The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this one in one swallow. It was fun, interesting and visually stunning. Loved it.

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Ideal Life: A Novel by Evelyn Skye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve read every Evelyn Skye book. Not only do I love her writing style but I love her as a human being I get to call a friend. How lucky am I?

This was both a departure from her other stories and not really. As someone who works in tech, I really enjoyed the setting of this book. And even though as a reader, I could totally see that Talia was making poor choices and getting addicted to the ability to undo even the smallest of mistakes, I completely believe that if any of us actually had this power, we would have a really hard time not using it both for ourselves and for the people we love.

Especially if it seemed like it didn’t have adverse reactions, who wouldn’t want to tinker and make things just right. Or to give others (or themselves) an opportunity to correct things. The thing is, throughout this whole story Talia never uses the power to truly take advantage of anyone else or in a purely selfish way. In her own way, she’s always trying to do it for the “right” reasons (ok maybe not when she’s eating several breakfasts but it’s also ok to have a little fun if it comes at no expense, no?)

As in all her other books, the creativity and visual storytelling are one of a kind. I loved the idea of Talia’s company and the details that went with it. I loved the bookstore in the lighthouse. I loved imagining the fancy Taco Bell. So many beautiful and visual details.

Reading a Skye book is always such a gift and this one is no exception.

with gratitude to netgalley and Atria books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Under the Falls by Richard Russo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I’m not entirely sure why the reviews for this book are so so bad. I thought it was perfectly average. Yes, there are a lot of open plot-points and several things don’t seem to make sense but once i started reading I found myself wanting to read more and more. In fact, I read the whole thing in a single sitting.

I think there are two main issues with this story: it wasn’t well-developed. The characters are not interesting and as the reader I didn’t feel like I understood any of their motivations enough to figure out why they made the choices they made (I felt like Curt was the only one that came close.) And they all make such terrible choices the whole time. So if you don’t understand them, they are not textured enough and they make poor choices, it becomes harder to read the story.

Second issue is that this novel is written by an author who is clearly capable of writing so much better. So at a deft hand like his, it feels even less forgivable because it feels like laziness/choice vs lack of ability.

Maybe that explains some of the frustration others seem to have.

with gratitude to Knopf and netgalley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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If You Must Go, I Wish You Triplets by Virginia DeLuca
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

ok this one hit a little close to home. but it was good. relatable and well written.

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The Romance Revival by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Christina Lauren so I already knew I was going to love this book before I started it. And yes the premise of this one is a bit crazy, and yes you have to suspend your disbelief. But it doesn’t matter because their playful and sweet dialogue is still there. Their fun side characters are still there. The story flows and you don’t want to let go of these lovely characters. Especially now, all I wanted to do was to live in their world for a little longer. And this one has a bonus awesome dog, too!

Read it in a single sitting!

with gratitude to netgalley and Gallery Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Keep Them Close by David Ellis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

David Ellis knows how to weave a story. This one was both expected and unexpected in places, for me. It’s about the murder of Allison’s cheating husband. Or is it about a childhood story? or is it about a drug bust? Or is it about a girlfriend she doesn’t like? Or an awful car accident? Which one is it? Or is it all of them?

You’ll have to read to find out.

I read this one in a single sitting. Love David Ellis.

with gratitude to netgalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

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