Stacy Alesi

Coronavirus Diary: December 1, 2022

December 1, 2022

This is the time of year when I thank you all, my readers, for your support and your comments and emails. I don’t take a single one of you for granted! I appreciate your telling your family and friends about the site, and I hope you all have found great reads! I’m working on my favorite reads of the year and should have that posted shortly.

Whatever you celebrate, I hope you get to share it with family and friends. And I wish you every happiness for the coming year!

As always, thanks for reading and stay safe.

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Spotlight Review: BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin

November 29, 2022

From the publisher:

Love isn’t always by the book in this charming romantic comedy about a bookseller discovering how to be the main character in her story.

As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best—meddle.

Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From going river rafting to trying local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.

When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.

One of…
Amazon’s Best Romances of November
Buzzfeed’s New Romances to Read This Fall
Cosmopolitan’s Best Books Coming Out In November
Bustle’s Most Anticipated Books of November
Women’s Health’s Swooniest Romance Novels of 2022

“Martin (Intercepted) shines in this enchanting tale of a reluctant bookstore owner and the author who shows her love is possible…The charmingly ornery Drew makes a great contrast, and it’s emotionally satisfying to watch her high walls come down. Stellar supporting characters—especially Drew’s bestie, Elsie, and sister, Daisy—add humor throughout. The result is utterly entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly

“Martin’s latest multicultural contemporary rom-com explores grief and anxiety and is romantic with just the right amount of spice.”—Booklist
https://amzn.to/3Vdm8rf

I loved Alexa Martin’s Playbook series, and while I understand all good things must come to an end. it was still disappointing to hear. But then I read this book – I believe it is a standalone and it was so good! Even if it did feature a main character who hates reading. Cannot relate to that at all, but part of the happy ending, at least for me, is that the book hater gets reformed. Whew!

Drew Young is the book hater who also owns a bookstore. Yeah, does not compute. Turns out she inherited the bookstore from her beloved grandmother, bypassing her vituperative father who is still determined to get his hands on the store, just to sell it for the real estate value. He already sold the house his mother left him without letting Drew even take a memento. Growing up helping out her grandmother in the store didn’t instill a love of reading, but she is determined to keep her grandmother’s store running.

Luckily for Drew, a group of her grandmother’s closest friends, who she dubs the “Dirty Birds” are always around to lend a hand. In fact, they have invited a best-selling author to meet with their book group in the store. Jasper Williams, a sort of Nicholas Sparks type author only his books have the romance standard happily ever after (HEA) while Sparks’ are always tear jerkers. But he’s the only man I know to write straight romance-adjacent books, so that’s where my mind went. Naturally, Drew’s never read his books but is happy to have the author visit, especially since all she has to do is sell books.

When Jasper stops by prior to his event, Drew is shocked to find he is a very good-looking young man, around her age in fact. He seems drawn to Drew as well, and they decide to help one another. Drew has lived in Colorado all her life and is a photographer. She’s given up her dream to run the store. Jasper tends to move for each of his books, so he will be in Colorado for a while. He needs to learn about the area for his latest book, and when Drew gives him a detailed list, he has a counter-offer; he will give her a list of books to read, and she will take him to the places on her list. It’s a good way for these characters to spend time together, but things get complicated the more Drew’s father sticks his nose in.

I loved these characters and a bookstore setting always works for me! The romance is slow building and powerful, there is definitely an HEA, and the “Dirty Birds” add to the fun. Martin has never let me down; all of her books are terrific as is this new one. Highly recommend!

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin. Berkley (November 8, 2022). ISBN:‎ 978-0593337226. 336p.

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CHRISTMAS CHAOS by Kelly Kay & Evie Alexander

November 25, 2022

Two steamy romantic comedies for the holidays!

Evie and Kelly’s Holiday Disasters, Book 3

From the publisher:

One Christmas, two couples, utter chaos. These laugh-out-loud novellas are hotter than chestnuts roasting on an open fire!

No Way in a Manger – by Evie Alexander

Rory’s seen battle, conquered the wiles of the Scottish Highlands, and won Zoe’s heart. But now he faces his biggest challenge of all, Christmas at the castle and a heavily pregnant wife who wants everything to be perfect. The holidays should be relaxing, and having a baby’s easy, right? But with wayward in-laws, an out-of-control cow and mad Santa getting in the way, nothing is going to plan…

No Crib and No Bed – by Kelly Kay

Tabi Aganos has put her belief in miracles behind her and redirected her life to focus on her husband, Bax, the winery they’ve built, and fixing up her beloved old farmhouse. They have everything in place for the perfect Holiday, until one hot night sends their plans crashing through the floor. But when family and friends pitch in to help, and Santa brings some unexpectedly magical gifts, their Christmas turns from chaos into joy.

Evie and Kelly’s Holiday Disasters are a series of hot and hilarious romantic comedies with interconnected characters, focusing on one holiday and one trope at a time. No cheating, no cliff-hangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after (HEA).

https://amzn.to/3UZnmGl

Novellas are not usually my favorite, but I love this series! Maybe because the characters are all interrelated. Not family-related, but rather a group of strangers who get stuck in an airport for hours, and get drunk (most of them) together. They live all over the world and stay in touch via text

These novellas are a very fast read (are you stuck in an airport? Guarantee this book will raise your spirits!) And they are both laugh-out-loud funny, but more importantly, completely heartwarming.

“No Way in a Manger” is set in the Scottish Highlands. Rory, one of the men who was in the airport but didn’t drink, is home with the love of his life, and she is pregnant. Very pregnant. There are family issues, of course, and nothing goes according to plan, but there are lots of laughs along the way to their happy ending.

The second story, “No Crib and No Bed” was my favorite if I had to pick one, probably because I related a bit more to the infertility issues. This story is set in California wine country where Tabi runs a winery with her family. She has been trying to get pregnant for quite a while, but nothing is sticking. They even lost the two young boys there were fostering. In a story that is reminiscent of the familiar Christmas story with no room at the inn for the very pregnant mother-to-be, this couple is also having housing issues. The only thing Tabi can truly count on is her husband, Bax. But it turns out the universe has other plans for them, and I was so happy with their ending.

I felt more emotionally invested in Tabi & Bax’s story, but both stories were really funny and sweet and sexy, all the good stuff. Highly recommend!

I’m sorry to say that this is the last of the three-book series. Both authors have other series they write on their own, but I am definitely going to miss these characters and all their crazy shenanigans. On the other hand, I am delighted that this series is available on Kindle Unlimited – if someone you love is a Kindle reader, a subscription to Kindle Unlimited makes a fantastic gift! (Especially if you are also a Kindle reader.)

Kindle Unlimited Gifting Information:
If you purchase the Kindle + Kindle Unlimited membership as a gift, both you and the gift recipient will receive the free Kindle Unlimited offer. Your membership will begin once your order has been successfully placed. Upon your gift recipient registering their Kindle they will receive an email with instructions on how to redeem their free Kindle Unlimited. After the free trial period, the Kindle Unlimited membership will auto-renew for $9.99 per month. Cancel anytime.

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CHRISTMAS CHAOS by Kelly Kay & Evie Alexander. Emlin Press (November 14, 2022). ISBN: 978-1914473135. 244p.

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CHRISTMAS IN SILVER SPRINGS by Brenda Novak

November 18, 2022

Silver Springs, Book 6

From the publisher:

Come home to Silver Springs for the holidays, where broken hearts learn to love again…together.

So much for forever. When Harper Devlin’s rock star husband ditches her on his way to the top, she takes her two daughters to her sister’s place in Silver Springs for the holidays, hoping family can heal her broken heart. But comfort comes in unexpected places when she crosses paths with local Tobias Richardson.

The moment Tobias spots Harper, he recognizes a sadness he knows all too well. After spending thirteen years in prison paying for his regretful past, Tobias is ready to make amends, and maybe helping Harper is the way to do it. But offering her a shoulder to cry on ignites a powerful attraction and a desire neither saw coming.

Fearing her reaction, Tobias doesn’t reveal his checkered past. He’s falling hard, and if Harper finds out, he’ll lose her for good, especially because her famous ex is now trying to win her back. Secrets have a way of coming out, but maybe this Christmas will bring Tobias the forgiveness—and the love—he deserves.
https://amzn.to/3gcjse2

I love Brenda Novak and I love this series, and somehow I missed this book! I’ve read the first five, and number eight, but somehow skipped six, seven, & nine but will catch up quickly. I searched my Kindle for Christmas books and was shocked to find this one. Not sure why, I have so many books on there that it’s easy for some to slip through the cracks. I’m working on getting more organized but it’s definitely a process. But hey, if I haven’t read it, it’s new to me and I’m always happy to find a new book to love!

This was an interesting premise. Tobias is a recently released felon, so not your typical hero by any means. And he was guilty, so no easy way out of that. When he meets Harper, he falls pretty hard, but is afraid he will lose her if she finds out about his felonious past. When her ex comes to town to try and win her back, everything is exposed.

These are interesting characters with great back stories and real problems. I love how they come together and even with all the hurdles thrust in their way, they still manage to find their happily ever after. This was a lovely, warm, wonderful Christmas romance and I loved it. Now I’m on the hunt for books 7 & 9, and luckily for me, they are both Christmas romances!

Silver Springs series in order:

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CHRISTMAS IN SILVER SPRINGS by Brenda Novak. MIRA; Original edition (October 29, 2019). ISBN:‎ 978-0778308126. 432p.

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WHEN IN ROME by Sarah Adams

November 18, 2022

From the publisher:

Opposites certainly attract for the stranded pop star and small-town baker in this charming slice of romance from the author of the TikTok sensation The Cheat Sheet.

“This modern take on the Hepburn classic Roman Holiday is a quick, fun, slow-burn rom-com.”—Abby Jimenez, bestselling author of The Friend Zone

Amelia Rose, known as Rae Rose to her adoring fans, is burned-out from years of maintaining her “princess of pop” image. Inspired by her favorite Audrey Hepburn film, Roman Holiday, she drives off in the middle of the night for a break in Rome . . . Rome, Kentucky, that is.

When Noah Walker finds Amelia on his front lawn in her broken-down car, he makes it clear he doesn’t have the time or patience for celebrity problems. He’s too busy running the pie shop his grandmother left him and reminding his nosy but lovable neighbors to mind their own damn business. Despite his better judgment, he lets her stay in his guest room—but only until her car is fixed—then she’s on her own.

Then Noah starts to see a different side of Rae Rose—she’s Amelia: kindhearted and goofy, yet lonely from years in the public eye. He can’t help but get close to her. Soon she’ll have to return to her glamorous life on tour, but until then, Noah will show Amelia all the charming small-town experiences she’s been missing, and she’ll help him open his heart to more.

Amelia can’t resist falling for the cozy town and her grumpy tour guide, but even Audrey had to leave Rome eventually.
https://amzn.to/3EhBCDb

This author was new to me – I think this is her second book and I will be looking for the first. This was a sweet, small town romance with a celebrity twist.

Amelia Rose, best known as Rae Rose, a famous pop singer, needs a break. Things have gotten strained with her mother, her manager is constantly telling her how to live her life, and she has a small window before her world tour kicks off. She decides to take a “Roman Holiday” like her favorite Audrey Hepburn movie. She doesn’t have time for Rome, Italy, so she picks Rome, Kentucky. She jumps in her old car, the one she’s had since high school, and of course the car breaks down just as she reaches town. There’s no cell service, it’s getting dark, and she figures she’ll just lock herself into her car until morning. Except this cute guy is knocking on the window and offering to help.

Amelia isn’t sure she can trust him, so he calls someone and hands her the phone. This old woman tells her he’s a good guy and she decides to risk it. Noah is an old curmudgeon in a hot young man’s body. He isn’t thrilled about having a house guest but he’s been raised well enough to know he can’t leave a woman stranded. The only mechanic in town will come get the car in the morning and they’ll figure things out. Oh, and he doesn’t recognize her which works for her.

It’s going to take a couple of weeks to get the parts needed to fix the car, and the only hotel in town is a B&B who claims to be full. So Noah grudgingly tells her she can stay with him. She really needs a break from her life and is happy to spend it in this small town. But Noah’s sisters immediately recognize her, and soon the whole town is in on her identity but also in on keeping her hidden from the papparazzi who eventually show up.

Amelia and Noah have a strong attraction to one another, but he has been burned badly before by a woman he fell in love with and followed to New York. He is not going to make that same mistake again. Amelia knows she cannot stay here, she has committments that she cannot get out of so she’s being careful, guarding her heart. Best laid plans and all that…lead to an affair that is sure to break both their hearts unless they can figure out a way past all their obstacles. I mean the man can bake, he’s a keeper!

I loved this town and all the quirky characters and couldn’t help but root for Amelia and Noah to find their happy ending. This was a fast, fun read and I highly recommend!

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHEN IN ROME by Sarah Adams. Dell (September 20, 2022). ISBN:‎ 978-0593500781. 320p.

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Spotlight Review: DESERT STAR by Michael Connelly

November 15, 2022

Renée Ballard, Book 5 and/or Harry Bosch, Book 24

From the publisher:

LAPD detective Renée Ballard and Harry Bosch team up to hunt the brutal killer who is Bosch’s “white whale”—a man responsible for the murder of an entire family.

A year has passed since LAPD detective Renée Ballard quit the force in the face of misogyny, demoralization, and endless red tape. But after the chief of police himself tells her she can write her own ticket within the department, Ballard takes back her badge, leaving “the Late Show” to rebuild and lead the cold case unit at the elite Robbery-Homicide Division.

For years, Harry Bosch has been working a case that haunts him—the murder of an entire family by a psychopath who still walks free. Ballard makes Bosch an offer: come volunteer as an investigator in her new Open-Unsolved Unit, and he can pursue his “white whale” with the resources of the LAPD behind him.

First priority for Ballard is to clear the unsolved rape and murder of a sixteen-year-old girl. The decades-old case is essential to the councilman who supported re-forming the unit, and who could shutter it again—the victim was his sister. When Ballard gets a “cold hit” connecting the killing to a similar crime, proving that a serial predator has been at work in the city for years, the political pressure has never been higher. To keep momentum going, she has to pull Bosch off his own investigation, the case that is the consummation of his lifelong mission.

The two must put aside old resentments and new tensions to run to ground not one but two dangerous killers who have operated with brash impunity. In what may be his most gripping and profoundly moving book yet, Michael Connelly shows once again why he has been dubbed “one of the greatest crime writers of all time” (Ryan Steck, Crimereads).

“Thrilling… Both cases require deep dives into the past; both lead to great action scenes; and, as always, Connelly displays his encyclopedic knowledge of the latest forensics… Bosch, however, takes a low-tech approach and follows leads in the field with his trademark intensity, driven by his desire to restore order in a violent world… [Desert Star] ranks up there with Connelly’s best.”―Publishers Weekly

“Longtime Bosch followers will be taking deep breaths after this one’s superb finale, especially given its implications for the future.” —Booklist, Starred Review

https://amzn.to/3O2uGym

There is no retiring Harry Bosch. The Vietnam War vet is now a volunteer on Renée Ballard’s new Open/Unsolved unit for the Los Angeles police department. Ballard has been given pretty much carte blanche to run the unit, other than former cop Lou Rawls, who was foisted on her by the local politico who is behind this cold cases reboot. Turns out the councilman has a personal interest; his sister was murdered several years earlier and her killer was never caught.

This new unit is a motley crew that includes a former prosecutor and a genealogy expert/psychic, or empath as she prefers, among others. Bosch agrees to the volunteer position, eager to get his hands on an old case that has been haunting him for years. The Gallagher family – mom, dad, and two young children – were murdered, their bodies dumped in a desert grave and only found by accident a year after their disappearance. But working these two cases takes Bosch down a dark road.

No spoilers here but the ending definitely feels like an ending. I understand it, and I trust Connelly to do the right thing with his most beloved character. This is another gem from one of the finest crime writers in the world – and that is not hyperbole.

DESERT STAR by Michael Connelly. Little, Brown and Company (November 8, 2022). ISBN: 978-0316485654. 400p.

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THE REWIND by Allison Winn Scotch

November 11, 2022

From the publisher:

One of Amazon’s Best Romances of November!

Two exes wake up together with wedding bands on their fingers—and no idea how they got there. They have just one New Year’s Eve at the end of 1999 to figure it out in this big-hearted and nostalgic rom-com from New York Times bestselling author Allison Winn Scotch.

When college sweethearts Frankie and Ezra broke up before graduation, they vowed to never speak to each other again. Ten years later, on the eve of the new millennium, they find themselves back on their snowy, picturesque New England campus together for the first time for the wedding of mutual friends. Frankie’s on the rise as a music manager for the hottest bands of the late ’90s, and Ezra’s ready to propose to his girlfriend after the wedding. Everything is going to plan—they just have to avoid the chasm of emotions brought up when they inevitably come face to face.

But when they wake up in bed next to each other the following morning with Ezra’s grandmother’s diamond on Frankie’s finger, they have zero memory of how they got there—or about any of the events that transpired the night before. Now Frankie and Ezra have to put aside old grievances in order to figure out what happened, what didn’t happen…and to ask themselves the most troubling question of all: what if they both got it wrong the first time around?

Publishers Weekly wrote, “…this emotional outing delivers both laughs and poignancy. Fans of Emily Giffin, Katherine Center, and Christina Lauren should check this out.”

Library Journal said, “Nineties nostalgia is alive and well in this moving story of a lost first love and second chances. Readers will enjoy piecing together both the story of the forgotten night and the reasons behind the relationship’s disastrous first ending…the collegiate atmosphere and New Year’s Eve setting make this a cozy, romantic read from Scotch.”

The New York Post listed it in their “Required Reading” feature.
https://amzn.to/3NWHndY

This was a fast, fun read, albeit a slightly confusing one! The morning-after-marriage, when a couple wakes up married to one another but doesn’t remember how it happened is a popular trope in romance. Scotch gives it a nice twist- this couple isn’t sure they are married, and it’s set during New Year’s of the millennial. Remember Y2K?!

Frankie hasn’t really kept up with her college friends. Her career as a music manager has taken off and she’s been traveling the globe with her successful artists. But when she is asked to stand up for her freshman college roommate who really got her through that first year, she can’t say no. She just plans to avoid her ex at all costs.

Ezra and Frankie were best friends before they became lovers, and the breakup was a really bad one. Ezra has a serious girlfriend now – so serious he gave up poker for her, despite the fact he invented a poker app that has made him wealthy beyond measure. He is planning on proposing on this momentous New Year’s Eve, but the best-laid plans go awry when Frankie and Ezra meet up. They haven’t seen one another for ten years, so when they wake up in the single bed in Ezra’s old college dorm room, wearing wedding rings and a few clothes, neither is sure what happened or how they got there. This leads to a series of crazy adventures as they try and figure it all out.

There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, and some serious ones as well, and eventually they figure most of it out, including why the new girlfriend shouldn’t be the fiancée. Sometimes your first love is the right love. This was light-hearted fun and thoroughly enjoyable romance.

Bonus: ‘The Rewind’ Adaptation Set at Netflix

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE REWIND by Allison Winn Scotch. Berkley (November 1, 2022). ISBN:‎ 978-0593546536. 368p.

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SWEET HOME ALASKA by Jennifer Snow

November 11, 2022

A Wild Coast Novel, Book 1

From the publisher:

When old feelings resurface, will the truth bring them back together?

Skylar Beaumont never wanted to return to Alaska. Still, when duty calls, she can’t refuse. And, as a third-generation “Coastie” and the only female captain in the local coast guard, she has too much to prove. Being stationed in her hometown of Port Serenity isn’t ideal—but she’ll tough it out until her transfer goes through and she can move on to warmer waters. That’s the plan, at least, until she crashes into Dex Wakefield. Again.

Shocked to see his secret high school sweetheart after all this time, Dex can’t help but wonder if he should finally come clean. Skylar deserves to know the real reason why he abandoned the dream they’d shared—and broke her heart. But this small tourist town is home to one big grudge where their families are concerned… And leaving the past behind might be the only way Dex and Skylar will finally realize that their first love deserves a sweet second chance.

Bonus Novella

In Jennifer Snow’s Love on the Coast, Rachel Hempshaw embarks on a themed cruise, aiming to dispel yet another local legend. But when her ship is caught up in a coast guard operation, one sexy officer makes it his mission to prove the existence of something that Rachel no longer believes in—real love.

Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged in Jennifer Snow’s new novel, Alaska For Christmas!
https://amzn.to/3hsK4I2

I read the second book in this series, Alaska for Christmas, and I loved it so much I immediately tracked down the first book in the series. They are probably better read in order, but you do you. I found the ebook at my library through cloudLibrary.

The Wakefields and the Beaumonts have been feuding for generations, although the youngest generation isn’t on board with it. Skylar is a Beaumont, and Dex is a Wakefield, and they secretly dated through high school. They were planning on going to the Coast Guard Academy together after graduation, but a few weeks before they graduate, Dex dumps Skylar with no explanation. She’s pissed off and hurt, and hasn’t spoken to Dex since.

When Skylar is assigned her first captain’s job in her hometown, she has mixed feelings. She knows the area better than just about anyone, but she wanted to go to a warm climate, like California or Florida. She figures she will bide her time at home until she can find another posting.

Dex has been living on his family’s yacht, which he has turned into a rescue boat. He is strictly a volunteer, but helps out the Coast Guard regularly. His wild sister has moved back home and is living with Dex. Turns out he has epilepsy, and really can’t stay alone – unless he gets a service dog. He has been putting that off, but now that Skylar is back in town, he wants to try again with her and his sister will definitely be cramping his style. Luckily for him, she’s allergic to dogs so when he arranges to get a service dog, she will have to move off the yacht.

Meanwhile, for Dex and Skylar, it’s like they were never apart. They both still love one another but have some issues to work through for sure. Dex never told Skylar about his epilepsy or why he didn’t go to the academy, and he is working up the courage to tell her. She is still looking for a position somewhere else, but does she want to leave him? The rescues add a bit of adventure and suspense to the story, and help make this a heartwarming read. I really enjoyed this book, and I’m looking forward to more Snow books in the future. (And yes, that is actually her name!) Happily, she has a pretty good backlist so I’ll be looking at those as well.

Note: both books in the series have a “bonus story” on the cover, but my library edition and the egalley I read didn’t have those.

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SWEET HOME ALASKA by Jennifer Snow. HQN; Original edition (May 24, 2022). ISBN:‎ 978-1335448613. 368p.

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Spotlight Review: NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF PRINCE WERE ALIVE by Carolyn Prusa

November 8, 2022

From the publisher:

Perfect for fans of Maria Semple and Jennifer Weiner, this smart and witty debut novel follows Ramona through the forty-eight hours after her life has been upended by the discovery of her husband’s affair and an approaching Category Four hurricane.
Ramona’s got a bratty boss, a toddler teetering through toilet training, a critical mom who doesn’t mind sharing, and oops—a cheating husband. That’s how a Category Four hurricane bearing down on her life in Savannah becomes just another item on her to-do list. In the next forty-eight hours she’ll add a neighborhood child and the class guinea pig named Clarence Thomas to her entourage as she struggles to evacuate town.
Ignoring the persistent glow of her minivan’s check engine light, Ramona navigates police check points, bathroom emergencies, demands from her boss, and torrential downpours while fielding calls and apology texts from her cheating husband and longing for the days when her life was like a Prince song, full of sexy creativity and joy.
Thoroughly entertaining and completely relatable, None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive is the hilarious, heartwarming story of a woman up to her elbows in calamities and about to drive off the brink of the rest of her life.
https://amzn.to/3vL0r7z

Ramona catches her husband cheating, setting off a chain of events that culminates with a Category 4 hurricane. Savannah is under hurricane watch, but Ramona has more than the storm on her mind; her daughter is struggling with potty training, her son needs to take care of the class guinea pig during the storm, the sixteen-year-old boy next door is living alone, and her mother refuses to leave her ramshackle waterfront home. Things get even more complicated when Ramona throws her husband out, piles her kids plus the teen next door into her minivan, and takes off for safer ground. Her mom refuses to go, but says she will evacuate with a friend. Ramona hits the road and doesn’t mind stopping for food and mini-golf, but then finds out her mother has decided to stay put; she piles everyone back in the car and heads back into the eye of the storm. Meanwhile, her husband’s fling keeps calling, he keeps texting apologies, and her boss/best friend ignores her advice and has an affair with the expected results. It’s all too much and in Prusa’s hands, too funny. Caring for her kids and her mom puts Ramona squarely in the sandwich generation, but Ramona manages to handle it all with aplomb while providing cultural touchstones along the way.

Verdict: Family drama has never been so much fun! Readers who enjoy books by Maria Semple, Jennifer Weiner, and Laurie Gelman should enjoy this debut.

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED IF PRINCE WERE ALIVE by Carolyn Prusa. Atria Books (November 8, 2022) ISBN: 978-1982188863. 336p.

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Spotlight Review: SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX by Lisa Unger

November 8, 2022

From the publisher:

Three couples rent a luxury cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway to die for in this chilling locked-room thriller byNew York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.

What could be more restful than a weekend getaway with family and friends? An isolated luxury cabin in the woods, spectacular views, a hot tub and a personal chef. Hannah’s generous brother found the listing online. The reviews are stellar. It’ll be three couples on this trip with good food, good company and lots of R & R.

But the dreamy weekend is about to turn into a nightmare.

A deadly storm is brewing. The rental host seems just a little too present. The personal chef reveals that their beautiful house has a spine-tingling history. And the friends have their own complicated past, with secrets that run blood deep.

How well does Hannah know her brother, her own husband? Can she trust her best friend? Meanwhile, someone is determined to ruin the weekend, looking to exact a payback for deeds long buried. Who is the stranger among them?

“Hidden history and 21st-century technology collide in a breathtaking thriller.” —Kirkus, starred review

“Embedded in a riveting novel of suspense is a revealing examination of the dangers inherent in public DNA sharing…[Lisa Unger] is in good form here, in her twentieth outing, and her fans will be eager to dive right in.” —Booklist

“Genetics and nature-versus-nurture take the spotlight in Unger’s 20th novel…Readers will revel in the search for genealogical justice amid best-kept secrets, while wondering who will live and who will die.” —Library Journal, starred review
https://amzn.to/3fKCpEk

I have been reading Lisa Unger since she was Lisa Miscione (her maiden name; she wrote the terrific Lydia Strong mystery series!) When she switched to thrillers using her married name, I was along for the ride. Her books all have one thing in common; all are unputdownable! And this one caused me to stay up way too late into the night to finish it. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep worrying about these characters, and that says a lot about the author.

Someone bought everyone in the family a DNA test kit for Christmas, but no one is claiming responsibility for it. Some family members take the test, others trash it, but the results for those who took the test are confusing at best.

Hannah and Mako are brother and sister; Hannah is married to a tech wizard who is a consultant and does some work for Mako, who is married to a yogi. Mako books this amazing cabin deep in the Georgia woods (insert Deliverance music here – I did, in my head at any rate!) for all of them plus Hannah’s best friend, who also happens to be Mako’s ex, along with her current boyfriend. So six people in this gorgeous cabin with an owner who is spying on them. He has cameras secreted everywhere in the house, including the shower head! Then a massive storm comes rolling in, and even though the owner checked the generator, it’s not working. Mako’s wife leaves a note that she is leaving him and she takes off for parts unknown.

Meanwhile, the storm rages on. A tree has fallen, blocking the only road out. And everyone has their own agenda, it seems. Hannah is knocked unconscious while trying to fix the electrical problem, the men seem to have vanished, and everything is dark and mysterious and scary. This is not horror, however, but it is very suspenseful. At times it is hard to tell who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. DNA testing plays an important role here as well, and is most thought-provoking and interwoven into the plot.

This is a terrific locked room type mystery, but with enough suspense to really keep the pages turning. The characters are well-defined, even if we don’t know who to trust, adding to the complexity of the plot. This is another unputdownable book from one of my favorite authors. Don’t miss it!

SECLUDED CABIN SLEEPS SIX by Lisa Unger. Park Row; Original edition (November 8, 2022). ISBN: 978-0778333234. 400p.

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