The Litertarian

Book Review:: Everything is Probably Fine | Julia London

Julia London’s new novel Everything Is Probably Fine is an absolute triumph. I’m convinced this novel has the potential to change the world, at least for those who can find a piece of themselves in this story. If you can’t tell, I am one of them. It’s about a strong woman who has pushed blindly forward her entire life, past things that cause her pain, because she’s the one who had to hold things together. Until one day, the lid she’s clamped down over it all can’t hold it in anymore, and she’s forced to deal with things she never wanted to think about again.

Everything Is Probably Fine by Julia London Book Cover

In many ways I’m not necessarily proud to admit to, I am like Lorna. We come from broken families, have siblings with substance abuse issues, deal with overwhelm often with anger (at least internally), and are always expected by those we love to be the soft landing space whenever they have problems (creating lots of pressure to constantly have it all together enough for everyone). Though she doesn’t realize it, she’s at a breaking point: crying often for no apparent reason, avoiding mail piling up in the corner, obsessed with buying back the home where she last had happy memories with her family. The final straw lands at work, and she is forced to participate in a mental health recovery program if she wants to keep the job she genuinely loves.

Lorna’s journey is one of clarity, grief, and forgiveness. She is…highly encouraged…to revisit some of her most formative memories. We all know that memory is fallible. We know it, but it doesn’t feel like it is. Sometimes some distance and looking at things from the perspective of your now-disconnected self can be eye-opening.

It is both this exploration of the past, and navigating the present with the people who live in the now split-into-apartments building she once lived in with her family. There’s a puppy, a charming little boy, and his single-father doing his best. What’s not to like?

I absolutely recommend this book! It’s not really comparable to Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, but I feel like they’re perhaps kindred spirits. This book is balm to the damage of our souls (big or little). Please read it!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Everything is Probably Fine
Author:: Julia London
Genre:: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher:: HarperMuse
Length:: 368 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 50m
Audiobook Narrator:: Marni Penning
Published:: August 12th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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Thank You for Listening | Julia Whelan
Amazing Grace Adams | Fran Littlewood
Maybe Next Time | Cesca Major

Book Review:: The Hounding | Xenobe Purvis

The Hounding is a new novel by Xenobe Purvis full of mysticism, skepticism, and general uproar over rumor and gossip that will have consequences for an entire village.

The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis Book Cover

There’s something strange about the five Mansfield sisters. The village has been plagued by a strange pack of dogs that never seem to be around at the same time as the sisters. When someone claims one afternoon to have seen them transform from girls into dogs, it sets off a chain of events that shrouds the whole village in low key hysteria.

The message this novel shares with The Crucible is an important one, even in our ‘modern’ times. Spreading lies and half truths or things you don’t know for sure has consequences and will have outcomes you won’t see coming.

I loved the telling of this tale. The writing itself was beautiful to read. It was an atmospheric almost fairy tale style read that I found immersive and interesting. It is technically historical fiction being based sometime in the 18th century, but it reads so smoothly I’m convinced readers of all genres will enjoy it.

It’s a lingering sort of tale – the type of story that will live in your mind far longer than the time it takes to read. The kind that makes me think I’ll get something new out of it no matter how many times I read it. Brilliant.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: The Hounding
Author:: Xenobe Purvis
Genre:: Historical Fiction
Publisher:: Henry Holt & Co.
Length:: 240 pages
Audio Length:: 6h 24m
Audiobook Narrator:: Olivia Vinall
Published:: August 5th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4-Stars

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The Haunting of Maddy Clare | Simone St. James
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Book Review:: A Killer Getaway | Sienna Sharpe

A Killer Getaway is a twisted new romance by Sienna Sharpe that shines a light on the delicacy of human psychology. There’s a little bit of mystery, a little bit of suspense, set in a idyllic summer resort.

A Killer Getaway by Sienna Sharpe Book Cover

Lily’s first visit to Riovan Wellness Resort was with the love of her life, and she’s found her way back every year since, despite the deadly accidents that tend to happen every year. This year she meets an attractive man who calls himself Daniel Black. A journalist, sniffing around for a story. He’s exactly the kind of kink in her plan she doesn’t need…

This is a bit of an odd story. I think maybe the closest actual comparison I might have is Butcher & Blackbird, though this is nothing like the same level of grotesque, graphic, or explicit.

Lily is hurt people. And everyone knows hurt people hurt people. She once saw a perfect future stretching out before her, and she was thisclose to having it. She blames Riovan and the ‘coaches’ who work there on the disintegration of that future, and she cannot let that stand.

It is an interesting enough story, and I feel like it was probably quite complicated to pull off considering the twist.

I think maybe my reluctance for a high rating stems from Lily being an unsympathetic character and overall muddy messaging. For me, Lily is not really redeemable. It’s not okay that she plays judge and jury and to be honest she plays her game pretty cavalierly. There’s not really any coming back from that for me. In her eyes people make one mistake, or hurt someone’s feelings in the wrong way and…they deserve to die? I mean, she’s a full blown psycho. At least in Butcher & Blackbird the victims are atrocious vicious a**holes who deserve whatever they have coming. For me, that makes all the difference.

Does that mean this book isn’t worth reading? I wouldn’t say that. It’s a quick summery mystery suspense that’ll surely perk up your weekend!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: A Killer Getaway
Author:: Sienna Sharpe
Genre:: Romantic Suspense
Publisher:: SOURCEBOOKS Landmark
Length:: 320 pages
Published:: August 12th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 3-Stars

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Butcher & Blackbird | Brynne Weaver
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Book Review:: A Beginner’s Guide to Forever | Kendall Ryan

To be honest I’m a little surprised to have rated this book 5-Stars. It wasn’t the kind of book I knew would blow me away right from the beginning. There were a lot of balls in the air, and any one of them dropping a different way might have changed the outcome of everything else. Instead, this is the kind of book you get to the end of and think…where’s the flaw? And for A Beginner’s Guide to Forever, I couldn’t tell you. I loved it all.

A Beginner's Guide to Forever by Kendall Ryan Book Cover

As I sit here, I can only think of one other age gap romance I’ve read, and that was also a swept-away five-star read for me (Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez). I don’t think I have an age gap kink (lol), but it does come with some serious soul-searching built in that I can’t deny enjoying. These kinds of romances really only work if the two characters literally can’t stay away from the other. It is against their own better judgment, but the sheer fire of their chemistry and whatever it is the ties two souls together that they just can’t resist.

I just sighed audibly as I wrote that. It’s so good.

This has all been quite vague and generic so far, hasn’t it? Well here are some specific reasons I really enjoyed this book:
1) The characters are really good people. I loved Alessia’s mission and dedication to a great cause. You just can’t dislike her. Her heart is always in the right place.
2) The meet-cute cannot be beat. It was giving serious It Ends With Us vibes, but I think the rooftop scene is one of the best in that entire book, and I loved this new take on it.
3) Hart’s absolute unapologetic focus on Alessia. He is a man who knows what he wants (and his big speech at the end is everything).

I was so impressed with this story, and I know it’ll be living in my head rent-free for a long time to come. Absolutely all romance lovers should read it, and even better if you have a hankering for some travel, because these characters are absolute globe-trotters!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: A Beginner’s Guide to Forever
Author:: Kendall Ryan
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Montlake
Length:: 237 pages
Published:: August 5th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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The Slowest Burn | Sarah Chamberlain
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King of Wrath | Ana Huang

Book Review:: He Falls First | Jill Shalvis

Jill Shalvis can be depended upon for a heartstrings tugging romance that will linger in your bloodstream. He Falls First, her newest release and first in a new series, is no exception. Penny and Ryder will grip your heart with their story, and then melt it entirely.

He Falls First by Jill Shalvis Book Cover

Penny is back home to care for her family, her aging grandmother and young brother, after a hell of a false start. She’s home to heal and to nurture, that’s it. That’s enough. She’s not ready to even think about men anymore. But Ryder Colburn is everywhere. In her house (dropping off her grandmother’s caregiving charge), in her workplace (she works for his sister’s catering company and regularly feeds his contracting crew), and ever-increasingly in her head. Penny is skittish from her past experience, but Ryder is a patient, kind man. He has a gaggle of younger siblings he’s always been responsible for, his own business, and he knows all about hard pasts. He has one himself. But he’s a lot farther on the road of acceptance and growth, and accepts Penny for who she is an exactly where she’s at.

*swoon*

Okay, can we talk about how hot it is to have such a patient man? He knows his own mind, and knows when to step in and when to step away. He’s not pushy at all, ever, but he also positions himself to be able to keep an eye on this woman he has this energetic connection with. He’s exactly what Penny needs, and they absolutely both deserve the comfort and love the other has to offer.

What can I say except this book is an easy win. If you’re looking for your next emotional romance read, choose this one, and then dive into the extensive backlist of equally touching and swoon-y Jill Shalvis novels. Her characters are wounded and passionate and will bring you to your knees every time.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: He Falls First (Colburn Brothers #1)
Author:: Jill Shalvis
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca
Length:: 352 pages
Published:: August 5th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

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Book Review:: Game Point | Meg Jones

My first tennis romance, and it’s a steamy one…

Dylan is her own worst enemy when it comes to top level tennis competitions. She always, always chokes. All she wants is a trophy on her shelf, and she’s not getting any older. With the Australian open coming up, her own home turf, and her new friend Oliver, a tennis pro himself, supporting her along the way, will she be able to stay out of her own head enough to actually pull it off?

I have mixed feelings about this book. Some of the tennis scenes were a little tedious to get through. Obviously necessary, they just weren’t very exciting to read when I think they were meant to be.

I liked Oliver a whole lot. Why do we always make the guys so darn adorable and the ladies the ones with the big personality issues? lol. He’s a sweetheart trying to do his best, and he cares a lot about Dylan herself. He doesn’t necessarily want her to win the Australian Open, he wants her to accomplish whatever she wants to accomplish, which just happens to be winning the Australian Open. We all deserve an Oliver.

The life of a pro athlete is no joke. It’s a lot of training, a lot of pressure, and when setbacks, like injuries, happen, it can throw everything off. Your mind game is as important (or moreso) than your physical game. This is illustrated very well in this story.

Overall as a romance novel I wasn’t blown away. There wasn’t anything that really set it apart in my mind or took it to the next level, though there certainly isn’t anything wrong with it. Just my personal opinions!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Game Point (Game, Set, and Match #2)
Author:: Meg Jones
Genre:: Sports Romance
Publisher:: Avon
Length:: 416 pages
Audio Length:: 12h
Audiobook Narrator:: Will Watt & Mary Jane Wells
Published:: September 9th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 3-Stars

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Play Along | Liz Tomforde
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Book Review:: Who We Used to Be | Caitlin Weaver

When tragedy strikes, there is no telling how you’ll react. Not really. Even your closest relationships can be caught in the collateral damage. And they almost always bring to light the things that have gone unnoticed for too long. Who We Used to Be by Caitlin Weaver is an exploration of family and friendship while navigating difficult transitions, and tragedy.

Who We Used to Be by Caitlin Weaver Book Cover

Everything is unraveling at the Blair house. Dana’s business, Dana’s marriage, Dana’s relationship with her son. Her daughter is the only one she doesn’t have to worry about, an overachiever in everything she does. That is, until she collapses at school. Luckily, her best friend and next door neighbor, Padma, is an ER doctor and is there for her daughter’s intake. Everything checks out fine, until she slips into a coma hours later. It is one crisis after another for Dana, who now has to cope with the fact her dearest friend likely missed something that led to her daughter’s condition. Padma, too, is already dealing with a lot. She’s a workaholic who is up for a prestigious promotion, but this situation could jeopardize everything, even her longstanding sobriety. Their daughter’s are best friends in the same way they are themselves, but one day can change everything.

Wow. This book blew me away. Every character has something going on that adds to the drama and intrigue of this novel, and everyone is just trying to cope with their new reality. Dana’s son’s story line was especially touching. More of a risk taker to start with, he doesn’t handle his twin sister’s absence from his life well. He was written with such nuance and compassion, my heart goes out to him. Strange, perhaps to say that about a fictional character, but this book feels absolutely real.

I am beyond impressed with this novel. It’s a family saga condensed into a handful of months during their most difficult time. It’s compelling as hell, the tension is high, but it isn’t some mystery thriller psycho-on-the-loose situation. There is no blatant crime or bad intentions. It’s real family drama. It’s fascinating, and I think it will appeal to all kinds of readers. I can’t wait to dig into Caitlin Weaver’s backlist! If this novel is any indication, she’s a force to be reckoned with!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Who We Used to Be
Author:: Caitlin Weaver
Genre:: Contemporary Fiction
Publisher:: Storm Publishing
Length:: 420 pages
Published:: July 29th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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Every Moment Since | Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
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Book Review:: The Brave and the Reckless | Dilan Dyer

Romance is far from dead in the wild west – or at least the wild west theme park called Bravetown.

The Brave and the Reckless by Dilan Dyer Book Cover

Esra is questioning her life choices when she winds up at Bravetown working with her brother. Expecting something straightforward, she is hired instead to play the lead in the park’s main act — a reenactment of a cowboy heist. The cowboy is played by her brother’s best friend Noah, who is not much fun. Esra and Noah fight like cats and dogs until the sparks sent up by their friction erupt into a blazing passion neither of them expected.

I wish I liked this more. I loved the representation of chronic illness, which is something you don’t find often. Some of the spicy scenes were very hot, and the romantic connection seemed genuine enough. But there was…something…missing. Something about the fabric this story was woven into seemed too thin. It’s hard to put my finger on exactly what was missing, but it left me wanting.

One thing it does have going for it is the immaculate title. If you’re looking for a spicy romp this summer, this one will certainly scratch that itch, it just may not be something to write home about.

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: The Brave and the Reckless: A Bravetown Novel
Author:: Dilan Dyer
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Dell
Length:: 400 pages
Published:: July 29th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 3.5-Stars

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Book Review:: Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes | Sandra Jackson-Opoku

Readers, we have a new amateur sleuth to enjoy! Sapphire (Savvy) Summers is a small town cafe owner thrown into a murder mystery when a man drops dead in her establishment. Along with a small group of other characters interested in digging into the truth, Savvy is determined to get to the bottom of what happened after the dead man ate of her famous sweet potato pie.

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoku Book Cover

I really appreciate Savvy as a lead character. Her storied past lent a lot towards my interest in this story. She’s been married twice, and death seems to be a phenomenon that haunts her. It’s the little details of character that really make them robust, and I really felt that with Savvy.

This book just impressed me more than many other cozy mysteries I’ve picked up. Maybe this isn’t even technically a cozy mystery? Maybe this is more of a contemporary mystery? I’m no expert, but this book had just enough whimsy and soul to balance the technical details of the mystery to make this quite an enjoyable read.

It looks like this is the first of a series of books, and I am certainly interested in continuing to read what Savvy gets up to next!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes (Savvy Summers #1)
Author:: Sandra Jackson-Opoku
Genre:: Cozy Mystery
Publisher:: Minotaur Books
Length:: 336 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 36m
Audiobook Narrator:: Karen Chilton
Published:: July 29th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4-Stars

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Book Review:: As A Last Resort | Kristin Wollett

Burying your head in the sand is so much easier than facing your past. Or in Samantha’s case, fleeing her home town, severing all ties, and hyper-focusing on her New York career like she doesn’t have a past at all. That is, until her development company starts eyeballing the island she grew up on for a new luxury resort and the only way to reach her professional goals is to try to win the lead on the account.

As A Last Resort by Kritstin Wollett Book Cover

This book has no right being as good as it is. From the classically charming rom-com moments to the character growth, weighty themes, and details that will have you swooning, As A Last Resort had me laughing, crying, clutching my chest, and the only thing I didn’t like is that it’s already over.

Samantha was so wounded by her mother’s bad habits that she abandoned even the good parts of her formative years to escape from it. Her best friend Lexie was really hurt by her abrupt departure and subsequent ghosting, and now she’s on the precipice of her wedding when Sam finally shows her face on the island again. Samantha has to take accountability for her actions, even when she never intended any harm.

Lexie’s older brother Austin, who was badly burned by the relationship he thought would go the distance, is the one who ferries Sam back home, and saves her from confronting her biggest fears too early. His life has become stagnant in his fear of more big changes with unexpected, possibly catastrophic consequences, but Samantha makes him realize just how stuck in his ways he’s become. He’s one heck of a sympathetic hero, and he’ll have you swooning after him too before it’s all said and done.

The balance of Sam’s professional life, personal life, and love life is done impeccably well, and we’re right there with her as she navigates the tangle she finds herself in. She’s a sensible girl, but she’s also wounded, and that isn’t an easy thing to overcome.

As A Last Resort is a debut effort by author Kristin Wollett and I have to say, she knocked it out of the park. My eyes will be fully open for anything she publishes going forward, and I can only hope they all come as close to contemporary romance perfection as this one did. All the thumbs, way, way up!

Note:: I received an early copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: As A Last Resort
Author:: Kristin Wollett
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Forever
Length:: 400 pages
Published:: September 2nd, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars