LOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! I picked this opposites attract romance up because the cover was cute and I honestly had zero expectations.
What I found waLOVED THIS BOOK SO MUCH!!! I picked this opposites attract romance up because the cover was cute and I honestly had zero expectations.
What I found was a new favorite YA book involving an introverted Princeton bound daughter of an American diplomatic lawyer living in Rome who fake dates and falls for a Scottish member of royalty (not knowing he had a title).
Full of food, Italian sightseeing and tons of paparazzi drama and perfect for fans of Audrey Hepburn and A Roman holiday. This was great on audio narrated by Teralyn Davis.
I now have a new auto-buy author and I honestly can't recommend this one enough! Luca was swoony and Astoria (Stori) was a strong, incredibly memorable FMC.
HUGE thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!
⚠️CW: parental death from drug overdose, drug addiction...more
OH MAN! How are people not raving about this seemingly underrated gem??? That is the true mystery but an even better one is in this dual timeline storOH MAN! How are people not raving about this seemingly underrated gem??? That is the true mystery but an even better one is in this dual timeline story about missing paintings, family secrets and art heists. I am unable to resist a good archival mystery and anyone who enjoyed Possession by A.S. Byatt will NOT want to skip this one!! It was great on audio and thoroughly entertaining. I honestly cannot recommend this book enough!! ALL.THE.STARS!!!...more
WOW!! What a standout Middle Grade debut this was!!! One of the best ones I've read all year by far, this book tackles BIG feelings and has important WOW!! What a standout Middle Grade debut this was!!! One of the best ones I've read all year by far, this book tackles BIG feelings and has important messages about learning how to be brave, be a good friend, daughter, sister and how to apologize and forgive when people let you down.
Told from the POV of two friends who having a falling out, this story is multi-layered one about four former best friends and soccer teammates who learn how to forgive one another and show up for one another. There is also a fun online penpal element, poetry interspersed throughout and a heartwarming first crush Sapphic romance.
EXCELLENT on audio narrated by Bailey Carr and Elsa Lepeccki Bean, this is one NOT to miss and is perfect for fans of books like Key player by Kelly Yang or The beautiful game by Yamile Saied Méndez. Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! I cannot wait to read what Erin Becker writes next!!...more
This felt like a classical music version of Center Stage - if you liked that movie you will LOVE Not another love song!!!!! I was OBSESSED with Julie This felt like a classical music version of Center Stage - if you liked that movie you will LOVE Not another love song!!!!! I was OBSESSED with Julie Soto's debut, Forget me not, last year and this follow up did NOT disappoint!!
I love a he falls first, dual POV romance and learning more about the classical orchestra music world was a pure delight! The Cello love scene is this book was SMOKIN' HOT - like out of this world steamy, burn your undies off SPICY!!
I devoured this book and couldn't get enough. Both Gwen and Alex were exceptional and unforgettable main characters with ELECTRIC chemistry. Julie Soto is officially an auto-buy author who I will drop everything to read when it comes across my greedy little hands!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review! If you haven't yet had the pleasure of reading one of her books you are MISSING OUT!!!!! I cannot recommend Julie's work enough!...more
An OUTSTANDING debut by a not to miss new Canadian author. If you enjoy layered, psychological thrillers, this story about two gifted psychopaths is aAn OUTSTANDING debut by a not to miss new Canadian author. If you enjoy layered, psychological thrillers, this story about two gifted psychopaths is a must read!
The premise of a secluded center that studies young kids diagnosed with psychopathy and the cat and mouse games between two 'outliers' who are able to succeed in life far beyond the others was original and gripping.
Told from multiple POVs, with climate change elements and great insights into the neurodiversity of the human brain. I enjoyed this a lot, especially on audio narrated by a full cast! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is perfect for fans of books like Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent, Never saw me coming by Vera Kurian or Love letters to a serial killer by Tasha Coryell. Highly recommended and I can't wait to read what Elisabeth Eaves writes next!!...more
A plant-loving librarian-witch and all the "cottagecore" vibes had me sold on this book from the first chapter! I was SOOO invested in this new to me A plant-loving librarian-witch and all the "cottagecore" vibes had me sold on this book from the first chapter! I was SOOO invested in this new to me author's romantasy debut and I can't recommend it enough, especially for fans of Sarah Addison Allen and TJ Klune. Great on audio, this was a whimsical, feel-good, story about found family, food, love and saving the natural world. HIGHLY recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!...more
An evisceratingly raw look at the ups and downs of a marriage from its very beginnings to its breakdown and the aftermath. Raw, honest and utterly relAn evisceratingly raw look at the ups and downs of a marriage from its very beginnings to its breakdown and the aftermath. Raw, honest and utterly relatable, this book will break your heart and make you ache in the best possible ways!!! Perfect for fans of the movie Stepmom or the show, Parenthood. This is sure to be an underrated gem of a book this year by a new to me author. It was great on audio and was so so so relatable and real! I cannot recommend it enough! Many thanks to @prhaudio for a complimentary audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
CW: miscarriage, deaf/hard of hearing rep and ALS...more
This was an extremely emotionally charged YA romance between a Latina teen street racer and a neurodivergent aspiring astronaut. Perfect for fans of tThis was an extremely emotionally charged YA romance between a Latina teen street racer and a neurodivergent aspiring astronaut. Perfect for fans of the Fast & the Furious franchise, this book was beautifully written with gorgeous prose and magical lines that had my heart melting! It was also full of drama, found family, first love, grief, loss and lots of action. It was amazing on audio narrated by Stacey Gonzales and I can't recommend it enough!! Many thanks to Libro.fm and the publisher for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!...more
This was SO SO good!! Fans of WWII historical fiction, unforgettable female main characters and authors like Pam Jenoff do not want to miss this latesThis was SO SO good!! Fans of WWII historical fiction, unforgettable female main characters and authors like Pam Jenoff do not want to miss this latest by best-selling author Lisa Barr. With a little bit of everything, from a dual timeline narrative, to an unrequited love story, espionage, courage and bravery and heartbreaking loss, this book was incredible on audio and frankly unputdownable. I won't soon forget these characters and it was so timely to the increasing anti-semitism going on in the world today. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy in exchange for my honest review!!...more
WOW!! All the stars for this impressive, creative, unputdownable sophomore novel from the author of The wishing game! It's really hard to top a stellaWOW!! All the stars for this impressive, creative, unputdownable sophomore novel from the author of The wishing game! It's really hard to top a stellar debut but Meg Shaffer has certainly done it with The lost story!
A modern fairy tale with nods to The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe by C.S. Lewis and perfect for fans of Guy Gavriel Kay's The Fionavar Tapestry series or the television show, Once upon a time with its amazing fairy tale twists.
I loved the mix of modern and fantasy, the parallel world, the bonds of sisterhood, friendship and queer love plus the complicated, messy family dynamics of an emotionally and physically abusive, homophobic parent. There was also excellent disability rep in the form of a Schizophrenic parent who committed suicide.
Other parts I loved about this book included the chapter asides by the omniscient mysterious 'storyteller,' and the epic quest nature of the book where the characters are forced to make terribly hard decisions about life and love.
Amazing on audio narrated by Jorjeana Marie and HIGHLY recommended! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review!!
A FANTASTIC dual timeline feminist reimagining of who the true writer of Shakespeare's plays was. In this latest from best-selling author Jodi PicoultA FANTASTIC dual timeline feminist reimagining of who the true writer of Shakespeare's plays was. In this latest from best-selling author Jodi Picoult, she brings to light the life of Emilia Bassano, a little know figure who lived during the Elizabethan era. Largely, forgotten to history, Picoult makes a strong case for Bassano being the real voice behind many of the Shakespeare plays.
The present day timeline follows Melina, a young aspiring playwright who discovers her connection to Bassano and writes a play about her. Scared to put her work out there again after getting lambasted by an important critic in the past, her best friend submits her new play without her knowledge, using the name, Mel. This leads to a whole series of mistaken identity disasters in which Melina begs her friend to pose as the author of her play.
This story is perfect for theatre lovers and those who like to read about marginalized writers of all kinds. There is a bit of romance, great friendships, adultery, domestic abuse, loss, grief and pandemics from both time periods. Great on audio with a full cast narration and a must read author's note included at the end.
Highly recommended for fans of books like Maggie O'Farrell's Hamnet, Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomon and Possession by A.S. Byant. This will definitely be a standout read for me and is my new favorite by Picoult....more
Another FANTASTIC Kirsten Miller book that did not disappoint! Arguably my MOST anticipated book of 2024, I was sooo excited to receive an early ARC cAnother FANTASTIC Kirsten Miller book that did not disappoint! Arguably my MOST anticipated book of 2024, I was sooo excited to receive an early ARC copy of this one and devoured it in one sitting!
EXTREMELY relevant, this book is set in Southern Georgia and follows the happenings in one small town as an older woman, Lula Dean, advocates book banning and has her little free library taken over surreptitiously by banned books hidden inside the sleeves of more innocuous ones.
Told from multiple POVs that highlight the difficult lives of various town members, who are targeted for being Jewish, queer and a number of other 'taboo' things, this book does such a great job fighting for why it's important to stand up to hate in all forms and fight for the freedom to read books that serve to change lives and open minds.
An impassioned, must-read with tons of heart that could literally be ripped from the headlines of any American (or Canadian) town, this book will have you rooting for the underdogs and cheering for justice to be served.
I loved how secrets and wrongs from the past get dragged into the light and the way Lula Dean's own children come to save the day in the end through a Drag story time!!
10/10 recommend. I don't think I could love this book more if I tried, especially as a proud steward of a Little Free Library myself.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy, William Morrows for a physical ARC and Librofm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest feedback.
⚠️CW: anti-Semitism, rape, hate crimes, homophobia, transphobia...more
There is just something about Catherine Newman's writing that really speaks to me!! In Sandwich, we get to know menopausal Rocky, as she returns for aThere is just something about Catherine Newman's writing that really speaks to me!! In Sandwich, we get to know menopausal Rocky, as she returns for a beloved Cape Cod rental with her grown children and aging parents.
Full of nostalgia, family secrets and utterly relatable commentary on aging, motherhood, loss, marriage, parenting and queer identities. I devoured this tender, yet funny book about family that is centred around flashbacks from summers past.
Great on audio narrated by Nan McNamara, this is the PERFECT beach read for the summer. Older women will find pieces of themselves in Rocky and anyone who has had years of family vacations won't be able but help to reminisce!
I cannot recommend this book enough if you want a quick yet profound read with beautiful writing from a singular voice that truly speaks to a whole generation of aging women. Catherine Newman has quickly become one of my very favorite authors!! Recommended for fans of Ann Patchett.
An incredibly moving and vulnerable collection of essays from a diverse group of disabled individuals and I am just so grateful that Alice Wong manageAn incredibly moving and vulnerable collection of essays from a diverse group of disabled individuals and I am just so grateful that Alice Wong managed to find the strength and time to compile and edit this book in the midst of her own recent health challenges.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that many of these essays were written by neurodivergent authors and there was a number that cover topics such as the complex caregiver-"patient" relationship and the toll that takes on both as well as the unique level of intimacy and trust involved in such relationships (something not talked about a lot).
Other essays talk about the challenges of finding romantic partners or taking control of their sexuality in various ways to celebrate and profit from their disabled bodies. All of these essays are deeply personal and offer new insights into disabled love, desire and intimacy and I couldn't have enjoyed it any more if I tried.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy of this incredible book. This is a must read for both disabled and able bodied folks alike and a wonderful companion to Wong's earlier book, Disability visibility....more
An OUTSTANDING second chance, dual POV, romance debut that sees two former high school flames reconnecting at their high school reunion and making a bAn OUTSTANDING second chance, dual POV, romance debut that sees two former high school flames reconnecting at their high school reunion and making a bet on whether true love and soulmates exist and on the fate of the relationships of four of their couple friends as well as whether they will ever find a chance to make it work together.
Lots of missed timing, hurt feelings and a story that takes place over a number of years, including before, during and after the pandemic, this book was unputdownable and really great on audio narrated by Christine Larkin and Tim Paige. 10/10 recommend and I cannot wait to read more by this author! Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review.
This is an ABSOLUTE must read for book lovers, librarians and booksellers. I was pleasantly surprised with the range and diversity of stories from peoThis is an ABSOLUTE must read for book lovers, librarians and booksellers. I was pleasantly surprised with the range and diversity of stories from people both in the States AND Canada.
There was also some great queer representation/persepectives and an important focus on the recent trend of book banning/book challenges.
So many heartwarming stories about helping readers find books that speak to them and encouraging literacy, meeting authors, etc.
A PERFECT pick for Independent Bookstore day or as a gift for the favorite book lover in your life. 10/10 recommend!!!...more
This book totally lived up to all the rave reviews I've been seeing! If you enjoy second chance love stories, country music, comeback stories, small tThis book totally lived up to all the rave reviews I've been seeing! If you enjoy second chance love stories, country music, comeback stories, small town stories, high school sweethearts and books about food and family this one is for you!!
Fair warning that alcoholism and a gun shooting play a big part in this book but if that's not a trigger for you, definitely don't miss out on this wonderful book!!! Great on audio and my absolute new favorite by Jeff Zentner!!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and Libro.fm for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! Highly recommended for fans of the old school George Strait movie, Dusty!!...more
This was another FANTASTIC, heartfelt and important YA book about Noor, a young Desi Muslim teen girl who moves to a new small town with her mother anThis was another FANTASTIC, heartfelt and important YA book about Noor, a young Desi Muslim teen girl who moves to a new small town with her mother and brother after her father divorces her mom and basically abandons the family.
The book deals with the challenges of having a parent going through depression and mental health struggles and also focuses on the importance of standing up for what's right in the face of ignorance, bigotry and racism.
When books in Noor's new school starting getting challenged and removed, she can't stand for it and takes up the cause to fight for all the books by LGBTQ and BIPOC authors, establishing little free libraries around her town that feature the banned books.
Moving and heartfelt and so, so relevant to what's going on all around the country with the increasing numbers of censorship and book banning. This was great on audio and a new favorite for me. Highly recommended for fans of books like Ban this book by Alan Gratz or the upcoming Lula Deans' little library of banned books....more
By far one of the BEST autism memoirs I've read! This is a deeply personal, open book about the autism influencer author's journey to getting an autisBy far one of the BEST autism memoirs I've read! This is a deeply personal, open book about the autism influencer author's journey to getting an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, her struggles with self-acceptance, depression and suicidal ideation as well as great commentary and insights into societal ableism and how one autistic person's experience is only one autistic person's experience.
HIGHLY, highly recommended, especially on audio read by the author herself. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Perfect for fans of books like fellow Canadian, Sarah Kurchak's award-winning "I overcame my autism and all I got was this lousy anxiety disorder."...more
WOW. All the stars for this amazing true crime thriller. I love mysteries with a podcast element like this one has plus add in a snarky, sarcastic femWOW. All the stars for this amazing true crime thriller. I love mysteries with a podcast element like this one has plus add in a snarky, sarcastic female protagonist and I was sold from the first few pages. This was great on audio narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron and if you like audiobooks I highly recommended listening to this one. Hands down this one is worth all the hype and is one not to miss for mystery/true crime/cold case lovers....more
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