much-needed help fixing up the A-frame, a task she is determined to see through.

The only problem is, the more time they spend together, the blurrier the line gets between fake dating and falling hard.

She’s lost her way. He’s finding his path. Together, they might discover there's no place like home.

Review

No Place Like You had an unfortunate slow start, and I had some issues with the reason for Fable and Theo’s friendship ending. Specifically, the event being broadcast nationally and commented on by television news reporters felt a bit much. The one thing that did work was Theo’s part in the incident. More on that later. I’m grateful that I stuck with the book. About midway, the story settled into a strong, engaging pace as Fable and Niko’s relationship deepened.

I especially loved the personal arcs for both characters. Fable's struggles with being the best at everything, and then, once she graduated, not being able to find her footing, felt painfully realistic. As did her losing her grandpa, with whom she was deeply connected. She had to learn to live without, and in turn, she found her passion. The quiet emotional weight was well portrayed through her character. As it is with Theo.

He was haunted by his father’s actions and believed that he didn’t deserve happiness. It was absolutely heartbreaking. His fear of becoming like his father—despite being the complete opposite— and the prominent anger in his youth added depth and vulnerability to his character. Additionally, watching Fable and Niko find their way back to each other in such a beautiful, emotional way made the journey worth it.

I also appreciated that both Fable and Niko had supportive families, and I loved seeing their relationships with their siblings woven into the story. It is worth noting that the minor plot of their families secretly pushing them together and having their own group chat felt too corny to me.

Final Thoughts

Despite the slow beginning, No Place Like You ultimately found its footing and delivered an emotionally rewarding story. The book's strength lies in its deeply personal character arc. While some elements could be too corny, the emotional payoff and characters’ journeys made the book worth it. Thank you to Netgalley for providing this arc! No Place Like You will be released on March 10, 2026 

Review: Something Wicked by Falon Ballard

About the Book

To save a world in turmoil, a would-be prince teams up with a magically gifted courtesan—but the most dangerous game may be trusting each other in this spicy, swoony fantasy romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Change of Heart.

"Intricate, sensual, and filled with all the best elements romantasy has to offer." —India Holton, author of The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love

The Uprising has overthrown Avon's monarchial rulers, and a decree has been issued. Candidates for the first presidential election will be selected by the completion of a special task: to kill the former monarch of their home province.

Callum, the son of the recently dethroned king, is determined to be in the running. But coming to terms with patricide will require the help of Lady Caterine, a Gifted courtesan at La Puissance, Avon’s premiere sex club.

Lady Caterine has always had the magical ability to manipulate the emotions of anyone who experiences an orgasm in her presence. If Callum can only open up to Cate, he will be able to commit the newly fated murder without suffering the guilt and take his place as the rightful candidate from his province. But Callum has a deep-seated mistrust of the Gifted. And the last thing he expects is to be confronted with an undeniable connection with Cate that neither of them understands or wants.

With the fate of the country at stake, Callum and Cate search for ways to bare themselves to each other, and discover a darker force building within La Puissance, one that might ruin the future of Avon forever. To stop Avon from falling to ashes, they must sacrifice everything they have . . . even if it requires betraying each other.

Review

Something Wicked has an undeniably beautiful cover; however, that is one of the few things it has going for it. All characters, main and background alike, lacked depth and personality. It was hard to actually feel invested in their journeys. Additionally, the romance between Cate and Callum felt underdeveloped and rushed. I felt nothing. There was no genuine emotional development, only attraction. The mate bond they share felt more like a shortcut than a meaningful element of the story. There were a few swoony, worthy, and memorable moments between them. Although the potential was there as the inspiration. Something Wicked is marketed as a Moulin Rouge! inspired romance, but the mark was unfortunately missed.

Callum’s prejudice against the gifted was another missed opportunity. His bias toward Cate was resolved far too quickly, especially considering how little meaningful interaction they shared beforehand. The shift felt unearned and glossed over too quickly. It would have been interesting to see Callum struggle internally as his feelings for Cate grew and question what he had originally believed. The narrative also didn’t allow for Callum to properly grieve after the loss of an important figure in his life. He appeared to grieve briefly and was seemingly fine by the next chapter.

The story lacked cohesion and little worldbuilding. Diary entries and letters were an interesting concept; however, they revealed major background and plot details far too early. This robbed the main narrative of suspense and diminished the impact of later twists.

Final Thoughts

Despite its striking cover, Something Wicked did not provide the depth, romance, or immersive storytelling I was hoping for. Instead, it offered a large cast of unforgettable characters, failed to deliver a fully realized world or an emotionally resonant story.

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Review: Edge by Tracy Clark

Edge, the fourth installment in the Harriet Foster series, doesn’t ease you into the story. It throws you right into the action of a mysterious new drug that is leaving bodies behind with no explanation, few leads and time running out. Non discriminant with its victims with the only thing tying them together, its name, Harriet Foster and her team find themselves at the heart of a case that hits too close to home. 

Not only chasing a drug that seems to be a silent killer, but Detective Harriet Foster is also battling the fallout from her last case and the quiet doubts surrounding her career. When the investigation turns personal and hits close to home, the stakes get higher, and the story goes from your typical investigation to something more intimate and unsettling.

The book balances the external race against time with Harri’s internal reckoning. Her determination is fueled not just by duty but by empathy. The case is constant but so is her fear of failing again, not being able to come back from the edge herself. That dual tension progresses the book temperature with a sense of urgency. The toll of this case leaves you asking the question whether Harri can survive it.

This is a crime thriller that is emotionally charged and equally elevates the characters and plot. The danger is real, and we feel it on every page. As the threat gets closer to someone and the tension tightens, it becomes unbearable which makes this not one you want to put down. It examines the cost of addiction, the domino effect of crime and the emotional toll carried by those who try to stop it. If you are a fan of high-stake investigations and stories that blur the line between professional obligation and personal cost, this is one worth diving into. Not just this book but back read the previous to enjoy a wonderful series with an exceptional female protagonist. 

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