allthingsalicia's reviews
18 reviews

The Inmate by Freida McFadden

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I’m a big fan of Freida McFadden’s writing, ability to dynamically storytell and create great plot twists, but this one was my least favorite of her books. Although the end absolutely threw me for a loop and I couldn’t believe the epilogue - like wow - it still couldn’t make up for the pure annoyance I had with the FMC Brooke. Maybe it was on purpose, but I had to take a few breaks with this book to not DNF it purely out of the frustration and annoyance I felt for the FMC. I commend the author for pulling such visceral feelings from me, but it took away from me overall enjoying the book. Especially in comparison to some of her other books! This book is a 50/50 shot and I say go for it for the twist, but be aware that you may be tempted to throw your book a few times due to the naivety of the FMC. Or maybe it’s just me…
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The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

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emotional hopeful lighthearted tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Really liked this book - the tension between the 2 FMCs is interesting and I enjoyed the side deals and twists that push the plot along. The writing was enjoyable and think the emotions of the MCs were so believable that it made me even more invested to see the story through - especially when I had my moments of impatience with Nina’s naivety! 
The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.25

Childhood friends, fake date, social media madness and miscommunication galore.

This was a fun book that I enjoyed, but left me wanting more. I’m not a huge miscommunication trope fan, but in this case - I could understand the inclusion of it, but it didn’t make or break the story for me. I wish we knew more about the connection our main characters have. We get a bit of a peek into their past, but the tension was so palpable in the first half that it made me wanting more info. I also wish the ending didn’t feel so rushed and tied up as nicely, but June is so sweet to a fault. 

Overall though, this was an easy book to enjoy with some moments of laughter and unexpected tears. The writing was enjoyable and I loved the bit of spice I wasn’t expecting! 
The Wedding People by Alison Espach

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

sensitive topics: infertility & suicide

Thank you NetGalley/ Henry Holt for providing this ARC to me! 

This book was such a refreshing take on the idea of “one moment can change everything”. This book was messy, but beautiful. The pace was enjoyable and provided you just enough time to ask yourself what you would do if you were in Phoebe’s shoes. 

I really enjoyed the relationship between Phoebe and Lila. A wedding can truly bring out the best or worst in people and this book conveyed that in the more realistic way - the family conflict was just enough to keep you wanting to know…what now? The characters felt real and I know a few of them reminded me of a few people I know or have met. The writing was enjoyable - It was a fun read with solid dialogue that was witty and interesting. 
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The Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

The Coworker by Freida McFadden

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I saw the end coming, or I at least guessed it correctly, but not exactly in the most perfect way. That aside, it was a well paced read that still had some surprises in store for people that often read suspense. Enjoyable book! 
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One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

A fairly well paced book that kept me on the edge of my seat. This book is like a massive spiderweb. As I began to think I knew how it would end, there were a few surprises waiting for me. Extremely intriguing book that made you question so many of the characters. 


STOP - <mild spoiler>
Only thing I wish I got from the book was what the planning looked like when the decision was made. Crazy! <mild spoiler>
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