Finn and Autumn are next door neighbors whose mothers are best friends, so, growing up, they were too. When they enter high school, Autumn's friend grFinn and Autumn are next door neighbors whose mothers are best friends, so, growing up, they were too. When they enter high school, Autumn's friend group changes and Finn starts hanging out with her old friends. Even though they interact throughout the years, their relationship isn't the same as when they were kids. They grow apart a bit but still come together at family functions and talk here and there.
The book is told from Autumn's perspective, and you can tell that she still has a soft spot for Finn, even though they're not as close as they used to be. Both of them get into their respective relationships, but there's this underlying feeling Autumn has that in a perfect world, her and Finn would have ended up together.
She has flashbacks of their childhood memories and inside jokes, and imagines scenarios in which they'd be together in the present. I loved that part of the story because it's relatable. When you think about what could have been with someone you had/ have feelings for, it's very natural to imagine and romanticize what could be if you acted on those feelings and replay memories of the past that validate that it's not just you who felt these things. These flashbacks also help the reader understand Autumn better as a character and how she grew into the person she is in the present.
The beginning of the book starts at the end, and it foreshadows what is going to become of it; however, I was still hoping for a different outcome because I grew to love these two so much, especially Finn. Some of the things he did, even when they weren't friends anymore, were very indicative of him having feelings / some sort of soft spot and protectiveness over her and my heart broke knowing what was going to happen in the end after all of that.
I love best friends to lovers, it's my favourite trope, and even though this one has a sad ending I still enjoyed the book. If you're into character driven stories and are okay with endings that aren't happy, you'll probably love this one too.
This is a fast paced thriller and one that I enjoyed. There were times where I was pretty spooked and on the edge of my seat waiting for was going to This is a fast paced thriller and one that I enjoyed. There were times where I was pretty spooked and on the edge of my seat waiting for was going to happen next, especially at the end when like 4 different twists happened at once. Just when I thought I knew who the killer was, multiple curveballs were thrown and I loved that I couldn't figure it out on my own.
I do have a few issues with this book though. For starters, I don't believe at all that Nora and Brady have any connection, it was so forced. And I know that's not the point of this story and it's just a sub-plot but his involvement in the book was pretty huge beyond the romance so I wish the chemistry was believable to me. Also I don't get the point of the Marjorie storyline at all, I guess it showed that Nora had some evil in her from when she was a child? Still, it kind of felt like a dead end to me. Also x2, sometimes the dialogue was cringey.
Overall though I'd recommend this book if you're looking for a short, quick, twisty read. This is my first Freida McFadden and it won't be my last....more
In 1940, WWII rips the Thompson family apart when 11-year-old Beatrix is sent by her parents to America from London in hopes that she will be safer thIn 1940, WWII rips the Thompson family apart when 11-year-old Beatrix is sent by her parents to America from London in hopes that she will be safer there while the war rages on.
When she arrives in Boston, Bea is welcomed by the Gregory family which consists of two boys, William and Gerald - one her junior and one her senior - who take to Bea immediately. Over the span of 5 years, Bea is one of the Gregory's - going on adventures with the boys, sharing intimate secrets, and confiding in one another.
Bea is the glue that holds the family together, and while no one wants to face the facts, she won't be there forever. Once the war ends, Bea needs to find solace in her old life without them, but with so many of her formative memories a sea away, will she ever truly move on?
Every member of the Thompson and Gregory family had a POV in this book. Sometimes, I hate that. I hate waiting for the next person, getting all jumbled with info and perspectives, not caring about one and skimming. There were 8 in this book and I didn't want to skip or skim any. Each one was only 2-6 pages, yet I felt SO connected to them all. I like character-driven books over just plot, so this worked really well for me.
Not to mention, you know when you end a chapter and something has been described so breathtakingly that you need to stop for a second to take it all in? That happened almost every time. I liked the first half more than the second, when Bea was in America with the Gregory’s, but it was all very beautifully done. She remains in contact with them over the years and it was nice to see their relationship continue to develop. The book is emotional, sad, and hopeful, and I didn’t guess any of the twists which made it exciting.
I’m so happy I got to read this ahead of its release on March 21; thank you to Celadon Books for my copy....more
3.75, but I'm seeing red and I can't even bring myself to round up right now.
I loved the beginning of this - the enemies to lovers/ best friend’s brot3.75, but I'm seeing red and I can't even bring myself to round up right now.
I loved the beginning of this - the enemies to lovers/ best friend’s brother trope was really doing it for me. I have a soft spot for these characters, and after the previous book I was eager to learn more about another one of the girls.
Everything was going grand, until there was 25% left in the book and it went majorly downhill for me.
The climax of their argument and how Josh treated Jules during it was disgusting, and he could not be redeemed for me after that. They were both in the wrong but his actions specifically took it too far. 12 days of no contact before Jules was making up with him is not long enough - I don't know if forever would have been long enough for me. I didn’t care about anything after their fight and I am so livid every time I think back to it.
I still want to continue the series but I really hope young girls are not reading these types of romance books and wanting to emulate these turbulent relationships. I don't care how hot and rich someone is, it's a no from me when they lash back at you by weaponizing your biggest fears and vulnerabilities....more
The parts I liked, I really liked, and the parts I didn't care for, I really didn't care for lolThe parts I liked, I really liked, and the parts I didn't care for, I really didn't care for lol...more
It's between a 3 and a 4; it was closer to a 4 before he started singing to win her back It's between a 3 and a 4; it was closer to a 4 before he started singing to win her back ...more
18-year old Georgia feels like she's behind all her peers because she's never had a crush, kissed anyone, or had any romantic feelings for another per18-year old Georgia feels like she's behind all her peers because she's never had a crush, kissed anyone, or had any romantic feelings for another person. She has 2 really close friends, Pip and Jason, and as they all start university together, she makes a vow that she's going to start putting herself out there and find love so she can be just like everybody else.
With the help of both her old friends and new ones she meets at uni, Georgia realizes that she's aromantic and asexual – words she had never heard of before. After this realization, instead of forcing herself to have crushes, she throws herself entirely into her love for her friends. This book has the best depiction of friendship I've ever read, and not just from Georgia, but from everyone. The book made me cry, it was just so heartwarming, sweet, and accepting.
You don't have to resonate with the main character's sexuality to enjoy the book; if anything, I'd encourage you to read it especially if you do not as it will hopefully educate you as it did me.
This is something you should read if you like The Heartstopper graphic novels, wholesome/ comfort characters, and simple yet immersive writing. I genuinely feel like Georgia and Co. are friends and I'm sad to have finished the book! I have nothing bad to say about it, I loved every second with these characters!!!...more
Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane have one thing in common - they all got stood up on Valentine's Day by the same man, Joseph Carter.
Told in 3rd person3.5⭐
Siobhan, Miranda, and Jane have one thing in common - they all got stood up on Valentine's Day by the same man, Joseph Carter.
Told in 3rd person narration, each woman has their own switching chapters of the moments leading up to, and after this event. I have mixed feelings about multiple person POVs, but it was magnified here by the fact that up until the 66% mark, I was really confused as to what was going on! I think that if you aren't wholly invested for the first ~200 pages and eager to stick it out for the reveal, it would be really hard to enjoy the book as you don't even have a clue as to how these 3 women's lives intertwine until then. However, when I did figure it out, my mouth dropped!
The reason I think this book is a 3.5 is because it was mainly plot focused, but the plot didn't get going for so long. Additionally, I like when I feel connected to the characters and here I didn't really feel that as much as I know I have the ability to. You are supposed to feel bad for Joseph by the end, and I did feel bad, but I didn't ~ love ~ him or care about him like I've cared about other male MCs in romance novels. The 3 perspectives are from the women, and he seems like such a commitmentphobe from all 3 ...more
Hi, I am now taking applications for a professional book assistant to consult before every book purchase I make, because every time I buy a book I endHi, I am now taking applications for a professional book assistant to consult before every book purchase I make, because every time I buy a book I end up having no strong feelings towards it.
This story is about two high school seniors– Misha (boy) and Ryen (girl)– who got paired up as pen pals from different schools one town over when their teachers mistook them for the opposite genders in 5th grade. These two have been writing to each other ever since, forming a special connection and being the one the other could confide in to talk to about anything openly and honestly. The one thing is, they've agreed to not meet or search each other on social media as to preserve this bond. Unfortunately (or fortunately) Misha finds out that Ryen is THE Ryen when they meet at an event and for like 3/4 of the book, he knows who she is but she doesn't know who he is as he uses a fake name around her.
Honestly it had been a while since I even read the synopsis, but I went into it thinking it would be more cutesy and light. Well daMn was I hit by those sex scenes. I read other reviews that said it was erotica, and I don't think it was, but it was definitely some 18+ content. If I had done a bit more digging into the author, I probably would have seen it coming. Before that point though I was so freaking bored with all the high school clichés so it was like a 'finally something else is going on’ moment but if it's not something you would feel comfortable reading about this book probably isn't for you. Also, that ending was pretty good. Even though the answer was right under my nose the whole time, I was still shocked.
However, the two main characters were a bit problematic. I'm all for enemies to lovers, or fake-ish enemies to lovers in this case, but he called her a cunt and held a knife to her and she still melted like putty in his hands.. soo yeah that might be a bit much for me. She wasn't any better treating everyone terribly to preserve her popular girl persona, and I get there was a reason she was like that, but I don't really like the mean girl thing.
Needless to say, even though I wasn't really feeling either one of them much, it was still a pretty likable book. Just not anything that I feel particularly strong about one way or the other.
Merged review:
Hi, I am now taking applications for a professional book assistant to consult before every book purchase I make, because every time I buy a book I end up having no strong feelings towards it.
This story is about two high school seniors– Misha (boy) and Ryen (girl)– who got paired up as pen pals from different schools one town over when their teachers mistook them for the opposite genders in 5th grade. These two have been writing to each other ever since, forming a special connection and being the one the other could confide in to talk to about anything openly and honestly. The one thing is, they've agreed to not meet or search each other on social media as to preserve this bond. Unfortunately (or fortunately) Misha finds out that Ryen is THE Ryen when they meet at an event and for like 3/4 of the book, he knows who she is but she doesn't know who he is as he uses a fake name around her.
Honestly it had been a while since I even read the synopsis, but I went into it thinking it would be more cutesy and light. Well daMn was I hit by those sex scenes. I read other reviews that said it was erotica, and I don't think it was, but it was definitely some 18+ content. If I had done a bit more digging into the author, I probably would have seen it coming. Before that point though I was so freaking bored with all the high school clichés so it was like a 'finally something else is going on’ moment but if it's not something you would feel comfortable reading about this book probably isn't for you. Also, that ending was pretty good. Even though the answer was right under my nose the whole time, I was still shocked.
However, the two main characters were a bit problematic. I'm all for enemies to lovers, or fake-ish enemies to lovers in this case, but he called her a cunt and held a knife to her and she still melted like putty in his hands.. soo yeah that might be a bit much for me. She wasn't any better treating everyone terribly to preserve her popular girl persona, and I get there was a reason she was like that, but I don't really like the mean girl thing.
Needless to say, even though I wasn't really feeling either one of them much, it was still a pretty likable book. Just not anything that I feel particularly strong about one way or the other....more
Oh boy. I don't know where to begin. At first, I liked it, but then I started to notice too many negatives. It's an easy book to get through, perfect Oh boy. I don't know where to begin. At first, I liked it, but then I started to notice too many negatives. It's an easy book to get through, perfect for if you're not really feeling like reading something that takes too many brain cells, but also the problematic parts of the book might also get rid of some of your existing brain cells too.
First of all, they fall in love in like a week. I'm not an insta love kind of girl, so already we were off to a rocky start. To make matters worse, their dynamic felt childish. It's like Logan just wanted to prove he could get Grace, the one girl who has ever played hard to get with him. I don't think he actually knew anything about her or liked her for anything other than their sexual chemistry, which, that's fine, but how does that differ from any other girl he's hooked up with? Why now does he want a relationship with her specifically?! He became a reformed playboy from nowhere. I also don't believe for a second that he went from obsessing over Hannah, his best friend's girlfriend, at the beginning of the book, to suddenly saying that he didn't like Hannah, he just wanted a relationship like they had. That is definitely a cop out lie and I couldn't will myself to believe it for a second.
That whole list Logan had to complete for Grace to win her back was just weird. She clearly knew she was gonna take him back the moment she agreed to give him a slight chance. Also the sex scenes in this - without going into detail, there were parts that were very anti-feminist. Not to mention the wlw scenes that were purely for the male characters' entertainment which felt so wrong, and fatphobic comments sprinkled in as if it were nothing.
They are supposed to be in college but it felt more immature than high school. I can not say I understand what the hype is about ...more
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I think this book would make a better movie.
Though the pace was on the slower side, the writing was amazing and II can't believe I'm saying this, but I think this book would make a better movie.
Though the pace was on the slower side, the writing was amazing and I loved the plot. My issue is that at times, that amazing plot was hard to follow because there are a bunch of time jumps and characters that got added from seemingly nowhere. The characters that I thought would be really important at the beginning were almost nowhere to be found in the middle, and then when they got reintroduced at the end I almost didn't really care what became of them because there wasn't a strong connection built throughout.
The actual plot though was very good if you could get past all of this. It takes talent to come up with such a web of characters and timelines and have it all link back to a greater picture in the end....more
Identity. Community. Music. Faith. These are some of the words that come to mind when I think of Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson.
The book followsIdentity. Community. Music. Faith. These are some of the words that come to mind when I think of Small Worlds by Caleb Azumah Nelson.
The book follows a young Ghanaian man living in London through his late teens – navigating young adulthood with respect to his future, his romantic life, and his place in his community. It depicts the struggles of keeping your identity when moving to a new country through food, music, gathering, faith, and celebration.
It explores the small worlds we create through our intimate relationships with others while we are trying to make sense of the bigger one around us. I really loved that part of it, because it's so true. The relationship you have with one person is entirely different than one you have with another, yet they can all stand alone as a small little world entirely yours that you share together, which I think is so beautiful.
If you have read Open Water, the author's debut novel, you will know that Azumah Nelson has some very poetic writing. I hate to compare it to Open Water, but I did enjoy that one a bit more. I think what can happen when an author has a specific writing style is that their work can feel repetitive. I could almost picture Stephen, the main character in this book, as a younger version of the main character in Open Water. Not that it's a bad thing, it's just something that I noticed.
Overall, I really did enjoy this and I recommend it. I feel like I created my own small world with the book, just like I do with every book I read that I feel connected to, and I'm so thankful to have been given that perspective through this story.
Thank you very much to Grove Atlantic and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Thank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the eArc!
In theory, this book is everything I go for in a contemporary novel. I always gravitate tThank you Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the eArc!
In theory, this book is everything I go for in a contemporary novel. I always gravitate towards the unlikable young woman main character trying to navigate her life; I think it’s interesting and fun, and I especially was drawn to the premise of this one where she jumps from place to place after a “breakup”.
Unfortunately, this is a rare occurrence where a book like this wasn’t for me. In the beginning, I was a little bit confused about Alex as a character. I personally prefer character driven stories, and Alex’s character sounded interesting, but I felt like throughout the book I only got to know her on a surface level, and therefore wasn’t really rooting for her. It felt more like a vibey book than either character or plot driven, which I actually like, but there were so many unknowns that I grew restless. The pace is slow, and with neither characters I loved, nor thick plot to move me forward, I felt it was hard to get through. I love the cover and the blurb so much but this one didn’t work for me. ...more
Mizuki is a Japanese housewife who is at a crossroads - though she loves being a mother, she feels like she can't live up to Japanese standards, and oMizuki is a Japanese housewife who is at a crossroads - though she loves being a mother, she feels like she can't live up to Japanese standards, and on top of that she feels ignored and neglected by her husband. She meets Kiyoshi, a man who gives her the attention she craves, and at first they are friends but it quickly turns into something more. Mizuki needs to decide which life she truly wants because she knows she can't lead a double life forever.
I love books that explore motherhood and realistic relationships. The book was also filled with a lot of cultural references that I enjoyed learning about. If I could change one thing about this story it would be the ending. I'm not sure I was convinced she was sincerely happy with her choice in the end, even though you are meant to believe that she is. I'm a firm believer that your happiness needs to come before everything but I don't think she really followed her heart.
All that to say, I still liked the book. It has some hilariously relatable quotes and was a nice, quick read....more
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