A look at some of the books coming out in March 2023. Thanks to NetGalley and the Publisher for the eARCs in exchange for an honest review.
Off the Map by Trish Doller
Out March 7, 2023, St. Martin’s Griffin
Such a smooth read – seriously you can just sit back and let this story wash over you. The characters had great banter and the pacing was perfect.
Carla is always traveling, and now she’s headed to Ireland for her best friend’s wedding. She hooks up with the groom and they decide to make a road trip out of the journey north for the festivities.
Carla’s backstory is interesting and compelling, her dad has dementia and going back to see him has been tricky for her. Eamon’s backstory was a little less necessary. He’s boxed into a corner because he was a side character in other books; there just isn’t room for a more interesting backstory for him. I just didn’t buy it, and I didn’t think we needed it in order for him to be a great character. (Because he was! I really liked him.) People just are who they are sometimes, we don’t always need justification.
This book was great, though and it made my cry. It’s sexy, sweet and really hilarious in parts.
Weyward by Emelia Hart
Out March 7, 2023, St. Martin’s Griffin
I wish I would have DNF’d this book! It was extremely slow and too heavy.
This magical realism/historical fantasy has three timelines. I liked some more than others (the one from the 1600s was my least favorite.)
I liked how it leaned into the grittiness and nature of witches. And I liked some of the family interactions.
I think abortion, rape, and all the other heavy things in the book are important topics and should be written about, but this novel just had too many. By the end, there were so many terrible things happening and the narrative couldn’t support them all. I was ready to be done.
Not that Kind of Ever After by Luci Adams
Out March 14, 2023, St. Martin’s Griffin
I did not finish this one. Here’s why:
The first line is so good but 10% in and I’m dreading picking this up. I don’t know where it’s going, or who anyone is. Too much backstory hefted upon me right out the gate. And then realizing it’s 400 pages? I can’t commit to that. Romances hardly ever work if they’re that long. I can’t take the risk.
A Tempest at Sea by Sherry Thomas
Out March 14, 2023, Berkley
The latest installment in this historical mysteries series is set on a ship. I love a setting at sea!
Lord Ingram really steals the show in this book.
Make sure you’re caught up with the rest of the books in this series or you’ll be lost. Plus, there are a bunch of returning characters from previous books.
Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller
Out March 28, 2023, St. Martin’s Griffin
I was a little unsure at first, only because this is not connected to her other books. But I quickly fell in love with the setting and characters. I didn’t want this book to end; it was so magical. Biller’s spunky, wry voice is perfect for this historical romance. Eli is a vulnerable character – stiff and awkward. Maria is lively and driven. This could have easily swerved into Manic Pixie Dream Girl territory, but it doesn’t. Hotel of Secrets is more sensual and spicier than Biller’s other two books; and I think this fits the characters and situations. I loved the hotel and all the side characters. (Can we get a book for Hannah and Mac?)I had a lot of feelings happen, especially toward the climax – the tension and drama are heightened to the max with both internal and external conflict.
This was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it delivered!
Other books I’m looking forward to:
The Perfumist of Paris by Alka Joshi This is one of my favorite historical fiction series. Interested to see which direction this one goes.
Love and Other Flight Delays by Denise Williams A collection of novellas all about romance taking place at an airport. Williams is a fantastic romance writer, so excited to try this.
How to Win a Breakup by Farah Heron. I’ve enjoyed every book by Heron has read. There’s baking and revenge and has so much potentional for being adorable.
Meg Loves Words 