Sarina Recommends

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I first read this book in 2016, and I was only a few pages in when I thought: this author was in a band. The texture of her writing was so well-steeped in 90s rock culture that I just knew her research was experiential. (I was right! Her bio confirmed it.)

The writing is top notch and every single one of EmmyLou’s observations feels fresh and vivid. Travis is a super sexy hero even from chapter one, when he’s only eating a feta omelet in a diner.

Some reviewers didn’t like the heroine’s reluctance to go all in for him, but I bought every line of it. Her passion for the band and the music are hard fought, and I was there for it!

I’d never heard of this author before when I impulsively bought this book in December. But several things about it are my catnip. It’s a British book, which is always fun. But the central premise is something that always gets me. Check this out: For years Jess believed that Joe—the father of her child and the only man she ever loved—had abandoned her during her greatest time of need. That belief nearly destroyed her. Seventeen years later, when cleaning out her mother’s house, Jess unpacks a box of cards and letters hidden in the attic and makes a discovery that changes everything about life as she knows it. SOLD TO THE LADY IN THE PINK SHIRT. Seriously, I was all in. The first couple of chapters were actually a little slow, but then I was on this journey and could not even consider getting off the train until I knew what happened to Joe.

This is a baseball romance with fabulous story development and writing! I was all in for this struggling player and the PR assistant who’s forced to deal with difficult people. The really fun thing about this book (and its follow-up, Bench Player) is the world building around The Thrashers’ clubhouse. I loved the team and its grumpy manager so much that I hope she writes a third one!

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Wow! When I grow up I want to plot like Aly Martinez! This one is a little mind blowing! It's a cliffhanger, but don't let that stop you. Just enjoy the ride!

This book! I already knew I loved Katherine Center, but somehow I waited to read this one. It’s probably because road trip stories are not my favorite. Usually. But, wow, this was so well done. Amazing characters. Epic romance. And so much humor! I was sucked in from the first page, and couldn’t stand to put it down until it was done. Jake is such an unusual hero. You’ll be rooting for them the whole time.

I already knew that Serena Bell always delivers on fine writing and sexy characters. But, wow, fans of True North should know that her new series is right up your alley!
I read Make Me Wilder last week, and it’s full of hunky Oregon mountain men who don’t like to compromise. And I can already tell the rest of the series will rock. You are going to love Gabe and his pack of brothers.

Great writing! Hunky hero. Fun holiday times in England! This is a friends-to-lovers novella, and it's so lovely! It's also only $1.99 at the time of this posting.

This one I picked randomly for a day of travel last month. And, wow, where had this been all my life? Kristen Ashley really nails the pain of the couple's prior separation when they were younger. This novel is so well constructed and unputdownable.
Every romance author wants to write a book that people might describe as an "epic romance." Everyone wants to write a big story instead of a small story. But it's hard to do. And this book pulls that off and then some. Bring tissues!

"Today's pick is my favorite title by Corinne Michaels: Come Back for Me.
This one hit all my favorite high-drama buttons! A secretive night from years ago! A hot but damaged guy! A child!
I lost a whole day to this book, and I wasn't even a little sorry. Also, for my writer friends, this book is a little treatise on how to set up a new series. Good stuff!"

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The writing is gorgeous. That’s why I’ll keep reading Rachel Reid, no matter what. Her characters leap right off the page. I’m always bowled over when an author can do that.

Furthermore, this series has a fascinating series story arc. The books are interrelated but loosely. And still, there’s a bigger story at work. These books are all about hard-won love and self-acceptance.

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