The last two months have been busy ones at work, with me even working on freelance commissions at the weekends and after I clock off at 5pm. Because of this, I definitely didn't get through as many books as I hoped I would in September and October. Having dry eyes, that get worse during the colder weather and when I'm staring at my laptop screen for far too many hours, doesn't help either. But I did enjoy some of my most anticipated reads of the year, with some of them even being five stars.
If you haven’t already seen what I've read thus far, my January - February, March - April, May - June and July - August roundups will keep you up to date.
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I’ve also be sharing short reviews and how many stars I’ve given each book, every time that I finish one, over on my Instagram Stories. You’ll find them in my 2023 Books highlight.
But here's what I read in September and October;
The Long Game by Elena Armas
Adalyn has something to prove. When an embarrassing video of Adalyn goes viral, her father sends her to a small town to turn around their struggling soccer team. She arrives armed with plans to kick them into shape only to find a group of nine-year-old girls. One person is there to help: Cameron Caldani, a goalkeeping legend who is also inexplicably in town. Despite their differences, the two need to play nice and remember they’re on the same team. After all, it’s a long game.
This was a lovely take on the small town romance and immediately had me feeling like I was right there with them. I almost didn't want it to end because I didn't want to leave that world. This was a slow burn romance but I actually didn't mind that too much. I really liked Cameron and seeing him look after Adalyn. Did the word 'darling' appear way too much for my liking? Yes. But I did like it when he called her love, so I could almost look past the one hundred and one times that he says darling. It was nice to see some growth in Adalyn too.
4.5 out of 5 stars · Buy it now
The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman
Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club. An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing. As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home. With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
Just when I thought I couldn't love this series any more than I already did. The case that they are investigating is an interesting one and I liked the introduction of new characters such as Computer Bob and Mervyn. It was also nice to see Joyce and some of the other members shine, while Elizabeth dealt with Stephen's worsening condition. His dementia is handled sensitively. And I never really expected there to be as many poignant and thought-provoking moments as there were. I laughed, I smiled, I definitely got emotional more than a few times. And I was hooked the whole way through.
5 out of 5 stars · Buy it now
The Wake-Up Call by Beth O'Leary
It's the busiest time of the year and Forest Manor Hotel is quite literally falling apart. So when sworn enemies Izzy and Lucas are given the same shift on the hotel's front desk, they have no choice but to put their differences aside. The hotel won't stay afloat without some sort of miracle. But when Izzy returns a guest's lost wedding ring, the reward convinces management this might fix everything. With four rings still sitting in lost property, the race is on for Izzy and Lucas to save their beloved hotel - and their jobs. As their bitter rivalry turns into something much more complicated, they begin to wonder if there's more at stake here than the hotel's future.
This was such a brilliant and heartwarming read, which is set perfectly around the run up to Christmas. I really enjoyed the joint POVs and I loved the setting too. You actually feel like you're right there with them in the hotel. The Ring Thing was a great way to propel the story forwards. And I genuinely cared about each of the characters. Was it frustrating that they were both too stubborn to talk about what happened last Christmas? Yes. But when it was revealed what had actually happened, I found it so satisfying. I also liked the chemistry between Izzy and Lucas and found that the moments when they were away from the hotel were some of my favourites.
5 out of 5 stars · Buy it now
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Andy's story wasn't meant to turn out this way. Living out of a suitcase in his best friends' spare room, waiting for his career as a stand-up comedian to finally take off, he struggles to process the end of his relationship with the only woman he's ever truly loved. As he tries to solve the seemingly unsolvable mystery of his broken relationship, he contends with career catastrophe, social media paranoia, a rapidly dwindling friendship group and the growing suspicion that, at 35, he really should have figured this all out by now. Andy has a lot to learn, not least his ex-girlfriend's side of the story.
This was a different take on a traditional break up story, with it being told from the male perspective. It was interesting seeing it set in the world of comedy. But after a while Andy's whinging and whining started to grate on me a bit. Everything did feel very authentic and realistic though. I did like that it concluded with Jen's POV. And I felt a real affinity with her and the fact that she is happier being single than in a relationship. This section was really refreshing, especially as I was starting to get a bit bored of Andy's POV, even as we saw some growth from him.
Publication date: 9th November 2023
4 out of 5 stars · Buy it now
Wildfire by Hannah Grace
Russ and Aurora cross paths at a party, where a drinking game results in them having a passionate one-night stand. Never one to overstay her welcome, Aurora slips away before Russ even has the chance to ask for her full name. Imagine their surprise when they bump into each other on the first day of the summer camp where they are both counselors. Russ knows breaking the camp’s strict “no staff fraternizing” rule will have him heading back home before the summer is over. But unfortunately for him, Aurora has never been very good at caring about the rules.
This was definitely better than Icebreaker. I was 100% here for a summer camp-style romance. I also liked the angle of them being a one night stand who have to live alongside one another. It was nice seeing them admit when they were miscommunicating too, as that is one of my least favourite romance tropes. But there was way too much telling instead of showing for me. Was there a plot either? Not really. However, I did like the very last chapter and the skip forward. It was also a quick and easy read too.
4 out of 5 stars · Buy it now
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
On a small private Greek island, former movie star Lana Farrar - an old friend - invites a select group of us to stay. It'll be hot, sunny, perfect. A chance to relax and reconnect - and maybe for a few hidden truths to come out. Because nothing on this island is quite what it seems. Not Lana. Not her guests. Certainly not the murderer - furiously plotting their crime. But who am I? My name is Elliot Chase, and I'm going to tell you a story unlike any you've ever heard.
I enjoyed the unique way in which this story was told. Elliot's narration was captivating and it wasn't structured like anything that I'd read before. Because of this, I had no idea whether what was happening was the truth or not, which was interesting. I don't think a single one of the characters were likeable, which detracted from my enjoyment a bit, as I really didn't care what happened to any of them. I also liked the subtle nod to The Silent Patient at the very end. But I wasn't completely shocked by any of the twists, nor did I expect Lana to come out of it alive either.
Publication date: 1st February 2024
3.75 out of 5 stars · Buy it now
So, that's what I read in September and October.
What have you been reading recently? Are any of these books on your TBR list? And how are you getting on with your Goodreads Reading Challenge this year?
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