Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

BEACH HOUSE RULES by Kristy Woodson Harvey

June 6, 2025

From the publisher:

Kristy Woodson Harvey returns with a delightfully moving new novel about a mother-daughter duo learning to lean on their community of women—and each other—after their world is turned upside down.

When Charlotte Sitterly’s husband is arrested for a white-collar crime, she and her daughter Iris are locked out of their house by the FBI and—what’s potentially even worse—thrust into the spotlight of @JuniperShoresSocialite, the town’s snarky anonymous Instagram account. Cut off from her bank accounts and feeling desperate, Charlotte takes up an acquaintance’s offer to stay at a beachfront former bed-and-breakfast that’s home to a community of single mothers and draws plenty of gossip in the small coastal North Carolina town.

Charlotte and Iris find solace and are surprised by how much fun they’re having with the other families despite their circumstances. But when the women discover a secret link between them, it changes everything they thought they knew about the unconventional family they’ve created and leaves them wondering whether their coming together was a coincidence at all. Will the skeletons in the mommune closets help Charlotte and Iris reclaim their place in the Juniper Shores community—or shatter the sisterhood forever?

“Perfect for fans of Elin Hilderbrand and Jennifer Weiner” (Country Living), Beach House Rulesis a charming exploration of the joy of friendship, the true meaning of family, and reclaiming the power to reshape our own destiny.

“Charming and beachy in the best way, Beach House Rules will appeal to those looking for an escape with emotional depth.” ― –Booklist, starred review

https://amzn.to/4jtubeB

Charlotte Sitterly’s comfortable existence in the affluent beachfront town of Juniper Shores, North Carolina, crumbles overnight when her husband Bill is arrested for securities fraud. She and her fourteen-year-old daughter Iris suddenly find themselves homeless and nearly penniless, with their assets seized and bank accounts frozen. In a tight-knit community where news travels fast—amplified by both a persistent journalist and an anonymous gossip Instagram account—everyone knows their business.

When Charlotte discovers she can’t even withdraw money from her account, an unlikely savior appears. Alice Bailey, overhearing Charlotte’s predicament at the bank, extends an invitation to join her unconventional household. Alice owns a former beachfront bed-and-breakfast that she’s transformed into a “mommune”—a shared living space for single mothers and their children. Despite Alice’s whispered reputation as the town’s “Black Widow” (she’s buried three husbands), Charlotte accepts the offer out of desperation.

What Charlotte finds at the mommune is far from what she expected. Living alongside two other displaced mothers and their children, she must navigate new house rules, unfamiliar dynamics, and her own wounded pride. The concept of the mommune really works—these women create a functioning family unit despite their individual struggles, insecurities, and complicated pasts.

As Charlotte adjusts to her new reality, she becomes entangled in a web of small-town gossip, shifting loyalties, and questions about public perception versus private truth. The mystery surrounding Bill’s guilt or innocence adds layers of intrigue, while Charlotte grapples with themes of trust, reputation, and identity. Through moments of both heartbreak and surprising humor—including snarky commentary from the anonymous “Juniper Shores Socialite”—she discovers that friendship, family, and loyalty can emerge from the most unexpected places.

This story explores the delicate balance between judgment and compassion, reminding readers not to rush to conclusions while examining how people rebuild their lives after everything falls apart. Romance and mystery weave through the narrative, but at its heart, this is a tale about women supporting women through life’s most challenging moments. Don’t miss it.

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BEACH HOUSE RULES by Kristy Woodson Harvey. Gallery Books (May 27, 2025). ISBN: 978-1668074800. 368p.

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IT’S A LOVE STORY by Annabel Monaghan

June 6, 2025

From the publisher:

From the USA Today bestselling author of Nora Goes Off Script, a novel about a former adolescent TV actress-turned-Hollywood producer whose “fake it till you make it” mantra sets her on a crash course with her past, forcing her to spend a week on Long Island with the last man she thinks might make her believe in love.

Love is a lie. Laughter is the only truth.

Jane Jackson spent her adolescence as “Poor Janey Jakes,” the barbecue-sauce-in-her-braces punch line on America’s fifth-favorite sitcom. Now she’s trying to be taken seriously as a Hollywood studio executive by embracing a new mantra: Fake it till you make it.

Except she might have faked it too far. Desperate to get her first project greenlit and riled up by pompous cinematographer and one-time crush Dan Finnegan, she claimed that she could get mega popstar Jack Quinlan to write a song for the movie. Jack may have been her first kiss—and greatest source of shame—but she hasn’t spoken to him in twenty years.

Now Jane must turn to the last man she’d ever want to owe: Dan Finnegan. Because Jack is playing a festival in Dan’s hometown, and Dan has an in. A week in close quarters with Dan as she faces down her past is Jane’s idea of hell, but he just might surprise her. While covering up her lie, can they find something true?

“[A] bingeable beachy contemporary . . . Monaghan mines a lot of joy out of [a] close-knit family dynamic and the scenic coastal setting, while creating a heroine readers will root for. This is an addictive romp.” —Publishers Weekly (starred)

“[T]here is satisfying depth to the story . . . Monaghan writes another charming rom-com, this time with enemies-to-lovers and forced-proximity tropes. Monaghan fans will not be disappointed.” —Library Journal

A People Romance Book to Read After Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry
A Woman’s World New Book from a Bestselling Romance Author
A New York Post Most Anticipated Book of the Year
A BookBub Most Anticipated Book of the Year
A Zibby Owens Most Anticipated Book of the Year
A Brit & Co. Most Anticipated Summer Read
A GoodReads New Romance Book to Heat Up Summer

https://amzn.to/4dp4uud

Monaghan delivers another heartwarming romance, this time centered on a relatable woman in her thirties navigating a world that doesn’t always play fair. Jane Jackson, once a child star, grew up in front of the camera as the comedic sidekick on the wildly popular sitcom Pop Rocks. She played Janey Jakes, the quirky keyboardist in a teen band known for her signature “Oof” face whenever things went wrong—always good for a laugh.

Now in her thirties, Jane works behind the scenes as a Creative Executive at Clearwater Studios. She’s found what she believes is the perfect script: a tender love story titled True Story. But her enthusiasm isn’t shared by the studio—or by Dan Finnegan, the arrogant but talented cinematographer—who both believe the project isn’t commercial enough.

Determined to get her first project greenlit, Jane makes a bold claim: she says she can secure an original song from Jack Quinlan, today’s hottest pop star. Jane and Jack once performed a duet on Pop Rocks, though neither received credit due to NDAs. The show’s stars lip-synced their vocals, leaving Jane and Jack’s real contributions behind the scenes. Jack was also Jane’s first kiss, though they haven’t spoken in years.

After failing to reach Jack through social media, Dan suggests another route: Jack is set to perform at a music festival in Dan’s hometown on Long Island, where one of Dan’s brothers is involved with the event. Jane agrees to travel to New York and stay with Dan’s family in hopes of making her pitch to Jack in person.

While searching for Jack, Jane finds herself drawn into the warmth and chaos of Dan’s large family, who have gathered to celebrate their parents’ 40th wedding anniversary. Whether or not she gets the song, Jane’s time on Long Island—and her growing connection with Dan—will change her life in ways she never expected.

Monaghan’s stories always shine with lovable characters and a healthy dose of humor, and this one is no exception. This charming romance had me rooting for the characters from the start, and the Long Island setting felt like a sweet trip home—even though I haven’t lived there since the 1970s! Monaghan has become one of my favorite authors, and I highly recommend all of her books!

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IT’S A LOVE STORY by Annabel Monaghan. G.P. Putnam’s Sons (May 27, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593714102. 368p.

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THE SUMMER THAT SHAPED US by Lori Wilde

June 6, 2025

Hobby Island, Book 1

From the publisher:

From New York Times bestselling author Lori Wilde comes her newest story about three generations of women, an island with an air of mystery and magic, and one summer that changes everything—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery.

In the Gulf of Mexico, near South Padre, sits a private island with a bit of a magic about it: the colors are brighter, the food tastes better, and turtles and cranes find sanctuary there. The billionaire heiress who built the thriving resort on Hobby Island exclusively for crafters, Eloisa Hobby, is as much a mystery as she is a mentor. Those with troubles are invited in the aftermath of an emotional turmoil, and with help from the other crafters on the island Eloisa acts as a sounding board while she gently and unobtrusively guides the visitors toward healthy resolutions in their lives. Only a few receive the honor of a golden ticket.

Luna, ever the pragmatist, is reeling in the wake of tragedy: she’s just moved with her fierce, opinionated teenage daughter Artemis to her mother’s house, after they lost their husband and father. But her mother, Jeanie, artistic and sensitive, has faced her own troubles recently, and her home may not be the stable sanctuary the three women so desperately need.

When Jeanie receives one of the coveted tickets, inviting her and her family to Hobby Island, the blessing is one they can’t turn down, though both Luna and Artie remain skeptical of their eccentric host and benefactor. Together, the three of them will have to learn to trust one another again, accept help from those who love them, and embrace life—during a summer they’ll never forget.

“Fans of Jill Shalvis and Susan Mallery will relish the complex family relationships Wilde creates.” — Booklist

https://amzn.to/4drZRzA

Jeanie wins a golden ticket to Hobby Island—a two-month, all-expenses-paid getaway. Wanting to share the joy, she invites her daughter Luna and granddaughter Artie to join her. The timing couldn’t be better: the entire family has been through a rough patch. Luna is grieving the tragic murder of her husband, only to discover he had secretly gambled away everything they owned. Forced to leave their home, she and Artie have moved in with Jeanie. Meanwhile, young Artie is struggling with the loss of her father, and Jeanie herself is reeling after falling victim to a scam that’s left her on the brink of losing her house. Added bonus: there is a quilt competition on the island, and the prize is substantial.

Everyone is carrying emotional baggage, but that’s what Hobby Island is for—a place to heal, reconnect, and rediscover joy. Over the course of their stay, the three women must confront their pasts and embrace change in order to emerge stronger. Along the way, new friendships are formed, and even romance—new or rekindled—might be on the horizon.

This heartwarming story follows three generations of women as they navigate personal challenges, family dynamics, and emotional growth. I appreciated how the book wove together themes of forgiveness, coming of age, and second chances. The layered character arcs, combined with a compelling mystery subplot and a touch of second-chance romance, kept the narrative engaging and heartfelt.

Whimsical and dreamy, this is a beautiful tale of self-discovery, community, and learning to let go of what no longer brings joy. If you’re in the mood for something cozy and uplifting, with relatable characters and a soothing, picturesque setting, this story delivers a moving journey of love, healing, and hope.

Just a personal side note: Hobby Island gets its name from the woman who owns it, but also because every type of craft is available here. I am not the least bit crafty; a visit to Michaels make me feel very uncomfortable! But I do appreciate those with the talent and patience to enjoy crafts. My mother-in-law was incredibly crafty – she knitted, crocheted, did macrame, quilting, shell art, needlepoint, sewing (she made my sister-in-law’s wedding gown and all the bridesmaid dresses!) She was amazing and so talented – and also a great cook. She taught my daughter some, but I was hopeless. I just don’t have the patience for it. If you are someone who enjoys crafting, that should be another level of enjoyment here for you in this book.

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE SUMMER THAT SHAPED US by Lori Wilde. Avon (April 22, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063352155. 352p.

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Spotlight Review: PARK AVENUE by Renée Ahdieh

June 3, 2025

From the publisher:

The HIGHLY ANTICIPATED adult debut novel from #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING author Renée Ahdieh

Jia Song has always been destined for greatness. As the daughter of Korean bodega owners, she promised herself that she would have every Fifth Avenue luxury when she grew up, and it is all finally within reach. She has just made junior partner at her prestigious Manhattan law firm, she can count on her two best friends to have her back, and she is about to score the ultraluxe gold-on-gold Birkin bag of her dreams. So when her boss asks her to sit in on the hush-hush family implosion of a high-level client, she accepts without hesitation―only to find out that it is one of the most famous Korean families in the world.

The Park family’s net worth is estimated at a billion dollars, and their megasuccessful Korean beauty brand has shaped the culture for the past two decades. But the patriarch is filing for divorce while his wife is dying, and their three children can’t stop snapping at one another. With both the family fortune and legacy under threat from the worst kind of scandal, it’s up to Jia to set things right―and she only has a month to do it.

As Jia sorts through the lies and subterfuge, chasing the truth across the globe on private jets, she finds herself falling for this broken, badly-behaving family in ways she can’t quite explain. But it is also becoming clear that the Parks are hiding dark secrets. Can she find the truth in time to protect the Parks’ fortune and secure her success at the firm? And can she hold on to what’s most important, even if it means admitting that what she’s always wanted isn’t what she actually needs?
https://amzn.to/3F3l7ih

Ahdieh’s debut adult novel is an enthralling narrative that explores the themes of ambition, family loyalty, and cultural identity. Jia Song, a driven Korean-American lawyer, is the daughter of immigrants who own a bodega. Jia has a deep-seated sense of familial responsibility to achieve success, so when her boss assigns her to a high-profile client – the Park family, owners of a billion-dollar Korean beauty brand, she seizes the opportunity. The family is embroiled in a complex situation: the matriarch is dying, while her husband has abandoned her for a much younger woman. He offers a small divorce settlement, prompting outrage from his three adult children, who don’t agree on anything except this: they know he is concealing assets. Jia is tasked with sorting through the family drama, finding the missing money, and forcing a more equitable divorce settlement. But the Park family and staff are all hiding secrets, and as Jia navigates this intricate web of family dynamics, legal complexities, and hidden agendas, her findings culminate in a shocking ending.

VERDICT A dysfunctional family set against an opulent backdrop makes for an entertaining escape and should appeal to readers who enjoy Min Jin Lee, Jean Kwok, or Jhumpa Lahiri.

©Library Journal, 2025

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

PARK AVENUE by Renée Ahdieh. Flatiron Books (June 3, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250897954. 320p.

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BookBitch Diary: June 1, 2025

June 1, 2025

With all the turmoil in this country, I’ve been avoiding the news as much as possible. I still subscribe to a couple of newspapers, but just read the headlines, for the most part. My husband and I used to watch MSNBC quite a bit, but it upsets me, so we are not watching that much anymore. Considering their devastatingly low ratings, we are not the only ones.

Instead of the news, we are watching baseball.

My husband and I both grew up on Long Island, New York, and were Mets fans. When Florida got the Marlins baseball team, we switched allegiance to our local team. We went to many games, opening days, and my husband even got to go to game seven of the first World Series they won in 1997. After that win, the owner of the team sold off the players piecemeal, and they basically had to start rebuilding after that. They did, and they won another World Series in 2003. But then the same thing happened, and thoroughly disgusted, we gave up on the Marlins.

We didn’t watch any baseball for years. Then last year, we started watching as the Mets made it to the playoffs. Long-time Mets fans have been long-suffering Mets fans, but we grew up with the Miracle Mets! My husband even snuck into their first World Series winning game. He was a kid, and a bunch of them cut school, and some guy helped lift them over the fence – the olden days, way before security got so tight. They didn’t have seats, so they wandered the stadium, and it is one of his most cherished memories.

Because we haven’t watched baseball in so long, we didn’t realize how difficult, or rather expensive, it is to watch. Even the local team isn’t available on any local channels, unlike football, which televises all local games on local TV channels, Fox, or CBS. But baseball has streaming services, at least for the Marlins and the Mets. They are different services, so you get your local streaming service to watch the home team.

Being that we are in Florida and not in NY, and we didn’t care about the Marlins but very much cared about the Mets, we tried to find ways to watch. After a lot of research, I found about 8 games that we could watch without subscribing to another streaming service. But it was frustrating, so I finally talked my husband into signing up for the MLB app. It’s expensive, but not much more than a nice dinner out! He caved, and we’ve been watching almost every night – they play a lot of games in baseball! It makes me happy.

We even went up to Port St. Lucie for a couple of pre-season games, and that was a lot of fun. I much prefer pre-season and minor league games. It’s more relaxed, the stadiums are much smaller and more intimate, and it’s way less expensive. We had a nice weekend, saw the Mets beat the Nationals and the Marlins, and hope to go again next year.

We’ve also been watching the Florida Panthers – they are fighting their way back to hopefully another Stanley Cup, but Toronto wasn’t making it easy on them, until their last game. On the other hand, the Carolina Hurricanes did make it look easy for the Panthers, at least until game 4. Now it is looking good for the Panthers, and luckily those games are televised on stations we can watch; TBS, TNT, and ESPN so far. Stanley Cup is up next! Can they do it again??

I grew up an Islanders fan. They built the stadium when I was a kid, and one of my friends even babysat for one of the players! My stepmother’s brother had season tickets, and I got to go to a couple of games that way. My father-in-law worked security at Madison Square Garden, home of the Rangers, and my husband got to go to many games and sit in the press box. Things would get tense around my house when the Rangers and Islanders played each other! I always kid around and say the Florida Panthers saved my marriage – we became Panthers fans when they started that franchise, and while we both still root for our NY home teams, we rally around the Panthers when they are playing. We’ve gone to many games over the years, but the better they play, the more expensive the tickets become, so we’ve just been watching on TV for the past couple of years. We’re hoping they go all the way again this year.

Book News

Food News

If you are not familiar with Marcella Hazan, think of her as the Italian Julia Child. Her recipes are wonderful, especially her basic tomato sauce (3 ingredients – canned tomatoes, butter, onion) and her Bolognese sauce, which takes many hours and is incredibly rich and delicious, and especially good in lasagna. She became well known back in the 1980s with her “Engagement Chicken” recipe, which my chicken-hating husband calls “Divorce Chicken”! Anyway, I loved this article about her by Pete Wells (and can’t wait to see the new documentary about her!)

How Italian Home Cooks Make Their Pasta Taste So Good

TL;DR: It’s not necessarily the pasta water. It’s the marriage of starch, cheese and water, Eric Kim writes.

Good News

An 81-year-old waitress said she couldn’t retire, so a stranger raised over $300K for her

PSA

I thought there was some really great advice in this article, and wanted to share. Hope you find it as useful as I did.

Other News

I was so happy to go to New York for Memorial Day weekend! I haven’t seen my grandchildren in far too long, and honestly, it just kills me that we are so far away. Unless we win the lottery, we will never be able to afford to live near them in Brooklyn, NY, or anywhere close enough to make a difference. This was the first time in years that we all got to go – me, my husband, and my daughter.

For the past few years, we couldn’t leave our aging kitty home alone. He wasn’t dealing well with strangers, or even friends and family he’d known for years, and we didn’t want to stress him out. We used to leave him alone for up to 3 days with plenty of food and water, and he was content, if not happy. But the last time we tried that, he was miserable (we have cameras). He clung to me for days afterwards, and we knew that it was no longer an option.

Since Loki passed away in February, this is the first trip we’ve all taken together. Originally, my daughter and I were going to go, and my husband was going to stay home with Loki. But after he passed, I checked and miraculously, there were still seats available on our flight, and he ended up paying about $10 less than I did! I was even able to get three seats together. I figured the universe owed us that, and I was most grateful it worked out. I’m sorry to say my granddaughter was fighting a bad summer cold and wanted no part of us. On our last day there, her fever broke, and she started feeling more like herself, so we got to see Sylvie in action! I read my grandson all the books I’ve gotten for him this past year, and kudos to my son and daughter-in-law for letting him know that I did. He’s four years old now, and loves playing games – he exhausted all of us playing hide-and-seek! As always, it was too short a trip, but I’m so happy I got to see my family again!

*Highly recommend The Café at the Edge of the Woods by Mikey Please*!

As always, thanks for reading, and stay safe.

Thanks to The New York Times for allowing me to “gift” my readers with free access to these articles, a lovely perk for subscribers.

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THE LOVE HATERS by Katherine Center

May 30, 2025

From the publisher:

It’s a thin line between love and love-hating in the newest laugh out loud, all the feels rom-com by New York Times bestselling author Katherine Center.

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West. The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but pretends that she can.

Plus, Cole and Hutch are brothers. And they don’t get along. Next stop: paradise! But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good-looking man she has ever seen . . . but maybe a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two. Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

“A documentary unites two people who are jaded about love in the sparkling latest from bestseller Center . . . Striking a perfect balance of comedic moments and emotional authenticity, this may be Center’s best yet.” —Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/43mcckl

Katie works for a small documentary production company. When her boss, Cole, assigns her to profile Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson—a Coast Guard rescue swimmer based in Key West—she’s told the project is a recruitment video for the Coast Guard. What Katie doesn’t know is that Cole’s motives aren’t entirely professional: looming layoffs mean he’s hoping to keep her on staff, but more importantly, Hutch is his estranged brother. And they have a complicated history.

Katie has only one hesitation: the job seems to require swimming skills she doesn’t actually have. Not wanting to lose the opportunity, she fibs and says she can swim, figuring she’ll deal with it later.

Upon arriving in Key West, Katie learns she’ll be staying with Hutch’s Aunt Rue, who owns a cluster of seaside cottages. Rue also rents to a circle of lively, divorced and widowed friends—the “gals”—who quickly take Katie under their wing and become invested in both her assignment and her personal life.

When Katie meets Hutch, she’s floored—he’s the most attractive man she’s ever seen. Struggling with body image issues and lacking even a bathing suit, she’s relieved when Aunt Rue, who also owns a boutique, steps in to outfit her… though Rue’s idea of what Katie needs is a bit different from Katie’s own.

Hutch ends up tasked with teaching Katie to swim, and as they spend more time together, sparks begin to fly. Hutch’s lovable rescue Great Dane, George Bailey, also takes an instant liking to Katie, adding some heartwarming humor to the mix.

But Hutch, like Cole, has his own baggage when it comes to relationships. Eventually, the simmering tension between the brothers boils over in a dramatic confrontation, leaving Katie caught in the middle. Yet through the chaos, they all manage to navigate their personal struggles and find their way to a happy ending.

This was a fun, breezy read—maybe not quite up to the level of Center’s earlier novels, but still a cut above the average romcom, warm, funny, and full of heart. Maybe not Center’s best, but definitely a feel-good romcom worth curling up with for the weekend.

5/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE LOVE HATERS by Katherine Center. St. Martin’s Press. ISBN: 978-1250283825. 320p.

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HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART by Sabrina Jeffries

May 30, 2025

Lords of Hazard, Book 1

From the publisher:

Intriguing twists and sparkling wit entwine in this stunning new historical romance from the New York Times bestselling Sabrina Jeffries, as a once-captive patriot returns home to a changed world in the wake of the Napoleonic War…

Napoleon’s war has ended, and English captives detained for years in a French fortress are finally released. Returning to a London he no longer recognizes, and facing astonishing changes in his own family, Lord Jonathan Leighton learns he has inherited a dukedom. But the new nobleman carries the guilt of having wronged his late mentor. Now, he vows to fulfill his promise to find a suitable match for the man’s daughter, Victoria—even if it takes offering a nonexistent dowry to spark her interest in matrimony.

Sharp-witted Victoria would just as soon sculpt the Greek god who has come to take charge of her future. In fact, she has her sights set on founding a school for women artists. As Jonathan matches wits with the talented beauty, revelations from his past—and their connection to her father’s demise—threaten to unveil both of their closely held secrets and thrust them into a danger they can only escape together.

“Jeffries (Accidentally His) presents the first installment in the new “Lords of Hazard” series, a character-driven historical romance full of humor and heart . . . will appeal to readers seeking a steamy Regency romance with a spirited leading lady and lively banter.”—Library Journal

“The sparkling Lords of Hazard series starter from Jeffries (the Designing Debutantes series) draws inspiration from the true stories of Englishmen detained in France during the Napoleonic War . . . The result is a page-turning romance complete with a wounded hero it’s easy to crush on and an intelligent, fiercely independent heroine it’s easy to root for. This is a delight.” —Publishers Weekly

“This new series kickoff hits all the notes of an old-school romance, with historical richness, delicious pining, and a lack of communication and trust keeping the pair apart. Secondary characters function as plot devices, but the leads are appealing. There are short references to atrocities Jon and others faced while in France, but the story never goes too deep, maintaining a light tone instead . . . The unique historical specificity adds interest to this serviceable romance.”—Kirkus Reviews

https://amzn.to/4iZCoqS

Lord Jonathan Leighton, the third son of the Duke of Falconridge, was on his grand tour when he, along with thousands of other British civilians, was detained and sent to a French internment camp, and then a prison. I had never encountered this piece of history before, so I found it particularly fascinating. After spending several years imprisoned with no hope of release, Jon, two friends, and his appointed guardian, Isaac Morris, attempt a daring escape. The attempt fails, and Morris suffers a severe leg injury that ultimately proves fatal. Before dying, Morris extracts a promise from Jon to look after his daughter, Victoria (Tory), and ensure she marries well.

After eleven long years, Jon and his companions are finally freed and return to England. Jon is shocked to discover that both of his elder brothers have died, leaving him to inherit the dukedom. He also learns that Tory is now employed as his sister’s governess. However, with his sister in the marriage mart herself, Tory’s services as governess are no longer required, and she is considered more a companion. Wanting to fulfill his promise, Jon tells Tory that her father left her a generous dowry, though in reality, Jon plans to provide the funds himself to help her secure a good marriage.

To Jon’s surprise, Tory reveals she has no interest in marriage. Instead, she dreams of using the money to open an art school for women. An artist herself, Tory is passionate about sharing her craft. After some negotiation, they strike a deal: Jon will sponsor Tory for the social season, ensuring she has all the necessary attire and opportunities to meet eligible suitors, while Tory, in turn, will teach Jon sculpting, an art form he has little interest in but agrees to as part of their bargain. If Tory remains unmarried by the end of the season, Jon promises to fund her art school.

Jon is haunted by guilt over Morris’s death, feeling responsible for the tragedy. As their art lessons progress, Jon finds himself increasingly drawn to Tory, though he believes she could never forgive him for her father’s fate. Meanwhile, Tory develops feelings for Jon but is acutely aware of the social divide that makes a match with a duke seem impossible. She also harbors a secret that could upend all of Jon’s plans for her.

As their mutual attraction grows, they find themselves teetering on the edge of scandal. Yet before they can find happiness together, they must confront their personal demons and unresolved issues. The novel touches on the harrowing experiences Jon endured during his imprisonment, which can be unsettling at times, but the witty banter and evolving relationship between Jon and Tory bring warmth and levity to the story. This unique historical backdrop and premise make for a compelling and engaging romance. If you enjoy historical romance with a fresh twist, this book is well worth a read.

5/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HAZARDOUS TO A DUKE’S HEART by Sabrina Jeffries. Kensington (April 29, 2025). ISBN: 978-1496751027. 288p.

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Spotlight Review: WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK? by Sara Hamdan

May 27, 2025

From the publisher:

Mia’s secret comedy career, forbidden office crush, and a long-guarded family secret take center stage, threatening her newfound confidence and her one shot at fame in this hilarious, heartfelt coming-of-age story perfect for fans of Curtis Sittenfeld and Etaf Rum.

Mia Almas has a secret. By day, she works at a respectable job as a media fact checker―a position her conservative, Arab grandparents approve of―and, by night, she takes to the stages of New York City comedy clubs. She holds herself back in a lot of ways, especially in the romance department, but being on stage lights her up and makes being a wallflower the rest of the time more bearable. That is, until Phaedra, her stylish and bold new neighbor, inspires Mia to take a few risks.

As Mia pursues a forbidden romance with her boss, her standup gets better and bolder, leading to a surprise spotlight that exposes her secret gig. Horrified and worried that her rebellious act could mean big consequences for her reserved Palestinian-American family, Mia frantically dives into damage control. But all of her efforts to pull back from the spotlight expose a family scandal from the 1940s that could change everything…

Equal parts funny and tender, What Will People Think? is a heart-bursting exploration of what it means to discover and embrace the hidden parts of yourself, and how love in all forms can make you whole.
https://amzn.to/3OiELYI

This beautifully written debut novel tackles some serious issues like immigration, bigotry, and cultural identity, using standup comedy as the frame. Mia is a second-generation Palestinian-American and has lived with her very traditional grandparents since she lost her parents. She shared a love of standup comedy with her father and has been working on her own comedy act in secret, not wanting to disappoint her grandparents. Her heritage is great fodder for her comedy, but it’s her day job as a magazine fact checker that helps pay the bills. She has had a crush on her boss since he hired her, and when a reporting job opens up, he urges her to submit something. Instead, her best friend submits a piece about Mia’s standup, along with some video, and it goes viral. Mia’s grandparents are in the US illegally, and she is terrified that her success may lead to their deportation. When a new Arab neighbor moves into their building, she mentions knowing a family with the same last name that owned some very successful jewelry stores in Dubai. Mia’s grandmother refuses to talk about her family and ends up giving Mia a journal to read to gain some insight. The journal creates a second storyline that starts in the 1940s in Palestine, and both stories are woven together until all the family secrets are revealed.

Verdict: This compelling read should make for an interesting discussion, like James McBride’s The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store or Evil Eye by Etaf Rum.

5/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHAT WILL PEOPLE THINK? by Sara Hamdan. Henry Holt and Co. (May 20, 2025). ISBN: 978-1250329813. 336p.

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Audiobook Sunday: SALTY, SPICED, AND A LITTLE BIT NICE by Cynthia Timoti

May 25, 2025

Read by Eunice Wong

From the publisher:

“Crazy Rich Asians” meets “Always Be My Maybe” in this deliciously sugar-free rom-com from debut author Cynthia Timoti.

Ellie Pang has had enough of her controlling family who has been micromanaging her life since her type 1 diabetes diagnosis. When her parents orchestrate a public proposal from their business partner’s son, a proposal that goes humiliatingly viral, Ellie escapes to the other side of the country to put her dream of opening a sugar-free bakery into action. After all, she’d done her research. How hard can it be?

She hits a snag when her storefront turns out to be a dump and in need of major renovations. Worse, the only person who can help her turn things around is Alec Mackenzie, her brother’s best friend and the man responsible for crushing her teenage heart ten years ago.

But Alec has a proposal of his own: he needs a pretend girlfriend in order to cement a business deal. All they need to do is feign love and affection, while trying not to maim each other. But when the thin line between hate and fake-madly-in-love starts to blur, and buried secrets resurface, Ellie must learn to trust her heart, and choose between love and family.

“Timoti skillfully blends romance with meaningful discussions about family expectations, chronic illness, and cultural identity in her strong debut.”—Library Journal

“A woman finds the courage to rebuild her life in Timoti’s touching debut . . . Though there are perhaps one too many plot contrivances easing the way of their enemies-to-lovers relationship, the push and pull between the leads feels both authentic and electric, and it’s a joy to witness Ellie come into her own. Timoti is an exciting new voice in romance.”—Publishers Weekly

https://amzn.to/4m4EsAB

Ellie has always been a devoted daughter to her wealthy, traditional Chinese-Indonesian parents—but her mother is driving her to the brink. Determined to unite their fortunes, her mother pressures Ellie into dating the son of a business associate, one of the country’s most eligible bachelors. But when he proposes just a few months into their relationship—on New Year’s Eve, no less—Ellie turns him down. He’s kind, but she doesn’t love him. A video of the proposal goes viral, and the fallout is swift.

Furious, Ellie’s mother retaliates by bribing Ellie’s boss to fire her, hoping to force her into joining the family business. But Ellie longs for independence and is chafing under her mother’s dictatorial thumb. She decides to pursue her true dream: opening a bakery that specializes in sugar-free, low-carb treats. As a Type 1 diabetic, Ellie has a personal connection to the concept—diagnosed after a childhood hospitalization, she’s managed her condition well, despite the challenges.

Seeing her job loss as an opportunity, Ellie researches small towns and finds one on the west coast that seems like the perfect place for her bakery. She rents a shop online, sight unseen, packs up her car, and drives cross-country. When she arrives, the location is everything she hoped for—except for one major issue: a fallen tree has damaged the roof, and the necessary repairs will strain her budget.

Enter Alec—her brother’s best friend, her childhood crush, and the guy who once broke her heart. He now owns a local construction business and offers to renovate the bakery and let Ellie live in his guest bedroom in exchange for a favor: Ellie must pretend to be his girlfriend. Alec is on the verge of forming a partnership with a large national firm, but the woman behind the deal seems more interested in him than his business, and he wants to make his boundaries clear.

Though Ellie has resented Alec for the past decade—ever since he rejected her, saying he could never see her as more than his best friend’s little sister—she reluctantly agrees. With no other contractors available for months, and no way to legally or safely live in the damaged shop, she has little choice.

Their relationship is complicated, marked by past wounds, family pressures, business entanglements, and Ellie’s health. But as they navigate these obstacles, they begin to rediscover each other, and what started as a pretend romance slowly turns into something real.

The narrator does a wonderful job bringing the story to life. While Ellie’s tendency to catastrophize can be a bit much at times, it fits her character: young, sheltered, and thrust into unfamiliar territory. The portrayal of chronic illness is both realistic and respectful. Overall, this is an impressive debut from a promising storyteller, and I’m excited to see what comes next.

5/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SALTY, SPICED, AND A LITTLE BIT NICE by Cynthia Timoti. Narrator: Eunice Wong. Spotify Audiobooks: May 06, 2025. Listening Length: 10 hours and 36 minutes.

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SONGS OF SUMMER by Jane L. Rosen

May 23, 2025

From the publisher:

A young woman crashes the wedding of the summer on Fire Island in search of her birth mother—and gets a whole lot more than she bargained for—in this warm, heart-stopping getaway from Jane L. Rosen

Maggie May Wheeler is living her best life—at thirty, she has big plans for her vintage record shop and is about to be engaged to her childhood best friend. But when she stumbles across a letter she wrote to her future self when she was thirteen, she realizes it may not be enough. The letter ignites a desire to find her birth mother and discover where she really belongs.

Her search takes her to dreamy Fire Island, where her birth mother is a guest at a wedding. As Maggie spies on her biological family, she’s caught between diving into their chaotic lives and returning to her comfortable world. Things heat up when a charming local makes her an offer to crash the wedding as his date.

Is it the island’s magic, the whirlwind of the weekend, or the thrill of a fake beau that has her rethinking everything? Swept away by every love song she hears, Maggie must figure out where her heart truly lies.
https://amzn.to/3Wue7Rf

Rosen (Seven Summer Weekends) returns to Fire Island, weaving a compelling narrative centered on an adoptee’s quest for her birth mother. Maggie May Wheeler has known she was adopted since she was nine years old. Now an adult and orphaned by her adoptive parents, Maggie inherits their record shop but finds herself at a crossroads when her best friend, Jason, proposes marriage. Driven by a desire to uncover her past before committing to her future, a DNA search leads her to Fire Island. There, she unexpectedly witnesses her birth mother engaged in a heated altercation, prompting her to reconsider her decision. Fortuitously, she meets Matt, a Rolling Stone reporter who is her mother’s neighbor, and he offers to help keep her secret while she discreetly observes her mother, and also discovers an extended family network. Matt invites Maggie as his date to a family wedding where her birth mother is the maid of honor, serving both her covert mission and his need to deflect familial matchmaking attempts. Their burgeoning connection challenges Maggie’s existing relationship with Jason, adding a layer of complexity to her emotional journey. The novel employs multiple perspectives to narrate the story, infusing a sense of lightness into Maggie’s profound familial exploration. A unique feature of the book is its chapter titles, each named after a song, complemented by an accompanying Spotify playlist that enhances the reader’s experience.

Verdict: Rosen skillfully balances elements of romance with a nuanced exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery. Recommend to readers who enjoy Elizabeth Berg, Adriana Trigiani, or Nancy Thayer.

5/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

SONGS OF SUMMER by Jane L. Rosen. Berkley (May 20, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593818794. 336p.