Review: Fake by Kylie Scott

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After a cheating scandal, Patrick Walsh’s reputation needs to be repaired. His team decides that the only way to do that is to hire a dependent, down-to-earth woman who is willing to play the part of his girlfriend. Enter Norah Peers, a waitress who is just what they need.

Fake was an enjoyable read. The fake relationship trope was done okay, and I really liked Norah and Patrick together. It felt seamlessly with them, and there was a certain spark about them.

Despite me enjoying this book, it didn’t feel like the stakes were as high as the book made it out to be. Sure, Patrick’s career wasn’t doing great, but there were a few overly dramatic moments that felt out of place due to the fact that the stakes were not high. And I think that could partially be because the story is told in the POV of Norah, which is fine for the most part. However, by not having Patrick’s POV the big “what if” and the emotional connection to the entire reasoning for the fake dating were nonexistent almost.

Final Thoughts

Fake is an entertaining enough fake dating trope that feels rushed towards the end. 

Review: The Happiness Thief by Nicole Bokat

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The Happiness Thief by Nicole Bokat, examines a woman who is tormented by her past. When she was young, she was in an accident that killed her mother. Let us believe that she was the root of the cause, it affected her life in various ways and relationships. The survivor’s guilt just overshadowed her life. Upon a trip with her sister to the Cayman Island, a minor accident triggered her past and reignited her fears that led her down a path of unanswered questions surrounding the crash with her mother.

With so many unanswered questions, Natalie takes it upon herself to do her own investigating, taking her down a road that brings up repressed memories that are challenging everything she thought she knew. As she gets closer to the truth, she discovers that everything she thought wasn’t as it seems and what she uncovers changes everything that she once knew.

To be honest, I wasn’t immediately drawn into the book as I’d hoped I would be from the start. As interesting as the plot was, it was a slow build for me but when it hit midway, it really grabbed my attention. There were predictable moments but that ending was unexpected and amazing. The author definitely has a talent for storytelling, which was evident in her writing and the memorable characters. The overall plot had an unraveling appeal to it which keeps the reader interested. The book came together nicely and it turned out to be a nice read.I can see this turning into a movie.

Review: Spark: How Genius Ignites, From Child Prodigies to Late Bloomers by Claudia Kalb

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Spark chronicled through storytelling and extensive research, 13 influential people that have had a tremendous impact on our culture through science, medicine, the arts, entertainment and politics. Spark examined each individual through their life and journey to explore what made them extraordinary. Chronicled through their stages in life, we are given an insightful commentary that explores the trajectory of the people that have defined what it means to be genius and how their contributions have shaped our lives.

Overall, I thought the book was really interesting. There is much that I didn’t know and the way the book was put together was very informative. I found the trajectory of the early accomplishers to the ones who bloomed later in life very insightful. Through her research and interviews, I feel she gave a fresh perspective to understanding what made them great. I really appreciate how she didn’t broad stroke their contributions. Each was given their due and not celebrated for who they were and accomplishments individually. Overall, it brought some thought provoking questions that I feel were answered at conclusion. This was a good read.

Review: Forever Mine by Ella Goode

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Forever Mine was a decent enough romance that would have benefitted if the book was longer. The story centers on Lucy and Wyatt. Two best friends who are secretly in love with each other. And in order to keep his position at his law firm, Wyatt is forced to get married. And he is very insistent on making Lucy his wife.

Unfortunately, the book had far too many instances of miscommunication that it was mentally exhausting. Most of the conflict within the book could have been resolved if they had had those important conversations. But they don’t. So, miscommunication continuously becomes a major theme in this short book.

In addition, there is no real build up nor any proper backstory. It was a little hard to believe Wyatt and Lucy were best friends and not two acquaintances who happened to be attractive to each other. Readers are constantly told that, but that isn't explored to a complete extent. 

Final Thoughts

Forever Mine is a rushed marriage of convenience story that lacks any development and has too much miscommunication. 

Review: Le Deal by J. Byrne Murphy

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In an age of inspired entrepreneurship, Le Deal by J. Bryne Murphy is one of those books that you might want to sit down and absorb. Many go into their big dreams with high expectations, big ambitions but don’t understand that there might be many failures before their upward peak of success. I didn’t catch this memoir when it was first published a decade ago, but the insight and valuable lessons are timeless. 

Murphy’s confidence while risking everything to bring an unknown concept internationally is the type of heart and determination every entrepreneur should have. Initially risking everything, including his family, to pursue this concept paid off but not without obstacles along the way. The turbulent waters of politics, foreign relations, and threats to his success may have detoured his journey but never been defeated. Through his trial and error, Murphy chronicles his journey creating a multi billion dollar concept that trailblazed the industry and inspired other ventures. Not ever giving up even when he was close to losing everything, I found this to be such an inspirational memoir that will empower anyone especially those that have long term goals in business to keep fighting for what you believe in despite it not seeming reachable.

Overall, I thought the book was very insightful and inspirational. This book can be read by anyone but I feel that it will be more valuable to those with an interest in the business genre as well as those involved or wanted to pursue a business.

Review: Coming Home to Seashell Harbor by Miranda Liasson

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When it comes to feel good small town romance, one of my favorite authors is Miranda Liasson. If you haven’t read any of her books, you are truly missing out. I was so excited when I heard she had a new book, Coming Home to Seashell Harbor, part of her new Seashell Harbor series. This new small town romance brings the charm we’ve grown to love.

From the start, I adored Hadley. Her character reminded me of the relationship that I had with my grandmother, which touched my heart from the beginning. She is one of the characters that you find yourself connecting right away with. She is a rockstar PR gal who decided to come home after a breakup that left her feeling unsure about herself and life. What better way to heal than to help her grandmother with her business after an accident has her sidelined for a little bit. Upon arrival, she finds out that her grandmother’s business has been facing financial difficulties and has been in talks about being sold. To her surprise, the last person on earth that she ever thought would be the contender was the guy who broke her heart, Tony Cammareri (Cam).

Tony (Cam) isn’t the person who broke up with her all those years ago. There’s a lot that has changed about him but that is to be seen. After a career ending injury, all he wants to do is mend the broken pieces of his life and build something for himself that will bring happiness to his life. With his goal of bringing a successful restaurant to the town, there is no place better than where Pooch Palace is. There is only one problem, Hadley.

When her grandmother proposes a proposition, they both find themselves on different paths of where the future lies. Cam knows that Hadley still feels pain from the past but he is determined to show her that he wants to change all of that. In an attempt to show the grandmother which business would be best, their loyalties are tested and they find themselves confronting their past, present, and future in more than just business.

Coming Home to Seashell Shore embodied the cliche, home is where the heart is. What a beautiful start to this series, bringing these two characters that needed mending and a new start. Some moments will make you laugh, cry and just make your heart smile. Not only the two of them but the supporting characters brought into their lives collectively complement each other to make the book beautiful. The friendships and the familial love between characters are just as wonderful. 

Overall, this was a wonderful start to the Seashell Harbor series. I’m excited and can’t wait to dive into the next book. If you are looking for a sweet small town, second chance book, I’d recommend checking this one out. 

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