Crazy, Stupid, Love

    Recently, I have been in a movie slump. I haven’t watched anything absolutely wonderful, so when I ran across Crazy, Stupid, Love I didn’t think much about it. I have seen this movie check out like crazy so I thought I would give it a try. This romantic comedy stars Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Julianne Moore, and Kevin Bacon. The movie opens with Cal (Carell) and Emily (Moore) at dinner, when Emily decides to drop the bomb that she has had an affair and wants a divorce.  Cal, who is completely devastated, is thrown back into the single life and he is pretty much sinking when playboy Jacob (Gosling) saves him. Jacob teaches Cal the wicked ways of manipulating women into getting what he wants from them. But soon, heartthrob Jacob has meets his match in the enchanting Hannah (played by a delightful Stone). If you think this is going to turn out to be a predictable romance comedy, well think again. There are other stories thrown in that make the movie wonderful. There are also lots of connections and twists that will keep you on your toes. The main message of this movie is love and it is definitely the starring character. So if you are looking for a great movie that will leave you with a positive feeling and lots of laughs, then I cannot recommend Crazy, Stupid, Love enough to you.

Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani

In Lovetorn by Kavita Daswani, Shalini has only known one world: India. She lives in a massive house with 37 of her relatives and loves it. She has been engaged to Vikram, the man of her dreams, since she was three years old. Nothing could spoil her wonderful life…except when her father decides to take a new job and uproot her family to L.A. How could she possibly adjust to this completely different lifestyle? Her little sister seems to jump right in, while her mother struggles more and more with these new surroundings. As Shalini adjusts to live in California, will she be able to hold onto the world she has always known and the person she has always known herself to be?

                I instantly gravitated to Lovetorn because of my unhealthy obsession with anything related to India. This was a pretty easy and straightforward read. The author provides a glossary to help the reader understand the different foods, phrases, and words that Shalini uses. This is a great reference tool and I was really glad it was included. Daswani creates a storyline around Shalini’s mother that I thought was very well written and crucial to Shalini’s struggles to accept this new lifestyle. Some of Shalini’s actions and feelings did not seem genuine to me. I think the author could have spent more time on Shalini’s transition from being completely in love with Vikram to realizing that she might feel different. I would have liked to have seen the author develop more into the secondary characters, especially Sangita, Shalini’s little sister and Toby, an American boy who makes Shalini rethink everything she knows. Other than that, Lovetorn provides an insightful look at the lifestyles of India and the transition that many teen immigrants face.  

The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell

17-year-old Carrie Bradshaw is starting her senior year at Castlebury High and as far as she can tell nothing has changed over the summer. She’s still got her best friends Lali, Maggie, The Mouse and Walt; she’s still on the swim team; she still doesn’t have a boyfriend; and she definitely still wants to be a writer, even though she’s just received her rejection letter from the New School’s Advanced Summer Writing Seminar she’d planned to take after graduation. But the school year brings a few surprises. A new bad boy has enrolled in Castlebury, and Carrie falls hard for him. Friendships break up and new ones are made. Revelations are made about people Carrie has known forever. And a surprising opportunity advances Carrie closer to her dream of becoming a full-fledged writer.

Candace Bushnell wrote this book as a prequel to Sex and the City, but it can easily be read by teens unfamiliar with the TV series. In fact, the only similarities I noted were the character’s name and the last line of the book. Beyond that, The Carrie Diaries is simply an enjoyable, well-written read with interesting characters and a plot most of us will relate to. I recommend it to fans of Sex and the City, Gossip Girls and Chick-Lit Romances.

Know Your Reader!

I live 35 minutes away from work (on a non-traffic jam day). In an average week that's 350 minutes (or 5.83333) hours in the car. Trapped there with Birmingham radio. Eventually I gave in to the lure of the audiobook as a way to combat the boredom of these commutes. Some have been really good, others really annoying - like the one where the reader pronounced kudzu "koodzoo" over and over and over again. I've learned to be a bit more discerning when I browse the collection, and am paying more attention to the reader.

Last week I checked out three audiobooks based on the reader. Right now I am listening to Shiver, written by Maggie Steifvater and read by Jenna Lamia. Jenna also narrated The Secret Life of Bees, which I loved on audio. And so far I'm not disappointed with Shiver. The story is amazing and Jenna does an excellent job with the character of Grace. I wish I could point you to a sample of the audiobook, but I couldn't find one online. But I did find this fantastic  fanmade book trailer for the book...

Shiver Book Trailer

Romance is in the air! How about some new romance titles...with a twist?

NEW! Romance is in the air!

In February thoughts turn to hearts, cupids & Valentines, so we decided to share some recently published Romance titles…but these titles have a suspenseful twist! Download the list.

The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Angie and Cassie have been good friends and shared secrets and wishes for years. Now they are both looking for the wonderful man to complete their dreams of family. Angie even applied to a matchmaker. She was rejected. Cassie learned about it and decided to give Dr. Simon Dodson a chance to find the right match for her. Was she surprised at how cold and rude he was in that first interview! Actually, he was always like that. But the more he was business like, the more determined Cassie was to ask personal questions and find the real Simon inside that analytical mind. Before meeting the perfect match Simon asked her to complete three tasks. Each one was intended to help him know for sure that she would meet the desires of another client. One of those assignments turned into disaster with a wardrobe malfunction. The others proved to be unexpected experiences, also. Cassie fortunately had the funds to spend on this thirty thousand dollar experiment. But it would be worth it if Simon could find the man to help her have The Perfect Christmas.

Romantic Beach Reads - we've got 'em!

Paperback romances are perfect books to take to the beach because they are compact, light-weight & easily fit into purses or beach bags. Just click the links below to reserve in the catalog & drop by to pick them up!

    So here are some suggestions for terrific summer reading.

    If you like fantasy, try Truly, Madly Viking by Sandra Hill, which features a time-traveling Viking. Or Thoroughly Kissed by Kristine Grayson, a modern variant of the Sleeping Beauty story. Finding Mr. Right by Emily Carmichael, is about a vet & a photographer/dog rescuer who meet over a stray dog who is the reincarnation of a woman with a big debt to repay. In Patricia Gaffney's Outlaw in Paradise, a lovely saloon-keeper falls in love with a gunslinger. At least, she thinks he's a gunslinger. Isn't he?

    The heroic exploits of Whip Montana, in Geralyn Dawson's The Kissing Stars, have made him a folk hero among the people of west Texas, but to Tess Cameron he is no hero at all, he's the husband who walked out on her twelve long years ago. Mason St. Clair in Elizabeth Boyle's No Marriage of Convenience needs to marry a fortune, & quickly -- however, he falls in love with an actress who's definitely in debt. In Victoria Alexander's The Husband List, it is Lady Gillian Marley who must marry & within two months, or else she forfeits her inheritance. So she proposes to Richard, Lord Shelbrooke -- but finds he wants more than a marriage of convenience. In Susan Andersen's contemporary romance, All Shook Up, JD Carver comes into an unexpected inheritance -- part of a resort lodge in the state of Washington. He also falls in love with his new co-owner. Lady Sophia Howard, in Jill Barnett's Wicked, has lots of money for her dowry, but this medieval heroine wants Sir Tobin, the knight she's betrothed to, to love her for herself, not just her money.

    And finally, some of the early titles of Jennifer Crusie are coming out in reprint. Keep your eyes peeled for Getting Rid of Bradley -- but don't read it on an airplane sitting next to your 15-year-old son. You'll laugh so hard you'll embarrass him. ~by Ann Bouricius for Novelist

Runaway Heart Westward Dreams #1 by Jane Peart

Holly Lambeth grew up in Kentucky in a wealthy family. When old enough to be interested in beautiful gowns and parties she became part of the social gatherings of her city. When she had a proposal of marriage she was not excited but frustrated and put off giving an answer. Then everyone read in the society pages that her suitor had found another woman who said she would marry him. Holly had been jilted and her family arranged for her to escape the gossips by staying with a cousin in Oregon. Holly had not seen Hettie since they grew up together in Kentucky years before. When Holly arrived at the end of her journey she met Hettie's husband, Ned, and children Aurelia and Teddy. From the start Hettie was very hateful and unkind to Holly. This made for an unbearable visit except for the loving children and understanding Ned. In nice wather Holly went for walks to explore the area but then came the rainy season and then cold weather. Finally Holly applied for position of teacher at the one room school. When the council hired her to replace Mr. Larkin she moved into the small room provided for her in the school house. Holly became an important and welcomed member of the community. Men and women became her friends which make life there more acceptable. Hettie continued to be disagreeable to Holly though no one knew why. The town doctor, the newspaper editor and others invited her to town socials and outings. She was part of life in Oregon. When the doctor and Holly were driving in the countryside he was called on an emergency and Holly helped him. When the town was laid low with a smallpox epidemic Holly cared for children well and sick. Soon it was time for her to return to Kentucky. But would she?

Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn, decided to give a class for knitters who want to quit something. Alix Turner needs to quit smoking before she and Jordan get pregnant. Phoebe Rylander ended her engagement from a man who repeatedly used prostitutes and she is wanting to quit thinking about him. Bryan Hutchinson needs to deal with the stress of running his family business which is the maker of much loved and enjoyed chocolates.

Anne Marie Roche and her daughter, Ellen, continue to "work on" their lists of wishes. Ellen recently admitted that she would like to meet her father someday. Anne admitted that she would like to possibly start dating. Her husband died some time ago and it is time to move on. When Lydia and Brad applied to adopt an infant they were asked to foster a twelve year old girl for a couple days. But finding Casey a more long term foster family has proven difficult. And so is this time with Casey filled with hard feelings and resentment.

The Blossom Street friends come through with support as needed in some unexpected situations.

Hannah Grace The Daughters of Jacob Kane #1 by Sharlene Maclaren

Gabe accepted the job of sheriff in Sandy Shores, Michigan in 1903. On his way there he acquired a stowaway in his wagon. The boy remained a mystery because he wouldn't talk. By the time they arrived at Gabe's destination he had decided the boy would stay with him. As sheriff he would make contacts to learn of missing children hoping to reunite a family. Hannah Grace helped run her father's store and library. That is where she first met Gabe and his charge. She assumed the boy was Gabe's son and from the bruises on the child that Gabe was an abusive parent. When she learned the truth she volunteered to care for the boy during the day while Gabe was on duty. Fortunately they soon discovered a name label in his clothes so now they knew the boy's name-Jesse Gant. Another piece in the puzzle for Gabe to check on. Each day Jesse stayed with Hannah Grace and sometimes her two sisters or grandmother. As time went on Jesse was able to trust Gabe and Hannah Grace enough to relax and enjoy his surroundings. It became apparent that he had experienced or witnessed something awful and did not trust anyone easily. Hannah was almost engaged to Ralston, the doctor in town. He had definite ideas of his future and how he wanted Hannah to fit into them. Caring for a "street urchin" was not part of what was proper. But she cared deeply for Jesse and became friends with Gabe, too. What would they do when Jesse would be returned to his family?

A Cedar Cove Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Mary Jo Wyse finally realized that the man she had fallen in love with and the father of her developing baby had lied to her repeatedly and had no intention of being responsible for her or the baby. Two weeks before her due date she went to Cedar Cove to meet his parents, Ben and Charlotte Rhodes ,because he said he would be there. When she arrived in town she was unsuccessful in her search for the grandparents of her baby. She became very light headed and weak so 911 was called. After checking her vitals the responding EMT suggested she rest that day. Grace Harding was very helpful even to the point of taking Mary Jo home with her on Christmas Eve. Her husband, Cliff, and her children and grandchildren were happy to share their holiday with her. All of this friendliness and acceptance was warming the heart of a needy young woman. Mack, the EMT, had connected with Mary Jo and checked on her later in the day. Judge Olivia Griffin, the sister of the baby's father, David, also showed warmth to Mary Jo and had nothing but contempt for the man she knew so well as an irresponsible liar. Debbie Macomber has written a Christmas story that even includes a camel that bites and a sweet donkey that kept time with the drumming and singing on Christmas Eve. If you are unfamiliar with the original Christmas story read Luke chapter two before reading Debbie Macomber's tale. You will recognize similarities in the two.

The Note by Angela Hunt

Peyton MacGruder was called to the office of her editor, Nora Chilton, at the Tampa Times. According to a reader survey Nora tells Peyton that her column by the Heart Healer is not being read by enough people. Nora gives Peyton three weeks to bring up those reader numbers. In the meantime Peyton needs to consider where else she wants to work at the paper. On Wednesday, June 13, a flight left New York bound for Tampa. Chapter one gives details of that day including flight preparations by crew, controllers and pilots, what the passengers were doing during the flight, the food that was served in the air and the weather in New York and Tampa. Before reaching the Tampa airport the plane crashed, leaving questions as to what caused the tragedy. Of course, Tampa Times covered the crash with stories about the known facts. Days later someone stopped Peyton as she was leaving work. They gave her a sandwich bag containing a note which might have been written by a passenger of the ill fated flight. A friend at the newspaper, King, thought Peyton would save her column by finding the person who was to receive the note and writing about her search for her readers. He encouraged her to follow her heart. When Peyton wrote her first column about the note Nora read it and was surprised and upset by something she had not approved.
Then Peyton was approached by Julie St. Claire about sharing the story and getting television coverage of each step in that search. Even the CEO of the television station and newspaper asked Peyton to do this. When Peyton traveled to St. Louis for the first interview, Julie was there with a camera crew but Peyton had a signed confidentiality agreement from the first prospect. When Peyton agreed to share the story with Julie it was with the understanding that the outcome of the search would first appear in the Heart Healer on July 4. Julie St. Claire appeared with cameras at each interview location and was more invasive and upsetting to the prospects than was Peyton. Tanner Ford had even arranged with Julie to have coverage as he claimed the note was for him. Later Peyton was approached by a small strawberry blond at the lake in front of the newspaper building. She gave good reasons for claiming the note was meant for her. Julie St. Claire had planned a televised interview with Tanner Ford, the intended recipient of the note. Peyton knew he was lying and contacted him before that telecast. What would he do when Julie asked him his reaction to the note?
Hallmark's movie of The Note starred Genie Francis as Peyton MacGruder. King is played by Ted McGinley. Hallmark made several changes in the story for the movie such as the location of the newspaper and Peyton's home and the crash site. Some of the characters are different in the book and movie but both versions work. In both the book and movie there is a surprise revelation for Peyton herself and her friends. I saw the movie before reading the book and I suggest you enjoy both, too. Check the Hallmark schedule (it airs The Note Thursday evening September 18) to watch how the story unfolds and read the book which you will find on the library catalog.

At Home in Dry Creek by Janet Tronstad

Barbara Strong caught the bridal bouquet while everyone watched. Including the sheriff. Since she had moved to Dry Creek with her children it seemed that people did not trust her or accept her in their midst. Actually Sheriff Wall had asked the citizens of Dry Creek to let her get settled in her home before asking her for favors, to be on committees or do odd jobs for social functions. He also asked the ranch hands not to date her for a year. In the meantime, he had her under surveillance. Barbara's ex-husband was in prison for his part in a robbery. But the money had never been recovered and the FBI hoped Barbara would lead them to it or at least one of the other robbers. What they did not know or believe was that she was trying to forget Neal and make a new life for herself, Amanda and Bobby. Life for Barbara took on new excitement and purpose when she agreed to help Sheriff Wall with his reelection campaign. He really did not feel the need of a campaign but liked the idea of meeting with Barbara and becoming better acquainted with her. Soon Linda at the cafe in town and Mrs. Hargrove were helping Carl in his efforts to date Barbara, even though she said they were meetings, not dates. She was not interested in dating or marriage again. She just wanted to be a good mother for Amanda and Bobby. Someday, too, she hoped the people of Dry Creek would include her in their events-maybe even ask her to pour coffee at a social. The sheriff and ranch hands in the area found that she was a caring and enjoyable addition to their town.

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

Anne Marie had invited several women to meet at her bookstore after hours on Valentine's day for a special celebration. These women were all widows and felt left out of the usual activities of the day. Their celebration was for life and friendship. During their sharing several suggestions were made including volunteer work, helping someone else and making a list of wishes. A discussion of the list better developed the idea. Twenty seemed like a good number and the items should be wishes or dreams, not goals or things to accomplish as on a 'honey do list.' The idea caught on and as time went by each woman who made a list seemed to be renewed or energized. Anne Marie decided to try volunteering at a grade school relating to one little girl. Just this act was life changing for both Anne Marie and her new friend. Lillie and Barbie both lost their husbands in the same plane crash and they were now interested in new love. People who were not in the 'widow group' were intrigued with the list and began their own. Such a simple act as making a list can have amazing results with ripple effects. The group members met frequently to share what was happening in their lives and how the lists helped them. I enjoyed reading this story with unexpected twists and turns and think a list may be a good thing.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The worms have taken over the Earth. It wasn't a loud invasion. There
was just a subtle shift. People started behaving...nicely...toward each
other. The news reports were bland. Wars stopped. A few humans figured
out what was going on and ran before they could be caught. Before an
insertion was performed. Hid out in deserted areas and scavenged for
food. Melanie is one of the hidden. She and her brother Jamie hide for
years before running into another human, Jared. Then Melanie sees her cousin on TV
while they're raiding a house for food. Thinking her cousin might still
be human, Melanie goes to the city to find her. That's when she's
caught and an insertion is performed. Melanie is relegated to the back
while Wanderer takes over her body. Melanie can only sit in Wanderer's
mind and talk to her, which is more than most humans can do after an
insertion. Melanie sends Wanderer memories of her life, her brother,
and Jared. And, eventually, Wanderer realizes that it's not only
Melanie in love with Jared, Melanie's body remembers that love. Between
the voice in her head and the body she's wearing, Wanderer has fallen
in love with Jared, too. Melanie and Wanderer begin to work together to
escape the Seeker who stalks them by finding the hiding place Melanie
is sure Jared and Jamie have retreated to. Will they escape the Seeker,
or lead her straight to the hideout? Will Jared know Melanie, or will
he see only the parasite that took over her body? Will true love win in
the end?

The Host is an amazing sci-fi story of love and
humanity. It is very different from Meyer's other published titles, but
it pulls the reader in just like her popular vampire series (Twilight, etc.). I was leery at first, but in the end I really enjoyed The Host and hope for more from this author.

Boys That Bite, Stake That!, and Girls That Growl by Mari Mancusi

Sunshine and Rayne are twins but could not be more different. Sunny prefers flips, tanks and jeans while Rayne uses white makeup, black fingernail polish and owns only one non-black item of clothing (a pink tee sporting the slogan "Bite Me"). Rayne is moody and a social outcast. Sunny is popular and, well, sunny. So when Rayne asks Sunny to go to a Goth club, it's Sunny's idea of the worst possible evening. But she loves her sister, so she puts on the Bite Me t-shirt and prepares for a boring night. Then Magnus comes along, sweeps her off her feet, and bites her...by accident. It's a case of mistaken identity - Magnus mistook Sunny for her darker twin. Now Sunny is the one turning into a vampire and Rayne will have to go back on the waiting list to find a new sponsor. Unless...could they can find a cure in time to prevent the transformation?

In book two, Stake That!, Rayne's plans to vamp out again take a turn for the worst as she's taken aside by the drama teacher and told that she's "the chosen one," the new Slayer (seems the current slayer, Bertha, is having a cholesterol and high blood pressure problem and must retire). There's something funny going on at a vamp club downtown and Rayne must investigate. Fortunately, thanks to Sunny, Rayne has some friends on the inside to help out. One, Jareth, is Rayne's idea of perfection: dark, moody, emo, built, etc. Too bad he hates her...

In book three, Girls That Growl, Rayne must go undercover...as a cheerleader! The squad has been heard growling lately, and there's a football player missing...

These three books are fun and light, perfect for pool or seaside (or hotel room, if sunlight isn't your thing).

Vampire Kisses by Ellen Schreiber

Outcast Goth girl Raven is bored, bored, bored with living in Dullsville. She spends her time exploring the local cemetary, painting her nails black and dreaming of her ideal Prince Charming (a vampire, natch). Her favorite house in town is the old Sterling mansion, which has been abandoned for years and is rumored to be haunted. But one day a new family moves in, and Raven is in Goth heaven. She immediately takes steps to try and find out if the family is a vampire coven. When she finally meets the son, Alexander, she drops hints to try and get him to confide his undead status. Finally, she figures the best way to find out...is to get bitten!

Raven is a fun character. Attired in black with black combat boots, lipstick and nail polish, she totally does not fit in with the Abercrombie & Fitch teens who populate Dullsville. When she meets Alexander, she thinks she's finally found her soulmate - someone with whom she can explore cemetaries and watch old horror movies. But what if Alexander really is a vampire? Is Raven really ready to join the ranks of the undead?

Flavor of the Week by Tucker Shaw

Overweight high school senior Cyril has two secret loves: Cooking and Rose. Of the two, he considers cooking the only attainable goal. Rose - beautiful, vegetarian, perfect Rose - will never see him as anything but a friend. So Cyril concentrates on his cooking, perfecting recipe after recipe to prepare for his AICA (American Institute of Culinary Arts) entrance exam. Meanwhile, an old friend, Nick, moves back into town. At first Cyril is ecstatic, since he and Nick were once inseperable friends. But then Nick gets interested in Rose. And even worse, Rose becomes interested in the supermodel gorgeous Nick. And when Nick asks for his friend Cyril's help in winning Rose over with a homecooked meal, Cyril reluctantly agrees. Thus begins a subterfuge involving food, lies and good intentions.

Cyril is a definite underdog, and readers will find themselves falling in love with him and his cooking. The characters are all well-developed for such a short story, and the plot moves quickly. The book is also filled with recipes, the names of which act as titles for the chapters (I can't wait to try the Kitchen-Sink Cookies!). If you think it's a bit predictable, you're right. It's a retelling of the play Cyrano de Bergerac by Rostand.

Return to Promise by Debbie Macomber

Nicole Nelson likes dating married men and she moved to Promise, Texas with a plan destined to shake up the grapevine and the lives of many people. Her previous roommate had been engaged to Cal Patterson before he met and married Dr. Texas. Now Nicole wants to date Cal and her plan is to cause friction between Cal and his wife. Jane's father was having serious health problems which drew his daughter and grandchildren to California for a visit. Nicole used that time to be helpful to Cal and let the grapevine spread that news. One of the hallmarks of Promise is the friendships which are formed and forged through the years. Nicole Nelson was unaware of this strength shared by Cal, Jane and their friends.

Tairen Soul

Lord of the Fading Lands
Lady of Light and Shadows

By C.L. Wilson

These are the first two books in a fantasy romance series called Tairen Soul. Supposedly they are about the Fey. Fey usually meaning Fairies, the Tuatha de Dannan, Titiana and Oberon, etc. Well, not in these books. The author tacks the name Fey onto a “magical” race that is entirely of her own creation, with no real connection to the rich folklore of our fantastical creatures.

I wish I could say this mix of two genres produced something new and fresh, but it didn’t. In part, because the author used generic plots and characters from both genres in a mostly generic manner. Set in a pseudo medieval fantasy world, handsome, powerful, but with a tortured past, king of the Fey finds his truemate in a pretty, good hearted, but possessed by demons, woodcarver’s daughter. Except, of course, she’s not really of such humble origins. Dark times are on the horizon, as the Eld, evil magic users, are secretly gathering their forces to strike at a human kingdom that doesn’t want to believe the threat is all that bad.

There were some interesting characterizations that were never followed up. For example, our hero lost his first wife in a war with the Eld, and literally went crazy with grief. Ostensibly, his feelings still remain, but now he’s truemated to someone he knows nothing of. This gets mentioned a couple of times, but usually as an excuse for the heroine to beat herself up for not being worthy, instead of exploring the hero’s emotional changes and this new relationship.

And I found any number of the secondary characters more interesting. One of the heroine’s Fey guards, Belliard vel Jelani, who is one step away from going over to the dark side. Gaelen vel Serranis, a legendary Fey warrior who’s gone over to the dark side. Granted, the dark side isn’t all that dark, as it’s more about banishment, than doing evil deeds. The few human border lords siding with the Fae against the Eld. Or the poor Fey who finds his truemate, only to find she’s married to someone else.

But then there are the Tairen. Another magical race, which are somehow bonded? with the Fey to the point that some of the Fey have Tairen souls? and can shapeshift into these creatures. Yes, I find them confusing. And despite reading two books, I still can’t figure out WHY they are in the books at all. Other than the author thought giant winged cats would be cool.

All that said, I did read both books. They aren’t bad; they just didn’t live up to my expectations. If you like Christine Feehan or Sherrilyn Kenyon (aka Kinley MacGregor), or romance books about soulmates, and want to branch out to books with more world building of the fantasy nature, you will probably enjoy these books.