The Bachelorette Party.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 

 Thank you to publisher, St Martin's Press|Minotaur Books for providing me with ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: JUNE 10,2025.

 

On a remote, craggy island nestled off the coast of Sweden, four friends—Tilly, Anna, Linnea and Evelina—meet every year. Best friends since childhood, the idea is to drink beer, dance by the water, and shake off the weight of life's expectations. The location of the island is a secret to everyone but them. One night of reckless fun and secret-sharing, and then they return to their normal lives. 

Ten years later. Ever since she was a teenager, Tessa Nilsson has been consumed by the story of four friends who disappeared on their annual trip to a remote island together. As her true crime fervor turned into a wildly popular podcast, Tessa urgently covered Sweden’s most gruesome cases, but could never find the answers behind what happened to these women who disappeared, leaving a few maddening clues but no concrete answers. Now Tessa’s podcast has crashed and burned, any chance she had at uncovering the truth vanishing with it. 

Anneliese is Tessa’s best friend, and before she walks down the aisle, she wants to have a bachelorette party. The Baltic Vinyasa, a sleek, sophisticated yoga retreat on a small island off the coast—one with such similar characteristics to the tragedy years ago that it raises the hair on Tessa’s neck. The idea is to drink gallons of cava, do sunrise yoga, and get in their last chance to bond with the bride. Tessa will not pass this up. It’s her last chance to find out what happened to the four women, once and for all.
And it’s someone else’s last chance to get revenge. 

 

 🌷

 
Wow. 

What an adventure! I am trying to think out the best way to express what I just read. The story is still on my mind. I love mystery and thriller novels, especially those that keep you guessing. The Bachelorette Party kept me guessing throughout the novel, and just when I thought I had it figured out, I was proven wrong. The Bachelorette Party was one of those stories where I had to force myself to put the book down, knowing that I would never go to sleep if I didn’t. It was the book that you thought about when you weren't reading it or talking about it with your friends. Every page made me wonder what would happen next with the group. I was curious to see if Tessa would learn what happened to Nacka four all those years ago. 

I was drawn to the book because of the cover, the mysterious illustration is what grabbed my attention. After reading the summary, I knew it was the type of thrillers I would like. I didn’t expect it to be as dark as it was. That was one parts of the book, which made it impossible to put the book down. A part of me was hesitant to finish the book because I was worried about how the book might end. Camila Sten done a fantastic job crafting a suspenseful story that will keep your heart pounding half the time. I was on the edge of my seat from the first page to the last. The author also created such compelling characters that it was nearly impossible to dislike them, even though you knew you should.
I liked that the story was told from present time, and past. The emotions portrayed in this book were so vivid that I could see everything that was happening. I loved the setting of the story. This was my first time reading a novel by Camilla Sten, but it won't be my last! I would recommend this book to any thriller fans.

Just For The Summer (Part Of Your World,#3)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work. 

Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka. 

It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?

 

 🌷

 
Outstanding. 

I shouldn't be surprised by now, but Abby Jimenez took me by surprise again. I finished the book a few days ago, and I still can't get the story out of my mind. There is so much I want to say about Justin and Emma's story, but I don't know where to start. Just For The Summer is written with a lot of emotion, a combination of heartfelt and heartbreak. I felt like I was experiencing everything with Emma and Justin. I had never experienced what Emma did with her mother, but as I read her story, I felt as if I had, and my heart broke for Emma on several occasions. At first, I couldn't tell if Emma wasn't seeing her mother for who she was or if she was pretending. Emma appeared to always have an explanation for her mother's actions. I wish she would realize that what her mother was doing was not for love. I wasn't sure how long Emma could put up with it. 

I adored Maddy and was glad Emma had a friend like her. Someone needed to watch out for Emma. I wish Emma had listened to Maddy about her mother, but I could understand why she didn't; she had hope that her mother would change. There was part of me that hoped for Emma’s happy ending; that her mother would change. Based on Amber's behavior, I didn't have high hopes. Amber was one of characters didn't like. I was aware that she had issues, but it was no excuse for how she treated everyone around her, particularly Emma. The emotions in this book were so real that I felt them alongside Emma. From the moment that Justin and Emma agreed to date Justin, to find their soulmate. I wondered if they would be able to go through it, and if not, who would give up first. I had a bad feeling about from the start. I had a feeling someone's heart was about to be broken. 

I adored Justin, but how could you not? He's the type of guy that every girl fantasizes about. I have feeling that it was more than just a task for Justin from the moment he met Emma. I admired how he treated her and how inventive he was with their dates. I admit that I found myself laughing at some of the things he sent Emma, as well as some of their messaging exchanges. The ending was one of my favorite parts. I had loved this entire series, and there is part of me that wishes that there was more. These are the stories that will remain with me and that I will return to in the future.

One Week Of July.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★

   Thank you to the author,Melissa Mestro for ARC, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: JULY 1,2025.

One week. One girl. One love story worth writing about. 

Leighton Prescott is enjoying the last summer before college in his picturesque small town. His life is close to perfect—loving family, loyal friends, big opportunities—but despite everything seeming so right, something still feels so… wrong. 

Leighton’s future was decided for him at a young age, and he’s never questioned it for fear of disappointing his parents. With those future plans nearing, though, he can’t stop wondering if he is about to make a huge mistake. 

Then a girl wanders into the little bookstore where he works, and she not only steals his heart but also challenges him to confront what he’s been avoiding. Leighton must make a choice: continue with the narrative that was written for him or become the author of his own story. 

One Week of July is about finding your voice, falling in love, and discovering who you are. Will Leighton get his happy ending or will he learn that happy endings are just a work of fiction? 

 

 🌷

 
A beautiful story of friendship, love, and recovery. 

One Week Of July is the kind of story I love reading. I'm so grateful to my friend Melissa for giving me the opportunity to read this beautiful story. I adored July and Leighton, and the bond that they shared. Every chapter left me wondering what would happen next, if the two of them would stay together. I was curious about the title. It all made much more sense after I got into the book. Naturally, I was curious about what would happen at the end of that week. There was part of me that hoped that July would end up staying. July drew me in from the moment she stepped into Leighton's bookstore. Besides Leighton and Kennedy, she was my favorite character. I can't imagine what she went through. My heart broke for her on several occasions, and I'm glad she met Leighton; the two of them were destined to meet. 

I loved that it took place in a small town. Those stories will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will read any story that take place in a small town. It’s not often that you will come across a story that is told from male’s perspective. Melissa did an excellent job of capturing the story from Leighton's perspective. However, there were a few occasions when I wondered what July was thinking, especially when she wasn't with Leighton. I adored the name of Leighton’s bookstore. I also loved that July’s favorite book was The Outsiders, which is also one of my favorite books. I felt that the tension between Leighton and his mother was resolved a little too quickly. In overall, I couldn't get enough of this novel, and it took me through a variety of emotions. I loved Kennedy and the relationship that she had with her brother. The emotions portrayed in this novel were outstanding and I felt as if I was there with Leighton.

 
I loved how July encouraged Leighton to pursue his dreams. It reminded me of my closest friends and parents. I liked how the book addressed anxiety, something I've struggled with since I was a teenager but has improved with time. If it weren't for school, I'd have finished the book much faster. I already know that Melissa Mastro is the author to watch out for, and I cannot wait to see what she has for us next. I highly recommend this book. This is a story you will never forget.

Yours Truly (Part Of Your World,#2)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Dr. Briana Ortiz’s life is seriously flatlining. Her divorce is just about finalized, her brother’s running out of time to find a kidney donor, and that promotion she wants? Oh, that’s probably going to the new man-doctor who’s already registering eighty-friggin’-seven on Briana’s “pain in my ass” scale. But just when all systems are set to hate, Dr. Jacob Maddox completely flips the game . . . by sending Briana a letter. 

And it’s a really good letter. Like the kind that proves that Jacob isn’t actually Satan. Worse, he might be this fantastically funny and subversively likeable guy who’s terrible at first impressions. Because suddenly he and Bri are exchanging letters, sharing lunch dates in her “sob closet,” and discussing the merits of freakishly tiny horses. But when Jacob decides to give Briana the best gift imaginable—a kidney for her brother—she wonders just how she can resist this quietly sexy new doctor . . . especially when he calls in a favor she can’t refuse. 

 

 🌷

 
A heartbreaking story that will leave you feeling a range of emotions. 

This story… It was certainly one of the most emotional books I've read this year. I cried so many times while reading this book that I lost track. However, I did laugh several times and smiled at several of the scenes between Jacob and Briana. After reading Alexis and Daniel's story in Part Of Your World at the beginning of the year, I thought I couldn't adore another couple more; but I was mistaken; I loved Briana and Jacob just as much, if not more. Yours Truly will be one of my favorite romantic books for many years to come. I couldn't stop talking this book. Even though it ripped my heart and put it back together on several occasions, I couldn't get enough of their story. I could tell Briana and Jacob were attracted from the moment they met, even though Briana refused to accept it. After her previous relationship ended, I understood why she was hesitant. Throughout the novel, I hoped Briana would see that Jacob's feelings for her were genuine. 

I decided to listen to Yours Truly. I heard Zachary Webber when I listened to Part Of Your World and liked how he portrayed the feelings of his characters. This was my first time hearing Kyla Garcia, and the two of them worked beautifully together. I found myself listening to it while at gym, after studying because I needed to see what would happen with Jacob and Briana. I believe that the audiobook brought this narrative to life even more. I like that this book addressed anxiety, which is something I battle with on a regular basis. It has improved over the years, but I felt like I could connect with Jacob in so many ways because I understood how he felt. I adored the way that Briana tried to help him with his anxiety; especially when they were doing something that involved a lot of socializing. I knew then that she loved him. 

I enjoy medical books, but they can be heartbreaking to read at times. My heart sank for Benny and all that he had to go through because of his chronic kidney disease. I didn’t blame him for acting the way that he did. I was just glad that at least Briana was there to take care of him. I loved everything about this book, including the side characters, and I think that I fell in love with Jacob’s family myself. Ending, I think that was my favorite part of the book, I found myself smiling and crying at the same time. Of course, I loved the fact that Alexis and Daniel made an appearance in the book. I’m hoping that Briana and Jacob will make an appearance in the next book. This was my third novel by Abby Jimenez , and she had officially become one of my favorite authors. I'm excited to read Justin and Emma's story in Just For Summer. Highly recommended for all romance fans.

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits.

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sisters Cassie and Zoe Grossberg were born just a year apart but could not have been more different. Zoe, blessed with charm and beauty, yearned for fame from the moment she could sing into a hairbrush. Cassie was a musical prodigy who never felt at home in her own skin and preferred the safety of the shadows. 

On the brink of adulthood in the early 2000s, destiny intervened, catapulting the sisters into the spotlight as the pop sensation the Griffin Sisters, hitting all the touchstones of early aughts fame—SNL, MTV, Rolling Stone magazine—along the way. 

But after a whirlwind year in the public eye, the band abruptly broke up.
Two decades later, Zoe’s a housewife; Cassie’s off the grid. The sisters aren’t speaking, and the real reason for the Griffin Sisters’ breakup is still a mystery. Zoe’s teenage daughter, Cherry, who’s determined to be a star in spite of Zoe’s warnings, is on a quest to learn the truth about what happened to the band all those years ago. 

As secrets emerge, all three women must face the consequences of their choices: the ones they made and the ones the music industry made for them. Can they forgive each other—and themselves? And will the Griffin Sisters ever make music again?

 

 🌷

 
I've been meaning to read Jennifer Weiner for a long time. I had heard a lot about her newest book, The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits, so I decided to check it out when I came across it while at the library. I adore the title and cover, so even if I haven't heard of the book, the title and cover will grab my attention enough to check it out. I love to read books about music, but what I admired most about The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits was that it was about sisters. One of my favorite topics to read about is sibling relationships, particularly between sisters. Zoe and Cassie's relationship was challenging. I got the impression they were jealous of each other. Zoe was jealous of Cassie's talent, and Cassie was jealous of Zoe's beauty. I don't think one of them noticed what the other was feeling. I don't think Cassie for a second assumed her sister was insecure about anything. That’s what I loved about their characters, how real they felt. Anyone at their age would experience these emotions, particularly when they are in the spotlight. 

I despised Zoe, but the choices that she made especially since she knew what she was doing. I did warm up to her towards the last few pages of the book, but in the beginning, I just couldn’t. I did not blame Cassie for wanting to disappear. However, I wondered if the sisters would ever reunite, and if so, what their relationship would be like? I thought the first half of the novel was slow, and it took me some time to get into it. I also wasn't sure how I felt about the book's ending; it seemed unfinished to me. However, the rest of the book was filled with drama, and there was constantly something going on, leaving you wondering what would happen next. I wondered if the sisters would sing together again in the future. I liked how the book was told from the perspectives of both sisters and Zoe's daughter, Cherry, which allowed readers to have a greater grasp of each character. I enjoyed both the past and current timelines, but the past when the sisters were in the band grabbed my interest the most. 

The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits includes everything from sister relationships, coming of age, stardom, parenthood, mystery, and second chances. To me, most of this novel felt true; I could imagine parts of it happening in real life. I wonder what happened to the sisters after the last page. I enjoyed the mystery of why the band broke up so abruptly; what had happened, and did the sisters have anything to do with it? I related with most of the characters in the book, except for Zoe, who I couldn't seem to connect with as much as the others. My favorite aspect of the book was reading about the sisters' time in the band. The descriptions made me imagine myself there with Cassie and Zoe. I'm interested to check out the rest of Jennifer Weiner's books and see what adventures she'll take me on!

Martha's Vineyard Beach and Book Club.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★ 

  Thank you to publisher, Ballantine Books for providing me with ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: MAY 27,2025.

 

 

2016: Thirty-four-year-old Mari Starwood is still grieving after her mother’s death as she travels to the storied island of Martha’s Vineyard, off the coast of Massachusetts. She’s come all the way from California with nothing but a name on a piece of paper: Elizabeth Devereaux, the famous but reclusive Vineyard painter. When Mari makes it to Mrs. Devereaux’s stunning waterfront farm under the guise of taking a painting class with her, Mrs. Devereaux begins to tell her the story of the Smith sisters, who once lived there. As the tale unfolds, Mari is shocked to learn that her relationship to this island runs deeper than she ever thought possible. 

1942: The Smith girls—nineteen-year-old aspiring writer Cadence and sixteen-year-old war-obsessed Briar—are faced with the impossible task of holding their failing family farm together during World War II as the U.S. Army arrives on Martha’s Vineyard. When Briar spots German U-boats lurking off the island’s shores, and Cadence falls into an unlikely romance with a sworn enemy, their quiet lives are officially upended. In an attempt at normalcy, Cadence and her best friend, Bess, start a book club, which grows both in members and influence as they connect with a fabulous New York publisher who could make all of Cadence’s dreams come true. But all that is put at risk by a mysterious man who washes ashore—and whispers of a spy in their midst. Who in their tight-knit island community can they trust? Could this little book club change the course of the war . . . before it’s too late?

 

 

 🌷

  I have been a huge fan of Martha Hall Kelly's books since I read Lilac Girls in 2019. A story that remains one of my favorite books in historical fiction to this day. I’m always excited when I find out that she has a new book coming out. When I found out about Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club, I couldn’t wait for a chance to read it. I adore reading stories set during WWI/II; it's a fascinating subject for me, and Kelly did an outstanding job with it. The vivid descriptions are my favorite features of her books. I could see myself there with Cadence, Briar, and Bess even though I had never visited Martha's Vineyard. I wished I had been there when I turned the last page. I adored that this book featured a book club, especially during the war. I was always curious about what book they would end up reading next. I became so captivated in the story that I didn’t realize the hours I spent reading. 

Most World War II novels I've read are set in Europe, so I like that this one was set in Martha's Vineyard since it provided a unique perspective on the war. I like how the narrative was written from both sisters' perspectives; it allows readers to get to know both sisters and connect with them. I adored both Briar and Cadence. I was always eager to see what happens with them next. Although I like Mari's viewpoint and wanted to know why Mrs. Devereaux told her the story, I found the Briar and Cadence story to be more captivating. Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club had everything from war to mystery and even some romance. All of those are my favorite genres, and I found it impossible to pull myself away from the book. A part of me, however, didn't want the story end because I grew so attached to the characters. 

I loved the mystery aspect in the book, and I found myself wondering. The character development in this book was phenomenal. The book club also made me think of the virtual book club I’m running with my friends now, which warmed my heart in so many ways. I could go on about this book, but I don’t want to give too much away. Martha’s Vineyard Beach and Book Club is a story that will stay with you, a story that you will talk to your friends and family about. I’m already eager to see what adventure Martha Hall Kelly will take us on next!

Where The Rivers Merge.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to publisher, William Morrow for providing me with ARC Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 

 

1908: The Lowcountry of South Carolina is at the cusp of change. Mayfield, the grand estate held for generations by the Rivers family, is the treasured home of young Eliza. Free spirited, she refuses to be confined by societal norms. Instead, Eliza revels in exploring the golden fields and sparkling ponds of Mayfield, observing wildlife, and riding horses. 

But her halcyon days are cut short by the Great War, coastal storms, and unexpected challenges to Mayfield. As Eliza battles personal pains and the ravages of family turmoil over the years, her love and devotion for the natural world puts her on a collision course with the patriarchal traditions of a bygone era. 

1988: At 88, Eliza is the scion of the Rivers/DeLancey family. She’s fought a lifetime to save her beloved Mayfield and is too independent and committed to quietly retire and leave the fate of the estate to her greedy son. She must make decisions that will assure the future of the land and her family—or watch them both be split apart. 

Set against the evocative landscape of the twentieth-century low country, Where the Rivers Merge is a dramatic and sweeping multigenerational family story of unyielding love, lessons learned, profound sacrifices, and the indomitable spirit of a woman determined to persevere in the face of change in order to protect her family legacy and the land she loves.

 🌷

 
What a beautiful story! 

This was my first Mary Alice Monroe, but I’d been hearing her for a while. There are no words…I’m completely blown away. I was hooked from the first to the last page, not realizing how much time had passed. I was so immersed in Eliza's story, including the minor characters. The author made it possible for readers to relate to most of the characters. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen to all of them next. I adored how the plot switched between the past and present and how the two timelines interacted. I also adored the fact that the story took place in the country, in the South; I love reading stories like that. The setting was one of my favorite components of the narrative; the descriptions were magnificent, and I wished I could escape to Mayfield. 

I adored Eliza and admired her determination. However, there were situations when I questioned her decisions and wondered what she was thinking at the time. The friendship between Eliza and Covey was another of my favorite aspects of the story. I loved reading how their friendship developed through the years, and their bond reminded me of me and my best friend who I had known for over 20 years. In addition to Eliza, Heyward, and Hugh, Covey were another of my favorite characters. Every page left me wondering where they would wind up next. When I wasn't reading the book, I was thinking about the story and wondering how it would end. 

I liked how the author introduced facts about nature and animals at the beginning of each chapter. I have a passion for nature and animals. I felt like I knew so much more than I did before I started reading this book. I wasn’t sure about the ending at first, feeling as it was incomplete, until I found that there would be a second book. I’m eager to see what will happen to Mayfield and how Eliza’s story will end in the next book. Where The Rivers Merge explores family relationships, nature preservation, love, war, racial discrimination, and friendship. There is much more, but I don't want to give it all away. This is a story I believe everyone should read. Highly recommended!

The Girls Of Good Fortune.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★

 Thank you to publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark for providing me with ARC Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

She came from a lineage known for good fortune…by those who don't know the whole story. 

Portland, 1888. Amid the subterranean labyrinth of the notorious Shanghai Tunnels, a woman awakens in an underground cell, drugged and disguised. Celia soon realizes she's a "shanghaied" victim on the verge of being shipped off as forced labor, leaving behind those she loves most. Although well accustomed to adapting for survival—being half-Chinese, passing as white during an era fraught with anti-Chinese sentiment—she fears that far more than her own fate lay at stake. 

As she pieces together the twisting path that led to her abduction, from serving as a maid for the family of a dubious mayor to becoming entwined in the case of a goldminers' massacre, revelations emerge of a child left in peril. Desperate, Celia must find a way to escape and return to a place where unearthed secrets can prove even more deadly than the dark recesses of Chinatown. 

A captivating tale of resilience and hope, The Girls of Good Fortune explores the complexity of family and identity, the importance of stories that echo through generations, and the power of strength found beneath the surface.

 

 🌷

 
Inspiring, engrossing, heart breaking. 

The Girls of Good Fortune is an outstanding novel about family, love, motherhood, hope, and strength. It’s clear from the moment that I started reading the book how much research the author had done. I liked how, toward the end of the book, the author addresses some of the story's historical components.It made me curious enough that I ended up doing my own research once I finished the book. The Girls of Good Fortune is a story that makes you think. While reading the story, I occasionally paused to reflect on what I had read. It's a compelling story with a significant impact. I'm still reflecting on what happened. 

I adored Celia; she was a strong and determined character. Celia went through so much between 1885 and 18888. However, she never gave up. Celia had one of the best character developments I've ever read about. Every chapter left me wondering what would happen to Celia next and where she would end up. On several occasions I stayed up late reading because I couldn't put the book down, and I had to know how Celia's story ended. I loved most of the story, though I did feel that the first half of the story was a bit slower than the second half of the story. I loved the descriptions throughout the novel, and it felt like I was on a journey together with Celia. 

I loved that it was told from Dual timelines, and how it told story of Celia before and after. Even though I enjoyed both timelines, I was particularly drawn to 1888. Kristina McMorris's The Girls of Good Fortune was my second novel following The Ways We Hide , and I'm excited to read more of her work. This is the book that should be read, especially if you love historical fiction. It’s unlike other historical fiction I read before, it’s unique and I would highly recommend checking it out.

Practice Makes Perfect(When In Rome,#2)

 

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 4.5★

 

Annie Walker is on a quest to find her perfect match—someone who complements her happy, quiet life running the local flower shop in Rome, Kentucky. But finding her dream man may be harder than Annie imagined. Everyone knows everyone in her hometown, and the dating prospects are getting fewer by the day. After she overhears her latest date say she is “so unbelievably boring,” Annie starts to think the problem might be her. Is it too late to become flirtatious and fun like the leading ladies in her favorite romance movies? Maybe she only needs a little practice . . . and Annie has the perfect person in mind to be her tutor: Will Griffin. 

Will—the sexy, tattooed, and absolutely gorgeous bodyguard—is temporarily back in Rome, providing security for Amelia Rose as excitement builds for her upcoming marriage to Noah Walker, Annie’s brother. He has one personal objective while on the job: stay away from Annie Walker and any other possible attachments to this sleepy town. But no sooner than he gets settled, Will finds himself tasked with helping Annie find the love of her life by becoming the next leading lady of Rome, Kentucky. Will wants no part in changing the sweet and lovely Annie. He knows for a fact that some stuffy, straitlaced guy won’t make her happy, but he doesn’t have the heart to say no. 

Amid steamy practice dates and strictly “educational” tutoring lessons, Annie discovers there are more layers to Will’s usual stoic attitude. As the lines of their friendship become dangerously blurred, Annie reconsiders her dream guy. Maybe her love life doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to be real. 

 

 🌷

 
There's something about small-town romance that I find so captivating. I can understand why this series is so popular. There are several aspects of this novel that I love. I read When in Rome last month and fell in love with Noah and Amelia. It took me a little longer to warm up to Will, but eventually I fell in love with him. I admired Will's determination to care for Annie. I loved Will and Annie's chemistry, and I hoped they would stop being stubborn and see that they were meant to be together. I can't remember the last time I rooted so hard for the main characters to be together. 

This book made me so happy, in so many ways. I'm still thinking about Annie and Will's story and wondering what comes next. I adored Will. He's the type of guy females dream about. I admired the fact that he knew how to communicate and took the time to discover what Annie liked and wanted, and, most importantly, that he listened to her. He seemed to be the only one who listened to her and encouraged her to pursue her dreams, rather than trying to talk her out of them. Who doesn’t want a boyfriend like him? I was aware that this was a work of fiction, but there were times when I couldn't get him out of my mind while reading. I enjoyed their banter and couldn't help but giggle several times. I loved their banter in the story; it made it so much more interesting to read. 

When Will agreed to be Annie's dating coach, I had a feeling that things were going to heat up between them. I was curious about what he was going to teach her. I think my favorite part between the two of them was towards the end of the book. It seemed to me that the book moved slowly at first, and occasionally there was unnecessary dialogue that didn't fit with the story. I thought the story was great overall, and I fell in love with Annie and Will. I’m eager to read Emily’s story next; whom I been curious about since the first book. I would recommend this to any romance fans, especially if you enjoy small town romance.

Out Of Step, Into You.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

 Thank you to publisher, Farrar,Straus and Giroux(BYR) for providing me with ARC via  Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own. 

 

 

 RELEASE DATE: MAY 20,2025.

 

 Out of Step, into You is a sapphic contemporary romance following childhood friends turned cross-country team rivals who are forced to work together to win the state championship – for fans of She Gets the Girl.

You can’t outrun love. 

Taylor and Marianna were each other’s whole world – best friends, running partners, practically sisters – until Marianna moved away and Taylor promptly ghosted her. When the former best friends turned rivals end up on the same cross-country team three years later, everything is a competition… and a reminder of past feelings, as well as blossoming new ones. 

Marianna runs because she’s angry. The oldest child of a single mother, she knows all about responsibility – for her siblings, at her part-time job. She just has to stay focused and be faster than the past nipping at her heels if she wants to secure a new, brighter future. With or without Taylor.
Taylor runs to prove herself. The only child of an almost-Olympian, she’s no stranger to high expectations. With enough effort, she knows she can immortalize herself with a state record and make her parents proud. Then, she can figure out her own passion. She definitely doesn’t have time to untangle her feelings towards Mari. 

Can this pair figure out a way to work together before their past catches up with them? 

 

 

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Heartwarming. 

It's been a while since I read a YA romance. I used to read more, but with time, I became more engaged in adult romance novels. I'm very glad I decided to check out this book! The cover and title were what drew my attention first, and I couldn't help but be intrigued by the story. After reading the summary of Out of Step, Into You, I knew I would enjoy this narrative. I used to run, but not cross-country, but I enjoy reading about running. I generally enjoy reading novels about sports of any kind. I felt that the story began slowly, and it took me a few chapters to get into it. After that, I didn't want to put the book down. I was intrigued by Mari and Taylor joining the same team, and I wondered what would happen between the two of them, and whether they would be able to put the past behind them. I hoped Mari and Taylor could sort things out, otherwise it would be a long year for them both. 

I enjoyed how Mari and Taylor's relationship developed. This story did not immediately focus on relationships; instead, it concentrated on friendship. Given that Taylor and Mari were no longer friends, it took time for their feelings for one another to develop, making their connection more believable. One of my favorite aspects of this novel was how it concentrated on Mari and Taylor mending their friendship before their feelings for each other. It makes the story more believable and appealing. Of course, when I first started reading the novel, I was curious about what happened to Taylor and Mari, and why their friendship ended. I felt that the narrative was effectively told from Dual's point of view, which allows the reader to connect with Tayor and Mari. You can't resist loving Taylor and Mari. The author did a fantastic job of giving each character a distinct voice. 

The book's descriptions were excellent; in particular, when the team was running, I felt as though I was there, running with them. Out of Step, Into You is more than a love story; it's also about friendship, forgiveness, and healing. This was my first book by Ciera Burch , and I'm glad I had the chance to read it. I know this is not a book I'll soon forget. It's a story that I'd recommend to anyone who likes reading romance and friendship books.

One Golden Summer.

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I never anticipated Charlie Florek. 

Good things happen at the lake. That’s what Alice’s grandmother says, and it’s true. Alice spent just one summer at a cottage with Nan when she was seventeen—it’s where she took that photo, the one of three grinning teenagers in a yellow speedboat, the image that changed her life. 

Now Alice lives behind a lens. As a photographer, she’s most comfortable on the sidelines, letting other people shine. Lately though, she’s been itching for something more, and when Nan falls and breaks her hip, Alice comes up with a plan for them both: another summer in that magical place, Barry’s Bay. But as soon as they settle in, their peace is disrupted by the roar of a familiar yellow boat, and the man driving it. 

Charlie Florek was nineteen when Alice took his photo from afar. Now he’s all grown up—a shameless flirt, who manages to make Nan laugh and Alice long to be seventeen again, when life was simpler, when taking pictures was just for fun. Sun-slanted days and warm nights out on the lake with Charlie are a balm for Alice’s soul, but when she looks up and sees his piercing green gaze directly on her, she begins to worry for her heart. 

Because Alice sees people—that’s why she is so good at what she does—but she’s never met someone who looks and sees her right back. 

 

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A summer you'll never forget. 

I discovered Carley Fortune last year, when I read This Summer Will Be Different for my book club. I fell in love with Sam and Percy's story when I read Every Summer After last month. I'd heard about One Golden Summer for a while, and after reading Every Summer After, I was even more curious to read Charlie's narrative. I can see why so many people fell in love with Charie and Alice’s story. There was something about the two of them, a connection that they shared, that made you cheer for both. Even their families knew they were in love before they did. I like Sam and Percy's story, but I preferred Charlie and Alice's; I felt more connected to them. The book had no dull moments; I couldn't put it down because I needed to find out what happened next to Alice and Charlie. 

In Every Summer After, I had conflicting thoughts about Charlie, but I was still interested in his story and wondered if there might have been reasons for his actions. Now, Charlie is one of my favorite characters. I couldn't help but smile at the way he treated Alice; it was obvious right away how much he loved her. All I want is for the two of them to finally acknowledge their feelings for one other and quit being stubborn. In addition, I loved Charlie's connection with Nan and his dedication to her needs. While reading this book, I experienced a wide range of emotions, including laughter, tears, and even a few eye rolls due to Alice and Charlie's banter. There is no way that you will be able to put One Golden Summer down. 

I adored the book's setting and the opportunity to visit Barry's Bay again. I felt as though I had transformed there because of the descriptions. I wished I had been at the Lake after finishing the book. There were few scenes between Alice and Charlie that had me smiling nonstop. I finished it last night and I still can’t get the story out of my mind, and I even recommended it to few of my friends. It’s the perfect book for the summer, and I can’t wait to see what adventure Carley Fortune will take us on next!