romance

I love you, bro — The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

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I’ve been in a bit of a writing slump lately thanks to (imagine me gesturing wildly around) life. I actually read this book over a month ago, but I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it. And with the current U.S. leadership making it abundantly clear that foreigners are not welcome on their soil, this story feels more timely—and more necessary—than ever. I missed the book’s publishing date (Jan. 21), and I’m a little ashamed of that, because I really want this one to find its readers and get the success it deserves. So today, let me tell you about… a romance. Well, a bromance.

Blurb

It’s about time roommates Alejandro and Kenny get married. Or at least, that’s what all their close friends and family think when they announce their engagement. The kicker? The two are faking their whole relationship so Alejandro can get a green card. But if Han was going to marry anyone, it would be his ride or die since second grade.

Han has never been able to put down roots, and the only one who truly breaks through his walls is Kenny. Sweet, sensitive Kenny is newly single, and what better distraction from his soul-sucking relationship than proposing marriage to Han? Kenny can’t think of anything more fun than spending his life with his best friend, even if it’s just for a piece of paper. But as Kenny keeps up the charade, he’s soon struggling to resist their sizzling chemistry.

The line between fact and fiction begins to blur the closer they get to their wedding date. With all eyes on Han and Kenny—including a meddling ex and immigration officers—will these two bros make it down the altar for real?

My Thoughts

I loved this book.

On the surface, The Broposal is a fake-dating, best-friends-to-lovers romcom—sweet, funny, and full of swoony moments. But underneath the swoons and slow-burn chemistry, this book also explores the very real fear and hardship of being undocumented in the U.S.—making it one of the most emotionally resonant romances I’ve read in a long time.

As an immigrant myself—an American who’s never lived in the U.S.—I’m painfully familiar with the bureaucratic nightmares that come with trying to stay legal. I’ve had applications lost, had to rely on family for fees, and even turned down job opportunities because they might jeopardize my status. I’ve been in rooms where people complain about “foreigners getting free handouts” without realizing I’m one of those very people (though, where those handouts are hiding, I’d love to know). And still, I recognize the immense privilege I have—legality, support, and even the invisibility granted by my skin color.

The Broposal put that into perspective. Han is a young undocumented immigrant who’s built a life in the U.S. but lives every day under the weight of fear and restriction. The story doesn’t shy away from the consequences of that reality: the exploitation, the lack of medical access, the quiet terror of being found out. The paradox of wanting, needing to be legal, and not having the resources to do so because you’re not. It’s powerful. It’s real. And it’s a stark reminder that the right to live a life of dignity should not be up for debate.

And yet, against this backdrop, we have the most wholesome, perfect romance between Han and Kenny.

Best friends since second grade, their bond is so warm and full of mutual care that it’s no wonder everyone around them assumes they’re already in love. We all see it! Right away! Their friendship is beautiful on its own, and while I’d love to see more representations of strong, platonic male friendships in fiction, I couldn’t help but cheer when they started to realize what everyone else already knew: they’re soulmates.

The chemistry? Off the charts. The emotional depth? Devastating in the best way. It also features one of the most heartbreaking explicit sex scenes you will ever read, so prepare yourself emotionally.

Another highlight: the book thoughtfully includes the experience of emotional abuse from a female partner—something rarely depicted in romance, especially from a male perspective. Kenny’s past relationship is handled with nuance and care, and it adds even more complexity to his emotional journey.

I listened to the audiobook and highly recommend it. Having two narrators—one for Han and one for Kenny—was such a gift. It’s still way too rare in audiobooks where both POVs are the same gender, and it made these characters feel even more alive.

In short: The Broposal is more than just a romance. It’s a story about identity, safety, love, and the messy beauty of realizing you’ve had everything you needed all along. It’s timely. It’s tender. It’s so worth reading.

If you’re in the U.S. right now and going through this—if you’re undocumented, on a visa, waiting for your paperwork, or living in fear of what might come next—please know: the outside world is watching. Many of us see what’s happening, and we care deeply. You deserve safety, dignity, and the freedom to live without fear. You shouldn’t have to prove your worthiness to exist.

If you’re looking for support, here are some resources that may help:

United We Dream (https://unitedwedream.org) – the largest immigrant youth-led community in the U.S., offering resources, advocacy, and community support.

Immigration Equality (https://immigrationequality.org) – especially for LGBTQ+ immigrants, they offer legal assistance and know-how.

RAICES (https://www.raicestexas.org) – provides legal and social services to immigrants and refugees, particularly in Texas but with national reach.

National Immigration Law Center (https://nilc.org) – a long-standing advocacy group working to defend and advance the rights of low-income immigrants.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. Please reach out to trusted people, advocacy groups, or mental health professionals when you can. And if reading stories like The Broposal helps you feel seen or even just momentarily lighter—you’re not wrong to reach for that, too.

We see you. We care. And we’re not giving up on a more just world.

Thank God and Tom Hanks — Celebrity Crush by Christy Swift

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I promised I’d be back, and for once, I’m on time! I’m so thrilled this week to bring you another exceptional romance novel — one that manages to sneak sci-fi quotes and references into a contemporary story (you know I’m a sucker for that!).

Summary

A romance writer’s wildest dreams—the bestseller list, a movie deal, and a date with the real-life inspiration for her Hollywood hero—are all within her grasp if only she can hold it all together.    

Author Emmy Ellison is a sucker for a page-turning happy ending, but she’s no longer counting on one for herself. If she stays focused on her career goals instead of her love life, she just might find success. And now that her latest novel is about to become a movie, she’s determined to become the latest social media sensation.

When her secret celebrity crush (the real-life inspiration for her romantic hero) accepts the starring role in the big-screen adaptation of her book, she’s determined to team up with a fake dating scheme—now that he’s in need of some good PR of his own. Ideally, she can ride the wave of popularity all the way to the top of the bestseller lists. But when the harsh spotlight of fame exposes the truth, will they try to turn their on-camera chemistry into a real-life relationship?

What happens when your biggest celebrity crush stars in the movie adaptation of your book—and you start catching real feelings?

My Thoughts

Emmy Ellison is living the ultimate author fantasy. Her novel, Hashtag, CelebrityCrush, goes viral after the internet speculates which real-life celebrity inspired her leading man. Cue an even bigger dream come true—her book gets a movie deal, and none other than Jason Harlow, the actual muse behind her fictional Hollywood hero, signs on for the role. Suddenly Emmy’s at fancy Hollywood parties as her book skyrockets to the top of the bestseller list. What could possibly go wrong?

Well… emotions, for starters! When the lines between fiction and reality blur, and Emmy and Jason start falling for each other for real, the pressures of Hollywood, social media, and their own pasts make it nearly impossible to tell what’s genuine and what’s scripted.

The moment this book dropped a Star Trek reference in the first line, I knew I was in for a treat. If you’ve ever been obsessed with a sci-fi series and the leading actors who bring those characters to life (cough David Tennant’s hair cough), then this book is for you. And even if sci-fi isn’t your thing, don’t worry—the references are balanced enough that non-nerds will still absolutely love it. Also, can we talk about Lost Star Dance Troupe Saves the Universe? I need this to be a real show immediately. Imagine Firefly but with a ridiculously attractive cast and dance numbers? Get a producer on the line STAT!

But what makes Celebrity Crush truly shine is how authentic the characters feel. Emmy is more than just a dreamy, starstruck romance writer—she’s a single mom working tirelessly to build the life she and her daughter deserve. Jason, meanwhile, is a single dad trying to make the right choices for his son while navigating the exhausting world of fame. Their chemistry is undeniable, but what really makes their love story hit home is how real it feels. They’re both navigating the pressure of public life, surrounded by people who constantly push them to use each other for their own gain. In a world of PR-driven relationships and social media scrutiny, trusting your heart isn’t easy. Their slow-burn connection—full of longing, hesitation, and genuine tenderness—makes you root for them at every turn. Just two people searching for something authentic in a world built on illusion.

Something I thought was pretty brilliant was the mise en abyme —or to avoid using a French term I can’t properly translate, Celebrity-Crush-Ception. The book is about Emmy’s celebrity crush, who plays the character based on himself in the movie adaptation of her book, #CelebrityCrush. So clever!

Just when you think you know where the story is going, Swift throws in a curveball that completely upends your expectations. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of romantic tension, humor, and jaw-dropping surprises. Every time I thought I had the story figured out, something unexpected happened—and I loved it. The HEA is so satisfying, and I was grinning from ear to ear by the final chapters. While the leaked photo scandal wrapped up a little too quickly for my liking, that’s just a minor nitpick.

Also: I listened to the audiobook, and the dual narration really elevated the story. Having separate narrators for Emmy and Jason brought both perspectives to life, and the snippets of celebrity news, gossip blogs, and interviews were hilariously well done. The over-the-top Hollywood personalities were chef’s kiss perfect.

Celebrity Crush is the kind of book that gives you all the warm, fuzzy, heart-fluttering feelings. It’s fun, clever, and packed with swoon-worthy moments—plus, the fake dating trope is executed so well. The side characters are also fantastic (I need a Val in my life—when will my royalties start rolling in so I can afford a professional stylist?). If you’re looking for a romance that’s equal parts smart, sexy, and full of heart, this is it. And if it’s a little wish-fulfill-y? So what! That’s exactly what I needed. Highly recommended for fans of Hollywood romances and sci-fi-loving heroines who finally get their happily-ever-after.

Pub Date Feb 11 2025

Cursed in Love by Emily Colin — and Sweet Purple Ponies, has it been that long?

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Heya, dear readers. Did you miss me?

I hopped on the blog to write up this review and… when I saw the date of my last post… well, I cringed. Or did a bit more than cringe. Because when it’s been a whole YEAR since I promised a new post, well, I don’t particularly know what to think. Suffice to say that 2024 was a YEAR. 2025 is promising to be one too, but hey, there are some great books coming out, and I’ll try to tell you all about them. Starting this week with Emily Colin’s latest novel, Cursed in Love!

Blurb

Stars Hollow meets Charmed in this darkly funny, small-town paranormal romcom… Love doesn’t get much more forbidden than this.

In the quirky, tight-knit town of Sapphire Springs, beloved for its chocolate-caramel milkshakes and spicy senior citizens’ book club, Rune Whitlock has always felt like an outsider. Gifted with the ability to see the future but cursed to have no one believe her premonitions, she’s accepted that romance isn’t in the cards. She’s got a cozy cottage, a fulfilling graphic design career, a loyal best friend, and Valentine—the sweet rescue kitty who is definitely not her familiar. So what if she’s sometimes lonely?

But everything changes when she meets Donovan Frost. A brilliant, brooding data engineer, Donovan is everything Rune is not: methodical, reserved, logical. He’s also grumpy, judgmental, and 5-chili-peppers hot. Thrown together on a mysterious work project, the two clash spectacularly—until an unexpected connection ignites between them.

Then, Rune’s gift reveals a chilling truth: they are destined for each other, but their love story is doomed to end in tragedy on their wedding day. To protect Donovan, Rune must push him away, even if it breaks her heart. But the harder she tries, the more entangled they become. As dark forces conspire against them and secrets come to light, Rune must unravel the mystery of her curse…before it’s too late.

✨A woman who’s cursed to see the future but never have anyone believe her premonitions falls in love with a man who’s destined to die on their wedding day. ✨

Sweet Purple Ponies! When I picked up Cursed in Love, I was expecting a cozy romcom with a dash of magic, but Emily Colin delivered so much more. While the book is packed with charm, humor, and swoon-worthy romance, it also has serious stakes and emotional depth that completely took me by surprise. Rune’s backstory is tough—there’s real pain and loss behind her quirky exterior—and the content warnings are definitely there for a reason. These moments, however, never detract from the magic of the story. Instead, they make Rune’s journey feel that much more powerful and real. So expect more of a paranormal romance set in a rom-com world.

Rune Whitlock is the kind of protagonist you can’t help but root for: quirky, fiercely independent, and delightfully awkward in all the right ways. But in Sapphire Springs—a town where the gossip blogs are practically Big Brother-level invasive—Rune can’t so much as slip without the whole town knowing. (Honestly, I could never live there. Rune deserves a medal for surviving it!) Her curse, the ability to see the future but never be believed, is fascinating and perfectly integrated into the plot. It shapes her relationships, her choices, and the quiet loneliness that defines so much of her life.

And then there’s Donovan Frost. Let me just say this: if you’ve ever wanted Henry Cavill as a grumpy data engineer with a spreadsheet obsession (turns out, that’s kinda my type), you’re in for a treat. Rune and Donovan’s chemistry practically jumps off the page—it’s that good. Their dynamic is a delightful mix of opposites attracting, with Rune’s messy, magical unpredictability clashing with Donovan’s buttoned-up, logical approach to life. Yet beneath the surface, they share a connection that feels both inevitable and electric. No wonder the town is shipping them so hard! And speaking of the town, I adore the Sinsters (the senior women’s romantasy book club). They might be a little obsessed with social media gossip, but Hot Yoga Grandma makes up for it.

What really sets Cursed in Love apart, though, is how it constantly keeps you guessing. Just when I thought I had the story figured out, Colin threw in a twist that had me gasping out loud. The way all the threads come together at the end? Absolutely brilliant.

As someone who’s loved Emily Colin’s romantasy (The Sword of the Seven Sins trilogy, Fate and Fury), I was curious to see how her signature style would translate to a contemporary setting. Let me tell you—she nailed it. This book has all her trademarks: magical curses, badass female leads, heart-pounding twists, and those beautiful moments of self-discovery. It’s like she took the essence of romantasy and seamlessly wove it into a small-town paranormal romcom. She may just be the queen of forbidden love.

Cursed in Love truly has it all: romance, magic, high stakes, low stakes, and a heartfelt story about a woman learning to come into her own power—all while falling for her grumpy, reluctant coworker. If you’re a fan of Charmed, quirky small towns, or love stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in magic, then you’re going to love this book.

Pub Date Feb 14 2025 from Black Orchid Books

An Island Strange and Wild: The Secret Garden of your deepest dreams

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Hello, dear readers! I’m so excited about today’s review, as this is a book I’ve had the privilege of watching come together over the past few years. Lisa Amowitz has crafted a Secret Garden retelling that speaks to the deepest part of me, weaving science and magic into a beautiful work of art, like slipping into a Monet painting and watching every plant come to life.

Blurb

Devastated by the freak death of her fellow climate activist and best friend/secret crush Tyler, eighteen-year-old science geek Rosalie Gatell decides to ditch her prestigious summer study abroad and escape to the place of his birth, which happens to be an endangered and uncharted island off the coast of Maine.

Once there, Rosalie discovers a shocking truth about her past…and that what troubles this island goes far beyond the laws of nature. Even with a vanishing walled garden, a miraculous healing plant with a mind of its own, an unknown aunt trapped in a tree, nothing confounds Rosalie as much as the enigmatic Liam, a reckless and beautiful island boy with a supernatural green thumb. Rosalie believes she may have found salvation in this island wonderland—and a path to completing Tyler’s climate work.

But as her attraction to Liam grows, she’s confronted by myths and legends about her family’s origins that forces her to reconcile science and magic in order to save the island, and everyone on it, from an ancient evil. To do so, Rosalie will have to rely on her own power, instead of logic or science, if she is to free Liam from his curse while keeping the evil from consuming her and everyone else she’s ever loved.

My Thoughts

I adored this highly atmospheric read! A mesmerizing tale that captures the heart with its atmospheric storytelling and enchanting worldbuilding. Amowitz takes us on a journey with Rosalie, a young woman reeling from personal tragedy, as she discovers the wonders and secrets of an endangered island off the coast of Maine.

The novel is a beautiful homage to “The Secret Garden,” reimagined with a modern twist and an infusion of fantasy elements that breathe life into the story. With it being one of my favorite books as a child (along with the BBC adaptation, which had me searching for secret gates in hedges for years), I was excited for this retelling, and it did not let me down. The author’s worldbuilding is exquisite, both in its complexity and in the beauty of what she’s created: the plants burst off the page, blooming to life and taking root in your mind.

At the heart of this narrative is Rosalie, a young woman grappling with personal loss. Her character is a masterful blend of intelligence, resilience, and vulnerability. As she uncovers the mysteries of her past and the island’s secrets, we see her grow and find her own power. Rosalie’s journey is a compelling exploration of grief, identity, and strength.

The book weaves together elements of romance, magic, and the supernatural, yet it never loses its grip on the real emotional stakes at play. The ethical dilemmas and the struggle between science and magic add layers of depth to the story, making it thought-provoking as well as captivating.

An Island Strange and Wild is a testament to the power of storytelling. It’s a book that doesn’t just tell a story; it takes you on a journey. The blend of enchanting narrative, rich worldbuilding, and complex characters make it a must-read. It’s a book that reminds us why we fall in love with stories in the first place and the transformative power they hold.

Lisa Amowitz has crafted a tale that resonates long after the last page is turned, making An Island Strange and Wild an unforgettable addition to any book lover’s collection.

Expected publication February 20, 2024

Ruined Aesthetic + Awesome Giveaway by M. C. Frank!

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Last week I brought you my review of Ruined, another fantastic book by author M.C. Frank. And today I get to announce more awesome news: the author is having a giveaway, and you can be part of the fun!

February is here, and we have only 4 more nights until Valentine’s Day. Gasp! Do you have a special someone to celebrate the day with you? I’m a really lucky duck: my city of Marseille is the European Capital of Romance this Valentine’s (apparently it’s a thing) so my Valentine’s evening will be full of literal fireworks.

M.C. Frank’s books have beautiful couples. Romance is in the air! Such fantastic couples that I actually decided to give Aesthetic creation a whirl:

B E A T R I C E + D O M I N I C  from  R U I N E D

 

I loved this couple – and this is coming from a girl who doesn’t usually go for romance. Beatrice and Dominic bring out the best in each other, and grow to be better people because of their relationship. Absolutely fantastic romance – especially for lovers of Historical Retellings.

A R I   +   W E S   from   LOSE   ME .

33859529a New Adult novel about an actor and a stunt girl, who film a modern P&P adaptation on a Greek island.

I reviewed this novel some time back, and here were my thoughts about this love story:

There’s just so much to love about the characters. Wes is the perfect book boyfriend (allow me to swoon a little?) once the asshole playboy facade fades away. The perfect gentleman, smart, a book lover (that’s where he gets me!) and handsome to a fault. It makes you feel for him, knowing Ari has no choice but to break his heart. And Ari herself is such a complex girl, her struggles so vivid and honestly quite traumatic.

And then there’s their relationship. I was put off a little at first, with how toxic it seemed at first glance. There’s quite a lot of saving, knights in shining armor, and then squabbling about life-saving (at first). I just couldn’t see a healthy way for Ari and Wes to be together, with all their baggage, secrets, and basically life-debts. But then I realized that was the entire point! And the character growth from that point on? Stunning.

I’m not a romance reader, but this New Adult contemporary really struck a cord. Basically – ALL THE FEELS.  I haven’t even gotten to talking about the amazing supporting characters and the subplots. And while the story isn’t a direct retelling of Pride and prejudice, it’s definitely something fans of Austen will adore.

Sublime. Read at your own risk, your heart will probably break.

A S T R A + F E L I X  from NO  ORDINARY  STAR

a scifi series of 3 books, set in an icy-cold world where books, Christmas, clocks and kisses are forbidden.

This is by far my favorite couple from M.C. Frank’s body of work. No Ordinary Star is Scifi, so readers of this blog will probably throw their hands up in the air and go ‘well, that explains it.’ I’m nothing if not predictable when it comes to Scifi.

From my review of NO VAIN LOSS, the last book of the series: The No Ordinary Star series has to be one of the most perfect series I have ever read, because it gave me everything I wanted out of my reading time. Character to adore, to root for, to ship, to watch grow. A plot that never felt contrived, always unpredictable and that makes you want more. And a lyrical style full of love for the human race.

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Alright, enough about me rambling. I promised a giveaway, now, didn’t I? CLICK HERE to visit M.C. Frank’s blog and see all the ways you can win! There’s $15 from book depository for the winner, and there may be more than just one.

Happy Valentine’s day to all the lovers out there – you book lovers especially! Go on a date night with your favorite book. Curl up in bed together. Now that’s a Valentine’s day that will make your heart flutter.

P.S. Did you know M.C. Frank has created a resource for authors and reviewers to find each other? It’s called the Book Robin Hoods and I love it! I’ve been involved as an author and have met fantastic bloggers through the site. Check it out if you want to be a part of the fun!

Paintbrush

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By Hannah Bucchin

Some days things just end up falling into place, and you wonder if the universe is messing with you, because coincidences like this just don’t happen. For example, when you’re on a truffle tour in the south of France with your family, and on that same tour group of a dozen people, there’s another YA author, who’s part of the same groups as you are online. The fact that she’s awesome just happens to be bonus (thanks universe!) so the second I got home I ordered her book on Prime, and couldn’t wait to read it. Another reason to thank the universe? The book, author Hannah Buccin’s Debut novel, Paintbrush, is charming and adorable, and everything I needed right now. And I think you might need it too.

Summary

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Mitchell Morrison and Josie Sedgwick have spent their whole lives at the Indian Paintbrush Community Village, a commune full of colorful characters tucked in the mountains of North Carolina, and they aren’t particularly close–at least, not anymore. Josie wishes she could spend all of her time at Paintbrush planting tomatoes, hiking the trails, or throwing giant communal birthday parties, while Mitchell can’t wait to escape the bizarre spiritual sharing and noisy community dinners. Luckily for both of them, high school graduation is just around the corner.

But when Mitchell’s mother makes a scandalous announcement that rocks the close-knit Paintbrush community, and Josie’s younger sister starts to make some dangerously bad decisions, the two find themselves leaning on each other for support – and looking at each other in a whole new light. Their childhood friendship blossoms into something more as they deal with their insane families, but as graduation approaches, so does life in the real world, forcing Josie and Mitchell to figure out what, exactly, their relationship is – and if it can survive their very different plans for the future. 

Musings

Welcome to the Indian Paintbrush Community Village for Sustainable Living: a beautiful commune filled with colorful characters. Among them, two teens on the cusp of adulthood. One, Josie, is nature loving, loves the Paintbrush community, dresses in long skirts and wears a braid. The other, Mitchell, could be the polar opposite: he just wants to fit into his high school, he’s on the swim team, popular, and doesn’t want anything to do with these ‘hippies’.

Life on the commune is peaceful, until one day when Mitchell’s mother does something earth shattering and changes his world forever.

The book deals with the questions that every teen struggles with as they reach adulthood: what is your place in the world? How do you choose your path for your future? Is it better to blend in, or stay true to who you are? How do you forgive the unforgivable – and so on. And it’s handled oh-so beautifully.

While the plot focuses on the growing and evolving relationships between Mitchell and Josie – who have more in common than they expect – it’s also using their two points of views to examine these questions. It’s a story of first love, and coming of age. Setting it on a commune frames this exploration in just a warm and loving embrace that you constantly feel hugged while reading the book. The supporting characters are just that: so supportive. In the best possible way.

If you’re looking for a YA contemporary that will leave you with a smile and a warm feeling in your heart. then you’re going to love Paintbrush. It’s a sweet and beautiful book that deserves a place on your bookshelf.

Caught on Camera

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by Madelle Morgan
Reviewed by SA

Let me start off this review by saying I don’t usually read romance – heck, it’s a genre I rarely ever connect with. But when the author sent me a copy of her book, I though it might be high time to give it a chance. And I was right: Caught on Camera was such a blast, and I enjoyed every minute of it! Did I mention it has a playlist?

Summary31945536

To achieve her dream of working on Hollywood film sets, star struck chambermaid Rachel Lehmann needs $35,000 for film school tuition by the end of the summer. When she’s asked to fill in for a missing bridesmaid at a movie star’s wedding and pretend to be the bride’s cousin, it’s her big chance to secretly take photos of celebrities and sell them to the entertainment media! Then Mickey, one of the groomsmen, sweeps her off her feet.

Mickey McNichol, talent agent to the stars, believes everyone in show business is out for what they can get. When he falls hard for the bride’s “cousin”, he thinks he’s finally met a beautiful woman he can trust. But if Rachel betrays the wedding party, Mickey will ensure she never works in Hollywood.

Musings

Rachel needs a whole lot of money if she’s ever going to get into her first choice film school in LA – a problem that’s so wholly relatable to other New Adults like this reader right here. I remember looking up how much money I could make selling my kidney. Rachel’s smarter though – she gets a job working the summer at a hotel in Muskoka, sneaking snaps of celebrities she hopes she can sell to reach her financial goal.

But when a bridesmaid fails to turn up at the huge, star studded wedding that had rented out the hotel for the weekend, the bride needs Rachel to go from maid to bridesmaid in a flash. This gives Rachel a fantastic opportunity to sneak pictures of the event. What she didn’t count on was love at first sight. When she meets Mickey, there’s an instant attraction – but what if he learns her secret?

Sure, there are a whole lot of clichés and tropes in this novel… but it’s a Rom Com! And it will have you laughing out loud, let me tell you. You have a bridezilla with a temper; a tiny, very needy dog; a comedy of errors as Rachel’s luck flip flops all over the place. And, of course, you have the couple you want to root for so much you could burst.

I think what holds me back when I read romance is the suspension of disbelief. A lot of things happen by ‘coincidence’ which are a little too convoluted. And we have a lot of coincidences in this novel that made my eyes roll… until I started to really get into it and want Rachel and Mickey to end up together. After the climax of the novel, as we push for resolution, I found myself thinking of how perfect this ending was, how much I wanted every second. I realized that the author had fully managed to reel me in, despite my annoyances with Rom Coms! I closed the book thinking how brilliant of a movie this would be, with butterflies in my stomach and a craving for chocolate.

So. Fantastically. Sweet!

I think what sold me was Rachel. She’s so relatable and fun! I love her ethical dilemma, I love the classic makeover scene, I love watching her fall for Mickey. She’s a perfect stand in for the reader.

Oh, and did I mention this novel comes with its own soundtrack? You listen to the playlist at key moments and are sucked right in! So unique! The playlist itself is perfect even without the book, great songs to listen to on repeat.

So while I’m not a big fan of the genre, I’m still a huge fan of this book. Perfect feel-good weekend read!

Pick up your copy right here!

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American Goth

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by Cyn Mackley 
Reviewed by SA

I’ve been excited to read this book for ages. I fell in love with the cover, and the idea of a good mystery in farmland with a goth protagonist was too sweet to just walk by. I have to say, I devoured this novel so quickly:it was everything I wanted to read. It was perfect!

Summary31012513

When her grandfather dies mysteriously, New York City artist and goth chick Trinity Goode heads back to her small Ohio hometown to take over the farm and figure out what really happened to the man who always accepted her just as she was. Trinity’s ready to lace up her Doc Marten boots to be a church lady and bake pies for the county fair, but is her hometown ready to welcome her back?

With some help from her old friend Deputy Bobby Grace, she tries to solve the mystery of her Grandfather’s death and track down just who has been hell-bent on ruining her reputation. What she finds out could get her killed.

You can take the girl out of the country, put red streaks in her hair, and dress her all in black, but you can’t take the country out of the girl. Pitchfork in hand, this American Goth is ready to find a killer, save the farm, win a blue ribbon for jam, and just maybe snag herself a good ole country boy.

If I were to summarize this book in one word, it would be delightful. All that comes from Trin: Trinity is a remarkable woman and one I’m dying to know in person. She’s smart, she’s creative, and so wholly relatable that for a while I really thought she would walk off the page. And I really wished she would: I would die for some of her cookies.

Her character is just so complex. You can’t boil her down to just one personality point: yes, she’s a goth, but she’s also a good catholic girl, she loves her family, and she’s an artist with so many different mediums. It’s not every day your strong female character is a brilliant quilter too, now is it? Heck yes, we need more crafter protagonists.

I had assumed the mystery would take up more of the plot, but really the story revolved around the growing relationship between Trin and Bobby, the local deputy. Their chemistry is palpable, and their relationship is just so healthy I couldn’t be happier for them to have found each other. Watching them support each other, especially when some harsh secrets are revealed, reminds you that sometimes a good love story is about more than just the infatuation.  So if you’re a fan of romance, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this true love story.

The mystery itself is a slow cooker with a remarkably rich ending. I never saw it coming! A huge twist near the end totally changed my deductions before yet another twist changed them again. Serves me right for jumping to conclusions! The author peppered the story with enough clues that could lead you to finding the solution yourself, while still making the reveal shocking and incredibly exciting.

The ending was just perfect, and I absolutely need more. I loved this novel. Grab yourself a copy of American Goth, a hot mug of cocoa, and enjoy!

Fair warning: all the talk of baking seriously made me miss owning an oven. I can’t tell you how many store bought cookies I needed to get me through this book!  It had my stomach growling!

My Best Everything

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by Sarah Tomp

Reviewed by SA

Romance and moonshine make for a good novel. Sweet, smart, and positively gripping, I would describe My Best Everything as a teenage Breaking Bad, and it is just as addicting. It is also possibly the most believable YA romance I had read in… well, quite possibly ever.

Summary (From Goodreads)

Luisa “Lulu” Mendez has just finished her final year of high school in a small Virginia town, determined to move on and leave her job at the local junkyard behind. So when her father loses her college tuition money, Lulu needs a new ticket out.

Desperate for funds, she cooks up the (definitely illegal) plan to make and sell moonshine with her friends, Roni and Bucky. Quickly realizing they’re out of their depth, Lulu turns to Mason: a local boy who’s always seemed like a dead end. As Mason guides Lulu through the secret world of moonshine, it looks like her plan might actually work. But can she leave town before she loses everything – including her heart?

The summer walks the line between toxic and intoxicating. My Best Everything is Lulu’s letter to Mason – though is it an apology, a good-bye, or a love letter?

While primarily a romance, what I feel sets this novel apart is the fact that Lulu doesn’t make Mason her primary focus in life. Mason is not the usually ‘dreamy brooding teenager’ that you usually find in YA: he’s older than she is, a high school dropout, and struggling with alcoholism. She doesn’t drop everything when she meets him, her life doesn’t radically change: no, her relationship with Mason is something that grows naturally, and you feel the chemistry between them; it does not seem forced or unhealthy. The novel manages to be a romantic, without being a romance novel, making Mason important to Lulu’s growth.

And yet, this romance is not what defines Lulu: Lulu defines Lulu. There is just something fantastically appealing about driven characters. When I first picked up this book, I immediately felt Lulu’s drive, her determination to reach her goal, and it made her just so reachable. Lulu is a smart young woman, and this is her coming of age story, her experience with alcohol, men, and money. She was entirely relatable  – for me, a whole lot more than I would like to admit – and everything she did was with one goal in mind: raise the money for university.

The story itself is a letter to Mason, so he is always addressed in the second person, always referred to as “you,” “you did this” “you did that”. The letter format made the entire novel seem more honest and intimate, which only added to the list of reasons I could not put it down. It was an entirely realistic look into their lives, and I was hooked.

Not to forget the moonshine. Moonshine! Lulu’s adventures in distillery are fascinating to follow. Her friends too have an interesting dynamic, both with her and each other. Their problems are just as real as Lulu’s, and the reader is drawn into their lives as well. They break the stereotypes of small town, southern Americans. Though they do enjoy the occasional potato chips in ice cream.

I loved this book. I felt an instant connection to Lulu; I loved the moonshine; and I respected her relationships. It is a novel about love, betrayal, ambition, and the tough choices. Come for the moonshine, stay for the character development; you will be intoxicated.