Review: The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne

The Heart's Invisible Furies by John Boyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was really late getting to this novel despite hearing raves for months. And I really wish I'd picked it up earlier ... it's a beautiful novel. It think this one will definitely be in my 2018 favorites list. This is a novel that explores the life of a man named Cyril from his birth (in the 1940s) through today in Ireland. It is about family, friendship, love, and identity. The novel tells the story of Cyril but it's so much more than just a story of one man's life. It's so fantastic! I don't want to tell you too much because it was wonderful to just fall into this book. It's a sweeping novel that just took my breath away.

One of the interesting aspects of this novel is the exploration of the political and cultural impact of the Catholic Church on life in Ireland over time. I definitely 'knew' about it but this novel really make it come alive for me. I also loved the exploration of identity - who we are, how we present ourselves to the world and how societal norms impact those things.

I will say that sometimes Cyril drove me crazy ... but I think that was the point! He didn't always make the best decisions or do the right thing ... and I could relate to that aspect. Even if he didn't do what I would have done ... He isn't a perfect character but he is engaging and compelling.

Heartbreaking, life-affirming, witty, thoughtful and so much more! I highly recommend this novel. So good!

[I'm nervous to say this but ... it was somewhat similar to A Little Life but not nearly as emotional or cutting. A Little Life KILLED me whereas this one simply punched me in the gut. But, it has a similar emotional resonance but just a little tamer than A Little Life. But, it has a similar feel in terms of scope.]

Review: Hard Sell by Lauren Layne

Hard Sell by Lauren Layne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Could not put this down! Loved it even more than the first book in the series. I was intrigued by Matt and Sabrina when reading the first book so I'm excited to get his story. These two are so HOT ... although this book is a take on the whole enemies to lovers trope, I think it was so well done.
It wasn't just a series of petty arguments ... there was so much more than that. They are both struggling and their difficulty with vulnerability makes for a great story. I love the characters in this series ... they all work together so perfectly! You won't regret reading this one.

This one will be released on September 4th!

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Review: The Breakup by Erin McCarthy

The Breakup by Erin McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I enjoyed the first book in this series, I was eager to pick this one up. I liked this one as well but it took a little bit of time to get there. This series is a bit grittier than much of what I read which is one of the reasons that I like it. It feels a bit different and novel to me. The characters are flawed with a capital F. But, one of the things I love about this one is that the book allows you to watch the characters really grow as people. The heroine, Bella, was particularly difficult to like initially. But, she came together for me as she grew as a person. Christian is a fascinating hero and I loved learning more about him as the book moved forward. They are a really interesting couple and I loved watching them grow into each other over the book. Really liked this one ... warning - it's quite sexy so if that's not your kind of romance, this won't be for you. But, if you're ok with some heat, this is a good one to read!

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of the book for an honest review.

Review: Tossed Into Love by Aurora Rose Reynolds

Tossed Into Love by Aurora Rose Reynolds
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I adored the first novel in this series so I was so excited to pick this one up. Although I didn't love it as much as the first in the series, it is a good one. Part of what I struggled with for this one is the hero ... his treatment of the heroine at the beginning of the novel was difficult for me to move past. But, I eventually did as he began to explain his actions and grow from them. Libby is the BEST so it was hard to get over how Antonio treated her ... but he did redeem himself. It was exciting to see her grow and figure out her future over the span of the book. I definitely recommend this series. Reynolds has done a wonderful job creating this world and these characters. This one is pretty sexy so if you prefer your romance to be tamer, you may not love this one. Can't wait to go pick up the 2nd in the series. And January needs to hurry up so I can read the 4th! Really liked this one and recommend it.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for my honest review.

Review: Down with Love by Kate Meader

Down with Love by Kate Meader
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Let me start with Kate Meader ... love her and was SO excited to see that she had a new series! This first novel in the series was so good that I'm really looking forward to seeing what's to come with the series. Max is a fantastic hero - he is jaded about love after years as a divorce attorney. It was so fun to see him grow as a man in this book. And Charlie ... she is fantastic - a wedding planner who is seeking love. She's a great character - full of sass and intelligence that hide her insecurities. And their story is so good - the build up is fantastic, the side characters come alive on the page and I could not put this book down. I connected with this couple and loved watching them come together. Charlie's foster parents were a stand out for me ... love the side story about their relationship. All in all, LOVE this one and highly recommend. (And if you haven't tried Kate Meader, you should ... she's a great romance writer).

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.

Review: Wedding Surprise by Ann B. Harrison

Wedding Surprise by Ann B. Harrison
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I struggled with this one a bit. I liked some aspects but didn't like others. But, there were some things that I had a hard time getting past that impacted the overall experience of reading it. There wasn't a lot to this romance ... it was more of a story about coming home again and making amends with your past. There wasn't much actual romance to be had in this one - I'd definitely classify this one as a CLOSED door romance. I wonder if reading the earlier novels in the series would have helped me with this one a bit - I felt like I was catching up on the history of this couple for the entire book. Many of the decisions made by the various characters didn't make sense to me. I could have lived with one or two but it felt like every decision made didn't make sense to me based on the story. And it felt like the hero and heroine (and the other characters) all had the same conversation over and over and over. The story just never came together for me and I didn't love it. It's a fine book but it didn't blow me away. I'm not sure why but it appears that others enjoyed it more than I did. So, if the premise sounds interesting, please give it a shot.

NOTE: Thank you for the publisher for a free copy of the book for an honest review.

Review: Fling Club by Tara Brown

Fling Club by Tara Brown
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I don't think I'm the audience for this book ... it was definitely a YA romance but I could not get past some of the big flaws that I found while reading. The entire fling club concept was insulting and I can't believe smart girls would go along with this and ever think it was ok. Maybe I'm just jaded but I found it to be ridiculous. The hero and heroine were fine but I think the only character that I actually really enjoyed was Ella (Cherry's sister) and she was very much a side character. There was a lot of repetition in the narrative which didn't work for me. But, what concerned me the most, was the slut shaming that was repetitively brought up over and over. I don't think it's a good message - particularly for a romance that is geared towards teens. All in all, this novel did not work for me. But, the reviews on this one say something very different as many readers didn't feel similarly to me. So, if the premise sounds good to you, I'd recommend that you give it a shot. Perhaps my own issues and perspective didn't make for a good match with this one.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free copy for an honest review.

Review: In Too Deep by Dani Collins

In Too Deep by Dani Collins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Since I enjoyed the previous book in this series, I was looking forward to this one. And it was good but not great. It is a good read but there were flaws that I had a hard time getting past. For one, the hero was annoying for the vast majority of the book. I just could not get connected with him. He was often flippant and seemed to be frustratingly obtuse. I did eventually connect with him but it took entirely too long for me. I love Wren and Sky ... they were what is the best about this book. Once I warmed up to Trigg, it all came together for me. But, not liking him for most of the book really impacted my overall impression of the book. I know that the point was that Trigg was difficult but Collins ended up making him too unlikeable for me. But, it's still a good book. Based on the reviews, most readers didn't have this issue with Trigg so definitely give it a shot.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Review: Making Chase by Lauren Dane

Making Chase by Lauren Dane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although this is the 4th in a series, this one is definitely able to be read as a stand-alone novel. I really liked the dynamic that's been set up in this novel. You don't always see a girl from the wrong side of the tracks with a guy from the right side of the track's dynamic done well but I really liked how it played out in this book. The heroine is fantastic although she's got a lot of insecurity. I love how her romance with the hero helped her work through those issues. She is such a kind, hard-working character and it was nice to see her begin to find more balance so she can also take care of herself instead of just taking care of everyone else. The families in this book are fantastic! I'm not sure they were truly realistic (who is so perfect?) but they were great to read about. It was nice to see Matt work hard to make his relationship with Tate work - to help her address what needed to be addressed so she could fully open herself up to their relationship. It was a really fantastic novel. I will note that there is a lot of sex in this one - it's definitely an OPEN door romance. If explicit sex isn't for you, I'd skip this one. But, if that's ok with you, you'll find lots of sexy time in this one.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Review: Playing Hurt by Kelly Jamieson

Playing Hurt by Kelly Jamieson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I quite like this series and I found this new addition to the series to be rather good. I loved Jordyn and Chase - their witty banter and the growth of their relationship was so well done. I love how well Jamieson balances the sweetness of relationships with the sexy heat of relationships. The balance is really good and one of the reasons that I enjoy this series. I found myself grabbing every moment that I can to get back to reading this one. I highly recommend this book as well as the series as a whole. Although part of a series, each of them is written as a stand-alone so jumping in at any point will be fine.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Review: Reckless by Leigh LaValle

Reckless by Leigh LaValle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a solid romance that I liked. It didn't blow me away but it was a good opposite attract romance. It had a little bit of everything - humor, emotional depth, and a quite solid HEA. I love the yoga hippie/workaholic interactions that were interwoven into the story. The extreme differences between the heroine and hero really made for an interesting read. Although it's the second in a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. I liked this one but didn't love it. If the opposites attract trope is your thing, you will likely really enjoy it!

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Review: The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager

The Last Time I Lied by Riley Sager
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really liked Riley Sager's first novel and this follow up was just as good for me (maybe even a smidge better ...). I admire Sager's ability to create a sinister mood that gives the reader a strong sense of unease while also making the reader never want to put the book down! Although my own camp experiences were very different than the one described in the book (I was much older when I went to camp), I found the entire camping aspect of the story to be so well done! The setting that Sager created was fantastic and really give the book a sense of realness. This book is an excellent example of a psychological thriller - it kept me on my toes, made me think, kept me guessing and made me think. All the things I love in a good thriller! Overall, I found this to be a really satisfying thriller. It may be one of the best thrillers that I've read so far this year. Highly recommended!

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for a free copy of this novel for an honest review.

Review: Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott

Give Me Your Hand by Megan Abbott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Friendship, secrets, chemistry, and competition sums up this novel for me. This is what I'd describe as a slow burn thriller. It isn't fast-paced or full of twists and turns but it's a solid exploration of friendship and competition. Megan Abbott is so good at this sort of novel - it keeps you on your toes yet it's slowly paced and things are unveiled in a very Megan Abbott way (if you've read her other work, you'll know what I mean). I heard a few interviews with her on various podcasts which really helped me dig deeper into the themes of the novel after hearing her perspective of what she was interested in exploring with this book so you may want to seek some of those out after finishing the book. There is an amazing sinister feel to this novel and Abbott creates that sense effortlessly. There are really multiple narratives happening here -the one on the surface and several others that are under the surface but really make the book come together comprehensively. This novel was quite well done but it's not for those of you who need a fast-paced thriller ... this one is a bit slower and thoughtful. It's definitely worth a read! I definitely recommend this for Abbott fans - this is one of her best, in my opinion. And I also think this is a good starting place for Abbott's work if you haven't experienced her yet.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for a free ARC copy of this novel for an honest review.

Review: All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin

All We Ever Wanted by Emily Giffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'm an Emily Giffin fan from way back so I was eager to read this one which appeared to have a bit more complexity that we usually see with her novels. This novel explores some very timely themes such as racism, social media use, privilege and more. And I found that I quite liked it. I'm glad to see Giffin working to expand her focus to something a little more 'meaty.' It took me a little bit to really engage with the story but once I connected, I really connected. It was a compelling read about themes that interest me and I enjoyed seeing the different ways that she explored them. Not a heavy read but it does address some substantial issues. This is definitely a great summer read but good for any time of the year, of course. I especially connected with the fact that one of the characters felt compelled to really question her values and the impacts of putting those values into practice despite the potential consequences. That struggle really gave me a great deal to think about as a woman and as a mother. All in all, I highly recommend this one. I think it would be an excellent book club book as it is likely to bring up a great deal of conversation for the group.

Note: I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher for an honest review.

Review: Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh Sarah MacLean … you’ve done it again. I’m loving this new series. She can write about paint drying and I suspect I’d love it. She just has a way with words. The characters she builds in her novels are always complex and interesting. Although not a perfect book, it’s a solid addition to the Sarah MacLean bookshelf! Really love her and her books. Can’t wait for the next in this series.

Review: Out by Natsuo Kirino

Out by Natsuo Kirino
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m still not quite sure how I feel about this novel. Disturbing, dark, twisty … these all very
adequately describe this book. I was expecting more of a thriller than I got with this one. Although there are very thrilling moments which fit that bill, it’s really more of a character study. It was frankly one of the most unusual and unsettling books that I’ve read. If violence is hard for you to read, avoid this one. There are some scenes that really unsettled me and I’m not usually very impacted by that sort of thing. I’m glad that I read it but I can’t say that I loved it. I hear people talking about this a lot in the literary world so I’m glad I read it so I understand the context when people talk about it. However, I can’t say it was a great book for me.

Review: The Forgotten Girls by Sara Blaedel

The Forgotten Girls by Sara Blaedel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this for my book club and enjoyed it more than I expected to. I went in assuming it was another of those dark and twisty suspense novels. But, this one is so much more than that. I found the story compelling and was curious throughout as to what had actually happened. I suspect that I may have enjoyed it more if I’d read earlier books in the series because the ‘mystery’ at the heart of the novel was compelling to me. But, I found that I found myself feeling like I was missing something when it came to the main character Louise. And her friend, Camilla, I found to be completely confusing. I’m still not so sure what her role was and she felt ‘dropped in’ to me because there wasn’t much information about her or her place in the world created in the book. All in all, I enjoyed this one but can’t help but suggest that you start at the beginning of the series (this is the 7th book in the series) so you don’t find the holes that I found while reading.

Review: The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly

The Wrong Side of Goodbye by Michael Connelly
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet another fantastic Harry Bosch book! I love this series and how consistently good Connelly’s books are. He just always tells a great story and Bosch is such an amazing, nuanced character. LOved it and can’t wait to get to the next one which I’ve been holding onto so I could not have to go so far between books!

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Review: The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe

The Librarian of Auschwitz by Antonio Iturbe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was really looking forward to this book - it sounded like a new way to look at the
Holocaust and Auschwitz. And, in some ways, it was. It’s obvious that a lot of research was done to bring this novel together. Dita Kraus was an amazing person and I’m so glad to have been introduced to her through this book. This book was brutal at times - the horrors described were atrocious. It was hard to read. Overall, I am glad that I read it but it was a tough read in terms of content. I found the pacing to be a bit slow in parts but overall I really liked this one.

Review: Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman

Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel. Abbi Waxman has a way of grabbing the reader's attention and bringing the characters and place of this novel alive. This story focuses on a neighborhood and it’s inhabitants as they live their lives. I don’t want to tell you much about the plot. But, I will tell you that Abbi Waxman excels at blending humor into the realities of life. She had me laughing, crying and everything in between. This novel really explores some tough stuff and yet the humor woven into the story really helps keep it from being completely depressing. It read like real life - fun, sad, happy, irritating, etc. I highly recommend this novel … I think it has something for everyone! It explores marriage, family, parenting, infidelity, friendship, expectations, etc. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to read more of Abbi Waxman’s work!

Review: The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy

The Perfect Mother by Aimee Molloy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I struggled with rating this one … it’s really more of a 3 and a half for me but I bumped it up as it was a book that led to an interesting conversation among those I buddy read it with. Some of my issues with the novel had to do with how jumpy the narrative felt as I read it. And the characters just never came together for me - it took me forever to get my head wrapped around who was who. I think perhaps focusing on fewer characters might have helped with that. Although I’m glad that the book explored the idea of the expectations of motherhood, I don’t know that it’s innovatively handled in this one. It didn’t say anything new. That isn’t a bad thing … it’s just that the novel didn’t blow me away with it’s perspective.

And yet, the exploration of motherhood and society’s expectations of mothers to be perfect was quite good and great for conversation. I’m really sick of this idea that the mom and her behavior are analyzed unrealistically by the media (there is a Nancy Grace-like character in this book that whips the public into a frenzy by blaming the mother). Let’s just accept that mothering is HARD work and no mother is perfect. And that doesn’t mean any mother deserves bad things to happen to her or her children.

But, all in all, this is a fine book. Not a favorite but I’m glad that I read it. If the premise sounds good to you, I suggest you give it a shot. I also think it could make for a good book club book, especially for a book club full of mothers!

Review: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I just adored this book … it grabbed me and my heart and didn’t let go until the last word. Although these sorts of novels are typically built with a formulaic foundation (and this one is), the authors did something really fantastic that elevated it beyond formula. I think the characters are part of it … they just jumped off the page, they felt very real and true to life. And their chemistry … WOW! This is one of those books that I didn’t want to put down. I carried it around the house and read it during every free moment between chores. It was unputdownable for me. It made me laugh and cry! If you are typically hesitant to pick up a romance, I think you should give this one a shot. It’s definitely a romance but it’s so much more! It's just a really great novel that happens to have a romantic plot. And I just loved it and highly recommend it!

Review: Roomies by Christina Lauren

Roomies by Christina Lauren
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I kept hearing great things about this one so I couldn't resist picking this up when things got crazy in life and I needed to read something lighter. And it definitely delivered ... it was a nice, light romantic novel that I liked. It didn't wow me but it was a good story to divert my attention away from the crazy in our life! Fun set up which I enjoyed - a green card marriage, a musician, musical theatre. It had all the right elements. And it was a solid read ... not a great one but a good one! Now that I have read more of Christina Lauren's work ... I see that they are so good and have such potential which I saw come alive in Love and Other Words. If you're a fan of their work, this is definitely one to check out. I think it was a good, solid read. (But, definitely pick up Love and Other Words which I loved!)!

Review: How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

How to Walk Away by Katherine Center
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this one but I suspect that I'd have liked it even more if I had read it at a different time. I read it during a time when work was INSANE - I was working long hours, traveling, etc. As a result, I didn't connect with this as quickly as I'd have suspected. It took me a long time to connect with the characters and the story. But, once I did, I really enjoyed this one. The premise - overcoming tragic events, finding your inner strength and then add in a romance - is fantastic. The author kept a good balance between covering heavy subject matter and keeping things light. Which isn't an easy thing to do. I wouldn't say this story was unpredictable - in fact, I think it was fairly predictable. But, once I was hooked, it kept me engaged and interested despite the predictability. I understand why so many people loved it but it didn't quite win me over as it did many of them. It's a really good book but not a great one! The story is good, the characters were good, the romance could have been better (in my opinion), and there were funny moments as well as poignant moments. All in all, I do recommend it if it sounds appealing to you. I do think it's a good book that most will enjoy!

Review: Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent

Unraveling Oliver by Liz Nugent
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a psychological study instead of a psychological thriller but the marketing copy made it sound like a thriller so I feel like I was expecting one thing and got another. I liked this one but didn't love it. My experience was off a bit due to the disconnect between expectations and experience. All in all, it's a quite good psychological study ... I feel like the 'shock' of the story, however, didn't live up to its promise. It started as a thriller but never became a thriller. The story and pacing start strong but begin to go downward and never really recovers.

The idea of this novel is to dive deep into the psyche of Oliver and understand who he is and why he does the things he does but it just never came together. To be successful, this novel requires Oliver to be compelling and interesting but I never found him to be that way. He was just there ... but I never really found myself caring who he was and why he was the way he was. Which is really the point ... and so I don't think the novel was ultimately successful for me.

But, after reading reviews, it appears that many readers seem to like this one much more than I did. And so I recommend that you consider it but know, going in, that it is not a thriller ... it is a psychological study. If that appeals to you, then give it a shot!

Review: Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn

Knocked Up by Stacey Lynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really quite liked this romance but didn't expect to enjoy it quite so much. Although the premise isn't unique (one night stand leading to pregnancy), I think that the way this was written is what I appreciated about it. I adored Braxton - he was the stand out of this novel. It's impossible not like this character - he's a stand-up guy but with an edge, a complexity. The guy from the wrong side of the tracks falls in love with a wealthy woman with a heart trope is well done here. I really enjoyed this entertaining story! This is the second in a series (although it read just fine as a stand-alone) but I plan to go back and read the first in the series since I liked this one so much.

NOTE: Thank you to the publisher for providing me a free copy of this book for an honest review.

Review: UNSUB by Meg Gardiner

UNSUB by Meg Gardiner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love a good serial killer novel and this one delivers. A friend on Goodreads was raving about it which led me to pick it up … I’m so glad I did (thank you, Stephanie)! This one is definitely dark and disturbing as one would expect from a serial killer novel. If that’s not your taste, you should avoid this one. But, if you can handle the darkness of a serial killer, this one might be right up your alley. There are some really great twists and turns. The characters are well drawn and executed. I don’t want to tell you too much because part of the joy of a good serial killer novel is finding all those bits and pieces out on your own. But, I highly recommend this one if you’re a fan of the serial killer novel. This is the great start to what looks like a very promising series!

Review: The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert

The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I really wanted to love this … so much. First, the cover is stunning … it’s so beautiful! I’m
beginning to wonder if perhaps this book just wasn’t for me … because I just never really
fully enjoyed it. It felt slow and not particularly interesting to me. It had all the elements but they never came together for me.I didn’t find the stories that the book is based around particularly compelling. I liked the characters but they never went beyond cardboard versions of themselves for me. There is a side character who had such potential for me - Finch- but I felt like the character was handled really badly. It really annoyed me, in fact, since I thought he might be my way into this story. The way his character is treated and handled just did nothing but frustrate me. I know the main character is meant to be unlikeable but she almost became unbearable for me which is not something I enjoy. I usually like unlikeable characters but she crossed a line for me and I could never get back to her. Although there were dark and creepy aspects of the book, it never really became fully realized as a fairytale to me which, from reviews I’ve read, seem to be one of the things others loved about it. I’m really bummed that it didn’t work for me but I’m so glad it did for others. I recommend you read other reviews of people who loved it to see if you think it might be a good fit for you. If nothing else, check out the cover which is so beautiful!

Review: Act Like It by Lucy Parker

Act Like It by Lucy Parker
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book sounded right up my alley and I’d heard good things from a few romance readers that I trust but I just could not seem to connect with it. The story and characters all seemed like they’d be a great fit but I just never could get into it completely. I felt like there was a distance or wall of some sort that I couldn’t get past. The connection just never happened. In the end, it was a fine romance … but it never moved into really good or great territory for me. I seem to be in the minority in terms of my feelings about this one as many people I respect have raved about it. Perhaps it’s an issue of the right book at the wrong time? If the premise sounds good to you, I recommend you give it a shot!

Review: The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews

The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fun and wonderful! I love Mary Kay Andrews and this is a great one! Her books always deliver exactly what they promise - fun, drama, and lightness. This has a bit of everything - contemporary fiction with bits of romance, family dynamics and mystery. It’s a quintessential beach read (in my opinion). Southern fiction at it’s best! Loved this and I highly recommend you add this to your summer reading list!

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Review: Hooked On You (Chicago Rebels, #4)

Hooked On You by Kate Meader
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the fourth in an existing series but I haven’t read anything else in the series (although I plan to). I don’t think I missed anything. It read like a stand alone. I loved the characters here - Violet was delightfully quirky and Bren was a brooding hero with lots of baggage. Their relationship is fascinating since they seem to really balance each other out. I loved the family pieces which gave the reader a different perspective on Bren throughout the novel. Although there is lots of hockey (it is a sports romance), it felt like there was a good balance between sports and romance. It’s a really good one that I definitely recommend. I liked this one and plan to go back and read the earlier books!

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Review: Someday Soon by Laura Ward

Someday Soon by Laura  Ward
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is another book from within a series but I hadn’t read the earlier books and didn’t feel like I’d missed anything at all. I liked this one but didn’t love it. It’s a solid second chance romance but it didn’t blow me away. I love that the heroine is curvy and not traditionally beautiful. I love that she eats and isn’t shy about her love of food. I love that the story reminds us that we all have our own beauty, regardless of how it fits with society’s definition of beauty. My primary issue with this one is around Daisy’s family and their overbearing and non-supportive actions. She’s an adult and they’re telling her she can’t do what she wants … it just seemed like a bit too much to me. It frustrated me and made me want to yell at them!

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Review: Hidden Charm by Jill Sanders

Hidden Charm by Jill Sanders
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in a series but I hadn’t read the first 3 books. I don’t think that was an issue at all. This is a romance with a mystery and some thriller aspects. It’s got more suspense than most general romances that I read. It was a nice change of pace for me. I love the idea of a writer who lives on his own island and his friendship (and more) with an up and coming actress. JT and Emma were a highlight of this one - their personalities are a perfect contrast for each other. All in all, I quite liked this one. I found it charming, interesting and suspenseful!

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Review: Beautiful Wreck by Kasey Lane

Beautiful Wreck by Kasey Lane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd in a series but I hadn’t read the first two and never felt out of the loop. This isn’t a light, fun romance. This is a darker take on romance. The couple both have baggage - a lot of it. And the book really focuses on their coming together despite that baggage as well as getting past that baggage to find their way together. There is quite a bit of sex in this one so if that’s not something you’re a fan of, I’d skip this one. But, if a romance heavy on the sex is ok with you, you may like this one. But, know that this is dark - there isn’t most light and breezy with this story. I still think it was a good read and recommend it!

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Review: The Start of Something Good by Jennifer Probst

The Start of Something Good by Jennifer Probst
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I loved this story … so fun and interesting. The highlight of this one is the heroine, Mia, who is smart, interesting, loyal and a hard worker. She was vulnerable and strong at the same time … as we often are. I liked that the author brought that out in her. She also had some great moments when she gets all sassy! She stood up for herself at every turn which I enjoyed. I liked the hero as well and how their relationship grew from disdain to passion. There was more of a focus on the characters and the story than the sex. But, there is some sex … it’s just not the focus of this romance. There is a weird food obsession in this one - the hero constantly trying to get the heroine to eat. I generally overlooked it but at a certain point it became too much. The animals in this one were also a standout. A horse, a dog and a chicken named Hei Hei (my personal favorite). All in all, a really nice romance. Definitely recommend!

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Review: Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin

Must Love Babies by Lynnette Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m apparently a sucker for a romance that involves a baby! This one is the single dad raising a baby trope but with a twist. I really liked the hero and heroine in this one. I liked the focus on family ties and how the two of them worked on their own issues as part of their coming together. Their friendship was a highlight of the story. I’d say this is more sweet than sexy which was nice for a change of pace. I’m excited to see this is the first of a series because I can’t wait to see what is to come with the hero’s brothers who I believe are the focus of those upcoming books.

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Review: Hot Asset by Lauren Layne

Hot Asset by Lauren Layne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really quite liked this one. The sexy manwhore and the SEC investigator looking into him for insider training. The Wall Street pieces were interesting to me (perhaps because I work for a financial firm in my day job?). The tension between them is fantastic and played well by the author. I love that both characters are strong and ambitious yet find a softness for one another. This is the first of a series and I can’t wait to see what’s to come with these characters. Really enjoyed this one and recommend it!

[Thank you to the publisher for providing a free copy of this book for an honest review.]

Book Review: A Storied Life by Leigh Kramer

A Storied Life by Leigh Kramer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this novel ... it's fantastic women's fiction with a touch of romance, grief and complex family dynamics. This novel has all the elements of a good novel - humor, great characters, emotional resonance and an amazing exploration of grief.

I think what I connected to most in the story was the relationship between Olivia and Gram. It reminded me a great deal of my relationship with my own beloved grandmother, especially as she became sick and needed more care. The journey that Olivia took as she faced the grief of losing a beloved family member felt very real to me. Given the author's experiences as a medical social worker, I think she did an amazing job of making the experience of being sick and of hospice come alive in this story. I definitely felt like she stayed true to life and the details she offered were excellent. There were moments during the reading experience that brought me to tears as it took me back to the moments I had with my own grandmother as she became sicker and as she passed away surrounded by those of us who loved her.

I also loved the romance aspect of the story ... Olivia and Reagan were such an interesting couple. The issues they faced as they came together were really well explored and felt honest and true to life. I was glad that the romance was a bit on the chaste side as it really blended well with the other focus of the book - family dynamics and grief. The family dynamics were complex and true to life. I enjoyed seeing the family grow together through the experience of grief.

I think Leigh Kramer did an excellent job with this novel and I can't wait to see what's to come from her! She's definitely a talented storyteller! I loved this novel and highly recommend it!

NOTE: I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

Purchase your own copy: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

A Small Break

I just wanted to post a quick note that I'm going to be on a small break with the blog due to how busy real life is these days ... I will be back as soon as I can!

Review: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a beautiful book! It's a middle-grade memoir in verse and it's such a wonderful read! Lovely writing and I loved the freestyle way she told the bits and pieces of her childhood. HIghly recommend for anyone and everyone!

Review: I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara

I'll Be Gone in the Dark: One Woman's Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer by Michelle McNamara
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This one is haunting! There were times when I had to turn the light on while I read at night … McNamara was able to put me in the homes and in the footsteps of the Golden State Killer to the point that I literally felt terror at the idea of it. I didn’t want to put this book down. It’s not a perfect book – but that appears to be in large part due to it being finished after her death by others. I suspect if she’d lived to complete the book as she’d planned, it would have been all the better for it. In terms of the book serving its purpose of outlining her very personal search for this rapist and killer, it is extremely successful.

This is true crime at its best … McNamara takes the facts of the case and builds a fantastic narrative about her search for him. Meticulous in her research, this book just blew me away. She’s honest in ways that astound me. When I was about 20 pages from the end, I heard that there was an arrest made in the case (https://www.thedailybeast.com/golden-...) and I would imagine that McNamara’s work on the case (and this book) must have contributed to the fact that authorities were able to make an arrest all these years later.

Highly recommend this one but know that it’s a book that will get into your head and keep you up at night. This man terrorized California for YEARS and this book puts you in that place and time in a way that I haven’t experienced many times before.

Review: Idaho by Emily Ruskovich

Idaho by Emily Ruskovich
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, this book! It is not for everyone – if you need a book that is clear and easy to understand, that has no nuance and wraps everything up nicely, this one won't work for you. This is a complex narrative that shines a light on so many amazing things about identity, memory, and forgiveness. It’s a beautifully written novel that just blew me away … the prose is haunting and achingly beautiful. The story itself isn’t told in a linear fashion – it’s almost told in fragments of memory that the reader has to piece together for the narrative. The time frame is from the 1970s until 2025 and yet it’s told in bits and pieces. Pulling it all together is challenging but so worth it. The book answers very little. It asks question after question but gives no definitive answers. But, it’s so beautifully told and the voices are just haunting. It’s a book that I won’t soon forget. It’s stayed with me. The language, the characters, the story … all of it seems to almost be following me around!

Bookish Quote of the Week

Review: Beartown by Fredrik Backman

Beartown by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although I liked A Man Called Ove, I didn’t love it. In fact, I wasn’t all that interested in reading more of his work based on that reading experience. But, I kept hearing about Beartown and how it was fantastic and nothing like Backman’s other novels. And so I finally picked it up and WOW. If you weren’t a fan of some of his other work, I definitely recommend that you give this one a chance. It truly is very different from his other work, in my opinion. This is much heavier than his ‘light and whimsical’ vibe in his other works. This is an exploration of hockey, small-town life, and community. It goes darker than I’d expected … but darker in the best way. Hockey is the town’s centerpiece … it’s something that means everything to the citizens. And hockey is used in this story to help the author weave a story of friendship, love and doing the right thing against all the odds. I’m not telling you much about it on purpose. I think the unfolding of the story is critical to the overall success of the novel. Just read it. Even if you hate sports, this is actually not a story about sports. It’s about hockey but not at all about hockey. Trust me … this one has it all – great characters, complex relationships, challenging events, sadness, hope, family drama and more. Don’t miss this one!

Review: Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been meaning to read this one for ages … It’s a book that I’ve consistently heard great things about since it was published. I’ll admit that I was a bit intimidated by it … everyone seemed to love it so much that I was almost worried that I wouldn’t! Plus its almost 500 pages so I was worried it would be a potential slog. Well, my worries were unwarranted. This book is SO good. Engrossing and complex … it grabbed me and didn’t let go until the final words. It’s the story of four generations of a Korean family in Japan. I had no idea of the history of Korean’s in Japan so this was illuminating and gripping! Min Jin Lee is a marvelous writer – her attention to detail while also moving the story forward effectively was so well done here! I didn’t want to put this one down … the narrative is so well done! I couldn’t stop thinking about these characters and their journeys. Impactful, rich, and memorable. I enjoyed learning about the Korean culture and how different it is from my own. There is so much in this novel … I highly recommend it! One of my favorites of the year so far!

Bookish News: A Weekly Update

Finalists Named for this Year's Shirley Jackson Awards

Nominees have been named in six categories for this year's Shirley Jackson Awards, which recognize "outstanding achievement in the literature of psychological suspense, horror and the dark fantastic." The winners will be announced July 15, 2018.

The nominees for the Shirley Jackson Awards are:

NOVEL

Ill Will by Dan Chaon 
The Bone Mother by David Demchuk
The Changeling by Victor Lavalle
The Hole by Hye-young Pyun 
The Night Ocean by Paul La Farge 

SINGLE-AUTHOR COLLECTION

Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado
She Said Destroy by, Nadia Bulkin
The Dark Dark by Samantha Hunt
The Doll’s Alphabet by Camilla Grudova
Things to Do When You’re Goth in the Country by Chavisa Woods

Library Reads Selections Announced for June 2018

Bring Me Back: A Novel by B.A. Paris 

"Intensifying psychological suspense. Twelve years after Finn's girlfriend Layla disappeared, a discovery raises new questions." --Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, Mass.

There There by Tommy Orange

"A large cast of interwoven characters depicts the experience of Native Americans living in urban settings. Perfect for readers of character-driven fiction with a strong sense of place." --Abby Johnson, New Albany-Floyd County Public Library, New Albany, Ind. 

Us Against You: A Novel by Fredrik Backman 

"The citizens of Beartown are about to lose their beloved hockey team and their rivals could not be happier. The narrator has you wondering who is going to die and why events occur as they do." --Gail Christensen, Kitsap Regional Library, Bremerton, Wash.

The Word Is Murder: A Novel by Anthony Horowitz 

"A playful commentary on the mystery genre itself and the first in a promising new series. The author, Horowitz, plays the part of the narrator, and gets caught up in solving a murder with Daniel Hawthorne, an out-of-work detective." --Amy Whitfield, Wake County Public Libraries, Cary, N.C.

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier 

"A suspenseful thriller told from multiple perspectives. A Seattle detective must unravel a web of secrets dating back to his high school days." --Gail Roberts, Fairfax County Public Library, Fairfax, Va.

Dreams of Falling by Karen White 

"Set in the Lowcountry of South Carolina, this story does what Southern fiction does best: family, lies, and secrets. For fans of Patti Callahan Henry and Mary Alice Monroe." --Leanne Milliman, Charlevoix Public Library, Charlevoix, Mich.

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang

"A wonderfully sweet and erotic romance featuring an autistic heroine who hires a hot male escort to teach her how to enjoy sex, but learns so much more." --Elizabeth Gabriel, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wis.

All We Ever Wanted: A Novel by Emily Giffin 

"Great storyline that is relevant to issues both facing young people today and the people raising them. The story keeps you guessing." --Sarah Trohoske, Erie County Public Library, Erie, Pa.

Little Big Love by Katy Regan 

"A portrait of a family and a boy's search for the father who left them, told from multiple perspectives with authentic, likeable characters."  --McGee, Lake Travis County Library, Austin, Tex. 

How Hard Can It Be?: A Novel by Allison Pearson 

"Kate is holding it all together, unemployed husband, kids, and parents. So, she reinvents herself as someone younger to secure a job with the hedge fund." --Toni Nako, The Public Library of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio

British Book Award Titles Announced

The British Book Award-winning titles are:  

Book of the Year and Fiction Debut Book: Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Children's Book (joint winners): The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas and The Lost Words by Jackie Morris & Robert Macfarlane

Crime & Thriller: The Dry by Jane Harper

Nonfiction Lifestyle: 5 Ingredients by Jamie Oliver

Nonfiction Narrative: Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

Fiction: Reservoir 13 by Jon McGregor

Audiobook: La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman, narrated by Michael Sheen

Upcoming Adaption of Lidia Yuknavitch's memoir, The Chronology of Water

Kristen Stewart plans to make her feature film directorial debut with an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch's 2011 memoir, The Chronology of Water. She will write and direct the project.

In an interview at this year's Cannes Film Festival, Stewart said, "Lidia Yuknavitch is from Portland. I love her novels but her memoirs... it's deeply personal to her. She's in my blood and I knew that before I met her. As soon as I met her it was like we started this race without any sense of competition. I'm making the movie this summer but other than that, my only goal is just to finish the screenplay and hire a really spectacular actor: I'm going to write the best f**king female role. I'm going to write a role that I want so badly but that I'm not going to play." (source: Shelf Awareness)

Review: This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins

This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America by Morgan Jerkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve been so excited about Morgan Jerkins’ book that I bought it on pub day! I’ve been hearing amazing things about her and her work so this was a great way to engage with her and get a sense of why she’s getting so much praise. If you want to learn more about the challenges of being black and a woman in the world today … this is a great way to get a view into that. Her astute focus on the social, cultural and historical experience of black female oppression really gave me a new perspective. It challenged my assumptions and my patterns of thinking. Her ability to tell a story in a way that will give you nuance and context is incredible. I highly recommend this … I learned so much about my own biases and ways of thinking. I definitely think these essays can help you enhance your own growth as a person.

Review: Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso

Personality Types: Using the Enneagram for Self-Discovery by Don Richard Riso
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you want to know more about the Enneagram, this is an excellent overview of the framework. It really helped me to delve deeper into each type and better understand the core dynamics and levels of development for each. This is a great addition to my Enneagram library! Well organized and I was able to easily connect the information in it to my own life.

Review: Hurts to Love You by Alisha Rai

Hurts to Love You by Alisha Rai
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Yet another fantastic book in this series. Actually, this is the final book in the Forbidden Hearts series and it’s so fantastic! Alisha Rai just slays me! She’s such a brilliant writer … the characters are complex, the stories are luscious and smart, and the overall themes are thoughtful and hopeful. If you haven’t, just go read her … this series, in particular, has just blown me away. I’m sorry to see these families go but I’m so glad that I had these 3 novels to spend with them!