Book Recommendation - A Brewed Awakening

 

Though I tend to shy away from straight-up romance novels, Pepper Basham is one I will always make an exception for, due to her fabulous humor and wonderful characters. This book had me laughing out loud (though there were parts that also brought tears), cheering the characters on, and wanting to try new foods (which is saying something for a picky eater like me!). Filled to the brim with flirty banter, this book was a lot of fun, in spite of dealing with some serious subject matter. Here's a bit about the book:

Daphne dreams of Mr. Darcy. Finn serves up pints and rock music. Can opposites attract when a tea shop princess meets her pub-owning rival?

In the charming mountain town of Wisteria, North Carolina, Daphne Austen clings to tradition like cream to a scone. She's built her life--and her late grandmother's tearoom, Tea Thyme--around all things delicate china, Jane Austen novels, and the comforting predictability of routine. The only thing threatening her perfectly ordered world? The loud, aggravatingly handsome Brit opening a pub next door.

After his ex-wife broke his heart and his business partner nearly destroyed his career, Finn Dashwood packed up his six-year-old daughter and left England behind. He's looking for a fresh start, and the last thing he needs is a fussy, tea-obsessed neighbor criticizing his every pint and playlist. It doesn't matter that she's ridiculously kind (to everyone else) and that his daughter is utterly fascinated by her. Finn's heart is not open to being broken again.

But disagreements turn into prank wars and then a competition when a high-profile wedding needs a last-minute caterer. The townsfolk are thrilled--Wisteria hasn't seen this much excitement since the county fair lost a goat.

When the wedding demands both sweet and savory fare, Daphne and Finn are forced to put down their swords and pick up their serving trays. Between burnt pastries, brewing tempers, trending hashtags (#SipsAndSpats, anyone?), and one very adorable little girl, rivalry soon gives way to reluctant friendship--and maybe something that feels suspiciously like chemistry.

Can a tea shop princess and a pub owner with a past mix their lives as seamlessly as clotted cream and jam . . . or will their differences keep them steeped in rivalry forever?

This book releases May 5, 2026 wherever you buy books. Be sure to check it out! For more information, check out the following links:

Pepper Basham's website: https://pepperdbasham.com/

Pepper Basham's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pepperdbasham

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8343079564 

Book Recommendation - Spies, Lies & Alibis

 

I've been reading Natalie Walters' books since her debut and have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books. Her sense of humor aligns with my own and her "Sweet and Stabby" brand is on point. Her upcoming novel is the first in a new series and it hits the ground running and is so much fun. Filled with the banter that Walters is known for, along with an intricate "James Bond spy thriller" plot line and wonderful characters that I feel could be my friends in real life, this book had all of the right things going for it! Here's a bit about the novel:

They were each other's first love. Now they might be each other's last hope.

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide. Now, they're both keeping dangerous secrets--and working dangerously close to blowing each other's cover.

Forced to work together to stop a catastrophic deal that could arm America's enemies, Cybil and Ben must face ruthless criminals, hidden agendas, and the ghosts of their past. Trust is a luxury they can't afford--but love? That just might be their undoing.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open.

This book releases May 19, 2026. Do yourself a favor and check it out! You won't regret it. For more information, check out the following links:

Natalie Walters' website: https://nataliewalterswriter.com/

Natalie Walters' Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041917969557

My full 5-star review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/8315235684