Reading has always been a big part of my life and I got pretty down in the dumps when I stopped reading at university. My social life sort of took over and I no longer had any free time to sit down and read a book that wasn't part of my degree. Since working a full-time job at Penguin Random House and now at my new job, I've managed to juggle successfully a healthy reading schedule and of course the odd Netflix binge every couple of weeks.
So when I was asked by Holiday Gems to pull together some new reads for Summer, I was more than happy to oblige. Armed with my Amazon credit, I had already decided on two books that I wanted. The rest are typically crime/thriller novels (no surprise as I love anything crime related) but all by new readers who I haven't heard of before.
No Filter by Grace Victory - Buy here
She's a blogger/vlogger who doesn't gives a shit about what the haters think and she openly speaks her mind with grace (no pun intended) and confidence. I've been following her for a while now on Twitter and I am obsessed with all her looks, celebrating her body and never holding back. I was really excited for this girl to have her own book out and much like the rest of the digital community, we support one of our own. No Filter is an honest and fun insight into tackling the problems that all young people tend to face. With so much pressure to act a certain way or to be like everyone else, it's great for the younger generation to see someone talk about going through it and coming out the other side. I'm so excited to get stuck into this book.
Wilde Like Me by Louise Pentland - Buy here
Another book, another blogger. Louise Pentland is one of the more mainstream bloggers that a lot of people will know of. She's caught the attention of the media not just because of being close friends with Zoella but because she's a hilarious mum with a beautiful heart. It seems like Wilde Like Me definitely has similarities to Louise's own life and whether that's true for her, who knows! I love how Louise has gone for a fictional angle rather than do a biography or a book that's just been copied. It's creative, it's different and it's one I'm looking forward to reading.
He Said, She Said by Erin Kelly - Buy here
When it came to choosing the other books, I looked into what was on the top sellers list. I really do love crime novels, they are by far my favourite genre to read. It's Erin's sixth book and the positive reviews are what drew me to the book. The story focuses on an alleged rape that took place which a character called Laura witnesses. This has a devastating effect on her future where she has no choice but to go into hiding. It's a very interesting angle to approach, where the witness seems to become the victim so I'm very excited to learn more. This is a book that I feel is going to be read within one or two sittings.
The Girl Friend by Michelle Frances - Buy here
When it has the tag line 'She loves your son, she wants your life', I'm thinking oh god yes, some psychopathic, crazy partner stuff is about to go down in this one. This is Michelle's first novel which makes it all the more exciting for the author herself. A mother who seems to have it all is suddenly in for a rude awakening when her son brings home a girl named Cherry. Not used to the upbringing that her son has had, Cherry is keen to be welcomed with open arms. It's a meet the family situation that we can all relate to but this isn't no ordinary situation. OMG. So much excitement.
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena - Buy here
This is the first one that I've actually started reading since finishing my last book. I always find that I need to take a short break after reading a book, just so I can acknowledge that those character's stories have finished and that I'm beginning another otherwise I end up missing the characters from the previous book. I know, it's strange.
The Couple Next Door is definitely a thriller. A baby is taken from it's cot whilst the parents are at a dinner party next door. It's premise is much like what we've seen in our own realities and I'm immediately gripped. I can't wait to find out what happens and I feel as though this will be a story with many twists and turns in it. It's Shari's first debut but she already has another one coming out. This woman works fast!
What books have you read lately? Do any of these look good to you? Let me know in the comments below. Also, if you're planning on a last minute holiday like I am, check out these last minute deals.
*Disclaimer - I was gifted an Amazon Gift card in return for this post. All words are my own. This post contains affiliate links.
