Tag: Contemporary

Book Review:: Happy Christmas | Kelsey Humphries

Okay, wow! Finding a new indie author with serious chops can be difficult, but if Kelsey Humphreys new release of Happy Christmas is any indication, ladies, fellas, I’ve gone and done it.

Happy Christmas by Kelsey Humphries Book Cover

I listened to the audiobook narrated in duet by Ryan Lee Dunlap and Audrey Obeyn and it was sooo excellent. I wasn’t fully sure about the English accent at first, but it grew on me very quickly.

This is the story of Janie and Benedict, a down-on-her-luck once socialite and a doesn’t-take-himself-seriously billionaire. They have friends in common, and reconnect at the beginning of the novel at a very opportune time. Benedict has received an ultimatum from his father to be married in order to inherit, and Janie happens to be desperate for cash to dig herself out of a hole. Even still, she’s not sold on the idea that she could marry him.

But reader, she does.

Oh this book is good fun! Benedict is a lighthearted and silly guy much of the time, but he’s never really been faced with a situation that warranted depth from him. He dotes on Janie, happily, and it’s the most adorable thing ever to see his feelings develop through the novel.

Janie has her secrets, and she’s keeping them, even though they’ve destroyed her life. She is far more guarded than Benedict, having been burned in the past. But she can’t deny that whatever it is between her and Benedict, it’s easy, and comes organically. They may be faking it for other people, but just between them? It’s all natural.

I’m not ashamed to say I want more of this book. I will probably read it at least once more before Christmas this year, but I’m most excited to dive into the many other romantic comedies in Kelsey’s backlist. What a joy this book is. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Humphreys comes up with next!

Note:: I purchased this book myself and my opinions are my own.

Details

Title:: Happy Christmas (Juniper Falls #1)
Author:: Kelsey Humphreys
Genre:: Holiday Romance
Publisher:: Magnamour (Indie)
Length:: 373 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 39m
Audiobook Narrator:: Ryan Lee Dunlap & Audrey Obeyn
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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If you liked this book, check out…

Yours for the Season | Emily Stone
Emergency Contact | Lauren Layne & Anthony LeDonne
Christmas Is All Around | Martha Waters

Book Review:: Listen for the Lie | Amy Tintera

Wow – I was blown away by this book. From the title, which has to be one of my favorites of all time, to the intricate and relentless mystery, I was inexorably hooked from the get.

Ben Owens investigative crime podcast, Listen for the Lie, has a new season and a new case to unravel – the brutal murder of a woman named Savannah, colloquially called Savvy, in the small Texas town of Plumpton. The prime suspect, Lucy Chase, has a new life in LA, but the popularity of the up-and-coming podcast has her new life crumbling around her. Who wants to hire a murder suspect of an unsolved crime? Who wants to live with one? The answer, clearly, is no one.

Returning to Plumpton for the first time for her grandmother’s birthday celebration, Lucy is confronted with the dark past and the community that was all too ready to shun her. She genuinely has no memories of that night, and with everyone so certain she was the killer, she’s not completely convinced of her own innocence. She loved Savannah, and she sustained serious injuries of her own that night. Isn’t it finally time to find out the truth, if it’s even possible?

The web of suspects is small at first, until lies about alibis come to the surface, and suddenly there is real doubt about whodunnit. It seems there isn’t much to do in Plumpton than drink and knock boots, two things sure to muddle the facts and motives. Thrown in the unreliability of Lucy’s memories and this mystery will keep you up way past your bedtime.

What a treat of a thriller. Absolutely recommend!

Details

Title:: Listen for the Lie
Author:: Amy Tintera
Genre:: Mystery Thriller
Publisher:: Celadon Books
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 18m
Audiobook Narrator:: January LaVoy & Will Damron
Published:: March 5th, 2024
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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Famous Last Words | Gillian McAllister
Wrong Place Wrong Time | Gillian McAllister
The Wife Upstairs | Rachel Hawkins
Every Moment Since | Marybeth Mayhew Whalen
The Truth About the Devlins | Lisa Scottoline

Book Review:: Clementine Crane Prefers Not To | Kristin Bair

Menopause mamas, unite! This new tragi-comedy novel from Kristin Bair is a feminist anthem for women who have sacrificed and organized and put up with TOO MUCH in their lives, only to be saddled at a certain age with the sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause.

Clementine Crane Prefers Not To by Kristin Bair Book Cover

When library media director Clementine Crane starts having hot flashes, she is mortified, outraged, flabbergasted that no one told her she had those to look forward to one day. She makes sure her co-workers, friends, family, and doctor knows it too. It should be talked about more! There should be research! Something should be done!

She has a little bit of a breakdown/awakening, and starts a social media outlet to share the steam literally rising from her head, and the sweat dripping from uncomfortable places when they hit. And when her child has a homework assignment for a story that includes the words I prefer not to, she finds her new anthem. Suddenly Clementine prefers not to several times a day. She stops women in the grocery store, in the clinic, in the library, and tells them they can prefer not to too. It’s that easy. Women are asked far too much sometimes, and it never occurs to any of us to just…pass. No thanks, I PREFER NOT TO.

Honestly, this novel is a riot. It’s wonderful. Quirky, heartfelt, sympathetic, and hilarious. I think many people will relate to and love Clementine, who prefers her job title to read Connector of People to Magical Things instead of Director of Media at the library. She’s smart, funky, and maybe a little too daring.

Grab your copy today and get it girl!

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:: Clementine Crane Prefers Not To
Author:: Kristin Bair
Genre:: Contemporary | Women’s Fiction | Humor
Publisher:: Alcove Press
Length:: 320 pages
Audio Length:: #h #m
Audiobook Narrator:: Name(s)
Published:: October 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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Amazing Grace Adams | Fran Littlewood

Book Review:: Overdue | Stephanie Perkins

Look at this gorgeous book. I could not wait to sink into this one, and that’s really what it felt like, an immersive almost coming-of-age story about an almost thirty-year-old woman coming into her own across all aspects of her life. I was expecting it to be heavier on the romance, more about that to come, but as a whole it is a genuine story about a strong woman who is still figuring herself out.

Overdue by Stephanie Perkins Book Cover

Ingrid works in a library. She loves it there, but when she’s offered opportunity to further invest in that career path, something holds her back. I commiserate with this.

She works there with a guy named Macon. They’re friends.

Ingrid has been with the same guy since the very first day of college. It’s a safe relationship, but passionless. When Ingrid’s sister announces her engagement, Ingrid and Corey have a bit of a revelation – they’ve been together eleven years and never even thought about getting married.

So they make the wacky decision to take a ‘break’ and see other people.

This part of the novel was…weird. And pretty uncomfortable. But it was part of Ingrid’s journey.

Did I mention Macon? Things are weird between he and Ingrid after she tries to kiss him after work one night. And as she’s dating through men at an alarming rate. And he’s ten years older than her. But she misses their friendship, and through the humps and bumps, they bandage up what they had the best they can.

This is the slowest of slow burns, and maybe that’s why the author thought it was important to pepper in the other suitors through act one? Perhaps that was part of the lesson Ingrid had to learn in order to find a firm foundation in her new relationship? I think there might have been other ways to accomplish this. But maybe others won’t mind it so much.

Overall it is a very endearing novel and is well worth the time-investment to read. I enjoyed the audio version, Eva Kaminsky did an excellent job bringing voice to Ingrid and her friends. It’s a story about friendship, finding your own path, and authenticity. There are many moments that will make you swoon, and once Ingrid figures out what she wants, there is no stopping her!

Congratulations on your newest release, Stephanie. I really enjoyed 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:: Overdue
Author:: Stephanie Perkins
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Saturday Books
Length:: 416 pages
Audio Length:: 13h 26m
Audiobook Narrator:: Eva Kaminsky
Published:: October 7th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4.5-Stars

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If you liked this book, check out…

We Met Like This | Kasie West
People Watching | Hannah Bonam-Young
Love Walked In | Sarah Chamberlain

Book Review:: A Lot to Unpack | Portia MacIntosh

Liberty is in need of a fresh start. She just found out her boyfriend, who she works with, has been using dating apps to send pictures of his junk to other ladies. So now she’s job-less and man-less. Her new job allows her to travel the world, affords her plenty of free time for dating, but she can’t seem to catch her stride. That is until she is assigned to spend more time with the company’s founder, who is off limits in more ways than one.

A Lot to Unpack by Portia MacIntosh Book Cover

Parts of this novel were okay, but overall, it was not for me. I was having a hard time following the logic and likelihood of most of the events in this book. I didn’t care at all about these bad dates Liberty ended up on. I was only really interested once Jordan came into the picture, which was later on in the novel.

The main character really makes a fool of herself a few times, and though she’s not really ditzy, she doesn’t really come off well. The decisions she makes aren’t just bad decisions, they’re worse. Like, illegal.

Also, things wrapped up maybe too neatly there at the end. Technically it all tracks, but I just didn’t find it all that believable.

This wasn’t the one for me, unfortunately.

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 Lot to Unpack
Author:: Portia Macintosh
Genre:: Romantic Comedy
Publisher:: Boldwood Books
Length:: 266 pages
Audio Length:: 6h 53m
Audiobook Narrator:: Karen Cass
Published:: October 2nd, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 2-Stars

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Book Review:: The Irish Goodbye | Heather Aimee O’Neill

I love me a good family drama, and The Irish Goodbye by debut author Heather Aimee O’Neill was no exception.

The Irish Goodbye by Heather Aimee O'Neill Book Cover

When families come together for holidays, it can be…uncomfortable. Awkward. Complicated. The Ryan’s Thanksgiving exemplifies this phenomenon.

Everyone is at a bit of a crux in their own lives, at decision points, or the point of having to face the music. One by one we learn about these rich and complex characters, without ever losing the drive to read forward. Sometimes getting lost in backstories can bog down a narrative, but I was locked in the whole time.

This is the kind of novel that kind of encapsulates the whole of humanity. This is just one family, but it could be anyone’s family. We all have complex webs of relationships and curveball occurrences that throw us completely for a loop. We all have to make difficult decisions and deal with grief and love and longing and hurt.

The writing is excellent. The characters are excellent. Their stories are excellent. I listened to the audio and the narrator is excellent. Five very hearty stars.

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 Irish Goodbye
Author:: Heather Aimee O’Neill
Genre:: Fiction / Family Drama
Publisher:: Henry Holt and Co.
Length:: 288 pages
Audio Length:: 8h 35m
Audiobook Narrator:: Kristen Sieh
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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If you liked this book, check out…

The Homemade God | Rachel Joyce
These Summer Storms | Sarah MacLean
The Greatest Possible Good | Ben Brooks
The Accidental Favorite | Fran Littlewood

Book Review:: Say it Out Loud | Ashley Schumacher

If you’re looking for a true-blue fun and meaningful romance novel to snuggle up with this fall, Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher is honestly a great choice.

Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher Book Cover

Starting at the beginning, we live through Juniper Green’s big acting break. Or…what should have been, if Romeo hadn’t completely dismissed her performance as his own support helping her shine. She wasn’t supposed to even be on stage. She was doing him a favor. And that’s how he treats her?

Years later, after building up and selling a successful podcast, Juniper’s next opportunity is to narrate one her mother’s favorite book series. Except it’s a dual narration. And the other narrator is…James.

She’s unsure at first if he even remembers her. For her, their chance meeting that night back stage was a formative experience – the night she always wondered about. If it had gone differently, it might have changed her entire life.

James, of course, went on to become a famous actor, and is the real draw for listeners to tune into the audiobook they’re recording. Juniper has to work through a lot of imposter syndrome, and get over her baggage to make this work.

It’s been a minute since I’ve gotten to enjoy a romance novel like this. It’s clear, it’s structured well, both characters have a lot of heart and heartache they’re contending with. It was just a really good time. I really enjoyed 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:: Say It Out Loud
Author:: Ashley Schumacher
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Del Rey
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 19m
Audiobook Narrator:: Lauren Ezzo
Published:: September 30th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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If you liked this book, check out…

We Met Like This | Kasie West
People Watching | Hannah Bonam-Young
Love Walked In | Sarah Chamberlian

Book Review:: Firelight Days | Savannah Price

If you are a fan of small-town vibes and yearning romances, you’re going to love Savannah Pryce’s new release, Firelight Days.

Firelight Days by Savannah Pryce Book Cover

Penny is a baker in town who works herself to the bone for a boss who takes her for granted. When a dangerous fire starts ripping through the forest nearby, one of her regular customers and friends, Jack, offers to put her up at his family’s property to wait out the evacuation orders. Things have been changing between them lately, but Penny isn’t sure she wants to cross any lines with him and ruin the good thing they have going.

Firelight Days is well written and captures that small-town vibe so well. It’s cute and full of tension and the characters have to reckon with themselves before they can open themselves up to another. I was very impressed with this one! It’s got everything you want when picking up a new romance novel – this one isn’t risky…you’ll love 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:: Firelight Days
Author:: Savannah Pryce
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Rosmarin Books
Length:: 327 pages
Published:: August 3rd, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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If you liked this book, check out…

Where You’re Planted | Melanie Sweeney
He Falls First | Jill Shalvis
Left of Forever | Tarah Dewitt

Book Review:: The Heartbreak Hotel | Ellen O’Clover

Sometimes you’ve got to roll with the punches. Like when your long-term famous boyfriend breaks up with you in an unbecoming manor, or you fail the test that was supposed to be the start of your dream career…or, both.

The Heartbreak Hotel by Ellen O'Clover Book Cover

Louisa refuses to leave the home she’s kept and cherished for years in Estes Park, Colorado. It’s everything she ever wanted. Except now, without her boyfriend’s income, she can’t afford the rent. With some fancy financial footwork, and pleading with the home-owner slash small town veterinarian and handyman, she arranges to turn it into a bed and breakfast of the most interesting variety: a haven for the broken-hearted to come and heal. She is almost a psychologist, after all.

This is such a layered and charming and lovely story about grief, and gumption, and getting back up again after you’ve been down-on-your-luck. The home-owner, Henry, is a stoic, guarded, handsome hunk of a hero, and Louisa has her heart in the right place, always. There are plenty of swoon-worthy moments, and humor, and a big serving of heart. These characters are not bubbly and naive – they’ve had big hurts and are working hard to heal and repair and perhaps even find their happy endings.

I enjoyed not only the romance, which I thought was done very well, but also the storyline about Louisa’s family. Their dynamic is very specific, but also relatable. We tend to fall into certain roles in our families, and it’s hard to break free from them.

I absolutely recommend this novel. I think it’s a great choice for a long 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:: The Heartbreak Hotel
Author:: Ellen O’Clover
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Berkley
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 16m
Audiobook Narrator:: Brittany Pressley
Published:: September 23, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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If you liked this book, check out…

Songs of Summer | Jane L. Rosen
The Battle of the Bookshops | Poppy Alexander
As A Last Resort | Kristin Wollett

Book Review:: We Met Like This | Kasie West

This is the kind of book you have to pause the audio when you have literally anything that takes brain power, because you don’t want to miss a second. Something about this book has you constantly turning pages. The chemistry, the tension, the absolute mess of the FMCs life. So delicious.

We Met Like This by Kasie West Book Cover

Margot and Oliver meet on a dating app. Their first date is a disaster. But then they keep matching…and matching. Eventually three years pass and Margot is still looking for Mr. Right, while making some bad Mr. Right Now choices. Oliver is in the same way, and through the dating app messaging system, they become sort of friends.

Their connection is so sparkly. I mean–sparks everywhere. It’s probably a hazard. But their first date was so bad, it holds them back from pursing more in the present.

Until. They. Do.

This book had me screaming, crying, kicking my feet. Margot made me slightly crazy with some of her over-the-top and highly selective decisions through the middle of the book, and some of the middle was a little but they don’t feel the same way kind of angst which dragged the tiniest bit, but overall, absolute banger of a romance novel.

9/10, Recommend.

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:: We Met Like This
Author:: Kasie West
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Saturday Books
Length:: 368 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 19m
Audiobook Narrator:: Katie Bloomwood
Published:: September 16th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

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If you liked this book, check out…

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