Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams

Isn't It Bromantic? by Lyssa Kay Adams

Release Date - July 20, 2021 

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 352 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5

**received for review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad took up the pen to write a novel the Bromance Book Club would swoon over.

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared after speaking out against government corruption, she escaped danger the only way she knew how. She agreed to marry her childhood friend, Vladimir, and move to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.

Vlad, aka The Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But after four years, it's become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he's learned is that he deserves more. He's ready to create his own sweeping romance--both on and off the page.

The Bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love--and this time they're not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad's senior citizen neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves The Loners. Just when things finally look promising, the danger from Elena's past life intrudes, and the book club will face their first-ever life-or-death grand gesture as they race to a happy ever after.

Fans of the Bromance Book Club series have been eagerly waiting for the character affectionately known as The Russian to have his own stand alone book which Lyssa Kay Adams has delivered with the fourth book in the series. Vlad takes center focus in this sweet romance that is sure to please fans.

If you like your romance on the sugary sweet side this is definitely the book for you. It may be a little on the too sweet side for some readers. There is plenty here for fans of the series to love but I predict this will be most popular with those who like this specific type of romance. If Vlad isn't your favourite character a large dose of him may not be for you.

Vlad is a fan favourite because he is an incredibly sweet soul. He is a gentle giant, and it was a delight to have his character expanded further. He is often the comic relief in the series but we get to see what a caring, and consuming heart he has. I think fans of his character will be pleased with how he is portrayed and the love story he has been given. He is a romantic at heart and very sensitive so it makes his romance a little more of the wear your heart on your sleeve variety.

Elena is a great character. Determined, stubborn, and focused. She is a natural fit with Vlad in a lot of ways. Her desire to be a journalist was something I found interesting and I wish that a certain part of her story arc had been developed more. It felt a little quickly tied up and I think it would have worked a little better if fleshed out more.

The romance is a blend of sweet and sexy. The sex scenes are similar to the other books in their more retrained but still sexy way. There are definitely moments that the chemistry is palpable between them. This is a connection built on friendship so that element feels especially earned.

The members of the aforementioned book club are delightful as usual. This group of tight-knit friends is always a joy to return to. All of the guys have grown throughout the series and each new addition works their way into your heart. I cannot wait to see who the next book is about (I have my guesses) because this is a world I cannot wait to visit again.

While this particular book may not have been my favourite in the series it still offered up a strong and enjoyable addition to it. I highly recommend this series if you enjoy romance reads. 

Survive The Night by Riley Sager

Survive The Night by Riley Sager

Release Date - June 29, 2021 

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 5/5

**received in exchange of an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Malibu: August 1983. It's the day of Nina Riva's annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over--especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.

The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud--because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he's been inseparable since birth.

Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can't stop thinking about promised she'll be there.

And Kit has a couple secrets of her own--including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family's generations will all come bubbling to the surface.

Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . . . and what they will leave behind. 

Riley Sager's Survive The Night takes so many of the things I am interested in and blends them together in to a engrossingly readable novel. It has elements of classic Hollywood, true crime, and cinematic flair. It should therefore be no surprise that this is now my personal favourite Riley Sager novel.

This book feels cinematic in so many ways and it definitely reads like a movie. You can visualize everything that is happening but the format of the writing invokes a movie as well. It captures that essence so thoroughly that I will be upset if this doesn't end up getting a movie adaptation. 

This is a love letter to to both Hitchcock films and women in them. Charlie displays the characteristics of a classic Hitchcock blonde and the plot feels very Hitchcockian to me. It will make you want to pair reading it with a watch of Shadow of a Doubt (and possibly binge a bunch of older thrillers). 

The entire premise of this book is entirely unsettling to me. You are in an enclosed space that is not easily escapable and with every moment that passes you become increasingly convinced that the person in that space with you is a serial killer. It is a great plot idea that was even more effective than I imagined.

The 90s setting is especially effective at creating more tension and raising the stakes. No cell phones means no easy access to help and that heightens every beat of dread woven into the story. This story wouldn't feel the same in more current times and that is part of what makes the story work.

The interaction between Josh and Charlie is the crux of the novel, especially at first. The limited setting, the inside of the car, makes the focus shift to the characters. There is something thrilling at each stomach drop and skipped heartbeat as things start to unravel. The first half is a restrained, but pulse pounding, increase in fear that feels more psychological when compared to the latter part of the book.

A suspense novel is built on the twists that it unveils. This one has reveals that you will see coming and hopefully a couple of surprises as well. I was very satisfied with the ending and felt it only added to overall tone of the novel. It is definitely a Hollywood type of ending that you only see in the movies.

This is a book for those who have ever gotten lost in a movie. It has a plucky and resourceful heroine at its core and is filled with enough suspense to keep you turning the pages. If you are someone who loves reading thrillers at the beach this will be your new obsession. 

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Release Date - June 1, 2021 

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4/5

**purchased**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Malibu: August 1983. It's the day of Nina Riva's annual end-of-summer party, and anticipation is at a fever pitch. Everyone wants to be around the famous Rivas: Nina, the talented surfer and supermodel; brothers Jay and Hud, one a championship surfer, the other a renowned photographer; and their adored baby sister, Kit. Together the siblings are a source of fascination in Malibu and the world over--especially as the offspring of the legendary singer Mick Riva.

The only person not looking forward to the party of the year is Nina herself, who never wanted to be the center of attention, and who has also just been very publicly abandoned by her pro tennis player husband. Oh, and maybe Hud--because it is long past time for him to confess something to the brother from whom he's been inseparable since birth.

Jay, on the other hand, is counting the minutes until nightfall, when the girl he can't stop thinking about promised she'll be there.

And Kit has a couple secrets of her own--including a guest she invited without consulting anyone.

By midnight the party will be completely out of control. By morning, the Riva mansion will have gone up in flames. But before that first spark in the early hours before dawn, the alcohol will flow, the music will play, and the loves and secrets that shaped this family's generations will all come bubbling to the surface.

Malibu Rising is a story about one unforgettable night in the life of a family: the night they each have to choose what they will keep from the people who made them . . . and what they will leave behind. 

Taylor Jenkins Reid's books transport you. She made us desparate to watch Evelyn Hugo on the big screen and yearn to listen to Daisy Jones and the Six's greatest hits. In Malibu Rising she once again spins a tale of fame but instead focuses on the bonds of family and the thrill of the surf.

Malibu Rising is like a warm summer day spent at the beach. You can almost taste the salt water, and smell coconut scented sunscreen while reading this book. Malibu, and it's waves, become a character in the book and the setting is just as important as the plot in this case. She brings Malibu to life so vividly that you can picture it even if you've never been there.

Capturing a particular time period seems to be a talent this author has. It is part of what transports you into the world of the novel and makes it feel all the more authentic. This book focuses on the 1980s and you definitely get that vibe. The neon colours, the teased hair, and fashion are just some of the callbacks to that time. There are little things, like Nina's sexed up ad campaign and calendar, that are so clearly of that time period.  

Fans of this author's previous books may have spotted a familiar name in the synopsis. Yes, it is THAT Mick Rivera. If you thought he was an asshole in The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo just wait until you see what else he got up to. He is easily the worst and yet I was still strangely captivated by him. The magnetic pull he is referenced as having works on readers too, apparently.

Much more interesting (and sympathetic), are his children. Nina, in particular, made my heart ache for many reasons but I loved all of the Rivera children. They are all scarred by the events that have touched them. Their fiercely close bond is the heart of this novel that revolves around family, trauma, forgiveness, and hope. These kids had to grow up much faster than they needed to and that is something that is woven deep into all aspects of who these characters are and who they want to become.

The infamous Rivera party is as ridiculous as you hope it will be going in. It is indeed the stuff of legend and you can see how it became this out of control thing from its humble beginnings. The chapters with the party shenanigans are funny, dizzying, and the perfect build up to the emotional and cathartic end section.

The emotional payoff comes from the ending like so many of Taylor Jenkins Reid's other novels. It is that ending that makes the entire journey for me and I definitely found myself sobbing through parts of it. 

Taylor Jenkins Reid has once again slayed me with her ability to make you fall into the story. I cannot wait to follow her into the 90s (where I assume she is headed with her next book) and am breathlessly awaiting to discover what exactly that will look like.

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

Release Date - May 11, 2021 

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 272 pages
My Rating - 4/5

**received for an honest review**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Lara's had eyes for exactly one person throughout her three years of high school: Chase Harding. He's tall, strong, sweet, a football star, and frankly, stupid hot. Oh, and he's talking to her now. On purpose and everything. Maybe...flirting, even? No, wait, he's definitely flirting, which is pretty much the sum of everything Lara's wanted out of life.

Except she’s haunted by a memory. A memory of a confusing, romantic, strangely perfect summer spent with a girl named Jasmine. A memory that becomes a confusing, disorienting present when Jasmine herself walks through the front doors of the school to see Lara and Chase chatting it up in front of the lockers.

Lara has everything she ever wanted: a tight-knit group of friends, a job that borders on cool, and Chase, the boy of her literal dreams. But if she's finally got the guy, why can't she stop thinking about the girl?

Cool for the Summer is a story of self-discovery and new love. It’s about the things we want and the things we need. And it’s about the people who will let us be who we are.

I was excited to pick up Cool for the Summer after reading its Grease inspired synopsis. It seemed like it would be a fun read and I have previously enjoyed books by Dahlia Adler. It turned out to be quite the enjoyable read filled with just enough angst and romance.

The story is told through a dual timeline. The summer that Lara and Jasmine spend together and the school year after. It allows us to experience the highs of them falling in love and the awkwardness of their reunion. It is effective as it keeps us anchored and connected to both Lara's relationship with Jasmine and her relationship with Chase.

Each of Lara's potential relationships are given weight and care. You believe that she cares for both of these people. Neither person is made out to be awful or shown to be a bad choice. I like that the focus is on Lara and what is right for her. 

Most of this novel is Lara figuring out her sexuaity. She has had a crush on golden boy Chase for forever and is unsure what it means when she starts also having feelings for Jasmine during the summer. I thought that Lara's arc of discovery about herself and what her heart ultimately wants was well done.

Communication is the main cause of conflict as per most romance plot points in novels. Much of the angst could be solved by the characters having a conversation. It is something that works especially well here because there are characters who are figuring things out. They cannot have the conversations that need to be had until they work through things internally first. It added another layer to this often used trope that suited this particular plot.

This book did not disappoint and is definitely one you should toss into your beach tote this summer. I also recommend checking out Dahlia Adler's other books if you haven't yet.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

 

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

Release Date - February 18, 2020 

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 327 pages
My Rating - 4/5

**borrowed from library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The secrets lurking in a rundown roadside motel ensnare a young woman, just as they did her aunt thirty-five years before, in this new atmospheric suspense novel from the national bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.

Upstate NY, 1982. Every small town like Fell, New York, has a place like the Sun Down Motel. Some customers are from out of town, passing through on their way to someplace better. Some are locals, trying to hide their secrets. Viv Delaney works as the night clerk to pay for her move to New York City. But something isn't right at the Sun Down, and before long she's determined to uncover all of the secrets hidden…

There is something inherently creepy about a motel (or hotel). That creep factor doubles if it happens to be located in the middle of nowhere. We've all seen Psycho. We've heard the infamous stories about the Cecil Hotel. Places like these allow for a bit of anonymity and you could be staying next door to anyone. It is no surprise that a place like this would make an effective setting for a mystery and The Sun Down Motel proves just that.

The motel of the book's title is the centerpiece of this murder mystery. It has such a presence that it becomes a character in the story. It has the middle of nowhere location, a mysterious disappearance, and its potentially haunted status all helping to create an atmosphere that is perfect for the tense plot that is being woven. The darkness of the motel extends into the surrounding town which has its share of secrets. 

The most fun and interesting element is the dual narration. We have Viv who is working at the hotel in the 1980s and Carly, her niece, who is working there in 2017.  Carly is retracing her Aunt's footsteps trying to unravel what happened the night she went missing while working the night shift at the motel. The story blends these two story arcs together in a way that compliments one another and builds off the other. I found it compelling and  that added an extra element to the twists in the story. The downside is how similar the storylines sometimes are. It adds a bit of a repetitive feel to the writing that might impact some reader's enjoyment of the book. 

Viv and Carly are both determined women who don't give up. They both investigate the mystery within the novel with a single minded focus. They were both engaging characters which made them interesting to read about. 

The first half of the book was incredibly compelling and I could not put it down. It does lose a little bit of its steam towards the latter half and some elements of the plot did not work as well as others did for me. The expanding mystery worked for me and didn't really need all the extra window dressing. The ending itself was also a bit mixed for me. There were elements that weren't as satisfying which created an uneven feeling to the story.

If you are a fan of  mystery novels this one certainly offers up plenty of twists and turns in a unique feeling story. It has a strong atmosphere and setting that makes it easy to immerse yourself in the story. Toss it in your beach bag for an enjoyable summer reading experience.

The Birthday List by Devney Perry

 

The Birthday List by Devney Perry

Release Date - April 3, 2018

Publisher Website - Self Published 
Author Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 402 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**purchased**

Twelve Books/Twelve Friends Selection

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Poppy Maysen carries a journal in her purse. Its pages were filled long ago by a man who craved adventure, lived life to the fullest and never failed to make her laugh. The journal is his birthday list—one she vows to complete.

She’ll do the things he wanted to do most. Because maybe, just maybe, if she can finish his list, she can start to live again.

Poppy expects going through the birthday list will be hard. She expects it to hurt. But what she doesn’t expect is Cole. Could the man who watched her heart shatter be the one to put it back together again?

The Birthday List deals with processing grief and the ways in which opening ourselves up after a traumatic experience can be both complicated and rewarding. It's a beautifully told story that manages to both break your heart and mend it as you are reading.

The idea of the list from the title of this book is such an interesting one. There have been plenty of books about completing something in honour of someone who has died. The biggest thing that stood out to me about this particular list is how much we can tell about Jamie from the items on his list. The character work of explaining who he was is done in large part through this list and memories and it was done rather well. His sense of humour and outgoing nature is clearly captured.

The idea of moving on after Jamie's death is understandably something Poppy has mixed emotions about. She logically knows that Jamie would want her to live her life and be happy but she doesn't want to lose those precious memories of him. It brings up conflicting feelings and the reader gets to see her processing all of those emotions. The rush of falling in love again, the guilt that it stirs up, and finally acceptance as she works through all of it. Poppy was a very sympathetic character and someone that the reader is drawn to root for. 

Cole is one of the best love interests I have read about in quite a while. He is patient, gentle, and supportive. He knows what Jamie means to Poppy and respects that while still very much wanting to be part of her life. I appreciated that the book contrasted him and Jamie while making both guys seem decent and good for Poppy. The book doesn't shy away from either of their flaws and doesn't make Jamie a footnote in Poppy's story to further the new romance.

While this is a stand alone novel it does have a companion novel that focuses on some characters we meet in this novel. I am certainly curious to check out out the second book because the characters that it features are written in a way that makes you want to continue their story. 

Devney Perry is definitely an author whose work I want to explore more of in the future. The Birthday List made me cry, laugh, and swoon while also having a sweet message about healing. If your looking for a bittersweet story I highly recommend this one.

None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney

None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney 

Release Date - September 1, 2020

Publisher Website - Hachette
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 400 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

The Silence of the Lambs meets Sadie in this riveting psychological thriller about two teenagers teaming up with the FBI to track down juvenile serial killers.

In 1982, two teenagers—serial killer survivor Emma Lewis and US Marshal candidate Travis Bell—are recruited by the FBI to interview convicted juvenile killers and provide insight and advice on cold cases. From the start, Emma and Travis develop a quick friendship, gaining information from juvenile murderers that even the FBI can't crack. But when the team is called in to give advice on an active case—a serial killer who exclusively hunts teenagers—things begin to unravel. Working against the clock, they must turn to one of the country's most notorious incarcerated murderers for help: teenage sociopath Simon Gutmunsson. Despite Travis's objections, Emma becomes the conduit between Simon and the FBI team. But while Simon seems to be giving them the information they need to save lives, he's an expert manipulator playing a very long game...and he has his sights set on Emma.

Captivating, harrowing, and chilling, None Shall Sleep is an all-too-timely exploration of not only the monsters that live among us, but also the monsters that live inside us.

Did you love Silence of the Lambs and waited impatiently for the new season of Mindhunter to drop? If you answered yes to either of those I have the perfect book for you to read. None Shall Sleep combines intense action with character development to create a highly engrossing read. 

Ellie Marney's writing showcases that she put a lot of thought and time into the creation of her characters. She makes sure that all of them are interesting in their own way and also ensures they fit into the story being told. It, for me, was where her writing really shined.

Emma's a victim who would rather be seen as anything else. The survivor of a serial killer her trauma is woven into both the character and story subtly and with care. Ellie Marney could have laid out every horrible thing that Emma suffered via flashback scenes but instead chooses to provide just enough hints to allow the reader's imagination to fill in the rest. A prospect that will conjure up more horrors than the author ever could. I like that she is tough but not closed off. She is strong and resilient in ways that felt true to her character.

Travis is a victim as well but in an entirely different way. Violence has touched him in its own way and it makes these two two halves of a whole. Their connection and chemistry felt natural because they each could instantly understand the other in a lot of ways.

The Mindhunter aspect of the story should be evident from the synopsis. It shares interviewing serial killers and of course its backdrop of the FBI and profiling. This aspect is where a bit of disbelief has to be given to the story. It was hard to believe that they would have been allowed to assist the FBI at all never mind in such a large capacity. I get why the main characters needed to be younger but it does pull you out of the story a bit. It is not enough to distract from your enjoyment but something that the reader is aware of and tracks.

The most compelling part of the story is Simon and his interactions with Emma. A teenaged serial killer who has plenty of charm and intelligence. He is Hannibal Lecter to Emma's Clarice Starling. Their conversations will bring flashbacks to the movie in particular. I found those scenes to be the most eclectic part of the story and the parts that had me most on edge. I could have easily read an entire book of just those conversations. The author captures a sort of breathless dread that is felt in a well done scene like this. 

If you, like me, are missing Mindhunter I highly recommend picking up this book. Ellie Marney has written a book that immediately made me want to reach for the sequel.

Fifth Avenue, 5 A. M. by Sam Wasson

Fifth Avenue, 5 A. M. by Sam Wasson 

Release Date - June 22, 2010

Publisher Website - Harper Collis Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy

Pages - 231 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**borrowed from the library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Audrey Hepburn is an icon like no other, yet the image many of us have of Audrey—dainty, immaculate—is anything but true to life. Here, for the first time, Sam Wasson presents the woman behind the little black dress that rocked the nation in 1961. The first complete account of the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. reveals little-known facts about the cinema classic: Truman Capote desperately wanted Marilyn Monroe for the leading role; director Blake Edwards filmed multiple endings; Hepburn herself felt very conflicted about balancing the roles of mother and movie star. With a colorful cast of characters including Truman Capote, Edith Head, Givenchy, "Moon River" composer Henry Mancini, and, of course, Hepburn herself, Wasson immerses us in the America of the late fifties before Woodstock and birth control, when a not-so-virginal girl by the name of Holly Golightly raised eyebrows across the country, changing fashion, film, and sex for good. Indeed, cultural touchstones like Sex and the City owe a debt of gratitude to Breakfast at Tiffany's.

In this meticulously researched gem of a book, Wasson delivers us from the penthouses of the Upper East Side to the pools of Beverly Hills, presenting Breakfast at Tiffany's as we have never seen it before—through the eyes of those who made it. Written with delicious prose and considerable wit, Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. shines new light on a beloved film and its incomparable star. 

5th Avenue, 5 A.M. refers to the location and time in which THAT infamous Breakfast at Tiffany's scene was filmed. The iconic shot of Audrey Hepburn in that little black dress helped launch a few careers and definitely launched the fashion trend of the LBD (aka the little black dress). This book gives a snapshot of filming this movie while also giving a few details about the people behind it.

If you are looking for an in depth look at Audrey Hepburn's life this is not the book for you. This is a snapshot of a very specific chunk of time. It walks through the big events that shaped the creation and filming of the movie while sometimes giving pertinent background information on the people involved. 

Audrey is given plenty of attention and the author does not shy away from the sadder elements of the story. He mentions Audrey's miscarriages and marriage troubles because it impacted her while filming. Also discussed are the tensions on set thanks to nobody liking George Peppard. 

The story of the dress and Audrey's relationship with Hubert de Givenchy starts before Breakfast at Tiffany's. The book captures the moment when Audrey is sent to get clothes for the movie Sabrina and it launches a professional relationship that changes fashion. It is definitely the stuff of goosebumps when you realize how iconic and influential Audrey's style via de Givenchy was.

It was fascinating getting to know the details behind the filming of the infamous party scene. It, quite frankly, sounds exhausting and the opposite of fun but it certainly looks good on camera.

Those Mickey Rooney scenes that everyone finds problematic are referenced. Turns out they were included as a means to make the movie funnier. It does not translate as the entire bit is not funny in the slightest. I have always found those scenes out of place with the rest of the movie and really wish they would have taken them out. The context given here does not make them fit any better or make them any less problematic.

Truman Capote is given his share of space within these pages. I find it fascinating that he hated the movie and did not visit the set even once. He was not a fan of Audrey Hepburn's casting at all which baffles me because it is now one of her most well recognized roles. I definitely want to do a deeper dive into Truman and his 'Swans' now and learn more about all these women who claimed to be the inspiration for Holly Golightly.

A well researched look at a piece of American film culture. I am fairly certain that nobody on the set knew exactly what they were creating while filming Breakfast at Tiffany's and that makes the behind the scenes gossip even more interesting. It is also a testament to the talent involved because of the careers that springboarded from this movie. I highly recommend this if you are a fan of the film or just a fan of Audrey Hepburn. Just make sure you have time to watch the movie afterwards because you will definitely want to.

Lords of Chaos by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind

Lords of Chaos by Michael Moynihan and Didrik Soderlind

Release Date - November 1, 2003

Publisher Website - Feral House
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 391 pages
My Rating - 3/5
**purchased**

**content warning for talk of murder and suicide**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Growing up under his punk rocker dad's spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn't in front of a crowd, it's on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.

Vada's got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom's boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil's music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley's prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor's summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out-of-this-world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her? 

In the late 1980s/early 1990s a group of Norwegian young men created a new type of music and plenty of newspaper headlines. They are now known for church burnings, a suicide, and multiple murders just as much as they are for their music. Lords of Chaos breaks down not just the murder of Øystein Aarseth but the entire scene.

I was already pretty familiar with the case thanks to the well researched three part series from the guys over at Last Podcast On The Left (episode 285 if you want to listen) and the equally captivating movie adaptation of this book. I couldn't help but compare the three to each other. The podcast and movie firmly focus on Aarseth's murder while the book more fully examines the scene as a whole.

The biggest difference is that the book digs more into the beliefs the people in this group had and how they may have created the conditions that led to the church burnings and deaths. The book focuses on the fact that some of the people involved in the black Metal scene were also racists much more than the movie does. They make a pretty good case for there being some overlap there and how this fact may have played a role in the larger picture at the time. It breaks down all these connections in a way that instantly allows the read to connect all the pieces. It also looks at various members religious beliefs and how Satanism may or may not have played a role.

The pacing felt a little uneven for me. The beginning breezes by and it stagnates a little in the middle and end sections. It felt repetitive at times as we kept hearing the same thing from various members of this scene said just in different ways. This may hammer home the point the authors are trying to make but left me a little underwhelmed as a reader.

There is also the question of how much the reader should believe. The movie based off the book touts that it is “based on truth, lies and what actually happened." Which should tell you everything. There is a mythology there to some of the actions attributed to various key players. You have certain people believing one thing that others swear is a lie. Lies are certainly plausible because for many people involved it was an act and they did and said things to make themselves seem a specific way. Nobody knows for sure if members of the band Mayhem really wore pieces of their fellow band member's skull as necklaces after he committed suicide or if they were pieces of animal bone. This entire thing is filled with things like this that may be overblow. Related is the scrutiny that should be given to the people being interviewed. The authors did a lot of research and interviews and they present these in a very unbiased, straightforward way. They let the subjects of their interviews speak for themselves without injecting opinions or commentary themselves. This means that there are going to be things that many readers will not agree with. Some have questioned why these people should be even given a voice but I think the message the book is presenting is a worthy one - even if I wanted to scream every time a murderer talked about their victim. It was rage inducing to have them say whatever they wanted about the victims because they are not around to tell their side of things thanks to the whole being murdered thing. I don't personally find anything a murderer says about their victim very reliable. 

This book basically left me with the same mindset that I had after watching the movie. These were a bunch of bored young men who were trying to one up each other. They ran wild and things basically turned into Lord of the Flies. It is a fascinating look at a specific point in music history and at a true crime case that leaves you with plenty to to think about. I recommend this for anyone wanting a deep dive into the Norwegian black metal scene as it is certainly detailed and thorough.

More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn

More Than Maybe by Erin Hahn

Release Date - July 21, 2020

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Growing up under his punk rocker dad's spotlight, eighteen-year-old Luke Greenly knows fame and wants nothing to do with it. His real love isn't in front of a crowd, it's on the page. Hiding his gift and secretly hoarding songs in his bedroom at night, he prefers the anonymous comfort of the locally popular podcast he co-hosts with his outgoing and meddling, far-too-jealousy-inspiringly-happy-with-his-long-term-boyfriend twin brother, Cullen. But that’s not Luke’s only secret. He also has a major un-requited crush on music blogger, Vada Carsewell.

Vada's got a five year plan: secure a job at the Loud Lizard to learn from local legend (and her mom's boyfriend) Phil Josephs (check), take over Phil's music blog (double check), get accepted into Berkeley's prestigious music journalism program (check, check, check), manage Ann Arbor's summer concert series and secure a Rolling Stone internship. Luke Greenly is most definitely NOT on the list. So what if his self-deprecating charm and out-of-this-world music knowledge makes her dizzy? Or his brother just released a bootleg recording of Luke singing about some mystery girl on their podcast and she really, really wishes it was her? 

I have conflicting feelings about books that have a plot point revolving around a song written about one of the characters. I immediately want to read them but also usually end up disappointed. It seems like, for me at least, it is a premise that is tricky to get right. I am happy to say that my streak of disappointment is over because More Than Maybe pretty much hits all of the right notes.

This is one of the books that you'll fly through. It's pacing and charm ensures that you'll have a problem putting this one down. It's strength is the care that is taken to create these characters and ensuring that the reader cares about them. 

The family dynamics that both Vada and Luke are dealing with are really the heart of the book. The romance plot is fantastic and important to the story but I found myself more invested in the other plot elements. The synopsis focuses on the romantic elements but it is all the other stuff that made the story for me. I always love when the characters have something more than just the romantic side of things going on in a book and this one definitely delivers. 

The romance itself is well done and sweet. It perfectly captures those early stages where you circling around each other trying to determine if the other likes you too. It feels effortless with them texting song titles to each other as part of their flirty banter. I highly recommend listening to the songs included while reading for an extra bit of magic.

Music is really the soul of Erin Hahn's books. They revolve around music in a way that reminds you why you love music. It makes you want to create playlists and go check out local talent. Lyrics for important songs are crafted with care because they are often a vital puzzle piece to the story being told. If you are a music fan of any genre Erin's books will feel like love letters to something you love so much. 

If Erin Hahn's first book, You'd Be Mine, is country More Than Maybe is indie. It is a hip, feel like you discovered it read that is much a love letter to music as her first book is. It's got a lot of the same elements while still feeling quite different. If you are a contemporary young adult fan and are not reading Erin Hahn I highly encourage you to fix that immediately.

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

The Roommate by Rosie Danan

Release Date - September 15, 2020

Publisher Website - Penguin Random House Canada
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 336 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from the publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

House Rules:

Do your own dishes

Knock before entering the bathroom

Never look up your roommate online

The Wheatons are infamous among the east coast elite for their lack of impulse control, except for their daughter Clara. She’s the consummate socialite: over-achieving, well-mannered, predictable. But every Wheaton has their weakness. When Clara’s childhood crush invites her to move cross-country, the offer is too much to resist. Unfortunately, it’s also too good to be true.

After a bait-and-switch, Clara finds herself sharing a lease with a charming stranger. Josh might be a bit too perceptive—not to mention handsome—for comfort, but there’s a good chance he and Clara could have survived sharing a summer sublet if she hadn’t looked him up on the Internet...

Once she learns how Josh has made a name for himself, Clara realizes living with him might make her the Wheaton’s most scandalous story yet. His professional prowess inspires her to take tackling the stigma against female desire into her own hands. They may not agree on much, but Josh and Clara both believe women deserve better sex. What they decide to do about it will change both of their lives, and if they’re lucky, they’ll help everyone else get lucky too. 

The Roommate has been making a big splash with early buzz being a cascade of enthusiastic praise. As a result of this I had fairly high expectations picking up this one. Luckily this book not only met those expectations but surpassed them.

I've seen this referred to as a raunch-com in various write ups about the book. I think that's a clever description that is worthy of the characters in the book for a few reasons. This book is funny and sexy (with a heavy emphasis on the sexy). It is seriously fan yourself steamy but also manages to pack in a lot of heart and humour. It balances everything perfectly and keeps the pace going so that the pages seem to fly by.

Sex positivity and female sexual pleasure are a huge focus of this book. It is all about being both shameless in asking for what you want in bed and for shaming less those who do. It advocates a healthy, consensual sex life that is enjoyable for both partners. It gives a female gaze to an industry that normally is strictly focused on the male gaze. 

The opposites attract style romance works especially well here. Sheltered and more reserved Clara and more outgoing and social Josh are surprisingly perfect for each other. The road bumps they face along the way feel organic to who these characters are and blend in with the character growth they both have to go through. They each have issues outside the relationship that have to be overcome in order to move forward and I think both of them have very satisfying arcs. 

Josh is going to be a favourite among romance readers. He is confident, charming, and easily likeable. I think he may end up being one of my favourite romantic heroes. Clara is fantastic heroine as well that I predict many will love.

Another way this book circumvented my expectations was with the inclusion of Josh's ex Naomi. It went in a direction I was not anticipating but should have expected from the rest of this book. The female support and empowerment was woven in seamlessly with the rest of this book's message.

Rosie Danan has quickly launched herself on to my list of must read romance authors. She has given us a delightful debut that will instantly leave you craving more. I definitely will have no shame in wanting to get my hands on her next book as soon as possible.

The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

The Heir Affair by Heather Cocks and Jessica Morgan

Release Date - July 7, 2020

Publisher Website - Hachette 
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 464 pages
My Rating - 4/5
**received for an honest review from the publisher**

**spoilers for The Royal We**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

After a scandalous secret turns their fairy-tale wedding into a nightmare, Rebecca "Bex" Porter and her husband Prince Nicholas are in self-imposed exile. The public is angry. The Queen is even angrier. And the press is salivating. Cutting themselves off from friends and family, and escaping the world's judgmental eyes, feels like the best way to protect their fragile, all-consuming romance.

But when a crisis forces the new Duke and Duchess back to London, the Band-Aid they'd placed over their problems starts to peel at the edges. Now, as old family secrets and new ones threaten to derail her new royal life, Bex has to face the emotional wreckage she and Nick left behind: with the Queen, with the world, and with Nick's brother Freddie, whose sins may not be so easily forgotten—nor forgiven.

I adored The Royal We immensely when it cam out. I was entirely charmed by pretty much everything about it. I was especially charmed by Freddie, the second born heir to the throne. I was delighted when a sequel was announced and while it may not be the Freddie focused read I wanted it was a delight nevertheless. 

The novel picks up pretty much right after the events of the first book. Only a short amount of time has passed and that allows us to deal with the ramifications of some of those events. It also means that you absolutely have to read the first book before picking this one up. It is a direct sequel and not a companion novel.

Similar to the first book it is not as light as you imagine it being. There are a lot of heavy topics dealt with in these pages. The events that happen to these characters are allowed to be felt. They resonate with the characters in palpable, realistic ways. It is part of why I love this series so much. It makes the characters feel real. It pays attention to the public and private personas these characters would have and both aspects of these characters are nuanced.

Freddie may not be the sole focus but he has a very significant role. The fallout from his confession to Bex and his offer to run away with her features heavily in this book's plot. Freddie's feelings for Bex and how that makes everyone else feel (including Bex) is messy and complicated. It isn't easily wrapped up. It is not neat or pretty. It is given the heft it deserves and it impacts so may relationships in different ways. My only issue with the previous book was that this confession was barely dealt with  in a significant way and this rectified that. 

These characters are not always going to make the 'right' decisions. The authors constructed them to be imperfect and that includes making mistakes. I predict many may not 'like' Bex and will feel frustrated with her at times (among other characters). They are characters that you understand however. They are all under intense scrutiny in high pressure situations. The fact that they are disasters every so often makes them more authentic and realistic.

There are some lighter, more fun moments in among the drama and heartbreak. These moments ring like joyful bells and will have you craving more of them. They are timed perfectly and allowed the reader to connect with the characters even more.

Family secrets are revealed and the way everything is wound together is very clever. There are story parallels that will eventually be obvious but I enjoyed how it all came together. It's juicy and scandalous enough to be worthy of a fictitious royal family.

If you loved the first book I highly recommend picking up the second. It gives you more of everything you loved in the first book be that drama, royal family secrets, Bex and Nick cuteness, or (thankfully) more Freddie.

The Last Book On The Left

The Last Book On The Left by Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski

Release Date - April 7, 2020

Publisher Website - Raincoast Books
Publisher Social Media - Twitter

Pages - 304 pages
My Rating - 3.5/5
**borrowed from library**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

An equal parts haunting and hilarious deep-dive review of history’s most notorious and cold-blooded serial killers, from the creators of the award-winning Last Podcast on the Left

Since its first show in 2010, The Last Podcast on the Left has barreled headlong into all things horror, as hosts Henry Zebrowski, Ben Kissel, and Marcus Parks cover subjects spanning Jeffrey Dahmer, werewolves, Jonestown, and supernatural phenomena. Deeply researched but with a morbidly humorous bent, the podcast has earned a dedicated and aptly cultlike following for its unique take on all things macabre.

In their first book, the guys take a deep dive into history’s most infamous serial killers, from Ted Bundy to John Wayne Gacy, exploring their origin stories, haunting habits, and perverse predilections. Featuring newly developed content alongside updated fan favorites, each profile is an exhaustive examination of the darker side of human existence. With appropriately creepy four-color illustrations throughout and a gift-worthy paper over board format, The Last Book on the Left will satisfy the bloodlust of readers everywhere. 

I am not someone who has listened to every single episode of The Last Podcast On The Left. I download an episode when the subject being covered interests me and when I want a good, well researched deep dive into that subject. I appreciate what the podcast does and understand why it would have the following it does. 

I was interested in their book the instant I heard it was being written. I like the dynamic of the show and how each of the hosts adds something different that ultimately makes the podcast what it is. I was curious if that could be translated into book form the same way that I felt the My Favorite Murder hosts captured their dynamic and voice so well when writing their book. The answer to that question is yes and no. It mostly feels like the podcast, but some of the elements do not translate as well as I wanted them to.

The book is broken up into chapters that each focus on a different serial killer. Most of them are what the trio refer to as 'heavy hitters'. They are the serial killers that even those with no interest in true crime have heard about. You've got Ted Bundy Jeffrey Dahmer and John Wayne Gacy just to name a few. There were a few that I had not heard of before, but I figure others definitely have. This is a double edged sword because it will drive interest in the book but also puts pressure to deliver it a unique or interesting way.

This book is written in such a manner that it makes it a quick read. Filled with illustrations, and quips the chapters fly by. This gives you a surprisingly in depth, but compressed, look at each of the killers featured. It goes deeper than surface level, but still retains a fast paced feel. It's perfect for those who may find an entire book on one subject to be too much but they still want more than just a summery.. 

Marcus typically does a large part of the research for the podcast and he did most of it here as well, along with most of the writing. The book is meticulously researched and structured. It has a natural flow to it and you can tell care and effort was put into the content. Henry and Ben provide the comic relief (which is the same as what happens on the podcast). The humour (mostly) works but there are times that it falls a little flat. It doesn't translate as well as it does on the podcast. The humour is part of what makes the podcast what it is so for it not to land the same way stood out for me the way it might not for other people.

The dark sense of humour that the podcast is known for is on full display within this book. If you have never heard an episode of the podcast I would recommend becoming a little familiar before picking up the book. This book (and the podcast) will not be for everyone so be sure to do your research before picking it up.

Tom Neely's illustrations highlight the dark humour the podcast is known for. The illustrations are incredible and add something extra to the book. It certainly would not read the same without them. The art style is eye catching and you can see the hard work that went into them.

Do I think fans of the podcast will enjoy this? Absolutely. Is it a perfect translation of their voice from podcast to book format? Almost. It's a well researched and (mostly) well delivered true crime read that will mostly be a hit with fans of the podcast.