justreaditalreadypod's reviews
475 reviews

Talking at Night by Claire Daverley

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

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

4.75

Sometimes, a book comes along that touches you in unexpected ways. This was that book for me. I picked up this book one day on a discount table at Barnes & Noble, brought it home, put it on my shelf, and then forgot about it. I randomly picked it up the other day and am so happy I did. The reading experience was similar to the one I had when reading Jandy Nelson's "I'll Give You the Sun." Both books are about twins falling for the same boy, and while Nelson's book was deeply affecting, this one was even more so.

 

This novel chronicles the decades-spanning relationship between Will and Rosie, two teenagers who strike up an unlikely friendship one evening when Rosie's twin brother, Josh, introduces them. Rosie is a good girl from a good home, while Will has never met his mother, lives with his grandmother, and has a bit of a bad reputation around town. It starts at a bonfire, but then, as days go by, the two find themselves connecting more at school and eventually strike up a very sweet friendship where they spend a lot of time together, sharing their deepest, darkest thoughts well into the night. 

 

As one would guess, attraction blossoms between the two, but when Josh admits to Rosie that he has a crush on Will, she knows she could never cross that line and hurt him, so she keeps Will at arm's length. When tragedy strikes, it forces all of them apart, but over the years, Will and Rosie's paths continue to cross, their connection and attraction as strong as ever, yet never able to completely connect the way they both would like.

 

I absolutely loved the characters in this book. Both Rosie and Will are beautifully flawed; their struggles and decisions are so achingly human that they felt like people I know. I felt their pain, their longing, and their grief. I so desperately wanted them to get together, but at the same time, I understood what kept them apart.

 

Daverley's writing is nothing short of beautiful. Her prose has an almost cinematic quality, painting vivid scenes that firmly planted me into the scenes with the characters. What I loved most was how the author balanced the joys of connection with the ache of separation, creating a narrative that felt alive with emotion.

 

The novel's structure—spanning years and weaving between past and present—adds to its emotional complexity. When we first meet the characters, they are seniors in high school, but by the time we've reached the end, they are well into their 30s. The pacing is perfect, neither too fast nor too slow, allowing the story to breathe while keeping readers invested. Even the time jumps felt natural, and I never felt as though I'd missed anything when we jumped years ahead.

 

I think what will make this book so memorable for me is its quiet honesty. This is not a story of grand gestures or perfect endings; it's a story about real people making honest mistakes and grappling with the consequences. It's about the kind of love that isn't always easy but feels inevitable, the type that leaves a mark no matter how much time passes.

 

In the end, I found this to be a deeply moving novel that captures the complexities of love and loss with grace and authenticity. For anyone who has ever loved someone they couldn't quite have, or for those who cherish stories that linger in their hearts long after the last page, this book is a must-read. 

Private Rites by Julia Armfield

dark slow-paced

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

3.0

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

dark 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

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

 

I love Grady Hendrix's books, so naturally, I was really excited to get my hands on an advance copy of this one. I love how he infuses humor and horror while also saying something important about society. While I've loved every book of his that I have read thus far, I think that this is hands down my favorite.

 

Set in the summer of 1970 at the Wellwood Home in St. Augustine, Florida, the novel follows fifteen-year-old Fern - a young girl who wound up pregnant and completely devastated when the boy she loved broke ties with her the moment he found out he was about to be a dad. Completely humiliated by their Jezebel of a daughter, Fern's parents send her to Florida to stay in a home with other sinful girls as soon as she begins to show. The home offers a place for young women to live and work away from the public eye and then give up their babies for adoption before returning back home as if nothing ever happened.

 

Despite the strict rules (never share your real name or info about the baby daddy and always listen to the doctor) imposed by the adults at the home, Fern makes a few friends and one day meets a friendly, though mysterious librarian who introduces her to the world of witchcraft through an occult book. When a morning sickness spell actually works, Fern and her new friends realize they have a newfound power that might help them gain the upper hand over the adults who dictate their every move. As they navigate this newfound magic, they discover that said magic comes with a price, and they must be willing to pay it no matter the cost.

 

One thing that I loved about this book was the way Hendrix expertly weaved together themes of female empowerment, sisterhood, and the resilience of women - topics that are always important, but even more so in today's times. While the book is set in the 1970s, so many of its themes are still relevant today. The novel is especially powerful after all that has happened in the last few years as far as the stripping away of women's rights and the continued pursuit to take away the rights of anyone who isn't straight, white, and male. We really are going backward.

 

Hendrix frequently writes from the perspective of females, but this book felt different - the voice felt authentically female simply because of the way the rage plays out. As the coven grapples with moral dilemmas, strict rules, and increasing pressure to conform, lines are crossed, and the line between what is truly right and wrong becomes hazy.

 

All the characters are vividly drawn, and I loved each of them - even the ones I loved to hate. The writing, as expected, is top-notch. The sense of place pours off the page. I felt the sweltering heat and humidity of the Florida summer. I heard every sound, felt every touch, and smelled every smell. The pacing - while a bit slow in the beginning - really takes off about a third of the way through, and by that point, I couldn't stop reading.

 

As I mentioned earlier, I think this is now my new favorite novel by Hendrix. This is a powerful and immersive read that had me riveted. It's a story of female resilience, empowerment, and friendship, all told with an urgency that will resonate with readers who are worried about what the future holds regarding autonomy over one's body and personal choices. Read it, and then find you a coven to help take down the patriarchy.

What It's Like in Words: A Novel by Eliza Moss

dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.5

 I know I have said this a billion times (and will continue to say it) - I love an unreliable narrator who is equal parts likable and infuriating, and this book gave me that in spades. This is a visceral, unflinchingly honest exploration of codependency, insecurity, and emotional abuse. It's uncomfortable, maddening, but also poignant at times. I simply couldn't get enough. (I'm not sure what that says about me.) 

At the novel's center is Enola, a woman approaching her 30th birthday, burdened by societal expectations and personal insecurities. She's a dreamer who longs to be a writer but is paralyzed by self-doubt, so she sticks with a ho-hum job that doesn't wholly fulfill her. 

 

The novel takes a sharp turn when Enola falls for an enigmatic writer she meets at a writing workgroup, a man whose charm is only matched by his toxicity (and boy is he ever toxic). He is distant, moody, and manipulative, and the sex isn't great, but he fills a void, so she clings to the dream of their future together. I can't tell you how often I wanted to push my head into the book and say, "Girl! Leave. His. Ass!" I was so frustrated with her, but those frustrations came up because of how Moss masterfully depicts Enola's sense of self (or lack thereof) as she bends over backward to be the "Cool Girl" that this man will fall for. This dynamic is excruciating to witness but crucial to the story's power. 

One of the novel's greatest strengths is its rawness. Moss does not shy away from the darker, messier aspects of Enola's life. Scenes of emotional manipulation and neglect are depicted with brutal honesty, forcing readers to sit in the discomfort of Enola's reality. At times, it feels almost voyeuristic, as if we are peering into the most vulnerable, private moments of her life. However, this rawness is balanced by Enola's eventual growth. Though slow and fraught with setbacks, her transformation is portrayed so realistically that it adds to the discomfort. I've been there - and I think that's why it was so uncomfortable for me. I knew what she was thinking/hoping for.

 

Moss also does a commendable job weaving in Enola's relationships with others—her best friend, who serves as her voice of reason; her mother, with whom she shares a strained relationship; and even her younger self, whose idealism and creativity haunt her throughout the narrative. These connections add depth to the story and remind us that rarely does a toxic relationship just happen - we tend to gravitate toward them when there's something broken inside of us. We can't break the cycle until we acknowledge and then fix it. Enola's journey is as much about finding herself as it is about extricating herself from the man who threatens to destroy her - again, so relatable!

 

I loved how the novel delves deeply into the question that haunts so many stories of dysfunctional relationships: Why doesn't she leave him? With raw emotion and uncomfortable truths, Moss has crafted a story that is equal parts heartbreaking and hopeful. Enola's journey toward self-discovery and self-worth is messy and imperfect but also deeply inspiring. Her story is a reminder that growth is possible, even in the aftermath of pain.

 

In this book, the author delivers a poignant, unvarnished portrayal of a woman grappling with love, loss, and identity. It's a novel that will resonate with anyone who has ever doubted their worth or struggled to find their voice. While it may be a difficult read at times, it's an important one I will likely revisit at some point.

I Might Be in Trouble by Daniel Aleman

dark lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

I need to start this off by saying that I am very much in the minority with this book. The synopsis made it sound right up my alley, and many people on Bookstagram raved about it - so much so that when I finished the book and didn't feel the same, I thought maybe something was wrong with me.

 

The book focuses on a young man named David Alvarez, whose life has not been going well. When he was in his early twenties, David landed a six-figure book deal, and his first book became a bestseller. Then, his second book was released, and it was panned by critics and readers alike. This alone was a significant blow to his ego, but then his amazing boyfriend dumped him, sending David into a tailspin. Now he has no idea what to write about in his next book (or if anyone will even read it), his publisher is about to drop him, he's not sure where he's going to get the money to pay his rent, and he desperately misses his ex.

 

During a night of intense need, David hooks up with a wealthy man that he meets on Grindr. After an amazing night of sex, the man takes David out for drinks. The more time they spend together, the more David begins to think that maybe this guy could be exactly what he needs to pull him out of the dumps. But the next day, when David wakes up next to Mr. Amazing, he's shocked to find that the dude is dead. David knows he should call the paramedics, but he is afraid that he may have caused the death in some unknown way (he was pretty drunk, after all), so he calls his agent instead. Big mistake. His agent warns him that this could leave a stain on David's name and threaten his career. So - the two decide to cart the dead dude back to his hotel room and leave him for housekeeping to find... and then use the premise for David's next bestselling book. What could possibly go wrong?

 

On the plus side, I loved the characters in this book. I could see a lot of my younger self in David. I, too, was young, naive, impressionable, and slightly self-absorbed. I had many (many many) months where I worried about making rent, my car payment, having enough gas money to get to work, and - oh yeah - food. I felt his desperation. I also loved Stacey (his agent) and the relationship they shared. While her ideas weren't the best, she was still a hoot.

 

My biggest problem with this one was the inconsistent tone. It started off as a comedy but then turned into a mystery/thriller of sorts. It's marketed as a dark comedy, but to me, it felt less dark comedy and more slapstick/camp. Yes, the idea of two people moving around a dead body and covering it up is, in a sense, dark. But the several chapters of Stacey and David playing "Weekend at Bernie's" with the dead dude got old really fast. It went on far too long and was completely unrealistic; I had a really difficult time staying on board with it.

 

My other problem was after they finally dumped the body, the tone shifted from slapstick to mystery and almost thriller. David's paranoia was palpable - and I felt it. I also liked the little twist that caused even more friction, but then I felt like it kind of fizzled out at the end. The tension started to ramp up but then didn't really go anywhere. In the end, I was happy with David's growth as a character, but - again - as far as the overall plot, I felt it kind of fizzled out. I wanted more of a bang.

 

Overall, this is a fun concept, and I can see why a lot of people are eating it up. On the plus side, I really liked the characters and loved David's character growth. As far as the execution, though, I found it to be just okay. I thought the tone and pacing were uneven, the comedy was too slapstick, and the ending kind of fizzled.

Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock

emotional sad medium-paced

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

4.25

This book has been hanging out on my e-reader for at least three years. When I bought it, I intended to read it immediately, but as is typical with me, I didn't start it, and then another book came along that I wanted to read more, and - yeah - here we are. I will say that it was well worth the wait!

 

The story focuses on a couple - Lucy and Mickey - who met at a bar/club years ago on Lucy's birthday. Lucy was immediately smitten with Mickey, but he kept her at a distance because he had been diagnosed as bipolar, and he remembered what his mother's diagnosis did to his family. He didn't want to put anyone through that pain and uncertainty. But Lucy is tenacious and pursues him anyway because she has her own health problems - the women in her family are predisposed to an aggressive form of breast cancer.

 

Before they know it, the two of them are married and have a list of agreements to keep themselves open, honest, and present in their relationship. One of those agreements is that they will not have children. The couple manages to weather several small storms over the years by sticking to their rules, but then, one day, Lucy finds out she is pregnant, and the couple must decide if this is a rule they are willing to break.

 

I probably don't need to tell you that this is a very emotional read. It alternates between the first-person viewpoint of Lucy and letters written over the years by Mickey - many of which are written for therapy or as a way for him to process things after he has come down from a manic state. This helps ground us and gives us a look at the relationship as a whole, which I really appreciated.

 

Hancock's writing is beautiful and poignant, capturing the complexities of love and marriage with grace and sensitivity. The characters and what they go through feel real and relatable. Mickey's mental health struggles and Lucy's constant health scares would be enough to make any person lose it, but I admired the way they battled through and did their best to rise above. I also really loved the supporting characters - from Lucy's sisters to Mickey's therapist and Lucy's doctors - each played a very significant role, and I loved all of them.

 

One of the most striking aspects of the novel is how Hancock portrays bipolar disorder. I have a couple of friends and a family member who live with bipolar disorders, and I was amazed at how well Hancock was able to provide a raw and honest look at the struggles that come with the condition, but did it in a very respectful and almost gentle way. Mickey's journey to manage his disorder is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, and the way Lucy stood by him through his struggles - despite dealing with several of her own - was admirable.

 

That said, the novel is not so much about the struggles that Lucy and Mickey face but about how they manage these roadblocks together. Their promises to each other show their unwavering dedication to one another, and how they show up for each other - even in the darkest of times - is so sweet.

 

Overall, this is a story of love, resilience, hope and healing. If you like an emotional read, I would highly recommend this one. It does deal with bipolar disorder and cancer, so if those are triggers for you, then stay away. On the other hand, if you are looking for a book that will both warm your heart and break it, then this is the book for you.

Missing White Woman by Kellye Garrett

mysterious 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

3.75

Usually, when picking a book, I tend to gravitate toward mysteries/thrillers, but for whatever reason, I haven't been in the mood for one lately. I've had this book on my radar for a while, and when my Libby hold was made available, I decided to give it a try. While it didn't blow me away, I enjoyed the unique perspective it brought to your typical missing white woman case.

 

The book focuses on Bree, a Black woman who is off to New York to spend some time with her new boyfriend, Ty. This guy is smart and successful, and she can totally see herself settling down with him. The time that they spend together is great at first, but then Ty seems preoccupied with work. He's constantly checking his phone and, at times, seems nervous and detached. When Bree wakes up the morning that she is set to return home and finds the body of a dead white woman lying at the bottom of the stairs in their AirBnB, her world is turned upside down. Could this be the missing white woman that people in the neighborhood have been searching for? To make matters worse, Ty is now missing, and police consider him their number one suspect.

 

Bree's troubles worsen when a Tik-Tok influencer gloms onto the case and starts putting the pieces together. When the Tik-Tokker hones in on Ty, it's not long before the public turns their attention to Bree, thinking maybe she had something to do with it. Will Bree be able to find out what happened to Ty and clear her name before the armchair detectives blow this out of proportion even further and put Bree's life in danger?

 

I will admit that when I went into this book, I thought it was going to be about two missing women and how the public tends to be more emotionally invested when a case deals with white women versus women of color. Reading the synopsis would have cleared that up (bad on me), but the fact that it focused on a Black suspect and a white victim was even more eye-opening. Bree (and to an extent Ty) went through some pretty degrading crap - stuff that I, as a white person, never would have considered. As Bree navigates the chaos and confusion following Ty's disappearance, she is forced to confront her own past and the secrets she has been keeping. One little mistake from her college days comes back to haunt her, and when the public picks up this information, they focus even more heavily on her alleged involvement.

 

One thing that works very well in this novel is the character development. Bree's emotional journey is raw and honest, and I found myself wanting to protect her. The internet can be such a toxic place, and the things Bree went through simply because an influencer focused on her were maddening.

 

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the novel is its exploration of race and privilege. By centering the narrative around a Black woman's perspective, the author challenges readers to think critically about the media's portrayal of missing persons, particularly those who are white and female. Even though this wasn't about a Black family trying to get the same amount of coverage or justice for a missing Black woman, we are still forced to confront uncomfortable truths about race, identity, and privilege.

 

While my temporary aversion to thrillers may have dampened the impact of this one for me, it's still a good read and brings up some important topics worthy of discussion. The author has crafted a story that is both thrilling and impactful, offering readers a fresh perspective in the over-crowded domestic thriller genre.

The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill

emotional inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher. All thoughts are my own. 

 

One of my favorite hypothetical questions is, "If you could go back in time and tell your younger self one thing, what would that be?" Obviously, I don't want to mess with the timeline too much so I always say that I would tell my teenage self that everything will be okay. You'll have a rough go, but pay attention, learn the lessons, and stick with it because you'll meet some amazing people who will lift you up and be your friends for life. I'd also probably give myself a set of winning lottery numbers that I could play once the younger me turns 35 (when I was mature enough to handle the wealth). Now, all I need is an opportunity to go back in time and make that happen. 

 

In this book, author Edward Underhill explores this hypothetical question through the lens of 29 (almost 30) year-old Darby, a trans man who has hit a roadblock in life after losing his job. One night, Darby calls his mom, who tells him she is selling his childhood home and moving into a condo. Darby decides to rent a car, pack all of his belongings, and travel back to his hometown of Oak Falls, Illinois (much to the chagrin of his friends in NYC) to help his mother out. He feels like he needs to get away, clear his head, and decide what his future holds. 

 

Darby doesn't anticipate running into his former best friend, Mike - a friend with whom he had a falling out just before their senior year of high school. He also doesn't expect to walk into the bookstore where he used to work as a teenager - back before he transitioned or even really knew he was trans - and find his younger self working there. As the days pass, and Darby reconnects with old friends, and continues to encounter his teenage self whenever he walks into the bookstore, more questions and feelings arise, but will he find the answers he is looking for? 

 

There's a lot to like in this book. I found the characters to be likable and engaging - I think any queer kid will see something of themself in Darby and/or Mike. I felt for Darby. I know what it's like to grow up in a small town where you don't fit in. I also know what it's like to return to your hometown and feel both at home and like an outsider whenever you run into someone from your past. I also really enjoyed watching Darby discover his old self and, in a way, reconnect with who he was then. When I first started reading this book, I thought that this would be about Darby helping his younger self through a difficult time, but that's not exactly the case. The younger version of Darby helps the future version more than vice versa. 

 

While I enjoyed the concept and liked the characters, I felt something was missing in the novel. While reading, I often found myself thinking that the book felt almost like a young adult novel, and then once I read that the author has written several YA novels and this is their first adult novel, it made sense. Some of the conflicts felt a little juvenile - something a teenager or someone in their early 20s would get worked up over. I also felt that the author could have gone deeper into the characters and the subject matter. Figuring out who you are as a gay kid is a scary thing, and I wanted more from the scenes between the two versions of Darby. I realize that the author was obeying the laws of "don't mess with the timeline in time travel." but I would have liked to have seen a more emotional connection here. 

 

Overall, this is a touching and insightful read that touches on important themes. I just wished it had dug a little deeper. That said, I did appreciate that the book didn't go in a predictable direction. I expected it to end one way, but it went in a different, more bittersweet direction, which I appreciated. Sometimes, a happy ending comes in unexpected ways. 

Among Serpents by Marc J Gregson

adventurous tense fast-paced

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

4.5

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own. 

 

I read "Sky's End" (the first book in this series) about this time last year and loved it! I loved the world, the action, the suspense, and the relationships that were built. This book takes all that and ups the stakes and the action right out of the gate. If you've not yet read the first book in this series but intend to, you may want to skip this review for now, as it may include minor spoilers from book one. 

 

This book picks up not long after the end of the first book. Conrad has reconnected with his sister and now finds himself at the helm of a squadron of ships, tasked with fighting off ginormous sky monsters and helping to protect the people of the Skylands from the people who live below the black, toxic clouds beneath the floating islands. 

 

When Conrad's dangerous uncle, the king of the Skylands, sends him on a secret mission, many wonder if Conrad and his crew will survive, but Conrad feels the mission is important enough for the good of the kingdom to risk his life, so he and his crew set off for an epic battle that will change their lives and the course of the Skylands forever. 

 

Now that Conrad has established himself as a hunter and his uncle has officially announced that Conrad is the heir to the throne, the stakes are higher than ever. With the fate of the Skylands hanging in the balance, Conrad must prove his worth to his uncle and everyone in the kingdom. The journey is fraught with danger, from new (and bigger) deadly sky creatures to political sabotage and traitors around every corner. If you thought the action was white-knuckle in the first book, you haven't seen anything yet. Since the rules have been established and the world has been fleshed out, this book is all about action, intrigue, and crazy battles. 

 

A lot is riding on Conrad's shoulders this time around and that is where the book shines, but also where it falters (I'll explain more about that in a bit). Conrad has grown a lot. He was quite cynical and kept everyone at arm's length in book one, focusing on taking down his uncle and saving his sister, but with the reveal at the end of that book, there's a new threat looming. This time, Conrad is focused on being a leader and fostering the relationships he built in the first book. The entire lovable, rag-tag crew is back. We even get more from the evil Sebastian - and yes, I still wanted to punch him in the spleen. I appreciated Conrad's emotional growth and maturity in this book, but as I said earlier, this is also where the book felt a little weak. 

 

Conrad was so laser-focused in the first book that he refused to let anyone get close to him. This time around, he tries too hard to protect everyone, and his moral compass is his downfall. I appreciated his protectiveness toward his friends and crew, but I felt he was a little too lenient with some of the more dangerous people. He tried too hard to always be the upstanding captain, and after a while, it got old. I wanted more levels. I wanted him to show some of the hardness that he showed the first time around. He went from one extreme to the other in this book and just kind of stayed there. 

 

Aside from that gripe, everything else worked really well. The pacing is breakneck, and a lot happens in the nearly 500 pages of this book. Twists and turns abound, the battle scenes are insane, and new revelations and shocking deaths kept me on the edge of my seat. 

 

Even though Conrad's moral high ground started to get on my nerves after a while, it wasn't enough to ruin this one for me. If you're a fan of book one, you'll definitely want to check this one out. I love the world that Gregson has created, and the action is non-stop. This is an excellent continuation of an adrenaline-fueled series. I can't wait to read book three. 

Christmas Eve Love Story by Ginny Baird

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0