Reading has really become the way I relax this year and I'm so glad I've made the time to do more of what I love. I've read some really great books so far this year and have relied heavily on Good Reads to find new books to read by following friends. It means my to-read list is huge but at least I'm making the time for it by putting my phone down more.
I've compiled some thoughts and mini-reviews on the last six books I read, some I loved and one I really didn't get in to but I love opening up book discussions with you and hope that you do too!
Never Greener by Ruth Jones
For Ruth Jones' debut novel, it was a good'un! I thoroughly enjoyed it, was completely swept up with the plot and the characters and didn't want it to end. There was a bit too much sex in it which usually doesn't bother me but I felt like that because most of the sex scenes seemed quite irrelevant. I know there's a lot of mixed feelings on this but I was a big fan and I can't wait for her next book. If you're unsure, you should definitely give it a chance, it might just surprise you.
For Ruth Jones' debut novel, it was a good'un! I thoroughly enjoyed it, was completely swept up with the plot and the characters and didn't want it to end. There was a bit too much sex in it which usually doesn't bother me but I felt like that because most of the sex scenes seemed quite irrelevant. I know there's a lot of mixed feelings on this but I was a big fan and I can't wait for her next book. If you're unsure, you should definitely give it a chance, it might just surprise you.
I heart Hawaii by Lindsey Kelk
I don't feel like I've read much by Lindsey Kelk even though her genre is me written all over so I picked this up on a whim last month when it was half price in Waterstones. This is the series finale of the I Heart books so I am now going to have to read the rest so I can piece some bits together. I did really enjoy the book though, it was funny and Angela was relatable as a new mum but I found the ending quite flat and I can't work out if that is because I wasn't aware of previous stories or because it really was just a bit flat. I'm undecided, maybe I'll try and get hold of the others and then give this another read over.
Strictly Between Us by Jane Fallon
I've really loved discovering Jane Fallon this year because she sure knows how to write a gripping romance novel with plenty of twists. This was a really great story and I did not see where it was going until the very last moment. I did feel like the main character needed to get her happy ending too but overall, really enjoyed it and devoured it in days.
My Sweet Revenge by Jane Fallon
Another one by Jane Fallon I picked up on my monthly book swap with the girls. I did enjoy this but I found the plot a little unbelievable so I couldn't say this was brilliant because it just wouldn't happen. It just seemed so far fetched! The build up was still great and the classic twists were still in there but it wasn't one of my favourites.
Roar by Cecelia Ahern
I didn't like this, well that's a lie I liked two of the short stories from it but overall, a big ol' no from me. The concept is great but I didn't find it uplifting, it didn't make me feel like "wahey go women!" and I didn't like the way it was split into stories. I wish I'd given up with it to be honest but I'd heard great things and kept thinking the next short story would be better but unfortunately for me, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer
This was sent to me by a lovely blogger to read after she had as she thought I'd enjoy it. I read the back and put it off, it's about one mans decent into mental illness. It was sad, touching and at times harrowing. I'm so glad I didn't put it off longer because I really enjoyed it and it opened my eyes up so much more to mental illness and suffering.
You can find me on Goodreads on www.goodreads.com/alicespake
