June 28, 2022

The Ex-Husband


"It's my ex. Trust me on that. He moved next door, and he's been intent on making my life a misery ever since." ~ 46%

So goes the story of Leah and her ex-husband Craig. She finally escaped the nightmare marriage, no longer flinching if she accidentally burns dinner and knows the kids are now safe. Until she sees Craig stroll past her window and lets himself into the house next door. He claims it is a coincidence and they can be good neighbors. 

But Leah is on edge. She doesn't believe it is a coincidence. She fears for her safety and that of Craig's new girlfriend. Her actions going forward make me question her character and credibility of the past. She rifles through his garbage, eavesdrops and more. Then something happens to make the reader wonder who is the innocent one here?

I understand book descriptions are written to entice the reader. But "unputdownable" or "master suspense thriller" this is not. The comparisons to bestselling psychological thrillers are a stretch. If you are still in the mood for domestic suspense after this review, then this book is for you. Otherwise, I do not recommend reading. It was a struggle to finish.

Happy Pub Day, Samantha Hayes! The Ex-Husband is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: The Ex-Husband
Author: Samantha Hayes
Published: June 2022
Pages: 356
Edition: Galley
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: 🖤 

June 21, 2022

Fake It Till You Bake It


"He could not be attracted to the customer from hell." ~ 4%

Reality star meets cupcake-baking football player and pretend to be a couple. The fake relationship has its benefits. Jada is trying to rehab her public image; she turned down a proposal on a reality dating show. Donovan's new cupcake bakery needs good publicity and a solid customer base. When Jada finds herself working at the bakery (thanks to a meddling good-hearted grandmother), a reporter mistakes them for a couple so they roll with it.

"Okay, boomer." ~ 76%

When a main character is unlikeable, it is very hard for me to fully enjoy the story. Jada was a whining, selfish, clueless young woman that didn't appreciate the opportunities in her path. Donovan seemed charming and headstrong, essentially a catch. Jada's first impression was of her talking shit about Donovan's bakery. It was downhill from there for me. 

Funny one liners and the writing style is what kept me reading to the end. If you like cute fake-to-fall-in-love stories, then read Fake It Till You Bake It. Otherwise, you can skip this one.

Happy Pub Day, Jamie Wesley! Fake It Till You Bake It is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Fake It Till You Bake It
Author: Jamie Wesley
Published: June 2022
Pages: 320
Edition: Galley
Genre: Romance
Rating: 🖤 🖤