Ms. Behave by Cathy Yardley

 In previous books in this series, we knew that Simon, medium-time TV star of a sci-fi series, has some mysterious past in Snoqualmie and that it probably has something to do with the gender-neutral, kick-ass lawyer Mallory and we finally get to find out what it is. 
The two were best buds in high school but when Simon caught feelings, he tried to be super secret and respectful about it because he thought Mallory was a lesbian so he wasn't going to put all of his feelings on her. Which, he probably could have shared some but... teenagers aren't the smartest and I very much respect the "why lose a best friend" question. They did get handsy with each other one night but were yanked apart soon after so never had a chance to follow up.
Years later, Simon still thinks Mallory's hot, especially when she saves his butt from a potentially awkward situation. He is still trying to respect her feelings, even when she is coy (but that seems to have been their relationship in high school also.)
Maybe not the best representation of bisexuality (some things seemed stereotypical but I'm not an expert on the topic) but Mallory was strong and confident in who she was and I enjoyed that about her.

Four stars

Follows What Happens at Con

Followed by Playing Doctor

This book came out July 30th, 2019

Borrowed from Audible Escape

Opinions are my own

Something to Talk About by Meryl Wilsner

 There is a reason that this book was being talked about so very much in Romancelandia. A slow burn novel where neither heroine really knows that they love the other is just delightful. Emma can't confess her crush on the main show writer she works for. That's her <i>boss</i>. And Jo Jones, former child star, is far in the closet and more concerned with her career than her love life. Besides, dating her assistant would be inappropriate. But a picture on the red carpet has the tabloids buzzing. Both Jo and Emma's families and friends are telling them that there might be some truth to the matter but neither wants to admit that it might be true for very valid reasons. Throw in a little #MeToo situation that Jo handles like a boss and this is a book that was balm to the soul in the current world situation. 

Four stars
This book came out
Borrowed as an ebook from the library
Opinions are my own

The Shifter Romances The Writer by Kristen Painter

 Roxy St. James just got out of a supremely sucky marriage. She is delighted to move to Nocturne Falls where it is Halloween 365 days a year. And moving next door to a hunky cop and his cute (but bum) younger brother. That can only help her get past her writer's block and keep writing her best-selling shifter-romance series.
Officer Alex Cruz is worried. Roxy St. James doesn't seem to be a tap water drinker. As one of the paranormal people who live in the area, that's a problem because the bespelled water is the reason that more humans don't discover that most of the "characters" in town are real. It is also not very helpful that he seems to be attracted to the woman (plus, she speeds!) But when mysterious packages start appearing on her doorstep, he'll do anything to protect her.

Two stars

Follows A Vampire's Valentine Surprise
Followed by The Dragon Finds Forever

Borrowed as an audiobook from Audible
This novella came out May 24th, 2016
Opinions are my own

Without a Brew by Ellie Alexander

When you're in a tourist town that's based on a Bavarian village, winter is the time to rake in the cash. Sloan Krause and her boss haven't officially opened the B&B that is attached to the microbrewery but a sudden winter storm during a festival means that their rooms are the only place for stranded people to stay. That includes a lovey-dovey couple, four rather entitled young people, and a young woman who seems to be hiding something even though more than one person recognizes her.   And it is the young woman who ends up dead.
This was a solid addition to the Sloan Krause series. There were a few too many suspects and the murder victim's history was a little overcomplicated. I am also sort of curious where the storyline with Sloan's former in-laws and her own past are going.

Three stars
Follows Beyond a Reasonable Stout

Followed by The Cure for What Ales You
This book comes out November 10th
Ebook kindly provided by St. Martin's Press and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Party of Two by Jasmine Guillory

 What a wonderful, political book on a wonderful, political day. The politics is not a huge part of the story but it definitely affects how lawyer Olivia Monroe and junior senator Max Powell ultimately end up together. 
It starts with a conversation at a hotel bar discussing the merits of cake versus pie. Olivia is tired after moving back to LA from NYC and her first full day at her own firm but she enjoys talking to the cute guy a few seats down. When she gets back to her hotel room, she is shocked to see him on her television screen. The man is a politician! Even more startling is the fact that he starts courting her with cakes. Well, one to begin with. The more she gets to know him though, the more she likes. 
Max is used to being impulsive. And he's always landed on his feet. But Olivia is a Black woman working in a world run by White men; she doesn't get to be impulsive. Max is fairly Woke but that doesn't mean that he really understands nor that the course to true love really will run smooth.
I liked Olivia. She was a strong lady who knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to ask. I liked Max. He was fairly self aware of his own privileges and, even when he wasn't, he works to pull his own head out of his ass rather than making others do the work for him. I really hope we get a book about Max's friend and roommate.

Four stars
This book came out June 23rd 2020
Follows Royal Holiday

Followed by While We Were Dating
Borrowed this book from my local library
Opinions are my own

Forever Charmed by Rose Pressey

I really like Rose Pressey's Haunted Vintage Myster series so, when this book was free on Kindle, I picked it up. And it's an interesting story. Halloween Laveau inherited her great-aunt's gigantic house. She can't afford the upkeep and is converting it into a B&B. But there is something buried in the house. A powerful something. Something powerful enough to even make Hallie, a fair-to-middling witch, a necromancer. And that means that all sorts of beasties and ghoulies are going to show up at her house, including two hotties who seem to have it out for each other.
I finished the book but just barely. I didn't like Hallie for most of the book (not very bright and not a lot of backbone) and the world building was sort of scattered. I might try the second book if I can get it for free since the book picked up at the end and because I know that Pressey can write better, this might just be first-book-itis.

Two and a half stars
This book came out March 25, 2013
Kindle ebook
Opinions are my own

Burn This! by Tasha Black

 Dragon-shifter rockstar Johnny Lazarus is at the top of the world or at least he should be. But the dragon that was put to sleep for 300 moons is about to come out or... else. But no one actually knows what "else" is. Johnny assumes that it means he will lose his dragon which is okay with him. The dragon has only caused him problems. So he decides to go to a rehab center because it is quiet, out of the way, and he can wrestle with his demons out of the spotlight.
Neve Whittaker is a nurse (more than a nurse? I either missed the clarifications or it was never clearly stated) at the rehab center. She's met many famous people and isn't impressed by Johnny. But she is attracted to him. First his exterior and then, as she gets to know him, the man himself. They'll just have to survive the blackness that seems to be chasing Johnny.
I really thought I was going to DNF this book after the first few pages. But I didn't and it was okay. There were a lot of things that weren't really explained and I didn't feel like we got to really know either Neve or Johny or why they would have an HEA.

Two and a half stars

This book came out March 7th, 2016

Book from my Kindle collection

Opinions are my own