thelovelylibrarylady's Reviews (1.1k)

 This second-chance, marriage of convenience romance was a fun read. I appreciated the character development of both love interests, Violet and Xavier, and thought that some of the side characters elevated the story. What bothered me about this title was Violet’s professional life. It felt over-the-top, even for a stylist to the stars, and was hard for me to believe. I would read another title from Forest, as she certainly knows how to write loveable characters, but this is not a title that I would go out of my way to recommend to others. 

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

 I had high expectations for this novella as I have enjoyed Shipstead’s writing in the past. Those expectations were not met, but this was not a bad story. It was just slower-paced and more character-focused than the others which are two aspects I don’t usually enjoy in literature. 

This book allowed readers to look into Dolly Parton’s life through the clothing and accessories she has worn throughout her career. With the inclusion of interviews with those closest to her, Behind The Seams felt very intimate. Dolly Parton fans and fashionistas alike will enjoy this title! 

The Last Close Call frustrated me. I thought I would be reading a crime novel that used genetic testing to help solve the case, but instead, I got a romantic suspense novel between a genealogist and a detective. The dialogue was cheesy, the plot was more focused on the budding romance than the solving of the case itself, and I genuinely did not enjoy this novel.

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

I picked this title for a reading challenge prompt to “revisit a childhood favorite”. Obviously, I did not remember how SAD this book is, but I am glad that I picked it as it is a good story (with some outdated language). Bridge To Terabithia continues to be a childhood classic that will scar young readers for years to come. 

Readers are reintroduced to Rachel Krall and her true crime podcast in Dark Corners. If you can get your hands on it, I recommend listening to the audiobook as it is really well done (kudos to the narrators) and brings the podcast element of the story to life. I did not enjoy this title as much as its predecessor, Night Swim, as I thought the romance storyline was unnecessary. With that being said, if there is another book in this series, I will be reading it!

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

I found Barriers To Entry engaging and enjoyed learning about Frances Glessner Lee, the real woman featured in this fictional story. The pace was perfect, the characters were well-written, and this novella was the clear stand-out from the collection. 

While I enjoyed the commentary about navigating cultural identities, this story was poorly written. The protagonist’s actions were extreme and the storyline felt rushed. I would have enjoyed this title better as a full-length novel. 

Devantez has a podcast dedicated to discussing celebrity memoirs and it was obvious from reading this title that she is very comfortable with the genre. I loved the way she decided to format her memoir. Each chapter relates to a woman or a group of women who have had an impact on her life. I thought this was a smart way to organize her essays and recognize the importance of female relationships and representation. I also appreciated how Devantez tackled more serious topics, but still was able to provide some much-needed comedic relief. It is obvious that she is both a very talented writer and comedian. 

(PUB DATE: 06/04/2024)

(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

Once again, Acevedo’s writing has left me in awe. This novel in verse is powerful, relevant, and emotional. Readers will be able to relate to Xiomara, the protagonist, no matter their age, ethnicity, or gender. Acevedo was successful in creating a well-rounded, dynamic character that readers can’t help but root for throughout the story. I highly recommend this title and the rest of Acevedo’s catalog.