It’s 2026, And There Are So Many Great New Books to Kick Off the Year Strong

With another new year comes the time for us to start fresh on our TBR goals for 2026, and with the recent (and absurdly cold) winter weather, there’s nothing better to do than to hunker down with a good book. Luckily, I’ve already sourced plenty to help build a TBR slate. Scroll below for my early 2026 standouts and, as always, keep reading!

In Your Dreams by Sarah Adams

This was a cute conclusion to author Sarah Adams’ Rome, Kentucky, series. Here, sister Madison Walker returns home after barely graduating from culinary school when her brother Noah’s BFF, James Huxley, offers her the chance to open her own farm-to-table restaurant in the greenhouse (see cover art lol) on his farm in town. James, who has harbored secret feelings for Madison for years, works side-by-side with her in the two-month lead-up to the restaurant opening.

While it wasn’t my favorite book in the Rome, Kentucky, lineup, that doesn’t negate its strong selling points. In Your Dreams, told in back-and-forth points of view, reads quickly thanks to its fun and compelling language. This friends-to-lovers tale has banter in spades, which I do love to see, is such an easy read, and such a sweet romance. It’s slightly open door, meaning only for a few chapters.

CW: Anxiety, Panic Attacks

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Thirty, Flirty, and Forever Alone by Christine Riccio

Thirty, Flirty, and Forever Alone is Christine Riccio’s adult romance debut, which was described as 27 Dresses meets Crazy Ex-Girlfriend with a magical twist, and let me just say that it hits.

In Thirty, Flirty, and Forever Alone, podcaster and relationship therapist Rikki Romona meets Reed Tyler at a Disney-themed costume wedding, where they quickly hit it off. Reed, an aspiring actor and published novelist, however, lives in LA opposite Rikki’s NYC. The pair start a long-distance relationship, with the help of a magical teleportation journal, that only makes their feelings grow deeper and stronger with every visit.

This book is so fun, whimsical, sweeping, extremely well-written with a fun Easter egg to Riccio’s Attached at the Hip, but it also has a ton of heart. Not only are there bookish nods to Riccio’s other works, but to Taylor Swift as well. It’s just a fun sidebar to Riccio’s otherwise completely authentic romance tale. It has a quirky, magical twist, per the author’s now-signature style, and is incredibly fun and easy to read. It is open door at mild intervals, and the ending was very sweet, had a lovely and well-deserved HEA, and totally gives hope to 30-somethings who are still hopeful to meeting their person. This rom-com, all in all, is real and vulnerable and whimsical and just straight-up fun, at all once. Like, a magical teleportation journal, what? But, as surprising as it may be, it really does work.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Playing for Keeps by Alexandria Bellefleur

This is literally Tayvis (Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s ship name, for those unaware) fanfiction but told from the lens of their respective publicists, who are also on the precipice of falling in love. It’s a unique, sapphic twist on the classic football romance trope, and it’s impeccably done.

Told from a singular point of view, Playing for Keeps imagines what if the respective publicists of Taylor and Travis-like characters fell in love and what if their clients’ turbulent relationship got in the way of their personal lives? In this book, Poppy Peterson, is the childhood best friend and publicist to NFL quarterback Cash Curran. She comes face-to-face with pop star Lyric Adair’s cunning PR maven, Rosaline Sinclair, after Cash’s oh-so-public Twitter date request. Soon enough, Poppy and Rosaline find themselves working together to protect their clients’ happiness and images. Oh, and along the way, these two might just have some inimitable chemistry themselves that they just can’t not act on. This is a mini age-gap love story, as Rosaline is 34 to Poppy’s 26, as well as Chase’s 28 to Lyric’s 24. To be clear, Chase and Lyric (aka the Tayvis-type couple) are very much side characters. This story, completely told from Poppy’s first-person POV, demonstrates that this book isn’t about Chase and Lyric at all.

Author Alexandria Bellefleur writes with compelling language and tells a fun and very open-door love story. It reads quickly, and it is very easy to get sucked in. For me, I didn’t want to put this book down and polished it off within two days. It’s a short and sweet romance, which reminds me of Katie Cotugno’s Heavy Hitter in terms of vibes. It has an earned and sweeping HEA for both couples chronicled here. A fun read, for sure. And the representation, well, that’s always a win in my book.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Most Eligible by Isabelle Engel

Most Eligible is like The Bachelor fanfiction, if a contestant were an undercover journalist who had a secret hookup with the former-lead-turned-host that she still has smoldering chemistry with. What, it could happen, right?

Anyway, Georgia is a music journalist who plans to write a tell-all exposé about the behind-the-scenes antics of the show’s producers in order to get her dream magazine job. As she gets cast on the dating show, she’s surprised to see ex-fling Rhett as the host. So, Georgia must keep her true identity and her past with Rhett a secret, all while pretending that she wants to fall in love with and marry the show lead. Of course, her continued chemistry with Rhett makes it all a bit difficult to keep up the facade.

This romance novel is well-written and features compelling language. It’s fun and cute with a well-deserved HEA. It reads quickly despite its lengthy size. I had an enjoyable time reading this one, but do I need to read it more than once? Eh, probably not.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Impropable Meet-Cute: Second Chances by Christina Lauren, Hannah Bonam-Young, Julie Soto, Trilina Pucci, Catherine Cowles, Navessa Allen

Honestly, this short story collection had me at Christina Lauren’s banter-heavy She Loves Me-esque, wholesome, saccharine, and banter-laden love story. And I stayed for the five other Valentine’s Day-set stories.

As readers dive into this anthology, the spice level gets more and more pronounced, starting with a wholesome, closed-door tale to a very much open-door approach. Before reading, fans will find a spice level guide, explaining just how open or closed that door is in each story. The stories, all primarily told in dual points of view, feature compelling and rich language for fun, swoonworthy romance stories set on Valentine’s Day. It’s a fun, quick read to polish off on Valentine’s Day, for sure.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Chasing the Ring by Lauren Rowe

This is a fun strangers-to-vacation-roommates-to-lovers football romance told in dual points of view. It starts as a vacation romance a la Christina Lauren’s Unhoneymooners and then transitions to a Sarah Adams-esque sports romance mid-season.

In Chasing the Ring, preschool teacher Iris takes her would-be honeymoon to Hawaii by herself after finding out her fiancé cheated on her, and her confrontation goes viral online. Once she arrives at the tropical resort, there’s a bit of a mixup and a totally hot man is already staying in her suite. It turns out he’s Roman, a hotshot NFL quarterback and single dad, who is in town to close a deal that could be lucrative for his next signing gig. Iris and Roman end up striking a deal to share the hotel room, which turns into a weeklong vacation fling. As real feelings develop, the pair tries to bring their vacation connection to the real world amid tabloid drama and all.

It’s super cute, very, very, very open door, and reads quickly. It’s fun and an easy, lighthearted romance. It’s super easy to follow, though it has a bit too many “a few weeks later” time jumps for my preference. I personally would have loved to see more of the day-to-day, in-the-moment scenes. While I’m not sure whether I’d re-read this one if given the chance, I do admit it’s a fun, one-time beach read type of novel.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Love Me Tomorrow by Emiko Jean

In Love Me Tomorrow, 17-year-old Emma has stopped believing in love after her parents’ divorce. Then, suddenly, she receives a love letter from a person in the future who says that they’ve always been in love with her. So, like any normal singleton, Emma tries to figure out which boy in her life (Ezra the musical genius, Theo the literal boy next door, or Colin the wealthy boy across town) is the one harboring secret feelings, all while she keeps exchanging notes with her future crush.

This was a fun YA novel with a mystical, time-traveling twist! It’s told with completely intriguing and compelling language, once again proving this author’s superb writing skills. The only thing for me is that I wish we found out [SPOILER HAS BEEN REDACTED] was behind [SPOILER HAS BEEN REDACTED] because I’m a curious girlie, and I wanna know, though I do get the point of being open-ended, so I’ll allow it. Well done. A fun and easy YA read.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: February 3, 2026

Risky Business by Annabelle Slator

This is a modern play on Twelfth Night, or for the millennials unaware of the Shakespearean connection, She’s the Man, but set across the pond in London and in the world of FemTech. In order to secure funding for her startup, Jess secretly applies to a competition as a man and asks her twin brother Spencer, an aspiring actor, to pose as the CEO in her place. Jess, naturally, attends the jetset competition too as “assistant” Violet. While helping keep up her brother’s ruse, Jess-as-Violet begins a fling with Oliver, a fellow assistant who works for the competition executives.

It’s slightly open door as a romance, and reads quite quickly. It is obviously well-written, however, there was just something that didn’t completely wow me and compel me as a reader as I’d hope to be. It’s still a fun read and concept in itself.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: February 3, 2026

I’m Looking for a Man in Finance by Sabrina Waldorf

I’m Looking for a Man in Finance is quite literally the modern, finance-bro version of How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, and I’m here for it.

In I’m Looking for a Man in Finance, Hallie is a magazine journalist clamoring for a coveted food critic gig. Instead, she’s covering clickbait stories about dating. When the book starts, she’s assigned to write about dating a Wall Street hotshot and document it in a weekly column. If she does well, her boss promises a food column is all hers. As Hallie tries to find a finance bro to date, she keeps crossing paths with James. While James appears to be the exact definition of a finance bro, there’s actually a lot more to him beneath the surface. And after an ex-girlfriend used him and broke his heart, he doesn’t want Hallie to do the same to his colleagues. After sabotaging Hallie’s dating attempts and running off her potential suitors, he agrees to be her fake date for the column if she’ll review his family’s restaurant to save them from financial ruin. But, of course, fake dating starts to foster real feelings, you know?

Told in dual points of view, this enemies-to-lovers and fake-dating romance is full of fun and quippy language. I have to say that I love an enemies-to-lovers banter situation, and author Sabrina Waldorf delivers that. It reads quite quickly, making for a fun and indulgent romance. The compelling language drew me in right from the start. This book, which is very much open-door, stars a curvy FMC. I truly love to see that representation, especially when a protagonist gets to be desired as she is. All in all, what I expected to be a frothy, clickbait-heavy, silly book named after a TikTok trend, surprisingly had a whole lot of heart and a smile-worthy HEA.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: February 10, 2026

We’re a Bad Idea, Right? by K. L. Walther

This was a fun, quick, and easy-to-follow YA novel, where the picture-perfect goody-two-shoes enters into a fake dating arrangement with her childhood best friend while also managing a scheme to rent out her family’s house and guest house for extra cash.

In We’re a Bad Idea, Right?, Audrey (yes, there’s a lot of Hepburn nods and references) concocts a scheme to rent out her family’s house in Connecticut while her parents are out of town to help pay for a prestigious glassblowing fellowship. She quickly enlists her BFF Henry, newly single after a devastating teenage breakup of his own, to help her pull it off. At the same time, Henry asks Audrey to pretend to be his girlfriend so that his now-ex will want him back. But of course, like any good fake dating trope, the lines between real and fake can blur quickly.

It seems like a lot’s going on, which it is, and thus the dating aspect almost falls by the wayside so that the Airbnb-type storyline can shine. And it does. It’s a fun and quirky teen story. It reads quickly, but, yes, the romance is really a sub-sub-plot here. All in all, it’s cute for a YA novel.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: March 3, 2026

Toe to Toe by Falon Ballard

Toe to Toe is further proof that Falon Ballard is an auto-buy author for me. I’ve read each of her novels now, and regardless of genre, they all demonstrate her exceptional craft. In this one, Ballard delivers a dual-perspective ballet romantic comedy that reads quite quickly and features the author’s compelling language.

In Toe to Toe, ballerina Allegra is eager to land the role in her company’s new ballet, which would help her dreams of moving up to become a principal dancer. Her director, however, insinuates that Allegra lacks sex appeal for the role, so she enlists Cord (a classically trained dancer who now owns and performs in an all-male Magic Mike-style revue) to give her sex appeal lessons. Cord, who’s long vowed to never fall for a ballerina after his secretive past, only agrees to help Allegra if she’ll help him choreograph a new duet for his show. The pair’s chemistry grows and grows as their lessons intesify leading to her big audition.

From the beginning, I was captivated and eager to keep reading to discover what would happen. Then, there’s plenty of queer (bi specifically) representation, which I love to see representation in any form. Let everyone see themselves in a romance! That’s what we want, but anyway, I digress. Toe to Toe is an open door romance, but only for a couple of scenes.

And now I want a whole series starring each of the Six Pact guys, starting with Noah and Lucy, please and thank you. But if not, I’ll take literally anything Ballard wants to write. She clearly has the skill to deliver a compelling yet swoony story, no matter the genre or setting. Bravo, this one was completely unputdownable. Full disclosure, I read this book in its entirety on a plane, and I finished it even before my flight landed. It was perfectly paced and finished with a cute HEA.

Content Warning: Sexual Assault

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: March 10, 2026

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

After I really enjoyed Rebecca Serle’s Expiration Dates with its own mystical twist, I was intrigued by this one from the get-go. And let me tell you, Serle’s next women’s fiction book delivered. It’s a multigenerational tale, primarily told from the daughter’s first-person point of view and a few third-person chapters from her mother and grandmother.

In Once and Again, every generation of women in the Novak family has a once-in-a-lifetime gift to turn back time. Lauren, the FMC, grew up knowing that her mom had used the token when she was 15 to save her dad from a fatal car crash. Since then, her own gift has been plaguing her mind of when/if to use it. Then, Lauren’s grandmother (the complete opposite of mom Marcella) has never divulged what, or even if, she used hers for. This story takes place right when Lauren moves back to her childhood home in Malibu after her husband, Leo, temporarily relocates to NYC for work and they navigate long distances and IVF cycles. Lauren’s move also throws her into the orbit of her first love, Stone, as she contemplates the right time to redo a period in her life.

This book is more of a women’s fiction novel than a romance, where Lauren’s family relationships are definitely more important than her romantic ones. Whether or not Lauren uses her gift (no spoilers, I promise) is revealed about halfway through the book, which allows the remainder to explore the aftermath of her decision.

Once and Again has compelling language, is well-written, has an intriguing premise and story, and has so many authentic characters. It reads quickly, is easy to follow, and confronts serious truths while also delivering a well-deserved HEA. Well done, it was very enjoyable. Oh, and for the record, I polished off the read on the entirety of a flight. After this one and Expiration Dates, I would definitely read more of Serle’s future works, for sure. Sign me up.

Content Warning: Infertility, Grief

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: March 10, 2026

Someone to Daydream About by Sydney Langford

This was a fun, cute, and well-written YA romance, but the true star of the show was its representation. The FMC is hard of hearing and identifies as Deaf, as well as demiromantic. Seeing diversity in YA and romance truly warms my heart, and I just love to see it.

With deaf culture, especially, it feels so rare to see it represented on the page. And to see the characters communicate via ASL and with the assistance of service dogs? It’s so heartwarming and beautiful to see, not to mention thinking about the number of readers who will be able to relate and see themselves on each page. It’s what we need more of in books these days.

In Something to Daydream About, 18-year-old Natalie is hired to teach Felix, a New Zealand-bred rich kid and the lead singer of a One Direction-type boy band, ASL during his U.S. tour. It starts as enemies to lovers as Natalie resents everything that Felix is, though she could use the monetary stipend offered to upgrade her family’s Deaf Center in Seattle. Of course, soon enough, Natalie and Felix start catching real feels, though the rabid fans and paparazzi will threaten the connection with their impassioned critiques.

I enjoyed the book in itself, yes, but the representation is what shines through this well-written, cute, authentic, and earned YA romance. It’s like, finally, a pop culture example that demonstrates how deaf/Deaf people can relate to and fall in love too, and with whomever they desire. The representation didn’t feel tokenized, like, it was included just to be able to entice readers. It is evident that the representation was added with complete care and authenticity, which only adds to what makes this book great.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: March 24, 2026

Enemies to Lovers by Alisha Rai

Alisha Rai’s latest is a road trip, heist, enemies-to-lovers, and forced proximity romance between former conwoman Sejal and by-the-book librarian Krish, who sees her as the way to find out where his FBI agent brother is hiding out.

In Enemies to Lovers, Krish plans to use Sejal to gain information about his brother’s whereabouts without clueing her in to his real identity. They set off on a cross-country road trip that just might expose a sizzling chemistry between the unlikely pair.

This dual perspective, third-person narrator, features so much banter and compelling language that drew me in. The dialogue is sharp and quippy. Much like Rai’s other books, I didn’t want to put this one down. There’s a mystery element that I needed to discover ASAP. And yes, there is a brief nod to the author’s Partners in Crime couple post-HEA. Like her other novels, this book is open door.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: April 7, 2026

On Thin Ice by Olivia Belle

In On Thin Ice, former child star Luca looks to rehab his image and land his dream role (one meant to honor his mom, who’s dying of ALS) by signing onto a figure skating TV show a la Dancing With the Stars. To boost his odds, Luca is paired with pro skater Matilda, who secretly detests the show and yearns to leave. They strike a deal to fake a showmance to boost their odds of winning, which will also help Luca land the acting role and get a Matilda a win to earn the cash prize that would help her afford to quit the show once and for all. Of course, fake arrangements lead to real feelings pretty quickly.

This is a dual point-of-view grumpy/sunshine celebrity romance that is told with rich, compelling language. So much so that I was hungry and eager to discover what was next in Luca and Matilda’s slow-burn love story. It reads quite quickly, making a completely sweet and cute skating romance. It’s briefly open door about halfway through.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: April 7, 2026

Don’t Fall in Love With Me by Paige Toon

In Don’t Fall in Love With Me, Grace travels from London to a provincial town in France each summer. During her trips, she formed a long-standing unrequited crush on neighbor Jackson. Jackson, who is French-American, calls Grace to help overhaul his family’s business three years after she watched him marry another woman. Now that he’s single, Grace has a limited window to convince him that they belong together. To help make Jackson jealous, Grace enlists local Frenchman Etienne, whom she also knew as a teen, to pretend to date her. At the same time, Etienne is hiding major secrets that could derail the real feelings Grace is developing for him.

This book has fun, compelling language. It’s cute and indulgent, but it mostly feels surface-level. Like, it skims the surface of the characters for the bulk of the novel. Closed door. All in all, it’s alright.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: April 14, 2026

Every Version of You by Natalie Messier

In Every Version of You, 32-year-old corporate lawyer Joey unexpectedly dies young and subsequently gets a second chance to relive her life. Going back to freshman year of college, Joey is intent on finally winning the heart of The One Who Got Away, yet she just may find herself drawn to her academic frenemy instead.

To be honest, I almost rated this book 3.5 out of 5 stars — until a major plot twist about halfway through. Why? I thought I had this book pegged as a Sliding Doors-esque romance that feels derivative of others, but that twist completely flipped what I thought the ending would be, as a good book should. It surprised me in the best way. While it was a bit slow to get into, I can’t deny that Every Version of You had an interesting premise and is definitely well-written. Oh, yeah, and this was open door for, like, two chapters max.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: April 21, 2026

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

7Jan2025

Let’s Hear It for the 2025 Books! Reviewing My Top 9 Early-Year Picks

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

As we all try to kickstart our New Year’s resolutions, which may or may not include reading more, I’ve already gotten a headstart. Starting late last year and into January, I’ve stayed busy with a stream of upcoming 2025 releases. So, without further ado, welcome back to Miranda’s Book Nook for more of the latest picks I can’t get enough of and which ones should be on your radar this winter and spring. As always, happy reading!

The Lodge by Kayla Olson

For fans of celebrity romance, journalist protagonists, and cozy winter-set romances with a dash of mystery, then The Lodge is a great book choice for you.

In The Lodge, Alix is a ghostwriter tasked with helping compile the memoir for former True North boybander Sebastian Green. Sebastian even offers Alix the use of a penthouse apartment at a luxury ski resort in Vermont. In between writing chapters, Alix (who, coincidentally was the last person to interview Sebastian’s bandmate Jett before he mysteriously disappeared) starts ski lessons with the athlete yet handsome Tyler. So, naturally, they get together, right? Well, despite their sizzling chemistry (it’s a closed-door romance), there’s more to the story … but that’s redacted for now.

This had compelling language from the start, which made The Lodge easy and quick to get into as a reader. It reads quickly, too. As a romance, it’s cute and intriguing with a bit of mysterious twists and turns as a subplot. While, yes, I clocked the twist way before the reveal, I still just HAD to figure out what would happen next.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

This is one-hundred percent a book for readers who have already devoured the rest of author Sarah Adams’ When In Rome series. I mean, technically it can stand on its own, and does, but it makes more sense for context and continuity if you already know the backstory and the lore of the Walker siblings. They also all make plenty of cameos.

Beg, Borrow, or Steal is older sister Emily’s love story with rival second-grade teacher Jack Bennett. The twist? Both Emily and Jack are also secretly novelists to varying levels of success. The story picks up right as Jack returns to Rome, Kentucky after being left at the altar. Oh, and he buys the fixer-upper right next to Emily’s house. Despite mounting animosity, it turns out that Emily needs Jack’s help when she accidentally jeopardizes her teaching gig. Hero love interest to the rescue!

Beg, Borrow, or Steal was so easy to get into and this dual-perspective rivals-to-lovers romance has such delicious banter. Like, um, yes please!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: January 7, 2025

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

I’m a big ice skating fan, so this book hooked me by just the summary alone! Once I started reading, I found myself equally hooked by the storyline and the absolute twists and turns that I did not see coming — like at all.

In The Favorites, Katarina “Kat” Shaw and Heath Rocha rose from troubling childhoods to Olympic medal hopefuls in the world of competitive ice dancing. While the childhood sweethearts captured the hearts of a nation, everything came crashing down thanks to a major scandal. A decade later, an unauthorized documentary (told via chapters mimicking a script) charts the highs and lows. At the same time, Kat recalls the same experience in first-person prose.

I was completely drawn in by the compelling language and the mysterious hook on the page. It’s thrilling and intriguing, and yes, as I already mentioned, hooked me the whole way through. I did not know what would happen until the very end, and woah, I’m literally shook at every single twist. This one kept me on my toes until the very last page.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: January 14, 2025

The Rival by Emma Lord

Unfortunately, in my personal opinion, not all of this author’s books are created equally which meant that The Rival, as much as I wanted to love it, just fell sort of flat.

In The Rival, Sadie and Sebastian “Seb” are high school rivals, childhood neighbors, and the respective children of longtime BFFs. They also both get into a coveted university and are both going out for the lone new spot on the school’s famed zine. Oh, and Seb doesn’t actually hate Sadie like she thinks he does, like at all.

This book felt short in length and was hard to get into, in my opinion. However, I can’t deny that this author still brought her trademark compelling language to tell this rivals-to-lovers New Adult romance. It’s fine, let’s leave it at that, but are there other books in the writer’s catalog I’d go back to first? Definitely.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: January 21, 2025

Spiral by Bal Khabra

This book is technically a sequel, but as someone who did not read the first in advance, I felt it wasn’t needed and could stand on its own. This is a fun, spicy, and vulnerable fake-dating, sports romance between a hockey star and a ballet dancer.

In Spiral, Elias “Eli” is a new rookie on the Toronto Thunder pro hockey team, who is in the tabloids way more than he’s scoring goals. At the same time, he meets Sage, an aspiring ballet dancer and the niece of the Thunder’s general manager. After tabloids get wind of a one-off appearance together, they decide to fake-date. After all, it will get the mags off his back and boost her social media following to increase her odds of getting hired by a professional ballet company. Yeah, but the fake-dating rules are no match for the sizzling, real AF chemistry.

It’s told from dual points of view and written with a compelling tone of voice and language. Thanks to an intriguing story and relatable characters, I just wanted to know what would happen next. In short, it was very easy to get sucked into this one.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: January 28, 2025

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

For anyone who read The Au Pair Affair, you’ll be smitten by Sig and Chloe’s love story — no joke. It’s a dual point-of-view, opposites-attract romance that was just so damn cute from the start to the very end.

In Dream Girl Drama, Sig (Burgess’ hockey teammate, IYKYK) and his soon-to-be stepsister (Chloe, a sheltered socialite and harp prodigy) have a codependent relationship and some not-so-secret pining feelings. It turns out they actually met (and shared a swoon-worthy kiss) hours before learning that their parents planned to get married. The book primarily takes place after the events in Au Pair Affair.

I found myself completely drawn in by all the compelling language that I didn’t want to put the book down. And now, I just want [Spoiler] and [Spoiler]’s novel after their story was teased ever so briefly in this one!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: February 4, 2025

Change of Heart by Falon Ballard

Change of Heart was a really cute, slow-burn, and second-chance-ish romance with a dash of a magical element.

In Change of Heart, Cam is a 34-year-old workaholic attorney in NYC with no interest in dating or finding love. After a botched blind date with pediatric surgeon Ben (as set up by her grandmother), Cam wakes up the next morning to discover that they’ve both been magically transported to Heart Springs, a small town that’s straight out of a Hallmark film. In order to go home, they each have to accomplish three tasks. For Cam, one means experiencing true love. And what do you know? Her journey keeps intersecting with Ben along the way.

A comp would be Apple TV’s Schmigadoon and so, it’s very fun, sweet, and a mostly wholesome (but not totally) romance that I found equally enjoyable and indulgent. It is primarily a closed-door romance, but there are still some SPICY steamy scenes, so fair warning. Author Falon Ballard, once again, brings her compelling language and authentic writing style to the page. However, I don’t think that Change of Heart is my favorite out of all her books, and don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved them all. That revelation, however, shouldn’t diminish Change of Heart in the slightest. Just noting in comparison to the rest of Ballard’s catalog.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: February 11, 2025

Fan Service by Rosie Danan

Fan Service is Danan’s latest supernaturally charged romance between a TV show fanfiction moderator and the former series lead who mysteriously transforms into a werewolf. Alex reluctantly accepts Devin’s pleas for help, teaming up to understand his transformation and how to best control it. In the end, it’s about acceptance.

From the first few chapters, it is evident that Fan Service is chock full of compelling language as it reads quickly. Also, even though there is a supernatural element (hello, werewolf MMC) this book still reads as realistic and authentic. Like, even literal werewolves have feelings, thoughts, fears, and more! This was a fun, dual-perspective, rivals-to-lovers, age-gap romance.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: March 11, 2025

Fun for the Whole Family by Jennifer E. Smith

I spent many of my formative years reading and devouring Jennifer E. Smith’s YA novels, so I was instantly intrigued by her transition into writing for adults with The Unsinkable Greta James and, now, Fun for the Whole Family. And well, let me tell you: this book delivers everything you’d want in a literary fiction novel. It takes place in multiple points of view and multiple timelines, so readers really get to see what the Endicott siblings were like over the years and even different perspectives on the same tragedies and traumas. In Fun for the Whole Family, the four Endicott siblings (Gemma, Connor and twins Roddy and Jude) have been estranged for decades after a mysterious fight. Out of the blue, famed actress Jude summons her siblings, their partners, and even their respective kids to North Dakota for a long weekend. They all oblige, quickly learning that Jude’s been holding onto three closely guarded secrets – and it’s time to clear the air once and for all.

Smith writes with as compelling, gripping language as ever that completely pulls me into the story. I literally couldn’t put this book down, and luckily I was reading on a plane, where I had an uninterrupted window to do so. Each character (specifically the main siblings) was equally authentic and gripping to follow. I was intrigued by each of their individual journeys, too. Like, I equally cared about each of the siblings versus just one.

Fun for the Whole Family was easily one of the best books I’ve read in 2024, hands down. It was just so intriguing, unique and compelling. There’s not much in the market like this one. Fun for the Whole Family is truly nothing like any of Smith’s YA novels (two of which inspired Netflix rom-coms) because it’s completely tragic, heartbreaking, and real AF. Then, the epilogue literally made me cry, like, for real. Overall, just wow. take all five of my stars, please. It was just so poignant, vulnerable, and real times a thousand.

Rating: Five Stars

Available: April 15, 2025

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

26Mar2024

11 Books to Kick Off the Year: Quite Simply Miranda’s 2024 Novel Reviews

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

Hey, y’all … she’s back (finally) after a hefty book slump took over the month of March, which naturally seriously delayed the publication of this blog post. Whoopsie! Anyways, true to form Miranda’s Book Nook is back to review a whooping 11 new 2024 books that came into my life … way before the aforementioned slump. Without further ado, check out my recommendations below. And, as always, happy reading.

The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale by Virginia Kantra

I absolutely adored Virginia Kantra’s two Little Women adaptations, and so I was very curious about her next novel based on The Wizard of Oz.

Dorothy “Dee” Gale is a graduate school student, frantically searching for a place to belong after her mother’s death when she and her sister, Toni, are sent to live with their Aunt Em and Uncle Henry in Kansas. (Oz adaptation, haha I told you so.) Her seemingly normal life gets thrown into a tailspin when her relationship with an accomplished novelist/adjunct professor ends before he pens a bestselling novel about her, and no, the story isn’t too pleasing. To escape her life, Dee transfers to Trinity College Dublin to recommit to her degree and her writing passions. Throughout her year in Ireland, Dee meets a new crew (including a “brainless” college dropout, a “heartless” boy-next-door and a loyal AF bestie) as she navigates change, opportunity, love and loss. It’s a story of confidence and found family to put it simply.

Told from multiple points of view, Kantra writes with such compelling language that truly allows the reader to dive into the story from the very first chapter. It’s so fun yet mystical, and I ended up surprising myself with exactly how much I liked this one. Like, I truly did not want to put this book down, which I particularly attribute to the vulnerable characters and snappy word choice. Oh, and just like Kantra wanted, The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale does make you feel head-over-heels in love with Ireland. Or, even more head-over-heels if you’ve already fallen for the Emerald Isle.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

I’ve read every book of Emma Lord’s, but unfortunately, not all of them are made equally. Don’t get me wrong, they all have merit and show off her skills, but I just can’t vibe with each and every one of them. To my dismay, The Getaway List falls into this category.

Here, Riley has just graduated from high school sans college plans, so she runs away to NYC for the summer where her long-distance BFF Tom happens to live. While there, they decide to finally complete their bucket list of random activities. Soon enough, they corral a group of new friends to join their quests all while attempting to work through their will-they-won’t-they vibe.

True to Lord’s style, The Getaway List is a fun, indulgent and sweet New Adult novel complete with slow-burn friends to lovers and found family tropes. While, personally, I found this book didn’t live up to the author’s other novels, I cannot discount what a treat this is to read. The writing, well-written of course, is comprised of compelling language that just completely draws me into the story.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: Now

The Royal Game by Linda Keir

I love a good royal romance, and The Royal Game takes that and flips the trope on its head into more of a women’s fiction/mystery novel.

The Royal Game follows American singer-songwriter Jennie Jensen, who expectedly meets (and falls in love with, naturally) the Prince of Wales, Prince Hugh, while on her European concert tour. After a whirlwind courtship, Hugh proposes and Jennie trades her musician lifestyle (with relative anonymity) for the royal family and all its unexpected protocol (lol, not the pantyhose police!). As Jennie learns what it takes to be a princess, she’s met with an onslaught of negative reactions … and threats that definitely seem reminiscent of ones that Hugh’s mother, Princess Penelope, received before she was killed in a tragic plane crash. Jennie races to figure out what really happened, and how to stop it from coming after her … all before her royal wedding day.

Comps include The Royal We (and its sequel) as well as the real-life romances of King Charles and the late Princess Diana, Prince William and Princess Kate and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. That being said, I did feel like The Royal Game can stand on its own. The writing is so well-written and compelling that I found myself plunged deep into the story, yearning to discover what will happen next. The dialogue has such witty banter from the jump, and, like, it is so much fun that I’m desperate to keep reading and could hardly put the book down.

As a romance, it is a mostly “closed-door” one, but there is a HEA (which, thank god) that feels completely earned and justified. It comes in right at the nick of time to save the day (and the characters’ dreams).

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Even If It Breaks Your Heart by Erin Hahn

Erin Hahn’s YA vs. adult romances, obviously, vary quite a bit but are equally full of compelling language, stories with a heart and downright adorable love stories. And Even if It Breaks Your Heart fits right into that so perfectly.

Even if It Breaks Your Heart follows Case, a 19-year-old bull rider who is barely holding it together after the death of his best friend Walker, and fellow 19-year-old Winnie. Winnie, who works for Case’s family ranch, is tirelessly working to support her dad and two young siblings, so obviously she has no patience for lackadaisical Case. Case, meanwhile, is trying to follow Walker’s list of things to do in his absence, where he’s stunned to see that “befriend Winnie” made the list.

This opposites-attract romance, told from dual points of view, just drew me in and ended up reading quite quickly. However, something about this was just sort of, kind of, hard to get into for me. I don’t know why but it did. Plus, Case and Winnie are like sickeningly sweet in love, I will admit. Succinctly put, this book is for the horse girlies IYKYK.

Rating: Three and a Half Stars

Available: Now

Right on Cue by Falon Ballard

With now three books under her belt, I’m here to tell you that Falon Ballard does not miss — PERIOD.

Right on Cue is told from the perspective of Hollywood nepo baby Emmy Harper, who’s become an Oscar-winning screenwriter in her own right. After her latest rom-com script has a casting snafu, she steps in to act as the leading lady despite having not been on camera in a decade. Then, all hell breaks loose when her leading man suddenly bows out and the only choice left is Grayson West, the action star who was the reason that Emmy gave up on acting. The pair has a lot of friction on set … or is it just *tension*? Whatever it is, they do need to seriously get their act together if there’s any hope of saving the movie (and their own acting careers.)

Right on Cue, just like Ballard’s other books is chock full of compelling language, so much banter, the *chef’s kiss* right amount of spice (Right on Cue is probably her spiciest book to date, IMHO) and so many truly delicious tropes (enemies to lovers, secret pine, secret romance, celebrity romance, fake dating) all at once. When I say that I was so curious about the story’s twists and turns, I mean I did not want to (nor could I, in all honesty) put this book down. Like, I just had to keep on reading and find out what would happen next. I HAD to. Oh, and fair warning about the third-act breakup? Yeah, it was really third-act breakupping.

All in all, Right on Cue was completely and irrevocably adorable and every bit fun, frothy and indulgent. It literally delivered every single thing I’d want in a rom-com.

CW: Estranged Parents, Death of a Parent

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan

While this book took a minute to get into, it actually turned out to be a surprise favorite for me. It’s a women’s fiction novel, told in multiple perspectives, about a trio of Shanghai-based friends as they hatch a plan to steal the wedding gifts that one of them would receive on her wedding day. The book charts their heist journey while fending off the men who may stand in their way.

Women of Good Fortune follows Lulu on the lead-up to her wedding day to one of Shanghai’s most eligible bachelors, except she wants her freedom and not to be tied down in marriage. Lulu confides in her two BFFs: Rina (a career-driven singleton who yearns to get a promotion over the less qualified men in her office) and Jane (a stay-at-home wife, who’s unhappily married and either wants a divorce or plastic surgery). The three of them devise a plan to steal Lulu’s cash wedding gifts to trade in for brand-new lives. The book follows them over the course of the 8 months before the big day.

It’s an intriguing glance at the lack of opportunity for women to be more than a man’s trophy spouse. It’s compelling and thrilling, with such rich language that has me so curious to discover if they’ll complete the heist, stay friends, find love and so much more.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

With no preconceived notions of Expiration Dates save for a brief summary, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. And I loved it. Completely.

In Expiration Dates, we follow Daphne Bell throughout her single years in L.A. Whenever she meets a potential love interest, she somehow gets slipped a piece of paper with his name and a number to denote how long their relationship will last. It’s never failed her, despite readers never knowing why it’s occurred. Then, before her blind date with Jake, when she’s in her early 30s, she gets a paper with his name and nothing else. So, does this mean there’s no expiration date limit on their love story? As Daphne and Jake’s relationship unfolds, she starts to wonder if the no-end note man is really her endgame. Expiration Dates also takes us back to her previous notes to give a peek into Daphne’s past romances and their eventual end dates.

From the beginning, I found myself intrigued by the plot premise, and as I flipped through the first pages, I became more and more eager to grow in curiosity. It has just the right amount of mystery that pulled me in. Author Rebecca Serle writes with such compelling, well-written language that further propels me into Daphne’s story, like, I needed to know what was going to happen. Plus, there are twists and turns that are completely unpredictable. The only thing is that this book felt a tad short, but only because I wanted more content and didn’t want to hit that last page.

CW: Chronic illness, Death of a spouse

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties wraps up Jesse Q. Sutanto’s mystery/romance “Four Aunts” series with its signature familial hijinks, a thrilling heist and a swoon-worthy HEA.

Meddy and Nathan are back in book 3 of the “Four Aunts” series after their wedding, and this time they are honeymooners! However, things quickly go awry (naturally) when they arrive at her ancestral home in Indonesia for Chinese New Year. When Second Aunt’s childhood sweetheart arrives to court her once more, he brings presents for everyone … including a misplaced gift for a business rival. It’s up to Meddy to get the gift back in exchange for husband Nathan, who becomes a hostage in the matter. Oh, and then a third-party mafia-type person gets involved for more kidnapping and heist hijinks. So, it’s up to Meddy and the Aunts to save the day so that she and Nathan can have their hard-earned HEA.

The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties is told with Sutanto’s signature compelling writing style that completely draws me into the story and had me SO CURIOUS to figure out if Meddy and her crew can solve the problem at hand. The heist in itself is fun and quirky and the characters are still so fun and endearing. The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties is a book for fans of the “Four Aunts” series already, and it is definitely recommended to read those books before tucking into this one.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

Old Flames and New Fortunes by Sarah Hogle

By now, I see the name Sarah Hogle on a romance book cover and I instantly want to read it — all stemming from You Deserve Each Other, which become one of my (surprise) instant top, top, top bookish favorites of all-time. Old Flames and New Fortunes, let me tell you, gives that book (her debut novel) a run for its money.

Old Flames and New Fortunes follows Romina, who runs a magical floral shop in the mystical town of Moonville, Ohio. She is known for using flowers to help people manifest their love lives. The shop, once owned by her grandmother, has been bought by investor Trevor. The two coworkers need an additional loan to expand their business, so they turn to Trevor’s dad. His father is in town for his second wedding, so they concoct a scheme to fake date in order to easily get him to make a deal. The catch? Trevor’s soon-to-be stepbrother is Alex King, Romina’s high school sweetheart who broke her heart a decade ago. What starts as an innocent misunderstanding, a fake date, and a chance for revenge on her ex, turns into a whole new ballgame when Alex doesn’t buy what they’re selling. OH, and she still has chemistry with Alex.

This one reads very quickly, thanks to such compelling language that pulls me in. I could hardly put it down to take breaks, like, I just DEVOURED this book. I was hooked from the jump let me tell you. Our MCs of Romina and Alex, a true second-chance pairing, have such, like, an enemies-to-lovers banter and I LOVED IT. Their connection literally made me want to blush, giggle and kick my heels up in the air — like it’s so cute with the secret pining, Alex being a grade-A simpy simp for Romina. (For what it’s worth, I read a chunk of this book on a plane. Fully straight-faced during the spicy scenes, but the cute little romance part had me grinning like a damn fool.) It was adorable. Like, Old Flames and New Fortunes had me feeling something (and not the spice), which was surprising. Books typically don’t affect me like this, but Hogle’s words completely captured my heart and made me believe in Romina and Alex’s love story. Plus, the characters are so vulnerable, it makes Old Flames and New Fortunes more than just a contemporary (and a little witchy, but barely) romance.

When I tell you that Old Flames and New Fortunes is the second-chance romance to end all second-chance romances, I MEAN THAT. Like, the big [spoiler] reveal? My breath literally hitched, I swear. I just want more content, an epilogue, a sequel, bonus chapters, a spinoff; literally anything to bring me back into Romina and Alex’s world for the first time. You Deserve Each Other cemented Hogle’s status as a great romance writer, and Old Flames and New Fortunes 1000 percent solidified that tenfold. Like, seriously, this book bewitched and captivated my soul. I went through literally every emotion (laughing, crying, swooning, everything) while reading, I kid you not.

CW: Loss of a child (not pregnancy loss or death)

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: April 2, 2024

Wedding Issues by Elle Evans

I didn’t know what to expect with this one, and I ended up pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one and was captivated by the story.

Wedding Issues follows Liv, who in the middle of her final year of law school and has ambitions to work for a big law firm in NYC, is set as maid of honor in both her best friend Leighton and cousin Kali’s respective May weddings. Part of the gig? Convincing Southern Charm magazine to cover each wedding in the singular June bridal issue. Obviously, Liv wants her BFF to win … but her aunt is lording over a prestigious legal job offer on the condition that Kali gets a victory. Plus, there’s the teeniest romance subplot (a best friend’s brother trope to boot) thrown in there.

It’s an intriguing premise, told with such compelling language from, literally, page one. It reads quite quickly and made me so curious to find out what would happen next. It’s a fun, cute women’s fiction novel, showcasing a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the lead-up to a wedding (or two) and the lengths that main character Liv will go to in order to get a “dream” life. The only complaint about this book: Something is missing at the end — because I need an epilogue/sequel to know what happens after the ending!

Rating: Four Stars

Available: April 2, 2024

The Rule Book by Sarah Adams

To put it simply, Sarah Adams’ The Rule Book is The Cheat Sheet companion novel that I didn’t know I needed, but NEEDED, you know? The Rule Book follows L.A. Sharks tight end Derek Pender (the famed winker from The Cheat Sheet in all his glory) in a second chance, enemies to lovers and marriage of convenience romance.

Before I even began reading The Rule Book, I was honestly so hyped because I truly loved The Cheat Sheet and think that one reinvented the football romance genre for me. And yes, all of these lovable buffoon of football players are back with HEA updates in spades. That’s not to say that Derek and Nora Mackenzie, his college sweetheart, don’t shine in their main story because they do. Absolutely. For sure.

Nora is a budding sports agent, who lands Derek as her first client after he nurses a killer injury at the end of last season. While it seems like a great catch for her career, Nora hasn’t seen Derek since she, um, sort of brutally dumped him during their senior year of college. And when Derek sees Nora for the first time in decades, he’s less than pleased and definitely holding a grudge. Derek decides that he wants revenge, so he plans to give her absurd tasks that get her to quit. The problem? In the middle of a work trip to Las Vegas, they may have, accidentally, drunkenly eloped. Could their “marriage” help or hurt their careers? Or even bring them back together?

The Rule Book is told from dual points of view with such compelling language that had me so intrigued to keep reading chapter by chapter. Derek and Nora have banter galore, which is what I love in a romance novel typically, and this story was just so fun and indulgent, primarily set in the NFL offseason. It’s the perfect companion to The Cheat Sheet, yes, but Derek and Nora can fully hold their own as MCs and I stand by that.

Rating: Four and a Half Stars

Available: April 2, 2024

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

3Oct2023

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

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

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.

6Sep2022

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

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook by msiwak

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

Husband Material by Alexis Hall

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

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

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

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

A Hundred Other Girls by Iman Hariri-Kia

With comps including Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type, I already was primed to like this book because that’s my world but the actual content completely took me by surprise, which I think is what I liked it so much.

Here, Noora is an aspiring who lands her *dream* job as an executive assistant to the legendary editor-in-chief of a fashion and culture magazine that she grew up reading. Which, like, story of my life! What she thinks is the perfect foot-in-the-door turns out to be a complete nightmare because her boss, Loretta, is an unhinged nightmare. As Noora balances a hectic work life amid raging print vs. digital clashes, there’s also a misguided crush on I.T. guy Cal. (Side note: Why do men, nay boys, have to have such audacity??)

It’s told in such a rich, compelling first-person narrative that feels like the main character Noora is talking in real life. For a story I know all too well, Iman Hariri-Kia adds a brand-new lens and perspective that I have seldom seen in the industry that feels so natural and authentic. This novel is legitimately straight-up funny in parts, just like the real world in others of a zillennial New Yorker living her professional dream. I came to this book because it’s a tale I know so well and I’m leaving intrigued to find out what this author will write next.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas

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

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

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

Rating: Four Stars

Available: Now

A Merry Little Meet Cute by Julie Murphy and Sierra Simone

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

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

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

Rating: Four Stars

Available: September 20, 2022

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

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

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

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

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

Rating: Four Stars

Available: September 20, 2022

Just Like Magic by Sarah Hogle

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

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

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

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 4, 2022

All I Want for Christmas by Maggie Knox

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

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

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

Trigger Warning: Assault

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 4, 2022

Built to Last by Erin Hahn

While this book had a lot of exposition and background to sift it into, it eventually became a completely adorable and sweet romance novel. Much like the author’s previous YA novels I’ve read, this book was full of compelling language that drew me in and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling so wide.

Built to Last is a second-chance romance between two former child stars who’ve moved on from their lives in the spotlight. Shelby, once a party girl, has turned over a new leaf as a home restorer back in Michigan following her tumultuous relationship/split/meltdown with fellow tween star Lyle. (My HGTV-obsessed heart is soaring!) Lyle returns into her life as the EP of a home renovation pilot that she’d star in. The catch? Her costar would be Cameron, the third member of the childhood crew and her self-proclaimed “the one who got away.”

It’s a positively, adorably, heartstoppingly, sickenly sweet romance, like, I mean. By the end, it was a completely fun read that further solidified Erin Hahn as an auto-buy author for me. It was literally so flipping adorable. And, can confirm, that Cameron is one great book BF, like seriously, I’m swooning. (Literally, he’s the quintessential good guy who’s so mad for Shelby that he’d do anything.) Also, OMG that ~little~ connection to her Must Be Mine YA novel, IYKYK.

Rating: Four Stars

Available: October 18, 2022

A Very Merry Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

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

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

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

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

Rating: Four Stars

Available: November 1, 2022

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

21Feb2021

18 Things I Want to See in ‘The Hating Game’ Movie From the Book

Posted in Miranda's Book Nook, Pop Culture by msiwak

If you’ve followed along with Miranda’s Book Nook for some time now, you already know that I have a weakness for a banter-heavy, slow-burn, and enemies-to-lovers novel. And no book delivers that better than Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

I may have been a little late to the THG obsession party, but thanks to lockdown and TikTok, I made it at last. After devouring the book, I was so pleased to learn that an adaptation was already in the works starring Lucy Hale as our Shortcake. Eeep, I don’t know when we’ll get more information (other than any teasers revealed on Instagram), but in the meantime, I’ll settle for re-reading this book and imagining what a perfect film would include.

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Join me as I recap the best buzzworthy moments from Thorne’s debut romance novel, in chronological order, that I just *need* see on the big screen.

**Note, this post does have spoilers from The Hating Game.**

1. Their Office Games

From the beginning, we see how Lucy and Joshua torment each other while working at their respective desks. We see how she hates him, how they mimic each other, and how they threaten to call HR on one another. It’s the banter that truly pulls you into this relationship.

2. Password-Protected

OK, her computer password is literally some version of “IHATEJOSHUA4EVA,” and I sincerely hope we’ll get to see Lucy Hale typing that into her desktop in the B&G office set. Tee hee.

3. Rotating Shirt Colors

One thing about Joshua is that he’s very practical and efficient in all aspects of his life. That includes his wardrobe. He has a rotating staple of the same nine dress shirts in various colors. It infuriates librarian-chic Lucy that he wears the shirts in the same order week after week. Oh, I just want to see the robin’s egg blue one especially (more on that below). Several times over the duration of the movie, please.

4. All the Shortcake

Gah, I swear every mother-fudging time that Joshua calls her “Shortcake” or insinuates “you’d know when I’m flirting with you,” lord I swear I melt. Gah, it’s just a taste of the spiciness that a good romance should feature. Ugh, why is he such a perfect book boyfriend? Oh yea, he’s flipping fictional, girl.

5. Those Planner Notes

One of the biggest “mysteries” of the book is deciphering what Joshua’s planner scribbles actually represent. As Lucy secretly discovers early on in the story, he has written all sorts of tick marks, tallies, D and S letters, et cetera, over and over again in his weekly planner. While she seemingly writes this off as some mundane task or part of their rivalry, the actual reason just proves how flipping besotted he is.

6. Whoops, She’s Got a Fake Date to Make Real

After having one of the steamiest dreams of her life about her nemesis and colleague, she wants to mess with him a little at work the next day. So, she wears a super-short, revealing dress to distract him. However, he assumes that means she’s got a date. In uncharted territory, she quickly lies that it’s true and tells him she’ll be at a local bar with him. Well, things don’t go as planned when Josh tries to poke holes in her story. So, she needs a decoy because lying about a date is pathetic, right?

7. A Post-It Kiss

Okay, one of the flirtiest moments is definitely when, to mess with the Type A Josh, she slathers on her red Flamethrower lipstick and kissed one of his Post-Its. She then sticks it directly in the middle of his computer monitor. His poor face, which will surely be as red as her lips, will be everything to see. Plus, finding out how this pops up later on in the story is even cuter.

8. That Elevator Kiss

It’s the kiss that ruins her! Before her fake-turned-real date with coworker Danny, Josh kisses her in the elevator. And I mean, like, he kisses her. This long smooch just oozes chemistry and it’s clear that sparks are plentiful, y’all.

9. Red Roses for a Beauty

After she runs out crying on her date with Danny, Josh feels so bad that he sends her red roses (like her lipstick) with the note “you’re always beautiful.” While she doesn’t realize who sent the flowers, it’s truly the sweet gesture that does it for me. Swoon.

10. It’s Paintball Time

Obviously, they have to include this iconic game scene. It’s just fun. But, the best part is when she covers his back so he won’t get eliminated or hurt. It’s that moment when she starts to realize that perhaps she doesn’t hate him after all that’s the sweetest part.

11. Sleepysaurus and a Sick Shortcake

While we don’t know exactly how or why Lucy gets sick in the book, it’s overwhelming precious and kind to see Joshua take care of her all day and night long. It gave me such Ben from Meet You in the Middle vibes that way. Based on IG teasers, we know this old tee *will* make an appearance on screen. I chose this moment because to see this man who we thought hated her just want to take care of her, it’s so sweet and cute. He even called his estranged brother, a doctor, just to make sure she’ll be okay. If that’s not love, then I don’t know what is.

12. The ‘Or Something’ Game

After he takes care of her and she kisses him later on, they start a new game. But, it can only officially start once, and if, she kisses Danny and realizes that no one kisses her like Josh can. And lord help her, he’s right. This is where the book’s spice warnings all start after she races to his apartment to let him know.

13. All the Robin’s Egg Blue Colors

This blue hue is mega-important to the set and the story (and the book cover too, FYI), and I can’t wait to see the set decorator’s little easter eggs and homage to what this represents on screen.

14. A New Collection

Sure, we know that Lucy collects Smurfs as inspired by her Dad, but after the ‘Or Something’ game has commenced, she starts a whole new collection of Matchbox cars. While at his curiously decorated apartment, she fiddles with an old car toy that he then gifts her before heading home. Then, he searches for a new one to get her on his day off. That’s only the beginning till… epilogue spoilers at the end of 99 Percent Mine. Later, when she realizes he was the one who sent her the roses, she reciprocates it by sending him roses back with the swoony note, “I want you for more than your body. I want you for your Matchbox cars” and signed it “Shortcake.” The love is definitely real by now, y’all.

15. Plenty of Self-Growth

Throughout all this, Joshua really helps and inspires her to stand up for herself in the office. This is a beautiful scene to see of this innocent moment where she’s growing and evolving into a stronger, fiercer woman.

16. The Road-Trip to the Wedding

Along the way to his brother’s wedding, we see the pair open up and divulge why they like each other. He mentions her eyes and lips, and it’s so subtle yet absolutely pure and precious. I cannot help but just melt every single time I read those words.

17. The Wedding Reveals All

This wedding is chock full of drama. From discovering a family bombshell, Lucy standing up to Joshua’s family about what a magnificent man he is, his jealousy during her innocent work call with Danny, their “our hotel room only has one bed” antics, and realizing this is full-on capital-L love. Woo, oh boy, I’m not ready yet.

18. A Sweeping HEA & Epilogue

Seeing how everything works out to give this duo their HEA is absolutely swoony and smile-worthy, to say the least. It’ll be the perfect way to cap off their journey in the movie, too. Then, I sincerely hope we flashforward to get the extra epilogue from 99 Percent Mine, where we see how their relationship has evolved at least one year later. Her Matchbox collection. Their new jobs. Their continued and heightened passion. Their new accessories that glimmer in the light. I want it all.