Summering in My Personal Library With More 2025 Book Releases

This summer has been, to put it simply, a whirlwind. Amid the highs and lows, I tried to keep up with my TBR goals and managed to polish off a few new favorite summer reads in between it all. Scroll down for another installment of Miranda’s Book Nook and some of my top-rated books of the year:

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

I’ve read a few of Katherine Center’s novels before, and I think this one tops them all for me. It’s intriguing and full of compelling language. The setup isn’t too slow and the plot points are completely unique and unexpected.

In The Love Haters, Katie has been burned by love after a brutal breakup with her famous ex-fiancé and her career as a video producer is on the line when layoffs are imminent. To keep her job, Katie agrees to film a PSA following Coast Guard rescue swimmer Hutch, even though she can’t swim herself. She is ready to fake it till she makes it if it means her job is secure. Katie is put up for the job by her boss Cole, whose older and estranged brother is Hutch. As Katie spends more time with Hutch (plus his eccentric aunt Rue and his Great Dane pet), they start to form a deeper connection.

It’s completely captivating with an adorable, swoon-worthy HEA in the end. Speaking of the HEA, it feels justified and earned after the two main characters conquer their individual inner demons. I definitely really dug this one, and its impactful message of body acceptance. It’s so important to see that in the mainstream media.

CW: body dysmorphia, eating disorders

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Courtroom Drama by Neely Tubati Alexander

Honestly? This author’s Love Buzz was 100 percent not my vibe, so I was wary about picking up this galley. But once I saw the comps were Legally Blonde meets Amazon’s Jury Duty, I was, like, SOLD. Instantly. And I’m glad I did.

In Courtroom Drama, 26-year-old Sydney is chosen for jury duty on the murder trial of a popular reality TV star (think Real Housewives OGs) after her husband was found dead. Sydney, of course, is a massive fan of defendant Margot and will do anything to help issue a not guilty verdict. Yet, at the same time, her childhood BFF Damon (who’s turned into a mega-babe in adulthood, FWIW) also turns up on the jury, and they just can’t stay away even with a non-fraternization rule in place.

It was a fun read that I could polish off quickly because that’s how much I wanted to know what would happen next. It’s an interesting concept, written with compelling and witty language. It’s more than just a romance during juror sequestration, but also it’s a mystery as readers get to follow the trial, too. It’s like the perfect juxtaposition of the two genres, which made this novel stand out to me even more.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Ride With Me by Simone Soltani

This dual POV F1 romance features quippy language and reads quite quickly. It’s intriguing and made me very interested to keep reading. It’s cute, fun, and indulgent — with some spice content, but not too much that it overpowers the plot. Plus, there’s a teeny, teeny little glimpse of Willow and Dev’s HEA if you’ve already read this author’s Cross the Line.

In Ride With Me, Stella and Thomas meet during mutual friends’ joint bachelor-bachelorette party in Las Vegas when they accidentally get married in the middle of the night after a drunken night out. Instead of getting a quickie divorce or annulment, Stella and Thomas agree to stay married, in name only, to help their respective careers (she’s the owner of a bakery franchise, and he’s an F1 driver). I’ll leave this here: the “he falls first” trope is out in full force with this one. Just saying.

If you haven’t read Cross the Line (like myself), don’t worry, you aren’t missing a crucial piece to the puzzle of Stella and Thomas’ marriage of convenience story. It’s a perfect summer beach read, or perfect to read during the actual F1 season — whichever is more applicable to your preferences.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Along Came Amor by Alexis Daria

This is a book for fans of Alexis Daria’s Primas of Power series because it’s the third (and final) one in the trilogy.

In Along Came Amor, it is Jasmine and Michelle’s cousin Ava’s turn to find everlasting love. Ava is a middle school teacher and recent divorcée. When she goes to a work conference, she ends up flirting with Ramon, the handsome hotelier covering at the bar. They embark on the perfect one-night fling — but he very quickly wants more. Cut to Ava and Ramon learning that they are the respective maid of honor and best man in Jasmine and Ashton’s wedding (IYKYK), but still, Ava doesn’t want anyone to know about their repeated hookups. This book is told in back-and-forth POVs throughout Jasmine and Ashton’s wedding planning journey, which is nearly an entire year.

This novel reads quite quickly and is chock full of banter and compelling language that draws me in. It’s very spicy, much like the other books in the series, like definitely more than the plot. All in all, it’s cute and, for sure, it helps to read the other Primas of Power books first because the characters are major presences. Plus, it’ll help you understand Ava’s backstory more than if you were going in blind.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Worth Fighting For by Jesse Q. Sutanto

I’ve been a fan of the “Meant to Be” series from the beginning, and Jesse Q. Sutanto’s adaptation of Mulan fits in perfectly with the theme and her own writing style.

In Worth Fighting For, Mulan is a finance executive at her father’s private equity firm. When he suddenly falls ill, it falls to Mulan to save his acquisition deal with an old-school, traditional whiskey brand. To do so, she assumes her father’s identity (matching his email correspondence to the company’s CEO, Shang), which leads her to the firm’s ranch headquarters. While pretending to be a farm expert, Mulan-as-her-father (minus the gender-swapping) must convince Shang and his old-world Chinese family to take her deal. At the same time, Mulan develops a sizzling connection with Shang himself. And one that neither of them wants to ignore.

Sutanto brings her signature compelling language and character banter to the Disneyfied series. The exemplary writing style was incredibly apparent, like, I couldn’t put this book down. It was the absolute perfect modern version of Mulan. It reads quite quickly and was just so fun and cute. I’ll avoid spoilers but will categorize it as a literal smile-worthy romance, which is incredibly rare for me.

I read this book on a plane, and I’m just so glad I finished it before we landed because I couldn’t bear to deplane without figuring out how it would end and whether everything would resolve. And thank god I did. Also, I love how completely realistic the ending/epilogue was. With Worth Fighting For, Sutanto 100 percent did Mulan justice and brought it into the modern world seamlessly with new twists so that it feels like an original novel and not just an adaptation.

Worth Fighting For is the perfect addition to the “Meant to Be” series — and I cannot wait to see what’s next. Also, Sutanto has, once again, proved that she doesn’t miss whether it’s YA or adult romance. So, I’ll be keeping an eye out for what’s coming next.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Never Been Shipped by Alicia Thompson

While Never Been Shipped is technically an interconnected standalone with With Love, from Cold World, it also works completely independently if you, like myself, did not read it. In which case, I found it to be a fun, indulgent, and cute second-chance, celebrity, and forced proximity romance between two former bandmates forced together on a reunion cruise.

In Never Been Shipped, former ElectricOh! lead singer Micah, now in her early 30s, agrees to reunite with her bandmates for one last concert. The group includes her egotistical ex and John, her childhood best friend, who fully embodies the one who got away trope. While onboard the ship, Micah and John finally see each other with fresh eyes and notice a boatload of chemistry and banter between them.

Told from dual points of view, Never Been Shipped is written with compelling language (like The Art of Catch Feelings, which I did read by this author) and a fun premise. I was completely drawn into the story and eager to find out what would happen next. Also, there are some spicy spicy scenes, but none overpower the actual plotline, which I was grateful for.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver

This dual-perspective romance novel reads very quickly (I read it in its entirety during a two-and-a-half-hour flight), but I didn’t want to put it down, thanks to Josie Silver’s now-signature compelling language.

In Slow Burn Summer, failed screenwriter Charlie returns to London when he inherits his late father’s talent agency. He finds a manuscript for what’s sure to be a hit romance novel, if only the author were comfortable promoting it. Then, he also received a letter postmarked to his dad from a former acting client named Kate, who’s itching for another gig after her divorce. Turns out, Charlie can hire Kate to play the author on the book tour.

Yes, this is a romance novel between Kate and Charlie — but it’s so so slow burn (hence the title) and closed-door in terms of spice that makes this more of a women’s fiction book about FMC Kate getting back out there post-divorce and finding herself on a personal level. Slow Burn Summer is gripping, witty, engaging, and indulgent, and I did not want to put it down for even one chapter. Looks like Silver does it again with Slow Burn Summer.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Writing Mr. Wrong by Kelley Armstrong

In Writing Mr. Wrong, Gemma has just published her debut historical romance novel and the internet thinks that she *may* have drawn inspiration from hockey star Mason. Which she did — but the guy who broke her heart in high school and not the gruff NHL star and noted lothario. After he surprises Gemma live during a TV interview, fans definitely think they are dating. So what’s the harm in pretending to date? Especially if it helps her sell books and him with his PR problems? Harmless, right? Well, unless you have a secret piner like Mason.

This is a second chance, forced proximity, fake dating, sports romance between a hockey enforcer (apparently a position? lol I don’t know sporty things) and a romance novelist. Author Kelley Armstrong, as previously demonstrated in her past works, writes with compelling language that pulls me in. I didn’t want to put this one down. It’s mostly closed-door, but with a little bit of spice toward the end, but definitely a slow-burn. It’s a fun, indulgent romance novel that feels cute and is easy to read through.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

How Freaking Romantic by Emily Harding

In author Emily Harding’s solo debut, she delivers a sweet, banter-laden enemies-to-lovers and slow-burn that’s full of compelling language that is easy to get sucked into.

In How Freaking Romantic, a title that doesn’t completely make sense beside one line that the FMC said at the tail end of the book, is told solely from the perspective of law student Beatrice. The book starts with Bea storming the law office of divorce attorney Nathan, who is representing Bea’s BFF’s ex-husband in their proceedings. Turns out, Nathan is set to become an adjunct professor for the same NYU law school class that Bea’s a TA for. So, they’re going to have to work together after all that perceived drama. Oh, and it seems that she quickly realizes that Nathan doesn’t hate her at all.

It reads quickly and was just an enjoyable romance read. It feels quite short, but it does still tell a full story that was engaging, indulgent, and just plain fun.

CW: Addiction

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Relationship Goals by Brittany Kelley

In Relationship Girls, Abigail Hunt is a Hollywood actress sent to learn the rules of soccer with pro club LA Aces before her next movie role. There, she meets bad boy athlete (and notorious grump) Luke Wolfe and is surprised when he asks her out on a date. Even more that she likes it! It turns out that Luke was blackmailed by the team managers into asking Abigail out in exchange for boosted ticket sales. If he’s successful, the club will approve a trade to a team close to his cancer-striken mother. So, Luke is willing to fake-date Abigail to appease the bosses. But, what happens when either he catches feelings or she catches on?

This dual-perspective sports romance novel is full of quippy, compelling language from the start, also demonstrating the two MCs’ banter-heavy dynamic. It reads quite quickly, and its Ted Lasso meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days premise is unique, fun, and engaging. I ended up craving to learn what’d happen next. While this book does feature some spicy spicy scenes, it ends up being more plot-laden than pure smut. So, as a plot girlie, I was pleased. Overall, it’s a fun and indulgent read to polish off in a few days when you need a mood booster.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Love Unmasked by Becky Dean

I’ve read Becky Dean’s other travel-centric YA novels, and Love Unmasked fits right into the squad!

In Love Unmasked, Evie is on a post-high school graduation trip to Venice, Italy, which happens to be the backdrop of her favorite book series called The Elven Realms. Exploring the city with her classmates by day, Evie sneaks off at night in search of an elusive and secretive Elven Realms fan club in the city. To help her solve a slew of clues, Evie teams up with a mysterious boy her age who’s also a major book fan.

Love Unmasked features compelling language as usual, reads quickly and was plenty smart and cute. Plus, that ending and HEA was positively cute and completely and totally smile-worthy. Facts.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin

In How to Sell a Romance, Emerson is a kindergarten teacher in Denver who gets roped into selling skincare products for an MLM called Petunia Lemon. While attending an event conference, she meets a reporter named Lucas/Luke. After a steamy one-night stand, Emerson discovers that Luke is trying to write an exposé on Petunia Lemon after his ex-wife joined and drained all their savings in the process. Oh, and weeks later, after Emerson has sworn to loathe Luke, she re-meets him as the dad to one of her students. Surprise!

While Emerson and Luke vow to push aside their chemistry for the sake of professionalism, she soon finds herself helping Luke write his article to topple the Petunia Lemon pyramid scheme once and for all. Think double-agent vibes.

This book featured incredibly compelling language from the start that had me completely intrigued to keep reading. The romance part is such a slow burn that it does feel like more of a women’s fiction novel than a straight-up romance. But, digging this one nonetheless.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Give Me a Reason by Jayci Lee

This is a book for all the other Austenian girlies like me! Give Me a Reason is a modern version of Jane Austen’s Persuasion, starring Anne, a K-drama actress, and firefighter Frederick. The pair were first loves who reconnected 10 years later in time for their mutual friends’ wedding.

In Give Me a Reason, Anne returns home to Los Angeles and reconnects with Frederick, who’s no longer pining for his two-year-older college sweetheart. As he tries to put distance between himself and Anne, she quickly realizes that she’s not quite as over him as she thought. Plus, Frederick, sort of, can’t quit taking care of Anne and making sure she’s alright.

Give Me a Reason, just like author Jayci Lee’s other novels, brings a slew of compelling language, witty dialogue, and authentic characters. This book, told in dual points of view, read quite quickly and did have, like, one-or-two steamy scenes, which definitely didn’t overpower the plot. All in all, I just wanted to keep reading this sweeping, modern Austenian adaptation. It’s fun and cute — especially for all the other Austen fangirl freaks like me. (Which, yes, I wear that with a badge of honor. Loud and proud.)

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Blonde Who Came In from the Cold by Ally Carter

Fellow Gallagher Girlies, this is our moment! Ally Carter is finally back with a follow-up to her hit The Blonde Identity, but this time, it’s Alex’s spy story — and this has easily been my most anticipated read of the *entire* year.

In The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold, two CIA spies (Zoe’s twin sister, Alex Sterling, and her colleague Michael “King” Kingsley) wake up, bloodied and handcuffed, with no memory of what happened after they last saw each other a year ago, after leaving the field. Throughout the book, they piece together their memories and try to thwart any nefarious villains in their way. And yes, expect post-HEA cameos from Zoe and Sawyer, and prepare to squeal.

The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold was, hands down, my No. 1 most anticipated read of 2025 — and I stand by that. As a reader who devoured author Ally Carter’s YA books back in the day (all I’ll say to avoid aging both of us), I was instantly hyped by her adult debut in The Blonde Identity. Given its five-star rating from me, I couldn’t wait for Zoe’s story by the epilogue. And here it is! Once again, Carter delivers compelling language that kept me so hooked from the very beginning that had me desperate to keep reading this unputdownable prose. The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold is a dual-perspective, enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, second-chance spy and romance novel. To put it simply, if there’s one thing about Carter, she’s gonna write a compelling, female-centric spy novel that pulls you in, and you won’t want to stop until you reach the very last page. Together, our MCs have so much banter in spades (spades!) — so much so that I needed to repeat myself. That’s how much it is true.

The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold is so well-written and so intriguing plot-wise, like, I was seriously wondering what would happen next. I was into both timelines, whether it was present-day (months after The Blonde Identity epilogue) or flashback scenes of Zoe and King’s training or early years in the field. All in all, this novel is gripping and thrilling and intriguing. I was so completely into this one. And while it is a follow-up to The Blonde Identity, it can totally stand on its own, more than just a sequel. Then, in the end, readers get such a well-deserved HEA with a dash of mystery. What can I say, other than it’s fun and unpredictable. Loved it — almost as much as The Blonde Identity, which was a tall order to begin with.

And for all my fellow Gallagher Girls, The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold is like the adult version of our childhood favorite series because it’s so action-packed. I felt like Zoe and King’s experience at The Firm was akin to a grown-up version of Gallagher Academy/Blackthorne. Like, King is 100 percent the adult male version of Cammie, and I stand by that. After savoring every last page of The Blonde Who Came In From the Cold, I can confidently say that I will still read anything that Carter writes, and I stand by that.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: August 5, 2025

For the Record by Emma Lord

Once again, Emma Lord brings her compelling writing style and banter-laden stories to the page with For the Record, which tells the second-chance romance story of pop star Mackenzie and punk rock musician Sam years after both bands fall apart.

After their respective groups disbanded, Mackenzie and now-single-father Sam team up for a comeback album. As they start writing new songs, they discover that their sizzling chemistry is as palpable as it was two years earlier.

I was so intrigued by the summary alone, and the rest of the book didn’t disappoint. Told in dual points of view, Lord’s quippy language draws me in. I would describe For the Record as Lord’s spiciest romance yet. Because yes, it goes there — if that offends your delicate sensibilities. Not mine, but everyone’s preferences are different. It’s not overwhelming and overpowering to the plot, though. It’s a pretty even and authentic mix. The end, while completely earned and deserved, does feel a tad abrupt pre-epilogue. It felt like, “Boom, all works out, here’s the HEA.” I just needed a tad more transition to get there.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: August 12, 2025

The Incredible Kindness of Paper by Evelyn Skye

I had no preconceived notions of this one, and I found that I actually really liked this one.

In The Incredible Kindness of Paper, Chloe and Oliver were childhood pen pals turned best friends/first loves growing up in Kansas, who lost touch when his family disappeared from town without a word. Twenty years later, they are both working in New York City. Chloe is a recently unemployed school guidance counselor facing rising rents and a situationship. To feel better, Chloe starts writing pep talks into the folds of origami roses. Many of the paper flowers magically make their way to neighbors also in need of the message, including Oliver’s. He’s now working as a financial analyst with a haunting and traumatic past. This book is told from multiple points of view; most are Chloe and Oliver, but there are a few for the other rose recipients.

It has a dash of magic, a sprinkle of fate, and a whole lot of an authentic, sweeping love story. I didn’t want to put this book down, thanks to its compelling language that drew me in. All in all, it felt like more than just a romance. I’d say it’s more of a women’s fiction novel with a romantic subplot. It’s fun and cute, and the HEA feels completely earned and paced well.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: August 12, 2025

Love at First Sight by Laura Jane Williams

I was intrigued by this from the summary, premise, and cover of an iconic London monument (if you know me, then you know it’s my bookish weakness!), and I was pleased that I was not let down.

In Love at First Sight, Jessie is a nanny who meets a man named Cal at a Whole Foods in London, and they spend the whole day together. Sparks fly, but they never exchange numbers. Weeks go by, and Cal suddenly shows up (using a different nickname) and carrying a bouquet of roses for Jessie’s boss. This book totally delivers The Nanny Diaries vibes.

There’s a ton of compelling language that draws me in. I liked how the ending wasn’t a traditional, cookie-cutter, expected HEA because this was anything but. It was completely unexpected, with twists and turns that I actually enjoyed more than if everything worked out as I imagined it would. I particularly loved how Jessie got closure after [spoiler has been redacted] by simply moving on and being happy.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: August 19, 2025

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

22Oct2024

It’s Time to FALL in Love With New 2024 Books

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by msiwak

It’s fall, y’all (sorry, had to), and the changing of the leaves and the overall autumnal vibes make it a lot easier to hunker down inside with a book. So, I wanted to share a few of the books that I’ve been reading thus far this season. Enjoy this installment of Miranda’s Book Nook and, as always, happy reading!

The Deaf Girl by Abigail Heringer

While I’ve been a loyal Bachelor viewer since the beginning, that wasn’t what drew me to Abigail Heringer’s memoir. It was actually her experience as a hearing-impaired person in a very hearing world, a life of which I’m very intimately familiar. The book, written with the help of a ghostwriter, charts Heringer’s journey from a deaf child getting a cochlear implant to a woman meeting her now-husband, Noah Erb, on the beaches of Bachelor in Paradise and watching him accept her disability without question or judgment.

This book is told in first-person narration and it’s, physically, very short. While it is mostly about her self-discovery and empowerment journey, there are some nuggets for Bachelor Nation faithfuls — it’s just not the main point of this read. You can expect teases about her Bachelor packing list, what she almost did as her limo exit, how she felt getting eliminated, why she finally accepted a stint on BiP, and her engagement to Erb. But mostly, how she learned to accept her deafness.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: Now

The Most Famous Girl in the World by Iman Hariri-Kia

This women’s fiction novel is basically like a satire of Anna Delvey/Gypsy Rose Blanchard but as if the author wrote herself into the story as an investigator. I was not here for the author’s hero tale because it felt a bit too, not like preachy, but almost. But, by the end, I give because there was an interesting twist and turn of events. The twists had me hooked, especially the epilogue. Honestly, this book got so much better as it went on and proved the author’s writing chops.

In The Most Famous Girl in the World, Rose is an online journalist who went semi-viral after breaking the news about a Manhattan scam artist named Poppy. When Poppy is released from prison following her fraud conviction, Rose is convinced there are worse skeletons in Poppy’s closet. To do so, Rose teams up with rogue FBI agent Simon. Note, there is a romantic connection between Rose and Simon (and some spice scenes) but it definitely is not a romance novel with a happy-go-lucky HEA. Nope, not at all. So, don’t expect one.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

All I Want Is You by Falon Ballard

At this point, I’d read anything that Falon Ballard puts out and All I Want Is You perfectly fits into that. It’s a rivals-to-lovers, second chance, forced proximity (with an only-one-bed trope to boot), dual-perspective holiday romance novel.

Jessica and Nick are two rival romance authors signed to the same publishing house. They also used to date five years before the book starts, and they are both in major writing slumps just before the Christmas holiday deadlines. They both go to the company holiday conference held at a remote inn, where they happen to get stranded during a major snowstorm. As they wait out the storm, Jess and Nick (yes, the New Girl reference was intentional to the author) agree to help each other out and co-write a new story. This book also features flashbacks to the early days of their romance, specifically at Christmastime.

The two protagonists, Jessica and Nick, have so much banter together that makes this read so fun and cute. It reads quite quickly and fast becomes another Ballard book that had me completely captivated to keep reading. All I Want Is You has as compelling language as ever, like, clearly it’s well-written. Even though this book is short and sweet in terms of page length, the character journeys are still rich, full, and engaging. Overall, this book was equally endearing, sweet, wholesome, and spicy. It’s full of tropes and tropes within tropes (because of a meta sub-plot) that help make All I Want Is You feel like a quick holiday read that you can polish off when the snow makes it physically difficult to leave your house. I literally finished this book in a day and, yes, I would actually read this one again. And side note, that [spoiler: redacted] scene in the Strand bookstore? I want it. Like, gimme gimme gimme, please.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat by Lauren Appelbaum

First things first, this book is a modern-day version of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice but it’s not billed as such. Honestly, I would have picked it up sooner had I known it was. For anyone who knows P&P, this book’s character descriptions, the realization of the storyline, and a ton of Austen-themed Easter eggs, it is so clear that it’s indeed an Austenian adaptation. Like, 100 percent obvious.

In Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat, our MC is stuck in a bad job she hates, only dates men who disappoint her in the long run, and contends with her mom trying to play matchmaker with billionaire new neighbor Christopher. As Rachel deals with her impending 30th birthday, she confides in her best friends via group chat. (Honestly, the book is much more based on P&P than the nomenclature of the group chat.) While dealing with all of that mess, Rachel also realizes that she might have misjudged Christopher, who always seems to be waiting in her DMs with dating and career advice.

It was a great one, don’t get me wrong, but the P&P reference should have been blurb-worthy to me. Author Lauren Appelbaum writes with such compelling language and a relatable main character in Rachel Weiss (a modern, Jewish version of Lizzy Bennet). If Austen books aren’t your thing (gasp, I know), then you probably won’t be able to tell the difference because Rachel Weiss’s Group Chat still feels fresh and new as a women’s fiction/romance novel.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

Once again, I am here to report that Ally Carter does not miss. And that’s with an emphatic period at the end. First off, allow me to explain my history in making that statement: I first started reading her preteen Gallagher Girls series in elementary school. Devoured those books, and then I moved on to Heist Society and Not If I’d Save You First, so I’m very familiar with her YA catalog. Then she made her adult debut with The Blonde Identity last year, and it was a complete 5-star read. Hundred percent. Now, I’m pleased to say that The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is another 5-star favorite. For sure. I will be re-reading and purchasing a hardback copy in the very near future, I’m certain of that.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is told from back-and-forth points of view between Maggie Chase and Ethan Wyatt, rival mystery rivals at the same publishing house. They get invited to the massive English estate of a big-time fan (really acclaimed mystery writer Eleanor Ashley, akin to Agatha Christie in the real world) for Christmas. However, Eleanor suddenly vanishes into thin air amid various murder attempts, naturally. It’s up to Maggie and Ethan, a former secret service agent who can barely remember Maggie’s name, to piece together all the clues to save the day and find Eleanor before it’s too late. It’s rivals to allies to lovers in all its trope-y goodness.

By the dedication alone, I felt seen and I was intrigued. Then, I started reading. There was banter-after-banter between the two rivals to lovers, compelling language (naturally, I wouldn’t expect any less) and I was just HOOKED and completely desperate to keep reading. It reads super quickly, and yet, I still didn’t want it to end. I truly loved every single page and was even annotating my favorite lines (a rarity for me). There were twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. It was more than just a romance (mostly closed-door, for awareness, but didn’t feel too too wholesome, if that makes sense — this is a book for the plot girlies like me) but also an intriguing and indulging mystery. I loved and devoured every single page and was just enthralled to learn what the heck actually happened. Then, in addition to the MCs, there is a quirky cast of side characters in this London-set holiday novel. And the decision to make Maggie’s love interest Ethan one of those secret piners despite a broody exterior? Oh boy, it’s my favorite archetype. And I love this little golden retriever, cinnamon roll for our girl Maggie Chase. And, oh wow, that was a DAMN FINE declaration of love. Oooo love it! Plus, the epilogue? I was gagged and screaming at the tattoo, reveal, and everything. Like, OBSESSED. (So, basically, Ethan is like a besotted golden retriever disguised as a black cat, which means he wins all the best book boyfriend awards, trust.)

I was laughing out loud in parts, squealing in others and clutching the pearls at certain times. I couldn’t put The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year down, meaning that this novel can cure the biggest reading slump of reading slumps. I am proof of that. Like, I didn’t want this book to end, yet I needed to solve the mystery, you know? A need! All in all, The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year is one of the rare, elusive great ones — and Ally Carter’s books have always been that. Trust me, I realized that at age 12.

CW: Death of Parents, Claustrophobia

Rating: Five Stars

Available: Now

Make My Wish Come True by Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

This was a sweet, wholesome holiday sapphic YA romance novel told from dual points of view with a fake dating trope.

Make My Wish Come True stars teen starlet Arden and childhood best friend, Caroline. After Arden’s bad reputation in the press affects her latest audition, she pretends she has the perfect, long-term girlfriend back home on the East Coast. She names Caroline, who unbeknownst to Arden used to have a crush on her when they were kids, as her partner in a major interview. Her publicist arranges for Arden and Caroline to go on a series of holiday dates for Cosmopolitan. Arden just has to convince aspiring journalist Caroline to agree to the terms.

The co-writers, as always, brought their signature writing skills to Make My Wish Come True and, yeah, it was very cute and adorable and sweet. It reads very quickly and was a relatively short book. It has compelling main characters and an interesting holiday premise. Seriously, it’s perfect to read during the snowy months.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London

I loved Kate Stayman-London’s debut novel, One to Watch, so much that I was desperate to read a copy of her next book … even if it was about vampires. I’ve never been a supernatural or vampire girlie, however, I surprised myself with how much I was captivated and intrigued by this one.

In Fang Fiction, Tess is a night manager at a Brooklyn hotel, a job she took after dropping out of grad school following a sexual assault attack. In her free time, she loves devouring Blood Feud books (a vampire series) and participating in fan conspiracy theories that the vampires are actually real. Suddenly, one of the vampires waltzes through the hotel’s front door and proclaims that Tess is the only one who can save her vampire twin brother. Tess travels into this magical land to meet the lifted-from-page villain, only he’s nothing like she expected.

Obviously, Stayman-Lndon’s exemplary writing skills remain from her first novel, which made me so curious to keep reading Fang Fiction. Like, I was hooked from the jump and didn’t want to put it down. Like One to Watch, Fang Fiction reads quite quickly, as well.

It was just such an interesting concept because it’s a vampire book but it’s also not a vampire book and it’s all so meta. And, like, everything from the book-within-a-book is the opposite of the main book, which is so fascinating and kept me on my toes the whole time I read. All in all, Stayman-London’s sophomore novel hit. W00, this novel was so good, quirky ,and different, plus it’s fun and authentic. Seriously, I’m so not a vampire girlie but I was soooo into this book, which I attribute to Stayman-London’s writing, the characters who were developed authentically, and the world-building base.

CW: Sexual assault, PTSD, panic attacks

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn

Catch and Keep is author Erin Hahn’s latest interconnected standalone, this time following Shelby and Lorelai’s best friend, Maren, and her brother’s best friend, Josiah “Joe.”

In Catch and Keep, Maren returns home to northern Wisconsin when she inherits a decrepit bait shop in a resort town. It’s the perfect thing to take her mind off saying no to her now ex-boyfriend’s marriage proposal and losing the dream park ranger job she’d been eyeing. Back home, Maren reunites with Joe, the childhood BFF of her older brother and a single dad of two, to find he’s a retired Marine-turned-resort-owner. Maren and Joe slowly get to know one another as she also forms a sweet bond with his young kids.

Told from dual points of view, this book was chock full of compelling language that had me completely drawn in from the start. To put it simply, I was hooked from the very first sentence. While it was fun to see post-HEA glimpses into Shelby/Cameron and Lorelai/Craig from Hahn’s past books, Catch and Keep really can stand on its own and feels like it too. Yes, there is a little spice peppered in, but not overwhelmingly so or overpowering to the actual storyline.

CW: Stalkers, PTSD, Panic Attacks

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Dinner for Vampires by Bethany Joy Lenz

Dinner for Vampires, a metaphor for author Bethany Joy Lenz’s time in an alleged religious cult, tells the actress’ personal tale of navigating the group while balancing her years on the beloved series One Tree Hill. As the author’s note mentions, Lenz drew from her comprehensive journals from 1999-2015, as well as interviews with other former group members. All names and specific details (aside from the references to the OTH cast and other show details) were altered.

Lenz tells her story through very compelling language, starting at the very beginning of her childhood to how she met this so-called religious organization. As established, she was already a member of “The Big House Family” when she booked the role of Haley James Scott on OTH. As a reader, I found this memoir to be super compelling and I was very intrigued to keep reading. Dinner for Vampires reads quite quickly and is a compelling, chilling first-person account of Lenz’s life in an alleged cult and what made her finally get the courage to walk away. It couldn’t have been easy to relive such trauma for a memoir, yet Lenz handled the subject matter honestly in a way that was also well-written.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith

While Mr. Nice Spy took a hot minute to get into due to the exposition, it eventually picked up to deliver an interesting and intriguing romance-slash-action story.

Mr. Nice Spy follows pyrotechnic designer/engineer Andee after she discovers that her bio-father is Holt, an international arms dealer who recently escaped from prison. The CIA, meanwhile, wants to use Andee as bait to lure Holt out of hiding and back to jail. However, the plan is thwarted when Andee and “super hot agent” Adam Chan (solely referred to by his last name) get kidnapped by Holt’s nefarious team. Oh, and they only brought Chan along because they think he’s Andee’s boyfriend. So, fake dating, anyone?

Mr. Nice Spy reads quite quickly, and I found that I barely wanted to put it down. It was short enough that I could polish this one off in a single day and still feel completely satisfied. While it’s heavy on the romance (mostly closed-door), there’s an equally prevalent action-slash-spy subplot that was intriguing. And since I’m a plot girlie, that satisfied my reading appetite.

Also, Adam Chan (MC Andee’s love interest) is hard of hearing and wears hearing aids (and depicted on the book cover, too), which I love to see the representation! Author Tiana Smith also handled his storyline with care and showcased an authentic, real HOH character, who didn’t let his hearing impairment define him, his badass career as a CIA agent, and a hot AF, swoony love story with Andee.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: November 4, 2024

Like Cats & Dogs by Lizzie Shane

I honestly didn’t know what to expect with this one because, despite having read previous Pine Hollow novels by author Lizzie Shane, I have the bookish memory of a goldfish and cannot remember a thing besides the fact that I enjoyed them. In reading this book (ok, fine, devouring, within five uninterrupted hours– thank you theater rush line), I really enjoyed this one.

In Like Cats and Dogs, Magda (the other bestie of the Pine Hollow MCs!) and Mac are baking shop rivals in town. Their dislike spans nearly 15 years following an unrequited crush, an allegedly stolen signature cake recipe and the perfect Pine Hollow storefront on Main Street. Next thing you know, Magda and Mac (now 32 and 38, if my math checks out) are cast on the first-ever “archrivals” edition of a Great British Bake Off– esque competition. Turns out, their rivalry has spurned a certain, um, level of attraction. (This book, for what it’s worth, is a mostly closed-door romance.)

It was compelling, adorable, and sweet-as-apple-pie (pun intended) second-chance, enemies-to-lovers romance. It’s told from dual points of view with intriguing language and quippy banter (which had my heart right away) that made for an easy, quick read. Plus, the characters were so richly developed, completely vulnerable, and authentic that you as a reader can really root for and fall in love with them as they fall in love on the page. It’s very, very cute, and especially all of the Broadway soundtracks that love interest Mac was singing in his head aligned absolutely perfectly with the vibe. It was so adorable and precious and made him become such a golden retriever book boyfriend. Shane’s latest definitely fits in with the other Pine Hollow books but with a baking competition twist between rivals. In short, Like Cats and Dogs is legitimately the perfect definition of enemies to love and delivers a sweet-as-croquembouche (IYKYK) happily ever after.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: November 12, 2024

A Queen’s Game by Katharine McGee

As someone who would, literally, drop everything to read the American Royals series upon release days, I guess you could say I was interested in this one. It’s very similar stylistically, naturally, except the plot is set in the 19th century with European royalty. So, different, can’t you tell?

In A Queen’s Game, readers follow three European royal women (Alix, a British princess and the favorite granddaughter of the queen; Helene, daughter of the exiled French king who was granted asylum in the U.K.; and May, another granddaughter of the queen who’s less favored and less wealthy) as they try to secure love matches during the societal season. Alix, Helene and May all have their eyes on Prince Eddy, the heir to the British throne, which leads to a truly delicious love triangle. Alix, Helene and May also each have another suitor that leads to hijinks, complications, and drama of the best level.

A Queen’s Game had as compelling of language as ever. Despite the obvious regency setting, the story really did feel quite modern, which made it exponentially easier to read as a modern human. I ended up really digging A Queen’s Game; I mean not as much as American Royals, but definitely a close second. Like, A Queen’s Game is really the regency precursor to the American Royals series. And then that ending, oh boy, I fear I need more content/answers STAT.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: November 12, 2024

Under the Mistletoe collection by Ali Hazelwood, Tessa Bailey, Olivia Dade, Alexandria Bellefleur, and Alexis Daria

There’s no real summary for this novella collection, other than several bestselling romance novelists each contributed one spicy, trope-laden, holiday-set story.

This collection of spicy holiday romances is short and sweet, yet completely satisfying by some of the genre’s best and brightest. Each story delivers banter, compelling language, and varying levels of steamy moments. Each focuses on a different romance trope with the only similarity being it’s set in December in the lead-up to the holiday season.

All of these stories are cis romances, and the lack of diversity is not lost on me. That being said, it’s easy to polish this off in a few hours while curled up in front of the fireplace this winter. It’s fun and definitely spicy.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: November 12, 2024

Invisible Strings by Kristie Frederick Daugherty

This is a book for fans of poetry, specifically contemporary poetry but also fans of Taylor Swift. That’s not to say, if you are not a Swiftie but like poetry then you might still like this one — just not understand the Easter eggs. That’s right, just like Swift’s proclivities of dropping clues and breadcrumbs for fans, all of the included Tortured Poets do the same. Some of the references are more obvious than others (that “New Year’s Day” reference was crystal-clear to me, for one) while others are more subtle based on a lyric or a message of a song. None of these interpretations are on-the-nose, but more nuanced and subtle allusions. It’s, to put it simply, an ode to Taylor Swift and her superb songwriting skills. It was also interesting to read a conclusion paragraph about how each song (though never mentioned) inspired certain poetic themes.

Oh, and if you read this review and gripe, “All Taylor Swift does is write about breakups, so these poems are going to as well.” No. 1, kindly grow up, and No. 2, no she doesn’t. Just like Swift’s lyrics can span love, heartache, friendship and a dozen of other real and authentic emotions, so do these poems. It’s not just about relationship highs and lows. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk, onto the next.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: December 4, 2024

The Rules of Royalty by Cale Dietrich

This book is, like, a gender-swapped Princess Diaries meets Red, White & Royal Blue and A Tale of Two Princes.

In The Rules of Royalty, American teen Jamie learns at 17 that his long-estranged birth father is actually the king of a small European country, meaning that he’s actually a prince. Once his father reaches out with the offer to spend the summer at the palace, he asks Erik, a prince from another European country who is also openly queer, to tutor Jamie in the art of royal rules. The two quickly develop an inevitable spark that’s hard to ignore despite familiar disapproval.

It’s completely adorable, full of compelling language, that left me so intrigued to continue reading from chapter to chapter. This book, told from dual points of view, reads quite quickly, and my God, these two boys are just like the ultimate sweeties. Like, it was just too damn cute all-around. I couldn’t put this book down, making it one of those polish-off-in-a-day-book types. Plus, the characters were just so authentic and relatable, if you excuse the whole prince of a foreign country bit. It’s so precious and adorable, and just, like, a wholesome queer, YA royal romance. What more could you want?

Rating: Four Stars

Available: December 10, 2024

Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao

This was a cute, yet heartwarming YA novel about coming of age and discovering your roots, along with an enemies-to-lovers slash second-chance travel romance. I know that’s a mouthful, but this book is all of that and it works.

Ex Marks the Spot follows Gemma, a recent high school graduate and Taiwanese-American daughter of a single mother. She receives a clue from a mysterious man, leading her to a treasure hunt set up by her now-late, estranged grandfather. Thinking an inheritance is at the receiving end, Gemma is ready to put her ultimate puzzling skills to the test. Following the clues reveals that Gemma needs to travel to Taiwan, and to do that, she needs Xander’s help. Xander, you see, is Gemma’s high school nemesis, the son of a family “enemy,” and also her middle school ex-boyfriend. Complicated, right?

It’s full of compelling language, all told from MC Gemma’s point of view, and ends up reading quite quickly. It’s fun and cute, but Ex Marks the Spot also has a ton of heart. Plus, there’s a family twist that was completely unexpected yet absolutely adorable. Like, I was desperate to figure out how this book would end.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: December 31, 2024

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

1Aug2024

Summer Loving, It’s The Perfect Time for More Reading

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by msiwak

It’s another summer full of books for me. But, again, when isn’t it? So, time to settle in for another installment of Miranda’s Book Nook. Keep reading for more summer 2024 books that I can’t get enough of and which ones should be on your radar. As always, happy reading!

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

If you’re a fan of any Christina Lauren book, but especially The Unhoneymooners, then this book is most definitely for you. Trust me. The Paradise Problem has two POVs, compelling language, a quippy and witty writing style and so many indulgent tropes that had me desperate to keep reading and find out what would happen next. Tropes include fake dating, marriage of convenience, opposites attract, second chance romance, forced proximity, and the classic only-one-bed.

In The Paradise Problem, Anna marries Liam “West” Weston to secure family housing at UCLA. Liam agrees to the marriage on-paper-only for similar reasons. Two years later, Liam moves out and has her sign “divorce” papers. Turns out, they’re not divorce papers, and by three years later, they are still technically married because Liam’s grandfather’s will stipulates that he can only get his inheritance after five years of a happy marriage. Liam, now a professor at Stanford, calls up onetime wife Anna, who is now a struggling artist, to accompany him to his sister’s wedding in Singapore … and he’ll pay her handsomely for her time. As Anna pretends to fit in with Liam’s obscenely rich family, he’s concerned that their wealth will corrupt her innocence. Consider The Paradise Problem like The Unhoneymooners meets Crazy Rich Asians.

It’s so fun and frothy that I could just savor page by page. And that epilogue, woo, I swear I felt my heart grew, like, two sizes from that HEA. And that ending felt earned and not rushed through, which I think is partly the reason for said swoony feelings.

CW: Parental estrangement

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Tangled Up in You by Christina Lauren

I’ve been obsessed with the “Meant to Be” series since the very beginning and Christina Lauren’s attachment just grew that exponentially. Yes, Tangled Up in You is based on Rapunzel (and a fairly accurate adaptation albeit a modern-day setting) but it is also such a delightful, fun and original romance with tropes including opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine and forced proximity.

Here, Ren (aka the Rapunzel character) has been raised on a homestead in Idaho without access to the internet or anything. By 22, she enrolls at Corona College in California and experiences a whole new world. Fitz, meanwhile, is a senior who has his life all planned: Graduate from Corona, Get his criminal record wiped and Be the rich playboy everyone already thinks he is. Fitz only has a few months left when he crashes into Ren. After being paired on a class assignment, Ren asks Fitz to tag along on his cross-country spring break road trip. They might be an unlikely pair, but there is something that just clicks.

It’s told from dual points of view and has such witty banter. Like, OMG, I couldn’t help but literally laugh out loud in parts. Super cute and fits right in with the rest of “Meant to Be.”

CW: Child Abduction

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Hot Summer by Elle Everhart

I absolutely, unexpectedly, loved Elle Everhart’s Wanderlust and was honestly just waiting for her sophomore novel. And when I found out this one was like Love Island but more diverse/inclusive, boy, I was sold.

Cas, a big fan of Love Island-esque Hot Summer, is tasked by her dating app employers to join the show to help their new professional partnership. Cas is promised her long-dreamt promotion if she makes it to the finale. Cas heads to Cyprus to film the show for eight weeks, not thinking of love by just being logical and strategic. All that goes out the door when Ada, another bi contestant, walks through the villa doors. What starts as a friendship turns into an undeniable chemistry and connection. And yes, if you look close enough there is a teeny Wanderlust nod to Dylan, IYKYK.

I dug this book so darn much and just wanted to keep reading and reading and reading. Like, I was just dying to figure out what would happen next. Everhart brings her now-signature witty language and banter-filled style to Hot Summer. And, my gosh, it was so cute yet realistic. It is mostly a slow-burn, friends-to -overs novel, but there are a few spicy AF scenes. Plus, that HEA! Yes, it was cute and all but I liked it more than other books because it was a realistic time frame that’s not, like, skipping 12 steps ahead just to be at the endgame. It was just right and the right time given the book’s space in time.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

I went into The Love of My Afterlife with zero expectations, and so, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I was into this one. It gave, like, The Good Place (which I loved) vibes meets a second-chance romance with a dash of a love triangle.

Here, Delphie meets The One, a mysterious heartthrob named Jonah T., in the afterlife waiting room after she dies. However, he’s only there by mistake and thus sent back to Earth with a poof. After noticing the instant sparks, Delphie gets one more chance in the land of the living: Find Jonah amidst the bustling London scene and get him to kiss her within 10 days or it’s back to the afterlife for good. Twenty-seven-year-old Delphie enlists her broody neighbor Cooper to help track down Jonah, and it also seems that Cooper might not be as broody as imagined?

Author Kirsty Greenwood writes with such compelling language from the beginning to the end, which makes The Love of My Afterlife pretty darn unputdownable. Greenwood’s language was just, like, beyond witty that I devoured like candy, I swear. It was very cute, very fun and very unique for a romance — even though I totally called the love triangle results wayyyy in advance, but I’m just saying. Still a good read regardless.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Not You Again by Ingrid Pierce

I had no preconceived notions about this book, which is probably why I was drawn to this book and liked it as much as I did.

Not You Again follows wedding dress designer Andie, who follows her BFF’s advice to sign up for a reality TV matchmaking experiment … not for love, but for the financial compensation they give you if it doesn’t work out. She gets matched with architect Kit, who signs up to appease his dying mother’s wish to see him settle down, and they meet on their wedding day. Yes, this book is like a twist on Lifetime’s Married at First Sight. Once Andie and Kit meet, *gasp* it’s not for the first time because they dated in college, and, oh yeah, Kit brutally left Andie without any explanation. As Andie and Kit go on this reality TV journey or marriage, they slowly let their walls back down and start to fall for each other again. But, is love worth letting go of the monetary result of a divorce?

Author Ingrid Pierce writes with such fun, witty language that had me hooked from the very first page. I was quite literally desperate to keep reading and learn what would happen next, and as I discovered, Not You Again was anything by predictable. Told from dual points of view, this book seamlessly blends enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance with a Married at First Sight-inspired fanfic. And it, surprisingly, worked. Completely. Totally. Wholeheartedly. Not You Again was so fun and cute, and it was so easy to get sucked into the story. I really dug this one.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Heir, Apparently by Kara McDowell

This book is apparently a sequel, which I didn’t realize until the epilogue, oh well, but I enjoyed it as a standalone, too. It’s, like, an apocalyptic contemporary YA/New Adult royalty romance, which seems like an odd pairing but just works.

In Heir, Apparently, Wren Wheeler is a college freshman at Northwestern, who accidentally married the newly crowned king of England, Theo, the previous summer after they got stranded on an island together. Theo left Wren alone in Greece, even taking her dog, Comet. Before school starts, she schemes to rescue her pup, which forces a reunion with Theo. Soon enough, their wedding news causes scandal and they need to hightail to London pronto. However, their plane (also carrying their respective siblings, Wren’s best friend, Theo’s security guard, and the pilot) crashes on a remote island. As they try to survive the elements and a literal volcano (not a spoiler, it’s on the book cover, lovelies), Theo’s coronation inches closer.

The concept is just so unique, fun, and unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s a cute read, full of witty language. My only thing is that I just would have loved for these characters to be 20- or 30-somethings because I think it would still be a fun concept in an adult romance, but that’s just me. Anyways, it fully works here and I really did enjoy this one.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

It’s Elementary by Elise Bryant

I’ve read all of Elise Bryant’s YA novels, and this book is nothing like any of them because it’s adult fiction and a mystery. But, it’s written with such masterful and compelling language just the same. It’s Elementary is full of dramatic twists and turns until the very end, like, Oh my God, where did all that come from?

It’s Elementary follows single mom Mavis, who is balancing raising 7-year-old daughter Pearl, her job at a nonprofit, and being enlisted to helm the school PTA’s diversity committee. Her new role goes off the role when she sees PTA president Trisha looking suspicious one night and new Principal Smith suddenly goes missing. They must be related, right? Mavis turns to school psychologist Jack to be the Mulder to her Scully (the X Files reference is intentional, yes, without giving a further spoiler) to figure out what really happened.

Wowza, I was hooked, to say the least. Plus, it’s always interesting to have a mystery novel MC not be a pro at solving crimes, you know? It’s, like, their amateur status makes it feel so much more authentic and earned when they crack the case. Plus, the language was so completely intriguing that made me so interested to find out what was next. Anyway, yes, I recommend this book. Obviously.

CW: Domestic Abuse

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Au Pair Affair by Tessa Bailey

First off, if you are averse to spicy romances, why are you here at a Tessa Bailey book? And second, you really won’t like this one. Just saying. But that being said, The Au Pair Affair brings together Bailey’s usual compelling language, intriguing love story, indulgent tropes (this time it’s age gap, sports romance, celebrity romance, and forced proximity) and toe-curling spice.

In The Au Pair Affair, Tallulah is pursuing her master’s degree in marine biology and takes a second job as the live-in nanny to Burgess, a pro hockey defenseman and single dad to 12-year-old Lissa. Despite an 11-year age gap and trying to remain professional, Burgess and Tallulah have an undeniable chemistry that makes it difficult to keep their hands off of one another. At the same time, Tallulah breathes new life into the father-daughter family’s post-divorce life by teaching Burgess to live again and introverted Lissa to socialize more.

The Au Pair Affair is told from dual points of view, and yes, brings back the lovable couple of Wells and Josephine from Bailey’s Fangirl Down for a sweet post-HEA check-in. This book, true to Bailey’s style, is well-written and so intriguing that has me curious to keep reading, even though I’ve never really vibed with an age-gap romance. But The Au Pair Affair is a Tessa Bailey romance, so where she leads, I will follow as a reader.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

That Prince Is Mine by Jayci Lee

After devouring Jayci Lee’s past (and interconnected) romances, I was automatically intrigued by this one, especially with its royal romance trope. While, yes, the MC’s love interest is a secret prince, it doesn’t feel like countless other versions of the trope I’ve already read. Like, this one sort of put a unique spin on the subject. (And no, this one is not connected to Lee’s past characters, but it doesn’t need to be.)

In That Prince Is Mine, Emma aspires to open her own cooking school to teach individuals how to make Korean royal court cuisine and, at 28, is nowhere ready to settle down. That doesn’t stop her godmother, a renowned matchmaker in the community, from setting her up on arranged dates. Emma agrees to meet the suitors to help save her beloved Auntie Soo’s reputation. She meets the gorgeous and accented Michel Chevalier in the middle of one disastrous date and, bam, instant chemistry. Turns out, Michel isn’t the full-time USC professor Emma thought but the crown prince of a small European nation. For Michel, he left his country to try and find The One before ascending the throne and being forced into an arranged marriage.

Told in dual points of view, Lee continues to use her now-signature compelling writing style that pulled me in and wanted to keep reading to discover what would happen next. This story, which was not a closed-door romance IYKYK, was very cute and a perfect summer beach read. For sure. But, do I need to read again? Eh, probably not if I’m being honest.

Ok, gotta move on now because this book has me craving Madeleine cookies.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: Now

The Fiance Dilemma by Elena Armas

The Fiance Dilemma is a companion novel to Elena Armas’ The Long Game, and it feels like it. While some companion novels can stand on their own with teeny comparisons/shout-outs to the originals, The Fiance Dilemma is not that. The Long Game protagonists, Adalyn and Cameron, have a very well-known presence in The Fiance Dilemma. I mean, after all, Adalyn is the half-sister of The Fiance Dilemma main character Josie Moore and the best friend of Josie’s love interest, Matthew Flanagan. That being said, The Fiance Dilemma is still very much Josie and Matthew’s story of fake dating with just brief hints of Adalyn and Cam’s HEA in the background.

In The Fiance Dilemma, Josie is dealing with the arrival of her long-absent father in her life (and Green Oak, North Carolina) after he gets caught in a media whirlpool about their estrangement. His PR guru makes a surprise visit to see Josie, especially when the media finds out that she’s called off four weddings at the aisle. Publicist Bobbi Shark mistakenly thinks Matthew, who randomly shows up on Josie’s doorstep when his car breaks down, is fiancé No. 5. Soon enough, Bobbi is planning the perfect wedding for Josie and Matthew on newly reappeared Dad’s dime. Josie and Matthew soon decide that the fake engagement won’t end up with any vows, but what happens when their carefully crafted boundary lines start to blur?

I personally found that I enjoyed The Fiance Dilemma more than I did The Long Game, but that is probably because I just vibed with the content more — not that there is anything wrong with either. Both books showed off Armas’ exemplary writing style. Her prose is so compelling that drew me in completely.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding

Honestly, this one had me at Pride & Prejudice adaptation. What can I say: It’s my weakness — and Elizabeth of East Hampton delivered. This one is a modern version of P&P, set in modern-day Long Island. It’s told in dual points of view of both Lizzy and Darcy, which is a welcome change from the original.

In Elizabeth of East Hampton, Lizzy is a grad school-bound aspiring journalist and amateur surfer primarily spending time running her family’s struggling bakery in the Hamptons. Lizzy’s big sister, Jane, suddenly strikes up a summer fling with summertime resident Charlie Pierce (yes, he’s Bingley) and the pair try to set up Lizzy with Charlie’s business partner, Will Darcy. Obviously, the meeting left little to be desired, as expected.

As an adaptation, it is pretty accurate while still modernizing the story A LOT. Plus, there are a few plot differences that changed, like, in regards to Mary and Wickham’s respective storylines. Overall, it was very cute and sweet, and a wholesome adaptation of Jane Austen’s prose. And if you read Bellezza and Harding’s Emma of 83rd Street, then you will see a little post-HEA cameo.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: August 6, 2024

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

I’ve been a fan of Emma Lord’s books since debut Tweet Cute (though You Have a Match is my No. 1 and remains there), but unfortunately, this one couldn’t surpass it.

In The Break-Up Pact, June and Levi were former childhood BFFs and are now both going viral for their respective breakups. Levi, an aspiring novelist, returns to their hometown to lay low given the social media virality. On day one, he reunites with June in her family-run tea shop. When a picture of them sparks rumors that they (plot twist) found love after their high-profile breakups, they decide to go with it, especially when it starts to help June’s struggling business turn a profit and Levi’s ex-girlfriend realize that she wants him back. So, fake-dating pact?

To me, The Break-Up Pact failed to provide new or unique characters and instead offered a pair that seemed dime-a-dozen, who did not develop throughout the novel. The premise, too, had such promise but then its execution just fell flat to me and like a replication of different books with similar tropes. I don’t know, but it kind of felt as if this author phoned it in a bit or didn’t really understand her main characters. Lord, for years, has been a master at writing YA. The Break-Up Pact, however, is one of her first real adult romances, and this one, however, felt like a YA novel but with adults. I guess, I just wanted more maturity from the characters.

I do have to say that Lord’s writing is still as compelling as ever and I am not dissing her craft. I just couldn’t fully vibe with the story and characters. Something just left little to be desired.

CW: Sibling Grief

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: August 13, 2024

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

Casey McQuiston is easily one of my auto-buy authors ever since Red, White & Royal Blue, and well, this book completely continues that trend. McQuiston’s name and The Pairing‘s plot got me hooked before I even began, and then once I started reading I was completely captivated and enthralled.

Theo and Kit have been best friends since childhood, eventually breaking up before Kit moved across the Atlantic. They never saw each other again, until the pair (both bisexual) separately decided to finally take their dream European foodie tour four years later after learning that their vouchers from initially canceling are about to expire. They both show up, older and more experienced, and reconnect. As they are trapped together for three weeks, Kit (a pastry chef based in Paris) and Theo (a nonbinary aspiring sommelier) make a bet to see who can hook up with more strangers during the trip. But, not all their bet rules are meant to be followed…

It’s a travel romance meets the-one-that-got-away and second chance tropes with several spicy spice scenes (like that yacht one, ahem). Told in dual points of view, McQuiston writes with their signature compelling language that is fun, indulgent, and romantic but also authentic, honest, and vulnerable. I found myself absolutely drawn into the story and so, so, so curious to keep reading.

This book is so fun and so cute with the travel romance and the hookup competition around the world, yes, but The Pairing also has emotional depths and vulnerability. It is such a meaningful, relatable, and authentic story of identity as well — outside of a sweeping love story. It just has lots of heart.

All in all, I would highly recommend this read, for sure. McQuiston, once again, delivers a compelling story, an indulgent romance, some steamy spice, and plenty of heart. I loved this one. It is so cute to follow Kit and Theo traipse around Europe, falling back in love but also seriously discovering themselves and what they want.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: August 20, 2024

Love Requires Chocolate by Ravynn K. Stringfield

This one is like a YA version of Emily in Paris for theatre kids, and you know what? Here for it.

In Love Requires Chocolate, theatre nerd Whitney Curry arrives in Paris for her semester abroad at an arts high school. While navigating a fish-out-of-water syndrome, homesickness, and trying to master the French language, Whitney struggles all around. Not to mention that she’s trying to mount a one-woman play about Josephine Baker. Enter her grumpy tutor Thierry, who is determined to get Whitney to deviate from her carefully crafted schedule to see the real Paris.

It’s a fun and cute YA, OwnVoices, and travel romance. I found myself completely drawn into the story thanks to the author’s compelling language and word choice. It’s not too slow, which thank goodness, that’s a major plus. It’s very cute, sweet and innocent.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: August 20, 2024

‘Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai

I went into this book not knowing that it was a sequel, whoops that’s on me, but I still enjoyed it. I think it can still stand alone because the story feels new and there were plenty of character introductions. Meaning, I didn’t feel lost or as I was missing something when I jumped into the story.

In ‘Til Heist Do Us Part, Simi Chopra and her ragtag crew are summoned to pull off another jewelry heist thanks to her now-ex, the rogueish Jack Danger. While trying to work together, Simi is still bitter at the way Jack ended things, while he is desperate for a second chance. It’s a heist team-up book comprised of a quirky amateur crew with a romance subplot.

Told in somewhat dual points of view, this book was written with very compelling language that kept me intrigued to keep reading. It was very cute, and ended with a HEA, but the epilogue hints at potentially another sequel. If that’s the case, I’ll definitely be back.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: August 20, 2024

Heavy Hitter by Katie Cotugno

This book is for literally anyone who’s said or thought anything about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s love story being straight out of a rom-com … just with baseball instead football. Like, it’s giving Baseball Tayvis. This book was a rare novel that I started and finished in one day, OK fine a few hours, because I literally could not put it down. I had to discover what would happen next.

In Heavy Hitter, Lacey Logan is *the* music industry and curates everything in her life from songs, dating status and social media Easter eggs. Sound familiar? In between her record-breaking U.S. tour, she is dumped by her SNL comedian boyfriend Toby amid his drug addiction and the news that his mistress is pregnant. She goes to lick her wounds at NYC’s Via Carota (another Swiftie ref IYKYK) when she runs into Baltimore Orioles catcher Jimmy Hodges. After a one-night stand, they start a secret, long-distance situationship that gets serious fast. (Also, yes there is spice, but it’s not too too steamy, in my honest opinion.)

The language is fun, quippy, and snappy, which had me so intrigued to keep reading. The book, told in dual first-person points of view, has banter for, like DAYS. And I mean that. I even chucked a few times, like, honestly. Overall, this book reads super quickly but in the best way. It is absolutely adorable and can definitely, without a doubt cure a reading slump. My only criticism? It ends kind of abruptly where I just wanted more. Like what happens at the World Series? Does she go? Does the team win? Does he follow her on her Europen tour during his off-season and what would that be like? Come on, Katie Cotugno, can you please give the people a sequel or an epilogue? It’s, like, a need-to-know basis right now, just saying.

Literally, this book is the rom-com that Tayvis fans have been clamoring for ever since September 2023 when Swift showed up at that first Chiefs game. Trust me on that one.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: August 20, 2024

Daydream by Hannah Grace

While Hannah Grace’s latest couldn’t beat Wildfire for me (hey, I’m a camp girlie through and through!), I did enjoy it and find it particularly cute for a slow burn, fake dating, bookish and sports romance. Also, I truly love the diversity and watching a plus-size main character fall in love with a person of color. Love when romances aren’t so white-washed, it’s just, like, “been-there-done-that.”

Daydream is the third book in Grace’s Maple Hills series following new captain Henry during the following semester after Icebreaker and Wildfire. After struggling through a particularly difficult class, it is clear that Henry needs a tutor. So, he enlists romance reader and aspiring novelist Halle. He also agrees to help Halle get romance experience for her book by taking her on “practice dates.”

Daydream reads quite quickly thanks to intriguing language and plenty (and I mean, plenty) of banter. However, some of the included text messages can be difficult to know who is speaking without proper headers or font changes. It was a little bit confusing at each turn. Overall, Daydream is very cute, I give it that but it’s just not my all-time favorite. Can still swoon over Halle and Henry’s romance, no question.

P.S. The book dedication as a tribute to eldest daughters is, literally, EVERYTHING.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: August 27, 2024

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