He’s the grumpy small town local, and she’s the summer tourist winning over the whole town. What happens when he finally lets his guard down and opposites attract? Juliette Campbell might’ve won the hit reality dating show Paradise Love, but it came at the cost of an embarrassing breakup splashed across social media. Needing a quiet getaway, Jules packs her car and makes the drive from Chicago to a small town in northern Wisconsin where she’s rented a cabin for the summer. The sun, lake, and fresh air will be just what she needs to get her life and career back on track. Jules intends for Golden Falls to be a pit stop, but she quickly grows attached to the town and its residents. Well, except for one person. Wesley Richards is a quiet, closed-off, no nonsense kind of guy. He wants nothing to do with Juliette, whatever she’s running from, or those damn sundresses she’s always wearing. He does his best to avoid his new neighbor, but that’s tough to do when she’s everywhere—dancing at his bar, tanning in her bikini, and making friends with everyone in town. But once they get past the not-so-great first (and second) impression Wes made, he realizes just how much he needs the confident, sassy brunette in his life. But with the summer months flying by, Juliette and Wesley are running out of time. Will their sizzling romance stand the heat? Or will their love fizzle out once summer ends?
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Looking for Summer Reads? The Summer For Us
He’s the grumpy small town local, and she’s the summer tourist winning over the whole town. What happens when he finally lets his guard down and opposites attract? Juliette Campbell might’ve won the hit reality dating show Paradise Love, but it came at the cost of an embarrassing breakup splashed across social media. Needing a quiet getaway, Jules packs her car and makes the drive from Chicago to a small town in northern Wisconsin where she’s rented a cabin for the summer. The sun, lake, and fresh air will be just what she needs to get her life and career back on track. Jules intends for Golden Falls to be a pit stop, but she quickly grows attached to the town and its residents. Well, except for one person. Wesley Richards is a quiet, closed-off, no nonsense kind of guy. He wants nothing to do with Juliette, whatever she’s running from, or those damn sundresses she’s always wearing. He does his best to avoid his new neighbor, but that’s tough to do when she’s everywhere—dancing at his bar, tanning in her bikini, and making friends with everyone in town. But once they get past the not-so-great first (and second) impression Wes made, he realizes just how much he needs the confident, sassy brunette in his life. But with the summer months flying by, Juliette and Wesley are running out of time. Will their sizzling romance stand the heat? Or will their love fizzle out once summer ends?
Sunday, May 3, 2026
Looking to Add to Your TBR for Summer
I write books for people who want to escape life and go to a small town full of people like them falling in love.
Is this Love Fur Real? is my summer read. It's also my most popular book with people who own Yorkies. Read the blurb to find out why!
You can find my book in KU if you get your books that way, and it is also available as a kindle book and in paperback. If you shop at bookshop.org you can get it on sale with the original cover.
If you read it and like it, please take a second to give a a rating and/or a review!
Thank you!
She’s scared of heartbreak and tells herself she’s too busy for romance.
Graduate Student Mable Weaverton needs a place away from her wild roommate to finish her summer project. When her boss has to leave town for two weeks and asks her to house sit and take care of his dog, Iggy, she jumps at the chance. But nobody told her how bonkers puppies can be and when disaster after disaster happen, she’s forced to ask a sexy dog trainer for help.
Last time he gave away his heart, it was returned mercilessly crushed.
Ethan Harper is on summer break from his manny job and should be enjoying his time off. Instead, his mind won’t stop rehashing a recent breakup. When a friend recommends his dog training skills, he’s grateful for the distraction. But focusing on reining in cute-but-out-control Iggy proves nearly impossible when sparks fly between him and the luscious Mable.
Can a chaotic puppy teach them to let go of the past and find a future together?
When a tornado approaches town, Mable and Ethan are stuck in a bathroom together with a frightened Iggy. They finally acknowledge there’s more between them than just dog training business. And just as they are about to kindle their sizzling attraction into a full-fledged fire, more chaos threatens to douse the flames. Ethan’s ex has returned, and she wants him back.
Is This Love Fur Real? Is a small-town, forced proximity, steamy romance, featuring a puppy who knows best, a short king who falls first, and a stressed-out grad student too busy for love. Part of the Marley Creek Romance Series, this standalone story has Hallmark movie vibes, and a guaranteed HEA.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
It's not Gonna Be May, It is May! The Sunday Post!
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Happy new month to you. It has been cool here, but it hasn't officially frosted at my house, and so I'm pleased. Only 21 more days of school left for this school year. The kids--and the staff--are in full-on can't wait for summer mode. Myself included.
I"m continuing to read Jack Reacher book. I'm about halfway through One Shot. On audio I'm listening to A Deadly Inside Scoop and T.J. Klune's We Burned So Bright. All are delightful books.
What have you been reading?
Sunday, April 26, 2026
Five Star Mystery with Romance --and it's a historical! Lovely Digits
A little over a week ago, I attended the Chicago North Romance Writer's Spring Fling one of presentations was done by author Jeanine Englert. After the presentation, I downloaded her book on KU. It was a very enjoyable book you can read over a weekend, and you will be transported to cold winter days in England in the 1800s. The book has enough mystery to be enjoyed by mystery readers and enough romance to be satisfying to romance readers. Here is the blurb for the book:
As always if you have read this book, I'd love to hear what you thought!
Two murders.
One unlikely partnership.
A race to catch a killer.
In the sleepy Victorian town of Clun, England, death is nothing new to Lucy Wycliffe. Known as
Lovely Digits, the town’s layer out of the dead, she’s stopped listening to gossip and given up on
any dreams of marriage. After a tragedy forced her into the profession, she has built a life of
quiet dignity, supporting her widowed sister and niece. But when two brutal murders disrupt
their tranquil village, Lucy is thrust into a different role: assistant to the enigmatic new constable.
John Brodie is no stranger to Clun or its dark secrets. A former sailor with a shadowed past, John
embraces his new position as constable as a chance at redemption. He never expected the clever
and curious Lucy to capture his heart.
With time running out, John must protect the woman he loves from becoming the killer’s next
target. Because in Clun, death comes quietly, but not without consequences.
Saturday, April 11, 2026
The Sunday Post: Midway Through April
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
I hope you had a nice week. I am currently watching a variety of streaming shows that release weekly. Imperfect Women, Rooster, DTF St. Louis, and The Pitt. It's practically like watching network TV. The weather here in Chicagoland continues to be a roller coaster. We've also been getting lots of rain, which I will do my best not to complain about. I've got peas and carrots planted, and I can't wait to see them flourish! Plus, it is almost time for me to plant lettuce. There is nothing better than fresh from the garden lettuce!
I'm continuing to work my way through the Reacher series, based on what I can borrow from my library--not the actual order of the books. I am looking for a nice, long series to read after this one. Ideally something that urban fantasy. Do you have any recommendations for me? I've read the Harry Dresden Files, The Kate Daniels series, The Hollows by Kim Harrison, and the Psy Changeling series by Nahlini Singh (I know this isn't Urban Fantasy).
Monday, April 6, 2026
Mr. Second Best by LM Fox
| Forbidden, Friends to lovers, Accidental pregnancy, Second chance romance, Single mother |
I’m in love with my best friend’s widow.
The only person I’ve cared more for is gone.
There’s no doubt he knew yet never let on.
It was just the kind of man Jake was.
I’ve worn my guilt like a second skin since we were teens,
worshipping her from afar.
But time has done me no favors.
Under the surface, resentment grows.
A rage no one else sees.
But now she’s asked me to do the unthinkable…
To grant her the comfort she needs.
I’m helpless to say no to Mel.
I’d give her anything.
Even if doing this will ultimately destroy me when it’s over.
This book is part of a trilogy! Let me know what you think!
Saturday, March 28, 2026
The Sunday Post My Jack Reacher Spring Break is Almost Over!
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Well, I got a taste of the good life, one week without work, plenty of time to do what I wanted. I rejoined the gym—and went to it. I wrote over six thousand words. I went to a Tarot class, and I read four Jack Reacher books.
This week is a four-day work week. Yay. I actually have three four-day work weeks in April. That's because I took a personal day to go to the Chicago Spring Fling. It's a fantastic romance writers' conference. I'm really looking forward to it .
The last quarter of the school year begins tomorrow. 45 school days left! I hope our spring weather evens out soon. I keep getting headaches from the temps and humidity rising into summer temperatures for a day or two and then crashing down into February weather!
What have you been reading?
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Spring Is Here!
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
My spring break has started! This week is going to go by so fast! We will be having decent weather so I am looking foward to getting out and running a few times. I'm also going to a monthly game night at a friends and a tarot reading class. Should be fun!
When I'm not doing that I'm planning on doing more cleaning around the house than I can manage to do when school is in session and reading Jack Reacher books. I'm currently listening to Tripwire and reading Running Blind. Some of the Jack Reacher books are in first person and some are in third person. I prefer the third person it seems to fit the stories better--but Lee Child obviously disagreed!
What are you up to this week?
Saturday, March 14, 2026
The Sunday Post 4 School Days Til Spring Break
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Happy Sunday, today I am going to a Books and Brew event at a brewery in Chicago. I have finally finished having my covers redone. Yay! I have had covers with stock photo people on them, and now I have illustrated covers. Let me tell you, readers are way more interested in the new covers. Below is one of the new covers.
After eight years, a dream I had when we bought our townhome has finally be realized. I set up my desk and writing space in our walk in closet. It's cozy, has a door, and a window. Finally I don't have to wander the house trying to find somewhere to do zoom calls.Monday, March 9, 2026
Books for the Little Nuggets in Your Life
C.D. White is a children's picture book author of stories that explore emotion, imaginative play, and acceptance. She lives in a small Midwest town with her husband. C.D. enjoys meeting fellow authors and supporting local libraries and bookstores. When she's not lost in a good book, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and finding new ways to apply her creativity. Follow her via her website: https://cdwhitebooks.com/ or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/C.D.White.Author
You can learn more about her books and purchase them here: https://creativecreaturepublishing.com/books
Sunday, March 8, 2026
The Sunday Post Happy Spring Forward To Those Who Celebrate!
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
I know, I know, the biannual time change is trash. Nevertheless, give me my extra hour of daylight in the evening. I love when the sun starts setting at 7pm or later! Oh sure, this week will be exhausting and it's dark now when I get up for a few weeks--but I don't care!
We got lucky and not only is today sunny, but the temperature is warm. I hope if there is to be any snow this March that we get it out of the way before my spring break.
What are you watching this week? We are almost done with the latest season of The Lincoln Lawyer. I thought the new season of Your Friends and Neighbors (on Apple TV) was coming out this week, but it's not until April 3rd. I liked the first season of the show; let's see if season two is decent.
On audio, I'm listening to The Doctor of Auschwitz by Kit Sergeant. I have just started it, so I don't have anything to say beyond the narrator is great!
What are you reading?
Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Lumps In My Smoothie
I've been working on adding more protein into my diet. It seems like in order to manage that protein powder must be involved. I don't like whey or soy-based protein powder so I've been using a pea protein powder. It's vegan. Vega Protein and Greens is the kind I get. It's fine. It's even pretty good *IF* I manage to get it completely mixed in the blender. Unfortunately, that's a big if. I need to figure out the right ratio of liquid to powder to frozen fruit. Or I need to get a Vitamix?
The countdown to Spring break is on! We start our Spring Break on 3/20 because that is when Eid happens this year, and it's also the first day of Spring. I hope we get a few above average sunny days during the break. I am going to take a tarot reading class during my time off. That's my big plan for the week.
Once our break is over, the rest of the school year is a slippery slope to summer. Thank goodness, I love outdoor recess. The difference in the kids after 20-30 minutes outside is huge! huge! Grown-ups need to spend more time outside. Am I talking to you? Yes!
If it's daylight, stop reading this and go outside! Breath some fresh air, move your body.
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
A Very Intriguing YA book!
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Excited for the March Cozy Mystery Book Club!
I've missed a bunch of monthly book clubs, but yesterday I was able to borrow an copy of Dead in Dublin by Catie Murphy. I took a peek at the first chapter today. I am *loving* the opening sentence!
Saturday, February 14, 2026
The Sunday Post I've Got Tomorrow Off!
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
I love a three-day weekend. At the end, you are only 4 workdays away from the next weekend. Today, I'm planning to visit blogs, read books, and prep some food for the week. I also need to start writing my next book! I've been spending my time reviewing and refreshing my first three books into one set, AKA an omnibus, so I can put that out at the end of March. I'm two-thirds done with that project.
What are you up to today?
Next Saturday I'll be doing my first solo signing, which I have mentioned here before. I really hope people come out! I want to bring a sweet treat. What sweet treat would you bring to a signing if you were me?
A. Mini Cupcakes
B. Cookies
C. Chocolate Candy
D. Donuts
Yesterday I went to a bookstore and bought a copy of The Killing Floor. As a person of limited book-spending means, I am really sad about the end of mass-market paperbacks. I could have gotten two mass-market paperbacks for the cost of this trade paperback ($18.99 and bigger than the very easy to carry around mass market paperback) Not all innovations are great, IMO. The same goes for AI and digital calendars.
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Thursday, February 12, 2026
New Bombshell Beauties Release! Pretty Pink is Out!
And her only escape is Oliver Mutton—the tattooed coworker who turns her self-control to ash. Their chemistry is wild, addictive, and anything but safe. But Oliver doesn’t want to be her distraction. He wants the truth.
When he demands her heart instead of her body, Maisie must face her darkest fear:
that the violence she survived is already inside her.
Pretty Pink is a steamy, gut-wrenching thriller about love, trauma, and the danger of finally being seen.
***What do you think? Sound like something you might like to read?*** Here's the link to pick it up!
More about Heather Curlee Novak:
Heather Curlee Novak, AKA the ‘Lazy Bombshell,’ writes spicy, suspenseful stories packed with humor, unexpected twists, real-life locations and unforgettable characters who feel like lifelong friends. She’s a lover of all things sparkly, cheeky, and mischievous—qualities that shine through in her work.
When she’s not crafting tales of intrigue and laughter, Heather enjoys motivational speaking and draws inspiration from her years in customer service, sales training, and troubleshooting. Her professional experience fuels her ability to weave relatable, dynamic stories that resonate with readers.
Happily married to her real-life Prince Charming, John, Heather cherishes time with their two fascinating daughters, whom they encourage to live boldly and authentically. She lives each day passionately, striving to "live her love out loud" and bring joy, humor, and a touch of spice to everything she does. Ready to follow Heather, here is the link!
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
A Haunted House Story!
Five teenagers go to a local rundown haunted house thinking it'll be a good time. It turns out to be a far worse idea than they could have possibly imagined.
Intrigued? Here is the buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Something-Truly-Dreadful-Matthew-Salinas-ebook/dp/B0DMJDJJ2Y
Matthew Salinas is a horror author from Illinois. He writes in almost every subgenre of horror and continues to expand his horizons with each new work. You can follow Matthew here
If you read Matthew's work be sure to give it a review! We need all the reviews we can get!
Sunday, February 8, 2026
The Frustration of Trying to Lose Weight
I'm currently reading Ilona Andrews. It's amazing, as is everything they write. I noticed it is written in the first person, and I don't think their other books have been first person. For my work-in-progress that hasn't actually been in progress, I have decided to write in first-person POV. This is a big change for me, and we will see how it goes.
Now I should work on said book, but the other day something happened and it has been taking up way too much of my mental space. My medical insurance offers wellness coaching, so I decided to them up on that opportunity and I had a call with a coach for weight management. Sounds good, right?
During the call she ran some calculations and told me that if I want to lose weight, I do. That I need to eat 1300 calories a day, 110 grams of protein, and 22 grams of fiber.
1300 calories a day. And if I eat over 1750 calories a day, I'll continue to gain weight.
1300 calories a day. I was completely deflated; that seems insurmountable. Especially as this factors in my active job, I easily get to 10K steps per day. I don't sit for any extended periods of time at work and I walk to and from work. Still 1300 calories a day.
I told my husband, based on this, I don't see how I can manage weight loss without a GLP-1. I don't have the mental fortitude to stick to such a restricted diet. My brain doesn't want to let me. I have an appointment with my primary care physician coming up. I've been doing research on GLP-1s (Cleveland Clinic and Reddit for real life experiences) and honestly, I would like to try it--if I can get insurance to pay for it. If not, I'll reevaluate.
In the meantime, I'm focusing on increasing my protein intake. If you have any suggestions on that, please let me know.
Please feel free to share you thoughts on 1300 calories in the comments.
Thanks for reading my rant. I hope you have a great day!
Saturday, February 7, 2026
The Sunday Post It's Not A Hallmark Holiday
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Valentine's Day is this week. The usual suspects will complain that it is a Hallmark holiday. It's not. It's older than Hallmark, and it's in the general vicinity of Imbolc and St. Brigid's Day. Part of the reason for Valentine's Day is just to give us all a reason to have a little fun in the cold, grey days of winter.
Treat yourself—even if you have loved ones that will shower you with gifts—2026 is a real heck of a year; we need all the love (and self-love we can find!)
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
"That First Year" By Margaret Kay
Her oldest daughter, Claire, is married with two young children of her own. She is building her career in the same field as her father. Kade, the middle child, is a paramedic, living with his girlfriend of two years. Kelsey, the youngest, is getting ready to graduate from college.
Then…a terrible accident changes everything.
In the aftermath, life goes on and brings new roles, new or renewed romantic relationships, and new challenges to each member of the family.
Grief experts advise someone coping with the recent loss of their loved one to make no major life decisions or changes during That First Year. For the Laramie family, life had other plans. This is each of their stories during That First Year.
Monday, February 2, 2026
Welcome to February! Come see me February 21!
How do you feel about February? I hope that this month sickness stops running rampant in our school and my nose stops running. And if i could keep on dreaming I'd love to see some temps above freezing.
This month I'll be doing two in-person book events! The first one is at the Pink Couch in Wilmette, IL. It's on Saturday, February 21. This will be the first time that I am on my own... (Cue the Patti LaBelle song from the 1980s) at a signing. GULP!
I really, really, really hope people show up!
Saturday, January 31, 2026
The Sunday Post, Do Yourself a Favor
The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted here @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. you can write about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly, or for a monthly wrap-up. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.
Another week with reminders that we no longer live in a democracy. Arresting of journalists—shameful! I hope you are doing well with the horror and the weather.
Recently I talked my husband into making a change, and I have zero regrets. The bathroom experience is profoundly changed and I'm never going back... What did we do? I found inexpensive bidet attachments for regular toilets, and the husband installed them in both our bathrooms. Talk about feeling fresh!
Writing-wise, I decided that if I wanted to put together an omnibus of my first three books, I should go back through the books and update for typos and freshen up the prose. I feel better about my first book now, which is nice. If you haven't read it, now is a great time to give it a go!
Or...you can wait a few weeks and borrow it from one of the library ebook apps! I submitted it yesterday, but it will take a while before you can see it on Libby!
Reading-wise, I'm listening to Game Changer by Rachel Reid. Along with many other readers, I'm not a fan of the narrator's Kip voice. On Saturday, I'm going to book club to talk about Game Changer, so I'll muddle through.
I hope you are having a lovely Sunday! Next Sunday is the big game that I don't care about, but that the hubs will enjoy.

















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