Sometimes, a book disappoints because it's a mess, but sometimes, it'll disappoint because there is so much potential and adorableness, and it squanders it. Melissa Brayden's Strawberry Summer does the latter. I had been so charmed in the beginning, but the pacing and some storytelling choices aggravated me enough I needed to complain to friends.

We talk a lot about the books we're excited for, new releases, and so on. But what books did we actually read and love? Our team whittled down their lists to one (or two) top picks for the month.

Maria Vale's debut novel THE LAST WOLF is an immersive tale of identity, trust, and love. It's a fresh take on the werewolf subgenre, steeped in history and tragedy. It is also wildly funny,  completely endearing, and stomach-churningly violent.

February is known for hearts and chocolate and romance, so what better to do than read a romance novel (or five) during the month? Here are some of the new books we're looking forward to in February 2018.

This is a difficult book to review, so I'm going to give a plot summary followed by two different takes on the book. Both takes are mine. Because, difficult book to review.

A SCANDAL IN SCANDINAVIA is such a sweet treat to end your January reading. It has everything! Action, a hot romance between an older woman and a slightly younger man, international intrigue, and a nerdy heroine at the center of it all. Though Maher wrote a terrific romance novel to continue her Capital Kisses series, you’ll find the little touches are what make you devour this book.

Manda Collins's third Studies in Scandal novel, Wallflower Most Wanted, pairs a painter heroine with the local vicar in a small-town cozy mystery regency romance mash-up. 

THE WEDDING DATE is getting a lot of buzz this year, and I predict it'll be The Valentine's Day Book for 2018. And you know what? I think it's the perfect choice to fill that niche. It's a solid book and, while it may not be inventive or breathtakingly emotional, it's happy and welcoming and warm. If you need something happy to read in the grueling weeks of February, this may work for you.

I’m honored and happy to be joining the Love in Panels blog as a regular contributor to talk about science fiction romance, or SFR as we sometimes abbreviate it. Each month I’ll bring you a few Best Bets from the latest releases in the genre that I’ve read.