Like walking into cool air conditioning on the muggiest day. Cool. Crisp. Clear as a bell. Rooney's economical writing combined with smart vocabulary, a moving story, and characters that effervesce makes this book a joy. Lillian Boxfish, an ad-woman and confirmed bachelorette, is something of an institution. Lillian Boxfish mother and wife is a more… Continue reading Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney

DNF at 50%. And i'm eating thin mints as a reward for making it that far. I do not understand the positive vibes surrounding this book. The heroine, a recent widow, has 4 kids and a miserable personality. Her hot new neighbor gives her feelings - so she cranks up the awful. Self-indulgent Whiny. Depressing.… Continue reading The Five Stages of Falling in Love by Rachel Higginson

I connected with this book on a cellular level. Snotty, hiccuppy, laugh/crying where i couldn't breathe and didn't care. Plot - doesn't really matter bc although the plot is what the book's about it's not what this book is ABOUT. Still - Darren was once dismissive and shitty to Sandy. They spend years hate-flirting. Circumstances… Continue reading The Queen & the Homo Jock King by TJ Klune

MC romances are a favorite of mine, and Madeline Sheehan is my gold-standard. Her characters and storylines are so raw, real and jagged. She builds intense, awful and fabulous relationships while dragging her agonized reader over hot coals. It's delicious. Unfortunately, this book didn't quite measure up. Wren has a child with an abusive ex.… Continue reading Stitch by L Wilder

I loved this book! Funny, goofy, awkward with a swoony dude that prolly said 14 words during the entire book. Teagan, a rich college girl, is suddenly adrift when her dad dies. After an awkward job hunt she sort of forces Rebel to hire her. He's the strong silent type. Rebel and his super star… Continue reading Rebel by Elle Casey

I expect a couple of things from a shifter romance - and this one didn't let me down. Growly alpha male - check. Sassy but sort of meddling female - check. Adventure - check. Nothing brilliant but a comforting read. Plot - there's this whole plot involving a bear cub and inheritance and double-crossing. blah… Continue reading No Ifs, Ands, or Bears About It by Celia Kyle

While M/M isn't my usual gig I do have certain predilections when I do read it - i.e. super buff sporty gay guys. However, I love TJ Klune - his voice resonates with me. As this book illustrates there's a reason for that. Paul has self-esteem issues. Vince is gorgeous. Vince wants Paul. Paul needs… Continue reading Tell Me It’s Real by TJ Klune

Short review here - bc this was bad juju for me. I cannot stand books where the family is an issue/the issue btw the hero and heroine. While I've previously written that I generally need an outside source of tension between our hero and heroine I feel that "family" - posited as an outside source… Continue reading Havoc by Jamie Shaw