So go on and go and unroll every map: TASTE THE LOVE.

Taste the Love by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This is a cute romance, but don't read it when you're hungry!

Sullivan and Kia are former culinary school rivals who meet again when Kia is planning to buy "the bois," a forest that borders Sullivan's house and restaurant; this beloved land has ties all the way back to her grandfather. Kia wants to turn it into a food truck community, much to the eco-friendly Sullivan's horror. But then the evil Mega Eats corporation swoops in and steals the land from both of them. Kia determines that marriage is the only way to save the forest.

Of course, Sullivan and Kia have always sort of loved each other and had chemistry since their culinary school days, and--of course--Mega Eats will soon demand that they prove their marriage is real, forcing the two into closer and closer confines.

Obstacles abound, too. Kia is a food truck girl with a massive social media following while Sullivan's ex burned her by loving social media attention more than her. Sullivan is cautious and environmentally conscious.

The two both have groups of good friends, giving us a wonderful, diverse set of side characters. The banter is lively, there's plenty of sexual tension, and oh the food references. So delicious! I wanted every delicacy Kia came up with via her truck!

This story is easy to read. It's funny while still covering serious moments. As always, Karelia and Fay give us a well-written and sweet tale. There's not too much miscommunication even though there's a variety of bad decisions made at times!

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


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And we both know our hands ain't clean: DON'T LET HIM IN.

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Oh, this was excellent -- classic Lisa Jewell!

Ash is reeling after the sudden death of her father, Paddy, who was pushed off a train platform. She's not thrilled when her mom, Nina, starts dating again: the charming, Nick, who knew Paddy when they worked at the same restaurant together and comes into Nina's life after sending her a note and a few of Paddy's things.

Meanwhile, Martha is a tired mom of three and a busy owner of a local flower shop. She loves second husband, Al, desperately, but wishes his job kept him home more, or that there was extra money to go around. She'd love to expand her shop, or go on one of the holidays Al is always promising her.

Soon, though, the lives of these two families will collide in unexpected ways, as Jewell weaves an amazing, tangled web! The beauty of this story is that, in some ways, it's quite simple: there's a terrible man doing horrible things to some good people. Rarely have I hated a villain so much, or found myself screaming at the characters to figure things out, to stop, to realize something!

Go into this thriller blind and lose yourself in the tale of a demented individual and so many secrets and lies. I read the second half of this book straight through--I was totally hooked! A really enjoyable, twisty read and total page-turner! 4.5 stars.

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

Look for the U.S. version of DON'T LET HIM IN on June 24, 2025!!

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I want to come over it's a need I can't explain: HOTTER IN THE HAMPTONS.

Hotter in the Hamptons: A Novel by Tinx
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I really don't know how to describe my feelings about this book.

First of all, I have no idea who Tinx is, nor do I want to. But if this book is modeled after her, she did not do herself a lot of favors.

Our main character Lola is a fashion influencer; she started out posting her own vintage designs but has morphed into shilling anything from her sponsors. When she gets canceled for something said while going live, her fancy influencer life starts to fall apart. She and her boyfriend break up and--to make things even worse--journalist Aly Ray Carter writes a scathing piece about Lola, calling her vapid (and more). After that, no one will touch her.

Lola does little to nothing to convince us that she is not the vapid influencer Aly writes about. She cares about very little but money, status, and notoriety. She's also a terrible friend, especially to her BFF, Ryan, who stars as the stereotypical gay best friend, but is also way too forgiving of this girl. (She can't even remember the name of his boyfriend, or to show up to meet him for dinner.)

Meanwhile, as Lola and Ryan flee to the Hamptons, they find out they are staying right next door to Aly. Aly and Lola become romantically entangled, leading to some very spicy scenes and Lola's downright refusal to accept that she could be bisexual.

Here's where the book gets extra confusing: everyone is allowed to come out on their own terms. No one has to label themselves as anything against their wishes. As the book progresses, some pretty awful stuff does happen to Lola, and no one should be outed against their wishes. At the same time, her cluelessness about what the queer community faces (her best friend is gay for god's sake) is just insane. In many ways, this sums up my feelings for this story: vacillating between sympathy for Lola and then wanting to shake sense into her.

I'm not really sure the point of this story. Putting aside the money and bad decisions, Lola was just someone trying to figure herself out. (Yes, she does this badly for the most part.) The NYC elite come off looking as bad as ever, here, and you'll find yourself grateful to be a poor, normal person with zero social status.

Not really a book I'd recommend, but I didn't completely hate it, either. So confusing! 2.5ish stars.

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

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For just another day in paradise: WRITERS AND LIARS.

Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ll read just about anything by Goodman, but WRITERS AND LIARS wasn’t one of my favorites.

That’s not to say it’s a bad book—it’s just a bit strange and sometimes stretches the bounds of plausibility. Maia, our protagonist, is stuck in the past, running the same classics museum her late father once did. When she receives a mysterious invitation to return to Eris, the secluded Greek island where she attended a fateful writing retreat years ago, she’s drawn back into a web of secrets and betrayals. The retreat not only led to her debut (and only) novel but also a devastating betrayal that has haunted her ever since. Now, many of the original attendees—including Annika, Ian, Eleni, Bill, and Sydney—are returning, along with their enigmatic mentor and benefactor, Argos. (The first of many questionable decisions made by these characters!)

It doesn’t take long for things to spiral—Argos is soon found dead, and it becomes clear that danger lurks on the island. With no escape, Maia and the others must untangle the mystery before one of them is next. And, as it turns out, there are an alarming number of ways to die on a remote island.

The novel embraces the classic locked-room (or, in this case, locked-island) mystery format, and the atmospheric Greek setting is undeniably immersive. However, the heavy-handed references to mythology—gods, goddesses, and classical themes—become overwhelming, even for an English major who’s taken entire courses in Greek mythology! The characters, too, are frustratingly difficult to root for. Their lack of common sense and inability to communicate makes for some exasperating moments, and a few plot twists verge on the absurd.

That said, there are some genuinely surprising moments, and Goodman is skilled at building tension—you can practically feel the island’s eerie isolation creeping in. If you love a locked-room mystery in an exotic locale, this might be right up your alley.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an unbiased review. Look for WRITERS AND LIARS on July 15, 2025!

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Someone is finding the place where they belong: THE ART OF RUNNING AWAY.

The Art of Running Away by Sabrina Kleckner
My rating: 4/5 of 5 stars

This middle grade YA story is a lovely read that praises allyship -- making it the perfect sixth book to read for Pride Month.

This is definitely a middle grade story, filled with plenty of tween dramatics and a lot of lying, but if you remember the intended audience when it all feels a bit over the top, it makes total sense. After all, the world feels pretty crazy and out of control sometimes at this age.

Maisie, age 12, has spent her life devoted to art and her parents' art shop, Glenna's. So when her parents tell her to focus on outside interests and send her away to her aunt's in Edinburgh for the summer, she's not thrilled. She's even less pleased when her brother, Calum, now 22, tracks her down there; Calum disappeared when Maisie was six.

Maisie learns that Glenna's is in financial trouble and hopes that Calum is the key to saving it, so she reluctantly spends the summer with him. But she soon learns that Calum's reason for leaving her behind without a second glance isn't as clear cut as her parents made it out to be.

Overall, this is a lovely story about identity and finding your way. It makes excellent points about accepting your children, especially when they come out, but even just accepting them as they are. There's a wonderful and serious discussion about being an ally that is excellent for this age group. Maisie is a sweet character who is muddling her way through life, as any 12-year-old is, finding her way as an artist, sister, daughter, and friend.

The journey of watching Maisie and Calum reunite is tender, and while this is a serious story in many ways, it's also sweet and funny. The two have their humorous moments as siblings, and Calum has a great group of friends in London. Highly recommend this touching read. 4.5 stars.

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There is no sense in pretending: ALL THE MEN I'VE LOVED AGAIN.

All the Men I've Loved Again by Christine Pride
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

All the Men I’ve Loved Again was an enjoyable read! Like its protagonist, Cora Belle, the novel seemed to be finding itself at times, but I still found it compelling.

While marketed as a love triangle, this novel is just as much a coming-of-age story. Cora arrives at Hamlin College in Virginia eager to reinvent herself. Having grown up as the only white girl at her elite private school—which she attended only because her father taught there—college presents a fresh start. She can finally make her own friends and define her own path.

At Hamlin, she quickly bonds with her best friends, Kim and Neisha, and falls deeply for Lincoln, a driven scholarship student determined to make a name for himself in politics. Their relationship is passionate but tumultuous, and during one of their rough patches, Cora crosses paths with Aaron, leading to a whirlwind romance in Paris. Yet, for Cora, love always seems to end in heartbreak.

Fast forward twenty years, and Cora finds herself at a crossroads, with both Aaron and Lincoln back in her life. Can she let her guard down and embrace love again? And if so, who should she choose?

Christine Pride’s solo debut deftly balances romance with weighty themes, including Black identity and abortion. The writing has a natural, conversational flow, alternating between Cora’s first experiences of love with Lincoln and letters from Aaron. I appreciated how the narrative mirrored Cora’s own indecision, making me constantly reevaluate who seemed like the better choice.

That said, Cora’s privilege and occasional indecisiveness could be frustrating, though she deserves credit for refusing to settle. The pacing drags at times, and some characters could have been more fully developed, but the novel’s exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery makes up for it.

For me, the standout character was Cora’s father, Wes. With his unwavering love and sharp sense of humor, he added warmth and levity to the story—I would have happily read an entire book about him!

While not without its flaws, All the Men I’ve Loved Again is a character-driven novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about love, friendship, and personal growth. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for All the Men I’ve Loved Again on 07/08/2025!

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Get out the map and lay your finger anywhere down: MY BEST FRIEND'S HONEYMOON.

My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ah, best friends pining away for one another -- a fun saga for my 5th read of Pride Month.

We have Elsie and Ginny, best friends since childhood. Ginny has held a torch for Elsie since high school, but gave up on that dream after they asked their friend to a dance and was turned down. Elsie has been engaged for a while, but once she breaks off her engagement, she asks Ginny to accompany her on her planned tropical honeymoon. There, the two get past their fear of messing up their friendship and hook up. But all the fears and tension come rushing back pretty quickly and things quickly get awkward after their union.

Oh Elsie. Oh Ginny. What a mess. Elsie is a wishy washy gal who has spent her life working at her parents' store, unable to speak up for herself and letting other people take care of her. Meanwhile, Ginny is a pushover who would do anything for Elsie.

But, we all have our flaws, right? The two seem like regular, messed up people. My issue was that the book repeats their thoughts and feelings far too much, giving both a cardboard character feel. You find yourself wanting to scream, "we get it!" I truly wanted them to get together and empathized with each, especially Ginny.

Not a ton happens, but there's more than just the stress of the "honeymoon" drama. Elsie is trying to make a difference and put her business degree to work at her family's business. Meanwhile, Ginny starts their own. And don't worry, there are certainly a couple of spicy honeymoon scenes. Ginny has a fantastic group of queer friends who add some excellent color commentary and humor to the story. (Elsie's ex is also hilariously LGBTQIAP+ friendly, which is a really fun running gag.)

Things have a way of sometimes feeling flat in Wilsner's books and the third act breakup was a bit of a stretch, but this is still a cute, fun read with awesome and diverse representation. I grew to care for Ginny and, yes, Elsie. The ending redeemed a lot. 3.5+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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This dirty place don't want you here: DEATH AT MORNING HOUSE.

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This YA mystery was a pleasant surprise for my 4th read of Pride Month!

While on a first date, Marlowe actually burns down a house (not hers! while house-sitting!). Humiliated, she leaves town to work at Morning House, a famous mansion on an island best known for housing the wealthy Ralston family. The family lived there happily in the 1930s until two of their children died tragically.

This book is just really fun -- told in Johnson's witty style via Marlowe's self-deprecating humor. We get the present day tale from Marlowe interspersed with snippets from members of the Ralston family leading up to the fateful day of loss. It's a very effective technique for building suspense, as I kept flipping the pages, wanting to know what was going to happen to Marlowe and what exactly struck the Ralstons.

Marlowe is just a lovable, awkward protagonist--dealing with leaving a potential girlfriend behind and now navigating a new friend group. All the other teens working at Morning House know one another and have a history, including the fairly recent loss of their friend, Chris.

Then the professor who was overseeing the teens--and doing research at Morning House--disappears and the tension ratchets up even more. Was it an accident, or something more sinister?

There's nothing wild or innovative here, but this is a really fun and suspenseful book with an awesome queer vibe. The switch between time periods really adds to the story. I loved this as a grown adult, but it would be great for its intended YA audience as well.


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It's all in the walk and the thoughts: PRETTY GIRL COUNTY.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a perfect fit for its YA audience, and if you're from Maryland, it will undoubtedly resonate. Even as a Virginian, I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Prince George’s "PG" County—affectionately nicknamed "Pretty Girl County" in the novel.

While the writing can be a bit simplistic and the story leans into some cheesy moments, it remains an enjoyable read that tackles serious topics with both responsibility and charm. The novel follows Sommer and Reya, childhood best friends from Seat Pleasant, MD. Their friendship fractures when Reya and her mother move to the wealthier Bowie, thanks to her mom’s rising success as a lawyer—eventually landing her a spot on Potomac Housewives.

Reya, eager to secure her spot at the Fashion Institute of Technology, enlists Sommer’s help with a high school fashion show, offering her former best friend cold, hard cash in exchange for assistance. Reluctantly, Sommer agrees. As they spend more time together, old bonds begin to rekindle. Sommer starts hanging out with Reya’s wealthy friend group, especially a guy named Sean, while Reya finds herself drawn to a girl who works at Sommer’s dad’s bookstore. When the store faces the threat of demolition, it becomes the catalyst for a larger story about community, class, and standing up for what matters.

COUNTY does a great job exploring themes of friendship, wealth disparity, and the deep-rooted divisions between different neighborhoods. The novel thoughtfully showcases the stark contrasts within PG County and how they shape the people who grow up there. The importance of neighborhood and community is a central theme, with the bookstore serving as a powerful symbol of these ideas. I especially loved the literary elements and Sommer’s parents, who were wonderfully written. However, the subplot involving Reya’s mom and her Potomac Housewives fame felt a little over the top.

While the story lacks major plot twists and sometimes relies on "telling" rather than "showing," it’s still an engaging read that highlights important issues. YA readers, especially those interested in stories about friendship and social dynamics, will find plenty to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Viking Books in exchange for an honest review. Look for PRETTY GIRL COUNTY on July 1, 2025!

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