Tag Archives: nonfiction
Another year has come and gone, and I've already been hyper-focused on 2022's book releases because there are just, like, SO many good ones coming (and SOON)! While these reads drop throughout this winter and early spring, consider this book blog a must-need teaser when it comes to building out your January/February TBR lists and starting off your annual reading goals on just the right foot.
So, without further ado, I'd like to welcome y'all back to the first Miranda's Book Nook of the new year and take a peek at some of the early 2022 book titles that I truly can't get enough of and should totally be on your radar this upcoming year. Happy reading!
When You Get The Chance by Emma Lord
After devouring Emma Lord's first two novels, I was instantly excited about her next one, and to learn it was centered around a theater kid? Needless to say, I was pumped to start reading.
Here, Millie Price is an NYC teen who dreams of being a Broadway star, and no one can get in her way — not her lovable but dorky single dad, drama club rival Oliver or the overbearing flood of emotions she refers to as "Millie Moods." She's on her way and headstrong to make it. After finding her dad's old LiveJournal (I know, I know, feel old yet??), she decides to track down her birth mother from three possible choices.
From the first chapter, I was immersed into MC Millie's head in this fun, upbeat read. It's like an IRL Mamma Mia, which I'm into, and the concept itself is totally original to me. It's so compelling, and I'm hooked by the storytelling premise and just needed to keep reading. In the end, it's just so cute, well-written, indulgent, and fun! Like, it made me want to smile the whole darn time; it's that cute and precious.
While I don't think this was as good as You Have a Match, in my own opinion, I did enjoy it all the same and think it was compelling, fresh, contemporary, and so absolutely precious. I loved the cute romance storylines too, but even more that they were just side stories to the main journey of coming of age and finding yourself.
Available: January 4, 2022
One True Loves by Elise Bryant
After devouring Elise Bryant's Happily Ever Afters, I was instantly so stoked to learn that she was writing a follow-up to Tessa's story about her bestie Lenore. Oh, and it takes place while traveling the world. Um, yes, please!
Lenore's family is set for a high-seas adventure on a Mediterranean cruise to celebrate her high school graduation which gave me all the wanderlust feels, and as they do, they met their dining companions: Fellow high school graduate Alex and his parents. While Tessa (eep, she's back!), ever the romantic optimist, is sure her bestie's trip will include love in her future, Lenore's not so sure. And then, she meets Alex. He's a golden boy with the ten-year plan and she's, well, the exact opposite. But, as their parents start to bond, they are stuck together for the duration of the cruise. So, what else? They get to know one another.
Alex and Lenore couldn't be more different and yet, they find themselves drawn to one another in this absolutely adorable YA rom-com. The language is so witty and relatable that I was drawn into the story from the get-go and couldn't put this quick read down. Absolutely precious and that HEA/conclusion left me grinning from ear to ear.
How to Win the Bachelor by Chad Kultgen, Lizzy Pace
This nonfiction read is a funny, witty look at The Bachelor that ends up like a parody account of how to win this reality TV juggernaut. I call it a parody because the writers lay out instructions and numerical odds of winning the show as if this search for love is nothing more than a game, which, I guess, isn't technically wrong.
It's described as a nonfiction deep dive into this popular franchise and what it takes to find love, or more accurately fame, as written by a pair of fans and journalists.
The writing is casual, fun and witty and there's a couple fun graphics throughout, too. Plus, the final chapter does rightfully address the show's racial injustice problem and its lack of action. If only the ABC show could actually as well…
Available: January 18, 2022
Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy
After reading Elle Kennedy's full Off-Campus series (well, thank you #booktok), I was intrigued to see NetGalley that had an ARC of her newest read available for review. And you know what? Color me interested…
Here, we follow Mac, who's a chronic people pleaser and reluctantly starts college at a prestigious school in the South. Alongside Mac, we meet Cooper, the bad boy townie that she finds herself drawn to. While Mac seemingly has it all — the prep school friends, the well-off life, parents who give her everything, and a devoted longtime boyfriend — something seems off. All she wants to do is grow her internet business but her folks have insisted she get a degree first. So, she enrolls at Garnet College in the beachfront town of Avalon Bay. While she's used to repressing her wild impulses, something about local Cooper inspires her to let go and be free. Cooper, then, for his part makes a She's All That-inspired bet with his friends to make Mac, the girlfriend of the boy who humiliated him, fall for him and subsequently break up with that jerk as revenge. What he didn't expect was to actually fall for her, realizing she's not like the rest of the snobby Garnet students.
Told in dual perspectives, it's chock full of juicy, compelling, and fun language that completely drew me in because, let me tell you, I was hooked. And sure, while there is some *spice* here (much like the Off-Campus books), this New Adult read seems more grounded and story-driven with vulnerable characters who have heart, dreams, and goals. Then, gah, that ending! While I appreciate a good HEA in my romance reads, I just wanted more to the story because it seemed to abruptly wrap up and I desperately wanted to see where Mac and Cooper were headed next!
Available: February 1, 2022
Lockdown on London Lane by Beth Reekles
Beth Reekles, who's known for her Kissing Booth books, has seamlessly stepped into the adult/women's fiction game with this novel. Here, various residents in the London Lane apartment building get a note from building management that they are expected to quarantine for a week amidst the beginning of the pandemic. With nowhere else to go, these various characters end up confronting their current lives and situations. We get a variety of leading players, from longtime couples confronting the future of their relationship, newly dating couples diving into that next stage very quickly, a bridal party who cannot stop fighting while prepping for upcoming nuptials, and a one-night stand that unexpectedly lasts a whole week.
So, there's longtime couple Ethan/Charlotte who are quarantining apart but FaceTiming daily, Zach/Serena who embark on a no-holds-barred fight about their future after a seemingly mundane debate, Liv who's hosting her fellow bridesmaids after an off-the-rails bachelorette party, Isla/Danny who've been dating for one month and put their relationship to the test, and Imogen/Nate who only met the night before after matching on a dating app. Told in multiple perspectives, we see how their different friendships and romances are tested in a series of quick novellas.
While reading, I absolutely couldn't put this book down thanks to its catchy language that's just so much fun and draws me in. Not only that, but this quick read features an array of equally lovable yet authentic characters that I'm invested in each of their journeys. It did read like mini-vignettes or something since each story was quite separate until one cute scene towards the end that really brings everyone together as a community. Plus, that ending (minus one heartsick twist) had me grinning so wide at this adorable and fun read.
This book picks up when Sadie gets passed over for a long-overdue promotion in the finance sector of Manhattan, so she does what any millennial in the midst of a quarter-life crisis does: She gets drunk and tries to seek a date. However, when she accidentally mixes up a dating app and a roommate-finding app, she stumbles upon Jack, the owner of the most beautiful Brooklyn brownstone she's ever seen. Knowing she's not interested in Jack romantically in any way but rather lusting over his gorgeous apartment, she rents a room in his place for a tiny sum. After losing her job, she decides to start a new career as a BK-based florist.
Then, there's the mysterious Jack, who's been grieving the death of his parents and unexpectedly finds himself drawn to the vivacious gardening enthusiast who brings him out of his shell. These two are complete polar opposites stuck in the same orbit, which gives me The Roommate by Rose Danan vibes, with opposites attract and forced proximity tropes at work. And side note, dang, Jack is one great Book Boyfriend, like, um, good work there because I'm melting. Oh, hot damn, oh boy, oh boy.
It's such a quick read that I could not put down, nor did I want to. I was that desperate to know what would happen next in this story of a relatable millennial trying to find her way. These characters are so vulnerable, authentic and just have so much heart that I truly feel for them and want them to grow as individuals and in love. Also, yes, there's some *spice* content in here, but the passion is almost described with an air of love to it rather than being a completely smutty/raunchy type of scene.
One Night on the Island by Josie Silver
After One Day in December came out, I loved it. End of story. So, the moment I learned the author had written a new book that was set in Ireland, a tale of forced proximity and finding oneself, I was all-in.
Here, we follow Cleo, who's a London-based dating columnist who heads to the remote island "Salvation" for her 30th birthday at the insistence of her magazine editor. When she arrives at the luxury cabin for her solo retreat, a mixup sends Boston-bred Mack into her orbit, who came to the town to explore his roots while staying in the exact same cabin. Thanks to the booking mishap and the lack of a boat to the mainland, the pair are stuck sharing the one-room space together for a while. Instantly at odds, the pair try to ignore one another, however that plan soon goes out the window. As expected.
Told in dual perspectives, this women's fiction novel combines forced proximity and enemies to lovers/opposites attract tropes with a tale of finding oneself. This book reads quite quickly, full of compelling language that just draws me in. For nearly the first half of this read, it was more of a women's fiction slash slow burn type of story and then we get into the frothy, indulgent holiday romance cuteness that had me smiling wide. It's a cute, compelling novel, end of story.
Available: February 15, 2022
2022 book releases, ARCs, bachelor nation, Beth Reekles, book recommendations, book releases, book reviews, books, booktok, broadway, Chad Kultgen, coming of age novel, contemporary fiction, Elise Bryant, Elle Kennedy, emma lord, Falon Ballard, Game of Roses podcast, Good Girl Complex, Happily Ever Afters, HEA, How to Win the Bachelor, Josie Silver, Kissing Booth, Lease on Love, Lizzy Pace, Lockdown on London Lane, Mamma Mia, Miranda's Book Nook, musicals, netgalley, NetGalley ARC, New Adult, new books, nonfiction, Off Campus series, One Day in December, One Night on the Island, One True Loves, quarantine, reading, reading goals, reviews, rom-coms, romance, romance novels, She's All That, TBR, TBR list, the bachelor, theater kids, theater nerds, travel, wanderlust, When You Get the Chance, women's fiction, YA, You Have a Match, young adult 1 Comment
Here are 10 New Books That Should Be on Your Radar This Summer
Summer is just starting to arrive and my TBR's only gotten longer. Whoopsies. But, I have managed to read 86 books this year so far (as of early May when I wrote this blog post). But, I feel like I'm just getting started for the year. After all, I still have the likes of People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry, Circe by Madeline Miller, Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo, If This Gets Out by Cale Dietrich & Sophie Gonzales, and wayyy more left on my TBR book cart (yes, I indeed own a book cart for my TBR and it's packed).
Out of all the upcoming releases I've been reading this spring/early summer in ARC form, there are some good ones that I've been obsessing over ever since I read those final pages. We even have three five-star reads on this list! So, without further ado, welcome back to Miranda's Book Nook; apologies for the delay. But what can I say, I had books to finish first… Keep reading for even more 2021 book releases that I haven't been able to get enough of that should definitely be on your radar this summer. Beach reads, anyone??
Gutter Girl by Kelly Anne Blount, Lynn Rush
I really enjoyed these authors' collaboration on the teen hockey romance, In The Penalty Box and so, I was excited to check this new YA novel out.
Told in dual perspectives, we follow star football player Jace who writes fantasy romance stories, and outsider McKenna. Jace loves writing these fantastical romances with action, adventure, swordplay, and kissing yet no one knows he's written one of the most popular stories on Scribbles (a fictional version of Wattpad). Certainly not his overbearing parents, the other kids at school, or his thousands of fans who read it online each week. When his teammate grabs his notebook and starts to read out a kissing scene, McKenna (who typically hates the spotlight) jumps in to save him and claims the notebook is hers. He convinces her to keep up this ruse and keep his secret for a price, and he'd do anything to keep this under wraps. As the duo starts to fall for one another, he knows he has to keep the biggest, darkest secret to himself: The main villain that his fans love to hate is based on goth girl McKenna before they got to know one another.
The action kicks off right away, and I'm immediately drawn into this story, and it's fun and I like it. The characters are deep and complex, yet still tell a light, fun, enjoyable, and emotionally vulnerable YA story. It's so cute and so precious, and I just want more to their story like right now.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
I was beyond, beyond excited to receive an advanced galley of this book after I devoured her first book, Red, White & Royal Blue. My galley came in audio-form from MacMillian Audio, and I swear, I would have taken this ARC in literally any format if it meant I could read this one as soon as possible. So, yes, I'm so pumped to start listening to this one. And now that I've read it (well, listened), guys, my fellow RWRB obsessives: y'all are going to go nuts because it's that good.
Here, we follow 23-year-old August who just moved to New York City as a way to prove to herself that magic and true love doesn't exist, because after all, she's a skeptic and a closet detective. One day she spots a gorgeous girl on the subway, on the Q train to be exact. This girl, Jane, is dazzling and mysterious who shows up to save August's day when she needs it most. So, obviously August develops a little subway crush on the girl that makes every single day better, but soon she realizes that Jane is actually displaced in time from the '70s, and August sets out to help her remember who she is and beat this curse/problem. It's billed as a magical, sexy, and bighearted romance, which is definitely an accurate depiction. The language has humor in spades, like laugh-out-loud lines. August is described in a way that makes her an authentic and realistic main character, which makes me super into her story.
It feels unlike anything I've read before, including RWRB, but it's still a fun sapphic New Adult romance with a sweeping romance sprinkled in. It's fun, and I was so curious to keep reading to find out what would happen next. Plus, Jane+August are so flipping cute, like I couldn't stop smiling for a minute while listening. This slow-burn romance is also a love letter to NYC and good friends, too. Plus, it has this fun mysterious element to take it out of the realm of *just* being a romance novel; it's way more than that. If I had to categorize this book, I'd say it's Veronica Mars meets time-travel meets sapphic romance, which seems like an odd combination yet it completely works, and I'm sold. The language is witty and funny, too, and I love, love, love it and yes, it totally lives up to all the hype it's already been racking up.
As an audiobook, I found the story so immersive and compelling. The narrator puts you in August's head and what she sees. She uses different voices to effortlessly capture all the different characters and their various personalities. It feels realistic, yet engaging and bubbly. Between the story and the narration, I just want to keep listening to this story to find out what would happen next. It's impossible not to get wrapped up in this story thanks to such compelling language and vibrant narration. Plus, there's so much diverse representation that feels authentic and real, which is another win in this book's column. Everything is brilliantly planned out, interconnected, and woven together in terms of the story organization. All in all, it feels so original and unlike anything I've read prior, which is a very good thing.
Also, I just have to say: 🚞 🌶 🚞, which, like, I know, right?!?!
Better Together by Christine Riccio
This book is pitched as Freaky Friday meets The Parent Trap, which immediately intrigued me. Then, I started this book and just couldn't put it down. Told in alternating viewpoints between two sisters, there's aspiring comic Jamie and ballerina Siri who live on opposite coasts and just meet for the first time thanks to meddling accomplices and a bit of magic. The two estranged sisters meet at a wellness retreat in Colorado, where they each discover that the sister they haven't seen in 14 years is there, too. After a rocky time and grudges aplenty, they decide to switch places with a dash of glittery magic to meet the parent they barely knew.
This was such a fun read from the get-go, giving me similar vibes to You Have a Match by Emma Lord, yet it's still very much its own thing. The author uses fun and authentic language that pulls me into both girls' worlds. It's just so light and fun, which makes it easy and quick to get sucked in and just keep reading.
Of Princes and Promises by Sandhya Menon
I've been a fan of this author's previous works for just about a year now, and so, when I heard of this novel and the fairytale adaptation it was, I was intrigued.
In this contemporary retelling and twist on The Frog Prince, Caterina is the queen of St. Rosetta's Academy who is determined to continue her reign after being dumped when her boyfriend Alaric cheated on her. Then, there's the adorkable Rahul who's harbored a crush on Caterina ever since they shared a dance at the school winter formal months ago when she was the most heartbroken. When Caterina finds out Alaric is taking some supermodel to a big gala, she needs a ringer on her harm. She enlists the clueless Rahul to be her fake date, and she'll even dress him up to go with her. She uses a mysterious and magical hair gel that alters the wearer into whatever his heart desires, which for Rahul was RC who's a charming and debonair guy. However, transformation comes with a price and the line between his two personas blur together as RC gains popularity in town.
Told in dual perspectives. it's such a cute and fun YA romance novel. It's definitely a quick read that's so enjoyable and hard to put down.
Live Your Life by Amanda Kloots, Anna Kloots
After following Amanda Kloots' and Nick Cordero's heartwrenching coronavirus story and her inspiring positivity last year, I was very much interested in reading her memoir about the ordeal. She reflects on love, loss, and life with her husband, Broadway star Nick Cordero.
It's the story of their life together and his fight against COVID-19. It's a beautiful, heartfelt, and emotional story of her entire journey with Nick, from the first time they met, their wedding, the birth of their son Elvis, through COVID and her unimaginable loss. It's such a poignant and honest first-person account that makes your heart break even more than it did while reading the news stories.
You can feel all her raw, vulnerable emotions from this period come through while reading. It's a well-written and honest memoir to read that, yes, makes me tear up. With Kloots' positive spirit, her memoir shares an unplugged look at this awful period along with her strength, support from loved ones, and it provides a tribute/lasting memory for Cordero to assist with her grief.
Blush by Jamie Brenner
This was a compelling women's fiction/general fiction read that I could hardly put down. This book is set at the Hollander Estates vineyard in Long Island. After years as a tourist destination and wedding venue, the Hollanders family fortune has dwindled and the threat of sale brings secrets and old wounds to life. This book, full of captivating language and complex characters, focuses on the women in the family throughout one summer: matriarch Vivian, daughter Leah, and granddaughter Sadie.
Each lady is searching for an escape from her current life, so they decide to start a book club together and re-read the old romance novels that Vivian's own former book club had read so many years ago. It turns out reading these so-called trashy romances illuminate the life, love, and career (with the future of the vineyard) they wanted all along. In this story of love, family, and second chances, we get to see each of these three perspectives in a novel that is easy and quick to read, plus it's engaging and intriguing that you don't want to put it down.
When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
This novel is like part women's fiction, part romance, and part mystery/thriller, and odd combination in theory, yet it works here. Here, Thad Owens is the backup quarterback for the Chicago Stars team who has a low tolerance for divas, and especially Divas with a capital letter D. Olivia is an international opera star and a hugely driven Diva.
The two are paired for a national tour to promote a luxury watch brand, but obviously, they aren't fans of one another. Along the journey, the trash talk, soul search, and deal with all sorts of dramatic, behind-the-scenes drama and threatening fans. Told in dual perspectives, it's set up to be a fun, light forced-proximity and enemies-to-lovers romance with a twist. There's a major mystery element that takes this book out of just a romance novel category and into something else. However, there are actually like three mysteries going on, which seems like a lot. Then, of course, you get that sweeping, grandiose, romantic ending to make this a read I could hardly put down.
The Turnout by Megan Abbott
This book is described as a "revelatory and mesmerizing new novel set against the hothouse of a family-run ballet studio," and now that I've finished, I concur that it's a thrilling, intriguing piece of literary fiction. Sisters Dara and Marie grew up as ballerinas, under the tutelage of their professional dancer mother who owned a dance studio. After their parents tragically died, the two sisters took over the studio along with Dara's husband Charlie. After a suspicious accident right before Nutcracker season, an interloper arrives to disrupt their delicate three-person balance.
This book is full of engaging language that draws me in right from page one. It's so intriguing and thrilling. Then, once the interloper (contractor Derek) arrives in town, it adds a whole mysterious and cunning element. So, once you get into it, it's hard to put down with its many, many bombshell twists and turns. Oh woah, it's just so good yet so surprising.
The Betrayed by Kiera Cass
After I read The Betrothed earlier this lockdown, I admit I was unsure about the story and the ending because something just didn't vibe with me as I read it. Yet, I was intrigued to learn about this sequel and figure out how things ended. I'm so glad I gave this series another chance because I did quite enjoy this action-packed novel.
Here, it picks up quite literally where Book 1 ended up with Hollis fleeing Coroa after her husband Silas' death, where she's been living with his mom, sister, surly cousin Etan who's distrustful of her and all Coroans, aunt, and uncle in Isolte. While attempting to move forward with her life, a growing distrust in the Isoltean kingdom threatens the future of her new country and her old one. As tensions rise, she learns that the Eastoffe family could unseat the tyrannical Isoltean king and take over, but only with her help to stage a revolution among the people.
From the minute it started, exactly where we last left off, it is full of exciting language that pulls me back into this fantastical world. It's a quick YA read and way more action-packed than the first book (to me, at least), which helped to keep my interest.
Meant to Be: If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
I've been waiting for this book for over a year, and so, I'd like to offer a massive, massive, massive thank you to Disney Hyperion and NetGalley for this advanced galley. Even though, my Amazon preorder is already confirmed, oops.
Julie Murphy, who's killed the YA game with her Dumplin, Puddin, and Pumpkin novels, is kicking off a new series, titled Meant to Be that's a bunch of modern fairytale adaptations and romances with body-positive leads. One, I love seeing more diversity of any kind in romance. Two, Murphy is a master at authentically writing plus-size characters. Three, it's a Disney fairytale retelling. All in all, this book has everything I want, and this is before I've started it! This book wasn't meant for my March TBR considering its August release date, but within a day of my galley approval, I was rearranging the rest of the TBR to start this as soon as possible.
Then, I started it. And oh boy, it's juicy, engaging, unputdownable just by the first couple of chapters! Here, Cindy's just graduated with a degree in shoe design and trying to get her career off the ground. So, she takes a job working for her stepmother, the executive producer on the popular reality show "Before Midnight." When a spot on the show opens at the last minute, Cindy volunteers hoping it could help jumpstart her fashion career or give her something to do while her classmates land high-fashion jobs. But being the only plus-size competitor on a dating competition show makes a big splash and her a body positivity icon. The only thing she didn't expect was to find inspiration and love in this crazy process. What, who would have thought that huh?
I'm immediately drawn into this world, just as I was in Murphy's previous books, and it's just so fun and makes me want to keep reading and find out what would happen next. As time goes on, it gets cheesy cute that gives me butterflies, and I swear I feel my heart turning all swoony as the feelings between Cindy and the suitor Henry grow and develop. This read was so hard for me to put down because I just didn't want it to end! Initially, I wasn't sure if this was a 4 or 5-star situation, but after finishing it, I think it's definitely a five-star romance read and I'll definitely be reading this one again when I have the chance. Murphy has delivered her next series post-Dumplin, and I'm pleased to report that whenever the rest of this series drops, I'll be first in line to order a copy. And if Cindy+Henry pop up and still has their HEA, all the better.
Available: August 3
2021 book releases, advanced galleys, Amanda Kloots, Anna Kloots, ARCs, audiobook, Better Together, Blush, book recommendations, book reviews, books, broadway, Casey McQuiston, Christine Riccio, contemporary fiction, contemporary retelling, contemporary romance, COVID-19, disney, dumplin, emma lord, fairytale retelling, fiction, five star reads, Freaky Friday, Gutter Girl, In the Penalty Box, Jamie Brenner, Julie Murphy, Kelly Anne Blount, Kiera Cass, literary fiction, Live Your Life, Lynn Rush, Meant to Be series, Meant to Be: If The Shoe Fits, Megan Abbott, memoir, Miranda's Book Nook, netgalley, New Adult, new summer book releases 2021, Nick Cordero, nonfiction, Of Princes and Promises, One Last Stop, Parent Trap, Puddin, Pumpkin, reading, red white and royal blue, romance, Sandhya Menon, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, The Betrayed, The Betrothed, The Frog Prince, The Turnout, When Stars Collide, women's fiction, YA, You Have a Match 6 Comments
These 7 Upcoming Spring Releases Stole My Bookish Heart
Well well well, here we are, knee-deep in March and yet still basically hunkered down at home for who knows how much longer because it's already been a full calendar year. As expected, I've continued to spend my free time reading a good book (I managed 28 in January, 18 in February, and 2.5 so far in March.), starting up my brand-new #bookstagram page, and maintaining my rainbow-organized bookshelves. As I kept on reading, I discovered some truly incredible reads that completely stole my bookish heart. So, without further ado, welcome back to Miranda's Book Nook for another round of 2021 book recommendations that should definitely be on your radar this spring. Happy reading!
Hana Khan Carries On by Uzma Jalaluddin
This book completely took me by surprise, and honestly, that's what I liked the most about it. It's pitched as a You've Got Mail-type of romcom, which is both a trope and a movie I adore, and so I was already hooked.
Here, Hana juggles her dream job in radio, a side hobby as a podcaster, and spends the remainder of her time waitressing at her family's halal restaurant in Toronto. Sales are slow, especially as a new upscale halal eatery is moving in across the street. In the exposition, she's working as a radio intern hoping to get promoted, rambling on in her podcast episodes which is where she forms a connection with an anonymous listener, all while trying to keep the family business afloat. Then, a mysterious aunt and cousin arrive from India, she discovers a family secret and grapples with a hate crime attack nearby. There are all sorts of complications to contend with, including her attraction to rival restaurant owner Aydin who may not be as much of a stranger as she initially thinks. When life as she knows it shifts and changes, Hana must figure out how to use her voice, be strong, and decide what her life should be.
This coming-of-age read features captivating, descriptive language, and in addition to see the text, the story's also told through her podcast transcripts and the anonymous DMs they share. There is a lot of exposition that starts off pretty slow, but thanks to vulnerable and authentic characters you can't help but get sucked in and want to find out what happens next. It's well-written and captivating, as well as profound and insightful to look at this cultural identity and perspective, especially if you are on the outside. Then, of course, the ending romance and HEA is so flipping cute and precious that had me smiling from ear to ear.
Let me preface this by saying that I don't hand out five-star ratings often because, to me, that means a book needs to be fan-freaking-tastic and just all-around unforgettable. And let me tell you: This book is just that. Christina Sweeney-Baird's debut novel is poised to be a prolific piece of prose that'll have everyone talking this April. It already has a select few NetGalley reviewers buzzing, and I'm happy to join those ranks. In this work of fiction, a virus circulating around the UK sweeps the world and takes out most of the male population, leaving women to pick up the pieces of society as Sweeney-Baird posits what would happen to the world without men.
The book starts in 2025, when a mysterious virus shows up at a hospital in Scotland. Only men are carriers and are affected, and as the virus grows into a global pandemic, it's up to women to save the future of humanity while also dealing with their own loss and grief. This book is the immersive first-person account of the women rebuilding the world, including Amanda the doctor who treated Patient Zero, Catherine a social historian documenting everything, scientist Elizabeth working on a vaccine, and others around the world. It aims to chart how the absence of men changed society both personally and politically in this prolific and prescient novel.
Before reading this book, I was intrigued by the summary (reminding me of the likes of The Handmaid's Tale or Children of Men-type of dystopia) and the sheer number of glowing reviews. So, I started it. And, I couldn't put it down for nearly two days until I finished every last page, just pouring over the text, the language, the story, the vulnerability, and the heart. This gripping modern thriller slash literary fiction read is so poignant and timely about the world's new normal, which is made all the more prescient considering it was written two years ago. Yet, it's still so relevant, raw, and vulnerable, and just like wow. This book, what else is there to say without giving much away other than it's so bloody brilliant, and I mean that wholeheartedly. The story is just so real and gripping but also has messages and themes that are so impactful and important that elevate this read into what it is.
With its current publication date, that makes this novel all the more poignant and reflective. In this book, as these women try to keep the world running, they also grapple with fear, loss, grief, mortality, fertility, and humanity. The language just enthralled me, captivated me, and drew me in. I loved the ending about how these women found the strength and power in this new world, while also dealing with what they lost. Now, with all that going on, there's bound to be some triggering scenes. And so, yes, that does mean I have some content warnings to deliver if scenes of grief and loss; death of a parent, child, or spouse; infertility; or suicide is triggering for you. In the end, this has to be a five-star read for me, it's just so poignant, well-written, and prolific. I sincerely hope that once this book is officially available, it gets all the hype and acclaim because it's that good and deserves it.
Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers Is Saving Ballet from Itself by Chloe Angyal
Author Chloe Angyal provides an insightful look at the behind-the-scenes world of ballet in this nonfiction read full of facts, history, and interviews. Through this inside look at the ballet world's present, readers can see how this art form is shaped by race, gender, and class inequalities, as well as how dancers and professionals are fighting for a more inclusive and positive future.
This book is written by journalist Chloe Angyal who aims to capture students' love for ballet all while they grapple with its unfair and unbalanced shortcomings in terms of power, beauty, and race. Angyal interviews students, parents, teachers, health care workers, professionals, and more industry insides about the damaging path of this industry in the modern world and how that affects the dancers.
She takes a concept that isn't largely discussed outside of gruesome or idealized TV or movies and blows everything you didn't know about this hard field wide open. It's all about how the art form s broken and how to fix its inequities to move forward. The writing is very detailed and informative. However, at times the text could be quite dry, although I found it interesting as a former dancer myself.
Available: May 4
The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
This was an absolutely adorable New Adult romance read that I just devoured. Here, Meredith joins her extended family at her grandparents' compound in Martha's Vineyard every summer. This is the first time she's been back after her sister died, so grief content warning, and it's her cousin's wedding weekend.
She's dealing with her sister's death, grief, a fresh breakup from her ex, and heading off to college for the first time in a few weeks. She needs a distraction, which their annual family Assassin game comes at the right time. In her quest to win to honor her sister, she teams up with a cute groomsman in the wedding, Wit. She can't help falling for him during this weekend fling, but that may very much cost her both the game and her heart. This read is full of compelling language that just draws me in from the first page. It's a fun summer romance that's for sure, however, the title doesn't seem to make much sense to me and that's a little awkward, I guess. But, all in all, it's a very cute and absolutely precious NA romance.
Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty by Lauren Weisberger
True to Lauren Weisberger's style, her latest novel delivers her signature wit, insight into an elite world, enthralling storytelling, relatable yet authentic characters, and snappy language.
In this book, readers follow two sisters Peyton and Skye, who are complete opposites but seemingly have perfect lives to one another. Then, several lies threaten to derail everything. Peyton is a TV anchor who always has it together, including her daughter Max who is Ivy League-bound. Meanwhile, Skye is a stay-at-home mom in the New York suburbs who is fundraising to start up a new home for underprivileged kids as a way to get away from this PTA mom life she's been living in. Then, there's Max, Peyton's daughter, who is coming of age in this elite Manhattan prep school and who does want to attend Princeton but rather a film school on the west coast. This book follows all three of them as they attempt to move forward once lies explode and derail everything they know. It's basically based on the age-old saying that the grass is greener on the other side. Everything blows up for Peyton when her husband is arrested in a college admissions scandal, while Skye is hiding her deep debts.
This book is full of quick, witty language and relatable characters and dialogue. We get back-and-forth perspectives to show how each woman is dealing with everything and interact with one another. I was definitely very, very, very interested to see where things would go and happen next, and in the end, I just wanted more. It's so rich with details and complex characters that made this read totally unputdownable.
I've always been a huge Little Women fan ever since childhood, and when I heard Virginia Kantra wrote a modern retelling of it in Meg & Jo, I knew I'd like it just as much, which I did. Now, that I've finished her follow-up, I'm even more besotted with the lives of the March sisters than ever before, and here it's Beth's and Amy's turns in the spotlight to share their stories.
After I devoured and loved Meg & Jo, I was stocked to read this follow-up, which I can now report that I loved even more. This book is all about Beth's and Amy's coming-of-age stories. Amy's an ambitious up-and-coming handbag designer in New York, whereas good girl Beth is a singer-songwriter working to overcome her anxiety and stage fright on tour with country superstar Colt (from the previous book). When they both return home for Jo's wedding, they must confront their lives and what they actually want it to be.
As a reader who's enthralled with the March sisters, while we all adore Meg and Jo, who doesn't secretly love Beth and Amy? So, it's exciting to see their perspectives and get inside their heads as they grow up, especially since in the original novel, they were children. This story alternates between the point of view of the two sisters, much like Meg & Jo, but also includes chapters focus on Marmee/Momma/Abby's sides too, which is another intriguing perspective to understand. True to form, Kantra's novel features rich storytelling and language to draw you in. Set three years after Meg & Jo, I loved seeing Beth and Amy shine, expressing vulnerability and complexity in both past and present timelines. As expected, I really dug this book and just didn't (and couldn't) want to put it down.
All in all, I think I did like this more than Meg & Jo because it's partially a new story with previously hidden depths and vulnerabilities of these former minor characters that I loved so fiercely. Thank you so much Berkeley for this ARC, I was absolutely thrilled to once again rejoin the March sisters on their journeys.
Sixteen Scandals by Sophie Jordan
This is a fun Regency romp of a read that I just couldn't put down! Here, Primrose Ainsworth is the fourth daughter of a modest upper-class family who's approaching her sixteenth birthday without debut plans in sight. Always tired of being a child and stuck at home she concocts a ruse with her best friend to sneak out on her birthday to London's Vauxhall Gardens for a night of masqueraded fun. When she gets separated from her friend, a mysterious hero is here to help her escape when her cover is nearly blown. This stranger is 19-year-old Jacob, who becomes her partner in crime all evening long as they dodge all sorts of hijinks and antics.
It's described as having "Austen-type flirtation" and "Shakespearan hijinks," which is already giving me Bridgerton meets the happy Romeo & Juliet vibes, and I'm here for it. The language is curious, engaging, frothy, and fun. Plus, the banter between Prim and Jacob is just on fire and explodes off the page. It's captivating and fun that I just don't want to put this book down!
To me, it did end super, super quickly because we were just getting started with their love story, and I want more. But overall, it was very cute as is. It just flew by, and just as I was finally starting to get the characters and their story, boom it ended, and I just want more content. This is a quick Regency romp of a YA romance novel that you can polish off in haste, but nevertheless, still engaging to indulge in their banter and hijinks as Prim makes her own rules in this restrictive society for women.
ARCs, ballerina, ballet, Beth & Amy, Children of Men, Chloe Angyal, Christina Sweeney-Baird, dance, dancer, dystopia, five star read, Hana Khan Carries On, historical fiction, K.L. Walther, Lauren Weisberger, literary fiction, Little Women, meg & jo, Miranda's Book Nook, modern thriller, netgalley, New Adult, new book releases, nonfiction, OwnVoices, regency, romance, Sixteen Scandals, Sophie Jordan, The End of Men, The Handmaid's Tale, The Summer of Broken Rules, thriller, Turning Pointe: How a New Generation of Dancers Is Saving Ballet from Itself, Uzma Jalaluddin, Virginia Kantra, Where the Grass Is Green and the Girls Are Pretty, YA, You've Got Mail, young adult 6 Comments
Bring on a New Year With These 8 New 2021 Book Releases
Now that we're weeks into the New Year, that's certainly plenty of time to start your 2021 TBR challenge with a bang! For me personally, I've already polished off 14 books this month, currently in the middle of another one, and about to head out to the library this weekend to pick up another hold that's ready. So, suffice it to say, once I finish my daily work duties, I pretty much spend all my time reading. I mean, it's still a pandemic and a lockdown, so like, what else is there to do instead? From my first five-star read of the year, sweeping romances, impactful guidebooks, and powerful literary masterpieces, my Recently Read list has been absolutely packed with winners. And so, welcome back once again to Miranda's Book Nook! Keep on reading for eight more 2021 book titles that I can't get enough of this month that should be on your radar this year. Happy reading!
I know, I know, I'm late to the party on this read. And, I'm kicking myself for not picking this book up earlier, however, you can't change the past and we're here now. So, a bit of backstory: After seeing TikTok after TikTok where readers proclaim it one of the best, I immediately looked up a book summary and was floored by what I read. It sounded so good, so I immediately went to find a copy. While, unfortunately, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the library didn't have a copy readily available as soon as I wanted to read it, Target did. And so, within three days of ordering, my book mail was shipped and arrived at my house.
Okay, so, GAH, I didn't even realize that I polished off this four hundred-plus page novel in a single day. I just couldn't put it down, as I read it early Tuesday morning at midnight, then slept until my alarm, read some fifty pages as I ate breakfast, worked my normal hours at my new job, and then picked up this book again as I cooked and ate dinner, and then kept on reading until 11 at night when I finished this read. That's how good and enthralling this was because I just couldn't put it down.
This book is like a cross and a mix of genres between historical fiction, contemporary, fantasy, romance, and literary fiction. There's so much vulnerability about life, love, and being remembered. Here, we start in a small town in France in 1714, and we meet a young girl named Adeline. She dreams of a life and real love. She soon meets a mysterious stranger who offers her a Faustian deal for immortality. In doing so, she's cursed where no one can remember her after they first meet. We travel with her from century to century and continent to continent, through various historical and artistic moments. Then, some three hundred years later, everything changed. When, in New York City, Addie meets Henry in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name. We follow her relationship with Henry and with Luc, the devil she made a deal with, all as she struggles to make her mark on the world when she's destined to be invisible. This book is just so so so so special, a five f**king star read in all its glory, no doubt about that. It will one hundred percent be my new go-to book recommendation for anyone who'll ask me for one this year.
Rating: Five Stars (I'm adding a new section for all my 2021 book reviews and recommendations from here on out, where I'll be including my rating out of five stars here.)
Ballet Orphans: A Prequel by Terez Mertes Rose*
I have a soft spot for books about the behind the scenes world of dance and ballet, and this read was a lovely addition to that genre. Here, it is 1990 and April is a ballet soloist in New York when her mom dies just two years after her dad's death.
She's trying to rebalance her life when she gets a principal offer at a struggling San Francisco ballet company. A new life in a new city seems like an exciting prospect to her, but the other dancers are wary of both a new dancer and a new artistic director. Then, there's a troubling former dancer with an explosive past. While technically this is a prequel novel, I found it easy to get into as a newbie to the series. Here, she realizes the sacrifices that are necessary to make her professional dreams come true and her desire to be loved and protect her chosen family.
This reads quite quickly with engaging language and tone. It's a fun read about the behind-the-scenes world of ballet. It's vulnerable, authentic, fun, and engaging that I very much enjoyed.
Enjoy the View by Sarah Morgenthaler*
Sarah Morgenthaler continues her popular Moose Springs romance series with this adventurous new addition. Here, Hollywood starlet River Lane is in need of a career facelift, so she heads up to Moose Springs, Alaska with her film crew to make a tourism-boosting documentary about the area and this charming town. However, the locals are less than accommodating.
She's determined to prove herself with this movie both for her career and to everyone that gets in her way, oh, and none of the quirky locals want anything to do with her. Except one. Easton Lockett, a side character in the author's previous books, is a survival expert and mountain guide, who's a big pile of mush underneath his rugged, outdoorsy facade. He's tasked with getting River and her crew up and down the mountain safely as they film the journey along the way. However, falling for her was not part of his plan and makes his job a lot tougher, but ultimately he can't shake their inevitable connection.
I picked this book up right after finishing the all-consuming drama of Addie LaRue (see above) because I wanted something light, easy, frothy, cute, and fun. And, this book gave me just that. For those of you who loved the author's previous books in the series, you'll enjoy returning to Moose Springs and getting a deep-dive into the beloved side character, plus seeing both Graham+Zoey and Rick+Lana still have their HEAs is fun. Or if you, like me, are just jumping into the series, it totally stands on its own as a cute, wilderness-y romance book. River and Easton start off at odds, which of course, but that allows for such fun banter. It gives me similar vibes to Not If I Save You First because they both need to survive physically but also learn to be open when love is right in front of you. It has dual perspectives and is full of easy, relatable, and indulgent language that draws you into the story. Trust me, once you get sucked into the action, you're all in on this read. These two have the sparks and banter, and it's beyond cute. Then, the ending is absolutely precious, sweeping, and cheesy romantic as all heck.
Available: January 19
The Divines by Ellie Eaton*
I was excited to begin this highly anticipated literary fiction novel, which just completely enthralled me and I couldn't put it down. It's set in present-day LA with flashbacks to a British boarding school in the '90s and this coming-of-age novel explores the destructive relationships between teenage girls.
In the flashback, the girls of the elite St. John boarding school are notorious for pushing boundaries, their sharp tongues, and chasing boys. Now in her thirties, Josephine hasn't spoken to any of her former peers in fifteen years ever since the school closed in the wake of a mysterious scandal. During her honeymoon, she takes a detour to the old school grounds, which brings up all sorts of memories of that time and the horrid things they got away with. This visit provokes all sorts of recollections about the school's final weeks, leading up to the big scandal, and her violet secret at its center. As she remembers more and more, her life, her sense of self, and her marriage all crumble around her. Eaton looks at adolescent sexuality, female identity, social class divide in this suspenseful novel. This book is full of rich, exciting language that draws you in. Josephine has such an intriguing first-person point of view and voice. It has such a compelling tone, and it gets so engaging that makes this read hard to put down.
David and Ameena by Ami Rao*
This read was such an unexpectedly poignant and moving romance story starring American-Jewish aspiring jazz pianist David and British-Pakistani painter Ameena. This story is set in New York City, and their journey begins when they meet in a crowded subway car, which, like, don't I wish that was realistic hahaha.
While hailing from vastly different upbringings, beliefs, and experiences, they are both torn between their dreams versus their families' expectations, which connects them. after their fated initial meeting. The book shows how they navigate their relationship amidst ambitions, careers, and the city they live in and love while they must deal with and confront the challenges and struggles of today's world. This book, told in dual perspectives, features very descriptive language that feels very romantic for me as a reader. Everything is timed just right to draw me in, except for a few sections that out of nowhere tell the story of Ameena's dad or brother. These tales almost feel out of place in this story, leaving me confused at its purpose because it doesn't seem to make sense or intersect with this romantic story until the very end, which was almost too late for me.
There is one other thing that struck me as inauthentic. So, I get the author, Ameena, and the publisher are based in the UK and use British English, however, David is American and the primary setting is in the US. So, the use of British English for his sections, or her boss' scenes, for example, doesn't exactly make sense because American English is quite different. I liked this read and its authentic, vulnerable portrayal of the characters, the hard moments, and the story, but it does take quite a bit of time to get into it.
Available: February 4
Yes & I Love You by Roni Loren*
While this book initially took me a little bit to really get into, by the end, it was an all-consuming, sweet romance read that I could barely put down. Here, Miz Poppy is a popular and vibrant reviewer who covers the most exciting nightlife options in New Orleans, but little do crowds know, is that Hollyn Tate is the girl behind the online persona.
After her boss tells her to start adding videos to her reviews, Hollyn is fearful of people finding out her true self and finds help to conquer those fears where she least expects. That's where aspiring actor Jasper Deares comes in. After he realizes that the girl who orders coffee from him is Miz Poppy, he thinks a review from her about his improv troupe will be his chance at fame and media attention to jumpstart his acting career. All he needs to do is help her overcome her stage fright so she'll write a review of his troupe. But, things soon get complication as their connection deepens, she overcomes her fears, and he realizes what he actually wants to do in life and how to get there. Told in dual perspectives, this book is full of realistic and authentic character. Oh, and the representation is so nice to see in this friends with benefits trope read. And that ending is just way too cute to put into words!
Available: March 2
The Rejection That Changed My Life by Jessica Bacal*
After everything many of us have gone through during this tough and unprecedented time, this timely book provides just what we need to look forward and move on.
This self-help book deals with rejection, failure, and searching for work. It features all sorts of interviews with more than 25 women in a variety of fields all about their experiences, providing you with new ways to think and cope with career changes, challenges, and triumphs. All these empowering, diverse stories serve as confidence-building inspiration to help facilitate your own growth and coping mechanisms. So, obviously, this is far from my usual type of read, but after everything that's happened post-COVID, I want to grow more, and this book is a huge help full of advice to pick yourself up and keep going.
It makes you realize that your feelings of rejection are far from unique, and it is OK, but that doesn't mean you should give up because of it. The format per interview includes an intro about their background, a first-person account of their rejection story, and then their key tips. This book, now more than ever, is so important to show women that nothing is worth giving up on our dreams and to stay strong. The end also features a workbook of seven exercises the reader can complete to help deal with and process their feelings. before moving on. To me, this book promotes strength and confidence.
Available: April 6
Twice Shy by Sarah Hogle*
I absolutely adored this author's first book, the five-star You Deserve Each Other, and so, I was instantly excited about picking up her second novel. Here, Maybell is a big-time dreamer and a hopeless romantic, who often thinks of a romanticized AU to cope with her disappointing and struggling reality.
After she learns she has inherited an estate and surrounding land in the Smokies from her late great-aunt, Maybell sets out to make a new start in this house aka the only happy memory from her childhood. However, when she arrives, she learns the house and grounds are falling apart and that she's actually the co-inheritor alongside the grouchy yet gorgeous groundskeeper Wesley. It's hard for her to get Wesley to stop avoiding her and compromise on how to fix up the house, all while trying to attend to Great-Aunt Violet's dying wishes. These two slowly let their guards down, open up to each other, and get out of their comfort zones to find something totally new together. It sounds very cute, and now that I finished it, that holds up.
This cute, precious novel is full of very descriptive language and details that pull me in. Also, Hogle portrays a genuine, vulnerable portrayal of anxiety which is so authentic and real, yet still so rare in many books out there, and this level of care added such a depth and a raw, authentic layer to Wesley, However, it's quite a really, really slow slow-burn story that at times, I wished the pacing was accelerated a tad. Then, there's a couple of sudden jumps between reality and Maybell's AU scenes, which can be confusing at times. That being said, this one-sitting read is very romantic, indulging, and sweet. It kept me alert and intrigued to just find out what happens next immediately after I started. While in my eyes this can't top my love for Hogle's first book, I still very much enjoyed this cute romance.
*Several advance reader copies of the books listed were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2021 book releases, 2021 new summer books, Addie LaRue, advice, Ami Rao, ballet, ballet books, Ballet Orphans: A Prequel, Ballet Theatre Chronicles, book recommendations, bookish, books, career, contemporary fiction, contemporary romance, David and Ameena, Ellie Eaton, enemies to lovers, Enjoy the View, fiction, Jessica Bacal, Miranda's Book Nook, netgalley, NetGalley ARCs, new books, nonfiction, romance, Roni Loren, sarah hogle, Sarah Morgenthaler, self-help, Terez Mertes Rose, The Divines, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, The Rejection That Changed My Life, Twice Shy, VE Schwab, women's fiction, Yes & I Love You, you deserve each other 5 Comments
9 New Books I Can't Stop Thinking About
We already got a peek at some of my latest 2021 reads already on here, and guess what? That's not even half of it! Welcome back to Miranda's Book Nook as I share some of the 2021 book titles I can't get enough of and which ones should be on your radar through the end of this year and into the next. Happy reading, y'all!
OMG, this handbook for geek girls is so much fun!! It's a fun, uplifting guidebook is for all the unapologetic fangirls out there, no matter what you stan. This book is for the fangirls and guys that are living their best stan lives passionately and free.
Author Sam Maggs writes from her own fangirl experience, which makes the book all the more realistic. With her first-person essays and lists, the book is chock full of empowering and informative language, plus fun, cute illustrations and graphics. Lololol, like, I love this book already. It's all about finding your geek tribe and then embracing this weird, wonderful geek life. Then, Maggs also interviews some of the top geek girls who use fandom in their careers, which is so cool to see their takes on the fandom world. All in all, it's all about embracing your inner fangirl loud and proud, which I love to see it. This cute and fun nonfiction book focuses on being a geek girl feminist and how to bring change to the geek world, which I loved to see too. Fangirls unite, it's time to suit up and change the universe!
A Royal Disaster by Jennifer Bonds
I was looking for a happy regal romance to transition my TBR and this book was exactly that. The book follows Elena (aka Lena), a nickname that's used interchangeably, who's sworn off dating following a bad breakup and undercover prince Liam in dual back and forth perspectives.
After a disastrous meet-cute, it's clear these two have so much heat and banter between them. When paparazzi pictures of the two of them go viral, he proposes a fake dating scheme to get the press off their backs and get his parents off of the idea of an arranged marriage right now. Ok, so like Lena repeatedly says "Ay Dios Mio" throughout the book, and that's the only applicable reaction to reading this steamy romance novel. It's a fun and quick one-sitting read, and boy, does it bring the heat because there's so much tension between them, like things had to explode, and damn, did they! It's smutty and good fun for a romance. I did get so wrapped up in the story that I just couldn't put it down and ended up devouring it in one sitting. Sure, it's predictably cheesy but it's just so darn cute as is. And then, that HEA gave me so many damn butterflies in the pit of my stomach. Like, in general, I do love a good royal romance, it's truly my favorite trope, and this was the perfect addition to that squad of books. It was so cute, and I just need a full freaking series with the continuation of their love story. Right now.
Survival of the Thickest by Michelle Buteau
This book of essays from comedian and actress Michelle Buteau is all about her life and journey, peppered with a conversational tone and language as almost like if she's in element doing a standup routine.
I've found her comedy bits from The Circle or 2 Dope Queens to be amusing, so I was intrigued by the prospect of her own book. It's an authentic memoir of essays, where everything she writes and experienced is quite funny because it's relatable as heck. A fun, lighthearted celebrity memoir read.
Mr Right Across The Street by Kathryn Freeman
I was looking for a fun, contemporary British romance, and I got that. Here, Mia has recently moved to Manchester for a fresh start from her disastrous dating life. Then, she notices her hunky neighbor across the street has begun to leave her notes in his window since both their spare rooms face another. He's Luke, a bar owner with his own issues but by helping to show Mia the town sights, he sees what real romance can be. Because he's just besotted.
The book is told through back-and-forth dual perspectives, and the two of them have such banter down pat. Soon, they start exchanging messages through the windows, and a friendship develops. It's a cute slow-burn romance full of fun language and fun, delicious banter that I can't get enough of. Sure, this book is a bit slow to start and really get into, but it does get a lot better and cuter. I love a good "nerd and cool kid" romance story, and this one is just positively cute and fun. The ending is very sweet too, like giving me butterflies type of good.
You Were Made For Me by Jenna Guillaume
This YA romance was delightful, fun, and just plain cute. Here, less than popular Katie and her best friend Libby sort of, accidentally, sculpted and baked a perfect teen boy replica who then magically came to life. And it turned out that, once real, he was a super devoted boyfriend to the never been kissed Katie.
It's described as a modern, feminist retelling of the eighties cult movie Weird Science, and just by the description, I could tell this would be super cute and fun. Which it was. The book's written like a post-experiment diary from Kate, with interjections by Libby, as they recount this story in the first-person perspective. Sure, it's a bit slow to start before the boy they make, Guy, comes to life. But once he does, it ramps up and I just find myself so compelled by the language that I have to know what happens next. Sure, this premise is completely off-the-wall bonkers, but I'm actually into it. It's just a fun and cute YA. A great one-sitting read. Then, there's Theo, the boy next door who definitely, positively has a crush on her but she doesn't see it, and also the most popular boy in school who she's always liked. So, there's a whole bunch of things happening here. But in the end, it was such a cheesy, cute teen romance, but enjoyable nonetheless.
Before I started this read, I was in the mood for an adorable, fluffy contemporary romance with a little steam as a transition read for my TBR, and this book delivers on that front.
Here, the main character Reena sets up a fake engagement with her new neighbor Nadim in order to enter a couples' only baking competition. So, we'll get that ole reliable fake date trope to keep us occupied. Nadim is instantly described as a "brown Captain America" which, like, what a solid description lololol with a British accent. He moves to Canada to work for her father and they're set to have an arranged marriage, which she's not interested in. Each chapter reads quite quickly with tone and language that pulls you in. It's captivating and relatable, a book I could hardly put down. It's a fun, indulgent romance read with a number of laughable scenes. Also, OMG the Buffy jokes were on point at the end. LOL, unexpected but, like, well done.
Overall, this book was juicy and dramatic that I got so invested in the storyline and these characters. Then that HEA actually gave me butterflies in my stomach, so yes, it is darn cute. It's just so precious and so much fun.
The Girls Are All So Nice Here by Laurie Elizabeth Flynn
This psychological thriller and women's fiction novel follows former best friends Ambrosia and Sloane (aka Amb and Sully) as some mysterious letter forces the two girls to reunite to find someone who wants to get revenge for some dark deed they did ten years ago at their college reunion. It starts with an intriguing, mysterious hook that has me so curious from the get-go that had me so interested to keep reading. This book flashes between the reunion in the present day and Amb's freshman year when the incident went down and what led to its occurrence. Once Amb and Sully get letters summoning their attendance at the reunion, they find out they've been stuck in the same room but who did that and is stalking them, or what do they want? This book has so many juicy bombshells and insane reveals that had me on the edge of my seat. It's so mysterious and I was just so desperate to find out more with all of its unexpected and unpredictable twists that gave me such can't-put-it-down vibes at nearly 3 in the morning. Whoopsie daisy.
Then, that epilogue. Like, what the heck, it seriously had the biggest twist of them all and I just wanted to scream at ****** for their lack of trust and not believing the truth, and what actually had happened was just so freaking messed up and ***** was so freaking bonkers and bizarre to do this whole thing, like geez, hun, why didn't you just move on rather than basically try to Single White Female anyone, eesh. But wow, that's a pretty damn good mystery novel then. I mean, as a non-mystery fan, like holy freaking hell, I can't believe all that went down and that was so surprising, and also the language was just so captivating that I got so into it.
The Flipside of Perfect by Liz Reinhardt
I had no earthly idea what to expect when I first was approved for this book on NetGalley, and now that I'm on the other side of this read, I was quite surprised with how cute and realistic it was, and how much I enjoyed it! Here, the main character Adelaide has divorced parents, and when she splits her time between their homes across the country, she takes on opposite personas.
With her mom, stepdad, little sisters, and school friends in Michigan, she's the proper, perfect, good girl AJ. Then, with her dad and older siblings down in Florida over summer breaks, she's the more free-spirited and fun Della. These separate worlds, while both her, do not have any overlap whatsoever, until the summer after junior year. While she's at her dad's, her younger sister Marnie unexpectedly comes to stay with them, and she must realize who she actually is and how to merge her separate lives. It's almost as if she lives parallel lives and doesn't know who she really is or how to merge her complete self into one.
This book has such an engaging, compelling, and relatable point of view, and it's a quick, fun YA read that I couldn't put down. I just had to know what would happen next! Then, there's Della's former childhood nemesis Jude, who works for her dad in Florida. And the two of them are so dang precious with their little crushes and feelings. Like, awww!! Also, he was the only one to know about her two halves and separate personalities, so clearly she trusts him on a whole other level. Seriously, this book was just so flipping cute.
To Love and to Loathe by Martha Waters
I'm not usually one for historical books, but this was giving me, like, Pride & Prejudice slash Elizabeth-Darcy and Bridgerton vibes, so like, it's clearly worth a shot. If you are a fan of the Bridgerton series at all, you'll definitely fall head over heels for this new Regency-set romance.
Here, Diana and Jeremy are enemies of sorts in their upper echelon of English society. They banter and poke each other quite a bit. So much so, that they agree to a wager that the eligible playboy bachelor must marry within the year or she'll forfeit one hundred pounds. However, he has a counterproposal for her. Embark on a no-strings-attached, secret affair during his fortnight-long party so she can prove he's not bad in the bedroom after a former paramour yelled at him that he was. Hahaha, oh I love this book already.
The widowed Diana and Jeremy have so much banter that's so delicious as a reader. This whole book is so freaking juicy, like, by the prologue alone, I was so into this story! Told through back and forth perspectives, this very enjoyable book is full of witty, captivating language and all the tropey romance goodness. These two characters have a certain level of tension between them, told through all their banter, that's so delicious to watch play out on the page. It's a compelling read, and one I just couldn't put down. Sure, it all ends quite predictably but it's still fun and cute nonetheless.
A Royal Disaster, Accidentally Engaged, ARCs, book recommendations, book reviews, books, bridgerton, british, celebrity memoir, comedian, contemporary, contemporary romance, empowering, essays, fandom, fangirl, fangirl life, Farah Heron, feminist, fiction, funny, geeks, guidebook, historical fiction, Jenna Guillaume, Jennifer Bonds, Kathryn Freeman, Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, Liz Reinhardt, Martha Waters, memoir, Michelle Buteau, Miranda's Book Nook, Mr Right Across The Street, mystery, netgalley, new 2021 books, new books, nonfiction, pride & prejudice, reading, romance, royal romance, Sam Maggs, Survival of the Thickest, TBR, The Fangirl's Guide to the Universe, The Flipside of Perfect, The Girls Are All So Nice Here, thriller, To Love and to Loathe, Weird Science, women's fiction, YA, You Were Made For Me 7 Comments
11 New Fall and Winter Book Releases That'll Inspire You When You're Stuck at Home
Fall can often be dreary. Cold, isolating, and boring — plus a global pandemic and an unknown government situation can only add to those feelings. So, I like to curl up with a blanket and a book and shut out the world by escaping to my array of fictional worlds from my personal library. Anyone surprised?
So, settle in for another installment of Miranda's Book Nook as I share even more new book titles that coming out this fall and winter that just I can't get enough of. Happy reading, y'all!
There are some wanderlust motifs inside that make me just want to be able to travel again. Plus, messages about being remembered, which from story to story, we will definitely remember everything that Atwood has shown us long after we've closed the book's pages.
Each poem effortlessly flows from one to the next and the book is impeccably organized, where I can see how poems and stories are related to each other with its seamless, well-positioned transitions. The tones and points of view are very realistic to the modern world, and while most are less doe-eyed optimistic, it skews on the darker side. There are rhyme schemes that just flow so well when you read these poems aloud. There's definitely a motif of sisterhood and women sticking together in their fight for survival, forgiveness, love, and strength. Would you expect anything less from Atwood's work? Because she does feminist writings very well and with covering such meaningful themes. The poems have such rich language and captivating word choice that tells complex stories that capture the readers due to strong symbols and metaphors. This is definitely a poetry collection I need to add to my personal library as soon as I can.
I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are by Rachel Bloom
This book of essays is by Rachel Bloom, who's the creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, a show that I was a huge fan of. Her TV series was full of witty dialogue, which prompted my initial interest in this nonfiction read. First off, the cover gives me throwback The Babysitter's Club book cover vibes, which is so much fun in itself.
Then, inside, the text is composed of relatable, conversational language that's both funny and impactful. It's focused on a bunch of different stories chronicling everything from childhood, selling the CXG series, falling in love, and more. Sure, these stories may be full of funny language and jokes, but they all have deeper meanings with plenty of heart. The read is told through first-person accounts, make-believe stories, original scripts, her actual childhood diary entries, and even Harry Potter fanfiction! Bloom's tone of voice in this book of essays is very relatable, which makes me laugh out loud because, like, I GET IT. After reading, it makes you realize, 'Oh, hey I wasn't normal either and who cares because being me is much more rewarding and fun.' It gives hope to all us theatre kids out there about our futures and that things will get better. It's a one-sitting read because it was enjoyable, funny, relatable, honest, and authentic.
Available: November 17
It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne
I had loved Holly Bourne's novel Pretending earlier this year and her compelling characterizations and perspectives. So I was instantly excited to read this new book and its fun premise. Here, British teen Audrey is currently dealing with the aftermath of her parents' divorce, her own breakup, and her changing friend dynamics, all of which have made her cynical about the concept of love and romance. However, she soon finds herself falling for the ever-charming playboy Harry from her part-time job at the local cinema, even though she knows she shouldn't.
From the prologue alone, I was hooked. Full of compelling and relatable language and a fresh perspective, I just couldn't put it down. I had to keep reading. Then, the first chapter dives right into the action rather than pages upon pages of exposition and background, which I appreciated. So, Audrey's working on a school project about the unrealistic behaviors in romance movies and is starring in Harry's own movie as the love interest character, where she's facing whether or not she still believes love is hopeless. This book is just so easy to get sucked into and I just didn't want to put it down. It's a quick, fun, and engaging YA read. The lead character of Audrey, by the ending, is so vulnerable and full of heart that reads as authentic. By the end, I just couldn't stop reading, it had me enthralled and hooked to find out the rest of her story and what she actually wants.
Sure, the ending was cheesy and cute, but I'm glad that it didn't just end on a romantic HEA, but rather a self-love HEA, which I find even more impactful and empowering. It made me happy to see her realizing her worth and becoming stronger because, hey, real life isn't the perfectly curated movies, and I admire this book bringing that realism.
Available: December 1
Teddy Spenser Isn't Looking for Love by Kim Fielding
This quick, fast-paced romance read was absolutely adorable, chock full of enemies-to-lovers, business trips with a shared hotel room, and opposites-attract tropes that made it just delightful to complete.
Here, Teddy Spenser and his work rival Romeo Blue are assigned to collaborate on a big work project that could save the fate of the company, a tech startup in Chicago. Teddy is quite cynical about love at first, but cannot deny that Romeo is very dapper. This book is full of funny, relatable language that makes Teddy such an authentic, engaging protagonist. The men are complete opposites, yet both seem to have been pining for the other a bit. But, it isn't until their work trip in Seattle where they discover each other's true selves: mind, body, and soul. This read is so quick and engaging, which makes it so easy to get sucked into. The writing is witty and sharp in this slow-burn love story. It's just so freaking adorable, like audibly squeal-worthy.
Available: December 29
West End Girls by Jenny Colgan
I was really excited to read Jenny Colgan's newest book, however, this seems to have fallen a bit flat and wasn't my exact cup of tea. Not that it was terrible, it just wasn't my favorite.
Here, 27-year-old twins, Lizzie and Penny are complete opposites from Essex, yet are tasked with moving to London together to watch their paternal grandmother's flat in Chelsea who was just moved into a nursing home. It's confusing how the chapters abruptly change from the perspective of Lizzie, Penny, or artist Will who likes Penny. It took me a while to get into with all the perspective jumping, and because of that, it took longer for me to really dig these characters, which is a shame because typically Colgan does such a great job at characterization. Both girls want to find where they belong and their purpose, so this book follows their journey living in Chelsea, with jobs, love, family, and friends. It's fun and cute, but just kind of like, eh, here's a few months of their lives living in the West End. That's all.
Available: January 5
The Meet–Cute Project by Rhiannon Richardson
This YA romance was utterly delightful and adorable, the perfect one-sitting read to get sucked into on a cozy Sunday, because, guilty, that definitely happened.
Here, teenager Mia has a jam-packed schedule between classes, friends, and her growing extracurriculars. Thanks to all of that and how nervous she gets around boys, she's single. For her older sister Sam's upcoming wedding, Mia is instructed to bring a date to help balance out the wedding photos since she's the only one sans a partner. To do so, her three best friends play matchmaker and arrange a series of meet-cutes to help Mia meet a prospective date.
It's such a cute premise and the characters and language are so authentic and relatable, I can't help but get sucked into this book. In addition to the blind dates, there's the jerkish Ben who she has a crush on but her besties don't approve of, and also Gavin who works at the community garden she starts to volunteer at, so this love triangle gets a bit bigger. She and Gavin have a completely organic meet-cute all on their own and made me scream out, several times, to just tell each other how they feel because it was so painfully obvious and I just wanted that be endgame here. As all of her friends' setups go awry in different ways, she turns to Gavin like a Cyrano-type to ask for advice from a boy's perspective. This book was so captivating that I just couldn't put it down and ended up finishing it in a single sitting. This quick read is absolutely and positively cute, and that ending, however predictable, was just adorable.
Everybody (Else) Is Perfect by Gabrielle Korn
This memoir slash collection of essays from the former EIC of Nylon Magazine shares her own experience escaping the hamster world of the corporate world and success, especially as a journalist. She notes how, since resigning, she's been able to focus on her personal wellbeing, which isn't tied to work success.
Through a series of essays, Korn shares memories about her place in life at work and covering articles she believed in, and her personal identity journey. This book handles such raw, vulnerable topics in a way that's well-written, compelling, and authentic. There's definitely some very empowering scenes that encourage us readers to remember that while we all may be insecure, we shouldn't be and instead embrace our authentic selves fully. She reveals her internal struggles, personal identity journey and growth, and how she got where she is today both personally and professionally. Now, as a journalist and lifestyle writer/editor myself, I came for the professional advice and guides to help further my own career goals, but I ended up reading something that was way more, with lessons about embracing my entire self with confidence and not just sacrificing my personal life for the sake of the job of my dreams.
Love is a Revolution by Renée Watson
First, I always love to see both racial and body diversity in a book, especially with YA and a romance, which historically doesn't have the best reputation for it. But seeing that change is so great to see. This book takes place the summer before senior year, where Nala loves making lists and dreams of changing her hair, hanging with friends and family, and falling in love on this school break. Then, she meets a new boy in town, Tye, and she has a big crush on him. He's very involved with the same community organization as her cousin, and so Nala tries whatever it takes to keep his attention even if it involves little fibs about also being a vegetarian and a volunteer because now he's interested in this fake version of her. These lies pile up and get bigger and bigger as they start to date and she keeps pretending, and it's almost like he tries to get her to be what's she's not and so, while there is a romantic love story, the main focus is on a self-love journey.
There's such an authentic teen point of view and compelling language that makes me want to keep reading right off the bat. It's a quick read that I could polish off in a single sitting because I just couldn't put it down in the middle, and I was just so invested. In the end, it was just so adorable and I loved how it was more than just a romantic love story, but rather a focus on her journey to self-acceptance and confidence.
How to Date Your Wardrobe by Heather Newberger
In this short guidebook, stylist Heather Newberger aims to help you reinvent your wardrobe and learn tricks to become more confident in your own skin. It's all about inspiring your self-confidence, and less about what clothes to specifically wear through her helpful strategies and processes honed through her years as a stylist.
The quick book has an informative, yet conversational tone that feels approachable, realistic, and yet is still seen as an expert here to help. It's a book for those readers who are seeking a way to upgrade your style and closet with pieces that speak to you and make you feel like a million bucks. She offers handy pop-up pro tips throughout with specific examples of how to put her strategies into action to really focus on how to figure out your own personal style and harnessing that. She brings further tips about shopping, including where to go, mixing things up, and how to navigate the online marketplace. Want to know what this book is really like? It's like Marie Kondo or The Home Edit or other types of similar organization shows where I immediately get super inspired to redo everything I own right away. It's like that. All in all, it's mostly about inspiring you to think critically about clothes so that you only have and wear what you love, need, and make you feel like a star.
First Comes Like by Alisha Rai
I've been waiting to read and review this book for so long, like you don't understand how excited I am to actually have this baby in my hands right now. As you know well by now, I devoured Alisha Rai's first two books in her "Modern Love" series: The Right Swipe and Girl Gone Viral. In both swoon-worthy contemporary romances, we were briefly introduced to Rhi and Kat's third roomie, Jia, who's a mega-popular beauty influencer. Now, it's Jia's turn for some love, and hopefully, get a quick update on how our fave HEAs are doing up in Santa Monica after their books.
We start off with a nervous Jia about to crash a Hollywood party to meet her crush Dev, an international actor, whom she thinks slid into her DMs a year ago and continued to chat with her. However, he doesn't recognize her and she realizes that she was catfished. Like the previous two books in the series, we see back-and-forth perspectives to get insight into both Dev and Jia's inner thoughts. While he doesn't recognize her, Dev is quite mesmerized by her beauty and confidence from the moment he saw her at that party. Also, it was great to see that Rhi and Kat both still have their HEAs with their love interests. That made me squeal, once again, because I love to see that.
This book was a tad slow to start, especially in comparison to The Right Swipe and Girl Gone Viral, and I was just waiting for more than one hundred pages for that heat and action to pick up. And honestly, I'm just not as invested or feeling the butterflies as I was reading the first two books, this feels a lot slower. Back to the story, Dev wants to make up for the catfishing and agrees to her terms to fake date each other to appease her parents, but at the same time, they keep getting to know each other and the feelings deepen. There's a lot of build-up, but then during the road trip scene, that's the turning point for them and the book because that's where things start to pick up.
The POVs flip midchapter in some parts, which can be a bit abrupt at times. However, this book is still cute and true to Rai's style. Yes, it's less steamy and more romantic compared to her other books in the "Modern Love" series, but once again, I couldn't put it down. This book makes such a sweet addition to the series with a cute HEA and a similar style to the other books — as soon as the pacing picked up halfway through.
Available: February 16
Jew-ish: A Cookbook by Jake Cohen
Think: A recipe book for all the modern millennial Jews because that's pretty much what we have here.
In this cookbook full of "reinvented recipes from a modern mensch," it's the perfect way for modern millennials to up their cooking game and put their own spin on the classic Jewish dishes they were raised on. The cookbook features loads of helpful tricks and tips told through first-person experiences from the author. Cohen includes recipes for everyday dining and meals to serve for the big holidays too, organized by meal, holiday, and beverages. Each category has such a variety of items included too. Each recipe gives you detailed instructions so that even the most basic of cooks, and non-cooks like me, can follow along and execute the steps. Each page features conversational language, that's relatable and authentic to the reader. Then, each recipe has a little intro about the dish's origin and history, plus the author's tricks to modernize it and make it taste delicious with its step-by-step detailed instructions.
The book features some of the most gorgeous food photography I've ever seen, and I swear my mouth is watering already. Seriously, I'm not much of a cook or baker, but there's a whole host of recipes that even I cannot wait to try.
advice book, alisha rai, book recommendations, books, contemporary fiction, cooking, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Dearly, essays, Everybody (Else) Is Perfect, fashion, First Comes Like, Gabrielle Korn, girl gone viral, guidebook, Heather Newberger, Holly Bourne, How to Date Your Wardrobe, I Want to Be Where the Normal People Are, It Only Happens in the Movies, Jake Cohen, Jenny Colgan, Jew-ish: A Cookbook, Jew-ish: A Cookbook Jake Cohen, jewish cookbook, Kim Fielding, Love is a Revolution, Margaret Atwood, Miranda's Book Nook, netgalley, NetGalley ARCs, new books, nonfiction, personal style, Poems, poetry, Pretending, Pretending Holly Bourne, Rachel Bloom, reading, Renée Watson, Rhiannon Richardson, romance, Teddy Spenser Isn't Looking for Love, The Meet-Cute Project, The Right Swipe, West End Girls, women's fiction, YA 10 Comments
14 Books I Could Re-Read Over and Over Again
Sure, I have a long TBR and a completely full bookshelf (so full that I just had to purchase another shelf because I have too many books), but sometimes you just want to read something comforting. Something that you loved so much and connected to so much, that you just have to re-read it. Hey, it happens.
So, here's a list of some of the books from my bookshelf to yours that I could just read again and again and never tire of the story.
I've legit read my digital ARC some 3-4 times in completion by now, and then just the HEA an additional 2-3 times when I want to feel that level of comfort all over again. This romance novel is just that cute, yet grounded. A slow-burn can be hard to feel connected to, but Kate and Ben's quick-witted, feisty, and playful banter makes it delicious. That, and you can't keep me from a good enemies-to-lovers book; that makes the inevitable romance so much more earned and justified by the time the HEA does happen. I just can't wait to order a physical copy, so I can read this story an additional ten more times.
Read The Book: Available beginning May 4, 2021
The Royal We by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Gimme a royal romance book any day of the week and I'll devour it. This book and its sequel have everything I love: regal characters, a sweeping romcom-worthy love story, and London as a setting. It's basically Prince William and Kate Middleton's love story but fictionalized, as if she was American. And I love it — every single time I pick it up off my shelf for a reread. Both books are so full of drama and emotion, which like, it has everything I want in a book.
Eligible by Curtis Sittenfeld
This book is a modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice, so right off the bat, it's already intriguing. There's a slew of interesting characters, and it still feels new and current, even if many of the stories are based on a classic. Plus, Liz and Darcy eventually discover they have feisty back-and-forth banter that'll translate very well into crazy, unexplainable chemistry. Even though the page count may seem daunting, I've still managed to polish off a reread in a single day.
The hosts and besties behind the "LadyGang" podcast wrote this advice-filled, self-help, and humorous guidebook about what it means to be a woman in the twenty-first century. It's a fun yet relatable book essays that'll inspire just about any girl to rise up and be a powerful force to be reckoned with. From taking on lessons with dating, friendship, career, self-confidence, and more, it's all the message we all need to hear more. It's empowering as heck and something most women should have in their arsenal to remember. These pearls of wisdom make a perfect coffee table book for any millennial apartment. You can read this in a day, you can read it again and again because it's evergreen, it's timely, it's what you just need to hear every once and a while.
I loved this ARC so much, I had to preorder the hardcopy in advance of its pub day. It's the exact type of women's fiction novels that I love. It's so refreshing, endearing, authentic, sweeping, and just tons of fun. It tackles the world of The Bachelor if they'd cast more body positive and diverse contestants, and that's all we want, ABC; it's real life. All. We. Want. Anyway, this book is funny and witty; equal parts empowering, glamorous, and indulgent and I was so drawn in by the entire premise and plot twists.
No Offense by Meg Cabot
It's such a fun read, and one I couldn't put down while I devoured each chapter of my ARC. Now, that it's officially out to the world, I can't wait to get my hands on a hard copy and fall in love with this bookish romance. Leads John and Molly have such a bright spark between the two of them, and like, wowza, I'm obsessed and just have stars in my eyes. There's romance, friendship, small-town gossip, and a big mystery full of intrigue; it has everything!
By the Book by Julia Sonneborn
I've re-read this bookish romance countless times since I first grabbed it off of a Barnes & Noble shelf years ago. It's just completely precious and enduring. This novel isn't too cheesy-romantic, but feels honest, realistic, and current. Like, for any book nerds out there, there's one of the most sweeping romantic scenes in this book — and it happens twice! Plus, Adam builds Anne her dream library, which makes me melt even more.
You Deserve Each Other by Sarah Hogle
The second I finished this ARC, on a one-way plane ride, I knew I had to order a hardcopy. To which, I re-read in a single day when it arrived. It's not any ordinary romance, because it starts out just the opposite. But, with time and pages, you get to see firsthand how Nick and Naomi slowly warm to each other again as accomplices, teammates, best friends, and lovers to become even stronger. It's not a romance where you expect the lead couple to be together without any problems, but Nicholas and Naomi have to work for love and to open up, discovering who they are as individuals in the process. By the time they reclaim their love, it feels earned and justified. It's well-written and intriguing and had me hanging onto every last word.
Girl Gone Viral by Alisha Rai
As soon as I read this contemporary romance ARC, I was hooked. So, much so, that I had to preorder a physical copy the moment I finished it. I couldn't put it down, any time I've re-started, it's just so intriguing, fun, and squeal-worthy. Like, Kat has all the zings between her and Jas, and just from reading, so do I. I couldn't stop smiling for one moment while reading; I was hooked from the very first page.
Love York Life by Sophie Kinsella
The minute I finished this ARC, I was hooked. It's a lighthearted, fun holiday romance slash opposites-attract love story. This book has such an engaging tone and perspective that keeps me reading into the wee hours of the morning, because Ava's such a relatable lead and I need to find out what happens next. It's a cute, steamy, fun, and indulgent holiday romance, that's so fun and enjoyable to read that I finished in a single setting. Once the rose-colored glasses of their holiday romance wears off, neither of them want to split because they believe they are meant to be and this is real, despite being polar opposites in nearly every sense. Together, they've managed to expand each other's views, and that's real love: That you can accept that what you think isn't the end-all-be-all that you think it might be, but rather that they could try something new and still accept one another. It's not an easy love story, because, hey, life isn't easy, and I think that's why I loved it so much. It's honest, vulnerable, and authentic. It's funny, witty, romantic, emotional, and heartfelt. So many emotions in one book and that's why I fell hard for this book. Wow, just incredible.
Read The Book: Available beginning October 27
Heiress Apparently (Daughters of the Dynasty) by Diana Ma
This was an unexpected five-star read that I still can't stop thinking about, because I just want to start over and read again. It's like Crazy Rich Asians meets American Royals, and since I loved both books, this was obviously a must. And every part of the text lives up to that. It's a coming-home story and one of pursuing her dreams. Once Gemma meets her doppelganger cousin, she begins to discover a long-held family secret. This book is so intriguing, and if a full series is actually coming, then I CANNOT WAIT! The book is full of drama, secrets, dreams coming true, and it's so captivating and engaging. It's a meaningful story about a family's bond. It's more than just a YA story, it is so rich and wow, I loved it. Every single page, chapter, and character.
Read The Book: Available beginning December 1
You Had Me at Hola by Alexis Daria
This is the absolute perfect summer beach read of the year, and I enjoyed devouring every single morsel of Jasmine and Ashton's journey to love in my ARC. Readers are thrust into soap star Jasmine's fast-paced Hollywood world immediately, and I'm captivated and just want to keep reading. Both telenovela star Ashton and Jasmine have their own complex backstories, which makes them so much more vulnerable, intriguing, and dynamic as characters. It's a quick, indulgent telenovela-inspired romance read and I'm obsessed.
Act Like a Lady, advice, Alexis Daria, alisha rai, american royals, beach read, book recommendations, bookish, books, books to reread, bookshelf, by the book, crazy rich asians, Curtis Sittenfeld, Devon Daniels, Diana Ma, eligible, enemies-to-lovers trope, essays, fiction, four days of you and me, girl gone viral, Heather Cocks, Heiress Apparently, Heiress Apparently (Daughters of the Dynasty), Jessica Morgan, Julia Sonneborn, kate middleton, Kate Stayman-London, LadyGang, london, Love York Life, Meet You in the Middle, meg cabot, miranda kenneally, No Offense, nonfiction, novels, One to Watch, pride and prejudice, prince william, reading, romance, Sajni Patel, sarah hogle, Sophie Kinsella, TBR list, telenovela, the bachelor, The Heir Affair, the royal we, The Trouble with Hating You, women's fiction, YA, you deserve each other, You Had Me at Hola 16 Comments
6 Books That Have Given Me All the Feels This Month
As the summer's gone on and on and we're still hunkered down at home, I've spent most of my time buying books, scouting new books, reading more books, and even building a new bookshelf to house my new additions. With each new book I've completed, I've fallen deeper into each story's world and the emotional complexities of each story and character.
So, welcome back to Miranda's Book Nook with some more of my latest book recommendations. I hope you find these books as engaging, fun, and comforting as I have.
Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman*
This five-hour audiobook was honestly like a free therapy session about your friendships, and a much-needed one. The authors and narrators, Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, bring the conversational tone of their "Call Your Girlfriend" podcast to the audio recording of their memoir and self-help book. Sow and Friedman get everything right about the importance of meaningful friendships, shine theory, the complicated friend web, and the stretch. It makes you want to reach out or give your friends a hug because friends are truly some of our most important relationships we'll ever have.
As an audiobook, it doesn't sound like a traditional book on tape, but rather, these ladies use their podcast experience in a way that feels relatable and authentic. Sow and Friedman read the book themselves, with the subjects they interviewed in the book reading their research or anecdotes that make it feel more reliable and genuine. It totally sounds like a podcast, which makes it super easy and engaging to keep listening, with easy to digest, bite-sized chapters.
The story starts at a point where their friendship has stalled after years together and working as a team, and how they both wanted to work on it. It's proof that all friendships may need repair, but if it is worth it, then you work on it, Certain sections, okay fine, the whole dang book, hits deeply to your core about emotional topics, especially hearing about ending toxic friendships. We've all ended friendships that didn't provide what we needed, and it makes you think if that decision was made too hasty or if this could have been a big, meaningful friendship if we tried harder, and all that thinking is making me emotional because I get it.
The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan
Okay, I've been waiting for this book for what seems like forever, or however long since Cocks and Morgan first announced they were writing a sequel. Their first regal read, The Royal We, tells the story of Rebecca (Bex) and her royal love Prince Nicholas (Nick) and ends with a private wedding ceremony the night before the big day and a royal pain of a paparazzi threatening to expose Bex's past with her new hubby's little brother. So, already, you know there's A LOT going on.
This book picks up weeks after their less-than-perfect big day as Nick and Bex are away in Scotland on a self-imposed exile to ride out the scandal. However, when a family crisis forces the newly minted Duke and Duchess back to London, the temporary solutions to their marriage issues threaten to come unglued as they face real shit together and individually. Okay, summary over and it's time for my thoughts. First, I swear, If Nick and Bex didn't end up happy together by the end, I was going to actually kick off. Like Nick made my list of Top Book BFs, so he better not muck that up and make me regret that decision. Then, I kept reading and OH THANK THE HEAVENS, I can breathe. And how he was really, truly there for her when she needed him most after suffering a miscarriage. I knew, I always liked him. Also, my favorite character is hands-down the Queen Mum Marta. I love her as she's just chilling in the palace, tweeting and clapping back anonymously, and thirsting after celebrities on TV. She's the best. And then Queen Eleanor once she wakes from her stroke, like that b*tch is feisty and strong, and yasss, I love to see it.
Overall, everything is so juicy yet full of raw, vulnerable emotions. That, and it's just so fun to get lost in, which I did for the full day that I read and finished it the first time. Then, the ending and epilogue, it' the absolute perfect conclusion to Nick and Bex's story. I mean, I'd love a full series for selfish reasons, but that's because I've fallen for Nick and Bex as characters and don't want to leave their world just yet. Seriously, I just want to find out what's next for the family and if Georgie and Maggie grow up as besties, have more siblings, or move to Iowa. I'd love any more content that they'd give us, but if not, I feel completely satisfied and content but the ending we got in THA.
Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera*
Here's a fun, indulgent, slow-burn romance read that follows protagonist Julia as she moves to a new city for her boyfriend and a dream job. Soon after the big move, the boyfriend dumps her, and then her dream job is in jeopardy of being cut by management. To figure out the company's next steps, management hires consultant Rocco Quinn to suss out the essentialness of the company programs. And side note, that name. I mean, Rocco Quinn? Individually, they are both quite "hot guy" names, and like this dude has two of them, so he must be like mega-hot, for sure.
Rocco and Julia have a bit of back and forth banter, and naturally, he's gorgeous to look at, so things get flirty in true romance book fashion. Julia's tasked with showing him around the nonprofit program she runs to illustrate that they should keep it going. However, since his job is likely to cut it, she's poised to dislike him. This is made even more difficult because she fancies the pants off him, and vice versa. With back and forth perspectives, readers see both sides of the story and how they both feel this strong connection and pull even though they shouldn't, and we get a delish enemies to lovers trope. (It's my favorite!) Rocco has a promotion on the line, which could help his family and so he must figure out if Julia's a distraction getting in his way or if she's The One. It's a fun romance read, sure, and it's sort of a slow burn because they are terrible at hiding their flirtation and it picks up steam very fast along the way. Then, what was supposed to be a fling with a shelf life soon gets complicated because they both catch feels in this predictable romance novel. Yet, it was very sweeping and indulgent. That ending was so damn cute, I can't ignore that. Gotta love a sweet, adorable HEA where everything works out.
Available: August 25
Love Your Life by Sophie Kinsella*
We've got a five-star read, y'all! In this lighthearted, fun novel, we follow protagonist Ava as she prepares for an Italian writing retreat to finish writing a book following a disastrous string of bad dates and relationships. She's going there to strictly focus, however, all that goes out the window as soon as "Dutch" saunters into the retreat.
This book has such an engaging tone and perspective that keeps me reading into the wee hours, because she's such a relatable lead and I need to find out what happens next. During her anonymous (no personal information given) romance writing retreat, Ava as "Aria" is so taken with this "Dutch" guy who isn't good at writing or his words but is willing to learn. They can't reveal any personal details about their real lives, yet these two keep flirting and it's getting precious. It's a cute, steamy, fun, and indulgent holiday romance, that's so fun and enjoyable to read that I finished in a single setting.
Aria and Dutch have such an undeniable pull and connection, which makes for a sweeping romance. The holiday part only lasts for the beginning, and most of the story sees them attempt to bring their holiday fling back to their vastly different real-world lives in London — dogs, jobs, exes, family, and all. Outside the retreat bubble, Ava and Matt (his real name) try to meld their lives and figure out if their vacation love is enough to last. The rose-colored glasses of their holiday romance wears off quickly, but neither of them want to split because they believe they are meant to be and this is real, despite being polar opposites in nearly every sense. Together, they've managed to expand each other's views, and that's real love: That you can accept that what you think isn't the end-all-be-all that you think it might be, but rather that they could try something new and still accept one another. It's like more than just a romance between Ava and Matt, but as they make each other better as individuals and it's just cute as hell. But side note, I nearly screamed out of sadness if anything tragic was about to happen to precious pooch Harold at the end. That was the most emotionally traumatizing part.
It's not an easy love story, because, hey, life isn't easy, and I think that's why I loved it so much. It's honest, vulnerable, and authentic. It's funny, witty, romantic, emotional, and heartfelt. So many emotions in one book and that's why I fell hard for this book. Wow, just incredible. It's not just a happy, sugary-sweet romance, but we see raw emotions and growth from both sides, and that's what makes it special. I didn't want the story to end, I wanted more and just to see where else their love story and journey goes whether together or apart, well, hopefully together, because that ending was precious. This book gives me all the inspiration to write more, finish more, and move past my own seemingly crippling case of writer's block, so double win.
Available: October 27
Rent a Boyfriend by Gloria Chao*
This was an adorable and fun YA romantic fiction read. Here, Chloe is home from college over the holidays and hires a fake boyfriend to impress her folks, and oh, I can tell we're going to get a delicious fake dating trope. Oh, how I do love them in romances. Both her and Drew (her hired fake BF for the weekend) have notable points of view that are both interesting and sharp to follow. The two couldn't be more different, yet somehow, opposites attract and they end up seeing each other for real and not just as hired, naturally. Then, their text conversations are like typical YA-level cute. When real Drew and Chloe start dating, it's precious, although there's that classic secret dating trope. Sure, they have a cute love story by the end, but the real love is Chloe accepting, loving, and owning herself first. It's cute and great to see an in-depth look at Chinese-American culture, especially for potentially unfamiliar readers. It's always interesting to learn about other cultures, and this was an intricate immersion into seeing that.
Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch*
Many YA fans will instantly recognize the author's name, her now-famous book title style, and cover illustrations, and she's back with another heartfelt story. This one takes us all the way to Santorini, Greece. I was obviously intrigued by the cover alone: After all, I am a massive fan of Mamma Mia and dream of traveling to Greece. Then, with its 500-page length, that was definitely daunting at the start. But, it was such a quick read full of adventure, romance, and heart.
Here, Olive AKA Liv is sent to Greece for the summer to reconnect with her estranged father and help him with a mysterious project. Instead of her dad, Greek teen Theo is there to pick her up. Even though she has a boyfriend back home in the US, these two have such chemistry and banter that I smell a love triangle brewing. Also, the book is partially set in a bookstore, so it already had a small piece of my heart by the earlier chapters alone. It's a precious and cute YA read, and that's just about it. Though the title says "love," it's more about the love of family, self-love, and acceptance. But, it's giving me all of the wanderlust feels and like I just want to go to Greece now, like right now. (Ugh lockdown, boo.)
The intro of each chapter focuses on a different item from her list of "things her dad left behind" a brief flashback of the time before he split. And honestly, that sort of loses the flow between each present-day chapter and all its action. Then, in the last 100 pages or so, you see her open up and be vulnerable, as well as how this list actually makes sense, so just give this book time because it'll get to that enjoyable stage, eventually.
*Advance reader copies of several of the books listed were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Adriana Herrera, Aminatou Sow, Ann Friedman, audiobook, Big Friendship, book boyfriends, book recommendations, books, Call Your Girlfriend, fiction, friendship, Gloria Chao, Heather Cocks, Here to Stay, Jenna Evans Welch, Jessica Morgan, Love & Olives, Love Your Life, Mamma Mia, Miranda's Book Nook, new books, nonfiction, podcast, reading, Rent a Boyfriend, romance, Sophie Kinsella, The Heir Affair, the royal we, travel, wanderlust, women's fiction, writing inspiration, YA 8 Comments
8 New Book Releases to Keep You Busy This Summer
Since clearly we'll be spending our summers cooped up inside during this whole extended pandemic, we need to have an arsenal of activities at the ready to keep us busy. My solution is obviously to read a lot. Think, even if you can't go or travel anywhere, then at least you can travel inside your books to imaginative lands and places.
Miranda's Book Nook is back just in time for summer fun with a slate of new, original reads that are sure to keep you entertained no matter what.
Camp Girls by Iris Krasnow
This is the right memoir for any former sleepaway camper. Camp Girls captures the magic of sleepaway camp that any former camper or counselor will know all too well. As a former camper who spent eight summers in the Minnesota wilderness at a small all-girls sleepaway camp, I couldn't stop grinning at the biography's authenticity and Krasnow's reasons why camp is so special to so many of us.
The memoir is told through the author's own biographical memories, camper testimonials, and plenty of research, and Krasnow told a compelling tale about why camp matters to so many of us. I swear, with every chapter and new story introduced, I kept thinking back to my own wacky camp stories and friends! I just couldn't stop smiling, laughing, or even crying. The book itself did feel quite short in terms of page length: I wanted more. I wanted it to trigger even more memories because camp was such a special place for me, and this book made me yearn to remember how far I've come and how camp has made me, well, me.
Available: Now!
Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite romance trope because the romance feels justified and earned by the time the leads realize their feelings. This novel lives up to that and is 100 percent adorable. Totally squeal-worthy. I love how independent our protagonist Liya is and how cute Jay is as he's head over heels in love with her, even when she tried to push him away. Seriously, I could feel my heart beating so loud during this sweeping, romantic, and cute story! In fact, I couldn't stop reading this story even way past midnight; I just had to find out what happened next because their love story feels so real, authentic, and earned as these two people break past their boundaries to eventually find love and acceptance.
The book starts where headstrong engineer Liya walks out the door of a dinner party set up with an eligible bachelor whom her folks are trying to marry her off to. It's a shock to both of them when Liya keeps spotting her one-time suitor around town, and it's Jay. Jay has everything right on paper, but after Liya's behavior during that first meeting he's embarrassed and infuriated to see her. Although, that tension is too much to resist in this second chance love story.
Liya is realistic and a character that you can relate to, from seeing her break down and let him into her world and her heart, which was so moving to read. Also telling this story using diverse characters is a huge step for the genre in terms of representation and what we need more of: more perspectives and different people's stories. The book is beyond cute by the end and I just need a sequel right now to see where their love story went. Completely precious.
No one should be surprised that a Sittenfeld novel earns five stars from me. After all, I still re-read Eligible a few times a year. Her newest novel reimagines Hillary Clinton's life and political career stemming from one question, "What if she hadn't married Bill Clinton?"
The fact that this compelling novel was based upon one of my feminist heroes and was authored by one of my favorite authors, I was initially drawn to this book. Then once I started it, I just couldn't put it down until I finished it! The beginning feels a bit like Hillary Clinton's biography, but that just proves how well researched it was on Sittenfeld's part. Then, you get into her fictionalized portrayal of relationships, career What Ifs, and more.
It's so cute, interesting, and feisty and fierce at the same time, I honestly couldn't stop reading. Sittenfeld's portrayal of Hillary is everything a young Miranda emulated and to see that woman can be strong and powerful without the help of a man was inspiring and just everything. Much like Eligible, I couldn't put it down and yearned to finish it in a single sitting. (Mission accomplished on that front!) This book is like the empowering twist of history we've needed and yearned for since 2016 and I'm so glad to have read it.
Troop 6000 by Nikita Stewart
As a Girl Scout alumna, I was touched to pick up this true story about how the first Girl Scout troop out of a New York homeless shelter was started, as well as both the leaders' and girls' commitment to the core values of Scouts that made my heart swell. The nonfiction read also provided an in-depth look at the homelessness crisis in New York, amongst other cities, and shined a light on these kids and their lives and hopes. The book shows that despite all our differences, at the end of the day, everyone is an equal Girl Scout sister and it's such an inspiring story that makes you as a reader want to do more to help.
The book depicts the growth and eventual popularity of this new troop as readers get an inside look at troop leader and founder Giselle Burgess, her family of five kids, and other Scouts and their families from the troop. New York Times journalist Nikita Stewart accurately told the life stories and dreams of these Scouts and their families for an authentic portrayal. It's a remarkable story and I'm glad it was shared with the world.
Happy and You Know It by Laura Hankin
While it takes a minute to figure out the different chapter perspectives and get into the root of the story in the witty read, it soon evolves into a very interesting and compelling read. The chapters are quite lengthy, however, it reads quickly thanks to an engaging storytelling that you just want to keep reading to find out what happens next.
The book starts when a struggling Manhattan musician is hired to play music for a mommy-and-me playgroup amongst NYC's elite residents. Musician Claire is soon pulled into these women's oh-so-glamorous lives and dangerous secrets. They make up an Instagram-perfect clique: hostess with the most-ess Whitney is an aspiring influencer, recent SAHM Amara is struggling to adapt to her new role, and old-money Gwen is quick to dole out Mommy advice as a mom of two. Soon, spending time with these moms, Claire is thrust into their glamorous world and discovers unsettling truths that could tear the group apart for good.
In the book, the twist at the end in regards to one of the characters is wow, just so unexpected, like, huh she's truly an evil genius with chutzpah. Doing all of the *this* for her babies and her families. The book keeps getting juicier with every secret out, which there is plenty, and I couldn't stop reading until it was way past midnight and I finished the book.
Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev
It's a sweet women's fiction novel, with clear callbacks to Jane Austen's Persuasion. However, the three different perspectives came out of nowhere from the start, especially our protagonist Ashna's mom's POV. In contrast, The two characters of Ashna and Rico, you expect to be the different perspectives but not her mom, Shobi. It does help add to the story to make it way more than just a romance between a man and a woman, but also a relationship between mother and daughter. Shobi's storyline is very, very different from Ashna and Rico's the one who got away trope. It just caught me off guard at first. The different points of view are quite drastic flipping between one another, and without any chapter headers to help guide readers, and different timelines all over the place, it's confusing when reading.
In the novel, chef Ashna Raje is desperately looking for a new way to save her family restaurant. Her plan becomes to win the "Cooking with the Stars," a cooking show competition inspired by Dancing with the Stars. However, she certainly didn't plan on hopeless cook and soccer star Rico Silva to be her partner, especially considering he was her [secret] first love. But, the viewers are obsessed with their flame-worthy chemistry and ok, fine, so am I.
The story is a complete slow burn, and by more than halfway, you're still wondering where is the *big* moment or something. I feel like I'm just waiting and waiting for the big climax and something to happen. But the book is well written and intriguing and certainly drew me in, but maybe that's because I just wanted more. The time jumps are unclear and abrupt, there needs to be a header or a different font or italics to signify a flashback from the present day. As is, without something, there's an element of confusion. All in all, the story does put a diverse spin on a Jane Austen classic, which is great to see in today's world. It's cute that's for sure, but that's about it. I'd give it a modest three stars.
Ghosting: A Love Story by Tash Skilton
This book feels just like the movie You've Got Mail, but with a modern twist using the realm of dating apps. This enemies-to-lovers tale follows two rival dating app ghostwriters (which I was shocked to learn is a real job!) in a completely predictable yet sugary-sweet romance. From the beginning, I could immediately tell where the plot and characters were headed, and it took forever to build and get there; almost too long. It's a super cute read, but honestly, it's nothing groundbreaking. Everything is expected.
In a Cyrano-type scenario, dating app ghostwriters Zoey and Miles (in back-and-forth perspectives) first only see each other as the jerk who hogs the best table at the coffee shop that they are both trying to work in. Soon, unbeknownst to the two them, they help ghostwrite and manage the dating app profiles of two clients interested in one another. Soon, Zoey and Miles (as their clients) find themselves bantering back and forth at all hours and turns out, they themselves have a bit of a love connection on their hands.
The sugary-sweet love story is a bit boring, and one I've seen play out again and again. I just wanted something new and more. But that being said, the end was equal parts adorable, steamy, and romantic. Hey, you gotta love a good enemies to lovers trope.
500 Miles From You by Jenny Colgan
This was an engaging, quick read from the get-go and one that gave me so much wanderlust to return to London and visit Scotland. At first, the dual viewpoints switching back and forth is a bit confusing without chapter headings, but other than that, their perspectives are quite obvious. Both Lissa and Cormac make compelling protagonists in their own right and I liked following their stories, quite compelling. Think "The Holiday" but with medicine, because that's basically the setup here as we follow two simultaneous fish-out-of-water stories and slowly, very slowly, a friendship builds. But, the pacing and timing of everything feels completely honest and genuine and it worked.
After an on-the-job traumatic event, nurse practitioner Lissa is sent from her bustling London hospital into the small town of Kirrinfief in Scotland for a change of pace. She swaps jobs and houses with army veteran and fellow nurse practitioner Cormac as they adapt to new roles and cities. But, they have each other to confide in, well, through email. But once their work emails turn to daily, constant texts (and even exchanging drawings), it's clear they both feel something different is on the horizon.
The novel is a love letter to small country life more than anything and I couldn't stop smiling, for the most part. The end does feel quite abrupt like after finally meeting, after several near misses, they just jump into a kiss and a relationship. And for a relationship that was so slow, authentic, and cautious, this just feels a bit forced to make sure we cram a HEA in before the book ends. Also, I wasn't the biggest fan of the epilogue and I'm not sure it was totally necessary in the first place. Sure, the part with the transplant family was so sweet, but other than that, nothing between Cormac and Lissa was resolved really, and that's where I wanted to see the romance unfold in the epilogue, based on the book's timing. Other than that, it was a very cute book that makes me want to head to the UK, like, right now.
Advance reader copies of each book were provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
500 Miles From You, ARCs, book recommendations, book reviews, books, camp, Camp Girls, Curtis Sittenfeld, fiction, Ghosting: A Love Story, girl scouts, Happy and You Know It, hillary clinton, Iris Krasnow, jane austen, Jenny Colgan, Laura Hankin, netgalley, new books, new reads, Nikita Stewart, nonfiction, persuasion, reading, Recipe for Persuasion, Rodham, romance books, Sajni Patel, Sonali Dev, Tash Skilton, The Trouble with Hating You, Troop 6000 12 Comments