USA Archives - The Litertarian

Book Review:: Songs of Summer | Jane L. Rosen

Maggie Mae Wheeler inherited a vintage record shop from her adoptive parents and has started a fling with her lifelong best friend that feels natural but not earth shattering. When he proposes off-the-cuff, she can’t think of any reason to say no, except that she wants to find her birth mother first.

Songs of Summer by Jane L. Rosen Book Cover

Her search leads her to a little place called Fire Island and a quirky bunch of people she learns are her blood-related family. There’s a wedding on-island, and a chance meeting with one of the insiders gives her a way to observe them without divulging her relation to them. The festivities are full of the kind of drama only close-knit passionate families can produce, and despite the chaos and sheer volume of crisis that occur while she’s there, Maggie finds herself drawn in by this family she’s never had the opportunity to know.

This book was like a breath of fresh air. It’s not so much about Maggie’s romantic relationships, but about all of the relationships she cultivates, both old and new. It’s about friendship and family and chosen family and the messy webs of relationships we find ourselves caught up in. Humans are messy and complicated and passionate, and that leads us to do sometimes strange things and make mistakes. But with love in our hearts, things eventually turn out right again. Usually.

Songs of Summer is filled with a quirky cast of characters you won’t soon forget and a playlist of songs you’ll find yourself bopping to without meaning to. I really connected to Maggie’s story, and I can’t wait to see what else is to come in this trilogy by Jane L. Rosen!

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:: Songs of Summer (The Fire Island Trilogy #1)
Author:: Jane L. Rosen
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Berkley
Length:: 336 pages
Audio Length:: 11h
Audiobook Narrator:: TBA
Published:: May 20th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

How to Hide in Plain Sight | Emma Noyes
Summertime Punchline | Betty Corrello

Book Review:: Racing Heart | Darci St. John

I read every racing romance I can get my hands on, so I was pleased to be selected as an arc reviewer for Darci St. John’s newest release, Racing Heart.

Racing Heart by Darci St. John Book Cover

Jordan, an elite racer recovering from injury, is in the UK for his sister’s wedding. Pearl is there too, but not for the reasons she was led to believe. Her family dropped some bombshell news and to cope, she gets drunk and naked with the handsome man she finds on the beach. He invites her to his sister’s wedding and to get away from her own drama, she agrees.

Pearl and Jordan are so well matched in this book. They meet at the exact right moment and are able to use each other as life vests in a way, something to hold onto while everything else is kind of chaos. Their connection seemed genuine, but there was not a whole lot of longing or swoony moments. I didn’t seem to miss it though, that’s not the kind of story this is. Thinking about that, I don’t think this is the kind of story of MFEO these-two-would-end-up-together-no-matter-what story. If they didn’t have their chance meeting there on that beach, it’s unlikely they’d have connected the same way. It’s not trauma bonding exactly, but not a fated sort of situation either, at least in my opinion.

I think I would have rated the book higher except for the soap opera level of drama on the periphery of the story. I think I just didn’t buy Pearl’s mother’s origin story well. It cast a strange pallor over everything.

What I really loved is the extended and thorough ending. It’s not the usual pacing of a ‘standard’ romance where things get wrapped up in a matter of pages…this one gives you time to breathe and live with the characters as they resolve all the little threads that need tied up before we leave them to their happily ever after. It just felt refreshing.

I also loved that Jordan got to go dirt track racing – that’s where you can find my family on summer weekends with my husband racing his open wheel cars. When they took out their sunglasses to dodge flying dirt I laughed out loud!

I have to say I’m curious about this series. I see the first book is the sister’s story, and though I know a few things about what happen in the previous book naturally from the narrative of this sequel, I think I may still pick it 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:: Racing Heart (Apex Racing #2)
Author:: Darci St. John
Genre:: Sports Romance
Publisher:: BooksGoSocial
Published:: May 20th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 3-Stars

amazon

Goodreads

author website

If you liked this book, check out…

Slipstream | Madge Maril
A 5-Letter Word for Love | Amy James
The Graham Effect | Elle Kennedy

Book Review:: The Love Haters | Katherine Center

The Love Haters is one of my most anticipated reads of 2025 and I was lucky enough to snag an early copy of it for review. In case you’re wondering why you might want to be an arc reader…that’s it. That’s the whole reason. (Except now I have a longer wait until her next release unless I, by some miracle, get the next one as an arc as well).

Now – before I get into the nitty gritty – this is not my favorite Katherine Center book I’ve read. In fact, I was a little annoyed with the main character for awhile. But when I tell you that by the end I was inside her body, living her experience, completely immersed…I mean I was in the water with her.

Five. Whole. Stars. All. Day. Long.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center Book Cover

Katie is a videographer on the brink of getting fired. The company is in crisis, and she needs a miracle to survive the layoffs. Then her colleague hands her one: filming a promo doc for his brother, who is in the coast guard. The only problem is…she can’t swim. Also, he only agreed because he thought his brother was coming to shoot it. Let’s just say the foot they get off on has wobbly sea legs.

Katie and I got off on a bad start.

She begins the book by lying her ass off in order to get a job. Sure, it’s standard practice in her industry, but she’s going to be filming with the US Coast Guard, rescuing people who have no other escape. And she can’t swim. She also has a paralyzing case of body insecurity that has her terrified of bathing suits and the fact that she’ll have to announce her weight to the helicopter pilots before she can get on one.

Whyyy.

Let’s just say it was a lot to overcome for Katie and I to get back to a proper understanding. Lol.

However.

The themes in this book are incredibly impactful, and all of this plays into the plot, too. So does the great Katherine Center get away with starting her book with a character we love to hate (okay, it’s not that serious but it was too good a play on words with the title here)? Ugh. Yes. Yes, she does.

Actually, if you are someone who struggles with body insecurity, I really think you should read this. The conclusions Katie comes to by the end about her body are very powerful and might just help your own perspective and your own journey to self-love.

This book is also about honesty, and family, and found family, and trust. It’s also about frigging heroic rescue divers who risk their lives every day to save others. It’s kind of epic.

Katie and Hutch weren’t supposed to fall in love. In fact, his brother said he was a love hater. Katie was, too, after a bad break-up that continues to haunt her even now. But even when you’re set against it, you never know when you’ll find someone that fits you. Their road is not a straight-shot highway. It’s a winding road with unexpected road closures and mudslides and wildlife throwing kinks into the journey, but it’s a ride you won’t want to miss anyway.

As always, Katherine Center has achieved a book that is relatable, sweet, swoony, and will even make you chuckle. It will also make you clench your fists and threaten to throw your book across the room at some points, but that’s what five-star books do. They make you feel real feelings. You get invested.

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 Love Haters
Author:: Katherine Center
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: St. Martin’s Press
Length:: 320 pages
Audio Length:: 10h
Audiobook Narrator:: Patti Murin
Published:: May 20th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

The Rom-Commers | Katherine Center
Adam and Evie’s Matchmaking Tour | Nora Nguyen
The Paradise Problem | Christina Lauren

Book Review:: Everything’s Coming Up Rosie | Courtney Walsh

With a title like Everything’s Coming Up Rosie and such a cute cover, who could resist this new release from Courtney Walsh and Thomas Nelson Publishing?! Luckily, it’s not all flash, but substance too. Don’t miss this adorably sweet five-star read about chasing dreams and accepting who you are.

Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Courtney Walsh Book Cover

Rosie’s dream has always been to make it big as an actor. For years she’s had half a foot in the door, getting just enough jobs to keep her going, but her big breakout moment remains elusive. She’s on the verge of a full out existential crisis when she applies to every possible job she can think of willy-nilly style, and takes the first (and only) job she’s offered. When she shows up in Wisconsin, she realizes she should have actually read the job description, because putting on an entire production as a director is a bigger bite than she’s qualified to chew, even if it is ‘only’ for a retirement community’s theater program.

Oh, this book. I want every young girl to read this. Rosie has a dream she’s chasing, but she’s never stopped to think about why she’s chasing it, and if it’s really even what she wants. As she slogs through the problems she’s facing with the play, she gains confidence, experience, and friendships along the way. In the end, the situation she thought was just going to pay the bills until she moved on to bigger and better things turned out to be just the thing she needed to become her happier, healthier self. New and improved Rosie!

There is also a very sweet romance subplot with a man called Booker. He won he over quickly when he shrugged and said “I’m a hard person to know”. With a line like that, you just know someone else put that into his head. The friendship he and Rosie have is so sweet and romantic and a little bit risky, because opening up your heart is always a risk.

I was blown away by this book. Every aspect was just done so well, and I was fully engaged. There were a few ways that seemed plausible for the plot to go, but it still kind of surprised me, and I was proud of Rosie and her ultimate decisions.

This is a book I would put into the ‘feel-good’ category, which, to me, is hard to achieve. If you need a lift in spirits this summer (or ever), Rosie’s got your back!

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’s Coming Up Rosie
Author:: Courtney Walsh
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Thomas Nelson
Length:: 352 pages
Audio Length:: 11h 10m
Audiobook Narrator:: Jorjeana Marie
Published:: June 10th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

My (Not So) Perfect Life | Sophie Kinsella
When Alec Met Evie | Jenny Proctor
The Last Love Note | Emma Grey
The Tourist Attraction | Sarah Morgenthaler

Book Review:: Not A Strong Enough Word | Allie Samberts

Okay folks, get ready to swoon over Allie Sambert’s new novel Not A Strong Enough Word. This book about second chances completely won me over.

Not A Strong Enough Word by Allie Samberts Book Cover

Scarlett once had it all: the dreamy boyfriend, the massive book deal and critical acclaim that promised to launch her career as a literary writer into the stratosphere. But it was too much, and she had to walk away.

Five years later, she’s written another book, and she thinks she might be ready to dip a toe back into publishing, but she’s determined not to get swept away by the pomp and circumstance this time. No. matter. what.

Her agent negotiates a deal with an imprint of her old publishing house, one more focused on the wellness of their authors, and her new editor turns out to be the ex-boyfriend she walked away from without saying goodbye.

Working with Ryan again reminds her of how things once were. Not the worst of it, but the most of it. The good things that had been overshadowed by the doom. He never forgot her, and, still in love with her way with words (if not the writer of them), he’s committed to getting her new book out into the world, even if he never gets answers to the questions that have been haunting him since she disappeared on him.

Oh, these characters. Their connection. So much swoon, so much heart-tugging romance vibes. Absolutely mastered in this book.

I went ahead and gave this one five big fat stars, but if I’m being honest, I think the flashbacks didn’t do a lot to help this book. I can see why they were added when the characters have so much history, but I almost think it could have just been explained well enough in the narrative from the two perspectives.

If you’re looking for a book that’ll have you in all the feels, you can’t go wrong with this one!

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:: Not A Strong Enough Word
Author:: Allie Samberts
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Indie
Length:: 316 pages
Published:: May 14th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

amazon

Goodreads

author website

If you liked this book, check out…

What Happens in Amsterdam | Rachel Lynn Solomon
Hate Mail | Donna Marchetti
This Summer Will Be Different | Carley Fortune
Divine Rivals | Rebecca Ross

Book Review:: Anji Kills A King | Evan Leikam

I have followed Evan’s IG profile @BookReviewsKill for a long time, appreciating his considered thoughts on not just modern popular books, but the full breadth of sci-fi and fantasy literature. His massive collection of tattered paperbacks and well-worn trade editions from the background of his older videos evoked an instant feeling of comradery with a fellow book lover. I was thrilled when he announced he had a book deal with Tor and would be coming out with his very own fantasy series, and so pleased when I saw a copy of the audiobook in my inbox for early review.

Long story short, I’m impressed.

Anji Kills A King by Evan Leikam Book Cover

The premise is self-described in the title. Anji, a servant in the king’s castle, kills him in the prologue. It becomes clear shortly after that she was not quite anticipating the wider implications of his death either for herself, or the greater realm. What follows is a reluctant journey she can’t escape.

I really loved Moira Quirk’s narration of this novel. Anji has a strong voice and it felt all the more powerful with the right narrator to do her justice.

The novel is relatively fast paced. I found it got a little meandering around the two thirds mark where I was craving something new, but I can’t disparage it much on pacing, as it gets going right away and the integrity of the writing itself maintains itself all the way through. The world building is far from overwhelming, giving only bits and spurts in a way that kept it interesting and intriguing.

Overall, this is a very strong debut, and after that ending, I am so interested to find out what happens next for Anji. Way to go Evan, this really lived up to the hype I was expecting.

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:: Anji Kills A King
Author:: Evan Leikam
Genre:: Fantasy
Publisher:: Tor
Length:: 368 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 36m
Audiobook Narrator:: Moira Quirk
Published:: May 13th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 4-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

The City in Glass | Nghi Vo
Divine Rivals | Rebecca Ross
Our Infinite Fates | Laura Steven

Book Review:: Closer Than You Know | Debra Webb

Retired cop Vera Boyett is back in her hometown, closer to her sisters, and closer to the secret they’ve been keeping since they were kids. She’s not there long before the sheriff calls her up to help on a case that has ties back to a serial killer she helped investigate and convict a decade ago, The Messenger. Strange things start happening before it becomes clear: Vera is the next target of this torture killer.

Closer Than You Know by Debra Webb Book Cover

Wow, this novel is quite the ride! This is the second book in the series, which I didn’t realize when I signed up for the arc. While the book did a great job rooting the reader in what was happening without having read the first book, it felt a little too explain-y at times, so I feel like having the full context of book one would have helped with that.

This felt exactly like a TV show episode. Back in the day I was really into Bones, and this brought me back. Vera has a history with the sheriff in town which was actually really steamy. Though this is a crime thriller, the romance was a very nice edition for this romance-loving girlie.

There are a lot of things going on in this story. There is the killer still behind bars, a copycat of some kind, and this shadow of the secret Vera and her sisters are keeping…from everyone. Layer in the personal dramas and you’ve got a very busy book here. At times it felt a little too fast paced, which says to me I’m not connected enough to what is going on.

If you’re a fan of crime thrillers, I think this novel is right up your alley. Though I didn’t connect with it as much as I like, it did feel like skilled writing and a properly tangled and exciting plot that will keep you guessing all the way through.

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:: Closer Than You Know (Vera Boyett #2)
Author:: Debra Webb
Genre:: Mystery Thriller
Publisher:: Thomas & Mercer
Length:: 317 pages
Audio Length:: 10h
Audiobook Narrator:: TBA
Published:: May 6th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 3-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Book Review:: Left of Forever | Tarah DeWitt

This is not a drill! The second Tarah Dewitt Spunes romance book is here! The oldest Byrd sibling, Ellis, recaptures his life’s greatest love.

Left of Forever by Tarah Dewitt Book Cover

Wren and Ellis were high school sweethearts who got pregnant at 17 and eventually divorced. Now, their precious son is off to college, and it’s time for them both to admit that their feelings for one another never went away.

Oh, how excited I was for this book, and though it’s nice as a sexy escape, I didn’t quite buy into what it was selling.

I’m tempted to say there is too much going on as it’s starting out, but I’m not sure that was the problem as much as it just felt too choppy and disorganized? If you don’t want tiny spoilers that have to do with the first 15-20% of the book, skip the rest of this paragraph, as I want to dig into something specific to explain myself real quick. I think the letter saga was meant for Ellis to realize the depth of his feelings for Wren, but…I didn’t like it. First, it was disingenuous, second, it was a weak way to tie into Ellis’ job that had no bearing on what the story ended up being, third, it was kind of unbelievable she would bear her soul to a stranger to the level she did, it never went anywhere, and also it came off kind of…idyllic? Immature? She’s writing to a fire team HOURS away from where she lives about the safety of some horses that were caught in a wild fire? I think it didn’t feel supported enough in her characterization throughout the rest of the book. In a nutshell, it wasn’t a strong start for me.

Later the two of them end up going on a road trip to drop their son off at college, making a vacation of it and trying to see if they can work out their differences and reconcile. Again, just a very cheesy premise for me. I think it didn’t seem to match up with their rich depth of history and their genuine soul connection to need all this cheese to get back to where they belong. The narrative device was just too visible for me.

HOWEVER, the actual romance between them felt so authentic. These two grew up together and were family for just as much of their lives as they hadn’t been. I don’t doubt for a second that they belong together. That aspect of the novel was very successful. Also, if you’re into a little spicy spice – you’ll enjoy this!

I think I’m being so hard on this book because I’m such a huge fan of Tarah Dewitt usually. Savor It was so good, and my favorite of hers, Funny Feelings, is must read romance material. This one is okay. Many others have loved it. I was just anticipating…more.

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:: Left of Forever
Author:: Tarah Dewitt
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: St. Martin’s Griffin
Length:: 336 pages
Audio Length:: 10h 48m
Audiobook Narrator:: Connor Crais and Megan Wicks
Published:: May 20th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 3-Stars
Spice Rating:: 4

If you liked this book, check out…

Savor It | Tarah Dewitt
When Alec Met Evie | Jenn Proctor
Where the Black Line Ends | Meagan Williamson

Book Review:: Big Dumb Eyes | Nate Bargatze

Nate Bargatze is one of my favorite comedians. His southern boy demeanor, common sense logic, and unhurried delivery are the trifecta of funny. The guy just looks like the underdog, so you root for him, even in the stories you don’t.

Big Dumb Eyes by Nate Bargatze Book Cover

He isn’t afraid of some self-depreciating humor, obviously his book is titled Big Dumb Eyes, but what I love about his act is how gosh dang reasonable it all is. He can tell a story about walking the dog and it’s hilarious. He talks about his first car. I laughed out loud. He talks about a man who worked at a furniture story he may or may not have even met, and I was rolling. Whatever the X factor is, this guy has it.

Now, Nate has famously claimed he is not a reader. He’d ‘like to be’ he says, but books are just ‘so many words’. As such, in his own book, there are breaks. I listened to the audio version, and he plays a little bit of elevator music to cleanse the palette a little bit before jumping into the next story, as to not overwhelm you with all the words. I believe in the hard copy there are several blank pages. Hilarious, and on brand.

I was actually surprised how much I laughed at the stories in this book. Nate’s humor is one of a kind and hearing these stories of his life and childhood was so nostalgic. I’d kill to be a fly on the wall at one of his family’s board-game nights. They sound like a hoot.

I also love how comedy memoirs like this one (and Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are examples of this too), the comedian will tweak the narration to actually acknowledge you are listening to the book instead of reading it on paper instead of strictly reading every single word as it appears in print. If you’re not a big reader, like Nate, absolutely you should still read this…just listen to it instead!

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:: Big Dumb Eyes
Author:: Nate Bargatze
Genre:: Comedy Memoir
Publisher:: Grand Central Publishing
Length:: 240 pages
Audio Length:: 6h 56m
Audiobook Narrator:: The Author
Published:: May 6th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars

If you liked this book, check out…

Let it Settle | Michael Gaylon

Book Review:: 32 Days in May | Betty Corrello

Let me introduce you to the Sweet November of the modern era…kind of.

32 Days in May by Betty Corrello Book Cover

Nadia is struggling with her recent diagnosis of lupus. She’s grieving the life she thought she’d have, feeling betrayed by a body that couldn’t keep up with the lifestyle of a ruthless writer in the entertainment industry. She retreats back to home, Evergreen New Jersey, to lick her wounds, get stabilized, and heal. When her doctor suggests she show his relative around who’s new in town, who also happens to be one of the biggest heartthrobs in TV, she reluctantly agrees. It’s not that he’s hot, it’s not that he’s famous, it’s not that he’s rich…it’s that he’s a stranger. He doesn’t know about this new life defining condition, and she wants to keep it that way. When they hit it off and agree to keep seeing each other, but only for the month of May like one of Nadia’s favorite movies (Sweet November), it is more important to her than ever to keep her secret safely guarded. Maybe for the space of one month, she can feel normal again.

Okay. If you have not read a Betty Corrello book yet, this is your official sign to go get one. Her debut, Summertime Punchline, was excellent, and this one might be even better. Her writing is authentic and honest, her characters are smart and genuine, and I. am. a. fan.

The themes in this book are heavy and realistically messy. It’s not easy to be a person, and it’s even more difficult when our bodies don’t work in the way we think they should. Adjusting to life with a chronic illness can’t be easy, and the representation of it in this book is beautiful. The author has the same condition, and I’m glad to have learned more about it in this book.

Nadia and Marco are magic. My favorite moments, of course, are the most non-romantic moments of romance. You might think that makes no sense but hear me out. Intimacy is intrinsically romantic, so to me the moments that aren’t meant to be ooh-y and ahh-y but peel back layers of the walls we keep around ourselves to the general public, are often the most romantic of all. Vulnerability is sexy as hell. Nadia’s walls are well built and often reinforced, but because Marco is also deeply damaged and often tells her the raw truth, he makes her want to reconsider being so guarded.

32 Days in May is incredible. Don’t miss the chance to read this powerfully moving book.

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:: 32 Days in May
Author:: Betty Corrello
Genre:: Contemporary Romance
Publisher:: Avon
Length:: 320 pages
Audio Length:: 9h 15m
Audiobook Narrator:: Joy Nash
Published:: May 13th, 2025
The Litertarian Rating:: 5-Stars