jaihook's reviews
230 reviews

The Cheating Husband: A Psychological Thriller by James Caine

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3.0

James Caine delivers a fast-paced mystery in The Cheating Husband, though the momentum stalls midway before picking up again for a solid conclusion. While the twists and turns are engaging, the story's predictability detracts from its impact—after all, it's rarely the most obvious suspect. 

Emma, the protagonist, comes across as frustratingly desperate for love, diving headfirst into a relationship with Owen without truly knowing him. Owen himself falls flat as a character, offering little beyond his good looks, with his supposed career as a real estate agent feeling like an afterthought. Meanwhile, Chloe, Emma's young daughter, exemplifies the trope of kids in adult fiction being more irritating than endearing. 

Overall, The Cheating Husband is an enjoyable, if flawed, read. It’s worth picking up another James Caine novel to fully gauge his writing style, as this one leaves room for improvement. 
Mr. Dixon by Linette King

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4.0

Mr. Dixon is the definition of if you stay ready then you ain’t got to get ready and FAFO. This was a wild 76 page read. I need more because how did this old man end up at this point in his life??? 
Family Doctor by J.M. Dalgliesh

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  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I had high hopes for this story, described as a fast-paced thriller. It started strong, drawing me in as I analyzed each character, trying to determine who might have kidnapped the daughter. However, the momentum faltered midway, as the story slowed down, dragged, and struggled to hold my attention. I found it hard to connect with Kelly or Niall, as both characters had significant flaws. That said, the ending delivered some thrilling twists. While I wasn’t surprised by who was behind it all, the motive did catch me off guard.

Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture, and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to read and listen to this ARC.


Love in Bloom by Lucy Eden

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4.0

This was my first book by Lucy Eden, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Love in Bloom is the perfect cozy, small-town rom-com to enjoy during work or as a relaxing escape afterward. Emma, the relatable main character who can’t cook or keep plants alive, brought humor and heart to the story, and her journey from city chaos to inheriting her grandparents' farm was both touching and funny.
I especially loved how the small-town community rallied around Emma, showing the charm and warmth of tight-knit rural life. There’s a bit of spice in the story, but it’s tastefully done and fits perfectly within the plot. 

Wesleigh Siobhan’s narration was the highlight of the audiobook experience—she’s simply one of the best. Her ability to distinguish male and female characters is unmatched, and her capture of a male British accent was fantastic. I’d listen to anything she narrates.

Overall, Love in Bloom is a delightful mix of humor, romance, and community spirit, making it a great pick for fans of feel-good, small-town love stories.
His Perfect Crime by Alex Sigmore

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0