Mini Reviews: More Romances

 

'Tis the season to curl up with a romance. Winter is not over yet! I am sharing my thoughts on a new release from the queen of romance, Ali Hazelwood. This is a departure from her usual STEM romances and while it wasn't entirely my thing, I am glad I read it. I also am sharing my thoughts on a sweet audio book that tugged on my heartstrings. 

 

 

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

Pages: 416

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Pub. Date: February 6, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: Loathe to Love You,

The Love Hypothesis, Love on the Brain, 

and Love, Theoretically

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance. Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again... Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was…. Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf."

 

Misery Lark (yes, that's her name) is the daughter of a big wig in the Vampyre world. She has gone through most of her life being used as a chess piece in various alliances with the Werewolf community. This time her father has arranged her marriage to Alpha Werewolf, Lowe Moreland. At first, Misery gives this whole opportunity a hard pass until she realizes that Lowe may be the key to finding out what happened to her best friend who disappeared in Were territory never to be heard of again. So, Misery enters this marriage of convenience with that mission in mind, but as time goes on, she realizes that there may be something between Misery and Lowe, even though they are vastly different. Also, she is surrounded by enemies, so things start to get difficult for her. Bride by Ali Hazelwood is her first paranormal romance that had me laughing out loud; it was a lot of fun!

Everything that readers have come to expect from Hazelwood can be found in Bride. There's a spicy romance that is a slow burn, witty dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and fantastic writing. My only issue was the world-building; I felt readers might have benefited from more setting in order to buy into the "fantasy" world a bit better. I also think I didn't love this book as much as the average romance reader because I am not sure paranormal romances are a genre I still enjoy. I really liked the genre in my twenties, but I think it didn't translate to this point in my life. I prefer Hazelwood's STEM romances, but keep this in mind--if you love paranormal romances, you will love Bride.

 

 

The Last Love Note by Emma Grey

Genre: Romance/Audio Book

Pub. Date: November 28, 2023

Publisher: Zibby

Source: Library

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "You may never stop loving the one you lost. But you can still find love again. Kate is a bit of a mess. Two years after losing her young husband Cameron, she’s grieving, solo parenting, working like mad at her university fundraising job, always dropping the ball—and yet clinging to her sense of humor. Lurching from one comedic crisis to the next, she also navigates an overbearing mom and a Tinder-obsessed best friend who's determined to matchmake Kate with her hot new neighbor. When an in-flight problem leaves Kate and her boss, Hugh, stranded for a weekend on the east coast of Australia, she finally has a chance, away from her son, to really process her grief and see what’s right in front of her. Can she let go of the love of her life and risk her heart a second time? When it becomes clear that Hugh is hiding a secret, Kate turns to the trail of scribbled notes she once used to hold her life together. The first note captured her heart. Will the last note set it free? The Last Love Note will make listeners laugh, cry, and renew their faith in the resilience of the human heart—and in love itself."

 

 

Kate and Cam are soulmates. Their romance is adorable and is told through flashbacks. Things are a little more difficult as they get older though. Kate is re-entering the workforce after having their son and things aren't going smoothly. It's one thing after another. However, their world is turned upside down when Cam receives a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. How could her brilliant professor husband have this horrible disease? As time passes, and Cam slips from her slowly, Kate receives a lot of support from her boss, Hugh. He is understanding and a great support for not only her but also Cam as they become good friends. The story also follows Kate after Cam's death and how she rebuilds her life as a single mother. Two years after Cam's death, Kate finds herself on a work trip with Hugh and not only does she finally see what is right in front of her, but she also realizes he may be withholding an important secret. Emma Grey's The Last Love Note, her adult debut, is a sweet audiobook that broke my heart and then pieced it back together slowly.  

The Last Love Note is a romance with a lot of substance. It is heartbreaking and raw, but I am glad I listened to it. The narration was outstanding (loved the Australian accent!) and the flashbacks were done well in that they developed the backstory which only further broke my heart. I applaud Grey for highlighting such a horrible and heartbreaking disease as every bit of awareness can help. I could also tell that Grey has experienced a lot of heartbreak in her own life because she writes so passionately and in a way that only someone who has experienced it firsthand could write like that. But have no fear, many moments in The Last Love Note were beautiful and hopeful. If you love romances with a lot of heart, look no further.

So, have you read Bride or The Last Love Note? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Mini Reviews: Thriller Edition

I love audio books as they make everyday mundane tasks and car rides that much more entertaining. To me, there is nothing better than a suspenseful audio book that will make you keep listening. Today I'm sharing two thrillers that kept me coming back for more.

 

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Genre: Adult Fiction/Audio Book

Pub. Date: January 2, 2024

Publisher: Penguin Audio

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: 10 Blind Dates

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars  

 

 

Goodreads says,"Evie Porter has everything a nice, Southern girl could want: a perfect, doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence and a garden, a fancy group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist. The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job. Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job will be different. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time. Because the one thing she’s worked her entire life to keep clean, the one identity she could always go back to—her real identity—just walked right into this town. Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there’s still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn't be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge..."

Evie Porter (that isn't her real name!) is on assignment. Her mark is Ryan Sumner and he has fallen in love with her. Her job isn't done though as her employer, Mr. Smith, has explicit instructions for her and the pressure is mounting. When she meets some of Ryan's friends, she is introduced to Lucca Marino, a girlfriend of one of Ryan's friends. This is all well and good except Lucca Marino is Evie's actual name! Mr. Smith is testing her on this job as she botched up the last one and there's a lot at stake here. Things get even more messed up when Lucca dies in a car crash and upon the investigation, Evie's name pops up with a warrant. It shouldn't as it's been cleared before this job, so something is going wrong. Readers will be kept on their toes with all the twists and turns in First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston.

As I mentioned, there are a lot of twists and turns in First Lie Wins, so many that I was getting confused at times, and not entirely every twist is 100% believable. The novel wasn't my favorite of thrillers (some readers are raving about this book!), but I really enjoyed being caught up in this cat-and-mouse chase between Evie and Mr. Smith. There's also the fact that Ryan is caught up in some shady business dealings of his own, so this complicates things further. Elston also provides readers with flashbacks to Evie's start in this "career" with Mr. Smith and her former jobs that will keep readers entertained. All the while readers are wondering if Evie can trust Ryan. First Lie Wins is Elston's adult debut and I will be keeping my eye out for her novels in the future.

The Senator's Wife by Liv Constantine

Genre: Adult Fiction/Audio Book

Publisher: Random House

Pub. Date: May 23, 2023

Source: Publisher for review

Other Books By Author: The Last Mrs. Parrish

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A D.C. philanthropist suspects that her seemingly perfect employee is secretly plotting to steal her husband, her reputation—even her life—in this seductive novel of psychological suspense from the internationally bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish. In this town, anyone is replaceable. . . . After a tragic chain of events led to the deaths of their spouses two years ago, D.C. philanthropist Sloane Chase and Senator Whit Montgomery are finally starting to move on. The horrifying ordeal drew them together, and now they're ready to settle down again—with each other. As Sloane returns to the world of White House dinners and political small talk, this time with her new husband, she's also preparing for an upcoming hip replacement—the latest reminder of the lupus diagnosis she's managed since her twenties. With both of their hectic schedules, they decide that hiring a home health aide will give Sloane the support and independence she needs post-surgery. And they find the perfect fit in Athena Karras. Seemingly a godsend, Athena tends to Sloane, and even helps her run her charitable foundation. But Sloane slowly begins to deteriorate—a complication, Athena explains, of Sloane's lupus. As weeks go by, Sloane becomes sicker, and her uncertainty quickly turns to paranoia as she begins to suspect the worst. Why is Athena asking her so many probing questions about her foundation—about her past? And could Sloane be imagining the sultry looks between Athena and her new husband? Riveting, fast-paced, and full of unbelievable twists, The Senator's Wife is a psychological thriller that upends the private homes of those who walk the halls of power. Because when you have it all, you have everything to lose."

 

Senator Robert Chase and his wife Sloane are hosting Senator Whit Montgomery and his wife for a relaxing weekend getaway. Things are anything but relaxing as Whit and his wife, Peg, have an all-out screaming match about Whit's possible infidelity. Cue the drama! Fast forward to weeks later and after a scuffle while Robert is trying to help Peg, who is his cousin, there is a gun drawn and Peg shoots Robert, on accident, and then takes her life all while Whit is watching. Fast forward yet again, and Whit and Sloane, brought together by the accident, are now married. Things are hunky-dory until Sloane has a lupus flare-up. She has also been suffering from a bad hip, due to lupus, and gets a hip replacement as per her doctor's orders. This surgery should ensure she no longer has pain daily. They hire a nurse, Athena, to help Sloane at home as she recovers, but she is proving to be a problem. Not only does Athena snoop around, she isn't who she says she is. Meanwhile, Robert's mother can't let go of the fact that her son was killed and blames Whit. She doesn't trust him and does some digging of her own. The Senator's Wife, another compelling domestic thriller by Liv Constantine, will prove to entertain readers and the twists left me surprised.

I really enjoyed the setting of Washington D.C. and all the drama that comes from that. The setting only added to the thrilling aspects of The Senator's Wife. While I felt compared to some of the other thrillers that this one wasn't entirely believable, I still enjoyed the wild ride. Constantine always promises some good twists and this novel had some. If you can overlook some minor issues, readers will be sure to have fun as they piece together the truth surrounding Sloane and her situation; it left my heart pounding.

 

 

So, are you a fan of domestic thrillers? Have you read these? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Mini Reviews: Holiday Edition

'Tis the season to enjoy some holiday novels. I've got two to share with you today. Both are perfect for curling up with along side a fire or your Christmas tree; however, one is a bit more serious than the other. Do you like your holiday books to be all fluff or do you enjoy some serious aspects?

 

 Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: October 10, 2023

Publisher: Avon

Source: Publisher for review

Other Book By Author: The Christmas Bookshop

and The Cafe by the Sea

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Christmas comes early—far too early—to McCredie’s little Old Town bookshop in Edinburgh. It’s summer, but an American production company has decided that McCredie’s is the perfect location to film a very cheesy Christmas movie. After all, who can resist the charmingly narrow historic street with its Victorian grey stone buildings and warmly lit shop windows? Carmen Hogan, the bookshop’s manager, is amused and a bit horrified by the goings-on, but the money the studio is paying is too good to pass up. She uses the little windfall from filming to create new displays and fend off a buyout offer from an obnoxious millionaire who wants to turn McCredie’s into a souvenir shop selling kilts made in China and plastic Nessies. Still reeling slightly from a breakup, Carmen’s not particularly looking forward to the holidays. But just as snow begins to fall and the lights of Christmas blink on, all sorts of lovely new possibilities present themselves…for McCredie’s bookstore, and for Carmen herself."

 

 

Readers find themselves back at McCredie's Bookshop in Edinburgh at Christmastime. This novel picks up where The Christmas Bookshop left off and readers are reunited with Carmen Hogan, manager of the adorable bookstore on Victoria Street. Carmen is feeling a lot of pressure though. Not only is she still upset about her breakup with Oke, but she is also worried about the fate of the bookshop. It's struggling financially and the owner is considering selling it to someone who would turn it into another cheesy souvenir shop. Just as in the first book, there's Carmen's family who still play a major role in her life, including her adorable nieces as well as a cast of memorable secondary characters. Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny Colgan is an adorable sequel to The Christmas Bookshop. While it isn't as compelling as the first book, who doesn't want to transport themselves to a bookshop in Scotland during Christmastime? It's the very definition of Christmas coziness.

I really enjoyed Carmen in book one, so I was happy to continue her story. I don't think you need to have read The Christmas Bookshop to entirely appreciate this novel; however, I do think it helps. I also enjoyed Carmen's family and their antics, including Pippa and Phoebe, which were a nice touch. Colgan's cast of secondary characters were all a lot of fun and reminded me of a Hallmark movie. I read Colgan's novels to be transported to a different time and place and Midnight at the Christmas Bookshop fits the bill. Christmas in Edinburgh sounds dreamy and I loved being lost on historic Victoria Street in a bookstore decorated beautifully for Christmas. The fate of the bookstore is balanced nicely by Carmen's problems, but it never feels overly heavy. Colgan fans will want to snuggle up with this book during the holiday season. 

One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: October 17, 2023

Publisher: Avon

Source: Publisher for review 

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

Goodreads says, "Eva has spent the past three years burying herself in her work, trying to forget the heartbreaking events of the Christmas that ripped her world apart. And this year, on the eve of her shop launch, the last thing Eva wants is to drive to the wild moors of Cornwall to attend her friends Hallie and Kian’s Christmas party. But at her husband James’ insistence, here they are. Worse still, Hallie announces she is pregnant, bringing Eva’s pain to the surface.  Overwhelmed by her friend’s news and the bittersweet memories of past Christmases, Eva tries to sneak back to London in the middle of the night. But as the clock strikes midnight, she is visited by the ghost of her beloved grandmother. Gran tells Eva that if she doesn’t face her ghosts head-on and stop shutting out her loved ones, she risks losing them all forever.  When Eva wakes on Christmas morning, she finds herself living not her own life, but that of her hardworking assistant, Diana, whose overflowing inbox isn’t the only secret she’s been keeping. The next day, she wakes on Christmas morning again, this time in the body of Hallie’s sister, Natalie. As Eva lives Christmas Day again and again through the perspectives of her friends, she is offered a glimpse into the lives of those she has been pushing away. With each Christmas Day comes a new lesson—and an insight into the secrets and struggles her loved ones have been hiding. To move forward, Eva must let go of the past. But is it too late to fix her future?"

 

Eva is obsessed with her work; she is opening a new store and is completely consumed by that. Things with her husband, James, aren't good, and they are en route to Cornwall from London to go to Hallie's holiday party. Eva is trying to make things right with her husband, but she is completely triggered by Hallie's party and the news that Hallie is pregnant. This brings up a lot of unresolved issues in Eva's life as she has suffered a devastating miscarriage and she attempts to return to London at night. While heading there, she is greeted by the ghost of her grandmother who tries to talk some sense into her as her relationships are suffering greatly. When Eva wakes up, she finds herself in a different friend's body and living out their Christmas morning, but also getting inside details as to how her behavior impacts everyone. This is Eva's chance to start over despite her setbacks and trauma and repair the relationships in her life before it's too late. One Christmas Morning by Rachel Greenlaw is a melancholy holiday read, but ultimately by the story's end, it is one filled with hope.

Eva is a difficult character in One Christmas Morning. She has a lot of trauma and issues that she hasn't explored. Since she hasn't faced it head-on, her issues spill over into her personal life, which is why she dives head-first into her work. Greenlaw includes a lot of depressing topics for a holiday novel such as various traumas like the death of a loved one, marriage problems, and miscarriage. It felt a bit heavy for a holiday novel and the story took a while feel warm and fuzzy. By the last portion of the novel things were looking up, but it was a difficult road to get there as the story was mostly sad. However, I will say I love a modern take on A Christmas Carol, so that part of this debut novel, as well as her beloved grandmother being the ghost who warns her, was a nice touch.   

 

Have you read any of these holiday novels? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

 

Mini Reviews: Debut Novels

 

I'm sharing two adult debut novels today that both include a bit of magic. One is a "romantasy" that has received a lot of buzz, and the other is a GMA Book Club pick that's a family saga with some magical realism. Let me know what you think!

A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden

Pages: 432

Genre: Adult Fiction/Fantasy

Pub. Date: October 10, 2023

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

 

 

Goodreads says, "Arwen Valondale never expected to be the brave one, offering her life to save her brother’s. Now she’s been taken prisoner by the most dangerous kingdom on the continent, and made to use her rare magical abilities to heal the soldiers of the vicious Onyx King. Arwen knows better than to face the ancient, wicked woods that surround the castle on her own, which means working with a fellow prisoner might be her only path to freedom. Unfortunately, he’s as infuriating as he is cunning—and seems to take twisted pleasure in playing on Arwen’s deepest fears. But here in Onyx Kingdom, trust is a luxury she can’t afford. To make it out of enemy territory, she'll have to navigate back-stabbing royals, dark magic, and dangerous beasts. But untold power lies inside Arwen, dormant and waiting for a spark. If she can harness it, she just might be able to escape with her life—and hopefully, her heart."

 

 

Arwen Valondale saved her brother's life by offering up her own as she has magical abilities that the Onyx Kingdom could benefit from. So, now she finds herself a prisoner in the most dangerous of kingdoms and she must heal soldiers with her abilities. Then she meets another prisoner who might be able to help her escape if he doesn't drive her crazy first. But what lies outside of the castle is just as scary as what lies within. If you love a romantasy with a lot of tropes like an enemies-to-lovers romance and you enjoy a slow burn, A Dawn of Onyx by Kate Golden is the start of a promising new fantasy series.

 

I love fantasies that include fae, magic, dragons, a scary king, and an unlikely hero, so overall, I enjoyed this "romantasy." Arwen did grow as a character and come into her own as A Dawn of Onyx progressed; however, I never felt connected to her as much as I would have liked. On the other hand, I enjoyed the slow-burn romance and Golden's world-building. I do think that sometimes a lot of these "romantasy" novel on TikTok iare a bit overhyped as A Dawn of Onyx was originally a viral sensation. Ultimately, I'd recommend this novel to fans of Fourth Wing, especially if readers wanted a novel to hold them over until the next book comes out. 

 

 

 

 

Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: August 1, 2023

Publisher: Ecco

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Flor has a gift: she can predict, to the day, when someone will die. So when she decides she wants a living wake--a party to bring her family and community together to celebrate the long life she's led--her sisters are surprised. Has Flor forseen her own death, or someone else's? Does she have other motives? She refuses to tell her sisters, Matilde, Pastora, and Camila. But Flor isn't the only person with secrets. Matilde has tried for decades to cover the extent of her husband's infidelity, but she must now confront the true state of her marriage. Pastora is typically the most reserved sister, but Flor's wake motivates this driven woman to solve her sibling's problems. Camila is the youngest sibling, and often the forgotten one, but she's decided she no longer wants to be taken for granted. And the next generation, cousins Ona and Yadi, face tumult of their own: Yadi is reuniting with her first love, who was imprisoned when they were both still kids; Ona is married for years and attempting to conceive. Ona must decide whether it's worth it to keep trying--to have a child, and the anthropology research that's begun to feel lackluster. Spanning the three days prior to the wake, Family Lore traces the lives of each of the Marte women, weaving together past and present, Santo Domingo and New York City. Told with Elizabeth Acevedo's inimitable and incandescent voice, this is an indelible portrait of sisters and cousins, aunts and nieces--one family's journey through their history, helping them better navigate all that is to come.

 

Flor Marte has always known when someone will die through her dreams and due to this, she has started to plan her wake. She invites her sisters and their children, but things get complicated. Each female in their family has a magical power of some sort, but it doesn't always make things easier in the long run. There's Matilde, who is in a bad marriage and has feelings for another. Then there's Pastora, who knows her sister's secrets as she can perceive them with her own magical abilities. Interfering in Matilde's life is never a good idea though. Camilla, the youngest sister, always feels left out, but not anymore! Plus, there's also Flor's daughter, Ona, who can regulate her menstrual cycle (how handy is that?!), and Yadi, Pastora's daughter, who is dealing with some problems of her own. This Dominican family living in New York City will come together for Flor's wake, but readers can't help wondering if Flor has foretold her death or another family member's. Family Lore by Elizabeth Acevedo is a well-written novel featuring the power of sisterhood and the bond of family. 

All of these interesting women were actually really difficult to distinguish in Family Lore. Thankfully there was a list of the characters at the beginning of the novel because they all seemed so similar at times and intertwined. Each chapter jumps from a different character's point of view, so for me, this was the hardest part--keeping it all straight! While the magic wasn't fleshed out as much as I was hoping (the story was giving me major Encanto vibes!), it did give me a good side of magical realism, which was definitely a nice touch for this debut adult novel. The writing was beautiful at times, but at other times, it dragged on. Overall, it was a solid story about women, and fans of family sagas will enjoy Family Lore the the most.

 

 

 

Have you read either of these debut novels? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.  
 

Book Review: Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings

Pages: 448

Genre: Adult Fiction/Romance

Pub. Date: August 8, 2023

Publisher: Dutton

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, “How many loves do you get in a lifetime?” She is a beautiful, affluent, self-involved, and mildly neurotic London socialite. He is Britain’s most photographed bad boy who broke her heart. Magnolia Parks and BJ Ballentine are meant to be, and everyone knows it. She dates other people to keep him at bay; he sleeps with other girls to get back at her for it. But at the end of every sad endeavor to get over one another, it’s still each other they crawl back to. But now their dysfunction is catching up with them, pulling at their seams and fraying the world they’ve built; a world where neither has ever let the other go completely. As the cracks start to show and secrets begin to surface, Magnolia and BJ are finally forced to face the formidable question they’ve been avoiding all their How many loves do you really get in a lifetime?"

 

 

Magnolia is a socialite living in London. She rubs elbows with the affluent and lives a privileged life. She grew up close with BJ Ballantine as well as his family, so naturally as they got older, they started to date. They have always had insane chemistry, but not the healthiest relationship. BJ cheated on her and since then they have played a game of an on-and-off relationship. Magnolia dates other people to keep BJ from being too close to her and BJ gets mad and sleeps around. But they keep gravitating towards each other - forever in each other's orbit - despite all the drama. When the going gets tough, Magnolia leans on BJ even if he breaks her heart daily, because, despite his flaws, he is always there for her. But everyone can't help but wonder will they actually make it real and date each other this time or will forever play games? Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings is a fun romance that is the perfect escape, especially for fans of Gossip Girl.

I loved the old Gossip Girl, so that is why this book is right up my alley. The privilege, the petty problems, the drama, the fashion--Magnolia Parks is the perfect way to spend the afternoon, especially with a cocktail in hand. This book begs for that kind of scenario, so that's how I went into this. It's not the next Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, it's a fun romance and that is exactly what I needed. Magnolia is a superficial heroine who has daddy issues and clearly needs a therapist. The feminist in me wanted to shake her and yell for her to get over BJ! Move on to someone you deserve! Stop playing games! But the reader in me who was purely here for entertainment value wanted more drama with dreamy BJ.

So, BJ. He's a jerk. I actually think Magnolia can do a lot better, but he is super charming and seems to be there when Magnolia needs him. Even when Magnolia dates a British celebrity, she still finds herself in the same orbit as BJ. Their relationship is very Chuck and Blair (from Gossip Girl), but a bit more toxic in my opinion. BJ has more issues than the New York Times. He is troubled--tragically flawed in every way; however, their chemistry was through the roof in Magnolia Parks and it was no doubt a fun ride. My only issue was the fact that the on-again-off-again antics got repetitive at times.

So, if you are looking for a dreamy escape filled with high fashion, late nights, and crazy antics reminiscent of Gossip Girl, look no further. Just don't go into this expecting a healthy relationship with a mature twenty-year-old. This ain't that. Ultimately, I will be continuing with the series, especially when I need a read to transport me to a world where high fashion is key and precarious romantic entanglements are a part of everyday life.

So, are you a fan of the Magnolia Parks series? It seems everyone has read it! Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

Mini Reviews: New Releases

 

Today I'm sharing two books that I had hope to read this summer, but didn't get to them until Labor Day Weekend or the days afterwards. They were both solid romances and one made me want to binge watch all my old movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood.

The Book of Silver Linings by Nan Fischer

Pages: 384

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: August 15, 2023

Publisher: Berkley

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Within the margins of an antique book, a timeless love waits for a young woman on the precipice of a terrible mistake in this enthralling new novel from the acclaimed author of Some of It Was Real . Constance Sparks always says yes …when her capricious best friend needs money; when her boss gives her more responsibility without a raise; and when her boyfriend, Hayden, who is very kind but also secretive, asks her to marry him. While planning their wedding—and struggling with anxiety about the right course for her future—Constance researches the history of her antique engagement ring and unearths the name of a man who might be connected to it, plus his tragic love story. When she finds a book of letters in her library’s old manuscript section written by the long-dead man, Constance is deeply touched by his words and leaves a note for him confessing her uncertainty and doubts. She’s shocked days later to find a response tucked among the pages. As the notes continue to arrive, Constance finds herself quickly falling in love with a ghost and putting her real-life relationship in jeopardy. Will a bond based on letters impossibly sent from the past derail her future? Or will Constance discover her voice and risk everything for the chance to somehow connect with her true soul mate?"

 

Constance is finally engaged to Hayden even though she hasn't met his family and friends. What is he hiding from her? Even though she should be deliriously happy, she feels that she is holding back due to all the uncertainties. Not to mention the fact that Constance is hiding some secrets of her own regarding her past. Instead of dwelling in her apprehension, she decides that she is going to research the gorgeous antique ring that Hayden gave her. Again, she still isn't sure how he could afford it! While researching the history surrounding her ring, she stumbles upon a beautiful romance involving letters and World War I. These letters make Constance question if she is following her heart with Hayden, why they both haven't opened up to one another, and what she wants out of life. Nan Fischer's The Book of Silver Linings includes everything that is required of a charming romance: there's a mystery, heartwarming moments, an antique book, heirloom ring, and did I mention rescue dogs?

 
I felt badly for Constance from the start of The Book of Silver Linings, because I felt like she was living a shadow life. I disliked Hayden from the beginning, so I really wanted her to break off the engagement and figure out what she wanted. I loved the incorporation of the antique book and letters - this was a nice touch, especially tying in some history. It also felt like there was a touch of magical realism, too. I also loved Constance's interest in rescue dogs as rescue dogs hold a special place in my heart. My only issue with the novel was Fischer's writing style didn't always work for me--it felt a little surface level, but other than that, I enjoyed this charming romance that certainly kept me entertained over the long weekend.

 

It Happened One Fight by Maureen Lee Lenker

Pages: 352

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pub. Date: July 11, 2023

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says "Joan Davis is a movie star, and a damned good actor, too. Unfortunately, Hollywood only seems to care when she stars alongside Dash Howard, Tinseltown's favorite leading man and a perpetual thorn in Joan's side. She's sick of his hotshot attitude, his never-ending attempts to get a rise out of her―especially after the night he sold her out to the press on a studio-arranged date. She'll turn her career around without him. She's engaged to Hollywood's next rising star, after all, and preparing to make the film that could finally get her taken seriously. Then, a bombshell drops: thanks to one of his on-set pranks gone wrong, Dash and Joan are legally married. Reputation on the line, Joan agrees to star alongside Dash one last time and move production to Reno, where divorce is legal after a six-week residency. But between on-set shenanigans, fishing competitions at Lake Tahoe, and intimate moments leaked to the press, Joan begins to see another side to the man she thought she had all figured out, and it becomes harder and harder to convince the public―and herself―that her marriage to Dash is the joke it started out as."

 

 

Joan Davis (seems like she is loosely based on Joan Crawford) has come from Oklahoma all the way to glamorous Hollywood. She's been through a lot. Critics labeled her box office poison and she has endured a lot of gossip. But now she has turned her luck around and is engaged to heartthrob Monty Smith. Even though this is a marriage of convenience, this alliance will turn her career around. While filming in Reno with superstar Dash Howard, she realizes a terrible mistake. She can't marry Monty, at least not yet, as she is married to Dash! It was a silly prank gone terribly wrong! While she plans to get a divorce in Reno while shooting a film with Dash, they start to spend more time together and realize maybe their on-screen chemistry is off-screen, too. Should they stay married after all? Maureen Lee Lenker's debut historical romance, It Happened One Fight, oozes with Old Hollywood charm that film buffs will adore.

I really loved Joan from the get-go as she is a bit of an underdog and clawed her way to the top. I enjoyed the witty banter between her and Dash Howard, who has some major Clark Gable vibes. The setting of Reno was a lot of fun and Lenker truly brought the old time movie set to life. I felt like I was behind the scenes of an AMC production. I have long been interested in Old Hollywood, so this filled that void for me and since Lenker is a writer for Entertainment Weekly, readers can tell she really knows her stuff. This is one historical romance debut that I thoroughly enjoyed and I look forward to Lenker's future novels.

 

Have you read either of these books? Are they on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Audio Book Review: Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes

 

Genre: Adult Historical Fiction/Audio Book

Pub. Date: May 2, 2023

Publisher: Harpervia

Source: Personal Copy

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

 

Goodreads says, ""There's no running away on an island. Soon enough, you end up where you started." Hi'i is the youngest of the legendary Naupaka dynasty, only daughter of Laka, once the pride of Hilo; granddaughter of Hulali, Hula matriarch on the Big Island. But the Naupka legacy is in jeopardy, buckling under the weight of loaded silences and unexplained absences, most notably the sudden disappearance of Laka when Hi'i was a child. Hi'i dreams of healing the rifts within her family by becoming the next Miss Aloha Hula--and prove herself worthy of carrying on the family dynasty. She demonstrates her devotion to her culture through hula--the beating heart of her people expressed through the movement of her hips and feet. Yet she has always felt separate from her community, and the harder she tries to prove she belongs--dancing in the halau until her bones ache--the wider the distance seems to grow. Soon, fault lines begin to form, and secrets threaten to erupt. Everyone wants to know, Hi'i most of all: what really happened when her mother disappeared, and why haven't she and her grandmother spoken since? When a devastating revelation involving Hi'i surfaces, the entire community is faced with a momentous decision that will affect everyone--and determine the course of Hi'i's future. Part incantation, part rallying cry, Hula is a love letter to a stolen paradise and its people. Told in part by the tribal We, it connects Hawaii's tortured history to its fractured present through the story of the Naupaka family. The evolution of the Hawaiian Sovereignty movement is reflected in the journeys of these defiant women and their community, in whose struggle we sense the long-term repercussions of blood quantum laws and colonization, the relationship between tribe and belonging, and the universal question: what makes a family?"

 

Laka returns home to Hilo, Hawaii with a new daughter in tow and it makes her mother, Hulali, question the baby's parentage. The baby is too "white" in her family's eyes to be Hawaiian. Hulali is part of the native Hawaiian movement and she takes this seriously, especially after all Hawaii has been through and the USA's role in this. As Hi'i, Laka's daughter, grows up she realizes she doesn't quite fit in and has never been fully accepted in her community. She has grown up with rumors following her every move and by now, she is used to it. Hi'i shows an interest in learning hula as he mother and grandmother were important figures in the community for continuing the Hawaiian tradition of Hula; in fact, her mother was Miss Aloha Hula. As she learns Hula and expresses the rich Hawaiian history through its storytelling, it becomes even more obvious to her that she never really felt a part of all this. She has so many questions. What happened when her mother left Hilo and why is there a rift between her mother and her grandmother? As her grandmother pressures Laka to share Hi'i's birth certificate to prove her lineage, more secrets unfold. Hula by Jasmin Iolani Hakes is an important historical novel that not only covers Hawaii's tumultuous history but also captures the heart of its people. 

Hi'i's story is heartwrenching in Hula. I was immediately hooked and was rooting for her from the start. What she went through and the women before her will really tug on your heartstrings. Hula also really highlighted the question of where do I belong. What makes up a family? I think many people, not just Hawaiians, can relate to this question that faces many members of society today. 

What I enjoyed most about Hula was the fact that the story also included a collective voice that highlighted Hawaii's struggles and history. I found this to be very helpful as well as eye-opening. I knew some of it as I have been to Hawaii many times and learned as much as I could while I was there, but this book dives into so much more about how Hawaii was basically stolen and the USA's attempts to make it right were really disappointing. It broke my heart.

While I flipped back and forth between the audio version as well as the e-galley I received for review, I found myself gravitating toward the audiobook of Hula. The narrator, Mapuana Makia, was outstanding. She brought the book to life with her dialect which perfectly captures the Hawaiian people. She tackled Hawaiian words so easily, it made the book much more fluid and felt more authentic to me. I highly recommend the audio version.

If you are looking for a meaningful historical beach read, look no further. Hula is one powerful debut that not only captures the beauty of Hawaii but the struggles of its people, too. Have you read Hula? Is it on your TBR list? Let me know in the comments below.

 

Mini Reviews: More Beach Reads

 

August is here, but it's still beach read season. Keep those pumpkin spice lattes away from me! I'll be reading all things summery till Labor Day Weekend. How about you? 

Today I'm sharing two more beach reads - one that is a new release and another that is an "oldie but goodie" that I'm so glad I brought with me on vacation.

Kismet by Becky Chalsen

Pages: 352

Genre: Adult Fiction

Pub. Date: April 18, 2023

Publisher: Dutton

Source: Publisher for review

My Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "A sun-soaked debut about love, sisterhood, and destiny, set in the glorious beach town of Kismet, Fire Island . . . Can Amy's marriage survive Jo's wedding? For as long as anyone can remember, it has been Amy, Jo, and Ben. Amy and Jo, the inseparable Sharp twins who couldn't be more different; and Ben, Amy's childhood sweetheart turned husband. But as this year's Fourth of July weekend approaches, something feels off. Jo's whirlwind engagement and wedding ceremony now eclipses the twins' long-awaited thirtieth birthday. Recent arguments between Amy and Ben have left their marriage feeling more like make-believe than ever-after. And as the family beach town transforms for Jo's wedding weekend, Amy's trusted trio will be tested by the most unexpected hurdle yet: the arrival of a handsome, mysterious newcomer in a best man suit. One with a strikingly familiar face. A face that Amy had planned to never see again. This holiday weekend, even the strongest SPF won't protect the Sharp twins from all the secrets about to take center stage."

 

 

Amy and Jo are twins and have always been thicker than thieves even when Amy started dating Ben in high school. Ben fit into their world completely and even became good friends with Jo. They have always been close until recently as they are adults now and sometimes things in life can get distracting. Amy and Ben are married now and are attending Jo and Dave's wedding on the 4th of July at their family's beach house on Fire Island. Tensions are high as the family gathers for this event, especially when they notice Dave's family really isn't warming up to Jo's. Plus, Amy and Ben, even if they seem perfect from the outside, are dealing with a lot in their marriage. When Dave's best man, Emmett, arrives this shocks Amy to her core. She has only dated two people: Ben and Emmett. She dated Emmett in college; what is he doing here? With her family....on Fire Island...at her twin's wedding. Cue the drama! The entrance of Emmett sends Amy into an existential crisis about what she wants out of life, especially when dealing with the recent issues in her marriage. What could possibly go wrong with a family wedding with this much drama on the 4th of July? Becky Chalsen's debut, Kismet, is at its heart a delightful beach read, but there are some problems with the storyline that weigh it down.

I loved the setting of Fire Island and the preparations for the wedding; they were two of the best parts of Kismet for me. However, Amy is a bit insufferable and self-absorbed. She goes through some trauma (TW: miscarriage, infidelity), but instead of working through her trauma, she uses it as a reason to behave irrationally and quite badly. This didn't really work for me. Since this was one of the driving forces of the novel, I had a hard time with it. When the story focused on family, forgiveness, and the gorgeous setting of Fire Island, I was sold. So, if you like emotional beach reads that tackle women's issues, this one is for you. 

The Blue Bistro by Elin Hilderbrand

Pub. Date: June 1, 2005

Genre: Adult Fiction

Publisher: St. Martin's

Source: Personal Copy

Other Books By Author: The Five-Star Weekend, Golden Girl,   

The Hotel Nantucket,Winter Street, Winter Stroll,  

28 Summers,  Summer of '69,  Beautiful Day,  

The Island, The Perfect Couple and Winter in Paradise 

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

 

 

Goodreads says, "Adrienne Dealey has spent the past six years working for hotels in exotic resort towns. This summer she has decided to make Nantucket home. Left flat broke by her ex-boyfriend, she is desperate to earn some fast money. When the desirable Thatcher Smith, owner of Nantucket's hottest restaurant, is the only one to offer her a job, she wonders if she can get by with no restaurant experience. Thatcher gives Adrienne a crash course in the business...and they share an instant attraction. But there is a mystery about their situation: what is it about Fiona, the Blue Bistro's chef, that captures Thatcher's attention again and again? And why does such a successful restaurant seem to be in its final season before closing its doors for good? Despite her uncertainty, Adrienne must decide whether to open her heart for the first time, or move on, as she always does. Infused with intimate Nantucket detail and filled with the warmth of passion and the breeze of doubt, The Blue Bistro is perfect summer reading."

 

 

 

 

Adrienne Dealy arrives from Aspen to the gorgeous island of Nantucket looking to start over and find a lucrative job. She has worked in hotels all her life, but once Thatcher Smith, owner of The Blue Bistro, offers her a job as assistant manager, she takes it. After a wardrobe makeover and a few tips from Thatcher, Adrienne is proving to be a valuable asset to The Blue Bistro; after all, it is their last season and they want to go out with a bang. Adrienne gets to know all the staff at the restaurant, their stories, and their background, but it takes time for her to get to know Fiona Kemp, the successful chef of the restaurant and Thatcher's longtime friend. Fiona gives no interviews and mostly hides in the kitchen. But why? She could be a cooking show star if she wanted to. Thatcher and Fiona eat dinner together every night and maintain a very close friendship; one Adrienne can't really wrap her head around. As the summer continues, sparks fly between Thatcher and Adrienne, but Fiona is someone that always seems to be in the way even though Thatcher says they aren't in a romantic relationship. Hilderbrand's mouthwatering descriptions of food, the romance, plus the beautiful setting of Nantucket make The Blue Bistro a beach read that shouldn't be missed.
 
Hilderbrand brings the world of seasonal restaurants to life, unlike any author I've read before. The descriptions of the food and what goes into the day-to-day of running a restaurant are truly captivating. I loved to be lost at The Blue Bistro, whether it was Adrienne's drama or the drama from one of the guests, I was hooked. The mystery surrounding Fiona was done well as it is a tough topic and even though it can be heavy at times, it didn't sink the overall story into sadness. I've heard about The Blue Bistro for years and I am so glad I read it this summer. It's a gem of a beach read and I look forward to it coming to Hulu. *fingers crossed*

 

 

 

Have you read Kismet or The Blue Bistro? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.