There's so much more than fake dating happening in STARS IN YOUR EYES, which is told in a back and forth point-of-view between its two main charactersThere's so much more than fake dating happening in STARS IN YOUR EYES, which is told in a back and forth point-of-view between its two main characters, both actors. Mattie is an up-and-coming actor, still sweet and shy, and dealing with shame from being gay thanks to a religious father. He's filming a new movie with the famous (or is it infamous) Logan, known for his bad boy antics. Logan hides his pain--much of it from being abused--behind a gruff exterior, where he pushes everyone away and acts out.
Filming a story about two gay authors that begin a romance, Mattie and Logan suddenly see their film life parallel real life when the producers force them to fake a romance to stir up interest in the movie (and cover up for some of Logan's bad behavior), and the two quickly realize they like each other. But nothing is simple when they each carry so much baggage--and they're under constant public scrutiny.
I really enjoyed hearing the story from both Logan and Mattie's sides and the way Callender interspersed their POVs with snippets from film magazines, blogs, social media, and more. It's a quick read, albeit a powerful one. STARS delves into serious territory including racism and bi-phobia and looks seriously at sexual assault (triggers for assault, rape, suicide idealization, and more). It's really a very tender story showing how love can occur between flawed people with pasts--not every romance is a straightforward, cheery one, as the book illustrates.
There's a bit of relationship and therapy speak that sometimes feels overdone, but overall I enjoyed this one. It's not a feel good story per se, but it's enjoyable, makes good points, and really lets you feel for the characters. ...more
The second book in my "June Pride Reads," SATISFACTION GUARANTEED was absolutely delightful. Focusing on the theme of learning to appreciate yourself-The second book in my "June Pride Reads," SATISFACTION GUARANTEED was absolutely delightful. Focusing on the theme of learning to appreciate yourself--especially through the eyes of others--this is such a feel-good romance. Reserved, practical Cade inherits her aunt's sex toy shop, thrusting her into the orbit of free-spirited Selena, who runs the shop and lives in the cottage behind Cade's aunt's home. Cade quickly realizes the shop is in financial trouble, and she has a short time to turn it around, or Selena loses her job and her home.
I loved that Cade and Selena felt instant attraction but not love-there's a big difference between the two-and it makes the story feel so much more realistic. They have time to develop stronger feelings, and have wonderful slow burn tension and chemistry. Selena's afraid of failure, worried she's a screw-up, and Cade feels she's a boring stick-in-the-mud with no romantic experience, and it's refreshing to see how, to one another, they are amazing. They are backed by a lovable, fun cast of diverse, queer characters and positive messages about appreciating female sexuality and knowing yourself.
Overall, this is a fun-spirited romance with some great messages. 4.5 stars. ...more
A queer romance with a basketball theme, be still my beating heart!
I am such a sucker for sports romances, and Kelly writes a great queer one about wA queer romance with a basketball theme, be still my beating heart!
I am such a sucker for sports romances, and Kelly writes a great queer one about women's basketball, my favorite of all sports. Julie Parker coaches high school basketball, but isn't prepared when the team's newest addition, Vanessa, is picked up by her foster parent, Elle Cochran. Elle just happens to be one of the most famous college basketball players in their state of Tennessee, but hasn't been seen since she left the WNBA six years ago. Julie worshiped Elle growing up and feels completely awkward around her hero. Elle, meanwhile, is trying to adjust to be a foster parent to Vanessa, her niece.
This is such a fun read! I love that a queer basketball romance for adults exists. There are so many good sports tidbits here and the joy of Julie's team discovering themselves on the court. We get references and mentions of Elle's life at UT and in the WNBA... I just love all of this stuff, so I was in seventh heaven.
Of course, at its heart, this is a romance. Julie, we learn, is figuring out who she is and how she relates to others romantically and sexually. Does she believe in labels and do they even apply to her? More practically, does she want to be in a relationship, especially one with Elle? Elle is bringing up feelings Julie hasn't felt in a long time, maybe ever. And Elle herself is attracted to Julie, but finding it hard to come out of the safe cocoon she's made for herself. Kelly allows the characters to be raw and vulnerable, especially as they explore Elle's mental health struggles and Julie's fears and worries about her sexuality.
Elle volunteers to "fake date" Julie to help her learn about relationships and see if it's something she would like. The result is a slow burn romance with funny banter, excellent chemistry, and lots of exploration. The two women are often serious as they explore love, foster parenthood, and queer labels, but the story is really hilarious too. When Julie's cat Snoozles gets sick, for instance--a moment that should seem dire winds up being so amusing.
There are a few times where Julie pontificates a bit much for my taste and the book feels long. This is also the third book in a series. While it's one of those interconnected series where each book stands alone, there are a lot of references to the characters in the previous two books and it sometimes feels as if you're missing out on inside jokes by not reading the earlier books. Overall, though, this is an excellent story that explores queer romance through the prism of basketball and much more.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review....more
Justin's known for helping women find their soulmates--as in, after they break up with him, they find "the one." And thanks to Reddit, everyone knows Justin's known for helping women find their soulmates--as in, after they break up with him, they find "the one." And thanks to Reddit, everyone knows his story. The same thing seems to happen to Emma, so she messages him on Reddit to relate. Before they know it, the two are formulating a plan: they'll date for a bit and then break up, thereby guaranteeing each will find their soulmate.
Suddenly, Emma, a travel nurse, is in Minnesota with her best friend Maddie, where they're living on a small, impractical island. Maddie is the only one who sees through Emma's unresolved trauma and baggage from her difficult childhood, so when Emma's mom shows up, Maddie wants to protect her friend. Justin, meanwhile, is trying to deal with the newfound stress of raising his three younger siblings.
SUMMER covers a bunch of serious topics, ranging from Emma's attachment issues and depression to Justin's siblings and their struggles, but does so in a funny and enjoyable way. Emma and Justin are flawed, sure, and you find yourself frustrated with them, but also able to forgive, because (gasp) these characters are real, with actual backstories, personalities, and foibles that give them reasons for their feelings. Suddenly, the "issues" that pop up in other romances seem like cardboard.
Justin and Emma's chemistry is off the charts, but thankfully there's no instalove here: they converse online first and spend plenty of time getting to know each other. It's impossible not to fall for Justin's sweet nature or root for Emma to settle down. Even better, there are some serious laugh-out-loud moments here, with both Emma and Justin, but also the side characters. Justin's mom and her best friend, for instance, crackle with energy and humor (one word: raccoons). This book just makes you feel happy.
It's impossible to truly sum up this novel, but it's a gorgeous love story steeped in humor and real life. Jimenez's writing is flawless. 4.5+ stars....more
I'm always here for a fun, diverse lesbian romance!
Both Izzy Wells and Lillian Jackson feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Izzy is tryinI'm always here for a fun, diverse lesbian romance!
Both Izzy Wells and Lillian Jackson feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Izzy is trying to keep her local theater afloat, providing a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community and a place for her burlesque troupe Velveteen Crush to practice. Lillian, the ballet master and choreographer for a ballet company, is doing everything she can to keep her own company afloat. When both Velveteen Crush and the Reed-Whitmer Ballet Company win coveted spots on the Great American Talent Show, both Lillian and Izzy have a chance to win enough money to solve all their problems. Only issue? Right before the show they had a very memorable one night stand...
Karelia and Fay Stetz-Waters, a lovely queer couple who has been married over 20 years, said they wrote this book to give an interracial lesbian couple the happy ending they deserve but that is so often sorely lacking in literature. The result is such a great book: it's funny, sexy, and touching. Izzy hides under her stage persona, Blue Lenox, so she can forget about a tough childhood and all the hearts she's broken. Lillian refuses to get attached to anyone, focusing only on ballet due to maternal (and internal) pressure. (Gosh, our childhoods really mess us up, don't they?)
Izzy and Lillian are flawed, real characters, and it's easy to fall for them right away. They even fall for each other immediately, though these two can't admit it without some help from their friends! They are surrounded by a cast of lovable, diverse characters, between Lillian's all-black ballet company and Izzy's troupe. It's such a loving book with an emphasis on found friendship. The two groups compete in a series of increasingly crazy challenges in the reality talent competition while we also watch Izzy and Lillian struggling with their burgeoning attraction.
Overall, I loved this book. Diverse characters! Sexy times and wonderful chemistry! Fun reality show challenges! Definitely worth a read.
I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review. Look for SECOND NIGHT STAND on 05/21/2024!!...more
I keep telling myself to stop requesting random ARCs, but I can't, and the reason is books like this. The premise sounded intriguing, and I adored thiI keep telling myself to stop requesting random ARCs, but I can't, and the reason is books like this. The premise sounded intriguing, and I adored this incredibly charming story. Chef Bryce Weatherford becomes guardian to her three nieces June, 12; Cecily, 8; and Addison, 5, after the death of her brother and sister-in-law. If suddenly leaving her job and moving to a small town to care for these spunky girls isn't enough, Bryce has to fight off guardianship overtures from the girls' maternal grandparents. She finds an unlikely ally in Ryker Matthews, who rescues the group at the grocery store. The former Marine is struggling with own demons, though.
This is a delightful romance filled with fun and serious moments. I'm a total sucker for stories with kids, and Bryce's nieces are silly but very touching as they grapple with the death of their parents. Ryker is a guarded Marine dealing with PTSD; he has a below-the-knee amputation and phantom pain from his missing limb. It's rare to read a book that handles the military, PTSD, and amputation so well--and with the respect these topics deserve. I adored the stoic Ryker and his introverted ways.
CHANGE is still a really funny and cute story even if it touches on some tough subjects. Both Ryker and Bryce have hang ups, between his PTSD and her trying to keep the girls and figure out her life, but the instant attraction between the two crackles. Their banter is witty and sexy. Bryce is a tough cookie, and both main characters are more unique than you see in your usual romance. Overall, I really enjoyed this one. I didn't realize it when I read it, but it's the third in a series about the Matthews brothers, but can be read as a stand-alone. Looking forward to catching up on the first two! 4.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) in return for an unbiased review....more
Dr. Briana Ortiz is miserable. Her divorce from her cheating husband is just about to be finalized. She's living in her childhood home with her sick bDr. Briana Ortiz is miserable. Her divorce from her cheating husband is just about to be finalized. She's living in her childhood home with her sick brother, Benny, who desperately needs a kidney donor just to stay alive. And the promotion she was just about guaranteed? It looks like she has competition from the new doctor, Jacob Maddox, who seems to be taking over her hospital.
"This year was going to be my villain origin story, I just knew it." ~Briana
As always, Abby Jimenez delivers a charming love story. Just when Briana thinks she cannot stand Jacob, he writes her an amazing letter. The two grow close and he even donates a kidney to Benny. In turn, she agrees to "fake date" him to prove that he's over the fact that his brother is dating his ex-girlfriend (not complicated at all, right)? I loved this book, though PART OF YOUR WORLD was just a tad better for me. TRULY dragged a bit with the miscommunication between Jacob and Briana; a few times, I wanted to shake her for being unable to talk to him and not trusting the world's best guy due to her past.
Because, seriously, Jacob was a dream. He is kind, loving, attentive, and sweet. He has anxiety, which was portrayed incredibly well and very realistically. Briana's inability to trust, though--oh my gosh. Just let this man love you! So, yes, our rocky road to HEA was a bit much sometimes. This meant it didn't always feel as witty as some other Jimenez books, though there are some moments with road kill (yup) that were pretty awesome. And Jacob's wonderfully crazy family. Plus we had some great cameos from Alexis and Daniel from WORLD! There's plenty of serious times here too, especially with Benny's illness and Jacob's anxiety. The ending to this one is excellent. 4.25 stars.
Filmmaker Ash Stewart went through a traumatic experience and a subsequent breakup with her ex that completely derailed her career. Now she's making cFilmmaker Ash Stewart went through a traumatic experience and a subsequent breakup with her ex that completely derailed her career. Now she's making commercials and is exiled from the film industry and all her former friends, except the loyal Emma. Business consultant Rose Josten has put everything into a job she does not really like just to take care of her sisters after their parents died. Now, thanks to Emma, Rose is helping Ash chase her filmmaking dream by pitching a new project to a famous producer. Rose should be concentrating on making partner at her firm and Ash should be focusing on her film, but the two of them can't help realizing how much they like each other...
I requested this ARC on a whim because I liked the synopsis and oh wow, I'm so glad I did! I love finding a new author, and this book was really good. It was really sweet, very funny, and often sexy. I completely enjoyed watching Rose and Ash fall for each other. Stetz-Waters wrote a story that is very true to the lesbian experience, and Ash and Rose felt like women that I would be friends with. They were easy to like, but also real and flawed. Ash is struggling after her breakup and being pushed out of the industry. She's scared to open up her heart again. Rose, meanwhile, has a lot of anxieties due to her parents' death and the pressure she's felt to care for her sisters. Neither woman felt like a cardboard character, but instead genuine and fully fleshed out. Honestly, I found both Ash and Rose to be badass and sexy! (Also, it's so great to have a lesbian romance with characters in their 30s and 40s.)
The supporting cast in this book is really fun--Rose's sisters are a trip as is Ash's team helping her film. There are places in this book that made me laugh out loud. (Rose's pugs are the best!) Every one supported each other and Ash's movie project, which just made for a feel-good read. There were occasional miscommunications (always my pet peeve) or kept secrets, but they never lasted long--therefore making this the ideal read for me.
Overall, this is an excellent, touching, and funny read. I loved the romance and story. 4+ stars.
I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review. ...more
Colby is a free-spirited blogger, who travels the world and writes about the various food and experiences she tries. Rip is a straight-laced accountanColby is a free-spirited blogger, who travels the world and writes about the various food and experiences she tries. Rip is a straight-laced accountant and brother of Colby's best friend, Monica. Colby and Rip are united by only two things--their love of Monica and her husband, Brooks, and their children and their mutual hatred of each other, which has only increased since a disastrous date last year. But that all changes when Monica and Brooks are in an accident and Colby and Rip realize they were named co-guardians of their two young children. Suddenly they find themselves living together in Monica and Brooks' house, struggling to raise two broken-hearted kids while grieving themselves. Rip is appalled at Colby's lack of order and routine while Colby cannot believe he wants to put kids on the same tight schedule he abides by. But as time passes, the two realize they have to unite for pure survival.
"Everything about her bothered me, mainly because she was this force of nature that refused to follow any rules but her own. Rules kept people safe."
This book feels like Life As You Know It with Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel's roles reversed. Luckily I find that movie really cute in a very cheesy (and sad) way. Rip is the straight-laced one here, who is traumatized by the past death of his parents and raising his little sister and cannot handle a world where spontaneity (and the possibility of getting hurt) exists. Colby is the free spirit who loves traveling, not planning, and not being tied down to anything. She's also hurt by the fact that she tried to kiss Rip on their one awful date. We hear a lot about this terrible date, but it's still sometimes hard to buy Colby and Rip as a couple--there isn't a ton of character development and it does occasionally feel like they've been tossed together to magically like one another now. The tropes are also heavy with this one between uptight Rip and free loving Colby.
I won't lie, there's definitely some sad parts in this book. The loss of Monica and Brooks is hard, especially reading from a parent perspective. You have to sort of compartmentalize that piece, because romance is a little tough to focus on when you know two kids have lost their parents and Rip lost his sister.
Still, this is a cute story. There are some really funny moments (often involving a geriatric cat, Stu) and the kids are very adorable. Rip and Colby grew on me, and I did find myself rooting for them as time went on. 3.5 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
Alexis Montgomery is an ER doctor with the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's part of the famous Montgomery family of world-renowned surgeonsAlexis Montgomery is an ER doctor with the weight of the world on her shoulders. She's part of the famous Montgomery family of world-renowned surgeons, and her wealthy parents want her to carry on the family legacy of medicine and philanthropy. They especially want her to pass it on with her overbearing surgeon ex, Neil, whom Alexis cannot stand. Her parents may love Neil more than her. When Alexis' car breaks down in the tiny town of Wakan, she meets Daniel, a handsome younger carpenter who helps get her car out of the ditch. Soon a wild bet, some grilled cheese, and an encounter with a baby goat changes Alexis' life, and she cannot help but want Daniel in her world. Despite his youth and the incompatibility of their lives, Alexis and Daniel feel drawn to one another. But she has responsibilities and he's needed in Wakan. How can they overcome the obstacles keeping them apart?
OK, this was easily one of my favorite books so far this year. I LOVED this one! This story has some major serious undertones, as it covers abuse in a variety of forms (trigger for domestic abuse and emotional abuse). Poor Alexis has a terrible former partner in Neil and as for her parents... I was absolutely flabbergasted that anyone could treat their child quite like they did! The book does an excellent job of exploring the dichotomy between what you want in life and the obligations of work and family. Daniel also has responsibilities to his family and the town of Wakan.
Even with some serious plot points, WORLD is such a funny, sweet, and romantic read. The serious balances the silly so well, and I was completely captivated. Daniel and Alexis are great--I needed them to become a couple! This book has everything you could want in a romance. Chemistry, banter, humor, a raccoon encounter, farm animals, embarrassing advice about sexting... it all gels perfectly. I was laughing and crying and rooting for Daniel and Alexis the entire time.
All in all, this is a fantastic read. Each Abby Jimenez book I read gets better and better--and that's saying a lot, because they are all so good!
I received a copy of this book from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.
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