*knocks on door and pokes head in* Hello? It’s just me! It’s hard to believe I haven’t posted in two whole months, but as we all know, life happens. I’ve had a million plates spinning, and for about a month there, I wasn’t reading at all — just keeping everything moving and marathoning all 5 seasons of The Rookie in my spare time because my brain couldn’t process anything more. (Also, Chenford is all-consuming.) But I’m happy to report that the reading slump is broken! and even if things aren’t quite back to normal, they’re manageable enough for me to chip away at my TBR and type up some quick reviews. As the first post in awhile, this is a bit of a review dump, so prepare yourself! And take notes because something in here is bound to pique your interest.
Part of Your World (Part of Your World #1) by Abby Jimenez: This was a book club pick I might never have gotten to otherwise, and I’m so glad I got that final push to pick it up. Alexis and Daniel were a sweet pairing, and I loved their chapters together. The portions of the book with Alexis’s family and ex were rough to get through (trigger warnings for some intense emotional abuse and manipulation), but the contrast between them and her time with Daniel made real just how much pressure she lived with at home… and how safe she was to be happy and herself with him. I understood why it was hard for her to go against her family, too, so even when I was screaming the obvious solution, I got why it took her so long to see it and go for it. And I was very, very happy when she did. This happy ending definitely felt earned.
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff: If you enjoy a good black comedy, this could be for you. When Geeta’s abusive husband disappeared five years ago, the other villagers assumed she killed him. Since then, she’s forged a prickly peace as the the village outcast, wearing her notoriety like a talisman… until other wives in the village start coming to her for help with their own terrible husbands. More trigger warnings for this one (emotional and physical abuse, sexual assault, and animal abuse), but if you’re up for it, it’s a compassionate, realistic depiction of survivors of domestic abuse. It’s also laugh out loud funny, in a horrifying kind of way — which I love. One of my favorite reads of the year so far.
Mickey Chambers Shakes it Up by Charish Reid: When an English teacher looking for a part time job and a bar owner going back to school get mixed up, sparks fly in this funny, sexy as hell romance. I had to fan my cheeks a few times, the sizzle was so good. And to top it off, this book has so much heart, incorporating serious topics like chronic illness and grief with a gentle touch that adds depth but never overpowers the fun. If you’re a fan of Talia Hibbert’s Brown Sisters books, this is a must-read!
Best Men by Sidney Karger: The first thing you really must know about Best Men is that, despite the marketing, it is not a romantic comedy or even a romance novel. It does have a romance, but it’s a side dish and not the main course by any means. If you can adjust your expectations accordingly, you’ll find it’s a wryly introspective narrative from a 30-something gay man trying to figure out life, love, and friendship. There are many tangents, and being inside Max’s head can be exhausting, but it’s a well told tale of growing pains and uncertainty. Recommended for fans of Gilmore Girls and My Best Friend’s Wedding. My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren: This was another winning read. The chemistry was palpable, and I loved watching the cautious, data-minded pair grow closer and overcome their doubts together. The bickering was fun, but once they decided to give each other a chance, they were just sweet and fun. Perhaps not a groundbreaking story, but well worth the time spent. And I can’t wait to read the sequel – Fizzy forever!
Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma: I’ll be honest, it took me almost half the book to warm up to this one. A big part of that is that a Taming of the Shrew story is always a hard sell for me. I don’t even like the original Shakespeare. Once it clicked for me, though, it really clicked. Kareena and Prem were such a fun pair, and the scenes with the meddling aunties had me cackling. Still, for how much the male lead goofs up in the end, I needed much more groveling before she forgave him. I always do.
How to Tame a Wild Rogue (The Palace of Rogues #6) by Julie Anne Long: This is an entertaining, easy read, with a light plot and a good heart. There were several scenes that had me swooning or sighing, and I enjoyed how Lorcan and Daphne discovered through clashes and quiet moments that, despite outward appearances, they are each what the other needs. I was slightly disappointed that Lorcan ended up solving all of Daphne’s problems for her. It seemed a little too easy, and I would like to see her stand up for herself, but I also understand that being rescued can be a nice fantasy. My thanks to NetGalley and Avon for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Romance Me, Viscount (A Very Fine Muddle #1) by Kate Archer: In true Kate Archer form, this Regency romance is light and ridiculous and extremely fun. I’ll admit, Beatrice began as such a ninny that I was uncertain, but she grew on me, and while I related to Matthew’s frustrations with her wild family, watching him unravel was also delightful. As always, of course, the servants stole the show – especially the petty valet, Marcus. My thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Have you read any of these titles, and if so — what did you think?
–b
Book It With Becca 