Yours Truly

Sexy, witty, and irresistible - I finished this book in 24 hours. I LOVED the first book in this series, yet - I think I loved this one better! Dr. Briana Ortiz (the best friend from the first book!) is having a rough year. Her husband cheated on her, their getting divorced, her brother's kidney is failing and he needs a donor stat, and the head ER job she thought she was a shoo in for now has competition from a jerk faced newcomer. When said jerk face puts his awkwardness aside, he writes Bri to tell her how sorry he is for his awful first impression and despite her initial misgivings they suddenly become pen pals - leaving each other notes all over the hospital. Soon they are friends and then due to Jacob's (jerk face) massively interfering family they are fake dating (I love this trope). There is SO MUCH MORE at stake then that though. There is a kidney transplant, social anxiety, therapy, mental health and so much more. I shipped them so hard. So good, so fun, so witty, and quite steamy. Give me more!

The Bartender's Tale

Slow, yet supremely captivating; this tale of a young boy growing up in the back of his father's bar during the sixties is such a captivating portrait of Americana. Nestled deep in the mountains of the Montano medicine country is the Medicine Lodge ran by a bowtie wearing stickler named Tom Harry. His twelve year old son Rusty is about to have one of the most memorable summers of his life and at the heart of it is the bar and its many patrons. It's 1960 and the world is changing, the Top Spot Diner has new owners and they have brought with them their twelve year old daughter, Zoe. Despite their initial misgivings the two of them become fast friends and Rusty wastes no time showing her all the wonders of the back room in the bar. Together they listen to the wild tales of the bar goers and see Tom Harry in all his glory. Leisurely told without much plot, this tale is still enthralling - I loved all the characters and this town (especially the bar) seemed so real to me. Fantastic storytelling!

Frieren

I don't often read manga - so I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Frieren is about an elf (gifted with extremely long life) coming to terms with life AFTER the adventure is over and the war is won. Her human companions are aging and starting to die and she is starting to regret not getting to know them better. She decides to retrace the path she and her party had taken decades prior and visit the remaining humans before they die off. Fans of dungeons and dragons and other role playing games will likely love this manga - but it was jus ok for me. This is the first in a series and I'm not sure how many others there are. 

Clytemnestra

Greek mythology will always have a special place in my heart and I loved Clytemnestra! Often overlooked or just treated a minor player in other stories (most notably as Helen's sister or Agamemnon's wife) - Clytemnestra's fury really shines through. Vengeance isn't just for men or for the gods - she is a daughter of Sparta and anyone foolish enough to cross her better watch their back. This novel follows her grow up - as a strong and smart child, as a happy wife, and then as a spiteful vengeful one. I don't want to ruin too much - but readers familiar with Greek mythology will recognize lots of familiar faces and a few stories. Fresh, inventive, and wonderful - give me more!

The True Love Experiment

Anything that Christina Lauren writes I will read! This romantic comedy featured a very fun and flirty romance author and a sexy British single dad. Connor Prince is a documentary guy and he is crushed when his production studio decides to pivot to reality tv. He is tasked with inventing a new dating show much to his dismay; it seems far to beneath him. He decides to cast Fizzy, a famous romance novelist, as the heroine looking for true love and casts 8 "heroes" that will try to woo her. The problem is the two of them get off on the wrong foot, but then maybe want to get off both feet together if you know what I mean (wink wink). Sparks fly but it could wreck the show and everything they are hoping to accomplish. Fun, flirty, and witty beyond measure. If this were a real reality show I would totally watch!

Romantic Comedy

This filled a hole I didn't even know I had! Who knew I needed a little SNL inspired romcom?!? This book was witty, charming, and so much fun. Hell it made me want to start watching SNL live again (it's been years since I've done that!). Sally is a writer at TNO, a live comedy sketch show (think SNL) who is perfectly content to stay behind the scenes and write. When Noah Brewster comes on to host the show AND perform (he's a pop star) she finds herself working with him a lot. There might be sparks or she might be reading way too into it. Romantic Comedy is about trusting your gut, letting your guard down, and believing that you are worthy. Laugh out loud funny - I adored all the characters - such a fun read!

Lone Women

Instantly engrossing - this tale of the old American West is told through the eyes of a 31 year old Black women who is fleeing from her home in California. All she has with her is a small handbag and an enormous steamer trunk that she never ever opens. It's 1915 when she arrives in Montana and she lays claim to a small secluded spot of land high in the hills and miles from other people. The landscape, the weather, and the people are immediately harsher than Adelaide anticipated - but luckily for her she befriends a lone widow woman and her son. When the going gets tough, really tough - they might have to depend on the horrors that lurk in Adelaide's steamer trunk. Part historical, all horror - this book grabs you from the get go!

Silver Alert

I don't know what to say about this book. I wanted to like it - in fact I mostly liked it up until the end when I slammed it on the table. Herb's world is slowly falling down around him. His wife is losing herself in earl onset dementia and in his 80s himself, he is slowly falling apart. His children try to stage an intervention in his beautiful Key West home - but he's unwilling to go to a senior care facility quietly. He reluctantly agrees it's ok for his wife - but damnit - he's not ready to throw in the towel. A parallel storyline follow Dee Dee, a manicurist with a checkered past who loved taking care of Herb's wife. Dee Dee may be young, but she's been around the block a time or two. When her summer fling leads to shocking surprises she finds herself having to look for help in unusual places. Herb and Dee Dee are both running from things and hurtling into each other's orbit. What could possibly happen if the two of them end up on the run together? Witty banter, interesting characters, and an ending I wanted to punch. 

The Travelling Cat Chronicles

Man - this book made me feel some feels that I was unprepared to have. What an emotional ride. Like the title implies - this book follows a cat and his journey around Japan with his owner. Born as an outside cat, Nana lives the first few years of his life on the street - but when he is hit by a car, kind and loving Satoru takes him in. He's not sure he wants to be an indoor cat but he soon grows to love his human, even though he hates the name he is given, Nana. They spend five happy years together but soon Saturo must find a new owner for Nana. They travel all across Japan meeting up with Saturo's old friends and classmates trying to find a suitable new owner for Nana. While traveling Nana gets to learn all about Saturo's childhood and formative years and starts to get a better appreciation for his human. Heartfelt, touching, and I definitely just shed some tears. 

Reynard's Tale

Simple and small - this short story is perfect for fantasy lovers. Reynard the Fox gives the king's men a merry chase after he has been summoned to work for the corrupt king. He goes on a quest through mountains and caves, makes friends, loses friends, confronts death, and finds himself push to his wits end. Filled with gorgeous illustrations - this little tale of a clever fox is perfect for older adventurers. 

Saving Grace

A historical romance set in beautiful Montana that will enchant readers. Grace Riley has spent most of her adult life on the run. In her youth she was violently raped by a wealthy politician's son, who has spent years trying to track her down and make her his. Grace and her brother, Matthew, have hid as workers in one cattle drive to another trying to stay one step ahead of his advances - but when she discovers the location of the baby brother she gave up for adoption nearly two decades prior - she drops everything to find him. After a treacherous journey to a cattle ranch in Montana, she lands on the doorstep of widower, Adam Morgan. Having fallen severely ill, Adam brings her back to health and in the process starts to fall for this shy beauty. She has run from her tormenter, her fears, and love; can she make room in her heart for this kind widower? Fans of Redeeming Love will love this sensuous historical romance about second chances. Written by local author Sandy James from Whiteland - Saving Grace is the first in a series.