From the publisher:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://amzn.to/3WEDqzy

My journey through Lucy Score’s backlist continues…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

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

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From the publisher:

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

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

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

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

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

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

https://amzn.to/3KHcwEF

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

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

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Lucky River Ranch, Book 1

From the Publisher:

Butting heads leads to knocking boots in this wildly sexy enemies-to-lovers, grumpy/sunshine, small town cowboy romance by Jessica Peterson.

One year on a Texas ranch.

One angry, ridiculously hot cowboy.

One clause in a will that changes everything.

Mollie Luck has run out of luck. When her estranged father unexpectedly dies, he leaves his massive cattle ranch to her―but not without a catch. To collect her inheritance, city girl Mollie will have to move back to the small-town Texas ranch she left as a child when her parents split and manage it for a full year.

Needing the money to invest in her company, Mollie resigns herself to moving to cowboy country. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

But there’s one giant roadblock to her plan: the ranch’s grumpy foreman, Cash Rivers. Never mind how good he looks in his Wranglers and chaps; he’s rude, growly, and wants Mollie gone.

Working side by side in the Texas heat turns into moonlit nights, slow dancing cheek-to-cheek in dusty bars, and moments where the line between hate and hunger gets real blurry.

But Mollie’s stay in Hartsville is only temporary. And you know what they say about cowboys: They may break horses, but they also break hearts.

Cash is the first standalone book in the steamy, interconnected Lucky River Ranch series, perfect for fans of Elsie Silver and Lyla Sage.

Delicious tropes:
All the banter!
Grumpy x sunshine
Cowboy x city girl
Forced proximity
Enemies to lovers vibes
Small town charm

https://amzn.to/469dAtm

This was the perfect start to the Lucky River Ranch series—a compelling blend of heart, humor, slow-burn tension, and just the right dose of cowboy angst.

When Mollie’s estranged father dies, she unexpectedly inherits his massive Texas ranch and fortune, despite not having visited in over twenty years. There’s a catch: the will requires her to live on the ranch for a full year to claim the inheritance. That’s when things get complicated.

Cash Cole, the ranch’s loyal foreman, had always believed the land would be left to him. Mollie’s father had practically raised Cash and his four younger brothers after their parents died twelve years earlier. So when Mollie shows up, Cash is blindsided—and not exactly welcoming.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Cash and Mollie sizzles from page one. He dismisses her as “city girl” and does everything possible to drive her away, while she stands her ground with wit, grit, and fierce independence, though she carries deep wounds from her complicated relationship with her father.

Her backstory adds emotional depth: after her parents’ divorce when she was small, Mollie moved to Dallas with her mother and rarely saw her father again, though he continued supporting her financially. Her mother’s bitterness toward the ranch and her father left Mollie with a tangled mix of resentment and confusion.

The inheritance isn’t just about money for Mollie—it’s about survival. She’s built a custom cowboy boot company with her best friend, funded initially by her mother’s investment. But now she desperately needs the inheritance to keep her dream business afloat.

Mollie’s journey of rediscovering the ranch becomes genuinely moving. She hasn’t ridden a horse in twenty years, but it comes back to her like second nature. She connects with the ranch hands, who welcome her warmly—everyone except Cash, of course. Watching these two wounded characters slowly understand each other, untangling their shared grief and hidden love, was deeply satisfying. Their sharp-tongued banter brought constant smiles, while their emotional moments felt authentically touching.

Thanks to my friend Nora for recommending this to me – I loved it!

10/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

CASH by Jessica Peterson. Bloom Books. (June 17, 2025). ISBN: ‎978-1464248290. 432p.

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From the publisher:

An Instant USA Today Bestseller!

Grab your favorite fall candle, cuddle into a comfy blanket, and travel back in time to 1997 in this cozy, slow-burn romance set in the autumn glow of small-town Vermont.

Now with exclusive bonus content!

My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear.

I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out. Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy. It should be a good place to heal after my divorce. But apparently my scones belong in the garbage with my small talk skills. As pointed out by none other than Cliff.

Cliff is inescapable. He knows exactly what people need–always. His charm, the way he wears flannel, and even his pastries, make not wanting to be friends with Cliff and his daughters pretty hard.

Friends? I can make friends. That’s safe. Except I’m leaving in three months to pass the inn off to my little sister and get the promotion in Seattle I’ve been working towards. So ask me why I’m thinking about kissing my hot neighbor.

https://amzn.to/4nFnLfc

This was my first read by this author, and I’m thrilled to discover her extensive backlist waiting to be explored. The book perfectly captures fall vibes (which I desperately miss living in South Florida!), 90s nostalgia, and a tender small-town romance between two divorced characters finding love again. I was completely absorbed in their story and could hardly put it down.

The story opens at Michelle’s mother’s funeral, where she is grappling with complicated emotions tied to their strained relationship. The presence of her awful ex-husband doesn’t help, as he is threatening to announce their divorce at the service. She hasn’t told her family yet, as they’ve been dealing with other crises. During the funeral, she notices a mysterious man attending with his daughters and wonders who he is.

Michelle’s parents had opened a bed and breakfast in Vermont—her mother’s beloved passion project. With her mother gone, Michelle puts her successful Seattle advertising career on hold to run the B&B through the fall, until her younger sister can graduate from college and take over permanently. Her father, too heartbroken to return to the place filled with memories, stays with Michelle’s sister during her final semester.

The mysterious man from the funeral turns out to be Cliff, Michelle’s new neighbor. He’s a single father to a teenager and an elementary-aged daughter, running his own bakery in town. He’s also caring, affectionate, and touchy-feely, qualities that overwhelm Michelle, who isn’t comfortable with physical touch or unsolicited help.

Despite Cliff’s warmth clashing with Michelle’s carefully constructed walls, a friendship gradually forms and deepens into something more profound. Both are stubborn and struggle with communication, yet they fit together like puzzle pieces. Their slow-burn romance creates delicious tension as they realize they’re falling in love. What makes their journey particularly poignant is how both carry wounds from their marriages—harsh words from their exes about their worth as partners—while facing the reality that Michelle’s stay is only temporary.

The conflict reaches its peak when Michelle’s sister and father finally arrive at the B&B. Her sister finds Cliff attractive and asks Michelle to play matchmaker. Despite the pain it causes her, Michelle agrees—partly because she’s been encouraging Cliff to start dating again. The request equally wounds Cliff. Their disastrous date becomes a revelation when Cliff can’t stop talking about Michelle, making it clear to her sister where his heart truly lies.

The beauty of Michelle and Cliff’s romance lies in its intimate details: his daily visits to her B&B, her watchful care of his daughters, his persistent quest to discover her favorite baked good. These small moments build alongside the painful ones, creating a rich tapestry of connection. When they finally come together, their physical chemistry burns off the page with perfect intensity.

The supporting characters brilliantly enhance the story’s foundation. From Cliff’s daughters to Michelle’s family to the colorful townspeople (with definite Gilmore Girls festival vibes!), everyone contributes meaningfully to the narrative. I particularly loved Michelle’s reluctant relationship with her ex’s dog, whom she rescues from being sent to the pound, even though the dog doesn’t particularly like her. Their conversations are amusing moments that lighten the story’s heavier themes.

The ending carries bittersweet tension as Michelle’s departure date approaches, creating heartbreaking longing before the satisfying resolution. This book took my heart on a masterful emotional roller coaster ride—cozy yet weighty in all the right places. The epilogue, set eight years later, provides a perfect and beautiful conclusion. The author’s note reveals this was her passion project, making it an ideal introduction to her writing. I’ll definitely be reading more of her work.

9/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

IF IT MAKES YOU HAPPY by Julie Olivia. Penguin Publishing Group. (September 2, 2025). ISBN: 979-8217187072. 513p.

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From the publisher:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Things We Never Got Over

He started to work the laces of his boots loose. Toeing them off, he tugged his t-shirt over his head.

“Oh my God. What are you doing?” Paige’s voice barely rose above the spray from the showerhead.

“I’m washing your damn hair.”

It’s a constant battle on set between sexy home renovation reality TV star grumpy Gannon King and his no-nonsense field producer. Paige St. James has zero time for temperamental talent.

Mr. Sex in a Toolbelt has made it his mission in life to get a rise out of her, but Paige is a master at locking down her temper. They’re on the road together working long hours fixing houses and changing lives. When cracks in her legendary coolness start to show and sparks fly, Gannon is infatuated and the cameras are there to capture it.

But he’s fallen for a pretty face before and Paige won’t be taken seriously if she’s caught sleeping with the star of her show. She also can’t seem to resist those big, rough hands. Those smoldery hazel eyes. The dimples. The toolbelt. That fiercely protective vibe.

Too bad it’s all about to fall apart.

She never should have trusted him.

He never should have let her go.

Author’s Note: A protective grumpy hero, a not easily impressed heroine, the worst human being on TV ever, a grand gesture so big you’ll need a box of tissues, and THAT SHOWER SCENE.

https://amzn.to/469dAtm

My Lucy Score Obsession Continues!

Paige works as a field producer for an HGTV-style renovation show with a meaningful twist—every house they restore belongs to a family with a powerful, often heartbreaking story, like a child battling cancer. The show’s star, Gannon, is a brooding heartthrob with a grumpy streak, but Paige knows how to handle him. That is, until their chemistry starts to sizzle and the network executives spot a golden ratings opportunity.

Despite having no interest in being on camera—Paige thrives behind the scenes—the promise of a substantial raise and keeping the big boss happy is too tempting to refuse. She desperately needs the extra income to fund her passion project: a documentary exposing the persistent gender disparities plaguing Hollywood. This subplot adds genuine depth and relevance to the romance.

As Paige and Gannon’s connection intensifies, buried secrets surface, creating delicious complications. Their dialogue crackles with wit and humor, while their chemistry practically steams off the page. The tension builds relentlessly—I found myself racing through pages, unable to slow down.
I’m now diving deep into Score’s entire backlist, hunting down every book I may have missed, and so far, every single one has exceeded expectations. She has an exceptional talent for weaving together heat, sweetness, and humor in perfect harmony. As I used to remind my library patrons: if you haven’t read a book yet, it’s new to you—who cares when it was published!

Keep writing, Lucy Score. I’ll keep reading every word.

9/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MR. FIXER UPPER by Lucy Score. Bloom Books. (October 10, 2023). ISBN: ‎978-1728295152. 400p.

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