Author Archives: rachelauthorbarnard

Book Review: The Holiday Clause by Lydia Michaels

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The Holiday Clause by Lydia Michaels

A Romance Novel published by Bailey Brown Publishing (11/18/25)

Summary: 

When three billionaire brothers are told they must marry to inherit their father’s empire, their childhood friend Wren suddenly finds herself at the center of the chaos. What follows is a mix of rivalry, nostalgia, and unexpected feelings as Wren navigates old bonds and new possibilities. It’s a cozy, funny, and sometimes messy story about love, family, and choosing what truly matters.

Keywords:

Contemporary, Hideaway Harbor, Christmas, Small-Town, Alpha Males, Billionaire, Friends to Lovers, First Love, Competition, Rivalry

My Review:

I didn’t love the prologue. It didn’t feel like the start of the story and didn’t draw me in. However, after the first few chapters, I started to get sucked into Hideaway Harbor, the three Hawthorne boys, and Wren.

The book centers around Wren just as much as the three Hawthorne brothers: Greyson, Soren, and Logan, but I didn’t get to know Soren and Logan as much as Greyson. The setup felt very romcom – whoever finds a wife will secure the family inheritance. The setup is intriguing, even if a little outlandish (like a typical Netflix romcom does), and I liked that it tackled heavier topics like loss and grief amidst the festive holiday backdrop. I appreciated that layer of depth.

I was always rooting for Wren, the girl next door, the small-town free spirit who runs her own business and lovingly looks after her quirky dad. She’s warm, grounded, and easy to connect with. Greyson, on the other hand, was harder for me to like. His “alpha” energy and possessive streak came across as more controlling than romantic, especially given that Wren had never dated before. That dynamic felt a little off to me and gave the story a tone that reminded me more of a shifter romance than a contemporary one.

The story did continue to draw me in, and I wanted to get to the exclusive relationship and find out if Wren and Greyson would get over themselves and get together. By the end, I was invested in how things would work themselves out, and the emotional payoff was satisfying.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published on 11/18/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.25

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: The Holiday Whoopie by Sara L Hudson

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The Holiday Whoopie by Sara L Hudson

A Romance Novel published (11/11/25)

Summary: It’s Just Business Until It’s Not

“I know exactly what it’s like to live entirely at work and leave the rest empty because you’re never really there.” (Kindle 25%).

When a driven pastry chef and an equally ambitious Hollywood lawyer collide, sparks (and whoopie pies) fly. Audrey traded the high-stakes world of the Ritz-Carlton for the small town charm of her whoopie-pie in Hideaway Harbor, determined to build something of her own. Jack, the Hollywood Lawyer, never planned on staying long. But when a snowstorm, a viral Christmas tree disaster, and a few too many pun-filled pastries throw them together, neither can ignore the chemistry simmering beneath their banter. What starts as a business relationship turns into something deeper, as they learn that sometimes the sweetest things in life come when you stop trying to control the recipe.

Keywords:

Contemporary, Hideaway Harbor, Christmas, Lawyer, Small-Town, Bakery, Expectations, Competition, Pies

My Review:

Audry is the pastry chef at the top of her game who left a prestigious position at the Ritz Carlton to open a Whoopie pie innuendo laden bakery in the small town of Hideaway Harbor. I relate to her Type A personality so much! She has trouble relinquishing control of anything in her life. And she’s out to prove to her mother that her career change was a good choice, in any way possible. She’s burning the candle at both ends, and it’s never enough. Her dream of a small-town life with a husband and kids has been set aside because she’s too busy. She’s stuck in the constant cycle of doing more while not being enough, and that’s quite relatable. She’s driven, sharp, and definitely not looking for a man in a thousand-dollar suit who treats deadlines like oxygen.

Jack is the LA lawyer who is always treated as the sidekick. He barely gets any attention when he’s out and about with his clients. He’s viewed only as his profession. LAWYER in all caps whenever he’s in public. Even Audrey only sees him as business-only, Scrooge-like, holiday downer of a dude who is only in it for the billable hours.

It’s just business for them both… Until it’s not. I loved seeing the two perspectives of these main characters as they spent more time with each other and brought out the best in each other. The croissants are good, but the sex is better! It gets just as steamy as any of the other books in the Hideaway Harbor series.

I loved this book and could not put it down. The writing is smooth and smart, the pacing keeps you hooked, and I’ve grown to love the town of Hideaway Harbor with this series of books.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published on 11/11/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: The Holiday Fakers by Evie Alexander

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The Holiday Fakers by Evie Alexander

A Romance Novel published by Emlin Press (11/07/25)

Summary: Finding Redemption Through Love

“I’ve spent almost a lifetime fantasizing about kissing Brody King.” 42%

Brody may be a celebrity with a messy past and a notorious reputation, but underneath it all, he’s a genuinely good guy. Piper, the sweet girl-next-door who’s always cared for him, has loved Brody since childhood. While Brody fears dragging Piper into the fallout of his public image, Piper worries about risking her career and letting down her family. To help each other out, they strike a deal to fake-date. As old feelings resurface and close quarters blur the lines, can they keep their friendship intact, or will their hearts finally get in the way?

Keywords:

Self-sabotage, Celebrity Romance, Slow-Burn, Contemporary, Longing, Public Life, Brooklyn, Hideaway Harbor, Past Mistakes, Reputation, Christmas, Fake Dating

My Review:

The POV is first-person, allowing for a lot of introspection, so we really get into the characters’ minds. I love seeing their thought processes laid out. It’s raw, self-reflective, and full of rationalizations that feel so human and relatable.

The romantic tension is on point. There are questions of boundaries, restraint, and denying feelings, which create a sort of push-pull dynamic that builds the slow-burning romance. But when we get to the juicy parts, they are for sure juicy! The heat is set to boiling. The sex scenes are long, graphic, and unapologetically explicit. They are way more intense than a fade-to-black romance.

The small-town setting of Hideaway Harbor adds so much charm and continues to delight me with this “second” book in the Hideaway Harbor setting. It’s full of quirky, nosy, but lovable characters, holiday traditions, and the warmth of found family. I’m delighted that the town is the setting of multiple books set in the universe of Hideaway Harbor. It even reminds me of the town of Leavenworth in Washington – aka the Village of Lights: Christmastown.

If you love a good contemporary slow-burn romance with erotic scenes, then this is a great read to pick up for the Holidays (or really anytime you want a fun, easy-to-read romance).

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published by Emlin Press on 11/07/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: The Holiday Hate-Off by Angela Casella

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The Holiday Hate-Off by Angela Casella

A Romance Novel published (11/04/25)

Summary: Christmas feud turns into enemies into lovers

“But I wanted to find a man who wanted me, and none of them did. I was too stubborn to pretend to be someone else for their benefit.” (Kindle 3%).

Christmas in the cozy town of Hideaway Harbor turns into a festive feud when Lucy, a transplanted coffee shop barista, clashes with Enzo, the grumpy guy next door who’s back home to save his family’s Italian market. What starts as snarky banter and sabotaged holiday events quickly turns into sizzling chemistry. 

Keywords:

Contemporary, Hideaway Harbor, Christmas, Opposites Attract, Enemies to Lovers, Fake Dating, Grumpy/Sunshine

My Review:

She’s looking for Mr. Perfectly Okay. Someone to practice dating (and intimacy) with so she’s ready for Mr. Right. He doesn’t need to be brilliant, super hot, or even funny.

The Holiday Hate-Off is everything I want in a cozy Christmas romcom. It’s funny, flirty, festive, and surprisingly layered. Lucy and Enzo have that perfect grumpy/sunshine, enemies-to-lovers energy that makes you root for them even when they’re driving each other (and everyone else) crazy. The prank wars and banter were highly entertaining to read. When they both have to have the last word, the insults will cut lower and lower. They are both equal parts stubborn and uncompromisingly themselves. This makes for incredibly funny dialogue (ie, banter that never stops) that is highly entertaining.

When Lucy admits she’s “the lonely woman who wants a home so badly she fools herself into thinking she’s found one,” it felt like a gut punch. I am so invested in Lucy that I empathize with her emotional longing for family. The author captures Lucy and her insecurities so well that it feels like I know Lucy as a real person.

The writing itself is raw, witty, and deeply introspective. I felt like I was inside Lucy’s and Enzo’s heads, hearing every messy, contradictory emotion. There’s one line about their “frenemies-with-benefits agreement” that sums up the whole story: two people pretending they can keep things casual while their hearts have other plans. It’s sharp, funny, and full of heart.

I love Hideaway Harbor, and this is technically the first book set in that world. Hideaway has all the small-town charm, meddling families, and holiday chaos that make for a great Holiday escapism read.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest review.

This novel was published on 11/04/2025 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information

Goodreads

Book Review: Nest or Invest by Enni Amanda

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Nest or Invest by Enni Amanda

A Romance Novel published by Lumi Publishing (01/25/21)

Summary: When love is not part of the plan, but opposites attract

“A man didn’t need to be a self-important jerk to have presence, or courage.” (Kindle 56%).

Shasa is a single mum fighting to preserve her neighborhood and keep a roof over her head. Mac is the real estate developer whose next big project threatens to bulldoze everything she stands for. 

Keywords:

Contemporary, Opposites Attract, Real Estate, New Zealand, Underdog, Acting, Romance, Affordable Housing, Single Parent, Eco-Warrior, Business 

My Review:

Shasa’s and Mac’s collision feels inevitable. They are both under tension (both internal and external). She’s all heart and stubborn ideals, while he’s all business and bottom lines. The way their dynamic evolves is what makes this book interesting. There’s chemistry beneath their arguments, and I loved watching the gradual shift from tension to understanding. The author did an excellent job giving both characters real depth, showing how their motivations are shaped by love and loss rather than simple good vs. evil.

The community aspect might be my favorite part, especially with the setting of New Zealand. The story captures the sense of belonging that comes with small-town life and the power of people banding together to protect what matters (even though some of them are only there for the snacks). Shasa’s devotion to her daughter and neighbors feels authentic, and the author paints her as strong yet vulnerable in a way that’s easy to root for. Mac’s transformation is largely reflected in our perceptions of him, as he has always been a good guy, but in a pinch, he has made some questionable decisions. Though I enjoyed the scenes where he interacts with Shasa’s daughter, I found it a bit unrealistic how comfortable he was with physical affection toward someone else’s child, especially given how cautious people tend to be about that today.

While the romance is sweet and emotionally satisfying, it sometimes leans more tender than sizzling. I found myself wishing for a bit more spark in their banter or physical tension earlier on. Some of the pacing dragged in the middle, especially in the community planning sections, which occasionally felt more procedural than personal. A few side characters were charming but underused, and I wanted more of their humor and heart to balance the heavier moments.

Overall, the book delivers a well-written, grounded love story with charm and purpose. It’s not just about two people finding each other. It’s about redefining success, love, and what it means to build a home. 

This novel was published by Lumi Publishing on 01/25/2021 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.0

Links for more information

Goodreads

48 Hours in New York City – From New York, With Love – Hugh Jackman

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I think we heard Empire State of Mind 50 times during our quick 2-night trip to New York City. There is a soundtrack and a smell to NYC that is different from my last visit in January of 2017 (with my mom to watch my sister perform). During that trip in 2017, we visited Zabar’s, Kismat Indian in Washington Heights, Thai Sea in Brooklyn, Donut X, Donut Pub, Carwash Donuts, Carlos Bakery, Rue, and a rooftop bar. This visit (8 years later), we snacked our way around Manhattan before and after watching Hugh Jackman perform.

We planned our trip around seeing Hugh Jackman’s “From New York, With Love” show at Radio City in New York. We had lovely seats in ORCH 3 that were not too far back from the stage. I watched the stage during the show and not the side-mounted televisions that were zoomed in on Hugh Jackman and the other performers. The seats are quite comfortable and just large enough to feel adequate for most people. The orchestra sloped gently, and the stage was elevated so I could see without the row in front of us getting in my view. The venue seats ~6000, and my main comment is that there are not enough restrooms! There are four levels of restrooms, and the lines were halfway down the hall for some of them 15 minutes before the show. There were only 6 stalls in the mezzanine bathroom I was able to use before the show started.

Hugh Jackman’s show itself was great! We went to the matinee on the last day of performances for this show. He was personable, charming, and funny. There was a good mix of songs throughout the show (with songs from The Greatest Showman to Music Man to Les Mis). Though he spends an entire short piece jump roping (as a fun spoof of the Deadpool and Wolverine movie’s NSYNC dance), he is not doing as much moving around/dancing. For one of the songs (Never Enough), there was a guest singer. Kate Hudson also came out, and she and Hugh did a few songs from their upcoming Neil Diamond movie. Clearly, Hugh Jackman is talented, and this was a super-fun show to watch live.

🥂 Bar 54
Rooftop bars are one of my favorite activities in a new city. I looked for one within walking distance of our hotel near Times Square, that took reservations, and had good reviews for the views. Reservations were easy, and while the glass barrier means you can’t look straight down, the vibe is still worth it as a rooftop bar. A glass of champagne and a cocktail set us back approximately $67, including gratuity. There is supposedly a time limit to the table reservation, but we were not hurried at all by the waitstaff. It was a very relaxed time, and it was gorgeous outside in early October.

🍗 Dave & Buster’s
We booked a table to watch the UFC fights on Saturday night. They have plenty of TVs. When we arrived, they sat us in front of one that wasn’t currently showing what we came for, and it took them 20-ish minutes to switch it over. By the time the main fights were on, almost every TV was playing UFC. Service was great. Food was okay. Of the two finger foods we ordered (Philly egg rolls and boneless wings), they were mildly overcooked, dry, and overpriced. You’re paying for the space, not the food.

🍕 F&F Pizza, Brooklyn
Recommended by Babish (YouTuber), this pizza spot is in Brooklyn. We accidentally booked a table at the full restaurant next door (thanks, Google), but they let us leave our reservation and head next door for slices. We ordered clam, pepperoni, cheese, and Partanna. The Partanna was our favorite, though the clam slice was unexpectedly delicious. A chewier crust, great flavor, and solid prices ($4–$7 per slice) make this one worth the trip.

🍕 Joe’s Pizza
A must for classic NY-style slices. The OG location was not ready with slices when they opened, so we hit the Times Square spot instead. The line was just outside the door when we arrived before noon. Everything smelled delicious! We got a slice each of cheese, pepperoni, and white. Solid choice for NY-style pizza.

🍜 Ichiran Ramen
This was the priciest Ichiran we’ve ever been to, and not the best quality. The setup included privacy dividers we couldn’t remove, but we were seated side by side. The matcha pudding was a fun menu addition that we tried, but overall, not quite worth the $79 tab or 45-minute wait for two bowls of ramen, drinks, and a dessert.

🍩 I’m Donut?
We went all in here, ordering eight donuts (Pistachio white chocolate donut, custard donut, PBJ donut, Caramel Espresso Cream Donut, Sake Cream Donut, Matcha Cream Donut, Scrambled Eggs Donut) and a matcha latte. Fortunately, the donuts are not too large, but 8 is too many to eat in one sitting for two people. I would go back for the Matcha cream donut again and again. It was some of the best matcha I’ve had in a pastry. The scrambled egg donut was a trip. Definitely worth a try, but far from your standard donut flavor. The line was managed well outside, and the inside is cute and appealing. Pricey but memorable.

🥪 Katz’s Deli
I’ll have what she’s having at Katz’s Deli. This is a confusing place to walk into for the first time! They hand you a little ticket when you walk up, and you join a line in front of the deli counter and wait your turn to put in your order. They cut your meat and build your sandwiches at the deli counter, and then tag your ticket with what you ordered. You pay at the exit (with cash) or in the back (with a credit card). The place is full of really fun décor and plenty of tables. It can get crowded here, but if you stop by in the morning early enough, you won’t be waiting long in line and will probably have plenty of options for a table. Sandwiches are large (easy to share) and priced accordingly. We tried a pastrami sandwich, a half egg salad sandwich with a cup of split pea soup, and got it with a can of soda for ~$75.

🍪 Levain Bakery (NoHo)
Soft, thick, and gooey cookies that are everything social media promised. I’m team chewy cookie, but even I had to admit these were impressive. The chocolate chip walnut is their OG flavor.

🥐 Paris Baguette
A quick breakfast stop that felt calm amid the city rush. The mocha was the least sweet mocha I’ve ever had, but the pastry cases were stacked high and looked appealing.

Since my last visit to NYC, transportation has gotten easier now that you can tap and pay using your phone. Prices have gone up minimally for public transit. $2.90 for a single tap vs. $2.50 last time I was in NYC. $8.50 for the airtran to/from JFK. $8.25 for the LIRR to JFK. We took one Uber from Brooklyn’s F&F pizza to our hotel in Times Square for $44. Our Delta flights were ~$400/each round-trip in the 2-seater exit row (twice as expensive as my flight last time but from a different city). We spent ~$500 on food and snacks – a lot for a quick trip, but not too much considering all the places we tried and all the food we ate. Travel is always more expensive than staying home, and there are more costs than I expect every time we travel, but prices seem reasonable for NYC (hotel ~500/night downtown near Times Square, orchestra seat ticket ~$340 at Radio City, $30 for a souvenir t-shirt, ~$5 for a nice slice of pizza).

Some other things we noted during the trip… The Hop on/Hop Off buses always looked full, with a line down the block to get on. I’m not sure you’d be able to get a seat if you got off and wanted to get back on. I didn’t see anyone smoking cigarettes (smelled Nicotine only once), but saw multiple people smoking weed (several times in the subway). I expected more lines at some of the places we went for snacks/food, but we never waited very long in lines (the longest was for Ichiran). Things/food were both more expensive and less expensive than I expected in comparison to Austin food/merch/travel expenses.

Book Review: Lost and Found: The Misadventures of a Reluctant Trekker by Donna Abel

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Lost and Found: The Misadventures of a Reluctant Trekker by Donna Abel

A Chick-Lit Travel Fiction Novel published (07/16/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“Planning, practice, and preparation make for high performance.”

Fiercely independent businesswoman Samantha O’Sullivan finds her perfectly polished world unraveling after burnout, grief, and a drunken bidding war land her on a ten-day trek through Vietnam. Swapping stilettos for hiking boots, she stumbles through laugh-out-loud training fails, inner battles with her self-critical alter ego “Karen,” and a tangled web of work drama, exes, and unexpected friendships. As she navigates blisters, betrayal, and emotional baggage, Samantha discovers healing, forgiveness, and a second chance at love in this witty, heartfelt tale of getting lost to find yourself.

Keywords:

Grief, self-discovery, resilience, friendship, forgiveness, second chances, trek, training, hike, Vietnam, charity hike

My Review:

This story is perfectly plotted, with every beat landing exactly where it should. The pacing is tight, and the blend of internal and external conflict keeps things engaging throughout. Samantha, the main character, feels refreshingly real, especially in how she wrestles with self-doubt. I loved that she gives a name to her inner critic—Karen—which adds both humor and emotional weight to her internal dialogue, making her struggles relatable and keeping the tone upbeat.

The writing style is conversational yet polished, with a touch of humor that shines through Samantha’s narration. Her mindset is front and center, emotionally self-aware, and her truths land plainly and honestly, with just enough levity to keep the tone engaging and accessible.

Although the plot revolves around the series of events that lead to a spur-of-the-moment charity trek bid and the preparation for that journey (as well as the actual few days in Vietnam), it’s a story about Sam’s symbolic journey through grief, healing, and rediscovery. In a way, we’re all preparing for our own version of a monumental task, and it was gratifying to walk with Sam on hers, experiencing her growth and resilience.

I also appreciate that there were subplots that gave this book another layer of complexity. Even though this book is on the shorter end, it felt complete and thoughtfully constructed. That said, the diary entries at the end didn’t work for me. They felt like a recap I didn’t need. The story was already complete, and retelling it in another format did not add to the storytelling.

On the other hand, one of my favorite little surprises was Samantha’s Official Trek Training Progress Chart—a fun, quirky detail that paired perfectly with the tone of the book and ended things on a lighter, playful note.

If you enjoy introspective, tightly written contemporary fiction with quippy characters, this one is definitely worth reading.

This novel was published on 07/16/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 4.00

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Book Review: Perfect Plans by J. T. Tierney

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Perfect Plans by J. T. Tierney

A Contemporary Rom-Com Novel published by Curtiss Street Press (08/12/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“I’m beginning to see that human variables, though messier, have their own kind of structure. Like snowflakes—unique, ephemeral, and shaped by invisible principles.”

Ryan Porter sees the world through spreadsheets and systems—thanks to a childhood spent in an Arctic research station with scientist parents. People? Still confusing. When he starts working at a chaotic New York event-planning company, he’s thrown into a world of bizarre clients and unpredictable drama. Sofie Chen, his coworker, is his total opposite—intuitive, people-smart, and quick on her feet. As they deal with event disasters and office messes, they both start to question how they see the world—and each other.

Keywords:

Romance, Rom-Com, New York, Data, Convention Planning, Event Planning, Rivalry, Ex

My Review:

The very first sentence was a strong hook, and I couldn’t put the book down from there. The story pulled me in with its compelling plot, sharp dialogue, and a pair of main characters (the two love interests) who feel mismatched and yet absolutely perfect for each other.

Ryan is the human embodiment of a spreadsheet—precise and data-driven. If a computer and Mr. Darcy had a baby who was raised in a remote research station, you’d get Ryan. He’s brilliant, baffling, and charming in his rigidity. He struggles with unexpected change and chaos, but he’s learning to adapt. He’s genuinely adorable to watch. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be neurodivergent, Ryan is a fantastic lens. He sees the world in patterns, but can’t “turn off” that thinking, which creates tension. He will have to learn to accept the chaos and to find joy in the illogical to grow as a person.

Sofie, although not as different from Ryan, is neurodivergent in a distinctly different way. She’s empathy personified. She feels everything deeply and relies on instinct, nuance, and emotional intelligence. Her world is ruled by relationships and perception. She’s learned the hard way that the most dangerous people at work aren’t the obvious bullies, but the manipulators—the ones who make you feel special until you realize you’re just playing a part in their one-man show.

Then there’s Trevor. The perfect catalyst. The perfect ex. The perfect bit of drama. But he’s not one-note—we get a few chapters from his perspective that add layers and nuance. I loved the depth we get into his backstory, even if it doesn’t excuse his behavior.

I also have to mention the workplace/convention space itself—it practically functions as a third main character. The chaos and hilarity of event planning are part of why I couldn’t stop reading. It’s unpredictable, it’s messy, and it’s revenue-driven chaos at its best. The conventions themselves are often celebrations of people’s niche obsessions, which is just fun to read about.

Every sentence in this book feels deliberate and sharp. The writing distills big truths about human behavior and relationships with clarity and heart. I did a lot of highlighting as I read. It’s the most fun I’ve had reading in a while, and also one of the most insightful portrayals of how two wildly different brains navigate the same chaos. If you’re a fan of rom-coms or just love reading about flawed, fascinating humans figuring things out, you’ll enjoy this contemporary novel.

This novel was published by Curtiss Street Press 08/12/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.00

Links for more information:

J.T. Tierney’s Website

Goodreads

Book Review: Beelitz-Heilstätten: Where Ghosts Never Die by Marina Osipova

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Beelitz-Heilstätten: Where Ghosts Never Die by Marina Osipova

A Historical Fiction Book published on (05/01/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

A Russian-American writer’s return to her homeland leads to an unexpected journey through time. In a WWI hospital, she falls for a doomed doctor and meets a patient tied to history’s turning point. As love and truth collide, she must choose between changing the past or protecting the future.

Keywords:

Romance, Historical Fiction, Germany, 1900’s, Time Travel, WWI, Hospital, Nurse

My Review:

The story follows the main character Marion in a first-person narrative. We’re deep in her head from the start, and that doesn’t really let up. She reflects on love, regret, identity, and memory. Most of the story is set in Beelitz-Heilstätten, a former sanatorium. There’s a romantic relationship with her husband Hans that grounds her in the present, but her true focus is the past and a longing to reconnect with her birthplace. The visit to Heilstätten carries weight, but the meaning stays just out of reach. You feel it matters, even if you’re not entirely sure why. That mystery pulls you further into Marion’s quest for answers. At times, I wasn’t even sure why I couldn’t put the book down, but it lingered in my mind as persistently and unsettlingly as it did in Marion’s.

The characters are quiet but layered. Marion feels out of place in the hustle and bustle of modern life. She spends most of her time in her own head, but also seems slightly lost. Hans is kind but possessively overprotective. The female nurses of Beelitz-Heilstätten are exacting and ever-present, though often on the periphery. The doctor is intriguing but almost unknowable, while patients come and go.

The story is divided into three parts, though structurally it reads more like an emotional arc than a traditional plot. The pacing is slow and deliberate. At times, it’s unclear where it’s headed, but you still want to follow. You need to know why, and that why feels inevitable.

There’s a sense of something stirring beneath the surface, pointing to a deeper, possibly darker truth behind Marion’s daily life in the past. Her discomfort with a particular patient, the recurring storms, her dreams, and ghostly phrases all hint at hidden layers beneath the story’s surface.

What really works in the novel is its emotional depth and immersive setting. The way the author describes the landscape, the weather, and even the silence in a room mirrors the characters’ moods and ties to the narrative. Cultural and historical details add richness without feeling forced. For readers craving thoughtful historical fiction, this delivers.

The writing itself is thoughtful, poetic, and full of sensory detail. While it’s clear English isn’t the writer’s first language, the phrasing and structure create a unique literary feel rather than a distraction. It reminded me of something you’d find on a book club list. There’s plenty to unpack in the story, from the characters to the themes to the writing style itself.

Overall, this is a quiet, introspective story about memory, longing, and how the past never really stays in the past. It’s beautifully written and emotionally on point. If you enjoy reflective, character-driven fiction with a slightly eerie edge, this is absolutely worth reading.

This novel was published on 05/01/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 5.0

Links for more information:

Goodreads

Book Review: Altitude & Arrogance by Bella G. Raine

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Altitude & Arrogance by Bella G. Raine

An Action and Adventure Romance Book published on (06/14/25)

I received an Advanced Review Copy (or ARC) on Reedsy Discovery

Summary:

“That was the fundamental difference between pilots and passengers—fear didn’t get a seat up front.”

A fiery enemies-to-lovers romance takes flight when a daring test pilot and a secretive tech heir are forced into a high-stakes mission that threatens not just their hearts—but the fabric of reality itself.

Keywords:

Romance, Pilots, Flying, Aliens, Encounter, Love Triangle

My Review:

The writing in this book is rich, emotional, and often poetic. The author blends sharp, realistic dialogue with thoughtful, reflective moments. The story feels deep and intense, with lots of vivid descriptions and strong word choices. These details give the book a dramatic, cinematic feel. But sometimes the writing gets so detailed that it’s hard to follow the plot. You really have to focus while reading, since the meaning is often hidden between the lines. This book is less like a fast-paced action story (Independence Day) and more like a slow-burning, thoughtful film (Nope). You can’t just skim or read without fully paying attention.

This isn’t a typical science fiction novel. It mixes elements of sci-fi, thriller, romance, and literary fiction. If you like stories that blend genres, you might enjoy what this one offers.

However, the poetic style has some downsides. The heavy use of metaphors can sometimes make the story harder to understand. The pace slows down in some scenes, especially during long inner thoughts. Some emotional moments like grief, fear, and wonder happen all at once, which weakens their impact. The dialogue sometimes feels over-the-top, and important scenes can be unclear because there’s too much focus on description.

Still, the book stands out for its ambition and depth. It explores big ideas such as identity, love, loss, and choice, presented in a thoughtful and serious tone. The final scene leaves a strong impression and hints that the story isn’t over yet.

On the other hand, the romance subplot doesn’t work as well for me. The writing feels slow and repetitive in the early chapters, and the emotional side of the romance is underdeveloped. The romantic tension shows up too soon, before we’ve had a chance to connect with the characters.

This book is a good fit for readers who enjoy poetic writing, exploring deep emotions, and engaging with thoughtful themes. But if you prefer fast pacing, strong romance, or a clear story structure, it might not be for you. It’s a bold book with flashes of brilliance.

This novel was published on 06/14/25 and is available on Amazon here.

TL;DR Star Rating: 2.50

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