This is my first book by Kat and Stone Bastion and I was very taken by their writing style. This stor"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"
This is my first book by Kat and Stone Bastion and I was very taken by their writing style. This story is heavy on the dialogue and light on explicit scenes but the character development and the sense of place was fantastic! The vivid description of Hawaii and other locations was beautiful.
Mase has fled his carefully planned-out life for the complete freedom of surfing. He lives simply but is drawn into a possible sponsorship with a board manufacturer by the stunning Leilani. Her brother has sent her to try and make a deal with Mase. He has no interest in the "going commercial" but he falls fast for Leilani.
Mase travels to Maui to meet with Leilani's brother and basically encounters prejudice the minute he arrives there. He is considered an "outsider" and his relationship with Leilani is immediately called into question. Leilani, who is at home in Hawaii, feels just as out of place in Mase's world as he does in hers. Will they be able to overcome everyone else's pre-conceived notions about them?
This is the first book I have read by Kat and Stone Bastion. The story is captivating and richly detailed. I also loved that this was a book about surfing. And, even though this is the second book in a series, you can absolutely read it as a standalone, as I did. To me, the writing almost bordered on spiritual at several points in the story, which fit in well with the overall tone of the book. Finally, kudos to the authors for their wonderful description of Hawaii life and language! I am looking forward to reading more from these authors.
"..Accepting the beliefs of those around me, blending into what already exists and contributing what I can is important to me. If we keep that spirit alive one act at a time - with every act we make - we make the world better."
(ARC provided by the authors in return for an honest review.)
Merged review:
"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone"
This is my first book by Kat and Stone Bastion and I was very taken by their writing style. This story is heavy on the dialogue and light on explicit scenes but the character development and the sense of place was fantastic! The vivid description of Hawaii and other locations was beautiful.
Mase has fled his carefully planned-out life for the complete freedom of surfing. He lives simply but is drawn into a possible sponsorship with a board manufacturer by the stunning Leilani. Her brother has sent her to try and make a deal with Mase. He has no interest in the "going commercial" but he falls fast for Leilani.
Mase travels to Maui to meet with Leilani's brother and basically encounters prejudice the minute he arrives there. He is considered an "outsider" and his relationship with Leilani is immediately called into question. Leilani, who is at home in Hawaii, feels just as out of place in Mase's world as he does in hers. Will they be able to overcome everyone else's pre-conceived notions about them?
This is the first book I have read by Kat and Stone Bastion. The story is captivating and richly detailed. I also loved that this was a book about surfing. And, even though this is the second book in a series, you can absolutely read it as a standalone, as I did. To me, the writing almost bordered on spiritual at several points in the story, which fit in well with the overall tone of the book. Finally, kudos to the authors for their wonderful description of Hawaii life and language! I am looking forward to reading more from these authors.
"..Accepting the beliefs of those around me, blending into what already exists and contributing what I can is important to me. If we keep that spirit alive one act at a time - with every act we make - we make the world better."
(ARC provided by the authors in return for an honest review.)...more
Mamas, raise your boys to grow up like Asa. Holy hot single dad!! If bossy Alpha males are your jam, you'll LOVE 'G“This is just the start, baby.�
Mamas, raise your boys to grow up like Asa. Holy hot single dad!! If bossy Alpha males are your jam, you'll LOVE 'Gifts'! I'm still sobbing from the Epilogue. Highly recommend!
This book has the elusive "it" factor that makes my heart race and my eyes tear up. Between laughing out loud. Oh and also it features a hot single dad who's over 40 and a 35 year old heroine with two children. This is my favorite book of the 'Killers' series but it can totally be read as a standalone. Jump right in and meet Brynne Asher!! This author NEEDS to be on your radar!!
This book had it all for me. Possessive Alpha, a smart and feisty heroine, real-life situations and very sweet and touching moments. If you love contemporary romance, you will LOVE this book!! Keelie was especially funny and very relatable.
"I have a date.
Tonight.
At five o’clock.
Am I that old that I have to go on a date at five o’clock? Thirty-five is not old. Who the hell is she fixing me up with that wants to go on a date at five o’clock? I know it’s been forever since I’ve been on a date, but five o’clock is for senior citizens—not women in their mid-thirties.
I’m ready to write off my first attempt at getting back into the game after more than a decade. I’ve decided the game sucks and I will be pleased as punch to sit on the sidelines. Others can go watch Netflix and fuck themselves for all I care."
I absolutely LOVED Asa! He is raising two teenagers and has retired from his former very dangerous life. He doesn't have time to beat around the bush! He meets Keelie and in true Alpha fashion, makes his intentions very clear.
“Keelie?� Her brows pucker under the bill of her blue baseball hat. “Hmm?�
I lower my voice. “We’re adults. I don’t need to date to know what I want.�
Did I mention that I loved Asa? He adores his kids but his daughter Emma is having a very rough time in high school. Only later does Asa find out the reason why. Keelie also has her hands full, with a full-time job, young children and a house filled with animals. But Asa accepts it all.
I lean in and we’re as close as we’ve been all night. “You date someone to figure out what you want. I know what I want and I think you do, too. It’s the gift of life, Keelie. We just need to embrace it.�
Asa moves quickly in all things and when he sees an opportunity to be closer to Kellie and her family, he takes it. Keel's first husband was a great father but a terrible partner and she has trust issues, to put it mildly.
“I have to warn you. I was using my kids as an excuse. You have to know that I’m a bit of a mess. More than a bit really. I’m just � I don’t know …� I sigh. “Fucked up.�
He presses his hips into my stomach and I feel the long, hard length of his cock when he smiles down at me. “Is it too soon to want to unfuck you by fucking you?�
There's a very fast-paced storyline that's reminiscent of the Rock Chick series but at the heart of it all is the relationship between Keelie and Asa. This is a very witty, very sexy read that will satisfy every romance reader! I just loved these two together and actually cried at the Epilogue. Don't miss this one! 'Gifts' is romance at its best.
Favorite quote:
Touching a man for the first time in what seems like an eternity. My heart strums as his breath feathers across my face. Oxygen. Heartbeats. Life. But more than all that combined� Trust.
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Merged review:
“This is just the start, baby.�
Mamas, raise your boys to grow up like Asa. Holy hot single dad!! If bossy Alpha males are your jam, you'll LOVE 'Gifts'! I'm still sobbing from the Epilogue. Highly recommend!
This book has the elusive "it" factor that makes my heart race and my eyes tear up. Between laughing out loud. Oh and also it features a hot single dad who's over 40 and a 35 year old heroine with two children. This is my favorite book of the 'Killers' series but it can totally be read as a standalone. Jump right in and meet Brynne Asher!! This author NEEDS to be on your radar!!
This book had it all for me. Possessive Alpha, a smart and feisty heroine, real-life situations and very sweet and touching moments. If you love contemporary romance, you will LOVE this book!! Keelie was especially funny and very relatable.
"I have a date.
Tonight.
At five o’clock.
Am I that old that I have to go on a date at five o’clock? Thirty-five is not old. Who the hell is she fixing me up with that wants to go on a date at five o’clock? I know it’s been forever since I’ve been on a date, but five o’clock is for senior citizens—not women in their mid-thirties.
I’m ready to write off my first attempt at getting back into the game after more than a decade. I’ve decided the game sucks and I will be pleased as punch to sit on the sidelines. Others can go watch Netflix and fuck themselves for all I care."
I absolutely LOVED Asa! He is raising two teenagers and has retired from his former very dangerous life. He doesn't have time to beat around the bush! He meets Keelie and in true Alpha fashion, makes his intentions very clear.
“Keelie?� Her brows pucker under the bill of her blue baseball hat. “Hmm?�
I lower my voice. “We’re adults. I don’t need to date to know what I want.�
Did I mention that I loved Asa? He adores his kids but his daughter Emma is having a very rough time in high school. Only later does Asa find out the reason why. Keelie also has her hands full, with a full-time job, young children and a house filled with animals. But Asa accepts it all.
I lean in and we’re as close as we’ve been all night. “You date someone to figure out what you want. I know what I want and I think you do, too. It’s the gift of life, Keelie. We just need to embrace it.�
Asa moves quickly in all things and when he sees an opportunity to be closer to Kellie and her family, he takes it. Keel's first husband was a great father but a terrible partner and she has trust issues, to put it mildly.
“I have to warn you. I was using my kids as an excuse. You have to know that I’m a bit of a mess. More than a bit really. I’m just � I don’t know …� I sigh. “Fucked up.�
He presses his hips into my stomach and I feel the long, hard length of his cock when he smiles down at me. “Is it too soon to want to unfuck you by fucking you?�
There's a very fast-paced storyline that's reminiscent of the Rock Chick series but at the heart of it all is the relationship between Keelie and Asa. This is a very witty, very sexy read that will satisfy every romance reader! I just loved these two together and actually cried at the Epilogue. Don't miss this one! 'Gifts' is romance at its best.
Favorite quote:
Touching a man for the first time in what seems like an eternity. My heart strums as his breath feathers across my face. Oxygen. Heartbeats. Life. But more than all that combined� Trust.
(ARC provided by the author in return for an honest review.)...more
Complimentary copy provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Although this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend th4.5 stars!!
Complimentary copy provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Although this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you read the first two books (BESIDE YOUR HEART and DISCLOSURE OF THE HEART) in the series before FOREVER YOUR HEART. It is not an absolute necessity but I fell in love with these characters in Book 1 and think that you will, too.
I love a male POV and FOREVER YOUR HEART captures Adam Kincaid’s voice perfectly. This is a fantastic second-chance love series about Adam and Nicki who met in high school in Texas under sad circumstances and meet up again years later at the White House, no less. Adam is a reporter for the BBC (he is British and was in Texas during high school for a brief time before returning to the UK) and Nicki is part of the White Press Office.
These books are intelligent looks into D.C. politics and are not your usual run-of-mill contemporary romance books. Mary Whitney writes with a confident voice and this third book is no exception. I loved getting into Adam’s head � what was he thinking when he left Nicki all those years before? � and seeing how he reacts to Nicki’s current fiancee and even his own romantic entanglements.
There is just the right amount of sexy time in this book, and we get a slow build-up to Nicki and Adam finally making their way back to one another. Adam is funny, warm but tough when he needs to be. I also loved meeting up again with the cast of supporting characters from this series, they make a great addition to Nicki and Adam and I would love to read more about them in the future! All in all, FOREVER YOUR HEART is a completely satisfying and wonderfully romantic installment in this intelligently written series by Mary Whitney.
Merged review:
4.5 stars!!
Complimentary copy provided by the author in return for an honest review.)
Although this can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend that you read the first two books (BESIDE YOUR HEART and DISCLOSURE OF THE HEART) in the series before FOREVER YOUR HEART. It is not an absolute necessity but I fell in love with these characters in Book 1 and think that you will, too.
I love a male POV and FOREVER YOUR HEART captures Adam Kincaid’s voice perfectly. This is a fantastic second-chance love series about Adam and Nicki who met in high school in Texas under sad circumstances and meet up again years later at the White House, no less. Adam is a reporter for the BBC (he is British and was in Texas during high school for a brief time before returning to the UK) and Nicki is part of the White Press Office.
These books are intelligent looks into D.C. politics and are not your usual run-of-mill contemporary romance books. Mary Whitney writes with a confident voice and this third book is no exception. I loved getting into Adam’s head � what was he thinking when he left Nicki all those years before? � and seeing how he reacts to Nicki’s current fiancee and even his own romantic entanglements.
There is just the right amount of sexy time in this book, and we get a slow build-up to Nicki and Adam finally making their way back to one another. Adam is funny, warm but tough when he needs to be. I also loved meeting up again with the cast of supporting characters from this series, they make a great addition to Nicki and Adam and I would love to read more about them in the future! All in all, FOREVER YOUR HEART is a completely satisfying and wonderfully romantic installment in this intelligently written series by Mary Whitney....more
Although I enjoy Young Adult books, I have not read much in this genre for a while. ‘The Insomniacs� was a beautiful story of trauma,4 - 4.5 STARS
Although I enjoy Young Adult books, I have not read much in this genre for a while. ‘The Insomniacs� was a beautiful story of trauma, healing and romance, with an added dash of suspense. Overall I found this book to be a very compelling story and Van has my heart forever!
Described as the story of “two teens who discover the secrets of their neighborhood after everyone else turns out the lights�, this book is told from the point of view of Ingrid, a competitive diver who has suffered a concussion from a dive gone wrong. She is now suffering from insomnia and sees that her neighbor Van is also up all night, too. Van and Ingrid used to be best friends, but Ingrid pulled away from their group after a traumatic event that was witnessed by the whole neighborhood. The humiliation was too much for her to bear, and she and Van began to completely ignore each other.
Van is also troubled by something that happened one night recently when he might have been drunk. He is struggling to remember what happened to him, and racked with guilt that he might have harmed his girlfriend Caroline.
Because Ingrid cannot not practice with her high school dive team for a month, she feels adrift and unmoored. She begins to notice strange events at night at the abandoned house next door to her. Eventually she and Van reconcile and begin hanging out again, and soon he joins her in staying up all night, watching the house and waiting for clues as to what is going on.
Ingrid is secretly in love with Van but since he has a girlfriend she holds her emotions in check and struggles to keep their relationship on a platonic level There is plenty of chemistry between them and soon it becomes very obvious that there is more than meets the eye with his seemingly perfect, popular girlfriend Caroline.
I found ‘The Insomniacs� to be deeply engaging and suspenseful and a wonderful entry in the Y/A field. I did find the plot to be a little busy in some points and felt the story became mired down in too much extraneous detail towards the last part. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book for its wonderful descriptions of the pressure of competitive sports as well as the beautiful character development. Ingrid is a strong protagonist and an intelligent, brave young woman. Van is a sensitive love interest and very open about his emotions. I found these two characters to be very refreshing and original.
So often books set in high school turn out to be unrealistic and cartoonish in their character depictions. The main protagonists here grow emotionally over the course of the story and while neither may have a picture-perfect life, they both learn to deal with their families and the eventual fall-out from the central mystery of the story.
Ingrid and Van’s relationships with their families was depicted in a very sweet, yet sometimes harsh way. This book was a complete surprise to me and I could not put it down once I started. And can talk about this gorgeous cover? It is a perfect depiction of what’s inside! If you love enemies-to-lovers and Y/A romance, then you will love this book. While there is an element of suspense to the story, the main plot is focused on Ingrid and Van and their slow-burn relationship. This book deserves all the accolades and I loved the author’s style of writing. ‘The Insomniacs� should be a must-read for all lovers of the Y/A romance genre.
Merged review:
4 - 4.5 STARS
Although I enjoy Young Adult books, I have not read much in this genre for a while. ‘The Insomniacs� was a beautiful story of trauma, healing and romance, with an added dash of suspense. Overall I found this book to be a very compelling story and Van has my heart forever!
Described as the story of “two teens who discover the secrets of their neighborhood after everyone else turns out the lights�, this book is told from the point of view of Ingrid, a competitive diver who has suffered a concussion from a dive gone wrong. She is now suffering from insomnia and sees that her neighbor Van is also up all night, too. Van and Ingrid used to be best friends, but Ingrid pulled away from their group after a traumatic event that was witnessed by the whole neighborhood. The humiliation was too much for her to bear, and she and Van began to completely ignore each other.
Van is also troubled by something that happened one night recently when he might have been drunk. He is struggling to remember what happened to him, and racked with guilt that he might have harmed his girlfriend Caroline.
Because Ingrid cannot not practice with her high school dive team for a month, she feels adrift and unmoored. She begins to notice strange events at night at the abandoned house next door to her. Eventually she and Van reconcile and begin hanging out again, and soon he joins her in staying up all night, watching the house and waiting for clues as to what is going on.
Ingrid is secretly in love with Van but since he has a girlfriend she holds her emotions in check and struggles to keep their relationship on a platonic level There is plenty of chemistry between them and soon it becomes very obvious that there is more than meets the eye with his seemingly perfect, popular girlfriend Caroline.
I found ‘The Insomniacs� to be deeply engaging and suspenseful and a wonderful entry in the Y/A field. I did find the plot to be a little busy in some points and felt the story became mired down in too much extraneous detail towards the last part. Nonetheless, I highly recommend this book for its wonderful descriptions of the pressure of competitive sports as well as the beautiful character development. Ingrid is a strong protagonist and an intelligent, brave young woman. Van is a sensitive love interest and very open about his emotions. I found these two characters to be very refreshing and original.
So often books set in high school turn out to be unrealistic and cartoonish in their character depictions. The main protagonists here grow emotionally over the course of the story and while neither may have a picture-perfect life, they both learn to deal with their families and the eventual fall-out from the central mystery of the story.
Ingrid and Van’s relationships with their families was depicted in a very sweet, yet sometimes harsh way. This book was a complete surprise to me and I could not put it down once I started. And can talk about this gorgeous cover? It is a perfect depiction of what’s inside! If you love enemies-to-lovers and Y/A romance, then you will love this book. While there is an element of suspense to the story, the main plot is focused on Ingrid and Van and their slow-burn relationship. This book deserves all the accolades and I loved the author’s style of writing. ‘The Insomniacs� should be a must-read for all lovers of the Y/A romance genre....more
This thought-provoking and passionate debut novel is my latest book obsession. It’s a workplace romance, but so much more! It’s an opposites-attract, This thought-provoking and passionate debut novel is my latest book obsession. It’s a workplace romance, but so much more! It’s an opposites-attract, but on a deeper level. And it’s funny! Really, really funny. Ms. Rabess has a very keen ear for authentic dialogue.
At first glance, this book is about two young people at opposite ends of the political spectrum. Jess and Josh first meet in college where Josh makes his conservative views, known and Jess decides he is just hateful. I read this in the first few days after the Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action so to read the discussions in this book literally made it feel like it was written this week.
Jess ends up at Goldman Sachs after college where Josh also works. The cutthroat and competitive atmosphere there feels like it was written by an insider and it was. The author formerly worked there. Jess encounters microaggression after microaggression while Josh gets recognized for his work. She is basically treated like a lowly assistant. (When jokingly asks why he didn’t tell their colleagues “I’m amazing,� he replies, “I don’t think you are amazing.�) Ah.
After the frosty start, the two become close friends and then fall deeply in love. Will they be able to survive their wildly divergent political views? (Although Josh does call himself a “moderate�.) Jess is deeply conflicted about their relationship and hides Josh from her own father, expecting his disappointment. And yet. Josh cares deeply for Jess and she loves him.
This book has it all: wit, engaging dialogue, eccentric characters, and even romance. I want to sit down and chat with Ms. Rabess about this book. The author will challenge your perceptions about class, race and wealth. A must-read!
Its not hyperbole to say that Elin Hilderbrand’s books mean it’s officially summertime.
Once again I was magically transported to Nantucket and all ofIts not hyperbole to say that Elin Hilderbrand’s books mean it’s officially summertime.
Once again I was magically transported to Nantucket and all of its indulgent summer pleasures. Elin has somehow perfectly combined both romance and women’s fiction in this captivating beach read.
Hollis is a wildly popular food blogger whose picture-perfect life is in reality, nothing but. She recently lost her husband in a tragic accident and her daughter can barely tolerate her.
Hollis decides to invite friends from every stage of her life - childhood, college and marriage - to spend a “Five-Star Weekend� with her at her fabulous house in Nantucket. Each activity and meal has been carefully curated by Hollis. The only wildcard is her online friend Gigi, a follower of the blog but whom Hollis has never actually met in real life. Hollis even hires her daughter Caroline to document the entire weekend for the blog.
What follows is a thoroughly engaging and unpredictable story that packed a punch. The Nantucket setting is dreamy and Elin nailed all of the female friendships, loyalties and old rivalries. If Elin is still planning to retire in 2024, I hope it’s after the summer! ...more
Even though I don’t read as much romance as I did when I first started blogging, I absolutely adored this wonderful second-chance romance. The Maine sEven though I don’t read as much romance as I did when I first started blogging, I absolutely adored this wonderful second-chance romance. The Maine setting, the dual timelines, I loved it all. Even the chapter headings!
”Think of your happy place, the cool voice in my ear instructs. Picture it� What can you feel? Sunlight, everywhere. Not just on my bare shoulders or the crown of my head, but inside me too, the irresistible warmth that comes only from being in the exact right place with the exact right people.�
Surprisingly, this book also explores the evolution of friendships and family relationships in a very satisfying way. The story also has an engaging cast of supporting characters that provide depth to Harriet and Wyn’s relationship. There was a lovely sense of longing and nostalgia to this book that I really loved.
”Time doesn’t move the same way when we’re there. Things change, but we stretch and grow and make room for each other.�
The spice level this book was just perfect. Overall another totally addictive read from one of my auto-buy authors!
Anytime a "Sliding Doors" theme is mentioned, I am all in. The beach setting on Fire Island makes this one a lovely summer read for anyone who likes cAnytime a "Sliding Doors" theme is mentioned, I am all in. The beach setting on Fire Island makes this one a lovely summer read for anyone who likes contemporary romance mixed with some deeper, more emotional themes. There were some nice family dynamics as well. Overall a solid debut novel.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.)...more
This book is a fun and spicy summer read! The author really did a wonderful job at mixing romance with women’s fiction, not an easy feat. The gorgeousThis book is a fun and spicy summer read! The author really did a wonderful job at mixing romance with women’s fiction, not an easy feat. The gorgeous cover is the perfect gateway into the book’s stunning summer setting in the French countryside.
I loved all the supporting characters but I definitely related to the Type-A Lea. Her anxiety and self-esteem issues were very believable, even though she was a highly sought-after brand consultant.
Yes there is an age-gap romance here but Théo is truly an “old soul� who seems much older than his chronological age. He is THE perfect book boyfriend.
I read this book with a chilled glass of Sancerre and I can’t think of a better way to pass a summer afternoon!
The Troubled Teen Industry has fascinated me even before there was a formal name for it. In South Florida in the 1970’s, there was a controversial proThe Troubled Teen Industry has fascinated me even before there was a formal name for it. In South Florida in the 1970’s, there was a controversial program called The Seed where many of my older siblings� friend were sent. If you got caught smoking weed or drinking, off you went. It seemed like a horrific punishment for normal adolescent behavior, and in fact The Seed’s techniques were modeled after Syananon and were later compared to North Korean brainwashing techniques.� � The author was childhood friends with the Elissa of the title, and struggled to make sense of her old friend Elissa’s untimely death as well as of two other women, Alissa and Alyssa. The author and Elissa grew up during the era of Paris Hilton and The Simple Life, but Elissa was the one who engaged in wild partying and questionable sexual behavior. While Ms. Leach went on to graduate high school, Elissa was shipped off to the first of the boarding schools that promised to “reform� her behavior.� � Elissa later met and befriended Alissa and Alyssa who were also typically rebellious teenagers. Once the three of them were absorbed into the unregulated Troubled Teen Industry, they were doomed. We now know that this industry has resulted in many troubling disappearances and deaths. � � The author uses research and statistics to illustrate how dangerous this system is. There are some who do claim to have been helped by these troubling practices, but overall this is a cautionary tale about a system that tragically, needs to be brought into the limelight and held accountable. � � (...more
Excuse me while I recover from a book hangover. This is a powerful yet very tender coming-of-age story set in late 1990’s academia.
Isabel is a collegExcuse me while I recover from a book hangover. This is a powerful yet very tender coming-of-age story set in late 1990’s academia.
Isabel is a college senior at a small liberal arts college who has a non-consensual sexual encounter with a fellow student. That acts as the catalyst for her affair with her (married) professor.
"I felt stuck between two paths, one leading toward a future I could understand, the other leading—where? Nowhere good."
So much to unpack in this compelling novel! Set during the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, the author never paints Isabel as a victim, but instead as a young woman with agency and a burgeoning spirit. I loved the Jewish representation, and the pitch-perfect depiction of life at a small college.
The author treats Isabel with care and infuses her with intelligence. Her affair with Professor Connelly builds slowly, and because the characters are all strongly written, I felt a true sense of dread - along with Isabel's growing dread - when certain beliefs turned out to be wrong.
"I could feel something fracturing, like the first time you ask your parents a question they can’t answer or the first time they don’t catch you in a lie. The moment you recognize your separateness."
One of my favorite books of the year. Thanks to Henry Holt Books for the free copy! All opinions are my own.
Memorable Quote:
"Everything looked different, clearer, like I’d never worn glasses and someone had handed me a pair. Connelly looked different, too. I realized I hadn’t understood his purpose—why I’d met him, why he was here—but now it all fell into place. Of course I’d met him. Of course he’d kissed me. Of course, of course, of course."...more
Fun! Unputdownable! Those were my first thoughts after finishing this debut thriller.
This was a solid 4 stars for me, meaning, I would recommend this Fun! Unputdownable! Those were my first thoughts after finishing this debut thriller.
This was a solid 4 stars for me, meaning, I would recommend this to every thriller lover! And it is FUNNY. The author has a sarcastic wit that I loved. (And the opening line of this book is one for the ages!) A smart, beautiful con woman out to marry into one of New York's wealthiest families, Bea was an unforgettable (if not a little unlikeable!) main protagonist.
Bea has her scheme to marry Collin Case all mapped out. She has been aiming for this big catch and the only person standing in her way is Collin's best friend Gale. Bea thinks Gale has always been in love with Collin and hoped that she would marry Collin one day. But Gale is no match for Bea. Their game of cat-and-mouse was so FUN.
The story really kicked in for me when we began to read alternating chapters from Bea's childhood living with her cold, narcissistic con artist of a mother. Bea's mother spent her life going from one wealthy man to another, and Bea spent her childhood trying to please her mother. Even now, with her marriage to Collin on the horizon, she still wonders whether Mother would approve.
"Confidence is always the key, Mother says. Believe you are who you say you are, and they will, too."
Will Gale uncover Bea's true past and her real identity? And will Gale tell Collin his fiancée is a complete fraud before their wedding? It is a lot of fun finding out! I loved Bea's real thoughts about all the upcoming wedding festivities:
"...the last thing I wanted to do was spend a free hour with a bunch of idiots I had to look at all the time anyway. The hideous event was essentially a pseudo–bridal shower wherein I was bestowed with midlevel to upmarket wines, gift certificates to department stores and a fair amount of tacky household items I’d never use, like coffee mugs or pillowcases, etched with MR. & MRS., BRIDE or TAKEN. And I had to sit there and smile with a miniature veil atop my head in the middle of the day like an absolute loon."
This book is nothing too heavy, but the twists were lots of fun and I can't wait to see the TV adaptation!
(Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)...more
This spare, elegantly written novel is both a thriller and a brilliant feminist commentary on the lives of sex workers. Alex is a twenty-two year old This spare, elegantly written novel is both a thriller and a brilliant feminist commentary on the lives of sex workers. Alex is a twenty-two year old woman who has found herself in the Hamptons with no money and no prospects. It’s fascinating that neither the Hamptons or the words sex worker are ever actually used in this book. � � The author does a masterful job at building a growing sense of dread over Alex’s predicament. A bad character named Dom is chasing Alex for what appears to be a large sum of money she owes him, yet we never get to see more of him than texts or brief phone calls.� � Emma Cline chose to take a huge risk here by not giving Alex a backstory. We don’t know exactly why she ended up in “the city� (New York but never mentioned!) as a sex worker and then stranded in the Hamptons at summer’s end. It doesn’t matter. I was riveted.� � Class divisions are sharply skewered here - the Hamptons staff are almost invisible yet ever-present and the wealthy are truly in another world of their own. Children are cared for by nannies and spend no time with their parents.� � As an aside, I applaud Ms. Cline for gaining some agency over her own life and writing by not shaming her young main character for her sex work. In real life, the devious Boies Schiller law firm (Harvey Weinstein’s defenders) had viciously tried to make public Ms. Cline’s sexual history in a misogynistic lawsuit filed by her ex-partner. Ms. Cline triumphed as she should have. � � Alex might be a grifter but I sympathized with her. The ending was absolutely explosive. Highly recommend this suspenseful, broody and dark novel. � (...more
I have never read Curtis Sittenfeld so Romantic Comedy was a wonderful surprise. This is the smart, thoughtful, funny and moving story I didn’t know II have never read Curtis Sittenfeld so Romantic Comedy was a wonderful surprise. This is the smart, thoughtful, funny and moving story I didn’t know I needed. Combine a celebrity trope with an inside look at a SNL-like comedy show, and I’m hooked!
Sally is a longtime writer for a weekly late-night comedy sketch show called The Night Owls. She was once briefly married and also suffered a rather brutal rejection by a fellow TNO writer, but no matter, who could have a personal life anyway with such a demanding show schedule?
Sally can hardly believe it when the very average looking TNO writer Danny Horst begins dating a stunning actress who hosted the show. Sally begins channeling her fury at this imbalance into a comedy sketch called the Danny Horst Rule: because a gorgeous man would never, ever date an average-looking woman, no matter how clever or smart she was.
That week’s musical guest and host turns out to be Noah Brewster, a very famous, very handsome and very charming pop star. And plot twist: he is actually a nice guy. Sally has worked with her share of celebrities, but there is something different about Noah.
I love dystopian fiction, so I was so very intrigued by the premise of this book. It’s certainly a cautionary tale about the role of technology in ourI love dystopian fiction, so I was so very intrigued by the premise of this book. It’s certainly a cautionary tale about the role of technology in our society and the evils of totalitarianism. There’s also an engrossing mystery and a very captivating main character. Although this is somewhat of a dark and gritty read, I think it would also be riveting for any young adult readers in your life.
The story centers around Sonya Kantor, now confined to the Aperture, a prison-like apartment complex. She was once the symbol of the previous ruling government as the face of their propaganda posters which bore the ominous slogan, "What's Right is Right". Of course, that meant spying on your neighbors, behaving in a way acceptable to the totalitarian regime, and limited to one child only per family. "Good" behavior was rewarded with "DesCoins".
The old government has now been overthrown and Sonya has lost her family in the uprising. Sonya still has the "Insight" embedded in her eye, which is leftover technology from the old regime. The Insight was a direct link to the government and also provided instant history or descriptions of what the person was looking at. Scary stuff, and not such a reach from our present-day technology.
Sonya is somewhat conflicted about her past, angry and sad at the loss of her family and friends but yet confused about the new world order. She believes she can atone for her family's crimes against humanity by helping her old friend Alexander find a missing child who had been "re-homed" (i.e., stolen) from her birth family. It is difficult for her to move among the populace without being constantly harassed since everyone knows who she is.
"She’s never been aware of her own expressions—on the day of the photo shoot, she thought she looked soft and contemplative, but the result, on the poster, was a cold declaration. What’s right is right, the text mirrored in her expression. Even after over a decade, she’s still startled by the discrepancy between her insides and her outsides, how no one can see the tumult of her."
The author does a wonderful job at world-building, combining real landmarks in the Pacific Northwest with futuristic and imaginative creations such as the Insight and the Elicit. There are many timely issues raised by this story and I enjoyed the mystery element, but I just would have liked a little more character building. Overall an interesting and very creative story.
(Many thanks to the publisher for providing an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.)...more
What a creative and unique debut novel! I literally started 4 different books for my last book of 2022, but only this one grabbed me from the very firWhat a creative and unique debut novel! I literally started 4 different books for my last book of 2022, but only this one grabbed me from the very first page.
I first saw this book floating around Instagram and I’m my opinion, it lives up to all the hype. So refreshing, sarcastic and fun, especially since it is set in, well, Hell! Such a unique premise. If this is the author’s debut novel, she certainly has a brilliant career ahead of her. Also: please someone make this into a limited series or movie!
Whatever you imagine Hell is like, this author has out-imagined you.
"You see, bars in Hell serve only Jägermeister. Even if you like Jägermeister, if it’s the only option day after day of cleaning up human pulp, you will hate it in a year, tops."
And puddles. They are so deep that you will sink in up to your chest. Or, sometimes they are just normal puddles. All to keep the inhabitants off-guard. But mostly, Hell is the perfect imitation of a soul-crushing corporate job "above ground".
First, let's start with the character's name. Peyote Trip, our main protagonist, went by a different name on Earth. But no one can remember their lives or their given names anymore, because they have all been in Hell for centuries. Peyote works on the coveted Fifth Floor, which is infinitely desirable then the dreaded "Downstairs", which apparently is where souls are tortured mercilessly. This sounds heavy and unbearably sad, but the author mixes it up with hilarity.
“I know a great place,� Trey said, writing down an address, followed by his beeper number. If you were wondering where beepers went, Hell is the answer. They all went to Hell, and now we have to use them.
Trey is aiming to capture the souls of an entire family, and through a series of unfortunate events, must team up with two other teammates to accomplish this goal. Trey's story is intertwined with the members of this family, the Harrisons, and the narrative alternates between several different points of view.
I found this highly unique novel to deliver the emotions on all counts. A bit of thriller, dark humor and good vibes and it all mixes perfectly. Highly recommend!
(Thanks to the publisher for providing an advanced reading copy. All opinions are my own.)...more
“Seven days. Seven questions. Forever changed. That’s the pitch. She straightens the tablecloth. We’ll see.�
A doTW: Domestic violence, miscarriage
“Seven days. Seven questions. Forever changed. That’s the pitch. She straightens the tablecloth. We’ll see.�
A domestic suspense wrapped up in a psychological thriller all set in a remote setting in upstate New York. The perfect beginning!
Daisy and Craig are a married couple about to celebrate their second wedding anniversary. Neither one is entirely likeable, especially Craig, but Daisy is determined to take drastic action to try and save their marriage. They have both become complacent in their relationship and it is just not enough.
Once I started this intriguing thriller, I could not put it down. Daisy has surprised Craig with the Eden Test, which is not only a marriage retreat but a series of seven questions that each couple must answer over the course of the retreat to see if their troubled marriage has a chance to survive. The author cleverly drops clues along the way to set the tone of dread and suspense. There is little-to-no cell phone service in isolated Plain, New York, and the locals do not seem very welcoming at all. How will their week at the bucolic retreat end?
Both Daisy and Craig have complicated pasts and are hiding secrets from each other. Just when I though the story was going a certain way, I was wrong! There are lots of Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden metaphors along with many red herrings. This is a slow-burn thrill ride that concludes with a very explosive ending that I did not see coming.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves dark, fast-paced psychological thrillers.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Flatiron Books via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)
The author of course first drew me to this sexy romantic comedy. I have always loved Susanna Hoffs and The Bangles, and thisExuberant and sexy debut!
The author of course first drew me to this sexy romantic comedy. I have always loved Susanna Hoffs and The Bangles, and this book proves she is a woman of multiple talents.
Jane had one hit song years ago but now she is pretty much broke, with no professional or personal prospects on the horizon. Her manager arranges for Jane to travel to London for sort of a musical writing retreat, and Jane meets the very handsome Tom Hardy on the flight (no, not that Tom Hardy! This Tom is an Oxford professor.) They have an instant connection.
Jane is surprised and disappointed that she doesn't hear anything from Tom for several weeks. When they finally reconnect, sparks fly and the chemistry sizzles. There are some warning signs - such as Tom's stunning ex-girlfriend who seems to still be in his life somehow. But Jane is suddenly on the brink of a major comeback, in the form of a one-night-only show at the Royal Albert Hall of all places with Jonesy, her former collaborator and a global star who seems to molded from the likes of Prince.
I loved the behind-the-scenes look at the music business from a real insider, with a wink and a nod to Hoffs' real-life husband. There are some eccentric yet endearing characters in this lively romance. If you don't mind some insta-love, then this book is a light and entertaining romance with two very memorable lead characters.
(I received a complimentary copy of this book from Little, Brown and Company through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.)...more
It is difficult for me to rate this book. I loved the plot of this book, even though it did take some time to gather up steam. No doubt the author is It is difficult for me to rate this book. I loved the plot of this book, even though it did take some time to gather up steam. No doubt the author is a brilliant writer but I wish the first part of the book was as compelling to me as the last part.
The story of a large, wealthy family in New York, the Oppenheimers will not be everyone's cup of tea. The triplets Lewyn, Harrison and Sally are mostly unlikeable and grow up with what seems to be no love between them. They have privilege and education but no family bond. I love a family saga and it was the large time span of the book that I enjoyed. I also loved "the latecomer" to the family, and I loved her part of the book.
This is a lengthy book and I also sampled the audiobook read by the great Julia Whelan. I feel this is one of those sagas that might be more enjoyable as an audiobook. Overall, the characters are sharply drawn and the events of the book are very timely. This is not a thriller or suspense by any means but a good work of contemporary fiction. I adored the final section of the book and for that, I would recommend this slow-build family saga.
(Many thank to Celadon Books for providing a review copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.)
� Ellen’s Reviews �
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