Audiobook Sunday: DIRTY FLIRTY ENEMY by Piper Rayne

November 2, 2025

Read by Samantha Summers & Daniel Chambers

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White Collar Brothers, Book 2

From the author:

He’s the arrogant Manhattan realtor with billboards advertising his six-pack more than his expertise in negotiations.

I’m the competing broker who stupidly moved across the hall from his office.

From day one, I’ve been his sworn enemy. Okay, so I might have accidentally stolen one of his clients. Well, is it stealing if the client comes to me?

Even our vicious banter and loathing gazes can’t hide the chemistry between us. Who can blame me? He has enough charisma to make every hot-blooded woman in the city melt with a single word.

Just when I think a mutual respect could be born between us, the biggest developer in the city offers us an opportunity that pits us against each other.

Time to forget Carmelo Mancini’s dreamy eyes and tight abs.

Game on.

https://amzn.to/4hIriaD

We first met Carm in the series opener, Sexy Filthy Boss, where he didn’t make the best impression—and honestly, he didn’t win me over in this book either. Still, it’s Piper Rayne, so I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did.

Carm is a Manhattan real estate agent who markets himself by posing shirtless on billboards. Not exactly professional, but it certainly attracts attention. He’s notorious for his one-night stands and total disinterest in commitment—until Bella enters the picture.

Bella, a former real estate agent, has struck out on her own with a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) business model, helping clients list their properties on the MLS. Her new office space was a bargain, but there’s a catch: it’s right across the hall from Carm’s agency, setting the stage for a classic enemies-to-lovers workplace romance.

Their first real clash comes when Bella unwittingly steals a client who was actually on his way to meet with Carm. Despite finding each other attractive, they’re at odds: Carm resents Bella’s FSBO model threatening traditional agents, while Bella dismisses him as a player and keeps her guard up.

When Bella’s mother’s boyfriend proposes a contest between them—whoever sells more condos in his new building wins—it feels like Bella’s big break. Carm is confident he’ll crush her, certain that buyers in this price range want personal attention, not a DIY approach. But as the competition intensifies, so does their chemistry. Despite their best efforts to stay professional, something deeper starts to grow.

It’s always satisfying to watch the player fall hard, and Carm definitely does. With Piper Rayne’s trademark witty banter, sizzling heat, and fast-paced fun, this one delivers plenty of entertainment—even if it’s not my favorite in the series, it’s still a solid, enjoyable read.

11/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

DIRTY FLIRTY ENEMY by Piper Rayne. Narrators: Samantha Summers & Daniel Chambers. Piper Rayne Inc.; August 14, 2019. ASIN: B07WC7JT2L. Listening Length: 7 hours and 45 minutes

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AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE by David Rosenfelt

October 31, 2025

Andy Carpenter Mysteries, Book 32

From the publisher:

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter investigates a murder that left a dog stranded in And to All a Good Bite, the latest Christmas mystery in David Rosenfelt’s bestselling series.

Reluctant lawyer Andy Carpenter can’t wait for Christmas. He doesn’t care much about the season, unless it’s football season. Andy’s excited to finally relax and watch the games. But when there’s a murder related to an old case in Paterson, New Jersey, Andy puts the games on pause.

Two years ago, a gas leak in an office building led to a tragic explosion that killed seven people. Jeff Wheeler was there to pick up his girlfriend and ran into the building to help. All he heard was the barking of a dog, Rufus, and was able to save him. The pup was the sole survivor and Jeff was named a hero. Initially, Rufus went to the Tara Foundation since his owner had died in the accident. But Andy met Jeff and liked him, respecting his courage and allowed him to adopt Rufus. Since then, Jeff and Rufus have formed an unbreakable bond.

The accident never sat right with Jeff. He believed that one of the building owners was responsible for the tragedy. Now that owner has been murdered and Jeff is arrested for the crime, Rufus is left with Jeff’s sister, who begs Andy to take the case. Andy remembered Jeff’s tremendous bravery and with the lingering Christmas spirit, decides to help reunite the two.

With David Rosenfelt’s signature humor and hijinks, it’s time to close this case for good and bid it a good night.

“[An] unfailingly entertaining series.”―Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/473wil7

I’ve gone years between reading installments in this series, but now I’ve read two since July. This one helped pull me out of a reading slump—kudos to Rosenfelt for that. I’ve always loved his books: his distinctive voice, clever cases, and trademark blend of wit and warmth make this series such a joy to return to. His “happy pessimism,” sharp humor, memorable cast of recurring characters, and, of course, his deep love of dogs, are what keep me coming back.

Once again, Rosenfelt delivers with a witty, smartly written courtroom mystery filled with heart. In recent years, he’s started releasing an annual Christmas-themed book, which always feels a little extra special. They’re never overly holiday-centric; rather, the season serves as a subtle backdrop. This time, Andy’s wife Laurie has Christmas music playing on a loop since Halloween, much to Andy’s dismay. He tries to tune it out while focusing on what he truly loves: football season. Now semi-retired, Andy would much rather watch sports than work—until a case comes along that he can’t ignore.

Andy is, as always, the champion of the underdog. This time, that underdog is Jeff Wheeler, a man Andy met a few years earlier under tragic circumstances. Jeff had gone to pick up his girlfriend from work when the building exploded. Though he couldn’t reach her, he managed to rescue a puppy trapped in a crate near the entrance. The dog ended up at Andy’s shelter, where Jeff later adopted it. Andy’s philosophy is simple: anyone who runs into a burning building to save a dog can’t possibly be a murderer.

But now Jeff stands accused of killing his late girlfriend’s boss. The evidence is circumstantial but damning, and Andy can’t resist taking the case. He also takes in Jeff’s dog, keeping him safe among his own pack until he can clear Jeff’s name.

Proving Jeff’s innocence requires Andy and his capable team to dig deep—through ashes, lies, and a handful of suspicious characters, each with possible motives. What follows is a race against time, featuring Andy’s trademark courtroom antics, sarcastic charm, and surprising brilliance beneath the bumbling exterior. The tension builds to a sharp, satisfying climax, reminding readers why Andy Carpenter remains one of the most endearing lawyers in fiction.

This is a fast-paced, tightly woven mystery full of humor, heart, and Rosenfelt’s signature snark. His ability to keep the series fresh after thirty-two books is truly impressive. Fans will appreciate seeing all the familiar faces—Laurie, Sam, Eddie, Marcus, Edna—and, of course, Andy’s beloved dogs. New readers can jump right in without having read the earlier installments.

I also have deep admiration for Rosenfelt and his wife, who run the real-life Tara Foundation, responsible for rescuing thousands of dogs. Through his cozy mysteries, Rosenfelt continues to highlight the importance of animal adoption with warmth and compassion.

And To All A Good Bite is the perfect holiday read—or gift—for anyone who loves a smart murder mystery with a generous helping of humor and heart. And dogs.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

AND TO ALL A GOOD BITE by David Rosenfelt. Minotaur Books. (October 14, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250324573. 304p.

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Spotlight Review: BREATHE WITH ME by Becka Mack

October 28, 2025

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Playing for Keeps, Book 5

From the publisher:

From bestselling author and TikTok sensation Becka Mack comes the final book in her sizzling hockey romance series about a couple who face an agonizing challenge that could bring them closer—or tear them apart.

Cara Hunter is a self-made woman. Driven and fearless, she’s never lost a battle. In fact, the only time she’s fallen to her knees was, well . . . for him.

Emmett Brodie might be one of hockey’s hottest players, but the moment he sees Cara, he’s reduced to a single word: hers. And he’ll stop at nothing to change her last name.

With a love as all-encompassing and fierce as theirs, they become the ultimate power couple and the backbone of their family. But when they decide it’s time to have a baby, they discover their journey to conceiving will be anything but easy. As they face off with infertility, a battle that strips them to their bones, they’ll see just how unshakable their foundation really is.

They thought they could survive anything together, but how do you survive when you’re barely breathing?

https://amzn.to/3MzXNJr

This final installment of the series delivered an emotional gut-punch that left me reeling—and not just because it’s the end. Cara and Emmett’s story takes an unexpectedly heavy turn that hit close to home.

Their relationship starts with instant chemistry. For Emmett, a notorious player who’s never met a puck bunny he didn’t take home, meeting Cara is a thunderbolt—love at first sight. Despite her attempts to resist, their connection is undeniable. Soon they are married, and life seems perfect.

Everything changes when they decide to start a family. While intimacy comes easily, pregnancy doesn’t. After more than a year of trying, they consult a fertility specialist who delivers devastating news: Cara has diminished ovarian reserve with poor egg quality. What follows is a grueling odyssey of treatments—hormone injections, embryo transfers, and month after month of crushing disappointment. For anyone who has experienced infertility (as I have), this was almost unbearably painful. I found myself putting the book down repeatedly to give myself emotional breaks. The author’s unflinching portrayal of this journey is both authentic and agonizing.

Cara’s struggle is raw and real. She becomes depressed, despondent, and barely recognizable to herself, yet refuses to give up. Emmett remains steadfast beside her, but even he can’t reach her anymore. She withdraws completely, and you begin to understand exactly how infertility destroys so many relationships. She tries to leave, but he cannot let her go.

Their eventual path to parenthood comes through fostering (not really a spoiler—you can see it coming). This helps them reconnect and find their way back to each other. Their hard-won happy ending feels earned after such a harrowing journey.

I finished this book emotionally drained yet deeply satisfied—and melancholy that the series has concluded. Despite the difficulty of this particular story, I loved every moment of this series.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BREATHE WITH ME by Becka Mack. Zando – Slowburn (October 28, 2025). ISBN:‎ 978-1638932451. 448p.

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Audiobook Sunday: THE ONE I STOOD BESIDE by Piper Rayne

October 26, 2025

Read by Rose Dioro & Tory Duran 

Plain Daisy Ranch, Book 2

From the author:

It’s the classic story— best friends since childhood agree to a fake marriage, thinking they can pretend to love each other without their relationship changing.

Jude would do anything for me. He’s stood by my side since we were six, and I’ve done the same for him.

When my father dies, leaving our family farm drowning in debt and on the brink of being auctioned, I’m not surprised Jude steps in to help. I just never dreamed he’d fall to bended knee and devise a plan for us to fool everyone into thinking there’s more than a lifelong friendship between us.

Soon, I’m moving into his house, we’re planning a wedding on his family’s ranch, and we discover a new side to our relationship. I keep reminding myself it’s not real—it’s only to secure a loan to save the farm.

I’ve secretly loved Jude all my life, and now that I know how good we are together, I’m not sure we can return to being just friends.

https://amzn.to/3LrR6eU

The book opens with a tender flashback: young Jude grieving his mother’s death while his best friend Sadie sits beside him. Though embarrassed by his tears, Jude finds comfort when Sadie promises to keep his vulnerability secret, allowing him to truly let go. This bittersweet moment sets the emotional foundation before launching into the present day.

When Jude’s father informs him and his brothers that Sadie’s family farm is struggling, they offer what help they can—but for Jude, it’s not enough. Sadie is his best friend, and he’s determined to do more. The situation becomes dire when Sadie’s father dies unexpectedly, leaving her and her mother (who suffers from fibromyalgia) unprepared to manage the farm. Her father’s old-fashioned belief that only men should handle business affairs has left them vulnerable, and they soon discover the farm is in foreclosure.

Refusing to give up, Sadie approaches the bank with a plan to pivot from soybeans to a more profitable free-range chicken operation. However, the banker delivers crushing news: without collateral, she doesn’t qualify for a loan, but adds that if she were married, her husband might. Talk about a throwback to the 1960s!

Devastated but not defeated, Sadie finds an unexpected ally in Jude. When his father prevents him from loaning her the money directly, Jude proposes a different solution: a marriage of convenience to secure the loan. For Sadie, who has secretly loved Jude for years and dreamed of marrying him, this isn’t the romantic proposal she’d imagined—but desperation wins out, and a hasty wedding is arranged.

Since their families have long expected them to marry anyway, no one questions the union itself—only the rushed timing. Once wed and living under the same roof, both Jude and Sadie struggle with their unspoken feelings. The tension builds as they navigate their arrangement, each afraid to confess their true emotions. Eventually, their walls crumble, leading to a passionate, emotionally satisfying happily-ever-after. The farm is saved, their families are thrilled, and their chemistry is absolutely scorching.

The duet narration was excellent, and it is my preferred audiobook format. The narrators brought Jude and Sadie’s story vividly to life and kept me engaged throughout. Overall, this is another heartwarming, sizzling romance from the talented Piper Rayne writing duo.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE ONE I STOOD BESIDE by Piper Rayne. Narrators: Tory Duran & Rose Dioro. Piper Rayne Inc.; June 28, 2024. ASIN: B0D8BRXLLT. Listening Length: 6 hours and 25 minutes

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WYATT by Jessica Peterson

October 24, 2025

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Lucky River Ranch, Book 2

From the Publisher:

Roping horses leads to riding cowboys in this sexy friends-to-lovers, fake-dating, lessons-in-seduction romance by Jessica Peterson.

One fake dating plan.

One cowboy Casanova.

One very real case of falling way too hard.

Wyatt Rivers is the perfect no-strings hookup―a cowboy Casanova who rocks a Stetson, looks smokin’ hot in his Wranglers, and never rests his head on the same pillow twice.

He’s exactly what she’s looking for. If only he wasn’t also her best friend…

Sally Powell is back in her hometown of Harstville, Texas, waiting for her dream job to start thousands of miles away. While she’s here, she hopes to end an epic dry spell in the bedroom, preferably with a local cowboy. If the rumors are true, they really do ride harder and stay on longer.

Wyatt has been her best friend since second grade, and she’s been in love with him for almost as long. But he’s as wild and untamed as a colt that can’t be broken―not to mention, totally out of her league with his good looks and heartbreaker reputation.

Then Sally gets to thinking: since Wyatt is such an expert, why doesn’t he teach her the ropes of how to find a hookup? He begrudgingly agrees, and a little fake flirting leads to fake dating, which leads to real kissing, which leads to real…well, everything else.

And let her just say, the rumors are absolutely true.

Sally wants so badly to be Wyatt’s last rodeo. But she’s leaving town soon, and even if she wasn’t, she’s not sure Wyatt would ever change his playboy ways.

Cowboys can’t be tamed. And apparently, neither can hearts.

Wyatt is an interconnected standalone novel in the Lucky River Ranch series, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage.

Delicious tropes:

All the pining!
Friends to lovers (with DECADES of tension)
Fake dating
Lessons in seduction
Small town
Hot cowboys

https://amzn.to/4nhIkgM

Sally has just finished her veterinary studies and is preparing to start her new job in New York. In the meantime, she’s back in the small town she loves, helping her father at his veterinary practice. Her dad is immensely proud of her and sees her upcoming move as the chance for her to achieve everything he never did. But while he dreams big for her, Sally feels happiest at home—and quietly dreads leaving. Still, her father won’t hear of her staying; he’s determined for her to make it in the big city.

Her childhood best friend, Wyatt, is now the foreman of the ranch where he grew up. Seeing Sally again brings back old memories—she was there for him during some of the hardest times in his life, especially after his mother died. Though they’ve always been close, Sally has long been in love with Wyatt but has never found the courage to tell him. Wyatt, for his part, cares deeply for her but has never been the settling-down type. A lifelong flirt, he’s never seen himself in a serious relationship, not even with Sally.

Sally’s romantic history is virtually nonexistent, leaving her feeling sexually inexperienced and insecure. Hoping to change that, she turns to the one person she trusts most—Wyatt—and asks him to teach her about sex. What starts as an arrangement quickly spirals into a fake dating situation, with all the tension and confusion that comes with it.

This book leans heavily on the sexual side of their relationship, with more emphasis on steamy scenes than emotional development. While I still enjoyed the story, I found myself eager to reach the end—something that rarely happens for me. I love spice, but I also want to see a deeper connection and growth between the characters, and that felt lacking here. Hopefully, the next book in the series will balance passion with a stronger romantic arc.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WYATT by Jessica Peterson. Bloom Books. ( August 19, 2025). ISBN: ‎978-1464248306. 418p.

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Spotlight Review: THE PROVING GROUND by Michael Connelly

October 21, 2025

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Lincoln Lawyer, Book 8

From the publisher:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly, the Lincoln Lawyer is back with a case against an AI company whose product may have been responsible for the murder of a young girl.

Following his “resurrection walk” and need for a new direction, Mickey Haller turns to public interest litigation, filing a civil lawsuit against an artificial intelligence company whose chatbot told a sixteen-year-old boy that it was okay for him to kill his ex-girlfriend for her disloyalty.

Representing the victim’s family, Mickey’s case explores the mostly unregulated and exploding AI business and the lack of training guardrails. Along the way he joins up with a journalist named Jack McEvoy, who wants to be a fly on the wall during the trial in order to write a book about it. But Mickey puts him to work going through the mountain of printed discovery materials in the case. McEvoy’s digging ultimate delivers the key witness, a whistleblower who has been too afraid to speak up. The case is fraught with danger because billions are at stake.

It is said that machines became smarter than humans on the day in 1997 that IBM’s Deep Blue defeated chess master Garry Kasparov with a gambit called “the knight’s sacrifice.” Haller will take a similar gambit in court to defeat the mega forces of the AI industry lined up against him and his clients.

“Connelly works in extensive (and never tedious) background on the perils of AI by having an investigative writer join forces with Haller. As always, it’s fun to watch Haller argue, manipulate, and wheedle his way from pre-trial through the explosive trial itself. One of the best yet from best-selling author Connelly.” – Booklist, starred review

“Bestseller Connelly crafts a riveting eighth case for attorney Mickey Haller . . . Connelly effectively dips his toe into topical waters here, touching on adolescent male loneliness and the dangers of AI without skimping on the propulsive plotting he’s known for. Newcomers and series fans alike will find this fast-paced legal procedural intensely satisfying.” – Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/473wil7

Few authors match the remarkable consistency of Michael Connelly. Whether he’s writing about Bosch, Haller, Ballard, or crafting a standalone, his ability to deliver two exceptional novels a year is nothing short of astonishing.

This latest book is no exception—gripping, immersive, and impossible to put down. Mickey Haller shifts from criminal defense to civil litigation, venturing into the complex realm of artificial intelligence. After years of watching him navigate criminal cases from the backseat of his Lincolns (now reduced to just one), seeing him tackle a case focused not on guilt or innocence but on corporate accountability in our tech-driven age proves surprisingly captivating.

Each of Connelly’s protagonists brings something distinct: Mickey Haller transforms courtrooms into theater with his charm and sharp wit; Harry Bosch remains the embodiment of relentless justice, while Renee Ballard, Connelly’s newest series lead, continues to push against a resistant system. In this novel, Haller channels all three—commanding the spotlight while relying on meticulous research and strategy to challenge a billion-dollar corporation with everything to lose. Watching him penetrate the corporate veil designed to bury secrets and execute high-stakes courtroom gambits perfectly captures why this character continues to resonate.

What elevates this book beyond a typical legal thriller is its relevance. The central lawsuit—exploring the role of AI in a young man’s tragic decision to kill the girl who broke his heart—doesn’t feel far-fetched but more like a headline waiting to happen. The ethical questions it raises are urgent and unsettling: when chatbots influence vulnerable users toward dangerous behavior, who bears the responsibility? This dilemma drives the narrative, even as the courtroom drama keeps the tension high.

Bringing back Jack McEvoy (from The Poet) reinforces that justice doesn’t begin and end in courtrooms—investigative journalism often exposes the truths that eventually land there. Connelly also weaves in the broader landscape of Los Angeles, with wildfires serving as a haunting metaphor for the internal and external battles his characters face, adding a layer of darkness that extends beyond legal proceedings.

Ultimately, Connelly delivers a timely legal thriller that is entertaining yet thought-provoking, deeply personal yet universally resonant. Mickey Haller may be known as the Lincoln Lawyer, but here, he becomes something greater: a champion of truth in a world where truth itself is under siege.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE PROVING GROUND by Michael Connelly. Little, Brown and Company. ( October 21, 2025). ISBN: 978-0316563826. 400p.

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Audiobook Sunday: THE ONE I LEFT BEHIND by Piper Rayne

October 19, 2025

Read by CJ Bloom & Robert Hatchet 

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Plain Daisy Ranch, Book 1

From the author:

It’s the classic story—boy goes off into the world to fulfill his dreams and leaves the girl behind.

Not every boy returns home, and I wish Ben Noughton wouldn’t have come back to our small ranching town at all after he retired from playing professional football.

I figure it’s a quick layover for him. He always wanted out of this town and off his family’s ranch. I just have to bide my time until he turns his back on all of us again.

Then he takes on the coaching position for the high school football team and starts milling around too much, bulldozing the protective walls I’ve built around myself. But he goes too far when he takes my son under his wing to help him be the best player he can be. Leaving me to protect not only my own heart but my son’s too.

Because I promised myself a long time ago that I’d never be the girl in the rearview mirror again.

https://amzn.to/476BWTS

As usual for me, I started this series somewhere in the middle, so now I’m backtracking to read all the rest of the books in order. They easily stand alone, but I feel more connected to the characters when I can watch them grow and change.

Ben and Gillian were once inseparable—high school sweethearts madly in love until college and an NFL career pulled Ben away. Now retired, he’s facing a wide-open future and returns to his hometown to reconnect with family. Seeing Gillian again isn’t part of the plan. She’s the girl he walked away from, the one he’s tried to forget—though his heart never truly let go. The moment he sees her, every buried feeling resurfaces. He wants to explain, to make things right, but she refuses to listen.

When Ben’s former high school football coach suffers a medical setback, Ben steps in to coach for the season. Suddenly, he can imagine building a life in Willowbrook again—one that includes Gillian—if it’s not already too late.

Gillian is a single mother studying for the bar exam, determined to launch her law career and escape small-town Willowbrook. The news of Ben’s return shakes her, and she’s determined to keep her distance to avoid reopening old wounds. But when circumstances force them to work together, she realizes she may not be strong enough to resist a second chance with her first love.

Gillian has never revealed the identity of her son’s father, and while most of the town assumes it’s Ben, they’re wrong. She’s kept that part of her life private—even from her son, Clayton. Still, her feelings for Ben linger, and as they grow closer, new challenges emerge: how long will Ben actually stay in Willowbrook, and will Clayton ever accept him?

This is a heartfelt small-town romance filled with second chances, single-parent dynamics, irresistible charm, and sizzling chemistry. Gillian shines as a strong, sassy heroine and a fiercely devoted mother. Her bond with Clayton feels genuine, and his guarded reaction to Ben rings true for a protective teenager. The story strikes a perfect balance between the angst of past hurt and the spark of playful, flirtatious banter as the couple discovers they still can’t resist one another.

The duet narration really adds to the story and brings these characters to life. Breezy, light, and utterly escapist, this compulsive read left me eager to return to Plain Daisy Ranch.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE ONE I LEFT BEHIND by Piper Rayne. Narrators: CJ Bloom & Robert Hatchet. Piper Rayne Inc.; May 13, 2024. ASIN: B0D42D7RTV. Listening Length: 6 hours and 33 minutes

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ROCK BOTTOM GIRL by Lucy Score

October 17, 2025

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From the publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over comes a hilarious, heart-stealing, small-town romance about starting over, finding your courage, and falling in love when you least expect it.

Marley left Culpepper to escape the whispers and the heartache. Now, thirty-eight and out of options, she’s back―living in her childhood bedroom, coaching the hopeless girls’ soccer team, and facing the town that never forgot her biggest mistake.

But sometimes rock bottom is exactly where a second chance begins.

When a fake relationship with the school’s most eligible coach becomes Marley’s only way to survive the rumor mill, sparks fly and hearts are on the line. 

Jake Weston is everything she never saw coming: tattooed, fiercely loyal, and hiding a vulnerability that matches her own. Their deal is supposed to fix their reputations, not change their lives. But with every laugh, every awkward team practice, and every not-so-pretend kiss, Marley must decide if it’s finally her turn for happily ever after.

If you crave fake relationship romance with real heat and heart, small-town second chances and slow-burn chemistry…then Rock Bottom Girl is your next must-read.

Warning: Story also includes a meet-puke, a bouffanted nemesis, a yard swan and donkey basketball, a teenage-orchestrated makeover, and a fake relationship that gets a little too real between the sheets.

https://amzn.to/3WEDqzy

My journey through Lucy Score’s backlist continues…

At 38, Marley finds herself back in her childhood bedroom in Culpepper, Pennsylvania—homeless, broke, jobless, and desperate for a fresh start. When her mom helps her land a temporary gig at her old high school as a gym teacher and girls’ soccer coach, Marley finds herself face-to-face with the ghosts of her past.

High school was rough; the mean girls made it miserable, and Marley couldn’t wait to escape. She left without looking back, hoping to find something better. But twenty years later, she’s still searching—and now she’s right back where she started: in her childhood home, in her hometown, and walking the halls of her alma mater.

Marley’s determined not to get stuck in the same small-town rut, especially with constant reminders of her past mistakes. One of those mistakes? Jake Weston—her high school crush who’s still in town and still just as irresistible. With the support of a few loyal friends and the unexpected reappearance of Jake, Marley might finally have a shot at turning things around.

Jake and Marley shared one unforgettable kiss in high school, but nothing more. Now, as fellow teachers, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Jake’s grown up—he’s grounded, loyal, and focused on what matters: his family, his dog, and his community. But as he nears 40, he’s realizing that casual flings aren’t cutting it anymore. Then Marley walks back into his life, and suddenly, he’s wondering if she’s the missing piece he didn’t know he needed.

When a twist of fate forces them to fake a relationship, they strike a deal: Jake helps Marley coach and teach, and Marley helps Jake navigate commitment. Very quickly, they both start to realize that maybe this pretend romance could be something real. Jake wants forever, but is he enough to make Marley give up her dreams of escape for a life with him?

Marley is feisty, sharp-witted, and a little down on her luck, but her killer sense of humor never quits. She’s relatable—down-to-earth, humble, and real—reminding us that we don’t have to have it all figured out by some arbitrary deadline. Jake is every kind of swoon-worthy: supportive, smart, with just enough bad-boy edge to keep things interesting.

This romcom is a heartwarming, hilarious, and feel-good ride from start to finish, with small-town charm, laugh-out-loud moments, and genuine heart. It’s entertaining and a feel-good read from start to finish. I loved it.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ROCK BOTTOM GIRL by Lucy Score. Bloom Books. (September 30, 2022). ISBN: ‎ 978-1728282619. 512p.

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Spotlight Review: OVERDUE by Stephanie Perkins

October 14, 2025

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From the publisher:

A SPARKLING ADULT DEBUT FROM BELOVED NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR STEPHANIE PERKINS!

Is it time to renew love or start a new chapter?

Ingrid Dahl, a cheerful twenty-nine-year-old librarian in the cozy mountain town of Ridgetop, North Carolina, has been happily dating her college boyfriend, Cory, for eleven years without ever discussing marriage. But when Ingrid’s sister announces her engagement to a woman she’s only been dating for two years, Ingrid and Cory feel pressured to consider their future. Neither has ever been with anybody else, so they make an unconventional decision. They’ll take a one-month break to date other people, then they’ll reunite and move toward marriage. Ingrid even has someone in mind: her charmingly grumpy coworker, Macon Nowakowski, on whom she’s secretly crushed for years. But plans go awry, and when the month ends, Ingrid and Cory realize they’re not ready to resume their relationship―and Ingrid’s harmless crush on Macon has turned into something much more complicated.

Overdue is a beautiful, slow-burn romance full of lust and longing about new beginnings and finding your way.

“Bestseller Perkins delivers a touching novel about self-discovery and growth…the tantalizing, slow-burning romance leads to a delicious payoff.” ― Publishers Weekly

“This cozy contemporary romance allows readers to consider their own life choices while enjoying a slow-burn love story.” ― Library Journal

https://amzn.to/3KHcwEF

Let me start by saying that I love the cover of this book, and there is a deluxe edition that looks incredible!

Ingrid, a 29-year-old librarian, has been with her boyfriend, Cory, for more than a decade. He was her first real boyfriend and relationship, so when her younger sister suddenly gets engaged after just two years of dating, Ingrid begins to wonder why her own relationship has never moved forward. After one difficult conversation, she and Cory agree to an unexpected plan: a one-month break, living separately and free to date other people to see if they’re truly right for each other. What’s meant to be thirty days of space slowly turns into months, forcing Ingrid to confront what she really wants.

At first, her attention drifts toward Macon, her 39-year-old grumpy coworker at the library. Their friendship has always felt like it could lead to something more, but when Ingrid impulsively kisses him, it backfires—creating an awkward rift between them. To distract herself, she dives into dating apps and new experiences, but Macon remains in the background: brooding, jealous, and unwilling to make a move..

Over the course of the year, Ingrid faces heartbreak, self-discovery, and the messy process of letting go and beginning again. The heart of the story lies in her growth—watching her evolve from someone clinging to comfort into someone willing to face change is deeply rewarding.

In the end, this novel shines in its themes of identity, change, and realizing that not every relationship—no matter how long—has to last forever. Ingrid’s journey feels authentic, and her transformation is satisfying to witness, but the slow pacing weakens the story’s impact. It’s a meaningful read with heartfelt themes, yet it drags in places.

This is the second time in recent memory that a Library Reads recommendation has disappointed—this one was even the top pick for October. I can’t help but think that if Ingrid were a baker, a florist, or a lawyer instead of a librarian, this book might not have made the list. Librarians, I say this with love: not every book about books, bookstores, and/or libraries needs a gold star!

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

OVERDUE by Stephanie Perkins. Saturday Books. ( October 7, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250313461. 416p.

Kindle

Audible

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Audiobook Sunday: THE PERFECT PASS by Teri Wilson

October 12, 2025

Narration by Stacy Gonzalez

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Texas Forever After, Book 1

From the publisher:

The new head coach is about to get schooled

A hero’s welcome awaits NFL bad boy Jackson Knight in Bishop Falls. The Texas town lives and breathes football, and they’re thrilled to have Jackson as their temporary high school coach while he rehabs his torn ACL—and his battered image. But one person isn’t rolling out the red carpet. Journalist Calla Dunne knows the damage football can do, and she’s not cutting the coach any slack. Jackson’s trained all his life to push through every obstacle stacked against him. But conquering Calla’s heart will take a fight like none he’s ever faced…to claim a reward sweeter than any prize.

Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.

https://amzn.to/4oc8LFO

This book stirred up memories for me. When my husband and I moved to the Dallas area in the early 1980s shortly after getting married, we drove past an enormous football stadium on the way to our rental house. Naturally, we assumed it was where the Dallas Cowboys played. We couldn’t have been more wrong—it was a high school stadium! That was our first introduction to the almost religious fervor surrounding high school football in the Dallas suburbs. Friday night games were community events where everyone showed up, whether they had kids on the team or not, whether they’d attended that school or not.

This book captures that same football obsession in the small Texas town of Bishop Falls, where football rules everything and the booster club holds serious power. Injured NFL star Jackson Knight is at a crossroads in his career. After tearing his ACL, he’s struggling through a difficult recovery, and his playboy reputation isn’t doing him any favors. His agent secures him a temporary high school coaching position, hoping to salvage both his career and his public image.

Enter Calla Dunne, a journalist at the local paper who secretly hates football—with good reason. She keeps her opinions to herself as she knows better than to challenge the town’s obsession. She covers football while dreaming of writing features instead.

Jackson’s arrival is marked by a parade in his honor, but Calla happens to overhear him on a phone call, desperately trying to wriggle out of the coaching job. From that moment, she’s skeptical. She doubts he’ll help the team or provide any positive influence. I particularly appreciated how the author addressed bullying among team members and showed Jackson genuinely rising to the challenge.

As Jackson struggles with his recovery and faces the possibility that his NFL days might be over, he begins to see how empty his life was before Bishop Falls. His growing connection with Calla forces him to reevaluate everything.

This enemies-to-lovers, small-town sports romance delivers on every level. The narrator brought excellent vocal variety to the audiobook, making the story truly come alive. This is the first book in a series, and I can’t wait to see what comes next.. If you loved “Friday Night Lights”, this is for you.

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE PERFECT PASS by Teri Wilson Narrator: Stacy Gonzalez. Harlequin Audio. (September 30, 2025.) Listening Length: 7 hours and 35 minutes.

Kindle

Paperback

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Posted by Stacy Alesi

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