Say You'll Remember Me by AUTHOR
Published by Forever on April 1, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Goodreads
There might be no such a thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong…
. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.
Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.
Samantha and Xavier had the perfect first date, and it seemed like the beginning of something that could be amazing. BUT, Samantha was moving across the country in the morning to help with the care of her mother. Determined to make this work, Xavier and Samantha embark on a long-distance romance which stole my heart.
I cannot talk, write, or think about this book without shedding some tears. I want you to understand that the tears flow while a smile graces my lips, but this was definitely an emotional story.
As always, Abby Jimenez brought the pain. My heart ached for Samantha and her family, though I admired the way they all rallied to care for their loved one. There were so many heartbreaking and painful scenes, but the relationship that was growing between Samantha an Xavier was beautiful. They were dealing with a tricky situation, but they decided it was more important to be in each other's lives than to take the easy route and be without one another.
Super emotional and at times, painful, but as expected, Jimenez took care of my heart. As with all her books, this one will packed with humor, warmth, and fuzzy friends to balance the very heavy topics involved. Yes, there were a plethora of tears shed, both happy and sad, but it was no surprise that this story was ultimately uplifting.
Vera Wong's Guide to Snooping (on a Dead Man) by Jesse Q. Sutanto
Published by Berkley on April 1, 2025
Age/Genres: Adult, Mystery
Goodreads
Vera Wong is back and as meddling as ever in this follow-up to the hit Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers.…
Ever since a man was found dead in Vera's teahouse, life has been good. For Vera that is. She’s surrounded by loved ones, her shop is bustling, and best of all, her son, Tilly, has a girlfriend! All thanks to Vera, because Tilly's girlfriend is none other than Officer Selena Gray. The very same Officer Gray that she had harassed while investigating the teahouse murder. Still, Vera wishes more dead bodies would pop up in her shop, but one mustn't be ungrateful, even if one is slightly...bored.
Then Vera comes across a distressed young woman who is obviously in need of her kindly guidance. The young woman is looking for a missing friend. Fortunately, while cat-sitting at Tilly and Selena's, Vera finds a treasure Selena's briefcase. Inside is a file about the death of an enigmatic influencer—who also happens to be the friend that the young woman was looking for.
Online, Xander had it a parade of private jets, fabulous parties with socialites, and a burgeoning career as a social media influencer. The only problem is, after his body is fished out of Mission Bay, the police can't seem to actually identify him. Who is Xander Lin? Nobody knows. Every contact is a dead end. Everybody claims not to know him, not even his parents.
Vera is determined to solve Xander's murder. After all, doing so would surely be a big favor to Selena, and there is nothing she wouldn't do for her future daughter-in-law.
Vera is back with a new case to crack. After meeting Millie outside the police station, Vera learns about her missing friend and is determined to help her uncover what happened to him.
I am so happy Sutanto had more Vera stories to tell because it was wonderful to spend more time with her. She is still hilarious, wonderful, and wacky. In this installment, Vera has a new mystery as well as new suspects who have a connection to the victim. While investigating, Vera develops a bond with each person as she encourages them and helps them through some personal issues. As in the previous book, Vera accomplishes this with love, care, and a LOT of food.
What delighted me most, was that the "suspects" from book one were still part of the story. Her little family from the previous book are still very much a part of her life and this story. I was so glad Sutanto made that choice. I love seeing Vera's world and family expand as she continues to touch other's people's lives while solving the case.
I hope there are more adventures in store for Vera Wong because she is a true gem who never fails to delight me.
Let us know in the comments!
I’ve always been a dog person. We had family dogs when I was growing up, and I kept that tradition when I moved out on my own. They’re always so excited to see me, and it really brightens my day.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, my husband is a cat person. We adopted our cat, George, almost 10 years ago now. My husband warned me that cats often have a favorite person, so I wasn’t supposed to talk to the animal. I thought that was no big deal. I didn’t even like cats. But guess what? George did the cat thing of doing exactly what he wanted and came and laid right on my chest. He’s been my best bud ever since haha.
What a long and wonderful life George is enjoying. Awww. He sounds like a sweetheart.
DeleteBoth sound good.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed them a lot.
DeleteI loved the first Vera Wong book. I'm definitely in for more! I'm glad the second installment in the series was as good as the first.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a pet person. I like animals, I just prefer them when they belong to someone else. That being said, I tend to prefer dogs. My granddog is sweet and (mostly) well-behaved, so he's allowed to come hang out at my house sometimes :)
I always had pets but after being the one who had to put the pet down, I decided I will enjoy other people's pets.It was hard.
DeleteBoth of these books are on my TBR, but the Abby Jimenez books has a long, long, list. Great reviews of both and I am looking forward to them. I am a dog person. I had dogs from the time I was little that I can remember, until I had to say goodbye to my last buddy about 5 years ago. I travel too much now to have a dog, but do have 2 granddoggies that I get to visit with off and on.
ReplyDeleteEvery Jimenez book has been a hit for me. She always makes me laugh and cry and fills me with joy. Dogs are definitely a lifestyle. I like having ones I can visit and not be responsible for (kind of like babies, lol)
DeleteI have the Jimenez one on audio. I really need to make time to listen to it! I loved Vera, too, as you know. She's formidable with a big heart!
ReplyDeleteSutanto really created a character for the ages with Vera. I hope you enjoy Jimenez's new book!
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