Cece In The City

Tag: book club

  • A Not So Meet Cute” – Unveiling the Beautiful Complexity of Relationships

    Book Review: “A Not So Meet Cute” – Unveiling the Beautiful Complexity of Relationships

    Introduction: “A Not So Meet Cute” is a captivating novel that explores the intricate nature of relationships, delving into the complexities, challenges, and unexpected connections that unfold between its diverse and relatable characters. This book takes a refreshing twist on the traditional “meet cute” trope, offering readers a heartfelt and honest portrayal of love, friendship, and personal growth. In this review, we will explore the compelling aspects of the story, its engaging characters, and the author’s ability to capture the essence of human connection.

    1. A Unique Perspective on Relationships: Unlike conventional romance novels that often depict idealized meet-cute scenarios, “A Not So Meet Cute” presents a more realistic and nuanced view of relationships. The author skillfully portrays the messiness and imperfections that come with human connections, highlighting that love is not always a straightforward journey. This refreshing perspective brings depth and authenticity to the story, making it relatable to readers who appreciate the complexities of real-life relationships.
    1. Multidimensional Characters: The characters in “A Not So Meet Cute” are richly developed and multi-layered, making them truly come alive on the pages. From their quirks to their vulnerabilities, each character feels authentic and relatable. The author skillfully explores their personal histories, fears, and desires, enabling readers to empathize with their struggles and triumphs. Through their interactions and personal growth, the characters reveal the complexities and intricacies of relationships, adding depth to the narrative.
    1. Themes of Growth and Self-Discovery: The novel beautifully captures the journey of personal growth and self-discovery that the characters embark upon. It explores how relationships can serve as catalysts for change and transformation, allowing individuals to confront their fears, confront their past, and ultimately find their true selves. The exploration of these themes adds depth to the storyline, making it not just a tale of romance but also a reflection of the human experience.
    1. Emotional Depth and Authenticity: One of the standout features of “A Not So Meet Cute” is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions within readers. The story touches on joy, heartbreak, vulnerability, and resilience, eliciting a genuine emotional response. The author’s writing style beautifully captures the nuances of human emotions, creating an immersive reading experience that resonates long after the book is finished.
    1. Balancing Humor and Seriousness: Despite its exploration of complex emotions and personal growth, “A Not So Meet Cute” maintains a delightful balance of humor and seriousness. The author weaves moments of lightheartedness and witty banter into the narrative, offering readers moments of laughter and levity. This skillful combination ensures that the story remains engaging and enjoyable throughout, even as it delves into deeper themes.

    Conclusion: “A Not So Meet Cute” is a captivating novel that breaks away from traditional romance tropes, offering readers a refreshing and authentic portrayal of relationships. With its multidimensional characters, themes of personal growth, and exploration of the complexities of love and connection, this book takes readers on an emotional journey that is both relatable and thought-provoking. The author’s ability to balance humor and seriousness adds depth to the storyline, making it a truly enjoyable and compelling read. “A Not So Meet Cute” is a testament to the beautiful messiness of relationships and a reminder that real love is not always found in picture-perfect moments but in the imperfect and unexpected connections we form along the way.

  • Love and Other Words (Book)

    Book: Love and Other Words

    Author: Christina Lauren

    Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren is a beautiful, heart-wrenching novel that explores the complexities of love and the power of words. The story follows Macy, a successful doctor who seems to have it all – a loving fiancé, a successful career, and a bright future. However, when she unexpectedly runs into her childhood best friend, Elliot, everything changes.

    The novel is told through two timelines – the present day, where Macy is engaged to her fiancé, and the past, where we see her relationship with Elliot unfold. As the two timelines intertwine, we begin to understand the depth of Macy and Elliot’s connection, and the devastating event that tore them apart.

    What sets Love and Other Words apart from other romance novels is the depth of emotion that Christina Lauren imbues into her characters. Macy and Elliot’s relationship is not just a typical love story – it’s a complex, layered connection that is rooted in their shared love of words and books. Throughout the novel, we see how the power of language can bring people together, but also how it can be used to push people away.

    The novel also explores themes of grief, family, and the difficulties of growing up. Macy’s struggle to come to terms with her past and her future is something that many readers will be able to relate to.

    Overall, Love and Other Words is a beautifully written novel that will tug at your heartstrings and leave you thinking about its characters long after you’ve finished reading. Christina Lauren’s writing is lyrical and poignant, and her characters are complex and relatable. If you’re looking for a novel that explores the power of love and the impact of words, this book is definitely worth reading.

  • The House Across the Lake Book

    Book: The House Across the Lake

    Author: Riley Sager

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    Got a chance to read this book.  This is the second book I have read by this author. This was a good book with a twist. This was about Casey Fletcher who was an actress. She met a man and later they got married 5 years later she thought he was her everything and he died. When he died, she turned to alcohol. She lost her job and everything. Her mom had a lake house and that’s where her husband died.

    Casey goes back to the Lake house, and she ends up meeting all the other tenants around the lake house. She was out one day, and she saw something floating. It happens to be Katherine Royce who is famous. She saves Katherine’s life and they become friends.

    Casey is at the lake, and she has binoculars which she looks through and kind of spy and watch what’s going on at Katherine’s home. One night she sees Katherine and husband get into it. She goes to sleep, and she is tipsy. She heard a scream but really couldn’t move. Katherine goes missing but Casey thinks her husband killed her but can’t prove it.

    She tells the neighbor about what she heard, and he heard it too. Casey and the neighbor go to investigate. Then comes to find out she doesn’t know who to trust.  Even though she drinks a lot of  alcohol Casey has a good memory. She gets the police involved but she still does her own investigation. Casey solves a lot of things and puts two and two together. She is wrong about some things but she figures them out and comes up with a plan.

    There are plenty of stories about the Lake being haunted but people think it’s just a fairytale. There are three young ladies that’s also missing, and the police have been trying to find them but after coming on to find out what’s going on with Katherine going missing, they find more information about the ladies.

    I don’t want to give up the story, but this was a great book. I say always keep your eyes open, you never know what’s going on close to you. Please don’t drink. Think of the others that care about you.

    If you read the book, what did you think about it? If not, check it out. Also make sure to join Cece Book Cub.

  • The Dead Romantics Book

    Book: The Dead Romantics

    Author: Ashley Poston

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    Got a chance to read this book. It was pretty good. It was about a lady named Florence Day who is a ghostwriter for a lady that does romance. In the last year Florence goes through a bad breakup and no longer believes in love.  She has to finish the ending and just can’t figure out how to end it now that she no longer believes in love.

    Her new editor will not give her extension and demands the book to be completed. Florence lives with her best friend and her best friend wants to get her to go out from a bad week. They get out and she runs into her ex and her new editor and also gets a call that something bad happened to her dad.

    When Florence was young her and her dad could talk to spirits. They were the only ones that were gifted with this in their family. When she was in school she solved a murder case in which the spirit helped her. Everyone in the town thought she was crazy and talked about her. She left that town and never went back. 10 years later she came back because of her dad.

    Florence starts to see her new editor as a spirit and as he comes along, they get to know each other more. He helps her get through the hard times. He tells her all the positive things she needs to hear. She opens up little by little.

    Florence has low self-esteem, I believe that she just took in what people say and tried to run from getting hurt. Sometimes it’s good to have a friend. That will push you in the right way, to give you motivation, to talk to you and let you know what you are worth.

    I don’t want to give the book away, but it is a twist to it. The book was good. I can’t even imagine myself being able to talk to spirits. I wouldn’t mind if it was for a good cause. This was something different to read. Just thinking of funerals and dead people makes me sad.

    If you read the book, what did you think about it? If not, check it out. Also make sure to join Cece Book Cub.

  • In Five Years

    Book: In Five Years

    Author: Rebecca Serle

    By: Cece Hymes

    Got a chance to finally read this book. I heard it was a great book and easy to read so I had to check it out. I was not disappointed. This Book was good. It was about Dannie; she is a lawyer who works hard and believes everything is done in years.  She believes in numbers that it means everything. Her boyfriend proposed to her, which she was so happy about.

    Dannie has a best friend named Bella. They’ve been friends forever since they were little. Bella is different from Dannie but they both love each other as sisters. Dannie has this dream about a guy named Aaron and sees a vision that in 5 years they would get together. She felt something different and couldn’t shake it. She decides to get therapy to see what is going on.

    Bella finally really likes this guy and wants Dannie to meet him and the vision that Dannie had about the Guy Aaron that she sees in her dreams happens to be her best friend’s boyfriend. Dannie is really busy, and her fiancé is also but it’s been years now engaged and they are still not married. Dannie’s fiancé is a little worried.

    Dannie saw so much stuff in her dream that now she is seeing it in reality. She knows that in due time that what she saw will come true. She is trying her hardest to put that dream away.  Bella gets sick and Dannie has to be there for her best friend no matter what. Dannie has to get used to Bella having other people in her life and I also think she should have been honest with Bella.

    There is something fascinating about the concept of knowing your future. Just having a vision. It’s like do you avoid your destiny if you don’t like it? Do you let it dictate your actions? What do you do If you can see something that’s going to happen in your future?

    I enjoyed this book. The ending threw me off a little but it was still good. I love how the best friends were there for one another. I see a lot of people that have been with their mates for a long time and love them but not be in love with them. I think everyone deserves to be in love and not just settle with a person because of the connection. I don’t think anyone should just settle for a job, relationship or anything in life. Live it to your fullest, be happy and enjoy life.

    Make sure to check out the book and let me know what you think. Also join Cece Book Club on Facebook and IG 

  • The Emperor of Sound

    Book: The Emperor of Sound

    Author: Timbaland with Veronica Chambers

    By: Cece Hymes

    Got a chance to read this book about Timbaland and his journey and life. I enjoyed learning more about his journey and how he and Missy got together to make music. He talks about growing up and how he got into the industry. I love that he stayed consistent. I had heard years ago how one of the members of the group Jodeci was evil and made them do all kinds of crazy things. I hate that they had to go through this trying to make it. So I definitely would like to give Timbaland and Missy their flowers. No matter what you went through you made it work and got through tough times. I appreciate you for telling this side of the story. It’s not easy being in this industry. Glad that Timbaland’s parents stored God and prayer in him.

    I knew Pharrell and Timbaland were great producers, but this showed how they got into the business. They found their way and had a plan. That pushes me to not give up on my business and to keep being consistent and moving in the right direction. After I read about the girl Dana and Aaliyah I wanted to give Timbaland a hug and tell him everything would be ok. I know it was hard and having that on your conscience I would not have known what to do or how to feel in a situation like that.

    When Timbaland and his wife got together I was glad she was different. I always say that your best friend is your soulmate. To have someone that loves you for you and wants better for you is hard to find these days. When Timbaland finally got it together glad she was still around and took a chance. When you can talk for hours and communicate about everything it’s a great feeling.

    This book was a good read, not too big and if you are a fan I would definitely read it. He tells a lot about how he hooked up with a lot of artists to make beats for them. He worked with a lot of people. I got a chance to interview V. Bozeman before and do an article on her in my magazine (Where It Begins) and I think she is a talented artist. I love her voice. Timbaland took a chance on a lot of people. You can tell he has a big heart. I love the relationship that he and Missy had. It was like they were brother and sister and didn’t leave each other behind. They helped one another get to the top.

    I hope he has another book and talks about Verzuz and how it got started and why they sold it. I would also like to know what’s next in the making. Let me reach out to see if I can get an interview. I love learning about people’s journeys and how they got to where they are today. Timbaland has put in the work he and Missy deserve nothing but great things.

    This was a great book, make sure to check it out. If you have already read it let me know how you liked it. Make sure to Follow me at Cece.Atl and Cece Book Club.

  • From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

    Book: From Scratch: A Memoir of Love, Sicily, and Finding Home

    Author: Tembi Locke

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was our January Book read. I watched the series on Netflix so I couldn’t wait to read the book.  The book was also good and had some things that were different from the series but still worth the read. It was about a lady named Tembi who goes to Italy. She wants to do something different with her life. Instead of her parents taking care of her she wants to support herself. She meets this Guy named Sato who is a chef. It was like love at first sight with them. Saro’s family is Sicilian. They have certain traditions and him being with a black American woman is one that they disapprove of.

    Sato and Tembi fall deep for one another and no matter what they have to go through they face it together. They enjoy their time that is spent together and then she has to go back to the U.S. and they do the long distance thing for a little. Then Saro goes to the U.S. to start his new life with Tembi. They go through things like every couple. Sato misses his family a lot but tries to stay positive. Sato and Tembi get married and he invites his family which still disowns him. He really wants his family to be there but it’s not going to stop him from marrying Tembi. His parents did not make it but someone in his family did, and others sent congratulations by fax. Sato gets sick and Tembi sticks by him. They decide to adopt a little girl from birth and raise her.

    Later in the years Sato gets Sick again and his family comes around to at least talk to him and be a part of his daughter’s life. It’s so sad. One thing I can say is that I love it when two people become friends first and then lovers. I always say your best friend is your soulmate. Especially when you can communicate and talk about everything. You go through the highs and lows and still put each other first. That’s the love I respect and love. Tembi learned how to deal with life day by day and to keep her daughter knowing both sides of the family. It takes a village to raise a child and takes family and friends to help when a person is grieving.

    I loved the book and the series, both were great. Make sure to check both out and tell me what you think. There’s a lot more to the story but I don’t want to give it away and tell too much of the book. If you have read the book and would like to join our Virtual discussion the first week of February comment below and I will reach out to you.  You can follow Cece Book Club or follow me @Cece.Atl 

  • The Cassanova:The Miles High Club book by T L Swan

    Book: The Casanova: The Miles High Club

    Author: T L Swan

    By: Cece Hymes

    This book was a good book, as you know I love stories. Elliott is a handsome, rich man that owns a couple of businesses and homes. All the ladies think of him as Mr. Casanova. He usually dates models and women of that caliber. Kate works for Elliot. She dresses casually to not be seen just plain. Kate’s parents had passed away and when they passed away, she kind of just stopped dressing up and dating. She just grieved differently. She had been working for Elliott for 7 years now and the two just didn’t get along. She spoke to him in a different way than the other employees, but she was good at her work. They both didn’t really look into each other like that.

    Kate has a sister and brother. Her brother is cool and down the earth while the sister is mean and beautiful. Her sister usually gets any man she wants because of her beauty. Kate has a roommate Rebecca, and they just got this new roommate Daniel. When Daniel moves in, he goes out with the roommates to get to know them better and a friendship starts. He sees that Kate is beautiful and just needs a makeover. So, he decides to shop for Kate and get her back to how she used to be. Kate goes to work in her new outfit, and she is working and dancing as Elliott is looking at the screen, he sees her from behind and gets this attraction to the person dancing. When she finally turns around, he sees it is Kate. He starts looking at her in a different way from that day. Daniel gets Kate out of the house and everywhere they go Elliott is in the same place looking at Kate.

    Elliott and Kate both get on this Dating app and have alias names. They become friends with each other but at first don’t know that they are actually talking to each other. Then they both find out the truth but never let each other know that they are talking to each other. So, they build a friendship there also. Elliott believes in Fate. He is into this one lady painting and has been searching for this one lady for years because the painting touches him in a way. Before Elliott started to like Kate, he would see this lady at auctions but could never catch her. He was very interested in her, but she always left so fast he never really met her.

    Elliott and Kate ended up getting to know each other and basically were just going out and having fun with no string attached. It was like Elliott had two sides of himself, the one that likes to be in control, have things to himself and then the side of being sweet and having fun. His sex drive was very high, but Kate could keep up. She was different and special to him. They both were falling for each other but scared at the same time. Elliott showed Kate a good time and brought happiness to her. Kate showed that she was different, didn’t care for his money and that lifestyle but liked him for him.

    Elliot believes in Fate. Do you believe in fate? Do you believe that people come to you for a reason? Do you believe in fairytales? These two were brought together by fate and it’s so much more that happens but I don’t want to give the good part away. Check out the book and tell me what you think.  It’s very interesting. I loved the book and can’t wait to read more books by this author. If you like a good romance, juicy, with laughter, and drama in it this book is for you.  One other thing that I loved about the book. I love it when you start off friends first. My saying is always your soulmate is your best friend. I believe in that. Is it good to mix business and pleasure together? It could be hard that your boss is your mate. Check it out.

    Also make sure to Follow Cece Book Club 

  • Girl Forgotten By Karin Slaughter

    Book: Girl Forgotten

    Author: Karin Slaughter

    By: Cece Hymes

    This is the first book I have read by this author. I saw a lot of people were talking about this book, so I had to read. It was a good book. It took me a while to figure out who had killed the girl. When you think about high schoolers it’s always a clique. Everyone has their own clique in school.

    This book was about a group of so-called friends hanging together until one day something happened to Emily who is in that clique. She doesn’t remember what happened she just know that whatever happened she was raped, and it was by one of her so-called friends. She doesn’t understand how one day her whole world can turn upside down because of her friends and no one seems to want to tell the truth.

    Andrea’s father was part of the clique and is in prison. Andrea knows he is a bad man, but she is a cop well a US Marshal and she has been put on a case to help protect Emily’s mother who is a judge. While protecting her she is also secretly investigating what really happened to Emily 40 years ago. There Are other things going on in the same town that Emily was killed in. Andrea doesn’t live there but she goes there to help with the case. She was sent there because she is needed. New clues pop out each time she tries to solve another case but the old one keeps coming up.

    It’s sad what happened to Emily and on prom night how someone could kill her like that while she is pregnant. The baby survived and is all grown with her own child. She always wanted to know who killed her mother. Even though Emily was killed so long ago it still haunts everyone in that town. Seems like they all are psychopaths that love to be in control of people and everything.

    Reading this book, I really wanted Ricky, Nardo and Wexler to get dealt with. Those 3 made me so angry. How these 3 just had no conscience whatsoever. The way they treat women and young women at that made me angry. That’s why I always think us women need to stay strong and protect one another. We are so vulnerable and so attachable to things that are wrong. Love can make you go crazy and make you look over a lot of things. Jealousy is evil also. Just be aware of your friends and always keep your eyes open. You can see who is against you and who is with you. Time will tell.

    Check out the book and let me know your thoughts. Also join Cece Book Club.

  • Sweeter than honey by Joy Avery

    Book: Sweeter Than Honey

    Author: Joy Avery

    By: Cece Hymes

     

    You know I love a good love book. This book was very interesting to me and seems like a lot of books that I have read always start off with pretending to be in a relationship and then really fall in love with the person. I just love books like this. They all just have a different way and story that each one falls in love with the other person.

    This book was about Rylee and Canten. Rylee owned her own shop and she loved to cook. Canten, he was the sheriff of the town that everyone loved. He really did a lot for his community. Canten’s wife had passed away and so did Rylee; they both just been living life not really trying to date anyone. They have both been friends for a long time and have attraction for one another. They just don’t want to react to it.

    When they faked their relationship, I think they both really wanted to be with each other anyway but didn’t want to let the other one know. I am glad that they were friends first. My motto is always your soulmate is your best friend. They both needed to get things off their chest and out in the open. It was secrets that they never shared with anyone that they found sharing with each other. There were also times when others tried to come and win the other person’s interest, but they didn’t let it happen.

    They both actually know a lot about each other, and they are neighbors, so they watch out for each other already. One thing I love about this book is Rylee’s parents now that love is the kind of love I want. Growing older together and years later and still having that spark for each other is definitely what I want.  I loved their characters in this book.

    Everyone wants love but when you have someone that makes you happy that’s a different kind of love. When you have not just a lover but a best friend that you can communicate with about anything and they don’t judge you but push you to be stronger than those types of people you don’t want to let go.

    Rylee and Canten grew together as a fake couple but were there each step of the way. They included each other in events and couple things. They both felt a love they had never felt before. When you know what you want you go after it. They made each other feel like a queen and king.

     

    Make sure to check out the book and let me know what you think. Also join Cece Book Club