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totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)
Hilarious, refreshing & original!
This novel is like a breath of fresh air, its real, authentic, and relatable. Acton perfectly captures friendship the strength, the support, and the way it anchors you.
Individually the contestants aren't perfect they are flawed, they are insecure and they all have their struggles, but together they are a force to be reckoned with and are all lovable. I felt the women had very distinctive voices and all stood out from each other.
I loved the empowerment in is novel, learn to love yourself, follow your head and your heart to do what makes you happy. Yes, the message at its core about finding 'the one' but never ignore those red flags and know the sometimes 'the one' is you. Be confident. Be strong. Be you.
Overall this story is brimming with laugh-out-loud moments and a few heart-wrenching ones there is never a dull moment. It's a must-read!
A huge thanks to Clare Kelly & Bonnier Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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This novel is like a breath of fresh air, its real, authentic, and relatable. Acton perfectly captures friendship the strength, the support, and the way it anchors you.
Individually the contestants aren't perfect they are flawed, they are insecure and they all have their struggles, but together they are a force to be reckoned with and are all lovable. I felt the women had very distinctive voices and all stood out from each other.
I loved the empowerment in is novel, learn to love yourself, follow your head and your heart to do what makes you happy. Yes, the message at its core about finding 'the one' but never ignore those red flags and know the sometimes 'the one' is you. Be confident. Be strong. Be you.
Overall this story is brimming with laugh-out-loud moments and a few heart-wrenching ones there is never a dull moment. It's a must-read!
A huge thanks to Clare Kelly & Bonnier Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Raw, disturbing & terrific!
I was completely drawn into this novel from the opening chapter and so gripped throughout I didn't put it down until I'd reached the last page.
Yes, this is one of many books about obsession and unrequited love ...but this is by far the best I have read! It has real depth, Constance is an incredible character she has so many layers - she made me laugh, she made me feel sorry for her and she gave me shivers.
This is an emotional, perfectly paced debut with a chilling ending, that I did not see coming! Perfect for fans of You.
A huge thanks to EDPR & Pan Macmillian for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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I was completely drawn into this novel from the opening chapter and so gripped throughout I didn't put it down until I'd reached the last page.
Yes, this is one of many books about obsession and unrequited love ...but this is by far the best I have read! It has real depth, Constance is an incredible character she has so many layers - she made me laugh, she made me feel sorry for her and she gave me shivers.
This is an emotional, perfectly paced debut with a chilling ending, that I did not see coming! Perfect for fans of You.
A huge thanks to EDPR & Pan Macmillian for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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Intriguing, suspenseful & atmospheric!
I absolutely loved the premise of this story, It is a unique look at a missing child scenario and the fallout of being thrown into the public eye. I really like the inclusion of police transcripts and newspaper reports spread throughout the novel.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I found this to be a slow-burner until the tail end of the novel.
Overall, an enjoyable, creepy & well-written read with an ending sure to surprise you!
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Corvus Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved the premise of this story, It is a unique look at a missing child scenario and the fallout of being thrown into the public eye. I really like the inclusion of police transcripts and newspaper reports spread throughout the novel.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I found this to be a slow-burner until the tail end of the novel.
Overall, an enjoyable, creepy & well-written read with an ending sure to surprise you!
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Corvus Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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Funny, entertaining & uplifting!
I really enjoyed this novel, Rachel's journey to India, she jets off hoping to win back her man but when she arrives she finds so much more....
It's a laughed-out-loud throughout the novel May writes with refreshing honesty and doesn't shy away from including those cringe-worthy embarrassing moments.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I felt some parts were a little rush and the ending isn't all tied up neatly. I am hoping that a somewhat opening ending means there a sequel around the corner?!
Overall, a light-hearted escape sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
A huge thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed this novel, Rachel's journey to India, she jets off hoping to win back her man but when she arrives she finds so much more....
It's a laughed-out-loud throughout the novel May writes with refreshing honesty and doesn't shy away from including those cringe-worthy embarrassing moments.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I felt some parts were a little rush and the ending isn't all tied up neatly. I am hoping that a somewhat opening ending means there a sequel around the corner?!
Overall, a light-hearted escape sure to leave you with a smile on your face.
A huge thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fresh, funny, and honest!
I loved that motherhood is the central plot, it isn't a secondary narrative swept under the rug. It's given the platform to be explored with all the different choices considered or experienced by Olive, Bea, Isla, and Cecily.
The quotes inserted at the end of each chapter around the subject of choosing not to have children really puts the spotlight on expectations, preconceived ideas, enforced opinions, and pressure most of society put on women.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I personally struggled with the idea that as such close friends they could be so self-absorbed and not be really there for each other. Obviously it serves to highlight the different paths and changing priorities. Maybe that is exactly what happens and I'm just yet to experience it?
Overall a thought-provokingly engaging read that explores an incredibly important life choice in a refreshingly honest and open way.
A huge thanks to Harper Collins UK & NetGalley Review for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I loved that motherhood is the central plot, it isn't a secondary narrative swept under the rug. It's given the platform to be explored with all the different choices considered or experienced by Olive, Bea, Isla, and Cecily.
The quotes inserted at the end of each chapter around the subject of choosing not to have children really puts the spotlight on expectations, preconceived ideas, enforced opinions, and pressure most of society put on women.
It just missed out on 5⭐ because I personally struggled with the idea that as such close friends they could be so self-absorbed and not be really there for each other. Obviously it serves to highlight the different paths and changing priorities. Maybe that is exactly what happens and I'm just yet to experience it?
Overall a thought-provokingly engaging read that explores an incredibly important life choice in a refreshingly honest and open way.
A huge thanks to Harper Collins UK & NetGalley Review for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hilarious, oh so relatable & heart-stealing!
I naturally abandoned all plans and curled up to devour this novel and I'm over the moon to report it was everything I hoped it would be and much more.
I was rooting for Ros from the start she is smart, funny, chaotic, and real. Her misadventures will have you crying with laugher and cringing. It is definitely not all plain sailing... but life never is, is it? Is Patrick the one who got away or he is better left in the past?
The whole cast of characters is full of depth, fabulously relevant and diverse. From their skin colour, sexual orientation, to the over 60's couple still enjoying a sex life (I will never look at sushi the same way again!). It is real and representative.
The sprinkles of 90's nostalgia throughout are icing on the cake... who remembers groovy chick?
I have so much love for this book. It warms your soul, it's authentic and brimming laugh-out-loud moments. I shall most certainly be grabbing a real copy for my shelves, this is one I'll want to read again.
Kelk at her very best! - Don't. Miss. It.
A huge thanks to Harper Collins UK & NetGalley for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I naturally abandoned all plans and curled up to devour this novel and I'm over the moon to report it was everything I hoped it would be and much more.
I was rooting for Ros from the start she is smart, funny, chaotic, and real. Her misadventures will have you crying with laugher and cringing. It is definitely not all plain sailing... but life never is, is it? Is Patrick the one who got away or he is better left in the past?
The whole cast of characters is full of depth, fabulously relevant and diverse. From their skin colour, sexual orientation, to the over 60's couple still enjoying a sex life (I will never look at sushi the same way again!). It is real and representative.
The sprinkles of 90's nostalgia throughout are icing on the cake... who remembers groovy chick?
I have so much love for this book. It warms your soul, it's authentic and brimming laugh-out-loud moments. I shall most certainly be grabbing a real copy for my shelves, this is one I'll want to read again.
Kelk at her very best! - Don't. Miss. It.
A huge thanks to Harper Collins UK & NetGalley for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gripping, gritty, and darkly funny!
A funeral director's & a private detective firm run by the formidable Skelf women, what is not to love?
I was really looking forward to this novel as I hugely enjoyed A Dark Matter (the first in the series). I'm thrilled to report this installment is every bit as superb!
The three Skelf's are flawed, funny, and brave characters you are rooting for from the start. Each with their own compelling storylines.
The mix of emotion, reflection, tension, and mystery is captivating. I was fully invested trying to work out how all the pieces fit together but this fast-paced novel kept me guessing until the end.
I wouldn't call it a cosy crime, the stories are far too dark for that but there is a definite warmth to Johnstone's writing. Which I absolutely love! This is a must-read for all crime fiction fans. I for one am eagerly awaiting book three.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Orenda Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A funeral director's & a private detective firm run by the formidable Skelf women, what is not to love?
I was really looking forward to this novel as I hugely enjoyed A Dark Matter (the first in the series). I'm thrilled to report this installment is every bit as superb!
The three Skelf's are flawed, funny, and brave characters you are rooting for from the start. Each with their own compelling storylines.
The mix of emotion, reflection, tension, and mystery is captivating. I was fully invested trying to work out how all the pieces fit together but this fast-paced novel kept me guessing until the end.
I wouldn't call it a cosy crime, the stories are far too dark for that but there is a definite warmth to Johnstone's writing. Which I absolutely love! This is a must-read for all crime fiction fans. I for one am eagerly awaiting book three.
A huge thanks to Anne Cater & Orenda Books for gifting me a copy in return for an open & honest review.
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