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chaptersofmay's Reviews (319)
Beach Read is a delightfully captivating romance, and a touching gem for happy ending devotees.
January Andrews arrives in North Bear Shores to get away from life’s stresses, tie up loose ends, and begin writing her fifth romance novel. Augustus Everett has lived in North Bear Shores for about five years, and is stuck in a creative rut when it comes to creating his next literary bestseller. To say the two characters are opposite is an understatement. They playing in two completely different fields!
January is a romantic at heart, forever chasing the idea of a happily ever after. Gus is much more of a realistic, he takes the world as it is, rather than how he’d like to be. Still, January and Gus have their insecurities and burdens. Despite their differences, both characters are extremely likeable. It’s quite easy to relate to both. I’m a hopeless romantic and enjoy getting lost in a love story, so every one of January’s beliefs makes sense to me. At the same time, I’m well aware life events don’t always play out like a rom-com, so Gus’ reservations make sense too.
It’s wonderful that both the characters are authors with the same struggle yet completely different ways of thinking. The reader gets insight into the book-writing process too. I also like that the entire narrative is told from January’s point of view, but we get a balanced understanding of both personalities.
The witty back-and-forth between January and Augustus is the most enjoyable part of the fiction for me. From the moment they spoke to one another, I was happy. Then to see their connection evolve, I was even happier. The author so perfectly creates a charming chemistry in just a few sentences. And the repartee between them felt very similar to the dynamic between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal. There’s sarcasm and quick-witted humour but with a real levity to it. It’s compelling, exciting, and thoroughly entertaining.
Henry‘s method of description is so vivid it’s difficult not to place yourself in the world she has established. Some moments are so rich in detail I may as well be a background character in the book. Not only does her writing paint a clear picture, it pushes you to keep reading. The atmosphere and emotions are so authentic it’s difficult to stop at the end of one chapter.
The development of January and Gus’ characters is brilliantly laid out in Beach Read. Rather than experience one giant (and improbable) epiphany at the end of the book, the author slowly reveals their layers with each chapter. This way, the reader genuinely gets to know the characters, and it’s so much easier to connect with them. Seeing the story unwind in a timely way adds to the legitimacy of the romance.
Oh, and the romance. It’s so lovely. If you love books that make you fall in love with love, Beach Read should be your next read. The dynamic between January and Gus isn’t an all-out enemies-to-lovers trope, but has a very similar feel. The bet set at the beginning of the book creates an air of competition which is both playful and flirtatious. Their budding relationship is swoon-worthy without the cringe, which is the best kind of romance. I could easily see this tale on the screen!
Beach Read is way more emotional than I anticipated. The book is filled with passionate and deeply touching statements that are genuinely moving. One chapter made me cry from the first word to the last. On top of that, it has the humour and charisma like most contemporary romances, but the plot is laced with deep and heartfelt complexities.
Fortunately, the heavy themes don’t weigh down the narrative or take away from its most heart-warming aspects. In fact, the overall story is very uplifting and exhilarating – the way a romance should be. It’s the kind of book I would return to when I need to get out of a slump. It has the kind of fuzzy feels that make it both the perfect summer read and the best curl-up book.
If you pick up Beach Read, you’ll be glued to its pages. Emily Henry’s writing is addictive, and her powerful romance is definitely a new favourite. My expectations were high and still beaten.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
January Andrews arrives in North Bear Shores to get away from life’s stresses, tie up loose ends, and begin writing her fifth romance novel. Augustus Everett has lived in North Bear Shores for about five years, and is stuck in a creative rut when it comes to creating his next literary bestseller. To say the two characters are opposite is an understatement. They playing in two completely different fields!
January is a romantic at heart, forever chasing the idea of a happily ever after. Gus is much more of a realistic, he takes the world as it is, rather than how he’d like to be. Still, January and Gus have their insecurities and burdens. Despite their differences, both characters are extremely likeable. It’s quite easy to relate to both. I’m a hopeless romantic and enjoy getting lost in a love story, so every one of January’s beliefs makes sense to me. At the same time, I’m well aware life events don’t always play out like a rom-com, so Gus’ reservations make sense too.
It’s wonderful that both the characters are authors with the same struggle yet completely different ways of thinking. The reader gets insight into the book-writing process too. I also like that the entire narrative is told from January’s point of view, but we get a balanced understanding of both personalities.
The witty back-and-forth between January and Augustus is the most enjoyable part of the fiction for me. From the moment they spoke to one another, I was happy. Then to see their connection evolve, I was even happier. The author so perfectly creates a charming chemistry in just a few sentences. And the repartee between them felt very similar to the dynamic between Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds in The Proposal. There’s sarcasm and quick-witted humour but with a real levity to it. It’s compelling, exciting, and thoroughly entertaining.
Henry‘s method of description is so vivid it’s difficult not to place yourself in the world she has established. Some moments are so rich in detail I may as well be a background character in the book. Not only does her writing paint a clear picture, it pushes you to keep reading. The atmosphere and emotions are so authentic it’s difficult to stop at the end of one chapter.
The development of January and Gus’ characters is brilliantly laid out in Beach Read. Rather than experience one giant (and improbable) epiphany at the end of the book, the author slowly reveals their layers with each chapter. This way, the reader genuinely gets to know the characters, and it’s so much easier to connect with them. Seeing the story unwind in a timely way adds to the legitimacy of the romance.
Oh, and the romance. It’s so lovely. If you love books that make you fall in love with love, Beach Read should be your next read. The dynamic between January and Gus isn’t an all-out enemies-to-lovers trope, but has a very similar feel. The bet set at the beginning of the book creates an air of competition which is both playful and flirtatious. Their budding relationship is swoon-worthy without the cringe, which is the best kind of romance. I could easily see this tale on the screen!
Beach Read is way more emotional than I anticipated. The book is filled with passionate and deeply touching statements that are genuinely moving. One chapter made me cry from the first word to the last. On top of that, it has the humour and charisma like most contemporary romances, but the plot is laced with deep and heartfelt complexities.
Fortunately, the heavy themes don’t weigh down the narrative or take away from its most heart-warming aspects. In fact, the overall story is very uplifting and exhilarating – the way a romance should be. It’s the kind of book I would return to when I need to get out of a slump. It has the kind of fuzzy feels that make it both the perfect summer read and the best curl-up book.
If you pick up Beach Read, you’ll be glued to its pages. Emily Henry’s writing is addictive, and her powerful romance is definitely a new favourite. My expectations were high and still beaten.
For more book reviews and posts, check out my blog or follow along on Instagram
Check out my review of The Simple Wild here.
There could be 100 books about the Barbie and the Yeti, and I know I’d read every single one of them. I’m a point in my life where I have to accept that I’m so obsessed with their relationship, and the idea of moving to rural Alaska, that I’ll just immediately admire anything K.A. Tucker writes. I love the location, I love the characters, and (most importantly) I love the romance.
The book takes place four days after the end of The Simple Wild, as Calla and Jonah decide to pack up and move to Wasilla, Alaska. At this point, the new couple are totally and completely besotted with each other, and plan to spend the rest of their lives together in an adorable log cabin with a breath-taking view. Jonah resumes his sky cowboy ways, flying almost every day. While Calla struggles to adjust to her secluded life in an unfamiliar place.
Calla in Wild at Heart is a new and improved woman. I really enjoyed her development as a character in the first book and this continues in the second. She’s mature, open-minded, adventurous and kind, all traits she cultivated spending the first summer in Alaska.
Jonah’s a dream anyway, but we get to see more of his personality in this book. He’s still as stubborn as ever, while I didn’t love him in the beginning of The Simple Wild, he eventually became my favourite character. He has a good sense of humour, as well as a generous spirit above all his flaws.
A large portion of the book concentrates on Calla’s personal character growth since the events of the first book. She’s adapting to huge life changes, while still trying to find her identity and her place in a new place. She was constantly worried about following in her mother’s footsteps, and learned the importance of being honest with yourself and finding something you really love. Her voice felt consistent and familiar from the first book, but it was clear she was a new person. I absolutely adored the way Calla handled her obstacles and fears, and found her to be very inspiring.
The hopeless romantic in me was on a high from start to finish. Jonah and Calla are two people who are made for each other. Although they started off as enemies, they have a natural banter between them, which makes them work so perfectly. As a new couple, they face a lot of big decisions when it comes to the future, and fought against doubt, trust and self-esteem – natural hurdles in a relationship. While not all of their conversations went smoothly, I loved their candid and authentic interactions with one another. I loved the fluff, the angst and everything in between.
I wasn’t as interested in the sub-plots from Wild at Heart as I was with The Simple Wild. I didn’t care for the secondary characters as much. Roy was OK, and I grew to like him as the author developed his character. I wanted to like Muriel but I just didn’t! I know Calla struggled to like the pushy neighbour, constantly feeling the need to please or gratify her. And I tried to have the same sympathies, but I wasn’t warming to her. However, I really like that Calla found a friend in Toby. Before starting this book, one of my biggest worries was that Calla would be alone in Alaska, thousands of miles from her best friend, and desperate to speak to someone while Jonah was in the air. There was also a subtle mention of Mabel and her rebellious ways but it wasn’t explored as much as I would have liked.
One of my favourite things about this book, and The Simple Wild series, is the atmosphere Tucker builds. The characters are living in these idyllic, rural towns that are picturesque in natural simplicity. There’s a beautiful sense of community, and the descriptions of the tranquil but scenic landscapes were enjoyable to read. From the lakes, to the mountains, the town centres and the wildlife, it all sounds like a fantasy. As a reader, you get a genuine sense of life in Alaska from these books, even though it isn’t the main focus of the story.
This book is a journey, but a charming one. It’s humorous, heart-warming, and enchanting. If there’s a third book in the series, I don’t think I’ll be able to resist buying that plane ticket to Trapper’s Crossing. Compared to The Simple Wild, this book feels longer and slower. The pacing slows in some places, but is perfect in others. Understandably, it’s not as emotional, but twice as romantic. But overall, Wild at Heart is a delightful read.
For more book reviews and blog posts, check out my blog https://chaptersofmay.com or follow along at instagram.com/chaptersofmay
There could be 100 books about the Barbie and the Yeti, and I know I’d read every single one of them. I’m a point in my life where I have to accept that I’m so obsessed with their relationship, and the idea of moving to rural Alaska, that I’ll just immediately admire anything K.A. Tucker writes. I love the location, I love the characters, and (most importantly) I love the romance.
The book takes place four days after the end of The Simple Wild, as Calla and Jonah decide to pack up and move to Wasilla, Alaska. At this point, the new couple are totally and completely besotted with each other, and plan to spend the rest of their lives together in an adorable log cabin with a breath-taking view. Jonah resumes his sky cowboy ways, flying almost every day. While Calla struggles to adjust to her secluded life in an unfamiliar place.
Calla in Wild at Heart is a new and improved woman. I really enjoyed her development as a character in the first book and this continues in the second. She’s mature, open-minded, adventurous and kind, all traits she cultivated spending the first summer in Alaska.
Jonah’s a dream anyway, but we get to see more of his personality in this book. He’s still as stubborn as ever, while I didn’t love him in the beginning of The Simple Wild, he eventually became my favourite character. He has a good sense of humour, as well as a generous spirit above all his flaws.
A large portion of the book concentrates on Calla’s personal character growth since the events of the first book. She’s adapting to huge life changes, while still trying to find her identity and her place in a new place. She was constantly worried about following in her mother’s footsteps, and learned the importance of being honest with yourself and finding something you really love. Her voice felt consistent and familiar from the first book, but it was clear she was a new person. I absolutely adored the way Calla handled her obstacles and fears, and found her to be very inspiring.
The hopeless romantic in me was on a high from start to finish. Jonah and Calla are two people who are made for each other. Although they started off as enemies, they have a natural banter between them, which makes them work so perfectly. As a new couple, they face a lot of big decisions when it comes to the future, and fought against doubt, trust and self-esteem – natural hurdles in a relationship. While not all of their conversations went smoothly, I loved their candid and authentic interactions with one another. I loved the fluff, the angst and everything in between.
I wasn’t as interested in the sub-plots from Wild at Heart as I was with The Simple Wild. I didn’t care for the secondary characters as much. Roy was OK, and I grew to like him as the author developed his character. I wanted to like Muriel but I just didn’t! I know Calla struggled to like the pushy neighbour, constantly feeling the need to please or gratify her. And I tried to have the same sympathies, but I wasn’t warming to her. However, I really like that Calla found a friend in Toby. Before starting this book, one of my biggest worries was that Calla would be alone in Alaska, thousands of miles from her best friend, and desperate to speak to someone while Jonah was in the air. There was also a subtle mention of Mabel and her rebellious ways but it wasn’t explored as much as I would have liked.
One of my favourite things about this book, and The Simple Wild series, is the atmosphere Tucker builds. The characters are living in these idyllic, rural towns that are picturesque in natural simplicity. There’s a beautiful sense of community, and the descriptions of the tranquil but scenic landscapes were enjoyable to read. From the lakes, to the mountains, the town centres and the wildlife, it all sounds like a fantasy. As a reader, you get a genuine sense of life in Alaska from these books, even though it isn’t the main focus of the story.
This book is a journey, but a charming one. It’s humorous, heart-warming, and enchanting. If there’s a third book in the series, I don’t think I’ll be able to resist buying that plane ticket to Trapper’s Crossing. Compared to The Simple Wild, this book feels longer and slower. The pacing slows in some places, but is perfect in others. Understandably, it’s not as emotional, but twice as romantic. But overall, Wild at Heart is a delightful read.
For more book reviews and blog posts, check out my blog https://chaptersofmay.com or follow along at instagram.com/chaptersofmay
I love this book. It was a 24-hour read, and delightfully cute. The Bromance Book Club is one of those books that became difficult to avoid. And in my opinion, its popularity is well-deserved. I’m glad I gave in!
The first thing I adored is the original and realistic concept. Gavin is an MLB player, and married to Thea, the mother of his twin girls and an aspiring artist. After a humiliating secret is revealed, both spouses react badly and their marriage is suddenly at breaking point. But Gavin is recruited into a secret book club by his best friend, Del. With the help of romance novels, the group of men help Gavin win Thea’s heart once again. Sounds perfect right?
I absolutely loved that the book was about men reading romance books to try and understand their partners and mend their relationships. There are way too many books are about break-ups, divorced and the burdens of broken homes. But this uplifting, light-hearted read highlights the reality of marriage and kept the focus on the couple reuniting.
The author’s writing style fortunately matches the interesting and engaging tone from the synopsis, so I was hooked from the first page. The pacing, length, and level of dialogue in this book is the perfect balance. It’s a short book, but doesn’t ever feel rushed. There isn’t a single page wasted, and each chapter was so charming, it was hard to put it down.
The conversations were mapped out brilliantly between the characters, and kept the story moving. I got a sense of the dynamic between a variety of the characters just from the way they spoke to each other, and the lengthy back-and-forth made some scenes so much more entertaining! To fix their marriage, it was essential for Gavin and Thea to actually communicate with one another, and their intimate moments were very sweet. The romance overall was adorable to read about, even if Gavin was gaining inspiration from a regency romance novel.
The relationship between the men in the book group made me really happy. Not all of them were baseball players, not all of them were married, but all of them had a mutual respect for one another that made it such a solid brotherhood. I also really appreciated how it tackled toxic masculinity and the pressures from patriarchal society without too much weight and finger-pointing. It educates in subtle ways, and the humour makes the lesson easier to digest.
The characters were brilliantly written and well-used throughout the book. I liked the protagonists, and thought Ava and Amelia (Gavin and Thea’s twins) were adorably realistic. Mack was easily one of my favourite characters, his one-liners and hilarious antics added a lot of levity to the story. There was a long list of secondary characters, and while they may have only had a few lines, they didn’t get lost in the throng of voices. It was easy for me to distinguish between the men in the book club, the baseball WAGs, and the family members with ease.
There are a lot of reviews that criticize the character of Thea, and while she definitely had her flaws, I understood a lot of her actions, and found her to be a relatable character. She’s a young mother of twins, her husband is travelling the country for half the year, and she didn’t have the luxury of a stable childhood. The same goes for Liv, Thea’s sister. She was fiercely protective of her older sister, and blinded by her own personal issues, but still a well-written character. I didn’t agree with every action she made, but her reasoning made total sense to me. I look forward to diving into her life in the second book.
This is my first Lyssa Kay Adams book but definitely not my last, I’d happily reread it. If you’re a rom-com fan, enjoy quick reads and adorable relationships, The Bromance Book Club is 100% the book for you. I enjoyed this story so much, I didn’t hesitate to move onto its sequel, Undercover Bromance.
For more book reviews and blog posts check out https://chaptersofmay.com or follow along at instagram.com/chaptersofmay
The first thing I adored is the original and realistic concept. Gavin is an MLB player, and married to Thea, the mother of his twin girls and an aspiring artist. After a humiliating secret is revealed, both spouses react badly and their marriage is suddenly at breaking point. But Gavin is recruited into a secret book club by his best friend, Del. With the help of romance novels, the group of men help Gavin win Thea’s heart once again. Sounds perfect right?
I absolutely loved that the book was about men reading romance books to try and understand their partners and mend their relationships. There are way too many books are about break-ups, divorced and the burdens of broken homes. But this uplifting, light-hearted read highlights the reality of marriage and kept the focus on the couple reuniting.
The author’s writing style fortunately matches the interesting and engaging tone from the synopsis, so I was hooked from the first page. The pacing, length, and level of dialogue in this book is the perfect balance. It’s a short book, but doesn’t ever feel rushed. There isn’t a single page wasted, and each chapter was so charming, it was hard to put it down.
The conversations were mapped out brilliantly between the characters, and kept the story moving. I got a sense of the dynamic between a variety of the characters just from the way they spoke to each other, and the lengthy back-and-forth made some scenes so much more entertaining! To fix their marriage, it was essential for Gavin and Thea to actually communicate with one another, and their intimate moments were very sweet. The romance overall was adorable to read about, even if Gavin was gaining inspiration from a regency romance novel.
The relationship between the men in the book group made me really happy. Not all of them were baseball players, not all of them were married, but all of them had a mutual respect for one another that made it such a solid brotherhood. I also really appreciated how it tackled toxic masculinity and the pressures from patriarchal society without too much weight and finger-pointing. It educates in subtle ways, and the humour makes the lesson easier to digest.
The characters were brilliantly written and well-used throughout the book. I liked the protagonists, and thought Ava and Amelia (Gavin and Thea’s twins) were adorably realistic. Mack was easily one of my favourite characters, his one-liners and hilarious antics added a lot of levity to the story. There was a long list of secondary characters, and while they may have only had a few lines, they didn’t get lost in the throng of voices. It was easy for me to distinguish between the men in the book club, the baseball WAGs, and the family members with ease.
There are a lot of reviews that criticize the character of Thea, and while she definitely had her flaws, I understood a lot of her actions, and found her to be a relatable character. She’s a young mother of twins, her husband is travelling the country for half the year, and she didn’t have the luxury of a stable childhood. The same goes for Liv, Thea’s sister. She was fiercely protective of her older sister, and blinded by her own personal issues, but still a well-written character. I didn’t agree with every action she made, but her reasoning made total sense to me. I look forward to diving into her life in the second book.
This is my first Lyssa Kay Adams book but definitely not my last, I’d happily reread it. If you’re a rom-com fan, enjoy quick reads and adorable relationships, The Bromance Book Club is 100% the book for you. I enjoyed this story so much, I didn’t hesitate to move onto its sequel, Undercover Bromance.
For more book reviews and blog posts check out https://chaptersofmay.com or follow along at instagram.com/chaptersofmay
This copy has been generously provided in exchange for an honest review. Thanks NetGalley and HarperCollins!
“Laurie felt loved, and, more than that, she’d remembered how to love herself.”
A thoroughly enjoyable, heart-warming, modern love story with all the romantic comedy magic.
The book is set in Manchester, and follows two lawyers, Laurie Watkinson and Jamie Carter. Laurie has just been dumped by her boyfriend of 18 years, the only man she’s ever loved. He also works at the same law firm, so she has to face the heartbreak every single day. Jamie is the office playboy, he lives an easy lifestyle, avoids anything long term and doesn’t believe in love.
After finding themselves stuck in a broken elevator, Laurie and Jamie decide to team up, and pretend to be a couple. For Laurie, she’ll gain the satisfaction of making her deceitful ex jealous and give the office something new to talk about. For Jamie, he’ll impress the bosses by showing them he can be serious and earn the chance to become a partner.
I loved Laurie from the first chapter. Not just because she’s a Yorkshire lass (like me) who grew up an hour from where I live, but also because she’s the definition of a total boss. From the very beginning, she was written as a mature, complex, honest and authentic character. Even when she was upset, she was dignified. Laurie didn’t rely on anyone for life advice, money, or a career. I loved that she was a strong, biracial, character, who didn’t pity herself unnecessarily.
I really liked Jamie too. While his ideas of true love horrified me in the beginning (I had no idea there are people out there that don’t love the idea of love), it was obvious that he had a good heart. He’s also essentially hated by almost everyone at his law firm, yet he continues to remain ambitious and hard-working. Despite his bad reputation and questionable choices in dates, as he opened up, he became easier to love.
The breakup between Dan and Laurie was absolutely brutal. There’s no other word to describe it. I was almost clawing at the page in frustration, the emotion was so intense! The moment Dan then revealed his new girlfriend was pregnant was as traumatising for Laurie as it was for me. The entire event is skilfully spread across a number of chapters but never feels slow or drawn out. The pacing is perfect. In fact, it was difficult to put down. I already knew it was going to happen but I was still hoping it was some kind of horrible dream. That’s how invested I was from the first page.
Many of the situations Laurie faced in the book were painfully realistic. Absent fathers, possessive male co-workers, and shallow friends. She went through it all and came out the other side. I expected the book to focus on the fake relationship between the two protagonists, but it also covered a range of situations most people face in adult life. The sub-plots weren’t thrown in for a plot twist, they felt relevant to the main story. For example, the author subtly exposed the way women tend to blame themselves for men's behaviours, but not once did I feel like I was being preached to.
This book is indisputably hilarious. Not in a trying-to-be-funny way, and jokes aren’t thrown into every sentence, but there were some lines that made me genuinely laugh out loud. I didn’t expect the book to be as comical as it was. The witty dialogue and banter between Laurie and Jamie was so enjoyable to read, especially with such an engaging plot.
Their spark was evident to me from the beginning. Although it was clear what was going to happen by the end, I couldn’t have guessed exactly how it would play out. It didn’t just focus on couple selfies and faux PDA, while reading you get a sense of the genuine connection forming between two characters. A lot of the books of this genre follow the same pattern, and while this book does to a degree, I found it to be more layered and weighty than the average rom-com. This is also the first book I read that featured an interracial relationship but didn’t spend the entire story focusing on race. Laurie mentioned prejudices she had faced in the past, and the conversations she had accurately reflected a lot of conversations black women had, but they didn’t dominate and switch the tone of the story.
The book also turned into an unexpected celebration of loving friendships. Because sometimes a friendship is as close to your heart as a romantic relationship is. Emily is the perfect best friend, and had some of the funniest one-liners I have ever read. Every time she spoke I was smiling and her friendship with Laurie made me appreciate all the true friends out there in the world.
McFarlane has once again created characters that seemed so real, I felt as if I’d look them up on Instagram just to keep the story going in my head. The characters you were supposed to love, you adored. A lot of special moments happened outside of the romance, including friends and parents. And the characters you were supposed to hate, made you so angry you could easily tear out one of the pages. I’m still angry at Dan. Still! Claire too, she’s horrendous. Oh, and her dad! There’s a long list.
I enjoyed this book from the first word to the last. Even the ending was realistic! I would have loved an epilogue to find out a bit more about the protagonists after the final chapter. If you love a fake romance plot, a slow-burner, a strong female lead and fancy a cry, If I Never Met You is the book for you.
For more book reviews and blog posts, check out https://www.chaptersofmay.com or follow along at https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofmay
“Laurie felt loved, and, more than that, she’d remembered how to love herself.”
A thoroughly enjoyable, heart-warming, modern love story with all the romantic comedy magic.
The book is set in Manchester, and follows two lawyers, Laurie Watkinson and Jamie Carter. Laurie has just been dumped by her boyfriend of 18 years, the only man she’s ever loved. He also works at the same law firm, so she has to face the heartbreak every single day. Jamie is the office playboy, he lives an easy lifestyle, avoids anything long term and doesn’t believe in love.
After finding themselves stuck in a broken elevator, Laurie and Jamie decide to team up, and pretend to be a couple. For Laurie, she’ll gain the satisfaction of making her deceitful ex jealous and give the office something new to talk about. For Jamie, he’ll impress the bosses by showing them he can be serious and earn the chance to become a partner.
I loved Laurie from the first chapter. Not just because she’s a Yorkshire lass (like me) who grew up an hour from where I live, but also because she’s the definition of a total boss. From the very beginning, she was written as a mature, complex, honest and authentic character. Even when she was upset, she was dignified. Laurie didn’t rely on anyone for life advice, money, or a career. I loved that she was a strong, biracial, character, who didn’t pity herself unnecessarily.
I really liked Jamie too. While his ideas of true love horrified me in the beginning (I had no idea there are people out there that don’t love the idea of love), it was obvious that he had a good heart. He’s also essentially hated by almost everyone at his law firm, yet he continues to remain ambitious and hard-working. Despite his bad reputation and questionable choices in dates, as he opened up, he became easier to love.
The breakup between Dan and Laurie was absolutely brutal. There’s no other word to describe it. I was almost clawing at the page in frustration, the emotion was so intense! The moment Dan then revealed his new girlfriend was pregnant was as traumatising for Laurie as it was for me. The entire event is skilfully spread across a number of chapters but never feels slow or drawn out. The pacing is perfect. In fact, it was difficult to put down. I already knew it was going to happen but I was still hoping it was some kind of horrible dream. That’s how invested I was from the first page.
Many of the situations Laurie faced in the book were painfully realistic. Absent fathers, possessive male co-workers, and shallow friends. She went through it all and came out the other side. I expected the book to focus on the fake relationship between the two protagonists, but it also covered a range of situations most people face in adult life. The sub-plots weren’t thrown in for a plot twist, they felt relevant to the main story. For example, the author subtly exposed the way women tend to blame themselves for men's behaviours, but not once did I feel like I was being preached to.
This book is indisputably hilarious. Not in a trying-to-be-funny way, and jokes aren’t thrown into every sentence, but there were some lines that made me genuinely laugh out loud. I didn’t expect the book to be as comical as it was. The witty dialogue and banter between Laurie and Jamie was so enjoyable to read, especially with such an engaging plot.
Their spark was evident to me from the beginning. Although it was clear what was going to happen by the end, I couldn’t have guessed exactly how it would play out. It didn’t just focus on couple selfies and faux PDA, while reading you get a sense of the genuine connection forming between two characters. A lot of the books of this genre follow the same pattern, and while this book does to a degree, I found it to be more layered and weighty than the average rom-com. This is also the first book I read that featured an interracial relationship but didn’t spend the entire story focusing on race. Laurie mentioned prejudices she had faced in the past, and the conversations she had accurately reflected a lot of conversations black women had, but they didn’t dominate and switch the tone of the story.
The book also turned into an unexpected celebration of loving friendships. Because sometimes a friendship is as close to your heart as a romantic relationship is. Emily is the perfect best friend, and had some of the funniest one-liners I have ever read. Every time she spoke I was smiling and her friendship with Laurie made me appreciate all the true friends out there in the world.
McFarlane has once again created characters that seemed so real, I felt as if I’d look them up on Instagram just to keep the story going in my head. The characters you were supposed to love, you adored. A lot of special moments happened outside of the romance, including friends and parents. And the characters you were supposed to hate, made you so angry you could easily tear out one of the pages. I’m still angry at Dan. Still! Claire too, she’s horrendous. Oh, and her dad! There’s a long list.
I enjoyed this book from the first word to the last. Even the ending was realistic! I would have loved an epilogue to find out a bit more about the protagonists after the final chapter. If you love a fake romance plot, a slow-burner, a strong female lead and fancy a cry, If I Never Met You is the book for you.
For more book reviews and blog posts, check out https://www.chaptersofmay.com or follow along at https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofmay
The Simple Wild is a beautifully written, picturesque tale of heartbreak, family and unexpected love.
Just a warning: if you read this book you may (accidentally) start looking online for flights to Alaska and you may also (accidentally) long for a heart-warming romance with a sky cowboy named Jonah.
Calla is someone who doesn’t acknowledge or appreciate her privilege. So the moment she’s in a new place, with a new culture of people, and a new lifestyle, she’s in complete shock and sees it as something beneath her standard of living. I understood some of her reactions but occasionally did find them annoying. She is 26, but acts immaturely because almost everything in her life has been done for her. From getting a job to the weekly food shop, Calla isn’t used to hard work and doesn’t have a grasp on the reality of independence.
The minute I met Jonah I didn’t like him. While he is described as a “teddy bear” by Agnes, I thought he was unnecessarily rude to Calla and went out of his way to be awkward. But my dislike for him faded away very quickly. He is actually a humble, genuine and warm-hearted man, it’s just hidden beneath a yeti-esque beard and an intimidating exterior. He cares deeply for people, and is adored by almost everyone in Bangor and the neighbouring villages. So while he does have a mischievous streak, his is a gentle giant.
Enemies-to-lovers relationships are always fun to read about, and Jonah and Calla’s banter was no different. They absolutely despised one another in the beginning, and their back and forth was gripping. As both Calla and Jonah are quick-witted, there were plenty of laugh out loud moments during their slow-burning romance. The tension between them became obvious as they were forced into more situations together, and began to tolerate and then enjoy each other’s company. They are complete opposites in every way, but fit so perfectly together.
The father-daughter relationship between Calla and Wren is heart-wrenching and highly emotional. Calla understandably feels abandoned by her father; Wren avoids confrontation like the plague, even if it means avoiding his daughter. But they love each other, even if they don’t scream it from the mountaintops. There’s a lot of pain and regret that has built up over the years, but as the walls begin to come down and they start to actually speak to one another, they realise just how special their bond is. From the moment Calla landed in Alaska, I was wishing for her connection with her father to grow before time ran out.
Agnes, Mabel and Simon were radiantly written secondary characters, each with their own distinctive voice and personalities. A backstory on them wasn’t necessary for you to grasp what kind of people they are, and I love how they were involved in grounding Calla. These characters, along with the community-like feel Alaska gave throughout the book, Bangor began to feel like home to Calla and to me as a reader.
I didn’t expect The Simple Wild to be as emotional as it was, but the author packs plenty of heart-wrenching moments into the ending of the book before a beautiful and satisfying ending. This is my first K.A. Tucker book, but definitely not my last.
For more book reviews and blog posts, check out my blog https://chaptersofmay.com and follow along at instagram.com/chaptersofmay ✨
Just a warning: if you read this book you may (accidentally) start looking online for flights to Alaska and you may also (accidentally) long for a heart-warming romance with a sky cowboy named Jonah.
Calla is someone who doesn’t acknowledge or appreciate her privilege. So the moment she’s in a new place, with a new culture of people, and a new lifestyle, she’s in complete shock and sees it as something beneath her standard of living. I understood some of her reactions but occasionally did find them annoying. She is 26, but acts immaturely because almost everything in her life has been done for her. From getting a job to the weekly food shop, Calla isn’t used to hard work and doesn’t have a grasp on the reality of independence.
The minute I met Jonah I didn’t like him. While he is described as a “teddy bear” by Agnes, I thought he was unnecessarily rude to Calla and went out of his way to be awkward. But my dislike for him faded away very quickly. He is actually a humble, genuine and warm-hearted man, it’s just hidden beneath a yeti-esque beard and an intimidating exterior. He cares deeply for people, and is adored by almost everyone in Bangor and the neighbouring villages. So while he does have a mischievous streak, his is a gentle giant.
Enemies-to-lovers relationships are always fun to read about, and Jonah and Calla’s banter was no different. They absolutely despised one another in the beginning, and their back and forth was gripping. As both Calla and Jonah are quick-witted, there were plenty of laugh out loud moments during their slow-burning romance. The tension between them became obvious as they were forced into more situations together, and began to tolerate and then enjoy each other’s company. They are complete opposites in every way, but fit so perfectly together.
The father-daughter relationship between Calla and Wren is heart-wrenching and highly emotional. Calla understandably feels abandoned by her father; Wren avoids confrontation like the plague, even if it means avoiding his daughter. But they love each other, even if they don’t scream it from the mountaintops. There’s a lot of pain and regret that has built up over the years, but as the walls begin to come down and they start to actually speak to one another, they realise just how special their bond is. From the moment Calla landed in Alaska, I was wishing for her connection with her father to grow before time ran out.
Agnes, Mabel and Simon were radiantly written secondary characters, each with their own distinctive voice and personalities. A backstory on them wasn’t necessary for you to grasp what kind of people they are, and I love how they were involved in grounding Calla. These characters, along with the community-like feel Alaska gave throughout the book, Bangor began to feel like home to Calla and to me as a reader.
I didn’t expect The Simple Wild to be as emotional as it was, but the author packs plenty of heart-wrenching moments into the ending of the book before a beautiful and satisfying ending. This is my first K.A. Tucker book, but definitely not my last.
For more book reviews and blog posts, check out my blog https://chaptersofmay.com and follow along at instagram.com/chaptersofmay ✨
I love books about books. Books that convey the magic and profound effect they have on an individual. The Giver of Stars is not only a beautiful historic tale, but also a celebration of women, their bravery and the power of literature. The joyful and uplifting storytelling carried this plot effortlessly, making this novel an easy but adventurous read.
The Giver of Stars is based on the Works Progress Administration’s Pack Horse Library Project which ran from 1935 to 1943, delivering books to more than 100,000 people in the Appalachian Mountains. Those women, also known as the “horseback librarians”, are at the centre of this novel. Once their library is up and running, it soon gathers opposers and the librarians are determined to continue their bold and spirited mission, despite their own personal battles.
From the start, the characters are well-developed and authentic. They have distinct personalities and so many layers to them that make them so lovable. Each of the women have such different backgrounds; for example, Margery and Alice couldn’t be more dissimilar and yet a charming bond develops between them.
The Giver of Stars addresses prejudice and racism in the 1930’s, such as the poverty gap, sexist attitudes and abuse of women, and discrimination against black people. There’s a lot packed into this book, and I don’t think the blurb gives this story enough justice. It’s a deep dive into the lives of multiple people and explores love, marriage, human rights and the American justice system.
Moyes’ description of the Kentucky Mountains and landscapes really surprised me in this book. I have always admired her strength in writing characters with depth, and really appreciated the vivid rendering of the various routes and journeys the women took every day. From Alice’s first ride, you get a sense of the area around them and the exquisite hills of the south-eastern state. I genuinely looked forward to reading about the adventure that came with each ride.
This book has awe-inspiring, likeable characters and gives the reader insight into the courage and resiliency the Pack Horse Library women had during their time on the project. They’re painted as superheroes, bringing kindness and knowledge to their underprivileged and mistreated neighbours. But there’s so much more to the story.
I know there’s controversy around The Giver of Stars, but I found the author’s voice to be ever present and moving. Every time I had to close this book, I felt like I was missing out. It was a world of its own. Jojo Moyes is a storyteller. Everything she writes is laced with gold. A heart-warming read!
Follow my reviews at: https://chaptersofmay.com and instagram.com/chaptersofmay ✨
The Giver of Stars is based on the Works Progress Administration’s Pack Horse Library Project which ran from 1935 to 1943, delivering books to more than 100,000 people in the Appalachian Mountains. Those women, also known as the “horseback librarians”, are at the centre of this novel. Once their library is up and running, it soon gathers opposers and the librarians are determined to continue their bold and spirited mission, despite their own personal battles.
From the start, the characters are well-developed and authentic. They have distinct personalities and so many layers to them that make them so lovable. Each of the women have such different backgrounds; for example, Margery and Alice couldn’t be more dissimilar and yet a charming bond develops between them.
The Giver of Stars addresses prejudice and racism in the 1930’s, such as the poverty gap, sexist attitudes and abuse of women, and discrimination against black people. There’s a lot packed into this book, and I don’t think the blurb gives this story enough justice. It’s a deep dive into the lives of multiple people and explores love, marriage, human rights and the American justice system.
Moyes’ description of the Kentucky Mountains and landscapes really surprised me in this book. I have always admired her strength in writing characters with depth, and really appreciated the vivid rendering of the various routes and journeys the women took every day. From Alice’s first ride, you get a sense of the area around them and the exquisite hills of the south-eastern state. I genuinely looked forward to reading about the adventure that came with each ride.
This book has awe-inspiring, likeable characters and gives the reader insight into the courage and resiliency the Pack Horse Library women had during their time on the project. They’re painted as superheroes, bringing kindness and knowledge to their underprivileged and mistreated neighbours. But there’s so much more to the story.
I know there’s controversy around The Giver of Stars, but I found the author’s voice to be ever present and moving. Every time I had to close this book, I felt like I was missing out. It was a world of its own. Jojo Moyes is a storyteller. Everything she writes is laced with gold. A heart-warming read!
Follow my reviews at: https://chaptersofmay.com and instagram.com/chaptersofmay ✨
Thanks to Avon Books and Harper Collins for sending a copy of this lovely novel to me.
This books makes me so happy. I’m smiling as I write a review and I know I’ll smile whenever I think of Chloe Badass Brown. She can have all the stars!
I see a lot of myself in Chloe Brown. Minus the chronic illness, I too can be a computer geek, with a slight obsession with goals, plans and lists. Anything to try and pull myself together. She also gets stuck in miserable cycles, which includes playing The Sims constantly and writing lists and plans under the storm passes. I understood her from the moment I met her.
The book follows Chloe’s life as she tries to achieve every goal on her “Get a Life” list, the first being to move out of her family mansion, which is how she meets Red, the rugged but gorgeous superintendent. He’s the type of attractive that should be illegal.
Hibbert’s way of describing feeling, expression, emotion and art is purely magical. Every single detail kept me so hooked, each sentence more vivid than the last. The characters, their personalities, excitement and despair felt so real I could almost predict what they were thinking before I read it. This is one element that I think makes the book so special, and Hibbert so talented.
Not only are their actions and behaviours perfectly portrayed, I love the way Hibbert expertly detailed every element of each mental state. I found myself feeling impressed with the vivid wording.
The book highlights the way many disabled, chronically ill or poorly people feel: like it’s their fault, or like they’re a burden. Chloe’s pain may have limited her at times, but she only saw that as temporary. And while she was in desperate need of a good friend, she never stopped trying to live.
Now onto the good bit: the romance. This novel is one of those very unique stories that makes you fall in love with love. You’re rooting for these two opposites to finally accept their infatuation with one another, and their interactions are so cute it hurts. The relationship between Chloe and Red felt genuine, it was passionate and wistful.
I loved the diversity between the two characters alone. Their backgrounds, ethnicities, interests, classes and abilities. I loved the honesty, humility and hilarity. I loved the story, it’s rhythm and timing; there wasn’t one moment where I found myself feeling bored. I loved following Chloe and Red as they fell for one another. I just really loved Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
This books makes me so happy. I’m smiling as I write a review and I know I’ll smile whenever I think of Chloe Badass Brown. She can have all the stars!
I see a lot of myself in Chloe Brown. Minus the chronic illness, I too can be a computer geek, with a slight obsession with goals, plans and lists. Anything to try and pull myself together. She also gets stuck in miserable cycles, which includes playing The Sims constantly and writing lists and plans under the storm passes. I understood her from the moment I met her.
The book follows Chloe’s life as she tries to achieve every goal on her “Get a Life” list, the first being to move out of her family mansion, which is how she meets Red, the rugged but gorgeous superintendent. He’s the type of attractive that should be illegal.
Hibbert’s way of describing feeling, expression, emotion and art is purely magical. Every single detail kept me so hooked, each sentence more vivid than the last. The characters, their personalities, excitement and despair felt so real I could almost predict what they were thinking before I read it. This is one element that I think makes the book so special, and Hibbert so talented.
Not only are their actions and behaviours perfectly portrayed, I love the way Hibbert expertly detailed every element of each mental state. I found myself feeling impressed with the vivid wording.
The book highlights the way many disabled, chronically ill or poorly people feel: like it’s their fault, or like they’re a burden. Chloe’s pain may have limited her at times, but she only saw that as temporary. And while she was in desperate need of a good friend, she never stopped trying to live.
Now onto the good bit: the romance. This novel is one of those very unique stories that makes you fall in love with love. You’re rooting for these two opposites to finally accept their infatuation with one another, and their interactions are so cute it hurts. The relationship between Chloe and Red felt genuine, it was passionate and wistful.
I loved the diversity between the two characters alone. Their backgrounds, ethnicities, interests, classes and abilities. I loved the honesty, humility and hilarity. I loved the story, it’s rhythm and timing; there wasn’t one moment where I found myself feeling bored. I loved following Chloe and Red as they fell for one another. I just really loved Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Ugh this book. I don’t even know how to move on with my life after this book. It’s a big read. A draining story that completely engulfs you. And I loved every minute of it. If you’re thinking about reading this book, stop thinking and just read it. You need to read it.
From the beginning, I was obsessed with the world of Marianne and Connell. They are phenomenally authentic characters, with realistic lives, genuine conversation and a real fascination with one another. I almost with they were real. Their lives are completely different, yet they seem so similar to me. I really feel like I knew them as people, they were just characters.
The story follows their lives from 2011 to 2015, and focuses on a major part of growing up and becoming an adult. They face the problems many young people are challenged with, as well as their feelings towards one another.
This novel is a love story, but it’s not romantic. There are cute moments, but it’s not written to create this fictional, dreamy love story. It’s realistic, humbling and earthy. It’s dark, has twists and an array of characters. Sally Rooney perfectly captures the multi-layered aspects of friendship, love and life.
The book doesn’t promote perfection. It felt real and raw. I believed the story I was reading. It captures reality in the best way. Rooney’s writing and vision for this is incredible.
It’s a novel that has altered the way I look at life and challenges that I face as a young person. It had the same type of effect on me that The Catcher in the Rye had, and I think Normal People is just as good.
I couldn’t put this book down from the beginning, it’s intense accuracy of human weakness, thinking and behaviour makes this one of the best books I have read so far this year.
From the beginning, I was obsessed with the world of Marianne and Connell. They are phenomenally authentic characters, with realistic lives, genuine conversation and a real fascination with one another. I almost with they were real. Their lives are completely different, yet they seem so similar to me. I really feel like I knew them as people, they were just characters.
The story follows their lives from 2011 to 2015, and focuses on a major part of growing up and becoming an adult. They face the problems many young people are challenged with, as well as their feelings towards one another.
This novel is a love story, but it’s not romantic. There are cute moments, but it’s not written to create this fictional, dreamy love story. It’s realistic, humbling and earthy. It’s dark, has twists and an array of characters. Sally Rooney perfectly captures the multi-layered aspects of friendship, love and life.
The book doesn’t promote perfection. It felt real and raw. I believed the story I was reading. It captures reality in the best way. Rooney’s writing and vision for this is incredible.
It’s a novel that has altered the way I look at life and challenges that I face as a young person. It had the same type of effect on me that The Catcher in the Rye had, and I think Normal People is just as good.
I couldn’t put this book down from the beginning, it’s intense accuracy of human weakness, thinking and behaviour makes this one of the best books I have read so far this year.
This book was just all kinds of loveliness! It made me smile like an idiot, laugh hysterically and even cry. A beautiful, beautiful story.
The characters are brilliantly written in The Flatshare. Tiffy is a six-foot, PR queen with fiery red hair and plenty of personality. It’s the first novel I’ve read with a female character described as being tall, so shout out to my fellow tall girls who appreciated this. Leon is a sweet soul, a caring palliative nurse, and a man afraid of change.
In the beginning of the book, I found Leon to be quite closed off. He spoke in short sentences, didn’t have much feeling in his words, and was relatively quiet at work. Tiffy is very much like me, she fills silences with words and tries her hardest to make the best of a bad situation. These two strangers decide to share a BED. Not just a flat, but a bed.
One thing I like about this story is how they had their personal battles, and it wasn’t just about falling in love. The multiple stories were intertwined and kept it interesting.
Tiffy faced the reality of leaving an emotionally abusive relationship, and slowly came to realise how much better she is without her obsessive ex. She really grew and developed as a character, and although still had her triggers and setbacks, she continued to strive for better. Leon’s little brother is wrongly imprisoned with a lazy lawyer and no one to talk to. He’s also dealing with his lonely mother. On top of that, both of them have to handle clients at work who take up a lot of their time.
Although their lives are stressful and weeks seem to pass like clockwork, you still get a sense of positivity from them both. Leon has this inspiring sense of hope and belief in his brother, he’s a dedicated man. Tiffy regularly deals with creepy Martin and other irritations, but still rocks her style and charm with a smile.
During this book, I just wanted both of them to have a break. To get away from boring or crazy exes and meet someone who not only understands them, but appreciates them. Then they found each other.
The romance in The Flatshare is gentle and sweet. It isn’t rushed, has the perfect cliches and is skilfully written. This is easily one of the best feel-good reads of 2019, it was a breeze and so enjoyable. I loved following the story from two perspectives. It was empowering seeing Tiffy move away from a damaging life with Justin, and heartwarming to watch Leon open up as a person when he started talking to Tiffy.
Everything about this book was perfect. The way they communicate, the hilarious secondary characters, the quirky plot and the glorious ending. I loved it!
The characters are brilliantly written in The Flatshare. Tiffy is a six-foot, PR queen with fiery red hair and plenty of personality. It’s the first novel I’ve read with a female character described as being tall, so shout out to my fellow tall girls who appreciated this. Leon is a sweet soul, a caring palliative nurse, and a man afraid of change.
In the beginning of the book, I found Leon to be quite closed off. He spoke in short sentences, didn’t have much feeling in his words, and was relatively quiet at work. Tiffy is very much like me, she fills silences with words and tries her hardest to make the best of a bad situation. These two strangers decide to share a BED. Not just a flat, but a bed.
One thing I like about this story is how they had their personal battles, and it wasn’t just about falling in love. The multiple stories were intertwined and kept it interesting.
Tiffy faced the reality of leaving an emotionally abusive relationship, and slowly came to realise how much better she is without her obsessive ex. She really grew and developed as a character, and although still had her triggers and setbacks, she continued to strive for better. Leon’s little brother is wrongly imprisoned with a lazy lawyer and no one to talk to. He’s also dealing with his lonely mother. On top of that, both of them have to handle clients at work who take up a lot of their time.
Although their lives are stressful and weeks seem to pass like clockwork, you still get a sense of positivity from them both. Leon has this inspiring sense of hope and belief in his brother, he’s a dedicated man. Tiffy regularly deals with creepy Martin and other irritations, but still rocks her style and charm with a smile.
During this book, I just wanted both of them to have a break. To get away from boring or crazy exes and meet someone who not only understands them, but appreciates them. Then they found each other.
The romance in The Flatshare is gentle and sweet. It isn’t rushed, has the perfect cliches and is skilfully written. This is easily one of the best feel-good reads of 2019, it was a breeze and so enjoyable. I loved following the story from two perspectives. It was empowering seeing Tiffy move away from a damaging life with Justin, and heartwarming to watch Leon open up as a person when he started talking to Tiffy.
Everything about this book was perfect. The way they communicate, the hilarious secondary characters, the quirky plot and the glorious ending. I loved it!
I adored this book from cover to cover. Somehow it was able to break my heart, but make it so happy at the same time. I was glued from the moment I started reading.
I loved feeling like I was in the French countryside with the characters, and got to follow along with this summer adventure.
Jess isn’t a character I can relate to, at all. She’s a single mum in her 30s with a life full of devastatingly real home truths. Yet, I was so emotionally connected to this book, every twist had a deep effect on my emotions.
It was a really funny read, something I didn’t expect, and has the perfect amount of romance and drama. This book had me feeling so many different emotions, there were moments so heartfelt I could feel tears in my eyes.
It’s a very special story, that teaches you the importance of family, friends, love and life. It’s a truly magical tale with elements of heartbreak, fear and anger but also love, hope and happiness.
I loved feeling like I was in the French countryside with the characters, and got to follow along with this summer adventure.
Jess isn’t a character I can relate to, at all. She’s a single mum in her 30s with a life full of devastatingly real home truths. Yet, I was so emotionally connected to this book, every twist had a deep effect on my emotions.
It was a really funny read, something I didn’t expect, and has the perfect amount of romance and drama. This book had me feeling so many different emotions, there were moments so heartfelt I could feel tears in my eyes.
It’s a very special story, that teaches you the importance of family, friends, love and life. It’s a truly magical tale with elements of heartbreak, fear and anger but also love, hope and happiness.