Holy shit – a 5 Star read. This is not a test. Run do not walk to your local library or bookseller next Tuesday. Orrrrrrrrrr maybe only do
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Holy shit – a 5 Star read. This is not a test. Run do not walk to your local library or bookseller next Tuesday. Orrrrrrrrrr maybe only do so if you are a Saturday Night Live superfan? If you’ve been around my crap reviews at all, you should be aware that I am an SNL superfan who not only watches, but has gone on many a deep dive of the processes involved in making the weekly magic happen as well as reading/listening to celebrity memoirs of former cast members when I need something for Nonfiction November, but am too dumb to read most nonfiction. The only thing I have enjoyed more than my weekly hangouts with the Not Ready for Primetime Players for the past 35+ years was when the never disappointing 30 Rock was on the air (which, in case you live under a rock, was a fictionalized behind the scenes action of creating “The Girly Show” – an SNL knockoff). All that being said, Romantic Comedy could have been called “Liz Lemon Finds True Love” and I have no words for how much I loved it.
The first half (46%) is a breakdown of how “The Night Owls” (again *cough SNL cough*) comes together each week in order to appear live on your television. Like I said above, this is the make it or break part that will determine if this is your idea of a good time or not. I was practically crapping myself and most definitely Googled “did Curtis Sittenfeld work at SNL????” because it was so accurate. “Chapter 2” takes place a couple of years later and is epistolary format told via text messages (let me double down on my love and say epistolary when done well is also my jam). Then there’s Chapter 3 and an Epilogue but I ain’t a spoiler, so you’ll have to read it for yourself to find out what happens. Just now that unlike nearly every writer over the course of Covid, Sittenfeld didn’t shit the bed with her take on the pandemic.
The basic premise here is a potential love story revolving around “The Danny Horst Rule” – Danny being a fictionalized version of a The Night Owls writer/actor who somehow bagged an A-List babe who on paper would be considered way out of his league. (see Dan Akroyd/Carrie Fisher; Emma Stone/Dave McCary; Fred Armisen/Elizabeth Moss or Natasha Lyonne; Jason Sudakis/Olivia Wilde; Pete Davidson/pretty much everyone he’s ever fucked if you doubt this is a real-life thing – and note I’m excluding Colin Jost from this answer because he’s just as hot as ScarJo so the only thing that doesn’t add up with the two of them is the number of zeroes in their respective bank accounts.) Romantic Comedy turns the tables by featuring Noah Brewster, a superhot male rock star, possibly falling for the hilarious, but average TNO writer, Sally Milz.
I thought every single second of this was perfection. The only gripe I have is that my request for an early copy sat pending so long before I finally got approved, but since I got my greedy mitts on it a week early all is forgiven.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!!!!!...more
Holy crap it’s a 5 Star romance read for Kelly. We’re talking RUN – DO NOT WALK if you haven’t already snagged this one from your local lib
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Holy crap it’s a 5 Star romance read for Kelly. We’re talking RUN – DO NOT WALK if you haven’t already snagged this one from your local library or bookstore. The premise here is pretty simple . . .
I basically catfished my best friend.
You see Millie, Reid, Chris, Ed and Alex all work together in their various respective fields at UCSB and are besties for the resties. Although Millie and Reid did have a “half night stand” – it was simply because they both had an itch that needed to be scratched and they have agreed it won’t happen again. The annual Dean’s Banquet is coming up, however, and they all need dates so it is decided they’ll make online profiles. While Millie helps the fellas with theirs, hers is determined to be super “meh” so she makes another – using her middle name and an unrecognizable profile picture . . . . and then she matches with Reid.
I’m telling you, I looooooooved this. First, the friend group and their banter was so much fun. Millie and Reid were both smart and grown-up and didn’t act like idiots. There wasn’t an official third act break-up to peeve me off – it was simply delightful. This author duo doesn't always work for me, but I'm giving the highest of recommendations here if you like a good romcom.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!...more
@girlwiththepinkskimask wasn’t lying, kids. This right’chere was a real Bangersaurus Rex! There I was reading literal masturbatory gingerbread Christm@girlwiththepinkskimask wasn’t lying, kids. This right’chere was a real Bangersaurus Rex! There I was reading literal masturbatory gingerbread Christmas stories while she has been attempting to do God’s work and recommending this sucker on the daily.
Let’s start off with some full disclosure: I requested every single Christmas romcom from NetGalley that was available. I did not read blurbs, I did not look at Goodreads’ ratings or reviews. I just went in knowing I wanted a heaping plate as well as seconds and thirds when it came to smooching under the mistletoe. I had no idea Holiday Romance would end up pretty much a “had me at hello” moment when the two leads (acquaintances via him - whose girlfriend is about to break up with him and her - who is friends with said soon-to-be ex) are seated next to each other on their flight back home for the holidays. Then they coincidentally meet AGAIN for their flight the next year. You know what that is????
That’s the ol’ “When Harry Met Sally” and it is a favorite.
So long story short, ten years have gone by with these two travellers occupying each other’s space for their hop back across the pond for the holidays. She’s the grumpy, he’s the sunshine. When flights get cancelled she decides to let her Grinch heart grow three sizes and uses all of her banked up frequent flyer miles to do whatever it takes in order to get him back home to his family in time for Christmas. And then she starts catching feelings.
This one will make you feel all floopy inside. The banter is great, the smex isn’t squickalicious, the “break up” in the third act only lasts about twelve nanoseconds. Go get it.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley! ...more
Well, aside from the references to “old tyme rock and roll” and “classic rock” which featured songs by Nirvana, Fall Out Boy, Thirty Seconds to Mars, etc. . . . .
If you like Young Adult romances – the trope where someone pretends to be something they're not and ends up discovering how to be comfortable in their own skin – that everyone has a story behind their choices (sometimes even the school bully) – ride or die pals – and the magic of first love, this one might be for you . . . .
The ‘Gram didn’t steer me wrong on this one. I had a few days of “use it to lose it” vacation so I took the first part of the week off. Thi
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The ‘Gram didn’t steer me wrong on this one. I had a few days of “use it to lose it” vacation so I took the first part of the week off. This was my second book of the day Monday and I chose it as a “palate cleanser” type of read in an attempt to avoid a bookhangover after finishing the new William Boyle. This was exactly what I needed.
Dev is a “handler” for the long-running reality show Ever After - a Bachelor type of knock-off where fair maidens compete to be crowned “princess” and get their happily ever after with one of America’s most eligible bachelors. Charlie is the chosen bachelor who has taken this gig as a hopefully positive P.R. stunt after being ousted as head honcho of the company he helped form. What neither of them expected was that they would start to develop feelings for each other.
So as I said above – A.DOR.A.BLE. This was saccharine sweet and funny and while the smexytimes were fade to black, they were still sexy . . . .
They kiss and kiss and kiss, until Charlie hooks his hands around the back of Dev’s thighs and hoists him up. Dev scrambles to wrap his legs around Charlie’s waist, and somehow, Charlie holds him there, suspended, like he weighs nothing. “How are you doing this? I feel like Rachel McAdams in The Notebook.”
And there’s also serious stuff like anxiety and depression and microaggressions, but it’s not delivered in any sort of preachy way and oh it was just so good....more
Remember this is fake. Remember this is fake. Remember this is fake.
Boyfriend Material is one of (I’m ashamed to report) more than a handful of boRemember this is fake. Remember this is fake. Remember this is fake.
Boyfriend Material is one of (I’m ashamed to report) more than a handful of books I read last year and really loved, but never posted about. I could blame the pandemic, but really it’s just because I’m a twat (this is a British book so it’s A-okay to use that term here). Anyway I love Alexis Hall and have for quite some time so I decided to give this a quick re-read in order to write a "proper" review - which I am obviously not even attempting to write. I’m so happy others have finally discovered what a gem his stories are and that he has finally made it to "mainstream" marketing and Target shelves and whatnot. I highly encourage you all to check out some of his other stuff. Glitterland and Pansies are two I never hesitate recommending. All the Stars for this one as well. Man oh man am I a sucker for a Mr. Darcy/Mark Darcy type and when you add in a fake dating trope and quality mates like Bridget Jones had, well that just equals . . . .
Things to note - this is a fade to black smexytimes sort of delivery (which somehow remains very smexy) so if you like your smut not so smutty you needn't shy away. This takes place in Shoreditch which is apparently my dream place to live because I don't think I've ever given a book less than 4 Stars that has taken place there. And finally, you might need to invest in some adult diapers because this is adorably funny . . . .
“What are you doing?” “I’m not sleeping in a three-piece suit, and meaning no disrespect, I don’t especially want to borrow any of”—he made a circular gesture that encompassed the various piles of crap strewn across my floor—“this.” “That’s fair.” A thought occurred to me. “Hey, does this mean I finally get to meet the V-cut?” He gave a weird little cough. “You will be passing acquaintances at best.” “I’ll take it.” I bounced onto my newly Oliver-approved bed and knelt there, rumpling the duvet, and gazing somewhat shamelessly as Oliver undid his shirt. “Lucien,” he said. “What you’re doing right now looks suspiciously like ogling.” I cupped my hands round my mouth. “Off. Off. Off.” “I’m not a stripper.” “You’re literally stripping right now. I’m just encouraging you.” “What you’re doing is embarrassing me.” He removed the shirt, folded it neatly, realised there was nowhere to put it, and stood there in confusion. But. Oh holy God. You normally had to pay money to see something like that. I mean, we were talking grooves, ridges, just the right amount of hair—fuzzy, not furry—and even a couple of playful little veins snaking up from beneath the waistband of his trousers. Fuck. I wanted to lick him. Double fuck. I suddenly realised I could never ever take my clothes off in front of this man. “What’s the matter now?” asked Oliver. “And where can I put my shirt?” “I…I…I’ll find you a hanger.” And some kind of, I don’t know, beekeeping outfit for me. Something nicely covering....more
I'm pretty sure this book gave me diabetes. Unless you're allergic to smiling, you should pick this up for whenever you need to turn your frown upsideI'm pretty sure this book gave me diabetes. Unless you're allergic to smiling, you should pick this up for whenever you need to turn your frown upside down : )
“You look like Harry Potter.”
“That’s rude.”
“Why?”
“Because Harry was a Gryffindor and I’m clearly a Slytherin.” He hissed for emphasis.
A giffy image of how I would like to share my opinion about this book with the world . . . .
In case you live under a rock and are unaware, the good ol’ U.S.of.A. has been a real shitshow for a while now, but things really hit the fan last week. This book was exactly what I needed in order to pry me away from my addiction to the various news networks and allow myself to enjoy something for a bit.
This is the story of Patrick, who not-so-willingly gets assigned as caretaker for his niece Maisie and nephew Grant for the summer when their mother succumbs to a long battle with cancer and their father admits he needs to attend rehab due to a pill problem he ended up with after using medication to get through the process of losing his wife.
I’ve shared more than once that I’m not normally a fan of children (in real life or in my fiction), but every now and again one or two come along that make me say . . . .
I never thought I would get the opportunity to read this author because I was well aware that Lily and the Octopus would probably make me stick my head in the oven and I have avoided it for eternity. I’m so glad he wrote this one. I’m giving it all the stars simply for making me feel happy during a week when I just wanted to be miserable.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley! I hope everyone goes and buys this in May when it comes out....more
I mean this book was EV.ER.Y.THANG. I had hoped it would be going in.
But first, let’s start with a confession. I really wanted to read this yesterday when it came out. If you know me I’m sure you can imagine the first world problem sort of whining that ensued when I went to check the pornbrary website and saw that SIX others were in front of me. Heifers! But then I realized I had received this as an advance from NetGalley . . . .
Good news is, it was absolutely A-Okay that this was not what I was expecting. Because really all I actually was in the mood for was a holiday-type of read to remind me that smiling is sometimes my favorite.
The premise here is that Minnie and Quinn were born in the same hospital on the same day and only one minute apart. That day just happened to be New Year’s. The two meet for the first time on their 30th birthday and end up developing an unexpected friendship that the reader follows along for the following year. Backstory is provided in snippets of New Year’s Eves past to provide an insight into what made each character who they are.
I knew starting this I would quite possibly rage out if it didn’t play like a movie in my head while I was reading. Luckily I was not disappointed. This was an absolute delight and I could easily picture Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin melting hearts on the big screen . . . .
The year is 1977 and Vinnie’s world has been turned upside down. Not only did his parentsFind all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
The year is 1977 and Vinnie’s world has been turned upside down. Not only did his parents (who he thought got along just fine) divorce, but only a few months later his mother remarried – and to his arch nemesis, Mr. B the PE teacher, no less. Uprooted from Queens to Long Island Vinnie isn’t quite sure how to fit in. When he happens to find the phone number of the girl of his dreams – who just so happens to be the girl next door – he decides to seize the day and give her a ring. And things get a little awkward . . . .
Oh no. Waaaaaaaay more awkward than that when he gets struck with a sudden case of word diarrhea and his dreamgirl thinks him to be some sort of phone pervert. First he just wants Patsy to realize he’s not some creep and apologize for his sudden onset Tourette’s, but as time goes by and the nightly calls continue Vinnie realizes . . . .
And what I knew now, no matter what happened between me and Patsy from here on out, once she knew it was me making these calls, I would, someday far in the future, be the guy she remembered as someone who loved here, yeah – but what a clown.
Does he go for it and risk being a joke or remain anonymous????
Confession time: I read this because of my friend AJ’s review. Like me she is a big fan of YA and she finds stories like these all of the time that I’ve never even heard of. Sure, this isn’t going to change anyone’s life, but it sure was cute and I literally was at the library's curbside checkout at 5:00 last night and was finished by 9:00 so it’s not like I really had to struggle to get through it! I’d happily recommend this to a teen who wants something sweet with no sex and very little swearing. Don’t let the wayback machine scare you away either. Aside from the fact that Vinnie actually knows how to dance at a dance and one or two references to songs or “The Fonz” . . . . .
It’s not easy to be a fat gay boy in Clover City, Texas, but with the help of supporting parents, an excellent grammy and his twin sister Clementine, Waylan has managed to make it all the way to the end of his senior year. He’s counting down the days when he can shake the dust off from this one horse town and become “Full Waylan” in Austin. But then a video he makes of himself doing a fake audition for a Ru Paul’s Drag Race sort of show gets spread around the school and Waylan discovers he can no longer simply fade into the woodwork for the last few weeks of school – he’s also been nominated for the prom court . . . . in the QUEEN category. There’s only one thing he can do . . . .
If you are familiar with me you know I don’t usually read past the first book in a series. I’m so glad I made an exception to my own rule this go around. This was the perfect send off to a group of kids who I have grown to love over the past several years and fans of the series will love “seeing” all of the familiar faces from the past one last time. And of course no visit to Clover City could be complete without a trip to the Hideaway . . . .
At this point I think it’s fairly safe to say Julie Murphy is YA royalty. She just gets it. It helps that she looks like she’s about 15 herself (ha-ha), but she’s also the bees knees when it comes to writing books about inclusivity that are just matter-of-fact and without some superbadawful things having to happen to the characters. In a year where still so many high school seniors were denied the right of passage which is prom due to ongoing Covid restrictions, she has provided the next best thing in this fictionalized version.
Strange Planet snips had been all over my Instagram so I decided it was high time to check out the entire book out from the library. It was delightful. If you are looking to turn your frown upside down, this may just be the ticket . . .
I kicked off the New Year with comfort – shirking my Christmas undecorating duties in excFind all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
I kicked off the New Year with comfort – shirking my Christmas undecorating duties in exchange for a book about meet cutes. Y’all know what a meet cute is, right? In case you don’t, here’s a brief rundown: (a) leading lady spills her drink on leading male, (b) gets high heel stuck in sewer grate a la damsel in distress, (c) two strangers ride share across the country together to start new jobs, (d) one drops a bunch of papers (or experiences some other unfortunate workish disaster) and utters the Queen Mother of all curse words in what ends up being the new boss’ face, (e) “carry a watermelon.” And then . . . .
I love romcoms and I love the meet cute. I actually read the blurb about this one (because I thought it looked like a Shop Around The Corner (or You’ve Got Mail to you young kids) revamp – which totally would have been A-Okay, but I wanted to confirm my wrong suspicions) and couldn’t wait to snag it from the library. But when I started I was a little worried because she . . . . .
Egad. Not the manic pixie. Luckily she just wore crinoline skirts with Doc Martens and didn’t have the eyeball-twitch-inducing “quirky” personality to go along with it. The bigger concern was the leading male. You see our girl Evie works as an assistant to a major Hollywood agent and has been assigned a pretty much to babysitting role to make sure the firm’s biggest client Ezra fulfils his obligation to write the screenplay for a sure-to-be blockbuster romantic comedy. He’s difficult/she agrees to reenact various meet cutes to prove . . . .
“A good meet-cute shows us it’s possible for a single moment to change everything for the better.”
“Please. No one’s ever met anyone the way they do in those movies. The coincidences. The clichés. In real life if someone spilled a drink on you, you’d be pissed off, maybe sue them if it’s a hot one, not fall for them. Real love can’t be contrived.”
“Tell that to Tinder.”
I just assumed those two would be destined to fall in love . . . .
Okay, now it’s time to talk about my favorite holiday read this year. I saw a bunch of complaints that “this wasn’t a Christmas book and people thought it was supposed to be a Christmas book and why wasn’t it a Christmas book?!?!?!” To that I say . . . . .
While it may run the course of all twelve calendar months, rest assured that We Met In December is 100% a Christmas romance following the budding friendship-that-you-just-know-will-end-up-being-more between Jess and Alex who find themselves roommates with three others in a giant old Notting Hill house. A bit of a spark can be felt between the two upon moving in, but house rules say no fraternization so Jess attempts to brush her attraction to Alex under the rug and goes on her Christmas holiday. Upon her return she catches one of the other roommates sneaking out of Alex’s bedroom and figures things truly weren’t meant to be. BUT OF COURSE THEY’RE MEANT TO BE because it’s a romance and this one does it in such a pleasant, slow rolling type of way with not a lot of drama and I just loved it.
We Met In December made me feel all warm and fuzzy like a mug of hot cocoa on a snowy day while wrapped in a Sherpa blanket and wearing my comfiest PJs. I sucked this right down while wishing someone would option it and make it a movie by next year so I could watch it on repeat for the entire holiday season until my family threaten me with bodily harm.
I really enjoyed The Family Fang this year, so when I heard that Kevin Wilson had a new release coming out I made sure to put my name on the library hold list well before pub day to guarantee I’d be at the top of the heap. Now that I’ve finished I have this to say . . . . .
Lillian has a history of bailing Madison out of a jam, so she’s exactly the person who gets called when Madison’s twin stepchildren are in need of a “governess.” Not only do these two kids have to deal with mourning their dead mother and being moved in to the guest house of their absentee father – a man who just so happens to make his living in the political spectrum opining on the importance of things like family values *barf* – but they also have another little issue that pops up every now and again . . . .
I’m not going to waste a lot of time talking about this one. My rating should speak for itself. I will say that I love a loveable loser and books about finding your tribe and while it may not be true that . . . .
This is a story that simply makes you feel good and Wilson tells it effortlessly. In addition to all the warm fuzzies, he’s extremely witty too. Without spoiling things, there was a moment regarding . . . . .
I’m a day late for this release, but (i) I actually reviewed another book yesterday that released yesterday, (ii) I’m generally weeks or months (or even years) late with my reviews, and (iii) this is my second review today. so in my opinion . . . . .
THIS. GIRL. IS. ON. FIIIIIIIAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH.
Let’s start by talking about these cartoony covers. I love ‘em. That’s been established. I also enjoy the male abdominal covers, but I tend to not like face covers (period), but especially in romance novels due to the fact that I want to cast the male lead using my own vagina imagination and not have the author’s idea of attractive forced upon me (because I am an asshole). Unless it’s Gus from Floribama Shore. It can always be Gus. He makes me go . . . .
For real. I was expecting PG-13 and not the shock and awe of a full-blown porny good time. I also wasn’t expecting real life issues to be within the book bindings. I realize this might not work for everyone who goes in simply hoping to get their freak on, but recently I’ve read subplots regarding infertility, custody issues and now divorce and each time I’ve been like . . . .
Now, full disclosure here, I wanted to 1 Star this because the big reveal (not a spoiler) of the why behind the potential breakup between Gavin and Thea was that he discovered he had never provided her something during their three-year marriage . . . . .
I get that might be a blow to the ego, but seriously? You want to pout alllllll the way out of the house and away from your kids because YOU suck at sex? You don’t deserve a wife, bro. Buuuuuuuuut, I kept plugging along because seriously that title is everything and of course there were deeper issues (again not a spoiler) that these two didn’t really even know each other before tying the knot and like Vicki Gunvalson would say on the Housewhores – their love tanks weren’t full. And then there was the fact that these alpha males all solved their marital problems via way of books like . . . .
So how could I not love it? Well, I probably could have found a way (again, asshole), but when you add a Major League baseball player into the mix my brain automatically goes . . . .
You go fancy library! You may not have mommy’s special types of science books that she likes, but you is smart, you is kind and you is important.
The story here is just what it says – a day in the life of a little bunny called Marlon Bundo. Marlon lives in a big old house called the White House with his grandpa, Mike Pence . . . .
*hold for groans – hold for groans*
There’s not a whole lot for a little bunny to do and Marlon is lonely *sadface* - untillllllllll he meets another bunny named Wesley and they fall into instalove (which normally would equal one star, but rabbits do have a reputation to withhold so it gets a pass) and decide they never want to hop alone again. But the Stink Bug in Charge has other plans . . . .
You see, he has already determined boy bunnies can only marry girl bunnies. So the bunnies (and hedgehogs and badgers and cats and otters and on and on and on) exercise their rights and vote that old stinker right out of office!
Okay, so I may have spoiled the entire thing, but hopefully no one cares. The whole point of this story is to teach the lesson that . . . .
Everyone is different. And different is NOT bad.
And to take a bit of the piss out of the uggos who are currently running the asylum country. All 5 Stars are granted simply for the fact that the proceeds from this book are 100% directed to charity. Now everyone go read a banned or challenged book. ...more
This is going to be one giant ramble of a giffy mess, so before I begin let me start witFind all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
This is going to be one giant ramble of a giffy mess, so before I begin let me start with THIS COMES OUT TODAY AND Y’ALL ROMANCE READERS NEED TO BUY IT. Okay, now that that’s done, here goes the rambling. It all begins with the cover . . . .
Seriously. This is quite possibly my favorite cover ever. I had never heard of this book (because it had not yet been released, DUH, but I didn’t know that at the time) or this author, but as soon as I saw it on Instagram I knew I had to have it. And why don’t I just take a minute to share the pre-release bookpushing press photos that went along with this perfecto cover while I’m at it . . . .
Without even knowing anything about it and I see that there’s a little application you can fill out to be part of the hype train. If you know me, you know I’m a huge whore when it comes to free books so despite the fact that I have 12 Instagram followers I totally filled out the form. AND THEY GAVE ME AN EARLY COPY!!!!!
Now, obviously this could have gone South in a quick hurry for me if the execution had been poor, but the basics had me looking like Joey eating the trifle on that one episode of Friends . . . .
The story here centers around our hopeless 24-year old leading lady, Moti. Upon her birth it was foretold that Moti’s soulmate would be the proud owner of three thumbs. If she opted to marry another fella? Her mother would die within the week. No pressure, right? So fastforward back to the present where Moti and her parents are attending her cousin’s destination wedding . . . .
And guess what the best man just happens to possess???? If you guessed a third thumb, maybe this ain’t your first rodeo. There’s only one problem. The yacht’s private chef is a real manbun who appears destined to ruin Moti’s plans on making Nikos Three Thumbs fall in love with her. Mmmmm, manbun . . . .
Oh yeah, so if you read romance stories you know what’s bound to happen. What you might not be used to is a book that calls itself a Rom Com that is 100% a romcom. We’re talking laugh out loud funny and Moti is a fourth wall breaker – you know what that is, right????
Which is just my favorite thing ever. A little Big Fat Greek Wedding, a little Chocolat, a lot of win. My expectations were set super high for this and I’m so pleased to say that I enthusiastically give it . . . .
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Sometimes it works out for them! All the Starzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. ...more
HAPPY PUB DAY TO THIS LITTLE BIT OF WONDERFUL! Now if my library hold for The Garden of Small Beginnings would magically come up today would be alright ; )
After reading Other People’s Houses I knew Abbi Waxman was going to be a go-to gal for me and I was all over trying to obtain an early copy of her new release. But alas the gods at the Galley of the Net declined me quicker than a jackrabbit on a date. Lucky for me I have a homey at Berkley (okay, full disclosure, I don’t think said person is aware that she is considered a homey of mine, but rest assured she definitely is) and I got a paperback hook up. And since I’m nothing but fail I read the publication date as 4/9/19 when I perused the “basket of shame” which contains ARCs, immediately panicked that I was over a month late to the party and proceeded to read it over the weekend. I just now noticed that this doesn’t come out until July - which kinda sucks because y’all need to add it to your TBR, but also is kinda perfect because summer is when you should read things that are light and fun and make you smile and this fits the bill perfectly.
The story here is of Nina Hill. She’s certainly bookish – both an avid reader by hobby as well as a bookseller by trade. Nina is perfectly content to live her quiet, structured life (à la her heroine Monica Geller) consisting of various book clubs, participating in trivia competitions with her friends on their team “Book ‘Em, Dano,” contemplating the invention of the bullet journal and meaningful conversations with her cat Phil. What Nina would have never expected was to discover the father she never knew left her a legacy of a family she never thought she would have upon his passing or that actual romance might come her way rather than just the make-believe kind she was used to experiencing via Jane Austen re-reads and movie viewings.
Now I know you’re not supposed to quote early copies because they are subject to change before release date. However, (1) rules are meant to be broken and (2) I don’t think they should change one word so Imma post something in order for you to figure out if you’d like to add some Nina to your life this summer. (Spoiler alert: The answer is yes, you do want to add some Nina to your life.)
“I really shouldn’t drink at all; I’m hopeless at it. I get drunk right away, then hungover two hours later. I don’t do it well.”
“So, not a boozer, then, that’s what you’re saying?”
“I usually end up crying.”
“Wow. Then yeah, you should stick to soda.”
“Soda makes me fart.”
Very rarely does a book come along that has me saying . . . .
Red, White and Royal Blue is a story you might be familiar with . . . .
“Oh my God, this is like all those romantic comedies where the girl hires a male escort to pretend to be her wedding date and then falls in love with him for real.”
The only difference? This time it’s the Prince of England . . . .
Who are forced to play nice after a melee between the two at a royal wedding goes viral, leaving the world questioning the state of affairs between the two allied countries. You know what happens next, right?????
This book was absolutely adorkable. Surprisingly sexy (why do I keep getting fooled that these cutesy covers contain stories that don’t bring the heat?????), but low on angst and high on banter and pop-culture-referencey good times . . . .
“All this time, I thought I was the Ferris Bueller of this relationship.”
For anyone who wants to comment that this story isn’t realistic or what-have-you, I say: NO SHIT. It’s a romance, they aren’t steeped in reality. But wouldn’t it be nice to live in a world where it could be?
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, NetGalley!...more
Looky looky – it’s the annual “Kelly Actually Posts a Review of a Book on #pubday” post!Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
Looky looky – it’s the annual “Kelly Actually Posts a Review of a Book on #pubday” post!
I don’t really know if Little Weirds will work for everyone, but boy oh boy did it work for me. To begin with, let’s take a gander at the cover . . . .
Oh, it’s just so perfect. And the insides pretty much match the outside. It’s just a jumble of truly “little weirds” conjured up by Jenny Slate’s oddball brain. (Spoiler alert: I had no clue she was such a wordsmith, but wowza does she know how to use gajillions of the entries that can be found in the nearest Webster’s.) Basically, this is the literary equivalent of . . . .
Now to be very clear, I have had a massive girlcrush on Jenny Slate for quite some time. From her accidental dropping of an F Bomb on my standing Saturday night television watching date . . . .
To her new stand-up special on Netflix – I simply adore her and I adored everything about this book – so much so that I’m breaking the rules and posting a taste despite receiving an advanced copy . . . .
A Tender Thief
One time, my dog sneaked six licks of coffee from my mug. I caught him on the sixth and I’m certain that he would have gone all the way. But I did catch him on the sixth. After he’d had his coffee he went and he stretched out on the armchair and spent a long time by the window, and I thought, “At least he knows how to have coffee properly, even though he is a thief.”
Buy the book if you want, don’t buy the book if you don’t want, I don’t really care. I’m just happy to have these little weirds in my own life. However, you all should do yourself a favor and watch Jenny define a “Shit Show” . . . . .
Kelly (and the Book Boar)
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