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elle_laine's reviews
110 reviews
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
While protecting a high-profile client, Amy, a bodyguard, is thrown into the intrigue of several murders. Enlisting her routine-oriented father-in-law, Amy seeks out the killer.
This was such a funny and entertaining book. The characters were hilarious and I loved sitting back and watching the story unfold.
This was such a funny and entertaining book. The characters were hilarious and I loved sitting back and watching the story unfold.
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
•Legends run deep in Firgaard, many of which include Asha, the feared Iskari. Destined to marry a man she could never love, Asha sets out on a task to kill the First Dragon and win her freedom. Or so she thinks.
“When she didn’t respond, he did something even worse. He raised his eyes to hers. A startling heat surged through her as their gazes met.” pg. 21
•This was an unexpectedly AMAZING book! I went into it with no expectations and came out of it in love. The story is captivating and the lore really added to the suspense of what was happening. I also really liked that the ending wrapped up the book nicely while also leaving room for a sequel. I will definitely get around to reading the next book, but I don’t feel the need to jump to it right now.
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Then, Again by Jaclyn Youhana Garver
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Asha is experiencing a life-changing complication. After a freak medical emergency, her husband is in a coma and the doctors do not know if he will ever wake up. During this time, Asha has her dad, her best friend, and surprisingly, Jason, a boy she had been in love with for years growing up, by her side.
Thank you Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I started out absolutely loving this book. I loved all the timelines going back to different moments of Asha's life. I loved how middle school romance was written. But then as the book progressed, everything became about sex. Plainly stated, it was too much. There is more to life than being horny or having sex with a guy who is dating someone else. It just felt icky and almost praised or brushed aside in the book. Having said that, I liked the ending as well as it left Asha with hope for her future. It was nice, it felt right, but I don't think we needed all the sex to get there.
The narrator was amazing and I really liked her voicing for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by this narrator.
5 star beginning
1 star middle
4 star ending
5 star narrator
2.75 stars overall, rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I started out absolutely loving this book. I loved all the timelines going back to different moments of Asha's life. I loved how middle school romance was written. But then as the book progressed, everything became about sex. Plainly stated, it was too much. There is more to life than being horny or having sex with a guy who is dating someone else. It just felt icky and almost praised or brushed aside in the book. Having said that, I liked the ending as well as it left Asha with hope for her future. It was nice, it felt right, but I don't think we needed all the sex to get there.
The narrator was amazing and I really liked her voicing for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by this narrator.
5 star beginning
1 star middle
4 star ending
5 star narrator
2.75 stars overall, rounded up to 3 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death of parent
The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Maggie Walker, along with her fearless leader, Violet Bloom, design and organize a community garden. On opening day, Maggie is assigning plots to each of the members when something disturbing is found buried in a plot. The community is in uproar as police scramble to find whoever is guilty of the murder that was committed.
Thank you Deborah J. Benoit and Dreamscape Media for the audio version of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions here are mine and mine alone.
This was an easy listen. The characters were fun and the plot was simple. I wish there was more romance even though the focus was mainly on the mystery and murders. I just think that romance would have added another layer to the story, especially since the author set up two of the characters to have a potential love interest. Overall, the story just didn't stand out to me.
I enjoyed the narrator's voice. She was clear and had good variations in tone for the different scenes and characters.
If you are looking for a light cozy mystery, this is definitely the book for you! It has perfect colder weather vibes.
Thank you Deborah J. Benoit and Dreamscape Media for the audio version of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions here are mine and mine alone.
This was an easy listen. The characters were fun and the plot was simple. I wish there was more romance even though the focus was mainly on the mystery and murders. I just think that romance would have added another layer to the story, especially since the author set up two of the characters to have a potential love interest. Overall, the story just didn't stand out to me.
I enjoyed the narrator's voice. She was clear and had good variations in tone for the different scenes and characters.
If you are looking for a light cozy mystery, this is definitely the book for you! It has perfect colder weather vibes.
Three Days in June: A Novel by Anne Tyler
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Gail's only daughter is getting married. The day before the wedding is not a good one for Gail. First she loses/quits her job, then some drama makes her concerned about her daughter's big day, and finally, her ex-husband shows up at her house because he cannot stay with anyone else due to the cat he has in tow.
Thank you Anne Tyler and Knopf for this eARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This was a delightful novella following only three days of Gail's life. It was well-executed and had a strong storyline even if it left the reader wanting more at the end. It felt very realistic and relatable in its dry humor and mishaps. The only thing I can critique it on is that I wanted more of the characters. More backstory, more thoughts, etc.
I definitely recommend this one as it is quick and enjoyable. It is a good story to curl up in a chair with and read in one sitting.
Thank you Anne Tyler and Knopf for this eARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This was a delightful novella following only three days of Gail's life. It was well-executed and had a strong storyline even if it left the reader wanting more at the end. It felt very realistic and relatable in its dry humor and mishaps. The only thing I can critique it on is that I wanted more of the characters. More backstory, more thoughts, etc.
I definitely recommend this one as it is quick and enjoyable. It is a good story to curl up in a chair with and read in one sitting.
Later On We'll Conspire by Kortney Keisel
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Lacee bumps into a very handsome man while shopping and somehow they keep running into each other leading to some very interesting conversations and situations. She plans to fly home for the holidays, and who should she run into at the airport? The handsome stranger, of course.
Thank you Kortney Keisel and Dreamscape Select for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This book was definitely a stretch. It was also predictable, which is fine, but there was supposed to be an element of surprise for the reader. I never found myself getting very attached to the characters and there was no slow burn which I enjoy in a book.
I liked the narrators except when they voiced a different character and there was little to no differences in the voice fluctuations. They voiced Park and Lacee well, but not any of the side characters. This story just didn't speak to me or kept me engaged as the reader.
This is a fun holiday mystery/romance for people who are fans of Hallmark movies and spy missions. It is light and easy, just not my cup of tea.
Thank you Kortney Keisel and Dreamscape Select for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This book was definitely a stretch. It was also predictable, which is fine, but there was supposed to be an element of surprise for the reader. I never found myself getting very attached to the characters and there was no slow burn which I enjoy in a book.
I liked the narrators except when they voiced a different character and there was little to no differences in the voice fluctuations. They voiced Park and Lacee well, but not any of the side characters. This story just didn't speak to me or kept me engaged as the reader.
This is a fun holiday mystery/romance for people who are fans of Hallmark movies and spy missions. It is light and easy, just not my cup of tea.
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
After a whirlwind romance, Theo and Connor are newly engaged and Connor is ready to take the relationship to a new level. He and Theo embark on a winter trip to meet his family up at their exclusive and remote cabin retreat. But Connor’s family is no ordinary family. They are wealthy and really good at keeping their secrets at all costs.
Thank you Kate Alice Marshall and Flatiron Books for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This is a review that reflects my thoughts and opinions alone.
This was a very engaging thriller even though I wouldn’t count it as a favorite of mine. I flew through it and was never bored. I liked how it was difficult to trust anyone and the remote cabin vibes were very creepy and satisfying. I also liked how the ending was satisfying and not soul-crushing like some thrillers. My only major criticism is that it didn’t feel very original, which is okay for a thriller because we as readers are all expecting the same formula in a thriller, but I would have liked more unexpected twists.
This is a great cold weather thriller to read curled up in a cozy chair at home. I recommend this as a quick, engaging read that can help get you out of a reading slump.
Thank you Kate Alice Marshall and Flatiron Books for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This is a review that reflects my thoughts and opinions alone.
This was a very engaging thriller even though I wouldn’t count it as a favorite of mine. I flew through it and was never bored. I liked how it was difficult to trust anyone and the remote cabin vibes were very creepy and satisfying. I also liked how the ending was satisfying and not soul-crushing like some thrillers. My only major criticism is that it didn’t feel very original, which is okay for a thriller because we as readers are all expecting the same formula in a thriller, but I would have liked more unexpected twists.
This is a great cold weather thriller to read curled up in a cozy chair at home. I recommend this as a quick, engaging read that can help get you out of a reading slump.
Libby Lost and Found by Stephanie Booth
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Libby Weeks hides under the pen name "F. T. Goldhero" and releases the most beloved children's book series in the world called The Falling Children. The time has come to write the final book in the series, but Libby receives a diagnosis that changes her life forever. Panicking, Libby searches online for book ideas to save the falling children from peril and bring them into their happy ending. It is there that she encounters Peanut, a child with a wild imagination and a love for the falling children that might surpass Libby's own love for them.
Thank you Stephanie Booth and RBmedia for the audio version of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone.
This was such an unusual and deeply moving book. I adored the characters, even the ones with deep issues. They all had a redeeming quality that is endearing and makes you as the reader want more of their story. Although the plot of the book is unlikely and a bit far-fetched, the way the author writes her characters makes the story feel real and relatable. The characters aren't perfect. But they are doing what they believe is best, and that I can appreciate.
I liked the audio version and the narrator was wonderful at voicing each character. If you are looking for a quirky and unusual book that also brings in the reality of life, this book is the one for you. I recommend the audiobook, but I also know that reading a physical copy of the book would help the reader notice more of the details as some got lost in the reading (probably because of my mediocre listening skills).
Thank you Stephanie Booth and RBmedia for the audio version of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts expressed here are mine and mine alone.
This was such an unusual and deeply moving book. I adored the characters, even the ones with deep issues. They all had a redeeming quality that is endearing and makes you as the reader want more of their story. Although the plot of the book is unlikely and a bit far-fetched, the way the author writes her characters makes the story feel real and relatable. The characters aren't perfect. But they are doing what they believe is best, and that I can appreciate.
I liked the audio version and the narrator was wonderful at voicing each character. If you are looking for a quirky and unusual book that also brings in the reality of life, this book is the one for you. I recommend the audiobook, but I also know that reading a physical copy of the book would help the reader notice more of the details as some got lost in the reading (probably because of my mediocre listening skills).
The Love Elixir of Augusta Stern by Lynda Cohen Loigman
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Augusta Stern is forced to retire from her job. Her eightieth birthday is quickly approaching, but her (now former) employer thought that she was nearing seventy because Augusta needed to give herself more time with her job. Work is life for Augusta, and she doesn't know what she will do without it, until her niece picks out a retirement community for her in Florida. Rallentando Springs turns out to be quite the surprise, as Augusta comes face-to-face with people of her past, including the man who broke her heart decades ago.
Thank you Lynda Cohen Loigman and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC of this heartfelt story in exchange for an honest review. Every thought depicted here is mine and mine alone.
This book had every element included in it that I love: mystery, love, and a touch of magic. I absolutely loved learning about pharmaceuticals in the early 1900s. The dual timeline gave such a rich perspective into both Augusta's early life and her late life, making the story complete and full. Love was depicted in such a rich way, especially with Augusta's relationships with her great aunt Esther, her father, her sister, her niece, and, of course, Irving Rivkin.
Although I liked the audio version of this book and I liked the narrator, I definitely will want to go back and purchase and read the physical copy. It is too intricate and cozy to not read twice. I absolutely recommend the audio version, but also think about purchasing a hard copy to read too. I know that I missed parts of the story listening to the audiobook.
Thank you Lynda Cohen Loigman and Macmillan Audio for the audio ARC of this heartfelt story in exchange for an honest review. Every thought depicted here is mine and mine alone.
This book had every element included in it that I love: mystery, love, and a touch of magic. I absolutely loved learning about pharmaceuticals in the early 1900s. The dual timeline gave such a rich perspective into both Augusta's early life and her late life, making the story complete and full. Love was depicted in such a rich way, especially with Augusta's relationships with her great aunt Esther, her father, her sister, her niece, and, of course, Irving Rivkin.
Although I liked the audio version of this book and I liked the narrator, I definitely will want to go back and purchase and read the physical copy. It is too intricate and cozy to not read twice. I absolutely recommend the audio version, but also think about purchasing a hard copy to read too. I know that I missed parts of the story listening to the audiobook.
Tilda Is Visible by Jane Tara
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Tilda Finch looks in the mirror one day and realizes that she is slowly disappearing. She receives a diagnosis of invisibility, and hers is progressing quickly. The doctor tells her that there is no cure for invisibility, but after meeting with an alternative methods researcher and psychologist, Tilda feels hope rise in her chest. Armed with uncertainty, hope, and willpower, will Tilda be able to help herself overcome her disease and help other women also diagnosed with invisibility?
Thank you Jane Tara and Crown Publishing for the ARC of this delightful novel. All opinions written here about this book are mine and mine alone.
This was a fascinating book. I liked how realistic it was with the addition of invisibility. It really spoke to women's issues in today's society. The addition of some romance was delightful and helped the story progress in a way that draws the reader in and gives it a completeness. I also liked how it ended. It just felt right but was also unexpected.
I definitely recommend this thought-provoking book. It is different from any other book I've read and I really enjoyed how the author brought together the story.
Thank you Jane Tara and Crown Publishing for the ARC of this delightful novel. All opinions written here about this book are mine and mine alone.
This was a fascinating book. I liked how realistic it was with the addition of invisibility. It really spoke to women's issues in today's society. The addition of some romance was delightful and helped the story progress in a way that draws the reader in and gives it a completeness. I also liked how it ended. It just felt right but was also unexpected.
I definitely recommend this thought-provoking book. It is different from any other book I've read and I really enjoyed how the author brought together the story.