You’ve Got Mail meets Abbott Elementary in this sweet, sexy romantic comedy for fans of Lynn Painter and Lyssa Kay Adams.
School counselor Lucy Galindo has a secret.
To her coworkers, friends, and even family, she’s shy, sweet, and constantly struggling to hold off disaster (read: manage her anxiety and depression). But online? She’s bold, confident, and always knows what to say—it’s how she’s become the wildly popular @TheMissGuidedCounselor. It’s also why she keeps her identity anonymous. Her followers would never trust the real Lucy with their problems.
History teacher Aldrich Fletcher thought a new job would give him some relief from his drama-filled family. Instead, he’s dodging his ex-girlfriend and pining over his new co-worker—who only ever seems to see him at his worst. Thankfully, he can count on his online confidant for advice . . . until he discovers @TheMissGuidedCounselor is Lucy.
Now Fletcher has a secret too. And while Lucy can’t deny there’s something between them, she’s not sure she can trust him. Can they both find the courage to share the truth and step out from behind their screens?
“This sparkling debut marks Lepe as a writer to watch when it comes to modern rom-coms.”―Kirkus, Starred Review
“The romance plays out as a fresh, diverse twist on You’ve Got Mail . . . Fans of Abbott Elementary will be especially charmed.”―Publishers Weekly
“Unputdownable; will leave readers clamoring for more.”―Library Journal
I love reading debut novels, but I’ve been burned before by publicists creating “debuts” under a new name for a previously published author, so I’m just going to ignore that. This is a good read, and that’s the most important thing to know.
“You’ve Got Mail” is one of my favorite movies, and I enjoy “Abbott Elementary,” so this mashup of the two sounded promising; I’m happy to say it lived up to the hype. Lucy is a guidance counselor who truly loves her job, but with her depression and anxiety disorders, she feels like a fraud most of the time, except when she is posting on her anonymous Instagram account. Hiding behind a pseudonym, gives Lucy the courage of her convictions, and she offers great advice to her followers. One follower is also hiding behind a pseudonym, but he and Lucy become great internet penpals. Neither knows the others true identity, or where they live, or where they work. But they know other more intimate details of their lives.
Aldrich Fletcher is a new history teacher at the public high school where Lucy is a guidance counselor. He is also her secret penpal, and neither knows who the other is. He and Lucy have a hot meet-cute when she trips and spills tea down the front of his pants. On his first day at the new school. She compounds the problem when she tries wiping down the front of his pants, never a good idea to do to a stranger. Nevertheless, Fletcher finds her extremely attractive and the feelings are returned, except Lucy is pretty sure that he couldn’t possibly be interested in someone who is such a hot mess.
As Lucy and Fletcher get to know one another, they start sharing some of the past with one another. A new Instagram post from Lucy triggers Fletcher to realize who she is, but he’s afraid to let he know. Their relationship is tenuous at best, as both have a lot of baggage to work through.
This book delivered on the hype and was a thoroughly enjoyable, one-night read for me. I am looking forward to whatever Lepe puts out next.
4/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
FLIRTY LITTLE SECRET by Jessica Lepe.Forever (March 19, 2024). ISBN: 978-1538739341. 384p.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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?
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.
Enter the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders from New York Times bestselling author Rebecca Yarros
Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general―also known as her tough-as-talons mother―has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.
But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away…because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.
With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter―like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.
She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.
Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom’s protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.
Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda―because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.
A #1 New York Times bestseller • Optioned for TV by Amazon Studios • Amazon Best Books of the Year, #4 • Apple Best Books of the Year 2023 • Barnes & Noble Best Fantasy Book of 2023 • NPR “Books We Love” 2023 • Audible Best Books of 2023 • Hudson Book of the Year • Google Play Best Books of 2023 • Indigo Best Books of 2023 • Waterstones Book of the Year finalist • Goodreads Choice Award, semi-finalist • Newsweek Staffers’ Favorite Books of 2023 • Paste Magazine’s Best Books of 2023
The Empyrean series is best enjoyed in order. Reading Order: Book #1 Fourth Wing Book #2 Iron Flame
I rarely read fantasy novels, and even though this one hit a lot of the best books of the year lists, I was happily ignoring it until my friend Judy recommended it. We don’t always love the same books, but neither of us reads much fantasy, so when she gave it a rave review, I decided to give it a try.
Yarros wrote romances for years before this book, but I never read any. This book falls into the “romantasy” genre, a mashup of romance and fantasy and her publisher loved it so much, they actually created a new imprint for this book, Red Tower Books. Entangled Publishing is a female-owned publisher and was strictly romance, and I’m pretty sure this is the biggest bestseller they’ve ever had – and I’m just thrilled for them.
I never read The Hunger Games or Twilight, but I did see some of the movies so I had an idea about this genre. Fourth Wing is set in a school for dragon riders, and the students either die or graduate. Our heroine, Violet, is one of three children. Her brother died fighting, her sister is a fierce dragon rider, and their mother is one of the top generals. It was her mother’s decision to place Violet in this school.
Violet’s father was a scribe, a kind of historian, and she had been planning to follow in his footsteps until her mother ended that dream. Her childhood best friend is around to keep an eye on her, but Violet has some physical issues that impede her progress. She’s tiny, for one thing, and has a disease that causes her bones and joints to break easily. She is seen as weak, but smart, and it’s her smarts that save her.
The head of her section is Xaden, whose parents were killed by Violet’s mother, and Violet’s brother was killed by Xaden’s family. Let’s just say there is no love lost between these two, except instead of killing Violet, Xaden keeps helping her. And much to Violet’s surprise, she finds herself strongly attracted to the dark and brooding warrior.
Yarros has created a harsh world for these young people to maneuver through, and the action moves the story along at a breakneck pace. I must admit to skimming some of the battles, but for the most part, I did enjoy this book. That said, I’m not sure if I’ll read the rest of the series. I really have to be in the mood for something like this. I can see book groups (who aren’t afraid of 500+ page tomes) having a lot of fun with this, and I’m hoping that Amazon Prime Video does it justice. I will watch, probably hiding from a lot of it. Readers who loved Twilight and The Hunger Games will devour this.
2/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
FOURTH WING by Rebecca Yarros.Entangled: Red Tower Books (May 2, 2023). ISBN: 978-1649374042. 528p.
Fans of the Hallmark Channel and Gilmore Girls will adore this delightful rom‑com about a city girl who goes in search of small-town happiness, only to discover life—and love—are nothing like the TV movies.
Emerging journalist Adina Gellar is done with dating in New York City. If she’s learned anything from made-for-TV romance movies, it’s that she’ll find love in a small town—the kind with harvest festivals, delightful but quirky characters, and scores of delectable single dudes. So when a big-city real estate magnate targets tiny Pleasant Hollow for development, Adi knows she’s found the perfect story—one that will earn her a position at a coveted online magazine, so she can finally start adulting for real . . . and maybe even find her dream man in the process.
Only Pleasant Hollow isn’t exactly “pleasant.” There’s no charming bakery, no quaint seasonal festivals, and the residents are more ambivalent than welcoming. The only upside is Finn Adams, who’s more mouthwatering than the homemade cherry pie Adi can’t seem to find—even if he does work for the company she’d hoped to bring down. Suddenly Adi has to wonder if maybe TV got it all wrong after all. But will following her heart mean losing her chance to break into the big time?
They got me with the first sentence of the synopsis – I’m a huge Gilmore Girls fan, and while I’ve pretty much given up on Hallmark movies (not worth paying for,) I do enjoy them now and then. I was intrigued enough to check out this book, and I’m glad I did – even if I’m a bit late to the party. It came out in 2022!
Adi lives in the city – New York City – and while she loves living there, she hasn’t had much luck in the romance department. Struggling to pay the rent, she juggles different jobs but she really wants to be a journalist. She writes freelance but can’t afford to just do that, until one of the online magazines she writes for dangles a full time position over her head.
Adi comes up with a great premise for a story; she heard about a big developer moving into a small town in upstate New York. She proposes spending a week there to get the lowdown about how the people who live there feel about the big, bad developer moving in. Plus she’s hopeful she’ll meet some good-looking, small-town, fabulous guy who will sweep her off her feet.
Everything Adi knows about small towns is what she’s seen in Hallmark movies and from the Gilmore Girls, so her expectations are high. They are also quickly crushed as she arrived a bit early for check-in and the innkeeper not-so-politely tells her to come back later. She’s not greeted warmly at the local restaurant either, and when she smiles at people on the street, she gets dirty looks in return. And worst of all, the first good-looking guy she meets is running the new project in town – and he’s from NYC.
The town itself is nothing like Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls). There are no quirky residents waiting to greet the newcomer. There are no celebrations or fairs or pie-eating contests. There are no bizarre town meetings. Everyone seems to mind their own business and no one seems interested in Adi’s ideas for turning this town into the one of her dreams.
Finn is a really nice guy, even if he isn’t from the small town. But he’s happy to help her with her article, shows her the plans for the project, and so forth. Adi quickly learns her article may not go the way Hallmark movies do when no one in town seems the least bit upset about the big, bad developer moving in. Adi is going to have to come up with another angle, and she is stumped.
Meanwhile, Finn is trying his best to be helpful and the more time they spend together, well, you know what happens. I have to say the publisher was spot on – this is a really fun read for anyone who enjoys Hallmark movies and the Gilmore Girls. I loved it!
2/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
AS SEEN ON TV by Meredith Schorr.Forever (June 7, 2022). ISBN: 978-1538754764. 352p.
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Elizabeth Phillips returns with the next book in her Chicago Stars series where a successful sports agent and the sister of his biggest client engage in a take-no-prisoners battle of the sexes.
Take one hard-driving sports agent…
Throw in a failed chocolatier…
And her superstar football player brother…
Add a quirky pink and purple food truck…
Then, to really screw things up, mix in a very unfortunate murder.
Brett Rivers is the hottest sports agent in the business—fast and furious, swift and deadly. Failure? Not an option.
Rory Garrett is—let’s be honest—a disaster. She has a big heart, an empty bank account, a passion for making exquisite chocolate, and a huge inferiority complex from living in the shadow of Brett’s most important client, her football legend brother.
Brett and Rory should never have met, and they absolutely, positively should never have had to deal with the consequences of one stupid, drunken night…one disastrous lie…one career in jeopardy…one missing football player…and a very dead body.
It’s going to get messy…and dangerous…and heartbreaking…and sexy. To Rory, Brett represents skewed values and a devious mind. To Brett, Rory is forbidden fruit, off limits, do not disturb, and no entry—definitely no entry.
A woman who has succeeded at nothing and a man who’s succeeded at everything confront the challenge of their lives as they struggle with themselves and each other. When it comes to love—what price are any of us willing to pay to be simply the best?
“The queen of the football romance is not Taylor Swift. It’s Susan Elizabeth Phillips.”—Wall Street Journal
Susan Elizabeth Phillips started this series in 1994! She is credited with creating the first sports romance, or the first football romance, depending on who you ask. Either way, she’s been doing this for a long time, and doing it well.
If you are not familiar, the Chicago Stars are a fictitious football team, and this book centers around their star quarterback’s sister, Rory, and his agent, Brett – and it has a touch of suspense when that quarterback is arrested for the murder of his ex-girlfriend. But that’s a secondary plot line; this is a romcom at heart.
Rory is a wannabe chocolatier with some money troubles. She lost her mother when she was a young child and never really got along with her stepmother, especially after Clint was born. Then she lost her father, too. Clint was the golden child, and they are not close either. She won’t take money from either of them and is struggling to make a living. She bought a food truck with a partner, hoping to make enough selling store-bought candy to upgrade the truck with air conditioning, among other things. But the partner takes all the candy and disappears, leaving Rory with a $2000 fine from the city and nothing to sell.
Rory is somewhat friendly with her neighbor, who is a beautiful young woman determined to marry rich. When she starts dating Rory’s brother, her protective instincts kick in and she tries to warn him. But he’s in love, bought the ring, and Rory has visions of a brother marrying a gold digger without a prenup. Since he won’t listen, she tells the girlfriend that her brother is a gambler one step away from losing his job. When the girlfriend ends up dead on Clint’s patio, he is assumed to be the murderer.
Meanwhile, Rory is at a party where she has a one night stand with a super hot guy, except when he takes off early the next morning, he leaves $500 in cash on the dresser. Incensed, she finds him, but they quickly realize they have entered no man’s land. He thought she was a call girl, and she thought he was an athlete. But Brett is Clint’s agent, and Rory is his sister, and there is an unwritten but very strong rule about screwing around with the client’s family.
Rory is nothing like any woman Brett has ever been with. This is a guy who is on call basically 24/7 for his mega-successful clients, and is a workaholic, which is also why he’s so successful. But he can’t stop thinking about her, and when Clint is arrested, they start working together, trying to prove his innocence. The cops took the easy way out by arresting the homeowner/ex-boyfriend. Rory runs down one lead after another but gets nowhere fast. And Brett is always one step behind her, helping out when he can. Their chemistry is off the charts, but she knows he is a player and he can’t even understand his own fascination with Rory.
Everyone gets their happy ending, but it is so much fun getting there. SEP is in fine form with this story – there are lots of laughs, some steamy scenes, and the touch of suspense ratchets things up even more. This series does not need to be read in order, each book operates as a standalone. Highly recommend to readers who enjoy sports romances – SEP is the Queen for good reason.
2/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
SIMPLY THE BEST by Susan Elizabeth Phillips.Avon (February 13, 2024). ISBN: 978-0063248564. 384p.
A grumpy lobster fisherman tosses a fashion influencer’s impeccably curated life overboard in the next romantic comedy from international bestselling author Amy Lea.
In a last-ditch effort to rescue her brand from the brink of irrelevance, Boston fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen finds herself in a rural fishing village on the east coast of Canada. The only thing scarier than nature itself? The burly and bearded bed-and-breakfast owner and fisherman, Evan Whaler—who single-handedly disproves the theory that Canadians are “nice.”
After a boating accident lands Evan unconscious in the hospital, Mel is mistaken for his fiancée by his welcoming yet quirky family, who are embroiled in a long-standing feud over the B&B. In a bold attempt to mend family fences, Mel agrees to fake their engagement for one week in exchange for Evan’s help with her social media content.
Amid long hikes and campfire chats, reeling in their budding feelings for each other proves more difficult by the day. But is Mel willing to sacrifice her picture-perfect life in the city for a chance at a true, unfiltered love in the wild?
“Lea’s talent for writing complicated but ultimately likable characters is on full display as things between Melanie and Evan become more and more comically disastrous before they start to get better, and her expert knack for comedy makes this story a standout. This last chapter in Lea’s Influencer series is a heartwarming wrap-up with a strong sense of place and hilarious side characters. A sweet conclusion to a swoony contemporary romance trilogy.”—Kirkus (starred review)
“Lea tugs heart strings in her final Influencer romance… Lea handles these heavy themes with grace, never allowing them to overpower the fun, or vice versa. Readers will both laugh and cry.”—Publishers Weekly
“Snarky bickering between the main characters makes for enjoyable dialogue, and the romantic development is wonderful despite Melanie and Evan’s opposing personalities and different backgrounds… Lea’s final “Influencer” novel is a fabulous rom-com brimming with magnetic chemistry and delightful tropes.”—Library Journal
Much to my surprise, this is the final book of a trilogy, and I had no idea reading it that I was missing anything. It took me a little while to get into this, but once I did, I couldn’t put it down. Turns out I read the second book, EXES AND O’S, and it even made my best books of 2023 list!
Melanie is a social media influencer in Boston, but she’s been losing followers and branding partners. When she is offered an opportunity to partner with a swanky resort in Nova Scotia, she jumps at the chance. But when she arrives, she is told they gave her the wrong date; they weren’t expecting her for another week and have no rooms available. It’s the height of tourist season, and it takes a while before she finally finds a place to stay, a bed and breakfast more than an hour away. Nonetheless, she books it through Airbnb, but when she arrives, things are not off to a great start.
The big grumpy guy, Evan, who greets her, tells her she is mistaken; they are not open for business. As they argue, his sister Lucy turns up, takes matters into her own hands, and gets Melanie situated. But the B&B is a mess, with all sorts of projects going on, and a lot more fixing up is needed. But it’s a bed, and she needs one.
The constant bickering between Melanie and Evan takes a turn when he agrees to take her whale-watching out on his boat. But when he falls overboard and loses consciousness, Mel is beside herself. He is rescued, and she goes with him in the ambulance to the hospital, with no way to contact any of his family. At the hospital, things go a bit “While You Were Sleeping” when the only way they will let her in is by telling them she is Evan’s fiancée. Eventually his family shows up en masse, and they are thrilled to meet her. She doesn’t have to heart to tell them she isn’t really engaged to Evan, and when his sister begs her to keep the secret for another day, the guilt lets her agree.
That day turns into a week, and it also turns into a bit of a family reunion for Evan’s family. There had been a major falling out between his mother and aunt, but they pulled together to help Evan and his fiancée. The more time Evan and Mel spend together, the more they realize they have feelings for one another, but Mel has to get back to the resort and then home to Boston. Evan is a lobster fisherman, so he can’t leave. They are in a bit of a pickle – first, Mel decides to blow off the resort and spend another week with Evan. But she still has to return home, and just when you think that’s that, they find a way to make it work and get their happy ever after. Lots of fun, snarky dialogue, some heat, and an ensemble cast of terrific secondary characters make a good read. Now I must find the first book in this series, Set on You! Read an excerpt below.
2/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch
THE CATCH by Amy Lea.Berkley (February 13, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593336618. 416p.
“Put me down! My underwear is showing,” I demand as a gust of wind hits my ass cheeks. At least I’m wearing a cute lace thong.
“Rest assured, I’m not looking,” he mutters as I flail like an eel the entire ascent up the staircase. He doesn’t put me down until we’re outside my bedroom.
“I’m taking a star off your Airbnb review for manhandling,” I warn as he attempts to steady me against the wall just as Lucy passes by with a mini garbage can.
“Double bagged. Just in case. Looks like she might need it,” she says, giving Evan a troubled look as she turns to get out of my vicinity. “Sorry, I’m out. I don’t do puke. Night, guys.”
“I won’t puke. I’m feeling fan-tas-tic!” I shout after her with unfounded confidence. I push the door open the tiniest crack, revealing the disaster I left my room in. My cheeks flush with embarrassment. I’m a secret slob—someone who looks neat and tidy to others but is most comfortable in my own chaos (when no one’s looking).
“I can take it from here,” I assure Evan, righting myself.
His expression is quizzical. “No. You can barely stand.”
“I’m great. You can retire to your underground candlelit lair now.” I take an eager stride into my room, which to me was pretty smooth, but apparently I’m useless.
He leads me to the bench at the foot of the bed, where I proceed to topple face-first into the mattress, legs spread like a mannequin. The compromising position isn’t lost on me.
“I feel the need to warn you, I have some pretty lethal hair spray. Just as effective as bear mace, according to Cosmo,” I say, voice muffled by the mattress.
“What are you gonna do? Blind me with it?” he asks, bending over to retrieve it from under the bed.
“If you try anything, I’ll have no choice.”
“You don’t have to worry about that, Mel.” He softens his tone considerably, which is comforting. I’m pretty sure this is the first time he’s ever referred to me by name.
Any lingering appreciation is short lived when he jabs my shoulder without an ounce of delicacy. I must have drifted out of consciousness for a minute or two, because when I open my eyes again, Evan is placing a garbage bin next to me.
“It’s right beside the bed if you need it,” he says slowly, like I’m a small child. “Do you need me to ask Lucy to help you change? A glass of water?”
“No. I’m perfectly fine,” I mumble, flopping over onto my side. He’s weirdly attractive from a horizontal perspective, and I don’t like it one bit.
He watches me for a couple of peaceful breaths before abruptly pivoting on his heel. “This is going in your Airbnb guest review, by the way.”
I glare at him, blowing at the hair stuck to my lip gloss. “The intoxication? Or my veiled threat?”
“Both. Mostly the drunk part. I did warn you about the Screech,” he reminds me, hands flexing at his sides.
“It wasn’t the Screech. Your friends were the ones pouring shots down my throat. Who am I to deny Canadian hospi-taly?”
He cocks his head. “Hospitality, you mean. And you’re wasted.”
“Perfectly sober,” I mumble, sliding under the covers without taking my shoes off.
“Wears shoes in bed. Another star off,” he mutters.
“Mean host. One and a half stars off,” I retort, squeezing my eyes shut when the room starts to spin.
“Scratched the shit out of me with those claws. Minus two stars,” he says, pretending to rub a hand over his shoulder. I definitely scratched him while holding on for dear life as he hauled me up the stairs.
“Hey, I paid a lot for these nails.”
Despite my questionable eyesight in my current state, I’m pretty sure I catch his lips draw upward into the tiniest smile before my eyes close.
Posted by Stacy Alesi 
Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™ 