Reading Round Up 2021 #25

 Hey everyone.

I'm back. Ok I didn't really go anywhere but I had a couple of busy weeks where I didn't get to finish any books (shocking I know).

So this is a bit of a bumper edition to catch up on a lot of the books that I haven't yet mentioned on my blog.

Ready ...

Animal by Lisa Taddeo 5 out of 5 stars

WHAT A BOOK!

*Trigger Warning* there are scenes of miscarriage*

This I think will be a marmite novel, you'll either love it. Both the story itself and the main character too.

Joan is as she describes herself, depraved. Our narrator is not very likeable. From her attitude down to the way she lives her life.

But there are reasons behind her behaviours.

A woman on the edge, we follow her after an awfully tragic and graphic event in her (dramatic) life.

The narrative is raw, brutal.

There is no hiding from the flaws.

I LOVED IT

It was refreshing to read a story that wasn't necessarily happy, to be taken on a journey of perhaps self discovery.

More in your face.

Joan never apologises for the things she does, she owns everything she does whether they are right or wrong.

The ending for me was satisfying.

Almost left open for interpretation for where Joan may end up. I felt like the culmination of every horrid thing she went through resulted in at least a piece of clarity for herself.

Animal is deliciously dark and different.

If you like to be shocked then this is the book for you!

Everything I Thought I Knew by Shannon Takaoka 5 out of 5 stars

This was just the book I needed to read.

I haven't read YA novels in a while and after reading this I've realised just how much I have missed this genre.

Everything I Thought I Knew is the perfect combo of all things.

From family drama and friendships, to romance and what comes with growing up.

Quiet yet powerful.

Even though there were somewhat dramatic moments in this book, they were done in a gentle way. I didn't feel upset by events that occurred, I'd say more hopeful from the consequences that followed on from them.

A slight paranormal element to the tale, it gave me a different perspective on what comes after life and also how precious the life we already have is.

I smiled (and I teared up), there was a brilliant mixture of emotions that kept me turning the pages.

I'd happily read it again.

The Murder of Graham Catton by Katie Lowe 5 out of 5 stars

This book was unexpected....

And I loved it!

Alternating been past and present, we are taken through quite the ordeal.

A crime has been committed, murder to be precise and the guilty party has just had their sentence overturned.

So who really wanted Graham Catton to die?

The author does a brilliant job of setting the scene, laying out the clues.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, everything changed.

Smart, twisty.

You will never guess the ending!

If you love the crime genre then this is the book for you.

The Damage by Caitlin Wahrer 5 out of 5 stars

This is a debut novel that packs a punch.

Expertly executed, this is a story that lingers with you long after you've finished reading it.

You can read more when my full review goes live as part of the blog tour.

Becoming Mila by Estelle Maskame 5 out of 5 stars

What a gorgeous book.

The characters are brilliant, the storyline is well plotted.

Relatively short in length, it's a novel that isn't overly complicated but managed to hold my attention with ease.

Of course it had to end on a cliffhanger, and I can't lie I really want to read more.

Can we have book two now please.

I think I have a new favourite couple in Mila and Blake.

100neHundred by Laura Besley 5 out of 5 stars

This book is a pure delight to read.

Short fiction that makes you think.

I loved how I could delve in and out of it, picking it up and perusing a new tale each time I turned the page.

Clever, witty in places and quite meaningful.

The words felt like they were put together with purpose.

Highly recommended!

Perfect Strangers by Araminta Hall 4 out of 5 stars

Originally called Imperfect Women, the story itself is quite dark.

Every character is flawed in their own way and if I'm honest I didn't really like any of them - the women or their husbands - but I think this was what the writer intended.

As the novel progressed more traits were revealed and I felt my curiosity build. My theories of who had actually murdered Nancy were many because in truth, every single one of those left had a motive to kill her.

Each part of the story allowed me as the reader to really delve deep into the background and personalities of each of those women. A lot of detail that only made my suspicions rise more the further into the book I got.

Secrets and lies accumulate as impossible expectations in trying to live a normal life are revealed.

This is a complex and compelling tale that doesn't compromise. It is an honest portrayal of guilt and betrayal between friends.

The Cover Wife by Dan Fesperman 4 out of 5 stars

This is a book with high energy and a story that packs a punch.

I'm almost at a loss for words.

I read this story rather rapidly and when I reached the end I felt chills.

The ending is quite haunting.

Intelligent, the writing is clearly well researched and there is plenty of detail which really helped bring the story to life.

I'd describe The Cover Wife as a political thriller, one where the stakes are extremely high.

My attention was held from start to finish. 

Keep an eye out for the blog tour this month.

Love You Bad by Louise Mullins 3.5 out of 5 stars

Keep an eye out on the blog for my full review as part of the blog tour later on this month.

A short but suspenseful read.

I liked the idea and the snappy chapters certainly made for a quick and thrilling read.

For me it just needed a bit more grit maybe. I'm not sure.

Over all a good read and I'd certainly recommend to others.

The Push by Ashley Audrain 5 out of 5 stars

This book deserves all the stars.

Deliciously dark and disturbing.

All I can say is, why didn't I read this book sooner?

A novel that certainly lives up to its hype. I don't want to go into plot details as I think that would ruin the over all impact of the story.

I think this is a tale that would translate well onto the big screen.

And the finishing line.

My mouth was left wide open.

Will there be a second book?

MUST READ

Marion Lane and the Midnight Murder by T. A. Willberg 4 out of 5 stars

A murder mystery that's an absolute joy to read.

The more I read, the more curious I became.

I felt as though I was a detective right alongside Marion.

Fun and fantastical.

This is a story that is well plotted and holds just the right amount of suspense.

Read in just over 3 hours, I cannot wait to step back into the world of The Inquirers when the next book is released.

The Idea of You by Robinne Lee 5 out of 5 stars

My first thoughts, why have I not heard of this book before? 

Originally released way back in 2017, this is a book that like the proof cover said will keep you up all night.

Addictive.

I fell in love with the idea of Solene and Hayes.

Think a more mature fifty shades. I'll admit to feeling a little bit naughty reading some of the more steamy scenes.

This is a book about lust, about love and about letting go.

ALL THE FEELS!

Prepare to get emotional. 

At one point I had to slow down my reading pace, I didn't want it to end. The conclusion was inevitable, although I didn't know how it would be reached.

My heart broke during those last pages.

I'll be honest, I was sobbing by the end.

The Idea of You is a book that I will definitely be re-reading and I've read that it's being made into a film so I'm excited to see how it gets adapted for the big screen.

If you haven't read it already then I'm telling you to go an read it now.

My current read is Did You Miss Me by Sophia Money-Coutts. What are you reading right now?