To that end, here are some truly incredible books and an honest – yet brief, oh so brief – look at what we thought of them. So enjoy our real quick reviews, you lazy readers.
In the Fall They Come Back
Written by: Robert Bausch
Released on: 12/12/17
Reviewed by: Leanne*
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4 Angsty Adolescents
Recommended for: Educators, Social Workers, Busybodies
Ben Jameson wants a break from studying. He has just graduated from college and despite excellent LSAT scores, he is not ready to apply to law school. Little does he know, an intense education awaits him at Glenn Acres Preparatory School, where he has been hired to teach writing. The students at Glenn Acres tend to be troubled, spoiled or criminal, a potentially dangerous situation for a teacher who has difficulty distinguishing between educator and savior. Thus the cause of the drama and the question of how far is too far when getting involved in a student’s life?
In the Fall they Come Back begins with seasoned author Robert Bausch stating the story was inspired by true events. Although fiction, it reads like a memoir and constantly makes the reader question how much is true and how much is artistic expression. Sometimes I wanted to hug Ben Jameson and sometimes I wanted to smack him. Whether you find Ben sympathetic or frustrating, it makes for a compelling read. Preorder it.
*arc provided by publisher in exchange for honest review
Behold the Dreamers
Written by: Imbolo Mbue
Released on: 6/26/17
Reviewed by: Bea
Genre: Literary Fiction
Rating: 4 Coveted American Visas
Recommended for: Book Clubs
You know you’ve hit middle age when authors start publishing historical fiction set during your adult life. Sigh.
Behold the Dreamers is the tale of an immigrant chauffeur, his Lehman Brothers big-wig boss and their families before, during and after the bank’s 2008 collapse. It was a perfect pick for my RL Book Club (Oprah agrees), providing lots of fodder for discussion without being too heavy for the busy members to dig through in a month. Unlike many book club favorites, your husband will be up for reading this one too. It reminded me of Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche’s Americanah, but is a somewhat more gentle read. Buy it.
Wilde in Love: The Wildes of Lindow Castle
Written by: Eloisa James
Released on: 10/31/17
Reviewed by: Danelle
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 Hot Younger Sons of a Duke
Recommended for: People who love sexy regency romance
Eloisa James is by far one of my favorite authors – I never miss a chance to read any of her titles.
In this story, Lord Alaric Wilde is a younger son of the Duke of Lindow, and he has spent years traveling abroad and writing novels of his adventures. Little does he know that he’s gained celebrity status at home, with legions of women falling all over themselves for memorabilia of him. When Alaric returns home, he’s pretty unhappy to find out that someone has written a play about him that covers fictional events in his life, and it makes it rather uncomfortable for him to do anything he’d like to do, since he has a horde of women following him everywhere during an engagement house party for his older brother.
As soon as he meets Willa, he’s hooked, because she’s never read his books and isn’t interested in him at all. He just has to figure out a way to make sure Willa falls for him too, and that she doesn’t decide to pass him by because of the spotlight that seems to constantly shining on him. Wilde in Love is the best historical romance I’ve read in a while – the characters are interesting, and I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! Buy it!
The Dark Intercept
Written by: Julia Keller
Released on: 10/31/17
Reviewed by: Brooke*
Genre: Young Adult Dystopia
Rating: 3.5 heart-wrenching memories
Recommended for: Anyone who hates thought police
In the year 2294, the people are divided into two groups. Those that live on Old Earth, our dying planet, where resources are scarce and everyone lives in peril and poverty. And those that live on New Earth, a pristine Earth-like space station tethered way above the Earth’s atmosphere, where the affluent live in comfort and peace. But prosperity comes at a price.
With the invention of the Intercept, a computer program that monitors and catalogs all emotions and memories of every individual, everyone is subject to this thought-police program that will stop you before you commit a crime. Daughter of the New Earth Inventor, 16-year-old Violet helps monitor the Intercept and assists the police. When the young hot policeman, Danny, keeps sneaking down to Old Earth, Violet wants to learn why he would risk losing his job. But as she tails Danny, she uncovers the ugly truth behind the Intercept and gets caught in a rebellion.
The Dark Intercept has a cool premise and an intriguing mystery. It poses some interesting social questions and it addresses the cost of sacrificing freedom for peace. Overall, I liked it but at times it was easy to put down. It’s the first book in a new series. The Dark Intercept just released this October, buy it now.
*arc provided by publisher in exchange for honest review
To Love and to Cherish
Written by: Lauren Layne
Released on: 10/18/2016
Reviewed by: Heidi*
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3.5 Wedding Bells
Recommended for: People who like British men in elbow patches
Lauren Layne is a TN favorite, in fact, I was first introduced to her fun contemporary romance novels through reviews Tiffany wrote. So, when I tell you that you can’t go wrong with a Lauren Layne romance novel, I mean it. This time it’s one in The Wedding Belle’s series, To Love and to Cherish. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this series about a group of professional wedding planners in NYC, so by all means, read them all. But, if you can’t read them all, make sure you don’t miss this one.
Alexis Morgan and Logan Harris are business partners, friends and completely oblivious to the palpable sexual chemistry they have. At least Alexis is oblivious, Logan has just been biding his time before making his move…until now. You’ll enjoy this fun romance and never look at British men wearing glasses and elbow patches the same way. Buy it.
*arc provided by publisher in exchange for honest review
Oh Honey
Written by: Emily R Austin
Release Date: July 1, 2017
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Reviewed by: Leanne
Rating: 4 hostile hangups
Recommended for: telemarketers, people who hate telemarketers, people who have lived with strange roommates (NOT recommended for: people who are triggered by depictions of excessive drug use or self harm)
Jane works in the soulless field of telemarketing, surveying people about feline diabetes. She shares an apartment with a man named Keats who she constantly lies to. Jane is also on probation. As Jane drifts along at work, she frequently calls one number over and over, using a different name each time and progressively angering the man at the other end of the line. What could possibly be her motive?
Sometimes funny, often dark, the story of Jane begins to emerge from behind the compulsive lies and incessant drug use. Austin’s debut novel is edgy, well crafted, engrossing and disturbing. It might make you think about being a little nicer to the person at the other end of the line, or it might make you really grateful for caller ID. Buy it.
There you have it! Real quick reviews for books we loved … real quick because we lazy. Hope you find something new to read. But in the meantime, tell us what you are reading in the comments or on twitter using #TNReads.
