My home it's got your name on it: BANK SHOT.

Bank Shot by Josie Mae


I quite enjoyed this story. We have GJ, a star women's college basketball player, and Leah, a cheerleader at the same college. GJ is not known for settling down--with anyone. She's also having a tough season adjusting to life without her former teammate (and still best friend) and isn't playing well. Meanwhile, Leah feels like she's in the constant shadow of her twin, who plays basketball with GJ. Her family focuses all their attention on her sister, instead of Leah.

In an attempt to stand up for herself--and defy her sister's rule of not dating her teammates, Leah makes a flirtatious play for GJ. But their one-night-stand turns into more, much to each's surprise.

Watching GJ and Leah develop a relationship is endearing, and it's incredibly easy to root for the two of them. There is some character maturity as well as sexy bits. As a basketball fan, I enjoyed the focus on the game, even if this seemed to be some magical world where every player was headed for the WNBA.

This is fun, sexy, basketball romance with a serious side. Highly enjoyable!

I received a copy of this book from Book Funnel and Honky Tonk Angels Publishing in return for an unbiased review.

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I'll keep a light on in my soul: ANY GIRL BUT YOU.

Any Girl But You by Dana Hawkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A sweet lesbian holiday romance that still felt festive in May!

Quinn leaves her stressful job in NYC to come live with her sister in Minnesota. She's bought a tree farm, which seemed like a great idea, but is now freaking her out a bit. As for Zoey, she runs a successful bakery in the same town. Quinn has no desire to settle down--with anyone--but she does care about her business. So does Zoey, who also has a chronic desire to please everyone. She's still reeling from her past breakup. The two clash over a cookie order, but soon must reluctantly team up to save their businesses.

Of course, the more time they spend together, the more they start to enjoy each other's company. (I, for one, am shocked!) The book has a fun, festive, small-town vibe--and it's often funny, too! I love a good lesbian romance that makes you smile. Of course, Quinn and Zoey have to work through their relationship and trust issues, but they do so realistically, with enjoyable banter and strong chemistry. Definitely worth a read. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

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

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I can feel the weight of it now: HEARTSICK.

Heartsick by Kristina Forest
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

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

"Heartbreak doesn't have to last forever."

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

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

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



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Though the years my tears may dry I shall love you til I die: MAKE ME A MONSTER.

Make Me a Monster by Kalynn Bayron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Thanks to a long drive and the power of audiobooks, I read this book in one day (half audio, half print)!

This is a Frankenstein-inspired horror story, with a YA romance bent. Be forewarned, it's a bit weird. But really good. But rather gruesome. And did I mention a bit weird?

High schooler Meka has grown up in her family's Redwood funeral home. (Literally, they live in the same building as their business.) Even though she's only in high school, Meka is already a certified mortician's assistant. She has a life plan and a wonderful boyfriend, Noah. Death is a part of her daily life, but it doesn't bother her.

But then, something awful happens. Strange happenings start occurring. And it seems like the dead people that Meka is so used to... aren't staying dead.

I love Bayron's books. They are just so compelling. This story is part love story between Maya and Noah, part horror, as body parts are falling off all around us. Be prepared, too, for some very detailed descriptions of funeral home procedures, death, and oh yeah, those severed body parts.

I'm not a big horror person, but while I grimaced at a few scenes, I really liked this story. As with pretty much everything Bayron writes, it's original and funny (even when laced with tragedy!) coupled with well-written, diverse characters. 4+ stars.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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You know when you’re by my side, darling, nothing can bring us down: DOLLY ALL THE TIME.

Dolly All the Time by Annabel Monaghan


Easily one of my favorite reads of 2025 -- keep this one on your radar for its May 2026 release!

Dolly Brick is back in her hometown of Whitfield, Rhode Island to take care of her dad and brother after a (small) fire in her childhood home. That's typical for Dolly--always helping, always giving. She and her teenage son are assisting her dad at the family fish shop and generally making themselves useful. While delivering for the shop, she comes across Stewart Whitfield--one of those wealthy Whitfields whom the town is named after--floundering while trying to change a tire. Dolly does it for him, leading to him asking her to pose as his girlfriend to convince his family that he's serious both about taking over the family business and settling down.

What's so great about this book is that it allows you to completely embrace a fantasy come to life: a weary mom wined and dined by the handsome, rich guy. You know it's fake, but Monaghan writes so convincingly that you find yourself wishing it was real. The characters just pop off the page--written as vibrant, realistic, flawed, and funny humans. I truly wanted what was best for Dolly and Stewart.

Nothing about this story feels forced or silly, as so many fake dating tropes can. Their reasons to pull away aren't contrived, but based on actual motivations. We meet Stewart's family, including his sister, Busy, and his doctor Mom and learn about his need to be the absolute best for his family. And then there's the charming Dolly, attempting to do it all after her mom left when she was a child. Her sweet son, Gus, is a wonderful character as well.

This is a romance, but also a story of growth and the strength of family. It's a vulnerable story but also funny. I found it hard to put down and highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this story from Netgalley and G.P. Putnam's Sons in return for an unbiased review. Look for this one 5/26/2026!

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Hope you find yourself somewhere between the first pew and the back row: THE GOLDEN BOY'S GUIDE TO BIPOLAR.

The Golden Boy's Guide to Bipolar by Sonora Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an achingly honest look at mental illness, as teenager Cesar Flores struggles with both his sexuality and his bipolar disorder.

Cesar broke up with his boyfriend, Jamal, fearing that their relationship was going to send him straight to hell. But he keeps coming back to Jamal and the strong feelings the two have for another. Cesar also struggles with intrusive thoughts and deep highs and lows. The pressure he feels from his family to be the "perfect teen" is just too much sometimes.

This is such a well-written story: so beautiful, and so real. You can truly feel Cesar's emotions and problems coming through the pages. It captures how difficult it can be for teens to come out, as well as how hard mental illness can be. We see how tough it is for Cesar to grasp that he has an illness. Even better, the story is happy but realistic.

This is a great book for teens, but my adult self loved it too.

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

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It's midnight on the highway I'm coming back for you: CALLER UNKNOWN.

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a slightly different one. Half thriller, half treatise on motherhood.

Simone leaves the U.K. to visit her daughter Lucy in Texas. She wakes up after her first night there and discovers Lucy is gone. She soon finds a burner phone in Lucy's place and realizes her daughter has been kidnapped. A message on the phone warns that Simone should not involve the police. Her husband wants her to call them anyway, but Simone refuses, going rogue to save Lucy, especially when she realizes that the kidnapper doesn't want money.

It's a captivating plot, but unfortunately it starts to border on preposterous fairly early on. Simone and Lucy make some insane decisions and are unwilling to listen to reason (e.g., lawyers, family). Much of the book focuses on Simone's fears of Lucy going to university, portraying her (justifiably) as a clingy mother unwilling to let her only child go. She thinks she loves Lucy more than her husband does, and makes statements on how mothers love kids best or children need two parents. It just wasn't necessary and the story spent much too much time focusing on it.

There are some good twists here and the plot is tense, but marred by annoyed decisions and outlandish developments. Add in Simone's crazy ramblings about motherhood and a plot that wraps up too easily and this is a decent read, but not a great one.

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

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Trouble is you got to have yourself an alternate plan: THE LONG CON.

The Long Con: A Novel by Jenna Voris
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I will preface this review by saying that I have absolutely adored all the YA work by Jenna Voris that I've read and that I will continue to read anything else she writes. This one--an adult mystery--just didn't work for me. Sadly, it was a bit of a slog, featuring unlikable characters and an unbelievable plot. Two warring hotel moguls fighting about stuff... who cares? Meanwhile, we have Chloe, a con artist, and her accomplice friends Logan and Priya and then Chloe's nemesis, Harper, a rich girl who likes conning other rich people.

The idea is that there will be a slow burn romance between Chloe and Harper as one hotel exec hires them to steal from another. But there's no slow burn, just a slow... nothing. The two have no chemistry, no witty banter, just anger--with zero pay off. And the con they unite on is not exciting (and not a long con, maybe a week-long con).

The ending is slightly redeemable and Priya and Logan are enjoyable. This one had a lot of promise, but it wasn't my favorite. Others may enjoy it, and I love seeing Voris writing different in genres and across all ages. I can't wait to see what's next, even if this one was a miss for me.

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

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I'm on my way to your house, guided by the stars: IN HER SPOTLIGHT.

In Her Spotlight by Amy Spalding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tess Gardner is a well-known actress, most famous for a Marvel-type role entitled Princess Platinum. She's famous but also held to a pretty high standard--and has to hold to pre-existing expectations. Ready to prove her acting chops, she get a theatric role, but a #MeToo scandals forces out her famous director. The replacement, Rebecca, just happens to be the same Rebecca whose heart Tess broke years ago at theater camp, since Tess was unwilling to admit her sexuality to herself, or Rebecca.

I love this series, though this book was a bit slower than the others. It wasn't quite as fun, with no big queer group of friends, and Tess was certainly hard to like. She's especially mean to her best friend, taking her for granted. And she lives up to her actress name, acting as if the world revolves her. (I could go without hearing the phrase "Professional Actress Tess Gardner" ever again.)

Eventually Tess' redemption arc makes it a bit easier to warm up to her--and the book. She's deeply closeted and hiding who she is: that's never easy. I found this more a coming out story than a true romance. The chemistry between Tess and Rebecca is a slow burn, without some of the wit and charm in other Spalding books. When the story focuses on Rebecca's exploration of her sexuality, it's nuanced and well-done.

We do get to see Max and Sadie (from the other books in this series) and a bit of Ari--that was fun, and I wish there was more of them. Over time, I warmed up to Tess' cast for the play and they were some strong foils for her. Overall, this story builds, culminating in a good ending.

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

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Same things keeping us together are the very ones making it hard: MEET THE NEWMANS.

Meet the Newmans by Jennifer Niven
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this is an interesting one. The Newman family--dad Del, mom Dinah, and sons Guy and Shep--are a real family. But they also appear on TV every week, playing themselves, as the perfect family.

Behind the scenes, things aren't so perfect. Del rules over the family with an iron fist, Dinah feels lost and numb, Guy is hiding his love life, and Shep may be going off the rails. Around them, the show's ratings are tanking and sponsors are running for the hills.

When Del is in a car accident that puts him a coma, Dinah snaps in action. She starts courting new sponsors and hires reporter Juliet Dunne to help her write the show's final episode.

At times, this story makes amazing points about feminism, women's rights, and more. At other points, it just seems like a group of people bickering about silly things. Juliet and Dinah, for instance--an unlikely pair who constantly fight and then reunite--often have a very annoying relationship.

My favorite was easily Guy, the beleaguered older brother who finally gets a chance to shine--both romantically and professionally--without his father around.

As Dinah steps up with Del (literally) out of commission, she starts to realize how imbalanced the world is, with power tipping all toward men. She and Juliet both see women being ignored and lost behind their male counterparts.

Even though the story takes place in the mid-1960s, the scary part is how Juliet and Dinah's story resonates now. Juliet wakes Dinah up to women's terrifying inability to have control over their own bodies, for instance being unable to buy the pill or condoms (without a husband's consent, or at all, if single), or get an abortion. We've come so far, you think, and then wonder... are we going back?

This ode to TV, family, and love is a different sort of read--funny at times, serious at others. It makes you laugh and think.


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My stride is slowed by memory but not innocent: MAD MABEL.

Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, MAD MABEL is just excellent--an utterly captivating read.

Elsie Mabel Fitzpatrick is in her 80s and lives a quiet life on her street, where her main duty is keeping an eye on the business of her neighbors. But when a turn of events reveals to said neighbors that Elsie is the infamous Mad Mabel, well known as Australia's youngest murderer, things take a turn.

This is such a compelling read, part-thriller and part-character-driven tale. Elsie is an intriguing, complicated, and wonderfully written character, who draws you into her story immediately. A close second is young Persephone, a child who lives near Elsie.

The story is nearly impossible to put down, especially with its then-and-now format, alternating between the present-day and Elsie's memories of her life.

This is one of the best thrillers I've read in some time, featuring a fascinating protagonist and a narrative style like no other.

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

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And for making me smile when things at home weren't great: GIRL NEXT DOOR.

Girl Next Door: A Hilarious Sapphic Rom-Com Brimming with Secrets, Yearning, and Heart by Rachel Meredith
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a cute romantic comedy about MC, a freelance writer, whose best friend, Joe, encourages her to write an article about the current "It" book floating around, Girl Next Door. Why, you ask? Because Joe is convinced that the book's anonymous author is MC's old neighbor and the love interest is based on... MC. Joe, a writer at a popular publication, wants MC to reveal the author, Nora, to save his job.

If you are okay with this somewhat skeevy premise, the rest of the book is fine. Joe is a pretty awful friend, and MC has pretty much no ability to stand up for herself in any fashion! Sure, I'll return home and live with my brother and his wife and stalk Nora for you, Joe! I think I like Nora, but I'll risk ruining her life--and therefore mine--for you, Joe!

Nora and MC's "romance" (I wouldn't call it a romance, more of an awkward dance around one another) is sweet and can be funny. MC's family plays a pretty big role in the book--her brother is the local principal and he's married to MC's first crush, Gabby (seriously). It's often more a character and family study than a romance.

Overall, I think I might have enjoyed the book Nora supposedly wrote more than this one. Lots of secrets and bad decisions, but it's still witty.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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Tell me bout how you've been waiting so patiently: SUMMER OFFICIAL.

Summer Official by Rebekah Weatherspoon


Well, first of all, this book features one of my favorite lines ever:

"I never regret a cake run. If you're queer, you deserve cake. I feel like that should be a rule..."

I would get this on a t-shirt if I could. Hard agree.

Overall, this is a lovely YA lesbian romance. Sporty Saylor breaks her arm at basketball camp, dooming her to a summer spent with her influencer mom who dominates her life. She turns to Heaven, an acquaintance; through their parents Saylor knows that Heaven's father has created a summer bingo challenge to entertain her (and force her out of her shell). Saylor wants in to avoid her mother. Anxious, artistic Heaven isn't so sure about having a "plus one," until Saylor agrees to help Heaven with the social media required in her quest to be a tattoo artist.

What I loved about this story is that it truly evokes the longing, yearning, and excitement that comes with your first youthful teenage (queer) romance. Truly, this story took me back. It also captures the fear that accompanies falling for the first time, too.

The bigger issue here is Saylor's awful mom, who is pretty horrible with her influencer lifestyle, even using Saylor's coming out by posting about it. Her actions keep Saylor from wanting to truly to commit to anything or anyone. I really felt for this kid!

Perhaps my only hesitation here is that the story wraps up a little too easily (thank goodness Heaven has good parents), but I'll grant that it's a teen romance: we deserve a HEA! I also wish I'd realized there was a first book in this series, featuring some oft mentioned friends, as it would have provided a little context, even though this can definitely stand-alone.

Still, this is a great YA story and a truly thoughtful lesbian romance!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group / G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review.

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Everything's tougher than it has to be: BOTH THINGS ARE TRUE.

Both Things Are True by Kathleen Barber
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Vanessa is happy as a yoga influencer (apparently those exist), but feels unsure about her future with her cryptocurrency fiancé. But any happiness and her romantic future ends when her fiancé and his company is involved in major, headline-drawing fraud. He flees the country, leaving her reputation in shatters too.

I have to admit it felt like time was going backwards reading this book. The more I read, the more it felt like was left. It never ended. Vanessa is a rather insufferable main character. She's the absolute worst communicator, with no ability to be a grownup in anyway. Ha, I'm always late, ha, I run on my bad knee and wonder why it doesn't heal, ha I sit around and cry to my sister, who has her own problems... it was endless. There's also much yoga talk. Just too much.

At the same time, nothing happens, just the occasional teasing encounter with Sam, her old boyfriend (technically ex-husband, the two married in Vegas and then hastily split). Sam now magically lives in her building, but has his life together, and is about to launch his own company. Association with Vanessa could taint his company's debut forever, so Sam is hesitant about reuniting. (I would have run too, Sam. I liked Sam. Poor Sam.)

Vanessa turns things around, of course, but by then, it's pretty hard to care about her. There's also very little explanation or follow-up about once major plot points, such as what happens with the fiancé and his fraud.

Overall, this was not a winner for me. 2.5 stars.

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

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Watching everyone around get there before I do: WISH YOU WERE HER.

Wish You Were Her by Elle McNicoll
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I need to come to terms that Elle McNicoll books and me are not compatible!

Famous actress Allegra Brooks, age 18, wants one normal summer, so she escapes to Lake Pristine to spend the summer with her dad at his bookstore. Once there, she meets Jonah Brooks, who is helping run the town's annual Book Festival. Jonah immediately insults her and then spends much of his time avoiding her.

Meanwhile, Allegra is emailing an anonymous person at the bookstore, whom she knows has to be Jonah's co-worker. Allegra is autistic--something she's never shared with her fans--and she feels like this anonymous pen pal just gets it, gets her.

WISH YOU WERE HER hits us over the head with the idea that its two main characters are autistic. I love stories about neurodivergence, love seeing familiar traits reflected in the stories I read, but this topic deserves to be woven into a story, not just thrown in readers' faces over and over. Show us, don't tell us. Repeatedly.

As for Jonah, he was very hard to like, even with his own character influenced by his autism. He seemed to like Allegra only because she was pretty, and the two's "instalove" feeling was chalked up to... wait... wait... oh my gosh, if you guessed autism, you're right!

There was a gaggle of townspeople, but most were not redeemable besides teenage Grace and a reappearance from Jasper, who is the MC in a previous McNicoll book. Allegra's father even holds a ridiculous grudge against Jonah for the silliest reason... honestly I just have to stop listing all the reasons this book was frustrating.

There's a cute lake setting and some fun book references. I respect the attempt to include autism in the story, but it would be better to acknowledge that autism is just one part of a person, not their entire entity.

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

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One day, she's looking over her shoulder at the past: MISSING SISTER.

Missing Sister by Joshilyn Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twins Penny and Nix grew up incredibly close, but Penny lost Nix to a drug addiction. Nix's last voicemail has haunted Penny for five years. Now Penny's a rookie cop, hoping to save others from Nix's fate. But on one of her early training cases, she recognizes the victim as one of the men she blames for her sister's death. While on scene, she comes across a woman covered in blood, a weapon by her side.

Incredulously (seriously, it seems a shocking way to start this book!), Penny lets the woman go, thinking her whispered "sisters" has ties to Nix. She pockets the box cutter this woman was holding and lies to her training officers and fellow cops. The woman vanishes, but of course, Penny's behavior is suspicious, leading to a suspension.

What follows is a story that focuses both on Penny's feelings about Nix's passing and the death of the man she blames for Nix's death. A few of the outcomes seem a bit obvious but other twists are excellent and surprising. This is a dark and gory story, with a focus on the dangers of drug addiction. It also delves into sisterhood and the complicated feelings that family can dredge up.

Penny is a tough woman, even if she makes some questionable decisions. Her love for Nix shines through the story, giving it added depth and dimension. This is a complicated, dark, and twisty tale.

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

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Freeze frames in time move through me: STRANGERS IN A VILLA.

Strangers in the Villa by Robyn Harding
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a very dramatic thriller set in picturesque Spain!

After Sydney's husband, Curtis, cheats on her, the two decide to leave their life in New York City behind and buy a Spanish villa. They hope a new house and location will allow them to start fresh and focus on their marriage. But then a young couple shows up and destroys their peace--Bianca and Damian, two Aussies, are traveling in their camper van when it breaks down outside the villa. At first, the group gets along well (with the exception of Curtis, who resents the intrusion), but soon, cracks begin to form.

This is an interesting book--the tension builds slowly, and it feels like a locked room mystery at time, with both couples mainly trapped in the villa. As such, Harding does an excellent job creating a claustrophobic feel. There's a strange forced sexual tension between the group, which made me feel awkward. Lies and secrets abound, with information gradually revealed across various perspectives, and ratcheting up the mystery and suspense.

Be prepared for a tale that takes some dark turns and centers on often quite selfish and unhappy people. It's a good quick read though, and one which will keep you guessing. 3.5 stars, rounded up here.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Grand Central Publishing in return for an unbiased review. Look for STRANGERS IN THE VILLA on 03/03/2026!

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Time that you notice the girl next door: JOY MOODY IS OUT OF TIME.

Joy Moody Is Out of Time by Kerryn Mayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Be prepared, this is a quirky and sometimes weird story, but it's truly quite touching.

Twins Joy and Cassie grew up believing they were from the future. Isolated, with most of their life occurring at the family's laundromat, they know little about the real world. So when their mom, Joy, dies shortly after their 21st birthday--right after the twins realize they aren't returning to the future as promised, their lives are turned upside down.

This book has such a fun cast of characters, despite mainly taking place at the laundromat -- we meet the three other business owners who share the laundromat's building -- and each play such an important role in the story. My favorite was Monty, the locksmith who was madly in love with Joy. Each character bounces off the pages, pulling you into the strange world of Joy Moody and her children.

This is a lovely story, touching on the importance of found family, and delving deeply into the powerful bonds of motherhood and what you would do for those you love. While not a conventional read, it's a poignant, well-written one.

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

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