This book had me hooked from the beginning! Though, be prepared for a suspense filled ride where you have to suspend belief and remember it’s fiction.This book had me hooked from the beginning! Though, be prepared for a suspense filled ride where you have to suspend belief and remember it’s fiction.
The book starts out simple enough, following Audrey and understanding life with chronic pain. I could FEEL the depths of her despair. While her journey to the holistic trial headquarters is questionable at best, it again proves the level of desperation she was at. Here’s where things get weird- in a good way. Now there are five members, all apart of this top secret holistic approach to wellness that has them cut off from the world. From all different backgrounds, each person has a need to be there. I felt like each character was developed “enough�, but would’ve loved a deeper connection with each of them.
This story was amazing - I truly didn’t know which way it was going to go. The anticipation had me in a choke hold to get to the end. The pacing was a bit off, spending a little more time on the ending and the explanation would’ve made this a five star read. My only other dislike was when part two started and the new character’s dialog felt very juvenile. I attributed it to being an intentional representation of how the character played out his thoughts, but I almost stopped reading the book at that point. I’m glad I finished because I really did enjoy it! Thank you NetGalley and Red Raven Publishing for the ARC!
The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards follows several young adults who, through a series of paper surveys, are picked to help a professor create a successful The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards follows several young adults who, through a series of paper surveys, are picked to help a professor create a successful dating website in the late 1990’s. Fast forward to current day and two of the six, now married, invite the whole group to a dinner party to celebrate the late Professor and reconnect.
Not everything is as it seems. Each member of the party becomes hostage while the hostage taker is in search of a secret from the past. Admittedly, he doesn’t know the secret- or who keeps it, so let the games begin. How far will he go to expose the secret? And how far will the keeper of the secret go to keep it?
Following multiple characters can be difficult, however Edwards effortless distinguishes between them all making it easy to follow along. The dual timelines of 1990s and present day help to build the story and suspense. I found the pacing to be steady and not rushed or bogged down throughout.
I didn’t struggle to believe the twist- I found multiple hints through the story that supported it. It still came as a surprise to me who was behind it all. I found the adjacent storyline unnecessary in delivering the final punch, but it also didn’t hinder it. Overall a great quick read. Thank you NetGalley and Atria Books for this ARC!...more
Much like its prequel, Twisted, Wicked is packed full of characters, twists, and a traumatic storyline. I read Twisted a while back and didn’t remembeMuch like its prequel, Twisted, Wicked is packed full of characters, twists, and a traumatic storyline. I read Twisted a while back and didn’t remember much when I receive a gifted copy of Wicked. You definitely need the foundation of the first book to get you through this one, as many topics are touched without giving background information. It took me a while to catch up due to the extended time between finishing book one and starting book 2, but I got there.
I enjoyed the plot of Wicked and while the pacing was a little slow to start and fast to end, it was still thoughtfully written. The basis of the book was deep and kept me needing to finish so I’d have all the answers- only to be left with questions in the end. I highly anticipate a 3rd installment to this series and will look forward to reading it!
Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the digital ARC, and thank you Maggie Giles for the physical copy! ...more
I loved the premise of this book, it pulled me right in. If I understand correctly, this book was originally released in 2001, but was republished in I loved the premise of this book, it pulled me right in. If I understand correctly, this book was originally released in 2001, but was republished in February of 2025. I know this can be done when a new publisher comes along or if the book is edited after its initial release, but I didn’t spend the time to look into it.
I had to restart this book multiple times because the first few chapters get long winded. While not usually someone that needs action right off the bat, it would’ve made getting into this story easier. I found the pacing way off, very slow burn to start and then all the action in the third quarter. I also didn’t feel connected to any of the characters- and at one point had to start notating who each character was in relation to the main storyline.
I rated this one a 2.75, rounded up. I think overall the drag of the first half of the book ruined the experience for me. Thank you NetGalley and Datura Books for this arc. ...more
I don’t know why I’m hesitant to write this review, I genuinely love Steph Nelson’s writing and her stray from the “usual� storylines. I wasn’t even eI don’t know why I’m hesitant to write this review, I genuinely love Steph Nelson’s writing and her stray from the “usual� storylines. I wasn’t even expecting a new one from Nelson and I was excited when I saw it up for review! I don’t want to say I’m “disappointed�, only that “The Last One Out� didn’t live up to the quality I’ve read in her other stories. I would’ve loved to see this story expanded on in the beginning, but nonetheless.
The Last One Out follows cousins, Frankie and Chloe, who- despite the age difference, are close friends. This dual timeline, dual POV centers on the disappearance of Chloe 25 years ago and Frankie’s persistence to keep her memory alive in hopes she’ll find her and/or closure.
The pacing was fine, the switching POVs was easy to follow, I just felt like there were too many details explained by the narrator versus subtly mentioned. It interrupted the flow- but I’m not an author and can’t imagine how hard it is to add the details without an immediate explanation. The story requires the reader to suspend belief and immerse themself in the story being told and not the distance from reality. I would give this 3.5 stars, rounded down for GR. Overall, I’m thankful to NetGalley and Ticking Clock Press for the ARC....more
A book about twin sisters that don’t get along? Count me in! I am a twin and I often refer to my sister as the “evil twin� because she’s not a good huA book about twin sisters that don’t get along? Count me in! I am a twin and I often refer to my sister as the “evil twin� because she’s not a good human. So when I heard about Alex Stone’s newest book, The Quiet Sister, I was all in!
This story follows twins Mia and Chloe and their absolute night and day personalities. Mia is outspoken, a bit of a “pick me� girl, that’s constantly making Chloe feel like the lesser twin. Chloe is a soft spoken, often insecure sister that feels like she never lived up to her sister’s legacy.
The pacing on this one was superb. The build up and history of the characters was spot on! I found neither character likable- often wanting to jump into the book and shake them both. Regardless, I didn’t want to put it down. I can see this one going either way with my crowd, maybe falling into general fiction more than thriller. Overall it was a fun read and I look forward to more from this author. Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood books for this ARC!...more
This was my first read by author Chelsea Ichaso, and being a YA book, outside my usual genre. I really enjoyed the dimensions in this story, past/presThis was my first read by author Chelsea Ichaso, and being a YA book, outside my usual genre. I really enjoyed the dimensions in this story, past/present, enemies to crush, finding the truth, etc. The story definitely had multiple aspects that would translate well on the big screen! The pacing was on point and with enough suspense to keep the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this to those that enjoy YA without any restrictions. Thank you NetGalley and SOURCEBOOKS Fire for this arc!! ...more
Nina works the night shift at a 24h-access storage unit, and tonight is like no other. Tonight, Nina is fighting for her life. This book follows her iNina works the night shift at a 24h-access storage unit, and tonight is like no other. Tonight, Nina is fighting for her life. This book follows her in her desperate attempt to out smart and out-live her worst nightmare- while also trying to battle hypoglycemic attacks from her type one diabetes.
Were there multiple times I yelled at the character as if she were in a scary movie making all the wrong decisions? Yes. Big is the story believable? Also yes. Did I cringe at the hyper focus of her diabetes? Yes. Was I impressed at the practicality of involving real like issues in a general thriller book? Also yes.
The pacing was perfect. The storyline checks out. The whole thing wrapped up beautifully. I was so unexpectedly impressed with this one! Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC....more
I was completely surprised with how much I enjoyed this audiobook. I went into it thinking it would be a thriller- but that was my mistake! Thank you I was completely surprised with how much I enjoyed this audiobook. I went into it thinking it would be a thriller- but that was my mistake! Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC!
This book starts with a group of friends looking at potential surrogate moms for one of them- as she lost her ability to have children after a medical mistake decades prior. Half-heartedly, MC Fabiola offers to surrogate and the wheels of fate start turning.
Not only is this Fabiola’s friend, but the husband is someone very close to Fabiola and has been her whole life. With three children of her own, the bread winner of her family, a thriving organizing business, what could go wrong?
This book caught me off guard for what it wasn’t- a psychological thriller. In all honesty, I was 75% of the way through it before I even noticed! And I was craving more every time I had to stop reading. Overall, a GREAT read, well paced, believable, enjoyable. ...more
Was this really J.M. Cannon’s first book? I’m blown away by that fact alone! Superbly written! Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for this ARC.
I loveWas this really J.M. Cannon’s first book? I’m blown away by that fact alone! Superbly written! Thank you NetGalley and Embla Books for this ARC.
I loved the premise of this book and went in mostly blind. Unfortunately, there are a lot of books out there with similar titles, so I allowed myself to read a few lines of the blurb. This story follows the disappearance and murder or 3 girls, and while vastly different, have something in common. While friend and amateur detective looks for clues to find out what really happened, she must race Mother Nature and the approaching hurricane.
I really did love this story. I felt it was way longer than it needed to be, but I was also impressed that the author took the time to write in detail and not just skip over parts. I wish there were more detail about the killings, but that would’ve changed the book completely. Maybe there’s a chance for a prequel. I found some of the information to be unnecessary, some of the characters too, but they also provided doubt along the way. Overall, I think it was well done. ...more
Two girls, two families, one crime? When both families wake up on this fateful morning, both their four year Sometimes, even the best laid plans fail.
Two girls, two families, one crime? When both families wake up on this fateful morning, both their four year old daughters are missing. Taken from their beds? Wandering off on their own? The only thing they have in common is the nanny and both families are harboring secrets.
With multiple POVs, this story bounces between each character in the story- and the narrator expertly differentiates between them all. The nanny and her scheming boyfriend have their own agenda, one girls parents are struggling in their marriage while the other parents are hiding secrets from each other. There are so many avenues to pursue, you’ll never see the ending coming.
I really enjoyed how the author wrote the storyline, not withholding all of the bombshells til the end, but still wrapping up with a great twist. The only drawback was the large amount of narrators made it difficult to keep some of the story straight. It didn’t ruin the experience, but it required the readers full attention to maintain comprehension.
Overall, I enjoyed the story, the twist, the ending. The pacing was appropriate, the information provided throughout the story maintained the readers attention room and kept me wanting more. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC! I truly enjoyed the ride! And what a weird, yet refreshing, ride it was! This book startedThank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this ARC! I truly enjoyed the ride! And what a weird, yet refreshing, ride it was! This book started off as reminiscent of The Truman Show film, but kept the reader suspended, needing to know the WHY.
This story follows a weird cast of characters, all with a weird feeling that reality isn’t what they’re being told. All with the need to understand what is going on. The pacing of this book was good- I really enjoyed the split perception of Catherine! It had just enough flavor to it that it was easy to follow and keep the reader engaged.
I liked the introduction of new characters and their follow up in later parts. I loved the ending and the questions it left, but also the rinse and repeat aspect. This book didn’t fit into my typical genre, but I had so much fun with it!...more
Good Bad Mother follows the twisted history of new mom and newlywed MC who is running from something in her past. Married into wealth, our MC isn’t feGood Bad Mother follows the twisted history of new mom and newlywed MC who is running from something in her past. Married into wealth, our MC isn’t feeling like she’s fitting into the family and is concerned when her new husband’s ex-girlfriend starts hanging around. As the chapters continue, Amelia drops hints to her past, little by little to keep the reader wanting more. The same past is coming back to haunt her and threatens to ruin the family and life she’s created.
While I didn’t find this book overly exciting, I did enjoy my time listening to it. I found myself excited to restart it every chance I could. The twist at the end was predictable, however, the other twist was not. Overall, the story was fun and kept me wanting more. The writing felt a little redundant at times and a little juvenile, but still good.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ALC!...more
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen follows two POVs, Georgia & Mandy, who grew up on complete opposite sides of the spectrum. Georgia, raised in a wealThe Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen follows two POVs, Georgia & Mandy, who grew up on complete opposite sides of the spectrum. Georgia, raised in a wealthy, but cold home, and Mandy, who was raised by a hard working mom & dad and of lower socioeconomic status. Never having met before, Mandy receives a call to meet with Georgia- who is currently in a locked psych ward after being accused of murdering her sister. Georgia pleads her innocence and is putting all her trust and faith in Mandy to clear her name � but why?
This story was a great read, kept me fully engaged and needing more. The story was well written and paced, leaving the reader hanging on til the very end! I gave this book 4.5⭐️, only losing 1/2 star for the weirdness of Honey and the whole twist situation. Sarah Pekkanen delivers another great story that will be the talk of the Fall (releases 8/05/25). ...more
A.R. Torre consistently publishes books that hook you early on, make you think you know what’s happening, and then come full circle with a plausible-eA.R. Torre consistently publishes books that hook you early on, make you think you know what’s happening, and then come full circle with a plausible-esque ending. A Happy Marriage was no different! I enjoyed this book as a dual storyline, dual PO perspective that follows a married couple who devote themselves to each other. A psychologist and a homicide detective with LAPD, they seem to have a perfect marriage- on the outside. But secrets don’t stay buried and it isn’t long until their weakness starts to show. Suspend belief for a few hundred pages and enjoy this novel for what it is! ...more
Famous Last Words had me glued to my seat, trying to avoid work, sleep, and all other responsibilities! There was not a “slow� moment in this book and Famous Last Words had me glued to my seat, trying to avoid work, sleep, and all other responsibilities! There was not a “slow� moment in this book and every page kept me wanting more. I love the character development- most prominent in Niall, the character interactions, everyone was brilliant!
If you are looking for a dual POV story, following both the victim and police sides of an investigation, look no further. Niall, the hostage negotiator who had it all- then nothing, following a failed negotiation where two hostages end up murdered; and Cam, wife and literary agent who’s husband held three people hostage before killing two of them and disappearing without a trace.
This is not a book where you’re guessing the twist- you’re literally reading as fast as you can to understand what happened and why. 5 stars on this one! Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC!...more
This was my first book by Caleb Crowe, and while I’ve heard great things about his books, this one fell a little flat. I liked the setup of the storylThis was my first book by Caleb Crowe, and while I’ve heard great things about his books, this one fell a little flat. I liked the setup of the storyline, the first chapter sucked me in, the rest alternated between present day and ten years prior. The story follows a now-widowed, former foster-care child, who inherits her husband’s failing gallery. The story introduces a new character and I felt like his story was evident from the start.
I became somewhat frustrated with the quirky way the author ended a chapter with the same line as he started the next one- except for when he didn’t and there was no rhyme or reason. I feel like this could be left out in the final publish and no one would be any wiser. The story was pretty predictable and lacked the building suspense I had hoped for. Overall, I may read another from this author, but I was disappointed with this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the ARC! I love the ability to check out new authors and books and will continue to seek out more!...more
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read or listened to. I made it a point to see if she has any other published books prior to this one, This is the first book by this author that I’ve read or listened to. I made it a point to see if she has any other published books prior to this one, as I felt it was a good book for a first time writer, but mediocre for someone who’s published before. I was surprised to learn that not only has she previously published, but also works as a crime scene tech when not writing books.
The story follows one woman, hiding a secret, as she starts work as a housekeeper at a key west estate. From the start, you get breadcrumbs about her past that lead you to the answers she’s withholding. I felt her dialogue a little predictable and expected. To believe the storyline, you have to accept that this is just a book and not based on reality. Lots of important aspects we skipped over while small irrelevant details were over described. I also did not like the audio narrator- her tone, cadence, etc did not match what the character was saying.
Overall, not a bad book, just not my style. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for this ALC....more
Killer Potential is a well-written, haunting novel that will leave you needing more. As my first novel by Deitch, I had no idea what I was getting intKiller Potential is a well-written, haunting novel that will leave you needing more. As my first novel by Deitch, I had no idea what I was getting into. The details within the story were absolutely on point and the storyline baited you and kept you holding on by a string throughout. Different that a lot of novels out today, Killer Potential takes you through the story in a traditional fashion, but the last 20% of the book follows the characters as they reflect on the first 80%. This helped tell the story of before the first page. I really enjoyed this method of writing and would enjoy reading more books by this author.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for this ARC. This will absolutely be at the top of a lot of lists in the spring!!...more
This book did not grab or keep my attention as I hoped it might. I found myself more interested during the first big event, but quickly lost it once tThis book did not grab or keep my attention as I hoped it might. I found myself more interested during the first big event, but quickly lost it once that part resolved. I didn’t find any of the characters likable or relatable. Overall, this one was a let down.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC....more
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