Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

 

5*

Knowing that the TV adaptation of Every Summer After had premiered and that most book readers felt it strayed too far from the original, I decided to read the book instead of watching, and I’m so glad I did. Seeing as Christina Lauren’s Love and Other Words is one of my top five romances, it makes sense that I absolutely adored this book that many reviewers have compared it to. My favorite tropes are childhood friends to lovers and second chance romance, so it’s no surprise that I couldn’t put this one down.

As teens, it’s so easy to misinterpret texts and emails and expect the worst, but in hindsight, as adults, realize that decisions were made with incomplete knowledge due to poor communication skills. There were some doozies in this story that further complicated Sam and Percy’s relationship, but after more than a decade’s separation, these two beautiful people finally reunite for his mother’s funeral. They have a lot of baggage, but the hope is that they can find resolution and forgiveness and work their way back to each other.

Fortune has drawn beautiful, flawed characters and uses the setting of the Canadian lake to full effect. The chemistry is palpable, the dialogue flows, and the dual timeline in Percy’s voice works seamlessly. Now I can’t wait to read her other books. Highly recommended.

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

Meet Me at the Seaside Cottages by Jenny Colgan

 

4*

It was so nice to revisit the Scottish coastal village of Carso and a number of characters from Colgan’s previous books. Once I got used to the British slang and colloquial phrases scattered throughout, I was able to fully immerse myself in this double romance. As with all of Colgan’s books, there’s a big, potentially damaging problem to solve which anyone with even a basic knowledge of finance saw coming a mile away. Luckily, the village came together to make everything right.

Central to the story is the strained relationship between Janey and her daughter Essie who blames her mother for her parents’ divorce rather than her cheating father. It took a considerable amount of growing up for Essie to see the kind, caring woman that everyone else recognizes. I appreciated the mature, slow burn romance between Lowell and Janey and that the smarmy, stuck-up finance bros (including Essie’s (ex) boyfriend) got their comeuppance. Dog lovers will enjoy the subplot of a litter of puppy mutts, too. 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.

Tropesick by Lauren Okie

3*

I don’t know what to think about this story, especially since I’m not a fan of heavy topics in my romances. It’s a dark romance with an MMC, Tyler, who has major baggage and the girl next door/best friend’s sister, Katie, who, despite her own grief and estrangement from her parents, still manages to be positive and bright. Initially, I thought this would be like a few other popular books on the market that feature dueling ghostwriters, but the depth of grief and guilt in Tropesick tended to overshadow the romance. I was surprised by the plot twist at the end, and couldn’t figure out what the point of it was. There are no trigger warnings, but I think there should be for addiction and accidental death. If you like romances in which a main character has a huge redemption arc, you’ll probably enjoy this story, but if you prefer less angst and a faster pace, this may not be the right choice for you.

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

Romantic Hero by Kirsty Greenwood

5*

Gertie always saw herself as half of a whole, not complete without a partner. First, it was her late sister, Josie, and then it was Henry who asked for a “break” from their four-year relationship. Without them, she has ceased to function properly which, as an author, means total writer’s block. When her retired neighbor gets fed up hearing her wailing through the wall, she stages an intervention in the form of a manifestation ceremony. What’s on Gertie’s list? It’s to get past her writer’s block and win Henry back. Who would have guessed that a villainous character from her book series, cowboy River Oakley, would be the answer to her problems?

Is River a hallucination, an actor sent by her agent, a criminal who has broken into her apartment, or a visitor from another dimension or parallel universe? You’ll have to read Romantic Hero to find out, but, regardless of where he comes from, he’s exactly who Gertie needs. She’s quite a doormat who has a problem saying no, who swallows her anger and grief rather than getting emotional, and who bends over backwards to be the person she thinks her “other half” needs. River is just the man to set her straight and build her confidence.

I love a bit of magical realism in my romances, so I was thrilled to learn that Greenwood’s follow-up to her wonderful The Love of My Afterlife also uses the trope. Romantic Hero is a fun story with plenty of steamy scenes and an MMC who defies the stereotypical role Gertie has assigned to him. The neighbor, Mrs. Casablancas, is a hoot, and Henry is a narcissist who gets his comeuppance. Add in an adorable dog and the London setting (my favorite city), and it’s a winning combination. Share this with fans of Sarah Ready and Ashley Poston. Highly recommended.

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

A Perfect Summer in Starshine Cove by Debbie Johnson

4*

I was pleasantly surprised when I saw this new addition to the Starshine Cove series, especially since I assumed Book Four ended the series. Although I enjoyed revisiting this quirky, welcoming village, Suzie’s story wasn’t as compelling as those in the previous books. The friends to lovers romance with Guy is a very slow burn, and there is no spice if that’s your thing. They are in their forties, and have each spent their entire adulthood wandering the world solo. Not surprisingly, they consider themselves “flight risks.” Suzie has come home after about a decade and is nervous about her family’s welcome, and Guy, who has never had a family or a stable home, is visiting Starshine Cove for the first time, hoping for a chance to right a wrong. They serendipitously meet while she’s stuck up a tree, and their friendship blossoms.

The best part of the book is the reunion with Suzie’s family and the rest of the villagers. It’s like being wrapped in a warm hug. There are some trigger warnings for miscarriage, cancer, and accidental death, and there’s a big feeling of grief for much of the story. However, there are still plenty of the funny, heartwarming moments which readers of the series will appreciate. Although it could be read as a standalone, I highly encourage you to read the first four books in the series. Recommended.

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

A Shop Girl’s Guide to Wooing a Lord (Heiress Hunters #1) by Shana Galen

 

4*

It’s been awhile since I read one of Galen’s books and I’m glad to be reminded how much I enjoy her writing. It’s a rather unusual romance between a destitute young woman, Tamsin, and Garret, the “spare” heir to a British-Irish Earl who serendipitously meet when he keeps her from being trampled in Covent Garden one night and then buys her crushed violets for his younger sister. Tamsin had never been shown such kindness, and she never forgot him. Fast forward a couple of years and they ran into each other again. Garret found her fascinating, and she had her first impression of him confirmed. However, he’s in need of an heiress to marry, and Tamsin knows she’ll never fit in his world. Their path to happily ever after is far from smooth with run-ins with unsavory sorts, children exploited and forced into laboring as chimney sweeps, and Garret’s lackluster pursuit of a huge dowry. Contrary to what the title says, it is Garret who woos her and she’s not a shopgirl, but this takes nothing away from the story. There are several steamy scenes and some abusive situations, but at its heart, it’s a delightful opposites attract love story that fans of Sarah MacLean, Tessa Dare, and Lisa Kleypas will love. Recommended.


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

 

 

Road Trip by Mary Kay Andrews

5*

Road Trip is so much more than I expected, and I loved it. It’s about estranged sisters who fulfill their mother’s dying wish to travel together through Ireland in the hopes they’ll reconcile. It’s also a mystery thriller centered on a painting that has been in the family for generations and determining its provenance. Was it stolen? Is it authentic? The actual story behind it is told in a series of letters between their great-grandmother who fled to America at age 18 and the younger brother she had to leave behind. It’s also a delightful romance between younger sister Maeve and a sexy Irish whiskey distiller named Liam. Who doesn’t dream of discovering love while tracing their roots?

Andrews strikes the perfect balance between the romance, the healing of Therese and Maeve’s relationship, and the sordid and tragic story behind the painting. Her characters are richly-drawn and the various locations perfectly set the stage. This would be a wonderful book to take on your summer vacation. Highly recommended.

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

The Tea Room Inheritance by Hannah Langdon

 

4 *

I was saddened to hear that Hannah Langdon died unexpectedly last September. I so enjoyed reading her Christmas romances and looked forward to many more.

This book is such a delight…for foodies, Anglophiles, and anyone else who loves a small town, friends to lovers sweet romance that is low on the angst. Yes, there is some grief and heartache, but there are also many happy moments that balance it out. Reading this makes me want to hop the next plane across the pond to share a cuppa and some biscuits with all of the charming and unique characters! Fans of Debbie Johnson and Jill Mansell will eat this one up. Highly recommended.

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

 

The Summer Share by Jenn McKinlay

 

4*

Although there’s quite a bit of humor (especially with Dude, the Great Dane), this frenemies to lovers romance delves into some deeper themes: facing the fear of abandonment after experiencing it with both parents and ex-lovers, being honest with a near stranger who quickly becomes so much more, dealing with grief over the death of grandparents and the inability to conceive a child, and being surprised by a timeless love story that they never saw coming.

McKinlay does a wonderful job depicting the Outer Banks and painting the scenes in and around the dilapidated cottage that Hannah and Simon inherit together. I love how the romance between them organically unfolds as they open up to each other while sifting through the mementoes from their grandfathers’ lives. In the process of clearing out the house, Simon comes to realize that he no longer has to sacrifice the passion he has for his art after spending years in a boring insurance job he took to support his siblings, and Hannah, who has been living and sharing her van life on social media, finds that she no longer wants the solitude and loneliness that come with it, especially when she can spend her days with Simon and the unique set of neighbors who quickly become friends.

If you’re looking for a delightful summer read, check out The Summer Share. Recommended.

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

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan

 

5*

Every year, I eagerly anticipate Monaghan’s next romance because she has such a way of featuring mature main characters who approach love with open hearts and a degree of trepidation. (Who over the age of 30 isn’t carrying some baggage?) In Dolly All the Time, Dolly Brick and Stewart Whitfield don’t seem like the most likely couple. She’s a single mom who grew up as a townie and he’s the golden child of the wealthy family for whom the town is named. Dolly, who had to grow up too fast after her mother’s abandonment, has always put herself last, focusing her attention on her teenage son and her disabled brother, as well as helping out in the family fish market and doing necessary house repairs. Although her primary job is a kindergarten teacher, she holds down other odd jobs to ensure her son has a good life. Stewart is a workaholic who has a compulsive need to continue his family’s legacy, sacrificing a social life and any chance at love. After an adorable meet cute, he asks Dolly to fake a relationship with him to prove to his family that he is responsible and settled enough to run the company after his father’s retirement. What could possibly go wrong?

Stewart, despite his questionable choices in the third act, is the perfect book boyfriend. I love the way Monaghan built their relationship and gave Dolly such strength of character, even as she doubted she would ever fit into his world. Secondary characters like their family and Dolly’s friend Naomi are well-drawn and are an integral part of the romance-building. As someone who “summered” in Rhode Island, I appreciate the seaside setting as well. If you like mature romances with a hint of fairy tale, I highly recommend this delightful book.

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.

The One Day You Were My Husband by Rosie Walsh

 

5*

There’s so much to appreciate about this book: first great loves and second chances, the mystery, and the female empowerment. Surgeon Carrie Cole comes from a line of strong, determined women whose passion for their vocations makes romantic relationships difficult, if not impossible. Yet, when she meets Johan Kullberg, the connection is so strong and instantaneous that she struggles to find a balance. On the night of their spontaneous wedding, Johan is taken by the police, and Carrie begins to question everything she thought she knew. To cope, she throws herself into her work and, with much therapy and family support, learns to thrive and let love in again. Years later, she receives some startling news which opens old wounds and reveals life-changing secrets. Will the fallout destroy her? Walsh keeps readers guessing until the final pages. The mystery element is extremely compelling, and the romance is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. Her choice of first-person point of view works well, allowing readers to get a true sense of what it means to be a woman in a still-misogynistic profession which makes motherhood and romantic relationships beyond challenging. It also shows Carrie’s struggle to find a balance while losing a father to dementia, fearing for her premature twins, suffering the effect of maternal abandonment, and realizing that she might have been completely duped by the man she married.

I read this in one sitting because Walsh does such a wonderful job of pacing that I couldn’t put it down. This is the perfect book for readers who like complexity in their romances. I could see this being a great choice for bookclubs since the spice factor is low (although the chemistry is palpable) and there so much to discuss about morality, misogyny, etc. Highly recommended.

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

The Shippers by Katherine Center

5*

 

It’s a slam dunk when one of my favorite romance authors writes my favorite trope: childhood friends to lovers. In a nod to The Runaway Bride, Center weaves a story about Jojo, a woman who thinks she’s cursed to love only men who won’t love her back. As a result, she dumps them before they can dump her, including leaving the last one at the altar. In the hopes of breaking the curse, her sister Ashley concocts a scheme based on the idea that Jojo just needs to get the guy who gave her her first kiss, blindfolded, to fall in love with her while on Ashley’s weeklong wedding cruise. So why is Jojo more invested in renewing her friendship with Cooper than capturing Finn’s heart?

 

In Center’s author’s note, she talks about spoilers and argues that romance books always have a happily-ever-after but it’s the journey to love that’s there for readers to discover. So, enjoy the ride as mathematician Jojo applies her life’s work to the theory of love and tying up loose ends. Highly recommended.

 

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

 

The Last Page by Katie Holt

 

5*

Although it touches on grief, guilt and depression, The Last Page is mostly a humorous story with a steamy workplace romance and one of the most eccentric and endearing cast of characters (The Last Page bookstore’s staff) I’ve ever read. The theme of chosen family is central to the story, and I couldn’t help reflecting on the idea of New York, with its huge population, being one of the loneliest places on earth. Ella and Henry, through the power of reading and shared love of books, managed to foster a sense of belonging and family for a hefty slice of the city’s denizens, including Henry himself. One of my favorite elements of the book are the “Staff Picks” at the start of each chapter. (My overwhelming TBR list has grown.)

As I read the passages where Ella shares her favorite parts of her city as only a native can, I couldn’t help thinking of Kate Clayborn’s wonderful book, Love Lettering, which I called “a love letter to NYC” when I reviewed it several years ago, as well as Cole and Layla Are Just Friends by Bethany Turner. All three have their protagonists fall in love while exploring the city. If you know readers who love NYC and/or bookstores, please share this delightful enemies-to-lovers romance. Highly recommended!

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

How to Fake it in Society by KJ Charles

 

5*

This is the first book by KJ Charles that I’ve read, but I now look forward to reading more.

I loved both the leads for different reasons. Titus is honest, people-pleasing, and in definite need of a break after his landlord/ex-lover raises his rent beyond what he can pay. In desperation, he agrees to a wild scheme put forth by one of his best customers. In juxtaposition, Nico is charming, also desperate but for different reasons, and a surprisingly sincere French aristocrat who befriends Titus in the hopes that he’ll help him stave off a vicious loan shark. What starts as a friendship becomes so much more as each of them learns from the other: Titus, to not put everyone else’s needs before his own to his detriment and Nico, that there are good people in the world willing to overlook some morally questionable motivations that don’t truly reflect the good person he is. It’s no wonder that romantic feelings start to grow.

I read this in one sitting and found quite a bit of humor juxtaposed against some true villains and the absurdity of primogeniture. The chemistry between Titus and Nico was slow-burning but heartwarming. In a time when homosexuality was illegal, it’s so refreshing to read a romance in which. despite having to keep it hidden from society, the leads welcome the opportunity to turn their backs on the haute ton with their judgment and compulsive need to find rich husbands for their daughters. A delightful read!

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



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First and Forever by Lynn Painter

5*

I love that, no matter how bad my mood, reading a Painter romance snaps me out of it. First and Forever is a swoon-worthy, hilarious delight that had me laughing from the first scene and didn’t let up. Duffy DiStefano is snarky, tells it like it is, and isn’t one to back down from a challenge. She’s also been friend-zoned with every guy she’s ever dated because she’s so easy to like and doesn’t play the games like other women do. Lucky for her, Heisman-winning tight end Connor Cunningham likes a challenge. What starts out as an agreement to be her fake boyfriend in order to make her grieving and ailing father happy becomes so much more as they get to know each other, whether it’s scootering to White Castle or coaching a kids’ flag football team. Connor, despite his fame and devastatingly handsome looks, is an absolute sweetheart who goes out of his way to make her and her father’s life more comfortable, but is he too good to be true?

I don’t think I’ve ever laughed more while reading a romance. Whether it’s taking on a hoard of zombies or verbally sparring with Duff’s dad, Tony (an absolute hoot!), the humor doesn’t quit. Of course, at its core, this is a romance and Painter delivers incredible chemistry and some spicy scenes, too. This is one of those books that you wish you could read again for the first time, which is the highest compliment I can give. So, pick this one up for the perfect beach read. Highly recommended.

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

Down with the Ship by Chloe Jory

 

4*

With a nod to Pride and Prejudice, Jory’s debut novel hits all the high points: grumpy male lead, classism, enemies-to-lovers, the relationship between sisters, and first world problems of the rich. She sets her story in Fiji, on a yacht owned by a billionaire media family, where Stella (an uptight, recently suspended PhD art history fellow) has joined her sister Jules, her fiancé Harry and his family for a two-week cruise. Imagine her surprise when she finds out the charming, handsome first mate who came to her rescue after being injured on the beach is actually the ship’s captain, who is none too happy to see her. Although they’re at odds with each other from the outset, the chill between them thaws as they face down killer sharks, discover a romantic bioluminescent lagoon, and escape near death falling down a cliff. In the process, Stella begins to question if she even likes the life and career she’s built, especially as it’s taken her far away from the art she enjoyed making for most of her pre-college life. As Caleb observes, it’s never too late to change the course of your life to find happiness with your chosen profession.

This lighthearted, adventurous romance makes a fantastic beach read with its gorgeous Fijian setting, many humorous moments, and just enough yearning and spice to make it interesting. An added bonus is Jory’s focus on conservation efforts to save the coral reefs. Fans of Katherine Center and Christina Lauren will thoroughly enjoy this. Highly recommended.

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

Happy Ending by Chloe Liese

 

4*

Unlike most friends to lovers stories, Alex and Thea (or Ted, as he calls her) begin as strangers when they meet up at her old house and find that both his and her exes have gotten together within a week of Thea’s divorce. So what’s the best way to save face and get back at them? Pretend they’re old friends and each other’s first love. However, their fake friendship is so full of affectionate touches, genuine openness and honesty, mutual respect, and admissions of love (as in friendship, of course) that their exes and his family assume that they’re actually a couple. The question is whether either of them will be willing to make it real.

I loved the dynamic between Alex and Thea. He’s the perfect book boyfriend and she’s a kind, quirky bookseller who adores his daughter Mia. Their friendship is enviable, whether it’s cooking her healthy and delicious meals (he’s a James Beard-winning, Michelin-starred chef), helping each other kick bad habits (his smoking and her addiction to gas station hotdogs), sharing time with his precocious and adorable daughter and her dog Argos, or just enjoying cuddle time. I really appreciated her friendship with her friend Lauren (who has a good-natured competition with Alex for being Thea’s BFF). Thea’s ex, Ethan, is the epitome of a “man baby,” making you wonder what Jen, Alex’s ex, sees in him. Although we don’t see much of them, Alex’s big, loud extended Italian-American family also play a part in their journey.

Liese can always be depended on to write heartwarming romances with characters who are flawed but happily embraced by their love interests. Witty banter is always on display, and there are many hilarious moments in this story, especially when Thea “roasts” her ex. Family plays a big part as well. If you’re all about the happy endings, you’ll thoroughly enjoy her latest offering. 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.

Love and Other Side Effects by Deidra Duncan

 

4*

Grief is a powerful thing, and this bittersweet romance is flooded with it. Luckily for Joss, Asher’s steadfastness, kindness, and friendship keep her from drowning in it, although her metaphorical walls are a mile high and nearly insurmountable. This lovely and frequently hilarious story by Duncan strikes a good balance between romance, humor and grief, but the path to love is a very twisted one, with many heartbreaking scenes. Joss’s denialism does start to get tedious, but Mother Nature has a wicked way of leveling the playing field. Asher is a “beautiful unicorn” of a man who has his own insecurities which he hides well behind his charm and affability. Joss's and his friendship is enviable, although I frequently wanted to shake some sense into both of them. Overall, though, I really enjoyed their story and recommend it to fans of Katherine Center, Kate Clayborn, Abby Jimenez and Christina Lauren.

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

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

 

4*

Although the premise of this new romance by West is a fun one, there are subjects that are emotionally heavy and take away from the otherwise lightheartedness of the story. Foremost is Sutton’s mother who is one of the meanest characters I’ve ever read about. Her obsession with the husband who left when Sutton was 13 and never returned is in direct opposition to the love she should have for her daughter, especially since she dropped everything (including being at her new and struggling restaurant) to take care of her mother who was injured in a serious car accident. I kept hoping she had walked out and left her ungrateful mother to figure out how to pay for a caregiver/nurse.

Although I enjoyed the progression of Sutton and Elijah’s journey from strangers to lovers, any relationship that begins with deceit is bound to be rocky. Add to that the fact that Sutton would need to return to LA as soon as her mother is healed enough to take care of herself, and Elijah feels obligated to work at a job he hates in order to pay his father back for funding a boxing gym Elijah didn’t even want, and it’s no surprise there’s a third act breakup (my least favorite romantic plot device). However, I really appreciate how West resolved the conflict. Overall, this is still a funny story and one that readers will enjoy. Recommended.

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

Your Soulmail is Attached by Joan F. Smith

 

4*

I requested this title because of its unique premise: every legal adult in the world simultaneously received an untraceable, undeletable email telling them the name and date of birth of their soulmate. So, what happens when your soulmate isn’t your current partner or they’re not alive or they’re not a romantic partner but a close friend or family member? In a world where technology has, in many respects, replaced real humans, is it any surprise that the vast majority of the world’s population believes that the information they’ve been given is absolute truth?

Smith spends most of the book focusing on the soulmate phenomenon, Olivia’s job in broadcast news, and her interactions with both her cheating ex Wells and her childhood friend Caleb, who came back into her life shortly after the emails were received. What she doesn’t do, much to my disappointment, is give readers a well-developed romance between Olivia and Caleb. Yes, they spend time together and the attraction that they had in their teens is still alive, but there’s very little chemistry and it’s one of the slowest burns I’ve read. If you like a little spice in your romances, this may not appeal to you.

Overall, however, it’s an engaging read that would be fun for book club discussions about the ethics of technology (especially AI), the impact of being stripped of free will, and the origins of the emails.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from MIRA through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.
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The Paris Match by Kate Clayborn

5*

I am a big fan of Kate Clayborn’s and eagerly look forward to each new book. The Paris Match was well worth the wait. One of her greatest skills is in full evidence here: writing nuanced and flawed characters who fall in love despite some heavy damage and work to overcome their pasts in order to feel worthy of the objects of their affection. This is written in third person, but there is enough internal monologue for readers to be tuned into the innermost thoughts and fears of the characters. Griff and Layla who, on the surface, seem to be polar opposites are actually very well-matched. He is the grumpy to her sunshine, but maybe because she is a doctor and has witnessed immense suffering, she has the patience and insight to recognize that his gruffness isn’t so much a personality trait as a coping mechanism for his chronic pain. As a result of this insight and the time they spend alone together (discovering the hidden treasures found throughout Paris where they’re both visiting for a destination wedding), Layla comes to Griff’s defense when he is scapegoated by people who should know better.

Clayborn uses themes from both Beauty and the Beast and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, especially Griff’s numerous references to being a self-imposed prisoner in a “belltower” following the long ago event that left him deeply scarred in both body and mind. They both face metaphorical demons and work on themselves to reach the happy ending they both deserve. Highly recommended.

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



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A Girl Like Her (Ravenswood #1) by Talia Hibbert

4*

Spoilers ahead…





I read and thoroughly enjoyed Hibbert’s The Brown Sisters trilogy, but I have never read her earlier books until now. This is an edited reprint of A Girl Like Her, book one in the Ravenswood series. Although I struggled with the story in the first few chapters, I eventually got into it and thoroughly enjoyed it. Like the Brown sisters and Hibbert herself, Ruth is autistic. Her unique way of navigating the world is heavily influenced by her neurodivergency, but she’s been harshly treated by the people in the small town after they mistakenly believed the town’s golden boy (and her secret boyfriend of seven years) when he accused her of coming on to him when he got engaged to someone else. Like so many women in controlling relationships, she blamed herself and hid away to avoid the censure of the townspeople. It wasn’t until she met Evan, who befriended her and accepted her as she was, quirks and all, that she finally began to let go of her misplaced guilt. He wasn’t put off by her prickliness and eventually won her trust, giving her the confidence to face her demons.

There were difficult moments in the story that could be triggering for some readers, but Evan’s innate goodness and Ruth’s bluntness and lack of guile were refreshing. Usually small-town romances are endearing, but this one showed more of the bad behavior fueled by gossip that can ruin a person’s life. Given that Ruth and Evan are a biracial couple, I was thankful that there was no sign of racism. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. Recommended.

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

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

5*

As a big fan of Kennedy’s Off-Campus, Briar U and Campus Diaries series, I was excited to read the romance between John Logan’s daughter Blake and Garrett Graham’s son Wyatt, both of whom we met in previous books. I was not disappointed. Childhood friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes and throw in some forced proximity and a bunch of steam and voila…another winner! Readers will be delighted by how many of the characters from both series are prominently featured, often through hilarious group chats this close-knit chosen family uses to communicate. There are so many of them now that it was hard to keep all their names straight.

The family dynamics enhance the slow burn romance between Blake and Wyatt rather than detracting from it. The focus is on both of them working through their insecurities about their futures, feeling like they don’t measure up to the successes their parents, siblings and friends have achieved, However, they end up becoming each other’s champions as Wyatt navigates the music industry and Blake tries to figure out what career she might be passionate about as she approaches graduation. A subplot of a ghost story that Blake begins researching adds a mysterious element to the novel.

Although this isn’t technically part of the Campus Diaries series, it seems to me that it should be other than the fact that it doesn’t take place at Briar U. So, if you’re looking for a delightful, heartfelt story while waiting for the Off-Campus television premiere later this year, pick this one up. (On a personal note, the actor playing Allie DiLaurentis is a former student of mine. Big glow up from her days on the Barnie show!) Highly recommended.

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

The A to Z of Everything by Debbie Johnson

 

5*

This brilliant women’s fiction novel is an exploration of grief and a literal and figurative journey towards forgiveness. Told in alternating voices (mother Andrea through videos, audio clips, and written notes, her daughters Rose and Poppy, and even her best friend Lewis and Rose’s son Joe), it begins with the surprising death of Andrea whose dying wish is for her estranged daughters to reunite, remember the good times in their early lives, and ultimately forgive each other. Her masterful plan, The A to Z of Everything, is full of activities that go from emotionally heavy to lighthearted while exposing secrets, forcing Rose and Poppy to be vulnerable with each other, and even bringing some enlightenment, all well navigating their grief.

Damn, this woman can write! Johnson masterfully balances everything from grief and postpartum depression to hilarious karaoke nights and glitter-adorned dice games, allowing her readers to experience the emotional highs and lows of her well-drawn characters. It elicited both laughter and tears and captivated me from the start. This is a reissue, originally published in the UK in 2017. Highly recommended.

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

The Starter Ex by Mia Sosa

4*

This is such a cute premise that Sosa has served to us with a liberal dash of the Puerto Rican diaspora Vanessa and Jason are part of. With the culturally diverse NYC as the backdrop, these gorgeous kids navigate the beginnings of a friendship based on a lie. Vanessa is carrying a heavy secret, one that has kept her away from her loving family for years. As a way to make amends, she agrees to revive her college side gig, the starter ex, for her sister who has crushed on Jason, her best friend’s older brother, for years. When he and Vanessa start catching feelings, however, things are bound to get messy.

Sosa does a wonderful job creating a cast of characters who help drive the narrative, from Jason’s acerbic lesbian sister Denise to both of their bilingual, food-loving parents. Although both main characters carry some baggage, they also handle conflict with compassion and eventual maturity. If you’re looking for a steamy but sweet urban romance, you’ll love this book. Highly recommended.

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.

No Matter What by Cara Bastone

5*

I read Bastone’s last 2 books and gave them both 5*. As I read this one and kept putting it down, I struggled to figure out what was so off-putting about this story that I couldn;t become fully-immersed. Then I realized it's because my least favorite romance trope is miscommunication, and No Matter What drowns in it. It’s a huge plot point, and I’m just not comfortable with men who can’t seem to get their thoughts out of their mouths.

If I take the failure to communicate out of the equation, I can appreciate that Bastone beautifully describes the work a solid marriage takes to survive and that a life-changing accident and its aftermath can truly test the strength of love. The pressure of surviving, taking care of a brother whose injuries are complex and slow to heal, and navigating a new normal all put a strain on Roz and Vin’s relationship. It took me awhile, but I finally figured out how her pursuit of art was her way of healing and he had his own way.

This would be an easy 5* read for someone who has no problem with poor communication, but I just couldn’t get past it enough to enjoy the story without that limitation.

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.

One Week to Win the Chocolate Maker by Timothy Janovsky

4*

This is just the kind of feel-good, cute romance I’ve come to expect with Timothy Janovsky. There’s no angst, and the two male leads are open, honest, and caring. I’m not usually a fan of Instalove, but I totally buy into the fantasy of an opposites attract couple (the heir to a chocolate empire and a poor fledgling tattoo artist from a Pennsylvania blue-collar town) who find love in a week with the backdrop of the gorgeous Italian countryside. There are no villains, no heavy angst, and no poor communication skills. It’s just plain fun. Recommended.

Thanks to Afterglow Books (Harlequin) and Netgalley for the ARC. Opinions expressed are my own.

Saoirse by Charleen Hurtubise

5*

This book made me feel both uncomfortable and angry. From childhood, Saoirse (formerly known as Sarah) has been failed by the adults in her life. Her mother had her at age 16 and was ill-equipped to handle a child, especially with a drug addiction. Her stepfather is terrifying, and the “system” didn’t save her. Instead, she saved herself by escaping to Ireland with a stolen passport, and this is where the story begins. Unfortunately, it’s also where she meets Paul on the plane. The book is a series of flashbacks, using Saoirse’s haunting artwork to tell the story. It speaks to the strength this traumatized young woman has to protect those she loves and to move to another country alone while still in her teens.

Hurtubise does a phenomenal job of balancing the suspense of the past Saoirse is hiding, the abuse that leaves its psychological mark on her, a touching romance, and an indictment of the social service programs in the US and the strict, misogynistic laws in Ireland that trap women in terrible relationships where their only potentially safe option is to flee the country.

This would be a wonderful choice for book clubs but also has a number of triggers to be aware of. Highly recommended.

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

An Ocean of Time by Kennedy Kerr

4*

I would have given this book 5 stars for the compelling, suspenseful, romantic story. However, without warning, it ended on a cliffhanger. If I’d known, I would have waited until the 2nd (and perhaps successive) book had come out because I’m just not patient enough to wait.

If, however, you don’t mind cliffhangers, I definitely recommend this intriguing time slip novel set in Cornwall, UK in 1755. There’s forbidden romance, villainous treachery, and deep, dark secrets that keep you at the edge of your seat. Recommended. 

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

Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven

 

4*

I’ve now met the Newmans, and I’m richer for it. Set in 1964 (with flashbacks to earlier years), it tells the story of a “real” family who have played themselves on television for over 10 years (the earliest scripted reality TV). In addition to learning more about father Del, mother Dinah, and sons Guy and Shep, it also focuses on a changing society, especially as it concerns women’s rights. When Del is in an accident and put in an induced coma, Dinah is forced to deal with the fallout. Their “out-of-touch” show is nearing the end of its long run, but Del (writer, producer, director, and star) isn’t awake to write the finale. So, despite pressure from the studio execs and their agent, Dinah, along with young LA Times journalist Juliet (who is facing chauvinism and misogyny in her workplace), decides to take on the task herself. In the weeks leading up to the live finale, Dinah struggles with keeping Del’s condition a secret, realizes that she has subjugated who she is in deference to Del and the other men in her life, and begins to open her eyes to the fledgling fight for women’s rights at a very volatile time in U.S. history.

Although the Newman family is loosely based on the real Nelson TV family, Niven gives us a solid look into the impact being in the public eye has on not just Dinah  and Del but also their sons who had to grow up in front of the cameras. Guy is the “good” son who follows the rules and remains clean-cut and scandal-free (although he has a huge secret he’s keeping) and Shep is the “bad boy” musician who constantly pushes the boundaries and rebels against the constraints put on him by his parents’ choices.

This is very much a slow burn narrative, but Niven gives her readers plenty of juicy tidbits to keep the book flowing. Fans of Taylor Jenkins Reid will love this story which has some similar themes as Daisy Jones and the Six. Recommended.

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

Honey Bee Mine by Sarah T. Dubb

 

5*

In a very worthy follow-up to her debut novel, Birding with Benefits, Dubb takes her readers from birdwatching to beekeeping with the same heart, humor, and steam that gained her fans in the first place. In Honey Bee Mine, she introduces us to Penny and Zander, two thirty-somethings who knew each other peripherally as teens but are now actually connecting as adults who are carrying loads of baggage from absent parents. This small town romance includes the requisite festival (the Honey Festival) and a quirky cast of secondary characters including Zander’s ex- wife Mallory, best friend Quinn (a trans woman), Penny’s best friend RJ (an asexual man), her mother and grandmother, Zander’s son Winter, and the painful memories he has of his late grandfather whose bequest of a house brought Zander back to Sullivan’s Glen after nearly two decades.


Dubb avoids the third act break-up thanks to the maturity, vulnerability and honesty between Penny and Zander. Told in third person, the story is laden with eloquent prose and thoughtful, careful dialogue. Fans of Emily Henry, Abby Jimenez, Katherine Center, Kate Clayborn, and Christina Lauren will love this compelling, endearing romance. 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.