My reading heart is so happy right now. I don’t think I’ve had such a great month of amazing books in a long time. I chose to review these in a little more detail, so let me know your thoughts. And if you follow me on Instagram make sure you stop by to see what I’m reading each week.
Is anyone else guilty of this? No, just me? You guys, I am soooo mad at myself for not reading this (one particular book) sooner. It’s seriously one of my top books of the year!!!!
I actually had TWO books sitting on my shelf for months and I am totally kicking myself now because wow oh wow!… And to top it off, they were both chick-lit! Not even my favorite genre but, I promise you, they are worth reading.
Without further ado, let’s get to the books I read this month.
book review #1
Archer’s Voice – This romance was the most heart-warming, pleasant, and loving story that I’ve read in a while.
Here’s the rundown of Bree and Archer’s story. Bree is on the run from her past and ends up in a small town in Maine. She learns about the town mystery man by bumping into him one day and is instantly drawn to him. After some awkward encounters, they form a friendship of sorts that eventually turns into more. Both of them carry a lot of baggage from their traumatic pasts that they have to work through. They have some sexy times, they fall in love…and, well you have to read to find out the rest.
Archer is one of my all. time. favorite main characters. He is innocent, sweet, and naive. But at the same time has this understated alpha side.
Bree is a sweet girl with a troubled past and her kind-heartedness really stands out against Archer’s personality.
Although this plot was fairly predictable, the storyline with alternating pov’s was very well-written and kept me intrigued the entire time.
5 STARS
book review #2
Love and Other Words – I am 98% sure this is my top three favorite books of all time! Wow, I can’t believe I just said that, but it’s true. I wish I could read this book for the first time all over again.
Okay, enough gushing, here’s the plot. This simple, yet so incredibly well-written story reads like a YA/Romance. It’s a friends-to-lovers trope. Macy and Elliot… 🥰 Oh Macy and Elliot! First loves finds each other after an 11 year falling out, They happen to meet back up by chance and eventually Elliot learns of the root of her silence for so many years. The chapters alternate between their teen years and the present day. There are so many unanswered questions, which made it a page-turner and IMPOSSIBLE to put down. I love how the author puts it all together in the end. (swoon) If you like books, libraries, love stories, reading, and cozy spots, this book is right up your alley!
5 STARS
book review #3
The Love Hypothesis – I devoured this book in a weekend.
Olive is a PhD student who, in a moment of panic, finds herself in the middle of a fake dating scheme with none other than the notoriously broody and unapproachable Dr. Adam Carlsen. Realizing they can both benefit from continuing their ruse, Olive and Adam set out some ground rules and end date for their fake relationship, but what ensues is a hilarious series of events that leave Olive feeling like there may be more to Dr. Carlsen than everyone believes.
Things I LOVED: I really liked the humor of Olive and her friends Anh, Holden and Malcom. I loved the academia setting, late-night labs, being poor and living off free coffee and candy.
Things I didn’t love: The semi-predictable “love story”. It’s hard to overlook the fact that this cheesy romance turns into a “happily ever after”. The overdramatic scene with “TB” at the end had me feeling like it was a movie that, in the end, had the perfect evidence “by accident”. Enter eye roll here.
But, if you can look past that stuff, you will find yourself grinning and enjoying this book.
4 STARS
book review #4
The Collective – I started this one because I heard (one my favorite authors) Harlan Coben talk about how excellent this book is, and I’m so glad I did.
Let me begin by saying this book was heavy, nothing like the first three books on my list. It was dark and terrifying, and so well-written!
The main character Camille, is a grieving mother, who is still angry 5 years after her daughter’s death. She becomes obsessed with the young man she believes is responsible and after her impulsive public outburst, she attracts the attention of a secret group of women, that call themselves the collective.
Camille finds herself seeking justice- but when does justice become revenge? Is revenge killing justified? Is collateral damage acceptable? This would make an excellent book club book due to the mama bears that will keep you questioning who is right and who is wrong.
5 STARS
book review # 5
Never Have I Ever – I wasn’t a huge fan of this domestic thriller, but I must say, this month’s books are nowhere near this level.
When Angela Roux breezes her way into a book club of her neighbors, completely uninvited. This carefree and mysterious guest is renting an older home in the neighborhood and the other women are instantly fascinated with her lively personality. She gathers the ladies around to get wasted and proceeds to start the game Never Have I Ever, the game that you confess to the worst things you’ve ever done. Sounds like an excellent plot right? For me after that initial meeting things got pretty slow and boring. My good friend talked me into going on and not to give up. So I did, thankfully.
After some twists, blackmail, character build up and a disgusting plot twist I was pretty much over this one.
I’m glad I finished it (to see how it ended) but I would not recommend it unless you’re a fan of a slow burn, that may or may not be “for you.”
3.5 STARS
So there you have it guys, hopefully, you got some ideas for your next read. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you picked any of these books up. And to read more reviews visit my page with all of my reads from past 5 years. And if you’re a book nerd like me, find me on Goodreads so we can discuss our next books!
Happy reading!
