Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Tressa at Wishful Endings that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.
I am combining CWW with Books From the Backlog hosted by Carole at Carole's Random Life in Books. This will allow me to feature some newly "rediscovered" books, which I plan on reading, alongside a new release.
This week I can't wait for
Double Exposure by Elissa R. Sloan
Published by William Morrow on September 10, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction
Goodreads
Elissa R. Sloan, author of The Unraveling of Cassidy Holmes, returns with a sweeping drama about two A-list stars—a former star couple—as they cross each other's paths over and over again through the years, in a story that examines the work we have to do in order to grow into the people we want to become.
Maiko Fox and Adrian Hightower were young, beautiful, in love…and famous. The latest model to grace the Valentina Posh runway show and the hottest new superhero actor were Hollywood’s breakout couple. They were in every magazine, all over the most popular celebrity-blogs, and on countless E! News stories.
They starred in a blockbuster film together, reaping box-office gold. Fans were at a fever pitch. No one could get enough of Madrian, the couple that printed money for the studios, for the paparazzi, for themselves.
But then, their relationship crumbled.
Years later, with Adrian topping the Hollywood A-list as a writer and director, dating the country’s biggest pop star, and Maiko starring in movies for her celebrated producer-director husband, they live totally different lives. But they can never be too far apart. Madrian is still a box office draw, and the studios keep throwing them together.
As the two grow more and more entangled again professionally, Maiko and Adrian have to reckon with themselves: are they happy with their current lives? Or have they grown to be better people when with each other?
This is a new-to-me author, but I was really drawn to the story. I love second chance romances, and we have that plus the whole celebrity thing to add some interesting drama. I am a little worried to see one member of the former couple is married, so I will have to trust the author with that. I am interested to see how they've grown and where this all goes.
How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper
Published by G.P. Putnam's Sons on May 28, 2019
Age/Genres: Adult, Fiction
Goodreads
A darkly funny and life-affirming debut novel for readers of Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine the story of one man who is offered a second chance at life and love when he develops an unexpected friendship--if he can expose the white lie he told years ago that grew into so much more.
Andrew's day-to-day is a little grim, searching for next of kin for those who die alone. Thankfully, he has a loving family waiting for him when he gets home, to help wash the day's cares away. At least, that's what his coworkers believe.
Andrew didn't mean for the misunderstanding to happen, yet he's become trapped in his own white lie. The fantasy of his wife and two kids has become a pleasant escape from his lonely one bedroom with only his Ella Fitzgerald records for company. But when new employee Peggy breezes into his life like a breath of fresh air, Andrew is shaken out of his routine. She doesn't notice the wall he's been safely hiding behind and their friendship promises to break it down.
Andrew must choose: Does he tell the truth and start really living his life, but risk losing his friendship with Peggy? Or will he stay safe and alone, behind the façade? How Not to Die Alone is about the importance of taking a chance in those moments when we have the most to lose. Sharp and funny, warm and real, it's the kind of big-hearted story we all need.
I greatly enjoyed Roper's This Disaster Loves You and am ready to read more of his work. This is where it all started, his debut. It's described as funny and life affirming - good things if you ask me. So, everyone believes this man has a family because of a small lie he told years ago. And then he makes a friend who he could possibly lose if he confesses to this lie. That sounds complicated but I am eager to see how Roper works through this one.
Let us know in the comments!
I love finding a new to me author with a book that sounds good. I hope the books are good.
ReplyDeleteRoper's book was great. A mix of funny and sad just like the other one.
DeleteDouble Exposure sounds really interesting - I like that the story takes place over years.
ReplyDeleteStories like that are both pleasing and frustrating, but I seem to love them.
DeleteI must confess that it's the blurb of How not to Die Alone that is drawing me in!
ReplyDeleteI honestly didn't know what to expect. Roper did a great job blending the heavy with the light. The characters was wonderful and quirky, and the secret did make me cry, but in the end it was a lovely story about human connection. I really liked it.
DeleteI've not read anything by either of these authors, but I'm glad they have both worked for you, Sam.
ReplyDeleteI have only read the Roper book, and I really enjoyed it.
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