ARC Review: Fall for a Fairytale by Isabelle Taylor

Fall for a Fairytale
Author: Isabelle Taylor
Publication: Dell (November 10, 2026)

Description: A wild adventure begins when a charming orc con artist convinces an orphaned fae that she could be the kingdom’s lost princess, launching them both on a dangerous mission with found family, a flying pirate ship, and steamy romance.

“A rollicking fast-paced adventure with delightful characters and a swoony romance. From start to finish, this enchanting cozy romantasy is a whole lot of fun!”—Emily Krempholtz, USA Today bestselling author of Prudence Marsh Is Not a Nobody Anymore

Clove is no stranger to hard work. As a young fae, she woke up in an orphanage with no memories and a torn wing. Since then, Clove has toiled in bustling taverns, saving every coin to reach the enchanting Wingspire City with her adorable, feathered companion, Goosebug. Now, finally with enough money, she’s ready to say goodbye to her past and find her future.

Jayce, a charming and handsome orc, is currently on the run from a notorious crime lord he borrowed money from. That’s when he runs into the girl he’s been looking for—a fae who could pose as the missing princess. This con, and the huge reward, is finally in sight, but when Jayce stars to feel something for the feisty Clove, he knows it won’t be easy.

Clove has never felt so alive, sneaking onto moving trains and soaring through the clouds on a magical pirate ship. Despite her better judgment, she’s beginning to trust Jayce—he’s so certain she’s the missing princess, and she desperately wants him to be right, especially if it means one more night with him . . .

As they draw closer to the castle and each other, they must confront the truth, the past, and the passion brewing between them.

My Thoughts: This romantasy stars Clove who is a fae. She doesn't remember any of her past before she awoke in an orphanage with a scarred wing. She was about eight. Now, she is a tavern wench saving her coins for a trip to Wingspire City where she hopes to find someone who knows her. She is also hoping for a family.

One day, Jayce walks into the tavern where she works. He's an orc and on the run from the bullyboys who are collectors for Silver, the man he borrowed money from. Money that he isn't able to repay. He was raised as a gardener's boy, but after the revolution, he's been making his way as a con man.

Jayce takes one look at Clove and sees the biggest con of his life. During the revolution, Princess Arabella, the eight-year-old daughter of the king, disappeared and has been presumed dead. Jayce was there when she and the villain fell out of a window and presumably landed in the river far below. She was never found.

Jayce convinces Clove to go with him to meet with the king. At first, he thinks it is a con, but along the way he comes to hope and believe that Clove really is the missing princess. Clove doesn't remember but lets herself be convinced by Jayce that she is the missing princess.

The two have lots of adventures along the way to Windspire City chased by Silver's henchmen. They find themselves on a runaway train and taken about a ship of sky pirates. Along the way Clove makes a number of friends among people she helps and falls deeply in love with Jayce.

This was a fun fantasy romance. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Bad Company by Sara Paretsky

Bad Company
Author: Sara Paretsky
Publication: Minotaur Books (November 10, 2026)

Description: International bestseller and groundbreaking icon Sara Paretsky returns with a brand new novel and character - proving once again that she's one of the pre-eminent authors in crime fiction and beyond.

To all appearances, Lily Sedako is an ordinary retiree―a seventy-something single woman living in Chicago, her days filled with the routine tasks of normal life. But underneath that exterior, lies a remarkable past. A former CIA field agent, she spent her career in various Central Asian countries, most notably in Hayalistan, a former USSR territory. But everything went sideways when Lily's connections to the mountain tribes resulted in her being moved to a new post and Rani, the tribal leader and first democratically elected President was removed, presumed killed, in a coup

All of this is long behind her when she receives an anonymous package containing a magazine with an article about Hayalistan―an article with a previously unknown photo showing Lily in the background. This was no mistake―someone out there is trying to expose Lily, after more than two decades, for reasons unknown. Even worse, the magazine story casts doubt on everything she believed to be true about her time in Hayalistan.

Lily is determined to find out who is behind this and, even more important, the truth of what really happened so long ago. As word of her investigation reaches the CIA, the company knows that they must silence her but Lily is no one's pawn, even now. Using hard won skills and personal connections from her former life, Lily takes on the unwise, and perhaps impossible task of fighting back against the powerful forces aligning against her.

In a powerful novel about love, power, corruption, aging, trust...and revenge, Bad Company reaffirms Sara Paretsky place as one of the pre-eminent crime writers of our time.

My Thoughts: Lily Sedako looks like an ordinary retiree who is living in Chicago. However, Lily spent forty years as a CIA agent. She spent most of her time in Hayalistan which is one of the Stans. She fell in love with the people and with the man who became the Prime Minister until he was violently overthrown. 

Lily was a successful agent despite being hated by her immediate supervisor who didn't think women belonged in the field and did everything he could to sabotage her. His supervisor was her godfather who managed to keep Lily in the field. 

Now, she receives an anonymous package containing a magazine with an article about current day Hayalistan which features a photo of Lily taking part in a women's ceremony. The article blames Lily for the woes Hayalistan suffered after a billionaire opened lithium mines in the country which led to pollution, drug abuse, and the destruction of the way of life. 

She is determined to find out who outed her and who is blaming her for the problems. Also, the mining leases are coming up for renewal, and the owner doesn't want anything to get in the way of that process. The current CIA is unduly influenced by the billionaires who are darlings of the current administration and want Lily silenced.

Lily is on the run from the CIA while she tries to find out what is going on and deciding what to do about it. 

This was a fast-paced thriller with an intriguing main character. She smart. She's determined. And she's old with the various aches and pains that come with age and with a woman who suffered injuries on her job. 

Lily not only needs to save herself but has to save her mentor while bringing down the bad guys. Great story!

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Thunderbird Ranch by Laura Griffin

Thunderbird Ranch
Author: Laura Griffin
Publication: Berkley (November 10, 2026)

Description: When a prominent Texas family’s celebration ends in murder, local law enforcement discovers they are keeping dark secrets in this tense new suspense novel from USA Today bestselling author Laura Griffin.

Cal Truitt is dead, no one knows who killed him, and everyone is a suspect.

Perhaps it’s his bride-to-be, ranching heiress Faye McCann, who’s facing a midlife crisis after falling into deep debt and being forced to convert her property into a posh retreat. Or maybe it’s one of her three children—who all despised Cal and were summoned to the ranch by Faye to learn some long-buried family secrets.

Lilian Lasko is new blood, but she has some secrets of her own. She sees her boyfriend's family, with their bitter rivalries and resentments, through the eyes of a wary outsider. Lilian is eager to please, but by the night’s end, she’s running through a creek bed, covered in blood.

Only one person knows the truth: the killer.

Detective Kate Graham is determined to unravel the family’s toxic manipulations and lies to reveal Cal Truitt’s murderer. But with a family that hates and loves one another with equal fervor, Kate’s pursuit of justice becomes more complicated and dangerous with each passing hour.

My Thoughts: THUNDERBIRD RANCH begins with a murder. Cal Truitt is found dead in a creek bed by Lilian Lasko who has come to Thunderbird Ranch with her fiancé to celebrate his mother's birthday and be introduced to the family. She finds all sorts of tensions.

Faye McCann is renovating the property in order to turn the ranch into a resort. She also introduces Cal Truitt to the group as her new fiancé. Truitt is much despised by all three of Faye's children. Her oldest son has had run-ins with him since he was a teen. Her daughter claims that he assaulted her when she was a teen. And Lily's fiancé Will just doesn't like him. Lil felt he came on too strong when she was introduced to him.

Deputy Sheriff Kate Graham is put in charge of the murder investigation. She hopes it means that her dedication has been recognized by the sheriff but fears she's being set up for a fall. She interviews all the McCanns and Lilith but isn't ready to name a suspect despite pressure from the sheriff and the district attorney. 

As Kate tries to unravel the secrets and relationships, Lilian has her own secrets to conceal and her own questions about what is going on in Will's family. 

The story is told from three viewpoints. Faye, Kate, and Lilian each have sections from their points of view. The story is also told in a nonlinear fashion. I had to keep looking at the chapter titles to figure out when each piece came in the broader narrative. 

Fans of suspense with just a little romance will enjoy this one. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: Murder of a Merry Gentleman by Celeste Connally

Murder of a Merry Gentleman
Author: Celeste Connally
Series: Lady Petra Inquires (Book 4)
Publication: Minotaur Books (November 10, 2026)

Description: Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in this dazzling fourth installment to the captivating Regency-era Lady Petra Inquires mystery series.

London, December, 1815. It’s Christmastime, and Lady Petra Forsyth is concentrating on behaving herself. Thus, she’s volunteered to assist the Lady Patronesses of Almack’s Assembly Rooms with a series of bachelor-auction dances in the fortnight leading up to Christmas Eve. Over five nights, the families of unmarried ladies will each bid for their daughter to be the evening’s hostess and dance with the five eligible bachelors―called the Merry Gentlemen in a nod to the season.

However, after only the first evening, Petra discovers the dead body of one of the bachelors, splayed below the ballroom’s balcony. The death is declared an accident, but when another bachelor’s life is nearly ended a few days later, Petra fears something more sinister may be afoot. As tensions rise, the Patronesses ask Petra to investigate from within…by pretending to be one of the ladies vying for the bachelors’ attentions. Indeed, it’s enough to make an obstinate, headstrong girl scream.

As she begins to unravel the truth, all while pretending to flirt with the bachelors to keep her cover, Petra will need to act like a lady―a Lady Patroness, that is―think like an enterprising scientist, and use every lock pick and defensive move she has learned to ensure that her reputation―and her life―don’t become the next target.

My Thoughts: MURDER OF A MERRY GENTLEMAN is the fourth Lady Petra Investigates historical mystery. It is Christmas time and Lady Petra is trying to be good. She has been roped in to assist the patronesses of Almacks to help arrange a bachelor auction to raise money for charity.

The patronesses have designated four men to be the Merry Bachelors and are taking bids from the families of marriageable young ladies to be their dates at a series of dances. As it happens, both the men and the young ladies have focuses on science. The young ladies have accused the men of stealing their research in order to publish their findings under the man's name. 

When one of the Merry Bachelors is found dead in the ballroom of the first dance with the four young ladies hovering over him, Lady Petra is tasked with finding the killer without creating undue publicity.

Lady Petra has a second case too. Her young friend Teddy has asked her to visit Newgate Prison to find out why his mother has been arrested and is slated for exile in Australia. Unfortunately and surprisingly, Fenella refuses to meet with Lady Petra but does pass her a coded note which doesn't really help clarigy things for her. 

Events ensue including attacks on a couple of the other Merry Gentlemen while Petra tries to unravel the mysteries. It doesn't help that both the Merry Gentlemen and the scientific ladies are keeping secrets from her. 

This was an engaging historical mystery with interesting characters. Many of the characters make life altering decisions including Lady Petra.

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

ARC Review: You, Me, & the Conspiracy by Emma Barry

You, Me, & the Conspiracy
Author: Emma Barry
Publication: Atria Books (November 10, 2026)

Description: Perfect for fans of Jo Segura and Rachel Grant, You, Me, & the Conspiracy is an academic adventure romance that finds two history professors trying to unmask a deadly secret society.

After a bruising book rejection, tenure-track history professor Jessica Wilson is scrambling for something new to publish to secure her spot at the top of the academic food chain. While researching in the archives, she discovers a coded message written by one of the founding fathers with the power to change her—and the world’s—understanding of American history forever. But first, she’s got to prove it’s real.

Desperate for answers, Jess searches out Calloway Morgan, a Harvard PhD student turned adjunct professor. Cal was forced to leave graduate school after presenting theories about a shadowy revolutionary organization. Jess heard his conference presentation and thought his findings were absurd, but now, she believes he was onto something.

With their fates intertwined by their discoveries, the two begin to work together, but danger lurks around every corner. The clandestine fraternity that they’ve uncovered still exists and is ready to kill. With it hot on their heels, the embers of Jess and Cal’s attraction grow. But unless they can make their findings public in this “perfect blend of chemistry, spice, and a historical mystery” (Adriana Anders, author of Whiteout), they’ll soon become the conspiracy’s latest victims...

My Thoughts: This romance gave me The DaVinci Code vibes though certainly updated to the present and with a lot more romance. Jessica Wilson has a doctorate and has a tenure-track position at a prestigious university. However, her book is rejected for publication which derails her. While searching for a new idea, she finds a coded message in a book of Alexander Hamilton papers that sends her life on a new track.

Cal Morgan already had his life derailed when he spoke at a conference about a mysterious group that is controlling the United States government - a group that began in Alexander Hamilton's time. Now he's a PhD dropout and an adjunct professor teaching History at a community college. 

Jess tracks down Cal since she heard his conference presentation to find out if her coded note might be a fit with his conspiracy theory. The two find themselves on the run from a shadowy organization that started in Revolutionary times and has existed ever since. 

The find themselves hiding out in a 1970s RV in the garage of a noted conspiracy theorist and prepper while they try to find evidence to support their beliefs and bring down this shadowy group. Along the way, the pair falls in love but neither believes it will last because both expect to be killed by the shadow group.

This was an engaging story that nicely mixed thriller and romance. 

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (November 2, 2026)

 It's Monday, What Are You Reading? is now hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date.

It’s Monday!  What Are You Reading is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.  It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

Want to See What I Added to My Stack? links to Stacking the Shelves hosted by Marlene at Reading Reality.

Other Than Reading...

This week had lots of baseball. I found myself enjoying the World Series games which were all exciting. I was pleased for the Milwaukee Brewers who won the World series for the first time in many, many years. 

Otherwise, the week was a quiet one. I have been slowly chipping away at my November review copies and need to concentrate on that again this week. I don't recall ever being so far behind on my reading calendar. I have no cushion right now which makes me anxious. 

I am looking forward to Election Day on Tuesday when, hopefully, all the political commentary will go away from my Facebook feed. I also have an annual visit to my gastroenterologist on Friday. Otherwise, the week is mine. 

I did buy a book for Nonfiction November written by three brothers who are active on social media and are gadflies highlighting abuses by the current administration. 

October Report

I read 38 books in October. Twenty-six were mine and twelve were review copies. Of the 26, I listened to 23 audiobooks for a total of almost 256 hours. Eighteen of my books this month were rereads. Eight came off my TBR pile. Among the audiobooks were the whole 16 book Vorkosigan series. 

I added 31 books to my LibraryThing account including five audiobooks and eleven review copies. Eleven of the new additions are still marked TBR. For 2026, I have 24 books still marked TBR.

Here is my State of the Stack post. 

Read Last Week

• You, Me, & the Conspiracy by Emma Barry (Review, November 10) -- Two historians are on the run from a shadow organization that have run the US since its founding. My review will be posted on November 3.
• Murder of a Merry Gentleman by Celeste Connally (Review, November 10) -- Fourth Lady Petra Investigates takes place during Christmas time and includes the murder of a man who has come to Almacks in search of a wife. My review will be posted on November 3.
• Thunderbird Ranch by Laura Griffin (Review, November 10) -- A woman comes with her new fiancé to be introduced to his family and finds a body and lots of secrets. My review will be posted on November 4.

• The Case of the Christie Wedding Affair by Kelly Oliver (Kindle & Audiobook, Mine since October 6) -- Another Detection Club historical mystery. My review will be posted on November 19.
• The Ghost and Mrs. Holloway by Jennifer Ashley (Kindle novella, Mine since October 29) -- The intrepid Mrs. Holloway is asked by a friend to determine if a house is haunted. 
• Bad Company by Sara Paretsky (Review, November 10) -- A retired CIA agent is called back to service when a photo appears blaming her for troubles in the country where she was posted the longest. She has to elude her own agency to find out what is happening. My review will be posted on November 5.

• The Shadow Friends by Tess Gerritsen (Audiobook, Mine since October 26) -- The third adventures of a group of retired CIA agents. My review will be posted on November 20.
• Crowbones by Anne Bishop (Audiobook reread) -- This one takes place around Halloween.

Currently

• Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (Audiobook, Mine since October 24)
• Fall for a Fairytale by Isabelle Taylor (Review, November 10)

Next Week

• Infinite Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver (Review, November 10)
• The Riddle Maker by Bruce Borgos (Review, November 17)
• The Killing Time by Elly Griffiths (Review, November 17)

• Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts (Review, November 17)
• The Fey Duology by Sharon Lee & Steve Miller (Kindle, Mine since July 1)
• Lily Starling and the Storm Riders by Christian Hurst (Kinde, Mine since May 13)

Reviews Posted

• Knave of Diamonds by Laurie R. King (Audiobook)
• Midnight in the House of Commons by Charles Finch (Review copy)
• A Glimmer of Death by Laurell K. Hamilton (Review copy)

• The Trial of Magdalena Overmorrow by Caitriona Moran (Review copy)
• Sunflower Season by Danica Nava (Review copy)
• Loki's Wolves by K. L. Armstrong and Melissa Marr (Mine)

Want to See What I Added to My Stack Last Week?

Review:

• Emily Wilde's History of Dark Faerie by Heather Fawcett (Review, January 19)
• The Spring by Melissa Larsen (Review, April 13)

Bought:

• WTF America?! by Ben, Brett, and Jordy Micelas (Kindle)
• The Ghost and Mrs. Holloway by Jennifer Ashley (Kindle)

What was your week like?

State of the Stack (October 31, 2026)

This is my monthly post which details progress made on review books. I want to thank the authors and publishers who have contributed their books. 

Read This Month 

Dates indicate the date the review was/will be posted.

1. Split Screen by Lee Goldberg (October 15)
2. Joy to the Bones by Carolyn Haines (October 20)
3. Murder at Pellhurst Pond by Clara McKenna (October 21)
4. Murder in the Upper Crust by Mindy Quigley (October 22)
5. The Bone Woman by Paige Shelton (October 22)
6. Midnight in the House of Commons by Charles Finch (October 27)
7. A Glimmer of Death by Laurell K. Hamilton (October 28)
8. Sunflower Season by Danica Nava (October 29)
9. The Trial of Magdalena Overmorrow by Caitriona Moran (October 29)
10. You, Me, & the Conspiracy by Emma Barry (November 3)
11. Murder of a Merry Gentleman by Celeste Connally (November 3)
12. Thunderbird Ranch by Laura Griffin (November 4)

DNF

1.  

Read Previously, Posted This Month 

Dates indicate when the review was posted.

1. Home for the Homicides by Elle Cosimano & Hannah Morrissey (October 7)
2. Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen (October 8)
3. Bark Humbug by David Rosenfelt (October 8)
4. The Christmas Competition by Zoe Allison (October 13)
5. The Key to a Killer by Olivia Blacke (October 14)

New This Month 

Date indicates when the book will be released.

1. Cold Redemption by Nalini Singh (December 1)
2. Mrs. Christie and the Mystery in the Mews by Amanda Chapman (December 8)
3. Pressure Point by A. J. Landau (December 8)
4. When Harry Met Homicide by Meg Blakemore (January 12, 2027)
5. Emily Wilde's History of Dark Faerie by Heather Fawcett (January 19, 2027)
6. The Bookbinder's Code by A. D. Bell (January 26, 2027)
7. One Killing Frost by Paula Munier (January 26, 2027)
8. Last Resort at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong (February 16, 2027)
9. Coffee & Conjuring by Isla Jewell (February 16, 2027)
10. Mary Russell's Ghost by Laurie R. King (February 23, 2027)
11. Death on Campus by Victoria Gilbert (March 23, 2027)
12. Gone at First Light by T. Jefferson Parker (March 23, 2027)
13. The Muscle Car Murders by Diane Kelly (March 30, 2027)
14. For Butter or Worse by Elle Alexander (April 6, 2027)
15. The Spring by Melissa Larsen (April 13, 2027)
16. Raiders of the Lost Bark by Spencer Quinn (April 13, 2027)

All TBR Review Books

November

• Bad Company by Sara Paretsky (November 10)
  
• Fall for a Fairytale by Isabelle Taylor (November 10)
• Infinite Wisdom by Thomas R. Weaver (November 10)

• The Riddle Maker by Bruce Borgos (November 17)
• The Killing Time by Elly Griffiths (November 17)
• Birth of the Witch by Nora Roberts (November 17)

December

• Murder Unabridged by P. J. Nelson (December 1)
• Revenge in a Small Town by Delia Pitts (December 1)

• Cold Redemption by Nalini Singh (December 1)
• Mrs. Christie and the Mystery in the Mews by Amanda Chapman (December 8)
• Cry of the Rain Crow by Laurie L. Dove (December 8)

• Pressure Point by A. J. Landau (December 8)
• Meet Me at Midnight by Sophie Sullivan (December 8)

January

• Murder Most Irregular by Vicki Delany (January 5)
• When Harriet Met Homicide by Meg Blakemore (January 12)
• Save a Horse by Jen Doyle (January 12)

• The Magical Cheese Emporium by Sarah Beth Durst (January 19)
• Emily Wilde's History of Dark Faerie by Heather Fawcett (January 19)
• Last Mission to Paris by Susan Elia MacNeal (January 19)

• Roundabout by Jeff Rake & Rob Hart (January 19)
• The Bookbinder's Code by A. D. Bell (January 26)
• The Book Hunter by Jayne Ann Krentz (January 26)

• Scream City by Hannah Morrissey (January 26)
• One Killing Frost by Paula Munier (January 26)

February

• A Rogue's Guide to Winning a Wife by Meredith E. Phillips (February 2)
• Perfect in Death by J. D. Robb (February 2)
• Please Kill My Boss by Evie Ross (February 9)

• Last Resort at Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong (February 16)
• Murder Most Cryptic by Alys Cummings (February 16)
• The Last Match by Jessa Maxwell (February 16)

• Coffee & Conjuring by Isla Jewell (February 16)
• Mary Russell's Ghost and Other Stories of Suspense by Laurie R. King (February 23)

March

• Tell Me What You See by Samantha Jayne Allen (March 2)
• Elodie and the Dark Lord by Ashley Poston (March 16)
• Death on Campus by Victoria Gilbert (March 23)

• Gone at First Light by T. Jefferson Parker (March 23)
• Peril in the Night by Katharine Schellman (March 23)
• The Muscle Car Murder by Diane Kelly (March 30)

April

• For Butter or For Worse by Ellie Alexander (April 6)
• The Spring by Melissa Larsen (April 13)
• Raiders of the Lost Bark by Spencer Quinn (April 13)

June

• Big Cult Energy by Jack Friday (June 1)