I adore Taylor Jenkins Reid. Her writing never fails to envelop me and she did it again with this one. I'm sad to know that I've only got two more (Carrie Soto and After I Do) of her books left to read before I've read everything she's published. 

Maybe in Another Life isn't exactly a unique concept with its alternate realities storyline. However, it was executed in a unique way that made it clever and meaningful. I liked how it raised some deep questions about life, love and fate. 

Does everything happen for a reason? Is there one person meant for everyone?

One of my favourite elements was the precious friendship between Hannah and Gabby. Everyone deserves a wholesome and nurturing friendship like theirs and it was a joy to read their interactions. 

I enjoyed that each of the two realities had me as engrossed as the other. The fundamental parts of Hannah's life a consistent thread between the two, yet each leading to major differences in her life. 

Romance, found family and humour were also a part of what made this heart warming book so investable. 

Overall, a thought provoking, touching 
novel that I read in no time. 

This is the second book in the Bittersweet Symphony duology and I loved it just as much as the first. 

Easton is definitely book boyfriend material. I mean, who wouldn't want to be swept off their feet and loved the way he loves Natalie. The passion and chemistry between them was palpable throughout and the tension- filled, build up to their first kiss and beyond was enticing. 

I loved the way this book stemmed from the characters of Drive and how  they then became side characters in this one. It was well put together and the next-generation concept was engaging and relevant. 

The writing was raw and affecting. It certainly sucked me into the sultry storyline of deep rooted love and desire. I don't think it 'broke' me as much as it has for other readers but I was still emotionally invested. 

I loved the strength of both Natalie and Easton when it came to their ambition and careers. Although each came from highly advantageous backgrounds, they were also both so driven and determined to achieve for themselves. 

My main criticism of this book is that I felt it could have been condensed. Some parts were unnecessarily long and I don't think much would have been lost, had there been more of a strict edit. 

Overall though, a steamy, complicated love story which takes you on a huge journey.

Well this was always going to be a difficult read, but of course fascinating all the same. The fact it is written by one of Fred and Rose's actual children makes it all the more insightful and compelling.

The things Mae and her siblings were exposed to as children and young adults is incomprehensible. From being made to sleep in a basement where dead bodies were buried beneath, to being told (and then being subject to) Fred's belief that 'it is a fathers right to break his daughters in'. 

Mae insists that some of their family life growing up was 'normal' and even happy. That her father was quite the joker and entertainer when he wanted to be. That they enjoyed similar holiday outings to others. However, with everything else she reveals about life at 25 Cromwell Street, it is incredibly hard to picture anything ordinary about them. 

I was suprised to read about the divide between siblings after their parents crimes were brought to light. Instead of being a united front against evil, they ended up pretty much picking a side of either parent and each other, and I found this quite unfathomable and extremely sad. 

One of the most frustrating parts to read about was how long Mae was still under the manipulation of her mother. After Rose was sent to prison for the most heinous crimes, she still protested her innocence and somehow managed to keep Mae as her support system and regular visitor. It took a very long time for Mae to actually walk away.

Thankfully, despite the incredibly complicated circumstances of her life and feeling as though she was  always having to hide who she was, Mae has eventually managed to carve her own future with a loving family of her own and a close circle of friends. 

Overall, this was a raw insight into the unimaginable life as a daughter of Fred and Rose West. 

First of all, I adore Don Tillman. I'm almost certain he's going to make it into my top characters of the year list for 2023. He initially reminded me of Sheldon Cooper and that did stay with me throughout the book, but I also felt he offered more depth than SC because you get to read Don's life from a first person perspective. 

I found this book very entertaining and in such a heart warming way. The individuality of Don and his quirkiness of character shined through whatever the situation he found himself in, and boy did he find himself in some pickles to say the least. 

The stand out chapter for me was the cocktail party. Just pure genius by the author and I found myself needing to read parts out loud to my husband during that section - something I very rarely do, regardless of how much I'm loving a book. It was just so comical and clever. It put a huge smile on my face and had me thinking...'classic Don'. 

The opposites attract type trope is delivered so well here and I loved the character development of Don and Rosie, both together and as individuals. 

The representation of Asperger's Syndrome was great to read about and I liked how it was presented as being something that isn't a 'fault' or 'disability' but rather as an advantage in many ways. 

I can't wait to read the rest of the series and will be doing so very soon. I'm also very excited to learn that it is getting made into a film too. 

Overall, a charming, amusing book that gives a feel good enjoyment factor. 

This book is quite short but it packs a lot in. It is hard hitting from the start but also not something I could put down for long.

Layla is a strong protagonist despite her young age and the complex challenges she faces on a daily basis. She was someone I warmed to immediately and her resilience through a poverty stricken existence, made for a compelling read. 

The author explores the place of social media in today's society and how it can have a huge impact both for the better and worse. She shows the dangers of it in the form of bullying and exposure, and the benefit of it in the form of reaching out and a different type of exposure. 

This novel shines a light on how children with neglectful parents and inhumane surroundings can so easily slip through the net when they appear to 'have it together' on the surface. 

Although perfectly suitable for adults, I think being a YA book it's a very important one for that age range. It would be an eye opening read for teenagers, and perhaps a tool for opening up an understanding about peers who face insurmountable struggles away from the classroom. 

Overall, an emotional but necessary read.