ARC — 10 Things That Never Happened — Alexis Hall — Material World #1

Genre: General Fiction, LGBTQIA+, Romance
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Revolves around a fake amnesia. Describes a head injury and discusses grief, death of parents, and toxic relationships. Contains some sexual content.

Obviously, faking amnesia is never good, yet it made this book truly hilarious. “10 Things That Never Happened” follows Samwise (Sam) Becker, the manager of a bed-and-bath retailer branch, and Jonathan Forest, the owner of said bed-and-bath retailer stores. Sam’s branch is underperforming and that’s got to change—until, well, Sam has a tiny, little accident, bumps his head, and forgets any of their troubles existed? I mean, he didn’t, but he’ll say he did.

This audiobook had me giggling, alright? First off, the narrator, Will Watt, was absolutely amazing. His voice really held my attention and I couldn’t help but binge this audio. All the lying made me anxious, not gonna lie (no pun intended), but watching Sam and Jonathan get to know and accept each other was truly heartwarming.

This book is perfect if you’re looking for a queer romance book for the Holidays! Get it as a stocking stuffer or a full-blown gift (to others or to yourself), you won’t regret it.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

ARC — What the River Knows — Isabel Ibañez — The Secrets of the Nile #1

Genre: Young Adult, General Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Discusses death of parent, kidnapping, murder, colonization, cultural appropriation, and violence in general. Contains some romantic content.

What do you get when you mix a murder mystery of sorts with Egyptology? Well, you get “What the River Knows.” This historial fantasy book is set in the 1800s and it follows Inez Olivera, a Bolivian-Argentinian that sails to Egypt in search for answers after getting word that her parents had died a tragic death in that side of the world.

I am officially a goner for Isabel Ibañez’s storytelling. I loved her novel “Together We Burn” and I thought it would be hard to top, but Ibañez has done just that with “What the River Knows”. I love how she incorporates latin-ness into her novels without it feeling forced or just a diversity token, she engrains this characters with true purpose and identity.

Left with a cliffhanger, I’m a bit anxious about what this duology will bring—like, really, why did that Epilogue have to come along a tear my heart out? Either way this was a very entertaining and captivating read that I would particularly recommend if you’re a fan of Agatha Christie books and Egyptian lore.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 31, 2023

If Only They Knew — Megan Foster

“I may be safe from the paparazzi but I’m far from safe, if there’s anything worse than tabloid news it’s high school gossip.”

Genre: Young Adult
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like alcoholism and stalking. Mentions cheating, divorce, and parental abandonment. Contains some romantic content.

“If Only They Knew” follows Lorri Johnson, an aspiring artist, and her group of friends as they become acquaintances to the newest American teenage heartthrob, Jackson Peters, during his UK concert leg. After a very public confrontation, paparazzi take the story for a ride and link Lorri and Jackson in a way that couldn’t be further from the truth. Shining a light on what it’s like to become famous at a young age but also what it is to be a teenager trying to find yourself, this debut novel is as sweet as they come.

Don’t let yourself be bamboozled by a simple cover, because yes, this was a cute, superstar romance, but it also touched on some heavy subjects, like underage drinking, alcoholism, and feeling like you can’t be yourself. I loved how Lorri and Jackson connected, I would give anything to peak more into their story and how the long distance, busy schedules, and fame in general treated these gentle souls.

Are you looking for a short and clean superstar romance read that’s readily available through Kindle Unlimited? Then “If Only They Knew” is for you.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC — The Search for Us — Susan Azim Boyer

“Thank you.” (…)
“What did I do?” (…)
“You’re the one who jumped in my truck and said, ‘Drive.’” (…)
“You’re the one who drove.” (…)
“We make a great team,”

Genre: Young Adult, General Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on subjects like parental abandonment and alcoholism leading to DUIs and casualties.

This is a story of what means to be a family—is it blood or is it something more abstract? “The Search for Us” follows Samira Murphy and Henry Owen, two half siblings that knew nothing about each other’s existence. They both, separately, take DNA tests in an attempt to find their father, but end up finding each other instead.

Told through two points of view, this book was both sweet and infuriating. I even thought about DNFing at one point because I was so mad at Samira. So so mad. She is the picture perfect representation of codependence—she is willing to put her future in jeopardy in order to save others. That’s how moving Susan Azim Boyer’s writing was, really. I wanted to drop everything because I was so infuriated.

If you’re looking for a general fiction YA novel that touches deeply on heavy subjects like adoption, parental abandonment, and alcoholism, written by someone who not only did their research but actually know people in similar situations (and consulted them), then “The Search for Us” is exactly what you need.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Wednesday Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

ARC — Reasonable Adults — Robin Lefler

“Can we please talk about this like reasonable adults?”

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Touches on cheating (not done by any main characters, just an ex significant other). Describes an attempted sexual assault. Contains sexual content.

I mean, Robin Lefler had me at Goldendoodle and artists’ retreat in the Canadian wild. “Reasonable Adults” follows Kate Rigsby, after she found her ex-fiancé cheating and is fired from her marketing job, hitting an all-time low. During said low, she applies to a job in Muskoka, in a remote artists’ retreat hotel called Treetops, expecting never to hear back from them, all to be suddenly hired. She can even take her dog with her. But little did Kate know that said retreat hotel is a bit wacky and, honestly, in a nosedive to bankruptcy. Her job is to stop that from happening, but management isn’t really cooperating. Will she give up and go back to the city or will she find her new calling close to the wild?

Although there was a romantic interest throughout and we got some fade-to-black romantic scenes towards the end, I wouldn’t really call this a romance book. Was it an amazingly entertaining fiction book, tho? Well yes, that it was. I absolutely fell in love with Muskoka, Treetops, and every single person that worked in that weird and outdated artists’ retreat hotel.

I’m a British Columbia girlie, so I know and love the Canadian wild, but now I really want to take a short trip to the other side of the country, all the way to Muskoka—that’s how beautifully and effectively Robin Lefler has portrayed the settings of this quirky, funny book.

I would highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a book that speaks to one finding ourselves, no matter our age, no matter our circumstances. “Reasonable Adults” gives us just that, a cozy setting, transporting us to a wintery wild, where we can find ourselves and hone our “output”, if you will.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Kensignton Books in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 24, 2023

“Don’t you ever feel like you’re doing things for all the wrong reasons, but it’s too much work to change the path you’re on?”

ARC — Woke Up Like This — Amy Lea

“Mom once described high school as a “trip”—a passage of time that feels tediously slow, but also lightning fast. After chasing perfect grades, (…) the next school event, it’s hard to believe all those mini goalposts have culminated in four whole years.”

Genre: General Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 1 fire emoji
Content Warnings: Mentions death of a young sibling and death of a parent. Contains some romantic content (kissing).

I had never smashed the 5-star button for a book so fast. “Woke Up Like This” follows Charlotte (Char) Wu and J. T. Renner, two high school frenemies, as, after a petty accident, they’re both catapulted to an alternate reality—a reality 13 years away, where they’re 30 years old and a week away from getting married. They’ll do anything to go back to 17, but what if they can’t? And most of all, if they do, will (reverse?) hindsight affect their future? Or are these two polar opposites really meant to be.

This book was really “13 Going on 30” core, and I was here for it. And perhaps “Woke Up Like This” wouldn’t be as relatable if you’re in your late teens, fresh off of high school, but gosh did I love this read. It really did make me reminisce my school days and how I, too, wanted nothing but to grow up—and now want nothing but to go back to the days when my biggest worries were what homework was due or if I was going to be able to nap or not.

I fell in love with Renner and Char and their whole dynamic, but I was specifically drawn to Char and her need to micromanage the present and the future—mostly because I, too, was this way until recently, until I finally understood that I wasn’t living nor enjoying the present, all because I was looking out for my future. Spoiler alert, it’s not worth it in the long run, the present will always be just a little bit sweeter.

“Woke Up Like This” really did take me through a rollercoaster of emotions. I would highly recommend this book, especially if you’re looking for a sweet, clean romance with some cute high school rivals to lovers vibe.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Mindy’s Book Studio in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 1, 2023

“(…) Real life doesn’t feel real without you.”

ARC — Friends Don’t Fall in Love — Erin Hahn

“I write words for a living. Words that people all over the world use to access their feelings. But right now, with her, I’m speechless.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions gun violence and shootings. Contains explicit sexual content.

It seems like I’m in my music industry book era, and I’ll stand by it. “Friends Don’t Fall in Love” follows Lorelai Jones, a singer-songwriter that was ousted of Nashville and the whole Country scene after performing a protest song against gun violence, and Craig Boseman, her ex-fiancé’s ex-band member and now indie music producer. They’ve been friends on and off for a very long time, always evading the what-ifs of what their relationship might become if they let it.

Bringing us back and forth through different timelines, and giving us two different points of view, Erin Hahn definitely knows how to keep us on our toes. One thing to note, tho, is that this book has a lot for internal monologue, so if that isn’t your vibe maybe you won’t love it as much as I did. Funny, because I’m not overly enthusiastic about long internal monologues, yet I was fascinated by Lorelai’s and Craig’s minds and inner turmoil. I mean, they’re songwriters, for God’s sake, of course their minds were fascinating.

I would highly recommend this book for those good, ol’ Country music lovers. Also, if you’re looking for a friends-to-lovers slow burn that eventually turns spicy-packed, then “Friends Don’t Fall in Love” is for you.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

ARC — Let’s Get Quizzical — Kelly Ohlert

“That’s it. Talk nerdy to me.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Mentions illegal activities, blackmailing, and reality show corruption. Contains explicit sexual content.

Oh, this was one spicy read, alright? “Let’s Get Quizzical” follows Charlotte (Charlie) and Eli, two estranged high school best friends and lovers, as they reconnect in a trivia game show, in live TV. It was a shock to start for sure, but after they’re paired up as a team, they’re set on advancing in this game show competition, they both can’t afford to lose. They’ll have to look away from their past and into their future—may that be together or as far apart as possible.

Being told through two points of view, this quirky book filled with fun facts and competitiveness is binge-worthy. Kelly Ohlert’s sophomore romantic publishing absolutely exceeded my expectations. Her debut novel, although entertaining, leaned a bit too much into the childish and nonsensical side of fiction for my liking—this was not the case with “Let’s Get Quizzical.” This upcoming novel lets us see more character depth and complexity, while still holding true to its romantic comedy nature. I really can’t wait to see what else Kelly Ohlert has to offer.

Fair warning, this book was a bit more spicy than I had anticipated. And I mean, I was there for it, but just keep that in mind when grabbing this read. Overall, if you’re a sucker for second chance romances, trivia, and nerdy characters, then “Let’s Get Quizzical” has been personally tailored for you.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Alcove Press in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: October 17, 2023

Stars Collide — Rachel Lacey

“(…) It came down to the age-old dilemma: Do I want to be her or be with her? In this case, it was a little of both but mostly the latter.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses dysfunctional families, divorce, emotional abuse, and bad past relationships. Contains explicit sexual content.

Super pop stars meet sexual identity crisis in “Stars Collide”. This novel follows Eden Sands, a recently divorced superstar with more than 20 years thriving in the industry, and Anna Moss, an up-and-coming pop star that hasn’t been able to shake off the childish persona the media wants her to be. In the hopes to boost the sales for Eden’s upcoming world tour, Eden and her management invite Anna to perform in the Grammys with her and they just about perfectly fit. Perhaps even more perfectly than they had originally anticipated.

Told in the third person, we get to experience both Eden’s and Anna’s points of view, really giving a fresh and wonderful dive into the lives of pop stars and artists in the limelight. It was also a beautiful ode to finding yourself in your later years—there’s nothing wrong with exploring and discovering your sexuality after 30.

This sapphic romance is both unique and entertaining. Eden’s and Anna’s slow burn will have you wondering when one of them will finally confess or make a move. I would highly recommend this read if you’re looking for a sweet, queer, celebrity romance.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

“Star Collide” by Rachel Lacey is also available through Kindle Unlimited!

Out on a Limb — Hannah Bonam-Young

“Years and years spent still getting to know one another, unlearning and relearning each other as the decades go by. (…) The mess and the chaos and the beauty of a life well lived—a life shared.
I’d like it very much.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Revolves around an unexpected pregnancy. Describes living with limb differences, both since birth and due to illness/cancer. Discusses postpartum depression and touches on suicide and suicidal thoughts. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Out on a Limb” has broke all my predispositions about the unexpected pregnancy trope. This book follows Winnifred (Win) McNulty after she has a one night stand with an intriguing stranger called Bo during her best friend’s annual Halloween party. They both joke about having limb differences, Win since birth and Bo not so much. A month later, when Win finds out she’s pregnant, she reaches out to Bo, although they had agreed that that one encounter would be nothing more than something casual. But here’s the thing: Bo assumed he was sterile after undergoing chemo and so he more than definitely wanted to be involved in his child’s life. And so their story begins.

It had been months, not to say years, since I had cried this much over a book. Is this book particularly sad? Absolutely not. But it was just so sweet and lovely and heartwarming that I just couldn’t help it. I fell for both Bo and Win and I wanted their happiness above all. This book showed us the perfect example of what unconditional love is, what caring for someone is. It reminded me so much of me and my husband although we’re nothing like Bo and Win, yet our love feels the same.

I cannot physically recommend this book enough. Even if you’re not a fan of the unexpected pregnancy trope, like myself, I would still highly recommend you grab this masterpiece.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

“Out on a Limb” by Hannah Bonam-Young is also available through Kindle Unlimited!

“Win, sometimes good things are just good things. (…) Let’s celebrate that.”