The Women: A Book Review

I don't know if I can find the words to describe how inspiring and heartbreaking this book is. I couldn't believe where Frankie's story took me. I learned so much about the Vietnam War, particularly about women's roles, and I couldn't believe how veterans, particularly women veterans, were received when they came home. This book is all about Frankie's journey in both worlds, and how both affected how she viewed herself and her life. 

While I didn't agree with some of Frankie's choices, I could definitely see why she made them. She is a deeply flawed character who went through SO MUCH, but she's also a woman just trying to do good in the world, even if the world hates her. She has stunning growth through this book, and I cried for her. 

Most of all, I love how this book made me think and reimagine history. I'm painfully not well-versed in the Vietnam War and its aftereffects, but this book went deep into the nitty gritty of it. It's emotional (what Kristin Hannah book isn't), and I can tell this book will leave a lasting effect on me. My only critiques are that it is a bit slow in the middle and I very much disagreed with one of Frankie's choices, so much so that it almost ruined her character for me. But overall, I really liked this book, and I think it's a mandatory read for every American.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, St. Martin's Press and NetGalley, for the arc!

Release Date: February 6, 2024

Trigger/Content Warnings: detailed war violence, gore, and death (including children); medical procedures and surgeries described in detail; several fade to black scenes; pregnancy and miscarriage; cheating/an affair; drug and alcohol abuse; suicide attempts; car crash; near drowning; misogony

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

What the River Knows: A Book Review

Are you looking for the perfect Egypt adventure book? Because look no further—this book will draw you in with its dark secrets, rich 1880s Egyptian culture, and a tense and passionate romance. 

The book caught my attention right away with Inez rushing headfirst into adventure to find out what really happened to her parents, and I love how independent she is. I'm impressed with her quick wit, bravery, and her passion for following her heart. And I absolutely love her romance with Whit. Their banter was a joy to read, and the push and pull of their romance is incredibly done. So many swoony moments!

What I really like about this book is how immersed I feel when I read it. I'm right with the characters as they sail down the Nile, dig in excavation sites, and experience the chaos of Cairo. I feel the characters' shock when secrets are discovered, and I feel their horror as the plot thickens. 

I enjoyed reading this book, though something was still missing for me to give it five stars (perhaps I was expecting to be more drawn to it; it was hard for me to pick up and start reading each time). But I'd still highly recommend!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 5
Overall: 4

Thank you, Wednesday Books and NetGalley, for the arc!

Release Date: October 31, 2023  

Trigger/Content Warnings: kissing/make outs, gun violence and death, parent abandonment, fighting violence, kidnapping

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

How to Kiss a Movie Star: A Book Review

This book is my FAVORITE of the whole series (which is saying a lot, because the entire series has been perfection!!!). I am a sucker for celebrity romance and the he-falls-first trope, and this book perfectly executes both. I am, and will always be, a Jenny Proctor fan FOR LIFE.

First, the characters have my whole heart. I love having a FMC that's a scientist and couldn't care less about clothes and makeup and movies. She is the perfect opposite to Flint, a sexy and famous movie star. The circumstances that bring them together are hilarious and unique, and it sets up for a great story. I love their romance, especially their communication through fake dating and merging their worlds together. It's meaningful and absolutely delightful to read. 

This is another HUGE win for Jenny Proctor, and I'm so very sad to be leaving all the Hawthorne brothers behind. I loved all the cameos of them in this book. How to Kiss a Movie Star was the perfect book to end on with this series! I'm begging you to read these books!!!

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Jenny Proctor, for the arc! How to Kiss a Movie Star will be released August 18, 2023.

Trigger/Content Warnings: kissing/make outs, stalking, mild physical assault, momentary arrest

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!