You know when you’re by my side, darling, nothing can bring us down: DOLLY ALL THE TIME.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan


Easily one of my favorite reads of 2025 -- keep this one on your radar for its May 2026 release!

Dolly Brick is back in her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island to take care of her dad and brother after a (small) fire in her childhood home. That's typical for Dolly--always helping, always giving. She and her teenage son are assisting her dad at the family fish shop and generally making themselves useful. While delivering for the shop, she comes across Stewart Whitfield--one of those wealthy Whitfields whom the town is named after--floundering while trying to change a tire. Dolly does it for him, leading to him asking her to pose as his girlfriend to convince his family that he's serious both about taking over the family business and settling down.

What's so great about this book is that it allows you to completely embrace a fantasy come to life: a weary mom wined and dined by the handsome, rich guy. You know it's fake, but Monaghan writes so convincingly that you find yourself wishing it was real. The characters just pop off the page--written as vibrant, realistic, flawed, and funny humans. I truly wanted what was best for Dolly and Stewart.

Nothing about this story feels forced or silly, as so many fake dating tropes can. Their reasons to pull away aren't contrived, but based on actual motivations. We meet Stewart's family, including his sister, Busy, and his doctor Mom and learn about his need to be the absolute best for his family. And then there's the charming Dolly, attempting to do it all after her mom left when she was a child. Her sweet son, Gus, is a wonderful character as well.

This is a romance, but also a story of growth and the strength of family. It's a vulnerable story but also funny. I found it hard to put down and highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this story from Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons in return for an unbiased review. Look for this one 5/26/2026!

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It's midnight on the highway I'm coming back for you: CALLER UNKNOWN.

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a slightly different one. Half thriller, half treatise on motherhood.

Simone leaves the U.K. to visit her daughter Lucy in Texas. She wakes up after her first night there and discovers Lucy is gone. She soon finds a burner phone in Lucy's place and realizes her daughter has been kidnapped. A message on the phone warns that Simone should not involve the police. Her husband wants her to call them anyway, but Simone refuses, going rogue to save Lucy, especially when she realizes that the kidnapper doesn't want money.

It's a captivating plot, but unfortunately it starts to border on preposterous fairly early on. Simone and Lucy make some insane decisions and are unwilling to listen to reason (e.g., lawyers, family). Much of the book focuses on Simone's fears of Lucy going to university, portraying her (justifiably) as a clingy mother unwilling to let her only child go. She thinks she loves Lucy more than her husband does, and makes statements on how mothers love kids best or children need two parents. It just wasn't necessary and the story spent much too much time focusing on it.

There are some good twists here and the plot is tense, but marred by annoyed decisions and outlandish developments. Add in Simone's crazy ramblings about motherhood and a plot that wraps up too easily and this is a decent read, but not a great one.

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

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Trouble is you got to have yourself an alternate plan: THE LONG CON.

The Long Con: A Novel by Jenna Voris
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I will preface this review by saying that I have absolutely adored all the YA work by Jenna Voris that I've read and that I will continue to read anything else she writes. This one--an adult mystery--just didn't work for me. Sadly, it was a bit of a slog, featuring unlikable characters and an unbelievable plot. Two warring hotel moguls fighting about stuff... who cares? Meanwhile, we have Chloe, a con artist, and her accomplice friends Logan and Priya and then Chloe's nemesis, Harper, a rich girl who likes conning other rich people.

The idea is that there will be a slow burn romance between Chloe and Harper as one hotel exec hires them to steal from another. But there's no slow burn, just a slow... nothing. The two have no chemistry, no witty banter, just anger--with zero pay off. And the con they unite on is not exciting (and not a long con, maybe a week-long con).

The ending is slightly redeemable and Priya and Logan are enjoyable. This one had a lot of promise, but it wasn't my favorite. Others may enjoy it, and I love seeing Voris writing different in genres and across all ages. I can't wait to see what's next, even if this one was a miss for me.

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

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My stride is slowed by memory but not innocent: MAD MABEL.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, MAD MABEL is just excellent--an utterly captivating read.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is in her 80s and lives a quiet life on her street, where her main duty is keeping an eye on the business of her neighbors. But when a turn of events reveals to said neighbors that Elsie is the infamous Mad Mabel, well known as Australia's youngest murderer, things take a turn.

This is such a compelling read, part-thriller and part-character-driven tale. Elsie is an intriguing, complicated, and wonderfully written character, who draws you into her story immediately. A close second is young Persephone, a child who lives near Elsie.

The story is nearly impossible to put down, especially with its then-and-now format, alternating between the present-day and Elsie's memories of her life.

This is one of the best thrillers I've read in some time, featuring a fascinating protagonist and a narrative style like no other.

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

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One day, she's looking over her shoulder at the past: MISSING SISTER.

Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twins Penny and Nix grew up incredibly close, but Penny lost Nix to a drug addiction. Nix's last voicemail has haunted Penny for five years. Now Penny's a rookie cop, hoping to save others from Nix's fate. But on one of her early training cases, she recognizes the victim as one of the men she blames for her sister's death. While on scene, she comes across a woman covered in blood, a weapon by her side.

Incredulously (seriously, it seems a shocking way to start this book!), Penny lets the woman go, thinking her whispered "sisters" has ties to Nix. She pockets the box cutter this woman was holding and lies to her training officers and fellow cops. The woman vanishes, but of course, Penny's behavior is suspicious, leading to a suspension.

What follows is a story that focuses both on Penny's feelings about Nix's passing and the death of the man she blames for Nix's death. A few of the outcomes seem a bit obvious but other twists are excellent and surprising. This is a dark and gory story, with a focus on the dangers of drug addiction. It also delves into sisterhood and the complicated feelings that family can dredge up.

Penny is a tough woman, even if she makes some questionable decisions. Her love for Nix shines through the story, giving it added depth and dimension. This is a complicated, dark, and twisty tale.

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

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Freeze frames in time move through me: STRANGERS IN A VILLA.

Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very dramatic thriller set in picturesque Spain!

After Sydney's husband, Curtis, cheats on her, the two decide to leave their life in New York City behind and buy a Spanish villa. They hope a new house and location will allow them to start fresh and focus on their marriage. But then a young couple shows up and destroys their peace--Bianca and Damian, two Aussies, are traveling in their camper van when it breaks down outside the villa. At first, the group gets along well (with the exception of Curtis, who resents the intrusion), but soon, cracks begin to form.

This is an interesting book--the tension builds slowly, and it feels like a locked room mystery at time, with both couples mainly trapped in the villa. As such, Harding does an excellent job creating a claustrophobic feel. There's a strange forced sexual tension between the group, which made me feel awkward. Lies and secrets abound, with information gradually revealed across various perspectives, and ratcheting up the mystery and suspense.

Be prepared for a tale that takes some dark turns and centers on often quite selfish and unhappy people. It's a good quick read though, and one which will keep you guessing. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing in return for an unbiased review. Look for STRANGERS IN THE VILLA on 03/03/2026!

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In silence, my darkness is denied: THE FUTURE SAINTS.

The Future Saints by Ashley Winstead
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It seems as if books about bands are a dime a dozen lately, but Winstead's latest offers a unique twist on the premise.

When we first meet The Future Saints, they are in fairly bad shape, overdue on an album owed to their label and giving drunken concerts. Their label, Manifest, sends in the "Fixer," Theo, to try to get the band back on track--and record their long overdue album (before dropping them).
Soon some performances go viral, as does their new sound--a darker type of rock influenced by the death of their manager, Ginny, who was also the sister of their lead singer, Hannah.

Theo quickly finds himself caught up in the lives of the band. He realizes how talented Hannah and her bandmates are, despite the self-destructive bent. Hannah's drowning in grief over Ginny's death, resulting in amazing music but intense pressure on the band.

The resulting story is raw and an intense look at the power of sisterhood and friendship. It explores the debilitating effects of grief without pulling any punches. Theo and Hannah grow closer, but the specter of Ginny's death hovers over everyone and every decision. How do you move on after losing someone so dear to you--and at what point do you move on when someone you love is not willing to help themselves? The book asks these hard questions and many more. It's unflinching yet tender and while the characters can sometimes be frustrating, it's a good read.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE FUTURE SAINTS on 01/20/2026!

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Never seen anything wild as you: THE STORM.

The Storm by Rachel Hawkins


Ok, THE STORM is just pure, delicious fun!

St. Medard’s Bay, Alabama is well-known for its hurricanes—and the many deaths that have accompanied them. During it all has stood the Rosalie Inn, a beach hotel that has made it through every storm. And during Hurricane Marie in the 1980s, it’s where the infamous Gloria “Lo” Bailey was accused of murdering her lover, Landon Fitzroy, the far older son of Alabama’s governor. Lo got off on a hung jury, but the scandal has stuck with Medard’s Bay all these years.

Geneva now owns the Rosalie, passed on from her parents, and is thrilled when she hears a writer, August, is coming to stay at the Inn. He wants to research Lo and Landon’s murder; Geneva hopes a mention of the Inn could help drum up some much-needed business. But when August shows up, he isn’t alone—he’s brought Lo Bailey with him—and soon it looks like things will never be the same in St. Medard’s or at the Rosalie.  It takes a minute to get into this one – so many names and dates to place! But once you do, it reads like an amazing soap opera.

At its heart, is this: did nineteen-year-old Lo Bailey, St. Medard’s “most beautiful girl” bash in the head of Landon Fitzroy and leave him to drown the night of Hurricane Marie? Lo claims no, and August’s book is going to tell her story in her own words. As it does, we get clippings from that time period, excerpts from Lo’s old journals, and flashbacks to other various major storms in St. Medard’s history.

What results is an incredibly dark and twisty tale that keeps you reading (and often guessing) until the very end. This is a stormy book (ha!) filled with anger and betrayal and centered around big events that occurred at various hurricanes. It covers the power of friendship (and the power of wealth and class). Overall, though, I found this to be a fun page-turner with a dark side that does an excellent job of playing up its ominous beach setting. 4+ stars.  

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press in return for an unbiased review. Look for it on 1/6/2026! 

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You best walk her way and watch it shine: PLAYING FOR KEEPS.

Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this one - a fun, escapist love story (x2)!

We have Poppy, publicist to football player Cash. Cash sends a tweet to mega popstar Poppy, asking for a date. Said date is managed by Lyric's well-known, longtime publicist, Rosaline. Poppy has a history of making bad decisions, causing her to second guess her career choices, and often feels tossed aside by her family--her friendship with Cash is paramount in her life. Rosaline, meanwhile, feels incredibly protective of Lyric, who has a history of tumultuous relationships.

Lyric and Cash give off a smoldering Taylor/Travis vibe, but the true stars are Rosaline and Poppy, who start off as friends with benefits, but slowly build up trust as they work through their clients' own very public relationship.

There's not always a ton of in-depth character development, but we get plenty of laughs and lots of sexual tension. The story is LGBTQIA positive and makes it easy to root for all the characters. Poppy and Rosaline's story (and Cash and Lyric's) is interspersed with social media snippets to move the tale along and keep everything light. This is a fun, sexy romance with a celebrity twist!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Avon in return for an unbiased review. Look for PLAYING FOR KEEPS on 01/06/2026!


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Noticing isn't what makes it so: THE SANDY PAGE BOOKSHOP.

The Sandy Page Bookshop by Hannah McKinnon
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I can count on Hannah McKinnon to pull me into an engaging story.

Here she takes a fairly routine plot – a woman loses her job and simultaneously sees her engagement end and therefore escapes to the beach – and brings a fun and heartfelt twist.

Reeling from the changes in her life, Leah leaves Boston for some time at her father’s beach cottage. Instead of wallowing (more power to her!), she starts a bookstore inside a vacant historical building. (Seriously, this is one determined woman.) The bookstore brings together a wide range of people. We have the anxious widow and former school counselor, Eudora; teenage Lucy, who is dealing with her sister’s recovery from a car accident; Brad, who is hiding is true self from his grandmother; and Luke, the handsome contractor (and childhood acquaintance of Leah) helping fix up the place.  

What follows is a sweet and touching story as these folks join together to bring the store to life, while also changing each other’s lives. Yes, there’s a romance between Luke and Leah, but it’s more of a slow burn awakening with these two than a full-on romance plot. There are lots of POV, with McKinnon doing a great job of capturing everyone from the older Eudora to teenage Lucy. She also gracefully portrays Eudora’s anxiety and panic attacks and Brad’s attempts to date another man while hiding it from his grandmother.  

Overall, this is a very cute story that leaves you wanting to be both at the beach and a bookstore—what sounds better than that, really?! (3.5 stars) 

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

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Cheating time cheating death: YOU BELONG HERE.

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am always willing to read anything by Megan Miranda, even if some books are more of a hit than others.  YOU BELONG HERE is a solid 3.5 star read.

I found its overly theatrical writing style a bit much at times, but it’s a great twisty thriller with some excellent turns that took me by surprise. Plus, I’m always a sucker for a Virginia setting, even if it’s fictious (I hope!). Beckett attended local Wyatt College, thanks to the fact that her parents were both professors there. But senior year, tragedy strikes, leaving two local men dead, and Beckett is shipped off to finish her college years overseas. She returns pregnant with her daughter Delilah and rarely speaks of the incident again.

So, imagine her surprise when Delilah secretly applies to Wyatt and receives a scholarship! When she gets a strange phone call for Delilah and can’t reach her, Beckett worries that the past is coming back to haunt her.  This is such a tense book, brimming with parental fear and small-town anger and secrets! The dark, academic setting shines; you can practically hear the wind (“the howling”) whipping through the mountains behind Wyatt College. Miranda deftly ties together Delilah’s story with her mother’s past, slowly revealing what happened with Beckett via flashbacks that intertwine with the present-day story. It’s a very effective mechanism, as I found this story very difficult to put down. At the same time, beyond its eerie vibes, this is a story of motherhood—and how far a mother would go to protect her daughter. It’s a little wild sometimes, but a good page-turner.

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

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See everything you think you need to see then come back to me: BED and BREAKUP.

Bed and Breakup by Susie Dumond
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute second chance romance with cozy small-town vibes.

Molly and Robin split years ago, leaving behind Eureka Springs, Arkansas and the Hummingbird Inn, the beautiful, historic inn they lovingly restored together. Somehow, they both managed to *not* get formally divorced (amazing!) or to sell the inn, which has been sitting vacant since COVID. They each independently return to Eureka Springs: Molly to work on a series of art projects (stained glass – this story is wonderful about promoting artists) and Robin to regroup after several failed business projects (restaurants she started). Neither expects the other to be at the Inn, but surprise!

At first, they launch a series of preemptive pranks and annoying tactics to force the other out, but eventually, like all good lesbian exes, they find themselves sharing both a bed and cozy moments at the local bar. Being back together stirs up all sorts of feelings, of course. Robin convinces Molly to help her fix up the Inn (apparently some management community ruined it while they left town – the logistics of the Inn and its existence while its owners left is all very confusing) so they can sell it. Well, we can all see where this is going…

I wish there was more spark between Molly and Robin. There are a few steamy moments, but it would have been nice to see how two women who hated each other (Robin left Molly and Eureka Springs for another woman!) could reunite so easily, lesbian nature withstanding. I found it hard to warm up to Robin, especially since she seemed reluctant to take responsibility for much of anything. On the plus side, the diverse representation in this book is outstanding, with a full cast of queer or queer adjacent characters. Basically, Eureka Springs is the queer town of Arkansas and Robin and Molly’s quirky friends truly make the book.

If you love charming small-town second chance romances, you’ll like Molly and Robin’s story.

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

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Well life is hard and so is love: SUNNY SIDE UP.

Sunny Side Up by Katie Sturino
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

For the most part, this is a cheerful book, despite the fact that we open on our protagonist, Sunny, divorced and slightly depressed, dreading going to her brother's wedding alone, and standing in the most dreaded of places, the dressing room, trying on swimsuits. Considered "plus size," Sunny can't find any suits that fit, so she designs one that fits her.

Already a successful businesswoman running her own PR firm, Sunny decides to build on that momentum, taking her one suit and spinning it into her own plus-size clothing line. While doing so, she meets a handsome businessman, Ted, who helps fund her line, and two hit it off. She also runs across Dennis, her mailman, whom she finds charming, funny, and easy-to-talk-to.

Sunny is a very lovable person (both Ted and Dennis think so) and clearly very ambitious and motivated. There's plenty of business talk in the book, but her work ethic is admirable. The story feels long at times, and while she ultimately admits, it feels like she takes an awfully long time to choose between Ted and Dennis, stringing them both along for ages (and us too!). Luckily Sturino gives her an engaging voice and charming way of telling her story.

The story alternates between Sunny's life and snippets from her successful newsletter, which goes viral, offering fashion tips and insight on divorce and dating again. There's also an excellent and strong focus on body positivity. If you like strong heroines working to change their lives for the better (with some romance drama thrown in), you'll enjoy this one. 3.5 stars.

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As defiant as well as defender: PERSEPHONE'S CURSE.

Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story was not at all what I expected, but it was excellent!

Not that I'm surprised, because anything Katrina Leno writes is amazing.

The four Farthing sisters--Winnie, Bernie, Evelyn, and Clara--have always been told they are descended from Persephone. And who knows, it could be true, because there's a ghost that lives in their house, a young man named Henry, that only they can see.

It all works out until Evelyn and Henry fall in love and Winnie attempts to solve the problem. It seems each sister has a bit of magical powers, and Winnie sets off a series of catastrophic events involving closed portals and the Underworld.

It might sound over the top, but it all works really well. So much of this beautiful, magical ghost story is simply four sisters attempting to navigate growing up in the world. Bernadette, the eldest, is trying to figure out if she belongs at college. Evelyn is grappling with her love for Henry. Winnie, our main narrator, has big feelings and an ability to see the ghosts of Farthings past (and perhaps a crush on the cute girl at the magic store), and feisty Clara is the artistic wise youngest sister who despite her wisdom, still requires the love and guidance of her older sisters.

This well-written, lyrical story is an ode to New York City and sisterhood. It's utterly fascinating, with equal dashes of magic and Little Women mixed together, along with some lesbians! What more could we ask for, really? I loved it.


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I may be standing here but I’m a million miles away: THE RIPPLE EFFECT.

The Ripple Effect by Maggie North
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

This felt like the longest book ever. It takes a lot of talent to turn a romance into a never-ending tale.

I didn't realize this book was part of one of those "stand-alone romance series." Usually it's easy to pick up anywhere with those type of stories. With RIPPLE, I felt dropped into the middle of a tale with zero context. I have no idea if reading Liz's story (the first book) would have helped this, but it drove me insane, as it felt as if there were constant gaps in the narrative.

Nothing about this book felt grounded in reality, from the plot to the romance. Former ER doctor Stellar truly can't find a job in medicine? She really won't move away from the area solely because of her ties to her best friend (Liz)--whom we barely even encounter in this book? Again, perhaps knowing more about their relationship from the first book would have helped, because living a broke, depressed existence as a delivery driver when you could move on and return to being a PHYSICIAN seemed insane.

Stellar had a one night stand a year ago with psychologist Lyle, whom everyone rudely calls McHuge due to his size. Seriously? Now she's forced (she feels) to work as a camp physician (really more of a hard laborer) at The Love Boat, Lyle's start-up therapy camp that revolves around white water rafting. (Yes, you read that right.)

BUT THEN, The Love Boat is attacked in the press and is in jeopardy before it even opens. The ONLY way to save it, everyone, the ONLY WAY, is for Lyle and Stellar to pretend to be engaged and deeply in love. The fake romance plot seemed extra unhinged for two people who hated each other. Lyle and Stellar do not have the best chemistry and Stellar is difficult to like. There's a side plot involving Stellar's estranged sister that doesn't seem necessary but probably would have been the more interesting story.

Overall, the pieces never really seem to fit here, between the fake romance, trying to save The Love Boat, and Stellar and Lyle's own personal struggles. 2.5 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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Your world grows with every opportunity: SO GAY FOR YOU.

So Gay for You: Friendship, Found Family, and the Show That Started It All by Leisha Hailey
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

It was wonderful to revisit THE L WORD in Leisha and Kate's memoir. It made me want to re-watch the (original) show!

The portion of this memoir that talks about how Kate, Leisha, and the gang were cast on THE L WORD, how they spent their time on set, and the completely otherworldly experience of changing lesbian television was easily my favorite part. It was incredibly interesting to hear their perspectives on the show's classic scenes and infamous guest stars. The cast immediately bonded, and I loved reading how so many of them became friends for life, especially Kate and Leisha.

The rest of the book is really just a very fast skim of the two women's lives -- everything gets a quick gloss. The AIDS crisis; let's cover it in 5 lines, etc. It might have been better to go more in-depth on a few areas rather than try to cover everything. Still, the book is structured to show the light parallels between Leisha and Kate's lives, allowing it to move quickly.

Neither woman pulls any punches, especially when it comes to THE L WORD sequel (Kate especially). As mentioned, they don't go too deep into anything, but it's easy to tell how they feel about most topics.

This is a great read for any L WORD fans but those looking for a more in-depth memoir may find it lacking. Still, everyone will enjoy how Kate and Leisha's humor and obvious friendship shine through their narrative. 3.5 stars.

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

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I remember when I had you and you had so much promise then: THE OTHER SIDE OF NOW.

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but it was better than I thought it would be!!

Meg Bryan is an actress in Los Angeles; known as Lana Ford, she's melded herself for LA success, from her personality to her body. She's finally achieved the fame she's always wanted, but when she really thinks about it, she's not truly sure happiness has come with the fame. Meg escapes for a week on vacation to Ireland. There, she finds herself in a parallel life. She's Meg again--she's not famous--and her best friend, Aimee, who passed away in Lana's world--is alive and well. Her body is normal (no nose job!) and... while she's a little befuddled, she feels like she could be happy in this life.

This is a mystical look at parallel universes and how one choice can change our lives in so many ways. It's also a delicate and touching exploration of grief, delving into Meg's complex feelings about Aimee's death, both in her "real" life and in Ireland, where she feels thrilled to find Aimee alive, even if the pair were apparently fighting in that universe.

Harbison explores how seeing parts of our lives play out differently--can make us appreciate what we truly have. In Ireland, Meg has Cillian, an on-again/off-again boyfriend who runs the local pub. He's patient and adorable, and their sexual tension adds a fun element to the story.

This is a fun and different tale, and the Ireland portion of the setting is so much fun!

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


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But you're a fixer-upper if there ever was: SOME KIND OF FAMOUS.

Some Kind of Famous: A Novel by Ava Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book by Ava Wilder, but it won't be my last.

SOME KIND OF FAMOUS is a slow burn romance, but both its storyline and characters quickly grew on me, even if our protagonist, Merritt, is a tad prickly at times. Once a famous singer-songwriter, Merritt now lives in a small Colorado town with her twin, Olivia, and Olivia's husband. But it's time for Merritt to move out into her own home, which requires her to hire local handyman, Niko. He's attractive and kind and competent and just far too stable for Merritt to get involved with.

But even Niko has to admit he's pretty fascinated with Merritt. And working on her home offers him a steady paycheck that he just can't turn down. Despite both sides being warned off each other, Merritt and Niko keep getting thrown together--and liking it. But Niko's coming off a terrible breakup and Merritt... well, she's coming off her life. Can they make it work?

This story has plenty of fun sexual tension and laughs, but overall, it's a rather serious romance that explores mental health, Merritt's tough issues as a teen rock star, sexual assault, and more. Both Merritt and Olivia are difficult characters to love: Merritt has been through a lot and she holds people at arm's length while Olivia can be awfully mean and lashes out at her sister in cruel ways. The more we learn about their past, the easier it is to understand their actions. As for Niko, he's one of those trope-filled romance teddy bears that you can't help but love. And he's handy!

This is a really witty story, but it's also insightful and poignant. Both Merritt and Niko have plenty of family drama and there's tons of sexual tension to propel the story forward. Also I'm just a sucker for stories that involve a famous person and a regular person falling for each other, even if some of Merritt's glory days are behind her.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine/Dell in return for an unbiased review.

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You traded me away long gone: THE SHADOW WRITER.

The Shadow Writer by Eliza Maxwell
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

As a child, Graye Templeton witnessed some horrendous acts. She was raised in a foster care, overseen by a caring nun who encouraged her love of writing. Graye finds work as assistant for writer/professor David West and eventually starts working for his wife, influential book blogger, Laura West. She even moves south from NYC with the family. But soon Graye finds herself deeply attached to Laura and enmeshed in the West family, including concerns about David's drinking.

Honestly, this story was creepier than I expected! That's not a bad thing--it surprisingly gory and tense. The story can be a little slow at times, but there's some excellent surprises that keep you reading and guessing. Maxwell's tale explores morality, looking at who is really good or bad and what that truly means. It's also a bookish tale, with Graye wanting to write, David being a (once) successful writer, and Laura promoting books and holding festive book events.

If you like a twisty and character-driven tale with dark plot twists, you'll enjoy this one. (Trigger warnings for abuse, alcoholism, miscarriage.) 3.5 stars

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And the pins were pulled long ago: HE'S TO DIE FOR.

He's to Die For by Erin Dunn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Rav is not your typical NYC cop -- he's a posh British gay man; the son of a British lord, with an ivy league education and a penchant for designer clothing. Rav loves being on the force and is thrilled when his lieutenant gives him a high profile case involving a music executive. As part of the case, he meets Jack, the lead singer for the famous band The Knickerbockers. Sparks fly between Jack and Rav immediately, but unfortunately, Jack is a suspect in Rav's case. Getting close with him means an end to Rav's career.

I'm always a sucker for the "regular" person and famous person romances. This story pairs that storyline with an over-the-top mystery. At times, it feels like a lot of plot jammed in! There are dying people tossed in with FBI agents and conspiracy theories galore. Add that to Jack and Rav's relationship ups and downs, and it can become very difficult to keep all the mystery threads straight!

Still, Rav and Jack are cute together, and while there's nothing really revolutionary about this romance, it's a fun m/m romance with a mystery twist.

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

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