Cardyn Brooks's Blog
October 5, 2025
Sleuths in Love, Tight Curves & Fast Fitness
Still reading my feelings with two mysteries that include romance (of course), a romance set in the world of auto racing, and a non-fiction workout book to revamp my fitness routine since I'm also eating my feelings, and not with kale.
[4 books arranged front covers up, from left to right: How to Have a Killer Time in D.C., A Waltz on the Wild Side, Not So Fast, 7-Minute Body Plan]
A Waltz on the Wild Side (Wild Wynchesters #6) by Erica Ridley historical romance Forever, August 2025
Abuse of power, voting rights, artistic gatekeeping, and more themes that apply to today's real-life struggles are woven into this entertaining historical romp of a rescue turned mutual courtship. Riffs on how families and communities are chosen and created add poignant notes throughout Viv and Jacob's adventure. Absurdist mayhem involving assorted animals and dangerous, often rebellious activities add fun along with substantial social commentary.
How to Have a Killer Time in D.C. (Oliver Popp's Travel Guides to Murder #1) by Sam Lumley contemporary mystery with some romantic elements Kensington, April 2025
What happens when a self-contained travel writer who happens to be autistic and a gregarious photographer get assigned to work together to entice people to visit the U.S. nation's capital of Washington, D.C.? Charming chaos. Oliver and Ricky bounce from one sketchy situation to another as they figure out who done it while following clues and getting to know each other. An understanding of the geographical area of D.C. and Maryland combined with humor about the politics and quirks of the region add more layers to this engaging tale that launches what seems destined to become a promising series.
Not So Fast by Karen Booth contemporary romance Afterglow Books, April 2025
Everybody's a critic, especially Formula One podcaster Mia of driver Xander. But after they meet in-person their chemistry generates explosive connections. Variations on themes of navigating life with neurodivergence and anxiety in addition to the pressure to succeed as measured by society's benchmarks add layers of relevance to this fun adversarial love story.
7-Minute Body Plan: Quick Workouts & Simple Recipes for real results in 7 Days by Lucy Wyndham-Read non-fiction health DK, 2020
So turns out that eating my feelings while also reading them equals a very sedentary lifestyle when added to the fact that being a published author and book reviewer also involves lots of sitting. This book revived my motivation to exercise every day by allowing me to think, "Okay, it's only 7 minutes" which most days leads to my picking up hand weights for a few reps afterward and/or moving through some Pilates or yoga flows for a total of 20-30 or more minutes. And on the days of doing only the 7 minutes, that still leaves me sweaty and feeling it throughout my body in a good way. Haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but the ingredients and instructions look accessible.
My BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) have returned!
[a bookstack of 7 books, from top to bottom: The Secret Crush Book Club, Heart Strings, Ladies in Hating, Holiday Ever After, Never Been Witched, Fake Skating, Nolo's Guide to Estate Planning]
Sending extra good vibes to everyone who is directly affected by the U.S. federal government shutdown. These are very challenging times. (Duh!) Please remember that most of our ancestors dealt with circumstances that were as daunting, if not more so. We will find our way forward even if the paths we take are uncharted and harrowing.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & happy reading!
[4 books arranged front covers up, from left to right: How to Have a Killer Time in D.C., A Waltz on the Wild Side, Not So Fast, 7-Minute Body Plan] A Waltz on the Wild Side (Wild Wynchesters #6) by Erica Ridley historical romance Forever, August 2025
Abuse of power, voting rights, artistic gatekeeping, and more themes that apply to today's real-life struggles are woven into this entertaining historical romp of a rescue turned mutual courtship. Riffs on how families and communities are chosen and created add poignant notes throughout Viv and Jacob's adventure. Absurdist mayhem involving assorted animals and dangerous, often rebellious activities add fun along with substantial social commentary.
How to Have a Killer Time in D.C. (Oliver Popp's Travel Guides to Murder #1) by Sam Lumley contemporary mystery with some romantic elements Kensington, April 2025
What happens when a self-contained travel writer who happens to be autistic and a gregarious photographer get assigned to work together to entice people to visit the U.S. nation's capital of Washington, D.C.? Charming chaos. Oliver and Ricky bounce from one sketchy situation to another as they figure out who done it while following clues and getting to know each other. An understanding of the geographical area of D.C. and Maryland combined with humor about the politics and quirks of the region add more layers to this engaging tale that launches what seems destined to become a promising series.
Not So Fast by Karen Booth contemporary romance Afterglow Books, April 2025
Everybody's a critic, especially Formula One podcaster Mia of driver Xander. But after they meet in-person their chemistry generates explosive connections. Variations on themes of navigating life with neurodivergence and anxiety in addition to the pressure to succeed as measured by society's benchmarks add layers of relevance to this fun adversarial love story.
7-Minute Body Plan: Quick Workouts & Simple Recipes for real results in 7 Days by Lucy Wyndham-Read non-fiction health DK, 2020
So turns out that eating my feelings while also reading them equals a very sedentary lifestyle when added to the fact that being a published author and book reviewer also involves lots of sitting. This book revived my motivation to exercise every day by allowing me to think, "Okay, it's only 7 minutes" which most days leads to my picking up hand weights for a few reps afterward and/or moving through some Pilates or yoga flows for a total of 20-30 or more minutes. And on the days of doing only the 7 minutes, that still leaves me sweaty and feeling it throughout my body in a good way. Haven't tried any of the recipes yet, but the ingredients and instructions look accessible.
My BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) have returned!
[a bookstack of 7 books, from top to bottom: The Secret Crush Book Club, Heart Strings, Ladies in Hating, Holiday Ever After, Never Been Witched, Fake Skating, Nolo's Guide to Estate Planning] Sending extra good vibes to everyone who is directly affected by the U.S. federal government shutdown. These are very challenging times. (Duh!) Please remember that most of our ancestors dealt with circumstances that were as daunting, if not more so. We will find our way forward even if the paths we take are uncharted and harrowing.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & happy reading!
September 28, 2025
Secrets & Masks
These days it's not an issue of IF a secret gets revealed, but when, how and by whom.
[a bookstack of 9 books from top to bottom: It All Falls Down, Summer's Echo, Only Lovers in the Building, Alice Chen's Reality Check, Ready to Score, Eliza and the Duke, Broken Harbor, The Story That Wouldn't Die, Framed in Death]
It All Falls Down (Trust #3) by Daines L. Reed contemporary fiction
Juliene Dune is at a crossroads. Every aspect of her life and nearly all of her relationships are forcing her to make hard choices. How will she decide who to keep and who to cut loose? Compelling narrative momentum and complicated characters in messy entanglements make her journey an irresistible read.
Summer's Echo by Robbi Renee contemporary romance
What happens when unspoken truths fester for years? Summer and Echo discover difficult answers while working to heal and thrive. First love, heartache, and lessons learned the hard way on the path to reconciliation combine with tenderness and humor in this charming tale.
Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez contemporary romance
For different reasons, Liliane Lyon and Benedicto Romero need to retreat and regroup. Miami Beach offers the perfect spot. This sunshine/grumpy pairing celebrates romance novels and tropes. Joyous.
Alice Chen's Reality Check by Kara Loo & Jennifer Young contemporary New Adult fiction with mystery and romantic elements
A reality show spoof as social commentary and a who-done-it with adversaries turned allies then lovers makes the battle between Alice Chen and Daniel Cho super engaging and very funny in addition to heartfelt.
Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter contemporary romance
Workplace shenanigans, ambition, the patriarchy, and football night lights all conspire to create what seems destined to become a lose-lose situation for professional rivals Jade Dune and Francesca Lim. Their bumpy path to improving their odds of creating a win-win for both of them at work and in love offers fundamental truths about culture and community, along with tenderness and laughs.
Eliza and the Duke (Doves of NY #2) by Harper St George historical romance
Opposites attract and collide when Eliza Dove asks Simon Cavell for one night of risky explorations. Danger is addictive and she wants more. So does Simon. Mayhem ensues and leads to love.
Broken Harbor (Sparrow Falls #3) by Catherine Cowlescontemporary romance
Themes of community, family by choice, and safe places to heal make Sutton and Cope's story appealing. Readers sensitive to details about addiction, interpersonal violence, and stalking may want to skip or skim some passages.
The Story That Wouldn't Die (Jolene Garcia #2) by Christina Estes contemporary mystery
Power players and shady characters don't like questions or the people who ask them, which creates two strikes for investigative journalist Jolene Garcia. Local politics, community intrigue, and inquisitive individuals uncover scandals and solve puzzles tied to dangerous consequences. It's fun too.
Framed in Death (In Death #61) by J.D. Robb futuristic contemporary mystery
Another sociopathic narcissist serial killer gets caught by Eve, Roarke and their crew. This series is a comfort read for me with a focus on reading about them as a couple and their circle of family found and chosen.
No* BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues this week!*Only because there was no time in my schedule to swing by the two different public library branches holding books - physical and digital - for me to claim.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & happy reading!
[a bookstack of 9 books from top to bottom: It All Falls Down, Summer's Echo, Only Lovers in the Building, Alice Chen's Reality Check, Ready to Score, Eliza and the Duke, Broken Harbor, The Story That Wouldn't Die, Framed in Death] It All Falls Down (Trust #3) by Daines L. Reed contemporary fiction
Juliene Dune is at a crossroads. Every aspect of her life and nearly all of her relationships are forcing her to make hard choices. How will she decide who to keep and who to cut loose? Compelling narrative momentum and complicated characters in messy entanglements make her journey an irresistible read.
Summer's Echo by Robbi Renee contemporary romance
What happens when unspoken truths fester for years? Summer and Echo discover difficult answers while working to heal and thrive. First love, heartache, and lessons learned the hard way on the path to reconciliation combine with tenderness and humor in this charming tale.
Only Lovers in the Building by Nadine Gonzalez contemporary romance
For different reasons, Liliane Lyon and Benedicto Romero need to retreat and regroup. Miami Beach offers the perfect spot. This sunshine/grumpy pairing celebrates romance novels and tropes. Joyous.
Alice Chen's Reality Check by Kara Loo & Jennifer Young contemporary New Adult fiction with mystery and romantic elements
A reality show spoof as social commentary and a who-done-it with adversaries turned allies then lovers makes the battle between Alice Chen and Daniel Cho super engaging and very funny in addition to heartfelt.
Ready to Score by Jodie Slaughter contemporary romance
Workplace shenanigans, ambition, the patriarchy, and football night lights all conspire to create what seems destined to become a lose-lose situation for professional rivals Jade Dune and Francesca Lim. Their bumpy path to improving their odds of creating a win-win for both of them at work and in love offers fundamental truths about culture and community, along with tenderness and laughs.
Eliza and the Duke (Doves of NY #2) by Harper St George historical romance
Opposites attract and collide when Eliza Dove asks Simon Cavell for one night of risky explorations. Danger is addictive and she wants more. So does Simon. Mayhem ensues and leads to love.
Broken Harbor (Sparrow Falls #3) by Catherine Cowlescontemporary romance
Themes of community, family by choice, and safe places to heal make Sutton and Cope's story appealing. Readers sensitive to details about addiction, interpersonal violence, and stalking may want to skip or skim some passages.
The Story That Wouldn't Die (Jolene Garcia #2) by Christina Estes contemporary mystery
Power players and shady characters don't like questions or the people who ask them, which creates two strikes for investigative journalist Jolene Garcia. Local politics, community intrigue, and inquisitive individuals uncover scandals and solve puzzles tied to dangerous consequences. It's fun too.
Framed in Death (In Death #61) by J.D. Robb futuristic contemporary mystery
Another sociopathic narcissist serial killer gets caught by Eve, Roarke and their crew. This series is a comfort read for me with a focus on reading about them as a couple and their circle of family found and chosen.
No* BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues this week!*Only because there was no time in my schedule to swing by the two different public library branches holding books - physical and digital - for me to claim.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & happy reading!
September 21, 2025
Heartbreak, Murder, Murky Circumstances, Questions of Loyalty
Reading is my happy headspace. The more stressful life is, the more solace books offer.
[2 trade paperback books face-up - Love on the Rebound and Beautiful Broken Love next to 3 trade paperback books standing spines outward from left to right - Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermillion]
Love on the Rebound by Aries Skye contemporary romance Black Odessey Media, 2024
Angela Richards is recovering from more than one kind of heartbreak and masking her private hurts with public bravado. Kinston Jordan isn't fooled even as he deals with the aftermath of his own romantic disappointments.
The name glossary, acknowledgements, and teaser for Love on Board also entertain and entice.
Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams contemporary romance Montlake, 2024
Nearly paralyzed with grief, Davina Klein-Roberts is struggling to move forward. Entrepreneurial success leads her to crossing paths with Deke Bishop who's dealing with his own heartache. Together, they figure out how to apply the lessons of past loss and mistakes to enrich their lives as individuals and as a couple. Laughter, drama, and sexy times included.
The Liz Danger series by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer Lavender's Blue Rest in Pink One in Vermillion contemporary mystery with romance Argh Ink, 2024
Liz Danger's goal to get in and get out of her hometown, that she hasn't visited in 15 years, with a quick turnaround is a bust as soon as she enters the town limits. Murder, mayhem, all kinds of secrets, interpersonal drama, and ridiculous although dangerous conflicts make this genre mashup a fun read that delivers lots of laughs, emotional complexity, and some spice.
Fans of the Crusie and Mayer writing partnership rejoice!
[The Game Is Afoot trade paperback book laying face-up next to 3 hardcover books spine-up from left to right - Mrs Spy, Kiss Her Goodbye, Atmosphere]
The Game Is Afoot (Mavis Miller #2) by Elise Bryant contemporary mystery with romantic elements Penguin, July 2025
In the personal and professional aspects of her life Mavis Miller is juggling a lot. She's doing her best and still feeling overwhelmed. And that's before her child's soccer coach drops dead during a match. Outrageous suburban high-jinks ensue. More reading joy for fans of Jayne Allen and Sophie Kinsella.
note: Readers sensitive to detailed descriptions of spiralling high anxiety and panic attacks may want to proceed with caution.
My speed reads, for fiction that's saturated in heavy sociopolitical and emotionally wrenching themes and traumatic content without the guaranteed HEA of the romance genre.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid late 20th-c. contemporary fiction
Packed an emotional punch for me as a person who remembers watching NASA shuttle launches and landings on school days. A balanced blend of character development, scientific context, and layers of time and place makes this an epic and intimate read.
Kiss Her Goodbye (Frankie Elkin #4) by Lisa Gardner contemporary mystery thriller suspense
More complicated sociopolitical intrigue and tangled family dynamics combined with personal demons, shady characters, misdirection, and sacrifice. Wrenching with glimpses of hopeful possibilities.
Mrs Spy by M.J. Robotham mid-20th-c. contemporary spy thriller
So many secrets and most of them deadly... It's a good thing Maggie Flynn knows how to improvise. A heartfelt tale of moving forward through grief, presented with slick style.
This - and a few of last - week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion), one of which ended up getting read sooner than expected.
[a bookstack of 6 books from top to bottom: The Game Is Afoot and Alice Chen's Reality Check arranged spine-out atop 4 books showing only the bottom of their pages]
If you value freedom of speech for all, one accessible way to support it is to visit your local public library and to use their many resources and attend their programs.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy. Happy reading!
[2 trade paperback books face-up - Love on the Rebound and Beautiful Broken Love next to 3 trade paperback books standing spines outward from left to right - Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermillion] Love on the Rebound by Aries Skye contemporary romance Black Odessey Media, 2024
Angela Richards is recovering from more than one kind of heartbreak and masking her private hurts with public bravado. Kinston Jordan isn't fooled even as he deals with the aftermath of his own romantic disappointments.
The name glossary, acknowledgements, and teaser for Love on Board also entertain and entice.
Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams contemporary romance Montlake, 2024
Nearly paralyzed with grief, Davina Klein-Roberts is struggling to move forward. Entrepreneurial success leads her to crossing paths with Deke Bishop who's dealing with his own heartache. Together, they figure out how to apply the lessons of past loss and mistakes to enrich their lives as individuals and as a couple. Laughter, drama, and sexy times included.
The Liz Danger series by Jennifer Crusie & Bob Mayer Lavender's Blue Rest in Pink One in Vermillion contemporary mystery with romance Argh Ink, 2024
Liz Danger's goal to get in and get out of her hometown, that she hasn't visited in 15 years, with a quick turnaround is a bust as soon as she enters the town limits. Murder, mayhem, all kinds of secrets, interpersonal drama, and ridiculous although dangerous conflicts make this genre mashup a fun read that delivers lots of laughs, emotional complexity, and some spice.
Fans of the Crusie and Mayer writing partnership rejoice!
[The Game Is Afoot trade paperback book laying face-up next to 3 hardcover books spine-up from left to right - Mrs Spy, Kiss Her Goodbye, Atmosphere] The Game Is Afoot (Mavis Miller #2) by Elise Bryant contemporary mystery with romantic elements Penguin, July 2025
In the personal and professional aspects of her life Mavis Miller is juggling a lot. She's doing her best and still feeling overwhelmed. And that's before her child's soccer coach drops dead during a match. Outrageous suburban high-jinks ensue. More reading joy for fans of Jayne Allen and Sophie Kinsella.
note: Readers sensitive to detailed descriptions of spiralling high anxiety and panic attacks may want to proceed with caution.
My speed reads, for fiction that's saturated in heavy sociopolitical and emotionally wrenching themes and traumatic content without the guaranteed HEA of the romance genre.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid late 20th-c. contemporary fiction
Packed an emotional punch for me as a person who remembers watching NASA shuttle launches and landings on school days. A balanced blend of character development, scientific context, and layers of time and place makes this an epic and intimate read.
Kiss Her Goodbye (Frankie Elkin #4) by Lisa Gardner contemporary mystery thriller suspense
More complicated sociopolitical intrigue and tangled family dynamics combined with personal demons, shady characters, misdirection, and sacrifice. Wrenching with glimpses of hopeful possibilities.
Mrs Spy by M.J. Robotham mid-20th-c. contemporary spy thriller
So many secrets and most of them deadly... It's a good thing Maggie Flynn knows how to improvise. A heartfelt tale of moving forward through grief, presented with slick style.
This - and a few of last - week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion), one of which ended up getting read sooner than expected.
[a bookstack of 6 books from top to bottom: The Game Is Afoot and Alice Chen's Reality Check arranged spine-out atop 4 books showing only the bottom of their pages] If you value freedom of speech for all, one accessible way to support it is to visit your local public library and to use their many resources and attend their programs.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy. Happy reading!
September 14, 2025
Laughing Until You Cry
Laugh or cry; do or die.
[front cover of a hardcover copy of "That's How They Get You..."]
That's How They Get You: An Unruly Anthology of Black American Humor edited by Damon Young nonfiction & some fiction Pantheon Books, June 2025
This scintillating mix of personal essays, short stories, stream of consciousness musings, text threads and more all portray and dissect examples of the sharp observations and fundamental truths of the broad array of Black humor from slapstick absurdities to poignant angst. Make sure to read and savor every word.
Current & previous BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) courtesy of the public library, as usual
[a bookstack of 10 books: bottom showing only the bottom page edges; top 3 with spines outward-from top to bottom; Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermilion]
During these very challenging times please make extra effort to prioritize taking care of yourself and make time for enjoying some simple pleasures every day. Like reading;-)
[front cover of a hardcover copy of "That's How They Get You..."]That's How They Get You: An Unruly Anthology of Black American Humor edited by Damon Young nonfiction & some fiction Pantheon Books, June 2025
This scintillating mix of personal essays, short stories, stream of consciousness musings, text threads and more all portray and dissect examples of the sharp observations and fundamental truths of the broad array of Black humor from slapstick absurdities to poignant angst. Make sure to read and savor every word.
Current & previous BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) courtesy of the public library, as usual
[a bookstack of 10 books: bottom showing only the bottom page edges; top 3 with spines outward-from top to bottom; Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermilion] During these very challenging times please make extra effort to prioritize taking care of yourself and make time for enjoying some simple pleasures every day. Like reading;-)
September 7, 2025
Out of the Shadows
Echoes of past trauma haunt these complicated, intrepid characters who sail the high seas while also navigating assorted forms of treachery. Poignant emotion combined with humor and daring exploits make Sorinda's story a compelling read that entertains in multiple ways.
[cover art for a hardcover edition of Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller: three-quarter profile image of a young Black woman with long braids while holding an unsheathed dagger]
Vengeance of the Pirate Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #3) by Tricia Levenseller YA fantasy with romantic elementsMacmillan, 2023
It's rare for me to read YA fiction because it tripwires visceral memories of my own angsty young adult years, and while my gratitude toward all the merciful deities is immense in appreciation for my survival and eventual flourishing, revisiting that angst in any way doesn't appeal. With that in mind, Sorinda's story satisfied in every way: character development, world building, emotional intimacy, internal and external conflicts, ethical quandaries, danger, and swashbuckling adventure.
This week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) along with 7 prior books;-)
[the bottoms of 7 trade paperback books to the left of 4 upright books with spines showing: If Not for My Baby, The Last Wizards Ball, The Story That Wouldn't Die, That's How They Get You; next to 3 trade paperback books stacked, from top to bottom: Ready to Score, Maid for Each Other, Rest in Pink]
Reading for pleasure has been a safe happy place for me since childhood when my dad would read to me using different voices for each character until I learned to read to him. (He'd still chime in with sound effects.)
My hope is that everyone has reading and other activities that offer peace, joyful memories and respite during these very challenging times.
[cover art for a hardcover edition of Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller: three-quarter profile image of a young Black woman with long braids while holding an unsheathed dagger] Vengeance of the Pirate Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #3) by Tricia Levenseller YA fantasy with romantic elementsMacmillan, 2023
It's rare for me to read YA fiction because it tripwires visceral memories of my own angsty young adult years, and while my gratitude toward all the merciful deities is immense in appreciation for my survival and eventual flourishing, revisiting that angst in any way doesn't appeal. With that in mind, Sorinda's story satisfied in every way: character development, world building, emotional intimacy, internal and external conflicts, ethical quandaries, danger, and swashbuckling adventure.
This week's BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) along with 7 prior books;-)
[the bottoms of 7 trade paperback books to the left of 4 upright books with spines showing: If Not for My Baby, The Last Wizards Ball, The Story That Wouldn't Die, That's How They Get You; next to 3 trade paperback books stacked, from top to bottom: Ready to Score, Maid for Each Other, Rest in Pink] Reading for pleasure has been a safe happy place for me since childhood when my dad would read to me using different voices for each character until I learned to read to him. (He'd still chime in with sound effects.)
My hope is that everyone has reading and other activities that offer peace, joyful memories and respite during these very challenging times.
August 31, 2025
Everyday Magic & Genre Mashups
Three outstanding reads by authors who've crafted irresistible tales that defy the confines of the narrow expectations of a single genre.
[three books arranged face up, from left to right: Chocolate Chip City, He's To Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe]
Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell contemporary speculative fiction with romance Bywater Books, June 2025
In this lyrical, lush composition three sisters, Jasmine, Ella and Layla, embody riffs on power: of the individual, family, community, culture; attraction, repulsion, collaboration. It's anchored in harsh realities while using magical realism and sharp humor to explore the often awkward and discouraging search for purpose, acceptance, and love in the context of life and the socio-economic pyramid scheme of capitalism.
Its recurring variations on themes of erasure and reclaiming legacies echo a present-day continuum of The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope and an emotional texture reminiscent of Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel while projecting its own unique propulsive narrative energy.
This passage from chapter one exemplifies the sumptuous nature of this captivating tale: She ran her fingers over the words, imagining how the souffle would feel on her tongue.
He's To Die For by Erin Dunn contemporary mystery romance Minotaur Books, June 2025
Police Detective Rav Trivedi is unapologetically himself as excellent work performance earns him accolades and promotions at a fast pace that doesn't please everyone. Then the flashy murder off an unpopular executive who was hated by many throws Rav into the orbit of a successful emo musician who's also a prime suspect. Attraction and conflict ensue. He's To Die For offers readers a potent blend of intrigue and romance that mixes genres in perfect proportion.
The Baby Dragon Cafe (Baby Dragon #1) by A.T. Qureshi contemporary speculative new adult romance Avon, January 2025
Creating a place that welcomes all who enter opens up unexpected opportunities for Saphira in the aftermath of a devastating loss. Dragons, griffins, and more provide fantasy. Portraying grief as an evolving process offers compassion, encouragement, and plenty of tenderness and humor.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues as supported by irresistible temptations at the public library
[a collage of two photos arranged side-by-side; left side - "NEW BOOKS! Prince George's County Memorial Library pgcmls.info" sign atop a round shelf with two books, Love on the Rebound and Beautiful Broken Love, arranged in front of the sign; right side - a bookstack of 5 books showing the bottoms of the pages with Beautiful Broken Love and Love on the Rebound leaning upright against the bookstack]
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind and joy. Happy reading!
[three books arranged face up, from left to right: Chocolate Chip City, He's To Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe] Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell contemporary speculative fiction with romance Bywater Books, June 2025
In this lyrical, lush composition three sisters, Jasmine, Ella and Layla, embody riffs on power: of the individual, family, community, culture; attraction, repulsion, collaboration. It's anchored in harsh realities while using magical realism and sharp humor to explore the often awkward and discouraging search for purpose, acceptance, and love in the context of life and the socio-economic pyramid scheme of capitalism.
Its recurring variations on themes of erasure and reclaiming legacies echo a present-day continuum of The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope and an emotional texture reminiscent of Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel while projecting its own unique propulsive narrative energy.
This passage from chapter one exemplifies the sumptuous nature of this captivating tale: She ran her fingers over the words, imagining how the souffle would feel on her tongue.
He's To Die For by Erin Dunn contemporary mystery romance Minotaur Books, June 2025
Police Detective Rav Trivedi is unapologetically himself as excellent work performance earns him accolades and promotions at a fast pace that doesn't please everyone. Then the flashy murder off an unpopular executive who was hated by many throws Rav into the orbit of a successful emo musician who's also a prime suspect. Attraction and conflict ensue. He's To Die For offers readers a potent blend of intrigue and romance that mixes genres in perfect proportion.
The Baby Dragon Cafe (Baby Dragon #1) by A.T. Qureshi contemporary speculative new adult romance Avon, January 2025
Creating a place that welcomes all who enter opens up unexpected opportunities for Saphira in the aftermath of a devastating loss. Dragons, griffins, and more provide fantasy. Portraying grief as an evolving process offers compassion, encouragement, and plenty of tenderness and humor.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues as supported by irresistible temptations at the public library
[a collage of two photos arranged side-by-side; left side - "NEW BOOKS! Prince George's County Memorial Library pgcmls.info" sign atop a round shelf with two books, Love on the Rebound and Beautiful Broken Love, arranged in front of the sign; right side - a bookstack of 5 books showing the bottoms of the pages with Beautiful Broken Love and Love on the Rebound leaning upright against the bookstack] Always wishing you good health, peace of mind and joy. Happy reading!
August 24, 2025
Heartthrobs, Zombie Mobs & Hollywood Divas
Laughs, gore and drama galore!
[3 trade paperback books from left to right: One Death at a Time, He Falls First, Zom RomCom]
One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman contemporary mystery Berkley, April 2025
Sobriety challenges, meetings, an uneasy alliance, a road trip, an assortment of unusual and unlikely allies, betrayals, lots of laugh and profound sentiment make Julia and Natasha's journey an enjoyable ride even as it addresses ageism sexism with organic candor.
He Falls First by Jill Shalvis contemporary romance Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025
This love story focuses on the joy of support offered by biological and found family even as it references the evolution of recovery from past experiences of domestic violence.
Zom RomCom by Olivia Dade contemporary speculative adventure romance Berkley Romance, August 2025
A laugh-aloud spoof of manmade horrors with its own unique quirkiness that delivers so many good feelings even as it addresses significant loss and grief. Readers missing the Sookie Stackhouse dynamic with Erik(?) the vampire should especially enjoy the banter between Edie and Max.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues
[bookstack of 8 books from top to bottom: Chocolate Chip City, Vengeance of the Pirate Queen, The Dirty Version, Sometimes You Stay, Scotch on the Rocks, He's to Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe, The Launch Date]
Life is even more challenging than usual for most of us so savor all of the everyday pleasures each day and encounter offers.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy!
[3 trade paperback books from left to right: One Death at a Time, He Falls First, Zom RomCom] One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman contemporary mystery Berkley, April 2025
Sobriety challenges, meetings, an uneasy alliance, a road trip, an assortment of unusual and unlikely allies, betrayals, lots of laugh and profound sentiment make Julia and Natasha's journey an enjoyable ride even as it addresses ageism sexism with organic candor.
He Falls First by Jill Shalvis contemporary romance Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025
This love story focuses on the joy of support offered by biological and found family even as it references the evolution of recovery from past experiences of domestic violence.
Zom RomCom by Olivia Dade contemporary speculative adventure romance Berkley Romance, August 2025
A laugh-aloud spoof of manmade horrors with its own unique quirkiness that delivers so many good feelings even as it addresses significant loss and grief. Readers missing the Sookie Stackhouse dynamic with Erik(?) the vampire should especially enjoy the banter between Edie and Max.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues
[bookstack of 8 books from top to bottom: Chocolate Chip City, Vengeance of the Pirate Queen, The Dirty Version, Sometimes You Stay, Scotch on the Rocks, He's to Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe, The Launch Date] Life is even more challenging than usual for most of us so savor all of the everyday pleasures each day and encounter offers.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy!
August 17, 2025
Deja Vu, Recalibrating, Pyramid Schemes & Narcissists
More satisfying romances from an array of talented authors who love love to help offset the real-life ethical and moral horrors shared in a riveting memoir.
[3 trade paperback books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Pugs & Kisses, When Javi Dumped Mari, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball]
Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon contemporary adult romance Hachette Book Group, July 2025
Evie's juggling a lot personally and professionally. Can the man who ghosted her years ago earn her forgiveness and regain her trust enough to work with her to achieve her personal and professional goals? Revealing those answers offers readers a charming tale of wooing.
When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa contemporary adult romance G.P. Putnam's Sons, June 2025
In the decade since they became college besties, Mari and Javi have decisions to make. WIll they jeopardize the shaky stability of the status quo or risk their hearts and the future of their friendship for the chance of something more? Emotional complexity, laughs, and vulnerability ensue.
All's Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer contemporary adult romance Forever, June 2025
Two people with things to prove to themselves team up for business and end up of finding pleasure and love.
How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin contemporary adult romance Berkeley Romance, July 2025
This laugh-aloud romance between dedicated kindergarten teacher Emerson and investigative reporter Lucas spoofs the challenges of teaching, adulting, parenting, and hustling to make a liveable salary with insightful precision. The heat between Emerson and Lucas smokes.
[2 hardcover books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism, A Memoir; It Takes a Psychic]
Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism, A Memoir by Sarah Wynn-Williams non-fiction memoir Macmillan, March 2025
Beginning with a quote from The Great Gatsby, a prologue, a timeline rendered in 48 chapters, and an epilogue, this disturbing, but unsurprising saga of the corruption of good intentions reveals the answers to these questions and more: What happens when innovation focuses only on its possibilities and not its consequences? What happens when the people who control a business entity grow too large and powerful and influential, making it nearly impossible to hold them accountable for the harms they cause and enable?
It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle contemporary adult paranormal romance Penguin Random House, June 2025
Leona and Oliver's teaming up to solve mysteries and vanquish mentally unstable villains offers readers this author's signature mix of intrigue, danger, dust bunnies, and intimacy of the emotional and physical kinds.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues
[a bookstack of 6 trade paperback books; the 3 on the bottom showing only the edges of the bottom pages; the 3 on the top showing their spines, from top to bottom: Zom Rom Com, He Falls First, One Death At a Time]
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & worthwhile reads!
[3 trade paperback books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Pugs & Kisses, When Javi Dumped Mari, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball] Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon contemporary adult romance Hachette Book Group, July 2025
Evie's juggling a lot personally and professionally. Can the man who ghosted her years ago earn her forgiveness and regain her trust enough to work with her to achieve her personal and professional goals? Revealing those answers offers readers a charming tale of wooing.
When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa contemporary adult romance G.P. Putnam's Sons, June 2025
In the decade since they became college besties, Mari and Javi have decisions to make. WIll they jeopardize the shaky stability of the status quo or risk their hearts and the future of their friendship for the chance of something more? Emotional complexity, laughs, and vulnerability ensue.
All's Fair in Love and Pickleball by Kate Spencer contemporary adult romance Forever, June 2025
Two people with things to prove to themselves team up for business and end up of finding pleasure and love.
How to Sell a Romance by Alexa Martin contemporary adult romance Berkeley Romance, July 2025
This laugh-aloud romance between dedicated kindergarten teacher Emerson and investigative reporter Lucas spoofs the challenges of teaching, adulting, parenting, and hustling to make a liveable salary with insightful precision. The heat between Emerson and Lucas smokes.
[2 hardcover books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism, A Memoir; It Takes a Psychic] Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism, A Memoir by Sarah Wynn-Williams non-fiction memoir Macmillan, March 2025
Beginning with a quote from The Great Gatsby, a prologue, a timeline rendered in 48 chapters, and an epilogue, this disturbing, but unsurprising saga of the corruption of good intentions reveals the answers to these questions and more: What happens when innovation focuses only on its possibilities and not its consequences? What happens when the people who control a business entity grow too large and powerful and influential, making it nearly impossible to hold them accountable for the harms they cause and enable?
It Takes a Psychic by Jayne Castle contemporary adult paranormal romance Penguin Random House, June 2025
Leona and Oliver's teaming up to solve mysteries and vanquish mentally unstable villains offers readers this author's signature mix of intrigue, danger, dust bunnies, and intimacy of the emotional and physical kinds.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues
[a bookstack of 6 trade paperback books; the 3 on the bottom showing only the edges of the bottom pages; the 3 on the top showing their spines, from top to bottom: Zom Rom Com, He Falls First, One Death At a Time] Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy & worthwhile reads!
August 10, 2025
Beach Reads That Sizzle (in Many Ways)
It's a miracle that so many actual and imagined human young survive into adulthood, and then on to old age. The following books offer entertaining and provocative tales of challenges, misadventures, and triumphs.
[a collage of 4 images: upper left - It Had to Be You hardcover Thorndike Press large print edition set on the edge of a small table between 2 chairs; upper right - a "BEACH" tote bag in a striped beach chair along with a paperback ARC of Up in Smoke; lower left - a paperback copy of An Evening at the Hotel on a wood table next to a beach umbrella; lower right - a paperback copy of All Super-Heroes Need PR]
All Super-Heroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens contemporary speculative romance Amazon Publishing, May 2025
Vanessa's story delivers a riveting aliens-among-us origin story, a fake romance with unexpected twists, and nuanced workplace interpersonal dynamics that offer drama, humor, razor sharp social commentary, and visceral memories of past childhood trauma and current emotional consequences. Readers sensitive to detailed descriptions of mental health struggles may want to skip or skim those passages despite the compassionate beauty of their composition.
Up in Smoke by Nick Brooks contemporary YA mystery suspense fiction with romantic elements Henry Holt & Co., May 2025
Record heat in the atmosphere swells until things combust for Cooper's family, friends, neighbors, community, and city. Who and what remains alive and free, and gets revealed when the smoke clears in the pressurized sociopolitical environment of the U.S. nation's capital of D.C. are mysteries Cooper feels compelled to solve. Dangerous chaos ensues in this fast-paced drama that resonates with events in recent years.
It Had to Be You by Eliza Jane Brazier contemporary romantic intrigue Penguin Random House, 2024
This clever and engrossing spin on the strangers-on-a-train trope offers an absurdist tale about the consequences of unaddressed trauma. Eva and Jonathan's romance is threatening in every way. It's also heartrending and hilarious. Think a bit of The War of the Roses film narrative in reverse mixed with Ballerina (John Wick universe) and its own unique worldview.
An Evening at the Hotel by Suanne Laqueur contemporary erotic fiction Cathedral Rock Press, 2020
Dedicated "For everyone behind a Do Not Disturb sign" is truth in advertising as each of these linked snippets in alternating points of view reveal poignant moments of emotional and sexual intimacy anchored in tension between risk and peacefulness sourced in vulnerability and trust. An Evening at the Hotel presents tender, amusing, incendiary personal engagement.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues:
[2 images: left - Pugs & Kisses, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball, When Havi Dumped Mari, How to Sell a Romance; right - 7 books stacked with their bottoms edges showing next to 4 books with their spines showing: Francine's Spectacular Crash & Burn, Love is a War Song, Promise Me Sunshine, Taste the Love]
And of course there are ebooks on my phone and tablet.
Hope your week overflows with books that satisfy! (including audio, graphic novels, comics, Braille...)
[a collage of 4 images: upper left - It Had to Be You hardcover Thorndike Press large print edition set on the edge of a small table between 2 chairs; upper right - a "BEACH" tote bag in a striped beach chair along with a paperback ARC of Up in Smoke; lower left - a paperback copy of An Evening at the Hotel on a wood table next to a beach umbrella; lower right - a paperback copy of All Super-Heroes Need PR] All Super-Heroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens contemporary speculative romance Amazon Publishing, May 2025
Vanessa's story delivers a riveting aliens-among-us origin story, a fake romance with unexpected twists, and nuanced workplace interpersonal dynamics that offer drama, humor, razor sharp social commentary, and visceral memories of past childhood trauma and current emotional consequences. Readers sensitive to detailed descriptions of mental health struggles may want to skip or skim those passages despite the compassionate beauty of their composition.
Up in Smoke by Nick Brooks contemporary YA mystery suspense fiction with romantic elements Henry Holt & Co., May 2025
Record heat in the atmosphere swells until things combust for Cooper's family, friends, neighbors, community, and city. Who and what remains alive and free, and gets revealed when the smoke clears in the pressurized sociopolitical environment of the U.S. nation's capital of D.C. are mysteries Cooper feels compelled to solve. Dangerous chaos ensues in this fast-paced drama that resonates with events in recent years.
It Had to Be You by Eliza Jane Brazier contemporary romantic intrigue Penguin Random House, 2024
This clever and engrossing spin on the strangers-on-a-train trope offers an absurdist tale about the consequences of unaddressed trauma. Eva and Jonathan's romance is threatening in every way. It's also heartrending and hilarious. Think a bit of The War of the Roses film narrative in reverse mixed with Ballerina (John Wick universe) and its own unique worldview.
An Evening at the Hotel by Suanne Laqueur contemporary erotic fiction Cathedral Rock Press, 2020
Dedicated "For everyone behind a Do Not Disturb sign" is truth in advertising as each of these linked snippets in alternating points of view reveal poignant moments of emotional and sexual intimacy anchored in tension between risk and peacefulness sourced in vulnerability and trust. An Evening at the Hotel presents tender, amusing, incendiary personal engagement.
This week's BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues:
[2 images: left - Pugs & Kisses, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball, When Havi Dumped Mari, How to Sell a Romance; right - 7 books stacked with their bottoms edges showing next to 4 books with their spines showing: Francine's Spectacular Crash & Burn, Love is a War Song, Promise Me Sunshine, Taste the Love] And of course there are ebooks on my phone and tablet.
Hope your week overflows with books that satisfy! (including audio, graphic novels, comics, Braille...)
August 3, 2025
Tapping into Your Power
The following two books celebrate powerful characters who overcome their fears to manifest their greatness for the benefit of themselves, their loved ones and communities. So satisfying.
[2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff]
A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna contemporary speculative romance Berkeley, July 2025
Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable.
One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen: Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become important. Like his lonely and her lonely fit perfectly into the empty spaces at the other's side, saying nothing, asking nothing, just keeping each other company.
Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff contemporary speculative fiction with romantic elements DAW, April 2025
Multiple mysteries, secrets, intrigue, ethical quandaries, entrenched traditions and inevitable changes, generational conflicts, community, complicated family dynamics, power struggles along with stumbling into a chance for romance make this clever Lake Argen saga an irresistible read that entertains with a combination of drama, tenderness, and humor. Sharp social commentary and homage to librarians and libraries included.
from chapter three, a character's strategy for packing luggage: Without the jacket, I had room for another couple of books.
from chapter thirteen: ... the world could have ended without him noticing. It wasn't even a new book! He'd read it before! Who does that? It's a good thing he never married and had kids; they wouldn't have survived infancy. He'd have read them to death.
My BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues evolve.
[3 books arranged with the spines showing: Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho, Overruled by Lana Ferguson*, It Takes a Pyschic by Jayne Castle next to a stack of 8 books showing the bottom edges of their pages]
Four days ago the Overruled ebook became available from the neighboring county's library system, but my home county library branch had the print version available on its New Books display when I returned books Friday so... (I did return the ebook so the next patron didn't need to wait 14 days.;-)
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy Happy reading!
[2 books from left to right: A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna, Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff] A Witch's Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Mandanna contemporary speculative romance Berkeley, July 2025
Sera's story of navigating otherness was worth the wait. The advantages, responsibilities, and consequences of being powerful are explored with nuanced observations, humor, and compassion. Themes on distinctions between family by blood, choice, and intention weave throughout this poignant tale about paying attention and recognizing personal details as fundamental to the evolution of one's perspective on who and what are valuable.
One of my favorite passages from the end of chapter nineteen: Like this was a thing that had, somehow, become important. Like his lonely and her lonely fit perfectly into the empty spaces at the other's side, saying nothing, asking nothing, just keeping each other company.
Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff contemporary speculative fiction with romantic elements DAW, April 2025
Multiple mysteries, secrets, intrigue, ethical quandaries, entrenched traditions and inevitable changes, generational conflicts, community, complicated family dynamics, power struggles along with stumbling into a chance for romance make this clever Lake Argen saga an irresistible read that entertains with a combination of drama, tenderness, and humor. Sharp social commentary and homage to librarians and libraries included.
from chapter three, a character's strategy for packing luggage: Without the jacket, I had room for another couple of books.
from chapter thirteen: ... the world could have ended without him noticing. It wasn't even a new book! He'd read it before! Who does that? It's a good thing he never married and had kids; they wouldn't have survived infancy. He'd have read them to death.
My BAC (Book Acquisition Compulsion) Issues evolve.
[3 books arranged with the spines showing: Behind Frenemy Lines by Zen Cho, Overruled by Lana Ferguson*, It Takes a Pyschic by Jayne Castle next to a stack of 8 books showing the bottom edges of their pages] Four days ago the Overruled ebook became available from the neighboring county's library system, but my home county library branch had the print version available on its New Books display when I returned books Friday so... (I did return the ebook so the next patron didn't need to wait 14 days.;-)
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind & joy Happy reading!
