A quirky heroine starts a new sketching hobby while dealing with PTSD and a troubled marriage in this NYC-set contemporary romance.

I loved Cara Bastone’s Ready or Not, and the marriage in crisis trope is one of my very favorites, so I thought that No Matter What would be a home run. Alas, it did not knock it out of the park for me, but your mileage may vary.

If you hate the miscommunication trope, this book is not for you. Luckily, I don’t mind it at all, so the central conflict of the story didn’t bother me. I wish I had a better feel for the characters, Roz and Vin, because they seemed almost like caricatures - quirky cook girl! Stoic Italian blue collar man! And the supporting characters also felt unrealistic and exaggerated but also lacking in layers? I felt like I was watching a dramedy stage play set in NYC years ago or a New Girl-like sitcom. It was almost whimsical how Roz met this group of eccentric artists and then they had picnics in the park, etc.

I do think the story is an uplifting one with good messages. The pacing is even throughout, though I won’t say there are a lot of dramatic moments. The narration does bring some humor and amusement.

I’m curious to see what readers think once the book is released.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

My first five-star read of 2026!

I love this book, but maybe I'm biased because I'm an elder millennial who watched My Chemical Romance videos on TRL after high school and downloaded their music on my iPod. I'm always down for a second chance romance, but I also really appreciated the characters. Sloane is a really cool introvert with a bit of a grumpy side, and Dax definitely has a grumpiness to him as well. He's sweet and caring, but also has a troubled past and struggles with depression. There is complexity and depth there. As a grumpy white writer girl with a Blasian hubby always listening to Paramore, I liked the rep :)

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

An epic fantasy romance with endearing main characters, impossible odds, and enough uniqueness to stand out in a crowded field.

It’s so rare to read a romance with an established couple at the beginning of the story. Iona and Taran, and their relationship, stole my heart from page 1. We don’t need flashbacks to their courting to understand the depth of their love; the writing successfully conveys it with minimal words. And I hate to say she’s not like the other girls, but I mean this in the best way possible - Iona is a breath of fresh air, a confident rebel leader and warrior, not stabby or immature or irrational, as often seen in the genre of late. And without getting into spoilers… Taran is an interesting puzzle.

This is an obvious rift on Greek mythology, though you won’t recognize the names of any of the gods here as they’ve all been reshaped. Elements of the world of the gods and hierarchy weren’t the clearest for me, and the pacing could be steadier. If the sequel improves on those fronts, this series about become an all-time favorite. I hope we get Taran’s POV!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.