Review: Let's Make A Scene

Let's Make a Scene by Laura Wood 

Goodreads/Amazon 

Synopsis: Their story might be scripted, but the chemistry is real.

When Cynthie Taylor gets her first real acting job, starring in a small British movie, she is over the moon. There’s only one problem . . . Cynthie's arrogant and annoyingly handsome co-star Jack hates her, and the feeling is definitely mutual. While they may be at war behind the scenes, their on-screen chemistry is palpable, and the studio sees an opportunity – have the two young stars fake a romance that will charm fans and draw crowds.

Thirteen years later, Cynthie and Jack have successfully kept their promise to stay far away from one another, until a surprising offer comes to make a sequel to the cult classic that launched their careers. But there's a catch: they must also rekindle their pretend relationship . . . and this time there's a documentary crew following their every move.

Cynthie and Jack both desperately need this film to work, but can two ex-rivals ever really trust each other? And what happens when the roles they're playing start to feel all too real?

My Review:

Oh my days! I've always loved stories about filmmaking, and Let's Make a Scene perfectly combines my love of movies and cute romcoms into one addictive, feel-good novel.

The story unfolds across two alternating timelines. In the present day, Cynthie and Jack reunite to film a sequel and agree to fake-date for a second time. Thirteen years earlier, we see a young Cynthie and Jack clashing and irritating each other incessantly while working on the first film. I found this structure really effective — both timelines were equally engaging, slowly revealing more about the characters’ dynamic and hinting at the reasons behind their complicated relationship.

Moreover, this novel genuinely made me laugh and smile. It’s funny, sweet, and clever, and I loved the early rivalry between Cynthie and Jack, which even escalates into a slightly immature prank war involving the crew. Alongside all the humorous hijinks, the romance blossoms into a genuinely heartwarming story that made me feel giddy in the best way.

At the same time, there's a more serious thread running through the story. The book explores a past traumatic experience Cynthie had with an influential film director and delves into how much the standards on film sets have needed to change and improve over the past decade. It powerfully highlights the importance of fair treatment for women in the industry.

If I had one critique, it would be that the ending dragged a little. I also felt that some characters’ perceptions of young Jack — as a bit of a 'dickhead' — felt unfair, especially since his actions weren’t significantly harsher than Cynthie’s. Both characters could be cutting in their younger years, and the narrative sometimes leaned a little too heavily on Jack as the villain of their early dynamic.

Still, I really loved this read. It was such a joy to follow these characters as they filmed their Regency romance (one of my favourite film genres). Overall, Let's Make A Scene felt very "Emily-coded," and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: July 1st, 2025

Review: The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge

The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge by Rachel Hore 

Goodreads/Amazon 

Synopsis: Uncovering secrets that span generations, Rachel Hore delivers intriguing, involving and emotive narrative reading group fiction like few other writers can.

Nancy Foster has harboured a devastating secret that shattered her professional and personal life.  On meeting her, journalist Stef Lansdown realises that she has the power to restore Nancy’s reputation and to heal the wounds, if only Nancy will trust her. But someone else wants to get to the bottom of the story first, someone who doesn’t want it to be told. 

Set in the beautiful environs of the Norfolk Broads in 2010, and in London in the '40s and ‘50s, when life for career-driven women was so different, The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge is Sunday Times multi-million copy bestselling author Rachel Hore’s utterly compelling new novel, interweaving the past and the present. 

My Review:

Sadly, I seem to be in the minority that didn't enjoy this novel, so I'll keep my review short and sweet. 

The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge is based on a very interesting concept, and I enjoyed that the novel champions female scientists and women in STEM. At its heart, this book is about past historical struggles against male oppression and the importance of these career women receiving justice and recognition. 

However, I found the novel to be overly long and dull, and the writing certainly was not for me. I felt very distant from Stef and Nancy, so I didn't feel any empathy for them (even when I should). The tone is quite monotonous, and the romance felt extremely forced. In the end, I struggled to finish and had to persevere through each chapter. 

That said, other Goodreads reviewers seemed to really enjoy this novel. Therefore, unfortunately, this was probably just a case where the writing didn't work for me personally. So, if you're a fan of Rachel Hore or stories of women overcoming substantial challenges, go ahead and give The Secrets of Dragonfly Lodge a try. You might have a better experience! 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: July 31st, 2025

Review: The Girls Who Grew Big

The Girls Who Grew Big by Leila Mottley

Amazon/Goodreads

Synopsis: From the author of Oprah's Book Club pick and New York Times best seller Nightcrawling, here is an astonishing new novel about the joys and entanglements of a fierce group of teenage mothers in a small town on the Florida panhandle.

Adela Woods is sixteen years old and pregnant. Her parents banish her from her comfortable upbringing in Indiana to her grandmother’s home in the small town of Padua Beach, Florida. When she arrives, Adela meets Emory, who brings her newborn to high school, determined to graduate despite the odds; Simone, mother of four-year-old twins, weighs her options when she finds herself pregnant again; and the rest of the Girls, a group of outcast young moms who raise their growing brood in the back of Simone’s red truck.

The town thinks the Girls have lost their way, but really they are finding it: looking for love, making and breaking friendships, and navigating the miracle of motherhood and the paradox of girlhood.

Full of heart and life and hope, set against the shifting sands of these friends’ secrets and betrayals, The Girls Who Grew Big confirms Leila Mottley’s promise and offers an explosive new perspective on what it means to be a young woman.

My Review:

Despite her debut Nightcrawling earning so much critical acclaim, this is my first Leila Mottley novel —  and it surely won't be my last. I really enjoyed The Girls Who Grew Big, a gritty yet beautiful novel about teenage mothers in Padua Beach, a small, impoverished Florida town. 

The novel follows three characters: Simone, Emory, and Adela. Simone, the leader of The Girls, is a single mom with toddler twins. Emory is a recent mother to a newborn and she is determined to finish high school and attend a top-tier college. Pregnant Adela has been sent away by her mortified parents to have her baby quietly. Their lives become entangled in various ways, and each girl has her own strong, unique voice.

The first thing I loved about this book is how Mottley expertly transports the reader to Padua Beach. Everything jumps off the page — from the sandy beaches and swimming pools to the McDonald's that Adela’s grandmother adores. I could picture it all perfectly, from the torrential hurricanes to the gritty birth scenes. Mottley has a gift for realism, even when her prose is sophisticated, flowery, and metaphorical.

That brings us to Mottley’s writing. There is no doubt about it; she is a talented storyteller with a knack for symbolism. Most of the time, I adored her prose. However, my one complaint is that, occasionally, her characters go off on long spoken monologues that feel unnatural compared to their usual conversations.

Finally, I loved that this novel is unafraid to portray heartbreaking moments while ultimately being about resilience, hope, and girlhood. From girls kicked out of their homes to awful experiences at conservative, fear-mongering abortion clinics, the novel depicts the horrors and isolation of teenage pregnancy. It doesn’t shy away from brutal truths that are very much a part of young mothers' lives. However, it also shows their inner strength and the joy they receive from their children and community. It’s a book about sisterhood and support.

I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this novel to… anyone. It’s wonderfully done.

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: July 10th, 2025

Review: Cover Story

Cover Story by Mhairi McFarlane

Amazon/Goodreads

The unputdownable, brilliant new novel from the Queen of Romcom. 

Bel’s joined the Manchester office of a big national paper from her award-winning podcast. There’s only three of them – Bel, her relentlessly ambitious colleague Aaron, and the new intern. And when the intern turns out to be a thirty-something man called Connor, she gets off on totally the wrong foot. She’s patronising, he’s hostile. It’s a terrible start. 

Then Bel gets a sniff at a really big story, Connor gets caught in the crossfire, and before they know it, they have to convince people they’re a couple – and a couple in love at that. If they mess up, Bel’s cover is blown and the biggest story she’ll ever land will disappear, along with justice for its sources.

But as time goes on, who’s double crossing whom – and which feelings are real? It’s Mr & Mrs Smith meets The Hating Game – and sparks will fly …

So much fun! Cover Story is a wonderful enemies-to-lovers romance about investigative journalism, holding abusive men in power accountable, and overcoming first impressions. 

The novel is told from two POVs: Bel and Connor. Bel is a capable, respected journalist reeling after a bad break-up and troubling encounters with a stalker. Connor is an ex-finance bro attempting to start a new career in journalism, running away from mental health difficulties in London and an absolutely awful (if I do say so myself) long-term girlfriend. Bel happens upon an intriguing lead for a story about the exploits of a smarmy, manipulative mayor who preys on young girls. She and Connor go undercover to unveil proof, determined to expose him. Of course, they end up fake dating despite their mutual dislike for one another. 

With such a promising plot and McFarlane's wonderful writing, what could go wrong? (Nothing, that's the true answer here.) Cover Story is funny, clever, and, most importantly, deals with important and relevant social issues. I appreciated that the romance didn't overshadow the important passages about mental health, women's safety, and the necessity of justice. Yet, at the same time, the novel is still sincerely thrilling and lively, not depressing. 

Moreover, Bel and Connor are such likeable, well-rounded characters. They’re hardworking, have an excellent sense of humour, witty rapport, and a comical ability to misunderstand each other. The other side characters such as Shilpa and Ian are similarly delightful. Also, as a side note, I really enjoyed the Manchester setting. I lived there during lockdown (long story) so it was refreshing to read a novel based in this Northern city instead of London for once. 

In conclusion, Cover Story is a must-read. McFarlane's suspenseful, funny, and romantic adventure kept me turning pages, eager to know what happens. This is my first foray into McFarlane's work, and I'm excited to read more from her... I see why she is so beloved. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: May 8th, 2025

Review: This Monster of Mine

This Monster of Mine by Shalini Abeysekara

Amazon/Goodreads

She knows the taste of death. He'll stoke her hunger for it.

Eighteen-year-old Sarai doesn't know why someone tried to kill her four years ago, but she does know that her case was closed without justice. Hellbent on vengeance, she returns to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can magically detect lies, and is assigned to work with Tetrarch Kadra. Ice-cold and perennially sadistic, Kadra is the most vicious of the four judges who rule the land - and the prime suspect in a string of deaths identical to Sarai's attempted murder.

Certain of his guilt, Sarai begins a double life: solving cases with Kadra by day and plotting his ruin by night. But Kadra is charming and there's something alluring about the wrath he wields against the city's corruption. So when the evidence she finds embroils her in a deadly political battle, Sarai must also fight against her attraction to Kadra - because despite his growing hold on her heart, his voice matches the only memory she has of her assailant...

A dazzling Ancient Rome-inspired romantasy debut, This Monster of Mine is a bloodbath of manipulation, deception, and forbidden love.

This 2025 release absolutely needs to be on your TBR list. Abeysekara's debut novel, This Monster of Mine, is wholly original, gripping, and fierce. 

The story takes place in Edessa, a city loosely based on Ancient Rome. Sarai moves there to uncover who attempted to murder her when she was only 14 years old. She was tossed off a tower, and the head trauma removed most of her memories. Everyone believes that Sarai (known as the Sidran Tower Girl) is dead, and because she's been healed from her injuries with a new appearance and face, she can investigate without her assailant knowing her identity. 

Meanwhile, while Sarai searches for the truth, she becomes a Petitor assigned to the deadly Tetrarch Kadra. Essentially, she acts a type of prosecutor with magical abilities who assists the Tetrarchs in serving justice. However, Sarai faces constant danger, as someone is killing off Petitors one by one. And by investigating what happened to the The Sidran Tower Girl, she puts an ever larger target on her back. 

This intricate, original plot kept me on my toes for the entire novel. I loved how Abeysekara portrays Sarai's anger and determination, and I enjoyed solving the mystery alongside her and her allies. Moreover, the romance in this book is wonderful — intense, exciting, and tender. 

Kadra, Sarai's Tetrarch, is a brutal, enigmatic figure who may or may not have been involved in her fall. Sarai must grapple with whether she can trust him. The story also features a vibrant cast, including other Petitors and Tertrachs. I loved Anek and bitterly disliked Cisure and Harrion, Sarai's fellow Petitors. 

The novel's strongest quality is its portrayal of an intricate magical and legal system that still hides corruption, classism, and evil. Sarai and Kadra attempt to serve justice fairly, if viciously, and must navigate a system riddled with bullies, oppressors, and crooked businessmen. 

Overall, This Monster of Mine is a highly satisfying romantasy — dark, clever, bloody, and immersive. I hope to read more from Abeysekara, either in a sequel (perhaps Cisure's redemption story?) or in a new venture. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: April 3rd, 2025

4.5/5 stars 

Review: The Love We Found

The Love We Found by Jill Santopolo

Amazon/Goodreads 

The long-awaited follow-up to the Reese’s Book Club pick and New York Times bestselling global phenomenon The Light We Lost: a thrilling love story about the roles fate and choice play in shaping a life

It’s been ten years. In case you’re out there somewhere—in case you’re listening, I’m here. And I have so much to tell you.

It’s been nearly ten years since Gabe’s been gone when Lucy finds a tiny piece of paper in a box of his old photos. An address in Rome. Why did Gabe keep it, and what was he doing in Italy? Lucy buys a last-minute ticket. Impulsive, but Gabe always brought that out in her.

Lucy’s journey to uncover Gabe’s secret leads her to Dr. Dax Amstrong, a New Yorker in Italy working with an NGO. His broad shoulders and sad, intense eyes draw Lucy in. His touch reaches her in a forgotten place—one that no one has neared since Gabe.

But her old life awaits, along with an earth-shattering decision—whether she and Darren should tell their son Samuel the truth about his real father. How can Lucy move forward while she’s rooted in regret? Fate broke her heart in the past. Can finding new love set her free?

The Love We Found wasn't my cup of tea. To me, it feels like a somewhat unnecessary sequel that lacks the emotional intensity of The Love We Lost.

The narrative style remains the same as in the first book — Lucy narrates her story to Gabe, addressing him as "you" throughout. However, in this sequel, the unique narration feels somewhat strange and distracting, especially since Gabe isn’t present in the story. The novel centers around a promising premise: Gabe’s editor wants to publish a retrospective of his work on the tenth anniversary of his death. I believe this would have been enough to keep Gabe in the reader’s mind without relying on the same narrative style as before.

My biggest issue, however, was the romance. The novel leans heavily on the infatuation-at-first-sight trope, making it feel shallow, convenient, and a bit unbelievable. I struggled to connect with the new love interest, though I’m glad Lucy has found someone new. Moreover, Lucy herself is, at times, an unlikable protagonist. Of course, given her actions in The Light We Lost (cheating, lying, etc.), this is to be expected. In that sense, I appreciated that The Love We Found addresses the consequences of her choices.

That said, there were parts of the novel I really enjoyed. I liked the emphasis on the kids’ personalities and the evolving relationships between Lucy and Darren, as well as Lucy and her family. This book definitely leans more into family drama, fleshing out characters who were somewhat sidelined in the first novel. Additionally, I enjoyed the continued focus on Lucy’s career as a TV producer for children’s shows.

Overall, The Love We Found didn’t draw me in as much as the first novel. However, I do think that fans of the first book who are dying to know what happens to the characters will be pleased.

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: March 18th, 2025

Review: So Good To See You

So Good to See You by Francesca Hornak 

Amazon/Goodreads

2004. Serge, Rosie and Daniel are enjoying their final weeks of university. They are young, inseparable and full of optimism.

Fifteen years later, they are guests at a lavish three-day wedding in Provence - and no longer friends.

Life has not turned out quite as planned since their heady days at Oxford. Film-maker Serge is winning awards, but hiding a huge debt and fractured relationship. Behind Rosie's social ease, she is heartbroken. And with Daniel's fame has come spiralling anxiety.

Now, with four days of organised fun ahead, all three are armed with their best conversation and brightest smile. At least everyone is following the same do not bring up the past. But as the Champagne flows, appearances slip and true feelings emerge.

So Good To See You is a hilarious, poignant and beautifully observed examination of relationships, class, creative differences and pretending to have it all.

So Good To See You is an incredible feat. Hornak drew me into the catastrophe of an old university friend group reunited at a wedding in France, and I loved every minute.

Hornak's work is vibrant, at times humorous, and other times heartbreaking. Our protagonists — Rosie, Serge, and Daniel — are struggling in various ways at the beginning of the novel. Rosie is recovering from her break-up with Serge and worried about her future. Serge is in debt and navigating a trial separation with his girlfriend, the mother of his twins. Daniel is struggling with addiction, upset with Serge over a previous injustice, and raging against an elitist culture prevalent at Oxford and in the film industry. 

Each of these characters has their own rich narrative and backstory, and I really enjoyed their chapters. Rosie is very likeable and I enjoyed watching her show courage and develop a backbone at the wedding festivities. Daniel's backstory is sympathetic and I really felt for the way he was treated by his more privileged peers. Although he makes many bad decisions, he is shown as a hardworking self-made creative with a lot of love for film. 

Serge, on the other hand, starts off as an extremely unlikable figure. However, he miraculously semi-redeems himself and I understood his character more as the story progressed. Like Daniel, he is a good guy who makes some bad choices. Similarly, I really enjoyed chapters from the POV of Isla, his girlfriend and mother of his children. As a make-up artist raised by a single, unreliable mother, she introduced a more grounded, working-class perspective. I also appreciated how Hornak treated her struggles with motherhood with such care. 

Although most of the story takes place at Caspar's wedding, there are also chapters set in the far past during the friends' time at Oxford, and some chapters are set only a couple years before the wedding in Provence. Hornak excels at making her cast of characters feel very real, known, and accessible to the reader. By the end, I felt like an imaginary guest at the wedding, and an honorary member of the friend group. 

Overall, So Good To See You is a sprawling epic that takes on a multitude of povs, social issues, and timelines. Hornak's novel is entertaining, smart, and a captivating visit to the South of France with some distinctive, extraordinary characters. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: May 1st, 2025

Review: The Favourite

The Favourite by Fran Littlewood 

Goodreads/Amazon

From the New York Times bestselling author of Amazing Grace Adams comes a wryly resonant and deeply moving family dramedy investigating the question so many of us have asked ourselves: do my parents have a favorite?

Vivienne and Patrick Fisher have done an excellent job raising their three daughters, Alex, Nancy, and Eva. They’re well-adjusted women with impressive careers, caring partners, exciting hobbies, and sweet children. So it’s with great anticipation that three generations of Fishers gather at a beautiful glass house in the English countryside for a weeklong celebration of Vivienne’s seventieth birthday. But when Patrick’s reaction to a freak accident on the first day of the trip inadvertently reveals that he has a favorite daughter, no one is prepared for the shockwaves it sends through the family.

Decades-old unresolved sibling rivalries are suddenly unmasked. And be it newly uncovered smoking habits, ancient crushes, or private doubts about life decisions both big and small, no one’s secrets are safe. Still-tender wounds are reopened amid an audience of friends, husbands, grandchildren, and even coworkers, and as the family's past is re-written, they find themselves suddenly unmoored.

In a lively, poignant examination of memory, sisterhood, and family ties, Fran Littlewood reminds us just why it is that people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.

Wow, that reading experience was a lot to wrap my head around. The Favourite is a chaotic and complex family drama that has its shining moments but ultimately left me unsatisfied. 

Littlewood's latest endeavour experiments with a stream-of-consciousness style of narration that feels disorganised and turbulent. The run-on sentences and jarring flashbacks are unruly and confusing, distancing the reader from the narrative. 

Moreover, there are so many characters to keep track of. This isn't an issue in itself (for instance, I recently read My Other Heart and found that Strenner's large cast added a lot of value to the story). However, Littlewood fails to keep the extensive family tree understandable, and there so many side plots that the overall narrative becomes lost. 

Essentially, the story is about three sisters... and their parents, their partners, and their children. The Favourite explores ideas of jealousy, insecurity, feelings of inadequacy, and competition after Eva, the youngest daughter, is revealed to be Patrick's (the father's) supposed favourite. Despite my critiques, I enjoyed the psychological exploration of how this event impacts the entire family. 

Nancy, the middle child, is the most admirable character in my opinion. She's a doctor and is embarking upon a new romance after a failed marriage. Alex and Eva, the eldest and youngest, are a bit too unlikeable. In fact, many of the characters in this novel are at times unpleasant. 

The novel's strongest features are passages when Littlewood hits onto some wonderful observations about life. For instance, when Nancy struggles to recall a memory, Littlewood describes the situation with keen insight and grace about the vulnerability of aging. Furthermore, I did enjoy the novel's conclusion and enjoyed the unexpected plot twist. 

Overall, The Favourite has a lot of potential and holds some genuine, wonderful insights about family, love, resentment, forgiveness, memory, and growing older. However, the novel felt too crowded, messy, and ambitious in parts, which impacted the resonance of the central storyline. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: June 12th, 2025