The Geographer's Map to Romance

Title: The Geographer's Map to Romance
Author: India Horton
Published: April 8, 2025 by Berkley
Format: Kindle, Paperback, 368 Pages
Genre: Romantasy
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Love's Academic #2

Blurb: Professor Elodie Tarrant is an expert in magic disasters. Nothing fazes her--except her own personal disaster, that is: Professor Gabriel Tarrant, the grumpy, unfriendly man she married for convenience a year ago, whom she secretly loves.

Gabriel is also an expert in magic disasters. And nothing fazes him either--except the walking, talking tornado that is his wife. They've been estranged since shortly after their wedding day, but that hasn't stopped him from stoically pining for her.

When magic erupts in a small Welsh village, threatening catastrophe for the rest of England, Elodie and Gabriel are accidentally both assigned to the case. With the fate of the country in their hands, they must come together as a team in the face of perilous conditions like explosions, domesticated goats, and only one bed. But this is easier said than done. After all, there's no navigational guide for the geography of the heart.

My Opinion: Whimsy. Pure, unfiltered, slightly chaotic whimsy is the heart of The Geographer’s Map to Romance. Sure, it officially falls under fantasy, historical, and romance, but really, this book plays by its own rules with its fair share of tropes that readers are looking for.

At its core, it’s the tale of Elodie and Gabriel, a mismatched pair. She’s a walking ray of sunshine, bursting with optimism and well-intended chaos. He’s the grumpy, growling, lurking in the shadows, who is secretly (and not-so-secretly) pining for her. And here’s the kicker—they’re already married. Technically. If only the whole “happily ever after” part hadn’t gone spectacularly off the rails right after their vows. Thus enters the second-chance romance trope, served up with a side of misunderstandings (another trope) and simmering tension.

But the humor? That’s where the magic really happens. It’s not just witty dialogue; it’s the sheer absurdity of the situations these two find themselves in. The comedy is woven into the fabric of the story, driving it forward even when the pacing wobbles in places.

For true romantics, this book has moments. The kind of swoon-worthy lines that make you pause, inhale deeply, and maybe even shed a dreamy tear. There’s no shortage of quotes you’ll want to tuck away for future rereading.

And while this is part of a connected standalone series, it reads effortlessly on its own. Characters from book one make only the briefest of appearances. Elodie and Gabriel had a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment in the first installment, yet this is where they take center stage. You don’t need any prior knowledge; simply dive right in.

Need one more trope? The lack of communication. It’s the very thing that fuels the book’s charm, creating a perfect storm of frustration, missteps, and razor-sharp banter, specifically during yet another (only one bed) trope.

By the end, while I adored the humor and the witty exchanges, this one didn’t quite capture me the way the first book did. But am I sticking around for book three? Absolutely. The Antiquarian’s Object of Desire, which will follow Amelia Tarrant, doesn’t have a release date yet, but I’ll be waiting. If there’s one thing India Holton does well, it's crafting stories packed with quirky characters, baffling magic, and romance that’s smart, playful, and never overly sappy.

Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers

Title: Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers
Author: Tonya Kappes
Published: December 1, 2023 by Tonya Kappes Books
Format: Audiobook, 182 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Series: Camper & Criminals #6

Blurb: When the principal of Normal High School asks Mae West to teach a semester on small town economics, since she helped bring the thriving economy in Normal, Kentucky when she used her brilliant ideas to bring the Happy Trails Campground back to life, Mae is thrilled and happy to teach the young people. But when a fellow teacher and archery Coach Roger Carlson, is found stone-cold dead, facedown in one of Happy Trails Campground campers with an arrow sticking out of his back, it puts a damper on the thriving campground when tourists cancel their reservations and Mae's excitement to teach.

Mae's hankering to snoop into the coach's private life and find out exactly why he was renting a camper in Happy Trails and not living at home with his young wife. Her efforts don't leave her short on suspects. Especially, since Mae uncovered many unhappy parents who had relied on an archery scholarship as their child's ticket to get out of Normal and go to college. Mae has to be careful or she just might find an arrow with her name written on it.

My Opinion: Tonya Kappes delivers yet another adventure with the ever-popular Camper & Criminals Mystery series. With small-town charm, a tight-knit community, and, of course, a murder that shakes up the campsite, what’s not to love?

Right from the start, the book sets the scene with that signature Kappes touch: a mix of humor, intrigue, and just enough chaos to keep things lively. The oddball cast of characters feels like old friends, and the dynamics between them make for plenty of entertaining moments. And let’s not forget the mystery itself, which was layered with unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning.

The plot uses all the classic elements of a cozy mystery, including eccentric suspects, charming local gossip, and an amateur sleuth determined to uncover the truth. However, Kappes adds her unique touch, making the story feel fresh instead of predictable. The pacing maintains momentum, creating an atmosphere of suspense while preserving a lighthearted tone, which is perfect for a relaxing summer day.

The Amalfi Curse

Title: The Amalfi Curse
Author: Sarah Penner
Published: April 29, 2025 by Park Row
Format: Hardcover, 336 Pages
Genre: Literary Fiction

Blurb: Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artifacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven’s arrival, strange maelstroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?

As Haven searches for her father’s sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman’s quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano’s latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever…

Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea.

My Opinion: At first glance, The Amalfi Curse had me debating whether I should even give it a shot. The opening pages weren’t promising. Filled with endorsements from BookTok influencers rather than established authors. It made me wonder: Are publishers shifting their priorities entirely, banking on influencers to sell books instead of engaging directly with readers? If so, what does that mean for the future of book publishing? That uneasy thought lingered as I turned the pages.

The first third of the novel left me feeling detached and uncertain if it would turn out to be another disappointment like The London Séance Society. I was hoping it would compare to the writing in The Lost Apothecary, which pulled me in from the start. It landed somewhere in the middle.

This time, I found myself waiting and wondering when the story would finally click. And then, around the 100-page mark, something shifted. The tangled threads of dual timelines and three distinct perspectives started to tighten into something more compelling. Sea witches, pirates, and fortune hunters are elements that should have been exciting from the start, but the book took its time, making me work for the payoff. It wasn’t until the latter half that I truly appreciated how Penner laid out the story, dropping clues rather than spoon-feeding the reader. That trust in her audience, allowing us to make connections without excess hand-holding, was refreshing.

By the end, I was surprised at how much I had come to care about the characters and the world Penner had built. What started as an uncertain read evolved into something unexpectedly satisfying. She redeemed herself here, crafting a novel that, despite its slow burn, ultimately rewarded patience. In hindsight, maybe that’s part of its charm.

FDR Drive

Title: FDR Drive
Author: James Comey
Published: May 20, 2025 by Mysterious Press
Format: Kindle, 336 Pages
Genre: Thriller
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Nora Carleton #3

Blurb: A threat is building in the city, with far right extremism powered by internet demagogues and funded by shadowy organizations. Together with legendary investigator Benny Dugan and aided by colleagues at the FBI, Nora builds a case against the key players in this burgeoning movement, arguing before a jury that some speech is actually a deadly crime. But the menace taking root is far bigger than any courtroom, and as the militants target an upcoming United Nations rally, Nora and her team must race to disrupt the plans and minimize casualties.

My Opinion: FDR Drive is not a book you pick up for light, casual reading. It’s the kind you settle in for with a cup of coffee, ready to navigate the corridors of legal and political intrigue. And yes, I understand why some readers may balk at his work; the author himself carries enough baggage to trigger strong reactions. But setting that aside, if you’ve been following the Nora Carleton series, this one pulls you in from the first chapters. The tension is immediate, the stakes high, and before you know it, you’re flipping pages deep into the night.

Some criticize the book for being too complicated and too dense. That, I don’t understand. If you pick up a political-legal thriller from someone who’s been a power insider, it’s fair to expect complexity. Comey doesn’t spoon-feed; he expects the reader to keep up. And while I may not be a lawyer, I’ve watched enough Law & Order to hold my own and this book certainly tests that focus.

The real heart of FDR Drive, though, is the dilemma it presents: Where does free speech end, and culpability begin? The novel threads together real-world concerns about podcasters being charged with incitement, existential threats, and online radicalization. It forces the reader to ask tough questions: should a podcaster be held responsible for the actions of their audience? If someone names a name, drops an address, or expresses outrage, does that implicate them in the act that follows? And what about the puppet masters behind the scenes, the people who feed the information -- are they just as guilty? These are questions with no easy answers, ones that could spark heated discussions in a book club, assuming you’re all still on speaking terms by the end.

By the third book in the series, Nora Carleton, and the characters around her feel like people you want to see make it to the next day. This isn’t a simple read. It demands patience, attention, and a willingness to wade through moral complexity. But if you’re up for the challenge, FDR Drive delivers a thought-provoking, layered narrative that sticks with you long after the final page.

Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder

Title: Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder
Author: Tonya Kappes
Published: December 1, 2023 by Tonya Kappes Books
Format: Kindle, Audiobook, 210 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Series: Camper & Criminals #5

Blurb: Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground, never thought she would become an actress like her namesake. Calling herself an actress might be far stretch as she plays a minor role in the local Civil War reenactment BATTLE AT CAMP WILDCAT.

When the reenactment doesn't go as planned, not one but two of the town's folks aren't playing dead. . .they were MURDERED! Come to find out there was a prison break and the serial killer is believed to be in Normal and someone has stolen a motorhome from Happy Trails Campground.

Are these connected?

Mae lets boyfriend and hunky detective, Hank Sharp, follow all the leads about the murders and on the trail of the serial killer because she's got bigger s'mores in the fire.

The motorhome owners have filed a lawsuit and suing her for the deed to Happy Trails Campground. Mae has embraced Normal and there's nothing or no one going to take her campground. She's determined to find the motorhome and return it to the owners before she hands over any deed to anyone.

Mae just might find out that tapping into her namesake just might come in handy when coming face to face with a serial killer.

My Opinion: Tonya Kappes delivers suspense and small-town charm in Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder, packing a surprising amount into its 210 pages (5 hours of audio). From the very first chapter, chaos unfolds in Normal, Kentucky, as the town prepares for a Civil War reenactment, only for real battles to emerge when townsfolk turn up dead. The lingering question looms: Is the infamous serial killer to blame? Is he hunting down the jurors who sealed his fate? Or is there something more sinister lurking beneath the surface?

Against this backdrop of chaos, Mae West faces her own crisis, not just fighting for justice but for the very livelihood as well. Happy Trails Campground, her pride and joy, is suddenly at risk when an RV vanishes, threatening everything she’s worked for. This time, the stakes feel higher than ever.

But Kappes knows how to balance suspense with levity. Mae, her boyfriend, and the endearing residents of Normal infuse the narrative with humor and warmth, ensuring that the mystery never overshadows the novel’s lighthearted charm. The result is an engaging, page-turning blend of high tension and cozy camaraderie that is perfect for readers who love small-town drama served with a side of fun.

Gifted & Talented

Title: Gifted & Talented
Author: Olivie Blake
Published: April 1, 2025 by Tor Books
Format: Kindle, Hardcover, 512 Pages
Genre: Fantasy
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

Blurb: Where there’s a will, there’s a war.

Thayer Wren, the brilliant CEO of Wrenfare Magitech and so-called father of modern technology, is dead. Any one of his three telepathically and electrokinetically gifted children would be a plausible inheritor to the Wrenfare throne.

Or at least, so they like to think.

Meredith, textbook accomplished eldest daughter and the head of her own groundbreaking biotech company, has recently cured mental illness. You're welcome! If only her father's fortune wasn't her last hope for keeping her journalist ex-boyfriend from exposing what she really is: a total fraud.

Arthur, second-youngest congressman in history, fights the good fight every day of his life. And yet, his wife might be leaving him, and he's losing his re-election campaign. But his dead father’s approval in the form of a seat on the Wrenfare throne might just turn his sinking ship around.

Eilidh, once the world's most famous ballerina, has spent the last five years as a run-of-the-mill marketing executive at her father’s company after a life-altering injury put an end to her prodigious career. She might be lacking in accolades compared to her siblings, but if her father left her everything, it would finally validate her worth—by confirming she'd been his favorite all along.

On the pipeline of gifted kid to clinically depressed adult, nobody wins—but which Wren will come out on top?

My Opinion: This isn’t just a book, it’s an experience, a ride through chaos, sharp wit, and unsettling family dynamics that leave you wondering what just happened. It moves fast, then slows down, then throws something at you that you didn’t see coming. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause, reread, and mutter, “Wait, what?” more times than you’d like to admit.

There’s no shortage of quotable lines, either. Some are funny, some are profound, and others just hit differently. If you go the audiobook route, do yourself a favor and speed it up a notch. It heightens the manic energy and makes the humor shine even brighter. Speaking of humor, it won’t be for everyone, but if it works for you, it really works.

The first few chapters are a jumble of confusion as Blake throws the reader headfirst into the tangled backstories of the Wren siblings. It’s overwhelming, but once things settle, the real intrigue begins. That is, until you realize you have no idea who Lou is and who’s telling this story. Let’s just say their identity is part of the fun. The reveal? Brilliant. And Lou’s identity? An unexpected twist that makes you rethink everything.

Now, about the world-building. The Magitech industry, with its roots in electromagnetic waves dating back to Tesla’s era, offers a fascinating backdrop. But despite being placed in the fantasy genre, magic isn’t really the driving force here. Sure, the siblings have their abilities, but this isn’t a story about spellcasting or grand magical battles. No, this is a story about deeply flawed people making bad decisions, tangled in dysfunctional family dynamics that steal the spotlight.

And let’s be honest: Gifted and Talented does not offer a single truly likable character. Some had potential, but you wouldn’t want to sit down to dinner with most of them; they’re either morally gray or downright terrible. That said, the morally gray ones would make for some fascinating conversation, but don’t believe a word they say.

This was my first Olivie Blake novel, and I completely understand the hype. It’s unpredictable, clever, and relentless. A book that lingers in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.

2 Sisters Murder Investigations

Title: 2 Sisters Murder Investigations
Author: James Patterson, Candice Fox
Published: April 22, 2025 by Little, Brown and Company
Format: Hardcover, Audio, 368 Pages
Genre: Mystery
Series: 2 Sisters Detective Agency #2

Blurb: Rhonda and Barbara “Baby” Bird are half-sisters—and full partners in their Los Angeles detective agency. They agree on nothing.

Rhonda, a former attorney, takes a by-the-book approach to solving crimes, while teenage Baby relies on her street smarts.

But when they take a controversial case of a loner whose popular wife has gone missing, they’re accused of being PIs who can’t tell a client from a killer.

The Bird sisters share a late father, but not much else…except their willingness to fight.

Fight the system. Fight for the underdog. Fight for the truth. If they can stop fighting each other long enough to work together.***

My Opinion: You really start to notice the difference a co-author makes when you read James Patterson's books back-to-back. Some of them feel rushed, while others, like 2 Sisters Murder Investigation, thanks to Candice Fox, have more depth. This one was an easy win, balancing sharp storytelling and engaging character dynamics in a way the Murder Club books don’t always pull off.

Now, regarding the audiobook, it was a mixed experience. I tried switching between the print and audio versions but ultimately had to ditch the narration. Mela Lee’s portrayal of Baby Bird was like nails on a chalkboard and came across like an exaggerated caricature instead of the quick-witted teen detective she’s meant to be. In print, Baby’s street smarts, impulsive decisions, and sharp instincts landed much better, without the distraction of an aggravating voice and tone.

The Bird sisters are officially running their late father’s detective agency, juggling cases that range from recovering stolen dogs to unraveling a darker mystery involving a missing wife and a trophy box.

And then there’s Baby’s side mission. Developers are circling like vultures, trying to push an older man out of his home, but they clearly underestimated who they were dealing with. Baby takes them on with the kind of relentless determination that makes you want to cheer her on from the sidelines.

Both storylines pulled me in, proving that Fox adds depth to Patterson’s quick-release style that makes this book stand out. Do I trust Patterson’s annual book factory to churn out consistent hits? Not really. But this one? This one did exactly what I hoped it would by delivering a fast, fun, Patterson-level mystery.

Before We Forget Kindness

Title: Before We Forget Kindness
Author: Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Published: September 19, 2024 by Picador
Format: Hardcover, Audio 224 pages
Genre: Magical Realism
Series: Before the Coffee Gets Cold #5

Blurb:
- The father who could not allow his daughter to get married
- A woman who couldn't give Valentine's Day chocolates to her loved one
- A boy who wants to show his smile to his divorced parents
- A wife holding a child with no name . . .

They must follow the café's strict rules, however, and come back to the present before their coffee goes cold. Another moving and heartwarming tale from Toshikazu Kawaguchi, in Before We Forget Kindness our new visitors wish to go back into their past to move on their present, finding closure and comfort so they can embark on a beautiful future.

My Opinion: The reader arrives at Funiculi Funicula, a cozy Tokyo café where time travel is possible. That is if you follow the rules. With the right seat, the right cup of coffee, and a willingness to revisit the past, patrons get a brief chance to reconnect with lost moments and lingering regrets.

I started reading the book but eventually switched to the audiobook. Not because I wasn’t enjoying it, but because it fit better as enjoyable background listening, with a few moments that made me stop and think. The premise is intriguing, and the themes of reflection and closure are heartfelt, with straightforward storytelling. I kept waiting for a deeper connection, though it never quite landed.

I had no idea this was part of a series when I picked it up. It was one of those casual “You might like this” recommendations, and I jumped in without checking. Reading the books in order might provide better context. That said, I never felt lost. Before We Forget Kindness is the fifth book in the series, but the individual stories felt self-contained enough that I didn’t struggle with missing details.

Overall, the book has a gentle, reflective tone, and while it didn’t fully draw me in, it wasn’t forgettable either. It lingers quietly, like a memory you’re not sure what to do with, but one that’s still worth sitting with until the coffee gets cold.

Legends & Lattes

Title: Legends & Lattes
Author: Travis Baldree
Published: June 7, 2022 by Tor
Format: Kindle, 296 Pages
Genre: Fantasy
Series: Legends & Lattes #1

Blurb: The battle-weary orc aims to start fresh, opening the first-ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success, not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is. If Viv wants to put the blade behind her and make her plans a reality, she won't be able to go it alone. But the true rewards of the uncharted path are the travelers you meet along the way. And whether drawn together by ancient magic, flaky pastry, or a freshly brewed cup, they may become partners, family, and something deeper than she ever could have dreamed.

My Opinion: Cozy fantasy tends to divide readers -- you’re either charmed by its warm embrace or find yourself wanting something with sharper edges. Legends & Lattes falls into that unique space where fantasy meets comfortable storytelling. While many fantasy books ask you to memorize elaborate magic systems and wade through dense world-building, this novel keeps things light. There is no need to decode ancient prophecies or navigate a maze of unfamiliar names; just a simple, satisfying tale with all the charm of a well-worn café.

That said, the author does plant a historical anchor, a reference to a 1300’ish date, but rather than grounding the story, it ended up feeling more like a distraction. With a cast of non-human characters and a setting that felt removed from any factual historical timeline, this detail pulled me out rather than drawing me in.

As for reading order, it’s a puzzle. I started with Bookshops & Bonedust, the prequel, which gave me some helpful context for the world and its characters. But with a third book, Brigands & Breadknives, coming soon (following Fern, a character first introduced in the prequel), the question of where to begin feels even trickier. Do you start with Viv’s story, where an orc warrior turns coffee shop owner and builds a community from scratch? Or do you work backward first, unraveling the past before stepping into the present? Either way, one thing is for certain: this series thrives on its sense of found family. Viv’s journey isn’t just about coffee (or bean water, as some call it); it’s about resilience, friendship, and the quiet joy of building something lasting.

However you approach it, you’re in for a world that feels less like an epic saga and more like a warm, familiar retreat that invites you in with the promise of companionship and a freshly brewed drink.