Hang the Moon

(Probably 4.5, rounding down.) God, this book made me want to visit Seattle again. This was maybe a little bit insta-love for me, but I could suspend disbelief on that since they knew each other for ages. Very much enjoyed that there was none of the cliche “oh no, he's my best friend's brother/she's my sister's best friend” thing that happens in romance (but I haven't seen much of in reality). I just really liked these characters and their relationships felt realistic and lived-in to me - I absolutely believed that Annie and Darcy had been friends for ages. Brendon could've used a little bit more development but overall this was excellent.

(2021 Summer Romance Bingo: karaoke, would also work for tattoos, holiday that's not Christmas, or friends to lovers)

For me the last 2 and an half hour were too much. It was juste Annie complaining about something she had control over, again and again and again. The rest of the book was cute and fun to read, but I don't think this book will leave a lasting mark in my mind except for the mention of L'amour est dans le près, a French show that I used to watch, and didn't know was known outside of France.

Alexandria Bellefluer is quickly climbing the ranks of my favorite romance authors. This novel follows Darcy's brother, Brendan. We were introduced to him in the first book, but he played a supporting role. Ever the optimist, and also the founder of a popular dating app, Brendan is a romantic at heart. When Darcy's best friend, and his childhood crush, Annie, comes into town, Brendan decides to show her around Seattle to show her romance isn't dead. However, he doesn't expect to get feelings for her. What follows is a rom-com that will lift your spirits.

I'm a sucker for a happy, sappy romance novel. However, I want some realism sprinkled in. This book did just that. Annie has to battle with a career she doesn't love in a place she doesn't love, but isn't ready to just throw away her whole life for something that could be a mistake. This felt very real to me. Most people have faced a decision like this, that is a huge risk and completely life changing, but ultimately terrifying.

I laughed out loud multiple times while listening to this audiobook. I never thought peeing in a cup could be so funny, but I was trying to hold back raucous laughter while at work listening. The interactions between Brendan and Annie are hysterical of course, but honestly every character interaction had humor in it. Darcy and Annie's interactions were equally hilarious. The book delivered on steaminess, happiness, a touch of sadness, and ultimately left me with a smile on my face, which is all I ask of a good romance novel. I would recommend this book to anyone needing a happy pick-me-up.

TW: parental abandonment, sexually explicit scenes