Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez

When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn't expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn't just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30, and Vanessa doesn't want to take anything for granted.

But after her half sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her baby daughter, life goes from "daily adventure" to "next-level bad" (now with bonus baby vomit in hair). The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she'd be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua.

Now she's feeling things she's vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see.

Paperback, 384 pages

Published April 6, 2021

 by Forever

4/5 stars

This is the third book in Abby Jimenez's trilogy, The Friend's Zone, my favourite of the three. I came to this one as a hybrid read - splitting my time between the book and the audiobook - a great way to read.

The first 2 books leaned heavily on miscommunication, a trope that is not my favourite.  One discussion would have cleared everything up.  This being the author's debut series, I felt she was finding her groove in those earlier titles. Most readers absolutely loved them and I get it, but they just weren't quite there for me.

This one, though? Different story entirely. Life is Too Short has many layers, which is exactly what I look for. Like her previous books, Jimenez tackles a serious theme, but this time around the story felt less repetitive and had a much better flow. The dual POVs gave real depth to both main characters - I genuinely felt like I got to know them better, which made all the difference.

Add in witty banter, a baby and a gloriously ugly dog and you have a book that balances heart and humour beautifully.

Abby Jimenez has become an auto-read author for me. It's like she gets better with each release.  

This book was #14 in my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge.

The Shippers Katherine Center

One of the hottest, fastest-rising rom-com stars delivers her latest swoon-worthy novel about a destination wedding on a cruise ship.

After a whole lifetime of being bad at love, JoJo Burton decides to solve her intimacy issues once and for all at her sister’s destination wedding on a cruise ship. With the help of a little pop psychology, she diagnoses herself with a fixation on the neighborhood guy who was her her first crush and first kiss (and who just happens to be a newly-divorced wedding guest ), and she decides to woo him during the cruise for some long-delayed closure. Only problem is, her sister’s a little busy being a bride at the moment—so JoJo ropes in her childhood bestie, Cooper Watts, to be her wing man. Cooper: who RSVPed no, but then showed up, anyway. Cooper: who left town without a word four years earlier and moved to London. Cooper: who was, if she’s honest, the worst heartbreak of JoJo’s life. It’s bliss for her to see him again, and it’s agony, too—and the more they team up for Project Conquest, the more she obsesses over questions she can’t bring herself to ask.

Shipboard antics ensue in this witty, heart-tugging, childhood-friends-to-lovers romance—as JoJo and Cooper fake flirt, slow dance, share a cabin, sing duets, treat sunburns, get jealous, rescue each other over and over, and finally, at last, figure it all out in the most blissful, swoony, romantic way.

No one does summer romance quite like Katherine Center. THE SHIPPERS will take readers on the cruise of a lifetime in a story awash with romantic longing, top-notch banter, long-held secrets . . . and true love rediscovered.

Kindle Edition, 336 pages

Expected publication May 19, 2026

 by St. Martin's Press

3.75/5 stars

Katherine Center is an auto-read author for me. Ever since reading The Bodyguard, I’ve been slowly working my way through her backlist, and I’ll pretty much pick up anything new she releases.

I was also lucky enough to receive both a digital and audiobook ARC for this one, so I ended up doing a bit of a hybrid read, which worked really well for this kind of story.

The audiobook is narrated by Patti Murin, I’ve listened to a number of books she’s done before and have always enjoyed them. She really does know how to bring a book to life.

A romance set on a cruise ship? As a cruiser myself, I couldn't wait to dig in.

The setting was a lot of fun. Between the wedding prep, the close quarters and all the classic cruise ship moments, it made for a easy, beach read. It has that light, escapist feel her books are known for, but still with some emotional depth underneath.

JoJo is definitely one of those slightly messy, figuring-it-out characters. Her plan to 'fix' her love life added some humour, but also highlighted some deeper issues. I didn’t always agree with her choices but I understood where she was coming from. Then there is Cooper… the childhood best friend who left without a word. Their history is what drives this story. It added tension and gives the romance more weight, even when the story leans into the lighter, rom-com moments.

The romance hits a lot of familiar tropes along with Center's witty banter is always fun to read. Overall, this was a fun, easy read. Not my favourite of hers, but still a solid addition to her backlist and exactly the kind of book I reach for when I want something light and romantic.

My thanks to Macmillain Audio and St. Martin's Press for audio/digital arc in exchange for honest review.

The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez

Two years after losing her fiancé, Sloan Monroe still can't seem to get her life back on track. But one trouble-making pup with a "take me home" look in his eyes is about to change everything. With her new pet by her side, Sloan finally starts to feel more like herself. Then, after weeks of unanswered texts, Tucker's owner reaches out. He's a musician on tour in Australia. And bottom line: He wants Tucker back.

Well, Sloan's not about to give up her dog without a fight. But what if this Jason guy really loves Tucker? As their flirty texts turn into long calls, Sloan can't deny a connection. Jason is hot and nice and funny. There's no telling what could happen when they meet in person. The question is: With his music career on the rise, how long will Jason really stick around? And is it possible for Sloan to survive another heartbreak?

From the USA Today bestselling author of The Friend Zone comes an adorable and fresh romantic comedy about one trouble-making dog who brings together two perfect strangers.

Paperback, 400 pages

Published April 14, 2020

 by Forever

4/5 stars

This is book 2 in The Friend Zone series, which started with The Friend Zone.  You can get away without reading it first but I still recommend it.

The Happy Ever After Playlist is a story of healing and new beginnings.    It's been 2 years since tragedy struck Sloan's life.  Is she ready to move on, open her heart again?  While there is no set time limit on grief, taking that first step is the hardest. 

With the help of Tucker, the doggie, this was a fun read with Jimenez's usual wit, banter and heart. I enjoyed being along side Sloan on this journey as she rediscovers herself and imagines a future for herself.

Coming in at 400 pages, it might have felt a be long but worth it.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #11

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

Kristen Petersen doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.

Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen -- especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length.

Paperback, 384 pages

Published June 11, 2019

 by Forever

3/5 stars

I first discovered Abby Jimenez a few books ago and quickly became a fan.  Her witty banter, fun characters, heartfelt stories and there is always a dog to round things out nicely.   So I was curious to read her back list and started with The Friend Zone and am pretty sure this is her debut.

Again I was treated to all the things I mentioned already.  Her characters are engaging and she has a way of mixing humour with emotional moments.  There is always a strong and relevant message given also.

That being said, this one didn't hit the same level for me as some of her later books.  I still enjoyed the story overall but found parts of it felt a bit repetitive and some of the secrets were drawn out longer than necessary.

Even with that it was an enjoyable read and nice to read Jimenez's earlier works.  I have already finished book 2 in this series, The Happy Ever After Playlist.  That review is coming in a couple days.

This book was part of my 2026 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge, #8

Finders Keepers by Sarah Adler

Two estranged best friends find that a long-abandoned treasure hunt might be the key to a fresh start—for both their futures and their feelings, from USA Today bestselling author Sarah Adler.

Last week, Nina Hunnicutt was a professor about to move into a gorgeous new apartment with her long-term boyfriend. Now, she’s single, unemployed, and living with her parents. Even more surprising is the fact that Quentin Bell, her childhood neighbor (and okay, fine, crush), is also back in town—and wants to resume the treasure hunt that ended their friendship almost two decades ago.

Hoping the reward promised to whoever finds the rumored riches left behind by the town’s eccentric turn-of-the-century seltzer magnate will help her get her life back on track, Nina agrees. Granted, last time the search resulted in a broken heart and seventeen years of silence. But Nina’s older and wiser now—surely things will be different.

Except, Quentin is also older and wiser…not to mention distractingly handsome. As they resume their hunt, Nina and Quentin begin to rediscover all the things they once loved best about each other. But unlike the treasure, the secrets that left them empty-handed the first time refuse to stay buried. If there’s any hope of finding what they’re looking for—and for a future together—Nina and Quentin will have to be brave enough to excavate their past as well.

Kindle, Edition, 396 pages

Published June 24, 2025

 by Berkley

3.5/5 stars

This was my first time reading anything by Sarah Adler, Finders Keepers was such a fun, feel-good surprise. It’s a second-chance romance about two estranged best friends who reunite years later to finish a treasure hunt they started as teens. It isn't like they planned this but circumstances in life have them back in their hometowns when life throws some curve balls their way.

Finders Keepers had just the right amount of emotional depth mixed with some quirky and lighthearted moments. There’s some humor sprinkled in, I found myself smiling at the banter and the ridiculous (but charming) situations the characters get into. It wasn't super deep or dramatic but it didn't need to be, this is the kind of book to pick up when you want something playful and adventurous.

I’m glad I gave Sarah Adler a try, I will be checking out her backlist.

My thanks to Berkley Publishing Group for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

Writing Mr. Right by Alina Khawaja

In this charming, delightfully original rom-com, a struggling writer’s muse suddenly comes to life, but can they create their own happily-ever-after?

Legal secretary by day, aspiring novelist by night, Ziya Khan pours herself into writing stories featuring the kinds of diverse characters she loves. In exchange, she’s got a growing pile of rejection letters. When yet another “thanks but no thanks” arrives on the eve of her thirtieth birthday, Ziya decides to throw her novel and her dreams in the trash. End of story.

Except that when Ziya wakes up, there’s a flesh-and-blood version of her muse standing in her kitchen. His name is Aashiq, and it’s his job to inspire Ziya to write again. From singing karaoke to standing up for herself at work, he’s pushing Ziya out of the sidelines and into the world, showing her how to live and love fully.

Even more impossibly, something starts to blossom between them. But as Ziya rediscovers the joy of writing, Aashiq starts to disappear. His job is almost done. And it seems soon Ziya will have to choose: her art…or her heart?

Kindle Edition, 296 pages

Published June 10, 2025

 by MIRA

3/5 stars

Writing Mr. Right caught my eye because of its bookish theme and it's unique premise.  A struggling writer, Ziya, is ready to give up on her dream after yet another rejection. She deletes everything she’s written... only for her muse to show up the very next day. In person. And yes, he’s charming, quirky, and oddly insightful, not to mention kind of attractive.

The story kicks off with a fun and comical tone as Ziya adjusts to being followed around by this mysterious muse named Aashiq.  The banter is light and their interactions entertaining, especially as she starts to open up again creatively. It doesn't take long to know the direction these 2 are heading but the twist, of course, is that he isn't really real. Which adds an intriguing layer to the whole thing.

The author’s writing style is very descriptive, sometimes beautifully so, capturing emotions and settings with vivid detail and at other times it felt a little too much, especially when it came to describing sights, sounds and even smells. But that could just be a me thing.

Overall it’s a sweet, magical read that blends romance, creativity and self-discovery. If you enjoy books about books with a hint of magical realism and feel-good vibes, Writing Mr. Rright is worth checking out.

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

Paperback, 416 pages

Audiobook, 9 hours, 59 minutes

Published April 1, 2025

 by Piatkus/Forever

5/5 stars

This is Abby Jimenez's new book and I went into it totally blind. I had no idea what it was about, but it’s Abby Jimenez, so I knew that I would love it.

Told from the point of view of Xavier, a veterinarian who just happens to be gorgeous and that of Samantha, a spunky woman who brings her kitty in for a pet visit. What follows is the perfect date and then life gets in the way with Sam moving across the country.

I listened to most of this in audio format on a recent road trip.  The reader did a fantastic job of bringing this story to life, but ultimately it was the author that wove an intricate story about Xavier and Samantha's relationship and the struggles they faced. As someone who has dealt with dementia in an elderly parent, this book was spot on in all the struggles that come with that diagnosis. For Samantha, I could feel what this family was going through.

Say You’ll Remember Me is a story of caregivers, family, loss, past hurts and long distance romance. Along with all those serious subject matter, Abby was able to write a story that played on a pile of emotions, I laughed out loud, my heart broke for this family, I felt anger of past betrayals and I enjoyed the furry friends that rounded this cast out nicely.

The ending was nice and considering this is book one in a series I can’t wait to see what happens next.

This book was part of my 2025 reading off my shelf challenge (#27) with the audio through the library via CloudLibrary

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

It’s a thin line between love and love-hating.

Katie Vaughn has been burned by love in the past—now she may be lighting her career on fire. She has two choices: wait to get laid off from her job as a video producer or, at her coworker Cole’s request, take a career-making gig profiling Tom “Hutch” Hutcheson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in Key West.

The catch? Katie’s not exactly qualified. She can’t swim—but fakes it that she can.

Plus: Cole is Hutch’s brother. And they don’t get along. Next stop paradise!

But paradise is messier than it seems. As Katie gets entangled with Hutch (the most scientifically good looking man she has ever seen . . . but also a bit of a love hater), along with his colorful Aunt Rue and his rescue Great Dane, she gets trapped in a lie. Or two.

Swim lessons, helicopter flights, conga lines, drinking contests, hurricanes, and stolen kisses ensue—along with chances to tell the truth, to face old fears, and to be truly brave at last.

Kindle edition, 320 pages

Audiobook, 10 hours

Expected publication May 20, 2025

by St. Martin's Press/Macmillan Audio

5/5 stars

Oh how good it feels to jump into a Katherine Centre story, some of my favourite rom/coms she has penned.  The Love Haters releases in less than a month, I highly recommend it.

Told from Katie Vaughn's point of view she takes on a job she is nowhere near qualified for, She is not only trying to help a coworker out but also possibly saving her own job. She gets way more than she bargained for.

As I’ve come to expect with this author, this wasn't just a rom/com, she also deals with relevant subject matter. For Katie, it is dealing with her inner demons in terms of body image, love ability and being too hard on herself. With a wonderful cast of characters I was thoroughly entertained with a story that was heartfelt. It made me laugh, smile and feel for all the characters, even George.

I was lucky enough to get both the e-book and audiobook for review purposes and I listened and read both. Center’s books are a perfect fit for audio since they are usually from the point of view of the main character, it's like she’s telling her story. The reader did an awesome job bringing Katie's story to life with heart and emotion. The e-book worked great for curling up on the couch to read and unwind. I will be adding the print copy to my shelf to go with her other books.

The Love Haters is a story of friendship, loss, self love and stepping out of your comfort zone. There is a Great Dane named George Bailey, who one can’t help but love along with Lucky his new little friend.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for advanced copies in exchange for a honest review.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez

Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, he’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.

Kindle Edition, 82 pages 

Expected publication March 1, 2025 

by Amazon Original Stories

4/5 stars

The thing with any Abby Jimenez short story is that, though they are short and sweet, I would love this to be a full length novel.  But given that she has a new release next month this is a great teaser.  Not that the new book involves the same characters, its her writing and unique/fun stories that we get.

The Fall Risk actually does start with a bang or at least things that go bump in the night (or early morning).  What followed were 2 characters with trust/love issues that are forced to spend time together and develop a nice little friendship.  Kinda weird how it happened, but whatever this was a fun rom/com with great banter, strong subject matter and a couple zany friends that added that extra spark.

As with typical Jimenez fashion there is always a critter that tries to steal the show, in this case its Swim Shady.

I received a digital copy free via the Amazon First Reads program in exchange for a honest review.

What You Wish For by Katherine Center

Samantha Casey is a school librarian who loves her job, the kids, and her school family with passion and joy for living.
But she wasn’t always that way.
Duncan Carpenter is the new school principal who lives by rules and regulations, guided by the knowledge that bad things can happen.
But he wasn’t always that way.

And Sam knows it. Because she knew him before—at another school, in a different life. Back then, she loved him—but she was invisible. To him. To everyone. Even to herself. She escaped to a new school, a new job, a new chance at living. But when Duncan, of all people, gets hired as the new principal there, it feels like the best thing that could possibly happen to the school—and the worst thing that could possibly happen to Sam. Until the opposite turns out to be true. The lovable Duncan she’d known is now a suit-and-tie wearing, rule-enforcing tough guy so hell-bent on protecting the school that he’s willing to destroy it.

As the school community spirals into chaos, and danger from all corners looms large, Sam and Duncan must find their way to who they really are, what it means to be brave, and how to take a chance on love—which is the riskiest move of all.

With Katherine Center’s sparkling dialogue, unforgettable characters, heart, hope, and humanity, What You Wish For is the author at her most compelling best.

Paperback, 368 pages

Published July 13, 2021

 by Griffin

3.5/5 stars

As I continue to make my way slowly through Katherine Center's backlist I listened to the audiobook of What You Wish For on a travel day recently.

What You Wish For started out as a fun and quirky story. When Samantha meets up with your former coworker, she realizes how much he has changed from his past quirky fun loving self. She wants to know what happened, well one part of her wants to know what happened the other is trying to make him fun again.

This was a lighthearted story that also dealt with some serious subject matter, not just for Duncan, but for Samantha as well

What You Wish For is a story of healing, friendship, and standing up for something you believe in.
Though this isn’t one of my favourite Katherine Centre books I did enjoy it. I love the message and the ending.

My audiobook was obtained through my CloudLibrary subscription from my local library.

The Perfect Rom-Com: A Romance Novel for Book Lovers by Melissa Ferguson

She's written dozens of smash hit romance novels. Too bad no one knows it.

Aspiring author Bryony Page attends her first writers conference bursting with optimism and ready to sell her manuscript with long-shot dreams of raising awareness for The Bridge, her grandmother's financially struggling organization where she teaches ESL full-time. But after a disastrous pitch session, she stumbles into correcting another author's work in a last-ditch attempt to make a good impression with the agent. And she, as it turns out, is spot on.

No one is more surprised than Bryony when the agent offers her the opportunity to be a ghostwriter for Amelia Benedict, popular rom-com novelist. Bryony agrees on one she'll write books for this vain, demanding woman just as long as Jack Sterling, literary agent of the legendary Foundry Literary Agency, works to sell her own book too.

What nobody predicted, however, was that Bryony's books would turn Amelia Benedict into the Amelia Benedict, household name and bestselling author with millions of copies sold around the world.

And just like that, the Foundry Agency can't let her go.

But on a personal note, Jack is realizing he can't either.

Don't miss the delightful romantic comedy, The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson, a story of two seemingly mismatched hearts brought together by fate, proving that sometimes, the perfect love story is hidden in the pages of a well-loved book.

Kindle Edition, 304 pages

Expected publication February 11, 2025

by Thomas Nelson

4/5

Sometimes after some heavy books, you need something light, laugh out loud funny, and a cute story. Which is exactly what I got with The Perfect Rom-Com. I was sucked in with the opening chapter as Bryony attends her first writing conference. Struggling and nervous she prepares for her pitch sessions. As one who has been to a number of conferences I totally felt for her.

While trying to save her grandmother‘s school for ESL Bryony walks away from said conference with an opportunity that just might save it, even if her manuscript is door stopper in size. While there were times, I found the story dragged a little in terms of the plot I was thoroughly entertained with the witty banter, a look into the publishing world along with some characters that I liked. Well, until there was one that I didn’t.

A lot of the story took place in Bryony’s mind which was fine for me as it made me root for her and understand her way of thinking. She has had an interesting life and always puts others before herself, so it was nice to see her transformation throughout. Jack is her agent who is somewhat mysterious, well charming at the same time. Yes there is romance but this is more about Bryony's journey as she endeavors to follow her dreams.

You can find The Perfect Rom-Com on your book shelves on February 11. My thanks to Thomas Nelson for a digital arc in exchange for a honest review.

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

A recently deceased woman meets “the one” in the afterlife waiting room, scoring a second chance at life (and love!) if she can find him on Earth before ten days are up….

If she wasn’t dead already, Delphie would be dying of embarrassment. Not only did she just die by choking on a microwaveable burger, she’s also now standing in her "sparkle and shine" nightie in front of the hottest man she’s ever seen. And he’s smiling at her.

As they start to chat, everything else becomes background noise. That is, until someone comes running through a door yelling something about a huge mistake and sends the dreamy stranger back down to Earth. And here Delphie was thinking her luck might be different in the afterlife.

When Delphie is offered a deal in which she can return to Earth and reconnect with the mysterious man, she jumps at the opportunity to find her possible soulmate and a fresh start. But to find him in a city of millions, Delphie is going to have to listen to her heart, learn to ask for help, and perhaps even see the magic in the life she’s leaving behind. . . .

Paperback, 369 pages

Published July 2, 2024

 by Berkley

4/5 stars

Who knew that a hamburger could create a funny rom/com with a touch of the afterlife?

For Delphie, such is the case. She chokes on a microwaveable hamburger, dies then meets the love of her life. Her mission is a second chance to change your life while searching for loves true kiss.

It might sound corny, but it worked. I had fun reading this one. It was kinda quirky, with some witty banter, likeable characters and some cringe worthy moments that I find common in rom/coms. Along with all that is some good old-fashioned life lessons.

The Love of my Afterlife is the story of second chances, determination, and listening to your heart with a touch of magic thrown in.  A book and author I recommend.

This book was part of my 2024 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge

The Situationship by Abby Jimenez

Find out how Maddy and Doug met in this sweet and hilarious short story from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

Travel nurse Maddy doesn't have time for a relationship, not even with the ruggedly handsome farmer who she feels a spark of attraction to.

Doug is a walking green flag. After a run in with Maddy thanks to the Wakan town mascot, Kevin Bacon the pig, he can't help but feel the spark too.

Even though she doesn't plan on staying in Minnesota forever, Maddy believes she and Doug can still have a fling… or maybe they’ll just find themselves in a situationship.

“The Situationship”was originally published as a bonus chapter in the Target exclusive edition of Just for the Summer. This ebook original also includes a first look at Abby’s new release, Say You’ll Remember Me.

Kindle Edition, 37 pages

Published September 24, 2024

 by Forever 

5/5 stars

 A fun short story that is part of the book, Just for the Summer. I loved that book, which I reviewed on 10/17/24. Though this could be read as a standalone, it will contain spoilers for Just for the Summer.

Not alot to say other than this was a sweet, funny story about Maddy, a traveling nurse. The banter is one of Abby Jimenez's trademarks, which shines through in these 37 pages. Plus there is Kevin Bacon the pig, you can tell the author loves animals, they are always a welcome bonus. Critters make everything better. 

I would have loved for this to be a longer story, but it was still a great addition to Just For the Summer.

I purchased this novella from amazon for 99 cents and you can too!

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter

Bad luck has always followed Olivia Marshall... or maybe she's just the screw-up her family thinks she is. But when a What are you wearing? text from a random wrong number turns into the hottest, most entertaining--albeit anonymous--relationship of her life, she thinks things might be on the upswing....

Colin Beck has always considered Olivia his best friend's annoying little sister, but when she moves in with them after one of her worst runs of luck, he realizes she's turned into an altogether different and sexier distraction. He's sure he can keep his distance, until the moment he discovers she's the irresistible Miss Misdial he's been sort of sexting for weeks--and now he has to decide whether to turn the heat up or ghost her before things get messy.

Things get textual when a steamy message from a random wrong number turns into a thrilling anonymous relationship in this hilarious rom-com by Lynn Painter.

Paperback, 352 pages

Published March 1, 2022

 by Berkley Books

2.5/5 stars

This is my first Lynn Painter book. I read it many months ago while on vacation, it was a hybrid read meaning I listened and I read. Did I love it, not really. So take this short review with a grain of salt.

It did start off good with some fun text messaging, it was funny in parts with some good banter. Olivia started out as an interesting, spontaneous character, but after a while she just got on my nerves with her selfish actions and immaturity.  

The concept for this book with the text messaging was cool but over time I just felt that the book dragged on longer than necessary. 

Will I try another Lynn Painter book, absolutely since I have a couple on my bookshelf, maybe on my next vacation.

This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge

Funny Story by Emily Henry

It's a funny story. . . .

DAPHNE always loved the way her fiancé Peter, told their story. How they met (on a blustery day), fell in love (over an errant hat), and moved back to his lakeside hometown to begin their life together. He really was good at telling it . . . right up until the moment he realized he was actually in love with his childhood best friend Petra.

Which is how Daphne begins her new story: stranded in beautiful Waning Bay, Michigan, without friends or family but with a dream job as a children’s librarian (that barely pays the bills), and proposing to be roommates with the only person who could possibly understand her predicament: Petra’s ex, Miles Nowak.

Scruffy and chaotic—with a penchant for taking solace in the sounds of heart break love ballads—Miles is exactly the opposite of practical, buttoned-up Daphne, whose coworkers know so little about her they have a running bet that she’s either FBI or in witness protection. The roommates mainly avoid one another, until one day, while drowning their sorrows, they form a tenuous friendship and a plan. If said plan also involves posting deliberately misleading photos of their summer adventures together, well, who could blame them?

But it’s all just for show, of course, because there’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex . . . right?

Hardcover, 400 pages

Published April 23, 2024

by Berkley

5/5 stars

I’ll confess I went into Funny Story a little bit apprehensive. Emily Henry’s previous book Happy Place was not a favourite of mine. I am happy to report that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had everything I love in a rom/com.

Funny Story is a funny story about Daphne and Miles.  Left practically at the altar when her fiancé Peter says he is in love with his childhood best friend Petra. Petra leaves her boyfriend Miles when she declares her loves for Peter. What follows is Daphne with no place else to go and ends up being Mile's roommate. There is no romantic entanglement, but Daphne just needed to find a new place to live.

Funny Story has great banter. It had fake dating and what it didn't have was insta love or even insta lust (thank goodness). Rather it was two individuals working through their heartache, getting to know each other and knowing what the other was going through.  But it also had deeper issues for Daphne to deal with.

Like I said, great banter, great storyline and characters to root for. Definitely five stars from me.

This book was part of my 2024 reading off my shelf challenge.

The Honeymoon Crashers by Christina Lauren

A perfectionist maid of honor and a carefree, surfer-bro best man team up to plan a wedding and end up finding a spark of their own in the first audio original from author duo Christina Lauren, a full-cast sequel to their New York Times bestseller The Unhoneymooners.

Ami is determined to break the Torres family wedding curse. Her own disaster of a reception ended with all the guests getting food poisoning, and she left her cheating husband soon after. But even though she’s still processing her own divorce, Ami won’t let her twin sister Olive’s day be anything but perfect. Olive may think she wants a private ceremony in Maui, where she and her fiancé Ethan first fell in love, but Ami knows better and secretly flies the whole Torres family out to surprise the couple. Now she and her meticulously organized binder have less than two weeks to get everything together for the big day, thousands of miles from home.

Enter Brody, Ethan’s best man, who happens to be living in Maui and insists on helping with the preparations. His playfully elaborate schemes and happy-go-lucky attitude are the last thing Ami needs. When sparks start to fly, could it derail all her carefully laid plans?

Equal parts hilarious and swoon-worthy, this full-cast production is your ticket to the ultimate destination wedding, bringing to life both a captivating couple and an unforgettable family. The Honeymoon Crashers is Christina Lauren at their charming, hilarious best.

 Audiobook, 4 hours, 47 minutes

Published August 1, 2023

 by Simon & Schuster Audio Originals

3/5 stars

A cute follow-up to The Unhoneymooners, that takes place in Hawaii.  This novella/short story is one I would have preferred to read vs listen to.  It was different from any audiobook I've listened to before, with sound effects and more dramatization.

The story itself was fun, predictable and a nice addition to its predecessor. Though it would have been nice to have been a little longer, maybe see more of Ami's life after her divorce, amongst other things (possible spoiler).

I listened to this audio via CloudLibrary.

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

She’s rewriting his love story. But can she rewrite her own?

Emma Wheeler desperately longs to be a screenwriter. She’s spent her life studying, obsessing over, and writing romantic comedies―good ones! That win contests! But she’s also been the sole caretaker for her kind-hearted dad, who needs full-time care. Now, when she gets a chance to re-write a script for famous screenwriter Charlie Yates―The Charlie Yates! Her personal writing god!―it’s a break too big to pass up.

Emma’s younger sister steps in for caretaking duties, and Emma moves to L.A. for six weeks for the writing gig of a lifetime. But what is it they say? Don’t meet your heroes? Charlie Yates doesn’t want to write with anyone―much less “a failed, nobody screenwriter.” Worse, the romantic comedy he’s written is so terrible it might actually bring on the apocalypse. Plus! He doesn’t even care about the script―it’s just a means to get a different one green-lit. Oh, and he thinks love is an emotional Ponzi scheme.

But Emma’s not going down without a fight. She will stand up for herself, and for rom-coms, and for love itself. She will convince him that love stories matter―even if she has to kiss him senseless to do it. But . . . what if that kiss is accidentally amazing? What if real life turns out to be so much . . . more real than fiction? What if the love story they’re writing breaks all Emma’s rules―and comes true?

Kindle Edition, 325 pages

Expected publication June 11, 2024 

by St. Martin's Press

4.5/5 stars

Coming next week to a bookstore near you The Rom-Commers is Katherine Centers’s latest. An auto read author for me, I was fortunate enough to get both the digital and audio arc. I highly recommend both formats.

The Rom-Commers is the story of Emma Wheeler, whom I connected to her right away, I think mostly because I have been a caretaker myself so I was able to feel what she was going through, how she put her life on hold. Then there is Charlie Yates, the cranky screen writer who is idolized by Emma, but has no desire to have her help.  He is having issues with the rom/com he is writing (though he doesn't really know it...yet).

This was a great read, there was great banter, laugh out loud moments along with a serious side - as I have come to expect with this author. It was well written with real characters in real life situations. Definitely a book and author I recommend.  Be sure to read the blurb, it gives more details into the story - if you want, I actually went in blind.

My thanks to St. Martin’s Press for a digital arc and McMillan Audio for the audio arc.

The Husbands by Holly Gramazio

When Lauren returns home to her flat in London late one night, she is greeted at the door by her husband, Michael. There’s only one problem—she’s not married. She’s never seen this man before in her life. But according to her friends, her much-improved decor, and the photos on her phone, they’ve been together for years.

As Lauren tries to puzzle out how she could be married to someone she can’t remember meeting, Michael goes to the attic to change a lightbulb and abruptly disappears. In his place, a new man emerges, and a new, slightly altered life re-forms around her. Realizing that her attic is creating an infinite supply of husbands, Lauren confronts the question: If swapping lives is as easy as changing a lightbulb, how do you know you’ve taken the right path? When do you stop trying to do better and start actually living?

Paperback, 352 pages

Published April 2, 2024

by Doubleday Canada

2.5/5 stars

This book was an impulse buy for me, and sometimes those work out and sometimes they don't. It's also a ReadwithJenna pick. Again sometimes these celebrity picks work and sometimes they don't.

Let me warn you, I'm going against the flow with my thoughts on this one. The premise is intriguing - imagine coming home single only to find your husband waiting for you in your flat. And it's set in England, which is one of my favorite settings. But it doesn't take long for Lauren to realize she can exchange her husband by sending him back up to the attic and a new one appears. So many questions arise, like how does this happen and how does one stay sane after going through hundreds of husbands?

The writing was good, and I enjoyed getting to know Lauren and her quirky personality, she was kinda flat though. But after 150 pages I was wondering what the point of the book was. And even after 260 pages, I was left scratching my head. Maybe 352 pages was a bit longish. 

I usually like magical realism books with a touch of sci-fi or supernatural elements, but in this case, the magical attic is never really explained. The ending was sudden and fitting, but not satisfying because I didn't feel like I got a clear takeaway from the story.

This book was part of my 2024 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge

This Spells Love by Kate Robb

A young woman tries to heal her heartbreak by casting a spell to erase her ex from her past, but she wakes up in an alternate reality where she’s lost more than she wished for in this witty, whimsical friends-to-lovers debut.

What if one little wish changed everything?

When Gemma gets dumped by her long-term boyfriend, she reacts the way any reasonable twenty-eight-year-old would: by getting drunk with her sister, kooky aunt, and best friend, Dax. After one too many margaritas, they decide to perform a love- cleansing spell, which promises to erase Gemma’s ex from her memory. They follow all the instructions, including a platonic kiss from Dax to seal the deal.

When Gemma wakes up, she realizes that this silly spell has worked. Not only does it seem that she never dated her ex, but the rest of her life is completely unrecognizable. The worst part: Dax has no idea who she is.

To reverse the spell and get back to her old life, Gemma must convince her once-best-friend-now-near-stranger to kiss her. But as she carries out her plans, she finds herself falling for him—hard. Soon, Gemma begins to wonder whether she even wants to go back to the way things once were. What if Dax was The One all along?

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published December 5, 2023

 by Dial Press Trade Paperback

3/5 stars

This Spells Love is a book that I wanted to love. It is by a Canadian author with a Canadian setting that I am very familiar with. The book started off great with a little bit of magic and a nice blend of characters, Gemma the recently jilted, her sister, and an aunt who dabbles in magically spells. Gemma wants to forget the four years she spent with Stuart. She wishes that they never happened and after one too many margaritas her wish comes true, but with repercussions she never anticipated. Now she has one month to correct it.

There were parts in the beginning that I really struggled with, but once I hit the 60% mark it picked up and I finished it in one sitting. I think my only problem was parts in the first half were a bit disjointed, too convenient and the Insta love didn’t feel authentic. I was hoping for more of a magical feel as the blurb hint to, but alas, the magic played a small part.

All in all This Spells Love was a cute and quick read that redeemed itself in the last half.

This book was part of my 2023 reading off my shelf challenge (#91). My copy was obtained through my November book of the month.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

Sometimes, the worst day of your life happens, and you have to figure out how to live after it.

So Clementine forms a plan to keep her heart safe: stay busy, work hard, find someone decent to love, and try to remember to chase the moon. The last one is silly and obviously metaphorical, but her aunt always told her that you needed at least one big dream to keep going. And for the last year, that plan has gone off without a hitch. Mostly. The love part is hard because she doesn’t want to get too close to anyone—she isn’t sure her heart can take it.

And then she finds a strange man standing in the kitchen of her late aunt’s apartment. A man with kind eyes and a Southern drawl and a taste for lemon pies. The kind of man that, before it all, she would’ve fallen head-over-heels for. And she might again.

Except, he exists in the past. Seven years ago, to be exact. And she, quite literally, lives seven years in his future.

Her aunt always said the apartment was a pinch in time, a place where moments blended together like watercolors. And Clementine knows that if she lets her heart fall, she’ll be doomed.

After all, love is never a matter of time—but a matter of timing.

An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics.

Paperback, 352 pages

Published June 27, 2023 

by Berkley

4.5/5 stars

Ashley Poston is a recently discovered author, Among the Beast & Briars along with The Dead Romantics are my previous reads which I enjoyed very much.  Released back in June The Seven Year Slip did not disappoint.

Told from the POV of Clementine, a bookish/traveling publicist, she gets more than she bargained for when she inherits her aunt's apartment.  It's through this magical apartment that her friendship with Iwan begins. Iwan is the younger handsome dishwasher with his love for cooking, he has sights on becoming a chef.

I'm a hard sell when it comes to time travel stories, with some intricate plotting and attention to detail the author has crafted a wonderful story with many relatable themes - grief, friendship, food and more.  Clementine's job makes this a fit for those that love bookish books and chef Iwan...well...what can I say?

A unique plot, fun banter, authentic life problems along with a well written story made this an entertaining read and one I highly recommended.

This book was part of my 2023 Reading Off My Shelf Challenge (#63).