Warm breath upon her neck and goosebumps up and down her skin: ON HER TERMS.

On Her Terms by Amy Spalding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

No one fake dates and then accidentally falls in love like us gays.

Clementine is a budding baby gay when she meets the wise and experienced Chloe at a bar. The two exchange numbers, which leads Chloe to propose a fake dating scheme. She'll help Clementine--a bisexual who is coming off a 20-year relationship with a man and therefore is new to the gay dating world--learn the ropes about dating in the lesbian community. Meanwhile, Clementine will be Chloe's date at a series of events leading up to (and at) her friends' wedding, so all her partnered friends leave her alone.

Of course, while fake dating, Chloe and Clementine spend lots of time together and feelings develop. Unfortunately, neither is known for their communication skills, and they don't do the best job of expressing these thoughts to one another. Complicating things is that Chloe's friend group includes Clem's boss, Phoebe. (If you've read any of Spalding's Out of Hollywood series, you'll recognize characters from other books, including Nina, Ari, and Sadie.)

The strength here is Clem and Chloe's slowly growing chemistry and their witty banter. It's a wonderfully realistic exploration of not just queer relationships, but queer friendships as well. Chloe's friend group is one any gay could relate to, and the book stresses how important these friendships are to those who need a found family. Chloe's focus on her issues with her own (straight) friends was harder: not that they were straight, at all, but the emphasis on not wanting to get married, have kids, and the fact that she was growing apart from her friends was covered ad nauseam. At first, it was nice to see a book exploring these issues--the whole idea is that neither Chloe nor Clem want the "typical" relationship experience. But Clem's repetition of this fact was a bit much.

Spalding does an excellent job looking at the nuances of coming out later in life and treats Clem's bisexuality quite well. She also touches on topics such as plus size relationships and difficult families. Clem's brother is absolutely awful, but the way Chloe handles him: oh my gosh, I would have fallen in love with her, too.

So, yes, there's a lot going on here, but it's all handled deftly. With the exception of Clem's storyline getting rather repetitive, this is a really cute romance, full of diverse characters, friendships, and a sweet romance.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Kensington Publishing in return for an unbiased review. Look for ON HER TERMS on 02/25/2025!


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I'm in the middle of starting over: BACK AFTER THIS.

Back After This by Linda Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one is a slow starter, but it warms up!

Cecily, a podcast producer, agrees to star in a podcast, mostly because she believes it will save jobs at her failing company. She has a bad past with an ex-boyfriend who stole their podcast idea and took off with it, becoming famous, causing Cecily to wonder if she can do the same. The new podcast revolves around Cecily dating and receiving self-help advice from Eliza, a social media influencer. But, right before it starts, she has a "meet cute" with a man named Will and a dog named Buddy. After that, she sees Will everywhere.

Cecily also has problems saying what she wants and standing up for herself, though she's fine as a bossy producer telling others what to do. She's not thrilled with doing this show--does anyone really want to date publicly? (I guess anyone who goes on The Bachelor.) We quickly realize she needs to learn more about herself and how she sees others. Waiting for her to realize that--that's a bit more frustrating. My favorite in the story is Will, a rather charming guy, even though he's worried that his lack of a formal career means there's something wrong with him.

There's no huge momentum or story arc in BACK AFTER THIS, but it delves into Cecily as she goes on her dates, secretly sees Will, and performs self-discovery. This is a story of character development and growth, with an in-depth look into the world of podcasting. Holmes writes with her usual wonderful voice. The story is witty and often laugh out loud funny (thanks, Will!). Cecily and Will have good banter, and this is fun overall. 3.75 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Ballantine Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for BACK AFTER THIS in February 2025!

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There seems to be an endless sea of people like us: SHOW DON'T TELL.

Show Don't Tell by Curtis Sittenfeld
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

From a literary standpoint, these stories are excellent, as is basically all of Sittenfeld's fiction.

This is a collection of nearly all female-focused stories, featuring moms and daughters, often in the Midwest, and touching on the mundane while offering deeper lessons.

Still, I'll admit that I found this collection long, and I rarely wanted to pick it up, even though the stories were interesting enough when I did. I know they all had more meaning than on the surface, but sometimes I did not feel like thinking so much. That's not the stories' fault--just mine.

This is a strong collection of tales focused on daily moments, but they'll appeal most to those who love looking into the nuance and interpretation of each story they read.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House in return for an unbiased review. Look for SHOW DON'T TELL on 02/25/2025!

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Spite is like a spark, crackling in the dark: GOOD DIRT.

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In a beautiful story that spans generations, Wilkerson introduces us to the Freemans, a prominent black family with a long and storied history. When Ebony "Ebby" Freeman is ten, she hears gunshots and finds her teenage brother on the floor, surrounded by shards of pottery from a stoneware jar that has been in her family for centuries. The family loses Baz and a huge piece of their family history that day. Due to their prominence, the story stays in the headlines and when Ebby's finance, Henry, leaves her at the altar many years later, the family reluctantly finds themselves in the media yet again.

Wilkerson gives us a story rich in lore and history, weaving stories of the jar and the Freeman ancestors into Ebby's own narrative. We learn about the role of enslaved people in the creation of pottery, coupled with storytelling and the power of passing on family history. Ebony escapes to France, a beautiful and atmospheric place, to lick her wounds, and look into her family history.

GOOD DIRT is both sad and hopeful, filled with past and present trauma, while still moving and inspiring. It illustrates how what comes before influences what comes next. The characters are well-drawn, with their own foibles and quirks. This is both a mystery, of sorts, as Ebby works out what happened to Baz and the jar, and touching character study of a fascinating family. 4.5 stars.

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

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The way you smile and sing along: NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU.

Now That I've Found You by Kristina Forest
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This charming, lighthearted story follows Evie, the granddaughter of legendary actress Evelyn Conaway—though to Evie, she’s always just been Gigi, her beloved and constant presence in an otherwise lonely childhood. Now, as Evie pursues her own dreams of acting, a friend's betrayal leads to a career-crushing viral video, leaving her future in shambles.

Desperate for guidance, Evie turns to Gigi, only for her to disappear. Instead, she finds herself stuck with Milo—a sweet, down-to-earth musician and grocery store worker who, for some reason, is staying with her grandmother. With her last shot at redemption tied to a prestigious awards ceremony, Evie embarks on a whirlwind search across New York City to find Gigi, with Milo reluctantly (but adorably) at her side. Along the way, they share stories, uncover secrets, and slowly grow closer, even if their chemistry takes time to develop.

While the plot isn’t particularly deep, it delivers strong themes of self-acceptance and breaking free from others' expectations—important messages for a YA audience. Evie starts off frustratingly self-absorbed, especially next to the kind and steady Milo, but her journey of self-discovery makes for a satisfying arc. The real standout, though, is Milo’s bandmates, who provide delightful comic relief throughout.

A quick, enjoyable read with heartwarming moments, NOW THAT I'VE FOUND YOU is sure to resonate with YA readers. 3.75 stars.

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And tonight I wish I could just stand still: THREE DAYS IN JUNE.

Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

THREE DAYS IN JUNE is a beautifully crafted story that brings its eccentric and endearing characters vividly to life.

Just days before her daughter Debbie's wedding, Gail Baines faces a sudden upheaval—losing her job (or possibly quitting, depending on who’s telling the story). When she arrives home, she's met by her ex-husband, Max, who’s unexpectedly camped out on her doorstep with a suitcase and a cat in tow. Debbie's fiancé's allergies prevent him from staying there, so Gail reluctantly takes him in.

Set during the whirlwind three days leading up to Debbie’s June wedding, the novel captures Gail’s sense of disorientation. Criticized by her former boss for her lack of social skills, she now finds herself sidelined in the wedding preparations, which are being commandeered by Debbie’s future mother-in-law. Observing the chaos, Gail narrates events with a quirky humor that is both intentional and unintentional, adding a delightful charm to the story.

When Debbie confides a startling secret about her fiancé, Gail and Max must band together to help their daughter navigate a tricky situation. In the process, Gail reflects on her own past: her romance with Max, their wedding, and the eventual unraveling of their marriage.

At its heart, this is Gail’s story. Quietly poignant and deeply character-driven, the novel explores her journey of love, heartbreak, and rediscovery. Gail’s vivid anecdotes, wry humor, and nervous energy contrast beautifully with Max’s laid-back, carefree demeanor, making their dynamic utterly captivating.

THREE DAYS IN JUNE is a tender and heartfelt read, perfect for fans of character-driven narratives with a touch of humor and nostalgia. Highly recommended. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf in return for an unbiased review. THREE DAYS IN JUNE releases 02/11/2025!

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Roll the stone away, let the guilty pay: THEY NEVER LEARN.

They Never Learn by Layne Fargo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After reading Layne Fargo's THE FAVORITES, I had to read THEY NEVER LEARN! I absolutely love that Fargo can write two books that are so different, although they both share strong female characters.

THEY NEVER LEARN is diabolical, and I am here for it!

This isn’t a mystery in the traditional sense. Instead, it’s a razor-sharp, unapologetic thriller that gives us a serial killer who owns her actions without remorse. The story unfolds from two perspectives at Gorman University: Dr. Scarlett Clark, a brilliant English professor with a deadly secret, and Carly, a timid freshman just trying to navigate college life.

Scarlett isn’t just teaching literature—she’s also an avenger of sorts, quietly eliminating men who prey on women. If you assault, stalk, or hurt someone on her campus, you just might find yourself on her list. But after her latest kill, her carefully curated world starts to shake. Fellow professor Dr. Mina Pierce is beginning to connect the dots between the string of "suicides" and "accidents," and Scarlett, ever the strategist, decides to get close to Mina—both to manipulate the investigation and for reasons far more personal. Meanwhile, she sets her sights on one of her most ambitious targets yet.

Carly, on the other hand, is a shy, introverted student just trying to fly under the radar—until her popular roommate, Allison, takes her under her wing. Their friendship helps Carly come out of her shell, but when Allison is assaulted at a party, Carly finds herself consumed by the desire for justice—or maybe something darker.

Fargo masterfully builds tension, weaving these two narratives into a propulsive, edge-of-your-seat read. THEY NEVER LEARN isn’t just a gripping thriller—it’s also deeply character-driven, making us question how far one should go to right a wrong. While we may not agree with a murderer, we just might understand her. The novel boldly tackles important issues like sexual harassment and assault, shedding light on how often these crimes are ignored or dismissed, especially in academic settings.

It’s dark, it’s delicious, and it’s impossible to put down. If you love a thriller with a razor-sharp edge and complex, morally gray characters, this one is a must-read. 4+ stars!

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Because time and love remember: JANE & EDWARD.

Jane & Edward by Melodie Edwards
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I absolutely loved this book! As a devoted fan of Jane Eyre, I was eager to see how a modern reimagining would unfold—and Jane & Edward did not disappoint.

While the novel follows the essence of the classic story, it doesn’t rigidly adhere to it, which works beautifully. Our Jane is a resilient foster kid scraping by as a waitress while attending night school, determined to build a better future as a legal assistant. When she lands a coveted job at a prestigious Toronto law firm, she quickly discovers that her new boss is none other than Edward Rosen—the formidable, notoriously feared partner of the firm. But unlike everyone else, Jane isn’t intimidated. She’s faced far worse in life, and Edward, for all his gruffness, seems intrigued by her unwavering spirit. Naturally, secrets lurk in the background, threatening to keep them apart.

The novel cleverly weaves in nods to the original—there’s an "attic" of sorts (the upper floors of the building), an Adele (a fellow assistant who befriends Jane), and other subtle parallels. But where Jane & Edward truly shines is in the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Their dynamic crackles with tension—sharp banter, smoldering glances, and electric moments that leap off the page. Jane remains as independent and strong-willed as ever, carving her own path despite the challenges she faces. Meanwhile, Edward is every bit the brooding, complex figure we love, harboring secrets and depths that make him utterly captivating.

I was completely hooked by the fiery connection between Jane and Edward, but what I loved most was Jane’s unshakable strength and resilience. If you’re a Jane Eyre fan, you’ll absolutely adore this take—but even if you’re simply looking for a compelling romance, this is a must-read. 4.5 stars!

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She'll let you in her heart if you got a hammer and a vise: THE FAVORITES.

The Favorites by Layne Fargo
My rating: 4+ of 5 stars

THE FAVORITES is an utterly captivating novel that delves into the fiercely competitive world of ice dancing, where ambition, sacrifice, and betrayal intertwine.

Katarina Shaw always dreamed of becoming an Olympian, but growing up in poverty meant she had to fight tooth and nail to reach the top. Her path crossed with Heath Rocha, a foster kid with his own struggles, and together they formed an unbreakable bond. Ice skating became their escape, propelling them from obscurity to royalty in the skating world—until a devastating incident at the Olympics shattered their dreams and their lives.

A decade later, the world is still captivated by their story, now the subject of a tell-all documentary. The book alternates between gripping documentary interviews, where various characters offer their takes on Kat and Heath’s journey, and Kat’s raw, personal narrative of what truly happened. The result is a riveting tale brimming with anger, passion, and resilience.

As Kat becomes entangled in the lives of her idol, Olympic champion Shelia Lin, and Shelia's twin children, Garret and Bella—current competitors with their own high stakes—the story deepens. Both Kat and the Lins are willing to pay any price for Olympic glory. But THE FAVORITES poses a haunting question: how far is too far?

What starts as a seemingly straightforward story of love and competition evolves into a masterfully crafted web of deceit, desire, and vulnerability. Fargo’s storytelling is both spellbinding and thought-provoking, delivering a tale that lingers long after the final page. This is a must-read for fans of character-driven drama. Hurrah for #bookstagram for getting me to pick this one up!

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