I went into the book totally blind to buddy read it, and wow, was it a wild ride!
This is written in dual POV between Madison Rivera, the intern, and JI went into the book totally blind to buddy read it, and wow, was it a wild ride!
This is written in dual POV between Madison Rivera, the intern, and Judge Kathryn Conroy, the boss. It was a little difficult to get into Madison’s POV, since I wasn’t really a fan of hers, but Kathryn’s POV always flew by because it was more interesting. As the events unfold with Madison and Kathryn playing a dangerous game, everything just gets way more crazy. I had to suspend my disbelief to really appreciate all the outcomes and consequences of their actions. This really reads like a crime/legal drama rather than a thriller. That said, I loved how fast paced this novel is, and it definitely had many twists I did not see coming.
Overall it was a pretty good read, and I want to read another book by this author. ...more
Another solid read by Christie. Like the first book, we're in the mind of Hastings as he tries to solve the mystery alongside his friend Poirot. UnforAnother solid read by Christie. Like the first book, we're in the mind of Hastings as he tries to solve the mystery alongside his friend Poirot. Unfortunately, it almost felt like Hastings was a worse detective in this book than he was in The Mysterious Affair at Styles. He was kind of annoying�
That said, I liked the red herrings and the reveal of how the murder was committed was actually unexpected!
I look forward to continuing my Poirot reads this year....more
I've been wanting to read the Poirot books ever since I watched the Poirot movies starring Kenneth Branagh. So, where beNarrated By: Charles Armstrong
I've been wanting to read the Poirot books ever since I watched the Poirot movies starring Kenneth Branagh. So, where better to start than at the beginning?
I really enjoyed this fast-paced mystery. The POV is through the eyes of Arthur Hastings, who fancies himself an amateur detective, and is friends with Hercule Poirot. He follows Poirot around trying to learn how to solve the mystery of the murder.
Regarding the crime itself� The red herrings and twists were well put together, and I spent the entire time wondering who did it. I definitely suspected everyone at some point. That said, there are so many characters I sometimes got confused about who was who…especially because I was listening to the audiobook.
The narrator of the audiobook did a fantastic job changing voices of people who were talking and was excellent at the accents of different people....more
I really enjoyed the nostalgia from reading this book. It brought back fond memories of my mom reading it to me. Out of the 4 The Chronicles of NarniaI really enjoyed the nostalgia from reading this book. It brought back fond memories of my mom reading it to me. Out of the 4 The Chronicles of Narnia books I read as a child, this one was my favorite, and I was happy to see that I still really liked this book as an adult. I appreciate how easy it was to understand the descriptions of the settings and actions that occurred in the book, so I could really visualize what was happening. I also liked how fast-paced this book is. I’m looking forward to finally finishing the series....more
I wanted to like this more, it felt less like a romance and more like general fiction. Nancy Naigle is the queen of the slowest burn, clean romances, I wanted to like this more, it felt less like a romance and more like general fiction. Nancy Naigle is the queen of the slowest burn, clean romances, and this was definitely that. I really liked following the case Detective Randy was working on to help Natalie. I liked how slowly their relationship evolved, it felt realistic in the circumstances. I liked how Natalie ingratiated herself in her new small town and learned to trust herself.
But this is only 3 stars because it dragged at times. There were more chapters with the love interests apart than together, and I wanted to see their relationship bloom more. The last couple chapters were extremely rushed to wrap everything up.
That said, it's a sweet book for those Hallmark romance lovers. ...more
I really liked this book. At first it felt like it was really slow because there was so much world building and introductions to the three main characI really liked this book. At first it felt like it was really slow because there was so much world building and introductions to the three main characters. At the time I wasn’t sure we needed so much description, but once we moved more into the story I realized how necessary everything was. About halfway through, the pace of the book picked up and there was so much action. It was unputdownable at that point.
I loved that Törzs made rules for how the magic worked, and requirements for using the magic. I also loved how all the characters (main and side) had distinct personalities and voices. I was really drawn into everyone’s story right to the end. I think the book wrapped up well � it leaves room for a sequel, but there’s no cliffhanger so it doesn’t need a sequel. ...more
I think this book is objectively good, and others will love it and should read it…but I couldn’t get into it. Perhaps it's right book wrong time, or rI think this book is objectively good, and others will love it and should read it…but I couldn’t get into it. Perhaps it's right book wrong time, or right book wrong reader. I like that it is easily digestible and I learned a few new words. However, I feel like there were pacing issues throughout the book, but especially at the beginning. This is workplace enemies to lovers romance, where I adored Alex and Casey’s meet-cute, but was disappointed in the lack of animosity between Casey and Alex before they start to grow on each other.
Further, there was a lot of emphasis on the dozens of side characters and their love interests, which contributed to the overall superficial relationship between the protagonists. For example, I felt like I knew more about Casey’s parents relationship than the relationship between Casey and Alex. So this became a low-stakes romance, and I couldn’t root for them to succeed because their relationship lacked the depth I was looking for.
Overall, this is a solid debut and I look forward to reading another book by Clare in the future. Thank you Clare Gilmore, Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review....more
I can't bring myself to finish this book. DNF'd at 62% after reading slightly spoilery reviews to confirm my suspicions that it gets worse. I stuck arI can't bring myself to finish this book. DNF'd at 62% after reading slightly spoilery reviews to confirm my suspicions that it gets worse. I stuck around so long because I really loved Samuel and Willow, and how they opened up to Brielle (despite it being too easy for them to get along immediately). Brielle really cared about the children immediately, and despite her faults I really enjoyed their interactions. Brielle is 26, and I'd say her behavior is relatively reflective of a woman in her 20s. I recently turned 3o and can resonate with some of the conflicts between being both mature and childish in your 20s, and trying to find a balance between being more responsible while trying not to lose your joy.
However, Julian ruins the whole book, and I can't even try to root for him and Brielle to have a HEA. He's a mega jerk, who is 39 but acts 20 with his bros. Somehow he is a Justice of the Supreme Court, but he has such a big temper that I fear for the criminals in his courtroom because he doesn't seem to have any reasoning skills. He is hot and cold to the extreme -- he'll bring Brielle on dates in public and loosen up, only to get exceedingly angry and ignore her when he sees people he knows. I don't mind that he wants to keep their relationship out of the house and away from his kids, but he treats Brielle like a prostitute, and not somebody he even views as a friend.
I can't stand alphaholes, and with this being my third attempt at a TL Swan book (finished The Stopover, 2 generous stars; DNF'd Dr Stanton), I can confidently say that she only writes alphahole x ditzy. Every single man in her books is possessive and mean. Big Ick. I won't be reading any more TL Swan books. ...more
DNF'd at 7% when I got to chapter 3 and spoilery reasons. Also, the temper of the MMC was not it and I didn't want to continue.DNF'd at 7% when I got to chapter 3 and spoilery reasons. Also, the temper of the MMC was not it and I didn't want to continue....more
The first half of this book started off so strong! I was sucked into the banter and tension between Violet and Eli. I felt like it was everything I wThe first half of this book started off so strong! I was sucked into the banter and tension between Violet and Eli. I felt like it was everything I wanted in rivals to lovers. Especially since they haven't gotten along since they were 5 years old. It was a slow burn and I devoured it.Â
But the third act conflict just was not it. There was so much build up to the inevitable conflict, and what it turned out to be was such a let down. There was such potential for it to be a fantastic, different conflict and instead it made me roll my eyes and put the book down. The resolution to the conflict wasn't good, either.
Further, the writing got worse as the book progressed, almost like Noir wrote the second half of the book before the first half. That said, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
SPOILER (formatting to hide not working) * * * * * * * * (view spoiler)[I mean, come on! You have the other rival coworker who sabotages everyone to the point of getting one of them hospitalized, but the conflict is only adjacently related to that. Eli and Violet have drunk sex on work property, Eli takes a nude of Violet but doesn't have a locked folder or phone. The coworker takes Eli's phone and anonyously sends the nude to their boss to get them in trouble. Violet doesn't believe Eli didn't send it because they were rivals for so long. Eli tries to find a way to prove the work rival sent it with CCTV, and in the process finally has the genius idea to get the footage that would show who has been sabotaging everybody. Why didn't the boss immediately look at the CCTV when they are at risk of being sued?!?! (hide spoiler)]
____________ Original review 19-Nov-2023
I'm really torn with a star rating. I loved the first half of the book. It was a slow burn and I devoured it. But the third act conflict just was not it. There was so much build up to the inevitable conflict, and what it turned out to be was such a let down. There was build up for it to be a fantastic conflict and instead it made me roll my eyes and put the book down. The resolution to the conflict wasn't good, either....more
You can always count on a Michelle McLean book to keep you smiling and give you a happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finYou can always count on a Michelle McLean book to keep you smiling and give you a happily ever after. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. The meet-cute between Lavinia and Alexander was adorable, and their subsequent relationship development post-arranged marriage was engaging. I enjoyed watching these two strangers fall in love with each other, through all the banter, lust, and misunderstandings. I loved how emotionally intelligent Liv is, and how her character grew over time as she navigated a new world being married to a Duke. I was also entertained by Alex’s work and his academic rivalry with one of Liv’s closest friends.
Thank you Michelle McLean, Entangled Publishing, and Netgalley for the ARC eBook I was able to enjoy while listening to Clare Staniforth narrate the audiobook. ...more
This book was average, and I can see why people would both like and dislike this book. I really liked when the settings of Alaska were described, and This book was average, and I can see why people would both like and dislike this book. I really liked when the settings of Alaska were described, and I wanted to visit the places Zoey visited, but I also kept forgetting this book was set in Alaska because it was more relationship focused. This isn't inherently bad, because I want relationship development, but it didn't scratch my wanderlust itch for Alaska.
The first half of the book was pretty good, though I felt Graham was kind of a fake grump (aka, not convincing), especially when he was such a cinnamon roll with Zoey and his friends. He seemed relatively emotionally mature and understanding. Zoey's personality seemed dynamic. Then around 70% Graham's personality seemed to shift. He suddenly became more aggressive and less emotionally mature. It felt like the author wanted to change him (view spoiler)[ going so far as to have Zoey literally call him an alphahole. I don't like alphaholes but I also wouldn't call Graham that compared to other books I've read or DNF'd. Also, Graham punched a wall and another character, which is a red flag. (hide spoiler)] I really didn't like the repetition of the third act conflict that occurred multiple times until the end. Like we get it!! The resolution was cute and predictable. ...more
You are such a tease, RLS! This was the slowest of slow burn romance, and I ate it up. The flirting, the longing, the healthy communication, the vulneYou are such a tease, RLS! This was the slowest of slow burn romance, and I ate it up. The flirting, the longing, the healthy communication, the vulnerability � what more could I ask for?!
After an awkward and unsatisfying one night stand with a stranger, Chandler discovers that her next client is that same stranger, Finn. Chandler is ghostwriting Finn’s memoir, so they spend pretty much every day for months together. Chandler confesses early on that their hookup wasn’t mindblowing to her, so they strike a deal that she will help him improve his bedroom skills outside of working on Finn’s memoir.
As they work together in vulnerable situations, they become closer. I loved watching their relationship grow from professional, to friends, to much more. There was never an instance of miscommunication (my least favorite trope), because Chandler and Finn actually talked to each other and were always honest� if not withholding sometimes. They always talked out their conflicts in a mature, emotionally intelligent manner, which is so refreshing!
I loved the representation for mental health (OCD and anxiety), culture (Judaism and vegetarianism), and safe sex (condoms and consent). Their romance is a bit taboo, since Finn is technically Chandler’s coworker (boss?), but this relationship doesn’t quite feel wrong. Their relationship just felt so natural, and I loved watching it bloom. ...more
What a whimsical novel about finding yourself after burning out, and the friends we meet along the way. I really enjoyed the wacky journey of self disWhat a whimsical novel about finding yourself after burning out, and the friends we meet along the way. I really enjoyed the wacky journey of self discovery. When you read a Sophie Kinsella book, you know that the scenarios the characters face are a bit over exaggerated or sensational.
I could relate to Sasha’s frustration at work, and the subsequent burnout related to the issues she faced. I found the events leading up to her vacation amusing, I couldn’t help but sit with my mouth agape while reading. Once she was on vacation, I enjoyed the interactions between Sasha and Finn when they first met and then started to spend time together, but would have loved to see more development of their friendship since it felt glossed over. They were cute together and I enjoyed the banter, so I wanted more on screen (book?) interactions of their growth.
Sasha’s attempt at wellness was comical, especially because she isn’t used to trying yoga or communing with nature. The side characters were eccentric but lovable. I even enjoyed the surfing references and scenes, even though I’ve never surfed or had the desire to. I still felt like I was at an English beach (brr). I loved the ending scene, it warmed my heart.
Thank you Sophie Kinsella, Random House, and NetGalley for the ARC! "The ride is it."
Spoilers: I didn’t like (view spoiler)[how Sasha wouldn’t stand up for herself with the hotel staff after her mother called the hotel pretending to be Sasha’s assistant and asking the staff to get Sasha tons of healthy foods that Sasha didn’t like, which forced Sasha to go out, buy, and hide all the unhealthy foods she wanted to eat. (hide spoiler)] I also didn’t like (view spoiler)[the insta-love Sasha felt for Finn after spending such little time together. (hide spoiler)] Despite this I loved (view spoiler)[how Sasha and Finn changed their manifestation of each other's happiness to just each other, and how they revealed their papers at the end. (hide spoiler)] It was really heart melting....more
I was really torn on how to rate this. When I first started reading this book back in 2023, I was struggling with motivation to pick it up and read itI was really torn on how to rate this. When I first started reading this book back in 2023, I was struggling with motivation to pick it up and read it, which was disappointing because I really enjoyed The Night Swim and was excited for this one. Dark Corners is about an influencer who goes missing, she is associated with a suspected serial killer who is going to be released from prison in a few days, the FBI asks for true crime podcaster, Rachel Krall’s, help in finding the missing influencer and the prisoner’s potential involvement; so Rachel goes undercover at an influencer conference.
The format was slightly confusing at first, and I kept notes on each chapter so I could keep it straight (4 POVs!). Thankfully, I did keep notes so that I could pick back up where I left off, now in 2025. Once I picked this book back up, I was able to get into it; and the further along I read, the more invested I became in the story. The 4 POVs were an interesting plot device, and I found myself interested in how they all would interconnect at the climax.
That said, I think there were too many things going on in order to make the story more dramatic, some plot holes, and changes to our main character that didn’t suit her. In the first book, Rachel was an accomplished investigative journalist who, along with her producer, was able to uncover details that may have been overlooked by police. In this book, even though she was able to get more information than the police about certain things, she was also very blind to the things right in front of her that book 1 Rachel would have never missed, and were barely touched on later.
I really liked the competence of the FBI investigation, and how all the pieces fell into place at the end. But, the ending was clumsy and written a bit confusingly (can’t explain without spoilers). Overall this book was exciting and boring, and can be read as a standalone. ...more
It's alright for what it was, but it wasn't all that.
I couldn't stand Jameson nor Emily, and the entire time I couldn't stop asking myself why they eIt's alright for what it was, but it wasn't all that.
I couldn't stand Jameson nor Emily, and the entire time I couldn't stop asking myself why they even like each other. We know basically nothing about their personalities, but they love each other so much?? Their relationship was exhausting and so many issues could have so easily been avoided by talking to each other.
I love this crochet book! It's beginner friendly and can help beginners learn how to crochet. The first section contains explanations for reading pattI love this crochet book! It's beginner friendly and can help beginners learn how to crochet. The first section contains explanations for reading pattern terminology, how to do the stitches you need for the patterns in the book, and how to assemble the creatures (including sew limbs on, fastening off, adding hair). The patterns are detailed, and I appreciate the addition of telling the reader the actual length of yarn to leave when closing the item, for example "leaving a short tail of 6 to 8 inches" rather than "leaving a short tail". The descriptions of each character in the book are really fun - Drew gives each character their own personality.
At the time of this review, I have completed 2 patterns in this book and am in the middle of 2 patterns in this book. I received a copy of this book on NetGalley, but I love it so much I'm buying my own copy so I can make all the creatures. Thank you Drew Hill, NetGalley, and Callisto Media for access to the ARC of this book. ...more
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