Opening yourself to another person can be downright terrifying, but whether they realize it or not, all our characters this week desperately need someone to love. Some are running toward it and some are running away, but in the end, they all run into their person, the ones who grounds and challenges them and laughs with them through the little absurdities of life. We have some wildly different books this time, ranging from romantic comedy to mystery to space opera, but I love that they all touch on this one deeply human desire for connection and belonging… and that they all show a different view of what that can look like.
Do You Take This Man by Denise Williams: Funny, biting, and hot as hell, Do You Take This Man is a romance that is complicated and challenging, inviting readers to engage with its prickly characters and fall in love with them, flaws and all. In the beginning, I wondered if I would ever root for the leads to fall in love, and by the end, I was gooey mess of feelings, ready to break out my pom poms and cheer them across the finish line. Which is a testament to Williams’ expert character development and ability to craft a strong romantic arc. One of the best enemies-to-lovers romances I’ve read in some time. My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Partners in Crime by Alisha Rai: The moment I saw this book’s gorgeous cover, I was intrigued. Then I read the description and was sold. A mad dash to find a diamond necklace, foil a kidnapping (or two), and maybe even run a heist?? Two exes who still aren’t over each other, falling harder than ever as they unravel in the chaos? I AM SO IN. Partners in Crime delivered exactly what it promised, with enough action, humor, and heart to satisfy even this caper-mad reader. I can see myself picking this up next time I need something light and fun, and although this was my first Rai book, it certainly won’t be my last. My thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Wintringham Mystery by Anthony Berkeley: An entertaining mystery in the classic setting of an English house party, this book is both twisty and easygoing. My main issue was that there are so many characters at play — and sometimes they’re called by their first names and sometimes by their last, which was hard to track while listening to the audiobook and trying to work and do chores! What I loved, on the other hand, was the love interest, who is quick and dashing and never fails to call out the protagonist when he slips into condescending male posturing. And it’s not just her — all the women in this book are not to be underestimated, and they’ll be the first ones to tell you so (and tell you so, and tell you so, until you finally get it).
Vorkosigan Saga #12-16 by Lois McMaster Bujold: I loved reading this stretch of the series, as Miles is forced to reckon with his greatest challenge — himself. There’s a lot of time spent on Barrayar, which is where the books always shine, and I was especially glad to revisit the characters of The Mountains of Mourning, which I enjoyed so much last week. Things are changing on the planet and among the galactics, and Miles is changing, too, finally embracing his own life and choosing his direction. I can’t wait to see where we go next.
—b
Book It With Becca 