Book Reviews
Welcome to my book review collection! Here, you'll find my honest thoughts on every book I've read, ranging from gripping thrillers to steamy romances. I strive to provide insightful reviews that cover plot, character development, and overall impact, helping you discover your next great read. Dive in and explore!
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison promises a charming romance inspired by Sleepless in Seattle, with a jaded romance hotline host and a single mom who finds herself falling for him. But does it live up to its potential, or is it just another predictable rom-com? In my full review, I dive into the characters, the pacing, the romance, and whether this sweet, slow-burn story offers anything new. Curious? Find out if this book is worth your time!
The Road of Bones may start slow, but trust me, the payoff is more than worth the wait. Set in the Viking-inspired kingdom of Íseldur, it follows Silla Nordvig, a young woman fleeing after her father’s brutal murder. With nowhere else to turn, she embarks on a perilous journey along the treacherous Road of Bones, facing everything from warbands to supernatural threats. The Bloodaxe Crew, a mix of potential allies and enemies, complicate her quest further. Winters does an exceptional job with world-building, creating a rich, Norse-inspired setting that immerses you in the characters' struggles. While the pacing is initially slow, the perfect blend of action, suspense, and slow-burn romance keeps you hooked. With themes of survival, identity, and unexpected twists, this is a gripping read that’ll have you eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series.
A Killing Cold is a thriller that takes a fresh twist on the genre, keeping you on the edge of your seat with unexpected turns. Instead of easily identifying the villain, this book focuses on figuring out who isn't the villain, which made the story all the more intriguing. The plot follows Theodora Scott, who’s invited to an isolated mansion by her fiancé, Connor Dalton. As she explores, she uncovers a mysterious cabin that sparks forgotten memories—memories tied to Connor’s family. Soon, Theo learns chilling secrets that shake her trust in him and put her life in jeopardy. As the suspense heightens, she unravels her past and the trauma that erased it. The ending may not provide the happy closure you'd expect, but it signals a new chapter for Theo. While the action and suspense could’ve been more consistent, the book’s fast pace, twists, and mystery kept me hooked.
Get ready to laugh out loud and fall in love with a story that flips the typical rom-com formula on its head! In this hilarious and spicy romance, Anna and Liam start off as a marriage of convenience to secure housing at UCLA. Fast forward two years, and they go their separate ways—until Liam unexpectedly shows up at Anna’s door three years later, asking her to attend his sister’s wedding as his wife. What follows is a witty and heartwarming journey between two polar opposites that will have you hooked from start to finish. Beyond the laughs, this book dives into deep themes of family dynamics and the class divide, adding surprising depth to its vibrant characters. Want to know what makes this story a must-read? Find out in the full review!
If you're looking for a psychological thriller that leaves you wondering if you actually know what’s going on, None of This Is True is the perfect pick. This book will have you questioning everything, as the twists and revelations aren’t in-your-face but instead subtly unsettling. Alix Summer and Josie Fair are characters whose stories pull you in, and as the suspense builds, you’ll find yourself torn between what you suspect and what you’re led to believe. The author masterfully blurs the line between truth and deception, leaving you uncertain even after the final page. With its intricate, mind-bending twists and profound psychological depth, this book is a must-read for thriller fans—just be aware of the sensitive themes involving domestic violence and child abuse. Want to know how this mind-bender keeps you hooked? Check out the full review!
If you're a fan of heartfelt, classic romance with a twist, this book is for you. While it follows the familiar formula—girl moves to a new city, meets boy, falls in love—there's so much more beneath the surface. The heart of the story is about personal growth, overcoming emotional and mental struggles, and the powerful transformation of finding a true support system. While the main character’s tendency to create conflict may be a bit frustrating at times, her journey toward happiness is ultimately rewarding and beautifully told. With its organic romance and empowering themes of resilience, this fast-paced read will leave you smiling. Curious to dive deeper? Check out the full review!
Prepare to be captivated by a hauntingly creative reimagining of The Nutcracker that’s as deep as it is mysterious. Told from the perspective of Natasha, Clara’s twin sister, this book takes you on a journey through five acts, each revealing more about the twins' complex relationship and the dark decisions that shape their lives. From the stark contrast between light and darkness to a world beyond the familiar, the story unfolds in ways you won’t expect. As Natasha faces the consequences of her choices, this novel transforms into a thought-provoking cautionary tale about identity, comparison, and the danger of wanting to be someone else. With its intricate layers and haunting atmosphere, this book will leave you reflecting long after you finish it.
Wow! This powerful novel offers a fresh and unique perspective on slavery, one that is often overlooked in historical fiction. Set in the North—specifically Philadelphia—this story shifts the focus away from the South and offers an intimate look at the lives of three remarkable Black women. Each woman has a different journey: one born free, one who escapes slavery in search of freedom, and one who is determined to break free. Their stories are heart-wrenching, brave, and beautifully written, providing an emotionally charged exploration of the fight for freedom. If you’re looking for a book that offers both historical depth and emotional resonance, this is a must-read. I truly believe this book deserves a spot on required reading lists everywhere.
If you're a thriller fan, this book is an absolute must-read! Fast-paced, action-packed, and full of jaw-dropping twists, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story follows Evie Porter, a woman who has learned to be crafty, cunning, and strategic in her dangerous line of work. Operating under the alias Evie, she’s infiltrating a high-stakes world, but her ultimate goal is to take down the mysterious boss who controls her. While her motivation to stay in the game could’ve been stronger, her thrilling journey to expose the truth is absolutely gripping. It's a rare gem in the thriller genre, standing out in a crowded field, and totally worth your time. Want to find out what makes this book so thrilling? Check out the full review!
This book promises an intriguing premise—but unfortunately, it doesn't fully deliver on the excitement you'd expect from a spy thriller. Amanda Cole, a CIA officer following in her father's footsteps, is thrust into a high-stakes situation when a Russian man warns of an impending assassination. After the assassination occurs, Amanda uncovers a shocking connection between her father and the plot. While the suspense around her investigation has potential, the father-daughter dynamic—an emotional core of the story—falls flat, missing the depth and tension it could have had. If you were hoping for a thrilling, fast-paced spy novel, this one may leave you feeling underwhelmed despite its promising setup. Want to hear more about why this thriller didn’t quite live up to the hype? Check out the full review!
This quirky romance is both entertaining and filled with potential, but it doesn’t quite reach its full potential. Gemma Wilde’s accidental journey into an alternate reality, triggered by a “silly” spell to erase her ex-boyfriend, leads to some wild and unexpected twists. In this new world, only her sister and kooky aunt remain familiar, and Gemma quickly realizes the spell worked too well—it’s not just her ex that’s erased, but also her best friend, Dax. To return to her reality, she must recreate the spell, which means getting close enough to Dax for a kiss. While the concept is fun and the romance sweet, the lack of exploration into what happens to Gemma in the alternate reality leaves the story with too many unanswered questions. Despite this, Gemma’s journey of self-discovery and love makes for an enjoyable, fast-paced read that’s creative and salacious. Curious to dive deeper? Check out the full review!
If you loved The Silent Patient, you’ll definitely want to check out The Fury! Initially, I wasn’t sure about this one because the narrator didn’t win me over right away, but as the story unfolded, he became more and more intriguing. This book is full of unexpected twists, and I appreciated how it kept me guessing at every turn. And the ending? Absolutely masterful. It’s wonderfully twisted—almost comedic in its execution—and for fans of The Silent Patient, there’s a clever connection you won’t want to miss. If you haven’t read The Silent Patient yet, I highly recommend starting there, but if you’re a fan of Alex Michaelides’ work, The Fury will definitely keep you hooked.
If you loved It Ends With Us, It Starts With Us is the perfect follow-up! While I still think the first book holds the top spot, this one is a close second. Picking up right where its predecessor left off, Lily is given a second chance at love with Atlas, but there’s the looming tension of how her ex-husband, Ryle, will react. Their budding relationship is tested, but Atlas proves to be everything Ryle wasn’t—patient, respectful, and understanding. While the ending felt a bit rushed with a lot packed into the final chapter, it still delivers the closure Lily deserves. The emotions in this book hit differently than in It Ends With Us, and the fast pace keeps you engaged from start to finish. If you’re a fan of the first book, don’t miss this one—it’s a must-read! Want to dive deeper into the emotional journey? Check out the full review!
Despite its 400+ pages, Ready or Not is the kind of rom-com you’ll devour in no time—it’s sweet enough to give you a toothache! This book is perfect for when you’re looking for something light and fun after a heavy read. Eve, a New York City transplant from the Midwest, finds herself in an unexpected situation after a one-night stand leads to an unplanned pregnancy. With a conflicted baby daddy and the start of a new romance, she has to figure out how to navigate this life-changing moment. While there were a few missed opportunities in the plot, I appreciated Eve’s character development and how she embraced the chaos of her new reality. Fast-paced and charming, it’s the kind of novel that’s perfect for when you just need a fun, easy read.
This book is one of those that leaves you torn—there’s a lot to like, but it feels like it could have been even better. The premise is intriguing: an intern is offered the chance to work for a prestigious judge, who is accused of corruption by none other than her own younger brother—who's in prison. As the intern digs deeper, she becomes entangled in a dangerous scheme set up by the judge to protect herself. While the potential for mind-blowing twists was there, the story gives away too much too soon, which prevents the suspense from reaching its full potential. Despite this, the fast pace, action, and suspense still make it an enjoyable read. If you're looking for a book that keeps you hooked despite a few missed opportunities, this one’s worth checking out. Want to hear more about what worked and what could have been better? Check out the full review!
I'll be honest, this book didn’t fully capture my attention for most of the story, but the ending—wow! Action-packed, with twist after twist, it’s one of those moments that leaves your jaw on the floor. While I figured out who killed the victims on the island early on, the surprises and the bombshell of an ending completely blew me away. A thriller that can deliver a twist so stunning it has you processing for minutes is something special, and that’s exactly what this book did. Though the main character wasn’t as likable as I’d hoped, and the suspense could’ve been stronger throughout, the fast pace and the epic ending made it worth the read. Despite some room for improvement, I’m glad I gave this debut novel a shot.
Set on an island where witches once reigned, this story takes you on a journey filled with heartbreak, courage, and an unforgettable cat-and-mouse game. Rune, the granddaughter of a high-society witch, is forced into making a life-changing decision during a revolution that seeks to purge witches from society. Her backstory is heart-wrenching, and two years later, she’s determined to right her wrongs by saving witches in hiding from certain death. I couldn’t help but root for her as she fought for redemption. Enter Gideon Sharpe, the relentless witch hunter on a mission to capture Rune, who is secretly helping the witches he’s hunting. Their tension-filled dynamic sets the stage for a thrilling and romantic game of strategy and trust. Their story is a perfect mix of suspense and romance, and you won’t want to miss it!
This book completely took me by surprise! I picked it up cynically after hearing it was going to be adapted into a movie, expecting a sappy, made-for-the-screen romance. But wow, I was totally blown away! Lily, our protagonist, and Ryle, her complicated love interest, meet in a vulnerable moment that sets everything in motion. What follows is a rollercoaster of emotions, with their romance evolving into a tense "will-they, won’t-they" situation filled with undeniable chemistry. As their relationship deepens, the line between hero and villain blurs, leaving you questioning everything. The ending is bittersweet and feels so fitting for Lily’s journey. It’s a powerful, emotional ride that’s definitely worth reading before you see the movie. Want to find out why this story captivated me? Check out the full review!
Once I started this book, I couldn’t stop—I finished it in just 24 hours! Lucy is a snarky, sarcastic protagonist who’s accused of killing her best friend. When found, she’s covered in her best friend’s blood, and the victim even has Lucy’s skin cells under her nails. But the twist? Lucy doesn’t even know if she actually committed the murder. A podcaster (because of course there’s a podcaster) dives into the investigation, throwing the small Texas town into chaos. The twist was something I didn’t see coming, but while the action-packed ending was satisfying, I felt the stakes for Lucy were a bit too low and the suspense didn’t quite deliver as strongly as I’d hoped for a thriller. Still, it was an enjoyable, fast-paced read that kept me hooked.