Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Cordova

Kiss the Girl by Zoraida Cordova

Ariel del Mar and her sisters, collectively known as Siren Seven, are famous worldwide. Ariel has known little but life on the stage, in her iconic red wig and bright sequins. But as Siren Seven wraps up their final tour, Ariel finds she wants more. Her father, Teo del Mar, has other plans for her: a solo career, to be announced the next day on a morning talk show. 

Longing for a normal life, Ariel and her sisters sneak out for a night at a rock concert in Brooklyn. Ariel literally bumps into Eric Reyes, the handsome lead singer of a promising band. She dreams of being part of his world and experiencing his band's upcoming tour from an entirely different perspective. When Eric spontaneously invites her to join them, she jumps at the chance and finds her voice along the way.  

381 pages. Book #3 in the Meant to Be series.

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory

Isabelle had hoped for more from her career in publishing than her gig as an editorial assistant, which has left her overworked and underpaid with no promotion in sight. When her boss complains about a beastly author who has yet to deliver a long sought after manuscript for his tell all memoir, Izzy sees an opportunity to finally get her promotion. All she has to do is give the reclusive Beau Towers a few pep talks. It can't be hard, right?

320 pages. Book #2 in the Meant to Be series.

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy

After graduation from fashion school, Cindy is feeling adrift. As she tries to get settled, she decides to help out her stepmother, who is an executive producer on a reality dating show. When the crew are desperate to fill a spot last minute, Cindy volunteers, thinking it will be a good way to jump start her career. No one really falls in love on these things, do they? 

304 pages. Book # 1 in the Meant to Be series.

Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane

Mad About You by Mhairi McFarlane

Despite being an in demand wedding photographer, Harriet Hatley isn't exactly in love with the idea of romance and weddings. After a disastrous proposal from her now-ex, she is desperate to move out and move on. Cal Clarke has very different views on romance and marriage, but after his own wedding-related catastrophe, he finds himself with a room to sublet. Cal and Harriet are total opposites with their own secrets to hide. When Harriet's deepest secret comes to light, her world is left in pieces, which Cal helps her put back together. If Harriet can face her past with her career, friendships, and reputation at stake, happiness might just be waiting on the other side.

432 pages.

Sorry, Bro by Taleen Voskuni

 

Pages: 351

"When Nar’s odar (non-Armenian) boyfriend gets down on one knee and proposes to her in front of a room full of drunk San Francisco tech boys, she realizes it’s time to find someone who shares her idea of romance. Enter Mom. Armed with plenty of mom guilt and an actual spreadsheet of Facebook-stalked Armenian men (complete with their height and weight), Mom convinces Nar to attend Explore Armenia, a month-long series of events in the city. But it’s not the mom-approved playboy doctor or bro-slinging engineer that catches her eye at the very first gathering—it’s Erebuni, a woman as equally immersed in the witchy arts as she is in preserving Armenian identity. Erebuni helps Nar see the beauty of their shared culture, and makes her feel understood in a way she never has before. But there’s one teeny problem: Nar’s not exactly out as bisexual. Her mom doesn’t even want her wearing flats, how would she feel about Nar bringing home a woman? The clock is ticking on Nar’s double life, though—the closing Explore Armenia banquet is coming up, and her entire extended family will be there, along with Erebuni. But Nar is determined to be brave, determined to claim her happiness: proudly Armenian, proudly bisexual, and proudly herself for the first time in her life." 

The beginning of this book was strong. Following Nar as she navigates her job, an unexpected proposal, and now the pressure from her family to find a good Armenian man. I was a little surprised that this was ladled as a RomCom style as there was a little too much tension that overshadowed the light-hearted moments. The ending conflict was resolved a little too easily in my opinion as well. Other than that, it was a fun romance that includes some cool looks into Armenian culture. The food descriptions kept making me hungry!

Technically, You Started it by Lana Wood Johnson

 Pages: 384

"When a guy named Martin Nathaniel Munroe II texts you, it should be obvious who you're talking to. Except there's two of them (it's a long story), and Haley thinks she's talking to the one she doesn't hate. A question about a class project rapidly evolves into an all-consuming conversation. Haley finds that Martin is actually willing to listen to her weird facts and unusual obsessions, and Martin feels like Haley is the first person to really see who he is. Haley and Martin might be too awkward to hang out in real life, but over text, they're becoming addicted to each other. There's just one problem: Haley doesn't know who Martin is. And Martin doesn't know that Haley doesn't know. But they better figure it out fast before their meet-cute becomes an epic meet-disaster . ."

This was a cute little fluff book written in texting format. The twist was fun if a little predictable and reminds me how oblivious a teenager can be when figuring out dating and feelings of attraction. 

Heart of the Sea by Nora Roberts

Heart of the Sea by Nora Roberts

Darcy Gallagher, with her beautiful face and stunning voice, wants nothing more than to live lavishly--and find a man who will give her just that. A man with money and time to sweep her off her feet into a life of glamour. 

Trevor Magee, whose family has roots in Ireland, plans to use his wealth and business acumen for a theater attached to the Gallagher family's pub. His family rarely speaks of their past, and Trevor means to use his time in Ardmore to uncover those hidden secrets. Who better to help him than the tempting Darcy Gallagher?

369 pages. Book #3 in the Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy.

Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts

Tears of the Moon by Nora Roberts

Shawn Gallagher is content with his life in Ardmore, helping his siblings run the family pub and writing music in his spare time. The village gossips about why he doesn't put his talents to good use and make a profit. Brenna O'Toole, an independent tomboy and long-time family friend of the Gallaghers, has been especially vocal ... but she hasn't been so vocal about the love she's harbored for Shawn for years. Shawn hasn't so much as looked twice at her, but perhaps it was time Brenna take drastic action to get his attention.

346 pages. Book #2 in the Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy.

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Summary: "Hannah Brooks is an Executive Protection Agent (aka "bodyguard"), and she just got hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from his stalker. When Jack's mom gets sick, he comes home to the family's Texas ranch to help out. Only one catch: He doesn't want his family to know about his stalker. Or the bodyguard thing. So Hannah finds herself pretending to be Jack's girlfriend as a cover. But the more time she spends with Jack, the more real it all starts to seem. And there lies the heartbreak. Because it's very easy for Hannah to protect Jack. But protecting her own, long-neglected heart? That's the hardest thing she's ever done."

!!!!!!!

309 pages

goodreads | MOBIUS

Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

Jewels of the Sun by Nora Roberts

Jude Murray's life isn't panning out the way she had hoped, so she decides to take refuge at Faerie Hill Cottage to study Irish folklore. 

Aidan Gallagher is back home after years of traveling, settling down to run the family pub. He has a deep understanding of Irish lore and myths, making him an essential resource for Jude. As he shares the legends that run deep within the country's roots, Aidan and Jude begin to build a history of their own. 

347 pages. Book #1 in the Gallaghers of Ardmore trilogy. 

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Summary: "It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy."

Eeeeek, the romantic build-up and pay off was enjoyable!

The payoff to the timeloop however was a bit of a let down. Boo. 

307 pages

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Meet You in the Middle by Devon Daniels

Summary: "What happens when the person you find MOST impossible becomes impossible to resist? Opposites distract in this hilarious romantic comedy about America's least likely couple. There's just one thing standing between liberal Senate staffer Kate Adams and passage of the landmark legislation she's been fighting for all year: Ben Mackenzie, intimidating gatekeeper for one of DC's most powerful conservative senators. After Kate and Ben lock horns in a meet-not-so-cute, they vow to take each other down--by any means necessary."

I liked the beginning of this book, mostly because it gave me Dan & Amy vibes from Veep. But somehow, it just didn't hold up throughout. Sigh. Blegh. Back to re-watching Veep for the millionth time.

351 pages

goodreads | MOBIUS

The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas

Summary: Office romance, "hate" to love, fake wedding date tropes. 

I liked this book a lot! I just wish there wasn't so much of it - the author is wonderful, but she needed another round of editing to trim down some scenes. 

I don't even think they get to the wedding until halfway through the book. 

I look forward to her growth as an author and to see what she comes up with next!

473 - read that again 473 pages!!!

goodreads | MOBIUS

You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle

Summary: "When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated in this wickedly funny, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy debut.

Naomi Westfield has the perfect fiancé: Nicholas Rose holds doors open for her, remembers her restaurant orders, and comes from the kind of upstanding society family any bride would love to be a part of. They never fight. They're preparing for their lavish wedding that's three months away. And she is miserably and utterly sick of him.

Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other."

Alright, the first few chapters of this book were rough, and I almost put it down. Naomi is selfish, unkind, judgmental, and I kinda seriously hated her. But then she turns it around, and the book becomes much sweeter and more romantic. All in all, it was a good lesson in how relationships work or don't work, and how not to always assume the worst of others.

I think the author did fine for her debut novel, and I look forward to what she can do next!

368 pages

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The Year We Fell Down by Sarina Bowen

Summary: "She expected to start Harkness College as a varsity ice hockey player. But a serious accident means that Corey Callahan will start school in a wheelchair instead. 

Across the hall, in the other handicapped-accessible dorm room, lives the too-delicious-to-be real Adam Hartley, another would-be hockey star with his leg broken in two places. He's way out of Corey's league. 

Also, he's taken."

Hockeyyyyyyyyy. Hartley is a hearthrob. Corey is cool. 

The main character being a Pittsburgh Penguins Puffins fan and obsessed with their handsome captain? RELATABLE.

274 pages, Kindle edition

goodreads | MOBIUS

December Hodge Podge

The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

This book was SO. AMAZINGLY. AWESOME. I could not put it down! Feminist dystopia, a suffocating religion, vengeful witches in the wood, curses and escapes and dungeons-- Okay, I have to stop. Just go read it, especially if you like the Handmaid's Tale or fantasy horror. 

368 pages

We Sold Our Souls by Grady Hendrix

Dude. The writing. I could feel myself being crushed by the walls of a cave. And such creative settings! Heavy metal bands fit so well into horror, but Hendrix also highlights the horror of materialism and the distractions of the modern world. I need to read more of his books!

336 pages

Read Harder Challenge #22

Chapel of Ease by Alex Bledsoe

The fourth Tufa novel, and still going strong. It's nice that for once we get a non-straight Tufa-human couple. I want to watch a hillbilly fairy musical. They never tell us what's in the box! Gaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!

320 pages

The Dollhouse Family by M.R. Carey, Peter Gross

Creepy dolls are one of my favorite horror tropes because I find them genuinely scary. But the dolls here aren't the really creepy part. A demonic dollhouse is overly possessive of its family, chasing them across generations. A fun read, good for a rainy afternoon.

160 pages

Daphne Byrne by Laura Marks, Kelley Jones

The Spiritualist movement of the 19th century has long interested me. Yes, lets manipulate people's grief so we can be parasites on society. This story just throws some actual demons in.

160 pages

The Cold Millions by Jess Walter

It's long, but the payoff was worth it! I really didn't know much about turn of the century labor movements, and this got me interested in looking up and reading more. Elizabeth Gurley Flynn deserves more recognition, and I'm tempted to track down some of her writings. The parallels in this novel to inequalities to today make the setting feel even more real. Very well written historical fiction!

352 pages

Come Back to Me by Amanda Conner, Jimmy Palmiotti

Not the best Wonder Woman comic, but enjoyable. Starts off as standard Wonder Woman fun, ends up in some weird dinosaur time travel space stadium mess. Definitely better WW comics out there. 

160 pages

Educated by Tara Westover

This one stuck with me. I still think about it, and I read it weeks ago. An amazing memoir about a girl who never went to school, then entered college and went on to get her PhD. Her childhood memories are disturbing and tragic. The conflicts with her family in the fallout are relateable.  Reminded me of a lot of my dreams, and it has definitely got me thinking. 

352 pages    

Read Harder Challenge #12

Attack on Titan Volumes 4/5 by Hajime Isayama

 

This series. So good. More Titan lore, More epic 3D battles, more chaotic fights. The story is too good, a blend of mystery, thriller, fantasy, and of course, horror. 

388 pages (194+194)

In Mad Love and War by Joy Harjo

This is one of her earlier collections, and I had a bit of trouble getting into it. Certainly quality, it makes you slow down and savor each line. Sometimes you have to reread the stanzas again and again for them to sink in.

79 pages

No One is Too Small to Make a Difference by Greta Thunberg

A collection of her speeches, so definitely a bit repetitive. The message is clear though, and I hope we are not too late to act. We only have a few years left, but we seem to be making the problem worse, not better. Tragedy of the Commons combined with Toxic Individualism just leads to ecological destruction. And really, it's not a money problem. It's an accountability problem.

80 pages

Read Harder Challenge #15

Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh

I love how Brosh is so funny even when talking about horrible things. I was getting weird looks from Matt because I was just sitting on the couch laughing my head off. That poor grocery clerk. That creepy neighbor kid needs some friends. I too identify with the balloon. Definitely check out her comics if you haven't. They will brighten your day!

528 pages

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

I have heard so much hype around this book, and I finally got around to it. Very much a thriller where you have to slowly piece the puzzle together. Still didn't expect that ending, love the added psychological dimensions. I was racing through this one.

336 pages

The Jedi Mind by Amy Ratcliffe

Little tidbits of wisdom, tied into the different characters of the Star Wars universe. The illustrations are just too cute!

80 pages

Steve Trevor DC Comics

This was a really cool collection of Wonder Woman comics featuring Steve Trevor. It includes the very first issues, the strange "New" look where she loses her powers from the 60's, and the great Perez issues from the 90's, as well as a handful of recent ones. Fun to see how her character has evolved over the years.

232 pages

The Factory Witches of Lowell by C.S. Malerich

This was a very fun historical fantasy novella, wherein a mill girl strike is aided by just a bit of magic. I thought it was an amazing setting, and I loved the sapphic side-romance. I was so enthralled I read this in one sitting. I never knew about brown lung and the stuffy fibrous airways which lead to untimely death for many women. Using the breath and blood you've poured into your looms to stop all work? Talk about seizing the means of production! I only wish this book was a bit longer to flesh out all the characters. 

128 pages

The Cowboy Meets His Match by Jessica Clare

I have never read a cowboy romance. I don't feel like I was missing much. I know a lot of readers love them, but they are just not for me.

301 pages

Read Harder Challenge #14

Basketful of Heads by Joe Hill, Leomacs

This comic is so good. Norse mythology, zombie heads, corrupt small town government, and a brave female protagonist totally dominating. The drawings are emotive, the colors dark yet colorful. A must read horror comic! 

184 pages

I Will Judge You by Your Bookshelf by Grant Snider

I'm a librarian. I can't resist book humor! Snider's comics are always clever.

128 pages

Desert Rose by Laura Taylor

Summary: "The secret police of a renegade Middle East nation hold two politically sensitive prisoners separate from the others… Marine Corps aviator David Winslow and humanitarian relief worker Emma Hamilton are the sole inmates of a special cellblock."

Ok, no judgements, because this book is kinda terrible, but it had some entertaining moments and the story moved quickly. 

Seriously, did it have an editor? What kind of romance author can get away with using the word "sensual" so many times...like way too many times. I'm haunted by it now.

208 pages

goodreads

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

Summary: "Chloe Brown is a chronically ill computer geek with a goal, a plan, and a list. After almost—but not quite—dying, she’s come up with seven directives to help her “Get a Life”, and she’s already completed the first: finally moving out of her glamorous family’s mansion. The next items?

• Enjoy a drunken night out.

• Ride a motorcycle.

• Go camping.

• Travel the world with nothing but hand luggage.

• And... do something bad.

But it’s not easy being bad, even when you’ve written step-by-step guidelines on how to do it correctly. What Chloe needs is a teacher, and she knows just the man for the job."

A heroine with a chronic illness? Sign me up! Chloe was a wonderful heroine; I enjoyed her snark, her fears, her bravery and wit. 

373 pages

MOBIUS | goodreads

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Summary: "Kristen Peterson doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children. Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen--especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length."

Josh is one of my favorite romance heroes...ever! He's just a sweet, vulnerable, awesome teddy bear. I preferred Josh's POV chapters to Kristen's. And this story is probably not for everyone, but Josh's character makes up for its various issues.

367 pages

MOBIUS | goodreads

The Friend Zone (End of the Line #1). By Sariah Wilson.

The Friend Zone (End of the Line #1). By Sariah Wilson. 2019. Montlake Romance. ASIN: B07L5M7DYY (Kindle).

An entertaining read it if you like the slow burn, college jock/tutor & forbidden relationship tropes.

299 pages