Tag Archives: new book recommendations

Fall Is Here and These 15 New Books Are Worth Obsessing Over

Posted in Just for Fun, Miranda's Book Nook by

It’s officially fall and what would the season change be without a new addition of Miranda’s Book Nook? True to fashion, I’ve compiled a (TBH, lengthy) list of the latest books that I haven’t been able to get out of my head. Oh, and yes, there are some very highly-rated reads (hello, five-star alert!) on here. So, settle in and keep reading for a selection of new fall 2023 book releases that I can’t get enough of and should be on your radar this upcoming year. As always, happy reading!

Reign (American Royals IV) by Katharine McGee

I was so beyond excited and grateful for this ARC because this American Royals series has been EVERYTHING to me, and so, to say I was thrilled to learn how it all ends is an understatement. Reign features as compelling of language as ever, and it’s truly perfect for fans of the existing series yearning for more of the same ladies’ (Beatrice, Sam, Nina and Daphne, respectively) alternating perspectives.

Beatrice, for her part, remains in a coma after her Rivals car accident, which means that Jeff will be acting monarch since Sam ran off to Hawaii with boyfriend Marshall. For Daphne, it’s a dream come true since she is one step closer to being a princess since she just got Jeff to take her back. Will Beatrice recover and will she remember everything? Will Samantha return and will duty threaten her HEA? Is Jefferson still in love with Nina despite his rekindled romance with Daphne? Is Daphne really getting everything she wants? Can love save the throne or will everyone’s secrets destroy the monarchy for good?

Reign is so much fun and literally the perfect way to wrap up the series as we get even more insight into the protagonists’ inner psyches as they grow up. It’s such a sweeping conclusion to a beloved series and I truly loved watching the foursome’s growth as individuals. For Beatrice, I loved *finally* getting Connor closure (because he + Bea were my OTP for the past three books) and getting to a point of understanding her relationship with Teddy. For Samantha, I really enjoyed watching her find her place outside of the monarchy. Daphne was the toughest for me to like but here, I could understand her more and yassss that epilogue, I loved where she ended up. And then Nina, oh, I seriously loved her princely love triangle, like seriously, GET IT GIRL, but yet her own desires were still the No. 1 priority. Quite simply, I loved this one and am already counting down the days before I can re-read it.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: Now

The Love Plot by Samantha Young

I swear, every Samantha Young novel just keeps getting better and better to me. No joke. The Love Plot brings together so many good tropes from fake dating, will-they-won’t-they, opposites attract and grumpy/sunshine. What more could a romance reader want?
The Love Plot follows Star Shine (yes, that’s her real name), who was raised to prioritize her freedom and happiness over all else thanks to her hippie parents, oh and to disengage from commitment and monogamy. Star is working as a costumed character for a precocious UWS 8-year-old’s birthday party when she crosses paths with grumpy veterinarian Rafferty “Rafe.” Rafe, for his part, is trying to get through his niece’s birthday party without his overbearing family attempting to set him up, plus something really irks him about the Merida-dressed woman with a terrible faux Scottish accent. After Rafe runs into Star multiple times at the party, he has an idea: hire her — with an offer she can’t refuse — to be his fake girlfriend at all family functions. It’s just business and they are so different, so  ertainly there won’t be any complications?
True to Young’s style, The Love Plot is chock full of compelling language that draws me in and makes this read unputdownable. It’s fun and quirky, and I just loved everything about the character progression/journey and story so much.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot

No one writes quite like Meg Cabot and Enchanted to Meet You further proves that tenfold. Like, all I needed to know was a new Meg Cabot adult rom-com, a witchy romance and a plus-size main character, and like, I was SOLD. Told in back-and-forth points-of-views, Enchanted to Meet You gives first-person accounts of witches Jessica and Derrick as they team up to save her Connecticut town from supernatural demons.
In Enchanted to Meet You, Jessica once cast a lovestruck spell on her crush and, after it went awry, she was banned from the World Council of Witches. So, Jessica packed up her spellbooks and decided to focus on the real world, which included opening her own fashion boutique in town. Imagine her surprise 15 years later when witch Derrick shows up and proclaims that she is the Chosen One to save West Harbor. Jessica soon finds that Derrick is watching her very closely, so they start to bond — but he’s hiding a very crucial piece of the puzzle.
The writing is so compelling, which is just *chef’s kiss* and keeps me very interested in the story. The characters (not just Derrick and Jess, although, they do) have such a quippy banter with each other, that has me screaming. The story combines the supernatural mystery (that I was dying to uncover, TBH) with a truly delicious fake dating trope. Honestly, I’m not a big spooky book gal but I really enjoyed this one because there’s, like, an element of realism too.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: Now

The Name Drop by Susan Lee

Told in dual points of view, The Name Drop was a delightful coming-of-age YA read that I could hardly put down.
In Lee’s debut novel, we follow two interns at NYC’s Hanuel Corporation who couldn’t be more opposite. Elijah is the golden boy heir, poised to one day become the CEO like his dad and grandfather, who is expected to work as an “executive trainee” for the summer and stay in a luxurious Upper East Side brownstone. However, he doesn’t want any of it. Then, there’s Jessica who is eager to make the most of her internship. On day one, everyone mistakenly assumes Jessica is the VIP intern and Elijah is an ordinary intern … because they both have the same Korean name and she arrived first. After discovering the truth, Jessica and Elijah agree to keep up with the charade so her resume is in top form and he gets a chill summer away from parental pressure. They must work together to keep their stories straight, but the *sparks* prove difficult to ignore.
It’s like a mix of Freaky Friday and the Olsen twins’ It Takes Two set in the world of modern-day summer internships, and I really dug this one. It’s fun with such a unique story that made it so freaking easy to get sucked into Elijah and Jessica’s tale and eventual romance.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Wreck the Halls by Tessa Bailey

No one quite does romance novels like Tessa Bailey, plus what could be better than two children of former rockstars scheming to reunite their feuding, diva mothers in time for the holidays? It truly is like a holiday version of The Parent Trap, which makes it so gosh darn fun!

Melody and Beat (yes, their given names) grew up on opposite coasts with opposite personalities, but had one thing in common: Their moms would never ever speak about, let alone reunite with, their former Steel Birds duo. Literally, 15 years later, fate brings Mel and Beat back to together with an offer they can’t refuse: Star in a reality TV show about reuniting the band and actually getting the band back together for an obscenely large payday. Sure, they might have had teeny secret crushes on each other back then, but now the spark is brighter than ever while they set off to parent-trap moms Trina and Octavia. But, could secrets and scandals threaten literally everything?

Told in dual points of view, Wreck the Halls is fun and cute with such snappy language. I mean, I’d expect nothing less from Tessa Bailey but I truly did not want to put this book down.

One thing: Maybe don’t read this book in public if you don’t have a good poker face. It does get spicy, but again, would expect nothing less from Bailey.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver

Obviously, if you pick up a Josie Silver romance then you know you are in for a well-written, heartwarming and compelling love story. And A Winter in New York did not disappoint.

A Winter in New York starts with a chef, Iris, relocating to New York City from London in search of a new life after escaping a traumatic relationship. Iris decided on NYC to follow in her mom Vivian’s footsteps after hearing her gush about the city and the NYC-set romantic comedies long before her death. Early on, Iris stumbles upon a local gelateria — which matches one that her mom had a photo of.  She returns to the shop and meets owner Gio, who admits that their business is on the brink of closure since his uncle Santo suffered a health scare and no longer remembers the secret recipe. Iris has one of her own, a secret one that was passed down from her mom, and so she offers to help Gio try to replicate Santo’s recipe.

There’s a baking together trope, an intriguing secret (with interconnecting parts across generations) and a found family realization. While the novel is mostly told from Iris’ perspective, we do get a brief peek into her late mom Vivian’s side — and that gave me, like, serious Daisy Jones & the Six (IYKYK) vibes. It’s such a cute and compelling read that I was oh so eager to find out what was happening next.

CW: Abusive relationship (Not the main love interest), Death of a parent

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Wildfire by Hannah Grace

Honestly, after reading Icebreaker, I was a tad hesitant to pick up this one solely based on the title and cover. No hate or shade to Icebreaker, but I just didn’t vibe with it. But, as a former camp girlie, I knew I had to give Wildfire a second chance — and I was so glad I did!

Just like Icebreaker, we are back in the land of Maple Hills’ collegiate hockey team. This time it is goalie Russ’ turn in the spotlight. His love interest is Aurora, the estranged daughter of a Formula One team owner, with whom he has a one-night stand on the last day of the spring semester. While Aurora dips out early the next morning, they soon meet each other hours later … during camp counselor orientation. Camp, which is Aurora’s true happy place, does have one big rule for staff: No co-mingling between counselors. Of course, who wants to follow that rule after the best hookup you’ve ever had?

Wildfire, told in dual perspectives, is written with such compelling language that just drew me in from chapter one and I could hardly put the book down. That in itself was a bit different for me from how I read Icebreaker, sooooo, sorry. But Wildfire has such fun, witty banter and actually good writing. Also, unlike Icebreaker, Wildfire is more plot-heavy than spice-heavy to me. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there’s still spice, but hello: it is a slow burn. It’s cute, well-written, frothy and indulgent. Wildfire will surely have any camp girlie thinking it’s not too late for one more year on-site — even if it’s been years.

CW: Gambling Addiction, Children of Divorce, Children of Addicts, Estranged Family

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Holiday Mix-Up by Ginny Baird

It is truly like While You Were Sleeping meets The Wedding Date meets The Family Stone –– with more diversity.
Here, Katie is a diner waitress who agrees to pose as the fake girlfriend of her unrequited crush (and frequent patron), Juan, for the holidays at his family’s vineyard. Days before Katie’s debut as Juan’s fake girlfriend, an accident lands him in the hospital and comatose. Suddenly, his parents speculate how she knows him and immediately assume their relationship is way more serious than it actually is. So, Katie sticks to her words and keeps pretending that they are seriously together. Then, there’s Juan’s younger brother, Mateo. Mateo, who doesn’t agree with Juan’s secretive plans to modernize the winery, can’t help but get butterflies when he’s around Katie despite wanting to stay loyal to his brother and respect his relationship. Oh, and that crush? Kinda mutual.
Yes, the diversity is a great way to modernize the story, it is still basically, verbatimm the same plotline as the movie comps. That being said, on its own, it is still full of compelling language. I found the book, told in dual perspectives, could totally draw me in thanks to the writing style, language and storylines.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: October 10, 2023

The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

The Burnout felt like a bit of a departure for Sophie Kinsella — but I liked it that way. This novel feels like less of a romance and more like a women’s fiction read.
MC Sasha Worth is overworked and stressed out, so much so that every aspect of her life feels overbearing. After an ill-timed menty b, she decides to get away with a holiday (hey, she’s British, y’all!) to the seaside resort of Rilston Bay and prioritize her wellness. Rilston, the same town she used to vacation as a kid, is run-down and in its off-season. The only other patron is Finn Birchall, who also is dealing with career burnout and also chose to escape to his childhood haven. While these two grumps (sooo, enemies-to-lovers vibes?) want nothing to do with one another, they soon realize that mysterious “signs” keep appearing — directed at both of them together. Sasha and Finn start talking about these weird vibes, and turns out, they can’t stop.
It’s told with such rich, compelling language that is true to Kinsella’s style and I couldn’t help but get caught up in the story. There’s also a bit of a mystery that adds intrigue, turning it into a total page-turner.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: October 10, 2023

A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

After reading all of Julie Murphy’s past books plus her joint Merry Little Meet Cute with Sierra Simone, I instantly knew I wanted to check out A Holly Jolly Ever After.
A Holly Jolly Ever After is ready to help the next INK boy bander find love, and this time it’s none other than Slice, Slice Baby pizza entrepreneur Kallum Lieberman’s turn to find love. In this book, Kallum is finally ready to step back into the spotlight after an unfortunate viral sex tape situation, and signs on for a steamy romance movie about Santa Claus. His leading lady is his former teen crush, Winnie Baker, the wholesome actress who is newly divorced from her childhood sweetheart. Once they get on set, Winnie — who has a tawdry history with Kallum from way back when —  realizes she’s out of her element when it comes to filming the sexy scenes. So, she asks Kallum to get into character and figure out exactly how to experience pleasure for the first time.
Once again, this book is a compelling, sex-positive, witty and sweeping romance. Told in dual points of view, you really get a whole picture of their love story from making the newest holiday romance and beyond. While this book does have one of my personal least favorite tropes (blech), I’ll allow it because it takes the story to an unexpected, deeper place that makes A Holly Jolly Ever After way more than just a spicy romance novel. And yes, there are spicy scenes in spades. I personally liked A Holly Jolly Ever After more than Merry Little Meet Cute, but that’s just my taste and in no way diminishes the latter.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 10, 2023

Friends Don’t Fall in Love by Erin Hahn

I love an interconnected standalone romance and Friends Don’t Fall in Love brings back characters from Hahn’s Built to Last and You’d Be Mine to help guide Lorelai and Craig (aka Huck) to fall in love.
Here, Lorelai is a country music star whose career (and engagement to fellow country crooner Drake) hangs in the balance after she plays a protest song as a way to denounce gun violence. After Drake unexpectedly breaks up with her via social media, Lorelai seeks comfort in her longtime pal (and Drake’s songwriting partner) Craig, resulting in a one-night stand that inspired one of Drake’s biggest hits. Five years later, Lorelai is ready to step back into the spotlight and asks Craig (now an indie record producer, who has long pined for Lorelai) to work with her on a new album.
Told in dual perspectives, Friends Don’t Fall in Love literally had me laughing out loud by, literally I’m not kidding, freaking chapter one. While it does take a little bit to get into and understand the timeline after the introductory flashback, eventually the pacing settles and readers can appreciate Hahn’s compelling writing and storytelling. Honestly, I was so into this read and could barely put it down.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 17, 2023

Sleepless in Dubai by Sajni Patel

This hate-to-love teen romcom was beyond adorable, even though its tropes were beyond predictable. It’s told in such a witty, fun first-person point of view that makes this YA novel so freaking cute.
I love a good travel romance, and this book charts two former friends’ family trip from Texas to Dubai in time for Diwali. Here, Nikki is an aspiring photographer who is beyond excited for her family trip — until she learns neighbor Yash (and his parents) will be joining the group. Nikki and Yash were longtime BFFs until a rough patch a few years earlier. Turns out, A LOT can happen on a 15-hour flight to mend fences, but unexpected betrayals and respective ambitions could threaten any progress they made.
It’s a bit of a slow burn too, but plenty adorable. It’s a fluffy, innocent romance with a dash of You’ve Got Mail goodness.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: October 24, 2023

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

If you’re a fan of Rosie Danan’s previous romances, you will certainly enjoy this one — especially if you are a fan of U.K.-set books, British book boyfriends and supernatural entities. OK, well more supernatural-adjacent because this novel is about two mortals trying to break a fae’s curse, though the fae is somewhat of an urban myth to them.

In this romance novel, Riley is a curse-breaker hoping to turn her family’s talent for dealing with the supernatural into a legitimate business. She’s hired to break a lengthy curse at a Scottish castle but doesn’t know that there’s a disgraced archaeologist, Clark, on site hoping to turn around his own career. The pair instantly butt heads and want nothing to do which one another. However, with a forced proximity trope at play, they might discover that the only way to defeat the curse is together.

Do You Worst, told in dual points of view, is full of Danan’s signature witty and compelling language that had me very intrigued to keep reading AND find out if they’d break the curse And yes, true to style, the spicy scenes do get extra steamy and NSFW.

Rating: Three And a Half Stars

Available: November 14, 2023

Didn’t See That Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto

I swear Didn’t See That Coming was without a doubt, 100 percent, the most adorable teen rom-com that I’ve read in the longest time! Set in the same universe as author Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Well, That Was Unexpected, we get to follow Sharlot’s BFF Kiki and her love story. While I have yet to read Well, That Was Unexpected, I don’t feel like I’ve missed out on too much of the story, Didn’t See That Coming does very much feel like an independent novel.

Kiki is a gamer girl with oodles of self-confidence … except online, where she assumes a fake identity as a boy (Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, anyone?) to avoid harassment from the majority male players. Her online BFF, Sourdawg, doesn’t even know the truth! Although, after Kiki transfers to an elite high school in Indonesia for senior year IRL, her carefully crafted e-persona is at risk when she realizes that Sourdawg is there.

Didn’t See That Coming is a fun, quirky, and indulgent YA rom-com that reads so quickly. Like, it seriously had me dying to figure out what would happen next in this modern-day version of She Loves Me/ You’ve Got Mail. This book has secret identity, friends-to-lovers, and love triangle tropes. Although, one of the dudes is a blackmailing, bullying slimeball while the other is a sweetie cinnamon roll who exhibits, like, DREAM BOOK BOYFRIEND BEHAVIOR. So, who’d you rather pic?

Like truly, this book was so flipping adorable and satisfying yet plenty unique and original) that I couldn’t help but completely get lost in this world. I quickly found that my book rating just kept going up and up. So, guilty on that one.

Rating: Five Stars

Available: November 28, 2023

The Stage Kiss by Amelia Jones

If you know me, then you know that I have a weakness for a modern adaptation of Pride & Prejudice — and this book is double that. While it is a modern take on Austen’s classic novel, it is also set behind the scenes of a musical inspired by P&P. The Stage Kiss is a delightful slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romance set in the world of theatre. Oh, plus spice. Lots of spice. Lots. Oodles.

Eden is the standby for Lizzie Bennet on the Liz & Darcy musical tour, finally called up to take over for the D.C. run. As she steps into the spotlight, Tony winner Brennon is also joining the show as her love interest. After their initial meeting where he made a less-than-desirable first impression, Eden dreads having to fall in love with Brennon on stage night after night. But, of course, be careful what you wish for because showmances are a real thing.

The Stage Kiss, told in dual points-of-view, is fun and cute — with a super sweet romance/HEA once the slow burn reaches its boiling point. Author Amelia Jones writes with compelling language that was intriguing to follow along and had me so curious to discover what would happen next in this version.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: December 12, 2023

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

15 Books to Read Based on Your Favorite Songs From Taylor Swift’s ‘evermore’

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook, Pop Culture by

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been listening to Taylor Swift’s “folklore” on repeat ever since it came out. Then, as of late last week, dropped everything to give her ninth album “evermore” its due diligence. There’s something so special about this album from its pretty melodies, storytelling lyrics, and the catchiness of literally every single track. And since each song tells such specific stories, I couldn’t help but think that many of the “evermore” songs remind me of some of my favorite books, and then I saw similar trends going around on TikTok. So, here we go! Keep reading for all sorts of my personal book recommendations based on each track off of “evermore.”

Writer’s Note: In case you were wondering how I put this together, I was meticulous in my choices. I listened to each track while simultaneously studying the lyrics. From there, I went to my digital and physical bookshelves, plus my Goodreads already-read list, to search for at least one book I’ve read that somewhat fits the song’s lyrics or stories. Now, not all are perfect matches, of course, since they are both original works with their own stories. But, I tried to pull books with a similar plotline, character, or love story; something that is quite similar to one another.

If You Like: “willow”

Try: Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

This is probably one of my favorite songs off the album with its totally ethereal vibe. After hearing the lyrics, I really kept picturing a story of two people in the middle of nowhere, in the snow, falling in love again. That brought me to Ally Carter’s Not If I Save You First. Here, Maddie and Logan used to be best friends. You see, Logan’s dad was the POTUS while Maddie’s was a Secret Service agent, so they were always around one another. Then, suddenly, Maddie’s life turns upside down when her dad moves her to a remote Alaska town without any word from Logan. Then, one day, Logan shows up in her remote town and a mystery assailant is after them. Sure, she’s not happy their friendship dissolved without a word uttered, but she has to save him before they can hash any feelings out.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “champagne problems”

Try: Sex and Vanity by Kevin Kwan

For fans of the glitzy yet dramatic song, I’d recommend Kevin Kwan’s latest, Sex And Vanity, about a glittery world and all sorts of drama. Here, Lucie Churchill is torn between two men: Her influential WASPy fiancé Cecil and George Zao, the man her family’s tried to keep away from her since she was a teenager. It’s so indulging, decadent, juicy, and dramatic — much like the Swift song. When the ruggedly handsome yet cultured George reappears in her Upper East Side world, she does everything in her power to dissuade him from permanently occupying his own place in her carefully curated world.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “gold rush”

Try: Shine by Jessica Jung

When listening to this track, I heard a story all about someone who appears to have it all on the surface. That premise reminded me of Shine by Jessica Jung. Here, seventeen-year-old Korean-American Rachel Kim is a K-pop trainee who works her butt off to make it into the rose-colored world of K-pop girl groups and fame. Throughout the book, she wonders and dreams — much like the song — what it’ll be like to have this fame and the world to know your name and love you.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

 

If You Like: “’tis the damn season”

Try: In A Holidaze by Christina Lauren

For this holiday song, you definitely need a cute holiday romance book to read next. In the latest Christina Lauren novel, we head to a cozy Utah mountain cabin and a Groundhog’s Day-type tale. Here, Mae visits the family cabin with her family and their longtime friends. A love triangle brews when, that first night, she kisses Theo but has always had a crush on his brother Andrew. After that embarrassing encounter she and Theo try to forget, she gets into a car wreck trying to escape the secluded cabin. From there, she enters a Groundhog’s Day-type of situation where she gets to relive the whole trip to the cabin and get it right and fall in love with the right guy for her. With every injury and wrong turn, Mae gets a fresh chance to relive it and get things right. Eventually, she learns that change isn’t necessarily a bad thing and to stay true to herself as her many reboots buck tradition and allow her to be her true self.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “tolerate it”

Try: Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella

For this song all about a polar-opposite couple coping with one another, I realized that it fits this new Sophie Kinsella read so well. Here, Ava meets “Dutch” at a writing retreat in Italy. Without knowing each other’s real lives or names, these two form such a connection in their vacation flirtmance. With such an undeniable pull and connection, it’s clear they want to continue whatever this is back in London as they head back to their vastly different real-world lives. There are dogs, jobs, exes, family drama, friends, and apartments in the way and, outside of their retreat bubble, it’s almost as if they are just tolerating their lives rather than trying to join them. This song perfectly captures their London relationship journey to a tee.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “no body, no crime”

Try: The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn

For a mystery story song, you’ve gotta read a thrilling murder mystery. After about two or three listens (and the countless times in my head because it won’t leave my mind), I couldn’t help but think of the ARC of The Girls Are All So Nice Here that I just finished. Here, former best friends Ambrosia and Sloane (aka Amb and Sully) are summoned back to their college with some mysterious letter. The letter forces them to reunite to find someone who wants to get revenge for some dark deed these ladies did ten years ago, sans proof. Sure, there’s no body or proof, but these girls have to revisit everything to find out what happened and who is behind this revenge. Plus, the end of the book and its eventual epilogue are very, very similar to this track. Just you wait and see.

Read the Book starting March 9 | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “happiness”

Try: Majesty by Katharine McGee

Okay, the first time I heard this song, it immediately reminded me of Bea and Connor’s love story from American Royals and its follow-up, Majesty. So, to clarify, this song is best for just their love story. Here, we pick up with Bea becoming queen after her father’s somber funeral and the royal family’s grief slash her trying to figure out her next steps as the reigning queen. Without anyone alive knowing about her relationship and engagement to Connor, they all try to push back to Teddy. She tries to do what’s right and push Connor away and tries to get to know Teddy, but little details here and there, especially his nickname for her, also force her to remember their relationship as she figures out who she is as a woman and a monarch. The song’s first stanza sum these two up the best: “…But now I’m right down in it, all the years I’ve given is just shit we’re dividin’ up. Showed you all of my hiding spots, I was dancing when the music stopped and in disbelief, I can’t face reinvention I haven’t met the new me yet.”

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “dorothea”

Try: Four Days of You And Me by Miranda Kenneally

This song focuses on looking back on a relationship (or friendship) from when they were younger. That reminds me of Four Days of You And Me as Lulu looks back on how her relationship with her first love Alex on the same days, four years apart. We follow where their relationship (both the good and bad parts) has taken them on the end-of-the-year class trip between freshman and senior year, and throughout the school years in between.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

 

If You Like: “coney island”

Try: Most Likely by Sarah Watson

This song talks of looking back on a memory and if a “lifetime of achievement” is even worth it without that one special relationship. That gave me similar vibes to this debut novel from Sarah Watson. Here, we follow four best friends throughout their senior ear of high school, and one of them will eventually be President of the United States — except you have no clue who it is. Ava, CJ, Jordan, and Martha have been a foursome for their entire lives, but by senior year start to take divergent paths as they grew up. They are all interesting, smart, and engaging characters on their own. And together? They are a powerful force to be reckoned with in this tale of four best friends who have each other’s back through all the highs and lows of high school and beyond.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “ivy”

Try: The Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak

The setting of this song reminded me of this holiday read. Here, it’s Christmastime and for the first time in years, the whole Birch family will be together at their aging country estate. Within seven days, the family’s locked down in quarantine and are “forced into each other’s orbits” once again. They each have their own secrets and lives, but one may disrupt everything they know and change everything.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

 

 

If You Like: “cowboy like me”

Try: The Love Interest by Cale Dietrich

This is a song about a “dangerous game” of a romance and having plenty of tricks up one’s sleeves to win. That reminds me of The Love Interest as these two teen spies use all their tricks to get the girl to fall for them and ignore their own feelings for one another. Caden and Dylan are “Love Interests” spies tasked with getting close to people destined for great power to obtain and protect their secrets. When these boys both are sent to the outside world for the first time, they may be highly trained to win, but new feelings start to bubble and could threaten everything and their safety.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

If You Like: “long story short”

Try: By The Book by Julia Sonneborn

In this song, the main character looks back on this grand literary-like relationship, but can’t stop thinking about it even when they’ve moved on. Actually, that reminds me of this bookish romance. Here, Anne is a literature professor up for tenure at a small college making do, until her ex-fiance shows up as the new university president. She’s forced to wrestle her current and former feelings for him and her new boyfriend while still keeping her head above water at work and with her family.

Read the Book | Listen To the Song

 

If You Like: “marjorie”

Try: You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

This song starts off with a hateful tone and being so clever to best one another, much like the beginning of this contemporary novel. Here, it starts like an anti-love story where engaged couple Naomi and Nicholas cannot even stand one another or even remember how they met and fell in love. But, with time and pages, you get to see firsthand how Nick and Naomi slowly warm to each other again as accomplices, teammates, best friends, and lovers to become even stronger. 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.

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If You Like: “closure”

Try: Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane

This song gave me such “the one that got away” and first love vibes, so I was looking for a similar type of book, which led me to this Mhairi McFarlane one I read as an ARC a few years back. Here, Georgina is reeling after being fired from her job and learning her boyfriend cheated on her. Trying to move on, she snags a job at the first job she finds as a barmaid for a new pub that’s run by the first boy she fell in love with at school, Lucas McCarthy. Where she’s done nearly nothing with her life, he’s been way more successful and grown-up. Seeing, and working for, him again throws her present into disarray and brings a secret from her past back up again. 

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If You Like: “evermore”

Try: Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

It may be all the writing and time passing mentioned the song, but I get such *Polin* vibes from this Bridgerton book. Here, the charming Colin Briderton returns to London after years abroad and sees his sister’s best friend, the aging spinster Penelope Featherington is different from what he remembered when they were kids. Meanwhile, Penelope has had a crush on Colin for ages and thinks she knows everything about him. Soon, they each discover one another’s deepest secrets and fears as they find solace in one another.

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