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Brooke Takes Queen
Brooke Staley doesn’t know exactly what happened to icy Elizabeth Bettancourt, but whatever it was hurt her deeply. When Brooke’s boss dies and Elizabeth inherits the Napa Valley resort, she and Brooke immediately clash. Declining profits and escalating operation costs seem to point toward selling the grand estate and grounds, but doing so would put Brooke’s job and the home where she lives with her daughter in jeopardy.
The last thing Elizabeth wants is to run a resort in her hometown of Calistoga where she lost so much thirty-five years ago. Painful memories, broken promises, and a past better left behind? No, thanks. It’s not as if she wants to make Brooke homeless, but there’s no other option.
Neither can deny their attraction, but falling in love will require making peace with the wounds of the past and the uncertainties of the future to save each other, and maybe even the resort, too.
The last thing Elizabeth wants is to run a resort in her hometown of Calistoga where she lost so much thirty-five years ago. Painful memories, broken promises, and a past better left behind? No, thanks. It’s not as if she wants to make Brooke homeless, but there’s no other option.
Neither can deny their attraction, but falling in love will require making peace with the wounds of the past and the uncertainties of the future to save each other, and maybe even the resort, too.
- GenresLesbian
312 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
11 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
Alaina Erdell
6 books79 followersAlaina Erdell lives in Ohio with her partner and their three crazy but adorable cats. She has a degree in psychology from Gonzaga University. Prior to writing, she worked as a chef. She enjoys painting, experimenting with molecular gastronomy, reading, snorkeling, traveling, and spending time with her beloved nephews.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Amazing! Brooke Takes Queen by Alaina Erdell ticks a lot of boxes; I was hooked at ice queen!
Elizabeth is all about work. Inheriting a Napa Valley resort brings her back to a hometown long since left. Her only plan was to wrap things up fast and leave. Brooke Staley is the resort manager residing there with her seven-year-old daughter, Rory. Now that Elizabeth is in charge of the resort, what's in store for them?
The incredible character development of Elizabeth and Brooke is enhanced by their grounded and relatable backstories, adding a rich layer of authenticity and depth. Brooke uses chess as a way to understand Elizabeth underneath the icy façade. As the sparks ignited between them, I held my breath, wishing for a long and happy future.
Would I recommend this book? The cover, the deeply felt, skilfully written romance set against a backdrop that was so beautifully brought to life, completely immersed me in the moment… Absolutely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in return for my honest review.
Elizabeth is all about work. Inheriting a Napa Valley resort brings her back to a hometown long since left. Her only plan was to wrap things up fast and leave. Brooke Staley is the resort manager residing there with her seven-year-old daughter, Rory. Now that Elizabeth is in charge of the resort, what's in store for them?
The incredible character development of Elizabeth and Brooke is enhanced by their grounded and relatable backstories, adding a rich layer of authenticity and depth. Brooke uses chess as a way to understand Elizabeth underneath the icy façade. As the sparks ignited between them, I held my breath, wishing for a long and happy future.
Would I recommend this book? The cover, the deeply felt, skilfully written romance set against a backdrop that was so beautifully brought to life, completely immersed me in the moment… Absolutely!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC in return for my honest review.
January 13, 2026
4.5⭐️The ice queen is one of my favorite tropes, but I don't see many books with them, so thank you, Alaina. Elizabeth and Brooke are the perfect "opposites attract" pairing, and while Brooke is easy to like with a lot on her plate, Elizabeth was such an interesting character! Her backstory made me want to hug her on multiple occasions, and seeing her unable to help herself from caring for Brooke and Rory was so heartwarming. Her interactions with Rory were among my favorite scenes because despite her difficulties with social interactions, especially with kids, their connection implied that Elizabeth was herself on the spectrum, and I found these scenes precious. I just wish I had more time with aloof Elisabeth because she didn't resist Brooke's appeal much, but overall this book was perfectly balanced, with the perfect amount of obstacles. The characters were layered, and Elizabeth's growth was a delight.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a thoroughly fabulous book! We have Brooke who is the manager of the resort, raising her 7 yr old daughter Rory (who has ASD). When Margaret the owner passes away leaving the resort to Elizabeth.
When the two women meet, the tension is palpable, but when Rory meets Elizabeth the little girl attaches to her. There is a tug and pull as Brooke and Elizabeth get to know one another, especially playing Chess.But, is Elizabeth going to sell, or keep the resort? That determines a lot for Brooke and Rory.
I absolutely love this book! Especially Elizabeth's growth and of course Rory! I highly recommend this book! It is heartwarming, and page turning! A FAVORITE!! Definitely worthy of more than 5 stars!!!
When the two women meet, the tension is palpable, but when Rory meets Elizabeth the little girl attaches to her. There is a tug and pull as Brooke and Elizabeth get to know one another, especially playing Chess.But, is Elizabeth going to sell, or keep the resort? That determines a lot for Brooke and Rory.
I absolutely love this book! Especially Elizabeth's growth and of course Rory! I highly recommend this book! It is heartwarming, and page turning! A FAVORITE!! Definitely worthy of more than 5 stars!!!
January 14, 2026
I’m a big fan of Erdell’s books. This was a slow burn romance with an ice queen and a bubbly happy woman.
Brooke is the manger of a resort in Napa Valley and the owner has died and Elizabeth has inherited it. Elizabeth comes to the resort to check it out and she and Brooke get off to a rough start. Brooke has young daughter, Rory who steals the show.
To me the writing g style makes the story realistic and enjoyable. Some of the angst Elizabeth feels from her childhood is explained and resolved by the ending but it could have been more elaborated to allow us to get more into her thoughts and feelings. Also we never got a good explanation of Brooke’s marriage to her husband and her switch to being interested in women.
Thanks to Net Galley and BSB for the chance to read and review this ARC.
Brooke is the manger of a resort in Napa Valley and the owner has died and Elizabeth has inherited it. Elizabeth comes to the resort to check it out and she and Brooke get off to a rough start. Brooke has young daughter, Rory who steals the show.
To me the writing g style makes the story realistic and enjoyable. Some of the angst Elizabeth feels from her childhood is explained and resolved by the ending but it could have been more elaborated to allow us to get more into her thoughts and feelings. Also we never got a good explanation of Brooke’s marriage to her husband and her switch to being interested in women.
Thanks to Net Galley and BSB for the chance to read and review this ARC.
December 25, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
This book was soo good!!! I was really impressed with the way it was written and how it really focused on the characters and also their backstories. Especially Elizabeth’s, where I honestly wish we’d gotten more information about as the story went on. However, I overall really liked the setting, the characters (also the side characters like Brooke’s daughter) and the general vibe of the story.
Moreover, I really liked how the author developed the relationship between Elizabeth and Brooke. It felt very genuine in my opinion and I felt like they really had chemistry. Plus one could easily understand the 3rd act break up (though I have to admit, I’m usually not the type who liked these). And the boss x employee forbidden romance was really nice too!
Before I forget to add, I loved the way chess was included in the story!! It was such a smart and cute way to get the characters to bond 🥺
Besides that, the writing was so good, the pace was nice too though I would’ve loved more depth in Elizabeth’s backstory and maybe some more on Brooke’s too.
Overall, very solid read. I’d recommend especially to those who like a slow burn with a slight initial dislike to love ♡
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC copy. My review is left honestly and voluntarily.
This book was soo good!!! I was really impressed with the way it was written and how it really focused on the characters and also their backstories. Especially Elizabeth’s, where I honestly wish we’d gotten more information about as the story went on. However, I overall really liked the setting, the characters (also the side characters like Brooke’s daughter) and the general vibe of the story.
Moreover, I really liked how the author developed the relationship between Elizabeth and Brooke. It felt very genuine in my opinion and I felt like they really had chemistry. Plus one could easily understand the 3rd act break up (though I have to admit, I’m usually not the type who liked these). And the boss x employee forbidden romance was really nice too!
Before I forget to add, I loved the way chess was included in the story!! It was such a smart and cute way to get the characters to bond 🥺
Besides that, the writing was so good, the pace was nice too though I would’ve loved more depth in Elizabeth’s backstory and maybe some more on Brooke’s too.
Overall, very solid read. I’d recommend especially to those who like a slow burn with a slight initial dislike to love ♡
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a free ARC copy. My review is left honestly and voluntarily.
January 16, 2026
An author’s growth rarely arrives with fanfare. More often, it appears quietly, through confident, purposeful choices that extend beyond flashy plots. Readers notice leaner, sharper prose, tighter control and stronger structure that sustains natural tension. Characters are drawn with a discerning eye. They look and feel like real people: their choices seem both inevitable and surprising, their emotions are layered rather than performed, and their world is lived in rather than staged. The most important indicator, though, is trust. They move past explaining emotions and motivations, and let readers connect the dots. In Alaina Erdell’s work, this shift is evident as she moves from trope-centered romances to stories rich in emotional nuance, structure, and thematic resonance.
Brooke Takes Queen, Erdell’s newest romance, clearly shows her growth. She writes with calm confidence and explores deeper, more human themes. The love story intersects family history, responsibility, and unresolved grief tenderly and passionately. Here, romance forms within life’s complications, making the storytelling quite compelling.
Erdell’s approach to conflict is becoming more sophisticated as well. In Brooke Takes Queen, the stakes are rooted in something very personal, resulting in tension that feels organic and sustained, not artificial and convenient. Instead of relying on a single misunderstanding or an external obstacle, she lets tension emerge naturally from the characters’ circumstances and inner lives. Brooke’s fragile livelihood, including her job, her housing, and her daughter’s sense of stability, stands in direct contrast to Elizabeth’s inheritance and her resistance to confronting her painful past. Neither woman is cast as a hero or a villain. Their clash feels inevitable, born of genuine needs and lingering wounds. The development of this kind of conflict shows just how much Erdell’s craft has deepened. The story’s tension exists because the characters are true to themselves, and the storytelling feels more believable and emotionally charged because of it.
Though Erdell has never struggled with the essentials of storytelling, it is growing more compelling, and that is largely due to her character work. In Brooke Takes Queen, it is deeper and more nuanced. She allows desires and flaws to complicate the story in essential ways. This is particularly true for Elizabeth. Her reluctance to run the resort is not simply about obligation; it is tied to the emotional toll of returning to Calistoga after thirty-five years. Painful memories, broken promises, and long-practiced avoidance are not just backstory details; they are active forces shaping her choices. Erdell allows the past to exert pressure without overexplaining, trusting readers to sense its weight. That restraint speaks to a writer who understands that emotional impact often lies in what remains partially unspoken.
Emotional complexity and layered characterization can also be seen in Brooke. Her emotional stakes are equally grounded. Her fears are specific and tangible, rooted in motherhood, financial insecurity, and her sense of professional worth. Romance is not positioned as her only goal, but as one part of a life shaped by competing responsibilities. Love does not simplify her circumstances; it complicates them. This layered approach reflects Erdell’s broader shift toward storytelling that honors the ways people are pulled in multiple directions at once, rather than driven by a single desire. Subtext does a lot of work here, creating a story that lingers rather than sparks sensational drama.
Brooke Takes Queen also highlights the way Erdell weaves setting and theme together. Though they were both strong elements in her debut, Fire, Water, and Rock, they feel more thoughtful and integrated in this book. Here, Harvest Springs Resort, situated in Napa Valley, is more than a scenic backdrop. It represents inheritance, legacy, and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. The question of whether to sell the estate mirrors the emotional dilemma at the heart of the novel: what do we keep, what do we reject, and what will those choices cost? This kind of thematic echo, where setting reinforces emotional stakes, shows that Erdell is sensitive to narrative cohesion, making Brooke Takes Queen a solidly constructed novel.
Though Erdell has always displayed a strong understanding of story structure, there’s more of a willingness to play with it in this novel. While attraction between Brooke and Elizabeth sparks early, their journey toward love feels slow, uncertain, and earned. The acts of healing, reckoning with the past, and facing uncertainty are treated as necessary steps rather than narrative detours. Intimacy here is built through difficult conversations and shared vulnerability, not convenient resolutions. Erdell doesn’t take emotional shortcuts with their relationship, and the story is stronger for it.
Perhaps the most exciting thing to see in Erdell’s new novel is her growing comfort with ambiguity. The story does not promise neat solutions to the resort’s financial future, to Elizabeth’s grief, or to Brooke’s insecurity. Instead, it suggests that love itself requires risk and difficult choices. Erdell allows uncertainty to linger, trusting readers to sit with tension; she doesn’t rush to reassure them. This willingness to leave things unresolved for a bit is one of the clearest signs of her growth as a writer, making readers all the more curious about what she’ll write next.
Final remarks…
Alaina Erdell has grown from crafting solid, engaging romances into a writer who weaves greater emotional complexity, thematic depth, and character-driven tension into her storytelling. Brooke Takes Queen grapples honestly with love, grief, responsibility, and hope, revealing a romance that leans into quiet moments, messy emotions, and characters who cannot be easily untangled from their pasts. For readers looking for a romance that captures the subtleties of human connection, Brooke Takes Queen embraces its truths and tenderness in equal measure. Those wishing to explore what it means to love and be loved, even when the past looms large, will no doubt enjoy this one.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-developed, likable characters
Tenderly told
Emotionally honest
Moving and layered
Satisfying read
Brooke Takes Queen, Erdell’s newest romance, clearly shows her growth. She writes with calm confidence and explores deeper, more human themes. The love story intersects family history, responsibility, and unresolved grief tenderly and passionately. Here, romance forms within life’s complications, making the storytelling quite compelling.
Erdell’s approach to conflict is becoming more sophisticated as well. In Brooke Takes Queen, the stakes are rooted in something very personal, resulting in tension that feels organic and sustained, not artificial and convenient. Instead of relying on a single misunderstanding or an external obstacle, she lets tension emerge naturally from the characters’ circumstances and inner lives. Brooke’s fragile livelihood, including her job, her housing, and her daughter’s sense of stability, stands in direct contrast to Elizabeth’s inheritance and her resistance to confronting her painful past. Neither woman is cast as a hero or a villain. Their clash feels inevitable, born of genuine needs and lingering wounds. The development of this kind of conflict shows just how much Erdell’s craft has deepened. The story’s tension exists because the characters are true to themselves, and the storytelling feels more believable and emotionally charged because of it.
Though Erdell has never struggled with the essentials of storytelling, it is growing more compelling, and that is largely due to her character work. In Brooke Takes Queen, it is deeper and more nuanced. She allows desires and flaws to complicate the story in essential ways. This is particularly true for Elizabeth. Her reluctance to run the resort is not simply about obligation; it is tied to the emotional toll of returning to Calistoga after thirty-five years. Painful memories, broken promises, and long-practiced avoidance are not just backstory details; they are active forces shaping her choices. Erdell allows the past to exert pressure without overexplaining, trusting readers to sense its weight. That restraint speaks to a writer who understands that emotional impact often lies in what remains partially unspoken.
Emotional complexity and layered characterization can also be seen in Brooke. Her emotional stakes are equally grounded. Her fears are specific and tangible, rooted in motherhood, financial insecurity, and her sense of professional worth. Romance is not positioned as her only goal, but as one part of a life shaped by competing responsibilities. Love does not simplify her circumstances; it complicates them. This layered approach reflects Erdell’s broader shift toward storytelling that honors the ways people are pulled in multiple directions at once, rather than driven by a single desire. Subtext does a lot of work here, creating a story that lingers rather than sparks sensational drama.
Brooke Takes Queen also highlights the way Erdell weaves setting and theme together. Though they were both strong elements in her debut, Fire, Water, and Rock, they feel more thoughtful and integrated in this book. Here, Harvest Springs Resort, situated in Napa Valley, is more than a scenic backdrop. It represents inheritance, legacy, and the delicate balance between holding on and letting go. The question of whether to sell the estate mirrors the emotional dilemma at the heart of the novel: what do we keep, what do we reject, and what will those choices cost? This kind of thematic echo, where setting reinforces emotional stakes, shows that Erdell is sensitive to narrative cohesion, making Brooke Takes Queen a solidly constructed novel.
Though Erdell has always displayed a strong understanding of story structure, there’s more of a willingness to play with it in this novel. While attraction between Brooke and Elizabeth sparks early, their journey toward love feels slow, uncertain, and earned. The acts of healing, reckoning with the past, and facing uncertainty are treated as necessary steps rather than narrative detours. Intimacy here is built through difficult conversations and shared vulnerability, not convenient resolutions. Erdell doesn’t take emotional shortcuts with their relationship, and the story is stronger for it.
Perhaps the most exciting thing to see in Erdell’s new novel is her growing comfort with ambiguity. The story does not promise neat solutions to the resort’s financial future, to Elizabeth’s grief, or to Brooke’s insecurity. Instead, it suggests that love itself requires risk and difficult choices. Erdell allows uncertainty to linger, trusting readers to sit with tension; she doesn’t rush to reassure them. This willingness to leave things unresolved for a bit is one of the clearest signs of her growth as a writer, making readers all the more curious about what she’ll write next.
Final remarks…
Alaina Erdell has grown from crafting solid, engaging romances into a writer who weaves greater emotional complexity, thematic depth, and character-driven tension into her storytelling. Brooke Takes Queen grapples honestly with love, grief, responsibility, and hope, revealing a romance that leans into quiet moments, messy emotions, and characters who cannot be easily untangled from their pasts. For readers looking for a romance that captures the subtleties of human connection, Brooke Takes Queen embraces its truths and tenderness in equal measure. Those wishing to explore what it means to love and be loved, even when the past looms large, will no doubt enjoy this one.
Strengths…
Well-written
Well-developed, likable characters
Tenderly told
Emotionally honest
Moving and layered
Satisfying read
January 17, 2026
"...I want to feel the warmth of standing in your sunbeam. I want to know what it feels like to be loved by you." (p. 237).
Invitingly readable, while still honoring the layered growth of its characters. A story of healing simplified and without all the complexities of the healing process. One of finding grace and forgiveness in oneself and the bravery to exist beyond the chains of trauma. The other, finding stability and a sense of belonging after a recent divorce.
A road to self-discovery. Facing fears, finding courage, and a family lost. This is tender, warm, and emotionally manageable. Elizabeth, stoic, formidable and captivating returns to her hometown, not by choice, but as a result of an unexpected inheritance. It is at the wine country resort where Elizabeth meets general manager Brooke Staley. Bubbly, positive and annoying. A mom of an adorable 7-year-old daughter, Rory, who is “a beam of sunshine.”
Between hours in the resort office, shared wine, and games of chess where moments are seized, Brook gently cracks the queen. She offers empathy and kindness. Confident of the warmth that lays beneath. Intrigued and pulled into the mystery of Elizabeth, both past and present. What follows is an irresistible romance, unexpected yet inevitable, of two women truly seeing one another’s charm.
Unwavering compassion for one and the will to move past painful memories of loss and love from another. "I'm here because I am in love with you." (P.237). The combination is perfectly presented through Erdell’s writing. A story worthy of your time.
Thank you, Netgalley, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Invitingly readable, while still honoring the layered growth of its characters. A story of healing simplified and without all the complexities of the healing process. One of finding grace and forgiveness in oneself and the bravery to exist beyond the chains of trauma. The other, finding stability and a sense of belonging after a recent divorce.
A road to self-discovery. Facing fears, finding courage, and a family lost. This is tender, warm, and emotionally manageable. Elizabeth, stoic, formidable and captivating returns to her hometown, not by choice, but as a result of an unexpected inheritance. It is at the wine country resort where Elizabeth meets general manager Brooke Staley. Bubbly, positive and annoying. A mom of an adorable 7-year-old daughter, Rory, who is “a beam of sunshine.”
Between hours in the resort office, shared wine, and games of chess where moments are seized, Brook gently cracks the queen. She offers empathy and kindness. Confident of the warmth that lays beneath. Intrigued and pulled into the mystery of Elizabeth, both past and present. What follows is an irresistible romance, unexpected yet inevitable, of two women truly seeing one another’s charm.
Unwavering compassion for one and the will to move past painful memories of loss and love from another. "I'm here because I am in love with you." (P.237). The combination is perfectly presented through Erdell’s writing. A story worthy of your time.
Thank you, Netgalley, for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2026
This was a 4.5⭐️ for me, rounded up — as the heart of the story earns it.
This is a warm, layered romance with genuinely likeable characters and a strong, character-driven core. The premise is compelling: a woman inherits a resort in Napa Valley that she intends to sell, while the resort’s manager — a single mother raising a young autistic daughter — has built her entire life around it. From the outset, the stakes are clear and meaningful.
Both main characters carry significant baggage, which is woven thoughtfully into the story. The attraction between them feels natural and unforced, and the novel does an excellent job exploring themes of loss, illness, responsibility, and the vulnerability required to choose connection. Even Elizabeth, who initially comes across as something of an ice queen, is thoughtfully developed and easy to empathize with. The daughter Rory is endearing.
Where the book loses half a star for me is in the final stretch. While the intentions behind the ending are solid, it feels somewhat rushed, with several threads resolved more quickly than I would have liked. I wanted a bit more space to fully absorb how things unfolded.
That said, the writing is strong, the characters are engaging, and the story is genuinely heartwarming. I’m glad I picked it up.
This is a warm, layered romance with genuinely likeable characters and a strong, character-driven core. The premise is compelling: a woman inherits a resort in Napa Valley that she intends to sell, while the resort’s manager — a single mother raising a young autistic daughter — has built her entire life around it. From the outset, the stakes are clear and meaningful.
Both main characters carry significant baggage, which is woven thoughtfully into the story. The attraction between them feels natural and unforced, and the novel does an excellent job exploring themes of loss, illness, responsibility, and the vulnerability required to choose connection. Even Elizabeth, who initially comes across as something of an ice queen, is thoughtfully developed and easy to empathize with. The daughter Rory is endearing.
Where the book loses half a star for me is in the final stretch. While the intentions behind the ending are solid, it feels somewhat rushed, with several threads resolved more quickly than I would have liked. I wanted a bit more space to fully absorb how things unfolded.
That said, the writing is strong, the characters are engaging, and the story is genuinely heartwarming. I’m glad I picked it up.
January 11, 2026
Brooke Takes Queen was such a cosy escape. I went in expecting something comforting and that’s exactly what it delivered. From the start, it was an easy world to slip into.
I really enjoyed Elizabeth’s ice queen character. Cold and guarded on the surface, but shaped by grief and loss that slowly unfolds. Watching her past come into focus made her growth especially satisfying. Brooke felt warm and steady in contrast, balancing her job, her home, and co-parenting her daughter with a quiet sense of responsibility.
The love story itself is built through small moments rather than big gestures, which made it feel earned. The spice is minimal but well placed, and the emotional growth carries the story.
Overall, this is a warm, cosy sapphic romance that’s easy to settle into and genuinely comforting to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alaina Erdell, and the publisher for providing an ARC of Brooke Takes Queen in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed Elizabeth’s ice queen character. Cold and guarded on the surface, but shaped by grief and loss that slowly unfolds. Watching her past come into focus made her growth especially satisfying. Brooke felt warm and steady in contrast, balancing her job, her home, and co-parenting her daughter with a quiet sense of responsibility.
The love story itself is built through small moments rather than big gestures, which made it feel earned. The spice is minimal but well placed, and the emotional growth carries the story.
Overall, this is a warm, cosy sapphic romance that’s easy to settle into and genuinely comforting to read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alaina Erdell, and the publisher for providing an ARC of Brooke Takes Queen in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2026
4.75 stars!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Elizabeth Bettancourt never wanted to return to her hometown, Calistoga, but a resort suddenly left to her in a will does not give her much choice. Her best option is to check on the resort in short a time as she can, sell it, then return to her home in Sillcon valley, back to her orderly and safe life. However, Brooke Staley is a problem. The attraction between the two women is obvious, but Elizabeth has already made her choices. She is not here to stay, and selling the resort means that Brooke and her daughter will lose a home. No matter how this goes, Brooke will resent her in the end. Is starting something with this woman running the resort a bad idea? Or maybe, it is time to face the past and move forward to a new something.
This book was my first book to read in 2026, and I say my reading of 2026 has started with a good book. Each character is flawed in their own way, but Alaina builds the character in a way that the flaw is no longer a flaw, but something that shows the readers that everyone is, in the end, human. And we all need someone, an incident, a choice, to move forward to a future that might bring much more happiness.
Elizabeth’s character growth is one of the main foci in the book. She is depicted as an ice queen (even the queen chess piece on the book cover has an ice like texture). I always jokingly say that a lot of ice queens are on either the neurodivergent spectrum, or just the asshole spectrum. Elizabeth is definitely the former. She is someone on the ASD spectrum, awkward around people, goal/solution focused, yet has a warm heart that she keeps behind walls. This characteristic made me keep cheering for Elizabeth and her happiness. The readers can ‘see’ Elizabeth, not just her actions but her as an entire person. She is no longer a character in the book, but just Elizabeth.
I also enjoyed the interaction between Elizabeth and Rory. I knew that Elizabeth cannot be an asshole the moment she dropped to the floor and dug through the trash to get out Rory’s crayons because she was crying after seeing her crayons gone. How she really saw and remembered what Rory liked to do even if Elizabeth felt awkward and uncomfortable with Rory because the kid reminded her of the past. That cannot be an ice queen on the asshole spectrum. Another thing to mention is that Rory’s depiction was also top tier. Sometimes, children feel as if they are written in a book to serve a purpose, to get the moms closer, or a reason that the two women cannot have a relationship etc. But I didn’t get the vibe Rory was there for a purpose of the author’s. Rory was there as her own person and a child living in the book. I loved that.
Lastly, the thing that struck me, is that nothing is too late if you want to make something right. How Elizabeth finally made the choice to reach for her past, how Brooke’s brother finally decided to reach out to his family and father after avoiding them for years. It is better to be late than to never see your loved ones.
I loved this book, and will definitely be looking forward to more of the author’s books in the future.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
This book was my first book to read in 2026, and I say my reading of 2026 has started with a good book. Each character is flawed in their own way, but Alaina builds the character in a way that the flaw is no longer a flaw, but something that shows the readers that everyone is, in the end, human. And we all need someone, an incident, a choice, to move forward to a future that might bring much more happiness.
Elizabeth’s character growth is one of the main foci in the book. She is depicted as an ice queen (even the queen chess piece on the book cover has an ice like texture). I always jokingly say that a lot of ice queens are on either the neurodivergent spectrum, or just the asshole spectrum. Elizabeth is definitely the former. She is someone on the ASD spectrum, awkward around people, goal/solution focused, yet has a warm heart that she keeps behind walls. This characteristic made me keep cheering for Elizabeth and her happiness. The readers can ‘see’ Elizabeth, not just her actions but her as an entire person. She is no longer a character in the book, but just Elizabeth.
I also enjoyed the interaction between Elizabeth and Rory. I knew that Elizabeth cannot be an asshole the moment she dropped to the floor and dug through the trash to get out Rory’s crayons because she was crying after seeing her crayons gone. How she really saw and remembered what Rory liked to do even if Elizabeth felt awkward and uncomfortable with Rory because the kid reminded her of the past. That cannot be an ice queen on the asshole spectrum. Another thing to mention is that Rory’s depiction was also top tier. Sometimes, children feel as if they are written in a book to serve a purpose, to get the moms closer, or a reason that the two women cannot have a relationship etc. But I didn’t get the vibe Rory was there for a purpose of the author’s. Rory was there as her own person and a child living in the book. I loved that.
Lastly, the thing that struck me, is that nothing is too late if you want to make something right. How Elizabeth finally made the choice to reach for her past, how Brooke’s brother finally decided to reach out to his family and father after avoiding them for years. It is better to be late than to never see your loved ones.
I loved this book, and will definitely be looking forward to more of the author’s books in the future.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
California’s wine country shines as the backdrop of this story, offering an ideal setting for Elizabeth, Brooke, and Rory. Rich, evocative descriptions bring the landscape to life, with the resort standing at its heart. For Elizabeth, the resort is steeped in heartrending memories, and her tragic past is portrayed with remarkable care. The emotional depth is truly gut-wrenching—so powerful it left me breathless at times.
Although the book touches on difficult themes, the story never turns dark and instead emphasizes optimism, love, and hope, often with Brooke leading the way. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing is perfectly balanced, and the story flows effortlessly, keeping me fully engaged. The game of chess also plays an important and meaningful role throughout the book.
Elizabeth has built nearly unbreakable walls around herself, keeping everyone at a distance. She’s poured herself into work as a way to bury the trauma of her past, and if ever there were a character who deserved a hug, it’s her.
Brooke is drawn to Elizabeth almost immediately, sensing something beneath the guarded exterior. Her optimism and bright spirit initially grate on Elizabeth, but over time, that warmth begins to soften the ice surrounding her heart. When it finally does, my romantic heart couldn’t help but melt right along with it. Their love story is tender, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.
Brooke’s life comes with its own set of challenges. Her daughter is on the autism spectrum, portrayed with authenticity and care, without ever being reduced to a diagnosis. They’ve found their rhythm together, and Rory is an absolute joy. Brooke is also navigating her father’s dementia, and her mix of acceptance and struggle felt deeply relatable to me. I’m supporting my own dad as he lives with Parkinson’s disease, and I truly understand what she’s facing. The weight of her brother’s absence only adds to the burden she carries. Even so, Brooke remains unfailingly compassionate, loving, and selfless.
Overall, this book is a beautifully told, emotionally rich story about love, healing, and second chances. The characters feel real and easy to connect with, the romance unfolds naturally and with so much heart, and the setting adds a wonderful sense of place throughout the story. What really stands out is how thoughtfully the heavier themes are handled, balancing emotional depth with hope and warmth. This is the kind of book that stays with you after the last page, leaving you with a full heart and a reminder that love and healing can still be found, even after everything.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Although the book touches on difficult themes, the story never turns dark and instead emphasizes optimism, love, and hope, often with Brooke leading the way. The dialogue feels natural, the pacing is perfectly balanced, and the story flows effortlessly, keeping me fully engaged. The game of chess also plays an important and meaningful role throughout the book.
Elizabeth has built nearly unbreakable walls around herself, keeping everyone at a distance. She’s poured herself into work as a way to bury the trauma of her past, and if ever there were a character who deserved a hug, it’s her.
Brooke is drawn to Elizabeth almost immediately, sensing something beneath the guarded exterior. Her optimism and bright spirit initially grate on Elizabeth, but over time, that warmth begins to soften the ice surrounding her heart. When it finally does, my romantic heart couldn’t help but melt right along with it. Their love story is tender, and the chemistry between them is undeniable.
Brooke’s life comes with its own set of challenges. Her daughter is on the autism spectrum, portrayed with authenticity and care, without ever being reduced to a diagnosis. They’ve found their rhythm together, and Rory is an absolute joy. Brooke is also navigating her father’s dementia, and her mix of acceptance and struggle felt deeply relatable to me. I’m supporting my own dad as he lives with Parkinson’s disease, and I truly understand what she’s facing. The weight of her brother’s absence only adds to the burden she carries. Even so, Brooke remains unfailingly compassionate, loving, and selfless.
Overall, this book is a beautifully told, emotionally rich story about love, healing, and second chances. The characters feel real and easy to connect with, the romance unfolds naturally and with so much heart, and the setting adds a wonderful sense of place throughout the story. What really stands out is how thoughtfully the heavier themes are handled, balancing emotional depth with hope and warmth. This is the kind of book that stays with you after the last page, leaving you with a full heart and a reminder that love and healing can still be found, even after everything.
Check out my complete review at TheLesbianReview.com
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I always love a book where the main characters have a lot of baggage to process before they are ready to move on, a lot of angst involved, and this story had that and so much more. I loved the writing and both Elizabeth and Brooke were three-dimensional characters, described with so much love and as a bonus Brooke’s daughter Rory, clearly written by an author that understands and loves children.
Elizabeth inherits a resort by Margaret, someone that supported her in the past when she struggled. This extremely successful financial professional takes a leave from her job to go there to understand the business and trying to sell as soon as possible. Things do not quite go as planned since the general manager Brooke and her daughter Rory slowly grow on her and perhaps can penetrate the walls she has built after losing her family when she was the same age as Rory. It is clear from the start that Elizabeth is very complex and does not always understand the social cues, it is all black and white until she meets Brooke. Just like Rory she probably is on the ASD spectrum, like I assume most ice queens are.
Brooke is a more easy-going character, but she also has her struggles after her divorce, being a single parent, trying to combine raising Rory with a career and dealing with a dad with dementia. There has not been much time for a love life, but she realizes that Elizabeth is so much more than her surface. They slowly get to know each other while playing chess and drinking wine and when they move that to an actual relationship it is something you really root for, it is something special.
But do they have a chance to make this work long term? Brooke is pushing Elizabeth to finally face her demons, and Elizabeth has in her power to both make sure Brooke loses her apartment and job if she sells the resort.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Elizabeth inherits a resort by Margaret, someone that supported her in the past when she struggled. This extremely successful financial professional takes a leave from her job to go there to understand the business and trying to sell as soon as possible. Things do not quite go as planned since the general manager Brooke and her daughter Rory slowly grow on her and perhaps can penetrate the walls she has built after losing her family when she was the same age as Rory. It is clear from the start that Elizabeth is very complex and does not always understand the social cues, it is all black and white until she meets Brooke. Just like Rory she probably is on the ASD spectrum, like I assume most ice queens are.
Brooke is a more easy-going character, but she also has her struggles after her divorce, being a single parent, trying to combine raising Rory with a career and dealing with a dad with dementia. There has not been much time for a love life, but she realizes that Elizabeth is so much more than her surface. They slowly get to know each other while playing chess and drinking wine and when they move that to an actual relationship it is something you really root for, it is something special.
But do they have a chance to make this work long term? Brooke is pushing Elizabeth to finally face her demons, and Elizabeth has in her power to both make sure Brooke loses her apartment and job if she sells the resort.
I received a free ARC via NetGalley and leave an honest review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⋆˙✮ 5
Checkmate♟️
I don’t know if I was just in the perfect mood to read this, but I absolutely loved it. There’s just something about emotionally wounded characters that I can’t help but love, and Elizabeth checks that box a thousand percent. So yes, I was absolutely seated for this book.
After experiencing enough pain and heartache to last a lifetime, Elizabeth returns to her hometown of Calistoga after inheriting a resort from a former mentor of sorts. There, she meets the general manager of the resort, Brooke, and her daughter Rory. What started out as a simple plan to sell the resort quickly turns into something more, leaving Elizabeth conflicted as she simultaneously faces her past and starts to build a relationship with Brooke and Rory.
I loved the inclusion of chess, how it tied into the story, and how it circles back to the title of the book. The after-work games were such a neat way to bring the two together. As for the characters themselves, Elizabeth is your typical ice queen—which, by my very unofficial definition, often reads as someone who’s neurodivergent lol. It’s probably why Rory, who’s on the autism spectrum, seemed to gravitate toward her throughout the entire book. Then, there’s sweet, hardworking Brooke who always has something on her plate but doesn’t let it stop her from having a positive outlook on things. Together they were just so so cute, and I just absolutely love when characters try to resist the attraction between each other.
Oh, I also cried btw. This book did really well with the character development and side plots. Nothing ever felt out of order or like it was only there as filler; it really enhanced the story for me and allowed me to connect more with both Elizabeth and Brooke. They both were going through it…
I recommend this to anyone who likes ice queens, “workplace” romances, and grumpyxsunshine tropes with an emotional backstory!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
Checkmate♟️
I don’t know if I was just in the perfect mood to read this, but I absolutely loved it. There’s just something about emotionally wounded characters that I can’t help but love, and Elizabeth checks that box a thousand percent. So yes, I was absolutely seated for this book.
After experiencing enough pain and heartache to last a lifetime, Elizabeth returns to her hometown of Calistoga after inheriting a resort from a former mentor of sorts. There, she meets the general manager of the resort, Brooke, and her daughter Rory. What started out as a simple plan to sell the resort quickly turns into something more, leaving Elizabeth conflicted as she simultaneously faces her past and starts to build a relationship with Brooke and Rory.
I loved the inclusion of chess, how it tied into the story, and how it circles back to the title of the book. The after-work games were such a neat way to bring the two together. As for the characters themselves, Elizabeth is your typical ice queen—which, by my very unofficial definition, often reads as someone who’s neurodivergent lol. It’s probably why Rory, who’s on the autism spectrum, seemed to gravitate toward her throughout the entire book. Then, there’s sweet, hardworking Brooke who always has something on her plate but doesn’t let it stop her from having a positive outlook on things. Together they were just so so cute, and I just absolutely love when characters try to resist the attraction between each other.
Oh, I also cried btw. This book did really well with the character development and side plots. Nothing ever felt out of order or like it was only there as filler; it really enhanced the story for me and allowed me to connect more with both Elizabeth and Brooke. They both were going through it…
I recommend this to anyone who likes ice queens, “workplace” romances, and grumpyxsunshine tropes with an emotional backstory!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC. All thoughts are my own.
January 16, 2026
I loved this chess-centered book about an ice queen who unexpectedly inherits a hotel in wine country and the single mom manager of said property.
Elizabeth is a delicious ice queen. Forged in the fires of childhood trauma, she has grown into a professionally-focused woman who keeps everyone at arms length. While we give Brooke the credit for “melting” her, I think it’s Brooke’s daughter Rory who did the hard lifting here. Brooke and her ex-husband co-parent Rory, who is a delightful 7 year old on the autism spectrum. Rory had been having a hard time adjusting to the divorce and life changes that necessitated, but Elizabeth somehow makes Rory feel safe instantaneously. This comes as a surprise to all the adults and yet it works, giving Elizabeth an opportunity to interact with children again and providing additional opportunities for different interactions for our protagonists early on.
There was a lot to love in this book. In addition to enjoying the characters map out their complicated and uncertain relationship trajectory, I also very much appreciated the subtle and realistic portrayal of Rory’s autism. Elizabeth’s personal journey was also incredibly well-done. Brooke encouraged her to open her world up to see if she could have more and watching Elizabeth navigate her own truth and history was at once painful and revelatory.
For those of you playing Jae’s bingo this year, there is a supportive ex, and this is definitely a golden retriever/black cat couple.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Publishing for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Elizabeth is a delicious ice queen. Forged in the fires of childhood trauma, she has grown into a professionally-focused woman who keeps everyone at arms length. While we give Brooke the credit for “melting” her, I think it’s Brooke’s daughter Rory who did the hard lifting here. Brooke and her ex-husband co-parent Rory, who is a delightful 7 year old on the autism spectrum. Rory had been having a hard time adjusting to the divorce and life changes that necessitated, but Elizabeth somehow makes Rory feel safe instantaneously. This comes as a surprise to all the adults and yet it works, giving Elizabeth an opportunity to interact with children again and providing additional opportunities for different interactions for our protagonists early on.
There was a lot to love in this book. In addition to enjoying the characters map out their complicated and uncertain relationship trajectory, I also very much appreciated the subtle and realistic portrayal of Rory’s autism. Elizabeth’s personal journey was also incredibly well-done. Brooke encouraged her to open her world up to see if she could have more and watching Elizabeth navigate her own truth and history was at once painful and revelatory.
For those of you playing Jae’s bingo this year, there is a supportive ex, and this is definitely a golden retriever/black cat couple.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Publishing for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brooke Staley and her 7 year old daughter Rory live at a resort in Napa Valley that she manages. Elizabeth Bettancourt inherits the resort and arrives from her job in Silicon Valley. She is a numbers oriented, ice queen. She worked at the resort in her teens but doesn’t really see how it fits in with her life now. Brooke is sunshine compared to Elizabeth’s analytical approach. But I like that both are smart, good at their jobs and understand their own needs. Brooke invites Elizabeth to a nightly game of chess slowly opening up a friendship door. Rory, who has ASD, accepts Elizabeth easily and talks to her. The implication is that Elizabeth is also ASD.
Elizabeth’s background shapes a lot of who she is and is a good part of the story. Brooke’s stresses are more present day. But both seek comfort from each other. I really enjoyed how the author shows little steps of change or struggles as the pair navigate being together. I really found the story beautifully written. I found the depictions of neurodivergence were realistic as was dealing with a parent with dementia. I loved how chess was a reoccurring theme clear until the last lines.
I have read and enjoyed all of the author’s books. They are always thoughtful and provoking. And I remember her characters long after I finish the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Elizabeth’s background shapes a lot of who she is and is a good part of the story. Brooke’s stresses are more present day. But both seek comfort from each other. I really enjoyed how the author shows little steps of change or struggles as the pair navigate being together. I really found the story beautifully written. I found the depictions of neurodivergence were realistic as was dealing with a parent with dementia. I loved how chess was a reoccurring theme clear until the last lines.
I have read and enjoyed all of the author’s books. They are always thoughtful and provoking. And I remember her characters long after I finish the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC and I am leaving an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Financial officer Elizabeth Bettancourt is shocked to find out she has inherited a Napa Valley resort, Harvest Springs. She also hasn't been back there in twenty years and has a painful history there.
Brooke Staley has ran the resort for the past year, and needs this job, both for money and for the on site apartment she shares with her young daughter Rory. Elizabeth assumes she's just Margaret's assistant, not the manager, and acts cold and stiff. Also, Elizabeth isn't happy with the finances and that Brooke is living there free.
Elizabeth, surprisingly, is liked by Rory even tho shes seeningly freaked out by kids. Also, Brooke is dealing with health issues with her Dad (memory loss of some sort). As she reviews the resorts bills, Brooke invites her to the library to play chess after work.
Being back here triggers nightmares for Elizabeth, and she tells her tragic backstory to Brooke. They nearly sleep together, but Elizabeth pulls back. She's the boss, it's unethical.
They keep flirting (and Brooke points out she's a subcontractor) and eventually they do sleep together. But Elizabeth still seems intent on selling. And Brooke pushes her on finding out what happened to her adopted sisters, which doesn't go well.
Third act breakup.
Wrap up, reunited, conclusion.
Good writing, interesting characters, good resolution i did feel the wrap up could have worked just as well without the breakup, but that's me.
3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Brooke Staley has ran the resort for the past year, and needs this job, both for money and for the on site apartment she shares with her young daughter Rory. Elizabeth assumes she's just Margaret's assistant, not the manager, and acts cold and stiff. Also, Elizabeth isn't happy with the finances and that Brooke is living there free.
Elizabeth, surprisingly, is liked by Rory even tho shes seeningly freaked out by kids. Also, Brooke is dealing with health issues with her Dad (memory loss of some sort). As she reviews the resorts bills, Brooke invites her to the library to play chess after work.
Being back here triggers nightmares for Elizabeth, and she tells her tragic backstory to Brooke. They nearly sleep together, but Elizabeth pulls back. She's the boss, it's unethical.
They keep flirting (and Brooke points out she's a subcontractor) and eventually they do sleep together. But Elizabeth still seems intent on selling. And Brooke pushes her on finding out what happened to her adopted sisters, which doesn't go well.
Third act breakup.
Wrap up, reunited, conclusion.
Good writing, interesting characters, good resolution i did feel the wrap up could have worked just as well without the breakup, but that's me.
3.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to 4.
January 13, 2026
I love Alaina Erdell’s way of story telling. She draws you in with such real and multi layered characters. She has a way of describing scenery that enables me to visualize the story as I read it.
Brooke and Elizabeth are each couples in their own way. While Elizabeth tries to have an icy exterior, her soft insides are leak through. She has lived through difficult life experiences and has tried her best to harden herself for protection from further loss and pain. She has taken on far too much responsibility for things that happened when she was a young child and keeps people at a distance as a result.
Brooke is a single mom with an adorable young daughter. She strives to be independent and has a warmth that naturally radiates from her. When the two meet after Elizabeth inherits a winery in the Napa Valley, they clash and tension builds. Elizabeth sees numbers and the bottom line where Brooke sees people and ways to manage things from a caring perspective. She doesn’t know what has happened to make Elizabeth so closed off and aloof. Against what either of them wants, their attraction builds as they navigate running the resort. Will they be able to overcome the divide and trust enough to allow their feelings to grow?
I really enjoyed this story and found myself liking both MC’s as well as the side characters that added to the storyline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc.
Brooke and Elizabeth are each couples in their own way. While Elizabeth tries to have an icy exterior, her soft insides are leak through. She has lived through difficult life experiences and has tried her best to harden herself for protection from further loss and pain. She has taken on far too much responsibility for things that happened when she was a young child and keeps people at a distance as a result.
Brooke is a single mom with an adorable young daughter. She strives to be independent and has a warmth that naturally radiates from her. When the two meet after Elizabeth inherits a winery in the Napa Valley, they clash and tension builds. Elizabeth sees numbers and the bottom line where Brooke sees people and ways to manage things from a caring perspective. She doesn’t know what has happened to make Elizabeth so closed off and aloof. Against what either of them wants, their attraction builds as they navigate running the resort. Will they be able to overcome the divide and trust enough to allow their feelings to grow?
I really enjoyed this story and found myself liking both MC’s as well as the side characters that added to the storyline.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really enjoyed this. It contains a lot of the tropes that I seem to enjoy the most. Ice Queen, fighting the attraction (not quite enemies to lovers), the Ice Queen finding that the biggest thing standing in the way of happiness is herself, a hefty dose of childhood trauma including the death of parents, dementia (a different form of grief and loss), and ASD (I realise that is not a trope).
Now reading that list, you might think it sounds like a bog standard formulaic story - but it most certainly is not. For starters there is chess and hot air balloons. You need to add in a few unexpected additions and twists, humour, clever word play that might start with the title but there will be more, a drop of informal therapy, and a large dollop of Erdell magic and you have a book that will now be added to the paper copies on my sapphic bookcase.
Want to know what the actual story is about now? Well, I suggest you read it. I will say that Elizabeth inherits the resort that Brooke manages. Elizabeth intends to sell up and return home as soon as she can because she grew up in the area and being there is traumatic for her. Needless to say it does not go to plan.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC - this is an honest review.
Now reading that list, you might think it sounds like a bog standard formulaic story - but it most certainly is not. For starters there is chess and hot air balloons. You need to add in a few unexpected additions and twists, humour, clever word play that might start with the title but there will be more, a drop of informal therapy, and a large dollop of Erdell magic and you have a book that will now be added to the paper copies on my sapphic bookcase.
Want to know what the actual story is about now? Well, I suggest you read it. I will say that Elizabeth inherits the resort that Brooke manages. Elizabeth intends to sell up and return home as soon as she can because she grew up in the area and being there is traumatic for her. Needless to say it does not go to plan.
Thanks to the publisher for an ARC - this is an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Clever title as becomes clear through the book. What also becomes clear is the gradual reveal of backstories. I enjoyed watching the mains become closer although for me the move to physical intimacy was a bit soon on the heels of the vulnerability of the emotional intimacy. The intimacy was derailed, not for any of the reasons I was concerned about but for other totally understandable reasons….. (ie not just a plot bump)
Pacing slipped a little at the all going well section.
I find Brooke a bit pushy about Elizabeth’s past, her sisters and finding them.
For real life reasons, I kept having to put the book down, then later getting back to it. When away from the book I could never remember the story…. As soon as I picked it back up, I was right back in it, even just the cover reminded me, but not a clue till that visual reminder.
The reunion, not the romance, was so emotional!! I was able to connect in a way I hadn't before, but did with the characters afterwards. 5 because of the reunion and after emotions. 4 it feels overall because so much before didn't deeply connect but I also feel, until the reunion happened the main wasn't free to fully connect, as I wasn't. Absolute 3 for most of the book but with hindsight a 4 because of the late emotional connection.
Pacing slipped a little at the all going well section.
I find Brooke a bit pushy about Elizabeth’s past, her sisters and finding them.
For real life reasons, I kept having to put the book down, then later getting back to it. When away from the book I could never remember the story…. As soon as I picked it back up, I was right back in it, even just the cover reminded me, but not a clue till that visual reminder.
The reunion, not the romance, was so emotional!! I was able to connect in a way I hadn't before, but did with the characters afterwards. 5 because of the reunion and after emotions. 4 it feels overall because so much before didn't deeply connect but I also feel, until the reunion happened the main wasn't free to fully connect, as I wasn't. Absolute 3 for most of the book but with hindsight a 4 because of the late emotional connection.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
(rounded up from 4.5)
I truly enjoy it when a character has trauma from her past and has to put in the work to heal from it, and a partner makes it easier for them to start and continue the healing process. This is exactly what this book is about. Elizabeth is a 44-year-old happily working in Silicon Valley when she inherits an inn in Napa. She thought fondly of the elderly woman who owned the inn and helped her with her education when she had no family to speak of. When visiting the inn, she meets the General Manager, Brooke, and her autistic daughter, Rory, and slowly the three start to open up to each other and become a little family with an expiry date for when Elizabeth must sell the inn and return to her life and job.
I enjoyed the ASD representation and especially Brooke as a parent who has an amiable relationship with her ex-husband, and they coparent Rory, who has specific needs compared to neurotypical peers but opens up unusually well to the emotionally constipated new owner of the inn. I love an emotional story about finding or reconnecting with family, or even creating a new one for yourself, so this was delightful and sweet (and made me tear up a bit). Highly recommended if any of the above appeals to you.
I truly enjoy it when a character has trauma from her past and has to put in the work to heal from it, and a partner makes it easier for them to start and continue the healing process. This is exactly what this book is about. Elizabeth is a 44-year-old happily working in Silicon Valley when she inherits an inn in Napa. She thought fondly of the elderly woman who owned the inn and helped her with her education when she had no family to speak of. When visiting the inn, she meets the General Manager, Brooke, and her autistic daughter, Rory, and slowly the three start to open up to each other and become a little family with an expiry date for when Elizabeth must sell the inn and return to her life and job.
I enjoyed the ASD representation and especially Brooke as a parent who has an amiable relationship with her ex-husband, and they coparent Rory, who has specific needs compared to neurotypical peers but opens up unusually well to the emotionally constipated new owner of the inn. I love an emotional story about finding or reconnecting with family, or even creating a new one for yourself, so this was delightful and sweet (and made me tear up a bit). Highly recommended if any of the above appeals to you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Erdell’s fifth book, Brooke Takes Queen, is perhaps her best yet. It delivers a story that is emotionally rich and satisfying. Erdell’s writing is crisp, striking a careful balance between tenderness and restraint, allowing the characters and their journeys to unfold naturally.
At the center of the story is Elizabeth, whose icy demeanor initially keeps both the people around her—except for her best friend and assistant, Geoff—and the reader at a distance. Revealing her heartbreaking backstory has a profound emotional impact. The author doesn’t rush the unveiling or use it for cheap sympathy. The narrative weaves Elizabeth’s past into it, which gives depth and meaning to her guarded nature and reluctance to return to her hometown. Watching her walls come down, as she learns to reconcile her past, is one of the novel’s most powerful elements. Her emotional thaw seems genuine and deserved.
The character arcs throughout the story are compelling and don’t feel contrived. Conflicts arise from genuine emotional stakes rather than manufactured misunderstandings, and the resolutions feel honest rather than convenient. Erdell allows her characters to be imperfect, to make mistakes, and to grow at their own pace. The story trusts the reader to sit with discomfort and complexity, which elevates the entire story.
One of the most thoughtfully written characters is Brooke’s daughter, Rory. I especially liked that the author didn’t make her too precocious, which is something many authors do when writing children. Instead, she is a fun, insightful, big-hearted child who just happens to be on the spectrum. Rory feels real—curious, intuitive in her own way, and occasionally messy, just like any child. Her neurodivergence is part of who she is, not her defining trait, and Erdell handles her portrayal with warmth, respect, and authenticity.
Brooke herself is a grounding force in the novel, offering steadiness and emotional intelligence without ever slipping into perfection. Her relationships with Elizabeth and Rory are layered and believable, shaped by patience, vulnerability, and small, meaningful moments rather than grand gestures.
Brooke Takes Queen is a deeply human story about healing, connection, and courage when facing the past to move forward. With its crisp writing, nuanced characters, and emotionally satisfying arc, the novel lingers long after the final page. Chef’s kiss, Alaina!
*I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest reciew.
At the center of the story is Elizabeth, whose icy demeanor initially keeps both the people around her—except for her best friend and assistant, Geoff—and the reader at a distance. Revealing her heartbreaking backstory has a profound emotional impact. The author doesn’t rush the unveiling or use it for cheap sympathy. The narrative weaves Elizabeth’s past into it, which gives depth and meaning to her guarded nature and reluctance to return to her hometown. Watching her walls come down, as she learns to reconcile her past, is one of the novel’s most powerful elements. Her emotional thaw seems genuine and deserved.
The character arcs throughout the story are compelling and don’t feel contrived. Conflicts arise from genuine emotional stakes rather than manufactured misunderstandings, and the resolutions feel honest rather than convenient. Erdell allows her characters to be imperfect, to make mistakes, and to grow at their own pace. The story trusts the reader to sit with discomfort and complexity, which elevates the entire story.
One of the most thoughtfully written characters is Brooke’s daughter, Rory. I especially liked that the author didn’t make her too precocious, which is something many authors do when writing children. Instead, she is a fun, insightful, big-hearted child who just happens to be on the spectrum. Rory feels real—curious, intuitive in her own way, and occasionally messy, just like any child. Her neurodivergence is part of who she is, not her defining trait, and Erdell handles her portrayal with warmth, respect, and authenticity.
Brooke herself is a grounding force in the novel, offering steadiness and emotional intelligence without ever slipping into perfection. Her relationships with Elizabeth and Rory are layered and believable, shaped by patience, vulnerability, and small, meaningful moments rather than grand gestures.
Brooke Takes Queen is a deeply human story about healing, connection, and courage when facing the past to move forward. With its crisp writing, nuanced characters, and emotionally satisfying arc, the novel lingers long after the final page. Chef’s kiss, Alaina!
*I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest reciew.
January 10, 2026
What an incredible emotional journey! Set against the backdrop of a breathtaking Napa Valley resort, "Brooke Takes Queen" by Alaina Erdell tells the story of Brooke Staley, who is caught in the crossfire when her boss passes away, leaving icy Elizabeth to inherit the resort.
Elizabeth Bettancourt is such a vividly crafted character; I found myself fully invested in her struggles. With a heartbreaking backstory and a hesitant heart, it's easy to empathize with her. Erdell masterfully brings Elizabeth to life, showcasing her imperfections and complexities. And then there's Brooke—what a breath of fresh air! I adored her cheerful spirit, even as she faced her own challenges. Her unwavering love and dedication to her daughter Rory, her fierce yet patient nature when Elizabeth first arrived in Calistoga, and her willingness to embrace second chances all made her an unforgettable character.
This beautifully written romance blends a tense atmosphere with heart warming love, making it a must-read for anyone seeking emotional healing and the inspiring hope of new beginnings. Thank you NetGalley and Alaina Erdell for the eARC.
Elizabeth Bettancourt is such a vividly crafted character; I found myself fully invested in her struggles. With a heartbreaking backstory and a hesitant heart, it's easy to empathize with her. Erdell masterfully brings Elizabeth to life, showcasing her imperfections and complexities. And then there's Brooke—what a breath of fresh air! I adored her cheerful spirit, even as she faced her own challenges. Her unwavering love and dedication to her daughter Rory, her fierce yet patient nature when Elizabeth first arrived in Calistoga, and her willingness to embrace second chances all made her an unforgettable character.
This beautifully written romance blends a tense atmosphere with heart warming love, making it a must-read for anyone seeking emotional healing and the inspiring hope of new beginnings. Thank you NetGalley and Alaina Erdell for the eARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It's one of those somewhat heavy books that nevertheless possesses so much lightness that it makes the heaviness bearable.
The lightness is Brooke, and the heaviness, Elizabeth.
An Ice Queen in her own unique way, through immense pain and a past she carries in her heart, surrounded by very high, very cold walls.
Everything is kept at a distance; her life runs smoothly and successfully.
Until she inherits something, and her past collides with her future!
A future she didn't know she wanted, and above all, needed.
Elizabeth sometimes made me shake my head with her stubbornness and cold, willful nature, especially at the beginning of her encounter with Brooke, the warm, loving, and personified Optimism.
The complete opposite of Elizabeth. Rory, however, captured my heart from the very first moment.
So sweet, inteligent and precocious.
I love it when children are like that.
I loved how chess was a recurring theme throughout the entire book; it was very original and beautiful. It was presented in so many different ways and linked to so many characters.
The only thing I might have wished for more was a greater degree of intimacy on paper between Brooke and Elizabeth.
They're so good together, I'd love to see more of that. However, the intense family moments were fantastic and very emotional!
Thanks so much for the ARC to Bold Strokes Books and Alaine Erdell!
#NetGalley #BrookeTakesQueen #sapphic #romance #icequeen #grumpysunshine
The lightness is Brooke, and the heaviness, Elizabeth.
An Ice Queen in her own unique way, through immense pain and a past she carries in her heart, surrounded by very high, very cold walls.
Everything is kept at a distance; her life runs smoothly and successfully.
Until she inherits something, and her past collides with her future!
A future she didn't know she wanted, and above all, needed.
Elizabeth sometimes made me shake my head with her stubbornness and cold, willful nature, especially at the beginning of her encounter with Brooke, the warm, loving, and personified Optimism.
The complete opposite of Elizabeth. Rory, however, captured my heart from the very first moment.
So sweet, inteligent and precocious.
I love it when children are like that.
I loved how chess was a recurring theme throughout the entire book; it was very original and beautiful. It was presented in so many different ways and linked to so many characters.
The only thing I might have wished for more was a greater degree of intimacy on paper between Brooke and Elizabeth.
They're so good together, I'd love to see more of that. However, the intense family moments were fantastic and very emotional!
Thanks so much for the ARC to Bold Strokes Books and Alaine Erdell!
#NetGalley #BrookeTakesQueen #sapphic #romance #icequeen #grumpysunshine
January 17, 2026
I did not expect this book to make me cry but it did! This was such a heartwarming book featuring some pretty deep seated past trauma.
I love a frosty ice queen and Elizabeth definitely fits the bill. I loved how she was cool but not mean. And how the presence of a child completely threw her for a loop. I think Elizabeth and Brooke were so cute together and I loved how Elizabeth would basically drop everything to be by Brooke’s side. I could have read 50 more chapters about them together!
I also loved how Brooke and Elizabeth learned and adapted to each other. They didn’t have to try to change who they were but they learned how the other liked to be approached or comforted and they adjusted accordingly. It just showed how considerate they were of each other’s feelings.
I really loved this book! genuinely cannot wait to read more of her books. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a small town, ice queen, single mom romance. Thanks so much to NetGalley, BSB, and Alaina Erdell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love a frosty ice queen and Elizabeth definitely fits the bill. I loved how she was cool but not mean. And how the presence of a child completely threw her for a loop. I think Elizabeth and Brooke were so cute together and I loved how Elizabeth would basically drop everything to be by Brooke’s side. I could have read 50 more chapters about them together!
I also loved how Brooke and Elizabeth learned and adapted to each other. They didn’t have to try to change who they were but they learned how the other liked to be approached or comforted and they adjusted accordingly. It just showed how considerate they were of each other’s feelings.
I really loved this book! genuinely cannot wait to read more of her books. I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a small town, ice queen, single mom romance. Thanks so much to NetGalley, BSB, and Alaina Erdell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Between the combo Ice Queen/ Workplace and the chess reference, Brooke Takes Queen was destined to be a hit. And a hit it was.
I normally tend to have a slight preference for the sunshine character in books featuring an ice queen, but this book might be an exception.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Brooke. Seeing how great she is as a mother, daughter, and general manager, you cannot help but like her. But Elizabeth! Her aloofness, the little gestures that show she cares, and the cracks behind the iciness… I get it Brooke. There is nothing you could do to stop yourself from falling. I’d fall too.
Their connection and the interactions with Rory warmed my heart, and got me smiling like a fool. Elizabeth’s backstory, though… Brought tears in my eyes.
Brooke Takes Queen is only my second Alaina Erdell book, but it’s my favorite. I loved the flow of the story, and the pace was neither too slow nor too fast. Just perfect. I really enjoyed reading it
I normally tend to have a slight preference for the sunshine character in books featuring an ice queen, but this book might be an exception.
Don’t get me wrong. I love Brooke. Seeing how great she is as a mother, daughter, and general manager, you cannot help but like her. But Elizabeth! Her aloofness, the little gestures that show she cares, and the cracks behind the iciness… I get it Brooke. There is nothing you could do to stop yourself from falling. I’d fall too.
Their connection and the interactions with Rory warmed my heart, and got me smiling like a fool. Elizabeth’s backstory, though… Brought tears in my eyes.
Brooke Takes Queen is only my second Alaina Erdell book, but it’s my favorite. I loved the flow of the story, and the pace was neither too slow nor too fast. Just perfect. I really enjoyed reading it
January 13, 2026
Elizabeth inherited a resort from Margaret someone who help her in the past in her hometown Calistoga a place she never wanted to return but now don’t have a choice. Elizabeth plans to sell and get back to her life but when she meets Brooke she realizes she going to have convince her to sell. Brooke is raising her daughter Rory while being a general manager at the resort she resent Elizabeth because she determined to sell. Brooke and Elizabeth knows there an attraction but neither is willing to bend but with Rory in the mix will they find common ground and maybe something more. I enjoy this read a nice pace like dynamic between the characters.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.
January 14, 2026
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Really enjoyable! This was my first book from this author so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm very pleasantly surprised. The book was the perfect sweet slowburn, featuring both a bubbly and an ice queen type character.
I loved the interactions as Brooke and Elizabeth got to know one another better, and we uncover why Elizabeth is more reserved. I also particularly liked the relationship between Rory and Elizabeth developing too. I thought it was very cute to see them both become so fond of each other.
Overall, a very lovely read and I'd reccomend for any fans of slow burn sapphic love stories! 4.8/5 stars rounded up!
Really enjoyable! This was my first book from this author so I wasn't sure what to expect, but I'm very pleasantly surprised. The book was the perfect sweet slowburn, featuring both a bubbly and an ice queen type character.
I loved the interactions as Brooke and Elizabeth got to know one another better, and we uncover why Elizabeth is more reserved. I also particularly liked the relationship between Rory and Elizabeth developing too. I thought it was very cute to see them both become so fond of each other.
Overall, a very lovely read and I'd reccomend for any fans of slow burn sapphic love stories! 4.8/5 stars rounded up!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🩵Ice queen
🩵Grumpy/sunshine
🩵Opposites attract
🩵Workplace romance
This book really surprised me in the best way. The writing is smooth and I loved how the story slowly revealed the characters’ backstories. I especially wanted more of Elizabeth’s past. She definitely stood out to me.
Brooke and Elizabeth had great chemistry and the slow burn, boss/employee vibes worked so well. I also loved the chess addition to the story. It was such a clever addition.
Overall, the book was heartfelt and romantic. I really enjoyed it and it’s definitely a reread for me. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy!
🩵Grumpy/sunshine
🩵Opposites attract
🩵Workplace romance
This book really surprised me in the best way. The writing is smooth and I loved how the story slowly revealed the characters’ backstories. I especially wanted more of Elizabeth’s past. She definitely stood out to me.
Brooke and Elizabeth had great chemistry and the slow burn, boss/employee vibes worked so well. I also loved the chess addition to the story. It was such a clever addition.
Overall, the book was heartfelt and romantic. I really enjoyed it and it’s definitely a reread for me. Big thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Brooke Takes Queen was a delightful, heartfelt, occasionally painful ice queen/workplace/single parent romance. First things first I absolutely adored Brooke's daughter. She had a good amount of page time and was just the cutest thing. Watching her instantly take to Elizabeth was endearing.
The romance itself grew beautifully. The characters are flawed, sometimes messy, but always lovable. There were a good number of side characters who got decent page time as well.
The only thing I would say is that I felt the pacing was a little off at times but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The romance itself grew beautifully. The characters are flawed, sometimes messy, but always lovable. There were a good number of side characters who got decent page time as well.
The only thing I would say is that I felt the pacing was a little off at times but it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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