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totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)
Laugh-out-loud, fabulous & entertaining.
I love the premise of this novel, the characters are multigenerational and so well drawn. The dialogue is infectious! The comedy moments and the quick-witted batter throughout this novel won't fail to put a smile on your face.
It just missed out on 5⭐because I felt, a bit annoyed that Will was such a pushover in terms of his brother.
This was my first Mary Jayne Baker book but I will definitely be reading the rest of her back catalog. This was a funny, enjoyable read that is a perfect tonic for a summer's day!
A huge thanks to Head of Zeus & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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I love the premise of this novel, the characters are multigenerational and so well drawn. The dialogue is infectious! The comedy moments and the quick-witted batter throughout this novel won't fail to put a smile on your face.
It just missed out on 5⭐because I felt, a bit annoyed that Will was such a pushover in terms of his brother.
This was my first Mary Jayne Baker book but I will definitely be reading the rest of her back catalog. This was a funny, enjoyable read that is a perfect tonic for a summer's day!
A huge thanks to Head of Zeus & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Full of heart, laugh-out-loud & so oh binge-worthy!
This novel was so addictive honestly couldn't put this down, its the humour is pitch-perfect. The 'cowbunga' moment had me in absolute stitches, even now writing this I'm chuckling about it.
Money-Coutts writing style is so effortless and engaging, it is reminiscent of Marian Keyes.
I whole-heartedly recommend for anyone looking for an uplifting read filled with laughter. I for one absolutely cannot wait for her next book!
A huge thanks to HQ Stories & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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This novel was so addictive honestly couldn't put this down, its the humour is pitch-perfect. The 'cowbunga' moment had me in absolute stitches, even now writing this I'm chuckling about it.
Money-Coutts writing style is so effortless and engaging, it is reminiscent of Marian Keyes.
I whole-heartedly recommend for anyone looking for an uplifting read filled with laughter. I for one absolutely cannot wait for her next book!
A huge thanks to HQ Stories & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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Original, binge-able & darkly funny!
The short, snappy chapters really build up the tension and the dynamics between dysfunctional sisters make you not want to put in down! The emotions and obligations that drive Korede & Ayoola are captured brilliantly... is blood thicker than water? If you had to choose between two people you care about most who would you protect?
Braithwaite's writing really brought to life Lagos the hustle and bustle of the streets, the food, and the phrases gave me an insight into an unfamiliar culture. The social commentary on the Nigerian culture was eye-opening particularly the fearsome patriarchal nature and the corrupt law system.
As much I found this novel compelling, I wasn't blown away by it I wanted more from the abrupt ending, it left me feeling unsatisfied and it was far too ambiguous for me.
Overall, a fast-paced, sharp, and refreshing. It would make the perfect book club pick as there are various discussion topics.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The short, snappy chapters really build up the tension and the dynamics between dysfunctional sisters make you not want to put in down! The emotions and obligations that drive Korede & Ayoola are captured brilliantly... is blood thicker than water? If you had to choose between two people you care about most who would you protect?
Braithwaite's writing really brought to life Lagos the hustle and bustle of the streets, the food, and the phrases gave me an insight into an unfamiliar culture. The social commentary on the Nigerian culture was eye-opening particularly the fearsome patriarchal nature and the corrupt law system.
As much I found this novel compelling, I wasn't blown away by it I wanted more from the abrupt ending, it left me feeling unsatisfied and it was far too ambiguous for me.
Overall, a fast-paced, sharp, and refreshing. It would make the perfect book club pick as there are various discussion topics.
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Unique, lyrical & intriguing.
This is written beautifully, I loved that pacing of the novel echos the waves of the sea from harsh stormy waters to calmer peaceful ones, it really added to the sense of place and the all-encompassing feeling of being on a sailboat at sea.
Told from alternating perspectives Michael's captain log in the past and Juliet's present. The characters were complex, well developed, and had unique voices.
It missed out on 5⭐ because I felt the ending to be disappointing and I was left with more questions than I would have liked.
Overall, a compelling, memorable read that will certainly split readers making it a fabulous book club pick.
A huge thanks to Grace Vincent & Little Brown for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is written beautifully, I loved that pacing of the novel echos the waves of the sea from harsh stormy waters to calmer peaceful ones, it really added to the sense of place and the all-encompassing feeling of being on a sailboat at sea.
Told from alternating perspectives Michael's captain log in the past and Juliet's present. The characters were complex, well developed, and had unique voices.
It missed out on 5⭐ because I felt the ending to be disappointing and I was left with more questions than I would have liked.
Overall, a compelling, memorable read that will certainly split readers making it a fabulous book club pick.
A huge thanks to Grace Vincent & Little Brown for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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Simply stunning!
The stories and the paintings within its pages give a real sense of wonder and escapism from the stresses that life can so often bring.
It is beautifully enchanting not meant to be greedily read in an hour or so which could easily be done, but in doing so you would lose the real meaning. It is meant to be kept and treasured when you need to unwind, dream & find calm.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Unbound for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The stories and the paintings within its pages give a real sense of wonder and escapism from the stresses that life can so often bring.
It is beautifully enchanting not meant to be greedily read in an hour or so which could easily be done, but in doing so you would lose the real meaning. It is meant to be kept and treasured when you need to unwind, dream & find calm.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Unbound for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Light-hearted, funny & entertaining!
Sarah has to pick between to very different guys, the question is are you a James or Josh fan? I really enjoyed reading the international love triangle and you are kept guessing till the very end.
The sumptuous descriptions of London, Sydney & Hawaii are so vivid I could easily imagine myself in these glorious destinations.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I wouldn't have imagined Sarah as a 37, she seemed a bit immature to me and I would have assumed she was a twenty-something this didn't take any my enjoyment, it was just a little niggle I had.
Whilst this is part of the Holiday Romance series and it can be read as a standalone, Barker does a fabulous job of catching us up so we know exactly what is going on.
Overall, I would recommend A Sunset in Sydney as a fabulous gateway read, perfect in these times when being whisked off to somewhere sunny is merely a dream.
A huge thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, One More Chapter & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sarah has to pick between to very different guys, the question is are you a James or Josh fan? I really enjoyed reading the international love triangle and you are kept guessing till the very end.
The sumptuous descriptions of London, Sydney & Hawaii are so vivid I could easily imagine myself in these glorious destinations.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I wouldn't have imagined Sarah as a 37, she seemed a bit immature to me and I would have assumed she was a twenty-something this didn't take any my enjoyment, it was just a little niggle I had.
Whilst this is part of the Holiday Romance series and it can be read as a standalone, Barker does a fabulous job of catching us up so we know exactly what is going on.
Overall, I would recommend A Sunset in Sydney as a fabulous gateway read, perfect in these times when being whisked off to somewhere sunny is merely a dream.
A huge thanks to Rachel's Random Resources, One More Chapter & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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Heart-warming, hilarious & so oh binge-worthy!
Stoneley has once again created an absolutely wonderful cast of quirky, true to life characters. She really captures the reality of relationships, love, and heartache.
I honestly couldn't put this down, its the humour is pitch-perfect and it is so moreish - so easy to say just one more chapter until before you know it you have got to the end.
Escapism at its finest, perfect for these crazy times. I for one absolutely cannot wait for her next book!
A huge thanks to Rachels Random Resources & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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Stoneley has once again created an absolutely wonderful cast of quirky, true to life characters. She really captures the reality of relationships, love, and heartache.
I honestly couldn't put this down, its the humour is pitch-perfect and it is so moreish - so easy to say just one more chapter until before you know it you have got to the end.
Escapism at its finest, perfect for these crazy times. I for one absolutely cannot wait for her next book!
A huge thanks to Rachels Random Resources & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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A fun, sassy summer read!
I loved that the narrative for this book is split equally between the three female leads & the dialogue is easy-going giving a realistic rapport between the friends.
Although I felt you had to suspend too much belief to believe in their happy-ever-afters and get that very neatly wrapped ending.
Overall, a great light-hearted read centered around female friendship.
A huge thanks to HQ Stories & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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I loved that the narrative for this book is split equally between the three female leads & the dialogue is easy-going giving a realistic rapport between the friends.
Although I felt you had to suspend too much belief to believe in their happy-ever-afters and get that very neatly wrapped ending.
Overall, a great light-hearted read centered around female friendship.
A huge thanks to HQ Stories & NetGalley for sending me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐
Powerful, addictive & unforgettable!
Ever wonder what happened to The Ice Cream Girls? I certainly did their story was incredibly powerful and really stayed with me long after I had turned the last page 10 years ago. It is a treasured book and one I always recommend. When I heard Koomson was penning a sequel my excitement was palpable and it instantly became my most anticipated read of 2020.
I am over the moon to report All My Lies Are True is every bit as affecting, tense, emotional & unputdownable as the first. I was so lucky to get my mitts on an early copy, I will be forever thankful Tandem gang!
Koomson has a way of writing that gets under your skin and makes you feel all the feels goosebumps, madness, sadness, hopefulness, and those jaw-dropping twists (even on the very last line). No one does it better!
It is a thought-provoking, I can't-put-it-down rollercoaster of a read that will leave its mark. If you read one book this year make it this! I wholeheartedly recommend it - Buy it. Read it. Love it.
A huge thanks to Tandem Collective & Headline for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ever wonder what happened to The Ice Cream Girls? I certainly did their story was incredibly powerful and really stayed with me long after I had turned the last page 10 years ago. It is a treasured book and one I always recommend. When I heard Koomson was penning a sequel my excitement was palpable and it instantly became my most anticipated read of 2020.
I am over the moon to report All My Lies Are True is every bit as affecting, tense, emotional & unputdownable as the first. I was so lucky to get my mitts on an early copy, I will be forever thankful Tandem gang!
Koomson has a way of writing that gets under your skin and makes you feel all the feels goosebumps, madness, sadness, hopefulness, and those jaw-dropping twists (even on the very last line). No one does it better!
It is a thought-provoking, I can't-put-it-down rollercoaster of a read that will leave its mark. If you read one book this year make it this! I wholeheartedly recommend it - Buy it. Read it. Love it.
A huge thanks to Tandem Collective & Headline for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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