Release Day Review: ROTTEN FRUIT by D.W. Cole

 

ROTTEN FRUIT by D.W. Cole

Publication Date: November 27, 2023

Pages: 119

Source: Author | Purchased

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RATING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

What do you get when you have a fragile psyche, a knack for self-sabotage, and a slew of mommy issues? Killer instincts.

The battle of the mind can rage the most extensive war. That’s what Rue’s therapist always told her, and she was desperate to end the never-ending rug from being pulled from underneath her.

Determined to leave her troubled history behind, she relocates to Virginia for a fresh start. After significant strides to heal her wounds, Rue falls in love with Wyant Minnick, a seemingly perfect man with few flaws. After almost two years together, she believes she has finally found the love and stability she has craved since childhood. However, her fragile psyche starts to shatter when she discovers a lie that Wyant has been harboring. This devastating revelation sets off a chain of events that could have disastrous consequences for both.

Caught in an internal battle of self-sabotage, Rue transforms into an anti-hero, torn between her desire for a new life and the darkness within her. As the story unfolds, the lines between right and wrong blur, and Rue's secrets come to light. With each page, the suspense intensifies as Rue navigates the intricate web of her mind and grapples with her demons while struggling to come to terms with Wyant's potential betrayal.

In this gripping psychological thriller, delve into the complex world of Rue, a woman seeking solace from a haunting past. This captivating tale will have you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the pages to unravel the mystery that will keep your mind guessing until the end.

MY THOUGHTS

Who do you become when you're created out of spite, treated as though your existence is wrong, and convinced you're nothing but a burden? How do you find the light when all you have been shown is darkness? Author D.W. Cole shows readers exactly who in her debut novella ROTTEN FRUIT.

Written in a beautiful mix of poetry and prose, D.W. Cole has a style uniquely her own. ROTTEN FRUIT will have readers both mesmerized and intentionally unsettled. Readers will root for Rue to find the love she deserves, and be fearful of the wrath she can inflict. 

ROTTEN FRUIT is the jolt to your TBR that you need and D.W. Cole is an author to watch out for. I cannot wait to have this beautiful book in my hands!

Disclaimer: I received an e-ARC of this book for review consideration. I've purchased a final version of the book for my personal library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Review: ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Dominic Lim

 

ALL THE RIGHT NOTES by Dominic Lim

Publication Date: June 6, 2023

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 384

Source: Purchased |Libro.fm

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RATING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

​In this hilarious and joyous rom com, sparks fly when a piano genius and a Hollywood heartthrob are thrown together for a charity performance of solos, heartfelt duets, and a big, showstopping finale.

Quito Cruz might be a genius piano player and composer in New York City now but it doesn’t mean that he’s any closer to his Broadway dream. Although Quito knows what the problem is. Or rather who . Because ever since that night in college—with pretty-boy jock Emmett Aoki—his inspiration has been completely MIA . . .

Now Quito’s dad wants him to put on a charity performance in his hometown. And there’s one hella big string convince Emmett—now one of Hollywood’s hottest celebrities—to perform.

It’s all shaping up to be the biggest musical fiasco of Quito’s life. Especially when Emmett agrees to attend, and Quito realizes that undeniable vibe between them is stronger than ever. Because there’s nothing simple about falling for a movie star . . . even when he’s pitch-perfect.

MY THOUGHTS

Dominic Lim did exactly what he intended to do when writing ALL THE RIGHT NOTES and left this reader with a song in my heart as I continue to spontaneously sing True Colors around my house. As a former choir kid and someone who enjoys a heartfelt, second chance romantic comedy, ALL THE RIGHT NOTES gets all of the stars and endless hearts from me. 

I was fascinated with Quito by his observations and descriptions immediately. I enjoyed seeing his view of his world around him. And he has a habit of rhyming when he’s nervous that is so endearing and that one habit reveals a lot of who he is. Emmett is adorable with his winking and smirks that you can’t help but have a crush on him. In the beginning, we don’t know what has happened that keeps them apart. Yet, the moment that they see each other again and Emmett is stunned into silence, it’s obvious that there is a lot left unspoken, but there’s something still between them that is undeniable. 

There is so much that I loved about the book:

• The timeline of the THEN and the NOW

• The rehearsals with Quito and Emmett allows for a closeness to their new friendship and showed the vulnerability and acceptance

• The relationship between Quito and his father. Mr. C. charmed me with how played match-maker and how he saw exactly who his son was and all that he could be

• All of the friendships and community and the roles that they all filled in each other’s lives

For all of the smiles and laughs ALL THE RIGHT NOTES gave me, it does take an emotional turn (one that wasn’t completely unexpected to me) . Readers should take notice of the content warnings as there are some topics that may be difficult for some and  they may need to take care with themselves while or after they’ve finished reading. 

I enthusiastically sing my praises for this book and hope that others discover the delight of reading (listening) to this story just as much as I did. As soon as I started listening to ALL THE RIGHT NOTES, I was so thrilled that I bought the audiobook because of the musical aspect and how the narrator’s performance drew me in. And now that I’ve finished it, I know that I will need the paperback too. Because, like Quito’s sheet music, I need the physical copy for the gift that exists within the covers.    

Disclaimer: 

I purchased a finished copy of this title for for my personal library. 

Thoughts and opinions are my own.

Reviews: SING ANYWAY, THE SUMMER MELT, and THE WEDDING DATE

 A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. 

Check them out!

SING ANYWAY by Anita Kelly

Publication Date: May 31, 2021

Pages: 124

Source: Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

SING ANYWAY was a complete joy to read. I loved the dual perspective and getting the inner thoughts of both Sam and Lily. Set in a karaoke bar, it was fun to get to know the characters through their interactions, their friends, and through their song selections. I loved how Sam and Lily had crushes on each other from afar and how they finally take a chance and meet. And we, the readers, get to experience them falling for each other in the best way.

  A favorite quote: 

"Why are we shouting facts at each other?"

This cracked me up and created an endearing moment between Sam and Lily.   

SING ANYWAY is sexy and vulnerable and hopeful and just a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to reading more by Anita Kelly and bonus, I already have their books on my shelves! 

THE SUMMER MELT by Emily March

Publication Date: June 1, 2023

Pages: 125

Source: Audible

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

THE SUMMER MELT will have readers rushing to the ice cream shoppe for a double scoop.

The short sweet novella made me giggle. I discovered this book when the author shared her promotion as a Book Bonanza signing author. I'd noticed Emily March's books before, but hadn't read any yet. Since I was attending Book Bonanza, this was a perfect time to start.

THE SUMMER MELT is set in the town Eternity Springs where people love, support, and look out for each other. It was a joy to get to know the town's people. Dana made me laugh with her G-rated curse words. And Cal is swoony as the "Even Hotter" Scot.

This story was so fun and charming and I'm already thinking about taking another trip to Eternity Springs.

 

THE WEDDING DATE by Jasmine Guillory

Publication Date: January 30, 2018

Pages: 317

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

My Thoughts

Last month I took some time to reread THE WEDDING DATE. I originally read THE WEDDING DATE in 2018 with a book club and thought it was a good idea to get reintroduced to Alexa and Drew before continuing on to the many books by Jasmine Guillory that I have on my shelves. I love a good friends with benefits/fake dating story and this is more of a stranger with benefits to friends to so much more story. My favorite part of fate dating trope is how the characters have convinced themselves that they can be together without expectations, but the reader knows that they are going to fall for each other and experiencing it all happen.

I must mention that a lot of their time together is spent snacking and eating meals. There is a level of comfort and intimacy in that which bonded Alexa and Drew in more than just friendship. All of the cheese and burgers and tacos and donuts were just as delicious as all of the yummy kisses between them.

Alexa and Drew mean a lot more to each other than they ever anticipated. There are no casual hook-ups to be had. Since they lived in different cities, they had to put in effort to see one another. Of course there was more beneath the surface for them and it made me so happy (as it always does in the fake dating trope) for them to finally figure that out for themselves.

THE WEDDING DATE reminded me just how much I love the fake dating trope and it makes me even more excited to read the other books in my Jasmine Guillory collection.

Review: THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT by Farrah Rochon

 

THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT by Farrah Rochon

Publication Date: June 9, 2020

Publisher: Forever

Pages: 345

Source: Netgalley | Purchased

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RATING

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

If you love Jasmine Guillory, Abby Jimenez and Talia Hibbert, you'll LOVE Farrah Rochon!

What happens when three women discover , thanks to the live tweeting of a disastrous date, that they've all been duped by the same man? They become friends of course!

Samiah Brooks never thought she would be 'that' girl. But a live tweet of a horrific date just revealed the painful truth: she's been catfished by a three-timing jerk of a boyfriend. Suddenly Samiah - along with his two other 'girlfriends', London and Taylor - have gone viral online. Now the three new besties are making a pact to spend the next six months investing in themselves. No men, no dating, and no worrying about their relationship status...

For once Samiah is putting herself first, and that includes finally developing the app she's always dreamed of creating. Which is the exact moment she meets the deliciously sexy, honey-eyed Daniel Collins at work. What are the chances? When it comes to love, there's no such thing as a coincidence. But is Daniel really boyfriend material or is he maybe just a little too good to be true?

MY THOUGHTS

THE BOYFRIEND PROJECT had me completely hooked from the get-go. Starting off with a Twitter scandal leading to unwanted Twitter fame, Farrah Rochon brings the laughs with entertaining dialogue and interactions between Samiah and her sister and her new friends Taylor and London. I loved this book for the friendships just as much as for the romance.

Samiah is absolutely wonderful. She's an incredible friend; she's witty and intelligent. She knows her worth and doesn't take anyone's mess.  

What I Loved:

• Women in STEM! 
• The Just Friends App - it's a cool innovative idea and I would definitely sign up
• The chemistry between Samiah and Daniel. And that hand massage! I mean how could they not catch feelings?

I enjoyed this book a lot - so much so that I included a copy in a pick-me-up care package for a friend. I hoped that it would bring her as much joy and entertainment for her as it did for me. 

Disclaimer: 

I requested this ARC from the publisher for review consideration. I was not compensated in any way other than the ARC provided. I've also purchased a finished copy for my physical library. Thoughts and opinions are my own.

What I'm Reading and Loving Right Now

What I'm Reading and Loving Right Now

Ice Planet Barbarians

Barbarian Alien

Barbarian Lover

by Ruby Dixon

(links to Goodreads

Months ago in a group chat, I asked what everyone was reading and reader after reader kept listing Ruby Dixon's ICE PLANET BARBARIANS series. At the time, I didn't know about the series but I made a note of it because SO MANY people kept talking about it. A couple of days later, I saw a paperback of ICE PLANET BARBARIANS in an airport bookstore and I was tempted to get a copy, but didn't. Jump to April and I was in the mood for something different from the contemporary romance that I usually read. It was the perfect time to start ICE PLANET BARBARIANS.

I may be a little late to the game with this series, but I don't even care because I am LOVING it. I'm having so much fun getting caught up in the stories and constanting laughing. And these stories are hot, hot, hot filled with Barbarians whose main goal is loving, adoring, and pleasing women - what's not to love about that?

What I LOVE:

• The joy I'm experiencing reading this entertaining series - it's complete escapism  
• How the couples couple up  - it's more than their khuis/cooties - they do find their perfect mates for their personalities:

Vektal and Georgie - She speaks, He listens. They have so much to learn about each other and they are eager to do so.

Liz has more in common with Raahosh than she thinks. When they figure it out, it's more explosive than either of them can imagine.

Aehako's playfulness is adorable and he's such a flirt. He can bring the calm to a situation and helps to ease Kira of her responsibilities and worries. 

• The world-building - the elements are brutal. Their environment is both primitive and futuristic and it's interesting to discover it all as the women adapt and find a new way of life on the Ice Planet.
• The fantastic illustrated covers and their gorgeous depictions of fierce women

 I am so happy that I was curious enough to begin this science fiction romance. I've read the first three books of the series so far and don't plan to stop there. I'm having too much fun!

Ruby Dixon definitely has a new fan in me AND I cannot wait to dive into this fandom and discover all of the gloriousness that everyone brings to it.

Cover Reveal: THE LOBSTER TRAP by Heidi McLaughlin and Kassidy Maye

 

Today I'm sharing the newest book from Heidi McLaughlin and Kassidy Maye with the cover reveal of The Lobster Trap.  It comes out June 13th and you can pre-order it now. I've pre-ordered my copy and can't wait to read it and get it signed when I see Heidi at Book Bonanza next month. 

THE LOBSTER TRAP (The Seaport Series, #1)

by Heidi McLaughlin and Kassidy Maye

Release Date: June 13, 2023

Book Tropes:

Opposites attract 

Small island town / Beachy 

Vacation romance 

HEA

Strangers to lovers 

City Girl meets small town boat captain  

Rags to riches  

Stuck up rich girl meets enthusiastic, larger than life boat captain

About the book:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Forever My Girl: The Motion Picture, Heidi McLaughlin takes you to the classic New England Coast for a summertime beach romance that leaves you yearning for love, a boat . . . a cup of clam chowdah! 

After graduating from Yale, Caroline Taylor embarks on a summer long vacation in the small beach town of Seaport before she starts her corporate career at Goldman Sachs. 

Dune Carter, boat captain at Blue Lobster Adventures, and notorious heartbreaker is all fun and games until he meets the one tourist who turns his head in more ways than one. 

Despite her initial resistance to his charms, Caroline finds herself drawn to Dune, and his idyllic life on the island. From the endless sunny days, warm nights, sunset boat cruises, and cobblestone roads—Caroline begins to fall in love with Seaport and the boat captain. 

However, turmoil strikes their dreamy island relationship, and Dune must attempt to conquer life off the water in the ways he has always conquered the ocean and show Caroline why he’s worth staying in Seaport.

 

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3HVMWri

Apple: https://apple.co/3nLzAHk

Nook: https://bit.ly/3VO5CyN

Kobo: https://bit.ly/44N3HPi

Follow the series on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seaportseries 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/146309553-the-lobster-trap 

About Heidi:

Heidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.

Originally, from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband, two daughters, and their three dogs.

In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.

Heidi's first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018, and is now available on DVD & Digital.

To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com

Social Media:

Website: http://heidimclaughlin.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeidiMcLaughlin/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeidiJoVT/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heidimclaughlinauthor/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6568302.Heidi_McLaughlin 

Goodreads Group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/184432-heidi-s-hangout

Text GETHEIDISBOOKS to (833) 926-1009

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/HeidisNewsletter 

BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/heidi-mclaughlin 

About Kassidy: 

Kassidy Maye, owner of The Tuesday List and law student, dips her toes into the other side of the literary world with her debut novel, The Lobster Trap, co-written with her mother, Heidi McLaughlin.  

Social Media:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/44JpHKN 

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/41mz7Jl

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kassidymaye/

I'm participating in BOUT OF BOOKS 37

I'm participating in Bout of Books 37. This is the first readathon I've participated in a few years and I'm looking forward to participating in the daily photos on IG and connecting with other readers. I'll share the books I'm reading along the way on Twitter and Instagram with #boutofbooks. 

About Bout of Books

The Bout of Books readathon is organized by Amanda Shofner and Kelly Rubidoux Apple. It’s a weeklong readathon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 8th and runs through Sunday, May 14th in YOUR time zone. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are reading sprints, daily Discord questions, and exclusive Instagram challenges, but they’re all completely optional. For all Bout of Books 37 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Reviews: HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, FOURTH DOWN, and BUNS

A collection of mini-reviews, quick thoughts, and books worth mentioning. 

Check them out!

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR by Sophie Sullivan

Publication Date: January 18, 2022

Pages: 352

Source: Publisher | Netgalley

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I want to read more books that make me laugh, and I'm happy to add HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR to that growing list.

I was hooked by the cover alone - the crossed out Hate is that one simple thing that made me want to read this book. I just knew that it was going to be a lot of fun. HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR is described as an enemies to lovers romantic comedy, but I think it's more like strangers to friends to lovers to friends to so much more. I loved Grace and Noah's game of getting to know each other.

HOW TO LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR was a fun take on Trading Spaces and House Swapping. It was a fun, feel good book about figuring out who is important to us in our lives and making time and space for those people.

"We need to stop trying to prove ourselves to people that aren't even paying attention."

From the acknowledgments:

"To all of the people whp are afraid to jump because the landing is uncertain; I hope you find the courage to take the leap. Even when the landing hurts a bit, it is so incredibly worth it."

I love this so much and it's why I always read the acknowledgments.

FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin

(The Portland Pioneers, #1)

Publication Date: August 10, 2021

Pages: 336

Source: Buoni Amici Press | Library

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

I was excited when I saw that my library had an audiobook copy of FOURTH DOWN by Heidi McLaughlin and I downloaded it right away. I'm so glad that I listened to the audiobook as my second reading was more enjoyable than the first. To have the story presented in a voice other than my own changed the tone of the book, it added to the humor and flirtatiousness that I didn't necessarily pick up on, and that's what I needed.

FOURTH DOWN is the first book of the new Portland Pioneers series and an enemies-to-lovers sports romance.

What I liked:

• Autumn - she's compassionate and self-assured and she has an ease about her
• Autumn's developing friendship with Peyton, I love reading about women supporting women
• The Beaumont Series connection - it was funny to read the men of 4225 West as the older dudes
• Julius's children - Reggie and Roxy - they are adorable and their presence helped shape the story

Julius wasn't my favorite person. He had a lot of misdirected anger and Autumn definitely has a more forgiving heart than I do. It took me longer to warm up to Julius and understand the pain he was dealing with. I'm just glad that they were able to figure it out and find the love that they both deserve.

I'm looking forward to reading more books in this series.

BUNS by Alice Clayton

Publication Date: May 23, 2017

Pages: 320

Source: Purchased

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis (link to Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS

My book club knows that we can turn to Alice Clayton when we need a good laugh. The first two books, Nuts and Cream of the Crop, had us rolling so of course we had to read the third book in the Hudson Valley series, Buns.

I loved the idyllic setting and the Dirty Dancing comparison. Luckily we live close to one of the Mountain lodges where the movie was filmed and I'm tempted to take a day trip to relive the story all over again.

I loved reading Archie and Clara working together and falling for each other and the silly situations they got themselves into. And it was fun to fall for Archie who seemed aloof, but was anything but.  

I'm sad to say goodbye to the people of Hudson Valley with the end of this series - but I would love to catch up with them at a wedding or weekend getaway. A bonus story is all I would ask for.