Mrs. Nash’s Ashes by Sarah Adler

 

4*

Sarah Adler’s debut is such a delight. It’s not just a road trip romance between grumpy, handsome writer Hollis and sunshiny former child star Millicent, but also the queer romance (flashing back to 1944) between Millie’s late neighbor Rose Nash and the Army nurse, Elsie, she fell in love with only to lose her, first to Elsie’s urging her to marry the boy back home, and then to Elsie’s supposed death in the Korean War. Millie is on a mission to bring Mrs. Nash’s ashes to Elsie before it’s too late. It’s her way to reunite them in the best way she knows how and prove that love can last a lifetime. Unfortunately, cancelled flights are only the first of many mishaps that she and her nasty ex’s frenemy encounter when they run into each other at the airport and then choose to drive from DC to Florida together.

Along the way, downright rude Hollis shows glimpses of the softie underneath as he responds to Millie’s unique brand of weirdness, charm, and optimism. They both have their share of baggage, but it doesn’t bog the story down thanks to a heaping serving of witty banter and ridiculously silly encounters with everything from suicidal deer to dozens of paint-by-number Jesus’s. If you’re looking for a feel good, steamy romance, I highly recommend checking this one out.

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

Better Than Revenge by Kasie West

 

5*

 

Every now and then, I read a book and can’t help but envision the movie version. This is one such book. From the moment aspiring podcaster Finley is betrayed by her boyfriend to the grand gesture at the end, it has all the hallmarks of a wonderful young adult rom-com. There’s enemies-to-lovers, a narcissistic, gaslighting ex, a gorgeous, cocky (but with a heart of gold) love interest in Theo, a cheeky, loving grandmother in the mid-stages of Alzheimer’s who Finley does a podcast with, a mystery to solve, and a plot for revenge that doesn’t play out like she planned. 

Kasie West has proven, once again, why she is one of the queens of YA romance. Her characters are deftly drawn, showing a range of emotions and navigating the minefield that is both high school and teen relationships. There’s a lot of kissing, but that’s as far as it goes, so it’s appropriate for younger teens, but will be enjoyed by older ones as well. Highly recommended.

 

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

 

Once Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky

4*

Very sweet, steamy age gap romance set in a fairytale resort in the NY Catskills. I love a story where the main characters open up to each other and build a relationship based on mutual respect and care. Taylor and Ethan are absolutely adorable together. Generally, I’m not a fan of love at first sight, but Janovsky managed to make me forget that their time of forced proximity together was so short. Between story hours gone wrong, archery lessons with sizzling chemistry, and working together to put on a fabulous sweet 16 party for Ethan’s daughter Samara, their connection is obvious to almost everyone around them. Unfortunately, Ethan’s rather shrewish, emotionally distant ex-wife Amy Lu is Taylor’s boss, so they don’t see a future together.

Ethan has ADHD which his ex misunderstood and criticized, whereas Taylor, with his closest sibling also being neurodivergent, is fully accepting and supportive. He also has a wonderful relationship with Samara which is a comfort to Ethan since he doesn’t see her often being 3000 miles away. Although, on the surface, it seems like a case of opposites attract, it’s really the emotional connection between them that makes them so perfect for each other. If you like MM romance that’s relatively low on angst, pretty steamy, and heartwarming, I highly recommend this delightful book.

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

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

 

4*

I’ve enjoyed Emma Lord’s young adult romances, so I was excited to read her first adult novel. I’m happy to report that it’s just as swoonworthy, sweet and emotionally complex but with an added element of spice. In The Break-Up Pact, she strikes the perfect balance between a second chance at love between soulmates and the profound effect grief has on the family and friends of the lost loved one. Although it’s written from the FMC June’s viewpoint, readers get a very good sense of MMC Levi’s thoughts and feelings, not just through the dialogue but also Lord’s thorough descriptions of facial expressions and physical movements, whether it’s dancing together, competitive foot races, the emotional reaction to hand-holding, or the variety of kisses they share.

As a tea and beach enthusiast, I really love that one of the primary settings is June’s small-town tea and scone cafe. It’s almost a character in itself, especially as it relates to June’s grief over losing her sister and her struggle to keep it open while trying to honor her sister’s legacy. I also enjoyed reading about Levi’s fledging writing career. One main thread that runs throughout is toxic exes and how the awful combination of gaslighting, social media, and internet trolls can take its toll on its victims. It’s not heavy but is a timely way to set up their love story. Share this with fans of Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, and Christina Lauren. Highly recommended.

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.