My 2022 Goodreads Reading Challenge: July - August

The Last To Vanish by Megan Miranda

Ten years ago, Abigail fell into a job she loves, working at the Passage Inn in the resort town of Cutter's Pass, just off the Appalachian Trail. Now, the string of unsolved disappearances that haunts the town is again thrust into the spotlight when a journalist investigating the story, himself disappears. And when his brother shows up to look for him, she senses the town closing ranks. Then she finds incriminating evidence that may finally bring the truth to light and discovers how little she knows about her co-workers, neighbours, and even those closest to her.

Even though this is the kind of book that you might assume goes one way, it was much more unpredictable. So much so that I never imagined that the person or persons responsible were in any way involved. I liked the isolated setting and how I felt like I was there at the inn with Abby. It is quite a slow burn. And I'm not sure I was fully behind the fact that all along, even though this is from Abby's perspective, such a big fact about her is hidden from us. But this did have me gripped me from the very beginning.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey

When too much champagne and an out-of-control rooftop party lands Piper in the slammer, her stepfather decides enough is enough. So he cuts her off, and sends Piper and her sister to learn some responsibility running their late father’s dive bar in Washington. Piper hasn’t even been in Westport for five minutes when she meets big, bearded sea captain Brendan, who thinks she won’t last a week outside of Beverly Hills. As she reconnects with her past and begins to feel at home in Westport, Piper starts to wonder if the cold, glamorous life she knew is what she truly wants.

I really did adore this story and I can't tell you the last time that I read a book in less than 12 hours. But I couldn't put this down. Piper was a great main character and I loved seeing her develop and grow as the story went on. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine romance. And I even liked the drama of him going off at the end and thinking that she hadn't come to wave him off. Even though I normally hate misunderstandings like these in books. The only things stopping me from giving this 5 stars; the use of the word 'baby', especially in the steamy scenes just felt kinda cringe inducing. The same can be said for 'recharging station'. But this definitely lived up to the hype.

Hook, Line, And Sinker by Tessa Bailey

Fox has a reputation as a sexy, carefree flirt. Until he meets Hannah. But he likes her too much to risk a fling, so platonic pals it is. Now, Hannah's in town for work, crashing in Fox's spare bedroom. She's nursing a hopeless crush on a colleague and Fox is just the person to help. As the line between friendship and flirtation begins to blur, Hannah can't deny she loves everything about Fox. But she refuses to be another notch on his bedpost. Helping her flirt with another guy is pure torture, but maybe if Fox can tackle his inner demons and show Hannah he's all in, she'll choose him instead?

I already wasn't the biggest fan of Hannah to begin with. But this was just missing something for me. It really didn't give me what I hope for from a friends to lovers story; the characters being true friends beforehand and mutual pining. I did like seeing Hannah's career progress and her working to make the sea shanties a reality. It kind of goes round and round again with why they can't be together. And I could not believe that Fox was meant to be 31 years old during this. I was also expecting some seriously steamy scenes between them. But there were only one or two and they lacked a real connection for me.

Twisted Lies by Ana Huang

Charming, deadly and smart enough to hide it, Christian is a monster dressed in a perfectly tailored suit. But he can’t deny the strange pull he feels toward the woman living just one floor below him. And when the opportunity to get closer to her arises, he breaks his own rules to offer her a deal she can’t refuse. Sweet, shy and introverted despite her social media fame, Stella is a romantic who keeps her heart in a cage. But when a threat from her past drives her into the arms - and house - of Christian, she’s tempted to let herself feel something for the first time in a long time.

Even though this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read on its own. However, you would probably get a lot more out of it if you have read the first three books. Let's just say, I 100% spoiled those by reading this. But I am still intrigued enough to go back and read them. I did enjoy the slow burn and Christian proving to Stella how much he cared about her. The steamy scenes were particularly spicy even if seeing the male protagonist refer to the woman that he is falling for as a 'sl*t' or 'wh*re' put me off considerably and made me feel a bit icky. Some of the plot also felt so OTT. And if I never see the word 'whiskey' again it will be too soon.

The Paper Palace by Miranda Cowley Heller

It is a perfect July morning and Elle, a fifty-year-old happily married mother of three, awakens at 'The Paper Palace' - the family place which she has visited every summer of her life. But this morning is different: last night Elle and her oldest friend Jonas crept out the back door into the darkness and had sex with each other for the first time, all while their spouses chatted away inside. Now, over the next twenty-four hours, Elle will have to decide between the life she has made with her genuinely beloved husband, Peter, and the life she always imagined she would have had with her childhood love, Jonas, if a tragic event hadn't forever changed the course of their lives.

I really had no idea what to expect when it came to this book. But this story of generational trauma truly shocked me. There are quite a few scenes that are rather difficult to read. And I should point out that there are a multitude of trigger warnings, including sexual assault (and sexual assault of children), incest, infidelity and cancer. However, the writing style is incredibly emotive and transports you to a range of different time periods, both within Elle's life and beyond. Again, I could not put this down.

Stay Awake by Megan Goldin

Liv wakes up in the back of a taxi with no idea where she is or how she got there. She is dropped off at her apartment, but is confronted by a stranger who claims to live there. Confused, she reaches for her phone to call for help - only to find a bloodstained knife in its place. That’s when she sees that her hands are covered in scribbles repeating the same two words: STAY AWAKE.

From the first few pages this instantly reminded me of one of my favourite TV shows, The Night Of. But instead of just one night being missing from her memory, over two years have passed between Liv's last memory and where she finds herself today. It may also remind some of the movie Memento but with a dash of 50 First Dates. I'm not normally the biggest fan of amnesia storylines but this puts a brilliant spin on it. I was also a huge fan of Detective Halliday and the fact that we had chapters from her perspective as well. I maybe didn't bond as much as I could have with Liv. But this was the definition of a book that you won't want to put down.

You, Again by Lauren Layne

Mac just wants a no-strings-attached hook-up. What she doesn't want is her dating app's latest suggestion: preppy, corporate Thomas. So, obviously, she rejects the guy without a second thought. There's just one snag: he's sitting next to her, so he witnessed her do it. And now he's calling her out. After the initial embarrassment, Mac is determined not to let it bother her. But Fate has other plans. First, he pops up as her new boss. And then he reappears as her best friend's soon-to-be brother-in-law. As the not-so meet cutes add up, Mac is sure that uptight Thomas is the last man that a free-spirit like her should want. Or is he?

This was such a quick and easy read and it very much feels like a rom com movie playing out on the pages. I liked the 'not so meet cutes' between the two main characters and Thomas was a strong leading man. There was also a great steamy payoff when they do eventually get together too. I definitely enjoyed all of the scenes at the unexpected bachelor/bachelorette party weekend. But even though I am of a similar opinion to Mac that marriage and children isn't the end goal for everyone, as someone who's meant to go with the flow, seeing her be so rigid, even when she starts to fall for Thomas, did get a little bit annoying.

The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

Harriet is newly engaged to Edward Holbeck, the heir to an extremely powerful American family. When Edward’s father hands her a tape of a book he’s been working on, she is desperate to listen. But as she presses play, it’s clear that this isn’t a novel. It’s a confession to murder. Feeling isolated and confused, Harriet must work out if this is all part of a plan to test her loyalty. Or something far darker.
Because this might be a game to the Holbeck family. But games can still be deadly.

If you enjoyed the movies Ready Or Not or You're Next, I've got a feeling that this will be right up your street. Even though I really should have anticipated the twist at the end, I was too absorbed in Harry's search for the truth, amidst dealing with the way the Holbeck family were behaving to even consider what was truly going on. The creepy Krampus scene and the final act at The Hydes felt cinematic and had me on the edge of my seat. I did find it slightly bizarre how much it is mentioned that Harry is attracted to her father in law-to-be. And I would have liked a little more when it came to finding out more about each Holbeck character. But this book is still well worth a read.

Publication date: 29th September 2022

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

Vanessa was fifteen-years-old when she first had sex with her English teacher. She is now thirty-two and the teacher, Jacob Strane, has just been accused of sexual abuse by another former student. Vanessa is horrified by this news, because she is certain that the relationship she had with Strane wasn't abuse. Forced to rethink her past, to revisit everything that happened, Vanessa has to redefine the great love story of her life - her great sexual awakening - as rape. Now she must deal with the possibility that she might be a victim, and just one of many.

Having read Being Lolita earlier in the year, I had seen many mention this in relation to it. They were actually so similar in places that I had to check and see when both were published, as sections of this felt like they almost mirrored Being Lolita word for word. Obviously this is a difficult read but it was as riveting as it was unsettling. I'm still not entirely sure how I feel about reading a fictionalised book like this though. I had a few more issues with it too. Certain sections felt drawn out and all of the secondary characters were really one dimensional. The ending was quite abrupt too. If you are choosing between the two, I would pick Being Lolita for the fact that it was a personal account rather than a slightly icky feeling fictional one.

Josh and Hazel's Guide To Not Dating by Christina Lauren

Hazel knows she’s a lot to take and frankly, most men aren’t up to the challenge. Josh has known Hazel since college, where her zany playfulness proved completely incompatible with his mellow restraint. But now, ten years later, after a cheating girlfriend has turned his life upside down, going out with Hazel is a breath of fresh air. Not that Josh and Hazel date. At least, not each other. Because setting each other up on progressively terrible double blind dates means there’s nothing between them. Right?

Both characters were likeable in their own ways and I did enjoy the double dating/setups that went on. The sexy scenes were enjoyable too. The ending, however, was another matter. First of all, *spoiler alert* having Hazel fall pregnant when they're not even officially together felt a bit off. And then the epilogue was also not what I wanted or needed in any way either. It felt rushed and tacked on. It just didn't feel necessary to end a fun book about dating/friends to lovers in that way. I did finish it in less than a day so it obviously captured my attention but that ending definitely ruined an enjoyable read for me.

You're Invited by Amanda Jayatissa

When Amaya is invited to her former best friend's over-the-top wedding in Sri Lanka, she is surprised and a little hurt. But when she learns that the groom is her very own ex-boyfriend, she is consumed by a single thought: she must stop the wedding from happening, no matter the cost. When Kaavi goes missing and is presumed dead, all evidence points to Amaya. However, nothing is as it seems as each wedding guest has their own dark secret and agenda. And Amaya may not be the only one with a plan to keep the bride from getting her happily ever after.

I did like the short, snappy interview chapters that were woven throughout. Information is parsed out as the book progresses but it did feel like it dragged quite a bit before it really got going. None of the characters, even Amaya who we should technically be rooting for, are even slightly likeable. I also really didn't like the 'reveals' about Spencer in particular. It was like, how many bad things can one man do. And how it ended felt a bit silly. There were twists that I didn't see coming but I felt like I was just going through the motions, reading this book.

By The Book by Jasmine Guillory

When Izzy first began her career in publishing, she did not expect to be twenty-five, living at home and still an editorial assistant. So when she overhears her boss complaining about a high-profile author who has failed to deliver his long-awaited manuscript, she sees an opportunity to finally get the promotion she deserves. All she has to do is go to the his mansion and give him a quick pep talk or three. But Beau Towers is not some celebrity lightweight writing a tell-all memoir. He is jaded and withdrawn and just as lost Izzy.

I was intrigued to see how a modern retelling of Beauty And The Beast would work. The references that were woven in definitely made me smile, even if it took me quite a few chapters to realise that Izzy/Isabelle was Belle. As someone who has always dreamed of writing a book, I really enjoyed this element. It was, however, a really tame romance with zero steamy scenes. I also didn't get that romantic tension that I normally look for and the two main characters were a little bland for my taste too. I did enjoy it but in the end I wanted more.

The Cruise by Catherine Cooper

During a New Year’s Eve party on a large cruise ship in the Caribbean, the ship’s dancer, Lola, disappears. The ship is searched and the coastguard is called, but there is no sign of her, either dead or alive. Lola was popular on the ship but secretive about her background. And as the mystery around her deepens, each passenger becomes a suspect. Who was she arguing with the night she vanished? Why did she come aboard the cruise in the first place? What was she running from?

When I started this I expected a run of the mill investigation into what happened. But the way in which the story was constructed was really interesting. It was sad reading about 'Lola's' life and essentially how every single man in her life had tried to control her her entire life. And at the end it actually reminded me a bit of How To Kill Your Family and the main character in that. However, a few storylines didn't feel resolved in the end. And the whole section with Antonio and Stuart was one of the only ones where it all felt a bit silly and OTT. But I did race through this book and appreciated the way in which the story unfurled.

Scandalized by Ivy Owens

Investigative journalist Gigi is stuck in the airport overnight when her flight is cancelled. But when a familiar face appears - the older brother of her childhood friend - and offers help, Gigi seems to have caught a break. An evening of reconnection followed by a night of no-strings-attached passion with Alec feels like a gift. That is, until Gigi finally realises that their childhood connection isn’t the only reason he seems so familiar to her. But as their feelings for each other grow, they must navigate a new reality. One where both of their hard-won careers are put directly in the path of an international scandal.

Initially I wasn't sure that a steamy celebrity romance and a story about uncovering sexual abuse would work as a book but somehow it did. And when I say that this was steamy, this is essentially one steamy scene after another with a bit of a plot added in. And you know what, I wasn't mad about it. I didn't necessarily bond with the two main characters but I did like her roommate and best friend Eden. I also really appreciated the fact that there was a content warning before you even start this book. It's such a simple thing to include but makes a big difference to those who may be triggered by certain storylines.

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

A brash bounty hunter and an energetic elementary schoolteacher: the murder-solving team no one asked for, but thanks to the discovery of a corpse in my rental house and these pesky attempts on my life, we’re stuck together, come hell or high tide. 

This is one steamy book, with me feeling rather hot and bothered as I read it. However, the mystery over who killed Oscar takes a serious backseat. That part didn't really grab my attention and when things do happen in regards to it, they felt a bit juvenile and silly. They also don't really feel like fully fleshed out characters, particularly Taylor. But if you go into this book looking for a steamy Tessa Bailey romance, I think you'll enjoy it. As I say, the steamy scenes are evenly spread out throughout the book (I hate when they're all reserved for the last 20% of a romance/rom-com) and they were definitely rather creative.

Angelika Frankenstein Makes Her Match by Sally Thorne

Angelika Frankenstein has run out of suitors. When assisting in her brother Victor's ground-breaking experiment to bring a reassembled man back to life, she embarks upon a project that is all her own. When her handsome scientific miracle sits up on the lab table, her hopes for an instant romantic connection are thrown into disarray. Her resurrected beau has total amnesia and is solely focused on uncovering his true identity. Trying to ignore their heart-pounding chemistry, Angelika reluctantly joins the investigation into his past, hoping it will bring them closer. But when a second suitor emerges to aid their quest, Angelika wonders if she was too hasty inventing a solution.

This has to be one of the strangest romance books that I have ever read and quite a bit of it was odd and even uncomfortable. Firstly, straight off the bat, Angelika and Victor's brother-sister relationship is super weird. Seeing them discuss their sex lives with one another and looking at corpses anatomy, if you know what I mean, was pretty shocking. And it kind of continues that way throughout. The 'will-they-won't-they' of Angelika and Will does get a bit frustrating and is rather long drawn out too. But I did struggle to put this down. It truly felt like a gothic novel, with current day romance intertwined. I also enjoyed the ending and the allusions to Mary Shelley.

The Second Stranger by Martin Griffin

Remie has one shift left at the Mackinnon Hotel in the Scottish Highlands before she leaves for good. Then Storm Ezra hits. As temperatures plummet and phone lines go down, an injured man stumbles inside. PC Don Gaines was in a terrible accident. The only other survivor: the prisoner his team was transporting. When a second stranger arrives, Remie reluctantly lets him in from the blizzard. He, too, is hurt. He claims to be a police officer. His name is also Don Gaines. Someone is lying and with no means of escape, Remie must work out who.

You feel for Remie as it's hard to know who to trust or what to do in such a situation. I did guess a few things but there were still a few twists that I didn't see coming, which was good. I also liked the remote location and the flashbacks to when Cameron was alive. However, the writing was far too descriptive, when it didn't need to be. I did understand to a degree why Remie had to get away and was so hell bent on getting her passport, even if almost no one else would behave that way in real life. But I did like how it ended and the final switch.

Publication date: 19th January 2023