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Sleuths in Love, Tight Curves & Fast Fitness

Still reading my feelings with two mysteries that include romance (of course), a romance set in the world of auto racing, and a non-fiction workout book to revamp my fitness routine since I'm also eating my feelings, and not with kale.  [4 books arranged front covers up, from left to right: How to Have a Killer Time in D.C., A Waltz on the Wild Side, Not So Fast, 7-Minute Body Plan]  A Waltz on the Wild Side (Wild Wynchesters #6) by Erica Ridley  historical romance  Forever, August 2025  Abuse of power, voting rights, artistic gatekeeping, and more themes that apply to today's real-life struggles are woven into this entertaining historical romp of a rescue turned mutual courtship. Riffs on how families and communities are chosen and created add poignant notes throughout Viv and Jacob's adventure. Absurdist mayhem involving assorted animals and dangerous, often rebellious activities add fun along with substantial social commentary.  How to Have a Killer Time...
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Secrets & Masks

These days it's not an issue of IF a secret gets revealed, but when, how and by whom.   [a bookstack of 9 books from top to bottom: It All Falls Down, Summer's Echo, Only Lovers in the Building, Alice Chen's Reality Check, Ready to Score, Eliza and the Duke, Broken Harbor, The Story That Wouldn't Die, Framed in Death]  It All Falls Down (Trust #3) by Daines L. Reed  contemporary fiction  Juliene Dune is at a crossroads. Every aspect of her life and nearly all of her relationships are forcing her to make hard choices. How will she decide who to keep and who to cut loose? Compelling narrative momentum and complicated characters in messy entanglements make her journey an irresistible read.  Summer's Echo by Robbi Renee  contemporary romance  What happens when unspoken truths fester for years? Summer and Echo discover difficult answers while working to heal and thrive. First love, heartache, and lessons learned the hard way on the path to reconciliati...
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Heartbreak, Murder, Murky Circumstances, Questions of Loyalty

Reading is my happy headspace. The more stressful life is, the more solace books offer.  [ 2 trade paperback books face-up - Love on the Rebound and Beautiful Broken Love next to 3 trade paperback books standing spines outward from left to right - Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermillion]  Love on the Rebound by Aries Skye  contemporary romance  Black Odessey Media, 2024  Angela Richards is recovering from more than one kind of heartbreak and masking her private hurts with public bravado. Kinston Jordan isn't fooled even as he deals with the aftermath of his own romantic disappointments.  The name glossary, acknowledgements, and teaser for Love on Board also entertain and entice.  Beautiful Broken Love by Shanora Williams  contemporary romance  Montlake, 2024  Nearly paralyzed with grief, Davina Klein-Roberts is struggling to move forward. Entrepreneurial success leads her to crossing paths with Deke Bishop who's dealing with his...
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Laughing Until You Cry

Laugh or cry; do or die. [ front cover of a hardcover copy of "That's How They Get You..." ] That's How They Get You: An Unruly Anthology of Black American Humor edited by Damon Young  nonfiction & some fiction  Pantheon Books, June 2025  This scintillating mix of personal essays, short stories, stream of consciousness musings, text threads and more all portray and dissect examples of the sharp observations and fundamental truths of the broad array of Black humor from slapstick absurdities to poignant angst. Make sure to read and savor every word.  Current & previous BAC Issues (Book Acquisition Compulsion) courtesy of the public library, as usual   [ a bookstack of 10 books: bottom showing only the bottom page edges; top 3 with spines outward-from top to bottom; Lavender's Blue, Rest in Pink, One in Vermilion ]  During these very challenging times please make extra effort to prioritize taking care of yourself and make time for enjoying some simple ...
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Out of the Shadows

Echoes of past trauma haunt these complicated, intrepid characters who sail the high seas while also navigating assorted forms of treachery. Poignant emotion combined with humor and daring exploits make Sorinda's story a compelling read that entertains in multiple ways.  [cover art for a hardcover edition of Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller: three-quarter profile image of a young Black woman with long braids while holding an unsheathed dagger]  Vengeance of the Pirate Queen (Daughter of the Pirate King #3) by Tricia Levenseller  YA fantasy with romantic elements Macmillan, 2023  It's rare for me to read YA fiction because it tripwires visceral memories of my own angsty young adult years, and while my gratitude toward all the merciful deities is immense in appreciation for my survival and eventual flourishing, revisiting that angst in any way doesn't appeal.    With that in mind, Sorinda's story satisfied in every way: character developmen...
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Everyday Magic & Genre Mashups

Three outstanding reads by authors who've crafted irresistible tales that defy the confines of the narrow expectations of a single genre.  [three books arranged face up, from left to right: Chocolate Chip City, He's To Die For, The Baby Dragon Cafe]  Chocolate Chip City by Be Steadwell  contemporary speculative fiction with romance  Bywater Books, June 2025  In this lyrical, lush composition three sisters, Jasmine, Ella and Layla, embody riffs on power: of the individual, family, community, culture; attraction, repulsion, collaboration. It's anchored in harsh realities while using magical realism and sharp humor to explore the often awkward and discouraging search for purpose, acceptance, and love in the context of life and the socio-economic pyramid scheme of capitalism.  Its recurring variations on themes of erasure and reclaiming legacies echo a present-day continuum of The Monsters We Defy by Leslye Penelope and an emotional texture reminiscent of Like ...
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Heartthrobs, Zombie Mobs & Hollywood Divas

  Laughs, gore and drama galore!  [3 trade paperback books from left to right: One Death at a Time, He Falls First, Zom RomCom]  One Death at a Time by Abbi Waxman  contemporary mystery  Berkley, April 2025  Sobriety challenges, meetings, an uneasy alliance, a road trip, an assortment of unusual and unlikely allies, betrayals, lots of laugh and profound sentiment make Julia and Natasha's journey an enjoyable ride even as it addresses ageism sexism with organic candor.  He Falls First by Jill Shalvis  contemporary romance  Sourcebooks Casablanca, August 2025  This love story focuses on the joy of support offered by biological and found family even as it references the evolution of recovery from past experiences of domestic violence.  Zom RomCom by Olivia Dade  contemporary speculative adventure romance  Berkley Romance, August 2025  A laugh-aloud spoof of manmade horrors with its own unique quirkiness that delivers so ...
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