Tag Archives: husband material

Tis the Season! Fall Is Almost Here and So Are Your Next 9 Book Obsessions

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by

And just like that, summer has come and gone in the blink of an eye — as September shuffles in. While the new month ushers in sweater weather, the PSL season and more quintessentially autumnal activities, it also means a whole new season of book releases. So you know what that means: Miranda’s Book Nook is back to share a handful of fall 2022 book titles that I’ve been devouring of late that should be on your radar. Happy reading, y’all!

Husband Material by Alexis Hall

The highly anticipated sequel to Boyfriend Material is *finally* *finally* here, and let me tell you, it completely lives up to the hype of book one and asks “what happens after the HEA in the final chapter?” Luc and Oliver are just as adorable as ever, as this novel proves to be one for the fans of Boyfriend Material 1 million percent.

This follow-up is set two years after the conclusion of Boyfriend Material and Luc finds himself under enormous pressure to propose to Luc after four weddings, a funeral; and a rainbow balloon arch.

True to the author’s style, Husband Material is well-written, dividing up Luc and Oliver’s next chapter in a series of milestone moments ala Four Weddings and a Funeral-esque story. That in itself is an interesting premise and juxtaposition: to see commitment-phobic Luc set in the background of so many happy wedding days. It reads quite quickly with banter that I’ve gotten so into this one and barely wanted to put the book done. And by the end, it’s a perfect reminder that love is love though doesn’t always look or manifest the same.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

A Hundred Other Girls  by Iman Hariri-Kia

With comps including Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type, I already was primed to like this book because that’s my world but the actual content completely took me by surprise, which I think is what I liked it so much.
Here, Noora is an aspiring who lands her *dream* job as an executive assistant to the legendary editor-in-chief of a fashion and culture magazine that she grew up reading. Which, like, story of my life! What she thinks is the perfect foot-in-the-door turns out to be a complete nightmare because her boss, Loretta, is an unhinged nightmare. As Noora balances a hectic work life amid raging print vs. digital clashes, there’s also a misguided crush on I.T. guy Cal. (Side note: Why do men, nay boys, have to have such audacity??)
It’s told in such a rich, compelling first-person narrative that feels like the main character Noora is talking in real life. For a story I know all too well, Iman Hariri-Kia adds a brand-new lens and perspective that I have seldom seen in the industry that feels so natural and authentic. This novel is legitimately straight-up funny in parts, just like the real world in others of a zillennial New Yorker living her professional dream. I came to this book because it’s a tale I know so well and I’m leaving intrigued to find out what this author will write next.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas

A slow-burn, forced proximity, only-one-bed romance set in the same universe as The Spanish Love Deception that’s equally fun, indulgent and enjoyable. Fresh off of Lina and Aaron’s HEA, Elena Armas is back to tell Lina’s best friend Rosie’s story — with Lina’s cousin, Lucas, as the one stealing her heart.

Here, Rosie has since quit her high-paying engineering gig to pursue her secret life as a romance novelist. Except now, she’s got a serious case of writer’s block and a major deadline on the horizon. Plus, her apartment ceiling caves in and she needs a place to go. Lina, who is away on her honeymoon to Aaron (!!!), had given Rosie her spare key, so she heads there. However, unbeknownst to Rosie, Lina had allowed her cousin Lucas to stay at her place while he’s in town. As one can expect, hijinks ensue as these two share a studio apartment in Brooklyn … andddd Lucas somehow agrees to help fake-date Rosie so she’ll have some book inspiration.

This read was told in compelling first points of view that had me so enthralled to keep reading both sides. It was so fun, cute, and frothy with plenty of banter from the very first chapter. While, of course, there are teeny nods to Lina and Aaron, this is really Rosie and Lucas’ independent story. And honestly? I think I dug this one a tad more than Armas’ debut novel; it delivered on everything I love in a romance! Plus that ending, oh, it made my heart just SOAR!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

At a first glance, I already knew A Merry Little Meet Cute was my type of book because Julie Murphy is an auto-buy author for me, plus it’s got a holiday rom-com setting and it’s a former boy bander finds love story, so SIGN. ME. UP!

Here, Bee Hobbes is a well-known plus-size adult film star. While her two moms are accepting of her career, she’s hoping to branch out as an actress. When her favorite producer Teddy hires her to headline his squeaky-clean Hallmark-type Christmas movie, they decide to keep her profession and stage name under wraps. Bee arrives in Christmas Notch, Vermont, to film and is shocked to learn that her costar is the one-and-only Nolan Shaw, the former boy band star she used to crush on as a teenager. Nolan, for his part, needs to rehab his image after the band split and he got into a series of tabloid pickles, shall we say.  While he promised to deliver a good clean movie, he’s equally shocked that his favorite adult entertainment creator is his costar. We’ve got a secret romance trope, so much holiday romance goodness and so much more.

Told in dual perspectives, it is full of compelling language that is so intriguing that makes for such a fun Hallmark-esque holiday romantic comedy. The spice content is a lot higher than Murphy’s YA past as it is an adult romance read, so fair warning. It’s fun, indulgent and enjoyable. Plus, a sex-positive and body-positive rom-com? What more could you want in a modern romance?

Rating: Four Stars

Available: September 20, 2022

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

Jasmine Guillory has become an auto-buy romance author for me, and I was beyond excited to learn that she was writing another novel (whether set in her existing book universe or not), which Drunk on Love ended up fully matching my expectations. It’s told in such a relatable first-person point of view, back and forth between eventual love interests Margot and Luke, that fully drew me into its compelling prose.

In this novel, Margot Noble is the CEO of a family-owned vineyard and winery in Napa Valley, who’s in desperate need of some stress release. After making small talk in a local bar, she meets the sexy and charming Luke Williams, with who she quickly has undeniable chemistry. After an unforgettable night (and morning), they quickly discover that Margot’s brother has hired Luke to work in their winery’s tasting room for the season. Plus, considering Margot’s level of professionalism, she’s hesitant to pursue anything but that doesn’t stop her thoughts from wandering…

While, yes, Drunk on Love does exist in Guillory’s preexisting literary universe (!!!), it does feel like a standalone entity with a teensy cameo from a few beloved, post-HEA favorites. Margot and Luke’s story is very distinctly their own and exists on its own instead of being a sequel or so-and-so’s sibling, which I enjoyed. Though the callout to the Guillory MCs past was super fun and cute as an aside that doesn’t take away from Margot and Luke’s moment in the spotlight.

All in all, it’s just fun, cute and so enjoyable, which made it even easier to get sucked into this one. Plus, that epilogue, GAH! Seriously, Drunk on Love was so cute and sweet and I just wanted, like, 10 more pages of that HEA bliss!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: September 20, 2022

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

As a reader who fell in love with Sarah Hogle’s You Deserve Each Other novel the first second I began reading the initial pages of my ARC, she fast become an auto-read author for me, and Just Like Magic does not disappoint! It’s a holiday romantic comedy but fully imbibed with quirky magic throughout.

Here, Bettie is an heiress and influencer who’s lost all her money and status and is searching for a way to hide her financial struggles from her family over Christmas. After she ends up housesitting at a stranger’s Colorado cabin, she plays a Christmas song backward on vinyl and accidentally conjures Hall the Holiday Spirit. Hall arrives in the form of a charming, optimistic, merry, and quirky man whose goal is to teach her how to lift her holiday cheer. She invites him to join her family for Christmas, where he can pose as her [fake] fiancé.

Hogle, much like in her previous books, is not one to dawdle on backstory and jumps right into the action which I like. This magical romance is, like, seriously the ultimate grumpy-sunshine story and I loved it with my whole heart. It’s different from her previous novels but still so intriguing as a reader. It’s a quick read that I barely wanted to put down and will definitely make the perfect addition to your holiday reading list. All in all, it’s an interesting, oddball, bonkers story that weirdly works and ends up being so much fun for such a lovable holiday vibe.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 4, 2022

All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox

After devouring Maggie Knox’s The Holiday Swap, I was automatically intrigued by what their latest novel would be about. I was very pleasantly surprised to learn it’d be about two enemy musician/reality TV contestants forced to fake date and set around the holly jolly holidays.

Here, Sadie and Max are rival budding country musicians both competing on a hit reality TV competition, which culminates in a big holiday-themed finale. After the pair, who are both desperate to win and get their big Nashville break, team up during the show’s duet week, fans clock their instantaneous and inimitable chemistry on the stage. Hoping to capitalize on the “Saxie” buzz, the show execs enlist Sadie and Max to team up for the remainder of the competition *and* pretend to be in a romantic relationship too. The only problem? These two do not get along.

Told from dual points of view across multiple timelines during the holiday season, this book features cute and compelling language that just drew me in and read quite quickly. All in all, it’s light and fun and indulgent to create a truly sweet holiday romantic comedy.

Trigger Warning: Assault

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 4, 2022

Built to Last by Erin Hahn

While this book had a lot of exposition and background to sift it into, it eventually became a completely adorable and sweet romance novel. Much like the author’s previous YA novels I’ve read, this book was full of compelling language that drew me in and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling so wide.
Built to Last is a second-chance romance between two former child stars who’ve moved on from their lives in the spotlight. Shelby, once a party girl, has turned over a new leaf as a home restorer back in Michigan following her tumultuous relationship/split/meltdown with fellow tween star Lyle. (My HGTV-obsessed heart is soaring!) Lyle returns into her life as the EP of a home renovation pilot that she’d star in. The catch? Her costar would be Cameron, the third member of the childhood crew and her self-proclaimed “the one who got away.”
It’s a positively, adorably, heartstoppingly, sickenly sweet romance, like, I mean. By the end, it was a completely fun read that further solidified Erin Hahn as an auto-buy author for me. It was literally so flipping adorable. And, can confirm, that Cameron is one great book BF, like seriously, I’m swooning. (Literally, he’s the quintessential good guy who’s so mad for Shelby that he’d do anything.) Also, OMG that ~little~ connection to her Must Be Mine YA novel, IYKYK.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 18, 2022

A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

The next Bromance Book Club book is finally here, and it’s Colton’s story and a holiday romantic comedy, like, did Lyssa Kay Adams read my diary? This book had such witty and funny banter and starred the same lovable dorks of the Bromance Book Club, IYKYK. (And yes, if you peeped my bookstagram account, this was the book I read pre-Harry Styles concert.)

Here, it’s country superstar Colton Wheeler’s time to step into the spotlight (pun intended) as he falls for notorious holiday Scrooge/grump Gretchen Winthrop, an heiress turned immigration lawyer. Despite a magical night together, one year later Gretchen’s moved on — until her family needs her to get Colton to be their spokesman for the brood’s famed whiskey brand. If she can broker the deal, a seat on their foundation board is all hers. The catch? Colton wants a date (or three) before Christmas before he’ll seriously consider the offer. With the BBC in his corner (all reading a holiday romance, naturally), Colton is determined to prove their one-time spark is still there and burning brighter than ever.

Adams writes with such compelling language that has me *dying* to keep reading. Told in dual perspectives, this has shaped up to be a super-cute holiday rom-com with a grump/sunshine twist. It’s so much fun with so much banter, and I dug it SO FREAKING MUCH. Like, I seriously did not want to stop reading or the book to end.

This book has second-chance, grumpy/sunshine, holiday, famous person and average person tropes, which is everything, so yes please!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: November 1, 2022

Advance reader copies of the books listed were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

6 New Books I Can’t Put Down

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by

It’s no secret that I’m a big reader. I could read all day, all night, and just about any time in between. And this summer, I’ve been reading a lot. So settle back into Miranda’s Book Nook for another week of Book Club where we can chat about my new favorite reads. And soon, you’ll be just as obsessed as I am.

No Judgments by Meg Cabot

What self-respecting tween girl wasn’t obsessed with Meg Cabot’s stories growing up? Then, growing up and finding her adult novels, only to discover her knack for writing and telling captivating reads has remained. With No Judgments, she tells the story of a sweet yet charming romance in the middle of a hurricane while attempting to rescue local pets.

The novel takes readers to Little Bridge Island, Florida as a massive hurricane is about to touch down. New girl in town Bree isn’t quite worried after just escaping the storm of a bad breakup, but the animal lover is concerned about the pets separated from their evacuated owners and makes it her mission to take care of these critters. But she can’t do that alone, and her boss’s heartbreaker of a nephew Drew is enlisted to help her. Of course, feelings start developing as they grow closer.

It’s more than just a romance as we explore the complexities of two souls in Drew and Bree as they come together over their similarities. Fans of Meg Cabot and animal lovers are sure to enjoy this cutesy read. Very enjoyable, but give me a Cabot novel that isn’t??

Available: September 24, 2019

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Very easy to get hooked on this lovable, romantic beach read! There is plenty of sweeping romance expected of the genre, which is why I was initially intrigued. However, as soon as I flipped to page one: I was hooked on the author’s descriptive writing and portrayals of her characters. Hibbert brings Chloe Brown (and a dreamboat in artsy, protective Red) to life as two strong individuals with even stronger (and fiery) chemistry as their relationship develops and blossoms into something beautiful, emotional, and even quite steamy in this realistic, contemporary novel.
What this book gets right is its oh-so-important representation. Many times, readers often see the same types of protagonists and it’s refreshingly honest to see a book focus on a character that is more reminiscent of reality in Chloe Brown. Brown as a body-positive POC, who is living with a disability (without letting any of that faze her) is exactly the type of representation we need in books more to accurately reflect the people we are. I absolutely adored this book and definitely plan to re-read. So darn cute.
Available: November 5, 2019

Reputation by Sara Shepard

Obviously, any self-respecting millennial has heard of (and obsessed over!) Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars series for YA readers. So, as an adult, her new literary works are must-reads. First, I was pulled into The Heiresses, and so, I was instantly intrigued by the premise of this new book.
When Aldrich University is rocked by a hacker leak, it exposes some deep university scandals and rumors amongst faculty, alumni, and students. Only amplified by the murder of Kit Manning’s husband Dr. Greg Strasser. The thriller follows Kit, her reporter sister Willow, as they aim to uncover the truth about Greg’s death. The novel is told from multiple points of view, exposing a collection of women’s secrets in this small college town as they try to best protect their fragile reputations.
The read is compelling, the characters are honest and have depth, and the story is full of twists and turns along the way. You can’t put it down, you’ll be waiting with bated breath until you reach the final page to discovery the truths of the mystery as it unfolds.

Available: December 3, 2019

Husband Material by Emily Belden

I first read Hot Mess a few years back and fell in love with the easy storytelling, can’t-put-down vibe, and obviously plenty of romance. Upon hearing Belden had a new book, I was instantly sold. Fast forward to reading Husband Material and I couldn’t put it down.
The novel follows widow Charlotte moving forward with her life five years after the horrifying day when she lost her husband so young. Everything seems to be on track until her late hubby’s ashes suddenly appears on her  doorstep. She balances her new life, old feelings, a demanding mother-in-law, a new romance, and a surprising secret in this enchanting read.
It’s a quick read full of twists, turns, and of course, sweeping romance. (I mean, the story of how Charlotte got her pup Leno just wrecked me!) It’s so sweet and easy to get lost in. I want a Decker or a Brian, or, OK fine, I’ll just read it again. I couldn’t put it down, obsessed.
Available: December 20, 2019

The Grace Kelly Dress by Brenda Janowitz

I couldn’t put it down! It’s a heartwarming multigenerational tale of three vastly different, independent women all tied together around one Grace Kelly-inspired wedding gown.

The novel is told from three perspectives of women in relation to one Kelly-inspired wedding dress: modern bride Rocky, her mother Joan, and Parisian seamstress Rose. While each woman has her own idea of love and wedding dress styles, this fast-paced story brings them together with the power of family. It’s sweet, uplifting, and enjoyable.

Available: March 3, 2020

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

It starts off like an anti-love story that’s gone far from the early swoonworthy days into a battle of who will outlast the other in the relationship, but with time and book pages, they slowly warm to each other again as accomplices, BFFs, and lovers to become even stronger.
Naomi Westfield has a perfect life, including a Prince Charming-esque fiancé in Nicholas Rose. While prepping for their glam society wedding months away, it is revealed this perfect couple are sick of each other, and in fact, Naomi can’t even remember how they met or even fell in love to begin with! To avoid calling off the wedding and thus paying for the extravagant affair, the duo go head-to-head to see who break first. But without any pressure to be perfect, they start to rediscover themselves and their buried feelings of love.
It’s not a romance where you expect the lead couple to be together without any problems, but Nicholas and Naomi have to work for love and to open up, discovering who they are as individuals in the process. By the time they reclaim their love, it feels earned and justified. It’s well-written and intriguing and had me hanging onto every last word. One of my new favorites, that’s for sure. You guys, I literally started this book waiting in the airport for my flight to board and couldn’t get off the plane until I reached the very last page. Five stars from me for this debut novel. Seriously, it has everything I want in a women’s fiction/contemporary romance story.

Available: April 7, 2020

Advance reader copies of each book were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.