adanna_h's reviews
2416 reviews

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.

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! 

 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.

 If you’re looking for a book that serves up humor, heart, and some chaos, Let’s Call a Truce is your new best friend!

The story kicks off with the fiery clash between Ben and Juliana, reminiscent of a rom-com where the enemies excel at being, well, enemies. Ben, the self-proclaimed supervillain of Juliana’s life, disapproves of her existence with a killer smirk. Meanwhile, Juliana is navigating her return to work after seven years as a stay-at-home mom and coping with the loss of her husband—all while battling her new mortal enemy. Will they fall in love or combust like a supernova? Spoiler: it’s a wild ride!

Juliana’s journey is relatable and raw, filled with bittersweet reminders of what was. Yet, she forges ahead, determined to build a new life for herself and her two daughters.

Her level of pettiness is both inspiring and hilarious—her snippy banter with Ben is top-tier entertainment!

Her besties—Asia, Dani, and Gabriela—bring essential support, reminding us how vital friendship is during tough times.

What I loved most was the transformation from enemies to an office crush filled with teasing, flirting, and swoon-worthy kisses. Ben isn’t just a smirk; he’s genuinely attentive to Juliana and her kids. Their relationship exemplifies understanding can coexist with boundaries.

This book beautifully explores whether someone can have two great loves. For Juliana, the answer is a resounding yes. Her journey with Ben shows that love can be complicated and scary but oh-so-sweet when everything falls into place.

In short, Let’s Call a Truce is a touching debut that had me smiling and laughing. If you’re ready for a story rich in emotional depth and humor, grab this book—you won’t regret it! 

I received a gifted copy of this book.

Island Time is all about the Kellys—messy, loud, loving Aussies—and the Lees—sophisticated, aloof Americans. They've got nothing in common, except their daughters are getting married. Then, a volcano strands them together on a tropical island off the coast of Australia for six weeks. Cue the drama and secrets!

I wanted to love this book, but it didn't totally work for me. It has a fun, quirky vibe with some good laughs, an interesting setting, and loads of drama and secrets. But there were too many characters, too many subplots, and the story felt a bit too long.

Still, Island Time has its charming moments. It might be worth a shot if you're looking for a light, drama-filled read! 

The Gravity of Us is a heartfelt love story about two unlikely individuals who bond over raising a child and ultimately fall in love. Fate brings together Graham, a man hardened by his father's mistreatment and his mother's abandonment, and Lucy, a free-spirited, loving dreamer who shines like a ray of sunshine for Graham and his infant daughter, Talon.

Graham, who struggles with trust and lacks people skills, believes everyone eventually leaves. Despite his past, he becomes a better man and a devoted father. His commitment to his child from the moment she was born is truly heartwarming. Pure and untainted by the world's cruelty, Lucy is always willing to help and brings warmth and joy to Graham's life. She even gives him the cute nickname, Graham Cracker 🫠.

Their slow-burn romance is beautifully portrayed, with Graham opening up to love by caring for his daughter and experiencing Lucy's unwavering support. Their journey isn’t an easy one but is filled with special moments and serves as a celebration of being your authentic self and being loved for it.

This book is an emotional roller coaster of love, transformation, fatherhood, sisterhood, and found family, with plenty of laughs and smiles along the way. The Gravity of Us is a must-read for fans of the grumpy/sunshine trope, and for anyone who loves a story full of twists and turns, flawed characters, and self-discovery.

I received a gifted copy of this book. 

Wonderful sports romance with interesting characters and the perfect mix of humor, emotion, and hope.