Sponsored by Epic Reads & Gimme Everything You Got by Iva-Marie Palmer.
It’s 1979, and Susan Klintock is a girl with a lot of sexual fantasies, but not a lot of sexual experience. No one she knows has been worth taking a shot on…until Bobby McMann arrives. Sure, he’s the coach of the new girls’ soccer team, and 100%, completely off limits—but that doesn’t mean Susan can’t try out for the team to get closer to him. Between the grueling drills and practices, however, Susan discovers things she didn’t expect: that she might actually love soccer, and that figuring out what she truly wants will mean taking risks, both on and off the pitch.
It’s another Thursday, and people are doing things, I imagine. Hug your folks (or wave from a safe distance if they’re not part of your household), do what you can to fight for justice, and read good books. And of course, wear a mask (or, if you just can’t live without your earrings, try a gaiter, it just pulls up underneath ;D)
Over on Book Riot
Have you listened to these audiobooks?
Look, it was really exciting to read about grown people communicating, alright?
Miss your book club? Welcome them back (or remind them you exist) with some personalized gifts.
Deals
I recently picked up a book that I assumed was a romance, because it was published by a small press that primarily publishes romance. Once I realized that it wouldn’t be a romance, I set it aside, just because I couldn’t put myself in that space without knowing there would be an emotionally satisfying ending. But I still want to read more contemporary romance featuring activists, and I was happy to come across this novella by Nia Forrester. Resistance: A Love Story centers two people trying to make their voices heard in this turbulent time, while also finding something for themselves. And it’s 1.99 right now! In a time where the average feed has gone back to normal, this is a good reminder about what’s happening…while also being an emotionally satisfying read.
New Books!
Me + Somebody’s Son
Christina C. Jones
Y’all. Somebody heard me talking about dropping Kindle Unlimited and decided they would put all the best stuff there. I will obviously willingly buy things a la carte, but I might have to pick it back up sooner than I thought I might. This week’s example: a new Mahogany Heights book from CCJ. This one features a florist and a bookseller (!!!) who hooked up in college and are reunited as functioning adults. Of course now, bookseller Haven is not into relationships. But maybe florist August can change her mind? But only if she wants to. It’s less than 100 pages, but you know how Christina can tell a story in a minute. Or if you don’t know, maybe this is the perfect entry into the Mahogany Heights connected universe.
There are a ton of other books out this week, too!
So Forward by Mina V. Esguerra (Always great to see more Romance Class books!)
One Woman’s Treasure by Jean Copeland
Playing the Midfield by Tracey Carter (oh hey, soccer romance!)
The Sedona Upset by Anastasia Alexander (transparency note: I know this author personally)
Unhallowed by Jordan L. Hawk
When Love Calls by J Chary
Storm Lines by Jessica L. Webb
A Sweet Mess by Jayci Lee (which just announced the involvement of DANIEL DAE KIM for an adaptation)
His Prince by Mary Calmes
Twisted Circles by Clare Contreras
Silver Ravens by Jane Fletcher (there are a dragon and a tower on the cover so I’m involved, okay?)
Entangled by Melissa Brayden (and wow, good timing, huh?)
André by Jayci Ellis
Engagement and Espionage by Penny Reid (this is actually the beginning of a cozy mystery series featuring Cletus and Jen from the Winston Brothers series, but I’m sure you’ll appreciate the reminder that it exists)
The Librarian and the Orc by Finley Fenn (look I know nothing about this book but THE LIBRARIAN. AND THE ORC. THE ORC. I need to know.)
And look at this gorgeous new cover for Jeannie Lin’s The Lotus Palace!
Reading any new releases this weekend?
As usual, catch me on Twitter @jessisreading or Instagram @jess_is_reading, or send me an email at wheninromance@bookriot.com if you’ve got feedback, bookrecs, or just want to say hi!