Stacy Alesi

Spotlight Review: HOW TO SELL A ROMANCE by Alexa Martin

July 22, 2025

From the publisher:

Romance is the biggest scheme of them all in this laugh-out-loud romantic comedy from beloved author Alexa Martin.

Emerson Pierce loves everything about being a kindergarten teacher except the painfully low salary. It isn’t until she hears about Petunia Lemon—an opportunity to sell makeup products, make some extra money, and meet a group of skin-care aficionados—that she begins to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sure, it sounds a little too good to be true, but what’s the worst that could happen?

Investigative reporter Lucas Miller didn’t always have a chip on his shoulder…until his wife joined Petunia Lemon, drained their savings, and filed for divorce. Now he’s a little bitter, a lot single, and determined to expose the company. After infiltrating their largest convention yet, the last thing he expects is to lose sight of his mission for one night with the gorgeous woman at the bar.

When Emerson and Lucas learn that she’s his daughter’s teacher, they decide to ignore their scorching chemistry. Until things with Petunia Lemon turn downright diabolical and Emerson turns to Lucas for help. They work together to bring the company down but can the two come out on top in this pyramid scheme of love?
https://amzn.to/4lHZaFU

Emerson is a young kindergarten teacher who genuinely loves her job — so much so that I couldn’t help wishing my own kids had a teacher like her. But teaching, like many professions dominated by women, is notoriously low-paying. So when her principal enthusiastically invites her to a Petunia Lemon meeting, promising she’ll have a great time, Emerson decides to give it a try.

The event is a high-energy affair that sweeps Emerson up in its excitement, and she signs up on the spot. Petunia Lemon sells skincare products through multi-level marketing, but like most MLMs, it requires a substantial upfront investment and ongoing costs that Emerson can barely afford. She makes her first payment with her emergency credit card—already a red flag.

After the meeting, Emerson heads to the hotel’s rooftop bar. She loves Old Fashioneds and heard this place makes exceptional ones. The crowded bar offers only a tiny corner table, but before her drink even arrives, a gorgeous man asks to share her space. He introduces himself as Luke Miller, and Emerson is immediately smitten. That Old Fashioned gives her more courage than usual, and soon she and Luke are heading to his room for what she assumes will be a one-night stand—one that will change her life in ways she never imagined.

The next morning, Emerson finds Luke working on his laptop. When he reveals he’s writing an exposé about Petunia Lemon, she’s furious and storms out, convinced she’ll never see him again. So much for the best sex of her life.

As the new school year approaches, Emerson busily prepares her classroom. To her complete shock, Luke walks in with his adorable daughter Isla, who will be in Emerson’s kindergarten class. Luke is divorced and shares custody with his ex-wife—a difficult woman who happens to be close friends with Emerson’s principal. It turns out his ex-wife’s involvement with Petunia Lemon contributed to their marriage’s collapse, which sparked Luke’s investigation into the company.

Meanwhile, Emerson’s financial situation deteriorates as she gets deeper into Petunia Lemon. While she enjoys the friendships she’s formed at the weekly parties, months pass without a single sale or new recruit. When she tries to invoke the company’s “money-back guarantee,” she wastes days on fruitless phone calls that lead nowhere.

As Luke and Emerson see more of each other through his daughter, their attraction reignites. When Luke asks her to spy on Petunia Lemon from the inside, Emerson is fed up enough to agree.

Once Luke’s exposé is published, chaos ensues. When Emerson’s principal discovers she was the informant, she tries to have Emerson fired. But while Emerson is a people-pleaser by nature, she refuses to be a pushover. She fights back — and with Luke by her side, they get the happy ending they deserve.

This was an entertaining read with just the right amount of spice. Martin is one of my favorite contemporary romance authors, and this book showcases her talents beautifully. If you haven’t discovered her work yet, this is an excellent starting point. My only minor complaint is the book’s title, which doesn’t seem to connect to the story in any meaningful way—but that’s a very small quibble with an otherwise terrific read.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HOW TO SELL A ROMANCE by Alexa Martin. Berkley (July 15, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593816356. 384p.

Kindle

Audible

Comments Off on Spotlight Review: HOW TO SELL A ROMANCE by Alexa Martin | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Contemporary | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

Audiobook Sunday: POINT OF ORIGIN by Rebecca Yarros

July 20, 2025

Dual narration by Meg Sylvan & Tim Paige

The Legacy Series, Book 0.5

From the publisher:

From USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Yarros comes a small-town, second chance romance novella set in the Legacy world . . .

In Legacy, Colorado, our inheritance is simple: Fire and Heartbreak. Sebastian Vargas . . . he’s both.

He was my best friend. My first love. My everything.

Until he was my nothing.

It’s been ten years since the wildfire that turned our small town to ashes, taking the lives of our fathers and their elite hotshot crew. Six years since Bash disappeared with my heart. No explanation. No goodbye.

But now he’s home, fighting to resurrect the very thing that destroyed us both. One look, and I’m breathless. One touch, and he’s relentless. And if I’m not careful, he’ll burn me to the ground again.

Contains mature themes.

https://amzn.to/46z9wD6

Sebastian “Bash” disappeared from Emerson’s life the night he took her virginity, leaving her heartbroken and confused. Years later, both are still haunted by the tragedy that changed everything: the fire that killed their hotshot firefighter fathers and devastated their small town.

Now Bash has returned with a fortune made from app development and a singular mission—to rebuild the elite hotshot team their fathers died serving. With only one surviving member from the original team, Bash knows it won’t be easy.

Emerson thought she’d moved on until she sees Bash again. Working as the Mayor’s assistant, she finds herself caught between professional duty and personal history when the town meeting about Bash’s proposal turns heated. Bash has built a new compound for the team, but he needs the town’s support to move forward. Emerson can’t stomach the town’s board members, none of whom had personal losses, questioning Bash, and she quits her job on the spot, determined to support preserving her father’s memory alongside the other fallen heroes.

The rekindled proximity forces both to confront their unresolved feelings. While Bash quickly realizes Emerson is his endgame, convincing her proves to be the hardest fight he’s faced.

The town ultimately agrees to the new hotshot team, but with conditions. The most challenging is that 60% of the squad must be Legacy blood—children of the fallen firefighters. This means every eligible adult must commit, including Bash, who had planned to return to his California life after establishing the team.

Despite being a novella—a format I typically avoid—this prequel delivers remarkable emotional depth. Yarros proves once again why she’s such a gifted storyteller, creating fully realized characters and compelling drama within a compact narrative. The dual narration in the audiobook version brings the story to life, and it was unputdownable. Highly recommended for fans of second-chance romance and stories that honor sacrifice while celebrating new beginnings.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

POINT OF ORIGIN by Rebecca Yarros. Narrators: Meg Sylvan & Tim Paige. Tantor Audio. October 24, 2023. Listening Length: 4 hours and 20 minutes.

Kindle

Paperback

Comments Off on Audiobook Sunday: POINT OF ORIGIN by Rebecca Yarros | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Audiobook | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

DOGGED PURSUIT by David Rosenfelt

July 18, 2025

An Andy Carpenter Mystery, Book 31

From the publisher:

In Dogged Pursuit, David Rosenfelt takes readers back to the start of this beloved series as Andy Carpenter begins his career as a defense attorney in Paterson, New Jersey.

Andy Carpenter has spent the three years since graduating law school working as a prosecutor in Paterson. But having seen how the system never looks out for the little guy, he leaves to start his own practice as a defense attorney. His office might be a little bit of a dump, but he’s excited to make a change.

Andy goes to the shelter to adopt a dog, where he meets his beloved golden retriever, Tara, for the first time and feels an immediate connection. The shelter is crowded and Tara’s been sharing space with a dog named Sunny; Andy hates to break them up and so asks to take Sunny, too, but since there’s a pending criminal case involving the owner, he’ll need to get written permission for temporary possession.

Andy discovers that Sunny’s owner, Ryan Tierney, has been arrested for the murder of his ex-boss. But he takes an immediate liking to Ryan and his clear dedication to his dog, and ends up with his first case along with the two dogs.

This prequel to the long-running and perennially popular Andy Carpenter mysteries is a gift for fans and a terrific entry-point for newcomers.
https://amzn.to/45XUS8e

While I haven’t read every book in this series, I actually started at the very beginning—when Open and Shut quite literally fell into my hands while I was working the library book drop. I was immediately hooked by David Rosenfelt’s voice, his passion for dogs, and his dedication to fighting for the little guy. He’s never let me down since. This prequel to the series was a fun and satisfying read, offering a glimpse into Andy Carpenter’s roots in both defense law and dog rescue.

Andy begins his career after law school in the prosecutor’s office, just like his father before him. But a few years in, he realizes his heart lies in defending those who can’t afford proper legal representation. So, he quits and opens a modest solo practice, renting a rundown office above a fruit market and waiting for clients to walk through the door.

His wife, the daughter of the governor and very much a product of high society, is less than thrilled with his career switch. Their relationship is crumbling, and she’s moved out. Looking for companionship, Andy heads to the local animal shelter and meets Tara—the world’s greatest Golden Retriever. She’s in a kennel with a beagle, and the two seem bonded. But when Andy inquires about adopting both, he’s told the beagle belongs to a man recently arrested for murder. Until the man is acquitted or gives permission, the beagle has to stay.

Andy, who could use both a dog and a client, goes to meet the man who is accused of blowing up a car and killing three people, including the boss who just fired him. The man agrees to let Andy temporarily take the beagle, and Andy agrees to take the case. While the prosecution sees it as an easy conviction, Andy is determined to uncover the truth. The more he learns about his client, the more convinced he becomes of his innocence.

This book also introduces many beloved characters: Laurie, who becomes Andy’s investigator and more; Marcus, his silent but deadly bodyguard; Sam, the quirky accountant down the hall who turns into his go-to tech guy; and Pete, the homicide detective Andy keeps well-fed at Charlie’s, the sports bar that doubles as his second home. We also meet Andy’s first wife and learn why that relationship unraveled. And, of course, we get the heartwarming origin story of his beloved Tara.

Rosenfelt brings a unique voice, sharp wit, and deep love for dogs to every book he writes, and that’s what makes this series such a consistent pleasure to read. He also rescues Goldens and other large dogs and wrote a nonfiction book, Dogtripping: 25 Rescues, 11 Volunteers, and 3 RVs on Our Canine Cross-Country Adventure, about moving from California to Maine with all 25 of his dogs. (That is not a typo!) He started the Tara Foundation, a dog rescue, and he keeps the dogs that are too old and too sick to be placed in homes. I met him when I convinced him to include my library in his book tour, and he was covered in dog hair, a perpetual state for him. At the time, he had 34 rescues in his home, and once compared his home office to a civil war battlefield, with all the bodies (dogs) covering the entire floor. He also makes every book tour a fundraiser for local animal shelters. There is a special place in heaven for a man who has rescued so many dogs (over 4000 at last count) and shares his passion with the world.

I loved this book!

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DOGGED PURSUIT by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books (July 1, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250324511. 288p.

Kindle

Audible

Comments Off on DOGGED PURSUIT by David Rosenfelt | Book Reviews, Crime Fiction, Fiction | Tagged: dogs, Legal | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

THE GUEST COTTAGE by Lori Foster

July 18, 2025

Firefly Summer, Book 1

From the publisher:

Love, forgiveness, and renewal take center stage in the haven of a quiet lakeside town when two very different women bond over one man’s betrayals in this uplifting new series from New York Times bestselling author Lori Foster.

Marlow Heddings is starting over. She’s carried the outrage of her husband Dylan’s affair with a younger woman—and the expectations of his family’s powerful Chicago holdings company—long enough. Now, after another devastating twist of fate, she’s unapologetically moving on.

Arriving in tiny Bramble, Kentucky, Marlow revels in her freedom, swapping her executive suits for sundresses . . . and scouting places to open her dream boutique. Best of all is her new residence, an adorable cottage with gorgeous lake views—and a breathtaking landlord, former Marine Cort Easton. Soon they’re sharing dockside morning coffee and nighttime firefly gazing. Marlow’s new life feels like a dream.

Then Pixie Nolan arrives on her doorstep. With a shocking secret.

To Marlow’s astonishment, Dylan’s “other woman” is a desperate girl of nineteen, destitute, exhausted, and disowned by her family. Defying her manipulative in-laws’ demands, and surprising even herself, Marlow vows to lay down roots in Bramble and help Pixie get on her feet. Then they’ll part ways. But empathy has a way of forging bonds. As Marlow grows close to the hard-working, devoted young woman, she becomes something of a big sister to Pixie.

Now, with each sunrise, Marlow awakens to the life she was truly meant to live, one filled with deepening connections, supportive friendship . . . and even a second chance at love.

https://amzn.to/4eKTgRK

This is a sweet, small-town romance with interesting characters who grow and change. Marlow thought she had her future figured out—until her husband cheated on her. They were in the process of divorcing when he died unexpectedly in an accident. His overbearing parents refuse to believe he ever did anything wrong and smother Marlow with denial and blame. Feeling trapped and emotionally exhausted, Marlow knows it’s time to start over and leave Chicago.

She finds a charming cottage for rent in the quiet town of Bramble, Kentucky, and sets out to rebuild her life. With dreams of opening a boutique and hope for a fresh start, Marlow begins to settle into her new surroundings. The cottage’s owner, Cort Easton—a retired Marine who is as kind as he is handsome—helps make Bramble feel like home.

Just as Marlow starts to feel at peace, a surprise visitor throws everything into turmoil. Pixie, a 19-year-old woman her late husband had an affair with, shows up pregnant and alone after being disowned by her family. Desperate, she turns to Marlow for help. Even Pixie is stunned by the compassion Marlow shows her. Their unlikely alliance blossoms into a sisterhood that withstands threats from Marlow’s hostile in-laws. Marlow stands firm in supporting Pixie.

What follows is a touching story of love, forgiveness, and chosen family, set against the backdrop of a welcoming small town. Foster draws readers into Bramble with warmth and depth, making it hard to leave. Thankfully, this is just the first in a new series—and I can’t wait to return.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE GUEST COTTAGE by Lori Foster. Kensington (May 27, 2025). ISBN: 978-1496752352. 304p.

Kindle

Audible

Hardcover

Comments Off on THE GUEST COTTAGE by Lori Foster | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance, Women's Fiction | Tagged: Contemporary | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

Spotlight Review: WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs

July 15, 2025

From the publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author Susan Wiggs, a wrenching but life-affirming novel based on a true story of survival, friendship, and redemption. Set in the turbulent Vietnam era in the All-American city of Buffalo, New York, six girls are condemned to forced labor in the laundry of a Catholic reform school.

In 1968 we meet six teens confined at the Good Shepherd—a dark and secretive institution controlled by Sisters of Charity nuns—locked away merely for being gay, pregnant, or simply unruly.

Mairin— free-spirited daughter of Irish immigrants, committed to keep her safe from her stepfather.

Angela—denounced for her attraction to girls, sent to the nuns for reform, but instead found herself the victim of a predator.

Helen—the daughter of intellectuals detained in Communist China, she saw her “temporary” stay at the Good Shepherd stretch into years.

Odessa—caught up in a police dragnet over a racial incident, she found the physical and mental toughness to endure her sentence.

Denise—sentenced for brawling in a foster home, she dared to dream of a better life.

Janice—deeply insecure, she couldn’t decide where her loyalty lay—except when it came to her friend Kay, who would never outgrow her childlike dependency.

Sister Bernadette—rescued from a dreadful childhood, she owed her loyalty to the Sisters of Charity even as her conscience weighed on her.

Wayward Girls is a haunting but thrilling tale of hope, solidarity, and the enduring strength of young women who find the courage to break free and find redemption…and justice.
https://amzn.to/4bvMJIU

Wiggs’s new novel (after The Twelve Dogs of Christmas) is compelling historical fiction set in Buffalo, NY, during the late 1960s. The story primarily takes place in the Good Shepherd Home for Wayward Girls, a reform school run by nuns, which operates like a Dickensian workhouse. The story follows a few young women who are there for various reasons, including perceived protection from abuse, sexuality, and family circumstances. The main character, Mairin, is sent there when her stepfather tries to rape her; her brother is being deployed to Vietnam, and her mother is a strict Catholic who thinks the nuns will protect her daughter. Little does she know about the harsh conditions the girls face, including forced manual labor in a Magdalene laundry, nightly confinement, and severe punishments for rule infractions. Mairin and a few of the girls become friends, and eventually, some of them escape. The book follows these girls throughout their lives, including the traumatic aftereffects of their childhoods and their subsequent pursuit of justice.

VERDICT Wiggs offers a poignant and enlightening look into a dark chapter of recent history in this powerful and unforgettable read. Readalikes include The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead and This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.

©Library Journal, 2025

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs. William Morrow (July 15, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063118270. 400p.

Kindle

Audible

Comments Off on Spotlight Review: WAYWARD GIRLS by Susan Wiggs | Book Reviews, Fiction, Women's Fiction | Tagged: Book Discussion | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

Audiobook Sunday: REASON TO BELIEVE by Rebecca Yarros

July 13, 2025

Dual narration by Carly Robins & Tim Paige

The Legacy Series, Book 1

From the publisher:

“I’ll take them!”

That’s what I tell the social worker when my pre-K student and his baby brother need an emergency foster placement. I’ll do anything to keep the brothers from being split up. But my apartment’s flooded and there’s only one house I can take them to on such short notice . . . his.

Knox Daniels, my brother’s best friend, offers his new place without hesitation. He’s not moving back to our town until next month—that’s when all our hotshot firefighters are returning for their only chance to rebuild our father’s fallen, iconic crew.

It doesn’t matter that I’ve been in love with Knox since we were kids. It can’t matter that we pretend that prom night kiss never happened. It won’t matter that my feelings for him could destroy his lifelong friendship with my brother and threaten the certification of their crew. Because I’ll be out of his house long before he gets back.

Except Knox just walked in . . . a month early. He’s gorgeous as always and I’m covered in baby puke. He takes one look at the boys and tells me we can make this work—we can temporarily fake a relationship to keep them from being separated by the system.

Suddenly, everything matters.

Contains mature themes.

https://amzn.to/44FxaMR

Knox and Ryker have been best friends for years. They work side by side as firefighters and share the painful bond of having lost their fathers to the same profession. There’s always been a spark between Knox and Ryker’s younger sister, Harper, but Ryker made it crystal clear: Harper is off-limits. That unspoken boundary shatters the night of Harper’s senior prom, when she kisses Knox. It’s just one kiss—but it ruins both of them for anyone else.

Seven years later, Knox has bought a house in their small hometown, though he’s not planning to move back for another month. Harper now runs her own preschool, and when one of her favorite students, Liam, loses his mother unexpectedly, she steps up to foster him and his baby brother until their father can be located. The father took off during the second pregnancy—he’s never even met his younger son.

There’s just one problem: Harper’s apartment was recently flooded, leaving her temporarily homeless. She’s staying with Ryker, but there’s no room for two young children. Desperate, she texts Knox to ask if she can crash at his empty house for a few days. She figures she’ll be gone before he even returns.

What she doesn’t know is that Knox is already on his way home.

Knox may not understand why there are suddenly two little boys in his house, but when Harper needs him, he doesn’t hesitate. He agrees to help her foster the children, but their plan hits an unexpected snag in court. The judge refuses to grant them custody unless they’re a real couple, insisting that without this, the boys will be separated and sent to different foster homes in another town. Though the social worker supports their case and no law actually requires foster parents to be married, the judge remains inflexible.

Knox’s grandmother saves the moment by slipping him her engagement ring, allowing them to claim they’re engaged. Even this isn’t enough for the demanding judge, who insists they must actually marry before he’ll grant custody. Despite the far-fetched situation, they go through with an immediate courthouse wedding to keep the brothers together.

Knox’s house is spacious enough for everyone to have their own room, but the emotional boundaries are harder to navigate. Neither realizes their feelings are mutual—both secretly longing for the other while believing it’s one-sided. Ryker is furious about the marriage, but as Knox and Harper spend time together as a makeshift family, their connection deepens naturally.

As the months pass without any sign of the boys’ father, Harper and Knox continue to care for them as a team. When the father is finally found, he’s granted only supervised visits due to his abandonment. Meanwhile, Knox and Ryker are working toward getting their team certified as hotshots*—an elite firefighting crew. It’s a tribute to the fathers they lost, and a grueling commitment that often leaves them out of reach for long stretches during fire season.

As their marriage of convenience transforms into something real, both Knox and Harper must confront their emotional baggage. Knox carries deep wounds that Harper helps him heal without him even realizing her influence. Harper, who has loved Knox for most of her life, initially accepts whatever relationship she can have with him. Fortunately, Knox eventually recognizes his true feelings, and both find their way to happiness.

Their journey isn’t without genuine challenges that test their ability to function as a couple facing life’s difficulties together. The story’s resolution is so satisfying that the epilogue feels essential rather than merely added—a perfect conclusion to their hard-won love story.

There are a couple of novella-length prequels to this book—not usually my favorite format—but Yarros is a terrific storyteller, so I’m all in.

*Hotshots are elite wildland firefighters, officially known as Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs), renowned for their high level of training, experience, and physical fitness. They are deployed to the most challenging parts of wildfires, often in remote areas, and work long hours with minimal logistical support. (Google AI)

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

REASON TO BELIEVE by Rebecca Yarros. Narrators: Tim Paige & Carly Robins. Tantor Audio. February 6, 2024. Listening Length: 11 hours and 5 minutes.

Kindle

Paperback

Comments Off on Audiobook Sunday: REASON TO BELIEVE by Rebecca Yarros | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Audiobook | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

EAT POST LIKE by Emily Arden Wells

July 11, 2025

From the publisher:

A Stirring Novel of Self-Discovery, Resilience, and Culinary Adventures from New York to Italy and Paris, Unraveling the Secret Life of a Lost Love—Perfect for Summer Reading

Eat Post Like is a heartwarming debut novel of self-discovery, resilience, and the transformative power of food.

Cassie Brooks has her life all figured out.

Make partner at the prestigious law firm she works at by age 35

Put in as much work as required to make goal #1 happen

Spend as much time as possible with her boyfriend, James Colwell

Work might be exhausting, but for now she’s satisfied making good money and enjoying New York City with James. He’s an accountant but has surprisingly eclectic taste in food. Cassie is starting to think he could be the one when her life flips upside down with one call: James has died tragically.

Months into her grief, she uncovers a worn diary belonging to James and stumbles upon a remarkable revelation: James was the mastermind behind the hottest, anonymous foodie account in the city. With detailed food reviews, lists of new restaurants, and a tantalizing plan to involve Cassie, James had been preparing for an adventure of a lifetime.

When Cassie unwittingly accepts a dinner reservation on behalf of James’s viral account, she embarks on a whirlwind journey filled with unforgettable meals and unexpected connections. She goes from endless hours on-call as a lawyer to savoring exquisite pasta in Italy and indulging in the finest French cuisine in Paris.

But as Cassie navigates the demands of being an influencer and embracing her newfound passions, she struggles to find balance. Does she have what it takes to maintain her secret identity while pursuing her own dreams? Can she balance her grief of losing James with the thrilling possibilities that lie ahead?

https://amzn.to/3HVUMUP

Cassie is an ambitious lawyer clawing her way toward partnership, which means she’s perpetually on call and utterly consumed by work. This devotion to her career wreaks havoc on her two-year relationship with James, a man of seemingly infinite patience. In Cassie’s ruthless prioritization, work comes first, she comes second, and James trails a distant third. He endures this treatment because he’s deeply in love and holds onto the hope that someday Cassie will realize he matters more than billable hours. Tragically, that day never comes—James dies in an accident before Cassie can reassess her priorities.

With no family of his own—like Cassie—James leaves everything to her, including his apartment. Cassie steels herself to sort through his belongings. Hidden in his closet, she makes a startling discovery: multiple fake identities complete with costumes, IDs, and credit cards. What initially seems sinister reveals itself as something entirely different—James was secretly @NewYorkSecretDiner, the anonymous and wildly popular food critic with millions of followers.

After accessing his phone and social media accounts, Cassie discovers an invitation for James to join the prestigious Viand review team (think Michelin) for a European food tour. Seizing this opportunity, she requests a sabbatical from work and heads to Europe, determined to honor James’s memory by stepping into his shoes.

Despite having shared countless meals with James and following his Instagram account, Cassie faces the daunting challenge of masquerading as an expert among elite food bloggers and a renowned cookbook author. She throws herself into preparation—studying restaurants, researching chefs, and learning food photography—all while terrified of being exposed as a fraud.

The journey proves transformative. As Cassie navigates grief while experiencing extraordinary restaurants and luxury accommodations, the book becomes rich with meticulously detailed descriptions of real establishments and cuisine. The author, herself a food writer, brings authentic expertise to every page. While I’ll likely never afford to dine at most of these places (Noma has permanently closed, and the others are simply beyond my budget), I savored every description. Though I consider myself something of a foodie, I’m not as adventurous as this author—sometimes I prefer reading about exotic dishes rather than actually eating them.

This is fundamentally Cassie’s story of personal growth and self-discovery. While there’s a touch of romance, food remains the true star. The secondary characters, though not deeply developed, serve their purpose as mirrors reflecting Cassie’s transformation.

If you love food and travel writing, this book will satisfy your appetite. If you’re seeking complex character development or intricate plotting, you might want to look elsewhere. For what it sets out to accomplish, I found it genuinely enjoyable.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

EAT POST LIKE by Emily Arden Wells. Avon (June 3, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063307438. 384p.

Kindle

Audible

Comments Off on EAT POST LIKE by Emily Arden Wells | Book Reviews, Fiction, Women's Fiction | Tagged: Foodie Fiction | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

COURTROOM DRAMA by Neely Tubati Alexander

July 11, 2025

From the publisher:

Legally Blonde and Jury Duty meet The Real Housewives in this high-stakes courtroom love story—a sexy and sweet but heartfelt novel about friendship, romance, and reality television from the acclaimed author of Love Buzz and In a Not So Perfect World.

Sydney Parks thinks she might be the first person in the world to look forward to serving jury duty. When Margot Kitsch, an OG cast member of the hit reality show Authentic Moms of Malibu is arrested after the untimely death of her cast member husband, Joe, Sydney knows being selected for the jury is the most interesting thing that ever happened to her.

However, it doesn’t take long for Sydney to realize that being part of a sequestered jury in a high-profile case is not at all what legal dramas had led her to expect—especially when she learns that her childhood best friend, Damon, whom she hasn’t seen in ten years, is also a jury member.

As the trial wears on, Sydney realizes there’s a lot more to the case than she first thought. And there’s also a lot more to Damon—she soon finds herself falling under his spell despite the court’s instructions not to fraternize. His tendency to break the rules and find adventure is hard to resist in their otherwise dull juror’s world. But getting close to Damon also means having to face the complicated reasons their friendship abruptly ended just when they were on the precipice of something more.

With all the drama in and out of the courtroom, how is Sydney supposed to ignore the fraught history between them? How is she supposed to avoid him when he’s sitting next to her in the jury box every day with his broad shoulders and intoxicating smell? And how is she supposed to ensure Margot gets a fair trial if her unfinished business with Damon causes the mistrial of the century?

“Taking the forced proximity trope to the limit, Tubati Alexander (In a Not So Perfect World) delivers a wildly entertaining romance between two members of a sequestered jury. . . . Tubati Alexander impressively drives forward both the murder trial and the romance, conjuring real chemistry between her leads and soapy, salacious intrigue in the courtroom. This is pure popcorn.” — Publishers Weekly

“A good pick for all romance collections, Alexander’s (In a Not-So-Perfect World) funny and moving novel is likely to be popular with reality television fans and those who enjoy the estranged friends-to-lovers trope.” —Library Journal
https://amzn.to/447l5Qo

Sydney Parks is obsessed with Authentic Moms of Malibu, a reality TV show in the vein of Real Housewives. When one of the show’s stars, Margot, gets arrested for murdering her husband Joe, Sydney can hardly contain her excitement to see how the drama unfolds.

That excitement reaches new heights when Sydney receives a jury summons and discovers she’s been selected for Margot’s murder trial. But the biggest surprise comes when she spots a familiar face among her fellow jurors: Damon, her childhood best friend who mysteriously vanished from her life years ago without explanation.

As the trial progresses and her old friendship rekindles, Sydney finds herself torn between loyalties. She desperately wants to believe in Margot’s innocence, but the mounting evidence begins to shake her faith. Meanwhile, being sequestered with the other jurors in an abandoned hotel gives Sydney and Damon plenty of time to reconnect and uncover the secrets that drove them apart. Their renewed friendship quickly blossoms into romance, but they must keep their relationship hidden to avoid causing a mistrial. As tensions rise both in the courtroom and between the sheets, Sydney faces increasingly difficult choices about justice, loyalty, and love.

This compelling blend of courtroom drama, reality TV satire, and forbidden romance creates an irresistible page-turner that keeps readers guessing until the very end. A super fun read!

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COURTROOM DRAMA by Neely Tubati Alexander. Harper Perennial (May 20, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063428287. 352p.

Kindle

Audible

Hardcover

Comments Off on COURTROOM DRAMA by Neely Tubati Alexander | Book Reviews, Crime Fiction, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Legal, steamy | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

Spotlight Review: THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO by Adriana Trigiani

July 8, 2025

From the publisher:

From the beloved New York Times bestselling author Adriana Trigiani, a “dazzling” storyteller (Washington Post), and a “comedy writer with a heart of gold” (NYT), comes a novel about one woman’s quest to build her own life before it’s too late.

Jess Capodimonte Baratta is not living the life of her dreams. Not even close.

In blue-collar Lake Como, New Jersey, family comes first. Recently divorced from Bobby Bilancia, “the perfect husband,” Jess moves into her parents’ basement to hide and heal. Jess is the overlooked daughter, who dutifully takes care of her parents, cooks Sunday dinner, and puts herself last. Despite her role as the family handmaiden, Jess is also a talented draftswoman in the marble business run by her dapper uncle Louie, who believes she can do anything (once she invests in a better wardrobe).

When the Capodimonte and Baratta families endure an unexpected loss, the shock unearths long-buried secrets that will force Jess to question her loyalty to those she trusted. Fueled by her lost dreams, Jess takes fate into her own hands and escapes to her ancestral home, Carrara, Italy.

From the shadows of the majestic marble-capped mountains of Tuscany, to the glittering streets of Milan, and on the shores of enchanting Lake Como (the other one), Jess begins to carve a place in this new/old world. When she meets Angelo Strazza, a passionate artist who works in gold, she discovers her own skills are priceless. But as Jess uncovers the truth about her family history, it will change the course of her life and those she loves the most forever. In love and work, in art and soul, Jess will need every tool she has mastered to reinvent her life.

Fed by the author’s cherished Italian roots comes a bighearted, hilarious novel of the moment: the story of one woman’s determination to live a creative life that matters, with enough room left over for love. With a one-way ticket to Italy, Jess is determined to write a new story on her own terms–this time, in stone.
https://amzn.to/41zzi65

Trigiani’s latest, after The Good Left Undone, is a compelling story that masterfully weaves together themes of self-discovery and an Italian-American family’s unique cultural nuances and traditions. Jess is a young divorced woman struggling with family dynamics as she strives to find her place in the world, which leads her from Lake Como, New Jersey, to Carrara, Italy. Jess has worked for her uncle in the marble business for several years, and she inherited the business when he passed away. She also inherited another shell company, an FBI investigation, and a massive tax liability. While fully cooperating with the FBI and the IRS, she goes to Italy to learn about the family business and herself; in the process, she learns the importance of letting go of the past to embrace change and finds new family and love. This is the book Trigiani fans have been waiting for.

VERDICT Trigiani’s hallmark charm and love of family, along with a touch of romance, make this a captivating and memorable read. Recommend to readers who enjoy Dorothea Benton Frank, Lisa Scottoline, or Kristy Woodson Harvey.

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO by Adriana Trigiani. Dutton (July 8, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593183359. 416p.

Kindle

Audible

Comments Off on Spotlight Review: THE VIEW FROM LAKE COMO by Adriana Trigiani | Book Reviews, Fiction, Women's Fiction | Tagged: Book Discussion | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi

Audiobook Sunday: THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED by Rebecca Yarros

July 6, 2025

Dual narration by Carly Robins & Tim Paige

From the publisher:

Told in alternating timelines, THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED examines the risks we take for love, the scars too deep to heal, and the endings we can’t bring ourselves to see coming.

Twenty-eight-year-old Georgia Stanton has to start over after she gave up almost everything in a brutal divorce―the New York house, the friends, and her pride. Now back home at her late great-grandmother’s estate in Colorado, she finds herself face-to-face with Noah Harrison, the bestselling author of a million books where the cover is always people nearly kissing. He’s just as arrogant in person as in interviews, and she’ll be damned if the good-looking writer of love stories thinks he’s the one to finish her grandmother’s final novel…even if the publisher swears he’s the perfect fit.

Noah is at the pinnacle of his career. With book and movie deals galore, there isn’t much the “golden boy” of modern fiction hasn’t accomplished. But he can’t walk away from what might be the best book of the century―the one his idol, Scarlett Stanton, left unfinished. Coming up with a fitting ending for the legendary author is one thing, but dealing with her beautiful, stubborn, cynical great-granddaughter, Georgia, is quite another.

But as they read Scarlett’s words in both the manuscript and her box of letters, they start to realize why Scarlett never finished the book―it’s based on her real-life romance with a World War II pilot, and the ending isn’t a happy one. Georgia knows all too well that love never works out, and while the chemistry and connection between her and Noah is undeniable, she’s as determined as ever to learn from her great-grandmother’s mistakes―even if it means destroying Noah’s career.

“Yarros masterfully weaves two love stories—one in the present day and one during WWII—into an ambitious story of family, sacrifice, and trust . . . [the] characters are vibrant and her story gripping. Readers will be wowed.”—Publishers Weekly

“With two equally engrossing storylines, this book will draw in even seasoned romance readers . . . A charming dual-timeline romance about learning from past mistakes.”—Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/3TKm6ru

I read Rebecca Yarros’s mega-bestseller Fourth Wing, a fierce, fast-paced romantasy, and while I enjoyed it, it didn’t compel me to continue with the rest of the trilogy. I can only take romantasy in small doses, but even though the genre isn’t my favorite, it was clear Yarros is an exceptional writer.

Looking for something new to listen to, I remembered hearing that she had written more traditional romances before Fourth Wing. I checked Hoopla, my go-to library app, and sure enough, several of her earlier titles were available. Some leaned more into the New Adult category, featuring college-age protagonists I wasn’t in the mood for—but then I found this one and decided to give it a try. I’m so glad I did—I loved it.

The novel follows two intertwined storylines. In the present day, we meet Noah, a bestselling author known for writing emotional, Nicholas Sparks–style tearjerkers, and Georgia, the granddaughter of Scarlett, a legendary romance novelist. After Scarlett’s death, Georgia inherits her home, her wealth, and her literary legacy.

Georgia was once a successful glass artist, but gave up her career to work with her husband, a film producer. Together, they adapted several of Scarlett’s novels for the screen. But after one betrayal too many, Georgia divorces him, walking away from their company and their New York City apartment, moving into Scarlett’s house in Colorado. There, she discovers a manuscript—part novel, part memoir—based on Scarlett’s real-life romance with an American pilot stationed in England during World War II. The manuscript is unfinished, and Scarlett’s publisher wants Noah to finish it, guaranteeing a blockbuster hit.

Georgia isn’t a fan of Noah’s work—she prefers her grandmother’s uplifting endings—but she can’t deny her attraction to him. Noah, on the other hand, is a longtime admirer of Scarlett’s writing and wants to do the manuscript justice. But there’s a conflict: Scarlett wants the book to reflect the truth, no matter how painful, while Noah wants to preserve her legacy with a happily-ever-after. As the two spend more time together, romance blossoms, though Noah quickly realizes he must tread carefully with the deeply wounded Georgia.

The story alternates between Scarlett’s wartime romance and Georgia and Noah’s present-day relationship. Both timelines are easy to follow, filled with twists, and one shocking revelation near the end that made me go back and re-listen to that entire chapter.

My only gripe? Noah says he grew up in the Bronx and is required to be a Mets fan—except the Mets play in Queens! The Yankees are the “Bronx Bombers”, and while I was thrilled Noah was a Mets fan, I wasn’t thrilled that no one picked up on that error. A minor detail, but it irked my Mets-loving heart.

Both storylines were completely captivating and easy to follow, brought to life by phenomenal narrators who kept me engaged throughout. Though this was longer than most audiobooks I tackle, I savored every minute. Highly recommend!

7/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED by Rebecca Yarros. Narrators: Tim Paige & Carly Robins. Tantor Audio. February 23, 2021. Listening Length: 14 hours and 32 minutes.

Kindle

Paperback

Comments Off on Audiobook Sunday: THE THINGS WE LEAVE UNFINISHED by Rebecca Yarros | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Audiobook | Permalink
Posted by Stacy Alesi