Book Review: "Just Another Stupid Love Story" by Katelyn Doyle

I’ve always been a sap, so rom-coms and romances have always been a go-to genre for me. And while many of them are predictable—and I love their predictability—I’ve been really captivated lately by romances with a combination of banter, steam, and an exploration of more complex emotions.

Molly is dreading her 15-year high school reunion, but she’s capitulated to the wishes of her two best friends. Being back in Florida where she grew up isn’t that much fun for her, and she’s dreading she’s going to run into Seth, her high school boyfriend, whom she dumped unceremoniously right before graduation.

Seth is shocked to see Molly, who skipped both their earlier reunions. He knows Molly is a successful screenwriter of rom-coms, which is ironic, given how badly she broke his heart. But he’s happy to see her too, and with the liquor flowing, they’re back to flirting and even a few rounds of post-reunion sex.

The two are immensely different, though. Molly, despite writing rom-com scripts, doesn’t believe in love or soulmates; in fact, the minute she gets too close to someone, she sabotages things and flees. Seth, on the other hand, is all about love. He falls too quickly and too hard, and things never work out as he hopes.

They make a friendly wager about the future of five couples and vow to reconvene at their 20-year reunion. But of course, neither can get the other out of their mind, and every time they connect with each other they find themselves either wanting to be together or one pushes the other away.

I really loved this book, even though I kept picturing Seth Rogen, lol, despite the description of the character not fitting him. There are a lot of emotions explored here, fears and habits and how we handle happiness. The banter was top-notch, as was the steam, and I honestly couldn’t get enough.

Book Review: "Assassins Anonymous" by Rob Hart

I loved this concept and this book so much!

Mark was a hired assassin, one whose accomplishments were spoken about in terms of reverence. Known as the Pale Horse, his reputation invoked fear and admiration in other assassins as well as those his victims left behind.

But after he loses control of a situation, Mark realizes how exhausting it is to be a monster-for-hire. He knows he doesn’t really deserve a “normal” life given all he’s done, but he’d like to give that a try. So he walks away from his life as the Pale Horse, and joins a 12-step support group for former assassins, where they vow to channel their energies in different directions to keep them from killing.

Following the 12 steps is therapeutic for Mark, although it’s certainly strange not to use violence anymore. But a few days short of his 1-year anniversary, he is attacked at the end of a meeting. He doesn’t know his assailant but fighting him does reawaken the dormant feelings he has squelched during his recovery.

The attack sets off a chain of events which signal to Mark that his identity has been compromised. But who wants him dead? He goes on the run from New York to Singapore to London to try and find answers and those responsible, but he can’t kill anyone, no matter how much he wants to. But whom can he trust?

This was a fast-moving, whip-smart, intense thriller that I absolutely devoured. I’d love if this was the start of a series, because Mark is a great character, as were many of the supporting characters, including P. Kitty. (IYKYK)