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bookmarkedjosie's reviews
145 reviews
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
I can't get into it. I've watched the show and loved it, but it's really different in the book. I don't like the writing style. It's not a final DNF, as I want to try again sometime later but for now... DNF..
All the Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan
3.0
All The Little Raindrops, by Mia Sheridan, is a medium-paced dark mystery/thriller.
You have multiple POVs told in the third person. The chapters are small to medium sized in my opinion.
I was hooked right from the start, with the main characters being caged and all the dark and twisted things happening to them. After a bit though, the plot changed and it didn't feel as interesting anymore. It felt quite redundant and like it slowly simmered off.
The romance surprised me and I ended up rooting for it. Pretty much an enemy-to-lovers trope. Also, there's some spicy scenes in there so be prepared for it.
Generally speaking, I'd recommend you look up the TW as there are a lot in there!
Overall, it was a great read! Just not 100% my taste, mainly because I would've wanted more. The original topic, and baseline of the plot is super interesting and if it had gone deeper into it, the book would have easily been a 4+ stars for me. The ending left me a little unsatisfied...
You have multiple POVs told in the third person. The chapters are small to medium sized in my opinion.
I was hooked right from the start, with the main characters being caged and all the dark and twisted things happening to them. After a bit though, the plot changed and it didn't feel as interesting anymore. It felt quite redundant and like it slowly simmered off.
The romance surprised me and I ended up rooting for it. Pretty much an enemy-to-lovers trope. Also, there's some spicy scenes in there so be prepared for it.
Generally speaking, I'd recommend you look up the TW as there are a lot in there!
Overall, it was a great read! Just not 100% my taste, mainly because I would've wanted more. The original topic, and baseline of the plot is super interesting and if it had gone deeper into it, the book would have easily been a 4+ stars for me. The ending left me a little unsatisfied...
Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
4.0
Tweet Cute, by Emma Lord, is a fast-paced YA Rom-com, with short chapters.
You get two POVs, one from Pepper and one from Jack. The whole thing is really quite cute and funny, involving a Twitter war, memes and "gen Z" references. It's a very lighthearted read that you could easily binge in a day or two!
I was a bit worried going in as romance isn't really my cup of tea. I've only just started reading some and I was worried it was gonna be extremely cheesy (IYKYK) but it wasn't.
I feel like it was well balanced. It got me intrigued and even involved!
For you smut people out there, don't expect any spice as you won't find any, at all. It's really about the cuteness of it and it doesn't go too deep on the romance level, in my opinion.
The characters go from enemies to friends, to lovers. You see them progress in their relationship and it's really cute to see (or read I guess).
You also get a lot of food talk in there so beware cause you'll most definitely get a baked goods craving! I may or may not have baked a brownie because of it 🤤
It also tackles some more serious topics, including family drama, siblings rivalry, miscommunications and the struggles of deciding what you want for your future.
I'd recommend this to anyone starting their romance journey, who wants a lighthearted, cute and funny rom-com
You get two POVs, one from Pepper and one from Jack. The whole thing is really quite cute and funny, involving a Twitter war, memes and "gen Z" references. It's a very lighthearted read that you could easily binge in a day or two!
I was a bit worried going in as romance isn't really my cup of tea. I've only just started reading some and I was worried it was gonna be extremely cheesy (IYKYK) but it wasn't.
I feel like it was well balanced. It got me intrigued and even involved!
For you smut people out there, don't expect any spice as you won't find any, at all. It's really about the cuteness of it and it doesn't go too deep on the romance level, in my opinion.
The characters go from enemies to friends, to lovers. You see them progress in their relationship and it's really cute to see (or read I guess).
You also get a lot of food talk in there so beware cause you'll most definitely get a baked goods craving! I may or may not have baked a brownie because of it 🤤
It also tackles some more serious topics, including family drama, siblings rivalry, miscommunications and the struggles of deciding what you want for your future.
I'd recommend this to anyone starting their romance journey, who wants a lighthearted, cute and funny rom-com
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
3.5
The Fury, by Alex Michaelides, is a fast-paced whydunnit mystery, with short chapters.
I really liked the writing style. It was very different from what we usually read, with an unreliable narrator, speaking directly to the reader. It's kind of like reading a diary.
It read pretty easily, thanks to the short chapters and the good writing. However, it took a while for me to get into the story.
The plot separated in 5 acts, and I feel like the whole first act could've been dismissed. Starting around act 2-3, it gets much more interesting and that's when most the action starts.
I liked the ending (and if you've read his other books, you even get a small Easter egg at the end 😉), it was full of twists and turns, and I was really into it.
Overall, since I've read and loved his over books (especially The Silent Patient), my expectations were quite high and unfortunately, The Fury didn't meet them. Maybe that's on me! So I'd still recommend people to read it and give it a chance, because although I thought it was a slow start, I really liked the ending and I think it may surprise most of you!
Thank you @netgalley, @celadonbooks and Alex Michaelides for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
📆 Release date: January 16th, 2024
I really liked the writing style. It was very different from what we usually read, with an unreliable narrator, speaking directly to the reader. It's kind of like reading a diary.
It read pretty easily, thanks to the short chapters and the good writing. However, it took a while for me to get into the story.
The plot separated in 5 acts, and I feel like the whole first act could've been dismissed. Starting around act 2-3, it gets much more interesting and that's when most the action starts.
I liked the ending (and if you've read his other books, you even get a small Easter egg at the end 😉), it was full of twists and turns, and I was really into it.
Overall, since I've read and loved his over books (especially The Silent Patient), my expectations were quite high and unfortunately, The Fury didn't meet them. Maybe that's on me! So I'd still recommend people to read it and give it a chance, because although I thought it was a slow start, I really liked the ending and I think it may surprise most of you!
Thank you @netgalley, @celadonbooks and Alex Michaelides for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
📆 Release date: January 16th, 2024
The Forgotten Child by Melissa Erin Jackson
5.0
The Forgotten Child, by Melissa Erin Jackson, is a fast-paced paranormal mystery/thriller. It also has a side of romance.
The romance took me by surprise, as I really wasn't expecting this book to have any. I have to admit, I ended up liking it, so although I thought it was quite cheesy and cringe-worthy at the very start, in the end I have to say I rooted for it.
I really liked the paranormal elements. It made me think of the Ghost Whisperer TV show, which I remember really liking when I was younger.
This book is the first of a duology, and although I'm not picking up the next book right away, I'm definitely adding it to my TBR!
The characters are really likeable and the plotline is gripping right from the start. I devoured this book and always wanted to go back to it. It literally felt like I was watching a show! Mixing True Crime, with the whole interacting-with-the-dead elements, it was the perfect mix.
Although the chapters were kind of long, it still read easily as there wasn't a dull moment. I always wanted to know what happened next.
I found this book on a Stuff Your Kindle Day event and I hadn't heard of it or the author before. I'm really glad I did and I'll definitely recommend it to people!
The romance took me by surprise, as I really wasn't expecting this book to have any. I have to admit, I ended up liking it, so although I thought it was quite cheesy and cringe-worthy at the very start, in the end I have to say I rooted for it.
I really liked the paranormal elements. It made me think of the Ghost Whisperer TV show, which I remember really liking when I was younger.
This book is the first of a duology, and although I'm not picking up the next book right away, I'm definitely adding it to my TBR!
The characters are really likeable and the plotline is gripping right from the start. I devoured this book and always wanted to go back to it. It literally felt like I was watching a show! Mixing True Crime, with the whole interacting-with-the-dead elements, it was the perfect mix.
Although the chapters were kind of long, it still read easily as there wasn't a dull moment. I always wanted to know what happened next.
I found this book on a Stuff Your Kindle Day event and I hadn't heard of it or the author before. I'm really glad I did and I'll definitely recommend it to people!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
5.0
Fourth Wing, by Rebecca Yarros, is a fast-paced, new adult Fantasy. It has relatively long chapters (mostly because the font and margins are small).
Most of you may already know it, as it was a Bookstagram/Booktok sensation some months ago. I'm a little late to the party, but I have to say, I agree with everyone.
I was hooked as soon as I started reading! The writing is quite simple to understand and read, unlike other fantasy books I've read. There isn't as much world building and details, so it's not confusing at all and you're immediately sucked into the story!
Fourth Wing is suspenseful, action-packed, with an enemies-to-lovers trope, and a bit of spice 🌶️ I'd say it's mostly 2 chapters or so, but with the slow burn, it's *chef's kiss*
Other than the spice, I really liked the whole world and concept of the book. I loved the dragons, the powers and *most* characters (IYKYK)
I liked that Violet is not the typical main character, in the sense that she has flaws and struggles to take her place. She's not meant to be there and has to prove herself. She's not perfect and learns to deal with the cards she has.
Imagine Harry Potter, meets Hunger Games, meets Divergent, meets How to Train Your Dragon.
I hesitated to read it because I've often been disappointed by - in my opinion - overhyped books on Bookstagram and Booktok. BUT, it did not disappoint! I'm really happy I read it and can't wait to read the next book!
Most of you may already know it, as it was a Bookstagram/Booktok sensation some months ago. I'm a little late to the party, but I have to say, I agree with everyone.
I was hooked as soon as I started reading! The writing is quite simple to understand and read, unlike other fantasy books I've read. There isn't as much world building and details, so it's not confusing at all and you're immediately sucked into the story!
Fourth Wing is suspenseful, action-packed, with an enemies-to-lovers trope, and a bit of spice 🌶️ I'd say it's mostly 2 chapters or so, but with the slow burn, it's *chef's kiss*
Other than the spice, I really liked the whole world and concept of the book. I loved the dragons, the powers and *most* characters (IYKYK)
I liked that Violet is not the typical main character, in the sense that she has flaws and struggles to take her place. She's not meant to be there and has to prove herself. She's not perfect and learns to deal with the cards she has.
Imagine Harry Potter, meets Hunger Games, meets Divergent, meets How to Train Your Dragon.
I hesitated to read it because I've often been disappointed by - in my opinion - overhyped books on Bookstagram and Booktok. BUT, it did not disappoint! I'm really happy I read it and can't wait to read the next book!
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
3.0
Station Eleven, by Emily St-John Mandel, is a medium-paced dystopian fiction novel. It's set up in a post-pandemic world, going back and forth between timelines, before and after the Georgian flu killed most of the population.
I read this book because it was chosen for the bookclub I'm in with some friends. I hadn't heard about it before, but it seemed pretty notorious.
I expected quite a lot from this book, seeing how much praise it got. I read the first few pages and was excited to read about a post-apocalyptic world, but l'd say I was a bit disappointed. The rest of the novel is not really what I expected it to be.
The idea is really good. Some parts were good too! Reading it after COVID-19 makes it relatable in a way. But I feel like we're missing a lot of things and some parts of the story were left out. I was left expecting more after the last page. I wish the characters were more developed and we had more information on whatever happened to some of them.
I did like that the characters ended up linked in some way. I also liked the more "action-packed' chapters but there weren't that many, in my opinion. The characters felt pretty one dimensional. There wasn't much character development. I feel like the story wasn't really going anywhere. We were mainly reminiscing about the past and walking towards one destination, but once reached, nothing really happened.
The book can be great for bookclubs as it can bring some discussions, but as for personal reading, I guess it's not for me!
I read this book because it was chosen for the bookclub I'm in with some friends. I hadn't heard about it before, but it seemed pretty notorious.
I expected quite a lot from this book, seeing how much praise it got. I read the first few pages and was excited to read about a post-apocalyptic world, but l'd say I was a bit disappointed. The rest of the novel is not really what I expected it to be.
The idea is really good. Some parts were good too! Reading it after COVID-19 makes it relatable in a way. But I feel like we're missing a lot of things and some parts of the story were left out. I was left expecting more after the last page. I wish the characters were more developed and we had more information on whatever happened to some of them.
I did like that the characters ended up linked in some way. I also liked the more "action-packed' chapters but there weren't that many, in my opinion. The characters felt pretty one dimensional. There wasn't much character development. I feel like the story wasn't really going anywhere. We were mainly reminiscing about the past and walking towards one destination, but once reached, nothing really happened.
The book can be great for bookclubs as it can bring some discussions, but as for personal reading, I guess it's not for me!
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
4.5
You've Reached Sam, by Dustin Thao, is a beautiful, medium-paced, with medium-sized chapters, romance novel.
I'm not used to romance novels so it's always an experiment for me. In You've Reached Sam, you get to read about love, loss, grief, and second chances, with a touch of magic. Julie can talk on the phone to his recently passed away boyfriend. It's beautifully written and will definitely bring tears to your eyes (it did to me )
The only reason why I took 0.5 stars off is because wish the magical aspect was more developed. I feel like we could have had a little have been nice having.
I wasn't a big fan of Julie. I wish the book went more in depth regarding her character. Generally speaking, the book could be longer so we could have more of everything. A dual POV or a second book with Sam's perspective could be really nice!
Other than that, it talks beautifully about how everyone grieves differently and makes you think. It makes you wonder what you would do if you were offered a second chance at goodbye. What would you do if a passed loved one came back for one last discussion with you?
I really liked this book! It succeeded in making me emotional while reading, which hadn't happened before! always feel for people who lose loved ones - in real life, movies, and apparently in books too! - so it got to me.
I definitely recommend this book! ❤️
I'm not used to romance novels so it's always an experiment for me. In You've Reached Sam, you get to read about love, loss, grief, and second chances, with a touch of magic. Julie can talk on the phone to his recently passed away boyfriend. It's beautifully written and will definitely bring tears to your eyes (it did to me )
The only reason why I took 0.5 stars off is because wish the magical aspect was more developed. I feel like we could have had a little have been nice having.
I wasn't a big fan of Julie. I wish the book went more in depth regarding her character. Generally speaking, the book could be longer so we could have more of everything. A dual POV or a second book with Sam's perspective could be really nice!
Other than that, it talks beautifully about how everyone grieves differently and makes you think. It makes you wonder what you would do if you were offered a second chance at goodbye. What would you do if a passed loved one came back for one last discussion with you?
I really liked this book! It succeeded in making me emotional while reading, which hadn't happened before! always feel for people who lose loved ones - in real life, movies, and apparently in books too! - so it got to me.
I definitely recommend this book! ❤️
Forget Me Not (Summit Lake Thriller Book #1) by Kristen Middleton
medium-paced
4.0
Forget Me Not was a good discovery! I got this book for free on this year's Stuff Your Kindle Day, so I wasn't expecting anything.
It's a medium-paced mystery/thriller with short chapters (always a plus ❤️).
Some would say it's told in dual POV, but I disagree. Yes there are a couple chapters from the killer's point of view, but barely. We pretty much only see Amanda's point of view. I found the plot to be well written, although more chapters from the stalker's point of view would have been a nice touch.
I enjoyed reading this book. The short chapters make it entertaining and I always wanted to know what was happening next. I didn't think there was any really dull moment. You follow along as the stalker gets progressively worse and as he leaves out clues and tests the limits.
Although I could see some things coming, I didn't expect the ending at all. I hesitated between rating this a 3.75 or 4 stars, but the fact I wasn't expecting the plot twist makes it a 4 ⭐.
Forget Me Not is a duology. I'll check out book 2 but I'm not 100% sure I'll read it just yet. If you're not a fan of duologies, this could very well be read as a stand alone.
It's a medium-paced mystery/thriller with short chapters (always a plus ❤️).
Some would say it's told in dual POV, but I disagree. Yes there are a couple chapters from the killer's point of view, but barely. We pretty much only see Amanda's point of view. I found the plot to be well written, although more chapters from the stalker's point of view would have been a nice touch.
I enjoyed reading this book. The short chapters make it entertaining and I always wanted to know what was happening next. I didn't think there was any really dull moment. You follow along as the stalker gets progressively worse and as he leaves out clues and tests the limits.
Although I could see some things coming, I didn't expect the ending at all. I hesitated between rating this a 3.75 or 4 stars, but the fact I wasn't expecting the plot twist makes it a 4 ⭐.
Forget Me Not is a duology. I'll check out book 2 but I'm not 100% sure I'll read it just yet. If you're not a fan of duologies, this could very well be read as a stand alone.