Monthly Archives: June 2023

Jun19

Breakaway: A Coach’s Daughter College Sports Romance (Beyond the Play #2) by Grace Reilly

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Breakaway: A Coach’s Daughter College Sports Romance (Beyond the Play #2) by Grace Reilly

Reilly, Grace. Breakaway. Moonedge Press, 2022. 420 pp. ISBN 9780063387102 $16.99.

***1/2

For some reason I thought this was in the Icebreaker universe, maybe just because it was about college hockey. I found Breakaway to be a sweet, sexy, new adult romance perfect for those who love dirty talk, alllll the details, super-sekrit sneaking around, and sassy bratty sunshine/grump pairings. Coach’s daughter Penny has had some unsatisfying relationship experiences and past trauma, and has a sexual bucket list that her new friend Cooper is happy to explore at her pace, with full consent. Their sex-positive arrangement is set to expire when Cooper can keep his calm and make captain and they make it through Penny’s list; they catch feelings along the way–one might even say the pace and speed of the relationship is the breakaway theme of the novel. Of note, Penny lives to read (and write!) smutty romance, and Cooper is the perfect partner and buys her ALL THE BOOKS SHE WANTS.

The writing is hot and spicy, but also warm, romantic and affirming; these characters are sensitive to one another’s needs, and so good to and supportive of one another, it’s downright swoony. The older generation is not so good at communicating: Cooper’s dad is demanding and comes off as a jerk, he has an addict uncle and slightly condescending older brother who Cooper both aspires to and rejects being like. The trauma and drama are well-balanced with a lot of sweetness and smut, and the characters do indeed “break away” from chains of trauma and expectations to become who they need to be, individually and as a couple. Read on for a sporty, sex-positive book with strong character development and growth.

I purchased my own copy of #Breakaway.

Jun19

The Boyfriend Candidate: A Sizzling Slow-Burn Romantic Comedy by Ashley Winstead

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The Boyfriend Candidate: A Sizzling Slow-Burn Romantic Comedy by Ashley Winstead

Winstead, Ashley. The Boyfriend Candidate. Harlequin, 2023. 368 pp. ISBN 9781525804960 $18.99.

*****

I have been on the search for something as cerebral, pop-culture infused, queer-positive, sexy and smart as Red, White, and Royal Blue for years; The Boyfriend Candidate is nearly on par, with it’s fake dating, politics, and humor and sexiness. Alexis is passionate about her job as a school library paraprofessional, and anxious about losing it—she doesn’t have her MLS, but that doesn’t stop her from throwing herself into work, from handmade models of iconic children’s book characters to advocating for funding and against book bans. Dumped by a dude who claims she is meek in bed, Alexis dolls herself up and hits a known hookup spot at a swanky hotel’s bar, where a hot and sweet guy who comes to her defense when a troll doesn’t want to take no for an answer. Their off-the-charts chemistry has them making out in an elevator in the way to a hotel room, but when lightning hits (literally) and the hotel catches fire, paparazzi snap Alexis in the arms of her suitor. The next day, when she is invited to a meeting with Logan’s team, she learns he’s a legislator running for governor—and needs to veer away from his playboy reputation. His team proposes they curate Alexis as Logan’s fake girlfriend through the remaining two months of election season to save both their reputations; she agrees, and discovers she is actually a pretty good speaker, lobbyist and connector when trotted out. Saying the wrong thing at the wrong time seems inevitable, and causes a rift in the third act.

This is truly a rom-com, with a lot of funny, awkward moments and Alexis interacts with voters, funders, and the political machine. The author’s stance on book-banning and conservative politics and school library funding is clearly a love letter to librarians. The slow burn, with the almost-consummation derailed at the beginning and palpable attraction for the rest of the story, is delicious.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of #TheBoyfriendCandidate from #NetGalley

Jun19

Always Isn’t Forever by J. C. Cervantes

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Always Isn’t Forever by J. C. Cervantes

Cervantes, J. C. Always Isn’t Forever. Penguin, 2023. 384 pp. ISBN 9780593404485 $19.99

****

Still reeling from the unexpected death by drowning of her best friend turned boyfriend Hart, Ruby is struggling to cope with senior year, a decision to sell the boat they had restored, and college decisions. The powers that be decide to give Hart another chance by reincarnating his soul into a classmate who suffered an accident; the trade off is Hart will have access to Jameson’s memories as Hart’s fade—and he may miss the chance to reconnect with Ruby and for her to realize who he really is, since he can’t actually tell anyone.

Ruby can’t figure out why she is suddenly so drawn to Jameson, who actually screwed Hart’s dad out of some money for a car repair job in the past—she just knows she feels something, and keeps agreeing to spend time with him, much to the amazement and speculation of friends and relatives. Jameson could barely carry a tune and tries to complete one of Hart’s songs; he can suddenly play football but also recalls Hart’s signature wrestling move. Jameson’s craving for — and dislike of — tortillas is bittersweet. Cervantes shows the other side of the reckless popular boy: one who also lost someone close to home and has high familial expectations to live up to.

Also getting a second chance is angel Lourdes. Serving as guide for Hart/Jameson and doing random acts of kindness (mitzvot, one might say…). Told in three points of view, Cervantes carefully constructs a boundaried universe and then has the characters look for workarounds. Pacing is good, the story will resonate with empathetic teens, and the sprinkling of spirituality seasoned with Latino/Latina culture and CA setting is a wonderful mix. Since the lovers has been saving themselves for college, there are no intimate details beyond longing and impassioned kissing.

The cover art is gorgeous, with underwater and above, and the split indicating both the rift between them and Hart/Jameson’s shared body.

I received a free advance reader’s review copy of AlwaysIsntForever from NetGalley.