Where Wild Peaches Grow

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Thanks NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC copy.

I definitely have mixed feelings on this book as I was close to DNFing purely because of the story. I’m giving this 2.5 stars.

Let’s start with the positives:

- I thought the book was well written

- The overall message about making amends and leaving the past behind is something we can all learn

- I was happy that the characters grew at the end

I don’t read blurbs and the cover intrigued me. As I read the opening chapters, I thought to myself, what grudge would you have to not talk to your family for 20 years? It’s got to be something particularly bad right? When it was about halfway through the book (or more), that we find out Nona’s grandmother and Ruby that meddled with Nona’s plan to elope, only for Nona to blame her dad and sister, I was like whaaat? I thought to myself, why wouldn’t Nona just take the time to listen to her dad when he came to Chicago? Why would she not talk to her family because of that? Also, why didn’t she contact Marcus and figure it out when he didn’t meet with her? It just doesn’t make sense. For grandma Opal to not reveal the truth over all the time they talked on the phone… it just all could have been avoided without miscommunication and misunderstanding. I’m not sure I particularly like this trope. It makes the characters come across as immature.

There was too much back and forth of - should I / shouldn’t I talk to her and should I avoid them between the sisters. Some parts of the story felt repeated because of it. The ending felt rushed and it was left open ended in parts. It would have been good for Julia to see Cat and for the sisters to meet their brother Ben together as I think it would have wrapped up the story a little better.

I’m still trying to get over the fact Nona wouldn’t speak to her sister for 20 years because she thought Julia revealed her elopement secret to their dad, which didn’t happen. It seems too far fetched to me. I definitely understand Julia’s point of view of feeling abandoned and that’s why she couldn’t pick up the phone, but because it impacted Nona THAT much, she could have unleashed her anger through a conversation and realised what she knew was wrong.

Maybe She’ll Stay

**ARC review**

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Available 28th February

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for having this available as an ARC.

I read this in one day as it has a steady flow throughout the book. This book is really about self acceptance and knowing your self worth.

The MC Nancy clearly had self esteem and worth issues that stemmed from her narcisstic mother. I never had a parent who was a narcissist, though I do know what it's like to have a partner who is, so could really relate to what was happening.. This is where Nancy failed in her three marriages and every relationship after that. The toxicity of the commentary from her mother played on her own thoughts and feelings.

Even though Hank had it tough, going to jail twice, he never stopped appreciating his children and the beauty they brought to his life. With all the feeling of being unloved, it was Hank that uplifted Nancy to realise she was so much more to people and there were those that cared. I think because of her tumultuous relationship with her mum, Nancy held people at an arm's length because in some way she was always sabotaging those connections.

With all the self sabotage, it was evenly distributed to Ashish too. I don't think she fully believed that she could be his equal because she thought she'd lose him eventually. Hank's words cemented into Nancy's growth as a character.

Would love to see if Nancy's mum ever mellows out from her narcisstic behaviour with therapy or something like that, but since this seems like a stand alone, I won't get that answer.

Zodiac Academy - The Reckoning

This was a 4.5 star read for me. Definitely loved it more than the first two books.

Felt like the story is really progressing as the twins are coming into their own. Loved the magic trials and the girls evolution as fae. Relationships are expanding and I was relieved for Darius to come to his senses. Caleb is definitely cute as he struggles between being hard on Tory but he can’t resist her at the same time. Seth whimpering every other scene is adorable and you want to hold sympathy but also not at the same time. Didn’t feel like Max got as much air time but that’s okay! Geraldine is funny as always. Surprised at how Diego is turning out, so will be interested to see how the friendship with the twins continues.

I wasn’t expecting as much spice as there was in this book. I was prepared but not complaining either. Glad that Darcy and Lance are exploring what they have even if it’s against the rules. Tory is just one bad ass who just goes for what she wants, even if she knows it’s only temporary. I enjoy reading her outgoing nature and the hate (which will turn into love) with Darius.

With that cliffhanger, I’m wondering what’s in store for the next book in the series.

Shatter Me

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I had seen this series all over TikTok and it was also chosen as a book club read. I don’t know why I haven’t read this sooner because I love dystopian stories!

At first I wasn’t sure what was happening with the scrubbed out sentences, but after reading online, that it was a representation of Juliette’s mental state, I started to appreciate it more.

I like the premise of the world’s resources being limited, the sky changing and a group called the Reestablishment making false promises of a better future. It just spews emptiness. Everyone thinks they have a better way, until they don’t. It’s always about power and greed.

With Juliette being locked up in the asylum, I kept wondering why. She didn’t seem like someone with mental health issues and only developed them whilst being locked up for years, so when it’s slowly revealed, I was thinking “this is interesting”. How has she developed a fatal touch? It’s still not even answered, so now I have to read on!

I thought the love interest Adam was a great connection to establish. Gives Juliette hope that not everything in her childhood was sad. Someone noticed her kindness and good nature, something she still holds.

With Warner letting her out, we still don’t know his true motivations behind that. Does he want to really use her as a weapon or are there other reasons?

As she’s in Omega point with others that have powers also, I hope she understands why they are special and why not everyone in the world develops powers/super human abilities. I did find this reminded me of x-men and Xavier’s school of the gifted.

This book has left me with enough intrigue to continue on!

Lucky Pucker

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This book had me engaged from the start! I’ve never read a book surrounding sports and romance, so I’m glad I follow Hilary on TikTok to be able to read such a fun story!

I loved the writing. It was hilarious and the kind of humour I enjoy amongst friends. This made it such an easy read that I was able to finish in approx 6 hours.

Holly was such a sweetheart! I loved her adorable nature and that innocence she had surrounding intimate relations. I didn't see it as a bad thing, that she was 25 and still a virgin, because for some, the right person just doesn't come along until they do.

I loved the development of Luke wanting to be a better person. He was patient, caring and loveable. For him, I did find that Holly brought out the best in him. The fact that he's also hot helps!

Avery was just a bundle of fun! Can't wait to see how her story progresses. I'm there for it!

If you want spice, well you've definitely got it in this book! It was definitely a path of discovery for Holly. I liked the twists towards the end with Candy and then Ryan also. Honestly wasn't expecting anything but HEA, so for me, I was like "oh that's a nice surprise!".

Overall, I laughed, I gasped, I smiled, I may have had a few "oh my!" moments and I was left with wanting more. Can't wait for the next book!