Review: The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer

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Neil endures his soul-crushing corporate job, placates his demanding family, and suffer through a relationship with a girlfriend who constantly gaslights him. His only sanctuary is his daily coffee break with his coworker, Sonya. Sonya is fierce, blunt, and beautiful—everything Neil secretly wants.

When a scheduling disaster at a San Diego conference leaves Neil homeless, Sonya offers to share her upgraded suite. Suddenly, the safe distance of the office is gone, replaced by late-night balcony confessions and the undeniable electricity of shared space. But the conference brings ghosts: Neil’s toxic girlfriend is blowing up his phone, and Sonya’s abusive ex-boyfriend has arrived, determined to lure her back with a lucrative job offer. To protect the woman he loves, Neil has to stop playing it safe. He’ll have to face down her past, sever ties with his own, and finally admit that he doesn't just want to be her best friend—he wants to be her forever.

The Overbooked Suite is a steamy, dual-POV, forced-proximity romance for anyone who's ever fallen for the person who was quietly, patiently there all along — perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez. 

REVIEW 

  The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

BOOK:The Overbooked Suite by Michael Wolsiefer (Format, ebook)

A Slow-Burn Romance Driven by Drama and Indecision

Title: The Overbooked Suite
Author: Michael Wolsiefer
Status: Read
Rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐
Spice level:🌶️

QUICK IMPRESSION

​Michael Wolsiefer’s debut novel, The Overbooked Suite, is a classic dual-POV, forced-proximity romance with workplace drama, toxic exes, and slow-burn angst.
The setup is full of potential: Neil and Sonya go from daily coffee-break co-workers to sharing a suite at a San Diego conference, forcing their long-harbored feelings into the open.

QUOTES TO KEEP

• “You two will grow with each other, but it takes time to grow something. A tree isn’t strong in weeks, it takes years, it needs roots, nourishment, care. You will get there. You need to let someone nourish you for a change. Moving or not moving, same job or new job, it doesn’t matter as long as you have someone who loves you and supports you through it all."

FINAL THOUGHTS

​While the premise sets up an ideal environment for instant sparks, much of the narrative focuses on the agonizingly slow burn between the two leads. In fact, roughly 80% of the book is spent watching Neil and Sonya dither around their true feelings.

Sonya seems to be the more focused presence. She has been there for Neil listening to him and his issues with Tessa (an influencer, totally self absorbed... I couldn't understand why he hadn't got out the relationship months ago). Sonya has morals so she has been giving Neil the space he needs to make his own decision, she doesn't want to push him.

For me Neil was a frustrating male lead, he is plagued with self-doubt, his upbringing makes him prioritize family obligations, and guilt over leaving a bad relationship before his own happiness. This for me was very frustrating and I was literally wanting to slap him around the head a number of times.

I am used to reading books where the male protagonist is bold, self assured, Neil’s constant overthinking and passive behavior was my biggest issue with this character. He struggles to step up, make the right choices, or own his feelings without spiraling into panic, leaving you practically yelling at the pages for him to finally "man up" and take action.

When breakthrough moments finally happen, the sudden leap into intense commitment feels jarring after so much hesitation, only for his signature cold feet to return almost immediately the next morning.

​That said, l did have one character that I loved. Sonya’s mother has a brief but standout presence, offering genuinely wise advice (see quote)

The subplot with the other conference attendees, one being Sonya’s ex Brian keeps the plot moving forward even when the romantic progression hits a lull.

Verdict: For me both characters were too indecisive, I spent most of the book muttering at them, there wasn't much comedy but if you enjoy heavy angst, emotional hesitation, it might be more your style.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO

I live in Indiana with my wife and five children. I am very passionate about writing, art, and creativity. I love telling stories about social barriers and how characters overcome them. This is the first of several ideas that am crafting into larger stories and series. 

When I'm not writing or working a full-time job, I'm playing board games with my family, working outside with my garden and koi pond, or finding the next location to travel to. I'm a big advocate for those with Celiac Disease ( I have it myself). I'm a huge ally for those suffering from mental health issues and write opinion pieces online about my journey. 

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Hades' Revenge by Ella Jade Review & Release Day Blitz

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When a vicious assassin is banished from the life he’s known, he starts over only to be tempted by the goddaughter he hasn’t seen in almost twenty years.

Hades

Vindictive, malicious, some would even say sadistic…

I couldn’t argue with any of those assessments. We are who we are. I’m a vengeful assassin who will stop at nothing to make those who wronged me pay. And I’m thirsty for revenge.

Eighteen years ago, I took the fall for a man who was like a brother to me. I even vowed to protect his daughter by becoming her godfather— and then he betrayed me.

Two decades later, his daughter, now a stunning woman strolls into my life, having no idea who I am or what I’m capable of. Capri takes an unhealthy interest in me, the older and dangerous man, and I don’t do anything to discourage her. I welcome her obsession because it suits me.

When her infatuation with me grows stronger, I prove just how vindictive, malicious, and sadistic I really am. Is she the opportunity I need to enact my revenge against her father or is she the reason I finally let this vendetta go?

Don't miss the start of this bold dark romance series by USA Today Bestselling Author Ella Jade. Hades' Revenge is a dark age gap rom com that may contain content that is disturbing to some readers. It is a standalone with no cliffhanger and has an HEA.

This book is not a Greek Mythology retelling.

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REVIEW

  Hades' Revenge by Ella Jade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The book cover first drew me in, then the blurb sold me...

Capri was quite audacious in her pursuit of Hades, she was a mixture of naivety and brashness in her quest to find out why the owner of a Greek Nightclub and her father had identical tattoos.
From her first encounter with him at his club, which was a suspenseful scene in itself, to the following encounters, we are swept into the pages as they explore their attraction.
When Hades learns what her father has planned for her future, his plans change.
When the storyline switches to New York, the tension and attraction mounts.
He has every right to exact revenge, but will he give that up for love?

Well you will have to read the book yourself and find out 😁.

My thoughts:
This is only the second Age Gap romance That I have read. But I actually picked up the book because the plot hooked me first.
I'm a sucker for a suspenseful story and so the age gap was a secondary trope that was something different.
In the beginning I thought Capri was a bit naive with her surveillance of Hades ( I'm sure she thought she was in some undercover cops show) the way she acted in the beginning, she could have gotten herself into trouble - luckily Hades had his eyes on her. Then her second attempt to me highlighted her fixation on Hades. Stalker much!
Luckily Hades might be one of the most elite assassins who has a reputation he also has honour.
Capri intrigued him, and what started as a way to exact revenge on her father soon had his once frozen heart thawing.
I liked how their relationship helped both of them grow. The background suspense story from Capri's fathers business associations ties the story together and a HEA.
I've enjoyed this book and it leads into Zeus's story which sounds like it's another intriguing book, I've added it to my TBR 😉.

Thanks to the author and Give Me Books PR for the opportunity to read this book and provide my honest opinion.

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

USA Today Bestselling author Ella Jade writes dark mafia romances with dominating mob bosses, the strong women who challenge them, and suspenseful twists that keep her readers turning the pages.

When she isn’t reading or writing sexy, angsty, and intense words, she indulges in a well-crafted martini and binge watches episodes of Dallas, Falcon Crest, and Dynasty, where she learned at an early age how to spin an old-school cliffhanger. She also enjoys spoiling her two chihuahua writing companions.

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Stolen Days in by Maria Lorca Review

 Cover design: Cherie Fox Design. 

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Laura Valdés is a 22nd -century time agent when the Consortium and the Opposition fight in a generational war for the last resources on a devastated Earth. In a world that’s moved underground, Laura longs for the 20th century, where love, life and loss proceed in the open, come rain or shine.

When a mission to Occupied France arises, Laura volunteers to jump to 1944 to stop Opposition agents from killing Le Renard, the charismatic leader of the Resistance. To let that happen would mean to change the course of history. The last thing she expects is to meet Henri Beaumont, whose movies have become an obsession – a preoccupation that could put her usual by-the-book approach to the test.

Laura and Henri are thrown together into a dangerous operation through Aquitaine to save their comrades. Not only must they avoid German patrols, they must avoid their feelings too.

In the face of isolation and danger, they’re on the verge of falling for one another. But unless Henri can be convinced to marry Marie and preserve the timeline, Laura and Henri might never meet in the first place.

Can a woman from the future and a man living a lie history chose for him be destined for each other?

Only time will tell.

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REVIEW

 

Stolen Days : How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century? by María Lorca
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK: Stolen Days by Maria Lorca (Format: ebook)

TITLE: Stolen Days  
Author: Maria Lorca  
Status: Read  
Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

QUICK IMPRESSION  
"How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century?"
As a fan of time-travel agents (Star Trek: Picard’s watcher Tallinn comes to mind!), I was immediately hooked by the premise of Stolen Days.
In a bleak future, becoming a Time Agent comes with severe risks—but also massive perks, like traveling to eras where clean air and fresh food were abundant. Agent First Class Laura Valdés loves the early 1900s, using surviving classic cinema to prep for her missions. Her newest assignment takes her to WWII-era France near Bordeaux, where she must stop an assassination targeting Le Renard (The Fox), a key figure in the French Resistance.

QUICK NOTES  
One of my thoughts on the subject of going back in time, is how little or how much should the agent interact...
One intense scene really hurt, but I understood the moral dilemma of why Laura couldn't intervene.

QUOTES TO KEEP  
• “If it weren’t for duty and responsibility, I would say let’s take our boat and sail it to a desert island. Live on the island and make love all day.”

• “I’m a time traveller from the future!”

• “But the way I see it, is that every minute with you is a gift. We were never meant to be, but despite this, we found each other. Our love transcends time and space. That’s how strong it is.”

• “We were always meant to be and not even time and space could keep us apart. But it’s still not enough time.”

• “Maybe we meet in passing in this life, and I will see you in the next life,”

• “I’m ninety-seven years old. Most people don’t reach that age. I had a good life and have made my peace with dying. We all die one day and the rest of the days we don’t.”

• He kissed me again, and this time, the kiss was everything.  

KEY CHARACTERS  
• Character 1: Laura Valdés: Role/Class: Time Agent First Class. History major, has the knowledge that is crucial to adapt to the challenges of WW2, loyal to her supervisor Mike, she prefers her own company but has a best friend, Time Agent Second Class Lizzie Rossi is there to support her when needed. Her latest mission is to stop the 'Opposition' from assassinating the leader of the French Resistance near Bordeaux. His code name is Le Renard, (The Fox).
• Character 2: Michael Nelson, or just Mike: Role/Class: Supervising Time Agent. Mike has feelings for Laura, but she's oblivious to it at first. He is supportive of his agents and well liked. He is willing to go up against his superiors to ensure his team are ok.
• Character 3: Henri Beaumont: Role/Class: Principal in the Time mission objective. Henri worked for the French Resistance during World War II, and afterwards creates a career in Hollywood. Married to Marie and father to Sylvie. Laura is a big fan of his movies.

FINAL THOUGHTS  

• The Good:

• Seamless Worldbuilding: Multi-timeline stories can get convoluted, but the pacing and timeline shifts flowed naturally.
• Smart Protagonist: Laura uses her knowledge as a history major and classic film enthusiast to adapt to WWII challenges.
• Emotional Depth: The story presents genuine moral dilemmas around interference in the timeline—one scene in particular was heart-wrenching, yet completely understandable.
• The Bad: There really wasn't anything in particular.
Room for More:
I would love to explore more of the future timeline in upcoming books—specifically why neither the Consortium nor the Opposition uses their time-travel technology to fix their degraded present. Hoping for answers in Book 2.
• Verdict:A refreshing departure from standard Romantasy and a fantastic sci-fi romance read. Recommended for fans of time travel, WWII espionage, and star-crossed romance. "How far would you go for the right person in the wrong century?" That says it all...

TROPES  
• ⏳ Right person, wrong time
• ✨ Star-crossed lovers
• 🔒 Forced proximity
• ⚖️ Moral dilemma & war conflict

View all my reviews 

AUTHOR BIO

Maria Lorca is a Spanish author who lives in Germany. Raised between two cultures, she is a native speaker of Spanish and German. Maria began writing poetry in her teens before transitioning to short stories and novels. She also co-wrote the libretto for an award-winning musical. Introduced to fantasy and science fiction by her older brothers at a young age, her fascination with these genres never faded. In her free time, she enjoys flamenco and salsa dancing, as well as reading classic literature. She is currently finishing her bachelor’s degree in English, with a focus on English literature.

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Leigh Ann Lunsford 'Parker Siblings Series' Spotlight Book Blitz

 Leigh Ann Lunsford 

'Parker Siblings Series' 

Spotlight Book Blitz

 **** This is the first book of the four book series Parker Siblings Series******   

Synopsis: Brielle Parker has her life in front of her; she just does not know how to live it. After years of not being enough for her parents, or the dreams she once had, how did one man Colby James show her she was actually more than enough? Raised by her grandparents with her three siblings, Brielle was loved, no doubt. However, her grandparents were taken too soon, and she was left with her older sibling to try to raise her younger ones. She couldn’t help but let the doubts take over her life. Would she ever be enough? Then Colby walked in and changed everything, and just when she was facing her fears and falling in love for the first time, Colby ripped her heart out. Will they be able to get past their mistakes to live the life they both want? Did Colby finally break Brielle when all he wanted to do was protect and love her? You can rebound from some mistakes, but some you just have to learn from and walk away. The love they have is true and pure, but will they finally be enough for each other?

 Not Enough

 Amazon:  
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 **** This is second book in the Parker Siblings series ****** **

Due to strong language and sexual content this book is not suitable for under the age of 18***

  Addison Parker has loved one boy all her life, Tyler James. She met him the first day of school after moving to Tennessee to live with her grandparents. Through death, raising her younger siblings, betrayal, and heartbreak, he has been there. She has forgiven him for many things, but this time when he leaves, she decides he is not her future anymore. Tyler James loves Addison Parker. He has made mistakes, but his love is always constant. He wants to be with her, but through lies and misunderstandings it doesn’t seem possible anymore. When a single moment changes his future, will he be able to come back and pick up the pieces of their relationship, or did he finally break all of her faith in him?


 Not Leaving
Amazon: 

 
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 *** This is the third book in series, you do need to read in order; Not Enough, Not Leaving, and Not Hiding***

 ***Due to strong language and sexual content not suitable for readers under 18***

 Cambree Parker has finally flown the nest and headed off to college in a different state, truly alone for the first time. Trying to escape from her sisters shadows, she runs from the lies and deceit that have plagued her family for years, and from the boy who stole her heart and shredded it in the process. Once there, she realizes her freedom is not all she hoped it would be. She misses her family, thinks of Max daily, and when she decides she wants to take control, she is attacked, leaving her family to fear for their safety. Can she protect her heart and remain safe when the source of her heartache has taken up permanent residence by her side? Max Baird knew he messed up. His guilt over Cambree being attacked makes him doubt if he is good enough for her. He just knows he can’t walk away. She has told him she hates the lies, but the one he is keeping can blow her family apart, and he doesn’t know if she will ever forgive him. He has seen his share of sorrow and heartbreak, but he refuses to allow Cambree to suffer at his hands anymore. He will prove to her they can work. Hopefully he isn’t too late.


Not Hiding
Amazon: 
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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 ****WARNING... THIS BOOK MAY CONTAIN TRIGGERS FOR VIOLENCE AND ABUSE****

 ***Not recommended for anyone under 18 due to adult language and situations***

 ** This is the fourth book and conclusion to the series**




Dustin Parker had life and love in his grasp until the moment she disappeared without a good-bye. He has watched his sisters struggle, fall in love, and find a happily ever after. He thought it was his turn, but fate had other plans. Leaving the family again, this time to attend school across the country, he will play soccer, and try to keep her off his mind. All of a sudden in walks someone to occupy his bed but not his heart. Why is he promising her forever? Teryn Hall has suffered years of abuse, held a prisoner in her home by the one man who should have nurtured and loved her. Her scars run deep, and when her pain bubbles to the surface she can’t control the memories and the anguish. She thought she was doing the right thing when she walked away. She thought he would wait for her. Didn’t he promise her forever? Right when she thinks things are back on track, the news of Dustin moving on could derail her. Can love really survive anything?



  Not Over 
Amazon: 
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Leigh Ann Lunsford is stay at home mom turned author. She writes Romance/New Adult and loves her happily ever after in all books and movies. She lives with her husband, son, and four dogs in Fleming Island, Florida. When she isn't writing or reading you can find her stuck in front of really bad reality shows or watching Sons of Anarchy. Leigh Ann has a filthy mouth and a huge amount of sarcasm that knows no end. She hopes to give the voices in her head an outlet with many more novels to come. 

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Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews

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Broken Souls and Bones: An Enchanting Norse Mythology-Inspired Tale of Magic, Betrayal, and Love.

Lyra Bien wants only a quiet life, far from King Damir’s war and his hunger for magic. But when Roark Ashwood, the king’s silent and dangerously handsome soldier, invades her village, her secret is exposed.

She is a melder. Gifted in bone, blood, and soul. Feared. Desired. Doomed.

Claimed for the king, Lyra becomes a captive in Roark’s care. But escape is impossible when her jailor might be her only hope of freedom.

Bound by secrets, drawn together by fire, they must decide: restore a kingdom built on lies, or burn it to the ground.

REVIEW 

  Broken Souls and Bones by L.J. Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BOOK: Broken Souls and Bones by LJ Andrews
(Library Paperback Read)

​I have found a few Romantasy books to be disappointing, but this one has managed to capture my attention immediately. From the prologue to the first chapters, the author has created a world and characters that I actually wanted to know more about.

​TITLE: Broken Souls and Bones
Author: LJ Andrews
Status: Read | Rating: 5/5
Progress: Read 436 of 436 pages

​QUICK IMPRESSION
Lyra seems like she's going to be totally out of her depth when she gets to the castle. However, she soon finds her feet with the help of those she tried hard to see as her captors, but who ended up being her friends. I loved how she tried to keep her friends safe when, in reality, she was in just as much danger and not really equipped to defend them.
​DID I GUESS ANY TWISTS???
• P209: Major twist guessed correctly!
(view spoiler)[...
The bond connection between Lyra and Roark, but then there's a bond between Lyra and Skul Drek... This shadow-wielding demon... Is he the missing voice of Roark Ashwood? OMG 😳 Boy was I on the right track! 🤣 The word "Liar" was my 💡 moment 😆 (hide spoiler)]

​QUOTES TO KEEP
​"I was once told we never truly knew another soul until we saw the darkness they kept inside."

​"True love. To accept another soul—th I'me good and the bad—and love them through it all."

​"And that, they say, is what it means to love a heart—the lightest pieces, and the darkest."

​KEY CHARACTERS
• Lyra Bien: Melder. Hidden most of her life, raised in a youth house, and later served in Jarl Jakobson’s household. Her skill with a knife and knowledge of gathering herbs and berries have helped hide her secret for most of her life. She’s missing memories from a horrible trauma experienced when she was younger and can’t recall anything about her parents or her early childhood. Orphaned, Lyra thinks of the jarl’s elderly cook, Selena, and his groundskeeper, Thorian, as her family. She thinks of Kael as her brother.

• Kael Darkwin: Lyra’s adopted brother, a bone crafter. He is the true heir of Jarl Jakobson (Jarl of Skalfirth), but was disowned because the jarl’s second wife was jealous.

• Roark Ashwood: Sentry or “Death Bringer.” Melded to Prince Thane to be the prince's guard. He is mute and communicates via hand gestures or note writing. He has a deep scar across his throat, jaw, and chest. Though still thought of as handsome, he is originally from the opposing side in the war, Dravenmoor. Although he serves King Damir, he isn't melded to the king—only Thane. He's lucky in that respect! Roark also has a mysterious past and holes in his memory.

• Skul Drek: “Wraith of Dravenmoor,” a feared Draven assassin. He is connected to Lyra via the dark mirror realm, and attacks from Dravenmoor happen after soul bones are used in the melding.

• Emi Nightlark: Like Roark, she is an ex-Draven. She was cast out because she was a bone crafter, and now serves in the Stav Guard at Stonegate. She helps Lyra and Kael. Emi is fierce, and she's related to Roark.
​(There are more, but these are my favorite characters 😁)

​FINAL THOUGHTS

• The Good: Totally enjoyed every page! I've placed a hold on book 2 because I need to find out what happens next. It's hard to write about what I loved as it'll give away spoilers. But let's just say it was hard to put the book down and do boring real-life stuff!

• The Bad: Honestly couldn't think of anything, and I was actively looking for something while reading after creating this review prompt list.

• Verdict: This is my first book by the author. It does leave me worried about the characters supportive of Lyra left in Stonegate, but gosh... Bring on book 2! Totally 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. Definitely one of my top reads of 2026. This is the type of Romantasy I want... Organic relationships, not insta-lust. 💞

View all my reviews

AUTHOR BIO 

Stay up to date with all LJ Andrews releases by joining her mailing list.

LJ Andrews is a USA Today Bestselling author of fantasy romance. She could live in dark worlds with brutal romantic heroes all day. When she isn't writing she's keeping her four kids alive, spending time with her hot husband, or enjoying the mountains of Utah. 

Release Day Review of Bubbies Book of Odd Little Tales by Ember Celadon

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BLURB 

Fifteen quick-read fables for all ages perfect for fans of everyday magic and modern fairy tales. The world is exhausting. Sit down. Let Bubbie tell you a story.

Not every fairy tale is about happily ever after. Some are about getting through tomorrow.

Welcome to Bubbie's Book of Odd Little Tales—a collection of fifteen hopepunk fables for readers who love modern fairy tales, cozy fantasy, and quiet magic, and for anyone who's ever wished the world contained just a little more kindness.

Meet a farmer's daughter who catches the eye of a handsome prince. A cat searching for the meaning of life. A father deciding which daughter should inherit his estate. Inspired by lesser known folklore and original tales alike, these bite-sized fables explore love, grief, courage, consent, legacy, and the small acts of kindness that change lives.

Written with warmth, gentle humor, and the timeless feeling of a story told beside the fire, these tales remind us that not all magic is spectacular, and not all heroes carry swords.

Whether you're already wandering the forests of Ashwood in the Golden Wolf series or discovering this world for the first time, these stories stand beautifully on their own. They're the perfect book to curl up with before bed, when the world feels a little too heavy - and a reminder that hope has always been its own kind of magic.

For those who have not encountered Ashwood before, these stories stand alone.

REVIEW 

What can I say describe this compilation?

Reading this collection felt like stepping back into my childhood, or sitting on the edge of the bed and sharing the timeless fables to my children and grandchildren the tales that were passed down from my mother and Nana.

So I would describe it as a

charming, nostalgic compilation of short tales that blend warmth, humor, and gentle life lessons. 

The stories range from clever reversals of classic fables, to poignant meditations on family, memory, and greed. 

Some entries are bound to make you chuckle, a few will leave you scratching your head over their hidden morals, and others will send you straight down memory lane to memories of grandmothers, homemade baking, (thanks to the authors kind gift of sharing her childhood memories from her grandmother)

While some stories feel a bit more abstract, the overarching magic of the book lies in how It serves as a gentle reminder that everyone has a story worth telling and that someone out there will appreciate you for exactly who you are.

If you fancy a trip back to your childhood or just want to indulge in a little heartfelt nostalgia before turning off the light—pick up a copy and let yourself reminisce.

AUTHOR BIO 

Author of the Golden Wolf series, a fresh feminist take on werewolf romance wrapped in paranormal suspense, Ember Celadon was born in Europe and immigrated to Aotearoa New Zealand as a child, growing up between cultures and finding solace in fiction. They knew from an early age that they wanted to be a writer and attempted their first novel at age twelve. It was… not good. But Ember persisted, drawn to storytelling as a way to bridge worlds - both real and imagined.

Thirty years and seven NANOWRIMO’s later, the spark for a new story arrived unexpectedly on a restless sick day in early 2025 and quickly became an obsession. They completed the first draft in just six weeks. From there, the stories just kept coming.

Ember writes lyrical, emotionally immersive contemporary gothic fantasy rooted in myth, rage, and reclamation. Stories explore survival as sacred, power born from pain, and the bonds - romantic, familial, and fierce - that define us. These are stories where strong women lead, queerness is normalized, and moral complexity deepens tension without sacrificing hope.

Ember is a graduate of Te Herenga Waka and Te Wānanga o Raukawa. They live in Te Upoko-o-te-Ika with their spouse, youngest child, and an unreasonably large number of pets, still buried in their imagination chasing stories.

2026 saw the debut of Ember’s flagship Golden Wolf series, with two full length novels, a prequel novella, and companion short story collection all released. Ember continues to query standalone novels to traditional publishers to support their dream of paying off their mortgage, going on a Disney cruise, and getting a few more tattoos.

Find out more here: 

Release Day Review: Selling Sunset by T.L. Hauser

Book link 🔗 

https://amzn.to/4zYyGY0

Blurb

Their romance was written for the cameras—falling for each other wasn’t part of the script.

Piper Pierce built her career writing happily-ever-afters.

But finding her own? That’s a different story.

When her bestselling romance novel is adapted into a major Hollywood film, Piper is flown to California to help bring her beloved story to life. It should be the opportunity of a lifetime—sunshine, movie stars, and the chance to watch her words become something bigger than she ever imagined.

There’s just one problem.

Ben freaking Hartman.

A-list actor. Hollywood heartthrob. Professional pain in her ass

Her plan to actively avoid him falls apart when the studio decides their off-screen tension would make the perfect publicity stunt. Suddenly, Piper and Ben are cast as Hollywood’s newest It-couple—at least until the premiere.

But between late-night confessions, red carpet chaos, and unscripted moments that leave them breathless, they start to wonder if the story they’re selling might be more real than either of them wants to admit.

When the cameras finally stop rolling and the lines between fiction and reality blur, they’ll have to decide if what they have is just another Hollywood performance…

Or the kind of love worth going off script for.

 

 

Review 

Selling Sunset by T.L. Hauser
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is just so easy to fall into! Somehow, during the quiet moments of Saturday's chores, I devoured 24 chapters.

I sat in a boring DIY car park while my hubby looked at wood... meanwhile, I was escaping into the story of Piper Pearce’s book being turned into a film—and her delicious love-hate relationship with Ben, the leading man! I’ve honestly never enjoyed being stuck in a car babysitting a chop saw and workbench so much. 🤣

We had leftovers for dinner, and thankfully hubby was on his laptop so I could keep watching the sparks fly between Ben and Piper. 😁 I won't spoil what happens, but I thoroughly enjoyed every high and low of their "fake relationship" becoming something more.

Overall, this is the perfect beach read or cozy under-the-blankets book with Christmas music in the background, as the storyline spans across both seasons. (Being in New Zealand, I can actually do both since Christmas is in summer for us! 😂)

The ending was sweet, and the final page was such a neat idea to wrap up the story. Plus, the epilogue leaves you desperate for book two in this series of interconnected standalones.

A quick FYI: In the author's notes at the end, there are links to real-life locations featured in the story. I loved clicking through them after reading—especially the beach!

This was my first book by T.L. Hauser, and I will definitely be checking out the next one when it's published.

Thanks to the author for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts on Ben and Pipers story

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Author Bio 

T.L. Hauser is an emerging author writing romance-driven stories that blend suspense, heart, and a touch of chaos. Her books range from edge-of-your-seat thrillers to feel-good rom-coms and romantic fantasies.

She is a wife, mom of two, baker, musician, and avid reader. When she’s not writing, she enjoys aggravating her husband (who begs to stay off-page) and smothering her children with love in their small North Carolina hometown.

https://tlhauser.com/