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bookishhcousin's reviews
9 reviews
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 STARS, THUMBS UP 👍🏼
content warnings for this book are: sexual predator behavior, csa, grooming of a minor
wow. mcfadden has done it again! another thrilling, enticing book! granted, while the subject matter disturbed me greatly, mcfadden handled it with finesse; no romanticizing of it at all.
the book is split up into three parts and told from the perspective of multiple people. it tells the story of addie, a sixteen-year-old student at caseham high school; her math teacher, eve bennett; and eve’s husband, nate bennett, an english teacher at the same school— and the terrible web of lies and manipulation that is woven throughout the book.
honestly, i started this book at 11:30pm and it’s about to be 8:30pm as i write this review. it had me that hooked! there are characters you distrust and dislike, which mcfadden does a good job at, i’ve noticed. because then you never know who to trust! you’re always suspicious of what’s going on.
overall, even though i did not see some twists coming, i was going along for the ride until the very end. seriously, 10/10! solid job, mcfadden!
content warnings for this book are: sexual predator behavior, csa, grooming of a minor
wow. mcfadden has done it again! another thrilling, enticing book! granted, while the subject matter disturbed me greatly, mcfadden handled it with finesse; no romanticizing of it at all.
the book is split up into three parts and told from the perspective of multiple people. it tells the story of addie, a sixteen-year-old student at caseham high school; her math teacher, eve bennett; and eve’s husband, nate bennett, an english teacher at the same school— and the terrible web of lies and manipulation that is woven throughout the book.
honestly, i started this book at 11:30pm and it’s about to be 8:30pm as i write this review. it had me that hooked! there are characters you distrust and dislike, which mcfadden does a good job at, i’ve noticed. because then you never know who to trust! you’re always suspicious of what’s going on.
overall, even though i did not see some twists coming, i was going along for the ride until the very end. seriously, 10/10! solid job, mcfadden!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Pedophilia
Moderate: Death, Rape, and Murder
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 STARS, 👍🏼 THUMBS UP!
‼️ THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS, READ AT OWN RISK‼️
“I believe that any human being is capable of terrible things if you push them hard enough.”
my first dive into a mcfadden book and wow, it did not disappoint! i’ve been told by multiple people that the plot twists in mcfadden’s books are amazing and so far, they’re right. this being my first book into mcfadden’s mind, i thought i knew what was going to happen when i picked it up. I WAS WRONG!
first of all, there was nothing to indicate the plot twist that happened. while i do prefer third person pov, i didn’t mind the first person perspectives one bit— and actually, i think it works in this kind of book.
freida mcfadden has a way of tricking you. while you’re trying to play detective, there’s a whole twist brewing that eventually takes you off-guard and you’re left stunned!
it just goes to show that the narrator cannot always be trusted. i see you, mcfadden! 👁️ i will keep my eye on you!
‼️ THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS, READ AT OWN RISK‼️
my first dive into a mcfadden book and wow, it did not disappoint! i’ve been told by multiple people that the plot twists in mcfadden’s books are amazing and so far, they’re right. this being my first book into mcfadden’s mind, i thought i knew what was going to happen when i picked it up. I WAS WRONG!
first of all, there was nothing to indicate the plot twist that happened. while i do prefer third person pov, i didn’t mind the first person perspectives one bit— and actually, i think it works in this kind of book.
freida mcfadden has a way of tricking you. while you’re trying to play detective, there’s a whole twist brewing that eventually takes you off-guard and you’re left stunned!
it just goes to show that the narrator cannot always be trusted. i see you, mcfadden! 👁️ i will keep my eye on you!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Juniper Bean Resorts to Murder by Gracie Ruth Mitchell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 46%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 46%.
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
2.0
⭐️⭐️ TWO STARS, 👎🏼 THUMBS DOWN…
I tried to read this book that was chosen for a book club of mine. Honestly, I TRIED. I heard that there were good things about this book, so I wanted to give it a shot and go along with what my club wanted! However, it was simply not for me. I DNF’d at about 50% of the book.
I just did not like it as much as I anticipated. I wish there was more of a murder-mystery aspect, but it focuses more on the romance aspect of the book, which I did not expect from a book that’s promoted as being a murder-mystery with a romantic twist.
Overall, I wanted to like it but that’s sadly not the case.
I tried to read this book that was chosen for a book club of mine. Honestly, I TRIED. I heard that there were good things about this book, so I wanted to give it a shot and go along with what my club wanted! However, it was simply not for me. I DNF’d at about 50% of the book.
I just did not like it as much as I anticipated. I wish there was more of a murder-mystery aspect, but it focuses more on the romance aspect of the book, which I did not expect from a book that’s promoted as being a murder-mystery with a romantic twist.
Overall, I wanted to like it but that’s sadly not the case.
Content Warnings
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Murder
The World Beyond the Horizon by Angela Funk
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5 STARS, 👍🏼 THUMBS UP!
Thanks to Angela Funk for providing me the opportunity to ARC review this book for her. I really appreciate it!
“Take her hand. Save the planets. Fall in love.”
“The World Beyond the Horizon” is a whimsical Alice in Wonderland retelling by Angela Funk, following main characters Noah and Celeste as they jump into a wonderland adventure to save their planets from colliding! This sci-fi romantic-comedy features humans, merpeople, dragons and more; and tackles topics such as grief snd anxiety!
From the beginning, I had a feeling I would love and adore this book. The romance(s) are wholesome and lovable, as are the characters themselves. Noah is the protagonist, who recently suffered the loss of his mother (off-book). Dealing with grief and the loss of a loved one/parent is not easy and something that Noah has to learn from (spoiler: he does). When he meets Celeste, he’s broody and moody, very negative. Celeste is a whimsical and bright character that foils against Noah and she takes him on the adventure of a lifetime. I personally LOVE CELESTE!!! She’s very adorable, positive, and teaches everyone amazing lessons. Fiancés Mark and Katalina (she’s cousins with Noah) follow the two into this whirlwind once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. From the get-go, you’re rooting for them, too. While Katalina is eager to get to know her cousin, Mark is a grump who rather play kickball with his friends than do anything else (Mark is hilarious, though).
Throughout the book, you encounter love, heartache, lessons learned and adventure. If you’re into sci-fi/fantasy, surrealism/magical realism, fluffy romance and more — this book is for you. 🤍
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Grief
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Death of parent
Crown of Earth and Sky by Emberly Ash
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 70%.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
i got this on Netgalley for an honest review.
👎🏼 thumbs down for me. i got through about 76% of it before deciding to DNF. truth be told, veyka and arran were unlikable. i just simply was not rooting for them as a couple or individually. i understand that veyka was seeking revenge for her brother, but … it really did not capture me the way i wanted it to.
while i typically skip open door spice, this was littered with it in almost every chapter that made it difficult to read. i read the CW and understood what i was getting into, ready to skip, but when its brought up almost all the time … it didn’t seem to me to add anything to the story plot.
overall, it just wasn’t for me. two stars ⭐️⭐️ … 😔
👎🏼 thumbs down for me. i got through about 76% of it before deciding to DNF. truth be told, veyka and arran were unlikable. i just simply was not rooting for them as a couple or individually. i understand that veyka was seeking revenge for her brother, but … it really did not capture me the way i wanted it to.
while i typically skip open door spice, this was littered with it in almost every chapter that made it difficult to read. i read the CW and understood what i was getting into, ready to skip, but when its brought up almost all the time … it didn’t seem to me to add anything to the story plot.
overall, it just wasn’t for me. two stars ⭐️⭐️ … 😔
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? It's complicated
5.0
👍🏼 THUMBS UP, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ FIVE STARS ON STORYGRAPH! WARNING: MAY BE SPOILERS BELOW!
oh my goodness, i inhaled this book like it was the air my life depended on. as much as i loved the first book in this standalone series, “tastes like shakkar” proved to be my favorite beyond a doubt. it has everything going for it: conflict, a mystery, chemistry between the main couple, and more! bobbi and bunty were fleshed out so well both individually and as a couple. they BOTH stole the show for me. i enjoyed their banter in the beginning and how they naturally melted into their relationship.
🌶️ in chapters 11/14/15/18/22/28 🔥 for those who may want to skip/skim!
10/10, i loved this book. thank you nisha sharma for writing it! it made my heart melt.
oh my goodness, i inhaled this book like it was the air my life depended on. as much as i loved the first book in this standalone series, “tastes like shakkar” proved to be my favorite beyond a doubt. it has everything going for it: conflict, a mystery, chemistry between the main couple, and more! bobbi and bunty were fleshed out so well both individually and as a couple. they BOTH stole the show for me. i enjoyed their banter in the beginning and how they naturally melted into their relationship.
🌶️ in chapters 11/14/15/18/22/28 🔥 for those who may want to skip/skim!
10/10, i loved this book. thank you nisha sharma for writing it! it made my heart melt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Racism
Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.5
👍🏼 THUMBS UP FOR ME, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 STARS FOR GOODREADS! 🌶️ SPICE IN CH: 14, 17, 22 & 26.
SPOILERS BELOW!
the chemistry between kareena and prem was to DIE for. absolutely enjoyed reading about them. they really made the book for me. i mean, come on, their conflict and differences is what drove the book home! sure, prem was kind of a jerk for some parts— but kareena needed to get out of her own head at times, too. neither character was perfect and that’s what i adored about it. if anyone knows anything about shakespeare, then, this book was DEFINIFELY shakespearean-esque! several parts were a bit cringe, though. like how her family were beating her down about her mother’s house and completely disregarding kareena’s feelings; or how that vikram guy trashed her during their virtual date. those were a bit difficult to read. i assume its a cultural thing? i’m latina/hispanic so the machismo and negating of someone’s feelings can also be common in our culture which i guess is why i cringed SO much!
an area of improvement: why did he name his 🍆 charlie? 💀 that’s literally it for me, lol.
all in all, i had fun reading it and that’s what matters the most to me. i am excited to read the rest of the series!
SPOILERS BELOW!
the chemistry between kareena and prem was to DIE for. absolutely enjoyed reading about them. they really made the book for me. i mean, come on, their conflict and differences is what drove the book home! sure, prem was kind of a jerk for some parts— but kareena needed to get out of her own head at times, too. neither character was perfect and that’s what i adored about it. if anyone knows anything about shakespeare, then, this book was DEFINIFELY shakespearean-esque! several parts were a bit cringe, though. like how her family were beating her down about her mother’s house and completely disregarding kareena’s feelings; or how that vikram guy trashed her during their virtual date. those were a bit difficult to read. i assume its a cultural thing? i’m latina/hispanic so the machismo and negating of someone’s feelings can also be common in our culture which i guess is why i cringed SO much!
an area of improvement: why did he name his 🍆 charlie? 💀 that’s literally it for me, lol.
all in all, i had fun reading it and that’s what matters the most to me. i am excited to read the rest of the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
Meet Cute Reboot by Erin Lucy
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Thanks to Netgalley, New Fable Press, and of course Erin Lucy for giving me the opportunity to read and review “Meet Cute Reboot”!
“Meet Cute Reboot” involves Cassie and Luke, exes who have been matched by Cassie’s new ai-powered dating app, MatchAI. With Charleston set as the background, this sweet southern, second chance romance will take you for a spin as it untangles Cassie and Luke’s past, their present, and their future. Content Warning for mentions of: infidelity, divorce, alcohol use, and parental loss.
I absolutely adored this book from the beginning! It hooked me right from the first chapter. Cassie and Luke are completely relatable characters each in their own way. Cassie is a strong female lead whose strength lies in her sensitivity. Luke is determined and working hard on himself, in addition to being a responsible and funny guy. The fake dating plot is to die for! It really helps add to the awkwardness and comedy of it all.
Overall, a big thumbs up and five stars for “Meet Cute Reboot”. I would 100% reread this book.
“Meet Cute Reboot” involves Cassie and Luke, exes who have been matched by Cassie’s new ai-powered dating app, MatchAI. With Charleston set as the background, this sweet southern, second chance romance will take you for a spin as it untangles Cassie and Luke’s past, their present, and their future. Content Warning for mentions of: infidelity, divorce, alcohol use, and parental loss.
I absolutely adored this book from the beginning! It hooked me right from the first chapter. Cassie and Luke are completely relatable characters each in their own way. Cassie is a strong female lead whose strength lies in her sensitivity. Luke is determined and working hard on himself, in addition to being a responsible and funny guy. The fake dating plot is to die for! It really helps add to the awkwardness and comedy of it all.
Overall, a big thumbs up and five stars for “Meet Cute Reboot”. I would 100% reread this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
funny
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD! i have just come out of my multiple year reading slump and all i have to say is: SIX OF CROWS is the perfect book for if you’re in a reading slump.
it’s got everything that a person could hope for in a book. it’s got a daring heist that leaves you in twists and turns one cannot even see or predict; it has six witty, funny, dangerous and lovable outcasts that tug at your heart and bring you into their world; it has romances and relationships and friendships that remind you of the people in your life, making it easier to relate to the characters that you read.
as an avid reader who had a reading slump, it was important that the book not be too intense or too much. when i picked up SIX OF CROWS, its because i had watched the show SHADOW & BONE multiple times and am a big fan of the crows themselves. so yes, i did come here after watching the show and i do not regret it one bit!
having watched the show did not ruin the book one bit for me. i had the familiarity of the crows take me on a new heist that involved “jurda parem”, a dangerous and addictive drug being used and tested on grisha. the plotline and events were different enough that it was interesting and kept me reading more.
the character that stole the show for me was none other than the wraith, inej ghafa. by far, she is my favorite character of the book and for good reason. a religious suli girl who unfortunately got taken as a child slave, separated from her family, has reinvented herself as the wraith of the barrel. more specifically, kaz’s wraith. her strength and courage and smarts make her interesting. inej’s vulnerability makes her relatable. her poignant character growth into someone who not only serves herself saints but herself and not what she’s become in the barrel gives her serious points. i mean, she leaves the man she loves to essentially become a pirate. how cool is that?!
if it were not obvious enough, my favorite ship is kanej. kaz brekker, the wily leader of the crows, falling for his beloved wraith, inej ghafa. she’s his right hand and knows every step that kaz intends to take. not only that, but kaz is so intensely OBSESSED with her. i adore their chemistry and the ending of the book makes me want more of them!
if you’re a reader who is searching for a filthy, scum-filled, daring book filled with the deadliest ragtag bunch of characters going on a heist together — then SIX OF CROWS by leigh bardugo is for you. 5/5 starts, highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Child abuse