The Push - Ashley Audrain: 4 Stars
library paperback
Originally, I wasn't too into this book. I got it in early February, read 30%, and then let it expire and had to wait for it again in order to finish. I think it was a timing issue though because I finished the last 70% in one sitting. I was a little thrown by the "Past" sections about the MC's mother and grandmother and thought they were completely unnecessary so I started skimming them. The fact that Blythe starts by sitting outside her ex-husband's house watching his new family coupled with the fact we learn early on that she was never sure she wanted to have kids makes her the perfect unreliable narrator- of course she appears to be a bit off kilter because um... hey creeper, why are you stalking your ex and his family? But then the author takes you back to where it all started/how she got there and well...What a messed up story! I think Tanya expressed it best- unsettling, disturbing, raw, and yet addictive! Definitely looking forward to more from this author!
The Chicken Sisters - K.J. Dell'Antonia: 4 Stars
library e-book
I picked this one up because it sounded like a funny, breezy read and it turned out to be so much more (in a good way)! I thought the characters were well developed and the relationships between them all, particularly the sisters, was realistic. I also really enjoyed the centuries old family "feud" between the chicken shacks. There were a couple of subplots that I could have done without but overall, I definitely recommend!
The Layover - Lacie Waldon: 3.5 Stars
Netgalley
I was annoyed that the author took nearly half the book setting the stage and the characters. Also, Ava's relationship with Alexander gave off some real Behind Closed Doors vibes. I couldn't figure out why they were engaged when he was such a pretentious asshole. After they got to Belize though, things moved along nicely and though it was fairly predictable, I enjoyed it. It was also really nice to pretend I was in Belize drinking cocktails with little umbrellas and re-imagining when I was in Puerto Rico at a bioluminescent bay. Siiiigh. Extra half star for the final pages and epilogue.
The Roommate - Rosie Danan: 3 Stars
library e-book
“Most people will do anything to avoid change.” Naomi brushed her flame-colored hair over her shoulder. “Even the ones who try often revert back to old habits as soon as life gets hard. Remember that before you go doing something crazy. Sometimes we think we want something until it’s time to live with the consequences.”
I do not recall, nor was I expecting, such a steamy romance. HOT DAMN! I do not recommend reading in public or right before a work meeting, especially if you get slightly flustered reading graphic material... which is exactly what I did before knowing any better! Maybe I'm just a prude like our MC Clara. I liked that there was more to the story than just steamy sex scenes in which our main characters really grew, but some of the language and wording could have been defined/changed to make it less slutty and more sentimental since that's where their relationship was headed.
Apparently the second in the series was just released, but I think it's too hot for me to handle!
Book Stats (Previous/Now)
Total number read: 13 / 18
Netgalley: 2/ 3
Owned: 2 / 3 (no change)
Non-Fiction: 1 (no change)
WOC: 1 / 3 (no change)
Given Away: 20 (book drive- no change)
Currently reading: Get A Life, Chloe Brown - Talia Hibbert
