dawnthoma100's reviews
197 reviews

The Last Devil To Die by Richard Osman

emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Once more, Richard Osman strikes gold. A good story  that is both humorous and moving at the same time, with just enough plot twists to keep you wondering until the very end. Hope there will be more about the Thursday Murder Club soon.

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

This was a sweet, short, and enjoyable read. I adored every character, and the way you balanced living your life with considering your ageing parents made it quite relatable.It may have been better, but only if it had been written POV Dual.

Six Motives for Murder by Frances Brody

mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is the second book of the Brackerley Prison, Mysteries series, but they can be read as standalones.
Likeable characters and predictable turns and twists make for a well-written tale.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group, UK for  a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Rush by Saskia Roy

dark medium-paced

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

2.0

I really had high hopes going into this book - F1 drivers and spicy romance! Say nothing less!
Unfortunately it was not for me. The scenes seemed to shift very quickly and without any context; I felt like a lot was missing.
I did not like the main male character at all, and like their relationship was not believable, also the sexual side of their relationship gave me the ick. 

Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Play of Shadows by Sebastien de Castell

adventurous dark funny 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

Although this book is far behind the arc date that I have received in the last two months, I'm delighted I had the opportunity to listen to it while travelling. 
  

The adventures (misadventures) of an extremely reluctant hero were the subject of this fascinating and enjoyable story. Instead of carrying out the pre-determined duel, he chooses to join an acting group as a player. A lot of work went into creating the world-building, and there are many funny moments in the prose. I had a great time reading this.

Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. 

Conceiving Hope by Oliver McMahan

funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

It was good, cute, and a quick, easy read. This is a story that many women can resonate with when it comes to the trials and tribulations of relationships, self-love, and being on the journey to motherhood. The story did make me laugh several times, but I would have liked to see less detail of her failed marriage and more of her failed dates. I wanted to like this book, but it wasn’t for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Breakfast in Bed by K. Iwancio

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The second book in the Thistle Fields Estate Bed & Breakfast duology was absolutely fantastic. It was very cute and spicy.  It was hot and extremely lovely.  I just adore the strong assertive female main character despite her small size. I really really adore Ian, and he is such a golden retriever. If you enjoy a really charming, adorable rom-com, I wholeheartedly suggest reading the two  books in the duology series. As I read this book, I can't help but visualise the male main character's Scottish accent.

My Killer Vacation by Tessa Bailey

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The classic, We all know and adore the Tessa Bailey love and spice story.  Characters I find really relatable, & even Myles is so loveable even when made out to be stubborn and harsh. Taylor makes him show off his tender side. I adore every character in the novel, and I think the murder investigation gives the plot a unique twist.

How Beautiful We Were by Imbolo Mbue

challenging emotional sad 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? No

5.0

This was an incredible book. The storytelling, characters and plot were all exceptionally written. Mbue has a way with words that makes the reader not want to put down her book. I found herself completely engrossed in what she wrote

The Devil's Own by Maria McDonald

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

The novel, set in present and between 1880 and 1924, tells the story of Arthur Torrington, raised in poverty and violence, and his love for Edith. It explores the connections between past and present, highlighting the impact of war and trauma on individuals.