This book receives its 4-star rating from me because I found it riveting, even if it wasn't quite what I expected and sometimes felt rambling and leftThis book receives its 4-star rating from me because I found it riveting, even if it wasn't quite what I expected and sometimes felt rambling and left me wanting.
This is a true generational saga, tracing the lives of Lily, her son Nick, and Lily's mother, May (Mei). It's a long story but oddly fascinating, with some interesting scientific twists and inserts thrown in.
We start with Lily, the daughter of immigrants, who fled Mao's Communist Chinese Revolution. She falls in love with Matthew and quickly realizes that he's far wealthier than she ever imagined.
Then we hear from Nick, a high schooler, being raised by his single mother, Lily. Nick's best friend convinces him to take a DNA test to try to find the father he's never known.
And finally we hear from May, once known as Mei, a scientist who has long been estranged from her family.
I will admit that I got really into Lily's POV and then Nick's and felt a little sad when each ended. Part of that is just the good writing. The story jumps around in time, sometimes making it a bit hard to keep track of things. It touches on basic topics like motherhood, family, science, class, and identity, but deals with them in complex and nuanced ways. As mentioned, it was only some of the scientific pieces that felt a little strange.
Overall, while I found this book and its characters a little frustrating at times, it was still a fascinating story of a family spanning generations. ...more
Kimi is still figuring out what she wants to be. (Totally normal for a teen, by the way!) The one thing she's starting tThis is a very cute YA story.
Kimi is still figuring out what she wants to be. (Totally normal for a teen, by the way!) The one thing she's starting to realize: she doesn't want to be a painter like her mom is--and wants her to be. After a particularly brutal argument with her mom, she heads to Japan to spend the summer with her maternal grandparents, whom she has never met. In Kyoto, Kimi gets to know her grandparents better (probably my favorite part). She meets a cute boy, Akira. Through these new experiences, she learns about her self and explores her love of fashion.
This story is a little basic, but very sweet. It might be a little unrealistic -- everything gets fixed via a two-week spring trip? Sign me up for a trip to Japan. But Kimi's grandpa is adorable and the story works through the idea of finding yourself and the difficult teen years, when you feel torn between what you want and what your parents wish for you.
This book is well-suited for its YA audience, as long as they have the understanding that all problems may not be fixed so quickly (or by meeting a cute guy). 3.5 stars. ...more
This is not the happy-go-lucky romance that the cover and title seem to indicate.
Bennet loses her college boyfriend to a car accident; shes wracked bThis is not the happy-go-lucky romance that the cover and title seem to indicate.
Bennet loses her college boyfriend to a car accident; shes wracked by guilt and sinks deeply into grief and depression. She leaves college and moves to New York City because it was her boyfriend Sam's dream. But she finds herself just as sad in New York and even more removed from her friends and family. Her roommate pushes her on a date with Henry Adams, but Bennet panics, stands him up, and gets drunk at a restaurant across the street. Of course, she literally runs into Henry later that night, while drunk and crying, and the two start talking. Bennet confesses how reluctant she is to date, and Henry comes up with a plan: the passion project--as just friends, they'll explore New York together, learning about new things and places.
It's a cute concept, especially when they are out exploring and hanging out. Henry and Bennet have cute and witty banter. But a lot of this book is a little gloomy and not so much a romance as a story of finding yourself and recovering from grief. The romance is such a slow burn, especially because so many contrived instances keep pushing Henry and Bennet apart, and they spend most of their time arguing and apart. Bennet is also depressed, yes, but not the best person to her friends, making her harder to like at times.
This is a sweet story but also a serious one at times. It's slow moving with a thoughtful look at grief and moving on. ...more
Beth has a teenage love affair with the wealthy Gabriel Wolfe, which ends badly, and she marries Frank, a localThis is a gorgeous and emotional book.
Beth has a teenage love affair with the wealthy Gabriel Wolfe, which ends badly, and she marries Frank, a local farmer, who has always adored her. They have a son, Bobby--and Bobby and their farm are their entire world. But when Bobby dies in a horrible accident, their happiness is shattered. Now Gabriel is back in their village, divorced, with his own son Leo in tow. When Frank's brother Jimmy shoots Leo's dog to prevent it from attacking the farm's flock, a series of events unfold, upending the entire village.
This beautiful, tragic story is told in back and forth fashion, veering between the past and present, leading up to an incident we're told has happened from the first pages: "the farmer is dead." It's suspenseful and emotional.
The book does an amazing job of showing how Bobby's death has affected Beth, stoic Frank, and Jimmy--his proud uncle, who has turned to alcohol again with his nephew's death. These characters are painted so beautifully with amazing nuances and depth. Beth reacts by forming a bond with Leo--the only one willing to hear about her late son. Frank stuffs his emotions down, but cannot help but feel angry at how much time his wife is spending with her former lover. And Jimmy, who once helped his sister-in-law deliver his beloved nephew--reverts to old ways without the stability Bobby brought to his family.
While this book is sad, it's so beautifully written and often hopeful too. I found it hard to put down and a wonderful exploration of motherhood, love, and village life. 4.5 stars....more
Oh, I can't help it, sometimes I just need an addictive, palate-cleansing read. Enter: Colleen Hoover.
Beyah grew up dirt poor, "raised" by her addict Oh, I can't help it, sometimes I just need an addictive, palate-cleansing read. Enter: Colleen Hoover.
Beyah grew up dirt poor, "raised" by her addict mom. Her father was a shadowy figure in her life--paying their rent and known to Beyah only from the occasional visit. When Beyah's mom overdoses and dies, Beyah goes to live with her father in Texas. He's now remarried to a wealthy woman, living in a beach house by the ocean, with a stepdaughter.
In Texas, Beyah meets Samson, her father's next door neighbor. In Samson, she recognizes another damaged soul, even if he is wealthy. Despite putting up walls her entire life, Beyah can't resist Samson, nor he her.
This story is cheesy and addictive, but it's crazily impossible to put down. Both Beyah and Samson are keeping secrets, and we slowly learn Samson's over the course of the story. There's just something about their intense relationship. Beyah also forges new bonds with her dad and stepsister, Sara, who is close to her age. It's corny at times, but also a story about trusting yourself, finding your person, and how powerful it is to be believed in. ...more
Ali is newly separated and coming to terms with how much of herself she lost in her marriage to Pete—her ex-husband and the father of her three kids. Ali is newly separated and coming to terms with how much of herself she lost in her marriage to Pete—her ex-husband and the father of her three kids. Still reeling from the recent loss of her mother, who was both her closest confidante and possibly an enabler of her crumbling marriage, Ali is navigating a complicated emotional landscape. Then, in a twist of fate (and a poorly-timed dog accident), she meets Ethan at the dog park—when her dog pees on him. Surprisingly, sparks fly between them (Ali and Ethan, not Ethan and the dog), setting the stage for a slow-burning summer romance.
Ethan has a reputation as the town screw-up, but to Ali, he feels like a fresh start—a chance to rediscover joy and maybe even herself. While this is definitely a light, charming read—the perfect kind of book to throw in your beach bag—it also has depth. The realities of Ali’s life don’t vanish just because romance enters the picture: Ethan lives four hours away, and she’s raising three kids mostly on her own. Their relationship is messy, imperfect, and all the more relatable because of it.
While I didn’t feel Ali and Ethan’s chemistry was as electric as some of the pairings in Monaghan’s other books, there’s a laid-back warmth between them that’s easy to root for.
This is an enjoyable, heartfelt romance that explores grief, self-discovery after loss and divorce, and the chaotic beauty of motherhood—with just the right amount of summer escapism. 3.5 stars. ...more
This is a charming read that will likely resonate even more with its intended YA audience.
For me, the pacing felt uneven—it dragged at times yet didn’This is a charming read that will likely resonate even more with its intended YA audience.
For me, the pacing felt uneven—it dragged at times yet didn’t delve deeply enough into the most compelling aspects, like the romance between Gemma and Xander or Gemma’s personal backstory.
Raised by her single mother with little connection to her Taiwanese heritage, Gemma has always believed that all her relatives had passed away. When she discovers that her maternal grandfather only recently died and left her something in his will, she’s both furious with her mother and intrigued. The will suggests a hidden treasure, so she finagles her way onto a school trip to Taiwan—accompanied by her longtime rival, Xander—to follow the trail of clues.
The novel leans heavily into the treasure hunt, with an abundance of puzzles, riddles, and discussions about clues. I listened to the first half on audio, and I found that the deciphering process, along with Gemma’s journal entries, didn’t translate well to the format. (Not to mention the questionable choice for her best friend’s voice—grating doesn’t begin to cover it.)
As for the romance, Xander and Gemma’s dynamic is built on a misunderstanding, leading them to spend a significant chunk of the book not even liking each other. To make things more frustrating, Gemma gets involved with someone else on the trip, which means the moments of chemistry between her and Xander—easily one of the highlights of the novel—are far too fleeting.
That said, if you love treasure hunts, puzzles, and coming-of-age stories that explore identity, family, and cultural heritage, this book has plenty to offer. The descriptions of Taiwan are breathtaking, immersing the reader in its beauty and vibrancy. However, some of the life lessons are a bit heavy-handed—I would have preferred more subtle storytelling rather than outright explanations.
My favorite part of the book is a major spoiler, so I won’t go into details, but it ultimately shaped my rating: 3.25 stars.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Viking Books for Young Readers in return for an unbiased review. ...more
This is an unusual little book, but if you embrace its quirks, it unfolds into something truly tender, poignant, and often surprisingly funny.
At its hThis is an unusual little book, but if you embrace its quirks, it unfolds into something truly tender, poignant, and often surprisingly funny.
At its heart is a touch of magical realism, with one of the primary narrators being the collective voices of the town’s local graveyard. These long-departed residents have an omniscient view of the town’s happenings, though they remain powerless to alter its course. Among the ghosts is Harold Baynes, a long-deceased naturalist who has formed an unlikely friendship with Clive Starling.
Clive, meanwhile, is clearly unwell—his rapidly declining health has cost him his job at the local university (he saw too many rabbits), his place in a cover band (he shouted "rats" in a crowded bar), and his marriage is hanging by a thread. His daughter, Emma, returns home to care for him, stepping into a role as a long-term substitute teacher for a class of fifth graders. Also in the picture is his son, Auggie, a recovering addict in a town deeply affected by the opioid crisis.
The novel brims with interconnected storylines—far too many to summarize without spoiling some of the joy of discovery. At times, it teeters on the edge of feeling overstuffed—too whimsical, too many characters, too many tangled threads. But somehow, through Hartnett’s lyrical prose, everything weaves together in ways that feel both wild and magical, as well as deeply meaningful.
As Clive’s condition worsens, his family is forced to navigate the complexities of love, loss, and what it truly means to embrace both life and death. Woven throughout the narrative are excerpts from Harold Baynes’ writings on his experiences with the animals he cared for—made all the more fascinating by Hartnett’s note on how much of Harold’s story is based in reality.
This novel is intricate and deeply human, exploring the rawness of emotion, the bonds of family, and the strange beauty of existence. A wonderful, thought-provoking read....more
Mia works as a fact-checker for a NYC publication—a career choice that earns the approval of her loving but traditionalWhat a stunningly written book!
Mia works as a fact-checker for a NYC publication—a career choice that earns the approval of her loving but traditional Arab grandparents, who raised her. But at night, she steps into a different world, sneaking away to perform stand-up comedy, where she can finally be bold and uninhibited. By day, she harbors a quiet crush on her boss, Jackson; under the stage lights, she transforms into someone entirely different. But when her two worlds collide, the secrets she’s so carefully kept begin to unravel, threatening the life she’s built.
This novel masterfully balances humor and heart, tackling powerful themes of immigration, racism, and self-discovery while remaining hopeful and engaging. Though the story starts off at a slower pace, it quickly draws you in, immersing you in Mia’s journey and the warmth of her protective, deeply loving grandparents. The narrative alternates between Mia’s present-day perspective and excerpts from her grandmother’s journal, set in 1940s Palestine.
Through this dual timeline, we uncover Mia’s family history alongside her, witnessing a story that is at times heartbreaking but always profoundly tender. Hamdan’s writing is breathtaking, whether she’s depicting the struggles of Palestine in the 1940s or exploring the complexities of love and identity across generations.
This is a touching and beautifully told novel about staying true to yourself, embracing your roots, and understanding the unbreakable bonds of family. 4.5 stars.
A huge thank you to Henry Holt Books for a copy of this book, which I won in a giveaway from StorgyGraph in exchange for an unbiased review....more
I was in the mood for a cute romance between a "normal" person and a famous actor, and Marlowe Banks, Redesigned absolutely delivered.
Marlowe relocateI was in the mood for a cute romance between a "normal" person and a famous actor, and Marlowe Banks, Redesigned absolutely delivered.
Marlowe relocates across the country to take a job as a costume production assistant, fleeing the sting of bad reviews that tanked a show she worked on in NYC. Instead of designing, she’s stuck running errands and sorting receipts for her demanding boss, Babs. But when she unexpectedly steps in as a background actor, she shares a smoldering look with Angus Gordon, one of the show's leads—and the moment goes viral. Suddenly, Marlowe finds herself not just on-screen but also entangled in Angus' world.
Dating a celebrity (or appearing on a hit show) isn’t exactly ideal for someone with a deep fear of failure and public scrutiny. And Angus has his own struggles, too. If these two want a real shot, they’ll have to navigate their insecurities together.
This is a slow burn—Marlowe takes forever to realize Angus might actually like her—but it works. Their dynamic is sweet, funny, and refreshingly built on friendship rather than the typical insta-love found in Hollywood romances.
The behind-the-scenes TV set moments are a delight, and the supporting cast shines—especially Cherry, Marlowe’s hilarious and empowering best friend (yes, she’s the classic queer bestie, but she’s fantastic), and Babs, who may be a bit of a tyrant but plays the role of grumpy boss to perfection.
Beyond the romance, the book also offers thoughtful commentary on celebrity culture and the unrealistic images the media projects. Marlowe’s past relationships add emotional depth, highlighting themes of self-worth and breaking free from harmful conditioning.
Watching Marlowe and Angus come into their own—and into each other’s arms—is a truly satisfying journey. They’re an adorable couple, and their love story is one worth rooting for. 3.5 stars, rounded up. ...more
It is strange to read a Connelly book that doesn't star Bosch, Haller, or Ballard, I won't lie.
It takes a few minutes to get used to our new characteIt is strange to read a Connelly book that doesn't star Bosch, Haller, or Ballard, I won't lie.
It takes a few minutes to get used to our new character, Sgt. Stilwell, a law enforcement officer who has been exiled to Catalina Island based on his past behavior. Stilwell has oversight of the island, but that's about it. When a body is found dead in the water, tied down by an anchor, he's forced to call in his old rivals from the mainland to help investigate the case. They show about the same dedication and enthusiasm as when Stilwell worked with them, however, and he finds himself investigating on the side. Who is this woman found in the water with a streak of purple dye in her hair?
As with most Connelly books, he deftly weaves together intersecting mysteries and threads, including issues with a gangster on the island. Stilwell also has a girlfriend on island, who helps oversee boats arriving at the docks.
So far, Stilwell isn't as personable to me as Bosch or Haller, but he certainly grows on you as the story picks up momentum. He has a Connelly character's usual desire for justice--no matter the cost--and is easy to root for. I will say this story is very nautical--lots of water, lots of boats, lots of sailing references, so be prepared for that....more
Like most Cosby novels, this is a brutal and tense tale, but incredibly well done.
Beauregard "Bug" Montage's father was a criminal--and a thief and aLike most Cosby novels, this is a brutal and tense tale, but incredibly well done.
Beauregard "Bug" Montage's father was a criminal--and a thief and a liar. Bug even found himself in juvie for defending his father's honor. His entire life has been framed by his father's disappearance after that absence, clinging to the car he left behind. Like his father, Bug became a getaway driver, and he's really good at it. But he's cleaned up his act lately. He owns a garage in town and wants a good life for his wife and children. Life has other plans though: financial strife causes Bug to take "one last job" he feels is his only hope. When it goes badly, Bug finds himself enmeshed with career criminals, and with choices to make.
This book isn't always easy to read, as it's a dark and gritty story about feeling trapped and the power of parental legacy and choices. Can Bug escape the legacy of fatherhood passed on to him and be a better man for his own children--and someone truly get out of this life? Do they even want to? Cosby writes masterfully as always, giving us a nuanced and flawed character in Bug, one with real humanity, forced to confront his choices in startling ways. He also looks at prejudice and identity in realistic ways. 4.5 stars. ...more
It’s always a pleasure to revisit the Greene family, and this time, it’s Violet’s turn to find love.
In the first book of the series, we met the youngeIt’s always a pleasure to revisit the Greene family, and this time, it’s Violet’s turn to find love.
In the first book of the series, we met the youngest sister, Lily. Now, we follow Violet—the fiercely independent celebrity stylist who has kept love at arm’s length ever since a teenage heartbreak left its mark. But when that same heartbreaker, Xavier, reappears in her life—not as the cocky high school basketball star she remembers, but as a mature English teacher and basketball coach—her carefully built walls start to crack.
One wild night in Vegas later, Violet and Xavier find themselves (sort of) married. What starts as an impulsive decision turns into an even bigger mess when Violet casually mentions the marriage in a fashion interview—one she assumes no one will read. (Spoiler: They do.) Suddenly, Xavier sees an opportunity to use the situation to his advantage, hoping the publicity will help him land a college coaching job. Before they know it, the two are living together in his tiny apartment, forced to confront years of unresolved feelings, old wounds, and lingering resentment.
While the story doesn’t break new ground, Forest’s writing makes it effortlessly engaging. She brings her characters to life in a way that feels natural and immersive. It’s refreshing to see diverse romances with younger characters who, while adults, are still figuring things out. The Greene family dynamic is as strong as ever, with welcome appearances from Lily, Iris, and their parents. As with many "fake relationship" tropes, you might find yourself wishing for a little more communication between the leads, but their shared history gives weight to their struggles. Both are dealing with real-life challenges in love, career, and personal growth, making their journey feel all the more rewarding.
A solid, enjoyable read that balances romance and self-discovery well. 3.5 stars, rounded up!...more
A clever story that takes the original plot of JANE EYRE and twists it, turning Edward into a diabolical monster. Bertha is still in the attic, but shA clever story that takes the original plot of JANE EYRE and twists it, turning Edward into a diabolical monster. Bertha is still in the attic, but she's trapped there until she signs her significant trust over to her destitute (and desperate) husband, who can't do anything to her until it matures. Edward is full of plots and evil ways, including some of involving little Adele, and it's all quite smart, but wow, it's really hard to watch our beloved mercurial Mr. Rochester be truly cruel and awful!
The characters can fall slightly flat here, but I enjoyed Jane and Bertha's GAY backstories, with a wonderful Helen Burns re-imagining! The story does a great job of retaining Jane's strength (and Bertha's!) but it lacks much of her original wit, which is a little sad. The best part is Jane and Bertha's letters to one another.
Glad I read it, and I love the lesbian angle, but I'll always adore the original. 3.5 stars. ...more
I was really excited to read this, as I spend every day in a "charming" corporate environment, but it wasn't really the funny office comedy advertisedI was really excited to read this, as I spend every day in a "charming" corporate environment, but it wasn't really the funny office comedy advertised.
Jolene has spent years toiling at Supershops, where she feels both misunderstood and left out by her coworkers. She copes by hiding angry messages in white text at the bottom of her sent emails. But when one such message is discovered by her office nemesis, Jolene is sent to mandatory HR training led by the new HR guy, Cliff. As part of the monitoring changes he makes to her computer, she realizes she suddenly has access to all her colleagues' emails and chats. At first she's just appalled at what her coworkers are saying about her, but soon realizes she can use this information as a weapon while upcoming layoffs loom.
Soon, though, Jolene finds herself becoming friendly with Cliff--and even a few of her other coworkers. She starts to realize maybe she has played a part in her ostracism at work. Jolene is a tough nut to crack: and like. And this comes from me, a rather unsociable and shy officer worker at times! She makes a lot of questionable decisions and doesn't always treat people the best.
There's less humor in this story and more bitterness and sometimes, full on, sadness. No one at Supershops likes one another, and there's less office banter and more office showmanship. The plot plods for a while, and you want to shake Jolene for not just coming clean about her discovery. There are several other side stories involving secrecy, which are just stressful, honestly. So is the one involving a young girl who lives in Jolene's apartment building. Positives include some strong Iranian/Persian representation and an attempt to highlight the depths people will go to hide their loneliness and real truths from their coworkers.
This book just felt uneven; it's a story with promise, but be prepared for a rocky journey. The ending helps a lot. ...more
AFTER THE HURRICANE is a beautifully written novel, though not one that will appeal to everyone. It is a slow, meandering story, rich in introspectionAFTER THE HURRICANE is a beautifully written novel, though not one that will appeal to everyone. It is a slow, meandering story, rich in introspection and atmosphere—qualities that may frustrate some readers. However, for those who connect with its themes, it is an incredibly moving and resonant read. Franqui’s lyrical prose brings Puerto Rico to life, capturing both its breathtaking beauty and its post-hurricane devastation, while also delving deeply into the complexities of family, trauma, and identity.
At its heart is Elena, a young woman raised in the U.S. who returns to Puerto Rico—a place she has only visited—to search for her estranged father, Santiago, in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Though she and her mother know he survived the storm, he has since disappeared. Elena undertakes the journey with reluctance, having long been emotionally distanced from her father, who struggled with alcoholism and was often absent from her life. As she searches for him, she also searches for answers—digging through his belongings, uncovering mementos, and meeting people who knew him in ways she never did. Through this process, she begins to piece together a version of Santiago that had always been hidden from her.
What makes the novel particularly compelling is its dual perspective. While we follow Elena’s journey in the present, we also move backward through Santiago’s life, tracing his story in reverse—from his more recent struggles to his childhood. This structure forces both Elena and the reader to grapple with difficult questions: Is a troubled past an explanation or an excuse? If Santiago truly believed he was protecting Elena by burying his pain, does his failure negate the effort? There are no easy answers, only the messy, painful reality of inherited trauma and the ways it shapes a family.
Elena herself is not always easy to like—she complains, hesitates, and harbors resentment toward both of her parents for the secrets they kept. But can she really be blamed? Her frustration is deeply human, and her struggles with belonging—never feeling fully at home in the U.S. or Puerto Rico—add another poignant layer to her story. Through her cousin’s journal entries, the novel also explores Puerto Rico’s history of colonialism and oppression, adding depth to the personal and familial themes at its core.
Ultimately, AFTER THE HURRICANE is a heartbreaking yet thoughtful novel that refuses to offer easy resolutions. It is an exploration of identity, loss, and the long shadows cast by family wounds. With its rich character development and evocative storytelling, it lingers in the mind long after the final page....more
This book is an absolute breath of fresh air! It’s a refreshing, witty, and relatable story featuring a heroine who feels wonderA very charming read!
This book is an absolute breath of fresh air! It’s a refreshing, witty, and relatable story featuring a heroine who feels wonderfully real. Anna Appleby isn’t a picture-perfect protagonist—she’s funny, flawed, and juggling the everyday chaos of life: fears about losing her job, navigating post-divorce struggles, wrangling her kids, and tolerating her infuriating ex. She’s the kind of character we could all know—or even be.
As a columnist, Anna is forced to reinvent her weekly feature to keep up with changing times. To save her job, she agrees to a bold new concept: letting her children choose a series of men for her to date and writing about the experience. After all, it can’t be worse than online dating, right? What follows is a string of hilariously disastrous dates, complete with unexpected mishaps—think lice infestations and a fish hook lodged in someone’s cheek.
The novel deftly explores Anna’s attempt to balance motherhood, career ambitions, and romance. While fiercely trying to keep her job, she butts heads with her younger, perfectionist coworker, Will. Their rivalry for the column creates fantastic tension, and their reluctant interactions slowly spark something deeper—especially when they’re sent on a mandatory, tech-free work retreat together.
What’s particularly refreshing about HIM is that Anna doesn’t need a man or a relationship to feel fulfilled, but the story beautifully reinforces that she is still worthy of love. The book is packed with humor, heart, and sharp observations about the realities of being a working mother. It’s tender, funny, and utterly charming—a truly enjoyable read!...more
THE FAVORITES is an utterly captivating novel that delves into the fiercely competitive world of ice dancing, where ambition, sacrifice, and betrayal THE FAVORITES is an utterly captivating novel that delves into the fiercely competitive world of ice dancing, where ambition, sacrifice, and betrayal intertwine.
Katarina Shaw always dreamed of becoming an Olympian, but growing up in poverty meant she had to fight tooth and nail to reach the top. Her path crossed with Heath Rocha, a foster kid with his own struggles, and together they formed an unbreakable bond. Ice skating became their escape, propelling them from obscurity to royalty in the skating world—until a devastating incident at the Olympics shattered their dreams and their lives.
A decade later, the world is still captivated by their story, now the subject of a tell-all documentary. The book alternates between gripping documentary interviews, where various characters offer their takes on Kat and Heath’s journey, and Kat’s raw, personal narrative of what truly happened. The result is a riveting tale brimming with anger, passion, and resilience.
As Kat becomes entangled in the lives of her idol, Olympic champion Shelia Lin, and Shelia's twin children, Garret and Bella—current competitors with their own high stakes—the story deepens. Both Kat and the Lins are willing to pay any price for Olympic glory. But THE FAVORITES poses a haunting question: how far is too far?
What starts as a seemingly straightforward story of love and competition evolves into a masterfully crafted web of deceit, desire, and vulnerability. Fargo’s storytelling is both spellbinding and thought-provoking, delivering a tale that lingers long after the final page. This is a must-read for fans of character-driven drama. Hurrah for #bookstagram for getting me to pick this one up! ...more
UNROMANCE was an absolute delight and a fantastic pick from my Aardvark book subscription!
This story leans wholeheartedly into classic romance tropes,UNROMANCE was an absolute delight and a fantastic pick from my Aardvark book subscription!
This story leans wholeheartedly into classic romance tropes, as author Sawyer takes on the ambitious task of "ruining love" for actor Mason—using those very tropes against him. Sawyer is the quintessential "scared to love again" heroine, still reeling from a painful breakup, while Mason embodies the charming "hopeless romantic" who wears his heart on his sleeve and can’t help but fall fast.
After an unexpected one-night stand, their paths keep crossing, leading them to strike a deal: they’ll use romantic tropes to tackle their personal hang-ups and, in the process, reignite Sawyer’s passion for writing romance novels. Each chapter kicks off with a fun definition of a new trope, giving readers a preview of what’s to come. Even better, Mason and Sawyer actually take the time to connect and grow as individuals—no insta-love here—which makes their journey all the more satisfying.
On paper, nothing about UNROMANCE should work: the pact, the romance, or even the chemistry between Mason and Sawyer. Yet it all comes together seamlessly. Their banter is sharp, their sparks undeniable, and the meta angle—when their romance mirrors the plot of Sawyer’s novel-in-progress—is quite fun.
The story is fresh, fun, and brimming with charm, supported by a cast of quirky, lovable side characters. I also appreciated the thoughtful representation: Sawyer is bisexual, and the book offers a beautifully modern take on love. Most of all, it’s just a joy to read. I found myself smiling constantly, swept up in its warm embrace of the romance genre. Throw in a celebrity angle, and it’s everything I love in a rom-com.
A thoroughly entertaining read—4+ stars and highly recommended!...more
I absolutely loved this book! As a devoted fan of Jane Eyre, I was eager to see how a modern reimagining would unfold—and Jane & Edward did not disappI absolutely loved this book! As a devoted fan of Jane Eyre, I was eager to see how a modern reimagining would unfold—and Jane & Edward did not disappoint.
While the novel follows the essence of the classic story, it doesn’t rigidly adhere to it, which works beautifully. Our Jane is a resilient foster kid scraping by as a waitress while attending night school, determined to build a better future as a legal assistant. When she lands a coveted job at a prestigious Toronto law firm, she quickly discovers that her new boss is none other than Edward Rosen—the formidable, notoriously feared partner of the firm. But unlike everyone else, Jane isn’t intimidated. She’s faced far worse in life, and Edward, for all his gruffness, seems intrigued by her unwavering spirit. Naturally, secrets lurk in the background, threatening to keep them apart.
The novel cleverly weaves in nods to the original—there’s an "attic" of sorts (the upper floors of the building), an Adele (a fellow assistant who befriends Jane), and other subtle parallels. But where Jane & Edward truly shines is in the undeniable chemistry between its leads. Their dynamic crackles with tension—sharp banter, smoldering glances, and electric moments that leap off the page. Jane remains as independent and strong-willed as ever, carving her own path despite the challenges she faces. Meanwhile, Edward is every bit the brooding, complex figure we love, harboring secrets and depths that make him utterly captivating.
I was completely hooked by the fiery connection between Jane and Edward, but what I loved most was Jane’s unshakable strength and resilience. If you’re a Jane Eyre fan, you’ll absolutely adore this take—but even if you’re simply looking for a compelling romance, this is a must-read. 4.5 stars!...more