not that i ever want kids but hypothetically speaking if a guy out there is great with my children that aren't even his, loves my curves and warns me not that i ever want kids but hypothetically speaking if a guy out there is great with my children that aren't even his, loves my curves and warns me not to wear any shapewear if not he'd tear it apart, calls me Mama in the most seductive voice, finds me the moment he comes back home from work and says he loves me at least a thousand times in a day, i'm going to give him as many babies as he wants...more
(Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this(Thank you Edelweiss and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
Imagine Desperate Housewives meets Weekend at Bernie's with a side of midlife crisis and a generous helping of "we're all in this together" camaraderie.
Julie Mae Cohen serves up a premise that's as bonkers as it is entertaining. Marina, Opal and Lilah, each dealing with their own unique brand of existential dread, find common ground in their shared hatred of one man and his subsequent basement residency. The initial setup is ripe with comedic potential and the book delivers on the laughs, even if they're occasionally of the "cringe-laugh" variety.
The characters, while somewhat archetypal are engaging enough to keep you invested. Marina, the harried mom turned kidnapper is relatable in her desperation. Opal, the social media obsessed fitness guru is a delightful caricature of modern vanity. And Lilah, the sweet librarian turned� well, let's just say she blossoms in unexpected ways.
The book excels at creating a sense of chaotic, darkly humorous energy. The dialogue is snappy, the situations are absurd and the pacing is fast. You'll find yourself chuckling along even as you question the characters' sanity.
However, the plot can feel a bit like a runaway train, careening from one absurd scenario to the next without much regard for logic or subtlety. The "deadlier problems" that crash into their lives feel more like convenient plot devices than genuine threats and the resolution is� well, let's just say it requires a significant suspension of disbelief.
The book attempts to explore themes of female empowerment and the importance of friendship but it often feels like it's doing so with a sledgehammer. The characters' transformations feel rushed and the "we're all in this together" message is sometimes drowned out by the sheer absurdity of the situation.
Ultimately, it is a darkly comedic romp that delivers on the laughs even if it occasionally sacrifices coherence for shock value. It's a solid three stars � a bit messy, a bit predictable but undeniably entertaining. It's a fun, if somewhat chaotic ride....more
This is my first Sanderson book and I must say it was quite fun!
Tress, the protagonist, is charmingly naive like a hobbit who stumbled into a maritimeThis is my first Sanderson book and I must say it was quite fun!
Tress, the protagonist, is charmingly naive like a hobbit who stumbled into a maritime adventure. Her island life, with its cup collecting and story listening, is a cozy setup and Sanderson's prose is clear and engaging. He painted a vivid picture of the spore-filled oceans and the quirky characters that inhabit them.
The world-building is top-notch. Sanderson's creativity shone as he introduced us to the Midnight Sea, the spore oceans and the various fantastical elements that make this world unique. It's like a treasure trove of imaginative concepts and you can't help but be drawn in.
However, the pacing can feel a bit…leisurely. It's less a high-seas adventure and more a scenic cruise with occasional detours into exposition and character introspection. Tress's journey, while engaging sometimes felt like it's taking its sweet time and the plot meanders like a ship without a compass. Also, the "simple life" charm of the beginning can start to wear a little thin when you realise that Tress, while sweet is often passive. This isn't a story of a character taking charge, more of a character being taken along for the ride.
It's a solid three stars � a bit slow, a bit whimsical but undeniably engaging. It's a cozy, slow burn kind of adventure.
Kel I'm glad to have read one of your go to authors!...more
A modern-day tale of online harassment with a side of "who's out to get me?" paranoia, Camryn Lane goes from basking in the glow of her success to droA modern-day tale of online harassment with a side of "who's out to get me?" paranoia, Camryn Lane goes from basking in the glow of her success to drowning in a sea of one-star reviews and ominous emails. It's like watching a social media influencer's worst nightmare come to life but with a slightly higher body count.
I agree, these are very real anxieties of online vulnerability and the initial setup is undeniably gripping. The question of "who's behind it?" keeps you turning the pages. Camryn's descent into suspicion and paranoia is portrayed with a raw intensity that's both compelling and unsettling.
However, the plot quickly veers into the realm of "suspension of disbelief required." The escalating harassment while initially intriguing became increasingly convoluted and at times, downright ludicrous. The characters while initially promising started acting like they're in a bad movie after.
The pacing is also erratic, with moments of intense suspense followed by long stretches of character introspection. The "twists" felt less like shocking revelations and more like plot conveniences designed to keep the narrative afloat.
The book attempts to explore the dark side of online culture but it often felt like it's skimming the surface. The exploration of online harassment and its real-world consequences is overshadowed by the increasingly outlandish plot.
Ultimately it is a thriller that promises more than it delivers. It's a quick albeit forgettable read that relies on shock value rather than genuine suspense.
(This was a Thriller Lovers Book Club read from Fable)...more
(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this(Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for a review. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own)
Publication date: 18 March 2025 Publisher: Alcove Press
A woman burdened by her grandmother's advancing Alzheimer's finds herself entangled in a fake relationship with her grandmother's live-in nurse. Honestly, what could go wrong, right?
Elle, our caregiver-turned-fake-girlfriend is relatable in her chaotic attempts to juggle family, feelings and the ever-present Adam Wheeler. Adam, the live-in nurse with a penchant for being a "pain in the ass" is your classic grumpy-sunshine combo and the banter between him and Elle is genuinely entertaining. Murphy also handled Alzheimers with a delicate balance of humour and empathy.
However, the enemies to lovers transition was a bit rushed like they skipped a few chapters of character development. I think there could have been more feuding just to make the storyline a little more believable.
Ultimately, this book is a sweet and quirky debut that delivers a healthy dose of feel-good moments. It's a solid three stars � a bit messy, a bit predictable but undeniably charming. ...more
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