Book Review: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Title: A Good Girl's Guide to Murder (A Good Girl's Guide to Murder #1)

Author: Holly Jackson

Genre: YA, Mystery-Thriller

About the book: The case is closed. Five years ago, schoolgirl Andie Bell was murdered by Sal Singh. The police know he did it. Everyone in town knows he did it.

But having grown up in the same small town that was consumed by the murder, Pippa Fitz-Amobi isn't so sure. When she chooses the case as the topic for her final year project, she starts to uncover secrets that someone in town desperately wants to stay hidden. And if the real killer is still out there, how far will they go to keep Pip from the truth? 

 My thoughts: I must read the next book in this series. I really liked this one - I loved how she discovered her suspect list and the courage (and stupidity. . .) it took to follow up on the leads. Pip is a strong character and combined with Ravi they make quite a team. She drops clues along the way as to who committed the crimes, but it still kept me guessing almost to the end. It wrapped up nicely without being too abrupt or leaving anything hanging.

Book Review: Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers

 

Title: Honey Girl

Author: Morgan Rogers

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, LGBTQ+

About the book: With her newly completed PhD in astronomy in hand, twenty-eight-year-old Grace Porter goes on a girls’ trip to Vegas to celebrate. She is not the kind of person who goes to Vegas and gets drunkenly married to a woman whose name she doesn’t know…until she does exactly that.

This one moment of departure from her stern ex-military father’s plans for her life has Grace wondering why she doesn’t feel more fulfilled from completing her degree. Staggering under the weight of her father’s expectations, a struggling job market and feelings of burnout, Grace flees her home in Portland for a summer in New York with the wife she barely knows.

When reality comes crashing in, Grace must face what she’s been running from all along—the fears that make us human, the family scars that need to heal and the longing for connection, especially when navigating the messiness of adulthood. 

My thoughts: This is a coming-of-age story about a young woman, Grace, who has always done what she was supposed to do - until she doesn't. This leaves her spinning and searching for a wife that she spent one night with, and a career that is harder to pin down than expected. She has to come to terms with her relationships, both past, and present, in order to find who she is supposed to be.

I liked the characters and the friendships portrayed in this book - not so much the parental ones, but the ones that are found along the way.

Book Review: Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover

 

Title: Ugly Love

Author: Colleen Hoover

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, NA

About the book: When Tate Collins meets airline pilot Miles Archer, she knows it isn’t love at first sight. They wouldn’t even go so far as to consider themselves friends. The only thing Tate and Miles have in common is an undeniable mutual attraction. Once their desires are out in the open, they realize they have the perfect set-up. He doesn’t want love, she doesn’t have time for love, so that just leaves the sex. Their arrangement could be surprisingly seamless, as long as Tate can stick to the only two rules Miles has for her.

Never ask about the past.

Don’t expect a future.

They think they can handle it, but realize almost immediately they can’t handle it at all.

Hearts get infiltrated.

Promises get broken.

Rules get shattered.

Love gets ugly.

My thoughts: This book was a slow start for me. It went back and forth between Tate's POV (in the present) to Miles' life 6 years prior.  They start this relationship with the rules that Tate can't ask about Miles' past and with the expectation that there will be no future - yep - purely sexual relationship.  We all know how well that works out.  Slowly you learn what happens in Miles' past to make him feel this way.  By the end I really liked this book and can't tell you any more about his past or what happens - you will just have to read it!

Book Review: Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

 

Title: Cemetery Boys

Author: Aiden Thomas

Genre: YA, Fantasy, LGBTQ+

About the book: Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This book was a nice surprise for me.  I had seen it on the shelves and had not been drawn to it at all.  Once I started reading it though, I couldn't put it down.  I love the support and acceptance between Maritza and Yadriel, and then when you throw Julian into the mix it just makes it more interesting.  The book has a little romance, a little mystery, and a little thriller - all with ghosts!  This one gets five stars from me. 

Book Review: Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

 

Title: Sky in the Deep (Sky in the Deep, Book 1)

Author: Adrienne Young

Genre: YA, Fantasy

About the book: Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. Until the day she sees the impossible on the battlefield—her brother, fighting with the enemy—the brother she watched die five years ago.

Faced with her brother's betrayal, she must survive the winter in the mountains with the Riki, in a village where every neighbor is an enemy, every battle scar possibly one she delivered. But when the Riki village is raided by a ruthless clan thought to be a legend, Eelyn is even more desperate to get back to her beloved family.

She is given no choice but to trust Fiske, her brother’s friend, who sees her as a threat. They must do the impossible: unite the clans to fight together, or risk being slaughtered one by one. Driven by a love for her clan and her growing love for Fiske, Eelyn must confront her own definition of loyalty and family while daring to put her faith in the people she’s spent her life hating.(Goodreads)

My Thoughts:  I have a new favorite author.  I read Fable by Young last month and loved it - when I realized that I had Sky in the Deep sitting on my shelf from the library and it was by her, I couldn't wait to get started.  I really enjoyed this book as well. Eelyn is really just a young girl - I think 16 - when she is captured by the Riki.  She needs to learn how to survive and how to forgive her brother when she finds him alive and well with the Riki.  Some clan beliefs are so ingrained, though, that she doesn't know how this will be possible.  She learns a lot about herself in the months that she lives with the Riki, and a lot about people in general - how we are different, but more importantly, how we are alike.  

Book Review: A Cloud of Outrageous Blue by Vesper Stamper

 

Title: A Cloud of Outrageous Blue

Author: Vesper Stamper

Genre: Historical, YA, Fantasy

About the book: For fans of Fever 1793 comes the story of a young woman paving her own path and falling in love during the Great Plague of 1348, from the award-winning creator of What the Night Sings .

Edyth grew up in a quiet village with a loving family, before losing everything she holds dear in the blink of an eye. Suddenly sent to live in a priory and work with ancient texts, Edyth must come to terms with her new life and the gifts she discovers in herself. But outside the priory, something much worse is coming. With the reappearance of a boy from her past and the ominous Great Plague creeping closer and closer to the priory, it will be up to Edyth to rise above it all and save herself. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book, from the story, to the illustrations, to the slightly oversized book itself.  Though the setting was in a nunnery in 1348, the story just flowed very easily and was beautifully written.  Edyth has synesthesia, which enables her to "see" sounds as colors.  She tries to keep this ability hidden as people don't understand and think there is something wrong with her. Together with Mason, a boy from her village, they must uncover what her visions mean before the Plague destroys everything.  From the title, A Cloud of Outrageous Blue, I didn't think this story would be as dark as it got, but I still highly recommend it.  The author, Vesper Stamper, also did all the illustrations found in the book. 

Book Review: A Breath Too Late by Rocky Callen

 

Title: A Breath Too Late

Author: Rocky Callen

Genre: YA/Contemporary

About the Book: Seventeen-year-old Ellie had no hope left. Yet the day after she dies by suicide, she finds herself in the midst of an out-of-body experience. She is a spectator, swaying between past and present, retracing the events that unfolded prior to her death.

But there are gaps in her memory, fractured pieces Ellie is desperate to re-assemble. There's her mother, a songbird who wanted to break free from her oppressive cage. The boy made of brushstrokes and goofy smiles who brought color into a gray world. Her brooding father, with his sad puppy eyes and clenched fists. Told in epistolary-like style, this deeply moving novel sensitively examines the beautiful and terrible moments that make up a life and the possibilities that live in even the darkest of places. Perfect for fans of the critically-acclaimed Speak, I’ll Give You the Sun, and If I Stay. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Where to start. . .   This book was heartbreaking, yet beautiful. The story is told by Ellie, the day after she has committed suicide.  It is her remembrances, both good and bad, that have led up to her fateful decision.  Through letters to her mom, dad, best friend August, depression, her house - she tells the story of a life - what might have been - what was - and the light and dark places in between.  She tells the story of her life with her mom and her best friend August, before her dad finds them, and how all of their lives change as her dad's alcohol and domestic abuse increases.  How insidiously changes creep in that can take away choices and friendships. Ellie sees too late the life she might have had, and the hope that her mother had been holding on to. 

Not being prone to this level of depression myself, I cannot relate to what triggers this might have for others. I would hope that it might give someone else the courage to hang on and look for that hope that is right around the corner.  To make them see the bigger picture that Ellie missed. If anything, it would be a good conversation starter for a young adult book club.

Book Review: The Mary Shelley Club by Goldy Moldavsky

 

Title: The Mary Shelley Club

Author: Goldy Moldavsky

Genre: Horror/Thriller

About the Book: New girl Rachel Chavez is eager to make a fresh start at Manchester Prep. But as one of the few scholarship kids, Rachel struggles to fit in, and when she gets caught up in a prank gone awry, she ends up with more enemies than friends.

To her surprise, however, the prank attracts the attention of the Mary Shelley Club, a secret club of students with one objective: come up with the scariest prank to orchestrate real fear. But as the pranks escalate, the competition turns cutthroat and takes on a life of its own.

When the tables are turned and someone targets the club itself, Rachel must track down the real-life monster in their midst . . . even if it means finally confronting the dark secrets from her past. (From Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I devoured this book.  It started in Rachel's past and the prologue leaves you hanging until almost the very end of the book. She has suffered a trauma and to deal with it has decided to watch horror movies.  She confronts fear by watching the movies and it allows her to not feel so afraid in real life.  

Starting a new school is tough for anyone, and since Rachel is only attending Manchester Prep since her mother is a teacher there, she really feels she doesn't belong.  Fortunately, resident gossip Saundra takes her under her wing and gets her up to speed on all the kids and happenings at the school.  It is because of Saundra though that lands her at a party where a prank has gone bad and brought attention to Rachel.  This turns out to be both good and bad.  Good - because she learns about The Mary Shelley Club and is invited to become a probationary member.  Bad - because she has become the object of mean girl Lux's attention.

This book makes you wonder, along with Rachel, if you really know everything that is going on.  The suspense builds and while I can't say that I knew exactly how it was going to end - you get a gradual idea of what is going on - you kind of learn as Rachel does.  I thought it was a very good book and would highly recommend it.  Especially if you are a fan of horror movies as there are a lot of shout outs to them in the book. 

Check out the book on Goodreads. 

You can follow the author on Instagram @goldywrites.

New Release Book Review: A Twist of Night and Day by Aubrey Winters

 

Title: A Twist of Night and Day (Asteria Chronicles #1)

Author: Aubrey Winters

Genre: Fantasy

About the book: Never trust a faerie... No matter what we say.

He hated me, and I hated him. I was perfectly fine with that until one night changed everything.

His entire family was murdered before his very eyes--and despite how much I hated him, I couldn't let him die. Now, we're on a mission to hunt down one of the deadliest Elder fae creatures that ever existed.

If we fail? All of Asteria could be in danger.

If we win? I'll end up working for my enemy. (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: First off- I think this is a gorgeous cover - I know that is a snake twisting through the crown - but it is a purple snake!  

 

Astrid and Castiel have spent the last 50 years in school together - with him tormenting her every chance he got. While she was half-human and considered even worse than lesser fae (even though her mother was the Queen of the Night Court), he was a Princeling of the Day Court and was condescending and mean.  But maybe looks can be deceiving.  

Astrid and Castiel spend a week together on a mission to kill an Elder - The Forescua Serpent - but first they must find it.  

I loved the back and forth between the two main characters - especially when Castiel would call Astrid "flower".  In my mind it insinuates beauty but weakness - and Astrid may be self-conscious of her heritage, but she is anything but weak.  There is good character development throughout the book and we get to see both Astrid and Castiel grow.  The ending made me laugh and I was like "WHAAAAT??"  Looking forward to book two!!

Follow Aubrey on Facebook. 

Get the book for free on Kindle Unlimited!

New Release Book Review: Shadow Touched by Becky Moynihan

 

Title: Shadow Touched (A Touch of Vampire #1)

Author: Becky Moynihan

Release Day: April 27, 2021

Genre: Fantasy/Paranormal

About the book: Some truths are best kept in the shadows...

At nearly eighteen, I’m months away from escaping my aunt’s secrets and lies. Except, I’m harboring a big secret of my own.

A red-eyed man cloaked in shadow has been stalking me at night.

I wanted Rosewood, Maine to be my final destination before college. My chance at normalcy. But strange, unexplainable things are threatening to derail my plans.

The red-eyed man followed me here, and he’s not the only one. Two hot guys transfer to my new high school right after I do. They track my every move, especially the aloof and mysterious Lochlan D’angelo.

As I’m sucked into a dangerous world embroiled in secrets, I start to question everything I’ve ever known. Including who I am.

Fans of Twilight, Vampire Diaries, and modern Beauty & the Beast retellings, sink your teeth into a world of dark mystery and forbidden desire.

SHADOW TOUCHED is the thrilling first installment in a steamy upper YA/NA paranormal vampire romance series. If you like enemies-to-lovers and fated mates, heartrending twists, a tough heroine, and a sexy antihero, this book is for you. (From Goodreads)

My thoughts: I hadn't read the entire Goodreads description before reading this book and upon finishing thought it was a good mash-up of Twilight and Vampire Diaries - and then laughed out loud when I saw the write-up from Goodreads.  This may have elements of both of these well-known vampire stories, but it doesn't stop there.  There are other supernatural elements at play that add some spice as well as intrigue to the story.  Just when you think you know where the story is going, the first book ends and it is not at all what you thought.  

I liked the characters in this story from the main two - McKenna and Lochlan, to Mckenna's girlfriends - Isla, Peyton and Hailey, as well as Kade - Lochlan's sidekick.  I hope that the next book will delve into the story of the town and some of these secondary characters a little more, because I think there is something there to tell.  You are definitely kept in the dark and are just fed bits and pieces up until about the last 1/3rd of the book - then the facts start coming a little faster as the climax builds. If you are a fan of the vampire novel, then you should add this one to your list.

And on a side note - isn't that a beautiful cover???

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by the author.

Book Review: Suffer Little Children by Freda Hansburg

 

Title: Suffer Little Children

Author: Freda Hansburg

Genre: Thriller

About the book: Robin Perry’s life is finally on track with her dream job and a promising relationship with Ben Martin, even if his two spoiled children, Amber and Jaden, hate her. But things take a downhill turn when Ben’s acquaintance, Gloria Reyes, asks Robin to admit her young son to a cancer study meant for adults. Robin, heartbroken, must turn her down. But Gloria won’t take no for an answer and begins an insidious crusade to force the issue.

Amber Martin hates living with her crazy mother since her parents’ divorce, but she can hardly live with her dad, who’s too busy with “Miss Perfect” these days. When Amber runs into her mother’s friend Gloria, she’s glad to finally meet an adult who seems to be on her side. But as Amber becomes friends with Gloria’s sickly son, Alex, she begins to think Gloria is not as nice as she first thought, and Alex may be in trouble.

 As Gloria’s threatening behavior escalates, Robin must protect the children while finding a way to save her career and her relationship with Ben. But Gloria always manages to stay one step ahead. When a secret comes to light, Robin discovers the stakes are even higher than she imagined. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this story, as thrillers are probably my favorite genre to read.  The story went back and forth with different perspectives, mainly Robin's and Amber's.  When I first started reading Amber's chapters, I wasn't sure that it sounded like the thoughts of a child, but as I continued to learn more about what she had been through in her life - and how much her mother influenced her thoughts - then it started to make more sense. 

All of these characters are caught up in the lies that Gloria tells - this lady doesn't seem to know how to tell the truth!  Her lies wreak havoc in Robin's life both professionally and personally - both areas that Robin has already had struggles in, so it feels as if her life is spiraling out of control.  

If you like thrillers, you should check this one out. 

Book Review: More than Just a Pretty Face by Syed M. Masood

Title: More than Just a Pretty Face

Author: Syed M. Masood

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary

About the book: Danyal Jilani doesn't lack confidence. He may not be the smartest guy in the room, but he's funny, gorgeous, and going to make a great chef one day. His father doesn't approve of his career choice, but that hardly matters. What does matter is the opinion of Danyal's longtime crush, the perfect-in-all-ways Kaval, and her family, who consider him a less than ideal arranged marriage prospect.

When Danyal gets selected for Renaissance Man--a school-wide academic championship--it's the perfect opportunity to show everyone he's smarter than they think. He recruits the brilliant, totally-uninterested-in-him Bisma to help with the competition, but the more time Danyal spends with her...the more he learns from her...the more he cooks for her...the more he realizes that happiness may be staring him right in his pretty face. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: I thoroughly enjoyed this rom-com and loved that it was told from the male pov for a change. It was a nice change to read from the perspective of a genuinely kind and caring young man, even if everyone around him thought he was not academically bright.  He stuck to his love of cooking even when others could not see the value in it - and it was this love that helped him to discover that there was more to him than just cooking.  I look forward to reading more from this author!

Book Review: The Pearl That Broke It's Shell by Nadia Hashimi

 Title: The Pearl that Broke It's Shell

Author: Nadia Hashimi

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the Book: In Kabul, 2007, with a drug-addicted father and no brothers, Rahima and her sisters can only sporadically attend school, and can rarely leave the house. Their only hope lies in the ancient custom of bacha posh, which allows young Rahima to dress and be treated as a boy until she is of marriageable age. As a son, she can attend school, go to the market, and chaperone her older sisters.

But Rahima is not the first in her family to adopt this unusual custom. A century earlier, her great-aunt, Shekiba, left orphaned by an epidemic, saved herself and built a new life the same way.

Crisscrossing in time, The Pearl the Broke Its Shell interweaves the tales of these two women separated by a century who share similar destinies. But what will happen once Rahima is of marriageable age? Will Shekiba always live as a man? And if Rahima cannot adapt to life as a bride, how will she survive? (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: I am not sure whose story I liked better, Rahima's or Shekiba's.  After they grew up and married, the stories were so similar it was hard to believe there was a century in between them.  Things had changed so little for women in Afghanistan during that span of time, depending on where you were born and raised. This book taught me alot about women in Afghanistan, how they are treated and what they do to survive. Rahimi and Shekibi were both very strong to survive the things they did and once I was finished with the book, the title was very fitting.  This was one of my five star reads for the month. 

Book Review: Wayward by Blake Crouch

Title: Wayward

Series: Wayward Pines #2

Author: Blake Crouch

Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller

About the Book: Welcome to Wayward Pines, population 461. Nestled amidst picture-perfect mountains, the idyllic town is a modern-day Eden...except for the electrified fence and razor wire, snipers scoping everything 24/7, and the relentless surveillance tracking each word and gesture.
None of the residents know how they got here. They are told where to work, how to live, and who to marry. Some believe they are dead. Others think they’re trapped in an unfathomable experiment. Everyone secretly dreams of leaving, but those who dare face a terrifying surprise.

Ethan Burke has seen the world beyond. He’s sheriff, and one of the few who knows the truth—Wayward Pines isn’t just a town. And what lies on the other side of the fence is a nightmare beyond anyone’s imagining. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: I loved this book - even better than the first.  I am really happy that I started this series.  My husband and I are watching it on Hulu and even though it is different from the book, I am enjoying it as well.  Wayward Pines is built on an interesting premise and is a new take on a dystopian book.  I don't want to tell you much about the town, because if you haven't read book 1 you must go back and read it now.  I would highly recommend this series if you like science fiction or thrillers!  

Book Review: To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Title: To All the Boys I've Loved Before

Series: To All the Boys I've Loved Before #1

Author: Jenny Han

Genre: YA, Romance

About the Book: Lara Jean keeps her love letters in a hatbox her mother gave her. 

They aren’t love letters that anyone else wrote for her; these are ones she’s written. One for every boy she’s ever loved—five in all. When she writes, she can pour out her heart and soul and say all the things she would never say in real life, because her letters are for her eyes only. Until the day her secret letters are mailed, and suddenly Lara Jean’s love life goes from imaginary to out of control. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: This was a fun YA romance to read.  I had seen the movie, but it has been a while so I can't make any comparisons at this point.  It was definitely a rom-com book and I loved the way that Lara Jean's friendship with Peter developed. I liked it because it was easy to read and quick-paced.  I plan on reading the rest of the series and will be picking up the next book from the library tomorrow (because they are finally reopening!  Yay!).  If you are in the mood for a fun romance, pick this one up. 

Book Review: You Have a Match by Emma Lord

 

Title: You Have a Match

Author: Emma Lord

Genre: YA, Contemporary

About the book: When Abby signs up for a DNA service, it’s mainly to give her friend and secret love interest, Leo, a nudge. After all, she knows who she is already: Avid photographer. Injury-prone tree climber. Best friend to Leo and Connie…although ever since the B.E.I. (Big Embarrassing Incident) with Leo, things have been awkward on that front.

But she didn’t know she’s a younger sister.

When the DNA service reveals Abby has a secret sister, shimmery-haired Instagram star Savannah Tully, it’s hard to believe they’re from the same planet, never mind the same parents — especially considering Savannah, queen of green smoothies, is only a year and a half older than Abby herself.

The logical course of action? Meet up at summer camp (obviously) and figure out why Abby’s parents gave Savvy up for adoption. But there are complications: Savvy is a rigid rule-follower and total narc. Leo is the camp’s co-chef, putting Abby's growing feelings for him on blast. And her parents have a secret that threatens to unravel everything.

But part of life is showing up, leaning in, and learning to fit all your awkward pieces together. Because sometimes, the hardest things can also be the best ones. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this young adult book.  It wasn't the syrupy everything is fine sibling story or love story.  The girls, Abby and Savannah, had problems, they ran into obstacles, they had separate lives, but discovered they also had things in common (besides parents).  Trying to wade through their respective issues with their love lives and figure out why Savannah was given up for adoption to friends, who are no longer friends, made for an entertaining twist to a contemporary YA book.  Learning to trust and believe in yourself also played a part.  I would recommend this book to young adults dealing with trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in this world. 

Book Review: The Paris Wife by Paula McLain

 

Title: The Paris Wife

Author: Paula McLain

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance

About the Book: Chicago, 1920: Hadley Richardson is a quiet twenty-eight-year-old who has all but given up on love and happiness—until she meets Ernest Hemingway and her life changes forever. Following a whirlwind courtship and wedding, the pair set sail for Paris, where they become the golden couple in a lively and volatile group—the fabled “Lost Generation”—that includes Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, and F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald.

Though deeply in love, the Hemingways are ill-prepared for the hard-drinking and fast-living life of Jazz Age Paris, which hardly values traditional notions of family and monogamy. Surrounded by beautiful women and competing egos, Ernest struggles to find the voice that will earn him a place in history, pouring all the richness and intensity of his life with Hadley and their circle of friends into the novel that will become The Sun Also Rises. Hadley, meanwhile, strives to hold on to her sense of self as the demands of life with Ernest grow costly and her roles as wife, friend, and muse become more challenging. Despite their extraordinary bond, they eventually find themselves facing the ultimate crisis of their marriage—a deception that will lead to the unraveling of everything they’ve fought so hard for.

A heartbreaking portrayal of love and torn loyalty, The Paris Wife is all the more poignant because we know that, in the end, Hemingway wrote that he would rather have died than fallen in love with anyone but Hadley. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: I did like this book but somewhere in the middle it started to become really long for me.  I thought the author did a good job of describing the relationship between Hadley and Ernest and especially their introduction to life in Paris. The whole lifestyle and the traveling that they did was incredible and I couldn't imagine living like that.  Hadley had a really hard time fitting in, as she was more content with family than the fast life that Ernest seemed to be drawn too.  Had this been a different environment or a different time, maybe her and Ernest would have been able to survive it - however, we may not have gotten some of the Hemingway books that are around today. 

Book Review: Make Up Break Up by Lily Menon

Title: Make Up Break Up

Author: Lily Menon

Genre: Romance, Contemporary

About the Book: Love, romance, second chances, fairy-tale endings…these are the things Annika Dev believes in. Her app, Make Up, has been called the “Google Translate for failing relationships.”

High efficiency break-ups, flashy start-ups, penthouses, fast cars…these are the things Hudson Craft believes in. His app, Break Up, is known as the “Uber for break-ups.” It’s wildly successful—and anathema to Annika’s life philosophy.

Which wouldn’t be a problem if they’d gone their separate ways after that summer fling in Las Vegas, never to see each other again. Unfortunately for Annika, Hudson’s moving not just into her office building, but into the office right next to hers. And he’ll be competing at the prestigious EPIC investment pitch contest: A contest Annika needs to win if she wants to keep Make Up afloat. As if it’s not bad enough seeing his irritatingly perfect face on magazine covers when her own business is failing. As if knowing he stole her idea and twisted it into something vile—and monumentally more successful—didn’t already make her stomach churn.

As the two rival app developers clash again and again—and again—Annika finds herself drawn into Hudson Craft’s fast-paced, high velocity, utterly shallow world. Only, from up close, he doesn’t seem all that shallow. Could it be that everything she thought about Hudson is completely wrong? Could the creator of Break Up teach her what true love’s really about? (from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This book was really just okay for me.  I don't know whether Annika was just naive when it came to Hudson's motives or if she was just really self-centered, or maybe it was a deep down insecurity about herself, but for me it got old kind of fast.  They never really say why after their fling in Las Vegas that they went their separate ways, so I never really understood why Annika hadn't kept in touch with Hudson.  It was fun to read as it is February and I feel I should read romances in February, but there were not really a lot of surprises in the story. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Review: Again Again by E. Lockhart

 

Title: Again Again

Author: E. Lockhart

Genre: YA, Contemporary

About the book: If you could live your life again, what would you do differently?

After a near-fatal family catastrophe and an unexpected romantic upheaval, Adelaide Buchwald finds herself catapulted into a summer of wild possibility, during which she will fall in and out of love a thousand times--while finally confronting the secrets she keeps, her ideas about love, and the weird grandiosity of the human mind.

A raw, funny story that will surprise you over and over, Again Again gives us an indelible heroine grappling with the terrible and wonderful problem of loving other people. 

My thoughts: I requested this book from Net Galley as I really enjoyed We Were Liars, but this book was nothing like that.  It was sort of a multiple universe story as Adelaide's story was told in different scenarios depending on what/how she or someone else reacted in different situations.  It was hard to read in the beginning, but once you grasped the format it became much easier.  It sort of reminded me of myself as a teenager, when I would replay a scene in my head by how I wished it had gone. . .   

The important part of the story was Adelaide's relationship with her brother, and this almost gets lost in this format.  I wish that there had been more attention paid to that storyline and not so much on Adelaide's love life - or lack of one.  Overall, it wasn't bad and introduced me to a new format of storytelling. 

Book Review: The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

 

Title: The Painted Veil

Author: W. Somerset Maugham

Genre: Classic, Historical Fiction

About the Book: Set in England and Hong Kong in the 1920s, The Painted Veil is the story of the beautiful, but love-starved Kitty Fane. 

 When her husband discovers her adulterous affair, he forces her to accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic. Stripped of the British society of her youth and the small but effective society she fought so hard to attain in Hong Kong, she is compelled by her awakening conscience to reassess her life and learn how to love. (from Goodreads)

My thoughts: Had I not listened to this book on audio, I am not sure that I would have finished it.  I am really glad that I did though as it was not what I expected.  The description above says that Kitty was love-starved, but I believe that her husband loved her very much before the affair.  She just did not love him but had married him so as not to become an old maid.  She had been too choosy when she was younger and all of her friends were married and suddenly she felt left behind.  Though her husband forced her to accompany him into the cholera epidemic, it is here that she learns to love herself, if not him.  I liked the way that the book just sort of stripped away everything that she knew and forced her to reevaluate those choices that she had made.  It was really rather heartbreaking in the end.