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3.86 AVERAGE
3.86 AVERAGE
THE ENDING! I did NOT see that one coming.
It's a smart and steamy read--the story of a woman who has a good life (not great, and Lauren McBrayer nails what it's like to realize you've settled but now aren't sure why) but realizes, as she works with (and falls for) her new boss that she wants--and deserves--more out of life.
It's a smart and steamy read--the story of a woman who has a good life (not great, and Lauren McBrayer nails what it's like to realize you've settled but now aren't sure why) but realizes, as she works with (and falls for) her new boss that she wants--and deserves--more out of life.
An excellent listen due to the fabulous Marin Ireland. Merit is a mom of 2 young boys who decides to go back to work as an architect. She is under-appreciated by her sweet but clueless husband but he is never made out to be the villain. Her boss is a bit too perfect, but the real story is Merit’s journey towards self-awareness, and how that journey comes with choices that impact everyone she loves. She was complex, flawed, funny and smart and felt real. The author writes with skill and nuance plus some romance and good sex. I’m not a romance reader but really enjoyed this book.
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I was giddy when I was approved for Like a House on Fire on NetGalley. The synopsis grabbed me right away and sounded like an incredibly moving story. While it was moving, I also wasn't prepared for how funny and quirky it would end up being (and also steamy!)
The story follows Merit, a mid-thirties married mom who heads back into the workforce where she meets Jane, a late fifties powerhouse architect, and how their worlds begin to revolve around one another. It's a powerful portrayal of a woman discovering her true self (Merit) and discovering what she really wants out of life.
I found myself unable to put this book down. While it has longer chapters, they were so engaging that they flew by.
Add Like a House on Fire to your reading lists - you won't be disappointed and hopefully, you will love it as much I did it. The ending gave me goosebumps.
5/5 stars!
Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The story follows Merit, a mid-thirties married mom who heads back into the workforce where she meets Jane, a late fifties powerhouse architect, and how their worlds begin to revolve around one another. It's a powerful portrayal of a woman discovering her true self (Merit) and discovering what she really wants out of life.
I found myself unable to put this book down. While it has longer chapters, they were so engaging that they flew by.
Add Like a House on Fire to your reading lists - you won't be disappointed and hopefully, you will love it as much I did it. The ending gave me goosebumps.
5/5 stars!
Thank you to Putnam Books and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really liked this in parts and then was irritated in others. Maybe 4 stars.
I really enjoyed reading this book and couldn’t put it down. That being said, I had a lot of issues with it. It felt like Jane just humored Merit and went along with things but I never saw the passion on her end. I felt almost embarrassed for Merit most of the time. Jane was rude to her, talked down to her, and didn’t seem to even flirt with her until Merit suggested it. Merit wasn’t that likable either. She was weak at the beginning and instead of showing her growing in strength and confidence, she just became a bad person? Yet somehow I still rooted for them so something was there.
Despite the issues, I’m giving it 4 stars because the readability was there and I thought the writing was engaging. I will look forward to more books from Lauren McBrayer.
*Thanks to Putnam for providing me with this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
Despite the issues, I’m giving it 4 stars because the readability was there and I thought the writing was engaging. I will look forward to more books from Lauren McBrayer.
*Thanks to Putnam for providing me with this ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
“it was miraculous really. she’d found togetherness with someone she wanted to be together with”
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes