Spending time chasing ghosts: THE GOD OF THE WOODS.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This book is everywhere, and I'm not sure there's a ton I can add beyond what everyone else is saying, but I will certainly reiterate that it is really darn good. At first, it seemed like it would be a worn out story: wealthy family, lost child, summer camp setting. Don't be fooled. Moore's prose sucks you in from the start, dropping you directly at the camp with the characters.

The story is told across multiple POVs and many time periods, including the 1950s and 1970s. You have to get your bearings straight going in; it seems like all the switches will be confusing, but it's not hard to keep track of the changing narrators and eras. We're at Camp Emerson, owned by the wealthy Van Laar family. It's the mid 1970s and their daughter, Barbara, who has been attending camp, goes missing. Then we flash back to fourteen years earlier, when the Van Laar's first child, their son Bear, went missing--never to be found.

What follows is a fascinating and intriguing story that spans decades, looking into wealthy families and the control they can have over people and situations, as well their own children. The camp setting is atmospheric, steeped in nature exploration, with a focus on small town life. We meet several campers and counselors at the camp, allowing the story to delve into class issues.

Moore has this amazing ability to allow her readers to feel incredibly deep emotions for her characters, ranging from empathy, to pity, to revulsion. She weaves in twisted family ties and dynamics as well as subtly illustrates how women were treated in the 1950s and 1970s. There's an excellent character, a newly minted police officer named Judy, who does a wonderful job at showing so many of these elements as she searches for clues about Barbara's disappearance.

If you're looking for an intricate, character-driven mystery, this is an excellent choice. 4.5 stars.

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And in a blink of a crinkling eye: THE ROM-COMMERS.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
My rating: 4+ of 5 stars

This book was a delight--a very enjoyable romance that also centered on grief, moving on, and finding your way after loss. Emma has put her life on hold after her father's illness, focusing on taking care of her sister in the wake of losing their mother. She has dreams of becoming a screenwriter, but family always comes first. But when she gets a chance to work with her idol, screenwriter Charlie Yates, even Emma has to admit she needs to leave her comfort zone and put herself out there.

The universe laughs at this, because when Emma gets to L.A., it's clear that Charlie has no idea she was coming nor does he have any desire to work with Emma on a romantic comedy script that he's basically being forced to write. But, shockingly, Emma wins him somewhat over and the two forge a bond over writing and other things. Emma quickly learns that Charlie has his own issues and isn't the perfect person she always idealized.

The best thing about this story is easily Emma and Charlie's chemistry. It positively sizzles and crackles. Emma might be meek and mild in real life, but she shines with Charlie. And while Charlie has no desire to commit to anything, you can easily tell how much he cares for Emma. There are plenty of sad backstories here (and Emma's dad is a delight), but the overall story is just freaking funny. These two are witty and lovable and you want them to work. It's incredibly easy to root for Emma and Charlie, as people and as a couple.

Overall, I found this romance about discovering love and believing in yourself to be a breath of fresh air. 4+ stars.

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

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You come regular like seasons shadowing my dreams: THE PAIRING.

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

So much food and wine talk

I love Casey McQuiston, but I have to admit that THE PAIRING was not for me. Others will enjoy it more, so take my review as such. Theo and Kit are childhood best friends and former lovers. After a terrible fight and subsequent breakup on the way to vacation in Europe, they have each forged their own lives: Theo in the U.S.; Kit in Paris. But they encounter one another four years later... using the non-refundable trip voucher for the European tour they were about to take when they split.

There's a lot of great things about THE PAIRING, particularly it's bisexual characters and the book's frank look at sexuality, queer love, gender norms, and gender fluidity. There's also just so much damn description. If you want endless talk about food and wine and the European countryside, you'll love THE PAIRING. If you are looking for some actual plot or forward momentum, you're less in luck.

I found myself skimming over more talk of wine pairings, as I just could.not.take.it.anymore. I get that there was a whole "vibe" for this story, but it was not one I enjoyed. I wanted to hear more about Theo and Kit, their past, and see them interacting in the present.

The two make a pact to see who can sleep with the most people on the trip, while ignoring their own chemistry. It takes a while to even get to this point, with so much lead up (have I mentioned the wine?). All the description makes it difficult to care for Kit and Theo as a couple, especially since most of their romance occurs before this story starts. Many of the side characters have little depth, serving just to act as a foil in the one night stand competition, and everyone seems young and ready to eat and party. There's no differentiation or room for anything else. A side plot with Theo's family being wealthy and famous seems unnecessary and irritating.

Theo and Kit's sexual tension and escapades are fun, albeit somewhat repetitive, much like the endless food and wine. I preferred the focus on gender positivity and Theo feeling comfortable in their body. In the end, though, I never found myself wanting to read this book, and often flipped rapidly through scenes. Hopefully others more into the European bacchanal style will enjoy it. 2.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE PAIRING on August 6th, 2024!

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Sometimes we're blinded by the very thing we need to see: LIKE MOTHER, LIKE DAUGHTER.

Like Mother, Like Daughter by Kimberly McCreight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

McCreight delivers another thriller that keeps you reading and guessing. Cleo's mother, Katrina, disappears, leaving behind some broken glass and a bit of blood, but no other immediate clues. Cleo is baffled how her mother, a lawyer, could just vanish and who would want to harm her. She begins to investigate, despite their troubled history as mother/daughter.

Interestingly enough, we discover there are a ton of suspects, thanks to Katrina's job, her troubled past at a group home (and hints that something unsavory happened there), and her separation from her husband and Cleo's father, Aiden, who may be focusing a bit too much on Katrina's inheritance. McCreight does a great job of throwing us off with many subtle red herrings.

The story moves swiftly thanks to the back and forth POV, with present-day Cleo performing her "investigation" and then Katrina leading us through the days before her disappearance. It's an effective technique to build suspense and allow us to learn about both women, including their many issues and ups and downs since Cleo became a teen.

The story certainly kept my interest, even though I would say there are not any crazy twists or shocking reveals, as it often focuses more on mother/daughter bonds and histories. Still, it's an enjoyable thriller. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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

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Oh it's a hard time trusting fate: FUNNY STORY.

Funny Story by Emily Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Emily Henry stories go, this one captured my attention with its small but enjoyable cast and surprising romance. Daphne's life is rocked when her finance, Peter, breaks up with her right before the wedding. Even worse, he leaves her for his longtime best friend (and his best "man"), Petra. With no place to live, Daphne winds up rooming with Miles, Petra's own jilted ex.

As couples go, Daphne and Miles are just cute. She's dealing with a difficult absent father situation along with the breakup. Miles has his own family baggage, but he hides it better, behind a charming, happy go lucky exterior. Daphne is the quintessential librarian--a homebody who loves her books and her job, especially reading to kids and finding ways to connect them to books. Miles appears to be a wayward guy, but Daphne quickly realizes he has a vast network of connections and friends across their small Michigan town. Daphne just wants to get out of said town--it reminds her of nothing but Peter--but Miles asks to show her around for the summer. This works out well, since Daphne accidentally blurts out that she and Miles are dating to get everyone off their back.

The two aren't exactly fake dating, but they aren't exactly not, either. What follows is a delightful and engaging story that explores the Michigan setting, introduces us to our cast of fun and quirky characters, and sees the chemistry between Miles and Daphne quickly ratchet up. The two seem well-suited for one another and the librarian/books angle is fun.

This is a cute story--nothing crazy--but I enjoyed the cast and Miles and Daphne's relationship and journey of self-growth.

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You can look into her eyes and live forever: SAVOR IT.

Savor It by Tarah DeWitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So this was a surprisingly cute romance. It is nothing revolutionary but the banter is witty and there's plenty of good chemistry between our leads, Fisher, a disgraced chef, and Sage, beloved in the small town of Spunes, Oregon. When Fisher and his teenage niece Indy wind up in Spunes for the summer, they live across from Sage, and she and Fisher quickly bond. All the makings for a pleasing romance!

Sage is adored in Spunes, but she's having a rough go of it, having suffered recent heartbreak. She's thrilled to hit it off with Fisher, but he's on borrowed time, with plans to only reside in Spunes for the summer. Fisher is, of course, going through his own issues, since losing his cushy NYC job, and dealing with raising Indy after her mom's death.

Despite the serious undertones, there are plenty of laugh out loud moments. This book is really darn funny. Sage is completely engaging and easy to love, but so is Fisher. It was refreshing to have a romance told from both partners' points of view. It was nice to know what both Fisher and Sage were thinking and to watch their bond grow.

SAVOR IT is a cute ode to small town life, even as Fisher and Indy fight against the charms of such life. Much of it centers around Spunes' annual festival and it feels like a Hallmark holiday movie come to life, just set in the summer. Everything is quaint, humorous, and sweet. I was impressed by this story overall; it was an enjoyable romance. 4 stars.

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

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These days have made a change in me: BETTER LEFT UNSENT.

Better Left Unsent by Lia Louis
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

The premise of this has promise: Millie keeps all her true thoughts (rants to her boss, real opinions about her BFF's husband, reviews on poor vacation experiences, feelings about her parents, responses to crushes) in her email drafts. It helps her release stress. The system works well until one day a server error at work releases all the drafts at once, sending the emails off to their quite surprised (and sometimes angry) recipients.

When you dive into this more, it seems flimsy. Who would write these sorts of things at work?! Why would you actually put the recipient's email address in the To line of the draft?! It makes more sense when you meet Millie, who, honestly, is a bit of an idiot and comes across as a clueless doormat, making it too hard to root for her. She's suffering from a breakup several years ago with Owen, who still works at her company, and one of her emails threatens to end Owen's current engagement. Millie's inability to recognize that Owen is a complete psychopath is incredibly frustrating. Her endless focus on her emails may be even more frustrating. Her relationship with Jack, her love interest, has little pep, as they barely have any scenes together. It's a shame, because Jack is funny and the two have good chemistry. There's also a side plot with Millie's parents that seems completely unnecessary.

I love Lia Louis' books and there was some fun in this one, but overall, it didn't work for me. 2.5 stars.

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

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What I have is a gift of life I can't repeat: THE HUSBANDS.

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

My favorite thing about Book of the Month (BOTM) is finding books like THE HUSBANDS, which I'd probably never pick up otherwise. It has a refreshing and unique premise; it was nice to have something different to read. When the very single Lauren comes home from a night with friends, she finds someone in her home: apparently he's her husband, Michael. This is backed up by photos in her home/on her phone, messages with friends, and more. Then Michael goes up in her attic and when he comes down, he's someone else--another husband--and Lauren's life slightly alters to encompass the new spouse. Each and every time.

This was hard to put down, as the story is totally engaging, with Lauren cycling through husbands at an often rapid clip. In some ways, this is a romance, but it's really a journey of self-exploration. As the many husbands come out of the attic, Lauren deals with so many thoughts: is she crazy? And, how picky is she? How do you, in fact, wind up with the person you love? How do we frame who we love, especially when we have more agency and choice in the matter.

The story drags a bit in the middle with the endless parade of husbands, but it's still quite fascinating. It's a personal story, and a bit mysterious, as Lauren tries to puzzle out why this is happening to her. Answering the questions of what you want in life and learning to accept what you have are central here, but this is also a witty and insightful story that keeps you reading. 4.5 stars

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At this point there's a history that keeps you from growing too old: THE GUNCLE ABROAD.

The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Honestly, it's so lovely to be back with the characters from THE GUNCLE. Maisie and Grant are growing up! They're 14 and 11 now, respectively, and none too pleased that their Dad, Greg, is getting married to a wealthy, Italian woman, Livia. In comes Gay Uncle Patrick "GUP" again, this time to take the kids on an European tour and a quest to learn about love. His deal: if they don't understand why their dad wants to marry Livia by the end of their trip, he'll talk to Greg about the marriage.

"But his mission was clear nonetheless. He would teach these kids about love, how to love others, and how to be loved in return."

Even abroad, Patrick still has his same acerbic wit, laced with his deep underlying love for his niblings. Said nibs are still precious, even while growing (no more lisp for Grant, sniff, sniff), especially with Maisie a teenager, learning to see the world more clearly and how it can cruelly treat women and leave them behind. The story shows, yet again, how Patrick is both ill-equipped and yet the perfect person to teach the kids how hard it is to trust again after losing someone. His rivalry with Livia's sister (the kids lesbian aunt, or Launt) was a bit much, but otherwise this was about pitch perfect.

At its heart, this is a tender and lovely book about grief, moving on but not forgetting, and learning to love again. I would read about Patrick, Maisie, and Grant's story over and over. 4.5 stars.


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But who's gonna make my mistakes if I don't: THE SUMMER CLUB.

The Summer Club by Hannah McKinnon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Not my favorite of McKinnon's books, though it's a fast read. Honestly, the plot feels already done, and I would not categorize this as a light beach read, as it resolves around serious themes. THE SUMMER CLUB focuses on a literal club, stuffy Mayhaven, where Ned Birch and his daughter Darcy both learned to golf--but have never been members. Ned is now the manager, trying to restore Mayhaven to its former glory. As for Flick, he's a teenage boy forced to move to Massachusetts from New York with his mom and new stepdad, where they live next door to the Birch family. He gets a job at Mayhaven and finds himself fascinated by Darcy.

There's no major in-depth characterization here, but it's easy to like Flick and Darcy and feel for Ned. He must deal with the insiders versus outsiders vibe of Mayhaven. McKinnon does a fairly good job capturing teens, especially Darcy, who has stopped playing golf and withdrawn from her family. There's a mostly unresolved story with Darcy and a sometimes mean rich kid she liked that just sort of fizzled out. Like a lot of the book, it feels like everything skims the surface, but never delves too deep. This is a decent, quick read but won't stick with me.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE SUMMER CLUB on 07/23/2024!

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I'll keep my hands warm in your pockets: WHEN YOU SMILE.

When You Smile by Melissa Brayden
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This is one of those really cheesy stories that you need sometimes to cheer you up. This is not the best written romance ever (there's a lot of stilted writing and an emphasis on telling versus showing), but it's still a really cute story that you cannot help but get caught up in. Taryn finally heads off to do her last two years of college away from home--living in a dorm for the first time--and giving herself a chance to fully identify as lesbian to someone other than her parents. Imagine her surprise when she comes across her former babysitter Charlie on campus. She adored Charlie back in the day, but she moved away, and Taryn never saw her again; now Charlie's in graduate school, juggling teaching, MFA classes, and writing--and her longtime boyfriend.

The slow burn chemistry between Charlie and Taryn may be the best part here. They get to know each other instead of just falling into bed. Much of this story is a sort of coming out/coming of age for both characters, as Taryn finally gets a chance to explore her sexuality and Charlie must question hers. It certainly took me back to my days of being a new, baby lesbian in college.

Overall, it's a pretty straightforward lesbian romance, and the villains are set up quite clearly. There's nothing earth shattering here, or any major character development, but maybe it was the college setting, or just Taryn and Charlie's innate sweetness; I couldn't help but fall for them and their story. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Bold Strokes Books, Inc. and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Every line on your face tells a story somebody knows: THE CLIFFS.

The Cliffs: A novel by J. Courtney Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very interesting read, albeit quite long and meandering at times

In the world of thrillers and viral hits, THE CLIFFS is not that book. It's a slow burner that takes its time to delve into its characters and their history, looking deep into the people associated with one particular home and the nearby area. You will not fly through its pages (though it's compelling) or have any big shocking twists (though there are certainly surprises), but if you keep with the story, you will be rewarded with a complex and rich narrative that spans centuries, connecting our characters in fascinating ways and exploring the complicated facets of how the past influences the present.

There are parts of THE CLIFFS that feel too long, as if a history lesson has lasted into another class period, and it can be hard to warm up to Jane, the main protagonist. The story is told from the point of view of various female characters, jumping around in time, but Jane gets the most screen time. They are all tied together by the house and land, but at times, I found myself wishing for more time with our characters older (in time period, not age) than Jane or other modern narratives. Jane's treatment of those around her--even with her alcoholism--was tough to stomach. A female-centric story that still focused so much on Jane pining for her estranged husband was difficult, as well.

There are so many interconnected stories here and the exploration of indigenous people and history is excellent. Sullivan does a great job of exploring motherhood and the idea if one can feel whole without being a mother. The themes of loss and grief run deeply in this story. While I wished there were a few more ghosts in this book (we get one early appearance!) and it felt long at times, it's beautifully written and a wonderful examination of legacies and the passing down of histories and secrets.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Knopf in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE CLIFFS on 07/16/2024!

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But home is a feeling I buried in you: STARS IN YOUR EYES.

Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There's so much more than fake dating happening in STARS IN YOUR EYES, which is told in a back and forth point-of-view between its two main characters, both actors. Mattie is an up-and-coming actor, still sweet and shy, and dealing with shame from being gay thanks to a religious father. He's filming a new movie with the famous (or is it infamous) Logan, known for his bad boy antics. Logan hides his pain--much of it from being abused--behind a gruff exterior, where he pushes everyone away and acts out.

Filming a story about two gay authors that begin a romance, Mattie and Logan suddenly see their film life parallel real life when the producers force them to fake a romance to stir up interest in the movie (and cover up for some of Logan's bad behavior), and the two quickly realize they like each other. But nothing is simple when they each carry so much baggage--and they're under constant public scrutiny.

I really enjoyed hearing the story from both Logan and Mattie's sides and the way Callender interspersed their POVs with snippets from film magazines, blogs, social media, and more. It's a quick read, albeit a powerful one. STARS delves into serious territory including racism and bi-phobia and looks seriously at sexual assault (triggers for assault, rape, suicide idealization, and more). It's really a very tender story showing how love can occur between flawed people with pasts--not every romance is a straightforward, cheery one, as the book illustrates.

There's a bit of relationship and therapy speak that sometimes feels overdone, but overall I enjoyed this one. It's not a feel good story per se, but it's enjoyable, makes good points, and really lets you feel for the characters.


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I turned myself in with you: ANNIE LEBLANC IS NOT DEAD YET.

Annie LeBlanc Is Not Dead Yet by Molly Morris
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

This is a strange little book. Wilson enters her town's contest to, you know, earn the right to bring someone back from the dead for 30 days. She picks her best friend, Annie, trying to overlook the fact that the two weren't friends at all in the last year of Annie's life. But when she gets Annie "back," she seems to gloss over that fact, falling back with Wilson like the old days and confusing her to no end.

So I'm fine with a book about someone coming back from the dead being quirky; in fact, you'd expect it. Instead, ANNIE LEBLANC seems like a standard YA story about friend drama--it just happens that one of those friends is dead. Nothing seems to happen! Wilson is an OK main character, if a bit in her head, but I didn't even like Annie, or Ryan, the third friend in their trio, or Wilson's mom Jody.

Wilson spends her life being responsible for her mom and her little sister, feeling lonely with no friends after a blow up with Annie and Ryan. The book drags out the reveal of why she and Annie and Ryan fought and it still doesn't make sense. Wilson seems to think she's found a loophole to keep Annie alive, so she works diligently to achieve it, while being rather clueless. Meanwhile, there's a million miscommunications, and it appears as if this gang never once interacted with one another or another human.

I'm glad the story has lesbian/bisexual rep and enjoyed the themes of friendship (albeit awkward ones!) and family, but this plot missed overall for me. 2.5 stars.

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

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I'm the secret ingredient you're missing: TRULY, MADLY, DEEPLY.

Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I always enjoy a good Alexandria Bellefleur book and picked this up for my "June Pride Reads." There's not as much bisexual content as I'd hoped for, though there's a wonderful speech about bisexuality and the idea that society often demands someone be "queer enough" that I loved. That really hit home.

Most of our story is focused on Truly and Colin. Truly, a romance author, is ironically scared of romantic commitment after a brutal breakup and watching her parents--her idols--separate. Colin, a family law (or divorce, per Truly) attorney, seems to have no real flaws and comes across as pretty much perfect in all ways, except to his family, who resent both his bisexuality and the fact that he didn't join the family business (I can't remember, but it's construction or something related... I mean, the guy is a freaking lawyer!). The two meet when Truly comes on Colin's sister's podcast and immediately get off on the wrong foot, yet can't deny that they have instant attraction and chemistry too.

In fact, DEEPLY crackles with chemistry. Colin and Truly's banter flies across the pages, whether it's in person or via their shared texts. The result is a funny and often crazily sexy tale. Truly is certainly... a lot. Her focus on her parents and their love life is overwhelming at times. I could have done with less of that, because the plot related to her romance with Colin is excellent. Colin truly (haha - see what I did there?) is a nearly perfect guy, and I loved how fiercely he loved and felt.

This is a sexy book with a wonderful cast -- quite enjoyable! 4 stars.

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Keep the light still on inside and watch it through to sunrise: NEARLYWED.

Nearlywed by Nicolas DiDomizio
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When I picked this up for Pride Month, I was looking forward to a fun, cheesy romance, but NEARLYWED is not really a romance. It's more a story of looking inward at relationships, filled with a lot of thinking and talking about love and connections. For a while, it feels like nothing much happens in the book, as our main character, Ray, pontificates about his past and present liaisons, overthinks everything, and tends toward the dramatic.

In his defense, Ray cannot fully help it: he grew up steeped in his parents' love story, dreaming of having an "earlymoon" (pre-wedding honeymoon) at the same beautiful New England resort his mom and dad did, and memorizing every aspect of their wedding album. He's a hopeless romantic used to sharing his entire life online as a reporter in the digital age. His older husband-to-be, Kip, however, came out late in late, and is a reticent doctor. (Also, can I just say, that I constantly thought Ray was Kip because Ray is the older sounding name?)

Now they're finally on their earlymoon, but things go awry quickly when they both run into people they know (wow, what a coincidence!!) and Ray wonders if Kip is truly ready to be an out, married man and Kip feels as if Ray is pushing him to share too much, too fast, with the world.

The story covers some truly important messages about being gay, being seen, coming out on your own terms--all of which are great. I found myself incredibly frustrated by Kip dragging his feet at fully acknowledging his relationship with Ray, even though I could understand his reasoning. DiDomizio does a good job of showing both sides of the relationship. Still, I found so much of the thinking and and wondering and talking about their relationship too much: I wanted something to happen. The last 10% or so of the story redeemed this to a 3-star read, but I could have done without so much of the earlier bitterness and angst.

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

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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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All around your island there's a barricade: YOU, AGAIN.

You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

YOU, AGAIN has a cheerful cover, but is actually a rather angry, emotional book instead of a happy, go-lucky romance. Our leads are flawed characters. We have Ari, who is post-breakup from her one real relationship, and who avoids serious relationships like the plague, and Josh, an anxious guy suffering from an intensely personal career failure who requires perfection in relationships.

The book chronicles Josh and Ari's encounters over a span of time, showing them to be self-centered, depressed, and fragile people. In many ways, this is refreshing. Instead of some picture perfect romance, we see two people living actual, real life. The author said she was inspired by When Harry Met Sally and it shows. The idea of two people who can't get over their own issues (versus the concept of forced external plots) is fun for a romance. Once accustomed to the book's tone, I found this enjoyable and more real than the artificial situations of some love stories.

And, Ari and Josh have an excellent simmering, angry chemistry that permeates the story. The book is filled with so many bitter but funny moments. Yes, it could be bleak at times, but also really hilarious. It's a very NYC story, focusing on landmarks and settings in the city, making you feel like you're there with the characters.

Overall, this was a different sort of story, but an enjoyable read. 3.5 stars, rounded up.


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And it's just a dead end road at the end of the day: SAFE AND SOUND.

Safe and Sound by Laura McHugh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is another superbly written story from Laura McHugh, dropping you directly into a small Missouri town. The residents there know they are born in the local hospital and live and die in town, ending up buried in its cemetery. Grace dreamed of getting out--and she wanted that for her young nieces, Amelia and Kylee, too. But then Grace disappears, with just a trail of blood left behind, and the two girls are stuck.

As she ages, Amelia wonders what happened to Grace, poking around the corners of her secretive town. McHugh does an excellent job creating an atmosphere of claustrophobia, flashing back to Grace's story and her own feelings of being trapped, and then Amelia's deep desires to get out. The whole book feels stifling, overcome with the brittle feeling of no hope or prospects. McHugh's writing is crisp, starkly portraying her teenage characters with clarity and realism.

Sometimes things even feel too real--this book can feel awfully hopeless. The ending is a bummer, without a lot of closure. But the story is well-written, with nuanced characters, and it perfectly captures that oppressive small town feeling.

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

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All my roads, they lead to you: THE PARADISE PROBLEM.

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

This is a typical fun, free-spirited Christina Lauren romance, as we watch Anna Green and Liam Weston live out a somewhat "fake" dating scheme, despite being, in fact, legally married. Anna and Liam marry in university--on paper only--to secure cheap housing. Unbeknownst to Anna, they remain married: she fails to read detailed papers from Liam that she thinks are for their divorce. Liam, the son and heir to a wealthy grocery store chain, knows he'll inherit his trust if he fulfills its weird clause: marry and remain so for five years.

But when Liam's family somehow finally force him to bring his wife to a family event (his younger sister Charlie's wedding), he has to turn up at Anna's apartment, come clean, and beg her to travel with him to a secluded island and play happy couple. Broke and recently unemployed, Anna reluctantly agrees, since Liam will pay her a hefty sum. (I get that Liam was on the outs with his family, but seriously, no one thought it was weird not to see his wife for nearly five years?)

Of course, once on the island, the two discover that, despite their differences, they have a mutual attraction. There's much drama with Liam's family, most of whom are pretty awful, and a lot of craziness related to the legal aspects of the trust. Watching his family spend obscene amounts of money isn't all that fun (even if the book sometimes tries to make that exact point). Liam and Anna have crackling chemistry, but the whole thing always feels a bit weird, since he's paying her a lot of money to be there.

This is a cute romance, with some fun sexy scenes and playful banter, though some of the premise feels a bit flat. It's still quite enjoyable, and I grew to love Anna and Liam. 3.5 stars.

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We get years of practice camouflaging shame: PINEAPPLE STREET.

Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

PINEAPPLE STREET introduces us to the three Stockton siblings: Darley, Cord, and Georgiana. Each is a rich, privileged New Yorker raised by parents who have more money than most of us can ever fathom. Their story is told by Darley, Georgiana, and Cord's wife, Sasha, a "regular" girl who married into the wealthy Stocktons and is immediately deemed a gold-digger by her sister-in-laws. Is it any surprise that Sasha quickly became my favorite? For a decent part of this book, the original Stockton clan seemed spoiled, clueless, and utterly ridiculous.

PINEAPPLE STREET attempts to make deep points about income inequality and generational wealth, but it's difficult when its characters are shallow and often unredeeming: their world contained to the privileged "fruit streets" of Brooklyn.

Still, there's something oddly compelling about this clan, even if we're just getting a sneak peak into their daily lives. There's a voyeuristic aspect of watching people spend and deal with amazing amounts of money not known to the average human. Still, I'm not sure I learned much more from this book than our characters did by the end.


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She's never learned how to live for today: DAYS OF WONDER.

Days of Wonder by Caroline Leavitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Caroline Leavitt is such a wonderful and unique writer. I know I can always count on her for a different and riveting story. DAYS OF WONDER is no exception. This is not necessarily a happy or uplifting book, but wow, it makes you think. Ella falls madly in love with Jude as a teenager, and the pair spend all their time together, including days at her apartment with Ella's mom, Helen. They avoid Jude's angry and bitter father, a judge who resents him for his mother's death. But when Ella is accused of trying to murder Jude's dad, he pulls strings and she's sent to prison for 25 years, while Jude has no consequences. Neither can remember that night, which doesn't make things any easier.

In prison, Ella discovers she's pregnant and reluctantly gives the baby up for adoption after Jude terminates his parental rights. But when she's released early--after only six years--she's determined to track down her child. What follows is an oft heartbreaking tale of Ella trying to reclaim her life, her child, and her own self while dealing with reentering society as a convicted felon.

WONDER is a little meandering at times, with various plot points that run off in various directions, but it's also captivating. All of our characters are flawed but intriguing, with Ella at the center. She doesn't always make the best decisions, but she has a good heart. The story is told in alternating POV and timelines, between present-day and then flashing to the past, leading up to what happened to the judge. In this way, it serves as part mystery, as no one knows exactly what happened that night, and part literary fiction, probing the bonds between mother and daughter and parent and child. Through Helen's relationship with Ella and then Ella's relationship (or lack thereof) with her daughter, we learn about the sacrifices made for our children... even the decisions the warped judge makes in terms of Jude.

This is such a thoughtful story, and so poignant. I was completely caught up in Ella's world and life. I honestly would read a sequel to learn more about her future. Leavitt's writing is gorgeous, and this is such a different, enjoyable tale, even if the subject matter is often serious and sad. 4+ stars.

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

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I build my house up on this rock, baby, every day with you: LATE BLOOMER.

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I adore a good sapphic romance, but I cannot handle miscommunications and bad decision-making. So LATE BLOOMER was a bit of a draw for me. Opal has a history of not standing up for herself and making a mess of her life. She's known for her impulsivity--best displayed when she wins the lottery and buys a farm, sight unseen. When she arrives, she finds Pepper living there. Unbeknownst to Pepper, her mom sold the flower farm, which belonged to Pepper's late grandmother, out from under her.

Now, here's where most logical people would turn to crazy things like lawyers and wills and deeds, right? But no, Pepper and Opal make the only rational decision: they will live together on said farm, in the same house, while they figure things out and Pepper determines a way to make the floral business profitable and buy out Opal.

As they do, the two yo-yo through emotions like no one's business. We're up, we're down, we're up again! I could not keep up. We're talking, we're hiding things, we're lying, we're being honest. Sure, Pepper has trust issues thanks to her con artist mom (exhibit A: sells farm where daughter is living), but does she have to dislike Opal simply because she's kind? As for Opal, girl, take your deed to a lawyer and stop all this insanity and pining. Because, of course, our girls are alternatively hating each other and wanting to take one another's pants off. There's no character development leading up to any of this.

Over the course of the story, Pepper and Opal did grow on me. (Though, please, just look through your documents when a relative passes away!) I enjoyed how neurodiverse friendly this tale was, and it covered autism and ADHD rather thoughtfully. It's bi-friendly and practically every character is queer in some way--hurrah! Eddings delves into themes of finding yourself, being worthy of love, and having what you deserve in life. This is a cute story, even if the characters are a little thin and the plot a bit frustrating at times. 3.25 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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Or would we never know the fortunes that we had 'til we grow old: THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK.

The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was surprisingly good. I was prepared for predictability with yet another plot centering around the daughter of a cop--now a detective herself--struggling with their history with their father, losing her murdered sister, and investigating a series of missing girls. But ELLIE BLACK is a sad and haunting tale that keeps you guessing and reading.

In the present-day we hear from Chelsey (detective), Ellie herself, Ellie's boyfriend, and Ellie's parents as they all narrate her return after being missing for over two years. The timeline in the past comes from Ellie, at 17, and explains the circumstances of her disappearance. Present-day Ellie has no desire to explain to Chesley what happened to her, frustrating the detective beyond words, and taking her back to her own youth, when her sister died.

Chelsey is a flawed character and comes across very real, even frustrating. As does Ellie--there's no "hero worship" of our victim here. Even Ellie herself will admit she wasn't the perfect daughter before her disappearance. This is a dark book, with plenty of damaged characters, and it dives deeply into violence toward women. I found it hard to put down, with a plethora of twists and surprises. 4.25 stars.


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You got a way of letting me down: THE HUNTER.

The Hunter by Tana French
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Because I buy all Tana French books sight unseen, I didn't realize that THE HUNTER is a follow-on to French's THE SEARCHER, which is one my all-time favorite books. What a wonderful surprise! You do not need to read the first book to enjoy the second, but it's such a lovely read that I highly recommend doing so.

THE HUNTER picks back up with Cal Hooper, a former Chicago policeman now living in the Irish countryside; his girlfriend, Lena; and teenager Trey Reddy, a fifteen-year-old local girl who befriended Cal in the last book. The two have a friendship based on their love of woodworking and the fact that Cal is a safe place in Trey's chaotic home life. When Trey's no-good father shows up after several years away, he upends the town with his appearance and the strange Englishman he brings with him who claims he knows where to find gold on their lands. Stirred up by a relentless heat, Johnny's schemes take over the village, bringing Trey right along with him.

French perfectly captures a restless village on edge due to a heat wave and lack of rain, the wild uneasiness pulsing across the farmers and local townspeople: their boredom, their wariness, and their fear lurking just below the surface. Johnny and his friend play upon these fears--and this boredom--while spinning tales of wealth and riches.

And this is a village where the people have their own code, their own rules--some spoken, some not--they make their own decisions and can easily take matters into their own hands. Is Trey at risk, Cal worries, just by being associated with Johnny?

It's as if we are there, in the Irish countryside, with our characters, as French's beautiful, precise writing drops us right next to the sheep grazing outside Cal's window or on the winding mountain trail leading to Trey's dilapidated, crowded home. The remote atmosphere is its own character, with the role of a small town and its code playing a strong role in the story.

French weaves her story slowly. This is a character-driven novel, not one built on twists and wild action. Luckily, the characters are beautifully drawn and wonderfully complex. The give and take between Cal and Trey is masterful, as the teen struggles with trusting her mentor, feelings for her absent father, and emotions toward a town that could care less for the Reddy family. French explores how much we sacrifice for those we love, especially as Cal and Lena are caught up in things they'd normally ignore due to their affection for Trey.

This is a gorgeous mystery with complex characters and writing that drops you right into the atmospheric setting. 4.5+ stars.


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The bridges that I burned and the trains I didn't catch: DAUGHTER OF MINE.

Daughter of Mine by Megan Miranda
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This felt more like classic Megan Miranda--a taunt page-turner that keeps you reading until the end. Hazel returns to her hometown upon her father's death and is surprised to learn that he, the town's beloved Sheriff, left her (and only her) his house on the lake. This does not go over well with her brothers, Caden and Gage, who now serve in the local force as well. His death literally brings up the past, when a drought unearths two cars in the nearby lake.

DAUGHTER relies on the oft-used trope of someone returning to their hometown, always a small town where everyone knows your business, to try to puzzle out a crime on their own. Miranda does a good job with the material though, building up suspense while slowly revealing more details. The story is dark and atmospheric. Hazel tended to pontificate a bit much for my taste, but I enjoyed how the book delved into the twisted world of family ties and secrets. Hazel is scarred by her mom leaving her behind as a teen, and mother issues permeate the tale. It gets a little wild at the end, but I was along for the ride.

This is a tense and suspenseful tale for those who love small town thrillers. 3.75 stars.

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

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I dream in shades of green and gray and gold: THE PROSPECTS.

The Prospects by K.T. Hoffman
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Somehow this book is a debut, which is flabbergasting, because it's pretty freaking amazing. It's an ode to America's pastime featuring characters that America doesn't always want to embrace. Well too bad, because the characters of THE PROSPECTS are wonderful, complicated, and not-at-all one-dimensional. They are portrayed as actual humans (*gasp*) and not just queer stereotypes.

Gene is such a great character: a trans baseball player in the minor leagues, with dreams of making it big. Gene is adorable. He is sweet, funny, optimistic, smart, and learning to navigate the world as a gay man. Thankfully, he has his teammate, aging pitcher and Team Dad Vince, plus Vince's husband, to help him navigate the baseball world. But nothing can prepare him for the arrival of Luis, a former teammate, rival, and crush, to his beloved Beaverton Beavers.

Luis may rival Gene for adorableness--Hoffman writes his anxiety into the story so beautifully, and it's impossible not to fall in love with them both. The story is about hope and wanting, following your dreams, and the people we find along the way. Found family is so important here. Baseball plays such a vital role in the story: its highs and lows, its transient nature, and the optimism required to play successfully. I love a good sports romance and THE PROSPECTS balances both perfectly.

The book feels just a bit long at times and one conflict felt forced/repetitive, but overall this is such a great story. It's so important and filled with such vibrant, realistic LGBTQIAP+ characters. 4.5 stars.

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

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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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By the dark of the moon there's a fire in the night: THE HOUSE IS ON FIRE.

The House Is on Fire by Rachel Beanland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A hyped novel that lives up to it all. FIRE is such a powerful story based on real life events--a fire that occurred in a theater in Richmond in 1811. I tend to shy away from historical fiction, but I was captivated by the tale of four characters, each of whom are in the theater when the fire starts. We hear from Sally Henry Campbell, attending with her sister; Jack, a stagehand; Cecily, a slave there with her mistress; and Gilbert, a blacksmith and slave dreaming of a better life.

FIRE is incredibly sad but so realistic; it made the time period real for me in a way that history books just can't. The absolute injustice of slavery is on full display, as we see how Cecily is assaulted and abused by her master's son, while Gilbert and his wife live separately, dreaming of buying their freedom and having a life together.

There's also a focus on strength of women, of all kinds, as we see Sally's absolute horror and shock at how many women are left behind to die in the theater, and how she decides to react to that realization. Beanland writes these characters so well: I was attached to each and totally captivated by their journeys. 4+ stars.


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We always caught each other when we'd fall: A HAPPY CATASTROPHE.

A Happy Catastrophe by Maddie Dawson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Despite its somewhat happy title, A HAPPY CATASTROPHE covers serious topics and delves into the dark places of relationships. It's also the second in a series with reoccurring characters; I didn't read the first book and while I figured this one out, I think I would have enjoyed this more if I had known all the backstory. Marnie and Patrick get a bit of "surprise" from the past in the form of Fritzie. This both hurts and overjoys Marnie, because she's yearning to be a mom, and makes life difficult for Patrick, who is a very closed off person.

Fritzie is a delight, if a somewhat cliched precocious child, but even her situation is depressing, as she's left behind by her mother. She's still a funny, spunky kid and her journey was probably my favorite. Patrick has justifiable reasons for his emotional damage, but is an incredibly frustrating individual. The book focuses on the message that life has a way of working out, and while that's a wonderful thought, it perhaps gives a little too much credence to the "ways of the universe" and positive thinking versus acknowledging that sometimes life can be unfair, and you know, maybe a person could just use a little therapy. 3 stars.

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And maybe your resurgence is the greatest triumph that you'll know: JUST FOR THE SUMMER.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Justin's known for helping women find their soulmates--as in, after they break up with him, they find "the one." And thanks to Reddit, everyone knows his story. The same thing seems to happen to Emma, so she messages him on Reddit to relate. Before they know it, the two are formulating a plan: they'll date for a bit and then break up, thereby guaranteeing each will find their soulmate.

Suddenly, Emma, a travel nurse, is in Minnesota with her best friend Maddie, where they're living on a small, impractical island. Maddie is the only one who sees through Emma's unresolved trauma and baggage from her difficult childhood, so when Emma's mom shows up, Maddie wants to protect her friend. Justin, meanwhile, is trying to deal with the newfound stress of raising his three younger siblings.

SUMMER covers a bunch of serious topics, ranging from Emma's attachment issues and depression to Justin's siblings and their struggles, but does so in a funny and enjoyable way. Emma and Justin are flawed, sure, and you find yourself frustrated with them, but also able to forgive, because (gasp) these characters are real, with actual backstories, personalities, and foibles that give them reasons for their feelings. Suddenly, the "issues" that pop up in other romances seem like cardboard.

Justin and Emma's chemistry is off the charts, but thankfully there's no instalove here: they converse online first and spend plenty of time getting to know each other. It's impossible not to fall for Justin's sweet nature or root for Emma to settle down. Even better, there are some serious laugh-out-loud moments here, with both Emma and Justin, but also the side characters. Justin's mom and her best friend, for instance, crackle with energy and humor (one word: raccoons). This book just makes you feel happy.

It's impossible to truly sum up this novel, but it's a gorgeous love story steeped in humor and real life. Jimenez's writing is flawless. 4.5+ stars.

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Everything else just fades so fast: A KILLER IN THE FAMILY.

A Killer in the Family by Gytha Lodge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A timely mystery rooted in DNA

DCI Jonah Sheens and his team are busy investigating what appears to be a serial killer setting women on fire. The "Bonfire Killer" preys upon women in their mid-40s out alone. Aisling Cooley finds this disturbing, but she's slightly distracted trying to single parent her two teenage sons and worrying about keeping them financially afloat. She's also haunted by memories of her father, who left her family when she was young.

KILLER is an excellent whodunnit, revolving around the modern theory of DNA and tracking criminals via genealogy websites. Aisling uploads her DNA to a popular site, hoping to match with her father. Instead, Jonah and his team show up on her doorstep, saying a relative of hers has matched to evidence from the Bonfire Killer murders. Aisling must grapple with the fact that either one of her beloved boys or her long-lost father is a killer.

Lodge's story moves quickly, filled with a wide variety of suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. It weaves in Aisling's story and background, including her struggle as a single mom and as a daughter abandoned by her father, with perspectives from DCI Sheen and his team. Domnall especially shines in this one, with his detailed research. This story stands alone, but reading the Sheens books in order allows you to see the nuanced characterizations Lodge has given to each. Steady, calm, Sheens who is struggling in his unhappy marriage is my favorite, but it was wonderful to see more of Domnall. And there's kind, intelligent Ben plus Juliette, who is still learning, but has suffered at the hands of an abusive ex, who are excellent, with their own detailed backstories and personalities. The entire team seems so real (and lovable). There's a cliffhanger ending that means we need another book, ASAP!

Overall, a well-plotted and timely police procedural, featuring an excellent and lovable cast of characters.

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

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Watching everyone around get there before I do: LITTLE SISTER.

Little Sister by Gytha Lodge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riveting thriller about missing sisters

DCI Jonah Sheens is enjoying a day outside when a teen stumbles out of the woods, covered in blood. Keely tells him he needs to look for her younger sister, Nina. Jonah and his team discover that Keely and Nina went missing from their care home and have a tangled past in care. He brings in Keely to find out where Nina is, but she insists on starting from the beginning of their story.

This is a dark tale, told in a compelling narrative, alternating between Keely's story and Jonah and his team investigating on their own. This ratchets up the tension, as we slowly learn more from both sides, never sure exactly what it all means, or who to trust. The horrors of the foster care system are made abundantly clear, but Keely also comes across as cold and supremely manipulative. Is she telling the truth? As always, the dynamics around Jonah and his team are great. The result is a strong thriller that keeps you turning the pages.

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Someone will always call you home: THE TRAIL OF LOST HEARTS.

The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love after loss

Thrown off their paths by life-altering tragedies, Wren and Marshall meet while geocaching. Marshall helps Wren out of a potentially horrifying situation with two hateful men on a remote trail. While reluctant to trust, she agrees to team up with him for a few days to help their geocaching prospects, and the two form a fragile friendship that could blossom into something more.

What follows is a beautiful, quiet story about finding love after grief and tragedy for both Marshall and Wren. Each has terrible stories in their past and a justified reluctance to engage again with the real world. Watching them fall for one another is basically the entire plot-- there are no wild surprises or twists--but it's a sweet fall (with some unexpected spice!). The Pacific Northwest scenery stands in as another character, thanks to the gorgeous descriptions throughout the book. Garvis Graves does an excellent job of delving deep into her characters' psyches, exploring sadness and loss, but also leaving us with hope (and a desire to try geocaching). 4 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'd rather ride around with you: EVERY TIME YOU HEAR THAT SONG.

Every Time You Hear That Song by Jenna Voris
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A gorgeous, authentic story of country music and finding yourself

I really enjoyed this one. I am a sucker for stories involving country music, but when you add the lesbian romance angle, it's even better. Darren Purchase is seventeen and has loved country music singer Decklee Cassel her entire life. She's crushed when Decklee dies. Decklee's long-awaited time capsule should be revealed at her televised funeral, but instead, it's empty. Soon, she's putting her fans through a series of scavenger-hunt-style clues to track down the capsule and its associated $3M prize. Darren, an aspiring journalist, knows she has a shot at finding the capsule, so she teams up with her co-worker, Kendall, to track it down.

The story alternates between Darren and Kendall searching and following time capsule clues and Decklee Cassel and her journey to fame. Both timelines are captivating, though it's really hard not to be completely pulled in by our enigmatic country star, Decklee. Tracing her path to fame, Decklee's portions cover her friendship and eventual relationship with her songwriter, Mickenlee Hooper. Decklee is a deeply flawed character, mowing over anyone who gets in the way of her path to stardom. This includes a relationship with a woman in the 1970s and 1980s as a country star, and the book does a strong job of exploring the difficulty of two women being together in such a time.

Darren's story parallels Decklee, as she follows time capsule clues that align with Decklee's career. Both Darren and Decklee are from the small town of Mayberry, Arkansas, and Darren clings to the idea that if Decklee got out, so can she. Darren's so focused on getting out of Mayberry that she hasn't taken the time to see what it offers, including a friendship (or more) with Kendall, or the bonuses that small town life offers. She wants to win the money to go to journalism school and help her mom, who has battled cancer.

There's nothing conventional about this book, including its ending, and that's a huge compliment. Decklee and Darren are strongly characterized and individualistic, and Mickenlee is just as nuanced too. Decklee and Mickenlee's story is entrancing, and Kendall and Darren's burgeoning romance is adorable. This is a wonderful story for anyone who loves coming-of-age tales, queer romance, or country music. 4.5 stars.

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


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And I can see the pain in your eyes: DARLING GIRLS.

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sometimes the strongest familial bonds aren't forged by blood

Jessica, Norah, and Alicia are sisters. Maybe not on a family tree, but in their eyes and hearts. They spent several years together at the same foster home under the care of Miss Fairchild. To an outsider, it looked like a perfect place: Wild Meadows Farm, a lovely house in the countryside. But Miss Fairchild could be erratic and even downright cruel. Then something terrible happened, and they never saw Miss Fairchild again. Now the police have come calling: bones have been found under their childhood home, and they want to know what Jessica, Norah, and Alicia may know. It's time to face Wild Meadows again.

This is a page-turner of a story. I found it very hard to put down. Hepworth makes it quite easy to get caught up in Jessica, Norah, and Alicia's story! GIRLS is packed with exciting twists and turns as we follow the story of Miss Fairchild and her wards. Is she a kind woman just looking to help kids have a better life? Or is there a more sinister side to Miss F?

Hepworth weaves the narrative through the eyes of each sister. There's anxious, overprotective, Jessica, now married and running a successful organizing business. She still plays the role of older sister/mama bear to the group. Norah is still the wild child, quick to fly off the handle at a moment's notice. Now Jessica can (usually) rescue Norah using her money or influence, whereas Norah typically wound up locked in the basement by Miss Fairchild as a kid. And then there's Alicia, who gravitated to the role of social worker as an adult. She just wants to protect kids from suffering from what she experienced, but she's too scared to make any changes or big steps in her own life.

We learn about each woman through flashbacks to their past at Wild Meadows, as well as the present-day story. Their stories are interspersed by an eerie interview of an unnamed character with a therapist. All of these devices function well to create drama, slowly release information, and effectively build suspense.

GIRLS deftly explores family dynamics, the various sides of motherhood, and found family. I loved how close the three foster sisters are, as well as how it explores both the negatives and positives of the foster care system. Being a thriller, it has quite a dark side, and it's filled with a ton of Sally Hepworth-patented surprises. It gets a little rushed near closing and everything ties up a little easily, but there's a good "what!!??" moment as well. I wouldn't say there's a ton of character development here, but it's worth it for all the shock and awe. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in return for an unbiased review. Look for DARLING GIRLS on 4/23/2024!


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Might as well jump in head first, lay it all on the line: A GAME OF LIES.

A Game of Lies by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A thriller filled with secrets, lies, and reality show craziness!

Seven contestants living in the remote Welsh mountains for two weeks--subjected to challenges and public votes and the elements. What could go wrong, right? "Exposure" is typical reality TV, but Detective Ffion Morgan wasn't expecting such a show to be filmed practically in her backyard. When the show's producer, Miles, turns the table on his seven players and reveals that he will expose their greatest secret on live TV unless they are the last one standing, ratings soar. But soon a contestant is missing, which was not part of Miles' script. And when a murder hits the "Exposure" cast and crew, things take an even more dramatic turn. Most of the suspects were on camera or have an alibi; can Ffion untangle the group's secrets before the killer strikes again?

I loved the first book in this series. Ffion is one of my favorite characters-a flawed but brilliant detective with an acerbic wit. The story begins with her being called out by her boss for not being a team player. That may sum up our Ffion perfectly, but she's loyal and she won't quit on a case. You don't need to read the first book to enjoy this one, but I do recommend it, especially as you'll enjoy the personal dynamics more. With a person missing, Ffion must call upon DS Leo Brady from the first book, but the two have a... history... together.

The "locked reality show" concept in the Welsh mountains works great here. We have a small cast of characters. You get to know your reality show players, the small crew, and Ffion and her family. There are limited suspects, but we soon learn there are plenty of people the group wouldn't mind dead. Nothing heightens emotions like being on camera, false pretenses, and the public revelation of secrets. Clare Mackintosh has a way of writing books that just keep you guessing--I was genuinely surprised at the whodunnit.

Adding to the well-plotted story is Ffion's well-written character, as we delve into complex dynamics with her family, Leo, and work colleagues. Ffion must work with someone new on her force, Georgina Kent, as well as deal with Leo coming back into her life. I just adore prickly Ffion. She's so smart and hides her insecurities by forging ahead without thinking things through at times. Mackintosh writes her vulnerabilities so well, and I sure hope there will be a book #3. (And I hope it features Ffion's smelly, lovable dog, Dave!)

Overall, this is an excellent mystery--exciting and atmospheric with a complex, thoughtful lead detective. 4.5 stars.

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

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Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Love...with a limit

Ever since she was a kid, Daphne has received notes with a name and a time period... they correlate to her relationships and how long they will last. Her first youthful romance lasted a week. One in Paris lasted three days. And the one with Hugo, who eventually became her best friend, lasted three months. When you know how long your relationship has, you only put in so much effort. Daphne finds herself not forming any attachments. Then she receives "the note"--one with a name but no date. It simply says Jake, and Daphne realizes this means he must be the one. He seems nearly perfect; but as their relationship progresses, and Daphne knows she has more information than Jake, she starts to question if this truly is forever.

This is a slightly weird book, though I always like the hook in Serle's books. The notes angle is fun. It's hard to get into the story, as the POV flips between present-day with Daphne and Jake and then randomly jumps back to all of Daphne's time-limited relationships. While we learn more about Daphne and her past this way, this slows the book's momentum and interest in Daphne's current life. It takes a surprising and unexpected turn partway through, and I'm not sure if I liked it. She was an interesting character, but no one I felt particularly attached to. Same with Hugo, who features prominently. I think I felt the most for Jake.

DATES explores the ideas of finding the right person and believing in yourself. It's more serious than a typical romance, with several sad subplots. I wish I was more invested in the characters, but I still enjoyed it. 3.5 stars.



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Lonely makes a heart ruthless: CITY IN RUINS.

City in Ruins by Don Winslow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fitting end (and goodbye) to a wonderful series and author

I love this series because it introduced me to Don Winslow and his amazing books. Seems fitting that CITY IN RUINS is supposed to be Winslow's last book. I am grateful that I still have a lot of his backlist to catch up on.

RUINS is third in the Danny Ryan trilogy. This is one time where you really have to read the first two books for the third to make sense. Everything comes full circle and the sheer amount of names and story continuity will be too confusing without the first two. Plus, they are excellent.

By now, Danny is in Las Vegas, overseeing his growing empire, and facing a Government investigation into the gambling industry. Worried about how this will affect his Vegas legacy, Danny acts on a variety of fronts, including buying a hotel on the Vegas strip right out from a competitor. This sets off a chain of events that darken back to Danny's brutal and violent days in the Irish mob.

This wasn't my favorite of the three books; it seemed to lack some of the depth and emotional complexity of the others, but it's still quite good. Danny's Vegas journey brings him across many of his (former) Irish mob counterparts--meaning we see and hear from many familiar faces from the earlier books. There's a decent side plot involving a missing mobster from an earlier book (which I didn't care too much about).

The best part, as always, is Danny. He's such a rich character with so many sides. Ryan does a strong job of portraying his struggle to stay on the right side, away from his violent past, while wanting to stay on top of the gambling world. It's Danny's personality, his inner thoughts, and the Greek tragedy parallels in this series that keep me coming back. This is a nuanced, detailed, and fitting end to a wonderful series. 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.

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

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The years go by like days: BYE, BABY.

Bye, Baby by Carola Lovering
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Went in expecting more thrills...

Lovering's latest is billed as a thriller, but I'd deem this more women's fiction, as it focuses mainly on a friendship between two women. Billie and Cassie became fast friends in childhood, forming a tight bond that lasted into adulthood. But lately they've drifted apart, especially with Cassie's marriage--one that propelled her into a wealthier part of society. She's now a mom, too, and a fairly well-known influencer. Billie can't help but feel resentful of Cassie and her seemingly perfect life, most of which she only knows about via Instagram stories. However, Billie upends this perfection when she "accidentally" steals Cassie's baby daughter during a party, terrifying Cassie.

BYE, BABY is a close examination of friendship and delves into a lot of issues: classism, Alzheimer's, social media, and more. A lot to cover, it seems, and yet I kept waiting for more to happen, wondering when that huge reveal or twist would happen. While the book does (slowly) build up to the story of what truly bonded Cassie and Billie in their teen years, there are no huge surprises here. Instead, we learn why each woman is the way they are. Billie, at first not particularly likable, grows more sympathetic as you learn about her childhood, while perfect Cassie becomes less likable as you see her ongoing quest for wealth and social media followers. She lives her entire life online, Billie seems to be saying, yet she cannot even take care of her daughter? Doesn't she deserve this? The book would be more interesting if it really delved deep into this topic, or any one of its many topics, but it stays surface level, lightly covering Cassie and Billie's toxic friendship and never going much deeper. It ended, and I still found myself wanting and waiting for more.

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

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Can I handle the seasons of my life: I PROMISE IT WON'T ALWAYS HURT LIKE THIS.

I Promise It Won't Always Hurt Like This: 18 Assurances on Grief by Clare Mackintosh


It doesn't feel right to rate Clare Mackintosh's non-fiction book about grief, as much of it focuses on the death of her young son, but this is a poignant read and very helpful. Mackintosh wrote it after a tweet about the anniversary of the death of her five-month-old son, Alex, went viral. The book is part memoir/part self-help, with 18 chapters that walk through dealing with grief--with the ultimate promise that we can all make progress with grief, on our own time, at our own pace. She uses stories from her own life, especially losing Alex, as examples. The result is a sad story, but also a hopeful one, and I think many who have been through a loss would find this helpful; I did.

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

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Looks like I'm taking the hard way home: HERE WE GO AGAIN.

Here We Go Again by Alison Cochrun
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was magical. Leave it to Alison Cochrun to make a book about a dying man insanely romantic.

HERE WE GO AGAIN is a perfect story about queer (found) families and finding love when you need it most. Teachers Logan and Rosemary take their beloved beloved gay high school teacher, Joe, on one last cross country trip. Logan and Rosemary are former childhood best friends turned enemies but must unite to help Joe, who is dying from cancer.

The story hits first loves and enemies to lovers wonderfully, with a perfect simmering burn between Rosemary and Logan. We have Logan, who is well-known on the lesbian circuit for "liking" and then leaving girls. For Logan, whose mom left in her childhood, she fears forming any strong attachments. Rosemary is a wonderful and renowned teacher who has perfected hiding her anxiety from others. All the characters pop off the page--none more than Joe, an amazing gay teaching icon who has provided guidance and care for so many students, but holds a special place in his heart for his "girls," both of whom needed a little extra care coming out in their small town. Joe helped motherless Logan find herself and mentored Rosemary's writing.

Once he convinced the two to join him on the trip from Washington (state) to Maine, we get a story filled with humor and sadness, hi-jinx and pain. Along with Joe's lovable pup, the trio sets forth across the country, encountering national monuments and flat tires alike. There is a bathtub scene that will make you swoon and a drag show moment that will make you cheer. The build up between Rosemary and Logan is amazing, but it's just as good watching the two of them learning from (and about) Joe.

This story touches so beautifully on anxiety, ADHD, found family, and the importance of teachers and gay adults in younger lives. There are some moments that made me laugh out loud and others that made me cry. I fell head over heels for these characters. AGAIN is crazy emotional for a variety of reasons yet funny and heartfelt without being schmaltzy. I cannot recommend this lovely book enough.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for HERE WE GO AGAIN on 04/02/2024!!

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