jackiesreads's reviews
226 reviews

The Surrogate by Freida McFadden, Freida McFadden

mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.5

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

2.5

There were too many flashbacks, too many aliases to keep track of and I got so bored so quick! 

The only redeeming quality is the end when it’s revealed it’s been the plan all along, and I guess the flashbacks were necessary but I feel like that could have been revealed earlier in the book to help with the pacing. I also am happy she ended up with Ryan at the end!

Kindred by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

5.0

Could potentially be the best book I’ve ever read

Outlawed by Anna North

adventurous reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

I liked this a lot! It felt like a little more than the length of it for some reason, sometimes repetitive and flat. I also think the diversity of the characters wasn’t really discussed enough and their queerness was not really delved into. I was craving more of that, but unfortunately the MC is straight. 

Overall was super interesting to be in this time period, learn about the history of “barrenness” and the relation to witchcraft. 

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh

slow-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

3.5

One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall

dark reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

Really really great production on audio. Different voices, sound effects, all that fun stuff! I bet it’s really great to read with your eyeballs as well. 

Woooowwww. I haven’t stopped thinking about this since I finished last night. As a person who works in public art and the way the public responds to art in general, this book was right up my alley. I think the way the author was able to tackle this was super smart, and I couldn’t put it down. 

I do want to give a large CW about the public’s reaction to women in violent situations and also sexual assault. There are multiple stories describing SA and you also see men’s rights activists comments on the whole thing and listening to it - although appropriate for the book and their story - was also very jarring to listen to on repeat. Please know that going into the book. 

I really really enjoyed this and now want to read others by this author!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

mysterious medium-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

I am obsessed with this book. Best thriller I have read in a long time. Incredible writing and lovable characters and just the coziest mystery vibes. Listened on audio along with the hard print and the audio was great. I want to be Nana when I grow up she deserved better grandkids 😡

It’s like revenge Matilda? And Miss Honey is Nana 🩷

Nora Goes Off Script by Annabel Monaghan

hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.5

I ate this one up!! I love Arthur and Bernadette so much 🥹 only not 5 stars because

why did it have to end in marriage ?!? was that also a little much for people?

The Rachel Incident by Caroline O'Donoghue

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

5.0

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-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? No

4.5

“I am. Was always, good” 

Loved. Sharp, witty, fast paced, audio is def the way to go!

I love Blair and Cam sm 🩷 And Irene