I’m surprised I haven’t heard anyone talking about this book. I listened to the audio (thank you, Simon Maverick Audio), and it was so good. It’s a duo audio, and they both did a great job! I flew through this book and finished it in less than two days. The accent was so good, haha.

It’s not the best-written book ever, but it was enjoyable. I was a little confused about the title, and it didn’t quite fit the overall story. There is some flirtation with a love triangle, and I’m unsure how I feel about it. I’m not sure who I would pick. Haha. I loved Callum and how protective he was of Aurora. I am very confused by Blake. I am not sure if he’s about his self-interests or if he’s just morally grey. Regardless, they were both great characters.

I didn’t have trouble with the pacing since I flew through this one. I would highly recommend the audio. It was a well-done audiobook. If you want a good wolf story with spice and sexy accents, this is for you! I don’t want to compare it to Outlander because I’ve seen that a lot.

Thank you, Simon Maverick Audio, for the audio arc. All thoughts and my opinions are my own. 

 

You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black

Serial Killer Games was a lot of fun and a quick read!

I never knew whether or not these characters were joking or serious. It’s part of what makes it hilarious because it’s got some morbid humor. I didn’t understand if there was actual subtext or if they were literal. I think the characters also had the same issue. They didn’t quite know what each other was talking about. Things start to come to light, and you understand.

Dolores is a character who really threw me. I could not gauge where or what she was coming from. Eventually, things come to light, and things fall into place. I was thrown by Jake, too. I don’t want to spoil anything about whether or not he’s a serial killer. I thought they did so well playing games and toeing the line.

I did not expect this book to go the way it did. It’s a light and fun romance for most of the book but takes a more serious tone. It’s so interesting how life just finds a way to sneak in and throw you off balance. I loved how the relationship between Dolores and Jake grew. They had some great banter and a very slow-burn romance.

Overall, this was a lot of fun! It wasn’t your typical romance, and that was nice. It does take a more serious tone, but all the jokes and games help keep it from getting too intense. There’s some wonderful found family!

Thank you, Berkley, for the e-arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

 

 You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black

“I love you and I trust you.”

My Friends is my most anticipated book of the year since this is one of my favorite authors! I have been eagerly anticipating his next book. It’s been a few years, minus the Amazon short story. He’s coming to my local bookstore/library for an author event, and I could not be more excited. Anyway, I had to emotionally prepare myself before starting this book. Backman is my favorite author, but he knows how to destroy my emotions. I am going to gush a lot, and I apologize in advance. I adored this book and came close to overtaking A Man Called Ove as my favorite. This is a story about amazing friendships, family, and love.

Backman has a unique writing style that starts slow and full of detail. You don’t know where he’s taking the story until it hits you in the face. My guesses were wrong many times! I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book. Some moments hit you hard, and it can sneak up on you. This story is in two timelines, and we learn about all the friends through stories from the past. A lot is happening, and you are constantly on your tippy toes. There can be so much heartbreak in Backman’s books, but that’s life. It feels so real and relatable because just being alive can be hard. The lessons he shares throughout are always inspiring and full of hope. Something I always see in his writing is how ONE SMALL decision, instance, or second can make or break someone. Many little butterfly effects can lead to major impacts. The world can be such an unfair and cruel place. It just takes one small act of kindness to change someone’s life.

“It’s a long life, but fast, one single step in the right direction can be enough.”

One of my favorite things about Backman’s writing is how characters can pop up for a small amount of time and make huge impacts. It’s something that he often does in his books. Louisa is a character that I felt for right away. She’s had a hard life and doesn’t know what to do. It is easy to fall in love with all these characters as the story unfolds. This group of friends that have come together because of their differences. They celebrate each other and love each other. Count yourself blessed if you are lucky enough to have friends who will do anything for you. Each one brought so much to the group and left their marks.

I will never be able to do this book review justice. It’s beautiful, heartbreaking, wonderful, and sad. I went through a roller coaster of emotions. I found myself crying many times and laughing out loud. This book is why I enjoy Backman’s writing so much. It’s such a journey and full of reflection. I read this book in two days. I hope he decides to keep writing because this world is a better place with his stories.

Thank you, Atria Books and Netgalley, for the e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own!