Review Quickies

I'm not going to lie, this one took me a bit to get through. Not because it's not great (it is) but because the subject matter is heavy and tense. It is an epic story that spans decades full of loss, heartache, hope and love. This book is definitely not for the faint of heart and I liken it to The Lovely Bones. It is just as traumatic as that novel. I also think those who love a good thriller, mystery and true crime will love this one. 

I can definitely understand why this one was on so many "Best of" lists for 2024. 

Sometimes you have to throw a novel in your rotation that you know you will fly through and enjoy. I really enjoyed The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther, so I ordered this one. This one was a solid YA novel about figuring out what you want and going after it. It's also about family, kindness and acceptance. It has some pretty funny moments in it as well. Plus, I really liked the family dynamics. 

I've read Mazey's other books so I knew the banter would be top notch and man did it not disappoint. Eva and Rylie have history from college and well it really pisses Eva off  that Rylie is now a green flag because he was not back then. This leads to them having to work with each other by going on dates. The purpose is for Rylie to convince Eva that he really has changed. I think we all know how this goes but it was such a fun journey to be on. 

Review Quickies

Another fantastic mystery/thriller by the author of The Last Flight and The Lies I Tell. This one focuses on a 50 year old double murder that still hasn't been solved in the town of Ojai. Many suspected the middle brother but now he's ready to tell his story but only to his estranged daughter. This is definitely a quick read and while I figured out one piece of the puzzle, I didn't see the other one coming. Fun note, I was in California the weekend before I started reading this and drove through Topanga Canyon and by Ojai. 

I've never heard of younger people rooming with older people but it makes sense especially in a place like NYC. So when Ms. Schorr announced this book, I was definitely intrigued at how it would play out. Adam and Sabrina are adorable in their will they or won't they chemistry but you know they will but in that lies complications neither of them foresaw. Marcia is a ton of fun and knows when to lay down the law and when to let them figure it out. It's the perfect summer book and I read it in 2 days. 

So it does seem like every romance book is set in NYC and while I get that, can someone write one in Chicago? I mean it has just as much to offer as NYC (don't come at me, NYers). That being said this one has much more spice than I was expecting but it was also very sweet and insightful. I mean you know right away that Elle is going to give in to her attraction to Parker even though she insists she hates him. It's the whole "thin line between love and hate." Another quick read for me and definitely a great summer book. 

Review Quickies

This is the last of the Drive Me Home series and I will definitely miss these characters. I do not watch F1 and know absolutely nothing about it, other than apparently the men are super hot. That did not take away from the enjoyment of the series because it's about the relationships. This one focuses on Lucas Adler and Charlotte Walker, who is the younger sister of Theo Walker, which of course you know is going to cause some issues. I loved both of these characters and the Type 1 diabetes representation in it. It's always fun when the couples from the last 2 books in the series make appearances. If you love a good contemporary romance novel, you won't want to miss this series. 

Not quite sure where to start with this one other than it's not for the faint of heart. It is a dark romantic comedy with an emphasis on dark. I will say that it is funny, clever and surprisingly sweet (at times). I thought the first one in the Ruinous Love Trilogy was a lot of fun but this one was even more so. Lachlan and Lark might be my new favorite couple of the series and I didn't think anything would match Rowan and Sloane. This is a wild ride and well the ending will might leave you a bit shocked. I definitely say read this but it comes with a lot of warnings and you shouldn't skip them. 

I've seen Sarah Adams' name on IG a lot and even followed her before I bought and read one of her novel. I will tell you, I'm hooked. This was just an absolute delight and if you are into closed door romances, definitely pick this one up. I love a good grumpy/sunshine romance when only she can melt his heart. Amelia and Noah have the perfect meet cute, which leads into close proximity. Throw in a small town, nosy neighbors and sisters and you have me hooked. This is the first in a trilogy about some of the Walker siblings. If you are looking for a fun, quick read then look no further. 

Review Quickies

I haven't been the best lately at writing reviews of all the books I've read/listened to, so I decided to do quick reviews for some of them. Let me know if this is something I should do from time to time. 

I do not have any clue about F1 driving, nor is it something I'm likely to start watching. If there was any book that might change my mind it's this one by Carly Robyn. I loved the characters in this book and well the heat/spice is definitely there. It is a slow burn enemies to lovers. I can't wait for the other novels in the series. 

Miscommunication? Enemies to Lovers? Sign me up. I loved the setting of this novel and it made me want to go find a B&B to stay at for a weekend. Emmy is a delight and well who doesn't want to look at a Grayson?! What's a little friends with benefits while filming a movie or what could go wrong with that arrangement?

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book but wow was it an emotional punch. I'm still thinking about it weeks later. Mr. Quick is seemingly a master at shedding light on mental health issues and in We Are the Light he shines it on PTSD. It is also about community and being there to help others after tragedy. This won't be one I will soon forget. Highly recommend. 

This is by far my favorite of Ms. Serle's books. It is my pick for February and I highly recommend it. It's is a big whimsy and magical while dealing with some real life issues. This book broke my heart and then put it back together by the end. It really will make you believe in love. 

No one writes historical fiction like Beatriz Williams and her 2023 release keeps her books being auto buys for me. I loved the espionage storyline and the appearance of Sumner Fox from Our Woman in Moscow. Her books are always woven together either by a place or person. I really liked Cricket and how she was trying to find her own way in the world when it really wasn't what women did. 

There is much more to this book than just a sweet let's get married if we are still single at 35 novel. It's about choosing your own path even if it means leaving something you've always wanted behind. I loved Maggie and had a hard time figuring out if Garrett or Asher was the right choice for her. Or is it neither of them.

I have read all of Ms. Lawhon's books and this is definitely my favorite! It is the perfect read for Women's History Month. Martha Ballard is a woman who didn't back down from her beliefs and convictions. It's an interesting look at the judicial system at the birth of our country.