This revenge thriller fan was instantly intrigued by the book's ultra-compelling plotline:
An infertile housewife drowning in credi
TW: Infertility, IVF
This revenge thriller fan was instantly intrigued by the book's ultra-compelling plotline:
An infertile housewife drowning in credit card debt unwittingly pairs up with a savvy female ex-con to strike it rich with a dodgy MLM scheme.
I especially enjoyed how the storyline unfolded from the POVs of two deeply flawed female protagonists.
WHY NOT 5 STARS? * I am not a fan of books showcasing crime lords * I prefer PG-rated thrillers with no explicit sex scenes * This 11-hour audiobook easily could have been an 8-hour book with the omission of repetitious text
I listened to the audiobook read by Meg Price and Imani Jade Powers.
I always enjoy full-cast audiobooks and both narrators did a fabulous job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
2) NO LIES #2. I am baffled by this book's abysmal 3.38 GR rating.
1) NO LIES #1. LOVE LIES was a real treat.
Once again, Adele Parks earns all the stars!
2) NO LIES #2. I am baffled by this book's abysmal 3.38 GR rating.
Did I read the same book as 1,704 GR readers????
And why is the book's GR blurb posted in French???? (Huh?)
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1) FULL DISCLOSURE #1: Adele Parks is one of my favorite UK writers.
The fact that Adele Parks writes ultra-compelling thrillers AND rom-coms (two very, very different genres) is a true testament to her brilliant talent.
2) FULL DISCLOSURE #2: I have been on "Outlier Island" before but never on this part of the Island!
Usually, my review is the dissenting 1-star or 2-star review amidst the glowing 5-star raves.
It's nice to be on this part of the Island. ...more
"Under a Dark Cloud" is Book #2 in Louisa Scarr's "Compulsive British Detective Crime Thriller" Butler and West series.
Although it's a standalone read "Under a Dark Cloud" is Book #2 in Louisa Scarr's "Compulsive British Detective Crime Thriller" Butler and West series.
Although it's a standalone read, reading the books in sequence is strongly recommended.
This whip-smart police procedural is pacey and boasts strong characterizations.
I listened to the audiobook read by David Wayman, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
WHY NOT 5 STARS: This 9-hour audiobook easily could have been 7 hours.
Author AJ Wills hit the jackpot with "The Lottery Winners".
This pacey thriller about a cash-strapped couple who wins a $51 million (tax-free!) lottery Author AJ Wills hit the jackpot with "The Lottery Winners".
This pacey thriller about a cash-strapped couple who wins a $51 million (tax-free!) lottery was twisty, character-driven, unpredictable, and unputdownable.
Kudos to the author for expertly putting a fresh, compelling, and intriguing new spin on a popular storyline.
"Whoever says money can't buy happiness did not know where to shop" is one of my favorite Gertrude Stein quotes.
Gertrude Stein never met the protagonists in "The Lottery Winners".
I listened to the audiobook read by Harrie Dobby who did an outstanding job with the narration.
Although I am a huge fan of revenge thrillers, I do not enjoy revenge thrillers with TMI about protagonists' sex
I was the wrong reader for this book.
Although I am a huge fan of revenge thrillers, I do not enjoy revenge thrillers with TMI about protagonists' sex lives.
I lost track of the number of times the protagonist complained about her husband's lack of sexual libido.
Details about how the protagonist's daughter lost her virginity to a much older man?
Sorry, NOT FOR ME!
But it was when the protagonist said "My husband walked into the room wearing boxers and all I wanted to do was put my hands down his pants", I told myself "Enough is enough!" and I pushed the STOP button.
I listened to the audiobook read by Izzy Meikle-Small and Claire Storey.
Both narrators did a fine job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you like a high level of "spice" with your revenge thrillers, this would be the perfect book for you....more
This twisty debut police procedural sizzled and soared.
I especially enjoyed the ultra-compelling characterizations of DC Freya West and DS Robin Butle This twisty debut police procedural sizzled and soared.
I especially enjoyed the ultra-compelling characterizations of DC Freya West and DS Robin Butler, the book's two protagonists.
WHY NOT 5 STARS? This 10-hour audiobook easily could have been an 8-hour audiobook with the removal of repetitious text.
Narrator David Wayman did a superb job with the narration.
This is the first of a series and "Under A Dark Cloud"(Book #2) is now on the tippy-top of my TBR list....more
Psychotherapist Lulu is suddenly forced to question her husband and the very dark secrets from the past.
Although this thriller was pacey, entertaining
Psychotherapist Lulu is suddenly forced to question her husband and the very dark secrets from the past.
Although this thriller was pacey, entertaining, and well-written, it was mundanely predictable and lacked the twists and element of suspense I was seeking.
I listened to the audiobook I especially enjoyed the full-cast narration by Mhairi Morrison, Katherine Littrell, and Joshua Manning.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT...... "First Wife's Shadow" is one of my "besties" of 2024.
Kudos to author Adele Parks for penning a compelling, beguiling,
WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT...... "First Wife's Shadow" is one of my "besties" of 2024.
Kudos to author Adele Parks for penning a compelling, beguiling, gripping, and whip-smart tale of love, friendship, obsession, betrayal, and revenge.
The book begins with a Rebecca vibe.
Emma, a wealthy, independent, sensible CEO, falls passionately in love with Matthew, an unpretentious and free-spirit widower, with a dead wife named Becky.
Will Emma ever measure up to Becky?
BEWARE: At 50%, the GOL (Gasp Out Loud!) twists begin.
The twists were riveting, unpredictable, and emotionally pulverizing; all brilliantly executed with skill and finesse.
I listened to the audiobook read by Kristin Atherton, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
"THE SECOND MRS. STROM" was my SECOND-favorite "Paul Strom" book.
Yes, author Kaira Rouda's "BEST DAY EVER" (the first "Paul Strom" book and one of my
"THE SECOND MRS. STROM" was my SECOND-favorite "Paul Strom" book.
Yes, author Kaira Rouda's "BEST DAY EVER" (the first "Paul Strom" book and one of my BEST BOOKS EVER) was a very, very tough act to follow.
A standalone read, "THE SECOND MRS. STROM" spotlights the one-year wedding anniversary of one of my favorite fictional delusional narcissists Paul, and his new young, gorgeous wife Cecilia.
Both husband and wife have different agendas.
Although this book was pacy and entertaining, it lacked the thrill factor of "BEST DAY EVER".
(Perhaps my expectations were too high????)
Many of the twists were contrived and eye-rolling. Plot holes were plentiful.
Also, this book was released seven years after "BEST DAY EVER".
(That is a long time to wait for a sequel!!!!!).
I listened to the audiobook read by Nick Landrum and Laurence Bouvard. Both narrators did an outstanding job with the narration.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
What happens when a passenger plane crashes into a nuclear power plant in small-town Waketa, Minnesota?
You guessed it!
This pacey disaster book gives n
What happens when a passenger plane crashes into a nuclear power plant in small-town Waketa, Minnesota?
You guessed it!
This pacey disaster book gives new meaning to the word "worse".
WHY NOT 5 STARS? (Outlier alert!)
* Waaay too many characters. I prefer books with fewer, well-developed characters * Too many eye-rolling moments * One of the many protagonists was a fictitious president. I enjoy as much realism as possible in thrillers and am not a fan of books showcasing fictitious presidents.
I listened to the audiobook read by Joe Morton, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
I especially enjoyed the introduction of the author/former flight attendant T.J. Newman.
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It's a refreshingly different and heartwarming tale of deeply flawed individuals, new beginnings, forgiveness, pe How to describe "How to Read A Book":
It's a refreshingly different and heartwarming tale of deeply flawed individuals, new beginnings, forgiveness, perseverance, and resilience.
It's a "Fall Down Seven Times, Stand Up Eight" kind of book.
And it's also a commentary on how life can horrifically change in seconds, as well as the power of positive change.
I especially enjoyed the author's well-crafted epilogue.
I listened to the audiobook read by Eileen Stevens, who did an outstanding job with the narration.
Since the book unfolded from multiple POVs, a full-cast audiobook narration would have been preferred.
THE "GOOD" ON "BAD TOURISTS" * Pacey * Strong characterizations and well-crafted plot.
THE "BAD" ON "BAD TOURISTS": * Overdone premise So many "girls weeke
THE "GOOD" ON "BAD TOURISTS" * Pacey * Strong characterizations and well-crafted plot.
THE "BAD" ON "BAD TOURISTS": * Overdone premise So many "girls weekend away" books, so little time. * Lacked the "thrills" I was seeking * Bizarre ending that was absolutely, positively eye-rolling.
I listened to the audiobook read by Lesley Sharp, who did a superb job with the narration.
Since the book unfolded from multiple POVs, a full-cast audio would have been preferred.
POSITIVES: * I stayed awake for "Sleepwalker"! * Ultra-compelling premise: Deeply flawed sleepwalking protagonist allegedly suffering from PTSD is accus POSITIVES: * I stayed awake for "Sleepwalker"! * Ultra-compelling premise: Deeply flawed sleepwalking protagonist allegedly suffering from PTSD is accused of killing his wife in his home while his young daughter is sleeping. Did he do it???? * Twisty with strong characterizations
NOT SO POSITIVE: * Very, very slow start and muddled middle. * I easily guessed the ending's final twist.
I listened to the audiobook read by Paul Panting. who did a fine job with the narration.
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