Tag relationships

A blue skull and type appear ghostly against a black background. An X and a heart appear in the eye sockets.

Lights Out by Navessa Allen

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A blue skull and type appear ghostly against a black background. An X and a heart appear in the eye sockets.

by JP Landolt

“Mmm-kay?! Make it work!” I said in my best Tim Gunn voice, cackling and carrying on with my girlfriends. Missy and Rachel are crumpled against me on either side. We’re squished together on the bottom mattress of their dorm room’s bunkbed. Thelma’s hair spills over the top of the bunk framing her face in a dizzying array of red and black. She’s upside down and laughing hysterically. Jen is folded in half, bracing her side after falling on the floor. She’s silently laughing, red-faced, and breathless. Everyone was thoroughly amused by my overly dramatic storytelling, especially when describing a particularly racy scene in one of Jen’s romance paperbacks. Unfortunately, the dean lived directly below this room, and soon the stern knocking from below forced us to freeze. “Oh dear!” I remarked, as a sultry Tim Gunn, and another boisterous round of laughter ensued.  
 
That was me. A naive eighteen-year-old exploring the genre we shall refer to as “super spicy romance.” Embarrassing, exciting, and 100% for adult readers only.  

Now that my prefrontal cortex has fully matured (LIES) and I have more than 20 years of distance from blushing on the bottom of that bunkbed (OMG), I’ve explored nearly every genre of spicy, adult romance: Fae, gangsters, dragons, hockey players, fractured fairy tales, hackers, Hollywood, vampires, wolves, rockstars, gargoyles, cowboys, billionaires, and psychos. If you’re not familiar with this genre, let me assure you that the list is immense and overwhelming – and constantly growing. Seriously, romance can be anything from wholesome and cozy to downright sadistic. I literally just put down a book whose jacket described it as a cozy racoon-shifter polyamorous romance.  

Today, I submit Lights Out for your dark romance reading pleasure. Lights Out is spicy, with morally gray characters, and packed with trigger warnings. In fact, after reading these trigger warnings, some readers may consider another title. Not me! There was one trigger that hit squarely in the center of my morbid curiosity. Which one? Not telling. Let’s just say if you enjoy true crime or serial killer docuseries, this book could be a good fit. 

I opted to listen to this book because it’s written in duet and I’m a huge fan of Jacob Morgan (aka Zachary Webber). His voice just makes my heart purr. He voices our main male character, Josh, who has a complicated family history which makes his social media and masked proclivities even more telling. He had me giggling on the bottom bunk all over again thanks to a fast-paced story with a well-written sense of humor set against the silliness of those feelings that come from having crushes…and maybe stalking? I wouldn’t know.  

While our heroine, Aly, is a pragmatic yet bratty trauma nurse who should be more concerned about the unfolding events than she is. She’s got her own questionable tendencies. Not to mention, her suspicious familial relations that definitely slide from morally gray to jet-black. Finally, Josh and Aly’s chemistry is – chef’s kiss! 

Lights Out is the first book of the Into Darkness trilogy by Navessa Allen and book two, Caught Up, should be available in June. I simply cannot wait to find out where this relationship is going and what other crazy situations Josh and Aly get into with his high-tech hackery and her sheer audacity.   

Lights Out by Navessa Allen is available in print, e-book, and e-audiobook.

JP Landolt has worked for HCLS since 2006. You may find her gallivanting through Maryland’s parks on beautiful, breezy days.  

The image depicts the main characters of the book, John and Emily, against the backdrop of a Wordle puzzle spelling out the title. Emily holds her cell phone her hand and has the other hand in John's hair; he is embracing her.

A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James

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The image depicts the main characters of the book, John and Emily, against the backdrop of a Wordle puzzle spelling out the title. Emily holds her cell phone her hand and has the other hand in John's hair; he is embracing her.

by Alex H.

Calling all Wordle lovers! A Five Letter Word for Love by Amy James is perfect for anyone who enjoys New York Times word games, quaint small towns, and romances that are light and fluffy but still have a touch of angst to keep things exciting. 

Emily, a young woman living on Prince Edward Island, desperately wants to find her dream job. She’s not quite sure what that is yet, but certainly it must be something creative and exciting in a big city, not…well, not working as a receptionist at a mechanic’s shop in small-town Canada. While she tries to figure that out, she’s working on achieving a 365-day streak on Wordle. One disastrous night puts her streak in peril, but she saves it with help from the most unlikely source—her coworker, John, whom she’d previously written off as irritating and aloof. Of course, we the readers know that his quiet and unassuming demeanor is just an act, and Emily soon finds that he’s not so bad after all. Maybe he’s even…attractive? And fun to be around?!

While Emily tries to find her place in the world and maintain her Wordle streak, her romance with John heats up and makes her wonder if the dream life she’s been searching for has been in front of her this whole time. I enjoyed this book not because it reinvents the wheel, but because it delivers what it promises—a quick and easy romance with plenty of quirky characters and Wordle shenanigans. Sometimes you want a book that’ll keep you entertained for a few hours without using too much brain power, and this book perfectly filled that need for me.  

That’s not to say that this book is just a bunch of fluff, however. Amy James did a great job depicting Emily’s tumultuous emotional journey as she redefines what her “dream” life looks like. Sometimes Emily made decisions that made me want to tear my hair out, but her anxiety about figuring out what happiness looks like to her was deeply relatable. Who among us hasn’t worried about whether we’ve chosen the right path in life? 

Come for the promise of fun, ironic Wordle games, and stay for the surprisingly heartfelt exploration of a young woman trying to figure out her place in the world. Plus, who knows? You might learn a new Wordle strategy or two—I certainly did! 

A Five Letter Word for Love is available from HCLS in print and as an e-book.

Alex is a part-time Customer Service Specialist and Passport Agent at the Glenwood Branch. When she’s not at the library, she likes to crochet cute animals, read all the horror and romance books she can get her hands on, and write stories about things that go bump in the night. 

The book cover, a black and white photograph, shows a woman reaching with both hands behind her bare back to fasten, or possibly unfasten, her brassiere.

In One Person by John Irving

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The book cover, a black and white photograph, shows a woman reaching with both hands behind her bare back to fasten, or possibly unfasten, her brassiere.

by Angie E.

John Irving’s In One Person is a moving and powerful exploration of identity, sexuality, and the quest for acceptance. At its heart is Billy Abbott, a bisexual man reflecting on his life. The novel chronicles Billy’s life from age 13 in the 1950s to his late 60s in 2010. Rather than following a strict chronological order, Irving skillfully weaves the narrative, shifting between pivotal moments in Billy’s journey to create a more authentic, lifelike portrayal. 

From Miss Frost, the enigmatic librarian who plays a pivotal role in Billy’s awakening, to Richard Abbott, his stepfather and a source of guidance and support, each character is richly drawn and adds depth to the narrative. Irving’s portrayal of these relationships is nuanced, highlighting the importance of connection and the impact of those who accept and understand us. 

Irving does not shy away from addressing the prejudices and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Through Billy’s eyes, readers witness the AIDS crisis, shifting attitudes towards sexuality, and the enduring struggles for acceptance. In One Person’s exploration of these themes is both heart-wrenching and hopeful, offering a candid look at the progress made and the work that remains. 

Fans of John Irving will recognize his signature style: the blend of humor and tragedy, the richly detailed settings, and the intricate plotting. Irving’s ability to create a world that feels both specific and universal is on full display, making Billy’s journey relatable to readers from all walks of life. 

When I first read In One Person I was incredibly drawn to how Billy goes to the library (thus meeting Miss Frost) seeking novels about “crushes on the wrong people.”  She starts him out with Wuthering Heights and Jane Eyre, but expresses less confidence in giving him Henry Fielding’s Tom Jones, something I both love and laugh at at every time. Anyone who has ever had a crush on the “wrong person” will probably crush, even if just for a bit, on this too.

In One Person by John Irving is available from HCLS in regular print and large print.

Angie is an Instructor & Research Specialist at Central Branch and is a co-facilitator for Reads of Acceptance, HCLS’ first LGBTQ-focused book club. Her ideal day is reading in her cozy armchair, with her cat Henry next to her.

A bright modern illustrated cover shows a woman in a purple long sleeved swim suit walking with a long surfboard, and a guy in shirt and shorts looking her way. The background is sky blue with the suggestions of waves in lighter blue wavy lines.

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding 

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A bright modern illustrated cover shows a woman in a purple long sleeved swim suit walking with a long surfboard, and a guy in shirt and shorts looking her way. The background is sky blue with the suggestions of waves in lighter blue wavy lines.

Are you an ardent admirer of the fiery Elizabeth Bennet and broody Fitzwilliam Darcy from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice? Are you exhausted with all the holiday chores and need some delicious brain candy? I have just the book for you! Pick up (or put a hold on) Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding.  

Twenty-five-year-old Lizzy Bennet, smart, spunky, and courageous, aspires to become a foreign correspondent for a renowned newspaper. Her dream seems almost within reach when she gets accepted into the School of Journalism at Columbia University. However, Mr. Bennet suffers from a heart attack before Lizzy can tell her family about her college acceptance. Lizzy must put her dreams on hold and defer her semester at Columbia so she can manage their family business, Bennet Bakery, in East Hampton.

Her older sister, Jane, is a teacher at an elementary school. Lydia is a social media influencer, Kitty is an aspiring business professional, and Mary is a climate activist. Mrs. Bennet is a self-proclaimed entrepreneur with hundreds of impractical business initiatives, leaving Lizzy as the glue who holds her chaotic family together. Her work starts at dawn as she fires up the oven, but only after Lizzy surfs every morning to cope with the chaos and frustration of her present circumstances. Lizzy loves her quirky family too much to leave them in a lurch, but she has outgrown the parochial East Hampton where rich Manhattanites descend every summer, party till dawn, and then leave in August.

Will Darcy is a business magnate who accompanies his dearest friend Charlie Pierce to his sister’s summer rental at East Hampton. Will’s goal is to prevent gold diggers taking advantage of the affable Charlie and to keep him focused on his work. Darcy and Lizzie’s paths cross when Charlie, accompanied by Will, walks into Bennet Bakery. He tastes their mouthwatering sour cherry muffins, lays his eyes on Jane, and falls in love. Will Darcy is ready to protect Charlie from the likes of Jane Bennet, who (according to him) is after Charlie’s money. It is infuriating to Will that Charlie, instead of wising up, tries to set him up with Jane’s fiery sister, Lizzy. He considers Lizzy to be a complete mess but inevitably falls for her charms.

And the rest is history. The chemistry between Lizzie and Will is absolutely electrifying as they surf together, glare at each other, fight their feelings for each other, misunderstand each other’s intentions, and finally overcome their pride and prejudice to find their way towards each other. 

As a lover of Austen, and especially Pride and Prejudice, I am always wary of reading retellings because I judge them hard. This modern retelling, with its interesting take on the well-known and much-loved plot and characters of my beloved original, won my heart. I have been suggesting this book to all my fellow Austen lovers whether they ask for my suggestion or not! 

Elizabeth of East Hampton by Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding is available in print format. 

Piyali is an instructor and research specialist at HCLS Miller Branch, where she facilitates two book discussion groups: Light But Not Fluffy and Global Reads. She keeps the hope alive that someday she will reach the bottom of her to-read list.

Leslie Jones with her hair teased up, dressed in a bright pink jacket with a white Tshirt.

Inspiring Laughter

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The author as a child, in a blue dress and hair in pigtails, is holding a microphone and smiling. Title and author type in large yellow block type.

by Carmen J.

Behind the laughter of most comics is a big bag of pain. Laughter, the ultimate defense mechanism, is a way for them to commiserate with their audience. Let me help you forget your pain for even just a few minutes. Let’s laugh at the world’s absurdity. I will take you there. Leslie Jones takes you along for a wildly candid, gritty, and funny ride in her memoir, Leslie F*cking Jones, available in print and OverDrive formats (e-book and e-audiobook).

I devoured this book over one weekend, not only because I’ve enjoyed her work on Saturday Night Live (SNL) and on Supermarket Sweep (!). In 268 well-crafted pages, we are taken on a journey through her childhood (and some truly sad tales of abuse, alcoholism, and chronic family illness) to her rise on the comedy scene (from the early auditions and late-night sets to the hard-fought stand-up crowds). Despite the poignant accounts of her difficult relationships with her father, brother, and the occasional ex-friend and former roommate, there is always a lesson with every anecdote. And you will root for Leslie Jones until the final page.

She’s Leslie F*cking Jones, just like the title says. Read her book. Have fun requesting it over the phone; you may want to reserve yours online.

If you want to see her in action, enjoy this clip of “Black Jeopardy” from SNL that included the beloved late Chadwick Boseman.

Carmen J. is a teen instructor at HCLS East Columbia Branch. Among her favorite things are great books, all things 80s, shamelessly watching The Bachelor, gardening, and drinking anything that tastes like coffee.

A woman's face painting in bold swatches of color. The shape of the face is a perfect oval with strong brows, brown eyes, and deep pink lips.

Hello Beautiful

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A woman's face painting in bold swatches of color. The shape of the face is a perfect oval with strong brows, brown eyes, and deep pink lips.

by Cherise T.

End of year “best of” lists provoke debate and motivate future selections. What have I read and seen that are on the list? Do I agree with the reviews? Which choices will I add to my precious “I want to read” file? 

One of my book clubs is so longstanding that it was originally an “Oprah book club.” When it was time to celebrate our over-20-year anniversary, we decided on a girls’ weekend. Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano was already scheduled for that month, and we could not have chosen a better capstone read. Not only was the discussion more content than neighborhood gossip, more talking than drinking, more debate than segue, we continued to consider the book throughout the weekend. 

All families bear hurt feelings, grudges, and anger. Because the four Padavano sisters (yes, think Little Women) are so close and have such distinct personalities, the emotion in Hello Beautiful runs deep and long. Add a strong mother, a devoted father, and a young man with essentially no family, and you’ve got a multi-generational literary novel that reads like a page turner. 

Beginning in 1960, we meet William Waters whose absent parents contrast with the Padavano parents. Always on his own, William dedicates himself to excelling at basketball. In college, he meets Julia, the oldest Padavano sister, who is his opposite in every way. Now William finds himself enveloped in the love of Julia’s family, including her three sisters, especially Sylvie.  

Throughout, the sisters compare themselves to the March girls in Little Women, and there are many parallels, but this book shines on its own plot twists. Be prepared for love stories, loss, mental illness, and estrangement. We want all the best for this family, but with Napolitano’s skill as a writer, we travel the complicated paths of realistic, complex characters. We see life through the eyes of each of the sisters as well as their children. 

One of my favorite aspects of the book is the empathetic portrayal of William’s teammates and the contrasts between the social world of women and that of men as we move through the end of the 20th century. Napolitano effectively portrays the sisters as a team as well, but a very different team who can hurt each other in only the ways that sisters can. Often, the characters seemed walled off between those who can compartmentalize their emotions and ambitions and those who can’t. 

Truly a novel that has earned a “best of 2023,” Hello Beautiful merits a holiday read or a book discussion’s scrutiny. It holds epiphanies and small miracles. May you have those who greet you throughout your life with “Hello, beautiful.” 

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano is available in print, large print, e-book,and e-audiobook.

Cherise Tasker is an Adult Instructor and Research Specialist at the Central Branch. When not immersed in literary fiction, Cherise can be found singing along to musical theater soundtracks. 

A close up illustration of a woman's face, with long black hair. The words appear atop, in pink and yellow ombre.

Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola

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A close up illustration of a woman's face, with long black hair. The words appear atop, in pink and yellow ombre.

by Sahana C.

My favorite reality show of all time is Love Island UK, where young, single British people are paired off into couples and vie for the affection of the public, living together full-time in an elaborate villa and doing relationship challenges over the course of a summer. I keep up with the newest season rabidly, and while it’s airing, my friends will hear me “pulling them for a chat” or asking if they’re “mugging me off, innit” to an annoying degree.  

So, when Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola was recommended to me, a romance set at a British university with characters who had the same South London charm as some of my favorite personalities on this season of Love Island, I was hooked instantly. I’ve read Babalola’s debut, Love in Color (and actually, Love in Color was one of my first ever Chapter Chats posts!) so I was excited to read more from this author.  

Kiki Banjo, our fearless, bold, brash, beautiful protagonist brings us with her to her university campus, which is predominantly white (and is, aptly named, Whitewell). But she and her friends, and the rest of the Black community at the school, have carved out their own niche on campus (also aptly named: Blackwell. Let it not be said that Babalola is going for subtlety here). Between Blackwell politics, class projects, potential internships in New York, and her ever steady radio show, Brown Sugar, Kiki’s a busy girl with no room or desire for a relationship. The guy she’s hooking up with is more hassle than he’s worth so she dumps him. Unfortunately (mainly for him), he turns out to be a bit of a creep, so Kiki turns to the next guy in the room for help, and suddenly she starts seeing Malakai everywhere, and he’s giving her hives. She can’t quite place whether his good guy energy is an act or if he’s the player she thinks he is, but she has no choice but to work with him as fate or homework or other forces bring them closer together.  

This book is a romance. I’m not a romance reader, but this one caught me with friendships and femininity at the center of the story, as Kiki finds her place.  Every “Kiki, you’re moving mad” made me grin with it’s unabashed Love-Island-esque British-ism, but not in the way of stuffy classic literature. This is a young, vibrant book that doesn’t shy away from issues about sexual harassment on campus, being Black and facing discrimination at university, and the very real personal tragedies everyone carries with them to school. Babalola warns us, at the heart of this book, to look away from the surface and towards loving one another with grace. But she does it with an attitude, with well-seasoned flair, and with a no-holds-barred main character that made me love her with every bold comment and revealed insecurity.  

Honey and Spice is available in print, eBook, and eAudiobook.  

Sahana is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Savage Branch. They enjoy adding books to their “want to read” list despite having a mountain of books waiting for them already.

The book cover illustration shows a woman from the nose up, her mascara running dramatically, with her red hair piled on top of her head.

Really Good, Actually

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The book cover illustration shows a woman from the nose up, her mascara running dramatically, with her red hair piled on top of her head.

by Carmen J.

In Amy Schumer’s recent Netflix comedy special, Emergency Contact, she talks about getting married in terms of finding someone who can stand you. In Really Good, Actually, the debut novel by Monica Heisey, the struggle is indeed real.

Heisey, who has written for Schitt’s Creek, infuses her novel with laugh-out-loud moments from Maggie’s dating escapades and their quirky outcomes. Really Good, Actually reads like a more modern-day Sex and the City. Instead of Carrie and her straight friends wearing Jimmy Choos, Maggie and her more rainbow-minded friends have root beer and roommate-ready budget nights. Like SATC, friendships – including some refreshing intergenerational ones – remain supreme. And while relationships and finding “the one” are hugely entertaining, Maggie proves the relationship we have with ourselves is genuinely unmatched. 

Really Good, Actually is on HCLS’s Adult Summer Reading List for 2023 and is available in print and in e-book and e-audiobook format from Libby/OverDrive.

Carmen J. is a teen instructor at HCLS East Columbia Branch. Among her favorite things are great books, all things 80s, shamelessly watching The Bachelor, gardening, and drinking anything that tastes like coffee.

Be part of HCLS’ Summer Reading Adventures.

The cover of the book shows a stylized, cartoonish wood duck flying above a lake, with several wood ducks floating beneath along with a canoe tied up to a dock on a rocky shore. In the background are steps leading up to a small cottage with a streetlight and a railing behind it. The sun is reflected in the water and hovers in a purplish sky with two fluffy blue clouds.

Flying Solo by Linda Holmes

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The cover of the book shows a stylized, cartoonish wood duck flying above a lake, with several wood ducks floating beneath along with a canoe tied up to a dock on a rocky shore. In the background are steps leading up to a small cottage with a streetlight and a railing behind it. The sun is reflected in the water and hovers in a purplish sky with two fluffy blue clouds.

by Piyali C.

I have discovered many beautiful reads while shelving carts at our branch. Sometimes, I check out more books from the cart than I put on the shelf (that is somewhat of an exaggeration, but not by much). Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes was one such discovery. I loved that book so much that I was excited when I found out the author was publishing her next novel, Flying Solo. This time I was prepared, and I requested a copy right away. After I finished Flying Solo in two sittings, I was in a dilemma. Which one did I love more? Bottom line – I like this author’s stories. I like how she does not tie everything in a neat bow at the end, because life is messy and our problems do not resolve beautifully all the time. However, she leaves us with hope, and what better resolution is there than to remain hopeful?

In the new title, whenever Laurie needed a break from her obnoxiously noisy brothers during her childhood, she went to her great Aunt Dot’s big, quiet house for refuge. Dot’s house was only a short bike ride away from her loving but loud family in a small, seaside town in Maine. Young Laurie was Dot’s favorite niece and best friend. When Dot dies at 93, Laurie is the one who takes up the responsibility of going through Dot’s possessions and readying her house for sale, since the rest of her family does not have time to deal with it. Laurie is now on the cusp of 40, she has broken her engagement, and she is going through a midlife crisis as she tries to figure out what she wants. The huge responsibility of sorting through Dot’s photos and belongings is somewhat of a distraction when her own life is falling apart.

Laurie discovers a beautifully carved wooden duck decoy lovingly stored in a chest under some blankets. Puzzled about the significance of the duck, so fondly hidden, Laurie sets out to learn more. In her quest to uncover the mystery of the duck, she falls victim to a con artist and rekindles a romance with her high school sweetheart, who is (and this was important to me) the beloved town librarian with terrific research skills (what could be more attractive than that?). Laurie also comes in contact with some genuine and unforgettable characters who become important parts of her life as she tries to uncover the mystery of the decoy and, in the process, learns more about the hidden aspects of her great aunt’s life. This journey not only reveals the colorful life of charismatic Dot, who flouted societal norms set for women and lived her life on her own terms, but it also helps Laurie discover what she actually wants in life and perhaps reconciles her to the idea of flying solo.

Told in a lucid voice, the story is a relatively light read, yet it makes the readers think about their own relationships and what they want out of them.

Flying Solo is available at Howard County Library System in print, large print, e-book, and e-audiobook formats.

Piyali is an instructor and research specialist at the Miller Branch of HCLS, where she co-facilitates Global Reads and facilitates Light But Not Fluffy (starting in Spring 2023!) and keeps the hope alive that someday she will reach the bottom of her to-read list.

You see to feet, one in a chunky boot and one in a black sneaker, crossed toward each other with a deck below.

ELEVATE your relationship!

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You see to feet, one in a chunky boot and one in a black sneaker, crossed toward each other with a deck be

by Holly L.

UPDATE: SERIES CANCELED – MAY BE RESCHEDULED.

Are you looking to take your relationship to the next level? Or searching for a new twist on date night?

You can hone your skills for maintaining a stable marriage or committed partnership through upcoming classes using material from ELEVATE. Developed in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Georgia and at Auburn University, the program blends practical skills with an understanding of the physiology of human interaction to enhance healthy adult relationships.

Join us at Miller Branch on three Tuesdays, October 4, 11 and 18 from 6:30 – 8 pm, to participate in these free sessions, presented in partnership with the University of Maryland Extension. Registration required.

The Elevate logo has a green heart that contains an upward pointing arrow above the

The two core components of ELEVATE are (1) practical strategies and tools and (2) the inclusion of mindfulness practice activities that help couples manage intense emotions by learning to regulate their heart-brain response to stressful triggers. Couples leave equipped with tools to communicate (and argue) more effectively, resolve conflict, and strengthen their relationship.

University of Maryland Family and Consumer Sciences Specialist Dr. Alexander Chan leads this inclusive and LGBTQ+ friendly class. This series is designed primarily for couples who are currently in a committed relationship. Individuals may attend without a partner, but couples attending together receive the most benefit.

Holly is an Instructor and Research Specialist at the Miller Branch. She enjoys knitting, preferably with a strong cup of tea and Downton Abbey in the queue.