Here’s my next batch of reviews, let’s do this!
–Marissa
Slow Burn Summer by Josie Silver was an audiobook listen, and Silver is always a solid romance choice! This time, Kate is hired by a publishing house (and specifically, Charlie) to pose as an author who has written a book, but doesn’t want anyone to know or to do any press. Charlie and Kate have a slow burn romance, but Silver always sparkles with funny dialogue, sweet yearnings, and the added mystery of who the author is. I really enjoyed this one!
I Am Cleopatra by Natasha Solomons was one I was excited to dive into – Cleopatra, Servilia, Caesar, all those great characters I’ve learned about through Rome and other media – but this was painful, boring, and I ended up skimming it to the end. Just a nope from me.
Watch Us Fall by Christina Kovac was a super unmemorable psychological thriller set in Washington DC and featuring four best friends in Georgetown who unravel when the ex-boyfriend of one of them is found dead during a snowstorm. This was just eh.
The Bright Years by Sarah Damoff was a recommendation, but one that hurt to read. We’ve got multiple generations, multiple narrators, and a family saga that centers on the marrage of Ryan and Lillian, and their daughter Jet. Lillian has a secret, Ryan has an addition, Jet is the shadow left behind. The story weaves from past to present, but will rip your heart out again and again as things are revealed. This was compelling, realistic, emotional and all the things we want from a family saga.
Best Offer Wins by Marisa Kashino was an absolute bananapants ride, and i was HERE FOR IT. Margo and her husband are desperately trying to upgrade from their apartment in Washington DC when she finds “the perfect house” that hasn’t yet gone on the market. She devolves into stalking, trespassing, a whole lotta lies, blackmail and more to get the house of her dreams. This is dark, hilarious, cring-y, and insane in the best way. I tore through this one – loved it!
Bloody Mary by Kristina Gehrmann was a graphic novel (I think the only one I read this year) retelling the tumultuous life of Mary I of England, daughter of the infamous Henry VIII. I didn’t learn anything new from this (since I’m a Tudor nerd), but it was an enjoyable storytelling.
An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister is a romance set in, of course, the world of academia. Sadie and Jonah have always competed, since university, but now it’s even harder as they scour the university market for jobs after graduation. Things get complicated when one of them gets a job… and offers to marry (for convenience) to secure a job for the other. This is an enemies to lovers, fake relationship, dual narrators novel, and it kept me engaged throughout. Enjoyable!
stubbornsunshine.com 