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totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)
I loved this novel, addictive from the first line, keenly observed & absolutely hilarious - you won't want to miss it!
This is a bold, hugely enjoyable take on the underbelly of the fashion industry. It has been perfectly described as "a beautiful, messed-up mash-up of The Devil Wears Prada & Fleabag.
Scarlett is a marmite character certainly not everyone will love her, though they will definitely be intrigued and soon hooked on reading her questionable choices.
A fabulous, refreshing, compelling debut! I cannot wait to see what Ozbek does next.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Simon & Schuster for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is a bold, hugely enjoyable take on the underbelly of the fashion industry. It has been perfectly described as "a beautiful, messed-up mash-up of The Devil Wears Prada & Fleabag.
Scarlett is a marmite character certainly not everyone will love her, though they will definitely be intrigued and soon hooked on reading her questionable choices.
A fabulous, refreshing, compelling debut! I cannot wait to see what Ozbek does next.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Simon & Schuster for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you loved Pulp Fiction then you would love this novel! It's dark and intense, sprinkled with some very funny moments.
Boyle has created an authentic world of tough guys, mean streets, and dark humour. The details of place, people, and actions transport you to Brooklyn. The New York slang weaved throughout is fabulous.
I enjoyed the structure of this novel, each chapter is narrated by a different character with all the threads joining them together is slowly revealed as you read.
It missed out on 5⭐ because there isn't a single likable character in there and I personally like at least one to root for.
Overall, a great example of crime noir, not for the faint-hearted. I will be looking out for his previous books.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & No Exit Press for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Boyle has created an authentic world of tough guys, mean streets, and dark humour. The details of place, people, and actions transport you to Brooklyn. The New York slang weaved throughout is fabulous.
I enjoyed the structure of this novel, each chapter is narrated by a different character with all the threads joining them together is slowly revealed as you read.
It missed out on 5⭐ because there isn't a single likable character in there and I personally like at least one to root for.
Overall, a great example of crime noir, not for the faint-hearted. I will be looking out for his previous books.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & No Exit Press for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A fabulous debut! Complex characters, a captivating plot, and a creepy menacing undertone.
I loved how this is written it switches between spoken and inner thoughts. It is a sharp, funny, and frank read. Grace is a relatable but unreliable character as her obsession takes hold we are constantly questioning what is real and what is in her mind. It's concerning yet deeply fascinating - I couldn't put it down.
A chilling read, perfect for these long dark nights. If you enjoy a book that has you questioning everything and messes with your mind, this is for you. I can't wait to see what Doering does next.
A huge thanks to Sarah Mather & Titan Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved how this is written it switches between spoken and inner thoughts. It is a sharp, funny, and frank read. Grace is a relatable but unreliable character as her obsession takes hold we are constantly questioning what is real and what is in her mind. It's concerning yet deeply fascinating - I couldn't put it down.
A chilling read, perfect for these long dark nights. If you enjoy a book that has you questioning everything and messes with your mind, this is for you. I can't wait to see what Doering does next.
A huge thanks to Sarah Mather & Titan Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Do you know when a book comes along and steals your heart? ...this is that book and I have so so much love for it!
This novel was an absolute delight! Zoe is a believable relatable heroine - quick-witted, no-nonsense taking & a complete love cynic (with the job of dreams!). Brimming with laugh-out-loud moments and a few tear full ones too.
If that wasn't enough the chapters are all named after song titles which are so utterly brilliant (off I go to make a Love Song For Sceptics inspired playlist!). Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden lyrics and other gems.
Honestly, if you are looking for some feel-good fiction that will keep you hooked. Look no further, you have found it! Love in all forms, I cannot recommend it more highly. Buy it. Read it. Love it.
Pishiris my only request is can you write the next one quickly, please!
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Simon and Schuster for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This novel was an absolute delight! Zoe is a believable relatable heroine - quick-witted, no-nonsense taking & a complete love cynic (with the job of dreams!). Brimming with laugh-out-loud moments and a few tear full ones too.
If that wasn't enough the chapters are all named after song titles which are so utterly brilliant (off I go to make a Love Song For Sceptics inspired playlist!). Keep your eyes peeled for the hidden lyrics and other gems.
Honestly, if you are looking for some feel-good fiction that will keep you hooked. Look no further, you have found it! Love in all forms, I cannot recommend it more highly. Buy it. Read it. Love it.
Pishiris my only request is can you write the next one quickly, please!
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Simon and Schuster for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This quirky read is brimming with humour, endearing characters & references to our feathery friends.
I loved that this was a male lead romantic comedy, I haven't read many so I was interested to read from this perspective, I found it to be a refreshing take on the genre.
Simon himself is a fabulous character amusing and well-drawn, he is very easy to root for. There are some laugh-out-loud exchanges between him and his well-meaning but often hinder some best friend Phil.
I really enjoyed the bird references Simon is constantly comparing his love life to what he knows the courtship behaviour of birds. Which is fascinating & surprisingly similar to our own in places.
Overall, an uplifting debut perfects for fans of The Rosie Project.
A huge thanks to Fanny Emily Lewis & Farrago Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved that this was a male lead romantic comedy, I haven't read many so I was interested to read from this perspective, I found it to be a refreshing take on the genre.
Simon himself is a fabulous character amusing and well-drawn, he is very easy to root for. There are some laugh-out-loud exchanges between him and his well-meaning but often hinder some best friend Phil.
I really enjoyed the bird references Simon is constantly comparing his love life to what he knows the courtship behaviour of birds. Which is fascinating & surprisingly similar to our own in places.
Overall, an uplifting debut perfects for fans of The Rosie Project.
A huge thanks to Fanny Emily Lewis & Farrago Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Handmaid's Tale was a powerful, shocking, thought-provoking read, that left its mark long after I'd turned the last page.
The Testaments isn't any of that. It is a fun, page-turning, hopeful read with kick-ass heroines.
Narrated from three different perspectives, which I found really intriguing from the start and they certainly kept me hooked until the end. The way their stories entwined was very clever.
I enjoyed it when I was reading it but I didn't leave a lasting impression. An unworthy sequel but it was always going to be difficult to reach the same heights as its predecessor.
A huge thanks to Tandem & Vintage for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Testaments isn't any of that. It is a fun, page-turning, hopeful read with kick-ass heroines.
Narrated from three different perspectives, which I found really intriguing from the start and they certainly kept me hooked until the end. The way their stories entwined was very clever.
I enjoyed it when I was reading it but I didn't leave a lasting impression. An unworthy sequel but it was always going to be difficult to reach the same heights as its predecessor.
A huge thanks to Tandem & Vintage for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A gorgeous uplifting Christmas read!
I really enjoyed this novel, it's beautifully written with a cast of characters that are impossible not to root for.
Goliath the Great Dane deserves a special mention, from dragging Clare through a hedge, to terrorizing the poor postman and to the hilarious incident he causes in the vets - he would fail to bring a smile to your face.
It just missed out on 5⭐because it did take me a little while to get into, but it is well worth sticking with for its community spirit and Christmas cheer.
Overall, a fabulous heart-warming read that will have you crying with laughter one minute and actually crying the next (don't forget the tissues!). Ultimately leaving you with that warm festive glow.
Perfect for anyone looking for that special slice of Christmas magic!
A huge thanks to Zaffre Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this novel, it's beautifully written with a cast of characters that are impossible not to root for.
Goliath the Great Dane deserves a special mention, from dragging Clare through a hedge, to terrorizing the poor postman and to the hilarious incident he causes in the vets - he would fail to bring a smile to your face.
It just missed out on 5⭐because it did take me a little while to get into, but it is well worth sticking with for its community spirit and Christmas cheer.
Overall, a fabulous heart-warming read that will have you crying with laughter one minute and actually crying the next (don't forget the tissues!). Ultimately leaving you with that warm festive glow.
Perfect for anyone looking for that special slice of Christmas magic!
A huge thanks to Zaffre Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A perfect escapist read!
The locations in this novel are simply stunning and so vivid you feel like you are right there alongside Deira & Grace.
I loved the unlikely but timely friendship that was formed between the main characters. Both on their own journeys but they unexpectedly come together and support each other through their heartache.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I felt it was a bit of a slow burner to begin with, though it definitely picked and I was eager to find out how the treasure hunt ended. Grace's story is reminiscent of PS I love you, as her late husband sends her on a treasure hunt.
Overall an uplifting absorbing summer read sure to sweep you off to sun-soaked locations.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Headline Review for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The locations in this novel are simply stunning and so vivid you feel like you are right there alongside Deira & Grace.
I loved the unlikely but timely friendship that was formed between the main characters. Both on their own journeys but they unexpectedly come together and support each other through their heartache.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I felt it was a bit of a slow burner to begin with, though it definitely picked and I was eager to find out how the treasure hunt ended. Grace's story is reminiscent of PS I love you, as her late husband sends her on a treasure hunt.
Overall an uplifting absorbing summer read sure to sweep you off to sun-soaked locations.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Headline Review for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
A sweeping novel - full of heart, rich characters & beautiful storytelling!
The 'what if' storyline is powerful & thought-provoking, it examines the questions surrounding death and what that means for our life.
Dawn's job as a death doula is really interesting! - I didn't know such a thing existed.
The imagery of Egypt was spectacular, really all-encompassing. The research Picoult must have carried out to convey that level of knowledge is phenomenal but sadly for me, it read like a textbook on Ancient Egypt at times.
That being said like all of Picoult's books it made me feel, it certainly made me think & it stayed in my mind long after I'd turn the last page. Not a quick read but definitely a rewarding one.
A huge thanks to Tandem Collective UK & Hodder & Stroughton for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The 'what if' storyline is powerful & thought-provoking, it examines the questions surrounding death and what that means for our life.
Dawn's job as a death doula is really interesting! - I didn't know such a thing existed.
The imagery of Egypt was spectacular, really all-encompassing. The research Picoult must have carried out to convey that level of knowledge is phenomenal but sadly for me, it read like a textbook on Ancient Egypt at times.
That being said like all of Picoult's books it made me feel, it certainly made me think & it stayed in my mind long after I'd turn the last page. Not a quick read but definitely a rewarding one.
A huge thanks to Tandem Collective UK & Hodder & Stroughton for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
