It feels good to get back into blogging this week! Last week was pretty busy adjusting to returning part-time to the office, among other things. I didn’t want to stretch myself too thin by worrying about getting a post up, but I hope to get back into things this week (including reading). In the meantime, here is my book review volume VIII of some books I’ve recently read:
Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier
I’m starting this book review strong — I flew through this one in three days. Young Sebastian briefly lets go of his mother’s hand while they’re out Christmas shopping and then goes missing. A year later, they still haven’t found Sebastian, the publicity has faded, and the search has gone cold. Refusing to give up, Sebastian’s mom, Marin, hires a private investigator. However, instead of finding Sebastian, she discovers that Marin’s husband, Derek, is having an affair with Kenzie. Marin has already lost her son, so she’s not about to lose her husband. She shifts her attention to a problem she can fix — Kenzie. It’s a compelling thriller that held my interest from start to finish. Readers also rave about one of her other books, Jar of Hearts, so I just requested that from my local library.
Rock Paper Scissors by Alice Feeney
This book was everywhere last year, so you can imagine my excitement when I got my hands on a copy. Adam and Amelia are struggling in their marriage. So when they win a trip to Scotland, they think it might be just the romantic getaway they need. But when they arrive at remote Blackwater Loch, where they’ll be staying, it’s not what they expected. Things start going wrong very quickly, and of course, there’s no way for them to escape. It’s an unpopular opinion, but I thought it was an okay read (I’d give it a 3/5). Although there was a twist that I didn’t see coming, I still wasn’t overly impressed and found the story to drag. Also, the creepy setting wasn’t my cup of tea, and I didn’t care for any characters except the dog. I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read this one.
The Therapist by B. A. Paris
B. A. Paris is one of my favorite thriller authors. She allows the action to propel the story forward and never includes fluff that bogs the story down, so I was excited to pick up her latest novel. Leo and Alice move into a newly renovated house in a gated community called The Circle. Shortly after, Alice uncovers a shocking secret about her new home: someone murdered Nina, a therapist who previously lived there, in the house. Alice becomes obsessed with piecing together what happened to Nina, but no one in The Circle wants to talk about it, causing Alice to be suspicious of all the neighbors. I found it to be a quick and entertaining thriller, and I thought I figured out what happened but was pleasantly proven wrong. The author has a new novel coming out later this year, and I can’t wait to read that one too.
This Girl by Colleen Hoover
In the third book in Colleen Hoover’s Slammed series, Will tells the story of his and Layken’s relationship from his perspective. Will and Layken are married and on their honeymoon, but most of the book retells the first book, Slammed. I read Slammed six years ago and found This Girl too repetitive. The few new bits from the present day (their honeymoon) weren’t worth the read, and I’d recommend sticking with Slammed. Also, I know the entire series is beloved by Colleen Hoover fans, and I remember loving Slammed when I was 19, but I question if I’d still like it if I reread it today. They both seemed childish and immature, and I found myself cringing throughout the book. He seemed cheesy that it was sickening at times, and the instant love seemed unbelievable.
The Mistake by Elle Kennedy
If you’re looking for a contemporary romance, I highly recommend this series (all the guys appear in each book, but you don’t have to read them in order) — one of my favorites in this book review. The series follows a group of hockey players in college, and this one is about junior John Logan, who hides his despair about life after college behind his easygoing charm. One evening he has a chance encounter with freshman Grace when he accidentally ends up at her apartment, but a mistake leads to Logan spending his senior year trying to win her back and prove he’s worth another chance. I liked Logan and Grace, and they felt like authentic college kids without as much cheese and cringe as Will and Layken in This Girl. However, I still think the first book in this series, The Deal, is my favorite.
Overall, it was a mixed batch for me this book review. What have you been reading? What should I add to my to-read list? Please let me know in the comments! To read my other book reviews, click here. xo
Little Secrets was so good!! I loved it and couldn’t believe the twists it took!
I loved Jar of Hearts, more than this one. Hope you like it too.
I liked Rock Paper Scissors, but it definitely creeped me out well more than I like.
Some good reads here! I haven’t read them but have heard people enjoyed them! Little Secrets is on my tbr
You read some great books this month! I enjoyed Rock Paper Scissors, Little Secrets and This Girl. The Therapist is on my to read list.
Thanks for sharing your list- going to add a few to my queue- Love Colleen Hoover but have never read Slammed! Appreciate your reviews 🙂
I am always looking for new books to read! Thanks for sharing these
I’m currently about halfway through Rock Paper Scissors and agree it’s ‘okay’ so far.
The Therapist sounds like one I’d like to read!
I’ve been looking for new books to read you definitely gave me some great ideas! Thank you
Great reviews! I’m looking for a new thriller so Little Secrets is going to be added to my list!
Little Secrets sounds so good! Thanks for the reviews!
Some of these books sound really good
Will add to my TBR list
Little secrets and The Therapist sound really good, going to give those 2 a read.
Gotta love a good read!! Thanks!
You read some great books this month. I’ve never read slammed or this girl so the overall plot seems interesting to me.
I’ve had The Deal on my TBR for awhile, but just haven’t picked it up yet…
I was desperately looking for some book recommendations. I will definitely read some of them. Thanks for sharing 😊
You’ve peaked my interest! Going to buy The Therapist to read ASAP!
Uh some of these books sound really good! I’m gonna have to add them to my list
I haven’t read any of Elle Kennedy’s romances yet-I will have to check her out. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for sharing! I am always looking for a great new book to read!
Great books reviews, I’ve read some of these and would love to check the rest. Thank you for sharing!
I did love Rock Paper Scissors, but it’s one of those books I tend to enjoy!
The Mistake sounds like it could be a good read! The fact you don’t have to read the series in order is amazing too! Thank you for sharing!