Georgie, All Along by Kate Claiborne

5*


The title would seem to indicate that this is Georgie’s story, but, in my opinion, it’s Levi’s. After losing her job and housing when her celebrity boss decides to retire, Georgie heads home to try and figure out what she wants to do with her life. However, replacing this “blankness” she feels with a man or by completing a bucket list she wrote in 8th grade seems lame. Conversely, Levi’s story is complex, heartbreaking, and ultimately much more redemptive than Georgie’s. Yes, they need each other to find fulfilment, but Georgie’s journey pales in comparison.

I’ve marked this lower because I just can’t get past the fact that Levi is clearly autistic and Clayborn should have acknowledged that. What’s worse is that his autism is used to villainize him, and it takes ten years of his continued suffering and self-recrimination before those who should love him unconditionally make amends. If it weren’t for Georgie’s presence, he might have lived the rest of his life in a small metaphorical cage he created to keep himself and those around him safe.

Despite these flaws, this grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, small town romance ranks higher than most in the genre. Clayborn has a gift for storytelling, with the talent for imbuing her characters with richness and depth and painting a physical landscape that takes on a character of its own. She doesn’t rely on tired, manufactured conflicts due to poor communication to drive the plot, but also doesn’t shy away from acknowledging that human frailty and insecurities can throw up roadblocks that make the path of love anything but smooth. The romance between Georgie and Levi is a beautiful demonstration of how two mature, empathetic, fallible people can successfully navigate a relationship. 

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

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez

5*

On his first day of work in the ER, Jacob Maddox is dubbed “Doctor Death” by the nursing staff after he loses 7 patients. If that isn’t bad enough, his severe social anxiety leads to some faux pas that give everyone, especially Dr. Briana Ortiz, the impression that he’s rude as well. In Briana’s eyes, his bad reputation is cemented when she’s told by her superior that her presumed promotion to Head of Emergency Medicine isn’t a guarantee since the new guy is now in the running. So, imagine her confusion when more than one friend tells her she’s misjudged him and that he’s one of the good ones. Who would have thought Jacob’s letter of apology would be the start of a beautiful friendship?

In less talented and superficial hands, this might have been just another simple enemies-to-lovers workplace romance. However, Jimenez gives us LAYERS. Although Jacob struggles to be understood and to navigate social situations, he is one of the most empathetic and altruistic characters ever written, and it’s this care and concern for others that leads him to donate a kidney to Briana’s younger brother. In return, she offers to be his fake girlfriend through the minefield created when his ex-girlfriend and younger brother decide to marry, his family withholding their acceptance of the new relationship until they’re sure Jacob is past his heartbreak. As the weeks pass leading up to the wedding and the transplant surgery, feelings between them begin to grow, but the inevitable misunderstanding gets in the way. Briana doesn’t trust men or her own judgment after being abandoned by her father as a child and her ex-husband in the worst possible way, so is there any chance that they’ll ever have a future together?

In one of the most poignant scenes in this touching romance, Briana says of Jacob, “He let me look into his soul.” Jimenez, with her gift for crafting complex characters navigating some of life’s hardest challenges, has given her readers that same glimpse into the souls of both main characters. In so doing, she has left us with an indelible impression of the power of selfless, harmless, enduring love. Highly recommended!

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.

The True Love Experiment by Christina Lauren

 

5*

Who would have ever thought that this wonderful writing duo could ever equal or perhaps top Love and Other Words or Roomies, but they’ve done it with The True Love Experiment. This isn’t just a mature, friends-to-lovers romance between feisty, sexy, unapologetic romance author Fizzy Chen and the absolutely perfect book boyfriend, sexy, British, and reluctant dating reality show producer Connor Prince, but also a loving dedication to the romance genre, its writers and fandom as well.

Fizzy, who is the best friend of Jess, the heroine in The Soulmate Equation, is 37 years old and, despite having published several best-selling romance novels, has never experienced love and is facing severe writer’s block. Connor, a documentary filmmaker and single dad, has been told by his boss that he has to pivot and produce a reality dating show or risk losing his job. After admiring Fizzy from a distance in a bar, he serendipitously discovers her books on his ex-wife’s shelves and is inspired to create a show where she is the heroine. Fizzy’s initial reaction to the offer is a solid ‘No’ followed by an agreement to do it if he casts romantic hero archetypes to compete for her affection. As they spend months together, first on ‘joy excursions,’ then on set and in intimate post-episode confessionals, they struggle to fight their feelings and the scorching chemistry between them. However, with Connor’s livelihood on the line if their growing attraction were to be exposed, can they take the chance?

This has all the elements that Christina Lauren does so well: humorous banter, undeniable chemistry, well-developed personalities, strong family dynamics and friendships, and a cast of secondary characters who add depth and color to the story. The archetypal contestants are a hoot, Jess and her husband River feature prominently, and their daughter, precocious Juno, meets her match in Connor’s daughter Stevie. It’s so affirming to read a solid defense for the romance genre as well. If you’re looking for a captivating, feel-good romance with an intensely satisfying, steamy as hell, well-rounded relationship with a low degree of angst, pick up or download this one today. Very highly recommended! 

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