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Weekly Reads: September 22 to 28, 2025

Sep 30, 2025 | Book Reviews

The Truth About Lord Stoneville by Sabrina Jeffries (2010)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Hellions of Halstead Hall series. Oliver and his siblings are given an ultimatum by their grandmother to all marry within the year to maintain their allowance and inheritance. Oliver tries to force the grandmother to back off by bringing home a totally unsuitable fiancee in the form of a brash and outspoken American woman. Maria is only in England to find her actual fiance and gets entangled into Oliver’s schemes. Lucky for them that they ultimately fall in love, plus all of Oliver’s siblings are loads of fun. Lots of drama and scandal in terms of the circumstances of how their parents passed away.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Shop this book via Amazon // Bookshop.org // Libro.fm

Road Trip with a Vampire by Jenna Levine (2025)

Paranormal romance. Book 3 of the My Vampires series. Witch Zelda is just trying to live her yoga studio life without magic, but her old friend Reggie sends the amnesiac vampire Peter to her door. He needs help finding his memories and she needs to let some magical steam off, so they go off on a road trip to meet at a mystery location in a threatening note he received. It’s chaos and humor as they try real hard not to hook up with each other. I loved this soft and funny approach to interacting with vampires. And Zelda’s backstory is loads of fun to learn about. Fun and easy read.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.

Through the Storm by Beverly Jenkins (1998)

Historical romance. Civil War America. Book 1 of the Le Veq Family series. Loads of drama here. Sable is a slave who is about to sold to a cruel master, so when her great aunt provides a distraction, she runs away. She meets the charming Raimond at a refugee camp and they almost maybe sort of start a romance. The flirting between these two is really fun to watch though, with the brazen and outspoken Sable not giving in and fawning all over the handsome Raimond. But danger comes calling again and she runs off, possibly betraying him in the process. They cross paths many months later when Sable is going by a different name and having befriended Raimond’s mother in New Orleans. From there, we’ve got an arranged marriage, more flirting and fighting, and maybe they finally fall in love. Oh and don’t worry, that nasty villain from the beginning of the book is lurking throughout.

Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Kitty St. Clair’s Last Dance by Kate Robb (2025)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. I would say the romance plot here is secondary to Jules getting her life together and learning more about her late friend Kitty. Prologue has a one night stand between Jules and Reeve that seems magical, but does not work out, for reasons to be explained later. Two years later, Jules is at a funeral for Kitty St. Clair, lively resident at the retirement home where Jules works. And unexpectedly, Jules inherits the abandoned dance hall next door. We get glimpses of Kitty’s past through her super old diary that Jules has and through Jules’ super-realistic dreams where she’s transported to the past as Kitty’s best friend. Jules has lots of decisions to make regarding her application to medical school and what to do with the dance hall property. She also happens to find a second chance with Reeve who pops back into her life at just the right time. He’s super sweet and almost too perfect, but don’t worry, we’ll have some trust issues later on. I enjoyed the ride of this book and the anticipation of learning what Jules does with the dance hall. I also loved the Kitty back story along the way.

Advance ebook provided by Dial Press via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.

The Nanny’s Handbook to Magic and Managing Difficult Dukes by Amy Rose Bennett (2025)

Historical fantasy romance. Victorian-era England. Book 1 of the Parasol Academy series. Super light on the fantasy; the nannies just have some basic magical powers like Mary Poppins. Otherwise, this was your fairly standard story about a duke with rambunctious orphaned wards who falls in love with the outspoken nanny. Emmeline is a graduate of the prestigious Parasol Academy and accidentally lands a job with Xavier, the clock-obsessed duke with unruly wards. They meet, she’s great with the kids, they fall in love. There’s a bit of drama with a villain trying to sabotage Xavier’s life, but otherwise, it’s a pretty predictable story.

Advance ebook provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley.

Thanks so much for reading this post! Looking for more bookish resources and romance book reviews? Read the archives!

Useful Resources:

Get my massive guide of all the romances I’ve read on Kindle Unlimited

Read an introduction to fanfiction

Learn more about sources for reading fanfiction

Want an intro to historical romance series? This post will help!

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Thanks for reading Random Olive Reads! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Crochet Pattern Roundup: Corner to Corner Blanket

Sep 27, 2025 | Crochet Patterns

Quick round up of crochet patterns! Click on the photo below to go to the Etsy page of the pattern. Affiliate links used, so if you make a purchase, I get a small commission.

May include: A multi-colored crocheted blanket with stripes of pink, beige, white, and light green. The blanket is folded and draped over a white couch.

Striped Corner to Corner Crochet Blanket Pattern - Crochet Pattern - Intermediate Crochet Blanket Pattern - The Penny Blanket image 1

May include: A crocheted baby blanket with a diagonal pattern in shades of peach, yellow, white, and teal. The blanket is made with a textured stitch and has a "MARIA'S BLUE CRAYON" label.

May include: A crochet baby blanket with a striped pattern in shades of purple, pink, and peach. The blanket is made with a textured stitch that creates a subtle bobble effect. The blanket is laid out on a white wooden surface. The text "PDF PATTERN US TERMS" is visible in the upper right corner of the image. The text "@KNITKNOTING" is visible in the lower right corner of the image.

A teal-colored gender-neutral baby blanket draped on a white stand by the wall.

May include: A crocheted baby blanket with a diagonal pattern in shades of teal, purple, pink, and yellow. The blanket has tassels on each corner.

May include: A colorful crocheted throw blanket with a chevron pattern in shades of pink, blue, green, and yellow. The blanket is draped over a gray couch and a basket of yarn is in the foreground.

Plaid Crochet Blanket Pattern: The Kensington Throw (PDF Pattern) image 1

May include: A crocheted baby blanket with a scalloped border in yellow and white. The blanket is made with a diagonal stitch pattern in shades of purple, green, and yellow. The text "PDF PATTERN US TERMS" is visible in the top left corner of the image.

May include: A crocheted blanket with stripes of white, gray, green, and light blue yarn. The yarn balls are labeled with the names "Skylight", "Citron", "White", and "Patty".

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Romance Ebook Deal Round-Up: September 25, 2025

Sep 25, 2025 | Book Deals

I love a good bargain for ebooks, and at the rate that I’m reading, grabbing an ebook deal is essential. I’ve rounded up a bunch of romance books that are on sale right now that you should check out. Click on the picture of the book cover to check the current price on Amazon. Prices fluctuate, so keep in mind that it might not be on sale for long. (If you make a purchase through these links, I get a small commission.)

Historical Romance

You May Kiss the Bride: The Penhallow Dynasty

To Have and to Hoax: A Novel (The Regency Vows Book 1)

A Perfect Groom (Avon Historical Romance)

The Husband Hunt (The Madison Sisters Book 3)

The Virgin and the Viscount: The Bachelor Lords of London

If the Duke Demands (Capturing the Carlisles Book 1)

Contemporary Romance

Incense and Sensibility: A Novel (The Rajes Series Book 3)

Thanks so much for reading this post! Looking for more bookish resources and romance book reviews? Read the archives!

Useful Resources:

Get my massive guide of all the romances I’ve read on Kindle Unlimited

Want an intro to historical romance series? This post will help!

Affiliate links may be used within this post. If you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Thanks for reading Random Olive Reads! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Weekly Reads: September 15 to 21, 2025

Sep 23, 2025 | Book Reviews

The Gingerbread Bakery by Laurie Gilmore (2025)

Contemporary romance. Book 5 of the Dream Harbor series. Super fun second chance, not-quite-enemies-to-lovers romance. Annie and Mac have been sniping at each other in every previous Dream Harbor book and this book finally lets us know why. Apparently, one December many years ago, Annie and Mac had a quasi-relationship going on. But then Mac leaves town to explore the country and find himself and doesn’t come back when he promises to. Of course this makes Annie write him off for good, and makes his actual permanent return to town chilly and awkward. He’s still totally hung up on her and doesn’t quite know how to win her back. A weekend of wedding hijinks for their friends is the perfect occasion for forced proximity and bringing back all those old feelings. Cute and flirty and steamy.

Advance ebook provided by Harper Collins via NetGalley. Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

To Heist and to Hold by Christina Britton (2025)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 1 of the Wimpole Street Widows Society series. Heloise and her band of widows plan to infiltrate a gaming hell to save her sister-in-law, and one of those schemes involves seducing one of the owners. Ethan is the very gruff and serious gambling hell owner who is suspicious of Heloise’s motives, but lets her close anyway so he can figure out what she’s up to. They’re both keeping secrets, but it’s clear that they’re totally falling for each other. Lots of sweet caretaking here that goes both ways, plus the added mystery of who’s running a crooked game at the club. Lots of action, both in and out of the bedroom, making this an enjoyable read.

Advance ebook provided by Forever Books via NetGalley.

Shop this book via Amazon // Bookshop.org

An Introvert’s Guide to Life and Love by Lauren Appelbaum (2025)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Loved this book about an introverted homebody finding herself in a quiet little beach town. Mallory is the work-from-home hermit who adores online shopping and staying in her cozy apartment. But her life is a bit blown up when she inherits her a seaside cottage across the country from her late grandmother, in exchange for taking care of Gramps. I loved seeing Mallory grow closer to her grandfather and develop such a strong bond to him and the community where he lives. We also get to see Mallory juggle that remote job she hates and the home improvements she needs to make to the cottage to get it in rentable condition. The romance here comes in the form of a charming property manager Daniel, but it’s really more a story about Mallory’s journey and growth and the Daniel-based romance is just a bonus.

Advance ebook provided by Forever Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Hachette Audio.

Jewel by Beverly Jenkins (2008)

Historical romance. 1880s Michigan. Book 2 of the Grayson Family series. Eli just needed a pretend wife for one dinner with a big city newspaperman to earn an investment, but ended up with a real wife instead when gossip gets out. Jewel is the only daughter of the gruff and surly lumbarjack and used to caring for her many older brothers. She never expected to marry, and especially not to Eli, the man she’d had a teenage crush on. She tries to make sure this is a marriage in name only, but he’s trying to convince her to make a real go of the relationship. It’s a lot of flirting and seducing on Eli’s part to get Jewel to comply. The romance is here is fairly predictable, but it was nice catching up with this town again and seeing everyone work together to built Jewel and Eli’s new house. Danger comes back into town in the form of cousin Nate’s ex-wife and we get to see all the chaos she brings with her.

Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Duke of Eccess by Mariah Stone (2025)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 4 of the Seven Dukes of Sin series. Temperance is on the run from her life as Lady Agatha, daughter of an earl, and known as the Mad Heiress. She’s trying to escape her stepmother’s machinations and just needs to lie low until her birthday when she can claim her inheritance for herself. And that comes in the form of a governess position for Octavius’ wild charges. The three children lost their parents earlier this year and have run off half a dozen governesses. Lucky for them, Temperance is an unconventional sort and they start to bond with her, and become better behaved in the process. Octavius also needs some tutoring in better behavior and turns to Temperance for his own improvement. We get loads of drama with Octavius’ friend also eyeing Temperance, and all that hiding she’s doing from her stepmother. Excellent addition to this series.

Advance ebook provided by Mariah Stone.

Thanks so much for reading this post! Looking for more bookish resources and romance book reviews? Read the archives!

Useful Resources:

Get my massive guide of all the romances I’ve read on Kindle Unlimited

Read an introduction to fanfiction

Learn more about sources for reading fanfiction

Want an intro to historical romance series? This post will help!

Affiliate links may be used within this post. If you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Thanks for reading Random Olive Reads! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Crochet Pattern Roundup: Chevron Blanket

Sep 20, 2025 | Crochet Patterns

Quick round up of crochet patterns! Click on the photo below to go to the Etsy page of the pattern. Affiliate links used, so if you make a purchase, I get a small commission.

May include: A crocheted baby blanket with a chevron pattern in shades of white, gray, and mint green.

CROCHET PATTERN Zigzag Waffle Chevron Blanket - Make to Any Size - PDF Download image 1

May include: A crocheted blanket with a chevron pattern in shades of yellow, white, and gray.

Crochet Pattern, Large Crochet Chevron Blanket, Easy Striped Crochet Throw, Beginner Crochet Pattern image 1

May include: A crocheted blanket with a chevron pattern in shades of yellow, pink, blue, and white.

May include: A crocheted blanket with a chevron pattern in shades of blue, green, and white.

Crochet Blanket Pattern Baby Afghan Tutorial PDF Beginner Project Easy Instructions Digital Download Chevron Ripple Design Pink White Color Scheme Nursery Decoration Handmade Gift Idea Stroller Cover Crib Blanket Toddler Size Option DIY

May include: A crochet pattern for a chevron blanket in shades of pink, beige, and white. The pattern is called "The Turtle Trunk".

May include: A gray chevron baby blanket with pink and blue stripes and pom-poms on the edges. The blanket is draped over a white crib.

May include: A pink and white chevron crochet blanket with a skein of Caron Simply Soft yarn in the color "Inspiration" and a pink crochet hook.

Easy Double Crochet Chevron Blanket Pattern, Simple Crochet Pattern, Quick Crochet Blanket image 1

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Romance Ebook Deal Round-Up: September 18, 2025

Sep 18, 2025 | Book Deals

I love a good bargain for ebooks, and at the rate that I’m reading, grabbing an ebook deal is essential. I’ve rounded up a bunch of romance books that are on sale right now that you should check out. Click on the picture of the book cover to check the current price on Amazon. Prices fluctuate, so keep in mind that it might not be on sale for long. (If you make a purchase through these links, I get a small commission.)

Historical Romance

Rules for Ruin (The Crinoline Academy Book 1)

Contemporary Romance

Thanks so much for reading this post! Looking for more bookish resources and romance book reviews? Read the archives!

Useful Resources:

Get my massive guide of all the romances I’ve read on Kindle Unlimited

Want an intro to historical romance series? This post will help!

Affiliate links may be used within this post. If you make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra charge to you.

Thanks for reading Random Olive Reads! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.

Weekly Reads: September 8 to 14, 2025

Sep 16, 2025 | Book Reviews

The Honeycrisp Orchard Inn by Valerie Bowman (2025)

Contemporary romance. Book 1 of the Honeycrisp Orchard Romance series. Super cute little small town romance. Ellie has a dramatic firing from her big city job and luckily has a place to land at her family’s small town inn, where she’ll be helping to plan the autumn harvest festival. But she’s paired up with grumpy apple farmer, Aiden, who is skeptical of her return. They were childhood friends who drifted apart in high school and he’s a bit resentful that she left for the big city and never looked back, even though he’s stuck around and supported both their families’ businesses. It’s tons of flirty banter here, even with very different dreams and goals. We’re mostly just waiting for Ellie to realize she can achieve her dreams right there in town, with a built-in partner and community.

Advance ebook provided by Avon Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Libro.fm.

Is This Real or Just Pretend by Emily Sullivan (2025)

Historical romance. Victorian-era England. Follow up to Duchess Material. I love a fake courtship romance, especially one with a virgin MMC. Lucien is back in town after his supper club business collapses in Paris (not his fault, his partner did him dirty) and instantly becomes re-smitten with his longtime crush Freddie, the daughter at the estate where he grew up. But Freddie is nearly engaged to someone else and her big sister Alex wants to keep it that way. So Alex declares that there’s nothing going on between Freddie and Lucien because he’s courting her instead. She somehow manages to convince him to go along with the fake courtship so that he can make some business connections in London and so that Alex can continue working for her father’s company without as much criticism. And of course these two are attracted to each other and fall in love along the way. It seems that Alex is the insecure one in the relationship though, knowing that Lucien has long crushed on her sister and believing that she’s only good for business and not for love. It’s heartbreaking and emotional to see her suffer here, but also lovely to see her soften and fall in love.

Advance ebook provided by Forever Books via NetGalley. Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Game Point by Meg Jones (2025)

Contemporary Romance. Book 2 of the Game, Set, and Match series. Ooh, I loved this friends to lovers romance. Dylan is a tennis star who has lost so many grand slam finals and is almost ready to quit the sport. Somehow, she strikes up a friendship with Oliver, who also somehow convinces her to let him coach her. The development of their friendship and the slow burn into more is so good. The banter, the flirting, the ease of communication and joking. I loved it so much. Not much to say except it was an excellent read.

Advance ebook provided by Avon Books via NetGalley. Audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

People Watching by Hannah Bonam-Young (2025)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Watch out for heavy themes amidst the flirty banter here. Prue has lived the small town life working at her family gas station and grocery store and caring for her mother with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Her father is trying to encourage her to get a bit more of a life, and she finds that in Milo, new to town to help his brother open a brewery. Milo has his own issues with emotionally and physically abusive parents and guilty at leaving his younger sister behind when he left the family home. But he’s a massive flirt and definitely makes Prue’s life a bit lighter. They embark on a friends-with-benefits scenario and try real hard not to catch feelings. Except the feelings are blooming strong and there are these bits of fate tying these two together. Loved this book.

Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.

How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin (2025)

Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Super steamy one night stand romance. Emerson is a kindergarten teacher who gets recruited into a skincare company by her boss and school principal and meets a stranger at a rooftop bar after the convention. Luke is all sorts of skilled and handsome and it all blows up when she realizes that he’s got disparaging things to say about the new company she just joined. Oh, and then we find out that he’s the father of one of her students. Oops. We get to navigate the world of sisters in skincare and learn just how sinister these companies can be, all while dealing with all of that tension between Emerson and Luke. Lots of cute and flirty banter here and everyone is probably a little too good to be true.

Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.

Thanks so much for reading this post! Looking for more bookish resources and romance book reviews? Read the archives!

Useful Resources:

Get my massive guide of all the romances I’ve read on Kindle Unlimited

Read an introduction to fanfiction

Learn more about sources for reading fanfiction