Recently Read


Happy Monday friends! I had an extra day off for the holiday weekend and we spent some time with Gary’s family outside of the city! It’s always nice to relax & unwind – with a good book mind you. Once I finished this latest read I thought it was time for another “recently read” post!  



Swear on This Life|| 5/5 This was such a great read and if I had to pick one as a must read from the list, this would be it!! A book within a book really, which is such an interesting concept. I started the first chapter of this book super late one night & couldn’t stop thinking about the characters so I actually finished it the following day – thankfully it was snowing so that was helpful! Emiline, an aspiring writer,  reluctantly starts reading a book that is being hailed as a literary work of art – as she starts reading the novel, she quickly realizes that the story is about her life & her first love that she hasn’t seen or spoken to in over 12 years. Honestly, I can’t write anymore about the book because I don’t want to give anything away. It was a romance through and through and I feel like everyone can fall in love with these characters. 








PAUSE – if you have not read Me Before You, don’t read this!!


After You ||  3.5/5 Admittedly I read After You, long after I had finished Me Before You – but the story of Will and Louisa was still fresh in my head, maybe it was because I had recently watched the movie. Regardless the book picks up almost 6 months after Will’s death & Louisa is forced to learn how to put her life back together after losing Will. I’m not sure I liked this book as much as I enjoyed reading the first book & I really wish there was an epilogue to sort of finish things off. I also thought Louisa’s character was a bit rougher around the edges this go around, maybe it was meant to be that way because of her loss. Overall it was a good read, but not as great as the first book. 






Behind Closed Doors|| 2/5 Oh man, this book was seriously disturbing and not in the thriller sense, but in the could this really happen sense. Jack and Grace have the perfect life – he’s a successful and handsome attorney and she’s the doting wife that pulls off flawless dinners and always looks put together. Successful in her own right as a former buyer for a store, why doesn’t she work anymore? These types of books are hard to review, but I will say that it was a quick read for me because I needed to know everything. It’s nothing like Girl on the Train or even Gone Girl which people have compared it to. It’s on it’s own disturbing level and if you’re someone that is squeamish, this book is not for you! 




On Second Thought || 4.5/5 I was so happy to read something relatively light and airy after Behind Closed Doors. Kate is Ainsley’s older half-sister and each chapter alternates between their two points of views. I thought the extended family dynamic was an interesting touch to add to the book and made the character’s a little more human to me. It was at times predictable, but what some-what romance book isn’t. I enjoyed every single one of the character’s in the book, while I may not have liked all of them, the author did an incredible job of describing them and gram-gram had to be my favorite! There are a few one-liners that were laugh out loud funny. The book itself is about loss and how these two sister’s deal with loss in their own ways. 




The Next Best Thing || 4/5 This is the same author as On Second Thought and again we’re met with a young widow. I’m hoping this isn’t a theme with Kristan Higgins books! I always check the Amazon descriptions before I write anything about a book because I don’t want to give anything away. With that being said,  the story was a little far fetched to me, but I’m a sucker for anything romantic and this book was just that. Lucy is mourning the loss of her husband Jimmy and after 5 years she feels like she’s ready to start dating again, but just not her friend with benefits Ethan who also happens to be her late husband’s younger brother! Yep she went there. But once you get over that little fact, the book is an easy and light read. I’m a sucker for a good epilogue and I’m grateful to any author who gives us a complete picture! 




A few good books over the last month – I’d call that a win! What are you reading these days? Let me know! 


‘);

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68 Comments

  1. Andrea Nine
    April 17, 2017 / 11:16 am

    I love when the characters stay with you, that first one sounds like it must be on my Summer reading list!! The blogger reviews for Behind Closed Doors have been under par, so not even going to read it, I've save myself for the 4 and 5 star reviews from awesome ladies such as yourself!! Happy Monday!!

  2. Unknown
    April 17, 2017 / 11:33 am

    I've been searching for a new book, will have to try these!
    Xo, Elizabeth
    stripesandsolitaires.com

  3. KelseyB
    April 17, 2017 / 11:41 am

    I am always looking to add another book to my reading list. Definitely adding your first one. I have to say I liked Behind Closed Doors, it was such a quick read and definitely disturbing, but I enjoy a psychological thriller (not sure what that says about me, I was a psych major). I agree that when you read it you're like….uh….this could happen. I just started reading Everything We Keep, the reviews were promising.

  4. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    April 17, 2017 / 11:56 am

    Ohhhhhh I'm intriguing about the follow up of Louisa. I only saw the movie and definitely now think I have to read the book! I always love your book recaps.

  5. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    April 17, 2017 / 11:59 am

    I did not enjoy After You! I felt like it was such a let down after reading Me Before You! I just finished The Orchardist–long and not what I expected. It was an okay book….now I'm looking for an easy read!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  6. Lizzie @ This Happy Life
    April 17, 2017 / 12:07 pm

    Even though you gave Behind Closed Doors a 2, that sounds like something I would love reading!

  7. Rosy Outlook - Fashion & Lifestyle by Kelly Rose
    April 17, 2017 / 12:13 pm

    I am so bummed to hear After You wasn't that great however I still really want to read it! I just loved Me Before You so much so I would love to keep going with the story!! Definitely checking out Swear on This Life!!

    rosyoutlookblog.com

  8. Unknown
    April 17, 2017 / 12:31 pm

    I read Behind Closed Doors a few months ago and had the same exact reaction! It took me a long time to finish and it was a little too dark for me… I wouldn't compare it to Girl on the Train either. I definitely want to check out Swear on This Life though!

    thecourtneydiaries.com

  9. Kathy@MoreCoffeeLessTalky
    April 17, 2017 / 12:56 pm

    Behind closed doors is on my TBR list and currently waiting for me at the library.

  10. Unknown
    April 17, 2017 / 12:58 pm

    So many good books to add to the list! I will be picking up Swear on this Life ASAP! Love your book reviews!

    Xoxo,
    Whitney & Blaire
    Peaches In A Pod

  11. Unknown
    April 17, 2017 / 1:03 pm

    I always love the book recomindations you have! I need to grab some good ones at the end of this semester! Such good picks and honest reviews! Hope you had an amazing holiday weekend!
    xoxo,Victoria
    coffeeandablonde.blogspot.com

  12. Brooke
    April 17, 2017 / 1:04 pm

    I haven't read a single book this past month, it's sad!! I really need to get back into my reading groove. Behind Closed Doors sounds like one I would love to tear through, but then again, I'm pretty squeamish!

    Brooke
    pumps and push-ups

  13. Brittany
    April 17, 2017 / 1:12 pm

    Adding all of these to the list! So many great options! Happy Monday ๐Ÿ™‚

    Brittany ๐Ÿ™‚
    kingdomofsequins.com

  14. kerri @ cheshire kat
    April 17, 2017 / 1:26 pm

    adding swear on this life to my list! and i heard after you wasn't the best. i mean i def sobbed during the first so i know there wouldn't be the same effect. happy monday girly!

    xoxo cheshire kat

  15. Lauren {By Lauren M}
    April 17, 2017 / 1:36 pm

    I'm always looking for a new read! I'm adding Swear on This Life to my amazon cart now!

    By Lauren M

  16. Jalisa
    April 17, 2017 / 1:52 pm

    Swear on this Life sounds like the movie The Girl in the Book! It's about a book editor who struggled with some unfortunate things that happened to her as a child, as she tried to pursue her career in journalism from a very young age. She came from a very wealthy family and it ended up that she stumbled upon a book that was written by an author she knew from years ago who had written about her life story. I wonder if this book inspired the movie? Girl, you've managed to read so many books, you're inspiring me. Now that my energy is starting to come back more (it fluctuates) I need to catch up on some of the books I've started, but have failed to finish! Thanks for sharing and I hope you have a wonderful start to your week, beauty!

    XO,

    Jalisa
    thestylecontour.com

  17. Zelle B.
    April 17, 2017 / 1:54 pm

    I'm intrigued by Behind Closed Doors but not sure I should read it… love these book reviews. Definitely need some summer reading now that the weather has warmed up!

    Zelle
    Southern Style

  18. Elle Sees
    April 17, 2017 / 1:59 pm

    I almost read Me After You, so I'm glad I skipped it!! I loved the movie.

  19. Leah Behr
    April 17, 2017 / 2:10 pm

    Thanks for the book recommendations! Always looking for new reads!

    xx Leah / eatpraywearlove.com

  20. Carly
    April 17, 2017 / 2:14 pm

    Swear on This Life was sooo good, I think it was one of the only books I read last year that I literally read in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen. She has a new book coming out later this year and I'm hoping it's just as good!

  21. Kate at Green Fashionista
    April 17, 2017 / 2:18 pm

    I still need to read After You, but am surprised to hear Louisa's character is rougher around the edges. I also want to check out On Second Thought. Cheers to a fabulous week <3
    Green Fashionista

  22. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    April 17, 2017 / 2:24 pm

    I wasn't a fan of After You either. As weird as it may sound, I feel like After You was written by a completely different person. I wasn't a fan of Louisa or the writing. It felt rushed to me. I definitely need to download Swear on this Life! It sounds so good! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  23. Chesson | Magnolia+Main
    April 17, 2017 / 2:26 pm

    You've read some good books lately! I'm making my list for summer beach reads to download before the beach trips start up… and I might need to add a few of these to that list! Happy Monday ๐Ÿ™‚

  24. Karly @ What Karly Said
    April 17, 2017 / 2:38 pm

    Swear On This Life has been on my reading list forever! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it so much. Might have to skip Behind Closed Doors – I don't do well with the squeamish stuff!

  25. Girl Meets Bow
    April 17, 2017 / 2:49 pm

    I always love your book reviews! Definitely adding "Swear on this Life" to my Amazon list now ๐Ÿ™‚

  26. erica
    April 17, 2017 / 3:07 pm

    ugh I LOVED behind closed doors! i could not put it down. agree that it's not comparable to girl on a train, but definitely still a page-turner. i feel like all of these new thrillers are pretty disturbing. just finished 'the couple next door' which i would probably file in the same category as this one.

  27. Nadine
    April 17, 2017 / 3:21 pm

    I hate when authors have a theme or formula for their books. You gotta switch it up eventually to keep us interested. I love love loved Swear on This Life. It was one of my favorites last year! And I really enjoyed after you because I just couldn't get enough of the characters. I know it wasn't as good as Me Before You, but that book was just so amazing that anything that followed wouldn't have been. I really loved the other books of Moyes that I have read too!

  28. Elegance and Mommyhood
    April 17, 2017 / 3:29 pm

    WOW you have read a lot of books lately, Biana. The first and third book sound great. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reviews. I pinned all of these. I hope you had a great Passover and Easter week and weekend. =)

  29. Tess Felber_Sequins are the New Black
    April 17, 2017 / 3:42 pm

    You are a reading machine lady!! I just started Truly Madly Guilty last night and already obsessed, I'm sure you read that already. After You was one of my favorite books!!
    xx Tess | Sequins are the New Black

  30. Missy
    April 17, 2017 / 3:44 pm

    OOh I need to check out that first one for sure! I am traveling this weekend and it will be perfect for the plane! Thanks for your reviews!

  31. runwright
    April 17, 2017 / 3:50 pm

    I think most people agree that After You isn't as strong as Me Before You but it was still a good read. it just didn't pack the same emotional punch. I have read several other novels from JoJo Moyes and think she's a great writer. have you read any of her other books?

  32. Gold Coast Girl
    April 17, 2017 / 4:00 pm

    So many great titles! I for sure need to check some of these out!
    ~Samantha
    goldcoastgirlblog.com

  33. Robin
    April 17, 2017 / 4:01 pm

    "Swear on this Life" sounds interesting. I added it to my list. I just started reading "Someone is Watching" by Joy Fielding. She usually mixes mystery with family drama.

  34. Ashley @ The Wandering Weekenders
    April 17, 2017 / 4:15 pm

    I've heard how disturbing Behind Closed Doors is, but I still really want to read it, but I can totally understand why you didn't like it. It sounds like the Kristan Higgins books were just what you needed after that one. I actually haven't read any books by her, but I tend to love the light and airy books, so I definitely need to pick up one of her books soon! I hope that you enjoy your extra day off!

  35. Nikki @ makeupHER
    April 17, 2017 / 4:20 pm

    I absolutely loved Me Before You, but have yet to read After You, I have to get on that. I'm thinking that is the perfect cruise read. Swear on This Life also sounds like a winner, adding those to my list!

  36. Rebecca Jo
    April 17, 2017 / 4:22 pm

    I had a love hate thing with After You … I just didnt like the whole idea really – what are the odds? & I just didnt like a world without Will Traynor.

  37. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    April 17, 2017 / 4:29 pm

    I'm always amazed at how many books you read girl! I can't find the time to read as much as I'd like to these days — I'm still trying to finish a book I started 2 months ago! So unlike me!
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily๏ปฟ

  38. Rachel F
    April 17, 2017 / 4:32 pm

    Lord have mercy you can plow through a book better than most!! ๐Ÿ˜‰ I wish I shared this skill! XOXO, R

  39. JMO
    April 17, 2017 / 5:02 pm

    Way to go – still working on one from over a year ago…no joke (I can't not finish it haha) Happy Monday!!

  40. Sparkles and Lattes
    April 17, 2017 / 5:10 pm

    Wow you read a lot recently. I like thriller types of books, but I fear Behind Closed Doors and what I can already gather from it.

  41. SMD @ lifeaccordingtosteph
    April 17, 2017 / 5:52 pm

    I liked Swear on this Life much more than I thought I would!

  42. Unknown
    April 17, 2017 / 6:24 pm

    i had such high hopes for After You too but I was pretty disappointed with it it just didnt compare to the first book. xo jillian – cornflake dreams

  43. Jenn
    April 17, 2017 / 6:49 pm

    I felt the same way about After You. It felt like an almost totally different character to me than Me Before You. So glad you found the 5/5 book! Those are always a win! ๐Ÿ™‚

  44. Jackie @ My (Sort Of) Adult Life
    April 17, 2017 / 6:56 pm

    Putting the first one on my to read list! I read Behind Closed Doors too and was super disturbed by the fact it could happen!

  45. a little bit of emily
    April 17, 2017 / 7:03 pm

    Right now I am reading American Wife – it's good, but I haven't had a whole lot of time to dive into it. I loved Behind Closed Doors, but I think in my head it was so far fetched that it wasn't TOO disturbing. But you are right, there are probably sick enough people to have it be real life. I thought it was very different than most books, which is why I probably enjoyed it even more!

  46. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo
    April 17, 2017 / 8:31 pm

    I am dying to dive into a new book if I can find the time! I will keep these in mind!

  47. The Siberian American
    April 17, 2017 / 8:35 pm

    I LOVED Swear on This Life. I'm so glad you did too!

  48. Straight A Style
    April 17, 2017 / 9:36 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I have seen After You on several blogs now. Need to check it out!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  49. Unknown
    April 17, 2017 / 10:49 pm

    I've heard about Swear on This Life – I need to check it out!

    Heidi || Wishes & Reality

  50. Rachel McCarthy
    April 17, 2017 / 11:41 pm

    Always great to have a relaxing weekend! I've been searching for some books for our vacation in May, so I will have to check these out. Swear on This Life sounds really good, I always love a good romance book. Thanks for the suggestions, Biana!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  51. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    April 18, 2017 / 1:16 am

    I hope you enjoyed the extra day to unwind from your Easter family fun! Behind Closed Doors was on my "next to read" list but bummer to know it was a weird kind of disturbing. I might still read it out of curiosity LOL. I haven't heard of "Swear on this Life" before but I'm always looking for new book recommendations and a good review always gets me intrigued.

  52. Laura Darling
    April 18, 2017 / 2:00 am

    I'm glad you mentioned that about After You! I picked it up at the thrift store a few weeks ago for a quarter but I haven't read Me Before You yet! So I will wait and make sure I read that first!!

  53. Jenna at Boston Chic Party
    April 18, 2017 / 2:02 am

    I seriously admire how many books you read in a month! Swear On This Life sounds like a must read. Thanks for the inspo!
    xoxo, Jenna
    Boston Chic Party

  54. Beautifully Candid
    April 18, 2017 / 2:59 am

    I'm glad you had a nice relaxing weekend. I love how many books you read! Beautifully Candid

  55. Shannon Jenkins
    April 18, 2017 / 4:11 am

    You are seriously killing it with all these books! Weirdly I am intrigued by behind closed doors haha! I love creepy books!

    <3 Shannonย 
    Upbeat Soles

  56. Manavi Siddhanti
    April 18, 2017 / 9:13 am

    Great list of recently reads! ๐Ÿ˜€ If I had to choose one from the list, I would choose 'Swear on This Life'. The plot has intrigued me deeply and I am thinking of buying this one real soon!

    Manavi,
    beforbeauty.com

  57. Sarita @ it's my girls' world
    April 18, 2017 / 11:29 am

    I heard mixed reviews about after you. Those last two books have me intrigued

  58. Marie
    April 18, 2017 / 2:15 pm

    Thanks for sharing these as I'm always looking to add books to my reading list. I started After you but quickly got bored by it. I do want to read it again one day. The first book stayed with me so long I think that is why I didn't care for the second book.

  59. Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost
    April 18, 2017 / 4:23 pm

    I'm one of the few that just didn't like Me Before You. I wanted to like it, I just didn't. The rest of these books sound great!
    Kelsey
    thepeacockroost.com

  60. awhite
    April 18, 2017 / 4:33 pm

    I love your book rec's, lady- and On Second Thought sounds like a great, breezy read!

    -Ashley
    Le Stylo Rouge

  61. Christina Lea Loves
    April 18, 2017 / 6:58 pm

    Swear on this life sounds good – I love finding a book so good that you can't wait to finish!

  62. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    April 18, 2017 / 8:55 pm

    yay, so glad you enjoyed swear on this life! i loved it, and i always feel like my opinions are validated when other people like books i like haha.
    i agree about after you. just as i started to enjoy it, it ended. blah. i think i heard she's writing another, which is just weird to me. i really feel like after you, they could have changed the names and it would have been its own story, you know?
    bummer about Behind Closed Doors, i have heard it's good. never read anything by kristan higgins, but i love a good romance too, so i will check those books out!

  63. Hi! I'm Cortney
    April 18, 2017 / 9:15 pm

    I've read so many of your recommendations and I'm posting mine on Thursday. I read Maybe Someday after loving This Ends With Us. Colleen Hoover is seriously one of my favorite authors now. Have you read Confess?

  64. Valerie
    April 18, 2017 / 10:01 pm

    Great book list! I've been wanting to read Behind Closed Doors.

    roadesque.com
    ourruins.com

  65. The Lilac Press
    April 18, 2017 / 11:16 pm

    Okay – someone had recommended After You to me, and I was in Barnes and Noble yesterday and I almost bought it! Luckily I read the back and realized it was the sequel to Me Before You (which I bought instead). Can't wait to read! xx -Leigha

  66. Hena Tayeb
    April 18, 2017 / 11:40 pm

    Thanks for sharing.
    Just added Swear on This to my reading list.
    I didn't read After You. I had love Me Before You so much and after reading all the bad reviews I thought it better to just stay away

  67. Meghan @ I'm Fixin' To
    April 22, 2017 / 2:48 am

    Adding Swear on This Life to my reading list! xx, I'm Fixin' To

  68. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    April 28, 2017 / 8:28 pm

    Behind Closed Doors was a page turner! I definitely think I need something lighter now….thanks for the suggestions!