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All Systems Red

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All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Format: Book, eBook, digital audiobook
Who it’s for: Adults

Working for a money-hungry interplanetary research company is hard. It’s even harder if you’re a self-aware SecUnit (security unit) AI tasked with keeping humans safe. Humans determined to complete useful research can be extremely annoying by not worrying about their safety on hazardous planets. Murderbot, as the SecUnit secretly refers to itself, just wants its assigned humans to be safe so it can spend its off-hours watching television in peace. When the humans decide to challenge their less than honorable employees, Murderbot wants to just ignore their well-intentioned bravery and go back to its shows. But somehow these aggravating humans have gotten under Murderbot’s armor and it just can’t seem to let them down.

All Systems Red is a great example of a novella done well. Somehow in only a few short chapters, author Martha Wells makes you care about this grumpy AI who would really prefer that you didn’t waste your time doing so. With dark humor and sarcastic wit, you will be looking up book two of the Murderbot Diaries (Artificial Condition) as soon as you finish reading All Systems Red.

Find All Systems Red in the Catalog 

Find All Systems Red on Hoopla

The Soulmate Equation

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The Soulmate Equation by Christina Lauren
Format: Book, eBook, digital audiobook
Who it’s for: Adults

Single mom Jess Davis lives a life consumed by numbers. As a free-lance statistician, Jess cannot stop thinking about numbers, even when the work day is done. She constantly sees the number of extra hours she will need to work, the number of dollars she needs to make ends meet, and the number of years until she can finally relax. One item that does not merit a number on her list of worries is dating. But when Jess learns of a DNA based dating app that uses highly scientific data to match potential partners, she can’t help but be intrigued. However, when she is matched at a near-Soulmate level to the grumpy CEO of the company, Dr. River Pena, Jess isn’t sure if playing by the numbers is going to help her figure out love. Writing duo Christina Lauren are masters at writing swoon-worthy books, and The Soulmate Equation is no exception.

Check out The Soulmate Equation in the catalog 

The Blacksmith Queen

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The Blacksmith Queen by G.A. Aiken
Format: Book
Who it’s for: Adults 

Keeley Smith loves her life. She has the best family. She gets to work at her beloved blacksmith forge every day. She is strong (very strong) and she gets to spend her days doing what she loves with the people she loves. So when a prophecy suggests that Keeley’s extremely smart, though odd sister, Beatrix, is destined to be the next queen, Keeley knows she will do whatever she needs to do to protect her sister. But as it often happens in games of political intrigue and the making of kings and queens, nothing is what it seems. Keeley will have to fight for her life and that of her family while also fighting to save the kingdom she calls home. 

G.A. Aiken creates a world filled with magic, battles, betrayal, true love, and a heroine you will want to cheer on at every turn. Keeley Smith is not entirely sure she is destined for greatness, but as you read the story, you will have no doubt that she is. The Blacksmith Queen is the first book in a new series by G.A. Aiken. Find it in the catalog. 

Spellbound

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Spellbound by Allie Therin
Format: Hoopla
Who it is for: Adults

Arthur (Ace) Kenzie leads a double life. By day he is the son of a prominent politician and a member of the upper class. By night, he works with his paranormal friends to save the world from the supernatural relics that could cause the destruction of mankind. A new relic has appeared and Ace needs someone who can see into the past to keep the relic from causing havoc. Rory, the grumpy, young, and extremely powerful paranormal fits the bill. However, the last thing Ace needs is to fall for this grouchy but very handsome young man. 

If you are looking for an incredibly sweet paranormal romance set during prohibition in the heart of New York, Allie Therin’s delightful book absolutely fits the bill. Filled with mystery and longing looks, Spellbound is a wonderful escape. Find the audiobook on Hoopla. 

The Hating Game

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The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
Who it’s for: Adults
Format: eBook, Digital Audiobook

Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman work as assistants to the C0-CEOs at the recently merged Bexley and Gammon Publishing House. Lucy and Joshua keep the office running. The only problem is that Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate one another. The two assistants may be the most competent employees at B and G Publishing, but they are also the two most likely to be sent to HR. With all the games they play to bring one another down, neither is expecting to be brought down by love. The Hating Game is a smart and steamy enemies-to-lovers romance that will have readers laughing and swooning until the very end.

You can find the Hating Game by Sally Thorne on Hoopla and on Overdrive/Libby.

Red, White & Royal Blue

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Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Format: Book, eBook, Audiobook
Who it’s for: Adults

Alex hates Henry. Henry is pompous, stuffy, and obviously has no sense of humor. But when a small argument causes an international incident, Alex and Henry are forced to play nice. For these young men are not your typical 20-somethings. Alex is the son of the first female president of the United States and Henry is the younger grandson of the Queen of England and 3rd in line for the throne. Therefore, despite their obvious disdain for one another, Alex and Henry must strike up a fake friendship for the good of national relations. But as they spend time together at public events where the ever-present press can snap photos of their fake friendship, it soon becomes clear that Henry and Alex do not hate one another. Instead, it’s very possible they are falling in love. How are the FSOTUS (first son of the United States) and a British royal supposed to make this work? With humor, feeling and a bit of shenanigan, Casey McQuiston gives readers a truly beautiful love story and a delightful romance with an HEA (happily ever after).
Find it in the catalog.