I’m not sure if this book is a 2.5 or a 3 for me, so I guess we will round up since it’s more original than THE PUSH was. I think this will be my lastI’m not sure if this book is a 2.5 or a 3 for me, so I guess we will round up since it’s more original than THE PUSH was. I think this will be my last time reading a book by this author. I just can’t seem to win. This author’s debut novel, THE PUSH, is almost identical to Zoje Sage’s BABY TEETH. This new installment, THE WHISPERS, is more unique and original than the author’s debut, but it’s more character-driven and drama focused than psychological thriller.
THE WHISPERS is a “mommy suspense” type of story, where a group of women all prioritize the importance of family and having children, etc etc etc (for the most part). The main plot however is derived after one of the women in the neighborhood’s son falls out of his bedroom window clinging to life. The neighborhood begins to whisper about what maybe happened to Whitney’s son, as the social friendships (more than acquaintances, but with less loyalty than real friendships with foundations) begin to unravel.
I appreciated the story, but I have a hard time connecting with unrelatable characters. I do see a major audience connecting and loving this book, so again, this is most likely an unpopular opinion, and I’ll refrain from reading this author again....more
Oh hello, yes it’s me. I’m finally back with a review—this week has been so busy, but I finally finished a book! You all voted and picked THE CHATEAU Oh hello, yes it’s me. I’m finally back with a review—this week has been so busy, but I finally finished a book! You all voted and picked THE CHATEAU as my next read and you all were spot on with this one! I loved it.
THE CHATEAU centers around four best friends—Darcy, Jade, Vix (Victoria), and Arabelle and their vacation to Darcy’s grandmother’s palatial chateau in Provence, France. Jade is turning 40 and they are here to celebrate, but also meet with Darcy’s grandmother as she has called them all to meet with her. Seraphine has something to tell the women, but sadly after a night of celebrations, she is murdered. Without going into full detail about what’s going on, the four women and the chateau’s staff is frightened to say the least, especially because Seraphine’s death will open a lot of skeletons that the women did not want to be blasted open.
This book is a light mystery, but mainly a DRAMA, so don’t go into this book expecting a thriller. That being said, the ending threw me completely for a loop—I was completely hoodwinked! In the best way possible. The dynamics between the four women was so juicy and the mystery being Seraphine’s death was just the cherry on top. This book has excellent queer and Jewish representation, and it’s done in such a tastefully way—not performative or pointless to the story. I love the setting, I loved the drama, and I loved that I had no idea where this story was going until I got there. Unlike any mystery / drama I’ve read in the past, but if you enjoy Lucy Foley novels, you need to put THE CHATEAU on your TBR. This is Jaclyn Goldis’ first venture into this genre but I don’t expect it to be her last, and I’ll be waiting for whatever she has next. STARS: 4, PUB: 5/23...more
Andrea Bartz and I just really don't mesh well. I don't think I've given any of her books more than a 3-star rating, and THE SPARE ROOM is just that. Andrea Bartz and I just really don't mesh well. I don't think I've given any of her books more than a 3-star rating, and THE SPARE ROOM is just that. Straight down-the-middle 3-stars for her upcoming steamy thriller as I was expecting more with that in-your-face WTF type of plot synopsis.
When Kelly loses her job and relationship with Mike, she turns to her childhood friend Sabrina. Sabrina is a bestselling author and has a handsome, high-powered husband. Covid lockdowns have begun, but Sabrina and her husband Nate offer Kelly a spare room in their Virginia mansion. Kelly decides to take the opportunity as she has to escape. This escape however explodes when Kelly begins falling for both Sabrina and Nate and eventually the trio begin trying to be a thruple. Kelly feels validated and lusted for, but Sabrina and Nate aren't new to this different type of relationship status and it hasn't worked out successfully in the past for them. Kelly starts realizing that maybe Sabrina and Nate and her relationship with them isn't what she thought it could be.
This book is really slow even with the juicy plot synopsis. I was expecting a lot more chaos and sex, but THE SPARE ROOM is more of a slow-burning drama. That being said, this book is definitely my favorite from the author and I enjoyed that she decided to write a non-mainstream plot in a mainstream genre. The Karen's and Linda's will probably be up-in-arms, but I really appreciate when authors "go there." I will continue to give this author a chance, but just know that this isn't the popcorn thriller you may expect from the synopsis and that is probably why I didn't rank it higher. Go in with different expectations and let me know if your rating is different than mine knowing that it's not what you should expect to read....more
I usually stay away from character-driven stories because my attention span is the size of a squirrel, but I could not stop obsessing over Ella BermanI usually stay away from character-driven stories because my attention span is the size of a squirrel, but I could not stop obsessing over Ella Berman's new book, BEFORE WE WERE INNOCENT's cover. I knew that I needed to read this story and see if it would be for me, and I enjoyed it very much.
The story is told through dual timelines, 2018 and then rewinding back to 2008 (and also into 2009), but both timelines play a major role in the story's central arc. BEFORE WE WERE INNOCENT is centered around three friends, Evangeline, Joni, and Elizabeth (Bess). Bess is our main protagonist and she details the journey of the trio's friendship through their vacation in Mykonos and the death of Evangeline, and in 2018 when Joni's girlfriend Willa disappears under similar circumstances. Joni and Bess are tethered through trauma and the media's portrayal of them after their friend's death, but now that Joni is tangled up in something that is bringing their past back to haunt them, both Bess and Joni need to be honest with themselves.
BEFORE WE WERE INNOCENT is a very unique story—it's being marketed as a mystery/thriller, but it's really a character-driven suspense/drama. In fact, I weirdly got Amanda Knox vibes in some way. The writing is very immersive and I felt that I was along for the ride—both in the Greece and in the California timelines. This story's portrayal of toxic friendships is not lost on me and I think many can relate to the struggle in handling those types of friendships, where it may not necessarily be one person's fault, but both friends continuing a downward spiral together. The mystery doesn't play center stage in this book, but really the journeys that Bess and Joni had after the death of their friend and how it has affected their lives. I enjoyed the mystery, but the dynamic between these three friends was my favorite. I am excited to see what Ella Berman has next up for readers....more
May Cobb always has the most fun bingeable reads ever and she's back with her newest novel, A LIKEABLE WOMAN. Cobb has changed course in this book, soMay Cobb always has the most fun bingeable reads ever and she's back with her newest novel, A LIKEABLE WOMAN. Cobb has changed course in this book, so if you're expecting more of the same from her, think again! The story focuses on two women, Kira and Sadie, but mainly Kira (and I won't address Sadie in this review) and her return back to her wealthy Texas hometown after being invited to a vow renewal party. Kira left her hometown decades ago after her mother's mysterious death and now lives in Los Angeles. When she returns back home, she meets with her grandmother and her ex-childhood crush Jack and notices that she still has butterflies when around him. When she meets with her grandmother, Kira receives a memoir that her mother was working on prior to her death. This memoir, A LIKEBLE WOMAN, brings back memories and secrets during this tumultuous time with her mother. Kira knows that her mother didn't commit suicide and now with this memoir in her hands, she's going to find out exactly what happened.
A LIKEABLE WOMAN is a deviation from the author's previous beachy read psychological thrillers. This book is more of a neighborhood suspense / drama, similar to Liane Moriarity. I always devour this author's books, and this one is just as fun to investigate while reading. May Cobb just always delivers such fun escapes for me and this book is no different. I found that by pacing myself with this book, I enjoyed it a lot more than when I was in the mood to binge longer than necessary. I will continue to always read this author's work and I can't wait for what she has next for us readers. A LIKEABLE WOMAN will have a lot of people guessing, and I can't wait to hear your thoughts!...more
I have to admit, ANON PLS. by @deuxmoi was not at the top of my TBR list because I ultimately didn't think she had a lot to say, especially because I I have to admit, ANON PLS. by @deuxmoi was not at the top of my TBR list because I ultimately didn't think she had a lot to say, especially because I felt that this debut was going to be loosely based off the formation of the pop cultural phenomenon she manages on Instagram. However, @emilybookedup is a bookstagrammer who I highly respect and when she tells you to read it, YOU READ IT!
This book focuses on Cricket Lopez, an assistant to a popular celebrity stylist who has a reputation that isn't the most favorable in the fashion industry. Feeling stuck, Cricket reignites an old style instagram account and turns it into a celebrity gossip page while drinking with friends. After a successful night of attention, DeuxMoi continues to blow up even farther than Cricket ever expected. However, keeping her identity a secret is more important than ever while she leaks celebrity gossip for millions of viewers. What could go wrong with this plan and is this venture worth the path she's always had for herself?
This book was juicy AF! That's basically my review right there. As mentioned above, this book is based off the inception of DeuxMoi so I just kept trying to piece who is who and what is what when it comes to the story. You can totally tell who is who (Duke?! You already know...), but there's many I had no clue. I didn't think I'd be a fan of this book, but ANON PLS. really hooked me in. If I can enjoy the fast paced celeb gossip, just imagine what fans of the account will say when reading this book. Honestly, this book was a very pleasant surprise and I definitely recommend it if you need something unique and fun. ...more
Christopher Bollen is relatively a new author for me, but after his widely successful release, A BEAUTIFUL CRIME, I fell in love with his storytellingChristopher Bollen is relatively a new author for me, but after his widely successful release, A BEAUTIFUL CRIME, I fell in love with his storytelling and just knew that I needed to read anything and everything by him. Luckily for me and us readers, his new book THE LOST AMERICANS continues a similar tone, with a completely unique ride. The story focuses on Cate Castle and her journey to uncover her brother Eric's mysterious death in Egypt. Cate's brother works for an American weapons contractor and was found under his hotel balcony dead and presumed to be a suicide. Cate knows that her brother wouldn't take his own life and wants to find out the truth, and nothing makes it more suspicious when Eric's company tries to pay the family in exchange for an NDA.
Once Cate arrives to Cairo, she begins to start seeing that Eric's career was a lot more dangerous than she ever expected. Eric was a weapons technician, but the underworld that he lived in wants to be kept secret from the rest of the world. With the help of a local handsome and gay local named Omar, the two begin to investigate both Eric's death and the actions that the Egyptian government has been restricting its people.
THE LOST AMERICANS was very interesting because I really didn't know what to expect while I was reading it. The story is very much government conspiracy meets illuminati meets totalitarian government power versus the underdog. I felt that the mystery was lighter than I expected, but the drama was in full force. The social commentary in this book is powerful and I'm sure this book will be banned in Egypt, but I hope it gets into the right hands of people wanting to promote human rights advances within the country. This book had one of the most incredible endings I've ever read in my life and I was left with my jaw on the floor. ...more
Leesa Cross-Smith has quickly become one of my favorite authors as of recently. Her previous release, Half-Blown Rose, was one of my top read3.5 stars
Leesa Cross-Smith has quickly become one of my favorite authors as of recently. Her previous release, Half-Blown Rose, was one of my top reads of the year, so I was definitely excited for her new revenge novel, GOODBYE EARL. This book is a complete pivot from the author's previous releases, with more drama and angst, revenge, and toxic masculinity. Four women are bonded since childhood and reconnect at a wedding, but when one of the friends seems to be begging for help, the group takes actions into their own hands (trying to remain spoiler free). GOODBYE EARL feels like a story I've read before, but it doesn't take away from the author's excellent writing. Go in wanting to have fun because GOODBYE EARL is a book of sisterhood, friendship, and taking power back from those who have wronged you....more
STONE COLD FOX was written for readers like me. Growing up, my favorite movie was "Addams Family Values" and I loved the gold-digging black widow DebbSTONE COLD FOX was written for readers like me. Growing up, my favorite movie was "Addams Family Values" and I loved the gold-digging black widow Debbie Jellinsky (should've known I was gay then). I have ALWAYS wondered how a book could be developed by someone like Debbie. Like, where do these types of femme fatales come from and why do they venture into the life that they do. Enter Bea. Bea is dating uber-wealthy Collin Case and wooing him for marriage. Bea doesn't seem to really love Collin, but she wants the money that will be afforded to her if they were to marry. Bea is a stunning 10 out of 10 and knows how to manipulate men—she's learned from the best, her mother—but has had a stream of unsuccessful attempts in the past. Collin is an easy target and has fallen for her hook, line, and sinker; but she has another hurdle to overcome—Collin's best friend Gale. Gale and Collin are best friends, platonically, but Gale does not trust Bea's motives. When Gale decides to take Bea head-on, readers will get one of the most juicy cat-and-mouse battles I've ever read. STONE COLD FOX dives heavy into the rich and powerful, the beautiful and manipulative, and shows a voyeuristic view of the actions people play when they have nothing to lose.
This book is going to be in my top reads of 2023 and it's not even January yet! Thank you to @jordys.book.club for knowing exactly what type of book I'd enjoy because this one hit me perfectly. Readers will be polarized with this book, because Bea isn't the typical lovable protagonist you'd come to expect, but I loved her so much! I love manipulation, rich people behaving badly, and camp. STONE COLD FOX has it all!...more
A fun, heartfelt women's fiction novel that readers of Grant Ginder and Jenny Jackson will love! I always love anything Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke wrA fun, heartfelt women's fiction novel that readers of Grant Ginder and Jenny Jackson will love! I always love anything Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke write, but I enjoyed that they broke out of their thriller mold to create a story unlike their others. The audiobook was phenomenally portrayed. ...more
AGE OF VICE is hands down one of the best books I've ever read. This book is not typically the genre I read—an action-packed thriller with mobsters, dAGE OF VICE is hands down one of the best books I've ever read. This book is not typically the genre I read—an action-packed thriller with mobsters, dirty money, and gangsters—but when you hear high praise about this book so early on (hello we're still in Q3 2022!), you pick it up! This story is of epic proportions, but really only features a small group of main characters. Sunny Wadia and his wealthy family take center stage, but his girlfriend Neda and his servant/right-hand-man Ajay (my favorite character) will steal the show.
I don't want to tell too much of this story but the Wadia family runs Delhi, India. Their money and influence is unprecedented and they control everything and everyone they get in contact with. With money, power, and corruption; things are surely going to spin out. I'm not going to get into the characters' backstories but Ajay's will break your heart. The twists and turns, and difficult decisions that each of these characters make to survive will leave your emotionally breathless.
This story touches on very sensitive topics such as trafficking, drug use, violence and murder, and kidnapping—and that is only the immediate things that pop into my head. Deepti Kapoor, I need to know the backstory with how this book came about in your mind. It's incredible to see that such a thick book (530ish pages) was read by me in THREE DAYS! My attention span was completely enthralled the entire time. I've never met an author who can write such a massive, epic story, with zero slow burn! I already know this will be in my top 2023 reads and it's only August 2022. A gut punch to the heart, this book is a masterpiece to say the least and a book that I will remember for a long time. ...more
Rita Cameron's upcoming novel, THE HOUSE PARTY, is a fast and furious representation of privilege in suburban America. I read this book in one sittingRita Cameron's upcoming novel, THE HOUSE PARTY, is a fast and furious representation of privilege in suburban America. I read this book in one sitting and it ultimately is everything the synopsis speaks to—an uninvited house party in a New York transplant couple's new home in the suburbs of Philadelphia throws the local town into a tailspin. The teenagers who threw the party are "good kids" with tracks for success and college. When the repercussions of this party begin to affect the town's notable families and the newcomers in different ways, this book explores how money and privilege can affect outcomes for everybody.
I am purposely not mentioning names or any further details because the book's official synopsis reveals too much to the reader. It's honestly one of the only reasons this book wasn't a five star read for me. I knew too much and wasn't surprised. Everything plays out exactly how you'd envision it, but that isn't the author's fault for the leaked plot. This book reminded me so much of the town I grew up in before college and the ways in which teenagers there could get away with cruel and unimaginable things because of the privilege they had. This book deals with some deep topics such as sexual assault, violence, drug use, and vandalism; but if you liked Jillian Mendoff's When We Were Bright and Beautiful, I would urge you to pick this book up. These types of stories are scary, because they are real. It can and has happened to many families and Rita Cameron is shining a light on these topics and themes that have been long ignored. I can't wait to read what's next by this author....more
And the first book that I've read for May isn't even on my May TBR, but when Ashley Winstead sends you a copy of her latest book, MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKAnd the first book that I've read for May isn't even on my May TBR, but when Ashley Winstead sends you a copy of her latest book, MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKEST HOUR, releasing in October, you put everything down and read it! Thank you @ashleywindsteadbooks! MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKEST HOUR is very different than her previous thriller, THE LAST HOUSEWIFE, but both are so gripping, engaging, and incredibly powerful.
Taking place in rural Louisiana, Ruth Cornier is a young 20-something year old living in her preacher father's shadow. The town of Bottom Springs all follows his teachings of fundamentalist Christianity (Holy Fire Baptist), but Ruth is trying to create a pathway for herself. When the town finds a skull in the swamp with mysterious carved symbols, the town believes it to be the workings of "the Low Man" - a vampiric figure said to kill sinners on moonless nights. This discovery reconnects Ruth with a man from her past, Everett. Her friend Everett (Ever) and Ruth have an "interesting" path to say the least and they'll have to face the past and present together.
MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKEST HOUR deals with some major triggers (such as fundamentalism, child abuse, sexual assault, just to name a few), but is not as triggering or dark as THE LAST HOUSEWIFE, so if you enjoyed that one, this book will be more of a breeze for you. That being said, while THE LAST HOUSEWIFE dove into topics of sex and power dynamics between men and women, MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKEST HOUR dives into religion and community. I loved the way that Ashley is able to pivot and change courses with her writing between books. Each of her thrillers have been uniquely different, but with the power and voice that fans should expect from her. Part romance, part thriller, part townsfolk drama, MIDNIGHT IS THE DARKEST HOUR will engage readers up until the very end (seriously, the ending BLEW MY MIND!). ...more
I have a lot of sporadic thoughts about this book, so don't mind me completely jumping around while trying to come up with a review. I'm going to be aI have a lot of sporadic thoughts about this book, so don't mind me completely jumping around while trying to come up with a review. I'm going to be a hot mess, but let's see...
This book is definitely not a psychological thriller and I think this is my biggest problem with ONE OF THE GIRLS. This newly released book is being marketed as a psychological thriller, when in fact it really is a character-driven drama between the dynamics of women-centric friendships. Going into this book, I thought it would be similar to Ruth Ware's In a Dark, Dark Wood, but this book is not really that suspenseful. ONE OF THE GIRLS is a bachelorette party gone awry when secrets are revealed and a killer is among the group of friends. I loved that the bachelorette (or should I say "hen" party) takes place on a fictional Greek Island (always wanted to go to Greece), but the writing and storyline always felt distant to me. With a big group of friends, having each person with distinct and almost equally as toxic secrets felt a little bit odd to me, especially since they were like every cliché in thriller storytelling. I think I was just the wrong audience for this one, but if you like slow burn dramas, this could be more up your alley....more
Woooooooooo boy, I cannot believe I am in love with a romance novel. Wow wow wow! Honestly I only picked up HALF-BLOWN ROSE because the cover looked sWoooooooooo boy, I cannot believe I am in love with a romance novel. Wow wow wow! Honestly I only picked up HALF-BLOWN ROSE because the cover looked so beautiful—never in my wildest dreams would this end up becoming one of my FAVORITE books of the year. I will be busy for the rest of the year reading Leesa Cross-Smith's other books as this was my first venture with the author's books.
The story focuses on a 44-year old woman, Vincent (give the name a chance readers, it took me awhile too), traveling to Paris after finding out about her husband's betrayal (you'll find out when you read it, because I don't want to spoil it and it's a major point of action in the story). In Paris, Vincent is takes up a job at a modern art museum and meets a 24 year old charismatic and beautiful man Loup (Lou), who captures her attention. Loup is much younger than Vincent, but the two forge a steamy, beautiful, romantic relationship. Ugh LOUP IS A F'N BABE. THERE I SAID IT. As Vincent navigates Paris and her relationship with Loup, her husband Cillian is hoping to rekindle their marriage at their son's wedding. However, Vincent's decision on whether she decides to stay with Cillian or move on with Loup becomes very complicated.
This book is absolutely breathtaking. I fell in love with the Parisian atmosphere and the story was so enthralling that I couldn't put it down. This book is a really powerful as it touches many deep and powerful topics that society deal with today. And again, LOUP IS A FN BABE. I loved every second of this book and I know that I will be thinking about it for a long time....more
I have no idea why I haven't read anything by Katherine St. John by now because she's a fabulous author. Maybe I stayed away because the author's firsI have no idea why I haven't read anything by Katherine St. John by now because she's a fabulous author. Maybe I stayed away because the author's first two novels had more of a Jennifer Weiner aesthetic? I have no idea. However, St. John is back with another mystery—THE VICIOUS CIRCLE! As usual, I'm judging a book by its beautiful cover, but this one was definitely a win for me.
The story centers around Sveta and her life after finding out that she's inherited her uncle's wellness center's fortune. Sveta is engaged to Chase, a business man with a family coming from extreme wealth. Sveta is not wealthy and is consistently judged by Chase's family for being a former model and possible gold digger. Sveta loves Chase but wants to prove herself to his family that she isn't after his money. When Sveta arrives at her uncle's wellness center in Mexico, she starts seeing that this place is more than just a retreat, but also a lifestyle. Sveta worries that this group cohabitating here have a disturbing outlook on life that is being brainwashed and embedding into their psyche. As Sveta navigates how to deal with her uncle's passing and her inheritance, she starts seeing that this group of people don't take kindly to outsiders and she quickly discovers that she's in for a rude awakening.
This book is interesting to me because it could've been a 5-star read if it focused on the first 1/3 of the book and the last 1/3 of the book, and redid the between. The pacing was off in this middle section, while the other sections were fast and deliciously entertaining. That being said, this book is not so much of a suspense/thriller, but a light mystery/drama. So go into that while reading this book. I thoroughly enjoyed Sveta and how she handled each situation. She's not a perfect protagonist (I HATE THOSE!), and the way the mystery develops is unique. I kind of knew where it was going, but also was shocked at one of the developments for sure. I'm glad the author didn't go the route I was initially thinking. I think readers will eat this book up and I will gladly read the next book that Katherine St. John releases....more