Category: New To Me Author

The Cupid Dilemma by April Asher

On By TracyIn Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Rom Com, Romantasy, Standalone Title, Top Pick - Highly Recommended, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Cupid DilemmaThe Cupid Dilemma by April Asher

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone (?)

Release Date: May 12, 2026

Adalyn “Addie” Whitlock is not having a good day, as the wedding planner to a social influencer, she needed this event to go off without a hitch, but luck has not been on her side for months and today is no exception. You would think that being the daughter of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, she would have all things love in the bag, but when the reception goes sideways and the bride takes to social media, Addie’s life becomes a nightmare. With her business, Happily Ever Forever, on the brink of ruin, she needs a miracle! Enter her oh so sexy rock star neighbor, Phoenix “Nix” Cross, the man who may make her rethink her long held beliefs on love.

Phoenix “Nix” Cross is the drummer and songwriter for the popular band The Stone Talons, but lately his creative juices have dried up and with the record label demanding new music, he is feeling the pressure. But when he meets his gorgeous demigoddess neighbor, and feels the music again, he offers to make a deal with her, they will have a “fauxmance” and she will be his muse. At first, she resists, but when she steps in to help his sister plan her wedding and sees the benefits of being linked to Nix, she agrees. But when the fauxmance starts to feel real, will they grab their chance for HEA or will Addie’s fear of love rip them apart?

OMG – what a cute story! I loved Addie and Nix immediately, their chemistry was amazing and I couldn’t put this book down. This book had it all, likable characters, fantastic secondary characters, steamy love scenes, witty banter, a hero with a heart of gold, a possessive and protective nature while still giving bad boy vibes (Yum!), a very cute three-headed puppy, wrapping up with a very sweet and satisfying ending. Overall, I found this to be a delightful, light, fun read, but I did think the world building was a bit weak, and fantasy aspect was too understated, however, even that didn’t diminish my enjoyment of this book! Highly recommended and I am really hoping this is the start of a new series!!!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Mermaid in Manhattan by Jessica Gadziala

On By TracyIn Contemporary, New To Me Author, Paranormal / Fantasy, Rom Com, RomantasyLeave a comment

Mermaid in Manhattan: A Spicy Rom-Com and Urban Fantasy Novel of Magic and Arranged Marriage by Jessica Gadziala

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: April 23, 2026

When mermaid Princess Iris Marivelle is summoned to appear before her mother, Queen Tatiana of the Seas, she knows it is not going to be good. As the second born, she always knew that she would be slated for a political marriage, but she never expected that she would be betrothed to a human and forced to live on the surface! Iris is stunned by this development and her first meeting with Finn Westrock, NYC mayoral candidate, her intended does not go well – when she upturns her drink on him and returns to the sea. But her mother is not having it and sends her to live with Finn and informs her she will be married in a few months. Angry and hurt, Iris along with her “emotional support pelican” Monty, an enchanted pelican who can talk, she returns to the surface and begins to plot ways to make Finn break their engagement. But as much as she tries to force his hand, Finn is accepting and kind, and she can’t deny she desires him. But as tempting as life on the surface might be, Iris isn’t willing to give up her life under the sea for a man that has yet to reveal his true self to her.

Finn Westrock has been preparing to run for mayor of NYC for as long as he can remember. His best friend and campaign manager, Henry, has convinced him that marriage to a paranormal would be the best thing for his campaign. His first date with Iris doesn’t go as planned, but rather than being turned off, he is intrigued by her. When she moves in, it is clear that she is a fish out of water, and he wants to get to know her, but that isn’t easy when every minute of his life is scheduled. In the meantime, Iris has made some friends of her own and taken up some very weird hobbies. Spending time with Iris becomes a priority and not everyone is happy about that. Clearly, their voyage to HEA isn’t going to be smooth sailing, but will they find a way to make it work or is this relationship doomed to wreck?

This was a new to me author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect and honestly didn’t have high expectations. But I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this fun fantasy rom com! Right from the beginning I was intrigued and fell in love with the characters. Iris and Finn are wonderful leads, and all the secondary characters are amazing! I did think the story dragged a little and I found Iris a bit self-absorbed at times, but overall, it was a fun read with likable characters, witty banter, a bit of spice and finally a happy ending. I will definitely be checking out this author’s backlist and looking forward to future books!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *