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Spotlight Review: THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto

March 26, 2024

From the publisher:

What should have been a family celebration of Chinese New Year descends into chaos when longtime foes crash the party in this hilariously entertaining novel by Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A for Aunties.

After an ultra-romantic honeymoon across Europe, Meddy Chan and her husband Nathan have landed in Jakarta to spend Chinese New Year with her entire extended family. Chinese New Year, already the biggest celebration of the Lunar calendar, gets even more festive when a former beau of Second Aunt’s shows up at the Chan residence bearing extravagant gifts—he’s determined to rekindle his romance with Second Aunt and the gifts are his way of announcing his courtship.

His grand gesture goes awry however, when it’s discovered that not all the gifts were meant for Second Aunt and the Chans—one particular gift was intended for a business rival to cement their alliance and included by accident. Of course the Aunties agree that it’s only right to return the gift—after all, anyone would forgive an honest mistake, right? But what should have been a simple retrieval turns disastrous and suddenly Meddy and the Aunties are helpless pawns in a decades-long war between Jakarta’s most powerful business factions. The fighting turns personal, however, when Nathan and the Aunties are endangered and it’s up to Meddy to come up with a plan to save them all. Determined to rescue her loved ones, Meddy embarks on an impossible mission—but with the Aunties by her side, nothing is truly impossible…

“Sutanto packs in loads of local color, and gives the aunties ample opportunity to let their freak flags fly.”—Publishers Weekly

“Sutanto delivers another addictive romp, managing to negotiate a thrilling (multi) happily-ever-after finale because, alas, this concludes the Aunties series.”—Booklist

“Sutanto’s hilarious triptych ends with a finale that could just as well have been titled ‘An Auntie You Can’t Refuse.’”—Kirkus Reviews
https://amzn.to/494xVOC

This was such a fun series that is probably best read in order. I’m sad to say this is the final book – but I look forward to seeing what Sutanto does next!

This book is set in Jakarta, Indonesia and I learned quite a bit about the culture and beauty of the city which just added to my enjoyment of this story. The aunties are all here, and one of them is getting their happy ending – but not before a lot of confusion with a gift. To celebrate Chinese New Year, the elders give out red envelopes with cash in them to all the kids. There are extra gifts to give away this year because Abi, a wealthy “businessman” or mafioso, depending on who you ask, has come bearing gifts. He is trying to make an impression on Second Aunt, who he has been in love with since they were kids. She is impressed, but things go awry when Abi realizes that there is one special envelope that shouldn’t have been given away.

Meddy and the aunts go through all the pictures to find out who got it, but it turns out to be a friend of one of the teenage girls. And the friend not only won’t give it back, she mouths off to the Aunties! They manhandle her and get it back, but it turns out that her father is another wealthy “businessman” who is in direct competition with Abi. Abi, in turn, needs to give the contents of that gift envelope to the third criminal, in this case, a woman. By the way, the names are a hoot! They take famous American names like Abi is short for Abraham Lincoln and the woman is Julia Child.

When Meddy’s Second Aunt is kidnapped, the whole family comes together to rescue her, and as usual, Meddy figures out what the real problems are and manages to save the day. There are a lot of laughs before that happens, and some suspense, but it is the love of this family that makes this series so worthwhile and so good.

Aunties series

The series in order:

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE AUNTIES by Jesse Q. Sutanto. Berkley (March 26, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593546222. 304p.

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THE SUMMER BOOK CLUB by Susan Mallery

March 22, 2024

From the publisher:

The rules of summer book club are simple:

No sad books

No pressure

Yessssss, wine!

Besties Laurel and Paris are excited to welcome Cassie to the group. This year, the book club is all about fill-your-heart reads, an escape from the chaos of the everyday—running a business, raising a family, juggling a hundred to-dos. Even the dog is demanding (but the bestest boy).

Since Laurel’s divorce, she feels like the Worst Mom Ever. Her skepticism of men may have scarred her vulnerable daughters. Cassie has an unfortunate habit of falling for ridiculous man-boys who dump her once she fixes them. Paris knows good men exist. She’s still reeling after chasing off the only one brave enough—and foolish enough—to marry her.

Inspired by the heroines who risk everything for fulfillment, Laurel, Paris and Cassie begin to take chances—big chances—in life, in love. Facing an unwritten chapter can be terrifying. But it can be exhilarating, too, if only they can find the courage to change.

“Fans of Jill Shalvis and Robyn Carr won’t be able to put Mallery’s latest down. Readers who flock to Mallery’s heartfelt stories will be clamoring for her feel-good latest.” —Booklist
https://amzn.to/4am9c9l

Mallery writes about women, their friendships, their romances, and their lives and she does such a good job of it. She has found her niche for sure and I look forward to every one of her books.

Paris and Laurel are best friends and really have each other’s backs. Both are independent business women and Laurel has kids, too. Laurel owns a business where she buys used things like from thrift shops, fixes what needs fixing and resells the stuff. She has a store and an online presence as well, and she has grown the business tremendously. Paris owns a farm stand that draws customers from all around their small town.

Cassie moves to town and finds a job at the wine bar/bookstore, a terrific combination if I’ve ever heard one! Paris and Laurel have a book club, and they invite Cassie to join them. The three women quickly become good friends. They all have baggage they have to work through to find their happiness, but it’s the journey that makes this such a rewarding read. I loved how they each had an obstacle to overcome and how they had each other’s backs. Another terrific read from one of my favorite authors!

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE SUMMER BOOK CLUB by Susan Mallery. Canary Street Press; Original edition (February 13, 2024). ISBN: 978-1335448668. 416p.

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COUNTING ON A COWBOY by Sara Richardson

March 22, 2024

Star Valley, Book 3

From the publisher:

In this sizzling, sassy western romance, she’s been burned by too many cowboys—but can this rodeo rider convince her he’s worth the risk?

Retired SEAL Thatch Hearst never thought he’d put down roots, but four years in Star Valley as a bronc rider has him calling the town home. All he needs now is to earn some real money by competing in the big leagues. He’ll have his chance with the town’s upcoming rodeo days, but first he needs to improve his scores. Running out of time—and ideas—Thatch enlists the help of a local yoga instructor, hoping to gain an extra edge.

Lyric Valenza has worked with difficult clients, but this ruggedly handsome cowboy might just be her biggest challenge. Marrying a cowboy was the biggest mistake of her life, and after her divorce, she vowed she’d never again need a man. Only the more time she spends with Thatch, the more she realizes there’s a difference between needing and wanting someone—and this cowboy may just be the one person she doesn’t want to be without.

“Fans of emotional cowboy romance will not be disappointed.”―Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/4aiBUYP

I missed the first book in this series, Wishing on a Christmas Cowboy, but I read book 2. These do stand alone but the couples from the first two books are in this story, so probably best to read in order. Guess I have to go find the first book now!

The series centers around a few retired Navy SEALS, and this book is about Thatch Hearst. He loves the thrill he gets from bull riding, but if he is going to become a top tier bull rider, he needs some additional training. Yoga seems to be the way to go as it will make him more limber while riding. Thatch likes Lyric, the yoga instructor in this small town, but she’s turned him down a couple of times when he’s asked her out. But this is business, and she has no trouble with teaching him yoga one-on-one.

Lyric is wary of cowboys but she is happy to teach this cowboy yoga. As they spend time together, she gets to know him better. When two teens have a fight and he breaks it up, somehow she ends up telling people that they are dating. Thatch is fine with it, that was his goal after all, but he isn’t comfortable with lying to their friends. Those that know him also can see that something is going on with Lyric and Thatch, and eventually they realize they are no longer fake dating.

There is a secondary plot about women being abused, and I like how that was discussed and resolved here. The small town stepping up to help is heartwarming, the characters are interesting and compelling, and the love story is a good one. This was a good break for me from reality and is highly recommended.

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

COUNTING ON A COWBOY by Sara Richardson. Forever (February 20, 2024). ISBN: 978-1538725924. 320p.

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Spotlight Review: HAPPILY NEVER AFTER by Lynn Painter

March 19, 2024

From the publisher:

Their name? The objectors.
Their job? To break off weddings as hired.
Their dilemma? They might just be in love with each other.

When Sophie Steinbeck finds out just before her nuptials that her fiancé has cheated yet again, she desperately wants to call it off. But because her future father-in-law is her dad’s cutthroat boss, she doesn’t want to be the one to do it. Her savior comes in the form of a professional objector, whose purpose is to show up at weddings and proclaim the words no couple (usually) wants to hear at their ceremony: “I object!”

During anti-wedding festivities that night, Sophie learns more about Max the Objector’s job. It makes perfect sense to her: he saves people from wasting their lives, from hurting each other. He’s a modern-day hero. And Sophie wants in.

The two love cynics start working together, going from wedding to wedding, and Sophie’s having more fun than she’s had in ages. She looks forward to every nerve-racking ceremony saving the lovesick souls of the betrothed masses. As Sophie and Max spend more time together, however, they realize that their physical chemistry is off the charts, leading them to dabble in a little hookup session or two—but it’s totally fine, because they definitely do not have feelings for each other. Love doesn’t exist, after all.

And then everything changes. A groom-to-be hires Sophie to object, but his fiancée is the woman who broke Max’s heart. As Max wrestles with whether he can be a party to his ex’s getting hurt, Sophie grapples with the sudden realization that she may have fallen hard for her partner in crime.

“A rom-com for the cynics…The supporting cast is equally funny and helps to round out an entertaining yarn that doesn’t take itself too seriouslly.”—Library Journal

“Painter delivers a charmer of a rom-com with this lively tale of professional wedding objectors…Rom-com fans will find this scratches the itch.”—Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/3wV2iK2

This was such a fun read! Having someone object during the wedding ceremony frees up the bride and/or groom from having to do cancel the wedding at the last minute. Paying someone to do it for you is just a tiny expense in the scheme of things, but so worth it.

Sophie is a bit of a cynic. She’s never had a relationship and not been cheated on. Even her fiance cheated once, but she decides to forgive and forget. Until she finds out he is still cheating! But if she cancels the wedding, her father-in-law to be will most likely fire her father, who works for him. Complications for sure, all easily solved by Max, the wedding “objector.”

Max helps break off Sophie’s wedding without getting her father fired, so that worked well. Both Max and Sophie are love cynics; he’s had his heart broken and isn’t going to be putting it out there again. And Sophie is just done with cheating men. She is so relieved at how Max solved her wedding dilemma, she wants to help other couples, too, so she teams up with Max to attend weddings that were not destined to be and helps with the objecting.

Of course, spending all that time together has Sophie and Max develop feelings for one another. But neither one will admit it, not even after they start hooking up. These are two damaged souls crying out to be together, but it isn’t until Max’s ex wants to hire them to object that everything comes to a head.

Painter creates an original storyline (at least to me) and I bought into it completely. This is a terrific romcom with all the angst and laughter needed to make the pages fly by; a thoroughly enjoyable read.

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HAPPILY NEVER AFTER by Lynn Painter. Berkley (March 12, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0593638019. 304p.

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WHEN GRUMPY MET SUNSHINE by Charlotte Stein

March 15, 2024

From the publisher:

A steamy, opposites-attract romance with undeniable chemistry between a grumpy retired footballer and his fabulous and very sunshine-y ghostwriter.

When grumpy ex-footballer Alfie Harding gets badgered into selling his memoirs, he knows he’s never going to be able to write them. He hates revealing a single thing about himself, is allergic to most emotions, and can’t imagine doing a good job of putting pen to paper.

And so in walks curvy, cheery, cute as heck ghostwriter Mabel Willicker, who knows just how to sunshine and sass her way into getting every little detail out of Alfie. They banter and bicker their way to writing his life story, both of them sure they’ll never be anything other than at odds.

But after their business arrangement is mistaken for a budding romance, the pair have to pretend to be an item for a public who’s ravenous for more of this Cinderella story. Or at least, it feels like it’s pretend―until each slow burn step in their fake relationship sparks a heat neither can control. Now they just have to decide: is this sizzling chemistry just for show? Or something so real it might just give them their fairytale ending?

“Upbeat, engaging, witty, and funny, this book from Stein… will captivate readers.” Library Journal, starred

“This, children, is how the professionals do it… It’s the difference between seeing choreography laid out in footprints on the floor, and being swept away by the dance. ” – New York Times
https://amzn.to/3vaPhvb

The grumpy/sunshine trope is a fan favorite, and it is right there in the title – I couldn’t pass this one up! Alfie Harding is the grump (think Ted Lasso’s Roy Kent) – a newly retired footballer with quite the reputation, all based on rumors and innuendo. He is convinced to write a memoir, but he needs a ghostwriter for sure. He rejects a parade of them until he meets Mabel Willicker. Somehow, this cheery, plus-size, bright-as-sunshine woman makes an impact, and she lands the gig.

Alfie is reticent to reveal much of anything, but Mabel has her ways and before he realizes what’s happened, his book is underway. But when the public spots them together, a fake romance is born in order to keep the ghostwriter secret, at least to the public. But as usually happens with fake dating, real feelings start to develop.

The banter is quick and funny, the sex is steamy, and the pages just fly by in this heartwarming romance. The characters are so likeable, even the grump, that I couldn’t help but root for their happily ever after, and it is delivered. This author was new to me, but I will be reading more of her for sure!

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

WHEN GRUMPY MET SUNSHINE by Charlotte Stein. Griffin (February 6, 2024). ISBN: 978-1250867933. 336p.

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THE AMISH QUILTMAKER’S SERIES by Jennifer Beckstrand

March 15, 2024

The Amish Quiltmaker Series in order:

Note: Some of these books are available in paperback, but all are available for Kindle and on Audible.

Book 1: The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unexpected Baby

Esther Zook is one of the quiltmakers in this first book of the series. She moved to the tiny Amish community in Colorado after her father passed away, looking for a fresh start. At 30 years old, she is considered an old maid in the Amish community, so when her younger, troubled sister stops by, leaving her baby behind, Esther becomes a single mother just like that. Except she has never held a baby, fed a baby, or changed a diaper, so she’s going to have to learn fast.

Luckily, Levi Kiem stops by to help remodel her bathroom. The house needs some work, and Levi’s family does remodeling and has asked him to help Esther. So when she is overwhelmed by the new baby in her care, Levi steps up. As the oldest sibling in a large family, he is used to babies and knows what to do, how to change a diaper, prepare a bottle, everything Esther needs. He shows her how to do these things, but she is nervous and unsure of herself. Levi is extremely patient, while Esther gets frustrated easily and takes it out on her apricot tree.

The more time Levi spends with Esther, the more he is drawn to her despite the fact that he is six years younger than she is. His family is sending him to Ohio to find a wife since their small community has a dearth of eligible women in the right age bracket. But Ohio is not to be, despite Levi telling Esther in no uncertain terms that he is not interested in her. Until they fall in love.

This is a sweet romance as most Amish romances are, and just a lovely read. This particular community is more lax about some things than other communities, and I like how the Amish here are friends with the Englischers in this small town. These books do not have to be read in order as they each stand alone, and I started with the 4th book myself, but read the rest in order. I think it’s helpful to get a better grasp of the community and the characters.

Book 2: The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unruly In-Law

Ben Kiem is Levi’s younger brother, and he has the worst reputation in their small Amish community. He is hanging out with the wrong crowd, smoking and vandalizing property. Esther and Levi step up and try to help, and having him hang out with Linda Eicher is a step in the right direction. Linda also hasn’t been baptized yet, but she is a sensible, smart young woman – and a pretty one. Ben can’t understand why she wants to hang out with him at all, and he pushes her away on a regular basis.

Linda knows of Ben’s reputation, but he is a very good looking young man, and she sees his kind heart beneath the rebellious behavior. They fight constantly, but she is no pushover and he respects that, plus he really does enjoy spending time with her. Linda makes him feel better about himself. There are so many obstacles in the way of this couple ever getting together, but love wins out as always. This is another gentle romance and a soothing read.

Book 3: The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unconventional Niece

Mattie Zook has gotten into some trouble in Pennsylvania, so her father sends her to stay with her Aunt Esther in Colorado for a while. Mattie loves her aunt and uncle and their toddler, and Esther is pregnant, so she could use some help around the house and Mattie is happy to step up. But when the local town council passes a law banning horses and buggies from most of the roads in town, the Amish community is hit hard and Mattie gets really angry. Angry enough to do something about it, which leads to her deciding to run for the town council.

The Amish don’t vote, and the community is aghast that she is doing this but she hasn’t been baptized yet and is free to do what she wants. One of her aunt’s friends is an old woman, an Englischer named Cathy, and she decides to help Mattie. A local young man, a farmer, Freeman Sensenig, finds himself drawn to Mattie but he has been baptized so is not exactly free to help. But he helps anyway, along with some of the younger members who are in rumspringa.

The town council is run by a bully of a man who pushed them into passing the buggy law. Mattie has never run for office or even voted, and she is not familiar with how a campaign works or what could happen, so when that bully goes after her, spreading lies and causing trouble, the young people in town come to her defense. The Amish hate the new law, but they don’t fight these things, they just hope for the best. That’s not good enough for Mattie.

Meanwhile, Aunt Esther has asked Levi’s nephew to come over and hang out with Mattie, in hopes he will get her to forget about running for town council. Instead, she drags him into her mess and he is too young and ignorant to know how to get out of it. Freeman is constantly pointing out her deficits and they butt heads regularly, but there is a strong attraction there and really he is just worried she is going to get hurt.

It takes some time for Mattie and Freeman to find their way to one another, but the journey is so much fun. This was an interesting read for me, I didn’t know much about how the Amish view politics so I enjoyed learning about that. Mattie and Freeman find their happily ever after, and things calm down in the town.

Book 4: The Amish Quiltmaker’s Unlikely Match

Mary Yoder is considered to be an old maid in her Amish community as she’s 28 and has never been married. She is content to take care of her family and home, at least until she meets Clay. Clay is a professional Major League baseball player, who is being blamed for his team losing the championship game. He escapes into booze and ends up driving his car into the Yoder family’s barn. No animals were injured, and he offers to pay to fix it but Mary’s father decides he needs to fix it himself. Clay agrees, and Mary helps him with his injuries.

As Mary and Clay spend time together, she finds herself enjoying the Englisher’s company, and he finds the slow pace of life to be soothing to his soul – and Mary to his heart. There is a lot to overcome here, and it doesn’t seem possible that this odd couple could be happy, but that is the beauty of romance.

This is a lovely romance with all the feels – and some laughs as well. If you are looking for an escape from life – as Clay did – this is the perfect place to land. This author was new to me, and this book stands alone beautifully, but I was intrigued enough to hunt out the previous titles in this series. I really enjoyed this brief respite from modern life, and I’m looking forward to the last book in the series, which comes out in May.

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

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Spotlight Review: FANGIRL DOWN by Tessa Bailey

March 12, 2024

Big Shots, Book 1

From the publisher:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance series with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan…

Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.

Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…

As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?
https://amzn.to/3Is4efC

Even though I am not a golf fan, I am a fan or sports romances and Tessa Bailey, and this may be her best book yet.

Wells was a rising star until he lost the will to play. Josephine is his biggest fan, even when all his other fans have deserted him due to his surliness and bad golfing. One thing leads to another, and Wells hires Josephine to caddy for him. Apparently, there are no women caddies in the PGA, so they make a big splash, especially when his game starts turning around.

Josephine runs the pro shop at a golf club in South Florida. Her parents ran it before her, but have retired, leaving her in charge. But business isn’t great, and Josephine has dropped all her insurance to save money. Unfortunately, she’s a type 1 diabetic, which means constant monitoring and insulin, which isn’t cheap. When a hurricane hits, wiping out the pro shop, Josephine is in big trouble without the insurance money to make repairs. Too embarrassed to tell her parents what’s happening, she leaps at the chance to caddy for Wells. Caddies make a percentage of their golfer’s winnings, and that money will be a big help. That is if she can get Wells’s game back on track.

Wells hates everyone, but somehow Josephine gets under his skin and he falls hard for her. The witty dialogue had me laughing out loud, and his dirty talk really upped the spice level. Josephine, “Well’s Belle,” is a warm, relatable character and the sunshine to Well’s grump. They have major obstacles to overcome, especially as her pro shop has to open and there is no way she can travel the golf circuit and run the pro shop. But a happy ending is guaranteed here, and Bailey delivers. This is a smart, sexy romance with enough hurdles to keep things interesting. If you haven’t read Bailey, or even if you have, you are in for a treat!

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

FANGIRL DOWN by Tessa Bailey. Avon (February 13, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0063308367. 384p.

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AT FIRST SPITE by Olivia Dade

March 8, 2024

Harlot’s Bay, Book 1

From the publisher:

Bestselling author Olivia Dade welcomes you to Harlot’s Bay in this delightfully sexy rom-com about a woman who buys the town’s famous Spite House, only to realize the infuriating man she can’t stand lives right next door—and their unwilling proximity might spark something neither can ignore.

When Athena Greydon’s fiancé ends their engagement, she has no choice but to move into the Spite House she recklessly bought him as a wedding gift. Which is a problem, for several reasons: The house, originally built as a brick middle finger to the neighbors, is only ten feet wide. Her ex’s home is literally attached to hers. And Dr. Matthew Vine the Freaking Third—AKA the uptight, judgy jerk who convinced his younger brother to leave her—is living on her other side, only a four-foot alley away.

If she has to see Matthew every time she looks out her windows, she might as well have some fun with the situation. By, say, playing erotic audiobooks at top volume with those windows open. A woman living in a Spite House is basically obligated to get petty payback however she can, right?

Unfortunately, loathing Matthew proves more difficult than anticipated. He helps her move. He listens. And he’s kind of…hot? Dammit.

Matthew may not regret ending his brother’s engagement, but he does regret what the breakup has done to Athena. He’ll help her however he can. If that means finding her work, fine. If that means enduring nightly steamy story hours, so be it. And if that means watching Athena through their windows a bit too often and caring about her a bit too much…well, nothing can come of it. She’ll never forgive him. Even if she did, how could he ever tell his beloved younger brother the truth—that Matthew wants the very same woman he encouraged Johnny to leave?

A Library Journal Romance Pick of the Month

“With the sublime launch of her new Harlot’s Bay series, Dade once again dazzles and delights readers as she delivers a heart-meltingly romantic, sensually steamy love story that also embraces body positivity and thoughtfully explores such real-life issues as clinical depression and grief. Wielding a devilishly wicked sense of wit…Dade deftly demonstrates her mastery of love and laughter.” — Booklist (starred review)

“This swoony contemporary romance is well-written and paced, but what really makes it shine are the intricate characters that Dade has brought to life. Readers will connect emotionally with Athena and Matthew, laughing at their witty banter and tearing up when they’re vulnerable. Buy multiple copies of this title, because it won’t stay on the shelf.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“The adorable opener to the Harlot’s Bay series from Dade delivers all the laughs of a well-crafted rom-com while gracefully portraying characters struggling with mental health issues. … Equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, this charming love story will have readers clamoring for another visit to Harlot’s Bay.” — Publishers Weekly

“Dade’s romances…routinely show that people contain multitudes and that life is about offsetting personal pain with things that bring joy, and this one is no exception.” — Kirkus Reviews
https://amzn.to/430d7GC

I loved Dade’s first series, Spoiler Alert, so I was very happy to hear about this new one. It may even be better!

Athena is engaged to Johnny, but at their engagement party, she meets a very interesting man. They only talk for fifteen minutes or so, but there is a real attraction there. Until she finds out that man is her fiance’s brother, Matthew. Then she overhears Matthew telling Johnny that he is making a mistake by marrying her. Humiliated and furious, Athena doesn’t let on that she overheard, but Matthew keeps harping on Johnny until he eventually dumps her.

Unfortunately, he waits until after she’s booked the month-long honeymoon in Hawaii, and purchased the Spite House next door to him. The Spite House is actually attached to Johnny’s house on one side, and across a very narrow alley from Mathew’s house on the other side. The house itself was built to spite someone and is only ten feet across, so very narrow, and four stories tall. Athena is a big girl, and she can barely fit up the ultra-narrow staircase. She emptied her bank account to buy the house as a wedding gift for Johnny, but decides to move in after the wedding doesn’t take place.

Athena’s parents are very well off and have supported everything Athena wants. She has two master’s degrees but changes jobs every couple of years. She can’t seem to find herself and is embarrassed that she is now broke and dumped, so she decides to strike out on her own. The Spite House is her first stop. Somehow a bakery job falls into her lap, and that helps until she gets fired when the previous worker returns. Then another miracle job at the library is hers, for a few weeks anyway, as it’s only a temp job.

Meanwhile, she tells off Johnny and lets him know in no uncertain terms to keep away from her. Then Matthew starts leaving her huge tips when she worked in the bakery, and seems to be keeping an eye on her. She’s so angry at him that she starts doing little things just to mess with him. But when she loses her next job, she spirals into a depression. She can’t get out of bed, the house is a wreck, and she’s not answering the door or the phone. Matthew can see into her home from his, and becomes concerned. He pretty much rescues her and they become friends. He is so caring and kind and helpful that her anger just dissipates.

Matthew has his own troubles. He was the oldest of three brothers and was only eight years old when his middle brother died from an overdose of cough medicine. Their parents can’t deal and eight-year-old Matthew becomes a pseudo-father to the baby, Johnny. He is very protective of him and takes care of him, past the point that he should.

Eventually, Athena and Matthew realize they are in love, and their physical relationship takes them to another plane. But things go awry when Johnny finds out, and it seems like no one is going to get their happy ending.

This is such a good story with so much heart. These characters really come to life on the page, and I just wanted the best for them. Grief and depression are very serious issues but are handled beautifully here. There is enough laughter to lighten the story, with murder dolls and monster sex! I was sorry to turn the last page, but I’m happy this is the first book of a new series. I imagine Johnny’s happy ever after will be in a future book.

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

AT FIRST SPITE by Olivia Dade. Avon (January 17, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063215917. 400p.

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THE MESSY LIFE OF JANE TANNER by Brenda Novak

March 8, 2024

Coyote Canyon, Book 3

From the Publisher:

When your life is chaotic, what’s one more complication?

Jane Tanner’s friends are settling down, while she’s been settling for less. She longs for adventure and the big city, but caring for her ailing grandfather means she’s shackled to her small town. She’s excited her vintage gift shop is finally up and running, but it’s not enough.

Longing to fulfill at least one dream—to become a mother before her biological clock ticks out—Jane drunkenly propositions the worst possible candidate for Dad . Kurt Elway is off-limits with a capital O . He’s a good friend, but he’s too young, too busy running his family’s ranch. Plus, he and Jane’s sister, Kate, used to date. That kind of off-limits.

Unbeknownst to Jane, Kurt’s pining for her. When he’s fully on board to father her baby, she sees him in a new light. Then lingering baggage between Kate and Kurt suddenly surfaces and Jane is reminded of just how messy life is. But…so is parenting. Maybe it’s time to embrace the mess?
https://amzn.to/3SToAEu

This is the last book of the Coyote Canyon trilogy, and I’m sad it’s over. Talulah, Ellen, and Jane are good friends. All are independent business owners – Talulah owns a dessert diner, Ellen a well-digging business, and Jane has a vintage store, and all are trying to make a go of it in a small town. The first two books were about Talulah and Ellen; this time, it’s Jane’s turn.

Jane has been feeling out of sorts. All her friends are getting married and having babies, and she doesn’t even date. It’s not easy finding someone in such a small town. She really wants a family, and decides to go the single parent route and use a sperm donor. Once she has the baby, she thinks she might move away, to a bigger city.

Jane is friends with Kurt, who actually dated her younger sister a few times. He’s five years younger than she is, but one drunken evening, she asks if he would consider being her sperm donor. She’s thinking of artificial insemination, but Kurt has always had a crush on Jane, and he agrees, but to get her pregnant the old-fashioned way. There is a lot to consider, and if Jane does get pregnant, there will be even more issues to deal with.

Friends to lovers is a time-honored trope in romance, and Novak does a great job here, throwing up one roadblock after another until they reach their happy ending. I loved how Jane’s friends had her back, but also forced her to face reality. Great characters, a lovely small town, and enough angst to really keep those pages turning made this a terrific read. These books don’t have to be read in order, they all stand alone beautifully, but I liked having the background of the other characters here. This is another good read from Novak, who has become one of my favorite authors.

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE MESSY LIFE OF JANE TANNER by Brenda Novak. Forever (June 7, 2022). ISBN: 978-1538754764. 352p.

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Spotlight Review: ELLIPSES by Vanessa Lawrence

March 5, 2024

From the publisher:

Set in the glossy world of New York City media, this sharp and witty debut novel follows a young woman caught in a toxic mentorship with an older, powerful executive as she grapples with career, belonging, and the complexity of modern relationships in the digital age.

When cosmetics mogul Billie rolls down her town car window and offers Lily a ride home from a glitzy Manhattan gala, Lily figures this could be a useful professional connection. She’s heard of Billie’s storied rise as a business titan, the product of white New England privilege and one of the few queer women in a corner suite. Billie could be just the jolt Lily needs to manifest her next step.

A magazine writer, Lily interviews influencers, actresses, and fashion designers for her publication’s stylish pages, all while navigating office microaggressions. Stalled at work, she worries that her dream print career will soon succumb to the rise of social media. She is at a standstill, too, in her relationship with her girlfriend Alison. And Lily feels unable to voice her authenticity when others’ sliding perceptions of her mixed race and bisexual identity repeatedly drown her out.

Charming and hyperconfident, Billie seems invested in mentoring Lily out of her slump, from the screen of her phone. But their text exchanges and Billie’s relentless worldview begin to consume Lily’s life. Eager to impress her powerful guide, Lily is perpetually suspended in an ellipsis, waiting for those three gray dots to bloom into a new message from Billie.

Ellipses explores one woman’s struggle for wholeness, in a world shaped by digital half-lives and aspirational fantasies. In the end, this stunning debut novel reveals the rewards and challenges of forging an uncharted path on one’s own terms.
https://amzn.to/47l5yuF

There is a lot to parse here, from microaggressions to racism, misogyny, and workplace power plays, all told through the lens of a young woman clashing with a changing culture. This debut novel revolves around Lily, a queer, mixed-race writer at a women’s print magazine in New York City, writing about social media influencers and not exactly loving it. Lily spends her life trying to blend in, whether it is at work or at the social gatherings she covers for the magazine. The industry is moving to digital, but there is a certain snobbism to print that Lily can’t seem to shake off. She meets Billie, a powerful lesbian running a beauty empire who seems to want to mentor Lily via text messages, but Lily isn’t always too fond of her advice. Nonetheless, Lily becomes somewhat obsessed with Billie, putting her own relationship with her long-term girlfriend at risk while her career feels like it is plunging downhill. This mentorship is quite toxic, but it takes Lily way too long to figure that out, leading to a somewhat surprising ending.

Verdict: Readalikes for this original literary debut may include The Adult by Bronwyn Fischer or We Are Water by Wally Lamb.

3/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ELLIPSES by Vanessa Lawrence. Dutton (March 5, 2024). ISBN:‎ 978-0593472774. 288p.

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