On My Nightstand: January TBR

The Game Changer by Jennifer Brown

From Goodreads: Hollis Bisbee used to be a big-city crime reporter. Now, she’s a small-town journalist, and she’s bored. She and a young mom, talented baker Daisy Mueller, start the Knock ‘Em Dead podcast—”Where murder and muffins meet!” It’s all fun, games, and baking tips until murder comes to Parkwood.

Podcasters who solve crimes and eat baked goods?? YES, PLEASE. Pretty stoked to read the second cozy mystery being put out by Hallmark Publishing as I loved their first, Out of the Picture.

This edition is an ARC given by the author for an unbiased review.

Most Ardently by Susan Mesler-Evans

From Goodreads: Elisa Benitez is proud of who she is, from her bitingly sarcastic remarks, to her love of both pretty boys and pretty girls. If someone doesn’t like her, that’s their problem, and Elisa couldn’t care less. Particularly if that person is Darcy Fitzgerald, a snobby, socially awkward heiress with an attitude problem and more money than she knows what to do with.

First of all, I will read almost any Austen retelling, so I’m already on board with this, however, I’m also pretty quick to DNF a poorly executed retelling. I have high hopes for this one though. Second, an inclusive adaptation? With queer leads?? PLEASE AND THANK YOU. Third, this cover?? LOOOVEEEE.

Why We Lie by Amy Impellizzeri

From Amazon: Rising star politician and lawyer, Jude Birch, is clearly keeping secrets about his past from his wife, Aby. Jude has been the bystander of a seemingly gang-related shooting, but as the secrets kept since law school unravel–with the help of a zealous news reporter and the Capitol Police–his wife realizes he might not have been an unintended victim after all. Meanwhile, Aby makes every effort to clamp down a past marked by abuse and lies, and even a false accusation that still haunts her.

Lies in a romance? Nope. No thank you– they make me too nervous. Lies in a thriller with secrets and past lives? And all set against a backdrop of politics. HERE FOR IT.

These types of stories can veer into corny super fast, but I like the premise so far. I will have to go into it with an open mind.

Room to Breathe by Liz Talley

From Goodreads: Now that Daphne Witt is divorced and her daughter, Ellery, is all grown up, she’s celebrating the best part of her life, a successful career, and a flirtation with an attentive hunk fifteen years her junior…who happens to be her daughter’s ex-boyfriend.

Ellery is starting over, too. She’s returned home as her mother’s new assistant. Ellery never expected her own life plan to take such a detour. With no outlet for her frustration, she lets an online flirtation go a little too far, especially considering her pen pal thinks he’s corresponding with her mother.

As love lives tangle, secrets spill, and indiscretions are betrayed, mother and daughter will have a lot to learn—not only about the mistakes they’ve made but also about the men in their lives and the women they are each hoping to become.

FAMILY DRAMA. I LIVE FOR FAMILY DRAMA STORIES.