If Only I Had Told Her | By Laura Nowlin

 If Only I Had Told Her is the companion novel to If He Had Been with Me. You MUST read If He Had Been with me first! 

This story is told  from the perspective of Finn and other characters including Jack (Finns best friend and Autumn). While I enjoyed the other characters insights I wish that Finn's story has been expanded further. 

Be prepared to be wrecked by this book and fall in love with Finn. You will find more compassion for Autumn but still be left wanting more. You will also be left to question your past and your own If Only I Had Told ...

If He Had Been with Me by Laura Nowlin

Autumn and Finn have know each other their entire lives. They are neighbors and their mothers are best friends. Autumn and Finn were once best friends but middle school changed that. They started hanging out with different groups of friends and having lives completely different that once another's. Despite this Autumn has always longed for her friendship with Finn and their story is told in flashbacks. 

If He Had Been with Me is a beautiful and heartbreaking story. Be prepared to read this in on sitting. The emotions are raw and I was able to insert myself into the role of Autumn and re-experience aspects of my youth. Autumn is not always likable character and her tiaras drove me absolutely insane but it doesn't take away from the story.

I do like that the book starts with the end and gives you what built up to it. It's a different way to tell a story and Nowlin has managed to do it successfully

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The Last Love Note | By Emma Grey

 

It has been two years since Kate lost her husband. His death was incredibly sad and tragic. Kate has been juggling life as a single mother, working and grieving for her husband. Kate's friends and her boss have been a great source of support for her but while stranded on a work trip with her boss, Kate is forced to reexamine her life. 

Be prepared for an emotional ride. Grey captures the essence of grief in a beautiful yet true manner. I might have even ugly cried.  The character development is exceptional and the relationship between the characters are realistic. 

This is a fast read about love, lost love and finding the courage to continue on. 

The Cell | By Stephen King

Clay Riddle is visiting Boston. He just landed a deal that will be life changing. His graphic artist talents are finally being recognized. This deal might just mean he can quite his day job teaching and work on what he is passionate about. His art. 

He is on his way to his meeting when chaos irrupts. People start to violently attack one another. Technology in the form of a cell phone is weaponized and starts the apocalypse. Clay teams up with other survivors as they make their way on foot to Maine to find out of Clay's family has survived. 

They must travel at night and sleep during the day. Daylight belongs to the non-humans.

The Cell is a hefty book. It starts with a bang and keeps a steady pace. It's not as good at The Stand but worth the read especially if
you like apocalyptic books. 

Hate Mail | by Donna Marchetti

 

Expected Publication Date: March 14, 2024

Naomi and Luca have known one another since 5th grade when they became pen pals. They have exchanged letters over the years well into their adulthood. Then the letters stopped.  It's been two years since Naomi has heard from Luca that is until she receives a letter at work. Naomi immediately knows the letter is from Luca but there is no return address. Resulting in Naomi making it her mission to find Luca especially since he continues to send her letters and she is unable to respond. 

However like all good love stories another character makes their  entrance complicating things. They chemistry is through the roof!

Hate Mail is told via the point of view of each character giving you great insight into what they think and feel. The letters are hilariously and quirky.  This is such a fun and easy romcom to read. If you need a light read this is a perfect book for you. Their is a high level of predictability but that doesn't take away form the book. 

* I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Kill Factor | by Ben Oliver

Expected Publication Date: April 16. 2024

Emerson Ness has committed a crime. She has been offered an opportunity to participate in a reality game. If she wins the game. She wins her freedom. If she loses she will be imprisoned for life without any contact from the outside worlds or others. Emerson and 49 other contestants join the game. Playing the games (5 in total) along with creating content for social media and getting upvotes can is going to prove to be more difficult than any of the contestants every imagined.

The contestants must journey to an circular island  and are forced to play games that are cruel and unusual. Bonds between gamers will form but this sinister game can only have one winner and sometimes winning is losing. 

The character development is amazing. Each character is distinct and you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat especially as the stakes increase. 

 Kill Factor is reminiscent of  The Hunger Games, Maze Runner and a few Black Mirror episodes. If that genre is your jam you'll love Kill Factor. 

* I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Book of Doors | by Gareth Brown

Expected Publication Date: Feb 13 2024

I am not usually a fan of books that deal with fantasy. Imagine my surprise when I not only took a chance on this book but ended up loving it!

Cassie Andrews it a bookseller. She works at a book shop in New York. A customer who she had become friendly gifts her The Book of Doors but this is no ordinary book. The Book of Doors is full of squiggles and drawings that make no sense but under all of that lays a power.  A power that can harbor danger. A power that can be used for good or evil. 

Cassie along with her bestfriend and roommate discover the power of the Book of Doors. It allows them to transport from one area to another. During her travels she meets Drummond Fox. Drummond is the librarian - the keeper of the books. Drummond warns Cassie and tells her about other books similar to hers that exist. The books are all unique and have their own power. An evil woman is in search of books and has a need to collect them all and become more powerful. She is feared. Cassie joins Drummond in an effort to discover the mystery and the power behind  the books and protect the book of doors. 

The Book of Doors if full of twists and turns. It is beautifully written which is impressive as this is a debut novel. 

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.