So, apparently, when I find something I like, I tend to overindulge. I did it when I discovered reverse harem fantasies a few months ago -- though I haven't had much luck with that genre since -- and I did it again when I realized I like what is generally referred to as chick lit. Last month, I binged some Jennifer Crusie and Sophie Kinsella, and this month, it was apparently chick lit from Meg Cabot, Amy E. Reichert, and Christina Lauren and fantasy from the likes of Robin McKinley and Juliet Marillier. Hey, I know what I like, but at least I'm branching out some, right? Right? ;0)
And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...
(More on why I've gone to this format here in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)
Y O U N G A D U L T
Pants on Fire - Sort of a friends-to-more/second chance romance story and it made me giddy. Except that Katie is kind of a cheater -- just kissing but still, I don't condone that. But then Tommy (Tom, now) comes back into her life and rocks her world with a kiss to make you forget all other kisses and an ultimatum to boot, and she decides to come clean...
about everything. And she's told a lot of lies -- even if by omission. Witty, refreshing, and fun, I definitely enjoy Meg Cabot's young adult novels just as much as her adult stories. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dance of Thieves* - Wow. I re-read
The Remnant Chronicles books so I'd be prepared for this, but I still wasn't. Maybe because I didn't get to it right away and then I put it off some more because I was sure it couldn't be as good.
But it was! Definitely different but set in the same world as TRC, just maybe a
decade few years or so later. Familiar faces and familiar places but also new characters you'll care for just as much. I hope to review this in full soon, but suffice it to say, my expectations were surpassed. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Wrong Bachelor - Even though I pretty much despise all things
The Bachelor, this was kinda cute? And I love the
hate-to-love trope, but I've definitely seen it done better. Especially since this was more
boy-next-door-to-more since the main characters didn't actually hate each other. Just a misunderstanding of sorts that led them to
act like they hated each other. But under the guise of a reality dating show for charity -- yeah, I can
totally see a school district being down for
that...NOT! -- they find their way back to each other. Parts were definitely cringe-worthy and the stereotyping definitely made me want to pull my hair out at times, but I guess I can see the appeal if you're already a fan of shows like this. 🌟🌟
The Waking Land - Re-read to decide if I want to spend a credit on the sequel. I'm still debating. I still enjoyed it, but maybe a little less this time around. I think I wasn't in the right head-space either, though. For a rich fantasy, you need to pay attention and my attention is all over the place right now. :( So, I'll definitely be waiting to read the sequel until I'm more ready for it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.
A D U L T
The Boy is Back - Such a cute story AND it's an epistolary novel. I loved the use of text messages, emails, newspaper articles, online reviews, and even the transcript of an interview to show the characters
actually having a conversation. This way, you got so many perspectives and you got to really know
all of the characters. Plus, it was just plain funny. And really, really perfect for my first Meg Cabot book. All of the books in this series -- this was the fourth and naturally I started with it because I'm awful -- are epistolary in style and I can't wait to read the rest. I hope they're just as candid and hilarious. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Queen of Babble - I thought I would dislike the protagonist because she shoots her mouth off at every opportunity, based on the title, but in actuality, she just has a tendency to open mouth and insert foot. I'm guilty of that myself at times, so I could identify with her plight. I did think what was essentially her trans-Atlantic booty call was a bit ridiculous, but it worked out in the end. There was a lot of room for character growth and Lizzie really shined as she worked to figure out what she wanted to do with her life. I ended up kinda spoiling myself for the second book because I thought that's the one I had already downloaded from the library, but it turns out it was the third book. Oops. Oh, well...it does seem like things get even more interesting, though. =) 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Ruthless Charmer - Eh. My first Julia London book and although I've read similar somewhat estranged marriage stories before, this one was by far the longest and most drawn out. I did appreciate that in this case, the rogue is the one who keeps everything above board. However, if he'd have been a bit more forthcoming and the heroine had been a tad less impulsive and impetuous, their story could have had a happy ending much sooner and I wouldn't have been so bored. 🌟🌟
Tangled - I've seen many a Goodreads friend rave over this book -- and the series -- and since I'm still on hold for the next in the
Queen of Babble series by Meg Cabot at the library, I thought I'd give this one a shot. I actually almost DNF'd this bad boy because the narrator -- Drew, the main character, not Sebastian York...he can narrate my books any day -- was just such a giant douchebag in the beginning. And it didn't appear he was going to be mending his ways anytime soon, setting his sights on poor Kate as a conquest, another notch on his bed post. But despite my best efforts, Drew's character grew on me. No, he never turned into Prince Charming, and yes, he remained an arrogant asshole until the very last page. But he went from a man in control to a man in fear of losing the love of his life, the only woman to bring him to his knees. So to speak. I liked this story well enough, but I think I'd prefer to leave it here rather than continuing on to the next installment, which appears to be told from Kate's POV two years in the future. Which probably means lots of drama and miscommunication and I'm just not in the mood for that. 🌟🌟🌟
Shards of a Broken Sword - I only read the first novella of three in this book, and it was interesting but not enough to make me want to read the other two. I knew I was probably being optimistic, purchasing the set without having ready anything by this author, and now I just want my $7 back. :( 🌟🌟
Wraith - This was an Audible Daily Deal -- love those! -- and I was in the mood for fantasy so I forked over the $4. This was actually more like urban fantasy, though for the most part, it didn't feel too urban. Only when the old bowling alley or Rihanna was mentioned. ;0) It wasn't the best fantasy novel I've read, nor was it the best one I've read featuring goblins and elves; however, the wraith concept of separating yourself from your shadow self was unique enough. At any rate, it was $4 well spent to avoid thinking about work and the plethora of things stressing me out at the moment and worry instead about a Scotland where a nefarious goblin was threatening to name himself king. 🌟🌟🌟
Dreamer's Pool & Tower of Thorns - You'll probably find this hard to believe, but
Dreamer's Pool was my first Juliet Marillier novel. And despite how many reviews I read that said this series was boring and not as wonderful as her other books, I still wanted to give it a chance. Blackthorn's plight intrigued me when I read the summary, and it was even more captivating once I began listening to the audiobook. How she often fought with herself and her thirst for vengeance. How she learned to care and be brave again after her ordeal. But most of all, I appreciated just how clever and calculating Blackthorn was, especially in the face of betrayal and loss. I haven't picked up the third book in the series yet, but I fully intend to. And then I want to read all of Marillier's backlist to see what all the fuss is about, especially considering how much I enjoyed her lesser liked works. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Queen of Babble in the Big City - So, basically, what I'm taking away from these books is that Lizzie is entirely too impulsive and dives into every relationship as if it's happily ever after forever and ever. She needs to take time to figure out herself. Lizzie already knows what she wants to do with her life, but now she needs to figure out how to make that happen. There was a lot of change in this book, and I was really enjoying where things were headed. Until I started reading the third book (in the right order this time!) and things were all crazy again. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched - This series was just really fun, full of the ups and downs and trials and tribulations of being out in the world for the first time. I definitely,
definitely, love how the series was resolved and how much personal growth and friendship and love it took to get Lizzie there. I'm not sure I liked the change wrought in Luke's character, but if I'm being honest, he and Lizzie were a strange pairing to begin with, so it works for me in the end. I've really enjoyed these characters -- even the crazy side characters and their antics -- and I'm glad I stumbled upon this series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Heart of the Fae & Veins of Magic -
Heart of the Fae was a re-listen so that I could jump into
Veins of Magic when it was released on audio. Books like this are the reason I'm so glad to be on Goodreads and a part of the blogging community. I never would have given these books the time of day if not for a review on GR that captivated my interest and forced me to satisfy my curiosity. Rife with Irish mythology and faerie lore, this series is exactly what I've been in the mood for, and I think the conclusion was every bit as good as the first book, if not better. It continued the
BatB theme but made it more vicious and cruel and just plain heart-breaking. But it was also just so lovely and I'll definitely be revisiting. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Undomestic Goddess - Still trying to read all the Sophie Kinsella novels I can get my hands on, obviously. I kind of knew this wouldn't be my favorite going into it, but it surprised me. I mean, I hated cringing every time the protagonist would get herself into a scrape, but I loved seeing her get herself out of them, too. The snowballing of the lie bothered me quite a bit, especially when it came to the love interest, but ultimately I appreciated that although the MC didn't want to go back to that life, she had every intention of righting a wrong, no matter the consequences for herself. 🌟🌟🌟
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake - Now that I'm reading more "chick lit," I'm discovering all these adorable books and authors, but I'm also over here like, "
Why did no one tell me how cute this story was?!?" I love foodie stories. I love cake. I love a guy with an English accent. But most of all, I love a slow burn, even when it goes up in flames. Because I adored this book so much, I immediately downloaded three or four others by this author and so far, I have zero regrets. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Simplicity of Cider - Okay, so I didn't love this one
quite as much as
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, but it was still pretty sweet and absolutely perfect for this time of year as we prepare for all things fall. I, personally, love cider and have since I can remember. (I love
loveloved plain ole apple cider as a kid, so it makes sense that I'd prefer alcoholic cider to beer as an adult.) I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the process but also the hint of magic that went into it, as well as the rest of the story. It was just so heartwarming as too-tall Sanna fell in love with not only the bearded Isaac but also his inquisitive son Sebastian, while they were simultaneously falling for her and her beautiful orchard. I don't know which of Reichert's novels I'll read next, but I have a good feeling about whichever I decide on. 🌟🌟🌟
The MacKinnon's Bride - I think I tried to listen to this one earlier this year via the ARP, but I gave up because it was slow-going and male-narrated. Not that I mind a male-narrated audiobook, but it didn't sound all that Scottish, at least not the part I had listened to, and I was highly doubtful that he could pull off the female voices. However, upon giving the book a second chance, I find myself chagrined to admit that the narrator was actually pretty brilliant. At all parts and at making every voice seem singular. The tale was rather heartbreaking on the behalf of both main characters, but maybe equally for everyone else involved because they've seen each other suffer so much over the years because of others' poor choices. I expected a lot of banter and a sexy brogue and the author and narrator alike delivered. It's not my favorite novel set in the Highlands, but it was entertaining enough. 🌟🌟🌟
Luck, Love & Lemon Pie - This one...this one hit a little close to home: wife and mother who feels unappreciated and unloved...takes matters into her own hands, at the poker table no less. We've all had days like that, myself included. This novel doesn't have the fluffiness of
Coconut or the hint of possibility of
Cider. It's gritty in it's portrayal of a marriage on the rocks, and I'm not gonna lie,
it hurt my heart. It takes two to make a marriage work, and I felt heartened to see some of my own struggles reflected in MJ. Yes, she makes a mistake, but if it hadn't been for her husband's lack of interest, she never would have found herself in that position. I wanted to loathe Chris for the way he acted, how he made it out to be all MJ's fault that they were having problems. Like I said, it takes two to make a marriage work. I did enjoy how everything played out, even if it felt a little longer than necessary, and I loved getting a glimpse of characters from other books. Cameos are like the icing on the cake, especially in these foodie stories. ;) But my biggest take-away from this novel is that I need to take my husband and family less for granted...to show them every day in little ways how much I care for them. Not sure how long these warm, fuzzy feelings will last before I'm frustrated with them all over again, but it's a start. :D 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go - After reading some more or less happy-go-lucky novels from Amy E. Reichert, I was surprised at the level of emotion and grief I felt while reading this book. Not as surprised as I'd likely have been if I hadn't read
Lemon Pie first, but still. This story was pain personified. I've not known grief to the extent that these characters have, and my family isn't keeping any deep dark secrets from me --
as far as I'm aware, anyway -- but this story still resonated. It portrayed so many different facets of grief, making it achingly beautiful and poignant...while also making me cry, which is a feat, in and of itself. This isn't my normal type of read, but I'm left with a new appreciation for "grief" books. This was a slight departure from Reichert's usual: while still including something for foodies and remaining uplifting, it did so with a much more serious tone than I've already become accustomed to in my brief foray into her works. I enjoyed it, despite the tears, but I'm still hoping for the magic of
Coconut with her next novel. 🌟🌟🌟
The Real Deal - So, apparently I get Lauren Blakely and Lauren Layne mixed up in my head. But the premise of this sounded cute, so whatever. And parts of it
were sweet, but the story was pretty standard fare. I usually enjoy the fake romance plot -- or at least try to -- but there was nothing spectacular or stand-out about this one. Moreover, it was pretty underwhelming in its execution. I do admit that I *might* have liked it more had I read it instead of listening because I really dislike Erin Mallon as a narrator, nor am I that big of a fan of Zachary Webber. Needless to say, some of my disappointment in this novel obviously stems from the audio version. But I also just think that Lauren Blakely's work may not be for me. 🌟🌟
Sunshine - I thought it was just a tad too early for my annual re-read of
The Coldest Girl in Coldtown and somehow not too early for this odd, odd vampire story. Previously, I've only read one other Robin McKinley novel, and that was
Rose Daughter, which is a rather different retelling of
BatB. I think it prepared me for how unique this book was going to be...while also doing little to prepare me for it.
Sunshine is urban fantasy, not a retelling like so many of McKinley's novels. It focuses on Sunshine, nicknamed so for her affinity for sunlight, and while it
is a vampire story, it felt like one in the most roundabout of ways because this is Sunshine's story and she just wants to bake and feed people and live in the sun and forget that anything happened to her. I liked her. But I also liked the bond she and her vampire companion shared, having both been captured by the same vampire gang. I can't say this will be on my Halloween re-reads list every year, but I definitely enjoyed the weirdness of the story and will continue my foray into the rest of McKinley's backlist. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Deerskin - Weird and awful and heartbreaking but also hopeful. Those aren't nearly enough adjectives to describe this story, but it's a start. I mean, WOW. It was a powerful story but one that left me with a lot of questions, as well. Dead queen. Mad king. Runaway princess. Faithful canine companion. Eccentric Moonwoman. Kind prince. So many characters and motivations to make sense of. But in essence, this was a story of grief and healing and doing what's right, even in the face of your own failings. I still don't entirely know how I feel about it, except that it won't deter me from reading McKinley's other novels. 🌟🌟🌟
The Devil Takes a Bride - Meh. I think I've only tried one other Julia London novel and felt rather the same about it. I appreciate that the author attempts a fair bit of uniqueness when it comes to her characters, but it just doesn't come off as entirely genuine...for the character or the time period. I think I've come to conclude that this author is also not for me. 🌟🌟
Playing With Matches - I picked up this novel because it was suggested in a letter from the editor at the beginning of my ARC of
My Favorite Half-Night Stand that said book "is perfect for fans of
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang,
I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella, and
Playing with Matches by Hannah Orenstein. Well, I've read and adored two of the three, so obviously I had to give this newest recommendation -- of sorts -- a try. And I adored it, as well, but in a totally different way. Because I kind of also hated it. That ending, anyway. It was just so...
real. And heartbreaking. And devastating. But oddly hopeful? Because it was so genuine and the voice was so authentic, I really connected with the main character. Also, because I weirdly feel like I
was her at 22. I mean, not the matchmaking part, obviously, but everything else felt so relatable. Even now. Finally admitting that a relationship wasn't working. Jumping immediately into another one. Still trying to figure out your own stuff along the way. All that was great. And I have to admit, after having a couple of days to write and rewrite this review in my head -- thank god, without it being diary-like but only because I wrote it and then deleted it -- I get it. I get why it needed to end the way it did. It made the story more focused on the character and her hopes and dreams, like the rest of it was trivial. And it was. And so, even though I was really hoping for a different outcome -- and I'm still hoping for a sequel or
something -- I'm giving this all the stars because it made me so happy and then soooo fucking angry and then just...content. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Roomies - I still remember when I was
determined to hate everything this author duo wrote because I had just read
Sublime and it was, well, the exact opposite of sublime. But then my
The Hating Game fever hit, and I wanted to read everything even remotely similar and stumbled upon
Dating You/Hating You. And it was really fun. So, I thought I'd give the author another try, first with
My Favorite Half-Night Stand, and then with this one. Except I finished the audio for
Roomies and stalled on the other because I just haven't been able to focus on an actual book. That being said, I quite enjoyed
Roomies. It took the fake romance trope and made it more funny and awkward than I've read in awhile. Both of the main characters were adorable, if a little out of their element, and the side characters, most notably the uncles, really shined...even if they were being awful gobshites. Oh, yeah, did I forget to mention that the love interest is Irish? And he plays classical guitar? ;0) It was really cute. And made me eager again to read their newest plus anxious for my hold of
Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating to come in at the library. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Getting Schooled - Funny, sweet, and charming, this book was better than I expected after not having loved
Tangled. It had its laugh-out-loud moments but it was also filled with just enough romantic tension so as not to be dramatic but to be realistic and heartfelt. Other aspects I enjoyed: second-chance romance, the high school teacher angle, going home to a small town, and crazy, kooky parents who need looking after. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)
Until next time! Happy reading!
Monday, October 1, 2018
What I've Been Reading Lately {September 2018}
So, apparently, when I find something I like, I tend to overindulge. I did it when I discovered reverse harem fantasies a few months ago -- though I haven't had much luck with that genre since -- and I did it again when I realized I like what is generally referred to as chick lit. Last month, I binged some Jennifer Crusie and Sophie Kinsella, and this month, it was apparently chick lit from Meg Cabot, Amy E. Reichert, and Christina Lauren and fantasy from the likes of Robin McKinley and Juliet Marillier. Hey, I know what I like, but at least I'm branching out some, right? Right? ;0)
And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...
(More on why I've gone to this format here in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)
Pants on Fire - Sort of a friends-to-more/second chance romance story and it made me giddy. Except that Katie is kind of a cheater -- just kissing but still, I don't condone that. But then Tommy (Tom, now) comes back into her life and rocks her world with a kiss to make you forget all other kisses and an ultimatum to boot, and she decides to come clean...about everything. And she's told a lot of lies -- even if by omission. Witty, refreshing, and fun, I definitely enjoy Meg Cabot's young adult novels just as much as her adult stories. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Dance of Thieves* - Wow. I re-read The Remnant Chronicles books so I'd be prepared for this, but I still wasn't. Maybe because I didn't get to it right away and then I put it off some more because I was sure it couldn't be as good. But it was! Definitely different but set in the same world as TRC, just maybe a
decadefew years or so later. Familiar faces and familiar places but also new characters you'll care for just as much. I hope to review this in full soon, but suffice it to say, my expectations were surpassed. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟The Wrong Bachelor - Even though I pretty much despise all things The Bachelor, this was kinda cute? And I love the hate-to-love trope, but I've definitely seen it done better. Especially since this was more boy-next-door-to-more since the main characters didn't actually hate each other. Just a misunderstanding of sorts that led them to act like they hated each other. But under the guise of a reality dating show for charity -- yeah, I can totally see a school district being down for that...NOT! -- they find their way back to each other. Parts were definitely cringe-worthy and the stereotyping definitely made me want to pull my hair out at times, but I guess I can see the appeal if you're already a fan of shows like this. 🌟🌟
The Waking Land - Re-read to decide if I want to spend a credit on the sequel. I'm still debating. I still enjoyed it, but maybe a little less this time around. I think I wasn't in the right head-space either, though. For a rich fantasy, you need to pay attention and my attention is all over the place right now. :( So, I'll definitely be waiting to read the sequel until I'm more ready for it. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.
The Boy is Back - Such a cute story AND it's an epistolary novel. I loved the use of text messages, emails, newspaper articles, online reviews, and even the transcript of an interview to show the characters actually having a conversation. This way, you got so many perspectives and you got to really know all of the characters. Plus, it was just plain funny. And really, really perfect for my first Meg Cabot book. All of the books in this series -- this was the fourth and naturally I started with it because I'm awful -- are epistolary in style and I can't wait to read the rest. I hope they're just as candid and hilarious. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Ruthless Charmer - Eh. My first Julia London book and although I've read similar somewhat estranged marriage stories before, this one was by far the longest and most drawn out. I did appreciate that in this case, the rogue is the one who keeps everything above board. However, if he'd have been a bit more forthcoming and the heroine had been a tad less impulsive and impetuous, their story could have had a happy ending much sooner and I wouldn't have been so bored. 🌟🌟
Tangled - I've seen many a Goodreads friend rave over this book -- and the series -- and since I'm still on hold for the next in the Queen of Babble series by Meg Cabot at the library, I thought I'd give this one a shot. I actually almost DNF'd this bad boy because the narrator -- Drew, the main character, not Sebastian York...he can narrate my books any day -- was just such a giant douchebag in the beginning. And it didn't appear he was going to be mending his ways anytime soon, setting his sights on poor Kate as a conquest, another notch on his bed post. But despite my best efforts, Drew's character grew on me. No, he never turned into Prince Charming, and yes, he remained an arrogant asshole until the very last page. But he went from a man in control to a man in fear of losing the love of his life, the only woman to bring him to his knees. So to speak. I liked this story well enough, but I think I'd prefer to leave it here rather than continuing on to the next installment, which appears to be told from Kate's POV two years in the future. Which probably means lots of drama and miscommunication and I'm just not in the mood for that. 🌟🌟🌟
Shards of a Broken Sword - I only read the first novella of three in this book, and it was interesting but not enough to make me want to read the other two. I knew I was probably being optimistic, purchasing the set without having ready anything by this author, and now I just want my $7 back. :( 🌟🌟
Wraith - This was an Audible Daily Deal -- love those! -- and I was in the mood for fantasy so I forked over the $4. This was actually more like urban fantasy, though for the most part, it didn't feel too urban. Only when the old bowling alley or Rihanna was mentioned. ;0) It wasn't the best fantasy novel I've read, nor was it the best one I've read featuring goblins and elves; however, the wraith concept of separating yourself from your shadow self was unique enough. At any rate, it was $4 well spent to avoid thinking about work and the plethora of things stressing me out at the moment and worry instead about a Scotland where a nefarious goblin was threatening to name himself king. 🌟🌟🌟
Dreamer's Pool & Tower of Thorns - You'll probably find this hard to believe, but Dreamer's Pool was my first Juliet Marillier novel. And despite how many reviews I read that said this series was boring and not as wonderful as her other books, I still wanted to give it a chance. Blackthorn's plight intrigued me when I read the summary, and it was even more captivating once I began listening to the audiobook. How she often fought with herself and her thirst for vengeance. How she learned to care and be brave again after her ordeal. But most of all, I appreciated just how clever and calculating Blackthorn was, especially in the face of betrayal and loss. I haven't picked up the third book in the series yet, but I fully intend to. And then I want to read all of Marillier's backlist to see what all the fuss is about, especially considering how much I enjoyed her lesser liked works. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Queen of Babble in the Big City - So, basically, what I'm taking away from these books is that Lizzie is entirely too impulsive and dives into every relationship as if it's happily ever after forever and ever. She needs to take time to figure out herself. Lizzie already knows what she wants to do with her life, but now she needs to figure out how to make that happen. There was a lot of change in this book, and I was really enjoying where things were headed. Until I started reading the third book (in the right order this time!) and things were all crazy again. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Queen of Babble Gets Hitched - This series was just really fun, full of the ups and downs and trials and tribulations of being out in the world for the first time. I definitely, definitely, love how the series was resolved and how much personal growth and friendship and love it took to get Lizzie there. I'm not sure I liked the change wrought in Luke's character, but if I'm being honest, he and Lizzie were a strange pairing to begin with, so it works for me in the end. I've really enjoyed these characters -- even the crazy side characters and their antics -- and I'm glad I stumbled upon this series. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Heart of the Fae & Veins of Magic - Heart of the Fae was a re-listen so that I could jump into Veins of Magic when it was released on audio. Books like this are the reason I'm so glad to be on Goodreads and a part of the blogging community. I never would have given these books the time of day if not for a review on GR that captivated my interest and forced me to satisfy my curiosity. Rife with Irish mythology and faerie lore, this series is exactly what I've been in the mood for, and I think the conclusion was every bit as good as the first book, if not better. It continued the BatB theme but made it more vicious and cruel and just plain heart-breaking. But it was also just so lovely and I'll definitely be revisiting. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Undomestic Goddess - Still trying to read all the Sophie Kinsella novels I can get my hands on, obviously. I kind of knew this wouldn't be my favorite going into it, but it surprised me. I mean, I hated cringing every time the protagonist would get herself into a scrape, but I loved seeing her get herself out of them, too. The snowballing of the lie bothered me quite a bit, especially when it came to the love interest, but ultimately I appreciated that although the MC didn't want to go back to that life, she had every intention of righting a wrong, no matter the consequences for herself. 🌟🌟🌟
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake - Now that I'm reading more "chick lit," I'm discovering all these adorable books and authors, but I'm also over here like, "Why did no one tell me how cute this story was?!?" I love foodie stories. I love cake. I love a guy with an English accent. But most of all, I love a slow burn, even when it goes up in flames. Because I adored this book so much, I immediately downloaded three or four others by this author and so far, I have zero regrets. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Simplicity of Cider - Okay, so I didn't love this one quite as much as The Coincidence of Coconut Cake, but it was still pretty sweet and absolutely perfect for this time of year as we prepare for all things fall. I, personally, love cider and have since I can remember. (I loveloveloved plain ole apple cider as a kid, so it makes sense that I'd prefer alcoholic cider to beer as an adult.) I enjoyed reading the descriptions of the process but also the hint of magic that went into it, as well as the rest of the story. It was just so heartwarming as too-tall Sanna fell in love with not only the bearded Isaac but also his inquisitive son Sebastian, while they were simultaneously falling for her and her beautiful orchard. I don't know which of Reichert's novels I'll read next, but I have a good feeling about whichever I decide on. 🌟🌟🌟
The MacKinnon's Bride - I think I tried to listen to this one earlier this year via the ARP, but I gave up because it was slow-going and male-narrated. Not that I mind a male-narrated audiobook, but it didn't sound all that Scottish, at least not the part I had listened to, and I was highly doubtful that he could pull off the female voices. However, upon giving the book a second chance, I find myself chagrined to admit that the narrator was actually pretty brilliant. At all parts and at making every voice seem singular. The tale was rather heartbreaking on the behalf of both main characters, but maybe equally for everyone else involved because they've seen each other suffer so much over the years because of others' poor choices. I expected a lot of banter and a sexy brogue and the author and narrator alike delivered. It's not my favorite novel set in the Highlands, but it was entertaining enough. 🌟🌟🌟
Luck, Love & Lemon Pie - This one...this one hit a little close to home: wife and mother who feels unappreciated and unloved...takes matters into her own hands, at the poker table no less. We've all had days like that, myself included. This novel doesn't have the fluffiness of Coconut or the hint of possibility of Cider. It's gritty in it's portrayal of a marriage on the rocks, and I'm not gonna lie, it hurt my heart. It takes two to make a marriage work, and I felt heartened to see some of my own struggles reflected in MJ. Yes, she makes a mistake, but if it hadn't been for her husband's lack of interest, she never would have found herself in that position. I wanted to loathe Chris for the way he acted, how he made it out to be all MJ's fault that they were having problems. Like I said, it takes two to make a marriage work. I did enjoy how everything played out, even if it felt a little longer than necessary, and I loved getting a glimpse of characters from other books. Cameos are like the icing on the cake, especially in these foodie stories. ;) But my biggest take-away from this novel is that I need to take my husband and family less for granted...to show them every day in little ways how much I care for them. Not sure how long these warm, fuzzy feelings will last before I'm frustrated with them all over again, but it's a start. :D 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Optimist's Guide to Letting Go - After reading some more or less happy-go-lucky novels from Amy E. Reichert, I was surprised at the level of emotion and grief I felt while reading this book. Not as surprised as I'd likely have been if I hadn't read Lemon Pie first, but still. This story was pain personified. I've not known grief to the extent that these characters have, and my family isn't keeping any deep dark secrets from me -- as far as I'm aware, anyway -- but this story still resonated. It portrayed so many different facets of grief, making it achingly beautiful and poignant...while also making me cry, which is a feat, in and of itself. This isn't my normal type of read, but I'm left with a new appreciation for "grief" books. This was a slight departure from Reichert's usual: while still including something for foodies and remaining uplifting, it did so with a much more serious tone than I've already become accustomed to in my brief foray into her works. I enjoyed it, despite the tears, but I'm still hoping for the magic of Coconut with her next novel. 🌟🌟🌟
The Real Deal - So, apparently I get Lauren Blakely and Lauren Layne mixed up in my head. But the premise of this sounded cute, so whatever. And parts of it were sweet, but the story was pretty standard fare. I usually enjoy the fake romance plot -- or at least try to -- but there was nothing spectacular or stand-out about this one. Moreover, it was pretty underwhelming in its execution. I do admit that I *might* have liked it more had I read it instead of listening because I really dislike Erin Mallon as a narrator, nor am I that big of a fan of Zachary Webber. Needless to say, some of my disappointment in this novel obviously stems from the audio version. But I also just think that Lauren Blakely's work may not be for me. 🌟🌟
Sunshine - I thought it was just a tad too early for my annual re-read of The Coldest Girl in Coldtown and somehow not too early for this odd, odd vampire story. Previously, I've only read one other Robin McKinley novel, and that was Rose Daughter, which is a rather different retelling of BatB. I think it prepared me for how unique this book was going to be...while also doing little to prepare me for it. Sunshine is urban fantasy, not a retelling like so many of McKinley's novels. It focuses on Sunshine, nicknamed so for her affinity for sunlight, and while it is a vampire story, it felt like one in the most roundabout of ways because this is Sunshine's story and she just wants to bake and feed people and live in the sun and forget that anything happened to her. I liked her. But I also liked the bond she and her vampire companion shared, having both been captured by the same vampire gang. I can't say this will be on my Halloween re-reads list every year, but I definitely enjoyed the weirdness of the story and will continue my foray into the rest of McKinley's backlist. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Deerskin - Weird and awful and heartbreaking but also hopeful. Those aren't nearly enough adjectives to describe this story, but it's a start. I mean, WOW. It was a powerful story but one that left me with a lot of questions, as well. Dead queen. Mad king. Runaway princess. Faithful canine companion. Eccentric Moonwoman. Kind prince. So many characters and motivations to make sense of. But in essence, this was a story of grief and healing and doing what's right, even in the face of your own failings. I still don't entirely know how I feel about it, except that it won't deter me from reading McKinley's other novels. 🌟🌟🌟
The Devil Takes a Bride - Meh. I think I've only tried one other Julia London novel and felt rather the same about it. I appreciate that the author attempts a fair bit of uniqueness when it comes to her characters, but it just doesn't come off as entirely genuine...for the character or the time period. I think I've come to conclude that this author is also not for me. 🌟🌟
Playing With Matches - I picked up this novel because it was suggested in a letter from the editor at the beginning of my ARC of My Favorite Half-Night Stand that said book "is perfect for fans of The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang, I've Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella, and Playing with Matches by Hannah Orenstein. Well, I've read and adored two of the three, so obviously I had to give this newest recommendation -- of sorts -- a try. And I adored it, as well, but in a totally different way. Because I kind of also hated it. That ending, anyway. It was just so...real. And heartbreaking. And devastating. But oddly hopeful? Because it was so genuine and the voice was so authentic, I really connected with the main character. Also, because I weirdly feel like I was her at 22. I mean, not the matchmaking part, obviously, but everything else felt so relatable. Even now. Finally admitting that a relationship wasn't working. Jumping immediately into another one. Still trying to figure out your own stuff along the way. All that was great. And I have to admit, after having a couple of days to write and rewrite this review in my head -- thank god, without it being diary-like but only because I wrote it and then deleted it -- I get it. I get why it needed to end the way it did. It made the story more focused on the character and her hopes and dreams, like the rest of it was trivial. And it was. And so, even though I was really hoping for a different outcome -- and I'm still hoping for a sequel or something -- I'm giving this all the stars because it made me so happy and then soooo fucking angry and then just...content. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Roomies - I still remember when I was determined to hate everything this author duo wrote because I had just read Sublime and it was, well, the exact opposite of sublime. But then my The Hating Game fever hit, and I wanted to read everything even remotely similar and stumbled upon Dating You/Hating You. And it was really fun. So, I thought I'd give the author another try, first with My Favorite Half-Night Stand, and then with this one. Except I finished the audio for Roomies and stalled on the other because I just haven't been able to focus on an actual book. That being said, I quite enjoyed Roomies. It took the fake romance trope and made it more funny and awkward than I've read in awhile. Both of the main characters were adorable, if a little out of their element, and the side characters, most notably the uncles, really shined...even if they were being awful gobshites. Oh, yeah, did I forget to mention that the love interest is Irish? And he plays classical guitar? ;0) It was really cute. And made me eager again to read their newest plus anxious for my hold of Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating to come in at the library. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Getting Schooled - Funny, sweet, and charming, this book was better than I expected after not having loved Tangled. It had its laugh-out-loud moments but it was also filled with just enough romantic tension so as not to be dramatic but to be realistic and heartfelt. Other aspects I enjoyed: second-chance romance, the high school teacher angle, going home to a small town, and crazy, kooky parents who need looking after. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)
Until next time! Happy reading!
Friday, August 31, 2018
What I've Been Reading Lately {August 2018}
It's official: I loathe August. Not only is it back-to-school crunch-time for the kiddo -- and I'm probably more nervous for her than she is -- but it was just an all around awful month. Car accident. Fraud on my bank account. Higher stress than usual because of work. And that was only the first half of the month. BUT. But...it could always be worse, right?
At any rate, I wasn't very good at keeping up with my reading this month because there was so much going on. Not that I wasn't reading, but I was in an epic slump for a week or so, picking up several different books and quite a few audiobooks and just not clicking with anything. And though I remember the titles of what I read, I might have trouble recalling details since I wasn't updating this post or Goodreads like I usually do. Oops. However, I did reach my Goodreads goal as of the end of this month, so there's that. :D And I'm still on track to read a book a day (365 for the year), which was my unofficial goal for 2018.
And without further ado, here's what I've been reading lately...
(More on why I've gone to this format here in lieu of traditional reviews for each.)
Legendary* - The second half of this story really made this book. I gasped. I smirked. My eyes got misty. But now I am on tenterhooks, waiting for the next installment. Full review coming soon. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Catastrophic History of You and Me - This was probably the first contemporary-ish novel I picked up when I first started blogging. Not my first ever but definitely the first that made me see the genre differently. Maybe because it's more like speculative fiction or magical realism. Either way, it still holds a special place in my heart. And it was still pretty adorable upon re-reading. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
First & Then - Pride and Prejudice and football? Yes, please! I've been in a mood and I've also been missing football and a re-read of this book was just the thing to pull me out of the doldrums. And it's still so stinkin' cute! I see many more re-reads involving high school football in my near future. :P 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Keeping the Castle - An unexpectedly charming novel, but it definitely could've been longer to flesh out the characters and develop the relationships further. It definitely had the Jane Austen flair I've favored of late, drawing from both Emma and Pride and Prejudice with Althea's efforts to match-make and her antagonistic relationship with one Mr. Fredericks. This book was a delight, and though it doesn't number among my favorite Austen reimaginings, it definitely aided in pulling me out of my reading slump. 🌟🌟🌟
Interference - Told you there'd be more high school football-centric reads in my future. :P And it's another re-read and also a Jane Austen retelling. What can I say? I like what I like. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
9 Days and 9 Nights - This was everything I've come to expect from a Katie Cotugno book: gritty, genuine, and full of awful truths. The situations are awkward and uncomfortable but they make you think and consider how you'd react. The characters are real and the story is honest, and even when it's depressing, it's still oddly hopeful. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
All the Truth That's in Me - I first read this last summer after seeing a friend on GR gush about it, and I ended up loving it to pieces. And it's still just as amazing upon re-read. And now I have my bestie listening to it because what kind of friend would I be if I didn't force her to experience this amazing story, too? 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Bring Me Their Hearts - This book was such a disappointment, and I'm not even sure I can put my finger on what exactly it was that bothered me so much. Beyond the use of such modern language for a fantasy novel. That definitely grated on me, though I could have overlooked it had other aspects aligned more with my expectations. I think I was hoping for something more akin to To Kill a Kingdom with a fierce heroine and witty banter and all I got was some milquetoast waif who couldn't hold up her end of the bargain. I wanted a monster girl, full of darkness and secrets, and though there were brief flashes of that, there was more romance than anything else. Which would be fine if it had been a good romance but it just felt choppy and rushed and I couldn't get on board with it. 🌟🌟
Finding Audrey - So, I ended up on a fairly awesome Sophie Kinsella binge this month. I don't know how I've avoided reading her books all this time when they're actually ridiculously cute. Except this one. This one was thoughtful and thought-provoking, and it was equal parts sad and hopeful. I think this is the author's first YA? I'm not sure and I don't feel like researching. I definitely prefer her less serious adult contemporaries, but it was nice to throw this one into the mix. 🌟🌟🌟
13 to Life series (books #1-3, anyway) - Okay, so I'm definitely a different reader than I was back in 2011 when I first read this book/series. It's not as good as I remember, but I'm trying to divest my shelves of books I'm unlikely to read again or encourage my tween to read, so I thought I'd give the series one more go before eliminating it completely from my stacks. Also, I apparently never read the 5th and final book? That wasn't really my MO back then, but it's been the case in recent years, an issue I'm trying to rectify using my "so I can finish the series" shelf for re-reads and final books. And yet I still couldn't bring myself to read past the 3rd book. :( It's weird coming back to this series and realizing just how much I'd forgotten past book one and then remembering it and putting all the pieces back together. I still didn't love it as much as I remembered, but it's still kind of a fun guilty pleasure and I like how the author pokes fun at herself throughout, something I doubt I noticed upon my initial read. Also, my copies of the 3rd and 4th books are signed, and now that I think about it, I remember meeting her at ALA Midwinter back when I first got into the series, so despite my love for these books being less than what it once was, I still don't think I can part with them. And, hey, maybe my daughter will have as much fun reading them as I did the first go-round. :D 🌟🌟🌟
*ARC received from publisher for review purposes. This does not affect my review in any way.
The Anatomist's Wife - I've had this book on my shelf for ages -- I think the publisher sent it to me unsolicited? -- and it managed to make it into the donation pile without having been read. BUT, then I saw a Goodreads friend tearing through the whole series, and my curiosity was piqued. I went the audiobook route because, well, that's what I do, but I was excited when I saw that Heather Wilds was narrating. She's great at accents and since this story is set in Scotland, I knew she'd do a great job with the Scottish brogue. There wasn't much of that, to be honest, but there was plenty of mystery and red herrings and ominous foreshadowing, and I was very intrigued. If you're a fan of Deanna Raybourn or the Lady Sherlock books by Sherry Thomas, I think this series is a must-read. And I've only read the first book! But I've already got the next one downloaded because I can't wait to see what's in store for Kiera and Gage. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mortal Arts - This is definitely a series that I'll be sticking out, if only in hopes of seeing Kiera and Gage make it to the altar one day. :D I love their banter and how protective Gage is and how Kiera still won't let that stop her from solving the mystery at hand. She's plucky and courageous and one day, I'm sure she'll get that gun she's been meaning to purchase. ;) Lord knows she's gonna need it if she keeps on her current path. I do wish there was more of an on-going mystery and not just a new case with each book, especially as the cases thus far have been a tad predictable, but even so, I still find these books suspenseful and captivating. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Claimed by Gods - I wasn't entirely sure what to expect with this RH story featuring Thor, Loki, Odin, et al. Would it be steeped in Norse mythology or based on the characters we know and love from the Marvel Universe? Eh. A little from column A and a little from column B. Or maybe the Marvel comparisons were simply my mind's own doing? Either way it was fun and that's my #1 prerequisite for a reverse harem story. But despite the humor and antics of the gods, this one still felt rather surface level. Sure, there's some bonding between the valkyrie and her cohort, but I just never felt connected to them or really their connection to each other. I'm hoping that the sequel really delves deeper because I'm not ready to give up on these characters yet...especially after that ending! 🌟🌟🌟
Suddenly You - This definitely wasn't my favorite Lisa Kleypas book, but it wasn't altogether unenjoyable. Though the hero and heroine both are completely pig-headed at times and made me want to bash their heads together, I enjoyed their interactions when they were bantering playfully, but it was hard to digest the lies and omissions of hard truths. It just irks me to no end when separation or betrayal could have been avoided by the characters having a simple conversation instead of making assumptions about each other. To that end, I didn't love this one, but it's still got publishing as a backstory and Jack has swagger for dayyyysss, so it was still a fun enough read. 🌟🌟🌟
The Winter Duchess - Total snoozefest. It was too short for anything to really happen, but that's partially my fault for not noticing this was a novella instead of a full-length novel. But seriously, nothing happens. Girl marries Duke out of obligation. Duke marries girl so that he'll never fall in love and turn into his father. They end up snowed in at the Duke's country estate and well, you can probably guess the rest. 🌟🌟
Consort of Secrets - I think that maybe Eva Chase isn't the RH author for me. This is the second novel of hers that I've read, but again I just felt like there wasn't enough meat to the story, no real building of the bond between all of the mates, or in this case, consorts. No connection to the characters and their relationships means that I'm just not invested in the story. And though this one had witchy goodness and the other had Norse gods, that's not enough to save the story for me. 🌟🌟
The Hating Game - Whenever I'm in a slump, it's The Hating Game to the rescue. No book puts a smile on my face like this one. I mean, after listening to it for the 5th or 6th time, I wanted to immediately start the audio over again. That's kind of magical. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Elements of Chemistry series - This series was fun. Frustrating...but fun. Kaitlyn reminded me a lot of Janie from the first Knitting in the City book, and I kind of adored her even when she was annoyingly naive. Martin was a textbook bad boy but also a real softie when it came to Kaitlyn. For the most part. I understood his frustration with Kaitlyn and it lessened the sting to some extent. I love Penny Reid's books and how genuine they are but also how inherently readable they are. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Viscount Who Loved Me - I was looking for a reformed rake type of story, and this popped up under that category in the Audible Romance Package, though it actually wasn't the type of story I was looking for at all. I've read Julia Quinn before and I didn't hate it, but she's also not a favorite author. Her books and characters are just...meh. I found the same to be true of this set of characters, though I did enjoy the pall-mall game during the novel and again in the epilogue. The hero was just so back-and-forth and too unwilling to put his heart on the line and it was endlessly frustrating. I probably would've used the "mallet of death" on him myself. ;) 🌟🌟
Heartstone - As I explained above, I've been on a bit of a Pride & Prejudice kick this month. I usually resort to some P&P when I'm feeling sorry for myself. It never fails to pull me out of a funk, but when you add wyverns and lindworms and a warrior for Mr. Darcy, well, I'm feeling more and more like myself as I think about it. :D 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Stranger in My Arms - I liked the premise of this story, as well as the execution, though I still found it predictable after the initial meeting of the separated spouses. But the fact that I still found it engaging is a true compliment to Kleypas' writing. I've pretty much always found that to be true of her books, though: it can still be a lesser story compared to others of hers that I've read, and yet it's still leagues better than others in the genre. I'll admit that her backlist, including this one and the one I read earlier this week, are more comparable to other historical romance, past and present. The hero is to sigh for, yet the heroine makes all kinds of questionable decisions, leaving me to bang my head against the desk. The plot is kind of ridiculous, delightfully so, but the one true bright spot was Johnny. I'm definitely more forgiving of this book because of that orphan...also, probably because I listened to it and Rosalyn Landor is a favorite narrator. 🌟🌟🌟
Bet Me - I enjoyed this book so much that I went on Audible and downloaded all they had available in the ARP because this story just left me with that giddy, happy feeling I've been missing in my life lately. Maybe I've developed a sudden taste for chick lit. Maybe they're not all as good as Bet Me. I don't care. As long as they keep me from feeling funky -- in the bad way -- I'll happily read all of Jennifer Crusie's books. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Strange Bedpersons - Cute and funny with an opposites attract vibe and the second chances trope, which isn't my favorite but really works here. Predictable but still sweet. I liked the subplot, though I guessed how that would turn out, but I really loved Nick and Tess together. I could give two figs about Park and Gina, but it wasn't really about them anyway. 🌟🌟🌟
What the Lady Wants - This one was funny in a weirdly off-putting way. The premise was just...strange...and unbelievable in a it could happen but would it really way. But I liked the characters. And I liked the cameo of the couple from Strange Bedpersons, though the narrator for this one went a little overboard with the voice for Tess. 🌟🌟🌟
Getting Rid of Bradley - Again, not super plausible but also not completely out of the realm of possibility. I'm gathering that Jennifer Crusie's books would make for great made-for-tv movies, a la The Hallmark Channel. Assuming they haven't been already. I know I saw a Debbie Macomber book I read made into one around the holidays. ;) The main character was charming and quirky and the hero was rough around the edges in a sort of devil-may-care way. Cute and funny but weird seems to be Crusie's MO, not that I'm really complaining. 🌟🌟🌟
Charlie All Night - So, this is the Jennifer Crusie book I considered borrowing from the ARP while I debated whether to purchase Bet Me -- before it was part of a sale for $5. For some reason, I assumed the love interest was going to be younger than the MC, which put me off. But that's because I think of DJs in the present: as young people mixing music on laptops. Not the disc jockeys of before, what I think of now as radio show hosts. At any rate, I was wrong, and I ended up adoring this one. Especially how everyone took care of Samson, the puppy whose mother abandoned it. Also, this was written before the gay best friend was a thing and it includes a great one. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
The Cinderella Deal - If Bet Me is my favorite Jennifer Crusie novel, this is my least favorite. The characters were annoying throughout the novel and never endeared themselves to me...not once. Linc was so overbearing and Daisy was just bland, so very bland, no matter how the author tried to dress her up or make her quirky. And the whole fake relationship/marriage just really didn't work for me in this case. I needed there to be more substance to their relationship and it never developed. 🌟🌟
My (Not So) Perfect Life - My first Sophie Kinsella novel and it was just as I expected: cute and quirky and a bit awkward. I liked the reversal of fortune in this story, along with the idea that not everything is as it appears and that we all put on a front for the world. And I adored Katie and her attraction to Alex and her weird relationship with her boss -- not to mention her dad and stepmom -- plus the whole glamping business. It was cute. A little cheesy. But really cute. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I've Got Your Number - So far, this one is my favorite of Sophie Kinsella's, and I say that after having read five of them. The story's a stretch but not that big of one, and I loved the sharing a phone aspect. Oh, and everything being flipped upside down, there at the end...definitely loved that. But it was also just really sweet seeing these two people from different walks of life coming together to help one another, though they were veritable strangers before the phone incident. Equal parts comical and sweet, this one definitely left me with a smile on my face. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Can You Keep a Secret? - At times, I adored this story and the characters, and at others, I was livid with them. And it started out so well! I mean, I still enjoyed it in the end but all of those trust issues -- well-earned, I might add -- and the secrecy, it made me reluctant to even like the love interest, despite my initial feelings toward him. Plus, it seemed rushed...their whole relationship. And I think I almost died of embarrassment on behalf of the main character. I don't know how she showed her face after that. She was definitely made of stronger stuff, that's for sure. 🌟🌟🌟
Wedding Night - This is by far my least favorite Sophie Kinsella novel but it still wasn't half bad. It was zany, awkward, and totally off-the-wall. I preferred the less crazy relationship that was developing between Fliss and Lorkin over the rushed thing that was Ben and Lottie, but I think that's the point. You're not supposed to like Ben and Lottie because Lottie belongs with Richard and Ben is just...not ready for that kind of commitment. Fliss and Lorkin are control freaks in their own right -- I can relate -- and they bond over their shared intentions to keep Ben and Lottie from the altar. Meanwhile, Ben and Lottie bond over their teenage fling from 15 years ago. I deeply appreciate Arthur's -- he's not important except as a wise naysayer -- sentiment that first loves should live in different places. You should never run into a first love because it won't be like you remembered it. So. Yeah... 🌟🌟🌟
Remember Me? - A fluffy, frivolous Sophie Kinsella novel this is not. It's got the trademark quirky heroine who's easy to relate to and someone you'd
probablydefinitely want as a friend. But the amnesia plotline itself was frustrating and heartbreaking and just plain sad. The romantic aspect is a little off-putting, with the main character having married sometime during the three-year period she can't remember, which means she doesn't even know her husband...or the other guy who's claiming they're lovers. And then there's the whole thing with her job and how she'd alienated all of her friends when she became boss lady. But regardless of all that, I liked this story. I liked the more thoughtful and thought-provoking side of Kinsella's writing. I could've used an epilogue because this one was a little open-ended, but I've got a pretty good imagination. :P 🌟🌟🌟🌟Have you read any of these? What did you think? Find any new titles to check out? ;0)
Until next time! Happy reading!
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starryeyedjen
- I work with numbers by day, and I'm a mommy and avid reader by night. I'm a self-proclaimed Spreadsheet Queen, and I'll read anything you put in front of me. I seriously love all the books! And I adore audiobooks, too!
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