These are the Advance Reader Copies I read that release this month. Read on to see my verdicts on each of them! Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the copies in exchange for an honest review.
The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
Verdict: Loved!
Loved this one. It was an easy, fast read with a lot of heart and emotional heft, even though the novel itself is on the short side. (I do wish we had a few more scenes of Mason and Rachel together). Themes include dealing with grief and creating families. Overall very compelling and touching. On principle I disliked that Rachel was Mason’s employee when they begin the relationship, although the specific circumstances do make it somewhat more palatable. |
Sadie on a Plate by Amanda Elliot
Verdict: devoured it!
Do not read this book while hungry! Seriously. I was drooling over all the food mentioned in this delightful book.
Although it is a romance, it’s more about Sadie’s journey on a reality TV cooking show. I really liked Sadie. I wish Luke had more page time, but it would not have been logical for him to have any more than he did. (And he made the best of it, I must say!)
I have to say, the editing was very well done. It skipped through boring parts, and knew which moments to stay and lay out in detail. Writing a book set during a reality TV show is no joke. It can get boring so fast.
The stakes got pretty high and I got very stressed at some parts, but I applaud Elliot for how she made everything come together in the end. I look forward to more of Elliot’s work.
The Do-Over by Bethany Turner
Verdict: DNF at 40%
Skipped to the ending because I wanted to know what happened with the embezzlement allegations. That part of the story was interesting to me.
The part of the plot about the family curse seemed unnecessary and actually seemed to derail the story. I just wanted to see McKenna and Hank get together and it was taking so long. I don’t mind a slow burn, but that wasn’t what was happening here. They were just stumbling around each other.
Also, the writing was not my favorite. There were long side tracks that seemed irrelevant, and the whole prologue with family history seemed unnecessary.
How to Be a Wallflower by Eloisa James
Verdict: obsessed!
| So many inside jokes and delightful motifs. The kippers! Some pumpkins! I loved that the archetype of the rich, successful businessman is a woman in this book (although Jake, the love interest is also a wealthy business owner). Their good-natured rivalry was so wholesome and charming and surprisingly low-angst. I loved the attention to detail with the clothing and costumes, which is part of the rivalry. The characters were loveable and although the third-act misunderstanding was a bit trite, it fit with the more light-hearted nature of the prose and I didn’t mind at all. |
A Forgery of Roses by Jessica S. Olson
| Verdict: Super cool! I could not put this down. I’d consider this steam-punk, dark urban fantasy. The magic is compelling and unique; I’ve never really seen anything like it. I loved seeing how everything came together. I guessed some twists and was surprised by other things. There’s anxiety and chronic illness representation as well as an examination of class and privilege. I really identified with Myra’s desperation and drive. This is a work of art! |
Meg Loves Words 