Tag: Chick Lit/Women’s Fic

The Flatshare by Beth O’Leary – #BookReview

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Goodreads: The Flatshare
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit
Rating:

Tiffy Moore and Leon Twomey each have a problem and need a quick fix. Tiffy’s been dumped by her cheating boyfriend and urgently needs a new flat. But earning minimum wage at a quirky publishing house means that her choices are limited in London. Leon, a palliative care nurse, is more concerned with other people’s welfare than his own. Along with working night shifts looking after the terminally ill, his sole focus is on raising money to fight his brother’s unfair imprisonment. Leon has a flat that he only uses 9 to 5. Tiffy works 9 to 5 and needs a place to sleep. The solution to their problems? To share a bed of course… As Leon and Tiffy’s unusual arrangement becomes a reality, they start to connect through Post-It notes left for each other around the flat. Can true love blossom even in the unlikeliest of situations? Can true love blossom even if you never see one another? Or does true love blossom when you are least expecting it?

Just before deciding whether to pick up this book or not, I saw that someone said that reading this book was like receiving a (long) warm hug(s), and now that I’ve finished reading it I couldn’t agree more. This was a very fast, funny, heartwarming read but there’s also more depth to the story than I originally anticipated. Despite the darker elements to the story, I couldn’t resist (literally) laughing out loud through so many parts of the book. I love British humor and the characters were so adorable!

Content warning: gaslighting and abuse (emotional). 

The story is narrated in alternating perspectives between Tiffy and Leon. A lot of people have commented on how annoying Leon’s chapters because of how they’re written, but I actually really enjoyed how it’s written to reflect his character. Not just in mannerisms, but how Leon thought was exactly how the chapter was written. I found that unique! I adored Tiffy’s and Leon’s characters and I really enjoyed how their relationship grew throughout the story. Their system of leaving post-it notes around the flat was not only so sweet, but I found it an interesting and intimate way to get to know a person. It’s like the short form of full on love letters, and even though they were often about mundane thoughts/observations, I thought their personalities managed to really shine through. Tiffy and Leon also reminded me a lot of other characters that I’ve read (and loved!) in different books.

Tiffy’s quirkiness, bright wardrobe, and total comfort in her skin reminded me a lot of Hazel (Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating) and Louisa (Me Before You)! I liked that she had a strong and vibrant personality. She obviously has her insecurities, and the further we read, the more things begin to unravel for Tiffy’s character. Her experiences left me feeling sad and so incredibly angry too; I definitely wanted to punch someone in the face on her behalf! But her character is so strong and seeing her stand her ground was very empowering.

Leon’s quiet character, the total opposite of Tiffy, reminded me a fair bit of Josh (Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating) and a bit of Khai (The Bride Test). His relationship with Richie was so heartwarming and the dynamics reminded me a bit of Khai and Quan too because yes, Richie reminded me of Quan and I WANTED MORE. Leon’s character grew on me very quickly. I related to how he didn’t waste his energy on just anybody but saved it for the people he cared about. Although he’s not always talkative, smiling and laughing, when it does happen it’s like magic. He lights up and I loved that! He’s really just a sweet, sentimental, hopeless romantic of a cinnamon roll and boy, could I relate.

The reason I’m not giving this a full five stars is because I was pretty annoyed with the reaction from Gerty towards the end, and similarly, I felt the conflict between Tiffy and Leon wasn’t necessary. They were all fairly mature characters throughout the story, so why then in the end did they have to jump to the worst conclusions? I completely understand it’s easy to do in the heat of the moment, but I felt that (at least for Leon) it was completely out of character. Plus, it was resolved so quickly that it might as well not have happened. Regardless, I really enjoyed this, it definitely lived up to the hype for me, and I would definitely read it again on days when I feel like I need a warm hug from a book. Now in all seriousness: can has a Leon in my life? 😅

Have you read The Flatshare? Did it live up to the hype for you? Loved it? Hated it? Meh about it? Let me know in the comments and let’s have a little chat!

ARC Review: Mixed Signals by Mia Heintzelman

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Goodreads: Mixed Signals
Publisher: Levi Lynn Books
Publish date: 11 June 2019
Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary Fiction
Rating: ★★☆☆☆

When corporate banker Julie Laurich gets stuck in traffic beside the man of her dreams and promptly forgets how to use adult words, it’s typical. When the universe merges their lanes again and she runs into him a second time at the gym, it’s anything other than matter-of-course. The adorably sexy guy in the black truck proves Nico Farfalla could have been the perfect candidate for a hot rebound. That is, until he opens his mouth…

Julie doesn’t even know him and already she pre-hates him. And because her universe is apparently blind to all the warning signs, Nico’s chances keep on coming. Their paths continue to cross, and soon Julie discovers he is not what she thought. As much as she doesn’t want to put any stock into Nico’s words, every second she spends with him blurs the lines. Before long Julie’s attempts to keep her distance from Nico and focus on work are blocked when she’s assigned to his elementary school classroom for a community program. Their chemistry is undeniable and unyielding. So when the opportunity for a major promotion in a new city lands in her lap, Julie must decide: Is a love she never saw coming worth the risk of her career?

This… was really not my cup of tea and I’m pretty disappointed because the blurb sounded good, that cover is really cute, and who doesn’t love a sweet romance about fate and tangled lines? But, no. I struggled to get through this and skimmed through the majority of it because we all know I hate to DNF, especially when it’s an ARC. I could see the potential in this, but honestly, the story and the characters were so sorely underdeveloped I ended up feeling zero connection to any of it. The writing was also all over the place, which made it even more difficult to get into the story, though what I enjoyed the least was the main character, Julie Laurich.

Julie grated on my nerves. She was unbearably rude, selfish and completely self-absorbed. Her character found everything irritating and she lost her shit, going from 0-100 in the blink of an eye, so frequently and over nothing that it was just stupid. I absolutely couldn’t stand her attitude at all. I understand what it’s like to be defensive and to want to protect your own heart, but Julie’s character had absolutely zero reason to blow every little thing out of proportion, especially when it came to Nico. None of it made sense to me, and if she did have a reason, it wasn’t clearly articulated in the story. If I met someone like her IRL, I would likely run in the opposite direction, fast!

Thanks to NetGalley and Levi Lynn Books for providing the ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Have you read Mixed Signals or is it on your TBR?

Book Review: All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

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Goodreads: All Your Perfects
Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction, New Adult
Rating: ★★★★½

Quinn and Graham’s perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes, and secrets that they have built up over the years are now tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage beyond the point of repair.All Your Perfects is a profound novel about a damaged couple whose potential future hinges on promises made in the past. This is a heartbreaking page-turner that asks: Can a resounding love with a perfect beginning survive a lifetime between two imperfect people?

The minute I started this book I knew that there was no way that I was putting it down until I read the final word. Turns out, I was very right. I started reading late Friday evening and finished the book around 4:00AM Saturday. I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of feelings I experienced reading this, but I shouldn’t have been surprised because Colleen Hoover has a knack for eliciting those strong emotions and reactions with her stories.

“If you only shine light on your flaws, all your perfects will dim.”

All Your Perfects is a romance story of a marriage that’s full of love, miscommunication, and heartbreak. CoHo depicts a very real relationship struggle that perhaps many married couples who long to be parents can relate to. The story opens up to an uncomfortable and painfully heartbreaking situation involving Quinn and Graham. Do you believe in fate or soul mates? I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this a few times now but being a hopeless romantic, as much as I think I don’t want to believe it, I do. I love the idea that someone(s) out there is made for you. The story alternates between then, when they first meet, how they get together and their really beautiful friendship and love. (I know I sounded really corny just then but their relationship was great, okay?) We also get the now and while the love is still there, these chapters are full of unbearable anguish, heartbreak and loneliness, as Quinn and Graham are reaching the breaking point in their marriage because they are unable to get pregnant.

This novel sheds light on an issue that isn’t normally openly discussed: infertility. Being single and falling on the side of not wanting children, I wasn’t sure that I’d be able to relate to the story or the characters. Of course that was true to a certain extent because I can’t even begin to imagine what it would feel like to continuously try and not succeed in having a baby. How people can be so insensitive to such things. How the pressure you put on yourself to make it happen can make you question your worth and your purpose. However, CoHo writes her characters, their emotions and experiences in such a way that is so palpable, it doesn’t matter what your status is or whether you want a child or not, you can feel Quinn’s anguish, fear and feelings of inadequacy, as well as Graham’s constant love, pain and longing. I actually learned a lot from reading this.

This isn’t a perfect love story between two flawless characters. While I admittedly fell in love with Graham’s character from the start, there was a point where I wanted to hurl my Kindle across the room because of something his character did, and frankly, at that point, I was sure I hated him. Quinn’s character was also so mired in her depression at not being able to conceive that it was often so painful to continue reading. But their relationship was what made them even more real. While the story ultimately ends predictably, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment of it; in fact, how they endure the struggles and the very dark points, and managed to find a way back to themselves made me love this story even more. I thought CoHo did a great job tying in the missing pieces between now and then to deliver a beautiful conclusion. Let me tell you, the last 20% of the book really had my water works flowing on overtime!

This was such a touching story and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, can I please, please, please have a Graham in my life? K, thanks.

Have you read All Your Perfects or is it on your TBR?
Are you a CoHo fan? What’s your favourite CoHo book?

#MiniReviews Monday with A Lost Man, A Summer Friendship & Naughty Princesses!

Dini @ dinipandareads6 Comments

In several attempts to get over my two-book hangover, I actually finished and started a few books over the last few days. These “palate cleansers” took a few days for me to get through but as we’re starting a brand new week, I think my being is finally ready to move on from the outback!

The Lost Man by Jane Harper – ★★★★.5☆

Honestly, this deserves more than a mini-review and I’ll probably post my full review later on in the week, but to cut to the chase: Jane Harper also stole my heart with this story (hence the two-book hangover). This was another slow burn mystery set in the outback and that was just as atmospheric as her debut–the rich imagery put me right back in the unforgiving heat where I lost myself completely to this story. CW: physical and sexual abuse. The Bright family was full of complex characters that were endearing, frustrating and terrifying. My theories about whodunit were (of course) dead wrong but it only served to make the reveals a surprising whirlwind that delighted me when it all finally clicked. I also found myself delighted to stumble across a connection between the characters in The Dry and for a short flashback, we got to revisit Kiewarra and learn more about a family there. Harper did a fantastic job bringing all the elements together and the final scene, although maybe a little too easily resolved, left me feeling hopeful about second chances and a fresh start for the Bright family.

The Goodbye Summer (ARC) by Sarah Van Name – ★★★☆☆

I will be posting my full review later this week closer to the publication date (01 May 2019). I think this is the first YA novel I’ve read in a while where I can say that I get people who say they no longer read YA because it’s just not targeted to them. While I didn’t dislike it, I know I would’ve enjoyed the story much more had I read this in middle/high school. This was very character driven but I unfortunately found myself feeling frustrated with Caroline, the MC, more than anything else. I did enjoy the blossoming summer turned lifetime friendship between Caroline and Georgia. It was a solid, supporting and positive relationship that changed the MC for the better, and her obvious growth as a result was satisfying to witness. That said, the pace was slow and I thought how it was written made this better suited to be a TV show rather than a book. Despite the pace, this was a fairly short read that I’m sure many young adults will be able to enjoy and perhaps relate to!

The Naughty Princess Club (Series) by Tara Sivec – ★★★★☆ (Overall)

At the Stroke of Midnight (Book 1) was the first book I picked up after finishing both Jane Harper’s novel and I honestly couldn’t have picked a more different book if I tried! 😂 It really took awhile for me to get into the story and I almost stopped at one point, but I’m so glad that I pushed through because I ended up loving this series! The books were super sexy, romantic, funny and actually very empowering. It was great to read about Cindy, Ariel and Belle, as they worked hard to get themselves out of their “men-made funks” by starting a home stripping business called The Naughty Princess Club. I loved their friendship and how they supported each other throughout the series and their close bond reminded me of what I have with my besties. Sure, it was a bit cheesy at times but it had me breaking out in belly-aching laughs so often and made me feel lighter after each book ended! If I had to pick a favorite of the three it’d have to be Kiss the Girl (Book 3) about Ariel (obviously), even though she was actually my least favorite character at the start. I related the most with her issues, but I also really loved the sweet, easy-going and supportive relationship between her and Eric! Fair warning though: if you’re into steamy reads, this series isn’t for you!

Hope you enjoyed my mini-reviews! Have you read any of these? I hope you’re having a great/good Monday wherever you are in the world!

ARC Review: Suddenly Single by Carol Wyer

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Goodreads: Suddenly Single
Publish Date: 08 April 2019
Genre: Romance, Chick Lit
Rating: ★★★☆☆

After years of marriage, Chloe Piper, the bestselling author of erotic romance novel “Spank Me Harder, Vicar”, finds herself suddenly single when her husband William admits to having multiple affairs. In an attempt to start fresh, Chloe has decided to move away from her little village life, and into a beautiful countryside home with her best companion Ronnie (her dog). It’s in this new home where Chloe must 1) move on from her marriage and from William; 2) Attempt to write another novel, under the pseudonym CJ Knight, without having access to the same inspiration she had when writing the first; and 3) She must face the crippling social anxiety that has prevented her from doing so much, especially in the last few years of her marriage. With the help of her eccentric neighbours and charming contractor, Alex, can Chloe step out of her comfort zone and show the world just who she really is?

Suddenly Single was not what I expected. This was a feel-good novel about dealing with mental health, finding the strength to overcome your fears, finding acceptance of yourself, and discovering the great things that can lead you to, if you let yourself be open to it.

I decided to pick this up because the cover really attracted me — the color, the design, the text all stood out! When I started to read it, I immediately fell in love with the setting of this book. It didn’t hurt that Chloe’s house also sounded like my dream home, especially with the large bay view windows, and the killer view of beautiful fields and being so close to the wonderful peak district. Absolute heaven! I liked that this took place in a small village in the UK, although with the characters and writing being so large, it’s easy to forget. I thought the writing flowed well and it was a fairly easy read (I see it as a good beach read, even if it’s set in the winter)! That said, while it’s a fairly short book, it took me a few days to read because even though I enjoyed it, I didn’t necessarily feel compelled to pick it up again after taking several breaks.

My favorite part of this story were the characters — they were so quirky/kooky/weird but also endearing with their individual personalities and by just being themselves. They never failed to put a smile on my face and to entertain me with their silly antics. Also, who couldn’t love her mutt, Ronnie? Dogs in books are always the best companions and Ronnie was no exception. The mischievous and lovable doggo had me laughing out loud often throughout the story. The only character I absolutely detested was William. I couldn’t stand his arrogance, or controlling and abuse behaviour and I’m so glad that he got what he deserved 🙂

I thought Chloe was a great MC. I think the author did a good job of putting us in her shoes and illustrating what severe social anxiety looks like and can feel like. As someone who also suffers from mild social anxiety, I absolutely felt a kinship to Chloe’s character, and it was nice to see how people were so quick to understand and accept her, which really contributed to her finding the confidence to stand up for herself and to step out of her comfort zone. Her character growth throughout the novel was very inspiring; granted, it may not always be so easy in real life, but it was nice to see the positive changes. Sometimes you just have to do it and most of the time it will end up better than you expected in the first place! For Chloe, pushing her own boundaries led her to come out on top with a bunch of great new friends, and a confidence in herself that she never had before.

Although this was supposed to be a romance, I found the connection between Chloe and Alex really unconvincing. I just really didn’t get a sense of big (or small) sparks between them! They were sweet, and had cute yet adorably awkward interactions, but I think I was more convinced of a spark between Chloe and Sean, even though they were just good friends. Still, I actually didn’t mind that the romance took a back seat because I loved how this book really focused on how Chloe deals with her mental health and social anxiety disorder. Honestly, I was a little worried when William made a reappearance that she would just fall back into his arms, but I was pleasantly surprised when she stood up for herself, and didn’t let him emotionally and mentally abuse her as he did during their marriage.

In the end it all came together very nicely, although maybe maybe a little too nicely, and a little too easily? But overall, a fun and uplifting summer read that made me miss living in the UK a lot, a lot.

Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Don’t forget to get your copy when this comes out on 08 April 2019!