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It’s finally spring, which means it’s time to share all of the books I read this past winter. Looking back on the books I read, I find the running theme to be creating your own destiny and going for the life that you want. This is something I am trying to do in my current life. It seems fitting that I was attractive to this genre. All, of course, are love stories in a way. From relationships with family, friends, significant others, and most importantly, the relationship you have with yourself. Enjoy part 1 of my winter book review.
Lily hasn’t had the best of upbringings. After graduating college she moves out of her small town to live in Boston, where she starts her own business. On one particularly rough night Lily meets the dashing neurosurgeon Ryle. He seems to be everything and more, except for his aversion to relationships. While things continue on with them, thoughts of Atlas- Lily’s first love – start to surface. When suddenly Atlas appears back in Lily’s life, she must deal with issues of the past and the present. It Ends With Us is a heartbreaking tale of love, family, and bravery.
*trigger warning: this book talks about domestic abuse
Review
It Ends With Us was captivating the entire way through. I felt so many different emotions; sadness, joy, love, and anger. It really shines light on domestic abuse and why people stay with their abuser. This is a love story but it is NOT a romcom style. Although it does have a lot of lighthearted moments, there is a sweetness to the book. However, it does talk about a lot of heavy things; our inner demons, the choices we make, and the consequences of our actions. I highly recommend this book and would give it 5/5 stars.
Laura works for a famous lifestyle website, writing about her traveling adventures. When she convinces her boss to send her on a work trip to the Channel Islands, where her parents first met, things do not go accordingly to Laura’s plan. Upon her arrival she accidentally picks up the wrong suitcase. A man’s suitcase with contents that feels kismet to Laura. Her taxi driver Ted helps Laura not only track down the mysterious suitcase guy, he also becomes her personal driver to all of the places her parent’s documented around the island together. The more time she spends on the island, the more she learns of family secrets that completely changes the way she viewed her entire life. Just Haven’t Met You Yet is about family, love, destiny, and creating your own life.
Review
Just Haven’t Met You Yet is a fun and easy romcom style book to read. Makes for a great beach read. I loved following Laura’s story as she uncovers truths about her family’s past while finding love. There were a few moments in the book I found to be a little ridiculous and cringy, but overall I enjoyed readying it. I swooned over the tender moments between Laura and her love interests. I also enjoyed getting to know Ted and his family. I liked how the story wasn’t all about Laura, but also Ted’s story of his own heartbreak and family secrets. I would give this book a 4/5 stars.
As a third-year Ph.D student at Stanford, Olive is a smart, reserved woman trying to make it. She only cares about her scientific research and her two best friend’s happiness. To make sure her friend Anh has her happily ever after, Olive convinces her that she is dating non-other than the famous Dr. Adam Carlsen. A professor at Stanford, who to Olive’s surprise, agrees to fake-date her for his own reasons. To keep up the facade, Olive finds herself deeper and deeper in lies, and in feelings she didn’t know she could have. The Love Hypothesis is about fate, feeling confident about who you are, and opening yourself up to love and success.
Review
I really enjoyed The Love Hypothesis. I kept seeing it all over my social media, people raving about it. Even the girl at the checkout counter at the bookstore said she loved the book. It has all of your romcom needs and wants; it’s steamy, swoon-worthy, cheesy, and funny. The way Adam treats Olive, how caring and supportive he is, will make you melt. I highly recommend this book. I give it 5/5 stars.