Category: Standalone Title

Ghost Me, Maybe by Manda Collins

On By TracyIn Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Mystery, Rom Com, Standalone Title, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Ghost Me, MaybeGhost Me, Maybe by Manda Collins

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 22, 2026

When Khaki Boudreaux passed away, librarian Callie Jameson was shocked to learn that she had not only left Callie her beachfront home which was formerly the library of St. Ignatius College on Petite Cote Island in Louisiana, but also a one million dollar bequest, if Callie moved to the Island and lived in the home for at least one year. Overwhelmed by the inheritance, Callie packs up her life (and her cat Stella) in Cincinnati and moves to Petite Cote Island with big plans. But almost immediately it becomes clear that things are not going to go as planned. First her hotel reservation at the inn that she had booked months in advance was lost and she was forced to immediately move into the library. She is delighted to learn that Khaki’s great-nephew, Trey LeBlanc had been renovating the library for the last year but was less delighted to discover that he was living there.

Trey LeBlanc was stunned to learn that his great-aunt Khaki had left his childhood refuge to a stranger. Convinced that Callie scammed his aunt, he calls his cousin Julie (Khaki’s daughter) and is set straight, now he has to find a way to convince Callie to sell him the library when her year of tenancy is up. But despite a mutual attraction, that might be harder than he expected when they clash from the moment, they meet and the “hauntings” that have been nothing more than a nuisance for the last few months ramp up. It takes a few weeks, but eventually they find a way to cohabitate and even form a friendship. It isn’t until the “hauntings” turn dangerous, that their relationship changes and they agree to work together to find out who is behind them before things get worse and someone gets hurt.

I love Manda Collins writing style, I have read all her historical romances and while I don’t usually read contemporary romances, I was intrigued by the blurb for this book, and I am happy to say I was not disappointed. Callie and Trey are wonderful characters and their chemistry is apparent as soon as they meet. The book is more cozy mystery than rom-com, but there are enough elements of each to satisfy both genre lovers. The book is filled with good friends, found family, small-town vibes, decent mystery, slow burn romance with a closed-door love scene, lots of banter and finally a satisfying conclusion to both the mystery and the romance. The only thing that kept this from being a 5-star read is a scene towards the end with Trey and his ex-wife that pulled me out the story and that I felt was an unnecessary sidetrack, I guess it was to show he was over her but it didn’t hit that way for me. Despite that little hiccup, I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it to both cozy mystery and romance lovers!

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

 

The Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

On By TracyIn Historical Fiction, historical-romance, Standalone Title, Tracy's Reviews, Women's FictionLeave a comment

The Lost Perfumes of ParisThe Lost Perfumes of Paris by Christine Wells

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 8, 2026

Élodie Limeaux is a determined and talented young perfumer striving to establish herself in her family’s fragrance business despite facing constant resistance from her father, Fabrice. Inspired by the legacy of her late mother, Aurore, a celebrated perfumer, Élodie gradually develops confidence in her abilities and learns to trust her own instincts. Marcelo Caspari begins as an assigned collaborator but proves to be a knowledgeable and passionate partner whose appreciation for perfume matches Élodie’s own. Their relationship develops alongside the story, while supporting characters, particularly Élodie’s father, create many of the challenges that drive her personal growth.

Set primarily in Paris and Grasse during the 1950s, the novel follows Élodie as she enters a prestigious competition to create a fragrance that captures the essence of Paris. Hoping to honor her mother’s legacy and secure a future for the family perfume house, she agrees to work with Marcelo under the sponsorship of the Caspari family. As they research perfume history, explore the city for inspiration, and develop their scent, Élodie must also contend with family conflicts, professional discrimination, corporate obstacles, and the secrets contained within her mother’s journals. The competition serves as the central storyline while the search for personal independence and professional recognition unfolds alongside it.

I found this to be an engaging and well written historical fiction novel that blends perfume artistry, romance, and women’s empowerment in a compelling way. The vivid descriptions of fragrances, fashion, and mid-century Paris created a rich atmosphere, while Élodie’s journey from self-doubt to self-assurance made her easy to root for. I especially enjoyed the partnership between Élodie and Marcelo, whose shared creativity added depth to both the romance and the story’s central challenge. Overall, this is a beautifully written novel that offers an interesting look into the perfume industry while delivering a heartfelt and satisfying character-driven story.

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