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adanna_h's reviews
2373 reviews
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan
medium-paced
4.5
Ever wonder what it’s like to juggle multiple identities while trying to become a bestselling author? Well, buckle up! This book takes you on a wild ride with an elusive author who finally decides to shed her secretive past.
There’s a lot happening here: multiple POVs from characters both major and minor, a book within a book, Cate Kay’s own footnotes (because why not?), flashbacks, and a heavy dose of early 2000s nostalgia. It sounds like a lot, right? But trust me, it all comes together in a way that makes you want to keep flipping pages like you’re on a caffeine high. I was hooked, eager to uncover every juicy detail of Cate Kay’s many lives. This small-town girl who is a master of reinvention turns her wild ambitions into fame while keeping her true self under wraps.
Describing this gem as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins is spot on, but this book is no copycat. It stands out with its emotional depth and insightful observations that hit you right in the feels. I laughed, shed a few tears, and definitely smiled more than I expected. Plus, the characters are complex, real, and oh-so-relatable.
I had a couple of quibbles along the way. But they were quickly set to the side as I dove deeper into this captivating story.
Don’t miss out on this enthralling tale that explores complex friendships, the choices that shape us, the rollercoaster of fame, ambition, secrets, privacy, and, of course, love. Grab your copy and prepare for a reading experience that’s anything but ordinary!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
There’s a lot happening here: multiple POVs from characters both major and minor, a book within a book, Cate Kay’s own footnotes (because why not?), flashbacks, and a heavy dose of early 2000s nostalgia. It sounds like a lot, right? But trust me, it all comes together in a way that makes you want to keep flipping pages like you’re on a caffeine high. I was hooked, eager to uncover every juicy detail of Cate Kay’s many lives. This small-town girl who is a master of reinvention turns her wild ambitions into fame while keeping her true self under wraps.
Describing this gem as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo meets First Lie Wins is spot on, but this book is no copycat. It stands out with its emotional depth and insightful observations that hit you right in the feels. I laughed, shed a few tears, and definitely smiled more than I expected. Plus, the characters are complex, real, and oh-so-relatable.
I had a couple of quibbles along the way. But they were quickly set to the side as I dove deeper into this captivating story.
Don’t miss out on this enthralling tale that explores complex friendships, the choices that shape us, the rollercoaster of fame, ambition, secrets, privacy, and, of course, love. Grab your copy and prepare for a reading experience that’s anything but ordinary!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop
4.0
Only for the Week had me hooked from the start! The friend groups and their dynamics were so interesting and entertaining. Janelle’s best friend Evie was a true ride or die. And Rome? Total book boyfriend material! He was so in tune with Janelle’s needs, giving her what she needed before she even asked. Loved it!
On the flip side, Janelle’s family drama was quite the “ugh” factor for her. The themes of setting boundaries and doing what is best for you really hit home.
This story about a fling turning into forever had me smiling, and the new additional content of Janelle and Rome’s lives pre and post-epilogue (six chapters!) was such a treat. I enjoyed getting more of their story.
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, quick read, you’ve got to check this one out!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
On the flip side, Janelle’s family drama was quite the “ugh” factor for her. The themes of setting boundaries and doing what is best for you really hit home.
This story about a fling turning into forever had me smiling, and the new additional content of Janelle and Rome’s lives pre and post-epilogue (six chapters!) was such a treat. I enjoyed getting more of their story.
If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, quick read, you’ve got to check this one out!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult
4.0
This book dives deep into the lives of two women—one in the present day and one in the late 1500s/early 1600s—who are both fighting to make their voices heard in a world that often chooses to silence them.
The dual timelines are brilliantly woven together, showcasing the struggles of these female playwrights as they navigate many challenges just to get their plays to the stage. Despite the passage of centuries, their journeys mirror each others.
One of the most fascinating aspects? The exploration of the idea that Shakespeare might not have penned all the iconic plays attributed to him. This well researched, compelling theory adds a captivating layer to the book. Definitely check out the author’s note and Shakespearean Reference section.
If you’re into stories about writers, the creative process, and strong female leads who refuse to be silenced, then you need to check this one out! It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling and the lengths some women have to go to have their voices heard.
I received a gifted copy of this book.
The dual timelines are brilliantly woven together, showcasing the struggles of these female playwrights as they navigate many challenges just to get their plays to the stage. Despite the passage of centuries, their journeys mirror each others.
One of the most fascinating aspects? The exploration of the idea that Shakespeare might not have penned all the iconic plays attributed to him. This well researched, compelling theory adds a captivating layer to the book. Definitely check out the author’s note and Shakespearean Reference section.
If you’re into stories about writers, the creative process, and strong female leads who refuse to be silenced, then you need to check this one out! It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of storytelling and the lengths some women have to go to have their voices heard.
I received a gifted copy of this book.
Women of Good Fortune by Sophie Wan
3.5
Women of Good Fortune is all about three friends—Lulu, Rina, and Jane—who decide to pull off a high-stakes heist to snag the gift money from Lulu’s over-the-top wedding in Shanghai. The creativity behind their plan is just awesome!
What really makes this book shine is the strong vibe of women supporting women, plus a whole lot of chaotic shenanigans that keep things entertaining. But it’s not all laughs; the pressure from family expectations hits hard and the book shows how it affects their independence.
Fair warning, it starts a bit slow, but stick with it—you’ll be totally invested in their heist before you know it!
Fans of Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s Eight, and Bridesmaids should definitely give this one a shot!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
What really makes this book shine is the strong vibe of women supporting women, plus a whole lot of chaotic shenanigans that keep things entertaining. But it’s not all laughs; the pressure from family expectations hits hard and the book shows how it affects their independence.
Fair warning, it starts a bit slow, but stick with it—you’ll be totally invested in their heist before you know it!
Fans of Crazy Rich Asians, Ocean’s Eight, and Bridesmaids should definitely give this one a shot!
I received a gifted copy of this book.
The Monsters We Make by Kali White
4.0
Set against the backdrop of a small Midwestern town, the story kicks off with the mysterious disappearance of two paperboys separated by a couple of years. The latest one spirals into a heartbreaking chain of events that changes everything for the community. Inspired by the real-life, still unsolved Des Moines Register paperboy kidnappings from the early '80s, this book really makes you reflect on how innocent and trusting kids were back then.
The early '80s felt like a bubble where bad things didn’t happen to kids—if something went wrong, it was always assumed to be the work of a stranger. But The Monsters We Make dives deep into the unsettling reality of how easy it is for children to fall victim to someone they know, and my reaction to this story lingered long after I finished the book.
What I loved most was the captivating, slow burn storytelling. The perspectives of Sammy, Crystal, and Officer Dale Goodkind are beautifully woven together, each character bringing their own struggles and secrets into the mix. Their individual stories add so much depth to the the book, making it even more compelling. Mirroring real life, the story doesn’t have a nicely wrapped up ending.
Overall, this book not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also leaves a lasting impact, reminding us of the real-life tragedy that inspired it. If you’re looking for a haunting, thought-provoking read that will stick with you, The Monsters We Make is definitely worth picking up!
The early '80s felt like a bubble where bad things didn’t happen to kids—if something went wrong, it was always assumed to be the work of a stranger. But The Monsters We Make dives deep into the unsettling reality of how easy it is for children to fall victim to someone they know, and my reaction to this story lingered long after I finished the book.
What I loved most was the captivating, slow burn storytelling. The perspectives of Sammy, Crystal, and Officer Dale Goodkind are beautifully woven together, each character bringing their own struggles and secrets into the mix. Their individual stories add so much depth to the the book, making it even more compelling. Mirroring real life, the story doesn’t have a nicely wrapped up ending.
Overall, this book not only keeps you on the edge of your seat but also leaves a lasting impact, reminding us of the real-life tragedy that inspired it. If you’re looking for a haunting, thought-provoking read that will stick with you, The Monsters We Make is definitely worth picking up!
The Friend Zone Experiment by Zen Cho
3.0
Don’t let the gorgeous cover or title fool you; this isn’t a lighthearted romcom. The Friend Zone Experiment takes us on a journey through the glamorous yet complicated life of Renee, who seems to have it all with her thriving fashion business in London. But when a breakup leaves her feeling lonely, everything changes.
As her father considers her for a leadership role in their family conglomerate in Singapore, Renee faces not just a career-defining decision but also a reunion with her first love, Ket Siong. However, Ket Siong is caught up in a dangerous quest for vengeance, adding further complexity to their already complicated relationship.
This second chance contemporary romance is infused with corporate intrigue and the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional Asian family—imagine Succession meets Crazy Rich Asians. The story dives deep into the reasons behind Renee and Ket Siong’s past breakup, exploring their traumas and fears of being vulnerability. While the book weaves together various subplots, I found the slow pace a bit challenging.
If you’re a fan of family dramas involving characters working through personal struggles with a strong romance element, The Friend Zone Experiment is worth checking out.
I received a gifted copy of this book.
As her father considers her for a leadership role in their family conglomerate in Singapore, Renee faces not just a career-defining decision but also a reunion with her first love, Ket Siong. However, Ket Siong is caught up in a dangerous quest for vengeance, adding further complexity to their already complicated relationship.
This second chance contemporary romance is infused with corporate intrigue and the complex dynamics of a dysfunctional Asian family—imagine Succession meets Crazy Rich Asians. The story dives deep into the reasons behind Renee and Ket Siong’s past breakup, exploring their traumas and fears of being vulnerability. While the book weaves together various subplots, I found the slow pace a bit challenging.
If you’re a fan of family dramas involving characters working through personal struggles with a strong romance element, The Friend Zone Experiment is worth checking out.
I received a gifted copy of this book.