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Air date: May 19, 2024
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Don't Want You Like A Best Friend
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JESSICA:
Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.
Today's two reading recommendations are both delightful queer romance novels.
First, we’re going to hear from Emma, library associate at the Mariner Library, for a period piece that takes us to the 1800s. Go ahead, Emma.
EMMA:
Emma Alban’s debut novel “Don’t Want You Like a Best Friend” is the perfect mash-up of “Bridgerton” love and “Parent Trap” shenanigans you never knew you needed!
It’s 1857 and debutante Beth is out to snag a wealthy husband, or else she and her mother will find themselves destitute and out on the streets. Then there’s Gwen, who is in her fourth season and is in no hurry to marry. When the two meet, they form a brilliant beyond brilliant plan to match up Gwen’s father and Beth’s mother. In their determination to get their parents to marry each other, Gwen and Beth find themselves falling for each other. But then a wealthy viscount starts courting Beth, providing her with the security she came to London to find. With their futures at stake, will Gwen and Beth find their own happily ever after?
This is a great book for readers who are looking for a cozy queer romance to fill their time as they wait for “Bridgerton” season 3 to premier in May. Chapters switch between Gwen and Beth’s point of view, helping the reader to more fully understand the nuances of each character’s decisions. While the ending is satisfactory, readers can get more of Beth and Gwen’s story in the upcoming sequel “You’re the Problem, It’s You.”
JESSICA:
Thanks, Emma! The title of that book is a line of lyrics from a Taylor Swift song, so Swifties may enjoy this book too.
Next, let’s hear about the blooming romance of another adorable couple, from Paige, librarian at the Edmonds Library. Take it away, Paige.
PAIGE:
If you’re looking for your new happily ever after rom-com, look no further than “Fake Dates and Mooncakes” by Sher Lee. It is full of the classic rom-com tropes, love or lust at first sight, grand gestures, fake dating, “Crazy Rich Asians” level wealth, parental interference, cooking competitions and heroics. Also, perfect to add to the TBR (to be read) for June for Pride month.
Dylan and his family run a Singaporean Chinese restaurant in New York and one mishap sets them all on a path that they could not have anticipated. Theo, a guy that looks like he belongs on the runway, and the money to own it, just happens to be at the delivery address. After a disaster at the door, Theo finds his way back to Dylan’s family’s restaurant and sweeps him off for a romantic weekend in the Hamptons as his plus one for a wedding! Then, all the YA shenanigans ensue.
This is a great read for those who may not want much spice in their books and love a cute gay couple. Throughout the story, you get to learn more about both the main characters and fall in love with each of them. Dylan especially is a cinnamon roll, and bonus points for a cute corgi. Not for those who are looking for three-chapter long character development and attraction building. More for those who want to see the protagonist and love interest kick it off right away.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Paige! You just might be craving mooncakes after reading that book.
Our recommendations this week are: “Don't Want You Like a Best Friend” by Emma Alban and “Fake Dates and Mooncakes" by Sher Lee.
Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.
Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.
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