The Man I Never Met Review

The Man I Never Met by Elle Cook is a slow burn, complicated romance. I settled in to read what I thought was going to be an easy-going romcom to escape reality for a bit, but I shortly found myself in very unexpected territory. 

The author, Elle Cook, tackles a hard, emotional subject with care and respect, and even though the story wasn't what I'd anticipated, I found myself glad my initial expectations weren't met. A love interest with a serious illness isn't exactly the usual romcom material, and, to be honest, isn't a subject I'd intentionally have chosen to read, but I'm very glad I was surprised by the turn The Man I Never Met took. I hope to read more stories like this. 

I did find the pacing a little too slow for my liking, and I would have preferred that Hannah's character had a bit more backbone. Other than that, I found it well written, surprising, and a book that handles a scary subject with respect.

Thanks to NetGalley, Elle Cook, and Random House for providing this ARC for me to review. 

Darling Review

Darling, by India Knight, is a retelling of Nancy Mitford's Pursuit of Love. I wanted to like this book more than I did, because I felt it had the potential to captivate, but it just wasn't for me. While the characters were wonderfully crafted with strong voices, it felt choppy and I never could comfortably settle into reading it. I'd read a chapter, then wander off to do something, come back and read another, then wander off again. 

I think it was wonderfully written and full of entertaining characters, so I did enjoy that part of it. The story itself did not hold my attention at all, and I almost DNFed it, but since it was short, I was able to finish it in a day. To be fair, most reviewers were thrilled with it and sang its praises, so give it a try and see what you think. 

Thanks to NetGalley, India Knight, and Penguin for providing the ARC for my review. 

50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover Review

50 Ways to Win Back Your Lover, a second chance, small town romcom, by Kelly Siskind, has introduced me to a new favorite author! What a well written, engaging book with witty banter, lovable characters, and a cozy, but gossipy, small town. Hooked! Not only were the main characters well developed, but even the incidental ones are memorable. I'm someone who gets overwhelmed with too much information thrown at me too quickly, and have a hard time remembering who's who, but no problem with this one, and that's due to good writing, not my suddenly improved memory! 

The book is written from the male lead's POV. E, or Edgar, is a softie with a determination to win back the love of his high school sweetheart, Delilah Moon, after he and his family suddenly disappeared overnight 10 years earlier. A decade apart with no communication (it's complicated, as E would say) seems like an insurmountable hurdle to leap, but it's made even worse by the fact that E can't tell anyone WHY he and his entire family deserted their small town and all their friends. It's not just Delilah Moon he needs to make peace with, it's the whole town, and he's the only one in the family making an effort. Poor E has a lot on his shoulders. But, he's determined, even though he is working through his own pain, regret, anger, and ongoing family problems. 

E makes a reference to Windfall, the small town, being like Stars Hollow in the Gilmore Girls, and with that the whole town seemed more relatable. It made me appreciate even more how the townspeople rallied around Delilah in a protective circle when E dared to show his face there again. 

I love the scenes in Delilah's bakery, the precious dog E adopts, the banter, and the passion between E and Delilah, but it's not all sweetness and light. There's a lot of hurt on both sides to deal with, as well as mental health, angst, fear of the future, and so on. 

I can hardly wait to read more in this series, but even though this is the first book, it's a standalone. I'll be very interested in the other brothers' stories, but especially Desmond's. I'm excited to follow the journeys of the Bower brothers!

Thanks to NetGalley, Kelly Siskind, and Montlake for providing this ARC for me to review. 

So Long, Chester Wheeler Review

I've just finished this wonderful book, So Long, Chester Wheeler by Catherine Ryan Hyde. A firm 5 STARS!

Neighbours Lewis and Chester, a very unlikely pair, find themselves thrown together by a series of unfortunate events. Lewis is a young gay man in dire need of a job, and Chester is an irascible old homophobe in need of a caregiver. Neither one of them wants each other around, but since Chester has run off all the local caregivers, and Lewis has rent due, they find themselves grudgingly accepting that fate has thrown them together. 

They predictably get off to a bad start, but it's the start of a journey, both figuratively and literally for them, and what lies ahead is a bumpy road of give and take. They learn things about themselves and each other that challenge long held opinions, expose secrets, and break down barriers. 

Don't get the idea that this is a gloomy downer of a book; far from it! We're talking  heartwarming and funny, with wonderful dialogue and situations. It's a book that finds humor even in the most embarrassing or tense situations, and Lewis' wit gives a perfect comic relief when needed. 

I fell in love with Lewis and, after a bittersweet revelation about Chester's past, I found a soft spot for him, as well. 

All in all, this is an uplifting, feel good story that I highly recommend.

Thanks go to NetGalley, Catherine Ryan Hyde, and Lake Union Publishers for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Antisocial Housing Review

 

Antisocial Housing by Tim Mendees is a captivating, well paced horror novel that doesn’t mess about! Within a few pages I was absorbed in one of my favorite genres, old school pulp horror, the stuff old Hollywood B movies were made of. 

Mendees hits the perfect balance on all parts, characterization, plot, flow, and pace. It was a quick read, yet fully fleshed out. The character development was wonderful, the dialogue was well done, and the horror was palpable. The shoggoth, a Lovecratian beastie, is a slimy predator,  very hangry, and bent on revenge. Delicious.

Thanks to Tim Mendees, NetGalley, and Nordic Press for providing this ARC for review.