Book Review: "The Shampoo Effect" by Jenny Jackson

“Back in high school, when they all started drinking and going out, they became obsessed with ‘the shampoo effect.’ When they had a big night of partying and followed it with a beer the next morning, they could get drunk again in an instant, the way a second squirt of shampoo in the shower produced outsized suds….Fran thought about the shampoo effect at moments like this, and the way it applied to so many interpersonal dynamics—the way that in these old relationships nobody was ever really working from a clean slate, new feelings were built on old feelings.”

Caroline leaves her publishing job and her life in New York City to move to the beach town of Greenhead, Massachusetts. She’s won a prestigious fellowship and plans to work on her first novel.

Not long after arriving in Greenhead, she falls for Van, an environmentalist who has definite border collie energy. Van grew up in Greenhead and still socializes with all of his childhood friends. Caroline is brought into the circle, but feels like an outcast, given everyone’s shared memories.

Shortly after they start dating seriously, Van tells Caroline that Bailey, a friend he has slept with on and off since high school, is pregnant. The baby is his, but neither has romantic feelings for one another. This becomes another hoop Caroline must jump through with Van’s friends, who would rather see him be with Bailey and raise their child together.

Despite all his assurances to the contrary, Van can’t get enough of fatherhood and wants to be a huge part of his son’s life. So he breaks up with Caroline and soon moves in with Bailey. Caroline is so hurt by this that she writes a short story about this group of friends, changing names but revealing secrets and quirks they all don’t know about each other. This rocks the group to their core.

I enjoyed this story but the pacing felt a bit slow. I could predict how the book would conclude but it felt like it took a long time to get there. I do like the way Jenny Jackson writes, though!

Book Review: "The Lowe Job" by Grace Alexander

I thought this was absolutely great. Such gossipy, soapy fun, but with some serious themes thrown in. Grace Alexander hit her debut novel out of the park!⁣

⁣ “It started with a blow job. They had aspirations for it to become the most notorious blow job of all time. It was a lofty aim. They knew that realistically they were never going to beat that blow job—you know the one—but the least they could do is try.”⁣

⁣ Lili Lowe is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who wants a career in politics. Her intelligence is often discounted because of her looks, and she is valued by her boss, who is a member of Parliament. One day she is caught by the paparazzi giving her boss a blow job in his car. A scandal erupts that threatens to ruin her life, while her boss seems to escape reasonably unscathed.⁣

⁣ But Lili has a hidden asset: her mother, Lydia. Once a ruthless talent agent, Lydia has a plan to milk the scandal for all it’s worth. Her machinations lead to media opportunities, endorsement deals, and a reality show called The Lowe Job. Lili, Lydia, and her three other daughters become household names—whether they want to or not.⁣

The book follows the Lowe women through the ups and downs of post-scandal life, and also traces the past of each of them. Lili’s three sisters—ambitious Stevie, ethereal Iris, and distraught teenage Katie—each have their own reactions to their newfound fame, and each has their own issues to deal with.⁣

⁣ I really couldn’t get enough of this book. It definitely had some very pointed commentary about the double standard that exists between men and women when a sex scandal erupts. These are not totally likable characters, but I was hooked on their stories.

The book will publish 6/16.⁣

Book Review: "Dear Debbie" by Freida McFadden

Oh, Debbie, Debbie, Debbie. You are such a fantastically memorable character in one hell of a book!

Debbie is an advice columnist for her local newspaper. For years she’s been helping women deal with difficulties they’re having with their husbands, children, families, etc. But taking her own advice isn’t the easiest thing.

Lately, though, Debbie has been struggling. Her older daughter snaps at everything she does or says, her younger daughter is sullen and clearly hiding a problem. And her husband is definitely up to something. She notices that he stops sharing his location on his phone from time to time. Plus, other people just make her angry.

Debbie has always kept her mouth shut as best as she can. But keeping her cool is getting more and more difficult. So it might be time to right some wrongs and protect her family. No matter what it takes.

This is funny and twisty and even a little bit menacing. I don’t know if I’ve ever devoured a book so quickly in my life. What a great job Freida McFadden did with this!

Book Review: "The Odds of You" by Kate Dramis

Sage had always dreamed of being a writer. Her first book made it on the New York Times bestseller list, which is a rarity for a debut author. Of course, now the pressure is on for her to deliver her second book, pressure she’s not handling very well.

On a cross-country flight to Comic Con she strikes up a conversation with a man whom the flight attendant is quite enamored of. When they arrive at the airport, the paparazzi circle because the passenger is Theo Sharpe, an actor who’s just about to become a huge star. And the paparazzi think Sage is his mystery girlfriend, which quickly turns into a PR nightmare for her, as Theo’s fans accuse her of being opportunistic.

No matter how hard Sage’s camp denies there’s any connection between her and Theo, the press keeps fueling the fire. And while there is certainly chemistry between the two, they can’t act on it. All of this is taking its toll on Sage’s confidence and it’s manifesting itself in continued writer’s block.

To escape the pressure and the constant judgment of her parents, who want her to pursue a more stable career path, Sage goes to Scotland to clear her head. The last thing she’s expecting is to see Theo at a pub, but his family has a home there. Slowly, they start to let each other in and both leave themselves tremendously vulnerable. But they understand each other’s struggles, which makes it even harder when secrets are revealed and the world re-enters.

“What do you do when your greatest might never live up, not because it can’t, but because people’s imaginations are boundless, and so the comparison is impossible?”

Third-act breakup notwithstanding, I found this book to be very moving and I was fully immersed in their struggles. While Kate Dramis has written romantasy before, this is her first contemporary romance, and she did a great job. Can’t wait to see what’s next!

Book Review: "The Mad Wife" by Meagan Church

“‘We call this hysteria.’ He said it so matter-of-factly. I didn’t feel hysterical, and I wanted to tell him that, but I feared that anything I said would only prove his point. Instead, I smiled and nodded. He packed up his bag and continued, saying, ‘I see this in women such as yourself all the time, this housewife syndrome. You’re a bit tired, doing a lot around the house. Not really feeling like yourself. Finding yourself a bit moody like your kids.’”

I’ve been meaning to read this book for a while. I had a feeling it would be a powerful one, but wow. (Kudos to Meagan Church for an introductory note that says, “If you find the pages growing heavy, if the emotions press too hard against your heart, please know you have permission to set the book down. Step away, take a breath, and return only when you’re ready.”)

Lulu tries hard to be a model housewife of the 1950s. She knows what her responsibilities are: keep her husband happy, take care of her young son Wesley, clean the house, cook meals, and be a fabulous entertainer. And as the so-called Queen of Molded Food, her gelatin salads and desserts are the envy of all.

Following the birth of Lulu’s second child, everything starts to unravel. She’s not sleeping, she’s tired all the time, and she’s just not happy or in the mood to be the perfect housewife. When new neighbors move in across the street, Lulu becomes fixated on the wife, Bitsy.

The more difficult it is for Lulu to pull herself together and be happy, the more scrutiny she finds herself under. And as she uncovers secrets about Bitsy, she starts to worry if she’ll face the same fate. But what’s true and what has Lulu invented in her mind?

This book really packs an emotional punch. It’s sad to think that this was (and in some cases, still is) the reality for women in the 1950s. I absolutely felt for Lulu and rooted for her to have a happy ending. Definitely a thought-provoking read!!

Book Review: "The Academy" by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

I didn’t go to boarding school and I didn’t want to, but I cannot get enough of boarding/prep school fiction. And while dark academia can be fun, nothing beats good old-fashioned drama.

Tiffin Academy has always been in the middle of the pack where boarding schools are concerned. Yet on the first day of a new school year, a huge surprise occurs: Tiffin has risen to #2 on the annual America Today rankings. That’s a 17-point jump, and it’s even a shock to Audre, the head of school.

The board president has invested a great deal of money in improvements—including a gourmet chef. But still, no one really understands how the school climbed so high in one year, especially given the fact that a popular student committed suicide the previous year.

Like many boarding schools, academics at Tiffin take a backseat to parties and gossip. The majority of the students are children of extremely wealthy parents and are used to getting their way. Yet into the mix comes Charley, a new student from Maryland—very rarely are new students admitted as juniors. But Charley is extremely smart and she’s utterly disinterested in the social games of her peers, which of course only intrigues her classmates more.

Over the course of one year at Tiffin, there’s lots of drama to be had. The new, beautiful Canadian history teacher has secrets to hide and finds herself infatuated with an older student. The TikTok influencer is struggling with her own issues while keeping up appearances. And then a controversial app seems to know what everyone is hiding and what everyone’s missteps are.

There are a lot of characters in this book; some you root for and some you dislike. Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter have created a juicy little world and I was there for every last backstabbing minute. There were a few threads that were brought up and never resolved, so is a sequel on the horizon?

The book publishes 9/16.

Book Review: "For the Record" by Emma Lord

Mackenzie was a pop star, part of a trio called Thunder Hearts. She and her two best friends had the time of their lives performing songs she wrote.

Sam was the lead singer of Candy Shard, a punk band. When their agents thought putting the two bands together for a tour might work, they had no idea that the chemistry between Sam and Mackenzie would ignite. Their will-they-or-won’t-they act had fans rooting for them, but after taking a step towards something, it quickly fell apart, and shortly after, both bands did as well.

Two years later, Sam has traded punk for a more acoustic singer/songwriter style, but no label seems interested. While he dreams of a second chance, he’s also happy helping to raise Ben, his young son, whom he found out about around the time his band fell apart.

Mackenzie, too, is looking for a change. After some surgical procedures left her voice altered a bit, she’s not felt comfortable performing, except under a pseudonym who uploads songs online. Seeing Sam again reawakens the complicated feelings she had for him, a combination of rivalry, desire, and friendship. It quickly becomes clear that the only way they’ll both get their second chance is by writing and performing a joint album.

Collaborating again will require them (mostly Mackenzie) to put aside their negative feelings towards one another. As their relationship deepens, the same flames spark again, but both have secrets they’re not ready to share. And on top of that, have they both matured enough to have a real relationship?

Emma Lord’s books are really cute, and Sam and Mackenzie really do have great chemistry with one another. But interestingly enough, while this is an adult romance, it skewed a little YA for me—although that was totally fine. I loved the insights into their creative process and the banter.

Book Review: "The Cover Girl" by Amy Rossi

“The thing about being someone’s idea of beautiful was that because people felt comfortable looking at you, they assumed you felt comfortable in the world.”⁣

⁣ Birdie was 13, and she was living a fairly unremarkable life. Her parents’ marriage was unhappy and her mother often told her she had no personality, so she was lucky she was tall and reasonably attractive. Then one day, while shopping with her mother at a department store in NYC, Birdie was discovered by famed modeling agent Harriet Goldman. And in that moment, her life changed dramatically.⁣

⁣ In the mid 1970s, no one seemed to have concerns about a 13-year-old modeling and interacting with men much older than her. But over the first two years of her career, she came into her own, realizing that she could control what people saw when they looked at her. When she was 15, she posed for an album cover, and the 31-year-old rock star fell head over heels for her. ⁣

⁣ The rock star asked Birdie to go on tour with him, and her parents essentially sign her over to him, making him her guardian. Harriet warns her not to get involved with someone like him, but the excitement is too much to pass up. And when it ends, the experience leaves Birdie reeling.⁣

Some 30 years later, Birdie lives a quiet life outside the spotlight. She gets Botox, contemplates a face lift, and takes Pilates. And then she gets invited to a gala celebrating Harriet’s 50-year career. She doesn’t want to go, as they’ve been estranged for years, but she can’t not go. But doing so means she must finally confront all she lived through, as well as become comfortable with growing older.⁣

⁣ You really feel for Birdie and the many ways people mistreated her or let her down. It’s really quite difficult at times, but ultimately you hope she has the strength to confront her past. The book shifts between past and present, and while it moves slowly, it’s very well told.⁣

Book Review: "Book of the Month" by Jennifer Probst

This was a fun summer read as the season ends, meteorologically, at least. My thanks to Jennifer Probst, Get Red PR Books, and Blue Box Press for the complimentary advance copy.

Aspen’s first novel was an overnight success. But after writing two more books, all readers can still talk about is her first. Is she washed up already? Destined to be a one-book wonder?

What made her first book so good and so meaningful was that it was based on her own heartbreak and anguish and rage. But since she has barely dated since the breakup that inspired her to write, her subsequent books haven’t connected emotionally with her readers. She needs to write another hit. Fast.

Hoping a change of scenery will help, she travels to the Outer Banks to stay with her sister for the summer. Aspen believes that if she can find a man to romance her and then break her heart, she’ll tap into her literary mojo once again. And she finds the perfect man: Brick Babel, a handsome local with a reputation for hot sex and then emotional destruction. (There’s even a support group for women dealing with the aftereffects of dating him.)

Despite the fact that everyone—including her sister—warns her about Brick, she’s determined. It doesn’t help that he rejects her every advance. But when she offers him money to save the tour business he inherited, in exchange for some love and heartbreak, he reluctantly agrees. Yet when the sparks start flying for real, it becomes more difficult to distinguish truth from fiction.

I love fake dating romances, so this hit the spot. I didn’t always love Aspen’s character, but Brick and the supporting characters were so good, even Dug the dog. Crazily enough, I’ve yet to read any other of Jennifer Probst’s books, so I’m ready for more.

The book publishes 10/22.

Book Review: "Forbidden Puckboy" by Eden Finley and Saxon James

If you’ve been following me at all, you know how much I love hockey romances, and this series is one of two that was responsible for stoking that fire. So glad this one is continuing!!

Knox dreamed of being a professional hockey player since he was young, and entering the league with his best friend Connor. But he never felt he was good enough, so he decided to become a ref instead, while Connor has become a popular NHL star.

Easton, Connor’s younger brother, is following in his footsteps and has been drafted on the same team. He’s had a crush on Knox since he was 16, but Knox would never get involved with him out of loyalty to Connor (although he definitely wanted to). And even now that they’re both adults, and there’s clearly attraction between the two of them, Knox keeps his distance.

But when Easton participates in a hockey game for queer players and allies—one that Knox will referee—Connor is worried that Easton will hook up with another player and cause a scandal. So he enlists Knox to keep Easton out of trouble, which is fine for Knox, so he doesn’t have to be jealous of Easton being with someone else.

After a little too much alcohol (actually, a lot), Knox and Easton get tangled up. While both don’t want Connor to know (for different reasons), their long-pent-up feelings are obvious to everyone. And when Connor finds out about his brother and his best friend, he causes some trouble, but realizes he can’t lose them both. So Knox and Easton decide to give being together a try.

“…there’s only one thing worse than your dream man being nothing like you thought he would be. And that’s your dream man being everything you imagined.”

This book, as well as the entire series, is full of banter, emotion, and steam. Knox is a bit of a whiner, which grows annoying kind of quickly, but it’s still an enjoyable story. Can’t wait for Book 8 in March!!

Book Review: "Bad Reputation" by Emma Barry

Maggie loved her job as a teacher and drama coach. But when she is fired for putting on a controversial play, she sues the school district and becomes an outspoken advocate against censorship. That brings her to the attention of the showrunner for Waverley (think Bridgerton), and she lands a job as an intimacy coordinator for the show.

When Cole starred in a hit teen drama, he was known more for his abs and his himbo attitude than his talent. In the years since then, he’s worked to rehabilitate his career and separate himself from the character that made him. But he’s hoping that Waverley will take him to the next level.

Both Maggie and Cole are immediately attracted to one another, but they know that acting on their feelings would be crossing a line. And the more she works with the cast on their love scenes, the more she identifies some long-hidden trauma among them.

Filming in England and Scotland goes well, and the attraction between Cole and Maggie intensifies. Early buzz about the series and Cole’s performance is strong, so better opportunities come his way. Maggie isn’t sure what she wants to do after the show is done, and as much as she’d like to be with Cole, she’s not sure that’s the right decision.

Yet as they embark on a relationship, scandal emerges that threatens to undo them both, and perhaps the show as well. They both realize that if their love is to survive—and if their careers are to thrive—they’ll have to fight with everything they have.

This was so enjoyable, full of all of the things I love about rom-coms: chemistry, banter, steam, likable characters, and a Hollywood setting. I couldn’t get enough of this, and I can’t wait for Emma Barry’s next book!

The book will publish 10/1.

Book Review: "Rip Tide" by Colleen McKeegan

Kimmy Devine leaves her prestigious finance job to move back to Rocky Cape, her hometown on the Jersey shore. When she graduated high school 15 years before, she swore she’d never move back, but she’s taking over the family business so her parents can retire. Her sister Erin moved home prior to the pandemic, following the end of her marriage.

Kimmy had forgotten what a small town Rocky Cape was. (Too small, actually.) And within a few days of her return, tragedy strikes: their former neighbor, Peter, was found dead in the water following the Devines’ party to celebrate their daughters. But Peter was more than just a neighbor when Kimmy and Erin were in high school.

It’s not long before Kimmy and Erin fall into their same behavior patterns from high school, and they’ve never quite escaped the gossip and secrets from that time. But in the aftermath of Peter’s death, all of the old resentments and hurts are revisited and brought into the light.

The book is told in two separate timelines: from 2005-2007, when the sisters were in high school, and 2022, when the tragedy occurs. It’s mostly narrated by Kimmy and Erin, as young women and adults.

Colleen McKeegan really captured the essence of the mid-2000s, with AOL Instant Messenger and MySpace, along with the fashion and music. But while this is billed as a mystery, it’s much more of a family drama than anything else.

The pacing of the book was really slow at times, but the epilogue is where all the big secrets are revealed, quite quickly. I wanted to like this more than I did, but it definitely had some elements I enjoyed.

Book Review: "Swan Song" by Elin Hilderbrand

I’ve never been to Nantucket (sounds like the start of a limerick, doesn’t it?), but reading Elin Hilderbrand’s books over the last several years, I feel like I’ve visited multiple times. And Swan Song is reportedly Hilderbrand’s last Nantucket book, so I may have to go for real!

Bull and Leslee Richardson arrive in Nantucket in mid-June. They've moved from place to place, all over the world. For an island like Nantucket, where everyone knows everyone (unless they’re tourists), the Richardsons are like an exotic species that everyone wants to find out more about. Interest increases when word gets out that they’ve paid $22 million for an exclusive house.

Leslee is desperate to fit in, so she throws elaborate parties, ingratiates herself with anyone important to know on Nantucket, and she is a flatterer and a flirt. Shortly after their arrival, the Richardsons are the talk of the island and they can have whatever they desire, from exclusive restaurant reservations to membership in a prestigious club.

But somewhere between June and August, something happens to make the residents turn on the couple. And then one night, when out on their yacht, their house burns down and their “personal concierge,” Coco, goes missing.

What’s the real story behind the Richardsons’ fall from grace? Who set the fire? What happened to Coco? There are lots of mysteries to be solved amidst the rumors and gossip. This book seems overstuffed with characters and events at first, but it’s amazing how Hilderbrand pulls it all together. I’m sad there will be no more Nantucket books, but I’ll be waiting for whatever comes next!

Book Review: "Pageboy" by Elliot Page

I read very few celebrity memoirs, but when I heard that Elliot Page had written a book about his journey from struggling with being queer to the realization and acceptance of his identity as a trans man, I knew it was the perfect read for Pride Month.

Raised by divorced parents, verbally and emotionally abused by his stepmother and stepsiblings, Elliot had a rich fantasy life. He really wanted to be a boy, and often insisted on wearing boyish clothes and short hair. But as he grew older, his mother was less supportive of what she saw as merely tomboyish qualities.

He turned to acting as an escape from reality. At times it was frustrating that he had to wear dresses for the female characters he played. But as success grew—including an Oscar nomination for Juno—he found himself being forced into the role of quirky actress, and forced to hide who he truly was.

This was a terrific book, full of emotion, uncomfortable moments (for Elliot), sadness, and jubilant self-acceptance. There’s even a little Hollywood gossip.

“The act of writing, reading, and sharing the multitude of our experiences is an important step in standing up to those who wish to silence us. I’ve nothing new or profound to say, nothing that hasn’t been said before, but I know books have helped me, saved me even, so perhaps this can help someone feel less alone, seen, no matter who they are or what journey they are on.“

Book Review: "You'll Be the Death of Me" by Karen M. McManus

You'll Be the Death of Me is another twisty YA mystery from one who does them so well!

They probably should have just taken a sick day…

Ivy, Cal, and Mateo were once inseparable best friends. In 8th grade, they skipped out of a field trip and had an epic adventure, but then things changed and got complicated, and now, in their senior year of high school, they barely talk.

But when all three arrive at school at the same time, and none are motivated to actually start the day, Cal suggests that they try another skip day. Why not? If Ivy can avoid the humiliation of listening to the burnout that beat her for student council president declare victory, even better.

Of course, shortly after they escape the school they realize they have nothing to talk about. So when they decide to follow a classmate whose presence away from school surprises them, they can’t believe it when he winds up dead and the police start to circle.

Suddenly they’re on the run, while rumors and school gossip run amok, and they realize there are a lot of secrets they’re hiding from one another. Can they get to the bottom of what’s going on before one or more of them winds up in danger—or is accused of the crime?

This started a little slowly but it really picked up steam. Karen M. McManus has a formula for her books that draws you in. She’s definitely an auto-buy author for me!

Book Review: "The View Was Exhausting" by Mikaella Clements and Onjuli Datta

When Taylor Jenkins Reid calls a book “a pure delight,” you listen. Boy, did I love this romantic, soapy story of a couple whose on-again, off-again relationship keeps the public utterly captivated!

“The world thought Win had the perfect love story with the perfect man, passionate and devoted, always breathless, always in the honeymoon stage, stormy and on-again, off-again but still that strange, magical thing: true love. But Win had something better than that. She had a friend, and a secret.”

Whitman “Win” Tagore is a beautiful British Indian actress whose talent is mesmerizing. She burst on the scene as a teenager and has had a successful career, but hasn’t quite reached the heights she deserves because the film industry has impossible expectations for an actress of color.

Sometimes the stress gets to her and publicity turns against her. And that’s when she turns to Leo Milanowski, the playboy heir to a hotel fortune, who at times is followed by his own cloud of trouble and ennui. The two have been romantically linked numerous times, and whenever they’re together their romance lifts both of them out of whatever scandal either faces and distracts the public into buying into their love story.

But while their romance is for show, there’s no denying the pull they feel for one another. And when Leo finds himself in the midst of a real scandal it threatens to undo everything—and it forces them to realize what’s real and what’s for show.

I thought The View Was Exhausting was just excellent. I love “Hollywood” novels even if this didn’t take place in Hollywood, and I thought it raised some interesting discussion about racism in the film industry. I was utterly captivated from start to finish!

Book Review: "Charming as a Verb" by Ben Philippe

In Ben Philippe's new book, Charming as a Verb, making it look like everything comes easy for you is often really hard work.

At first glance, Henri Haltiwanger (otherwise known as “Halti” or “HH”) seems to have life in the palm of his hand. He’s first-generation American, the son of hard-working Haitian immigrants; he’s a good student at the prestigious FATE Academy, where he’s well-liked; and he runs a dog-walking business for upscale New Yorkers.

The one thing he wants more than anything is to go to Columbia University. It’s also his father’s dream for Henri, so there’s added pressure and worry about whether he’ll get in.

But one person isn’t impressed with Halti—his fellow student and neighbor, Corinne Troy. Super-smart and “intense,” she discovers the scheme Halti has been running with his dog walking business, so she blackmails him. She wants him to help her become more likable and appear to be less driven to her peers.

Before long, “Cori” is actually pleasant to be around, and she and Halti start to lean on each other more and more, and share their personal challenges and fears. She helps Halti see what his dreams could be instead of what he thinks they must be, and they both let down their guard to let each other in.

But when Halti cracks under the pressure, things fall apart. It's time for him to prove that he’s more than just a charming guy, and that he is deserving of the opportunities he so desperately seeks.

I really liked this book. I enjoy Ben Philippe’s storytelling (I enjoyed his first book, The Field Guide to the North American Teenager) and thought these characters were terrific. (I especially loved Halti’s bromance with his best friend, Ming.)

Charming as a Verb really captured the pressures that teenagers face, particularly the children of immigrants. I’ll admit I was annoyed by one thing Halti did and it almost made me stop reading, but after a bit I realized how someone in his position might do the same.

Philippe is so talented, so I can’t wait to see what he does next!

Book Review: "Rodham" by Curtis Sittenfeld

Rodham is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at what could have been, at least filtered through Curtis Sittenfeld's mind.

Nearly everyone has an opinion of Hillary Clinton. Some love her, some admire her, some think she’s truly evil and corrupt. But no matter how polarizing a figure she is, there’s no denying the world’s interest in the Clinton family.

In 1971, Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham met at Yale Law School. She’s a highly intellectual activist; he’s already planning a political future. He's flirtatious and magnetic, she was once told by a boy that she had a crush on that he thought of her as a guy. They’re drawn to each other passionately, and for Hillary, this relationship leaves her undone in ways she never expected.

In real life, Bill proposed to Hillary several times, and she ultimately said yes. But Rodham imagines a different scenario—in the book, Sittenfeld explores what might have happened if Hillary ultimately said no to Bill’s proposal. What does the trajectory of her life look like? What happens to Bill?

The book follows Hillary through 2016 and charts a very interesting personal and political path. She and Bill encounter each other through the years, and there’s no denying the pull they feel for one another. But is it possible to have everything you want all at the same time?

This was a fascinating read. Sittenfeld did a great job imagining Hillary as a woman and a politician, and how those two roles both mesh and clash. The life she created for Hillary was both admirable and bleak, and the “what-if” scenario was utterly compelling.

There are some steamy sex scenes which made me uncomfortable, because it was like reading about your parents having sex. But other than that, I’m a fan of Sittenfeld’s writing, and in Rodham, she has created a powerful character from a powerful woman.

Book Review: "The Cul-de-Sac" by BJ Irons

Steamy sex and drama on Calumny Court! Who says the suburbs are boring? Not BJ Irons, in his new book, The Cul-de-Sac.

Like many married couples, Lucas and Bennett have decided it’s time to abandon their wild city life for a fancy house in the suburbs. And the house on Calumny Court, a well-appointed cul-de-sac, seems perfect.

What they don’t count on are Zach and Skyler. Both of their families live on the cul-de-sac, and both are used to playing mind games and getting exactly what they want. Zach and Skyler are both gay, and love to compete with each other, so they set their sights on Lucas and Bennett. Who can seduce one half of the new neighbor couple first? But does this rivalry mask real feelings?

The Cul-de-Sac is deliciously soapy and it was a great change of pace for me. The sex scenes (all M/M) are pretty hot and steamy.

I’m glad I don’t live on Calumny Court but I sure enjoyed reading about it! Book 2 is forthcoming...

The author provided me a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!

Book Review: "These Vengeful Hearts" by Katherine Laurin

In Katherine Laurin's These Vengeful Hearts, secrets are the most powerful currency of all.

Why do I love books about secret societies and mean girls? My high school experience was hard enough without having to worry about some cabal of students who had the power to make lives miserable. (In my day, we just called them jerks. Or worse.)

At Heller High, the Red Court has all the power. Students ask favors of them—some good, some bad—and the Court’s leader, known as the Queen of Hearts, decides whether the favor should be granted. Whether it’s rigging an election, helping you ace an exam or a class, even breaking up a couple, the Red Court wields its power and then will ultimately demand something of those they help.

Ember has dreamed of taking down the Red Court since she was in middle school, when they led to her sister getting hurt. Now a sophomore at Heller, she’s completely thrilled when she’s finally tapped to be a member.

As she starts to take on her “responsibilities” and build her case against the Red Court, she starts to get caught up in the power she suddenly has access to. And when her tasks get increasingly personal, she knows she has to stop at nothing to take the Queen down.

But first she has to figure out who she is. And who will get caught in the crossfire?

Even though I’ve certainly seen this type of story before, I was still pretty hooked on These Vengeful Hearts. It’s crazy how twisted these students can be but most of what they asked for seemed like things you could see people wanting, be willing to do anything for.

Laurin threw lots of twists in here; some I saw coming and others surprised me. I think a second book may be on the horizon so it will be interesting to see what comes next!

I’m grateful to have been part of the blog tour for this book. Inkyard Press provided a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks for making it available!!