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From murder mysteries to love stories, last month’s books were all about relationships. The lengths we would go to to be with, protect, and support our loved ones. Even if that means doing something illegal or giving up everything in your life. Here is everything I read in May. Let me know in the comments what book(s) you read this past month or are currently reading.
Following a divorce, Rayna decides to start over in Amsterdam; a new country, new friends, new her, a fresh start. When one night she matches on a dating app with a handsome, successful gemologist Xander. This new and improved Rayna doesn’t say no to adventure, including a one-night-stand. The following morning when she wakes up to a dead body and millions worth of diamonds stolen from a safe, Rayna’s adventure is a little more than she bargained for. Meanwhile, Xander’s boss’s wife Willow is dealing with her own troubles. Troubles in her marriage to the heir of the most famous diamond house, and the dangers that loom in the underground diamond market. The Expat Affair is about classism, mystery, family dynamics, and sparkle.
5 stars
Review
This was a book that kept me on my toes. With a lot of twist and turns, each page gave you enough intrigue and mystery that you needed to know what happens next. I enjoyed learning about the ins-and-outs of the diamond business, as well as lab-grown diamonds. I liked having the perspective of both Willow and Rayna’s point of view; each story filling in the gaps. Who I thought the killer was was not who it turned out to be– which, to me, means this was well written. Lots of pieces of the puzzle that could have gone in any direction. I do wish we got more of an ending to Rayna, but I also liked how it ended.
After finding a stray cat and deciding to keep it, Samantha takes her new furry friend to the vet. In walks the most gorgeous man she has ever seen– AND he loves animals! He seemed perfect, that is until he opens his mouth and says the wrong thing. After being proven wrong, Xavier finds a way to apologize to Samantha. It also doesn’t help that he can’t stop thinking about her. When she agrees to go on a date with him, it’s the most unforgettable night. But it has to be forgettable because Samantha is moving out of state. Her family is in crisis and they need her. Now they must figure out if a long distance relationship is really worth it. Say You’ll Remember Me is more than just a love story, it’s about family.
5 stars
Review
Oh I really loved this one! I thought it was so cute and swoon-worthy! I love romance books that have a point of view from both the two main characters. I enjoy reading about men yearning. Anyway, what I like about Abby Jimenez books is that her characters are not one-dimensional, they have real life outside problems beyond their relationship. I liked how the book mostly focused on Samantha’s family and the grief that comes with your parents getting older. Also how Xavier had his own family dynamics to shift through. It was beautiful to see how Sam and Xavier were there for eachother, but also shows how life sends us curve balls. What is meant to be will be.
Jack and Jill are college sweethearts, living in a wealthy neighborhood in California. Now that their daughter is in college, there has been some distance between them. While Jill plans a road trip to Utah to reconnect, Jack is filing for divorce. Only staying in the marriage this long because of a shared tragedy in their past, and for their daughter’s safety. What Jack doesn’t know is that Jill, besides the sightseeing, is planning other things for the trip. Has other secrets she has kept, and will do anything to make sure Jack stays in this marriage. Just like she has always done. Jill Is Not Happy is about how far we will go to get what we want.
4 stars
Review
While this book had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what was going to happen next, I didn’t like the ending. I wish I could elaborate more, but also do not want to give away any spoilers. I wasn’t sure how the story was going to unfold or how it would end. There were a lot of twist and turns that kept me intrigued. Each moment I wasn’t sure what was going to happen, only that I was rooting for Jack’s escape. I wish we got more into Jill’s past with her family, at least bring more of them into the present. I can see this becoming a sequel and that would be great!