The Wedding Crasher by Mia Sosa

 

4*

This is a fake dating romance featuring Dean, a lawyer who has his whole life planned, including a strategic marriage of convenience, and Solange, an educator/social worker who crashes Dean’s wedding to keep him and his intended from marrying for all the wrong reasons. When Dean realizes that having a girlfriend would make him more competitive at a shot of becoming partner, he asks Solange to enter into a fake relationship, which she’s on board with since she’s in need of a fake boyfriend as well thanks to her mother’s lie to save face with her annoying cousin. Talk about a relationship of convenience!

Thus ensues a steamy romance with all of the predictable tropes, including having to share a bed, finding their chemistry is off the charts when they have to act like they’re in love by sharing public displays of affection, and more. Of course, they’ve both made it clear from the start that they’re not interested in love and commitment, and it’s baggage from being raised by single moms at the root. Although there’s nothing particularly unique or memorable in this version of the fake dating trope, Solange’s family dynamics, especially between her Brazilian mother and two aunts, make for an amusing journey. It’s also fun to catch up with Max and Lina from The Worst Best Man. (Solange and Lina are cousins and more like sisters.)

If you’re looking for a fun, easy read that’s light on the angst and rife with sexual tension, pick this one up.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

One Night On the Island by Josie Silver

 

4*

Cleo Wilder, a newspaper columnist who has spent the past few years reporting on a series of failed dates, is sent to a remote Irish island prior to her 30th birthday to marry herself in a self-coupling ceremony. However, instead of the idyllic luxury cabin that’s been reserved for her voyage of self-discovery, she’s been double-booked with Mack Sullivan, a gruff American photographer with a striking resemblance to Han Solo. He’s there to discover and document his roots while also giving himself and his estranged wife some distance because it is painful for him not to be under the same roof as his sons whom he deeply loves.

Although the first impression of Cleo is selfish and whiney, in time it becomes clear that her fear of her impending birthday and need for Salvation Island’s isolation have deeper significance, making the standoff between her and Mack more balanced. As they spend time together, initially on opposite sides of their chalk line boundary, they share three things about themselves each night and slowly come to appreciate and grow comfortable with each other.

It’s clear early on that this isn’t a typical romance since Mack is married and still at least a little in love with his wife. The moral ambiguity will undoubtedly elicit a range of reactions from readers, but the language Silver instills in her characters is poetic, heartfelt, and enchanting. It is refreshing to witness a couple handle their emotions and actions with maturity and consideration for others (although I guarantee debate on this opinion).

Like any good work of women’s fiction, the female friendships are front and center in the island’s knitting group and the men are equally welcoming and supportive. As Mack says in his speech at his exhibition, the Salvation Island inhabitants could have been very clannish and suspicious but, instead, were very welcoming unique characters who provided warmth on this beautiful, but cold, harsh island.

As for the self-coupling ceremony that seemed very self-indulgent on the surface, it actually proved to be a lovely expression of self-love and a celebration of the next chapter of Cleo’s life. After almost two months, she gains the clarity to realize that the noisy, frenetic pace and superficiality of relationships in London are no longer sustaining her and that her dream of writing a novel can come true with the island and her newfound friends as her muses.

In the spirit of the book’s “three things,” here are mine:

One, the colorful cast of characters who inhabit Salvation Island
Two, the emotional parting between Cleo and Mack and their need to stay connected via text by continuing their “three things” conversations, and
Three, Silver’s poetic descriptions of the rugged beauty of this wild Irish island

…and Four (even if Mack doesn’t like them), a wish for an extended epilogue several years later. You’ll understand why after you finish the book!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Ballantine Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

With Love From London by Sarah Jio

5*

Where do I begin to explain how much I love this book? Is it in the colorful, quirky neighborhood of Primrose Hill in London, the city of my heart? As a passionate reader, is it in The Book Garden, a charming bookstore owned by Eloise and inherited by her daughter Valentina? Perhaps it’s in the dual timelines from Eloise’s and Valentina’s points of view, Eloise’s starting in 1968 when she meets two men, one the love of her life and the other who is responsible for both her greatest joy and the incomprehensible cruelty behind her unbearable pain, and Valentina’s in 2013 when, at age 35, she’s facing divorce and the news that her mother has died, the same mother she hasn’t seen or heard from in 23 years. Ultimately, it is in the colors of the rich tapestry Jio has created with her stellar ability to weave together the multiple threads of love: romantic, maternal, obsessive, platonic, eternal, unrequited, and bibliophilic.


Although, at times, it’s heartbreaking to read about Eloise’s lonely life in Los Angeles under the thumb of her controlling husband Frank, Jio’s choice of the split timelines enables readers to see the parallels between hers and Valentina’s lives: the seemingly insignificant use of scavenger hunts which actually bring the story full circle, the chance encounters at the Royal Automotive Club where men come to their rescue in different but life-altering ways, and, most importantly, the books that provide solace to both Eloise and Valentina. Eloise often spoke of the lifespan of books, meaning the number of people who would read them, and it’s in the rediscovery of these shared stories through Eloise’s final scavenger hunt that Valentina learns the truth about the mother who touched so many people’s hearts and, from handwritten notes in the book she and her mother both loved the most, that she finds a new love of her own. Recommend to fans of Susan Meissner, Tracy Garvis Graves, Kristin Harmel and anyone who enjoys dual timeline novels.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Ballantine Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A Cuban Girl's Guide to Tea and Tomorrow by Laura Taylor Namey

 

5*

Following a desperate and damaging attempt to run from what she calls a “trifecta” of heartbreak, Lila Reyes has been exiled by her Cuban-American parents from her beloved Miami to her aunt’s B&B in Winchester, England in the hopes that she will find peace and healing. In her opinion, this is just one more act of betrayal, removing control of how she handles her grieving process after the death of her beloved Abuela, the breakup with her long-time boyfriend, and the abandonment of her best friend. Her plan had been to take over the family bakery with her sister, with Pilar handling the business end and Lila honoring her grandmother’s legacy, using both her recipes and the lessons she taught her. How can she possibly do that if she has to spend the summer an ocean away?

On the surface, Winchester and Miami are polar opposites. One is ancient, gray, chilly, lacking in flavor, understated. The other is modern, full of color, sizzling, spicy, bold. Lila’s initial assumption is that the people reflect their cities…this will feel like a prison sentence. So, after 48 hours of solitude, her first surprise is finding that the loud rock music emanating from her cousin Gordon’s room is the creative inspiration for his beautiful architectural drawings. Then she meets Orion Maxwell, the son of the local tea purveyor, his sister Flora, the talented singer-songwriter Jules, and her boyfriend Remy. Orion, who makes it his mission to find Lila’s favorite flavor of tea, offers to be her Winchester tour guide. Through various adventures over the course of the book, the five friends collectively show her that there are so many flavors to food and drink, styles of music, dance, and architecture, landscape views, and even types of heartbreak, grief, and love beyond the small world she has inhabited her whole life, that she slowly comes to love her temporary home.

Although Orion and Lila are both dealing with weighty issues, their shared grief creates a special bond between them that will make it difficult to let go at the end of the summer. Will there be any way for them to keep the relationship alive when they’re worlds apart?

This aptly-titled book is a culinary guide to Cuban cuisine, a travel guide of Winchester, and an emotional journey both on foot and via many modes of transportation through grief, loss, and hope. The descriptions of the food are mouth-watering and central to the story, both as a tribute to Lila’s Abuela and as a plot point when Lila takes over the B&B kitchen in the absence of their regular pastry chef. The city of Winchester and the surrounding countryside, which Lila and Orion discover on their runs and the back of his motorcycle, are another character in the story and like the humans, are well-drawn and another reason that Lila comes to love her place of exile. Although there are heavy topics such as mental illness and death, they are handled delicately. In the talented hands of Laura Taylor Namey, this is another extraordinary young adult novel to share with teens who are looking for a deeply-emotional, thought-provoking story that will leave them wanting more. Highly recommended!

The Wedding Ringer by Kerry Rea

5*

This has much more emotional depth than the preview blurb would have us believe. It’s not a simple enemies to lovers romance, but a story of friendships lost and friendships found. Willa, a successful lifestyle blogger, faces the worst heartbreak when she finds her best friend in bed with her fiancé just six weeks before her wedding. It throws her into a deep depression resulting in the loss of her job, her female friends, and her trust. However, when Maisie finds her in a  coffee shop and begs her to pretend to be her friend and bridesmaid, it begins a journey of healing and believing that her heart can be trusted. When she finally gives up the idea of running from her heartbreak and chooses to embrace her family and new friends, she realizes that this new Willa is one worth sharing with her loved ones and her large social media following. 

Love interest Liam is a wonderful book boyfriend. He’s gorgeous, compassionate, successful, and honest. Despite her hesitancy to trust her heart and her instant dislike of him after he laughs at her humiliation at a birthday party, he manages to crash through her defenses and have her start to believe that she can have a second chance at love.

The supporting cast of characters, including her sister Sophie, sister-in-law Glory, precocious nieces, feisty octogenarian neighbor Ruthie, and even Maisie’s monster-in-law, Mrs. Forsyth, add color, humor and balance to this heartfelt and endearing story of female friendship and romance. A worthy debut!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

When We Were Them by Laura Taylor Namey

 

4.5*


After reading Namey’s first book, The Library of Lost Things, and loving the humor, the romance, and the bookstore setting, I wasn’t expecting or prepared for the emotional tsunami of this book. Set in Namey’s hometown of San Diego, it’s a beautiful portrayal of female friendship and the multiple ways love manifests. Although there’s a romantic element, it’s the story behind the relationships and the impact grief and guilt have on families and friendships that are the primary focus.

Willa, Luz, and Britton have been inseparable friends for a decade, but a single act of betrayal by Willa threatens to tear them apart. In order to gain the forgiveness she craves, Luz demands that Willa think about the real reasons for her actions in the week leading up to their high school graduation. As she begins to go through a box full of mementos that dredge up very painful memories, the narrative switches between graduation week and a past she needs to revisit in order to piece together the events that led up to her betrayal. Foremost is a near-tragic event at age 13 that affected them all and led to her mother mentally withdrawing and focusing all of her attention on her backyard garden, leaving Willa to find comfort and support from her friends’ families instead.

The heartbreaking journey Willa takes is difficult to read, as Namey does a masterful job of wringing all sorts of emotions from her readers. At times, especially at the beginning, it’s a bit difficult to understand where the set-up is leading, but it’s only a minor distraction which becomes clear as the story unfolds and ultimately reaches its conclusion. Have tissues handy for this one! Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Atheneum BYR through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Always, In December by Emily Stone

 

5*


What an effing gut punch! There have only been two other times when reading books that I’ve cried this much, and I won’t mention them for fear of spoiling this for other readers. I couldn’t help thinking of Josie Silver’s One Day in December, being set in London just before Christmas and featuring the coming together of two people who are inevitably driven apart for different reasons. Without going into any detail, this book is ultimately about how people come into your life when you least expect it, and profoundly change your trajectory. In this case, Max, over a few days’ time, recognized that Josie was settling rather than living a life of adventure. He taught her to forego her strict plans and take chances since life is unpredictable and precious. Despite their estrangement, he made it his mission to set things in motion so that she’d live life to the fullest, tapping into her creativity and not settling for a job that didn’t fulfill her. This is a story that will stick with you long after the last page. Don’t hesitate to read it, but have a box of tissues beside you.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Dell Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Moment I Met You by Debbie Johnson

 

5*

Debbie Johnson really weaves beautiful stories. The first one of hers I read, Maybe One Day, was packed with intense emotion: love, heartbreak, grief, PTSD, etc. It’s actually, in that respect, not too different from the core of this one. A traumatic event rips two people apart. Many years pass as they live separate lives, but the feelings never fade and the potential for a happy reunion sustains both the characters and the readers.

However, there’s a definite twist to this story in that it’s a love triangle. Harry and Elena have been together since college and have taken a trip to Mexico; in her mind, to figure out if their relationship has run its course or if this time together will help them reconnect. When disaster strikes as Elena has just met Alex, the course of their lives is thrown off-kilter. Circumstances occur and decisions are made, whether through guilt, pity or perhaps love, that force them all to give up on their dreams and expectations and forge new paths.

It isn’t until a decade has passed that a documentary on the anniversary of the moment Alex and Elena met stirs up painful memories and forces all three of them to face the past that they’ve buried. Sometimes people do “the wrong thing for all the right reasons” and the time comes to make painful, but inevitable decisions about what the future might look like if they have the courage to be honest with themselves and each other.

Johnson is a masterful storyteller. She deftly weaves a stunning love story from the ashes of disaster, drawing characters who are flawed but have the best of intentions. She’s delicate and respectful in her handling of grief and survivor guilt, and navigates the lives of her characters in a way that helps her readers find empathy for all of them and hope that they’ll each find their happy ending. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

And Now You're Back by Jill Mansell

 

5*

Another winning romance from Jill Mansell! It’s been awhile since I have read one of her books after discovering this British author a few years back and reading through her entire catalog. She hooked me with her complex romantic relationships, her quirky and colorful characters who are integral to the stories they inhabit, and her descriptions of England that make me yearn to be there. She infuses her books with a balance of humor, heartbreak, friendship, and, ultimately, hope that life will turn out like it’s supposed to, regardless of the mistakes we make or the tragedies we face.

In this, her latest offering, we meet Didi and Shay at age 17 when they’re both in Venice celebrating the birthday of a mutual friend. The magic begins on a snowy night in St. Mark’s Square when they build a snowman together and inevitably fall in love. Unfortunately, an event six months later fractures their relationship, and Shay disappears, only to show up in their quaint Cotswold Village thirteen years later to help his father who’s dying of cancer. Unfortunately, Didi is engaged, so any lingering feelings they may have for each other can’t be acted on. As Shay spends months renovating his childhood home so his father can spend his last days there, we come to learn and care for Red, the charming reprobate, Didi’s best friend Layla who has a blossoming romance herself, and Layla’s mother Rosa who is working through her grief over losing her husband. There are a couple of surprising secondary relationships as well that add further depth to this second-chance romance, ensuring that readers of the genre get their fill. Highly recommended for fans of Maeve Binchey, Sophie Kinsella, and Jenny Colgan.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Hang the Moon by Alexandria Bellefleur

4*


Brendon Lowell wins the prize for 2021 Book Boyfriend of the year. If only unicorns like him existed in real life. Every great romance novel includes main characters who reject love because of some trauma from their past or parents who modeled the worst in married partners. Yet Brendon does just the opposite. Blindsided by his parents’ divorce when he was twelve, he makes it his mission to help people find love. He has a hero complex so deeply-ingrained that he created a hugely-successful dating app (OTP = One True Partner) that focuses on real love connections rather than casual hook-ups. He watches rom-coms with the belief that the HEAs in them can be replicated in real life.

So when his sister Darcy’s best friend Annie comes to visit her in Seattle and he realizes his childhood crush pales in comparison to the attraction he feels for her now, he makes it his mission to woo her by re-enacting scenes from the movies. Annie, who has decided to give up on finding love since she’s always the one who puts in the effort only to be rejected, does everything in her power to deny the chemistry and affection she almost instantly shares with the very grown-up Brendon. She’s convinced that, as soon as she agrees to pursue the relationship, he’ll grow tired of it and move on. No way does she trust that the feelings she has for Brendon, after just the two weeks in Seattle (before starting her new job in London), will be worth walking away from a lucrative career...even if her heart isn’t in it and is, in fact, already left behind when she leaves. The question is whether she’ll be able to work through her fear to seize the life she craves with Brendon, her best friend Darcy, and the other true friends she’s made.

In Bellefleur’s previous book, Written in the Stars, she told the story of Darcy and Elle who were set up on a blind date by Brendon. So it’s such a treat that she has now shared the love story between Darcy’s brother and her best friend. It’s refreshing to have a gender-swapping best friend’s little brother romance in which the older sibling doesn’t go all alpha when her friend violates the “bro code.” She’s turned the trope on its head, and it’s so refreshing to have an older sibling who encourages and supports the budding relationship instead of throwing up roadblocks. There’s so much to love about this story. So, if you’re looking for a swoon-worthy romantic hero, pick this book up. You won’t be disappointed!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Love, Lists, and Fancy Ships by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

5*


This debut novel is an excellent portrayal of the stages of grief and the incredible hole the death of loved ones leaves, whether it’s a parent, a child, a niece or nephew, or a friend. In this case, Jo has recently lost her nephew Samson to a tragic accident after suddenly losing her father when she was only 12. As a result, she’s closed herself off emotionally to avoid being hurt or abandoned again. Of course, it takes a hot guy (in all his iterations) and the vulnerability of her two grieving nieces (visiting for the summer) to make her realize that being alone is no way to live.

The romance, which starts with a steamy meet-cute kiss in a bar, builds slowly, especially since both Alex and Jo are resistant to opening themselves up. However, the friendship is enviable and the way they tease and laugh together is delightful. Jo is also blessed with a colorful, quirky best friend and boss, Nina, who pushes her out of her comfort zone by encouraging her to live her fullest life leading up to her 30th birthday. In fact, she suggested the 30 by 30 bucket list which starts with a blog and drives much of the action throughout the story. When Samson’s sudden death temporarily halts her progress and the unexpected arrival of her nieces derails her plans for a vacation to Europe to check off two items on the list (sleep in a castle and visit 10 countries), it takes some creative thinking to achieve her goal. However, with the help of her friends and family, completion might be attainable.

The emotions Ruiz draws from readers is a testament to her power as a storyteller. She doesn’t shy away from the hard truths, yet she’s respectful of the pain and guilt the death of a child evokes. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

One More for Christmas by Sarah Morgan

4*

Gayle Mitchell is a successful consultant and bestselling author of self-help books who has inspired and changed the lives of countless readers. However, the confidence she displays hides a world of hurt that impacted the way she parented. As a result, she hasn’t spoken to her two daughters, Samantha and Ella, for 5 years following an emotional blow-up. It takes a serious accident for her to begin questioning the choices she made in raising her daughters as a single mom.

When Gayle suggests that they all spend Christmas together at Kinleven, a lodge in the Scottish Highlands which Samantha is evaluating as a possible destination for her luxury travel company, it sets in motion a confrontation that can either permanently sever their relationship or clear a path to reconciliation. For that to happen, all three women will need to acknowledge their feelings and Gayle will have to share the events that led to her rigid and emotionally bereft child-rearing.

Morgan has deftly woven the Mitchell family saga with that of the McIntyre clan, owners of Kinleven, along with a sizzling romance between Samantha and Brodie. The wintry beauty of the Highlands is the backdrop for an unforgettably magical Christmas that ushers in hope and happiness after a lifetime of secrets and suffering. A satisfying read for the coming holidays!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from HQN through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Impossible Promise (Providence Falls #2) by Jude Deveraux and Tara Sheets

4*

Spoilers

I don’t know how to feel about this because, just like in the first book, this one also ends with an unsatisfactory cliffhanger. The murder mystery aspect is compelling as is the ever evolving love triangle between Liam, Cora and Finn, but it’s so sad and frustrating that Liam has to suppress his feelings and go against his very nature in order to avoid the fiery pits of hell. While he is doing everything in his power, albeit begrudgingly, to get Cora and Finn together, Cora is starting to fall for him and won’t give up. It’s frustrating to know that readers will have to wait another year or so before they have a conclusion (assuming the authors conclude with the third book). 

As for the murder investigation, it’s anybody’s guess. Clearly, Magnus is guilty of theft, at the very least, but I think Boyd, the police captain and Liam’s friend from his earlier life, is corrupt as hell. Just as Cora and Liam have the same personalities as they had in their past life, Boyd must as well…and he was a scheming, deceitful criminal who wasn’t averse to using violence. My guess is that he needs money to keep up with his high-maintenance wife’s spending habits and has resorted to getting it illegally. That’s really the reason for his extreme anxiety and volatility and why he’s trying to misdirect Cora and Liam. 

So, although the writing is really good, it’s hard to judge the book when we don’t know how it’s going to wrap up. Will they discover that Boyd is a corrupt cop? Will Finn and Cora get together so that the mysterious future event will take place or will the angels somehow take pity on Liam, seeing that he’s a changed man, and let him return to earth and live out his love story with Cora? I’m Team Liam the whole way, but all signs are pointing to Finn and Cora. I recommend this story but warn readers that they’ll be frustrated when they face a long wait for the conclusion.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Mira through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Party Crasher by Sophie Kinsella

5*

Another treat from Sophie Kinsella! It’s all about how, despite love and the perception of permanence, families and romantic relationships can fall apart. The question is, can they be restored to some semblance of the original or are they irretrievably broken?

Effie, age 26, is the youngest of 3 children who have grown up in a quirky (aka, so ugly, only a mother could love) home with a loving dad and stepmom. So, it’s a shock when her parents announce their divorce. Fast forward 18 months and her dad has a new girlfriend from hell and has become someone nearly unrecognizable. When he announces that the family home is being sold, feelings of loss and anger drive the narrative. Effie, who turns down an anti-invitation to a “house cooling” party, decides to sneak in to retrieve a treasured set of Russian nesting dolls and ends up accidentally crashing the party.

The romantic entanglements include not just her father and Krista, but also her brother Gus with his equally bitchy girlfriend, her sister Bean and her fledgling relationship with her new guy, and Effie and her lost love Joe. Four years earlier, Effie and Joe’s lifelong friends-to-lovers relationship abruptly ended with no explanation. Other than one awkward encounter in the interim, they’ve had no communication and no hope for reconciliation. Yet, over the course of the party weekend, truths come to light leading to decisions that will either strengthen and restore bonds or leave carnage in their wake.

Kinsella is always dependable for giving readers satisfying romances with ample amounts of humor and family drama. The Party Crasher does not disappoint. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Dial Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur

4*

This is a heartwarming romance between polar opposites. Elle is a successful astrologist who wears her heart on her sleeve and sees the positives in life, manifesting this in her cheery personality and belief in goodness. Darcy is an actuary who values order, keeps her feelings close to her chest, and hides her emotional baggage. When their first date, a set-up by Darcy’s brother and Elle’s new business partner Brendon, ends in disappointment, the last thing Elle expects to hear is that Darcy is “smitten.” When confronted, Darcy admits to lying to Brendon so he’ll stop trying to set her up and convinces Elle to fake a relationship for a couple of months.

For anyone familiar with the fake dating trope, the rest of the story follows the script: feelings becoming real, fears getting in the way, parents who are either neglectful, dismissive, or horribly misguided, preemptive heartbreak and more. The only thing that sets this apart is that it’s a relationship between two women. It used to be rare to feature a main couple who weren’t heterosexual, but major publishing houses are finally beginning to acknowledge that there’s an eager market for LGBTQ romance, including fans from the cis straight community. Bellefleur’s lovely story proves the point that, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, people who love risk getting hurt, but the heart wants what it wants.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Love Scenes by Bridget Morrissey

4*

Love Scenes is a delightful enemies-to-lovers romance about two offspring of Hollywood royalty who made a film together that saw charming Irishman Joseph Donovan’s career trajectory take off and left Sloane Ford’s career almost in ruins, all because she complained about his unprofessional behavior on set. Finding herself unemployed after her character in a crime drama series is killed off, her actor/producer mother asks her to join the crew of her new movie Horizons (a World War II drama) with other extended family members working both behind the scenes and in front of the camera. Having shared with the family her brutal experience co-starring with Joe, she’s shocked to find that he has been cast as the male lead. When she’s asked to take over the female lead, their chemistry is undeniable. He claims to have mended his ways after struggling through the grief of losing his mother and working on his sobriety, but can she trust that his new persona is genuine or all an act?

In a world where every move is scrutinized, fame is fleeting, and careers can be destroyed at the whim of directors and producers, it’s important for Sloane to guard her heart, especially after her ex-boyfriend, who broke up with her, makes her the subject of his heartbreak album. However, as they read lines together in his trailer, she gets a glimpse behind his effortless charm to the vulnerability underneath.

Morrissey has done a wonderful job of describing the nepotism in the movie industry while still getting readers to sympathize with the main protagonists. Yes, they didn’t have to struggle to break into the biz, but they still deal with insecurities and family dynamics that are far from normal. From Sloane’s divorced actor parents and step-parents to her drag queen/composer brother, lesbian sister who is making her directorial debut, and precocious 11-year-old stepsister, she has to navigate the fickle industry and carve out a place for herself while struggling with anxiety. Joseph, although nominated for an Emmy the previous year, still struggles with the perception that he doesn’t take his job seriously enough to learn lines and with living in the shadow of his famous father.

Morrissey mentions the roots of the #metoo movement which tanked Sloane’s mother’s career, and describes the role of an intimacy coordinator in some detail. She also doesn’t shy away from discussing alcoholism, grief, and the impact of being queer in the industry. She balances all of these issues with humor, smoking hot chemistry, and an appreciation of the hard work actors do to bring joy to millions. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Sunrise by the Sea (Little Beach Street Bakery #4) by Jenny Colgan

5*

It’s always a treat to visit with Polly, Huckle and the colorful cast of characters who make up Mount Polbearne. In this latest installment of the Little Beach Street Bakery series, Marisa Rossi, an agoraphobic registrar from Exeter, has fallen into a long, deep grief following her grandfather’s death. She’s fighting depression and anxiety so profound that she hasn’t left her apartment in months, shifting to a work-from-home admin position. When her colorful, handsome roommate Caius gently kicks her out and relocates her to his uncle Reuben’s vacation rental in the hopes that she’ll heal on the secluded island, she finds that the silence she craves is impossible. Her new neighbor, Russian music teacher Alexei, gives piano lessons during the day and plays loud, discordant music at night that the paper-thin walls do nothing to muffle. So begins this unlikely, and at times contentious, friendship based on proximity, misunderstandings, thoughts and words lost in translation, and inherent kindness.

Marisa slowly begins to re-enter society thanks to Alexei and her therapist, but also through a serendipitous meeting with Polly whose young twins are taking lessons from Alexei. As Polly and Huckle face a looming financial crisis, a damaging storm forces change for the bakery. From the flotsam that floods it, a partnership is born that has the potential to improve all of their lives. If you like slow-burn romances, small village life, the tastes and smells of Italy, and the comfort of revisiting favorite characters, it’s time to discover Jenny Colgan. Although this can stand alone, it’s best to read the previous books in the series to appreciate her gift for storytelling and creating strong, complex characters who not only weather tragic storms, but also find hope and joy in the simple things shared with those they love. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Very Sincerely Yours by Kerry Winfrey

5*

It’s such a treat to read a romance in which the main characters bring out the best in each other and are given the space to work on their baggage without losing the elements that brought them together in the first place. Very Sincerely Yours is one such book. Teddy (Theodora Phillips) was once a daredevil who lost her spark when she crashed her bike, breaking her arm, and then witnessed her parents’ breakup, blaming herself for their divorce. As a result, she opted for a life of conformity in which she lives to make other people happy, subjugating her own needs in the process. As a result, she spends several years with the wrong guy who dumps her because she lives a “small life.” Once she has some distance and perspective, Teddy realizes that she needs to spend some time figuring out what she wants to do with her life, putting herself first for a change. With the help of her two closest friends, she decides to face her fears one day at a time.

Everett St. James is a unicorn of a man who, at the age of four, fell in love with The Muppets and made it his life’s mission to become a puppeteer, eventually bringing joy, advice, and hope to the lives of his young audience. In the process, moms fall in love with his looks, charm and sincerity. Teddy, although not a mom, discovers his show while babysitting and he becomes a source of comfort for her. So it’s no surprise that, post break-up, one of her first “Teddy Time” actions is to email him for advice. Thus begins a love story based initially on emails that blossoms when they finally meet face to face.

Winfrey has scored another romantic hit following her delightful Waiting for Tom Hanks duology. In the world of dating apps based solely on attraction, it’s a refreshing change to read about a relationship based on letter-writing that allows the female protagonist to initially remain anonymous. Email provides a modern medium for sharing thoughts, worries, and dreams without risk, but the reward is the chance for a true love based on a connection that is more than skin-deep. This feel-good romance is a delightful beach read. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Heart Principle (The Kiss Quotient #3) by Helen Hoang

 

5*

Spoilers:


The romance in this 3rd book of The Kiss Quotient series takes a back seat to the mental and physical health issues both Quan and Anna face, especially Anna’s autism. Whereas The Kiss Quotient and The Bride Test both have a humorous element, this one is much more somber and, at times, heart-wrenching. It’s also very anxiety-inducing. I was really looking forward to Quan’s story given his powerful and colorful presence in the first two books, so it was disappointing to see him subdued and somewhat emotionally side-lined by his cancer surgery and his feeling that his manhood has been diminished despite his efforts to hide these details from his family. However, his patience with and empathy and love for Anna show his emotional maturation and his understanding of autism gleaned from having a brother and cousin-in-law who are also on the spectrum.

If you need a crash course in autism, this story provides it. You’ll learn about masking, stimming, sensory overload, autism burnout, poor spatial awareness and more as you read about Anna’s struggles to adopt heteronormative behavior in order to fit into society and keep her family happy. However, readers are also witness to Anna’s devastation that results from trying too hard to be what others expect. Families are supposed to love unconditionally, but as we often see in novels, these same people can hurt their children and siblings by their greater concern for social standing than for their relatives. In this case, there are also the cultural expectations of being Chinese and the pecking order that puts a young female in last place. The respect that Anna’s much older sister demands is repaid with utter disdain, dismissiveness and casual cruelty masking as “tough love”, especially when she refuses to accept Anna’s diagnosis and need for compassion and understanding.

The beauty and purity of Anna and Quan’s relationship is manifested in their unconditional acceptance of each other, which allows them to be themselves, warts and all. So, even though this romance doesn’t fit any of the typical tropes, it shows that learning to love yourself and put your happiness first isn’t selfish; it’s the only way to truly be open to giving and accepting love from a partner. Highly recommended, but be sure to read books 1 and 2 to fully appreciate this final entry of the series.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

 

4*

Trigger warnings: rape, grief, child abuse, death, murder

I just don’t know how to feel about this book. On the one hand, it’s beautifully written, full of metaphors and descriptions of the harsh beauty of Cape Cod. On the other hand, there are more tragedies and trigger points than I want to bear, especially given how ugly our real world is at the moment. We are in an unprecedented time where the vileness of humanity is on full display, so it’s especially painful to read about fictional monsters who prey on children and disheartening to witness both the toxic masculinity and the subjugation of women that breed this kind of monster. It’s also very upsetting to read about selfish parents who betray their children by not protecting them or go out of their way to put themselves or their partner’s needs first.

At its heart, this is a love triangle that lay dormant for decades thanks to the shame and guilt generated by one momentary, deadly decision. When absolution finally comes, our female protagonist Elle must choose between two men she loves: Jonas, a man she’s known since childhood who shares her deepest secrets or her steady, kind, funny husband Peter (and 3 children) who deserve her loyalty. Either way, she will have regrets and will cause pain to herself and those she loves. The fact that the author leaves the ending ambiguous after making us suffer along with the main characters seems somewhat cruel.

In addition to a romance, this is also a family saga that is chock full of dysfunction: rape and assault, divorce, child abuse, abandonment, premature death, victim shaming and so much more. The steady stream of disturbingly emotional and graphic vignettes wears on the soul and brings up memories of my own life, some that have striking parallels. Even the simplest things, like the old “important phone numbers” list (heavily edited over the years), the Sunfish sailing classes, the changing social landscape of the beach enclave, and the paper walls of the family cabins (thus “The Paper Palace”), remind me of my childhood summers in Rhode Island and my regrets over losing that special place.

Ultimately, this book is a worthwhile read because it doesn’t allow you to coast through it. It wraps its tentacles around you, squeezing out emotional reactions that want to remain hidden. Given that it’s the newest Reese Witherspoon book club selection, it will have an eager audience, but it’s essential that readers be warned about potential triggers because even the healthiest beings will be wrung out by the end.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Riverhead Books through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Too Good to Be Real by Melonie Johnson

3*

In a nod to rom-coms and live-action role-play (LARP), Too Good to Be Real takes readers on a fantasy vacation at the aptly-named Notting Hill Resort in Wisconsin for a week of immersive, simulated scenes from favorite romantic comedy movies. In a bid to avoid being laid off, pop culture journalist Julia proposes to her boss the idea of writing a review of a new concept hotel for their company’s popular Take Me! series. At the company’s expense, she and her two best friends head up from Chicago, hoping to prove (or disprove in cynical Julia’s case) that romantic love is real. Just after they arrive, Julia literally runs smack into Luke, the software programmer behind the week-long simulation. Their attraction is instantaneous but, when mistaken identity combines with role-playing, the games become much more high-stake.

Johnson’s premise is like a modern-day version of Austenland without the costumes. The eccentric and extremely wealthy owner Mrs. Weatherfork’s mission isn’t huge profits but to prove to her husband that, in the right setting, love can bloom. In this book, the two main protagonists are skeptical of love after witnessing their own parents’ miserable marriages, so neither is willing to believe that love can be real after just a week. Vacation romances often don’t survive outside the bubble after all. However, love is definitely in the air for married couples and some singles in attendance. Heck, even the comedic marauding seagulls mate for life. So, although not everyone gets a happily-ever-after, there are several truths: that you can find love with the most unlikely person, playing games can spice up an existing relationship, what appears to be love may just be an act, and real love is imperfectly perfect if you’re willing to push past fear and be honest with yourself and the one you’re falling for.

This has all of the elements for a swoon-worthy, highly-addictive romance read, but the pacing is a bit off, the dialogue is amateurish at points, and the idea that Luke can hide his true identity at a small resort is unrealistic. There are so many characters that it’s difficult to fully engage with any of them, so the emotional investment isn’t there. It’s an easy read, but ultimately forgettable.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from St. Martin’s Griffin through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Yes & I Love You (Say Everything #1) by Roni Loren

 

5*


This book is the cutest! Between her Tourette’s and his ADHD that causes impulsivity, Hollyn Tate and Jasper Deares have faced and triumphed over nearly insurmountable odds. Yet, when he brings her a coffee his first day on a new job, fate takes a stand. Due to facial tics that are especially triggered when she’s attracted to someone, she gives him the impression that she views him with disdain. However, ever optimistic and charming Jasper doesn’t let that deter him from getting to know her. And thus begins a relationship that rivals the best of movie rom-coms.

Jasper’s dream is to be a successful actor, and the path begins with his improv group. When he runs into an old friend who floats the idea of buying and renovating an old New Orleans theater to serve as his group’s home base, Jasper’s past as an abandoned foster child and his academic failures make him doubt his abilities. Hollyn, who has stepped out of her comfort zone by moving into the city and working in a shared WeWork-type office space where she writes anonymous, popular entertainment reviews as Miz Poppy, avoids human connection fearing rejection based on trauma from childhood bullying. When Jasper guesses her secret and learns that she’ll need to reveal herself to keep her job, they decide on a mutually beneficial arrangement. In the process, their friendship grows and their blatant honesty allows them to be vulnerable and draw strength from each other.

This story has all of the elements that make for a memorable friends-to-lovers romance. Loren has done a masterful job combining this trope with a love triangle reminiscent of Pretty in Pink featuring her best friend and first love Cal. She also introduces Andi, a true-crime writer and podcaster, who becomes Hollyn’s first female friend (and the heroine in the next book in the series). If you love rom-coms with witty banter, genuine friendship, male unicorns, personal growth, and improv comedy, pick this delightful book up! Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Soucebooks Casablanca through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Girl from Venice by Siobhan Daiko

 

3*


Lidia de Angeles is a medical student in her early 20s when Mussolini and the Italian Fascist party ally themselves with the Nazis. She is in love with her childhood friend Renzo and is living with her doctor father in a beautiful apartment in Venice. On the first day of the new semester, she finds that Jews will no longer be allowed to study at the university which is a huge red flag about the future treatment of Jews in Italy. Renzo’s parents heed the warning and move the family to Switzerland, but Lidia’s father, ever the optimist, refuses to believe they’re at risk until the inevitable happens. Soon, Lidia (with a new identity as Catholic Elena) escapes the city and eventually joins the resistance fighters.

The parallel story in this time slip novel is about her granddaughter Lottie, a history teacher in London, who, upon her grandmother’s death, finds a Jewish prayer book, photograph, and cache of letters that reveal a snippet of Lidia’s past. She never shared what happened to her during the war, so Lottie decides to use her summer break to investigate. Conveniently, the two women who are able to share their memories are both still alive and in their nineties.

Although this story is compelling and heartbreaking as so many books about World War II are, I found the writing style problematic which made it difficult to remain engaged. Lidia’s story is from a 3rd person POV while Lottie’s is first person which generally wouldn’t be a problem. However, the transitions between the two timelines as well as the abruptness from one event to the next without enough details gave me whiplash. The tone was also too familiar, for lack of a better word. It would have been better if Lottie had narrated her own story without also writing her own dialogue (ex., “‘Wow. Just…wow,’ I said.”)

There are also plot points that strain plausibility. For example, why did Lottie wait until after her grandmother’s death to ask why she and her only child (Lottie’s mother) were estranged? We never get a satisfactory answer, even after Lottie uncovers Lidia’s past. All her mother says is that Lidia’s refusal to share her past made her feel like part of herself was missing. Why did Lidia tell Lottie that her daughter, who Lottie describes as an “ice maiden”, took after her husband in both looks and personality when David seemed very warm and loving? Why is Lottie’s breakup with her boyfriend described so dispassionately, especially if she uses it as an excuse to put off Alex, her new romantic interest? In fact, all of the romantic couplings in the book seem rushed with no evidence of chemistry but with declarations of love coming just a few days or weeks after meeting.

Since this book is based on actual events, why did the author used a fictitious name for the town where Lidia’s friend Rosina (the writer of the letters) lived? I always like to look up places, especially since the distance between Venice and Sant’Illaria becomes significant towards the end of the book. It makes me question which parts of the story are fictitious rather than true history.

As a huge fan of both time-slip novels and historical fiction, I was excited to read this story. Unfortunately, there were too many flaws for me to immerse myself and enjoy it. If you’re looking for books that do a much better job, consider Sarah Jio’s All the Flowers in Paris and Susan Meissner’s Secrets of a Charmed Life.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Books Go Social through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Accidentally Engaged by Farah Heron

5*

Reena, a middle-child in a traditional Muslim Indian family, is sandwiched between an older brother who has done everything right and a younger sister who is self-absorbed, somewhat passive aggressive and obsessed with healthy eating, to the point that she destroyed her sister’s side business blogging food and chance at a cookbook deal when she posts a diatribe on food bloggers pushing fattening foods. She has very low self-esteem and sees herself as a failure at everything, but especially relationships (12 in 13 years) and jobs (one layoff after another due to downsizing). She’s stuck in finance because she doesn’t want to work for the family development firm, but also doesn’t see a way to turn her passion for artisanal bread baking into a viable career.

Added to all of this are Indian Muslim parents who emigrated to Toronto from Tanzania who are pushing eligible, but totally unappealing men at her in the hopes she’ll marry someone of her kind and pump out some babies. Then Nadim moves in across the hall, a sexy “brown Captain America” with a swoonworthy smirk and British accent. Before she even has a chance to learn more than his name, he reveals that he’s her dad’s new employee and arranged marriage prospect thanks to a business deal between their fathers.

So what’s a girl to do? In her case, she’s pushed into entering a televised cooking contest where she needs a fiancé. Turns out that Nadim is the perfect and willing candidate to fake it. When their drunken audition video lands them a spot, they become fast friends, agreeing to an “unengagement” and fighting an attraction because there’s no way Reena will give her parents the satisfaction of falling for one of their chosen marriage prospects, no matter how appealing.

This story proved to be so much more than a lightweight rom-com. Although there’s humor, chemistry (of both the physical and kitchen variety), and family drama, there are also some heavy topics. When a family that thrives on gossip (while keeping their own secrets) and long-time rivalries starts coming apart at the seams, issues such as eating disorders, depression, and bad decisions threaten to tear them apart. However, the author treats our MCs with compassion and proves that with a little faith, emotional support (from each other and a couple of LGBTQ friends and relatives), and killer sourdough, mistakes of the past can be overcome and the patriarchical nature of their community can be overcome. Highly recommend.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Forever Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This is for Tonight by Jessica Patrick

5*

Crafting YouTuber Andi needs money to go to SCU (presumably the fictional USC) with her twin brother, the same school where her parents met. Unfortunately, she doesn’t win the scholarship and can’t afford the tuition since they’re still paying off her father’s medical bills 5 years after his death. (Universal healthcare, anyone?) So they come up with the idea of filming a video at the Cabazon Music Festival (Coachella in disguise) in the hopes it’ll go viral and raise the funds she needs. The problem is that she’ll have to change her vlogger focus if she wants the money to keep rolling in.Jay Bankar has a hugely-successful YouTube channel that features him pranking people and being an all-around jerk and misogynist. When he and Andi meet the first night of the festival when he offers to help her set up her tent, the chemistry is instantaneous, that is, until she gets a good look at him in the light of the following day. She struggles to reconcile the nice guy with the vlogger she hates with a passion. As they begin to compete with each other in a scavenger hunt with the prize of interviewing the headliner band, one of the hottest in the country, she sees traces of that sweet guy hiding behind his sarcastic online persona. Can she believe him when he says it’s all an act, one designed to raise his own college funds? Is he worthy of her forgiveness after he disappoints her more than once, especially when she thinks about her father’s policy of “no second chances”?

Patrick’s debut novel will appeal to her internet-savvy, social media-obsessed teen audience. In addition to its enemies-to-lovers theme, it also explores sometimes rocky sibling relationships, the lingering grief of losing a parent, and the stress caused by a lack of funds which sometimes causes people to make questionable decisions, all set against the backdrop of a music festival. If you have teen patrons looking for a fun summer read, hand them this book. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Swoon Reads through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

5*

Wes is the boy-next-door who has taken pleasure in annoying Liz since they were children. It’s pretty obvious from the start that he’s using the tried and true method of all little boys who want to get a girl’s attention. However, it isn’t until Michael (her girlhood crush) moves back to town and Liz bribes Wes to help her get Michael to ask her to prom that she begins to see Wes in a new light. When they decide to fake a relationship to get Michael to notice her, it’s inevitable that real feelings will surface. Is it possible that Wes was the right one all along?
This is a sweet, sweet enemies-to-lovers YA romance that deals with Liz’s prolonged grief over losing her mother at a young age and the unconscious way she dresses like her mom and imagines life and love to be like the rom-coms they enjoyed together. (This same relationship mirrors the adult one in Waiting for Tom Hanks.) It’s also about friendship and the pleasure of discovering someone who sees and admires the real you. There’s so much to recommend this debut novel, and Painter’s sophomore effort will be hotly anticipated by teens who love romances. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Simon & Schuster BYR through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Sunkissed by Kasie West

 

4*

Very cute teen romance with only a mild bit of angst. If you combine Dirty Dancing (without the sex) with A Star is Born (without the tragedy), you get a really good sense of the plot of this book. There’s Brooks, the hot rocker with a heart of gold, who works at a woodsy resort in Northern CA so he can both escape the obligations to his family and raise funds for his father’s medical bills and Avery, the good girl who doesn’t like conflict, which means she trods the path of least resistance. When she realizes that she’s not living a life she’s chosen, she makes a vow to get out of her comfort zone, and Brooks is there to encourage her every step of the way. They break all the rules to help each other fulfill their dreams and, in the process, fall in love. Supporting them is a solid group of friends and Avery’s younger sister, all of whom spur them on to reach for the stars. Fans of Morgan Matson, Huntley Fitzpatrick, and Sarah Dessen will love this great summer read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Delacorte Press through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Devil in Disguise (The Ravenels #7) by Lisa Kleypas

5*


Kleypas and these families will always earn a 5* from me. She has a way with historical romance unsurpassed by any other writer I’ve read and always has a plot that involves a mystery where main characters are put at risk. Both the romance and the mystery are well-drawn and not at all gratuitous. Her characters are well-developed, her history accurate, and the relationships are full of intense, eternal love, sizzling chemistry, and lots of laughter. One of the things I love the most about the Ravenel series is that it features the children of the couples from the Wallflower series. If you’ve read those books, you get why the presence of Sebastian and Evie and Lilliana and Marcus is so emotionally satisfying. Her heroines are feminists who never let men dictate their lives, and they’ve produced equally strong daughters like Merritt and Phoebe.

Almost all historical romances aren’t just about the eventual happily-ever-after, but the journey to get there. In this case, it’s one that begins in the offices of a shipping firm owned by Lady Merritt Sterling, Marcus & Lillian’s eldest child, who took over the firm after the untimely death of her husband of only 1.5 years. It’s been three years, so she’s no longer grief-stricken but she’s also vowed to never marry again. Then Kier MacRae, an incredibly handsome Scot who owns a whiskey distillery and bears an uncanny resemblance to our favorite reformed rake, Sebastian, formerly Lord St. Vincent and now Duke of Challon. The attraction is instantaneous, and mysterious circumstances throw them together as they try to determine why Kier is being targeted.

I also appreciate how Kleypas seamlessly blends the aristocrats of the haute ton with the rise of the industrial revolution. On the surface, her pairings are ones that might have caused scandal, but by the time this story takes place (1880s), cash-strapped aristocrats either must marry for money or earn their fortunes through trade and industry. Generally, her characters buck tradition, marrying for love rather than money or social standing, and investing in the new inventions that power progress.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Life's Too Short (The Friend Zone #3) by Abby Jimenez

4.5*


Trigger warnings for mental illness, drug addiction, and grief.

It’s extremely challenging to talk about this story without spoilers, so I won’t go beyond the basic set-up. Just know that it’s about two really kind, decent people, travel vlogger Vanessa Price and criminal defense attorney Adrian Copeland, the cousin of Josh from The Friend Zone (Book 1), who we first met in The Happy Ever After Playlist (Book 2) when he went on a double date with female lead Sloan Monroe. (We are given a nice catch-up with the two couples in this book.) Vanessa began her highly-successful YouTube channel after losing her older sister to ALS (a disease that also took her grandmother, mother, and aunt). She has a 50/50 chance of succumbing as well, so she doesn’t want to waste a single moment wallowing, choosing to travel the world instead. In her introductory video, she shares her intention to donate proceeds to ALS research.

She meets her next door neighbor Adrian after he knocks on her door at 4:00 a.m. to see if she can get her baby to stop crying. (It’s actually her niece who she’s fostering.) This leads to a fast friendship that quickly becomes serious, a true meeting of soulmates. However, the past trauma of losing parents, either through abandonment, death, or mental illness (her father is an extreme hoarder), has greatly impacted their way of dealing with life’s challenges. For Vanessa, it’s to push away negative thoughts, even if it means sometimes faking happiness. In Adrian’s case, it’s to maintain total control and bury himself in his work. Will they be able to adapt and change to give each other unconditional love or will they crash and burn? You’ll need to read (and cry a lot of tears) to find out.

I’d give this a 5*, but it put me through the emotional wringer, so I can’t be objective. All 3 books in this series have female protagonists dealing with life-altering (or, in this case, life-threatening) conditions. The romances are genuine, complex, and deeply-emotional and the men they love are supportive and willing to make sacrifices (in this case, eventually). However, Jimenez never lets her readers forget that life is fragile and that we’re all on this planet to make the best of bad situations and find joy amidst the disappointments and tragedies we’ll all face on the journey. As this title so aptly points out, life IS too short and we must live our best lives rather than dwelling on the inevitability of future loss. Although this is a standalone, I highly recommend reading the first two books as well because, despite the heavy subject matter, they are extremely well-written stories of loss, grief, love, and redemption.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Forever through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne

 

5*

So heartwarming! An homage to You’ve Got Mail (and its earlier iterations). The method of communication has changed over time (hand-written letters, then email, and here in an app), but the message is the same. It’s about 2 people who meet as enemies while unknowingly falling in love anonymously. Layne does a fabulous job of bringing us a 21st-century enemies-to-lovers story between a serious, scowling developer, Sebastian Andrews, and champagne shop owner Gracie Cooper, who meet when he shows up with a hand-delivered letter (after she ignores his earlier ones), offering her a buyout of her family’s business. To her, he has a callous disregard for family tradition, but has to admit that taking him up on his offer might free her to follow her own dreams rather than living her deceased parents’. In the meantime, she’s falling in love with the faceless Sir who fulfills her dreams for a fairy-tale romance. So what’s she to do when she starts to fall for the gorgeous man who is standing right in front of her?

Although there’s sizzling chemistry between these two, this clean romance is tame compared with Layne’s previous books. The focus is on the slow-burn relationship, not a rush to the bedroom.

The Devil of Downtown (Uptown Girls, #3) by Joanna Shupe

4*

This is the 3rd book in The Uptown Girls trilogy about three Upper Manhattan socialites who fall in love with men who skirt the law but give up all criminal behavior for their women. It can be read as a standalone. Jack Mulligan, raised in a brothel, fought his way up the ranks of Lower East Side gangs, eventually consolidating power and bringing a tenuous peace. He used muscle, threats and blackmail to build his empire, but he also has a kind heart, helping the people of his neighborhood to improve their lives. Along the way, he also became booksmart, learned several languages, and developed a cultured persona. When he meets Justine Greene, who comes to him to track down a deadbeat husband in his employ, he’s impressed with her spirit, independence and goodness. As they continue to work together, whether it be raising funds for her brother-in-law’s Legal Aid Society, improving working conditions in factories, or serving food in a soup kitchen, they begin to fall in love. Will they be able to build a life together away from the corruption and criminality that has defined his life up to this point or will Jack force her to walk away?

Joanna Shupe’s Gilded Age romances are always riveting and paint a clear picture of the vast divide between the haves and have-nots in major cities like NY and Chicago, deftly describing the misery faced by the lower classes and the excesses of the industrial barons around the turn of the 20th century. There are definitely parallels that can be drawn between those times and American oligarchic society and the corruption in politics and law enforcement today, sadly reminding readers that the imbalance is still very real. Despite this, her stories are hopeful and heartwarming. Highly recommended.


I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Three Little Truths by Eithne Shortall

3.5*

It was disappointing, having loved Grace After Henry, to find that I had so much trouble getting into this book. I put it down twice, forgetting about it, until I finally decided to commit to finishing it. I’m glad I did because it became a surprising and mostly satisfying whodunit as well as a compelling multi-character study. One problem were the confusing dialogue structures. There was the use of the WhatsApp texting format with a vast array of underdeveloped characters feeding each other gossip under the guise of concern, as well as the one-sided conversations (e.g., Martha’s answers to what we can assume are unrevealed questions from her therapist). Although gossip drove the story, it was really off-putting, and many of the neighbors were hard to stomach (a possibly demented hoarder, a couple of vindictive, power-hungry, controlling shrews, and two incredibly insecure young women). There were only a couple of the women I’d ever want to befriend. As for the criminal reveal, my feelings are mixed. It was a great twist but, although the resolutions were mostly satisfying and character motives were clear, it was still hard to accept that justice wouldn’t be served on the vile men who committed the crime. I’d also love to know what the Three Little Truths are! Due to the problems I mention, it’s a 3.5* that I’ve rounded up to a 4.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from G.P. Putnam’s Sons through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

Maybe One Day by Debbie Johnson

5*

Possible spoilers

Wow...what a beautiful book! Reminiscent of The Light We Lost, Adriana Trigiani’s Valentine Trilogy, and even P.S I Love You, Maybe One Day is a story of loss, grief, trauma, hope, acceptance, and enduring love. When Jess’s mother dies, she starts cleaning out her house and comes upon a cache of letters, cards, and notes from the love of her life, Joe Ryan. Following an unspeakable tragedy and the temporary loss of her sanity due to grief and PTSD, Jess is told that Joe has abandoned her. Her snobbish parents, who never approved of him, kept the letters and cards from her, justifying it by assuming that Joe’s presence will prevent her from recovering and living a full, happy life. After she reads them and realizes how badly her parents betrayed her, she begins a multinational quest, with the help of her cousin Michael, a recent law school grad and gay man who’s afraid to come out to his cold, rigid parents, and Belinda, a high school friend of Joe’s, using the postmarks and postcards to guide them. It’s a way for her to learn about Joe’s life in the 17 years since he left and meet all of the people along the way who came to love the kind, compassionate man who briefly passed through their lives. At the times when Jess feels less than brave, sad, lonely, ready to give up, or in need of a laugh, she opens one of the notes Joe left, letting his thoughts and words of support strengthen her.

Written in Jess’s voice, readers become intimately aware of her grief and bravery in pushing past her fears to find the truth about the only man she’s ever loved, causing a visceral reaction to her pain and sharing the tenuous hope that she’ll find Joe alive, happy, and perhaps still unattached. Johnson has written a masterful account of how profoundly grief affects us and how love can make us react in myriad ways, sometimes bringing joy and, other times, despite best intentions, causing irreparable harm and heartbreak. Don’t let the ill-chosen, cartoonish cover fool you. This is not a light-hearted love story, but one that will tangle with your emotions, leaving you guessing until the very last page. Must-read!

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

The Heiress Hunt (The Fifth Avenue Rebels #1) by Joanna Shupe

2*

There’s virtually no plot to this. In a nutshell, it’s about immature love between Maddie, a self-absorbed and selfish female protagonist, and Harrison, the male protagonist, who is plotting revenge on the family that treated him like dirt, and who has been hanging on to a childhood love, thinking he can disrupt her life and coerce her into marriage based on past friendship and scorching chemistry. For a book that has no real plot, it’s amazing how much happens too quickly: Maddie’s forgiveness of Harrison’s abandonment 3 years prior without a word to her before, during or after his absence; Harrison amassing a fortune in just a few years after leaving for France with nothing; the lightning speed of his courtship and proposal; her acceptance of the Duke’s offer of marriage, knowing she had growing feelings for Harrison; and then, just one day later, being found in a compromising position that forces a broken engagement and hasty marriage. Harrison’s plan for revenge is totally anticlimactic, and even the threats towards Maddie have no heat behind them, a storyline that could have introduced tension that this book is sorely lacking. Shupe usually writes engaging, sexy historical fiction that is totally engrossing, usually with some tragedy or threat that propels the story. This one is weak.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from Avon through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.