Book Review of The Love Audit by Lucy Eden 

Thank you Netgalley, Lucy Eden, and 

About the Book 

Jasmine Morgan knows she is excellent in the publishing world. That is why she is hoping the news she is getting is that she will not be laid off. Instead of hearing bad news, she hears she still has a chance at a promotion.

The only snag is that Jasmine must work with Derek Carter. Jasmine and Derek were childhood best friends. They used to do everything together. Now they cannot even be in the same room without one of them insulting the other. 

They must compete for a job in a small town called Miller’s Cove. The city does not like corporate people. To deal with Jasmine, Derek must pretend to be a married couple. Well, in town. The biggest problem is that they are an arch-nemesis.

They have to share a room, work together, eat together, and even co-parent Derek’s cute dog. In front of others, they have to flirt. They have to convince a whole town of kind-hearted but nosey people that their love is real.

They hate each other because Derek believes that Jasmine’s parents did something wrong to his family. Jasmine hates him because of his coldness and insults. They used to be best friends, but something happened when they were younger. 

Thoughts

I chose this book because I like Wesleigh Siobhan’s narration. Wesleigh has a clear voice that is easy to understand. Siobhan also displays the attitude of each character very well.

I also picked this book because I love the plot. The enemies-to-lovers plot is intriguing, often fueled by rivalry and misinterpretations. In this novel, there is a little of both. Derek failed to tell Jasmine how he felt. He also did not tell how a rumor was at the root of his having animosity. This led him to do some pretty awkward and mean things when they were younger. It made Jasmine think he was showing off and being rude. Being together while working proved that both had to learn the truth about one another.

Being so close together made them have some adorable moments. They would exchange surreptitious glances and physical contact. The best moments were the quiet ones they spent alone. This allowed them to get rid of the false presentation that they had shown in front of the town.

They were able to talk about the good times they shared. To playfully have banter and inside jokes that others could understand. I laughed out loud several times when listening to those parts. By having these private moments, they were able to rekindle the feelings they had for one another. This led to some passionate scenes that came later on in the book. I was glad when they moved past some of their hurt and started over again.

 Conclusion 

This book is good for people who want to listen to a romantic story that is about second chances. Where the main characters and side characters let go of the past hurt. Those who can rebuild or at least reunite with each other. This book is for readers who love to find pleasure in listening to stories where people have a sense of humor. If this sounds like a book for you, the audiobook release is December 2, 2025. 

A similar book that was released last month: 

budgetingbelle80: A Book Review of 'A Forever Kind of Love.'

If romantic books are not your favorite genre here is a review of a retelling of a Greek classic:

budgetingbelle80: Book Review of I, Medusa

Book Review of I, Medusa

 ‘I, Medusa’ explains Medusa’s origins before her transformation into the monster. It is a retelling of Medusa. Ayana Gray wrote the story from the first-person point of view.

 The sister was the youngest and most protected. Her sisters, Stheno and Euryale, knew more about power dynamics and sex. She was naive about the world outside of her home. Her parents, Phorcys and Ceto, kept those things from her. Medusa, known as Meddy, also does not know much about relationships or her family history.

For this reason, her mom did not want her to associate with the other gods outside of their world. But Meddy has no choice after catching Athena’s attention. Athena wants Meddy to train a priestess in Athens. Athena picked her because Medusa was a clever young woman who believed in justice. Those same qualities angered the gods in Athens.

Trigger warning: sex, rape, sexism, bullying, theft of children, abuse, accidental death, abuse of power, murder.

My Thoughts

 

I came to admire and understand Medusa and her sisters through this story. They were willful, outspoken women who suffered cruel injustices. They were also supportive of each other. The scene with their mother proved that they were a united front. Seeing them as humans made me realize their innocence.

 

The three girls were unaware of their families’ histories. Their behavior stemmed from their innocence and trust in others. Medusa’s parents could have prevented the mistreatment, harassment, and abuse that happened to her. If they had been honest about their past lives and the power issues with the other gods, Medusa would have been more careful.

To protect and manipulate her, they hid those things. The girls' parents were also abusive and neglectful. Their parents expected Medusa, Stheno, and Euryale to be obedient and marry into Athens' families. Reading Ayanna Gray’s work helped me see that their monstrous nature came from mistreatment. It was people and gods who abused their power and position.

 

Conclusion 

This book is for people who love Greek mythology. For people who do not mind hearing a retelling that deals with heavy issues such as rape, consent, abuse, theft, sexism, accidental death, and murder. These problems are relevant to this retelling because of the abuse. Medusa revisits a myth that remains a topic of conversation.

Book Review of The Next Thing is Joy: The Gospel According to Vivian Grace by Tracey Michae'l Lewis Giggetts

 

Gospel According to Vivian Grace

by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts

Narrated by Angel Pean

Thank you, Netgalley, Dreamscape Media, and Tracey Michael’ for sending me an advanced audio copy of The Next Thing Is Joy: The Gospel According to Vivian Grace by Tracey Michae'l Lewis-Giggetts.

Summary 

Vivian Grace wants her life to have meaning and help others. That is why she joined the Black Panther movement in Chicago.

Now that she is uplifting her community, she feels a sense of validation. But she always wanted to experience real romantic love. When she gets the attention of the local leader, Reggie, she feels like she is finally seen. He dotes on her in public and tells everyone he loves her.

But behind closed doors, he is brutal to Tracey. She wants out and to experience real love. A friendship with an unlikely person may help her get the help she needs.

Representation

Black Main Characters, Black Side Characters, One Caucasian Side Character, 

CW: Dometic Violence, Stalking, Threats, Death of a loved one in the past, Depressed parent. Misogynistic views, murder, drug use, and molestation in the past. 

My Thoughts 

Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts does a wonderful job showing the dynamics of an abusive relationship. She also shows why people stay. At times, I wanted Vivian to walk away, but when reading the book, I realized why she stayed. She had to let go of not only her fear but her past as well.  Lewis-Giggetts also handles other traumatic events with an understanding of those who experience violence and abuse.

One of those experiences was Vivan’s faith and religious background. The author has religious references throughout the book. I usually don’t read books like that, but this one was pushing religious beliefs. The author shared Vivian’s beliefs and experiences, which I appreciated. 

What pulled me in was the storytelling of Vivian’s background. She provided enough information without overwhelming readers. But it helped understand Vivian’s life and life choices. Some scene descriptions trigger those who have experienced domestic violence.

Conclusion

I give it four stars because of the vibrant storytelling of healing, second chances, and self-love. But it was more a book of self-discovery than romance. It was a beautiful story of how a person can heal after experiencing traumatic events. I enjoyed seeing Vivian's healing journey.