In One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune, we meet Alice Everly and Charlie Florek in the midst of a heartfelt summer where they live as if they're seventeen again. Alice is a shy photographer that's been hiding behind her camera for far too long. After experiencing a break up with her boyfriend of four years, she goes on a work binge. That is, until her grandmother falls and breaks her hip. Although unfortunate, this is just what Alice needs and it forces her to finally take a break. Deciding to go to a family friend's lake house for the summer, here enters Charlie--the hot stud that's creeped into her mind since the last time she came to the lake at seventeen. There's more than meets the eye to this shameless flirt. Alice is reluctant at first, but when things get deeper, will it actually be Charlie who fights the tide?

This book feels like summer time and you'll feel the rays of sunshine as you follow Alice through her seventeen again summer. It's perfect for the season!

Despite the title of this episode, Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan can't be reduced to simply a second chance romance. It deals with grief, hope, love, and pain in a way that only Kennedy Ryan could portray. Yasmen and Josiah have lost a child and are now divorced. They co-parent two children and run a successful restaurant. However, lately, there's been fire in both of their eyes towards one another. The pull between them is strong--and hot! But they don't just have themselves to consider in this because they also have to worry about their kids and the old feelings they've internalized towards themselves and one another.

In this episode, we (of course) dissect the book--plot and characters--intensely. Marriage is discussed heavily, but to be honest, therapy is the star of this show. It not only saved this couple's relationship, but it saved their family dynamic in general. Join us in therapeurizing (a word made up this episode lol) these layered characters and even ourselves. This was one of those books that mostly anyone could relate to and often made us introspective. A high recommendation!

Let us know what you think and thank you for listening!

Disclaimer: This book is strictly for adults. No children should engage in the book OR the content of this episode, so please be mindful before listening. Check all trigger warnings (because there are many) and take care of yourself.

Beatitude by D.J. Krimmer is an emotionally, immersive dark and toxic romance following main characters, Ronan and Everly. Both abused and traumatized before their by-chance meeting, they're broken in ways beyond repair--and I don't think they want to repair it. We have a man that's a serial killer and an emotionally and physically abused woman that end up thriving on the chaos and relishing in the chase. When Ronan kidnaps Everly, both of their lives change and they realize they can't live without one another. Mind you, this is a novella. So, it's all done within 125 pages.

TW: Please check ALL trigger warnings, as this is one of those books that make you question yourself if you like it. Spoiler Alert: We all loved it, so no judgement here from us if you do lol.

And for those listening just to support, remember: we listen and we don't judge.