Two Five Star Reads That I Am Obsessed With

We are already almost through summer (I am so ready for the temperature to come down and the bugs to go away). I’ve gotten a little bit obsessive over these two books as they are for me my biggest hits so far this summer. Apparently this is the year that adult contemporary fiction really does it for me. These two books are quite different but both so incredibly engaging and excellent to read.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

"The whole time I'm reading a Mhairi McFarlane novel, I feel like a fist is squeezing my heart… she is so ridiculously talented." – Emily Henry 

International bestseller Mhairi McFarlane delivers a witty, clever, emotional new novel about a woman whose life unravels spectacularly after her screenwriter boyfriend uses their relationship as inspiration for his new television show.

When Roisin and Joe join their friends for a weekend at a country house, it’s a triple celebration—a birthday, an engagement, and the launch of Joe’s shiny new TV show. But as the weekend unfolds, tensions come to light in the group and Roisin begins to question her own relationship. And as they watch the first episode of Joe’s drama, she realizes that the private things she told him—which should have stayed between them—are right there on the screen.

With her friend group in chaos and her messy love life on display for the whole world to see, Roisin returns home to avoid the unwanted attention and help run her family’s pub. But drama still follows, in the form of her dysfunctional family and the looming question: what other parts of her now-ex’s show are inspired by real events? Lies? Infidelity? Every week, as a new episode airs, she wonders what other secrets will be revealed.

Yet the most unexpected twist of all is an old friend, who is suddenly there for Roisin in ways she never knew she needed…

I am absolutely obsessed with Mhairi McFarlane’s books. Between Us was one of my most anticipated reads this year. So you can imagine my absolute elation when a physical copy landed in my hands — although TBH, I would have also purchased anyways. This falls along the lines of what used to be called women’s fiction. Between Us follows Roisin who has this amazing group of long term friends called the Brian Club after a shared retail work experience. The group is celebrating the engagement of one of the members and capping off the weekend together screening Joe’s new show. Joe is a screenwriter and Roisin’s boyfriend. As it turns out though, Joe’s show reveals something that Roisin told him in confidence. And so, she sees threads of other real life things. They break up and Roisin returns home to help her mom run a pub. Support comes to Roisin from an old, unexpected friend.

McFarlane has such a talent for writing relationships, friendships and the beginning of something new from unexpected quarter. Between Us is the third book I’ve read by McFarlane and I have noticed some common themes between the three books. Namely that something bad happens to the main character and that a relationship happens, but from someone unexpected and it is a long slow burn. However, as my previous experience proves, the payoff is immense. I love a slow burn and longing. So, this book was absolutely perfect for me. If you are a fan of Emily Henry, I think that you will really enjoy picking up Mhairi McFarlane’s books. As for me, I have a few of her backlist to read through but I am also going to be on pins and needles for the next book.

I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

A “wildly steamy, utterly heartwarming” (Tia Williams) debut filled with romance, artistic ambitions, political scandal, and finding love where you least expect it. 

"Love would be so much easier if it were perfect..." 

On the night of her husband Matt’s fortieth birthday, Rachel Abbott receives a sexy, explicit text from her husband that she quickly realizes was meant for another woman. Divorce is inevitable, and Rachel is determined not to leave her thirteen-year marriage empty handed. Meanwhile, Matt, a rising star mayor with his eye on the White House, can’t afford a messy split in the middle of his reelection campaign. They strike a deal: Rachel gets one million dollars and their lavish house in the wealthy DC suburb of Oasis Springs, as long as she keeps playing the ideal Black trophy wife until the election.

Then Rachel meets Nathan Vasquez, a very handsome, very lost twenty-six-year-old artist, and their connection makes Rachel forget about being the perfect politician’s wife. As Rachel reawakens Nathan’s long-dormant artistic aspirations, their attraction becomes impossible to resist. But secrets are hard to keep in a town like Oasis Springs, and Nathan has a few of his own. With the risk of scandal looming and their hearts on the line, they’ll have to decide whether the possibility of losing everything is worth taking a chance on love. 

The Art of Scandal is a sizzling, conversation-starting debut about rekindling passion, the transformative power of art, and finding love in unexpected places. 

I feel fairly confident saying that The Art Of Scandal by Regina Black is THE audiobook of the summer for me. There was just something so sultry about this book. The Art Of Scandal opens with Rachel Abbott getting a lewd text from her husband at his fortieth birthday party. Only, it turns out the text isn’t meant for her. He’s cheating. To make matters worse, he is in a high profile position as town mayor with hopes of making it to congress someday. In order to do that, he can’t have any hint of scandal. Rachel has sacrificed so much for Matt and his career. As his Black wife, she is good for his progressive image. And so, Rachel negotiates with Matt, she’ll play nice if she gets the house and a cool million. Only, Rachel doesn’t anticipate meeting young artist Nathan Vasquez.

Seriously, The Art Of Scandal was so good. It has moments of drama. There’s moments of romance. Also, we have art playing a role. There are big reveals. And a moment where I was about to stand up out of my chair and cheer. There’s so much payoff in this book. Read it. I fell for Rachel and Nathan. They are so engaging to read about. Mela Lee is the perfect narrator for this audiobook. It is 8 hours and 25 minutes and I could barely put it down — but had to thanks to meetings and calls. Do not get FOMO, pick this book up — particularly on audiobook — and experience the absolute enthralling excellent plot and characterization.

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April (Books&Wine)

April is in her 30s and created Good Books And Good Wine. She works for a non-profit. April always has a book on hand. In her free time she can be found binge watching The Office with her husband and toddler, spending way too much time on Pinterest or exploring her neighborhood.

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