What a lovely read Take a Chance on Me was! I was really in the mood for an easy and light read and this was just thFull review on www.novelgossip.com
What a lovely read Take a Chance on Me was! I was really in the mood for an easy and light read and this was just the right book for that. I felt like I was reading a story about people that I would actually want to be a part of my life and the ending of this book was rather bittersweet for me only because I didn’t want it to end.
Charlie is the main character and I just adore her. She has made a good life for herself after the devastating loss of her teenage daughter and then shortly after her divorce from her husband. The problem? She’s not fulfilled whatsoever and she longs for a contented and happy life. On New Year’s Eve her and her best friend, Mercedes decide to make a Carpe Diem list, much like a bucket list. In their inebriated state, they choose silly and outrageous things. Mercedes decides to change things up a bit and the two switch lists, which made for some silly fun.
All of the characters in this book are lovable and sweet in their own way. From Mercedes and her husband, to Charlie’s coworkers at both the hospital and the cafe, to her sweet elderly neighbor with a quirky and funny pet bird, Bert, I truly loved them all. Everything about this book is warm and heartfelt and there is a great message at play. It’s about living life to the fullest and taking risks even if you’re scared or fear looking foolish.
If Charlie were real I would head over to the UK and make her be my friend, hell I would make the entire cast become my friend because every single one of them was utterly charming and loads of fun. My only slight complaint was things were very predictable as far as major plot points, but I was still surprised by Charlie’s adventures. I didn’t even really care all that much about the predictability because I was having so much fun reading this, I swear I laughed out loud numerous times.
What a lovely read Take a Chance on Me was! I was really in the mood for an easy and light read and this was just the right book for that. I felt like I was reading a story about people that I would actually want to be a part of my life and the ending of this book was rather bittersweet for me only because I didn’t want it to end.
Charlie is the main character and I just adore her. She has made a good life for herself after the devastating loss of her teenage daughter and then shortly after her divorce from her husband. The problem? She’s not fulfilled whatsoever and she longs for a contented and happy life. On New Year’s Eve her and her best friend, Mercedes decide to make a Carpe Diem list, much like a bucket list. In their inebriated state, they choose silly and outrageous things. Mercedes decides to change things up a bit and the two switch lists, which made for some silly fun.
All of the characters in this book are lovable and sweet in their own way. From Mercedes and her husband, to Charlie’s coworkers at both the hospital and the cafe, to her sweet elderly neighbor with a quirky and funny pet bird, Bert, I truly loved them all. Everything about this book is warm and heartfelt and there is a great message at play. It’s about living life to the fullest and taking risks even if you’re scared or fear looking foolish.
If Charlie were real I would head over to the UK and make her be my friend, hell I would make the entire cast become my friend because every single one of them was utterly charming and loads of fun. My only slight complaint was things were very predictable as far as major plot points, but I was still surprised by Charlie’s adventures. I didn’t even really care all that much about the predictability because I was having so much fun reading this, I swear I laughed out loud numerous times....more
If you’re looking for your next pacey, entertaining and just downright fun thriller then look no further friends because NBD is it! I haven’t seen mucIf you’re looking for your next pacey, entertaining and just downright fun thriller then look no further friends because NBD is it! I haven’t seen much about this one in the book world, which is a shame because in a sea of boring, predictable thrillers that all feel and sound the same this one is a standout. Huge thanks to my girl Chelsea @suspensethrill for putting this one on my radar, it was just the book I needed to restore my faith in thrillers once again!
I’m gonna keep this fairly short because A, it’s a thriller and the less you know the better, and B it went in several unexpected directions that surprised me and I want you to be surprised too! You may need to suspend disbelief a few times, but guys when a thriller is as fun and twisty as this one was, who minds letting things go a bit? Not me! It’s worth it, especially if you like a dark and addictive read...more
Give me a rom com about weddings and I’m a happy woman, seriously I can read about wedding related mishaps over and over again and never get tired. ThGive me a rom com about weddings and I’m a happy woman, seriously I can read about wedding related mishaps over and over again and never get tired. Then I had the added bonus of reading a new to me author who was just SO good, she nailed every aspect of this for me from the witty dialogue and banter to the sexy and playful steam all the way around to Lina’s spicy Brazilian family that made me legit laugh out loud, this one had it all.
Besides the enemies to lovers thing between Lina and Max there was also a hint of forbidden romance since at one point they were supposed to be inlaws and I really liked that added twist. I mentioned Lina’s family earlier and they just about stole the show for me, they were over the top and hilarious and really added so much to an already highly entertaining book. Definitely recommended for romance fans, make sure you snag this one because they’ll be a second book soon enough and I can’t wait!
This was my favorite of any audiobook I’ve listened to lately, Zelda had such a unique voice and it was such a pleasure to get a glimpse inside of herThis was my favorite of any audiobook I’ve listened to lately, Zelda had such a unique voice and it was such a pleasure to get a glimpse inside of her mind. This was an inspiring read and one I won’t forget. ...more
Lately I’ve been super into small town romances and if they’re part of a series I’m allllll in. I love cute and quaint little fictional towns and a caLately I’ve been super into small town romances and if they’re part of a series I’m allllll in. I love cute and quaint little fictional towns and a cast of quirky secondary characters that I can get to know over time, plus a new budding romance with each installment? Yes please! On the surface this book had everything I’ve been about lately but it in the end I found it to be lacking.
This started out really strong for me, I really liked both Evie and Sawyer and the opening chapter was both funny and charming and really set a great tone for the story. Second chance romances are one of my favorite tropes and Evie and Sawyer’s backstory was sweet. Really there was plenty to like here for me but my one gripe was that it just felt a bit too long. Parts from the middle to the last quarter dragged on a bit and for something that felt long for me, I wanted more depth. Look, I knew going into this that I would be reading a predictable book, I’m totally ok with that, in fact it was what I was in the mood for, but there was something missing for me in the end that made this one just ok for me instead of a good, solid game book. I did like it enough that I plan to continue on with the series though, the author is a good writer and I’m curious to see where things go. I know beginning a new series sometimes requires setting the stage a bit so I’m definitely willing to give this another chance, I’m hopeful that the next book will win me over and make me a firm fan.
This is the fifth book in the Sullivan’s Crossing series but you could definitely read it as a standalone. Each book follows a new couple with re4.5/5
This is the fifth book in the Sullivan’s Crossing series but you could definitely read it as a standalone. Each book follows a new couple with reappearances from the characters in the previous books since they’re all set in the same quaint town. I wasn’t sure who this one would be about at first and I was pleasantly surprised that both the hero and heroine were fairly unknown characters making it even easier if you want to just jump in here.
Having read quite a few of Carr’s books now the one thing that I think really sets her apart from other authors is the authentic and messy characters she creates. Hannah and Owen both have a lot on their plates, Hannah with the sudden custody of a five year old boy with special needs and then Owen has a tragic history of his own. There is nothing easy for these people and I always find myself rooting SO hard for these kind of characters, it’s a nice change of pace from romance novels filled with perfect sounding characters, that’s for sure.
This one had it all for me, romance, family drama and strife, an adorable kid and a charming town with even more charming residents. Having only missed one book in this series I think it’s safe to say that this one was my favorite, they seem to be getting better with each installment and I’m excited to see what happens next.
This may be one of the cutest books I’ve ever read you guys! I grabbed this one when I was in the mood for something really light and fun and this wasThis may be one of the cutest books I’ve ever read you guys! I grabbed this one when I was in the mood for something really light and fun and this was absolutely perfect, it made me smile and was just overall a super cute read. I tend to steer clear of YA in general, I maybe read ten YA books a year, (if that) but this book reminded that I need to read more, of you have any recs for fun YA romance please let me know!
You hear from Jack and Pepper in alternating chapters and I adored these two SO much! They were both charming in their own right and when you put them together you get PepperJack. No, really that’s their ship name, I mean come on!! ...more
I’ve been reading so much romance lately, something about this time of year makes me want to read nothing but cozy little stories and I’ve really beenI’ve been reading so much romance lately, something about this time of year makes me want to read nothing but cozy little stories and I’ve really been looking forward to getting started on this one. While it was cute and pretty fun, it also took me quite awhile to warm up to it and I kind of wish it was 100 pages shorter.
Let’s start with what I liked, because there was plenty. I loved the premise, I die for a meet cute and this had a bunch, albeit most were huge fails but that’s what made this book unique. Each chapter opened like a movie or a play setting the scene and I though that was a nice touch. There were two options for a love interest for Evie and it’s always cool to be kept on my toes in a romance, I like that whole who will she end up with thing. One of the options, Ben had a quirky and adorable daughter, Anette and she added something light and fun to an already light and fun read. I can’t resist a cute kid in a book or real life. So really, lots to like here but some stuff that made me not love it like I wanted to as well.
My complaints are kinda nit picky, but I found the beginning to be drawn out and boring. After I hit the halfway point I was finally invested but I just feel like that’s a long time to start to care about what’s gonna happen to the characters. I mentioned before that I felt like it could’ve been shorter and I really think that maybe would’ve helped my boredom in the beginning. Minor stuff, but it bugged me enough to share it so ...more
Do you ever finish a book and just think, meh? That’s what happened to me with this one, I didn’t love or hate it, I didn’t even really like or dislikDo you ever finish a book and just think, meh? That’s what happened to me with this one, I didn’t love or hate it, I didn’t even really like or dislike it either, I just feel pretty apathetic about it overall. Kind of a bummer because the authors previous book, Hot Mess was such a hit for me that I wasn’t expecting this to be such a miss.
There were definitely some things I liked about this one, the fact that Charlotte was a young widow was interesting and the author has a really quirky, sarcastic style I like. There were also some great secondary characters that entertained me but I didn’t really connect with either Charlotte or Brian on any level. I also felt like this really lacked romance which was probably the biggest disappointment for me. The ending was also lackluster for me and by that point I was just ready for it to be over, never a good sign for me. Because I loved Hot Mess so much though I would definitely give the author another try and if you haven’t read that one I can definitely recommend it over this one....more
Where are my You fans at?! If you like creepy and unsettling stalker stories you have GOT to read this one! Have you ever thought about exactly what yWhere are my You fans at?! If you like creepy and unsettling stalker stories you have GOT to read this one! Have you ever thought about exactly what you share on social media? Most of us post somewhere online daily, but have you ever really thought about the dangers of over sharing online? Or the fact that if any of youraccounts are public you have no idea who may really be watching your every move? CREEPY AF I told you! If this book doesn’t make you think about your own online presence I don’t know what will.
The whole story has a really menacing vibe and you hear from Audrey, her best friend Cat and Him, her obsessed stalker. The chapters from Him were chilling, I always love getting a glimpse inside the mind of someone who is disturbing and this guy was terrifying. People beingwatched never fails to scare the shit out of me and Barber did an amazing job of bringing that fear to life. This is definitely another page turner from the author and only solidifies her place on my list of must read authors! ...more
I absolutely love a juicy domestic drama and Cowie delivers with Raven Lane. This is full of the type of characters I love to hate and so many of themI absolutely love a juicy domestic drama and Cowie delivers with Raven Lane. This is full of the type of characters I love to hate and so many of them are hiding dark and dangerous secrets, I know I wouldn’t want any of them as my neighbors! But they were really entertaining to read about and all were rather complex and interesting, but not altogether likable. If you like a quiet style of suspense this is the book for you, it’s character driven and scandalous and even a little sexy at times, but this combo worked incredibly well for me and I raced through this one.
Another aspect that I enjoyed was the book within a book, the man that died is an author and every once in a while there’s an excerpt from his book. The book he was writing was a little weird but intriguing, and between that, the present day timeline and Esme’s slow unraveling of her own past, I was hooked. This was edgier than Rapid Falls and very different, but I adore Cowie’s writing style and that didn’t change. I also applaud authors who push their own boundaries and try something new from book to book and the shift was great for me, I’m now a firm fan of the author...more
No other author I’ve read before manages to write quite like C. J. Tudor does, she blends a classic thriller with just a hint of the supernatural and No other author I’ve read before manages to write quite like C. J. Tudor does, she blends a classic thriller with just a hint of the supernatural and she freaking knocks it out of the park every single time for me. If I had to describe her books in one word it would definitely be creepy, there is always a sense of menace and something sinister at play in all of her books and this was no exception.
As much as this made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up there was also an emotional component here that raised the stakes even higher. You have a father at the end of his rope, his despair and desperation was a palpable thing and the combination of a twisty thriller, the emotional connection to the characters and the spooky unknown stuff at play made this one a true page turner. In a time when most thrillers feel stale and frankly bore me to death, this one was a breathe of fresh air for me. All of the authors books are solid reads and this one is too!...more
Talk about a one sitting, binge worthy read! Not only is this on the shorter side making it super easy to breeze through, it’s also incredibly pacey aTalk about a one sitting, binge worthy read! Not only is this on the shorter side making it super easy to breeze through, it’s also incredibly pacey and engaging making it super hard to put down. Throw in a healthy dose of paranoia and a whole heap of secrets and this is one fun read, perfect for this time of year.
While this was definitely full of intrigue and suspense it was on the lighter side of the suspense world, nothing too dark or disturbing but still really juicy and entertaining. The drama was high here and at times a bit over the top, but I love that style and found it added to the story for me. I’ve been a fan of Banner’s books for awhile now and this one was similar in terms of style to The Twilight Wife for me so definitely grab this if you liked that one!...more
This is the third and final book in a series, I absolutely loved the first two, Passion on Park Avenue and Love on Lexington Avenue and can highly recThis is the third and final book in a series, I absolutely loved the first two, Passion on Park Avenue and Love on Lexington Avenue and can highly recommend this trilogy. If you’re a fan of romance these books are just way too much fun and are super easy, entertaining reads that always leave me in the best mood when I finish!
I’ve been dying to get to Audrey and Clarke’s story and a fake engagement trope never fails to engage me. I also love a friends to lovers story, maybe it’s because me and my husband were friends first for years before we started dating, but I love stories where the two leads have an extensive history. Besides a great friendship between Audrey and Clarke they also have amazing chemistry and LL’s signature witty banter always makes me laugh. I’ve said it before but if you like Christina Lauren books you have got to check out LL, her books are just as great! Such a great end to what was a super funny, charming and sexy series, I’m sad it’s over and only wish we had more to look forward to with this one.
Yes, it’s only September and I’m already reading Christmas books and I’m totally ok with that! I do want to point out that while this is set right befYes, it’s only September and I’m already reading Christmas books and I’m totally ok with that! I do want to point out that while this is set right before and during Christmas, it’s not overly holiday heavy if that makes sense. You can easily read it right now like I did or wait until closer to the holiday season, honestly it would be perfect at any time of year!
Sarah Morgan is one of my go to authors, but I have to say that she has a magic touch when it comes to writing seasonal books. This had such a gorgeous setting, it made me want to book a trip to Colorado for Christmas myself, it was beautifully described and also gave me so many warm and cozy feelings. You hear from all three women in the family, mom Maggie, and daughters Katie and Rosie and I just adored all three of them for various reasons. I connected to Maggie as a wife and mom and both daughters were relatable for me as well, although Katie was prickly and it took me some time to warm up to her. This doesn’t fit solely under a romance umbrella or a straight up WF novel either because it has both romance between all the main characters and it also explores the dynamics between mother and daughter and sisters.
I absolutely loved this one, it was charming and warm, a little emotional and overall just a totally satisfying read for me. I highly recommend adding this one to your holiday reading list, it was wonderful l and if it doesn’t make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside I don’t’ know what will!
A Wedding in December in three words: Charming, Cozy and Delightful ...more
I LOVE a good serial killer thriller and the trilogy that this book is part of is one of the best that I’ve ever read. It is such a complex and compelI LOVE a good serial killer thriller and the trilogy that this book is part of is one of the best that I’ve ever read. It is such a complex and compelling series throughout, now looking back in hindsight I realize just how freaking brilliant the author is, I’m seriously blown away with how clever the plotting is and how perfectly this whole series was set up from beginning to end.
I really don’t want to speak to the plot too much here, but don’t read this as a standalone, these books must be read in order and yes, they’re worth it! SO much has happened since the first 4MK book and if you jump in here, you’re just missing out on some truly amazing storytelling. I always say this in my reviews of these books, but these books are not for the faint hearted, they’re fearless and explore the truly dark depths of humanity. There are some really graphic and brutal scenes and a lot of it is terrifying. This IS a serial killer thriller though, it’s not pretty but it’s damn good. Between the bold story and the meticulous attention to detail, and the intensity that’s maintained throughout , I can’t say enough good things about this one. If you like serial killer thrillers this is an absolute must read. Normally I have complaints about the ending of a series but I seriously can’t find a flaw here, everything was wrapped up perfectly and there were so many twists and turns along the way, so absolutely nothing was done I order to take the easy way out. I’ll stop rambling and just say, read ...more
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