Five Star Friday is my version of the monthly wrap-up. On the first Friday of each month, I will share my five-star reads from the previous month. Fingers crossed, I have lots of books to tell you about.
This month, I was able to read 25 books, and I had 5 five-star reads.
Out on a Limb by Hannah Bonam-Young
Published on July 11, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
Winnifred "Win" McNulty has always been wildly independent. Not one to be coddled for her limb difference, Win has spent most of her life trying to prove that she can do it all on her own. And, with some minor adjustments, she's done just fine.
That is until she has a one-night stand with the incredibly charming Bo, a perfect stranger. And that one night changes everything.
While Bo is surprisingly elated to step upto the plate, Win finds herself unsure of whether she can handle this new challenge on her own or if she’ll need a helping hand.
Together, Win and Bo decide to get to know one another as friends and nothing more. But, as they both should know by now, life rarely goes according to plan.
This was a really beautiful feel-good romance. I instantly fell head-over-heels for both Win and Bo. I have a thing for people who are a bit wounded and are lucky enough to find that "someone" who accepts them as-is. That was the case with both Bo and Win. Packed with humor, heart, and fantastic quirky characters, this book had me endless grinning or wearing a sappy smile.
[review]
The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh
Published by Thomas Nelson on June 13, 2023
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Fiction
Goodreads
She’s out to prove that there’s no such thing as choosing happiness.
Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.
As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.
But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.
As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.
This book was precious! I knew from page one that I was going to love everything about it, and I totally did. First and foremost, I adored Isadora. I related so hard to her past and the baggage she carried from being hurt by others. I totally understood why she built a fortress around her heart and kept her distance from others. But when she started this "experiment", I was filled with glee as she began forming connections and letting people get to know the real Isadora. I could sit here and gush all day about this book. It was just such a pleasure to read and filled my day with endless sunshine. By the end of this story, my face hurt from smiling and my heart was bursting with joy. If you want to feel some glee, come and accompany Isadora on her journey as she finds her happy.
[review]
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
Published by Amazon Original Stories on January 23, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
They’re falling in love, yet they’ve never met. Maybe fate can intervene in a heartwarming “what-if” short story about new beginnings by the New York Times bestselling author of Yours Truly.
Holly is dealing with the impending death of her grandmother and still reeling from a bad breakup. One bright spot: a Valentine’s Day card on Holly’s windshield—even if it wasn’t meant for her. An amusing mistake soon turns into a lovely exchange of anonymous notes, little acts of kindness, and a growing affection between two strangers. What happens when one of them has to say goodbye?
It's incredible the way Abby Jimenez can fill my heart with so much warmth and joy in so few pages. My hats off to you, Jimenez! As expected, this story was told with lots of humor, but Jimenez also inflicted quite a bit of emotional pain with Holly caring for her terminally ill grandmother. It was one of those beauty in the pain situations, but it was made somewhat easier by the kindness of a stranger. I love the way these two bonded anonymously. Why is that always so wonderful? With a theme of making your own happiness, this was a great mix of humor, joy, and heartbreak which ultimately filled me with so much sunshine and delight.
Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
Published by Avon on February 13, 2024
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
#1 New York Times bestselling author Tessa Bailey launches a super sexy sports romance series with a rom-com about a bad boy professional athlete who falls for his biggest fan...
Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life.
Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash…
As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right?
Fangirl Down was such an amazing read. A great story, fantastic characters, and a sizzling romance were all things that had me flipping those pages, but it was also packed with humor and warmth. I smiled because I was amused as much as I smiled because I was just so darn happy for everyone involved. That last chapter and the epilogue had the happy tears flowing, and when I was done, I sit back, let out a breath, and just basked in the happiness this story created.
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
Published by Dell on August 17, 2021
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
Is it ever too late to leave the friend-zone?
Hi, my name is Bree Camden, and I’m hopelessly in love with my best friend and star quarterback Nathan Donelson (so is half of America, judging by the tabloids and how much the guy dates). The first step is admitting, right? Except, I can never admit it to him because he clearly doesn’t see me that way, and the last thing I want is for things to get weird between us.
Nothing but good old-fashioned, no-touching-the-sexiest-man-alive, platonic friendship for us! Everything is exactly how I like it! Yes. Good. (I’m not crying, I’m just peeling an onion.)
Our friendship is going swimmingly until I accidentally spill my beans to a reporter over too much tequila, and now the world seems to think me and Nathan belong together. Oh, and did I mention we have to date publicly for three weeks until after the Super Bowl because we signed a contract with...oops, forgot I can’t tell anyone about that!
Bottom line is, now my best friend is smudging all the lines and acting very un-platonic, and I’m just trying to keep my body from bursting into flames every time he touches me.
How am I going to make it through three weeks of fake dating Nathan without anything changing between us? Especially when it almost-sort-a-kinda seems like he’s fighting for a completely different outcome?
Send help.
XO Bree
I am trash for friends-to-lovers, so I knew I would like this book, but it was so sweet and fun. These two had such a great vibe. I will admit that I was *this close* to tiring of the mutual pining without anyone sharing their feelings, but it all came together in the most smile inducing way. I adored both Bree and Nathan, and Bree's sister and the other bromance between Nathan and his teammates also contributed to my enjoyment. This was exactly the pick me up I needed, and I am so happy I finally read it.
Honorable Mention
February was packed with great reading. Here are my honorable mention books. All earned 4.5 stars.
- In the Orbit of You by Ashley Schumacher
- The Trail of Lost Hearts by Tracey Garvis Graves
- The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
- Good Material by Dolly Adlerton
- The Messy Life of Jane Turner by Brenda Novak
- Kilt Trip by Alexandra Kiley
- The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
- The Happiness Blueprint by Ally Zetterburg
- Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson
- The Takover by Cara Tanamachi
Let us know in the comments!
Worst Wingman Ever was my first five-star read of 2024! I could have happily lived in that world for a full-length novel.
ReplyDeleteFrom our lips to Jimenez's ears. Maybe she can write another story in that world. I think there is more to mine.
DeleteI think five 5-star reads in a month is pretty great. And look at all those honorable mentions! I plan on starting The Trail of Lost Hearts soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's been pretty low lately, so I was happy to find so many great books. Fingers crossed you enjoy Trail.
DeleteI love seeing Cheat Sheet make the list! I want to read that Jimenez novella, so that was also cool!
ReplyDeleteThe two novellas I read were both wonderful (Jimenez and CLo). I plan on reading the Poston one as well.
DeleteI've been meaning to check out In the Orbit of You. I've enjoyed all of Schumacher's other books, so I've got high hopes for this one, too!
ReplyDeleteSchumacher's books have all been great for me. This one was a bit different but not. I enjoyed it a lot
DeleteNot surprised to see you loved The Cheat Sheet! And Fangirl Down was soooo good! I gave it 5 stars, too. I laughed so much, and it was just such a great feel good story.
ReplyDeleteWasn't Fangirl great? I have really been liking Bailey's newer stuff. So glad you liked it, too. *High Five*
DeleteYes, Isadora was such a delight! It brought so much joy to me, too! I'm in line for Jane Tanner at my library and I hope to read The Trail of Lost Hearts this month as well. You had a lot of great reads this month!
ReplyDeleteI hope more people will give Isadora a try. Really such a wonderful book. fingers crossed you enjoy both Jane and Hearts.
DeleteWOW your February reading was amazing! I love the concept of Isadora Bentley! I now want to try this to prove BOTH the fictional author and Isadora wrong bwahah.
ReplyDeleteI think you would like Isadora. She was a little snarky, jaded. I adored her.
DeleteI want to read Abby Jimenez book so bad and the Cheat Sheet too!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Jimenez story is really short but packs quite a punch. I hope you get a chance to read both.
DeleteWow, you did have a great reading month, Sam. I also loved Isadora Bentley. I want to read The Kilt Trip and The Worst Wingman Ever, but it will depend on if my library gets them and when.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure if libraries would pick up those Amazon Original novellas. I have a KU subscription. That's how I read Worst Wingman
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