Book Review: "Lease on Love" by Falon Ballard

“Lease on Love” by Falon Ballard is a roommates/friends-to-lovers, age-gap, slow-burn romance tale. The story follows Sadie Green, a financial analyst living in NYC. When she’s passed up for a promotion she’s spent the better part of the last six years working for (having it go instead to the boss’ green son-in-law - who she’s expected to train), she has some choice words with her boss which ultimately leads to her dismissal. Dejected and unemployed, Sadie goes out with her besties, in the hopes of drowning her sorrows in delicious cocktails and drunken karaoke escapades. Sadie finds herself swiping right on a dating app later that evening - after six years of putting work first, she’s made the decision to go on a date!

Fast forward to date day - Sadie arrives at the predetermined location and finds nerdy Jack, complete with a Lord of the Rings shirt and large framed glasses (not Sadie’s usual cup of tea!) Sadie learns from Jack that instead of swiping right on the dating app as she thought she had done (during her drunken daze the other evening), she had expressed interest as being Jack’s new roommate on the “Roommate” app instead. Not one to turn down an opportunity to save money (damn those student loans!), Sadie visit’s Jack’s Brooklyn brownstone and falls in love with the space immediately. 

The story continues to follow Sadie and Jack as they start to befriend one another and Jack is quickly accepted into Sadie’s group of New Yorker friends. Sadie finds herself falling in love with her landlord, but Jack expresses wanting to take things slow and doing right by Sadie; he’s been grieving the loss of his parents for the last seven years and isn’t sure he’s ready for a relationship. Sadie navigates trying to find a part-time job while investing in running her own small business as a florist, operating from Jack’s kitchen and newly remodeled garden. 

I enjoyed the authenticity that Ballard brought to Sadie’s character. She cursed like a sailor, was often self-deprecating but in the same breath could also be sarcastic and witty, and struggled with self-doubt constantly when she was seeing small successes in her new professional endeavors - things I think I connected with on a personal level. Jack’s character could have been developed a little more thoroughly - I felt that his backstory remained a mystery for the better part of the book. 

“Lease on Love” is a quick, fun, rom-com read that’s funny and inspiring. With relatable characters, witty banter, a swoon worthy love story,  and set in an idyllic Brooklyn neighborhood, this book is highly recommended for fans of Emily Henry and Beth O'Leary!

Book Review: "In the Gray" by B.B. Reid

"In the Gray" by B.B. Reid is an enthralling dark romance that captivates audiences from the very first chapter. The novel is a deft blend of romance (of the dark kind), morally gray characters, and intrigue, with a narrative that is both refreshing and raw.

The story is well-constructed, and Reid's prowess as a storyteller shines through in her careful and intricate plotting, in a story full of romance, danger, and plot twists you won’t see coming! The characters are thoughtfully developed, each with their unique personalities, strengths, and flaws that make them compelling to follow. The book's female main character, Atlas, is complex and relatable, providing a potent emotional core to the narrative. Atlas, despite having been dealt the short end of the stick in her (brief) adult life, remains strong, stubborn, and a total bad-ass. Her counterpart, Owen (aka Rowdy), is a toxic, possessive male lead that gives major psycho-vibes…in the most delicious way possible. I enjoyed seeing Owen's progression throughout the story and the ways in which he took care of his girl.

Told from a dual point-of-view, "In the Gray" is the perfect amount of romance, sexual tension, spice, and storyline. Atlas wears her heart on her sleeve and is not apologetic over the fact that she’s looking for more than a quick lay (truly introspective for a girl of only 19!) And her girl Ruen - I need more of that storyline!

"In the Gray" by B.B. Reid is a riveting read that I would recommend.The pacing was just right (I flew through this book in a little less than 24 hours) and I thoroughly enjoyed trying to figure out who “Unrequited” was! I would love to see additional books that explore Roc & Demi’s relationship and see more of Ruen and her boy band crew!