THE BOYFRIEND is my favorite Freida McFadden to date. I said what I said. I've really been enjoying thrillers that infuse dating/romance/dark f'd up pTHE BOYFRIEND is my favorite Freida McFadden to date. I said what I said. I've really been enjoying thrillers that infuse dating/romance/dark f'd up partners lately (I wonder why) and THE BOYFRIEND fits the bill! The story is centered around Sydney Shaw, a mid-30s year old woman living in New York trying to navigate online dating. When a date goes awry, Sydney ends up meeting someone who ends up being everything she'd want in a relationship. He is charming, handsome, confident, and a physician. As the two begin to date, Sydney starts suspecting that her new relationship isn't as stable as she thought it was, especially when a string of deaths start popping up. These murders involve women around her age demographic.
I almost gave this book 5 stars because it was so much fun, but I immediately clocked what was going to happen (for the most part) early on. That didn't take away from my enjoyment, but I wish the secrets were held a bit better. This book is juicy and fun in all the best ways, and I did get tricked with one of the twists, so I was pleasantly surprised at some of the developments. This is an easy read for sure and won't be anything you haven't seen before in thrillers, but the way the story is told really is a fun journey. I definitely would recommend any Freida fans to pick this one up because it really is a fun, mindless, escape. I definitely needed this read to take my mind of ~life~ lately. This book will be perfect for a vacation read or a rainy day read because you will get lost in the story. I have mixed opinions about this author, but I definitely do not with THE BOYFRIEND....more
THE UNMOTHERS is a truly unique story, but I don't think it's really horror and more so a mystery/literary fiction folklore. The story surrounds MarshTHE UNMOTHERS is a truly unique story, but I don't think it's really horror and more so a mystery/literary fiction folklore. The story surrounds Marshall after reeling from the death of her husband. She is sent by her editor to the small, backward town of Raeford to investigate a seemingly absurd rumor that a horse has given birth to a healthy human baby boy. Upon arrival, she finds a town more concerned with its famous horse breeding than with the welfare of its own people. However, when two horribly mangled bodies—one human and one horse—are discovered in a field, Marshall begins to suspect there’s a real story to uncover. As she delves deeper into the town and its secretive inhabitants, her grip on reality falters. Is she losing her mind, or has she stumbled upon a dark secret that has haunted the women of Raeford for generations?
THE UNMOTHERS is very interesting, but I did feel that the story lacked the horror elements that I expected with this story. It's more of a mystery-driven character-based fiction novel. At times, I felt lost within the story and had to reread it a few times, but I did feel engaged while reading this story. I did feel a bit of a distance with the storyline—I didn't feel fully immersed and feeling a bit like I was being told a story versus witnessing it—but I do believe this is a very strong debut. Horror is hit or miss with me because I definitely expect deeply rooted suspense, so this may be a horror novel, so if you are interested, definitely consider picking this one up!...more
When college student, awkward and shy Ryan, is assigned a new dorm roommate, he did not expect it to be Miller MacAvoy. Miller is gorgeous, athletic, When college student, awkward and shy Ryan, is assigned a new dorm roommate, he did not expect it to be Miller MacAvoy. Miller is gorgeous, athletic, confident, and wealthy. Miller is the only person Ryan knows that doesn’t get any ...more
Everyone was raving about Jessa Maxwell’s debut, The Golden Spoon, last year, but it just didn’t sound like the right fit for mI NEED YOU TO READ THIS
Everyone was raving about Jessa Maxwell’s debut, The Golden Spoon, last year, but it just didn’t sound like the right fit for me. However, when I heard about Maxwell’s sophomore novel, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS, I was intoxicated with excitement over a murder in the world of Dear Abby (well, in this case, Dear Constance). I used to love reading those columns in the newspaper and so did my mom. Thank you @atriabooks for this gifted copy!
As mentioned, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS dives into the world of Dear Constance, a popular newspaper advice column (think Dear Abby!). However, when Francis Keen, the person behind Dear Constance, is murdered, it takes front and center on the news. Given that the position is now open, Alex Marks applies for the position and learns that she is offered the position (it doesn’t hurt that it’s two times the salary she was making and this will change her life). Alex is excited to start her role, but her excitement completely does a 180 when she starts receiving increasingly intensely dark letters and starts feeling that her safety is at jeopardy. As Alex delves deeper into her Francis’ murder, she begins to wonder if she herself is a target as well. Could someone the newspaper be involved, someone from her past, or someone out there lurking…
First and foremost, this book is not a thriller. It’s a light mystery slow burn. That being said, it is a totally fine read for what it is. The idea is such a cool spin on the mystery genre, but the execution left a bit more to be desired. I felt that things were much tamer than I expected and the book told us what was happening versus letting us read into and imagine it. It’s hard to explain, but if you know you know and if you don’t you don’t. The plot was unique, but the story heavily involved slow moving plot points that left the characters a bit underwhelming. Overall, if you want something unique and lighter than the typical thriller coming out this year, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS is up your alley! STARS: 3, PUB: 8/13 ...more
I love Rachel Harrison's books so much and when I heard about her latest novel, SO THIRSTY, I knew that I wanted to prioritize it as soon as possible.I love Rachel Harrison's books so much and when I heard about her latest novel, SO THIRSTY, I knew that I wanted to prioritize it as soon as possible. Rachel Harrison creates the perfect cocktail of horror, contemporary fiction, feminist-empowering stories I've read in recent years, and and SO THIRSTY is no exception!
The story is centered around Sloane Parker and her friend Naomi. Sloane is about to celebrate her birthday and when her husband Joel surprises her with a weekend getaway with her friend Naomi, Sloane feels a bit concerned that he didn't want to spend it with her. Regardless, Sloane is excited to catch up with her chaos addicted friend and the two spend a weekend away at a nice bed and breakfast while enjoying wine tastings and relaxation. When Naomi plans a night out with Sloane, the two meet a group of people at the bar and are invited to their house for a party, but it quickly takes an unexpected turn. Sloane and Naomi must come to terms with what their new normal will be whether they like it or not.
SO THIRSTY is unique because it's a story about people turning into vampires and coming to accept it. There's so many metaphorical messages within this center of conflict that ring true for different types of things going on within peoples' lives. I found the journey of these new vampires utterly intriguing and also very satirical that I couldn't put it down and finished within two sittings. The is the ultimate testament to a good novel! I did not looooove the ending, as I felt like it ended a bit too early, but overall this book is an amazing installment in Rachel Harrison's rolodex of supernatural modern-day horror reads. If you've read and enjoyed any of this author's previous works, you will hands-down love this one. Rachel Harrison has become an auto-read author for me, so make sure you put this one on your TBR! ...more
Lisa Kusel’s newest novel dives into the world of romance author Kate Burke and her husband Matt Parsons. They have a loving marriage, yet very unorthLisa Kusel’s newest novel dives into the world of romance author Kate Burke and her husband Matt Parsons. They have a loving marriage, yet very unorthodox. Kate chooses to not have sex with her husband and in return, he’s allowed to have an open marriage as long as he tells her all the details. Kate’s novels dive into Matt’s escapades and have become very successful, but when a new neighbor moves in, things may take a turn for the worst. This book triggered me so much, but it’s bonkers and so unique. I had a blast with it and LOVED the ending....more
Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller release. I immediately got tuned into this novel based on the synopsis—when Meredith McCall (our protagonist) experiences a painful loss (you'll find out exactly what), she begins struggling in her as a psychiatrist and trying to move forward with her life. Grief-stricken, she begins an obsession with Gabriel Wright—following him around and becoming unhinged. As Meredith's obsession continues to grow, Gabriel ends up walking into her office as a patient, not knowing that she has become fully immersed in his life privately. When Meredith and Gabriel begin to get to know each other on a deeper level, boundaries are crossed and Meredith starts unraveling (hehe) her entire life. Is Gabriel worth risking everything?
You can totally tell that Vi Keeland is a romance author in the way she weaves this story around. It's truly a wild, fun ride. I love thrillers with a heavy romantic/sexual tone to it, and THE UNRAVELING is definitely that. This book dives into grief a LOT and I won't say what happened to have our characters grieving, but from someone grieving over the last couple of months, I fully related to Meredith's unhealthy and unorthodox methods of self-care and coping. It's hard to move on from something life changing and devastating and THE UNRAVELING truly dives into that. I really enjoyed this book and will totally prioritize Vi Keeland's next thriller if she chooses to continue down this path....more
I was immediately hypnotized by the cover for Asha Elias' debut novel, PINK GLASS HOUSES. It'll definitely be in my top covers for 2024, I mean come OI was immediately hypnotized by the cover for Asha Elias' debut novel, PINK GLASS HOUSES. It'll definitely be in my top covers for 2024, I mean come ON! The story reminded me of Desperate Housewives meets Big Little Lies, so I was really excited to pick it up. I alternated between the audiobook via @librofm and the physical copy, and I really enjoyed being able to navigate the two options seamlessly.
PINK GLASS HOUSES dives into the world of a group of wealthy PTA moms of Sunset Academy, an elite elementary school in Miami Beach, Fl. The families belong in three different categories: rich, wealthy, and ultra-wealthy. The story focuses on several women, but specifically Charlotte Giordani and Melody Howard. Charlotte is charming and cunning, and she's up for election as the PTA president. She has secured a lot of support from some of the most wealthy locals, but when Melody shows up, everything gets thrown for a loop. Melody and her family just recently moved into the neighborhood from Wichita, KS, and has won over many in the school district. When Melody becomes a powerful foil to Charlotte's candidacy, the struggle between the two begins to grow. While Charlotte begins to unravel, Melody realizes that she has entered a world she's never seen before—a world she may never leave.
PINK GLASS HOUSES is a satirical thriller with so many moments that really entertained me. It's campy, juicy, and theatrical. I loved the audiobook cast and highly recommend you choose that option if you have the ability to choose between the physical and audio. If you like over-the-top soapy thrillers, PINK GLASS HOUSES will be perfect for you. GIVE ME ALL OF THE DRAMA....more
I usually stay away from horror/thriller novels that involve mothers and their children, because it usually bores me to no end, but when I saw this beI usually stay away from horror/thriller novels that involve mothers and their children, because it usually bores me to no end, but when I saw this beautiful cover, I knew I needed to pick up DEAREST. Jacquie Walters' fantastic horror debut delivers a haunting tale of hidden family secrets and the challenges of new motherhood.
Flora, left to care for her six-week-old daughter alone while her husband is deployed, is overwhelmed by loneliness, guilt, boredom, and exhaustion. Desperate for help, she longs to reconnect with her estranged mother. As Flora's stress heightens, she starts seeing her childhood imaginary friend, experiencing strange dreams, and hearing voices on the baby monitor, prompting her to finally reach out. DEAREST is reminiscent of Ashley Audrain’s The Push, which we all know I didn't enjoy, but adds a supernatural twist which kept me hooked from start to finish. DEAREST is able to weave in supernatural horror elements that give this story a unique flair. I really enjoyed the audiobook, and tried to not binge too much on it. I highly recommend listening to DEAREST if you enjoy audiobooks. The story is a bit slower paced and I did feel that the chaotically fun ending could have been a bit longer, but the payoff in the end was totally worth it. I'm very excited to see what Jacquie Walters has for readers next....more
Shari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a sShari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a slow building reveal, but always pay off in the end, so I was excited to pick up her newest book, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
The story takes place in a small town in Vermont called Fairhill. Nothing really happens in this small rural town, but when popular teenager Diana Brewer is found in a hayfield dead, this town gets turned on its head. The synopsis is very vague, so I will continue to keep it that way. The story is a neighborhood whodunnit and there's many suspects at play.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? is not Lapena's strongest work, but her fans will probably enjoy this book regardless. The story is very slow and the reveal wasn't much of a shocker to me, but what makes this book enjoyable to me were the characters. We get several point of views and each and everyone one of them has a unique voice that I found engaging. This book has a ghost aspect that I haven't seen the author utilize in the past, but it works! Some people may not like that subtle que in the book, but I actually felt that it added to the suspense of the story. Again, I quickly was able to figure out the evolution of the story, so I had to be honest with my review of this book. I will continue to read Shari Lapena's books, but this was definitely one that I will forget about in the future. ...more
Liz Moore's previous novel, Long Bright River, was really engaging and unique for a mystery novel, so I was very excited to pick up her lates3.5 stars
Liz Moore's previous novel, Long Bright River, was really engaging and unique for a mystery novel, so I was very excited to pick up her latest, THE GOD OF THE WOODS. The story is centered around the disappearance of Barbara Van Laar in 1975 at a sleepaway camp in upstate New York. Barbara isn't just a typical teenager, but the daughter of the family who owns the summer camp that is a big influence in the area's economy. Barbara's brother also disappeared years ago in a similar fashion. The entire locality begins to investigate and search for Barbara, however in doing so, Barbara's family becomes front and center, slowly unraveling the Van Laar family.
THE GOD OF THE WOODS is very slow moving and character-driven. It's beautifully characterized and well written, but it takes a long time to get going. I felt at times that I was trying harder than I needed to when reading this book so I alternated between reading the physical book and listening to the audiobook. Both options are enthralling, yet slow moving. Barbara's disappearance is the catalyst for a much larger story, but the ending was a great way to tie things together. THE GOD OF THE WOODS really dives into the themes of wealth and power and family trauma. This isn't the mystery novel you may suspect if you enjoyed Long Bright River, but I appreciated the pivot that the author provided with this book. I am unsure if I'd read another book like THE GOD OF THE WOODS, but I think that readers of slow burn mysteries will enjoy this book....more
Bela is just your normal eight year old girl, living her her parents, Mommy and Daddo, with her Grandma Ruth also nearby. Bela is a resourceful and cuBela is just your normal eight year old girl, living her her parents, Mommy and Daddo, with her Grandma Ruth also nearby. Bela is a resourceful and curious little girl who is much smarter than perceptive than anyone can imagine. She also sees another force within her familiar home, specifically her closet, named Other Mommy. Other Mommy visits Bela daily asking her "Can I go inside your heart?" Bela has refused this proposal each time, but Other Mommy is starting to get impatient and with her presence growing more and more intense, Bela understands that she must make a decision to save her family.
INCIDENTS AROUND THE HOUSE is my favorite Josh Malerman novel yet. I really enjoyed Bird Box and I loved Malorie, but this book blows all of Malerman's previous books out of the water! This book is told through the eyes of an eight year old, so the POV is very unique and I think that Malerman portrayed it perfectly. I really felt that I was following Bela around during this time, which also led for a very scary horror novel experience. This book is scary, bookstafam! I was hypnotized and scared all at the same time. If you watched and enjoyed the movie Insidious, THIS IS YOUR BOOK! I loved the premise of this story and it kept me engaged the entire time. I read this book in one sitting and can guarantee that this book will be in my 2024 best reads of the year!...more
Liv Constantine's newest release, THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH is full on juicy fun. I was cautiously excited about reading this one because I do remember ThLiv Constantine's newest release, THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH is full on juicy fun. I was cautiously excited about reading this one because I do remember The Last Mrs. Parrish (book 1) and was concerned that this book wouldn't read well as as standalone. I can tell you right now that is definitely not something anyone should be worried about.
Daphne and Amber are back into each others' lives after one of Daphne's daughter runs away looking for her father, Jackson Parrish. Jackson and Daphne are divorced after she fled and Amber married him in a twist of a fate from Book 1. However, while Jackson is in prison, Amber is enjoying the wealth that being a Parrish brings. Jackson is a terrible human, both being involved in tax-evasion, but also as an abuser. When Daphne returns back to Bishops Harbor, she realizes that leaving this time might be more difficult. While Jackson swears that he's a changed man, Daphne knows that she should trust her gut. Amber, on the other hand, deals with someone from her past looking for revenge.
Liv Constantine always knows how to write a juicy over-the-top story. Reading THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH, it reminded me of how much Frieda McFadden's The Housemaid really took too much subject matter from Constantine's predecessor The Last Mrs. Parrish. If you like The Housemaid and the sequels, you MUST read this series. Also, if you're new to Liv Constantine, THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH can be easily read as a standalone. I can 100% confirm that because I forgot a lot of the ins and outs of it's previous installment and not only does Constantine weave in the story effortlessly, it fully revitalized parts of the book that I had forgotten. Both books are a lot of fun and have tons of juicy, soapy, chaos. Personally I love Daphne so much, but I also find Jackson to be such a chaotic, evil, and fun to watch (in the most f'd up of ways) character. I'd love to see these characters play out on the screen. Highly recommend that you pick up THE NEXT MRS. PARRISH! ...more
I really enjoyed Rufi Thorpe's previous novel, The Knockout Queen, and was excited to get another story from this author. Rufi Thorpe is a one of a kiI really enjoyed Rufi Thorpe's previous novel, The Knockout Queen, and was excited to get another story from this author. Rufi Thorpe is a one of a kind author and her newest book MARGO'S GOT MONEY TROUBLES is just that - unique and one of a kind! The story is centered around Margo Millet and her trying to get by financialy after getting pregnant by her married English professor. She decides to keep the baby and realizes how difficult it is to raise a child at such a young age. She decides to start an OnlyFans account and see if she can make money for her and her child, but when she starts realizing that it's been a total success, she realizes that it comes at a price. This book is darkly hilarious and such a good showcase of how society judges others for doing things to survive in this world financially. I had an absolute blast and it will really help change subconscious bias many readers may have with sex work....more
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