bibliophilebookreviews

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Begin Again

Begin Again by Emma Lord

Thanks to the publisher for an advance copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the third book by Emma Lord that I've read, and I'm sad to say that I like this one the least and it was just okay for me. For starters, this was somewhat of a slow read. There wasn't enough happening in each chapter to really keep my interest, but I wanted to know what would happen in regards to the overall story.

The main character, Andie, while well-intentioned, was really quite annoying and a bit bratty. (And personally, her curse-word substitutes were more irritating than endearing.) She did exhibit some growth by the end of the book, but most of it was circumstantial. The "supporting cast" was great, though, and really held this book together in my opinion. In fact, I probably would've enjoyed this book a lot more if it had been written from Milo's perspective given both his family's standing in the town and the situation with his brother.

Nonetheless, this was a pretty clean and mostly cute YA novel, and I'd recommend it late high schoolers and early college students. I could see this being a Disney movie or Freeform tv series, and I'd probably watch it if for no other reason than to really see some of the better parts of the story -- the radio show, the ribbon hunting, Milo's family -- covered in more depth.

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Our Nerdy Secret

Our Nerdy Secret by Jill Westwood

A cute, later-in-life romcom with smart, loveable main characters.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with this ARC on BookSirens.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Jenna has always found Aaron attractive, but now, she's developing a crush. There's just one problem: he's her baby brother's best friend. Make that two problems. Age difference aside, Jenna has gotten Aaron cast on a matchmaking reality show. Aaron has been crushing on Jenna forever, but now is the most inconvenient time for her to reciprocate his feelings. Luckily, the show's host is determined to help Aaron find his true love, if only he and Jenna can be brave enough to be honest with themselves, each other, and their friends & family.

This is the second book by Jill Westwood that I've read, and like the first one, I thought this was a cute story. I was not mortified at all by the age gap, though I can see how in Jenna's family, it would turn some heads. I was also really frustrated by the way they continued to see Jenna as irresponsible, volatile, and weak. However, this just made Jenna (and me) appreciate the true support she had in her friends and in Aaron.

I'm a sucker for characters being inexplicably drawn to each other and having undeniable chemistry, but I appreciated that Aaron and Jenna had substance both individually and as a couple. This book is definitely cheesy, but there are additional storylines that provide more depth and balance out the rainbows and butterflies.

To me, the beginning was a little slow, but it soon picked up once the main conflict was established. I thought the ending was a little open and the epilogues weren't jaw-dropping, but that's okay because this book is part of a series, and though it can be read as a standalone, it's clear that this is not the last we'll see of Aaron and Jenna. I will definitely be going back to read the first book in the series, and I'll be on the lookout for the third as well.

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Unconditional: A Love Story

Unconditional: A Love Story by Shon

A heartwarming and sexy second chance romance.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with the eARC on NetGalley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Two years ago, Charlotte "Charli" Kennedy turned down Damian St. Fleur's offer for more than the sexy good times they were having. Now, after running into each other at Damian's baby sister's housewarming, neither of then can get the other off their minds. Luckily, thanks to both Damian's apartment hunt and his passion to start a nonprofit benefitting his home neighborhood, Charli and Damian will have the opportunity to get to know each other in a new capacity -- and set the record straight regarding their previous relationship.

I really enjoyed this book! My being a sucker for romances -- especially those where the characters are clearly meant to be together -- aside, this was a well written and enjoyable story.

The author, Shon, balances the substance of Charli and Damian's relationship with its steam. In my opinion, this is a worthy accomplishment considering their original relationship was based purely on sex, and they didn't know each other very well. And bonus (also, *MINI SPOILER*) Damian's long-held torch for Charli isn't one-sided. *Mini spoiler OVER*

Shon also did a great job writing the characters. Not only are Charli and Damian are well-rounded with clearly defined personalities, insecurities, backgrounds, etc., but so are their friends and relatives. Bonus points again for Charli seeking out therapy! *Mini SPOILER* Personally, I appreciate Shon allowing Charli to have a breakthrough/revelation in therapy, but not "healing" her completely by the end of the book. *Mini spoiler OVER*

I've seen this book described as a "slow-burn" but I thought it was pretty fast-paced. This may be due in part to the alternating perspectives and the flashbacks peppered throughout. It's definitely short enough to be devoured in a day or two (and to feel like you want to see more of these characters' lives beyond what's written), but not short enough for it to feel rushed or concluded conveniently. It was realistic and relatable, and I definitely recommend this book. I'll be looking forward to reading more of Shon's work.

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When We Were Sisters

When We Were Sisters by Fatimah Asghar

An emotional story about three sisters' lives after a tragedy.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with the eARC on Net Galley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Three sisters, Noreen, Aisha, and Kausar, are essentially left to fend for themselves after the death of their father, their mother having died years earlier. Now, living in deplorable conditions provided by an unnamed Uncle, the three are grappling with grief and adjusting to their new lives, especially socially. As they grow up they also grow apart, but they only have each other.

Alright, I don't want to say it, but I did not enjoy this book. It was nothing like I was expecting based on the description, which is fine. But I didn't feel a connection to these sisters or their story, and while I could tell that some parts were meant to be emotional, I just wasn't moved.

I was going to say that though the language was beautiful, the writing style felt fragmented or like incoherent ramblings at times. But then I discovered that Asghar is a poet. That changed my perspective because I understand the writing style a little better and now it's just a case of it not being my personal preference.

However, I could never tell that time was passing or how much was passing until the last chunk of the book when the narrator, Kausar, would clearly state her age or stage in life. And I just felt like there was no real conclusion; the little vignettes never make a full picture. It was just: here are some things that occurred. And then suddenly *MINI SPOILER* Kausar is an adult and the sisters reunite. But nothing comes of it; they neither address nor repair the broken bonds between them. *Mini spoiler OVER*

I did like the little glimpses into what I am assuming were the parents' thoughts. But again, they just seemed thrown in. It's like Asghar gave us the hints of a story and we are supposed to surmise the rest. And maybe that was the point. In the story Kausar divulges very little to her friends, and her sisters don't really seem to share much with anyone either. But I feel like we didn't get all the things mentioned in the description and what we did get was not clearly executed. So, I would not recommend this book if you're looking for a more traditional and tidy novel.

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How You Grow Wings

How You Grow Wings by Rimma Onoseta

A poignant story of two sisters desperate to escape a toxic home.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC on NetGalley.

Here’s the spoiler-free premise: Nigerian sisters Cheta and Zam, though only one year apart, live vastly different lives even within the same home. Stubborn, outspoken Cheta can't wait to go to university -- away from her verbally and physically abusive mother. Meanwhile quiet, non-confrontational Zam escapes her mother's vitriol only to incur Cheta's disdain. The rift between the sisters only grows when Zam is invited to live with their ultra-rich uncle and his family while Cheta is barely welcome for an extended visit. Refusing to remain in her mother's house, Cheta leaves only to face more difficulties than expected, forcing her to make decisions whose consequences affect her whole family. When the two reunite, both having learned some hard truths, there will be only one way either of them can move forward.

It's so amazing to me how a book can be nothing like you were expecting, and sometimes you still love it and other times you emphatically do not. I'm glad to say that this is a case of the former. I thought, based on the description, that I'd see these sisters into their adult lives. It's surprising that only a few months pass in the book, and yet SO MUCH has happened from the start.

Let me also state now that there are several content warnings for this book: verbal & physical abuse (in fact, the book opens with a scene where a father is beating his daughter), child molestation & pedophilia (and the school/church turning a blind eye), drug use/addiction & sales, and sugar dating. And that's in addition to the less prominent (though prevalent) themes of poverty, colorism, and the ignoring of mental health issues throughout.

As usual, I liked that this story is written from both Cheta and Zam's perspectives. This is a case where it's extremely necessary because we as the reader become privy to things that the other sister is not. For example, Zam doesn't understand why Cheta dislikes her but we can clearly see and understand Cheta's resentment for Zam.

On another note, I was surprised to discover (as I'm sure Zam was) that though luxurious in comparison to her home, life for Zam in her uncle's house isn't care-free. It's definitely an upgrade but still a very different way of life, and her tumultuous relationship with her cousin didn't help. However, it's hard to feel bad for her when you consider Cheta. I can tell that Onoseta meant for it to be difficult to choose a side, but I couldn't help seeing Cheta as the underdog in this story. That's not to say that I agree with her choices or the way she handled certain situations (I don't) but I do at least understand her drive if nothing else.

Without spoiling it, I think if you're expecting this book to end with Cheta and Zam hugging it out and everything being suddenly okay via unspoken apologies and an erasure of the past, you're going to be disappointed. While I would love to see how these girls' lives unfold into adulthood, I can recognize and appreciate that this story has been concluded.

I gave this book four stars -- it's emotional and definitely has some sad moments, but I really enjoy stories that showcase various family dynamics. There's so much in this book to be discussed and dissected, and to me, that makes it a great story. (Shout out to this being Onoseta's debut novel!) However, I was a little confused by Cheta's timeline -- *mini spoiler* her meeting Samson and everything that happened after that, which I thought was after Zam's BIG move but was apparently concurrent. And there were some aspects of Cheta and Zam's individual and join stories that I wish had been explored in a little more depth. But overall this was a great debut and I look forward to reading more from Rimma Onoseta.

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September BOTM Wishlist

Okay, at this point, these are really just books I'm looking forward to that will be released in September, and whether BOTM picks them up or not, I'm excited for them!

Like last month, I'm still hoping for a book that wasn't picked up but hopefully will this time, and it's Carrie Soto is Back, which you can read about here.

MAIN PICKS

How Not to Drown in a Glass of Water by Angie Cruz (Literary Fiction, pub date: 9/13/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

I really enjoyed Dominicana so I am definitely looking forward to Angie Cruz's next book. But what I'm most excited for in this book is Cara's sessions with the career counselor. Even though it's not therapy, talking about your life can be so cathartic -- and interesting for readers! And this is a book about an older woman restarting her life which sounds inspiring to me.

The New Couple by Alison James (Thriller, pub date: 9/27/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

Now, I'm not much into thrillers, but every once in a while I find one that sounds interesting. I love when a character has a secret, and I especially love learning why they're keeping it. Right now this book doesn't have any reviews and looks set to publish straight to Kindle, so I would love for BOTM to pick this up and get it more attention.

The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas (Romance, pub date: 9/6/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

I didn't read The Spanish Love Deception (yet) but I have been seeing a lot of buzz around this book. Though I've noticed that BOTM offers romances somewhat sparingly, I can still holdout hope for this one! With over 600 ratings averaging a 4.24-star rating, this is sure to be a hit if BOTM does pick it up.

Shrines of Gaiety by Kate Atkinson (Historical Fiction, pub date: 9/27/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

I'm always interested in reading stories where women are in charge, and Nellie Coker sounds like a formidable woman that I need to know! Also, I like historical fiction that is not based around WW2, especially when it involves society life or showcases other countries during well-known points of times, and this book does both. Atkinson is well-established though, and BOTM seems to be favoring new or under-the-radar authors, but I'd love to see this be a pick.

The Two Lives of Sara by Catherine Adel West (Historical Fiction, pub date: 9/6/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

This is another book where the main character has a hidden past. But I'm drawn to this story because Sara is a mother and the woman who ends up helping her has a secret as well. This book sounds like a slow burn but I think its themes of hope and love will make it an intense, emotional read that many will enjoy.

ADD-ON/SPOTLIGHT

I'm not sure how BOTM chooses whether a book will be a main pick or add-on, but here are a few that I wouldn't be surprised if they were offered in the spotlight section.

The Weight of Blood by Tiffany D. Jackson (YA/Horror, pub date: 9/6/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

I think a lot of people assume that YA books are all fantasy or coming-of-age, so even though I don't read horror and avoid suspense, I'm glad to see a suspenseful YA book coming. However, this sounds like a book that would engage adults as well -- especially if you liked Carrie, as this is a retelling with a spin.

The First Thing About You by Chaz Hayden (YA/Contemporary Fiction, pub date: 9/6/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

I know I've said I'm looking forward to all of these books, but I am really excited about this one! First, like the main character, Harris, the author also has spinal muscular atrophy. But second, this book is not about Harris's disability; it's about making connections and being seen for who you are, something we can all relate to. I truly feel like BOTM will be missing out if they don't pick this book.

All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien (Mystery, pub date: 9/13/22)

Read the Goodreads blurb here.

I feel like we don't see a lot of mysteries from BOTM. However, I think this book would be a great pick. I love that our main character, Ky -- another strong, smart woman -- takes matters into her own hands. I'm also a huge fan of shifting perspectives, and this book alternates between Ky and the witnesses. Even though the topic of this book is a devastating crime and is therefore probably really intense, this is another that I think BOTM readers would very much enjoy.

Thanks for reading this far! That’s it for this month!

If you have thoughts on these books or other books BOTM might offer I’d love to hear from you!

And if you’ve never tried BOTM and are interested, feel free to use this referral link to join and get your first month for just $5!

❤️

[bibliophilebookreviews]

Shmutz

Shmutz by Felicia Berliner

A pensive coming-of-age story about sex, marriage, and religion.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC on NetGalley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Raizl is a young Hasidic Jewish woman worried about finding a husband. Despite her mother's willingness (and efforts) to find a suitable match, Raizl has a secret that could derail everything: she is addicted to porn. Raizl's therapy sessions don't seem to be helping, her addiction adversely affects her performance in college and her burgeoning understanding of her sexuality impacts her arranged dates as well as her fragile friendships. But Raizl is determined to marry, and something has to give.

I was very interested to read this book based on the description, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me, and I didn't really enjoy it. I appreciated some aspects of the book -- Raizl going to therapy, her determination to help her family and desire to remain faithful, her curiosity, both in general and regarding sex -- but I felt that the execution of the premise was lacking.

I expected there to be some awkwardness -- it IS a book about a strictly religious young adult addicted to porn, after all -- and I expected to be frustrated with Raizl's situation as someone who is not any denomination of Jewish. But what I most often felt was pity and confusion, and I didn't find it "hilarious and endearing" at all.

The biggest disappointment was the unresolved ending. After slogging through the book (though it did pick up towards the end) the end left much to be desired. The story doesn't really come together and we don't get to see any conclusive outcomes. I just have so many questions. (Not the least of which is just WHAT was going on with Raizl's boss, the Rebbetzin?!) I would have liked to see this book dive a little deeper into Raizl's relationship with her family, for Raizl to come to terms with her sexuality and make sense of what she's seeing in porn, and to know what happens next with Raizl with respect to marriage.

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The Moment We Met

The Moment We Met by Camille Baker

A sweet and heartfelt novel about love, family, and chasing your dreams.

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC on NetGalley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Tiwanda already has a lot on her plate working a job she's starting to hate and trying to launch her chocolate and soap-making business when, on her thirtieth birthday, she's gifted her late mother's pregnancy journal. Tiwanda is also applying for a grant/mentorship program to assist with her business. So she doesn't have time for dating, not that she's looking anyway. Enter Met, a dating app that will send Tiwanda four matches, one of whom is her soulmate. But it will be up to Tiwanda to see if any of them are worth pursuing, and to see if she really can have it all.

So first, I have not read Baker's previous novel Have We Met? yet, and even though these The Moment We Met isn't exactly a sequel, it's predicated on Have We Met? so I think it would be helpful to have read that first. As I read, I kept wishing there had been more focus on the app -- how it worked, settings, "rules" and features, etc. -- and maybe that's covered or hinted at in Have We Met?

I appreciated seeing Tiwanda's process with the grant and mentorship, and I liked her interactions with her matches. I would have liked to have seen more of that, but that's because I'm a sucker for romance. I was expecting Tiwanda's mom's journal to have a more significant role in the story, so that was a little disappointing. However, the attempts to build a relationship with that side of the family made up for it a little bit.

Overall I liked this book. I thought it was cute and sweet (see what I did there?) and a nice end-of-summer read. The ending seemed a little open, and I'm hoping that means there will be a third companion novel! In the meantime, I'll be read Have We Met? and waiting to see what's next from Camille Baker.

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August BOTM Wishlist

As we approach another month, anticipation is building and I can't wait to see what BOTM will be offering in just two short weeks. I was glad to see a couple of my July hopefuls actually made it, so fingers crossed for August!

Before I get to my "official" list, let it be known that I'm still hoping for Love on the Brain, as mentioned in my previous hopefuls post. I knew I was pushing it for July, but with an August 23 release date, it has a good chance of being chosen this time. BOTM, don't let me down!

MAIN PICKS

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Contemporary Fiction, pub date: 8/30/22)

Goodreads Blurb: Carrie Soto is fierce, and her determination to win at any cost has not made her popular. But by the time she retires from tennis, she is the best player the world has ever seen. She has shattered every record and claimed twenty Grand Slam titles. And if you ask Carrie, she is entitled to every one. She sacrificed nearly everything to become the best, with her father, Javier, as her coach. A former champion himself, Javier has trained her since the age of two.

But six years after her retirement, Carrie finds herself sitting in the stands of the 1994 US Open, watching her record be taken from her by a brutal, stunning player named Nicki Chan.

At thirty-seven years old, Carrie makes the monumental decision to come out of retirement and be coached by her father for one last year in an attempt to reclaim her record. Even if the sports media says that they never liked “the Battle-Axe” anyway. Even if her body doesn’t move as fast as it did. And even if it means swallowing her pride to train with a man she once almost opened her heart to: Bowe Huntley. Like her, he has something to prove before he gives up the game forever.

In spite of it all, Carrie Soto is back, for one epic final season. In this riveting and unforgettable novel, Taylor Jenkins Reid tells her most vulnerable, emotional story yet.

My Thoughts: First of all, we stan TJR. And even though Malibu Rising was hit-or-miss with a lot of TJR fans, Carrie Soto is sure to be a hit (see what I did there?) -- the book already has a 4.5 star rating on Goodreads. Personally, I love both tennis and a comeback story so I will be supremely disappointed if this is not chosen.

The Last Housewife by Ashley Winstead (Mystery/Thriller, pub date: 8/16/22)

Goodreads Blurb: While in college in upstate New York, Shay Evans and her best friends met a captivating man who seduced them with a web of lies about the way the world works, bringing them under his thrall. By senior year, Shay and her friend Laurel were the only ones who managed to escape. Now, eight years later, Shay's built a new life in a tony Texas suburb. But when she hears the horrifying news of Laurel's death—delivered, of all ways, by her favorite true-crime podcast crusader—she begins to suspect that the past she thought she buried is still very much alive, and the predators more dangerous than ever.

Recruiting the help of the podcast host, Shay goes back to the place she vowed never to return to in search of answers. As she follows the threads of her friend's life, she's pulled into a dark, seductive world, where wealth and privilege shield brutal philosophies that feel all too familiar. When Shay's obsession with uncovering the truth becomes so consuming she can no longer separate her desire for justice from darker desires newly reawakened, she must confront the depths of her own complicity and conditioning. But in a world built for men to rule it—both inside the cult and outside of it—is justice even possible, and if so, how far will Shay go to get it?

My Thoughts: I'm slowly getting more into thrillers, and even though this one sounds a little vague and open, it makes me interested to see what might unfold in this story. The reviews are off the charts and it sounds really intense and un-put-down-able so hopefully BOTM is getting in on this!

Mother in the Dark by Kayla Maiuri (Literary Fiction, pub date: 8/9/22)

Goodreads Blurb: When Anna's sister calls with an urgent message, Anna doesn't return the call. She knows it's about their mother.

Growing up in working class Boston in an Italian American family, Anna's childhood was sparse but comfortable--filled with homemade pasta sauce and a close-knit neighborhood. Anna and her sisters are devoted to their mother, orbiting her like the sun, trying to keep up with her loving but mercurial nature as she bounces between tenderness and bitterness.

When their father gets a new job outside the city, the family is tossed unceremoniously into a middle-class suburban existence. Anna's mother is suddenly adrift, and the darkness lurking inside her expands until it threatens to explode. Her daughters, trapped with her in the new house, isolated, must do everything they can to keep her from unraveling.

Alternating between childhood and a single weekend in Anna's twenties, in which she receives a shattering call about her mother and threatens to blow up her own precariously constructed new life in New York, Mother in the Dark asks whether we can ever really go back home when the idea of home was so unstable. Whether we can escape that instability or accept that our personalities are built around the defenses we put up. Maiuri is a master at revealing the fragile horrors of domestic family life and how the traumas of the past shape the present and generations of women.

A story about sisterhood, the complications of class, and the chains of inheritance between mothers and daughters, Mother in the Dark delivers an unvarnished portrayal of a young woman consumed by her past and a family teetering on the edge of a knife.

My Thoughts: I'm always fascinated by stories that revolve around family drama and secrets. And I love that this story alternates between Anna's childhood and adult life. Though it sounds like it might be a slow burner, the few ratings and reviews so far seem promising enough that this could be a hidden treasure for BOTM.

The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell (Mystery/Thriller, pub date: 8/9/22)

Goodreads Blurb: Early one morning on the shore of the Thames, DCI Samuel Owusu is called to the scene of a gruesome discovery. When Owusu sends the evidence for examination, he learns the bones are connected to a cold case that left three people dead on the kitchen floor in a Chelsea mansion thirty years ago.

Rachel Rimmer has also received a shock—news that her husband, Michael, has been found dead in the cellar of his house in France. All signs point to an intruder, and the French police need her to come urgently to answer questions about Michael and his past that she very much doesn’t want to answer.

After fleeing London thirty years ago in the wake of a horrific tragedy, Lucy Lamb is finally coming home. While she settles in with her children and is just about to purchase their first-ever house, her brother takes off to find the boy from their shared past whose memory haunts their present.

As they all race to discover answers to these convoluted mysteries, they will come to find that they’re connected in ways they could have never imagined.

In this masterful standalone sequel to her haunting New York Times bestseller, The Family Upstairs, Lisa Jewell proves she is writing at the height of her powers with another jaw-dropping, intricate, and affecting novel about the lengths we will go to protect the ones we love and uncover the truth.

My Thoughts: Having not read The Family Upstairs, I'm glad to know that this can be read as a standalone. However, I'm sure fans of The Family Upstairs would love the "sequel" to match their BOTM copy. However, Lisa Jewell already has 5 BOTM books so it might be a stretch for them to pick this one.

ADD-ON/SPOTLIGHT

Again, add-ons are a little unpredictable, especially with the possibility of more than 5 main picks. But here are some that I would love to see.

The Fixer Upper by Lauren Forsythe (Romance, pub date: 8/2/22)

Goodreads Blurb: In this funny and sharp romantic comedy, a woman with a knack for turning her boyfriends’ lives around starts a professional service to help wrangle men, only to be unexpectedly matched with an old flame.

Ever since she can remember, Aly has been fixing everything around her: her parents’ marriage, her colleagues’ work problems, and her friends’ love lives. After a chance meeting with an ex who has gone from a living in his parents’ basement to a married project manager in three years, she realizes she’s been fixing her boyfriends, too…

So, Aly decides to put her talents to good use and, alongside two work friends, sets up The Fixer Upper, an exclusive, underground service for women who are tired of unpaid emotional labor. Using little tricks and tips, Aly and her friends get the men to do the work themselves – to get out of the job they hate, sign up for that growth seminar, to do more parenting. Before long, a high-profile Instagram star hires them to fix-up her app developer boyfriend. There’s just one catch – he’s also Aly’s childhood best friend and first love. As Aly tackles her biggest “fixer upper” yet, she’ll have to come to terms with their complicated history and figure out how much to change someone she’d always thought was perfect as he is…

My Thoughts: Okay, I'm a sucker for romance, and I love the premise of this book. (I'm also really interested in how Aly gets these men to improve themselves!) But any book that reunites first loves is already a winner in my book. Though this one has just under 4 stars on Goodreads, I am attributing that to this book not really being on people's radar. Fingers crossed that BOTM picks this one up!

How You Grow Wings by Rimma Onoseta (YA, pub date: 8/9/22)

Goodreads Blurb: Sisters Cheta and Zam couldn’t be more different. Cheta, sharp-tongued and stubborn, never shies away from conflict—either at school or at home, where her mother fires abuse at her. Timid Zam escapes most of her mother’s anger, skating under the radar and avoiding her sister whenever possible. In a turn of good fortune, Zam is invited to live with her aunt’s family in the lap of luxury. Jealous, Cheta also leaves home, but finds a harder existence that will drive her to terrible decisions. When the sisters are reunited, Zam alone will recognize just how far Cheta has fallen—and Cheta’s fate will rest in Zam’s hands.   Debut author Rimma Onoseta deftly explores classism, colorism, cycles of abuse, how loyalty doesn’t always come attached to love, and the messy truths that sometimes family is not a source of comfort and that morality is all shades of gray.

My Thoughts: Every once in a while, a YA novel really piques my interest. I love that this is another family drama kind of story, and in particular, that these sisters are described as polar opposites and one will come to depend on the other. I am super excited to read this, and the few ratings and reviews make this sound like another hidden gem.

Mika in Real Life by Emiko Jean (Contemporary Fiction, pub date: 8/9/22)

Goodreads Blurb: One phone call changes everything.

At thirty-five, Mika Suzuki’s life is a mess. Her last relationship ended in flames. Her roommate-slash-best friend might be a hoarder. She’s a perpetual disappointment to her traditional Japanese parents. And, most recently, she’s been fired from her latest dead-end job.

Mika is at her lowest point when she receives a phone call from Penny—the daughter she placed for adoption sixteen years ago. Penny is determined to forge a relationship with her birth mother, and in turn, Mika longs to be someone Penny is proud of. Faced with her own inadequacies, Mika embellishes a fact about her life. What starts as a tiny white lie slowly snowballs into a fully-fledged fake life, one where Mika is mature, put-together, successful in love and her career.

The details of Mika’s life might be an illusion, but everything she shares with curious, headstrong Penny is real: her hopes, dreams, flaws, and Japanese heritage. The harder-won heart belongs to Thomas Calvin, Penny’s adoptive widower father. What starts as a rocky, contentious relationship slowly blossoms into a friendship and, over time, something more. But can Mika really have it all—love, her daughter, the life she’s always wanted? Or will Mika’s deceptions ultimately catch up to her? In the end, Mika must face the truth—about herself, her family, and her past—and answer the question, just who is Mika in real life?

In this brilliant new novel by from Emiko Jean, the author of the New York Times bestselling young adult novel Tokyo Ever After, comes a whip-smart, laugh-out-loud funny, and utterly heartwarming novel about motherhood, daughterhood, and love—how we find it, keep it, and how it always returns.

My Thoughts: I love when authors are versatile and write in multiple genres, so though I haven't read the Tokyo series (yet?) I am excited to read this adult novel from Emiko Jean. Not only am I interested to see how Mika builds a relationship with Penny, but I see that there might be a budding romance in the works for Mika as well. This book sounds like a light but heartwarming read and I really hope BOTM chooses it!

Thanks for reading this far! That’s it for this month!

If you have thoughts on these books or other books BOTM might offer I’d love to hear from you!

And if you’ve never tried BOTM and are interested, feel free to use this referral link to join and get your first month for just $5!

❤️

[bibliophilebookreviews]

Honey & Spice

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with the eARC via NetGalley.

As the title suggests, this was a sweet yet sexy read, perfect (in my opinion) for New Adult readers.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Kiki Banjo does not do relationships, despite the sage wisdom and advice she dispenses via her college radio show, Brown Sugar. Though publicly declaring new-guy Malakai Korede as the "Wasteman of Whitewell" she finds that she is inexplicably drawn to him. After kissing him -- in full view of all of "Blackwell" -- they decide to use the notoriety to both their advantage. And so begins their just-for-show relationship, with both Kiki and "Kai" in denial about their feelings, but dealing with past trauma they're not ready to face. Together though, they might be able to handle anything: parents, exes, old friends, systemic injustice, and, most importantly, their hearts.

I was really excited to read this since it's Babalola's debut novel. And, overall, I liked it, but it's just a little young-ish for me. It's set at a college in Britain, and while I remember what it was like to be in college, I probably would have enjoyed this more if I were in college or freshly graduated.

That's not to say that it's not enjoyable -- IT IS. I thought it had a good pace, once you get past the initial chapters which set up the story. And I liked the characters; together they make a well-rounded group of friends. But there are also lots of pop culture references, and a lot of British/Black Brit/Nigerian slang. I got the gist of it, but that required using context clues.

What I liked best about this book is that the characters had depth, and Kiki & Kai were interested in each other for more reasons that just physical attraction. Sometimes, I read books and I think, "why are these characters so 'in love' with each other??" But in this book, you could really tell that they had a connection. I also loved their banter and the way they could read each other. (Speaking of reading, holy cow, does the book Kiki loves so much exist in real life because man oh man would I love to read THAT! If not, maybe it should be the next thing Babalola writes!)

I don't usually like when books are made into movies and tv shows, but I think this would do well as a tv series, especially because of Kiki's show. There was so much in this book that could be explored in depth. (I'm trying not to spoil it!) I would definitely recommend this book if you like New Adult, and I look forward to reading more of Babalola's work!

[bibliophilebookreviews]

Fake It Till You Bake It

Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley

A cute and flirty summer romcom!

Thanks to the publisher for this eARC from NetGalley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Jada Townsend-Matthews is her family's black sheep: she's not a scientist, refuses to work for her family's medical research firm, and has no viable career paths. She's also fresh off of a Bachelor-type reality show where she turned down the perfect guy's marriage proposal, making her social media's most hated woman. Thankfully, her grandmother -- "Grams" -- always has her back. This includes Grams (aka "Mrs. T" to the football team she owns) practically forcing one of her players, Donovan Dell, to hire Jada in the bakery he owns with two other players, much to Jada's chagrin and Donovan's amusement. When a reporter coerces Jada into giving an interview, Jada and Donovan are thrust into the social media spotlight -- as a couple -- which works in both of their favors. No big deal...except both of them are attracted to each other. But are their feelings real or just for show?

There should be no surprise that I enjoyed this book -- I LOVE a fake dating trope! Perhaps I love it so much because the characters inevitably reveal little pieces of themselves, sometimes without realizing it. Though both were vulnerable with each other, Jada was exceptionally outspoken and honest, which I loved as an outspoken and honest woman myself. I especially appreciated that Donovan wasn't intimidated by this; in fact, he was attracted to Jada, and not in spite of it but because of it!

I loved that these big, "manly" football players were not only business savvy, but also amazing bakers, of all things! (Thanks, Jamie Wesley, for smashing gender and athlete expectations!) I do wish Nick and August had made a little more of an appearance in the story, but there seemed to be more to August's story, plus a cliffhanger that I'm hoping is a segue to a companion series novel. (PLEASE!)

Honestly, my only complaint is that I was expecting Jada to do more baking based on the title but all in all, I enjoyed this book. It opens slowly, but things take off pretty early in the story, and the quick pace remains throughout the rest of the book. If you're looking for a light and pretty fast read for the summer, I'd recommend this.

[bibliophilebookreviews]

July BOTM Wishlist

If you're anything like me, half of the fun of BOTM is guessing what they're going to choose for the upcoming month. Some people have been pretty spot-on with their predictions. I, however, have absolutely no idea or secret insider clues. Not to mention that BOTM has really been surprising us these last few months. So these are not my predictions, or even "hopefuls" for July, but more of a list of books I wouldn't be surprised if BOTM chose...and would love.

MAIN PICKS

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin (Contemporary Fiction, pub date: 7/5/22)

Goodreads Blurb: On a bitter-cold day, in the December of his junior year at Harvard, Sam Masur exits a subway car and sees, amid the hordes of people waiting on the platform, Sadie Green. He calls her name. For a moment, she pretends she hasn't heard him, but then, she turns, and a game begins: a legendary collaboration that will launch them to stardom. These friends, intimates since childhood, borrow money, beg favors, and, before even graduating college, they have created their first blockbuster, Ichigo. Overnight, the world is theirs. Not even twenty-five years old, Sam and Sadie are brilliant, successful, and rich, but these qualities won't protect them from their own creative ambitions or the betrayals of their hearts.

Spanning thirty years, from Cambridge, Massachusetts, to Venice Beach, California, and lands in between and far beyond, Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow is a dazzling and intricately imagined novel that examines the multifarious nature of identity, disability, failure, the redemptive possibilities in play, and above all, our need to connect: to be loved and to love. Yes, it is a love story, but it is not one you have read before.

My Thoughts: First of all, I just love the cover. And even though this isn't a debut author, it sounds like it would fit right in with BOTM's repertoire. I know I'm looking forward to reading this, and its rating on Goodreads is greater than 4.25 stars so I foresee this being a hit, maybe even a member fave.

The Light Always Breaks by Angela Jackson-Brown (Historical Fiction, pub date: 7/5/22)

Goodreads Blurb: Few women own upscale restaurants in civil rights era Washington, D.C. Fewer still are twenty-four, Black, and wildly successful. But Eva Cardon is unwilling to serve only the wealthiest movers and shakers, and she plans to open a diner that offers Southern comfort to the working class.

A war hero and one of Georgia’s native sons, Courtland Hardiman Kingsley IV is a junior senator with great ambitions for his time in D.C. But while his father is determined to see Courtland on a path to the White House, the young senator wants to use his office to make a difference in people’s lives, regardless of political consequences.

When equal-rights activism throws Eva and Courtland into each other’s paths, they can’t fight the attraction they feel, no matter how much it complicates their dreams. For Eva, falling in love with a white Southerner is all but unforgivable—and undesirable. Her mother and grandmother fell in love with white men, and their families paid the price. Courtland is already under pressure for his liberal ideals, and his family has a line of smiling debutantes waiting for him on every visit. If his father found out about Eva, he’s not sure he’d be welcome home again.

Surrounded by the disapproval of their families and the scorn of the public, Eva and Courtland must decide if the values they hold most dear—including love—are worth the loss of their dreams . . . and everything else.

The author of When Stars Rain Down returns with a historical love story about all that has—and has not—changed in the United States.

My Thoughts: Admittedly, this might be a stretch coming right on the heels of Take My Hand (May) but a girl can hope, right? Historical fiction can be tough, especially when based on actual people and/or events, BUT this one's got romance, family drama, and societal pressure all tangled together. I also think it's unique that the Eva is a restaurant-owner, and not initially an activist. The Goodreads rating isn't quite 3.5 stars, but it only has a few reviews so I feel like it's underrated. And that's exactly why I think BOTM would pick it.

Upgrade by Blake Crouch (Sci-Fi/Fantasy, pub date: 7/12/22)

Goodreads Blurb: “You are the next step in human evolution.”

At first, Logan Ramsay isn’t sure if anything’s different. He just feels a little . . . sharper. Better able to concentrate. Better at multitasking. Reading a bit faster, memorizing better, needing less sleep.

But before long, he can’t deny it: Something’s happening to his brain. To his body. He’s starting to see the world, and those around him—even those he loves most—in whole new ways.

The truth is, Logan’s genome has been hacked. And there’s a reason he’s been targeted for this upgrade. A reason that goes back decades to the darkest part of his past, and a horrific family legacy.

Worse still, what’s happening to him is just the first step in a much larger plan, one that will inflict the same changes on humanity at large—at a terrifying cost.

Because of his new abilities, Logan’s the one person in the world capable of stopping what’s been set in motion. But to have a chance at winning this war, he’ll have to become something other than himself. Maybe even something other than human.

And even as he’s fighting, he can’t help wondering: what if humanity’s only hope for a future really does lie in engineering our own evolution?

Intimate in scale yet epic in scope, Upgrade is an intricately plotted, lightning-fast tale that charts one man’s thrilling transformation, even as it asks us to ponder the limits of our humanity—and our boundless potential.

My Thoughts: Sci-Fi isn't usually my jam, and I haven't read either of Crouch's other two BOTMs, but I could be persuaded to give this one a shot. Honestly, I'm banking on this one purely because it'd make Crouch a "3peat Author" on BOTM.

The It Girl by Ruth Ware (Thriller/Mystery, pub date: 7/12/22)

Goodreads Blurb: April Coutts-Cliveden was the first person Hannah Jones met at Oxford.

Vivacious, bright, occasionally vicious, and the ultimate It girl, she quickly pulled Hannah into her dazzling orbit. Together, they developed a group of devoted and inseparable friends—Will, Hugh, Ryan, and Emily—during their first term. By the end of the second, April was dead.

Now, a decade later, Hannah and Will are expecting their first child, and the man convicted of killing April, former Oxford porter John Neville, has died in prison. Relieved to have finally put the past behind her, Hannah’s world is rocked when a young journalist comes knocking and presents new evidence that Neville may have been innocent. As Hannah reconnects with old friends and delves deeper into the mystery of April’s death, she realizes that the friends she thought she knew all have something to hide…including a murder.

My Thoughts: Ruth Ware has a lot of books offered by BOTM already, so I wouldn't be too surprised if The It Girl wasn't chosen this month. (BOTM seems to be avoiding repeat authors and "highly anticipated" or popular releases.) At the same time, Ruth Ware has a lot of books offered by BOTM already, so I would be a little surprised if The It Girl wasn't chosen this month. It's got a solid 4 stars on Goodreads so I'm sure it would be well-received if BOTM chose it.

The Man Who Could Move Clouds by Ingrid Rojas Contreras (Memoir, pub date: 7/12/22)

Goodreads Blurb: For Ingrid Rojas Contreras, magic runs in the family. Raised amid the political violence of 1980s and '90s Colombia, in a house bustling with her mother's fortune-telling clients, she was a hard child to surprise. Her maternal grandfather, Nono, was a renowned curandero, a community healer gifted with what the family called "the secrets" the power to talk to the dead, tell the future, treat the sick, and move the clouds. And as the first woman to inherit "the secrets," Rojas Contreras' mother was just as powerful. Mami delighted in her ability to appear in two places at once, and she could cast out even the most persistent spirits with nothing more than a glass of water.

This legacy had always felt like it belonged to her mother and grandfather, until, while living in the U.S. in her twenties, Rojas Contreras suffered a head injury that left her with amnesia. As she regained partial memory, her family was excited to tell her that this had happened before: Decades ago Mami had taken a fall that left her with amnesia, too. And when she recovered, she had gained access to "the secrets."

In 2012, spurred by a shared dream among Mami and her sisters, and her own powerful urge to relearn her family history in the aftermath of her memory loss, Rojas Contreras joins her mother on a journey to Colombia to disinter Nono's remains. With Mami as her unpredictable, stubborn, and often hilarious guide, Rojas Contreras traces her lineage back to her Indigenous and Spanish roots, uncovering the violent and rigid colonial narrative that would eventually break her mestizo family into two camps: those who believe "the secrets" are a gift, and those who are convinced they are a curse.

Interweaving family stories more enchanting than those in any novel, resurrected Colombian history, and her own deeply personal reckonings with the bounds of reality, Rojas Contreras writes her way through the incomprehensible and into her inheritance. The result is a luminous testament to the power of storytelling as a healing art and an invitation to embrace the extraordinary.

My Thoughts: BOTM just offered a narrative non-fiction book in April and a memoir in December of 2021, so July might be a little soon for this book. But it sounds extremely intriguing and the Goodreads rating just shy of 4.5 stars is promising! I'm not familiar with Rojas Contreras's writing but from the summary I wouldn't expect this to be a typical memoir. Again, right up BOTM's alley.

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola (Romance, pub date: July 5, 2022)

Goodreads Blurb: Sharp-tongued (and secretly soft-hearted) Kiki Banjo has just made a huge mistake. An expert in relationship-evasion and the host of the popular student radio show, Brown Sugar, she’s made it her mission to make sure the women of the Afro-Caribbean Society at Whitewell University do not fall into the mess of “situationships”, players, and heartbreak. But when the Queen of the Unbothered kisses Malakai Korede, the guy she just publicly denounced as “The Wastemen of Whitewell” in front of every Blackwellian on campus, she finds her show and her reputation on the brink.

They’re soon embroiled in a fake relationship to try and salvage their reputations and save their futures. Kiki has never surrendered her heart before and a player like Malakai, no matter how charming he is or how incredible their connection is, won’t be the one to change that.

After surprisingly entertaining study sessions and intimate late-night talks at old-fashioned diners force Kiki to look beyond her own presumptions, is she ready to open herself up to something deeper?

A side-splittingly funny and sparkling debut novel, Honey and Spice is full of delicious tension and romantic intrigue that will make you weak at the knees.

My Thoughts: Babalola's short story collection was chosen as an add-on, so I am really hoping they choose her debut novel this month. Personally, I love the fake relationship trope, and this book sounds like it's funny. I wouldn't put it past BOTM to lighten things up a bit with this one.

ADD-ON/SPOTLIGHT

BOTM recently started offering 6 or 7 books instead of the usual 5, so there might not be as much room for add-ons. However, here are a few that, if they aren't chosen as main picks, I'd love to see at least in the "spotlight" section.

A Hundred Other Girls by Iman Hariri-Kia (Contemporary Fiction, pub date: 8/9/22)

Goodreads Blurb: Noora's life is a little off track. She's an aspiring writer and amateur blogger in New York—which is a nice way of saying that she tutors rich Upper East Side kids and is currently crashing on her sister's couch. But that's okay. Noora has Leila, who has always been her rock, and now she has another major influence to lean on: Vinyl magazine. The pages of Vinyl practically raised Noora, teaching her everything from how to properly insert a tampon to which political ideology she subscribes to.

So when she lands a highly coveted job as assistant to Loretta James, Vinyl's iconic editor-in-chief, Noora can't believe her luck. Her only dream is to write for Vinyl, and now with her foot firmly in the door and the Loretta James as her mentor, Noora is finally on the right path... or so she thinks.

Loretta is an unhinged nightmare, insecure and desperate to remain relevant in an evolving media landscape she doesn't understand. Noora's phone buzzes constantly with Loretta's bizarre demands, particularly with tasks Loretta hopes will undermine the success of Vinyl's wunderkind digital director Jade Aki. The reality of Noora's job is nothing like she expected, and a misguided crush on the hot IT guy only threatens to complicate things even more. But as Loretta and the old-school print team enter into a turf war with Jade and the woke-for-the-wrong-reasons digital team, Noora soon finds herself caught in the middle. And with her dream job on the line, she'll need to either choose a side or form her own.

Clever, incisive, and thoroughly fun, A Hundred Other Girls is an insider's take on the changing media industry, an ode to sisterhood, and a profound exploration of what it means to chase your dreams.

My Thoughts: This debut novel sounds like a fun, summer, New Adult-ish book and would be an early release for BOTM. I was drawn to this book by the comparison to both The Devil Wears Prada and The Bold Type so I would be excited to read it.

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood (Romance, pub date: 8/23/22)

Goodreads Blurb: Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project—a literal dream come true after years scraping by on the crumbs of academia—Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.

Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. And sure, he caught her in his powerfully corded arms like a romance novel hero when she accidentally damseled in distress on her first day in the lab. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school—archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.

Now, her equipment is missing, the staff is ignoring her, and Bee finds her floundering career in somewhat of a pickle. Perhaps it’s her occipital cortex playing tricks on her, but Bee could swear she can see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas…devouring her with those eyes. And the possibilities have all her neurons firing. But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there’s only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?

My Thoughts: I know I'm not the only one who likes their series to match, and after the smash hit that The Love Hypothesis was, if BOTM doesn't pick this up, there will be some very sad bookshelf perfectionists. But also, I am very much looking forward to another book from Ali Hazelwood. Two birds, one stone, amiright?

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Sci-Fi, pub date: 7/19/22)

Goodreads Blurb: Carlota Moreau: a young woman, growing up in a distant and luxuriant estate, safe from the conflict and strife of the Yucatán peninsula. The only daughter of either a genius, or a madman.

Montgomery Laughton: a melancholic overseer with a tragic past and a propensity for alcohol. An outcast who assists Dr. Moreau with his scientific experiments, which are financed by the Lizaldes, owners of magnificent haciendas and plentiful coffers.

The hybrids: the fruits of the Doctor’s labor, destined to blindly obey their creator and remain in the shadows. A motley group of part human, part animal monstrosities.

All of them living in a perfectly balanced and static world, which is jolted by the abrupt arrival of Eduardo Lizalde, the charming and careless son of Doctor Moreau’s patron, who will unwittingly begin a dangerous chain reaction.

For Moreau keeps secrets, Carlota has questions, and in the sweltering heat of the jungle, passions may ignite.

THE DAUGHTER OF DOCTOR MOREAU is both a dazzling historical novel and a daring science fiction journey.

My Thoughts: Silvia Moreno-Garcia won my heart with Gods of Jade and Shadow and I now want to read pretty much everything she's ever written. She's already a "3peat Author" with BOTM so again, long shot if BOTM is getting away from previous authors, but I'm really hoping I'll be able to continue matching Moreno-Garcia's books. I'm not familiar with the book this is based on, and maybe I need to read that first, but I don't foresee that being an obstacle to enjoying this book.

Thanks for reading this far! That's it for this month!

If you have thoughts on these books or other books BOTM might offer I'd love to hear from you!

And if you've never tried BOTM and are interested, feel free to use this referral link to join and get your first month for just $5!

❤️

[bibliophilebookreviews]

The Catch

The Catch by Alison Fairbrother

Thanks to the publisher for the ARC via NetGalley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Twenty-six year old Ellie loves her father and his off-season holiday celebrations like "Summer Christmas" and Summer New Year. When he suddenly and unexpectedly dies, Ellie is naturally grief-stricken. She then becomes angry upon discovering that all of her half-siblings were bequeathed meaningful objects, and not only was Ellie not left the item she thought she would be, but she's given an object that seems ridiculous. And to add insult to injury, the prized possession she's not receiving was left to someone no one in the family even knows. This prompts Ellie to uncover who this person is, and along the way, she'll learn more about her father -- and herself -- than she could ever have expected.

I have to say that I was quite disappointed in this book. Honestly, I thought that it was trying to cover too much and therefore poorly executed the storylines. I think Ellie's quest to discover to whom her father left the baseball was sufficient, and it could (and should) have been expanded upon. I understand the tie-in with Lucas, the older -- and, mini-spoiler: married -- guy she's dating, but while it was relevant, the relationship itself seemed pointless in my opinion. I'm assuming that was intentional.

Also, Ellie is a journalist, and a large part of the book ends up being focused on her environmental activist story which *SPOILER* conveniently coincides with her baseball search. And yet, though the link is established, it mostly stays pretty surface level. *SPOILER OVER* Additionally, I found the writing to be sesquipedalian, which got to be annoying but I'm giving Fairbrother the benefit of the doubt since the main character is a journalist. Lastly, I felt like she (Fairbrother) was trying too hard to make the title work. It was enough that the title wasn't in reference to an unexpected condition or complication with the will and Ellie's father's estate, but there were just too many ties "The Catch" could be and was in reference to -- the poem, the game of catch, and especially: "We loved him. The love was the catch." Okay.

I was expecting a poignant, moving novel about loss and grief and dealing with finding out new things about a loved one. And this was just not that. It definitely had some interesting elements, and I was intrigued enough to keep reading, but the conclusion failed to bring the whole story together in a way that would make up for the rest of the book's deficiencies. I think there are people who will disagree with my sentiments and end up loving this book, but I didn't like it enough to recommend.

[bibliophilebookreviews]

It All Comes Down to This

It All Comes Down to This by Therese Anne Fowler

A sweet, homespun story about family, love, and loss.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an ARC of the ebook and audiobook via NetGalley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Marti Geller is dying, and she doesn't have much time. In preparation for her death, she's left meticulous instructions regarding her estate to make it easier for her three daughter: Beck, Claire, and Sophie. And, hopefully, Marti's death will bring them closer as well. But, with four years between each of them, they're not used to sharing much with each other, and they've all got a lot going on and a few secrets in their hearts. Beck doesn't want to sell the Maine cottage (as instructed in Marti's will) in the hopes that she can finally finish the novel no one, not even her professional editor husband, knows about. Sophie, however, is desperate to sell, not having nearly as much cash flow as her Instagram posts would make it seem. Claire, divorced and hiding the real reason why, has no particular desire to keep the cottage, and she, too, could use the money. Enter C. J. Reynolds, an ex-con looking to relocate and start over -- and Marti Geller's cottage is just the place.

I confess that I did not read the summary or description of this book at all; I just really wanted to read Fowler's newest book because I thoroughly enjoyed her most recent preceding novel, A Good Neighborhood. For me, A Good Neighborhood was pretty fast-paced, so I was expecting the same from It All Comes Down to This. Instead, it was slow to start but picked up in the second-half. Still, Fowler weaves the characters' stories together really well. I remember wondering what C. J. had to do with anything (the book even starts by contemplating his impact on the Geller sisters' lives) and being more than satisfied by his role in the story.

I ended up really enjoying this book, but I agree with other reviewers that Marti's "big secret" was underwhelming. Her secrets that revealed earlier in the story were more shocking to me. I do wish we had gotten more about the sisters growing up; we just learn that they're are spread apart in age so they don't really relate to one another, but not enough of their interaction or relationship with their parents. (I also thought C. J.'s storyline felt a tiny bit forced, but I let it slide.)

Overall, I would recommend this book. All of the characters seemed real and (mostly) relatable, and there were some quotable nuggets of wisdom throughout. But despite the summer release, this felt like more of a fall read. It's a "cozy up on the couch under a blanket with a fire going" kind of read, one that you take your time with. If you're looking for the type of intense feelings and explosive conclusion A Good Neighborhood delivered, you'll want to manage your expectations. It All Comes Down to This is completely different, but still very good. I'll definitely be checking out Fowler's backlist and looking forward to her next works.

[bibliophilebookreviews]

Cult Classic

Cult Classic by Sloane Crosley

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with the audiobook ARC via NetGalley.

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Lola is engaged, but still somewhat undecided about whether she wants to marry her fiancé. While out to dinner one night, she unexpectedly sees an ex-boyfriend. No big deal...until the next night, she meets another. Turns out, Lola will keep running into exes because she's the unwitting client in her former boss Clive's trial run for his new cult-like business venture. While he and Lola's best friend are both invested and confident in the outcome, Lola (and readers) might be a lot more surprised.

I was super excited to read this book -- the title, the cover, the description all hooked me in! -- but I am unfortunately disappointed. I'm not extremely disappointed, but this was one of the most middle-of-the-road books I've read in a long time. It's described as "hilariously insightful and delightfully suspenseful" and yet I found it neither hilarious or delightful, light on the insightful, and barely suspenseful at all. This isn't the worst, most boring book ever, but it's not the best, most page-turning book either.

The biggest issue for me is that I don't understand how Clive's "not-a-cult" service works. Big "twist" at the end aside, if Lola is the client, how are her exes all magically appearing where she is instead of the other way around? And what, exactly, is the goal of their interactions again? Not just for Lola, but for other potential clients. I can't tell if I just disagree with Clive or this was just poorly explained. Or, if it was poorly explained to Lola because it's clear that she didn't get it either.

I could see what Crosley was aiming for but the execution wasn't there in my opinion. I would have enjoyed it more if there weren't so many exes and Lola was able to spend more time with them. That would have made Lola's half of the ending more palatable. As for the other half regarding Clive, it just seemed both rushed and unnecessary.

I know that other readers and reviewers are loving this book, and I think that many people will enjoy it. I just wasn't one of them. It's definitely a unique and thought-provoking read, so I still encourage people who are interested to read this book, and I will be interested to see what Crosley writes next.

[bibliophilebookreviews]

The Lifestyle

The Lifestyle by Taylor Hahn

A sexy and entertaining summer read!

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with the eARC on NetGalley.

Ok, let me say first that I must've just been really attracted to the cover and title because I do not remember starting with the knowledge that there would be swinging 🤣

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Georgina Wagman is happy. And why shouldn't she be? She's got the perfect husband, perfect job, perfect home, perfect life! That is, until she walks in on her maybe-not-so-perfect husband cheating on her. But Suzanne, a client/friend of Georgina's, has the solution: swinging. It saved Suzanne's marriage, and Georgina is convinced it can save hers too, plus that of her best friend Norah. As they all enter The Lifestyle -- with the help of Georgina's other best friend's girlfriend -- Georgina isn't too sure anymore. And it doesn't help that she encounters an ex who's now stuck in her head...and possibly her heart.

I thought this was pretty good for a debut. To me, the greatest selling point of this book is that it's a wild ride! We started with a very successful woman and her equally successful husband now struggling after an infidelity. Then there's Georgina's meddling, her somewhat strange desire to mentor the junior associate her husband cheated with, and of course, the swinging. At one point I thought, "am I really reading a book about a bunch of friends who all sleep together?" But I'm glad I kept going because nothing in this book turned out like I thought it would.

There was a lot happening and a lot of characters, and I think Hahn did a good job of putting them together in a way that didn't feel forced or unrealistic. (I did think Georgina's relationship with Meredith, the junior associate, was a little unrealistic, even when they finally had a breakthrough, but I guess it's possible.) There were a few "convenient" parts, though, which was neither good nor bad, but definitely noticeable.

The writing was good, but I wish it had been written with first-person narration, and though I don't think this book needed an epilogue, there were a couple of plot points that I don't think were fully resolved. Still, I enjoyed reading this overall: it was definitely entertaining and I was quite interested to know what would happen next. I would recommend this book if you're looking for a generally light-hearted (and flirty) summer read.

[bibliophilebookreviews]

The Bodyguard

The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

A cute, feel-good romcom that's both thoughtful and funny.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with the eARC on Net Galley.

I was extremely excited to read this book. I like when I can count on authors to provide me exactly what I like and expect from their books, and Katherine Center does not disappoint!

Here's the spoiler-free premise: Hannah Brooks loves her job as an Executive Protection Agent, and not just because she gets to travel internationally. She's also really good at it; you might even say she's the best in her agency. So she really shouldn't be surprised that she's assigned to protect the hottest celebrity. But she is. Because not only does she not even get to leave the state, but in order to do her job, she's got to pose as his girlfriend. That might be a breeze for actor Jack Stapleton, but for Hannah, fresh off her mother's funeral and getting dumped by her boyfriend, it's definitely a tough assignment. The two end up forced to live together for weeks, and before she knows it, Hannah's fallen for Jack. But has he fallen for her or is he just a really good actor? And when it all comes to a head, will Hannah protect Jack or her own heart?

I think this was just another really well-done book from Katherine Center. What did I love about this book?

1) I loved the writing. Hannah narrates the story, and she's funny and witty and real. It was like being on the phone with your best friend since toddlerhood.

2) I loved the pacing. Nothing dragged or felt rushed. I mean, Hannah went on for a while about what being an EP Agent entails, but it was relevant. And I did think that Hannah realized her feelings for Jack rather suddenly, but life comes at you fast amiright?

3) I loved the fake relationship. Okay, I love all the romcom tropes, but fake relationships are always tricky because you really never can tell what's real and what isn't. And the fact that Jack is an actor -- meaning he can "stage kiss" and cry (or otherwise emote) on demand -- just ups the ante for Hannah. (And us, the readers!)

4) Perhaps what I love most about Katherine Center's books: I loved that there was depth to the characters. They have real -- and often traumatic -- experiences that leave them needing to be loved truly and handled with care. Center makes you know them and love them like they're your friends, good, bad, flaws and all. I was truly invested in the characters individually, but I also wanted to see how their days unfolded together and where life would take them. (Shoutout to the epilogue!)

Like Center's other books, this is a pretty quick read that I think many would enjoy. It's both emotional and light-hearted, a perfect blend of serious and funny with character development and active plot in perfect proportions. I would whole-heartedly recommend this book, even if romcom or "chick lit" aren't your go-to genres.