NG = NetGalley
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NG = NetGalley
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By Becky Gulc
‘Late one summer, the town of Monta Clare is shattered by the abduction of teenager Joseph 'Patch' Macauley. Nobody more so than Saint Brown, who will risk everything to find her best friend.
But when she does: it will break her heart.
Patch lies alone in a pitch-black room - until he feels a hand in his. Her name is Grace and, though they cannot see each other, she lights their world with her words.
But when he escapes: there is no sign she ever even existed.
Left with only her voice and her name, he paints her from broken memories - and charts an epic search to find her.
As years turn to decades, and hope becomes obsession, Saint will shadow his journey - on a darker path to hunt down the man who took them - and set free the only boy she ever loved.
Even if finding the truth means losing each other forever...’ (Synopsis courtesy of Orion Books.)
Wow. That one words sums up this novel for me. I’ve seen other reviews where they praise this novel for being a modern-day ‘classic’; a ‘masterpiece’; ‘haunting’ and ‘epic’, it’s absolutely all these things and more. I know this is a novel which will stay with me, it’s profound, moving, beautiful.
Patch is a 13 year-old boy who believes he’s a pirate due to missing an eye. One day he finds himself interrupting a kidnapping attempt of popular and wealthy local girl, Misty. Whilst she is saved thanks to Patch, he is taken and his life will never be the same again. He’s not the only one that’s been taken, there’s Grace too - a girl who is pivotal to Patch surviving his ordeal, physically and mentally. Patch and Grace are held in a darkened room and never actually see one another in the light. When Patch is finally free he vows to find Grace again, and will risk everything to do so. Until then he’ll paint her from his darkened memories, descriptions and touch.
Then there is Saint, Patch’s best and only friend, at least until he is taken. She makes it her mission to find Patch and subsequently find the person responsible for taking him and the others. I adored Saint and how much love she had for Patch throughout his life.
This novel manages to be a crime novel, a thriller and a love story all in one and given it spans several decades, it’s executed so well; it was such a perfect concoction! It is a long book but never felt overly so and the chapters are nice and snappy, I was invested from the first few pages, in solving the crime and in Patch and Saint as wonderful characters – it is the characters that make this. I was emotionally drained as the novel closed but in such a satisfying way. Recommended!
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In winter 2023, Julie was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer but faced it with grace and wit, famously keeping her heels on during treatment. This challenge inspired her debut women's suspense novel, The Accidental Sisterhood, described by bestselling New York Times author Jenna Blum as "witty and unexpected."
Now cancer-free, Julie celebrates survival and transformation. Her message of resilience resonated at the Moffitt Cancer Center's 2024 National Board of Directors Meeting, where she shared her survivor story. Living in St. Petersburg, Florida, she finds inspiration in her son Luke, embracing life's accidents with an open heart and the power of sisterhood. Stilettos optional!
Thanks to Julie for chatting with us and providing a free copy of the book for one lucky winner!
How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.
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We've been running a column series to get more personal with our readers. We are currently in our fifth year!
This month, we are talking about experiences we've had with people who don't deserve to be in the higher managerial position they were given, based on how they treat people. (Key example: Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada.)
We're always open to topic suggestions, so please don't hesitate to share those in the comments. We'd also love to know if you can relate to anything we've said or hear your own thoughts on the topic. So don't be shy. :) We look forward to getting to know you as much as we're letting you get to know us. You can find our previous columns here, in case you missed them.
Sara Steven:Over two decades ago, I fell into property management. I say “fell” because it had never been on my radar, not until a neighbor friend recommended I apply. In those days, property management consisted of paper applications, personal check security deposits, index card-sized guest cards, and an old CRM (customer relationship management) software program known as Rent Roll.
I left the biz the summer of 2012, in order to pursue other things–namely raising a family. I never intended to get back into property management, but there is something about the real estate realm that has always fascinated me. I practically beg friends to let me go along and look at open houses or homes for sale, and when my mother-in-law had considered moving into an apartment a few years back, I felt like I’d died and gone to heaven.
Back then, I’d found a family within the apartment communities I’d worked for. I’d gotten lucky– the first manager I worked for was like a mother to me.
The first of many texts by her |
I've had a variety of "horrible boss" situations over the years, but they definitely pale in comparison to my husband's first boss after we moved to Maryland. He was a horrible tyrant who would yell at someone for bringing cake to a meeting (to share with everyone) and got mad at my husband for calling to check on me when I injured my eye. He made my husband physically ill from stress to the point where he quit without anything else as a backup. He's worked for some other "interesting" people over the years, as well. (Thankfully his current boss is wonderful!) And my son currently hates his manager at his part-time job and has filed several complaints with the owner about them. Not that anyone is doing anything about it.
So my gripes with past bosses are minor overall. There was one who belittled me and I didn't like working for her at all. I think she was happy when I moved on. Another wasn't even my direct boss, but had an impact on my stress levels and aggravation anyway. My friend (who worked directly for her) and I would call her "Devil Wears Prada." That friend quit on the spot because of how she was treated and this boss treated subsequent assistants the same way. The boss I had at my first job out of college is what Romy would refer to as a "nasty b*tch." She just didn't have it in her to be nice, like ever. I was only at that job for maybe a month. I recently saw something on Instagram that reminded me of her.
Have you had any experiences with horrible bosses?
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Rosie Gonzalez isn’t having a wonderful Christmas time. Not when she’s at risk of losing her job as assistant manager of the Duchess—Victoria’s oldest boutique hotel. If she and her team can’t bring in more guests by the end of December, she’ll be let go. Adding to her stress is a calendar filled with family gatherings where her mom will inevitably nag her for still being single.
Drew Richardson isn’t faring much better. As if working alongside his ex at Northlife Fitness wasn’t bad enough, now she’s invited him to her December wedding. And since all his coworkers will be there, bailing isn’t an option. To get through it, he’ll need a plus-one for moral support.
So, when Rosie recruits him to play Santa for her hotel’s activities, he also proposes a fake-dating scheme to benefit them both. Just for the holidays—nothing more. But as things between them turn from nice to naughty, they’ll have to decide whether a real relationship could be the best Christmas gift of all. (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)
I love The Duchess Hotel book series!
The plan seems pretty simple in theory: Give others the impression that there is a budding relationship growing between Rosie, the assistant manager at a struggling hotel, and Drew, a successful fitness instructor/personal trainer. The idea doesn’t seem completely farfetched, considering Rosie has known Drew for a while–he had been her personal trainer at one point in time, so it’s not like they don’t know each other.
But a big reason she stopped going to the gym is due to her attraction for Drew. And Drew feels the same way. Yet neither character wants a serious relationship. Rosie doesn’t know if she has time to commit to anything long-term, and Drew has recently had his heart broken in such a way that really doesn’t allow much in the way of trust. It doesn’t help that he already has a tainted view of relationships due to his familial past. So it makes perfect sense to put on their game faces and pretend for their families and friends that there is a possible happily-ever-after, even if they both know there will be an eventual ending on the horizon. What could go wrong?
The fauxmance between Rosie and Drew was pretty spectacular and provided just the right amount of burn and spice. From the get go, there is an immediate push and pull, with Rosie and Drew fighting against their urges, despite knowing what could happen if they go down “that” road. I also appreciated that both characters have more going on than just the fauxmance. Rosie is doing all she can to try to save her hotel, and Drew has a lot to consider when it comes to his future. It was nice to get both perspectives during my reading experience, to gain better insight into why Drew is so frightened of love, and why Rosie never feels as though she’s worth it.
Santa Maybe was Christmasy sugar, spice, and kind of nice, with a lot of naughty sprinkled into it, too – and it was a lot of fun! It's a well-deserved five-star experience!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.
Purchase Santa Maybe here.
Carla Luna writes contemporary romance with a dollop of humor and a pinch of spice. A former archaeologist, she still dreams of traveling to far-off places and channels that wanderlust into the settings of her stories. Her books have been called “escape reads,” ideal for perusing during a beachside vacation, a long flight, or a relaxing weekend at the lake. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, baking, and taking long walks while listening to pop culture podcasts. Though she has roots in Los Angeles and Vancouver Island, she currently resides in Wisconsin with her family and her feisty Siberian cat.
Visit Carla online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram
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By Sara Steven
What do you do when you realise you've fallen for your best friend, but he sees you as the sister he never had? And to make things worse, you're stuck in the middle of a matchmaking scheme to find him someone else!
Best friends Gaby and Raff are inseparable and know each other inside out. But with Raff's string of disastrous relationships and his newfound fame as Britain’s Best Baker, it's time to enlist the Ever After Agency to help him find true love.
At first, Gaby is all in – Raff is a catch, after all. But as she secretly helps to find his perfect match, she’s hit with unexpected pangs of jealousy. And before she can act on her feelings, Raff falls for one of his dates.
Can Gaby keep her emotions in check, or will she risk ruining their friendship to find out if Raff feels the same way? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)
I’ve read a lot of books by this author, but this is my first foray into the Ever After Agency series, and I’m glad I took the plunge! Someone Like You really was the quintessential slow burn romance. Two people who are the best of friends but potentially destined to be more than that, really was a sweet experience.
The old adage, “the best love stories come from a foundation of friendship,” is the eventual truth for Gaby. But she never expected she’d feel that way. I got the impression that Gaby never really settled for serious relationships, especially after having her heart broken years ago, and it was most likely an easier scenario to put her love and faith into a friendship, than to ever think beyond those limitations. Raff is the first person she thinks of when she needs someone to talk to, and she always makes sure to be there for him if he needs her. The majority of the other characters, like her close friends and family, can see this for what it really is, but the two people involved are the last to know.
Raff has a habit of falling in love easily, and quickly. Gaby knows when Raff comes up with a special nickname for someone, like how he’s monikered her as “Gabs,” it means more than just an affection for that person. It’s someone he considers seriously, and Gaby has seen that occur with a few women. But it isn’t until Raff meets Julie, or “Jules” as he refers to her, that Gaby begins to really take notice. Sometimes it takes something monumental to really hit someone over the head with truth, and that’s what happens for Gaby. So much so, that she begins to question everything. Does Raff potentially feel the same way about her, or are his sights set on Jules? And, if he’s not into Gaby romantically, can their all-important friendship survive?
Having been in a situation like this one, I could understand the pressure and restraint. The fear of ruining something so great for something that can be even greater. I felt the characters really reflected those emotions, particularly Gaby, given the story is primarily told from her perspective. It was also set within the perfect backdrop of Christmas, adding a nice romantic element. Someone Like You really is the perfect, sweet, holiday friends-to-potential lovers experience, and was a joy to read!
Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.
Author Bio (in her own words):
I’m a writer, traveller and hopeful romantic, and am currently on a one-year sabbatical with my partner, Ben, living and writing across the world.
As a traveller, I love exploring new places, outdoor adventures, and eating and drinking like a local, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels.
Visit Sandy online:
Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram
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By Melissa Amster
(Synopsis may contain spoilers for The Guncle.)
Patrick O'Hara is called back to his guncle duties . . . This time for a big family wedding in Italy.
Patrick O’Hara is back. It’s been five years since his summer as his niece Maisie and nephew Grant’s caretaker after their mother’s passing. The kids are back in Connecticut with their dad, and Patrick has relocated to New York to remain close by and relaunch his dormant acting career. After the run of his second successful sit-com comes to a close, Patrick feels on top of the world . . . professionally. But some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single again after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has a family to lean on. Until that family needs to again lean on him.
When Patrick's brother, Greg, announces he’s getting remarried in Italy, Maisie and Grant are not thrilled. Patrick feels drawn to take the two back under his wing. As they travel through Europe on their way to the wedding, Patrick tries his best to help them understand love, much as he once helped them comprehend grief. But when they arrive in Italy, Patrick is overextended managing a groom with cold feet; his sister, Clara, flirting with guests left and right; a growing rivalry with the kids’ charming soon-to-be-launt (lesbian aunt), and two moody young teens trying to adjust to a new normal, all culminating in a disastrous rehearsal dinner.
Can Patrick save the day? Will teaching the kids about love help him repair his own love life? Can the change of scenery help Patrick come to terms with finally growing up? Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley charms with a beloved story about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)
I really enjoyed The Guncle when I read it a few years ago. (Reviewed here.) I am pleased to share that The Guncle Abroad is even better than its predecessor! I laughed out loud so many times and even got misty-eyed.
It felt like being on a virtual vacation. (Perfectly paired with watching the latest season of Emily in Paris.) And it reminded me of a trip I took to Europe, so I was extra glad that they made a stop in Venice because I love it so much there. (I wish the whole story could have been set in Venice, but it was still great no matter what.)
The story is so much fun, but also has a lot of heart. If you haven't read the first book yet, you should, but this also gives a lot of background if read as a standalone. It does contain some spoilers for the first book but it's not a high stakes issue. (You should still read the first book regardless of the order.)
I loved the pop culture references, especially the Pretty Woman one, which I always use. (So much that when I was watching Romy and Michele with my daughter, she was saying the iconic line as soon as she saw them watching Pretty Woman.) I found it funny how similar my pop culture background is to Patrick's, minus a love for The Sound of Music on my end, even though it was used in a cute way in this novel. I could also relate about facing down fifty, as I'm getting closer to that point in my life. And now that Maisie is a teenager, I could definitely relate about trying to connect with a girl around that age.
My only very minor concern is that the story probably could have ended before it actually did. It had a few good stopping points. However, it was still enjoyable and I was surprised by some of what happened.
If you need a lighthearted story, a good laugh, and an armchair adventure, look no further! I hope there will be a third Guncle book. Having one set during the winter holidays would be fun!
Movie casting suggestions (most are from the first book):Enjoyed this post? Never miss out on future posts by following us.
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We're pleased to feature Hutong Heartthrobs today. If you enjoy 90 Day Fiance, you'll appreciate this book too. (Although this book is sure to charm you even if you've never watched that reality series.) Thanks to Tammy Treichel, the author, we have FIVE ebooks to give away!
How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.
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Meg Bloomberg is in a pickle. When Meg’s ex turns out to be a total player, she and her bestie take off for a mood-lifting pickleball excursion to Bainbridge Island. It’s supposed to be an easy lob, a way to heal, not the opening serve to a new courtside romance that’s doomed to spin out.
No matter how Meg tries, she can’t shake her feelings for Ethan Fine. A charismatic environmental consultant and Bainbridge local, Ethan seems like the real dill. But when Meg discovers that Ethan is sabotaging her home court, she decides the match is over.
It’s time for Meg to take control of her own game. And maybe, just maybe…love will bounce back. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)
I haven’t gotten to play pickleball yet but after reading this story I COMPLETELY understand what all the fuss has been about!
"Life's like pickleball," he said. "You gotta release the bad patterns and habits that are dragging you down before you can make any progress.”
This is a very sweet, enemies-to-lovers rom-com filled with punny pickleball jokes and facts, and a leading lady that you are really going to adore!
As an art therapist, I was immediately drawn to Meg. When you meet her she’s getting dumped and smelling these cat collars but has a huge passion for painting that she’s let fall to the wayside. She’s also kind of shy and tagging along on her journey of self-discovery after divorce was really fun. She gets into some pretty tricky situations that will sometimes make you blush and other times make you LOL. (I laughed out loud when she had a seatbelt malfunction.) The way she uses pickleball as an outlet was an entertaining storyline. You get to meet a sometimes fun, sometimes nurturing and supportive, and sometimes sassy cast of characters that really brings this story to life.
I also enjoyed the setting of this book so much. Seattle is always a place I love to visit and Bainbridge Island is now on my bucket list. Long really makes you feel like you are there, and I loved that so much.
The themes of hard things not defining us and taking charge of your own life really made this story for me. I found Pickleballers to be the perfectly lighthearted and thoughtful read I needed!
Thanks to Berkley for the book in exchange for an honest review.
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If the sexy-as-sin best man would quit being such a tempting distraction.
When it comes to marriage, my motto has always been, just say no. And for good reason. Plenty of them, in fact.
So how the hell did I wind up as the bride’s style consultant—and maid of honor, by the way—in Silicon Valley's biggest wedding of the season?
Underneath my Grumpy Gus mask, I’m just a sucker for a friend in need. But it doesn’t mean I’m going soft. I’m definitely not about to fall for the best man’s tousled, beachy hotness...or those ocean-blue eyes that look right past my prickly exterior to my marshmallow center.
With the bride refusing to see the signs of the groom’s all too familiar shady behavior, it’s up to me to save my friend from making the same mistake I nearly did. Even if it takes some of my trademark tough love.
That means a hard pass on sexy times with the best man. Right? (Courtesy of Amazon.)
Thanks to Hayleigh for chatting with us and for sharing her book with our readers.
How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here.
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Valerie Keogh is the best-selling author of The Nurse. She lives in Wiltshire with her husband and a huge black cat, Fatty Arbuckle. She grew up reading Agatha Christie and initially wrote crime novels - she now writes psychological thrillers.
The Little Lies was shortlisted for the Crime Fiction Lovers Award 2021.
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By Melissa Smoot
No one said fair trade needed to be “fair.”
As the owner of Honeysuckle Salon, Jessie Barnes usually has everything managed and on track, but now in her third trimester of an unexpected pregnancy, she feels a bit lost and increasingly desperate after faulty plumbing floods her apartment. Unfortunately, her knight in shining armor is actually Dr. Drew Marshall, her best friend’s brother, and he’s also the man she chewed out not too long ago for being a chauvinistic dirtbag.
Every moment Drew’s had to prove her wrong since then has failed, so Jessie’s opinion of him hasn’t improved. That remains the case when he agrees to let her stay with him during renovations, under one condition: She pretends to be his girlfriend for upcoming work festivities. For the sake of her brother, Jessie is willing to make the tough situation work, and giving Drew a taste of his own medicine sounds . . . intriguing.
But when their rivalry sparks a deeper connection, Jessie’s future becomes even more unclear—and with a baby on the way, she’ll have to make a decision soon. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)
I have read several of Sarah Adams’ books now, and I have loved them all. This one really grabbed me and resounded with me, for some reason. I found myself getting pretty emotional when I was about three quarters of the way through it. I don’t know if it was the storyline or if it was the actual content, but it was fantastic.
The tension between the two main characters, Jessie and Drew, was written so well and you could feel the frustration emanating off of them both throughout the story. I also love how Adams constantly makes me laugh out loud while reading her books. This one was a little different than the previous books I have read by the author, but not in a bad way at all.
I was expecting to not relate to it as much, but I was so wrong. This is a fabulous read, and I would recommend it to anyone that is looking for a good laugh, and maybe even a good cry. It was a sweet story, and the characters really grew and came to life.
Thanks to Random House for the book in exchange for an honest review. Purchase The Temporary Roomie here.
More by Sarah Adams:
The Off-Limits Rule (reviewed here)
The Cheat Sheet
The Enemy
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