Category Archives: Fiction

Review: Things We Left Behind

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Things We Left Behind by Lucy Score
Publisher: Bloom Books
Pub Date: 9/5/2023

Thank you to Bloom for the free ebook copy on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lucian Rollins, a driven mogul seeking vengeance, crosses paths with the determined small-town librarian, Sloane Walton. Despite their initial dislike for each other, a passionate one-night stand ignites a complicated relationship, but Lucian’s fear of endangering Sloane keeps them at an impasse.

Things We Left Behind, the third book in the Knockemout series and it’s a continuation in the series so I recommend reading the other two before you get to this. Lucy’s writing always draws me in and I was thrilled to revisit familiar characters like Naomi, Knox, Lina, Nash, and Stef. My favorite aspect of this book was the flashbacks that provided insights into Lucian and Sloane’s teenage years and how they’ve evolved over the years. One of the highlights was finally getting answers to the mystery surrounding Hugo. Though I loved Sloane in the first two books, I was disappointed in her character in this book. Her character seemed to undergo a drastic transformation and she came across as a somewhat desperate heroine in an unfavorable light. Lina remains my favorite FMC. As for Lucian, he was as grumpy and possessive as I assumed he would be, but I didn’t like his complete switch in character towards the end of this book. There was an additional legal case introduced in the story that I didn’t find as engaging. While the book was fun to read, I couldn’t help but feel that it could have been shorter by about 200 pages. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this one and it was 3 stars for me. Nevertheless, the Knockemout series as a whole is great and I loved the characters.

Review: You, Again

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You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 9/12/2023

Thank you to Random House for the free ebook copy on NetGalley and PRH Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

In You, Again by Kate Goldbeck, Ari and Josh start off as bitter enemies, both with vastly different dating philosophies. However, as they navigate heartbreak and forge an unexpected friendship, their once-hostile relationship evolves into something more, blurring the lines between friendship and romance in this witty debut romantic comedy.

When I heard that You, Again can be described as a modernized version of When Harry Met Sally, I was immediately drawn to it! This book deserves all the stars! I ended up listening to the audiobook which had me easily envision the story being adapted into a movie. What truly stood out to me was the beautifully messy and complex characters of Ari and Josh. Watching them evolve and mature over the course of the story and through the time lapses was a delight. The supporting characters, particularly Radhya, Briar, and Gabe, added depth and charm to the narrative. I loved that Kate was skillfully able to progress Ari and Josh’s relationship from enemies to acquaintances to friends to lovers in an exceptional way which kept me throughly engaged. I appreciated that the book didn’t just focus on love but also delved into the struggles of career growth, nurturing friendships, and family responsibilities. There were moments when I wanted to shake some sense into Ari or Josh, yet other times I found myself sympathizing with their dilemmas. For anyone who has a soft spot for When Harry Met Sally, I highly recommend giving You, Again a read. I can’t wait to see what Kate writes next! I’m hoping for Radhya to have her own love story explored in a future book!

Review: The Name Drop

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The Name Drop by Susan Lee
Publisher: Inkyark Press
Pub Date: 9/12/2023

Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. 

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Name Drop by Susan Lee is a story about Elijah and Jessica, interns at Haneul Corporation who share the same Korean name. They switch identities to escape their circumstances, and as they navigate their charade, a romantic spark ignites while they strive to protect their secrets and futures.

I was really excited about reading The Name Drop after loving Susan’s debut, Seoulmates! Young Adult books aren’t usually my go-to, but I was intrigued by the premise. The dynamic between Jessica and Elijah, complete opposites, captured my interest. The book tackled important themes like social disparities, privilege, familial expectations, and authenticity. The author skillfully made New York City feel like a character in itself. I enjoyed the alternating chapters. If you’re looking for a charming and fast read, I’d recommend picking this up!

Review: Happiness Falls

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Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
Publisher: Penguin Random House
Pub Date: 8/29/2023

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Happiness Falls by Angie Kim begins with a family’s calm response to their father’s disappearance, gradually revealing their intricate dynamics and deep secrets. As the investigation unfolds and family bonds are tested, the story becomes a gripping mystery intertwined with themes of love, race, and human connection.

Happiness Falls was my August @bookofthemonthpick and it’s #OCBooksandBrunch September pick! I was really excited to dive into Happiness Falls especially since Miracle Creek had been one of my favorite reads. While I found the book to be fascinating, it didn’t capture my heart in the same way as Miracle Creek did. The seemingly simple premise turned out to be much more complex and I enjoyed the character-driven, slow-burning nature of the story. I was particularly intrigued by the author’s sensitive portrayal of nonverbal conditions and learning disabilities which was both caring and easy to grasp. The story is told through Mia, a 20-year-old, which didn’t quite work for me. I found Mia’s behavior to be somewhat juvenile for her age which distracted me from fully engaging with the story. I think I was also anticipating multiple points of view like in Miracle Creek. I thought it would have been interesting to delve into the perspectives of Mia’s mom or the deceive to add more depth into the narrative for Happiness Falls. Overall, I gave the book a solid 4 stars. If you’re a fan of family sagas or literary thrillers, I’d definitely recommend giving this one a read.

Review: Once More With Feeling

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Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman
Publisher: Random House
Pub Date: 5/30/2023

Thank you to PRH Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Then. Katee Rose is living the dream as America’s number one pop star, caught in a whirlwind of sold-out concerts, screaming fans, and constant tabloid coverage. Everyone wants to know everything about her and her boyfriend, Ryan LaNeve, the hottest member of adored boy band CrushZone. Katee loves to perform but hates the impossible demands of stardom. Maybe that’s why she finds herself in the arms of another CrushZone member, Cal Kirby. Quiet, serious Cal, who’s always been a good friend to Katee, is suddenly Cal with the smoldering eyes and very good hands. One unforgettable night is all it takes to blow up Katee’s relationship with Ryan, her career, her whole life…

Now. Kathleen Rosenberg is okay with her ordinary existence, and leaving her pop star image in the past. That is, until Cal Kirby shows up with the opportunity of her dreams–a starring role in the Broadway show he’s directing and a chance to perform the way she’s always wanted. The two haven’t spoken since the joint destruction of their careers, and each of them blames the other, making their reunion a tense battle of wits and egos. Katee reluctantly agrees to the musical, as long as she keeps her guard up around Cal. But rehearsals are long, those eyes still smolder, and those hands are still very good. Despite everything, Katee can’t deny the chemistry between them. Is it ever a good idea to reignite old flames? Especially if you’ve been burned in the past?

Review: Once More With Feeling is the second book I’ve read from Elissa Sussman. Former pop star Katee Rose, now living an ordinary life as Kathleen Rosenberg, has her world upended when Cal Kirby, her ex-lover and former bandmate, offers her a starring role in a Broadway show he’s directing. As they work together, the two struggle with unresolved tension and undeniable chemistry, forcing them to confront their past and decide if reigniting old flames is worth the risk. I found the premise of this book quite intriguing and full of potential, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was lacking in its execution. The story is told from the perspective of Kathleen Rosenberg, both in the past and present. Kathleen’s character was very well-developed and I enjoyed seeing her growth throughout the story. However, I was disappointed with Cal’s character which I found to be underdeveloped. It was hard for me to see how he had changed from the past to the present. When Kathleen and Cal reunited as adults, their chemistry felt forced and I didn’t feel like they resolved any of their issues. I wasn’t a fan of the subplot involving Kathleen and her best friend, Harriet, having an underlying fight that’s only explained later in the book. On the other hand, I appreciated that the infidelity in the past was presented upfront and not treated as a surprise reveal. Overall, I had mixed feelings about this book. I preferred her first book, Funny You Should Ask.

Review: Dark Corners

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Dark Corners by Megan Goldin
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub Date: 8/8/2023

Thank you to MacMillan Audio for the free audiobook copy on NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Terence Bailey is about to be released from prison for breaking and entering, though investigators have long suspected him in the murders of six women. As his freedom approaches, Bailey gets a surprise visit from Maddison Logan, a hot, young influencer with a huge social media following. Hours later, Maddison disappears, and police suspect she’s been kidnapped—or worse. Is Maddison’s disappearance connected to her visit to Bailey? Why was she visiting him in the first place?

When they hit a wall in the investigation, the FBI reluctantly asks for Rachel’s help in finding the missing influencer. Maddison seems only to exist on social media; she has no family, no friends, and other than in her posts, most people have never seen her. Who is she, really? Using a fake Instagram account, Rachel Krall goes undercover to BuzzCon, a popular influencer conference, where she discovers a world of fierce rivalry that may have turned lethal.

When police find the body of a woman with a tattoo of a snake eating its tail, the FBI must consider a chilling possibility: Bailey has an accomplice on the outside and a dangerous obsession with influencers, including Rachel Krell herself. Suddenly a target of a monster hiding in plain sight, Rachel is forced to confront the very real dangers that lurk in the dark corners of the internet.

Review: Terence Bailey, a soon-to-be-released convict suspected of multiple murders, receives a surprise visit from influential social media star Maddison Logan. After Maddison vanishes, the FBI turns to journalist Rachel Krall for help, leading her to delve into a perilous world of online rivalry and the dark secrets of an obsessed killer lurking on the internet. Dark Corners is the second book in the Rachel Krall series and this can be read as a stand-alone. I loved The Night Swim so I was excited that we get to follow Rachel on a new investigation. Surprisingly, Dark Corners took a slower pace than I had anticipated. Nevertheless, I found the different perspectives captivating. Rachel, her podcast, and Thomas all had their distinct voices and the audiobook’s use of multiple narrators was well executed. The were a couple of parts that threw me off. First, the pacing felt off and the timeline of the crimes committed seemed excessively prolonged. I think the book could have been shortened as certain sections felt more like fillers rather than integral parts of the storyline. I found myself more drawn to the murder, suspects, and victims’ characters than in Rachel and the FBI agent she worked with. Rachel and Joe felt somewhat stilted and lacked depth which deterred my interest in them. On a positive note, the ending was unexpected and there were few of the twists I didn’t see coming. Overall, this was 3.5 stars, but I rounded to 4 stars on GoodReads.

Review: None Of This Is True

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None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
Publisher: Atria
Pub Date: 8/8/2023

Thank you to Atria for the free advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Celebrating her forty-fifth birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her forty-fifth birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins.

A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix’s children’s school. Josie has been listening to Alix’s podcasts and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life.

Josie’s life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can’t quite resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly she starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it, Josie has inveigled her way into Alix’s life—and into her home.

But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, with her life and her family’s lives under mortal threat.

Review: None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell follows Alix, a popular podcaster, who becomes entangled with Josie, a mysterious woman celebrating the same birthday. As Alix delves deeper into Josie’s dark secrets for her podcast, she unknowingly puts her own life and her family’s at risk, discovering the terrifying legacy Josie has left behind. I liked None of This Is True. The alternating chapters from Josie, Alix, and Alix’s podcast created an engaging narrative. I particularly found Josie’s perspective and Alix’s podcast episodes to be the most captivating. While I found Alix’s character and her family a bit dull, I understood their purpose in the story. The book tackles heavy subjects like domestic abuse, emotional abuse, gaslighting, and pedophilia, which made it a dark and intense read. I was able to anticipate most of the major twists, but the pacing felt a bit inconsistent at times. Nevertheless, I appreciated the way the story concluded. Overall, I would give this book a solid four stars. I recommend this book if you’re a fan of Lisa Jewell’s work.

Review: Gone Tonight

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Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Pub Date: 8/1/2023

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for the free copy on NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Catherine Sterling thinks she knows her mother. Ruth Sterling is quiet, hardworking, and lives for her daughter. All her life, it’s been just the two of them against the world. But now, Catherine is ready to spread her wings, move from home, and begin a new career. And Ruth Sterling will do anything to prevent that from happening.

Ruth Sterling thinks she knows her daughter. Catherine would never rebel, would never question anything about her mother’s past or background. But when Ruth’s desperate quest to keep her daughter by her side begins to reveal cracks in Ruth’s carefully-constructed world, both mother and daughter begin a dance of deception.

Review: Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen explores the intricate dynamics between Catherine Sterling and her mother, Ruth. With Catherine’s aspirations for independence conflicting with Ruth’s desire to keep her close, their relationship is tested as a web of deception begins to expose long-held secrets and vulnerabilities.I found the premise of Gone Tonight intriguing, but it turned out to be a slow burn without much mystery, leaning more towards suspense. I found the pacing of the book to be extremely slow. The dual perspectives of Ruth and Catherine added depth, but I was more captivated by Ruth’s narrative and the flashbacks to her high school days. Unfortunately, Catherine’s perspective felt lacking and didn’t contribute much to the overall story. I was disappointed that the author didn’t delve deeper into a particular relationship in the flashbacks as it left some confusion regarding what goes in the present towards the end of the book. One of the characters felt severely underdeveloped and should have been explored further considering their importance in the book. Regarding the format, I wouldn’t recommend the audiobook due to the single narrator reading both perspectives. It became confusing and distinct voices for each character would have been preferable. The narrator’s voice was also monotonous which caused me to zone out from time to time so I ending up switching to the ebook. Reading the ebook enhanced the experience as the alternating chapters were clearly distinguished, making it easier to spot the clues leading to the conclusion. Considering my mixed feelings about this book and giving it three stars, this isn’t one I would recommend. However, if it’s on your TBR, you may still give it a try.

Review: Will They or Won’t They?

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Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder
Publisher: Berkley Romance
Pub Date: 6/27/2023

Thank you to Berkley Romance for the free paperback copy and PRH Audio for the free audiobook copy in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy are madly in love— at least, their characters are. As the stars of the hit paranormal TV show Intangible, they spent years pining for each other on-screen… until Lilah ditched the show at the end of season five in hopes of becoming a film star. With no such luck, she’s back to film the much-hyped ninth and final season, in which their characters will get together at last.

But coming back means facing one of the biggest reasons she left: Shane. Ever since their secret behind-the-scenes fling imploded at the end of the first season, the two of them have despised each other.

Now back on set together for the first time in years, with the world’s eyes on them and their post-show careers on the line, they’ll have to grit their teeth and play nice. But under pressure to give Intangible’s fans the happy ending they’ve been waiting for, Lilah and Shane are forced to get closer than ever. And if they’re not careful, they just might get blindsided by one final twist: a real-life happy ending of their own.

Review: In Will They or Won’t They by Ava Wilder, Lilah Hunter and Shane McCarthy, once deeply in love onscreen, must confront their past animosity as they reunite on the set of their hit TV show for its final season. With their post-show careers and the expectations of fans hanging in the balance, they’ll have to navigate their strained relationship, risking the possibility of a surprising real-life happy ending. I DNF’ed How to Fake It In Hollywood so my expectations for Will They or Won’t They were low. However, I was intrigued by the premise of actors, second chance romance, and enemies-to-lovers so I decided to give it a try. As I was reading, I found the alternating chapters from Lilah and Shane to be written well, allowing each character to have their own distinct voice. The choice of audiobook narrators also complemented the characters well. I appreciated how the glimpses of their past were woven into the alternating chapters, providing insight into their present-day behavior towards each other. Although I’m usually not a fan of miscommunication tropes, in this case, it worked well for the storyline. The author skillfully developed their relationship in the past, broke them up, and then gradually rebuilt their intimacy in the present. The author’s writing style kept my attention throughout the story. If you’re a fan of celebrity and/or second chance romances, I recommend reading Will They or Won’t They!

Review: A Twisted Love Story

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A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing
Publisher: Berkley
Pub Date: 7/18/2023

Thank you to Berkley for the free copy on NetGalley and PRH Audio for the free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

GoodReads Synopsis: Wes and Ivy are madly in love. They’ve never felt anything like it. It’s the kind of romance people write stories about.

But what kind of story?

Because when it’s good, it’s great. Flowers. Grand gestures. Deep meaningful conversations where the whole world disappears.

When it’s bad, it’s really bad. Vengeful fights. Damaged property. Arrest warrants.

But their vicious cycle of catastrophic breakups and head-over-heels reconnections needs to end fast. Because suddenly, Wes and Ivy have a common enemy–and she’s a detective.

There’s something Wes and Ivy never talk about–in good times or bad. The night of their worst breakup, when one of them took things too far, and someone ended up dead.

If they can stick together, they can survive anything–even the tightening net of a police investigation.

Because one more breakup might just be their last…

Review: In A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing, Wes and Ivy’s intense love affair alternates between euphoria and destruction. Their rollercoaster relationship takes a dark turn when they realize they share a secret involving a deadly incident from their past, and now they must navigate a police investigation while desperately trying to keep their volatile bond intact. A Twisted Love Story was one of the most anticipated summer reads! This book reminded me a bit of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, but A Twisted Love Story is so much better. The author’s fast-paced writing style had me hooked from the very beginning. The characters in this book are extremely flawed which added an extra layer of intrigue to the story especially in Ivy and Wes’s toxic on-again, off-again relationship with its unhealthy patterns. The presence of multiple subplots kept me engaged and everything eventually came together in a satisfying way. While it may not be my personal favorite among Samantha Downing’s works, I recommend giving it a chance!