Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books/St Martin's Press for early access to The Debutantes in exchange for my honest opinion. Being at Dartmouth forThanks to NetGalley and Wednesday Books/St Martin's Press for early access to The Debutantes in exchange for my honest opinion. Being at Dartmouth for homecoming with my parents put me in the perfect setting to finish this dark academia YA thriller. Set in New Orleans, this was a quick, twist-filled read that I enjoyed a lot. Three debutantes without much in common come together to unravel some deep, dark secrets of the city’s elite. The POV switches between the debutantes, keeping the reader engaged and aware of each one’s secrets. If you like stories where rich people behave badly, I bet this book will be right up your alley. I also enjoyed the author's previous release, People to Follow. Can't wait to see what she writes next!...more
Thanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for early access to the Busybodies collection of stories. Busybodies is a collection of six short stories whThanks to Amazon Publishing and NetGalley for early access to the Busybodies collection of stories. Busybodies is a collection of six short stories which is now available from Amazon. I love mysteries with neighbor-next-door vibes, and these are so fun! Not quite cozy mysteries, these fun novellas have had me entertained throughout. These are almost all written authors I’ve read before and really enjoy - Elle Cosimano, Jesse Q.Sutanto, Emma Rosenblum, Nita Prose, Alicia Thompson, and (new-to-me author) Kellye Garrett. They are now available for free if you have Amazon Prime - and that includes the audio too!...more
OMG I LOVED THIS BOOK! Many thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for early access to this title. I loved the readalong that Entangled ran for this book, eOMG I LOVED THIS BOOK! Many thanks to Entangled and NetGalley for early access to this title. I loved the readalong that Entangled ran for this book, even though I was a bit behind. And I hope to read more of the author’s work - I really connected with their emphasis on positivity and kindness! If you’ve ever felt “other,” in particular due to size and sexual preference, I think you will also love this book. It is full of body positivity and queer representation with a sprinkling of romcom movie quotes. Personally, I love movie quotes - from the “perfect date” answer in Miss Congeniality to the shopping “mistake” in Pretty Woman to Mean Girls’s “the limit does not exist” - movie quotes make me so happy, and I love when they are referenced in books, especially romcoms. To riff off a well-known quote from Love, Actually: I’m just a girl standing in front of bookstagram, asking them to read this book ASAP! The plot of Because Fat Girl follows Diana, who has been seen as “too much,” as she is returning to the world of writing and directing inclusive movies that showcase diverse communities, after taking a long break due to personal reasons. She is not afraid to shake up the status quo, and it is not an easy path for her. She has been saving her money from her day job to invest in herself when she happens to meet a celebrity who wants to produce her work. One of my favorite parts of this book was how it referenced Kevin Smith’s Chasing Amy. I was obsessed with this movie for a solid chunk of my life, and considering the plot of Because Fat Girl, it is an epic addition to include it. Perhaps tonight I will rewatch it - while eating fries with cheese. I loved the positive tone that Fleming set with this book. The ending seemed a little quick, but I had tears in my eyes as I finished reading, so kudos for bringing out *all the feels*. ...more
Thanks to Macmillan Audio, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for advanced listener and reader copies of I Did Something Bad in exchange for my honest oThanks to Macmillan Audio, St Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for advanced listener and reader copies of I Did Something Bad in exchange for my honest opinion. I listened to this while following along in my ebook copy. I’m glad I had both because I appreciated hearing some word pronunciations at the same time as I read them, since I’m not familiar with the language or culture of Myanmar. The book was a terrific introduction for me, and I’m intrigued to learn more. I liked that this book had a mix of romance, murder, secrets, and celebrities. Because of that mix, I think many people would enjoy this read. It starts off like a cozy mystery, but with more romance and some darker themes. It’s not all light and fluffy as I expected, but I enjoyed the serious and dark parts and thought it was well balanced. I haven’t seen much press about it, so I’m hoping to help others find out about this one! Sidenote, can you read this title without thinking of TSwift? I’m not much of a Swiftie, but that’s still where my brain goes!...more
Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for early access to an ARC of Perfect Fit in exchange for my honest opinion. Perfect Fit just published tThank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for early access to an ARC of Perfect Fit in exchange for my honest opinion. Perfect Fit just published tomorrow, and I definitely recommend it! Perfect Fit is a second chance romance for a young designer, Josie, who is the CEO of her own fashion brand. The title is so apt for her clothing and her romantic relationship. Josie started her company, Revenant, from her UT college dorm room, and it has grown to be a web presence. They are currently working through opening their first brick and mortar shop. Her college best friend Cami, who is about to get married to a local chef, is also involved in the company. Josie is a workaholic who has been going nonstop for a long time. She has prioritized Revenant over almost everything else, to the point where she hasn’t dated since right after college. When a handsome friend from her high school past runs into her (literally - he rear ends her car with his bike), she tries to keep her focus on the company. But all work and no play isn’t necessarily what she wants or needs. In fact, what does Josie want? I liked how the book realistically showed Josie, at a crossroads in her life due to work and friends. I was really into the beginning but then it dragged for a bit in the middle, or maybe that was on me for having too much else going on while reading it. Austin, TX, is one of my favorite places - I’ve been there many times and traveled with different partners to enjoy the food, beer, culture, and ambiance. I loved that this book was set in Austin! This book includes a fall trip to NYC, which is funny because that’s what I did last weekend and where I read the majority of the book. The book also contains a bachelorette trip to Nashville, the MC’s hometown, which read as quintessentially Nashville. Now I need to go back and read the author’s previous release, Love Interest, which somehow wasn’t on my radar. ...more
Thanks to Macmillan Audio for an advanced listeners copy of Low-Hanging Fruit by Randy Rainbow in exchange for my honest opinion. I am entertained by Thanks to Macmillan Audio for an advanced listeners copy of Low-Hanging Fruit by Randy Rainbow in exchange for my honest opinion. I am entertained by Randy's "content" (he has an issue with that word in this one!) and I really enjoyed his previous book, Playing with Myself. I thought the audio was especially engaging, as it's narrated by Randy himself. Each chapter is a short essay on something that Randy feels strongly about My favorite chapter included how distracting the process of age-googling is. Age googling is when you're watching a show or movie and you start to google the ages of the actors at the time of filming and then get so distracted by their wikipedia that you don't know what is happening in the show. I definitely do that a lot! If you know and enjoy Randy, I think you'll like this. If you don't know his work, I don't think this is a good intro to it - Playing with Myself is your go-to for that. ...more
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The stunning cover of Ladykiller helped Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion. The stunning cover of Ladykiller helped me visualize the Greek oasis where Gia lives in this book. However, I found Gia’s character to be so obnoxiously spoiled that I nearly DNFed this one. While I predicted some of what took place (as a reference to The Talented Mr. Ripley should do for any reader), I was surprised by a few things - but I don’t know if that is reason enough to recommend this book to others. The ending wasn’t clear enough for me to feel one way or another, so I’ll just say if you want to read it for the *vibes* or because of the cover, I totally get it. For the plot? I’d look elsewhere....more
I’m a little past pub date on this one, but I really enjoyed it! Thanks to Penguin Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.I’m a little past pub date on this one, but I really enjoyed it! Thanks to Penguin Books and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Since it’s a THANKSGIVING queer romance (omg can we get more of these? Enough of the December holidays already!), I definitely recommend checking it out this fall. I’ll Get Back to You involves some softball/baseball, but I finished it while watching early morning NFL football from London this morning. While the main characters are in their early twenties, their journeys felt realistic and relatable, even for someone who is double their age. Set in a small town, the book opens on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, as college students are back in town, reuniting at the local bar. I could almost feel the sticky floor as I was reading it! This coming-of-age story involves fake dating, second chances, and learning to balance friendships and relationships. I really enjoyed it and think you should check it out!...more
I started Running Cold while sitting in the sun by the beach/pool in Fort Lauderdale last week. However, the book transported me to its setting of BanI started Running Cold while sitting in the sun by the beach/pool in Fort Lauderdale last week. However, the book transported me to its setting of Banff, which I visited last summer. Banff is such a beautiful location, and I could visualize the lobby, stores, and restaurants of the Banff Springs Hotel, as well as the gondola up Sulphur Mountain ...more
Thanks to @celadonbooks for inviting me to participate in a buddy read for The Sequel. And a huge thanks to @macmillan.audio for early access to the aThanks to @celadonbooks for inviting me to participate in a buddy read for The Sequel. And a huge thanks to @macmillan.audio for early access to the audiobook, too. I hadn’t listened to an audiobook narrated by @justjuliawhelan in far too long - her narration is just so great. Earlier in September, I reread The Plot, the author’s previous release, via audiobook, as I had originally read it close to publication in 2021 and wanted a refresher before diving into this. I really enjoyed The Plot, both when I originally read it and when I reread it, and I appreciated how well the “plot” of the mystery unfolded. Therefore, I went into The Sequel with high expectations. I enjoyed this book, and it is again a slow burn mystery full of twists. I incorrectly predicted the ending, and I found myself surprised but at the same time, I could remember specific moments that set it up which I had not previously seen as important. I think you’ll enjoy the book more if you’ve already read The Plot, but I guess it’s not completely necessary. I loved that the chapters were named after other book’s sequels; Chapter 1 is It Starts with Us. I’m looking forward to connecting with the author on Zoom and discussing more with my buddy reading partners....more
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an early audio copy of First in the Family. The author narrates her memoir, and it is both enthralling andThanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an early audio copy of First in the Family. The author narrates her memoir, and it is both enthralling and heartbreaking to listen to her speak so clearly about her life and its included trauma. While I could connect in some ways, such as being around the same age and from the same part of NJ (I don't think many people know Dover, NJ), there were many other ways that the author's upbringing. I learned a lot about sobriety and how addiction resources have not always been as accessible to people of color. I appreciated the author sharing her story, and I definitely recommend the audiobook. Hearing her powerful story in her own words and her own voice made this even more impactful for me....more
Thanks to Simon Books for my #gifted copy in addition to NetGalley access in exchange for my honest opinion. This historical fiction novel is set in 1Thanks to Simon Books for my #gifted copy in addition to NetGalley access in exchange for my honest opinion. This historical fiction novel is set in 18th century Venice, at the Pieta orphanage. Little is known about Anna Maria della Pieta, an orphan violin prodigy who studied under Vivaldi, and this book attempts to build from the limited historical research. I started by reading a few chapters, then I switched to the audiobook to become a bit more invested in the story. After listening to a big chunk of the plot, I switched back to my physical copy, and I finished the book in just a few hours. I was swept away in the story, although that could be because of its novelty. I think this book would interest people who are strongly musical....more
Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for early access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions. I binge listened to The Serial Killer Thanks to Macmillan Audio and Minotaur Books for early access via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinions. I binge listened to The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco this week, and it is a fun cozy mystery set in, obviously, SF. The main character runs serial killer tours of the city. Who knew there were that many related sites in SF? Not me! Capri, the tour operator, became interested in serial killers when she discovered her grandfather was imprisoned as the infamous serial killer “Overkill Bill” Sanzo. While she has always believed in his innocence, she hasn't ever researched it too much, not wanting to disturb the family of his victims. Almost everyone associated with the case has now passed away - and now a copycat killer has struck, and Capri is thrust into the scene. If you're looking for a nice read/listen that is just twisty enough to keep the reader engaged and suspecting red herrings, this fun book may be right up your alley. It is available everywhere, as it just published on Tuesday. ...more
While I was eating my coffee and apple cider donut Sunday morning, I finished The Christmas Inn. I did a mix of the ebook and audio - thanks to St MarWhile I was eating my coffee and apple cider donut Sunday morning, I finished The Christmas Inn. I did a mix of the ebook and audio - thanks to St Martin’s Griffin and Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for access to both copies in exchange for my honest opinion. The Christmas Inn starts out in NYC, where main character Riley has just been laid off before the holidays. She decides to spend some time at home on Cape Cod, where her mother runs a bed and breakfast. Her mother has a broken leg, so the timing is perfect. The B&B’s location is in Chatham, joining the world that Pamela Kelley started with The Bookshop by the Bay and added to with The Seaside Sisters. You do not need to have read those books, but it is fun to see overlapping characters and locations if you have read them. The plot is realistic, as Riley helps her mom and reconnects with former friends, and I really enjoyed it. The ending felt a little rushed, but I prefer that to it feeling too drawn out! I don’t usually love reading holiday books in September, but this book was terrific! It came out last week, and I recommend both the audio and print/ereader formats. I look forward to reading more from the author....more
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an ARC of The Wedding Setup in exchange for my honest opinion. There is a lot of backstory and emotThanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an ARC of The Wedding Setup in exchange for my honest opinion. There is a lot of backstory and emotion packed into this short story! Ayesha is attending her best friend Bela’s wedding and is being set up by her mother and Bela’s mother with an obgyn, when she realizes her brother’s best friend, Emmitt, is also attending the wedding. Ayesha and Emmitt haven’t seen each other for seven years since their break up, when they were both grieving over Ayesha’s brother’s sudden tragic death. The characters’ grief, guilt, familial duty, and love are explored in the story. I enjoyed this short story and look forward to reading more by the author!
Merged review:
Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for an ARC of The Wedding Setup in exchange for my honest opinion. There is a lot of backstory and emotion packed into this short story! Ayesha is attending her best friend Bela’s wedding and is being set up by her mother and Bela’s mother with an obgyn, when she realizes her brother’s best friend, Emmitt, is also attending the wedding. Ayesha and Emmitt haven’t seen each other for seven years since their break up, when they were both grieving over Ayesha’s brother’s sudden tragic death. The characters’ grief, guilt, familial duty, and love are explored in the story. I enjoyed this short story and look forward to reading more by the author!...more
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for early access in exchange for my honest opinion. I read The Day She Vanished earlier in the month, but it has stThanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for early access in exchange for my honest opinion. I read The Day She Vanished earlier in the month, but it has stuck with me - and I think it will have a similar effect on other readers. The Day She Vanished is set in a small town in PA where a family is at their local amusement park, Wonderie Land. With three children between the ages of 5 and 11, Greta has stayed home with them but is not contemplating reentering the workforce, as the youngest will be attending school this year. She feels like she’s lost a part of herself being the primary caregiver 24/7. While at the amusement park, Greta is pulled to ride SkyRush, a wooden roller coaster, with her husband, as they rode it together on one of their first dates long ago. Greta convinces Wade, her husband, to wait in the short line and ride it once. Merritt, the 11-year old, is put in charge of watching her younger siblings Gus and Summer at a table that is mostly in their parents’ sight. But when Greta and Wade get back from their turn, five-year old Summer is gone. What follows is the family’s search, along with the police, to find Summer’s kidnapper and bring Summer home. I definitely recommend this book because I thought it was very well written, BUT if you have young children it may be too stressful for you to read! This childless cat lady definitely felt stressed. I think that’s part of the reason I read it quickly - I needed to get to the resolution to be able to calm down. It’s now available everywhere - just make sure you’re ready for this realistic content!...more
Happy pub day to this debut novel! I mostly listened to the audio, but I followed along in my ebook copy. Thanks to Forever, Hachette Audio, and NetgaHappy pub day to this debut novel! I mostly listened to the audio, but I followed along in my ebook copy. Thanks to Forever, Hachette Audio, and Netgalley for early access to this title in exchange for my honest opinion. The narrator of the audiobook, Dara Rosenberg, does a great job, with a variety of voices for the characters and a variety of tones that give additional insight into Rachel’s feelings beyond the page. Rachel and her friends are turning thirty, which is giving them a chance to reflect and have some Big Feelings. Rachel’s mother is obsessed with marrying off her daughters - although lucky for Rachel, her older sister is first up on her mother’s list. While day-to-day work and family and relationship drama can be unappealing, Rachel’s friends and their group chat gives her life. I have a book besties group chat where we chat book drama and life drama and a work friends group chat with two of my coworkers. Both can feel absolutely necessary to help when life gets crazy, so I can understand where Rachel is coming from in that respect in this book. Rachel overall seemed more immature than a typical thirty year old; I got more early-to-mid twenties, New Adult vibes from this read, but that may be a reflection of my perceptions and experience. There is Jewish representation and fun contemporary cultural references, but I had some issues with one particular plot point and its simplistic resolution. I didn’t realize this was a Pride and Prejudice retelling, so that’s on me. It felt more like women’s fiction than romance - although maybe that’s true for P&P, too. This book is now available if it sounds like your cup of tea - other reviewers really loved it as a millennial take on P&P in the vein of Bridget Jones!...more
Another recent read that surprised me! Thanks to the author, publisher, @netgalley and @uplitreads for my early copy. I finished this one outside at aAnother recent read that surprised me! Thanks to the author, publisher, @netgalley and @uplitreads for my early copy. I finished this one outside at a new beer hall (and there is an even newer one I'm visiting Tuesday!) and the Adirondack chairs were arranged in a circle, almost as if they were around a campfire ...more
Thanks to Simon Books for my #gifted copy in addition to NetGalley access in exchange for my honest opinion. Funnily enough, I found a Canadian editioThanks to Simon Books for my #gifted copy in addition to NetGalley access in exchange for my honest opinion. Funnily enough, I found a Canadian edition of the author’s previous release (and @reesebookclub pick) Lucky in the Little Free Library near the house where I was dogsitting this weekend. I will have to read Lucky soon, because I really enjoyed The Lightning Bottles! If you’re a fan of music and musicians (especially behind the scenes type of stuff) and the early 90s Seattle grunge music scene, I think you will enjoy this one. The Lightning Bottles is kind of like Daisy Jones and the Six but updated for the early 90s with an underlying mystery tying the story together. I loved the references to real musicians and tried to determine who the fictional ones were supposed to represent. If you weren’t alive in the early 90s or don’t care much for that musical scene, I still think this can be enjoyed. The story is well written, and even though it hops back and forth in time and locations, it is clear what is happening when and where. I would go to set the book down and take a break but then I’d see when/where the next chapter was taking place and decide to keep reading - just one more chapter! I read this in a couple of long sessions this weekend, including staying up way too late to read as much as I could last night. Oops! The Lightning Bottles will be available tomorrow everywhere and I definitely think you should check it out!...more
I *hate* bringing work home, so I get to my classroom early most mornings. Usually I spend the time doing odds and ends like grading, making copies, aI *hate* bringing work home, so I get to my classroom early most mornings. Usually I spend the time doing odds and ends like grading, making copies, and organizing for the day. Luckily, my classroom is a cozy spot to be in the morning, with sun coming in the windows - and I usually have an audiobook going in my earbuds, which is where I finished this book earlier this week. Finishing it in my classroom was perfect for this book, because Lenny Marks works as a teacher, too. Lenny has a very precise schedule, leaving work by bicycle every day at 4pm and buying the same groceries to cook the same meals. She spends her evenings watching Friends and playing Scrabble (the physical set, of course) “against” Monica. If you’re a fan of the show, you’ll especially enjoy some of the episodes/titles referenced. My favorite episode is mentioned - The One with the Apothecary Table ...more
Loading...
