Cardyn Brooks's Blog, page 4
March 2, 2025
Bruised Hearts Across Time, Places & Genres
An assortment of very satisfying reads...
[3 books arranged next to each other from left to right: The Queen's Spade, Casanegra, First-Time Caller]
The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley historical literary fiction Harper, January 2025
Sarah Forbes Bonetta has a vengeance to-do list, and her plan includes making everyone who's on it regret that they ever did her wrong. Her mission is packed with intrigue, danger, double-crosses, unexpected allies, and layered historical context encompassing much more nuance than typical white-washed historical fiction. Start reading this irresistible tale when there's enough time to savor it without being interrupted.
Casanegra (Tennyson Hardwick #1) by Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes contemporary mystery fiction Atria Books, paperback reprint 2025 - originally 2008
Wrong place, wrong time jeopardizes anti-hero Tennyson Hardwick's freedom and his life. Alienation, grief, family drama, and the seedy underground of the entertainment industry form a solid framework for this multifaceted atmospheric mystery as social commentary. Is this reprint indicative of an upcoming movie or limited series featuring Blair Underwood in the lead role? One can hope. Meanwhile, a re-/read of the entire series seems like an worthy idea.
First-Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) by B.K. Borison contemporary romance Berkeley, February 2025
from chapter 8: "What if this is what you've been waiting for? What if it's all a string of choices and moments and events and decisions that have led you to exactly right here? And what if what happens next--what if what happens next is the good part? The part you've been waiting for?"
In this love letter to Baltimore, Maryland that celebrates families created through intentional choice, Lucie and Aiden are each questioning how to move forward in their lives in the aftermath of multiple disappointments and challenges. This author's storytelling super power of combining poignant emotional intimacy with searing sexual tension creates compelling characters, communities of wacky friends, neighbors, and coworkers who resonate as authentic in their struggles, victories, sorrows, and joys. There's laughter and complexity. Fans saddened by the conclusion of the Lovelight Farms series should feel encouraged by this first installment of the Heartstrings series that continues all of the appealing narrative fundamentals of this author's signature strengths.
This week's reading options
[a bookstack of 4 books from top to bottom: A Lifetime in 30 Days, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, Dream Girl Drama, Shattering Dawn; books arranged against a floral background featuring whole and sliced lemons and oranges on a gingham pattern]
Romance is my favorite genre of fiction because hopefulness and happily ever afters are its cornerstones as it celebrates love, family, and community. During these challenging times please focus on self-care of your body, mind, and, spirit, and cherishing those you love who love you in return. Feel your feelings, then think of one action you can do, no matter how small, to make the world healthier, more compassionate, and welcoming for yourself and everyone else. Creating a good life can mean a mutually beneficial one for all of us if we're willing to work together to achieve it.
Happy reading!
[3 books arranged next to each other from left to right: The Queen's Spade, Casanegra, First-Time Caller] The Queen's Spade by Sarah Raughley historical literary fiction Harper, January 2025
Sarah Forbes Bonetta has a vengeance to-do list, and her plan includes making everyone who's on it regret that they ever did her wrong. Her mission is packed with intrigue, danger, double-crosses, unexpected allies, and layered historical context encompassing much more nuance than typical white-washed historical fiction. Start reading this irresistible tale when there's enough time to savor it without being interrupted.
Casanegra (Tennyson Hardwick #1) by Blair Underwood, Tananarive Due, Steven Barnes contemporary mystery fiction Atria Books, paperback reprint 2025 - originally 2008
Wrong place, wrong time jeopardizes anti-hero Tennyson Hardwick's freedom and his life. Alienation, grief, family drama, and the seedy underground of the entertainment industry form a solid framework for this multifaceted atmospheric mystery as social commentary. Is this reprint indicative of an upcoming movie or limited series featuring Blair Underwood in the lead role? One can hope. Meanwhile, a re-/read of the entire series seems like an worthy idea.
First-Time Caller (Heartstrings #1) by B.K. Borison contemporary romance Berkeley, February 2025
from chapter 8: "What if this is what you've been waiting for? What if it's all a string of choices and moments and events and decisions that have led you to exactly right here? And what if what happens next--what if what happens next is the good part? The part you've been waiting for?"
In this love letter to Baltimore, Maryland that celebrates families created through intentional choice, Lucie and Aiden are each questioning how to move forward in their lives in the aftermath of multiple disappointments and challenges. This author's storytelling super power of combining poignant emotional intimacy with searing sexual tension creates compelling characters, communities of wacky friends, neighbors, and coworkers who resonate as authentic in their struggles, victories, sorrows, and joys. There's laughter and complexity. Fans saddened by the conclusion of the Lovelight Farms series should feel encouraged by this first installment of the Heartstrings series that continues all of the appealing narrative fundamentals of this author's signature strengths.
This week's reading options
[a bookstack of 4 books from top to bottom: A Lifetime in 30 Days, A Tropical Rebel Gets the Duke, Dream Girl Drama, Shattering Dawn; books arranged against a floral background featuring whole and sliced lemons and oranges on a gingham pattern] Romance is my favorite genre of fiction because hopefulness and happily ever afters are its cornerstones as it celebrates love, family, and community. During these challenging times please focus on self-care of your body, mind, and, spirit, and cherishing those you love who love you in return. Feel your feelings, then think of one action you can do, no matter how small, to make the world healthier, more compassionate, and welcoming for yourself and everyone else. Creating a good life can mean a mutually beneficial one for all of us if we're willing to work together to achieve it.
Happy reading!
February 23, 2025
Bookmarks as Made & Improvised
It was an especially challenging week last week with more of the same expected this week so here's a lighthearted post about bookmarks and their noble duty of preventing crimes against books, like creased, folded and bent pages.
[6 actual bookmarks and 5 improvised bookmarks: East City Book Shop, Old Town Books, "Black History Month", Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Anne Arundel County Public Library, 5 clothing tags from assorted brands, "Welcome to the Library" with welcome in various languages]
Bookmarks from bookstores, libraries, as event swag from authors are lovely charming, useful in placeholding function and advertising. And then there are the interesting, eye-catching tags that always make me think, "This would make a perfect bookmark!" even though I already own more bookmarks than needed for at least two lifetimes.
This week's reading indulgences
[a book stack with 5 books from top to bottom: The Queen's Spade, Adam & Evie's Matchmaking Tour, First-Time Caller, Duchess Material, Only for the Week; all arranged against a background of crushed velvet fabric]
Prioritize your self-care with as much intention, time, and effort as possible. We're living in interesting times. Don't let the sideshow antics distract you from the substance of who and what actually matter.
Happy reading & stability of mind to all!
[6 actual bookmarks and 5 improvised bookmarks: East City Book Shop, Old Town Books, "Black History Month", Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Anne Arundel County Public Library, 5 clothing tags from assorted brands, "Welcome to the Library" with welcome in various languages] Bookmarks from bookstores, libraries, as event swag from authors are lovely charming, useful in placeholding function and advertising. And then there are the interesting, eye-catching tags that always make me think, "This would make a perfect bookmark!" even though I already own more bookmarks than needed for at least two lifetimes.
This week's reading indulgences
[a book stack with 5 books from top to bottom: The Queen's Spade, Adam & Evie's Matchmaking Tour, First-Time Caller, Duchess Material, Only for the Week; all arranged against a background of crushed velvet fabric] Prioritize your self-care with as much intention, time, and effort as possible. We're living in interesting times. Don't let the sideshow antics distract you from the substance of who and what actually matter.
Happy reading & stability of mind to all!
February 16, 2025
Love in the Air from the Big City to Small Town Places
Lingering holiday vibes roll into the Valentine's Day weekend love fest.
[3 books face-up from left to right, then down: One Big Happy Family, A Novel Christmas, Sleeping with the Frenemy; all arranged against a backdrop of hearts gift wrap]
A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane' contemporary romance Black Odyssey Media, September 2024
Writer's block has romance author Saira Wright feeling bah-humbug when her publisher commands her to write a holiday romance. Enter volunteer firefighter Dorian Black, new neighbor and landlord, and Christmas magic ignites while addressing grief and healthy, joyous ways of moving forward.
Sleeping with the Frenemy (Vega Family #3) by Natalie Cana contemporary romance Mira, October 2024
In this adversaries-with-previous-benefits second chance love story Sofia and Leo get unsolicited help from charming meddlesome senior citizens, a fur baby, circumstances beyond their control, and chemistry that smokes off the pages/screens/speakers.
One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery contemporary romance/women's fiction Canary Street Press, October 2024
Secrets, grudges, insecurities... Julie Parker, her secret lover Heath, his rambunctious kids, and the rest of her family face all of those things and more challenges during what was supposed to be a relaxing Christmas getaway. Only there's no escaping oneself. Family mayhem, tenderness, hard truths, and laughs battle for dominance.
At the top of this week's reading selection... You had me at "Blair Underwood" even without his picture, a much appreciated bonus.
[a bookstack of 8 books from top to bottom: Casanegra, Let the Games Begin, Designs on You, Dead Beside the Thames, Accidentally Amy, Into the Woods, Power of Persuasion, Remember When]
Happy reading & creating (which often includes resting & reflecting)!
[3 books face-up from left to right, then down: One Big Happy Family, A Novel Christmas, Sleeping with the Frenemy; all arranged against a backdrop of hearts gift wrap] A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane' contemporary romance Black Odyssey Media, September 2024
Writer's block has romance author Saira Wright feeling bah-humbug when her publisher commands her to write a holiday romance. Enter volunteer firefighter Dorian Black, new neighbor and landlord, and Christmas magic ignites while addressing grief and healthy, joyous ways of moving forward.
Sleeping with the Frenemy (Vega Family #3) by Natalie Cana contemporary romance Mira, October 2024
In this adversaries-with-previous-benefits second chance love story Sofia and Leo get unsolicited help from charming meddlesome senior citizens, a fur baby, circumstances beyond their control, and chemistry that smokes off the pages/screens/speakers.
One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery contemporary romance/women's fiction Canary Street Press, October 2024
Secrets, grudges, insecurities... Julie Parker, her secret lover Heath, his rambunctious kids, and the rest of her family face all of those things and more challenges during what was supposed to be a relaxing Christmas getaway. Only there's no escaping oneself. Family mayhem, tenderness, hard truths, and laughs battle for dominance.
At the top of this week's reading selection... You had me at "Blair Underwood" even without his picture, a much appreciated bonus.
[a bookstack of 8 books from top to bottom: Casanegra, Let the Games Begin, Designs on You, Dead Beside the Thames, Accidentally Amy, Into the Woods, Power of Persuasion, Remember When] Happy reading & creating (which often includes resting & reflecting)!
February 9, 2025
Fact and Fiction about the Mechanics of Love
Love is often messy and hard work. True, healthy, fulfilling love that endures, grows, and strengthens is worth the effort.
[a small heart-shaped chocolate cake decorated with a curving vine next to a smaller pink heart]
[a book stack of 4 books from top to bottom: Love Delayed, No Ordinary Duchess, Earl Crush, The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness]
The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness by Nancy Redd non-fiction health and science Avery, October 2024
Although the target audience is young people who are entering puberty, an introduction, seven sections named according to the areas and functions they address, a "final word" followed by the author bio, acknowledgments, notes, credits, and an index work together with numerous photographs to inform readers from puberty to most seasoned adulthood about what's happening with their bodies. Parents, guardians, and trusted adult mentors will all benefit from the accessible manner the scientific facts and fictions of body parts, bodily functions, and some medications and treatments. Reading it in advance and/or with a young person to answer their questions and alleviate their concerns seems like a mutually beneficial strategy. Similar to a dictionary combined with an encyclopedia, this reference book is a must-have go-to.
Love Delayed by Anna Black contemporary romance Black Odyssey Media, November 2024
Zamora and Marcus's second chance love story is super soapy; impulsive decisions generate unforeseen consequences, family drama, betrayals, lessons learned the hard way, laughs, and joy.
No Ordinary Duchess (Greycourt #3) by Elizabeth Hoyt historical romance Forever, December 2024
Multiple mysteries, life-threatening dangers, an isolated property... Elspeth and Julian's love story blends a mix of familiar literary references with fresh spice and relevant social commentary.
from chapter 12: "Who are these people? she asked fiercely. "Who decides what is natural and what unnatural?... It's ridiculous. They pick and choose what they want from the Bible," she interrupted loudly. "They know it, and I know it."
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti historical romance St. Martin's Griffin, January 2025
This utter delight of a tenderhearted romp mashes up pen pals, mystery, political intrigue, and suspense with romance and farce.
from chapter 5: What hope could there be for change without universal suffrage? Why would anything ever improve... if a handful of terrible men controlled its fate and answered to no one?
from chapter 7: "All politics are about people's lives. Our experiences are what drive our politics--our experiences and our sympathy for the lives of others."
This week's reading options
[a book stack of 8 books from top to bottom: A Novel Christmas, Sleeping with the Frenemy, Catch and Keep, Her Knight at the Museum, Perfect Fit, Much Ado About Margaret, Rewitched, One Big Happy Family]
Take good care of yourself. You're worth the effort of being healthy, peaceful and well-loved. Happy reading!
[a small heart-shaped chocolate cake decorated with a curving vine next to a smaller pink heart] 
[a book stack of 4 books from top to bottom: Love Delayed, No Ordinary Duchess, Earl Crush, The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness] The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness by Nancy Redd non-fiction health and science Avery, October 2024
Although the target audience is young people who are entering puberty, an introduction, seven sections named according to the areas and functions they address, a "final word" followed by the author bio, acknowledgments, notes, credits, and an index work together with numerous photographs to inform readers from puberty to most seasoned adulthood about what's happening with their bodies. Parents, guardians, and trusted adult mentors will all benefit from the accessible manner the scientific facts and fictions of body parts, bodily functions, and some medications and treatments. Reading it in advance and/or with a young person to answer their questions and alleviate their concerns seems like a mutually beneficial strategy. Similar to a dictionary combined with an encyclopedia, this reference book is a must-have go-to.
Love Delayed by Anna Black contemporary romance Black Odyssey Media, November 2024
Zamora and Marcus's second chance love story is super soapy; impulsive decisions generate unforeseen consequences, family drama, betrayals, lessons learned the hard way, laughs, and joy.
No Ordinary Duchess (Greycourt #3) by Elizabeth Hoyt historical romance Forever, December 2024
Multiple mysteries, life-threatening dangers, an isolated property... Elspeth and Julian's love story blends a mix of familiar literary references with fresh spice and relevant social commentary.
from chapter 12: "Who are these people? she asked fiercely. "Who decides what is natural and what unnatural?... It's ridiculous. They pick and choose what they want from the Bible," she interrupted loudly. "They know it, and I know it."
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti historical romance St. Martin's Griffin, January 2025
This utter delight of a tenderhearted romp mashes up pen pals, mystery, political intrigue, and suspense with romance and farce.
from chapter 5: What hope could there be for change without universal suffrage? Why would anything ever improve... if a handful of terrible men controlled its fate and answered to no one?
from chapter 7: "All politics are about people's lives. Our experiences are what drive our politics--our experiences and our sympathy for the lives of others."
This week's reading options
[a book stack of 8 books from top to bottom: A Novel Christmas, Sleeping with the Frenemy, Catch and Keep, Her Knight at the Museum, Perfect Fit, Much Ado About Margaret, Rewitched, One Big Happy Family] Take good care of yourself. You're worth the effort of being healthy, peaceful and well-loved. Happy reading!
February 1, 2025
Love Languages: Acts of Service
No reviews this week as binge reading for pure pleasure helps me cope with life's insanity. Also, a few days ago something happened at the grocery store that amused and encouraged me.
[3 books being held on the edge of a person's hand, from top to bottom: A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane', The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning, One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery; all 3 against a "love" & hearts patterned background]
[the back of a man standing with a woman's large handbag on his shoulder while leaning against a countertop in a grocery store; he's standing under a "restrooms" sign hanging from the ceiling]
From the "tell me you've been together a long time without telling me you've been together a long time" files:
On my way out of my local grocery store, the man shown above accepted the handbag hanging over his shoulder from a woman who then walked into the ladies restroom; no words were exchanged although their direct eye contact and smiles spoke volumes.
This month celebrates love, Black History, National Freedom Day, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the continuation of the Lunar New Year festivities...
Finding joy in the midst of turmoil is one way to resist negative forces that intend to overwhelm us with chaotic despair and impotent rage. Stay connected with the people you love who love you. Call a good friend. Ration media consumption. Take a walk. Visit the library. Sleep. Breathe. Focus on the things you can do more than the things you can't.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy, pleasure & prosperity
[3 books being held on the edge of a person's hand, from top to bottom: A Novel Christmas by Charity Shane', The House at Watch Hill by Karen Marie Moning, One Big Happy Family by Susan Mallery; all 3 against a "love" & hearts patterned background]
[the back of a man standing with a woman's large handbag on his shoulder while leaning against a countertop in a grocery store; he's standing under a "restrooms" sign hanging from the ceiling] From the "tell me you've been together a long time without telling me you've been together a long time" files:
On my way out of my local grocery store, the man shown above accepted the handbag hanging over his shoulder from a woman who then walked into the ladies restroom; no words were exchanged although their direct eye contact and smiles spoke volumes.
This month celebrates love, Black History, National Freedom Day, International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the continuation of the Lunar New Year festivities...
Finding joy in the midst of turmoil is one way to resist negative forces that intend to overwhelm us with chaotic despair and impotent rage. Stay connected with the people you love who love you. Call a good friend. Ration media consumption. Take a walk. Visit the library. Sleep. Breathe. Focus on the things you can do more than the things you can't.
Always wishing you good health, peace of mind, joy, pleasure & prosperity
January 26, 2025
Rocky Relationships
Have read & will read books
[5 books, from left to right: front hardcover up of Murder in Berkeley Square; paperback spines up of Love Delayed, The Wingman, Love You a Latke, I'll Be Gone for Christmas] Murder in Berkeley Square (Lady Worthing #3) by Vanessa Riley historical mystery Kensington Books, September 2024
An array of privileged people snowed in together with a killer tests Lady Worthing's and her fellow sleuth's powers of deduction in this lively installment that offers twists, turns, and reversals of fortune. Shocking departures and arrivals also included. As always, the author's (research) notes provide insightful context.
[bookstack of 3 paperbacks: Under Loch and Key, Mr. Nice Spy, Twisted Knight]
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson contemporary romance with supernatural elements Berkley, December 2024
In addition to an irresistible combatants-to-lovers romance, Keyanna and Lachlan's love story offers readers an inventive twist on popular fantastical lore and nuanced layers about difficult choices, painful consequences, grief, and figuring out how to move forward in healthy ways. It's also very funny, tender, and sexy.
Mr. Nice Spy (My Spy #2) by Tiana Smith contemporary romantic suspense Berkley, November 2024
The results of a DNA swab put Andee Paxton, pyrotechnic engineer, in explosive danger from multiple sources. It's even odds whether her incendiary chemistry with Officer Adam Chan will save her life, or end it. Organic setup of multiple layers of risk, reward, vulnerabilities, and unconventional advantages make their love story an entertaining mashup of romance and thriller suspense tropes. Contains one of the very best universal integrations of disability as a regular fact of everyday life throughout their adventures.
Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts #1) by K. Bromberg contemporary romance Bramble, September 2024
Who's the player and who's being played? Rowan and Holden battle it out to see who has the hardest heart in this first installment about avenging family honor and continuing family legacies that ends on a shocking cliffhanger that'll torment readers with speculations until book two later this year.
If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens contemporary speculative romance St. Martin's Griffin, October 2024
Moonlighting meets Hart to Hart meets Scooby Doo and Ghost in this adversaries-to-lovers meta atmospheric, contemplative romance mystery that examines ethnic gatekeeping in mainstream publishing, and society in general.
from chapter 15: ... There will always be someone who says otherwise, but they're buying into a system created by colonizers.
from chapter 16: Because the publishing industry wants you to fight. They want there to be one of you, and you two were scrabbling for that spot...
from chapter 32: ... By limiting the number of Native books being published, we've been pitted against each other since the beginning.
Pen and Neil's ongoing debate about what, if anything, successful authors from underrepresented marginalized and stereotyped groups owe to their communities resonates as particularly relevant.
Happy Reading the Human Diaspora!
[5 books, from left to right: front hardcover up of Murder in Berkeley Square; paperback spines up of Love Delayed, The Wingman, Love You a Latke, I'll Be Gone for Christmas] Murder in Berkeley Square (Lady Worthing #3) by Vanessa Riley historical mystery Kensington Books, September 2024 An array of privileged people snowed in together with a killer tests Lady Worthing's and her fellow sleuth's powers of deduction in this lively installment that offers twists, turns, and reversals of fortune. Shocking departures and arrivals also included. As always, the author's (research) notes provide insightful context.
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[bookstack of 3 paperbacks: Under Loch and Key, Mr. Nice Spy, Twisted Knight] Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson contemporary romance with supernatural elements Berkley, December 2024
In addition to an irresistible combatants-to-lovers romance, Keyanna and Lachlan's love story offers readers an inventive twist on popular fantastical lore and nuanced layers about difficult choices, painful consequences, grief, and figuring out how to move forward in healthy ways. It's also very funny, tender, and sexy.
Mr. Nice Spy (My Spy #2) by Tiana Smith contemporary romantic suspense Berkley, November 2024
The results of a DNA swab put Andee Paxton, pyrotechnic engineer, in explosive danger from multiple sources. It's even odds whether her incendiary chemistry with Officer Adam Chan will save her life, or end it. Organic setup of multiple layers of risk, reward, vulnerabilities, and unconventional advantages make their love story an entertaining mashup of romance and thriller suspense tropes. Contains one of the very best universal integrations of disability as a regular fact of everyday life throughout their adventures.
Twisted Knight (Tangled Hearts #1) by K. Bromberg contemporary romance Bramble, September 2024
Who's the player and who's being played? Rowan and Holden battle it out to see who has the hardest heart in this first installment about avenging family honor and continuing family legacies that ends on a shocking cliffhanger that'll torment readers with speculations until book two later this year.
If I Stopped Haunting You by Colby Wilkens contemporary speculative romance St. Martin's Griffin, October 2024
Moonlighting meets Hart to Hart meets Scooby Doo and Ghost in this adversaries-to-lovers meta atmospheric, contemplative romance mystery that examines ethnic gatekeeping in mainstream publishing, and society in general.
from chapter 15: ... There will always be someone who says otherwise, but they're buying into a system created by colonizers.
from chapter 16: Because the publishing industry wants you to fight. They want there to be one of you, and you two were scrabbling for that spot...
from chapter 32: ... By limiting the number of Native books being published, we've been pitted against each other since the beginning.
Pen and Neil's ongoing debate about what, if anything, successful authors from underrepresented marginalized and stereotyped groups owe to their communities resonates as particularly relevant.
Happy Reading the Human Diaspora!
January 19, 2025
It's Bad Witch o' Clock During Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. Day Weekend
In each of the following books characters tap into their freedom to choose who they will become and how they'll move forward with their lives despite significant opposition.
[a bookstack of 5 titles from top to bottom: Deja Brew, Bad Witches, Magical Meet Cute, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf, American Ghoul]
American Ghoul by Michelle McGill-Vargas historical speculative literary fiction Blackstone Publishing, September 2024
Hard choices often generate unintended consequences and Lavinia's choices create collateral damage for herself and others. Is she a reliable narrator of her journey? Maybe or maybe not. A mash-up of The 1619 Project meets Interview with the Vampire and a supernatural Thelma and Louise. Sly levity makes the heavy themes less crushing. Insightful sociopolitical observations track a continuum from the racist, sexist, classist past to the real-life present. Racial slurs of the time included.
[printing note: My borrowed library hardcover copy had the last pages of chapters 35 & 36 switched.]
Bad Witches by H.B. Akumiah contemporary speculative fiction Blackstone Publishing, August 2024
Insta-friends Maya, Gabbie, and Delali get much more than they expected on their shared birthday and end up working together with another friend and a mentor to access their powers to save the magical world. Compelling surprises and chaos are unleashed. Clever nods to Practical Magic included.
Deja Brew (Elemental Love #3) by Celestine Martin contemporary romance Forever, October 2024
As individuals, Sirena and Gus are struggling. Together, their attraction has the potential to make their powers exponentially stronger while helping to heal their past hurts. Smalltown shenanigans and scorching chemistry along with hints of Groundhog Day make this a love story that delivers all the feels.
Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer contemporary romance Mira, August 2024
A hateful act indirectly leads an artist to love. Did she manifest the man she wanted or is his sudden appearance a coincidence? Fans of While You Were Sleeping in particular should enjoy this clever romance with deeper themes relevant to the current sociopolitical environment.
How to Help a Hungry Werewolf (Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures #1) by Charlotte Stein contemporary supernatural romance St. Martin's Griffin, October 2024
A clever homage to the HEA Stephen King's Carrie deserved combined with magical mayhem, unintended consequences, variations on themes about bullies and bullying, sincere remorse and forgiveness make Cassie and Seth's love story poignant and super sexy. It's a strong start to what's destined to be an entertaining series. Make sure to read the author's note for interesting tidbits about what inspired this concept.
[a bookstack of 5 titles from top to bottom: Deja Brew, Bad Witches, Magical Meet Cute, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf, American Ghoul] American Ghoul by Michelle McGill-Vargas historical speculative literary fiction Blackstone Publishing, September 2024
Hard choices often generate unintended consequences and Lavinia's choices create collateral damage for herself and others. Is she a reliable narrator of her journey? Maybe or maybe not. A mash-up of The 1619 Project meets Interview with the Vampire and a supernatural Thelma and Louise. Sly levity makes the heavy themes less crushing. Insightful sociopolitical observations track a continuum from the racist, sexist, classist past to the real-life present. Racial slurs of the time included.
[printing note: My borrowed library hardcover copy had the last pages of chapters 35 & 36 switched.]
Bad Witches by H.B. Akumiah contemporary speculative fiction Blackstone Publishing, August 2024
Insta-friends Maya, Gabbie, and Delali get much more than they expected on their shared birthday and end up working together with another friend and a mentor to access their powers to save the magical world. Compelling surprises and chaos are unleashed. Clever nods to Practical Magic included.
Deja Brew (Elemental Love #3) by Celestine Martin contemporary romance Forever, October 2024
As individuals, Sirena and Gus are struggling. Together, their attraction has the potential to make their powers exponentially stronger while helping to heal their past hurts. Smalltown shenanigans and scorching chemistry along with hints of Groundhog Day make this a love story that delivers all the feels.
Magical Meet Cute by Jean Meltzer contemporary romance Mira, August 2024
A hateful act indirectly leads an artist to love. Did she manifest the man she wanted or is his sudden appearance a coincidence? Fans of While You Were Sleeping in particular should enjoy this clever romance with deeper themes relevant to the current sociopolitical environment.
How to Help a Hungry Werewolf (Sanctuary for Supernatural Creatures #1) by Charlotte Stein contemporary supernatural romance St. Martin's Griffin, October 2024
A clever homage to the HEA Stephen King's Carrie deserved combined with magical mayhem, unintended consequences, variations on themes about bullies and bullying, sincere remorse and forgiveness make Cassie and Seth's love story poignant and super sexy. It's a strong start to what's destined to be an entertaining series. Make sure to read the author's note for interesting tidbits about what inspired this concept.
January 12, 2025
Defining Moments & Thriving with Neurodiversity
[an ornate small round picture frame with a paint brush angled across it, a camouflage fishing hat under a wristwatch next to a closed pocket journal with an ink pen on top of it] Puck & Prejudice (Rink Meets Regency #1) by Lia Riley contemporary historical mashup romance Avon, November 2024
Contemporary sports romance + Regency historical romance + time travel = reading joy.
From chapter 5: The moments of chemistry happened when and where there was some kind of alchemy in the blend of personality and atmosphere.
Lizzy and Austin's love story offers readers the best mix of engaging characters, multiple tropes, and nods to Jane Austen at a brisk pace that supports the humor, tenderness, and layered emotional substance.
Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North contemporary romance/women's fiction St. Martin's Griffin, June 2024
When marching to the beat of her own drum leaves Liz feeling out of step with her husband, family, coworkers and the world, she decides to make some drastic changes to reframe her approach to life. Hilarity and heartbreak ensue combined with hope for a happily ever after that exceeds her most optimistic dreams. Tender hot sexy times included.
From chapter 3: ... but I need someone to shove me into the shower every day or two, and for that I'd need Stellar's love. Or Amber's blunt frustration, which Mom calls love.
This story's emotional authenticity is reminiscent of The Kiss Quotient by Helen Huang and a few of Talia Hibbert's romances.
Viscount in Love (Accidental Brides #1) by Eloisa James historical romance Avon, July 2024
Victoria and Dominic's love story entertains as it celebrates the gifts and advantages of otherness in building relationships, families, communities, and fulfilling purpose-driven lives. It also examines the many challenges. Super sensual sexual intimacy scorches. Irrepressible children steal the spotlight in this tenderhearted tale. Make sure to read the author's note.
This week's book buffet (with Viscount in Love already consumed in the time between snapping this photo yesterday and sharing this post today:-)
[5 books arranged vertically, from left to right: Twisted Knight, The Christmas Countdown, Viscount in Love, American Ghoul, Bad Witches] Happy reading!
January 5, 2025
New Beginnings & Second Chances
These books deal with trauma, its aftermath, healing, and renewal.
[front cover art for BAD SEED: The Midnight Cries of an Island Girl, A Novel by Cherry Dawn Fagbemi; a night scene with a starry sky above a home with its exterior and interior lights shining on the first floor]
BAD SEED: The Midnight Cries of an Island Girl by Cherry Dawn Fagbemi contemporary fiction November 2024
"Montego Bay was where I should have died in the summer of 1985."
And with that first sentence, Vivienne Pearson's harrowing saga of being haunted by the resurgence of disturbing memories of past events relevant to her present life and choices starts a compelling tale of heavy themes and dangerous circumstances. It's a potent blend of mystery, thriller, family conflict, social commentary, and romance.
Vivienne confronts her confusion, devastating heartache, alienation and more as she navigates a series of traumas in order to heal and to reclaim herself and her life.
content note: includes detailed flashback of the assault of a child and on-page details of the assault of an adult
[front cover of Just Playing House by Farah Heron; a woman lying on her back on a sofa while a man sits on the sofa and lets her use his thigh a pillow as they look into each other's face; they're surrounded by house plants]
Just Playing House by Farah Heron contemporary romance Forever, July 2024
What happens when the prom date who ghosted you years ago ends up being a big shot actor who can make or break your path to achieving your professional goals?
Marley Kamal finds out when Nik Sharma crashes back into her life. Their love story has so many relatable layers that spin this celebrity romance into a heartfelt tale of enduring friendship, hindsight, and actions that reveal fundamental truths about real love whether offered by family by blood or by choice. It's also funny and poignant. Don't miss the insightful remarks included in the author's acknowledgements.
What had happened was... I went to the library to borrow the two books that were on hold for me and the other three books made me borrow them too (by tempting me from their perch on the new arrivals shelf placed right in front of the entryway).
["Let it snow" gift bag arranged under 5 trade paperback books: You Belong With Me, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf, Puck & Prejudice, Like Cats & Dogs, The Finders Keepers Library]
[front cover art for BAD SEED: The Midnight Cries of an Island Girl, A Novel by Cherry Dawn Fagbemi; a night scene with a starry sky above a home with its exterior and interior lights shining on the first floor] BAD SEED: The Midnight Cries of an Island Girl by Cherry Dawn Fagbemi contemporary fiction November 2024
"Montego Bay was where I should have died in the summer of 1985."
And with that first sentence, Vivienne Pearson's harrowing saga of being haunted by the resurgence of disturbing memories of past events relevant to her present life and choices starts a compelling tale of heavy themes and dangerous circumstances. It's a potent blend of mystery, thriller, family conflict, social commentary, and romance.
Vivienne confronts her confusion, devastating heartache, alienation and more as she navigates a series of traumas in order to heal and to reclaim herself and her life.
content note: includes detailed flashback of the assault of a child and on-page details of the assault of an adult
[front cover of Just Playing House by Farah Heron; a woman lying on her back on a sofa while a man sits on the sofa and lets her use his thigh a pillow as they look into each other's face; they're surrounded by house plants] Just Playing House by Farah Heron contemporary romance Forever, July 2024
What happens when the prom date who ghosted you years ago ends up being a big shot actor who can make or break your path to achieving your professional goals?
Marley Kamal finds out when Nik Sharma crashes back into her life. Their love story has so many relatable layers that spin this celebrity romance into a heartfelt tale of enduring friendship, hindsight, and actions that reveal fundamental truths about real love whether offered by family by blood or by choice. It's also funny and poignant. Don't miss the insightful remarks included in the author's acknowledgements.
What had happened was... I went to the library to borrow the two books that were on hold for me and the other three books made me borrow them too (by tempting me from their perch on the new arrivals shelf placed right in front of the entryway).
["Let it snow" gift bag arranged under 5 trade paperback books: You Belong With Me, How to Help a Hungry Werewolf, Puck & Prejudice, Like Cats & Dogs, The Finders Keepers Library]December 22, 2024
3(!) Days Until Christmas & Hanukkah!
Still many gifts to wrap, goodies to bake, package & deliver, finish decorating the tree... and reading for pleasure remains a necessity!
[front hardcover of Fat Girls Dance by Cathleen Meredith showing 3 curvaceous women striking poses; book is arranged atop an open piano with cords displayed]
Fat Girls Dance by Cathleen Meredith
contemporary fiction
2024
Don't wait.
Don't wait to be your authentic self. Don't wait to dance, to love, to pursue your heart's deepest desires... This story of friendship and audacity offers angst, humor, and compelling reasons to live life with unapologetic intention.
Currently reading
[Bad Seed: The Midnight Cries of an Island Girl held over a horizontal bookstack of 4 books - Just Playing House, Magical Meet Cute, Christmas Sweater Weather, The Royals Upstairs] Pre-Christmas gifts: garlic bread with zero calories! Zero fat! Zero sodium! Zero everything! Typos make it true, right?🙃😄
[nutrition label on a package of garlic bread; each entry shows zero] And finally, I scored a sweet deal on a little something for myself while out buying a few last-minute Christmas gifts (seemingly along with every other person in the state of Maryland).
[a clothing store price tag showing a regular price of $16.99 beneath a sale price of $2.47] Whether you're celebrating Christmas or Hanukkah and/or Kwanzaa or simply glad to be alive unconnected to a particular holiday, I'm wishing you more of every healthy, peaceful, joyous thing possible.
