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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And brought me back from being too far gone: BARBED WIRE HEART.

Barbed Wire Heart by Tess Sharpe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, what a brutal, violent story--but one that will completely capture your attention.

Harley McKenna has been raised by her crime boss, backwoods drug dealer dad, Duke McKenna, since the death of her mom. He's isolated her and kept her tough and hard, just like daddy, to take over his businesses (meth, running guns, etc.) one day. No one messes with Duke McKenna, or his baby girl.

The McKennas have always warred with the Springfields. Carl Springfield murdered Harley's mom, changing the entire path of her life. Now that she's coming of age, it seems like they are coming for Harley too. Harley feels like she only has one option: to (literally) burn down everything her father has built to make her world (and the town) safe again.

Sharpe tells Harley's story in a very effective "now and then" format, but it also sometimes made me want to scream, because I needed to know what was happening now... NOW!

This is a violent story, filled with plenty of killing and abuse. There's a side story about the Rubies, a group of women who Harley tries to protect from domestic abuse. Sharpe does an excellent job of illustrating how women can be attacked, yes, but also how they are often underestimated and overlooked, leading them to overtake men.

Overall, this story runs a bit long, but I still found it incredibly compelling (and dark). I listened to part of it via audio while driving to another state for work, but wouldn't recommend it--the audio is nothing special and it's hard to differentiate amongst the characters.


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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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I feel more and more like I was made for you: LOVE IN FOCUS.

Love in Focus by Lyla Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a surprisingly good read--it was different and cute! I loved how it didn't follow all the predictable romance paths while still talking about tropes.

Gemma's boyfriend of seven years suddenly breaks up with her, just as she's assigned to write a story about modern love at the magazine where she works. Then she's paired with a photographer who just happens to be her ex-girlfriend, Celeste, who broke up with her college and disappeared without a word.

At first I thought this was going to be one of those annoying romances where our duo dances around their misunderstanding (the college breakup) without ever discussing what really happened. But, instead, these two actually talk to one another and resolve their miscommunication fairly quickly. It was very refreshing!

Celeste and Gemma have a crackling tension between them from the moment they reunite. The writing is pretty basic, but it's a sweet story. Not to mention, the representation is excellent: bisexual and lesbian characters, along with Asian rep. Both Celeste and Gemma are real people and neither are a jerk. Each have jobs, with their workplace depicted in fairly realistic terms. Yes, they have a backstory but it doesn't dominate the entire plot. Same with their emotional trauma, which doesn't fully overshadow everything. They have friends and believe in therapy. How lovely!

The story also alternates between Gemma (first person) and Celeste (third person) which is a nice twist and gives us a unique perspective into both women's thoughts.

Overall, this is a lovely second chance romance, brimming with great tension and two lovable characters!

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

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There goes a modern fairy tale, I wish it could happen to me: UNROMANCE

Unromance by Erin Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

UNROMANCE was an absolute delight and a fantastic pick from my Aardvark book subscription!

This story leans wholeheartedly into classic romance tropes, as author Sawyer takes on the ambitious task of "ruining love" for actor Mason—using those very tropes against him. Sawyer is the quintessential "scared to love again" heroine, still reeling from a painful breakup, while Mason embodies the charming "hopeless romantic" who wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t help but fall fast.

After an unexpected one-night stand, their paths keep crossing, leading them to strike a deal: they’ll use romantic tropes to tackle their personal hang-ups and, in the process, reignite Sawyer’s passion for writing romance novels. Each chapter kicks off with a fun definition of a new trope, giving readers a preview of what’s to come. Even better, Mason and Sawyer actually take the time to connect and grow as individuals—no insta-love here—which makes their journey all the more satisfying.

On paper, nothing about UNROMANCE should work: the pact, the romance, or even the chemistry between Mason and Sawyer. Yet it all comes together seamlessly. Their banter is sharp, their sparks undeniable, and the meta angle—when their romance mirrors the plot of Sawyer’s novel-in-progress—is quite fun.

The story is fresh, fun, and brimming with charm, supported by a cast of quirky, lovable side characters. I also appreciated the thoughtful representation: Sawyer is bisexual, and the book offers a beautifully modern take on love. Most of all, it’s just a joy to read. I found myself smiling constantly, swept up in its warm embrace of the romance genre. Throw in a celebrity angle, and it’s everything I love in a rom-com.

A thoroughly entertaining read—4+ stars and highly recommended!

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Trouble knows where I stay and I’m living: I WILL FIND YOU.

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was wild and insane, and I could NOT put it down! At all. I had to find out what happened!

David is in prison for the murder of his three-year-old son Matthew. The child suffered a brutal death, and David--while maintaining his innocence--has basically given up. Matthew was his life. His (ex-)wife has moved on, his son is dead, he has nothing left. Five years into his sentence, David's ex-sister-in-law shows up. She brings him a photo of a child at an amusement park. A recent photo. She think it's Matthew. And now, so does David.

So (of course) David escapes maximum security prison and he and Rachel go on the hunt for Matthew, believing that David was framed for his disappearance. Murder? Do we know?

Coben has an amazingly compelling and captivating way of writing, even if the story sometimes feels fantastical or improbable. Man is breaking out of maximum security prison-sure! Man is eluding multiple captures-sure! The book has the feel of The Fugitive, which David even references at one point. And, truly, it's impossible not to root for David, which just shows the power of the writing, as you find yourself urging on a convicted murderer. Is his child truly alive? Did he truly do something wrong?

There's a pair of FBI agents on David's trail who have a special sort of banter all their own and provide an almost comic relief necessary to the story.

Overall, while this is a wild tale, it's a 4+ star read for me because of pure enjoyment. Sometimes you need a good page turner in your life!

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Cause you have filled a space I never knew I had: SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

Satisfaction Guaranteed by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

The second book in my "June Pride Reads," SATISFACTION GUARANTEED was absolutely delightful. Focusing on the theme of learning to appreciate yourself--especially through the eyes of others--this is such a feel-good romance. Reserved, practical Cade inherits her aunt's sex toy shop, thrusting her into the orbit of free-spirited Selena, who runs the shop and lives in the cottage behind Cade's aunt's home. Cade quickly realizes the shop is in financial trouble, and she has a short time to turn it around, or Selena loses her job and her home.

I loved that Cade and Selena felt instant attraction but not love-there's a big difference between the two-and it makes the story feel so much more realistic. They have time to develop stronger feelings, and have wonderful slow burn tension and chemistry. Selena's afraid of failure, worried she's a screw-up, and Cade feels she's a boring stick-in-the-mud with no romantic experience, and it's refreshing to see how, to one another, they are amazing. They are backed by a lovable, fun cast of diverse, queer characters and positive messages about appreciating female sexuality and knowing yourself.

Overall, this is a fun-spirited romance with some great messages. 4.5 stars.

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Stars all aligned and they intertwined: SECOND NIGHT STAND.

Second Night Stand by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Both Izzy Wells and Lillian Jackson feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Izzy is trying to keep her local theater afloat, providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and a place for her burlesque troupe Velveteen Crush to practice. Lillian, the ballet master and choreographer for a ballet company, is doing everything she can to keep her own company afloat. When both Velveteen Crush and the Reed-Whitmer Ballet Company win coveted spots on the Great American Talent Show, both Lillian and Izzy have a chance to win enough money to solve all their problems. Only issue? Right before the show they had a very memorable one night stand...

Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters, a lovely queer couple who has been married over 20 years, said they wrote this book to give an interracial lesbian couple the happy ending they deserve but that is so often sorely lacking in literature. The result is such a great book: it's funny, sexy, and touching. Izzy hides under her stage persona, Blue Lenox, so she can forget about a tough childhood and all the hearts she's broken. Lillian refuses to get attached to anyone, focusing only on ballet due to maternal (and internal) pressure. (Gosh, our childhoods really mess us up, don't they?)

Izzy and Lillian are flawed, real characters, and it's easy to fall for them right away. They even fall for each other immediately, though these two can't admit it without some help from their friends! They are surrounded by a cast of lovable, diverse characters, between Lillian's all-black ballet company and Izzy's troupe. It's such a loving book with an emphasis on found friendship. The two groups compete in a series of increasingly crazy challenges in the reality talent competition while we also watch Izzy and Lillian struggling with their burgeoning attraction.

Overall, I loved this book. Diverse characters! Sexy times and wonderful chemistry! Fun reality show challenges! Definitely worth a read.

I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review. Look for SECOND NIGHT STAND on 05/21/2024!!

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Once I thought that love was something I could never do: HOW YOU GET THE GIRL.

How You Get the Girl by Anita Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A queer romance with a basketball theme, be still my beating heart!

I am such a sucker for sports romances, and Kelly writes a great queer one about women's basketball, my favorite of all sports. Julie Parker coaches high school basketball, but isn't prepared when the team's newest addition, Vanessa, is picked up by her foster parent, Elle Cochran. Elle just happens to be one of the most famous college basketball players in their state of Tennessee, but hasn't been seen since she left the WNBA six years ago. Julie worshiped Elle growing up and feels completely awkward around her hero. Elle, meanwhile, is trying to adjust to be a foster parent to Vanessa, her niece.

This is such a fun read! I love that a queer basketball romance for adults exists. There are so many good sports tidbits here and the joy of Julie's team discovering themselves on the court. We get references and mentions of Elle's life at UT and in the WNBA... I just love all of this stuff, so I was in seventh heaven.

Of course, at its heart, this is a romance. Julie, we learn, is figuring out who she is and how she relates to others romantically and sexually. Does she believe in labels and do they even apply to her? More practically, does she want to be in a relationship, especially one with Elle? Elle is bringing up feelings Julie hasn't felt in a long time, maybe ever. And Elle herself is attracted to Julie, but finding it hard to come out of the safe cocoon she's made for herself. Kelly allows the characters to be raw and vulnerable, especially as they explore Elle's mental health struggles and Julie's fears and worries about her sexuality.

Elle volunteers to "fake date" Julie to help her learn about relationships and see if it's something she would like. The result is a slow burn romance with funny banter, excellent chemistry, and lots of exploration. The two women are often serious as they explore love, foster parenthood, and queer labels, but the story is really hilarious too. When Julie's cat Snoozles gets sick, for instance--a moment that should seem dire winds up being so amusing.

There are a few times where Julie pontificates a bit much for my taste and the book feels long. This is also the third book in a series. While it's one of those interconnected series where each book stands alone, there are a lot of references to the characters in the previous two books and it sometimes feels as if you're missing out on inside jokes by not reading the earlier books. Overall, though, this is an excellent story that explores queer romance through the prism of basketball and much more.

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

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I've got to be where you are: A LOVE SONG FOR RICKI WILDE.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Went into this book blind and was totally blown away. So good!

This was such an amazing read! It centers on Ricki Wilde, who grew up feeling like a complete outsider in her family, which runs a well-known set of Atlanta funeral homes. Ricki has no desire to become part of the family business. When she meets Miss Della, an older woman who offers her space in her Harlem brownstone to open the flower shop of her dreams, Ricki jumps at the chance, even if it means leaving behind her family's wealth and all the security it brings.

I don't really know how to describe this story, and I don't want to share too much. It's such a beautiful love story, though, with magical, almost paranormal elements, sprinkled in. Once Ricki moves to New York, the book weaves in historical stories about Harlem in the 1920s, covering the Harlem Renaissance, as well as some of the utter horrors inflicted upon black southerners in that time period.

Much of this is done through the story's narrative. While much of it is from Ricki's POV, it also skips back in time to the 20s, giving us amazing insight into 1920s Harlem. I loved the history--reading this book around the end of February (it has a Leap Year spin to it), as well as during Black History Month, was perfect.

In New York, Ricki keeps running into a mysterious stranger. Oh my gosh, I was so invested in this relationship, the potential romance, and all these characters. There's the lovely Miss Della, plus Ricki's new best friend, Tuesday, a former child actor. Everyone falls together seamlessly, in their fun quirky way, and Ricki herself is just so spunky and unique--you can't help but root for her! I'm honestly not doing this book justice. You'll find yourself in another world as you read it, partially in the 20s and then caught up in Ricki's magical romance. It's a gorgeous, fantastical read - 4.5 stars.

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

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You gotta dance, like a symphony of joy: CHANGE OF PLANS.

Change of Plans by Dylan Newton
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I keep telling myself to stop requesting random ARCs, but I can't, and the reason is books like this. The premise sounded intriguing, and I adored this incredibly charming story. Chef Bryce Weatherford becomes guardian to her three nieces June, 12; Cecily, 8; and Addison, 5, after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. If suddenly leaving her job and moving to a small town to care for these spunky girls isn't enough, Bryce has to fight off guardianship overtures from the girls' maternal grandparents. She finds an unlikely ally in Ryker Matthews, who rescues the group at the grocery store. The former Marine is struggling with own demons, though.

This is a delightful romance filled with fun and serious moments. I'm a total sucker for stories with kids, and Bryce's nieces are silly but very touching as they grapple with the death of their parents. Ryker is a guarded Marine dealing with PTSD; he has a below-the-knee amputation and phantom pain from his missing limb. It's rare to read a book that handles the military, PTSD, and amputation so well--and with the respect these topics deserve. I adored the stoic Ryker and his introverted ways.

CHANGE is still a really funny and cute story even if it touches on some tough subjects. Both Ryker and Bryce have hang ups, between his PTSD and her trying to keep the girls and figure out her life, but the instant attraction between the two crackles. Their banter is witty and sexy. Bryce is a tough cookie, and both main characters are more unique than you see in your usual romance. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't realize it when I read it, but it's the third in a series about the Matthews brothers, but can be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to catching up on the first two! 4.5 stars.

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

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Dark and dangerous like a secret: THE DROWNING WOMAN.

The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding
My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars

When Lee's restaurant goes out of business during the pandemic, she suddenly finds herself homeless and living in her car. While parking it by the beach, she spots a drowning woman in the water. But when Lee gets Hazel out of the water, she finds that Hazel is irate at being rescued. She tells Lee she was trying to escape her life and her abusive husband. However, the two become close, sharing details about their lives. Eventually, Hazel asks Lee to help her flee from her husband once and for all.

But this is a Robyn Harding book, so nothing is that simple! This was such a page-turner--I stayed up late to finish it, because I *had* to know what happened!! It was totally addictive! DROWNING is filled with a tangled web of relationships and secrets. It's honestly best to just go in blind and enjoy the ride. Everyone is running, hiding, and keeping something from someone else. Told from the back and forth perspective of Lee and Hazel, it keeps you guessing from the very beginning. DROWNING is an excellent dark, deep, and twisted read. 4.25 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for it on 6/13/2023!!


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Someone said kiss her and so you did: YOURS TRULY.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4.25 of 5 stars

Dr. Briana Ortiz is miserable. Her divorce from her cheating husband is just about to be finalized. She's living in her childhood home with her sick brother, Benny, who desperately needs a kidney donor just to stay alive. And the promotion she was just about guaranteed? It looks like she has competition from the new doctor, Jacob Maddox, who seems to be taking over her hospital.

"This year was going to be my villain origin story, I just knew it." ~Briana

As always, Abby Jimenez delivers a charming love story. Just when Briana thinks she cannot stand Jacob, he writes her an amazing letter. The two grow close and he even donates a kidney to Benny. In turn, she agrees to "fake date" him to prove that he's over the fact that his brother is dating his ex-girlfriend (not complicated at all, right)? I loved this book, though PART OF YOUR WORLD was just a tad better for me. TRULY dragged a bit with the miscommunication between Jacob and Briana; a few times, I wanted to shake her for being unable to talk to him and not trusting the world's best guy due to her past.

Because, seriously, Jacob was a dream. He is kind, loving, attentive, and sweet. He has anxiety, which was portrayed incredibly well and very realistically. Briana's inability to trust, though--oh my gosh. Just let this man love you! So, yes, our rocky road to HEA was a bit much sometimes. This meant it didn't always feel as witty as some other Jimenez books, though there are some moments with road kill (yup) that were pretty awesome. And Jacob's wonderfully crazy family. Plus we had some great cameos from Alexis and Daniel from WORLD! There's plenty of serious times here too, especially with Benny's illness and Jacob's anxiety. The ending to this one is excellent. 4.25 stars.



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I'm stronger than the monster beneath your bed: BEHIND THE SCENES.

Behind the Scenes by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4+ of 5 stars

Filmmaker Ash Stewart went through a traumatic experience and a subsequent breakup with her ex that completely derailed her career. Now she's making commercials and is exiled from the film industry and all her former friends, except the loyal Emma. Business consultant Rose Josten has put everything into a job she does not really like just to take care of her sisters after their parents died. Now, thanks to Emma, Rose is helping Ash chase her filmmaking dream by pitching a new project to a famous producer. Rose should be concentrating on making partner at her firm and Ash should be focusing on her film, but the two of them can't help realizing how much they like each other...

I requested this ARC on a whim because I liked the synopsis and oh wow, I'm so glad I did! I love finding a new author, and this book was really good. It was really sweet, very funny, and often sexy. I completely enjoyed watching Rose and Ash fall for each other. Stetz-Waters wrote a story that is very true to the lesbian experience, and Ash and Rose felt like women that I would be friends with. They were easy to like, but also real and flawed. Ash is struggling after her breakup and being pushed out of the industry. She's scared to open up her heart again. Rose, meanwhile, has a lot of anxieties due to her parents' death and the pressure she's felt to care for her sisters. Neither woman felt like a cardboard character, but instead genuine and fully fleshed out. Honestly, I found both Ash and Rose to be badass and sexy! (Also, it's so great to have a lesbian romance with characters in their 30s and 40s.)

The supporting cast in this book is really fun--Rose's sisters are a trip as is Ash's team helping her film. There are places in this book that made me laugh out loud. (Rose's pugs are the best!) Every one supported each other and Ash's movie project, which just made for a feel-good read. There were occasional miscommunications (always my pet peeve) or kept secrets, but they never lasted long--therefore making this the ideal read for me.

Overall, this is an excellent, touching, and funny read. I loved the romance and story. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for BEHIND THE SCENES on 1/31/2023!

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I'm just asking if you feel the way I'm feeling: THE GODPARENT TRAP.

The Godparent Trap by Rachel Van Dyken
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Colby is a free-spirited blogger, who travels the world and writes about the various food and experiences she tries. Rip is a straight-laced accountant and brother of Colby's best friend, Monica. Colby and Rip are united by only two things--their love of Monica and her husband, Brooks, and their children and their mutual hatred of each other, which has only increased since a disastrous date last year. But that all changes when Monica and Brooks are in an accident and Colby and Rip realize they were named co-guardians of their two young children. Suddenly they find themselves living together in Monica and Brooks' house, struggling to raise two broken-hearted kids while grieving themselves. Rip is appalled at Colby's lack of order and routine while Colby cannot believe he wants to put kids on the same tight schedule he abides by. But as time passes, the two realize they have to unite for pure survival.

"Everything about her bothered me, mainly because she was this force of nature that refused to follow any rules but her own. Rules kept people safe."

This book feels like Life As You Know It with Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel's roles reversed. Luckily I find that movie really cute in a very cheesy (and sad) way. Rip is the straight-laced one here, who is traumatized by the past death of his parents and raising his little sister and cannot handle a world where spontaneity (and the possibility of getting hurt) exists. Colby is the free spirit who loves traveling, not planning, and not being tied down to anything. She's also hurt by the fact that she tried to kiss Rip on their one awful date. We hear a lot about this terrible date, but it's still sometimes hard to buy Colby and Rip as a couple--there isn't a ton of character development and it does occasionally feel like they've been tossed together to magically like one another now. The tropes are also heavy with this one between uptight Rip and free loving Colby.

I won't lie, there's definitely some sad parts in this book. The loss of Monica and Brooks is hard, especially reading from a parent perspective. You have to sort of compartmentalize that piece, because romance is a little tough to focus on when you know two kids have lost their parents and Rip lost his sister.

Still, this is a cute story. There are some really funny moments (often involving a geriatric cat, Stu) and the kids are very adorable. Rip and Colby grew on me, and I did find myself rooting for them as time went on. 3.5 stars.

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

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You got a heart like mine: LIFE'S TOO SHORT.

Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A touching and heartfelt romance

Vanessa is a famous travel blogger/YouTuber. She spends her life as she wants, seizing the moment. She lost her mom and sister to a genetic disease and--not knowing if she will wind up like them--doesn't want to waste a moment of her life. But when her troubled half sister leaves Vanessa custody of her infant daughter, Grace, Vanessa finds herself stuck at home. She's forced to deal with her sister and her father and confront her illness. But she also meets Adrian, her handsome next-door neighbor. A lawyer, Adrian turns up on her doorstep, and suddenly he and Vanessa become inseparable. He's helping care for Grace as they share take-out dinners and their life stories. Vanessa knows she cannot get close to Adrian, but she's finding it really hard not to.

I loved the first two books in this loosely tied series. This was probably my least favorite of the three, but I still enjoyed it. Jimenez writes excellent slow burn romances, and this one was no exception. Plus, it offers excellent escapism while delving into serious subjects, which I always love about her work.

Adrian was my favorite here--dependable, sweet Adrian. Both characters have a lot baggage in this book, so be prepared. Beyond her genetic illness woes, there's a lot going on with Vanessa's family. Some of the way the book deals with mental illness is excellent; sometimes, I'm not so sure. And Adrian has his own issues with his family as well. As for Vanessa, her attitude and approach toward her potential genetic illness was a little hard for me to handle. It's one of those things where you just want to take the character and try to shake some sense into them. Yes, Jimenez provides some backstory and reasoning for Vanessa's attitude, but... this was the one part of the book that was hard for me to swallow. (And it was, um, key to the plot.)

If I overlooked that piece, Vanessa and Adrian were cute together. There's lots of the patented Jimenez banter, romance, and cuteness. Someone needs to learn to trust again, someone needs to come out of their shell. But, because it's Jimenez, it's done in this adorable, funny way tinged with a heartfelt touch. And this time there's a baby! (Who is amazingly portable and never causes any trouble--wish my kids were like that, ha.) The book can be heartbreaking at times. I honestly adored Adrian, his outlook on the world, and how supportive he was of Vanessa. We could all use an Adrian to take care of us.

If you like romances, you'll enjoy this one. It's cute and sweet, without being sickeningly so, and there are lots of moments that make you laugh. It's also serious in places, covering illness and family. It's not the best of the series, but it's worth a read. Just be prepared for some frustration with some of the characters! 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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One can only dream of a love so rare: THE HAPPY EVER AFTER PLAYLIST.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Amazingly sexy and sweet romance

Sloan Monroe's fiance, Brandon, died two years ago, and Sloan is still hurting, a lot. Then one day she finds an adorable dog on the road--literally--and takes him home. His owner never answers her texts, and the dog, Tucker, seems to help Sloan move on. Then suddenly Tucker's owner shows up, via text, and he wants Tucker back. But Sloan's strong enough now that she's not giving up Tucker. As she starts texting with Tucker's owner, Jason, she realizes he really cares about his dog. Then Sloan also recognizes that Jason is a good guy. A really good, handsome guy. This is confirmed once they meet in person. But Jason's a musician with stardom just around the corner. Sloan needs someone here, whom she can count on. Can she really handle someone else who might leave her, again?

"I didn't cook anymore. Everyone knew that. I didn't do a lot of things anymore."

I absolutely adored this book. It was just what I needed at the time I picked it up. Jimenez gives us such a happy and sexy romance with two characters with awesome chemistry. There's the best blend of small mix-ups and humor, and you cannot help but root for Sloan and Jason from the very beginning (especially if you've read The Friend Zone). Knowing that Sloan is completely broken from Brandon's death while Jason is confident and embarking on a new career, it's completely understandable that Sloan can't risk losing herself again. Watching her find happiness--even knowing it could be gone again in a second--is beautiful, and both of these characters are so real, so true.

"I'd been lonely and attached to someone invisible for two years. I wouldn't do it again. I couldn't do it again."

While this book is emotional, it's also very sweet, and, wow, sexy at times. Jason is just a darn good guy, seemingly too good to be true, and I found myself willing him and Sloan together, desperately wanting her to get a second chance at happiness. Throw in the adorable Tucker and there's basically nothing not to love about this book. Great characters, great romance, great humor--it's all there. I loved it from beginning to end. 4.5 stars.

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Just tiny pieces of what used to be: IN PIECES.

In Pieces by Sally Field

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


The daughter (and stepdaughter) of actors, Sally Field earned her first acting role at seventeen and was quickly on television in shows such as "Gidget" and "The Flying Nun." Those roles showcased Sally's youth and smiling personality. But, behind the scenes, Sally had a tumultuous childhood: her parents divorced when she was young, and her relationships with them and her stepfather were not easy. She found happiness, in many ways, as an actress, but also struggled to find roles that challenged her. In this, her first memoir, she tells the story of her childhood and her early years as an actress.

I listened to the majority of this (and then switched over to the book, I'm weird), and I'm not going to lie: this wasn't always a fun listen for me. This book is sort of depressing and stressful a lot of the time. I will be honest that I didn't know a lot about Sally Field going in--I knew of Gidget, her roles with Burt Reynolds, "Forrest Gump," and honestly, most recently, "Brothers & Sisters." I knew one of her sons was gay, and she supported him.

I did not know her mother was an actress. I did not know that a lot of really bad things happened to her. Seriously, this memoir contains a lot of Sally Field telling us all the awful memories of her childhood, and, later, her early acting days. I'm not saying that's bad--it's truly brave and powerful stuff. But, man, as you're in the car driving 2+ hours to work? It's draining. I felt horrible for her, I felt proud that she'd overcome it, and I felt a little exhausted by it all. I also was appalled by how much she had to deal with (alone) and the state of the acting community for women during that time period.

It did, however, seem to make the beginning of the book go by rather slowly. Or maybe that's just the audio format--this was only the second audiobook I've ever listened to and, coincidentally, the second audiobook I found slow. When Field got to the time period where she became a mom, it picked up for me, perhaps because I could relate better to her. I felt an odd kinship--I was headed off, leaving behind my kids for a work project, and many times, so was she. (Alas, I was doing a rather boring job and she was a famous actress, but hey, you try to find parallels where you can, right?)

No matter what, I applaud her for being unafraid to tell the truth about her life, including admitting her own faults. She supplements her memories with her journal entries, newspaper articles, letters, and more. The result is a very detailed and personal account of her life--up until about "Norma Rae." After that, it glosses over most of her career following that film, which is a little sad for anyone who enjoyed all her subsequent films. This memoir is clearly focused more on Field's personal growth versus a celebrity tell-all. And I get that, I do, but you can't help but wish for a few more juicy details.

In the end, this wasn't an easy read/listen, but it was a good one. I learned a great deal about Field's life, and I admire her so much more as a person now. She had to go through a great deal to get the acting career and overall life she desired. If you enjoy memoirs and autobiographies, you will probably like this one, especially if you like them detailed, versus just focused on celebrity fluff and laughs (though Field is very witty). 4 stars.

I received my copy of this book through one of my favorite websites, Paperbackswap.com, where you can swap copies of all your favorite books (hardcover, paperback, and more).

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You'll be doing all right: INTO THE NIGHT.

Into the Night by Sarah Bailey

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock is working in Melbourne now, trying to negotiate relationships with her new boss, Chief Inspector Toby Isaacs, and her partner, Detective Sergeant Fleet. She has been in Melbourne for three months; this has meant leaving behind her five-year-old son, Ben, and his father, Scott. She's keeping busy with a series of cases, including that of a homeless man, Walter Miller, who was brutally killed and one with the famous actor, Sterling Wade, who was stabbed while filming a high-profile zombie film. Alone and away from her son, Gemma throws herself into her work, but will these difficult cases prove too much for her and her emotional well-being?


"I was high-functioning but deeply broken and eventually something had to give. When the opportunity to transfer to Melbourne arose, I needed to take it. Living in Smithson was slowly killing me."


This novel picks up a few years after the first Gemma book. Gemma has been haunted by the Rosalind Rose case featured in Bailey's superb first novel, The Dark Lake, as well as her affair with her former partner, Felix. We find her lost and floundering. This serves a dual-purpose for us, the reader. We get to read a novel with a complicated, realistic character in Gemma. She's true to herself. On the other hand, she's not always the easiest to like or even empathize with. This is a woman who has left her child behind, after all. I have to congratulate Bailey on having Gemma not make the easy/safe choices in life, or the ones you typically see in detective novels. Not only do we get a strong yet vulnerable female character, we get one who is flawed, real, and struggling to find her way in the world. I certainly didn't always agree with her choices, but I do enjoy reading about them.

Even better, Gemma features in an excellent complicated and captivating mystery, with several cases that keep you guessing. The prominent one is the Sterling Wade case. Bailey brings in various Hollywood elements, and there are a lot of characters to suspect and pieces to put together. I quite liked not knowing who had killed Sterling. Even the detectives were flummoxed at times: how refreshing. Throughout all her cases, Gemma is working out where she fits in her new department and how she relates to her new partner, Fleet. There's a lot going on, but Bailey handles it all quite deftly. The excellent writing I enjoyed so much in her first novel is on display again here; you'll be impressed at the way she can pull together her story and bring out her characters.


"'Or maybe this case is just fucking with my mind,' I say, 'and making me think that Agatha Christie plots are coming to life.'"


Overall, I found this book intriguing and refreshing. Gemma is a complicated and complex character who is matched by the intricate cases she attempts to solve. Those who enjoy a character-driven mystery will be drawn to Gemma's prickly exterior, while those who simply enjoy a hard-to-solve case will find plenty to like here as well. Sarah Bailey is certainly a go-to author for me. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review (thank you!); it is available everywhere in the U.S. as of 12/4/2018.

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If I can't dance with you then I won't dance at all: THE DARK LAKE.

The Dark Lake by Sarah Bailey

My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars


Rosalind Ryan, a popular yet mysterious teacher, is found dead by the local lake. She's been murdered, her body left floating with red roses surrounding her. Detective Sergeant Gemma Woodstock and her partner, Felix, are called in to investigate Rosalind's case. Nothing about Rosalind adds up--everyone seemed to like her, but no one really knew her. She lived in a cheap apartment, but clearly had expensive taste in wine and makeup. She was the youngest of four, with three brothers, one of with whom she'd quarreled recently. Her father, George, is ill and runs a large business conglomerate in Australia, yet seemed to adore his inscrutable daughter. As for Gemma, she has memories of Rosalind from their time together in high school, when the beautiful Rose seemed enigmatic even then. Gemma and Felix have their hands full, focusing on Rosalind's co-workers, students, family, and more. Who is responsible for the death of this lovely teacher?

This is an intriguing and compelling two part mystery, with the present-day case focusing on Rosalind, combined with flashes to Gemma's past, focusing on her history with her former boyfriend Jacob, who died as a teen. The majority of our story is told from Gemma's present-day point of view, but we get a few key snippets from the townspeople and occasionally Gemma's point of view flashes to the past.

I really liked Gemma as a narrator. The intersection of the case with her past was extremely well-done. I read some reviews where the readers didn't care for Gemma, but that wasn't the case for me, though I could understand, as the story wore on, how they came to that point of view. She doesn't always make the right decisions, and I'm intrigued to see what she'll be like in the next novel (Goodreads tell me this is the first book in the series). But for me, I identified with her in many ways and, because she was so well-written, really enjoyed the story from her point of view, even if I didn't always agree with her actions. It was also great to get to see a character dealing with the challenges of being female and a mother in a small police force--in a small town no less--in what seemed to be, overall, a fairly realistic fashion.

The story itself is great. There are several twists that really got me, so major kudos to Bailey. I read a lot of thrillers, and it's not always easy to surprise me! For a huge portion of this book, I had *no idea* where this was going to go, or who killed Rosalind. Several times I found myself genuinely shocked by the happenings and was completely enthralled by the story and Bailey's characters. (I also can't believe this is a debut novel - wow.) She does an excellent job at creating tension in the story and the characters, slowing unfurling plot points and details as we go along. This novel is truly a puzzle, the pieces fitting into place as we go along, and putting them together is a joy. It is so well-done and Bailey's weaving together the past and the present is excellent. I wound up really liking Gemma, and her boss Jonesy, and I'm quite excited this is a series. I can't wait to see where Bailey takes us (and Gemma) next. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Netgalley (thank you!) in return for an unbiased review.

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