Leave the World Behind by Rumaan Alam

*Susanne’s Review:

Dark, atmospheric, eerie and harrowing. A relaxing vacation on Long Island turns out to be anything but for Amanda, Clay and their children Archie and Rose.

What at first seemed like the perfect vacation at an Airbnb is disturbed by a knock at the door late one night. It’s the homeowners: G.H. and Ruth Washington and they have news. A Blackout has hit the entire East Coast. At first Amanda and Clay are in disbelief, even when Satellite TV plays the Emergency Broadcast system on all channels and there is no cell reception.

G.H. and Ruth were staying in New York City when the blackout hit and then immediately hightailed it out to Long Island, as they knew it would be safer. Now the two families are in this together. Of course, no one knows if they can trust each other. That of course, is the first question.

Then strange, terrifying events start happening. In isolation, two families only have each other to rely on.

Call it a nail biter.

It’s 2020 after all and right now, given what we’ve experienced, this story is somewhat believable.

While “Leave the World Behind” starts off a little slow it quickly becomes chilling, clever and creepy. This novel is perfect for those who like character driven fiction. As a disclaimer, this book includes lots of nudity (which I feel was completely unnecessary).

What I will say is that the ending is ambiguous which may frustrate some readers – though I personally found it to be brilliant, given, well, everything.

A buddy listen with Ms. Kaceey!

Thank you to Harper Audio, Libro.FM, Rumaan Alam for the alc. Kudos to the brilliant narrator Marin Ireland for entertaining me yet again!

How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams

*Kaceey’s Review:

Now that was exactly what the doctor ordered! A true rom com that left my heart aflutter.

Naya (like a Papaya) swore off men three years ago after an abusive relationship that nearly cost her well…everything.

While out for an evening with her two best friends, they compose a little list for Naya. In particular, things she can to do to help her climb out of her dating rut. All in, Naya takes this list to the next level and conquers the entire list…and then some!

All it takes is a second look from a sexy man sitting on the next barstool over and sparks fly…and the heat is on!🔥 🔥

This book delivered so much more than I was expecting. The romance was white-hot and off the charts. The comedy was fun and had me smiling throughout. And naturally there were the obligatory obstacles that our couple had to overcome…but isn’t love worth that?💁🏻‍♀️💖

Can’t wait to read more from this very talented author!

Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing via Netgalley for an ARC to read and review.

*Susanne’s Review:

Boy oh Boy! Talk about Risque!

I’ve always considered myself “a details girl” but after reading “How to Fail at Flirting” I have decided that there are certain details that are better left to the imagination!

If you’re the type of person who likes to read super sexy, hot, fiery romance novels, this book might be just what you’re looking for.

If however, you’re like me and you prefer women’s fiction where the romance ‘fades to black’ – you might want to steer clear of this one.

Naya Turner’s life has become monotonous and boring, that is until she goes out one night to a bar to meet her friends and they fail to show up. That night she meets a gorgeous stranger named Jake in town for a wedding. The two immediately hit it off, in and out of the bedroom.

What started off as an opportunity for Naya to try something new, becomes something else entirely, something she didn’t bargain for, but wouldn’t trade for anything.

While “How to Fail at Flirting” is full of sarcasm, witticisms and romance, the “fiery details” missed the mark for me.

This was a buddy read with Kaceey and as you’ll see from her review, she prefers her romances hot and fiery and I prefer romances that fade to black, which made this an extremely funny buddy read, if nothing else.

A huge thank you goes out to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group for the arc. Elisha – Kaceey would like you to keep these fiery romances coming, while I’d prefer mine a little tamer! Baaahh!.

Published on Goodreads.