Review: Bar Down Baby! by Kath Richards

About the Book

For janitor Hannah Harvey, cleaning up messes is the family business. Literally. When she finds herself pregnant from a one night stand with a stranger, she decides that a baby is one mess she’ll take on alone.

Out of her depth, but determined, Hannah decides to save herself the drama of ever telling the father. This seemed easy enough when he was only Barry Wright, hockey all-star living across the country, but becomes impossible when he gets traded to her city and trains in the very facility she cleans.

After crossing paths with a very pregnant Hannah, Barry is eager to help. But how do you help someone hellbent on proving they can take care of everything alone?

Desperate to keep him at arm’s length—but failing more with each of his attempts to care for her—Hannah will have to decide if love is worth the mess.

Review

Bar Down Baby! was my first book by Kath Richards, and we are starting on a high note. I really loved it. It was funny, heartfelt, and incredibly comforting. One of my favorite things about this book was Hannah’s relationship with her oldest sister, Kate. Hannah’s overall family dynamic was top-tier; however, I found her and Kate’s relationship to be absolutely fantastic. I enjoyed every one of their scenes. I would be first in line for a book about Kate.

Hannah was stubborn and determined to prove that she could be independent. That was never frustrating. Her fears felt genuine, and Richards did a wonderful job of developing her character. I loved watching her gradually open up and lean on others without feeling guilty.  

I will admit that Barry occasionally toed the line of being a little too perfect. I would have loved to see more flaws or challenges from his perspective. Especially since readers are told that he has a history with OCD. Having his POV might have added another layer to his character and allowed us to see how he navigated those struggles. Additionally, the story felt more hockey-adjacent rather than hockey-centered. His friendship with the other hockey players didn’t feel fleshed out, and there were times when I almost forgot that he was a professional hockey player. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I loved Barry and how supportive and adorably obsessed he was with Hannah.

Final Thoughts

Bar Down Baby! was a great introduction to Kath Richards for me. Although there were some things that didn’t quite work for me, there are still so many strengths within this story. It’s filled with heart, family, and personal growth. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future. Thank you to Kath Richards for providing this arc! Bar Down Baby! will be released on June 18, 2026.

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Review: Your Next Life Is Now by Namrata Patel

About the Book

A mother and daughter—their lives in turnaround—navigate their next move on a road trip in a captivating novel about choices and self-discovery by the author of The Candid Life of Meena Dave.

Life is built on single decisions. Choose wisely.

It’s one of life coach Nikki Parekh’s mottos. That and being open to opportunities and taking leaps without fear. But when Nikki accepts her boyfriend’s casual proposal of marriage, she wonders if it’s just too soon, too spontaneous—and so sudden that she seeks out the advice of her not-so-nurturing mother, Tara.

To Nikki’s surprise, Tara, who raised her daughter to be self-sufficient, urges Nikki to trust her decision. Maybe that’s because Tara has made a headstrong decision of her own. After nearly forty years of marriage, she’s divorcing Nikki’s father. She’s already packing up an RV to search for her first love, who still looms large in Tara’s memories. So what’s a daughter to do with a runaway mother? Join her.

Their romantic lives in flux, Nikki and Tara hit the road. Mile by mile, they’re reliving past mistakes, learning more about each other, and rebuilding faith in themselves and in the choices they’ve made—wherever it all may lead.

Review

In Your Next Life is Now, Namrata Patel pens a heartfelt and emotionally layered story about second chances, complicated family dynamics and the courage it takes to choose yourself in the face of uncertainty. If you’ve ever felt stuck between the life you’re living and the life you know you’re meant for, this is the kind of inspiring book that feels like a conversation with someone who has gone through a metamorphosis that gave her the courage to start over. 

During a mother-daughter road trip, this novel explores how the smallest decision can affect the path of one’s life. Nikki and Tara bring complexity but are authentically relatable. Nikki is a life coach who suddenly finds herself questioning her own advice. Tara in a bold move decides to leave behind three decades of marriage in a search for herself and a lost love. As their story unravels until their journey, there’s a vulnerability that clarifies the misunderstanding and emotional distance allowing them to rediscover themselves and each other individually. Mirroring their road journey, their internal journey of self discovery and healing, they learn a great lesson of how life isn’t predictable or follows a perfect path.

What I love most about this book as well as her other books is the beauty in her writing. Not just the words but the warm and insightful authenticity of her characters and their cultural relevance. At the heart of this novel, capturing love in all forms, romantic, self and the impenetrable bond between mother and daughters in spite of their obstacles. There’s a lot of wisdom and insight that we can apply to our own lives. The honest message about stepping into your next life, whether you are navigating a life transition, searching for a purpose or personal growth, these characters motivate us to be brave, take a step forward and stop waiting for someday and start creating the life your heart wants now. 

Many women can see themselves in Tara. Bound by the unspoken rule of accepting her cultural obligations, she accepted her role but quietly suffered not being the person her heart destined her to be. Accepting her role as wife and mother, silently relinquishing her identity of who she aspired to be behind the shadows of her cultural expectations. Suffocating by the what if but boldly making the decision to reclaim and step into the unknown is empowering and relatable for all those women who silently sacrificed themselves. The parallel between her and her daughter Nikki, that trip not only freed themselves from the internal binds that shackled them but gave them the courage to be independently free. 

If you love contemporary fiction that is emotional, filled with family drama, personal growth and meaningful relationships, then this one will inspire and leave a reflective imprint.

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Review: Contractually Mine by Jennifer Chipman

About the Book

From bestselling author Jennifer Chipman comes a spicy new spinoff of the Best Friends Book Club series, about a boss and assistant who agree to a contractual marriage–all while trying to resist the pull they feel for each other.

It was only supposed to be a contract marriage with my boss…

Zofia Narayan

Being an executive assistant was never a part of my plan–not until Nicolas Larsen practically begged me to be his, insisting I was perfect for the job. Working closely together meant seeing a side of him I’d never seen before, and it was hard to ignore the spark between us. After a year of denying ourselves, we spent one incredible night together, agreeing that nothing would change between us. Except two months later, we’re signing a fake marriage contract. Suddenly, the man who had been my boss for the last year was now my husband. I know I shouldn’t get attached, even though the tender way Nicolas holds me and cares for me doesn’t feel like it’s just for show at all.

Until I’m staring down at two pink lines, and our contract marriage suddenly feels a lot less fake.

Nicolas Larsen

Taking over as the CEO for my father’s company was everything I’d ever worked for. Yet, when the board voiced their concerns that I wasn’t settled and stable enough for the role, I proposed what might have been the craziest scheme of all: asking Zofia to be my wife. I needed her more than I could ever admit: as my assistant, my friend, and my everything. It would all be for show, but I couldn’t help wanting her to wear my ring, to call her mine, even if she never truly would be. I’d take whatever I could get when it came to her, because I wanted more than just one night with Zofia. I wanted forever. I just needed to prove to her that this could work—that we were meant to be together for real.

Review

Unfortunately, Contractually Mine did work for me. The romance lacked chemistry and meaningful relationship development. It was truly hard to invest in Nicholas and Zofia as a couple. I just didn’t see it. From the start, I was already put off by Nicholas asking Zofia to be his assistant. I never fully understood that decision, especially given that she was the head of the HR department. The book didn’t do a great job of selling why being his assistant would be such an upgrade. By the time they got married, they already felt like an established couple; however, it lacked emotional buildup to make their connection feel earned.

Both Nicholas and Zofia felt underdeveloped, though Zofia’s character suffered the most. Her character often felt like a stand-in whose main role was agreeing with whatever Nicholas wanted. She lacked agency, personal direction, and a strong sense of individuality outside the relationship. I also didn’t love how her career storyline turned out because it never felt fully explored or thoughtfully developed. Nicholas, meanwhile, came across as childish and immature more often than charming.

Final Thoughts

Contractually Mine was not the book for me. The story moved way too quickly and relied heavily on tropes without any emotional depth or substance. There were no real stakes or conflicts to keep me invested. When I finished, I felt disappointed and disconnected from the characters and the romance.

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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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