ugly-cried – Currant7 Recommends

April 12, 2023April 8, 2023

Book Review | Needing You Always (The Always Series 2) by Lizzie Morton

Disclosure: I received this complimentary copy from the author and/or publisher and voluntarily left an honest review. A positive review is not required.

Published on: 12 April 2022
Type: series, standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Lizzie Morton
Book Length: 463 pages
Read: 04 April 2023
Shelved: 06 April 2023
Rating: 5/ 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Retailers: Amazon US | UK | Universal Link

Add to your Goodreads TBR!

Synopsis

From international bestselling author Lizzie Morton, an edgy, emotional, enemies-to-lovers, stand-alone romance.

Ryan Alvarez is unreliable, unapproachable, and has an attitude as foul as his mouth.
His masculine beauty is more infuriating than his blasé attitude to life.
He’s everything I hate and everything I avoid.
And then his past indiscretions force our paths to align.
Where proximity is forced, feelings aren’t.
Our chemistry is palpable, undeniable.
The two of us together are perfectly imperfect.

Until the sparks, we create catch light, the fire that is us burns through the foundations of everything I thought I wanted to be.

My wants. Hopes. Beliefs.

The worst kind of enemy is the one that makes you believe they’re not, and the problem with falling for them …

When they decide to strike, you have no choice but to crumble.

** Needing You Always is Book 2 in a series of interconnected standalones. It is not required to read the Always Trilogy. Each book is a complete story and contains a HEA.**

Review

RATING BREAKDOWN:-
Character: ★★★★★
Atmosphere: ★★★★★
Writing: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Intrigue: ★★★★★
Logic: ★★★★
Enjoyment: ★★★★★
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OVERALL: 4.9 or 5 stars ★★★★★

TW: alcohol, drugs, blood, past trauma, death of a loved one, abandonment issues

POV: first person, Susanne Van Rensburg

Some stories are easy to read/breeze through, sure-HEA, but this is NOT one of them. Readers can expect angst-driven proximity, slow-burning attraction, and cold-hot enemies-to-lovers/in-denial. Expect a lot of push-and-pull, misunderstandings, and hurtful words. Readers should come prepared to be emotionally invested in the characters and the slow-burning romance.

Cunningly, the author used a first-person, central POV (Susanne “Sooz” Van Rensburg), a different writing approach from the previous books in the series, which made the story more credible, expressive, intriguing, and impactful. Susanne’s journey, which has many unexpected twists and turns, takes the reader on a rollercoaster of emotions. In the end, readers can relate to the universal themes of courage, strength, and resilience that Susanne embodies.

Sooz, co-owner of Next Level PR agency, works above and beyond what is expected. She may be on top of her professional career, but her relationships (family, friends, and others) are next to none. She is cold and shut off from many meaningful relationships. Constantly on guard because of “life disappointments and hurts,” Sooz became a workaholic, focusing on goal-centered results rather than fulfilling and lasting relationships.

The fact that she endured a “rocky start” with Ryan Alvarez, drummer for S.C.A.R.A.B., made it even more believable that opposites attract. Through many heated arguments and bitter lessons, Sooz slowly realizes the importance of family. She later succumbs to the inevitable – reconnecting lost familial relationships and becoming open to the possibility of finding a previously imperceivable future for herself. Over time, Sooz learns to trust her family and finds solace in their love and support. As the story continues, Sooz begins to appreciate life and learns to really “see” Ryan instead of believing the image he projects in public.

Ryan is one confusing character. He was hot-cold for many moments in the book, giving me (and Sooz) constant whiplash. He makes many cryptic statements and expects others to understand what he means. Heck, I was in a daze about what he wanted, then did something that threw things off. I suppose the “secrets” affect his actions and how he “handles” them, but come on! Give readers like me (and Sooz) a break and do not just disappear and expect us to be okay about it, especially after some significant development in the storyline. Considering that Ryan and Sooz already have abandonment issues from their pasts, Ryan shouldn’t have done what he did. Ryan should have stated things from the beginning because instead of finding a solution to his “issue” early on, Sooz felt confused, hurt, and betrayed (it was stated that “those who matter” were in on “the secret” – ouch!). It’s not fair to drag readers along and second-guess their emotions. Ryan needs to take responsibility and explain his actions to Sooz.

In summary, Needing You Always is a deep dive into complex emotions, new perspectives, and nuances about family politics/misunderstandings, commitment/disconnection, self-depreciation, abandonment, and misconceptions – public vs. private image. This book brought me distress and anxiety! It kept me on edge from start to finish. I was shattered by “Ryan’s issues,” and even if I might disagree with how the characters handled the “issue,” I respected their reasons…and it did end up with a HEA that is “on the upside.” Many new insights opened my eyes to possible positive outcomes with mutual respect and taking risks within a “safe space.” I realized now that the path to redemption and healing is not as straightforward or “clear-cut” as expected. Sometimes there are no easy answers. It’s a process that takes time, patience, and understanding. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a thought-provoking and engaging read.

About the Author

Lizzie Morton is an author of Contemporary Romance and Romantic Suspense.

Her first novel, Always You, was written in her spare time while looking after her first child. Since then Lizzie has become a full-time author, and her first novel has become an international bestseller as part of The Always Trilogy.

Lizzie Morton’s ongoing future projects will include The Always Series, a series spin-off from the trilogy with interconnecting standalones.

When Lizzie isn’t writing, she enjoys reading, binging on Batman, and dancing to Spotify in her kitchen with her three children and Daddy Morton.

November 30, 2021November 14, 2021

How to Survive a Modern-Day Fairy Tale by Elle Cruz

Published on: 30 November 2021
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Type: standalone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Author: Elle Cruz
Book Length: 368 pages
Read: 10 November 2021
Shelved: 12 November 2021
Rating: 5 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

Claire Ventura is nothing like the poised and perfect heroines she reads about in her favorite romance novels. She’s a quirky, people-pleasing bookworm with a loving yet obliviously intrusive family and a passion for cookie decorating—all rolled into a five-foot-two Filipina American fueled by chamomile tea.

Then she meets Nate, billionaire CEO of a global tech company, the modern-day Prince Charming who sweeps her off her feet. Though he does his best to convince Claire that he’s genuinely head over heels for her, she knows he’ll soon realize she’s more underwhelming Plain Jane than a jet-setting socialite. And once he meets her family, if their initial questioning doesn’t scare him off, then their tendency to decide “what’s best for her” certainly will.

Between her whirlwind romance with Nate and her meddlesome family, Claire wishes she had a fairy godmother to guide her. But this is the real world in the twenty-first century, and the only way to get her happily ever after is by grabbing a firm hold of what she really wants—and letting her heart be her guide.

Review

First off, I appreciate and support authors who set the stage well before the story starts to give a better background on where they are coming from and help readers understand why they would react the way they do. Note that this is a Fil-Am writer, and I already feel connected with her, given that I am a Fil-Can (and Chinese) reader.

The staging of this book already hit many commonalities with my experiences.

This book talks about an introverted bookstore employee and baker-by-night named Maria Clara “Claire” Ilagan Ventura and a down-to-earth yet billionaire tech CEO, Nathaniel “Nate” Noruta, navigating the possibility of a relationship after a happenstance encounter. Will this relationship sustain the trials and tribulations of internal struggles, protective family members, and the Filipino courting culture?

Memorable Quotes From How To Survive a Modern-Day Fairy Tale: Dissected

“She gave birth to eleven children at home. Sometimes the midwife couldn’t get her in on time, and she had to birth them on her own.”
“Wow, how many grandkids does she have?” “Thirty-five.“

-> Filipino (and even Asian) families are known to be plentiful. They see children/kids as blessings – always a joy to have no matter what age. I love the truth in this statement and how proud Claire is of her Lola mothering and raising her children and guiding grandkids throughout her life, even after Lolo passed.
Although my family didn’t have as many great-grandkids as Claire’s, we are twenty-one grandkids to my grandmother, who birth five uncles and two aunties from my paternal side.

But two little obstacles stood in the way. One: mustering up the courage to actually leave her day job and follow her dream. And two: breaking the news to her traditional Filipino family that she would never pursue a job in medicine or science.

-> The biggest hurdle to success is believing that one’s passion will be enough to turn it into a profession. Claire’s fears and concerns are valid. But I was happy to see that even if there were “detractors” to her “dream job,” there are people like Nate and some family members who gave her the courage to explore and be brave.

The day Lola had taken a sharp decline from Alzheimer’s was the day apart of Claire’s heart died.

-> This hit home for me. I understood how Claire felt since grandmother also had the same issue and everything happening as her grandmother. Yes, I cried a bit here since I didn’t want to believe that this would happen in a gut-wrenching fashion given such a cute title.

Despite their differences, they loved one another fiercely. It was one of the things Lola had insisted upon. Family first. The Lord only gave you each other, Lola would say. That’s why you should not quarrel.

-> Family theme again – LOVE LOVE LOVE! Words of wisdom reign true – transcends time and space.

“I’m sorry to break it to you, sweetie, but you have to learn how to put aside your reservations and embrace the whole man.”

-> Note that even Claire had trouble wrapping around her emotional attraction with Nate. The insta-attraction is very Cinderalla-esque that it won me over. Filipinos love true love at first sight – and sometimes, even rational characters like Claire is not immune to the hope of finding her prince charming.

“If you worked hard, you could be like me. Lola and Lolo didn’t come all the way to America to see their future generations waste their time. Lola would be very disappointed in you.”

-> This statement is what people (not only parents) say to “guilt-trip” others to do what they wanted them in the first place. It is a form of psychological manipulation, and it had the full effect on Claire in the book. I felt so bad because I had to overcome a lot and “push back” people who use this technique in having me succumb to their wishes.
Claire couldn’t “fight back” to what is important to her until the very last parts of the book. Sadly, she had to go through so much heartache (also other characters in the book), but that’s what drives the story and learning from all the “bad choices” made previously.
Claire’s character development was slow because she sacrificed for so many people in the book, BUT she did grow and flourish to something beyond my expectations.

“Things are different now. People are meeting through apps and the internet, and a lot are even ending up married. You never know. This guy might be the one. But if your Spidey-sense starts tingling, get the h*ll out of there. And don’t be disappointed if he doesn’t look one hundred percent like his profile picture. As long as he looks at least seventy-five percent similar, it’s all good. That’ the threshold for catfishing.”

-> I couldn’t relate, BUT I was amazed at how Ro, Claire’s sister, got the Rules on Catfishing down to a specific percentage. I laughed as I re-read that passage and through the many times I saw profile photos before and now. Yes, there’s more filtering and “added touches” in photos these days compared to the past.

That was the moment she realized, with unwavering certainty, she was the start of her own modern-day fairy tale, and she’s found a hero who blew all the other prices out of the water.

-> In the Filipino culture, being courted is very important. The man would ask permission from the girl’s parents before showing any intention beyond friendship. Although Nate didn’t go through the traditional route, no one could fault Claire for not falling hard for Nate’s effort to work towards a relationship with her. To the point of making Claire’s priority his also.

She went into her room and logged into her laptop. A new shiny batch of orders and inquires waited for her. With numb determination, she went to work. It was strange how there was no joy in anything she did. There was no sense of excitement, no hope – Hope.

-> At some point, after reading that chapter, I cried ugly. It’s from this quote that the story turned from upward to a crash landing of epic proportion. I love how no one saw this coming after so many “highs” brought about by Claire and Nate. The angst and pain inflicted were subtle until it hits readers with a finality – a plot twist that one could see a way out. After that, another thing happens that will “pull the rug out” for readers. This story shows readers that although the story started like a fairy tale for Nate and Claire, real-life caught up, and it is NOT all “butterflies and rainbows.” Instead, it is hard work, vulnerability, emotions, and honesty.

**Note that there were many highlight quotes in my book copy, but I do not want to spoil the book. Some other points I want to mention are:-

1.) This story is from a third-person – singular POV – Claire’s. It is not the POV I typically go for (unless it’s a mystery book), BUT for this story, it worked out so WELL! The technique enhances the story with the 180-degree twist that will catch readers off-guard and into an emotional tailspin. I have yet to recover from that episode, even after finishing this book.

2.) Even before meeting Nate, I believe Claire is very lost – to what she wants and who she wants to be. Claire’s complexity (a sister, a daughter, a peacekeeper, a dutiful grandchild, a bookstore employee by day, and an aspiring businesswoman at night) is because she wants to be everything to everyone at the expense of sacrificing her happiness. Being in Nate’s orbit forces her to decide what will matter most versus what others say or think about her. She dug deep to see what any woman at some point will ultimately have to decide on:- love or a career.

3.) I love Claire’s sisters, Ro and Sam. They were a hoot! Ro’s the carefree sister who is up-to-date with everything! Sam is the wise sister who warns all her sisters of the pitfalls of a relationship and falling too fast, mainly due to personal experiences. Granted Ro and Sam clash like there’s no tomorrow, I was happy to see them set aside their differences and help their sister when family support is needed. There were a lot of other cases, not Claire-Nate moments, that they needed to help their whole family with emergency and loss.

Overall, I enjoyed How To Survive a Modern-Day Fairy Tale immensely! The author did what she set out for me to do – to be swept away by the romance of Claire and Nate. The first part may seem far-fetch, but I LOVE it! The second part is when “reality comes in” and starts forcing the main characters to realize that it’s not a “real-life fairy tale” after all! The story might be “too incredible,” but I urge readers to get through at least sixty percent (60%) of the book to fully appreciate the author’s point that relationships are constant work, communication, open-mindedness, and a lot of patience.

This book is for readers who want their escapism and “fantastic stories” with a side of ugly cry moments and a HEA ending. This book achieved this goal and more in my eyes!

Themes: strong family ties, siblings love-hate relationship, true love, connections, self-worth / coming to terms / coming of age

Tropes: insta-love (“insta-everything”), Opposites Attract, Billionaire, Against-All-Odds, Serendipitous Encounters

About the Author

Elle Cruz is a writer of steamy contemporary romance. When Elle was a kid, she’d get in trouble on purpose to be sent to her room so she could read all day long. She thanks her lucky stars that her parents never thought to take books away from her when she was grounded. In a way, it was mom and dad’s fault for unintentionally cultivating a voracious reader and writer.

After earning her English degree from UC Irvine, Elle eventually went back to school to become a nurse. Apparently, she couldn’t get enough of learning because she went to grad school to earn her doctorate degree.

Elle is the daughter of immigrants. She is fiercely proud of her background as a second-generation Filipino-American. She is dedicated to carving out a permanent place for POC in mainstream publishing by contributing her voice to the growing list of diverse authors.

Elle lives in Southern California with her supportive husband and two wonderful kids. When she’s not writing, she likes to keep her body guessing with her two obsessions: cookies and working out.

Special thanks to Entangled Publishing for sending me a physical copy of the book and an eARC for the review!

eARC provided with appreciation by Grey’s Promotions

September 9, 2021December 31, 2021

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author and/or publisher. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. A positive review is not required. Also, if you follow the Bookshop.org links, I may earn a commission from them, whose fees support independent bookshops.

Published on: 06 October 2021
Published by: Tor Books
Type: standalone
Genre: Fantasy Action & Adventure, Historical Fantasy, Romance, LGBTQ+, Coming of Age, Love Triangle
Author: V.E. Schwab (also known as Victoria Schwab)

Read: 03 September 2021
Shelved: 06 September 2021
Rating: 5 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

A Life No One Will Remember. A Story You Will Never Forget.

France, 1714: in a moment of desperation, a young woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever and is cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets.

Thus begins the extraordinary life of Addie LaRue, and a dazzling adventure that will play out across centuries and continents, across history and art, as a young woman learns how far she will go to leave her mark on the world.

But everything changes when, after nearly 300 years, Addie stumbles across a young man in a hidden bookstore and he remembers her name.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue has it own dedicated website, so check it out here.
Start reading an excerpt of the book!

Take an interactive tour of the New York City sites visited by Addie, Henry, and Luc. Warning: contains minor spoilers.

Check out the playlist on Spotify here.

Note: there are a lot of special editions for this book so you know that readers are fanatic collectors. **guilty over here** A few of the awesome variations of the cover is below – so awesome!

This book is BEAUTIFUL from the stain printing and the golden ribbon bookmark!

These are great color combination to contrast the original black one.

I love the color scheme of blues and yellow/gold – it works!

Want to see more? Check out the rest of them here.

Review

Trigger Warnings: discussion of drugs, depression, mental health, religion, sexuality.

Adeline “Addie” LaRue is a dreamer. She wants a life outside the prospect of being a wife that will take care of her husband and bear him children in her small community in France. Addie would always discourage suitors and found creative ways to make these men look the other way. Until one day, Addie couldn’t escape the inevitable. She was to marry a widower upon her parent’s arrangement. And on that wedding day – it became the day she traded her humanity for forever. What happens next is a series of lives that Addie had to live through – some days were full of wonder and amazement on the beauty of the world, while other days were crushing enough to make her want to give up.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue (“Invisible Life“) is not my first encounter with the author’s work. I thoroughly enjoyed the author’s City of Ghosts series and expected the same for this book, plus I was very curious based on the book title. While City of Ghosts’ writing is geared towards a middle-grade audience, Invisible Life is marketed to young adults/adults, a more extensive and demanding set of readers. Would I be able to transition to adult by the same author seamlessly? I have NOT encountered such a variation/combination yet and freshly after City of Ghosts. Will I be more critical about the tune and writing of this book versus the previous one? I was worried about shattering my perception of the author. I did have Invisible Life in my TBR for a while now, but after a friend/Youtuber/booktuber highly recommended it in her last video, this gave me “the push” to get the book. Man, oh, man, I am so glad I took her advice.

Like Peter, in J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. There, at the end, when Peter sits on he rock, the memory of Wendy Darling sliding from his mind, and it is sad, of course, to forget. But it is a lonely thing, to be forgotten. To remember when no one else does. I remember, whispers the darkness, almost kind, as if he’s not the one who cursed her.
– The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab

The story revolves around Addie’s and later Henry’s POVs. Both characters’ stories are heavier and loaded than I anticipated. Wishes, secrets, desires, and later regret fill each episode shared to readers. Many revelations surprised me; many twists were unexpected yet cunningly written. Addie’s story is the reverse of the movie – Fifty First Dates, where everyone else forgets Addie and everything involving her. Cute and has a very new perspective with a lot of twists. In contrast, Henry’s story reminds me of Genesis’ story of Adam and Eve regarding temptation and contentment. He didn’t realize what he was getting himself into when he met Addie and the connections that will spew out – confessions and revelations.

I LOVE ADDIE! She is the epitome of perseverance, determination, wit, and sometimes too smart for her own good! Many moments in the story would break a character, given the obstacles she faced, like surviving three hundred years with no name or friends. She made it all work out and thrived as best as she could to “beat the odds” and “bend” her curse by her terms. Addie grows wiser each time readers meet her, and with sheer ingenuity, hints of her existence start to seep into the world.

They do not fit together perfectly. He was not made for her the way Luc was – but this is better, because he is real, and kind, and human, and he remembers.
– The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab

Love this! Art by @rosiethorm88 via author’s IG.

Addie and Henry’s flashbacks are a welcome relief! They give readers a glimpse of the fascinating and sometimes dark (traumatic) encounters Addie and Henry went through before their meeting. Take, for example – for Addie’s, wherein at each chapter’s end, memories of Addie seen in the person she is interacting with fades out a few minutes right there and then! For Henry’s experience, the inability to “find his place/purpose” or being empty is the issue, even if he’s in a sea of people. I enjoyed the artwork associated with the start of the parts. Seven of these artworks (about 3-20 chapters within) are appropriate and related to the upcoming chapters or reinforced the previous chapters/sections.

I relish and was giddy with Addie and Henry’s love story even under precarious circumstances – they made it work. It provides hope to readers regarding having someone beyond time and space – right time, right place. But like in all great love stories, there are many complications to be “together.” There were many secrets, tears, and angst that will have readers hold their breath. The plot twist and resolution were a shock! I am still a mess from “ugly-crying” nearing the end and am still distraught. Granted, I was happy with how the author ended (?) the book, but my heart and brain are still analyzing everything. I did like what Addie did, and somehow after three hundred years, she grew and outwitted everyone her way – and it was spectacular!

To wrap things up, The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue is a stunning, compelling, haunting, profound, and moving story. It will appeal to fantasy, paranormal, romance, and outlier readers who want “more” in a story, its characters, and plot twists. The story is an addictingly captivating read that brings many reflective points. It questions readers on the value of a “full life” – its fragility, unpredictability, and purpose. How to quantify a meaningful life is at the forefront of the book, and I couldn’t help but partake of Addie’s immeasurable burden because of her wish. The plot twists are refreshing and take a unique stance on the price of immortality and the value of life – something I have yet to read as a reviewer. I believe this might be the same for other readers also. The story and its message will make readers dig within themselves and empathize with all the characters (yes, even Luc) in the book. Invisible Life made me obsess over Addie, Luc, and Henry!

So readers, let me ask you:- Is the price for immortality worth it if you can only live on the sidelines?

They have both chosen seams, those ragged lines where things are neither here or there, but balanced on the brink. And Addie wonders, half to herself, “Would you rather feel nothing or everything?”
– The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V.E. Schwab

PS: Do I sense a subsequent book or epilogue? I hope so, but either way, I know Addie will come out on top because she definitely proved to be far braver or smarter than anyone expected!

About the Author

Victoria (V.E.) Schwab is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than a dozen books, including the acclaimed Shades of Magic series, This Savage Song, Our Dark Duet, City of Ghosts and Vicious. Her work has received critical acclaim, has been featured in the New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, and more, has been translated into more than a dozen languages, and has been optioned for television and film.

Victoria is the product of a British mother, a Beverly Hills father, and a southern upbringing. Because of this, she has been known to say “tom-ah-toes,” “like,” and “y’all.” She also tells stories. She loves fairy tales, and folklore, and stories that make her wonder if the world is really as it seems.

When she’s not haunting Paris streets or trudging up English hillsides, she lives in Nashville and is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up monsters.

August 9, 2021August 10, 2021

Better Believe It by Fern Ronay

Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

Published on: 03 December 2019
Published by: Red Adept Publishing, LLC
Type: HEA, series, standalone
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Author: Fern Ronay
Read: 10 July 2021
Shelved: 13 July 2021
Rating: 5 / 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Synopsis

Jada Marlone’s life appears to be perfect on social media. She has a loving husband, a beautiful child, and a successful career. What she doesn’t post about is the disconnect she feels in her marriage, the difficulties of motherhood, and her strained relationship with her mother.

Resigned to never being truly happy, Jada runs into an ex-boyfriend. While trying to decide whether the coincidence is her second chance at happiness, Jada begins having dreams that feature her dead cousin Gina.

With Gina’s help, Jada starts to uncover the real reasons behind her life decisions. As Jada tries to figure out her future, uncontrollable events threaten her resolve. Will she be able to draw from all she learned from Gina, or will she risk making the same mistakes twice?

Review

Jada Ann Santanelli Marlone is a corporate lawyer who has it all – a husband, a great home, a cute three-year-old boy, and a promotion to boot. With everything going on so well in her life, why is she not happy? She may portray a different façade outside, but what happens “behind closed doors” is another.

“Theoretically, the more people a person was around, the less lonely she should feel. But in my case, being with my parents, my sister, her family, or Mark – individually or all together – made me feel lonelier than being alone. It defied logic, but it was true. I couldn’t say that to Mark or anyone else, but it was true.”
— Better Believe It, Fern Ronay

Better Believe It immediately grabbed me and led me down a rabbit hole into Jada’s world. The beginning chapter shared so much that it was impossible to put down! There was so much angst and dissatisfaction that my curiosity piqued, and I had to read on. I think this is because the story jumps immediately in the middle of Jada’s revelation that was “meaty” from the get-go. The tone is brilliant and catchy. The book reminds me a bit of A Christmas Carol as Jada goes back into her past and “peeking into the future” as she tries to dissect her life – in finding what she ultimately wants for herself, but all at present.

Something needs to change. Something will change. I will make this happen.
— Better Believe It, Fern Ronay

I liked a few elements of the book, and these are:-

The discussion on life, its meaning, and happiness was a memorable topic. It is one thing to be married and has everything but still be unhappy while seeing the flip side of seeing others find their happiness in their situation. Take, for example, motherhood is a beautiful experience, but it may not be for all. There is also talk about marriage – while some have perfect partners (or so they say), others love their singleton.

Bottom line: it is all about finding and pursuing one’s happiness. The author gives readers a glimpse of the various relationship dynamics that made me think of Jada’s situation and compare what is missing in her life to make her dissatisfied.

“Social media can be so deceiving…It just looks like everyone is so happy. It’s a big f*cking façade. It never seems like anyone has a fight, or feels drained from work, or from commuting, or taking care of their kids, or doesn’t love their spouse anymore. Any maybe never did.”
— Better Believe It, Fern Ronay

Because this book is from Jada’s POV only, readers will sympathize with her, and the impact of her actions is heightened. Jada discovers herself, then grows and matures into a new person – very different from how she started in the book. The internal discussions of Jada with her subconsciousness (i.e., talk to her dead relatives) are my favorite parts. There were many “eye-openers” for Jada; simultaneously, they were revelations for me too – regarding inner conflict and outer turmoil. A few were evident to what she wants to achieve but is afraid of, but the startling ones are the wisdom shared by her dead cousin, Gina. I felt like Jada, surprised and stunned all at once, especially the prediction of her ex-boyfriend coming into her life and not how I expected it to be. It is a nice touch that in reconciling (internally) Jada’s lessons, Gina is also helping Jada wrap her head around what happened to her. Gina helps Jada find the inner peace that Jada did not know was missing that helps her move on and be better – spiritually and mentally.

“When you start realizing who you are and what you want, you will make choices surround yourself with people and situations that don’t cause inner conflict and outer turmoil.”
— Better Believe It, Fern Ronay

Although based on the blurb, readers might not realize how gut-wrenching Jada’s situation is. The story deals with more gritty issues when the marriage and family structure, initially thought stable, comes down like a stack of cards. Jada had to deal with a lot in and outside her home that will overwhelm her. She hits rock bottom, but balancing out the “still-doing-okay” façade on the outside was the most challenging part when all Jada wants to do is scream in frustration. Jada was so unhappy yet realized later that she would have to ensure much pain and sorrow before finding her redemption, a second chance to the life she deserves. The book will make readers think and empathize with Jada and the rest of the book’s characters.

NOTE: Everything will explode just when readers think Jada’s life decisions couldn’t get her any worst. All of those “lessons” collide and implode at some point in the story, like Fourth of July fireworks! Be ready for the waterworks to happen. Yes, this book made me cry-ugly and disturbed (in a good way) but made me realize so many amazing people – do not underestimate the power of gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion.

“Breakthrough, then a sting, then the good stuff. That’s how you do it.”
— Better Believe It, Fern Ronay

In summary, Better Believe It is a witty yet poignant story about approaching life. Readers can expect witty storytelling, clever comebacks from Jada and the supporting characters, well-intentioned but crazy family members (as expected) as Jada navigates and reassesses how she can improve her life and find a better meaning to her situation.

Several elements made the book a worthy read and insight into further self-reflection to Jada’s lessons. The author touches on many lessons as we journey through Jada’s life – love, relationship, happiness, and second chances. I cannot wait to see more from this promising author.

“There is no right or wrong, but try, a little, to stop waiting for the other show to drop. Stop waiting for something as small as a marshmallow or as big as the ocean to get him. Enjoy the now.”
— Better Believe It, Fern Ronay

About the Author

Fern Ronay has lived in NYC, Chicago, and now sunny Los Angeles with her husband, but she will always consider herself a Jersey girl. She is the author of two novels, Better in the Morning and Better Believe It, and is the host of the podcast Signs from the Other Side, as well as a host at the AfterBuzzTV network.

GIVEAWAY ALERT

In celebration of the release of Better Believe It, a giveaway is being run! Up for grabs is a $25 Amazon gift card!
This Blitz-wide giveaway is open internationally. The giveaway ends August 19, 2021.

Join now ➟➟➟ Head-on to Rafflecopter here.

Good luck!

Tour Schedule

This blog tour runs from August 9-13, 2021 and is hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.
I hope you can support the rest of the tour hosts by visiting them for this beautifully written book!
The tour participant’s links can also be seen below but the links to the posts are here.

August 9th
–Currant7 Recommends >> Review
–What Is That Book About >> Excerpt
–Becky on Books >> Interview

August 10th
–Adventures in Writing >> Excerpt
–Natasha Brooks’ Favorite Books >> Interview
–Viviana MacKade >>Guest Post
–Read Your Writes Book Reviews >> Guest Post

August 11th
–Thoughts in Progress >> Excerpt
–The Tattooed Librarian >> Review
–Don’t Judge, Read >> Interview

August 12th
–Rants N Scribbles >> Excerpt
–Rajiv’s Reviews >> Review
–The Keysmash Blog >> Review

August 13th
–Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books! >> Excerpt
–Bookread2day >> Guest Post
–Reading Tonic >> Review

September 1, 2020August 31, 2020

Author Feature: Kennedy Ryan for Keep My Heart (Top Shelf Romance Collection Book 7)

Top Shelf Romance is bringing you the best modern classics of romance in Collection #7, KEEP MY HEART, featuring FOUR bestselling books from authors: Lex Martin, Kennedy Ryan, Kennedy Fox, W Winters!!

Keep My Heart will be releasing on September 8th!

Add to your Goodreads list: Keep My Heart

Every mood has its book.⁣

When you crave something exceptional, exciting and enchanting, Top Shelf Romance promises this and more.⁣

Blurb:

A Standalone FORBIDDEN LOVE SET IN THE EXPLOSIVE WORLD OF THE NBA…

Think you know what it’s like being a baller’s girl?
You don’t.
My fairy tale is upside down.
A happily never after.
I kissed the prince and he turned into a fraud.
I was a fool, and his love – fool’s gold.

Now there’s a new player in the game, August West.
One of the NBA’s brightest stars.
Fine. Forbidden.
He wants me. I want him.
But my past, my fraudulent prince, just won’t let me go.

*Some aspects of this story may be sensitive for some readers.

About Kennedy Ryan:

Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestseller and RITA® Award Winning author, Kennedy Ryan, writes about women from all walks of life, empowering them and placing them firmly at the center of each story and in charge of their own destinies. Her heroes respect, cherish and lose their minds for the women who capture their hearts.

She is a wife to her lifetime lover and mother to an extraordinary son. She has always worked with charity and non-profit organizations, but enjoys raising Autism awareness most. A contributor for Modern Mom Magazine and Frolic, Kennedy’s writings have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, USA Today and many others. The founder and executive director of a foundation serving Atlanta Autism families, she has appeared on Headline News, Montel Williams, NPR and other media outlets as an advocate for families living with autism.

Connect with Kennedy:

Connect with Top Shelf Romance

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July 27, 2020July 27, 2020

Torn Hearts (Hearts #1.5) and Paper Hearts (Hearts #2) by Claire Contreras

Torn Hearts
Published on: August 17, 2016
Published by: Wattpad
Type: standalone, series, cliffhanger
Series: Hearts #1.5
Author: Claire Contreras
Read: February 2019 / 25 July 2020
Shelved: February 2019 / 25 July 2020
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Get: Paper Hearts – official site

Paper Hearts
Published on: September 9, 2015
Type: standalone, series, HEA
Series: Hearts #2.0
Author: Claire Contreras
Read: 27 February 2019 / 26 July 2020
Shelved: 28 February 2019 / 26 July 2020
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Get: Paper Hearts – official site

**Note: my copy had Book #1.5 in Book 2

Torn Hearts
I met a boy once.
He made my heart go into a frenzy every time he looked at me, and my knees go weak whenever he touched me. Our love was so beautiful, that even its demise was bittersweet.
I met a girl once.
Her world, full of possibilities, made me feel like even I had a chance at being someone. She believed in me. She loved me. We were so secure, that even our breaking point seemed hazy.
Until we reached it.

Paper Hearts
I lost her. No, I didn’t lose her. I threw her away. She was my best friend. I was never supposed to fall in love with her. I was careless. She was heartbroken. I thought I was doing fine. But here she is, years later, forced to work with me, reminding me why I fell in love with her in the first place. And this time I’m going to do everything in my power to never let her go.

Review on Torn Hearts

Then we’ll take a break and meet at the end of the road.
— Mia and Jensen, Torn Hearts

Mia Bennett is a successful and fierce photographer who has been down on luck. She pushes people to be the best versions of themselves and even come to terms with letting go, people who she loves so that they would be able to go reach their dreams. She sacrificed a lot and is still doing it until she was offered a job in NYC for a photography shoot. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for her.

Still, every once in a while, I wonder. And nothing is more haunting than regret.
— Mia, Torn Hearts

Jensen Reynolds came from very humble beginnings and is an aspiring writer who moved from California to NYC to pursue his writing degree. He was encouraged by Mia and when they parted, they decided to take a break but promise to be back for each other. Somewhere along the way, Jensen got a colleague pregnant then had to face the consequences of his decision.

Backstory: This is the story of Mia and Jensen in preparation for Book 2. It is good to be able to see how far they go back, the road that they have taken, and where things will be leading. The book takes the readers to the beginning of the relationship, their break due Jensen moved to NYC to study being a writer then five years later at Estelle and Oliver’s wedding (Hearts #1).

Each has of the main character’s own baggage to handle – Mia’s disapproving parents, Jensen’s family history – that had a huge impact on how the couple turned out to be. It’s more gut-wrenching than Book #1 with both characters are living with their decisions that broke each others’ hearts in the end. They agreed before Jensen’s move that they will wait for each other…till Jensen had to break the news to Mia that shattered her world apart.

Things kept happening so quickly that my emotions were beaten and battered so much. My heart broke when Jensen disclosed that he’s going to be a father, especially when both promised to connect again when he came back from NYC but I guess circumstances just aren’t in their favor now.

I chose my own destiny and whether it’s good or bad, I had to accept the consequences of my actions.
— Jensen, Torn Hearts

I strongly recommend that readers read this prequel before going to Paper Hearts. It set the stage to where the characters are and how long it’s been when they do meet up to see if their chance will come up again.

Review on Paper Hearts

The story continues on with Mia and Jensen and I will tell you that it’s a gut-wrenching one again. The POV is done more on Mia’s side but we still get Jensen’s side. How the story is told in this book is very different from the previous book series. I find it refreshing actually since it gives homage to Carrie of Sex & the City but with Jensen as a freelance writer (for a magazine, a Sunday column, a children’s book series) while writing a novel about second chances. This is what this series/book is all about and I’m loving it! A lot of forgiveness, healing, and redemption between the two characters. It’s amazing! Re-reading this book got me excited again and helped me remember why I end up really loving the way Jensen was so determined to get his Mia back.

The conversations between Mia and Jensen are witty and showed us how compatible they are since they seem to be in-tune with each other that even when circumstances set them apart, the pull towards each other, no matter how far and how unlikely the timing, is inevitable.

Mia is as stubborn as can a shunned woman expected to be. Basing on her side of the story, it is sad about what happened to her relationship with Jensen. She was his #1 fan and pushed him to strive to be the best but at the same time, she inflicts so much pain unto herself – with him leaving, with him finding another and starting a family without her, sending care packages to Jensen c/o Patty after their breakup, his adoptive mom, etc. It’s just so much pain to bear for anyone, no matter how strong they are. I think her pure break-point (in her POV) has always been that Jensen decides on how his story will end without factoring her in when he decided to marry Olivia’s mom in the first place.

Love like this is worth fighting for.
— Jensen, Paper Hearts

Jensen’s weakness used to only be for Mia but in the book, we get to meet the other light of his life, his daughter – Olivia. I’m glad that he did find “space” to share his stories and experiences with the column and the books. I think the whole world/subscribership is watching the story unfold in his column and it was adorable.

They both decide (after much determination of Jensen to fight for Mia) that they start seeing each other…the thing is that it’s on a limited time since Mia’s NYC stint is temporary and she is offered another job after back in California.

Estelle’s reminder to Mia about dating a single parent is true (and stands for all) that the Jensen comes as a package with his daughter, his ex, her family and whoever will be with his ex…that Mia had to think hard if she wanted to be with him.

I’m all for Team Jensen on this. He laid out everything for Mia and hoped for the best in his pursuit. The reward at the end was pure bliss and I cried like there’s no tomorrow! Overall, I fully recommend Torn Hearts and Paper Hearts – super duper love and still swooning in from Jensen Talks’ entries, his words to Mia – all in a spectacular ending even until two epilogues!

Real love stories never end.
— Jensen, Paper Hearts

Claire Contreras is a New York Times Best Selling Author who traded her psychology degree to write fiction. Don’t worry, she still uses her knowledge on every single one of her characters.
She’s a breast cancer survivor (x2), who was born in the Dominican Republic, raised in Florida, and currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband, two adorable boys, and French bulldog.
Her books range from romantic suspense to contemporary romance and are currently translated in over fifteen languages. When she’s not writing, she’s usually lost in a book.

July 22, 2020October 17, 2020

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary

Published on: 10 April 2019
Published by: Quercus
Type: Stand-alone, no cliffhanger, HEA
Author: Beth O’Leary
Read: 7 February 2020 / 21 July 2020
Shelved: 8 February 2020 / 23 July 2020
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Get it: Flatshare – official site | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Being nice is a good thing.
You can be strong and nice. You don’t have to be one or the other.
— the Flatshare, Beth O’Leary

Tiffy and Leon share a flat
Tiffy and Leon share a bed
Tiffy and Leon have never met…

Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey each have a problem and need a quick fix.

Tiffy Moore needs a cheap flat, and fast. Leon Twomey works nights and needs cash. Leon has a flat that he only uses 9 to 5. Tiffy works 9 to 5 and needs a place to sleep. The solution to their problems? To share a bed of course…

Their friends think they’re crazy, but it’s the perfect solution: Leon occupies the one-bed flat while Tiffy’s at work in the day and she has the run of the place the rest of the time.

As Leon and Tiffy’s unusual arrangement becomes a reality, they start to connect through Post-It notes left for each other around the flat.

But with obsessive ex-boyfriends, demanding clients at work, wrongly imprisoned brothers and, of course, the fact that they still haven’t met yet, they’re about to discover that if you want the perfect home you need to throw the rulebook out the window…

Can true love blossom even in the unlikeliest of situations, even if you never see one another, or does true love blossom when you are least expecting it?

Tiffany “Tiff” Moore is an assistant editor to a small and specialized publication that produces crafting and DIY books. She’s been dumped by her on-again-off-again boyfriend for three months already but is still staying at his flat. She finally decided that she’s had enough and urgently needs to move out when their last fight was about him bringing his new girlfriend to the flat. But earning minimum wage at a quirky publishing house means that her choices are limited in London.

Leon Twomey is a palliative nurse who works nights, is out all weekends, and needs cash.
He has a girlfriend who is getting fed up with not having enough time with him since he is more concerned with other people’s welfare than his own. He has made so many good connections in the clinic that he does still get emotional to some of the patients especially when he can see them in pain. Along with working night shifts looking after the terminally ill, his sole focus is on raising money to fight his brother’s unfair imprisonment.

Coming into this book and finding out it’s from a British writer (totally no offense to this), I was worried that there might be too much British slang or technical stuff that only a local person would understand. I was gearing up my search engines if I need to…but as I start on, I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to follow along and became an enjoyable read. I had no issues and really got connected to the characters well.

The concept is new, even the characters themselves find this arrangement uniquely weird, mostly on Tiffany’s part due to her initial hesitation. I like the duality of the story – being in both minds at the same time. It reminds me a bit of the movie, Sliding Doors, meets You’ve Got Mail all rolled into one. This is with the two different characters’ POV – separate moving pace their stories while interacting with each other through Post-It – all rolled into one.

Tiffy seems to be a nice woman that I could be friends with but with a bit of ‘cracks’ here and there because of her ex. She’s trying her best to move on while keeping her favorite eccentric writer, Katherin, happy and writing away. Tiffy is always the “it” gal to handle all of Katherin’s crazy antics so as to get the book done. I’m a fan of Katherin! She’s hilarious and realistic…eccentric to a point but definitely a memorable character for me.
I am furious with Justin, Tiffy’s ex, on the way he treats her throughout their relationship and even after as Tiffy later recalls based on the situation and actions that she is in. It all sounded like emotional abuse that she needed her best to get out of that ‘rut’ to start seeing herself-worth. It was good and bad to read through it but I’m sure that that’s the only way that Tiffy can realize that she saved herself from a weak and horrible man.

At the start of the book, Leon seems so caught up with so many things like work and his brother that he couldn’t find the time to focus on anything outside of that. As things progressed, he started adding more than just caring for the people in the clinic, he went into knowing them better and learning what would make their stay better (or even their life better after they are gone) plus finding the time to be a better version of himself. Too bad that he had to realize this after Kay left him but still, I believe that he stayed with her just to keep things as status quo. Kay didn’t seem to care much about Leon’s brother, Richie, or any of the people at his work to build a connection for the “life plan” that she was talking about.

Ironically, Tiffy and Leon might be flatmates but both main characters did not meet up but somehow found a way to communicate via Post-it noes instead. I was eager/curious about how things would be even if it’s just via notes. Both have their own quirks – Leon’s character seems too serious/uptight to me and is so cautious of everything. I was more worried about how Tiffy would be able to ‘adapt’ to sharing a space with such a person, as what she mentions – Leon didn’t even leave space for her things when she moved in.

Tiffy’s and Leon’s friends are all wonderful and reading about their stories and how they help Tiffy and Leon really makes the ‘heaviness’ of some of the book’s section less dreary.
For Tiffy’s friends, it has to be Mo, Gerty, and Rachel. All three were great supporting characters that are like good – bad consciences that guided Tiffy through her post-Justin life.
For Leon, it’s definitely Mr. Prior. I laughed, cried, and cried some more for his story but very grateful that he did get his own HEA at the cost of all the hassle for Leon.

Remind myself that there is no saving of people —people can only save themselves. The best you can do is help when they’re ready.
― Beth O’Leary, The Flatshare

Tiffy and Leon’s story is witty with heavy scenes inter-woven into it like
(1) how Tiffy had to realize how she was emotionally manipulated and gaslighted so badly by Justin due to her supposed inadequacies – which is NOT TRUE, or
(2) how Leon had to learn what real love for someone is all about through Mr. Prior and later comparing his relationship with Kay, or
(3) Holly’s story, or
(4) Richie’s struggles that I can feel each conversation he had with Leon.
I felt so awful about all of those.

I appreciate how both characters, Tiffy and Leon, grew up and learned that they do not want/have to be alone anymore and can start taking risks. Leon realizes that big gestures are sometimes overrated – very very true!

The length can be a bit lengthy since the pace is slower as the author would like to develop the characters better and get us, reader, to connect/feel to them. I was rushing a bit since I wanted to know what happens to them so there was a bit of skimming on some parts that I felt were ‘slow’ but all worth it since I re-read the last few sections again to ride through the “happiness” in the end.

As I get through the book, I realized how uplifting the theme could be – on how to gracefully come out of an “emotionally abused relationship”, ironically for both of them, and finding time to “connect” with people again after such an experience.

I love this book and cannot wait to read more from the author.

“It was never home until you were there, Tiffy.”
― Leon, The Flatshare

*There three (3) book covers that all looked great!* : Hardbound Edition (first published) / US Version / UK Version

Beth O’Leary studied English at university before going into children’s publishing. She lives as close to the countryside as she can get while still being within reach of London, and wrote her first novel, The Flatshare, on her train journey to and from work.
You’ll usually find her curled up with a book, a cup of tea, and several woolly jumpers (whatever the weather).

July 20, 2020October 19, 2020

Don’t You Forget About Me by Mhairi McFarlane

Published: 1 January 2019
Published by: HarperCollins
Type: Stand-alone, no cliffhanger
Author: Mhairi McFarlane
Read : 10 February 2020 / 19 July 2020
Shelved : 11 February 2020 / 20 July 2020
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars (edited from 4 stars)

Get the book: Amazon | Kobo | Audioble

Synopsis

Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to rise again…

If there’s one thing worse than being fired from the grottiest restaurant in town, it’s coming home early to find your boyfriend in bed with someone else.

Reeling from the indignity of a double dumping on the same day, Georgina snatches at the next job that she’s offered – barmaid in a newly opened pub, which just so happens to run by the boy she fell in love with at school: Lucas McCarthy. And whereas Georgina (voted Most Likely to Succeed in her school yearbook) has done nothing but dead-end jobs in the last twelve years, Lucas has not only grown into a broodingly handsome man, but also has turned into an actual grown-up with a business and a dog along the way.

Meeting Lucas again not only throws Georgina’s rackety present into sharp relief, but also brings a dark secret from her past bubbling to the surface. Only she knows the truth about what happened on the last day of school, and why she’s allowed it to chase her all these years

Review

Georgina/Georgia Horspool is a creative, smart, witty and was voted the most likely to succeed in high school but things happened on the way to university that handicapped her from becoming a writer. She dropped out of university when her father passed away and her relationship with her mother was cordial at best. She worked a few waiting staff jobs to fund herself and Jammy, her pet turtle. She worked as a waitress at a restaurant until her untimely termination then unexpectedly got hired to work at an event in a new pub that Lucas, the boy she dated back in high school who she disappointed, is a co-owner to.

I’m finding my irrelevance hard to accept because there’s nothing I’ve ever trusted more in my life than that first flush of how I felt about him. It was pure heady instinct, I never had to question it for a second. But if Lucas didn’t feel it too, if I could be so utterly wrong about this reciprocation, I can never trust my judgement again. If that wasn’t two people falling in love, then what the hell is this?
— Georgia’s thoughts, Don’t You Forget About me

Lucas McCarthy is the co-owner of the Wicker that Georgina later worked at. He and Georgia used to be classmates and even dated in secret during their last year in high school. He moved back to Dublin to help with the family business of owning pubs. He and his brother Devlin took over the business after their father passed away and expanded to Sheffield, the hometown of Georgia, their hometown. He initially didn’t acknowledge of knowing Georgia since he was hurt early on in their secret relationship in high school.

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
— Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

Previous review : ~~I have to admit even after re-reading this book for the second time, that I had a tough time reading through the first few chapters and had to push myself to get through the book.~~

Firstly, after re-visiting the book again, I didn’t need much push/motivation in trying to finish it compared to the first time. I understood better where I needed to focus on and where my first apprehension was coming from all the bad luck / drama Georgina runs into – unemployment due to her bad boss, infidelity of her boyfriend (to someone quite close) and her family running her crazy.

**Word of warning: the language written can get a bit overwhelming since there is a lot of British slang and colloquial words that I threw me off at times. Just be patient and understand that the reward will come in the end as long as you stick to it.

I enjoyed all the 70s, 80s, and 90s references. I appreciate the flashbacks in a really uplifting era when things were a lot simpler – from Elvis to Blondie to Matrix. The backstory flashbacks were good and a great segway when the previous scene was heavy. It is well written and the humor that came with the flashbacks made me snicker often, especially the one when she and Robin were in the hallway after finding him in a compromising position with Lou as he and his neighbor bantered away. It was priceless!

I had a grand time getting to know the supporting characters in the book. They are as colorful as they come…from Nana Hoggs, Cleo, Rav, Jo, Ester, Patsy (Georgia’s mom) and even Robin. These characters really made me connect and feel for Georgia and supported her in their own way.
Nana Hoggs is a pure comic relief with her ‘don’t care’ attitude that I think Georgia can learn a thing or two for her view in life and dealing with people. I really cheered on when she spoke up with regards to Geoffrey being a pig at the dinner table.
Patsy and Ester might seem like the evil ones but keep reading on. I will find that all three are protecting each other in the best way that they know how. I’m saddened to hear that the family’s secret affected them all even after Georgia and Ester’s father’s death. The heart-to-heart talk Georgia had with her mom was so sad but they did work things out and mended the relationship.
Rav, Cleo and Jo are wonderful pals to help Georgia find her way to her HEF. I think it’s important to mention that it was Rav who referred her to a wonderful counselor, Fay, that helped Georgia through hard times in her life that even her friends and family didn’t know happened to her. There were so many secrets between each other that it wasn’t healthy anymore. Her counseling sessions help her in many moments in the book, where Georgia would recall sayings and advice of Fay that I realized are very important to her decisions in the end.

“It’s like aggressive hygge. Celebrate how great you are and what a nice time you have by yourself. Refuse to partake in the self-loathing we’re virtually commanded to, in this sick society.”
— Clem, Don’t You Forget About Me

Robin, the villain ex, is a horrible person but a needed one to push Georgia in the end. I can’t believe the things that do come out of his mouth and his fingers (when he texts). It’s just all wrong to have him be with someone like Georgia (or any girl for the matter) in the first place. I wanted to kick his sorry a** to the curb so many times that I cannot understand how he can be successful with his ‘ego’ towards life and women in general. Georgia had to play ‘dirty’ and did well in the end by putting him in his place.
I also like Milo, her nephew, even if he couldn’t be bothered but the drawing he gave her and was emphatic with her plight is cute enough to win me over.

I didn’t realize how brave and strong Georgina started to become throughout the book when she tries so much to please everyone around here at the cost of suffering for it. She has taken on so many things – in and out of the family house (i.e. trying to hold a job while finding a way back to writing). Inside the family, she’s trying her best to keep her deceased father’s secret that in the end drove a wedge between her and her mom and still keeping her sanity with limited funds. On the outside, she has to work closely with Lucas, who seems to not remember her and want nothing to do with her, while keeping a big secret that somehow ended their relationship from him.

I love the comic relief of the ‘open-mic’ themes which became a healing exercise for Georgia and later on, for Lucas (even if he doesn’t want to admit it) because he got to know her more in her writing and sharing sessions. It doesn’t help that Robin was there to share their memories (most not good and pathetic) to try to win Georgia back but all in all, it was a cathartic experience for all. The break between Robin and Georgia was crazy and descriptive enough that I felt I was there and felt so shocked as Georgia but I’m happy that it turned out that way else it would be a he-said-she-said. With the break and participating for “open mic”, it pushed her to open herself up to writing her experiences and later found the voice to be braver than she’s ever been.

I love how Mhairi ties it all in the end:
1) how love and forgiveness still reigned true to any good story,
2) second chances can happen, we just needed time to grow, and
3) the truth, no matter how late, will always heal everyone, making everything even better the second time around.

Mhairi McFarlane was born in Falkirk, Scotland in 1976. She went to school in Nottingham, studied English Literature at Manchester University and then returned to Nottingham to delight its citizens with her journalism. After roles as trainee reporter, reporter, feature writer and columnist, she realised she’d climbed to the very top of the mountain at the Nottingham Post and at age 31 decided to write a novel. Some very skint years followed, during which she thought she might’ve made a huge mistake.
Her debut novel, the romantic comedy You Had Me At Hello, was an instant hit upon being published in December 2012. It’s since become HarperCollins’ best selling ebook to date, has been translated into 16 languages and is being developed as a major feature film, with Mhairi writing the screenplay. The follow up, Here’s Looking At You, was published in December 2013 and made the Sunday Times Bestseller list.
Mhairi’s first hardback title for HarperFiction, It’s Not Me, It’s You, is published on November 6^th2014.
She’s currently working on her fourth novel, adapting You Had Me At Hello for screen and developing a comedy-drama script for television.

Connect with Mhairi
Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Website

April 10, 2020October 19, 2020

Relatively Famous by Jessica Park

Published on: 22 June 2010
Type: Stand-alone, no cliffhanger
Author: Jessica Park
Read: 8 April 2020
Shelved: 9 April 2020
Get it: Amazon
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis

Meet Dani McKinley: A typical teen whose world is rocked when she finds out that her father is a famous Hollywood Action star. Now meet Mark Ocean: A self-serving actor with a floundering career who sees that a daughter is just what he needs to reinvent himself as a family man and get back on track. When the two decide to spend the summer together, they must not only wrangle their own love lives, but try to figure out who they really are to themselves and to each other.
Now armed with credit cards, club memberships, and a new wardrobe, Dani learns that what Mark has in wealth, he sorely lacks in parenting skills. Trying to show Mark that parenting is about more than loading her up with Prada bags and taking her to movie premieres is challenging enough, but she’s also got her hands full with her new friends. Oh, and the boys… Dani meets Jason, a gorgeous young personal trainer who is easy on the eyes and wildly flirtatious. But is this smug hottie the one for her? Or will she ignore her friends eye-rolling and go for the goofy but sweet surfer?
While juggling her own complicated love life, Dani tries to set her father up with someone less likely to appear on a VH1 reality show, and someone more… well, normal. And age-appropriate. And dressed in anything but a thong bikini. But whether Mark is able to heal old wounds and move forward with anything more than a meaningless fling remains to be seen.
Can Dani fit in with this new, fast-moving California crowd without losing herself? With the world at her fingertips and hot boys now after her, staying grounded gets tough. And can Mark drop his egocentric approach to life and learn to appreciate how truly wonderful his daughter is? As driven as he is to get that A-list acting role, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to get there, even if it means using his daughter. Or is he…? Mark and Dani’s relationship hits a few highs, but the question becomes whether the lows are too much.

Dani is a young ‘grounded’ and sensible girl who is raised by her mother and her boyfriend, Alan in Michigan.
One day, on the way to school, Dani discovers that her biological father is alive and is non-other than the very famous movie star, Mark Ocean, who Dani found lame as an actor due to the crazy stories he portrayed in the movies. It didn’t help that her dad reached out and invited her to stay with him in Hollywood to get to know each other better. There, she gets to know more about her father and the life he leads which is full of glitz and glamour but also the other side of being famous.

Mark Ocean recently learned that he’s a father with a stagnant career in playing predictable roles. He needs to revamp his image and show the world that he’s an actor to be taken seriously. When he unexpectedly found out of Dani’s existence and that he’s the father, he found his answer. He needed a more family-oriented and wholesome image to be able to land a role that he’s been eyeing for so long. Solution: an instant-family man to show the world on how he’s grown up and ready for more mature roles. He uses his daughter’s stay to reinvent himself as a way to get into the movie that he’s auditioning for. It didn’t hurt also that Dani became friends with the director’s daughter in the process.

This is a coming-out age book that also is a father-daughter bonding experience. The writing is easy to follow and the plot is simple to comprehend. The characters are all relatable since Park since it’s not a new concept. Nothing really new on the type of story so it’s was a good enough read and I do appreciate stories like these after a roller-coaster ride of emotions in Park’s Flat Out trilogy previously read.

Both the main characters, Mark and Dani, had a lot to learn with regards to their new relationship as a family. They find out what the other needs and later protects each other from creepy guys and “unfitted” partners.

Dani’s character was thought out carefully and developed well in each of the experiences that Park shared with us. Dani got to experience the summer romance that most people her age goes through with two people, Nathan (the chill-out and warm surfer dude) and Jason (the dangerously handsome and popular). The courting of the two boys and the living experience with her father were real eye-openers to Dani and what the real world is like being the daughter of a famous actor – the good, the bad and even the ugly. I’m glad that even if there were the usual “mean/fake crowds” around Dani, she still had a good friend to lean on back home, Sam, and in Hollywood, Kayla. She grows into her own identity with the joy and pain of being young.

I wished Park talked a bit more about Mark more. I would have wanted more time to better connect with him and how he grew into a more worthy partner. There wasn’t much discussion of his career and impact compared to when he started to date local ‘grounded’ florist Olivia but I guess since the writer centered her focus on Dani and how her appearance changed everything and everyone in her surroundings for better.
I gushed over Olivia and Mark…they were like teenagers in getting to know each other and over their date. It’s cute and makes me root for Olivia’s naivety and shunning the spotlight/fame that truly made Mark realize that she’s a keeper.

All in all, a good feel-good book that is relatable at some accounts since some of the very lavish things going on Hollywood is beyond what I can fathom also.

Meet Jessica Park

Jessica Park is the author of 180 SECONDS, CLEAR, The Left Drowning Series (LEFT DROWNING and RESTLESS WATERS), the New York Times bestselling FLAT-OUT LOVE (& the companion novella FLAT-OUT MATT), FLAT-OUT CELESTE, and RELATIVELY FAMOUS. grew up in the Boston area and attended Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota. After spending four years in the frigid north, including suffering through one memorable Halloween blizzard, Jessica hightailed it back to the east coast. She now lives in New Hampshire (relatively balmy) with her husband, son, bananas dogs named Fritzy and Finn, and a selfish cat. She spends an obscene amount of time thinking about rocker boys and their guitars, complex caffeinated beverages, and tropical vacations. On the rare occasions that she is able to focus on other things, she writes. When not writing, Jessica indulges her healthy obsessions with Facebook and complicated coffee beverages.

March 20, 2020October 17, 2020

The Revenants Series by Amy Plum

*Note: I wanted to write a review of the series since I found it quite nice and highly recommended this to all of my friends. It’s an amazing book series to start that talks about honor, duty, sacrifices and love.

Die for Me (Book 1) Published by: HarperTeen Published date: 10 May 2011 Series: Reverent Book 1 Read: 2019 and again 12 March 2020 Shelved: 13 March 2020 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars	Until I Die (Book 2) Published by: HarperCollins Publishers Published date: 8 May 2012 Series: Reverent Book 2 Read: 2019 and again March 13, 2020 Shelved: 14 March 2020 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Die For Her (Book 2.5) Published by: HarperTeen Published date: 2 April 2013 Series: Reverent Book 2.5 Read: 2019 and again 14 March 2020 Shelved: 15 March 2020 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars	If I Should Die (Book 3) Published by: HarperTeen Published date: 7 May 2013 Series: Reverent Book 3 Read: 2019 and again 16 March 2020 Shelved: 17 March 2020 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Die Once More (Book 3.5) Published by: HarperTeen Published date: 3 February 2015 Series: Reverent Book 3.5 Read: 2019 and again 17 March 2020 Shelved: 18 March 2020 Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Get the whole series : Amazon US

Die For Me
In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier’s parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life–and memories–behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate’s guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he’s a revenant–an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

Until I Die
Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy.

In Die for Me, Amy Plum created a captivating paranormal mythology with immortal revenants and a lush Paris setting. Until I Die is poised to thrill readers with more heart-pounding suspense, spellbinding romance, and a cliff-hanger ending that will leave them desperate for the third and final novel in the series.

Die For Her
Set in the romantic and death-defying world of the international bestselling Die for Me trilogy, this digital original novella follows Jules, a brooding, immortal French artist who has fallen in love with his best friend’s girlfriend.

Jules Marchenoir is a revenant—an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save human lives. He’s spent the better part of the last century flirting his way through Paris, but when he met Kate Mercier, the heroine from Amy Plum’s Die for Me trilogy, he knew his afterlife had changed forever and he had found the love of his life. Until Kate fell for his best friend, Vincent. Now Jules is faced with an impossible decision: choosing between his loyal friend and a love truly worth dying for.

If I Should Die
I will not lose another person I love. I will not let history repeat itself.

Vincent waited lifetimes to find me, but in an instant our future together was shattered. He was betrayed by someone we both called a friend, and I lost him. Now our enemy is determined to rule over France’s immortals, and willing to wage a war to get what they want.

It shouldn’t be possible, none of it should be, but this is my reality. I know Vincent is somewhere out there, I know he’s not completely gone, and I will do anything to save him.

After what we’ve already fought to achieve, a life without Vincent is unimaginable. He once swore to avoid dying—to go against his nature and forsake sacrificing himself for others—so that we could be together. How can I not risk everything to bring my love back to me?

Die Once More
This one-hundred-page novella picks up where the international bestselling Die for Me trilogy ended and follows the eternally irresistible Jules Marchenoir as he leaves Paris behind for a fresh start in New York City.

Jules is a revenant—an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save human lives. He’s spent the last century flirting his way through Paris and, most recently, falling in love with his best friend’s girlfriend. Loyalty and heartbreak have led him to choose a new life in NYC.

Separated from his friends and his home, Jules is adrift in this dangerous new world, facing unknown enemies . . . until he meets a revenant named Ava. Though the battle for France has been won, an epic war between good and evil has just begun in the Big Apple, and Ava needs Jules’s help to uncover the key to an American victory. Jules finds himself in the same position he crossed an ocean to escape: at risk of losing his immortal existence as well as his heart.

The Characters.

Vincent Delacroix, the main hero, is a young revenant (died at 18 and is 19 years old at the start of the series), whose duty is to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others, and keep doing it after death. Each time a revenant dies, they reanimate at the same age that they had died the very first time. Revenants are not humans, but are immortals.
Vincent discovers Kate walking in the banks of Seine and was mysteriously drawn to her due to the aura she emanated and later saves her also. He enlisted Jules’s help, his best friend, to help guard and guide Kate, when he was in his “dormant state”. He is prophesied to be the champion of the Paris Revenant Covenant.

Kate Mercier, the heroine, is a sixteen year old girl from the US, who became an orphan with her sister, Georgia, after the mysterious car accident that caused their parents’ lives. They were uprooted to live in Paris with her father’s parents.
Coping after the tragedy, she immersed herself in book and art around Paris. She kept to herself throughout the book compared to her sister until she met Vincent and started to question everything about her, her parent’s accident, the Revenants, etc. This is a slow burning process for her as she becomes stronger and braver as the story progressed, especially when she she learned that she may hold something “special” that changed everything that what the Revenant prophesies predicted.

Jules Marchenoir is the flirty Revenant that tries to charm Kate each time they meet. He is loyal to his friend Vincent since they’ve been together for the longest time. He is a fierce fighter and will die for either Kate or Vincent, if needed.
Caught in between the love for Vincent and possibly for Kate, he made sure to take himself out of the equation of the possible feelings he has but instead, found himself in more pain as he sort his purpose as a Revenant while being away from the family he’d known for so long.
Jules is a saint under a ‘bad boy image’ based on how his character grew and what he had to sacrifice at the end in Book 2.5 but his story comes full circle in Book 3.5.

The Verdicts.

The series revolves around the three main characters above during a time when a war is also rising in the Revenant factions. The stories are moving together in one area but we have to remember that there are other Revenants all over the world that have their own fights to handle. A lot of people compare this with the Twilight saga, which is understandable since it roughly came out at the same time. Some may say that I’m biased in that I love this series because of Twilight but just so you know, the Twilight series was only “meh” for me. I tried to like it but it was harder to believe. For this series, it just got to me. I think the descriptive places and rituals was the clincher. It didn’t hurt also that the setting was in Paris then later New York.

The writing is lovely since it was very “visual in words” for me and I felt that I was walking along the banks of the Seine while looking at possible “jumpers” and battles of the Revenants in Paris and NYC. I real colorful treat all through out the series.

Die For Me (Vincent & Kate’s story)
I love the book from start to finish. I enjoyed the visual treats provided and at the same time, I was mesmerized with the secrets of the Revenants – their culture, beliefs, re-animation, etc. Kate and Vincent are a curious pair and makes you want to see their story through. Kate is the meek and hesitant one while Vincent was the protector and the proactive one” in pursuing for the relationship. I can see the similarity to the Edward/Bella relationship.

“I can’t promise you an ordinary experience, Kate. I wish I could transform myself into a normal man and be there for you, always, without the trauma that defines my life as “the walking dead.” Since that isn’t possible, I can only reassure you that I will do everything in my power to make it up to you. To give you more than a normal boyfriend could.
I have no idea what that will mean, exactly, but I’m looking forward to finding out with you.”
― Vincent, Die for Me

I’m a bit apprehensive on Book 2 and what will happen but all part of the plan of Amy, I am sure. I could not put the book down and is diving into Book 2 immediately.

Have I peaked your interest? You can read the first eight chapters of Die For Me here to see for yourself.

Until I Die (Vincent & Kate’s story)

Warning: cliffhanger alert! This book ends with a big cliffhanger but do not worry…it gets even better for Book 3 that you will forgive Amy.

Kate and Vincent dives deeper into the world of the Revenants. Both of them are maturing as they come to face their responsibilities of saving their clan and learning about their love for each other. It’s wonderful tale of young love but also understanding how their love will affect others around them. They use this as a driving force to be “more” to each other and the Covenant.

“The day I stop seeing you as one of the strongest people I know is the day I wake up human.”
― Vincent, Until I Die

I am so excited for the both of them, even to Jules who is starting to show signs of maturity and responsibility with his friendship with Vincent and his growing love for Kate. This is the clincher love triangle to end it all. It is interesting but very obvious from the start on where this will end. There are many moments in the book, wherein Jules is trying his best to share his feelings more to Kate as he’s always the assigned bodyguard for her. It breaks me heart to see how Kate reacts and just leaves Jules to his own since she is already “answered for” in her head.

Die for Her (Jules’ story)
Jules…you are a darn saint!

“As Jules kissed my cheeks he whispered, “She has nothing on you, of course, Kates. It’s just that you’re so very…taken.”
~ Jules, Die for Her

My heart broke when I read the quote above. It really poured his heart for the love and loyalty he has for Kate. This book focuses on Jules and his thoughts. I appreciate Amy for giving time on this one unexpected character that won my heart. I wish things would have been different for him. I guess Amy has Jules’ story written and sealed already to have him end up with Kate. His heartache is one that he will have to go through to have a better ending after all this.

In the end, I was surprised by his actions but I understand why he did it – to put some distance to himself, Vincent and Kate. I was a bit scared of what it would mean to Vincent but there was so much turmoil inside Jules that I want to just hug him. How ironic that I now shifted from rooting for Vincent to Jules. I feel like a teenager for him…the heartache and unrequited love. I hope that he will find his “soul-mate” somewhere later in the series.

I’m still reeling on the pain as I re-read the story.

If I Should I Die (Vincent & Kate’s story – finale)
Book 3…heavy heavy stuff going on but I was happy that Kate and Vincent’s story rounded out well in the end. I got to wrap my head around that it’s not Vincent saves Kate but vice versa. It’s a heroine in our midst and I’m so excited as I approach Book 3.

I am amazed and pleasantly surprised to see how Kate quickly developed into the strongest character (though it could be construed as too fast in such a short span) based on other books I’ve read. I am happy on how Vincent took on the realization of all that happened…an epiphany. From the shift in expectations to the realization that no one could have predicted. Kate rose up and led the Covenant to victory!!!

“If I should die…,” I began to say.
Vincent cuts me off. “Stop, Kate!” And then he sighs and his shoulders hunch slightly. He knows it’s dishonest to pretend we’re all going to make it out alive. He shuts his eyes and, when he opens them, he looks resolute. “Whatever happens, remember that I will love you forever,” he says. “Even if my spirit is dispersed and my consciousness released to the universe . . . whatever is left of me will never stop loving you.”
― Kate & Vincent, If I Should Die

I’m happy to have Kate and Vincent’s story to focus on this since I was a wreck on the last book with Jules, Vincent, and Kate but definitely enjoying the other supporting characters in the process now that I know Jules will have his story told at a later time.

Die Once More (Jules & Ava’s story – <3!)
I’m so happy that he finally got his happy ending! I understand that some are still frustrated with his being hung up with Kate but heck, this is teenage crush/love etc going on and after being shut down, it’s not easy to get rid of feelings and move on.

Ava is one cool character. She’s just as kick-a** from the start like Kate (who didn’t show it at first but later was stronger than anyone realized) till finish. She’s more fitting to Jules in my opinion and is happy that Amy gave as much background as she could for both characters in their own spin-off and also considered how the other side of the pond (NYC) Revenants have to win in their own war.

I can now breathe better. Although still going to be a wreck for a few days with what happened, I at least can rest easier at night with how things turned out. I appreciate the location change and it really gave Jules a chance to become his own person and find his “soulmate” in another strong woman. My emotions are still all over the place as I recall the details!

“My home is not a place. It’s not a fixed location on the map; not Paris or New York. It is with Ava. Wherever she is— that is where I belong.”
― Jules, Die Once More

Amy Plum is the international bestselling author of the DIE FOR ME series (Indie Next List pick, Romance Times top pick, and recipient of a starred review from School Library Journal). The books have been translated into thirteen foreign languages. The trilogy is accompanied by two eNovellas entitled DIE FOR HER and DIE ONCE MORE and a compendium entitled INSIDE THE WORLD OF DIE FOR ME.

In DREAMFALL and NEVERWAKE a radical experiment to cure chronic insomnia goes wrong, and its seven teenage test subjects are plunged into a shared coma populated by one another’s nightmares; those who die in the dream will also die in real life.

Amy’s action/adventure/magic duology, AFTER THE END and UNTIL THE BEGINNING, received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly, 4 1/2 stars from RT Book Reviews, and enthusiastic reviews from Kirkus, USA Today, ALA Booklist and School Library Journal.

After being raised in Birmingham, Alabama, in a rather restrictive environment, AMY PLUM escaped to Chicago to an even more restrictive environment at a university that expelled people for dancing. (And where she was called to the dean’s office for “wearing too much black”.) After all of that restrictiveness, she was forced to run far far away, specifically to Paris, France, where she only wore black and danced all she wanted.

After five years in Paris, she ventured to London, where she got an M.A. in Medieval Art History, specializing in Early Sienese Painting (1260-1348) mainly because it promised almost no hope of finding a paying job afterward.

Amy managed to find work in the world of art and antiques in New York. But after almost a decade of high-pressure lifestyle in the Big Apple, she swapped her American city for a French village of 1300 inhabitants.

After signing with HarperCollins for the DIE FOR ME series, Amy left her job as an English professor at Tours University to write full-time. She now lives in Paris with her two kids and her black lab, Oberon.

She is a huge fan of Edward Gorey and Maira Kalman (and collects both of their books/art), as well as David Sedaris, Amadeo Modigliani, and Ira Glass.

Check out videos and extras from Amy at Revenant Central.

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