Dark Night: a True Batman Story by Paul Dini

An exceptionally well-written memoir about a brutal beating, Dark Night recounts the traumatic recovery the author survived to overcome fear, pain, and rage. Eduardo Risso's illustrations in watercolors are phenomenal and add a complementary beauty to a truly horrific survivor's tale. Dini is unflinching in his portrayal of himself and others; he is frequently a rather unlikable person yet remains completely empathetic by baring his humanity, flaws and all. The DC comics characters and other cartoon characters periodically inserted as part of Dini's imagination and thought process might jar some readers but will feel right at home and even necessary to comic and graphic novel lovers.

Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend Nick, she imagines this will just be a fun summer and a great chance to meet his family and see Singapore before returning to the simple life they live in New York. But Rachel has no idea that Nick is Nicholas Young (of the Youngs, one of Singapore's most established and wealthiest families). Rachel is thrown into a storm of gossip, money, interfering relatives, family secrets, and some seriously mean girls. The bonds of love are tested, and Rachel must decide whether she can handle being with Nick and therefore being tangled up in his family.

This book is so, so much fun. Kwan's writing style is snappy and electric, fizzing across the page and leading you ever further into this vivid world of designer clothes, exquisite architecture, amazing houses, and old family drama. The characters in this book are definitely the kind that you love to hate.

There is a sequel out (China Rich Girlfriend), and a third book (Rich People Problems) is expected to come out May 2017.

The Soldier's Scoundrel by Cat Sebastian

Former thief Jack Turner makes a living as a private investigator working for women and the poor. Oliver Rivington, a straight-laced retired army captain and the younger son of an earl, barges into Jack’s office, demanding the return of £200 spent by his sister for Jack’s dubious services. To prove his business is legitimate, Jack invites Oliver to observe his next appointment, a wealthy lady blackmailed by a former lover. Bored with no other occupation, Oliver inserts himself into Jack’s investigation, believing Jack will resort to illegal methods to resolve the case. Alternatively, Jack is deeply distrustful of the aristocracy and wants nothing to do with law-abiding Oliver. Initially drawn to each other for physical comfort, their attraction blooms into something more, but can love breach the distance between classes?

Verdict Debut author Sebastian solidly portrays the prejudice of class differences and the injustice of a flawed legal system skewed in favor of rich men. Sweetly prim Oliver and the roguish Jack will quickly win the hearts of readers, while the mysterious blackmail investigation keeps them invested to the end. An excellent choice not just for M/M romance fans but also for Regency fans with a penchant for vigilante justice.

This review was originally published in Library Journal Xpress Reviews: E-Originals, September 29, 2016.