The next thrilling standalone novel by USA Today bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan.
Everyone knows Lily Atwood—and that may be her biggest problem. The beloved television reporter has it all—fame, fortune, Emmys, an adorable seven-year-old daughter, and the hashtag her loving fans created: #PerfectLily. To keep it, all she has to do is protect one life-changing secret.
Her own.
Lily has an anonymous source who feeds her story tips—but suddenly, the source begins telling Lily inside information about her own life. How does he—or she—know the truth?
Lily understands that no one reveals a secret unless they have a reason. Now she’s terrified someone is determined to destroy her world—and with it, everyone and everything she holds dear.
How much will she risk to keep her perfect life?
The Sexy Nerd's Review
Well, Nerds, I have to say I’m a bit on the fence with this one. I really wanted to love this book, but it fell a little flat for me and I’m not exactly sure if I can explain myself.
Lily Atwood has it all, or so it would appear. She has an awesome career as a reporter, makes good money, has a beautiful little girl named Rowen, but she doesn’t have a husband. Of course, does a woman really need to have a man to be fulfilled? Absolutely not, but Rowen’s father was the love of her life and she would have been happy to have him had he not been married from jump street. Hmm?
Life goes on and Lily is quite happy until she receives a message from her source who gives her great stories to report. It’s because of that source that she has stayed relevant for such a long time and won Emmys for her award-winning journalism. So, when Smith calls to tell her something pretty serious about her daughter’s school, that most definitely got her attention.
A very close confidante and coworker of hers, Greer, looked out for Lily. She knew that the life Lily projects to the public wasn’t as “perfect” as she would have everyone believe. Lily wasn’t a stranger to the media. When she was about the same age as her daughter, her elder sister went missing. Lily and her mother were heartbroken over the loss of Cassie. Cassie was eighteen at the time and off to college and supposed to be living her best life, but wouldn’t you know it, life always has a way of turning an individual completely around. Her sister made headlines and was the talk of their town. Lily’s mother was stricken with a grief that only a loving mother could experience.
The police investigated. The school investigated. Neighbors speculated and then there was Lily and her mom who knew something wasn’t quite right, but all they could do was go on what they were advised by authorities and the media.
So, imagine Lily’s surprise when she learns that the past she’s often tried to forget is rearing its ugly head staring her straight in the face. What does this Smith possibly know about this and why was Greer behaving so strange all of a sudden? These were the questions Lily had and as you continue reading the story, the pieces of the puzzle will begin to fall in place.
Umm, ok, so I summed this story up as best I could without giving away any spoilers. You’re asking yourself why am I on the fence? For starters, I found the story not as exciting as I had hoped it would be. Another issue I had is I figured the story out in part, but what bothered me the most is how redundant the story was. How many times can you continue to say the same things and still be at the very point as where you are? Confused? Ok, that’s part of my dilemma.
A great deal of the story seemed repetitive. What was described as mystery, to me, felt like it was overly done. I love mystery, but when you keep dangling that carrot and I’m not able to take any nibbles eventually I’m going to lose interest and that’s exactly what happened with this story. Every chapter had me right on the edge, and then each chapter afterward kept redoing the same thing and I’m like wait, what? It was literally the same. Where is the mystery in that?
The story is well written from a technical standpoint and pretty easy to follow, but the characters felt a little amateurish and not all there. I found the dialogue was a repeat of the same ole same.
At the end of the day, this story just wasn’t what I thought it was going to be. I tried to love it—I truly tried. I didn’t hate the book, but I couldn’t find anything that piqued my interests. I couldn’t get into this author’s flow of storytelling. It most definitely wasn’t for me. And, as I’ve advised my readers for years, it’s perfectly ok to not like a book or feel a certain way about it. No two readers will read a book exactly the same. It didn’t do anything for me, but that doesn’t mean you will share the same experience. My motto is never to advise any potential reader not to read a book. And I also advise you give the author a chance by reading the words they slaved over even if you find yourself struggling. I give respect no matter what!
The Sexy Nerd gives Her Perfect Life four perfect stars. Her Perfect Life goes on sale at your favorite book retailers Tues., September 14, 2021 or wherever books are sold. Until next time, you know what to do!
 |
| Open a Book and Get Mind Blown!!! |
No comments:
Post a Comment