Wow!!! Never have I ever been so on the edge of my seat while reading a romance novel. Christina Lauren really show their dynamic writing abilities in this book as they venture into “adventure romance.” I was laughing at one-liners, aww-ing at the second chance love story (and Walter), gasping as the treasure hunt took twists and turns, and completely unable to put this book down. And we have a new trope: only one sleeping bag. While the adventure storyline was really the shining star here, Leo and Lily were great main characters and their rekindled romance was so sweet and honest. This was such a fun and wild ride going on a treasure hunt through the Wild West, solving puzzles and cracking codes, and watching two characters recreate their bond through it all.

Thank you to Gallery Books for the ARC!

“Hold on, the daffodils are coming.”

In 1968, Eloise falls fast in love… but things don’t quite go her way as she moves from London to California. Presently, Valentina is in the midst of a divorce and is heading to London to deal with her late mother’s estate, wondering where her life is heading. As their stories intertwine through the book, both find solace in a small London neighborhood.

A lovely and emotional dual-timeline story of a mother and daughter, With Love from London speaks to the hope of the future even after bad things happen in our lives. While much of the plot is predictable, there are unexpected extra sweet spots written in that left me smiling. This is a great, relaxed comfort read, with a cozy bookstore setting in much of the book, lovely supporting friends, and ode to the power of books. I am left with such a pleasant feeling after reading this one. I’ve read all of Sarah Jio’s books and am once again reminded of her excellent use of words to bring happiness, comfort, and hope.

Thanks to Ballantine Books for the copy of this ARC!

“I guess what we hadn’t reckoned with was that when you give people a mask, that’s when they show you what they really are.”

This was more of a “like” book for me. While I was engaged and wanted to finish the book to figure out what happened and see if my theories were right, I found myself a little bored with the lack of dialogue and a little confused at times with so many POVs. The setting and the premise were really great, and I loved that everyone’s stories were interconnected. I did find it a bit predictable, but there was one twist at the end that I was not expecting and I definitely gasped at that part. I could have used more resolution for this particular twist. This was really enjoyable, light, and a fun thriller read that didn’t require a ton of thinking.

Thanks so much to Harper for the copy of this book!