I’ll Believe in Anything: The Making of Heated Rivalry Season 1 by Jacob Tierney (2026)
Annotated scripts. So, I loved watching the Heated Rivalry series. Adored it. No, I did not reheat. I may have seen many clips on TT. I have also read the whole book series and multiple fanfics. I’m a fan, but not an obsessive fan. I almost wasn’t going to read this book. But it was available from my library on Libby on release day, so I grabbed it. I’m going to be honest that I skimmed it. I mostly looked out for scenes that were slightly different from what was on the show and for Jacob’s annotations. I thought it was really interesting to read the commentary and see the changes from script to screen. Anything that was cut? I totally support. The show had such tight storytelling and editing and was so great at showing us all the emotion that we needed. If you’re even a casual Heated Rivalry fan, I think this book is a lot of fun.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
Once, Again, Always by Amanda Gayle (2026)
Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. I have read this story in a past iteration, and despite knowing most of what happens, I LOVED this book. It’s told from Molly’s POV as she suffers from a brain injury and subsequent amnesia and wakes up without 6 years of her memories. Plus, she’s married to her academic rival and doesn’t quite trust him. It’s definitely a jarring situation for her. However, from the very first appearance, you can feel Aster’s heartbreak and yearning for the wife he clearly adores. Like, how can a write be so incredibly talented that you can feel the feelings of a character who doesn’t even get a POV in the book? Ugh, it’s the best. It’s definitely an angst-fest the whole way, until you see Molly start to soften towards Aster. We’ve got a really fun boisterous friend group throughout too.
Advance ebook provided by Avon Books via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Harper Collins Audio.
Summer Romance by Annabel Monaghan (2024)
Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. Ali has been drowning a bit since her mom died and her husband left her. But she’s doing her best in her stained sweatpants, making sure her three kids are alive and well. It’s time to wake up and move on though, so we’re lucky there’s a meet cute with a guy at the dog park. Ethan is the perfect first date and they’re both totally smitten. Except Ethan’s only in town for the Summer, so nothing serious could possibly happen, right? Yea, I think we know they’ll start having serious feelings any day now.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
The Mother-in-Law Book Club by Kate Hash (2026)
Contemporary romance. Standalone novel. I feel like the newfound friend group was the primary plot here and the romance was secondary. Andi accidentally butts into a plane conversation between two older women complaining about their daughters-in-law. And then awkwardly, one of the women, Marilyn invites Andi for a cup of coffee after landing, and then into her weekly book club. While there’s a total disconnect from the career-woman Andi and the retired ladies group, they get along great and Andi is helping them to navigate their relationships with their adult offspring. Separately, Andi meets Dustin and they definitely hit things off. But Andi’s only in town for a temporary work gig, so they don’t make plans for anything serious. Until, you know, they totally fall for each other. We’ve got a secret relationship here that’s full of ease and chemistry, and only a light bit of drama. Loved this book.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio.
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