My heart turned a flip as I stood next to you: PLAY YOU FOR IT.

Play You For It by Samantha Saldivar
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sapphic romance has a basketball-themed plot. 🏀 Need I say more?

Jordan gets promoted to head coach of a D1 men’s (!) basketball team and along the way falls for the amazing sports reporter covering the team, named Beck. It's a tad cheesy at times, but had me rooting for Jordan's team, and of course, Jordan and Beck.

I'm pretty much a sucker for a sports romance with lesbians. If that sport is basketball--even better. This story drew me in because it features "grown-up" gays, not students playing basketball. (Although there's a very compelling storyline with Jordan winning the trust of her new team.) Jordan and Beck fall for each other immediately, but can't act--Jordan is worried about trusting a reporter, while Beck fears what dating Jordan will mean for her burgeoning career.

Much of the story focuses on the fact that Jordan is the first female D1 coach--a very timely plot piece--and it makes excellent points about the unfairness in basketball: how women are treated, how lesbians are treated, etc. There are some major misogynistic moments for both Jordan and Beck, and the book does a great job of realistically portraying how difficult it can be to be a woman in the sport of basketball. It also captures the drama of basketball so well--the excitement of advancing in a tournament, per se, or the pain of losing.

Overall, this was an enjoyable romance -- with honest characters who reflected the real-world around them. I loved the sports angle and was definitely swept up in the story! 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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

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Got a strange sense of deja vu: THE MISSED CONNECTION.

The Missed Connection by Tia Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sasha has had a rough go of it, but she's getting back in the game at work. That same adage doesn't apply to her romantic life: she's not interested in dating. But on flight to Paris, she has a magical connection with "Seat F," a charming man who makes Sasha feel as if there could be something between them. Unfortunately, they part ways before exchanging names and contact information.

Sasha turns to Wes, a private detective who helped her in the past. Wes is no longer a PI, but he agrees to help. Sasha and Wes once had their own fleeting connection--a sizzling chemistry that they now try to squash, but it just keeps rising to the surface.

In fact, Sasha and Wes' chemistry just keeps popping up--over and over. I enjoyed this book, but it feels as if pieces of the plot are rehashed a few times too many. We cover how Wes rescued Sasha in the past, but she's searching for the new guy; Wes can't commit to anything and is a bit of a hot mess (he's running a food truck now, you see), but oh their chemistry--rinse and repeat.

One of the best aspects of this story is the coverage of Sasha's anxiety disorder, which is done thoughtfully and fairly. It affects many of her decisions, and the author treats anxiety honestly and respectfully, as well as using it to flesh out Sasha's backstory.

MISSING CONNECTION is a bit mystery, bit romance. At times, I wanted to shake Sasha--why was she so obsessed with this plane guy? Some of the avenues taken to find him seemed ridiculous, making the whole tale a bit far fetched. I did enjoy Sasha and Wes' chemistry and the character development is pretty well-done. There's also a cameo from Ricki Wilde's husband that made me grin. 3.5 stars.

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

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I can feel the weight of it now: HEARTSICK.

Heartsick by Kristina Forest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Margot has a summer internship at Healing Hearts. The company has created a pill that claims to block romantic thoughts about a specific person--the one who has broken your heart. This is particularly ironic to Margot because she and her boyfriend, Isaac, recently broke up.

"Heartbreak doesn't have to last forever."

Margot is still shocked when she sees Isaac in Healing Hands. Is he trying to erase their romantic relationship from his memory? Before they can hash it out, they overhear a conversation between the two Healing Heart founders that sets off a chain of events, sending the two running for safety... together.

This is a cute story, if not a bit convoluted. It's a romance, but also feels like a mystery as Isaac and Margot try to track down what exactly is happening at Healing Hands. In some ways, I preferred the mystery story versus the romance, which seemed a little lacking at times. Still, this is a unique tale with diverse characters and a sweet teen romance. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group in return for an unbiased review.



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A secret's a boat tossed on a wave: THE ANNIVERSARY.

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a typical Alex Finlay page turner that I blew through in about 24 hours!

It follows the intertwining lives of classmates Quinn and Jules, checking in on both of them every May 1st, starting in 1992.

That first fateful May 1, 1992 is a big one: Quinn, a good kid from a poor household is arrested after trying to help stop a fight. And Jules survives an attack from the so-called "May Day Killer" that leaves her horribly traumatized.

After his time in prison, Quinn spends his time looking for his mom's killer, while Jules becomes a model trying to outrun her past. But over time, we see their paths overlapping more and more. This one is hard to put down, as we have lots to figure out--who is the May Day killer? Who killed Quinn's mother?

The only reason this isn't rated higher is that while I found the story captivating, I did find much of it predictable, figuring out the main culprits fairly early on. There's only so much character development when we check on our protagonists once a year. Still, this is an enjoyable thriller that also delves into serious topics, such as sexual assault and how society views missing women. 3.5+ stars.

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

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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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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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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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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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Now it seems the kindest thing to do is cut loose and let go of you: OVERDUE.

Overdue: A Novel by Stephanie Perkins
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

I thought this would be a very different story than it turned out to be. Librarian Ingrid and her longtime boyfriend Cory have been together since college. Ingrid's now 29 and with her younger sister getting married, wondering why she and Cory haven't done the same. The two agree that they need to take a month-long "break" to date other people before settling down, since they never had a chance to do so before meeting one another.

But after a month, neither is ready for marriage. And while Ingrid was turned down by her co-worker, Macon, her crush on him isn't going away. So Ingrid and Cory extend their break...

This is such a slow burn romance, and I would argue it's a book about finding yourself that turns into a romance. Ingrid has spent so long with Cory that she realizes she doesn't really know herself, so before she can commit to anything, she has to learn about herself. After Macon rejects her, she does date other people, but can't help always returning to Macon. The two start up a friendship, but it oozes with the undercurrent of their tension, and they have some pretty good banter going as well.

Of the two, I certainly preferred Macon and found myself wishing we heard from his POV once in a while. He's dealing with a lot--family members with various mental illness--and I just identified with his gruff, sarcastic manner. While Ingrid presents as cheerful, she often came across as ungrateful to me. I understand that her unhappiness was somewhat the point; she's finding herself and working out what truly makes her happy, but sometimes you wanted to shake her.

It takes a while to get into this story; you certainly want the Macon and Ingrid romance to happen right away. Still, I eventually warmed up to the way the plot was going. The end made me smile, and there's a cat, which is always a plus. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Saturday Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for OVERDUE on 10/07/2025!

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I was on the outside looking in at you: MAINE CHARACTERS.

Maine Characters by Hannah Orenstein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Sometimes you just need to escape into other people's wild problems. MAINE CHARACTERS allows just that!

Vivian and Lucy are each the (now adult) daughters of Hank. Lucy lived in Maine with her mother, seeing her father mainly for a month in July at his vacation cabin. She grew up aware of her half-sister, though they never met. As for Vivian, she has no clue Lucy exists. Raised by Hank and her mother, Vivian, in New York City, she only visits Maine once a year.

When Hank suddenly passes away, Vivian heads to Maine to sell the cabin. She's shocked to discover Lucy there, who has come up to spend the month of July with her father. Vivian must grapple with the idea of a half sister, while Lucy must come to terms with their father's death.

This book is certainly not a "Parent Trap" for adults--these sisters are not trying to reunite their parents! But it's a great, dramatic look at fraught parental relationships and secrets layered on top of terrible choices. Vivian is struggling with her own romantic partnership and career decisions, while Lucy is going through a divorce. It makes this story seem incredibly serious--and it certainly has plenty of emotions--but it's also a fun look at sisterhood that will make you yearn to visit Maine immediately! 3.5 stars.

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With a head full of dreams: I LOVE YOU SO MOCHI.

I Love You So Mochi by Sarah Kuhn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a very cute YA story.

Kimi is still figuring out what she wants to be. (Totally normal for a teen, by the way!) The one thing she's starting to realize: she doesn't want to be a painter like her mom is--and wants her to be. After a particularly brutal argument with her mom, she heads to Japan to spend the summer with her maternal grandparents, whom she has never met. In Kyoto, Kimi gets to know her grandparents better (probably my favorite part). She meets a cute boy, Akira. Through these new experiences, she learns about her self and explores her love of fashion.

This story is a little basic, but very sweet. It might be a little unrealistic -- everything gets fixed via a two-week spring trip? Sign me up for a trip to Japan. But Kimi's grandpa is adorable and the story works through the idea of finding yourself and the difficult teen years, when you feel torn between what you want and what your parents wish for you.

This book is well-suited for its YA audience, as long as they have the understanding that all problems may not be fixed so quickly (or by meeting a cute guy). 3.5 stars.

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It's just a case of heart over mind: BATTLE OF THE BOOKSTORES.

Battle of the Bookstores by Ali Brady
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute story, though it takes a while to really ramp up.

Ryan and Josie are both booksellers on the same block. They've never really interacted until their boss decides to combine their stores and eliminate one of their managerial positions: only the manager whose store makes the most profit over the summer will survive. This instantly turns the two into rivals, putting easygoing Ryan up against uptight Josie.

Josie turns to an online bookseller forum for solace and comfort -- with no idea that the person she's pouring her heart out to is, in fact, Ryan. (This is a very cute You've Got Mail touch.)

Ryan sells romance, managing a team of quirky characters while Josie peddles literary fiction and prefers to fly solo, with only a little help from her younger sister. Both have childhood issues that affect their outlook on life. At first, the story is a bit frustrating as they just seem to yell at each other, but once we get to know them both more, it takes more shape and complexity.

The book plays with romance tropes, especially since Ryan deals with them every day. It sometimes tries a little too hard to be funny, but often succeeds. This is a book for book lovers, for sure. 3.5 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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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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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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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'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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Let there be love that lasts through the year: THE MERRIEST MISTERS.

The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Ironically, I'm writing this review while watching The Santa Clause, which probably tells you all you need to know.

THE MERRIEST MISTERS is the fanciful story of Quinn and Patrick, who are struggling after their recent marriage. Quinn is the stressed out teacher pretending to be something he's not, while Patrick, a recently fired architect (something he's keeping from his husband) just wants to make everyone happy (major daddy issues) and to "support" Quinn as the breadwinner.

However, those problems get set aside when they clock Santa with a frying pan on Christmas Eve and one of them must put on his golden cloak and take over Santa duties at the North Pole.

This story is cute and a bit cheesy--it certainly would work well as a Hallmark or Netflix movie. It has heavy queer Santa Clause vibes. On the positive side, it has such a wonderful, diverse cast--yay for holiday inclusivity! It explores being yourself and non-traditional gender roles, as well as the importance of being there for queer youth. It's not quite as Christmas-y as more a look into relationships, with plenty of focus on the issues in Quinn and Patrick's marriage. It's fantastical but an enjoyable holiday romance. 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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