I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Cute novel--a bit unrealistic, but a good beach read.

A well written contemporary novel that I enjoyed reading. I would recommend this one to other fans of the genre.

I really enjoy this author, I have read several of her other books. The Other Brother was missing something for me. Mona lacked a sympathic quailty that would make her relatable. I felt at times she didn't realize that it's hard to hold together a family even without the extra drama. I think that the story is solid and the writing is good. It really was the character's and their "secrets" that just didn't work for me.

My review has been posted to Goodreads.

Review has also been tweeted as usual.

Thank you! :c)

I know that my review might not represent me in a good light for this publisher but I am really just going to be only honest. Also, this is my first review here on NetGalley if it's of any importance to this publisher.

The plot revolves around Mona, the main character, her husband Jake, their two children and Jake's estranged brother Danny who is also a Rock N' Roll star for over 20 years. Mona is the narrator and she tells us all about the cold relations between Jake and Danny, as well as her history with these men from the moment she entered the family.

Mona and her family went to a long summer vacation where she invited Danny but she never thought that he would actually show. But guess what - he did! That's where everything gets started and where I hoped the things would get interesting.

But none of interesting, gripping or worth recommending happened. And I am so sad because of that! :(

The narrative writing was actually pretty good and that's about the only thing I liked in this book. I actually liked Mona's voice and the way she introduces everyone and everything in the book.

But there were other things that were really not good at all.
The writing of the things happening didn't have anything interesting in it, there was nothing that would 'call' you to turn another page, everything felt so boring like you were watching yourself on a vacation - meeting new people and doing stuff you usually don't do.
None of the characters were described in depth, no connection between characters were described meticulously, it felt like everyone and no one is the main character.

But the thing that bothered me the most is the revelation of the 'big secret', big page turner looked like I was telling my friend over coffee about some acquaintance and what happened to him or her. I didn't feel anything that Mona feels when she revealed it, it felt that she was numb and not at all interested in that very important moment of her life.

I think that the author had great ideas and a good story, but the lack of describing what people actually feel made it just 2 stars review.

I said in the questions that I would give this to my students to read it because I would like to see them rewriting some paragraphs or chapters and introducing the plot in a more heart-full way.

A Trifle:
This book is a trifle. Easy to read cut plot idea and eminently forgettable. The plot is simple...imagine you marry Mick Jagger's younger brother. They don't have much of a relationship and on a whim at Easter you invite him to join your family holiday in order to bond. Then he shows up...that is pretty much it. The entire plot. Sure the characters are disguised but the band is obviously the Stones. Throw is a not so shocking secret and you have the entire book. If it sounds like your cup of tea enjoy. If you are on a beach and looking for a piece of fluff go for it. Just don't expect anything else.

Though an easy, light read, too predictable for me. Not my cup of tea, but i don't generally go for genre fiction. Should be marketed more to teens than adults, in my opinion.