Back in the Burbs
Author: Tracy Wolff, Avery Flynn
Published March 30th 2021 by Entangled: Amara
Genre: Romance, Chick Lit
Length: 11 hours
“Two powerhouse authors bring you a hilarious tale of one woman’s journey to find herself again.
Ever have one of those days where life just plain sucks?
Welcome to my last three months – ever since I caught my can’t-be-soon-enough ex-husband cheating with his paralegal. I’m 35-years-old, and I’ve lost my N.Y.C. apartment, my job, my money, and frankly, my dignity.
But the final heartache in the suck sandwich of my life? My great-aunt Maggie died. The only family member who’s ever gotten me.
Even after death, though, she’s helping me get back up. She’s willed me the keys to a house in the burbs, of all places, and dared me to grab life by the family jewels. Well, I’ve got the vise grips already in hand (my ex should take note) and I’m ready to fight for my life again.
Too bad that bravado only lasts as long as it takes to drive into Huckleberry Hills. And see the house.
There are 47 separate H.O.A. violations, and I feel them all in my bones. Honestly, I’m surprised no one’s “accidentally” torched the house yet. I want to, and I’ve only been standing in front of it for five minutes. But then my hot, grumpy neighbor tells me to mow the lawn first and I’m just…done. Done with men too sexy for their own good and done with anyone telling me what to do ever again.
First rule of surviving the burbs? There is nothing that YouTube and a glass of wine can’t conquer.” –Goodreads
Review:
This book was really nice. I am really into those simple, slice-of-life pieces. I also love romance books and the romance in this was cute. I think it was a really interesting and sweet read. It puts into perspective life after death and getting to know someone once they are gone.
I thought it was so cute and definitely was worth the read.
Crashing the A-List
Author: Summer Heacock
Published March 12th 2019 by Mira Books
Genre: Romance, Chick Lit
Length: 12 hours
“She’s doing all the wrong things for all the right reasons.
After four months of unemployment, former book editor Clara Montgomery is officially stuck–stuck sleeping on her little brother’s ugly couch in Queens, stuck scrolling through job listings in search of a new editorial position … and just desperate enough to take on a temporary gig clearing out abandoned storage units. If nothing else, she’s determined to keep her rapidly dwindling savings account intact.
Unfortunately, she is in no way prepared for stumbling upon dead snakes or dealing with glass jars that she’s convinced are full of pickled eyeballs. And why does everything seem to smell like beets?
Then Clara comes across a unit that was once owned by an escort service and finds the brothel “r�sum�” of a younger Caspian Tiddleswich, an astonishingly famous British actor. She has no intention of cashing in on her discovery, but her awkward attempts to reassure Caspian that his secret is safe go awry. Now Caspian is convinced that Clara is a blackmailer, the tabloids have her pegged as Caspian’s newest girlfriend … and Clara begins to find the A-lister’s charms more irresistible than she expected.” –Goodreads
Review:
It was okay.
I mean I honestly wish the series focused more on her gig cleaning out the storage bins other than the fake dating trope. It pains me to say this trope was not executed well. I definitely think it was so similar to The Stand-In down below, but that one did the story better.
Kismet
Author: Lauren Blakely
Published February 3rd 2022 by Audible Originals
Genre: Romance
Length: 7 hours
“In this audio-first rom com by #1 New York Times best-selling author Lauren Blakely, a scorching one-night stand with a stranger turns into a deliciously forbidden romance…
My first evening in London feels like kismet when I bump into a charming, book-loving Englishman, and by the end of the night, he’s making me see stars. I’m floating when we make plans to meet again.
Then fate decides to pull a fast one on me.
Turns out, my smoldering new lover is my red-hot competition, and we’re vying for the same promotion at the elite auction house I crossed an ocean for.
If that’s not enough, the hottie and I are forced to work together on a brand new collection.
Every. Single. Tempting. Day.
What’s an American woman in London to do?
Staying far, far away would be the safe choice, especially when I learn about his past and how it mirrors mine.
But I don’t always play it safe with my heart…” -Goodreads
Review:
Literally hated this.
It was so boring. I hate being negative about a book but I did not like it. As you know, I do not like to DNF a book so I just put that on 3x speed and just zoomed through the rest of it.
The Stand-In
Author: Lily Chu
Published July 15th 2021 by Audible Originals
Genre: Romance
Length: 11 hours
“Gracie Reed is doing just fine. Sure, she was fired by her overly “friendly” boss, and yes she still hasn’t gotten her mother into the nursing home of their dreams, but she’s healthy, she’s (somewhat) happy, and she’s (mostly) holding it all together.
But when a mysterious SUV pulls up beside her, revealing Chinese cinema’s golden couple Wei Fangli and Sam Yao, Gracie’s world is turned on its head. The famous actress has a proposition: due to their uncanny resemblance, Fangli wants Gracie to be her stand-in. The catch? Gracie will have to be escorted by Sam, the most attractive—and infuriating—man Gracie’s ever met.
If it means getting the money she needs for her mother, Gracie’s in. Soon Gracie moves into a world of luxury she never knew existed. But resisting Sam, and playing the role of an elegant movie star, proves more difficult than she ever imagined—especially when she learns the real reason Fangli so desperately needs her help. In the end all the lists in the world won’t be able to help Gracie keep up this elaborate ruse without losing herself…and her heart.” –Goodreads
Review:
This one was way better than the Crashing the A-list but they are in the same vein. They are fake dating. I will say this one felt like it would never end. I liked it but some parts were unnecessary or just dragged on. I think I like the really quick easily resolved chick lit books. But this one was not quick.
Hold Me Closer, Toni Danzig
Author: Laura Henry
Published December 2nd 2021
Genre: Romance, Holiday
Length: 3 hours
“Fall in love with this funny, festive queer rom-com brimming with heart and holiday magic!
Toni Danzig is a dirt bag—literally. There’s nothing she enjoys more than being out in the mountains leading adventure tours. On a well-deserved break over Thanksgiving weekend, she’s DJ-ing karaoke at the Dew Drop Inn when Audrey Adams takes the stage to sing the greatest middle finger break-up song ever, dedicated to her ex-girlfriend. It’s a perfect night that culminates in a transcendental experience in bed…before Audrey rushes out in the morning.
Monday morning, the holidays are in full swing when Audrey’s worst nightmare comes true. After the most memorable night of her life, she’s thrust together with the one woman who she hasn’t been able to forget—on a strictly-professional consulting project for her family’s business.
Meanwhile, Toni can’t believe her luck. Now she has the unexpected chance to win Audrey over, and she sets a goal to be someone worthy of this woman’s love and respect. Will they crash and burn like a bad karaoke performance—or will they be singing a duet before the holiday season is over?” -Goodreads
Review:
This was so cute. Was not the best book ever but it was cute, short, sweet, and was about Christmas! This was such a cute little queer rom-com.
As always, thanks for reading,
A Bookie