Recent Reads Mini Reviews

More mini reviews from books I’ve enjoyed to varying degrees over the last few weeks!

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The Honey-Don’t List by Christina Lauren

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Release Date: March 24, 2020

This was a super quick story that I read in a few hours. It was so easy to read, I did it in almost one sitting, so if you’re looking for a quick read, this is a great option.

I didn’t enjoy this as much as other Christina Lauren books I’ve read. I felt the romance was on the lighter side, and a bit underdeveloped if I’m being honest. And I didn’t really connect with the characters personally. I did feel like I got a sense of history between Carey, Rusty, and Melissa and got to see how complex their relationship truly was. I really did not like Melissa at all, she’s the worst and was generally just an awful person. Though the romance wasn’t a strong point in the book, there was some cute moments between Carey and James I enjoyed.

Not a bad book, not my favorite, but I had a good time reading it so I can’t complain all that much. But I felt like I was missing some of the charm and humor that I got from other CL books.

 

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Goodbye From Nowhere by Sara Zarr

Rating: ★★★☆☆
Release Date: April 7, 2020

 “You can be happy, Kyle,” she continued. “Even if Mom and Dad aren’t.”

Drama, drama, drama.

I am not envious of all the crap Kyle Baker has to go through after some family secrets come to light and he’s trying to pretend they aren’t effecting him. Lots of frustration and unlikable characters makes this a compelling read. And while there was a lot of craziness and pain, I always appreciate a story centered on family. I thought it did a great job exploring family complexities and how relationships evolve (and sometimes devolve) over time.

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

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Beach Read by Emily Henry

Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: May 19, 2020

This was such a fantastic, adorable, hilarious romance. I absolutely loved how trope-filled and engaged I was while reading it. January and Gus have amazing chemistry and banter that would not let up, but they also shared heartfelt moments and had so much respect for the other. And I loved their writing challenge – it really showed how each character viewed the world and grew through the story. I really can’t say enough good things about Beach Read; it literally had everything I could want in a romance. Plus, solid family moments too!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange fro an honest review.

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Foul is Fair by Hannah Capin

Rating: ★★★★☆
Release Date: February 18, 2020

What a captivating and satisfying revenge story! It’s violent and poetic, vengeful and just, secretive and redemptive. It was just so good! And the writing was so beautiful, with rich dark tones. I couldn’t put it down.

I read the story in one sitting, more or less, and I think couldn’t stop my jaw from hitting the floor while listening to it. Elle’s relationship with her friends was so strong and unbreakable. And I loved her interactions with her parents as well. All the anger I felt towards the St. Andrew’s boys was acted on by Elle and others and it made me so happy. I felt like I was part of her quest too. This was my fist Macbeth retelling, but I don’t think it’ll be my last.

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What are some of the book you’ve read recently? Are you on a nonstop reading kick too?