Spotlight: Swept Away

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend's daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.

Check out Allyson's review on her Bookstagram!

"Swept Away is that rare story that feels like a brand new version of romance - with unlikely lovers in a confined space in a way you've never quite seen before. Suffice to say I drowned - happily - in this book."
—Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"An epic romance expertly woven into an adventure thriller, Swept Away had me swooning and gasping at the turn of every page. Truly, no one writes falling in love like Beth O’Leary, this one completely stole my heart."
—Annabel Monaghan, USA Today bestselling author
 
"I loved Swept Away! I think it might be my new favourite Beth O'Leary! This story completely captivated me, and I adored Lexi and Zeke."
—Paige Toon, internationally bestselling author
 
"Who knew abandoned oil rigs could be so romantic? Swept Away is a one of a kind story and an absolute treat. Completely original, so romantic, funny, fresh and deeply heartfelt, this is Beth O'Leary at her very best. Zeke and Lexi are compelling, complex characters you can't help but root for, with a love story that had me hooked from page one. Swept Away has my whole heart."
—Lindsey Kelk, Sunday Times bestselling author

** Purchase your copy today! **

Credit: Holly Bobbins Photography

Beth O'Leary is a Sunday Times bestselling author whose novels have been translated into more than thirty languages. Beth writes her books in the English countryside with a very badly behaved golden retriever for company. If she's not at her desk, you'll usually find her curled up somewhere with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather).

Visit Beth online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits

Synopsis: 
Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were thrust into the spotlight as The Griffin Sisters, a pop duo that defined the aughts. Together, they skyrocketed to the top, gracing MTV, SNL, and the cover of Rolling Stone. Cassie, a musical genius who never felt at ease in her own skin, preferred to stay in the shadows. Zoe, full of confidence and craving fame, lived for the stage. But fame has a price, and after one turbulent year, the band abruptly broke up. 

Now, two decades later, the sisters couldn’t be further apart. Zoe is a suburban mom warning her daughter Cherry to avoid the spotlight, while Cassie has disappeared from public life entirely. But when Cherry begins unearthing the truth behind their breathtaking rise and infamous breakup, long-buried secrets surface, forcing all three women to confront their choices, their desires, and their complicated bonds. 

With richly developed characters, a nostalgic nod to the pop culture of the 2000s, and a resonant tale of ambition, forgiveness, and family, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits will captivate readers from the first note to the final encore. Whether you’ve followed Jennifer Weiner for years or are discovering her for the first time, this book is a must-read for music lovers, fans of sisterly dramas, and anyone who cherishes a great story of second chances. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

Jami Denison:

While my own singing career peaked in the sixth grade, I’ve always loved books about singers. The past few years have been a treasure trove for readers like me, with hits such as Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid and Once More From the Top by Emily Layden. Now the queen bee of women’s fiction Jennifer Weiner has added her own tale to the subgenre. The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits has a lot in common with Daisy Jones, with a narrative that moves among multiple characters and past and present, a band that falls apart after its only (platinum) album, and a daughter with questions about the past. But this book is unabashedly Weiner, with a heavyset heroine trying to make the world see her as something other than a large body.

In New Jersey in the early 2000s, Zoe Grossberg and her sister Cassie couldn’t be less alike. Zoe is thin and pretty and loves being the center of attention. She dreams of stardom as a pop singer. Cassie, only a year younger, is heavy, painfully shy, and only sings with Zoe. But she’s a musical prodigy who could play songs by ear in pre-school. When Zoe begs Cassie to accompany her to a battle of the bands, it’s the beginning of a superstardom—and a rivalry—that neither sister could foresee, one that leads to a 20-year estrangement between the two. Now Zoe’s 18-year-old daughter Cherry, who has Cassie’s talent and Zoe’s dreams of stardom, is a finalist in a popular TV talent show. Can she bring the sisters together in time to win the prize?

Weiner has been writing about larger heroines since her debut, Good in Bed. At the same time, she’s been an open book about her own weight struggles, as well as her crusade for the publishing industry to take her genre seriously. Her books also reflect her Jewish upbringing and practices, a risky stance in the current environment. Like a professional athlete, she leaves everything on the page, and every book is better than the last. 

It shows Weiner’s enormous talent that both Zoe and Cassie are highly empathetic, even as different as they are. Zoe seems to have an easy life, with the body and personality that have always been rewarded. But she doesn’t have the talent that Cassie does, and as she sees herself being pushed aside in the band that she put together as Cassie’s voice and songwriting win accolades, she resorts to desperate methods to stay relevant. Is it really imposter syndrome when you have proof that you’re not good enough? I never thought I’d feel sorry for someone as attractive as Zoe, but Weiner makes it happen.

Any reader who’s ever felt like an outsider will feel for Cassie, whose entire life has been about her size. Bullied in school, with only her sister as a friend, she won’t sing without Zoe. But the band’s popularity—and Cassie’s bond with guitar-player/songwriter Russell—pulls Cassie out of her shell. When everything falls apart, she retreats tragically. 

Cherry, the third point-of-view character, is the one I had the hardest time connecting with. Angry because her mother squelches her musical dreams and ignores her stepbrother’s harassing glances, Cherry wants to find Cassie, but for her own reasons. She seems more interested in using her aunt for her own fame than in trying to heal a wounded family. Her mother’s mention of Cherry’s vape pens and condoms imply a person more interested in pleasure than artistic achievement. I was worried when Weiner seemed to be leading toward a tidy happy ending for Cherry, and relieved when that didn’t happen. 

The plot moves quickly without ever sacrificing character. One element that didn’t work well for me, however, was Weiner’s brief inclusion of sexual harassment issues. When Zoe hints at something in her past, I was expecting something much more horrific than what she eventually revealed. Similarly, Cherry’s issues with her stepbrother should have either been amplified or left out entirely. Both subplots could have been cut without any impact on the main story.

In her author’s note, Weiner says she was influenced by the zeitgeist of the early 2000s, specifically on the attention given to female artists such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Jessica Simpson. It was a harsh time for women who dared to have stomachs of any size, and Weiner praised the body positivity movements that came in later decades. But with Ozempic being pushed in every TV and social media ad, how long will it be until we return to those harmful expectations?

Weiner’s characters may have real-life influences, but she has made Zoe, Cassie, and Cherry completely her own. It’s an amazing book, and I hope the Griffin Sisters gets a limited series as impactful as Daisy Jones. 

Melissa Amster:

I have been a Jennifer Weiner fan for over 20 years and always enjoy her thoughtful and genuine novels. However, I absolutely LOVED The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits! It was just so powerful and well-told.

Jennifer didn't hold back from exposing the characters' flaws and vulnerabilities. There was a lot of talk about body image and the characters were treated according to how they looked, for the most part. Even so, the one sister who had it going on in the looks department had a lot of insecurities that couldn't be resolved by being "the pretty one." Meanwhile, my heart hurt so much for all the bullying the sister who was overweight received throughout her life. There was this one flashback to an experience she had at camp that I could totally relate to (although my situation didn't have to do with body image). 

I felt so emotionally attached to the story and found myself turning pages quickly. I got teary-eyed at one point for sure. It's amazing what the power of music can do! I also loved that there were a lot of Jewish references. The story also focuses a lot on guilt and forgiveness, especially surrounding a tragic situation.

While Jami compared this novel to Daisy Jones, I felt that they were totally different. The only similarity was about the bands' trajectories and all the road trips they went on for their performances. Also, while she didn't feel as much of a connection to Cherry, I found myself caring about her and wanting her to succeed. It also made me glad that I support my kids' dreams and hope they never feel like they have to sneak around to achieve those dreams. 

I wish there was a soundtrack to accompany this novel, but I also enjoyed leaving Cassie's voice to my imagination. Still, the songs sounded interesting and like something I would have related to as a teenager. 

I definitely recommend picking this one up! 

Movie casting suggestions:

Cassie: I can't think of anyone (past or present), so the actress would have to be a newcomer

Zoe (present): Marla Sokoloff 

Zoe (past): The actress would have to be a newcomer, as well

Cherry: Sofia Rosinsky

Russell: Nick Robinson

(Trigger warnings at the bottom of this post.)

Thanks to William Morrow for the book in exchange for an honest review. They have THREE copies to give away!

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends April 8th at midnight EST. 

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TW: Body shaming, predatory sexual behavior, death of significant other, bullying

Spotlight and Giveaway: Insignificant Others

We're excited to celebrate the publication of Sarah Jio's latest novel, Insignificant Others! Melissa has been a fan of Sarah's writing for a long time and loved this novel, calling it "heartfelt and imaginative". (Reviewed here.) Thanks to William Morrow, we have THREE copies for some lucky readers!

What if you could have a second chance to say “yes” to the one who got away?

Lena Westbrook, a perfectionist and workaholic, has carefully planned and orchestrated every detail of her life. So when her boyfriend of two years breaks up with her on the night she expects him to propose, she’s heartbroken and confused. Lena flees to her beloved aunt’s home on Seattle’s picturesque Bainbridge Island to lick her wounds but when she awakens the next morning, she is shocked to find herself in Paris—in bed with a handsome French man who seems to think that Lena is his wife.

From the elegant neighborhoods of Paris to the charming landscape of Kinsale, Ireland, to the sparkling skyline of New York City, and many other unexpected destinations in between, each time Lena awakens, she finds herself somewhere else with someone else. In each experience, she’s given a glimpse of what life might have looked like had she chosen the “road not taken.” And as she becomes more clear-sighted about her past decisions, Lena begins to wonder, were any of these former romantic encounters actually...significant?

Enchanting and surprising, Insignificant Others is a lively, heartfelt novel that explores the relatable and resonant “what ifs” of life, but most especially, love. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

“An ingenious and heartfelt love story. I absolutely adored this novel!” 
— Emily Giffin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Pact

“A fantastical, fun, fast-paced romantic novel where you’ll meet cute ... and cute ... and cute in a Groundhog Day loop as Lena, our leading lady, explores life after life with all the ones who got away.”  

— Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest

“What ifs, magical realism, and a whole lot of heart—Insignificant Others has all the ingredients I look for. I adored it.” 
— Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of This Time Next Year

Credit: Brandon Ebel

Sarah Jio is the New York Times bestselling author of eleven novels and a journalist who has contributed to the New York Times, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, Real Simple, and Marie Claire, among others. She has also appeared as a commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition. Her novels are translated into more than 25 languages. Sarah lives in Seattle with her husband, three sons, three stepchildren, and two puppies.

Visit Sarah online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends April 6th at midnight EST. 

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Reviews at Amazon--January - March 2025

We're posting some reviews at our Amazon (or Goodreads) accounts, as either they've been sitting in our queue for a while and deserve their time in the sun, fall under our featuring policy, or they're new reads that we couldn't wait to post at the blog. You can check them out at the links below. Hope we can help you find your next favorite book!

Sara:

Ruby's Revenge by Christine Gallagher

The Widow's Web by Susan Moore

Melissa:

The Rugelach Road Trip by Jessica Topper

The Menorah Matchmaker by Amanda Usen

The Whisper Sister by Jennifer S. Brown

Hello, Juliet by Samantha M. Bailey

Until Next Summer by Ali Brady

Name Your Price by Holly James

Good Moms Say Bad Words by Jenifer Goldin

The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

The Scent Keeper by Erica Bauermeister

Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff

Hello, Molly! by Molly Shannon

Sandwich by Catherine Newman

Insignificant Others by Sarah Jio

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Book Review: The Library of Lost Dollhouses

By Allyson Bales

When a young librarian discovers historic dollhouses in a hidden room, she embarks on an unexpected journey that reveals surprising secrets about the lost miniatures.

Tildy Barrows, Head Curator of a beautiful archival library in San Francisco, is meticulously dedicated to the century’s worth of inventory housed in her beloved Beaux Art building. She loves the calm and order in the shelves of books and walls of art. But Tildy’s life takes an unexpected turn when she, first, learns the library is on the verge of bankruptcy and, second, discovers two exquisite never-before-seen dollhouses.

After finding clues hidden within these remarkable miniatures, Tildy sets out to decipher the secret history of the dollhouses, aiming to salvage her cherished library in the process. Her journey introduces her to a world of ambitious and gifted women in Belle Époque Paris, a group of scarred World War I veterans in the English countryside, and Walt Disney’s bustling Burbank studio in the 1950s. As Tildy unravels the mystery, she finds not only inspiring, hidden history, but also a future for herself—and an astonishing familial revelation.

Spanning the course of a century, The Library of Lost Dollhouses is a warm, bright, and captivating story of secrets and love that embraces the importance of illuminating overlooked women. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

This is my first Elise Hooper read and I really, really enjoyed it.

This story weaves together historical fiction, mystery and a bit of women's fiction with a deep dive into miniatures!  There is a dual timeline with two female protagonists, Tilda from 2024 and Cora from many decades of the 1900s, and how they both learn about themselves and grow is very compelling.  It really had me thinking, what would I do if I found a hidden room at my job filled with secrets that could potentially save the place?!  The opening of this book really sucks you in and keeps you baited the entire read! I also especially loved the focus on the miniatures! 

I remember receiving my first dollhouse from my grandmother when I was young and I was so in love with it.  I also remember getting older and making dioramas for class projects with my dad and really enjoyed the process of creating little tiny decor and intriguing detail for the viewer to marvel at.  As an Art Therapist, I was in awe of all the detail Hooper gives of the dollhouses and the secrets hidden in them really had me so invested!   

There is such deep character development and I really could not find out what happened fast enough.  I love stories like that.  I found so much hope in this story and will miss the characters so much.  If you are a fan of libraries, relatable and lovely characters, and complex and engaging plots, read this one- you won’t be disappointed.

I can’t wait to read more from Hooper’s backlist! 

Thanks to William Morrow for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase The Library of Lost Dollhouses here.

More by Elise Hooper:
Fast Girls
The Other Alcott 
Angels of the Pacific

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What's in the (e)mail

 All (or most) of these books can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, Apple, Kobo, etc.

NG = NetGalley

Melissa:

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry from Simon & Schuster (print)

Always the Quiet Ones by Jamie Lee Sogn from Lake Union (NG)

Whatever Happened to Lori Lovely? by Sarah McCoy from William Morrow (NG)

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O'Clover from Berkley (NG)

As You Wish by Leesa Cross-Smith from Dutton (NG)

What's Yours Is Mine by Jennifer Jabaley from Lake Union (NG)

I Know How This Ends by Holly Smale from Harlequin (NG)

The Expat Affair by Kimberly Belle from Harlequin (NG)

How to Fix a Broken Heart by Nicola May from Storm Publishing (NG)

I Did Warn Her by Sian Gilbert from HarperCollins (print)

Don't You Want Me by Derlys Maria Gutiérrez from Post Hill Press (NG)

P.S. You're the Worst by Chloe Seager from William Morrow (NG)

Sara:

A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love by Alice Murphy from Union Square (NG)

This Thing Called Love by Debbie Howells from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

Murder at the Ponte Vecchio by T.A. Williams from Rachel's Random Resources (NG)

Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods from Random House (NG)

Jami:

Mrs. Christie at the Mystery Guild Library by Amanda Chapman from Berkley (NG)

Our Secrets Were Safe by Virginia Trench from Crown Publishing (NG)

The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao from HarperCollins (NG)

At Last by Marisa Silver from Simon & Schuster (NG)

Melissa S:

You Belong Here by Megan Miranda from Simon & Schuster (print)

Smoke on the Wind by Kelli Estes from Kaye Publicity (print)

The Peculiar Gift of July by Ashley Ream from Dutton (print)

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Book Review: I Knew You Were Trouble

By Sara Steven

Kate Whitaker has always believed in love, but when a stranger named Willem shows up on her doorstep, the news he has to share isn’t as exciting as his god-like looks might suggest. He’s come to tell her that Kate’s fiancé is also engaged to his sister.

Kate doesn't know how she didn’t see the red Jon’s work as an airline pilot having him flying around the globe, the postponed dates, the huge rock of an engagement ring that isn’t her style at all.

Overcome with fury – and entranced by the Nordic god’s piercing blue eyes and quiet allure – Kate agrees to accompany Willem to his hometown of Amsterdam to help break the news to his sister. Yet what begins as a simple gesture of support soon twists into a deliciously devious plan to get back at Jon.

Kate is drawn into a world of retribution, revenge and – unexpectedly – romance. Because sometimes the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else… (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

This was a great addition to the Ever After Agency series! 

The philandering fiance angle has been done before, but not like this: What do you do when you find out your fiance is not only engaged to you, but is engaged to another woman…while working on an engagement proposal to another…and is trying to woo someone else to join in on the party, too? That’s what Kate has to decide. How to handle the situation, particularly because she has usually behaved in such a level-headed way and would never dream to rock the boat. But given the situation, she feels it is more than warranted.

She never expected to feel drawn to Willem in all the mayhem. He was the one who broke the news to her; the one who persuaded her to meet him in Amsterdam to break the news to his sister. She isn’t sure if developing even a mild crush on Willem would be too soon, or if it could be just what she needs to move past the hurt and betrayal she recently experienced. It was fun seeing them travel together and end up in potential compromising situations, and witnessing how they attempt to navigate it. 

There are some familiar characters who show up from previous books in this series, becoming part of the retribution plot. It was nice to see them in different roles, all in an effort to make things right for Kate and the other women who have been duped by Jon. There’s a pretty epic scene towards the end of the book and let’s just say, I fully understand the expression, “revenge is a dish best served cold.” 

Sometimes it’s okay to let go and do something that’s outside your comfort zone, and that really fit for Kate. Not just with the plans to seek revenge, but in also deciding what’s best for her heart, and her future. I Knew You Were Trouble was a fun, engaging experience!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase I Knew You Were Trouble here. 

Sandy Barker is a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic.

Sandy’s first novel, One Summer in Santorini, a romantic comedy set in Greece and inspired by her own real-life love story with her partner, Ben, was published in 2019 by One More Chapter (HarperCollins), launching the 5-book Holiday Romance series. Also with One More Chapter are her Christmas Romance series, celebrating her favourite time of year, and The Dating Game, a stand-alone romcom set in the world of reality TV.

Sandy’s new five-book romcom series with Boldwood Books is about the Ever After Agency, a bespoke matchmaking agency based in London, with a brilliant cast of characters and settings around the world.

Visit Sandy online:
Website * Facebook * Instagram

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Visit all the stops on Sandy's blog tour:

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Spotlight and Giveaway: If Tomorrow Never Comes

We are excited to feature Allison Ashley's latest novel, If Tomorrow Never Comes! The premise sounds so interesting and the cover is relaxing to look at. Thanks to BookSparks, we have one copy to give away!

On the eve of her stem cell transplant to treat her leukemia, Elliott Holland decides to live like it’s her last night on earth. It’s destiny when she crosses paths with a handsome and charming stranger, Jamie Sullivan. The chemistry is magic. So is a beautiful evening that ends with a bittersweet kiss goodbye and no expectations of ever seeing each other again.

One year later, Elliott’s future is hopeful. Her cancer is in remission. Her career in graphic design is taking off. And she’s finally met Carly, the young woman whose stem cell donation gave her a second chance. Then, in a blissful and unfair twist of fate, she meets Carly’s boyfriend: it’s Jamie, the man Elliott kissed like it was her last day on earth. Neither of them has ever forgotten it. Now, the most difficult decisions of all lie ahead.

“Ashley (The Roommate Pact) delivers big emotions in this swoony romance between two people who meet at a difficult moment…Ashley sensitively deals with the stress and fear associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, and builds a realistic path for Elliott and Jamie to find a tender happily ever after.” 

―Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“All in all, If Tomorrow Never Comes was a really cute second chance romance, this book is filled with heart and hope and definitely worth checking out for the feel good ending.” 

―Harlequin Junkie

Allison Ashley is the author of The Roommate Pact, Would You Rather, Home Sweet Mess, and Perfect Distraction. She is a science geek who enjoys coffee, craft beer, baking, and love stories. When Allison is not working at her day job as a clinical oncology pharmacist, she pens contemporary romances, usually with a medical twist. She lives in Oklahoma with her family and beloved rescue dog. 

Visit Allison online:

Website * Facebook * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends April 1st at midnight EST. Don't be a fool by missing out!

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Book Review: Lucky Night

By Jami Denison

A few years ago, I was on a 1970s movie kick. One of the movies I watched was the burning skyscraper flick Towering Inferno. Among its plotlines was the story of the building’s PR director and his secretary, who were too caught up in their night of romance to realize the tower was in flames. I’m not sure whether author Eliza Kennedy was inspired by this movie when she wrote Lucky Night (she does reference it), but she has definitely made the scenario her own.

For six years, neighbors Nick Holloway and Jenny Parrish have been engaged in an extramarital affair, stealing hours here and there in hotels around and near Manhattan. But tonight is special: It’s the first time the two will spend the whole night together, and Nick has gone big, booking a suite on the 42nd floor of a new luxurious midtown hotel. But as Nick and Jenny love, banter, argue, and drink, a smoke alarm quietly beeps from many floors down. Although the front desk assures them nothing is wrong, the unit in their room starts to crackle with static. Jenny wants to leave. But Nick has been looking forward to this night for so long, he convinces Jenny to stay. It’s a decision that could come back to haunt them.

Lucky Night isn’t structured like Towering Inferno, but it’s just as compelling. The story takes place almost entirely in that hotel room and in Nick and Jenny’s heads. Kennedy moves seamlessly from Nick’s words to his thoughts to Jenny’s thoughts and her words. Their relationship is based on sex, and neither of them are willing to be completely vulnerable with each other. But as the stakes get higher, they’re forced to admit things they never thought they would. Kennedy’s writing style gives readers a deep dive into both characters, showing how and why they ended up in an affair. They’re both believable, likeable, unlikeable, funny, sad, guilty, loving, and very scared. (The only detail I found unbelievable was Jenny’s trajectory as a writer: She’s motivated by love for Nick to write a YA novel, then its sequel—both books become bestsellers and now a movie’s being made while the third is about to come out. All in five years, in a publishing industry where it can take a year for an editor to even read a manuscript…) 

Even in the earlier chapters, the pacing is swift and the chapter breaks are well-timed. I read Lucky Night in a single day. And while I was completely caught up in Nick and Jenny’s relationship and their fate, I also saw the book as a metaphor for something bigger. When are the early warning signs an aberration, and when do they signal it’s time to evacuate? These are the questions Jewish people asked themselves in 1930s Germany, and they’re the questions that many Americans today are grappling with. In a way, we are all Nick and Jenny, listening to the weak sound of an alarm many floors below us while we’re caught up in our own emotional drama, and wondering if we should stay or go. 

Thanks to Crown for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Eliza Kennedy:
I Take You
Do This for Me

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Spotlight and Giveaway: The Big Fix and Thrill Ride

Today we are pleased to celebrate the publication of two new rom-coms! Melissa is excited to read both as she's been a fan of Holly James for a few years now and she recently heard about Amy Ratcliffe from a friend who saw her post about her book on Instagram. She has the books in her five-book pile and will be reading them soon. Thanks to Kensington, we have FIVE sets of these books to give away!

The Big Fix by Holly James

When bookish Penny Collins reluctantly lets her sister drag her to an estate sale at a neighbor’s house, she’s hoping for a little diversion rummaging through dusty antiques. Instead, she ends up in a public squabble over candlesticks with the deceased owner’s nephew, Anthony—right before a dead body tumbles out of a closet.

Penny’s plan for the summer involved finalizing tenure at the university where she’s a computer sciences professor. Instead, she’s suddenly on the run with a man she barely knows, scaling walls, evading bullets, and accidentally stabbing henchmen. It seems the wrong people have got it in their heads that she’s Anthony’s girlfriend and, by association, in possession of something they desperately need—and will do anything to get.

As for Anthony, he has a top-secret occupation as a fixer, but a recent fix went dangerously awry, and now he and Penny are dodging both a ruthless billionaire and the FBI. And it’ll take all of Penny’s plentiful savvy and common sense, in addition to Anthony’s particular set of skills, to survive long enough for her to see the next semester . . . (Synopsis courtesy of Kensington.)

"This fast-paced, entertaining romp is the perfect mash-up of action, adventure, and flirtatious banter, with an unlikely duo whose magnetic chemistry is impossible for anyone to ignore (for better or worse!)." 
— Lindsay Hameroff, author of Never Planned on You

"The unexpected twists of The Big Fix had me wringing my hands and reading long into the night. And yes, there's a sizzling romance that leaps off the page, but this is no ordinary rom-com—there are hired fixers, a dead bodyguard, and a million whodunnit moments that you won't want to miss! Go grab this and hold on tight, you're in for some wild fun!"
— Erin La Rosa, author of The Back Track

Credit: Ariel Blandford

Holly James holds a PhD in psychology and has worked in both academia and the tech industry. Originally from the Bay Area, she now lives in Southern California with her husband and their dog, and can be found at her website and on Instagram.

 

Thrill Ride by Amy Ratcliffe

Charlotte Gates grew up in a land of fairy tales and mythological creatures—literally—spending her childhood at her aunt and uncle’s theme park, Lands of Legend. It’s no surprise that she eventually landed her dream job designing thrill rides for a massive, global company. The surprise comes when she’s laid off—and catches her now ex-boyfriend cheating. With her boss. Worse, back in her Ohio hometown Charlotte finds that Lands of Legend is struggling. To stay open, they’ll have to work with an investor . . .

To Charlotte’s horror, Gregory Binns not only doesn’t know the difference between a theme park and an amusement park, he’s also never been on a roller coaster. Even more troubling, she’s certain his ideas will ruin Lands of Legend’s uniqueness. So, Charlotte sets out to make sure buttoned-up Gregory experiences the magic firsthand. Opening the park’s new themed area, Under the Waves, is the perfect opportunity—which brings Charlotte to her next surprise . . .

As Gregory loosens up—even ditching his tie—Charlotte begins to see him in an attractive new light. She even catches herself fantasizing about what a life with less work and more Gregory would be like. But when her old job makes her a tempting new offer, she’s faced with a decision: reclaim the career she worked her whole life to build, or sit tight for a thrilling new shot at love . . . (Synopsis courtesy of Kensington.)

"What a ride! A heartfelt romance that left me feeling deliciously satisfied and content. So immersive I could practically taste the park food and hear the roller coasters while reading." 

—Tiana Smith, author of Mr. Nice Spy

“Perfect for anyone who has dreamed of abandoning their life to start anew at the Happiest Place on Earth. The romance is as tender and sweet as Dreamland is cozy, enchanting, and entertaining!”

—Betty Corrello, author of Summertime Punchline

Credit: Josh Patterson

Amy Ratcliffe is a prolific geek space journalist and author of several books on Star Wars and the Marvel universe. Through nearly a decade of covering the theme park industry as a reporter, she has an informed perspective on rides, lands, and what it takes to create immersion. The former editor-in-chief of Nerdist, one of the biggest geek culture sites on the internet, Amy has written for IGN, Collider, StarWars.com, Star Wars Insider magazine, the official DC Comics blog, and Indie Wire. Additionally, she has taken her passion for fandom to the stage as a panel host for conventions such as Star Wars Celebration, Emerald City Comic Con, and New York Comic Con, interviewing talent of popular series and movies. Amy was born and raised in a small town in Ohio, but now lives in Asheville with her husband, cats, and the many birds that visit their backyard. Readers can find her at her website and on Instagram.

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Giveaway ends March 30th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: Just Our Luck

By Sara Steven

Who needs love? Not Sybil Sweet. After years of bouncing from job to job in search of something that feels right and from man to man in search of something special, Sybil is embracing her role as the directionless, floundering member of her family. All she really wants now is a little financial stability and carb comfort. Lucky for her, she’s got just enough in the bank to buy a lottery ticket, and the late-night donut store is open.

Kiran Anderson abandoned his dreams of becoming a doctor to take over running his family’s bakery, and after two years of fighting a losing battle to save the place, he’s exhausted and broke. But when a whirlwind of a woman sweeps in late one night, flirty energy gives way to more…until she runs out the next morning, leaving behind her winning lottery ticket.

Lucky for Kiran, his attempt to return the ticket looks like a grand romantic gesture and goes viral, sending sales through the roof. In an effort to keep the store afloat and to get Sybil’s family off of her back, they agree to fake a relationship for three months. Even with hundreds of millions of dollars, finding each other might end up being the sweetest bit of luck for both of them. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

Having read Technically Yours (reviewed here), I was super excited to delve into Just Our Luck and learn more about Sybil and Kiran and how they navigate having such polar opposite personalities. For Kiran, he’s a lot more grounded with what feels like a lot at stake, considering he’s taken over his father’s bakery and is trying everything he can to keep it in business. Sybil seems to go by the direction the wind blows on any given day, which has made her a liability in her own family. No one has much faith that she’ll ever get her life together. When Sybil and Kiran meet, despite not knowing each other well and being so different, they are drawn to each other in a way that makes them both throw caution to the wind!

The winning lottery ticket angle was interesting and threw in some added drama. Sybil’s family questions the authenticity in Kiran’s interest in Sybil, and Sybil wants to do what she can to help Kiran out, but he refuses the help. Maybe the way they met and what led to the winning lottery ticket is enough to gain the public’s interest, making the bakery a must-see spot, and maybe pretending to be more than they really are will help Sybil’s family buy the fake relationship they have, but ultimately, it’s what they think of each other that matters most. 

At one point, Sybil tells Kiran, “Try not to fall in love with me.” She declares that after they’ve agreed on their fake dating arrangement, and Kiran assures her that it won’t be a problem. But it becomes a problem, because he can’t help but enjoy her tornado. There were characteristics to Sybil that reminded me of Sandra Bullock’s character Sarah in the movie Forces of Nature, all wild and crazy, going against stereotypical norms and rules and doing her own thing. Kiran can’t help but be pulled into that force, even though he feels so much responsibility on himself and wants to keep everything together, for everyone. It’s a lot to put on one person.

They rub off on one another, in the best (and worst) ways, working hard to keep the outside influences on the outside so they can figure things out. I thought the way Sybil thinks and internalizes really matched her personality, and the same could be said for Kiran’s more staunch viewpoint on life. Just Our Luck was a cute, fun experience!

Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.

More by Denise Williams:
Love and Other Flight Delays
Do You Take This Man
The Sweetest Connection

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Book Review: The Dinner Party

By Sara Steven

To celebrate their wedding anniversary, Lily Leonard books a table at the exclusive restaurant of Hector Bolson-Woods renowned celebrity chef. It should be the perfect evening for Lily and husband, Stig, but not even a perfect menu can heal the cracks in their marriage.

So when Hector invites them to dine with him privately, Lily is thrilled. Surely this will please Stig? Hector is charming and attentive – everything Stig is not – and she finds herself more and more drawn to the enigmatic Hector.

A nightmare invitation...

After the dinner, Stig makes it clear the entire evening was a mistake, something he never wants to repeat again. Hurt and confused, Lily’s certain Stig is hiding something from her. Something linked to Hector…she just doesn’t know what.

And then another dinner invitation from Hector arrives. This time with a proposal neither Lily or Stig can refuse… (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

Throughout The Dinner Party, I knew something sinister was brewing. The atmosphere of the book felt dark, despite its innocent start. Who wouldn’t enjoy a dinner out to a fancy restaurant, particularly when celebrity chef Hector Bolson-Woods is personally preparing your meal for you? I pictured a Gordon Ramsey type in the role of Hector, only adding to the appeal, yet it wasn’t enough for Stig. He’s not happy. 

There are some definite issues between Lily and Stig. From Lily’s viewpoint, she married a man who keeps to himself and never really opens up to her, despite how much she pleads with him to do so. And Stig has a lot of backstory that points to a lot of deep seated baggage, and he doesn’t want to share it with Lily. When Hector gives Lily attention, it’s hard for her to resist it, and it’s more than enough to give her the courage to engage with Hector in ways she ordinarily wouldn’t. Given her feelings on Stig and his behavior, it’s hard not to initially side with her.

But then we gain more insight into why Stig is the way he is, and more importantly, who Hector really is. From one dinner invitation to the next, and all with those dark, thriller-like undertones that made me question what would happen at a given moment. The story really picks up after Stig’s point of view is thrown in for good measure, questioning his own motives, Hector’s, and Lily’s too.

After the explosive climax at the end of the book, the epilogue felt a little anticlimactic and rushed to me. But the rest of it was paced out well, and the author did an excellent job of explaining the inner workings of the food industry, which made it so easy to picture Hector as the next Gordon Ramsey. It was a good, creepy thriller! 

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase The Dinner Party here.

Nina Manning studied psychology and was a restaurant-owner and private chef (including to members of the royal family). She is the founder and host of Sniffing The Pages, a book review podcast. The Daughter in Law is her debut psychological thriller and since then Nina has gone on to write 9 more books including: The Guilty Wife published in March 2020, The House Mate published in October 2020.The Bridesmaid published May 2021 and Queen Bee in January 2022. She has also written two 'mum-lit' fiction books: The 3 am shattered mums' club and the 6 pm frazzled mums' club. Her tenth book, Her Last Summer, another thriller, was published in May 2024.

In 2024 Nina signed with Hodder and Stoughton and her first destination thriller will be released in June 2025

Nina currently lives in The Highlands in Scotland with her family. When she is not writing she can be found romping in the forest with her dog and three children.

Visit Nina online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

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S.M. Levine is in full bloom...plus a book giveaway

We are excited to welcome S.M. Levine to CLC today, to talk about her debut novel, Trial Run. It is the first book in the Well Space series and sounds like a great story that we look forward to checking out. S.M. has THREE ebooks available for some lucky readers!

S.M. Levine grew up with her face in a book, and now she writes steamy, emotional contemporary romance about imperfect people who find true love. She lives in the Midwest with her family and a small assortment of cats. (Bio courtesy of S.M.'s website.)

Visit S.M. at her website and on Instagram.

Synopsis:

Dr. Ben Friedman’s mental health clinic, The Well Space, has helped hundreds of patients with mental health issues live better lives. But Ben doesn’t need any help for himself. He’s got it all under control, even though he suffers from worsening panic attacks and hasn’t been to the office in a month.

Florist delivery driver Nell uses her green thumb and sheer optimism to get by, but under the surface, her roots are withering. The rent is late, her son is sick, and to top it all off, she woke up to an eviction notice. When she knocks on the wrong door and drops her flower arrangement, it’s just one more mistake to smooth over with a smile. But the grumpy, formally dressed man at the door sees right through her cheerful front.

An unexpected connection sparks between them as Nell helps Ben through a panic attack on his porch. To thank her, Ben orders flowers for every patient in his practice. Nell agrees to deliver them—but only if he comes along for the ride. A blossoming attraction in the florist delivery van leads them to try a three-week trial run for dating. Three weeks to see if Ben can step out of his comfort zone, and if Nell can overcome her painful past and nourish her long-forgotten goals. (Courtesy of Amazon.)

In one sentence, what was the road to publishing like for you?
The road to publishing was complicated, with a steep learning curve! But I’m so thrilled to be an indie author.

How is Nell similar to or different from you?
I think most authors put pieces of themselves into every main character they write, and yet those characters are different than the author. Nell is definitely a different person than I am! She’s sunshine-y and friendly, where I’m more of an introvert. But if I had to pick a quality we share, I’d say we both don’t open up and trust new people very easily.

If Trial Run were made into a movie, who would you cast in the leading roles?
Ben is the easy one here. I always pictured him as Jeff Goldblum. Not current, sixty-something Jeff Goldblum, but Jeff Goldblum in his early forties. Circa-2003 Jeff Goldblum. Nell is a little bit harder for me to cast! I think the closest celebrity to her in looks is probably plus-size model Ashley Graham. 

If your life was a TV series, which celebrity would you want to narrate it? 
Patrick Stewart

If we were to visit you right now, what are some places you would take us to see?
In my area, the Plaza in downtown Kansas City, the Nelson-Atkins museum, then out for some authentic Middle Eastern food.

What is the last book you read that you would recommend?
Asking all the hard questions! I have the hardest time picking favorite books. I recently read The House of the Red Balconies, by A.J. Demas, and I loved it. It’s a historical M/M romance set in a fantasy version of ancient Rome.

Thanks to S.M. for chatting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends March 25th at midnight EST.

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