3.5 stars - this was a fun story that was the adult Goonies story of my dreams.
I enjoyed the treasure hunt that spanned generations. All of the chara3.5 stars - this was a fun story that was the adult Goonies story of my dreams.
I enjoyed the treasure hunt that spanned generations. All of the characters were so interesting but there were a lot to keep track of and some didn’t do much to move the plot. I enjoyed the twists (which I did NOT guess!) so that was a lot of fun - I love not guessing all of the twists right up front.
Overall this was a fun treasure hunt and I’m glad I got to participate!...more
What an absolute delight! I really enjoyed the mix of romance and paranormal - and I really want to read a horror book by Wilkens. Maybe for book two?What an absolute delight! I really enjoyed the mix of romance and paranormal - and I really want to read a horror book by Wilkens. Maybe for book two???
The relationship between Neil and Penelope was true enemies to lovers and very well executed: even when happening in such a short time frame, it’s always nice to read about character development when they grow independently and also together. Realizing that they didn’t have to be competitors, that they were both working towards the same goal but in different ways, set them both on a path of change.
And also a good ole haunted castle in Scotland. If ghosts don’t force change, I don’t know what will.
Thank you to NetGalley, Colby Wilkens, and St. Martin’s Griffin for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more
It’s a perfect cozy fantasy: the main plot equally weaves alongside the characters’ development. It woul4.5 stars. What an absolutely delicious novel.
It’s a perfect cozy fantasy: the main plot equally weaves alongside the characters’ development. It would’ve been easy to let the readers get distracted or bogged down with POVs from each sister but this story weaves them in the most natural, conversational way. Anne, Beatrix, and Violet are all such interesting characters in their own way, and I really enjoyed how they worked through the struggle of wanting change but also to keep things exactly as they are.
An amazing debut novel - wholeheartedly recommend for someone looking for a book that reads like a perfect cup of tea.
Thank you to NetGalley, Stacy Sivinski, and Atria Books for a review copy. ...more
This book was atmospheric to the point of grimdark, relying heavily on mood-setting to guide the story. Because the tone was so heavy, the pacing got This book was atmospheric to the point of grimdark, relying heavily on mood-setting to guide the story. Because the tone was so heavy, the pacing got really bogged down at several points throughout. There were chapters that flew by and chapters that were a bit of a slog to get through. Key characters had repetitive inner monologues so long it derailed the momentum of the story. Mixed with the unsatisfactory and abrupt resolution of the story, I had difficulty maintaining interest.
Overall this book is A+ for vibes but a difficult read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Johnny Compton, and Tor Nightfire for a review copy. ...more
This book was consuming (get it? - zombie pun straight out the gate). I had to actively stop myself from reading it all in one go.
I really enjoyed thThis book was consuming (get it? - zombie pun straight out the gate). I had to actively stop myself from reading it all in one go.
I really enjoyed the creativity with Fever House and The Devil By Name did not disappoint. Fever House ended on quite the cliffhanger, with lots of things only half-explained, but this wrapped everything up in such an interesting way. Like every good apocalypse story (and sequel, in my opinion), it got a little worse before it got better.
I do think the ending was a bit rushed but only because I wanted so much time in the world before it ended - began? Reborn? Either way, an excellent read and I enjoyed this duology immensely.
Thank you to NetGalley, Keith Rosson, and Random House for a review copy....more
Unnerving is the best way I can describe this collection of short stories. They're incredible - so rooted in realism and yet grotesque and macabre. MyUnnerving is the best way I can describe this collection of short stories. They're incredible - so rooted in realism and yet grotesque and macabre. My favorite stories were "Julie" and "Different Colors Made of Tears."
It's amazing these short stories allowed for the reader to become immediately engrossed in the world and provide resolution (some open-ended, some resolved) in such a short amount of time. I am always in awe of short story writers - I'm far too wordy for it.
Thank you to Netgalley, Mariana Enríquez, and Random House / Hogarth for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
What an amazing book. I am in awe of it. I’m sure I’ll be in awe of it for quite some time. The worldbuilding, weaving the story we all know with a neWhat an amazing book. I am in awe of it. I’m sure I’ll be in awe of it for quite some time. The worldbuilding, weaving the story we all know with a new, original story spanning decades, was an absolute thrill to read.
The interpersonal relationships were complex: it was interesting to learn of Lucy’s encounters with others throughout her long life, especially those who should feel sympathy or understanding. It’s a powerful lesson to learn: monsters can be human, too.
For a story about vampires, it’s so deeply human.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kiersten White, and Del Rey for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more
4.5 stars. This book shows why everyone should hate group projects - because this is the group project from hell.
Janice Hallett is one of my favorite 4.5 stars. This book shows why everyone should hate group projects - because this is the group project from hell.
Janice Hallett is one of my favorite writers out there today: I love the epistolary storytelling, allowing us as the reader to discover things alongside the investigative characters. Her twists are always excellent, even when they’re small and seemingly insignificant. The character work shines because, as anyone who has ever had to work on a group project will tell you, everyone is a little bit terrible and insufferable.
This is my favorite Hallett book to date! I can’t recommend her work enough and look forward to many more mysteries.
Thanks to NetGalley, Janice Hallett, and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more
2.5 stars. The story is super fun but the pacing and worldbuilding are ALL over the place.
I really enjoyed the central storyline and characters: the 2.5 stars. The story is super fun but the pacing and worldbuilding are ALL over the place.
I really enjoyed the central storyline and characters: the author did a good job of creating characters who struggled to recover from the events of ten years ago. The interpersonal relationships were incredibly important to the plot and drove the action.
But the pacing - it took FOREVER for the actual plot to kick in, and then we kept getting sidetracked by silly interludes. The fights leading to the big bad lacked tension - and since the story sped through these parts, there wasn’t a satisfying ending.
Overall it felt like they tried to cram in as many fantasy versions of real life things that they forgot to make the plot drive. Very disappointing, as the story and characters are super fun.
Thank you to NetGalley, E.B. Asher, and Avon Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
I marathoned this book in pretty much one sitting. It was the perfect homage to the teen shows that shaped us4.5 stars. This book is fudging adorable.
I marathoned this book in pretty much one sitting. It was the perfect homage to the teen shows that shaped us. I've been moving further and further away from YA & new adult literature because I just can't relate to the protagonists anymore, and this cute little romance book perfectly encapsulated my feelings on the subject.
It's essentially the film Pleasantville if they ended up in Dawson's Creek instead of a 50s show. And I'm absolutely in love with it. I had such a fun time reading this book and cannot recommend it enough to anyone who made sure they were home on specific nights to watch their teen dramas. (BTW mine was The O.C.).
Thank you to NetGalley, Kate Robb, & Dial Press for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
I really enjoyed The Golden Spoon so felt pretty confident I’d like this one - it’s very different in overall t4.5 stars. What an interesting mystery!
I really enjoyed The Golden Spoon so felt pretty confident I’d like this one - it’s very different in overall tone but sets some great suspense throughout. It was so compelling that I didn’t want to put it down! I really liked Alex and the new family she was able to make for herself, especially after landing her dream job.
Another hit from Jessa Maxwell!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jessa Maxwell, and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
What a completely and utterly captivating book! I had periods of time when I thought I'd been reading for maybe 15 minutes but three hours had gone byWhat a completely and utterly captivating book! I had periods of time when I thought I'd been reading for maybe 15 minutes but three hours had gone by. I had to remind myself to sleep so that I didn't marathon this book in one night.
The characters are the real standout here: Lee, Meredith, Belva, and everyone in Craw Valley feels unique and desperate. Lee felt like such a real, authetic character - could've been someone I know in real life - with her struggles to be a good parent, a good person, and discover who she actually is.
The only reason this isn't five stars for me is that there were a few instances that felt rushed and it pulled me out of the story (namely the situationship with Otis and some parts of the ending). Overall, I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for some amazing magical realism and character development.
Thank you to NetGalley, Alli Dyer, & Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
I thought this book was playful and lighthearted while also navigating complicated and emotional topics with gr3.5 stars. Teachers have it rough, man.
I thought this book was playful and lighthearted while also navigating complicated and emotional topics with grace. The characters were all interesting - all so different from each other with their job being the only thing they have in common. I enjoyed that we also got to see some emails and text exchanges between the characters which helped move the story along.
Overall I liked it but didn’t love it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Jennifer Mathieu, and Dutton books for an advanced copy on exchange for an honest review. ...more
4.5 stars. This book is so complicated but a wild ride. I see the word “cerebral” thrown around and I have to agree - I had to look up A LOT of words 4.5 stars. This book is so complicated but a wild ride. I see the word “cerebral” thrown around and I have to agree - I had to look up A LOT of words to follow along. But it’s also beautiful and creative.
Part sci-fi, part fantasy, part military/Jack Ryan/Tom Clancy, part mystery. Unute was a fascinating character to follow and I enjoyed the alternating chapters where we got to experience some of his many lives.
It was tough to read but absolutely worth it. Would recommend to anyone looking for their next weird read.
Thank you to NetGalley, Keanu Reeves & China Miéville, and Del Rey for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
I absolutely loved The Wishing Game last year - but this book far surpasses it. I knew within pages of starting it that it would be a 5-star read thatI absolutely loved The Wishing Game last year - but this book far surpasses it. I knew within pages of starting it that it would be a 5-star read that has wormed its way into my heart.
The story is lighthearted and magical but also serious and complex - it doesn't shy away from difficult topics but it doesn't bring down the mood. Shaffer does an excellent job of worldbuilding, creating a fantasy world and giving the reader enough to understand but not so much that it bogs dows the pacing of the story. Rafe and Jeremy's complicated relationship spans decades and is one of the most beautiful love stories I've read in quite some time.
Overall I think this book is absolutely amazing and I will never shut up about it for the rest of my life.
Thank you to NetGalley, Meg Shaffer, and Ballantine Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
3.5 stars. Two bisexual disasters fall in love. What more do you need?
It has its heavy moments, with Isaac and Sunny talking about shared experiences3.5 stars. Two bisexual disasters fall in love. What more do you need?
It has its heavy moments, with Isaac and Sunny talking about shared experiences of loss, but overall is good dirty holiday fun. I enjoy that they both grow as people and respect that their love is the quiet kind that sneaks up on you - both of them needed something quiet and comforting.
Thank you to NetGalley, Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone, and Avon Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I’m a sucker for a good cowboy romance and I’ve definitely found one here. I always love good character development and when characters grow together I’m a sucker for a good cowboy romance and I’ve definitely found one here. I always love good character development and when characters grow together and individually.
Nash Carter is a dream. CeCe reclaims her power. And their whirlwind relationship is a beautiful thing to read. You’ll have to pry cowboy romances out of my cold, dead hands.
Thank you to NetGalley, Paisley Hope, and Dell / Ballantine Books for a review copy. ...more
This book is cathartic, both for Nicole Treska to write and for us to read. She talks of a very specific time in her life with the final transition toThis book is cathartic, both for Nicole Treska to write and for us to read. She talks of a very specific time in her life with the final transition to adulthood: realizing that, despite all of the growth you’ve undergone as a person, you are more like your family than you realize. It’s a particularly hard realization to have when you live away from your hometown, and especially difficult when your hometown is as tough and demanding as Boston. Trust me - I would know.
Treska’s writing is earnest without being flowery. It’s humbling (and heartbreaking) to read about the people she loved so much who also are the biggest sources of her pain. It’s one thing to know that her parents are affiliated with Whitey Bulger and the Winter Hill gang - it’s another to have them lie and steal to you directly.
Overall an amazing memoir and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley, Nicole Treska, and Simon & Schuester for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
This book is creative and very well-written - the author absolutely nails the Southern Gothic mood with this one. It’s a great mix of vibe and charactThis book is creative and very well-written - the author absolutely nails the Southern Gothic mood with this one. It’s a great mix of vibe and character work.
Even though the vibe was impeccable, the plot was thin and convoluted - in an effort to make things “spooky”, we got long inner monologues instead of moving the plot along in any way. The ending felt really unsatisfying, ending with an adventurous high that then fades to almost nothing.
Overall the mood is perfect but there could be a better mix of vibe & plot. Would definitely look out for more work by this author, especially more Southern Gothic writing!
Thank you to NetGalley, Alisa Alering, and Tin House Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I marathoned this book! It was so delightful - I’m a big fan of character growth so seeing Clemmie grow more comfortable with herself and her wants waI marathoned this book! It was so delightful - I’m a big fan of character growth so seeing Clemmie grow more comfortable with herself and her wants was great to read. I enjoyed her relationship with Theo and ESPECIALLY her relationship with her sisters, unorthodox as it may be.
Great vibes all around - a great summer read. Would love a six-week stay at Granny Mac’s beach house in Northumberland.
Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Wood, and Atria Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review....more
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