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Release date: October 19, 2016

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance 

Goodreads blurb: 

Step inside a beautiful winter wonderland where love, laughter and cosy nights by the fire will make this Christmas one to remember. 

Neve Whitaker loves managing the Stardust Lake hotel. She gets to work alongside her wonderful family and she’s spending Christmas on the most enchanting, snow-covered island in Scotland. So why is her heart so heavy this festive season? 

It might have something to do with the gorgeous actor Oakley Rey, the man she finished with before he left for California and the man she loves more than anything. With Oakley’s career in Hollywood soaring, Neve is convinced she’d only hold him back. She had to end it with him – at least that’s what she keeps telling herself. 

But now she has a secret she’s struggling to keep, and when Oakley arrives on Juniper Island determined to win her back, Neve is thrown off balance. Will Neve’s fear of having her heart broken again push Oakley away for good, or is it time for her to take a leap of faith? 

Get swept away by this deliciously sweet and heartwarming tale, and spend an unforgettable Christmas on Juniper Island. 

Review: 

I confessed in my review of the first book in this series, Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky that I’m a Christmas junkie and I couldn’t wait to revisit this lovely and enchanting town again! I may have even liked this one a bit better than the first though they’re equally charming and romantic, this book just has a bit more drama and secrecy than the first.

This book picks up right where the first one left off, Neve is shocked by the sudden, unannounced appearance of her ex boyfriend, Oakley who also happens to be a huge Hollywood movie star. Things between them are immediately complicated and muddled up though it’s clear they’re still madly in love with each other. While the first book focused mostly on the love story between Gabe and Piper love is in the air for many of the residents of Juniper Island this time around. Adam, the new assistant manager of the hotel begins a tentative relationship with one of the shop workers Ivy, and we are even shown brief glimpses of Luke (Neve and Gabe’s brother) and Andrea as they fall in love. All of them must sort through various problems and issues as they take a chance on love. And one of my favorites little Wren is back and she’s just as unabashedly honest and hilarious as she was in the first book.

No one writes a Christmas book quite as beautifully as Martin does, she captures the magic of Christmas and she made me feel like a young child again, I was so enraptured by this extraordinary town. I’m going to go ahead and dub her the Queen of the Romantic Christmas novel! Just look at that cover, doesn’t it make you want to crawl right inside? I’m actually trying to talk myself out of decorating my house for Christmas because if I actually do that in October my husband may think I’ve finally gone and lost my mind! Pick this one up for a feel good, funny, warm and cozy read that will make you sigh with happiness and contentment by the end.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: October 20, 2016

Publisher: Avon UK

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Goodreads blurb:

The Queen of Grip-lit is back…

‘A terrific story, originally told. All hail the new Queen of Crime!’ HEAT

‘A web of a plot that twists and turns and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. This formidable debut is a page-turner, but don’t read it before bed if you’re easily spooked!’ SUN

EVERYTHING YOU THINK YOU KNOW IS A LIE…

Can you keep a secret? Your life depends on it…

Bridget Reid has a secret, one that could get her killed… If she can escape the man who is keeping her locked in a basement bedroom.

DS Imogen Grey is good at keeping secrets – truths she’d never reveal to her colleagues at Exeter Police. She worked hard to get where she is – she nearly died for it. Now her past is catching up with her…

As DS Grey and her partner DS Adrian Miles search for Bridget, they uncover a terrifying web of abuse, betrayal and murder. And they realise that some secrets are better left buried… 

Review: 

I have to start this review by admitting that I didn’t read the first book in this series, The Teacher. In the past, I would never read a series out of order, but within the past few months, I’ve stopped caring. I feel like I would miss out on too many great books if I skipped book four in a series because I didn’t read the first three. It’s been working out pretty well for me so far, but I think this time I may have screwed up by not reading book one first. Whoops.

It all begins with Bridget Reid, a woman who has found herself in a terrifying situation. She’s been abducted by a man and she’s being held captive. Nothing makes sense to her though, she’s pretty well taken care of, but why can’t she remember anything day to day? And is everything she is witnessing real or is she cracking up? 

Imogen Grey and Adrian Miles are the officers assigned to Bridget’s case. Portions of the book are told from Bridget’s point of view and there are also sections told from both Grey’s and Miles perspectives. I really liked the two of them as partners, they’re jaded and struggle with their own morality which made them relatable and interesting. There are flashbacks to Grey’s life two years ago when she worked in Plymouth and she’s now in Exeter. At first, I had no idea why we were being told about old events, but soon it all makes sense and things converge beautifully. There are also parts told from a young unknown boy that added a real chill to the story. His chapters were told in such a dispassionate and cold manner that I actually got goosebumps a few times!

This was so close to being a five star read for me, it had so many aspects I loved. There were gory and gruesome crime scenes, secrets and betrayals, well written characters, and plenty of mystery. The problem I had here was that the middle dragged for me. With so many viewpoints and timeframes, I found myself a little confused. I kept mixing up details about the case from two years prior and the current one. For those of you who read The Teacher, do you think I would’ve been less confused if I started there? I’m really wondering if it was just me?

I would definitely recommend this book to lovers of mysteries and thrillers. Diamond really did an excellent job merging all the various storylines and plotted them all together tidily. The ending was left wide open, I can only assume that there will be a third book in the series and I will definitely be checking it out. I really think maybe I need to find time to go back and read book one, maybe I can bump my rating up? 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to Avon UK for my copy, this review is my thanks to them.

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Release date: October 20, 2016

Publisher: Bookouture 

Genre: Crime Fiction/Mystery/Thriller

Goodreads blurb: 

Beneath the water the body sank rapidly. She would lie still and undisturbed for many years but above her on dry land, the nightmare was just beginning. 

When Detective Erika Foster receives a tip-off that key evidence for a major narcotics case was stashed in a disused quarry on the outskirts of London, she orders for it to be searched. From the thick sludge the drugs are recovered, but so is the skeleton of a young child. 

The remains are quickly identified as seven-year-old Jessica Collins. The missing girl who made headline news twenty-six years ago. 

As Erika tries to piece together new evidence with the old, she must dig deeper and find out more about the fractured Collins family and the original detective, Amanda Baker. A woman plagued by her failure to find Jessica. Erika soon realises this is going to be one of the most complex and demanding cases she has ever taken on. 

Is the suspect someone close to home? Someone is keeping secrets. Someone who doesn’t want this case solved. And they’ll do anything to stop Erika from finding the truth. 

From the million-copy bestselling author of The Girl in the Ice and The Night Stalker, comes the third heart-stopping book in the Detective Erika Foster series.

Review:

I have to start by saying that for everyone that has been anxiously awaiting the newest book in Bryndza’s Detective Erika Foster series, the wait has been well worth it. He’s done it again folks,this one has everything fans crave and more. The only question that I have now is, when is book four coming? Fingers crossed for early 2017!

Jessica Collins disappeared twenty six years ago when she was just seven years old. My daughter is the same age and imagining what her poor parents went through when she went missing broke my heart. And then to still not have any answers all these years later? Unfathomable. But now DCI Foster has fought to lead the investigation and she is tenacious and determined to finally solve Jessica’s case and bring some peace to her family.

This case is beyond cold, and with very little in the way of leads, Foster has her work cut out for her. It’s soon apparent that someone is trying to thwart the investigation at any cost. But who could this person possibly be? And why are they willing to take such extreme measures to ensure that old secrets stay buried? Trust me when I say that these measures are extreme and chilling.

Jessica’s family was completely shattered by her disappearance. Her mother is barely hanging on by a thread, her father is oblivious, her older sister is skittish and fragile, and her younger brother barely remembers Jessica and is the sole member of the family who has remained relatively unscathed. Someone is playing a deadly game with the Collins family and DCI Foster and the clock is ticking.

This book had a slow and simmering burn feeling to it although the chapters are brief and the pacing is spot on. Part of why I love crime fiction is that you get a behind the scenes look as to how police officers begin to untangle a case, and this one is a whopper. Seeing Erika interact with both parts of her old team and new members was a treat and I liked seeing her next to her family as well. It showed a different side to her other than her work personality which is often bristly, abrasive and sometimes downright bitchy. 

The twists here are well thought out and there are plenty diversionary tactics used to keep the reader on their toes. When all was revealed, I was totally gut punched. The truth is heartbreaking and emotional in a way that knocked me off of my feet. In many ways this was a senseless tragedy that managed to change and effect the lives of so many people. I must stop there before I go and reveal major plot points, but this one was a winner and  one that I feel will stay with me for quite some time.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: October 18, 2016

Publisher: Pocket Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance/Chick Lit

Goodreads blurb: 

Sex and the City meets The Wedding Planner in The Wedding Belles, a contemporary and witty romance series about three high-powered New York City women who can plan any wedding—but their own.

Alexis Morgan has spent the past six years devoted to turning her tiny start-up into Manhattan’s premiere wedding planning company, The Wedding Belles. Now that her business is thriving, it’s time to turn towards her much neglected personal life, and Alexis approaches her relationships like she does everything else: with a plan. Not a part of that plan is Logan Harris, the silent partner in the Belles, and the one person who’s been there for her since the very beginning. But Alexis needs someone fun, and Logan’s all business, all the time—except when a late night at the office ends with an unexpected kiss that leaves the usually cool and together Alexis reeling.

Logan has lusted after Alexis since the day he walked into the tiny Harlem apartment that used to double as her office. But the ambitious wedding planner has always been untouchable…until now. Alexis has made it clear that she’s on the dating market—and equally clear that he’s not in the running. But when Alexis finds herself in need of a date for her sister’s last minute wedding in Florida, Logan knows it’s the perfect time to show Alexis that there’s more to him than numbers and spreadsheets—and beneath the pinstripes and glasses lies a hot-blooded heartthrob. As Florida’s sultry days turn into even hotter nights, Logan’s out to convince Alexis that the fling of a lifetime could just maybe turn into forever… 

Review: 

I was highly anticipating the third book in the Wedding Belles series as I loved the previous two. To Have and To Hold and For Better Or Worse were both really fun and romantic reads where you were introduced to a group of friends and coworkers living in NYC. While I wasn’t exactly disappointed by To Love and To Cherish, I wasn’t as content as I thought I would be.

Book three finally delves into Alexis story and I had been waiting for this for some time. Behind her icy exterior I just knew that there was an interesting story there. Everyone but her has been very aware that the Belle’s accountant, Logan is in love with her and has been for years. Eight years as a matter of fact. The man has the patience of a saint. So seeing the light finally go off in Alexis head was gratifying but not unexpected. Along the way you find out exactly how she started the Belle’s which is something I’ve always been curious about too.

Alexis and Logan have great chemistry and Layne delivers her usual charm and sexy scenes that she’s known for. What was missing for me in this book was the banter that she usually nails. I guess it was sort of there, I just felt it was better and snarkier in the second book between Heather and Josh. There is plenty of flirting and sexual tension between Alexis and Logan and he is utterly charming and sophisticated. If anyone is able to discover Alexis hidden soft and sexy side it’s him. 

I loved revisiting this group of friends and checking in with Jessie, Seth, Brooke, Josh and Heather. I’m sad that this is the last book in the series, I was hoping for a fourth book about Jessie. While book two was definitely my favorite, I can still recommend this one as well. In fact, I can wholeheartedly stand behind this entire series as they have everything I look for in a good chick lit series; warmth, humor, fun, sex, and wit.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to Pocket Books for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: October 13, 2016

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Goodreads blurb: 

Imagine you are having lunch at an exclusive restaurant, filled with Hollywood’s hottest stars.

And a masked gunman walks in and takes everyone hostage.

You must bargain for your life against a twisted individual who knows everything about you.

He also has a bomb set to detonate if his heart rate changes.

If he dies. You die.

You have four hours to stay alive.

What would you do?

A heart-stopping thriller with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, for fans of Peter Swanson, Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay.

Review:

Let’s start by talking about that cover and blurb. The cover is striking and immediately caught my eye, then when I read the blurb I was instantly fascinated. Hostage situations are always good for high intensity and drama. This was another book that I just had a feeling about, I knew that I would love it based on the blurb/cover combo alone and was I ever right!

Everyone that was eating lunch at LA hotspot Alfie’s is suddenly taken hostage by a crazed, masked madman. The suspense and intrigue start immediately with no hesitation from Carol. Thus begins a nonstop, action packed, thrilling ride that left me breathless. I swear I couldn’t keep up with all the crazy thoughts swirling around my head while reading this and I mean that in the best way possible. It just never lets up, the reader is constantly being assaulted by insane plot twists and shocking turns of events. This is a read in one sitting type of book and I would’ve done just that if I was able to. Since I was unable to do that, I was thinking about how it would all play out constantly.

I’m skeptical about revealing too much about the plot, but I will say that I loved the glimpse into both the lives of Hollywood’s elite and the journalists that are covering the situation. Carol showed the seedy and dark side of both worlds and you just know that it’s sadly an accurate portrayal of how this stuff really plays out.

Relentless action, nail biting moments, and a cast of characters that are flawed, self serving, egotistical and real are what The Killing Game is made of. I wholeheartedly recommend this one for anyone that enjoys thrillers or even action movies as it reminded me quite a bit of a blockbuster movie. Just be prepared for a chilling, exciting and entertaining ride that you won’t want to end.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: February 2, 2016

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Mystery/Thriller 

Goodreads blurb: 

A woman uncovers earth-shattering secrets about her husband’s family in this chilling page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf 

Sarah Quinlan’s husband, Jack, has been haunted for decades by the untimely death of his mother when he was just a teenager, her body found in the cellar of their family farm, the circumstances a mystery. The case rocked the small farm town of Penny Gate, Iowa, where Jack was raised, and for years Jack avoided returning home. But when his beloved aunt Julia is in an accident, hospitalized in a coma, Jack and Sarah are forced to confront the past that they have long evaded. 

Upon arriving in Penny Gate, Sarah and Jack are welcomed by the family Jack left behind all those years ago—barely a trace of the wounds that had once devastated them all. But as facts about Julia’s accident begin to surface, Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlans is what it seems. Caught in a flurry of unanswered questions, Sarah dives deep into the puzzling rabbit hole of Jack’s past. But the farther in she climbs, the harder it is for her to get out. And soon she is faced with a deadly truth she may not be prepared for. 

Review: 

I’ve never read anything by Gudenkauf before but have heard great things about her books. Missing Pieces had a pretty long wait list at my library so I assumed that it would be a great read, after all it’s been out since February and still had a fairly long list. You know what they say about assuming things. Regrettably this one missed the mark completely for me.

The premise was great and I liked the opening prologue. It’s 1985 and Jack’s mother is murdered. It’s clear she knows her attacker so I expected that there would be a small group of suspects to choose from and I was fine with that. What I wasn’t ok with was this group being flat, two dimensional characters that were annoying and frankly, dumb.

Back in the present now Sarah and Jack arrive in Penny Gate when Jack’s aunt Julia has an accident that lands her in the hospital. Upon arrival, Sarah immediately begins to learn that Jack was less than honest about his past. She starts digging into the events surrounding his mothers death and is shocked by what she discovers. I’m not sure how she was so shocked because I had pretty much of all this one figured out early on. 

This was another book with huge potential that just wasn’t well executed. I had a huge disconnect with the characters and as much as the author tried to portray Sarah as a smart woman, she sure came off as stupid. Her marriage to Jack wasn’t believable to me either, they did not act the way you would expect a couple that’s been married for twenty years to act at all. Their twin daughters were often mentioned but why? They were very briefly in the book and had nothing to do with the story whatsoever. The twists were all mediocre and yawn worthy with lackluster secrets that were easily guessed. Give these pieces a miss.

Overall rating: 2/5 (that’s only because Gudenkauf is a good writer and I respect the time she took to write this. Based on the story alone this was a one for me)

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Release date: April 3, 2016

Publisher: Malin Press

Genre: Mystery

Goodreads blurb: 

Suspense, mystery, action, a little romance and lots of laughs

Out-of-work actress Derry O’Donnell is talented, professional, just a little psychic… and broke. Spurred on by an ultimatum from her awesomely high-achieving mother, Derry embarks on a part-time career as Madame Tulip, fortune teller to the rich and famous. But at her first fortune-telling gig – a celebrity charity weekend in a luxurious castle – a famous rap artist mysteriously dies.

As Derry is drawn deeper into a seedy world of fashion, millionaires, horses and cocaine, she must race to save her best friend from jail and a supermodel from being murdered. Her efforts threaten to destroy her friends, her ex-lover, her father and herself.

Fans of humorous mystery writers Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen will love Madam Tulip.

Madame Tulip is the first in a series of thrilling and hilarious Tulip adventures in which Derry O’Donnell, celebrity fortune-teller and reluctant amateur detective, plays the most exciting and perilous roles of her acting life, drinks borage tea, and fails to understand her parents.

Review: 

Though this is categorized as a mystery I found it to be much more than that as it fit under a wide variety of genres. It had a cozy mystery feel to it as well as humor and bit of romance. Set in Ireland, it had a certain charm that I don’t think would have been there had it been in a different country. While not filled with my usual preference of tension and intrigue, this still had enough heart to keep me engaged.

Derry is a great character, she’s funny and a bit wacky. She reluctantly decides to use her gift of seeing bits of the future to make money because she’s flat broke as struggling actors tend to be. With some encouragement from her friend Bella, she decides to attend a celebrity event and take on the persona of Madam Tulip. She gets far more than she bargained for when one of the guests winds up dead. Thus ensues some madcap hijinks as Derry is unwillingly involved in a zany adventure full of drug dealers and generally unsavory characters.

This was a quick and enjoyable read for me with not a lot of heavy thinking. The characters are what make this book as the plot is a bit far fetched and silly. But Jacko, Derry’s outlandish, gambling scamp of a father and Bruce, her gay out of work actor friend really added to the fun. While I found it to drag a little in the middle, the action thankfully picks up in the end. Though it blends genres pretty skillfully, I think cozy mystery fans will enjoy this the most.

Overall review: 3/5

Thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: October 8, 2016

Publisher: Pink Bloom

Genre: Chick Lit

Goodreads blurb: 

Have you ever wondered what might have been?

Gemma Dawson is at the airport, staring at two plane tickets to two different cities. Two different weddings. Two possible futures. She’s at a crossroads.

Be maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding or crash her ex’s?

Gemma’s decision, unknown to her, hinges on a delayed flight and a chance meeting. Now her life is about to go down two parallel tracks—will Gemma fly toward a life with her first love or a future with a man she’s not even met yet? 

Love Connection is a feel good Romantic Comedy about one woman, life’s infinite possibilities, and the destiny that lies beyond two different choices.

Review: 

This book caught my attention as I think we’ve all wondered how our lives could have turned out completely differently had we made other choices and in Love Connection you get to see how Gemma’s life could be by making both choices and seeing her two very unalike lives side by side. She can either attend her best friends wedding as the maid of honor, or crash her exes wedding and reveal her true feelings. Which choice does she really make? And will the outcome really change much or is fate guiding her to the same place either way?

Gemma is such a fun character. In fact, all of the characters here are loads of fun. Besides Gemma you have her best friend Amelia. The two are quite the pair and they have a deep friendship full of humor and true understanding. Several of their scenes made me giggle and after finishing such a heavy novel a bit of lighthearted fun was exactly what I needed. Jake is Gemma’s ex and the one that got away. He’s moved on and is getting married on the same day as Amelia, hence Gemma’s huge decision. Lastly there is Richard who is the new man in Gemma’s life. He is utterly charming and quite the catch but Gemma can’t quite seem to completely let go of her past and embrace her future.

It was really fun and interesting to read this one. Every chapter alternates between both choices; one chapter with Gemma heading to Amelia’s wedding and the other to Jake’s. I was dying to see how it would all end and I was not disappointed, although I’m rather eager for book two in the series now! Filled with witty banter, humor and heart Love Connection is a delightful read that will make you feel good and leave you with a smile on your face. In fact, I smiled most of the way through this book and still am!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads|Amazon|Wrecked
Release date: October 4, 2016

Publisher: Algonquin YR

Genre: YA/NA

Goodreads blurb:

Everyone has heard a different version of what happened that night at MacCallum College. Haley was already in bed when her roommate, Jenny, arrived home shell-shocked from the wild Conundrum House party. Richard heard his housemate Jordan brag about the cute freshman he hooked up with. When Jenny formally accuses Jordan of rape, Haley and Richard find themselves pushed onto opposite sides of the school’s investigation. But conflicting interests fueling conflicting versions of the story may make bringing the truth to light nearly impossible–especially when reputations, relationships, and whole futures are riding on the verdict. 

Review: 

Every once in awhile a book comes along that tackles difficult subject matter head on in a moving and poignant way. Some of you may remember my glowing review of It Ends With Us and a big part of why I liked that book so much was that Colleen Hoover was not afraid to shed light on a disturbing, yet important subject. Though the issues explored in Wrecked are different, they are no less important and I found myself thinking that it is similar because it’s such an important book for young people to read. This is another one that I want my kids to read, it will be especially relevant at the end of high school before they head off to college.

This one is told from two perspectives, that of Haley and Richard. Haley is a soccer playing freshman who has just been sidelined after her third concussion and Richard is a sophomore math whiz. Their paths cross in unexpected ways after Haley’s roommate, Jenny claims Richard’s housemate, Jordan sexually assaulted her. At the same time Haley and Richard begin to explore their very new relationship, the two are placed unwillingly on opposite sides of the schools investigation into the matter. The truth of what really happened that night is slowly and painstakingly revealed through small snippets at the end of each chapter. At times this frustrated me, but it was also very clever on Padian’s part because the reader is just as much in the dark about what went down as the rest of the characters.

As details about the investigation are leaked on campus, rumors spread like wildfire. Jenny becomes the target of cyber bullying and harassment and everyone even remotely connected to the events of that fateful night are forced to take sides. Though it pains me to admit this, I found myself questioning if Jenny was telling the truth several times. She was wasted and barely remembers anything that happened, so how can she know for sure that she was raped? Padian was so skillful in showing how this event affected an entire college and she successfully managed to make me, as a reader experience all the emotions and conflicting thoughts that the characters were feeling themselves. 

Rape culture is such a heavy topic but one that couldn’t be more timely and relevant, especially when it happens on a college campus. It’s running rampant and I googled some statistics that were shocking and horrifying. What happened to Jenny is happening to young women all across the country and it is not ok. The importance of consent is prevalent in this book and for that reason alone I will be encouraging everyone to read this. 

This isn’t a story with a neat and tidy ending, but you know what? That’s ok for me this time. Why? Because it’s true and accurate and I can definitely see things playing out in the exact same way at colleges across the country. Victim blaming/shaming, people only worrying about covering their own asses, and frankly, appalling behavior is the sad and unfortunate truth of what usually happens when a college student is sexually assaulted. I applaud Padian for taking on a tough issue and sharing it in a book that teenagers will actually want to read. She’s created a story that is relatable and well timed with characters that you would see at any college in America. She succeeded in making me really think all the while going through a plethora of emotions that will stay with me for quite some time. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Createspace (independent publishing)

Genre: YA

Goodreads blurb: 

One pill every 7 hours. That could be all it takes to give Chanel the chance to finally see the world around her. Chanel is an independent 19-year-old, despite what her overprotective mother and senator father may think. Being the daughter of a Senator comes with its own problems, one simple afternoon out with friends becomes overwhelming when they’re swarmed by reporters. Keeping the secret of the experimental treatment close to her chest, she is able to fool everyone but her hawkeyed bodyguard, Leon, that has now been assigned to protect her. Chanel doesn’t want a bodyguard, but will she get more than she bargained for.

Review: 

I don’t generally read many novellas, I think I usually want a bit more meat with my reading, but I’m really glad that I gave this one a chance as it was the perfect, quick read for an evening at home. 

Chanel was born blind and has decided to try an experimental drug to help regain her sight. She has told no one about this, not her two best friends, Mike and Bridgette and most definitely not her over protective parents. She’s determined to be as independent as possible despite her disability, which is one of the many reasons I loved her character. She has a fiery spirit and is just a fun and slightly quirky young woman. 

This book made me think about what it would actually mean to never have the gift of sight.There are times where Chanel is trying to understand what colors look like and it struck me how impossible it would be to try and explain such a thing to someone with no frame of reference. As hard as it is for her mother to explain colors, it’s even more difficult for Chanel to comprehend.

My only very slight complaint is that there a couple of times where the writing was a bit stilted. Other than that, I loved the story and the relationships between the characters, especially Chanel and her friends then later, with Leon. For such a short story it sure packed an emotional punch.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.