The Plus-One List - Amy Ewing

Eloise, who struggles with anxiety, strongly prefers the company of her senior rescue dogs to people. But when her best friend announces she’s getting married in Mexico City and every guest must have a date, the pressure is on. Using an exclusive “plus-one list,” Eloise winds up with Agustín, a charming journalist and immigrant who recently moved to New York City from Mexico.

Agustín is on a mission to write the article of his career, but to do that, he’ll need to snag an interview with a man who’s proven impossible to track down. His only chance is to catch the source unaware at the upcoming “wedding of the century.” At first, being Eloise’s plus-one seems like the perfect solution, a purely transactional arrangement. Eloise is not looking for romance, and Agustín sees no need to tell her about his true motives for coming to the wedding.

As they play tourists in Agustín’s hometown, sampling smoky cocktails and delicious street food and meeting his family, Eloise slowly comes out of her shell. Suddenly, her blossoming trust in Agustín starts to grow into something deeper. But if Agustín wants to keep that trust, he’ll need to come clean—before their fragile connection is broken forever.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I remember reading The Jewel by Amy Ewing way back when, so I was interested to see what a rom-com from the author might look like. As with most romance books I pick up, the premise sounded just unique enough to make for a cute story, so I went in with my hopes high. 

Sadly, I didn't love it. It was easy to read and I liked the way the characters meet - that unique premise sets up the characters meeting in a fun way. Yet the further I got into the story, the more I struggled with the main character. Eloise overcomes a lot of personal challenges throughout the story, which I always love to see, but she also struck me as pretty selfish, and once I felt it, I really struggled to root for her. 

Rating: ✫✫

Beneath These Cursed Stars - Lexi Ryan

Princess Jasalyn has a secret. Armed with an enchanted ring that gives her death’s kiss, Jas has been sneaking away from the palace at night to assassinate her enemies.

Shape-shifter Felicity needs a miracle. Fated to kill her magical father, she’s been using her unique ability to evade a fatal prophecy.

When rumors of evil king Mordeus’s resurrection spread through the shadow court, Jasalyn decides to end him once and for all. Felicity agrees to take the form of the princess, allowing Jas to covertly hunt Mordeus—and starting Felicity on the path that could finally take her home.

While Jasalyn teams up with the charming and handsome Kendrick, Felicity sets out to get closer to the Wild Fae king, Misha. Kendrick helps Jasalyn feel something other than anger for the first time in three years, and Misha makes Felicity wish for a world where she’s free to be her true self. Soon, the girls’ missions are at risk right alongside their hearts.

The future of the human and fae realms hangs in the balance as fates intertwine. Between perilous tasks, grim secrets, and forbidden romances, Jasalyn and Felicity find that perhaps their stars are the most cursed of all.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I started reading this book and quickly got lost, wasn’t keen, and ultimately wasn’t sure what was going on. I went back and picked up the original duology, These Hollow Vows and These Twisted Bonds, and then revisited this book. That made such a difference and I would urge any other readers to do the same - I’ve seen this is considered a series that can be read independently of This Hollow Vows, but I think I would strongly disagree.

But then we had a new issue. I loved These Hollow Vows and Brie so much that I think I spent a lot of time wishing to go back.

Beneath These Cursed Stars is very enjoyable if you’ve enjoyed the world Lexi Ryan has created. It has the same style, the same energy, and a lot of the same characters. To me, it just didn’t fall in love with it quite as much. Still good, but not as great as These Hollow Vows in my personal opinions.


Rating: ✫✫✫✫

Long Live Evil - Sarah Rees Brennan

 

A TALE FOR EVERYONE WHO’S EVER FALLEN FOR THE VILLAIN…

When her whole life collapsed, Rae still had books. Dying, she seizes a second chance at living: a magical bargain that lets her enter the world of her favourite fantasy series.

She wakes in a castle on the edge of a hellish chasm, in a kingdom on the brink of war. Home to dangerous monsters, scheming courtiers and her favourite fictional character: the Once and Forever Emperor. He’s impossibly alluring, as only fiction can be. And in this fantasy world, she discovers she's not the heroine, but the villainess in the Emperor's tale.

So be it. The wicked are better dressed, with better one-liners, even if they're doomed to bad ends. She assembles the wildly disparate villains of the story under her evil leadership, plotting to change their fate. But as the body count rises and the Emperor's fury increases, it seems Rae and her allies may not survive to see the final page.

This adult epic fantasy debut from Sarah Rees Brennan puts the reader in the villain's shoes, for an adventure that is both 'brilliant' (Holly Black) and 'supremely satisfying' (Leigh Bardugo). Expect a rogue's gallery of villains including an axe wielding maid, a shining knight with dark moods, a homicidal bodyguard, and a playboy spymaster with a golden heart and a filthy reputation.

Blurb  taken from Goodreads.

*

I was gifted an advance copy of this book by the publisher. 

The blurb for Long Live Evil made me so excited to read it. It's the dream of every bookworm to be dropped right into their favourite fantasy world, and the possibilities for the plot are endless. 

Which is why I was a little disappointed when I finished this one and didn't love it. I think the difficulty lay in the fact that to make this work, the reader has to be prepared to come into a new fantasy world halfway through a story, and pick up the pieces and map them all together themselves. It was a bit of a stretch for me, so it wasn't one I ended up really connecting with. 

Rating: ✫✫✫

This Used To Be Us - Renee Carlino

There are two sides to every love story—and every breakup. Get ready for an emotional roller coaster of family, marriage, and divorce that will have you both laughing and crying, from the bestselling author of Before We Were Strangers.

After twenty-two years together, Danielle and Alex are getting a divorce. Once fiercely in love, they can barely stand the sound of each other’s voice. Instead of shuffling the kids between two broken homes, Alex and Danielle decide to share a nesting apartment while swapping days with their two teenage boys at the family home.

In the apartment, Dani and Alex, on their own, begin to reflect on the last two decades—why they fell in love, and why the marriage fell, spectacularly, apart. With the newfound space and time, they are given a chance to find their autonomous selves again. They both get back in the dating pool, Dani finds major success at work as a showrunner on her own TV project, while Alex faces the challenges of a new relationship.

Still, they find they just can’t stay away from each other, and somehow, the distance allows them to remember (for the first time in years) what they used to love about one another. When a family crisis draws them back into each other’s orbit, Danielle and Alex are, once again, put to the test, which leads to a dramatic conclusion that will have readers weeping. 

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've long been a fan of Renee Carlino, from the moment I read my first book of hers, Swear On This Life. It was an easy five star read for me, and was only added to by further five star reads Before We Were Strangers, Sweet Thing and Wish you Were Here. I hit a bit of a snag by then reading two Carlino books that I didn't enjoy nearly as much, and I started to wonder if maybe my luck with the author had run out.

Then came This Used To Be Us. I started reading apprehensively, worrying that this would be another to add to the pile of books I hadn't loved. 

I am so grateful that that did not happen. I loved this book. It broke my heart then made it full again, it made me laugh then sob. It was beautiful, and I adored it. 

Rating: ✫✫✫✫✫

The Midnight Feast - Lucy Foley

It’s the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests’ healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen.

But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. Something’s not right with the guests. There’s been a fire. A body’s been discovered.

THE FOUNDER * THE HUSBAND * THE MYSTERY GUEST * THE KITCHEN HELP

It all began with a secret, fifteen years ago. Now the past has crashed the party. And it’ll end in murder at… The Midnight Feast.

Blurb taken from Goodreads. 

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I've always found Lucy Foley's thrillers to be really sold: enjoyable, reliable, and intriguing. So, I was very excited to read The Midnight Feast, which I read on holiday. 

If I'm honest, it took me quite a long time to get into this one - much longer than Foley's previous books. The characters and the setting just didn't grip me as much as usual. However, when I did eventually manage to get into the story, I absolutely FLEW through it, so invested in finding out what had happened. 

The Midnight Feast is a bit more of a niche setting, which might not appeal to all readers, but its another very solid story from Foley.

Rating: ✫✫✫✫

Pole Position - Rebecca J. Caffery

Kian Walker has always been the golden boy of motor sport. The four-time Championship winner has racing in his DNA – his father was a legend on the track, just don’t let him catch you comparing the two. As reckless and unreliable at home as he was behind the wheel, there’s nothing Kian wants less than to be just like his dad.

Enter Harper James. This year’s rookie called up to compete with the big boys – and Kian’s new teammate. Cocky, hot-headed and with a reputation for breaking as many hearts as he does new track records, Harper’s the opposite of Kian in every way. But when the season starts, there’s no getting away from him.

This might be one of the most dangerous sports in the world, so why then does Kian’s heart feel safer flying around the track at 220mph than when he's anywhere near his teammate?

Blurb taken from Goodreads. 

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Pole Position was described as Red, White and Royal Blue meets Formula 1, which immediately seemed like a combination that was right up my street!

This book is a very cute, fluffy, queer romance, and I enjoyed it for what it was. The characters were quite, I liked their stories and how they connected, and what Formula 1 content we got was enjoyable. 

There was nothing really wrong with the book, but it just didn't blow me away. I think there's probably a lot of readers out there who would enjoy this one a lot!

Rating: ✫✫✫

Close to Death - Anthony Horowitz

 

Riverside Close is a picture-perfect community. The six exclusive and attractive houses are tucked far away from the noise and grime of city life, allowing the residents to enjoy beautiful gardens, pleasant birdsong, and tranquility from behind the security of a locked gate.

It is the perfect idyll, until the Kentworthy family arrives, with their four giant, gas-guzzling cars, gaggle of shrieking children, and plans for a garish swimming pool in the backyard. Obvious outsiders, the Kentworthys do not belong in Riverside Close, and quickly offend every last one of the neighbors.

When Charles Kentworthy is found dead on his own doorstep, a crossbow bolt sticking out of his chest, Detective Hawthorne is the only investigator they can call to solve the case.

Because how do you solve a murder when everyone is a suspect?

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I am a big fan of Anthony Horowitz' crime novels. I think he's great at capturing a modern classic of a crime story in a way that's very accessible for the reader. However I will admit that I've had a bit of a tumultuous relationship with the Hawthorne series. I really wasn't convinced by the first, but enjoyed the second and loved the third. Then I wasn't as keen on #4. 

Close To Death is my favourite so far. The closed community of Riverside Close lends itself perfectly to a murder mystery, and the characters were all so vivid. A fantastic read that I finished in no time.

Rating: ✫✫✫✫.5

The Catch - Amy Lea

A grumpy lobster fisherman tosses a fashion influencer’s impeccably curated life overboard in the next romantic comedy from international bestselling author Amy Lea.

In a last-ditch effort to rescue her brand from the brink of irrelevance, Boston fashion influencer Melanie Karlsen finds herself in a rural fishing village on the east coast of Canada. The only thing scarier than nature itself? The burly and bearded bed-and-breakfast owner and fisherman, Evan Whaler—who single-handedly disproves the theory that Canadians are “nice.”

After a boating accident lands Evan unconscious in the hospital, Mel is mistaken for his fiancée by his welcoming yet quirky family, who are embroiled in a long-standing feud over the B&B. In a bold attempt to mend family fences, Mel agrees to fake their engagement for one week in exchange for Evan’s help with her social media content.

Amid long hikes and campfire chats, reeling in their budding feelings for each other proves more difficult by the day. But is Mel willing to sacrifice her picture-perfect life in the city for a chance at a true, unfiltered love in the wild?

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve read both of Amy Lea’s previous books in this series, and I was keen to finish off the set!

I had mixed feelings about Set On You (2.5*) and Execs and Os (4*), the latter of which I found much more enjoyable.

The Catch fell somewhere in the middle for me. It was an enjoyable, light read, but it wasn’t until about halfway through that I found myself actually wanting to pick it up.

The reason? I think I just found Mel a bit difficult to like. It really took me a long time to warm up to her, as she just does not come across very well at first. I understand that her role as a fashion influencer, and her actions as part of that, are established to highlight the vast differences between her and Evan, but I think it might have gone a bit far.

I did end up enjoying the novel, but it started well on the back foot as there was a lot of ground for Mel to make up with me!

Enjoyable, but not my favourite by Amy Lea.

Rating: ✫✫✫

Bride - Ali Hazelwood

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I received an advance copy o this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read Bride! I've been a big fan of Ali Hazelwood's books ever since first reading The Love Hypothesis, and I love the easy-to-read romance they put onto the page. I thought it would be a lot of fun to read something a bit different from Hazelwood, especially after really enjoying Check & Mate last year.

Bride was a lot of fun - if you take it with a pinch of salt. There's a lot of talk of Weres and Vampyres, but it's all a bit of smoke and mirrors. In reality, the romance formula is classic, entrenched Hazelwood. But don't let that put you off! Bride is a proper escape. It's fun, it's sweet, and it's a bit different. If anything, I think I really respected Hazelwood for writing something a bit out there. 

Rating: ✫✫✫✫

The Traitors - C. A. Lynch

 

Six people find a thick cream envelope on their doorstep. Inside is an invitation to spend 24 hours in a crumbling manor house and be in with the chance to win a portion of one million dollars. The Beechwood Castle was the site of one of the most horrific murders in modern history.

The smell of blood, decay and death still hangs heavy in the air.

Six people walk into the house. One of them is an imposter, all of them are traitors, which of them will survive the night?

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When I saw the blurb for The Traitors, I was excited by the potential it appeared to hold. It sounded like it was inspired by Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None - incidentally, one of my favourite books of all time - and I was so ready to read a modern spin on it. Okay, and the title appealed to me because the TV show has such a chokehold on me.

I really hate to have to say this, but I did not enjoy this book. The ideas were there, but they were not fully formed, and the writing was very juvenile, which consistently put me off. It's a shame, because the bare bones of the book are okay and held some promise, but the execution was disappointing.

Rating: ✫.5

Check & Mate - Ali Hazelwood

Mallory Greenleaf is done with chess. Every move counts nowadays; after the sport led to the destruction of her family four years earlier, Mallory's focus is on her mom, her sisters, and the dead-end job that keeps the lights on. That is, until she begrudgingly agrees to play in one last charity tournament and inadvertently wipes the board with notorious "Kingkiller" Nolan Sawyer: current world champion and reigning Bad Boy of chess.

Nolan's loss to an unknown rook-ie shocks everyone. What's even more confusing? His desire to cross pawns again. What kind of gambit is Nolan playing? The smart move would be to walk away. Resign. Game over. But Mallory's victory opens the door to sorely needed cash-prizes and despite everything, she can't help feeling drawn to the enigmatic strategist....

As she rockets up the ranks, Mallory struggles to keep her family safely separated from the game that wrecked it in the first place. And as her love for the sport she so desperately wanted to hate begins to rekindle, Mallory quickly realizes that the games aren't only on the board, the spotlight is brighter than she imagined, and the competition can be fierce (-ly attractive. And intelligent...and infuriating...).

Blurb taken from Goodreads. 

I was lucky enough to receive an advance copy of this book from the publisher.

I'm a huge fan of Ali Hazelwood's, having read her full collection of books so far. I love the easy style of her writing that makes her stories so easy to take in, and the way she sells her characters so I can't help but fall in  love with them! However, a huge part of my love for Hazelwood's books is tied up in the romance she builds between her characters. I wasn't really sure that would translate well into YA fiction.

I shouldn't have been worried. This did feel a little bit more new adult than young adult to me, but on the whole, I think Hazelwood did a really great job. I really appreciated that the focus was on Mallory's relationship with chess, and that the book was structured around the games she played and the tournaments she competed in. I think that was the right move, with her romance being a secondary plot instead. 

Rating: ✫✫✫✫.5

Hercule Poirot's Silent Night - Sophie Hannah

CAN HERCULE POIROT SOLVE A BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS?

It’s 19 December 1931. Hercule Poirot and Inspector Edward Catchpool are called to investigate the murder of a man in the apparent safe haven of a Norfolk hospital ward. Catchpool’s mother, the irrepressible Cynthia, insists that Poirot stays in a crumbling mansion by the coast, so that they can all be together for the festive period while Poirot solves the case. Cynthia’s friend Arnold is soon to be admitted to that same hospital and his wife is convinced he will be the killer’s next victim, though she refuses to explain why.

Poirot has less than a week to solve the crime and prevent more murders, if he is to escape from this nightmare scenario and get home in time for Christmas. Meanwhile, someone else – someone utterly ruthless – also has ideas about what ought to happen to Hercule Poirot . . .

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

I received an advance copy of Hercule Poirot's Silent Night in exchange for an honest review.

As a longtime fan of Agatha Christie, and especially Hercule Poirot, I think it's so fantastic to have new material to read. I've enjoyed each one of Sophie Hannah's previous stories, and so was really hoping I'd enjoy this one too.

Although I don't think Hercule Poirot's Silent Night is my favourite new Poirot novel, it's a very solid one. It has a great range of characters, and a lot of different mysteries that all come together at the end. But I think what is does best is capture that Christie feeling, of a closed mystery with plenty of twists and turns. I also loved the continuation of the relationship between Poirot and Catchpool, which brings the text to life.

It's another hit for me!

Love Theoretically - Ali Hazelwood

 

The many lives of theoretical physicist Elsie Hannaway have finally caught up with her. By day, she’s an adjunct professor, toiling away at grading labs and teaching thermodynamics in the hopes of landing tenure. By other day, Elsie makes up for her non-existent paycheck by offering her services as a fake girlfriend, tapping into her expertly honed people pleasing skills to embody whichever version of herself the client needs.

Honestly, it’s a pretty sweet gig—until her carefully constructed Elsie-verse comes crashing down. Because Jack Smith, the annoyingly attractive and broody older brother of her favorite client, turns out to be the cold-hearted experimental physicist who ruined her mentor’s career and undermined the reputation of theorists everywhere. And that same Jack who now sits on the hiring committee at MIT, right between Elsie and her dream job.

Elsie is prepared for an all-out war of scholarly sabotage but…those long, penetrating looks? Not having to be anything other than her true self when she’s with him? Will falling into an experimentalist’s orbit finally tempt her to put her most guarded theories on love into practice?

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

 

I received an advance copy of Love, Theoretically from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

When I picked up this book, I was full of excitement and apprehension. On the one hand, I've really enjoyed Ali Hazelwood's previous books. On the other, I did anticipate that this would follow a similar format, and I wasn't sure if I would enjoy a 'copycat' of the author's previous books. 

Thankfully, even thought there are clear similarities between this and Hazelwood's previous books, I found that I really thoroughly enjoyed it. Although I think The Love Hypothesis will remain my #1, this definitely came close.

Ten Years - Pernille Hughes

They’re perfect for each other

They just don’t know it yet

Becca and Charlie have known each other for years – ever since they met at university.

And for every one of those years, they've bickered, argued, offended, mocked and generally rubbed each other up the wrong way.

Until now. Until Ally’s bucket list. The death of their loved one should mean Becca and Charlie can go their separate ways and not look back. But completing the list is something neither Charlie nor Becca can walk away from.

And sometimes, those who bring out the worst in you, also bring out the very best…

Over the course of ten years, Becca and Charlie’s paths collide as they deal with grief, love and life after Ally.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

I was provided with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'd seen a little bit of hype about this one, so I was looking forward to reading it. Upon reading the synopsis, I was a little bit apprehensive - this sounded like a very emotive read, but I generally prefer more lighthearted stories.

However, I was pleasantly surprised. The long timeline means that this story is very fast-paced, and I found myself liking the central characters more than I thought I would. It would have been nice to have slowed the story for a little more depth and a build up of additional characters. However, all in all, I did enjoy this one.

Rating: ✫✫✫

Hotel Magnifique - Emily J. Taylor

 

All her life, Jani has dreamed of Elsewhere. Just barely scraping by with her job at a tannery, she’s resigned to a dreary life in the port town of Durc, caring for her younger sister Zosa. That is, until the Hotel Magnifique comes to town.

The hotel is legendary not only for its whimsical enchantments, but also for its ability to travel—appearing in a different destination every morning. While Jani and Zosa can’t afford the exorbitant costs of a guest’s stay, they can interview to join the staff, and are soon whisked away on the greatest adventure of their lives. But once inside, Jani quickly discovers their contracts are unbreakable and that beneath the marvelous glamour, the hotel is hiding dangerous secrets.

With the vexingly handsome doorman Bel as her only ally, Jani embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery of the magic at the heart of the hotel and free Zosa—and the other staff—from the cruelty of the ruthless maître d’hôtel. To succeed, she’ll have to risk everything she loves, but failure would mean a fate far worse than never returning home.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

I was provided with an advance copy of Hotel Magnifique in exchange for an honest review.

I’m a huge fan of YA fantasy, so I knew immediately that Hotel Magnifique would be right up my street. As I think many other people also found, the description put me in mind of The Night Circus - a book I adored - so I had a feeling I may be in for a treat.

Taylor spins a story full of magic, and the hotel is such a beautiful backdrop. Every single paragraph seemed to bring new feats of imagination, with an incredible amount of detail.

However, what I really loved was following Jani on her journey - she’s stubborn, impulsive, and pretty much everything I love in fantasy protagonists.

A must read for fans of Caraval!

Rating: ✫✫✫✫

The Library - Bella Osborne

Two different generations. Two unusual people. Thrown together to save their local library.Tom is a teenager and blends into the background of life. After a row with his dad, and facing an unhappy future at the dog food factory, he escapes to the library. Tom unwittingly ends up with a bagful of romance novels and comes under the suspicion of Maggie.

Maggie is a pensioner and has been happily alone for ten years, at least that's what she tells herself. When Tom comes to her rescue a friendship develops that could change her life. As Maggie helps Tom to stand up for himself, Tom helps Maggie realise the mistakes of her past don't have to define her future.

They each set out to prove that the library isn't just about books – it's the heart of their community.

Together they discover some things are worth fighting for.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I thought this sounded right up my street - quirky, funny, and with lots of potential for mischief. Add in the setting of the library and I was sure I was guaranteed a hit.

Unfortunately, although I did enjoy this one, I didn't love it. I found the writing to be very simplistic, and it didn't engage me as much as I would have liked. However, the story was interesting and hopeful, and it's a nice, easy read.

Rating: ✫✫✫

The Paris Apartment - Lucy Foley

Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up – to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? – he’s not there.

The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

The socialite – The nice guy – The alcoholic – The girl on the verge – The concierge

Everyone’s a neighbor. Everyone’s a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of The Paris Apartment in exchange for an honest review.

I was a huge fan of Foley's other books - The Hunting Party and The Guest List, so I was very excited to read this one! However, I wasn't quite sure if my expectations were too high, and I was destined for disappointment. 

Thankfully, I wasn't disappointed. I was a little more hesitant when I realised that the structure was a little different to Foley's other books - we don't get a tandem narrative of past and present events - but it didn't take long for me to start enjoying the story. It's a interesting setting, a unique set of inter-connected characters, and although I had some inklings about what was going on, it still kept me on the edge of my seat to the very end. 

All in all, a hit for me, and one that fans of Foley's are sure to enjoy.

Nine Lives - Peter Swanson

Nine strangers receive a list with their names on it in the mail. Nothing else, just a list of names on a single sheet of paper. None of the nine people know or have ever met the others on the list. They dismiss it as junk mail, a fluke - until very, very bad things begin happening to people on the list. First, a well-liked old man is drowned on a beach in the small town of Kennewick, Maine. Then, a father is shot in the back while running through his quiet neighborhood in suburban Massachusetts. A frightening pattern is emerging, but what do these nine people have in common? Their professions range from oncology nurse to aspiring actor.

FBI agent Jessica Winslow, who is on the list herself, is determined to find out. Could there be some dark secret that binds them all together? Or is this the work of a murderous madman? As the mysterious sender stalks these nine strangers, they find themselves constantly looking over their shoulders, wondering who will be crossed off next...

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

*

I was provided with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I've read a couple of Swanson's books before, and Eight Perfect Murders was a real highlight for me only last year. I was very keen to get stuck into this one and see if it was as good as I was hoping for.

Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this one. Although the idea was interesting and had a lot of potential, I just felt the execution was nowhere near the same standard as some of Swanson's previous novels. There could have been so much more depth that would have connected me to the characters a lot more easily. It's a shame, but this one wasn't for me at all.

Rating: ✫✫

Christmas Book Haul 2021

 Another year, another bookish haul for Christmas! 

I'm honestly so lucky to have friends and family who spoil me with so many books, and Christmas 2021 gave me some absolutely beautiful books.

Read on to hear my thoughts about all the new books I received, and which I'm most excited for! 

Femlandia - Christina Dalcher

A chilling look into an alternate near future where a woman and her daughter seek refuge in a women-only colony, only to find that the safe haven they were hoping for is the most dangerous place they could be.

Miranda Reynolds always thought she would rather die than live in Femlandia. But that was before the country sank into total economic collapse and her husband walked out in the harshest, most permanent way, leaving her and her sixteen-year-old daughter with nothing. The streets are full of looting, robbing, and killing, and Miranda and Emma no longer have much choice—either starve and risk getting murdered, or find safety. And so they set off to Femlandia, the women-only colony Miranda's mother, Win Somers, established decades ago.

Although Win is no longer in the spotlight, her protégé Jen Jones has taken Femlandia to new heights: The off-grid colonies are secluded, self-sufficient, and thriving—and Emma is instantly enchanted by this idea of a safe haven. But something is not right. There are no men allowed in the colony, but babies are being born—and they're all girls. Miranda discovers just how the all-women community is capable of enduring, and it leads her to question how far her mother went to create this perfect, thriving, horrifying society.

Blurb taken from Goodreads.

I was provided with an advance copy of Femlandia in exchange for an honest review.

I'd heard of Dalcher's work before, but never actually read any of it. This sounded like a really interesting idea, and wasn't like the books I usually read, so I was very much intrigued.

I don't think I can say I enjoyed it so much as found it a really powerful narrative. It bordered on uncomfortable at times, but I found the meaning behind the story so strongly portrayed. It's a reminder of the potential dangers of radical outlooks, and what happens when equality ceases to be the main goal of feminism. 

Femlandia is definitely a powerful read, although I imagine it won't be for everybody.

Rating: ✫✫✫✫