good fun!! lowkey support the murderer though whoops… anyway the guys were little cuties. no enemies to lovers vibes at all so i def got the wrong vibgood fun!! lowkey support the murderer though whoops… anyway the guys were little cuties. no enemies to lovers vibes at all so i def got the wrong vibe there, but very fun :)...more
not sure why my rh girlies haven't got a hold of this one yet - it was everything i needed! kickass fmc who took no crap this was actually so good?!!
not sure why my rh girlies haven't got a hold of this one yet - it was everything i needed! kickass fmc who took no crap and was smart as hell, a captivating plotline, and some easy to obsess over (and very obsessed themselves) mmcs. plus plenty of spice! so easy to read and adore.
and while the plot-twists were in no way shocking for me, i didn't even mind, because i still had so much fun watching them track down the serial killer. always an entertaining plot. plus i loved and adored how this book didn't end on a massive cliffhanger, despite being book 1 of 3 - thank you author, for not becoming part of the rh cliffhanger epidemic.
this was such a cute, fun, cozy regency romance x mystery x light fantasy combination!! add in the banter and adorable friendships, and this was overathis was such a cute, fun, cozy regency romance x mystery x light fantasy combination!! add in the banter and adorable friendships, and this was overall just such a sweet and enjoyable read....more
perhaps not Tempe’s strongest book, but still enjoyable and interesting! love triangle was unexpected, but i hope i’m correct on who she chose at the perhaps not Tempe’s strongest book, but still enjoyable and interesting! love triangle was unexpected, but i hope i’m correct on who she chose at the end. interesting mystery for my slump! ...more
This book was just as interesting and mysterious as its predecessors!
I consider this series the perfect palate cleansers - they’re so low angst and loThis book was just as interesting and mysterious as its predecessors!
I consider this series the perfect palate cleansers - they’re so low angst and low stakes (in a way), just simple crime and mystery and murder, and the inevitably fascinating cadaver investigations. Sometimes I skim bits here and there, but it never matters, because Kathy Reichs’ books always pull me in and keep me interested. They’re quick, easy, captivating reads! So low stress.
(Plus I literally skipped an entire book (book #3) because I just read whatever I find at the op shop, but it doesn’t even matter, because each book is almost separate, which I love.)...more
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
This was a really interesting book! I loved the way it ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my rating or review.
This was a really interesting book! I loved the way it combined historical events such as the Great London Exhibition of 1851 with fae fantasy and a murder mystery, and the characters were so charming (pun not intended).
"That's how I feel - that impossibilities are only temporary obstacles... as ephemeral and wondrous as the flowers of the Amazonian giant water lily."
I found the writing style really lyrical - with the combination of an 1800's setting and the author's writing style, it was consistently flowy and poetic. The characters backed up this writing style, as they were careful and gentle, rarely brusque or brash. I do have to say that this perhaps led to a lack of connection between myself and the characters, as I couldn't fully empathise with them, and was therefore less invested in the story or the romance (though I did adore some of the budding friendships).
"I am yours with every agonising beat of my heart. With every ounce of my soul."
Nonetheless, the romance was extremely adorable at times, and the MMC certainly adored the FMC very dearly, which I always appreciate. The plot was also strong and intriguing, with some shocking plot-twists (always a win) and the occasional dash of action.
All in all, this was an enjoyable and really pleasant read!...more
vera wong is so special - at first, she got on my nerves slightly, but as the book continued and we gotthis was so much fun, and so so heartwarming!!
vera wong is so special - at first, she got on my nerves slightly, but as the book continued and we got to see more sides of vera, she just became so precious. can she be a little over the top, and nosy, and ridiculous sometimes? maybe! but it's what makes her characters so unique and loveable (and asian grandmother-y). i loved watching vera bring together four people and help bond them as friends and family, and i especially loved watching vera's relationship with julia and emma grow and flourish - they were so damn adorable! every little kid needs a stubborn, dedicated, loving grandma to fill them with delicious food at any (and every) time of the day.
the mystery was shocking, for sure, but i didn't even find that to be the main plot - this book was just so heartwarming, it was honestly a story of family. it also included so many important messages, such as discussing abusive marriages (non-physical), familial pressure, and artistic block. plus complex asian family dynamics, of course! also the descriptions of food were brutally delicious... i got so hungry.
definitely give this one a try, my mystery lovers, and those who need a book that feels like a warm hug (and smells of good tea)....more
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
That plot-twist though!
I went through a range of emotioARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
That plot-twist though!
I went through a range of emotions while reading this book. For the first portion of the book, I thought it similar to Verity - strange, dark, ft. an enigmatic seducer of a boss. But as the book developed, it became that and more, turning into a deeper mystery wrapped around a peculiar house of ghosts (real or imagined).
"Sometimes, at night, I will let fantasy get the best of me. Especially in the winters, when everything here is bleak, and there are only my thoughts and the cruel dark."
I honestly wish we got more of the curious creatures that our two MCs read about and researched - they sounded fascinating, but were not the main plot. Instead, this novel was a dark one revolving around lost loves and the difficulty in telling the truth from delusions. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it, especially once the plot further developed and started picking up the pace.
"You shine a light in this dark house, Miss Foxboro. I pray you let nothing extinguish it."
I will say that I wasn't particularly attached to either of our protagonists (or their romance), though I adored some of the side characters. Our FMC often irritated me - however I was nonetheless caught up in this story, and while I wasn't all that invested in the romance, I could not doubt that the two MCs were perfect for one another.
The author's writing was also gorgeous and lyrical, and could easily picture the happenings of the book. Overall, this one was mysterious and enticing! Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC copy....more
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
This was such a beautiful novel! It was somehow combineARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
This was such a beautiful novel! It was somehow combined themes of gothic romance, Celtic fae mythology, and Victorian historical society – and I loved it. Add in the intriguing mystery and the darker themes, and this book was unlike any I’ve read.
“There are faeries, then, at Witchwood Manor.”
Firstly, the worldbuilding was phenomenal. I’ve read a fair few novels with the traditional fae mythology mentioned in The Witchwood Knot, but none had such intriguing and beautiful descriptions. Atwater’s depictions of fae monsters and card games and twisting mazes was so captivating and fascinating, and I enjoyed every page.
“Innocence is so offensive, isn’t it?… It is never content in its existence. It must force itself upon the rest of the world, insisting that true horror is a fiction.”
This novel also contained a few themes darker than expected – so check those triggers lovelies (let me know if you need me to write them below). I thought the author wove them into the story brilliantly, and they neither detracted from the plot nor were brushed over, which I appreciated. The quote above especially is such a unique take on the world and our constant determination to look on the bright side – I loved it.
“The world would be more comfortable without us, Miss Hall… But I have never troubled myself overmuch with making other people comfortable. I would rather carry a knife.”
I ADORED the main characters, especially our FMC. She was so strong and steady – she knew herself, and was capable and calm. Certainly a nice change from fiery, sarcastic heroines (who I also love, but who seem to be in every book these days). She also had a subtle sense of humour which I treasured.
“I would have you play my songs until your fingers bled… I would compose new music, just to hear you play it with such passion. I cannot bear it, governess – how dare you love my music more than I do?”
And the romance THE ROMANCE. It wasn’t the most prominent plot point, but it was so easy to obsess over nonetheless. I’m always a sucker for a traumatised, dark-haired MMC who believes he’s a monster – and this book provided. I don’t want to say too much about them and spoil, but I loved these two.
Overall, I’m so very glad I read this one. It has the most immaculate vibes and beautiful worldbuilding, and I cannot wait to read more from this author. Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC copy....more
This was good but… I feel my expectations were a little too high.
I forgot the most important rule of life - always go in with low expectations. EveryThis was good but… I feel my expectations were a little too high.
I forgot the most important rule of life - always go in with low expectations. Everyone hyped up the plot twist so much - and don’t get me wrong, I absolutely did not see it coming and it did shock me - but when I read it, I gasped and then went “oh… that’s it?”.
My disappointment is also due to what I felt was a really slow start to the book. For the first 50% I wasn’t all that captivated, I was almost bored to be honest, and I just wasn’t sucked in like I usually am with mystery books. I read a mystery book to be awed by the intertwining lies and unassuming hints, brought together by the dramatic reveal at the end, but I felt that this book skipped the lies and hints and just… had a big bang for a conclusion.
I have to reiterate - this was not a bad book!! I absolutely did not guess the plot twist, and it was pretty crazy and sent me into a little bit of shock, which is truly all I can ask for. And it did make me look back at what I’d read and consider it all in a different light - again, exactly what I want in a mystery book!! I was just a little surprised by the slow pace. And the unlikable characters - LORD I hated those characters. All of them. I don’t think our MC was supposed to be likeable, but nonetheless I was shocked by my disinterest and disdain for him. But again - not a bad book!! Just possibly didn’t match the hype, in my humble and non-professional opinion. Still glad I read it though! ...more
this one was a wild ride! definitely darker than expected, and i do see why people don’t love Bel as a protagonist… but overall a super captivating anthis one was a wild ride! definitely darker than expected, and i do see why people don’t love Bel as a protagonist… but overall a super captivating and shocking mystery.
i can definitely understand the mixed reviews for this book, but for me it was a engrossing mystery rich with plot twists, and that's all i needed. was Bel overly acerbic and sometimes downright mean? yes, absolutely, and i can't say that i adored her - but she was certainly realistic, and i could understand her perspective (most of the time...). and let me clear something up right here - this was not a romance book. there was like 2 pages of romance, and it was very bare, not at all a main plot element. i will say that the love interest (if we can call him that) was cute af, but he barely got screen time if we're being completely honest.
but the mystery... ooo the mystery was JUICY. i did have to side eye Bel when her early suspicion was literally just because her traumatised, recently returned mother had a couple inconsistencies in her story (i have inconsistencies when i tell people a story from the day prior), but once things actually started to get a bit suspicious and intriguing, i really got roped in. there was so much going on - the family drama was juicy!! and the foreshadowing - tehe. brutal.
i saw one tiny plot twist coming, and considered myself einstein for it, but every time i thought we'd heard it all there was yet another twist! it was captivating and addictive and a little bit dark, and overall i really enjoyed the read.
~~~
pre-read review: HOLLY SAID THIS IS THE BEST BOOK SHE'S EVER WRITTEN. i'm seated. i'm ready. i'm waiting for a copy to fall into my hands....more
This was pretty good!!! While it was nothing completely revolutionary, I read it in a sitting and got very caught up in it, and I never guessed the plThis was pretty good!!! While it was nothing completely revolutionary, I read it in a sitting and got very caught up in it, and I never guessed the plot twists (though I didn’t really have my thinking cap on). It was interesting and wonderful for some escapism! ...more
this little fantasy mystery romance was so cute!! the plot was captivating and interesting, the characters had such brilliant personalities (i just wathis little fantasy mystery romance was so cute!! the plot was captivating and interesting, the characters had such brilliant personalities (i just wanted to give the fmc the biggest hug!!), and the romance was adorable. i flew through this in one evening! perfect proportions of fantasy, mystery, and romance, in my opinion. ...more
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
This was a beautiful book. It wasnPost-read review:
ARC copy provided in exchange for an honest review. This in no way changes my rating or review.
This was a beautiful book. It wasn't exactly what I expected after Adrienne Young's "Fable" series, but I was certainly pleasantly surprised. "The Unmaking of June Farrow" was a rich, intricate story of time travel, love, and family, and I enjoyed every second of it.
"Was I becoming someone else, or was I just finally becoming myself? I couldn't tell."
One thing that this novel had in droves was powerful characters. They were so realistic and well-written, and June was a wonderful MC. For one, she was in her mid-30's, which was so refreshing (I'm not in my 30's but I am a little scared by how half the books I read nowadays have characters younger than me), and she also had beautiful growth. June's relationship with her family was beautifully written, and the fantasy aspects of the novel didn't take away from that in any way - if anything, they added to it, which I really appreciated.
"You may have ruined my life, June. But first, you gave me one."
The romance was perhaps... less prominent than I expected? To be honest, I didn't really know what to expect, but it was certainly different to the YA fantasy romance of "Fable" - however that certainly didn't make it lesser! I found it a beautiful tale of comfort and belonging, and Adrienne Young's writing for the relationship between both characters was truly phenomenal.
"But this aching love that was breaking ground inside of me didn't feel selfish. It felt brave."
I will admit that some of the fantasy aspects didn't make perfect sense to me, but I didn't even mind, because they weren't truly the central plot. I really enjoyed this gorgeous adult novel, full of so many twists and turns and fascinating characters, and I highly recommend it for those looking for their next read with aspects of mystery, fantasy, romance, and family.
Thank you so much to the author, publisher and netgalley for the ARC copy!
~~~
Pre-read review:
Just got an ARC for this!! I’m so excited to read it, Adrienne Young always writes such brilliant fantasy books....more
This book reminded me why I love mysteries, and it’s because I’m simply not smart enough to ever guess the plot twists - and I love it!
Much like A GooThis book reminded me why I love mysteries, and it’s because I’m simply not smart enough to ever guess the plot twists - and I love it!
Much like A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, Five Survive was packed with twists, turns and dramatic reveals, and it certainly kept me hooked. I finished this book in under 24 hrs, and the fact that the book spanned across 8 hours meant that every page was action packed.
However, unlike AGGGTM, I wasn’t all that invested in the characters. I did enjoy reading from Red’s POV, and she was certainly an interesting (and much darker) character than expected, which I appreciated. But I still wasn’t super invested - and I’m not sure what to think of the end.
Nonetheless, this was very captivating and exciting, and certainly had a great number of dramatic twists. I do recommend for an exciting mystery thriller! ...more
this was like every other cringey teen book from the early 2010s! which means it was entertaining, a little ridiculous, very easy to read, an3.5 stars
this was like every other cringey teen book from the early 2010s! which means it was entertaining, a little ridiculous, very easy to read, and had a little sprinkle of bad boy love interest amongst the random murder to spice things up a bit. i read it in one sitting while in the bath ignoring university. good times! will probably never reread, but i also don't regret reading it a first time. ...more
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