The Next Girl

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I had the pleasure of receiving this book as a read along with Tandem Collective and Simon and Schuster. I’m so glad to have signed up because this was such an amazing read!

If you’re into strong female leads, crime thrillers and twists and turns, then this book is for you!

I was engaged from the start and didn’t want to put this book down. I stayed up late reading it because the story had me wanting more. There’s something about Pip’s writing that makes it easy to read.

Our main character Billie has a secret that we aren’t privy to until many chapters in. She’s a paralegal wanting to see justice in the world, though a mistake with a witness in a sexual harassment/assault case she’s working on, is costly… not only to her firm but to her job. Billie hasn’t touched alcohol in some time, attending AA to keep that addiction at bay, but turns to it with the aftermath of this case. She decides to take justice into her own hands and we learn through flashbacks that this isn’t the first time she’s dabbled in sending karma to those in the wrong. We also learn she’s still impacted by her mothers passing, where a particular internet troll sent her mother to her death. It’s why Billie does what she does. If the law fails you, sometimes you need to take it into your own hands.

There was never a dull moment with this read! I was enthralled the whole time. When we find out Billie’s history, I was like “no way!”. I mean she goes all under cover agent mode to learn about her unsuspecting victims. They’ve done something wrong and she has to correct it. She’s a vigilante in her own way.

The opening lines had my attention and my god, that ending! I thought Billie might have got to a moment of acceptance that she wouldn’t do her own forms of justice anymore, but when the opportunity presents itself, she’s the type to take it.

I was a bit sad when Billie and Josh parted ways. It was understandable given the circumstances, so when we got the 8 months later scene, I was relieved! It’s such a deep secret to share and they had good chemistry. I thought it would have been a waste to throw away!

Overall, I thought this book kept me on the edge of my seat, it had me so engrossed that I wanted to read more and it was exciting to read throughout. Would recommend it to anyone interested in the genre.

Please check the trigger warnings before reading.

The Holiday Switch

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I read this book as part of a read along. It’s very much YA and innocent love.

For me, I didn’t overly connect with this book to begin with, but then I had to embody my 13 year old self, to appreciate the story. I did feel like Lila’s POV did seem younger than 18, as she spoke more like a 13-15 year old, rather than someone going off to college. This could have been attributed to the restrictive nature of her family, but Teddy also seemed younger, rather than someone already in college.

I liked the idea of Lila having a book blog. That was fun and interesting. The vibes of the town was cute with their most famous bookstore being part of an iconic (made up) movie attracting tourists to their quaint town. The BIPOC representation was good allowing us to be part of some cultural elements that we may not be exposed to. It also highlighted how expectations can be placed upon us, but sometimes we just want to go our own way.

This was definitely a sweet, high school romance with some cute interactions between the MCs. There was a strong influence of how family is important and keeping secrets from them aren’t necessarily a good thing.

The Best Worst Christmas

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I loved the narrator on this story and thought it’d be a cute Christmas read.

Lily has come home to England after being in Australia for 10 years. She wants to surprise her mum for Christmas but because her town gossips so much, her mum finds out prior! Lily has come home to find her mum dating her ex’s dad, who is also their neighbour. She also can’t stop thinking about her ex Tom. All the feelings and memories come back. Tom is now a doctor and Lily feels like he succeeded more in life. But Tom also has all his feelings rush back. Did they miss their chance? A lot of time has passed and they could be different people.

Though it’s a short story, I felt like it had enough depth for us to know the MCs. As they go through their feelings, we get to understand why events occurred and how it impacted each character. Lily going away was her chance to grieve her situation but also find herself. Tom was going through some mental health issues and hid that, thinking he had to deal with it himself, which I imagine many people do because depending on those around them, they may feel judged.

This definitely bad Christmas spirit bringing people together and realising what is important in life. These two MCs never lost their love for one another and they just had to find themselves first before exploring what could be again.

Definitely a wonderful second chance romance story. Would love to check out more from this author.

A Cat Cafe Christmas

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This was so much more than just a sweet, cuddly read. I was attracted to the book because it had cats. I listened on audible but probably should have followed a written copy because each chapter has an intro to a different cat and I would have appreciated a cute drawing of said cat.

We are introduced to Kara who owns a cat cafe with her best friend Charity. They are wanting to eventually expand so it includes a vet hospital. Kara has been keeping a low profile after her ex had a run in with the law and her name got dragged through the mud with it. That means no social media to stay away from any publicity. In comes Ben who is part of a marketing firm highlighting the cat cafe as one of the things to do in town. He’s run away from his hometown because his girlfriend left him for his brother. He’s starting a new life and renovating his new home when he stumbles upon a kitten. He’s not a cat person, so takes it to the cat cafe to give it up. Kara convinces… no, she forces him to care for the kitten before they can look at it being fostered. They both keep having situations where they run into each other and this allows them to get to know each other over time. They both have walls up, but are they willing to let their guard down?

Ben and Kara are two grumpy individuals but their past trauma has made them cautious in this way. It’s hard for them to trust other people based on the hurt of the past. Do they have likeable personalities? Not at the start. Both of them had to grow into better people and they both brought out the best in each other. I think that’s what I liked about this story and how relatable it can be to own our character and personality.

I liked how Ben grew into loving cats - well his particular kitten who warmed up to him from the start. I can understand why Kara could be hard to read, but she’s that way for a reason. I liked all the cats and their personalities. The ending was great because it centres around taking a chance and seeing where it leads you. Christmas can bring people together and allow people to set aside differences. I also enjoyed how simple acts of kindness can also help inspire others.

This is a sweet, opposites attract, grumpy x grumpy romance.

Christmas After All

*ARC review*

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Thank you Book Sirens, the publisher and the author Cece Louise for having this available as an ARC for an honest review.

This was an absolutely sweet, charming and adorable read. I was engaged the whole time and thought the initial premise was funny.

When the grand high school gesture from Tucker to Melissa goes wrong, who knew he’d write a song that would catapult his music career… at the expense of Melissa! 10 years is a long time to have a song written about you - with the well known public rejection of a prom date request! As Tucker has been living in the limelight, Melissa has been doing everything she could to raise her siblings after the unfortunate passing of her parents. Their lives are worlds apart, but when Tucker returns to town, what feelings are going to surface as they cross paths again?

A short read with a steady pace and I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed reading the dual perspective and really loved the characters. Melissa is a strong individual putting others before herself. Tucker is a kind hearted soul who would do anything to help another person. I liked the music country star element and how a small town can humble that stardom.

The interactions with Tucker and Melissa were funny. As they got to know each other, it was very cute with Tucker’s love resurfacing and Melissa actually starting to care. I definitely got teary in a certain section and it reminded me how kind acts go a long way. The Christmas spirit of giving can really make a difference in someone’s life and when Melissa realises Tucker’s kindness, it made my heart warm. It’s definitely a theme of this book - the spirit of giving.

For anyone loving small town charm, enemies to lovers romance with a dash of Christmas spirit, than this book is for you.