I'm not sure if I just read a darkly honest and horrifyingly realistic analysis of Covid and its aftermath—exposing how it pushed people to the brink I'm not sure if I just read a darkly honest and horrifyingly realistic analysis of Covid and its aftermath—exposing how it pushed people to the brink of survival and fueled illogical hatred and racism against Chinese people (a phenomenon that might be called Sinophobia)—or if I just experienced a spine-tingling, gory ghost story intertwined with a serial killer murder mystery, featuring mutated bats at crime scenes. I believe I encountered both, making this book uniquely unconventional and thought-provoking, while also turning readers into scream queens with its heart-throbbing tension. I warn you, my friends, this is one of the best books I've read, but it is truly hard to digest. It’s extraordinarily gory, stomach-churning, jaw-dropping, and eye-popping with fear. There are numerous triggering and graphic scenes of violence that realistically portray the changing face of New York during the pandemic, as people navigate their way through the darkness.
The story opens with 24-year-old Chinese woman Cora Zeng and her sister Delilah waiting for the subway at an abandoned station. A mysterious man appears as the train approaches, utters the word "bat eater," and pushes Delilah onto the tracks, resulting in her brutal death before Cora's eyes. Unfortunately, the man escapes.
In the following chapter, we find Cora working as a crime scene cleaner, washing away the cruelest and goriest remains of bodies, mostly those of Chinese people targeted by a mysterious serial killer who leaves mutilated bats at the crime scenes.
Cora faces not only a foreboding situation but also struggles with grief and guilt as a sister who always lived in the shadow of her stepsister. We learn about her estranged relationship with her parents, her father's abandonment to form a new family in China, her cult-member mother's misuse of her college fund, and Delilah's impending departure from her life (ironically, her last words before she died). Cora's guilt, abandonment, resentment, and anger evolve into mental issues, including OCD. When she learns about the Chinese myth of hungry ghosts returning to fulfill their cravings, she initially dismisses it until she notices food disappearing from the house and encounters what remains of her sister's ghost.
Unable to consult her two eccentric aunties—one a pyromaniac, the other overly conservative—Cora turns to her two coworkers, Yifei and Harvey, who also deal with the horror of bile-piling crime scenes. They become close confidantes, declaring themselves ghostbusters to help Delilah pass peacefully between universes following Eastern traditions, and they team up to catch the killer known as Batman, who targets Chinese people.
The unconventional bond between these three eccentric characters and their unique ways of facing supernatural forces and unexpected situations warmed my heart. They become each other's family during the most tragic and vulnerable times, showing the importance of having someone to hold on to and care for.
The realistic depiction of racism and the unfair Sinophobia people faced, combined with a scary ghost story rooted in Eastern folklore and a bleak, dark murder mystery, is perfectly executed. The book is terrifying and thought-provoking, making readers nod in agreement with the author's explored points, which makes it extra special and one of a kind.
Overall, this book is harsh reality! It's extra bleak, dark, and not for the faint of heart, but it rocked my world with its honesty and creative execution. I wholeheartedly loved it! I also cried a lot after reading the Author’s Note, which shook me to the core. I advise you not to miss it after finishing the book.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing / MIRA for sharing this amazing horror novel’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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“Sirens" is an engaging, epic feminist fantasy tale revolving around four women who are on a journey to discover their uniqueness in a world where equ“Sirens" is an engaging, epic feminist fantasy tale revolving around four women who are on a journey to discover their uniqueness in a world where equality is a myth, and where they must find their own place by embracing their differences and brilliance in the face of chauvinism.
The story begins in 2019, introducing us to Lucy, an 18-year-old journalism student who has been cyberbullied by her secret boyfriend, who shared an intimate photo of her on social media (though he insists he didn’t), turning her into the laughingstock of her school. Reporting the issue to the school authorities doesn’t help, as the boy she blames has influential parents. One morning, Lucy finds herself sleepwalking and choking him in her sleep, which makes her fear she may destroy everything she has worked so hard for. Seeking refuge, she drives to her estranged older sister Jess’ house in Comper Bay, along the Australian coast—a haunted place where numerous men have mysteriously gone missing at sea over the decades. When Lucy arrives, she finds the door open, her sister gone in a hurry, her phone left behind, and signs of a male visitor before she disappeared.
Lucy connects with Jess’ neighbors, but none of them seem to have any useful information about her sister’s whereabouts, and surprisingly, they didn’t even know Jess had a sister. While Lucy waits for Jess to return, she begins having recurring nightmares of two sisters on a ship fighting for their lives, and her sleepwalking becomes more intense. As she digs deeper into her past, she starts uncovering why her sister distanced herself from the family and missed Lucy’s recent birthday.
When Lucy discovers her sister’s diary hidden in the house, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever.
Jess’ diary takes us back to 1999 when she lived with their parents in a rural town. Struggling to connect with others due to a rare skin condition, aquagenic urticaria, which makes water a danger to her, Jess finds solace in her art, with the support of Max, a fellow outcast, and her 24-year-old art teacher, who gives her private lessons. As she learns more about her condition, Jess begins to suspect her parents are hiding secrets about her illness that she must uncover.
Meanwhile, the narrative shifts to the 1800s, introducing us to Mary and Eliza, twin sisters from Ireland who are sent to Australia as convicts aboard a ship for criminals. They fear the ocean, as their mother tragically drowned when they were young. As the sisters sail farther from home, suffering from thirst, hunger, and the harsh conditions of the ship, they begin to notice strange transformations in their bodies, as though the sea itself is calling to them, turning them into something else entirely.
The stories of these four women converge as the past and present collide, helping them embrace their future. Sirens is a powerful story of women's empowerment, richly woven with fantasy and a reimagining of real historical events in Australia. The vivid character development and intriguing plot make for an immersive and rewarding read, especially for fans of the author’s previous work, Weyward. It’s a beautiful journey through different timelines and a chance to empathize with powerful heroines on their paths of self-discovery.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for sharing this epic journey's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
This is my second encounter with Lisa Harding's work, and after reading "Cloud Girls," I'm convinced she masterfully crafts gut-punching, emotionally This is my second encounter with Lisa Harding's work, and after reading "Cloud Girls," I'm convinced she masterfully crafts gut-punching, emotionally raw stories with imperfect yet realistic heroines.
"Wildlings" is a powerful exploration of the turbulent friendship between two girls who, shaped by the bitterness of betrayal and abandonment from those they trusted most, cling to each other in their fragile bond. Jessica, driven by attention-seeking and self-absorption, contrasts sharply with Linda, who quietly yearns for love, acceptance, and a place in the world—often surrendering her own identity to bask in Jessica’s spotlight, even sharing Jessica’s stepmother's affection.
Together, they endure the cruelty of their small town until they escape to Dublin’s Wilde College, where they pursue the arts and freedom from their pasts. But as college life unfolds, their relationship shifts: Linda finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Mark, while Jessica falls into a relationship with Jacques, as their mutual friend Jonathan begins distancing himself from Linda. Mark manipulates them all, preying on their insecurities like a puppet master, pushing them deeper into a haze of drugs, alcohol, and self-destruction until a life-altering event occurs.
The story alternates between timelines: in the present, a forty-something Jessica, abandoned by her husband and unsuccessful in her entertainment career, seeks therapy to confront the guilt and unresolved emotions tied to her friendship with Linda, which has haunted her for nearly three decades. Through flashbacks, we uncover the truth of what happened during their time at Wilde College and the devastating secret Jessica has carried with her ever since. Is she a victim, or was she complicit? Can she finally face her past and repair the damage she's done?
Overall, this is a well-written, layered exploration of female friendships, dysfunctional families, and psychological abuse, with richly developed female characters. While the male characters—particularly Jonathan and Jacques—lack the same depth, the compelling narrative, balanced pacing, and tragic yet captivating ending kept me engaged, leading me to round up my rating to 4 stars for its intricate portrayal of female relationships and self-discovery.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperVia for sharing this fascinating women’s fiction digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts....more
A dreamy matchmaking tour through the historical, breathtaking, and adventurous sights of Vietnam, fueled with grumpy-meets-sunshine, a pinch of enemiA dreamy matchmaking tour through the historical, breathtaking, and adventurous sights of Vietnam, fueled with grumpy-meets-sunshine, a pinch of enemies-to-lovers, and lots of opposites-attract tropes made me cheer and jump into this fun journey without hesitation!
I have to admit, until the heroine held a rooster in the middle of a highway and was saved by a slightly mean but still heroic savior, my expectations were a little low. But as soon as the sunshiny poet, academician, and carefree Evie Lang meets the brooding, uptight, work-oriented Adam Queyen, love songs start blasting in my head, and I begin enjoying my reading more. The spectacularly described setting of Vietnam, embellished with their fiery chemistry, the jealousy they feel for each other each time one of them talks with other matchmaking candidates, sweet and salty laugh-out-loud banter, the family issues they carry, the grief, the heartbreak, and the longing made me turn pages faster and engage with the story even more. I couldn't stop reading, my cheeks hurting from smiling too much.
Here's a quick recap of the plot: The story revolves around Evie Lang, who recently lost her aunt Hao, leaving her a dreamy San Francisco mansion that had been a guesthouse for bohemian eccentric artists and their lifelong entertaining parties and gatherings, organized by her rich aunt. But inheriting the mansion comes with a mandatory clause: Evie has to attend a pre-arranged matchmaking tour in Vietnam for fun. When Evie also finds out her boyfriend is receiving resumes to fill her teaching position at the academy, she feels betrayed and soon-to-be jobless, which means it's the best time to dump her boyfriend and fulfill her aunt's wishes.
Meanwhile, Adam Quyen, a member of the powerful Quyen family, manages the marketing business of his sister's matchmaking company that arranges the very same tour Evie will attend. Adam was publicly humiliated by his ex after not only having his marriage proposal rejected but also finding his girlfriend cheating on him with a 60-year-old tycoon behind his back, which scandalized his powerful family who give more importance to appearances than his well-being.
His sister pushes him to join the tour to improve the marketing company, bringing more spice and soul to the advertisements, which he reluctantly accepts because he never says no when one of his family members requests something.
But after a fight-at-first-sight meeting with the easy-going, eccentric, joyful Evie, he finds himself pulled to her like a moth to a flame, even though he does everything to restrain his feelings. He has already humiliated his family with his wrong choice in marriage. He cannot fall for an American woman who has no career expectations, in contrast to his serious, work-oriented family who requires obedience and full control. Let's not forget she will return to her own country at the end of the trip. Evie also looks for someone more loosened up, entertaining, and embracing life fully instead of that uptight, brooding man who buries his nose in Russian classics in his spare time instead of chasing adventures. But sparks keep flying. What if the heart desires what it desires and they have to surrender without thinking it through? What if they're opposites matched in heaven?
Overall: I'm rounding up 4.5 stars to 5 because this inspirational book with its message of seeing things with your heart is extremely heartfelt and enjoyable! I highly recommend it as one of the best romance delights of the year.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for sharing this amazing book's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Wow! This is a heartwarming reimagining of Sweet Home Alabama, featuring a small-town, second-chance romance between a couple with unresolved issues aWow! This is a heartwarming reimagining of Sweet Home Alabama, featuring a small-town, second-chance romance between a couple with unresolved issues about their past, stuck together in a house during a storm—the very house they once shared when they were married! Tension escalates as their lingering feelings, attraction, and yearning clash with resentments and misgivings.
Meena has always been driven—ambitious, successful, and currently pursuing her career as a high-powered lawyer on Capitol Hill. Recently, she broke up with her boyfriend, but she’s determined to reconcile—not out of love, but because she sees them as a potential power couple aiming for a Senate run in Maryland. The only thing standing in the way of her plans is her husband, Nikhil, whom she married in Vegas. After a year of a rocky marriage, she left him to move to Washington, D.C., to chase her dreams.
She finally sends him divorce papers, but when she doesn't hear back, she decides to take matters into her own hands and flies to her home state of Texas to confront him. When she arrives at the house where they once lived, she realizes her timing couldn’t be worse—a hurricane is forming in the Gulf and heading straight for them. While her ex prepares for the storm, boarding up windows and stocking supplies like their wise neighbors, Meena is caught off guard, having acted impulsively without checking the news.
With no hotels available, no flights, and no cars to rent, she’s trapped with her ex. She optimistically thinks this will give her the perfect opportunity to convince him to sign the papers so she can move on with her life. But as they begin to communicate honestly for the first time in their relationship, the real question becomes: Can she truly let go of her first love when there are still unresolved feelings and sparks flying between them?
Overall, Meena frustrated me at times—her insecurities fueling her ambition, often leading her to act selfishly without considering others' perspectives. It even bothered me that, despite getting closer to Nikhil, she kept making plans with Shake (honestly, what kind of name is that? It made me hungry enough to order a burger and shake from Shake Shack!). I loved Nikhil—his struggle to support Meena while facing his own issues made him more honest and likable. But in the end, this is still a well-written, angsty, and heartfelt love story that explores how people evolve, learn to change, and make peace with themselves as they engage in self-reflection. That’s what ultimately made me appreciate Meena and Nikhil’s flawed, imperfect, but compelling story, which I happily give 4 rekindling stars.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group/Ballantine/Dell for providing this heartfelt romance’s digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Set against a lush and vividly drawn backdrop, Sue Lynn Tan’s Immortal is an exhilarating romantic fantasy that masterfully intertwines forbidden magiSet against a lush and vividly drawn backdrop, Sue Lynn Tan’s Immortal is an exhilarating romantic fantasy that masterfully intertwines forbidden magic and political intrigue. This standalone novel plunges readers into the mesmerizing world first introduced in Daughter of the Moon Goddess, though it stands entirely on its own, offering an enthralling tale of destiny, betrayal, and unexpected love.
The story follows Liyen, a young woman tasked with ascending to the throne of Tianxia after a near-fatal poisoning. Saved by her grandfather’s sacrifice, Liyen’s life is spared—but at a cost that sparks the wrath of the Immortal Queen. With her kingdom under threat, Liyen takes bold steps to confront the immortals and unravel their secrets. Her journey brings her face to face with the formidable God of War, an adversary she’s meant to fear but who soon becomes much more. Their chemistry crackles with tension, their interactions simmering with wit and growing passion. As Liyen and the God of War navigate the thin line between duty and desire, darker forces loom, threatening not just their relationship, but the fate of an entire realm.
Liyen is a fascinating heroine—stubborn, flawed, and refreshingly human in her vulnerabilities. Her growth from a hesitant ruler to a brave leader determined to protect her people makes her journey all the more compelling. And while the plot gallops forward with rapid pacing, the romance is tenderly developed, balancing moments of humor with an undeniable slow-burn intensity.
Filled with unexpected twists, breathtaking action, and heart-wrenching stakes, Immortal captivates from the very first page. Sue Lynn Tan crafts a magical, emotionally resonant story that will undoubtedly leave readers spellbound. Fans of romantic fantasy and enemies-to-lovers dynamics will find themselves lost in this unforgettable tale, where nothing is as it seems, and love may be the ultimate weapon against the darkest of fates.
Perfect for those who adore rich world-building, complex characters, and a romance that blossoms amidst turmoil, Immortal delivers on every front. A must-read for fans of epic fantasy and star-crossed love alike.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for providing me this brilliant fantasy novel's digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest opinions. I enjoyed it a lot!
This book immerses readers into a world where the familiar merges with the fantastical—a reimagined 1840s England where a faerie queen holds sway overThis book immerses readers into a world where the familiar merges with the fantastical—a reimagined 1840s England where a faerie queen holds sway over the realm, and every citizen is offered one life-altering bargain. Set against this richly atmospheric backdrop, the story centers around Ivy Benton, a young woman from a once-prominent family now teetering on the brink of ruin. With her sister bound by a devastating fae bargain and her family's future at stake, Ivy finds herself thrust into a competition to win the heart of the fae prince, Bram. But as she ventures deeper into the glittering, dangerous world of faerie bargains, she quickly discovers that the true cost of victory might be more than she ever imagined.
Smith masterfully blends elements of historical fiction with dark fantasy, creating a vibrant world that feels both familiar and otherworldly. The courtly intrigue, vicious competition, and Ivy’s tangled relationships lend a gripping tension to the narrative, while the presence of eerie fae magic adds an unsettling layer that keeps readers on edge. The romantic elements are delicately woven into the plot, with Ivy caught between two brothers in a love triangle that, while somewhat predictable, still manages to tug at the heartstrings.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is Ivy’s relationship with her sister, Lydia, which forms a core emotional thread throughout the book. Their bond is both tender and fraught, reflecting the difficult choices that must be made when family and loyalty are tested by forces beyond their control. As Ivy navigates the cutthroat competition and the mysteries of the fae court, her determination and resilience shine through, even as she grapples with the moral consequences of the bargains she encounters.
While the story is undeniably engaging, it does falter in a few places. The romantic subplot, while sweet, sometimes feels rushed, lacking the deeper development that would have made Ivy's emotional journey more compelling. Additionally, the competition itself, which is central to the plot, could have been expanded to heighten the stakes and deepen the dynamics between the characters. More games, more tension, and a greater exploration of the fae queen’s eerie influence would have added a sharper edge to the story.
Despite these shortcomings, The Rose Bargain is an absorbing read for fans of fantasy romance, particularly those drawn to stories of fae bargains and courtly drama. With its unique premise and vivid world-building, the novel sets the stage for an exciting sequel that promises to delve even deeper into the mysteries and dangers of Ivy’s world. Smith’s ability to weave an enchanting yet perilous tale ensures that readers will be eagerly anticipating the next installment in this captivating duology.
Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children's Books | HarperCollins for providing me this digital reviewer copy in exchange of my honest thoughts.
This book is an utterly charming, cozy romance that strikes all the right notes for music lovers and anyone seeking a heartfelt story about second chaThis book is an utterly charming, cozy romance that strikes all the right notes for music lovers and anyone seeking a heartfelt story about second chances. Allie Andrews, once the lead singer of a punk rock band, has spent the last decade hiding from her past, tucked away in her aunt’s café in Brooklyn. Life for Allie is safe, quiet, and comfortable until a chance encounter with Ryan Abernathy—her biggest fan—brings the past rushing back into her life. Ryan is determined to help Allie rediscover her passion for music, leading them on a journey to track down her former bandmates, reawakening the dreams she buried long ago.
What makes this novel so delightful is Whiteford’s ability to infuse a bustling metropolis like Brooklyn with a small-town, intimate vibe. The café becomes a warm haven for a colorful cast of characters who feel like family. The romance between Allie and Ryan is a slow burn, beginning with witty banter and growing into a sweet, genuine connection as they both help each other navigate the complexities of life, love, and unfulfilled dreams. While Allie’s prickly, avoidant nature keeps Ryan at arm’s length for much of the story, his big-heartedness and unwavering support eventually break down her walls.
The novel is laced with musical references that act as a soundtrack to the characters' lives, making the story even more vibrant. Whiteford beautifully explores themes of self-discovery, accountability, and embracing the messiness of relationships. Allie’s journey is not just about finding her way back to music but also about confronting the pain and trauma she has carried for so long, finding peace in herself, and learning to let others in. The secondary characters add depth and charm, making the story feel like a cozy escape into a tight-knit community.
With autumnal vibes, holiday parties, and tender moments that will tug at your heartstrings, "Make Me a Mixtape" is a perfect read for fans of feel-good romances with depth. Whether you’re a music lover or just someone who enjoys a story about finding yourself and creating new beginnings, this book hits all the right chords.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada | Doubleday Canada for sharing this heartfelt novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange of my honest thoughts. I really appreciate it!
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Hmmm... I know this isn't the most enthusiastic way to start a book review for one of your favorite authors, especially for her latest release, which Hmmm... I know this isn't the most enthusiastic way to start a book review for one of your favorite authors, especially for her latest release, which initially filled me with hope due to its intriguing plot about a couple’s second chance at marriage at the worst possible time and place!
When I first read the blurb about Jane and Dan—mid-thirties, celebrating their 19th (not 20th, thanks to Dan’s confusion) wedding anniversary at one of the city’s most expensive Michelin-starred restaurants, La Fin du Monde—I was immediately drawn in. Jane’s plan to drop the bombshell of her desire for a divorce during their $2000 nine-course meal seemed intense enough. Poor Dan, confused and insistent he didn’t cheat, has no clue that Jane’s issues go far beyond cryptic text messages. She hates her unfulfilled life, her rejected manuscript she toiled over for six years, and she’s trapped in the depression of an empty nest. Divorce feels like her only way out, like a life raft to help her finally breathe again.
But before she can continue their conversation (or even enjoy her second course), an activist group bursts into the restaurant with guns, demanding everyone surrender their phones and obey their orders. Strangely enough, these bumbling, eccentric activists seem straight out of her failed book, where terrorists take over a teahouse—right down to their leader reciting lines she’d written! How is this even possible when no one, not even her husband, has read her manuscript? The plot thickens when Jane realizes her daughter, who claimed she was watching Yellowjackets with a friend, is actually part of the activist group. Now, Jane must find a way to protect her family and especially her daughter, who’s about to throw away her future. But Jane is no John McClane, single-handedly taking down terrorists in Nakatomi Plaza. She’ll need to team up with Dan, for old times’ sake. After all, didn’t they promise each other "till death do us part"? Could any ordinary person become an action hero in such a dangerous situation? It’s time for them to channel their inner Dwayne Johnson!
Overall, I found the opening, with its fresh and entertaining focus on a broken marriage and a couple's second chance, to be smart and captivating. I was still engaged when the hostage situation took over and the twists started to pile up. But by the second half, the far-fetched scenarios and exaggerated moments began to overwhelm me, making it feel like the author lost sight of her main message. The commentary on capitalism and the ultra-rich ruining the environment for their own gain became muddled, and the fine line between crime and justice wasn't drawn as sharply as I’d hoped.
I wanted to connect more with Jane and Dan’s marital struggles, but from the beginning, Jane irritated me, and I found it hard to relate to her. Dan was likable enough, but his big secret turned out to be underwhelming, leaving me with a shrug rather than a sense of revelation.
The conclusion wasn’t bad, but there were still unresolved parts that didn’t sit well with me. I did love the concept, and I laughed out loud at Dan’s hilarious line about paying for dinner at the end—that was the highlight for me! Ultimately, though, this was a three-star read. I had higher expectations for this author, but while the book didn’t completely work for me, it was still an entertaining and fun ride. If you don’t overanalyze it, it’s definitely an enjoyable read. And if it ever gets adapted into a movie, my ideal casting for Jane and Dan would be Kristen Wiig and Will Forte!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Noooooooo! This book is not a standalone, and I didn't realize it until I reached the last page with that WTH ending! I want to scream! Actually, I amNoooooooo! This book is not a standalone, and I didn't realize it until I reached the last page with that WTH ending! I want to scream! Actually, I am screaming right now, scaring little children on the beach who were peacefully building sandcastles. Sorry, kids, life isn’t fair!
First, I have to admit that I love K. Bromberg's writing—she blends steam and angst like a gourmet dish you savor with every bite! Her Driven series was amazing, and I’ve enjoyed several of her standalone romances too. Naturally, I couldn’t resist diving into another one of her enemies-to-lovers stories, which always call to my soul!
Rowan, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy family, is expected to settle for a domestic life, constantly overshadowed by her golden-child brother, even though she's smart and more than capable of running the family business. She's tough, resilient, and exactly the kind of heroine I can connect with.
Then enters the mysterious and charismatic Holden, who arrives to disrupt her family—making him enemy number one, right? The tension between them keeps rising, their witty banter flies back and forth, and their undeniable chemistry will have you either screaming or praying for them to get together on that office desk already!
They’re incredible together, but just when you expect a grand finale, you’ll be left disappointed—because this book is part of a series. You’ll be praying to the book gods for K. Bromberg to hurry up with the sequel before you lose your mind with anticipation (or maybe even offer up your internal organs for a sneak peek!).
This is an incredible start to what promises to be an amazing series, but I need the second book ASAP! I’m literally craving it! Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait too long for the conclusion Rowan and Holden’s love story truly deserves!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group/Bramble for sharing this steamy series' digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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This book blew me away! It's easily one of the top ten must-reads of the year! Stop reading about the It Ends With Us cast drama and pick up this bookThis book blew me away! It's easily one of the top ten must-reads of the year! Stop reading about the It Ends With Us cast drama and pick up this book if you want to truly experience the terrifying, ugly face of domestic violence and its aftermath—crime, psychological damage, trauma, and survival mechanisms. This book dives deep into all of that, with so many flawed, psychologically damaged, survivor characters! I haven't read something this impactful in ages—it shook me to my core, made me cry out loud, gave me goosebumps, and left me barely breathing through some chapters. So many WTF moments hit hard, and the twists are totally unpredictable! But what I really fell in love with is the empowering, eccentric conclusion, full of women’s strength and resilience.
Lately, production companies are always on the lookout for books to adapt—well, they should absolutely start with this one! With its expertly written plot and meticulously developed characters, it’s a story that brings powerful awareness to domestic violence.
This book offers a raw and gut-punching glimpse into the traumatic experiences of women, teetering between madness and freedom. It’s real, it’s heartbreaking, and the emotional journey is one that you absorb slowly, bit by bit.
The story centers around Clove, a stay-at-home mom of two—Nova, her seven-year-old prodigy daughter, and Lark, her energetic three-year-old son. Clove is committed to an organic, health-obsessed lifestyle, obsessively checking the ingredients in everything she consumes, popping vitamins, using eccentric wellness products, practicing yoga, and grounding herself in a kind of Zen madness. She’s highly creative but instead of sharpening her writing skills—her chosen career path—she imagines endless catastrophic scenarios about her children’s safety, becoming hyper-protective and creating tension in her life.
Everything unravels when she receives a letter from her mother, who is in prison and has finally tracked her down. Clove begins to lose control of her carefully curated life. Then she meets Jane after a minor car accident, and quickly becomes obsessed with befriending her. Jane sparks wild thoughts in Clove, like considering her as a nanny for her kids after only knowing her for minutes. But Clove is terrified her secret will get out. What if her mother starts talking? What if people learn that her mother killed Clove’s abusive father in self-defense and Clove fled the scene, changed her identity, and started a new life? Even her husband doesn’t know—he thinks she’s an orphan.
Could Clove’s ex, Butcher, have connected with her mother? He’s the only one she ever confided in about her past. Now Clove must do whatever it takes to stop her mother from revealing the truth. She’s worked too hard to build the life she has now, and she won’t let it slip away. But Jane, her new best friend, keeps digging into Clove’s past, pushing her out of her comfort zone, and pressuring her to help Jane become a mother.
But how can Clove help someone else become a mother when she’s barely managing her own motherhood, and her real mother is crying out for help?
I have to give huge applause to Chelsea Bieker! This book is a masterpiece that belongs in every reader’s library. I loved it so much! If I could give it ten stars, I would.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for sharing this fantastic book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Adrienne Young has delivered yet another captivating, twisty, heart-throbbing small-town mystery that you’ll want to devour in one sitting! How could Adrienne Young has delivered yet another captivating, twisty, heart-throbbing small-town mystery that you’ll want to devour in one sitting! How could I resist? I just had to request an ARC and ended up enjoying every second of it!
The supernatural elements, like the ghost of a loved one leading you to their killer, or the victim being potentially involved, make for a highly intriguing plot, don’t they?
One of the interesting aspects of the book is the heroine’s name—James—which initially led me to think this might be an LGBTQ mystery. But when I discovered that James is a woman named after a man, I couldn’t help but shrug and blame her parents. In this case, it’s the fault of the twins' young mother, who not only gave her daughter a traditionally male name but also abandoned her children, feeling trapped in their small town.
Another fascinating part of the story is the connection between James and her twin brother Johnny Golden. They are like yin and yang—James’s brightness balancing Johnny’s darkness. Johnny creates chaos, and James is always there to clean up the mess and take the blame. This has been their dynamic ever since a tragic event drove James to leave town to pursue her artistic talents, never looking back. But she didn’t just leave behind her troubled brother; she also left the love of her life, Micah, and started anew in San Francisco.
Now, nearly two decades later, she is forced to return to the small town she once fled, bringing her brother's ashes and completing the important environmental project he started. But she has another reason for returning—a secret she’s kept to herself. She felt the exact moment her brother died, shot by what was presumed to be an accidental bullet during hunting season, even though the shooter’s identity remains unknown. James is convinced her brother’s death was no accident, and she’s determined to do what she’s always done: fix her brother’s problems and uncover the dangerous situations he may have been involved in. After all, she knows firsthand how far Johnny would go to protect those he loved.
Her investigation brings her face-to-face with a young art student who may have had a connection to her brother, uncovering more secrets hidden by the townspeople. Could her brother have gone too far, perhaps even hurting someone? As James digs deeper into his death, she may find herself not just searching for his killer, but also confronting the man Johnny had become—and wondering if he had already crossed a line that led to his demise.
There’s only one person she can turn to for help in facing the truth: Micah, the man whose heart she broke. Micah had become her brother’s protector after she left town, and now, as buried secrets begin to resurface, they must face them together. But can they also bury their own unresolved past?
Overall, this fast-paced small-town mystery with paranormal and romantic elements keeps you hooked. I’m rounding my 3.5 stars to 4 owlish stars and eagerly awaiting more of Young's books in the future.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for providing me with a digital review copy of this unputdownable mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts
This epic saga explores the redefinition of family bonds, abandonment, estrangement, resentment, guilt, and the dysfunctional but inevitably tight relThis epic saga explores the redefinition of family bonds, abandonment, estrangement, resentment, guilt, and the dysfunctional but inevitably tight relationship of sisters throughout the years.
Set in millennial Singapore, it starts in the present day where Genevieve, who can be called the original daughter of the Yang family, finds out her mother has only a few weeks to live after losing her battle against cancer. Her mother keeps requesting her to connect with her estranged sister Arin, who is originally her cousin and has become an A-list movie star, living her best life while barely compensating for her mother's health expenses. Genevieve refuses to call her sister for a reason: a big betrayal in the past that takes us back to a time when her nuclear family lived under the roof of her sulky, grumpy, unhappy grandmother after her mother's family kicked her out and her father barely made enough money to keep a roof over their heads.
One day, her grandmother announces that her husband, whom she thought had gone to war in Malaysia and died there, was alive all along, forming a new family there before eventually dying and leaving his second family financially struggling. Now the son of Genevieve's grandfather has written them a request to send his daughter Arin to live with them. Genevieve's grandmother accepts this request without discussing it with her son and daughter-in-law, which creates a minor crisis, giving panic attacks to Genevieve's father who couldn't overcome his abandonment issues caused by his own father.
When little Arin gets dragged by her own father and left in their living room, the little girl barely talks, hiding in her cocoon as Genevieve does her best to make her accepted in the family, trying to make her involved. Even their mother starts writing them notes, inventing new fun games, and giving Arin private lessons to help her catch up in school. Slowly, Arin emerges from the walls she hid behind and forms a special bond with Genevieve until she discovers a big secret about her own family, which turns their bond into a sisterhood agreement.
But over the years, as Arin puts Genevieve's ideas into the spotlight in a developed version which gains her stardom while Genevieve's academic dreams slowly fade away, ambition turns into resentment and jealousy, pushing the sisters against each other and burning the bonds they had hardly built.
As their mother's health deteriorates, Genevieve finally pushes her pride aside to connect with her sister, which resurfaces unresolved past problems they have to face, which will not be easy to absorb.
Overall: The realistic tone of the book and the author's unique and reliable approach to themes of abandonment, forming your own family, burying your resentment, and healing your insecurities engage you with the characters easily and elevate your reading experience to another level. I enjoyed every part of it. I highly recommend this strikingly poignant but also powerful debut.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday Books for sharing this amazing debut's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.
Lindsey Kelk is one of the queens of romance who never ceases to amaze me with her heartfelt and entertaining romcoms. Especially when she adds obnoxiLindsey Kelk is one of the queens of romance who never ceases to amaze me with her heartfelt and entertaining romcoms. Especially when she adds obnoxious, very eccentric family members into the equation, so much is guaranteed. I have to admit I never resist the charm of my favorite tropes: forced proximity (separated by curtains is a great tribute to "It Happened One Night") and enemies to lovers! (Later it added love at first sight and he fell first tropes that I don't much enjoy, like main character Sophie Taylor does, but they still blended perfectly into the entire formula I truly enjoyed.) There's even Montague vs. Capulet-like fight between enemy families that made me guffaw a lot!
The steamy chemistry that set most of the chapters on fire between Sophie and Joe was brilliant! Hate at first sight slowly turns into lust when they first meet under the wrong circumstances: when Sophie makes a secret meeting about her book, perfectly hiding her identity using the pseudonym Este Cox, she's ambushed by the creative director of their publishing company, the smug, privileged, but also hot-as-hell Joe Walsh, who's questioning the identity of the author and mocking her book. Sophie doesn't leave without a fight, even though she has a train to catch to her family's countryside house to celebrate the festivities of her powerful editor father, who has already secretly shared his activity spreadsheets and invited tons of people created to irritate her.
Sophie stays for lunch to share a few shots of Baileys with the disgusting-at-first-sight Joe Walsh while their pissing contest banters take an extra turn. They continue day drinking, finding themselves singing duets on the stage of a karaoke bar. But drinking fuels the lust, and hatred forces Sophie to dramatically leave the bar to hop on her train.
When she's ushered by her brother William, who's also her agent and one of the few people who knows her secret bestseller identity, at the train station, she realizes she forgot her tote bag carrying a special edition of her book, her drafts for her second book, and her laptop! This is truly a disaster! Anyone who finds it will also discover the secret identity she's kept from her very literary snob parents: her criticizing editor father and harshest book critic mother who easily end authors' careers. And let's not forget her 19-year-old sister Charlotte, who is spoiled and extremely self-absorbed, recently opened a bookstore, conducts marketing campaigns as a BookToker on TikTok, slams books, and is interestingly a big fan of Sophie's "Butterflies" (Sophie is not sure her sister would highly defend her book if she found out her big sister wrote it!)
When William and Sophie arrive at the family house, Sophie thinks she can manage only a few days without killing anyone, plastering a smile on her face as her parents talk trash about her book in her vicinity (what if they find out she wrote it?!) Yes, she knows her father is a typical drama king wearing clown costumes to emphasize his sarcasm towards the literary world, her mother keeps spoiling her younger sister, creating disasters in the kitchen, and gossiping with her pretentious bunch of friends, while her sister Charlotte makes it her biggest mission to reveal the real identity of Este Cox on her TikTok account, nosing around Sophie's belongings. They've also invited her least favorite misogynistic, xenophobic uncle and aunt! Her father even invited her ex C.J.: the same man she knew as Colin and dated, lived with for five years, and even financed so he could concentrate on his book, who then stole her book idea and, as soon as he had a publishing agreement, dumped Sophie. The reason? Well, he became too famous to date a small-town school teacher.
But this is not the only disaster she has to get through. Her father also invited his arch-nemesis Geoffrey with a secret agenda, and Geoffrey's son decides to join his father: his son is none other than Joe Walsh! And that's not all: her father forces them to share a cottage because there's not enough space at the house for their guests! Oh boy, you think this is the last straw! Nope, this is just the beginning because it seems like Joe Walsh has found out her secret and, interestingly, he calls a truce and helps her keep it safe! But why? Does he have a secret agenda other than getting into her pants? Well, she can let him do that even though she highly doubts she can trust him, but sparks keep flying, attraction is palpable, and she doesn't know where to stop. Oh boy, does she even want to resist his charms?
Overall: It seems like the end part of the book is a little rushed and a big conflict is solved a bit faster than expected, which made me feel there could be a sequel because I had some unanswered questions in my mind, and it felt like there should be more adventures awaiting them. I wish there would be another book! I'm so open to spending more time with Sophie & Josh and Sophie's eccentric family! (In the beginning, I found them too irritating, but they kept growing on me! William is an exception, whom I loved from the first chapter he was introduced.)
I highly recommend this very entertaining romcom! It's captivating, funny, and so much fun is guaranteed! I'm looking forward to reading more Lindsey Kelk books in the near future! She never disappoints me!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper 360 for sharing this entertaining romcom's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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