Someone Like You by Sandy Barker - Book Review - Blog Tour

Series: Ever After Agency #4 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 12th Nov 2024

Purchase Link: https://mybook.to/someonelikeyousocial

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214540475-someone-like-you

Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Romance

3.3 Stars

One Liner: A decent timepass read

Book Blurb:

What do you do when you realize you've fallen for your best friend, but he sees you as the sister he never had? And to make things worse, you're stuck in the middle of a matchmaking scheme to find him someone else!

Best friends Gaby and Raff are inseparable and know each other inside out. But with Raff's string of disastrous relationships and his newfound fame as Britain’s Best Baker, it's time to enlist the Ever After Agency to help him find true love.

At first, Gaby is all in – Raff is a catch, after all. But as she secretly helps to find his perfect match, she’s hit with unexpected pangs of jealousy. And before she can act on her feelings, Raff falls for one of his dates.

Can Gaby keep her emotions in check, or will she risk ruining their friendship to find out if Raff feels the same way?

Set in London and Seattle, this romantic and festive romcom is perfect for fans of Emily Henry, Mhairi McFarlane, and Lindsey Kelk.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in Gaby and Poppy’s first-person POVs.

This should work as a standalone (I haven’t read the previous books). However, I was unprepared for Poppy’s POV in a story that didn’t belong to her.

Firstly, the premise of friends-to-lovers with some supposed third-party drama is not only interesting but has much potential to explore the MCs’ friendship and the realization parts. Unfortunately, the book succeeds only to a point.

The second half is decidedly better and more entertaining than the first. Once the setting changes, the story ups the ante with ease. The main reason for this is the focus on Gaby and Raffe even though there are a bunch of people around them.

The first half takes time to establish the dynamic, which is good but I was so annoyed by Freya (until she redeemed herself to an extent). Also, I needed more of Aunt CiCi. She sounds wonderful!

The main characters are actually good. I could empathize with both of them. However, the chapters with Poppy’s first-person POV (especially the ones set away from the office) were irritating. All of it could have been condensed and told to us in a couple of paragraphs. Her POV should have been in the third person.

Instead of limiting Raffe’s POV to the prologue, it should have been included more (at least 3 chapters) in between by replacing Poppy’s home scenes. That would have given us more insight into his feelings and the exact moment of realization. This part has been settled in a single sentence.

I enjoyed meeting Gaby’s family a lot (even the aunt, lol). Seeing how this ended, I feel they will feature in one of the upcoming books as well. I might try that one just to meet them again. Lovely family vibes with chaos, banter, love, and laughter.

Though the book explores another trope (forced proximity), it doesn’t do much except make one of them feel sadder. This is where Raffe’s POV would have elevated the narrative and later too in the supermarket.

I wouldn’t really call this a romance read. It’s more of a women’s fic with a bit of romance. The wait is long (which I don’t mind) but the journey could have been better.

To summarize, Someone Like You is a sweet story about not just love but also about family, friendships, and being there for those who matter to you.

Thank you, Rachel’s Random Resources and Boldwood Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley

***

About the Author – Sandy Barker

I’m a writer, traveller, and hopeful romantic, and am currently on a one-year sabbatical with my partner, Ben, living and writing across the world.

As a traveller, I love exploring new places, outdoor adventures, and eating and drinking like a local, and many of my travel adventures have found homes in my novels.

Follow the Author:

Facebook: @SandyBarkerAuthor

Twitter: @SandyBarker

Instagram: @sandybarkerauthor

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/SandyBarkernews

***

This has been a stop on the #SomeoneLikeYou blog tour by Rachel's Random Resources. (@rararesources) Thanks for stopping by!

Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs by Victoria Williamson, James Brown (illustrator) - Book Review - Blog Tour

Publication Date: 24^th Oct 2024

Purchase Link (Canada): https://a.co/d/7OiVBIY (Canada)

Purchase Link (USA): https://a.co/d/abVrfJ6

Purchase Link (UK): https://amzn.eu/d/2BKDkj5

Goodreads Book Page: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/217402251-skyfleet 

Storygraph Book Page: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/b4187899-258e-4ea2-8e83-9cad557dd26a

Genre: Middle Grade Adventure, Sci-fi  

4 Stars

One Liner: I read it in one sitting!

Book Blurb:

When the skies turn deadly, a young heroine must rise from the ashes...

Twelve-year-old Amberley Jain has faced incredible challenges since the crash that took her parents and paralysed her legs. Now, with her best friend Ricardo Lopez about to be sent away and a swarm of mutated insects closing in on the Skyfleet base, the stakes have never been higher. Something monstrous is driving the mutabugs north from the contaminated meteor site known as the Cauldron, and the only plane capable of stopping it - the Firehawk - lies in pieces in the hangar.

Determined to honour her parents' legacy, Amberley hatches a daring plan. With Ricardo's help, they stow away on a supply train, trading his most treasured possession for the parts needed to repair the Firehawk. After secret test flights, the legendary jet is ready for action. Now, Amberley and Ricardo must confront the deadly swarm and save their home, discovering their inner strength and the true meaning of friendship along the way.

Skyfleet: March of the Mutabugs is a thrilling tale of adventure and resilience, perfect for middle-grade readers.

***

My Thoughts:

The story comes in the third-person POV of Amberley and Ric with snippets from other characters as letters, notes, and journal entries.

I admit I didn’t fully read before requesting to join the tour for this book. I saw the cover with a dashing plane shaped like a bird, noted the names of the kiddos, and jumped to grab a copy. (Also, my friend, Rosh, read a few books by the author and liked them, so I wanted to try this one).

Dystopian is not my thing. I am cynical but I don’t like the morose undertones in the genre. However, this one is quite refreshing. The story is set in the New World where a group of people (those who left the Old World looking for a better life) live in settlements. With the talk of radiation and how toxic waste has resulted in mutabugs, it’s evident that the timeline is futuristic.

The book starts slowly as it establishes the setting and the dangerous situation right away. Though the world-building is not detailed, there is enough to imagine the scenario. Also, all the fighter jets (like Firehawk and Dogstar) are clearly described with an illustration and notes (make, model, pros, cons, pilot, etc.).

Amberley and Ric are easy to like though they have traits one would not want in children – stealing, breaking rules, sneaking out, etc. They do get caught and are reprimanded by elders but that doesn’t stop them. Moreover, we actually empathize with the kids instead of the adults in this case. I could feel their frustration, fear, and grief at how things were being handled.

Also, the rep is great. Amberley is in a wheelie chair due to paralysis from the accident. Ric cannot see and wears a special eye device with IR vision. However, these limitations are not a hindrance. Amberley was born to be a pilot and trained by her parents since a baby. Similarly, Ric was trained to be a mechanic and is such a smart lad that he can convert any piece of scrap into something useful.

Of course, the adults aren’t bad. Here, the enemies are mutabugs, cockroaches, and other dangerous creatures that have become near-invisible by absorbing the radiation over the years. A scary situation, right?

Screwball Sydney is such a fab character. She’s eccentric and the kind of person you would want in your corner, of course, with an assurance that she won’t do something reckless. Rafe is another interesting character. Skipper Maddox was good too but Sydney wins hands down (and so does her pet wombat, Mascot).

As with most MG fiction, this one too relies on kids putting themselves in risky situations (even if it is for the greater good). We can see both (adults and kids) perspectives and know they did what they did.

I don’t know much about mechanics and jets so can’t say if the technical details are accurate. But then, this is set in the future with advanced technology, so anything is possible! On this note, I found it cheeky that a certain jet gives Steampunk vibes (no points for guessing who it belongs to).

The ending is hopeful and positive on different levels. I like how this is presented and balanced with the note at the beginning.

To summarize, Skyfleet is a pacy adventurous, exciting, dangerous, and heartwarming story about two kids trying to prove their worth and helping their community during adversity.

Thank you, TheWriteReads, Tiny Tree Books, and author Victoria Williamson, for a copy of the book. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

***

About the Author – Victoria Williamson

Victoria Williamson grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, and has worked as an educator in a number of different countries, including as an English teacher in China, a secondary science teacher in Cameroon, and a teacher trainer in Malawi.

As well as degrees in Physics and Mandarin Chinese, she has completed a Masters degree in Special Needs in Education. In the UK she works as a primary school special needs teacher, working with children with a range of additional support needs including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, physical disabilities and behavioural problems.

She is currently working as a full time writer of Middle Grade and YA contemporary fiction, science fiction and fantasy, with a focus on creating diverse characters reflecting the many cultural backgrounds and special needs of the children she has worked with, and building inclusive worlds where all children can see a reflection of themselves in heroic roles.

Victoria’s experiences teaching young children in a school with many families seeking asylum inspired her debut novel, The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, an uplifting tale of redemption and unlikely friendship between Glaswegian bully Caylin and Syrian refugee Reema.

You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits, and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com

***

This has been a stop on the #Skyfleet blog tour by TheWriteReads. Thanks for stopping by!

The Forgotten One by Catherine Bybee - Book Review

Series: The Heirs #2 (Standalone)

Publication Date: 12th Nov 2024

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: Feel-good family drama 

Max was a regular working man living alone and doing his job with a few groans and curses. Suddenly, he is the heir to an ultra-rich dead man and is worthy of billions. Max isn’t sure what he wants but whatever he decides, the press and business partners will not let him stay low. 

Sarah is a rare find in the tabloid industry and writes nothing but truth even if it means skipping deadlines. Turns out, this trait is what her boss wants when he assigns her to find out more about the elusive Maximillian Smith. 

For Max, Sarah is a useful person to control the narrative when the truth comes out. For Sarah, Max is a way to retain her job. As the two try to fill gaps in his past, they have to deal with their feelings for each other as well as the increasing pressure from the press. 

The story comes mostly in Max and Sarah’s third-person POVs. 

My Thoughts: 

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. The story seems to continue from the previous book, but I could follow it without issues. While the central plot is resolved, book #3 will neatly tie up the loose ends. 

It’s a low-stakes read with many feel-good vibes and works on the premise that good things will happen to good people. I like that there isn’t unwanted drama or angst except for what’s necessary. This may not work for everyone but it suited me just fine. 

Romance naturally gets a good share of space. It’s got some steam but less than 2 stars with much detail being left to the reader’s imagination. 

This is in equal parts (or more) a family drama. The side characters (Chase, Piper, and Alex) are easy to like. Makes sense since the first book belonged to Chase and Piper. The next should be Alex’s. I’m curious to see who she’ll be paired with. 

The dual POV works well to give us both perspectives. While Max sometimes sounds off, he has his reasons and shows good progress as the plot moves ahead. Sarah is a good character and never gives readers a chance to doubt her integrity. 

The book starts with a short author’s note and a personal anecdote about foster systems. This is one of the major themes, though it doesn’t overshadow the rest. We get details in bits and pieces, which add depth to the MMC’s arc. 

The pacing feels a bit uneven but it is a pretty quick read overall. I could finish it in a couple of sittings, though the page count is around 380. The little bits of humor and sass contribute to the fun levels. 

To summarize, The Forgotten One is an entertaining and heartwarming book about finding one’s family and being open to accepting new blessings. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Montlake, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheForgottenOne

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong - Book Review

Publication Date: 05th Nov 2024 

Genre: Historical Cozy Fantasy  

3.5 Stars (sort of outliner) 

One Liner: Lovely covers, decent content 

Tao is a nomadic fortune teller. She prefers to move from one place to another, not staying anywhere long enough to attract unwanted attention. As a teller of small fortunes, she makes just enough money to keep her wagon and the mule. For her, this life is much better than what she left behind. 

When Tao’s small fortune ends up something bigger, she has to accept two men accompanying her. An ex-mercenary and a reformed thief on a hunt to find a lost child tag along with Tao who is used to being alone. The group increases when a young baker and a magical cat join her. 

It’s almost too much for Tao to handle them all but maybe this is her chance to find the family she wanted! 

The story comes in Tao’s third-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

Cozy fantasies are easy reads as the books are usually shorter and don’t have intense stuff. The premise here sounded mellow yet adventurous, and the beautiful cover was enough to make me request the book. 

There’s no denying the cozy vibe despite the darkish themes. While the found family is the central theme, the book also deals with immigration, power battles, prejudice, war, privileged vs. poor, grief, and so on. These are woven into the plot and don’t feel off or deliberate. 

The lack of romance for the main character is actually a plus here. I’m relieved that there's no unwanted love track to mess up the MC’s arc. This is a book about friendship and found family. That’s where it stays (though there are a few undercurrents for the side characters). 

However, I do wish the main character’s arc was explored in a little more depth. Maybe coz it’s a cozy fantasy, many elements seem to get surface-level treatment. It works in some instances but not all the time. 

This would have been 4 stars if the world-building was more concrete. The whole thing is quite vague – countries that don’t like each other, past feuds, fragile peace, etc. However, I’m not sure about the religious aspect either. A place that’s called a church doesn’t sound like one and seems to have a mix of older gods as well. Then, there’s mistrust in those who don’t follow the Mother (and her Son). It gives partial Christian vibes, and I’m not sure if I got it right. 

The magical powers could also have been presented in more detail with a few scenes with other Mages, etc., showcasing how their talents work. The whole thing feels vaguely familiar but unknown. 

The last quarter picks up pace and also ups the entertainment level. This may or may not be for everyone as it feels like the resolutions are quick and easy. I liked it since that’s how the cozy element works. Things don’t escalate much and diffuse quickly. 

To summarize, The Teller of Small Fortunes is a heartwarming story about finding oneself, searching for a home, and making new friends. The narrative is slowish and sweet. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton (Hodderscape), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheTellerOfSmallFortunes

The Undoing of Violet Claybourne by Emily Critchley - Book Review

Publication Date: 07th Nov 2024

Genre: Dark Historical Drama (plus a short contemporary track) 

4.2 Stars 

One Liner: The second half is stronger; impactful 

1938, Old England 

Gillian Larkin doesn’t mind being unnoticed but it sure feels good to make friends with the new roommate at school. Violet Claybourne is lively, spirited, and an enigma. When she invites Gillian to her home, Thornleigh Hall, for Christmas, Gillian is overjoyed. She sees it as a chance to meet Violet’s older sisters, Emmi and Laura. 

However, her stay in their home changes her life in many ways. An accident on the extensive grounds brings forth some truths and betrayals. Gillian needs to make some decisions, that have long-lasting effects. What happened all those years ago? 

The story comes in Gillian’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

I was curious when a book with the name Violet in the title chose to present the story from Gillian’s POV. However, soon, I realized why it was done. Gillian is the right narrator even if she is a pathetic friend.

The book begins in 1999 and quickly goes to 1938 where the majority of the events take place. There are a couple of time jumps afterward and complete the circle by ending the story in 1999. Having a single narrator for all of it works the best. No distractions or confusion. 

Initially, I thought I might like the narrator but in less than a few pages, I changed my opinion. There was a short scene that established her character and the next events solidified it. It was a little clue left for readers to guess. I like that! 

Despite seeing the others from one POV, we get a clear understanding of who they are. The characterization was great (even if I didn’t particularly like a certain move towards the end. Some people are inherently selfish and evil. There’s no need to create a reason to psychoanalyze their actions.)

It has quite a few themes like friendship, toxic relationships, selfishness, cowardliness, need for approval, class differences, etc. A few triggers too but nothing graphic. TWs are at the end but contain spoilers. 

The dark vibes were subtle but effective. The Hall and the estate added to the atmosphere and tension. In fact, the war backdrop kept the entire book in a sense of uncertainty. As we entered the second half, it felt like a key being tightened to its last point. 

However, the pacing in the first half was very slow. While it does set the stage and establish the characters, readers might feel bored or tired of anticipating the ‘incident’. Once it happened, the story picked up pace and sustained a steady momentum. I couldn’t stop reading after that. 

The writing was compelling. It was hard to not feel a jumble of emotions as the characters made decisions that showed their true colors. I wanted to hug poor Violet so many times! 

The ending made it a worthy read; satisfying in many ways. I did want a short epilogue from Violet’s POV. It would have been icing on the cake. 

To summarize, The Undoing of Violet Claybourne is a dark read with flawed yet well-etched characters. It will make you feel many things, so pick up the book when you want to think about the shadow side of human nature.  

Thank you, NetGalley and Bonnier Books UK (Zaffre), for eARC. 

#NetGalley #TheUndoingOfVioletClaybourne

***

TW: Death of a child (accident), alcoholism, OCD and possible ADHD, animal murder, sexual assault, infidelity (mentioned), and suicide (mentioned)

 

Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher - Book Review

Publication Date: 05th Nov 2024

Genre: Gothic Historical Fiction, Romance, Paranormal 

3.7 Stars 

One Liner: A pretty entertaining read 

1851, York 

Lizzy Grimm is struggling to save her family shop, Grimm Curiosities, afloat after her father’s demise and her mother’s ill health. 

One day in December, Antony Carlisle visits her shop, looking for help. Turns out, his younger sister suffers from the same affliction as Lizzy’s mother. They decide to work together to find the cause for it. With a stranger showing immense interest in certain rare books collected by Lizzy’s father, they are drawn into something darker and dangerous.

Can Lizzy and Antony find the answers to their questions and fight for their budding love? 

The story comes in Lizzy’s first-person POV with a few chapters from Antony’s (also in first-person) POV. 

My Thoughts: 

The book starts with a map and an author’s note explaining what certain names mean. This was helpful (ex: words ending with gate don’t have a gate but are something else). 

The beginning is a bit slow as it establishes the plot and the conflict. Slowly, it picks up pace as the drama intensifies. The book also deals a little about privilege, class differences, sexism, etc. 

The setting is quite atmospheric. The snowy and cold winter works well to create a sense of eeriness and melancholy, depending on the situation. The shop is easily my favorite part of the book. I would have loved to see more spookiness in there. 

Naturally, the book has many paranormal elements. The FMC knows about it, though she has a hard time correctly deciphering the clues. Can’t blame her much, though. She has a lot of pressure and practicalities to deal with. 

The MMC is a sweet guy (25yo); considerate and supportive but also tentative and not always assertive. This creates some drama in the love angle. Despite the ‘mystery’ this would be a romance book (clean stuff). 

The side characters aren’t fully developed but sometimes they shine better than the lead characters (especially Charlie and Isabel). Turns out one of them was based on a real-life person! In fact, quite a few elements in the book are taken from the real stuff. Read the note at the end to know the details. 

Despite the dark elements, the book would be categorized as a cozy read. It combines different lores and even has a Narnia touch. Some of it might go over the head if you aren’t into folklore and mythical creatures. 

The romance is understated and tentative. While I didn’t particularly feel it, the execution suited the characters. It aligns with their arcs, which is more important. There’s an epilogue and HEA. 

To summarize, Grimm Curiosities is an enjoyable read, combining folklore, paranormal, drama, and romance in a historical setting. It should be a good pick between intense books. 

Thank you, NetGalley and 47North, for eARC. 

#NetGalley #GrimmCuriosities