Book Review: Ghosts by Dolly Alderton

"Because no matter how painful it is, you know it will pass. I don't believe one other human has the power to ruin my life anymore."

3 stars for Ghosts by Dolly Alderton. This book is about Nina, who is in her thirties and is trying to pursue online dating for the first time. However, after a whirlwind romance, her date Max ghosted her (an act of leaving a relationship without any communication). Apart from that, Nina is also dealing with her father's illness and a friendship crisis.

What I love the most about this book is the friendship representation between Nina & Lola. Their friendship is 100% goals. I think the author managed to write it in a very realistic and relatable way. I also like how the author writes about her father, who is suffering from dementia in this book. I think it is very well done.

I like that the author sprinkles some truism throughout the book, for example about how men getting older is okay, but it is not okay for women. And how it is okay if a father hires a babysitter for the weekend, but if a mother did that, it is a terrible act.

However, I feel like there are too many things happening in this book. At some point, I feel like the book can have two different storylines and can be different books of their own. I also think that some parts of the book is totally unnecessary, and do not contribute anything to the storyline.

I recommend this book if you like Sophie Kinsella types of books. I've also read some other reviews, and they said that if you are a fan of Normal People by Sally Rooney, you would love this book too.

If you have read this book, what are your thoughts? Or if you are planning to read this, let me know as I'm dying to rant about some spoilery parts to someone!

Thank you Times Reads for the review copy in exchange for my honest review.

Book Review: War of Hearts by S. Young

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

War of Hearts is a Paranormal Romance written under the pen name of Samantha Young; S. Young. This is the first book in the True Immortality series.

The story follows Thea Quinn, a girl with unique ability that are mysterious to the world. This ability are somehow valuable to the paranormal society - but she has no idea why. At the same time, she is running from her step father, who knew about her ability and torturing by experimenting with her blood.

Conall MacLennan, the Alpha and Chief of Clan MacLennan (warewolf), will do anything to protect his clan. When her sister are sick and can only live for a few months left, he does not hesitate when a mysterious man offer to cure his sister in exchange of Thea Quinn - capture alive.

I am not a fan of Paranormal Romance, but for the first half of the book, I cannot put the book down. It is full of actions and adrenaline rush scene. A strong and fierce heroine, a handsome and a true leader, what's not to like? However, the second half of the book was too slow for me. The fun really go down the hill when enemy turn to lover happened. The transition was logical but kinda sudden and therefore are flat.

Plus point, I love the world that the author has created. It is very well-thought and original. The history of the paranormal society was really interesting.

I recommend this book if you are into paranormal romance.

Thank you to Samantha Young for including me in her review team list, and providing a free copy for an honest review.

Book Review: Things We Never Said by Samantha Young

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

Things We Never Said is the third book in Hart's Boardwalk series, by one of my favorite author: Samantha Young. But this is a standalone novel, even though the characters from the other book are somewhat related. This book was published in May this year. I know I am late in reviewing this, but life gets in my way. 

I read this book few months back, but it is still fresh in my mind. 

The main character is Dahlai McGuire. She is a metalsmith and own a shop in Hartwell, Delaware. Michael Sullivan is Dahlia past lover, back in her hometown. I love that the book start with how Dahlia and Michael met for the first time. Then it fast forward to the present (when they are not together anymore) and you slowly learnt things that happened, and why it happened that way.

In the beginning of their relationship, Dahlia & Michael struggle with so many obstacles. It is so sad and filled with heartache. This led to many bad decisions, and it effects Dahlia relationship with Michael and also her family. However, after 11 years being apart, life takes a turn once more and Dahlia finds she is back in her hometown.

"The truth was I must have been sleepwalking through life all this time because whenever Michael appeared, I was suddenly wide awake."

What I love in this book was the chemistry between Dahlia and Michael is so strong from the very beginning of this book. All the things happened during their teenage years gave me angst. I am so sad for them, I wish some of the things was not happening. Dahlia also portray a strong independence woman throughout her life. I also love how supportive some of her family members are, especially her father. 

I would highly recommend this book if you are into second-chance romance.

Thank you to Samantha Young for including me in her 2019 review team list, and providing a free copy for an honest review.