I've kicked myself at times because I've lied: DISCONTENT.

Discontent by Beatriz Serrano
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I have mixed feelings about this book. Working in a corporate job myself, I was hoping to find a book that resonates with that aspect of my life. And there are definitely amazing flashes of brilliance here, with some hilarious lines that truly spoke to me.

But wow, pieces of this story are so depressing. Marisa works for an ad agency in Spain. She's fallen into the job, sticking with it since an internship. She now manages employees, but performs her job mainly by delegation and stealing work from others. When she can, she spends her workdays watching YouTube videos and escaping to museums.

Marisa has a particularly bleak outlook on life and honestly, she's an unlikable character. There's little to find redeemable about her. I get it, the book is satire and so is she, but sometimes her choices and personality made me cringe.

I enjoyed the pieces that truly related to corporate work, but some parts just felt too much and awfully depressing. 2.5 stars.

View all my reviews

It's a good time to get into trouble: COME AS YOU ARE.

Come As You Are by Dahlia Adler
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thanks to formally being named Everett, "Evie" Riley gets assigned to the boys dorm at her new boarding school, Camden Academy. Somehow, there is not another room on the entire campus, so she's stuck living in a single, packed among the boys, and being ridiculed by the entire school.

This story is slow and awkward first--it feels a little clunky and hard to get into. It does pick up a bit. Evie has fled to Camden to escape a failed relationship and issues with her sister back home. She decides the only way to make this work is to become a "bad girl"--learning from the hands of new friend, Salem. They make a pact: she'll teach Salem to be a respectable guy who gets good grades and he'll teach her his wayward tricks.

Their pact seems halfhearted at best and a flimsy method to push the plot along; I wish there had been more follow-through. Salem has Evie do a few random things, while she forces him to... shower and study. The two spend plenty of time together, though, allowing them to forge a stronger relationship. But Evie is clueless and Salem's soon with another girl. Evie and Salem have excellent banter, but be prepared for quite a slow burn.

Evie tries very hard in this story, and sometimes you want to tell all these kids that high school/boarding school isn't all that their life will contain. Luckily, there are light moments too, including Evie's friendship with Salem's twin, Sabrina.

This book is well-suited for its YA audience, with plenty of juvenile drama (though there's a lot of sex too). As for this middle-aged adult, quirky Salem carried the story.

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

View all my reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

View all my reviews

I've always wondered what was wrong with me: NOT QUITE DEAD YET.

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It's really fun to read a book with a different premise!

The idea is that Jet has seven days to solve her own murder. On Halloween, she's attacked at home and left for dead. While she awakes several days later, her injuries have left her with a brain aneurysm that will kill her within a week. Jet--who has always pushed things off until "later"--vows to find her killer.

Jet is the best part about this book. She's an excellent witty and sarcastic protagonist. She cracks jokes constantly, even with her impending death. While this is a mystery, it's quirky and layered. The story is tense, keeping you guessing at every turn. It's dark, chock full of family drama along with secrets and small town stories. Jet has a difficult relationship with her family, leading her to stay with her childhood best friend Billy. Their friendship over the week is its own story and adds extra warmth and nuance to an otherwise dark story.

I wasn't sure about reading a book where it was known the protagonist would die, but NOT QUITE DEAD YET is worth the read. It's complex, funny, and mysterious.


View all my reviews

Lured to the ends of overwhelm: SUNSHINE GIRL.

Sunshine Girl: An Unexpected Life by Julianna Margulies
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My wife and I have been re-watching ER from the beginning, so when I saw this book on my shelves, I picked it up!

This is an interesting memoir, told mainly in a linear fashion. It picks and chooses life moments to highlight, centering around the childhood idea that Margulies was told she's a "sunshine girl," always trying to keep the peace and make everyone happy.

Margulies spends a lot of time on her unstable childhood, discussing her divorced parents, including her flighty mom and reserved father, whom she rarely saw. She and sisters were always moving, often living overseas and away from their father, and she craved stability and normalcy. She had a fascinating childhood and her desire to keep the peace continued into her adult relationships, keeping her in a toxic partnership far too long.

Margulies is very introspective and feelings-based, going into great deal about these important events and moments in her life, often small things that stood out. There's not necessarily a lot of detail about her acting or the shows she was on, which was a little disappointing since I'm in the middle of my ER binge and wanted details.

If you like memoirs driven by character and emotion, versus celebrity status and name-dropping, you'll enjoy this one.

View all my reviews

One day I'll return to dust: TOO OLD FOR THIS.

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elderly Lottie James lives alone, far away from her son and grandchildren. No one knows that years ago she changed her name, moving away from those who knew her, to distance herself from a life of crime. Now the highlights of her week are Thursday bingo nights at church.

But when journalist Plum Jones shows up at Lottie's door, she threatens to upend Lottie's quiet life. It's hard enough to commit murder when you're young, but when you're old... still Lottie sure doesn't want anything--or anyone--getting in the way of her new life.

This book is everywhere right now, but seems justifiably so. It's dark but wryly humorous. Lottie is a nuanced, flawed (!), but oddly endearing character, and the skill of this book is how easily it makes its reader empathize and root for a murderer. This is a suspenseful page-turner and fascinating character study.

View all my reviews

Say, I could sleep here, forget all the fear: OTHER PEOPLE'S HOUSES.

Other People's Houses by Clare Mackintosh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It's wonderful to be back with DC Ffion Morgan again; this is such a great series.

This time we're hearing from Fi, her boyfriend DS Leo Brady, and--a new twist--Leo's ex-wife, Allie. Leo is investigating a series of burglaries at houses on The Hill, a place for the wealthy and exclusive. And guess what, The Hill just happens to be the place where Allie wants to live (she claims her house nearby is, in fact, The Hill) and where she's trying--way too hard--to fit in.

Meanwhile, Fi is looking into the murder of an estate agent, found dead in a canoe after a weekend away with her colleagues. And Fi finds herself captivated by a podcast detailing a cold case about the murder of a wealthy couple, the Carmichaels.

Because she's Clare Mackintosh, Mackintosh flawlessly weaves all of these intersecting cases together while simultaneously keeping us guessing at every turn. We also get a peek into the houses and lives of the rich. And wow, do we get to see their problems, as well as the secrets they are keeping!

I love the tone in these books; Fi is just the best character, with her sarcasm, humor, flaws, and real nature. It makes the books so easy-to-read, especially because the mystery aspect is full of suspense and tension. It's wonderful seeing Fi growing into her relationship with Leo, even if it's slowly and in Ffion style; it's especially notable with Allie lurking around every corner, ready to tear them apart. At first I was so irritated with the inclusion of Allie in the story, but honestly, she adds a nuance that provides emotional depth to the story.

Overall, this is a wonderful and suspenseful story with excellent characters.

View all my reviews

Did I grow up according to plan: NO REST FOR THE WICKED.

No Rest for the Wicked by Rachel Louise Adams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was such a great mystery-- I can't believe it's a debut! So rarely does a twist truly surprise me anymore, but this one was really shocking!

Dolores, a forensic pathologist in California, has been estranged from her father, Alexander; stepmom, Charlotte; and two half siblings since age 18. She left her hometown of Little Horton, Wisconsin and never looked back. Little Horton is famous for its Halloween celebrations--and violence that has occurred over the years on that date--but for Dolores, it's just a holiday that she studiously avoids since she left.

But then she receives a call from the FBI: her father has gone missing. She reluctantly returns to Little Horton to investigate with two agents.

This book is spell binding! It effortlessly draws you into the claustrophobic and judgmental town of Little Horton, with its relentless focus on Halloween--and secrets and lies. Everyone in Little Horton reveres Alexander as their former mayor and Senator. For Dolores' family, especially the formidable and scary Charlotte, nothing matters more than appearances.

Adams weaves a taut and dark tale, as the bodies pile up, and Dolores looks into her father's life and disappearance, while slowly remembering more and more about why she left Little Horton so long ago. This story is dramatic and well-written, filled with plenty of suspense. It keeps you guessing, while also featuring nuanced, flawed characters. I would love a sequel!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for NO REST FOR THE WICKED on 09/16/2025!

View all my reviews

Waiting for the day to turn to stars: FLIRTY DANCING.

Flirty Dancing: A Novel by Jennifer Moffatt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

At 27, Archer has left his safe accounting job in Ohio and moved to NYC to try to fulfill his dreams of dancing on Broadway. But it's been five months of rejections. When he finally gets a callback--and then a spot--to sing at Shady Queens, a gay-friendly resort in the Catskills, he jumps at the chance. It's not Broadway, but it's his last shot. Imagine Archer's surprise when he finds the rehearsals being led by Mateo Dixon, former Broadway star, and Archer's teen crush. Archer's thrilled at the opportunity to work with Mateo, but finds him closed off and rude. Instead, he starts up a romance with another dancer, Caleb. But he can't deny that there's *something* between him and Mateo.

This is a sweet gay romance filled with tons of dancing and so much drama. (So much.) It certainly lags in the middle thanks to said drama, as combative Caleb and surly workaholic Mateo battle it out, while Archer hides in the wings, unable to stand up for himself. (His cluelessness can drive you crazy sometimes!) Overall, there's just a lot of dancing drama in general. Dancing, fighting, partying: repeat. That gets old after a while.

There's no major character development here, but the story tries in its backstories for Mateo and Archer, attempting to reveal why Mateo is such a grump and Archer is so scared to give things a shot. The pair have strong chemistry (their tango!) and slow burn tension, but unfortunately, a lot of the book's romantic focus is on Archer and the irascible Caleb.

There are a few cute Dirty Dancing references here, a couple of fun side characters, and a sweet romance at the story's heart. If you like dancing, you'll love it. 3.25 stars.

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

View all my reviews

The emptiness that lays deep within your bones: THE SUMMER WE RAN.

The Summer We Ran by Audrey Ingram
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Books like this are why I love my BOTM subscription. I doubt I would have come across this book elsewhere, and it's an enjoyable summer saga about the power of class and money and how deeply both can corrupt.

As teens, Grant Alexander and Tess Murphy spend one amazing summer together, falling deeply in love. This despite the fact that Grant is the son of wealthy parents who put inordinate pressure on their only son, while Tess is staying near Grant's summer home only because her mother is working as a chef and assistant at a neighbor's property. But their summer romance ends abruptly, and the pair do not cross paths again for around two decades--when they are both running for Governor of Virginia.

The story is told from both Grant and Tess' points of view, and covers both present-day and that fateful summer. We get their story of young love (building up to their big break-up) and then two jaded adults, ha. This is like a political soap opera--it's impossible to put down--and it covers important topics like class, wealth, spousal abuse, and abortion while doing so.

I especially loved the Virginia setting, with pieces of the story even set in my hometown of Charlottesville.

This is a great cross between political drama and romance, topped off with secrets and lies.

View all my reviews

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.

View all my reviews

Still lying by your side even in the great divide: TELL ME LIES.

Tell Me Lies by Carola Lovering
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Because I live under a rock, I had no idea that this book was made into a TV show. I also thought this was supposed to be more of a thriller, based on other books of Lovering's that I've read. Still, I found this to be a captivating story about unlikable people in toxic relationships.

Lucy meets Stephen at Baird College, where they begin a toxic on-and-off relationship that spans years. The book alternates between Lucy and Stephen's POVs, so you can see how easily Lucy falls for Stephen's charms and how Stephen is a sociopathic, awful person. Lucy's obsession with Stephen is rooted in trauma and we see her struggles with an eating disorder (please note that trigger).

The hardest part of this story was how awful the characters are. Lucy grows on you, but she and Stephen spend so much of the book drinking and doing drugs--that part is too much at times. But the nuanced look into how someone can stay, or return, to a terrible relationship is honestly quite well-done, and I found the book incredibly difficult to put down. It was honest and raw and different.

View all my reviews

And you can let your own light shine: AND THEY WERE ROOMMATES.

And They Were Roommates by Page Powars
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love seeing a book with trans representation, but wow, so many weird plot holes and odd twists here.

Charlie's dream has been to attend the Valentine Academy for Boys as a scholarship student, especially since his mom was a similar student at the Academy's sister school. But to pull it off, he'll have to be Valentine's first trans student--and keep it a secret. He requests a single room, but gets paired with a roommate instead: Jasper, an Internet-famous teen poet (seriously) who also happens to be the kid who broke Charlie's heart when he was thirteen.

Somehow, Jasper doesn't recognize Charlie, but he is incredibly inquisitive and insufferable about getting to know his roommate. He is also an Internet-famous poet at a school that bans the use of cell phones for the majority of the year (and he's not even the only social media famous teen poet from Valentine!). Honestly, it's very hard to see how Charlie ever liked Jasper, then or now. Jasper pulls Charlie into STRIP, an acronym for some sort of organization that facilities the distribution of love letters between Valentine and their sister school, with the letters written by Jasper.

Besides Charlie's secret, STRIP and the letters is the main plot, and it's very hard to care about. There are really that many teens communicating between schools via letter, and also willing to allow Jasper and STRIP to write their love notes for them? It's so strange. Apparently if STRIP isn't successful, the school dance will fall apart, and also, civilization.

The book also doesn't talk at all about if it's even safe or legal to have a trans teen at a boarding school without the administration's knowledge. Why can't Charlie just tell them (or more importantly, why doesn't his mother?)? What does this teach anyone about responsibility or acceptance?

The first half or so of this book is rather painful, and I wanted to give up, but it does get better as time goes on. If you want to enjoy this book, you'll have to fully embrace the camp and quirkiness. I love the diverse representation in this story (and some of the new friends Charlie meets), but it's really difficult getting my analytical brain past the whole plot. 2.75 stars, rounded to 3 stars here.

I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group/Roaring Brook Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased reivew.

View all my reviews

Cause it's all in the desire: EVERY STEP SHE TAKES.

Every Step She Takes by Alison Cochrun
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

I couldn't go wrong with Alison Cochrun's newest as my third read for Pride Month!

Sadie's adventurous travel blogger baby sister gets injured and Sadie impetuously offers to go on her trip--walking Portugal’s Camino de Santiago--for her. This is unlike anything Sadie, an anxious and quiet person, has ever done. She's spent her life devoted to her sister and her Nana's antique store, which she's run since her Nana's death. Sadie has gone on many dates (set up by her sister) but has never clicked with a single man.

So imagine her surprise when, during some very bad airplane turbulence, she dramatically comes out as lesbian to her seat-mate, Mal.

It perhaps rivals Sadie's surprise when she realizes that Mal--attractive, queer Mal--is also on Sadie's tour to Camino. We soon learn that Mal is dealing with her own issues, grappling with her father's death: the same dad who disowned her when she was 18. Mel's a serial monogamist who seeks comfort in women--until they get too close. She promises her friend, Inez, who is leading the tour, that she will not get involved with Sadie.

But Sadie is just so hard to resist. These two are drawn to each other from the beginning, as Mal works to help our sweet little baby gay who is coming out in her 30s. As always, Cochrun gives us a tender story featuring realistic characters with trauma, flaws, normal body types, and relatable problems. Randomly assigned as roommates, they get to know each other in just a few weeks. Mal offers to help Sadie learn to be gay, but of course, the two can't help but grow deeper feelings for one another.

Cochrun never makes these feelings feel trite or contrived, though. She treats Sadie's later in life coming out with the deep respect it deserves and takes the same honest and direct approach to sex and sexuality. Sadie and Mal's sexual encounters are frank and funny but also honest and straightforward.

This is such a lovely story, equal parts funny, sensual, and vulnerable. It lags a teeny bit in the middle as it harps a bit too much on Mal's inability to commit, but overall it's such an emotional and well-written look at a woman coming into their identity late in life and another person struggling with grief and growing up later in life. It masterfully highlights the power of the queer family and the quirky cast of characters walking the Camino is wonderful. Also the lesbian inside jokes are laugh out funny. (Please note that Mal is described as a mix of Kristen's Stewart's face, first season's Shane's hair, and Tig Notatro's body.) I am still laughing. I love Alison Cochrun's writing! 4.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for EVERY STEP SHE TAKES on 09/02/2025!

View all my reviews

With a pain that ever grows: WE ARE ALL GUILTY HERE.

We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great start to a new Karin Slaughter series!

On the night of the town's 4th of July celebration, Emmy Clifton turns away her friend's teenage daughter, Madison, when she asks for help. That decision haunts her forever, as Madison and her best friend, Cheyenne disappear that night, destroying Emmy's friendship and leaving a lasting legacy on the town.

Now another girl is missing and Emmy and her father, the local Sheriff to Emmy's deputy Sheriff, must try not to repeat past mistakes.

This is a typical Karin Slaughter mystery--gritty, dark, and not afraid to delve into uncomfortable topics. Emmy is a nuanced and flawed character, making her fascinating to read about, especially when the story explores her relationship with her father and her son, both in the force.

GUILTY is both an excellent thriller, slowly spooling together disparate threads and unraveling secrets about a town, while also being a character-driven tale, delving into Emmy's family, friendships, and feelings. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

View all my reviews

The night's all that's left behind: THE MISSING HALF.

The Missing Half by Ashley Flowers
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nic's life has been in complete disarray since the disappearance of her sister seven years ago. Everyone assumes her older sister, Kasey, is dead, after they found her car abandoned, her belongings still inside. Nic remains in the same dead-end job, living the same dead-end life. Then she meets Jenna, the one person who might understand what she's been through: Jenna's sister Jules disappeared two weeks before Kasey, under nearly the exact same circumstances. The two team up to figure out what happened to their sisters.

This is a well-written mystery that keeps you guessing to the very end. I was convinced I had it all figured out, but wow, I was wrong. It's twisty and incredibly dark, but also character-driven, as we watch Nic negotiate her sad life. Flowers does an excellent job of tying together so many disparate plot threads.

The hardest part of HALF is that Nic is quite unlikable and that personality trait only seems to increase as the book goes on. There is so much drinking in the story, even in the flashbacks, before Nic was 21. It's just dismal and depressing. And the ending was a disappointment for me after all I'd invested into the story; yes, it was twisty and shocking, but not quite how I wanted it all to turn out.

View all my reviews

A heart that burns so true: UNCOMMON FAVOR.

Uncommon Favor: Basketball, North Philly, My Mother, and the Life Lessons I Learned from All Three by Dawn Staley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Dawn Staley is a legend in my house. I’m a University of Virginia girl since birth, and I remember being in awe of Dawn since I was a kid.

Reading her autobiography only enforced that tenfold. This is such a great book. Dawn writes in such an engaging, conversational style—I flew through this. Each chapter in UNCOMMON FAVOR centers around a lesson she’s learned in her life. She's led such a remarkable life, coming from the Philly projects to high school stardom to UVA and the Final Four to the pros to Olympics championships and then to her famous coaching gigs. I also had no idea about some of the twists and turns her life took; her story is incredibly motivational. Yet she remains true to her roots and a steadfast supporter of the women she coaches and what she believes in.

While you’ll love this if you like basketball or sports, the book is applicable to all areas of life, and I highlighted so many quotes. I think this one should be mandatory reading for leaders, or those aspiring to leadership positions.

View all my reviews

My life before me, undone: OUT OF STEP, INTO YOU.

Out of Step, into You by Ciera Burch
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Taylor and Mari are former childhood best friends after a large misunderstanding has gone unaddressed for many years. But then Mari winds up back at Taylor's high school and the two girls are on the same cross country team--finding themselves forced together at every turn.

This is a cute story--nothing revolutionary, but an interesting YA lesbian romance is always a plus. I believe this would resonate well with its intended audience.

There's plenty of drama (so much drama). Some of it seems a little forced, but they are teens, after all. Somehow teenagers are seeming both incredibly juvenile and wise beyond their years anymore (I say this as a parent of two teens). Mari feels the burden of caring for her younger siblings while her mom works multiple shifts to make rent, and Taylor is dealing with a critically ill father. The book plays off the stereotypes of class, between Mari's working class background and Taylor's wealthier one.

Overall, this story is simplistic at times and can rely on tropes, but Mari and Taylor are well-drawn teen characters, and the younger audience should identify with their struggles, including best friend troubles, parental drama, sports teams dynamics, and Taylor's quest to figure out her sexual identity.

I received a copy of this book from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group / Farrar, Straus and Giroux and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

But time and too much don't belong together like we do: THE LOVE HATERS.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Video producer Katie is about to lose her job. Until her boss, Cole, convinces her to head to the Florida Keys to film and interview Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hutch. Hutch, who happens to be classically handsome and nice, is well known for rescuing Jennifer Aniston's dog. His fame and affability could be the key to saving Katie's job.

And, it turns out, he's Cole's estranged brother. When Katie arrives in the Keys, she realizes she's in a hot mess. She lied about being able to swim and the only teacher available is Hutch. She knows nothing about the Coast Guard. She's in the middle of Cole and Hutch's family battles. Hutch is irresistibly kind and attractive. And he comes with Aunt Rue, his lovable yet forceful aunt, who quickly adopts Katie and tries to force her out of her shell.

Center gives us a cute romance with plenty of serious moments. It drags a bit in the middle and gets a little bogged down with all the miscommunication and lies, but overall, this one is enjoyable. Katie is a likable woman and Hutch, well, he's really quite perfect, even if he's deemed a love hater. Rue is a force of life, as are her friends, "the Gals."

Katie has struggled with body image for years, and the book focuses on body positivity and Katie's attempts to embrace her body image. I think it may wrap things up a little easily here (finding love = problem solved), but it's nice to see a romance explore these issues at all.

Easily the best character in this story, though, is George Bailey, Hutch's Great Dane. That lovable oaf is immune from the insanity and lies and half truths swirling around him and truly shines throughout.

If you enjoy your romances with a bit of drama (and a picture perfect dog-loving hero), this one is for you.

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

View all my reviews

Time will do the talking, years will do the walking: THE LANGUAGE OF THE BIRDS.

The Language of the Birds: A Novel by K.A. Merson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is quite an intriguing book. It features a YA protagonist but it's a very "smart" story--filled with big words, big theories, and big problems.

Also, it feels as if there are a lot of books featuring codes and puzzles lately. I love National Treasure as much as the next person, but I will freely confess that I am not smart enough for all these clues and treasure hunts!

Seventeen-year-old Arizona's father dies in a motorcycle accident and her mother disappears while they are mourning him. She quickly learns her mom has been kidnapped and the only way to get her back is to solve a series of puzzles and codes. The kidnappers have ties to the old alchemists and the book features tons of puzzles and mentions of ancient texts (and lots of readings of poems). I won't lie--it's a lot.

The puzzling is fun, but my favorites were the more emotional sections with Arizona herself. She was clearly autistic, or something similar, and it was her father with whom she had identified more (he was also a puzzle guy). Arizona is crazy mature for a 17-year-old, driving the family truck and camper all around to solve these puzzles, and basically dealing with a death and disappearance without completely freaking out. She also has an adorable dog, Mojo.

This is definitely a different sort of book, but that's not a bad thing. The puzzles and ciphers and some of the odd plot choices were a bit too much for me, but I'm still glad I read it.

I received this book from Netgalley and Ballantine Books in return for an unbiased review.

View all my reviews

I feel like I'm being paid to lose my mind: NIGHTSHADE.

Nightshade: A Novel by Michael Connelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It is strange to read a Connelly book that doesn't star Bosch, Haller, or Ballard, I won't lie.

It takes a few minutes to get used to our new character, Sgt. Stilwell, a law enforcement officer who has been exiled to Catalina Island based on his past behavior. Stilwell has oversight of the island, but that's about it. When a body is found dead in the water, tied down by an anchor, he's forced to call in his old rivals from the mainland to help investigate the case. They show about the same dedication and enthusiasm as when Stilwell worked with them, however, and he finds himself investigating on the side. Who is this woman found in the water with a streak of purple dye in her hair?

As with most Connelly books, he deftly weaves together intersecting mysteries and threads, including issues with a gangster on the island. Stilwell also has a girlfriend on island, who helps oversee boats arriving at the docks.

So far, Stilwell isn't as personable to me as Bosch or Haller, but he certainly grows on you as the story picks up momentum. He has a Connelly character's usual desire for justice--no matter the cost--and is easy to root for. I will say this story is very nautical--lots of water, lots of boats, lots of sailing references, so be prepared for that.

View all my reviews

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

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

This is a very cute YA story.

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

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

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

View all my reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

The book plays with romance tropes, especially since Ryan deals with them every day. It sometimes tries a little too hard to be funny, but often succeeds. This is a book for book lovers, for sure. 3.5 stars.

View all my reviews

Now none of that matters when the flame licks the spoon: KING OF ASHES.

King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very S.A. Cosby book. It's incredibly well-written, but wow, it's brutal and sometimes almost too hard to read. I had to read it in small chunks, with lots of breaks for the light and fluffy romance I was also reading.

Roman returns home to Virginia from Atlanta, where he's a high-flying financial advisor. In Virginia, Roman's father is in a coma, leaving Roman's sister Neveah and brother Dante to run the family crematory business. Soon he learns Dante has gotten on the wrong side of a gang and is in horrible debt to a set of cruel and ruthless brothers.

Roman must enact a plan to save Dante, the family business, and ultimately, everyone's lives. Doing so will mean examining what exactly he's willing to do for his family. The resulting story is brutal and violent but also a masterful exploration of familial ties and the lengths people will go for power. Roman confronts a lot of dark truths--is he doing this for his family, his own power, or something else. Being home also reminds him constantly of his mother, who went missing when he was a teen. To this day, locals still think Roman's father killed her (and used the crematory).

Cosby does an amazing job of showing how secrets and grief can build up and consume a person--even a family. I can't say that I totally enjoyed this book, but I certainly appreciated it. He remains a master of this genre.

View all my reviews

I'm walking through the midnights: PARENTS WEEKEND.

Parents Weekend by Alex Finlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a quick read that draws you in immediately.

Alex Finlay just has a way of building suspense and keeping you guessing.

It's parents' weekend at a small university in Santa Clara, CA. As the parents descend, a group of capstone students disappear, never showing up as promised for dinner with their folks. We have Stella, the daughter of a plastic surgeon and his wife; Felix, the son of the dean's secretary; Libby, the daughter of an Internet-famous judge; Blane, the son of a high-ranking state department official; and Mark, whose dad has a prison record.

Finlay makes it simple to immediately get wrapped up in the lives of these kids and their college drama along with the parents and their messy situations. Their disappearance is investigated by FBI Special Agent Sarah Keller, known to Finlay readers from THE NIGHT SHIFT. I love Agent Keller, her husband Bob, and their twins! Seeing her again was a total highlight.

These college students have a ton of interpersonal drama plus involvement with a notorious older student. Meanwhile, their parents are busy cheating, lying, and keeping their own secrets. Short chapters from all sorts of POV (adult and teen, plus Agent Keller) build up the tension and slowly reveal details until we learn the truth.

If you want a thriller that's a quick read and keeps your interest, this is a good choice.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Minotaur Books.

View all my reviews

So go on and go and unroll every map: TASTE THE LOVE.

Taste the Love by Karelia Stetz-Waters
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

This is a cute romance, but don't read it when you're hungry!

Sullivan and Kia are former culinary school rivals who meet again when Kia is planning to buy "the bois," a forest that borders Sullivan's house and restaurant; this beloved land has ties all the way back to her grandfather. Kia wants to turn it into a food truck community, much to the eco-friendly Sullivan's horror. But then the evil Mega Eats corporation swoops in and steals the land from both of them. Kia determines that marriage is the only way to save the forest.

Of course, Sullivan and Kia have always sort of loved each other and had chemistry since their culinary school days, and--of course--Mega Eats will soon demand that they prove their marriage is real, forcing the two into closer and closer confines.

Obstacles abound, too. Kia is a food truck girl with a massive social media following while Sullivan's ex burned her by loving social media attention more than her. Sullivan is cautious and environmentally conscious.

The two both have groups of good friends, giving us a wonderful, diverse set of side characters. The banter is lively, there's plenty of sexual tension, and oh the food references. So delicious! I wanted every delicacy Kia came up with via her truck!

This story is easy to read. It's funny while still covering serious moments. As always, Karelia and Fay give us a well-written and sweet tale. There's not too much miscommunication even though there's a variety of bad decisions made at times!

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


View all my reviews

And we both know our hands ain't clean: DON'T LET HIM IN.

Don't Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Oh, this was excellent -- classic Lisa Jewell!

Ash is reeling after the sudden death of her father, Paddy, who was pushed off a train platform. She's not thrilled when her mom, Nina, starts dating again: the charming, Nick, who knew Paddy when they worked at the same restaurant together and comes into Nina's life after sending her a note and a few of Paddy's things.

Meanwhile, Martha is a tired mom of three and a busy owner of a local flower shop. She loves second husband, Al, desperately, but wishes his job kept him home more, or that there was extra money to go around. She'd love to expand her shop, or go on one of the holidays Al is always promising her.

Soon, though, the lives of these two families will collide in unexpected ways, as Jewell weaves an amazing, tangled web! The beauty of this story is that, in some ways, it's quite simple: there's a terrible man doing horrible things to some good people. Rarely have I hated a villain so much, or found myself screaming at the characters to figure things out, to stop, to realize something!

Go into this thriller blind and lose yourself in the tale of a demented individual and so many secrets and lies. I read the second half of this book straight through--I was totally hooked! A really enjoyable, twisty read and total page-turner! 4.5 stars.

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

Look for the U.S. version of DON'T LET HIM IN on June 24, 2025!!

View all my reviews

I want to come over it's a need I can't explain: HOTTER IN THE HAMPTONS.

Hotter in the Hamptons: A Novel by Tinx
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

I really don't know how to describe my feelings about this book.

First of all, I have no idea who Tinx is, nor do I want to. But if this book is modeled after her, she did not do herself a lot of favors.

Our main character Lola is a fashion influencer; she started out posting her own vintage designs but has morphed into shilling anything from her sponsors. When she gets canceled for something said while going live, her fancy influencer life starts to fall apart. She and her boyfriend break up and--to make things even worse--journalist Aly Ray Carter writes a scathing piece about Lola, calling her vapid (and more). After that, no one will touch her.

Lola does little to nothing to convince us that she is not the vapid influencer Aly writes about. She cares about very little but money, status, and notoriety. She's also a terrible friend, especially to her BFF, Ryan, who stars as the stereotypical gay best friend, but is also way too forgiving of this girl. (She can't even remember the name of his boyfriend, or to show up to meet him for dinner.)

Meanwhile, as Lola and Ryan flee to the Hamptons, they find out they are staying right next door to Aly. Aly and Lola become romantically entangled, leading to some very spicy scenes and Lola's downright refusal to accept that she could be bisexual.

Here's where the book gets extra confusing: everyone is allowed to come out on their own terms. No one has to label themselves as anything against their wishes. As the book progresses, some pretty awful stuff does happen to Lola, and no one should be outed against their wishes. At the same time, her cluelessness about what the queer community faces (her best friend is gay for god's sake) is just insane. In many ways, this sums up my feelings for this story: vacillating between sympathy for Lola and then wanting to shake sense into her.

I'm not really sure the point of this story. Putting aside the money and bad decisions, Lola was just someone trying to figure herself out. (Yes, she does this badly for the most part.) The NYC elite come off looking as bad as ever, here, and you'll find yourself grateful to be a poor, normal person with zero social status.

Not really a book I'd recommend, but I didn't completely hate it, either. So confusing! 2.5ish stars.

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

View all my reviews

For just another day in paradise: WRITERS AND LIARS.

Writers and Liars by Carol Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’ll read just about anything by Goodman, but WRITERS AND LIARS wasn’t one of my favorites.

That’s not to say it’s a bad book—it’s just a bit strange and sometimes stretches the bounds of plausibility. Maia, our protagonist, is stuck in the past, running the same classics museum her late father once did. When she receives a mysterious invitation to return to Eris, the secluded Greek island where she attended a fateful writing retreat years ago, she’s drawn back into a web of secrets and betrayals. The retreat not only led to her debut (and only) novel but also a devastating betrayal that has haunted her ever since. Now, many of the original attendees—including Annika, Ian, Eleni, Bill, and Sydney—are returning, along with their enigmatic mentor and benefactor, Argos. (The first of many questionable decisions made by these characters!)

It doesn’t take long for things to spiral—Argos is soon found dead, and it becomes clear that danger lurks on the island. With no escape, Maia and the others must untangle the mystery before one of them is next. And, as it turns out, there are an alarming number of ways to die on a remote island.

The novel embraces the classic locked-room (or, in this case, locked-island) mystery format, and the atmospheric Greek setting is undeniably immersive. However, the heavy-handed references to mythology—gods, goddesses, and classical themes—become overwhelming, even for an English major who’s taken entire courses in Greek mythology! The characters, too, are frustratingly difficult to root for. Their lack of common sense and inability to communicate makes for some exasperating moments, and a few plot twists verge on the absurd.

That said, there are some genuinely surprising moments, and Goodman is skilled at building tension—you can practically feel the island’s eerie isolation creeping in. If you love a locked-room mystery in an exotic locale, this might be right up your alley.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an unbiased review. Look for WRITERS AND LIARS on July 15, 2025!

View all my reviews

Someone is finding the place where they belong: THE ART OF RUNNING AWAY.

The Art of Running Away by Sabrina Kleckner
My rating: 4/5 of 5 stars

This middle grade YA story is a lovely read that praises allyship -- making it the perfect sixth book to read for Pride Month.

This is definitely a middle grade story, filled with plenty of tween dramatics and a lot of lying, but if you remember the intended audience when it all feels a bit over the top, it makes total sense. After all, the world feels pretty crazy and out of control sometimes at this age.

Maisie, age 12, has spent her life devoted to art and her parents' art shop, Glenna's. So when her parents tell her to focus on outside interests and send her away to her aunt's in Edinburgh for the summer, she's not thrilled. She's even less pleased when her brother, Calum, now 22, tracks her down there; Calum disappeared when Maisie was six.

Maisie learns that Glenna's is in financial trouble and hopes that Calum is the key to saving it, so she reluctantly spends the summer with him. But she soon learns that Calum's reason for leaving her behind without a second glance isn't as clear cut as her parents made it out to be.

Overall, this is a lovely story about identity and finding your way. It makes excellent points about accepting your children, especially when they come out, but even just accepting them as they are. There's a wonderful and serious discussion about being an ally that is excellent for this age group. Maisie is a sweet character who is muddling her way through life, as any 12-year-old is, finding her way as an artist, sister, daughter, and friend.

The journey of watching Maisie and Calum reunite is tender, and while this is a serious story in many ways, it's also sweet and funny. The two have their humorous moments as siblings, and Calum has a great group of friends in London. Highly recommend this touching read. 4.5 stars.

View all my reviews

There is no sense in pretending: ALL THE MEN I'VE LOVED AGAIN.

All the Men I've Loved Again by Christine Pride
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

All the Men I’ve Loved Again was an enjoyable read! Like its protagonist, Cora Belle, the novel seemed to be finding itself at times, but I still found it compelling.

While marketed as a love triangle, this novel is just as much a coming-of-age story. Cora arrives at Hamlin College in Virginia eager to reinvent herself. Having grown up as the only white girl at her elite private school—which she attended only because her father taught there—college presents a fresh start. She can finally make her own friends and define her own path.

At Hamlin, she quickly bonds with her best friends, Kim and Neisha, and falls deeply for Lincoln, a driven scholarship student determined to make a name for himself in politics. Their relationship is passionate but tumultuous, and during one of their rough patches, Cora crosses paths with Aaron, leading to a whirlwind romance in Paris. Yet, for Cora, love always seems to end in heartbreak.

Fast forward twenty years, and Cora finds herself at a crossroads, with both Aaron and Lincoln back in her life. Can she let her guard down and embrace love again? And if so, who should she choose?

Christine Pride’s solo debut deftly balances romance with weighty themes, including Black identity and abortion. The writing has a natural, conversational flow, alternating between Cora’s first experiences of love with Lincoln and letters from Aaron. I appreciated how the narrative mirrored Cora’s own indecision, making me constantly reevaluate who seemed like the better choice.

That said, Cora’s privilege and occasional indecisiveness could be frustrating, though she deserves credit for refusing to settle. The pacing drags at times, and some characters could have been more fully developed, but the novel’s exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery makes up for it.

For me, the standout character was Cora’s father, Wes. With his unwavering love and sharp sense of humor, he added warmth and levity to the story—I would have happily read an entire book about him!

While not without its flaws, All the Men I’ve Loved Again is a character-driven novel that will appeal to readers who enjoy stories about love, friendship, and personal growth. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for All the Men I’ve Loved Again on 07/08/2025!

View all my reviews

Get out the map and lay your finger anywhere down: MY BEST FRIEND'S HONEYMOON.

My Best Friend's Honeymoon by Meryl Wilsner
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ah, best friends pining away for one another -- a fun saga for my 5th read of Pride Month.

We have Elsie and Ginny, best friends since childhood. Ginny has held a torch for Elsie since high school, but gave up on that dream after they asked their friend to a dance and was turned down. Elsie has been engaged for a while, but once she breaks off her engagement, she asks Ginny to accompany her on her planned tropical honeymoon. There, the two get past their fear of messing up their friendship and hook up. But all the fears and tension come rushing back pretty quickly and things quickly get awkward after their union.

Oh Elsie. Oh Ginny. What a mess. Elsie is a wishy washy gal who has spent her life working at her parents' store, unable to speak up for herself and letting other people take care of her. Meanwhile, Ginny is a pushover who would do anything for Elsie.

But, we all have our flaws, right? The two seem like regular, messed up people. My issue was that the book repeats their thoughts and feelings far too much, giving both a cardboard character feel. You find yourself wanting to scream, "we get it!" I truly wanted them to get together and empathized with each, especially Ginny.

Not a ton happens, but there's more than just the stress of the "honeymoon" drama. Elsie is trying to make a difference and put her business degree to work at her family's business. Meanwhile, Ginny starts their own. And don't worry, there are certainly a couple of spicy honeymoon scenes. Ginny has a fantastic group of queer friends who add some excellent color commentary and humor to the story. (Elsie's ex is also hilariously LGBTQIAP+ friendly, which is a really fun running gag.)

Things have a way of sometimes feeling flat in Wilsner's books and the third act breakup was a bit of a stretch, but this is still a cute, fun read with awesome and diverse representation. I grew to care for Ginny and, yes, Elsie. The ending redeemed a lot. 3.5+stars.

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

View all my reviews

This dirty place don't want you here: DEATH AT MORNING HOUSE.

Death at Morning House by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This YA mystery was a pleasant surprise for my 4th read of Pride Month!

While on a first date, Marlowe actually burns down a house (not hers! while house-sitting!). Humiliated, she leaves town to work at Morning House, a famous mansion on an island best known for housing the wealthy Ralston family. The family lived there happily in the 1930s until two of their children died tragically.

This book is just really fun -- told in Johnson's witty style via Marlowe's self-deprecating humor. We get the present day tale from Marlowe interspersed with snippets from members of the Ralston family leading up to the fateful day of loss. It's a very effective technique for building suspense, as I kept flipping the pages, wanting to know what was going to happen to Marlowe and what exactly struck the Ralstons.

Marlowe is just a lovable, awkward protagonist--dealing with leaving a potential girlfriend behind and now navigating a new friend group. All the other teens working at Morning House know one another and have a history, including the fairly recent loss of their friend, Chris.

Then the professor who was overseeing the teens--and doing research at Morning House--disappears and the tension ratchets up even more. Was it an accident, or something more sinister?

There's nothing wild or innovative here, but this is a really fun and suspenseful book with an awesome queer vibe. The switch between time periods really adds to the story. I loved this as a grown adult, but it would be great for its intended YA audience as well.


View all my reviews

It's all in the walk and the thoughts: PRETTY GIRL COUNTY.

Pretty Girl County by Lakita Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a perfect fit for its YA audience, and if you're from Maryland, it will undoubtedly resonate. Even as a Virginian, I thoroughly enjoyed the references to Prince George’s "PG" County—affectionately nicknamed "Pretty Girl County" in the novel.

While the writing can be a bit simplistic and the story leans into some cheesy moments, it remains an enjoyable read that tackles serious topics with both responsibility and charm. The novel follows Sommer and Reya, childhood best friends from Seat Pleasant, MD. Their friendship fractures when Reya and her mother move to the wealthier Bowie, thanks to her mom’s rising success as a lawyer—eventually landing her a spot on Potomac Housewives.

Reya, eager to secure her spot at the Fashion Institute of Technology, enlists Sommer’s help with a high school fashion show, offering her former best friend cold, hard cash in exchange for assistance. Reluctantly, Sommer agrees. As they spend more time together, old bonds begin to rekindle. Sommer starts hanging out with Reya’s wealthy friend group, especially a guy named Sean, while Reya finds herself drawn to a girl who works at Sommer’s dad’s bookstore. When the store faces the threat of demolition, it becomes the catalyst for a larger story about community, class, and standing up for what matters.

COUNTY does a great job exploring themes of friendship, wealth disparity, and the deep-rooted divisions between different neighborhoods. The novel thoughtfully showcases the stark contrasts within PG County and how they shape the people who grow up there. The importance of neighborhood and community is a central theme, with the bookstore serving as a powerful symbol of these ideas. I especially loved the literary elements and Sommer’s parents, who were wonderfully written. However, the subplot involving Reya’s mom and her Potomac Housewives fame felt a little over the top.

While the story lacks major plot twists and sometimes relies on "telling" rather than "showing," it’s still an engaging read that highlights important issues. YA readers, especially those interested in stories about friendship and social dynamics, will find plenty to enjoy.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and Viking Books in exchange for an honest review. Look for PRETTY GIRL COUNTY on July 1, 2025!

View all my reviews

I hope I live on a road in the town in your heart: A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY.

A Little Bit Country by Brian D. Kennedy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh this was such a lovely book (and my second read of Pride Month)!

It combined two things I love dearly: country music and adorable gay boys.

Aspiring musician Emmett travels to Jackson Hollow, TN from Chicago to perform at the amusement park Wanda World. There he meets local boy Luke who is working in a restaurant at the park while trying to help his family. Luke has always hated country music while Emmett wants to be the first gay country music star. Luke's disdain for country music is due to his grandmother, Verna Rose, who was the best friend of Wanda Jean of "Wanda World"; the two had a huge fight that led to Verna basically being banned from the industry.

Kennedy's book deftly explores the lack of diversity in country music and the homophobia that can run rampant. It also discusses the idea of coming out on your own terms, as while Emmett is out, Luke struggles to reveal to his religious family and conservative friends that he's gay. The two fall fast for each other, but have to navigate the fact that Luke is still closeted. It's a wonderful story about self-acceptance while also still highlighting how hard it can be when teens do not have the acceptance or openness that they crave and need about their sexuality.

The book also has a strong side plot involving Wanda Jean and Verna Rose, explored through Emmett's love of music and Luke's family history. The story includes song lyrics--both Emmett's and Verna's--and has such excellent Dolly Parton vibes. However, even if you don't like country music, you'll still enjoy this book, as it's full of angsty teen romance, fun theme park moments, and a serious exploration of sexuality and identity.

COUNTRY covers so many important issues with grace and sweetness, while still providing humor and romance. This is a well written and heart warming read, filled with cute boys and tender moments. Loved this important read!

View all my reviews

But I'm not being radical when I kiss you: DREAM ON, RAMONA RILEY.

Dream On, Ramona Riley by Ashley Herring Blake
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was my first read of Pride Month. I love Ashley Herring Blake, but this wasn't my favorite book of hers.

Ramona finds herself stuck in her hometown of Clover Lake after her mom leaves, forcing her to care for her little sister, Olive. Most of her childhood is filled with grown up responsibilities, but she savors one magical teenage kiss with a girl by the lake. Flash forward to the present, where she now knows that girl was Dylan Monroe, famous actress of rock star parents. Dylan is coming to Clover Lake to film a queer romance.

We quickly learn that Dylan is a train wreck who refuses to be held accountable for her own behavior, blaming everything on her tumultuous childhood. Of course, her people decide for her to fake date Ramona to rehab her image. As for Ramona, she knows proximity to Dylan means a potential introduction to her favorite film customer designer-- which has always been her dream job.

I know this will come as a shock to you all, but neither tells the other about their secret.

Also shockingly, fake dating quickly becomes a situation where they have real feelings.

Alas, much of this story is punctuated by sooo much miscommunication or a major lack of communication. Dylan is like a grown child who is unable to deal with real life. Ramona is quite mature, but too afraid to speak up for herself after losing herself to her family for years. I get that miscommunication is a common romance trope, but it felt too much here. The book was less enjoyable and more stressful.

This is also a very spicy story. No problem with that, but sex seems to be used as a substitute for actual connection between the characters. Sex is awesome, but it doesn't equal a healthy relationship, especially here. (Also, those scenes are LONG. I listened to the audiobook for part of this book, and traveled between two towns during one. I think they are about 30 minutes apart!)

It feels like a huge chunk of the book is just sex scenes and various episodes of Dylan "crashing out," as my teens would say. This comes at the expense of character development and a more in-depth explanation of their relationship. One of my favorite scenes in the book is Herring Blake's description of Ramona and Dylan meeting as teens. It reminded me of so many of her wonderful YA novels, where she goes so in-depth into her teen characters. I often wished for more teen Ramona and Dylan, or just more of that old characterization.

The book improves in the last third, as it's a romance, and I'm a sucker for happy endings. There's a bit of character growth (and some much needed communication and growing up). Some points still felt a bit unresolved, though. I was very glad to see some glimpses of Iris from Bright Falls! (Dylan is starring in the movie version of Iris' book.)


View all my reviews

There was a lonely girl from nowhere: I HOPE THIS FINDS YOU WELL.

I Hope This Finds You Well: A Novel by Natalie Sue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was really excited to read this, as I spend every day in a "charming" corporate environment, but it wasn't really the funny office comedy advertised.

Jolene has spent years toiling at Supershops, where she feels both misunderstood and left out by her coworkers. She copes by hiding angry messages in white text at the bottom of her sent emails. But when one such message is discovered by her office nemesis, Jolene is sent to mandatory HR training led by the new HR guy, Cliff. As part of the monitoring changes he makes to her computer, she realizes she suddenly has access to all her colleagues' emails and chats. At first she's just appalled at what her coworkers are saying about her, but soon realizes she can use this information as a weapon while upcoming layoffs loom.

Soon, though, Jolene finds herself becoming friendly with Cliff--and even a few of her other coworkers. She starts to realize maybe she has played a part in her ostracism at work. Jolene is a tough nut to crack: and like. And this comes from me, a rather unsociable and shy officer worker at times! She makes a lot of questionable decisions and doesn't always treat people the best.

There's less humor in this story and more bitterness and sometimes, full on, sadness. No one at Supershops likes one another, and there's less office banter and more office showmanship. The plot plods for a while, and you want to shake Jolene for not just coming clean about her discovery. There are several other side stories involving secrecy, which are just stressful, honestly. So is the one involving a young girl who lives in Jolene's apartment building. Positives include some strong Iranian/Persian representation and an attempt to highlight the depths people will go to hide their loneliness and real truths from their coworkers.

This book just felt uneven; it's a story with promise, but be prepared for a rocky journey. The ending helps a lot.


View all my reviews

I know you want to be brave but I don't make it easy: EVERY SWEET THING IS BITTER.

Every Sweet Thing Is Bitter by Samantha Crewson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I feel as if thrillers lately are getting incredibly dark and violent.

At age 17, Providence backs over her mom using the family car, badly injures her, and goes to prison. Very few people know, however, that she meant to run over her abusive, alcoholic father. Providence is now out of prison, but hasn't seen her family in years. Her mother has been reported missing, and Providence returns to help with the search. This means confronting not only her father but her younger sisters, Harmony and Grace, who blame Providence for their mom's descent into addiction.

The trope of bitter daughters returning to their hometowns to deal with family issues seems to pop up a lot. This debut handles it fairly well, though it is very dark and gritty. The theme of abuse is threaded throughout the story, and there are very few sympathetic characters, starting with Providence's utterly hateful father. We see how the small town closes around him, though, even if it's because they are too scared to stand up to him and prevent the horrific abuse he reigns upon his family.

As an ex-con, Providence is wary and unable to trust, with only a tentative friendship with a fellow inmate, Sara, who lives near her hometown. She's lost a chance to know or have her sisters in her life. Many things in the story feel a bit unfinished--a storyline with Sara's brother Daniel; Providence's childhood lesbian relationship with Zoe, now a local politician; and a lead not followed up on.

If you like your protagonists angry and damaged, along with creepy stories rife with drinking, addiction, and evil, this book will be right up your alley. I will say, despite how violent this book is, it's quite poetically written. 3.75 stars.

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

View all my reviews

Where do you go when you're in love and the world knows: THE NEXT CHAPTER.

The Next Chapter by Camille Kellogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This charming romance brings a delightful Notting Hill energy to the queer bookish world.

Jude, a lovable butch bookseller, is working at The Next Chapter when she unknowingly sells a book to Kat, a former child star turned nearly has-been celebrity. Sparks fly, and the two women begin to orbit each other more closely. For Kat, who’s slowly navigating the complexities of coming out later in life—and in the public eye—Jude seems like the perfect partner to help her take that leap. But for Jude, still reeling from heartbreak and deeply rooted in the bookstore her mother once owned, this relationship is far more than a PR opportunity.

There’s so much to love here, starting with Jude herself. She's thoughtful, endearing, and surrounded by a vibrant cast of quirky, queer friends. She's lost her bookstore-a beacon for queer folks-to a hateful man who wants to whitewash it, and she's struggling. Through it all, her desire to support Kat is honest and selfless.

The story also tackles the nuances of coming out, especially when it happens under the spotlight. Kat’s journey is compelling, though at times frustrating—particularly in how she treats Jude. Her hesitance, while understandable given her past trauma and dependence on her image-conscious agent, sometimes crosses into emotional carelessness. I found myself wishing she’d just talk to Jude more openly!

Despite some of that tension, the chemistry between them sizzles from their very first meeting, and the romance unfolds with both steam and sweetness. The Notting Hill nods—celebrity/“normal person” dynamic, bookstore meet-cute, and other fun Easter eggs—are clever and satisfying.

Ultimately, THE NEXT CHAPTER is a warm, heartfelt read about love, identity, and rediscovering courage. Perfect for fans of celebrity/commoner pairings, queer found families, and stories about learning to believe in yourself again.

I received a copy of this book from Dial Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. Look for THE NEXT CHAPTER on 06/10/2025!

View all my reviews

And summer faded into fall: FAR AND AWAY.

Far and Away: A Novel by Amy Poeppel
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

A house swap between two families on opposite sides of the world—what could go wrong?

When Lucy’s teenage son, Jack, makes a monumental mistake, she sees only one way out: escape. Enter Greta, a German woman whose husband has just accepted a job in Dallas—right where Lucy and her family live. The solution seems perfect: Greta and her family will move into Lucy’s house, while Lucy, Jack, and her twin daughters, Alice and Zoe, take up residence in Greta’s Berlin flat. A fresh start for everyone.

But swapping houses doesn’t mean escaping problems. As Lucy navigates motherhood, a demanding job, and the fallout from Jack’s actions, Greta struggles with leaving behind her beloved flat, sister, and mother. What unfolds is a lively, heartfelt, and often hilarious tale about family—the ones we’re born into and the ones we find along the way.

Poeppel’s characters leap off the page, brimming with personality, quirks, and dreams. Lucy and Greta, despite being separated by an ocean, become quickly entangled in each other’s lives. Greta envies Lucy’s spontaneity, while Lucy admires Greta’s discipline—though only sometimes. Meanwhile, Greta and her husband, Otto, are drawn into Lucy’s world thanks to her well-meaning parents, who live in her backyard. Clueless but endearing Otto embraces Texas life with gusto, donning cowboy boots, diving into barbecue culture, and developing a love for Costco, while Greta struggles to find her footing, focusing instead on her complicated relationship with her teenage daughter, Emmi.

Poeppel masterfully weaves these storylines together, blending humor with heartfelt moments. Lucy’s absent husband, Mason, is at a NASA training facility in New Mexico—or, as Greta thinks, possibly in jail. "Mason is on Mars." Regardless, Lucy is left to handle everything on her own. Despite a colorful supporting cast, the novel never feels overcrowded; every character serves a purpose.

Equal parts funny and poignant, FAR AND AWAY will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. From hilarious moments (you’ll never hear The Chicks' "Goodbye Earl" the same way again) to the deeply personal struggles of marriage and parenting, Poeppel delivers a rich, emotionally resonant story.

As a longtime fan of Poeppel’s novels, I can confidently say this one continues her tradition of witty, character-driven storytelling. When I reached the final page, I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. And the epilogue? Absolutely perfect.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in return for an unbiased review. Look for FAR AND AWAY on 06/10/2025!!

View all my reviews

Didn't know enough to be scared: WHAT KIND OF PARADISE.

What Kind of Paradise by Janelle Brown
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh wow, this was utterly captivating.

Jane lives in Montana with her father Saul. They've lived in a remote cabin since the death of Jane's mother when Jane was four. Their house is a hour away from the nearest town, powered mainly by solar energy, and Jane is taught solely by her father, who rages against technology and preaches over and over that his daughter must fear "the feds" and other people. Now 17, Jane slowly begins questioning her father and his teachings. When she realizes he's unwittingly drawn her into committing a crime, she runs away and heads to San Francisco, looking for answers about the mother she never knew. It's the mid-90s, the Internet is just starting to come into power, and Jane--sheltered from so much--must decide what choices she'll make for her own survival.

This story was so mesmerizing, weaving a tale of isolation and fear. It was easy to feel how trapped Jane felt and see the power of only one voice in her life. She had so few choices, no other way of life to even dream about, with no access to education (except for the philosophy and anti-technology rants of her father). Still, through Saul, Brown makes excellent points about the control technology has over everyone's lives, including the Internet--it's all very timely for a novel set in the 1990s.

This is a powerful and emotional story, powered by its teenage protagonist. While often naive about the world, Jane is a tough kid and a fascinating person to follow. Her story highlights the importance of education and the stark contrast between parental love and parental control. It's also a relevant story for our technology-focused times.

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

View all my reviews

I was young what did I know: PASSION PROJECT.

Passion Project by London Sperry
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is not the happy-go-lucky romance that the cover and title seem to indicate.

Bennet loses her college boyfriend to a car accident; shes wracked by guilt and sinks deeply into grief and depression. She leaves college and moves to New York City because it was her boyfriend Sam's dream. But she finds herself just as sad in New York and even more removed from her friends and family. Her roommate pushes her on a date with Henry Adams, but Bennet panics, stands him up, and gets drunk at a restaurant across the street. Of course, she literally runs into Henry later that night, while drunk and crying, and the two start talking. Bennet confesses how reluctant she is to date, and Henry comes up with a plan: the passion project--as just friends, they'll explore New York together, learning about new things and places.

It's a cute concept, especially when they are out exploring and hanging out. Henry and Bennet have cute and witty banter. But a lot of this book is a little gloomy and not so much a romance as a story of finding yourself and recovering from grief. The romance is such a slow burn, especially because so many contrived instances keep pushing Henry and Bennet apart, and they spend most of their time arguing and apart. Bennet is also depressed, yes, but not the best person to her friends, making her harder to like at times.

This is a sweet story but also a serious one at times. It's slow moving with a thoughtful look at grief and moving on.

View all my reviews