The Fountains of Silence

Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city. - excerpt from Goodreads

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys is her latest work this year and it has been the longest time ever for me. I first fell in love with her writing through The Salt of the Sea and it was such an amazing book. This book is no exception, it is just as phenomenal. I am truly grateful to have received this from Times read for review. Written in a setting relating to a historical event, her book is inspired by the Spanish Civil War specifically the post war period. She has spent 8 years of researching for this book, so I am happy that it had all worked out for her. With multiple character views in alternating chapters, you get so much different perspective from different backgrounds.

Our male lead is from America and our female lead is a native of Spain, how they intertwine seems simple at first but more and more involvement pushes the story forward. While other characters might be on the sidelines, their growth is also eminent through the alternating chapters you read from the book. Slowly the connection between these characters will show through the plot twists. The mix of the Spanish language into the book gives you a flair of their culture so its funny to learn simple words from reading. Every time Daniel and Ana interacts, you could feel the attraction and how Ana is holding back because of her background. Both character's personality sort of compliments each other, encouraging each other's growth as well.

Confess

Auburn Reed is determined to rebuild her shattered life and she has no room for mistakes. But when she walks into a Dallas art studio in search of a job, she doesn’t expect to become deeply attracted to the studio’s enigmatic artist, Owen Gentry.

For once, Auburn takes a chance and puts her heart in control, only to discover that Owen is hiding a huge secret. The magnitude of his past threatens to destroy everything Auburn loves most, and the only way to get her life back on track is to cut Owen out of it—but can she do it? - excerpt from Goodreads

Confess by Colleen Hoover has been on my wish list for quite some time. I started reading her works at November 9 and then move on to her newer books, but I have my eye on her older beauties. Lo and behold when I received a discount code I had to buy this without a doubt. Why I need a discount is generally where I am, books are costly as my country's currency is pretty weak. Let's jump into the review with that beautiful and abstract cover that certainly attracts the eye. Never judge a book by its cover but I first impressions are important so a book that looks good will definitely invite potential readers at a bookstore. 

This books starts off with much mystery, the characters have past that is gradually revealed throughout the plot. It is one of the key points that makes it a page turner. I love the alternating povs in the chapters giving readers a bit the male and female's thoughts and reactions. When they are together, it just captures your attention because like a TV show you would root for them. The supporting characters although are not stressed on but they all play a role in shaping the protagonists to who they are today and still constantly affects their decisions.

Although at the start it seems like insta-love but when you read more, there is depth in it. Just when you think you got it figured those plot twists knocks you out. These are the times when you feel like you just want to quickly finish the book to get out of the gloom. Pushing the plots forward through the actions and reactions, you will be entertained on how truly realistic this could be. 

In summary, this is yet another tear jerking book from the author. Colleen Hoover is a magician when it comes to new adult, pulling your heart strings without fail. This is not necessarily my favourite book but without a doubt it's still up to my expectations of her writing. I absolutely loved the ending as it was something that happened quickly and unexpectedly good. Definitely recommended to romance lovers who want to experience her writing. I'm a Co-Ho fan and looking forward to further expand my collection, so what's next?

The Kiss Quotient

Stella Lane thinks math is the only thing that unites the universe. She comes up with algorithms to predict customer purchases--a job that has given her more money than she knows what to do with, and way less experience in the dating department than the average thirty-year-old.

It doesn't help that Stella has Asperger's and French kissing reminds her of a shark getting its teeth cleaned by pilot fish. Her conclusion: she needs lots of practice--with a professional. Which is why she hires escort Michael Phan. The Vietnamese and Swedish stunner can't afford to turn down Stella's offer, and agrees to help her check off all the boxes on her lesson plan--from foreplay to more-than-missionary position...

Before long, Stella not only learns to appreciate his kisses, but crave all of the other things he's making her feel. Their no-nonsense partnership starts making a strange kind of sense. And the pattern that emerges will convince Stella that love is the best kind of logic... - excerpt from Goodreads

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang is her debut book and boy was I entertained. This page turner certainly highlights the brain of an autism character. In my years of reading romance, this was a first on a character that is truly unique. Firstly autism is something that is not widely talked about and often people misunderstood it, especially the person themselves. To be able to write about such a character, this author is trying to reach out to the world because she has it as well. It is not everything about autism but creating awareness is a good start.

Stella is one interesting character, with her flaws she dares to step out of her comfort zone, her norm life and then met him, just your regular escort? Not really, Michael is also full of surprises. I love how mysterious he is at the start which definitely makes up for reading non stop. Their dynamics and chemistry is what pulls you in, their touch and words keeps you going. Every time their meet, my eyes just goes wide because of excitement. The side characters enhances the main characters as it brings out a different side of them. Their interactions give a special flair to how real these people are.

I Owe You One

Fixie Farr has always lived by her father’s motto: “Family first.” But since her dad passed away, leaving his charming housewares store in the hands of his wife and children, Fixie spends all her time picking up the slack from her siblings instead of striking out on her own. The way Fixie sees it, if she doesn’t take care of her father’s legacy, who will? It’s simply not in her nature to say no to people.

So when a handsome stranger in a coffee shop asks her to watch his laptop for a moment, Fixie not only agrees—she ends up saving it from certain disaster. Turns out the computer’s owner is an investment manager. To thank Fixie for her quick thinking, Sebastian scribbles an IOU on a coffee sleeve and attaches his business card. But Fixie laughs it off—she’d never actually claim an IOU from a stranger. Would she?

Then Fixie’s childhood crush, Ryan, comes back into her life and his lack of a profession pushes all of Fixie’s buttons. She wants nothing for herself—but she’d love Seb to give Ryan a job. And Seb agrees, until the tables are turned once more and a new series of IOUs between Seb and Fixie—from small favors to life-changing moments—ensues. Soon Fixie, Ms. Fixit for everyone else, is torn between her family and the life she really wants. Does she have the courage to take a stand? Will she finally grab the life, and love, she really wants?  -  excerpt from book

I Owe You One by Sophie Kinsella is her latest stand alone, I was fortunate enough to get a proof read copy from Times Read (Thank you so much btw). I can proudly say I have never missed any of her standalone as I love those more than the Shopaholic series, Becky can be funny to read about but tiring as well as she's kinda annoying in her ways.

So back to the standalone, I won't say I was blown away with this title but I was quite satisfied with the story and characters. Not exactly my favourite but I could relate to Fixie. She is a character that makes you frustrated because you feel for her and you'll be rooting for her all the time. Her encounters in life is not unfortunate but nonetheless a little bit sad. There is a side that you will love about Fixie and that's what captured my attention as I want to know what happens to her. Her interactions with other characters are amusing, funny and you would want more. Her love for her family can be seen through her actions but it's also her downfall. When the lead male character was featured,  there wasn't enough sparks and I also felt that wasn't enough interactions for the both of them. From that, I concluded this book was more about family and Fixie growing than a love story.

All Your Perfects

Can a love story with a perfect beginning survive s lifetime between two imperfect people?

THEN: The last thing Quinn expected was to meet the love of her life just outside her fiance's front door. A year after leaving behind their cheating partners, Quinn and Graham are in a perfect relationship that seems designed by fate.

NOW: Seven years later, their perfect love is threatened by their imperfect marriage. The memories, mistakes and dreams that they have built up over the years are tearing them apart. The one thing that could save them might also be the very thing that pushes their marriage past the point of no return.  - excerpt from book. 

All your perfects by Colleen Hoover is my latest addition to the collection. I am often worried when one writer starts to produce one book a year, like Sophie Kinsella and many other authors there would be some books that are not going to amaze me at some point. This is my fourth book and I'm very happy with this book. This book talks about how a married couple met unexpectedly and how things have hit the 7th year crisis of marriage.

It started with a twist that instantly caught my attention and slowly the plot moves back and forth through the female character's timeline in her relationship with her present husband. This type of writing is the type that encourages constant reading as you get a little excitement here and there on the past and present time. Just when you think you can guess the plot, a twist happens and you'll feel for the characters.