adanna_h's reviews
2397 reviews

All The Other Mothers Hate Me is a wild one. Former girl band star Florence Grimes finds herself on a frantic mission to uncover the truth when her son Dylan's bully goes missing. With Dylan's name on the suspect list, Florence dives into detective work, but there are a couple of hiccups: she's not exactly the sleuthing type, and she's got her doubts about her 10-year-old son's innocence.

The premise hooked me right away! This quick, easy read is packed with witty lines and a whirlwind of antics. 

However, I didn’t fully connect with Florence. As a mom trying to save her son, she often comes across as self-absorbed and, frankly, not the best parent. 😬 Her chaotic decisions leave a trail of mayhem that made it hard for me to root for her.

That said, the writing is sharp, and the plot twist is a good one. If you're looking for an amateur mom detective story that strays from the cozy vibes of Finlay Donovan, All The Other Mothers Hate Me just might be for you.

I received a free copy of this book. All opinions in this voluntary review are my own. 

From the beginning, Brianna’s character shines. Her journey resonates with anyone who has ever felt overshadowed by more accomplished family members or struggled to find their purpose. As she navigates her career shifts, Brianna is on a quest to find her true passion. Despite her feelings of inadequacy, she pours her heart into everything she does, and her supportive family is a constant reminder of her worth.

This slow-burn romance hits all the right notes, featuring wonderful, relatable characters, simmering tension, and a unique backdrop. The chemistry between Brianna and Roman, a reserved science teacher and the principal's son, is palpable. Their relationship is fraught with obstacles, yet their attraction is undeniable. I appreciated the gradual development of their connection, filled with swoon-worthy moments and genuine support, as Roman shows a keen interest in Brianna and her aspirations.

The side characters add another layer of fun to the story. The teachers bring their own quirks, with no filter Angie providing plenty of laughs and science enthusiast Jordan fully committed to the mission. It’s also a joy to see familiar faces from The Kiss Countdown, especially the dynamic between Brianna and her sister as well as Vincent giving mission advice.

Overall, The Love Simulation is a sweet and lighthearted read that left me smiling and chuckling throughout. Etta Easton has crafted a story that beautifully balances humor and heart, making it a perfect escape. 

A cruel twist of fate ripped Marcus and Harper apart, but seven years later, destiny has other plans. Can they rekindle their love?

Marcus and Harper’s second-chance love story absolutely hooked me from the first pages! Their journey was derailed by a well-meaning but bad decision, but the love between them shines bright despite the years apart. Their longing was palpable. 

I loved strong focus on family. It warmed my heart how Harper was the perfect addition to the trio of single dad Marcus and his adorable twin girls.  Plus, I enjoyed seeing Marcus and his teammates continuing gel both on and off the ice. I loved the found family aspect. 

Read this hockey romance for:
🏒 Are They Married?
🏒 Single Dad Vibes
🏒 Enemies to Lovers
🏒 Second Chances

This is a lighthearted, heartwarming read that you won’t want to put down! Get ready to devour it in a day! 

I received a gifted copy of this book from the author. All opinions in this voluntary review are my own. 

When I found out about Adichie’s new book and discovered that Zikora was included in Dream Count, I jumped at the chance to read it. My expectations were high, some were met, and some were not.

Dream Count follows the journeys of four women as they navigate life in America, Nigeria, and the spaces in between. We get an intimate look into the lives, loves, and longings of:
— Chiamaka: A Nigerian travel writer feeling isolated in the U.S. during the pandemic.
— Zikora: Chiamaka’s ambitious best friend, recently heartbroken and a new mother.
— Omelogor: Chiamaka’s outspoken cousin in Nigeria, who grapples with her own doubts.
— Kadiatou: Chiamaka’s housekeeper, fiercely determined to create a better life for her daughter in a new country.

Adichie’s storytelling feels like a cozy chat with your favorite elderly aunt, weaving together vivid stories filled with lots of details but also profound insights. The everyday moments and choices these women face are rich with meaning, making the read relatable, thought-provoking, and occasionally frustrating.

In my buddy read with @booksandthemes, we both found Kadiatou’s story to be the most impactful because it shines a bright light on some uncomfortable truths. Her story, filled with sadness and injustices, struck a deep chord and lingered in my thoughts long after finishing Dream Count. Don’t miss the author’s note at the end; it provides essential context about the inspiration behind the story.

Dream Count is an insightful exploration of love, happiness, power, privilege, interconnectedness, and family dynamics.

I received a gifted of this book from the publisher.