Books matching: themes of friendship and romance
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- #1
In "Hallowed Murder" by Ellen Hart, alumnae advisor Jane Lawless steps in to investigate the mysterious death of Allison Lord, which is believed to be a murder despite being labeled as a suicide by the police. With the help of her sidekick Cordelia, Jane searches for clues in the chilling Minnesota winter, risking everything to catch a cunning killer. The book is a character-driven cozy whodunit with an engaging main character, Jane Lawless, who navigates a world filled with homophobia and misogyny in the 1980s while solving crime and unraveling mysteries.
The writing style in "Hallowed Murder" is described as consistently fluent and entertaining, with a nice setting and a host of different characters that keep the readers engaged. The book treats homosexuality as an acceptable way of life and presents an interesting dynamic between the characters, particularly the humorous and droll Cordelia who acts as Jane's sidekick in solving the murder mystery.
- #2
'Made You Up' by Francesca Zappia is a young adult novel that delves into the life of Alex, a high school senior suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. The book follows Alex as she navigates her new school, friendships, and the challenges of distinguishing between reality and imagination. The plot is filled with mystery, romance, and moments of normalcy as Alex grapples with her mental illness and tries to find her place in the world.
The writing style of 'Made You Up' is praised for its ability to make the difficult subject of mental illness accessible to a young audience. The author, Francesca Zappia, weaves a story that is both heartbreaking and vivid, creating empathy for those who struggle with mental illness. The book features an unreliable narrator in Alex, who keeps readers guessing about what is real and what is not, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
I mean like how you can tell the difference between a dream and real life. When you’re in the dream you may not know it, but as soon as you wake up, you know that your dream was a dream and whatever h... - #3
The Season by Sarah MacLean is a historical fiction novel set in 1815 Britain, following the story of Lady Alexandra as she navigates her first London season. Alongside her friends Vivi and Ella, they challenge societal expectations and rules while getting entangled in a mystery surrounding the death of a local Earl. As Alexandra grows closer to Gavin, a family friend, she finds herself caught up in espionage, murder, and unexpected feelings, all set against the backdrop of Regency England. The book combines history, romance, mystery, and adventure, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of young women striving for autonomy and love in a time of strict societal norms.
The Duchess of Worthington did not look up from her needlepoint. "Perhaps that will teach you to fidget while at the hands of your dressmaker." She cast a sidelong glance in the direction of her young... - #4
'Bad Things' in the series 'Tristan & Danika' by R.K. Lilley follows the story of Danika, a sassy and smart-mouthed girl, and Tristan, a golden-eyed and bossy man, as they navigate their intense chemistry and complicated relationship. Set against the backdrop of broken families and past traumas, the book delves into their struggle to trust each other and overcome obstacles in their path. With a mix of explosive chemistry, raw emotions, and gripping drama, the story unfolds to reveal a love story filled with challenges and complexities.
The writing style of R.K. Lilley is described as engaging, addictive, and emotionally charged, drawing readers into the lives of Danika and Tristan. explores themes of friendship, love, and family, showcasing the characters' growth and development as they face their pasts and confront their feelings for each other. With a mix of steamy scenes, heartfelt moments, and unexpected twists, 'Bad Things' is a captivating read that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.
I had the strangest shiver of premonition rock my body the first time I heard Tristan’s voice. I heard it from a room away, as he said something offhanded to my boss, Jerry, and still I knew somehow ... - #5
'Danse de la Folie' by Sherwood Smith revolves around Clarissa, who is shipwrecked on her way to Holland and is saved by a handsome but broke Marquis. She ends up staying at his home and becomes fast friends with his younger sister, Kit. The story unfolds in London, where the girls find themselves entangled in love triangles, with Clarissa's wealth and high status attracting unwanted attention. The plot is filled with twists and turns, humor, insight, and romance, all woven together seamlessly by the author. The writing style captures the essence of the regency era, with well-developed characters and a captivating storyline that keeps readers absorbed until the very end.
It is said that the quadrille was first a military exerciseperformed by pairs of horsemen before the admiring court. Only later did itmigrate to France in the form of a lively dance performed by two c... - #6
Sweet by Tammara Webber is a standalone novel that focuses on the intertwined lives of high school friends Boyce and Pearl, who have a deep connection since childhood. The story is narrated in alternating points of view, switching between memories of the past and moments of the present, providing insights into their evolving relationship. The author skillfully weaves past and present events, gradually revealing the depth of Boyce and Pearl's bond while setting the stage for their romance to unfold.
The plot of Sweet delves into the complexities of Boyce and Pearl's relationship, exploring their shared history, unspoken feelings, and the challenges they face as they navigate their evolving connection. Tammara Webber's writing style captivates readers with relatable and lovable characters, addictive storytelling, and a seamless blend of real-time plot and flashbacks that enrich the narrative, making it a compelling and emotionally engaging read.
Bud Wynn died this morning. According to the attending physician, time of death was 5:23 a.m. He died of liver disease, of cirrhosis, of complications from ascites that caused heart failure—any and al...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Contours of the Heart ) - #7
'Twisted Love' by Ana Huang is a dark romance novel that follows the turbulent love story between Ava and Alex. Ava, haunted by a traumatic childhood, is portrayed as a sunshine-filled character who sees the best in the world. On the other hand, Alex is depicted as a grumpy, ruthless, and successful alpha male motivated by a tragic past and a desire for retribution. The plot unfolds as Ava's brother, Josh, asks his best friend Alex to keep an eye on Ava while he works overseas, leading to a slow-burning romance between the two characters filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations.
The book is written in dual points of view, allowing readers to understand the complex emotions and intentions of both Ava and Alex. The relationship between Ava and Alex evolves from initial reluctance to genuine affection, with moments of genuine sweetness and passion interspersed with darker themes such as abuse, murder, and family drama. As the story progresses, readers are taken on a rollercoaster ride of suspense, intrigue, and intense emotions, culminating in a unique and captivating romance that pushes the boundaries of traditional love stories.
For example, I could be running from a rabid bear intent on mauling me into the next century. Or I could be tied to a chair in a dark basement and forced to listen to Aqua’s “Barbie Girl” on repeat un... - #8
'I Think I Love You' by Auriane Desombre is a young adult romcom that follows the story of Emma and Sophia, who have been frienemies for years. The book explores the dynamics of their relationships, as well as their romantic entanglements with other characters like Kate, Tom, and Matt. The plot involves a mix of enemies-to-lovers tropes, coming out stories, and the challenges of teenage love and friendship. The writing style is described as cute, light, and fun, with a focus on family, friendship, and first loves.
The story delves into themes of healthy relationships, self-acceptance, and the struggles of young LGBTQ+ individuals. It also touches on the process of coming out, the importance of understanding and acceptance, and the complexities of teenage emotions and experiences. Despite its lighthearted tone, the book manages to address deeper issues while maintaining an engaging and relatable storyline.
I delete emails from school, unread, on principle (especially the ones they send out at the start of summer break), but I’ve already read this one four times. I scroll through it once more, my eye lin... - #9
"Thaw" in the "Seasons of Love" series by Elyse Springer is a heartfelt story that follows the journey of Abby, an asexual librarian, and Gabrielle, an actress turned model, as they navigate their differences and develop a deep connection. The book beautifully explores Abby's struggles with her asexuality and the fear of it affecting her relationship with Gabrielle, set against the backdrop of a well-paced and captivating plot. Readers appreciated the relatable depiction of Abby's experiences and the genuine portrayal of asexuality by an ace author.
An exasperated sigh was all she got in response. Abby glanced up to see Sara watching her, mouth frowning but eyes soft. Abby immediately felt guilty for being so difficult; they weren’t really friend... - #10
"Boundary" by Eric Flint and Ryk E. Spoor follows a paleontologist, Dr. Helen Sutter, who makes a groundbreaking discovery of fossils that lead to a remarkable investigation changing humanity's understanding of its origins. The story combines elements of archaeology, space exploration, and interplanetary detective work, creating a narrative that intertwines real-time research, advanced technology, and space travel. As the plot unfolds, the characters embark on a journey filled with action, scientific exploration, and unexpected twists, blending elements of hard science fiction with engaging storytelling.
The silence caused Helen Sutter to glance over at Joe. His face was pale under its tan, contrasting all the more with his dark hair. His habitually cheerful expression was currently replaced by that o...