Tag: 5-Star

Book Review:: A Five Letter Word for Love | Amy James

Let’s get this out of the way up front. This book was rated entirely on *vibes*. Is it perfect? No (and it has more faults than most of my five star reads). But should you read it? Absolutely, yes.

A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James Book Cover. Cute world word puzzle with the could embracing to the side

Emily is having a quarter life crisis. She’s finished college in a degree she regrets, and is working in a small town on Prince Edward Island because the rent is cheap and she found a job in an auto shop that pays her just enough to make some progress on those pesky student loans. But she’s not passionate about anything. She wants to find passion. She wants to find her dream job.

The thing is, she’s entirely insufferable. Her attitude is perpetually under-satisfied, always looking for the greener grass, no matter what is in front of her. She sees her college friend group thriving on their individual paths, but she’s floundering and has no direction, and she doesn’t even like those friends that much anymore.

BUT — starting from a place of discontentedness leaves lots of room for growth, and the more room for growth, the more powerful an impact for the ending. Even though some of the threads of this story got kind of muddled from the 50-75% point (ish), the resolution made up for every other complaint I was holding onto as I read. The opening was also awesome, you just have to have a little faith that things will pay off by the time all is said and done.

It may also help that John is essentially my husband. Car guy, mechanic, racer, (yes those are all different), not a big talker, hunky, sweet when it counts, confident, steadfast, funny. I loved their relationship, but it’s a little hard to see his side of it with how misaligned they appear to be.

The most sand-chewing part for me is that she’s creating this life she actually really really loves in PEI, with or without John, but she’s still just got it lodged in her head that she needs something better, that there’s always something better. It may be the plight of Gen Z, at least a little bit. The idealistic social media generation. Y’all. Take a big breath and say it with me *gratitude*.

Like I said, in the end this book was absolutely worth it, with valuable themes I think many will embrace or relate to. I was sure this was going to be three stars, but then it just blew me away in the end. I cried several well-earned tears. Sleeper hit! Surprise gem! Diamond in the rough! Five stars from me!

This was a netgalley arc read. I was provided a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

Details

Title:: A Five Letter Word for Love
Author:: Amy James
Genre:: Romance
Publisher:: Avon
Length:: 368 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 33m
Audiobook Narrator:: Kate Koster
Audiobook Publisher:: Harper Audio
Published:: December 3rd, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars
Spice Rating:: 1

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

Let’s Call A Truce | Amy Buchanan
Adam & Evie’s Matchmaking Tour | Nore Nguyen
Summertime Punchline | Betty Corrello

Book Review:: Christmas is All Around | Martha Waters

One of the common ingredients in a holiday romance is a character who doesn’t like Christmas. Well Charlotte takes that to the extreme. As a young child she starred in a holiday romance film that continues to haunt her as an adult. This year, with talks of a reboot, she flies off to the UK to spend the holiday season with her sister.

Christmas is All Around Martha Waters Book Cover

Graham doesn’t care much about Christmas one way or the other, he is only focused on keeping his ancestral home running, and the holidays are a big part of that. It’s an old English estate, and every dollar since his father died has been a struggle. They meet when Charlotte and her sister visit an event at the place, Eden Priory, and Charlotte realizes it is the place her formative movie was filmed. Rom-Com magic happens and Graham is giving Charlotte a ride home. Now an artist, they strike a deal that she will paint a few landscapes for their giftshop.

I feel like the summary of this book doesn’t really do it justice. I’ve been trying to come up with ways to spruce it up for ten minutes, but the plot just is what it is. It’s a vehicle for these two awesome characters to fall in love. That’s not to say it’s a throw away plot, just that it’s hard to summarize concisely.

The best part of this book is the easy banter. Oh goodness, I found myself smiling so much during this book. Charlotte is unapologetic in her disgruntled holiday persona, and Graham is happy to oblige her. The romance that builds between them is so satisfying and natural. Perfect rom-com material!

The story goes deeper than that though. Both of them have old wounds to heal, Graham’s about his father and his responsibility/hero complex, Charlotte about her holiday past and even past relationships. Nothing feels forced (except maybe the inciting incident), it’s just really good storytelling.

This is absolutely a holiday romance you can get lost in this season. There is something special about the genre of holiday romance, and I really recommend this one! My other favorites are linked below! I hope you find something so yummy to escape into this holiday season!

Details

Title:: Christmas is All Around
Author:: Martha Waters
Genre:: Holiday Romance
Publisher:: Atria Books
Length:: 304 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 56m
Audiobook Narrator:: Nikki Massoud
Audiobook Publisher:: Simon & Schuster Audio
Published:: October 22nd, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

Emergency Contact | Lauren Layne & Anthony LeDonne
The Christmas Inn | Pamela Kelley

Book Review:: Work in Progress | Kat Mackenzie

A gaggle of (mostly) old ladies traveling around all the hot tourist spots in the UK with a hunky Scottish tour guide: comedy gold with the promise of many shenanigans, or the perfect place for a young American woman to come heal her heart? Turns out, both! Work in Progress is a debut romance by Kat Mackenzie, and it lived up to all my expectations.

Work In Progress by Kat Mackenzie Book Cover

Alice Cooper is in a bit of a rut. She’s lost the job that gave her purpose and her boyfriend is suddenly engaged to someone else. After six months of wallowing, she gets fed up and books a spunky looking women’s tour in Scotland, refusing to put her dreams on hold any longer. Unfortunately the trip is a disaster from the get. Her bag is lost (and completely destroyed by the time she gets it back), she’s nearly so late she misses the bus, and the tour guide turns out to be the man she just cussed out at the airport for not waiting his turn. And did I mention the old ladies? Here Alice was expecting to bond with a bunch of twenty-somethings on the top of scenic mountain vistas and wind-blown moors, and instead there are a bunch of arthritic mother hens ready to talk your ear off. This was not the rejuvenating getaway she’d imagined.

But it turns out it was the one she needed. Funny how that works.

The banter in this book is top tier, and it starts immediately. No time is wasted as we’re thrust into this book of constant misfortunes and comedic relief. Alice and Robbie are both little sparklers and they love poking dangerously at one another, seeing just how far they can push it. But it turns out Alice is really good at getting herself into unfortunate situations, and Robbie not only has a hero’s heart, he’s also legally responsible for her as the tour guide, so that makes for some fun moments 🙂

It’s a romantic comedy, but this book is mostly about self-discovery and healing the soul. Why is it so easy for us to be blinded by the relationships right in front of us? When they’re gone they leave us with gaping holes that we humbly must realize we’ve created ourselves. Alice went to Scottland to heal hers, and though it is a bumpy road to get there, it works.

I loved this book. It’s everything you want in a romantic comedy, and as a UK vacation novel, it has a really interesting backdrop (…if you don’t already live there?). Though there are some steamy scenes, it never gets full explicit open-door. Full of heart and banter and swoon-worthy romance, this early 2025 release should not be missed!

Details

Title:: Work in Progress
Author:: Kat Mackenzie
Genre:: Romantic Comedy
Publisher:: Avon
Length:: 384 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 15m
Audiobook Narrator:: Angela Dawe
Audiobook Publisher:: Harper Audio
Published:: January 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars
Spice Rating:: 2

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

PS I Hate You | Lauren Connolly
The Last Love Note | Emma Grey
The Unhoneymooners | Christina Lauren

Book Review:: The Wife Upstairs | Rachel Hawkins

One of my top books of all time is Jane Eyre, so do I think you should read this modern, exaggerated, twisted novel that heavily draws upon it for inspiration?

Hell yes.

The Wife Upstairs Rachel Hawkins Book Cover

Jane has run away from her old life in Arizona and has taken a job as a dog walker in the ultra-chic suburban neighborhood of Thornfield Heights (already getting good, amiright?). One day she runs into a new man, Eddie Rochester. When she finds out he’s a widower and at least intrigued by her, she decides to wiggle herself into his life, which she convinces herself she deserves. His wife, B(ertha), and her BFF Blanch Ingram, disappeared from a boat on a trip to the lake several months back (hello nod to Rebecca). The investigation is ongoing, but Jane doesn’t let that stop her. Eddie gets a new dog (Adele) and hires Jane to walk her. Before long, their affair is hot and heavy and the neighbors are talking. She’s moved out of her dingy apartment she shared with her foster brother John Rivers and has installed herself into Eddie’s house. But that’s not enough. The other women in the neighborhood won’t accept her as one of them until she has a ring on her finger…

I forgot just how many Jane Eyre references there are in this book until I recently reread it. Each one is like a little Easter Egg, but the kind that’s just thrown on the lawn for the youngsters to find instead of actually hidden. This book is loud and proud about what it is. If you have any familiarity at all with the classic gothic romance, you’ll catch on pretty quickly. And we all know the twist from that book…

The Jane in The Wife Upstairs is the exact opposite of Our Lady Jane. She is a kleptomaniac and obsessed with how others perceive her. She manipulates and gaslights and convinces herself when all is said and done, she will be happy. And she gets what she wants…somehow, things come a little too easily to her.

Rachel Hawkins is so good at mastering a tone of something-just-isn’t-right-here. The investigation of the two women’s disappearances put off Daphne DuMaurier’s Rebecca vibes both in the suspicions and manor of…what happened. If you haven’t read Rebecca – come on. That is gothic lit Required Reading (But be forewarned, you won’t get that first read back, so savor it the first time!). Being in a relationship with B’s husband, she begins to wonder what actually happened to her out there. Was it Blanche’s husband? Was it her own?

I am a big fan of Rachel Hawkins, and it all started with this gem of a book right here. The balance of suspense and intrigue and mystery and f***ed up s***…it’s delicious. Feast yourself.

Details

Title:: The Wife Upstairs
Author:: Rachel Hawkins
Genre:: Mystery/Suspense
Publisher:: St. Martin’s Press
Length:: 290 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 57m
Audiobook Narrator:: Emily Shaffer, Kirby Heyborne, Lauren Fortgang
Audiobook Publisher:: Macmillan Audio
Published:: January 5th, 2021
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Hardcover] [Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check these out…

The Heiress | Rachel Hawkins
Wrong Place Wrong Time | Gillian McAllister

Book Review:: Is She Really Going Out With Him? | Sophie Cousens

Despite personal grievances against the title of this contemporary romance novel, Is She Really Going Out With Him cannot be further faulted. This is my third Sophie Cousens read and the first that has pushed itself into five-star territory (for me). She seems to have a penchant for high concepts, and the same is true here, but this time the romance of it really outshined the cheesiness.

Is She Really Going Out With Him by Sophie Cousens Book Cover

Anna is a thirty-eight year old divorcee with two children and a job as a columnist at a failing magazine. In a desperate attempt to bring some much needed readership into the audience, the team comes up with the idea for her to go on a series of dates her children choose for her and writing about them. Will, a colleague who seems to be gunning for her column, is tasked with writing a complementary piece for each column that will help theme the issue. Anna is still struggling to adjust to her life as a single mom and having to work with Will is the last thing she needs. What she does need, though, is a friend, and when she needs one, he always seems to be there. Most of the dates turn into quite a fiasco, but they each teach Anna a little something more about herself.

This is a feel-good book. A girl power book. An utterly romantic book. Anna is the every woman with problems and insecurities and doubts, but the way she doesn’t shy away from any of it is inspiring. I really enjoyed the personal growth elements, and there were a few.

The romance, though, is what shines. For me the balance between the two was done very well. There were no long breaks from the romance plotline for her to go off and work on herself, the learning was integrated in to everything else and that’s why it worked so well for me.

Will is a winner. He’s everything you could want in your leading man. He’s a cinnamon roll. A golden retriever. An emotional, sensitive, tall, strong, thoughtful, and romantic man. We love to love him.

The story also doesn’t end in quite the way you might expect, which I can appreciate.

Sophie Cousens is going on my list of authors to watch! I have a few backlist books of hers to get through – does anyone have any suggestions for what I should read next?
(the others I’ve read are This Time Next Year and Just Haven’t Met You Yet)

Details

Title:: Is She Really Going Out With Him?
Author:: Sophie Cousens
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Length:: 368 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 42m
Audiobook Narrator:: Kerry Gilbert
Audiobook Publisher:: Penguin Audio
Published:: November 19th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars
Spice Rating:: 2

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

The Rom-Commers | Katherine Center
Funny Story | Emily Henry
My (Not So) Perfect Life | Sophie Kinsella
Perfect Fit | Clare Gilmore

Book Review:: Ghosted | Sarah Ready

Sarah Ready does it again! This is the second book of hers I’ve read and I think I liked it even more than Wished. I especially recommend her if you’re a fan of magical realism at all. If you ever watched the movie Just Like Heaven with Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon, this story has similar vibes (but the twist isn’t what you think). It’s heartbreaking and oh so romantic.

Ghosted by Sarah Ready Book Cover

When Jillian moves into a new apartment in NYC, it seems to be already occupied…by the spirit of a man named Daniel. Her best friend (who works at CERN) seems to believe he could be the real deal, and he seems friendly enough. When he finds out she has trouble communicated with anyone of the opposite sex due to a past trauma, he wonders if this is the key to unlocking his passing into the great beyond and vows to help her. Because he’s not ‘real’, Jillian can communicate with him freely. Through a series of ‘practice’ dates Daniel coaches her though, Jillian realizes what she wants, and what she doesn’t.

It is a story about healing, and family, and fate. It’s about optimism and faith and trust. It’s an unconventional tale in a layered story I just couldn’t put down.

It’s a longer book for a romance. It could almost be two different books, but instead we get one big romantic epic with a midpoint that really does change everything.

Jillian’s story is one of self-discovery, compassion, and healing trauma. She works as a columnist with a floundering audience. The office staff is a quirky cast that is bonded through the company’s harder years. Every facet of the book was entertaining, and I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed it. Absolute yes, read this one!

Details

Title:: Ghosted (Ghosted #1)
Author:: Sarah Ready
Genre:: Contemporary Romance/Magical Realism
Publisher:: Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC
Length:: 457 pages
Audio Length:: 14h 3m
Audiobook Narrator:: Sarah Naughton & Rob Brinkmann
Audiobook Publisher:: Swift & Lewis Publishing LLC
Published:: September 26th, 2023
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars
Spice Rating:: 2

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Hardcover] [Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

Wished | Sarah Ready
If I Were You | Cesca Major

Book Review:: Let’s Call A Truce | Amy Buchanan

Y’all, I needed an indulgent five-star read, and Let’s Call a Truce by Amy Buchanan delivered! I absolutely loved this early 2025 release, so go don’t wait to add it to your goodreads TBR to keep it on your radar!

When Juliana returns to work after her husband unexpectedly passes away, she gets off on the wrong foot with one of the department heads at the office. She works in HR and of course has to work with him whenever his department has hiring needs, and they develop a (mostly innocent) frienemy schtick whenever they have to interact. Turns out they have a friend in common and end up at the same wedding one night, and kind of hit it off in a what-are-you-doing-here kind of way 😉 Then, at work, she and Ben are assigned to the same project and have to work together more closely than ever before. In order to be successful, they have to call a truce.

This book is such a winner. This is a complex story with real, deep conflicts that inform the decisions each character makes. I kind of love it when characters are falling hard, but don’t completely lose their heads. In this case, they both have young children and are very thoughtful about how their actions are going to affect them. The chemistry is there – it is so there – but falling in love, especially when kids are involved, is messy, and this novel really honors that.

That being said, when these two do finally indulge in their primal urges, they really go for it. There is some spice here folks, and some of it is at the office. *wipes brow nervously*

I am so grateful to St. Martin’s Griffin and netgalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book. The narrator, Charlotte North, did a great job with this one.

If you’re looking for a great romance to really sink into during the bleak winter weather this year, this one is a great choice!

Details

Title:: Let’s Call A Truce
Author:: Amy Buchanan
Genre:: Romance
Publisher:: St. Martin’s Griffin
Length:: 336 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 3m
Audiobook Narrator:: Charlotte North
Audiobook Publisher:: Macmillan Audio
Published:: January 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars
Spice Rating:: 3

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

The Slowest Burn | Sarah Chamerlain
Sunshine and Spice | Aurora Palit
Wild Love | Elsie Silver

Book Review:: Heartless Hunter | Kristen Ciccarelli

The world is a dangerous place when you have to hide who you are from everyone. Especially when you throw yourself into danger in order to save others.

Heartless Hunter Kristen Ciccarelli Book Cover

Rune is a witch in a land that burns them. The kingdom once run by three witch sister queens has been taken over by a rebellion, and they’re hunting down every last witch to purge them. Rune, keeping her own powers carefully hidden behind a fashionista facade, is helping other witches escape the realm. To do the job better, she courts powerful men at court for information. When the witch she’s been looking for for years is captured, she takes the biggest risk yet and pursues the most dangerous man in the realm – her best friend’s brother, one of the most ruthless Blood Guard members. But there are other magical elements at play, and both Rune and Gideon have everything to lose.

If you’re looking for your next romantasy read, look no further. This one has every juicy element you’ll love. High stakes, heroes, (low spice) romance, twists, risks, secrets, and lore. There’s a reason it’s so popular!

The whole thing is structured so well from the beginning – Gideon and Rune both have reasons that make the courtship, though highly unlikely, inevitable. Neither one of them are stupid or insufferable, but they come at life with strong biases that compel their actions in ways that make perfect sense for their character while continuing to complicate the story.

The least likely element of the story, to me, were everyone’s ages, lol. I mean, every character is so young! New Adult, for sure.

I am dying to read the next book, which comes out in February. If you’re impatient, you might want to add this to your 2025 TBR 😉

Details

Title:: Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth #1)
Author:: Kristen Ciccarelli
Genre:: Fantasy
Publisher:: Wednesday Books
Length:: 416 pages
Audio Length:: 12h 8m
Audiobook Narrator:: Grace Gray
Audiobook Publisher:: Listening Library
Published:: February 20, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Hardcover] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

Divine Rivals | Rebecca Ross
Burn for Me | Ilona Andrews

Book Review:: The Haunting of Maddy Clare | Simone St. James

What a perfect read for spooky season-a historical ghost story mystery, The Haunting of Maddy Clare.

The Haunting of Maddy Clare Simone St. James Book Cover. A decrepit barn with the sun setting behind it and a murder of crows surrounding it.

Ms. Sarah Piper is recruited by an eccentric world war veteran needing an assistant for his latest project: hunting a ghost who’s been haunting an old barn. He’s an academic writer searching for solid proof of the otherworldly, and Sarah rapidly agrees. The spirit is very much alive, and vengeful, especially of men. Sarah turns into an integral part of the investigation into what happened to Maddy Clare, and how they might be able to help her spirit settle.

What is there not to love about this book? Okay, the subject matter is pretty dark. Maddy Clare was horrifically traumatized before she died, and that subject matter is very heavy. I feel like it was brought to justice in the end though, which helps to pacify the discomfort of reading about such difficult events.

I loved the mid-century setting, the ghost hunting characters being respectable (albeit damaged) gentlemen, the supernatural phenomena, the ongoing mystery, and the slow burning romance that simmers beneath it all. I ate it up. I can see myself returning to this book every fall in the future. What a way to set the tone for the season!

What is your favorite ghostly mystery book?

Details

Title:: The Haunting of Maddy Clare
Author:: Simone St. James
Genre:: Historical Ghost Mystery
Publisher:: Berkley
Length:: 318 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 45m
Audiobook Narrator:: Billie Fulford-Brown
Audiobook Publisher:: Penguin Audio
Published:: October 4th, 2022
The Litertarian Rating:: #-Stars
Spice Rating:: 2.5?

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

Haunted Ever After | Jen DeLuca (ghost story rom-com)
Every Moment Since | Marybeth Mayhew Whalen (murder mystery)
The Truth About the Devlins | Lisa Scottoline (murder mystery)

Book Review:: I Think I Was Murdered | Colleen Coble & Rick Acker

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker is a thriller that’s unafraid of modern technology. With elements of AI, bitcoin, and blockchain included as major plot drivers, the read somehow doesn’t feel too tech-heavy for a reader who isn’t completely on the up-and-up with these emerging technologies (like me). It maintains its balance with the incorporation of the very organic realm of relationships, family, and friendship.

I Think I Was Murdered by Colleen Coble & Rick Acker Book Cover

The company Katrina works for in Silicon Valley is beta testing a new AI system, and she’s fed in all her recently dead-husband’s electronic records in to test it (but really as a coping tool as she grieves his unexpected death). Texting the program is really communicating with him. He even sends her photographs of their memories. One day she asks him to tell her something she doesn’t know. “I think I was murdered,” he tells her. He died in a car accident, so this is the last thing she ever expected.

Meanwhile, her grandmother died, so Katrina has come back to her hometown, inherited her family’s restaurant, and reconnected with an old friend. Her Silicon Valley career is in shambles and being investigated, and it turns out her husband may have left something behind for her. It turns into a race against time for her to find before whoever killed him for it.

I can’t find anything really to fault in this novel. I thought it was done incredibly well. It managed to surprise me a few times, while I was also able to anticipate a few twists and feel that sense of self-satisfaction, too. There are plenty of plotlines to keep us busy, and all of them play into the main story in some way by the end. There is plenty to capture your interest as a reader, and the story felt very robust.

I was provided with an advanced listening copy of this book by the publisher and netgalley. The audio narration is also very good, if you’re an audiobook listener like me.

On the scale of wimp to true crime fanatic, I am way down on the wimpy side, and though there are moments of violence included in this book, it never gave me that haunting anxiety feeling as I read. I always like to know where thrillers end up on that spectrum because you can’t unread stuff! That’s not to say it didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat-just that I didn’t pee my pants all the way through. ha.

Details

Title:: I Think I Was Murdered
Author:: Colleen Coble & Rick Acker
Genre:: Thriller/Mystery
Publisher:: Thomas Nelson
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 46m
Audiobook Narrator:: Karen Peakes
Audiobook Publisher:: Thomas Nelson
Published:: November 12th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

Linky Links!!

Goodreads
Author Website
Amazon Affiliate Links
[Hardcover] [Paperback] [eBook] [Audible]

If you liked this book, check out…

Every Moment Since | Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
Wrong Place Wrong Time | Gillian McAllister