Book Review: "The Bookstore Keepers" by Alice Hoffman

“…aloneness breeds loneliness, and loneliness will come between you and your beloved before you know it and drive you apart.”

I have been loving this series of stories Alice Hoffman has written! The first two stories, The Bookstore Sisters and The Bookstore Wedding, were packed with so much emotion and beauty, and the newest one is just as exceptional.

Sisters Isabel and Sophie run a bookstore together in their hometown of Brinkley’s Island, Maine. Both have weathered major upheavals in their lives and were apart for a number of years, only to find their way back to one another. And while their lives are intertwined, they each have carved out their own space.

One morning, Isabel’s husband Johnny awakens from a dream, crying. What he saw in the dream, and how it manifests itself in real life, has a significant impact on both him and Isabel. Sometimes, when the one you love is struggling, the best thing you can do for them is be a safe harbor when they need you.

Meanwhile, Sophie’s daughter Violet returns to the island after college, and everyone expects that she will take over the bookstore at some point. Yet she has dreams of her own, but how do you know if it’s the right time to live for yourself?

Hoffman’s writing is so beautifully poetic and full of heart. I love the way she creates a fully realized world in a short number of pages, and I’ve been carrying these characters in my heart. I always say that the mark of a good book is one that makes you wish you knew the characters in real life. That’s definitely the case here.

Book Review: "Flirty Dancing" by Jennifer Moffatt

I don’t know about you, but I can’t resist a book that has this as its title! Thanks so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advance copy of this fun book.

Archer was an accountant in Ohio who quit his job to move to NYC and pursue his dream of being on Broadway. But the auditioning isn’t going well, and maybe his mother is right: 27 is too old to chase your dreams. Still, he goes on one more audition, vowing to head back to Ohio if he doesn’t succeed.

He lands a job as a performer at Shady Queens, an LGBTQ-friendly resort in the Catskills. It’s not quite what he was hoping for, but you never know where your big break can come from. Much to his surprise, he learns that one of his co-stars is Mateo Dixon, once a Broadway star and Archer’s teenage crush.

After Mateo’s time on Broadway flamed out in spectacular fashion, Shady Queens is one of the only jobs he can get. He’s not thrilled to have been the target of Archer’s teenage worship (which has maybe carried over into his 20s), but all he wants to do is dance. Maybe he’s a little standoffish, but he’s still sexy as hell in Archer’s eyes.

Archer tries to build a friendship with Mateo but always seems to say and do the wrong things. And when a relationship with Caleb, one of his castmates, turns sour, it adds to the drama and tension among the performers. The show starts to suffer, and it’s up to the performers to buckle down and try to leave their emotional issues offstage.

As a huge fan of musical theater and romance, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were fun, emotional, and overly dramatic, much like you’d imagine performers to be. I loved the chemistry between Archer and Mateo, and at times it felt like Shady Queens reminded me of Kellerman’s from Dirty Dancing.

The book will publish 5/27/2025.

Book Review: "We All Live Here" by Jojo Moyes

Okay, I’m ready to be blown away by a Jojo Moyes book again. I’ve not loved the last few, including this one, so maybe I just need her to write another tearjerker.

Lila’s in a bit of a crisis. Her marriage has ended and her husband’s new girlfriend is everywhere, her daughters are both rebelling, and her widowed stepfather has moved into her house without actually discussing it with her first. Into this maelstrom comes her biological father, who left to pursue an acting career when she was young, and wasn’t particularly good about keeping in touch.

Perhaps Lila’s biggest problem is that her editor is pressuring her for her next book. But given that she writes about relationships—and an article she wrote about her husband was published about two weeks before their divorce was announced—coming up with something new is difficult. Who is she to give advice on successful relationships?

Trying to find the strength to move on, to accept that her marriage has ended and she needs to figure out what’s next is exhausting. How can she keep it together both professionally and emotionally when all she wants to do is fall apart?

The possibility of a new romance illuminates her. As she attempts to play peacemaker between her father and stepfather, she realizes that nearly everyone has some wisdom to share, even those with a bad track record.

I felt like this book was soooo slow and it took a while to become fond of Lila’s character. But I liked what Moyes had to say about forgiveness, and how often forgiving ourselves is the first step to healing.

Book Review: "Royal Scoundrel" by Saxon James

Saxon James’ “Frat Wars” series was really enjoyable (and very hot), but in my opinion, it was too short. I definitely wanted more than three books!

Royal Scoundrel is a prequel which takes place about 20 years before the other books in the series. Dash is a scholarship student at a school where the rich legacies rule. And the Rho Kappa Tau fraternity is the worst of them.

“They’re all rich, all entitled, and ninety percent of them are white guys with generations of being told they’re God’s gift to the universe.”

It figures that the one guy Dash can’t get out of his mind is Archie—Archibald Levine III, to be exact. Archie always has women hanging all over him, so he’s way out of Dash’s league, right? Then why did he stop Dash from a random hookup during a Kappa party?

It turns out Archie is interested in Dash, but he’s totally closeted. Archie’s father expects him to marry a suitable woman and become a lawyer; he certainly wouldn’t accept a gay son. But as much as Dash can’t stop thinking about Archie, Archie feels the same about Dash. Maybe if they fool around a bit (in secret, of course), Archie can get Dash out of his system and go about pursuing what his father expects of him.

This was such a steamy book. Even though I knew where the plot would go, I couldn’t get enough of the chemistry between Archie and Dash, as they both tried to reconcile what they feel for each other with what is expected of them. What’s cool is that these characters are actually the fathers of a character in the third book, Frat Wars: Presidential Chaos.

Book Review: "The Meadowbrook Murders" by Jessica Goodman

It’s the start of senior year at Meadowbrook Academy. Roommates and best friends Amy and Sarah are excited for all that lies ahead, from soccer games to parties and spending time together before they head off to college.

After she and Sarah had a big argument at a party, Amy finds solace in Joseph, her boyfriend. But when she wakes up the next morning, she is horrified to find Sarah and her boyfriend are dead, clearly victims of murder.

The school is rocked by the double murder. Students and their parents are fearful there could be a killer on the loose, but it’s not long before some students start to suspect Amy. After all, she and Sarah had a fight the night before. And with Amy hiding the fact that Joseph—who is not a Meadowbrook student—was in her room that night, could she be guilty?

Liz is the editor of the school newspaper and an aspiring journalist. She’s also a loner, and her ambition to break the murder story wide open doesn’t win her many friends. But when Amy is moved into her dorm room, she tries to help her get answers to her questions, even if her motives get questioned by her peers and the administration alike.

Little by little, both Amy and Liz uncover secrets that Sarah and others kept hidden. Will they be able to figure out the identity of the killer before it’s too late?

Even though I had a feeling about the killer fairly early on, I enjoyed this book. I’m a fan of Jessica Goodman and like the darker tone her books take on. And this book reminded me why I was glad I never went to prep school!

Book Review: "This is a Love Story" by Jessica Soffer

This was definitely a book I loved the concept of more than the execution. It’s definitely an emotional read, however, and there is content that could be triggering for some.

Abe and Jane have been together for more than 50 years. They’ve shared a beautiful love story, raised a son, and each experienced great success—Abe as a writer and poet, and Jane as an artist. Life hasn’t always been perfect, and they’ve struggled through the years, but there have been so many memorable moments.

Now, June is dying. Abe is recounting their love story for Jane to ensure she remembers what they’ve shared. He doesn’t just talk about the times when their love was new, fiery, and pure. He also talks about the challenges—Jane being angry when she felt Abe wasn’t concentrating on his art, the lack of connection between Jane and their son, Max, and times when it was easier for them to be apart than together.

One consistent fixture in their lives was Central Park. They went there as young lovers, as parents, and as they aged. They visited together and alone, at times joyous, inspired, sad, or angry.

The book shifts through past and present, and is narrated by Abe, Jane, Max, and a former student of Abe’s. There are also sections “narrated” by Central Park, which serve as a Greek chorus of sorts, reflecting upon how so many lives passed through the Park.

Jessica Soffer’s use of language and images is exceptional. She has a very unique style which worked at times for me but not always. Just as I got used to one character’s narration, someone else would take over. I really wanted to love this, so I’m a bit disappointed, but I’m still glad I read it.

Book Review: "The Unmaking of June Farrow" by Adrienne Young

I picked this up as part of my continuing quest to read books I already own as opposed to just chasing new and shiny ones. Adrienne Young utterly slayed me with this incredible book. I am slain.

“It came for my grandmother, as it came for my mother, and now it had come for me. For years, the town of Jasper had been watching me, waiting for the madness to show itself. They didn’t know it was already there, brimming beneath the surface.”

June Farrow’s family has lived in Jasper, North Carolina for generations. The women in June’s family are known for their flower farm, and they’re known for the curse that has affected them. They remember June’s mother, Susanna, who disappeared when she was pregnant, only to leave the baby with her mother and disappear for good.

June took care of her grandmother in the last years of her life, her memories disappearing. But even before her grandmother died, June was already seeing and hearing things, and experiencing memories she doesn’t recall occurring. She knows the time will come when she will need to be cared for, and that is why she’s always pushed the idea of love and children away.

After her grandmother dies, June finds a photograph that sends her reeling. She tracks down a few other clues to try and figure out what is happening to her, and then she realizes that the door she’s been seeing isn’t a hallucination: it’s real. She can walk through it. But when she does, what she finds could change both the past and the future, and make her realize what she truly wants.

I thought this was truly beautiful and so moving. I’m a huge fan of magical realism and time loops, so the book worked for me completely. Adrienne Young is an incredibly talented storyteller, that’s for sure!!

Book Review: "A Gorgeous Excitement" by Cynthia Weiner

Powerful and moving, Cynthia Weiner’s debut novel captures the boredom and impatience that occurs in the summer before college. Inspired by her own coming of age, it felt so authentic to its setting, NYC in 1986.

Nina is so ready to leave NYC and attend college at Vanderbilt. Her mother’s manic depression leaves her and her father constantly walking on eggshells, and she can’t wait to be away from not knowing what mood her mother will be in. She’s also Jewish in a sea of blue-eyed blondes.

Before she leaves for college, however, she’s determined to lose her virginity. Her drunken encounters with guys she knows have all been disasters, and she hates feeling like she’s the only one left who hasn’t had sex. She wants to go to college as a totally different person.

She spends the summer after high school graduation cycling in and out of temp jobs, and she and her friends spend most of their time at Flanagan’s, the bar where the preppy kids hang out. Nina starts falling for Gardner—handsome, preppy, and enigmatic—but with a self-destructive edge.

As they grow closer, and Nina discovers cocaine, things become more tumultuous. There are fights with friends, her mother seems to recover thanks to a new drug, and it all culminates with a shocking murder—inspired by the actual “Preppy Murder.”

Having been in high school in 1986, I remember this time all too well. Nina isn’t always the most likable but her story is compelling, and Weiner using her own experiences definitely added weight to the story.

Book Review: "My Darlings" by Marie Still

This book was utterly unhinged and crazy, yet I couldn’t get enough of it! I think it’ll be running through my brain for a long while.

Eloise seems to have it all—a wealthy husband, a breathtakingly beautiful mansion just outside Washington DC, a talented daughter, and a circle of close friends. She’s even the president of the PTO at her daughter’s prestigious private school.

She’s also a serial killer. And her need to kill seems to be increasing.

As she searches for her next victim, drama within her circle of friends creates chaos. Eloise is always the problem-solver, the one who offers solutions. But the chaos offers her opportunities.

There’s someone out there with their eye on Eloise. They know what she’s doing and they know what she’s capable of. Can they stop Eloise before she destroys everyone in her path?

You’ll want to check the trigger warnings on this book. It’s so twisty and crazy and goes gloriously off the rails. There are multiple narrators and the story shifts between past and present. I know one thing: Marie Still is definitely an author I’ll be following from now on!!

Book Review: "Change of Heart" by Falon Ballard

When you find an author whose books you love completely, you jump on each new one right away. Or at least I do! That’s been the case with a number of authors since I joined Bookstagram, including Falon Ballard. I’ve loved every single one of her books!

Cam is an attorney whose entire life revolves around work. She is a partner in her grandmother’s law firm and expects to take over someday. So what if she has no work/life balance? She’s a kickass attorney and that’s all that matters.

But Cam’s grandmother wants her to find a suitable partner, so she sets her up on dates. One night Cam goes out with Ben, a handsome doctor, and although he seems nice and smart, she can’t be bothered with getting to know him. She’d rather deal with her work emails. So she’s rude to him and the friendly waitress who believes there’s a connection between Cam and Ben, whether or not they see it.

The next morning, Cam wakes up in an unfamiliar place: Heart Springs, a town straight out of a Hallmark movie. Her hair and makeup are always perfect, the clothes in her closet are far from the power suits she’s used to. Ben is her next door neighbor, and he doesn’t know how they got there either.

It turns out that Cam will be trapped in Heart Springs until she finds a job she’s passionate about, becomes a valued part of the community, and experience true love. Which should be interesting, given she doesn’t believe in love. Can she change her life—and her heart?

I love rom-coms and I love magical realism, so this book was right up my alley. There’s great banter, great steam, and fun characters—it feels like a cross between a Hallmark movie and The Truman Show. Once again, Ballard has charmed me completely.

Book Review: "Mazeltov" by Eli Zuzovsky

Usually when I pick up a book I’ve not heard of before, I look at the synopsis to see if it grabs me. But sadly, the synopsis can be misleading, causing you to expect something from the book that you’re not going to get.

I saw an ad in my FB feed for Mazeltov, and I was immediately intrigued. A coming-of-age novel about an Israeli boy discovering his queerness while living in a time of war? Sign me up!

The challenge was, this book is told in fractured chapters which jump from time to time, narrated by people you aren’t familiar with, and sometimes they weren’t even about Adam, the main character. So much is left for interpretation and extrapolation—I know some love those aspects of literary fiction, but I’d rather not have to work while I read.

“He always wanted to become the wanderer he thought that he was meant to be and make a home in the cities of his dreams, which were perpetually bright and inexpensive and never hostile to the Jews.”

The book follows Adam at different points in his life. There’s the day his newly religious father takes him to a mountain and cuts his hair for the first time. His bar mitzvah, which doesn’t go well. A school play, which also doesn’t go well for him. Moments of coming to terms with his queerness following his mandatory military service.

While I didn’t love this book, I definitely was taken in by Eli Zuzovsky’s use of language and imagery. He’s very talented; I just wish this was told in a more linear fashion.

Book Review: "First-Time Caller" by B.K. Borison

I’m so grateful to Berkley and NetGalley for providing access to an advance copy of this amazing book!

Aiden is the host of “Heartstrings,” a Baltimore radio show that provides romantic advice for the lovelorn and those struggling to find or keep love. But lately, he’s not been enjoying his job, and that’s been reflected in the ratings. He’s just over the whole concept of love.

One night during his show he gets a call from a 12-year-old girl named Maya. She tells Aiden that her mother never goes on dates and that she is lonely, and asks Aiden to help her. When Lucie, Maya’s mom, discovers who her daughter has been talking with, she unexpectedly bears her soul on the radio. And of course, the show goes viral, so people all over the world are rooting for Lucie to find love.

“When the whole world tells you you’re silly for wanting the things you want, you start to believe them. You start to think you’re not worth it. That if the things you’re waiting for do exist, they’re not for someone like you.”

The radio station’s general manager invites Lucie to join Aiden’s show in the hopes that he can help her find her happily ever after. As listeners follow along, Lucie starts dating again. But will she find her soulmate this way, or are the feelings sparked behind the microphone the ones she wants to pursue?

I absolutely fell in love with B.K. Borison’s Lovelight Farms series, and while I’m sad that she didn’t continue with that, this is the start of a new one I love already. She is such a fantastic storyteller, and the characters she creates are tremendously memorable. They’re the kind of people you want in your life.

Book Review: "Poetry on Ice" by Jesse H Reign

Even though I feel like suddenly hockey romances are EVERYWHERE (I was reading them before they were cool), I need to have my fix. And holy hell, this book was S-T-E-A-M-Y!! (Not that I’m complaining, but…)

Robbie has been traded to the Seattle Vipers. He’s happy to be playing for the team he grew up rooting for, although they’re not as good as his last team. He’s also a bit intimidated by one of his new teammates, Ant. Ant is one of hockey’s bad boys, and for some reason, he’s always had it out for Robbie.

Ant has always felt competitive with Robbie, has always compared his stats to Robbie’s to ensure he is stronger, faster, better. As soon as Robbie joins the team, there is friction between them which instigates fistfights. Not the best look for two of the Vipers’ hottest players, but Ant loves getting a rise out of Robbie.

As the tension grows between them and the team suffers, the coach makes them practice together for hours on end so they can be in sync. He also makes them share hotel rooms when the team is on the road. And it is there where things turn from fighting to, well, you know.

Ant is the dominant one in their encounters and that suits Robbie just fine. While he does everything he can to discourage Robbie from catching feelings, as Ant doesn’t do relationships, it’s not long before Ant realizes he’s fallen for Robbie. And that scares him. A lot.

This was my first book by Jesse H Reign, and it definitely won’t be my last! I enjoyed the character development, the emotion, and the banter as much as the serious heat.

Book Review: "The Bones Beneath My Skin" by TJ Klune

“Not until they feel a heart beating in a chest like I have. Not until I felt the bones beneath my skin. We’re not alike. Not really. We’re separated by time and space. And yet, somehow we’re all made of dust and stars.”

Three of TJ Klune’s books have been at the top of my annual best books list, so needless to say, this was an eagerly anticipated read for me. While it wasn’t quite what I expected, I still enjoyed it tremendously for all of its Klune-like magic.

In 1995, Nate has lost both of his parents, he’s estranged from his brother, and he lost his job as a journalist in Washington, DC. With nothing to do and nowhere else to turn, he travels to Roseland, Oregon, to his family’s summer cabin, which his mother left him in her will. He figures he can lay low there for a few months and enjoy the solitude while he plans his next steps.

But the cabin isn’t empty, as he had expected. Two people have been staying there: a man named Alex and a 10-year-old girl who says her name is Artemis Darth Vader. Nate doesn’t know what to make of either of them, but it’s not long before he realizes that Artemis is extraordinary, and there must be a reason why she and Alex are hiding.

When the truth is revealed, the book shifts into high gear and feels more movie-like, with bad guys appearing, chases, etc. But while all of the action and suspense are occurring, the bones beneath the story are still quiet and lovely.

Themes familiar to the Klune books I’ve loved are present here, too: found family, queer love, memorable children, and more than a touch of fantasy. While I would’ve loved more time with the characters themselves, I was hooked on this story and the magic Klune created.

Book Review: "Trust Issues" by Elizabeth McCullough Keenan and Greg Wands

Being on Bookstagram I have lots of friends who love thrillers, including my friend Kim. When she really raves about a book, I listen! This is the second thriller I’ve read recently because of her, and she hasn’t steered me wrong either time!

Hazel and Kagan are sister and brother, and they simultaneously support one another and tear each other down. Even though they’re adults, neither is particularly good with money, so they often turn to their mother for help. But she’s had enough, so when she refuses to keep funding the siblings, it strains her relationship with both.

When their mother dies under mysterious circumstances, they’re understandably sad. It’s not long, however, before their grief turns to greed, and they wonder what their inheritances will be. Imagine their surprise when they learn their mother cut them both out of her will.

Hazel and Kagan were both depending on the money from their mother’s estate, so they’re none too happy to be left empty-handed. They’re convinced that their mother’s second husband is to blame—and they want to make him pay, both literally and figuratively. The siblings find an unlikely partner in this mission, which takes them up and down the East Coast.

This is definitely one of those books that keeps you guessing, where you know not everything is what it seems, but you don’t know what to believe. It’s good to go into this book relatively blind.

The authors have written three books together under the name E.G. Scott. I’ve not read any of those, but I definitely will now, because I thought this was great! I devoured this and still wanted more.

Book Review: "Wedding Dashers" by Heather McBreen

This book was exactly what I needed! What a fun, sexy, and surprisingly emotional debut this was.

Whenever her sister Allison was sad or in trouble, Ada fixed it. She was there to pick up the pieces every time Allison’s relationships would go bad. But when Allison gets engaged after only knowing her fiancé for a short time, Ada keeps waiting for the other shoe to drop. And she might have told Allison that marrying Collin wasn’t the best idea.

The relationship between the sisters is definitely strained, which is why Ada is taking a budget airline to Allison’s fantasy wedding at a castle in Belfast. Of course, the travel gods are not on her side—her flight is canceled and there’s not another one for at least several days, which means she’ll miss the wedding.

As her travel karma goes from bad to worse, a meet-cute with a handsome man helps ease the pain. It turns out this stranger, Jack, happens to be the best man at Allison’s wedding, so the two plan to travel together—a plan that is fraught with roadblock after roadblock. They can’t deny their obvious attraction to one another, but Ada and her boyfriend of 8 years are on a break, and Jack has a reputation for being a bit of a player.

“I wish there was a word for it. The space between longing for someone but not quite loving them.”

Wedding Dashers is definitely a slow burn, and Ada’s early indecision is a little irksome, but the chemistry between her and Jack is excellent. Are there surprises? Not really. Did it matter? Not with the banter, the steam, and the emotion, not to mention the setting!!

Book Review: "More or Less Maddy" by Lisa Genova

“She’s bipolar. That word gets thrown around without a medical license all the time, mostly by boys to describe girls as crazy. It’s a derogatory dart meant to demean and dismiss its target. But those boys aren’t doctors, and Dr. Weaver isn’t hurling names.”

Maddy’s first year at NYU was definitely stressful, but isn’t that the case for most college freshmen? There’s dealing with a roommate, dealing with all of the work and exams, as navigating her emotions after her high school boyfriend broke up with her just before college.

She often feels like the black sheep of her family. Her sister and brother excel at everything, her mother cares tremendously about appearances, and it’s no wonder Maddy is always sad or anxious. But it all seems rather innocuous until her mood swings blossom into a full-blown manic episode, and she is diagnosed as bipolar.

“But this chose her. Without her consent, like an arranged marriage, till death do they part. She wants an annulment, a divorce, an open window onto a fire escape, a new doctor, a time machine. Some way out of this.”

Despite her doctor’s advice to lead a more tranquil life, Maddy decides what she wants is a career as a stand-up comedian. Of course, the pressure and the constant fear of rejection doesn’t count. And at times she’s convinced she’s writing Taylor Swift’s biography or being involved with one TV show or another.

This was a tremendously powerful, emotional book. It really captured the rawness of depression and bipolar disorder. But at the same time, there are touches of humor which lessens the heaviness of the book. Lisa Genova always tugs at my heartstrings with her books, and this one is no exception!!

Book Review: "Food for Thought: Essays and Ruminations" by Alton Brown

“To me, food is best when it’s not fussed over. Cook it as simply as you can, make it taste as good as you can without overcomplicating matters, serve it on a fairly simple, tasteful plate (if it’s chipped, even better), toss on a bit of parsley, and let it go. Do not fuss. Do not wipe down the edge of the plate. Do not position the stack of fries just so. Do not manipulate the Brussels sprout leaves with tweezers. We are humans, and wonderfully, imperfectly so. If it turns out that fussing is simply part of your DNA, do your imperfect best to not let it show, as it scares the rest of us.“

If there’s a chef who writes a book (not a cookbook), chances are I will read it. I’m fascinated by the paths that people followed into the culinary world, especially those who have some longevity, given people’s constantly changing tastes.

I used to be addicted to Food Network. On the weekends in particular, I’d watch a ton of cooking shows. And as much as I loved new recipes and techniques, I also loved understanding the science behind cooking, which is what drew me to Alton Brown and his show Good Eats.

Brown is a quirky personality but he is an absolute fount of culinary knowledge. His show not only taught ways to cook better but also helped viewers understand where their problems might lie. His humor was always on full display.

This book isn’t quite a memoir; it’s more a collection of essays, the majority of which center around food and how it became part of his life. From his early days of consuming every type of sugared cereal to reflections on his perfect martini, Brown provides insightful, fun, and thought-provoking commentary. He also talks plenty about Good Eats and his participation on Iron Chef America.

I thought this was a great book, as it was right up my alley. Even if you’re not familiar with Brown, if you’re a fan of food and cooking, there will definitely be something in here to enjoy!

Book Review: "Every Tom, Dick & Harry" by Elinor Lipman

What a fun, bighearted book this was! I think I might have had a smile on my face from start to finish.

“I’ve been estate-sale adjacent since I could add and give change, spending weekends at a table, wrapping and bagging purchases.”

Emma moved back to her small hometown of Harrow, Massachusetts, where her parents still live. She helps out with their estate-sale business, and when they decide to retire to Cape Cod, Emma takes over the business (which she renames “Estate of Mind”) and their house.

She hears about a large house being put on the market, so she quickly reaches out to see if the owners would let her handle the estate sale. It turns out that this wasn’t just any house—it was a bed and breakfast as well as a brothel. (The customers used different sets of stairs.) Given all of the furnishings and other tchotchkes in the house, Emma expects quite a windfall, but she doesn’t count on the stress that dealing with the madam, her ex-husband, and their daughter will bring.

There are many other things going on in Harrow. Emma begins a secret romance with Luke, the chief of police, whom she went to high school with. Her boarder, Frank, a retired high school teacher, begins dating Luke’s widowed mother. And then there’s all the craziness related to Frank’s late wife…

Elinor Lipman’s books always have complex and memorable characters, and often are quite humorous. There’s a lot going on here but it’s just such a sweet, fun read. And boy, given all that’s going on in the U.S., it’s exactly what I needed!

The book will publish 2/11/2025.

Book Review: "One Perfect Couple" by Ruth Ware

I was today years old when I read my first Ruth Ware book. I’ve been meaning to read her for a long while, but thanks to my book club’s selection of this one, I finally can check her off my list of authors I’ve yet to try.

Lyla is a virologist whose research isn’t going the way she or her boss had hoped. Now she’s in danger of her contract not getting renewed. That would make life difficult for her, since her boyfriend Nico, who lives with her, is a struggling actor who keeps searching for his big break.

Then he thinks he’s found it: his agent is recommending that he and Lyla be contestants on One Perfect Couple, a new reality show that will launch an all-reality show streaming channel. Nico is convinced that simply appearing on the show will give him the notoriety he needs to get to the next level, and he begs Lyla to participate with him, since it’s a show for couples.

Lyla reluctantly agrees but keeps waiting for the whole thing to fall apart. But before she knows it, they’re off to a secluded island in the Indian Ocean, to stay at a brand-new resort, where the show will be filmed. They’ll compete against four other couples for a cash prize of undetermined value, although Lyla doesn’t expect she’ll get very far.

Shortly after they arrive, things start going awry. It appears the challenges haven’t been thought through, which leaves everyone tense, and then (of course) a massive storm is headed for their island. They’re unable to get back to the mainland or communicate with anyone, and supplies—and patience—start running low. And then the contestants start dying…

Much like the true crime podcast, I’ve seen enough books centered around a reality show on a deserted island. The main problem I had beyond disliking every character was that this book was billed as an homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, and I didn’t get the comparison at all. I’ve been told to try another of Ware’s books, but I don’t know if I'm up for giving her a second chance.

Book Review: "I Think They Love You" by Julian Winters

Julian Winters is one of my auto-buy authors, so when I saw he had a new book coming out I was definitely excited. And as much as I’ve loved all of his YA books, learning this would be his first adult novel was even more exciting!

As the son of the CEO of 24 Carter Gold, Atlanta’s most prominent event planning company, Denz has always been expected to make a good impression. He’s tremendously conscious that someone is always watching him, which as an adult has translated into social media success for the company.

When his workaholic father announces his retirement and a search for the company’s new CEO, Denz decides to become a candidate. His family questions his seriousness and his commitment to things, so he tells them he has a boyfriend to prove them wrong.

Of course, now he has to find a boyfriend, or at least someone who’ll pretend to be one. The person to fill the role is the last person Denz is expecting: Braylon, his college boyfriend, who took a job in London after graduation and broke his heart. (Braylon needs Denz’s connections, so it’s not a one-sided fake relationship.)

As Denz jumps through hoops to try and prove his worthiness to be CEO, he and Braylon go all in on fake dating. Of course, there’s always some truth in every pretend relationship, but can either of them admit their true feelings before it’s too late?

I loved how much heart this book had. It’s not only a story about second chances; it’s also about family, friendship, ambition, fear, and trying to figure out what you want out of life. This is a sexy, romantic, emotional story, and proof that Julian Winters succeeds no matter what genre he’s in.

Book Review: "Make Sure You Die Screaming" by Zee Carlstrom

Thanks so much to Flatiron Books for the complimentary advance copy of this book! This definitely is a bleak yet well-written book that will stick in your mind.

If you think your life is out of control, it’s nothing compared to that of our unnamed narrator. They’ve recently come out as nonbinary, lost their corporate job in fairly spectacular fashion, and probably suffered a brain injury in a fight with their ex-boyfriend.

“I guess you could call me the World’s First Honest White Man, but I don’t identify as a man anymore, so you’d probably call me other things first…”

To top it off, their mother called to let them know that their father, an ultra-conservative conspiracy theorist, has gone missing. So now they’re headed from Chicago to Arkansas (no culture shock there) in a fancy car they’ve stolen from their ex-boyfriend.

Their partner on this road trip from hell is Yivi, whom they met when they were both crashing at an illegal Airbnb. Yivi has her own issues: she screams in her sleep, she’s constantly high on something, and there’s apparently someone following her.

This book taps into some really raw emotions. The narrator has been avoiding dealing with some real emotional baggage beyond their father’s disavowal of their sexuality. There’s loss, trauma, and addiction, but there’s also real rage at the inequity that exists. This isn’t a lighthearted book but it’s a good one.

It will publish 4/8/2025.

Book Review: "Starter Villain" by John Scalzi

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve looked at this book and thought about reading it. The cover cracks me up every time, so I took the plunge.

This is a creative book that is wacky as hell. Charlie used to be a happily married business journalist. Now he’s a divorced substitute teacher living with his cat in his late father’s house, which his siblings would like to sell from under him. He dreams of taking over the neighborhood pub—if only he can get $3.4 million.

Then he learns that his Uncle Jake, whom he hasn’t seen since he was 5, has died. There are lots of people who are happy he’s dead (once they’re sure he’s not faking it). It turns out that Uncle Jake was a billionaire, but his fortune wasn’t entirely legitimate.

Charlie suddenly finds himself in charge of his uncle’s super-villain empire. Now, he’s the target of all of those who wanted Jake dead. Figuring out what to do isn’t easy, but he can’t just hide out in his uncle’s secret volcano lair, can he? Luckily he has intelligent cats who can type, unionized (and foul mouthed) dolphins, and a few dangerous masterminds on his side.

“A stupid villain threatens, Charlie. A smarter villain offers a service.”

The book started out fairly normal but it gets crazier and crazier as the plot unfolds. I’m always amazed at the creativity of writers who can think of wild stories like this. I enjoyed it—although at times I felt like it was trying too hard—and thought it was a great change of pace from the heavier books I usually read.

Book Review: "The Lodge" by Kayla Olson

“…once you start falling, it’s nearly impossible to stop—you pick up speed, and you might flail a little to course-correct, but at the end of the day you find yourself in over your head.”

Alix is an entertainment journalist who has just landed a huge job, ghostwriting the memoir of Sebastian Green, one of the lead singers of the hugely popular boy band True North. She used to write about True North when the band was together, and in fact, she was the last person to interview the other lead singer, Jett Beckett, before he disappeared without a trace.

To ensure Alix has a quiet place to write the book as quickly as possible, Sebastian arranges for her stay in a penthouse apartment at a cushy ski lodge in Vermont. She spends hours transcribing Sebastian’s voice memos into a narrative, but she has so many questions and can never reach him to get clarification.

To take a break from writing, Alix starts spending time with her neighbor from the penthouse apartment next door. Tyler, the incredibly sexy, romantic ski instructor, awakens feelings in Alix that had remained dormant since she and her ex-boyfriend broke up. She can’t tell Tyler whom she’s writing about, and it appears that Tyler has some secrets he’s not ready to share either.

When a blizzard hits Vermont—a colossal storm called Yeti—it brings with it a storm of paparazzi and gossip. And while Alix is an excellent writer, even she can’t script the revealing of long-held secrets and hurts that follow.

This was a fun story and a sweet, clean romance. I wasn’t surprised with what transpired but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. While I know her character played a role in advancing the plot, Alix’s sister drove me crazy, and I could’ve done without her completely. But overall, this was a book with characters to root for and a story that made me smile.

Book Review: "In Gad We Trust: A Tell-Some" by Josh Gad

From the first time I saw him stumble onto the stage in The Book of Mormon, I’ve been a fan of Josh Gad’s. Whether seeing his face or just hearing his voice (as Olaf in Frozen), his presence in a show adds laughter and heart.

I’m always fascinated by funny people and what makes them tick. Where did their sense of humor and desire to make people laugh come from?

For Gad, his “radioactive-spider-bite-inception moment” was in kindergarten, when his mother threw his father out of the house for being unfaithful to her.

“The trauma of going from a full family unit to a broken household in a matter of minutes was fairly earth-shattering to me, but it would also set me on a course to become the entertainer I would one day be.”

What I enjoyed about this “Tell-Some” was the combination of Gad’s humorous asides and times when he addressed things that affected him emotionally. He talks about his parents’ divorce, his struggle with his weight and self-image, and what it felt like to become a father in the midst of his career trajectory starting to rise.

I don’t read a lot of memoirs, particularly celebrity memoirs, but there’s something about Gad that reminds me of myself. (In the fat Jewish kid who desperately wanted to show all of his doubters how talented he was way, not the Tony-nominated actor way.) It definitely revealed his complexity and served as a reminder that you never know what a person is going through just by looking at them!

Now…do you want to build a snowman?

Book Review: "Tell Me What You Did" by Carter Wilson

When you see that two of your friends said that this will be one of their favorite books of the year, you get it as soon as it is released. Now I can see what they mean!!

“See, that’s the thing about trauma. You never get to quit it. You never get to walk away from it and rediscover the innocence and joy you felt just before The Thing happened.”

Poe is the host of a popular true crime podcast, one in which people anonymously confess the crimes they’ve committed. She doesn’t guarantee that these “guests” won’t face arrest or prosecution, but the opportunity to unburden themselves to an unseen audience seems to outweigh any potential downsides.

Her most recent guest seems strangely familiar to her but she cannot seem to place him. Then he makes a shocking claim: he murdered Poe’s mother. Of course, Poe knows that can’t be true, because the man who murdered her mother is already dead. And because Poe killed him.

This man has information that only the real killer would know. Did Poe unknowingly kill an innocent man? And when the alleged murderer demands that Poe record his interview live—and she must confess to her own crime—she starts to wonder what is true and what is a lie.

I’ve said before that I think the whole podcast angle in thrillers has been played out, but it really worked here. This is a story of regret, revenge, fear, guilt, and courage under fire. Carter Wilson had me hooked from the first page and I completely devoured this book. I couldn’t wait to see how everything tied together.

Book Review: "Here Beside the Rising Tide" by Emily Jane

Happy Pub Week to this whimsical, wacky book! Thanks so much to Hyperion Avenue and NetGalley for the advance copy.

“Life was a losing battle, really. Everything else out there in the vast beyond was so lifeless and empty. Mostly, a person had to look away. But there came a moment, or many moments, when a person had to extract their proverbial head from the sand and set aside their screens and remove their headphones and stand witness.”

When she was 10, Jenni and her new best friend Timmy were having an incredible summer on Pearl Island. They spent countless hours on the beach and in the water, setting off fireworks, and simply enjoying the freedom of not having any responsibility. They even helped a strange sea creature make its way back to the ocean. But suddenly, Timmy disappeared one day when they were in the water, and no one knew what happened.

Now, at 40, Jenn is the bestselling author of a smutty romance/action series. She’s also in the midst of a divorce from her self-help-book-addicted husband, with their two children caught in the crossfire. Her next book is overdue and she needs to escape, so she rents a beach house on Pearl Island for the summer, hoping she can keep her soon-to-be-ex at bay.

One night a familiar-looking boy comes out of the water. He says his name is Timmy, and he needs Jenn’s help to save the world. And things get totally crazy: shark attacks, sea monsters, even the return of the adorable sea creatures from their youth. At the same time, Jenn is attracted to a sexy contractor while trying to finish her books.

This is part sci-fi, part coming of age novel. It’s definitely all over the place, but it has such an enormous heart. I felt like it ran a bit longer than it needed to—there were lots of excerpts from Jenni's books and her husband’s self-help books that I could’ve done without. But Emily Jane drew me in with her storytelling for sure.

Book Review: "Eleven Numbers" by Lee Child

When I picked up this story by Lee Child, the last thing I expected was math. At least I didn’t have to solve any equations!

Nathan is a mathematician and a university professor. He’s well known in his field, but mathematicians aren’t quite celebrity material. So needless to say he’s tremendously surprised when he gets a call from the White House, telling him that his help is needed.

“He was a very able mathematician. But there were fifty others in the world just as good. Maybe a hundred. His publication history was competitive. He had contributed to all the important journals. But so had fifty others. Maybe a hundred. His debut had been his PhD thesis. Groundbreaking, really, but in a field no one was interested in. Nothing about him stood out.”

He is flown to a meeting at the National Security Agency—a meeting attended by a famous mathematician and the President of the United States, as well as two intelligence officers. When Nathan is shown a series of 11 equations, he determines that they are part of a computer security algorithm. The correct numerical sequence is a powerful tool: it controls access to Russia’s nuclear arsenal.

The person who created the algorithm is a famed Russian mathematician. The President and his security team want Nathan to meet this man to try and get feel for which of the 11 equations will allow them the access they need. So they get Nathan an invitation to attend a mathematics conference in Russia, and he should be able to meet the man. But nothing goes quite like expected.⁣

This was very different than anything else of Lee Child’s that I’ve read. There were more twists than I was expecting, but it was a little dry. Or maybe it’s my phobia about math…

Book Review: "A Gentleman's Gentleman" by TJ Alexander

This was a fun Regency romance with a twist. Thanks so much to Vintage Books and NetGalley for the advance copy!

Lord Christopher Eden has no use for many things that other men of his station desire. He’d rather spend time with his elderly butler and cook than socialize with other people his age, and beyond them, he doesn’t need other servants. He is perfectly happy caring for and riding his horse, spending his free time with his books.

But when he finds out from his solicitors that his late father’s will requires he must marry before he turns 25, it throws his life into chaos. Given that he’s not attracted to women, and as a trans man, has secrets he has kept from most everyone, he can’t imagine he’d be able to make a wife happy.

But in order to ensure his family’s legacy isn’t destroyed, he must go to London for the season and find a wife. He also has to appear to have all of the trappings a man of his station requires, so he must hire a valet to take with him to London, a task he asks his solicitor to handle. And James, his new valet, is exceedingly handsome (although fixated on the traditional role of a valet), which complicates things further.

Christopher and James start becoming friends once they navigate Christopher’s need for privacy. But when they get to London, tensions start to rise, as Christopher has to find a woman to marry. And both men are sharing secrets which could change it all.

I am a fan of TJ Alexander’s books and I definitely loved the concept of this story. It is just the slowest of slow burns and I really wanted things to happen quicker. But I really enjoyed the characters.

The book will publish 3/11/2025.

Book Review: "Other People's Weddings" by Maisey Yates

Poppy has carved out a successful career as a designer of wedding cakes. She loves helping couples come up with the perfect cake to complement their special day, even if her own romantic life has been less successful.

If there’s a downside to her success, it’s that he is always there. “He” meaning Ryan, the photographer who seems to be at every wedding she is. Ryan has hated her since they were 12, and the animosity between them has intensified into adulthood. He always seems to be present in her moments of weakness, and she always seems to make things worse between them.

When Poppy’s best friend Quinn gets engaged, Poppy is excited. She’s also a bit envious and a bit sad, because Quinn will be moving across the world to New Zealand with her soon-to-be new husband. For someone who has dealt with abandonment issues most of her life, losing her best friend may be more than Poppy can bear.

But before she can completely fall apart, she has a cake to make. And then she learns that the wedding will be in New Zealand, and Quinn and her fiancé want everyone in the wedding party to spend two weeks there. Poppy is excited to be the maid of honor…and guess who is the best man? (If you guessed Ryan, you’re right!)

Poppy can’t seem to shake Ryan. He’s even on her flight to New Zealand. But the more she deals with the jumble of emotions she’s feeling about Quinn’s wedding and impending move, the more she realizes that maybe she doesn’t quite hate Ryan after all. Maybe the tension they feel doesn’t stem from mutual dislike?

This was a cute story—a predictable enemies to lovers rom-com but fun all the same. I actually felt like the enemy thing was fairly one-sided for a while, with Poppy being the instigator of their arguments, and that annoyed me a little. But overall, this book explored a lot of issues and it really was sweet.

Book Review: "Penitence" by Kristin Koval

I had such FOMO from everyone who got to read this early, so I was excited that Celadon Books and NetGalley gave me an advance copy. This was a fantastic debut novel!

Angie and David Sheehan’s lives are completely upended when a tragic, shocking murder occurs in their home. They turn to Martine, a lawyer in their small town of Lodgepole, Colorado, to defend their family. But Martine is more than just another lawyer in town—she used to be best friends with Angie’s mother and is the mother of Angie’s first love, Julian.

Julian and Angie were part of a tragedy that occurred when they were teenagers, a tragedy which left them feeling sad and guilty nearly every day. It was the strain of this tragedy and the façade they had to keep up that ultimately doomed their relationship. It’s been nearly 15 years since they’ve seen one another.

Now, Julian is a criminal lawyer in NYC, and Martine asks him to come home and help her with the case. Julian’s return unearths emotions, secrets, and regrets long kept hidden, yet his expertise is truly needed.

This is a book about the weight of secrets and guilt, and the ripples these cause for many. It’s also a story about shared tragedy and how we can never truly move beyond it, no matter how hard we try.

Kristin Koval said in her author’s note, “Getting to forgiveness is often hard, but it can also be profound and even beautiful.” This is so skillfully illustrated in this book, which shifts from the late 1990s to the late 2010s. I’ll be thinking about this book for a while.

Book Review: "Leave the Girls Behind" by Jacqueline Bublitz

“There are just so many ways, Ruth thinks, for a girl to disappear.”

When Ruth-Ann was 7 years old, her best friend Beth was kidnapped and later found murdered. The perpetrator was Ethan Oswald, music teacher and church choir director.

As Ruth grew older, she remained haunted by Beth’s murder and became obsessed with true crime websites which talked about Oswald. Ruth is convinced that Oswald was actually responsible for the deaths of other young girls across the country, but no one—not even the police—bought her theories.

When another young girl goes missing from Ruth’s Connecticut hometown, she starts becoming obsessed again. She believes that all those years ago Oswald had help in committing his crimes, and perhaps that person is responsible for the latest disappearance.

Ruth becomes single-minded in her focus on finding Oswald’s accomplice. Her search for answers takes her across the globe and connects her with three women, one who might be the person she seeks. But in order to figure out the truth, she’ll have to accept her own truths as well.

I was drawn into this story pretty quickly, and while the pacing was a little uneven at times, I couldn’t tear myself away. I enjoyed this take on the amateur detective trope, and while I’m not always a fan of paranormal storylines, this worked for me. Lots of twists and some unlikable characters, but a compelling mystery for sure.

Book Review: "Andromeda" by Therese Bohman, translated by Marlaine Delargy

I really don’t read much literary fiction because quite often, it makes me feel dumb and unsophisticated. I love beautiful storytelling and I love being moved by books, but for some reason, much of the literary fiction I’ve read left me wanting more.

Those thoughts were in the back of my mind when reading Andromeda, which was originally published in Swedish. This was definitely a character-driven book, although you don’t learn the main character’s name until halfway through. And even while the book spans a number of years, not much really happened.

A young woman takes her first steps into the world of publishing by becoming an intern at a well-known Swedish publisher. Her supervisor, Gunnar, is a venerated man, and she both admires and fears him.

Through the years, she picks up more and more responsibility and her relationship with Gunnar shifts and changes. Is it mutual respect? Embracing the power dynamic between them?

Maybe it’s because the book was translated from another language, but I found the writing really dry. I wanted something more from the plot, some drama, some powerful moment, but I didn’t get that. I think I’ll stick with the genres I enjoy.

Book Review: "Promise Me Sunshine" by Cara Bastone

Of the last several books I’ve read, 3 were ARCs and all were 5-star reads. Thanks to The Dial Press and NetGalley for the advance copy of this book!!

Ever since her best friend and roommate Lou died, Lenny has been barely hanging on. She’s not eating, she’s barely sleeping, and the thought of going back to their apartment—in which all of Lou’s stuff is still where she left it—has Lenny on the verge of hysteria.

Lenny can’t even handle a full-time job; all she can do are short-term babysitting arrangements, because there’s no real commitment. Her latest gig, watching the daughter of a hard-working single mom, is terrific—Lenny really connects with young Ainsley, and it takes her mind off her own problems, if only for a bit.

The only drawback is that Ainsley’s uncle Miles, a brooding handsome yet grumpy man, hangs around whenever Lenny is there. He seems to find fault with everything Lenny does—how she dresses, what she feeds Ainsley, etc. But it turns out Miles isn’t being critical: he can see that Lenny is grieving, and he understands grief and trying to move past it all too well.

Once Lenny lets her guard down a bit, Miles makes her a deal. He’ll help her cross everything off her “live again” list if she can help him build a relationship with Ainsley and her mother, Reese. (He always seems angry and standoffish when he’s around them.) Little by little, Lenny realizes she can still grieve Lou while rebuilding her life—and maybe there’s even some romance in store.

This was just so beautiful. It’s definitely an emotional read but Lenny, Miles, and all of the other characters are so complex and dynamic. I’ll read anything that Cara Bastone writes!!

The book will publish 3/4/2025.

Book Review: "Fun for the Whole Family" by Jennifer E. Smith

TFW you loved a book so much that you had to write a review immediately after you finished. Thanks so much to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book!!

The four Endicott siblings—Gemma, Connor, and twins Roddy and Jude—were an inseparable unit growing up. Their mother, an actress dreaming of her big break, left their family but would return for a few weeks every summer to take the four of them on a road trip. The destinations were never exciting but the trips were always memorable—until the events of one trip changed everything.

Now, as adults, it’s been three years since the siblings have seen one another and have barely communicated. But they get a text message out of the blue from Jude—now an Oscar-nominated actress—asking them to meet her in a small town in North Dakota in a few days.

Jude has called her siblings together because she has three secrets to share with them. Each has the potential to upend everything.

At the same time, each sibling is at a crossroads. Gemma, the oldest, who served as a surrogate mother for the others, wonders if she is pregnant—and if she wants to be. Connor, whose last book fictionalized their childhoods and angered his siblings, is divorced and has writer’s block. Roddy, a professional soccer player ready to retire, has the chance for one more season, but hasn’t discussed it with his future husband.

I love family drama, and this book was just so emotionally rich and compelling. The narration shifts between past and present and among the siblings, and the whole story was just so beautiful.

The book will publish 4/15/2025.

Book Review: "Cross My Heart" by Megan Collins

”…the beginning was so blindingly beautiful, it kept me from seeing the end.”

Rosie believes in love, in happy endings. After a broken engagement, she works in her parents’ bridal shop, helping others achieve their dream weddings. But she wholeheartedly believes there’s someone out there who’s right for her.

After receiving a heart transplant, Rosie is grateful to be alive and is grateful to the donor whose heart she now has. With the help of a friend who works in the hospital, she’s figured out that her heart donor was Daphne Thorne. Daphne was a college professor and the wife of famed thriller author Morgan Thorne, a local celebrity in Rosie’s town.

Rosie follows Morgan on social media and has read his books. The two begin corresponding via an anonymous service for transplant recipients and donor families. The more Rosie learns about Morgan and Daphne, the more she becomes convinced that she is the right person for Morgan. She has his wife’s heart, after all.

As she becomes more infatuated with Morgan and feels he understands her, she also starts hearing rumors from those who believe Morgan might’ve been responsible for his wife’s death. She’s determined to figure out the truth before letting herself fall for Morgan completely. But nothing is quite what it seems.

I was hooked on this book from the very first page. The concept of the book and the shifting perspectives were both really compelling, and I loved how Megan Collins kept me guessing. While I did figure out one twist pretty early on, I couldn’t wait to see how everything was tied up. It was quite a read!

Book Review: "The In-Between Bookstore" by Edward Underhill

Darby moved to NYC to go to college and put some distance between him and Oak Falls, his small Illinois hometown. As a trans man, getting a fresh start was exactly what he needed, away from those who looked down on him.

Now, as he nears 30, he’s just lost his job, his rent is increasing, and he’s feeling rudderless. It feels like all of his best friends are making progress in their lives, while he’s not. When he learns that his mother is planning to sell his childhood home and move into a new condo, he decides to move back to Oak Falls.

So much has changed in Oak Falls since Darby left. But one thing hasn’t: In Between Books, the store where he worked in high school. In fact, when he goes into the store, the new releases and the newspapers are all from 2009. And the kid behind the counter seems so much like Darby at 16…could it be Darby?

As Darby tries to connect with his teenage self, he also tries to figure out where his life went off track, and how to fix it. He also encounters Michael, his best friend while growing up, whom he hasn’t seen since their friendship ended dramatically before Darby left Oak Falls.

I love time travel and time loops, and how characters learn from the past. But this book never really took off for me. I didn’t really feel like Darby learned much, and I felt like everything in the book was left fairly unresolved.

Edward Underhill has written three YA books that I’ve enjoyed, so I was looking forward to his adult debut. I like the way he writes, so hopefully his next book will have more of a spark for me.

Book Review: "The Shots You Take" by Rachel Reid

This was so fantastic! Thanks so much to Carina Adores and NetGalley for the advance copy of the book.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ The last person Riley was expecting to show up at his father’s funeral was Adam, his former best friend and hockey teammate. Twelve years had passed since they’d seen each other, and the last time they spoke, Riley told Adam he wanted him out of his life.⁣⁣

⁣ What they had was so much more than a friendship. Yes, they shared an immense love for hockey, but their relationship was a physical one as well. And while Riley knew he was in love with Adam, Adam was afraid to acknowledge his feelings. It was easier to pretend it only happened when they were drunk or in the heat of the moment following a game.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ Adam’s arrival in the small town of Avery River, Nova Scotia causes quite a stir. Even though he retired from hockey, he’s still favored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. But his career achievements aren’t nearly as important as trying to help Riley through his grief—and letting him know how much he regretted denying his true feelings when they were younger.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ Not only does Riley have to deal with his grief about his father’s death, but Adam’s return reminds him of the anger and sadness he had tried to put behind him. But he’s never stopped loving Adam, although he tries everything not to allow himself to be vulnerable again.⁣⁣

⁣⁣ I love Rachel Reid and the way her books are fun, emotional, steamy, and heartfelt. What was fantastic about this book was that the main characters are more mature—in their late 30s or early 40s—so there was a gravity to the story that really worked. I loved it!⁣⁣

⁣⁣ The book will publish 3/4/2025.⁣⁣

Book Review: "The Business Trip" by Jessie Garcia

Ugh. I really was excited about this book, although I had seen mixed reviews. It just didn’t work for me at all.

Jasmine is finally ready to escape her abusive relationship. She’s saved her money and plans to sneak away in the middle of the night. Her first destination is Denver, but she’s eager for a fresh start.

Stephanie is the news director for a television station. She’s heading to San Diego (through Denver) for a conference.

Even though they’re from the same town and wind up on the same flight to Denver, Jasmine and Stephanie have never met. Yet it’s not long before both women text their friends about meeting a man—the same man—and each says they’re falling in love. Soon after, their texts become less frequent and then stop altogether.

Stephanie’s friends and colleagues start to dig into her texts and suspect that something isn’t right. Jasmine’s friend wonders what might’ve happened to her, too. All signs point to the man they both say they met. But what happened?

I thought this started out really strong, alternating between Stephanie and Jasmine’s stories. But then the story is taken over by a bunch of peripheral characters, those connected to the two women, and then the final section lays out exactly what happened. (So much telling, not much showing.) There are some twists that I saw coming, some I didn’t which required complete suspension of disbelief, but overall, I was really let down.

Book Review: "Dungeons and Drama" by Kristy Boyce

This was such a fun, sweet read! I’m always a sucker for fake dating rom-coms, but when you throw in a high school musical and some gaming, how can I resist?⁣

⁣ Maybe Riley should’ve thought twice about taking her mother’s car and driving her and her best friend a few hours away to see a production of Waitress. She didn’t get a ticket or get into an accident—she just didn’t have her license yet.⁣

⁣ Now she’s grounded for a while, and her parents can’t trust her to stay home alone at all. So as punishment, she has to work at Sword and Board Games, her dad’s game store. She’s not into gaming, and she believes the store was one of the reasons her parents got divorced. Needless to say, this will be torture.⁣

⁣ Her coworker (and classmate) Nathan takes an instant dislike to Riley, and she’s no fan of his either. But when her ex and his new girlfriend show up at the store, she has to pretend she doesn’t care, so she says she has a new boyfriend: Nathan. While at first, Nathan refuses to pretend they’re dating, Riley convinces him that their “relationship” will make the gamer girl he’s crushing on jealous.⁣

⁣ At the same time, Riley’s high school announces they’re canceling the annual musical for budgetary reasons. But Riley sees the musical as an opportunity to develop her skills as student director. How can she convince the school board not to cancel?⁣

⁣ I really flew through this book. The characters were so appealing and enjoyable and the fake dating trope is a favorite of mine. You can bet I’ll be picking up the next book in the series!⁣

Book Review: "Moody's Grumpy Holiday" by Lane Hayes

Yes, I know that the holidays are over. That doesn’t mean I’m done with my holiday reads! There’s still snow on the ground here, so I’m good.

Hudson’s engagement ended and he’s honestly not that heartbroken. After spending some time at the fancy California beach resort where his honeymoon was supposed to be, he’s ready for a fresh start. And investing in the Oak Ridge Ranch seems to be the solution.

On the way to the ranch, Hudson decides to do a little sightseeing in nearby Christmas Town, known for their year-round tree and apparently some of the best chicken noodle soup you’ve ever tasted.

While waiting for some soup, Hudson visits Moody’s Marvelous Bah Humbug Bookshop and is immediately intrigued by Moody, the store’s adorable, nerdy owner. Moody is no dummy; he can’t take his eyes off the handsome cowboy that walked into his store. But there’s no way he could be interested in someone like him, right?

Not only is Hudson attracted to Moody, who uses phrases like “two shakes of a lamb’s tale,” but the more he gets to know him, the more he realizes what his heart has been missing. But strangely enough, even though Moody lives and works in Christmas Town, the month of December is his least favorite. He truly embodies the “bah humbug” in his store’s name. Can Hudson help change that?

This was sweet, funny, and romantic, and boy howdy, it was super HOT!! I love how both characters grew through the book and the way they interacted with the supporting characters. All in all, quite a festive story!