January has felt like an eternity and as February is in sight, I have compiled the books I read to help me fight off those January / post – Christmas blues. This month I was approved for several exciting ARCs on Netgalley that I sunk my teeth into, with espionage of historical fiction, an Australian heist to save a kidnapped stuffed penguin, romance and an archeological dig with a cursed castle. What more could I ask for? My reading goal for 2024 is 40 books and I am already strides ahead. So without further ado lets get into the reviews…
Review
Do you worst is a romcom that finds curse breaker Riley face to face with archaeologist Clark, who share a spontaneous kiss before realising their professional disciplines were in complete opposition to each other. Their time in close proximity in the castle draws the curse to the surface, but also their attraction. Who or what will leave first – the curse breaker, the disgraced archaeologist or the century old curse?
Initially I thought the idea that a curse breaker and an archaeologist working in close proximity would create the perfect tension but I was wrong. Clark didn’t appear to do anything particularly groundbreaking as an archaeologist and Riley was too hostile to start the novel. The curse in the Scottish castle was interesting and the clues create this mystery, however I would have liked more concrete storytelling of the curse’s origins such as a flashback or a letter that created more personality and emotion to the history.
The pacing of the book was weird with fast pace scenes followed by slow and difficult to read chapters. I prefer books in third person, but this was confusing as the he/she was used in an odd and confusing way in many sentences causing me to reread the text to understand what was happening.
Overall, I liked the premise but this was too heavily focused on booktok smut scenes rather than building likeable characters with well rounded back stories and chemistry. A little disappointing considering the concept had a lot of potential.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eArc in exchange for an honest review*
Read my full review here.
Deborah Swift has crafted compelling and well – rounded characters set to a backdrop of danger and secrecy that keeps readers wanting more. The Shadow Network is the second in the ww2 series and does not disappoint with her ability to blend the richness of historical context with a gripping plot. Swift presents the tragic character of Neil who became caught up in pro-fascist sabotage in Britain in The Silk Code and creates a heroic and redeeming arc in this novel as he proves his allegiance to Britain and the fight against Nazi Germany.
I enjoyed the idea of having a radio station that broadcasts fake news to the Nazis and their allies and this presents a different side to the war effort. Swift sensitively explores the difficult position that many Germans felt when fleeing the Nazi regime and becoming refugees in countries like Britain. The novel’s female protagonist, Lilli Bergen is Jewish and German and perfectly articulates the precarious situation of wanting to fight against Germany, but still seen as a threat after fleeing Berlin in fear.
The element of romance added a layer of depth to the idea that in times of war and crisis many people change and are not always who they used to be before. This idea was emphasised through the love triangle of Neil, Lilli and her ex-boyfriend and IRA / Nazi sympathiser that created intrigue and tension.
Overall, this is a captivating sequel that explores a side of British ww2 history that played a vital part in the war effort and is coupled with exciting and emotive characters.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
Estate agent Alex moves into her new flat with her best friend Emma, who finds their new neighbours a topic of conversation. When Alex’s boyfriend becomes indoctrinated by a fake art school in New York and leaves Alex for a much cooler Cat. Alex is forced to realise her worth and turn her attentions elsewhere as Emma moves into the flat opposite with her new boyfriend and neighbour. A flat swap is in order as former neighbour Callum moves in with Alex, they realise their attraction for one another.
From the title I was expecting the plot to revolve around a house that needed diy and fixing up as well as a character that needed help – especially as Alex works as an estate agent. However, this was the opposite. The plot had three different stories happening at once that didn’t really tie together. The writing style is simple but the first person narrative was difficult to get through and made Alex, the main character, unlikeable and flat. The other characters that she interacts with are also plain and flat with very little development and backstory. The novel was predictable and the conflict between Emma and Alex, Thomas and Alex was nothing exciting nor tense. The dialogue between characters was forced and read with a formal manner between two colleagues then friends.What was also strange is the use of swearing and sexual innuendoes, but when anything remotely intimate happens it is a fade to black scene that just infers. This isn’t a problem, but the language builds up to having an open discussion but then nothing – hardly common in a romcom.
Alex’s relationship with her boyfriend Thomas lacks emotion or any hint of romance, the same with Alex’s relationship with her neighbour Callum, who clearly states he doesn’t want to be a ‘pet project’ but is used as one anyway suggesting his regular appearance is unattractive that falls into the stereotype of men who work in IT. The strange element that struck out was how Alex and Callum felt more like brother and sister than opposites attract. Emma and Alex’s relationship as best friends was odd and jarring in their dialogue as they seemed as if they didn’t actually like each other or immature for their age.
Overall, the novel has a good premise of neighbours falling in love, but there was a lack of scenes to depict the growing chemistry or attraction. I think this would have worked better as a concept if the house was in a poor state and needed work done, or Alex and Callum had moments of forced proximity.
*Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review*
A LGBTQ novel where Olivia Roberts has a tragic love life that attracts selfish and deceitful partners and when her favourite stuffed penguin Trip is kidnapped by her most recent ex girlfriend, Olivia seeks revenge on all her exes. She enlists the help of the elusive book shop owner Dr Margaret Blackwood. This duo conjure up plans for revenge and find themselves and their friends stuck in the most elaborate schemes, like hanging from a window.
This takes a few chapters to get into the story and understand what is going to happen but once things get going, I couldn’t stop reading. The storyline is ridiculous in the best way with a vengeance plot on all of Olivia’s exes which results in a journey of self-discovery and understanding what her worth is. Who would think that a penguin would be the cause of all this vengeance plotting?!
Lee Winter writes witty dialogue and sizzling tension that perfectly incapsulates the shifting dynamics between the stern Dr Margaret Blackwood and upbeat Olivia. Their cast of side characters are just as fleshed out and funny that adds a light-hearted tone to the book. Winter also explores mature issues of grief and self worth that are sensitively portrayed through the reclusive nature of Margaret. I liked how Olivia recognises the hurt Margaret is feeling and her emotional outbursts are not a personal attack and pushed through her hurt pride to help Margaret come alive again.
Overall, this is funny and well-written novel with a gripping story and loveable characters.
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