Wren's perfect trip to London doesn't go as planned, especially when she ends up helping Prince Theo of the Royal Family escape a pack of tourists. When she gets to the airport later that day, Wren learns that a huge comet is heading towards Earth, poised to destroy all life on the planet in just 8 days. Now, the only person she can rely on to get her home to family is the prince. Folks, I just loved this book. Every time I picked it up, I got lost in Wren and Theo's story and I had to keep reminding myself that the world was not, in fact, ending in 8 days. Wren's need to always have a plan was endearing and relatable, and you could feel her frustration in the impossible situation she's found herself in. And on one hand, she's attracted to Theo, but on the other, he's still pretty much a stranger - how much can she really trust him? And Theo - I love me some royalty in my books, so to get that little glimpse behind the curtain was fun, although I felt for him and how trapped he felt by his position. Wren and Theo have to work together and come up against some crazy obstacles, but you'll be rooting for them the whole way. Part love story, part road trip, part adventure, part apocalypse - so many elements that work together seamlessly. And - I can't wait to find out what happens next! 5 stars
Strangers in the Night by Heather Webb (2023)
In this novel, Heather Webb explores the relationship between crooner Frank Sinatra and actress Aa Gardner, set against the backdrop of Old Hollywood. I know a little about Frank Sinatra but really nothing about Ava Gardner, so I was interested to learn more about the both of them. Their tumultuous relationship leaps off the page - the high highs and the low lows, so much jealousy, so many breakups and makeups. The glimpses we get of how Hollywood worked back then were also really interesting. However, the story is very repetitive - the two are having a good time, then one small thing sets off a huge fight, and they find a way to come back together, over and over again. There's so much drama between Sinatra and Gardner that just felt unnecessary to include and their relationship is so volatile that it almost felt uncomfortable at times. 3 stars
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I've seen The Prince & The Apocalypse around and now I want it even more!
ReplyDeleteYay, I hope you love it!
DeleteYou convinced me that I have to read the McDowell book. I didn't take the ARC invite because it wasn't a contemporary, but I cannot say I have see you this enthusiastic about a book before. They only have the audiobook at my library. BOO! Still put the hold in. And a sequel is coming. Look at that!
ReplyDeleteHa, I am very stingy with my 5 star ratings, I guess! I do hope you enjoy this one, and the sequel coming out later this year does sound fun.
DeleteThat's interesting about Sinatra and Gardner! and I bet the look at older Hollywood is VERY interesting!
ReplyDeleteRight?? It was just such a different time!
DeleteThe Prince & The Apocalypse sounds so good! I'll have to keep my eye out for it, you've really sold me. Strangers in the Night sounds really interesting, though I could see how the repetition would get annoying–that'd bother me too, probably. I always enjoy an old Hollywood setting, though!
ReplyDeleteAww, yay about Prince! I hope you love it if you do end up reading it. I love an old Hollywood setting, too!
DeleteThe Prince & The Apocalypse sounds so good, glad to see you loved it so much!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lindsey!
DeleteThe Prince & the Apocalypse is new to me and it sounds fantastic. Adding to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteAwesome, yay!!
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