Mona Awad’s books can best be described as a lit fic wtf, and I say that in the best possible way because her books always have a clear and p4.5 stars
Mona Awad’s books can best be described as a lit fic wtf, and I say that in the best possible way because her books always have a clear and powerful message. They’re also always deliciously devious and so much fun! I don’t know too much about Awad’s journey as an author, but I first read her books with her chaotic novel, BUNNY. It’s so much fun and bizarre and a total blast! Her books aren’t for everyone, but I was excited to pick up her upcoming novel, ROUGE.
ROUGE takes on the beauty industry in this Eyes Wide Shut meets Snow White (I also got Death Becomes Her vibes slightly too) with the protagonist Mirabelle (nicknamed Belle) and her mother Noelle. Living in Montreal, Belle’s relationship with her mother is estranged to say the least, but when she dies, Belle flies over to her mother’s apartment in San Diego to prepare funeral arrangements. There, she is embraced by this exclusive spa called La Maison de Méduse, which is apparently where her beauty obsessed mother would regularly spend her time. There, she learns more about her mother’s obsession with mirrors and her appearance, and how dangerous the path her mother led before her demise.
ROUGE touches on unrealistic beauty standards, race, mother/daughter dynamics, and the mental stability of those who place superficial aesthetics above all else. This book is dark, wildly entertaining, and thought-provoking. ROUGE is the perfect infusion of horror, dark comedy, and social commentary. I loved this one so much and it’s definitely Awad’s best. I battled with giving it a 5 star or a 4 star, which led me to the only 4.5 star read I’ve had all year. I still am struggling with whether this rating is right or not, but readers will definitely be polarized on this one. I cannot WAIT to see this as a movie, because the imagery that Awad uses through the setting (you’ll know what I mean when it gets to the jellyfish) is absolutely remarkable. I’ll be tuning into Mona Awad’s next story. STARS: 4.5, PUB: 9/12
Merged review:
4.5 stars
Mona Awad’s books can best be described as a lit fic wtf, and I say that in the best possible way because her books always have a clear and powerful message. They’re also always deliciously devious and so much fun! I don’t know too much about Awad’s journey as an author, but I first read her books with her chaotic novel, BUNNY. It’s so much fun and bizarre and a total blast! Her books aren’t for everyone, but I was excited to pick up her upcoming novel, ROUGE.
ROUGE takes on the beauty industry in this Eyes Wide Shut meets Snow White (I also got Death Becomes Her vibes slightly too) with the protagonist Mirabelle (nicknamed Belle) and her mother Noelle. Living in Montreal, Belle’s relationship with her mother is estranged to say the least, but when she dies, Belle flies over to her mother’s apartment in San Diego to prepare funeral arrangements. There, she is embraced by this exclusive spa called La Maison de Méduse, which is apparently where her beauty obsessed mother would regularly spend her time. There, she learns more about her mother’s obsession with mirrors and her appearance, and how dangerous the path her mother led before her demise.
ROUGE touches on unrealistic beauty standards, race, mother/daughter dynamics, and the mental stability of those who place superficial aesthetics above all else. This book is dark, wildly entertaining, and thought-provoking. ROUGE is the perfect infusion of horror, dark comedy, and social commentary. I loved this one so much and it’s definitely Awad’s best. I battled with giving it a 5 star or a 4 star, which led me to the only 4.5 star read I’ve had all year. I still am struggling with whether this rating is right or not, but readers will definitely be polarized on this one. I cannot WAIT to see this as a movie, because the imagery that Awad uses through the setting (you’ll know what I mean when it gets to the jellyfish) is absolutely remarkable. I’ll be tuning into Mona Awad’s next story. STARS: 4.5, PUB: 9/12
Merged review:
4.5 stars
Mona Awad’s books can best be described as a lit fic wtf, and I say that in the best possible way because her books always have a clear and powerful message. They’re also always deliciously devious and so much fun! I don’t know too much about Awad’s journey as an author, but I first read her books with her chaotic novel, BUNNY. It’s so much fun and bizarre and a total blast! Her books aren’t for everyone, but I was excited to pick up her upcoming novel, ROUGE.
ROUGE takes on the beauty industry in this Eyes Wide Shut meets Snow White (I also got Death Becomes Her vibes slightly too) with the protagonist Mirabelle (nicknamed Belle) and her mother Noelle. Living in Montreal, Belle’s relationship with her mother is estranged to say the least, but when she dies, Belle flies over to her mother’s apartment in San Diego to prepare funeral arrangements. There, she is embraced by this exclusive spa called La Maison de Méduse, which is apparently where her beauty obsessed mother would regularly spend her time. There, she learns more about her mother’s obsession with mirrors and her appearance, and how dangerous the path her mother led before her demise.
ROUGE touches on unrealistic beauty standards, race, mother/daughter dynamics, and the mental stability of those who place superficial aesthetics above all else. This book is dark, wildly entertaining, and thought-provoking. ROUGE is the perfect infusion of horror, dark comedy, and social commentary. I loved this one so much and it’s definitely Awad’s best. I battled with giving it a 5 star or a 4 star, which led me to the only 4.5 star read I’ve had all year. I still am struggling with whether this rating is right or not, but readers will definitely be polarized on this one. I cannot WAIT to see this as a movie, because the imagery that Awad uses through the setting (you’ll know what I mean when it gets to the jellyfish) is absolutely remarkable. I’ll be tuning into Mona Awad’s next story. STARS: 4.5, PUB: 9/12...more
Luke Dumas is an amazing storyteller. I loved his writing ever since he horror debut, A History of Fear, that made my top reads of 2022. One 3.5 stars
Luke Dumas is an amazing storyteller. I loved his writing ever since he horror debut, A History of Fear, that made my top reads of 2022. One thing you know about this author is that he will fully invest time and research into coming up with a story and THE PALEONTOLOGIST is no exception. The story is centered around Paleontologist Dr. Simon Nealy (and Covid-19) and his journey after accepting a position at natural history museum in his Pennsylvania hometown. The same museum where his six-year old sister Morgan went missing. Simon is adamant that she was abducted, but the case went cold years ago with no further developments. Simon begins his work at the museum during the heat of Covid and while he is preparing for the museum's reemergence post-lockdowns, Simon begins to notice very peculiar occurrences in the museum that he cannot explain. When he finds his predecessor's diary, he begins to see that these strange occurrences are not just a coincidence.
THE PALEONTOLOGIST is a heavy book filled with paleontology technical speak—you can tell the author did his research! If I didn't know, I'd say that Luke Dumas was a paleontologist himself! It's more of a Simone St. James read than his last book, but this book provides the slow burn horror that fans should expect. I'm excited for the author's next venture into horror and I hope that he continues to tell stories that are unique and unlike anything I've ever read before.
Merged review:
3.5 stars
Luke Dumas is an amazing storyteller. I loved his writing ever since he horror debut, A History of Fear, that made my top reads of 2022. One thing you know about this author is that he will fully invest time and research into coming up with a story and THE PALEONTOLOGIST is no exception. The story is centered around Paleontologist Dr. Simon Nealy (and Covid-19) and his journey after accepting a position at natural history museum in his Pennsylvania hometown. The same museum where his six-year old sister Morgan went missing. Simon is adamant that she was abducted, but the case went cold years ago with no further developments. Simon begins his work at the museum during the heat of Covid and while he is preparing for the museum's reemergence post-lockdowns, Simon begins to notice very peculiar occurrences in the museum that he cannot explain. When he finds his predecessor's diary, he begins to see that these strange occurrences are not just a coincidence.
THE PALEONTOLOGIST is a heavy book filled with paleontology technical speak—you can tell the author did his research! If I didn't know, I'd say that Luke Dumas was a paleontologist himself! It's more of a Simone St. James read than his last book, but this book provides the slow burn horror that fans should expect. I'm excited for the author's next venture into horror and I hope that he continues to tell stories that are unique and unlike anything I've ever read before....more
HOT SPRINGS DRIVE is my first read by Lindsay Hunter, but will definitely not be my last. Disclaimer, I did the audiobook for this one via @4.5 stars!
HOT SPRINGS DRIVE is my first read by Lindsay Hunter, but will definitely not be my last. Disclaimer, I did the audiobook for this one via @librofm and I'm not entirely sure if my experience listening and reading would be the same. The story is centered around a group of neighbors and friends, specifically Jackie and her best friend Theresa. The two are not only best friends, but they're going through the trials and tribulations of motherhood and marriage. Their bond is tight, but when Jackie ends up having an affair with Theresa's husband, their lives are changed forever.
I'm purposely being vague about this one, so don't read any spoilers. HOT SPRINGS DRIVE is basically about a neighborhood all having hardcore sex with each other and then someone dies. I won't got into it anymore than that so don't ask! I absolutely had a blast with this one, but the plot is mainly internalized characterizations for all the characters the author presents us. This book dives into sex and sexuality, role of the family unit, lust and desire, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their peace. I very rarely give 4.5 stars for a book, but I just had so much fun with this one. Lindsay Hunter is officially an auto-read author for me from here on out. ...more
What drew me to immediately pick up Nalini Singh's newest book, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT was the cover (guilty!). I loveeee covers with mysteriousWhat drew me to immediately pick up Nalini Singh's newest book, THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT was the cover (guilty!). I loveeee covers with mysterious estates; it's a trope I always fall for when it comes to picking up mystery/thriller novels. THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN EIGHT is my first venture into Nalini Singh's writing, but I can see why readers of contemporary fiction like her.
The story focuses on a group of friends reconnecting at one of their friend's family home years after their death. Bea was such a staple in this group of friends' lives, but when they reminisce about their history with her at her family's estate, they end up being snowed in. Friends become enemies, old flames reconnect, and new lovers are all joined—the secrets between this group begin to unravel. Bea's mysterious death begins to become front and center with the new developments from this group. Maybe reconnecting with old connections isn't always for the best—especially if you have secrets to hide.
This book reminded me so much of THE CHATEAU and BRIGHT AND DEADLY THINGS—two books that were recently released this year, so if you're a fan of those books, please consider picking this one up. The book is a slow burn suspense, so definitely pick this one up when you're looking to digest a story a little bit more slowly. It's not a super dark mystery/thriller, so readers who get nervous with this genre should not worry. I would be interested in seeing what's next with Nalini Singh.
Shanora Williams is the queen of juicy binge reads. I really fell in love with her storytelling with her previous book, The Wife Before (whic3.5 stars
Shanora Williams is the queen of juicy binge reads. I really fell in love with her storytelling with her previous book, The Wife Before (which I highly recommend you checking out). If you like Tarryn Fisher, Shanora's books are must-reads! Her latest book, THE OTHER MISTRESS came out in the summer, but I wanted to make sure I read this one before the end of the year.
The story is centered around Adira Smith-Cortez, a self-made millionaire, and her husband Gabriel. Adira is living an incredible life with her true love, but when she finds out that Gabriel is cheating on her with two other women, Adira begins to spiral beyond repair. She ends up teaming with one of the two women, beautiful nightclub owner Jocelyn, to take down the other mistress, Julianna. After trying to befriend Julianna to take her down, Adira can't help herself but to think extremes. Adira will do everything to protect the life she's built and when her obsession with protecting herself becomes too extreme, she realizes that she's willing to lose everything.
THE OTHER MISTRESS is a fun, juicy psychological thriller, just like her previous novels. I really love Shanora's writing style and it's just the ultimate popcorn read. That being said, I understand why people are mixed in their opinion with the ending. It's not something that I really enjoyed, and it's been done before, but it didn't take away from me being invested in the outcome. I think if the ending was differently wrapped up, I would've given this book 4 or 5 stars. The writing is superb and the juice just pours out of the pages. If you want a fun read, look no further than THE OTHER MISTRESS.
BOYS IN THE VALLEY is a solid coming of age horror novel set in the early 1900s at St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys in Pennsylvania. Philip Fracassi'sBOYS IN THE VALLEY is a solid coming of age horror novel set in the early 1900s at St. Vincent's Orphanage for Boys in Pennsylvania. Philip Fracassi's newest horror novel was very highly praised by reviewers and bookstagrammers alike, so I definitely wanted to read this during Halloween szn. BOYS IN THE VALLEY is the perfect blend of "The Exorcist meets Lord of the Flies, by way of Midnight Mass" as the blurb suggests.
The story is centered around Peter Barlow, a young boy orphaned after a gruesome murder/suicide of his parents, and is taken to St. Vincent's Orphanage. There, Peter takes to the new home and sees the benefits of growing up within the Priesthood, but when strange and devious actions are being done to the boys within the orphanage, Peter must take a stance before it's too late. Especially when bodies begin to pile up.
This book is dark and very intense, but I think it's one you need to go into knowing very little about. The synopsis is vague and so will my review. If you like traditional horror, BOYS IN THE VALLEY follows that script much more than the modern horror stories I've been seeing lately. It's a perfect concoction of drama, horror, and psychological suspense. The story moves slower than I would've liked, but once you hit the halfway mark, there's no turning back. I'll definitely read more stories by this author, especially close to Halloween. ...more
Jennifer McMahon is a very popular modern horror author, but she's never been an author I've really prioritized, until now. MY DARLING GIRL will be onJennifer McMahon is a very popular modern horror author, but she's never been an author I've really prioritized, until now. MY DARLING GIRL will be one of my favorites of the year for sure.
MY DARLING GIRL is the perfect blend of hororr, psychological thriller, and family drama. The only sad part about my journey with this book is that it's over. Taking place in Vermont, Allison gets a request by her estranged ailing mother about wanting to spend her last days with her and her family. Allison grew up struggling with the relationship she has with her mother, but eventually accepts. As a child, Allison dealt with abuse and alcoholism from her mother Mavis, but she hopes that this time together can help repair the damage before her death. However, once Mavis arrives to Allison's home, she begins to see behavioral issues that she can't just ignore. Something is wrong with her mother and it's not just the behavior she had growing up. Something worse is at play and Allison must confront these issues and keep her family out of harm's way.
Loved this book! Sinister, theatrical, original! By far my favorite read by this author, but also one of my favorite horror novels ever. I hope this becomes a movie! If you like the Conjuring series or the documentary Mother Dead and Dearest, MY DARLING GIRL is your book! I read this book in two sittings and it would've been in one if work didn't get in the way. Can't recommend this book enough - MAKE SURE TO GET A COPY COME PUB DAY! Thank me later. :) ...more
Amber and Danielle Brown's debut novel, Someone Had To Do It, was a major hit for me earlier this year so when I heard that they were coming out with Amber and Danielle Brown's debut novel, Someone Had To Do It, was a major hit for me earlier this year so when I heard that they were coming out with another novel, PERFECT LITTLE LIVES, I just had to get the opportunity to read this one. Seriously, it was very difficult getting a chance to read this book early so thank you to the publisher for sending this over.
PERFECT LITTLE LIVES has a similar voice as Someone Had To Do it, but they are very different types of novels, with PERFECT LITTLE LIVES being more straightforward in the storyline. Our main character, Simone, lives with her boyfriend Reggie (a successful attorney), but after she bumps into her old childhood neighbor, Hunter, her past starts coming back to haunt her. Her father was placed in prison for her mother's murder, Simone knows that he's innocent and will do anything in her power to free him. Especially when Hunter's father, the man who had an affair with Simone's mother behind her father's back, seems to be the main culprit in her eyes. Hunter's father is a renowned judge with everything to lose, but when Hunter increasingly becomes a more prominent figure in her current life, Simone believes now is the time to investigate for herself.
PERFECT LITTLE LIVES is so much fun, but I knew exactly how it would end and I was right. The book is part drama, part murder mystery, and part romance. I will read anything that this dynamic duo will write, and readers of light mystery/thrillers will enjoy this one. If you're a bit more seasoned like me, you'll probably figure it out as well. I really enjoyed that Amber and Danielle Brown were able to pivot with book 2 and I can't wait to see what they'll come up with their next release. PERFECT LITTLE LIVES is perfect for those who enjoyed May Cobb's A Likeable Woman. ...more
THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE (I will be calling it TH&EGS as the review goes on, just FYI) was my first venture into James McBride's storytelling,THE HEAVEN & EARTH GROCERY STORE (I will be calling it TH&EGS as the review goes on, just FYI) was my first venture into James McBride's storytelling, but it surely won't be my last. I immediately picked this book up after seeing @nature.ooks.and.coffee 's review on Goodreads and was excited to try the audiobook. The story starts in Pottstown, PA during the 1970s where a skeleton is found in the discovery of an old well, with a mezuzah clutched in its hand.
Navigating through the story, we ventured back in time to the Great Depression, where this smalltown community included an immigrant Jewish population and African Americans living side-by-side. This story is a character-driven story of the power of chosen community, even during times of heartache and bigotry. I usually don't enjoy character-driven stories, but TH&EGS makes it work for me. I think by listening to the audiobook, it enabled me to connect with many of the characters, specifically Chona, who won me over immediately. Not a fast-paced book by any means, take your time with this book and slowly uncover these characters' stories....more
Laura Picklesimer's debut novel, KILL FOR LOVE, is legitimately SO. MUCH. FUN. This feminist, satirical take on American Psycho had me devouring the pLaura Picklesimer's debut novel, KILL FOR LOVE, is legitimately SO. MUCH. FUN. This feminist, satirical take on American Psycho had me devouring the pages and I read this book in one sitting.
The story is focused on Los Angeles sorority sister, Tiffany, and her struggle to keep her sadistic impulses at bay while in college. Tiffany has nightmares of fire and destruction, but instead of them being nightmares, they are desires. Tiffany ends up giving into her impulses after a fraternity party hook up goes awry and it ends up in murder. Tiffany has awakened the beast she kept at bay her entire life. As Tiffany's bloodlust grows stronger and stronger, she also struggles to balance out her new relationship with her boyfriend Weston. Tiffany is determined to get what she wants, by any means necessary.
This book is camp. This book is satire. This book is wild. This book is sexy. THIS BOOK IS FUN! I had such a blast reading this book and it's very quick to get through. I definitely think readers will have a blast seeing the world through Tiffany's distorted, yet also lovable(?) eyes. The cover immediately drawn me in and it's truly calling for the gays to read. KILL FOR LOVE is a great read for those who liked American Psycho or Stone Cold Fox. Highly recommend! ...more
Bryan Washington's FAMILY MEAL is one of my most anticipated Fall 2023 reads after loving his last book, Memorial. FAMILY MEAL is an unapologetically Bryan Washington's FAMILY MEAL is one of my most anticipated Fall 2023 reads after loving his last book, Memorial. FAMILY MEAL is an unapologetically queer novel about love, grief, chosen-family, and self-acceptance. The story centers around three main characters—Cam, his boyfriend Kai who has recently passed away, and TJ. TJ and Cam grew up together after Cam's parents had died when he was younger, but the two have a strained relationship as adults. When Cam moves back to Houston after living in Los Angeles with his boyfriend, he is picking up the pieces after Kai's death and learning how to move on and cope. Cam is emotionally unstable, maintaining a job at a local bar struggling to survive real estate costs, while putting himself in irresponsible sexual encounters to mask his pain. When Cam bumps into TJ, the two try to work towards a healthy future together after being estranged for so long.
FAMILY MEAL is a story about love, sex, and vulnerability. I don't want to give too much about this book, but it is emotionally charged to say the least. The Karens will lose it over the gay sex that is featured in this book, but it isn't very explicit for those who like a more "fade to black" type of romantic encounter in their books. This book is grief heavy and will make you think—specifically for how the queer community creates their own family during times in need and how to navigate that. I could relate to parts of this book, and I also could see people in my inner circle resembling some of the characters. FAMILY MEAL gets another stamp of approval by me from Bryan Washington. I will read anything he publishes for his readers. ...more
I'm going to say something controversial, but is Chuck Wendig the new Stephen King!? My mind is blown after reading his newest novel, BLACK RIVER ORCHI'm going to say something controversial, but is Chuck Wendig the new Stephen King!? My mind is blown after reading his newest novel, BLACK RIVER ORCHARD. I fell in love with this author's way of storytelling after reading and devouring The Book of Accidents, so I knew I needed to read BLACK RIVER ORCHARD. This story is absolutely bonkers and off-the-wall unique.
BLACK RIVER ORCHARD is giving me The Strand vibes (I didn't read the book, but I watched the Paramount+ mini-series), but it's a totally original story. The story focuses on several different POVs, but the main character here are apples. Apples. When people in this small town start growing these orchards that have delicious, yet mysterious apples, they start to realize that something is unique with them. People are changing and maybe not for the better.
I can't go too far into this book because the mystery behind these apples will play out and if I tell you, it'll ruin the surprise. That being said, this book is way too long. It would've been a 5-star rating from me if 200 pages were chopped. However, the book is fully dedicated into fully vetting and characterizing all the main characters in this book. You'll feel like you know them, and you'll love and hate them all at different times (well some, I just hated and some I absolutely loved from start to finish).
If you have time to fully devote yourself to spend days reading this book (coming from someone who can read a book in a day if I'm obsessed, this book took me five days), then BLACK RIVER ORCHARD is your book. This book is very inclusive and has a powerful message that I fully appreciated. Thank you @jordys.book.club and @mother.horror for influencing me on picking this one up. I'll continue to read Chuck Wendig novels and I'm excited to see what he comes up with next....more
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