Books matching: california contemporary setting
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- #1
Save:The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez is a contemporary romance novel that follows the story of Kristen, who is dealing with fertility issues, and Josh, who is attracted to Kristen despite her being in a relationship. As their friendship deepens, they both struggle with their growing feelings for each other, complicated by Kristen's medical condition and her impending hysterectomy. The book is a mix of a fluffy romantic comedy with likable characters and funny situations, but also delves into heavy topics such as infertility and loss, adding depth and realism to the story. The writing style is described as natural and authentic, with a good balance of humor and emotional depth.
I’d left her the contents of the whole house, and all I asked was for her to pay half of the Lowe’s bill. Half of three thousand dollars’ worth of appliances I’d generously given her instead of sellin... - #2
Save:In "Agent to the Stars" by John Scalzi, aliens seek the help of a Hollywood agent to improve their image before making contact with humanity. The book humorously explores the challenges of this unconventional first contact scenario, blending comedy with insights into Hollywood and the complexities of human-alien interactions. Scalzi's writing style is described as light, funny, and engaging, with a mix of absurdity and heartwarming moments that keep the reader entertained throughout the story.
Headsets are a godsend; they allow you to speak on the phone while leaving your hands free for the truly important things. My hands were currently occupied with a blue rubber racquetball, which I was ... - #3
Save:Ryka Aoki's 'Light From Uncommon Stars' is a captivating blend of science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary realism, following the intersecting lives of characters like Katrina, a transgender runaway violinist seeking refuge, and Shizuka Satomi, a legendary violin teacher known as the Queen of Hell. The narrative weaves together elements of demonic curses, violin competitions, and interstellar travel, creating a unique and diverse story that explores themes of identity, redemption, and the transformative power of music. Aoki's writing style is praised for its richly imaginative world-building, sensitive portrayal of transgender experiences, and skillful balance of profound themes with moments of warmth and humor.
There’d be no reason to doubt her; of course she would go there. That’s where the queers went. Her father would punch the wall, throw something heavy and breakable; her mother would cross herself and ... - #4
Save:The Jane Austen Book Club follows the lives of 5 women and 1 man who participate in a book club dedicated to reading Jane Austen's novels. The characters, with different personalities and backgrounds, come together to discuss Austen's works, revealing parallels in their own lives. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth as the characters navigate relationships and self-discovery through the lens of Austen's writing.
The narrative of The Jane Austen Book Club weaves between the past and present, delving into the backstories and current circumstances of each character as they gather for their monthly meetings. The book club serves as a backdrop for exploring the complexities of human relationships and the impact of literature on personal experiences, with humorous insights and lively characters bringing depth to the story.
We sat in a circle on Jocelyn’s screened porch at dusk, drinking cold sun tea, surrounded by the smell of her twelve acres of fresh-mowed California grass. There was a very pretty view. The sunset had... - #5
Save:Recipe for Persuasion by Sonali Dev is a contemporary romance novel that delves into the lives of chef Ashna Raje and former soccer star Frederico Rico Silva. The story follows Ashna as she struggles to save her deceased father's failing restaurant by participating in a reality cooking show, where she is paired with Rico. As the two navigate their unresolved feelings from their high school romance and confront their traumatic pasts, the novel takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster with themes of second chances, family dynamics, and personal growth. Sonali Dev's writing style intricately weaves together elements of romance, drama, and introspection, offering a modern take on Jane Austen's Persuasion with a diverse and engaging narrative.
Ashna Raje couldn’t remember the last time her restaurant had thirty occupied tables. The gentle hum of customer conversation drifted into the kitchen from the dining area. It was nowhere near the nig...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Rajes ) - #6
Save:'Love On My Mind' by Tracey Livesay is a romance novel that follows the story of Chelsea, a determined career-driven woman, and Adam, a genius with Asperger's who is focused on the success of his company. The plot revolves around their relationship, starting with Chelsea entering Adam's life under pretense, leading to challenges and growth for both characters. The writing style portrays the characters' struggles, vulnerabilities, and personal growth, making the story engaging and heartwarming.
She followed press conferences like most Americans followed sports. The spectacle thrilled her, watching speakers deftly deflect questions, state narrow political positions, or, in rare instances, exh... - #7
Save:'Take Me Home for Christmas' in the 'Whiskey Creek' series by Brenda Novak revolves around the protagonist Sophia, who finds herself in a challenging situation after her husband Skip disappears, leaving her and their daughter in financial turmoil. The story explores themes of domestic violence, betrayal, new beginnings, and second chances. Set in a small town in California, the book follows Sophia's journey of rebuilding her life with the help of Ted, a former love interest, amidst the judgment and cruelty of the townspeople. The writing style incorporates emotional depth, gradual character development, and a focus on relationships and personal growth.
Sophia DeBussi’s husband was gone. As in...disappeared. Nowhere to be found. At ninety feet, the Legacy was a sizable yacht—Skip never bought anything except the very best—but not so sizable that a fu...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Whiskey Creek ) - #8
Save:'Alex, Approximately' by Jenn Bennett follows the story of Bailey, a teenage film buff who moves to California to live with her father and possibly meet her online friend Alex, a fellow movie enthusiast. However, things take a turn when Bailey finds herself developing feelings for a co-worker named Porter. The novel explores themes of real-life versus online relationships, taking risks, and the importance of honesty. The writing style is described as absorbing, charming, and filled with depth in portraying the characters and their relationships.
After all, I don’t know what Alex looks like. I don’t even know his real name. I mean, we’ve been talking online for months now, so I know things that matter. He’s smart and sweet and funny, and we’ve... - #9
Save:Tokyo Ever After follows Izumi Tanaka, a Japanese American teenager from Mt. Shasta, CA, who discovers that her father is the Crown Prince of Japan. The story revolves around Izumi's journey to Japan to meet her father and the Imperial Family, where she navigates the challenges of fitting into a new culture while also dealing with the pressures of royal life. The book blends elements of modern fairytales like The Princess Diaries with themes of cultural identity, family relationships, and self-discovery. The writing style is described as lush and engaging, creating a vivid portrayal of Izumi's world as she transitions from her life in California to the complexities of royal life in Japan.
It was a rough evening and morning. There were so many questions bouncing around in my mind—did Mom lie about not knowing my father? If so, why? Could my dad know about me? Then, why didn’t he want me... - #10
Save:"Frankly in Love" by David Yoon is a young adult novel that follows the story of Frank Li, a Korean American high school senior navigating the complexities of first love, family expectations, cultural identity, and friendship. Frank finds himself in a fake dating scheme with Joy Song to appease their parents while secretly pursuing their true romantic interests. The book delves into themes of race, heritage, family dynamics, and coming of age, blending lighthearted rom-com elements with deeper emotional explorations. Yoon's writing style balances humor, honesty, and relatability, capturing the authentic voice of teenage characters facing real-life challenges and growth.
Is begun sounds cooler than the more normal has begun, because if you say it right, you sound like a lone surviving knight delivering dire news to a weary king on the brink of defeat, his limp hand ra...
