Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood Book Review

Posted on August 29, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

Book Description

Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered her the lead on a neuroengineering project – a literal dream come true – Marie would accept without hesitation. Duh. But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.

Sure, Levi is attractive in a tall, dark, and piercing-eyes kind of way. But Levi made his feelings toward Bee very clear in grad school – archenemies work best employed in their own galaxies far, far away.

But when her equipment starts to go missing and the staff ignore her, Bee could swear she sees Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays, seconding her ideas… devouring her with those eyes. The possibilities have all her neurons firing.

But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there’s only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do?

Review

First things first, let me mention that there is an HP mention in the first chapter of the book and that was quite disappointing. I haven’t seen anyone bring this up and for me, this is a big thing because I would rather that book not be mentioned in any of the things I read.

Thoughts and Themes: I was a bit skeptical going into this book because I had seen people dislike it. I wound up listening to this one on audio because that was how I read The Love Hypothesis so I figured this would be good on audio as well. I did enjoy the narrator of this book and the voices given to both Bee and Levi.

I didn’t love this one as much as The Love Hypothesis but there were definitely portions of this book that I enjoyed. Something that I did enjoy was the awkwardness of all of our characters and how this reminded me of people in STEM that I have interacted with. I also really liked

Someone else mentioned the kiss and the sex scenes and I really should’ve listened to their review and skipped that. The kiss already was just so uncomfortable to listen to that I should’ve just fast-forwarded through any other intimate moments.

Something else that I do like about this book was the relationship that we see between Bee and her sister, as well as her research assistant. I actually liked both of these characters and what they add to the story. I liked how supportive these people are in Bee’s life and how it doesn’t seem like these are forced relationships.

Characters: In this book, you get to meet a few characters through their interactions with our main characters, Bee and Levi. You get to meet their research assistant, Bee’s ex-fiancee and ex-best friend, and a few others briefly.

I was not a big fan of our main character, there were so many moments in which she annoyed me which made it hard to continue listening. There were just so many moments in which she was having a pity party for herself or just way too clueless for an adult her age.

Okay, so our love interest…I really wanted to love Levi as much as I loved Adam but there was just something about him that I was just eh about. I think a lot of it has to do with how the heck he like Bee and how that makes him an awkward mess. What I do like about Levi is his persistence even when Bee keeps insisting that he hates her. I also like the moments in which we get to see Levi with his cat and when Levi talks about Penny and her family. I like getting to see these moments in which Levi is vulnerable and we learn more about him.

This all being said, I was not sold on the relationship between Bee and Levi. I didn’t care about them as a couple and preferred them both as individuals or friends. I actually liked them when they were friends and how supportive Levi was as Bee was dealing with seeing her ex-fiancee and ex-best friend. I liked those small moments of their friendship developing but I think it should’ve stopped there rather than turned into a romance.

Writing Style: This book is written in the first person from the perspective of Bee. This was quite frustrating because it felt like I was reading her journal entries that hadn’t been filtered. If this was going to be the case then it should’ve been written as we stumbled across Bee’s diary because so much of her internal thoughts are just annoying. There were so many times in which I was yelling at her to just speak to people.

The book also includes Twitter posts as well as some Twitter conversations. This part is kind of annoying though as I keep thinking about how Bee and Levi do not know they are talking to each other. I like seeing things through this perspective though but I do think that they should’ve figured things out a lot sooner.

Author Information

I’m Ali, and I write contemporary romcom novels about women in STEM and academia. I love cats, Nutella, and side ponytails. I’m also currently learning to crochet, so as you can tell I’m a super busy gal with an intense and exciting life!

Queerly Beloved by Susie Dumond Book Review

Posted on May 24, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

Book Description

A people-pleasing baker tries to find her place as a bridesmaid-for-hire . Will she finally find her happily ever after—and her own voice?

Amy, a semicloseted queer baker and bartender in mid-2010s Oklahoma, has spent a lifetime putting other people’s needs before her own. Until, that is, she’s fired from her job at a Christian bakery and turns her a one-off gig subbing in for a bridesmaid into a full-time business—thanks to her baking talents, crafting skills, and years watching rom-coms and Say Yes to the Dress. Between her new gig and meeting Charley, the attractive engineer who’s just moved to Tulsa, suddenly Amy’s found something— and someone—she actually wants.

Her tight-knit group of chosen family is thrilled that Amy is becoming her authentic self. But when her deep desire to please kicks into overdrive, Amy’s precarious balancing act strains her relationships to the breaking point, and she must decide what it looks like to be true to herself—and if she has the courage to try.

Review

Thoughts and Themes: I was drawn to this book just based on the cover of it and I am glad I had the chance to read it. I winded up listening to this one on audio and really enjoyed the audio version of this book.

I tend to not read romance books because of the spice scenes which I am not a big fan of. This book includes a few of those scenes but they are not overdone and they add to the plot without deterring so I found them to be well done. I do think that this book is marketed as a romance but it is more of a story in which Amy is finding herself and learning to embrace that with some romance included throughout.

There were quite a few things that I really enjoyed throughout this book. I really enjoyed how we get a chance to see what it is like for Amy to have two separate lives, one in which she is out and another in which she is closeted. I like how this book brings up how hard it is to be a queer person of color or someone who doesn’t fit the binary living in that small town. I also really enjoy how this book talks about what marriage equality means for Queer people but also how it isn’t everything people think it is and how there is still more work to be done.

I also really enjoyed Amy being a baker and also her brief time as a backup bridesmaid. I really enjoyed getting to see her be in her element even as she hides a piece of herself that is important to her. I liked getting a glimpse at some of the weddings that Amy has to work at and the mess that she gets herself into at some of them.

Characters: In this book you get introduced to several characters through their interactions with our main character, Amy. You get to meet some of her friends, Damian and Joel, her family, the love interest, Charley, and more.

I really enjoyed all of the relationships that are included in this book and love hearing about Amy’s relationship with her friends. I loved getting to see how she allowed herself to just be who she is around them without worrying about others finding out about her queerness.

I also really enjoyed the relationship between Amy and her mother. I love how Amy goes to her mom for so much yet her mother pushes her to make Queer friends to talk to because she doesn’t understand everything. I love how supportive Amy’s mother is of her and how you also see Amy’s mother in Amy when she is supporting a Queer youth later in the story.

Writing Style: This story is told in third person through the perspective of Amy. I really like having romance books be written in third person because I can detach from them and am able to enjoy the story as an outsider. I like that we only get things told to us in the perspective of Amy because we don’t see how others are feeling as things fall apart. I also really liked how this story is more than just a romance story and has parts that aren’t just about Charley and Amy.

Author Information

Susie Dumond is a queer writer from Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a Senior Contributor at Book Riot, where she writes a monthly Horoscopes and Book Recommendations column, as well as various quizzes, book lists, and bookish news pieces. Susie received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tulsa and a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from the George Washington University. Currently, she’s probably making cupcakes at her home in Washington, DC, with her partner Mary, her dog Waffles, and her cat Maple.

Heartbreak Symphony by Laekan Zea Kemp Book Tour Post

Posted on April 6, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

Book Description

Heartbreak Symphony by Laekan Zea Kemp

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance

Publishing Date: April 5, 2022

Synopsis:

Clap When You Land meets On the Come Up in this heart-gripping story about navigating first love and overcoming grief through the power of music.

Aarón Medrano has been haunted by the onstage persona of his favorite musician ever since his mother passed away. He seems to know all of Aarón’s deepest fears, like that his brain doesn’t work the way it should and that’s why his brother and father seems to be pushing him away. He thinks his ticket out is a scholarship to the prestigious Acadia School of Music. That is, if he can avoid blowing his audition.

Mia Villanueva has a haunting of her own and it’s the only family heirloom her parents left her: doubt. It’s the reason she can’t overcome her stage fright or believe that her music is worth making. Even though her trumpet teacher tells her she has a gift, she’s not sure if she’ll ever figure out how to use it or if she’s even deserving of it in the first place.

When Aarón and Mia cross paths, Aarón sees a chance to get close to the girl he’s had a crush on for years and to finally feel connected to someone since losing his mother. Mia sees a chance to hold herself accountable by making them both face their fears, and hopefully make their dreams come true. But soon they’ll realize there’s something much scarier than getting up on stage—falling in love with a broken heart.

Book Links

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Book Depository ~ Indigo ~ IndieBound

Review

Thoughts and Themes: I decided that I had to read this book as I loved the author’s debut novel. I was so pleased to find that while this book is also a romance like the first one it was significantly different but just as great. There are so many sections of this book that I highlighted on my kindle because of how these lines spoke to me.

Something that I really enjoyed about this book was how our main characters communicate with each other and the world through music. It reminded me of how I use songs to convey my feelings and sometimes only songs or books completely understand the way that I am feeling. I liked that these two main characters were able to pour themselves into music and how music shapes their lives.

Something else that I loved about this book was the way that it handled grieving and how we see different ways in which people are handling grief. I thought it was great to see both guys and girls dealing with grief, and how both Aaron and Mia lost their parents in different ways. I think because of the way that they lost their parents, the grief that they experience is different and while one of each of their parents is alive, they still are grieving because it is the loss of the parent they had before.

I really enjoyed how this book added the musician into the story and how he was an important part of Aaron’s life and grieving process. I thought it was a great way to show how everyone can have mental health issues and I loved the way he took care of himself. I don’t want to spoil that for you so I’ll let you read to see more about him.

Characters: There are several characters that you get to meet through their interactions with our main characters, Mia and Aaron. You get introduced to Mia’s siblings, friends, and family, and Aaron’s family and friends too.

I loved reading the interactions that Mia has with her brothers and how they try to heal each other. I liked getting to see how they raised her and also getting to see each of them show their grief in a different way. I really liked getting the chance to see how one of her brothers was healing through poetry but how he was still hiding and he only gets the courage to present to show her that it is possible.

I also really enjoy the theme of found family in this book which you really see through the people in the neighborhood. I loved getting the chance to meet Mr. Barrero who takes care of both Mia and Aaron when they need an adult figure in their lives. I really liked seeing how this man has shaped both of these people’s lives and how important he is to them. I also like how we get to see his back story as well to understand why he feels the way he does about Mia.

Writing Style: This story is written from a dual point of view that goes back and forth from our main characters, Aaron and Mia. I really liked getting to read this story from both of their perspectives since I think they both add different things to the story. I really liked getting to go back and forth between these two characters because they had things going on in both of their lives that weren’t intertwined with each other.

Author Information

Laekan Zea Kemp is a writer living in Austin, Texas. Her debut novel, Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet was a 2021 Pura Belpré Honor Recipient. In addition to writing she’s also the creator and host of the Author Pep Talks podcast, as well as a contributor to the Las Musas podcast. She has three objectives when it comes to storytelling: to make people laugh, cry, and crave Mexican food. Her work celebrates Chicane grit, resilience, creativity, and joy while exploring themes of identity and mental health.

Author Links

Website ~ Twitter ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Tour Schedule

https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2022/02/15/tour-schedule-heartbreak-symphony-by-laekan-zea-kemp/

Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood Book Review

Posted on March 25, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

Book Description

Mara, Sadie, and Hannah are friends first, scientists always. Though their fields of study might take them to different corners of the world, they can all agree on this universal truth: when it comes to love and science, opposites attract and rivals make you burn…

Logically, Sadie knows that civil engineers are supposed to build bridges. However, as a woman of STEM she also understands that variables can change, and when you are stuck for hours in a tiny New York elevator with the man who broke your heart, you earn the right to burn that brawny, blond bridge to the ground. Erik can apologize all he wants, but to quote her rebel leader—she’d just as soon kiss a Wookiee.

Not even the most sophisticated of Sadie’s superstitious rituals could have predicted such a disastrous reunion. But while she refuses to acknowledge the siren call of Erik’s steely forearms or the way his voice softens when he offers her his sweater, Sadie can’t help but wonder if there might be more layers to her cold-hearted nemesis than meet the eye. Maybe, possibly, even burned bridges can still be crossed….

To read Mara and Hannah’s stories look for the novellas Under One Roof, available now, and Below Zero, coming soon from Berkley!

Review

Thoughts and Themes: I really enjoy the way that these novellas give you a glimpse of what is to come before the story really starts for our main characters. I actually liked this one a lot more than the first one because I liked the characters and how long it took for us to find out why we were supposed to hate Eric Novak.

The only thing that I was not a big fan of in this one is there is no real reason to dislike Eric because it is all a big miscommunication between the two of them. I wanted him to be conniving and sneaky about what he did so that there was a reason to dislike him. I wanted them to have tension between the two of them that went beyond a ha-ha opps we both were thinking different things moment. The build-up for that was all there so I was quite disappointed when we didn’t get that from either of our characters.

I’m also really not into insta-love, lust is one thing like go ahead and have all these girls lust over the MC, I can see that happening but instantly love him without knowing him? I don’t know if that’s just me being Demisexual/Demiromantic thing or if it puts anyone else off as well. It just doesn’t seem realistic that they see this man and are instantly like I love him. I do like that Eric seems to have liked her for quite a while before this moment so that makes sense to me but her reactions don’t.

Characters: In this story, you get to meet Eric and Sadie, plus you get a brief glimpse at Sadie’s friends which you meet more in-depth in the other novellas. I really liked the characters in this novella more than the first one because I think we got to know them separately from hating each other. We got to learn a little bit about Sadie and then a bit about Eric from what others tell Sadie about him.

Writing Style: This novella is told through the perspective of Sadie which made the miscommunication trope even better. I think had we been able to see this story in the third person or even get a glimpse at what Eric was thinking it would have read differently. I also like that this perspective allows you to see Sadie make a fool of herself multiple times which always makes me laugh.

Author Information

From Ali Hazelwood’s website

My favorite thing in the world is to explore traditional romance tropes—and to picture how they’ll play out in academic settings.

Rival scientists falling in love despite their better judgement?

There’s only one cot in the lab?

Fake dating during faculty meeting?

Sign me up!

I’m originally from Italy, lived in Japan and Germany, and eventually moved to the US to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. I recently became a professor, which absolutely terrifies me. Oh, the sheer dread of being entrusted with the care of young minds!

When I’m not at work you can find me binge-watching shows with my feline overlords (and my slightly less feline husband), running, or eating candy.

Oh, and I’m a New York Times Bestselling Author.

I’m represented by the amazing Thao Le of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

All That’s Left in the World by Erik J. Brown Book Review

Posted on March 23, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

Book Description

When Andrew stumbles upon Jamie’s house, he’s injured, starved, and has nothing left to lose. A deadly pathogen has killed off most of the world’s population, including everyone both boys have ever loved. And if this new world has taught them anything, it’s to be scared of what other desperate people will do . . . so why does it seem so easy for them to trust each other?

After danger breaches their shelter, they flee south in search of civilization. But something isn’t adding up about Andrew’s story, and it could cost them everything. And Jamie has a secret, too. He’s starting to feel something more than friendship for Andrew, adding another layer of fear and confusion to an already tumultuous journey.

The road ahead of them is long, and to survive, they’ll have to shed their secrets, face the consequences of their actions, and find the courage to fight for the future they desire, together. Only one thing feels certain: all that’s left in their world is the undeniable pull they have toward each other.

Review

Thoughts and Themes: I was a bit wary about reading this book because I knew it would deal with our current pandemic, I knew that there would be commentary about it and I was worried about my feelings getting in the way of enjoying this book. I am glad that I decided to read it anyway because dystopian books are my favorite and I have yet to see a queer one.

This book is covered in sticky notes with my thoughts all over it and a lot of those are me just gushing about all of the characters and the slow burn romance. There is no part of this book that I do not love but there are moments in which I was worried for the boys.

Something that I really enjoy about this book is how this book makes commentary about how the Covid-19 pandemic was handled. I really appreciated these pieces but also enjoyed how it didn’t feel like I was just reliving the past two years of our pandemic. I liked that this book was about a pandemic but it was so much more than that, it had these boys figuring out who they are among this disaster of a world, it has people who were destroyed by this pandemic emotionally and mentally, it has loss and trying to come back from that loss, and it has love at the end of the world.

I liked how each place that the boys come across is described and we get to walk this trail with them. I felt like I was on this journey along with them and was scared every time they were scared. I also really liked how we got to meet several different groups of people along the way. I thought that was really reflective of the way that the C-19 pandemic has affected out world.

Characters: In this book you get introduced to several characters through their interactions with Andrew and Jamison. I really enjoyed so many of the characters that we meet throughout this story even the bad ones because of how developed they were.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Andrew and Jamison, and the way it develops throughout the story. I love that they start off as friends but also love how instant their trust for each other is. I liked the slow burn romance between them because when they finally admit their feelings to each other it makes it so worth it. I also really enjoyed how everyone who met them knew of their feelings for each other and while Andrew knew of his feelings, Jamison was still questioning his feelings and neither knew about the other’s feelings.

Writing Style: This book is written in dual point of view alternating between Andrew and Jamison throughout the book. I really enjoyed getting to be in both of their heads and see this pandemic through both of their eyes. I really liked that we get to go along the journey with Jamison as he questions his sexuality due to his feelings for Andrew. I thought it was great getting a chance to see how each of them feel not just about each other but also about the things that are happening in this story.

Author Information

Erik J. Brown is a writer based in Philadelphia, PA.

In 2009 he graduated from Temple University with a degree in Film and Media Arts with an emphasis in Writing for Media. When not writing, he enjoys traveling (pre-pandemic), collecting disco compilations on vinyl, remodelin

g his haunted house with his husband, and embarking on the relentless quest of appeasing his Shiba Inu, Charlie.

In 2021 he was selected as a Lambda Literary Emerging Writers Fellow.

His debut Young Adult novel, ALL THAT’S LEFT IN THE WORLD will be published in early 2022 by HarperColllins/Balzer+Bray.

You can find him on Twitter @WriterikJB, and Instagram @ErikJB

Books to Read while on Vacation

Posted on March 11, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

It’s been a while since I’ve gone on vacation because of Covid but today I am on a plane to Walt Disney World. I thought about books to bring with me so that I could read while waiting in line or when I want a break but instead of physical books I decided just to load my kindle book so my luggage would have space. These are a few of the books I suggest taking with you on vacation to either read on the plane, in your hotel, by the pool or while you wait for things.

Kiss & Tell by Adib Khorram

A smart, sexy YA novel about a boy band star, his first breakup, his first rebound, and what it means to be queer in the public eye, from award-winning author Adib Khorram

Hunter never expected to be a boy band star, but, well, here he is. He and his band Kiss & Tell are on their first major tour of North America, playing arenas all over the United States and Canada (and getting covered by the gossipy press all over North America as well). Hunter is the only gay member of the band, and he just had a very painful breakup with his first boyfriend–leaked sexts, public heartbreak, and all–and now everyone expects him to play the perfect queer role model for teens.

But Hunter isn’t really sure what being the perfect queer kid even means. Does it mean dressing up in whatever The Label tells him to wear for photo shoots and pretending never to have sex? (Unfortunately, yes.) Does it mean finding community among the queer kids at the meet-and-greets after K&T’s shows? (Fortunately, yes.) Does it include a new relationship with Kaivan, the star of the band opening for K&T on tour? (He hopes so.) But when The Label finds out about Hunter and Kaivan, it spells trouble—for their relationship, for the perfect gay boy Hunter plays for the cameras, and, most importantly, for Hunter himself.

Clap When You Land by Elizabeth Acevedo

In a novel-in-verse that brims with grief and love, National Book Award-winning and New York Times-bestselling author Elizabeth Acevedo writes about the devastation of loss, the difficulty of forgiveness, and the bittersweet bonds that shape our lives.

Camino Rios lives for the summers when her father visits her in the Dominican Republic. But this time, on the day when his plane is supposed to land, Camino arrives at the airport to see crowds of crying people…

In New York City, Yahaira Rios is called to the principal’s office, where her mother is waiting to tell her that her father, her hero, has died in a plane crash.

Separated by distance—and Papi’s secrets—the two girls are forced to face a new reality in which their father is dead and their lives are forever altered.

And then, when it seems like they’ve lost everything of their father, they learn of each other.

Some Girls Do by Jennifer Dugan

In this YA contemporary queer romance from the author of Hot Dog Girl , an openly gay track star falls for a closeted, bisexual teen beauty queen with a penchant for fixing up old cars.

Morgan, an elite track athlete, is forced to transfer high schools late in her senior year after it turns out being queer is against her private Catholic school’s code of conduct. There, she meets Ruby, who has two hobbies: tinkering with her baby blue 1970 Ford Torino and competing in local beauty pageants, the latter to live out the dreams of her overbearing mother. The two are drawn to each other and can’t deny their growing feelings. But while Morgan–out and proud, and determined to have a fresh start–doesn’t want to have to keep their budding relationship a secret, Ruby isn’t ready to come out yet. With each girl on a different path toward living her truth, can they go the distance together?

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp

A story of first love, familial expectations, the power of food, and finding where you belong.

Penelope Prado has always dreamed of opening her own pastelería next to her father’s restaurant, Nacho’s Tacos. But her mom and dad have different plans—leaving Pen to choose between disappointing her traditional Mexican American parents or following her own path. When she confesses a secret she’s been keeping, her world is sent into a tailspin. But then she meets a cute new hire at Nacho’s who sees through her hard exterior and asks the questions she’s been too afraid to ask herself.

Xander Amaro has been searching for home since he was a little boy. For him, a job at Nacho’s is an opportunity for just that—a chance at a normal life, to settle in at his abuelo’s, and to find the father who left him behind. But when both the restaurant and Xander’s immigrant status are threatened, he will do whatever it takes to protect his newfound family and himself.

Together, Pen and Xander must navigate first love and discovering where they belong in order to save the place they all call home.

Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood Book Review

Posted on February 23, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

Book Description

A scientist should never cohabitate with her annoyingly hot nemesis – it leads to combustion.

As an environmental engineer, Mara knows all about the delicate nature of ecosystems. They require balance. And leaving the thermostat alone. And not stealing someone else’s food. And other rules Liam, her detestable big-oil lawyer of a roommate, knows nothing about. Okay, sure, technically she’s the interloper. Liam was already entrenched in his aunt’s house like some glowering grumpy giant when Mara moved in, with his big muscles and kissable mouth just sitting there on the couch tempting respectable scientists to the dark side…but Helena was her mentor and Mara’s not about to move out and give up her inheritance without a fight.

The problem is, living with someone means getting to know them. And the more Mara finds out about Liam, the harder it is to loathe him…and the easier it is to love him.

Review

Thoughts and Themes: I was a little hesitant to read this one because it is a novella and I was worried that I would want more of the book. I was also a little worried that this would read too much like The Love Hypothesis for me to enjoy it as a separate story. My library hold came in though sooner than I expected so I had to listen to it and I am glad that I did.

I am so glad that my hesitations were proven wrong and I was able to enjoy the book. While the snarky banter from The Love Hypothesis is in this story, I found that the characters were different and I also thought that their relationship with one another was different.

There is so much to love about this one from the forced proximity, enemies to lovers, witty banter, and more. I just loved the way the story begins and how it builds up throughout to give us the ending that we are waiting for.

Characters: There are two main characters in this book, Liam and Mara, but you also get to know Helena briefly. I loved all of the characters that you get to meet throughout this whole book. There is nothing to not love about any of these characters including Mara and Liam’s friends who you briefly get to learn about.

While you don’t ever get to meet Helena since she passed away before our story really begins I really loved her as a character. I loved the relationship that she had with both Liam and Mara and how you can see through them speaking of her how important they each were to her.

I really enjoyed the relationship between Liam and Mara and how this relationship begins because of Helena. I love how even from the grave she is trying to set them both up with a partner like she has been doing their whole life. I love that they are forced to have some sort of relationship because Mara has to live in that house as she has nowhere else to go. I also love how they become friends before anything happens between the two of them.

Writing Style: I thought it was interesting that this book was published as an audiobook before any other format. I actually really enjoy listening to romance books as audiobooks so I was quite pleased to know that this book was going to first be released as an audiobook. I can’t wait to read it as an e-book to see if the reading experience differs if the format is different.

Author Information

From Ali Hazelwood’s website

My favorite thing in the world is to explore traditional romance tropes—and to picture how they’ll play out in academic settings.

Rival scientists falling in love despite their better judgement?

There’s only one cot in the lab?

Fake dating during faculty meeting?

Sign me up!

When I’m not at work you can find me binge-watching shows with my feline overlords (and my slightly less feline husband), running, or eating candy.

Oh, and I’m a New York Times Bestselling Author.

I’m represented by the amazing Thao Le of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency.

Long Story Short (2021) Movie Review

Posted on February 13, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

Streaming on: Netflix

Length: 1 hour and 34 minutes

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Comedy

Director: Josh Lawson

Writer: Josh Lawson

Stars: Rafe Spall, Zahra Newman, and Ronny Chieng

Teddy wakes up the morning after his wedding to discover that every few minutes he’s jumping forward to the next year of his life.

Romance Recommendations 2022

Posted on February 11, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

I don’t read a lot of romance books but I realized that most of the books that I read have some romance in them. I wanted to give you all a few books you can get lost in this valentine’s day weekend in case you don’t have any plans.

Serendipity by Marissa Meyer (Editor)

Love is in the air in this is a collection of stories inspired by romantic tropes and edited by #1 New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer.

The secret admirer.
The fake relationship.
The matchmaker.

From stories of first love, unrequited love, love that surprises, love that’s been there all along, ten of the brightest and award-winning authors writing YA have taken on some of your favorite romantic tropes, embracing them and turning them on their heads. Readers will swoon for this collection of stories that celebrate love at its most humorous, inclusive, heart-expanding, and serendipitous.

Contributors include Elise Bryant, Elizabeth Eulberg, Leah Johnson, Anna-Marie McLemore, Marissa Meyer, Sandhya Menon, Julie Murphy, Caleb Roehrig, Sarah Winifred Searle, and Abigail Hing Wen.

The Love Hypothesis (Love Hypothesis #1) by Ali Hazelwood

As a third-year Ph.D. candidate, Olive Smith doesn’t believe in lasting romantic relationships–but her best friend does, and that’s what got her into this situation. Convincing Anh that Olive is dating and well on her way to a happily ever after was always going to take more than hand-wavy Jedi mind tricks: Scientists require proof. So, like any self-respecting biologist, Olive panics and kisses the first man she sees.

That man is none other than Adam Carlsen, a young hotshot professor–and well-known ass. Which is why Olive is positively floored when Stanford’s reigning lab tyrant agrees to keep her charade a secret and be her fake boyfriend. But when a big science conference goes haywire, putting Olive’s career on the Bunsen burner, Adam surprises her again with his unyielding support and even more unyielding… six-pack abs.

Suddenly their little experiment feels dangerously close to combustion. And Olive discovers that the only thing more complicated than a hypothesis on love is putting her own heart under the microscope.

How Moon Fuentez Fell in Love with the Universe by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

A romance starring a Mexican American teen who discovers love and profound truths about the universe when she spends her summer on a road trip across the country.

When her twin sister reaches social media stardom, Moon Fuentez accepts her fate as the ugly, unwanted sister hidden in the background, destined to be nothing more than her sister’s camerawoman. But this summer, Moon also takes a job as the “merch girl” on a tour bus full of beautiful influencers and her fate begins to shift in the best way possible.

Most notable is her bunkmate and new nemesis, Santiago Phillips, who is grumpy, combative, and also the hottest guy Moon has ever seen.

Moon is certain she hates Santiago and that he hates her back. But as chance and destiny (and maybe, probably, close proximity) bring the two of them in each other’s perpetual paths, Moon starts to wonder if that’s really true. She even starts to question her destiny as the unnoticed, unloved wallflower she always thought she was.

Could this summer change Moon’s life as she knows it?

Blackout by Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk,Nicola Yoon

Six critically acclaimed, bestselling, and award-winning authors bring the glowing warmth and electricity of Black teen love to this interlinked novel of charming, hilarious, and heartwarming stories that shine a bright light through the dark.

A summer heatwave blankets New York City in darkness. But as the city is thrown into confusion, a different kind of electricity sparks…

A first meeting.

Long-time friends.

Bitter exes.

And maybe the beginning of something new.

When the lights go out, people reveal hidden truths. Love blossoms, friendship transforms, and new possibilities take flight.

Beloved authors—Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Angie Thomas, Ashley Woodfolk, and Nicola Yoon—celebrate the beauty of six couples and the unforgettable magic that can be found on a sweltering starry night in the city.

Somewhere Between Bitter and Sweet by Laekan Zea Kemp

Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters

Kacen Callender meets Becky Albertalli in a deliciously geeky best friends-to lovers romance from award-winning author Julian Winters!

School’s out, senior year is over, and Isaac Martin is ready to kick off summer. His last before heading off to college in the fall where he won’t have his best friend, Diego. Where—despite his social anxiety—he’ll be left to make friends on his own. Knowing his time with Diego is limited, Isaac enacts a foolproof plan: snatch up a pair of badges for the epic comic convention, Legends Con, and attend his first ever Teen Pride. Just him and Diego. The way it should be. But when an unexpected run-in with Davi—Isaac’s old crush—distracts him the day tickets go on sale, suddenly he’s two badges short of a perfect summer. Even worse, now he’s left making it up to Diego by hanging with him and his gamer buddies. Decidedly NOT part of the original plan. It’s not all bad, though. Some of Diego’s friends turn out to be pretty cool, and when things with Davi start heating up, Isaac is almost able to forget about his Legends Con blunder. Almost. Because then Diego finds out what really happened that day with Davi, and their friendship lands on thin ice. Isaac assumes he’s upset about missing the convention, but could Diego have other reasons for avoiding Isaac?

The Girl in the ’67 Beetle Blog Tour Guest Post

Posted on February 9, 2022 by unconventionalquirkybibliophile

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE GIRL IN THE ’67 BEETLE by Linda Lenhoff Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway! Link in bio.

About The Book

Title: THE GIRL IN THE ’67 BEETLE

Author: Linda Lenhoff

Pub. Date: June 18, 2021

Publisher: Laurel Canyon Press

Formats: Papreback, eBook

Pages: 284

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD, Bookshop.org

Amy Shepherd greets the one-year anniversary of her divorce by throwing herself a celebratory dinner of once-forbidden foods (frozen dinner from Trader Joe’s, no salad at all, and lots of dessert) and giving away all of her married-life possessions. The art director of Kids Press, Amy has been assigned to revise the story of Goldilocks, and she finds her own life reflecting a similar tale. Will she fall for a man who’s a little too old (but exciting), a man who’s a little too young (but awfully exciting looking), or a man who’s just right, at least as far as her friends are concerned? Or will she bring Goldilocks’ story—and her own—up to date with a little help from high-technology and the Goldilocks Planet theory? Can Amy resolve issues with her ex, her failing publishing company, plus her best friend’s quandary about working in a museum that’s been universally panned? Amy will have to decide how her own tale will end, all the while driving her beloved powder blue convertible through the streets of Santa Monica, where she has become known as the Girl in the ’67 Beetle, the only thing in her life that, so far at least, feels just right.

Linda Lenhoff is the author of Life a la Mode and Latte Lessons.

Praise for The Girl in the ’67 Beetle
“I am so happy to keep company with smart, witty, and lovable characters. I rooted for all involved and applauded every romantic and professional payoff that The Girl in the ’67 Beetle delivered.
—Elinor Lipman, author of Good Riddance, On Turpentine Lane, and The Family Man

I enjoyed this book so much I realized I wanted to start dating again and joined an online dating site! The Girl in the ’67 Beetle is an utterly charming novel that zips along at a fun, brisk pace. You’ll love the wide range of funny, quirky characters and the witty dialogue throughout will make you laugh out loud time and again. What a delight!
—Renee Swindle, author of Shake Down the Stars, A Pinch of Ooh La La, and Please Please Please

Book Dream Cast

Photos from IMDB.com

Amy, an artist for a children’s publisher, main character: Drew Barrymore, Zooey Deschanel, or Kristen Bell

Best friend Susan: Hannah Simone (from New Girl)

Handsome mechanic Ben: Milo Ventimiglia

Attractive, sweet, but quirky dentist: Josh Radnor

Goofy older professor love interest: Patrick Dempsey (with touches of gray hair). Or Bill Murray!

Extremely handsome bad ex-husband: James Franco or Gerard Butler

Advice Columnist Aunt Lucile: Diane Keaton

About Linda Lenhoff

Linda Lenhoff has worked in publishing as a writer and editor for several years, having edited nearly everything from makeup techniques (apply blush up and over the “apples” of your cheeks) at Seventeen Magazine to migraine studies (cut back on that chocolate) at research institutes. She has earned an MFA in Creative Writing, and her next novel, *Your Actual Life May Vary, will be published in 2022. Linda lives in California’s Bay Area with her husband and daughter.

Contact Linda at lenhoff@informativity.com, https://lindalattelessons.wordpress.com. Author photo by Haley Nelson.

Giveaway Details

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE GIRL IN THE ’67 BEETLE, US Only. Enter Here.

Tour Schedule

Week One:

2/7/2022	Rockstar Book Tours	Kickoff Post
2/7/2022	Mythical Books	Guest Post/IG Post
2/8/2022	Cindys Love of Books	Review
2/8/2022	Daily Waffle	Excerpt/IG Post
2/9/2022	Unconventional Quirky bibliophile	Guest Post/IG Post
2/9/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post
2/10/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
2/10/2022	Jaime’s Book World	Excerpt
2/11/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Guest Post
2/11/2022	The Momma Spot	Excerpt

Week Two:

2/14/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
2/14/2022	Webreakforbooks	IG Post
2/15/2022	Rajiv’s Reviews	Review/IG Post
2/15/2022	Coffee and Wander Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
2/16/2022	Fire and Ice	Review/IG Post
2/16/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review/IG Post
2/17/2022	Buried Under Books	Review
2/17/2022	BookHounds	Review/IG Post
2/18/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Review/IG Post
2/18/2022	Prison Wife Reviews	Review/IG Post