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tristatereader's reviews
87 reviews
The Blackwoods by Brandy Colbert
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
The Blackwoods was one of those books that I could not put down. Once I was hooked, I was HOOKED and stayed up until 2am finishing. And when I finished, I immediately wanted to start it over.
The Blackwoods tells the story of a multigenerational Black family in Hollywood. The book starts with the death of the matriarch, Blossom Blackwood, and introduces readers to two of her great-great granddaughters, Ardith and Hollis. At 17, Ardith has chosen to continue the Hollywood family legacy and is a well-known actress. Hollis, also 17, has decided to stay out of the limelight. The story flawlessly weaves between time periods, showing readers the sacrifices that Blossom had to make throughout her life in order to make it in old time Hollywood, while also showing us how those sacrifices have affected her family in the present day.
I absolutely love historical fiction and the way this author seamlessly switched from the mid-1900s to present day was perfection. I loved all of the characters in this book (Ardith hunny you’ve never done anything wrong in your entire life) and watching Blossom’s journey unfold was both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a book that skillfully highlights resilience, the importance of family, and the reminder to never give up on your dreams. While there are quite a few Blackwoods to keep track of in this story, the author provided a family tree in the beginning of the book and this was so helpful to refer back to when I was just getting to know everyone.
If you enjoyed the mini series ‘Hollywood’ on Netflix, this book is definitely for you!
❤️ Thank you so much to Epic Reads for this incredible ARC
The Blackwoods tells the story of a multigenerational Black family in Hollywood. The book starts with the death of the matriarch, Blossom Blackwood, and introduces readers to two of her great-great granddaughters, Ardith and Hollis. At 17, Ardith has chosen to continue the Hollywood family legacy and is a well-known actress. Hollis, also 17, has decided to stay out of the limelight. The story flawlessly weaves between time periods, showing readers the sacrifices that Blossom had to make throughout her life in order to make it in old time Hollywood, while also showing us how those sacrifices have affected her family in the present day.
I absolutely love historical fiction and the way this author seamlessly switched from the mid-1900s to present day was perfection. I loved all of the characters in this book (Ardith hunny you’ve never done anything wrong in your entire life) and watching Blossom’s journey unfold was both heartbreaking and inspiring. This is a book that skillfully highlights resilience, the importance of family, and the reminder to never give up on your dreams. While there are quite a few Blackwoods to keep track of in this story, the author provided a family tree in the beginning of the book and this was so helpful to refer back to when I was just getting to know everyone.
If you enjoyed the mini series ‘Hollywood’ on Netflix, this book is definitely for you!
❤️ Thank you so much to Epic Reads for this incredible ARC
The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
HAPPY RELEASE DAY to Ruby Barrett and this gem of a book, The Friendship Study!
Lulu and Jesse are a couple of millennials just trying to hold it all together after life-altering events. Lulu’s being betrayal by an ex-partner and ex-bestie, which resulted in her leaving her life in the UK and returning to the US to live with her parents. And Jesse’s being the loss of his firefighting career after a car accident left him with a physical disability. The two are capital L Lonely and having a hard time adjusting to their new lives.
Enter their mutual friend (and Jesse’s ex!) George, who is a PhD student at the University in which Lulu is a professor. He sets Lulu and Jesse up on a less than stellar blind date that ends as awkwardly as it began. Although the date was a bust, Lulu and Jesse end up agreeing to be part of George’s academic study about millennial friendships. The two already know that their physical chemistry is off the charts. But as they open up to one another and the friendship grows, the emotional connection is undeniable.
I enjoyed this book so much and my little millennial heart was bursting with relatability. Some of the many topics in this book that were executed flawlessly were feelings of loneliness, bisexuality rep, neurodivergence, and chronic pain. I also loved how accurately Alzheimer’s disease was portrayed in this book. And in case you needed even more reason to pick this one up, there’s a rescue cat named Betty. You’re welcome. Equal parts funny, emotional, and spicy, this is one you don’t want to miss.
The Friendship Study is out TODAY!!! 🥳
Thank so you much to Harlequin Publicity Team and Harlequin Books for a gifted copy of this book
You Should Be So Lucky by Cat Sebastian
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Ok… I’m about to say something that might make some of you do a double take.
There will be gasps. There will be a slew of “no ways”. I know what’s in store for me, but I was raised to speak my truth. I suggest you get yourself in the seated position for this next sentence:
I think this book is tied with RWRB as my all time favorite book 😳
If you haven’t fainted after that declaration, read on.
You Should Be So Lucky was absolute perfection. The witty dialogue, the compelling characters, the engaging plot, the pacing… ✔️✔️✔️✔️
You know those books that immediately grab hold of you and don’t let go? The ones where after each chapter you’re like, “Oh, this next chapter is only 10 minutes long, I’ll just read one more”, until you’ve done that 12 times and it’s 3am? This book was that for me. I couldn’t put it down.
So first and foremost, this book is FUNNY. I know that sounds like a weird way to describe a book centered around coping with grief and loss. And yes, there is active mourning, tough conversations, and I teared up more than once. But above all, it’s so hopeful. Mark and Eddie play off one another’s personalities so well and are snarky, sassy, yet so gentle and compassionate with one another. And Lula? Lula is a dog, but she is the absolute star of this book. Period.
The side characters are also the absolute best and yes, we saw several Nick and Andy cameos 🥳 The other thing that was a home-run for me (lol I’m such a loser) is that it centers around the best sport in the entire world 🙌🏼 I am a DIEHARD baseball fan and there is such a lack of this setting in the bookish world of sports romance! I felt like I got a nice taste of it when I read Luke & Billy, and then Cat said, “I’m going to bless the world with a whole 4-course meal by writing YSBSL”. And the world became a better place because of it.
I know this isn’t my normal review style but I am truly unhinged. I’ve been tilted off my literary axis and couldn’t be happier about it. You really don’t want to miss this one!
Thank you SOOOO much to DJ, Avon, and NetGalley for the eARC ❤️
There will be gasps. There will be a slew of “no ways”. I know what’s in store for me, but I was raised to speak my truth. I suggest you get yourself in the seated position for this next sentence:
I think this book is tied with RWRB as my all time favorite book 😳
If you haven’t fainted after that declaration, read on.
You Should Be So Lucky was absolute perfection. The witty dialogue, the compelling characters, the engaging plot, the pacing… ✔️✔️✔️✔️
You know those books that immediately grab hold of you and don’t let go? The ones where after each chapter you’re like, “Oh, this next chapter is only 10 minutes long, I’ll just read one more”, until you’ve done that 12 times and it’s 3am? This book was that for me. I couldn’t put it down.
So first and foremost, this book is FUNNY. I know that sounds like a weird way to describe a book centered around coping with grief and loss. And yes, there is active mourning, tough conversations, and I teared up more than once. But above all, it’s so hopeful. Mark and Eddie play off one another’s personalities so well and are snarky, sassy, yet so gentle and compassionate with one another. And Lula? Lula is a dog, but she is the absolute star of this book. Period.
The side characters are also the absolute best and yes, we saw several Nick and Andy cameos 🥳 The other thing that was a home-run for me (lol I’m such a loser) is that it centers around the best sport in the entire world 🙌🏼 I am a DIEHARD baseball fan and there is such a lack of this setting in the bookish world of sports romance! I felt like I got a nice taste of it when I read Luke & Billy, and then Cat said, “I’m going to bless the world with a whole 4-course meal by writing YSBSL”. And the world became a better place because of it.
I know this isn’t my normal review style but I am truly unhinged. I’ve been tilted off my literary axis and couldn’t be happier about it. You really don’t want to miss this one!
Thank you SOOOO much to DJ, Avon, and NetGalley for the eARC ❤️
A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
It is so damn gloomy and cold in my part of the world, so I’m itching to be done with work and crawl into bed with my current read. But until then, I have to tell you about A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes! I really loved this book. As soon as I saw historical romance with a murder subplot I was like ummm YES PLEASE ✔️
The year is 1867 and Poppy Delamare is a self-proclaimed spinster living and working in London. Only, Poppy has assumed a new name (Flora Deaver) and identity. She escaped an abusive household at the hands of her stepfather 2 years ago and never looked back. But when Poppy receives word that her beloved half-sister Violet has been charged with the murder of her husband, she rushes back to her small hometown in an attempt to clear Violet’s name. It’s during this rush that she (literally) runs into the Duke of Langham. Although she finds the Duke to be insufferable, the two end up on the train together and a fake betrothal plan is hatched. It’s a win-win as Poppy will have the Duke’s vast resources at her disposal, and the Duke will not have to entertain the women of the town who are longing to become his Duchess. But as the two spend more time together trying to unravel the truth behind Violet’s husband’s murder, they find themselves both wishing the betrothal was not a ruse.
I highly recommend this book. I found the characters lovable and the story very entertaining. Historical romance is one of my favorite genres, and fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and then to add in a murder subplot?! I was so intrigued and this author did not disappoint. Poppy and Langham’s relationship was not only fun but believable, which I always appreciate when reading fiction. This was the 3rd book in a 4 book series (yes I went out of order, I like to live dangerously) but I already have book 2 in the series secured thanks to my friend Kate and I can’t wait read it 💃
The year is 1867 and Poppy Delamare is a self-proclaimed spinster living and working in London. Only, Poppy has assumed a new name (Flora Deaver) and identity. She escaped an abusive household at the hands of her stepfather 2 years ago and never looked back. But when Poppy receives word that her beloved half-sister Violet has been charged with the murder of her husband, she rushes back to her small hometown in an attempt to clear Violet’s name. It’s during this rush that she (literally) runs into the Duke of Langham. Although she finds the Duke to be insufferable, the two end up on the train together and a fake betrothal plan is hatched. It’s a win-win as Poppy will have the Duke’s vast resources at her disposal, and the Duke will not have to entertain the women of the town who are longing to become his Duchess. But as the two spend more time together trying to unravel the truth behind Violet’s husband’s murder, they find themselves both wishing the betrothal was not a ruse.
I highly recommend this book. I found the characters lovable and the story very entertaining. Historical romance is one of my favorite genres, and fake dating is one of my favorite tropes, and then to add in a murder subplot?! I was so intrigued and this author did not disappoint. Poppy and Langham’s relationship was not only fun but believable, which I always appreciate when reading fiction. This was the 3rd book in a 4 book series (yes I went out of order, I like to live dangerously) but I already have book 2 in the series secured thanks to my friend Kate and I can’t wait read it 💃
Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC
Infinity Alchemist by Kacen Callender
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Ok so review time. This is going to be a bumpy one, so buckle up.
Infinity Alchemist follows Ash Woods, a young groundskeeper’s assistant who works at Lancaster, a prestigious college for studying alchemy. He’s been rejected from the college numerous times despite his innate gift with alchemy. While groundskeeping in graduate apprentice, Ramsay Thorne’s office, Ramsay catches Ash performing alchemy. Although it’s illegal to practice without a license, Ramsay is shocked by Ash’s skill level. The two then form a partnership, a quid pro quo arrangement: Ramsay will teach Ash alchemy and help he earn his license and Ash will help Ramsay find ‘The Book of Source’.
So I loved the plot lines, the overall story, and the fantasy elements in this book. But the way these three things were executed was a miss for me.
The pacing in this book was off and I had a difficult time trying to follow the timeline. The author also lacked in the description department, both in describing the magical elements and the characters themselves. I felt a bit disconnected from the characters and less invested in them as a result. I also had a difficult time with the pronoun usage and trying to understand whose POV I was reading. Ramsay is genderfluid so his pronouns change (sometimes mid-page) which left me confused at times because the other two main characters also use he/him pronouns. And when you have three main characters all on page using he/him pronouns at the same time, it gets a bit confusing as to who’s doing what. There were a few other misses for me but I want to end on a positive note: the representation was top notch. There was trans, queer, and genderfluid rep as well as polyamory.
I can genuinely see this being someone’s favorite book of the year. I felt like it had all the pieces to be a book, but overall it fell short for me.
Look for INFINITY ALCHEMIST on February 6, 2024
Infinity Alchemist follows Ash Woods, a young groundskeeper’s assistant who works at Lancaster, a prestigious college for studying alchemy. He’s been rejected from the college numerous times despite his innate gift with alchemy. While groundskeeping in graduate apprentice, Ramsay Thorne’s office, Ramsay catches Ash performing alchemy. Although it’s illegal to practice without a license, Ramsay is shocked by Ash’s skill level. The two then form a partnership, a quid pro quo arrangement: Ramsay will teach Ash alchemy and help he earn his license and Ash will help Ramsay find ‘The Book of Source’.
So I loved the plot lines, the overall story, and the fantasy elements in this book. But the way these three things were executed was a miss for me.
The pacing in this book was off and I had a difficult time trying to follow the timeline. The author also lacked in the description department, both in describing the magical elements and the characters themselves. I felt a bit disconnected from the characters and less invested in them as a result. I also had a difficult time with the pronoun usage and trying to understand whose POV I was reading. Ramsay is genderfluid so his pronouns change (sometimes mid-page) which left me confused at times because the other two main characters also use he/him pronouns. And when you have three main characters all on page using he/him pronouns at the same time, it gets a bit confusing as to who’s doing what. There were a few other misses for me but I want to end on a positive note: the representation was top notch. There was trans, queer, and genderfluid rep as well as polyamory.
I can genuinely see this being someone’s favorite book of the year. I felt like it had all the pieces to be a book, but overall it fell short for me.
Look for INFINITY ALCHEMIST on February 6, 2024
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Wtf am I feeling right now? Pissed off? Sad? Hopeful? Numb? Ready to choose violence? All of it. This book has me feeling all 👏🏼 of 👏🏼 it 👏🏼.
Sade Hussein is a teenager starting at an elite boarding school, Alfred Nobel Academy. This is the first time she’s attending a school with other students as her overbearing father had kept her homeschooled throughout her life. But after his recent death (and the death of her mother at age 10), orphaned Sade enrolls herself at ANA. Her new roommate, Elizabeth Wang, seems to be the type to keep to herself. And when a dead rat shows up on their doorstep the day of Sade’s arrival, Elizabeth surprisingly seems unfazed. Despite her somewhat peculiar demeanor, Elizabeth introduces Sade to her bestie, Baz, and helps her feel welcome. But only one day post-Sade’s arrival, Elizabeth goes missing. And so begins Sade and Baz’s investigation into finding their missing friend, and uncovering more twisted secrets lurking in the walls of ANA than they could have ever imagined.
I feel like this is going to be a more vague review than I usually post because I’m determined to keep it spoiler-free. There were so many twists and turns throughout this book, my head looked like Linda Blair in the Exorcist. Events I never could have fathomed… characters that caused me to have visceral reactions that I haven’t experienced through literature before… the sheer amount of gasps that I gasped. There was so much going on that at one point, I genuinely thought this was a Shutter Island sitch. While the dark academia was absolute perfection, I do think that overall, this book could have been a bit shorter with fewer subplots. I also still feel a smidge unresolved by the ending… I have lingering questions. But I loved the characters, the writing, and the sweet, sweet revenge 😈
This is a must read for anyone who wants an inside look into the evils of classism at both a societal and institutional level. Faridah shows readers just how easy it is for a person (or group of people) to get away with atrocities solely based on their status and wealth. 🚨Please please pleaseee read the content warnings and take them seriously! 🚨
Look for WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE on March 14, 2024
Sade Hussein is a teenager starting at an elite boarding school, Alfred Nobel Academy. This is the first time she’s attending a school with other students as her overbearing father had kept her homeschooled throughout her life. But after his recent death (and the death of her mother at age 10), orphaned Sade enrolls herself at ANA. Her new roommate, Elizabeth Wang, seems to be the type to keep to herself. And when a dead rat shows up on their doorstep the day of Sade’s arrival, Elizabeth surprisingly seems unfazed. Despite her somewhat peculiar demeanor, Elizabeth introduces Sade to her bestie, Baz, and helps her feel welcome. But only one day post-Sade’s arrival, Elizabeth goes missing. And so begins Sade and Baz’s investigation into finding their missing friend, and uncovering more twisted secrets lurking in the walls of ANA than they could have ever imagined.
I feel like this is going to be a more vague review than I usually post because I’m determined to keep it spoiler-free. There were so many twists and turns throughout this book, my head looked like Linda Blair in the Exorcist. Events I never could have fathomed… characters that caused me to have visceral reactions that I haven’t experienced through literature before… the sheer amount of gasps that I gasped. There was so much going on that at one point, I genuinely thought this was a Shutter Island sitch. While the dark academia was absolute perfection, I do think that overall, this book could have been a bit shorter with fewer subplots. I also still feel a smidge unresolved by the ending… I have lingering questions. But I loved the characters, the writing, and the sweet, sweet revenge 😈
This is a must read for anyone who wants an inside look into the evils of classism at both a societal and institutional level. Faridah shows readers just how easy it is for a person (or group of people) to get away with atrocities solely based on their status and wealth. 🚨Please please pleaseee read the content warnings and take them seriously! 🚨
Look for WHERE SLEEPING GIRLS LIE on March 14, 2024
The Unlikely Heir by Jax Calder
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I was a little apprehensive about this book because the cover and synopsis reminded me of one of my favorite American / British, forbidden-love, mm books. But so many of my friends raved about it and I truly love Jax’s writing, so I gave it a go. And I’m really glad I did! The Unlikely Heir was the perfect read to end my 2023.
Callum Prescott, an insurance call-center worker from California, has just jumped the line of succession to become the Prince of Wales. He suddenly finds himself in the UK and thrust into the spotlight and scrutiny of being an American heir to the British throne. He feels like a fish out of water and these feelings are only magnified when the people in his life begin selling stories of him to tabloids. He finds himself feeling lonely, isolated, and unsure of who to trust. Then he meets the Prime Minister, Oliver Hartwell, who truly understands the weight that’s been placed on Callum’s shoulders. The two immediately bond and become close friends. But as they begin to embrace their romantic feelings for one another, the state of the Commonwealth becomes a barrier. Can their love survive their positions?
I found Callum to be one of, if not THE, most likable character I read in 2023. I truly adored absolutely everything about this guy. He was quirky, sensitive, passionate, and above all, so so kind. His vast knowledge of subjects was so incredibly endearing and I was over the moon when Oliver not only recognized this sweet character trait, but encouraged it. Oliver was also a great character. 14 years older than Callum, he had a bit of a hardened, politically-conscious facade. But being with Callum helped him let his guard down, taught him to trust, and showed him unconditional love. Along with the blossoming romance comes a history of the monarchy and government, which I found so interesting. There was also a huge plot twist that I didn’t see coming, which is really rare for me. I can usually spot them a mile away but this one caught me by total surprise, and I was really excited about that.
Callum Prescott, an insurance call-center worker from California, has just jumped the line of succession to become the Prince of Wales. He suddenly finds himself in the UK and thrust into the spotlight and scrutiny of being an American heir to the British throne. He feels like a fish out of water and these feelings are only magnified when the people in his life begin selling stories of him to tabloids. He finds himself feeling lonely, isolated, and unsure of who to trust. Then he meets the Prime Minister, Oliver Hartwell, who truly understands the weight that’s been placed on Callum’s shoulders. The two immediately bond and become close friends. But as they begin to embrace their romantic feelings for one another, the state of the Commonwealth becomes a barrier. Can their love survive their positions?
I found Callum to be one of, if not THE, most likable character I read in 2023. I truly adored absolutely everything about this guy. He was quirky, sensitive, passionate, and above all, so so kind. His vast knowledge of subjects was so incredibly endearing and I was over the moon when Oliver not only recognized this sweet character trait, but encouraged it. Oliver was also a great character. 14 years older than Callum, he had a bit of a hardened, politically-conscious facade. But being with Callum helped him let his guard down, taught him to trust, and showed him unconditional love. Along with the blossoming romance comes a history of the monarchy and government, which I found so interesting. There was also a huge plot twist that I didn’t see coming, which is really rare for me. I can usually spot them a mile away but this one caught me by total surprise, and I was really excited about that.
Time to Shine by Rachel Reid
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
And in the 11th hour, your girl found her favorite book of the year. This review is going to be completely unhinged so buckle up. Huge thank you to my friend Courtney for sending me this mf GEM of a story for the holidays.
Time to Shine is a holiday-esque romance about two hockey players, Landon Stackhouse (Stacks) and Casey Hicks. Landon is on the Calgary AHL team but is called up to the big leagues after their backup NHL goalie suffers an injury. Landon is super introverted and finds comfort in being alone. But his new teammate, Casey, is a social butterfly. He’s bubbly, outgoing, and an actual ray of fucking sunshine. He tries to pull out all the stops to get Stacks out of his shell, but it’s only after Stacks moves in with Casey that he starts to see Stacks hard exterior begin to soften. The two form a deep bond, opening up to one another about things they’ve never discussed with anyone.
This was… an absolute fucking delight. 10/10 would recommend. My new favorite comfort read. I’ve already submitted it for a Pulitzer and Nobel Peace Prize.
So first and foremost I would commit all the crimes for Casey Hicks. He can do no wrong EVER. He is the smartest, kindest, most angelic human being to ever exist. And Landon is a sweet and sensitive little angel that deserves all the love. I’m just completely obsessed with these two and how much they better one another 😭 Honestly, I adored everyone in this book. Every. Single. Person. I’m giggling and kicking my little feet just writing this review because I’m 97% sure my brain chemistry has been permanently altered and I’ll be riding this serotonin high for as long as possible.
Run, don’t walk. Get this book ASAP. Give your heart a much needed reprieve from all the chaos around you. And then come back here and ask me how you can ever repay me because you’ll be so thankful I put this story in your orbit.
Time to Shine is a holiday-esque romance about two hockey players, Landon Stackhouse (Stacks) and Casey Hicks. Landon is on the Calgary AHL team but is called up to the big leagues after their backup NHL goalie suffers an injury. Landon is super introverted and finds comfort in being alone. But his new teammate, Casey, is a social butterfly. He’s bubbly, outgoing, and an actual ray of fucking sunshine. He tries to pull out all the stops to get Stacks out of his shell, but it’s only after Stacks moves in with Casey that he starts to see Stacks hard exterior begin to soften. The two form a deep bond, opening up to one another about things they’ve never discussed with anyone.
This was… an absolute fucking delight. 10/10 would recommend. My new favorite comfort read. I’ve already submitted it for a Pulitzer and Nobel Peace Prize.
So first and foremost I would commit all the crimes for Casey Hicks. He can do no wrong EVER. He is the smartest, kindest, most angelic human being to ever exist. And Landon is a sweet and sensitive little angel that deserves all the love. I’m just completely obsessed with these two and how much they better one another 😭 Honestly, I adored everyone in this book. Every. Single. Person. I’m giggling and kicking my little feet just writing this review because I’m 97% sure my brain chemistry has been permanently altered and I’ll be riding this serotonin high for as long as possible.
Run, don’t walk. Get this book ASAP. Give your heart a much needed reprieve from all the chaos around you. And then come back here and ask me how you can ever repay me because you’ll be so thankful I put this story in your orbit.
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by TJ Alexander
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I finished Second Chances in New Port Stephen yesterday and thought it was the perfect holiday romcom to close out 2023.
Eli Ward has returned to his childhood home in New Port Stephen, Florida for the first time as an out, trans man. And it’s not by choice. After his professional TV writing career comes to a screeching halt, he has no choice but to sublet his NYC apartment and go back to the hometown that holds so many painful memories. Although his family is loving and accepting, the social and political climate of Florida is anything but. One night, while running an errand in a bid to escape his chaotic family, he bumps into his ex-boyfriend from high school, Nick Wu. Nick is now a divorced DILF who works too hard and spends too much time worrying about others. It’s been over 20 years and although Nick doesn’t recognize Eli at first, the two quickly fall into a familiar and comfortable routine. As the pair begin to spend time together, both start wondering if maybe, just maybe, there’s a second chance for them.
Give me allllll the queer holiday books please! Despite a warm setting, the Christmas vibes in this book were on point. I really loved all of the characters, especially Nick’s daughter, Zoe 🥰 I loved the racial diversity and meeting / learning about Nick’s family. I also loved the faux news headlines scattered throughout the book. They were so clever and I found myself cracking up whenever I came across one. But by far my favorite part of this story was watching Eli and Nick accept each other 100%. I would loveee a sequel with these two!
The Guncle by Steven Rowley
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I know I’m massively late to the party with this one. The Guncle has been a bestseller for years and on my tbr for the same amount of time. But it was recently picked for one of my book clubs so I finally got the kick in the ass I needed. And it definitely lived up to its hype.
The Guncle tells the story of Patrick O’Hara, a former sitcom star who has retreated into obscurity after suffering the devastating loss of his partner, Joe. He lives a reclusive life in Palms Springs and wouldn’t want it any other way. Then his college best friend turned sister-in-law passes away and his brother needs to take time away for his health. Suddenly, Patrick finds his world in upheaval as he takes in his 9-year-old niece and 6-year-old nephew.
I have to say I had somewhat of a hard time getting through this book solely because I related to Patrick’s grief so much. Without going into detail, the counter transference was real with this one y’all. But the book was incredible. Patrick’s story broke me and put me back together again. I laughed, I cried, I spoke in a lisp as an ode to my main man Grant. I truly loved all of the characters in this book and the kiddos were some of the best I’ve ever read. Patrick’s humor was an expertly blended cocktail of wittiness and raw emotion; it helped give readers a deeper look into his grief. Some other things that I loved about this book: Patrick’s Guncle rules, Marlene, summer Christmas, their nicknames for one another, the end scene.
I can’t wait for the sequel next year 🌍