The Catch by Amy Lea

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for a free review.

This is probably my new favourite romance book.

Fashion influencer, Melanie visits Canada in an attempt to capture content and restore her dwindling brand. Unfortunately for her, Fate throws her in the way of a grumpy fishman, Evan (though his grumpiness might have something to do with Melanie insulting the inn that he works/live in). Melanie instantly grows to love the people in the small town but an accident leads to Evan’s family thinking that he and Mel are engaged

Hoping that their fake engagement will bond their family and make them forget about past issues, Mel and Evan agree to fake an engagement followed by a very public break-up.
Eventually the two of them fall for each other. But if I haven’t made it clear by now- Mel and Evan have absolutely nothing in common. Mel is a fashionable city girl while Evan is a surly fisherman who loves the outdoors.

One of my favourite things about this book is how Mel and Evan make zero sense on paper but it’s clear that they’re head over heels for each others. This was a fun cute romance and I’m really disappointed that it’s over.



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The Woman on the Ledge: A Novel by Ruth Mancini

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


WHAT A RIDE!

I loved this book so so much!

Unreliable narrators are always my favourites and honestly this narrator got on my nerves. It’s clear she has something to hide but what? Why is she hiding? What is she hiding? Is she guilty or not? I could not read fast enough. I hated that her story kept changing and I did not trust him but I have never connected to a character like this.
At several times while reading, I screamed out loud in frustation.

“The Woman on the Ledge” tells the story of Tate, a temp employee who may or may not have pushed someone off a ledge. Tate claims the lady was suicidal. Tate claims she didn’t know her. Tate claims to have been inside the building. Tate claims to have been nowhere near the building. Whatever the truth is, it’s clear that Tate has some part in this whole thing and something to hide.
This book came together piece by piece and I loved it! I devoured this book in one sitting and no matter how much I didn’t trust Tate, I was still sad when this book ended.



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The Writing Retreat by Julia Bartz

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I found a copy of this book in my local bookstore. I wasn’t looking for thrillers. In fact I had accepted that I was a book buyer and not a book reader. But the synopsis pulled me in and I did not regret it.

The Writing Retreat tells the story of a group of hopeful females who win a place at a new writing retreat with their favourite author, Roza Vallo.
Roza Vallo, while a celebrated author, is incredibly odd. Her moods change quickly and her behaviour is unpredictable. I was scared of her from the second her character appeared on the page. Her books are also incredibly twisted. But the girls adored her and this is made clear throughout the book. They are just a few steps away from full-on obsession. This adoration causes them to miss a few red flags at the retreat until it’s too late.

This was a well-written read that I could not put down. I don’t remember the last time I read a book but for this one, I needed to know what was going on. Such a compelling book.
If you’re a fan of thrillers, give this a go!



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Exes and O’s by Amy Lea

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I have mixed feelings about this book. On one hand I really did enjoy it. But I missed Crystal. Tara reminded me a little too much of myself and I couldn’t help but cringe at her antics. Nonetheless I did love this book and I loved getting a look at the bookish world (I think I got this copy from Netgalley and just haven’t read it because I didn’t have “Set on You” at the time).
Exes and O’s tells the story of diehard romantic Tara Chen as she revisits her ex’s in an attempt to find The One.
What Tara doesn’t realise is The One might be closer than she thinks…like her hot room-mate.
This was a cute read that I enjoyed immensely. I have immediately started reading The Catch. I love how fully fleshed these characters are. If you’re a fan of cute romance books, give this series a try. These books can be read alone but I feel like you get the best experience if you start from “Set on You”.



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Set on You by Amy Lea

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I’ve been in love with this book since WAAY before its release. Someone posted a TikTok about it (I don’t remember who) and I’ve been intrigued ever since. I didn’t want to pick it up because it was part of a series but with the 3rd book on it’s way, now felt like the perfect time.

“Set On You” follows curvy fitness influencer Crystal Chen who loves the gym. It’s her safe space. But one day, she comes across a rude newbie at the gym who steals her machine, gorgeous but insufferable Scott Richie.
The two of them battle over machines, work-out routines and more. But when they discover that their grandparents have fallen in love, they declare a truce. Soon Crystal and Scott are helping to pick up things for the wedding and throwing bachelor/bachelorette parties. It isn’t long before they realise their comfortable friendship might be something more.

This was a really cute read that I enjoyed. I already started reading the second book in the series. If you’re a fan of romance books, I definitely recommend this one.



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The Burnout by Sophie Kinsella

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was invited to read a Netgalley copy of this book from Penguin Random House South Africa.
I was overjoyed! I came across news of the book when I took leave from work for my burnout recovery and had been waiting eagerly for the release.
If you’ve ever struggled with Burnout, you’d be able to relate to these characters. Sasha works in Marketing at a start-up (as someone who does the same, this book made me feel VERY seen). But after one too many staff leave, Sasha is left feeling overwhelmed. Eventually her family steps in and tries to get her to go on holiday. But her dreams of rest and relaxation are interrupted when she realises that 1) the hotel that she is staying at is in shambles and 2) the other guy, Finn is a grumpy man who snaps at kids.
Sasha is determined to make the best of the experience and it isn’t long before she and Finn start to become friends. Finn is also burned out but he doesn’t talk much about it.
I loved this book because it made me feel so seen. As someone who struggles with burnout (especially around this time of year), I thought this book was well-written and paints an accurate picture of what burnout looks and feels like. I
I spent the first half of this book, constantly highlighting quotes that I could relate to.
This was a fun, feel-good book that I finished in one go. Pick this up as your next summer read or even if you just want to escape reality.




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All of This Is True by Lygia Day Peñaflor

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I picked up this book at random one day just to occupy myself for a few minutes. But within a few pages, I was HOOKED!
“All of This is True” is one of those books people either love or hate but no one actually tells you what it is about.
A group of teens befriend their favourite (adult) author, Fatima Ro. They consider her an icon. But it isn’t clear why Fatima is hanging out with a bunch of teens…until it is.
An accident between one of the teens is attributed to Fatima Ro. Miri Tan, obsessed with Fatima, maintains that Fatima had nothing to do with it.
Meanwhile the group of friends is torn apart and not speaking to each other. “All of This is True” tells each friend’s part of the story.
The “big secret” was actually pretty predictable but I loved this story nonetheless. Fatima is charismatic and it’s hard not to believe everything she says.
I didn’t like the last 3 pages so I’m with-holding a star in retribution. Besides that, LOVED this book. This was the book that got me reading again.



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This Is My Truth by Yasmin Rahman

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I felt like reading a YA book and this looked to be an interesting pick. This book has very clear trigger warnings, which I ignored and then spent considerable time crying. But anyway.

Amani and Huda have been best friends for years. Amani is shy and quiet while Huda is sassy and always ready to right a perceived wrong.
Both girls have their struggles at home. Huda is scared of her adoptive parents not wanting her once they have a baby of their own. Amani is terrified of her abusive father. The girls try to help each other through their issues. But an anonymous blogger at school is slowly releasing everyone’s secrets.

This was a pretty predictable novel that I enjoyed nonetheless. It perfectly captures “brown aunties” and their talk. I identified conversations I myself have listened to or participated in. This book made me feel seen.



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On Brand: Shape Your Narrative. Share Your Vision. Shift Their Perception. by Aliza Licht

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Finished this last night and all I can say is I wish I had a print copy (for some reason I can’t find a print copy to purchase in South Africa).
I got a review copy of “On Brand” from Netgalley and I was so thrilled. I loved “Leave Your Mark” and have been waiting for years for Aliza Licht to release a new book.
“On Brand” is the bigger sister to “Leave Your Mark”. While I read “Leave Your Mark” as a uni student in her final semester, reading “On Brand” was like the prep you need for the corporate world.
Who better to advise us on personal branding than DKNY PR GIRL?
This book was incredibly informative but be warned, you WILL need a notebook of some kind. If you’re a new graduate or if you’re just looking to refresh your personal brand, definitely pick this up.
(Personally I am of the opinion that personal branding is for EVERYONE and this book is a great guide for you).



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The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When “The Silent Patient” first released, everyone who read it wouldn’t stop raving about it. At the time, I was struggling to read so I didnt bother to get a copy.
But when I found this in a secondhand didn’tbookstore, I knew I had to get it. Sure I had stopped reading for months but what if THIS was the book that would change all of that?
Unfortunately I dont think this has fixed my reading problem but this book was incredible!

“The Silent Patient” tells the story of Theo, a damaged psychotherapist who is a fan of Alicia’s artwork. Theo has been following Alicia’s story since the beginning- when she shot her husband five times in the face. No one knows why Alicia murdered her husband and she hasn’t spoken since that day.
Theo is determined to get Alicia to speak- to heal. But as time goes on Alicia remains silent. Desperate for answers, Theo resorts to speaking to the people in her life. He goes about the whole thing in a way a detective would. And the men in Alicia’s life do not like Theo’s meddling.

I spent an entire day with this book. I just had to know how it ended. This is a book that leaves you saying “WTF” when you’re done.



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