firewhiskeyreader

I’m trying to get this review post up before the internet goes out again, but honestly, I can’t blame the lateness of these reviews on Hurricane Helene. I’ve been supposed to write these reviews and post them since early September when I finished the third book for this. Oops. Anyway, let’s dive in real quick, shall we? You can already pick up The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas, Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks, and Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto at a bookstore near you. I received all three of these books via Netgalley and the publisher. I read The Fiancé Dilemma and Morbidly Yours physically though, with copies I purchased myself. And I listened to Not Another Love Song via an audiobook I purchased with a credit. Regardless, these reviews are my honest opinion!

The Fiancé Dilemma
by Elena Armas

Plot: Josie is her famous father’s recently revealed secret baby and she has four previous engagements. For romance reasons, the press are very into examining Josie’s past which leads to her fake engagement to Matthew, her half-sister’s best friend. Many hijinks ensue. 

What I Loved: There’s something about the way Arias has created this small town that is just so cozy and comforting to me. I also loved the way the sexual tension in this book simmers. It’s a slow burn on that aspect and even the way the two go back and forth with the is it real/is it not was appealing to me. 

Who Would I Recommend this to?: You have to be okay with a lack of logic, ready to ride for and with Josie and Matthew as the situations they’re in become more and more silly. If you loved the town aspects of the last book, I do think this book is a great choice for you. And I, personally, loved it.

Morbidly Yours by Ivy Fairbanks

Plot: Lark moves to Ireland after her husband’s death and discovers she accidentally moved in next door to a funeral parlor. (She’s very American in her desire to pretend death doesn’t exist. Or at least, she’s very relatable to me in that regard.) Lark’s new neighbor, Callum is demisexual (!!!!) and a mortician. He also has a stutter, if that’s representation you’re looking for. Anyway, Lark and Callum manage to become friends and Lark winds up helping Callum find dates because he has to get married or he’ll lose the family business (the funeral parlor). Only one problem, Callum would much rather be spending his time with Lark, who is not ready for another relationship (and in fact, swears she’ll never be in another one). 

What I Loved: First, Callum being demisexual was so wonderful. I loved that. The representation was great. Aside from that, I really loved this whole book and the further away from it I am, the more I think I loved it, which says a lot. The humor, the connections between not only Callum and Lark, but both main characters with various side characters, the depictions of grief, and the very end of the book all sang to my soul. The only quibble I had with this book is that Lark’s new job in Ireland comes complete with a completely entitled jerk and there was a whole storyline with that. I could have done without that part. 

Who I Would Recommend this book to?: Pick this one up when you want a soft angsty book. Bonus points if you want to travel to Ireland without having to contemplate the travesty that is beans and toast. (I’m still not over it.)

Not Another Love Song
by Julie Soto

Plot: Gwen is a big fan of Xander’s band, but doesn’t necessarily have the same respect for him in “real” life, where he is the chronically late cellist who doesn’t seem to know that she exists. But once they manage to connect and unravel some of their misconceptions of one another and make music together, she starts to see another side to Xander. Meanwhile, there are also career happenings in the orchestra and the plot weaves a tight web around Gwen and Xander, creating an emotional and vibrant environment for these two to come together. 

What I Loved: Julie Soto’s sophomore novel was so well-crafted and as a lover of books about music, I really enjoyed all of those parts. This book keeps the focus narrow, but in a way that still feels large, which I think can largely be attributed to the overlap of secondary characters shared by both love interests. I think technically Not Another Love Storyis really well done. 

What I Struggled With: The plot provided the tension, but I didn’t always get the emotional beats the way I prefer. There were things we learn about each character’s backstory where I can guess what an underlying fear or motivation of a later action might be, but I never quite felt it because it was more stated than shown. 

Who I Would Recommend Not Another Love Song to: People who like books about music and are in the mood for a melancholic book.

Closing Thoughts

All in all, a great set of three contemporary romances in a row! One a more light-hearted read, but still with emotional deep dives and then two slightly angstier reads. A good time! If you’ve read any of these, I’d love to hear what you thought! And if you’re thinking of picking one up, I’d love to hear that too!

xx