The Paris Match

Layla has been divorced for over a year. In an effort to keep the peace, she agrees to attend her ex-sister in laws wedding in Paris. The City of Lights holds a lot of memories for Layla so the trip itself is expected to be bittersweet. She has remained friends with her ex-husband and hearing that he is bringing a plus one to the city they honeymooned is not easy. Then Layla meets Griffin. He is the grumpy best man that seems to have it out for her from the moment they meet. Griffin’s only goal is to make sure the main event takes off without a hitch. As the bride appears to have cold feet Griffin convinces Layla to help fix the situation. Griffin is hot and can be charming once he lets his guard down. Their chemistry is palpable but honestly the bride is immature and whining. It’s not funny enough to be quirky and the rest of the family members are completely annoying. Loved the Paris setting but that’s about it. This one was just okay for me. ⭐⭐⭐

This Story May Save Your Life

Benny and Joy have a podcast called TSMSYL, enticing listeners with strange near death experiences and solutions to survive them. Part creepy, part humor, the back and forth banter of these longtime friends is a huge success. They have thousands of fans and more deals and sponsorships than they know what to do with. Joy’s husband Xander manages the business and Xander’s sister Mallory is assistant producer helping the duo create episodes, schedule live performances and a book (memoir) in the works. While Benny and Joy anxiously await a deal that could bring in millions they try not to rock the boat. The day Joy tells Benny she needs a break from the podcast is the beginning of their own real life episode. This surprising, plot shifting unputdownable mystery is an absolute page turner. Each character has motive. No-one knows if the detectives can be trusted and most importantly the reader is rooting for Benny and Joy the whole way through. I am glad I didn’t know much going in, check out this new domestic thriller! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

American Fantasy

Annie is recently divorced, navigating a demotion at work, and facing an empty nest now that her daughter has flown the coop. To cheer her up Annie’s sister booked them on American Fantasy, a weekend cruise featuring the 1990s pop band Boy Talk. Years ago, Boy Talk posters covered their bedroom walls, and the sisters knew every word to every love song blasting from their boom box. At the last minute, Annie’s sister suffers an injury, and she finds herself braving the ship solo. Determined to survive the itinerary — and catch a glimpse of the crushes of her youth — Annie is the least experienced of the “Talkers,” a nickname given to the 2,000 screaming women reliving their teenage dreams. But time stops for no one. The Boys themselves have also aged, and although still handsome and charming, they have their own demons to face. As Annie is swept into the fandom, she is reminded how music made her feel when she was young and in love. Shocked to find herself alone with Keith, Annie realizes that even a superstar can have normal life problems. Instead of her age working against her, Annie’s kind ear may be exactly what this aging heartthrob needs. Pack your nostalgia, grab your lanyard, and get ready to cruise straight back to your teenage heart. ⭐⭐⭐