3.5/5 - Katy Brent's series of books is disturbing but also - I'm not sure I can read the next one. If you haven't read these books - there are A LOT 3.5/5 - Katy Brent's series of books is disturbing but also - I'm not sure I can read the next one. If you haven't read these books - there are A LOT of content warnings that should be firmly in your mind before you start.
CWs: - Nonconsensual s3x - Unauthorized recording & distribution of non consensual s3x - Police non-response to victims of s3xual trauma - Stalking and the police doing nothing about it - domestic violence
It's short and a great feminist read for those who need to see the bad guy caught - but perhaps a little too dark for an every day read.
Starting this today to rinse out another romance I just read from my mind palace.
**Thank you to HQ Digital for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
OH. MY. GAH. This is one of the best thrillers I've read in a long time!! It's a super satisfying ending and just overall a page-turner. Not at all whOH. MY. GAH. This is one of the best thrillers I've read in a long time!! It's a super satisfying ending and just overall a page-turner. Not at all what I expected in the best way. It's quickly going down as one of my favorites!!
I don't want to give anything away, so I'm just going to say nothing - but if you loved the spin of The Silent Patient - you'll love this one!!
Reading this thriller entirely for me. Because the premise looks deliciously good. I love any time feminine rage bursts out of a woman who's just had *enough*.
Some books just aren't really meant to have the happiest, sappiest ending, and that's ok! What I liked about Portrait of a Scotsman is that our heroinSome books just aren't really meant to have the happiest, sappiest ending, and that's ok! What I liked about Portrait of a Scotsman is that our heroine, Hattie, has to grow to become her best self. Some women are born into harsher circumstances, and it forges them from an early age. But if you're a woman who yearns to focus on her growth and put away childish things - you're going to LOVE POAS!
Her growth: - From spoiled rich girl to an experienced eyes-wide-open woman. - Takes the time to understand the plight of the needy and then does something about it. It's a rare person indeed who sees wretched souls and doesn't turn away from the ugly side of life. Instagram / Bookstagram is a pretty place - but it's not real life and most of us understand that? But what about our own personal lives? Do we turn a blind eye to misfortunes in our very own communities? - I also enjoyed that our heroine is compassionate and can see both sides of people. Lightness and darkness exist within all of us - but it takes a strong person to see and accept their partner's flaws.
I just finished a thriller, and I'm in the middle of a more sad women's lit/indigenous literature - so I'm starting this to give my brain a little break from the sad. It's so dark and gloomy here I can't stay sad for too long!
I loved everything about The Siren of Sussex. There wasn't one part of this where I got bored.. nothing lagged. Every facet of the story was integral I loved everything about The Siren of Sussex. There wasn't one part of this where I got bored.. nothing lagged. Every facet of the story was integral to Evelyn / Ahmad's story - which is now forever goals!!
Do you ever start reading a romance and expect it to be light and fluffy - but then the characters are developed so well, and the story feels so real that you're just blown away? That was this. Over and over again - I say - I love a man who will work hard, has an innate sense of gallantry, and dresses well. Then, to top it off with being a passionate soul?!
SWOON. FALL ONTO THE FAINTING COUCH. FANS SELF WITH A GIANT SILK FAN WHILST ADJUSTING MY FABULOUS DRESS.
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Not to mention - If I had been a Victorian-Era lady - I would have wanted to be someone like our heroine Evelyn. Pragmatic - but also a fiercely loyal friend and romantic where it counts.
Some of the more serious issues discussed throughout are the colonization of India by the British, r4cism, being from mixed heritage, bi-raci4l couples, and more. It's all discussed with such tact and so important to the story-line. I loved every moment!!
Overall, this series is a must-read! (They can also be read as standalones. I've read them out of order, and it caused no issue!)
Overall - I really enjoyed this.. but it was absolutely more graphic and wildly unhinged than I expected.
I think when we read books where the woman iOverall - I really enjoyed this.. but it was absolutely more graphic and wildly unhinged than I expected.
I think when we read books where the woman is a murd3rer - we expect certain things.. but our 'heroine'? Kitty? She's nothing like I expected. We all know the rich and famous get away with certain kinds of horrific things.. but what if they used it for good? What if they became vigilantes?? What if they're a posh society princess?
As I was reading, Kitty's inner monologue definitely made me laugh more than a few times. What I didn't expect though was to champion her throughout! I wanted her to get away with it and caught myself so many times thinking...'WAIT WHAT?! YOU CAN'T THINK LIKE THAT?!'
As a whole- this book is funny - but I would def say there are some cringe parts. Don't go into this expecting something soft and sweet and you'll be good!! (Also, it's def NOT appropriate for young readers even with the pretty cartoon cover!!)...more
Enthusiastic fist-pump to the air for a strong heroine of the Victorian Era!! It takes so much courage to admit when you're wrong and need to change -Enthusiastic fist-pump to the air for a strong heroine of the Victorian Era!! It takes so much courage to admit when you're wrong and need to change - and when characters go from driving me CRAZY to making me want to give them a hug - I know the author did their job well. Our heroine, Lady Anne Deveril, exemplifies everything I want to see in a woman who realizes the fallacy of her thoughts and owns up to them!
I loved this so much that I immediately ordered the second book in the series (another friend had already bought me the first one)!
P.S. I'm reading the first book, The Siren of Sussex, now and I don't feel that the books have to be read in order. I truly have no idea what's going to happen based on The Lily of Ludgate Hill! (I prefer series like this sometimes...makes it so easy just to pick up a historical romance and enjoy it for what it is!!)
**Thank you to Berkley & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
I love how fast I can read this series and be entertained!! I also loved the blend of Nordic vibes in this story. The cold icy landscape made a fun baI love how fast I can read this series and be entertained!! I also loved the blend of Nordic vibes in this story. The cold icy landscape made a fun backdrop to this story and the icy monster Sorinda found!
I honestly wasn't sure if I would love this story because it wasn't about Alosa - but once I started reading Sorinda's tale, I was immediately entranced. There's just something about a private novel that I can't help but love!! I especially find it enjoyable when we have such strong heroines. Even if they're working through their own emotional issues from past trauma - or navigating new types of relationships - I appreciate reading those stories of their growth.
The idea of the open seas and adventure is always appealing... but then to add women's friendships and a dash of romance on top? **SO FUN!!!**
**Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
A perfectly short thriller to make you consider...'what if?' When a sorority girl who seems to have it all goes on a ki!ling rampage... what does it tA perfectly short thriller to make you consider...'what if?' When a sorority girl who seems to have it all goes on a ki!ling rampage... what does it take to make a person truly content?
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THOUGHTS: When I started reading this.. I didn't expect to feel a connection to the main character. After all... I'm not a blonde, super skinny - socialite/sorority girl..? Picklesimer's writing, though? Excellent. We're immediately sunk into the deep recesses of a truly troubled mind with all of its disillusionment and diss-attachment to the world around them.
A major theme I noticed developing throughout 'Ki!l For Love' was a lack of contentment. It reminds me of a certain group of wealthy men who were lost to the sea because they decided to play chicken with nature in a submarine recently? What does one need to **feel** something when you have everything? What does it take to get a rush? When you literally have the world at your fingertips and beauty is attainable with every swipe of your black card... what does it take for you to feel whole and content?
- Is the rush of ki!ling another human being. That's what our main femme fatale was after... but what got her to that point? At what point do intrusive thoughts become something you must act on? Must you have a predisposition for evil and violence? (Our main character certainly did!) But does that little slice of evil exist in us all? (People have committed atrocious acts for far less than what she did!)
It's rare for women to be serial ki!lers. When they do.. do we judge them differently than men? Or are they all still judged with the same level of abhorrence? I've read a lot of books on multiple h0micices recently... and I personally feel the same revulsion toward them all. BUT there are def moments that I almost feel pity for our FMC... she's clearly clinically/mentally unwell... but at what point could she have been saved? Was she always doomed to become a monster?
Ok.. did anyone think Raiders of the Lost Heart wasn't going to be an adorably adventurous rom-com? Ok.. did anyone think Raiders of the Lost Heart wasn't going to be an adorably adventurous rom-com? ...more
Based on true events, this is the story of women of the 1970s looking for their underground railroad to safe reproductive health care. It was gut-wrenBased on true events, this is the story of women of the 1970s looking for their underground railroad to safe reproductive health care. It was gut-wrenching and heartbreaking at times, but in the end, gave me such a powerful reminder of the strength of women's friendships and doing what's right when it matters.
Imagine not being able to live a fulfilling life without becoming a social pariah.. That's essentially the lives of these women from Maher's latest, All You Have To Do Is Call. Beyond the main plot, something I immensely enjoyed was seeing women who work from home take back a little of themselves, whether that be in political ambitions etc. - that just wasn't commonly done!
Also interesting to note that even highly educated women were still not completely free to do as they pleased!! The men in this book who supported women's reproductive rights - I always wonder if those are based on true stories too? Somewhere along the line, I'm sure they were, but were they really integral to this group? After reading, I immediately wanted to jump online and do all sorts of research!
NOTES: - CWs: Women's healthcare / reproductive rights etc.
**Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group & NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. I received this book for free, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR ...more
I've read many of these feminist Regency romances where the heroine has a penchant for uncovering the follies of her fellow peerage. What I haven't haI've read many of these feminist Regency romances where the heroine has a penchant for uncovering the follies of her fellow peerage. What I haven't had the pleasure of until now is reading one with such a spectacular cliffhanger!!
THOUGHTS: - The cliffhanger! I truly didn't see this coming, especially the way it played out, and I feel like that's the mark of good writing. So much of this story lined up to be what you'd expect - and I loved seeing my predictions come true. But to give us just enough of a happy ever after and then throw in that curve ball?! *Chef's kiss**
NOTES: - Feminist - 1800s England Setting - ...more
Are you one of those girls who easily makes friends in the bathroom? Do you ever just have a lighthearted instant connection with someone...? ... HaveAre you one of those girls who easily makes friends in the bathroom? Do you ever just have a lighthearted instant connection with someone...? ... Have you ever seen that person again and laughed at your paths crossing again? If so - this is the thriller you NEED to read in 2023.
I loved this book because our dear heroine, Lucie, had to learn many of the same lessons I've had to learn for myself over the years!! I read this oneI loved this book because our dear heroine, Lucie, had to learn many of the same lessons I've had to learn for myself over the years!! I read this one in a day after flipping pages as fast as I could - also after an excruciating week where I completely needed to dissociate!
**Random... but anyone else reading this... I felt like the heroes in this series weren't exactly worthy of our heroines. They only realize the heroines' worth after potentially losing them and I sort of loathe that. I want the men to see their value upfront!!!
**Also - I don't really feel like writing a long review about this. Safe to say, I have my notes and thoroughly enjoyed this small slice of feminist romance, and I don't have it in me to dissect it like normal!!!...more
⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 - The Whisper Network was described as 'primal' by another well known author - and I think that's exactly what I experienced. More than just a ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 - The Whisper Network was described as 'primal' by another well known author - and I think that's exactly what I experienced. More than just a #MeToo feminist redemptive tale... finally there's a bit of animalistic feeling justice being served. ...more
I finished this one last night and I have to say that I really love this series overall - even though I wish there had been more with the sirens in thI finished this one last night and I have to say that I really love this series overall - even though I wish there had been more with the sirens in this one? ...more
A fun young adult women-in-STEM, lightly-feminist historical romance! So many things to love in this easy-to-read love story of a girl who just wants A fun young adult women-in-STEM, lightly-feminist historical romance! So many things to love in this easy-to-read love story of a girl who just wants to be a doctor and a boy from the wrong side of the carriage tracks.
THOUGHTS: - Anatomy is a super fast-paced read, and I enjoy reading something young adult every now and then as a palette cleanser before heavier, more emotional reads. Schwartz's writing is also incredibly fluid, so you can read this one in a few days!
- Our heroine, Hazel - progresses from an immature young girl with fanciful ideas to a woman with her eyes open to the world is one of those things you know is about to happen but something you're also happy to see for any young gal. She learns the realities of life aren't as easy, and I appreciate that things weren't sugar-coated even though she was wealthy! Her future had been mapped out since birth, but in choosing her own way, she would also have to face harsh realities in life.
- Somewhat disturbing to think about the fact that early medicine and medical studies relied on cadavers that were already rotting. It's a wonder any medical advancements have been made!
Will I Read The Next Book? At some point, I could see myself reading the next book if I want something truly mindless.. however I feel that after reading the book blurb for Immortality (Book #2) - I already know the ending? With such a massive TBR list, sometimes I feel it's important, to be honest with myself about what I want to add to my TBR so I don't get bogged down. However, if I saw a copy of this book sitting at Half Priced Books - I'd probably snag it to have the duology complete in the library.
FAVORITE QUOTES: (Had A LOT of favorite quotes from this book because it's so good and I feel like a great teaching tool in some ways?)
- "never rely on someone with less to lose than you did." - Street smarts in the making for our young readers.
- "Hazel, there's no hell worse than a world in which I would see you grow old and lose you and then be forced to live another day." - Sweet in a Poe sort of maudlin way.
NOTES: - Truly young adult in how the character's relationships are portrayed for their younger than 18-year-old selves. - CWs: Parts of this story are somewhat gruesome.. think about what doctors do in med school while they're practicing on cadavers..? Definitely, some parts that I had to skip through because they grossed me out, but nothing else, IMO can be considered a content warning for readers. - P.S. I thought this was going to be a fantasy novel for some reason - and even though it's not - there is a bit of scientific magic/whimsy that readers can look forward to....more
⭐⭐ - Would I turn in someone I loved for criminal activity? DEFINITELY. You're endangering everyone else I love. Go on to prison boo-boo.
And why am ⭐⭐ - Would I turn in someone I loved for criminal activity? DEFINITELY. You're endangering everyone else I love. Go on to prison boo-boo.
And why am I saying this?? Because our heroine was written to be a simpering fool... and I'm salty about it.
Can't we have a heroine that's intellectually gifted and has common sense?
THOUGHTS: - The main problem I had with this book is that even though the main character, Rosalind, is a smart woman.. she still gets sucked into the drama of a man's lies etc. and she has a hard time finding th courage to do what's right. Women who defied the world's expectations of them and became scientists do not seem like the kind of women who lack courage??
- This whole plot just annoyed me. This book is such a good premise - but the 'secrets' took much too long to flesh out. When they did they weren't really that big and the suspense felt anticlimactic.
- What did I enjoy to leave a 2-star review? Mostly just that women's voices are being heard in the STEM field and the casual reminder that even in the 1950's they were committing women to asylums for being sad. Always something to be grateful for I suppose? If I rolled my eyes any harder they'd get stuck that way.
If allowed, I'd probably rant about books like this for days. I'm just so annoyed that we get this powerful woman taking on the patriarchy in the world of science... but she's afraid to potentially betray the man she loves who also put the entire world in danger? NO.
And I'm not even a left-leaning feminist in all reality? More like the Victorian Era feminists who want equal opportunity education and the right to literally not be a man's property? Not to mention, I'm a scientist myself, and all the women in the STEM fields who paved the way for other women in STEM fields? I think some of them would roll over in their graves at Rosalind's ambivalence and sheer stupidity sometimes. I digress. Back to the book review.
NOTES: - CWs: There is an element of POW/wartime t0rture that's spoken of. This may be sensitive for some readers. - S3xual content with some detail but not enough to feel like smut....more
I loved everything about Alosa and her gals-pirate-crew, the originality of the plot, world-building and storyline! It's incredibly refreshing to feelI loved everything about Alosa and her gals-pirate-crew, the originality of the plot, world-building and storyline! It's incredibly refreshing to feel like I'm reading a book I haven't read before (especially in the fantasy world where sometimes things can seem redundant!)...more
Southern Lady Reads (Crazy Busy-Will Catch Up!)
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