This Week In Books is a weekly update on what you’ve been reading hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found . A similar meme is hosted by Sam @ Taking on a World of Words.
Flooding does not get along with reading. My mom’s hot water tank broke last weekend, forcing us to cut short our stay in the countryside and drive back to Bordeaux. We got home to find a pipe had broken, turning our floor into a tiled swimming pool. I now believe I am cursed and will not go near any source of water. I said goodbye to my bathroom and to my reading time. As I am writing this, nothing is fixed, and I’m about to lose it!
∧ Then ∧ Black Widow, Christopher Brookmyre
Diana Jager is clever, strong and successful, a skilled surgeon and fierce campaigner via her blog about sexism. Yet it takes only hours for her life to crumble when her personal details are released on the internet as revenge for her writing.
Then she meets Peter. He’s kind, generous, and knows nothing about her past: the second chance she’s been waiting for. Within six months, they are married. Within six more, Peter is dead in a road accident, a nightmare end to their fairytale romance. But Peter’s sister Lucy doesn’t believe in fairytales, and tasks maverick reporter Jack Parlabane with discovering the dark truth behind the woman the media is calling Black Widow…
Two difficult books to review in a row, yay! This being said, Black Widow is a one-way ticket to a chilling psychological ride.
≈ Now ≈ What Pretty Girls Are Made Of, Lindsay Jill Roth
Envision Lauren Weisberger’s The Devil Wears Prada in the high-drama, estrogen-infused world of cosmetics, and you have What Pretty Girls Are Made Of—a hilarious debut novel from a writer who’s lived it.
In the make-up world, life and love are never cruelty-free…
After living in New York City for four years and reaching a dead end on her acting career, Alison Kraft needs a new role—time for a career change. When she reads about the world-famous Sally Steele Cosmetics studio, Alison quickly swoops in to make a good impression and lands a job as an assistant to the diva herself.
Surrounded by fantastic new hues of blushes, eye shadows, and glosses, Alison loves her new job and the new swag. Even better, she discovers she’s actually really good at it! But in the midst of juggling her love life, crazy family members, and the grueling demands of a jealous, flaky boss who could put Miranda Priestly to shame, Alison starts to question her choices. How long before the pretty face cracks for good?
I will never ever never trust Meghan Markle’s opinion on books again. Please, don’t promote your friends’ books if they are not good. What was supposed to be a fun trip to the cosmetics world turned into the tale of the pointless days of a very shallow and horrendously annoying young woman. I can’t recall the number of times I wanted to throw Alison under the NYC subway. The worst is I am only halfway through the book.
∨ Next ∨ The Winner’s Curse, Marie Rutkoski and
The Little French Guesthouse, Helen Pollard
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.
One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.
But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.
The Goodreads group Hype or Like Friday has chosen The Winner’s Curse as its book of the month for May. I would not have picked this book myself but I’m willing to give it a try.
Sun, croissants and fine wine. Nothing can spoil the perfect holiday. Or can it?
When Emmy Jamieson arrives at La Cour des Roses, a beautiful guesthouse in the French countryside, she can’t wait to spend two weeks relaxing with boyfriend Nathan. Their relationship needs a little TLC and Emmy is certain this holiday will do the trick. But they’ve barely unpacked before he scarpers with Gloria, the guesthouse owner’s cougar wife.
Rupert, the ailing guesthouse owner, is shell-shocked. Feeling somewhat responsible, and rather generous after a bottle (or so) of wine, heartbroken Emmy offers to help. Changing sheets in the gîtes will help keep her mind off her misery.
Thrust into the heart of the local community, Emmy suddenly finds herself surrounded by new friends. And with sizzling hot gardener Ryan and the infuriating (if gorgeous) accountant Alain providing welcome distractions, Nathan is fast becoming a distant memory.
Fresh coffee and croissants for breakfast, feeding the hens in the warm evening light; Emmy starts to feel quite at home. But it would be madness to walk away from her friends, family, and everything she’s ever worked for, to take a chance on a place she fell for on holiday – wouldn’t it?
I am very excited to be starting this book very soon. Me being French has something to do with it. I am always curious about how French people and the French way of life are perceived by foreigners. Also, my mom dreams of owning a guesthouse someday and we are fans of the concept. Add in an interesting story and you can be sure I’ll read the book.
What are you reading this week?
Do share in the comments!
Meggy's Bookish Corner 
I’m part way through Mr Wigg by Inga Simpson, which I am doing as part of my bookclub 🙂
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I remember reading the sneak peek on your blog. I hope you’re liking it! 🙂
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Ooh, I really want to read The Winner’s Curse! I hadn’t considered it before, but I do want to try it at least.
What Pretty Girls are Made of doesn’t sound great haha, but Black Widow sounds much better. I actually can’t read more than one book at a time. I’ll always pick the one I like reading more, so I envy your ability to read more than one.
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What Pretty Girls Are Made Of is a major letdown! I’m determined not to DNF it though and read til the end to write a full review. I am not very good at reading several books at the same time, but I thought about trying once again in case my brain has picked up new abilities since my love for books was reignited 🙂 Plus, I need to review them both soon so it’s my little challenge for the week!
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I only know Meghan Markle from the US show Suits; hadn’t realised she was into promoting books. I assume she’s using her celebrity status to push her friend’s book, not good as you say. It does sound a shallow sort of book but could have been fun all the same!
Here’s my WWW – https://bookboodle.co.uk/2016/05/18/www-wednesday-may-18th/
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I am a huge fan of the show 🙂 I was seduced by her post about the book. Next time I’ll be more careful! It was promising, but it’s just a big heap of nonsense and totally unlikely situations.
Thank you for the link, I’ll head to your post now 🙂
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So sorry to hear about all the water-related disasters 😦 I hope it all gets sorted out soon.
Sorry also that What Pretty Girls Are Made of is disappointing/annoying. Hppefully The Little French Guesthouse will be the relaxing, fun read you need right now (featuring no water-related disasters too).
Here’s my WWW: https://clairehuston.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/www-wednesday-18th-may-2016/
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I am so done with anything related to water! I’m steering clear of it for now 🙂 I’m really excited about The Little French Guesthouse. It screams “holiday” in a very appealing way. That’s all I need right now.
Thank you for visiting and for the link!
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Oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about the water tank, I hope it gets fixed soon.
I’m not taking part this week since there is so much else going on, but your choices sound interesting! I used to read psychological books like Black Widow, I might have to add it to my reading list 🙂
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Thank you! 🙂 We’re taking care of it but it involves a lot of paperwork and renovation work.
Yep, this is a busy time for you! 🙂 I love psychological thrillers, even though I yell at them for being difficult to review, haha. I definitely recommend Black Widow.
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I’m not going to lie. I’m dreading TWC for Hype or Like. We are picking the worst books, huh? Passenger was a snoozefest. Next month we’re reading The Raven Boys. I already decided that based off the feedback I received. I need to read something decent. I’m slowly falling into another slump.
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It can’t be as bad as Passenger, can it? I’m really looking forward to The Raven Boys. I’ll keep it in mind if TWC turns out to be a torture to read.
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I don’t think anything will be as bad as Passenger. The hell with that book. Haha! Nothing about it was at all appealing. I couldn’t do it. These hyped books I’ve read the last few months are such a disappointment. That’s why I like my indie books. I’m looking forward to The Raven Boys, too.
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Don’t tease hyped-up books, or they’ll prove you there’s worse than Passenger, haha!
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Ugh,I hope not. The hyped books really are a let down though. This is exactly why I prefer indie books. There’s no expectation attached to them, and when they’re good, I’m happy with my purchase. The Hunger Games are the only YA books I would rave about. The rest are whatever. I can’t even think of another YA book I liked that much.
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I hope you haven’t lost it completely yet ;-). Black widow sounds like a very good book, look forward to your review of that book.
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Not yet, I’m fighting! 🙂 Once everything gets back to normal, I’ll work on the review!
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I loved Black Widow so I’m glad you enjoyed it too. It definitely keeps you guessing.
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It was an awesome read! 🙂 I did not see the ending coming
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I kept guessing throughout but never got it either. Sign of a great book 🙂
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Hype or Like Friday???? x
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It’s a Goodreads group 🙂 We have weekly topics to discuss hyped-up books and a book of the month 🙂 It’s really nice and I’ve read out of my comfort zone thanks to the monthly read. Here’s the link if you want to check out and join! 🙂 https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/186824-hype-or-like-friday
xx
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Ooh might have a look x
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Sorry to hear about your water tank. Hopefully, all gets resolved! Ooh! Black Widow seems interesting. I’ll be looking forward to your review
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The landlord is not helpful but we’re fighting! 🙂 The review will be up as soon as I find the right words, haha.
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Wow The Black Widow does sound really good! I’m not so sure about your other choice but it is always good to have some variety.
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Black Widow was awesome 🙂 It left me speechless. Yep, I regret buying What Pretty Girls Are Made Of. I should have dashed to a beauty salon and get some products instead. But I’m excited about my next books, I am sure they’ll be better reads.
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I hope your pipe will get fixed soon! Black Widow sounds like such a great read by the way.
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The water has disappeared, that’s an improvement, haha. Black Widow is a gripping thriller, definitely a favorite of mines.
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That great; hopefully the problem itself will be solved soon as well! 🙂
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