Hummingbirds Fly Backwards by Amy Cheung | Rating: ★★☆☆☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via Net Galley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

There was something entirely disappointing about Hummingbirds Fly Backwards--sure, there was/is solid writing, gorgeous cover art, a catchy title and opening sentence. But there is something incredibly flat about the entire story itself; constantly lacking something for me. I can't quite pinpoint all that was wrong with it because it did have a world of promise, but it just didn't work for me. I put it down often, wondering if it was just me, but looking now at its rating I see there is a general nod to how lackluster it felt in its reviews.

Although most people will disagree with me, I found one of the character's nature to be the novels biggest--perhaps, only--saving grace. Only one. She is unlikable as can be, but for this reader it was to the point where I couldn't help but to like her all the more for it. Sometimes you just can't connect with a character and their flaws, or their complete inability to connect with their reality, but you don't always have to. Chow Jeoi is an unlikable lead but that's just about the most charming thing about Hummingbirds Fly Backwards. While I didn't necessarily root for her, I did find myself feeling rather fond of her and her delusion, her flaws, and she is the only reason I gave the novel 2-stars instead of 1.

Will You Won't You Want Me? by Nora Zelevansky | Rating: ★★★☆☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Will You Won’t You Want Me is an ideal read for anyone going through changes in life and seemingly watching as life goes by you, wondering if you peaked in your teenage years. Our lead is a 28-year old woman by the name of Marjorie Plum who, once upon a time, was one of those girls in high school.

Those girls meaning a shining star–the popular one at the center of attention. Now, edging towards the end of her 20s, Marjorie is faced with new challenges in life as she adapts to adulthood and faces. Because of this easy-going admiration she had going in her teen years, she assumed it would carry on into her adult years and life would be much of the same.

Successful, well loved and so on. It’s a mistake we all make in believing that life can be consistent. The concept that nothing is predictable and things don’t always go according to plan is something that just about anybody can understand. This makes the story obtainable and realistic and overall a delight to see.

Rumors by A.C. Arthur | Rating: ★★★★☆

As a note, an e-galley of this novel was sent to me via NetGalley by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my opinions in any way.

Upon first inspection Rumors, penned by A.C. Arthur, promises to be a delicious murder mystery surrounding the death of one member of a group of friends who were once like family. Like all tragedies, it is a make or break moment for close family or friends; sometimes things cannot be repaired and those people have difficulty picking up the pieces.

And so Landy’s death tore this once close knit group apart and even now, ten years later, things are still tense and unsolved when it comes down to the night that changed everything. All that time has passed but even still, they pick right up where they left off as danger lurks once more. But who killed Landy? And how have they not been caught at this point?

When diving into the story–which is filled with many chills, scandal and intrigue–we notice right away that its promising description is fitting and watch as the events plays before our eyes like a delightful and soapy show. We’re left with the sense that something big is going to happen once more by the novels end; just as we get closer to more answers… we’re thrust back once more.