A former SEAL and his best friend’s widow find that the path of healing leads to forbidden feelings in this emotional western romance for fans of Maisey Yates and Jennifer Ryan!
For widow Tess Valdez, there are two things keeping her husband’s memory alive: her daughters and the ranch he loved. And Tess has thrown herself into caring for both. But when the wild horses that roam her land are threatened, Tess seizes the opportunity to become their advocate—and finds a new purpose that is hers alone. She expects resistance from some of the locals, but what she doesn’t anticipate is needing the one man she can’t have by her side…
No one understands Tess’s pain better than SEAL Silas Beck. He lost his best friend on the battlefield, and he’s spent every day since living up to the promise he’d made Jace to take care of the family he left behind. Falling for Tess was never supposed to happen, and Silas knows he should leave for both of their sakes—but he can’t say no when she asks him for one last favor. Even if staying means confronting feelings they’d both rather ignore . . .
“This is a must-read for cowboy romance fans.”—Publishers Weekly
I’ve read many of Sara Richardson’s books and enjoyed them all, but somehow I miss books in every series. I need to pay closer attention! This is the second book of a series, and I have the first book but haven’t read it yet – but I will.
This is a good cowboy romance with a strong storyline besides the romance – saving wild mustangs. In this small ranching town, Tess is shocked to learn that some of her neighbors are killing the wild horses. Tess is a widow whose husband was a Navy SEAL. His friends and fellow SEALs have returned to town and have a construction company. When Tess finds an injured mustang and Silas, her husband’s best friend, helps bring the horse back to the ranch so he can heal.
Silas has strong feelings for Tess but thinks she wouldn’t be interested. Until they have a one-night stand. There is a lot of chemistry there but Tess thinks they shouldn’t let anyone know and that pisses Silas off. Nevertheless, he’s on board to help with the injured animal and helps her try and rally the town to stop hurting these horses. Most of the ranchers agree except one…
Meanwhile, Silas thinks he’s not good enough for Tess and decides to re-up with the SEALs. Tess finds out who is shooting at the horses, and things heat up between Silas and Tess. There are a lot of hurdles before these two can find their happy ending, and I couldn’t put the book down until everything was resolved. This is another good read from a terrific author.
7/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
BETTING ON A GOOD LUCK COWBOY by Sara Richardson.Forever (June 6, 2023). ISBN: 978-1538725900. 480p.
A whip-smart and charming debut novel that brilliantly reimagines Pride and Prejudice, set in contemporary Chinatown, exploring contemporary issues of class divides, family ties, cultural identity, and the pleasures and frustrations that come with falling in love.
When Elizabeth Chen’s ever-hustling realtor mother finally sells the beloved if derelict community center down the block, the new owners don’t look like typical New York City buyers. Brendan Lee and Darcy Wong are good Chinese boys with Hong Kong money. Clean-cut and charismatic, they say they are committed to cleaning up the neighborhood. To Elizabeth, that only means one thing: Darcy is looking to give the center an uptown makeover.
Elizabeth is determined to fight for community over profit, even if it means confronting the arrogant, uptight man every chance she gets. But where clever, cynical Elizabeth sees lemons, her mother sees lemonade. Eager to get Elizabeth and her other four daughters ahead in the world (and out of their crammed family apartment), Mrs. Chen takes every opportunity to keep her investors close. Closer than Elizabeth likes.
The more time they spend together, the more conflicted Elizabeth feels…until a shocking betrayal forces her to reconsider everything she thought she knew about love, trust, and the kind of person Darcy Wong really is.
This debut novel by the pseudonymous C.K. Chau is an updated retelling of Pride and Prejudice with an Asian American twist, set in New York City’s Chinatown around the turn of the 21st century. The protagonists are Elizabeth Chen, Darcy Wong, and their families and friends, all with similar Austen-like names. Elizabeth’s mother is a realtor who has finally sold her white whale, the community center of Chinatown. Darcy heads the company that purchased the building, putting him in direct conflict with Elizabeth, who’s determined to keep the community center from becoming an upscale mall.
Darcy and Elizabeth come from different worlds; his, a wealthy Hong Kong family, and hers, a large family all crammed into a tiny NYC apartment, adding humor amid the chaos. The plot line of Pride and Prejudice remains intact here, and the story reaches its denouement with Darcy to the rescue, causing Elizabeth to reexamine her prejudices and forcing Darcy to set aside his pride. While it takes a while to get there, the rest of the novel speeds by until everyone gets their happy ending.
Verdict: Jane Austen fans should enjoy this, especially those who like the modern, multicultural reimaginings of her novels, such as Sonali Dev’s Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors and Uzma Jalaluddin’s Ayesha at Last.
In this charming installment of the Heart Lake series, a grumpy single dad and a small-town bookseller—who’s secretly an advice columnist—find love when they least expect it.
As chaotic as it can be, Rosie Dean loves her unruly life. But between raising twins alone, running her struggling bookshop, and secretly writing a parenting advice column, the single mom can’t think about dating. At least that’s what she tells herself . . . until her high school crush (and his incredible blue eyes) return to Heart Lake for the summer. Even though Evan has grown into a huge grump, he’s still a super sexy one, and soon sparks begin to fly.
Single dad and widower Evan Mills is used to hearing he’s too serious. But with a grieving tween daughter to raise on his own, the graphic designer is just trying to stay strong for her. He hopes a few weeks at the lake will be the fresh start they both need. Evan never anticipated reconnecting with Rosie, or that she could make him feel whole again—if he’d give her the chance. Will one steamy summer with Rosie be long enough to melt Evan’s heart?
I think this was my first time reading this author, and this book is part of a series. To be honest, I never would have known that so I think it’s fair to say it stands alone. And it was a really good read!
Sometimes I just want complete fluff, an escape from everything going on in the world that terrifies me, but other times I want my happy ending but with a bit more substance. I think this books falls into the latter category.
Evan is a widower with a young daughter and both are still grieving their loss. He decides to move home to this small town for the summer, thinking a change of scenery will do them both good. He was so very right about that.
Rosie is a single mom raising her twins on her own. She is definitely not one to feel sorry for herself; instead, she works hard to give her kids all the love they need, struggles to make her bookstore a success, and on the side, she writes a parenting column, which of course Evan stumbles upon. They start a correspondence while in real life, Evan and Rosie reconnect. Evan was her high school crush, so it’s been a while, but the attraction is still there. On both sides.
It is easy to see where the romance is heading, but it’s the complications of being a single parent and grieving in a small town that really makes this story stand out. It’s also a story about blending families and dating while also being a parent. Highly recommend, and I will be looking for the first book in this series, Dreaming of a Heart Lake Christmas. Robinson also writes a lesbian romance series, and I may be checking those out as well.
7/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE LITTLE BOOKSTORE ON HEART LAKE LANE by Sarah Robinson.Forever (May 23, 2023). ISBN: 978-1538755129. 336p.
I can’t lock up the library until the guy asleep at his desk leaves. Thank the universe for audiobooks because I could be here all night. But I see his mouth twitch at the exact moment a steamy kiss takes place. My face burns when I realize my headphones aren’t plugged in and my phone is at full volume.
It’s not every day you see a new face in my small hometown of Two Harts, let alone one belonging to an annoyingly handsome all-star NFL player. But for some reason Chris Sterns has decided that the library where I work is his go-to spot to hide from his mega-fans, and unfortunately, winding me up is his new favorite sport.
Being crowned “world’s sexiest man” has done little to curb his confident charm and when he somehow ropes me into his two-person book club, I can’t help warming to his endless positivity.
But when a photo of him stumbling out of a Las Vegas club with a woman in tow is leaked to the press, I can’t help but question whether his good boy persona is just an act.
And that’s far from the only answer I’m left searching for when Chris pops the question I’ve only ever heard in my favorite romance books. Did he really just ask me to marry him?
It’s not the proposal I was expecting, but with my mom’s medical bills piling up faster than I can pay them, and with the scandal threatening to ruin everything Chris has worked for; could an engagement be the perfect fake out for us both? Or is this a game we’ll both lose?
A totally uplifting and addictive friends-to-lovers romance full of laugh-out-loud moments. Perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Sarah Adams and Olivia Dade.
This author was new to me, and I think this is just her second novel after The Do Over, (which I will be reading for free thanks to Kindle Unlimited!)
This is a sweet romance between a grumpy girl, our librarian heroine Mae, and the man of sunshine and forever in a good mood, star football player Chris. He is hiding out in this small town and the meet-cute happens in the library, where he is napping when Mae is trying to close up. Turns out Chris is a reader, and he talks her into joining his romance book club. This two-member club brings them together, but when a video of Chris and a half-naked woman goes viral, Mae suspects he might not be completely forthcoming with her.
Chris is one of the good guys of football, spending his off time helping raise funds for a children’s hospital and pediatric cardiac research. But the hospital is having doubts about having him as their spokesperson in light of the recent video. His agent and publicist cook up an idea; get him a fiancee stat. Who better than the sweet librarian, Mae, to turn around his reputation? Turns out Mae is more than a librarian, she moonlights on weekends at a Hooters-type restaurant. Her mother had a severe stroke, and even with insurance, the medical bills are astronomical. Chris offers her money to be his fake fiancee for three months and not being an idiot, she takes him up on his offer and takes a leave of absence from her waitressing job.
The more time they spend together, the more real their feelings grow, but Chris isn’t going to force himself on her – he wants Mae to want him for real too. Once their families get involved, things really get complicated, especially when an anonymous source is keeping the viral video in the spotlight.
This is a sweet romance, and I liked the juxtaposition of grumpy girl versus happy guy. For some reason, it’s usually the men who are the grumps in contemporary romcoms, so I liked that Peterson turned that on its head. I didn’t quite understand why Chris freezes Mae out before their happy ending, but I went with it. This was a laugh-out-loud yet heartfelt romance, and a thoroughly delightful read, perfect for summer.
One last comment: each chapter is titled with a bad pickup line, but I really loved some of them!
–Life without you would be like a broken pencil. Pointless
–Even if there was no gravity on Earth, I’d still fall for you
–Our love is like Pi, irrational and endless
7/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE FAKE OUT by Sharon M. Peterson.Bookouture (June 30, 2023). ISBN: 978-1803149370. 384p.
When a woman discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II are revealed.
In the war-torn London of 1939, fourteen-year-old Hazel and five-year-old Flora are evacuated to a rural village to escape the horrors of the Second World War. Living with the kind Bridie Aberdeen and her teenage son, Harry, in a charming stone cottage along the River Thames, Hazel fills their days with walks and games to distract her young sister, including one that she creates for her sister and her sister alone—a fairy tale about a magical land, a secret place they can escape to that is all their own.
But the unthinkable happens when young Flora suddenly vanishes while playing near the banks of the river. Shattered, Hazel blames herself for her sister’s disappearance, and she carries that guilt into adulthood as a private burden she feels she deserves.
Twenty years later, Hazel is in London, ready to move on from her job at a cozy rare bookstore to a career at Sotheby’s. With a charming boyfriend and her elegantly timeworn Bloomsbury flat, Hazel’s future seems determined. But her tidy life is turned upside down when she unwraps a package containing an illustrated book called Whisperwood and the River of Stars. Hazel never told a soul about the imaginary world she created just for Flora. Could this book hold the secrets to Flora’s disappearance? Could it be a sign that her beloved sister is still alive after all these years?
As Hazel embarks on a feverish quest, revisiting long-dormant relationships and bravely opening wounds from her past, her career and future hang in the balance. An astonishing twist ultimately reveals the truth in this transporting and refreshingly original novel about the bond between sisters, the complications of conflicted love, and the enduring magic of storytelling.
“[A]ffecting…Henry’s offering shines most in its exploration of the ways relationships grow and adapt to time and trauma, making for a poignant meditation on the bonds of sisterhood. This captivates.”—Publishers Weekly
“Magical…an enchanting tribute to the power of storytelling.”—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A charming story that weaves fairy tale, mystery, and historical importance with a good dose of romance, The Secret Book of Flora Lea will appeal to all ages, as the author unfurls a fantastic story about ‘an invisible place right here with us.’” New York Journal of Books
“In this heartfelt novel, Henry deftly examines the bonds of sisterhood while seamlessly melding the horrors of war with the comfort of fairy tales, reminding us that “telling stories is one of the greatest powers we possess.” The Washington Post
This was my first book by this author, and I’m not sure how she has escaped me! This was such a lovely book about storytelling and families and sisters and first loves, set in a backdrop of war but moving back and forth in time. It is a wonderful book, and everyone should read it.
I had never heard of Operation Pied Piper, but it was a real program where children from London were sent to live with strangers out in the English countryside to keep them safe from all the bombings during WWII. They packed up a few clothes, their gas masks, and were packed onto busses. In this story, Hazel, a young teenager, and her little sister Flora get lucky and a warm, loving woman agrees to house them during the War. That was not always the case; they meet another girl in the same village who was taken in by a “hag,” a nasty woman who, like some foster parents, took her in for the money she would be paid and to put her to work. But Hazel and Flora were very lucky, and Bridie is such a warm, loving mother figure to them, it makes the transition that much easier. She has a son, Harry, who is around the same age as Hazel, and he is an artist. He draws beautiful pictures of Flora and the lovely countryside and slips them under their bedroom door each night.
But that is only part of this story. Hazel has a vivid imagination, and she invents a fairytale for her younger sister, set in a small enchanted town with a “river of stars” running through it. She begins every story the same way, and the two girls are always in the story, sometimes as girls, but often as other fanciful beings, fairies, owls, etc. But then tragedy strikes; Flora goes missing and is never found. Hazel was with Harry at the time, and she can’t forgive herself or Harry for not keeping an eye on Flora, and she vows to never see him again.
Fast forward many years to 1960, and Hazel is working for a rare books dealer. It’s her last day on the job; she has gotten a new position at Sotheby’s. On her last day of work, her boss asks her to unpack a new shipment, which she does. To her shock, it is a fairytale about the place she invented as a child. The author’s name is unfamiliar, and she lives in the United States. Along with the book are some illustrations, and before she even realizes she’s done it, Hazel has taken them all and gone home.
Hazel has never accepted that Flora died. A few years later, a body of a young girl is found not that far from where they lived and the police consider the case closed, but Hazel does not. So when she finds this book, she is convinced more than ever that Flora must still be alive.
It’s a beautifully written, totally engrossing story that I hated to end. Book groups will find lots to discuss here. Put it on your summer reading list and enjoy!
7/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE SECRET BOOK OF FLORA LEA by Patti Callahan Henry.Atria Books (May 2, 2023). ISBN: 978-1668011836. 368p.
If you are a reader, and I’m guessing that’s how you got here, then you are probably aware that the book banning that is going on in this country has reached epidemic proportions, much worse than the McCarthy era of the 1950s and the Reagan resurgence in the 1980s. As a librarian, watching what is happening all over this country, especially in my state of Florida, taking award-winning books away from children and threatening teachers and librarians with prison, is just sickening.
If you believe that everyone should have access to books that interest them and that parents should make the decisions about what is appropriate reading material for their own children and not for everyone else’s children, then I hope you’ll read this Freedom to Read statement and sign on. Thank you.
The Freedom to Read Statement
Seventy years ago, leaders from across the literary world joined together in writing to condemn attacks on free expression. The statement at the heart of that endeavor, the Freedom to Read Statement, was authored by the American Library Association and Association of American Publishers over a period of several days. It begins with this timeless observation:
The freedom to read is essential to our democracy. It is continuously under attack.
A resurgence of attacks on the freedom to read again threatens our democracy. Calls for book bans, the adoption of unconstitutional legislation, and campaigns to criminalize the work of librarians, teachers, booksellers and other individuals for distributing materials protected by the First Amendment threaten our fundamental liberties.
Recognizing that the battle to preserve our freedoms is as old as the freedoms themselves, the American Library Association and the Association of American Publishers have reconvened on this 70th Anniversary of the Freedom to Read statement to reaffirm its timeless message, joined by the Authors Guild and American Booksellers Association. Together, we recommit to the proposition that the freedom to read is essential to our democracy and the birthright of all persons regardless of their beliefs or political persuasion.
Prime Day is coming! Lots of great bargains heading our way. Reminder: Customers can only participate in Prime Day if they are Prime members! So try it free for 30 days…
Grab a Kindle! I followed Wirecutter‘s advice and got the “Kindle Paperwhite Kids” last year on Prime Day – it’s the same Kindle as the adults, but it comes with a nice black case/cover, a longer warranty, and no ads! And it’s 44% off; the price is down from $159.99 to $89.99! The storage of 8 GB is probably more than enough for anyone. I have over 6000 books on mine and have never had a problem adding more. (I have recently made it a habit to remove the download of the book as I finish reading it, just in case!)
I still have the World Book set my mom bought when I was in elementary school. My kids occasionally used it for homework. Most of the information is still good; how much has the information on the polio vaccine or the Revolutionary War changed? I’m sure quite a bit is outdated or ignores contributions by women or people of color – one can only hope this latest edition is more diverse and inclusive.
At this point, I keep it more for its sentimental value than anything else, plus no one wants it. You can find ads for free encyclopedias on NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace, etc., but no one really wants them, even for free. When I worked at the public library, people often donated encyclopedias and other old, moldy, mildewed books that went straight into the dumpster.
My personal favorite was in a phone call I took from a woman who had recently lost her husband. He had been a physician, and she wanted to donate his medical books, most from the 1930s. We respectfully declined.
The public library in my area does purchase a new set of print encyclopedias every year or two and houses them in the children’s section. They keep the previous edition on hand – the older set could be checked out, but the latest edition could only be used in the library. All of this is leading up to this article:
I just bought the only physical encyclopedia still in print, and I regret nothing: The still-updated World Book Encyclopedia is my antidote to the information apocalypse.
The Saga Over Elizabeth Gilbert’s “Russian Novel” Has an Uncomfortable Lesson—and It’s Not for Her
By Imogen West-Knights, Slate
Gilbert, or her publishers, or both, has decided not to go ahead with publication after all. When the book went up on Goodreads, it was flooded with one-star reviews from people who could not have read it yet. “While Ukrainians are dying from russian terrorists, famous authors are writing books about them and romanticizing these bastards,” one commenter wrote. There are 532 such reviews as of this writing.
Need a recipe in a snap to make your summer produce shine? From June 21 – August 15, text a fruit or vegetable emoji to 361-COOK-NYT (361-266-5698) and receive free recipes from New York Times Cooking! This summer, New York Times Cooking is bringing home cooks inspiration around beloved summer produce and more, with a Recipe Emoji Line. From June 21– August 15, text any fruit or vegetable emoji to 361-COOK-NYT. In return, texters will receive a delicious free recipe, and will be guided to continue texting emojis for more free recipes. My only caveat is I haven’t found an emoji for the odd fruits or vegetables that show up in farm shares or co-ops, like dragonfruit, daikon, or kohlrabi!
Fun fact: As a New York Times Cooking subscriber, I’m entitled to gift two free recipes to friends and family (or my readers) each month. Please let me know if you are not a subscriber and would love a specific recipe from the NYT. I’m happy to share! For this month, I’ll share two of my favorites:
Serendipity is a funny thing. Did you watch the TV series “Modern Family?” You still can on Hulu. I recently ran across one of my favorite quotes from the show, which led me to think about it more than I have in years. I loved that show for most of the years it was on, starting with what I affectionately think of as the Lion King episode. (“Pilot,” Season 1, Episode 1):
ABC. (2009, September 24). Lion King Moment 9-23 – Modern Family. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/1aSzTVrP5FQ
Another memorable episode is also from Season 1, “Phil Gets an iPad,” (episode 19.) Watching it at the time felt like watching a commercial for the newly released Apple iPad, but in hindsight, it was almost prescient – Phil says, “oh, who’s ready for the first day of the rest of their lives!” Yep, I’m pretty sure a lot of lives were changed by the iPad. I know mine was. And in a weird coincidence, I now work at a university that is an Apple/iPad school. So maybe not a commercial but more a glimpse of things to come?
Modern Family Clips. (2020, September 7). Modern Family 1×19 – Phil gets an iPad [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/rkbgDtNGv3o
What started me on this topic was the quote I mentioned earlier. It’s from a conversation between Haley, the not-quite-bright daughter, and Alex, her much brighter sister:
Alex: Can you drop me off at the library?
Haley: Sorry. I’m meeting some friends at that coffee shop on Lake.
Alex: You mean the one next to the library?
Haley: That’s a library? I thought it was a church for a religion that didn’t allow makeup.
Corrigan, P., Walsh, B., & Wrubel, B. (Writers). Case, R. (Director). (2014, April 30.) Sleeper. (Season 5, Episode 21.) [TV series episode]. In Levitan, S. & Lloyd, C. (Executive Producers) Modern Family. 20th Century Fox
Now I know a lot of librarians took offense at that. I’m not sure why, to be perfectly honest. Maybe it hit a little too close to home? Since I’m one of the minority librarians who does wear makeup but have rarely worked with or seen many other librarians who do, I knew it to be mostly true and, therefore, funny. Even the younger generation of librarians coming up in the profession are not prone to wearing makeup. I have to add that the librarians I currently work with are pretty evenly divided, some wear makeup, some don’t, but all look professional. That has not always been my experience.
I hate to generalize, but I’ve been to several major librarian conferences over the years, like the American Library Association Annual Conferences, Public Library Annual Conferences, and local ones, like those sponsored by the Florida Library Association and the Southeast Florida Library Information Network (SEFLIN.) I’ve also done presentations at these and for library systems like the Palm Beach County Library System, the New York Library Association, the Kansas Library Association, and other groups. In other words, I have witnessed thousands of librarians – sans makeup.
It’s hard to see, but that is a tattoo of a piece of hard candy behind the ear of this young librarian in a bun!
Added bonus: there is always a booth or two at these conferences selling book/library-themed clothing or cat-themed clothing and accessories, and they usually have lines of librarians waiting to buy them. Buns and bobs are seen throughout the conference. Cardigans galore (I love them!) Glasses! Lots and lots of librarians in buns, cardigans, and glasses. All I’m saying is that stereotypes become stereotypes for a reason.
Does wearing makeup have any impact on a librarian’s work? Absolutely not. Most librarians love to help people find good information, which is more important now than ever, especially with the advent of generative AI and the misinformation and disinformation that is so easily spread. As Neil Gaiman said,
“Google can bring you back 100,000 answers; a librarian can bring you back the right one.”
Did you know that archivists are generally also librarians? They are a subspecialty of the Masters in Library and Information Science or Masters in Information Science degrees. There are also certificate and degree programs in archiving. I mention this because the National Archive has been in the news lately. When Trump was indicted in Miami in the Classified Documents Inquiry, a colleague said, “This is what happens when you fuck with archivists!”
Well said.
As always, thanks for reading, and stay safe.
Thanks to The New York Times for allowing me to “gift” my readers with free access to these articles, a lovely perk for subscribers.
She’s about to make a beast of a bargain in this clever and deliciously engaging fairytale twist, from USA Today bestselling author Eva Devon…
All of London gossips about the Duke of Montrose. A recluse. Inflicted with a terrible disease. A gargoyle with a terrible temper. But he’s also the most important patron of the centuries-old book shop that belongs to Miss Elizabeth Sharpe’s family. Now she’s been charged with delivering books to the Gargoyle of London herself—or risk their shop falling into ruin. But surely a duke can’t be that ghastly…
Garrett Maximilian doesn’t give a tinker’s damn what society says about him. Most of them are sycophants, bowing and scraping in his presence. But not this proud, redheaded spitfire of a woman standing before him. In fact, nothing makes him feel more alive than Miss Elizabeth tartly criticizing his books. Perhaps he just needs a plan to keep her close…
The duke’s glower doesn’t terrify Elizabeth as much as it fascinates her. And worse, he looks at her with a dark hunger that should make her shake with fear—not desire. But Elizabeth’s father has sinister plans in store for his daughter…and this beastly duke might be her only salvation.
I love when I start a new series with a book as good as this one. I’ve enjoyed other books from this author, so it was a no-brainer to pick up this one.
Elizabeth helps her father run their family-owned business, a bookstore. In reality, ever since her mother died, her father has taken to the bottle, leaving Elizabeth to do everything in the store. Much to her amazement, one day the Duke of Montrose comes to the store. Her father has been delivering books every week to the Duke’s home forever, so she can’t imagine why he’s come to the shop. Until he tells her – her father hasn’t been making his deliveries, and Elizabeth wasn’t aware of that. The Duke is their biggest and best client – he basically keeps the store afloat, so without his patronage, there is little hope for the store to remain solvent.
Out of desperation, Elizabeth starts making the deliveries herself and thoroughly enjoys discussing books with the Duke. He has a terrible reputation as a recluse and a man of little to no patience. But to his amazement, she has no qualms about standing up to him, and he greatly enjoys their conversations. As they get to know one another, other feelings emerge, and while Elizabeth knows that nothing could ever happen with their class differences, nonetheless, she falls for the Duke.
Then her father gets the idea of marrying her off for enough money to keep the shop going a little longer. Elizabeth is horrified by the man he wants her to marry but doesn’t seem to have much say in the matter. But then her father gets an even worse idea.
It’s easy to see that the solution to Elizabeth’s dilemma would be if the Duke offered for her, but forcing him into that position is next to impossible. Until he decides it’s the best idea he’s ever had…
This was a good story – I’m all in any time there are books central to the plot! There are some steamy scenes between the Duke and Elizabeth, but their romance is what makes the pages sing. This is a short book at 240 pages, but the characters come to life on the page, and while it’s a fast read, it never feels like anything is missing. That is no easy feat for a short book like this, but Devon has the story-telling chops to pull it off. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series; The Duke and the Dressmaker comes out in August.
6/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE BEAST AND THE BOOKSELLER by Eva Devon. Entangled: Amara (June 5, 2023). ISBN: 979-8397765213. 240p.
The fur is about to fly between a cheerful cat sitter and a grumpy hockey nerd in this hilarious and charming rom-com by the New York Times bestselling author of Meet Cute.
Kitty Hart has become internet famous as the Kitty Whisperer for her expertise on all things feline, and as a result, her cat-sitting business is booming. But lately, she has a terrible feeling that maybe her life isn’t quite going where it’s supposed to—especially after falling face-first into her newest client. Not exactly the best first impression.
Fortunately, Miles Thorn is just as bad at first impressions. Strike one: he doesn’t like cats, especially Prince Francis, the haughty and mischievous Sphynx his mom left in his care. Strike two: tackling Kitty to the floor in a misguided attempt to save the pet he continually calls “the gremlin.”
As awkwardness slides into attraction and things start to turn purr-sonal, will these two complete opposites ever be able to find their furry-tail ending?
“Hunting tugs at the heartstrings with this thoroughly charming and unexpectedly deep contemporary romance. …This fresh, fun, and at times heartbreaking tale will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.”―Publishers Weekly
“A delightful tale that will appeal to animal and romance lovers alike.”―Library Journal
I’ve read several of Hunting’s novels, and she is a good storyteller, but this one really pushes the boundary of cuteness. If you read the publisher’s synopsis, you will get an idea of what you are in for, more cutesy puns on cats than I even knew existed. And I am a cat person! However, cutesiness aside, the romance at the heart of this book is a good one. Plus there are some serious issues, so a break from that is welcome.
Miles Thorn is stuck taking care of his mother’s Sphynx cat, and apparently, there is no love lost between them. The cat attacks him on the regular, so when he learns about the “Kitty Whisperer,” he is thrilled to find a catsitter to help out. Their first meeting is a disaster, but it’s the meet-cute that gets the story going.
As Kitty and Miles become closer, a romance starts to brew and these two really complement one another. Miles is dealing with the fact that his mother has pretty bad dementia, and the way she confuses him with his younger brother, who died in a terrible accident as a teen, isn’t making things any easier. The only light in his life is Kitty.
This was a fast read, and despite the seriousness of the storyline, there are still a lot of laughs here, along with a bit of heat. There was a lot of interesting cat information in this book as well, which I really enjoyed. I’ve heard of cats being toilet trained to literally use a toilet and flush it, which is mentioned here, but I didn’t know about cats being trained to ask for things (treats, pets) by stepping on corresponding buttons on something like a toy. I’ve heard about dogs being trained this way, but not cats, so that was interesting.
I did have a personal problem with a minor plot point. Miles drives a Tesla, which is great, except Kitty has to drive it in a few instances, so he gives her the keys. The first time she has to drive his car, he tells her you don’t need keys, which is correct. But two times after that, he gives her the key so she can drive it. This immediately pulled me out of the story. Teslas don’t have keys; they run off of an app on your phone, or a credit card looking thing for valets, or you can purchase a key fob from the company. As I read an early galley, I asked the publisher if this was corrected in the final copy. She asked for page numbers, which the egalley did not provide, so I sent her locations and screenshots of the text in question. This was her response:
“My sister actually works for Tesla so good questions – they don’t need an actual key to drive but they do need something to access the car. Although a lot of people just use their phones to access the car. (I can see why that wouldn’t work here.)”
She admitted it was a legitimate question, but just sort of intimated that it probably wasn’t changed because it wouldn’t have worked in the story. Which is just some lazy ass bullshit, so I’m calling her on it. Ms. Hunting, your publisher should have been on top of this.
If you don’t drive a Tesla, or don’t care about these kinds of details, please feel free to ignore it. Obviously, it bothered me, probably because I drive a Tesla! Other than that, it is a really good read.
6/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
A LOVE CATASTROPHE by Helena Hunting.Forever (June 13, 2023). ISBN: 978-1538720066. 384p.
A laugh-out-loud rom-com about learning to embrace living outside your comfort zone.
As a shy school librarian, Alexis Stone is comfortable keeping out of the spotlight. But when she’s dumped for being too meek—in bed!—she decides she needs to change. And what better way to kick-start her new more adventurous life than with her first one-night stand?
Enter Logan, the gorgeous, foul-mouthed stranger she meets at a hotel bar. Audacious and filterless, Logan is Alexis’s opposite—and boy, do opposites attract! Just as she’s about to fulfill her hookup wish, the hotel catches fire in a freak lightning storm. In their rush to escape, Logan is discovered carrying her into the street, where people are waiting with cameras. Cameras Logan promptly—and shockingly—flees.
Alexis is bewildered until suddenly pictures of her and Logan escaping the fire are all over the internet. Turns out Logan is none other than Logan Arthur, the hotshot candidate challenging the Texas governor’s seat. The salacious scandal is poised to sink his career—and jeopardize Alexis’s job—until a solution is proposed: he and Alexis could pretend to be in a relationship until election day…in two months. What could possibly go wrong?
“Winstead brings both hilarity and heartfelt moments to this rousing rom-com. Readers will cheer Alexis on her path to discovering her inner strength and swoon over idealistic Logan. This is a winner.”—Publishers Weekly, *STARRED review*
“This is a fast-paced, hard-to-put-down novel whose happily-ever-after isn’t what readers will expect; it’s better.”—Library Journal, *STARRED review*
“Mixing political and romantic intrigue, Winstead’s novel combines the darker side of politics with the lighter side of life. With a few steamy encounters and a ripped-from-the-headlines feel, The Boyfriend Candidatewill appeal to fans of Lianne Moriarty, Ellen Meister, Amy Mason Doan, and anyone looking for a little more escapism in their political diet.”—Booklist
While I wouldn’t say I like politics, I am assiduously invested in what is happening in this country. I am well aware of the Texas governor and the contempt he holds for people who are BIPOC or immigrants and the man who tried (unsuccessfully) to take him down, Beto O’Rourke. This book is a true delight with a kinder, gentler view of Texas politics.
Alexis is devastated when her boyfriend dumps her and tells her she is lousy in bed. She decides the best way to get over him is to get under someone else, a one-night-stand, something she has never done before. She meets Logan in a bar and there is a really strong attraction between them. She goes with him to a hotel, prepared to take the plunge into sex with a stranger, when the fire alarm goes off and everyone is forced to evacuate. What she doesn’t understand is why he takes off as soon as he sees the cameras, but it’s too late. A photo of him carrying her out of the building is everywhere.
Turns out Logan is a young, good-looking politician running against the Republican governor. Being caught out like this could detonate his political future, so he and his team come up with a plan, if they can get Alexis on board, Logan and Alexis will pretend to be in a relationship until election day, two months down the road.
I always enjoy the fake dating trope, especially because I know where it will end, and this one has a bit more depth than most. Alexis is a shy, introverted librarian who is not used to being in the spotlight at all. She agrees to the fake dating but is soon feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the attention. Logan has a reputation as a player, but in truth, he is over it. Alexis is the first woman to grab his attention in a while.
As the race heats up, so does their relationship. There are hurdles galore and a lot of laughs along with the heat, making this a terrific, fast-paced, unputdownable romance. Don’t miss it!
6/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE BOYFRIEND CANDIDATE by Ashley Winstead.Graydon House; Original edition (May 9, 2023). ISBN: 978-1525804960. 384p.
From the bestselling author of the “heart-stopping tale of survival and heroism” (People) The Book of Lost Names comes a gripping historical novel about two mothers who must make unthinkable choices in the face of the Nazi occupation.
Paris, 1939: Young mothers Elise and Juliette become fast friends the day they meet in the beautiful Bois de Boulogne. Though there is a shadow of war creeping across Europe, neither woman suspects that their lives are about to irrevocably change.
When Elise becomes a target of the German occupation, she entrusts Juliette with the most precious thing in her life—her young daughter, playmate to Juliette’s own little girl. But nowhere is safe in war, not even a quiet little bookshop like Juliette’s Librairie des Rêves, and, when a bomb falls on their neighborhood, Juliette’s world is destroyed along with it.
More than a year later, with the war finally ending, Elise returns to reunite with her daughter, only to find her friend’s bookstore reduced to rubble—and Juliette nowhere to be found. What happened to her daughter in those last, terrible moments? Juliette has seemingly vanished without a trace, taking all the answers with her. Elise’s desperate search leads her to New York—and to Juliette—one final, fateful time.
An “exquisite and gut-wrenching novel” (Lisa Barr, New York Times bestselling author) you won’t soon forget, The Paris Daughter is also a sweeping celebration of resilience, motherhood, and love.
The friendship between two American expats in WWII Paris leads to life-altering events in the powerful latest from Harmel…Harmel brings the novel’s historical moments to life through deep research and enriching historical facts, and she conveys an acute sense of her characters’ emotions as they face tragedy upon tragedy. This is Harmel’s best to date. Publishers Weekly, starred review
I don’t read a lot of these WWII/Holocaust novels because I find them upsetting, more so now in light of the rise of right-wing neo-Nazis and antisemitic attacks, and their embrace by our former twice impeached, twice indicted president. But it’s been a while and I heard good things about this book so I dove in.
I like that the two main characters aren’t Jewish, although a strong secondary character is. The book opens just as hints of the war in neighboring Germany are intensifying. As the Nazis move into France, tough decisions have to be made.
Elise is married to an artist with a good reputation, and she is an artist herself. Her husband doesn’t think much of her work, and her studio is shoved into a small, windowless room leaving the room with light for his studio. The marriage isn’t great, to say the least, but Elise is fairly content, if not happy. But as the war escalates, her husband becomes increasingly involved with an underground group of communists. Then Elise gets pregnant.
While walking through a park, she meets a young mother, Juliette, who is also pregnant. When Juliette realizes that Elise may be going into labor, she insists on bringing her to her nearby shop, a bookstore, and summons the doctor. It turns out to be false labor, but a real friendship is formed.
The women become best friends. Their daughters are born close together, and the little girls become best friends as well. And then the war moves in. Elise gets some devastating information and is forced to flee, but she will be easily recognized if she has her daughter with her. She begs Juliette to keep her daughter until she can safely return.
When the Americans start bombing the nearby car factory, many shops in the neighborhood are “accidentally” flattened as well, including the bookshop. When Elise finally arrives to claim her daughter, all she finds is the rubble of the store, and no one seems to know where Juliette is or what happened to her family.
This was an engaging story for sure, although the conflicts and resolutions can be seen from miles away. Even so, I shed a few tears along the way. Harmel is a good storyteller, and this was a really good read. This was the first book I’ve read from this popular author, and I am looking forward to seeing what she does next. If you like historical fiction, especially WWII fiction, give this book a try.
6/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE PARIS DAUGHTER by Kristin Harmel.Gallery Books (June 6, 2023). ISBN: 978-1982191702. 384p.
Note: Amazon lists a paperback for sale, but it costs more than the hardcover. That usually means it is a large print edition, but it doesn’t explicitly say that.
Posted by Stacy Alesi 
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