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Spotlight Review: A HOLLY JOLLY EVER AFTER by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone

December 19, 2023

Christmas Notch, Book 2

From the publisher:

From the authors of A Merry Little Meet Cute comes a steamy holiday rom-com cowritten by #1 New York Times bestselling author Julie Murphy and USA Today bestselling author Sierra Simone—about an actress and a perpetually single former boy-band member reunited as costars on a steamy holiday film!

Kallum Liebermanis the funny one™. As the arguably lesser of the three former members of the boy band INK, he enjoyed his fifteen minutes of fame and then moved home where he opened a regional pizza chain called Slice, Slice, Baby! He’s living his best dad bod life, hooking up with bridesmaids at all his friends’ weddings. But after an old one-off sex tape is leaked and quickly goes viral, Kallum decides he’s ready to step into the spotlight again, starring in a sexy Santa biopic for the Hope Channel.

Winnie Baker did everything right. She married her childhood sweetheart, avoided the downfalls of adolescent stardom, and transitioned into a stable adult acting career. Hell, she even waited until marriage to have sex. But after her perfect life falls apart, Winnie is ready to redefine herself—and what better way than a steamier-than-a-steaming-hot-mug-of-cider Christmas movie?

With decade old Hollywood history between them, Winnie and Kallum are both feeling hesitant about their new situation as costars…especially Winnie who can’t seem to fake on screen pleasure she’s never experienced in real life. She’s willing to do the pleasure research—for science and artistic authenticity, of course. And there’s no better research partner than her bridesmaid sex tape hall of fame costar, Kallum. But suddenly, Kallum’s teenage crush on Winnie is bubbling to the surface and Winnie might be catching feelings herself.

They say opposites attract, but is this holly jolly ever after really ready for its close-up?

“Well-developed protagonists with immediate chemistry and witty dialogue balance the emotional story as characters process big life changes and family trauma. Skillful, sympathetic writing weaves the conflict seamlessly into the storyline, creating a novel that will make readers laugh, cry, and cheer. This sexy, joyful romantic comedy from Murphy and Simone (A Merry Little Meet Cute) is a delightful read.” — Library Journal (starred review)

“Murphy and Simone present another superbly written, splendidly witty holiday romance featuring another pair of expertly nuanced protagonists and a plot that flawlessly balances sizzling sensual heat and sweet romantic affection while joyfully celebrating body positivity.” — Booklist (starred review)
https://amzn.to/3TlL3KS

This book really appealed to me as a former Hallmark Christmas movie fan. I pretty much stopped watching them a few years ago when Netflix started making their own Christmas movies. The Netflix movies just felt more modern and realistic, and frankly, I was tired of the same half-dozen actors making the same movie over and over again. I hear they moved them to Europe this year, and that’s a nice change but not enough to bring me back. On the other hand, the Lifetime channel has a new Christmas movie with sex scenes!* I’ll be checking that out for sure.

Anyway, back to this book: a really fun, super sexy Christmas tale set in the world of made for cable Christmas movies. The Hope Channel is starting a new venture, turning their traditional Hallmark-style Christmas movies into adult versions. Soft porn, if you will. Talk about going to extremes! Their new female lead is Winnie, one of their mainstay Christmas movie stars who has had some disruption in her life and career and needs to start over. The male lead is Kallum, a former boy band member with a past that has come back to haunt him – an old sex tape has gone viral. Both think this is their opportunity to get on the right side of fame – sort of.

Winnie was brought up in a strict Christian home, married the man of her parents’ dreams, and divorced him when she caught him cheating. Her parents think she should forgive him and get back to making sappy movies, so they are really incensed when they find out she will be starring in this adult flick. The only problem is that Winnie has no sexual experience beyond her husband, and he was more about wham-bam-thank-you-mam than seeing to her pleasure. Embarrassed, she decides to ask her new co-star for help as he seems to have the experience she lacks.

Lots of laughs, some drama, and a whole lot of heat make this a terrific holiday read. I loved that there is an actual small town centered around Christmas all year long that everyone flocks to make these movies. I hope that’s a real thing! This was a fast, steamy read with a lot of heart and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

*Lifetime stuffs viewers’ stockings for the holidays with Christmas movie sex scene: “A Cowboy Christmas Romance” endorses the suggestion “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy.”

12/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HOLLY JOLLY EVER AFTER by Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone. Avon (October 10, 2023). ISBN: 978-0063222649. 432p.

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LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood

December 15, 2023

The Love Hypothesis, Book 3

From the publisher:

“The reigning queen of STEM romance.”—The Washington Post

An Indie Next and Library Reads Pick!

Rival physicists collide in a vortex of academic feuds and fake dating shenanigans in this delightfully STEMinist romcom from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis and Love on the Brain.

The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people-pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and arrogant older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And he’s the same Jack Smith who rules over the physics department at MIT, standing right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

“The reigning queen of STEMinist rom-coms returns with a tale set in the cutthroat world of elite academia full of delightful humor, realistic emotions, and the messy search for self-acceptance.”—Booklist, starred review

“A decidedly quirky and thoroughly charming tale…Geeky science jokes, humorous student emails, and expertly delivered snarky banter enhance the narrative. Readers will cheer for Jack and Elsie and their bumpy road to happily ever after.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Hazelwood’s latest STEM-set novel may be her best yet, addressing not only discrimination among different realms of physics, but the unconscious bias Elsie has to continually fight as a woman in her field…A dynamic rivals-to-lovers romance.”—Kirkus, starred review
https://amzn.to/473qshW

I love this series so I was shocked to see I missed the summer release of this latest offering. But no worries, I hunkered down and read it over the weekend and I’m so glad I did!

I am the least STEM person around – I even had to look up what STEM stands for (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). I went to grad school at the University of South Florida because I didn’t have to take the GRE (my GPA was high enough) and there’s MATH on that test! Tech I’m okay with, but that’s it. Nonetheless, I love these books even if I don’t understand a lot of the back story. Like there are two schools of physicists? I can spell physicists but that’s about the extent of my knowledge of physics. So now I know there are theorists and experimentalists, and I sort of understand the difference. But it doesn’t really matter. All you really need to understand is that the difference is the main reason for this enemies-to-lovers romance.

I also really enjoyed the university setting of the story as I work in one, even if we don’t have a physics major (I don’t think??) Elsie is an adjunct professor, which means she is basically part time and paid by the class – and they don’t get paid much. There are no benefits, no insurance, no vacation. It’s a really sucky job, to be honest. And Elsie is an adjunct at a few schools (also not uncommon) to try and make ends meet. So when she gets the opportunity to apply for a faculty position at M.I.T., with benefits and a lab, she is over the moon. Until she meets one of the professors on the hiring committee.

Jack Smith turned the theoretical physics world on its head when he was in high school, and Elsie’s mentor was the target. Once he hears where she is interviewing, he is not too happy. And I loved that her mentor calls her Elise – so typical that he can’t even bother to get her name right. As Elsie goes through the hiring process, she spends time with Jack and the next thing you know, feelings are developing. But there are major roadblocks here, and it takes quite a bit of time for them to work past them to their happy ending.

I loved the humor here, the setting, and of course, the characters. This was another unputdownable read from one of my favorite authors. I love these books and I swear I feel smarter when I finish one! Don’t miss it.

12/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

LOVE, THEORETICALLY by Ali Hazelwood. Berkley (June 13, 2023). ISBN: 978-0593336861. 400p.

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THE FAKE MATE by Lana Ferguson

December 15, 2023

From the publisher:

Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.

Mackenzie Carter has had some very bad dates lately. Model train experts, mansplainers, guys weirdly obsessed with her tail—she hasn’t had a successful date in months. Only a year out of residency, her grandmother’s obsession with Mackenzie finding the perfect mate to settle down with threatens to drive Mackenzie barking mad. Out of options, it feels like a small thing to tell her grandmother that she’s met someone. That is, until she blurts out the name of the first man she sees and the last man she would ever date: Noah Taylor, the big bad wolf of Denver General.

Noah Taylor, interventional cardiologist and all around grump, has spent his entire life hiding what he is. With outdated stigmas surrounding unmated alphas that have people wondering if they still howl at the moon, Noah has been careful to keep his designation under wraps. It’s worked for years, until an anonymous tip has everything coming to light. Noah is left with two options: come clean to the board and risk his career—or find himself a mate. The chatty, overly friendly ER doctor asking him to be her fake boyfriend on the same day he’s called to meet the board has to be kismet, right?

Mackenzie will keep her grandmother off her back, and Noah will get a chance to prove he can continue to work without a real mate—a mutually beneficial business transaction, they both rationalize. But when the fake-mate act turns into a very real friends-with-benefits arrangement, lines start to blur, and they quickly realize love is a whole different kind of animal.

“This fun, steamy romance has interesting, well-drawn characters who happen to be shifters…Fans of fake relationships will appreciate Ferguson’s paranormal twist on the trope.”—Library Journal

“What begins as a typical fake relationship story quickly slides into a delightfully endearing study of two people overcoming expectations.”—Publishers Weekly

“Charming. Funny. Primal. Ferguson’s paranormal romance manages to be sweet and spicy at the same time, with two likable leads who can’t ignore their wolfish urges…Readers will tear through this omegaverse novel.”—Booklist
https://amzn.to/3tfucik

I have never read a paranormal romance like this. In fact, I rarely read any paranormal romance but this past year I decided to give it a go and read a couple of witchy romances, which I enjoyed. But I’ve never read about shifters or wolves or whatever this is. I’m still not totally clear about it – are they werewolves? I’ve heard of those at least, but it doesn’t seem like an exact match. But I pushed on through and it was a super fun read, even if I was a tiny bit confused about it all.

Mackenzie is a young doctor working in the emergency room of a hospital. She is an omega, a special kind of wolf/shifter (I really don’t know what I’m talking about!), and is well liked by the staff and her colleagues. Noah is a cardiac surgeon and has the arrogance that sometimes goes along with those positions. He is feared more than liked, and rumors about him flow through the hospital. His only friend is the former head of cardiology, who recommended Noah to take his place. Another cardiologist was really angry about that – he thought the job should be his by virtue of him being there longer.

Noah is also a wolf/shifter, but he an alpha which apparently means he is prone to be violent or something. It wasn’t quite clear to me, but he kept that a secret. I found it interesting that everyone just accepts these shifters working and living among them. But an anonymous tip lets the hospital board know that Noah is an alpha, and he is afraid they will let him go because of deep seated prejudices.

Noah and Mackenzie find themselves in the staff lounge one day. Mackenzie is constantly being setup on blind dates by her grandmother, and one is worse than the next. She gets the idea of asking Noah to take a selfie with her that she can show her grandmother in hopes of getting her to back off. He agrees, but has his own favor to ask. If he can tell the board that he is mated, they won’t care if he’s an alpha. They both agree to the deal, and the fake dating begins. They find they have a lot in common and begin to have real feelings for one another, but there is trouble afoot in the hospital that appears to be destructive to their relationship.

Honestly, the only reason I even read this was because I liked Ferguson’s first book, The Nanny, so much. She is a good writer, builds interesting characters, and they inevitably have steamy sex. In this case, the alpha-omega thing means something very specific in the bedroom, and that adds another dimension to the story. Ferguson has made a paranormal romance reader out of me!

There is some humor here as well, and it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. If anyone reads it or can explain shifters to me, please leave a comment!

12/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE FAKE MATE by Lana Ferguson. Berkley (December 5, 2023). ISBN: 978-0593549377. 400p.

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MEET THE BENEDETTOS by Katie Cotugno

December 8, 2023

From the publisher:

The Kardashians meets Pride and Prejudice in this charming comical follow-up to Birds of California, in which an A-list movie star moves to Los Angeles—and next door to a family of five eligible sisters.

Every family is complicated, and the Benedettos are no exception. A few years after a reality show skyrocketed them to pop culture fame, the five twenty-something sisters are living together in their parent’s crumbling McMansion, almost broke and teetering towards rock bottom. Their fortunes brighten when Charlie Bingley, the dashing star of Captain Fantastic, moves into the neighborhood with Will Darcy, his best friend from Julliard, in tow.

Charlie immediately falls for warm and lovely June, the oldest Benedetto sister. While the Benedetto’s flighty matriarch, Cinta, brashly encourages the potential match, there are plenty of others determined to steer Charlie away from this ridiculous family of reality show has-beens.

Lilly Benedetto, the sensible second oldest sister, is all too aware that her family is viewed as a spectacle. She usually doesn’t care what the world thinks because she faces deeper sorrows. And she most certainly does not have the patience for the likes of Will Darcy, a man plagued by his own private demons. Lilly finds Will to be stuck-up, arrogant, and judgmental. Will thinks Lilly is loud, brash, and defensive. And while the two clash at every turn, they can’t seem to stay away from each other . . .

Katie Cotugno brings a big, boisterous cast of characters to life in this deliciously sprawling Los Angeles story—a thoroughly fresh and modern tale about a family that’s “famous for being famous,” the ways that preconceived notions make fools of us all, and how unexpected romance can bloom despite the odds.
https://amzn.to/45eyWT8

Katie Cotugno (Birds of California) brings us the latest modern-day retelling of Pride & Prejudice. The Benedetto family is at the heart of the story; think of them as a failed Kardashian clan with five sisters. They had a reality show for a couple of years and are now struggling to further their careers while the bills pile up. June, the eldest, falls for their new neighbor, action film star Charlie Bingley, while the next oldest, Lilly, keeps squabbling with Charlie’s best friend, Will Darcy. Then Lilly meets Nick, and he tells her an awful story about Will. Will tries to warn Lilly about Nick but doesn’t give her any details, so it’s just a matter of time before Nick shows his true colors and everything comes to a head. If you are familiar with any of the iterations of the Austen masterpiece, all the players will be recognizable. It is also a commentary on reality television programming and the Hollywood lifestyle, all wrapped up in a lighthearted read with a rather abrupt ending.

Verdict: Jane Austen fans will enjoy this new spin on what has become a franchise; think Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld, Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev, or Bridget Jones’s Diary by Helen Fielding.

©Library Journal, 2023

12/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MEET THE BENEDETTOS by Katie Cotugno. Harper Perennial (December 5, 2023). ISBN: 978-0063324145. 256p.

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THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE by Laurie Gilmore

December 8, 2023

Dream Harbor, Book 1

From the publisher:

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job.

Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her.

Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes…

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe is a cozy romantic novel for fans of Gilmore Girls, with a grumpy x sunshine dynamic, a small-town setting and a HEA guaranteed!
https://amzn.to/3MDheBh

My friend Caitlin recommended this book to me, and since it wasn’t available through my usual sources or the library, I purchased the Kindle edition and it was money well spent! Caitlin never steers me wrong, plus she said it was reminiscent of the small town in the Gilmore Girls, one of my favorite TV shows (that I constantly rewatch), and then when I saw the author’s name is Laurie Gilmore (is that name for real???) Well, I definitely had to read it, and I’m very glad I did.

Dream Harbor is a small New England town filled with quirky residents, much like Stars Hollow. Our heroine, Jeanie, inherits the Pumpkin Spice Cafe and jumps at the chance to start over. She moves in and finds a small town full of people who rely on the cafe and want her to succeed. Then she meets Logan, a grumpy but gorgeous farmer who can’t help but be drawn to the always cheerful Jeanie. Theirs is a match made in this small town, and watching them fall in love was so much fun that this turned into a one-night read for me. I loved these characters and this town, and I can’t wait for the next book in this new series!

12/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE PUMPKIN SPICE CAFE by Laurie Gilmore. One More Chapter (August 31, 2023). ISBN: 978-0008610678. 384p.

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Spotlight Review: CHRISTMAS AT THE SHELTER INN by RaeAnne Thayne

November 28, 2023

From the publisher:

Get cozy with this heartwarming holiday story!

“[Thayne] engages the reader’s heart and emotions, inspiring hope and the belief that miracles are possible.” —Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Come home to Shelter Springs this Christmas, where hearts are warm and hopes are bright…

Growing up at the Shelter Inn hotel, Natalie Shepherd envied guests who could come and go as they pleased. So when it was time to finally leave for college and put the lush green mountains around Shelter Springs—along with the cloud of loss that seemed to follow her family—behind her, she swore she’d never come back. But now her sister McKenna needs a favor. On pregnancy bed rest at doctor’s orders, McKenna needs a helping hand with her two young daughters and someone to take over the inn during the hectic holiday season, and Nat can’t refuse. And just when things can’t get worse, she runs into her late brother’s best friend, Griffin Taylor…

Griff has mixed feelings about Natalie’s return. She’s just as beautiful and full of life as he remembered, but there’s a secret he’s carried for years about her brother—and the guilt is eating away at him. Still, Christmas in this small town is filled with treasured traditions and new adventures that hold the promise of something sweet and lasting. From matchmaking seniors to rambunctious nieces, it seems everyone is hoping Nat and Griff will put loss behind them and find a happy new beginning…

“The magic of the Christmas season comes alive in bestseller Thayne’s poignant latest holiday romance…Thayne’s depiction of the Christmas season is timeless, complete with marshmallows and a Christmas Eve snowstorm, while her characters’ emotions feel authentic and often painful. The result is a good balance of light and dark.” —Publishers Weekly
https://amzn.to/3Rey5gK

This is my favorite kind of Christmas romance – some laughs, some drama, an impossible romance that leads to the inevitable happy ending. A sweet romance touched by the holiday is like a gift for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I can’t imagine growing up in a hotel, but Natalie and her sister McKenna did just that. Now their parents are gone, Natalie is a digital nomad, pet-sitting around the world, and her sister has turned the hotel into a home for seniors. But McKenna’s young daughters can be a handful, and after a couple of miscarriages, her doctor has put her on bedrest for her latest pregnancy. Her husband is forced to work overtime through the holiday season, so McKenna sends Natalie a plea for help. Without giving it a second thought, Natalie heads home to help out.

Natalie doesn’t know her nieces very well beyond Facetime chats but is quickly thrust into her new parenting role. Meanwhile, her late brother’s best friend, Griffin, is now a family doctor practicing in the small town. After an unfortunate jingle bell up the nose incident, Natalie is drawn to the doctor she always had a crush on growing up. And he is drawn to her as well.

They both have a lot of pain in their pasts that they deal with as best as possible. Together, they feel stronger but Natalie makes it clear she has no intention of staying in town once her sister’s baby is born. And Griffin has too many ties to this small town to consider leaving, so their romance seems doomed.

As Natalie gets to know her nieces and the seniors who live in Shelter Inn, as well as all the people in this small town, it becomes clear that leaving will not be as easy as she originally thought, and Griffin is a big part of that.

If you like sweet holiday romances, this is the book you’ll want to read this holiday season – don’t miss it! I loved it.

11/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CHRISTMAS AT THE SHELTER INN by RaeAnne Thayne. Canary Street Press; Original edition (October 10, 2023). ISBN: 978-1335009258. 304p.

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ONE THING BETTER by Jessica Sherry

November 17, 2023

An Anxious Feel Good Romance

From the author:

A feel-good story of love and reinvention at the worst time…

Lena Buckley’s not like other people—ones with awesome careers, relationships, and health insurance. She’s thirty-five and has nothing to show for it but a dilapidated family farm and an anxiety disorder worsened by her mother’s death. Starting over, again, means major decisions ahead, so she relies on the simple mantra that kept her going during her mom’s care—make one thing better—hoping it leads to the successful, independent life she wants.

Ben Wright has his life together. A disabled army veteran and local cop, Ben’s the type to have all the required insurance, health or otherwise. When Lena needs help, he’s quick to say it’s no trouble. Though he’s hard to read and not one for chitchat, an odd but endearing friendship builds on the one thing they have in common—brokenness. A sad but funny love story grows from their unique hardships, forging a deep connection that makes everything better.

But reality supports what her anxiety tells her—good things don’t last. When the COVID-19 pandemic steals her few opportunities and her home verges on unlivable, she must choose between love and survival.

A real romance with a quirky heroine, One Thing Better is a warm, funny, and, best of all, honest first person love story featuring broken people, (actual & metaphorical) fireworks, tears, bad words, the occasional mouse, and a delightful better-ever-after.

“A complex and hugely satisfying contemporary romance between genuine, flawed people.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
https://amzn.to/3MDheBh

This book had a slow start, but I quickly got into it because these characters were so flawed and interesting. Lena was her mother’s caretaker in the last years of her life, and when she passes Lean still feels guilty, like she could have done more. Money is tight, and the farmhouse she inherited is literally falling apart. She does the repairs as best as she can with the little bit of money she has, but life is really difficult for Lena. She suffers from severe anxiety and has plenty to be worried about.

Ben meets Lena when he pulls her over for a driving infraction. She breaks down and bares her soul, but Ben is stoic, to say the least. He listens, then hands her some papers. She thinks it’s her ticket, but instead, he’s given her some words of support. One of the ways Lena gets through life is by focusing on making one thing better each day, or as often as she can. It is excellent advice.

Ben and Lena keep bumping into one another, and the more time they spend together, the more Lena learns that she is not the only one with trouble. Ben has war wounds that he has to deal with, and as the two of them talk about their lives, they start to lean on one another for support. Eventually, it becomes more than just friendship.

I loved watching these characters grow and help one another heal. It is a beautiful story, and I am looking forward to more from this author, who was new to me. This book was self-published and probably could have used a bit of editing, but all in all, it was a very good read. I hope you’ll try it!

11/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ONE THING BETTER by Jessica Sherry. Publisher: ‎Jessica Sherry (October 24, 2023). ISBN: 979-8988725411. 408p.

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Spotlight Review: THE ROM CON by Devon Daniels

November 14, 2023

From the publisher:

A modern battle of the sexes about a journalist who hatches an elaborate plan to take down her professional rival, in a rom-com perfect for fans of How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

After a particularly brutal breakup, Cassidy Sutton has had it with dating. So when her grandmother gives her a 1950’s dating guide entitled 125 Tips to Hook a Husband, she decides to turn the retro advice into an ironic “What not to do” article for Siren, the popular online women’s publication she writes for. And who better to secretly test the old-fashioned tips on than Jack Bradford, chauvinistic creator of rival men’s site Brawler? She’ll write an article that will entertain female readers everywhere and embarrass their sexist nemesis at the same time. Two birds, one stone.

But her perfect plan soon proves to be anything but. Those vintage courtship tips Cassidy was so quick to poke fun at? They actually seem to work, calling her most closely-held beliefs into question. Even worse? Jack isn’t falling for any of her tricks—and it’s not long before their ‘fake’ relationship starts to feel like the realest one of her life. As her cat and mouse game starts to spiral out of control, Cassidy has to decide if she’s playing to win, or if she’s willing to lose it all for love.

“Full of likable characters, bizarre and antiquated dating tips inspired by real lifestyle magazines and books, examples of healthy relationships, and ample steam, Daniels’ tale will find fans among readers who recall those crazy Cosmo tips or who have seen the sour side of dating apps.” —Booklist
https://amzn.to/46a4fxU

I loved the Kate Hudson/Matthew McConaughey romcom How To Lose a Guy in Ten Days, so when they used that comparison in the publicity, I was all in. The author even references it in the book!

Cassidy is a senior editor at Siren, a women’s focused website filled with clickable content. She writes several articles each day and assigns several more to the dozens of writers who report to her. She loves her job but secretly wishes to write a book.

Cassidy is dating Brett for a few months, until she invites him to her grandmother’s 90th birthday party. He turns her down, citing “sacred Saturdays”, a bro term embraced by the misogynistic men at rival website Brawler. She dumps him and complains to her grandmother who in turn, presents her with an old article from the 1950’s on how to “hook a husband.”

The article inspires Cassidy to try out some of these dating tips to see how they fare more than a half-century later, figuring it will be a fun series of articles. Her co-worker/best friend/roommate is all in on the idea, as is their boss. First up: a party for a celebrity cologne launch where Cassidy literally bumps into Jack, the co-founder of Brawler. Cassidy decides to narrow her dating tips to him, hoping to bring him and his frat-boy website down. But a funny thing happens while she is implementing the old-fashioned dating tips; Jack isn’t falling for any of it, and he seems like a really great guy. The kind of guy Cassidy has been waiting to meet all her life.

Three dates later, Cassidy is done with the idea of the article and taking Jack down. She wants to keep dating him, and as they get closer, they fall in love. Until Jack finds out what started their relationship – and his humiliating way of ending it.

This was such a fun read! I loved these characters and all they went through to find their happy ending, and all the secondary characters did their part to round out the story. There is so much to enjoy here. Lots of laugh-out-loud moments, some serious chemistry bringing the heat, and all the vintage clothes are just an added bonus. Don’t miss it!

11/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE ROM COM by Devon Daniels. Berkley (November 7, 2023). ISBN: 978-0593199237. 384p.

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BURNING JUSTICE by Tee O’Fallon

September 22, 2023

K-9 Special Ops, Book 2

From the publisher:

Some cases are hot enough to kill.

After narrowly surviving a childhood fire that killed two of his friends, ATF Special Agent Brett Tanner knows what it’s like to get too close to the flame. The trauma only spurs him and his K-9 partner to track down the arsonists targeting a Colorado town. This latest warehouse blaze looks suspicious as hell…and there’s a body. Now it’s murder.

Fiercely independent insurance investigator Gemma Scott has been burned enough times to know she doesn’t need anyone—especially a handsome agent with an agenda. Teaming up with the hardened and determined ATF agent means not just trusting her instincts…it also means trusting him.

Now they’re racing against an arsonist with a lethal agenda—one who’s willing to burn and kill to hide the evidence. But the killer is only part of a larger mystery. And the searing attraction between Gemma and Brett adds fuel to an already dangerously lethal fire. One that will smoke out a killer…along with Brett’s darkest secret.

“great characterization, action, suspense, attraction, arson, and danger“ – Mystery & Suspense Magazine

“Tee O’Fallon heats the pages up in BURNING JUSTICE, giving us arson, murder, mystery, and a delicious slow-burn romance… Gemma and Brett’s chemistry absolutely sizzles on the pages.” – Fresh Fiction
https://amzn.to/3EL1jwM

I admit it; a dog on the cover always piques my interest. I have read several of O’Fallon’s books from different series, and they are all good. Even more importantly, they all stand alone and this book, the second book of a series, does as well. I didn’t realize this was book two while I was reading it – it wasn’t until I started this review that it came out. That is one of the things I really love about reading on a Kindle, especially e-galleys, pre-publication books. A lot of the time there is no cover art, so there is nothing to help form any preconceived notions, no judging a book by its cover, if you will. So I’m often surprised to learn that the book I just read was part of a series, as was the case here.

Gemma Scott has a unique skill set; she is a National Insurance Crime Bureau Investigator. She digs into suspicious fires, looking for evidence of arson. Unfortunately, the last guy she worked with basically stole her work and presented it as his own. In a job that is completely dominated by men, Gemma stands out, and Brett can’t help but notice that.

Brett is special agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, better known as the ATF. He has a working K-9, one of the few in the country that can sniff out accelerants, making him invaluable for arson investigative work. He also survived a fire as a child, but two of his friends died in that fire. Understandably, that has affected his whole life.

They are working together, and the chemistry between them is, well, combustible. And the dog! Can Gemma learn to trust another man? Can Brett get past his own past to help figure out who is setting these mysterious fires? Will Gemma and Brett learn to work together? And will Gemma and Brett give in the fire that is smoldering between them? Of course! This is romantic suspense, so the ending is a given, but it is a dark, twisty road to get there and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. Now I’m on the hunt for the first book in the series, Tough Justice.

9/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BURNING JUSTICE by Tee O’Fallon. Entangled: Amara (August 22, 2023). ISBN: 978-1649373397. 400p.

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Posted by Stacy Alesi

Spotlight Review: LOVE ME DO by Lindsey Kelk

September 19, 2023

From the publisher:

She’s written the perfect romance . . . for someone else

Greetings card copywriter Phoebe Chapman knows a good romantic line or two – and it makes her a fantastic Cupid.

So when she lands in the Hollywood Hills – a place that proves film stars, golden beaches and secret waterfalls don’t just exist in the movies – she can’t resist playing matchmaker for her handsome neighbour, carpenter Ren.

But you can’t hide from love in La La Land.

And isn’t there something a little bit hot about Ren, her own leading man next door?
https://amzn.to/45QrnCm

This is a sort of modern-day Cyrano de Bergerac or more to the point, the updated film version, Roxanne.

If you’re not familiar, Phoebe is the wordsmith behind the scenes, in this case helping her friend, Bel, convince her oh-so-hot neighbor, Ren, that she is the one for him. The only problem is that Phoebe is strongly attracted to Ren as well, and Bel isn’t really her friend. It’s a bit complicated, but Phoebe is in Los Angeles on a two week vacation from her home in the UK, ostensibly visiting her super successful sister, but said sister leaves town almost immediately on a business trip. Bel is her personal trainer, who doesn’t know she is gone and shows up anyway. Bel proceeds to adopt Phoebe as her new best friend, and it is a terrific friendship for sure, despite Phoebe’s attraction to Ren. Still with me?

Phoebe writes Ren a love letter, an actual pen-to-paper letter, but signs it Bel. He immediately falls for the writer, not knowing that Phoebe actually did the writing. It’s much more understandable/believable reading the book! There are lots of outings around the L.A. area, and a lot of laughs along the way.

Kelk has a great sense of humor, and I have enjoyed all of her books. This one is a bit of a rush seeing that Phoebe is only in town for two weeks, but no worries, it is all believable in this writer’s hands. She invited me into her world, and I had a blast! Suspend your disbelief and go along for the ride, you won’t regret it. Highly recommend!

9/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

LOVE ME DO by Lindsey Kelk. HarperCollins (September 5, 2023). ISBN: 978-0008619329. 384p.