Book Reviews

What stands out most in The Shampoo Effect is the same quality that made Pineapple Street by Jenny Jackson so memorable: her incredibly specific, almost hyper-observant writing style. She has a gift for taking the most ordinary, mundane moments and turning them into something meaningful—something that reveals character in a way that feels both intimate and sharply funny. It’s genuinely impressive.

When I read Pineapple Street, I laughed constantly. I loved how ridiculously specific every page felt. I’m a very fast reader—I typically get through 100–120 pages an hour—and I read a lot (usually a novel a day). But I noticed I read this book much more slowly than usual. That wasn’t because it dragged; it was because I was savoring it. I found myself lingering over sentences, appreciating their structure, and really taking in the character work.

The story follows Caroline, a 28-year-old woman whose mother is a famous author. Caroline works in publishing but ultimately resigns to focus on her own writing. Lacking major life experiences to draw from, she pulls inspiration from her everyday life. She begins a relationship with Van, who has that familiar “golden retriever” energy often seen in book boyfriends. Much of the novel centers on Caroline trying to find her place within Van’s friend group, while the narrative also zooms in on the women within that circle.

There’s Bailey, Van’s ex, who feels like a grown-up version of what Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield from Sweet Valley High might have become—blonde, polished, and a little over-the-top. Her family is described as “nouveau riche,” complete with a large, somewhat tacky mansion. Then there’s Augusta, who comes from old money and is married to her brother’s best friend; much of her storyline explores marriage, motherhood, and the expectations that come with her background.

That said, while I loved Jackson’s writing, I found myself agreeing with some of the lower-rated reviews in a way I didn’t with Pineapple Street. The characters there were firmly in the 1%, and here it feels like that scope has only slightly widened. These are still extremely privileged people, and as a result, the stakes often feel low. There isn’t a strong sense of conflict driving the narrative forward.

My biggest critique is that I wanted the story to mean more. Beautiful writing alone isn’t always enough. This isn’t quite “rich people behaving badly”—it’s more a detailed portrait of a very insulated, Martha’s Vineyard–adjacent social bubble. It captures everyday life within that world, but I was hoping for a deeper thematic thread that would leave a stronger emotional impact, especially for a sophomore novel.

That said, I will absolutely continue reading anything Jenny Jackson writes.

Recommend? Maybe. If you loved Pineapple Street, you’ll likely enjoy this one as well.

Thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the ARC.

A quieter and more contemplative tale of grief and longing from Ashley Poston. Eleven months ago, Sophie lost her best friend to illness and has been stuck ever since. They met in college study group and both loved the legend of the garden of Lillymoor house. It’s ten years later and Harriett is gone- and Sophie is a new caretaker at Lillymoor. A door appears to a secret garden and there is a man stuck inside, every day the door changes positions and they set out to solve the riddle.

What really works well here is the beautiful atmosphere, the quiet sadness and emotional depth. It’s definitely the deepest and most meaningful of Ashley Poston’s books. The way that grief surrounded Sophie and how it impacted how she relates to the people around her was heartbreaking. The relationships went far beyond just the romantic connection and the minor characters and staff were a pleasure to read.

Magical realism can sometimes seem too simple; and that may be the case here. The magic feels more symbolic than well developed, and for me that is okay. And again, the focus is much more on an emotional journey rather than a fast paced or humorous banter filled romcom. That’s just not this story.

One very creative aspect was that each chapter is titled by non-translatable words from other languages. Harriet carried around a little journal where she kept track of words that have no English equivalent. There is a whole collection at the end. It is so quirky and wholesome.

This story is less about what happens and more about how it feels. If you enjoyed Severn Year Slip and The Dead Romantics, you will likely also be very moved by The Someday Garden.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC. Book to be published 6/15/26

Have you ever wondered if life would be better if you’d been born in another time? Do you get nostalgic for a simpler days? What if you could have your bachelorette party in the old west with Doc Holliday? Or if you could go watch The Lincoln Douglas debates in preparation for law school?

Ash has some pretty typical Gen Z malaise. A theater major, she backed away from acting and has just been fired from her executive assistant job for “her heart not being in it.” She is soon hired to be a Travel agent for Retro, a billionaire founded Time Travel agency. Guests, known as “explorers” book wildly expensive vacations to times in the past, and its Ash’s job to accompany them and ensure they get home safely.

I don’t think I am going to give you any more than that, but know that this is big on plot, setting and theming. Short on science. If you are hoping for scientific answers, you won’t find a lot of that. We are going to go deep on the theoretical— and how capitalism makes decisions and sees money and power as the ultimate source of truth. If you’ve ever heard “Make America Great Again” and wondered “when exactly are you thinking?” Then this book is for you. It’s so thought provoking and generous in its creativity. I really enjoyed Ash and her insecurity…. Her approach to relationships and to how she gets day to day in life.

I think critics of this book will likely want MORE. I didn’t want it to end, yet I am satisfied with how it did. Like the old “Twilight Zone” series, this storytelling pattern gives the reader a “what if?” scenario and lets your imagination do the heavy lifting.

I will be thinking about this book a long time. It would be a perfect pick for your book club!

a best speculative fiction book of 2026

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for the ARC. Book to be published July 22, 2026

Love Galaxy by Sierra Branham is a little bit of everything—in the best way. It’s a locked-room mystery, a futuristic interplanetary story set during wartime, a commentary on class struggle, and yes… a reality dating show that feels very The Bachelor/Love Island in space.

If you’re someone who loves romance but keeps bouncing off sci-fi because it gets too technical, this is a perfect gateway. The science takes a backseat to drama, relationships, and big, juicy reveals—making it feel more like a romantic fantasy with a sci-fi setting.

We follow Artemis, a brilliant trans scientist and collector from an overlooked, under-resourced planet. Due to a mix of circumstance and class inequality, she ends up as a contestant on Love Galaxy, a wildly popular interplanetary dating show. Contestants compete for the hearts of both a prince (Nix, who is straight) and a princess (Spie who is gay), which creates a fun and messy dynamic right from the start.

What really shines here is the reality show aspect. The behind-the-scenes drama, the showrunner antics, the secrets, and the twists all give it that addictive, binge-worthy quality. It honestly reads like watching a season unfold in real time.

Artemis is easy to root for—smart, scrappy, and navigating both personal and systemic challenges. The book leans into a queer-normative world, which makes the romantic dynamics feel refreshing and inclusive. While it’s not marketed as YA, it definitely has a YA-adjacent tone in terms of pacing and voice, which makes it a quick and engaging read.

The love triangle is central, though readers will likely figure out where it’s heading fairly early on (especially if you’ve seen the cover). Still, the journey is entertaining enough that it doesn’t take away from the fun.

I could vividly picture this as a TV series the entire time—honestly, give me Austin Butler as Nix, Chloë Grace Moretz as Spie, and Jenna Ortega as Artemis and I’m sold.

It’s hard to believe this is a debut, and even more exciting that it’s the start of a series. If you enjoy queer romance, reality show drama, and character-driven stories with a light sci-fi backdrop, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

Thanks to the publisher for the advance copy!

Kathryn Stockett’s The Calamity Club is a warm, character-driven story that leans into her signature strengths—sharp observation, Southern charm, and an undercurrent of emotional complexity. If you loved The Help, you’ll likely feel at home here, though this novel stands on its own with a slightly lighter, more intimate tone.

At its heart, the book explores friendship, resilience, and the quiet (and not-so-quiet) ways women support one another through life’s messier moments. The “club” itself becomes less about calamity and more about connection—an evolving circle where vulnerability is both inevitable and necessary. Stockett has a knack for creating characters who feel lived-in and real, and that’s especially true here. Even when they frustrate you, you understand them.

The pacing is gentle rather than plot-heavy, which may not work for readers looking for constant twists, but it allows the emotional beats to land with more authenticity. There’s humor woven throughout—sometimes dry, sometimes heartfelt—which balances the heavier themes of loss, identity, and change.

Where the novel shines most is in its dialogue and relationships. Conversations feel natural, layered, and often revealing in what’s left unsaid. Stockett captures the complexities of female friendships—the loyalty, the tension, the forgiveness—with care and nuance.

That said, there are moments where the story feels a bit predictable, and a few character arcs could have been pushed further. But even with those minor drawbacks, the overall reading experience is comforting and engaging.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)

Lost and Found is the third installment in the Spunes/ Byrd family series, this time centering on Silas and Bea in a small-town romance that leans heavily into themes of grief, healing, and complicated love.

Before anything else, I really appreciated that DeWitt included clear trigger warnings at the beginning of the book—this story deals with some heavy topics, including the loss of Bea’s best friend, Merritt, to cancer. In the wake of that loss, Bea inherits Merritt’s frozen eggs and makes the life-altering decision to pursue IVF. This emotional backbone shapes much of the novel, intertwining grief with hope in a way that feels thoughtful and largely respectful.

There’s also a second-chance romance element between Bea and Silas, who share history—and an added layer of complication, as Merritt once had feelings for him. That tension brings an undercurrent of guilt and emotional conflict that adds depth to their connection. I did feel genuine chemistry between Bea and Silas, but I found myself wishing for more development on Silas’s side. Much of the narrative focus is placed on Bea’s grief and IVF journey, which, while compelling, left the romance feeling somewhat underdeveloped.

One aspect that didn’t quite sit right with me was the premise surrounding Merritt’s decision to leave her eggs to Bea without prior discussion. Given the magnitude of that choice—emotionally, ethically, and financially—it felt difficult to fully believe, especially considering Bea’s more modest circumstances as a hairstylist. That disconnect made it harder for me to fully invest in the setup.

This book also contains a fair amount of spice, which may work for some readers, though it’s not entirely my preference and I found myself skimming those sections.

Overall, while I think Lost and Found will resonate with readers who enjoy emotional, grief-centered romances with high heat, it didn’t quite capture me the same way the earlier books in the series did. I missed more of the “falling in love” aspect that I typically look for in romance. That said, fans of deeply emotional stories like The Passion Project or Promise Me Sunshine may find a lot to appreciate here.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC.

I went into If Not You by Ellen O’Clover wondering if a story about competing copywriters could really deliver the kind of sharp, witty banter the premise demands—and I’m happy to say it absolutely does.

The novel cleverly weaves between timelines, giving us glimpses of Mattie and Campbell’s first meeting as interns alongside moments from their early careers. Then, with a five-year jump, we see how their paths continue to cross—often at networking events where Mattie can’t help but notice (and resent) Campbell’s rising success in advertising. That tension fuels a dynamic that’s equal parts rivalry and undeniable chemistry.

The title itself carries a deeper meaning, stemming from something Mattie once said that Campbell later transforms into his most celebrated ad campaign. It’s a thoughtful touch that lingers beyond the romance, reminding readers how we can unknowingly inspire others—and be shaped by them in return.

This is a classic rivals-to-lovers story with a satisfying dose of forced proximity, but what really elevates it is the heart. Fans of O’Clover’s Heartbreak Hotel will recognize that same emotional depth here. The Aspen setting adds a cozy, atmospheric backdrop, and the advertising world feels fresh and engaging.

I was rooting for Mattie and Campbell from start to finish.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkeley for the ARC.

I went into We Are Gathered Here by Bobby Finger expecting a sharp, funny take on a wedding weekend—and in some ways, it delivers exactly that.

The story follows Fin, a small-time influencer attending his friend Elaine’s wedding, where the schedule is packed with quirky events (including an “hour of discontent” where guests are encouraged to air their grievances). The novel revolves around a large cast of characters drifting in and out of conversations, sharing observations about relationships, weddings, and modern social expectations.

At its best, the book offers genuinely funny and well-written moments. Some of the social commentary lands nicely, especially in how it captures the absurdities and quiet frustrations of wedding culture. I’ve seen comparisons to a modern Seinfeld, and that feels accurate—it’s very much about a group of people interacting, with the humor coming from their conversations rather than from any major plot developments.

That said, the biggest drawback for me was the lack of momentum. Not much really happens. It’s a wedding weekend, and the story largely just follows that structure without building toward anything particularly impactful. While it’s not unenjoyable, it can feel like it’s hovering in place.

Overall, this is an easy, low-stakes read with some entertaining moments. If you’re in the mood for something light and observational that doesn’t require much investment, it could be a good pick. But if you’re working through a long TBR and looking for something more substantial or plot-driven, this might be one you can skip.

Thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for the ARC. Book to be published June 16, 2026.

I am super excited to report that I loved the second installment in the Derrick Chan series, where the most wholesome, sweet, middle grade book intersects with the LGBTQ community. If you haven’t read the first, I highly recommend Queen Bees of Tybee County which is absolutely wonderful. Read this before Juana Fanta.
In this book, the author allows Derrick and JJ to get to the next level. Personally, I thought the first book was perfect. But according to the authors note, some people really wanted to see JJ and Derrick get a happy ending. Well, I really loved the first book, they are 13 after all, and young kids are not all going to understand and be ready for falling in “like” at the same rate. So this was written to take things further than they did in book 1.

However, this is NOT a romance, this is a coming of age with a bit of mystery thrown in. Derrick loves a Drag Influencer named Juana Fanta (a teen) who is at Comicon, there happens to be a comicon at the same hotel they are staying at to play the state basketball championship. Juana doesn’t show up for her performance and Derrick finds her poetry notebook, so he tries to find her, stay closeted, get into comicon but ALSO win state. Derrick is pretty busy this weekend!

This is very wholesome and heartwarming. Exactly what I want in a middle grade novel.

“…most people who do drag have been through some hard times. Times when they felt alone and powerless….Drag is about owning those things. It’s like finding all of those parts of you were made to feel ashamed of and turning it into power. Blowing it up, throwing sequins on it. Learning to love it and laugh about it.”

Thank you to NetGalley and Quill Tree/Harper Collins for the ARC. Book to be published October 20, 2026

Anna Johnston’s debut, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife, is one of my favorite books of the last few years—honestly, one of my all-time favorites. I try not to compare an author’s new work to their previous books because styles, tones, and genres can shift. But in this case, I couldn’t help it… and I walked away a little disappointed.

This novel is set in an assisted living facility in Australia—one that isn’t particularly well run—and follows a woman in her late 40s navigating a difficult medical diagnosis. Alongside her is her brother, a retired Michelin-star chef, with whom she shares a fractured relationship. As they spend time together, both are forced to confront the past, reconcile, and face a major secret he’s been keeping from those around him.

There’s a lot to appreciate here. The story is heartfelt, emotional, and ultimately inspiring. The sibling dynamic—especially Griff and Lisa—was a highlight for me, and I really enjoyed watching their relationship evolve. It’s also a strong example of second-chance family fiction, with meaningful themes around forgiveness and connection.

That said, I found myself wishing for the same simplicity and emotional clarity that made Johnston’s first novel so special. This book leans into heavier, more complex themes, and while that adds depth, it also made the story feel less “pure” and a bit harder to fully connect with.

A quick note: there is a trigger warning for medical diagnosis.

Overall, I liked this one, but didn’t quite love it. Still, it’s a solid contemporary read—and one of my favorite covers of 2026!

Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for the ARC. This title is set to be published in the U.S. on August 4, 2026