It’s been a couple of months since my last one, so I’m back today with my book review volume XII. I’m still on track to reach my yearly reading goal of 35 books, but I haven’t been as consistent with reading as I’d like. Also, I’ve been feeling pickier about my books (aka haven’t read anything lately that I love), so if you have a favorite romance or thriller, please share it with me in the comments! In the meantime, here’s my latest book review:
The First Mistake by Sandie Jones
From the author of The Other Woman comes another binge-worthy novel. Alice’s life has never been better than running a successful business with her second husband, Nathan, and having their two kids and a beautiful house. However, when Nathan starts acting strange, Alice turns to her best friend, Beth, for help — but is Alice’s trust misplaced? At first, I was apprehensive that this wouldn’t live up to her debut novel since the plot felt eerily familiar to other books in this genre, but I’m happy to report it deviates from the usual traps. I addictively flew through this one, trying to figure out how all the pieces fit together. It started coming together towards the end, but I still found it to be an entertaining page-turner. Domestic thrillers might be my favorite subgenre within crime fiction these days!
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
I first read this YA book a decade ago, and it’s always been one of my favorites. I’m pretty sure this book was what first made me fall in love with Paris, and I’ve been dreaming of going ever since. Anna’s parents ship her from Atlanta to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year, and she’s less than thrilled — until she meets Étienne St. Clair. He’s got it all, including a serious girlfriend. It’s funny rereading this as an adult because so many things I used to love about it are the same things I have issues with now. The angsty love triangles that inevitably lead to some form of cheating aren’t for me. As much as I loved this book, I should’ve left this one in my middle school days.
We’ll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han
This book was another one I read when it was initially published and decided to reread, so evidently, I was feeling nostalgic. However, this one has stood the test of time, and I love it just as much as I did a decade ago. I think sequels typically don’t live up to the first book, but I liked each book more in this series due to the character growth and improved writing. In the final installment, Belly and Jeremiah are at the same college; only it’s not the happily ever after she thought it’d be. It’s time for Belly to confront her feelings for the Fisher boys once and for all and the truth that she’ll have to break one of their hearts. Make sure to get a copy with the letters at the end because it’s truly the perfect addition.
Out of the Clear Blue Sky by Kristan Higgins
Lillie Silva’s world comes crashing down when her husband unexpectedly leaves her for another woman just as her only child leaves for college. Alone for the first time in her life, it’s the end of Lillie’s life as she knows it, but maybe the next chapter will pleasantly surprise her out of the clear blue sky. When I picked this one up from the library, I was surprised at how long it was (almost 500 pages!). This book has excellent reviews, but I did find the story too long and, quite frankly, slightly dull and slow. I prefer books fueled by their action, and I kept waiting for this one to pick up. The one secondary character I genuinely liked was Ben, and I wish we got more of him.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
Percy made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago and never returned to Barry’s Bay, where she spent six summers growing up. But when a funeral sends her back, she has to face Sam, the guy she was inseparable from, until it all falls apart. Told in alternating timelines between past summers and the present, Percy finally confronts her past decisions. I loved this one when I started, but after the reveal of the mistake, I wanted to chuck the book across the room. Also, there was a lot of buildup to the reveal, but it was “resolved” within a few paragraphs making it feel anticlimactic. Ultimately, I settled on three stars, given the emotional roller coaster I was on while reading this one.
It was a mixed batch, but I’ve learned my lesson to stay away from cheating tropes — they’re just not for me. What have you recently read that I would love? Please leave your recommendations in the comments! To read my other book reviews, click here. xo
Adding The First Mistake to my list ASAP!! I loved every summer after – I thought it was so good and I read it during summer so that made it that much better LOL!
I haven’t read a good novel in a while so The First Mistake sounds very interesting. Thanks for sharing!
You have to try Where The Blame Lies by Mia Sheridan. Mia usually writes romance, but lately she’s been writing thrillers with a touch of romance and she nails it. Where The Blame Lies is a romantic thriller as well, so it has both;)
Adding these to my tbr list immediately!
I was surprise by how long Out of the Clear Blue Sky was too; and I thought it was quite a slow slog at times but somehow I still enjoyed it– I particularly enjoyed her antics; though a bit cruel I did think they were so funny.
Great recommendations! Adding a few to my list. I just love your blog name, super creative!
I was just shopping for some new books. Thank you for sharing! I always love a good book recommendation!
Thanks for sharing your reads- going to add a few to my list!
Love reading your reviews! I have Every Summer After on my tbr. I feel like people either LOVE it or they are meh about it haha hopefully I love it!
I literally stayed up all night reading Every Summer After! 5 stars from me haha
Anna and the french kiss sounds so cute. I want to know what happens to her and her relationship.
I remember when I thought cheating was the best drama plot point ever. Oh, middle school. I had no idea 🤦🏻♀️ Anna and the French kids was really one of the most disappointing books I’ve read due to how much hype it used to get. Great list of books. I have a few I need to check out.
Great reviews. I will avoid the ones you got mad at too – cheating tropes are terrible. I’ve just joined a book club so your review posts will be very helpful. I will now know what to look out for when we meet. Xx
I haven’t read a good book in some time so Every Summer After sounds very interesting. Thanks for sharing!
I actually haven’t heard about these books. I will totally be adding a few to my reading list. Thanks for a great read!
I felt exactly the same about Anna and the French kiss! Everyone raved about it and as much as it was good, it wasn’t good enough to want to hang onto to read again!
Hi there
Thanks so much for sharing, I`m not an avid reader especially in the summers but I do love a good book and hot cocoa in the evenings in the winter.
You`ve given a good list here and I can`t wait to read these.
I am a bibliophile through and through, can’t resist clicking on a book review post and this one was so good. Added the first one to my reading list right away.
The First Mistake sounds like a good story! The cover is eye catching too. Thank you for another amazing book review! 😊
Great review of these books. Certainly books I could spend a whole day immersed in!
Your book reviews always make me want to dive into a good book! I’ll be adding a few of these to my list.
I loved Anna and the French Kiss when I read it too, but yeah, maybe I should just not revisit that one. LOL I’ll just remember it as wonderful.
If you want a good mystery/thriller, I always recommend the author Charlie Donlea. I’ve read all of his books and they are amazing.
Lauren @ http://www.shootingstarsmag.net