2021, Week the Forty Eighth: You Can Read More than O-one Thing

Hello Hello, Bookworms,

You know what’s awesome about books? Basically everything, TBH, but I like dabbling in different genres. Like, today I’m going to tell you about an African inspired YA fantasy novel and then jump into a Hollywood rom-com and we’ll finish off with a tasty sporty morsel of a romance. I know I’ve been reading mostly romance and lighthearted stuff lately, but I still like to switch things up. As Daniel Tiger likes to say, “you can be more than o-one thing.” (If you sang that in your head, congratulations! You have a toddler/preschooler!) We’ll just tweak that a bit and say “you can read more than o-one thing.” We contain multitudes, Bookworms. Let’s embrace it.

Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko- This book is an immersive fantasy novel that is set in a world nothing like medieval Europe. The story has characters from facsimiles of most of Earth’s continents (alas, no penguin contingent) but all the power and major characters are from Africa-inspired territories. (Why are so many fantasy novels basically medieval England plus dragons/magic? I mean, it’s fun and all but it’s been done, like, a lot.) Anywho. Tarisai was raised in a strange, isolated household, trained from birth to become the perfect candidate to join the Crown Prince of Aristar’s council. She’s sent to become close to the prince, earn his trust, gain his love, and then kill him. Because what would a fantasy novel be without an impossible quest?! There is magic and mystery and intrigue and chaos. It’s a fun, original story, and I have every intention of tackling the next book soon so I can find out how all the things work out.

Love Scenes by Bridget Morrissey- Sloane Ford is an out-of-work actress who has been roped into helping her famous family make a movie. Despite Sloane feeling like this is a complete pity move, she accepts the job because she’s got nothing else to do. She doesn’t realize, however, that the romantic lead in the movie is being played by her nemesis Joseph Donovan. The two starred in a movie together early in Sloane’s career and he was a grade-A asshole, handsome face and Irish accent be damned. The film seems doomed from the get-go, and Sloane soon finds herself having to coach Joseph to get a decent performance from him. The two end up growing a closer and hating each other a lot less over the course of filming, and, well, it’s a romance. This is a cute book, but my favorite part is when Joe explains that he felt he had to play a bit of an Irish caricature to be noticed in Hollywood. Really lean into the accent and all that. One of his brothers tells Joe that he can’t stand to watch his interviews because he “sounds like a Leprechaun” and that is the level of sibling pettiness that I enjoy seeing. Anyway, if you’re in the mood for a romantic comedy and have any interest in seeing how a movie is made, this is the book for you. (I’m just assuming the Hollywood parts are accurate, because I actually have no idea how anything Hollywood related works. But I watched a couple of episodes of Project Greenlight and this tracks, I guess? IDK, I just googled and Bridget Morrissey is apparently a gymnastics coach so this may be a far fetched Hollywood story. Still entertaining though.)

The Dating Playbook by Farrah Rochon- Remember a while ago when I gushed about The Boyfriend Project (review)? The book began with a three-timing dating app scumbag getting caught in his lies. A rather epic showdown ensued, in which the three women leave with a whole lot of free sushi and have themselves a little party without the jerk. Then they form an unlikely friendship to encourage each other in their life goals and it is WHOLESOME AS HECK. This book follows one of those women, the effervescent Taylor Powell. She’s a phenomenal personal trainer, fitness instructor, and nutritional coach. Unfortunately, she lacks the college degree to give legitimacy to her obvious skills and has been floundering a bit professionally and financially. Enter Jamar Dixon. He blew out his knee his rookie season in the NFL but has something to prove. He wants to work his way back into the league, and after attending one of Taylor’s pop up fitness classes, he knows she’ll be the perfect trainer. Too bad they both totally want each other but are determined to remain professional. This book is very sweet, and I’m quite smitten by Taylor and Jamar’s dynamic. I must admit though, I am anxiously awaiting London’s book. She’s the third in the trio of the dating app debacle, and I so badly want to read her HEA. This series is delightful, you should definitely give it a try.

Aaaaand my brain is tapped out. I hope you all are staying safe and healthy. As much as I enjoy switching up the genres I read, after the last two years, I think it very unlikely I’ll ever read another plague book for funsies. I already know the Greek alphabet, COVID, I learned it in the 6th grade for extra credit. YOU CAN STOP MUTATING ANY TIME NOW. (Wear a mask, get a booster, take care of each other. XOXO.)

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