So. Many. Feels. (So Good)
5 out of 5 stars
Don’t Cry for Me, the first book in the Midnight in Manhattan series by Rachel Lacey, that pulled me out of my recent reading slump (it didn’t just pull me out, it ripped me out so hard I think my shoes are still spinning on the ground). Lacey’s writing style is engaging, and her ability to infuse emotions into the story made me feel a rollercoaster of feelings throughout (legitimately had me crying throughout, both good and bad tears).
From the first line of the description, “A frosty television host, a bubbly bar owner, and a litter of abandoned kittens. The recipe for ratings gold…or heartbreak?” I was hooked by the promise of a heartwarming yet potentially heart-wrenching tale. I don’t think I could explain the premise any better (and believe me it goes so much deeper).
One of the strengths of the book lies in Lacey’s fearlessness in exploring a wide range of emotions and touching on sensitive topics in a delicate manner. While this adds depth to the story and the characters, readers should be forewarned about potential trigger warnings as the author doesn’t hold back when addressing some of these issues. I don’t really want to call them out since there are a few and they are big spoilers to later in the story. But know that Lacey adds them to the story in a delicate and meaningful way.
The melting of the ice queen’s heart is a pivotal and beautiful moment in the book. The transformation of the initially distant and reserved character is masterfully portrayed, and it feels like a triumph to witness her walls come down (even as she denies it).
Both Eve and Josie are incredibly likable characters, and I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning. Learning about the ice queen’s backstory and understanding her reasons for disliking bars only made me cheer for her even more.
Overall, I thought Don’t Cry for Me was a touching and emotionally charged read that ripped me out of my reading slump. Lacey’s skillful storytelling and relatable characters made this a book I would recommend to anyone looking for a mix of heartwarming moments and deep emotions in a romance novel. Throw in Lori Prince’s superb performance and you have a book that brought out all of the emotions.
Book Description:
Currently available free with Kindle Unlimted
A frosty television host, a bubbly bar owner, and a litter of abandoned kittens. The recipe for ratings gold…or heartbreak?
Eve Marlow has her eyes on the prize: a third season of her popular business makeover show, Do Over. But when her ratings take an unexpected dive, Eve needs a blockbuster new client, or she can kiss season three goodbye. She has her work cut out for her, and that’s before she discovers a litter of newborn kittens in a trash can. Now she’s desperate to find someone to take them so she can concentrate on reviving her career.
Josie Swanson had to put her kitten rescue on the back burner when she inherited her father’s bar two years ago. Since then, she’s invested all her time and energy into keeping it afloat, but despite her best efforts, Swanson’s is going under. When she gets a phone call from Eve Marlow, host of the television show Josie applied to earlier that year, the woman she’s convinced can save her bar, Josie hopes her luck has finally turned.
Eve knows what she needs to succeed, and it isn’t Josie—or her bar. There’s no denying the chemistry sizzling between them, though. Josie’s personality is as vibrant as her turquoise-tipped hair. She stirs things in Eve that haven’t been stirred in a long time, but there’s a reason she keeps her heart under lock and key. Eve stands to lose a lot more than her TV show if she lets her guard down, no matter how tempted she is to see if Josie’s love would be worth the risk.
Don't Cry For Me by Rachel Lacey
Narrator: Lori Prince
Length: 9 hrs and 30 mins
Series: Midnight in Manhattan #1
Published by Self Published on October 25th 2022
Genres: Ice Queen, LesFic/Sapphic Fiction
Format: Audiobook
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Also by this author: Read Between the Lines, No Rings Attached
- No Rules of Engagement by Tracey Richardson (Narrated by Joana Garcia) - September 28, 2023
- Love at First Set by Jennifer Dugan (Narrated Narrated by Lori Prince) - September 26, 2023
- New and Notable Audiobook Releases for the Week of September 23rd on Brian’s Book Blog - September 23, 2023
