Category: Review (Page 94 of 295)

BOOK REVIEW: The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous

BOOK REVIEW: The Perfect Guests by Emma RousThe Perfect Guests by Emma Rous
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

1988. Beth Soames is fourteen years old when her aunt takes her to stay at Raven Hall, a rambling manor in the isolated East Anglian fens. The Averells, the family who lives there, are warm and welcoming, and Beth becomes fast friends with their daughter, Nina. At times, Beth even feels like she's truly part of the family...until they ask her to help them with a harmless game--and nothing is ever the same.

2019. Sadie Langton is an actress struggling to make ends meet when she lands a well-paying gig to pretend to be a guest at a weekend party. She is sent a suitcase of clothing, a dossier outlining the role she is to play, and instructions. It's strange, but she needs the money, and when she sees the stunning manor she'll be staying at, she figures she's got nothing to lose.

In person, Raven Hall is even grander than she'd imagined--even with damage from a fire decades before--but the walls seem to have eyes. As day turns to night, Sadie starts to feel that there's something off about the glamorous guests who arrive, and as the party begins, it becomes chillingly apparent their unseen host is playing games with everyone...including her.

Thank you to Penguin Random House for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

No one had explained what was expected of me here; I didn’t even know how long the arrangement might be for. All Caroline had said was “You can be a companion for their daughter for a while, until I’m ready for you to move in with me.”

The Perfect Guests is the sophomore effort of Emma Rous. I really enjoyed her first novel, The Au Pair, and was excited to see she had a new book coming out. The synopsis got me right away, as I love nothing more than a secluded manor.

The book follows two perspectives: Beth Soames, a 14-year-old girl in 1988, who after the death of her parents is placed with the Averell family, who live in Raven Manor. The Averells have a daughter, Nina, who could use a sister-like figure and the girls develop an interesting bond.

“You are cordially invited to play a game at Raven Hall…”

The second perspective is Sadie Langston, a struggling actress who is invited to Raven Hall in present day to participate in a murder-mystery dinner over the course of a weekend. Of course, nothing is what it seems and strange things quickly start occurring.

I wasn’t really part of their family; I’d only ever been a guest.

I know it happens a lot in thrillers these days, but I thought the jumping between timelines really benefited this story. Because when everything comes totally together at the end, it just all makes sense. I really enjoyed reading things from both Beth and Sadie’s perspectives, as it felt like two totally different thrillers that then came together.

What if I wasn’t picked for this job at random? What if someone invited me here because of the connection between this house and my mother?

Emma Rous has cemented herself as an author I will certainly continue to read with excitement in the future. Her books are quickly paced but keep me on the edge of the page, needing to know what’s going to happen next. Overall, I was super happy with this book and felt everything came together as it needed to. 4/5 stars.

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn

BOOK REVIEW: Dating Makes Perfect by Pintip DunnDating Makes Perfect by Pintip Dunn
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

The Tech sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they’re not asked. Not because they’re not interested. Not even because no one can pronounce their long, Thai last name―hence the shortened, awkward moniker. But simply because they’re not allowed.

Until now.

In a move that other Asian American girls know all too well, six months after the older Tech twins got to college, their parents asked, “Why aren’t you engaged yet?” The sisters retaliated by vowing that they won’t marry for ten (maybe even twenty!) years, not until they’ve had lots of the dating practice that they didn’t get in high school.

In a shocking war on the status quo, her parents now insist that their youngest daughter, Orrawin (aka “Winnie”), must practice fake dating in high school. Under their watchful eyes, of course―and organized based on their favorite rom-coms. ’Cause that won’t end in disaster.

The first candidate? The son of their longtime friends, Mat Songsomboon―arrogant, infuriating, and way too good-looking. Winnie’s known him since they were toddlers throwing sticky rice balls at each other. And her parents love him.

If only he weren’t her sworn enemy.


Review:

Dating Makes Perfect was beyond adorable and so much fun! With a story line that played out like I was watching a movie, characters that leaped off of the pages and moments that made my heart beat faster, this book easily became an instant favorite! If you love enemies to lovers and young adult, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

My breath catches. What is he doing? He wouldn’t kiss me, like he threatened. Would he? No way. But he’s so close…
He leans even farther—and then plucks the notebook right off my lap.
Right. That’s what he was going for. The notebook.

Winnie’s parents expected their twin daughters, Ari and Bunny, to already be engaged within their first year of college. Their no dating rule in high school completely backfired on them. In hopes of fixing their mistakes, they let Winnie know she’ll be the first Tran daughter to date in high school. Yet with some rules. One….her parents get to determine when and where the dates happen. Two…..they get to decide who she dates. And her first date will be with family friend, and arch nemesis and sworn enemy for life, Mat.

Fueled by a sudden clarity, I reach out and touch his sleeve. I want to take back my words. I want to get past our sniping. I want to be friends again.
Before I can say anything, he rips away his arm and takes off.

I loved Winnie! From how bold she could be to even her thoughts, I so wish she could be my bff! But my heart hurt for her anger and pain towards Mat. One day in middle school he just decided not to be her best friend anymore. And four years later she still carried that pain in her heart. Thankfully Winnie had creative outlets for it, like shooting a drawing of him with her nerf gun lol. Or getting back at him with her art project, she was so smart and creative! I was beyond grateful she had her bestie Kavya, who she could pour her heart out to, since her sisters were away at college. But ironically the one who always seemed to be around, even if she didn’t want him to be, was Mat.

Mat’s smug, annoying face comes into focus. He leans over, so close that his hot breath caresses my skin.
“Gotcha,” he says very, very softly.

I have a confession, I was obsessed with Mat Songsomboon. Yes he could be a complete jerk and his words stabbed Winnie’s heart at times. But even while he hurt her, I loved him with my whole heart. So when he messed with Winnie? Ohhhh it made me love him even more *covers face with hands*. You see, he also teased her and it was in this playful, seductive and hilarious way. It made him impossible to hate. Especially when his words and actions mesmerized me. Mat was infuriating while also being sexy. And while I went back and forth of does he or does he not want her, it left me desperately wanting to know his every single thoughts. Especially during the moments he was thoughtful and protective of Winnie. If you love complicated males, you’re going to love Mat!

He takes a shaky breath. “I’m proving that one thing has nothing to do with the other. For example, you could kiss me right now. And I’d let you. In fact , I’d kiss you back. But that wouldn’t change my feelings toward you. I’d still loathe you just as much as I did before.”
I narrow my eyes. Because I don’t believe him.

The dates that Winnie went on?! I was OBSESSED! Winnie’s mom tried to recreate moments from favorite movies and it was epically hilarious! From How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (my favorite movie!), to Pretty Women, to My Best Friend’s Wedding and so many more, I loved how it made this story play out! And while Mat and Winnie could be so cute and playful together, when they weren’t trying to knock the other one down. There were also sentimental moments that melted my heart and emotional ones that cut me to the core. Both of their pain was so palpable and while they knew each other inside out as kids, it wasn’t the same now that they were in their teens. There was a lot of healing for them to do, but in the meantime neither could deny the chemistry that was there.

“You want me to say that you’re stunning? That I wish I could take a photo, so that I can look at you all day? That the material is soft and touchable— and as skimpy as it is, it still covers way too much?” His eyes are black and furious and mesmerizing. I couldn’t look away if I tried. “Yeah, I could’ve said all that. No doubt, that’s what Taran’s going to be thinking. But I didn’t, because I have too much respect for you. Even after everything we’ve been through.”
“You’re lying,” I croak.
He raises an eyebrow.

Dating Makes Perfect swept me away and will stay with me for a long time to come! Not only did I smile from beginning to end, but I couldn’t help crying too. These characters reached so easily into my heart and that ending was oh so perfect! I loved Winnie’s family, I loved Winnie and Mat and I loved even more watching how everyone’s story played out! Pintip Dunn wrote an addictive story filled with romance, charm, humor and heart and I can’t wait to devour the rest of her books!

PS I highlighted soooo many favorite moments in this book….here are a few more quotes I love with my whole heart…..

I peek at him. The sun’s on its descent, dappling his face with shadows. I have the strangest sensation that he’s not the boy I’ve hated all these years. It’s almost as though he were someone new and yet familiar…
“Why?” he whispers.
A live wire stretches between us. From his hands to my hands. From his lips to my lips. I desperately want to close the distance between us. To see what sparks we could produce if skin pressed against skin.
But I can’t.
I don’t know why I’m defending him, but every minute we spend under these stars brings him closer to the boy he used to be. The boy my heart wants to protect.
“You’re such a dork.” I raise my hand to smack him, and he ducks out of range.
“No touching, remember?” he says, his eyes bright.
I shake my head, pretending to be exasperated, but I can’t quite stop my lips from curving.
You’re not the person I thought you were.
Eight words. A simple sentence. One that’s not even intrinsically unkind, if you take it word by word.
How can they hurt so damn much?

BOOK REVIEW: My Clarity (My Clarity #1) by M. Clarke

BOOK REVIEW: My Clarity (My Clarity #1) by M. ClarkeMy Clarity (My Clarity #1)
by M. Clarke
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Still reeling from the death of her father, Alexandria hopes to find both independence and reprieve from her grief by heading off to college. However, life throws her a serious curveball when she discovers that her roommate isn’t quite the person she imagined.Smoking, tattoos, and street racing for fast cash are Elijah’s only interests. A harsh life has made him apathetic and indifferent, until Alexandria enters his life. When their paths cross, turmoil abounds.An inevitable encounter, an undeniable attraction, and an unexpected chance at love-will it be enough?


Review:

My Clarity was an emotional tale of love, friendship and perseverance.  The story unfolded so seamlessly and I loved that we got to hear both of their voices.  If you’re a fan of new adult romance that is sexy and sweet, then take a look at adding this one to your tbr!

Gasping for air, tears filled my hands and I couldn’t stop them from flowing. My body trembled, and I reached for something to lean on, but there was nothing there. – Alex
Death had punctured a hole that couldn’t be mended. How do you get past this? – Elijah

The prologue drew me in right from the start.  And before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my face.  Alexandria’s past was heartbreaking and it gutted me to the core.  It was amazing how within a few pages, her pain became mine.  Thankfully we then jumped ahead three months, when Alex was heading off to college.  She was taking over her cousin Jimmy’s room but her roommate was not what she expected.  With a play on names, she ended up with a tall, dark, gorgeous, tattooed guy that had a vast sea of secrets.

I’d known he didn’t like me when we first met, but I thought he would at least have the decency to be nice to me. My heart twisted painfully at his words. What a great start.

I absolutely loved Alex.  While she could be so innocent, she was also kind and had the hugest heart ever.  She was still drowning in her grief and it pained me that even her relationship with her mom was strained.  But even when she was emotional, her thoughts still held logic.  She had such a good head on her shoulders…..well except when it came to Liam. They were dating and I wasn’t the hugest fan of him. I got why she kept him around, and you’ll find out too, but I wanted more for her.  So when she found out her roommate was a guy, and one who partied and went through women like water, I was just as nervous as she was.  But I loved watching her grow and stand up for herself, and a lot of that had to do with Elijah.

I didn’t understand the hold she had on me. And I didn’t like it one bit.

I was infatuated with Elijah!  He had the highest walls ever, so of course he came across as a total douchebag.  It didn’t help that he could run hot and cold with Alex.  But he had a tragic past and was haunted, jaded and everything in between because of it.  Tortured doesn’t even begin to describe Elijah.  But there was this other side to him too, where he could be seductive or oh so funny when he was playing dirty.  He also listened to Alex and understood her grief.  So as he become protective of her I couldn’t stop smiling!  He had this soft side to him that the majority of the world couldn’t see.  But we got to, and it was everything.

Lowering his head and brushing his lips against my ear, accentuating one word at a time, he murmured, “You. Are. Better.”

Elijah and Alex were definitely attracted to each other, but they were roommates and didn’t want to ruin that.  So as they figured out how to live with one another, so many of their moments were beyond adorable.  But there were also moments that held pain, heartache and secrets.  And they both made mistakes, they each had so much to learn and grow as the story unfolded.  But you guys, the moments Alex got Elijah or Elijah was nice to Alex my heart soared.  They didn’t have an easy path, but I loved watching every minute of it.

I couldn’t look at her. If her eyes gave me permission to do what I wanted to do, I wouldn’t stop. Walking away was the only way I could maintain control, but she stopped me.
“Elijah, did you ever love anyone like that before?” she asked softly, still looking overcome, still planted against the cabinet as if glued there.
“No. Goodnight, Freckles,” I said and went to my room.

My Clarity was an emotional tale that pulled at my heart.  There is so much I’m not even touching on…..karaoke, street racing, milk and cookies, school, work and so much in-between.  This story was so full of life and the side characters rounded out this story perfectly, I loved their friends Seth and Lexy.  And with an epilogue that jumped 5 years into the future, oh my heart was so happy to see where characters ended up.  I’m so thankful I picked this book up, it’s exactly what I needed.

“I’m going to give you a hug now since friends hug after they make up.”
He embraced me before I had time to register what he had said. I sucked in air when my body pressed against his. God he felt so good. I needed him off me.

PS I loved how he called her freckles.

BOOK REVIEW: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston

BOOK REVIEW: 10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston10 Blind Dates by Ashley Elston
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship.

Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents' house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That's when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.

When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she's started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.

This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever . . . or is it?


Review:

10 Blind Dates was laughter inducing and the perfect lighthearted read!  With family, friendship and blind dates galore, this story was so much fun.  So if you love ya romance and books set around the holidays, you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr.

“Is there no privacy in this family?”
Everyone at the table answers, “No.”

Sophie was to spend the holidays at her grandparents’ house, while her parents left to go take care of her pregnant sister.  Before leaving town, she found out her boyfriend wanted to take a break from her.  So when she arrived at her grandparents’ house, it set off a chain of events.  What entailed was ten blind dates, by ten different family members, and I had no clue what to expect next.

He nods, then cocks his head to the side. “I think Nonna was right.”
My face scrunches up. “Right about what?”
“This dating thing. You look good.”
I can feel my cheeks warm. “Well, I must have really looked like crap earlier.”
Wes laughs. “I didn’t say that. I’m just glad you’re smiling.”

I loved Sophie’s huge Italian family and how involved they were in each other’s lives!  Sophie’s mom was one of eight, so there was always a ton of them at her grandparents’ house.  And while I’m not the greatest with names, shockingly I didn’t have an issue with this large family.  I loved that they were with her every step of the way.  Even when she didn’t want them to be lol.  Some of the dates they set her up on were smile inducing with snowball fights, hot cocoa and ugly sweater parties.  But others were horrifically awful!  So of course I laughed a lot, sorry Sophie!

“Just when I think we’re good again, you shut me out,” she says. “Just like before.”
I whip around. “Excuse me? I shut you out? Are you kidding me?”
Charlie steps in between us. “Hold on, hold on,” he says, his hands extended. “Let’s not say anything we’re going to regret.”

Her cousins Olivia, Charlie and Charlie’s best friend Wes, use to be her best friends.  But over time, Sophie drifted away from them.  They always had each other’s backs and cared so deeply for one another. So while their friendship felt seamless, there was issues that needed to be work through. I loved watching their relationship slowly mend back together, it warmed my heart.  And I loved that they were always by her side, whether it be blind dates, to dealing with her ex, to even her own personal journey.  Sophie could always count on Olive, Charlie and Wes.

I just have three more dates to get through, I realize. Then Christmas break will be over and everything will be back to normal.
Just what I wanted when all this started.
So why am I dreading it all ending?

I don’t want to give anything away, but my guess for who she was supposed to end up with was right.  I was over the moon happy it was who I liked.  Together they were beyond sweet and adorable, just like this story.  But while I loved Sophie and her dates, family, cousins and friends, I wasn’t the hugest fan of the side story with Sophie’s sister.  It’s personal reasons and because of that, that part of the story rubbed me the wrong way.

We move with the music, and I don’t dare look around the room to see which of my family members are watching us. I wish more than ever that we were somewhere else. Somewhere that we weren’t the subject of no less than five different conversations right now.

But still, I enjoyed this book so much!  With Christmas sprinkled within the pages, the warmth you got from her family and hints of romance, 10 Blind Dates was such a feel good story!  Plus in those final pages we got to jump three months into the future and it was soooo adorable. I loved what the future seemed to have in store for them!  I’ll definitely be looking out for any future release from this author!

Before I can say anything else, the doorbell rings and a quiet hush falls over the crowd.
“This is getting ridiculous, people,” I say as I push through my family to get to the door. Several family members scramble to finish placing their bets.

PS I loved the betting!  That was soooo bad yet oh so funny!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Forever Girl (Wildstone #6) by Jill Shalvis

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: The Forever Girl (Wildstone #6) by Jill ShalvisThe Forever Girl (Wildstone #6)
by Jill Shalvis
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis does it once again with a heartfelt story of family, forgiveness, and secrets that have the power to change the course of more than one life.

When Maze returns to Wildstone for the wedding of her estranged bff and the sister of her heart, it’s also a reunion of a once ragtag team of teenagers who had only each other until a tragedy tore them apart and scattered them wide.

Now as adults together again in the lake house, there are secrets and resentments mixed up in all the amazing childhood memories. Unexpectedly, they instantly fall back into their roles: Maze their reckless leader, Cat the den mother, Heather the beloved baby sister, and Walker, a man of mystery.

Life has changed all four of them in immeasurable ways. Maze and Cat must decide if they can rebuild their friendship, and Maze discovers her long-held attraction to Walker hasn’t faded with the years but has only grown stronger.

Review:

The Forever Girl easily became one of my favorite Jill Shalvis books!  Secrets came to light, family and friendship were tested and through it all was the most breathtaking bond between this group of people.  Watching the story unfold, it felt as though these characters reached into my heart and wouldn’t let go.  And while I cried three different times, there was so much hope and love splashed across those pages.  If you’re a fan of Jill Shalvis, romance or stories where friendship is family, then definitely pick this one up!  This story reads like a standalone, so you can definitely start with this book if you haven’t read any of the others in this series.

“Don’t you get it?” she whispered. “There is no redemption for me.”

Maze, Cat, Walker and Heather were like a family forever ago.  Until a horrific tragedy ripped them apart and settled them away from one other.  But with Cat’s upcoming wedding, they were all going to be together again.  The prologue started three years in the past, and we got to see how raw their emotions were.  While it alluded to what was the cause of their pain, we didn’t know the details just yet.  But it all ended with an emotional bang.  So when we jumped into the present, a chapter later, I was more than hooked and obsessed.  It was stunning how these characters captured my heart so easily.

“I wasn’t aware that we were friends.”
“Actually, I consider you one of the very few real ones I have.”
She sucked in a breath at that.  Because in spite of everything, same.

This story alternated between Maze, Cat and Walker.  Cat was like the big sister to everyone.  And she tried her best, over the years, to keep everyone in each other’s lives.  But the past and hurt was too much, and over time some of them faded apart.  With Cat’s upcoming wedding, I thought I’d love her fiancé and wedding activities.  But each character had so much more going on than meets the eye.  And I found my heart hurting for every single one of them, while silently cheering them on so they would each find their happiness.

“Maze, you’re the strongest woman I know.”
She blinked, looking so surprised that he grabbed her hand and squeezed it.
“Believe it.  Because I absolutely do.”
She let out a shaky breath. “I wish I could be as confident about that as you.”

While I adored them all, my heart connected the deepest with Maze.  She blamed herself for something that happened in the past.  And because of that, she didn’t give herself the grace and love she deserved.  But Maze was so much more than her grief.  She loved deeply and would do anything to help those she loved.  Maze made me laugh, smile and I loved the risks she would take.  I was rooting for her to help mend the sisterly relationship she had with Cat and Heather.  But most of all, I was rooting for her to face her feelings towards Walker.

No matter how hard he tried, he was always left standing alone with no one to count on except himself.  But at least now he was choosing to be alone.  His choice, his control, and he was okay with that.  Or he had been.
Until he’d seen Maze again.

I loved Walker!  I was obsessed that we got his POV!  Walker was seductive and there was this darkness that radiated from him, yet he continually pulled me in.  And while he loved fiercely and saw through others b.s., he was such a mystery at times.  I wanted him to claim Maze as his, because you could feel how strong their connection and attraction was.  Plus their banter constantly had me smiling.  Yet their past made it not so simple.  So the push and pull between the two of them enamored me and I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “I failed you.  I won’t let that happen again.”
We won’t let that happen again,” Caitlin said firmly.
Heather nodded, eyes suspiciously bright. “Me either.”

With family, friendship and love splashed across the pages, The Forever Girl was an instant favorite.  Hearts were broken and mended.  Family was pulled apart and put back together.  We got to witness their process for healing and it was raw and breathtaking.  This story was so beautiful.  I loved their hearts to hearts and how deeply they loved each other.  From strawberry daiquiri moments, to truth or dare, to races and wedding festivities, I couldn’t put this story down.  And with that epilogue, oh I loved this book so much!  If you’re a fan of romance, friendship and family, then you’ll definitely want to add this one to your tbr!

PS I love how Walker called Jace all the wrong names to Maze, I laughed so hard.

PPS I looked forward to seeing what was on the to-do list at the beginning of each chapter!  Sooooo cute!

PPPS I loved, loved, loved Heather and Sammie!  Plus I definitely called it!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

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About Jill Shalvis:

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website, www.jillshalvis.com, for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

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