Romance | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

Spotlight Review: MORBIDLY YOURS by Ivy Fairbanks

August 20, 2024

A Love in Galway Novel, Book 1

From the publisher:

TikTok sensation Morbidly Yours, an opposites-attract romantic dramedy about a shy, demisexual Irish mortician who must marry by his 35th birthday to keep his beloved family business, and the Texan widow escaping her past who moves in next door.

Falling for the wrong person? Bury your feelings.

Painfully shy Callum Flannelly would rather dive into an open grave than take a stranger to dinner. But he can only inherit the family undertaking business under one condition: He must marry before his 35th birthday. Texan animator Lark Thompson moved to Galway, Ireland, to restart her life and career, not be reminded of losing her husband by moving in next to a funeral home.

But when she learns of Callum’s dilemma, Lark’s certain she can help him find The One, even if she’s sworn off love herself. Though as the dating project progresses and Lark spends more time with straight-laced, sarcastic Callum, he starts to crack the ice around her grieving heart. And the more joy that vivacious Lark brings to Callum’s grey existence, the less he can imagine letting her return to Texas.

If they think they can ignore their connection, they’re dead wrong.

“[A] charming romance…Poignant and heartwarming, this is a quirky love story you won’t forget.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred)

“The setting is unique, and Fairbanks is admirably frank about death and grieving… Callum himself is an admirable hero, with impressive depths…This will appeal to readers who don’t mind some death in their “til death do us part.” –Publishers Weekly

“With a fantastic Irish setting; sensitive portrayals of demisexuality, grief, and workplace misogyny; and a sexy friends-to-lovers romance, Fairbanks makes an excellent debut.” –Library Journal

An LA Times Romance Novel to Heat Up Your Summer
An August LibraryReads Pick
https://amzn.to/46KULLC

I think this was my first romance with an undertaker as the main love interest, but it worked!

Lark is a young widow, and she is tired of talking about it. When an opportunity comes up for her to work in Ireland for nine months, she jumps at the chance to escape. She moves into her new apartment which she believes is next to a Bed & Breakfast – their sign is in Irish Gaelic with no English translation. She decides to pop in to say hello and is shocked to find Callum, her new neighbor, is an undertaker. The building is, in fact, a funeral home, not the B&B she was expecting. Lark’s previous experience with a funeral home was when her husband died, and they tried to upsell her and rip her off in a myriad of ways, so she’s not too interested. But there is something about Callum…

Callum grew up in the family business and takes his work seriously. His grandfather raised him as his parents weren’t interested and took off. But when his “granda” dies, Callum is devastated to find that the only way he can inherit the family business is if he is married by age 35. At 34, the clock is ticking with nary a prospect on the horizon. Callum has a stutter and consequently has difficulties in talking to the opposite sex. He also isn’t the type to just fall in bed with anyone; he needs to feel an emotional connection before he makes a physical connection.

Lark bursts into his life like a ray of sunshine. She doesn’t appear to be bothered at all by his stutter and is kind, sweet, and patient. In need of friends herself, Lark quickly befriends Callum, despite his initial standoffishness. She enjoys her new co-workers, well, most of them. There is one who apparently wanted the job she got and does not hesitate to make that known or to belittle her and her work as often as he can. So Callum is a bit of respite from that problem. But she has no interest in ever marrying again. She blames herself (and so does her sister-in-law) for her husband’s death and doesn’t want to ever feel that way again.

Lark decides to help Callum find the wife he desperately needs. Dating apps and the subsequent dates from hell gleaned from them add some humor here. This is a slow burn, opposites attract romance that really works. If you were a fan of Six Feet Under (I loved it!) this book has some of that same appeal in the setting.

Their duplicate deadlines – Lark’s time in Ireland is fast coming to a close, and 35 is mere months away for Callum – dictate a moment of sudden realization, an epiphany if you will, for the both of them. There are some very steamy moments and some real obstacles along the way to their happily ever after. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MORBIDLY YOURS by Ivy Fairbanks. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (August 20, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0593851869. 352p.

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HEARTS ON THIN ICE by Katie Kennedy

August 16, 2024

From the publisher:

A pro hockey player falls for an interior designer in this charming debut sports romance.

For fans of Icebreaker and Set On You, this flirty workplace rom-com explores mental health, belonging, and finding your way in the world.

Nick Sorensen had once been one of the fastest men in hockey—until the devastating plane crash that took the lives of his best friends, leaving him the only survivor. Now he’s physically ready to get back on the ice, but his coach is concerned Nick isn’t doing as well mentally as he says he is. Case in point: Nick’s apartment is completely empty, apart from a single chair and a mattress on the floor.

To prove he’s fine, really, Nick hires Alyssa Compton, an up-and-coming interior designer, to decorate his space. Alyssa’s thrilled at the chance to prove herself to her demanding boss—with job security at last, maybe she can finally put down roots and create a home for herself too. But Nick turns out to be infuriatingly stubborn and impossible to work with, and just when Alyssa decides to throw in the towel on the whole thing, Nick shows up for her in a way she never could have expected.

The icy path ahead of these two lost souls may be slippery and cracking, but when it comes to love, sometimes all you need is someone on your team.

“Kennedy’s shining adult debut will delight readers and intrigue fans of Sarina Bowen’s Brooklyn Bruisers series and Icebreaker by Hannah Grace.” —Library Journal
https://amzn.to/4dEtVXN

This author has written some young adult and children’s books, but this is her first adult romance and it’s terrific!

I have tried audiobooks many, many times over the years, but the only ones I was able to listen to were the Harry Potter series, most of the Lemony Snicket series, and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series – I loved them all. But anything else I tried, from biographies to thrillers to domestic fiction to romances, just didn’t hold my attention. I would be listening and all of a sudden realize I had no idea what was happening anymore. I gave up for a long time, but as my vision continues to worsen, I decided to make more of an effort with audiobooks. Plus my commute to work is the longest it’s been in over 20 years – about 20-25 minutes.

So I started again. I tried Hoopla, an app provided by my public library because everything they have is always available, so I figured if it took me a really long time to get through a book, I could just check it out again. Other library apps, like Overdrive or CloudLibrary, have limited availability and I didn’t want to get halfway through and then have to reserve it and wait for the book, giving my brain time to forget whatever I had heard.

Hearts on Thin Ice was the first romance I really enjoyed listening to! I think part of it is the reader, or in this case, readers – one for the female lead, Scarlett Everdeen, and one for the male lead, Nick Mondelli. (And I surprised myself by listening at home, too, while I folded the laundry, made dinner, and so forth.) I not only finished the book within the allotted loan period (3 weeks) I returned it early and braved another. I started with an old Brenda Novak book, the first of her Dundee, Idaho series, and I’m now on the fourth book in that series – all audio. I will eventually review that series.

Back to Hearts on Thin Ice – this is a hockey romance, and I do love a good sports romance. Nick is a professional hockey player who was in a small plane crash with several of his teammates, who were also his best friends. Everyone on the plane died except for Nick, and he has a severe case of survivor’s guilt. He also has extensive injuries, but eventually makes a full recovery and is traded to another team.

Nick’s new coach knows what happened and is worried about him. He is living in a completely empty apartment – mattress on the floor, one chair, a TV, and that’s about it. He orders Nick to go to therapy and to furnish his apartment so he can live like a normal person. One of his teammates is becoming a friend, and while at his house his wife recommends her interior designer to help him. Grudgingly, Nick goes to see her but her boss tries to steal his business. That gets Nick’s hackles up, and he refuses and leaves. Next thing he knows, this gorgeous woman is pushed out the door after him – Alyssa, the designer his friend recommended.

Alyssa goes to Nick’s apartment and is appalled by how he is living. But when she tries to talk to him about what he likes, style-wise, colors, etc. he just shuts down and tells her to do whatever she wants. She comes up with a masculine, industrial modern design, and when he sees it, he tells her it’s fine. Then he fires her. Devastated, Alyssa realizes something is wrong but can’t figure it out.

Then Nick is ordered once again to furnish his apartment, so he goes back to Alyssa. This time, he tells her he hated the design, it reminded him of the plane that crashed with all that metal and rivets on the furniture. She figures out a few ways to find out what he likes and they spend some time together. Nick really likes her but doesn’t feel deserving of a relationship when all his dead friends will never have one. Alyssa also has some of her own baggage, making them both interesting and real.

Theirs is a complicated relationship, and the characters are very well drawn with real depth, making it easy to root for them. There is some heat as well as some laughs. It’s not all death and destruction! That’s actually a small part of the story, but important background. This was a very enjoyable listen, and I’m so happy I am finding my way with audiobooks at last. I am grateful to Katie Kennedy, Scarlett Everdeen, and Nick Mondelli for getting me to this point.

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HEARTS ON THIN ICE by Katie Kennedy. Alcove Press (June 18, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-1639107735. 320p.

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THE AU PAIR AFFAIR by Tessa Bailey

August 16, 2024

Big Shots, Book 2

From the publisher:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey returns with an all-new sports rom-com about a burly, surly, single dad who falls head-over-hockey-stick for his quirky live-in nanny…

Tallulah is smart, vivacious, and studying to be a marine biologist. She’s also twenty-six and broke. So when Burgess, a battle-scarred hockey veteran and newly single dad, offers her a job as his live-in nanny, she jumps at the opportunity to get paid while living in a super fancy neighborhood and being around Lissa, his cool but introverted tween.

Her tween charge isn’t the only one who could use some help fitting in, though. According to…well, everyone except Burgess, he needs to get back on the dating scene, and adventurous Tallulah is just the girl to show him how. But as boundaries are slowly crossed and Burgess finds himself pulled between his daughter, who wants her parents back together, and his insane chemistry with Tallulah, a huge rift is formed, and Tallulah does the “right” thing—breaks her own heart and walks away.

Though Burgess knows it’s for the best—he’s too jaded, with too much baggage—a chance meeting, and a new push from his daughter, forces him to put everything on the line and fight to prove he learned his lessons well and is worthy of a happily ever after with Tallulah.

“Come for the buzzy hockey romance trope, stay for the unique spins and swoon-worthy leading man that Bailey has become famous for crafting.” — USA Today

“Bailey writes banter and rom-com scenarios with aplomb, but for those who like their romance on the spicier side, she’s also the Michelangelo of dirty talk. She wields filth like Da Vinci does a paintbrush, and there’s a lot to be said for an author who can fill such exchanges with all the requisite heat, enthusiastic consent, and yes, even humor, of such a scenario without veering into corny territory.” — Entertainment Weekly
https://amzn.to/3Awn5VR

Bailey is one of my favorite writers, and I loved her latest! I was already halfway there with the hockey player storyline, and the single dad, grumpy-sunshine, forced proximity, age difference, and all the other romantic subgenres just brought this together in one terrific read for me.

Falling for the nanny is a time-honored romance tradition – not sure how often it happens in real life (forget Hollywood, I mean real people life!) but it was definitely believable here – maybe because Burgess falls first? And fortunately, he is already divorced (I hate any nanny marriage breakups.) He has to work to sweep Tallulah off her feet, and he does. But then comes the tween-age daughter. She adores Tallulah until she realizes that her dad is involved with the nanny. Like most kids, she wants her parents to get back together and Tallulah refuses to be the reason they don’t.

There is a lot of turmoil and angst before they reach their happy ending, and a lot of very steamy sex, making this an emotional yet fun read. I enjoyed getting to know these characters, and I was invested enough to root for their happily ever after. I’m looking forward to the next book in this series!

Note: Like most romance series, you do not need to read these in order. Each book is about a different couple, and while the couple from book one is mentioned, it wouldn’t matter if you hadn’t read it. That said, I think the first book, Fangirl Down, a golf romance, may have been even better than this one, so why not read both!

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE AU PAIR AFFAIR by Tessa Bailey. Avon (July 16, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0063308428. 384p.

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Spotlight Review: THE LOVE OF MY AFTERLIFE by Kirsty Greenwood

August 13, 2024

From the publisher:

A recently deceased woman meets “the one” in the afterlife waiting room, scoring a second chance at life (and love!) if she can find him on earth before ten days are up…

If she wasn’t dead already, Delphie would be dying of embarrassment. Not only did she just die by choking on a microwaveable burger, but now she’s standing in her ‘shine like a star’ nightie in front of the hottest man she’s ever seen. And he’s smiling at her.

As they start to chat, everything else becomes background noise. That is until someone comes running out of a door, yelling something about a huge mistake, and sends the dreamy stranger back down to earth. And here Delphie was thinking her luck might be different in the afterlife.

When Delphie is offered a deal in which she can return to earth and reconnect with the mysterious man, she jumps at the opportunity to find her possible soulmate and a fresh start. But in a city of millions, Delphie is going to have to listen to her heart, learn to ask for help, and perhaps even see the magic in the life she’s leaving behind…

A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK! AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

“Greenwood offers a charming, unique twist on a plethora of the best romance tropes. Sure to be a favorite of readers who love Sophie Cousens and Katy Birchall.” —Library Journal

“[T]he emotions are sweeping, the humor feels straight out of a network sitcom…. Fans of The Good Place should snap this up.” —Publishers Weekly

“Greenwood weaves themes of loneliness, grief and self-discovery into a romance filled with laugh-out-loud moments.” —USA Today
https://amzn.to/3SkMQPi

I kept hearing about this book so I finally picked it up – I’m so glad I did! I don’t care for a lot of woo-woo paranormal type romances, but I can deal in limited doses. An occasional witch. I do like time travel, and this sort of falls into that category, but with a twist. The afterlife twist.

Delphie is alone and very lonely, although it seems like she doesn’t even realize it. One day, she choked to death on a microwaveable hamburger, with no one there to Heimlich her. She arrives in what appears to be a laundromat but is actually the waiting room of heaven. There, a strange woman is trying to explain all of this to her when someone else pops in. A good-looking man who takes one look at Delphie and appears smitten – and she is as well. Except it turns out he is in the wrong place – not that place, but he’s not really dead and needs to be sent back. She’s told that he is her soulmate, and if she can get him to kiss her in ten days, she’ll be returned to life as well. All Delphie knows about him is that he lives in London and his first name, so not a whole lot to go on. But certainly worth a shot!

Delphie enlists the aid of her downstairs grumpy neighbor, Cooper. She thinks he is a computer programmer of some sort, and he does have some skills in that regard. They finally find out his full name, where he works, and Delphie has several attempts at trying to meet him. All are hilarious! Of course, spending time with Cooper has them growing closer and causing Delphie to wonder about her “soulmate”. Lots of hijinks ensue in this missing person’s type case, and everyone gets the happy ending they need.

This was such a fun read! It had many laugh-out-loud moments, some steamy sex, and a lot of heart. I loved it.

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE LOVE OF MY AFTERLIFE by Kirsty Greenwood. Berkley (July 2, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593816134. 384p.

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SLOW DANCE by Rainbow Rowell

August 9, 2024

From the publisher:

A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Eleanor & Park and Attachments comes Slow Dance—a novel of true love and friendship.

Back in high school, everybody thought Shiloh and Cary would end up together . . . everybody but Shiloh and Cary.

They were just friends. Best friends. Allies. They spent entire summers sitting on Shiloh’s porch steps, dreaming about the future. They were both going to get out of north Omaha—Shiloh would go to go to college and become an actress, and Cary would join the Navy. They promised each other that their friendship would never change.

Well, Shiloh did go to college, and Cary did join the Navy. And yet, somehow, everything changed.

Now Shiloh’s thirty-three, and it’s been fourteen years since she talked to Cary. She’s been married and divorced. She has two kids. And she’s back living in the same house she grew up in. Her life is nothing like she planned.

When she’s invited to an old friend’s wedding, all Shiloh can think about is whether Cary will be there—and whether she hopes he will be. Would Cary even want to talk to her? After everything?

The answer is yes. And yes. And yes.

Slow Dance is the story of two kids who fell in love before they knew enough about love to recognize it. Two friends who lost everything. Two adults who just feel lost.

It’s the story of Shiloh and Cary, who everyone thought would end up together, trying to find their way back to the start.

“A will-they, won’t-they second chance romance for the ages, this one is poised to be one of summer’s breakout hits.” —People

“Rowell takes her time revealing the couple’s origins as high-school besties, the conflicts they helped each other through as teens in working-class families and those they’re dealing with now, the long period of silence between them, and the undeniable glimmers of their enduring mutual attraction. Their dance is sweet and sexy, and Rowell draws out the whole, simmering affair as she ping-pongs through her characters’ past and present. . . . [Slow Dance is] sure to be a crowd-pleaser.”— Booklist (starred review)

“Rich, real, and emotionally raw, this satisfying contemporary is sure to impress.” — Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/3SFJuq8

This is Rowell’s first adult novel in ten years, so I was very excited about it. I read all of her earlier books and loved them. I met her at the American Library Association’s annual conference many years ago, and loved her! She verged off into graphic novels after writing a couple of novels with some graphic elements, but I am not a fan of graphic novels (for the most part), so I didn’t read them. All that said, as much as I was looking forward to this book, I almost didn’t finish it.

The “slow” of the title is appropriate. I was maybe a quarter of the way in and put it down. It felt like nothing was happening of any consequence, and I wasn’t invested enough with these characters to care. But then I saw Reese Witherspoon had selected it for her book club, and I almost always like the books she chooses, so I picked it back up. At about three-quarters of the way through, I finally felt invested. We are talking super s-l-o-wwwwwwwww here. I realize not every book has to be fast-paced, but that is my preference whether a romance, a thriller, or anything else.

Cary and Shiloh grew up together as the best of friends. But then life happened; he joined the Navy, and she went off to college. They got together once during that time, but hadn’t spoken in many years before a mutual friend’s wedding brought them back together. But it took a lot more time for them to really find their way back to one another as friends, and a lot more time after that to find their way into love and a lasting relationship.

Neither of them had good role models growing up. They both came from toxic, dysfunctional families and really were the glue that held them together. Now Shiloh is back home, living with her mother, and trying to raise her two kids alone. Luckily, her mother is a better grandmother than she was a mother.

Carey is dealing with an elderly parent who needs more help than his half-siblings care to give her, so he is constantly having to step in, taking leave from the Navy as he can. As he and Shiloh become friends again, she starts helping with his mom as well. It seems like they both have emotional and mental struggles that need more attention than they are getting.

Eventually, they realize they are in love and find their happy ending, but it is such a long, difficult road to get there. I did end up liking this book, but not to harp on it or anything (and sorry if I’m being too repetitive), it was slow going.

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SLOW DANCE by Rainbow Rowell. William Morrow (July 30, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0063380196. 400p.

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A IS FOR AMISH by Shelley Shepard Gray

August 9, 2024

Amish ABCs, Book 1

From the publisher:

In a heartwarming new series from New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray, four siblings take a genuine leap of faith when they move to their grandparents’ farm in rural Ohio and decide to become Amish.

Exploring the relationship between Amish and English cultures through the lens of a single family, the Amish Again series is perfect for fans of Beverly Lewis, Suzanne Woods Fisher, and Charlotte Hubbard – and anyone who enjoys uplifting stories about faith, family, love, and the simple life.

Siblings Martin, Kelsey, Beth, and Jonny are as different as can be, but they have one thing in common. They’re all longing to reinvent their lives. Raised by their divorced lapsed-Amish father and English mother, they only knew real stability and a sense of family when visiting their Old Order grandparents, Josiah and Sylvia Schrock, in peaceful Holmes County, Ohio. Now the four want to try living with them and joining their faith—much to the Schrocks’ surprise . . .

Martin, the eldest, is reeling from a bad breakup, so he’s especially determined to make a fresh start. When he meets his grandparents’ neighbor, Patti Coblentz, he’s immediately drawn to her outgoing, helpful nature—but is so overwhelmed that he appears blunt and rude. Is there any way he can drop his defenses enough to admit she’s captured his heart?

Always self-conscious about the birthmark on her temple, Patti is resigned to never marrying and busying herself with the responsibilities of the large home and property she has inherited. Besides, Martin’s ill-mannered behavior and disconcerting directness make him the last man she’d ever want to wed—no matter how handsome he is.

Yet given time and patience—and adhering to their grandparents’ unexpectedly challenging rules—the whole family might just find what they’re looking for, even Martin and Patti.

SIMULTANEOUS HARDCOVER AND TRADE PAPERBACK RELEASE!
https://amzn.to/4duMKfU

This was an interesting and surprising look at living Amish. These four siblings have grandparents who are Amish, but their father left the community and their mother is an Englisher. They all decide they might want to be Amish but all four of them will be overwhelming to their grandparents, so just two of them go to live there to see how they fit in and if they want to make it permanent. Martin just had a bad breakup, and recalls the peace he always felt at his grandparents’ home. Kelsey, the youngest, truly believes she wants to be Amish, so they are the first two siblings to stay with their grandparents.

Martin meets their neighbor, a young woman named Patti who has never married. She has a prominent birthmark on her face and believes that makes her unmarriageable. And Martin is very good looking and could have his pick of any of the single women in town. Martin doesn’t see her birthmark as marring or undesirable, just as a part of Patti and he likes all of her. But he can’t decide if he can commit to her and being Amish.

Kelsey meets someone in town, and even though hers is the secondary plotline to Martin, she is the one who gets the happy ending while Martin and Patti still are very much undecided. Hopefully, that will conclude in the next book in the series. This is a good start to a new series from the queen of the Amish romance. Shepard Gray is nothing if not consistent as she spins out one entertaining tale after another. If you like a gentle romance or an inspirational romance, this is a good read.

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

A IS FOR AMISH by Shelley Shepard Gray. Kensington (June 25, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-1496748843. 288p.

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VISCOUNT IN LOVE by Eloisa James

August 2, 2024

Accidental Brides, Book 1

From the publisher:

Two eccentric orphans bring together a grumpy viscount and the free-spirited heroine who steals his heart in the first novel in Eloisa James’s new Accidental Brides series, in which haughty aristocrats find themselves married to the wrong women.

He wants a nanny, not a bride…

Suddenly guardian to twins, Viscount Dominic Kelbourne is luckily betrothed to a suitable lady—until she elopes. With no time to woo, Dominic decides to marry his fiancée’s unconventional sister. Torie isn’t perfect, but their kisses are so passionate that society thinks he’s actually chosen her.

She wants to marry for love…

Torie has never been able to make sense of words on a page, so she has turned her talents to art. She longs for a man who values her as she is… but marries for the sake of the twins. She doubts Dominic is capable of love, let alone respect, but as their heated debates turn into something more, Torie begins to imagine a life as a wife, not a nanny.

But when the arrogant viscount finds that his viscountess has stolen his heart, he’ll have to give all he has to win her love.

“The first in James’s (Not That Duke) new “Accidental Bride” series takes readers on a journey to find love, with a plot that takes shape quickly, even as the dynamic cast of characters are more slowly developed and carefully crafted… James’s latest book is a must-read for fans of historical romance.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“Launching her new Regency-set Accidental Brides series, James (Not That Duke, 2023) once again displays her usual perfect sense of literary aplomb by first creating a uniquely appealing pair of protagonists (including a heroine who is not about to let not being able to read or write hold her back) and then setting them loose in a wit-infused plot enhanced by a wildly entertaining cast of secondary characters.” — Booklist

“An unusual dyslexic heroine provides depth to a solid Georgian romance.” — Kirkus Reviews
https://amzn.to/4dcNerz

It’s always a happy day when James starts a new series, and this one is set in the Georgian era. Torie can’t read or write, and not for lack of trying. She has some sort of dyslexia that her governesses tried to unsuccessfully beat out of her. What she does have is a fantastic memory, so her older sister would read to her at night and she could answer the governess the next morning. Torie’s sister is engaged to Viscount Dominic Kelbourne, but it’s been over a year and she hasn’t set a date. Now the Viscount’s sister and brother-in-law have died, so they can’t marry until the year of mourning has passed. Meanwhile, his fiancee is out galivanting with someone else and eventually elopes.

Part of the reason for her elopement is that the Viscount is now guardian to his sister’s twins, a young boy and girl, who have had little to do with their parents and consequently a very poor upbringing. On the other hand, Torie loves how unique their personalities are, and they adore her. The Viscount finds himself strongly attracted to the lush-figured Torie, the opposite of her tall, skinny, proper sister. Torie has been called a fool or worse for most of her life, including from her own father, a drunken gambler, due to her illiteracy. The Viscount is determined to have her, and due to some financial shenanigans, is able to talk her father into the match.

On the other hand, Torie isn’t so sure. She is strangely attracted to the man who is built, in her mind, like a farmer – thick and muscled. But he is known for his temper in the House of Lords, and she doesn’t want any part of that. But she does adore those children.

Torie’s passion lies in painting. Since she can’t read, it is what occupies most of her childhood and she is quite good. The Viscount doesn’t know much about art, but he knows his lust for her knows no bounds, and hers for him as well. There are some definite bumps in the road and some heat as well until they reach their happily ever after. I love Eloisa James and always learn something from her books, and this one was a terrific start to this new series. Looking forward to book 2!

Note: I hate the cover and the trend of putting obviously 21st-century men on the covers of historical romances, especially when they don’t match the descriptions in the book. I must be alone in this as it has been happening for a while now.

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

VISCOUNT IN LOVE by Eloisa James. Avon (July 23, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063347410. 384p.

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BARELY EVEN FRIENDS by Mae Bennett

August 2, 2024

From the publisher:

A grumpy, rich recluse meets his match in this steamy Beauty and the Beast retelling—with a Succession twist. Fans of fairy tale adaptations, and readers of Julie Murphy and Falon Ballard, will adore Mae Bennett’s debut romance.

Bellamy Price has just been offered the job of a lifetime: lead contractor on the restoration of the mysterious and sprawling Killington Estate. If she meets the owner’s ridiculous timeline, she’ll finally make a name for herself in this male-dominated industry. But when she rolls up her sleeves, slips on her suspenders, and shows up at the crumbling mansion, Bellamy finds the estate very much occupied.

After a traumatic car accident that left his parents dead and himself injured, Oliver Killington, heir to the Killington empire, took up residence as the grumpy caretaker of his grandfather’s mansion. None too pleased by the presence of the hammer-wielding woman who’s moved into his house, Oliver tries to block her at every turn.

But when Bellamy discovers Oliver’s facing his own ultimatum from his grandfather, the two form a cautious truce, which leads to flying sparks that are definitely not from faulty wiring. As Bellamy restores the gleam to the Killington Estate, she’ll have to decide if the walls she’s built around herself are worth knocking down to make space for someone else.

Perfect for fans of Tessa Bailey, this clever, steamy debut novel will have readers rooting for this Beauty and her Beast until the very last page.

https://amzn.to/3WbLfMI

Bellamy has been working for her father in his contracting business for years, and now she finally has a job of her own – and it’s a big one. As lead contractor, she has been hired to restore an old historic home that could make her career. The budget is good, but the timeline is tight, and things get more complicated when she arrives on-site to find the owner is still living in the home and has no plans to leave.

Loosely based on “Beauty and the Beast,” Oliver is definitely the beast, roaring at Bellamy to keep out of his rooms. Determined to get this job done on time and within the budget, Bellamy has no choice but to put up with Oliver and hope for the best. Oliver is the survivor of a tragic accident that took his parents ten years earlier, and he is barely surviving at that. He’s become a recluse, but Bellamy and her crew bring life back to the estate.

The tight timeline ends with a glamorous affair, revealing the restored home so Bellamy is under a lot of pressure. This job can make or break her career, and she is not letting Oliver stand in her way. The longer she works, the more they get to know one another but things don’t start changing for a while. Eventually, Oliver is impressed with the work she is doing and lets her into his rooms. They go from enemies to almost friends with a touch of sexual tension, that really ratchets up towards their happy ending.

This book is being publicized as a debut novel, but I’ve been burned so many times by that assertion I am merely mentioning it here because who knows for sure. It was an enjoyable read, although a bit slow at times as the relationship between Bellamy and Oliver builds. I will definitely look at whatever comes next from Mae Bennett.

8/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BARELY EVEN FRIENDS by Mae Bennett. Alcove Press (June 4, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-1639107797. 336p.

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Posted by Stacy Alesi

NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG by Julie Soto

July 26, 2024

From the publisher:

Ali Hazelwood promises “the cello scene in this book will change your life” in this Reylo-inspired grumpy-sunshine romance full of sharp banter, deep emotion, and irresistible humor.

When professional—and self-taught—violinist Gwen Jackson plays, she disappears into the peaks and valleys of each song, a quiet passion that never quite explodes into pure emotion. Xander Thorne is the exact opposite. A cellist and a rock star, he’s all about big emotion, but not even his six-foot-four frame can contain his skill, his genius . . . and an attitude that borders on jerkitude.

Not only did it take Xander a year to notice that he and Gwen both play in the Manhattan Pops, but he also always seems to have the perfect cutting criticism about her technique. When Gwen is offered the role of first chair of the orchestra, something Xander has secretly coveted for years, their existing hostility goes up a notch. Yet, despite her best efforts, Gwen can’t ignore the sizzling chemistry between them.

Forced to work more closely with each other, they can’t help exploring their attraction. As they begin to compose and play songs together, it’s clear that their powerful connection could make for a performance that would blow everyone’s minds. Suddenly, they’re box office dynamite, and the fragile romance growing between them is in danger of being crushed beneath a publicity stunt.
https://amzn.to/3y419kh

Gwen is an orphan who was raised by her grandfather, and now he’s gone, too. She is a violin prodigy, started playing when she was a child and her teacher owned a music store. While she is trying to decide if she wants to audition again for Julliard, she is playing in the Manhattan Pops orchestra. The first chair, Ava, is married to the conductor and the two of them run the Pops. When they lose a major grant, they decide that Ava will retire and they audition Gwen for first chair. At 22, she would be the youngest first chair in the history of first chairs, and the board decides the publicity alone would garner them enough money to keep the Pops going.

One of the cellists is Xander, who is known for playing original rock music on an electric cello along with a few other bandmates. They are owned by their manager in one of those contracts that seem like something out of The Godfather.

Gwen and her roommate. a gay pianist, are hired to play a weekend wedding. But when she gets there. the wedding planner realizes she wanted a cellist. Xander happens to be in the wedding party, and get gives Gwen his cello to use. Since Gwen once played the cello, no problem! I get the sight reading at a concert – my daughter is a talented musician, and it was amazing to me to see her high school orchestra get a piece of music, read it once through, then perform it so I know that can easily be done by decent musicians, never mind professionals. And I’ve seen my daughter switch instruments to ones she’d never played when they needed her to fill in, so I know that is plausible as well. I mention this because some of the negative reviews I’ve seen of this book just couldn’t buy these things happening, but I know it is entirely possible and have seen it myself. But I digress!

Turns out Xander is a truly gifted musician, plays cello and violin, and composes. When he and Gwen start playing together. the heat is palpable even if we can’t hear the music. There is a lot of drama between them and the Pops and Xander’s rock band, but eventually they reach their happy ending. and it was a treat getting there. Even if you know nothing about music, this is still a wonderful glimpse into that world and a terrific romance. Don’t miss it! I actually have this author’s first book, Forget Me Not, on my Kindle so will be reading and reviewing that one shortly.

Note: I had no idea what a “Reylo-inspired grumpy-sunshine romance” was but it turns Reylo is “a nickname for the romantic relationship between Star Wars characters Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) and Rey Skywalker (Daisy Ridley.)” Apparently, there is a ton of fanfiction about them, some of which have become bestselling novels, including Ali Hazelwood’s The Love Hypothesis. It is her blurb at the top of this page that sent me down this particular rabbit hole.

7/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

NOT ANOTHER LOVE SONG by Julie Soto. Forever (July 16, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-1538740910. 384p.

Kindle

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SUMMER ROMANCE by Annabel Monaghan

July 26, 2024

From the publisher:

AN INSTANT NATIONAL BESTSELLER

The romantic and hilarious story of a professional organizer whose life is a mess, and the summer she gets unstuck with the help of someone unexpected from her past, by the bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script.

Benefits of a summer romance: It’s always fun, always brief, and no one gets their heart broken.

Ali Morris is a professional organizer whose own life is a mess. Her mom died two years ago, then her husband left, and she hasn’t worn pants with a zipper in longer than she cares to remember.

No one is more surprised than Ali when the first time she takes off her wedding ring and puts on pants with hardware—overalls count, right?—she meets someone. Or rather, her dog claims a man for her…by peeing on him. Ethan smiles at Ali like her pants are just right—like he likes what he sees. He looks at her like she’s a younger, braver version of herself. The last thing newly single mom Ali needs is to make her life messier, but there’s no harm in a little summer romance. Is there?

A Parade Best Beach Read
A Today Show Best Summer Read
A BookBub Best Romance of the Year
A PureWow Best Beach Read of the Summer
A Brit & Co Perfect Beach Read
A Southern Bride Best Beach Read
A Marie Claire Beach Read to Devour While Soaking Up the Sun This Summer

“The ideal beach read.”—Publishers Weekly (starred)

“The romance strikes the perfect balance of stomach-butterflies and the realities of dating with kids. Sweetly satisfying.” —Booklist (starred)

“May as well have been created in a laboratory to be the perfect beach read.” –Seattle Times

“Easy, breezy, and big-hearted, Summer Romance is quintessential poolside reading.” —theSkimm
https://amzn.to/4cSrv7O

Monaghan writes crazy good romances with interesting, well-developed characters and believable plotlines. This is another terrific read.

Single mom Ali is struggling to find her footing after losing her mom and then her husband. Her best friend is pressuring her to join the living and put on actual clothes rather than the sweats she’s been living in. Overalls it is, and when she heads to the dog park, she is completely embarrassed when her dog pees on Ethan, this gorgeous young guy. He’s probably too young for her, but maybe a fling would be helpful?

Turns out Ethan is the last person she should be dating, but the attraction is real on both sides. But this book is about more than just the romance; we see Ali growing into herself and recovering from two of the most devastating losses a woman can have. Her three kids add some levity and lightness, and there is some serious flirting going on, along with a bit of heat. The relationship dynamics are all part of the overarching themes here, from parenting to friendship to romance, and I couldn’t help but root for Ali to find her happy ever after. And it was a joy getting there!

7/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SUMMER ROMANCE by Annabel Monaghan. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (June 4, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0593714089. 368p.