rebeccasreadingrambles's Reviews (3.06k)

Oooh a political scandal, relationship drama, and a terrible secret (or is it secrets?!) from the past. This book took so many turns, right when I thought I had the story figured out, we were hit with more jumps into the past for the true answers and many shock waves throughout. I loved Jolene (the political wife) and related to her so much with her struggle for acceptance... and whether that "acceptance" really led to the happiness she was looking for.  There are some REALLY tough scenes in this book and when I say I hated some characters in this book... phew.  The character descriptions and developments were so well done and the different POVs (past and present) were perfectly timed. The story was nicely medium paced - enough time for it to sink in the secrets behind the masks, but also to keep you on your toes the entire time.

 This book was a delightful way to start my week and I feel like I was reading a true history (and one that in all honestly probably was true in some shape or form in history).  Both Kit and Muriel are seeking happiness and to live their lives in pursuit of things that make them happy; bicycles and art and nature, and I loved reading their passion through the author's words.  The romance itself was a meet-cute to misunderstanding to friendship and then steam!  It was low angst, focusing more on joy and moving from one's past hurts and fears.  I also had no idea how fascinating the history of bicycling was and that (of course) it was a gendered issue (had no idea).  It made me want to go on a jaunty bicycle ride in nature with a picnic basket (remember I am outsidey not outdoorsy).

You can tell both the care and research that have gone into this story.  Make sure you read the author's note because she explains how she worked with her partner in crafting and telling this story, drawing on both personal experience and historical research.  The role of gender especially in this time period is so strong and I think both the characters and the author navigated this so beautifully.

The only drawback for me is that I felt like I wanted more from the banter / character development.  Yes they are both overcoming A LOT of prejudice and hurts from their past and they owe me nothing but to be who they are.  I did enjoy the characters SO MUCH, but a lot of their conversations were more high-brow for me and sometimes I actually had no idea what they were talking about and so I might have been missing a lot of their personality presented in those interactions.

Note: I did listen to some of this story by audiobook and I would say I recommend the print version this time around. For me personally, the narrator had too much of an even keeled tone even when there is drama or angst, which lulled my listening a bit and I realized I had to go back a couple times to re-listen. 

This book has a bit of everything for a cozy; not only a mystery, but also a cold case, ghosts, a slowly budding romance, some reno and new business vibes and a dramatic ending.  I do love the concept behind this book, the MC inherits a crumbling inn in a quaint Florida town.  She is doing whatever she can to drum up business and is also settling in with the town.  She's also getting along with and used to the ghosts that live in the inn (and even her own suite).  There was a lot of information about different bird species which I found quite interesting, without being overwhelming.

However, me personally, I feel like there is not enough character development for book 3 in a series, but many cozy readers don't find that necessary especially if they're mostly interested in the mystery aspect.  Also, this one was very slow moving with a lot of side plots that mostly meandered a bit too much for me personally.

In the past I have listened to the audiobook and I do think that would help a bit with the pacing, so I recommend going that route if you can!

This is an example of a book with an amazing concept that just didn't quite follow through for me personally.  Jingwen is such an interesting character, but I could not tell if she was supposed to be naïve or more mature because her personality, thoughts, and actions varied wildly between the two. I loved the magical-type aspects in the book, but the story was very slow in getting to the action and twists so that I was less invested when they eventually came. I also couldn't quite figure out the relationships she had with both friends (enemies?), family and romance.  The descriptions could be beautiful, but also vague.  I also enjoyed this version of Shanghai that the author altered just subtly enough to make you questions what is real and what is not. There are a lot of different things going on and the transition between them was (for me) confusing. I think this author has such interesting ideas and maybe with time can craft a dazzling book.

What an interesting and easily captivating book! I am ALWAYS excited for a Heist and I enjoyed it so much.  I would say it's a bit light on the world-building, but it worked for me and was easy enough to follow. I did wish we got more of an overview of this universe (or at least the important groups that were part of the story) before acronyms were thrown at us.  It's kind of Heist-lite, focusing more on the characters and the history of their people. I enjoyed all the character interactions, unlikely friendships, drama, and twists along the way.  There was so much imagination in the different worlds and peoples and how everyone was interconnected as nodes on a greater system (which I picture as a tree).  I honestly feel like there is so much here that it COULD be a series, but I am actually so grateful that it is a standalone because I don't like to wait for the conclusion.

Note: the audiobook is definitely the way to enjoy this book!

my new favorite author!!!

Wow! I am so sad this book is over because I am obsessed, it is SO GOOD.  I ADORE the characters.  Everyone is interesting and unique and just fabulous characters with so much depth and so much growth.  I love reading about cocktails and art and friendship and romance. And steammmm of course! Self acceptance and facing the hard things and breaking out of trying to fit some mold.  I had no idea what to expect, but this poly relationship is the most healthy relationship I've read about in a looooong time (definitely didn't see that coming).  This was relatively low drama which I LOVED because I am all about romance with communication and easy forgiveness and conflict resolution (sorry maybe some people don't but I DO!)

Note: I listened to the audiobook and HIGHLY recommend it if you can! So very well done and impossible to stop listening.

Another fun book in what is now a favorite series of mine! This unexpected but seriously close friend group, who are willing to jump out of the comfort zone so easily for each other and to try new things is such a delight to read about.  I feel like the MC is even more comfortable in this book so there are less gaffes and more genuine laughs.  The fact that Alice and her new friends love to snoop and don't pretend otherwise is refreshing in a cozy mystery like this one and I totally understand them trying to find meaning and purpose for their lives outside of motherhood (which is of course miraculous and important, but also important for mom to find her own purpose as a singular person).  As a newish mom I totally felt so many of the motherhood portions and wish I had such a close friend group, who would drop everything to help you and your new babe.  The mystery had me all twisted up and very shocked by all the reveals at the end! 

Note: I listened to the audiobook and so enjoyed the narration!

I am not an outdoorsy person (more outsidey), but for some reason I LOVE love love reading about people who find their passion in nature and being outdoors.  I so enjoyed not only learning so much about fish (especially the lives of salmon), but how the book was written by combining the author's own life alongside the salmon's progression.  The ups and downs, the questioning and the tough times and finding passion and happiness at the end. It showed me that we can still look for our passions and fight for then once we find them.

Note: I listened to the audiobook narrated by the author and it was very well done!

Lucy Foley is one of my favorite authors for a reason and I LOVED this book! Her writing is just perfection, setting up the atmospheres and the characters in such a way that they are almost completely intertwined and seem a part of the setting itself.  The characters are amazing and both so vivid but also still shrouded in secrets; like a picture that is ALMOST clear, but still with blurry edges or a suspect shadow. 

And the storytelling itself is brilliant. The way we don't know exactly what the mystery is or what the big DRAMA that has happened, only that something big has happened and we have to pick up the pieces of the past that have been scattered until the big reveal of both the crime AND the reveal.  I am equally drawn to visit The Manor and terrified of the woods and past surrounding it.  A seemingly cute town with it's dark side that I am still a bit afraid of.  So many small shocks along the way that the narration just kept trucking along and I had to hurry to keep up because we are barely given time to digest. I love love love the way this author writes and weaves and story and I cannot wait for more!!

Oh yes! What a fantastic book! I was instantly hooked from the first story from Cyn's childhood with her dad.  I just loved the storytelling and the way this friends to lovers story progressed.  I was fascinated by both characters and their passion for what they did - both in the music industry and the strip club, each equally fascinating.  I easily admired both Cyn and Jucee and connected with them and their struggle with the feelings and need to protect themselves, while also wishing to act on their feelings. I immediately fell into their story and eagerly awaited to see how the friendship turned to romance and it delivered! The sex and body positivity was amazing. I also love how this book addressed biphobia and all the assumptions around it. I didn't want to put this book down. And this book was steaaaamy!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was FABULOUS, highly recommend!