Sacha T. Y. Fortuné

I chose this book from an ARC program because I liked a previous book by the author well enough, but thought it could have used a bit more “oomph”, so I wanted to give the author another try.

The Premise

NFL player Mark has finally hit it big as a pro football player, when a blast from his past shows up at one of his games — Tessa, his high school sweetheart. To his shock, she has a young boy in tow — and as it turns out, five-year-old Angus is his son. He swiftly has to adapt to a paternal role to his son. Having hid the child from him to give him a chance at the career he’d always dreamed of, Tessa now struggles to readjust her life to include Mark. However, his late entry into their little family leads others to believe that she’s a gold-digger, and unwelcome press attention soon follows. As her integrity gets called into question at her job as a teacher at a religious school, Mark also begins to question if his financial outlook as a pro ball player is secure enough to commit to family responsibilities.

The Pros

This was a quick read with a simple, predictable storyline and few surprises. The couple was cute, the banter was endearing, and the raunchy scenes were a good fit around the overall storyline. I also liked the inclusion of the family drama on Tessa’s side, and Mark’s scenes with his teammates. Angus also made for an adorable scene or two, and his youthful exuberance permeated and gave a nice feel-good emotion to the story.

The Cons

There wasn’t anything specifically to dislike in the story, and there was just enough substance to keep me reading all the way through, but just about. The conflict was minimal, and not in any way shocking. He slipped easily into “daddy” mode with no problems, it appears, and the son accepted him without question. As with my last read by the same author, the plot was fair enough but the writing is not my preferred style. I believe it could have been written differently to get me more enthused. Significant occurrences were glossed over — Mark’s family’s reactions, and then the culminating point was lacklustre. Facts were shared without getting the reader to really experience it, and overall I was underwhelmed.

Conclusion

As with my last book by this author, I had a similar sensation of waiting for something “more” that just never came. I would be willing to give it one more try (third time’s the charm!) before giving up and deciding this author’s style is just not for me. In terms of recommending for others — if you’re look for a quick, cute read to keep you entertained for a bit, this is a good pick. If you want a novel to touch your heart and rock your world (i.e. if you’re a picky reader like me), this may not be the best choice.

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I picked this from a book club because the synopsis sounded interesting, and I’m so thrilled I took the chance! Definitely one of the most intriguing books I have read in awhile.

The Premise

Patrick “Trick” is a firefighter with a lucky streak from everything to his zero-fatality streak to his lottery winnings — the latter of which has been a contentious issue between him and his wife Eve. When Eve files for divorce, Trick is shocked to learn of the reasons she is claiming — that he abused her and their two girls. Particularly amid the wave of “Me Too” revelations that have shown the disgraceful acts of supposedly well-respected men, his innocence seems to be impossible to prove. Even worse, the allegations mean that he has very limited access to his daughters.

Zamira is assigned Trick’s case as a court-ordered client to oversee his interaction with his daughters. Despite her initial hesitation as she is appalled at his heinous supposed crimes, she soon realises that they are not only false, but that in reality Trick is quite the opposite — a loving, caring father; a first responder and hero; and most importantly: a man worth loving. However, Zamira’s Muslim faith keeps her desire in check, and she fights the attraction that threatens everything she holds dear: her career, her family’s honour in their community, and her modesty as a Muslim woman.

Pros

This was such an intricately woven story with so much depth of character to explore. The unraveling of the plot was a joy to read, particularly the moments where we learn of Muslim culture by the way the author shows — rather than just tells — Zamira’s thoughts and actions as she interacts with the two conflicting facets of her life: a promised hand to a man she loathes that will lift her family out of disgrace, and an undeniable attraction to a man not of her culture who has a lot of baggage.

I liked the way Eve’s deplorable actions are shown in retrospect as well as in the present day, building up the character of a narcissistic femme fatale. I also liked the range of Trick’s interactions with his family and coworkers, and the sense of brotherhood and camaraderie among fellow firefighters. The author’s descriptions were precise and took me right there to feel the heat of every scene, and the judgemental eyes under which Trick constantly squirmed as he kept digging himself into a deeper hole.

In general there were a lot of small elements that made the novel seem very visceral, very real — and I lived for these. There were moments when I literally could not put the book down because I was hanging on by a thread at the indignation or shock I felt while reading. So, so, well done!

Cons

I really loved this novel, but my overall takeaway — and the only thing holding me back from the full 5 stars — was that I really wanted even more of Zamira. I could see this being told entirely or almost entirely from her perspective, as she uncovers the truth about Trick and then has to grapple with her feelings. Trick also seemed far too gullible and easy to manipulate, and played right into Eve’s games. The flashbacks to past moments in their marriage annoyed me rather than made me feel sorry for him. All of that to say — more of Zamira! Zamira! Zamira! I loved every moment of her, she was just perfectly written and gave this entire novel so much heart.

Conclusion

This is a great novel with many teaching moments that are beautifully unrolled for the reader without slapping you in the face. The “femme fatale” aspect was a respectful nod to Gillian Flynn’s “Gone Girl” and it gave the novel a delicious undercurrent of a thrill. But its shining grace was the character of Zamira, who I really could not get enough of. This is a novel that will stay with me for quite some time, and I look forward to re-reading it and going through the entire gamut of emotions all over again.

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A coming-of-age thriller that emerges as a thought-provoking and emotional exploration of our changing world

This was my fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. Though it seemed to be a sci-fi at first (not my go-to genre), the preview and synopsis drew me in to take a chance, and I’m glad It did. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

In the mid-80s, a group of explorers set off on a secret mission, which ultimately failed after a virus ravaged the crew, leaving only six survivors to return after two years. However on Earth, it’s been over 30 years. Teenager Celestine, who accompanied her (now deceased) parents on the mission, is now a high school student in 2022 — a brand new world bereft of things she once understood.

Alongside the typical teenage angst of complicated female friendships, rebellion against authority figures, and thrilling new romantic experiences; Celestine struggles with survivor’s guilt, worry over a government conspiracy, and an intense paranoia that she will fall ill — and worse, make others ill.

The Pros & Cons

This was a rare genre mishmash that somehow manages to pack many elements together, and still execute it successfully.

The sci-fi intro quickly pivots to the throes of first love, an introspective history lesson, and a women’s fiction drama — all wrapped up in a young adult coming-of-age thriller.

In a post-COVID world (*notably: the author rewrote to suit this*), a protesting public is suspicious of the returning space travellers, whom they fear to be contagious. Celestine is fortunate to find new friends at all, and clings desperately to her new clique like a lifeline.

But, having crash-landed into a new decade, she is awash with unfamiliarity.

I was some sort of caveman-spaceman. Honestly, who could’ve predicted someone would invent a world-wide system of linked computers so children could watch porn, adults could flirt with strangers, people could shop at two o’clock in the morning for stuff they didn’t need, and so that an entire subculture could be created that shared cute photos of their cats?

The author’s cheeky references shed light on the strangeness of the modern world as Celestine grapples with new technology and a distinctly different sociopolitical outlook on life:

We’re lucky to live here. We have all the food we need, shelter, it’s a relatively safe place. If you work hard, you can go far in life.

Her belief system is met with ridicule, as her peers explain that she is “sickeningly positive”; they all know that life is “rigged” to serve the rich, the world is a “cesspool”, and “the man” won’t let you win.

Along with these provocative political diatribes, there was also a wide range of emotions bubbling to the surface as we feel every nuance of Celestine’s uncertainty, fear, anger, and grief:

When your mom dies, it’s as if this pleasant hum that you’ve heard all your life goes silent, and the sudden quiet is staggering.

Therapy plays a critical role in Celestine’s journey to recovery and self-acceptance, and leaves a lasting message as the novel achieves its climax.

Conclusion

I enjoyed the unpredictable ride of this thought-provoking and emotional exploration of our changing world, though at times it left me feeling unsettled — but that was the point. With such a complex character like Celestine, and an interweaving story that you couldn’t really figure out where it was heading, it sometimes felt like the reality TV that bothered Celestine so much because she couldn’t understand why we keep watching when there is no cohesive plot.

While there is, most definitely, a core story humming beneath all of these elements to tie a profound plot together, it’s one of those novels where you’ll sit for some time afterwards, trying to come to terms with what you just read. I can see this sparking intense book club debates, and being adapted into a film. I highly recommend to any reader, but it will be particularly impactful among a young adult audience.

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This came to me via a book club, and I chose it because I love the women’s fiction genre and was looking for something new.

The Premise

Leena is the long-suffering wife of prominent heart surgeon Steven, who shrank into the background as her husband’s career sky-rocketed. His self-absorption indulges and justifies affairs with many women to meet his sexual needs.

As Leena feels more and more distant from her husband, she engages in a penpal relationship with an inmate at a prison, Michael. When she learns of the nature of his crime — assisted suicide — and that he is also a heart surgeon like her husband, she notes the stark difference to the type of man she married. Their chaste relationship soon blossoms into an emotional affair, which intensifies as Michael’s release date approaches.

Meanwhile, Steven’s and Leena’s 19-year-old daughter Joy is emotionally fragile and teeter-tottering on the edge of the abyss, plunging into dangerous self-harm practices as her parents’ relationship disintegrates. Can Steven’s actions change in time to right their family’s relationship before it is too late, or is their marriage too far gone to be saved, along with Joy’s life?

The Pros

Pivoting to multiple points of view — Leena, Steven, Joy, Michael — this family life fiction interweaves a gripping tale as it explores a wide range of emotions. It introduces women’s issues surrounding marital consensual sex through the entitled words from the philandering Steven: “Is it too much to ask that she just open her legs and let me slide in?” — which are juxtaposed by the innocent love of an incarcerated man who falls for a penpal through only her words.

I liked the character and plot development throughout the novel, and the building romance was nicely executed without pushing the envelope unnecessarily. The breakdown of the marital relationship between Steven and Leena is one that will resonate with many women, and Joy’s insecurities will translate well to parents of similarly affected teens as well as the teens themselves.

The Cons

While I enjoyed the story and it was a great read, I did find myself wishing it was written a bit differently. For instance, I would have liked to see the origin of Michael’s and Leena’s relationship, rather than entering into it already being established (we are repeatedly “told” how it came to be, rather than “shown”). I also felt as though the flow was broken up by Joy’s introspection and I wished that her scenes were reduced or even omitted until perhaps the very end to close it all off — I felt as though this would have added some mystery/tension and made the plot even more impactful.

Conclusion

Despite my personal niggles, this was an enjoyable novel by a talented writer, and one I would definitely recommend to others. There was a nod to Jodi Picoult (one of my favourite authors), and I could see how the author tried to emulate her writing style with multiple POVs and monologues. It is a heart-touching novel that explores complicated issues delicately and shows a way forward for those who feel in despair. The book packs an emotional punch and leaves you with an important message. If that’s right up your alley, this would be a great pick for you.

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A beautiful story of race, romance and its implications and representations in the world around us

This was my fourth book that found me via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because the cover was beautiful and the synopsis drew me in. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Born out of wedlock as her mother’s shameful secret, Natalia has always wondered about her father — a married man who led an entirely separate life. As a young adult, when she learns he is dying from a terminal illness, she is compelled to take the opportunity to meet him. Unfortunately, she is too late — but their appearance and physical similarities alert his family of their relation.

Tainted by her own hang-ups of love and her mother’s past, Natalia finds it difficult to trust men. As she struggles with her decision to connect with her father’s family, she also faces a dilemma of two possible love interests: a past love looking to rekindle a flame; and a new love who may have his own past to overcome. As her romantic interests develop in parallel with her interaction with her estranged blood relations, Natalia must discover her own strength as a woman to love without fear.

The Pros

This was a beautiful story of race, romance and its implications and representations in the world around us. I loved how we were able to see both sides of the story — the illegitimate child, now a young adult desperately seeking a connection to her roots; and the late wife, roiling with anger at the past betrayal that only emerges after her husband’s death, and frustrated that she is unable to punish him. Instead, she focuses on who she can punish: Natalia, who had no control over the circumstances that led to her existence.

The author took time to craft each character, even the side characters, and all of the relationships were fraught with emotional angst. The tension was well developed, and there were a few scenes in particular that had me on the edge of my seat. Natalia’s and Pamela’s friendship also breathed some freshness and joviality amidst the heavy subject matter, and made me smile.

The Cons

While I enjoyed and appreciated the overall flow of this story, the genre straddled a divide that interweaves women’s fiction and romance… just like Natalia’s biracial background, it was half and half — which ultimately left a bit to be desired on either side.

The burning passion of a typical romance was more muted here as she vacillated between two possible love options; and the emotional overload of a typical women’s fiction was bubbling under the surface, but came up *just* short of fully exploding for me. With the high drama of the set-up, I somehow expected more suspense, more complicated/flawed female characters, or a gut-wrenching twist at the culmination point… but that’s just not the story here.

Conclusion

I really loved the underlying message of growth, change and acceptance — but it just needed a bit of an extra nudge for me to feel that ultimate triumph for both protagonists at the end. Still, there is a lot to love here. This was a well-rounded story with realistic characters, and it is definitely worth the read.

I also think it is an important story for our time, as racism presently pervades every aspect of our lives. While it’s a good read for anyone, I particularly would recommend it for Christian, female readers (especially women of colour) — despite a wee bit of explicit language, this is an excellent pick for that market. Representation matters, and this novel has it in spades; it would certainly hit that mark of leaving you inspired.

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I chose this book from an ARC program because I was looking for a trope-filled romance read, and the blurb sounded interesting.

The Premise

Reeling with grief after his sister’s funeral, Navy SEAL Brock finds himself shacking up with his ex-girlfriend and recent one-night stand Monica. The circumstances are unusual: a caseworker brings over recently-orphaned baby Aaron, meant for his sister to look after; and Monica shows up at just the right moment to step in to help — right before a storm sets in.

With no other viable option, Brock and Monica settle in for a few days to care for the baby, waiting out the storm so that he can be safely transferred to his surviving relatives coming from abroad. But unknown to Brock, Monica had originally showed up to share her news: she’s pregnant, with his baby. As the storm rages on, she tries to find the right moment to tell him. Meanwhile, it seems like someone is out to harm baby Aaron — and Brock springs into action to defend them. Monica knows that Brock is ideal to hunker down with when danger’s around — but will he disappear from her life once the storm is over?

The Pros

This was a quick read with a simple though predictable storyline. I liked the dialogue and banter between the couple. I appreciated the flow of the story and the high points of suspense and action. I was also glad that the sex scenes were limited to include what was necessary rather than just being gratuitous overkill — it was a nice balance, and the romance between longtime-friends-and-lovers felt genuine and sweet. I also appreciated the small elements included to explain the characters’ motivations — her life in foster care and dedication to helping preemie babies, and his own stoic outlook based on his background.

The Cons

Though I enjoyed this story, I wished there was more character development. With such a great plot, I felt like it could have been written differently to get me more invested in their romance. The writing needed more fleshing out to bring the emotions to the forefront. There was a general sense of “information overload” in some moments rather than allowing the reader to be there in the moment. We are simply told a lot of facts and have to accept these — they had a one-night stand, they were each other’s soulmates in high school, he had a close relationship with his sister, etc. I wish there were flashbacks, or maybe better references to the past interspersed throughout… as it was, I felt like there was something lacking to really give this plot the expansive freedom to truly shine.

Conclusion

Despite some disappointment in the writing style and feeling like I wanted something “more”, I still enjoyed the story throughout and would not mind reading another book by the author. If you’re looking for a serious thriller, this is not it. I didn’t even want to call it “romantic suspense” because it’s not gripping in that way. I would class it as a nice, light read with enough mystery to keep you reading to the end to find out what happened, and believable characters that make you smile when they get their happily-ever-after.

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A darkly funny diatribe and celebration of self-discovery in a foreign land

This was my third book I chose from the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Tina is a workaholic and mother of four-year-old Piper and seven-month-old Lila, who barely has time to spend with her children and husband. When her workload is on the cusp of increasing even more, she reaches her breaking point. Opportunity knocks — as promised by a psychic she encountered — when her husband Daniel gets an opportunity to work in China, and Tina gleefully readies herself for a change of pace: slowing down to be a wife and mother. But Shanghai is nothing like she expected, and a series of culture shocks and hilarious encounters with the locals result in a level of homesickness she feels deep in her non-maternal soul. But through her friendship with elderly tai chi instructor Mr. Han, and her interactions among the community of expats, Tina begins to learn that her current location is less relevant than the person she needs to become.

The Pros & Cons

This is a darkly funny tale of a fish out of water, trapped in a woman on the edge of a nervous breakdown.

Hysterical, high-strung and hilarious, Tina’s story rings true with many women who climbed up the ladder and couldn’t figure out how to get back down. She feels the pressure of the “grandiose, expensive” lifestyle that trapped her in her career, and can’t understand how others don’t feel it too:

Why don’t you feel the weight of the world? You don’t seem miserable. Why aren’t you miserable, Jennifer?

She yearns for the peaceful, creative path the psychic mentions, despite not believing in that “hogwash”:

If skepticism were a building, mine was a skyscraper. If cynicism were a horizon, mine was a skyline packed with doubt-riddled skyscrapers popping out of the ground like blades of grass after a spring rain, too many to count.

Tina is unwilling to bend, change or adjust; but the new culture into which she’s crash-landed also isn’t budging. In a stand-off against anything that China represents, Tina is on the losing end.

But as the months roll by, she finally finds her way once she accepts certain aspects of the expat lifestyle — getting an ayi (domestic helper), enrolling her children in school, and gathering with other expats to play mah-jongg. Most important, though, are her tai-chi lessons with her new friend, Mr. Han.

Mr. Han helps Tina to harness her energy — energy she didn’t know she had, far less how to use it. As she overcomes the challenges life throws her way, Mr. Han guides her how to do exactly what she told Daniel she wanted to do before they moved: to “be happy with exactly where we were at that very moment”.

Fair warning: this is by no means a faithful representation of China, so some scenes may unsettle or offend. Tina’s voice is unapologetically American — “ignorant of abundance” as Mr. Han says; still, her zany moments are delightful — though perhaps not to her poor exasperated husband. I would’ve loved to see even more of Daniel’s challenges with the culture interlaced throughout. Also, as a reader I shared that struggle to be “happy in the moment” because the ending left me with so many questions, but the thing is: that was the point.

Conclusion

This novel takes you on a journey and an adventure through the eyes of a female protagonist who will resonate with many. It is unique and humorously heartfelt, with vivid imagery of a family finding itself amidst the unexpected. I would recommend to anyone, but particularly to women who enjoy a light read with a much deeper meaning. At its core, it is a diatribe and a celebration of self-discovery, or as Tina’s friend Jennifer puts it:

Even this—questioning your life and your choices—this is incredibly brave.

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I chose this book from an ARC program because I was looking for a quick romance read, and was hoping to find a full story despite the short length of a “prequel”.

The Premise

Smart, plucky Lori is working at a summer camp for children with learning disabilities, while surviving a disaster ex-boyfriend experience and focusing on new adventures before she goes off to college. One of the biggest new adventures she’s hoping for is to shed her virginity — and she soon spots a likely candidate in the form of hunky, outdoorsy Caleb, the brother of her friend Annika. Caleb has a lot on his plate with family drama, but he’s usually up for a summer fling, so he’s happy when Lori agrees to this. But things soon get more serious than either had planned for — and the end of summer is fast approaching. Can they find their way into each other’s future, or will the clock run out on their love?

The Pros

I was pleasantly surprised to find so much depth of imagery in a trope-filled romance. The descriptions were all very vivid, and I could easily imagine the entire life of Caleb’s family, growing up and working on the river. I could feel the spray of the water, the sun, the stars — it was all lovely to experience as a reader. I soon forgave the insta-love (sometimes this can be a con for me) when the relationship developed wonderfully, and I liked the dialogue and interaction with the couple. Both characters were fully fleshed out, and I appreciated that there was also a good development of their surrounding family members, friends and the wider community. All of this was easy to picture, and gave some body to the story as it developed. The heavy elements of grief and family obligation were well balanced with the steamy and funny moments, rounding out a nice and easy-to-read narrative.

The Cons

While I liked the story, I must admit it was predictable. I knew it was a prequel with a lead-up to something else, but the “something else” I spotted far too early in; there were no surprises. I was enjoying the story, but expected a “twist” of high drama before the reconciliation, and it didn’t deliver for me all the way. Also, not really a “con”, but I loved the setting of the camp, and I was disappointed that this was just a by-the-way; I kept waiting for something related to the kids or the camp itself to be some part of the narrative, but no such luck — it was just a “background” for the story.

Conclusion

The overall storyline was a bit too simple for me, but while it wasn’t pore-raising for me as a picky reader, it was excellently written. The beautiful descriptions take you right there to the camp, and the dual POVs were enjoyable with sufficient depth to warm your heart as you root for the couple to finally declare their love. I enjoyed this book and would recommend to anyone who wants a quick romance read with lots of steam and characters that are easy to fall in love with.

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A raw, riveting, and masterful women’s fiction thriller about the beauty and ugliness lurking inside us all

This was my second book that found me via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because I was looking for a women’s fiction, and the preview drew me in. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Maia’s life has been a litany of bad choices, and she’s about to make one more: following a complete stranger into a life he offhandedly sold her on, in a passing conversation. She’s doing what she does best: running. But Boulder, Colorado is far from the idyllic life Joel portrayed, and he’d conveniently omitted some facts: he’s married, with a daughter and another child on the way.

Carolyn’s senses kick into hyperdrive when her husband Joel shows up with a young, beautiful female friend in tow. With limited childcare options as she requires bedrest, she asks Maia to become a mother’s helper — thinking it’s best to keep her enemy nearby. But she hadn’t banked on the role Maia would soon play in her life — and similarly, Maia’s financial needs and past misdeeds lead her to accept the job, not knowing how much it would ultimately change her life.

The Pros

The husband-nanny affair is a tired trope, and usually the affair is the nucleus of everything. Here, that fact was necessary — but ultimately, not the point at all. There are so many layers and such profound substance here; an overabundance of themes all tightly packed into this riveting, nail-biting thriller of a women’s fiction masterpiece.

The prose is eloquent and visceral; a joy to uncover; a treasure revealed.

Maia’s youthful innocence and palpable beauty is tainted by her lack of self-worth, and the trail of casual abuse she encounters: the price for beauty, and her desperation to be more…

Please let me be a part of this. Please tell me I’m good at something that has nothing to do with my outsides.

Carolyn’s suspicion, regret, and guilt permeate her daily life, giving us a firsthand view of lived trauma. The apathetic disregard by others in her life (her well-meaning but manipulative family, her fair-weather friends, and most importantly: her husband) is an emotional gut-punch…

Here is the truth about infidelity: you imagine you want to know, but you don’t, because once you know, everything has to change, and by virtue of knowing, it becomes your job to change it.

Every character is expertly crafted, even the side characters, both good and bad. The effervescent innocence of four-year-old Sasha bursts through, melting your core with its irresistible sweetness; not to mention the sad eyes of the ancient dog, Vader.

There are no saints here — neither party is entirely innocent, nor absolutely guilty. Even the philandering Joel is not portrayed as evil. Like everyone else, he is simply flawed, and at a loss for what to do in this unusual situation, lest he reveal his own transgressions.

As the two women form an intricate bond, the irony is inescapable: each believes the other knows; still, their connection is unique and intangible. Though the reader knows the women’s friendship is doomed from the beginning, there is always that flutter of hope that somehow, someway, via some kernel of universal magic, it can survive that impending collision, the explosion of their lives as the truth inevitably pours out.

The story unfolds with a deep, thought-provoking insight into the bonds of marriage, female friendship, and so much more. It is also an atmospheric tale that transports you to the seedy underbelly of the idyllic life of Boulder, Colorado — past the expensive homes and manicured lives and judgy mommy groups, to an undercurrent of desperation to belong, and become something other than yourself.

Conclusion

This novel was raw, real, gripping, and masterful. Despite its serious themes — death, grief, abuse, infidelity — there remains a billowing sail of levity: a burst-your-sides-laughing moment of hilarity around the corner; a wonderful surprise. This book latches onto your soul and stays with you. I will gladly re-read, and savour every moment again even though I know it’s coming.

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I chose this book from an ARC program because I had recently read a book by the same author duo, “My Cover Model” which I enjoyed, so I was hoping for something similar.

The Premise

Long-time besties Griffin and Madeline have grown up together and are comfortable enough around each other for them to talk about their sex lives openly, to be intimate around others without it seeming sexual, and to be in each other’s family and friends circles — not to mention: to change their clothes in front of each other. When she finally dumps her loser ex right before her birthday, she decides she wants an earth-shattering orgasm and asks Griffin to lend a helping hand. Their friends-with-benefits situation soon develops into something more — until it is swiftly cut short by an unexpected event. Being a friend is more needed than ever before — but is it too late for these friends-turned-lovers to get back what they lost… and maybe much more?

The Pros

This was a swift, easy read. The dual POVs were easy to follow without getting confused with the frequent shifting, and I enjoyed getting both perspectives. Thankfully — a noted improvement from my last book by the same author duo — this time the male perspective had just as much weight as the female viewpoint; here, it was more or less equal (that had been a con, my last time!). Griffin was dashingly handsome and sexy, and Madeline seemed to be a pretty girl up for a good time — but they still had their endearing side. As they’ve been friends forever, it was easy to see what each saw in the other. I enjoyed the dialogue, and there were some spicy bits that I loved which were well written, and overall this was a good read.

The Cons

However, the story itself seemed far too simple: friends to lovers with a dash of drama that was easily resolved. It hit the trope boxes with very little deviation, and I wanted more. While I enjoyed reading, and there were funny moments, it wasn’t nearly as hilarious as the last book I’d read in the series (so perhaps my expectations were set high). While I was happy for the couple to get together, there was very little “newness” — these two already know each other inside out, so it was a bit lacklustre for me. I expected more drama, more contention, more temptation… just… well, more.

Conclusion

Though this book didn’t rock my world totally, it was still a good, short read with lively characters that kept me turning the pages to see what would happen. There was also an overall message here that I appreciated, and the role of grief and community friendship was heartwarming. While it wasn’t swoon-worthy enough for my picky tastes, I still liked it a lot and I would recommend to others who like their romance sexy and swift!

Purchase your copy

This book found me via an ARC program, and I chose it because I was in need of something light and sweet — and this ticked those boxes for me!

The Premise

Andrea — “Andie” — sees her life slipping out from under her, after she loses a promotion she was counting on — one for which she’d sacrificed her relationship to a good man, Nick. In need of a fundamental change, she travels to Hawaii to help run a coffee shop owned by her friend Apikelia — “Api”. She soon meets Warren Yates, an attractive stranger who enters the shop looking for Api, and finds Andie instead. As she and Warren get closer, he dedicates himself to making sure she enjoys her time in Hawaii through creating “moments” as they tour the islands. Meanwhile, Andie soon realises her work is cut out for her with the coffee shop — there is barely any traffic and no marketing plan. It is the perfect opportunity to throw herself into, and she soon makes moves to turn the business around. As she pours her heart and soul into the project, she is unaware that Warren is not who he appears to be — and when she finds out just how he is tied to her efforts, she may never forgive him. Is there a chance for these two lovers to connect, and have their own “moment”?

The Pros

This was a very sweet, clean romance, and I loved the imagery that poured through every page. The blurb described it as an “atmospheric romance”, and it was indeed — it felt like you were in Hawaii, and it was clear that the authors had taken their time to build all of this descriptive beauty into the tale. There was a lot of history and culture as the story developed and the couple had their outings to different locations, and I enjoyed this aspect of the narrative. I also liked the budding female friendships as Andie got to know her coworkers, her longstanding friendship with Api, and the beaming pride you could feel in the workers at the coffee plantation — all of this was so beautifully done.

The Cons

While I enjoyed the overall feel of the novel, the romance was tepid for me, rather than scorching hot. Also, the POV jumped suddenly from Andie to Warren — after we’d been having Andie’s first person narrative for 80% of the book. I would have preferred the POVs be interlaced rather than that sudden shift, because by then Warren seemed to be an entirely different person than who he was through Andie’s eyes. It also felt like some of the action happened “offstage” — Warren’s chasing her to make amends, and the time shift after she left Hawaii. I wanted to feel more of that tension and emotion first-hand, rather than via a recap.

Conclusion

Though the novel didn’t have me hanging on the edge of my seat, I did enjoy it throughout. It was nicely developed, and would be a great book to read on a vacation or on the beach — or if you feel you need to go to one of those! The description whisks you away to another world entirely, and you fall in love with the islands along with Andie. Though lacking that extra “oomph” for me personally, it was beautifully written, and I would highly recommend to anyone who would enjoy a sweet, clean romance in an exotic location.

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I chose this book from an ARC program because it sounded interesting, and I was looking for a “whodunnit” type of novel.

The Premise

After a long absence, Isobel returns home to the small coastal town Cape Cross where she grew up. Out for a run one day, she stumbles upon a dead body on the beach, and is startled to notice a passing resemblance to herself — not to mention the bizarre fact she soon learns: she shares a birthday with the dead woman, Veronica. Isobel soon finds herself embroiled in a murder investigation that seems to be targeting all the people in her life — many of whom intersect with Veronica’s life as well. Meanwhile Maya is grieving the loss of her close friend Veronica, and at the same time is reconnecting with her old friend Isobel. As Maya’s recollection of events unfolds, so too does Veronica’s present nightmare: why does she share so many similarities to a dead woman she never met, why was this woman also looking for her, and what secrets are everyone hiding from her?

The Pros

This was a fast-paced thriller with short, choppy chapters that kept me reading on to see what would happen next. I liked the way the story developed, the way characters were introduced, and the interweaving of the plot as possible suspects were interrogated. When the truth was eventually revealed at its climax, I realised there was foreshadowing to the murder early on in the novel and I really appreciated that the writer did that so well that I hadn’t noticed it at the time. Overall a nice thrill of a read.

The Cons

This was a good book and I enjoyed it, but I really wanted to like it more. For one thing, it wasn’t a “perfect” likeness at all, just a passing resemblance — and, along with the shared birthdate, this made it fairly easy to guess from the very beginning how this similarity happened. The story is told from the viewpoints of Maya and Isobel, and at times I wasn’t sure who was the narrator as their voices were not distinct, so I found myself flipping back to double-check. Also, with at least part of the plot so obvious, I felt frustrated that Isobel took so long to figure it out. I also wished for more of an emotional connection to Maya, who I felt for as she struggled in a loveless marriage, but I wanted more of this. I liked the mystery and the writing style was excellent at delivering this, but I wasn’t in love with either protagonist to feel the emotionally overwhelming tale that I had anticipated.

Conclusion

Though marketed in the blurb as a “psychological thriller”, I didn’t get this; I classified it as more of a mystery. “Psychological thrillers” usually blow your mind; here, I was interested to keep reading, but it left me wanting a bit more extra “oomph”. I know I am a picky reader and had really high expectations for this one given the synopsis, so that might have contributed to my overall feeling when I was finished with the book. Nevertheless this was a fast-paced read that held my interest, and I would recommend to anyone who enjoys mysteries. I would also be interested in reading another book by this author.

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This book founds its way to me via an ARC program, and I was interested in it because of the rare “cross-breed” genre of being both a women’s fiction and a thriller. I am so glad I took a chance on this book.

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The Premise

Sophie is struggling with anxiety and survivor’s guilt years after the loss of her husband and son in a car accident, and finds solace in an affair with her boss Bastian. Madelyn-May is at the helm of a picture-perfect mommy-blogger empire, Love Mommy, despite the irony that her family thinks she is a horrible mother to her 12-year-old twins Harlow and Harry, and a terrible wife to her long-suffering husband Bastian.

When Bastian gives Sophie a manuscript to edit, it triggers memories of the past, her ailing mother and a decision she once made in a desperate moment. Now, armed with crippling grief and loss at the turn of the five-year anniversary of her family’s demise, her heart tugs her to make a decision that may change her life. Meanwhile, Madelyn-May is being targeted by a ghost of her past threatening to destroy everything she has built. The two women’s stories interlock, and as the story develops this is revealed to the reader with the past history interlaced with the present.

The Pros

This novel was expertly crafted and thrilling from beginning to end. As we enter Sophie and Madelyn-May’s lives, we feel the rawest emotions: grief, pain, love, sacrifice, regret, and so much more. The story unwinds with an interesting way of revealing itself, by giving us both the past and the present for each woman to explain how they each got to where they are in their personal lives.

I really loved the fact that these two main characters were flawed, but each had redeeming qualities that made you feel their pain and hope for their triumph, despite the terrible things they had done. Also, a “women’s fiction thriller” is a rare crossbreed of a genre, and yet this author manages it magnificently. There were the moments that evoked high drama and crushing emotion that we expect from a women’s fiction, and still there was the undercurrent of “the chase” with the antagonist on the peripheries waiting to pounce and pull Madelyn-May’s life to shreds. The imagery was so beautifully evocative when at the novel’s explosive finale, everything came full circle. The ending was a juicy thrill that left me wanting more, so much more.

The Cons

There are very few cons I can pull out with a 5-star read, but I admit I wanted to see a bit more of the earlier part of Bastian and Sophie’s relationship — how did she overcome her grief and fear of the world to open herself to someone (far less a married man), and what pivotal moment caused him to break his vows, for these two to end up entangled? I was also surprised that Madelyn-May had such a public and visible job, given her past; it seemed to make her an easy target for not just the actual antagonist but anyone from her past life. But though these things made me wonder, I soon let them go as the novel took its control over me.

Conclusion

This was an excellent novel, and I indulged in every emotion it brought out in me. I chuckled when the writer slipped in a reference to Jodi Picoult, one of my own favourite writers, because I could see the ways she strived to achieve Picoult’s style in her own novel — still, it was not derivative, but a nod of respect. Despite my burning questions about the plot that left me wanting, the story had a life of its own and sits in a rare niche genre that is often managed poorly — thankfully, here the writer wrangles it together with amazing literary skill to craft a story that will always stay with me. I recommend this book to anyone who can handle tough, raw, trigger issues — it is not for the faint of heart, but if you can manage to, it is worth every bit of the thrill ride.

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