Hello readers! Yes, yes, it’s March already, and I’m just now sharing my January reading recap. I’m rarely on time for anything but work, so just bear with me. Fair warning, this will be a long post. I have seven books to share, and I’m sticking with my preferred review style for the blog. In the future I’ll try to review one book per post. But for January (and maybe February) you’ll have to endure multiple books per post. If you’re a bibliophile like I am, this won’t be a problem for you. Here’s the format for the reviews- I’ll give you a synopsis, my review, who I think should read this, and a pairing of some sort. Now let’s find out about…
Woman on Fire- Lisa Barr
The Synopsis
Jules Roth is a reporter in Chicago who just talked her way into a job with Dan Mansfield, a leading investigative reporter. He assigns her an unusual task in locating a Nazi-stolen piece of art called “Woman on Fire”. Renowned shoe designer, Ellis Baum, wants it badly because of a deeply personal connection to the piece, but Ellis is dying, so there’s a real race against the clock.
Ellis isn’t the only person who wants this painting. Margaux de Laurent is a gallerist who will stop at nothing to get what she wants, and she doesn’t plan to let Jules Roth get in her way. But Jules has a few tricks of her own to secure the painting before Margaux does: Adam Baum, Ellis’s grandson and recovering addict, who used to be under Margaux’s spell. Together, Jules and Adam, must find this priceless piece of art for Ellis before Margaux claims it for herself.
My Review
A lot of art talk, a little murder, a lot of theft, a little romance, and plenty of suspense. I’ll be honest, I started this on audio and really struggled with it. Once I switched to the physical copy, I hit my stride with the story and enjoyed it much more. I feel like this is strictly a read-in-the-physical-form type of book. The audio narration was….difficult. That said, I liked this one. It’s not full on historical fiction, as it primarily takes place during present day, but I think there’s enough history peppered throughout to keep you historical fiction girlies satisfied. I gave it 3.5 stars. I’m actually quite intrigued by Lisa Barr’s newest title called The Goddess of Warsaw, out now. I’ll be adding that to my TBR pronto.
Who Should Read This?
Historical fiction fans. Murder mystery fans. Artists and those who appreciate art.
Pair It With…
Pair it with a cozy spot next to your gallery wall or near your favorite piece of art. Or take it with you to a gallery and enjoy an unusual reading experience amongst the real deals.
I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of Woman on Fire at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.
Big Fan- Alexandra Romanoff
The Synopsis
Maya, a political strategist, has been through the wringer with her ex in a sex scandal breakup. But she’s not giving up that easily. She catches the attention of a gubernatorial candidate, Teresa Powell, who has Maya come on board to help launch her campaign. Maya promises Teresa she won’t cause any trouble with negative press because of her past.
Enter Charlie, the former boy bander and Maya’s teenage crush. He has also caught wind of her expertise and emails her to see if she’s available to help launch his new solo career.
Maya wonders what it could hurt. If she could get Charlie to speak out about some of the same issues as Teresa, it would prove he’s got opinions on important matters. He could even perform at Teresa’s rallies and expose his new music to wider audiences. It’s a win-win, right? Maybe so until feelings develop between Charlie and Maya. And you’ll have to read the book to find out what happens next!
My Review
This was an extremely well written, fun novella that would make a great palette cleanser between heavier books. It would actually be perfect for Valentine’s Day reading if you want to put it off until next year. Just make a note in your calendar to pick it up. I mean, the cover is pretty perfect for V-Day. Definitely pick this up no matter the time of year, though. I loved it! The only thing I wanted was more. Four stars for me.
One of my favorite quotes from the book: “Someday this part of my life will be a long time ago.”-Maya while enjoying a gin martini with lemon at 3:00 in the afternoon- reminding us all to just live in the moment and live fully. Even if that means martinis in the afternoon.
Who Should Read This?
Romance girlies, this one’s for you. Also those of you who are politically minded. There’s an interesting, though very small, peek into a political campaign and what that might be like. Also for fans of the celebrity/normal trope. I personally love this one.
Pair It With…
A back to back read of this book and The Idea of You by Robinne Lee. Then you could watch the movie version of The Idea of You on Prime. And read/watch while enjoying a gin martini with lemon, of course.
I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of Big Fan at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.
Beautiful Ugly- Alice Feeney
The Synopsis
A year ago Grady Green’s wife disappeared trying to help someone quite literally lying in the road. He was on the phone with Abby when this event happened. When he goes to the scene of the crime, her phone is left behind still connected to his call. She’s nowhere to be found.
Now Grady is struggling to write his next novel, so he travels to a remote Scottish island to try to find inspiration for a new story and to try to finally overcome his grief. But the day he arrives he sees a woman who looks exactly like his missing wife.
My Review
I give this book an A+ for creep factor and atmosphere. I was thoroughly spooked by the secluded island setting and the people who live there. I even liked the majority of the story. I had a few issues with believability , but it is a fictional story, and I suppose it all works out in the end. (Except I didn’t love the ending.) Beautiful Ugly was just okay for me. But everyone else is loving it, so pick it up for yourself and then come back and tell me what you thought of it. I gave it three stars.
Who Should Read This?
Anyone who loves a fast-paced mystery. Anyone who is in a reading slump. This book is sure to pull you right out of it and get you back into the reading game.
Pair It With…
Pairs well with a cozy blanket on a rainy day. But I think this would also make for a great beach read. I can see spending a day in the sand under an umbrella and knocking this one out. It goes quickly.
I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of Beautiful Ugly at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.
Bride- Ali Hazelwood
The Synopsis
This is a story about an arranged marriage between the Vampires and the Weres. The bride and groom are forced to be together, but little do they know that they are actually meant for each other.
My Review
Listen, this book is not for everyone. It’s hot, hot, hot and delicate readers needn’t attempt it. Should curiosity get the best of you, know that you’re in for some excellent banter, a hilarious and SMART leading lady, a swoon-worthy leading man/Werewolf, and a wild ride of a story. I gave it four stars.
Who Should Read This?
If you’re a fan of Ali Hazelwood, you’ll probably love this. If you’re a fantasy fan, you’ll also probably love it. It was something different for me, but I just heard she’s coming out with a sequel, and I’m definitely going to reenter this world the second it comes out.
Pair It With…
A fall night and a vampy nail polish. I know I read it during January, but it would have been a perfect October book.
I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of Bride at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.
Be Ready When the Luck Happens- Ina Garden
The Synopsis
Ina gives us a glimpse into her difficult childhood and the lessons it taught her. We also learn how she met Jeffrey, and gosh, what an enduring love they have. This book may have been a retelling of her life and successful career, but it was also a love story about her husband, the one person who stood by her through good and bad and never stopped believing in her.
My Review
As a longtime fan of Ina, reading this book as a no-brainer. She’s a go-getter, she’s brave, boujie, hardworking, and talented. We knew she could write. She’s written many cookbooks, but this memoir was a different peek into her life, and I loved it! I highly recommend this one. Five stars.
Who Should Read This?
Fans of Ina, of course. Lovers of memoirs. Foodies. Anyone wanting a career change. Anyone in need of a kick in the pants to do something about their passion.
Pair It With…
A whiskey sour- Ina’s favorite drink, a roast chicken, English potatoes, and her famous chocolate cake.
I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of Be Ready When the Luck Happens at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.
Not in Love- Ali Hazelwood
The Synopsis
Rue is an engineer working in biofuel tech with her friends, Tisha and Florence. Florence happens to be the boss of the company where they work. When a firm comes in sniffing around due to some potential issues Florence is having, Rue comes face to face with Eli, the guy she met on a dating app that led to a met up at a hotel the night before. Things are a bit awkward to say the least. But as Rue and Eli spend more time together, their relationship takes off on quite the ride.
My Review
I have dubbed this book Smart Girl Smut. Ali Hazelwood is an excellent writer. She writes books about women in STEM and their romantic endeavors. This one was very hot and heavy, and it took away from the plot of the story to me. I was really enjoying the plot because it was so well written. But this steamy STEM was a bit of a disappointment.
Who Should Read This?
Ali Hazelwood fans, but only those who don’t mind more intense and lots of open door sex scenes. Fans of a workplace romance.
Pair It With…
French toast- the leading man makes it in this book. I definitely went out and ordered a French toast breakfast shortly after finishing it.
I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of Not in Love at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.
Atonement- Ian McEwan
The Synopsis
This is a story about a 13 year old named Briony who witnesses something between her sister, Cecelia, and the housekeeper’s son, Robbie. She doesn’t know what she’s seeing but tells on the two of them landing Robbie in jail. The rest of the book is about the aftermath of Briony’s choice and the paths each character takes as a result.
My Review
The first 1/3 of this story was such a snoozer. The second 1/3 was better but not by much. The last 1/3 was probably the most interesting action-wise, but by that point I really just didn’t care about anyone in the story anymore or what was happening. After finishing the book, I took to Goodreads to read reviews, and it appears you either love it or hate it. I fall into the latter category, unfortunately. Two stars for me.
Who Should Read This?
Lovers of the classics might like this one. It droned on and on and read a little like an Austen novel, except I liked the Austen novels I’ve read. I can tell you that I shouldn’t have read it.
Pair It With…
A stiff drink. You’re gonna need it.
I want to know all your thoughts on this one once you read it! Get your copy of Atonement at your local library, independent bookstore, second hand book website, or here.
Have you read any of these? If you have, let’s discuss. Drop a comment below or head to Instagram to join in on the conversations over there. I’m still in shock over seven books in one month! February is nowhere close to that number. No matter. Reading is supposed to be fun and entertaining.
Happy reading, friends.
