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If there is one theme for the fictional books that I read in April; it’s love vs. ethics. Whether you are giving up your beliefs to support someone, or leaning into to your interests to get closure to someone. They all had a push and pull effect. All about what we would do for love, for ourselves, and our future. Mixed in with one truly remarkable memoir about one of the most fascinating public figures of all time. Here is everything I read in April.
It’s been almost a decade since Alex has been with her ultra-wealthy friends from Columbia. When two of their college friends decide to get married in Greece, Alex not only falls back into her old insecure ways but she also has to face Danial. She hasn’t forgiven him since that awful night, nor has she forgotten her love for him. With their heated dynamic, and completely different paths in life, is two weeks cruising the Mediterranean more than Alex can handle.
5 Stars
Review
I really enjoyed this one! It’s a second chance, enemies to lovers trope romance while also dealing with classism. I will say Alex did get on my nerves a little here and there with her insecurity and her defensiveness. I get that it’s not only pent up heartbreak, but also falling back into your olds ways when surrounded by certain people from your past. I totally get that, and experience it first hand sometimes. I loved the tension between Alex and Danial throughout the book, with tender moments here and there that were swoon worthy. There is one part towards the end that had me placing my hand over my heart. Anyway, besides the will-they-won’t-they dynamic, the book made me want to hop on a plane to travel up and down Greece.
Gabe and Ethan are living a happy, quiet life in New Jersey. That is until Ethan announces he is running for Congress… as a Republican. Gabe is very much a Democrat, just like Ethan used to be. For weeks Gabe deals with the backlash he receives from friends and colleagues. But what is really eating at him is his inner conflict of either standing up for one’s own beliefs or supporting the husband you love. Meanwhile, Ethan’s sister Kate is also in a dilemma between ethics, career, family, and love. Nicole, an old flame of Kates, has reentered her life. A lonely housewife who no longer feels like she is a partner to her husband, and misses the ambition and career she once has. Should Kate allow Nicole back in. Should Nicole stay with her husband of over a decade. Kate and Nicole, Ethan and Gabe, all must choose between love and ethics.
3.5 Stars
Review
This was a book club pick. I thought it was ok. I have a hard time getting into stories where I am not rooting for anyone. Add in politics, I wasn’t alway eager to pick it up. I will say that it does make for a great book club discussion; the dynamics between politics and family. It raises the age old question: are your political views your values or your opinions? For me, fiscally it’s an opinion, socially it’s your morals. Anyway, at my book club event Elizabeth Harris was there for a Q&A. I always enjoy listening to the author’s thought process and why they did this or that within the book. I asked her why we didn’t get Ethan’s point of view and she said it’s because he is the only one in the book that is sure of himself. Which makes complete sense! I was sorta hoping for some inner turmoil especially during some hypocritical parts. For Kate and Nicole, I wasn’t rooting for them to be together. Mostly because I never felt as if Nicole viewed Kate the way Kate viewed Nicole back when they were dating, and present tense. There wasn’t any real yearning coming from her, if that makes sense. While I do not find the overall theme to be interesting, the book just wasn’t a favorite.
Scarlett should be one of the best platform divers at Standard. The problem is that after an almost career ending injury, despite physically healing, she is dealing with the yips. Lukas is an olympic gold medalist swimmer at Standard. He excels at everything, well liked and respected. Scarlett and Lukas have never really mingled, and they seem to have nothing in common. That is until a secret they both mutual share is revealed. After starting an arrangement, a mutually beneficial fling to take their minds off the pressure of competing, Scarlett finds she may be in deep waters.
4 Stars
Review
I enjoyed this book. I thought it was a little too long, some parts could have been cut out. I know this book is controversial when it comes to it’s smut. However, in my opinion I didn’t find it to be that bad. I have read worse. Ali Hazelwood in previous books has written a more in-depth description on intimacy. Anyway, overall I enjoyed the story. I was surprised to find that it focuses more on diving/swimming than it does on STEM. Usually her books are centered around STEM. This isn’t a bad thing, just a surprise. If anything, it’s nice that she switched things up. I enjoyed following along Scarlett’s journey to overcome the yips. I found that to be the most interesting part of the book. Scarlett and Lukas are perfect for each other across board. I liked how they just understood each other, supported each other, and was patient with each other. I found how they started off to be a little bizarre, but it does tie into the story. Overall I enjoyed this book!
I mean it’s Cher, need I say more!! While I am, like the rest of the world, more than familiar with this superstar, and her life with Sunny, there was still so much about her youth that I didn’t know. She has lived a very fascinating life. From being dirt poor to being one of the most well known celebrities in history, her journey is nothing short of riveting. It’s a wild ride; her life is truly kismet. A few things I found interesting to learn about her: she doesn’t (didn’t) really drink or do drugs, she was very naive, and she was an orphan for a very short period of time. The book follows from childhood through her second marriage to Gregg Allman. Filled with nostalgia, trendsetting, ambition, and lots of drama, this is a memoir you need to read! I listened to this on audiobook; Cher herself narrates it along with Stephanie J. Block. I can’t wait to listen to part 2!!
5 Stars