A childhood infatuation with a famous soccer player, Reiner Kulti, led Sal Casillas to become the best soccer player she could be but fast forward 20 years later  Kulti becomes her coach.  However, problems start to emerge with his leadership and Casillas stands up to him. This slow-burning romance was emotionally stirring, and I never wanted it to end! Zapata writes about relationships and strong female characters. It was a true pleasure to watch Sal and Kulti grow from enemies into best friends and then fall in love. Anyone who likes contemporary romances will love this book.

A Curious Beginning is the first in a new series by the author of the Lady Jane Grey mysteries. This is fast-paced historical fiction with a heroine who would be comfortable in the modern world. Left to her own devices after aunt dies, Veronica Speedwell just wants to be able to return to her favorite hobby of hunting butterflies. But a secret from her past brings unwanted attention. This book was so much fun! Veronica Speedwell is the spunky, resourceful, and independent heroine I didn't know I was looking for. I'm excited to see that there will be more books in this series.

Hope Springs on Main Street is a great small-town, friends-to-more romance. Jane Madison is trying to pick up the pieces of her life after her husband leaves her. Old friend Henry Birch comes back to town and helps Jane believe that she can find love again. I had great empathy for Jane's struggle after her divorce, and wanted to punch her weasel of an ex-husband for what he put her through. Olivia Miles did a great job writing characters that were just like real people, foibles and all. This is a great series for fans of Susan Mallery's Fool's Gold series.

Whenever I struggle to find a book to suit my current reading mood, I find that a graphic novel is a fun way to read a great story without a lot of time invested. They are often quick reads with beautiful artwork to please the eyes. Bandette is a confident, witty, female villain always willing to match her rivals on the field of thievery. Her underground network of urchins is there to lend a hand in her latest exploits to thwart the criminal organization FINIS and her arch-rival, the gentlemanly Monsieur. Bandette is everything I've ever wanted in a supervillain!