You Should Smile More

October 1, 2022

DEBUT Ryan's debut is a funny novel of fraud, kittens, and romance. Vanessa Blair works as a telemarketer to pay her rent and feed her foster kittens. One day her perpetually barefooted boss, Xavier, calls her into his office and fires her for having a dark soul and an evil face. How is that legal! After the shock wears off, Vanessa files for unemployment. When Xavier contests her claim and it comes under investigation, she meets the handsome, cat-loving Carter Beckett. Vanessa and Carter get to know each other, and an unlikely beginning gives way to a romance. Then, Vanessa's friend, Jane, who was fired at the same time, wants answers to what is going on with the company. They decide to bug Xavier's office to see what they can learn through eavesdropping. Their revenge plot goes amusingly awry with the help of some mischievous calico kittens. VERDICT A quirky coming-of-age tale and sweet romance with unique characters and improbable situations. Great for readers who want a happily-ever-after with a cozy twist.--Kristen Stewart

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November 1, 2022
This quirky novel about three coworkers who settle for payback instead of being walked all over will make readers laugh and keep them rooting for the heroines. Vanessa has been working in the same dead-end job for years when out of the blue she's unceremoniously let go. The reason--her face and expressions have been deemed insubordinate in the office. Shocked and ashamed to be fired, Vanessa joins forces with two friends to get back at the company men who have made their work lives unbearable. Helpful tips from The Art of War, by Sun Tzu, inspire silly antics that will bring a smile to the face of any reader. Ryan's fun and original workplace revenge fantasy is filled with kittens, glitter bombs, and friendship. Fans of Dietland, by Sarai Walker (2015), will enjoy the slightly unhinged lengths Vanessa, Jane, and Trisha go to to right the wrongs inflicted on them by an eccentric employer who is definitely up to no good. Perfect for anyone who's ever been told "you'd be so pretty if you smiled more."

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December 1, 2022
When a telemarketer is fired because of her face, she and two colleagues embark on a harebrained quest to take down their boss in this comedic debut. Vanessa Blair never thought there was anything particularly wrong with her face. Though she made the occasional eye roll or grimace about yet another employer-mandated team-building exercise, Nessa certainly never thought her "resting bitch face" would warrant her getting sacked from a telemarketing gig at Directis. Then Xavier Adams, her smarmy, perpetually barefoot boss, terminated her employment on account of her face and "dark soul," leaving Nessa with a measly three days' pay and sketchy severance agreement. When her co-workers Jane Delaney and Trisha Lam have similar experiences with Xavier, the three women begin to ruminate on their time at Directis. What kind of work environment hands out Underperforming Employee of the Week certificates? After a drunken night of bashing Xavier, Nessa finds herself enmeshed in a scheme with Jane and Trisha to destroy their boss and uncover whatever fishy business is keeping Directis afloat. Hijinks ensue with a revenge plot consisting of glitter-bombing the office AC unit, stealing Xavier's hairless cat, and the formation of the Bridge Brigade, an espionage unit comprising Nessa's mom and the neighborhood bridge ladies. Even Carter Beckett, the hot tattooed unemployment officer in charge of Nessa's case, can tell that Directis is keeping secrets. Can Nessa and her friends prove that Directis is more than just a crappy job before Xavier ruins their career chances? Reminiscent of The Office and 9 to 5, Ryan's debut is a slapstick blend of comedy and heart, with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and strong female heroines. It's a wonder that Nessa and her co-workers stayed at Directis as long as they did--Xavier Adams is Michael Scott meets Miranda Priestly, "body slamming the English language" with phrases like "tweam" and forcing employees to play musical chairs dressed as mermaids. Readers will want to see Xavier get his due and will be grateful the women stick around long enough to show him who's boss. A wacky ode to the resting bitch face.

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