Everyone was raving about Jessa Maxwell’s debut, The Golden Spoon, last year, but it just didn’t sound like the right fit for mI NEED YOU TO READ THIS
Everyone was raving about Jessa Maxwell’s debut, The Golden Spoon, last year, but it just didn’t sound like the right fit for me. However, when I heard about Maxwell’s sophomore novel, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS, I was intoxicated with excitement over a murder in the world of Dear Abby (well, in this case, Dear Constance). I used to love reading those columns in the newspaper and so did my mom. Thank you @atriabooks for this gifted copy!
As mentioned, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS dives into the world of Dear Constance, a popular newspaper advice column (think Dear Abby!). However, when Francis Keen, the person behind Dear Constance, is murdered, it takes front and center on the news. Given that the position is now open, Alex Marks applies for the position and learns that she is offered the position (it doesn’t hurt that it’s two times the salary she was making and this will change her life). Alex is excited to start her role, but her excitement completely does a 180 when she starts receiving increasingly intensely dark letters and starts feeling that her safety is at jeopardy. As Alex delves deeper into her Francis’ murder, she begins to wonder if she herself is a target as well. Could someone the newspaper be involved, someone from her past, or someone out there lurking…
First and foremost, this book is not a thriller. It’s a light mystery slow burn. That being said, it is a totally fine read for what it is. The idea is such a cool spin on the mystery genre, but the execution left a bit more to be desired. I felt that things were much tamer than I expected and the book told us what was happening versus letting us read into and imagine it. It’s hard to explain, but if you know you know and if you don’t you don’t. The plot was unique, but the story heavily involved slow moving plot points that left the characters a bit underwhelming. Overall, if you want something unique and lighter than the typical thriller coming out this year, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS is up your alley! STARS: 3, PUB: 8/13 ...more
I love Rachel Harrison's books so much and when I heard about her latest novel, SO THIRSTY, I knew that I wanted to prioritize it as soon as possible.I love Rachel Harrison's books so much and when I heard about her latest novel, SO THIRSTY, I knew that I wanted to prioritize it as soon as possible. Rachel Harrison creates the perfect cocktail of horror, contemporary fiction, feminist-empowering stories I've read in recent years, and and SO THIRSTY is no exception!
The story is centered around Sloane Parker and her friend Naomi. Sloane is about to celebrate her birthday and when her husband Joel surprises her with a weekend getaway with her friend Naomi, Sloane feels a bit concerned that he didn't want to spend it with her. Regardless, Sloane is excited to catch up with her chaos addicted friend and the two spend a weekend away at a nice bed and breakfast while enjoying wine tastings and relaxation. When Naomi plans a night out with Sloane, the two meet a group of people at the bar and are invited to their house for a party, but it quickly takes an unexpected turn. Sloane and Naomi must come to terms with what their new normal will be whether they like it or not.
SO THIRSTY is unique because it's a story about people turning into vampires and coming to accept it. There's so many metaphorical messages within this center of conflict that ring true for different types of things going on within peoples' lives. I found the journey of these new vampires utterly intriguing and also very satirical that I couldn't put it down and finished within two sittings. The is the ultimate testament to a good novel! I did not looooove the ending, as I felt like it ended a bit too early, but overall this book is an amazing installment in Rachel Harrison's rolodex of supernatural modern-day horror reads. If you've read and enjoyed any of this author's previous works, you will hands-down love this one. Rachel Harrison has become an auto-read author for me, so make sure you put this one on your TBR! ...more
Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller release. I immediately got tuned into this novel based on the synopsis—when Meredith McCall (our protagonist) experiences a painful loss (you'll find out exactly what), she begins struggling in her as a psychiatrist and trying to move forward with her life. Grief-stricken, she begins an obsession with Gabriel Wright—following him around and becoming unhinged. As Meredith's obsession continues to grow, Gabriel ends up walking into her office as a patient, not knowing that she has become fully immersed in his life privately. When Meredith and Gabriel begin to get to know each other on a deeper level, boundaries are crossed and Meredith starts unraveling (hehe) her entire life. Is Gabriel worth risking everything?
You can totally tell that Vi Keeland is a romance author in the way she weaves this story around. It's truly a wild, fun ride. I love thrillers with a heavy romantic/sexual tone to it, and THE UNRAVELING is definitely that. This book dives into grief a LOT and I won't say what happened to have our characters grieving, but from someone grieving over the last couple of months, I fully related to Meredith's unhealthy and unorthodox methods of self-care and coping. It's hard to move on from something life changing and devastating and THE UNRAVELING truly dives into that. I really enjoyed this book and will totally prioritize Vi Keeland's next thriller if she chooses to continue down this path....more
I was immediately hypnotized by the cover for Asha Elias' debut novel, PINK GLASS HOUSES. It'll definitely be in my top covers for 2024, I mean come OI was immediately hypnotized by the cover for Asha Elias' debut novel, PINK GLASS HOUSES. It'll definitely be in my top covers for 2024, I mean come ON! The story reminded me of Desperate Housewives meets Big Little Lies, so I was really excited to pick it up. I alternated between the audiobook via @librofm and the physical copy, and I really enjoyed being able to navigate the two options seamlessly.
PINK GLASS HOUSES dives into the world of a group of wealthy PTA moms of Sunset Academy, an elite elementary school in Miami Beach, Fl. The families belong in three different categories: rich, wealthy, and ultra-wealthy. The story focuses on several women, but specifically Charlotte Giordani and Melody Howard. Charlotte is charming and cunning, and she's up for election as the PTA president. She has secured a lot of support from some of the most wealthy locals, but when Melody shows up, everything gets thrown for a loop. Melody and her family just recently moved into the neighborhood from Wichita, KS, and has won over many in the school district. When Melody becomes a powerful foil to Charlotte's candidacy, the struggle between the two begins to grow. While Charlotte begins to unravel, Melody realizes that she has entered a world she's never seen before—a world she may never leave.
PINK GLASS HOUSES is a satirical thriller with so many moments that really entertained me. It's campy, juicy, and theatrical. I loved the audiobook cast and highly recommend you choose that option if you have the ability to choose between the physical and audio. If you like over-the-top soapy thrillers, PINK GLASS HOUSES will be perfect for you. GIVE ME ALL OF THE DRAMA....more
Shari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a sShari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a slow building reveal, but always pay off in the end, so I was excited to pick up her newest book, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
The story takes place in a small town in Vermont called Fairhill. Nothing really happens in this small rural town, but when popular teenager Diana Brewer is found in a hayfield dead, this town gets turned on its head. The synopsis is very vague, so I will continue to keep it that way. The story is a neighborhood whodunnit and there's many suspects at play.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? is not Lapena's strongest work, but her fans will probably enjoy this book regardless. The story is very slow and the reveal wasn't much of a shocker to me, but what makes this book enjoyable to me were the characters. We get several point of views and each and everyone one of them has a unique voice that I found engaging. This book has a ghost aspect that I haven't seen the author utilize in the past, but it works! Some people may not like that subtle que in the book, but I actually felt that it added to the suspense of the story. Again, I quickly was able to figure out the evolution of the story, so I had to be honest with my review of this book. I will continue to read Shari Lapena's books, but this was definitely one that I will forget about in the future. ...more
Liz Moore's previous novel, Long Bright River, was really engaging and unique for a mystery novel, so I was very excited to pick up her lates3.5 stars
Liz Moore's previous novel, Long Bright River, was really engaging and unique for a mystery novel, so I was very excited to pick up her latest, THE GOD OF THE WOODS. The story is centered around the disappearance of Barbara Van Laar in 1975 at a sleepaway camp in upstate New York. Barbara isn't just a typical teenager, but the daughter of the family who owns the summer camp that is a big influence in the area's economy. Barbara's brother also disappeared years ago in a similar fashion. The entire locality begins to investigate and search for Barbara, however in doing so, Barbara's family becomes front and center, slowly unraveling the Van Laar family.
THE GOD OF THE WOODS is very slow moving and character-driven. It's beautifully characterized and well written, but it takes a long time to get going. I felt at times that I was trying harder than I needed to when reading this book so I alternated between reading the physical book and listening to the audiobook. Both options are enthralling, yet slow moving. Barbara's disappearance is the catalyst for a much larger story, but the ending was a great way to tie things together. THE GOD OF THE WOODS really dives into the themes of wealth and power and family trauma. This isn't the mystery novel you may suspect if you enjoyed Long Bright River, but I appreciated the pivot that the author provided with this book. I am unsure if I'd read another book like THE GOD OF THE WOODS, but I think that readers of slow burn mysteries will enjoy this book....more
Bela is just your normal eight year old girl, living her her parents, Mommy and Daddo, with her Grandma Ruth also nearby. Bela is a resourceful and cuBela is just your normal eight year old girl, living her her parents, Mommy and Daddo, with her Grandma Ruth also nearby. Bela is a resourceful and curious little girl who is much smarter than perceptive than anyone can imagine. She also sees another force within her familiar home, specifically her closet, named Other Mommy. Other Mommy visits Bela daily asking her "Can I go inside your heart?" Bela has refused this proposal each time, but Other Mommy is starting to get impatient and with her presence growing more and more intense, Bela understands that she must make a decision to save her family.
INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE is my favorite Josh Malerman novel yet. I really enjoyed Bird Box and I loved Malorie, but this book blows all of Malerman's previous books out of the water! This book is told through the eyes of an eight year old, so the POV is very unique and I think that Malerman portrayed it perfectly. I really felt that I was following Bela around during this time, which also led for a very scary horror novel experience. This book is scary, bookstafam! I was hypnotized and scared all at the same time. If you watched and enjoyed the movie Insidious, THIS IS YOUR BOOK! I loved the premise of this story and it kept me engaged the entire time. I read this book in one sitting and can guarantee that this book will be in my 2024 best reads of the year!...more
Liv Constantine's newest release, THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH is full on juicy fun. I was cautiously excited about reading this one because I do remember ThLiv Constantine's newest release, THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH is full on juicy fun. I was cautiously excited about reading this one because I do remember The Last Mrs. Parrish (book 1) and was concerned that this book wouldn't read well as as standalone. I can tell you right now that is definitely not something anyone should be worried about.
Daphne and Amber are back into each others' lives after one of Daphne's daughter runs away looking for her father, Jackson Parrish. Jackson and Daphne are divorced after she fled and Amber married him in a twist of a fate from Book 1. However, while Jackson is in prison, Amber is enjoying the wealth that being a Parrish brings. Jackson is a terrible human, both being involved in tax-evasion, but also as an abuser. When Daphne returns back to Bishops Harbor, she realizes that leaving this time might be more difficult. While Jackson swears that he's a changed man, Daphne knows that she should trust her gut. Amber, on the other hand, deals with someone from her past looking for revenge.
Liv Constantine always knows how to write a juicy over-the-top story. Reading THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH, it reminded me of how much Frieda McFadden's The Housemaid really took too much subject matter from Constantine's predecessor The Last Mrs. Parrish. If you like The Housemaid and the sequels, you MUST read this series. Also, if you're new to Liv Constantine, THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH can be easily read as a standalone. I can 100% confirm that because I forgot a lot of the ins and outs of it's previous installment and not only does Constantine weave in the story effortlessly, it fully revitalized parts of the book that I had forgotten. Both books are a lot of fun and have tons of juicy, soapy, chaos. Personally I love Daphne so much, but I also find Jackson to be such a chaotic, evil, and fun to watch (in the most f'd up of ways) character. I'd love to see these characters play out on the screen. Highly recommend that you pick up THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH! ...more
I really enjoyed Rufi Thorpe's previous novel, The Knockout Queen, and was excited to get another story from this author. Rufi Thorpe is a one of a kiI really enjoyed Rufi Thorpe's previous novel, The Knockout Queen, and was excited to get another story from this author. Rufi Thorpe is a one of a kind author and her newest book MARGO'S GOT MONEY TROUBLES is just that - unique and one of a kind! The story is centered around Margo Millet and her trying to get by financialy after getting pregnant by her married English professor. She decides to keep the baby and realizes how difficult it is to raise a child at such a young age. She decides to start an OnlyFans account and see if she can make money for her and her child, but when she starts realizing that it's been a total success, she realizes that it comes at a price. This book is darkly hilarious and such a good showcase of how society judges others for doing things to survive in this world financially. I had an absolute blast and it will really help change subconscious bias many readers may have with sex work....more
Shanora Williams always has the best popcorn thrillers and I was so excited to read THE BITTER TRUTH. I was a bit hesitant after reading the synopsis Shanora Williams always has the best popcorn thrillers and I was so excited to read THE BITTER TRUTH. I was a bit hesitant after reading the synopsis in seeing that this book could involve some spousal issues as I am struggling with my divorce, but after asking my friend @shellysbookcorner , I felt more confident that I wouldn't be triggered by this book. Shelly was right, this book was so much fun!
The story is centered around Jolene and Dominic Baker and his gubernatorial run for North Carolina governorship. Jolene and her husband look like the perfect couple—having met in college and married—Jolene fully supports her husband's campaign. As the campaign continues to move forward, Dominic and Jolene start seeing hurdle after hurdle getting more and more intense, especially when the two feel that their lives may be in trouble. When Jolene starts digging into her husband's past, secrets begin surfacing to the top. So many secrets, but what will Jolene do after finding out?
THE BITTER TRUTH is the ultimate popcorn thriller. I actually read this book in two sittings and it was so much fun. The ending is a bit over-the-top and too obvious, but I love the dark sinister secrets within this book. This book did take turns I didn't expect as the story evolved, which I really appreciated. If you need something fast paced and fun, THE BITTER TRUTH is your novel! This book is absolutely perfect for the beach or the poolside with an aperol spritz. ...more
Jaime Lynn Hendricks' upcoming thriller, A LOVELY LIE, is the anti-slow burn popcorn thriller of the year. I said what I said. This book had me racingJaime Lynn Hendricks' upcoming thriller, A LOVELY LIE, is the anti-slow burn popcorn thriller of the year. I said what I said. This book had me racing through to the finish line without any pause or hesitation.
The story is centered around Scarlett Russo and the secrets she kept buried with her old high school best friend Pepper. Scarlett has long since moved on from her senior year secrets with her husband Vince and their son Luke. However, when Pepper's daughter shows up asking for answers, specifically trying to get to the bottom of something she has always wondered, Scarlett's life begins to unravel. Pepper has died and her daughter Zoey wants to know what Pepper was hiding from her. As Zoey begins to dive into her mother and Scarlett's lives, Scarlett begins to wonder how long she can keep up the charade. What happened at their senior picnic that Scarlett wants to keep buried at all costs?
This book was so juicy and fun. I had such a blast getting to see Scarlett and Pepper's journey as teenagers and I loved to hate almost every single person here. This is juicy juicy JUICY fun. A LOVELY LIE is the perfect popcorn thriller to dive into when you are looking for something fast-paced. This will be the PERFECT beach read this summer!...more
2024 has been a great year so far when it comes to reading (and only reading!), but Emiko Jean's upcoming novel, THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK, so such a 2024 has been a great year so far when it comes to reading (and only reading!), but Emiko Jean's upcoming novel, THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK, so such a winner for me. When Elizabeth (Ellie) Black is found after being missing for two years, the town is in a tailspin. Detective Chelsey Calhoun must figure out what happened to Ellie and catch who harmed her before he can harm anyone else. It's been 20 years since Chelsey's sister vanished when they were teenagers and she can't help but think that Ellie's disappearance could be related. However, Ellie is still trying to come to terms with what happened during those two years and Chelsey is in for a rude awakening if she thinks Ellie is ready to help with this case.
THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK is beautifully written, with a powerful dual timeline (trust me when I say that you want the two equally). I was not able to set this book down, especially feeling the unnerving suspense while Chelsey and Ellie forged a bond through trauma. This is my first venture into this author's works, but it truly won't be my last. If you like The Unsub series and Strange Sally Diamond, you'll enjoy THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK!...more
I normally don’t review non-fiction books, but this was a real eye-opening experience for me. I did take half a star off because it predominately featI normally don’t review non-fiction books, but this was a real eye-opening experience for me. I did take half a star off because it predominately featured those who have an anxious attachment over the others, so I would’ve liked to hear more about avoidants and anxious-avoidants. I’d still like to learn more about attachment theory, so I’m open to your suggestions!...more
I was really excited to pick up Lindsay King-Miller's fiction debut, THE Z WORD. It sounded like a unique horror story that infused humor and sex and I was really excited to pick up Lindsay King-Miller's fiction debut, THE Z WORD. It sounded like a unique horror story that infused humor and sex and queer identity, and it is exactly that!
Our main character Wendy is bisexual and struggling to find her place within the queer community in San Lazaro, Arizona. She has recently ended her relationship with her ex-girlfriend and is having a hard time with it. Wendy's journey towards freedom from this relationship and having her embrace her sexuality is a strong narrative within this story. When people start turning into zombies, Wendy and her clique, including drag queen Logan, silver fox Beau, sword lesbian Aurelia and her wife Sam, mysterious pizza delivery stoner Sunshine, and Wendy’s ex-girlfriend Leah, team up to try and find out exactly what is going on.
THE Z WORD is a hilarious, sexy, queer journey for readers who enjoyed Maeve Fly (CJ Leede) and Manhunt (Gretchen Felker-Martin) infused with the movie Zombieland. The social commentary and characterization of each of the main crew of characters is what makes THE Z WORD shine. It's hard not to love the characters in this book, even with all their drama. The book dives into serious issues with dark humor and wit. I very much am anticipating seeing what Lindsay King-Miller writes for readers next....more
Sally Hepworth's upcoming novel, DARLING GIRLS, is definitely one of her stronger novels as of late. I usually struggle with some of her newer releaseSally Hepworth's upcoming novel, DARLING GIRLS, is definitely one of her stronger novels as of late. I usually struggle with some of her newer releases because they're such slow-burn suspense stories that take awhile to get into, but they always pay off in the end.
The story is centered around three women, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia. As young girls, they were rescued by their foster mother, Miss Fairchild, and are living in pretty questionable standards of living. Miss Fairchild has effectively changed the course of their lives forever with how they were raised and it definitely can be hard to hear about as we dive into each of their stories. Trigger warning for child abuse, just saying! It's hard to really go down the rabbit hole with this one, but use your imagination on how this could go, but the ending really sold it for me. With such a slow burn, sometimes the payoff isn't worth it, but it definitely is in DARLING GIRLS. If you've liked the author's previous works, you'll love DARLING GIRLS. Heck, it may be my favorite one by Sally Hepworth yet!...more
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