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13rebecca13's reviews
445 reviews
The Damages by Genevieve Scott
challenging
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Books about consent have been done a lot post-#MeToo era and Scott does it very well.
In the late 90s, Ros is a university student obsessed with her social status. Her roommate Megan is very innocent and is the antithesis of how Ros wants to be seen. During an ice storm, Ros invites Megan out with her friends to a bar and during that time Megan goes missing. Ros was supposed to be Megan's buddy during the storm so she is essentially blamed.
Fast-forward twenty years later to the COVID pandemic and Ros is now married to children's author Lukas, who went by Dutch whilst they were at university. Megan has now come forward to state that on that night, she was sexually assaulted by Lukas.
The Damages opens a fantastic discussion surrounding consent and this book would be perfect for book clubs. It takes a look at how men and women both view consent and how women previously would put things down as living in liberal times. An interesting and thought-provoking read for sure.
In the late 90s, Ros is a university student obsessed with her social status. Her roommate Megan is very innocent and is the antithesis of how Ros wants to be seen. During an ice storm, Ros invites Megan out with her friends to a bar and during that time Megan goes missing. Ros was supposed to be Megan's buddy during the storm so she is essentially blamed.
Fast-forward twenty years later to the COVID pandemic and Ros is now married to children's author Lukas, who went by Dutch whilst they were at university. Megan has now come forward to state that on that night, she was sexually assaulted by Lukas.
The Damages opens a fantastic discussion surrounding consent and this book would be perfect for book clubs. It takes a look at how men and women both view consent and how women previously would put things down as living in liberal times. An interesting and thought-provoking read for sure.
The Parcel by Leigh Suznovich
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? N/A
4.0
Before I started reading The Parcel I was in a reading slump. This book 100% got me out of it and I finished it in less than 24 hours.
Lyra Spinelli is in her mid-thirties and has recently split from her husband Derek after he admitted that he'd been having an affair. Lyra has Turner Syndrome and the two of them were fine with remaining child free, so when Derek's announces that his mistress is pregnant, it is gutting.
After moving into her new house, Lyra gets a glimpse of Taran Malloy, the local UPS driver. After a flirty exchange and Taran instantly bonding with Lyra's dog Brody, she thinks that a) he must be late twenties so way too young for her, and b) her divorce isn't even final yet so what is she doing?
The backstories to both of these characters are fantastic and dive into their familial relationships really well. I felt completely immersed, especially in the scenes where all the family got together. I loved the aspect of found family too.
I had never heard of Turner Syndrome before so this was really eye opening for me and having a female love interest with such a syndrome really sets The Parcel apart from other romance novels.
Taran is an absolute golden retriever of a man and his personal growth was lovely to read. Beautiful!
Lyra Spinelli is in her mid-thirties and has recently split from her husband Derek after he admitted that he'd been having an affair. Lyra has Turner Syndrome and the two of them were fine with remaining child free, so when Derek's announces that his mistress is pregnant, it is gutting.
After moving into her new house, Lyra gets a glimpse of Taran Malloy, the local UPS driver. After a flirty exchange and Taran instantly bonding with Lyra's dog Brody, she thinks that a) he must be late twenties so way too young for her, and b) her divorce isn't even final yet so what is she doing?
The backstories to both of these characters are fantastic and dive into their familial relationships really well. I felt completely immersed, especially in the scenes where all the family got together. I loved the aspect of found family too.
I had never heard of Turner Syndrome before so this was really eye opening for me and having a female love interest with such a syndrome really sets The Parcel apart from other romance novels.
Taran is an absolute golden retriever of a man and his personal growth was lovely to read. Beautiful!
Small Hours by Bobby Palmer
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really loved Isaac and the Egg by Bobby Palmer so I was excited for a new release. This book is absolutely beautiful with stunning nature themes and a wonderfully important topic.
Jack Penwick loses his city job and whilst in a park, stumbles across a fox who begins talking to him. Jack's sister calls to let Jack know that their mother has left and knowing his father has what seems to be dementia, he begrudgingly heads back to his childhood home of Mole End. What transpires is a stunning novel surrounding family, connections, nature and it feels truly magical and emotional.
I will admit that I struggled a bit with the ebook (personal preference - nothing against the actual book!) so I switched to audio which was a fantastic experience. Stephan Mangan narrates beautifully and the addition of nature sounds and the style in which the fox's narrative is recorded really added an extra dimension.
A great follow up to Isaac and the Egg.
Jack Penwick loses his city job and whilst in a park, stumbles across a fox who begins talking to him. Jack's sister calls to let Jack know that their mother has left and knowing his father has what seems to be dementia, he begrudgingly heads back to his childhood home of Mole End. What transpires is a stunning novel surrounding family, connections, nature and it feels truly magical and emotional.
I will admit that I struggled a bit with the ebook (personal preference - nothing against the actual book!) so I switched to audio which was a fantastic experience. Stephan Mangan narrates beautifully and the addition of nature sounds and the style in which the fox's narrative is recorded really added an extra dimension.
A great follow up to Isaac and the Egg.
Keep It in the Family by John Marrs
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
John Marrs is just fantastic. I know before I go into one of his books that I am about to be blown away.
Keep It In The Family follows Finn and his wife Mia. Finn's parents Debbie and Dave have just purchased an old house that is in need of renovation but Mia thinks it is the perfect family home for her, Finn and their unborn child.
Debbie definitely gives overbearing mother-in-law vibes and has a high dislike of Mia, thinking she is not the right match for her son. Dave also has his own issues including a problem with alcohol.
Whilst renovating the house, they find old suitcases in the attic and are distraught to find skeletal remains of children inside. Obviously the police get involved but Mia then goes on her own hunt. Is she getting too close?
I don't want to give too much away with regards to the plot as you really should go in blind. Marrs weaves this story perfectly together and with the use of mixed media such as newspaper reports and television documentary transcripts, it really adds to the depth of the story. I didn't want to put this book down!
Any true crime lover will have their own thoughts on nature versus nurture and this is a great discussion point after reading Keep It In The Family.
Keep It In The Family follows Finn and his wife Mia. Finn's parents Debbie and Dave have just purchased an old house that is in need of renovation but Mia thinks it is the perfect family home for her, Finn and their unborn child.
Debbie definitely gives overbearing mother-in-law vibes and has a high dislike of Mia, thinking she is not the right match for her son. Dave also has his own issues including a problem with alcohol.
Whilst renovating the house, they find old suitcases in the attic and are distraught to find skeletal remains of children inside. Obviously the police get involved but Mia then goes on her own hunt. Is she getting too close?
I don't want to give too much away with regards to the plot as you really should go in blind. Marrs weaves this story perfectly together and with the use of mixed media such as newspaper reports and television documentary transcripts, it really adds to the depth of the story. I didn't want to put this book down!
Any true crime lover will have their own thoughts on nature versus nurture and this is a great discussion point after reading Keep It In The Family.
Sea Rift by J. M. Simpson
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Sea Rift in the fifth novel in the Castleby series and if you haven't read any of these books yet, you are missing out. I've read the other four books over the past couple of years and going back into this one felt like going home.
This series is set in the fictional seaside town of Castleby and is perfect for fans of small towns, found family, the RNLI and organised crime thrillers.
Sea Rift introduces hostage negotiator Nate Bennett who has just moved back to Castleby. He lived there as a child but after his daughter was stillborn and Nate having made the tough choice to have his wife Viv sectioned due to her mental health following the birth, he thinks the town will be perfect for a fresh start for them both.
At the same time, crime boss Mickey Camorra is sent a message in the form of a dead body and all the signs point to another crime organisation, the Taos.
There are lots of POVs from multiple characters but Simpson writes in a way that leaves no confusion, each paragraph leaves you wanting more until you find that it's hard to put the book down! It is meticulously planned and super fast paced. I was dying to know how everything tied together.
I loved getting back to the lives of my old favourites; Doug, Foxy, Steve, Maggie, etc. It felt like a hug!
I would say there are big trigger warnings for baby loss in this book but, wow! I feel like I want to go back and read them all again!
This series is set in the fictional seaside town of Castleby and is perfect for fans of small towns, found family, the RNLI and organised crime thrillers.
Sea Rift introduces hostage negotiator Nate Bennett who has just moved back to Castleby. He lived there as a child but after his daughter was stillborn and Nate having made the tough choice to have his wife Viv sectioned due to her mental health following the birth, he thinks the town will be perfect for a fresh start for them both.
At the same time, crime boss Mickey Camorra is sent a message in the form of a dead body and all the signs point to another crime organisation, the Taos.
There are lots of POVs from multiple characters but Simpson writes in a way that leaves no confusion, each paragraph leaves you wanting more until you find that it's hard to put the book down! It is meticulously planned and super fast paced. I was dying to know how everything tied together.
I loved getting back to the lives of my old favourites; Doug, Foxy, Steve, Maggie, etc. It felt like a hug!
I would say there are big trigger warnings for baby loss in this book but, wow! I feel like I want to go back and read them all again!
Somewhere in the Sunset by Estelle Maskame
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Oh this book is beautiful. This is the authors first foray into adult fiction having previously written YA novels and it is just gorgeous. I had read a lot of heavy books recently so was looking for a light palate cleanser. I didn't expect my heart to be broken!
It's Gracie Taylor's twenty-second birthday and her boyfriend of seven years has just left her. She is understandably heartbroken. They lived together, ran a popular couples YouTube account and had amassed a huge following across their social media. It feels like she's lost everything.
Weston Reed is a twenty-three year old rookie cop and his girlfriend of four years has broken up with him. She didn't feel appreciated by him and he realises just how much he took her for granted.
Their friends take them out to a nightclub and Weston and Gracie's paths cross. Both in similar situations, they find themselves supporting each other and getting each other through this tough time in their lives. They soon realise that it might be more than just a friendship.
I don't want to give too much away with how the book ends but I absolutely devoured this in less than 24 hours. I loved the characters and I could feel the turmoil that they felt of still being in love with their exes but feeling guilty for potentially starting a new relationship so soon.
My heart aches but the ending is beautiful. Gracie's character development is just what she needed.
It's Gracie Taylor's twenty-second birthday and her boyfriend of seven years has just left her. She is understandably heartbroken. They lived together, ran a popular couples YouTube account and had amassed a huge following across their social media. It feels like she's lost everything.
Weston Reed is a twenty-three year old rookie cop and his girlfriend of four years has broken up with him. She didn't feel appreciated by him and he realises just how much he took her for granted.
Their friends take them out to a nightclub and Weston and Gracie's paths cross. Both in similar situations, they find themselves supporting each other and getting each other through this tough time in their lives. They soon realise that it might be more than just a friendship.
I don't want to give too much away with how the book ends but I absolutely devoured this in less than 24 hours. I loved the characters and I could feel the turmoil that they felt of still being in love with their exes but feeling guilty for potentially starting a new relationship so soon.
My heart aches but the ending is beautiful. Gracie's character development is just what she needed.
Hunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I read Haunting Adeline because I had a bit of FOMO and surprisingly found that I enjoyed it, rating it four stars out of five. With Haunting Adeline ending on a cliffhanger, spoiler alert, with Adeline getting kidnapped by the traffickers, I knew I had to read the second book in the Cat and Mouse duet to see what was going to happen next.
This book has a very different vibe to the first one and the beginning is heartbreaking. Adeline is held at a house with other women, ready to go up for auction and Zade urgently trying to find her. What Addie and the other girls went through was horrific and definitely, as ever, read the trigger warnings.
There is a great chase to this book with Zade and Addie teaming up to dismantle the ring. I enjoyed Sibby's character being back and Addie's growth and strength building back up following her return home. Her PTSD was done well but I couldn't help but grimace at how Zade spoke to her following this traumatic experience that she went through. I get that's the purpose of the book though and Zade definitely has a bit of a God complex.
This book has a very different vibe to the first one and the beginning is heartbreaking. Adeline is held at a house with other women, ready to go up for auction and Zade urgently trying to find her. What Addie and the other girls went through was horrific and definitely, as ever, read the trigger warnings.
There is a great chase to this book with Zade and Addie teaming up to dismantle the ring. I enjoyed Sibby's character being back and Addie's growth and strength building back up following her return home. Her PTSD was done well but I couldn't help but grimace at how Zade spoke to her following this traumatic experience that she went through. I get that's the purpose of the book though and Zade definitely has a bit of a God complex.
The House Sitter by Elizabeth Drummond
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a cute little palate cleansing read.
Pippa Munroe has been with her boyfriend Alex since she was teenager. They live in a small rural town and a decade later, they run Alex's family's farm. Pippa clearly did everything for Alex when it came to the farm's finances and day to day running, as well as helping out with his ill father and taking him to appointments.
Alex tells her that they have to talk and Pippa is convinced they are finally getting engaged. Alex surprises Pippa by telling her that he has sold the farm and they are moving to Kent. Understandably, Pippa is distraught as she loves their hometown and cannot believe that Alex didn't consult her first. She opts not to go with Alex and with no job, no boyfriend and nowhere to live, she doesn't know what to do.
Pippa always had a soft spot for Squires House and when Wolfie Squires has a job for a live-in house-sitter, she applies. After getting the job she realises that it is only temporary as Wolfie is planning on selling up.
I enjoyed a lot about this book. All of the supporting characters were brilliant and although at times I wanted to shake Pippa, I really liked her growth and realisation that she was so much better away from Alex. I feel like her relationship with Wolfie went from 0-100 and would have loved to feel more of that blossoming. All in all a cute read!
Pippa Munroe has been with her boyfriend Alex since she was teenager. They live in a small rural town and a decade later, they run Alex's family's farm. Pippa clearly did everything for Alex when it came to the farm's finances and day to day running, as well as helping out with his ill father and taking him to appointments.
Alex tells her that they have to talk and Pippa is convinced they are finally getting engaged. Alex surprises Pippa by telling her that he has sold the farm and they are moving to Kent. Understandably, Pippa is distraught as she loves their hometown and cannot believe that Alex didn't consult her first. She opts not to go with Alex and with no job, no boyfriend and nowhere to live, she doesn't know what to do.
Pippa always had a soft spot for Squires House and when Wolfie Squires has a job for a live-in house-sitter, she applies. After getting the job she realises that it is only temporary as Wolfie is planning on selling up.
I enjoyed a lot about this book. All of the supporting characters were brilliant and although at times I wanted to shake Pippa, I really liked her growth and realisation that she was so much better away from Alex. I feel like her relationship with Wolfie went from 0-100 and would have loved to feel more of that blossoming. All in all a cute read!
The Boy Who Sat by the Window: The Story of the Queen of Soho by David Hodge
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This is an absolutely gorgeous memoir.
As someone from Nothern Ireland in her early thirties, I was not aware of David Hodge before reading this book but reading about his life was fascinating. I am maybe a little too young and a bit far from the London scene!
David, as a schoolboy, discovered at a young age that he enjoyed fashion and make up but whilst not relating this to sexuality, he was teased a little at school. This book follows his journey to becoming drag queen Miss Dusty O, the Queen of Soho, rubbing shoulders with celebrities, becoming friends with Boy George, the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 80s right up to getting rid of Miss Dusty O for good and finding his happiness now.
What I always want from a memoir is to feel the emotions and to experience the authors self reflection. I felt both of these things as well and sheer entertainment. Some parts were tough to read such as his relationship with his mother when he was younger and the death of his friend Dids.
David Hodge seems like such a wonderful person and I highly recommend giving this memoir a read.
As someone from Nothern Ireland in her early thirties, I was not aware of David Hodge before reading this book but reading about his life was fascinating. I am maybe a little too young and a bit far from the London scene!
David, as a schoolboy, discovered at a young age that he enjoyed fashion and make up but whilst not relating this to sexuality, he was teased a little at school. This book follows his journey to becoming drag queen Miss Dusty O, the Queen of Soho, rubbing shoulders with celebrities, becoming friends with Boy George, the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 80s right up to getting rid of Miss Dusty O for good and finding his happiness now.
What I always want from a memoir is to feel the emotions and to experience the authors self reflection. I felt both of these things as well and sheer entertainment. Some parts were tough to read such as his relationship with his mother when he was younger and the death of his friend Dids.
David Hodge seems like such a wonderful person and I highly recommend giving this memoir a read.
Haunting Adeline by H.D. Carlton
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I am genuinely surprised at myself that I gave this book four stars out of five because I felt like I was coasting on two for a very long time.
Adeline Reilly has just moved into her grandmother's old house. She discovers some diaries belonging to her great-grandmother where she relays the fact that she has a stalker. Adeline knows that her great-grandmother was murdered in the attic of this house so she is hoping to solve the case as no one was ever found guilty.
At the same time, Addie realises that someone is watching her. Getting closer and closer. She has her own stalker, Zade. This is a dark romance novel so I know to roll with the punches and anything goes. There is a lot of non-consensual activities that happen and I struggled to get past that. Zade's character in general confused me also. We learn that he is a hacker with his own organisation which is Is set on breaking paedophile rings and getting girls to safety. This is why I struggled to relate both sides of him together.
I absolutely loved his work aspect of this novel alongside Addie trying to solve her great-grandmother's murder but at times I found the scenes between Addie and Zade a little cringey.
All in all, I still rated it 4 stars but I am pissed it ended on a cliffhanger. Time for the next book then!
Adeline Reilly has just moved into her grandmother's old house. She discovers some diaries belonging to her great-grandmother where she relays the fact that she has a stalker. Adeline knows that her great-grandmother was murdered in the attic of this house so she is hoping to solve the case as no one was ever found guilty.
At the same time, Addie realises that someone is watching her. Getting closer and closer. She has her own stalker, Zade. This is a dark romance novel so I know to roll with the punches and anything goes. There is a lot of non-consensual activities that happen and I struggled to get past that. Zade's character in general confused me also. We learn that he is a hacker with his own organisation which is Is set on breaking paedophile rings and getting girls to safety. This is why I struggled to relate both sides of him together.
I absolutely loved his work aspect of this novel alongside Addie trying to solve her great-grandmother's murder but at times I found the scenes between Addie and Zade a little cringey.
All in all, I still rated it 4 stars but I am pissed it ended on a cliffhanger. Time for the next book then!