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UnderratedReads is devoted to discovering underrated books and under-represented authors. We highlight hidden gems from around the world–honest reviews only, never pay-to-play.
Category Archives: Romance
Best Woman – Rose Dommu
(Reviewed by JD Jung) In times like these, when the world feels heavy and overwhelming, many of us crave a light and fun read. That’s what drew me to Best Woman. Yes, it’s light and humorous on the surface, but … Continue reading
So Happy Together – Olivia Worley
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Twenty-four-year-old aspiring playwright Jane Williams thinks she’s met her soul mate, Colin Hillgrove. The problem is that Colin doesn’t feel the same way. In fact, he broke up with her after six dates in less than … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Romance
Tagged crime thriller, fatal attraction, New York City
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Marguerite by the Lake – Mary Dixie Carter
(Reviewed by JD Jung) Phoenix Sullivan loves her work as a gardener. She has the experience of a landscape architect, but not the degree. She especially enjoys working on the gorgeous grounds of Rosecliff, the home and property of Marguerite … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Romance
Tagged gardening, infidelity, love, Psychosis
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You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty-Akwaeke Emezi
(Reviewed by JD Jung) #CommissionsEarned I must admit that I’m not a romantic, and I very seldom read romance novels. That said, You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Nigerian author Akwaeke Emezi takes this genre to … Continue reading
Posted in Romance
Tagged Contemporary Romance, grief, love, Romance
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Songs by Honeybird – Peter McDade
(Reviewed by Pat Luboff) #CommissionsEarned “Find your focus and the story may write itself: music and drugs, race and gender, a tragic barn fire and a missing body. It’s all much more dramatic than one usually sees in a dissertation….” … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Reviewers' Top Picks, Romance
Tagged friendship, history, music, philosophy, Romance, sexism
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Dangerous Conjectures – Brian Finney
(reviewed by JD Jung) “She couldn’t decide which was deteriorating faster—her life or the country. They were all in the hands of a president who was spreading misinformation as fast as the virus was spreading infection across the world.” “Even … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Political fiction, Romance
Tagged adultery, COVID-19, disinformation, drug addiction, emotion, facts, family, misinformation, QAnon, San Francisco
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200 Letters – Amy Watkins
(Reviewed by Jeyran Main) 200 Letters is a romance novel written about Angela and Ethan. Angela comes from an abusive relationship that was causing great misery. Ethan is unhappily married, working at the same office as Angela. They meet, and … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Romance
Tagged coming-of-age, Contemporary Romance, forgiveness, Romance
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The Woman in the Park -Teresa Sorkin , Tullan Holmqvist
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Thérèse, residing in damp obscurity, in gloomy, crushing silence, saw life expand before her in all its nakedness, each night bringing the same cold couch, and each morn the same empty day.” “But inwardly, she lived … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Romance
Tagged mental illness, mystery, PTSD
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Renegade Pawn (Lucas Rocha Thriller Series Book 1) – Craig S. Wilson
(Reviewed by JD Jung) “Most favelados are treated like renegades. In reality they are pawns in a much bigger game.” Rio de Janeiro, 2008 – Sixteen-year-old Lucas Rocha is suddenly faced with the responsibility of caring for his two younger … Continue reading
Posted in Crime, Mystery and Thrillers, Romance
Tagged crime fiction, poverty, Rio de Janeiro
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Bella Toscana – Nanette Littlestone
(Reviewed by Jeyran Main) Bella Toscana is a contemporary novel written about a woman who decides to take a trip to the beautiful land of Italy. As a married woman, she meets professor Flynn and that is when she begins … Continue reading
Posted in Modern Literary Fiction, Romance
Tagged Italy
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