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Spotlight Review: LOVE IS A WAR SONG by Danica Nava

August 26, 2025

From the publisher:

A Muscogee pop star and a cowboy who couldn’t be more different come together to strike a deal in this new romantic comedy by Danica Nava, USA Today bestselling author of The Truth According to Ember.

Pop singer Avery Fox has become a national joke after posing scantily clad on the cover of Rolling Stone in a feather warbonnet. What was meant to be a statement of her success as a Native American singer has turned her into a social pariah and dubbed her a fake. With threats coming from every direction and her career at a standstill, she escapes to her estranged grandmother Lottie’s ranch in Oklahoma. Living on the rez is new to Avery—not only does she have to work in the blazing summer heat to earn her keep, but the man who runs Lottie’s horse ranch despises her and wants her gone.

Red Fox Ranch has been home to Lucas Iron Eyes since he was sixteen years old. He has lived by three rules to keep himself out of trouble: 1) preserve the culture, 2) respect the horses, and 3) stick to himself. When he is tasked with picking up Lottie’s granddaughter at the bus station, the last person he expected to see is the Avery Fox. Lucas can’t stand what she represents, but when he’s forced to work with her on the ranch, he can’t get her out of his sight—or his head. He reminds himself to keep to his rules, especially after he finds out the ranch is under threat of being shut down.

It’s clear Avery doesn’t belong here, but they form a tentative truce and make a deal: Avery will help raise funds to save the ranch, and in exchange, Lucas will show her what it really means to be an Indian. It’s purely transactional, absolutely no horsing around…but where’s the fun in that?

https://amzn.to/4lbWQ99

Avery Fox, a pop sensation and former child star in the vein of Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus, finds herself at the center of a media firestorm after appearing on the cover of Rolling Stone in stereotypical Native American attire. The backlash is swift and unforgiving. In an effort to salvage her image—and perhaps her sense of self—her mother, who also serves as her manager, sends her to stay with the grandmother she’s never met at the family’s Red Fox Ranch in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.

Avery has never met any of her extended family, so arriving at the ranch is a revelation. She’s stunned to discover a community of relatives who genuinely care about her. There she also meets Lucas Iron Eyes, who has lived and worked on the ranch since he was sixteen. With quiet patience, Lucas introduces Avery to the rhythms of ranch life and the deeper meaning of family, belonging, and identity.

The novel’s portrayal of ranch life and Indigenous family dynamics feels deeply rooted and sincere. It’s a story that matters because it gives space to Indigenous characters living full, nuanced lives, rather than reducing them to symbols or confining them to history. In a genre like mainstream romance, where Indigenous representation is still painfully rare, this book stands out. Too often, cowboy romances romanticize rural life while ignoring the cultures that have always existed on that land. This story doesn’t fall into that trap—it centers Indigenous voices, and that makes for a powerful story.

8/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

LOVE IS A WAR SONG by Danica Nava. Berkley. (July 22, 2025). ISBN: 978-0593642627. 336p.

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ALONG CAME AMOR by Alexis Daria

June 20, 2025

Primas of Power, Book 3

From the publisher:

A MOST ANTICIPATED READ BY PASTE • THE NERD DAILY • BOOKBUB • TODAY.COM • & MORE!

From the international bestselling author of You Had Me at Hola and A Lot Like Adiós, the exciting third and final book in Alexis Daria’s bestselling Primas of Power series

No strings

After Ava Rodriguez’s now-ex-husband declares he wants to “follow his dreams”—which no longer include her—she’s left questioning everything she thought she wanted. So when a handsome hotelier flirts with her, Ava vows to stop overthinking and embrace the opportunity for an epic one-night-stand.

No feelings

Roman Vázquez’s sole focus is the empire he built from the ground up. He lives and dies by his schedule, but the gorgeous stranger grimacing into her cocktail inspires him to change his plans for the evening. At first, it’s easy for Roman to agree to Ava’s rules: no strings, no feelings. But one night isn’t enough, and the more they meet, the more he wants.

No falling in love

Roman is the perfect fling, until Ava sees him at her cousin’s engagement party—as the groom’s best man, no less! Maintaining her boundaries becomes a lot more complicated as she tries to hide their relationship from her family, but Roman isn’t content being her dirty little secret. With her future uncertain and her family pressuring her from all sides, Ava will have to decide if love is worth the risk—again.

“This ultra-steamy, feel-good, and funny romance is filled with a large and lovable cast of characters and emotional family dynamics and is lovingly rooted in Latine culture… [A] sensational final installment” —LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)

“[A]n emotional roller coaster of a finale that will leave readers exhilarated.” —PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)
https://amzn.to/4jHIbl9

This is the third and final book in Alexis Daria’s Primas of Power series, arriving nearly four years after the previous installment. This novel centers on Ava, a recently divorced schoolteacher, and Roman, a wealthy hotelier. Their romance starts as a no-strings-attached fling but soon deepens into something more serious. As in the earlier books, their path to a happy ending is filled with twists, secrets, and family drama.

Ava is struggling with the aftermath of her divorce and ongoing emotional abuse from her toxic extended family—her judgmental grandmother, neglectful father, and a stepmother who treats her like a servant. The book thoughtfully addresses Ava’s trauma and therapy, highlighting her issues with abandonment and her tendency to become her family’s emotional punching bag.

Roman enters Ava’s life as a secret escape, someone with whom she can truly be herself. Ironically, while she can set boundaries with Roman, she can’t do the same with her family. Their secret affair becomes complicated when Roman turns out to be the best man at Ava’s cousin’s wedding, where she’s the maid of honor. Despite Ava’s attempts to end things, she’s drawn to Roman’s kindness, attentiveness, and emotional maturity. He falls for her first and harder, and their chemistry is off the charts—the book is definitely steamy.

The real conflict lies in Ava’s struggle to believe she’s worthy of love and her inability to set boundaries with her family. While the story delivers a satisfying happy ending, Ava’s confrontation with her family feels somewhat rushed and forced by circumstance rather than her own choice. Some family members dismiss her feelings, which is frustrating, though it’s gratifying to see her half-sister defend her. There’s a bizarre scene involving Roman giving Ava’s mom a lap dance, which felt unnecessary and awkward, though it provided some comic relief.

While this isn’t my favorite book in the series (that honor goes to the first), I enjoyed it nonetheless. The epilogue, which offers a glimpse into Ava and Roman’s future, is a sweet way to wrap up the series. I’m looking forward to whatever Daria does next.

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

ALONG CAME AMOR by Alexis Daria. Avon (May 27, 2025). ISBN: 978-0062960009. 512p.

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THE FRIENDSHIP FLING by Georgia Stone

June 13, 2025

From the publisher:

The Hilarious New Grumpy/Sunshine, Friends-to-Lovers Romantic Comedy―and your New Favorite Summer Romcom

In this delightfully charming and heartfelt debut love story, two lonely and wildly different strangers embark on a short-term friendship over one London summer—only to discover they may be something more by the time the season ends.

No one would ever call Ava Monroe a people person, which isn’t ideal for a barista in a busy London coffee shop. She’s sarcastic, blunt, and cynical, and her relationships are strictly no strings attached. With her best friend Josie soon leaving for a year, Ava knows she’ll be all alone unless she shakes up her routine. But she can’t risk bringing chance back into her carefully controlled life.

Then insufferably cheerful, country-hopping, undeniably gorgeous Finn O’Callaghan rolls into her coffee shop with a horrifying proposal —a strictly friends-only summer fling. Finn needs a local to help him complete his London bucket list, and Ava needs to reassure Josie she won’t be on her own. And it’s only for a few months.

To Ava’s surprise, their mismatched friendship of convenience becomes oddly tolerable, and as they work their way through Finn’s list and around the sun-drenched city, from rooftops and floating bars to nights at the museum, their adventures—and Finn’s company—start to feel . . . nice. Incredibly, terrifyingly, dangerously nice.

Still, rules are rules—Ava has good reasons for them—and as the days get shorter, Finn’s departure gets closer. Because that’s the thing about summer: it always ends. Right?
https://amzn.to/3F3l7ih

This debut had a surprising twist in the grumpy/sunshine ouvre – she’s the grump, and he is pure sunshine. Ava works as a barista in a London coffeeshop. She hates her job, but it is also perfect for her; she likes the routine but hates dealing with the customers, and she’s none too subtle about it. Her best friend and roommate, Josie, is concerned about Ava because she has no social life other than her one-night stands. Josie wants Ava to make some friends, and when she pushes her, Ava tells her that Finn is her new friend.

Finn works across the street from the coffee shop, but lingers in the store on the regular. He is in London for the summer, then he’s off to parts unknown. Finn has traveled the world, and starts getting antsy when he’s in one place for too long. In every new city he visits, he creates a bucket list of touristy things to do and see, and his London list is extensive. When cornered about being Ava’s new friend, he agrees to deceive Josie but insists that Ava help him with his London bucket list. And a friendship begins.

As Ava and Finn experience what London has to offer, feelings begin to grow. Ava is determined to quash those feelings and continues with her dating app one-night stands until it just stops working for her. But Finn has a deadline – he has applied to work for the same company his father works for, in San Francisco. He has a complicated relationship with his parents, but he figures his father will be impressed with the new job and will want to spend time with him, something he has felt sorely lacking in his life.

But nothing goes as planned for Ava or for Finn. Complicated doesn’t begin to cover the baggage they are both carrying, but their friendship is real and deep. There is a lot of humor here, and their banter is fabulous. I couldn’t help but root for them to find their happy ending, and for Finn especially to learn how to deal with his family and their fraught relationship. Nothing makes me happier than finding a new author. This was a terrific debut, and I’m looking forward to reading whatever Stone comes up with next.

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE FRIENDSHIP FLING by Georgia Stone. Harper Perennial (June 3, 2025). ISBN: 978-0063434790. 384p.

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Spotlight Review: PARK AVENUE by Renée Ahdieh

June 3, 2025

From the publisher:

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

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

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

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

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

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

©Library Journal, 2025

6/2025 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

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

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THE CHAI FACTOR by Farah Heron

November 15, 2024

From the publisher:

Amira Khan has no plans to break her no-dating rule.

Thirty-year-old engineer Amira Khan has set one rule for herself: no dating until her grad-school thesis is done. Nothing can distract her from completing a paper that is so good her boss will give her the promotion she deserves when she returns to work in the city. Amira leaves campus early, planning to work in the quiet basement apartment of her family’s house. But she arrives home to find that her grandmother has rented the basement to . . . a barbershop quartet. Seriously? The living situation is awkward: Amira needs silence; the quartet needs to rehearse for a competition; and Duncan, the small-town baritone with the flannel shirts, is driving her up the wall.

As Amira and Duncan clash, she is surprised to feel a simmering attraction for him. How can she be interested in someone who doesn’t get her, or her family’s culture? This is not a complication she needs when her future is at stake. But when intolerance rears its ugly head and people who are close to Amira get hurt, she learns that there is more to Duncan than meets the eye. Now she must decide what she is willing to fight for. In the end, it may be that this small-town singer is the only person who sees her at all.

https://amzn.to/3CdQtBo

I’ve read a few of Heron’s books and enjoyed them, so when this one popped up as a recommendation, and I saw it was her debut novel, I decided to give it a read. There’s a theme of dealing with racism that just seemed appropriate at this time in our country, I’m sorry to say. But not to worry, there is plenty of humor, some heat, and an opposites attract, forced proximity romance at the heart of this story.

Amira runs into a little problem on the way home. A man on the train is making her feel uncomfortable, and another man who looks like a lumberjack comes to her rescue. But Amira is not the type who wants to be rescued. She needs to finish her master’s thesis in hopes of a promotion at work, so she decides to come home and make use of the solitude of her grandmother’s basement apartment. But when she gets there, she finds out the other bedrooms have been rented to a barbershop quartet, and all she knows about that is they need to sing. All the time. Not exactly conducive to studying.

One of the quartet turns out to be her lumberjack rescuer – Duncan Galahad (that name is a bit on the nose for me.) Amira can’t fault her grandmother; after all, she is staying there rent-free. She gets the quartet to agree to a schedule, and they fall into an easy friendship, despite their different backgrounds and cultures. Two of the men are a couple, the third is engaged, but Duncan is single. As he and Amira get to know one another, a physical attraction becomes apparent, leading to some suggestive sex. Amira likes to take charge in the bedroom, and Duncan finds that really hot, but it all takes place behind closed doors so we are not privy to that.

I enjoyed this – I like reading about different cultures, and these characters were all interesting. This was a terrific debut and as good a read as I expected from this author. Highly recommend.

11/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

THE CHAI FACTOR by Farah Heron. HarperCollins Publishers (June 11, 2019). ISBN: 978-1464220128. 464p.

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Spotlight Review: LAST CALL AT THE LOCAL by Sarah Grunder Ruiz

January 30, 2024

From the publisher:

Opposites attract when a free-spirited American singer-songwriter with ADHD teams up with a charming Irishman to revitalize his family’s pub in the next heartfelt romance from the author of Luck and Last Resorts.

Raine Hart is used to the challenges of living with ADHD. It’s why she ditched her life in Boston to busk around Europe as a traveling musician. No boss. No schedule. No one to disappoint but herself. But when a careless mistake in Ireland leaves her unable to perform, she sees no other option but to give up her nomadic life.

Since inheriting the Local, Jack Dunne has wanted to make the pub his own. But the baggage of running a family business and the intrusive thoughts that stem from his OCD make changing things a challenge.

Over a pint with handsome, tattooed Jack, Raine accidentally insults him and the pub. Instead of taking offense, Jack, impressed by her vision of what the pub could be, offers her a job bringing it to life.

But when Raine and Jack develop feelings for one another their opposite lifestyles won’t accommodate, it becomes clear the pub isn’t the only thing that needs reinventing. As the end of their business collaboration draws near, they’ll have to find a way past the limits they’ve placed on themselves or let go of a love that could last a lifetime.

With the clock ticking and time running out to win her dream job in Paris, Georgia begins to unravel some astonishing secrets that make her wonder if the true recipe for a charmed life might look—and taste—very different than she ever imagined.

“This warm romance sparkles with Irish charm and is filled with delectable banter. The leads are immensely lovable and thoughtfully crafted…Compassionate and completely charming.”—Kirkus (starred)

“Ruiz shines in this moving and adorable tale of neurodivergent love in a cozy Irish town…Ruiz handles her characters’ intrusive thoughts and exaggerated fears with uncommon grace and sensitivity and makes it clear throughout that, despite their anxieties, these two are perfect for each other.”—Publishers Weekly (starred)

“Readers will be drawn to Ruiz’s sweet romance about taking a chance on something and someone new.”—Booklist

“Ruiz (Luck and Last Resorts) writes sensitively about two people trying to thrive amid personal issues and the relief one feels in finding a kindred soul.”—Library Journal
https://amzn.to/3HxVHan

An American singer-songwriter, Raine Hart, has learned to live with her ADHD by moving across the pond and busking her way through Europe. She lands in a pub in a small town in Ireland after she is robbed of everything – her guitar, her cell phone, everything she needs to make a living. She ends up in a discussion with a good looking man named Jack about the pub. He asks her opinion about it, and she is frank in her assessment. Then she finds out he is the owner and is mortified. Much to her surprise, instead of anger, she gets a job offer to make her vision for the pub a reality.

Raine needs to earn enough money to buy a new guitar – hers was irreplaceable. Jack gives her a place to stay – his apartment above the bar, while he stays with his brother. As they spend time together, they both recognize that they each have some issues; Raine with her ADHD, and Jack, with OCD. They learn to work together and no one is surprised when they develop feelings for one another. But Raine can’t stay in one place, and Jack can’t leave his family business.

This is a charming, witty read and the romance rings true. These two imperfect people find one another and manage to get to their happily ever after, and it is a joy to take that journey with them. Highly recommend!

1/2024 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

LAST CALL AT THE LOCAL by Sarah Grunder Ruiz. Berkley (January 2, 2024). ISBN: 978-0593549063. 368p.

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Spotlight Review: JANA GOES WILD by Farah Heron

June 6, 2023

From the publisher:

The highly acclaimed author of Accidentally Engaged delivers a delightful rom-com of one woman trying to shed her perfect image at a destination wedding with hilarious—and moving—results, perfect for fans of Abby Jimenez and Jasmine Guillory.

Jana Suleiman has never really fit in—everyone always sees her as too aloof, too cool, too perfect. The one time she stepped out of her comfort zone she ended up with a broken heart and a baby on the way. Aaaand lesson learned. Now she’s a bridesmaid for a destination wedding in Serengeti National Park, and almost everyone she knows will be there. Her five-year-old daughter. Her mom. Her friends. Even her potential new boss. And of course (because who doesn’t love surprises!) her gorgeous-but-not-to-be-trusted ex.

Fortunately, Anil Malek is a great dad, even if Jana hasn’t quite forgiven him for lying to her all those years ago. Determined to show he has no effect on her whatsoever, she and the bridesmaids concoct a go-wild list to get Jana through the week. Sing karaoke? Sure. Perform their high school dance routine in front of strangers? Okay. But the more she lets down her guard, the less protection she has against her attraction to Anil. And Jana soon realizes it’s one thing to walk on the wild side . . . and quite another to fall for her ex all over again.

“A beautiful, compelling romance celebrating second chances and forgiveness.”―Kirkus, starred review

“The unique setting and delightful dynamic within the rest of the wedding party add to the charm. This is a treat.” ―Publishers Weekly

“This satisfying second-chance romance offers a big-hearted, clear-eyed examination of parenting and rekindling of old flames.” ―Library Journal, starred review
https://amzn.to/3IRgs21

I loved the setting of this book, it was super interesting and almost felt like another character; a wedding in Tasmania. The only thing I knew about Tasmania was based on the Tasmanian Devil, a cartoon character that may or may not be based on an actual animal. I am a great reader but, I’m sorry to say, geographically ignorant. So anytime I get to learn about someplace new to me is always going to heighten my interest. But let’s face it, if it was just a book on Tasmania I never would have picked it up. It’s the romance and the family drama here that made this book unputdownable for me.

A few years earlier, Jana had a relationship with Anil, that ended when she found out he was married. That wasn’t the worst of it, though – she had a child and was managing on her own with some family help. She interviews for a new job with much less traveling that seemed like it would be a great place to work, plus she really liked the man who interviewed her, her potential boss.

While waiting to hear about the job, she packs up herself and her daughter and heads off to Tasmania, where she is a bridesmaid in a destination wedding, and her daughter is the flower girl. To her shock, Anil is one of the groomsmen, and her potential new boss is also attending the wedding. What Jana doesn’t know is that her mother has been telling everyone, all her friends and relatives, that Jana is divorced when the truth is, she never married.

The more time Jana spends with Anil and her boss-to-be, the harder it is to protect her mother from her own lies. It turns out Anil may not be the bad guy Jana believes him to be, and she’s never really sure if this wedding will help or hinder her chances at that new job. But it is so much fun to find out!

This is a terrific story with warm, engaging characters, a lot of laughs, some steamy bedroom moments, and of course, the happy ending. I loved it.

6/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

JANA GOES WILD by Farah Heron. Forever (May 2, 2023). ISBN: 978-1538725450. 352pp.

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Spotlight Review: HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS AND UNFAIRLY CUTE by Talia Hibbert

January 10, 2023

From the publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of the Brown Sisters trilogy, comes a laugh-out-loud story about a quirky content creator and a clean-cut athlete testing their abilities to survive the great outdoors—and each other.

Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect. He’s a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes . . . except the ones he shares with his ex-best friend, Celine.

Celine Bangura is conspiracy-theory-obsessed. Social media followers eat up her takes on everything from UFOs to holiday overconsumption—yet, she’s still not cool enough for the popular kids’ table. Which is why Brad abandoned her for the in-crowd years ago. (At least, that’s how Celine sees it.)

These days, there’s nothing between them other than petty insults and academic rivalry. So when Celine signs up for a survival course in the woods, she’s surprised to find Brad right beside her.

Forced to work as a team for the chance to win a grand prize, these two teens must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. And as this adventure brings them closer together, they begin to remember the good bits of their history. But has too much time passed . . . or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?

“A zippy rom-com with strong characterization, bursting with Gen Z–approved verbal sparring and stolen kisses.” —Kirkus Reviews

“A great addition to any library’s YA shelves, especially where there’s a gap in the collection for love stories featuring Black teens.”—David Roberts, School Library Journal
https://amzn.to/3ZepM6q

I loved all of Hibbert’s books, so when this book start showing up on all the “2023 romances not to be missed” lists, I was all in. This book is firmly set in young adult (YA) territory, not something I read very often. I haven’t been a YA for more years than I care to think about! But my love for this author won out, and I’m very glad I read it.

Celine and Brad are our main protagonists in this friends-to-enemies-to-lovers romance. And they happen to be Black, and both have some mental health issues. Brad has been struggling with OCD but through therapy has learned how to manage it. For the most part. Celine has some self-esteem issues, yet comes across as really full of herself, the know-it-all of the school. Luckily, her grades reflect that, but deep inside she knows she’s different, and not necessarily in a good way.

Their mothers are best friends, and Celine and Brad were as well until they got to high school. Football (soccer) star Brad becomes one of the most popular kids, and Celine feels like he is leaving her behind. They are either ignoring one another or sniping at one another, there is no in-between with them. Until they both apply for this very prestigious scholarship program.

Brad wants the scholarship because that will give him the freedom to live on his own, without having to deal with a roommate. His OCD is best managed when he doesn’t have to deal with other people’s messes. Celine wants the scholarship because one of the sponsors is the law firm where the father who abandoned her works, and she wants to rub his face in her success.

This scholarship competition involves two camping trips where all the students will be constantly observed and graded on their teamwork and leadership skills. The top three scores win full rides to the college of their choice. And just having gone through the process – it is limited to only 20 participants – can give these students a formidable leg up, both in their college choices and careers that lie ahead. But both Celine and Brad know that sniping at each other is going to cause them both to lose, so a truce is declared. As they work together, they both start remembering why they were such good friends and eventually, their fake friendship becomes real again. And then it becomes something more.

I am no judge as to what teens or 20-somethings like in a book, so all I can say is that I loved it. The story was completely absorbing, and I couldn’t help but care about Celine and Brad. I wanted them to find their happy ending, even though they were so young and still had their whole lives ahead of them. It all rang true to me, especially the way they both struggled to find the courage to say “I love you.” I met my husband when I was 17, and he was 19, and here we are 40+ years later, so I believe that you can find your person at any age if you’re lucky!

1/2023 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS AND UNFAIRLY CUTE by Talia Hibbert. Joy Revolution (January 3, 2023). ISBN:‎ 978-0593482353. 336p.

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MOM JEANS AND OTHER MISTAKES by Alexa Martin

December 2, 2022

From the publisher:

Two best friends say “I do” to living together, for better or worse, in this bold women’s fiction novel from Alexa Martin.

Jude Andrews is famous. Well, at least on Instagram. Her brand is clean eating, good vibes, Pilates, and casually looking like a sun-kissed goddess. In real life, however, she’s a total disaster. She has a strained relationship with her fame-hungry mom and her latest bad decision emptied out her entire savings account.

Lauren Turner had a plan: graduate medical school and become the top surgeon in the country. But when she became unexpectedly pregnant, those plans changed. And when her fiancé left her, they changed again. Now navigating the new world of coparenting, mom groups, and dating, she decides to launch a mommy podcast with all the advice she wishes someone had given her.

Jude and Lauren don’t have much in common, but maybe that’s why they’ve been best friends since the third grade. Through ups and downs, they’ve been by each other’s sides. But now? They’re broke, single, and do the only thing that makes sense—move in together, just like they talked about when they were teenagers. Except when they were younger, the plan didn’t include a five-year-old daughter and more baggage than their new townhouse can hold.

“Full of laughter, romance, and a few startup scares, the latest from sports romance author Martin (Snapped; Blitzed) packs a punch…Readers of this hilarious, heartfelt novel will feel like they’re chatting with their BFF. It dives deep into family issues but keeps readers on their toes as Jude and Lauren deal with what life throws at them.”—Library Journal

“I can’t wait to see what she writes next.”—USA Today
https://amzn.to/3Vdm8rf

I missed this when it came out in September, but I’m so glad I found it! This book is a bit of a departure for Martin who has been writing the best sports romances, although her most recent book, Better Than Fiction, didn’t have sports figures but rather was a romance between an author and a bookseller (right in my wheelhouse!) This book moves her out of the romance genre and into women’s fiction, and she does it with the same strong storytelling, character building skills that are in all her books.

Let me add kudos to Berkley for not forcing her to change her name to some pseudonym because she’s writing in a new genre. I hate when publishers do that. Most recently I felt like I was scammed because Scandalized by Ivy Owens was publicized as this fabulous debut novel, but turns out it was written by Lauren Billings, half of the “Christina Laurens” writing duo that has written several terrific books. Because this was only written by Billings, they changed her name altogether which I totally don’t understand. Why have this bestselling author write under a pseudonym? No wonder it was so well written – this woman is a pro! Why not tell people that? Even after dealing with them for over 20 years, I still don’t understand how publicists’ minds work.

Anyway, back to Mom Jeans. This is a book about women’s friendships and it was so good! Jude and Lauren have been friends since they were kids. When Lauren’s husband dumps her and their daughter, they move in with her parents, but that just isn’t a sustainable way to live. There is too much friction there; Lauren dropped out of medical school when she got pregnant, and her lawyer mother is none too thrilled about that. So Jude, Lauren, and her young daughter all move in together and form their own “sister wives” family. Everybody benefits until Jude makes a tragic mistake that sends Lauren packing.

Meanwhile, Lauren’s ex has found a new girlfriend, Stephanie, and surprisingly, Lauren really likes her – she’s kind and thoughtful and so good to her daughter. Her ex, on the other hand, is an arrogant doctor and has been pretty much absent from their lives until he hooks up with Stephanie. Then he decides to sue for custody and things get really ugly.

Lauren is a Black woman, and her ex is a white doctor, so they feel the odds are in his favor. Jude comes up with the idea of doing a podcast on parenting, thinking it will give Lauren an edge in the custody battle. Jude is a social media influencer with millions of followers, and she is really good at her job. Taking those influencer skills to promote a new podcast is a surefire way to help it get off the ground. “Mom Jeans and Martinis” takes off, and Lauren finds herself loving her new job.

I loved this story of strong women helping one another. These characters are flawed for sure, but watching them grow and change is half the fun. I learned about social media influencers and how that all works, so that was interesting, too. All in all, Martin’s first women’s fiction book is a terrific read. Frankly, I will read anything this woman writes and I’m really looking forward to her next book!

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

MOM JEANS AND OTHER MISTAKES by Alexa Martin. Berkley (September 7, 2021). ISBN:‎ 978-0593198896. 384p.

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Spotlight Review: BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin

November 29, 2022

From the publisher:

Love isn’t always by the book in this charming romantic comedy about a bookseller discovering how to be the main character in her story.

As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best—meddle.

Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From going river rafting to trying local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.

When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.

One of…
Amazon’s Best Romances of November
Buzzfeed’s New Romances to Read This Fall
Cosmopolitan’s Best Books Coming Out In November
Bustle’s Most Anticipated Books of November
Women’s Health’s Swooniest Romance Novels of 2022

“Martin (Intercepted) shines in this enchanting tale of a reluctant bookstore owner and the author who shows her love is possible…The charmingly ornery Drew makes a great contrast, and it’s emotionally satisfying to watch her high walls come down. Stellar supporting characters—especially Drew’s bestie, Elsie, and sister, Daisy—add humor throughout. The result is utterly entertaining.”—Publishers Weekly

“Martin’s latest multicultural contemporary rom-com explores grief and anxiety and is romantic with just the right amount of spice.”—Booklist
https://amzn.to/3Vdm8rf

I loved Alexa Martin’s Playbook series, and while I understand all good things must come to an end. it was still disappointing to hear. But then I read this book – I believe it is a standalone and it was so good! Even if it did feature a main character who hates reading. Cannot relate to that at all, but part of the happy ending, at least for me, is that the book hater gets reformed. Whew!

Drew Young is the book hater who also owns a bookstore. Yeah, does not compute. Turns out she inherited the bookstore from her beloved grandmother, bypassing her vituperative father who is still determined to get his hands on the store, just to sell it for the real estate value. He already sold the house his mother left him without letting Drew even take a memento. Growing up helping out her grandmother in the store didn’t instill a love of reading, but she is determined to keep her grandmother’s store running.

Luckily for Drew, a group of her grandmother’s closest friends, who she dubs the “Dirty Birds” are always around to lend a hand. In fact, they have invited a best-selling author to meet with their book group in the store. Jasper Williams, a sort of Nicholas Sparks type author only his books have the romance standard happily ever after (HEA) while Sparks’ are always tear jerkers. But he’s the only man I know to write straight romance-adjacent books, so that’s where my mind went. Naturally, Drew’s never read his books but is happy to have the author visit, especially since all she has to do is sell books.

When Jasper stops by prior to his event, Drew is shocked to find he is a very good-looking young man, around her age in fact. He seems drawn to Drew as well, and they decide to help one another. Drew has lived in Colorado all her life and is a photographer. She’s given up her dream to run the store. Jasper tends to move for each of his books, so he will be in Colorado for a while. He needs to learn about the area for his latest book, and when Drew gives him a detailed list, he has a counter-offer; he will give her a list of books to read, and she will take him to the places on her list. It’s a good way for these characters to spend time together, but things get complicated the more Drew’s father sticks his nose in.

I loved these characters and a bookstore setting always works for me! The romance is slow building and powerful, there is definitely an HEA, and the “Dirty Birds” add to the fun. Martin has never let me down; all of her books are terrific as is this new one. Highly recommend!

11/2022 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch

BETTER THAN FICTION by Alexa Martin. Berkley (November 8, 2022). ISBN:‎ 978-0593337226. 336p.