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bookaroundandfindout's reviews
169 reviews
Forgive Me Father by Katerina St Clair
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Oh my actually God what an amazing book!! I loved the storyline and the spice and the ending was great. This a super dark super spicy romance which I totally needed with enough lightness in the details and a great HEA. Highly recommend if you wanna explore your sinful side and repent ;).
The Woods All Black by Lee Mandelo
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
So this book was okay and for several reasons.
1. I did like the historical context and the representation of the batshit crazy small town nonsense. The religious zeal and isolation of anyone who is different from traditional strict gender roles was spot on.
2. I liked the thought process of Leslie.
3. The story was set up with a lot of good potential
But this where it ends for my liking because even though the set up was good the ending was.. weird?? I didn’t really like the setup for the romance for starters it felt forced and awkward- like they don’t really set up a reason for interest it was just strange.
The horror portion could have been amazing maybe if we had some other context for it like I have so many questions about HOW the creature of the night came to be ? ?
It was a decent read but I wouldn’t read it again for sure. Glad it was a novella and short.
1. I did like the historical context and the representation of the batshit crazy small town nonsense. The religious zeal and isolation of anyone who is different from traditional strict gender roles was spot on.
2. I liked the thought process of Leslie.
3. The story was set up with a lot of good potential
But this where it ends for my liking because even though the set up was good the ending was.. weird?? I didn’t really like the setup for the romance for starters it felt forced and awkward- like they don’t really set up a reason for interest it was just strange.
The horror portion could have been amazing maybe if we had some other context for it like I have so many questions about HOW the creature of the night came to be ? ?
It was a decent read but I wouldn’t read it again for sure. Glad it was a novella and short.
Impostor Syndrome by Kathy Wang
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Imposter Syndrome by Kathy Wang is a super entertaining, multi-POV story that follows Julia, a powerful Russian spy-turned-tech exec in Silicon Valley, and Alice, a Chinese-American immigrant struggling to find her way in the tech world. As their lives cross paths, the book digs into what power and success really mean, especially for women who are trying to balance it all.
What I loved about this book is how Wang shows two totally different kinds of women. Julia seems like she has it all—money, power, a career, family. She’s untouchable and even kind of god-like in how she views herself. But then there’s Alice, who’s so relatable for anyone who grew up as an immigrant kid, trying to live the American Dream in tech but feeling totally lost. The contrast between these two women is so sharp. Julia works harder because she’s a woman in a man’s world, while Alice is just trying not to disappoint her family and figure out what she even wants in life.
I also got a kick out of how funny this book is, especially with Julia’s inner thoughts. She’s such a boss on the outside but in her head, she’s ruthless and hilarious. As someone who works in AI, I found the tech references on point, and the way Wang pokes fun at tech culture added to the fun.
And just when you think you know where the story’s going, the ending throws a curveball—Julia actually does get to “have it all,” which I didn’t expect. It’s a really clever twist. Overall, this book is way different from what I usually read, but it was a great time. Definitely one to bring to book club for a lively discussion.
What I loved about this book is how Wang shows two totally different kinds of women. Julia seems like she has it all—money, power, a career, family. She’s untouchable and even kind of god-like in how she views herself. But then there’s Alice, who’s so relatable for anyone who grew up as an immigrant kid, trying to live the American Dream in tech but feeling totally lost. The contrast between these two women is so sharp. Julia works harder because she’s a woman in a man’s world, while Alice is just trying not to disappoint her family and figure out what she even wants in life.
I also got a kick out of how funny this book is, especially with Julia’s inner thoughts. She’s such a boss on the outside but in her head, she’s ruthless and hilarious. As someone who works in AI, I found the tech references on point, and the way Wang pokes fun at tech culture added to the fun.
And just when you think you know where the story’s going, the ending throws a curveball—Julia actually does get to “have it all,” which I didn’t expect. It’s a really clever twist. Overall, this book is way different from what I usually read, but it was a great time. Definitely one to bring to book club for a lively discussion.
Ted Bundy: Conversations with a Killer by Stephen G. Michaud
dark
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
5.0
Out of all the Ted Bundy books, I find this one the most dense and almost boring, but then also inversely the most intense and unsettling. This is the accounting of conversations with Ted Bundy while he is on death row and he talks about his cases, only, its not him who does anything, its this other person. Bundy truly was quite brilliant which is what is so jarring because as you listen to him you realize with stunned horror that the things he is describing this other person doing is really all just him and it's crazy how he can compartmentalize this information and speak in such a realized and self absorbent manner is crazy. This is definitely a book that I would read again because it provides a fascinating psychological insight into Bundy and how he was able to get away with so many crimes and horrors.
Glow by Raven Kennedy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
WHAT A CLIFFHANGER!!
This book felt like a really informative filler book in which we get a very in-depth understanding of who Slade is exactly and finally see his kingdom and what he looks like as a King.
We also now explore the repercussions of Aurens actions from Book 3, something which she has such a hard time coming to terms with, not only internally, but externally as well.
This series really explores the downfalls of being a beautiful woman- of not having the power to stand up for yourself and when you attempt to not only do men put you down but OTHER WOMEN. The internalized misogyny explored here is fascinating.
I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster the entire book because although we switch POVs, everything is quite charged as Auren decides what kind of woman she is going to be now that she’s free.
I was excited to also see the unfolding of the politics surrounding this entire world and the cliffhanger left me SHOOK- I’m already dashing to the next book right now!
I gave this four stars because there were a few sections of the book in which there was repetitive language that I don’t think was necessary and kind of added to the length of the book without the substance.
Excited for the next one this is such a great series!
This book felt like a really informative filler book in which we get a very in-depth understanding of who Slade is exactly and finally see his kingdom and what he looks like as a King.
We also now explore the repercussions of Aurens actions from Book 3, something which she has such a hard time coming to terms with, not only internally, but externally as well.
This series really explores the downfalls of being a beautiful woman- of not having the power to stand up for yourself and when you attempt to not only do men put you down but OTHER WOMEN. The internalized misogyny explored here is fascinating.
I felt like I was on an emotional roller coaster the entire book because although we switch POVs, everything is quite charged as Auren decides what kind of woman she is going to be now that she’s free.
I was excited to also see the unfolding of the politics surrounding this entire world and the cliffhanger left me SHOOK- I’m already dashing to the next book right now!
I gave this four stars because there were a few sections of the book in which there was repetitive language that I don’t think was necessary and kind of added to the length of the book without the substance.
Excited for the next one this is such a great series!
The Book Of Cin by H.M. Wolfe
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
This book was…incredibly disappointing.
I’ve been following the author for a while and was so excited to get this as an ARC read because from what I had seen from her promotions and the description of the book, it should be something I totally love. Right??
Wrong. I was so so wrong.
Let’s start with the storyline first. I totally the book begins by talking about a war that occurred and the set of tomes that were written to document everything. These are altered but it feels like we are being set up to look at the unraveling of the period after the Wars.
As the book progresses it’s harder and harder to figure out what the actual PLOT is ? It’s said that there is a child being hunted that has magical God like powers but then why are people coming to find this child so randomly ? Is this prophecy part of the wars? What was the point of the wars again? Even though there are mildly decent fight scenes there’s a bunch of random stories that don’t flow together at all and it leaves you feeling lost like what did I read?
The main characters 1. There are a TON, 2. This book would have done better with multiple POVs because looking at it from out FMC was exhausting the whole time and 3. Even as the main characters progress I have no idea how this is related to the plot.
The main FMC is literally the worst. She’s whiny and meek and that’s fine and all but her character development is terrible. She’s supposedly in an abusive relationship which is poorly represented and as she “asserts” herself it’s only because there’s another man there that’s caught her eye. The love triangle that is formed is super cringe and uncomfortable and doesn’t make much sense. It seems to me she’s just latching onto this new guy who treats her somewhat better and dumping all her trauma on him.
The side characters could have been more relevant as well and again this goes back to the wish for multiple POVs. It felt like she was setting all of them up for something but never executing it either.
The main male character who is supposed to be the love interest? GAG. There’s literally no generation of chemistry and he’s supposedly a King and it makes no sense. It’s such a turn off for me that I barely could stand the spicy scenes.
Overall with the books ending it feels haphazard and unsatisfying. I’m deeply disappointed because I really want to support this author but I can’t put out a fake review or be like yay you tried. Like you did and props to her for publishing but it just wasn’t for me at all
I’ve been following the author for a while and was so excited to get this as an ARC read because from what I had seen from her promotions and the description of the book, it should be something I totally love. Right??
Wrong. I was so so wrong.
Let’s start with the storyline first. I totally the book begins by talking about a war that occurred and the set of tomes that were written to document everything. These are altered but it feels like we are being set up to look at the unraveling of the period after the Wars.
As the book progresses it’s harder and harder to figure out what the actual PLOT is ? It’s said that there is a child being hunted that has magical God like powers but then why are people coming to find this child so randomly ? Is this prophecy part of the wars? What was the point of the wars again? Even though there are mildly decent fight scenes there’s a bunch of random stories that don’t flow together at all and it leaves you feeling lost like what did I read?
The main characters 1. There are a TON, 2. This book would have done better with multiple POVs because looking at it from out FMC was exhausting the whole time and 3. Even as the main characters progress I have no idea how this is related to the plot.
The main FMC is literally the worst. She’s whiny and meek and that’s fine and all but her character development is terrible. She’s supposedly in an abusive relationship which is poorly represented and as she “asserts” herself it’s only because there’s another man there that’s caught her eye. The love triangle that is formed is super cringe and uncomfortable and doesn’t make much sense. It seems to me she’s just latching onto this new guy who treats her somewhat better and dumping all her trauma on him.
The side characters could have been more relevant as well and again this goes back to the wish for multiple POVs. It felt like she was setting all of them up for something but never executing it either.
The main male character who is supposed to be the love interest? GAG. There’s literally no generation of chemistry and he’s supposedly a King and it makes no sense. It’s such a turn off for me that I barely could stand the spicy scenes.
Overall with the books ending it feels haphazard and unsatisfying. I’m deeply disappointed because I really want to support this author but I can’t put out a fake review or be like yay you tried. Like you did and props to her for publishing but it just wasn’t for me at all
Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell
adventurous
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Amanda Montell’s *Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism* is an eye-opening exploration of how language shapes not only the way cults operate but also the ways we engage with everyday organizations, from multi-level marketing (MLM) schemes to fitness communities. The book dives into the jargon and esoteric terminology used by cults like Heaven’s Gate and Scientology, as well as more familiar groups like MLMs and fitness centers, showing how specific words create a sense of belonging and shared purpose among members.
What stands out most in Montell’s analysis is how deeply layered the concept of a “cult” truly is. From high-control religious movements to seemingly harmless trends, Montell illustrates how the line between legitimate community and exploitation can blur when language is used to manipulate thoughts and squash independent thinking. Her discussion on the origin of the word "cult" was particularly enlightening, revealing how far the definition stretches beyond sensationalized media portrayals. She also interviews people that belong or belonged to some of these cults which adds to understanding the mind behind those that fall for cults.
Montell’s coverage of these cult-like behaviors extends even into everyday capitalist systems, particularly MLMs that prey on individuals seeking financial independence. The book brilliantly highlights the power dynamics involved in language, opening readers’ eyes to how seemingly innocent phrases can enforce control and loyalty. This fresh perspective on the power of words makes *Cultish* a thought-provoking read, compelling readers to reflect on the everyday groups they may belong to and the language that binds them.
Ultimately, the book underscores how language—whether through jargon, thought-terminating clichés, or emotionally charged phrases—serves as a tool of control, making you realize just how ubiquitous these tactics are in modern society. It’s not just about extreme cults anymore; *Cultish* shows us that the mechanics of influence are everywhere. This book definitely opened my eyes and I appreciate the nuances of language so much more now and have to think about the cults even I belong to.
What stands out most in Montell’s analysis is how deeply layered the concept of a “cult” truly is. From high-control religious movements to seemingly harmless trends, Montell illustrates how the line between legitimate community and exploitation can blur when language is used to manipulate thoughts and squash independent thinking. Her discussion on the origin of the word "cult" was particularly enlightening, revealing how far the definition stretches beyond sensationalized media portrayals. She also interviews people that belong or belonged to some of these cults which adds to understanding the mind behind those that fall for cults.
Montell’s coverage of these cult-like behaviors extends even into everyday capitalist systems, particularly MLMs that prey on individuals seeking financial independence. The book brilliantly highlights the power dynamics involved in language, opening readers’ eyes to how seemingly innocent phrases can enforce control and loyalty. This fresh perspective on the power of words makes *Cultish* a thought-provoking read, compelling readers to reflect on the everyday groups they may belong to and the language that binds them.
Ultimately, the book underscores how language—whether through jargon, thought-terminating clichés, or emotionally charged phrases—serves as a tool of control, making you realize just how ubiquitous these tactics are in modern society. It’s not just about extreme cults anymore; *Cultish* shows us that the mechanics of influence are everywhere. This book definitely opened my eyes and I appreciate the nuances of language so much more now and have to think about the cults even I belong to.
Her Psycho Beasts by E.P. Bali
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
SHARK DADDY DID NOT DISAPPOINT!!
Holy crap this third book was INSANE!! I barely have words as to how great this was. We focus on Scythe in this book and getting inside of his head and motivations was really amazing. He’s probably the more tortured one of the mates and we get to see how his childhood built him into the ruthless man he is today. We also get to see Aurelia grow as she gets closer to one of her new mates. I really don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that there is so much stuff I did NOT expect to happen at ALL. And I’m not mad at it but I really hate this cliffhanger because I’m dying for the next book right now. Great plot line and my heart is broken and bleeding right now 🥹🥹🥹😅🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Holy crap this third book was INSANE!! I barely have words as to how great this was. We focus on Scythe in this book and getting inside of his head and motivations was really amazing. He’s probably the more tortured one of the mates and we get to see how his childhood built him into the ruthless man he is today. We also get to see Aurelia grow as she gets closer to one of her new mates. I really don’t want to spoil anything but I will say that there is so much stuff I did NOT expect to happen at ALL. And I’m not mad at it but I really hate this cliffhanger because I’m dying for the next book right now. Great plot line and my heart is broken and bleeding right now 🥹🥹🥹😅🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷
Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
So much to unpack about this book. This is a great reference to understanding how deep and widespread poverty is. It also breaks down all of the stereotypical reasons we think poverty exists “people don’t wanna work”, “government handouts”, “people are lazy”. None of these reasons or the numerous others ones our society has been fed are really the real reason. The truth is that there’s tons of reasons. Matthew Desmond has taken extensive research and compiled together a history of poverty in America, its roots that are embedded in our society, and proposes potential ways to take action. I really liked the book and feel more well informed.
The Dawn of the Cursed Queen by Amber V. Nicole
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-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
I. AM. FLOORED. Amber V. Nicole, you've utterly <i>ruined</i> me with <i>The Dawn of the Cursed Queen<i>.
In this third installment of the <i>Gods and Monsters<i> series, we witness Dianna truly succumb to the broken parts of herself—and honestly, I can totally relate. Dianna is constantly plagued by feelings of inadequacy, vilifying herself for the extreme lengths she would go to save or protect those she loves. The world often seems to hate her for it—or so she believes. After spending over a thousand years being emotionally abused and treated like a mere tool, it's no wonder that when Samkiel, her amata, finally gives her the love she deserves, her instinct is to bolt. I see so much of myself in her character.
This book is a bit crazier than the last two, with many moving pieces and several POVs. We gradually uncover the secrets that each character is holding. However, at its core, this book is about recovery. While it may feel somewhat like a filler book, it still delivers crucial information and contains some (no spoilers here) <b>astounding<b> moments that leave me aching for the fourth book.
Amber, you've broken me. I'm now a mindless wreck, desperately waiting for you to drop the next installment.
In this third installment of the <i>Gods and Monsters<i> series, we witness Dianna truly succumb to the broken parts of herself—and honestly, I can totally relate. Dianna is constantly plagued by feelings of inadequacy, vilifying herself for the extreme lengths she would go to save or protect those she loves. The world often seems to hate her for it—or so she believes. After spending over a thousand years being emotionally abused and treated like a mere tool, it's no wonder that when Samkiel, her amata, finally gives her the love she deserves, her instinct is to bolt. I see so much of myself in her character.
This book is a bit crazier than the last two, with many moving pieces and several POVs. We gradually uncover the secrets that each character is holding. However, at its core, this book is about recovery. While it may feel somewhat like a filler book, it still delivers crucial information and contains some (no spoilers here) <b>astounding<b> moments that leave me aching for the fourth book.
Amber, you've broken me. I'm now a mindless wreck, desperately waiting for you to drop the next installment.