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Staff Picks

This was a book club book a while back and the more I think about it, the more I realize how much I love it. I've read a lot of romances and yet I've never read one about two ace characters happy and in a healthy, loving relationship. People don't we deserve or should want HEA's. This book show's otherwise. [Danielle]

Expect smart sexy characters, witty banter, and the collision of glam metal with Phantom of the Opera vibes--I've not been disappointed by one of Jen Comfort's romances. She builds passion out of the passions of her characters, and the conflicts they face make for a good plot. [Blanca]

I read this book when it first came out five years ago. I still remember clutching my chest in pain from the angst. It's just as good now as it was then and remains one of my favorite romances of all time. I wouldn't call it taboo but I know not everyone is into the idea of a girl getting with her ex's dad. I was into it but that's me and my issues I've learned to accept. [Danielle]

This anthology is stacked with talent. In twenty-seven stories we encounter dark forces both seen and unseen, exploring that which haunts or bolsters us from the beyond. I enjoyed stories from familiar favorites, as well as several authors who were new to me. This is why anthologies make such great gifts: they're an opportunity for readers to discover many new authors at once, serving as a jumping off point for much more reading to come. [Adrienne]

The best poetry I've read this year is in this collection! I read it cover to cover, underlined, and drew little hearts at every line, stanza, metaphor I loved. Megan Fernandes astounded me with her control of structure and form. [Blanca]

Full disclosure, I bought this book on aesthetics alone. I was more than pleasantly surprised to find not only a really sweet romance that doesn't take forever to get to, but charming characters and a sweet story. It's not for kids because of some content towards the end but it is still wholesome and heartwarming. The perfect slice of life manga to cozy up with. [Danielle]

Omg yum! The Everyday Savory Chili Crisp is worth the price of admission alone. I was skeptical when the author suggested doubling the recipe, which already yields 4 cups, but I can admit when I'm wrong! Once you have homemade chili crisp in the fridge, you have a quick and easy shortcut to the most flavorful meals. In addition to soups, rice and noodle dishes, and other mainstays, I've also enjoyed experimenting with some of the less obvious chili crisp applications, like granola and shortbread cookies. [Adrienne]

Human Sacrifices is a wildly imaginative collection and reading it was perhaps the most haunting experience of my literary life. Consider this my top spooky season recommendation, although expect less "spooky" and more gothic, social, and existential horror. [Adrienne]

Sagan's debut novel made her famous back when it was first published in 1954. With good reason! It is beautifully written. I could not put it down, and when I finished it, I was stunned. [Blanca]

This book is a trip. It's an atmospheric, meandering noir with no particular end point and I found it compelling from the jump, almost perplexingly so. I'd say it's all vibes, but that would sell Cárdenas's wonderfully strange and spellbinding prose, as well as Davis's superb translation, far too short. I'm willing to bet it's unlike anything else you've read this year. [Adrienne]