Maybe together we can get somewhere: CASH DELGADO SHAKES THINGS UP.

Cash Delgado Shakes Things up by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's never too late to discover who you are--that's the message behind Tehlor Kay Mejia's latest. Cash Delgado has made a predictable life for herself in Ridley Falls, running Joyce's Bar, devoting herself to her six-year-old daughter, Parker, and hanging out with her best friend, Inez. Her busy schedule leaves her little time for herself, including dating or thinking about her dreams of expanding Joyce's.

When Joyce's Bar is threatened by a chain, Cash has to consider what she really wants. Especially when she starts having romantic dreams about Inez. Tehlor Kay Mejia creates a lovely and moving story about learning who you are and growing to be okay with that realization. As they do, they introduce us to Cash, who starts to question her sexuality after some racy dreams. Not only does Cash start to wonder about whom she loves, but she has to grapple with the idea that she's living life solely for Parker, instead of herself--and is that, in fact, the message she wants to send to her daughter?

Cash can be a bit frustrating at times, but I'll grant that she's going through a lot--single parenthood, identity issues, job stress. I did wish she would communicate more, especially with Iris. So many of the problems could have been worked through with a little more honesty. The story stutters a bit when Cash goes too much into self-actualization mode; it's far better when it focuses on action and the supporting cast. Inez, an out lesbian, is an excellent character, along with a cast of friends and family who live with her on her farm. It makes for a wonderful and diverse story.

Tehlor Kay Mejia does a strong job of building up longing and tension through Cash and Inez's friendship, using dreams and fantasies to create tension before any sort of romance ever happens. Inez and Cash's budding relationship takes place against the backdrop of Joyce's Bar, where they both work--a local institution the two must join together to save. This gives the story more depth and allows for the entrance of a variety of small town characters.

Overall this is a really cute romance with a diverse cast and an engaging plot.

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

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Oh, we could make a good thing bad: SAMMY ESPINOZA'S LAST REVIEW.

Sammy Espinoza's Last Review by Tehlor Kay Mejia
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Sammy Espinoza ruins a great job to try save her relationship with her girlfriend. She's got one chance left to salvage her music column, but it will involve heading to her hometown, of sorts, in Washington, to track down an old flame, Max Ryan. A former and beloved rock star, Max has been in hiding, and rumor has it, he's recording a new album in their hometown. If Sammy can review it, she'll win back her job. But can she forgive her history with Max to do so?

I loved this book very much! It's such an ode to music, but also has great banter and romance. There's a lot of lies and miscommunication and family issues! Sammy's mom is a bit of a mess, always abandoning her daughter for her latest love (including leaving her in Washington for a year with a whole other family). But Sammy can't see that: she's constantly making excuses for her. So Sammy has a whole host of frustrating excuses for her mom--and life--due to these abandonment issues: shutting down, bailing, and just being a general doormat for her mother. Apply this to Max--and you can see a whole train wreck about to happen. Oh Sammy. Some of the miscommunication was a bit too much (just tell him what happened with your job, Sammy!).

But the rest of the story was really picture perfect. Max and Sammy have amazing banter and chemistry. The small town setting is just lovely while the theme of found family is so well-done. The book is filled with diverse characters, including pansexual and queer folks. Parts of Sammy's story truly made me cry. It's such a funny, sweet, and touching tale. The book deftly explores abandonment and anxiety as well as love and music. Overall, a truly lovely read. 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of Sammy Espinoza's Last Review from Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in return for an unbiased review.


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