I have a lot of reviews leftover from 2016, and these are two of them. They’re a couple of quickies – one “meh-ish” and one “yay”.
Four Letter WordAuthor: J. Daniels
Series: Dirty Deeds #1
Published by: Forever
Publication Date: October 4, 2016
Format: eARC
Pages: 417
Source: Publisher
Fate. Hate. Love. Lies.
Which four letter word will change their lives forever?
In an effort to avoid dealing with the shocking end of her marriage, Sydney Paige high-tails it Dogwood Beach, North Carolina to vent her anger onto the man who broke her best friend's heart. But when she unknowingly dials the wrong number, Syd's newly single world is turned upside down by a stranger who wants to keep her on the line.
Brian Savage is living a life he's quickly come to hate- until Sydney and her innocently wild voice. But Brian has secrets, ones that could destroy everything between them. And when the woman on the phone becomes the lover in his bed, shielding her from the mistakes of his past becomes harder and harder...
Four Letter Word boarders on ‘okay’ and ‘good’.
Positives
- I love the beach town setting, and the restaurant the girls worked at.
- I love great solid friendships. Tori and Sydney are super supportive and are willing to break laws for each other. Now that’s friendship. The guys too. I rather enjoy it when guys give each other crap.
Negatives
- I need to feel something when I read, especially when it comes to romance, but I honestly didn’t feel any emotions while reading this. I eventually started skimming.
- The way they talked bugged me, especially Brian. Also, way too much “babe”. Blah!
- I had to suspend logical thinking at times and just ride the fiction train.
53 Letters for My LoverAuthor: Leylah Attar
Publication Date: June 17, 2014
Format: eBook
Pages: 398
Source: Purchased
Shayda Hijazi—the perfect wife, the perfect mother, the perfect daughter. For thirty-three years, she has played by the rules, swallowing secrets, burying dreams and doing whatever it takes to anchor her family. Shayda Hijazi is about to come face to face with the one thing that can rip it all apart, the one thing her heart has always been denied: Love.
Troy Heathgate—untamed, exhilarating, dangerous—a man who does exactly as he pleases. Life bends to his will. Until he comes across the one thing he would give it all up for, but can never have.
Born on the same day in opposite corners of the world, their lives collide. And nothing is ever the same again.
Gah! I needed this. There’s something about the feeling of my heart going through the wringer that I love. 53 Letters to my Lover is definitely an emotional rollercoaster!
The story spans about 30 years and follows Shayda Hijazi through many ups and downs. Forbidden love, crossed lines, and flawed characters. I know this will be an automatic “no” because there is infidelity, but I love that it delves into the ugliness, taboo, and heartbreak. Because mixed in with all of that is a beautiful story that actually makes me feel. Things aren’t always black and white, and I love those conflicted feelings.
Bottom line: the angst is delicious!
53 Letters has me curious evendors with the cheating..sometimes messy is real.
At least you had a good read to follow up the bad right?
Oh 53 Letters sounds good!!! I hadn’t heard of it before – or I forgot!! Great reviews!!
I hated Four Letter Word. I thought both Brian and Sidney were dumb. So immature. I wanted to bitch slap the both of them so many times I lost count.
I’m mighty curious about 53 Letters though…30 years of angst? Sign me up! I’m going to get it! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these, I love it!
I will pass on the first one. Definitley not for me. The second one intrigues me a bit more. I will consider it. Have a wonderful weekend.
I haven’t read either one of them. Thanks for the reviews.
Some great reads you had from 2016! Glad it’s balances though, one meh and one awesome is better than two meh! I thought you might say that Four Letter Word would be the Yay from the cover. Haha. Great mini review! 🙂
Too bad about Four Letter Word, but I also need to feel something as well. However, I am intrigued by 53 Letters! I don’t often gravitate toward angst but if done right, it is so good. I will have to check out that one! Brilly reviews!
53 Letters for My Lover sounds like a book that I need in my life. Four Letter Word doesn’t look like my kind of book at all. I am glad that you really enjoyed one of these and found some positive points in the other. Great reviews!
Delicious angst`? I usually do not go for that but if it works
Ah 2 different stories there.
I’m with you. I didn’t enjoy Four Letter Word as much as I would have wanted to. I struggled to finish it. Hmm haven’t read 53 Letters for My Lover. Sounds great. Heard about it but I’m not in the mood for angsty romance yet. Maybe later. Great reviews!! Love them. 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed one of these! I don’t really mind reading about cheating. I know it’s a “taboo” for a lot of people, but honestly, it depends on the story for me.
I have to be honest, I hate the word babe. It sounds super condescending to me and reserved for men who can’t remember your name. 53 Letters to My Lover sounds like a much, much better read. I’m all for the angst Christy. Looking forward to grabbing a copy, it sounds fantastic! Wonderful reviews <3
Bummer you didn’t love Four Letter Word. I loved it. I had all kinds feels when I read it. Either way, nice reviews!