Scan barcode
booklistqueen's reviews
612 reviews
The Love Haters by Katherine Center
There's no other way to say it, The Love Haters is sappy beyond belief. The entire first half is spent on Katie drooling over Hutch that you are so grateful when some conflict finally arrives. From there, the story settles into your standard cheesy romantic comedy (with no steam) that at least has some plot to move it along. Although Center tries to add nuance by discussing body image issues, it never gets the full emotional kick that highlighted some of her better books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
medium-paced
3.0
To avoid a layoff, Katie accepts an offer from her co-worker Cole to fly out to Key West and create a promotional video for the United States Coast Guard featuring rescue swimmer Hutch. The catch: Hutch is Cole's estranged brother and Katie lied about knowing how to swim. Soon Katie finds herself falling head over heels for the handsome Coast Guardsmen, his massive Great Dane, and his charming aunt. Now Katie must decide how far she'll go to save her job as she finds herself caught between two feuding brothers.
There's no other way to say it, The Love Haters is sappy beyond belief. The entire first half is spent on Katie drooling over Hutch that you are so grateful when some conflict finally arrives. From there, the story settles into your standard cheesy romantic comedy (with no steam) that at least has some plot to move it along. Although Center tries to add nuance by discussing body image issues, it never gets the full emotional kick that highlighted some of her better books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
Although I generally enjoy thrillers with unreliable narrators, Beautiful Ugly suffered from an overcomplicated plot without any likable characters. Despite its decent ending twist, the story was completely inconceivable and the characters didn't draw you in. On the bright side, the audiobook production for Beautiful Ugly was top-notch. With A-list actors Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton narrating, the audiobook incorporated just the right amount of music and sound effects to enhance the story without overpowering it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Macmillan Audio through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
medium-paced
3.0
Author Grady Green calls his wife to share his exciting news. But while on the phone, he can hear her slam on the brakes. Her car is found parked on the edge of a cliff with her phone in the seat but she is gone. A year later, a grieving Grady wracked by insomnia visits a small Scottish island to try to start writing again and bring himself back to life. Except he thinks he sees a woman on the island who looks exactly like his missing wife.
Although I generally enjoy thrillers with unreliable narrators, Beautiful Ugly suffered from an overcomplicated plot without any likable characters. Despite its decent ending twist, the story was completely inconceivable and the characters didn't draw you in. On the bright side, the audiobook production for Beautiful Ugly was top-notch. With A-list actors Richard Armitage and Tuppence Middleton narrating, the audiobook incorporated just the right amount of music and sound effects to enhance the story without overpowering it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Macmillan Audio through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Anatomy of a Scandal by Sarah Vaughan
Sarah Vaughan drops you into an intense courtroom drama with complicated female characters. Kate's drive for justice made her an excellent character. However, I found Sophie most fascinating as she had to decide whether to stick by her husband or not. Though I would not have made the choices Sophie did, I liked how Vaughan showed her history to help you see why she did. With a great conclusion, Anatomy of a Scandal was a great legal thriller to read, however, I almost hate to admit it but I enjoyed the miniseries even more than the book.
medium-paced
4.0
When a government minister is accused of rape, a courtroom drama ensues. Sophie Whitehouse knows her charming successful husband James isn't perfect. While she's disappointed in his affair, she doesn't think he's capable of rape. On the flip side, Kate, the lawyer in charge of prosecuting the crime, is convinced beyond out a shadow of a doubt that James is guilty.
Sarah Vaughan drops you into an intense courtroom drama with complicated female characters. Kate's drive for justice made her an excellent character. However, I found Sophie most fascinating as she had to decide whether to stick by her husband or not. Though I would not have made the choices Sophie did, I liked how Vaughan showed her history to help you see why she did. With a great conclusion, Anatomy of a Scandal was a great legal thriller to read, however, I almost hate to admit it but I enjoyed the miniseries even more than the book.
What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing by Bruce D. Perry, Oprah Winfrey
What Happened to You? is a fascinating look at the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. Bruce Perry does a great job explaining the science and the research that Oprah Winfrey helps illustrate with emotional stories. Audiobook listeners, be aware that Oprah talks faster than normal and the clips from her show are even faster still.
4.0
Instead of asking What's wrong with you?, we should be asking What happened to you? Oprah Winfrey teams up with neuroscientist Bruce D. Perry to discuss how understanding the trauma faced at a young age can impact behaviors now. By understanding past experiences, we can shift our viewpoint and see a clear path to healing.
What Happened to You? is a fascinating look at the long-lasting effects of childhood trauma. Bruce Perry does a great job explaining the science and the research that Oprah Winfrey helps illustrate with emotional stories. Audiobook listeners, be aware that Oprah talks faster than normal and the clips from her show are even faster still.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling
The longest book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is my favorite by far. I like seeing Harry, Ron, and Hermione start to grow up. The fourth book marks the transition from childhood to teenagers as they are introduced to the greater plots of the adult wizarding world. With great twists and an epic ending, the story impressively keeps you gripped despite its length.
5.0
Just before the start of his fourth year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter gets to attend the Quidditch World Cup with his best friends Ron and Hermione. But dark wizards mar the happy event. This year at Hogwarts, the school is competing against two other magic schools in the Triwizard Tournament. When Harry is unexpectedly selected as school champion, he'll have to navigate the three difficult tasks against much older students if he wants to win.
The longest book in the series, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is my favorite by far. I like seeing Harry, Ron, and Hermione start to grow up. The fourth book marks the transition from childhood to teenagers as they are introduced to the greater plots of the adult wizarding world. With great twists and an epic ending, the story impressively keeps you gripped despite its length.
The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
With the adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy into a tv show, I think (or hope) the series took the basic idea and refined it into something less shallow. While accurate to some 16-year-olds, Belly was the most immature character which didn't make for a delightful read. To make matters worse, I listened to the audiobook and struggled to keep everything straight since the narrative kept flashing back to previous summers. I also didn't get the appeal of the brooding Conrad and the entire book felt like a trainwreck.
2.0
Every summer, Belly and her brother Steven stay at a beach house owned by her mom's best friend Susannah. While Belly's mom and Susannah catch up, Belly tries to tag along with Steven and Susannah's boys, Conrad and Jeremiah, who are the brother figures and childhood crushes of her life. Now Belly is 16, the gap between her and the boys doesn't seem so wide and everything changes in this teenage summer drama.
With the adaptation of The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy into a tv show, I think (or hope) the series took the basic idea and refined it into something less shallow. While accurate to some 16-year-olds, Belly was the most immature character which didn't make for a delightful read. To make matters worse, I listened to the audiobook and struggled to keep everything straight since the narrative kept flashing back to previous summers. I also didn't get the appeal of the brooding Conrad and the entire book felt like a trainwreck.
Run by Blake Crouch
When I saw Blake Crouch had a new thriller, I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy. Only to discover that I was fooled by the marketing for a re-release. Run is far from new; it's Crouch's debut novel and it shows. This survivalist story was a pure-action thriller that rushes you through a brutal apocalyptic world at a breakneck pace. Who needs character development or good dialogue anyway?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
3.0
Five days ago, a rage epidemic began sweeping across the United States. Suddenly groups of people are murdering others for no discernible reason. When Jack hears his name called out over the radio, his only choice is to take his wife and kids and run. What do you do when lawlessness reigns and you don't know who to trust or where to run?
When I saw Blake Crouch had a new thriller, I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy. Only to discover that I was fooled by the marketing for a re-release. Run is far from new; it's Crouch's debut novel and it shows. This survivalist story was a pure-action thriller that rushes you through a brutal apocalyptic world at a breakneck pace. Who needs character development or good dialogue anyway?
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid
One True Loves takes a cheesy premise and gives you a heartfelt read that will give you all the feelings. I love how Emma learns to accept that her grief has changed her and she can't be the person she was before. I thought Jesse and Sam were excellently portrayed in all their complex reality. It was fun to read one of Taylor Jenkins Reid's early works and see the hints of the excellent writing that will lead to her future success.
4.0
As a teen, Emma dreams of escaping her family's New England bookstore and her high school boyfriend Jesse gives her that chance. Together they go to college in California and travel the world. When Jesse disappears in a helicopter accident on their first wedding anniversary, a heartbroken Emma moves back home, finding comfort in the life she was so desperate to escape. Just as Emma finally opens herself to love again, getting engaged to Sam, an old friend, Jesse is found alive. Now Emma must choose between her husband and her fiancé as she ponders who she is and who she wants to be.
One True Loves takes a cheesy premise and gives you a heartfelt read that will give you all the feelings. I love how Emma learns to accept that her grief has changed her and she can't be the person she was before. I thought Jesse and Sam were excellently portrayed in all their complex reality. It was fun to read one of Taylor Jenkins Reid's early works and see the hints of the excellent writing that will lead to her future success.
Memory Man by David Baldacci
I have come to the conclusion that gritty detective thriller is just not my style. Baldacci introduces the reader to a likable detective with a perfect memory that I think makes a great main character for a series. Unfortunately, the whole mystery in Memory Man was so absurdly convoluted and utterly improbable that I could not enjoy the book. I think I'll stick to my domestic and psychological thrillers instead.
3.0
One day, Detective Amos Decker came home to find his wife, daughter and brother-in-law viciously murdered. Decker's life exploded and now eighteen months later while working as a private investigator, Decker's old partner tells him someone has confessed. With the curse of a perfect memory after a football injury ruined his career and scrambled his brain, Decker seeks justice for his family while helping his old partner investigate a local school shooting. When clues connect the two cases together, Decker realizes someone wants to play a twisted game with him.
I have come to the conclusion that gritty detective thriller is just not my style. Baldacci introduces the reader to a likable detective with a perfect memory that I think makes a great main character for a series. Unfortunately, the whole mystery in Memory Man was so absurdly convoluted and utterly improbable that I could not enjoy the book. I think I'll stick to my domestic and psychological thrillers instead.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
A much-needed but horrifying look at American history, Killers of the Flower Moon details the true story of the systemic killings of Osage Indians for their wealth. Blending with the early days of the FBI, David Grann follows the investigation and the trial where Burkhart's husband is the key witness against his uncle who conspired to funnel all her relatives' oil claims to her before killing her next. To make it even more horrifying, Burkhart's case was not an isolated one and the historical atrocities committed against the Osage Tribe by Oklahoma citizens make it an even more heinous period of our history.
4.0
If you are looking for exciting books in the 1920s, you should keep your eye out for this true crime story about the fascinating case of the Osage murders. After discovering oil on their land, the Osage Indian Nation in Oklahoma were among the richest people in the world. Once the death toll surpasses 24 Osage, the newly created FBI takes up the investigation to expose an alarming conspiracy behind these notorious crimes. At the heart of the story is Mollie Burkhart who's had one sister die of illness, one sister shot and killed, one sister killed in a home explosion, and her mother die all in one year.
A much-needed but horrifying look at American history, Killers of the Flower Moon details the true story of the systemic killings of Osage Indians for their wealth. Blending with the early days of the FBI, David Grann follows the investigation and the trial where Burkhart's husband is the key witness against his uncle who conspired to funnel all her relatives' oil claims to her before killing her next. To make it even more horrifying, Burkhart's case was not an isolated one and the historical atrocities committed against the Osage Tribe by Oklahoma citizens make it an even more heinous period of our history.