Book Review: Love on the Shelf by Sheila Roberts

 

If you relish the enemies-to-lovers romance trope, you need to grab a copy of Love on the Shelf by Sheila Roberts. 

It's a battle of the sexes when romance bookstore co-owner Alice Willoughby matches wits with romance-bashing shock jock Parker Black. Turned off from love and happily-ever-after stories by his romance novelist ex-girlfriend, he takes aim at the entire genre. Spirited debates and bookstore protests follow, but clearly the sparks are flying between Parker and Alice, making her wonder if her favorite enemies-to-lovers trope is playing out in real life. 

I think I have a new favorite novel by romance mastermind Sheila Roberts. I'm not even the biggest fan of enemies-to-lovers stories, but this one is so well done, so entertaining, and so real that I enjoyed every minute of it. From Chapter 1 to the Epilogue, I didn't want Alice and Parker's story to end. 

In addition to Alice and Parker, Roberts created an entire cast of memorable characters that live within the world of HEA Books and station KWOW: Nola, Bettina, Lina, Scarlet and her husband Mark, Jenny Riddle, Jeremy Riddle, and Jay Barker leave you yearning for more of these characters. It's amazing when an author creates so many characters you love in one story, but Roberts pulls it off magnificently. If I could, I would go back and read Love on the Shelf all over again.

Fans of rom-coms, enemies-to-lovers stories, and second chances will want to dive right into Love on the Shelf. 

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIRA
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 26, 2026
• Edition ‏ : ‎ Original
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0778305821
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0778305828

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: The Man Next Door by Sheila Roberts

 

If you are looking for a funny and warm romantic mystery, grab The Man Next Door by Sheila Roberts. 

After her divorce, Zona moved in with her mother, Louise. Her ex-husband and his gambling addiction drained not only their savings, but also her daughter Bree's college fund. Reducing her expenses will help her replace Bree's college fund so she can attend nursing school. 

Louise had been looking forward to a senior singles cruise until a broken leg changed her plans. Now, she is stuck at home, hanging with her buddy Martin, who is about as exciting as watching paint dry. The good news is that she has a gorgeous new neighbor next door, and he may be the one to lift Zona's spirits. Except...

There is something dark and mysterious about Alec Jones. Louise hears shouting matches with an unknown woman on the other side of the fence, and her true-crime, mystery-loving self can't help but wonder if he is dangerous. 

With The Man Next Door, Sheila Roberts has expanded her writing wings beyond the standard contemporary romance. All the elements she is known for are here: stellar writing, humor, romance, and well-defined characters. She adds mystery to the mix with a nod to Hitchcock's Rear Window, which is mentioned in the book by Louise. 

This novel is funny. It is sweet. It is romantic. You are rooting for so many of the main characters, which makes this more about a core group of people than just one couple. Loved everything about this story from beginning to end. 

Highly recommended!

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ MIRA
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 14, 2025
• Edition ‏ : ‎ Original
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0778360288
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0778360285

I received a copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Book Review: Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard I. Levine

 

If you are looking for a deeply emotional, well-written contemporary romance with a riveting plot, pick up a copy of Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea by Richard I. Levine. 

From the moment Mitchell "Mitch" Brody silenced Jessica Ramirez's bully in grade school, the two were inseparable. They spent years planning their ideal life together. Then 9/11 tore them apart. Mitch joined the Marine Corps, and nothing would ever be the same. 

Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea is the story of two people torn apart by things outside of their control. In this engaging, complex, and masterfully told novel, the reader travels through present and past times as Mitch and Jessica's story unfolds, slowly, carefully, like diving into a letter from a distant relative that reveals secrets, truths, and long-held feelings. Mitch has avoided everyone and everything he once held dear as he struggles with PTSD from his strict upbringing and time in Iraq. Jess never gave up hope in what they had, which makes this story so touching.

If you are looking for a typical romance--boy meets girl, they fall in love, they live happily ever after--you will not find it here. What you will find is a romance that touches every bit of who we are, how family dynamics play out, how idyllic life in a small town can be a blessing and a curse--especially when you are pulled out of it into something emotionally charged and devastating, and how love can survive against it all. You will need an entire box of tissues to make it through this one. 

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0FB98HVW4
• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ June 4, 2025
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 396 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8547584473

I purchased a copy of this novel from Amazon. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

Interview with Richard I. Levine, Author of Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea

 

Richard I Levine is a native New Yorker raised in the shadows of Yankee Stadium. After dabbling in several occupations and a one-year coast-to-coast wanderlust trip, This one-time auxiliary police officer, volunteer fireman, bartender, and store manager returned to school to become a chiropractor.

A twenty-five-year cancer survivor, he’s a strong advocate for the natural healing arts. In 2006 he wrote, produced, and was on-air personality of The Dr. Rich Levine Show on Seattle’s KKNW 1150AM and after a twenty-five-year chiropractic practice in Bellevue, Washington, he closed up shop at the end of 2016 and moved to Oahu to pursue a dream of acting and being on Hawaii 5-O.

While briefly working as a ghostwriter/community liaison for a Honolulu City Councilmember, a Hawaii State Senator, and volunteering as an advisory board member of USVETS Barbers Point, he appeared as a background actor in over twenty-seven 5-Os, Magnum P.I.s, NCIS-Hawaii, and several Hallmark movies. In 2020, he had a co-star role in the third season episode of Magnum PI called “Easy Money.”

While he no longer lives in Hawaii, he says he will always cherish and be grateful for those seven years and all the wonderful people he’s met. His 5th novel, To Catch the Setting Sun, was inspired by his time in Hawaii.

Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea is Levine’s first foray into the romance genre.

Website & Social Media:

Website ➜ http://www.docrichlevine.com  

X ➜ https://www.twitter.com/Your_In8_Power 

Facebook ➜ https://www.facebook.com/RichardLevineAuthor/ 

Instagram ➜ https://www.instagram.com/rilevinedc

Where did you grow up?

New York City and Yonkers.

 

When did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing on and off for as long as I can remember. I wrote my first novel in 2011.

 

What is this book about? 

Mitch and Jess met in the fourth grade. It was love at first sight for both of them. He was the freckled-face kid who had stood up for her honor when he silenced the class bully who’d been teasing her because of her accent. She was the new kid whose family had moved to San Juan Island, Washington, from San Juan, Puerto Rico, and whom Mitch had thought was the most beautiful girl in the world. She was his salvation from a strict upbringing, and he was her knight in shining armor who had always looked out for her. They were inseparable...until 9/11, when the real world interrupted their Rockwell-esque small town life, and Mitch had joined the Marine Corps.

The story is a romance, but it’s really more than that. It’s the story of a wounded warrior finally coming home to search for the love and the world he abandoned twenty years before. It’s also the story of a man who is seeking forgiveness and a way to ease the pain caused by every bad decision he’d ever made. It’s the story of a woman who, with strength and determination, rose up from the ashes of a shattered dream to forge a successful life; but who never gave up hope that her one true love would return to her. 

 

What inspired you to write it?

I definitely didn’t plan this book or these characters in advance. As with my other novels, the idea, the people, and the basic story simply come to me in a vision. When it happens, it’s as real to me as anything anyone sees in front of their eyes. And then there’s this little voice in my head that says something to the effect, “This one, do this one.” 

 

How is it similar to other books in its genre? How is it different?

I’ll admit that I can’t recall the last time I’ve read a romance. So, I can’t say how it is similar or different. However, I can share portions of a few recently posted reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, which should answer your question.

 

 “Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea gives you more than a sweet love story. It touches on how the past can haunt you, how forgiveness isn’t easy, and how some connections don’t fade no matter how much time passes. It’s thoughtful, heartfelt, and worth the read if you want romance with depth.” ~Ghulam Mustafa

“Richard I. Levine’s Like Driftwood On The Salish Sea is a romance that goes way beyond the usual stuff and really hits you right in the heart. Forget just another small-town love tale—this one dives deep into fate, sacrifice, and how first love sticks with you forever.” ~Piaras Cionnaoith

“It was such a sweet, slow-burn kind of romance that really hit me in the feels. The love story isn’t flashy or overly dramatic—it’s mature, tender, and just real. I loved how the characters weren’t perfect; they’re a little bruised, a little weathered, like actual people trying to figure it all out.” ~Grace Eliot

 

What is the most important thing readers can learn from your book?

Some of our greatest lessons in life hit us right between the eyes when we least expect it. While it’s not for me to preach to anyone, there are many themes, or lessons if you prefer, that are subtly woven into the story, such as faith, family, honesty, integrity, loyalty, the list is almost endless. There’s pretty much something for everyone, and hopefully the right thing will jump out to the right person at the right time.

 

Where can readers purchase a copy?

The book is available in ebook format and in paperback on Amazon.

What is up next for you?

Right now, my little voice that brings those story ideas to me wants me to concentrate on an upcoming interstate move. I am presently putting all the pieces together in preparation for moving day, and in a few weeks, I’ll be embarking on a 1300-mile journey with a packed-to-the-rafters car and my two kitties, Koa and Peanut Butter.

Is there anything you would like to add?

It is said that a good, hearty belch after a meal is like music to the ears of a chef. It is the ultimate compliment. To an author, that belch is a good, but honest, review posted by a satisfied reader. If you’ve been entertained, introduced to new friends that you’d love to hang with, taken on a journey that you didn’t want to end, or if you were transported to world that made you forget the stresses of the day, then write a nice review to compliment the author who made you laugh, cry, imagine, or filled you with even the smallest amount of wonder. 

Look for my review of Like Driftwood on the Salish Sea coming on September 15!

First Chapter Review & Giveaway: Between Today and Someday by Ann M. Trader

 

I received the first chapter of this contemporary romance from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions.

BLURB: Prim Vreeland is an emergency department nurse, and after a string of disappointing relationships, her own heart needs life support. On a leap of faith, she moves home and is surprised when her brother’s best friend—and her secret childhood crush—has the same idea. As attraction sparks, she finds her usual steady footsteps treading on quicksand. 

Sportfishing media influencer Chase Bova realizes it’s time to swap life on the road for hometown roots. When he crosses paths with Prim, she tangles his line, tying it in knots. Her charm reminds him why he’d steered clear of her years ago…and should probably do the same now. 

As their irresistible connection turns into romance, questions of honesty and commitment linger. Will Prim and Chase dig deep for the courage to face their past and together, discover what really lies between today and someday?

COVER: Love the pink color, the treehouse ties into the plot, and the two main characters appear on the front. Not the fanciest design I've ever seen, but it works well. 

FIRST CHAPTER: Prim is roped into singing at a friend's wedding. She soon learns that Chase Bova, one of her brother's childhood friends, will also be in attendance. Having been disappointed in love before, she's not eager to run into Chase, whom she has been crushing on for decades. 

KEEP READING: Definitely! Though there is a healthy dash of backstory in this opening chapter, the author spreads it out between lightly emotional and occasionally deep banter amongst Prim, her friend Tiffany, and her siblings. Prim seems to be someone you can easily root for, and since the reader gets Chase's point of view in the next chapter, the tension is bound to ramp up soon. 

EXCERPT:

Prim 

“Prim!” 

I stopped and turned around…and sucked in a breath. As good as Chase looked in his videos, the camera fell short of capturing his simmering, rugged good looks. He was even taller than I remembered, and his chest and shoulders still qualified for their own zip code. His hair was thick and sandy blond, a little mussed, but smoothed back with the ends brushing his neck. His biceps looked as though they could bench press a cow without so much as a flinch. 

His warm, lazy smile lent a hint of mischief to his face. His approach was interrupted by a couple of guys wanting to shake his hand, and when he turned his head toward them, I glimpsed the hard line of his jaw and smooth neck. 

When he got to me, his expression softened like he was looking at someone familiar yet seeing her altogether differently. Or maybe it’s just my wishful thinking. 

“Hey.” 

I steadied my breath before speaking. “Hi.” 

He tipped his head toward the stage. “Wow, that right there? That was nothing like how you sang when you were a kid.” I must have pulled a puzzled look because he quickly added, “You know, your tire swing serenades?” 

I bit my lower lip, fighting a smile. “Oh, God. You remember that…?” 

“I do. I heard you loud and clear in The Hideout. Kind of drove Thorne a little crazy sometimes, but I dunno,” he said, shrugging. “It never bothered me so much.” 

I took a step forward and threw my arms around him. Not at all what I’d planned in anticipation of seeing him again, but it felt right. Being so close to him made me feel like I was a kid again. Only brushing against his chest reminded me, well…he was no kid. 

Chase whispered over my ear. “It’s good to see you.” 

I nodded, knowing I should let him go, but he smelled too good—like mint and clean soap. When I finally released him, I said quietly, “It’s good to see you, too.”

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Wild Rose Press (April 21, 2025)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 236 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509260900
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509260904

Social media and purchase links:

Bluesky:https://bsky.app/profile/anntrader5.bsky.social

Amazon Author:https://www.amazon.com/author/annmtrader

BookBub:https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ann-m-trader

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/annmtraderbooks

Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21925238.Ann_M_Trader

X:https://x.com/anntrader5

Ann M. Trader will be awarding

 a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

First Chapter Review & Giveaway: Sunset Bay by Karen Stewart

 

Today's First Chapter Review is a romance novel that came to me from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions.  

BLURB: A self-professed hot mess express, Joy Sinclair is a 54-year-old divorcee living back at home in Sunset Bay. Tired of blind dates and a lack of eligible men, she's resigned to being single. That is until she is literally knocked off her feet by a good looking stranger. Jeremy is only staying long enough to help his father recover from a broken foot. Is there any point even getting to know him?

Joy's mother Helen Sinclair is 80 years young and a real sassy molassy. She dresses outrageously, talks to her dead husband Sam and nudges Joy out of her comfort zone as often as she can. Meeting Jeremy's father Hank at the local seniors centre, Helen suddenly finds herself with a busy social life.

Love is in the air with a wedding, birthday party, prom night and a major weather event all conspiring to shake things up.

Celebrating the messiness of finding yourself and the courage to follow your heart, Sunset Bay is a journey of love, loss, hope and new beginnings.

COVER: I'll admit, the cover of this one is the reason I even read the blurb. It gives off this 1970s Neil Diamond and Jonathan Livingston Segall kind of vibe. Reminds me of a t-shirt I might have seen in a beach shop one day. Just perfect for this book!

FIRST CHAPTER: Joy opens the story for us on another busy day at the Ocean Breeze Bed and Breakfast. As she speaks directly to the reader, she shares that she and her mother run this B&B with a brief mention of their guests. The reader learns she is also the regional wedding commissioner, and toward the end of the chapter, she meets with a young couple whose wedding she is presiding over. 

KEEP READING: I'm on the fence with this one. In this case, it is a good thing. As writers, we are warned about info dumps: sharing a whole bunch of information all at once that distracts from the present story. A majority of the first chapter is an info dump: it's about Joy's life and work, daily life at the B&B, her relationship with her mom, etc. And if it wasn't delivered by an engaging character who made me want to continue, and presented in one of the best and most easily readable fonts (Why isn't every book printed in this font?), then I likely would have passed. But...

There is something about Joy that makes me want to know her story--the full story. Like how she got to where she is in greater detail than I can learn from the book blurb. Looking ahead, the second chapter is by her mother, Helen, so we won't get to meet the male lead for a bit. Seems like Joy and Helen are strong enough characters to carry the reader through until he enters the picture. 

Read an Excerpt:

Not an auspicious start to the day. I strive to be a glass half full kind of gal. Not always Miss Mary Sunshine, all sweetness, and light, but a person who attempts to see the positive in situations. This morning, however, things went south the moment my mother showed up at the breakfast table. 

“Mom,” I uttered calmly and carefully. Hopefully, my smile masked what I’ll admit was a tiny bit of concern. 

 “Any reason you’re wearing that outfit?” Cheese Louise. Talk about a grand entrance. With an overly dramatic swish and sashay, my mother displayed her eye blinding outfit. A bright pink poncho, clashing floral capris pants, gaudy striped toe socks with sandals, an enormous floppy straw hat, and umpteen Mardi Gras necklaces. The outfit I’d worn to a “Tacky Tourist” costume party six months before. 

“Getting ready for Halloween?” Mr. Byrd asked tactfully while others at the table raised their eyebrows and smirked. 

My superpower is anxiety, and I felt butterflies gathering in my stomach. 

 “Right.” I quickly put my arm around my mom, guiding her into a chair. 

“You won first prize with this costume, so it’s perfect for Halloween,” my mother explained. Halloween is months away, but it was a handy way out, and I was grateful. 

“Who needs another coffee?” Hands shot up around the table and that was all the interruption required to restart conversations. You can believe Miss Mardi Gras and I will be having a chat later.

Calling her work life eclectic, Karen Stewart has been a 911 operator, a freelance writer and photographer, written commercials for radio stations, performed fifty weddings as a wedding commissioner and for twelve years was the owner/operator of a busy bed and breakfast. 

Sunset Bay is her first book, and checks off the number one item on her bucket list. 

Mostly retired, she lives in a small seaside town on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She's happiest spending time with her three grandsons and their adorable dog Roo.

CONNECT WITH KAREN STEWART 

karenstewartwrites.com 

Facebook

Instagram 

PURCHASE LINKS: SUNSET BAY 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0228843030 

https://amazon.ca/dp/0228843030 

https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/sunset-bay/9780228843030.html 

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sunset-bay-karen-stewart/1146632175

https://www.booktopia.com.au/sunset-bay-karen-stewart/book/9780228843030.html 

https://www.waterstones.com/book/9780228843030

Karen Stewart will be awarding a

$10 Amazon/BN gift card

to a randomly drawn winner. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

This First Chapter Review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way. 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Dec 30

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.    

Welcome to the last Monday of December and of 2024! It is hard to believe we are on the horizon of a new year. For me, it has been a mixed bag. I completed 6 out the 10 bookish promises set in January, which included the Goodreads Challenge. This year also found me:

• Leaving my long time brokerage to open a new office in my town for a broker friend of mine
• Purchasing two investment properties--one in MA and one in NC
• Submitting my first small town Christmas romance to an agent

Along the way, our daughter got engaged, another daughter started the nursing program at UNCW, and I failed to meet my real estate sales goal for the first time in 10 years but also celebrated my 10th year in real estate, which means if I can still make a living at it, I'm doing something right. I've also found a wonderful group at Modern Prairie that is very supportive.

I remain eternally grateful for all my loyal readers and blogging friends who keep me going. The Book Connection will celebrate its 18th year this summer. Thanks for continuing to visit and comment. 

As December winds down, I finished this last book in the Love Comes Softly series. You can find my review here.

This reading of this devotional continued past Christmas. It is a 40-day devotional, so I look forward to reading it until the end. 

I am listening to this audiobook on Chirp. This one has been slow going for me. Mostly because I haven't worked as much this past week, so I'm not in the car listening.

My review of this one is posted on my kid's book blog. You can read it here. 

 

My review of this one should appear tomorrow at my kid's book blog. 

I started this one on our Christmas drive to Marlborough. 

These ones are next.

Upcoming events:

• Review of Ghosting Academy by LS Delorme - Feb 3 (Review)

You can read the latest Christmas news at the Christmas Year Round blog. This week, we are talking about eco-friendly ways to repurpose your natural Christmas tree, Amazon after-Christmas sales, and how Hanukkah started on Christmas night, which hasn't happened since 2005. You can read more here. 

I'm posting early this week since tomorrow I'm running errands with the Lil' Princess. Looking forward to visiting your blogs later in the day.

Wishing you a new year filled with good health, happiness, and prosperity!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? - Dec 2

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date.    

Welcome to December! Can you believe it? I sure can't. Hope those who celebrated had a nice Thanksgiving. We hosted and got a chance to meet the Lil' Diva's fiancé. He has been deployed for most of their relationship. Here are a few photos from the long weekend.

Homemade bread from the bread maker

The Lil' Diva put together a charcuterie board

The Lil' Princess and I visited Tandem Bagel Saturday

Dwight is already contemplating how to get into the tree

The Lil' Princess heads back to North Carolina this afternoon. She will return home for semester break on December 14, the day of our company's annual gala. It will be nice to have her home for longer than a few days.

I did not complete NaNoWriMo this year, but I wrote just over 14,000 words for the new novel. With any luck, I can finish the first draft in December. With four closings before the end of the year and Christmas preparations, that might be a lofty goal. 

I updated what I am selling on eBay. If you want to take a look, you will find my active listings here.

I read some of this historical romance during the week.

Reviewed this picture book at my children's book blog. Check it out here.

My review of this one appears on Goodreads. You can read it here or check in with my blog on December 11th. 

I posted my review of this one on Goodreads. You can read it here or check out The Children's and Teens' Book Connection today. 

My first chapter review of this one will appear on December 18th. 

I started this devotional on Sunday.

These are the books I am looking to read before starting any new ones.

Upcoming events:

• Princess Sophie and the Christmas Elixir by Mike Martin - December 2 (Review - TC&TBC)
• Jingles by D.F. Jones - December 11 (Review)
• Scandalous in Huntington Beach by Melody Deblois - Dec 18 (First Chapter Review - TBC)

You can read the latest Christmas news at the Christmas Year Round blog. For this week's in the news segment, we talked about Kate Middleton's annual Christmas letter, the special stop for the Santa Train going through the Appalachian mountain towns, and NORAD's annual preparations. Check all the news here.

I will do my best to visit your blogs today. I'm driving the Lil' Princess to the airport, which means a three-hour ride. Then I have appointments. I look forward to seeing what's going on in your lives and what books you've read. Enjoy your day!