aly36's reviews
2188 reviews

Lies Like Wildfire by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

 This story started with a search and then moved back in time to show the reader how we got here. I liked the story line and I can relate to parts of the story. Strong language and sexual content, I could've done without in this book but only my opinion, being that this book was more geared towards young adult readers. For the most part for me, the book was a fast ride and exciting to find out what happens in the end. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.* 

The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

5.0

This book was interesting to me. I likes the new way this author thinks about witches using different timelines to tell the story. The way this story was intertwined into different times and places was a work of art. What a masterpiece of weaving over time and the characters were likable and interesting. The story is compelling and well written. I was caught from the beginning to end. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.* 

Night Class by Hannah Crow

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This book was a short quick read. It was very steamy and I liked the vampire elements in it. I feel the story was a bit quick and I really wanted a bit more.  It ended a bit different than I am used to and I was not mad about that.  I think for a quick read it was ok.  I guess I expected more from a vampire story.

Dead School by Laura Gia West

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

This was a great book.  I enjoyed the unique idea of Dead School! Tina Crocker trying to succeed at Dead school was a ride.  I was concerned whether she would pass or fail all through the book. The author added a new world for me with Dead School!  The world building was great and the characters were just as good even the ones we wanted to hate a bit. For me, the end was the best part because it was funny and it made be cry just a bit. I enjoyed this book until the end!

A Bit of Bite by Cynthia Eden

dark emotional lighthearted slow-paced

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

4.0

This was a quick book with a little romance, action and plenty of werewolves. I enjoyed this book. I have not read any of Cynthia's books before but I look forward to reading more of her work. Ava Dushaine & Julian Kasey were great characters and fun to imagine.  I love to imagine characters coming to life before my eyes. This was a fun and exciting paranormal romance.

Magic Tides by Ilona Andrews

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

I love this book.  I am glad to see another book about Kate Daniels.  This book has action and new friends but our favorite lovable Kate, Curran and their son, Conlan! I loved every minute of this book and it was hard to put down.  I hope we can get more books about the Wilmington Years! Magical mayhem, creatures new & old and so much fun to read!

The Hawthorne School by Sylvie Perry

challenging dark mysterious 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

3.0

 A mother moving her child to a new school can be a challenge but then the school is odd. New schools can be hard but this book was interesting to me. I am not sure why Claudia Vera didn't check this school out more. Did Claudia Vera and her son get in too deep? I just wanted more from this book to pull me into the story. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.* 

Ten Days by Mel Sherratt

dark emotional inspiring 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? N/A

4.0

I have not read this author before but I loved the twists and turns in this book.  It kept me guessing! I am not sure, for me, it was a any new twist on a story that I feel has been told by many authors.  But I do think I will read a few more books from this author before I make my final decision on the books as a whole. *This book was given to me for free at my request from NetGalley and I provided this voluntary review.*

Not Me by Kate Bold

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

It's time to catch a killer in this thriller.  I enjoyed meeting Camille Grace in this book as a new FBI agent with the BAU team.  This book had me wondering why the killer was killing. It had me guessing at where the killer would strike next.  I wanted a bit more action but I enjoyed the story.  Camille heads back to the deep south where she wished to never go again to catch this New Orleans killer.  I look forward to learning more about Camille and getting to know her better in the books to come. Kate Bold is a new author for me. I think I will read more of her books.

Taking on the Dead by Annie Walls

adventurous hopeful medium-paced

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

5.0

 I do not read many apocalyptic books. I think they are usually better on TV or in movies. I have to say that this book for me has changed this opinion! I really enjoyed getting to know Kan, Rudy, and Mac. I loved all the characters even the not so great ones. I am not a "Walking Dead" fan but I was very happy I loved this book so much. I had my reservations since I do not like the "Walking Dead" but I am so glad I took a chance on this book. I am looking forward to finding out what comes next for this trilogy. Also, Annie Walls is a new author for me and I am glad that she kept my interest with this book. She is from Nashville, TN which makes her a neighbor! Great book Annie and please keep these awesome books coming!