This book was pure perfection. Seriously. Everything about it was exactly what I wanted and needed.

I loved Poppy and Alex. I loved their banter. I loved their summer trips. I loved their commitment to who they were and the way they embraced each other’s quirks.

While this was definitely a slow-burn friends to lovers romance, it definitely didn’t feel that way. Henry took us on a long, winding journey of friendship and life while also allowing us to globetrot during a pandemic. All of which made this book a winner for me.

I want—no, I need—more Alex and Poppy.

Can I give this book 10,000 stars? I don’t even know how to write a review that even begins to touch the pure magic that lives inside this book.

When I first started reading A.J. Fikry, I wasn’t sure I was going to like it. But I quickly warmed up to this curious and cranky man and his bookstore.

Each page provided a surprising plot shift that made me fall more in love with A.J.

Have you read this one?

(thank you to William Morrow for the free copy)

I absolutely LOVED Alison Hammer’s first novel, You and Me and Us. So, I had insanely high expectations for Little Pieces of Me.

And it did not disappoint.

I felt every single emotion on this roller coaster of a book. I felt both anger and sympathy towards Betsy/Elizabeth. My heart broke for Paige as she grieved her father and learned the truth.

I absolutely loved Paige and her story. And Jeff, such a swoony boyfriend.

Adding Alison Hammer to my MUST buy list.

(thank you @atriabooks for the free book)

This book was so incredibly immersive!

I loved how the entire story was woven together and how the characters developed over the course of the book. I’m not sure I’ve read anything like this book before.

Evelyn and Harriet both carried their secrets and pain while also carrying the strong emotions of others. The bright objects and stains give them a way to hide from their painful histories.

It did take me a bit to get into the story but once I did, I was hooked.

(thank you to Berkley for the free ebook)

Y’all, I’ve been reading romance for a very long time. A long, long time. I’ve met many swoon-worthy men. I’ve swooned. I know I have.

But I’ve never had a book boyfriend quite like Rabbi Ethan Cohen. Seriously. Serve me that man on a platter. He’s hot, compassionate, dedicated, patient, and a million other adjectives.

I adored Naomi, too. She was flawed and strong and also willing to be vulnerable. She never compromised herself when she let her walls down to let Ethan in. She remained true to who she was, which I loved. Naomi is the kind of woman I aspire to be.

So, yup. I loved this book. I will definitely be picking up Rosie Danan’s other books. All of them.

(thank you to Avon Books for the free copy)

Have I mentioned how much I love the fake romance trope? Seriously. It’s my favorite. I literally get giddy the instant I realize it’s about to happen.

So, First Comes Like was right up my ally. I adored Jia and Dev. I loved how kind and vulnerable they both were. I adored how sweet they were to each other, even if sometimes it was misconstrued.

I devoured this book, and I want MORE.

[out 4.6.21] (Thank you to Atria & NetGalley for the gifted copy)

If I were to picture a novel that portrayed the excess and dangers of stereotypical 1980s NYC, it would be Astrid Sees All.

Drugs. A little rock & roll. Clubs. A random serial killer, because, why not?

Yes, it was a lot and a bit over the top. Did I still enjoy it? I think so. I couldn’t put it down. I found myself rooting for Pheobe and loving her a little more with every page. Was the perfect? Nope. She was flawed and real.