JUST MY LUCK BY ADELE PARKS

Rating: 3.5 stars

Goodreads Description:

It's the stuff dreams are made of – a lottery win so big, it changes everything.

For fifteen years, Lexi and Jake have played the same six numbers with their friends, the Pearsons and the Heathcotes. Over dinner parties, fish & chip suppers and summer barbecues, they've discussed the important stuff – the kids, marriages, jobs and houses – and they've laughed off their disappointment when they failed to win anything more than a tenner.

But then, one Saturday night, the unthinkable happens. There's a rift in the group. Someone doesn't tell the truth. And soon after, six numbers come up which change everything forever.

Lexi and Jake have a ticket worth £18 million. And their friends are determined to claim a share of it.

Review:

Two beautiful children. Wonderful well-loved jobs. A weekly lottery syndicate with their closest friends. Life couldn't get much better for Lexi and Jake.

Every week for the past fifteen years, they get together with their friends to put in for the same numbers in the lottery in the hopes of one day winning big. However, one night their friends conclude that they're ready to call it quits and drop out of the syndicate. Much to Lexi's confusion and concern that the decade-long friendships they've cultivated are also coming to a close.

Yet she continues to buy a ticket the next week for old time's sake - lo and behold, her numbers come up!

Lexi and Jake are millionaires! Their family is swimming in gold, their children dressed to the nines in Prada, Tom Ford and Balenciaga whilst Jake motors around in a flashy Ferrari. Life could not be better!

Little did they know that the people they considered their friends would be the ones not to celebrate with them over their win but instead try to claim the winnings as their own.

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

Just My Luck seems like an easy-going, fun read about the life of lottery winners to begin with, but antics shortly ensue leading to something far worse than Lexi and Jake could ever imagine.

Their little girl is kidnapped.

What follows is a rapid adrenaline-filled chase to find out who kidnapped Emily and make payment of £10 million for her safety.

As bad as it sounds, I thoroughly enjoyed this particular debacle of the story and how it was told from both Lexi and Emily's perspectives; one of a worrying mother who is ready to stop at nothing to get her baby girl back home, the other of a young girl having to fend for not only her own life but that of her newly-discovered baby of whom she is pregnant with during all this.

It's chaotic, gripping, emotionally tormenting and will have you on the edge of your seat much like Lexi as you pray Emily and her baby to survive.

Now, I've heard so many wonderful things previously about Adele Parks' writing, and I must say she lives up to the expectations set. But my, oh my does she know how to write a character that you just want to...URGH.

I'm just going to say it...

Jake. By VERY far is the most disreputable, wicked, lying, disgusting, downright dirtbag I've ever come across in books! At first, he seems so good for Lexi and the kids, happy to live an easy family life but OOOH the dirty bastard he is! 

It just riles me up thinking about him!

Trust me, once you read Just My Luck you'll feel the same.

Lexi. What a woman. Strong and courageous in the face of animosity, a woman who holds her ground, would never let a bad thing happen to her family and holds pride in what she believes to be right. She deserved so much better than Jake.

Emily and Logan are honestly the sweetest children, both happy as can be in their everyday lives and are the two to react in the way of what would be expected if your parents won big in the lottery. Emily shops til she drops, Logan makes new friends - though that's mostly the money doing the talking - and they live life like never before!

Though for Emily it takes a rather twisted turn prior to her kidnapping - yes, this book did her dirty but made up for it by making it such an intense plot point.

Carla and Patrick & Jennifer and Fred, the dynamics in this friendship are put to the test as the couple win big and undoubtedly it brings out the worst in those closest to them.

As the news come to light, the secrets and betrayals come out in this group and this causes greed, jealousy and plenty of back-stabbing to come into play.

I mean c'mon...if you won the lottery, wouldn't you want your friends to be supportive and happy for you?

In terms of the pacing, I won't lie, it was rather slow for the first hundred or so pages. I found it rather difficult to get into.

Don't get me wrong though there were a few moments in the first section that definitely captured my attention but realistically I fell more into the story further in.

As we hit the 180 page mark, the pace really did pick up and I for sure found myself gearing up for pure chaos and an adrenaline rush worth of a page turner! It did not disappoint.

And even through to the climax of the main conflict - with it's respective sub-stories - I was flying through each page right to the end. So overall, a bit of a slow start easing into the story, but the pacing was relatively well done but maybe just not my cup of tea.

A tale of secrets and betrayal, greed and jealousy with families and friendships ripped apart. Adele Parks' Just My Luck brings to life a heightened reality to how money can ruin everything and how one big win can cause a whole world of loss.

A big thank you to Harlequin Australia for sending me an arc of this new release.

If you are interested in picking up this new release by Adele Parks, be sure to check out Just My Luck

Plenty more blogging goodness to follow, but in the meantime be sure to jump on over to my YouTube channel to see what your resident bookworm has been up to!

Think lovely thoughts xo

A VERY SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

We're in a whole other league now...

Hey loves! I hope you've been well!

If you've been paying close attention these past couple weeks to my Instagram and Twitter, you'll know that I've had something very special I've been working on. And I can FINALLY reveal it to you!

Drum roll please!

Ladies and gents, may I introduce to you, the Limelight Literature YouTube channel!!

That's right my loves, we've officially gone live!

Get ready for all the crazy creative content you've been loving on the blog to also be available to you on the go.

With weekly videos detailing the best successes, new releases and controversial conversations about what's going on in the world of books, film and tv!

I am beyond excited to share this new chapter with you all and I can hardly wait for our Limelight Literature family to reach new heights!

Head on over, check it out and leave a comment letting me know what you'd love to see on our lil YT space!

https://youtu.be/_lE657EBVD0

Think lovely thoughts xo

KNIVES OUT - 2019's newest whodunnit thriller by Rian Johnson

RATING: 5 Stars

As their backs are turned, these A-List celebs become slay-list in Rian Johnson's new whodunnit mystery flick.

Featuring a coveted cast led by Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas and Christopher Plummer, and then incredible supporting performances from Lakeith Stanfield, Toni Collette, Jamie Lee Curtis, Michael Shannon, Don Johnson and Katherine Langford.

Following the anonymous hire of P.I. Benoit Blanc (Craig) to discover the truth behind the mysterious death of Harlan Thrombey (Plummer) who was found dead in his home library with a slit throat. Supposedly, a suicide but Blanc suspects there's more to this death than meets the eye.

Enter the affluent Thrombey family, living life by the millions, working in the family business and all of whom were present on the night of Harlan's death. Also present were housekeeper Fran (Patterson) and nurse Marta (de Armas).

Thus antics ensue as each present member of the Thrombey family and company are interviewed by police detective Elliot (Stanfield) and mystery-thriving Wagner (Segan).

Unlike other Cluedo-style films previously, Knives Out isn't afraid to keep it simple, creating twists and turns that are logical yet still surprising. So carefully and cleverly plotted, you, much like the detectives are just as intrigued when Blanc uncovers new pieces of the puzzle. All leading to the classic drawing room reveal of the person behind it all, the conclusion is just so satisfying and perfectly laid out.

For a film running for two hours and fifteen minutes, it is a long one but will continue to keep you guessing. You'll find yourself thoroughly enjoying the unrecognisable Southern 'CSI KFC' drawl of Craig's, the boyish cheekiness brought out by Evans, and de Armas hypnotic but such expressive eyes as a true show stopper.

And the score is absolutely fantastic and the tone it sets as Blanc uncovers the mystery could not be more spot on. Composed by Rian's cousin, Nathan Johnson, the two grew up together and would create home movies - hence why the score is so in tune with the film as the two cousins are with each other's creative style.

Knives Out is the ideal film for those who love a thoroughly enjoyable mystery with some on-point sattire thrown into the mix. Rian Johnson has written the perfect whodunnit reminiscent of Agatha Christie's work. Keeping the viewer quite literally on the edge of their seat and whispering to their fellow moviegoers about who was behind the heinous murder. I, myself, will certainly be going back to watch this movie whilst it is still in session.

Knives Out in cinemas from Thursday 28 November, don't miss your chance to see one of top movies of 2019!

Think lovely thoughts xo

LOSERS REAP HER BY HAYLEY STUMBO

Rating: 5 stars

**SPOILERS AHEAD FOR HIDE AND SEEK HER TRILOGY**

Goodreads Description:

It's been four years since Jackson Greene was tossed into prison for his heinous crimes. Four years of quiet for the Wait family, and peace for Charlotte. But in the silence, Jackson has found new ways to make noise.

With a final score to settle, Jackson sets his sights on Locke's Pointe and prepares to ruin Charlotte, once and for all. Blackmailing his brother Daniel into helping him get revenge, Jackson starts unravelling the threads of Charlotte's life, including Vance.

When Charlotte's world begins to crumble, the only probable cause is her worst nightmare. Secrets that were hidden in the corners of the last four years are uncovered, and Charlotte learns that everything is not as she once believed. When the pieces of truth add up to one big lie, she must differentiate between what has been a ruse and what she can hold onto.

Review:

Wow. What a ride!

After reading Hide And Seek Her & Finders Keep Her, this final book in quite frankly, one of the best book series I’ve ever read – in my opinion – was truly the most emotional, heart-warming, gut-wrenching and perfectly unsettling end to this insane journey.

I said it in the review of the second book in this series and I’ll proudly say it again, I did not think I could take any more of an emotional ride with these characters but as always, Hayley threw me a big one and winded me with a punch of feels.

Picking up from the ending of Finders Keep Her where my heart, and that of readers of the previous book, were left gasping for air and tearing through a box of tissues whilst trying to not hyperventilate. Hayley sure knows how to keep her readers absolutely begging for more of this gritty series!

We continue to follow the lives of Vance, Charlotte, and Riley – who for all our sakes, miraculously survived his attack at the end of Book 2. The events of this third installment settle around Charlotte’s new life as wife to Vance, dealing with PTSD from the past, Riley’s road to recovery and how he distracts himself by coordinating events with his sister in-law. It is very much a breezy beginning as we are introduced back into the luxurious lives of Wait family, however, trouble in paradise is brewing. Jackson’s ghost remains, unbeknownst to our protagonists that the convicted criminal, in fact, is no longer behind bars but plotting his final demise of the family.

Unlike the other two books in the series, we gain a fresh perspective in Losers Reap Her where we hear more from Jackson Greene himself, his past and how/who made him the unhinged psychopath he is today. Starting with his first victim, his abusive family life, the undying love he holds for Charlotte and how he got involved with the Wait’s.

A plot full of the perfect amount of twists, numerous flashbacks, and fresh perspectives of the ever-unsettling and manipulative Jackson Greene. Losers Reap Her was the right mix of everything this series needed to close it. As always, I won’t spoil the ending but I’ll briefly summarise it in the following gifs:

Good luck figuring out that one, I sure as hell did not see that ending coming AT ALL.

I’m not going to lie, I absolutely loved this climax to the trilogy. Hayley poured her heart and soul into this series. The final book really shows how passionate she is about these characters, this journey she’s taken them on, how she writes their perspectives, choices and actions, etc. She echoes to her reader the emotion she pours into Losers Reap Her, it is a rollercoaster of emotions, pulling at several heartstrings, making you gasp for air and continue to turn the page even after you tell yourself you ought to take a break – you just keep on reading!

Now, I never thought I’d be saying this – especially after finishing this series – but in the end, my favourite character was actually…Jackson? Take it easy and bear with me whilst I explain. I do not and never will associate my values and beliefs with that of a sociopath, but Jackson just has this magnetism to him. He’s slick, knows the right buttons to push, he can turn on the charm but unleash a monster inside within an instant. But he just is so clever and knows exactly what he’s doing.

I’m sure Hayley loved writing his character further, developing his backstory and perspective, which I will say was a welcome change to see the mind of a sociopath develop over time. His family’s upbringing, his first killing and the meticulously perfect plan he put in motion over many months’ time was so intriguing and yet so underhanded.

‘Kind of like how you managed to be successful in life, you knew all the right people. When it comes to the low-lifes of the world, I know all the right people.’

That single quote from our sinister antagonist. Chills.

From the whole series, that is the one quote that not only drew out goosebumps and had me hungry for more, but also the one quote that echoed in the back of my mind every time I picked up this book to read more. Jackson Greene, he’s one gritty poet.

Overall, Hayley could not have given this series a better ending. She tied it up in the perfect, yet heartbroken, little bow. I certainly will miss these characters I’ve grown so accustomed to over the years. But some doors must close for new exciting doors to open to further tales and wild emotional journeys to be written about.

As many of you know, I have been with Hayley on her journey from the moment she was sending out beta copies of Hide and Seek Her, and I will forever be incredibly indebted to her and her amazing work. Hayley, you’ve not only given me so many stories that I have fallen head over heels with but also a lifetime of a friendship with you.

Thank you for inviting me into the world of your writing, being able to review these incredible books you’ve worked tirelessly to put out there in the world – you know I’ll always be one of your biggest supporters and drop everything to read one of your books.

If you guys haven’t already checked out Hayley and her crazy-talented writing, be sure to head on over & pick up a fresh read from her collection of books and enjoy the chaos that ensues with every word she writes!

Hit up Hayley on her Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates in her writing journey and more on these amazing books of hers!

Think lovely thoughts xo

JOKER - A thought provoking origin story of the Clown Prince of Crime

Rating: 4.5 stars

Following the controversial film of Suicide Squad in 2016, Todd Phillips’ Joker focuses in on DC’s most well-known villain and the story of how he came to be the coveted Clown Prince of Crime. From the first shot to the very end, audiences are treated to a gritty, fine-tuned, sophisticated woven tale of Arthur Fleck, a failed comedian seeking connection in the streets of Gotham City. Much like his comic counterpart, he wears two masks – one where he puts on a show and paints his face as a clown-for-hire at his day job, and the other projecting his attempts to fit in with society despite being bullied, isolated and disregarded. As society’s views on him become more and more obvious, Arthur slowly begins his descent into a dark world of madness, vengeance, and betrayal, ultimately transforming him into the criminally insane mastermind known as the Joker. 

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a phenomenally, gut-wrenching and thought-provoking performance as the titular character, from the way Arthur interacts with society to the inner thoughts shared in both his journal and with his social worker. He never misses a beat.

Joker presents a whole new controversial origin story for the iconic DC villain, one where Todd Phillips’ loosely makes use of a real-life medical condition to explain the criminal’s infamous laugh. The Pseudobulbar Affect or PBA, is an emotional disorder where the person’s outward emotions are completely disconnected to that of their inner emotions, manifesting in uncontrollable fits of laughter or weeping in situations deemed inappropriate.

Now, I personally am on the fence about using real-world mental conditions in films to portray the struggle of characters – particularly those considered villainous – and their isolated connection to society. But I will say, Joker plays this out really well by using Arthur’s “condition” as a way of enhancing the character’s disconnect with the real world around him, people seeing him as ill and essentially giving more reason for his journey down the dark path and why he would later end up in Arkham Asylum.

Given the story follows a lonely, disturbed man in a dark, chaotic and unconventional city such as Gotham in the early 1980s, it’s important to be able to capture both the darkness and sensitivity of the city and its titular character.

Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir creates an eerily beautiful soundtrack for the character, full of melancholy to reflect the inner torment that Arthur experiences throughout the film. ‘Call Me Joker’ is a theme often played throughout the film when he starts what could be this enchanting almost metamorphosis of a dance. Phoenix himself even credits Broadway performer, Ray Bolger – most well-known for his role as Scarecrow in Wizard of Oz – where Joaquin takes inspiration from Bolger’s The Old Soft Shoe.

“There’s this odd arrogance almost to his movements” and this is something that Arthur portrays in his movements when dancing up and down the steps or in the grimy bathroom.

Joker is truly a fantastic piece of cinema – depending on where you stand. It plays around with the idea of the iconic DC villain, taking a more twisted turn in way of his origin story and how he became to be the leader of Gotham’s underbelly. In some strange way, it’s bleak and gritty but at the same time is able to bring those uplifting undertones of finding his freedom amongst Gotham City and its chaos.

LA TROBE READING ROOM

A couple of weeks ago, I made a cheeky little day trip over to the bustling city of Melbourne to run a few errands and become a snap happy tourist for the day – and oh boy, was I ever!

For those of you who haven’t travelled to Melbourne (or maybe even Australia), it’s the second most populated capital city in Australia with over 4.2 million residents – following Sydney’s 4.6 million – and home to some of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Travelling through Melbourne, you’ll come across Federation Square, the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Grounds), the Eureka Tower, Hosier Lane and so many more wonderful touristy spots.

One that I, personally, believe everyone should hit up whenever they’re in Melbourne, is the absolutely stunning State Library of Victoria. A gorgeous and H U G E building that initially was home to just 3,846 books when it opened in 1856 and now holds over 2 million books! Every turn brings a new surprise whether it be the peaceful study areas, ancient architectural ceilings, rows and rows of endless books or the historical paintings found in the gallery. There is so much to look at in this stunning building.

However, it has become a well-known fact that one cannot just simply go to the State Library of Victoria and not go to – what I believe to be – the best part of it, the utterly captivating, jaw-dropping, heartbeat-skipping, mind-boggling room that is The La Trobe Reading Room.

The La Trobe Reading Room, first opened in 1913, can house over 32,000 books in this six-story architectural wonder! I don’t even think Rory Gilmore could read that many in her lifetime. It looks rather different these days to what it did when it was first constructed, copper sheeting lining the walls and roof to keep the rain out which is now made of glass. Now that I think about it, the way the roof has been constructed is actually quite similar to that of Gringotts in Harry Potter.

“The atmosphere of the place soothed her automatically; the rich lantern lights, the sheer scent of paper and leather, and the fact that everywhere she looked, there were books, books, beautiful books.” – The Invisible Library, Genevieve Cogman 

That’s how it felt walking into The La Trobe Reading Room, it was a vision of beauty holding a world of untold stories. Stepping off of the elevator and walking towards the entrance, I could feel my heart pounding and my palms sweaty with nerves. This room was what my ultimate goal to see on my day trip, the top of my list. And as I turned the corner, I saw the entrance and the room that held all my dreams for that day. I stepped through the doors, my mouth hung open, eyes darting every which way, not sure what to focus on, and my brain cells had fizzled out.

It certainly was an out of body experience, taking in the whole room, each level, the details on the architraves and the ceiling. The shelves were lined with old books – in a rainbow order, might I add – and the quotes written around the room from famous authors, poets and playwrights.

Every inch of this bewildering beauty will capture your heart and wash an enchantment over you, one that you never wish to wear off.

If ever you find yourself wondering around the city of Melbourne, I highly recommend taking a look at the State Library of Victoria and of course, The La Trobe Reading Room. Seriously, you’ll regret it more if you don't make a visit.

BLAST OFF WITH ROCKETMAN

Rating: 5 stars

Much like 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, 2019 has been treated to yet another musical biopic in the way of Rocketman. Following the story of a young Reginald Dwight, a piano prodigy who would grow up to become one of the world’s biggest stars, Elton John. From his childhood in the 1980s through to the present moment, Rocketman takes the audience on a whirlwind of emotions as the reality of Elton’s life with substance abuse, coming to terms with who he is and ultimately accepting that.

Whilst I may have been born a 90s kid, I will forever be listening to the older jams of the 70s and 80s. As a child, I loved listening to these throwback songs and whenever Elton John would come on, I’d want that music blasting and I’d be shaking it every which way!

Elton truly is a star full of life, love and one heck of a story.  Aside from his music, he’s real and honest about how he became the star we all know and love and the obstacles he overcame to get to where he is today.

In Rocketman, Elton is portrayed by the uber-talented Taron Egerton – best known for his roles in Eddie The Eagle and The Kingsman films. He oozes Elton’s charisma; his voice is incredible and he really does take to this role with a grain of salt in hand.

Taron previously made a tribute to Elton by belting out ‘I’m Still Standing’ in 2016’s Sing, which most certainly aided him in attaining such a big role and capturing the attention of Elton. The creative decision to have Taron actually sing Elton’s biggest hits and not just lip-sync is what brings this film to a whole other level.

Over the course of the film, audiences realise that Taron isn’t doing an impression of the rockstar but has thrown himself fully into the mindset and life of Elton. It truly is remarkable. The physical resemblance between the two is uncanny and through each of the elaborate costumes worn in the film, it cements it even more. Almost feeling like you’re not watching a film about Elton John but actually going back in time to witness where he was when he was younger to the present day.

Aside from the ridiculously talented Egerton, there are so many other wonderful stars thrown into this film. Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, songwriter for Elton, giving a high-quality performance and taking up almost an angel-like position in Elton’s life as he hit his downward spiral with fame and substance abuse. On the other shoulder sits the all-consuming devilish Richard Madden as lover and manager of Elton, John Reid. Madden puts on a stunning performance, seducing not only Elton but also the audience with his devilish ways, his smooth-talking, and melodic voice.

The cherry on top of these incredible co-stars is the one and only Bryce Dallas Howard who steps out in the role of Elton’s problematic mother; a selfish woman of sorts who very deep down does hold some love for Elton but is blinded by her own life to really show how much she cares.

 

This overall standard of this cast is ridiculously high given the story being told, able to move from a lighter tone to a darker one almost in the flick of a switch. Taron is undoubtedly the star of this film, but these other fabulous stars cannot be overlooked for the captivating performances they hold as people who have either helped Elton or pushed him down in his life.

Unlike Bohemian Rhapsody where Queen’s songs were simply featured every now and then to help the story progress further, Rocketman takes it further and uses the songs to tell Elton’s story. This was one of my personal favorite points in this film. The film opens to Elton in a group therapy session wherein after strutting into the session in his flamboyant attire, he proceeds to have a breakdown and use his hit ‘ The Bitch is Back’ in which audiences see a young Elton outside his childhood home, being called for dinner and really serving as the perfect introduction to Elton and his life with his self-absorbed mother, inattentive father and lovingly supportive Nan.

Having music play such a bigger role in Rocketman opens up the story for some wonderful development as it moves from lighter times in his life to the darker times. And as his career climbs higher, Elton’s dependency on drugs and alcohol becomes more apparent and unfortunately takes a harsh but sad turn. One key moment in the film is when Elton’s iconic ‘Rocketman’ is used in such a moving tone, where audiences see his struggle with substance abuse which eventually leads him to try to drown himself in his pool. It’s incredibly moving, emotional and heart-wrenching to see this bright, vivacious star go through such a rough period and hard downfall in his career.

Rocketman as a film takes so much depth in making the brave decision to steer clear of a PG-13 rating and take on a darker tone with sexual references, use of drugs and alcohol, and offering a film with a far darker – and more realistic – approach to the rockstar lifestyle. There’s something about the grit and honesty of Rocketman that is just so appealing and gives the film a lot more substance than expected in a musical biopic.

As a fan of Elton but also just a fan of this film and the way it has been done, I highly recommend watching it, jam out to the songs and enjoy the rock and roll of Elton John’s biggest hits.

ONE NIGHT SERIES BY JODI ELLEN MALPAS

cr: authorjahyde

A beautiful, steamy adult romance series following the ridiculously handsome yet obsessive mess that is Miller Hart and the innocent, feisty pocket-rocket Olivia Taylor.

I absolutely adored this series, and if you're in need of something a little spunky n sexy but not too full-on, this series is bound to capture your attention.

One Night: Promised (Book 1) – 5 stars

Olivia Taylor is a twenty-four-year-old barista who spends her spare time taking care of her elderly grandmother and very occasionally going out with her best friend Gregory, but never seen dating or out on the town. Until a devilishly handsome man enters the coffee shop and Livy is utterly stunned by his looks, but it’s more than that. There’s something about this man, despite his blunt honesty of how bad the coffee she made him was, she’s drawn by him. And although he can’t offer her much, he can offer her one night.

Review:

Read my full review here

SPOILERS AHEAD FOR BOOKS 2 and 3

Spoilers below for One Night: Denied and One Night: Unveiled!

One Night: Denied (Book 2) - 4 stars

Picking up two weeks after the chaos at the hotel, Livy has officially experienced both sides of Miller Hart; his high-priced, uptight Casanova demeanour and his cold, cruel and threatening dark side. Whilst she tries to mend her heart and doing whatever she can to avoid the man she loves, he is desperate to reach out to her, give her an explanation and make amends for his behaviour.

Review:

Denied took a rather different turn to what was originally shown in Promised, in the sense that we, as readers, and Livy begin to discover more about Miller. As he tries to reach out to Livy and make amends for his behaviour, he also begins to open up to her as a way to bring her back to him. We learn more about his past, his present and the situations involved in his field of work.

It was a welcome change of pace, and good to learn more about Miller and how Livy was slowly trying to accept who he was and why he does what he does. So little was shared about him in Promised, it was clear that his past had traumatised him and even still in the present day, he is haunted by the ghosts of his past.

Following Livy and Miller as they try to work through their individual problems, she comes to the revelation that it’s going to be a lot harder than expected for Miller to simply walk away from his lifestyle. His clients are relentless once finding out about Livy and are desperate to hold him in their tight clutches. It aids in keeping Denied at a face, action-style pace.

One Night: Unveiled (Book 3) – 4 stars

After fleeing the discord in London to a quick getaway to New York, Miller and Livy are continuing to get to know each other, enjoying one another’s company and an escape from life back home. But as they say, all good things are to come to an end and their little vacation ends with a truly heart-wrenching phone call that sends Livy hightailing it to the airport with Miller in tow.

Both Miller and Livy are continuing to struggle with Miller’s past, his career and clients who try everything to keep him. William tries to help Miller who then is sent in a spiral of past clients whilst also trying to make sense of why it is so vital that Miller remains in part with his employer. Little does she know, the truth is darker and more painful than she ever expected.

Review:

Unveiled did exactly what the title suggests and unveiled a whole lot of information. Miller’s past and employer’s motivation became more apparent – and boy, what a gut-wrenching backstory it is -, more of Livy’s mother’s past is revealed as Livy continues to try to run from it. And Nan, poor sweet Nan, now that got me bawling and I was barely halfway through!

Needless to say, Unveiled was the darkest book by far in this series that really threw me one, but it was something needed to close the series and tie all threads into the perfect little bow.

Series Review:

Overall, Jodi has written such a beautiful love story with plenty of drama, laughs and steamy romance all round. The pace of Promised will have you picking up the next book and clutching at your heart as you fall in love with Miller and his rather interesting ways. Livy, despite seeming rather innocent, also has quite a dark past – though not all of it may be hers.

It was such a joy to see these two protagonists develop over these three books, the plot was easy to follow and whilst being similar in some aspects to Fifty Shades, it was that of a far more realistic perspective.

Highly recommend this series to fans of Fifty Shades or those after a good steamy adult romance with a little bit of chaotic drama thrown in!

Think lovely thoughts xo

STRANGER THINGS 3

Stranger Things’ third season dropped a little over two weeks ago and I, like many others, binged it in its entirety. Lemme tell you now, I really regretted the 2:30am to 6am amount of sleep I had the next day. But it was SO worth it!

In Stranger Things 3 we head back to our quirky small town of Hawkins, Indiana for the summer of 1985 where we catch up with Eleven and our favourite crew of “nerds” as Erica would say.

Allow me to break down for you some of the best points of this newly released season.

***SPOILER WARNING***

For any of you who have not yet finished Stranger Things 3, we’re about to dive in deep spoiler territory!

1.    Character development

Since the first season of Stranger Things, we’ve seen some crazy antics go upside down – see what I did there, huh? – and watched as the Hawkins crew grew up from kids in the basement, lovesick teenagers and helicopter parents to now lovesick teenagers, almost-college kids freaking out about their internships and jobs scooping ice-cream, and parents who are a bit more relaxed than previously.

Each character has grown up a HECK of a lot. Here’s a quick lil summary of our core four plus El and where they’re at this season compared to when we first met them:

Mike Wheeler

Our OG Dungeons & Dragons master was first introduced to us as the inquisitively annoying younger brother of Nancy Wheeler, loved playing D&D with his three best friends and very adorable awkward around girls. But he has stepped up his game in season 3, is tonsil tossing with his best girl, El, and jamming out to ‘Never Surrender’ by Corey Hart but isn’t as shy anymore, if anything he’s a lot cockier.

Will Byers

Ok let’s face facts, Will has been through hell and back in seasons 1 & 2 and many fans were praying he’d catch a break this season and he did…kind of? In season 1, Will is the innocent, D&D loving, enthusiastic pocket rocket of the gang who unfortunately gets trapped in the Upside Down and isn’t seen for much of the remainder of the season. Season 3 is where viewers, fortunately, get to see more of Will, who after spending the first two seasons pretty well out of it, is catching up on life. And whilst his friends have moved on, got girlfriends and are growing up, Will just wants to play D&D with his friends just like old times.

Lucas Sinclair

“God. You are such a nerd.” As his little sister, Erica, would say. And she is not wrong! Lucas is introduced to us as another key member of the core four who avidly plays D&D with his best pals, he’s loyal, headstrong and knows how to weaponise a wristrocket (slingshot) pretty damn well.

We find Lucas in season 3 dating season 2 Hawkins newcomer, Max, and heading toward their six breakup – because asking your girlfriend “is that a new zit?” is definitely not the way to win her over.

Dustin Henderson

The innovative, goofy, confident and overly-trusting Dustin is definitely a fan favourite (and my personal fave too) of the Hawkins AV crew. First seen as a D&D loving kid who enjoys chowing down on chocolate pudding or 3 Musketeers and unsuccessfully flirting with girls – including Mike’s older sister.

Season 3 picks up where season 2 left off, with Dustin continuing to have this big brother/best friend/father-son bond with Steve Harrington. It’s beautiful, well developed and Dusty-Bun now has a girlfriend – just go watch all the seasons because Dustin is honestly one of the best characters throughout, constantly throwing some of the best one-liners!

 

Eleven/El

After fleeing the dangerous laboratory experimentation of Hawkins Lab, the boys run into El in the woods whilst out looking for Will. A girl with a shaved head, who has telekinetic superpowers, in a hospital gown, scared for her life but the boys take her in and slowly become friends with her.

Cue season 3 and El is capital B-Beautiful n “Bitchin’” as she has learned far more of the English language, is busy locking lips with boyfriend Mike and giving her adopted father, Hop, the sassy attitude we love her for.

Overall plot and scale of the season

The way season 3 is set up is to tell a far more complex store resulting in a combined story with big reveals later on in the season. The split-up of the different groups was really beneficial to the overall plotlines, the character growth and how smoothly this season played out.

This season was far bigger, darker and takes Hawkins to a whole new level. And so many 80s references! From the infamous final Battle of Starcourt Mall to the freaky resemblance of Grigori to Schwarzenegger’s Terminator and the fights with Hopper to the Soviet invasion as discovered by Dustin and Steve that lured them into what probably is the most dangerous and deadly elevator EVER.

But the scale of this season was HUGE and it paid off big time!

Evil Billy

Unlike the other two previous seasons in which our Hawkins crew battle monsters of The Upside Down, we are treated to the Upside Down’s invasion of Hawkins through a host body. And what better body than that of now-resident bad boy Billy Hargrove, right? Billy takes on an even darker side to his bad-boy persona as he is possessed by the Mind Flayer and used as a lackey to recruit more victims in order to fill its dark purpose.

It was such a powerful performance by Australian actor, Dacre Montgomery, and you can tell he truly threw himself into this darker side of Billy, capturing vulnerability, depth, beauty and the utter sinisterness of the Mind Flayer’s possession.

Scoops Troop

A personal favourite – and from what I’ve seen online, that of many others – is, of course, the Scoops Troop! Consisting of father-son duo Steve and Dustin, pocket-rocket Erica and newcomer and Steve’s Scoops Ahoy co-worker, Robin. The Scoops Troop has such a fantastic, fast-paced whilst still hilarious storyline of discovering who the Russians are, the base below Starcourt Mall and the mildly drugged rambles of Robin & Steve.

If anything, this little group alone is more than enough reason to watch season 3 – but also because Steve’s hair is still glorious, duh.

Elmax

We finally got a female friendship full of fun, empowerment, and growth in both Max and El’s characters! It was a delight to see these two pair up, Max teaching El about being a girl in the 80s, going shopping and talking about boys during sleepovers.

Robin & her coming out 

WE STAN A LGBTQ+ QUEEN!

This season really was all about acceptance, female empowerment and being who you want to be, not what others want you to be.

I absolutely loved the way they set up Robin’s storyline to have her come out to Steve! And the way the Duffers wrote into the episode and the acceptance by Steve was truly so precious and wholesome. Not to mention she's a total badass who pretty much solved the big mystery behind Dustin's Russian radio interference! I really hope we see more of her and Steve in season 4.

80s Fashion

From El’s new getup, the boys’ SHORT-shorts and long socks, and Nancy’s permed hair to Hopper’s Hawaiian shirt, Mrs. Wheeler’s stunning colour-blocked swimsuit and the classic Terminator look of Grigori.

The 80s fashion in season 3 was PEAK 80s and I loved EVERY SINGLE OUTFIT.

What did you love about Stranger Things 3?

What are your theories for season 4?

Think lovely thoughts xo