Romance | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

10 BLIND DATES by Ashley Elston

December 24, 2019

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From the publisher:

Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship. Cue devastation.

Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents’ house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That’s when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.

When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she’s started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.

This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever… or is it?

A live nativity, bowling tournament, and an ugly sweater party. Those activities wouldn’t exactly scream first date to most people, but to Sophie’s large, and well-meaning family they do. After being dumped by her boyfriend the first night of winter break, Sophie’s extended family embarks on a plan to ensure that she has a date for every night of the break. This plan results in a series of ten blind dates, some outrageous, some cringeworthy, and some actually fun. It has been a while since I’ve read a teen romance that so well balances both humor and heart. There are plenty of funny moments, a goat at the aforementioned live nativity and a drive-in movie that goes very wrong among them, but I also really enjoyed how Sophie’s family was at center stage in the story. They are large, loud and meddle, but they genuinely love her and despite her recent heartbreak they always come first to Sophie. Even though the book is about ten dates, it was refreshing to see a teen romance where the main character put her family and herself before a love interest. With Netflix’s successful adaptation of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, I could see 10 Blind Dates being their next teen rom-com. If you are looking for a heartwarming, but not sappy, holiday story I recommend 10 Blind Dates.

10 BLIND DATES by Ashley Elston. Disney-Hperion (October 1, 2019). ISBN 9781368027496. 336p.

12/19 Caitlin Brisson

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THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS by Amy Andrews

December 23, 2019

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From the publisher:

All Suzanne St. Michelle wants is an over-the-top, eggnog-induced holiday with her best friend in Credence, Colorado. But when her hoity-toity parents insist she come home for Christmas in New York, she blurts out that her sexy landlord is actually her boyfriend and she can’t leave him—Joshy loves Christmas. The more twinkle lights the better.

Rancher Joshua Grady does not love Christmas. Or company, or chatty women. Unfortunately for him, the chattiest woman ever has rented the cottage on his ranch, invited her rich, art-scene parents, and now insists he play “fake rancher boyfriend” in a production of the Hokiest Christmas Ever. And somehow…she gets him to agree.

Apparently, he’ll do anything to get his quiet life back. At least there’s mistletoe every two feet—and kissing Suzy is surprisingly easy. But in the midst of acres of tinsel, far too many tacky Christmas sweaters, and a tree that can be seen from space, he’s starting to want what he lost when he was a kid—a family. Too bad it’s with a woman heading back to New York before the ball drops…

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Every December I embark upon a binge of holiday themed book reading. A friend who also shares a love of all things Christmas recently commented that she had only enjoyed one Christmas book so far this year. I’ve been having similar poor luck this year, but then I read The Trouble with Christmas. I hadn’t read the first book in this series (and it doesn’t matter, this book can be read as a stand-alone) but when I took Book Riot’s “What Holiday Romance Should You Read?” quiz this is the book they suggested. I figured a hot rancher and Colorado scenery should be fun. And The Trouble with Christmas is a fun book. Since taking a trip to Montana and Wyoming last year I have been eager to return to the West and Colorado is on the list. The small of town of Credence, Colorado sounds like it would be a great destination and the descriptions of snow-covered ranches and cozy cabins were perfect for a holiday romance. Suzy and Grady’s efforts to keep up the facade of their fake relationship with increasingly tacky and outlandish Christmas decor was fun to read. Suzy and Grady were a great couple with her sense of humor and tendency to talk too much balancing out Grady’s role of a stoic rancher. And of course, fake relationships in romance novels never lead to real feelings… If you enjoy Hallmark style holiday romances you’ll enjoy The Trouble with Christmas.

12/19 Caitlin Brisson

THE TROUBLE WITH CHRISTMAS by Amy Andrews. Entangled: Amara (September 24, 2019). ISBN 9781640638198. 418p.

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TO BED THE BRIDE by Karen Ranney

December 13, 2019

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All for Love Trilogy, Book 3

From the publisher:

New York Times Bestselling Author Karen Ranney’s captivating series concludes with a tale of opposites whose attraction scorches a trail from the Highlands to the glittering halls of London—and courts scandal at every turn . . .

Politics has introduced MP Logan McKnight to many fascinating people, but the lady he encounters on the lands bordering his ancestral Scottish home outshines them all. Eleanor Craig of Hearthmere seats a Thoroughbred like a queen, knows as much about world events as any of his colleagues—and is engaged to one of the worst men Logan knows. She also seems lonely, so Logan brings her a friend. Thus should their acquaintance end, yet it’s only just begun.

The puppy Logan delivers is every bit as irresistible as the man himself. How could this stranger sense the isolation Eleanor suffers among her scheming, snobbish extended family and fiancé who control her life? It’s even worse in London—until she begins meeting Logan secretly in a secluded park. Their passionate connection frees Eleanor, body and soul. But discovery threatens disgrace—or worse.

Eleanor lost her mother as an infant, and her father as a young child. He leaves her their estate in Scotland with the proviso that her Uncle move there to take care of her. He brings his wife and children, and they remain there until her uncle dies when she is 17 years old. Her aunt immediately moves them all to London, marries a wealthy man, and convinces the solicitor to just allow Eleanor to visit for a month every year.

Eleanor is engaged to Michael, the Earl of Westcott and she really has no idea why he chose her. Her father always stressed how important family is, and she knows her family wants her to marry the Earl. He is a good catch, so she agrees to marry him. But her fiance shortens her visit home to two weeks.

Eleanor returns home, knowing in her heart that she may not be allowed back to visit again. Eleanor and Logan have a rocky start. They meet while she is out riding and finds herself surrounded by sheep. Thinking he is the shepherd, she is condescending to him until she manages to get through. Eleanor doesn’t think much of the shepherd, but Logan can’t get her out of his mind. He gives her a puppy that she really doesn’t want but disappears before she can return the dog. She names him Bruce and I have to say, the best part of the first half of the book was the dog.

There seems to be too much time spent on Eleanor’s thoughts and way too much telling, not showing as the relationship between Eleanor and Logan grows. It seems like she decided to like him after she finds out that he is not a shepherd, but is an MP in the House of Commons, representing his part of Scotland. He is shocked to find out that she is engaged to the Earl of Westcott, an arrogant, selfish man that Logan can’t stand.

This book moved slowly for at least the first half, but the last few chapters made up for it. When Eleanor realizes she can’t marry the Earl and tells him, he refuses to allow her to break their engagement. Her aunt tells her she has no choice, she must marry the Earl, and what happens after that is just shocking. I don’t want to give anything away! Just know that Eleanor and Logan get their happily ever after, despite the enormous obstacles in their way.

While I’m glad they got together, the ending felt a bit abrupt. I would have liked an epilogue or something. All in all, this was just an okay read for me.

12/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

TO BED THE BRIDE by Karen Ranney. Avon (November 26, 2019). ISBN 978-0062841087. 384p.

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THE ROGUE TO RUIN by Vivienne Lorret

December 10, 2019

Misadventures in Matchmaking, Book 3

From the publisher:

The Bourne Matrimonial Agency has one rule:

Never fall in love with the client.

Which shouldn’t be a problem when one’s faking an engagement to the rogue across the street . . .

Ainsley Bourne needs the family business to succeed. But one obstacle stands in her way—Reed Sterling, the huge, handsome, former prize fighter and owner of the gaming hall across the street. His scandalous customers scare off all her marriage-minded patrons, and since the devilish brute has no intention of relocating, she sets out to ruin his unsavory establishment. Yet when a vile suitor from her past reappears, Ainsley hastily claims an attachment to the first man who comes to mind . . . Mr. Sterling, to be exact.

Reed doesn’t know who is more surprised by Miss Bourne’s declaration. She clearly hates him, and he’d never admit their arguments simmer with unrequited attraction. Something about the pleading look in her eyes calls to Reed, and against his better judgment, he quickly plays the part of the besotted fiancé.

Pretending to be in love requires a convincing charade. But with each tantalizing touch and every scandalous kiss, Ainsley starts to wonder if Reed was ever really the enemy at all.

This author was new to me. The book started out slowly; in fact, I started it and kept putting it down until I got about a quarter of the way through. Then I read it the rest all the way through and ultimately enjoyed it. The plot was fairly predictable, the ever-popular trope of enemies to lovers, and it worked. There was also a bit of suspense. Ainsley had been betrothed to another man, and she ended it because he was abusive. He remarried, but when his wife died, he came looking for Ainsley again. And was not very pleasant, to say the least.

Reed was a great character. He is a commoner who made a fortune by fighting, boxing of sorts I suppose. But while he has retired from the ring, there are opponents who still wish to fight him. He is also thoughtful and smart, and very intuitive about people in general, but especially about Ainsley.

There are some obstacles along the way to happily ever after. Even marriage doesn’t resolve everything. I liked those twists and that is what kept me turning the pages for sure. I will look for the earlier books in the series. Ainsley has two sisters who are married, so they probably had their stories told in the earlier books. Since I haven’t read the earlier books, I don’t know if they should be read in order or if it doesn’t matter. These characters are fairly closely aligned, so it might have been the little knowledge I was lacking that made the beginning of this book so slow. I will find out!

12/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE ROGUE TO RUIN by Vivienne Lorret. Avon (July 30, 2019). ISBN 978-0062685520. 400p.

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A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Jessica Clare

December 8, 2019

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The Wyoming Cowboys Series, Book 3

From the publisher:

‘Tis the season for starting over for one military man turned cowboy in this new novel by the New York Times bestselling author of The Cowboy and His Baby.

Former Navy master-at-arms Jason Clements is down on his luck and calling in one last favor. His cousin has secured him a job opportunity as a cowboy working at Price Ranch in Wyoming. Too bad Jason has never even saddled a horse. If he can keep this job without his PTSD getting in the way, it’ll be a Christmas miracle.

Local busybody Sage Cooper loves Painted Barrel something fierce, but it’s time for her to move on. Since her father passed away, the family ranch feels too big for just her, and there’s no chance of finding a husband in this small town. To the rest of the world, she’s just another local fixture, known for her closet full of ugly Christmas sweaters and being perpetually single.

It isn’t until Jason shows up in desperate need of a cowboy crash course that Sage discovers a tall, dark, and handsome reason to stick around. And with the holidays coming up, Sage is in need of a date for a special event—maybe they’ll turn out to be each other’s best Christmas present.

This romance ticked a lot of boxes that I really like; damaged characters, small town, cowboys, and Christmas.

Sage has no self-esteem. Living in this small town, she’s had a long-standing crush on a man who is about to marry. Someone else. She lost her mom as an infant, and her dad fairly recently, leaving her alone on a big ranch in a big empty house. She has decided to sell the ranch in the spring, and move to a larger community, in hopes of meeting someone.

Jason suffers from PTSD, but his cousin landed him this job as a cowboy, of all things. He’s never even been on a horse, much less a ranch. Desperate for help, he wanders into what passes for a library in this small town, a few shelves of books and the town’s only employee, Sage. She ignores his symptoms and lends him a helping hand with a crash course in ranching. Sage has a calming effect on Jason, and a relationship begins.

This was a warm, holiday read filled with love and grace and hope. A wonderful holiday romance!

12/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

A COWBOY UNDER THE MISTLETOE by Jessica Clare. Berkley (October 15, 2019). ISBN 978-1984804006. 320p.

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MY FAKE RAKE by Eva Leigh

December 6, 2019

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Union of the Rakes Series, Book 1

From the publisher:

In the first book in Eva Leigh’s new Union of the Rakes series, a bluestocking enlists a faux suitor to help her land an ideal husband only to be blindsided by real desire…

Lady Grace Wyatt is content as a wallflower, focusing on scientific pursuits rather than the complications of society matches. But when a handsome, celebrated naturalist returns from abroad, Grace wishes, for once, to be noticed. Her solution: to “build” the perfect man, who will court her publicly and help her catch his eye. Grace’s colleague, anthropologist Sebastian Holloway, is just the blank slate she requires.

To further his own research on English society, Sebastian agrees to let Grace transform him from a bespectacled, bookish academic into a dashing—albeit fake—rake. Between secret lessons on how to be a rogue and exaggerated public flirtations, Grace’s feelings for Sebastian grow from friendship into undeniable, inconvenient, real attraction. If only she hadn’t asked him to help her marry someone else…

Sebastian is in love with brilliant, beautiful Grace, but their bargain is complete, and she desires another. Yet when he’s faced with losing her forever, Sebastian will do whatever it takes to tell her the truth, even if it means risking his own future—and his heart.

Leigh introduces a new series with a Quasimodo type plot. And it works!

Grace’s father is not well, and all he asks of her is to marry before he dies. The dutiful daughter is a scientist and has found most of the men on the marriage mart have little patience for a woman with a thought in her head. Ah, the good old days. Nevertheless, she has picked out a man she feels would make a suitable husband, as he is also a scientist and they have much in common. Unfortunately for her, he thinks of her as a colleague and pursues other women to find a bride.

Grace’s good friend Sebastian is talked into playing a rake, the theory being that once another man takes interest in her, her intended husband-to-be, will come running. Sebastian’s friend, the Duke, likes the idea and with his help, turns Sebastian into a rake, turning young ladies’ heads all over London. Including Grace.

You can tell what will happen next, and it is a fun read to see it all play out. I’m looking forward to the next book in this new series. This one was a terrific read

11/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

MY FAKE RAKE by Eva Leigh. Avon (November 26, 2019). ISBN 978-0062932402. 384p.

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ALL FIRED UP by Lori Foster

December 2, 2019

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Road to Love, Book 3

From the publisher:

He’s tantalizing trouble she can’t resist…

Charlotte Parrish has always wanted a certain kind of man: someone responsible, settled, boring. Bad boys need not apply. But when her car leaves her stranded and a mysterious stranger with brooding eyes and a protective streak comes to her rescue, she can’t deny how drawn she is to him. In town searching for family he’s never met, Mitch is everything she never thought she wanted—and suddenly everything she craves.

Finding his half brothers after all these years is more than Mitch Crews has allowed himself to wish for. Finding love never even crossed his mind…until he meets Charlotte. She’s sweet, warmhearted, sexier than she knows—and too damn good for an ex-con like him. But when his past comes back to haunt him, putting Charlotte—and the family he’s come to care for—in danger, Mitch isn’t playing by the rules. He’s already surrendered his heart, but now he’ll risk his life.

Foster writes reliably good contemporary romances, and this is her latest entry into the Road to Love series. I really like this series, probably because I enjoy her writing style. Her characters are well defined and come to life on the page, and I couldn’t help but care about what happens to them. Her settings are vivid, and there is enough suspense to keep the pages turning. And the romance is sizzling! That probably explains the hundreds of five-star ratings this book has on Goodreads.

Mitch has had a very troubled past; drug addict mom, her dealer/boyfriend physically abused Mitch, and a father who came and went because he was married to someone else. Mitch loses his mom and ends up in jail, but this is no spoiler. The book starts as he has just gotten out of prison and has landed in town to meet the half brothers who don’t even know he exists. So right away I was drawn to this damaged character.

Charlotte is almost too good to be true. But every time I think she can’t be that nice – nobody is that nice – she opens up her mouth and reveals she’s got some backbone, too. I couldn’t help but cheer this relationship on, despite all the hurdles they have to jump.

There is a bit of suspense because Mitch’s mom’s drug dealer boyfriend is after him, and he is a nasty piece of work. But the romance trumps all, just the way I like it.

Foster is a pro, and this book stands alone beautifully. If you prefer to read in order:

Driven to Distraction (Book 1)

Slow Ride (Book 2)

12/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ALL FIRED UP by Lori Foster. HQN; Original edition (November 19, 2019). ISBN 978-1335505071. 384p.

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NOT THE GIRL YOU MARRY by Andie J. Christopher

November 20, 2019

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From the publisher:

How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days gets a millennial makeover in this romantic comedy by USA Today bestselling author Andie J. Christopher.

Jack Nolan is a gentleman, a journalist, and unlucky in love. His viral success has pigeon-holed him as the how-to guy for a buzzy, internet media company instead of covering hard-hitting politics. Fed up with his fluffy articles and the app-based dating scene as well, he strikes a deal with his boss to write a final piece de resistance: How to Lose a Girl. Easier said than done when the girl he meets is Hannah Mayfield, and he’s not sure he wants her to dump him.

Hannah is an extremely successful event planner who’s focused on climbing the career ladder. Her firm is one of the most prestigious in the city, and she’s determined to secure her next promotion. But Hannah has a bit of an image problem. She needs to show her boss that she has range, including planning dreaded, romantic weddings. Enter Jack. He’s the perfect man to date for a couple weeks to prove to her boss that she’s not scared of feelings.

Before Jack and Hannah know it, their fake relationship starts to feel all too real—and neither of them can stand to lose each other.

I loved the movie this book was based on, and I liked that the book is gender-reversed, Millenial sensitive, and has a biracial lead. But somehow it just didn’t come together the way I thought it should, or would. The characters supposedly had instant chemistry, but I didn’t really feel it. The fake dating thing plays out for the entire book, until the very end, so it felt the tiniest bit unsatisfying.

I did like the characters but they could have been fleshed out a bit more. They fell a little flat for me. The con they were playing on one another often felt forced instead of more naturally occurring, if that makes sense. Maybe this plotline just works better visually, I don’t know. Or maybe because I loved the movie it was based on, my expectations were just too high. All that said, it is a very light, cute romantic romp, and ultimately, I did enjoy it. Just not as much as I had hoped.

11/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

NOT THE GIRL YOU MARRY by Andie J. Christopher. Berkley (November 12, 2019). ISBN 978-1984802682. 336p.

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RESTLESS RANCHER by Jennifer Ryan

November 17, 2019

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Wild Rose Ranch Series, Book 2

From the publisher:

If you like bad-boy heroes, western settings, and a sexy, sassy heroine you will love Jennifer Ryan’s newest Wild Rose Ranch book! Perfect for fans of Diana Palmer, Linda Lael Miller, and Jodi Thomas.

One minute down-on-his-luck rancher Austin Hubbard slept soundly, the next, a sassy spitfire dumped a pitcher of water on his head and woke him up—in more ways than one. Hired to help him rebuild his ranch, Sonya Tucker ends up helping him put the tattered pieces of his life back together. The capable, all-business accountant is on a mission to get the ranch up and running, but can he convince the temptingly beautiful woman to take a chance on him?

Sonya was dismayed that Austin had lost it all: money, family, respectability. Things she—who’d been raised by her mother at Nevada’s notorious brothel Wild Rose Ranch—only dreamed about. But working with the long, lean cowboy shows her that Austin is honorable to his core. Together they slowly grow to see what the love between them might bring.

But then Austin’s powder keg of a family feud explodes, exposing long-buried secrets, and threatening their new-found love…

Just when I was thinking I hadn’t read a good cowboy romance in a while, this one dropped in my lap. I liked the first book in this series, but I think this one is even better. I guess like the premise of a smart woman bossing around a cowboy! At least here, it really works. It sort of turns on its head the cowboy saving the woman, although there is a hint of that as well. But mostly Sonya is fierce and in charge.

Both of these characters have a lot of baggage and troubling backgrounds, and they both can appreciate that in the other. I couldn’t help but root for them to get together, but first, they had to learn to trust one another. Another good cowboy romance!

11/19 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

RESTLESS RANCHER by Jennifer Ryan. Avon (November 12, 2019). ISBN 978-0062851901. 384p.

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WHERE HAVE ALL THE BOYS GONE? by Jenny Colgan

November 16, 2019

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NOTE: This book is being reissued with a new cover in January 2020. If you want to read it then, see the links below. If you want to read it now, you can purchase the original paperback through Amazon, just click on the green book cover.

From the publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author Jenny Colgan comes this hilarious romance about a woman who trades in the comforts of city life in hopes of finding love in a small Scottish town in the middle of nowhere.

Faced with the harsh reality that there are 25,000 more women than men in London, Katie’s dating prospects are at an all-time low. While she’s glad it’s not a man’s world anymore, it wouldn’t hurt if there were more eligible bachelors.

More likely to get murdered than married, according to gleeful media reports, Katie resigns herself to the fact that there’s no sex in the city for her and decides to head for the hills—or the Scottish Highlands to be exact. Despite the fact she’s never been one for muddy rain boats—and Fairlish is in the middle of nowhere—the tiny town does have one major draw: men. LOTS of them!

But while Katie relishes the chance to do battle with armies of admirers, she’s not excited about going head to head with her shady new boss, Harry. At least there’s the local eye-candy to distract her, including gorgeous newshound Iain. But he is at loggerheads with Harry, and she can’t afford to get on Harry’s bad side any more than she already has.

Life in the country might not be one big roll in the hay, but now that Katie has taken the plunge, can she ever turn her back on the delights of Fairlish and return to city life…?

Buy this book 1/7/20

When I received a review copy of Where Have All the Boys Gone? (I’ll admit the cute cover caught my eye) I assumed it was a new book by Jenny Colgan since it had a publication date of January 2020 listed. After reading it, however, I discovered that it is a reprint and was originally published in 2005. It made more sense once I realized this was a reissue of a much earlier book by Colgan.

All the hallmarks of a Jenny Colgan book are there: a picturesque Scottish town, a heroine who leaves behind big city life, a dash of humor and of course romance, but Where Have All the Boys Gone? is missing a certain amount of polish. I thought the plot had potential, and Fairlish was certainly a quirky town, but unfortunately, this book fell rather flat for me. The writing was pedestrian and at times the dialogue rather stilted. The characters are very one dimensional.

The defining characteristic of the main character Katie, and her best friend Louise seems to be wanting to find a boyfriend. Katie does have two love interests but didn’t have much chemistry with either of them, and they are also very one-dimensional characters. Combine that with a rushed ending and this is ultimately a pretty forgettable story.

Overall, Where Have All the Boys Gone? really wasn’t anything particularly special in terms of plot or characters. If you enjoy cozy romances and books set in Scotland, I would still recommend Jenny Colgan, but start with The Little Beach Street Bakery, The Café by the Sea or The Bookshop on the Corner. Where Have All the Boys Gone? certainly isn’t an accurate representation of her abilities as a writer.

11/19 Caitlin Brisson

WHERE HAVE ALL THE BOYS GONE? by Jenny Colgan. HarperCollins; 1st Paperback Editio edition.