kats_got_your_bookstagram's reviews
566 reviews

Gothictown by Emily Carpenter

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mysterious 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? No

2.0

I had high hopes for Gothictown by Emily Carpenter, especially with its eerie cover and promising premise. The book started off strong, creating a chilling, supernatural atmosphere that immediately pulled me in. But as the story progressed, it shifted away from those eerie supernatural vibes and veered more into a small-town conspiracy theory. Unfortunately, that transition didn’t work for me.

By the halfway mark, I found myself bored, waiting for something to reignite the initial intrigue. The pacing felt uneven, and the supernatural elements that hooked me early on faded away rather than evolving into something truly compelling. I listened to the audiobook, and while the narration was fine, it didn’t do much to make the story more engaging.

Overall, Gothictown had potential, but the genre shift and lack of payoff left me disappointed. If you’re into slow-burn mysteries with town secrets, it might work for you—but if you’re looking for a true supernatural gothic thriller, you might want to look elsewhere.
Flawless by Elsie Silver

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Giddy up, cowboy! 🤠 I'm definitely still in my cowboy era, and Flawless just solidified it even more! This book had me completely hooked—I could not put it down.

Rhett and Summer’s chemistry was sizzling, and their spice? On FIRE! The tension, the banter, and the way their relationship unfolded had me swooning the entire time. The dual POV made the story even better, giving both characters depth and making their connection feel so real. Plus, the small-town charm and setup for the rest of the Chestnut Springs series have me beyond excited to keep reading!

The audiobook was also fantastic—Sebastian York and Emma Wilder truly brought these characters to life. If you're in the mood for a swoony cowboy romance with banter, heart, and plenty of heat, this one’s a must-read!



The Madman's Hotel by Niall Breslin

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emotional reflective medium-paced

3.0

"The Madman’s Hotel" is a fascinating and haunting story about a family's fight for justice after discovering that a distant relative was unjustly committed to an asylum in Ireland by her husband. I found the historical exploration of these institutions particularly compelling, shedding light on the dark realities of how people—especially women—were often confined against their will. The book does not shy away from the bureaucratic obstacles and red tape the family faces in their search for answers, which adds to the realism and emotional weight of their journey. A gripping and thought-provoking listen!
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Heather Fawcett has done it again, weaving another beautifully written and utterly enchanting tale that I simply could not put down! Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales transports readers back into a world that feels both deeply magical and richly detailed, and I loved every second of it.

One of the things I adored most about this book was how seamlessly it incorporated elements from the previous installment. It felt like stepping back into a familiar yet ever-expanding world, filled with folklore, fae magic, and intricate storytelling. Fawcett’s world-building is truly masterful—every description, every setting, every little magical detail feels so vivid and immersive that I never wanted to leave. The blend of academia, adventure, and whimsy was perfectly balanced, making this a story that feels intelligent, atmospheric, and utterly delightful.

I listened to the audiobook, and I have to say, the narration was fantastic! The voice acting brought the characters to life in such a wonderful way, adding depth and emotion that made the experience even more engaging. The way the narrator captured Emily’s scholarly curiosity and Wendell’s charm was just perfect.

Overall, this book was an absolute joy to read (or listen to), and I already find myself longing for more. If you love books that blend fairy tale whimsy with intelligent, immersive storytelling, this is an absolute must-read!
The Reunion Dinner by Jesse Q. Sutanto

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tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

"The Reunion Dinner" by Jesse Q. Sutanto may be one of the shortest books I’ve listened to, but it was absolutely packed with mystery! Despite its length, the story delivered an engaging plot filled with family secrets, protection, and intrigue. I loved how the tension built up, making every moment feel crucial. The audiobook narration was well done and added to the overall experience. If you’re looking for a quick but gripping listen, this one is worth checking out!"
The Royal Assignment by Ian Thake, Terence Gray, Erin Day

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lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

"A Hallmark Movie for My Ears!"

This audiobook was the perfect Hallmark movie in audio form! I absolutely loved the enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Teddy and Maggie—their chemistry was fantastic, and their banter kept me hooked from start to finish. The story had all the charm and warmth of The Christmas Prince, with royal intrigue, romance, and just the right amount of drama.

The narration was incredible—so immersive that I felt like I was watching the story unfold rather than just listening. If you're a fan of cozy, feel-good romance with a royal twist, The Royal Assignment is a must-listen!
After the Fairy Tale by Erin Day, Terence Gray, Ian Thake

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funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This was such a cute and engaging audiobook! It follows Amanda as she returns to her hometown during the airing of the Bachelor-style show she was on, navigating the aftermath of reality TV fame and reconnecting with her old life.

I really enjoyed Amanda's character—her struggles felt real and relatable, making her easy to root for. The small-town dynamics and her personal growth throughout the story kept me hooked.

The audiobook itself was a fantastic experience! The full cast narration brought the story to life, making it feel immersive and cinematic. If you love rom-coms with heart and humor, this one is definitely worth a listen!
Pretty Monster by Sheridan Anne

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

"Pretty Monster" by Sheridan Anne

Well, this was definitely not the stalker romance I expected! Overall, I really enjoyed this one, and the multiple POVs kept me guessing until the end. The dark and suspenseful tone definitely gave off Haunting Adeline vibes, though the stalker in this story wasn’t nearly as developed as Zade.

I listened to the audiobook, and while I liked that it featured dual narration, I found the female narrator to be just okay. Also, I have to say—Kyah’s character was so annoying at times. Some of her decisions and inner monologues had me frustrated, but despite that, the story kept me engaged. If you’re into dark romance with an air of mystery, this one is worth a listen!
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

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lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

It was so nice to be back in Dream Harbor, but this time at the bookstore! The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore was such a cozy, fun read, and I absolutely loved Hazel’s character. Her determination to make the most of her final months in her 20s was so relatable, and as a book lover, I adored the book treasure hunt aspect—it was such a unique way to push Hazel out of her comfort zone!

And Noah… absolutely swoon-worthy! His offer to help Hazel on her quest made my heart melt, and their chemistry? So steamy! Their romance had the perfect mix of tension and sweetness.

I listened to the audiobook, and while I enjoyed the story, I was a little disappointed that despite being a dual POV, it was only read by one narrator. I think having two could have really elevated the experience.

Overall, this was such a delightful read, and I can’t wait to see what’s next in Dream Harbor!
My Dark Prince by L.J. Shen, Parker S. Huntington

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book had me hooked! While the title hints at Sleeping Beauty, My Dark Princess felt more like a Beauty and the Beast retelling—dark, angsty, and utterly captivating.

I loved the enemies-to-lovers and second-chance romance between Oliver and Briar. Their chemistry? Off the charts! Steamy, electric, and full of tension in the best way possible. Even though I didn’t read the first two books in the series, I never felt lost in the story.

That said, some parts felt a bit long, but the dual narration in the audiobook kept me engaged. If you love a broody hero, a fiery heroine, and a romance packed with passion and angst, this one’s worth checking out!