Review: Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

About the Book

A REESE’S BOOK CLUB PICK ∙ AN INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER ∙ Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping novel from Emily Henry.

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: to write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years—or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the twentieth century.

When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.

One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.

Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication.

Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.

But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.

And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad . . . depending on who’s telling it.

Review

There are thousands of people readily available to defend their favorite Emily Henry book at the drop of the hat. There’s almost a culture surrounding her books. I’ve proudly stood on the outside, looking in —reading a few of her books. I enjoyed most of them, although plot points have gotten lost in time, and I can’t recall why I liked them at that moment. I wouldn’t call them my favorite. I probably won’t re-read them ever again. Truthfully, I didn’t even consider reading Great Big Beautiful Life when it debuted. For a few weeks, I’ve been aware of the discourse and mixed reviews surrounding the book.  Some hailed it as her worst book to date; some considered it to be a departure from her usual routine. I was indifferent to it all and just wanted a book to listen to while I drove. I downloaded it without even knowing what it was truly about.

I’m writing this after having finished the book late last night. I sobbed the second I typed “Great Big Beautiful Life” into the blank Word document. It’s safe to say—five stars from me. I loved this one.

As someone who has been greatly interested in the Kennedys, the Kennedy Curse, and the Camelot era, this book was written for me. I saw similarities between the Kennedys and the fictional Ives family. Of course, it wasn’t copy and paste. There were many differences.

I’m a little offended when I read reviews that state that they wish the book wouldn’t have focused as much on Margaret Ives’ family. I found her family history to be beautifully tragic. I sobbed and laughed and screamed in horror. My heart pounded with anticipation of what would happen next. I had to pause every time a new twist came and take a breath. Several times, I considered pulling up Wikipedia, finding the Ives family page, and spoiling myself, but then I quickly realized this was fiction. The Ives were not a real family. I had to wait for the story to unfold. I was just as intrigued with the Ives family as I was with Hayden and Alice—if not more. Margaret Ives was as much a main character as Alice and Hayden, and I am not upset at all with the focus on her and her family. To me, that focus did not detract from Alice or Hayden or their romance.  I liked how her story connected to them. I liked their relationship with her—especially Alice’s.

At one point in the book, Alice mentions that not many people can dislike her. I wholeheartedly agree. She’s a fascinating character—easygoing, curious, and all-around wonderful. Hayden did try to avoid her. And even he-a reserved, untrusting individual-was not immune to her charm. As for their romance, it’s not the focal point of the story. Though, Alice and Hayden’s romance did draw me in. As did the other non-romantic relationships—Margaret and her sister, Alice and her dad, Hayden and his family, and Alice and her mom. A major shoutout to the relationship between Alice and her parents because, boy, was that also a tearjerker. Every relationship presented in this book was just as intriguing, heartbreaking, and memorable as the one before it.

One last thing—I enjoyed the book's structural organization. The Ives family history was perfectly woven into the story. I liked hearing what the public thought happened with the family and having the truth immediately follow it.

Final Thoughts

Great Big Beautiful Life is the Emily Henry book for me. The one that I will defend for my life. The one I recommend and sing its praises. Numerous components come together to make this story great.

Review: Welcome Home by Melissa Cate

About the Book

Seven years ago, Danielle divorced Joshua without any real explanation.

Since then, she has made strides to move forward and take care of herself in all the ways that matter to her. She's developed a healthy attitude toward food, changed her hair and nickname, earned a master's degree, and began work as a hospice social worker.

Joshua, however, has remained in his role as P.E. teacher at the same school and visits the same businesses he did when they were married, hoping that maybe she'll someday look for him.

They meet again on a blind date and discover that the spark between them is still there. Reconciliation is on both their minds, but first, they need to resolve not only their past, as Danielle shares her reason for leaving, but also their potential future, as Joshua shares that some parts of his life have actually changed.

Can they see beyond the pain of the past and into a new future together?

Review

Out of the recent short stories I have read, Welcome Home felt the most complete. From start to finish, it was clear that the author knew which direction she was going in. Therefore, nothing felt rushed, and I got a pretty good idea of these characters and their future.

Joshua and Danielle divorced seven years ago, and by faith, they enter each other’s lives again. Readers might have to suspend their disbelief a tad in this story; however, the “twist” works well and elevates the story. As for the characters, both are likable and well written. I understood their reactions and motives.

Final Thoughts

Welcome Home is a sweet second-chance story. Don’t let the page count fool you. There is a full, complete story here that will hold your interest.  

Buy on Amazon

Review: The Monosexual by Dean Monti

The Monosexual is an exploration of identity, obsession, and the absurdities of modern romance. Centered on Vincent Cappellini—a self-proclaimed “ultra-monogamist”—the novel takes a refreshing and unconventional approach to heartbreak, personal transformation, and the rigidity of self-definition.

Vincent, reeling from the abrupt end of what he believed to be his one true relationship, becomes a fascinating character study in denial, delusion, and painful growth. Twice-burned—emotionally by love, and quite literally by the sun—he spirals through a series of chaotic and surreal misadventures while facing the ultimate test to his monosexuality—a new woman in his life. By the way, a term he invented.

The trials Vincent faces—a Sinatra karaoke showdown, an encounter with a rage-fueled ex, and the temptations of a new romantic interest—are cleverly written and symbolic, testing not just his idea of fidelity but the very foundation of who he thinks he is.

What makes The Monosexual interesting is its blend of satire and sincerity. Vincent is both mockable and relatable, and the author shows how clinging to a single romantic ideal can become both a coping mechanism and a cage. The author balances humor with moments of introspection sensitivity dealing with the aftermath of a heart break.

The Monosexual is ultimately a human story about love, identity, and letting go.

Buy on Amazon | Bookshop.org

Review: Honeyed Fables by Whitney Dean

About the Book

Fallon Madison is a woman with secrets—especially the one she hides about the night her parents died. She fled her small Missouri hometown, leaving behind a life full of guilt, and started over in Sanderling, New Hampshire, where she owns a charming bookstore that’s quickly becoming the heart of the town. But when business rivalries heat up, Fallon’s quiet life is threatened by forces she’s not prepared for.

Enter Hayes Fitzgerald—a billionaire heir with a reputation for being as elusive as he is charming. Drawn to Fallon’s strength and vulnerability, Hayes begins working at her bookstore under a false name, his identity hidden to keep his family’s business ambitions at bay. But the chemistry between him and Fallon is undeniable, and as their connection deepens, so does the danger of his secret.

Caught between the woman he’s falling for and the empire he’s expected to build, Hayes must decide how much he’s willing to sacrifice for love—and whether the woman who’s healed his heart can ever forgive the lies he’s built between them.

Review

I was surprised that this was Whitney Dean’s first published contemporary romance book. Amongst her other works, her writing felt the strongest during Honeyed Fables. Also, this might be my favorite of hers. In the same breath, Honeyed Fables is not a perfect story.

The plot is one all too familiar. A CEO wants to eliminate a small, local bookstore. The CEO gives his son the task, and instead of making his intentions known to the bookstore owner, he conceals his identity. Dean marketed this book as a dark romance, and it’s very far from it. Despite the incorrect marketing and familiar plot, the book did hook me. That was mainly because of Fallon and Hayes. I won’t call it enemies to lovers because it’s not that either. Fallon dislikes him, not because she knows who he is, but because of how he presented himself. There are some good back-and-forths between them before the plot is kicked into high gear. Fallon and Hayes have a physical connection; however, their emotional connection is barely there. That and the alarmingly fast plot knocked this book down a few stars for me. Oh, and that ending. The entire conflict with them and Hayes' father is unresolved. An author's note states to follow Whitney Dean for future bonus content, including Fallon and Hayes' fight against his dad. I’m just confused about why she would leave such a big moment out of the book. Is there going to be a second installment? I’m just confused about the entire situation.

Final Thoughts

Honeyed Fables is Whitney Dean's first attempt at a contemporary romance. It is a decent effort. There was a disconnect between the marketing strategy and the book's actual plot. In addition, the book moved too fast for its own good and did not allow for a smooth buildup between the characters and romance. A lot was left to be desired. Despite its flaws, I hope Dean continues to write more in this genre.

Buy on Amazon

Review: The Sublet by Greer Hendricks

About the Book

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Greer Hendricks comes a chilling story about the hidden cost of perfection.

Anne is barely keeping it together. A frazzled ghostwriter and aspiring novelist, she juggles nine-year-old twins and a listless marriage from an overcrowded Manhattan apartment, spreading herself thinner each day. Just as Anne is about to give up on her dreams, she lands her biggest client yet: Melody Wells.

Melody paints a picture of serenity and empowerment in the lavender haze of her visualization workshops—however, the one thing she can’t manifest are the pages her publisher is demanding for her new motivational book. Enter Anne.

As Melody invites Anne deeper into her magical world, Anne finds herself working impossibly long days and traveling far beyond her comfort zone.

When Melody passes along a lead on a spacious sublet complete with East River views, built-in closets, and three bedrooms, Anne can’t believe her luck. Melody seems to know just what her family needs. But as small, unsettling incidents begin to accumulate, Anne starts to wonder what price she’s willing to pay for the good life.

Review

While reading, I could not decide if this was meant to be satire. It seemed serious; however, it felt unbelievably cliché. My final conclusion is that I don’t believe that satire was the author’s goal, which unfortunately leaves this book a two-out-of-five-star read for me.

The Sublet has an interesting premise. Anne is a ghostwriter whose life has become almost unfulfilling. After taking on Melody Wells—a popular wellness guru—as a client, unsettling events begin to unfold, and she struggles with reality. Readers are promised a “thrilling” adventure. Instead, they are treated to a story that feels rushed and predictable. This could have been a different reading experience if the author had slowed down and further developed the story.

Additionally, I wish the author had explored Anne more as a character. There were so many opportunities to explore her fears and her marriage.

Final Thoughts

The Sublet felt like a first draft of a thriller movie. An idea was formed; however, work was not completed to fully develop it. So much more could have been added to give it the extra kick it needed. It felt overwhelming and rushed. There was no character development or satisfying ending. Maybe the issue was that it was too short and that this would have worked better as a full novel.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Audible | Paperback | Bookshop.org

Review: Lush by Tinia Montford

About the Book

Laurene King had it all: beauty, wealth, and a sexy secret affair with Reese Ashbourne— the brooding heir of her family’s sworn enemy.

But one reckless night shattered everything.

Tragedy struck. Laurene disappeared. And Reese was left with betrayal, unanswered questions, and scars he’ll never forget.

Now, Laurene is back, forced to return to the life she fled, but her homecoming comes with a cruel twist. Their families, teetering on the edge of ruin, have resurrected an old deal to save themselves: an Ashbourne and a King must marry—or lose everything.

Only this time, Reese is the groom. Not his brother.

Haunted by the past, Reese craves revenge as much as he still craves her. Trapped in a forced proximity neither can escape, their chemistry ignites—and so do their secrets.

But someone knows the truth about that night. The lies that tore them apart are unraveling, and the shadowy danger lurking in their luxurious world could destroy them both.

With their second chance at love and their families’ legacies hanging by a thread, Laurene and Reese must choose: bury the past or watch everything crumble to ashes.

The clock is ticking, and some truths are better left buried…

Review

Lush was marketed as a mystery book with themes found in an 80s soap opera. That was the perfect way to sell this book. It was precisely that. I must applaud the author for recognizing that and leaning into that genre. There wasn’t a second where I was not entertained.  

Years ago, Reese Ashbourne and Laurene King were lovers and hid their relationship from their families—two prominent families within the city. The Ashbournes and the Kings are enemies; however, they are willing to plot for the sake of their legacies. Their plot involved having Laurene marry Reese’s other brother. Of course, Reese and Laurene were distraught and plotted together in secret. However, tragedy struck, and Laurene flees, and Reese mourns. After being summoned by her mother, Laurene returns to the city, and a new plan is established— now Laurene and Reese must marry.

This book was rich people drama. Excellent rich people drama. It’s soapy, yet it doesn’t feel corny or making fun of the genre. Montford does a great job setting the scene and building this rich, dangerous world. There were layers upon layers of material here. Reese and Laurene are the main characters; however, every character felt fully fleshed out and had their own story and motive. I’m excited to see where this series goes and what happens with the other characters.

Reese and Laurene were the perfect characters to kick off this series. Both have been victims of their families’ legacies and puppets. And when they attempted to break free from it all, it all went horribly wrong. Reese lost a brother and felt betrayed by Laurene. He’s always felt like the last option and screw-up in his family, and he thought Laurene really saw him. Laurene was alone and missing her voice. They are still healing from the results of what happened six years ago while dealing with their parents. When they see each other after so many years, they have a lot of hurt feelings that they have to work through. Also, they have to deal with someone blackmailing them. A lot is going on in their life as they rediscover their love for each other.

Besides Reese and Laurene, everyone in this book is a suspect. I wasn’t sure who I could trust and who was blackmailing Reese and Laurene. I made at least three different final guesses before it was eventually revealed. My first guess was correct, but with how everyone was acting, I kept second-guessing myself.

Final Thoughts:

Lush is a great 80s soapy romance book. It contains a lot of blackmail, lies, and twists and turns. It’s an entertaining ride that almost feels like a television show. The mystery is strong and engaging.

Buy on Amazon