Book Lovers.

 

 ✰✰✰✰

 

One summer. Two rivals. A plot twist they didn't see coming....

 
Nora Stephens' life is books—she's read them all—and she is not that type of heroine. Not the plucky one, not the laidback dream girl, and especially not the sweetheart. In fact, the only people Nora is a heroine for are her clients, for whom she lands enormous deals as a cutthroat literary agent, and her beloved little sister Libby. 

Which is why she agrees to go to Sunshine Falls, North Carolina for the month of August when Libby begs her for a sisters' trip away—with visions of a small-town transformation for Nora, who she's convinced needs to become the heroine in her own story. But instead of picnics in meadows, or run-ins with a handsome country doctor or bulging-forearmed bartender, Nora keeps bumping into Charlie Lastra, a bookish brooding editor from back in the city. It would be a meet-cute if not for the fact that they've met many times and it's never been cute. 

If Nora knows she's not an ideal heroine, Charlie knows he's nobody's hero, but as they are thrown together again and again—in a series of coincidences no editor worth their salt would allow—what they discover might just unravel the carefully crafted stories they've written about themselves .

 

  ❀ ❀ ❀

 Heartfelt. 

I have been trying to determine the best way to review this book. Book Lovers is another of those books where your feelings are everywhere. When I came across the book at the library, I knew that I had gotten it just by looking at the cover. Book Lovers , how can you not be curious about a title like that? Mainly when it describes me so well. I felt I could relate to Nora so well; even though I'm not an agent, her emotions were portrayed so well, making me feel as if I could relate to her. Book Lovers is the third book that I have read by Emily Henry and is now one of my favorite books of hers. The beginning of the book did start a bit slow for me, but once they got to Sunshine Falls, it picked up fast, and I had a hard time putting the book back down afterward. I loved Sunshine Falls, North Carolina, and felt myself being transported there through Nora. The descriptions of Sunshine Falls had me wishing that this town existed, so I could go and visit. It sounded breathtaking to me. 

I felt the relationship between Nora and her sister, Libby, was conflicted. At least that's the feeling that I got while reading the book. Nora seemed to put everything on hold, including her happiness, to take care of her sister and ensure she was happy. I felt that Libby was hiding something from Nora based on how she acted when the two of them got to Sunshine Falls. Like Nora, I started to suspect that she might have issues with her marriage. Libby's husband kept checking with Nora, which made me more suspicious. It was far from what I expected when the truth came out, but I understood why she didn't tell Nora. Libby knew how Nora would react to the news. I hoped Nora wouldn't take it too personally and see why Libby needed to do that. I loved how much Nora loved her sister, but I felt like she was too overprotective. 

Charlie. What is there to say about him? I wasn't sure if I was going like him when he was first introduced; I seemed to get a bad vibe about him. However, when Nora kept running into him in Sunshine Falls, it was as if he was a completely different person. It didn't take long for me to see the connection between Charlie and Nora, even though Nora seemed to be in denial about it at first. I loved that they didn't fall in love immediately and that their relationship took time to progress; it felt more realistic. Of course, I loved that the books were also involved in the mix. In general, I couldn't get enough of the story and the characters. I would highly recommend checking this book out.

You'll Be The Death Of Me.

 

✰✰✰✰✰

CONTAINS SPOILERS

Ivy, Mateo, and Cal used to be close. Now all they have in common is Carlton High and the beginning of a very bad day. 

Type A Ivy lost a student council election to the class clown, and now she has to face the school, humiliated. Heartthrob Mateo is burned out--he's been working two jobs since his family's business failed. And outsider Cal just got stood up.... again. 

So when Cal pulls into campus late for class and runs into Ivy and Mateo, it seems like the perfect opportunity to turn a bad day around. They'll ditch and go into the city. Just the three of them, like old times. Except they've barely left the parking lot before they run out of things to say... 

Until they spot another Carlton High student skipping school--and follow him to the scene of his own murder. In one chance move, their day turns from dull to deadly. And it's about to get worse.
It turns out Ivy, Mateo, and Cal still have some things in common. They all have a connection to the dead kid. And they're all hiding something. 

Now they're all wondering--could it be that their chance reconnection wasn't by chance after all?

 

❀ ❀ ❀

Thrilling. 

Karen M. McManus did it again! By now, I have read most of Karen's books, and there wasn't a single book of hers that I haven't enjoyed. I was curious about You'll Be Death of Me from the moment I saw the title and the cover. Both the cover and the title give you a mysterious vibe. You'll Be Death Of Me was a bit different than her previous books, but it was a good way. I can't even imagine following someone and finding out he's dead. On top of that, she gets framed for the murder. I had a feeling that it was drug-related murder from the start, but my question was the reason behind the murder and who was responsible for the murder. You'll Be Death Of Me isn't your typical murder mystery but a story about friendship and second chances. 

 I loved how the three old friends: Ivy, Mate, and Cal reconnected, and it seemed like the murder brought them closer. It wasn't the best time to reconnect, but at the same time, I'm glad that they did. I don't think they would make it through if the three of them didn't see each other. I loved that it was from Ivy, Mateo, and Cal's point of view, giving the readers a chance to get to know each character better. Of the three, I don't think I had a favorite one, and it's hard to pick just one. Although I wondered what Ivy was hiding from Mateo, and I was curious if Mateo and Ivy would try again, it was clear how the two of them felt about each other. From the moment that they reconnected, I saw that there was a spark between the two of them. A spark that I hoped they would explore more. 

Do you know a character, the one that you get a terrible feeling about when they are introduced? That's a feeling that I got about Lara. I knew she didn't care about Cal based on how she acted. She was using him and wasn't being honest about what she knew and what she was involved in. I was waiting and hoping that Cal would be able to see that as well. Even his friends saw it before he did. I was sure that Lara was responsible for what happened to Booney. When the real murderer was revealed, it was the least expected person; nobody even suspected him. That's what I love about Karen M.McManus ; she always has the most unexpected twists in her books, and when you think you know a killer, there's another twist. That ending...oh man, that's not even something that entered my mind. It makes me wish the book was longer, or there was another book after, so I can find out what happens afterward. 

I was sick when I started reading this book, and I spent most of my time when I wasn't sleeping reading the book. I couldn't get enough of the story. I wanted to see what would happen with Ivy, Mateo, and Cal next. I wanted to see if they would figure out what happened with Booney and who was responsible for it. Karen M.McManus has became my instant buy/ read author. I am eager to see what adventures she has in store for us next.

Accomplished.

 

✰✰✰✰

*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review* 

 

Georgiana Darcy gets the Pride & Prejudice retelling she deserves in Accomplished, a sparkling contemporary YA featuring a healthy dose of marching band romance, endless banter, and Charles Bingley as a ripped frat boy. 

 
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Georgiana Darcy should have been expelled after The Incident with Wickham Foster last year – at least if you ask any of her Pemberley Academy classmates. She may have escaped expulsion because of her family name, but she didn’t escape the disappointment of her big brother Fitz, the scorn of the entire school, or, it turns out, Wickham’s influence. 

But she’s back for her junior year, and she needs to prove to everyone—Fitz, Wickham, her former friends, and maybe even herself—that she’s more than just an embarrassment to the family name. How hard can it be to become the Perfect Darcy? All she has to do is: – Rebuild her reputation with the marching band (even if it kills her) – Forget about Wickham and his lies (no matter how tempting they still are), and – Distract Fitz Darcy—helicopter-sibling extraordinaire—by getting him to fall in love with his classmate, Lizzie Bennet (this one might be difficult…) 

Sure, it’s a complicated plan, but so is being a Darcy. With the help of her fellow bandmate, Avery, matchmaking ideas lifted straight from her favorite fanfics, and a whole lot of pancakes, Georgie is going to see every one of her plans through. But when the weight of being the Perfect Darcy comes crashing down, Georgie will have to find her own way before she loses everything permanently—including the one guy who sees her for who she really is.

  ❀ ❀ ❀

 Splendid. 

Unlike many others, I never read Pride and Prejudice; it was on my list, but I never got around to reading the book. I am aware of some of the information, but not too much. However, I had always loved retellings, and after reading the summary of the book, I became curious about book. Not being familiar with Pride and Prejudice didn’t stop me from falling in love with the story. Accomplished made me want to go and read Pride and Prejudice and learn more about her brother Fitz and what had happened between him and Lizzie. I loved watching the character’s development, especially Georgie. Despite everything that happened to her, she didn’t give up, I know that she wanted to at the beginning, but she didn’t. Of all the characters from the book, Georgie was one of my favorites, and I found myself rooting for her; I wanted everything to turn out for her in the end. I was curious about the title, Accomplished from the moment I came across the book, and when I started to read the book, the title fit perfectly. 

I loved the friendship that formed between her and Avery. It seemed as if he was the only one that didn’t judge her entirely on what had happened with Wickham. Instead, he listened to her and even helped her play matchmaker for her brother. Georgie needed a friend like Avery. I believe that having Avery in her life that year helped her more than Avery might have realized. The two had their moments throughout the book, but they were always there for each other in the end. Although I am curious about what happened to them once the book ended, I couldn’t help but be curious. I loved the jokes and how the two of them teased one another without taking it personally. It was impossible not to love them.
There is also Fitz, and I could go pages listing everything I loved about him. There is a reason that I want to read Pride and Prejudice and find out more information about him. I loved the relationship that he had with Georgie. I did feel that he was a bit overprotective and hard on Georgie, but I knew he did that because he loved her. I had a feeling that he was afraid to lose her. There are not many siblings out there that are close like Fitz and Georgie were. I loved reading about their relationship. I’m hoping that the two of them would stay that close for long after the book was over. I loved so many things about Accomplished , making it hard for me to put the book down. All the characters came to life for me and had me transported right into the story. I wanted to see how it would end, but at the same time, I didn’t want it to end. 

Accomplished did have a slow beginning, but it didn’t take me long to get engaged in the story. A fantastic debut novel by Amanda Quain, and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us next. I’m excited that I got a chance to read an early copy of the book. Even if you haven’t read Pride and Prejudice, it’s a story you will fall in love with, a book that will stay with you long after turning the last page.

Our Last Days In Barcelona(The Perez Family,#5)

 

✰✰✰✰✰

 

When Isabel Perez travels to Barcelona to save her sister Beatriz, she discovers a shocking family secret in New York Times bestselling author Chanel Cleeton’s new novel. 

Barcelona, 1964. Exiled from Cuba after the revolution, Isabel Perez has learned to guard her heart and protect her family at all costs. After Isabel’s sister Beatriz disappears in Barcelona, Isabel goes to Spain in search of her. Joining forces with an unlikely ally thrusts Isabel into her sister’s dangerous world of espionage, but it’s an unearthed piece of family history that transforms Isabel’s life. 

Barcelona, 1936. Alicia Perez arrives in Barcelona after a difficult voyage from Cuba, her marriage in jeopardy and her young daughter Isabel in tow. Violence brews in Spain, the country on the brink of civil war, the rise of fascism threatening the world. When Cubans journey to Spain to join the International Brigades, Alicia’s past comes back to haunt her as she is unexpectedly reunited with the man who once held her heart. 

Alicia and Isabel’s lives intertwine, and the past and present collide, as a mother and daughter are forced to choose between their family’s expectations and following their hearts. 

 

  ❀ ❀ ❀

 When I started reading these books, I had no idea they would be about the same family. The first book that I read by Chanel Cleeton was The Last Train To Key West in 2020 and then skipped back to the first book. I don’t believe you need to read these books in order because most take place in different timelines. I didn’t read most of them in order, and I could still follow along and enjoy them all. I have been curious about Isabel since she was introduced in the first book; she seemed so different from her sisters. I love books that take place in other countries; for me, they are always more interesting to read. Our Last Day In Barcelona wasn’t any different. Once I finished the book, I wanted to go and visit Barcelona myself. Cleeton always has a way of engaging her readers. I was invested in the story from page one until I turned the last page. There was so much happening in Our Last Day in Barcelona , and it’s hot just a historical book but features themes about family, friendship, love, forgiveness, and second chance, with some mix of a thriller. Isabel came to Barcelona to find her sister, Beatriz, but in the end, it was much more than that. 

Isabel wasn’t the only person that I was curious about. From the start, I wondered if their mother was always this way, strict. I understand why she wanted their daughters to marry at a specific time. However, I felt she was being a little bit harsh with them. I became more curious when Isabel found an old picture of her and when her mother denied being in Barcelona when she confronted her. I wondered what she was hiding from them and what was her reason behind it. I loved reading Alicia’s story; it felt as if I got to know her more and understand her better. I did wonder what would happen if she didn’t come back to Cuba when she did. Alicia and Isabel’s timelines blended so well in the end. My feelings about their mother changed once I read Alicia’s story and everything she had to go through then. 

Since I read The Last Train To Key West , I have been looking forward to her books. So far, there hasn’t been a single book of hers that I didn’t enjoy. I found myself going on the journey with Isabel and Alicia and relating to each of these characters. Even though these characters were fictional, they felt real, and I felt as if I was saying goodbye when I turned the book's last page. Our Last Day In Barcelona is one of those books that you don’t want to end. Yet, simultaneously, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Through the years, Chanel Cleeton became one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. 

 

When We Left Cuba.(The Perez Family,#2)

 

✰✰✰✰✰

 CONTAINS SPOILERS

 

The Cuban Revolution took everything from sugar heiress Beatriz Perez--her family, her people, her country. Recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Fidel Castro's inner circle and pulled into the dangerous world of espionage, Beatriz is consumed by her quest for revenge and her desire to reclaim the life she lost. 

As the Cold War swells like a hurricane over the shores of the Florida Strait, Beatriz is caught between the clash of Cuban American politics and the perils of a forbidden affair with a powerful man driven by ambitions of his own. When the ever-changing tides of history threaten everything she has fought for, she must make a choice between her past and future--but the wrong move could cost Beatriz everything--not just the island she loves, but also the man who has stolen her heart...

 

  ❀ ❀ ❀

  Intriguing. Suspenseful. 

Wow. I’m not sure how to even begin this review. Right now, there are emotions everywhere. I have been curious about Beatriz since she was introduced in Next Year In Havana, which was one of my favorite historical books that I read in 2021. It seems that Beatriz is a sister with a mind of her own; she’s fierce and stubborn. That was one of the things that I loved about her, how much she loved her country and how she was willing to do anything to save it. But, on the other hand, I was afraid that if she weren’t careful, she would get herself killed, just like her brother. I understand why her parents were against it, and Nick. Beatriz might not see it that way, but they tried to protect her. I was surprised that Beatriz didn’t get herself killed and the amount of danger she put herself through working for the CIA. I had a feeling that one day, she wouldn’t be as happy to escape death. Every time she went on the mission, I was sure it would be her last one. 

Nick & Beatriz : I had a feeling that something was going to occur between the two of them. The moment that the two of them met, I saw a connection there, and I think they did too. Beatriz and Nick knew they shouldn’t get involved; it would complicate everything, especially since he was a senator and couldn’t afford a scandal. However, their connection was too strong, as if they couldn’t help it. It didn’t take long to see how much they loved each other. Sometimes I felt that maybe Nick loved Beatriz more than she loved him. I know that Beatriz loved Cuba and wanted to help, but I wondered if she would perhaps give it up so that the two of them could be together. However, it didn’t seem like she could stop because to her, it felt as if she was giving up on her country, on her brother. Through the book, I hoped that they would find their way back to each other. 

I’m not sure what it was, but I had a bad feeling about Eduardo. When Beatriz got involved with the CIA, I felt that Eduardo wasn’t telling her everything, and I couldn’t help but wonder what he was hiding. I had the same feeling about him that Nick did. Yet, as the truth came out, even though I should have expected that, I was as shocked as Beatriz. What Eduardo had done, it never entered my mind that it was what he had been hiding. There was a lot of mystery surrounding Beatriz’s story. I am curious about what happened to her once she went to Spain. Another breathtaking story from Chanel Cleeton; I can’t wait to read Isabel’s story in Our Last Days In Barcelona . I would highly recommend this to any historical fiction fans. 

Magnificent.

A Simple Favor.

 

✰✰✰✰✰

CONTAINS SPOILERS

 

A single mother's life is turned upside down when her best friend vanishes in this chilling debut thriller in the vein of Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.

 
It starts with a simple favor—an ordinary kindness mothers do for one another. When her best friend, Emily, asks Stephanie to pick up her son Nicky after school, she happily says yes. Nicky and her son, Miles, are classmates and best friends, and the five-year-olds love being together—just like she and Emily. A widow and stay-at-home mommy blogger living in woodsy suburban Connecticut, Stephanie was lonely until she met Emily, a sophisticated PR executive whose job in Manhattan demands so much of her time. 

But Emily doesn’t come back. She doesn’t answer calls or return texts. Stephanie knows something is terribly wrong—Emily would never leave Nicky, no matter what the police say. Terrified, she reaches out to her blog readers for help. She also reaches out to Emily’s husband, the handsome, reticent Sean, offering emotional support. It’s the least she can do for her best friend. Then, she and Sean receive shocking news. Emily is dead. The nightmare of her disappearance is over. 

Or is it? Because soon, Stephanie will begin to see that nothing—not friendship, love, or even an ordinary favor—is as simple as it seems. 

 

  ❀ ❀ ❀   

Haunting. Captivating. 

I saw the movie when it came out in 2018 with a friend. I loved the movie. I had no idea that it was based on the book until recently. How did I not know that there was a book? I was looking for an audiobook I could listen to while running and came across A Simple Favor , and that’s how I discovered that there was a book. I remember how much I loved the movie and felt the same about the book. I loved the authors who did voices for Emily, Stephanie, and Sean; they brought the characters to life for me. I felt I shouldn’t like Emily, yet I did. She was the most interesting character out of the three characters. Emily was confident and determined and didn’t give up until she got what she wanted. She had everyone wrapped around her finger, especially Stephanie. I didn’t blame Sean for being afraid of her once he found out how she was. I would be frightened too and run far away if it were me. I am surprised he didn’t try to escape her when he discovered she stole his mother’s ring. He loved her that much or feared what she might do. 

I have read multiple books about best friends through the years. A Simple Favor wasn’t anything like the other friendship books I have read. Stephanie thought of Emily as best friend, but that’s not the same feeling that Emily shared. I felt bad for Stephanie; she had no idea that Emily was using her. Stephanie did become suspicious not long after Emily disappeared and even after a body was discovered. It was as Stephanie believed that there was more to the story, that Emily wasn’t dead. I had a feeling that there was the reason that Emily went missing; she wouldn’t leave her son like that. Nicky seemed to be the one person that she cared about the most. I couldn’t get enough of the story, and I kept listening before bed, wanting to see what happened. The ending was…unbelievable, and I wondered what happened to her after, to Stephanie, to Sean. 

One of my favorite parts of the book was Stephanie’s blog and all the updates she posted there. I saw the books had mixed reviews, but I thought the book was terrific. I was on the edge of my seat from the start until the end. One of the best psychological thrillers in my opinion. If you love mysteries, thrillers, I would highly recommend checking out A Simple Favor .