Book Review: The Hostess

By Jami Denison

Author Courtney Psak definitely enjoys rich towns. Her debut, The Tutor (reviewed here) took place in the wealthy playground of Palm Beach, Florida. Her follow-up, The Hostess, is set in the Hamptons. Is there anything better than reading about rich people behaving badly?

The rich person here is Sadie, a psychiatrist married to billionaire Tom. Tom, an alcoholic who suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder, is about to be released from a mental hospital. Not wanting to be alone with her dangerous husband, Sadie decides to rent out her guest cottage to Natalie and her husband Luke, who are trying to put their marriage back together after Natalie was hit by a car. 

Natalie knows nothing of Tom, and she’s surprised and a little hurt when Luke tells her he can only come down on weekends for their month-long rental. A nurse practitioner, Natalie decides to stop taking her medication because it makes her hallucinate about her brother Danny, who died in a car accident when he was eight. Her parents always blamed her for the accident, and as a result, Natalie doesn’t want to have children of her own, a sticking point in her marriage. But when Natalie starts to fear the estate’s landscaper, Riley, and has visions of Danny, she doesn’t know what she can trust, and what’s real.

Sadie and Natalie form a friendship, and Sadie compares her to her best friend, Cassie. Natalie realizes she and Cassie look a lot alike… and starts to wonder what exactly happened to Sadie’s oldest friend.

The book is told from both women’s first-person points-of-view, and both of them seem enormously sympathetic (although Sadie is dismissive of her maid). While the writing isn’t as strong as The Tutor, Psak employs impactful plot points to move her story along. Both women’s lives seem credibly in danger… but the question is, from whom?

With its fast pacing and twisty ending, The Hostess is a fitting addition to the domestic suspense genre. It’s a good beach read for anyone taking a winter vacation to the tropics. 

Thanks to Kaye Publicity for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Also by Courtney Psak: The Aunt (coming in June)

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Spotlight and Giveaway: Most Eligible

We're excited to celebrate the publication of Isabelle Engel's debut novel, Most Eligible! This second chance romance sounds like such a treat and it's getting a lot of great reviews. Thanks to St. Martin's Press, we have THREE copies to give away!

Georgia Rose is not going on the hit reality dating show Love Shack to find love. She’s there to write a killer exposé on the producers, which will guarantee the journalism job of her dreams. But when Georgia’s unforgettable one-night stand from the year before, country singer Rhett Auburn, steps into the Malibu mansion as the season’s new host, all of her carefully crafted plans unravel.

Caught up in the drama of backstabbing contestants, producer blackmail, and death-defying dates, Georgia must keep her identity—and history with Rhett—a secret. Despite the lies between them, it isn’t long before Georgia and Rhett’s heated behind-the-scenes moments start to feel more genuine than the romance Georgia’s faking for the cameras. But with her assignment unfinished and the executive producer on her tail, a second chance with Rhett could be her riskiest move of all.

“Most Eligible will delight fans of reality dating shows and 90s rom-coms. I adored this book from start to finish and was so sad to turn the last page!”
—Lindsay Hameroff, author of Never Planned on You 

“With a cast of characters you'll love, others you'll love to hate, and twists you won't see coming, this book is unputdownable and a pure delight!”
―Meredith Schorr, author of Roommating

“Most Eligible is the perfect read for fans of page-turning romances full of heart. Isabelle Engel has written a showstopper of a debut.”
―Holly James, author of The Big Fix

Credit: Nicole Marie
Photography, Cambridge, MA

Originally from New England, Isabelle Engel (she/her) now lives and works in Washington, D.C. She has an MA in English literature from George Washington University. When she’s not imagining ways to make reality TV even more dramatic, she can be found reading, doing dance fitness, and petting other people’s dogs. 

Visit Isabelle online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends January 19th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: Maybe Next Time

 

By Melissa Amster

It is an ordinary Monday and harried London literary agent Emma is flying out of the door as usual. Preoccupied with work and her ever growing to-do list, she fails to notice her lovely husband Dan seems bereft, her son can barely meet her eye, and her daughter won’t go near her. Even the dog seems sad. 

She is far too busy, buried deep in her phone; social media alerts pinging; clients messaging with “emergencies”; keeping track of a dozen WhatsApp groups about the kids’ sports, school, playdates, all of it. Her whole day is frantic—what else is new—and as she rushes back through the door for dinner, Dan is still upset. They fight, and he walks out, desolate, dragging their poor dog around the block. Just as she realizes it is their anniversary and she has forgotten, again, everything changes.

The next day Emma wakes up… . And it’s Monday again.

And again. 

And again.

Emma tries desperately to change the course of fate by doing different things each time she wakes up: leaving WhatsApp, telling her boss where to get off, writing to Dan, listening to her kids, reaching out to forgotten friends, getting drunk and buying out Prada. But will Emma have the chance to find herself again, remember what she likes about her job, reconnect with her children, love her husband? Will this be enough to change the fate they seem destined for?

A moving “What if” story of what it is to be a woman in the modern world—never feeling we’re getting it quite right—about learning to slow down and appreciate life that is sure to resonate with women’s fiction readers. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I don't know why it took me so long to get around to reading Maybe Next Time, but I'm so glad that I finally did! And now I want to read Cesca Major's more recently published novel.

I've read many books with the Groundhog Day trope, but this one was so enjoyable that revisiting the trope didn't bother me in the slightest. It features a working mother (Emma), who is so relatable in many ways. I couldn't help but cheer her on as she tried to figure out ways to simplify her life in hopes of getting a better result. I also loved her husband as he was so sweet. His letters to Emma were so romantic and reminded me of the things my husband says to me in person. (Sorry to give anyone a toothache!) I also found it amusing that her husband and son share first names with my brother-in-law and nephew. 

Emma had so much stress that I was stressed out on her behalf and wanted to yell at everyone who was annoying her all day long! She really had to deal with some unpleasant people too. Like Arthur and his refusal to "abide by granules" or to even meet her halfway in order to save his own "bum". He was one of the worst, next to her boss and Denise from playgroup. That was compounded by her husband and kids being cross with her whenever she didn't get things right on any of the given iterations of her repeated day. 

There's a lot that happens in this story and I don't want to say too much more as to not spoil it. I'm back-and-forth on how I feel about where things went, but that's all. Like I feel there needs to be a sequel about Emma's life after her repeated day ended all its cycling. The only thing I wasn't thrilled about was when Emma went meta with promoting books by other names that the author uses. I thought it was a bit extra. It didn't take away from how great this story was, but it also felt unnecessary. 

Overall, this was definitely a worthwhile read! It kept me turning the pages and wondering what would happen. Would Emma finally get her day right or would she still have to do another repeat...and then another? (And so on.) 

(Trigger warnings below.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Emma: Hayley Atwell

Dan: Dan Stevens

Hattie: Teresa Palmer

Jasmina: Mimi Keene

Linda: Janet McTeer

Jurek: Edvin Ryding

Also by Cesca Major: If I Were You

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TW: Death of spouse (sometimes from being hit by a car), sick dog, cyberbullying, miscarriage, emotional abuse (mentioned by another character), depression 

Book Review: The Retirement Plan

By Melissa Amster

THEY'D KILL TO BE WIDOWS.

Three best friends turn to murder to collect on their husbands’ life insurance policies… But the husbands have a plan of their own in this darklyfunny debut that will delight readers from the first laugh to the final twist.

After thirty years of friendship, Pam dreams of her perfect retirement with Nancy, Shalisa, Marlene, and their husbands—until their husbands pool their funds for an investment that goes terribly wrong. Suddenly, their golden years are looking as dreary as their marriages.

But when the women discover their husbands have seven-figure life insurance policies, a new dream forms. And this time, they need a hitman.

Meanwhile, their husbands are working on their own secret retirement scheme and when things begin to go sideways, they fear it’s backfired. The husbands scramble to stay alive…but soon realize they may not be quick enough to outmaneuver their wives. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I didn't know what to expect from this novel and was surprised by everything that happened. The Retirement Plan was a fun read, full of misunderstandings and shenanigans. I loved how some of the supporting characters played into the story, as well. And you will love Elmer the dog. 

I don't want to say too much so as to not spoil anything, as there is so much going on and being surprised is the best part. I was able to guess at a couple things, but not everything. I just love how a variety of situations came together throughout the novel. It was so well-orchestrated. The characters were a lot of fun too! I ended up with a big cast list because this would be so enjoyable on screen. While the main characters are over ten years my senior, they're still relatable in the same way a character much younger than me has been relatable. 

While I was hoping for a different outcome for one of the aspects of this story, I liked how everything worked out overall. I definitely recommend The Retirement Plan, whether you're reading it next to a fireplace on a cold winter's day or on the beach (or next to a pool)!

Movie casting suggestions:
Pam: Lisa Kudrow
Nancy: Ally Sheedy
Shalisa: Vivica A. Fox
Marlene: Teryl Rothery
Hank: Ted McGinley
Larry: Jon Gries
Andre: Kevin Michael Richardson
Hector: Raúl Castillo
Brenda: Linda Cardellini
Padma: Megan Suri

(Trigger warnings below.)

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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TW: Death of spouse, loss of money

Spotlight and Giveaway: The Odds of You

Today we are pleased to feature Kate Dramis's debut rom-com, The Odds of You! The premise sounds really entertaining and it's a book about books. Thanks to St. Martin's Press, we have THREE copies to give away!

Sage Collins knows a thing or two about odds. A year ago, she was a data analyst until she burned it all down to pursue her dream of becoming an author. One whirlwind bestseller and a struggling second book later, and Sage isn’t sure she’ll ever write a novel again.

But then an accidental encounter with an irritating passenger on the flight to Comic Con leaves Sage in an untested position. That passenger is Theo Sharpe: a breakout actor on the cusp of fame. And, unfortunately, the paparazzi have mistaken her for his girlfriend.

Armed with signature British charm and a smile that could tame oceans, Theo wears fame like a well-fit coat…though Sage can see there’s something deeper held in his eyes. But his fans are too involved in the drama, the pressure to deliver the next bestseller is on, and Sage and Theo both must agree there’s nothing between them. They don't have to acknowledge that saying it doesn't make it true.

When Sage decides to flee to Scotland to clear her head and write her novel, she expects to find fresh air and the stillness to think. What she doesn’t expect is Theo Sharpe to come back into her life…and how he may be her greatest miscalculation of all. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"Funny, moving and incredibly relatable. The perfect romance read. I loved Sage and Theo's love story, and fell completely in love with Sage's inner monologue, which made me feel incredibly seen. Oh and Sage and Emerson are absolute friendship goals!" 

―Bianca Gillam, author of Bad Publicity

"The odds of readers falling head-over-heels in love with this book? One thousand percent. Kate Dramis has crafted the best kind of romance ― with off-the-charts chemistry (I dare you not to swoon anytime Sage and Theo are in the same room) and a heroine whose personal journey will be endlessly relatable for anyone who's ever held it all together while needing to fall apart ― The Odds of You is an absolute gift from start to finish." 

―Nicolas DiDomizio, author of The Gay Best Friend

Credit: Nicole Tyler

Kate Dramis is an Atlanta-based writer whose obsession with fantasy worlds and escaping into a good love story eventually drove her to chase her dreams of being an author. Inspired by a dream about a woman calling down lightning to save a friend, The Curse of Saints was Kate’s debut novel and became an instant Sunday Times Best Seller. Prior to becoming a full-time author, Kate was a professional copywriter with a decade of experience in copywriting and marketing strategy. Kate also has a BA in Journalism from the University of Georgia.

Visit Kate online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends January 13th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: She Took My Baby

By Melissa Amster

As a nanny for the wealthy Eatons, Trina watches every day as Rosalind Eaton cradles the baby close. Trina’s baby.

The sweet little boy won’t settle—he never does in Rosalind’s arms. It breaks Trina’s heart to see the tiny tears falling down his fat cheeks. His glossy hair is light auburn, and straight. Nothing like the Eaton family’s classic dark curls.

Trina has been watching the Eatons for years. And what she knows about their dark past could be their undoing.

Rosalind isn’t coping. She isn’t sleeping and she’s barely eating. It is Trina who rocks the baby in the dead of night, whispering soothing words of comfort. Surely Rosalind is just one step away from slipping up and revealing the truth Trina is so certain of…

Trina’s baby was stolen.

The Eatons seem perfect, but they can’t be trusted.

And she’ll do anything to get her baby back. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I will admit I haven't read many of Steena Holmes's books, but I should get back to the ones I missed. With She Took My Baby, Steena delivered a gripping suspense thriller that kept me guessing and wondering what would happen next! I didn't know who to trust and I was so nervous for both Trina and Rosalind, as they had a lot at stake.

The dynamic in this story is interesting. Trina lives on a ranch with her best friend Rosalind and is a nanny to her daughters. It starts off with a nightmarish baby delivery for both women and then Trina is suddenly left without a baby. However, she believes that Rosalind's son is actually her own baby. Meanwhile, Rosalind is having difficulty bonding with baby Jack and her brother-in-law is making things worse. The level of gaslighting both women experience in this story goes beyond the pale. I got so angry every time I witnessed Trina and Rosalind being deceived and manipulated. 

I'm not going to say much more as to not spoil the story. I was definitely surprised by the outcome though! Everything was well-orchestrated but I feel like the ending could have been tightened up a bit more. I was also hoping for a romance between two of the characters but that was explained away later. 

This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you turning the pages rapidly! I usually have a few set times I read on my Kindle and I kept reading this one outside of those times as I just had to see if everything would get resolved. (One of my reading times is on the treadmill and I kept forgetting to change some settings because I was so absorbed!)

Movie casting suggestions:

Trina: Saoirse Ronan

Rosalind: Margaret Qualley
Trent/Marcus: Franco Lo Presti
Wyatt: Mitchell Slaggert
Mabel: Molly Hagan
Grace: Dylan Gelula

Dr. Harmon: Matthew Glave

Thanks to BookSparks for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Steena Holmes:
The Sister Under the Stairs
The Girls in the Basement
The Twin

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TW: Death of baby, difficult childbirth

Double Feature Spotlight and Giveaway!

It's our first giveaway of 2026 and we're featuring a couple of books that released toward the end of last year. We're excited to share them with you today as they both sound really interesting and are receiving great reviews. Thanks to the authors, we have TWO sets of print copies to give away!

Missed You the First Time by Julia Carpenter

At 25, Dani Galler just gave up everything—an apartment she loved, a job she liked, and a long-distance boyfriend she wasted years planning to marry. Starting over means figuring out her next career move, finding a new place to live, and maybe, fingers crossed, falling in love again.

What she’s not looking for is pity—especially from Jake Litman, her doughy, bespectacled childhood friend from Jewish summer camp. Back then, he followed her everywhere, eager for her advice and friendship. Now, a decade later, he’s reappeared, transformed into a Greek god of a man with a penthouse overlooking Lake Michigan and a girlfriend who makes Zendaya look just okay.

Desperate to reclaim the confidence of her camp days, Dani obsesses over tracking down a teen magazine article she’s convinced launched her pubescent glow-up. If she can rediscover that spark she may avoid her worst-case scenario: moving home to live with her parents and work for her suddenly successful brother. 

As Dani and Jake revisit shared memories, and their connection intensifies, Dani starts to wonder if the life she’s chasing isn’t about rediscovering who she was—but embracing who she may become.(Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"I didn’t realize this book was going to be exactly what I was looking for this year. Is it too much to ask for a sequel!?" 
- Pat and Liz Lenihan (Amazon reviewer)

"I highly recommend this lighthearted, sweet and enjoyable romantic book." 
- Kristina (Amazon reviewer)

Julia Carpenter writes romantic comedies about smart, complicated women juggling life, love, and everything in between. Her debut novel, Missed You the First Time, debuted as Amazon’s #1 Kindle release in Jewish Life (Nov 2025). Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, HuffPost, YourTango, and PBS’s Next Avenue.

Visit Julia online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram * TikTok

Together On Our Own by Eliana Megerman

Alex Galen is a thirty-one-year-old emergency medicine resident barely keeping it together. After a patient’s unexpected death puts her on probation, her confidence — and her sense of purpose — begin to unravel. Outside the hospital, she’s alone, anxious, and drowning in a sea of Law & Order reruns and social media feeds that make everyone else’s life look more together than hers.

When the hospital rolls out a new AI system designed to streamline care, Alex finds unexpected comfort in its nonjudgmental, always-on presence. She starts sharing things she can’t say to anyone else. She even gives the system a name, Henry, after a quiet, observant fellow resident who, in real life, is the one person she’s been trying not to notice.

But AI Henry isn’t real. And everything she tells him is being recorded.

As Alex and the real Henry begin to question another patient’s suspicious death, Alex is forced to confront what it means to truly connect — and whether she’s been trusting the wrong version of intimacy all along.

Written by a practicing Emergency Room doctor, Together On Our Own evokes the gritty intensity of The Pitt in a quietly suspenseful story about burnout, vulnerability, and the subtle ways technology can both numb us to intimacy and expose our deepest thoughts. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

"I really loved this, it is a fantastic book! I could barely put it down. It was so well written and the twist and turns were exciting! The main character was relatable and intriguing. What a treat to read!"
- M. Gottlieb (Amazon reviewer)

"I loved reading this book so much in so many ways and I don’t want to spoil any details by talking about all the reasons I loved it. It’s a great story with interesting characters and great character development.  I cannot recommend enough." 
- Amy Allshouse (Amazon reviewer)

Eliana Megerman is an emergency medicine physician and writer whose lifelong love of books and film led her from screenplays to short stories and novels. Her work has appeared in several literary magazines. Born and raised in Kansas City, she lives with her husband and three children. Together On Our Own is her debut novel. Visit Eliana on Instagram.

How to win: Use KingSumo to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using KingSumo on our blog, enter the giveaway here.

Giveaway ends January 11th at midnight EST.

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