And I'll beg, steal, or borrow a little sunshine: DUST.

Dust by Alison Stine
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A haunting and harrowing novel about a young woman trying to find her place after her family moves to desolate Colorado.

Thea and her family relocate from Ohio to Colorado after a flood ravages their hometown. Thea's father sees a future for his family without technology or the trappings of modern life. They'll own their own land and grow their own food, school the kids at home, and eschew electricity and running water. But arriving in Colorado, the family finds a half-built house and fields too dusty and parched to grow much of anything. And then the dust storms start.

Wow, this is an amazing story. Thea is deaf in one ear, but told by her parents to hide her inability to hear. She feels disconnected from her family and the world, and Stine writes the text to illustrate the "blanks" in conversation that Thea cannot catch. With her father's reluctance to embrace technology or outside education, the book clearly illustrates Thea's suffocation of being trapped on the hot, dusty farm, unable to hear and struggling with the feeling of being different and "in between." The writing just oozes claustrophobia.

We see how easily a person's world can be narrowed without education or access to the internet or books--Thea works so hard to secretly get to the town's library, for instance, where she meets some kind town members, and Ray, another deaf kid her age, which opens up an entire world for her. Otherwise, she's so isolated, seeing only her little sister, and not even knowing that being deaf is okay. Ray teaches Thea about ASL and she accompanies him and his uncle on journeys around the county to visit other town members, learning about other types of people.

Watching Thea's world broaden is amazing, especially as she tries to learn more about her environment. DUST leans heavily into environmentalism, illustrating the effects of climate change on Colorado, and how the 1930s-era Dust Bowl horrors could so easily happen again. The storms and the climate feel like another character, creating a tense atmosphere that truly comes to life.

This book just has that uncanny ability to make you feel--the tenseness of the storms; the powerlessness Thea feels against her father; the kindness of Thea's boss at the local cafe where she works; and the bit of hope and spark that comes between Thea and Ray. It's so beautifully written, and Thea is a wonderful character. My only issue is the story's ending, which I felt wrapped up too easily. A book this dark and poignant almost deserved a more severe conclusion, as much as I cared for all the characters.

Still, this is an amazing book and so worth the read. 4+ stars (rounded up here).

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Wednesday Books in return for an unbiased review.

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Maybe I left so many things unspoken: THE RIVALS.

The Rivals: A Novel by Jane Pek
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The second book in this series picks up with Claudia Lin continuing her work at Veracity, a unique organization that investigates the truthfulness of individuals using matchmaking services. This time, the plot thickens as Veracity uncovers a disturbing trend: matchmaking companies are creating “synths” — highly sophisticated fake profiles that behave almost like bots, manipulating real users and influencing opinions.

The premise is undeniably timely and intriguing, but the execution feels overly intricate. The story is weighed down by dense technical explanations, an array of code names, subplots involving other characters, and speculative scenarios. There’s a lot happening here. Claudia, for instance, crosses professional boundaries by meeting a client’s girlfriend, Amalia, and starts to develop feelings for her. At the same time, she grows increasingly concerned about her brother Charles and his suspicious involvement with the matchmaking companies. Adding to the complexity, Veracity recruits an insider from the matchmaking industry to feed them information.

When the story focuses on action and relationships, it shines. Claudia’s personal connections—especially with her siblings, Charles and Coraline—are engaging and ripe for deeper exploration. Her queerness adds another layer of relatability, as she grapples with lingering feelings for her quasi-boss, Becks, while being drawn to Amalia. Unfortunately, the romantic tension is drawn out without much resolution, which can feel unsatisfying.

The book captures the unsettling power of fake online identities and their real-world consequences. While I could follow the plot well enough, the unresolved threads are frustrating. By the end, nothing significant is tied up—not the mystery of the matchmakers or the synths, nor the personal conflicts with Claudia’s siblings. It feels less like a complete story and more like a prelude to the next installment.

Claudia herself remains a standout—a wonderfully queer, quirky protagonist. This series offers a unique premise but caters to readers who enjoy layered, cerebral mysteries and don’t mind a lack of immediate payoff.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Vintage Books in return for an unbiased review.

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Suspicious eyes at the subway station: WE ARE WATCHING.

We Are Watching by Alison Gaylin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a page-turner!

Meg's life is upturned when her husband Justin is killed on their way to taking their daughter, Lily, to college. A group of men surround their car and harass them, eventually leading to the car accident that ends Justin's life.

Nearly four months later, Meg returns to work at the bookstore she and Justin owned. Soon weird things begin happening at the store: people taking Meg's picture, odd visitors, harassing posts on their social media, and more. As Meg and Lily dig in, they learn some of the harassment may be tied to a book Meg wrote in her teens, called The Prophesy, which predicted the world would end on 12/22/2022 (a date that is rapidly approaching).

Meanwhile, Meg worries she's turning into her father, Nathan, a washed up rockstar who has spent most of Meg's life worrying about "the wolves" who are out to get him and who killed his wife (and who Meg knows died of untreated sepsis because Nathan distrusts doctors).

This story is insanely suspenseful, filled with crazy twists and turns. It's incredibly timely, delving into the world of conspiracy theories and the danger that those unyielding beliefs can bring. Told from the POV of Meg, Lily, and Nathan, it's a taut and tense story that keeps you guessing right up to its unsettling ending. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and William Morrow in return for an unbiased review. WE ARE WATCHING releases in January 2025!


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When the loneliness leads to bad dreams: THE THREE LIVES OF CATE KAY.

The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE THREE LIVES OF CATE KAY is a magical and mesmerizing story that drew me in from the very beginning.

The "three lives" in the title refer to the different names Anne Marie Callahan adopts throughout her journey. To her childhood best friend, Amanda, she’s Annie. After leaving her hometown, she becomes Cass Ford, and finally, under the alias Cate Kay, she writes a series of famous novels that change her life.

Structured as a kind of memoir, CATE KAY unfolds not only through Annie’s eyes but also through the perspectives of key people in her life. We hear from her alcoholic mother, her cherished best friend Amanda, her literary agent, a famous actress who stars in the film adaptations of her books, and many others. This multi-perspective approach enriches the narrative, revealing the complexities of Annie’s personality and the different facets of her “three lives.”

At its heart, this is a love story—not just romantic, but one that celebrates love in its many forms. Annie and Amanda’s friendship is a particularly poignant thread, alongside Annie’s later relationships. The story is beautifully written, deeply emotional, and utterly captivating.

Without giving too much away (to avoid spoilers), the novel features a diverse and unique cast of characters and offers excellent LGBTQIAP+ representation, adding depth and inclusivity to its already compelling narrative.

I’d easily rate this 4+ stars for its stunning prose, intricate storytelling, and unforgettable characters.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review.

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There goes a modern fairy tale, I wish it could happen to me: UNROMANCE

Unromance by Erin Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

UNROMANCE was an absolute delight and a fantastic pick from my Aardvark book subscription!

This story leans wholeheartedly into classic romance tropes, as author Sawyer takes on the ambitious task of "ruining love" for actor Mason—using those very tropes against him. Sawyer is the quintessential "scared to love again" heroine, still reeling from a painful breakup, while Mason embodies the charming "hopeless romantic" who wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t help but fall fast.

After an unexpected one-night stand, their paths keep crossing, leading them to strike a deal: they’ll use romantic tropes to tackle their personal hang-ups and, in the process, reignite Sawyer’s passion for writing romance novels. Each chapter kicks off with a fun definition of a new trope, giving readers a preview of what’s to come. Even better, Mason and Sawyer actually take the time to connect and grow as individuals—no insta-love here—which makes their journey all the more satisfying.

On paper, nothing about UNROMANCE should work: the pact, the romance, or even the chemistry between Mason and Sawyer. Yet it all comes together seamlessly. Their banter is sharp, their sparks undeniable, and the meta angle—when their romance mirrors the plot of Sawyer’s novel-in-progress—is quite fun.

The story is fresh, fun, and brimming with charm, supported by a cast of quirky, lovable side characters. I also appreciated the thoughtful representation: Sawyer is bisexual, and the book offers a beautifully modern take on love. Most of all, it’s just a joy to read. I found myself smiling constantly, swept up in its warm embrace of the romance genre. Throw in a celebrity angle, and it’s everything I love in a rom-com.

A thoroughly entertaining read—4+ stars and highly recommended!

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See a pearl form a diamond in the rough: THE STAND-IN.

The Stand-In by Lily Chu
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a cute romance about a regular girl falling for a famous guy.

This is one of my favorite tropes, so I was really excited to read this book. After getting fired, Gracie Reed reluctantly agrees to serve as a stand-in for famous Chinese actress, Wei Fangli, who needs someone to appear as her at various engagements. And, with some primping, Gracie is a ringer for Fangli. The only issue is that she'll be babysat by Fangli's best friend, the handsome but annoying actor Sam Yao. Gracie needs the money Fangli promises to help her mom, who has Alzheimer's, and requires expensive care.

What follows is a fun, sometimes convoluted story, as timid Gracie attempts to come into her own while impersonating Fangli and slowly falling for Sam. THE STAND-IN deals with a lot of topics--sometimes well, sometimes a little rushed. But there's also movie premieres and romantic gestures!

Gracie is a sweet character, and the book does a wonderful job of exploring her biracial identity, and how she often feels less for being half Chinese and not knowing which world she fits in. Gracie grows as she tries to stand up for herself, finding she almost enjoys being in the spotlight, but her constant vacillation about the morality of the scheme can be a bit much.

Sam and Gracie's chemistry is a tough one. Gracie is immediately drawn to Sam's handsomeness. While they do eventually spend some time talking, it never truly feels like the two have a deeper connection. Considering that Sam dislikes being thought of as just a pretty face, it's frustrating to not see more here--more banter, more chemistry, more tension.

The book focuses on mental health issues (panic attacks, depression), sexual harassment, and Alzheimer's, as well as the personas stars must put forth to the public. Gracie's love for her mom is palatable, and Chu deftly highlights how hard it is to have a parent with dementia. At times, the whole "stars have problems like us" angle is pushed a little too hard. There's also an entire side plot revolving around Gracie creating a productivity app; it did not seem necessary, but I enjoyed that she had her own thing.

Overall, even with some issues, this story makes you smile. It's cute and shows the strong influence of family, whether good or bad. 3.5 stars.

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I struggle to find any truth in your lies: SCORCHED GRACE.

Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Mixed feelings on this one.

Always glad to see a queer protagonist, and I love the idea of a smoking, cursing nun who solves mysteries. Unfortunately, the concept feels forced and overdone at times, as if the author is trying too hard.

Sister Holiday, our tattooed, lesbian, former band member protagonist, joins the only "progressive" convent that will take her after a series of horrible life events. Because of this acceptance, she feels extra protective of Saint Sebastian's School and her order, the Sisters of the Sublime Blood, particularly their Mother Superior (and principal), Sister Augustine.

When there's a fire at the school--clearly arson--which kills the janitor, Sister Holiday is upset, even though she's lauded for rescuing two students in the fire. For some reason (it's never fully explained why), she deems herself an "amateur sleuth," but this mostly seems to translate into her nosing around where she shouldn't (hiding evidence) and pontificating about various things. We're supposed to believe that because nuns have less access to digital devices and material items, Sister Holiday is more attuned to notice things and hence detect clues? It's odd.

SCORCHED GRACE is filled with lovely prose and lyrical descriptions. Its portrayal of New Orleans brings the smoldering summer heat and lingering fire to life. But, often, it's too much. Again, it feels overdone at times. Even the smoking/cursing/gay nun trope gets overworked from time to time. All of this would be fine if the mystery was not so obvious--the culprit is telegraphed from the beginning, making the "big reveal" seem anything but.

Still, there's a lot of potential in Sister Holiday, and we're introduced to a troubled fire investigator who looks like she may appear in the second book. There's enough to like that I will likely try book #2 (it's already on my bookshelves, of course, since I seem to run my own personal home library).

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I'm just trying to find out exactly who I am: DIRTY DIANA.

Dirty Diana by Jen Besser
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Whew, lots to unpack here.

This is definitely a NSFW book, and if you do not want to read graphic depictions of sex, you will not enjoy DIRTY DIANA.

However, DIANA is more than its various descriptions of sex, which come through flashbacks, fantasies, artistic discussions, and more. This is a heart wrenching book in many ways, an unflinching and emotional look at growing up, marriage, and how hard it all can be.

We see Diana in various phases of her life. She's in Dallas, TX, with her husband Oliver and young daughter, Emmy, but her marriage is falling apart (often graphically) and she's alone and scared. Other parts show a younger, Diana, maybe still scared, but also filled with passion for her art. She's in New Mexico, a struggling artist, and falling in love with a photographer who may or may not feel the same for her.

No matter where we find Diana, she's raw, real, and honest--presenting an open look at her life, including her sexuality. At times her story is hard to read, it's almost too real (and sexual), but the emotion is well-done. It's a lot to take in sometimes, but a different sort of read that pulled me in. The plot ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but it looks like there will be more books, and I'd be intrigued to see where Diana's journey takes her next. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House/Dial Press in return for an unbiased review.

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Time stands in a duel: THE NIGHT WE LOST HIM.

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a beautifully written story about love and loss, all wrapped in the layers of a mystery.

Nora and her somewhat estranged half brother Sam do not believe that their father Liam's death--a fall over a cliff--was an accident. Nora reluctantly joins with Sam to investigate and in the process, learns a great deal about Sam, about herself, and about her father.

Liam was a wealthy man, with three ex-wives, and Sam and Nora have much to untangle about their father's life. There are a variety of twists and surprising turns about Liam's life (and death), but also a plethora of emotional moments as we watch Sam reckon with his father's death and his own life choices. Nora, meanwhile, grapples with her flailing relationship with her fiance, Jack, seeing it within the prism of the loss of both her father and mother.

While present-day chapters focus on Nora and Sam's quest to find out what happened to their father, other chapters describe Liam's love story with a mystery woman, showing a surprising depth and emotion not expected of this meticulous, rich man who seemingly discarded so many wives. In fact, much of this book is tender and thoughtful, including Sam and Nora's slowly renewed sibling relationship.

This is a lyrical story about family and grief, yet it remains captivating as we unravel the events surrounding Liam's fall. 4+ stars.

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And I've got my side of the story and he's got his side too: THE CO-OP.

The Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Wow, the people in this book were very angry!

I'm all for enemies to lovers, but, geez, LaRynn and Deacon had so much anger and resentment they nearly sucked all the fun from this story. Teenage lovers turned enemies, LaRynn and Deacon are thrust together again when their grandmothers (who were married to one another) pass away and leave their house to the pair. It's fallen into some disrepair, and they must fix it up if they want to sell it. Thanks to their teenage romance falling apart, along with plenty of other childhood baggage, LaRynn and Deacon bring lots of anger, tension, and general hatred to the renovation.

At first, I had no real interest in the two getting back together thanks to their vitriol--it didn't even seem like it would be possible, honestly. The story does get better with time, as they cool down and get used to one another again. However, there's nothing like mixing passionate, angry love with the highs and lows of home renovation drama. And there's certainly a lot of fierce love and sexual tension here--and spice, too! (So much spice.)

I have to admit I found their (romantic) relationship a little weird since their grandmothers were married, even if it happened when they were in their teens. But I did love the lesbian grandma angle-so cute.

The story is told mainly in present day between LaRynn and Deacon, but we do flash back to the past, so we can see what tore the two of them apart. It's a little more anti-climatic than it's all made out to be. There are so many feelings and pent-up emotions from these teenage years, which manifest into a lot of passion as adults. However, you can't help but think that a little communication--either then, or now--would have made all of this easier (and a lot less dramatic).

LaRynn and Deacon wind up getting married so LaRynn can access her trust fund, allowing them to pay for some renovations for the house. The whole "fake marriage" concept gets very glossed over, with no one seeming to really care about being deceived. There's also a lack of closure with some business ideas of LaRynn's, too. There's a great epilogue, but I wish it had tied up the threads of the plot more.

This is a very passionate story, with two strong-willed main characters, a fun beachy setting, and lots of drama. It's all a bit much at times, but it's a cute romance overall. 3+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.

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What would you say to me if we met one day: PERFECT FIT.

Perfect Fit: A Novel by Clare Gilmore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

While these characters were only in their upper 20s, I like Clare Gilmore books because they feel like grown up romances, with a focus on business settings and (sort of) the real world (more on that later).

It also features a great quote:

"I sometimes wonder how much of myself I let Corporate America take. How much I could take back if I stopped participating."

(If you work in Corporate America, that hits hard.)

Josie has been running her clothing business, Revenant, since college. She's now the CEO, and her business comes first, above everything. Will runs into Josie--literally, his bike hits her car--the two haven't seen each other since an ill-fated kiss in high school that ruined Josie's relationship with her best friend, Zoe, who happens to be Will's twin sister.

But, as Will discovers that Josie is on the search for a consultant for Revenant, he figures out a way to get the job, and the two wind up spending plenty of time together, even if he is based in NYC and Revenant is in Austin, TX.

Will and Josie ooze chemistry from the beginning, even if they refuse to act on it at first. It's almost as if that kiss was yesterday and not 10 years ago. Josie is a poster child for guilt and anxiety. After the incident with Will, she faced a lot of social media backlash, so she avoids it, taking each angry comment or negative news article personally. She wants to be all things to all people. Will, meanwhile, feels he breaks what he touches, particularly relationships.

The Austin vibes in this book are extra strong, and the diverse cast of characters is great, especially Josie's BFF/co-worker and her "Biker Gang" pals. Will seems like the perfect guy with basically no flaws, so you can't help but want him and Josie to get together.

My only issue here was that while I loved the business angle, as the story progressed, eventually it felt a bit like a fantasy world, with two folks in their late 20s with plenty of money and the ability to take leave from work, follow their dreams, etc. Not exactly typical of most mid-20s experiences anymore.

Still, this was a fun and different read, exploring the fashion industry and the trials of anxiety. It had some very smart commentary on the power of social media and the ability to go viral--for both good or bad. 3.75 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review.

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If I could go back in time, I would in a second: THE SWEENEY SISTERS.

The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Exploring the DNA surprise genre through literary fiction, THE SWEENEY SISTERS is an interesting and dynamic read.

The three redheaded Sweeney sisters find their lives upended when their famous writer father, Bill, dies unexpectedly. Tricia and Maggie return home to Connecticut to join Liza, go through their father's belongings, and deal with his estate. They also get the surprise of their lives when they learn that their father has left part of said estate to a fourth Sweeney sister, Serena Tucker, the girls' next door neighbor, who recently learned about Bill via a DNA test.

The race is on: to find Bill's unpublished memoir; to discover what Serena's presence will mean for Bill's legacy; and for the original Sweeney sisters to learn more about their new sister.

While the slightly misogynistic author father trope and the surprise DNA discovery trope are both fairly done, this book still feels fresh. Dolan has a witty, easy way with words, and each sister springs forth from the pages, unique and memorable.

Each sister has formed their life around Bill Sweeney, but, in fact, they may indeed be the own stars of their lives. Liza works through marriage issues; Maggie finds her place in the world; and Tricia may just find love. And Serena grapples with her new discovery, balancing her old family with the drama of the Sweeney sisters.

I quite enjoyed this book, which explores the bonds between sisters, the strength of family, and how family shapes us into who we are.

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