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.