Defining Moments & Thriving with Neurodiversity

[an ornate small round picture frame with a paint brush angled across it, a camouflage fishing hat under a wristwatch next to a closed pocket journal with an ink pen on top of it]

Puck & Prejudice (Rink Meets Regency #1) by Lia Riley

contemporary historical mashup romance

Avon, November 2024

Contemporary sports romance + Regency historical romance + time travel = reading joy.

From chapter 5:

The moments of chemistry happened when and where there was some kind of alchemy in the blend of personality and atmosphere.

Lizzy and Austin's love story offers readers the best mix of engaging characters, multiple tropes, and nods to Jane Austen at a brisk pace that supports the humor, tenderness, and layered emotional substance.

Rules for Second Chances by Maggie North

contemporary romance/women's fiction

St. Martin's Griffin, June 2024

When marching to the beat of her own drum leaves Liz feeling out of step with her husband, family, coworkers and the world, she decides to make some drastic changes to reframe her approach to life. Hilarity and heartbreak ensue combined with hope for a happily ever after that exceeds her most optimistic dreams. Tender hot sexy times included.

From chapter 3:

... but I need someone to shove me into the shower every day or two, and for that I'd need Stellar's love. Or Amber's blunt frustration, which Mom calls love.

This story's emotional authenticity is reminiscent of The Kiss Quotient by Helen Huang and a few of Talia Hibbert's romances.

Viscount in Love (Accidental Brides #1) by Eloisa James

historical romance

Avon, July 2024

Victoria and Dominic's love story entertains as it celebrates the gifts and advantages of otherness in building relationships, families, communities, and fulfilling purpose-driven lives. It also examines the many challenges. Super sensual sexual intimacy scorches. Irrepressible children steal the spotlight in this tenderhearted tale. Make sure to read the author's note.

This week's book buffet (with Viscount in Love already consumed in the time between snapping this photo yesterday and sharing this post today:-)

[5 books arranged vertically, from left to right: Twisted Knight, The Christmas Countdown, Viscount in Love, American Ghoul, Bad Witches]

Happy reading!

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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 ...

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 ...

Deja Vu, Recalibrating, Pyramid Schemes & Narcissists

More satisfying romances from an array of talented authors who love love to help offset the real-life ethical and moral horrors shared in a riveting memoir. [3 trade paperback books arranged face-up atop a closed piano, from left to right: Pugs & Kisses, When Javi Dumped Mari, All's Fair in Love and Pickleball] Pugs & Kisses by Farrah Rochon contemporary adult romance Hachette Book Group, July 2025 Evie's juggling a lot personally and professionally. Can the man who ghosted her years ago earn her forgiveness and regain her trust enough to work with her to achieve her personal and professional goals? Revealing those answers offers readers a charming tale of wooing. When Javi Dumped Mari by Mia Sosa contemporary adult romance G.P. Putnam's Sons, June 2025 In the decade since they became college besties, Mari and Javi have decisions to make. WIll they jeopardize the shaky stability of the status quo or risk their hearts and the futur...

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