As much I was excited about getting an early copy of this I did wonder, do we really need a sequel? Things were fairly wrapped up in the first book but yes, we did need a sequel because this was just as wickedly fun and outrageous as the first book. Besides perspectives from Amber and Daphne there was a third one from Daisy Ann and I wondered how she fit in. When all came to light it totally made sense and she was an excellent addition to this group of messy characters. If you enjoy domestic suspense with characters you’ll love to hate, twisty stories and plenty of delicious drama this was so fun and I predict will be in many beach bags this summer. 

I didn’t realize how much I needed to be reunited with these characters until I actually was, I missed them so much 🥹 If you somehow haven’t read The Guncle yet, first off what are you waiting for?! Secondly, these really do need to be read in order to get the full picture. Patrick just really speaks my language, he’s so witty and sarcastic and I can’t get enough of his humor. Maisie and Grant are five years older than they were in the first book so that was both delightful to see and also sad because they’re SO grown. Patrick having a rivalry with the kids new Launt was hysterical and it was Patrick at his petty best. The setting takes you on a journey as Patrick and the kids do their own jaunt before settling in Italy for Greg’s wedding and nothing says summer read louder than an idyllic setting. I was just as charmed with this one as I was with the previous book, the characters are entertaining and endearing, the plot was cute and the entire thing was a blast from start to finish.

Is there a more perfect duet narrating pairing than Erin Mallon & Teddy Hamilton?! No, no there is not. These two were perfection together and their performances encapsulated Avery and Knox to perfection. Teddy is the perfect voice for a cocky bad boy and Erin portrayed both Avery’s confidence and scared vulnerability really well. This was my first book by the author and I’m so impressed, it was a great balance of steamy and funny, there was great banter, fun and endearing side characters and a great look at the world of both competitive gymnastics and motocross. Super excited the author has an extensive backlist because I’m a fan! 

This premise was fantastic and a fresh take on a missing persons story, Bree is on a weekend getaway with her new boyfriend, Ty and on their last morning she comes downstairs to find a dead body and no sign of Ty. That’s all I’ll share about plot details but this was quite a ride. I wouldn’t say it was super fast paced but it definitely wasn’t slow for me either, more steady with sly reveals and tricky turns along the way. The character development was so strong, I really felt like I knew Bree and the author did a deep dive into how social media and the media in general can impact a flashy case, aka when a pretty white woman disappears. I’ve read two thrillers by the author now and I have to say, she brings something unique and standout to the genre. 

Single dad and the nanny AND Shane East and Zara Hampton-Brown narrating?! Say no more, I’m so in. This was one of those reads that I would say makes a great palate cleanser, it was adorable, sexy and sweet but also had some depth, just nothing too heavy. Dax had such amazing character growth throughout the book, he went from not even being sure about fatherhood to being head over heels in love with his baby girl 🥰 Eira went through her own journey too, she was so used to putting everyone else’s needs before her own and I loved seeing her put herself first. This is the fifth book in a series but I was totally fine starting here, although I do think I need to go back and read the other books because this was so cute! 

I just adore the authors books, she never misses for me and her style of writing books that both lift you up and break your heart just really works for me. I was pleasantly surprised to see some characters from A Little Ray of Sunshine and if you’ve read that one too, I’m sure you’ll be just as delighted as I was. If you haven’t read it yet, you should! Especially if you like messy families with larger than life characters and just wonderful storytelling. But I digress, I immediately connected with Lark, she’s a tender hearted little angel who I felt protective of, I seriously wanted to tuck her into bed with some tea and a good book after learning more about her backstory. That’s the thing about this author, (and this book) is that one minute you’re laughing at some witty dialogue and the next I’m crying and didn’t even realize it. The characters here are larger than life, they leapt off the page and right into my heart. I know that’s cheesy but it’s true! Besides Lark you hear from her mom, Ellie and her landlady, Joy in alternating chapters and I just adored all three of these women. Each was struggling individually with some aspect of their life and the way they helped and supported each other was everything. Per usual this is one of the best books I’ve read this year, an emotional read with characters I won’t forget and a story that was heartfelt and beautiful.

Talk about a fast paced binge read! This was an effortless read for me, the pages flew by and I was finished before I even realized how far in I was. You have three narrators, Ryan, Poppy and Shane and at first glance it’s hard to see how they will all be connected. There was an excellent twist that tied them all together and just made this one really clever. Besides short and snappy chapters you get some great tension and lots of action leading up to a conclusion that I didn’t totally see coming. I don’t wanna spoil anything, but if you like addictive and pacey thrillers that are a puzzle to piece together this was great!

If you’re looking for a light and easy listen this was cute and fun! Everything about this one screams summer, you have great settings as Eleanor travels on a book tour, you get plenty of yummy sounding food and drink descriptions and the cast of characters are a colorful bunch. It’s a bit silly and ridiculous but again, fun. Eleanor breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the reader and this translated really well in the audio version for me. Elizabeth Evans did a wonderful job at bringing Eleanor’s character to life, I felt like I was on the trip with them and had a blast. Super cute and entertaining