Scan barcode
13rebecca13's reviews
502 reviews
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I was always a massive thriller reader but recently found myself getting less excited by them. I think I'd maybe read too many and could see the formula early on which dampened my experience. First Lie Wins was like a breath of fresh air and really reinstated my love of thrillers.
Evelyn "Evie" Porter is in a new relationship with Ryan Sumner. However, Evie is not real. Ryan thinks he is her boyfriend, but really he is Evie's next job.
Her boss, known only as Mr Smith who she has never met, has been assigning Evie (real name Lucca Marino) to jobs where she is tasked to seek out intel and other information from politicians to businessmen, giving her a new identity each time to do so.
When Ryan's friend James turns up at a party with his new girlfriend "Lucca Marino", Evie quickly realises that Mr Smith is out to get her but in this game of cat and mouse, Evie is always one step ahead.
This book is so clever and is meticulously and intricately planned out. The timeline switches between present day as Evie Porter but is interspersed with chapters from Evie's past aliases and jobs. You can see it all play out in your minds eye and it is such an entertaining read.
I would say that I probably wanted it to end about half a page earlier than it did but that's absolutely a personal thing. I highly recommend this book!
Evelyn "Evie" Porter is in a new relationship with Ryan Sumner. However, Evie is not real. Ryan thinks he is her boyfriend, but really he is Evie's next job.
Her boss, known only as Mr Smith who she has never met, has been assigning Evie (real name Lucca Marino) to jobs where she is tasked to seek out intel and other information from politicians to businessmen, giving her a new identity each time to do so.
When Ryan's friend James turns up at a party with his new girlfriend "Lucca Marino", Evie quickly realises that Mr Smith is out to get her but in this game of cat and mouse, Evie is always one step ahead.
This book is so clever and is meticulously and intricately planned out. The timeline switches between present day as Evie Porter but is interspersed with chapters from Evie's past aliases and jobs. You can see it all play out in your minds eye and it is such an entertaining read.
I would say that I probably wanted it to end about half a page earlier than it did but that's absolutely a personal thing. I highly recommend this book!
Notes on a Murder by B P Walter
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I have read a few books by B. P. Walter; A Version Of The Truth which I thought was okay, The Locked Attic which I did not enjoy and The Dinner Party which I LOVED, so I was unsure how I would feel about Notes On A Murder.
Initially, I was intrigued as to where the story was going to go. It's 1997 and 21-year-old Oliver is off to spend his summer in Greece with his parents and older brother. He meets Alastair and develops a summer relationship with him. The two bump into Oliver's father's "business associate", find themselves invited to lunch on his island but are really plunged into a deeper situation.
Oliver flees Greece and two decades later, whilst attending a wellness centre, Alastair shows up. But how? Oliver was sure he was dead.
I understand what Walter wanted to do with this book and it is a very entertaining read but it fell a little short for me. I don't mind a slow burn as long as there are little nuggets for me to pick up on. This felt very slow at the beginning then when the twists were revealed, they were so consecutive with no breathing space.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. I didn't get a chance to understand their personalities and get into their psyches.
As I mentioned, I was entertained. I love a dual timeline and it is clear that Walter is very clever but I wanted a bit more.
Initially, I was intrigued as to where the story was going to go. It's 1997 and 21-year-old Oliver is off to spend his summer in Greece with his parents and older brother. He meets Alastair and develops a summer relationship with him. The two bump into Oliver's father's "business associate", find themselves invited to lunch on his island but are really plunged into a deeper situation.
Oliver flees Greece and two decades later, whilst attending a wellness centre, Alastair shows up. But how? Oliver was sure he was dead.
I understand what Walter wanted to do with this book and it is a very entertaining read but it fell a little short for me. I don't mind a slow burn as long as there are little nuggets for me to pick up on. This felt very slow at the beginning then when the twists were revealed, they were so consecutive with no breathing space.
I also struggled to connect with the characters. I didn't get a chance to understand their personalities and get into their psyches.
As I mentioned, I was entertained. I love a dual timeline and it is clear that Walter is very clever but I wanted a bit more.
Be Bad, Better: How Not Trying So Hard Will Set You Free by Rebecca Seal
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
4.0
What a fantastic book to start the year with! As a chronic people pleaser who is desperate to be liked, struggles to say no, feels guilty about every little thing and constantly compares herself to strangers - I needed this book!
Rebecca Seal weaves together scientific facts, advice and interviews across a variety of topics with a similar theme. All of them have negative social connotations such as being selfish, laziness, having clutter, being anxious and many more and turns them on their head, showing us that there are positives to be found and we need to stop trying so hard.
I think this is a book that everyone should read. Although I probably knew quite a bit of it deep down, having it all presented to me in this manner, factually, has really been eye opening. I am excited to take some of this advice on board and be less apologetic for being me.
Rebecca Seal weaves together scientific facts, advice and interviews across a variety of topics with a similar theme. All of them have negative social connotations such as being selfish, laziness, having clutter, being anxious and many more and turns them on their head, showing us that there are positives to be found and we need to stop trying so hard.
I think this is a book that everyone should read. Although I probably knew quite a bit of it deep down, having it all presented to me in this manner, factually, has really been eye opening. I am excited to take some of this advice on board and be less apologetic for being me.
Legally Binding by Sophie Snow
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I absolutely ADORED The Rule Of Three by the same author, so imagine my excitement at being chosen to receive an ARC copy of Legally Binding! This book honestly felt like perfection.
Maggie Burlington is the 27-year-old assistant to lawyer Cal Michaelson who is 28 years her senior. She has always had a bit of a thing for him but that's all it was, a work crush.
After an unexpected meeting at a s3x club, it feels like they have officially crossed a line even though nothing actually happened between them. They eventually agree on just one night to get it out of their systems but they both end up deeper than they ever expected.
I loved this book so much. Cal and Maggie both had so much depth to their characters and I just adored them. From Maggie's treatment by her family and ex-boyfriend to Cal's divorce and family, it was all developed so well. You really get a feel for both of their personalities and their character growth both separately and together was beautiful to read.
This isn't the first age gap romance novel I've read but it is probably one of my favourites. The romance was obviously a main part of the book but I really liked that the work aspects weren't glossed over and it added to my overall enjoyment of the novel.
I loved that any trial and tribulations or worries that they experienced felt real. I spent a lot of the book internally saying "aww! π₯Ή" at Cal's actions. Men written by women ππΌππΌ
If you are looking for a spicy, age gap, boss/employee romance that has a great plot to boot, get this on your TBR!
Maggie Burlington is the 27-year-old assistant to lawyer Cal Michaelson who is 28 years her senior. She has always had a bit of a thing for him but that's all it was, a work crush.
After an unexpected meeting at a s3x club, it feels like they have officially crossed a line even though nothing actually happened between them. They eventually agree on just one night to get it out of their systems but they both end up deeper than they ever expected.
I loved this book so much. Cal and Maggie both had so much depth to their characters and I just adored them. From Maggie's treatment by her family and ex-boyfriend to Cal's divorce and family, it was all developed so well. You really get a feel for both of their personalities and their character growth both separately and together was beautiful to read.
This isn't the first age gap romance novel I've read but it is probably one of my favourites. The romance was obviously a main part of the book but I really liked that the work aspects weren't glossed over and it added to my overall enjoyment of the novel.
I loved that any trial and tribulations or worries that they experienced felt real. I spent a lot of the book internally saying "aww! π₯Ή" at Cal's actions. Men written by women ππΌππΌ
If you are looking for a spicy, age gap, boss/employee romance that has a great plot to boot, get this on your TBR!
So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is the second Claire Keegan book I've read, the first being Small Things Like These, and what Keegan does very well is tell a deep and compelling story in a concise manner. I've read books at over 600 pages that only just pack in what Keegan has done in less than 100 pages.
So Late In The Day is a short novella that focuses Cathal, the intricacies of his relationship with Sabine, regret at how it ended and what he could done better. It was interesting take on the differences between men and women and although I put it on as an audiobook in the background, it really made me stop in my tracks and think. Beautifully written and every word has meaning.
So Late In The Day is a short novella that focuses Cathal, the intricacies of his relationship with Sabine, regret at how it ended and what he could done better. It was interesting take on the differences between men and women and although I put it on as an audiobook in the background, it really made me stop in my tracks and think. Beautifully written and every word has meaning.
Faking Christmas by Cindy Steel
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Such a cute, festive fake dating/enemies to lovers romance novel.
Olive Wilson is an English teacher at a school in Scranton. She doesn't see eye to eye with new, fellow English teacher Miles Taylor. He is the new, fun teacher whereas she is now left feeling uncool.
Olive's father passed away almost a year ago, just after Christmas, and her mother has remarried. Olive is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her father and how quickly her mother seems to have moved on with Russ. They have all booked a family Christmas lodge vacation in Vermont and after finding out from her sister that their mother has invited her ex-boyfriend and his parents, hoping to set them up again, Olive lies and says she is dating someone called Miles.
Imagine Olive's surprise when they arrive at the cabins and the owners are Miles's parents. She urges him to keep up with the ruse and he is only too willing to oblige.
This is super cute and predictable but such an enjoyable read. I loved the romantic aspect but also the harder side when it came to Olive's dad and Miles's past too. A bit too cutesy towards the end for me but I loved it nonetheless.
Olive Wilson is an English teacher at a school in Scranton. She doesn't see eye to eye with new, fellow English teacher Miles Taylor. He is the new, fun teacher whereas she is now left feeling uncool.
Olive's father passed away almost a year ago, just after Christmas, and her mother has remarried. Olive is struggling to come to terms with the loss of her father and how quickly her mother seems to have moved on with Russ. They have all booked a family Christmas lodge vacation in Vermont and after finding out from her sister that their mother has invited her ex-boyfriend and his parents, hoping to set them up again, Olive lies and says she is dating someone called Miles.
Imagine Olive's surprise when they arrive at the cabins and the owners are Miles's parents. She urges him to keep up with the ruse and he is only too willing to oblige.
This is super cute and predictable but such an enjoyable read. I loved the romantic aspect but also the harder side when it came to Olive's dad and Miles's past too. A bit too cutesy towards the end for me but I loved it nonetheless.
Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This is a super cute friends-to-lovers festive romance!
Stella owns Lovelight Farms in a small town where everyone knows everyone and also their business. There has been some issues with the farm like supplier problems, tree rot and vandalism. Unbeknownst to her colleagues Layla and Beckett, Stella is worried for the future of the farm and is not taking a salary in order to keep the place afloat.
Influencer Evelyn St. James is running a contest with the winner's location not only standing to gain thousands of visitors, but also prize money which is likely to solve Stella's problems. The only catch is, Evelyn loves a cute story so on her application, Stella says she bought the farm with her boyfriend. That boyfriend? Doesn't exist.
Best friend of almost a decade, Luka Peters is more than happy to play the part of Stella's fake boyfriend but both of them end up admitting feelings that have been hidden away.
I do enjoy a friends-to-lovers trope and this was very cute. I would have loved to have had more depth with regards to Evelyn's visit and the contest and also both Luka and Stellas familial relationships.
When it came to their love story, I wish I could have felt their relationship more. It did feel a tiny bit rushed and although it came from nowhere.
All in all, it was super entertaining, very cute and an easy read for during the festive period.
Stella owns Lovelight Farms in a small town where everyone knows everyone and also their business. There has been some issues with the farm like supplier problems, tree rot and vandalism. Unbeknownst to her colleagues Layla and Beckett, Stella is worried for the future of the farm and is not taking a salary in order to keep the place afloat.
Influencer Evelyn St. James is running a contest with the winner's location not only standing to gain thousands of visitors, but also prize money which is likely to solve Stella's problems. The only catch is, Evelyn loves a cute story so on her application, Stella says she bought the farm with her boyfriend. That boyfriend? Doesn't exist.
Best friend of almost a decade, Luka Peters is more than happy to play the part of Stella's fake boyfriend but both of them end up admitting feelings that have been hidden away.
I do enjoy a friends-to-lovers trope and this was very cute. I would have loved to have had more depth with regards to Evelyn's visit and the contest and also both Luka and Stellas familial relationships.
When it came to their love story, I wish I could have felt their relationship more. It did feel a tiny bit rushed and although it came from nowhere.
All in all, it was super entertaining, very cute and an easy read for during the festive period.
Caught Up by Liz Tomforde
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have binged all three of the Windy City series and have given them all five stars. I am obsessed.
If you haven't read the first two, I'd recommend them, obviously, as I've rated them highly, but also because of the crossover of characters.
Malakai "Kai" Rhodes is a baseball player and single dad to sixteen month old Max. Max's mother dropped him off at Kai's when Max was six months old and fled. Not wanting him to lose out on his career, his coach Monty and the rest of the team have supported him but Kai has trouble finding the perfect nanny and ends up firing them pretty quickly.
Monty's daughter Miller is burnt out from her high flying culinary job. She decides to take a hiatus for the summer and visits her dad. Monty enlists her to help look after Max for the summer whilst Kai is playing this baseball season.
Kai is fully focused on his son with his career no longer being the most important thing in his life and Miller is desperate to prove to her father that he has a reason to be proud of her.
This book is gorgeous. What I've learned from Tomforde's novels is that these characters really go through it. They have the most emotional time and my heart broke in some places. The similarities between Monty and Miller's mother, and Kai and Miller were perfectly done and the exploration of their feelings was beautiful to read.
I can't wait for the next one!
If you haven't read the first two, I'd recommend them, obviously, as I've rated them highly, but also because of the crossover of characters.
Malakai "Kai" Rhodes is a baseball player and single dad to sixteen month old Max. Max's mother dropped him off at Kai's when Max was six months old and fled. Not wanting him to lose out on his career, his coach Monty and the rest of the team have supported him but Kai has trouble finding the perfect nanny and ends up firing them pretty quickly.
Monty's daughter Miller is burnt out from her high flying culinary job. She decides to take a hiatus for the summer and visits her dad. Monty enlists her to help look after Max for the summer whilst Kai is playing this baseball season.
Kai is fully focused on his son with his career no longer being the most important thing in his life and Miller is desperate to prove to her father that he has a reason to be proud of her.
This book is gorgeous. What I've learned from Tomforde's novels is that these characters really go through it. They have the most emotional time and my heart broke in some places. The similarities between Monty and Miller's mother, and Kai and Miller were perfectly done and the exploration of their feelings was beautiful to read.
I can't wait for the next one!
The Drift by C.J. Tudor
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book is fantastic! I am ashamed that I hadn't read anything by C.J. Tudor before, even though The Chalk Man has been on my TBR for years. I'll be reading more as soon as possible.
The Drift is a fantastic, chilling and atmospheric thriller. There is a virus rapidly spreading and the novel is told from three points of view.
Hannah who is on a school coach which has crashed in the snowy woods, with no way to call for help.
Former police detective Meg who is stuck in a cable car with a handful of others and no recollection of getting there.
Finally, Carter who lives at chalet, alongside a few others, where they harvest plasma and essentially create vaccines. Strangely enough, the idea for this book was conceived pre-covid which I found very interesting! and each of our characters stories weave together intricately.
I don't want to give too much away. I would recommend going in blind as I did because it is such an entertaining read with a satisfying ending. It is creepy, tense and full of surprising revelations. Well worth a read!
The Drift is a fantastic, chilling and atmospheric thriller. There is a virus rapidly spreading and the novel is told from three points of view.
Hannah who is on a school coach which has crashed in the snowy woods, with no way to call for help.
Former police detective Meg who is stuck in a cable car with a handful of others and no recollection of getting there.
Finally, Carter who lives at chalet, alongside a few others, where they harvest plasma and essentially create vaccines. Strangely enough, the idea for this book was conceived pre-covid which I found very interesting! and each of our characters stories weave together intricately.
I don't want to give too much away. I would recommend going in blind as I did because it is such an entertaining read with a satisfying ending. It is creepy, tense and full of surprising revelations. Well worth a read!