Logan Belle

This is a story of three college friends as close as can be who move on with their lives, grow apart, find different paths and ideas of success. That’s not unique or uncommon. When one writes a book inspired on another’s life, on another’s community…now that’s something different entirely. How do we reconcile with the people we love, what are we willing to give up to make space for a relationship to heal?

Come with me to Provincetown, a small town on Cape Cod. Here a local bookstore held the hopes and dreams of three friends each summer throughout college. Shelby, Hunter, and Colleen’s shared love of books had been their binding force, and now their undoing. When they graduate Shelby is determined she won’t return until she’s met her goals of becoming a writer. Three years later she’s got a best selling book and is stuck trying to write her second when Colleen asks her to come back and help run the bookstore. Reluctantly Shelby agrees, but knows she’s not going to be welcomed with open arms, especially by Hunter.

I’m an unapologetic Jamie Brenner fan. I have (and have gifted) her books in print, ebook, and audio. We are immersed in Provincetown, the bookstore, the cultural, and surrounding community. It’s a hallmark of her writing that I look forward to! The literary theme throughout is so lovely. I felt that Hunter’s relationship with Shelby (and resentment towards her) was affected by Hunter’s own struggles, making it slightly messy.

I highly recommend for those that love immersive summer romance with a strong sense of place. Readers that love books about women’s friendships will especially love this. Perfect for your beach bag and poolside reading! For those of us who are landlocked, it is a much needed escape to a breezy, costal location!

I received an early copy from my friends at HTP Books and Park Row Books via Netgalley.… (meer)

Regina starts working at the New York City Public Library. On her first day she meets a man who helps her then later she finds him in a restricted room of the library in a compromising position. Later she discovers he is Sebastian Barnes, president of the library's Board of Directors. He along with her boss force her into the position of judging books for the Young Lions Awards sponsored by the Library. Both are attracted to each other and work closely together. Sebastian also initiates Regina into a BDSM relationship as well as the facts of "love." Will it work out for them? Will their secrets and pasts come between them?

I loved this book. The power exchange is intense. It is not always fully consensual, but Regina learns what she is able to do and not do. When she does not feel comfortable, I love that she calls a halt. Sebastian may not be happy about it but he always comes back. Together they learn the value of communication, sharing, talking, and opening up. Sebastian finds a partner who knows when and how to compromise and when to push her point across his garbage. I liked that Regina discovers her backbone and lets Sebastian know when he has crossed a line. He learns to listen as does she.

I scenes are hot. I would gladly trade places with Regina. These are characters I fell in love with while reading their story. I did it in one night because of the intensity of the story. I did not want to lose that intensity. It made the story.

I look forward to reading more of Ms. Belle. Bravo!… (meer)