Sloth Goes Places is a feature where I share books I have tracked from the Literary Escapes and Read Around the USA reading challenges.
Today we are looking at books set in ....
New York
Pick-Up by Nora Dahlia
Published by Gallery Books on December 23, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
Harkening to the witty and swoon-worthy rom-coms of Christina Lauren and Kate Clayborn, a new enemies-to-lovers romp whisking us from the stress of city life to lush Caribbean beaches.
Sasha Rubinstein is not on her game. Parenting with an absent (and objectively douchey) ex has never been easy, but, lately, the judgmental side-eye from people at school pick-up feels extra. It doesn’t help that some entitled dad—with his perfect t-shirts and perfectly punchable (yet adorable) face—keeps stealing the last after-school spots and school hoodies out from under her.
Ethan Jones is not trying to trip Sasha up… at school or otherwise. In fact, ever since they met (which she promptly forgot), he’s been hoping for the exact opposite…or at least to stop thinking about her.
When a game-changing job lands them trapped together on an exclusive private island, they resolve to stop sniping at each other and keep things professional. But with tension building between them and the permeating intoxication of island time, temptation blows in on every tropical breeze.
This tale was set in Brooklyn and was a fun look at school yard politics. It is narrated by three characters which surprised me UNTIL it all made sense. This rom-com made me laugh and smile, and I greatly enjoyed watching the relationship between Sasha and Demon Dad change and grow into something so sweet and beautiful.
Promise Me Sunshine by Cara Bastone
Published by Dial Press on March 4, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not
Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart.
Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.
The bulk of this tale takes place in Manhattan where Lenny had a temporary nanny position. There was also quite a bit of time spent on the Staten Island ferry where Lenny would avoid going home, not being able to face the home she once shared with her best friend. Most of this story revolves around Lenny and her healing journey. She was in the throes of grief and not making much forward progress. She was lucky to find support in Miles, the grumpy uncle. He knew a few things about grief and wanted to help Lenny complete the "live again" list. There were shenanigans as they embarked on checking those items off which made me laugh, but I really loved seeing Lenny and Miles bond as they healed together.
If You Only Knew by Kristan Higgins
Published by Harlequin on July 1, 2015
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
Sisterhood in all its drama, hilarity and tears is at the heart of New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins's thoroughly captivating new novel, featuring the wit and romance that readers have come to expect from the much-loved creator of the Blue Heron series...
Wedding-dress designer Jenny Tate understands the happily-ever-after business, yet somehow she's still involved in her ex-husband's life. In fact, Owen's new wife may—inexplicably—be Jenny's new best friend. Sensing this, well, relationship isn't helping her move on, Jenny trades the Manhattan skyline for her hometown up the Hudson, where she'll be able to bask in her sister Rachel's picture-perfect family life…and hopefully make one of her own.
Her timing couldn't be more perfect, since Rachel will need her younger sister. Her idyllic marriage has just fallen to pieces in spectacular fashion after she discovers her husband sexting with one of his colleagues. Second chances aren't in Rachel's nature, but the desire for an intact family has her rethinking her stance on adultery, much to Jenny's surprise. Rachel points to their parents' "perfect" marriage as a shining example, but to protect her sister Jenny may have to tarnish that memory—and their relationship—and reveal a secret about their family she's been keeping since childhood.
During this summer of secrets and lies, temptation and revelation, Jenny and Rachel will rely on each other to find the humor in their personal catastrophes, the joy in their triumphs…and the strength to keep hanging on.
This book was set in the lovely Hudson Valley where Higgins set another book as well. I absolutely loved this story that focused on two sisters and the personal challenges they were experiencing. Written with Higgins' signature charm, wit, warmth, and humor, the star of this tale (for me) was the bond shared between the sisters who I loved rooting for.
[review]
Let us know in the comments!
I need to read Promise Me Sushine!!
ReplyDeleteIt was excellent, and I know because you enjoyed Bastone's new book, you will love this one too.
DeleteThe first book I read this year was a nonfiction book that took place at the Met, and I also listened to another book that took place in upstate, so this state was easily crossed off the list!
ReplyDeleteNY is always so easy to check off. It's February and you already read two (I think I am up to 7)
DeleteNew York is one of those states that I always tend to read a ton of every year. I think I've been better this year at hitting more obscure states and other countries.
ReplyDeleteGood on you! I have to seek out some of those southern and middle states that are very rarely featured in the books I read.
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