Book #40:

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (Length: 446 pages).  I’m not sure how to categorize this read other than action-packed, dystopian, FUNNY video-game fantasy with tons of action. Carl is a Coast Guard veteran who is watching his ex-girlfriend’s cat Princess Donut when the world essentially is taken over by aliens and those who survive and make it into a multi-level dungeon must now compete in a reality action video game/show watched by the aforementioned aliens. The dialogue is LOL witty, the plot is fast-paced, and I found myself smiling throughout.

A sample from the book: Bad Llama. Level 3. It’s a llama, but it’s bad. If he were human, he’d be covered in prison tattoos and would be hanging out in front of the Circle K hitting on 14-year-old girls. They might be willing to sell you something if you have good stuff to trade. . . This definitely is a FUN series and not to be taken too seriously. I can’t wait to keep reading. (Available on Kindle Unlimited too!)

Book #41:

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin (Length: 400 pages). This has been on my TBR for awhile. A budding novelist is the maid of honor in her best friend’s wedding, and she finds out the best man had given her first novel one star on GoodReads, right before walking down the aisle. Hijinks ensue, of course, but there are a few more serious topics woven through, lightened by plenty of witty dialogue as the parties are brought back together with each subsequent event in their friends’ marriage and relationship. This has a fun When Harry Met Sally feel that I adored. 5 solid stars from me.

Book #42:

The Road Trip by Beth O’Leary (Length: 398 pages).  This is a dual-timeline rom-com featuring two Brits: Addie and Dylan, then and now. Present time finds the pair on a spur of the moment road trip in a Mini Cooper with 3 other people en route to a wedding in Scotland, after Addie and Dylan haven’t seen one another for almost 2 years. The flashback scenes involve how the pair met, when Addie was a caretaker for the summer for a friend’s villa in France and Dylan was staying at the villa. This is well-written, propulsive and made me smile. I adored The Flatshare by this author and this has a similar vibe. Deeper than most rom coms (check the trigger warnings if you’re concerned) and I really enjoyed this memorable novel. 4 stars from me.

Book #43:

What in the World? by Leanne Morgan (Length: 288 pages).  I was introduced to this Southern comedienne by a girlfriend, and I’ve enjoyed watching her specials on Netflix. This memoir has many of the same stories as she features in her sets, but I really enjoyed her written “voice” here, and this fun memoir flew by for me. A quick, fun read that probably is great on audio!

Book #44:

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison (Length: 446 pages).  THIS BOOK! I love this book! This fun take on Sleepless in Seattle made me smile the entire time I was reading it. Single mom auto mechanic Lucie meets Heartstrings radio host Aiden when Lucie’s daughter Maya calls in to the show, saying she wants her mom to find love. Set in Baltimore, this lovely rom com has a strong sense of place, and I adored reading about Lucie’s relationship with both Maya’s dad (and his husband Mateo) and her auto mechanic coworkers as well as Aiden’s relationship with his radio station coworkers (including one who is featured in Book 2 of this 2-book series). The banter is witty, the chemistry is believable, and the love scenes are VERY open door. A solid 5 stars from me. Please read this!!