There are some stories that you'll think about over and over and over again after finishing the final chapter. This was one of those books for me.
MirThere are some stories that you'll think about over and over and over again after finishing the final chapter. This was one of those books for me.
Miri's wife, Leah, embarks on a three-week marine research expedition, only to return six months later. Strange things have been happening since she's been back, and Miri fears that the woman she loves is slipping away. What do you do when that happens?
This is such a quick read, with short chapters that you can digest easily. It goes back and forth between Miri in the present reliving the past and Leah on her expedition. It keeps you guessing the entire way.
I began to connect the dots toward the middle of the novel, and to be honest, I was quite devastated. The whole concept of it is beautiful, and it's one of those books that I will be keeping on my shelves forever....more
This was my first Rebecca Serle novel, and let me say that I could feel the love... that she has for the AmI have never been so hungry reading a book.
This was my first Rebecca Serle novel, and let me say that I could feel the love... that she has for the Amalfi Coast. The way she describes everything is so magical I felt like I was there.
Katy is grieving after the passing of her mother- her best friend. She decides to take the trip they were supposed to take together, a trip her mother had taken about 30 years earlier, and it had ended up being one of the most important experiences in her life. Katy is prepared for a sad vacation alone, only when she gets to Positano, she meets her mother, from 30 years ago. She ends up trying to get the closure she needs while also figuring out herself.
I thought it was really sweet. The way Serle describes grief is heart-wrenching, but in a way it's also refreshing. The main character begins to discover herself as her own person, which is important for us all. However, she's still able to reflect on everything she learned from her mother and keep those memories with her forever. ...more
I was BLOWN away by The Seven Year Slip, which was this month's book club pick. I went in a little hesitantly because I kept hearing people rave aboutI was BLOWN away by The Seven Year Slip, which was this month's book club pick. I went in a little hesitantly because I kept hearing people rave about it, but I wasn't a huge fan of The Dead Romantics. I'm happy to say that I fell in love with this novel and its characters.
Clementine, a hard-working book publicist, hasn't felt the same since her aunt passed away. She moved into her aunt's apartment, which *alledgedly* was magic. She's skeptical until one day she wakes up to a handsome stranger, Iwan, in her apartment seven years in the past. It's the same man who, in the present, her team is fighting to get a book deal with. Will the person she loves in the past be able to stay in the future? Or is it seven years too late?
"That was love, wasn't it? It wasn't just a quick drop- it was falling, over and over again, for your person. It was falling as they became new people. It was learning how to exist with every new breath."
***THE PLOT*** There's something so magical about falling in love, and I think Ashley Poston caught that perfectly with this book. I could feel the magic seeping through the pages, especially towards the end. In the beginning, it felt a bit clunky and slow. I was having a hard time getting into it. I thought the characters fell too fast, but who am I to criticize how people fall in love?
The Dead Romantics and this novel both have themes of navigating through grief. What I loved about how it was done in this one was how subtle it was throughout. The apartment was there for Clementine when she needed it most... when she needed Iwan most. I think he really helped her find a way to come to accept the past and herself.
As far as the romance goes, I loved how it went back and forth from past and present Iwan. How accepting he was. I loved the way conflict was introduced because it was so understandable and unique and not your normal miscommunication trope. It was simply waiting for the right time. It's a bit like a forbidden romance, and you've got a little bit of a one bed trope. The spice is not super explicit, but it's there.
***THE CHARACTERS*** Clementine's character development really surprised me. I didn't necessarily realize she had to go through changes herself when we were at the beginning of the novel, but she did. She's at a crossroads you don't necessarily see, and she has to choose which path she desires most. I think it pointed out something that I whole-heartedly agree with: it's okay to go after a career change that makes you happy.
Iwan is a great MMC. He's poetic and full of bright-eyed hope. He's got raw passion and excitement for his craft. And he makes a great point, too: in seven years, passion might look different, but that doesn't mean it's not the same.
***FINAL THOUGHTS*** This book was a tearjerker for sure. I loved watching Iwan and Clementine's progression throughout. I loved the little cameos from The Dead Romantics. I loved the hug scene. I loved how he called her Lemon. I loved it so much.
Please note: there are mentions of suicide and strong themes of grief that might note be suitable for all readers....more
How did she do it again?? How did she leave me wanting more??? This was Ali Hazelwood's SPICIEST and darkest novel, and I was 100% here for it.
Rue loHow did she do it again?? How did she leave me wanting more??? This was Ali Hazelwood's SPICIEST and darkest novel, and I was 100% here for it.
Rue loves her job as a chemical engineer working on a project that was inspired by the challenges she faced in childhood. However, the company she works for is about to be bought out, leaving hundreds of jobs in jeopardy. The culprit? A company called Harkness, and one of the founders just so happens to be Rue's extremely hot almost-one-night-stand, Eli. Their attraction for each other grows despite the fact that one of Rue's closest friends could lose her company. What could happen next?
***THE PLOT*** Ali has a little author's note at the beginning of the book that tells readers there are some darker themes introduced in Not in Love. Both the main characters struggled with traumatic childhoods, but the beautiful thing is that they're able to help each other grow through it by giving each other a safe space.
Honestly, I was kept guessing till the very end. This was one of those plots that had my brain running in circles wondering how the issues presented would get resolved. In my opinion, this was Hazelwood's strongest plot. In her past books (which I loved), the miscommunication tropes didn't quite work for me. Here, I could connect dots to see why each character feels a certain way. Maybe the dual perspectives helps.
***THE CHARACTERS*** I think Hazelwood did a great job portraying Rue who truly doesn't believe she can ever be in love after the circumstances in her past. She's let them define her, but Eli swoops in with his own share of challenges, and together they get to come out better.
Rue is one of Hazelwood's signature sassy STEMinists that we've come to know and love. She's not afraid to speak her mind and will do anything she can to help those she loves. There's a bit more depth to Rue than some of the other STEMinists, and one of those aspects is that she enjoys being a body because she doesn't want to think of commitment. She wants commitment, but she doesn't think she can ever attain it.
Eli is so patient. He's also a little bossy (but in a hot kind of way that makes me blush). I think he's a great contrast to Rue because he's more outgoing and likes to hang out with a big group of friends. He's the golden retriever to Rue's black cat, and it's such a fun dynamic.
The side characters are all great. I do wish you get to see a little bit more of Hark because I think he's got something he's hiding. I'm very suspicious. Tisha and her sister were great, and I was glad they were part of Rue's "found family". Let us not forget Tiny, whose name does not reflect his furry self (it's a dog).
***FINAL THOUGHTS*** I think this is my second favorite Hazelwood novel. The Love Hypothesis is the OG, so that's hard to beat, but I felt like this novel had more character development than previous ones. I also think the miscommunication trope worked the best here. Maybe I just also like Eli's style *wink*.
If you're considering picking this one up, just do it. I don't think you'll regret it!...more
I saw the cover and buckled in because Rakesfall is a trip. A brilliant, imaginative trip that weaves together two souls that haunt each other throughI saw the cover and buckled in because Rakesfall is a trip. A brilliant, imaginative trip that weaves together two souls that haunt each other through hundreds of lifetimes.
This book follows two souls who a bound together by a past that haunts them through time. Even as they inhabit different identities, they're connected and one. It's a testament to loss, friendships, and life.
***THE PLOT*** I've never read anything like this in my life. In the beginning, I was a tad confused and had to do some research of Akashic records, which is what this book heavily pulls from. Once my theories were confirmed, I just turned my brain off and enjoyed the ride.
One thing that really helped me through this book was annotating. There are so many beautiful phrases and moments within that I wanted to remember. But marking the plot also helped me follow along with it from section to section. I respected the dizzying aspect of it because Chandrasekera did the impossible- he wrote about two souls merging together to represent different people throughout lifetimes.
The author created futures and worlds unlike anything I've ever heard of. You're beginning in the 1970's, but you travel all the way to the end of the earth. It's incredible the way he illustrates the rise and fall of humanity. There are hints of magic and hints of the paranormal. There's a future in there were AI has pretty much taken over.
To conclude, this novel is beautiful, and you're not going to be able to read something like this anywhere else....more
Once again, another fantastic read on this Throne of Glass journey! This one was definitely a little slower than book one, but I loved all the added eOnce again, another fantastic read on this Throne of Glass journey! This one was definitely a little slower than book one, but I loved all the added elements and themes brought into the world. You definitely get a little more explanations for things that happen in book one, which was so helpful. Everything just kind of builds and builds, and I'm so excited to see where the world takes Celaena next....more
Happy pub day to Committed! I finished this last night, and I was honestly so blown away by everything I could take away from this novel.
This is a meHappy pub day to Committed! I finished this last night, and I was honestly so blown away by everything I could take away from this novel.
This is a memoir that explores women's mental health through literature and Suzanne Scanlon's personal experience. In her early 20's, Scanlon had depression that led to what she calls a "half-hearted" suicide attempt. She then stays the next three years in a state hospital and spends much of her life contemplating what it means to be a madwoman.
One thing that really stuck out to me was her use of examples through other novels like The Bell Jar and the Yellow Wallpaper. These novels serve as examples of how women's health was treated through the years, creating less of a stigma as time goes on, but still much hasn't been done to help.
Scanlon also details her experience in the state hospital, offering a look at the history of the establishment and how patients were treated. She says that afterwards, she wasn't really sure where to go from there. Was she a madwoman? What does madwoman even mean? Are we all a little mad?
She includes a lot of research on medication and practices that are supposed to help treat mental health issues. As someone who gets treated for anxiety and panic disorder, I found this to be very interesting. I also found myself spouting off these facts at the dinner table.
Most of all, she explains how reading has changed her life. I think that's something a lot of us can relate to. And it's okay not to understand some novels because a lot of it has to do with things you have personally experienced. There are some novels that you read at different points in your life and can better relate to. If you read some novels at the right time, they can change your life.
I want to give a huge thank you to Vintage books for the gifted copy of this ARC! It was incredible and a story I'll be taking with me for years to come....more
If you haven't read an Entitled Love novel... THIS IS YOUR SIGN. I literally picked up this book just meaning to read the first sentence, and I couldnIf you haven't read an Entitled Love novel... THIS IS YOUR SIGN. I literally picked up this book just meaning to read the first sentence, and I couldn't put it down!! THIS. This, a true enemies to lovers. I am in love with these characters. I'm in love with this world of extremely attractive British millionaires.
Amelia's decade-long crush of Hugo Blackton is shattered after a drunken night at a party. A year later, she's still not sure if she can forgive him, but then he moves back in next door and won't leave her alone until she does. Hugo has ulterior motives. He discovers that he could receive $32 million pounds if he marries Amelia or her sister to settle a centuries long rift between the families. If only he can get her to like him again... he just doesn't expect to fall in love in the process.
Throughout the entire novel, Hugo just keeps digging himself deeper and deeper into a hole that I wasn't sure how he'd get out of. And it made SENSE for his character because his entire life he's been a selfish playboy. He slowly begins to fall in love with Amelia who, in contrast, is very sweet and considerate.
But Amelia can't trust him. With good reason, too. To be frank, Hugo starts out as an a**hole. But as you begin to peel back the layers, he is truly a good guy... just with some growing. I love how Amelia is the one who helps him do that.
It's a novel with so much growth and so much depth of characters. One thing I've noticed from the other Rachel Rowan novel I read is the positive representation of mental health and characters who help each other through that.
And the spice. There's such great spice. I was kicking and giddy throughout this entire thing. Of course, you get a glimpse of other characters that are mentioned in the world in other books. That was so exciting to see.
Rachel Rowan is an underrated QUEEN of romantic comedies. Especially if you like period romances or Jane Austen books because a lot of the themes in hers draw from this. I will be glued to my email until her next book comes out, and you'll probably catch me reading all her novellas!...more
At times uplifting, at times just downright heart-wrenching, Peacocks of Instagram is a raw look at status, social issues, and what it means to simplyAt times uplifting, at times just downright heart-wrenching, Peacocks of Instagram is a raw look at status, social issues, and what it means to simply survive. Certain moments SHOCKED me. I would have to reread just to make sure I understood what I read. It's a beautiful, beautiful piece of work.
This is a short story collection that follows 14 different people, whose lives are all interconnected in one way or another. It follows them through the decades as they navigate sickness, loss, and gains. Each person has their own challenges they must face or pasts they try to forget. All of the main characters are Indian and have ties to India. In the end of each one, you're left contemplating each circumstance and wondering how it connects with real life.
I was struck by the amount of depth each person possessed despite there being so many different characters and so many different stories. I didn't feel like I was reading the same thing over and over again. Each had a fresh voice that I connected to. It's a book that hasn't left my mind, even after finishing it a couple days ago.
Many of the stories stuck with me, but I found the most compelling to be "A Thing with Many Legs", "Rahel", "Driving Lessons", and "Bow Wow". However, I'd happily read any of the stories again because I'm sure there are lessons or things that I missed.
At times, the stories did slow their pacing as a new setting/character was introduced, but that's to be expected. It really did open my eyes to a new culture and made me get a deeper understanding to some of the issues Indians face.
I want to thank House of Ansai for a gifted copy of this novel!! It was such a delight to read, and I'm beyond grateful to have received it!...more
Spicy laser tag romance? I said "sign me up". And oh mm gee. I think it's been one too many years since I've played laser tag because after reading thSpicy laser tag romance? I said "sign me up". And oh mm gee. I think it's been one too many years since I've played laser tag because after reading this I NEED to.
Savvy is in the midst of trying to figure out what to do with her life when she inherits Galactic Guild, a laser tag arcade that her dad created. After his death, she wants to sell it, but it's so rundown with a bathroom so disgusting that the realtor told her selling would be impossible. So, she enlists the help of her dad's best friend, co-owner, famous author, and her old crush. To Darwin, his best friend's daughter should be out of reach, but man... when did she start looking so good? Now, they have to work together to return this laser tag business to its former glory while also dealing with the growing attraction between them.
I'll be honest, I'm usually not a huge fan of age gap romances, but I thought I'd give this one a try because the premise was so exciting. AND OH MY. It's a bit of a slow burn... but then it's worth it.
But it wasn't just about the spice. The story itself is really moving. Savvy becomes passionate about this business that was her father's life work. She's breathing new life into it and discovering that maybe it's going to become her own life work.
At the same time, Darwin is growing. He struggles with extreme OCD, and it's written so tastefully by Cleo White. It's not something he can just get over, but Savvy is there to help him along the way. And that's a reason why he ends up liking her so much, she's patient with him.
The writing is fun. The characters are so well thought out. The laser tag spice... well you'd just need to read that for yourself. It was so much fun!
**I'm so honored to have been chosen as a recipient for a PR box and signed copy of You're It. Thank you to Cleo White!! I loved it!!**...more
This was the rom com I NEEDED at this moment in time.
You've got enemies to lovers, you've got basically walking zombies, then there's the morbidity ofThis was the rom com I NEEDED at this moment in time.
You've got enemies to lovers, you've got basically walking zombies, then there's the morbidity of Mercy being an undertaker, and Hart is a demigod. I was just imagining this world in a light leak photo filter where everything was kind of obscure and definitely unique.
Hart and Mercy are mortal enemies after an explosive meet cute 4 years ago. She's a secretly passionate undertaker who is basically heading her dad's business after he had a heart attack. He's a marshal that keeps drudges (think zombies) off the streets of Eternity... which also means he frequently has to run into Mercy. Things start to change when Hart finds out he and Mercy have been secret pen pals... maybe she's not as bad as he thought after all.
That's a very basic overview, I mean of course there's this mysterious increase in drudge activity and a battle over mortuaries and a strange house in the middle of a field. But you just have to read it to see all that.
I really loved Hart and Mercy's pen pal correspondence and thought it was super cute. Then I loved the scene where they actually fall for one another (no spoilers, I promise). The side characters were fantastic and so wholesome. And of course, all of your burning questions get answered.
If I struggled anywhere, I think I just wished the ending would've had a little more Hart/Mercy interactions. However, I didn't care too much about this because the subplots were pretty compelling.
This 400 page book felt like a breeze to get through, and I'm definitely adding book two to my TBR!...more
"You don't let go once. That's your first mistake. You say goodbye over a lifetime."
I'm almost in tears as I write this review because Dolly Alder"You don't let go once. That's your first mistake. You say goodbye over a lifetime."
I'm almost in tears as I write this review because Dolly Alderton has once again touched my soul in a place I didn't know could be reached. Good Material is at once heartbreaking, funny, and full of hope.
Andy is in love with Jen. But Jen broke up with Andy. He's 35, a failing comedian, and now has to crash at his moms' and friends' places. All the while, he explores possible reasons why Jen might have broken up with him and goes through the motions to change, all while finding himself along the way.
***THE PLOT*** This novel follows Andy through the five stages of grief. They're stages I know so well having both been broken up with and also having been the initiator. I wish this existed during that time because I truly thought there was something wrong with me. This book just affirms that when you have a break up, you've got every right to be upset, to let yourself grieve, but, most of all, it's okay to remember the good times.
You could outline every stage Andy goes through. And it's all so REAL. Especially with dating in the 21st century. The social media stalking phase? Been there. The revenge body phase? Classic. The need to talk about it constantly? Yep.
I kept turning the pages, ready to see what would happen next. Would Andy find a new girlfriend? Will he get back with Jen? Will he get his own place? Will he have to quit his career? I guess if you've gotten this far, you'll have to discover that for yourself.
***THE CHARACTERS*** So, if it wasn't obvious, this book heavily follows Andy. He's certainly got his own problems, but don't we all? He's relatable in that he's a pretty normal human with normal thoughts and feelings. He's got a good group of friends to lean on despite being the only single one. He himself is very supportive of his friends, though there's a bit of a learning curve for him as he navigates his career. I think he's a great MMC, and I love this contrast between his side and Jen's.
I won't say too much more about the other characters so as not to spoil... but there's the good advice and the bad. There's the quirky folks and the normal. While the story is character driven, these other characters offer new perspectives that help Andy on his journey.
***FINAL THOUGHTS*** Obviously, though I find this relatable, it doesn't mean everyone else will. I just think it offers healthy ideas when it comes to getting over someone. Grief is never easy, especially when someone you love is out of your life. Alderton makes us feel that, but she leaves us with something more: optimism. And for that, I'm so happy I read this book....more
I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the life of Eve Babitz and the life of 1960's-1970's LA. She's truly a powerhouse figure, defying all the sterI really enjoyed getting a glimpse into the life of Eve Babitz and the life of 1960's-1970's LA. She's truly a powerhouse figure, defying all the stereotypes surrounding women, especially in this time. I recommend if you're interested in memoirs and a little bit of Hollywood history. ...more
I've got all the warm and fuzzies after this one! Russ Callaghan is a favorite MMC for me... even though I usually love the morally grey, mysterious MI've got all the warm and fuzzies after this one! Russ Callaghan is a favorite MMC for me... even though I usually love the morally grey, mysterious MMC, Russ has my heart because he's shy and awkward, and I can relate. Aurora is the outgoing, talkative one, so they have such a great balance.
At first, I was a little put-off by the "daddy issues" that kept being an excuse for every action, but it got worked through, and honestly the character development was so good that I can let it slide.
Of course, Hannah Grace brought on the spice and kept us in for a bit of a slow burn. Now, I'm ready for my own forbidden summer camp romance (sorry, boyfriend! Come with me).
I also listened to the curated playlist for Wildfire on Spotify, and that was a such a great idea because it really got me in the zone. I highly recommend!...more
My knowledge of Throne of Glass before reading this was nothing because I tried to ignore talk about it to get the full experience when I read. And OMMy knowledge of Throne of Glass before reading this was nothing because I tried to ignore talk about it to get the full experience when I read. And OMG I thought this book was so much fun!!! It was super fast-paced, the characters were interesting, and I admired Celeana's arrogance.
I'm super excited to keep reading the series!! I think this was a great entry point into the world of ToG and a little background on the FMC. ...more
After finishing this one, I felt like I needed to reread it again. I went in not knowing anything about it, and I'm glad I did. There was an element oAfter finishing this one, I felt like I needed to reread it again. I went in not knowing anything about it, and I'm glad I did. There was an element of shock factor with not really knowing what was happening.
The book is a compilation of statements made by the employees of a mission on the planet, New Discovery. They make complaints about their jobs and over the course of 18 months, a lot of things change that ultimately have dire consequences.
It was one of the quickest reads ever and left me questioning the entire time what was happening. I liked how unique the story was being told in statements, and I didn't feel like much was missing through the translation. ...more
Dolores Ryan watched her husband die right in front of her. As she navigates the years afterward, going from First Lady of the United S***3.5 stars***
Dolores Ryan watched her husband die right in front of her. As she navigates the years afterward, going from First Lady of the United States to being next to broke, you follow along with her story as she tries to find love and ultimately has to decide whether or not she will settle.
At first, I found this to be very similar to the events that happened with JFK and Jackie Kennedy. I wasn't sure how I felt about the parallels, but the novel did really seem to come into its own about halfway through.
You're thrust into a world of endless affairs and learning to cope and accept life when everything seems to be falling down around you. Because really, everything is falling down around Dolores. She's constantly trying to keep up a façade that limits how she's able to overcome certain circumstances. She tries to be her own woman, but she also has to stay hidden and deal with the repercussions of being "mysterious".
This was certainly a quick read, and I found myself really enjoying it towards the end. This was my first Jacqueline Susann novel, and I would be very interested to read more by her!...more
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