I wrote an emotional post (for me) about saying goodbye to my dog this past week, if you’d like to read it. However, I didn’t want to miss out on Show Us Your Books again, so here I am. I have a blog tour post for tomorrow, when Show Us Your Books will be, so I’m a day early. Linking up with Steph and Jana.
I read Eleanor & Park for my YA for Adults book club. I’ve actually owned this book for years, so it was great finally getting a chance to sit down and read it. Eleanor & Park is the third book I’ve read by Rainbow Rowell, and it’s probably my least favorite. That doesn’t mean I didn’t like it – because I did – but it was tough for me to root for these two as a couple. I really just wanted them to be best friends and be there for each other. The whole “romance” felt like them trying to save each other in a way, and while they definitely needed some saving (especially Eleanor), I don’t want that to be the sole reason for a relationship. Add to Goodreads.
I received Raze from Roan Parrish via Netgalley (all opinions are my own) and I really enjoyed it. This is the third book in the Riven series, and I’ve really loved them all. Their order is: Riven, Rend, and Raze. I gave Riven and Raze four stars and Rend got five. Raze is about Huey and Felix. If you’ve read the previous two books, then you will know Huey. He’s the sponsor of various famous addicts, and an addict himself. I loved getting to really know him in Raze. It’s tough for him to truly open up, and it causes some problems in his relationship with Felix, but nothing overdone or too dramatic. I loved Felix and Huey together, and of course, we get the couples from the previous two books here and there too which is fun! Raze is a romance, yes, but it’s more than that too, so check it out! Add to Goodreads.
Spellbound by Allie Therin is another read from Netgalley (again, all thoughts are my own). This one would be a perfect read for the month of October as one of the main characters, Rory, is a psychometric – he can read objects. It’s this ability that leads Arthur to him, with a mission to help save New York. One of the things that I loved about this book is that it’s set in 1925, so while Rory and Arthur fall for each other, they can’t be out, and they have to deal with a lot of other issues that wouldn’t have existed if the book was set in today’s time. I gave Spellbound 5 stars – it’s a magical mystery, with a touch of romance, and some fantastic character building. And guess what? There will be a sequel! Add to Goodreads.
Covet Thy Neighbor by L.A. Witt was given to me for review by Dreamspinner Press (all opinions are my own as always). Seth is a tattoo artist and Darren is a newly transplanted pastor. They are neighbors, and falling for each other. Seth grew up in a deeply religious family that treated him horribly when he came out as gay, so while he likes Darren, learning he’s a pastor has him very weary. I didn’t absolutely love this book – I think it could have had a bit more character or relationship development – apart from the physical – but I still enjoyed it. One of the things that I loved is the discussion about religion. I thought it was handled really well and it shows that you can be religious without hate. Add to Goodreads.
Relationship Material by Jenya Keefe was another Netgalley read (all opinions are my own) and it’s definitely an emotional book. Evan is someone who has been hiding for years – from family, from his past. It’s all catching up to him now, and in the midst of that, he meets Mal. I thought these two were really good together. What Evan has had to deal with in the past is heartbreaking and difficult to read at times. It’s easy to see why he’s skittish about opening up to people. I don’t want to spoil anything too much, so all I will say is that Evan and Mal meet because of a specific person, and I thought they were handled well too. Add to Goodreads.
Watching You by Lisa Jewell is from my e-library. I’ve seen really great things about this book around the blogosphere, including the Show Us Your Books link-up. I will say that the first half of the book was a bit slow for me, and I wasn’t entirely sure if I was going to finish or not. Once it starts picking up, I found myself much more invested in this group of neighbors. It doesn’t follow just one character, but almost all of them have secrets, which slowly unravel as time goes on. In the end, I gave this one four stars. Add to Goodreads.
The only Rainbow Rowell book I read was Eleanor and Park. Good to know I should try others! I am planning to read a Lisa Jewell this month for the first time as well.
Yes I’ve read Eleanor and Park, I read it after all the hype and I liked it but my expectations may have been a little high.
I love those books that we have had on our TBR pile for a while that we finally get to and then they are amazing! This is definitely the time of year I read more thriller and paranormal books for sure.
I read Watching You and I it was entertaining, but it was sad and tragic too. I think a lot of Lisa Jewell’s stories were. I really think the murderer should’ve got away with it! That lady certainly deserved what she got, especially after the last revelation. Here I am going all vigilante, lol! 🙂
These all sound great. I am glad to see so many people still read. I use to read a lot more then I do now. Between all my downtime being take up with blogging and chronic migraines I find I am reading a lot less which is frustrating.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
I have so much love for Eleanor & Park. It’s probably my favorite by Rowell. I’ve reread it several times. Raze was good but I’m not sure there was enough there to make me want to read the rest of the series. Maybe at some point. I really enjoyed Watching You. Lisa Jewell is one of my faves and I love her brand of domestic drama/mystery.
I liked E&P very much (though, really, the ending), but I think my favorite RR books are her adult books. Still a great book though.
I agree with you about Eleanor and Park. I really enjoyed it but, like you, just wanted them to be friends.
I loved Eleanor and Park when I read it but her favourite of mine is Attachments for sure. I also loved Fangirl. WOW Spellbound sounds super interesting!! Off to check that one out right now.
Ive had watching you on my list for a while now – reviews on it are so mixed.
E&P was a great read but I could scarcely remember the story. lol
I enjoy Lisa Jewell books.
Big hugs re: your dog
I’m sorry to hear about you losing your dog. I know how hard it can be to lose a beloved pet. My condolences. Lisa Jewell is on my list – any book. 😀 E&P has been the only book of Rowell’s that I really enjoyed, although I agree that saving someone should not be the sole basis for a relationship.
I keep meaning to pick up Watching You at the library. Thanks for the reminder! 🙂
Sounds like you read a few good ones this month!
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dog. I listened to Eleanor & Park and loved it. It’s been my favorite Rowell book! I also enjoyed Watching You.
I am so so sorry about your dog. I still haven’t been able to write about Barkley. Every time I even think about it I dissolve into a puddle.
E&P is my favorite Rowell book.
Thanks, Jana. I’m so sorry for your loss too. It’s heartbreaking.
Oh noooooo, so sorry you didn’t like Eleanor and Park. That was my favorite Rainbow book, followed closely by Attachments. If you ever want to get rid of it, I will gladly take it off your hands! I really enjoyed Watching You as well, but I agree it was slow-going in the beginning.
I love Rainbow Rowell and Eleanor & Park is one of my favorite books.
I couldn’t put down “Watching You” and the way the different characters gave their view of the road and the neighbours was very cleverly done.
I’ve got another Lisa Jewell book “The Family Upstairs” which I cannot wait to start.
I still need to read Eleanor and Park. Looks like some good books this month.
I just finished a slow book like that too! I did finish it finally.
I love the Spellbound book though. That sounds right down my alley!
None of these books are familiar to me. Thinking I might hit up my book club gals to read a YA book next time. There are so many good ones!!
I’m attending RARE 2020 in Edinburgh and Roan Parrish is one of the attending authors. I’ve seen Raze around a lot so I’m going to check it out before the signing as I haven’t read anything from the author before.
I haven’t read anything by Rainbow Rowell either but I have Fangirl on my kindle to read at some point. Don’t think I’ve heard of Eleanor and Park before but if I like Fangirl I may check it out! 🙂
Of the three Rainbow Rowell books I’ve read, Eleanor and Park is my least favourite as well. I loved Fangirl so much because I really related to the characters, but I just didn’t get that with Eleanor and Park, which is a shame. I didn’t hate it, I just didn’t love it either!
I”m so sorry about your dog. Sending you all the love <3
I haven't heard of Spellbound until just now, but it sounds so interesting! Might have to go on my to-read list 😀
Oh, that is tough saying good-bye to a pet. Well wishes, Lauren.
It does feel good to read a book that’s been on the shelf a while. That Roan Parrish series looks pretty good. Oh, I remember Covet Your Neighbor having interesting religious discussions, too. The Lisa Gardner thriller is on the library wait list for me.
Nice batch of reads!
Eleanor & Park! so good. i’ve only read one Lisa Jewell, but I do own that one. I’ve heard good things!