gracenevitt's reviews
156 reviews

The Favorites by Layne Fargo

Go to review page

4.5

Really interesting concept!!! The audiobook is a FANTASTIC way to experience this. Lots of drama and characters that you love/hate throughout the novel. If you love a "tell-all" documentary, this book feels like that. 

(also I know the author was inspired by Taylor Jenkins Reid, but I personally enjoyed this more than Daisy Jones & The Six🙊)
Felix Grey and the Descendant by M.M. Theodorou

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes

3.5

Set in the early 1900's, we follow the Prime Minister of England as he unravels a mysterious plot taking place in the upper crust of society, while the working class fights for better working conditions. He must uncover the grander scheme before he is ousted from power and loses all hope of making real lasting change. 

This is a mystery novel that closely follows the push and pull between the working class and its government. It definitely reminded me of the classic mysteries set in England's past. You see everyone from the Scotland Yard, to the many shady characters throughout the streets of London, who may or may not have a hand in the larger plot being unfolded. I definitely enjoyed this slower paced mystery novel and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys looking at things from the perspective of a member of the government. How tenuous your connection to power can be, and how much you have to fight your fellow peers to move the needle on social issues. You definitely got to see "both sides" of the coin, and how certain things have cause and effect higher up in the system. 

In general, it was a good mystery novel for anyone looking for political intrigue and historical fiction. I really enjoyed the bits and pieces of real history that were woven into the narrative. It is a bit slower and more atmospheric of a read, and for some reason, the stakes didn't feel very high to me throughout bulk of the book, but I definitely had a good time reading. 

Thank you again to Neem Tree Press for a copy of this book in exchange for a review. 
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

Go to review page

hopeful informative inspiring reflective

5.0

This is one of the best books I have ever come across. I'm a huge philosophy nerd, and as soon as Seneca's On the Shortness of Life was mentioned, I was locked in. It feels like that but set for the modern age. An absolutely incredible meditation on time and its value and how much we have internalized capitalistic tendencies and delusions of being able to do everything all the time. Could not have listened to this audiobook at a better time and will be buying a physical copy to refer back to often. This is now my bible lmao
Friends to Lovers by Sally Blakely

Go to review page

4.25

In the best way, this book feels like a marriage of Emily Henry's People We Meet on Vacation and Happy Place. Two childhood best friends reconnect at a family member's wedding and uncover where things went wrong. Joni is returning to her home state for her sister's wedding, with her life crumbling in pieces around her. Ren is the steady presence that is always there. With so much history between the two of them, this summer feels like their last chance to see if they can make their lives fit together.

I thought this was a really sweet story with many elements of banter and shared history that I really enjoyed. There were some parts that felt a little bit long or made me roll my eyes a little bit based on how people dealt with certain situations but overall, this is a really solid romance novel. A wonderful friends to lovers that hits all the beats that you want it to. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is a fan of Emily Henry or loves the friends to lovers trope. Just know that you're getting into a story full of meddling family dynamics, secrets, and lost time. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and will definitely read more from the author.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for my honest review.
Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

Go to review page

4.75

this book was absolutely fantastic. so much more mystery, high stakes, and magic. leigh bardugo never disappoints !!!!
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Go to review page

5.0

the way she wove this story from and into the tapestry of the other books is absolutely incredible. this filled a hole in my heart I didn't even know was there. I am sated yet also utterly shattered. fucking bravo, suzanne, you absolute icon. 
The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

Go to review page

3.75

an enjoyable thriller with a concept I haven't seen before! entertaining enough to get me through a shift at work and some dishes at home. good audiobook narrator.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Go to review page

4.25

still a fantastic book but probably my least favorite in the series. a handful of the deaths are brushed over in a way that makes sense but also makes me sad. I'm also just not great with tactical war/battle/strategy stuff and that's on me and not on the book. brings up important topics and nuance which I really appreciate.