Review: The Words Shimmer

Ruby, a university lecturer, is roped into a gardening project with young school kids. She’s the opposite of a green thumb. Mel, a down-to-earth paramedic, would be an ideal partner for the project but Ruby and Mel are complete opposites and don’t like each other.

In the mix: some prejudice, internalised homophobia, dyslexia (what’s that got to do with anything? read and find out), relatable situations with children and older students and – wow.

The Words Shimmer by Jenn Matthews is super entertaining but also a thought-provoking read. It’s a slow-burn romance peppered with interesting facts; I could hardly put it down! I may also have sent the author some distressed messages… oops?

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Review: Living

Ella is a big movie star, Cam a successful yoga instructor. In a romance. Superficial and perfect? Nah, they both are flawed, relatable, completely believable characters. There’s also a great supporting cast; for example, I found myself to be a bit (or a lot!) like Vanya among certain people..

A word of warning, though: Living by Lise Gold starts with a bang, not sparing the reader at all. It’s heavy, OK? Most of the drama afterwards is of an easier kind, though – this is, after all, a romance. Slow burn, but if you’re like me, you’ll probably enjoy every minute and don’t want them to rush.

I really liked how depression, its treatment and the side-effects of stardom were handled. Special kudos for the gorgeous cover!

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