Ship Happens
by Mason Deaver
Ship Happens is a funny second chance romance story about two transmen, one a tattoo artist and aspiring business owner, the other a marine biologist who studies squids. Owen’s best friend and her partner surprise him with a cruise to Alaska as a Christmas gift, but Owen is less then thrilled since along with some of their other friends they have also invited his bestie’s brother, who is also Owen’s ex. I liked that the story included representation of a nuanced character with a disability/chronic pain; Owen suffers from chronic arthritis. Some of the cruise details seemed a bit unrealistic, but the romance elements were strong and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. If you love grumpy/sunshine pairings then this is one you will want to pick up. Fans of Ship Happens may also want to check out some of Deaver’s other works including their adult novel debut, The Build-a-Boyfriend Project.
I Kissed Her First
by Betty Cayouette
I Kissed Her First is the charming new adult sapphic romance by Betty Cayouette. The story is written from alternating perspectives of personal chef, Riley, and an aspiring pop star, Luna, who fall for each other during Luna’s European tour. Added drama comes from the fact that Riley’s fathers, who own a lobster shack, don’t want her to become a chef even though she has become known on social media for her cooking. Luna has been having a staged romance with a fellow singer/songwriter in order to get positive publicity, but she has been frustrated with his cold behavior towards her and would like to break up with him. This sweet story would make a fun beach read. If you like fiction about cooks or pop stars this one is a definite pick. Cayoutte also has two other romances to check out Tell Me How You Really Feel and One Last Shot.
Written by:
Aimee Harris
Information and Digital Services Manager
Hoboken Public Library Blog 