Not Guilty of Books

  LOVE AND CLOCKWORK Marriage Market Misadventures Series by Essie Sloane Release Date: July 24, 2026 Review I’m really enjoying the Marriage Market Misadventures series, and Essie delivered a delightful addition. It’s got a cozy feeling, with some pinning, adventure, and eventually love. Oleander and Castien meet at the Marriage Market, where they share a kiss that they both think about over the years, but Oleander was never allowed to come back, so pinning it was. When they finally meet again as adults, there is definitely intrigue, but neither is willing to share their thoughts. Instead, they develop a plan for Castien to help Oleander find someone to marry. Best laid plans and all! Well, he does help him find love! Seriously, it’s a quick read, but really lovely. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis One hopeless romantic elf (emphasis on the hopeless.) One ambitious merchant elf (emphasis on the ambitious.) One week that changes everything. Oleander has been to the Ever...

  HARD TO FORGET Hard to Love - Book Three by Essie Sloane Release Date: March 7, 2026 Review A loving and gentle story between two teenage sweethearts found their back to each other 10 years on. They are both likable guys who have managed to stay friendly over the years, despite the heartache of breaking up before University. Now they have a chance at forever; they just need to take the leap, and communicate. It’s a sweet relationship and they are wonderful together, as are the friends that surround them. I really enjoyed most everything about it. The rubber duck obsession was the only thing that was a bit much for me.  Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis After high school, I left King’s Bay with a broken heart. It took years to rebuild, to learn who I was without Matthew Bennett. Now that I’m back, I can’t stop thinking about my high school sweetheart. He’s grown into an amazing man. He’s handsome and kind, and he makes me smile like no one else ever has. I’m drawn ...

  A KICKIN’ KARATE CHRISTMAS Single Dads All the Way - Book Two by Essie Sloane Release Date: November 11, 2025 Review A super sweet & warm holiday read. Single dad, Jake, offers to help the owner of the dojo that his daughter attends. It’s totally because his daughter loves it there so much, and nothing to do with the attractive owner!! Jake and Matteo are just lovely people who click but try to pretend they are only friends. Until they finally take the leap. But even then, they take it slow, catching moments while planning events for the Karate studio, and weekends when his daughter is with her mom. Thankfully, the little girl adores Matteo and welcomes him as more than just her teacher, and together these three make the cutest of families. Add to your TBR List GOODREADS LINK Synopsis Mateo When I took the dojo over from my old sensei, I thought it would be easy. Teach kids karate and keep the family atmosphere. I didn't realize how much running a business cost. But when the ...

  SNOW DROP Merry Elf-Mas - Book Five by Essie Sloane Release Date: November 21, 2023 Review This gives fun sexy holiday vibes. Including some spectacular holiday drag and a really naughty Santa and his helper. I really enjoyed Noel, the older (but definitely not old) construction worker who’s filling his slow season by being Santa when his friend can’t do it. The divorcee doesn’t expect to find love amongst the younger elves. But try as he might, he just can’t ignore how Billy draws him in. Billy is a fabulous young man working multiple gig jobs to make ends meet and to afford his drag paraphernalia. One look at Noel and he’s hooked. They had a lovely progression, and I especially enjoyed Noel’s ex and her support and friendship. As well as Billy’s BFF who was wonderful and snarky.  There were a lot of fun moments, sweet dates, and some questionable Santa Village shenanigans. Sad to say goodbye to these sweet and loving members of Santa’s Village. Add to your TBR List GOODREA...