I’m back today with my book review volume II. I love reading other bloggers’ book reviews because I always find great recommendations, and sometimes my to-read list feels a mile long. Warning: four of the five books in this review are on the darker, heavier side, so if you have a light beach read suggestion (with a good dose of romance), please let me know in the comments.
Speaking of the beach, I’m taking next week off blogging because Brett and I are leaving Saturday for Mexico! Come back on Wednesday the 26th for a new post. In the meantime, you can follow me on Instagram, where I’ll be sharing a little bit of our trip on stories in real-time.
Behind Closed Doors by B. A. Paris
I read this one back in 2017 and decided to reread it because I devoured it in a day. Although I vaguely remembered the ending, it was just as deliciously thrilling the second time. Just from reading the summary, you can probably figure out the whole plot, yet it’s still a fast-paced read that’s hard to put down. Fueled by action rather than suspense, I flew through, compelled to watch the trainwreck I knew was about to happen but unable to do anything about it. This book does include severe psychological abuse. However, I think the author walks a fine line between not being overly graphic while still keeping me on the edge of my seat. Reading this book is an exciting, horrifying ride of terror. Some parts aren’t realistic, but I didn’t overanalyze everything and just enjoyed the ride.
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
This book was a challenging, uncomfortable read, but I’d recommend it cautiously because it sparks discussions about heavy topics. It’s about a 15-year-old student, Vanessa Wye, who becomes entangled in a love affair with her 42-year-old teacher, Jacob Strane. Alternating between 2000 and 2017, we see the lasting trauma that Strane’s behavior leaves Vanessa with into adulthood. Even 17 years later, she struggles to admit that Strane is abusive. But then, a former student accuses Strane of sexual abuse, which forces Vanessa to reexamine their affair in a more critical light. I don’t want to say I enjoyed this book, given the content, but subject matter aside, it was the most compelling read in this review.
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver
After the last two books, I was looking for one that was light and easy, and this, unfortunately, was not it. I didn’t know it would be another dark, heavy read. Lydia thought she and Freddie would be together forever — but then Freddie gets into a car accident and dies. However, with the help of some sleeping pills, Lydia can transport to an alternate reality where Freddie is still alive. But living two lives is exhausting and unhealthy, so Lydia’s at a crossroads now. I thought this would be a romance novel, but it was more about coping with grief and learning how to move forward. I think I’m in the minority for not loving this one, so I’d love for you to share your thoughts if you’ve read this one.
Confessions on the 7:45 by Lisa Unger
I read another blogger’s review on this one and immediately added it to my list. Although I pieced most of the story together before the reveal, I still enjoyed this one. Selena’s catching the 7:45 train when she starts a conversation with a stranger, Martha, and their connection is fast and easy. Martha confesses she’s having an affair with her boss, and in turn, Selena confesses she suspects her husband’s cheating with the nanny. Then Selena’s nanny suddenly doesn’t show up for work and disappears. Is there a connection? As the police zero in on Selena and her husband, Selena’s picture-perfect life is crumbling. This mystery is about the delicate facades people create around their lives.
Love You, Love You Not by Jo Watson
I had mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, it was the rom-com that I needed after the last four books. I laughed so hard on several occasions that Brett asked if I was okay. Poppy Peterson is an out-of-work actress who weasels her way into being the administrative assistant to Ryan Stark, and what ensues is pure chaos. In the beginning, I was willing to overlook the unrealistic plot (like Poppy getting hired in the first place) for the humor; however, she did too many absurd and outlandish things for me to ignore as the story went on. She became so over the top that I became annoyed and cringed at her ridiculousness. It certainly wasn’t my favorite rom-com, but it gave me some much-needed comic relief. Overall, it’s a fluffy, lighthearted read as long as you can look past the many unrealistic parts.
So what have you read lately? What should I add to my to-read list for a future book review? Please leave your suggestions in the comments! To read my previous book review, click here. xo
What great recommendations! I will be reading these soon!
I loved Behind Closed Doors!
I just finished The Newcomer which was part light beach read/ romance and part suspense novel. I know those two things wouldn’t normally go together but I really enjoyed it.
An avide reader, with seven books going at any given time, I look forward to others’ reviews and recommendations of good reads. Thanks to your lovely reviews, one of them has been planted on my Amazon Wish List, which, unfortunately is growing longer by the day. Thanks for the thoughts! Smiles, Linda at Paper Seedlings
I liked Confessions on the 7:45. I definitely figured some things out, but it was still an intriguing read. I hope you have a great trip and find a lighter read to enjoy.
I really liked the 7:45 and thought Vanessa was definitely uncomfortable but a good read.
Have a great vacation! Following on IG.
I loved Behind Closed Doors too. I just recently read it. I love when you can read a book twice because it is really good.
Confessions on the 7:45 sounds intriguing! I will have to check that out 🙂
ah, bummer lydia bird wasn’t the light read you wanted – i’ve not read it, the synopsis sounds like it would be super heavy. i kept seeing my dark vanessa around a few months ago, i’m very curious about it but waiting for when i’m in the mood for something like that
I agree with your thoughts on My Dark Vanessa. Such a powerful read.
That cover on The Two Lives of Lydia Bird is much too fluffy for that content!
The Two Lives of Lydia Bird sounds interesting, but I’m glad I wouldn’t be expecting a fun and fluffy read – thanks for sharing 🙂 Enjoy your trip and be safe!
I’m always looking for new books to read. My favorites are thrillers and fantasy! Definitely putting Confessions on the 7:45 on my TBR!
I remember liking Behind Closed Doors, but I am a huge BA Paris fan. I think I even like the ones no one else does.
I enjoyed Behind Closed Doors. My Dark Vanessa and The Two Lives of Lydia are on my to read list.
Wow girl! You must be a voracious reader
I’ve ended up with a bunch of dark reads lately too. I’m in desperate need of some beach reads!
I’ve been really into thrillers lately but don’t know much about good books in that genre so I will check out some of these! The first one sounds especially intriguing.
Thanks for the book recommendations! I haven’t read any of these yet…Love You Love You Not does sound quite humorous!
Great recommendations! I can’t wait to read them!
Thank you so much for sharing these book recommendations! I will definitely purchase some for my summer beach reads 😍
I heard about My Dark Vanessa before, so I’ll be definitely checking it out. Thank you for the other book recommendations, too. Now I know what I’m going to read this summer 🙂
Wow, most of these sound pretty heavy. I like reading books like this, but I don’t think I could do so many in a row without a few light hearted comedies in between. Love You Love You Not sounds interesting, since I tend to like quirky characters.
Great book reviews and recommendations! I just borrowed My Dark Vanessa because of what other bloggers have said about it. I know it will be heavy so taking a deep breath! I added confessions on the 7:45 on my reading list. Sounds intriguing! Btw, have fun on your trip this weekend!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
These are all great recommendations! I usually really like the dark ones, so this list is right up my alley 😛
Most of the ones I’ve read recently have been gothic novels, so I don’t have anything great to recommend, but I’ve heard really good things about “The People we Meet on Vacation” if you’re into Rom Coms!
This makes me want to get a good fiction book and sit by the pool and read!!!!
I LOVE thrillers and will definitely be adding some of these to my reading list!
Awe, these look great. My Dark Vanessa looks like my next book! Sounds emotional and so interesting… Thanks so much for these recommendations. I’m always looking for a killer book! ALSO, love the layout and colors of your site. supppppper dope.
Thanks for the book reviews! A light beach read is: The Secret We Keep by Kate Jewell. Enjoy your vacation! Rose
These book suggestions are great! Right now I’m reading Just as I Am: A Memoir by Cicely Tyson.
Love that you packed 5 mini reviews into 1 post! Definitely putting Confessions on the 7:45 on my TBR list!