Sacha T. Y. Fortuné

I first saw this book on Reedsy, but it was taken by another reviewer before I got the chance. I looked it up on Amazon and realised it was on promotion, so I got it from there.

The Premise

When Kate’s 13-year-old sister disappears at the lake and a body is later found, Kate doesn’t believe it was Emily. Seven years later, Kate returns to her hometown for a work event. When she sees a familiar face at a nearby house, she believes it is her sister. The sighting leads her down a rabbit hole to investigate what happened to Emily. With the help of longtime boyfriend Lucas, she starts asking questions. She discovers shocking secrets from her past, and confronts her own guilt at the events she barely remembers as a very young child. Can she figure out what really happened to Emily?

The Pros

This was a great read that combined mystery with a psychological thriller. I liked the relationships it explored with her family, and the way the past is interwoven to keep the reader guessing — really, how much do we remember from when we were so young? I also enjoyed the revamp of romance between Kate and Lucas, and how easily she fell back in with his family. The descriptions are done well, mounting the tension and drama as we try to imagine all the different scenarios that could have happened to Emily. When the truth finally is revealed, it leaves us with the lingering message of how easy a parent can lose a child through death or disappearance, and how careful we must always be as parents.

The Cons

I really enjoyed this book, but I admit that I felt like I had seen it or read something similar before — perhaps I just watch too much TV! I quickly forgave that though, as I got into the story. My only real major issue that detracted me was that the pacing was a bit unsettling for me the way the tense shifts to recap something that just recently happened. From the coworker she hangs out with, to the recap of a night with Lucas’ family directly before, to the father’s conversation at the end when she confronts him about the past — there were so many bits and pieces that felt like they were jumping back and forth and really didn’t need to be “flashback” since they had literally just happened.

Conclusion

This was overall a compelling read, despite my own niggles of personal preferences (bear in mind, I am a picky reader). I liked the way the story is told and pieces everything together by the end, with parts hinted at for the reader to help assemble it along with the character. I like the writer’s style for the most part, and would love to read more from her. I would recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a good mystery/thriller.

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I chose this book from an ARC program because the preview was excellent.

The Premise

Teenage mother Willow abandons her baby when she realises that strange things happen during baby Lilah’s seizures. After dumping the baby at a fire station, Willow and her mother are never seen again. Lilah is taken in by her adoptive parents, fire chief Stanley Quinn and his wife. He takes care of her after his wife dies, hiding the truth and ensuring she takes her medicine.

Sixteen years later, teenage Lilah decides to risk not taking her medicine — and sneaks out to go to a rock concert with her crush Jace. Her resulting seizure lands them both in the hospital, and her father is forced to finally tell her the truth. With Jace’s help, Lilah seeks answers to her biological mother’s disappearance. As she shifts and bends time, Lilah must learn to control her power before she destroys everything around her. Can she unlock the mystery of Willow’s disappearance?

The Pros

This was an excellent, engaging read that drew me in from the start and kept me reading all the way to the end. Fantasy is not my usual preferred genre, but in this case the storyline wasn’t too far “out there” and the descriptions are really well done. I really enjoyed the different relationships it explored — the bond between biological mother and child, between adoptive parents and child, and also the romantic relationship and coming-of-age element for the main character. I also loved the dialogue between all the characters, and the symbolism of the ashes and their role in Lilah’s life as a source of death and rebirth.

The Cons

I really enjoyed this story but it left me with many questions: primarily: what causes Lilah’s seizures? And, who was her biological father? There didn’t seem to be any effort to explore these holes, which left me unsettled at the story’s end. There were also some time jumps that weren’t evident at first, and it took me awhile to get used to the chapter beginnings with the apple status representing Past/Present/Future.

Conclusion

This was a great fantasy/supernatural read — especially for those that don’t really go for this type of story, as it has more than enough of all the other young adult/coming-of-age elements to hold its own in those genres as well. I could easily see this being translated to a TV show or film, or becoming part of a series as the ending opens it up for future stories with these same characters. I would recommend to readers of all ages, and I would love to read more from this author.

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An irreverent, humorous reflection of the emotional rollercoaster of early fatherhood

This was my twenty-first book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I loved the first in the series, Dear Dory, and was contacted by the author to also review this one. 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

After finding cathartic solace in penning a “journal” of sorts to his unborn miracle baby via Dear Dory, the author continues writing a journal after Dory — now renamed to Arlo — is born. From diaper disasters to dealing with illness and possible disability — not to mention parenting during a pandemic, the journal entries unwind to showcase the author’s gradual evolution into the role of fatherhood, with the unfailing (and at times overruling!) support of his partner.

The Pros

After enjoying “Dear Dory”, I was thrilled to dive into the sequel. I was not disappointed; it kept me thoroughly entertained and feverishly speed-reading late into the night.

After lengthy ruminating on the idea of fatherhood, “Daddy” is shocked to be thrown right in:

I’m surprised that I’m being allowed to operate a few-minutes-old baby, given my serious lack of qualifications and current mental state. […] Fatherhood begins today. Right now. There’s no transition period, no trial run, no supervised training, no e-learning module you can consult, and no simulation that you can fuck up as many times as you need to until you get it right. This is now my life.

His amazement soon turns into the sleep-deprived daze of early fatherhood — blundering his way through triumphs, pitfalls, and “dadding” moments that would make any parent smile in heartfelt solidarity:

I stand, pause, creep towards your Moses basket, delicately lower you in, and then slowly back away from the biological wad of C4. Please don’t let the bomb go off, please don’t let the bomb go off, please don’t let the bomb go off. It hasn’t gone off. Yes! Now, back to b— ‘Whhaaaa.’ KABOOM.

I laughed at the grossness of a shared parenting moment (“with that description, how could I not?”), as well as the rare solo “F**K IT” moment when you’re too exhausted to follow the parental protocol (a thorough clean of the baby) and just give a quick wipe instead — because no one will know (trust me, we’ve all been there!)…

The narrative swings from cringe-worthy hilarity — the abject terror of in-public “All In One” nappy changes — to any parent’s horror: the fear of making a wrong decision that can affect his son forever; a “Santa-isn’t-real” moment.

In the midst of this, the pandemic hits, and he has to adapt to isolating — a difficult task for such a loving, close extended family; and to working from home — an impossible task when his partner dumps their son on him right before a meeting.

As the pandemic worsens, suddenly the stockpiling/panic-buying he would have otherwise thought ridiculous becomes very real, now that he has the responsibility of provider: how much formula would a baby need? And, even worse, would his son’s upcoming surgery be considered “non-urgent”?

Throughout it all, he frequently highlights how amazing “Mummy” is. I strongly suspect there was some guilt at her portrayal in the first book, because he went far too light on her here 🙂 :

She puts her soul into your well-being, and she would do anything to ensure your safety and contentment. […] I know of this woman, Arlo, and she has this job that she works 24/7 – never taking a single second off. This woman is your mummy.

Despite his immature silliness (which he’s quite proud of), a profound maturity emerges as he realises his recklessness is a thing of the past, now that he is accountable if he burdens his family.

Also, now, his clock-watching no longer anticipates the work day’s end, but the beginning of family time, and he intentionally disconnects from everything else, appreciating the small incremental moments of Arlo’s growth and development.

To be all in, to be grateful, to be present — these are the messages that stay with us, as well as our own awe at the blank canvas we find in the eyes of a baby:

Is it beauty, possibility, potential, promise? Or perhaps there’s envy. […] Or maybe there’s peace and love, and faith in the next generation who will inherit the earth and, hopefully, leave it in a better place than when they found it.

Conclusion

This comedic memoir hit home for me personally, as I also struggled (and still am struggling!) my way through early parenthood in a pandemic. Overall, it was a joyride of a read that will resonate with parents everywhere. The author shares vulnerable and scary moments alongside the gross and silly ones, opening a door into a viewpoint often not appreciated: “dadding”. I would highly recommend to other adult readers, particularly parents or aspiring parents, as it is a no-holds-barred memoir that gives true insight into what parenting can be like.

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Dear Arlo

I chose this from an ARC program because I like medical TV dramas, and the preview was intriguing.

The Premise

Anesthesiologist Dr. Jude Rosen has been on the job long enough to know that Death is an unfair colleague — sometimes He takes those who don’t deserve it far too early. With his best friend Farrah in the throes of agony in the late stages of cancer, Jude makes a decision to help her that jeopardises his career. After an unrelated malpractice suit upends his life, he finds himself in dire straits financially and unable to provide for his wife and two young daughters. Trouble soon finds him in the form of “diverting” — procuring drugs for illegal use. As he bumbles his way into becoming a criminal, he has to outsmart a wily villain that threatens everything he once took for granted.

The Pros

This was a fast-paced medical thriller with an anti-hero that you can’t help but root for, despite his flaws. The writing style was engaging and thorough in its descriptions, with breathtaking moments of profound reflection:

We’re the doctors in the shadows, behind the curtains, behind the surgeons.

Anesthesiologists carry the most powerful narcotics known to humankind in the front pocket of our scrubs.

When death becomes so routine, the boundaries between who is doing good and who is doing evil don’t just blur — the distinction is ablated.

The descending spiral of the main character is fascinating, and I loved how the relationship between him and his friend Farrah is described — it felt so genuine even in the darkness of its devotion. I also liked the daughter Regina’s reticence and precociousness (possible future psychopath in the making!), and the build-up of the villain was expertly done. The ending was also unexpected and fantastic, and far more real than I would have anticipated.

The Cons

I really enjoyed this book, but I did find there were a couple of moments that didn’t quite add up — the culminating event involves the use of a gun, but I thought the shooter would have had his own; the foreshadowing here spoilt it a bit for me as I knew what was coming the moment the weapon was handed over. I also wished for some more insight into Jude’s early days prior to the moment we meet him; it is repeatedly suggested that he was a bad person, and while I understood his former mistakes, I didn’t get that feeling of him being “rotten to the core” — how, why?

Conclusion

Despite a couple of niggles that I would attribute to my own pickiness as a reader, this was a fantastic read and ticks all the boxes for me in terms of an action-packed, savvy thriller. The medical jargon is explained so any reader can grasp it, and the writer’s style is easy to follow as it unwinds an intriguing plot. If you like “Breaking Bad” and medical dramas like “Grey’s Anatomy” or “E.R.” this would definitely be right up your alley. Note: I was getting the “Walter White”-esque parallel quite alright on my own (as would literally anyone who’s seen the show) so didn’t see the need to spell it out in the actual text of the novel! Nevertheless this was a fabulous joyride of a medical thriller, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys great writing and a suspenseful plot. I look forward to reading more from this author.

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I chose this from an ARC program because I liked the synopsis.

The Premise

After losing his wife and son in an accident, Pritchard spirals downwards into alcoholism. Frequenting a nearby bar, one day he trips over a teenage girl’s scooter and damages it. When he gives her his number so she can follow up for the repairs, he has no idea that she would soon contact him for something else: to save her life. Putting himself out on a limb for a stranger is Pritchard’s opening to slipping back into the life he once knew: a life of crime. With danger afoot, can Pritchard save the day — and himself?

The Pros

This was a fast-paced, tightly wound read with violence, mobsters, and an unusual friendship between the anti-hero protagonist and the teenage girl he risked his life to save. I liked their friendship and seeing her develop through her fear and triumph. Pritchard also showed a soft side to him as he was protective over her as he would be to his own child. I also liked the supporting characters from his past life that came back in to help him, and the redemption arc of Pritchard as he found purpose in his own life through saving someone else. Also, the fight scenes were nicely done, and the descriptions take you right there to the scene of the action.

The Cons

Though I like novellas, and enjoy thrillers, this one was so short (80+ pages, < 1 hour reading time) for the plot it tried to pack in that I felt like I did not get sufficient time to really know or feel for the characters. I was able to zip through it because it felt like something I had seen on TV many times before, and though it was entertaining, I was hoping for a more original spin somehow.

Conclusion

I don’t think I am the ideal reader for this book, as I prefer something with more dialogue and heart-to-hearts with characters, and this was light on those elements. However I would recommend this to other readers who like a swift action-packed read. I doubt I would go on reading in this series, but I would love to give the author another try. The writing talent is definitely there, and I think it would be great to see what he can do will a full-length novel and a more intricate plot.

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A dramatic, comedic telenovela of a women’s fiction about infidelity and fickle hearts

This was my twentieth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. It marks me coming full circle as a Reedsy reviewer, as the author’s first book in this series was my first Reedsy review: What’s Not Said. When I saw that there was a sequel, I immediately grabbed it up as I had enjoyed the first one. 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

Picking up shortly after the end of the previous book in the series, Kassie is now about to be divorced from Mike. Estranged from her lover Chris (also coincidentally Mike’s son, which she learned after the fact), she has an unexpected meeting with him in Paris that seems to be the springboard to reconcile. But when a job opportunity arises, will that get in the way of them rekindling their relationship?

Meanwhile, Mike’s deceitful fiancée Karen (who donated her kidney to save his life) is now eagerly awaiting the moment when she can “lock him down” into marriage, but Mike’s deteriorating health puts her money-grubbing plans on hold. When Kassie flies home to Boston when Mike falls ill, she engages in a battle of wills with Karen. But there are secrets which affect them all — what will happen when they all come to light?

The Pros

This was a dramatic, comedic telenovela of a women’s fiction about infidelity and fickle hearts, similar to the first in the series: “What’s Not Said“.

Again, I loved that the characters are middle-aged with enjoyable sex lives, and appreciate that there is a bright humour in addressing the raunchy parts — the casual mention of erectile dysfunction pills, the ability (or lack thereof) to go multiple rounds of sex, and the references to aging bodies that are still sexually attractive, functional and beautiful.

The characters were all fabulously flawed but they all each have their redeeming qualities. I especially loved how Mike and Kassie were able to connect genuinely despite so much that has transpired between them — their relationship and mutual respect for each other was touching and sweet. After everything, Mike knew that there had been real love there, even though they were on the verge of divorce, and that Kassie had a lot to offer in terms of her skill and wit to manage a business.

Their relationship — surrounded by so much farcical fakeness and infidelity — was the saving grace among so many deplorable characters, and I was thrilled to read these parts. I also liked the aspects of romantic comedy, and the cattiness of the women as they interacted with each other. There are also a few surprises and a few shocking dramatic moments to hold the reader’s interest.

The Cons

Having adored many elements of the first book in the series, it is hard not to compare them, but I must admit this one lost a bit of the initial charm. Its pacing is challenged with being the second in the series, because it has to “catch us up” many times to what had already transpired. Having already read that book, I wished it would move right along to the action, but I had to be patient.

That said, I do not recommend reading this until you have read the first book, as you will inevitably be very lost among all of the interlocking relationships of the characters. Plus if you miss the first book, you’ll have missed out on Topher, who was largely absent here (much to my dismay!) — whereas he stole the show at times in Book 1, in Book 2 he was left in the care of a friend while Kassie was travelling. He needs his own book (or at least a short story)… just saying! 🙂

Conclusion

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, with spicy characters and drama galore. If you’re a “Golden Girls” fan who loves daytime soap operas, this would be sure to tickle your fancy. I think this novel will resonate well with this audience, as these types of characters are not celebrated enough, particularly in this genre that includes romance and sex. It ends on a bit of a cliffhanger. I believe there will be a third book following on from this one, and I look forward to seeing what happens next with “Bad Kassie”, now that she is at the helm of things!

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A jovial recount of an unapologetically American outsider’s view of Norwegian business culture

This was my nineteeth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I have always been intrigued by other cultures, and chose this book to learn more about Norwegians. Its brevity (it can be read under two hours) and easy-to-read style of writing 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

After experiencing failure when trying to translate his American work ethic to a Norwegian work culture, venture capitalist Sean Percival collected his thoughts to compile a reference guide for others to avoid making the same mistakes. Touching on some insights about the country’s history and belief system, he explains what makes Norwegians special — which can also make it difficult to work with them, if your own culture has a very different value system. With tips and tricks and a short glossary of terms, Sean outlines what can be done to improve business relations with Norwegians.

Head over to the official website: https://workingwithnorwegians.com

The Pros & Cons

This was a jovial recount of an unapologetically American outsider’s view of Norwegian business culture.

Norway is extremely egalitarian, economically prosperous, largely monopolistic, and known for its high quality of life. Norwegians generally have deep trust in their government, and their systems are greatly unmatched in other countries: they believe in self-care, selflessness, and fairness.

All of that, of course, is a stark difference to the loud, brash, show-off, “me-first” American culture that believes in “Move fast and break things”, a common saying that demonstrates the widespread belief that mistakes are a consequence of innovation in a competitive world.

In terms of business, however, this disparity results in limitations. With so much prosperity, there hasn’t been much pressure to “aggressively go global in business” — particularly when Norwegians seem quite content with the monopolies that exist.

There is also a low risk appetite, as the Norwegian way is to follow the rules:

Breaking the rules, especially in business, is not common in Norway. Those that do, regardless if the outcome is positive for their business, quickly lose respect in the public eye. […] Unlike in America, you’re not likely to get a second chance when your bad behaviour becomes known. The Norwegian’s memory of such bad actors lasts for as long as the fjords are deep.

We gain insight into the reservedness of Norwegian culture, where mindless chatting is frowned upon and the “water cooler culture” simply doesn’t exist. Even greeting someone exuberantly would garner suspicion and discomfort, and long stretches of silence are not rude, as they would be across the ocean.

There were other useful pieces of information about clothing, business vernacular, appropriate gifts, and attitudes to sexual relationships, as well as the only arena where Norwegians are known to “let loose” — drinking alcohol. Most importantly, Norwegians believe in “The Law of Jante”, which are cultural values that encourage Norwegians not to excel above and beyond their peers — quite a conundrum to deal with, from the business perspective of a capitalist, competitive, power-hungry country like the United States.

Fair warning: this is by no means a faithful representation of Norway, so parts may offend some readers. Nevertheless, as someone’s personal experience, a lot of it may ring true, and it would be useful for others to learn from the author’s mistakes. Also, while I enjoyed this book and found the style of writing engaging, it should be noted that it reads as more of a personal business memoir than a veritable guide, so it may not resonate among more diverse readers along the spectrum of race, gender, sexuality, disability, etc. or to non-American audiences, as other cultures/countries/readers from different backgrounds would also have their own nuances that may clash entirely differently with Norwegian culture.

Conclusion

Overall, I liked this swift, humorous read, and I’m glad I took a chance on it. I felt as though I gained valuable insight into Norwegian culture, and a deeper appreciation of Norway’s beautiful, unique, egalitarian society. I would recommend this book to others as a starting point, but note that it is a light-hearted recap to inform and entertain (and it does a great job at that!); by no means should it be the *only* “research” book one reads on the topic. That said, if you’re passing through Norway for a short stint, or perhaps embarking on a business venture with a Norwegian on your own soil, this book will save you in a pinch!

Purchase your copy

Head over to the official website: https://workingwithnorwegians.com

Also available on Amazon:

A cozy mystery/thriller with an unlikely and admirable hero and a meaningful message

This was my eighteenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. I chose it because the preview was interesting, and I love diversity in characters I read about. 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

Will’s humdrum life takes a swift turn when he stumbles across the dead body of a young Latino man, whom he soon learns was gay. A middle-aged gay Latino himself, Will feels personally connected to the murder case — especially as he had an experience in his past with the death of a friend to a hate crime. Thinking this situation may be similar, Will is determined to get to the bottom of the matter — even if it means putting himself in danger. With the help of his new boyfriend José, he uses his connections and natural charm in the community to go digging for clues. But will he undercover more than he can handle?

The Pros & Cons

This was a cozy mystery/thriller with an unlikely and admirable hero (a gay older Latino), and a meaningful message.

Despite the subject matter being so heavy — hate crimes and the seedy underbelly of the online dating world (particularly for gay men) — our hero Will is a witty, snarky pleasure of a character to experience.

The novel’s preview drew me in immediately, because a typical crime fiction usually features a “hard-hitting-take-no-prisoners macho male” (if it’s a crime/thriller) or a “cute-but-kicks-ass female” (if it’s a cozy mystery). Will is neither of those and far off the spectrum of what you’d expect for the genre, which I absolutely loved.

He is clearly admired and respected in his community, and jumps into action to save those who need his help — both the young men whose deaths he wants to avenge, as well as the married antagonist-turned-acquaintance who is struggling with his sexual identity. I also liked the role José played in this — their swift love connection seems too good to be true, and Will’s past history of heartbreak clouds his vision as he doubts their budding relationship. Will’s sister rounds out the cast nicely, bringing joviality and overbearing sibling behaviour home to the reader’s heart.

Overall it was a charming read, with just enough of a who-dunnit thrill to hold the reader’s interest without going too dark down into the rabbit hole of guts and gore. I love these kind of stories, as they leave room for humour even when danger and death are afoot.

At the same time, among the levity, there are heartfelt, moving moments when we get insight into Will’s past or glimpses into the lives of those who were murdered, and these highlight that hate crimes are all too real in our society today. We are also reminded that one’s sexual identity can have a crushing impact on a family, particularly among the Latino community due to religious and cultural beliefs.

Admittedly, there were some parts of the narrative where too much exposition hindered the storytelling. We get insight into the killer from the outset with the future-jumps into his mind, and I kept thinking this viewpoint would connect to the first-person narrative from Will, but this conversation never actually seems to come to pass between the two disparate persons and timelines. It felt like an added overture of a crime-show-TV staple (“Criminal Minds” is even casually mentioned), and honestly without any of that, the story still would’ve worked well, as it was fabulous on its own with Will at its helm!

Conclusion

Despite my personal preferences of flow and cadence for storytelling, this novel was an enjoyable ride overall. The author manages to effectively balance a difficult blend of humour while addressing serious issues. I was also thrilled to see this kind of hero, as it’s not often we get such a trifecta to admire in terms of diversity.

Will used all of these identities/roles to enhance his sleuthing ability — being able to connect with other Latino families, moving easily between straight and gay communities, and carrying himself with the respect that an older and accomplished academic deserves and expects. This was great to experience, and I can imagine this character having many more adventures. It seems like there is a sequel or series coming up, and I would be thrilled to keep on reading. I would recommend this book to others, and look forward to more from this author.

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I chose this book from an ARC program because I enjoyed two other books by this author duo — My Favourite Mistake and My Cover Model.

The Premise

Bree has had her heart broken after multiple men cheated on her, so she’s now sworn off men, along with her longtime friends from high school. When an upcoming family wedding puts pressure on her to be coupled up, she decides to invite the brother of her friend Tessa, Zack. Zack’s reputation precedes him — he has a different woman almost daily, and no interest in long-term labels. But will Bree change his mind — and does she even want that herself?

The Pros

This was a fast-paced read with a good dollop of raunch and great dialogue. It goes straight to the action, and each character gets a fair balance of “reading” time (a problem I had with my first book by this author duo) so I was pleased at that. The storyline is simple and predictable but executed well enough to hold my interest throughout, and the sexy parts are sudden and scintillating. I also liked the tense mother/daughter relationship, and the snippets of other characters we are bound to see in other books of the series.

The Cons

Though I liked this book, there didn’t seem to be any conflict. It was predictable and there didn’t seem to be a whole lot of depth to either character — one minute they are friends, the next sex is on the table, and the next there is a flash of doubt, and it is resolved so quickly that I was surprised the book was over. I was just getting into the story by that time, and was hoping for some kind of twist or angst or… well, something.

Conclusion

This is my third book by this author duo, and while I’m enjoying their work, I keep wanting more *oomph*. The first book I read blew me away and felt so much deeper and more interesting than the two that followed, and I keep seeking that high I got from the first one! I would be willing to try a few more times though, because the writing skill is definitely there in terms of dialogue and creating characters — I just wish that more *oomph* was added somehow. I would still recommend this one to other readers though, because it fills that genre of swift smut quite well. I just need a bit more to blow my socks off, but that may just be me!

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A heartwarming and heartbreaking memoir of a mother/daughter love that knows no limits

This was my seventeenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. Although memoirs are not my usual genre, the synopsis and the author’s note at the beginning 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 to a sixteen-year-old free-spirited mother in the late 1960s, Stacey’s upbringing was unique. This memoir chronicles her life from birth to present, touching on all the relationships that influenced her — her grandparents, her friends, her partner, her father, and most importantly its central focus: her mother. Part witty comedy, part painful drama, this true recount of their relationship is similar to the dynamic of the television show “Gilmore Girls”. As her mother Bree often said: “I didn’t raise Stacey. Stacey raised me.”

Bouncing between the various homes among her family members, all of whom welcomed her despite her shifting religious, sexual and other identities, Stacey’s guiding light is her mother. When Bree falls ill, she steps into the role of caregiver until her final days. With a hefty dose of heart and a sprinkle of magical realism, this memoir celebrates her mother’s life and honours her memory.

The Pros

This was a heartwarming and heartbreaking memoir of a mother/daughter love that knows no limits.

Though my reading tastes are broad and inclusive, when I take on the honour and responsibility of reviewing, I usually keep a wide berth away from memoirs — it’s hard to cast a critical eye upon something so factual and personal. However, this one had me at “Gilmore Girls” — my and my mom’s absolute favourite show ever, and I couldn’t resist.

Beautiful and moving from beginning to end, this chronicle of Stacey’s and Bree’s life is a glorious depiction of an unusual mother-daughter role-reversal dynamic.

Charming, intimate, and relatable, we fall in love with “Mommie Bree” from the first moment when she refused to get married with her braces on. As she stumbles through her own struggles with self-image, relationships, depression, and illness, she still shields her daughter Stacey from the depths of it, sacrificing her own happiness to ensure that her daughter gets the most out of life. Not wanting to be a burden, Bree reaches out for support only when she absolutely must, much to Stacey’s chagrin as she wants to be able to do so much more for the woman who brought her to life in more ways than one.

The journey from childhood to adulthood is masterful, heartfelt, and so gripping that there were points when it was impossible to take a breather from this book. The authenticity, the humour, the kindness, the compassion and the sheer love of coming-to-age under the guiding light of her mother’s influence are brilliantly woven through the tapestry of these pages, culminating in a photo album and afterword from Bree — through the afterlife — that would touch even the coldest of hearts.

“Maybe on the surface, my mom didn’t seem so remarkable. She didn’t invent anything, or make great strides in a particular field, or even find her way to healing the deep emotional wounds that plagued her so that she could become the resplendent recovery story and pillar of hope she had so wanted to be for others. But even without achieving that, she made a lasting, luminous impression on everyone who knew her.”

There was also an element of magical realism in the aspects of the story that explored religious faith and otherworldly beliefs. I personally loved it, but some readers may have to suspend disbelief and accept that these are integral to Stacey’s and Bree’s story. While some may not abide by these serendipitous unexplainable coincidences, this is the author’s truth and must be respected — no; revered.

Conclusion

This memoir is one that will stay with me for awhile. Though crushingly painful at times, still, even in its darkest hour, it reaches deep to find the uplifting levity of laughter or the pacifying sigh of peace. There is so much love here, so much grief, so much heart. If you are a “Gilmore Girls” fan, you will indeed relish every moment of this book, but I would also recommend to anyone who can enjoy the excellence of writing talent, and stomach reading something real that will bring them to tears. I thoroughly enjoyed the emotional rollercoaster of this book, and I am grateful to the author for penning her thoughts to words in order to honour her mother in the best way she can: by sharing her with others.

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A powerful and heart-wrenching tale of motherhood, grief, illness, self-discovery and redemption

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

The Premise

After losing her son in a freak accident when a wave pulls him out to sea, Clair tries to murder her husband and then to commit suicide. Both her attempts are futile, and Clair winds up in her psychiatric unit, while her husband Adam soon recovers and is willing to forgive her and attempt reconciliation. But a rift has grown between the two of them that seems insurmountable, as she blames him for his apparent infidelity and emotional distancing from their autistic son, as well as his untimely death while they were both distracted. Upon receiving a bad health diagnosis, she flees, with Adam soon in pursuit. Can she find her way, and will their journey lead them back to each other?

The Pros & Cons

This was a powerful and heart-wrenching tale of motherhood, grief, illness, self-discovery and redemption.

We meet Clair at the lowest point of her life, after she has taken drastic measures as a result of her unbearable grief.

It was gripping to see Adam move so quickly past his confusion and anger at what she had tried to do to him, and into forgiveness and acceptance. I was in awe at his devotion to her, despite her fragile state and his characterisation as a womanizer who did not even seem to like her much when he first found himself “trapped” into marriage by social expectations.

I loved the symbolism of the wave, and of the overriding ebbs and flows of their relationship:

[…] Looking back, if he had been paying attention, perhaps there had been clues, not to the ocean’s madness, but to their own, his and Clair’s, and their slipping away from what mattered, towards mutually ensured destruction.

Motherhood transformed Clair from a mathematically-focused, formula-driven, rule-follower woman to open her heart enormously and accept the vagaries of emotion to love and accept her son, particularly as she had to adapt to his special needs. Then, his loss plunged her into a realm of unbearable despair. This was followed by her diagnosis, which made her lose her sense of self. Clair finds solace and healing through group therapy:

She knew about their hopes, and fears, their anger, heartbreaks and self-doubts. Their pain, physical and emotional, was her pain. […] Their stories changed each week as their self-identities reconfigured. Bits and pieces of biographies morphed into brighter, more capable, happier selves.

Though the focus is primarily on Clair and her journey to self-discovery, we also see Adam’s point of view as he pursues her, trying to catch the ephemera of her essence before she slips out of his grasp forever.

The story was powerful, and sweeps you away with its evocative descriptions, though at times I did wish for a wee bit more restraint of this in order to propel the plot forward a little faster. I was eager to see what would happen, as the suspense mounts in the “chase” of self and partner.

The writing is emotional and poetic, and there are breathtaking, profound moments that stay with you long after you close the novel, such as:

What is known is that for each of us, we find our breaking point. Turbulence precedes transformation. The moment we crash onto shore or up against a rock. But the wave doesn’t cease to exist, it returns to water. And so we continue on as well.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a thought-provoking novel that is unsettling and at the same time brings peace. The author captures feelings and scenery beautifully, and the plot takes you on an emotional rollercoaster from trauma to triumph. The symbolism is interwoven throughout, and winds itself around tragedy, leading to an eventual healing and reconciliation.

The relationship at its centre is brilliantly portrayed, showing flawed characters on both sides that must find a way to meet in the middle despite their grief. There is also a mystical element that is reminiscent of Greek mythology, and the writer’s style leads you through the darkness into the light, bringing life to the story. If you enjoy Jodi Picoult’s writing style, this will also resonate with you. I highly recommend to anyone, but adult female readers may appreciate it the most.

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I saw this on a promotion via a newsletter, and I was in the mood for a trope-filled romance in between some deeper reads, so I took a chance on an author new to me.

The Premise

Olympic athlete Jace has everything planned from his meets to his meals to his practices — when a toddler lands on his doorstep, the product of a one-night stand. Jace quickly has to adjust to become a parent, and enlists the help of a nanny Millie. With her over-the-top crazy outfits, Millie is a bit zany, and her lifelong dream is to work on a popular children’s television show. Jace’s son Tanner, a special needs child who communicates mostly by sign language, soon bonds to Millie, and the relationship also escalates between Millie and Jace. With Jace and Tanner, Millie quickly becomes part of a little family — something she has always longed for, as she never fit in with her own. But will her big dreams — and Jace’s determination to succeed at the Olympics — throw their romance off-course?

The Pros

This was a heartwarming sports romance story, and I liked the inclusion of neurodiverse characters with both Millie and Tanner. Tanner steals the show with his cuteness and the way he tries to communicate, and accepts what is front of him without question. I loved the way the romance builds slowly between Jace and Millie, allowing friendship and coparenting to develop first. There were also some sexy scenes, which were nicely done without being over-the-top. The scene with Millie’s family dinner was one of the best in the book, and I really enjoyed seeing Jace hold his own among those vultures! I also liked the unusual career for Millie, and it was easy to imagine her ridiculous over-the-top persona, and why that jarred so starkly with her prim and proper family. Jace’s support network of his mom and his fellow teammates was also really great, and there was enough meat in the other guys’ stories to get me interested in reading more in the series.

The Cons

I liked this story, but it just didn’t hit the mark all the way for me. Admittedly I am always most critical of trope-y romances (my reviewing history will attest to this!) but that’s because they are so common that you really have to work extra hard to make it unique and awesome, and for me this just wasn’t either. Firstly, I am a sucker for dialogue to bring out the couple’s chemistry and the individual personalities, and here it wasn’t as sharp as I would have preferred. The conflict was also pretty low — literally, one argument.

But beyond that, my bigger issue was the over-splaining of the attraction between the couple, rather than letting us just see it happen. There’s also so much trope-iness that it gets a bit weary… between single-dad, sleeping-with-the-boss, the daddy-nanny connection, nanny-baby bond, athlete/non-athlete pairing, family-drama, sports-family-intros (as it’s part of a series), and neurodiversity tossed on top of it — it felt like it was trying too hard; it should’ve focused on maybe just two or three of those, and made those amazing. And even with all of that, there also seemed to be an element missing — I know the kid’s young, but I wished someone had mentioned his mom at some point, or helped him process that loss somehow.

Conclusion

Despite my nitpicking, this was still a pretty good read, and I can see it hitting all the spots for the right audience and completely blowing them away. The characters are lovable, particularly Tanner, and there is a great message here about success and chasing your dreams even when everyone else thinks they are silly. I also like the featuring of an athlete who lives, eats, breathes the sport — it gave me an appreciation for what Olympians have to go through year-round to stay in the game. I would recommend to other readers, particularly adult female readers, and I am interested in reading more in the series.

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For this book, the author reached out to request a review via my website. I liked the sound of it, so I was happy to read and review.

The Premise

Rue is working as a singer at a bar when she is swept off her feet by an admirer who leaves her a huge tip. Her blindness has been a hindrance to her love life, and she has been afraid to let herself get hurt or to be vulnerable around others, especially men. But Josh’s persistence quickly wears her down, and their romance soon blossoms into what Rue never imagined would be in her life: love. Josh’s days of being a “player” seem to be over when he meets Rue, but his coworker Alyssa won’t accept that Josh has found someone special. Alyssa is a force to be reckoned with — a force that ran right over her quiet, nerdy husband Kevin, who now recognises their marriage may be beyond repair. At the intersection of these four lives, can any of these relationships survive?

The Pros

I read this in a few sittings over a couple of days, and it was easy to get lost in the characters. Primarily we see the events through Rue’s eyes, with some aspects of Josh, Kevin and even Alyssa slipping in at times. It was refreshing to read about a character like Rue, who is very resilient and independent despite her blindness. Her emotions are captured so well, with moments of trauma, heartbreak, and triumph. I liked that there was a range of experiences we see: her fear at being in new spaces, her sense of being overwhelmed by touch, her frustration at her family, her anger at Alyssa’s “mean-girl” intimidation, and so much more — and yet, she was also able to joke about her blindness in a light way to others. Her support network was amazing — apart from her friend Vy, there were also acquaintances who went out of their way to explain things visually for her, and that was such a nice touch.

The Cons

I really liked this novel a lot, but in terms of the pacing, there were moments with long introspective sections focusing on one character, and then other parts where a large chunk of time was so condensed that we only learn of what happened months later. For instance, I wished we’d gotten to see Rue and Josh’s attempt at reconciliation (and Alyssa’s interference) in the “here and now” present, rather than only experience it after the fact; and when Rue finally does find real love, I wish we’d gotten to see a bit more of that develop nearer to the middle rather than at the end. I wanted to keep on reading, but sadly it was over!

Conclusion

This was a lovely, complicated but beautiful women’s fiction/romance novel, and I thoroughly enjoyed having a character that we could admire, and understand a point of view from someone who would usually be marginalised in society due to her blindness. At no point did the author forget that our protagonist is blind, and the tiny nuances and casual mentions brought life to Rue’s story. If you may have ever wondered about a blind person falling for a sighted person, this is a great novel that you should read. I would recommend to other readers, especially adult female readers who need a good book to curl up to!

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After reading another book “Everywhere, Always” by the same author, and later on “The Stillness Before The Start“, I grabbed this one right away when I saw it on an ARC program.

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The Premise

History nerd “commoner” Julianna is working in New York City as the “nanny” for a shy teenage boy with socialite parents, when she meets movie-star/model Gabe King. She has no idea who he is when they first bump into each other, as she’s kept her head buried in nonfiction books most of her life. Though they have a bit of friction at first because he assumes she was following him, this soon fades away as Julianna befriends his sister Zoe. As the sparks ignite between Gabe and Julianna, each of them wonders if this could be the real deal. Is the celebrity life going to be too much for Julianna to handle, and can they survive the trials and tribulations of the celebrity relationship cycle?

The Pros

This was a fast-paced read that I blew through in just a couple of sittings. The dialogue is refreshing, the development of the characters and their relationship was nicely done, and the sibling relationships were adorably and deplorably playful and sweet. As my third book from the same author, and the first time with older protagonists past their teens, I was pleasantly surprised to see the inclusion of mature, adult, sex scenes which were well-written with just the right amount of spice and sexiness. Julianna’s skeevish employers were shudder-worthy, and it was great to see her recognise her “nerdy” value and emerge from under their rule. I also loved Gabe’s network of friends — it was so good to see him have “real” people in his life despite his fame. The two “sister” characters on either side were great and I liked to see their connection; in fact I’d love to read on about their own adventures in other books!

The Cons

Though I enjoyed this book from beginning to end, I did find myself wanting a bit more in terms of conflict. The relationship was heading down one path and didn’t really deviate or have any big dramatic moment (at least not to me). I was hoping for a bit more of a “surprise” perhaps, or some major moment of fallout before the couple slide into their happily-ever-after — but it was neatly tied up swiftly and simply with an epilogue.

Conclusion

Overall this was a good read for its target audience, and I would recommend to other readers. The characters are easy to fall into, the plot is generally solid with enough arcs and loops to keep readers interested, and though I felt there was an element missing in terms of additional drama/conflict, this may not bother other readers who prefer a sweet story. I also enjoyed the aspect of wishful thinking — I’m sure most of us have dreamed about *actually* having a celebrity boyfriend! If that kind of story is what you’re looking for, this would be a great pick.

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I snapped this book up from a free promotion via a newsletter, as I was in the mood for a good women’s fiction.

The Premise

Gwen has had the perfect upbringing with her adoptive family, and has no reason to look for her biological parents — but still, there is that niggling feeling at the peripheries of her mind. With the help of longtime family friend Griffin and a DNA test, she embarks on a search to find out the truth her family hid from her. Meanwhile, her biological mother Leslie has always wondered what happened to the child she gave up — a desperate decision she made to keep her family together and reconnect with her husband Paul. As their youngest daughter Kerry is on the verge of leaving the nest, Leslie aims to relaunch her career — only to be thwarted by Paul’s manipulative, domineering ways. His strong will has steered their family of five throughout the years, and revealing her secret will not sit well with him. Will the truth be revealed and destroy two families?

The Pros

I enjoyed this book and liked the differing points of view from both families. The developing relationship with Griffin was nice and I enjoyed seeing them reconnect. I also loved the character of Leslie’s daughter Kerry, who showed such a range of emotional maturity that I was in awe. I really appreciated how Paul’s character was built as well — he is not a bad man, but just very steadfast in his ways and manipulative to get what he wants. Unfortunately far too many women will suffer in the claws of men like this… I myself have! He made an excellent “villain” of sorts, counteracted with Leslie’s other love interest who saw her as a woman as well as a mother that didn’t need to prove herself to anyone. I also liked the use of therapy as a healing channel of communication here, as I believe it would be much needed in this kind of situation.

The Cons

While I enjoyed the novel, the pacing on the whole was a little slow for my liking — it begins with a strong bang, tapers off in the middle, and then races to the finish with no resolution. It ends abruptly with a teaser of the next book in the series, and it felt anti-climactic. I was hoping for more surprises, as it had been building that tension all along. I also found some of the dialogue with Gwen and Griffin to be a bit juvenile, and while that can be attributed to their history, as they are now adults I thought there could’ve been some more *oomph* in that area to really set the sparks off.

Conclusion

While this novel didn’t blow me away in terms of plot and execution, it was still pretty enjoyable. Its saving grace is the character development, which kept my interest all the way through. Those tiny nuances of how men chip away at the women they supposed love — really on point, so this hits the women’s fiction genre nicely. I would recommend this novel to other readers, and I would also be interested in reading further in the series — if only to find out what the hell happens, because the closing chapter left a lot unresolved. While I understand it leads into other books in the series, I can see a lot of readers feeling frustrated at this, so readers beware!

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A must-read reference guide for UK homeowners who want to build their dream home

This was my fifteenth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. While far from my usual genre, I chose it because I am interested in possibly purchasing property (and eventually extending it) in the UK within the next year, and I thought it would be good to have some of this information under my belt early in the game. This review also appears on Reedsy.

The Premise

Written by a chartered town planner and the chief executive of planning consultancy Just Planning, this book is a comprehensive guide aimed at empowering homeowners in their planning preparations for extensions to their home. Full of practical advice and real-life case studies, it tackles every aspect of the planning process, providing a 6-step programme that explains how to:

• Choose the right designer
• Exploit Permitted Development rights (where permission is not required at all)
• Understand how planning decisions are really made
• Apply tactically and effectively
• Deal with a refusal
• Avoid the agony of enforcement

The book demonstrates that planning can be complex and arbitrary, and gives advice on how best to circumnavigate the system to get the best result.

The Pros & Cons

This reference guide compiles advice, diagrams, and case studies to give homeowners a blueprint to doing an extension of their property. This is not intended for large-scale developers but the “humble homeowner” — the author left council planning to join “the dark side” to help those who were submitting weak applications, and being treated unfairly by the failing planning system with tricky loopholes.

The format is engaging, and concepts were explained for a layman, with the inclusion of a glossary for technical terms, and useful links to other content. There is a lot of practical advice provided, e.g. steps to locate a reputable designer via your local council’s website. It also explains the differences between a full planning application and “Permitted Development”, and that for controversial proposals, it might be worthwhile to apply for something you don’t really want, as a stepping stone to getting approval for what you do want.

It includes useful guidance about the appeals process, explaining the “abrogation of responsibility” or “planning by appeal” that planners are aware of, but homeowners do not understand and may not challenge if they do not have the necessary resources to pursue.

I also liked the nature of storytelling in the author’s voice, as it felt like a honest conversation rather than “reading a book” at times, for instance:

As a council planner, I decided the fate of thousands of extensions and other small-scale developments, cheerily stamping a big, red NO almost as often as a begrudging, green YES. I can tell you that planners do get a little thrill from their power to end homeowners’ dreams – it is sometimes the only perk of a job which gets a little samey, to put it mildly.

The main reason I was unhelpful was because I could be – there is no strong culture of public service and no repercussions for providing a generally poor service.

There’s pretty much everything you can imagine the book should cover — with a few cartoons thrown in for good measure. The diagrams showing the type of extensions were a great addition, and clearly outlined what the text was explaining. The only thing I would’ve loved to see more visually (as the advice is there in the text) was perhaps flow charts or maps (including timelines and roles) of the process, and documents to be armed with at each step. Also, though all the information was extremely useful, it is very detailed, and “humble homeowners” (the target audience) might be unlikely to read in such detail before beginning their applications (though they should!).

Conclusion

The author’s expert guidance adds even further creditability to his business — I was motivated to reach out to his company, and I would be inclined to hire him with the firm confidence that I’m in good hands. Though this is not my usual genre to read/review, I happened upon this book at a time when I was considering purchasing property in the UK, and as someone located abroad I thought it would be useful.

That said, I feel like I have gleaned a wealth of information here. I appreciate how clear and detailed the explanations were, as well as adding a human touch to show the planners’ side, as they feel sometimes that they are “holding back the tide of poor design”. Ultimately, as the author reminds us, “homeowners must do their own homework” — and with this book in hand, they should be more than prepared to do so. I highly recommend to anyone looking to apply for planning permission, as you will be doing yourself a disservice if you enter that minefield unprepared.

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A heartwarming coming-of-age dramedy about an important chapter in Black history

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

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The Premise

Twelve-year-old “tomboy” Zayla is confused about her feelings for girls. At school, she is being teased that she is a “bulldagger” — much to her mother’s chagrin. Their tense relationship is a result of a constant struggle to wriggle out from under her mother’s thumb, and her mother’s insistence on changing her. Luckily, her father Frank is a respite from this, as he seems to love her unconditionally.

As Zayla comes of age and grows into a young woman — with some help from her friends Malik and Cynthia, their neighbourhood community of Watts erupts in a racial uprising. Based on true events, the riots are shown through the eyes of a young girl, who is desperate to understand the racial inequalities and injustices she witness and experiences, as well as the secrets her family is keeping from her.

The Pros

This was a heartwarming coming-of-age dramedy about an important chapter of Black history. Told through the eyes of a preteen “tomboy”, we experience every confusing, triumphant, and terrified emotion of our protagonist Zayla. There is a range of topics covered — racism, police brutality, LGBTQ issues, and so much more.

The author takes you right to that time in the 1960s — the children’s games, the school bullying, the language, the communities, and the political overture of living in a volatile time.

Zayla’s voice and point of view are clear and striking, as she really comes to understand what it means to be Black:

“Even with my twelve-year-old understanding, I knew I was living in a city, surrounded by a country, filled with people who had a deep-seated hatred for me just because I was Black[…] Why not white people? Why were they excused from the terror of the Negro experience?”

The story is not only about Black history, though. Far more important is the intersectionality of lives — Zayla’s questionable sexuality and exploration were just as important as her Blackness; class and privilege are demonstrated beautifully; and the family scandal touches on issues of religion, mental illness, and prejudice.

The writing is excellent, and carries its pacing and eloquence all the way through. There was so much depth and breadth of character development not just for the main characters, but also for the families around them. Where we once despised Zayla’s mother right along with her, as the novel wound to its climax, we grew to love her as well. We even forgave those who harmed Zayla, as she grew into herself and blossomed beyond their negative influences.

Far beyond the theme of “race” within the story is the gripping honesty of the realities of life, such as when Zayla’s father explains to her why white people treat them the way they do:

“Because they can. They make the laws. They control the money. They make the rules and change them when we become hip to them. They own the guns. And worse, we believe they have all the power.”

Conclusion

This novel was an emotional rollercoaster ride with the fresh, acerbic wit of a young girl at its helm. It felt like a very real experience of a person who lived through that time. The hallmark of any good historical fiction is its ability to spark interest in the historical aspects, and I was thrilled to learn more about the Watts riots, which I found myself looking into after reading the book.

Knowledge is power, and history is important. I believe this book should be recommended reading for schools, particularly in Black communities. Even as the the guns crack and the bombs explode, still there is a glimmer of the untouchable beauty of a gem in this novel’s words: Black hope, Black joy, Black love. I highly recommend this book to other readers, and look forward to reading more from the author.

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After reading another book “Everywhere, Always” by the same author, I was thrilled when I saw this one via a newsletter promotion, and I was happy to read and review.

The Premise

Harper is in her senior year, on the cusp of wrapping up her school life, and everything is going according to her very meticulous plan — that is, until Dylan asks her for a favour, and she grudgingly obliges. Though they’ve known each other forever, she’s always kept her distance because they come from two different worlds: she’s the scholarship kid with big dreams, while he’s the wealthy spoilt brat with the world at his fingertips. More importantly, Dylan and her best friend James are enemies and rival track stars.

Harper secretly loves James, whom she’s known since birth, and is planning her entire future around him. But as she gets to know Dylan, she wonders if everything she’s planned, and the life she’s built, have all been a waste. It’s about high time she prioritizes her own needs — and maybe, just maybe, one of those “needs” might be Dylan.

The Pros

This was a great young adult romance with all the feels. Harper is a character that many of us can connect with — down-to-earth, good girl, or as James terms it (much to her chagrin): “Innocent. Cute. Predictable.” She’s self-aware and despite her insecurities, she’s also clearly proud of who she is and what she’s accomplished, even if it means she’ll never be the popular girl.

I loved seeing the relationship with Dylan develop, and their banter is witty and fun. I felt like Harper made an important journey of growth — both as a result of Dylan’s influence, as well as on her own, and I was rooting for her the whole way through. The rivalry between the guys came to a head splendidly, and I liked that build-up to the eventual explosion. And then, the climax of the novel when we learn what was going on from Dylan’s side — OMG! Wow! I absolutely loved it, and felt my heart soaring for him. So well done!

The Cons

Though I enjoyed this novel a lot, I did feel like the end was a little anti-climactic, as the last chapter felt rushed. I also struggled to read some of the parts with James, because I couldn’t see why Harper liked him in the first place! Admittedly he does have a salvageable *okay, okay, you’re not such a douche* moment but gosh, it took long to reach! (Still in all fairness, it is there!) While I didn’t expect (or want) him to make any grand gestures, he was really just half-assing being a friend far less anything more, and I wish he was a wee bit more of a contender for her heart — this may have added some tension.

Conclusion

This was a good young adult romance that I enjoyed thoroughly, and I would highly recommend to other readers, particularly that target market. The characters are memorable, the dialogue was enjoyable, and the supporting characters brought a nice addition. If you enjoy shows like “Dawson’s Creek” with the Dawson/Joey/Pacey love triangle, this is right up your alley. There was a definite whiff of that kind of energy, and as a fan of that myself I appreciated the reference point. I would love to read more from the author, and I look forward to it!

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