Those reading below the equator may be experiencing cool or even cold weather, but almost every corner of the northern hemisphere has been punished lately by intense heat. I seek relief in books, and when I do have to be outside, I’m even more grateful than usual for the distraction of a great audiobook. Here are some of my recent favorites.
The amazingly versatile Kelley Armstrong grabbed my attention with her new book, WRITING MR. WRONG. Debut romance writers face countless challenges, but having to do publicity stunts with a former high school nemesis (and secret crush) shouldn’t be among them. Gemma and Mason, a pro hockey player struggling to preserve his youthful appeal and popularity, reluctantly agree to the arrangement. And then, of course, Cupid takes over. Fans of witty banter and passionate interludes will swoon over this fun romance.
Kelley Armstrong grew a following with her time travel books, but I was fortunate recently to discover a new-to-me talented writer in that genre. Annie R. McEwen’s BOUND ACROSS TIME captured my attention the moment a ghost began speaking to Georgia native CeCe at her new job working as a tour guide at a Welsh castle. Patrick made his violent exit from the land of the living more than two hundred years ago, but his soul (including his most decidedly rugged corporeal presence) still inhabits the castle. And CeCe, unlike the rest of the world, can see, hear (and touch!) him. BOUND ACROSS TIME is the first in a (so far) two-part series, but the volumes can be read independently.
Keeping with the out-of-synched-time theme, I was mesmerized by Paige Harbison’s OTHER SIDE OF NOW, another book in which a modern American woman crosses the ocean and finds love. As a child, Meg was told by a fortune teller that her lifeline showed two distinct lives—a prediction Meg ignored until she wakes up in her cab ride from the airport to her B&B in Ireland and finds herself in an altered existence. Meg’s life has been filled with an excess of both pain and material success; her new life is humble and replete with the simple joys of good friends and great sex. I was on tenterhooks wondering how the author would resolve this cleverly constructed tale, and I closed the book impressed by her solution and eager to read more of her work.
In the spirt of hot, steamy beach days, I was swept away by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding’s ELIZABETH OF EAST HAMPTON, a retelling of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE that I think even Jane Austen would love. Elizabeth’s family owns a small bakery, and Darcy’s family could probably buy the town. They both love surfing, however, and in the cool waters off the Hamptons, a fire begins to burn even as conflicts abound. (Did the author intentionally make readers visualize a wet, buff Darcy emerging from the water in a partially open wetsuit?!) As someone who generally avoids fanfiction, I’m so very happy I didn’t miss this lovely book.
Turning away from romance for a moment, but sticking with a story of deep, soul-wrenching love, I want to share the pain, laughter, and ultimately profound joy I found in Fredrik Backman’s newest book, MY FRIENDS. Much of this book, too, takes place near the sea, but it speaks of friendship (obviously), art, and abiding love. Keep a box of tissues nearby.
And finally, let me add my voice to the wild acclaim being given to Layne Fargo’s THE FAVORITES. No matter how high the temperature is outside, this author’s magic touch will have you convinced you’re at an ice rink, breathing in the cold, crisp air and witnessing the world’s finest ice dance performances. And yes, the story that goes along with the cut-throat immersive skating experience is equally breath catching. If you get a chance, listen to the audio version. The narrations are perfect, including a dynamic delivery by the great Johnny Weir himself as he voices a flamboyant male skater.
Still feeling the heat? My short story SECOND HOMECOMING will plop you down in a cold Boston snowstorm, but the love and commitment between Jackie and Kolya will bring warmth and joy to your heart.
Meg's friends during her high school years all expected her romance novels to hit the shelves decades ago, but she foolishly allowed "serious pursuits" to get in her way. Now that her beloved children can feed, clothe, and most importantly, support themselves, she's free to turn her attention to her first passion - putting words to paper that capture your attention and make your heart sing in quiet joy. Her stories tell most frequently of second chances--in life, love, and sometimes even at rediscovering a soul-mate from a previous life.
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