What They SayRebecca is the only girl she knows who didn't cry at the end of Titanic. Ben is the only man he knows who did. Rebecca’s untidy but Ben doesn’t mind picking up her pieces. Ben is laid back by Rebecca keeps him on his toes. They're a perfect match. Nothing can come between them. Or so they think. When a throwaway comment reveals a secret from the past, their love story is rewritten. Can they recover from the night that changed everything? And how do you forgive when you can’t forget? The Night That Changed Everything is a funny, feel-good and bittersweet story, told in alternate chapters by Laura Tait and Jimmy Rice. My ReviewThe Night That Everything Changed is one of those books you just HAVE to read. And it will also frustrate the living daylights out of you. Because, as it turns out, The Night That Everything Changed is not a love story. It's the story of a break-up. A WARNING WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE, LAURA, JIMMY. ANYBODY. Yes, I was suckered in on the promise of what sounded like the most amazing love story ever, and assumed that the hiccup that changed "everything" might well not be something quite so drastic, but it was, and turns out it irrevocably changed things for Ben and Rebecca. It also led to the question: If I was in Rebecca's shoes, would I have acted the same way? Because the way she acts after that night kind of comes across as quite dramatic, quite drastic.
First up, before that night, before it all fell apart, Rebecca and Ben had the most amazing relationship. Like movie-worthy, and maybe that was the hint that it couldn't last? Because relationships are never that perfect, am I right? But for a time, it was, and it was amazing to witness because they were like perfect together. That's part of the frustration, because how could you let something SO GOOD slip through your hands? But seeing the book now through the correct break-up eyes, this was actually a great book, and it all kind of makes more sense now. But I am still annoyed that there was a tiny part of me FOR THE WHOLE NOVEL expected some kind of amazing, romantic reunion. Of the two narrators, I preferred Ben to Rebecca. Because, again, it comes back around to Rebecca's decision making. It's drastic. There's no second chances with her, and it's hard to warm to someone who comes across so cold. Ben, on the other hand, was like an excitable puppy, always eager to please, bouncing around from job to job, place to place, and Rebecca offered him a bit of stability, and I really felt that after that night, Ben properly grew up. We saw the boy become a man, and a pretty impressive one at that. But the glue for this whole novel was Jamie, best friend of both Ben and Rebecca. He was always there, with a wise word or a shoulder to cry on. The way the book is written, it all hinges on these days, these days that changed all of their lives, there was that night, then there were a couple of further days that really ding in this book, days that irrevocably change things, just when you think you have a handle on the novel, bam! It hits you in the fact with one of the most surprising plot twists you'll never, ever see coming in a million years. It was very much one of the most emotional books I've ever read, in so many unexpected ways. Was I gutted this wasn't a romantic book? Absolutely. I love romance. But that's what made the book even better, because you very rarely get to explore the aftermath of what seems like the perfect relationship imploding. And it was a privilege to get to know Ben - and Jamie. Rebecca I'm still not sure about, and I felt sad for Danielle, another part of the group, but whom we don't really get to know. The Night That Everything Changed is definitely a marmite kind of read, depending on what you're expecting, but it packs a heck of an emotional punch and I actually really enjoyed it. Laura and Jimmy are awesome writers, I love how they get into the heads of their characters, and I would love to know how they write as a pair (and I hope they continue to do so for a very long time). This is such a good read, don't miss out on this book, Laura and Jimmy are one of the best new writers on the block these days! What They SayLearn to dance at The Moonlight Hotel, in the most romantic place in Britain…Beginners and singles welcome. The Moonlight Hotel sits on the shore of England’s best-loved lake, Windermere, exuding vintage glamour. And in its ballroom weekly dance classes promise evenings filled with music, friends and fancy(ish) footwork. When Lauren agrees to sign up, it’s because she loves the building so much; it holds the key to her most precious childhood memories and she always dreamed of dancing the night away under its roof. Even her newly single friends Cate and Emily aren’t going for the men, they’re going for the fun – although a little romance wouldn’t hurt … Then comes the news that the hotel has been sold to a faceless budget chain, which has devastating plans in store. And the revelation that marks the start of a chain of events – both on and off the dance floor – that puts the strength of their friendship to the ultimate test … My ReviewJane Costello has been one of my favourite authors, ever since I read The-Nearly Weds. She's now written nine books (next year will be her tenth, which is insane to think of) and I've read and loved most of them, and the few I've still got to read, I'm sure will be amazing. Her latest is this one, Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel, and it's a wonderful read. One thing you can always rely on from a Jane Costello novel, is the romance, the laughs, and the quick, quick pace that keeps you flipping the pages. OK, that was more like three things, not one thing, but they're always a guarantee in Jane's books and that's what make her such a great writer.
I love lasses in books you feel like you can be friends with. Jane writes her female characters so well, you really do want to be friends with them, and Lauren is no exception, nor are her friends Emily and Cate. But I will say that, throughout the novel, their friendship is more that pushed to the limit by one thing or another, and the crises the girls go through could fill a whole series of books, and they mostly made me feel sad, especially what happens to poor Cate. I wouldn't even wish that on my worst enemy, if I had one, it's THAT awful. But Lauren was amazing, I love that she was a school teacher, and a school teacher who genuinely loved the kids she taught, it was amazing. And I loved the salsa classes, I have no rhythm, and two left feet, but I love to hear about dancing and the salsa classes sounded like so much fun! There weren't many negatives in the novel. I do admit to being a tad annoyed at Lauren. She harps on, and on, and on, and on, and on some more about Edwin, and it was the least satisfying thing, ever. I mean he's called EDWIN for the love of Paul Hollywood. It would be sacrilege for a book to end with the lass going with a lad called Edwin. That is just not a hot name. Joe, on the other hand... I liked Joe. Joe is a good name. I loved Joe, let's be honest. Sigh. A man who can salsa dance - lovely. I really enjoyed Summer at the Moonlight Hotel. It was a quick, fast-paced read, with typical Jane Costello humour and pop culture marks aplenty. Kudos to getting the Duncan from Blue line in, I love blasts from the past like that, although I preferred Lee, to be honest. Jane is such a good writer, reading her books are always such a pleasure and I wish she'd write quicker, because I'm already anxious for book ten. And one last thing, the setting was amazing. It's set in the Lakes, which sounds like an utterly amazing place to live! Today is the cover reveal for Jessica Calla's novel SHE LAUGHS IN PINK!Blurb:
Four years after her twin is murdered, Juliet Anderson still struggles with guilt, her parents, and her relationships. Two things keep her from falling into a deep, dark place—dancing and her best friend, Ben. So when Ben decides to play football for New Jersey University, Juliet doesn’t hesitate. She follows. Finally away from her past, there is nothing to stand in the way. Juliet will win Ben's heart. Then she meets Ben's roommate, Chase. On probation and hell-bent on adhering to a “new life plan,” aspiring artist Chase leaves his New York City home for New Jersey University and meets Juliet before even stepping foot on campus. For him, their connection is instant. She’s the most vibrant girl he's ever seen. Her colors explode on his canvas, and he's never been more inspired in his life. Too bad she’s madly in love with his seemingly perfect, good guy roommate. Author Bio: Jessica Calla is a lawyer by day and a romance writer by night. Her favorite time is "bedtime," when she's free to open her laptop, battle with her blinking cursor, and pour out the contents of her heart. Jessica is a member of Romance Writers of America and is involved in the Contemporary, Young Adult, and New Jersey Chapters. She is also a member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. She lives in central New Jersey with her husband, two sons, and a dog. Besides reading and writing, she enjoys movies, coffee, and chocolate. She considers herself addicted to Diet Coke and Netflix (in a good way). Twitter: https://twitter.com/jess_calla Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jessica-Calla-Author-1658471457735204/?fref=ts Website: http://www.jessicacalla.com/ Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27150141-she-laughs-in-pink?from_search=true&search_version=service Genre: NA contemporary romance Release: May, 2016 Excerpt: He murmurs between kisses, “Juliet, you know I can’t resist you. I don’t want to be the bad guy.” I nibble his jawline as the train pulls away, leaving us in the empty station. Already a new crowd is forming for the next train. “I needed to kiss you. Thought this would be a good place,” I mumble as I work my way down his neck. He turns me around. My back hits the cold wall and I shiver. He holds my face as he studies me, his gaze falling on my lips as I catch my breath. “Should we be together, gorgeous?” he asks. “Could it be that simple?” What They SayThe body of the head teacher of an exclusive Devon school is found hanging from the rafters in the assembly hall. Hours earlier he’d received a package, and only he could understand the silent message it conveyed. It meant the end. As Exeter suffers a rising count of gruesome deaths, troubled DS Imogen Grey and DS Adrian Miles must solve the case and make their city safe again. But as they’re drawn into a network of corruption, lies and exploitation, every step brings them closer to grim secrets hidden at the heart of their community. And once they learn what’s motivating this killer, will they truly want to stop him? My ReviewIn all my time reading books, I've never read a book that comes with a health warning, but apparently, The Teacher is not for the faint-hearted. It's quite graphic, don't get me wrong, and I've read of people who have put the book down, but I actually didn't think it was as bad as it was. About 16% in there's a fairly graphic scene, and thinking back on it, it kind of makes me want to puke, but the rest are sort of left to your imagination. So if you can get past that first scene, you'll actually have no bother with the rest of the book. But if you're prone to squeamishness, this book probably isn't for you.
I actually thoroughly enjoyed The Teacher, it's a first class thriller, and it took ages for me to understand why we were reading from so many different points of view, and who all the players were in the novel. But once you understand what's going on, it's the most amazing read! Honestly, it's truly such a clever novel and Katerina Diamond is a wicked good storyteller, and I love her flair for the dramatic and gruesome. Not only was it such a good story, full stop, but it leaves you with the worst moral quandary ever. Actually, I was entirely satisfied with the ending, but that's all I'll say because spoilers, obviously. This is one of the rare thriller novels to not be let down by its ending. This was honestly so good. I had no idea where Abbey came into the novel, and when I did, I was gobsmacked. Gobsmacked. Ditto Parker, whom I loved. And I feared for the ENTIRE novel for his dog, Sally. ENTIRE NOVEL. If anything was to make me put the book down, it would have been dog torture, and it literally terrified me. Their story was amazing, though, and surprised me completely. The coppers on the other hand were awesome. I loved DS Grey and DS Miles. I'm hoping this is the start of a BEYOOTIFUL partnership (and maybe more?!?!?!) where they solve crimes in their own, amazing, enjoyable way. The Teacher is a must-read. (As long as you're not squeamish, and if you are squeamish, I'm afraid you're missing out on an amazing book.) This was so not like any other thriller I've ever read before, and reminded me just a touch of the earlier Rizzoli & Isles novels by Tess Gerritsen. The Surgeon in particular. That one had me gripped and this one had that same sort of feel to it, but it's not like any of the newer wave of thrillers like Gone Girl or The Girl On The Train, or any other Girl-related book. This sits in a league of its own, and I LOVED it. |
Find me online!Hello!Welcome to Bookish Escapes! I am a massive reader, of all genres, a Taylor Swift fanatic, I adore dogs (I have two!), and I watch a ton of telly. Twitter!Goodreads!I love Blog Tours!Archives
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