candyg18's reviews
19 reviews

Talk To Me Nicely by BriAnn Danae

adventurous funny fast-paced

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

4.0

This is a spicy little novella used as a palate cleanser in between heavier topic books. Sort of like smelling coffee beans in between smelling different fragrances. It clears your mind and gets you ready for your next read..

Mr. Wrong Number by Lynn Painter

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

Rom-coms are typically not my thing, but I figured it’s a new year so why not be open to new things. This was a cutesy read that kept me engaged. The FMC Olivia is the funniest klutz I have ever encountered in reading, or in real life and that gave the book a unique perspective. The banter between Liv and the MMC Colin was sarcasm at its finest, which is MY love language so I appreciated that aspect greatly. Overall this was a quick, yet enjoyable read.

The Chain by Adrian McKinty

I loved the plot of this book and how the crescendo built up over the course of the book, but the ending was a let down to me. It was too pact, too unbelievable in relation to everything that had transpired up to that point.

Redemption by Kenya Wright

3.0

The Marriage Pass by Briana Cole

5.0

Oh my my my, where do I even begin with this book. The Marriage Pass is one of those great books that reels you in from the first page. You get to know Dorian, Shantae, and Reagan throughout the pages of this book, but the beauty of it all is the slow building crescendo throughout the story. I was reading and trying to figure out where this book was not only taking me, but where it would end up and BABY let me tell you, I was wrong! LOL Wronger than wrong because Briana made you think you were about to go right and then she swung the story completely to the left, leaving me saying DAYUUMM what just happened here!! I’m between being in awe and being mad because I just knew where this was headed! Fantastic read!!

The Plot by Jean Hanff Korelitz

4.0

This book had an interesting “plot”. It started off sort of slow for me, as I felt the author used too many grandiose words for descriptive purposes, when it would have been more relatable and easier reading by sticking with regular everyday words. I figured out “the plot” early on, but wasn’t sure until I was 2/3 of the way into the book, however it held my attention and made me want to finish to see if I was right.

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

5.0

This book was absolutely AMAZING on every level. Ms. Abike-Iyimide has taken the YA fiction genre to a whole new level with this novel. The story drew me in almost immediately and I found myself making a mental list of “suspects” and trying to uncover their motives. There was NO predictability with this book, which, in this day and age is almost unheard of. I was fully vested in knowing what happened to Chiamaka and Devon, along with their friends and associates. I love how the crescendo towards the ending gradually increased throughout the course of the book and then when it got to the end it was literally EXPLOSIVE! I will be recommending this book to any and all because it, in my opinion, is a MUST read!!

Mrs. Wiggins by Mary Monroe

Mrs. Wiggins was an easy read of a roller coaster ride. You never knew which direction the book was taking you, but it was a helluva ride nonetheless. I enjoyed it immensely.

Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

5.0

This book was fantastic! It was my first time reading Mary Kubica, but it will definitely not be my last time. I loved that this was a quick slow burn with a medium paced build up to the crescendo. Psychological thrillers are my jam, so as I progressed in my reading I began to figure out the plot along the way, but that didn't occur until 2/3 of the way in and did not take away from my immense enjoyment of the book overall. As a former L&D nurse I was impressed with the accurate obstetrical/gynecological information contained within this book, as it reflects that either the author is a doula herself, or she did meticulous research, either way kudos to her for a job well done. As I’m writing this review I’m also still digesting all that occurred within the book and that my friend, is the mark of a great book written by a great writer!

Falling by T.J. Newman

4.0

This book kept me on the edge of my seat because with each chapter another new nuance was added to an already tense situation. In addition, you didnt really know whom to trust in this thriller because it was difficult to truly figure out the bad guy. I finished this in 3 days, which is telling because with everything else I have going on the tell of a good book is one where it MAKES you find the time to read.