I've been a jaded lady when it comes to love: LOVE AND OTHER HOLLYWOOD ENDINGS.

Love and Other Hollywood Endings by Susannah Erwin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a fairly straightforward second chance romance.

We have Sutton and Xavier -- Sutton was a student in Xavier's film class and sparks fly (after her graduation). However, after a night together, she never hears from him again. Now she's an exec for Monument Films and is sent to Arizona to shut down filming on an up-and-coming director's set: Xavier's.

Xavier and his crew manage to convince her to resume production, but Sutton will need to remain on set to oversee filming. Cue sparks flying again. Sutton and Xavier agree to an on-set romance, but, shockingly things get complicated fast.

This is a fairly standard romance. There is lots and lots of film discussion--if you're into movie and shop talk, that will appeal to you. Sutton and Xavier have decent chemistry and banter, but nothing amazing. The book does resolve their decades old misunderstanding fairly quickly, which is a plus (I hate when those things drag on).

The plot relies heavily on Xavier not wanting to open himself or his nephew, of whom he has custody, up to being left or hurt, and on Sutton wanting to impress her parents by getting a promotion. This focus gets overdone after a while--just say what you feel people and forge your own path!

This is a fun, film-focused story but not necessarily a memorable one.

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

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Go run my name into the ground: BROKEN COUNTRY.

Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a gorgeous and emotional book.

Beth has a teenage love affair with the wealthy Gabriel Wolfe, which ends badly, and she marries Frank, a local farmer, who has always adored her. They have a son, Bobby--and Bobby and their farm are their entire world. But when Bobby dies in a horrible accident, their happiness is shattered. Now Gabriel is back in their village, divorced, with his own son Leo in tow. When Frank's brother Jimmy shoots Leo's dog to prevent it from attacking the farm's flock, a series of events unfold, upending the entire village.

This beautiful, tragic story is told in back and forth fashion, veering between the past and present, leading up to an incident we're told has happened from the first pages: "the farmer is dead." It's suspenseful and emotional.

The book does an amazing job of showing how Bobby's death has affected Beth, stoic Frank, and Jimmy--his proud uncle, who has turned to alcohol again with his nephew's death. These characters are painted so beautifully with amazing nuances and depth. Beth reacts by forming a bond with Leo--the only one willing to hear about her late son. Frank stuffs his emotions down, but cannot help but feel angry at how much time his wife is spending with her former lover. And Jimmy, who once helped his sister-in-law deliver his beloved nephew--reverts to old ways without the stability Bobby brought to his family.

While this book is sad, it's so beautifully written and often hopeful too. I found it hard to put down and a wonderful exploration of motherhood, love, and village life. 4.5 stars.

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She's never learned how to live for today: THE STRANGE CASE OF JANE O.

The Strange Case of Jane O. by Karen Thompson Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As with many a book by Karen Thompson Walker, this is a weird but mesmerizing story. It revolves around a psychiatrist, Dr. Byrd, and his patient, Jane, who seems to be losing time, hallucinating, blacking out, and more. She's found in a local NYC park, with no idea of how she got there or what happened before she arrived. Jane is a new mother--and single parent--to her young son Caleb and Dr. Byrd is trying to determine if her symptoms are related to her newfound motherhood or something else.

The book has a vague, hazy feel, where you never know quite what is real, even between Jane's version (including journal entries) and Dr. Byrd's account of their sessions. It doesn't help when we learn that Dr. Byrd has a slightly disgraced past.

Jane is a confusing but sympathetic character. Why is this happening to her? Is tied to the loss of someone she cared about when she was 17? Or is she simply an overworked and exhausted mother whose body and mind have been pushed too far? Beyond trying to figure out what is happening to Jane, the book posits that motherhood can slowly erase parts of your self.

This is a quiet sort of book, filled with lots of thinking and discussion, but it's fascinating. I won't say much more to ruin any of the plot twists. It's a different read, but a good one.

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Oh summer's almost over and I'm crying but I don't know why: HEART BONES.

Heart Bones by Colleen Hoover
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oh, I can't help it, sometimes I just need an addictive, palate-cleansing read. Enter: Colleen Hoover.

Beyah grew up dirt poor, "raised" by her addict mom. Her father was a shadowy figure in her life--paying their rent and known to Beyah only from the occasional visit. When Beyah's mom overdoses and dies, Beyah goes to live with her father in Texas. He's now remarried to a wealthy woman, living in a beach house by the ocean, with a stepdaughter.

In Texas, Beyah meets Samson, her father's next door neighbor. In Samson, she recognizes another damaged soul, even if he is wealthy. Despite putting up walls her entire life, Beyah can't resist Samson, nor he her.

This story is cheesy and addictive, but it's crazily impossible to put down. Both Beyah and Samson are keeping secrets, and we slowly learn Samson's over the course of the story. There's just something about their intense relationship. Beyah also forges new bonds with her dad and stepsister, Sara, who is close to her age. It's corny at times, but also a story about trusting yourself, finding your person, and how powerful it is to be believed in.

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I'd love you to love me: BIG NAME FAN.

Big Name Fan by Ruthie Knox
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was really excited for this one, but wow, it was hard to get into. There are so many characters--none of them fleshed out--and so much going on.

This seemed like a lighthearted romance, but instead much of the story is focused around on-set TV politics and a complicated account about a makeup artist, Jen, on the set of said show, Craven's Daughter, who died before the book even begins. Our protagonists Sam and Bex starred on Craven's Daughter five years ago, but it ended abruptly without a series finale. The show took advantage of Bex and Sam's on-screen chemistry, but behind the scenes, Sam quit when Bex couldn't return Sam's romantic feelings.

There's much going on: Bex's complicated history raising her younger sisters after the death of their parents; Jen's death; Bex and Sam's relationship (or lack thereof); a fan fiction plot; and the reunion episode of Craven's Daughter. I loved the message about how the show and its higher ups exploited the women's chemistry but that the fans and queer folks deserved more.

But otherwise, much felt lacking. Bex and Sam feel like cardboard characters--Bex is a quiet doormat, not a vivid theater actress. Sam is supposed to be the attractive lesbian, I guess? And nothing else? There is so much Hollywood shop talk and a million characters to keep track of. And Bex and Sam's romance is slow burn, if it's even a romance at all.

There was something about the prose that made me feel like I had to constantly reread sentences to grasp what was happening-maybe because there were so many characters. I would have loved more focus on Sam and Bex and what made them who they were. But the focus on queer positivity was great. 2.5 stars.

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


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And I will be that witness to your life: SAY YOU'LL REMEMBER ME.

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a touching and bittersweet love story between Samantha and Xavier, made all the more poignant because they spend so much of it apart. They meet just before Samantha is set to move from Minnesota to California to care for her mother, who is battling dementia. Their one unforgettable date—including an accidental lock-in at an escape room—ends with an agreement to part ways. But their connection proves too strong, and soon they find themselves navigating a long-distance relationship.

Unlike some of Abby Jimenez’s other novels, this one leans more into quiet emotion than witty banter or sizzling chemistry. It's a soulful, heartfelt romance that also pays tribute to the many forms of family—both the ones we’re born into and the ones we choose. Xavier, a devoted veterinarian, carries the weight of a difficult upbringing, while Samantha is surrounded by her large family as she puts her life on hold to care for her mother.

Animal lovers will appreciate the many furry friends featured throughout, thanks to Xavier’s profession and Samantha’s open heart. While there are charming, funny moments scattered throughout, this story is more tender than lighthearted. It’s beautifully written and emotionally resonant, but not quite the breezy, beachy read some may expect.

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Waiting on the wind to take you home: RE JANE.

Re Jane by Patricia Park
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book would be stronger if it stood on its own as a coming-of-age and cultural identity story, rather than inviting constant comparison to Jane Eyre. The parallel only sets expectations it can’t meet.

The story follows Jane Re, a half-Korean, half-American young woman raised by her stern aunt and uncle in the U.S. after losing her parents. She later becomes a live-in tutor for the Farley-Mazur family in Brooklyn, caring for their adopted Chinese daughter, Devon. The household is a world apart from Jane’s upbringing, and she soon becomes romantically involved with Ed, the child’s adoptive father. Disturbed by the relationship, Jane abruptly leaves for Korea in search of her roots and her long-lost family.

Unfortunately, the connection between Jane and Ed lacks any real spark. Ed is flat and charisma-free, and the ethics of their affair are troubling—not only for the reader, but also for any emotional investment in their dynamic. Unlike the brooding magnetism between Jane Eyre and Rochester, there’s little here to root for.

Pacing is another challenge. The book feels long and meandering, with most character development jammed into the final chapters. Jane Re, our protagonist, struggles to garner sympathy. She betrays those who trust her, walks away from a child who depends on her, and rarely shows genuine warmth or insight toward those around her—including Sang, her American uncle, whose story hints at untapped emotional depth. There are moments where a more nuanced relationship between Jane and Sang tries to break through, but they never quite land.

The novel explores themes of identity, family, and cultural pressure, but these threads don’t feel fully realized. Jane’s journey to Korea seems more like an escape than growth, culminating in her deferring yet again—this time to the expectations of her Korean relatives and a new romantic interest. It’s unclear what kind of personal transformation the story is aiming for.

Even without the shadow of Jane Eyre, this novel lacks the emotional weight and character complexity needed to carry its plot. There are glimpses of something more meaningful—particularly in the themes of belonging and heritage—but they’re lost in a story that ultimately feels unresolved and emotionally distant.

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A heart from a world of hurt: A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE.

A Little Ray of Sunshine by Kristan Higgins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Don’t be fooled by the bright cover and breezy title—this novel is anything but light and fluffy.

The story centers on Harlow, who became pregnant during her freshman year of college and, after much soul-searching, gave the baby up for adoption—telling no one but her best friend, Rosie. Fast forward eighteen years, and that child, Matthew, unexpectedly walks into the Cape Cod bookstore Harlow now runs. Surprise! Turns out Matthew orchestrated his family's summer vacation to the Cape without his parents—or Harlow—knowing.

The premise is compelling and kicks off with a lot of promise. But as the story unfolds, it starts to lose focus. With a sprawling cast and multiple intertwining plotlines, it becomes difficult to keep track of everyone. I found myself wishing the narrative had streamlined a few of the subplots and honed in on the most emotionally resonant ones.

Despite the setup, this isn’t a romance either. Harlow’s former prom date, Grady, is back in town with his young daughter, and while their history hints at potential sparks, their actual interaction is disappointingly minimal. Instead, much of the story is devoted to the emotional aftermath of Harlow's decision to place Matthew for adoption—and his unexpected reappearance in her life. That focus is understandable and important, but the constant internal monologues and repeated reflections start to feel repetitive rather than insightful.

Several side plots also strain believability, particularly one involving Harlow’s “cousin” Cindy, who co-owns the bookstore. Her storyline veers into the absurd. Meanwhile, Rosie returns to support Harlow, adding yet more drama to an already crowded narrative. On top of all that, there’s the challenge of Matthew integrating into Harlow’s large, opinionated family—an emotional process that’s handled with varying degrees of depth.

A particular frustration: Harlow’s married lesbian sister and her wife are portrayed in a surprisingly negative light. They’re often mocked or dismissed by Harlow and others for being wealthy or for their parenting style. It’s frustrating to see queer characters reduced to stereotypes or used as easy targets for criticism. If you're going to include LGBTQ+ characters, give them the nuance and respect they deserve.

That said, the book has its bright spots. Harlow’s Grandpop is a charming standout—quirky, kind, and full of heart. And at its core, this is a deeply emotional story about family, forgiveness, and identity. While the plot can feel overly complicated and stretched thin at times, the emotional truths the characters grapple with are undeniably powerful.

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I don't want to be the one who gets the next surprise: THE HOUSEMATE.

The Housemate by Sarah Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve always loved Sarah Bailey’s writing, and this book is another testament to her talent for crafting intelligent, complex female characters. Her women are layered—flawed, smart, and quietly powerful—and this time, we meet Olive (Oli) Groves, a seasoned reporter with a complicated past.

A decade ago, Oli was the first journalist on the scene of a shocking crime: Evelyn, a university student, was brutally murdered. One housemate, Nicole, vanished without a trace, while the third, Alex, was found drenched in blood and later arrested. Nicole was never seen again.

Now, ten years later, the case is back in the spotlight after a surprising development. Oli, older and wiser, returns to cover the story—this time paired with Cooper Ng, an ambitious young podcaster digging into the infamous "housemate murder."

Adding another layer of complexity, Oli is now engaged to the widower of Isabelle Hardley, the original detective on the case. As Oli tries to build a life with Isabelle’s children and her new fiancé, she finds herself haunted—both literally and figuratively—by the woman she’s replacing. Isabelle’s old journals become a powerful thread in the narrative, offering insight and emotional depth as Oli tries to reconcile her present with the shadows of the past.

The novel unfolds in a dual timeline—then and now—which adds richness and tension to the storytelling. It’s a gripping, character-driven mystery filled with psychological nuance, and once I started, I couldn’t put it down. I stayed up late racing to the final pages, eager to see how all the pieces would fall into place.

There’s a large cast of characters and many intertwining plotlines, but Bailey weaves it all together masterfully. Every thread serves a purpose, and the payoff is deeply satisfying.

If you're looking for an intelligent, layered mystery that keeps you thinking and constantly guessing, this one should be at the top of your list.

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

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I want a kiss in the morning: THE ROMANTIC TRAGEDIES OF A DRAMA KING.

The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King by Harry Trevaldwyn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a rather precious book with a very dramatic protagonist, but Patrick "Patch" does a pretty good job of winning you over.

He's over-the-top and melodramatic, but that's just his way. Patch is a teen, learning to be a gay teen, a better friend, and a good person. And--most importantly to him--he's on a quest to get his first boyfriend. With the help of his best friend, Jean, he's looking at two options from his Drama Club: quiet and shy Sam and Sam's American friend, Patrick.

As Patrick and the club work on putting together a production of Sweeney Todd, Patch and Jean rankle at the fact that their friend turned nemesis, Tessa, is back in the club too--and catching Patrick's eye. Patch's way of approaching the world is filled with confidence and drama, with the writing almost coming across as satire at times. It makes you laugh though and shines with humor and realism.

It's great to read a YA book filled with queer teens (and allies, as Jean would be quick to point out). It's a sweet story, with plenty of teen theatrics--both literal and emotional. There's a full cast of side characters, including Patch's aggrieved English teacher who must listen to his rants, and Jean deserves her own book. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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

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I was walking with a ghost: THE LAST SESSION.

The Last Session by Julia Bartz
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

At first, THE LAST SESSION felt like a familiar premise—a retreat that turns out to be a cult—but then it took a sharp turn into outright absurdity.

Marketed as a "locked room" thriller, the story only begins to touch on that aspect about a quarter of the way through the book, and even then, it's a stretch. Thea, our unreliable narrator, finds herself trapped at a New Mexico retreat for a few days, but the real sense of entrapment comes from being stuck with her disjointed narrative and a cast of bizarre, unlikable characters.

The plot follows Thea, a therapist, who becomes overly involved with her patient Catherine. This connection leads her to the retreat, which may or may not be a front for a cult. Supposedly mysterious events unfold, but they're hard to take seriously. The story is riddled with references to past lives and leans heavily on Stargirl—a strange, fictional movie Catherine starred in as a teen—which becomes a central, if perplexing, thread in the plot.

The characters’ decisions are baffling and often defy logic, even when the book provides shaky backstories to justify them. The narrative is a series of odd twists, many revolving around Stargirl, but none of them felt grounded or satisfying. As a reader, I found myself cringing at the implausibility of the characters’ actions and the awkward execution of the story.

Ultimately, I kept reading in the hope that things would improve, but they didn’t. THE LAST SESSION left me more frustrated than thrilled, with its over-the-top plot and lack of coherence.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in return for an unbiased review. It releases in April 2025!

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