Review: The One Night by Meghan Quinn

About the Book

From USA Today bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a romantic comedy novella about the magic and misadventures of a one-night stand.

Recently divorced Cooper Chance knows he’s officially in a rut when his parents take him barhopping in the hope of resuscitating his love life. At first, he’s skeptical. How could a gritty dive bar possibly solve his problems? But then he runs into Nora McHale.

Nora isn’t at the bar looking for love. She’s there to unwind after yet another exhausting day at her bakery. And even if she were hoping to meet someone, it sure wouldn’t be Cooper—her best friend’s ex-husband.

According to the unwritten rules of romance, Cooper and Nora are completely off limits to each other. But after a fun, flirty night at the bar, they can’t ignore the wild attraction between them.

Is this the beginning of something real, or will their passionate night together be their one and only?

Review

I really enjoyed  The One Night.  It was fun and charming, and a perfect setup for the larger story centered on Cooper’s entire family. One of my favorite parts was Cooper’s relationship with his parents. It was very endearing. Their determination to set him up was adorable and heartwarming. It added such warmth to the novella.

I was initially worried that the conflict surrounding Nora's friendship with Cooper’s ex-wife would be resolved too quickly. Before reading, I hadn’t known that this would be part of a larger story. In the end, I am happy it turned out that way. Meghan Quinn laid out strong groundwork for Cooper and Nora, and this one. I am invested in their journey and optimistic that the second installment will delve deeper into the tension and emotional complexity of Nora's friendship with Cooper’s ex-wife.

Final Thoughts

The One Night was an engaging tease for a larger novel. It succeeded in making me excited for what comes next.   

Review: Pity Prank by Whitney Dineen

About the Book

A quirky photographer. A handsome doctor. And one hilariously wrong photo shoot.

Dating has never exactly come easy for me.

I like soft things, quiet spaces, and routines that make sense. I do not like sand, aluminum foil, or people who snap their gum in public.

So when Dr. Thomas Culpepper, a ridiculously handsome doctor from New York, moves to my tiny Wisconsin town, romance is the last thing on my mind.

Then he walks into my studio for a simple professional headshot…

And somehow leaves with pirate portraits instead.

It should have been a one-time embarrassment.
Instead, it becomes the start of something neither of us expected.

Because the more time I spend with Thomas, the harder he is to ignore.

He’s patient when I need steadiness.
Kind when my world feels too loud.
And far too easy to trust.

Which would be a lot less terrifying…
if I wasn’t already starting to fall for him.

Pity Prank is a feel-good small-town romantic comedy featuring a quirky heroine, a swoony doctor, awkward chemistry, a touch of fake dating, and all the fuzzy sweaters, charm, and heart of a happily ever after.

Review

Pity Prank is a charming small town romance filled with humor, heartfelt moments and characters that are relatably real.

Out of all the books in the Pity Series, this one was different, special. What really made this story shine was not only the chemistry between Thomas and Finley but also bringing awareness to a subject that put it in a very respectable and charming light. What makes this stand out is how thoughtfully Finley is written. When the subject of autism is brought out, it tends to be characterized with a broad brush with a limited spectrum of levels and functionality. What I love about Finley is that as we experience the nuances of what some might think as flaws, the beauty and person of Finley, deserving of love rather than the focus of her disability is what stands out. We get to experience this wonderful person rather than her disability.

What I love about this story is how this beautiful, talented woman just radiates joy. She is lovable, kind, relatable and impossible not to root for. Her love of routines, quiet comfort and sensory preferences adds authenticity to her character. Thomas’s patience and kindness makes him the perfect match for her as their adorable love story unfolds. Their laugh out loud moments and chemistry develops organically built on understanding, trust and feeling safe puts you into an insight of curiosity and captivity.

Beyond the cozy small town vibe that Elk Lake gives, the entire setting puts you in a fuzzy place with all the feel good cozy charm. Sprinkled with that fake dating trope, awkward moments and their blossoming sweet romance, this charming, emotional journey about vulnerability, connection and learning to trust yourself and others will make you smile. If you love sweet romcoms with heart, humor and lovable characters, you should not only check this one out but the series because you won’t be disappointed. Look out for the last book in the series coming this fall. Pity Ploy.

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Review: King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories by Eleanor Lerman

About the Book

For readers who loved The Art of Racing in the Rain, a literary short story collection set in contemporary New York that surrounds a group of aging, lonely people who experience the unexpected healing power of pets.

Lost souls come in all forms—some walk on two legs, others on four.

Navigating loneliness and loss is a natural part of growing older, but it’s never easy. In King the Wonder Dog, this journey becomes more bearable for a group of men and women when their interactions with the dogs and cats that share their lives help them discover a deeper understanding of themselves.

A woman whose dog is stolen from her meets a surprising ally who helps get him back. An artist who survives a drive-by shooting is brought a mysterious trinket by the cat he saved from a lonely life. A man in a troubled marriage begins drawing a graphic novel starring his dog as his fierce protector, and it consoles him.

A poignant collection filled with warmth, heart, and quiet moments of reflection, King the Wonder Dog explores the nuances of companionship, the beauty of second chances, and the ways we rescue each other when we least expect it. For anyone who has ever found comfort in the presence of a loyal pet, these stories are a reminder that love—no matter where it comes from—has the power to change everything.

Review

King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories is a beautifully written collection that captures the quiet ache of loneliness and the unexpected ways healing can find us. These stories explore the emotional bond between people and their pets with warmth and compassion.

The collection introduces aging men and women struggling with grief, isolation, regret, and fractured relationships. We are shown how a transformative role animals play in their lives. The dogs and cats in these stories are not just companions, they are protectors, confidants and sometimes even lifelines.

There’s a beauty in the depth of these stories that despite the emotional weight of their individual experiences, we aren’t burdened by the heaviness of them, rather we are moved by their experience. There’s an authenticity that is deeply humane in how she writes. The buildup of the small details and quiet revelations that explores what it means to search for connection in a world that can feel lonely is tender with emotional clarity.

With the understanding of connection, in these stories lies the unexpected. These stories remind us that love and comfort often arrive in unexpected forms, and that sometimes the beings who save us most completely are the ones who ask for nothing more than our presence in return.

Thought-provoking, heartfelt, and full of compassion, King the Wonder Dog and Other Stories is a touching tribute of companionship, resilience, and second chances. Animal lovers and readers of literary fiction will appreciate this one.

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Review: Mirabelle by Ki Stephens

About the Book

Saving the orchard was always the plan. Falling for her fake husband was not.

When Isla Winslow takes over her family’s failing plum orchard, Mirabelle, she’s sure of only one thing: she’ll save it alone or lose it on her own terms. But grants come with strings, debt collectors don’t care about sentiment, and the land that raised her is running out of time.

To keep Mirabelle out of a developer’s hands, Isla agrees to the most ridiculous solution she can think of: a practical marriage to the man who’s been arguing with her since the day he moved to Blue Willow.

Jack Rhodes only meant to stay in town for a job. Years later, he has a renovation business, a life he loves, and one rule he keeps breaking: he can’t stop showing up when Isla calls. Their marriage of convenience is supposed to be a temporary fix, nothing more than signatures and shared bills.

But as spring settles over the orchard and the fight for Mirabelle turns into a fight for their future, Isla and Jack have to decide what they’re really willing to risk for the land that holds their history and the love that might finally feel like home.

Review

Once again, Ki Stephens has completely blown me away. Like the previous installment, Mirabelle, felt comforting, magical, and full of heart. Very quickly, I fell in love with Isla, Jack, and their love story. They mean the world to me. Through actions and words, Isla has done everything she could to protect Mirabelle. When Jack offers to marry her so she can obtain a grant, she is hesitant. She wasn’t someone who easily let someone in or asked for help. That emotional guardedness added so much depth to her character.

Jack was incredible. He wasn’t originally from Blue Willow; however, since arriving, he has planted roots. For years, he has been crushing on Isla and has been willing to drop everything to help her out. They had a beautiful understanding of each other through their many years of friendship. Them falling in love wasn’t instant; it was a beautiful journey of two people who complemented each other well.

I really must applaud Ki Stephens for the magic she has woven into this series. Even when the magical elements are subtle, they can still be felt throughout the town, the atmosphere, and the characters themselves. The entire series feels whimsical and enchanting in a way that’s hard to explain but easy to fall in love with.

My only criticism is that the conflict involving Roland Stein felt wrapped up a little too quickly. I wanted to spend more time as they worked through a resolution, rather than have Beau solve it. Still, it didn’t take away from how much I adored the story overall. Though I will say, I am interested to see if Beau will be getting a book. I’m very intrigued by him.

I’m incredibly invested in this series now and cannot wait to continue it. I’m excited to see where the story goes next and how the magic within this world continues to expand.

Final Thoughts

Mirabelle was a wonderful read. It was warm, whimsical, magical, and full of so much heart. I’m already impatient for the next installment in this enchanting series. Thank you to Love Notes PR and Ki Stephens for providing this arc! Mirabelle will be released on May 15, 2026.

Review: Everybody’s Favorite Guy by Katherina Center

About the Book

He’s the last man she ever wanted to see again—or get snowed in with. It’s going to be a rocky reunion in this bittersweet romantic comedy by a New York Times bestselling author.

For Lily, falling in love with her childhood friend Walker was the easiest thing to do back in high school. His sudden rejection was unforgettably crushing. Seven years later, their families have conspired to bring them back together at a cabin in the Rockies when a sudden snowstorm traps them overnight with no power. Thanks to a cozy fire, a prowling bear, and a little forced time in an open-air gondola, they confront their unresolved feelings—and a past more complicated than Lily knows.

Review

I did not enjoy Everybody’s Favorite Guy. Truthfully, I was confused why Walker would even be considered anyone’s favorite person. He had a nasty spirit. He explained his reasoning; however, what he said to Lily was very icky and off-putting. He didn’t grovel for her forgiveness and certainly didn’t want to earn it. And Lily accepted Walker’s apology too quickly. As a result, the relationship between Lily and Walker lacked depth. Their connection didn’t feel as strong or believable as it needed to. I question if they actually wanted to be together or if they were convinced they liked each other because of how badly their moms wanted them together. Additionally, I feel like the majority of this book was characters sitting around and having conversations. Nothing interesting happened.

Final Thoughts

Everybody’s Favorite Guy missed the mark for me. This was not a relationship that I rooted for. It lacked depth and genuine connection. As for the overall story, it felt flat and unengaging.

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Review: The Close-Up by Kennedy Ryan

About the Book

Set in the dynamic worlds of professional basketball and entertainment, two of Kennedy Ryan's most critically-acclaimed series-Hollywood Renaissance and HOOPs-collide in this tale of forbidden romance.

I met Nazareth Armstrong when I was eighteen years old. From the beginning, my brother warned me to stay away from him. Told Naz to stay away from me.

Our hearts didn't listen.

I shared one magical night under the stars with my brother's rival, thinking it was the start of a once-in-a-lifetime something.

But one awful moment ended it all.

Years later when we meet again, we've both pursued our dreams, lived a little, found success...but never found love. What began as a tiny flame when we were young now threatens to consume us. I'm more drawn to Naz than ever, but his complicated history with my brother makes whatever this could be...nearly impossible.

But Naz accepts impossible as a dare.

Through his clever maneuvering and dogged determination, I find myself on a yacht with him and his friends cruising through the Mediterranean. It's a whirlwind set ablaze. Away from reality, surrendering to the tender heat of his touch, I forget that everything could burn.

Review

The Close-Up is a beautiful and emotional second-chance romance. Takira’s always wanted this great, epic love story. When she meets Naz when she is a teenager, everything clicks, and they have an amazing night together. Their connection felt effortless and intense, but before they got a chance to fully explore it, everything blew up, and they were ripped apart for twelve years. Even after that time, their bond remained undeniable.

Everything was nicely constructed in this novella. Nothing felt rushed. The pacing allowed for their history and lingering feelings to unfold naturally. I completely believed in Naz and Takira’s romance.

Naz had dreams of taking care of his mother and believed that a professional athletic career was the best path. As a teenager, he lived in the shadow of Cliff— Takira’s brother, who was so talented that Naz rarely had the opportunity to play. However, after Cliff poorly acted during a game, Naz was given the chance and played like his family’s life depended on it because it did. Meanwhile, Cliff mourned his almost professional career with drugs and alcohol.

Takira’s conflict was especially interesting because she wanted to remain loyal to her older brother and protect his sobriety, yet Naz still had an undeniable pull on her heart. That tension gave the story extra emotional weight.

Final Thoughts

The Close-Up was a beautifully written and emotional second-chance romance with strong chemistry and believable depth. The novella features a heartfelt tension, smooth pacing, and a moving love story.

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