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libraryforspooky's reviews
151 reviews
You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks, Sarah Pekkanen
1.0
This story just fell flat for me. It was easy to pick out the flaws of each character. How naive it is was for the main character. It didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat like most psychological thrillers. I almost added it to my DNF list but I muscled through.
I understand Shay, seeing the world as statistics and being socially introverted. I think it added depth to see that Shay was caring enough to mourn the person who she thought to commit suicide. However, I didn’t really get a feel of character building from Shay or the three sisters.
Honestly, it didn’t really make much sense as things unfolded. But on the bright side, I’ll never pick up a necklace I find on the ground. You never know if it leads to somebody tracking you.
I understand Shay, seeing the world as statistics and being socially introverted. I think it added depth to see that Shay was caring enough to mourn the person who she thought to commit suicide. However, I didn’t really get a feel of character building from Shay or the three sisters.
Honestly, it didn’t really make much sense as things unfolded. But on the bright side, I’ll never pick up a necklace I find on the ground. You never know if it leads to somebody tracking you.
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
4.0
I genuinely can’t give five star reviews to romance novels. I’m biased because I’m a complete sucker for them. Mostly they’re my comfort books, they help in reading slumps and they usually have a happy ending. However, I can’t ignore that romance books usually follow the same trope. Guy meets girl, fall in love, big disaster breakup because of lack of communication, get back together and live happily ever after. So to the actual review -
In my opinion, this reads a lot like a fan fiction about a character from Game of Thrones. Bit I digress, this novel has a soft spot on me. It’s only the second novel I’ve read where the main character is plus size - a lot like me.
Marcus is a charming and famous television actor who everybody assumes is dumb. There was no slip up in the 8 years the show has ran. Even his parents mentioned how much he is a pretty face and the intelligence he lacked. They we’re wrong. Marcus was dyslexic, after finding what worked for him - he wrote fanfiction that appeared to be somewhat popular within the community.
April is a hot, plus sized scientist who also writes fan fiction about the television show. Not only that but she cosplays and so when a picture of one of cosplays goes viral. It leads to an awkward date between April and Marcus. It also leads to the romance.
This books touched on topics that were a little difficult to read. I think it depicted the perfect nerdy side I’ve always felt I had - fanfiction and cosplay. On the flip side, I think they handled some crucial social topics in a better light and was able to raise awareness on issues like dyslexia, fat shaming and disrespect. It was a cute book, I felt like the characters had the chemistry. It was a great depiction protagonists with a heart warming love story and some very steamy sex.
In my opinion, this reads a lot like a fan fiction about a character from Game of Thrones. Bit I digress, this novel has a soft spot on me. It’s only the second novel I’ve read where the main character is plus size - a lot like me.
Marcus is a charming and famous television actor who everybody assumes is dumb. There was no slip up in the 8 years the show has ran. Even his parents mentioned how much he is a pretty face and the intelligence he lacked. They we’re wrong. Marcus was dyslexic, after finding what worked for him - he wrote fanfiction that appeared to be somewhat popular within the community.
April is a hot, plus sized scientist who also writes fan fiction about the television show. Not only that but she cosplays and so when a picture of one of cosplays goes viral. It leads to an awkward date between April and Marcus. It also leads to the romance.
This books touched on topics that were a little difficult to read. I think it depicted the perfect nerdy side I’ve always felt I had - fanfiction and cosplay. On the flip side, I think they handled some crucial social topics in a better light and was able to raise awareness on issues like dyslexia, fat shaming and disrespect. It was a cute book, I felt like the characters had the chemistry. It was a great depiction protagonists with a heart warming love story and some very steamy sex.
The Fastest Way To Fall by Denise Williams
4.0
Guilty, I stayed up till 3 am to finish this novel. However, I can’t give romance novels 5 stars. This book just might deserve it though.
Wes is in the place where he has a lot of ugly feelings towards his ex. Which to me is the flag that he’s not over her. He is the part owner and CEO of FitMi, a fitness app focused on helping people eat more nutritious and work out the correct opposed to an unhealthy way. It’s not about losing weight, it’s about feeling energetic, awake with possibilities and feeling healthy. FitMi accomplishes this by hiring personal trainers who have degrees and alot of experience.
Britta is a plus size journalist who wants to do more. She pitches the idea about joining the app and recording her journey through FitMi. However it’s shot down and soon her rivaling coworker repitched it for both of them to work on this project for two rivaling fitness apps. Britta is witty and was unapologetic in her application for who would best suit her as a trainer.
It was a heartwarming and endearing ride to see the relationship develop between Britta and Wes. Their relationship turned unprofessional - but when you find the one, it’s hard to really care. Of course, everything works out in the end.
It struck me as odd that the falling out in the book wasn’t because of lack of communication. It was merely to save face in both of their careers. Not only was I happy that the main woman protagonist was plus size, a body type like mine, but it also reflected on the social issues around fat shaming and broken families. It was mostly body positive, but Britta also had moments that I felt were raw and relatable. Wes came from a broken family and it reflected perfectly how easy it is to blame yourself when you’re okay but your family members aren’t.
After writing my thoughts out without trying to spoil too much, this book could clearly be five stars. However, I’m biased in my unwavering love of romance novels.
Wes is in the place where he has a lot of ugly feelings towards his ex. Which to me is the flag that he’s not over her. He is the part owner and CEO of FitMi, a fitness app focused on helping people eat more nutritious and work out the correct opposed to an unhealthy way. It’s not about losing weight, it’s about feeling energetic, awake with possibilities and feeling healthy. FitMi accomplishes this by hiring personal trainers who have degrees and alot of experience.
Britta is a plus size journalist who wants to do more. She pitches the idea about joining the app and recording her journey through FitMi. However it’s shot down and soon her rivaling coworker repitched it for both of them to work on this project for two rivaling fitness apps. Britta is witty and was unapologetic in her application for who would best suit her as a trainer.
It was a heartwarming and endearing ride to see the relationship develop between Britta and Wes. Their relationship turned unprofessional - but when you find the one, it’s hard to really care. Of course, everything works out in the end.
It struck me as odd that the falling out in the book wasn’t because of lack of communication. It was merely to save face in both of their careers. Not only was I happy that the main woman protagonist was plus size, a body type like mine, but it also reflected on the social issues around fat shaming and broken families. It was mostly body positive, but Britta also had moments that I felt were raw and relatable. Wes came from a broken family and it reflected perfectly how easy it is to blame yourself when you’re okay but your family members aren’t.
After writing my thoughts out without trying to spoil too much, this book could clearly be five stars. However, I’m biased in my unwavering love of romance novels.
Fat Girls Hiking: An Inclusive Guide to Getting Outdoors at Any Size or Ability by Summer Michaud-Skog
5.0
Big thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for an honest review! I wish this book came out a few years ago to help me on my journey in the world of hiking. This book is a guide for hiking - whether you're plus size, new to hiking or have a disability that may limit your hike.
Not only does this guide give you tips on the best way to start hiking, but it also emphasizes on not getting stuck on how far you can go. It's helpful that they included a section on what to wear. Picking out a backpack for a hike is scary and so are finding the right shoes that would be beneficial for you to your hike. It's not a one size fit all. The guide contained reviews and locations to hikes that might seem intimidating, but you hear about their personal experience. It helps that its personal, because you realize that you may have the same struggle, but it's worth it for the view at the end. Most of all, it's good to know you're not alone.
This guide isn't focused on the fitness or weight loss of hiking - or getting prepared by going to the gym every day like I did when I first started. This guide is about connecting with the outdoors. It also talked about the struggles of being overweight in a society that pushes diets.
As stated earlier, this guide couldn't come out soon enough. The pictures were amazing, it showed the trails, the end game and the inclusive reviewers. It was diverse and refreshing, not fat shaming or participating in diet culture. I think this guide will help a lot of people, it's informative to all sizes and abilities capable in the world of hiking.
Makes me want to go to trails they reviewed, but most importantly it makes me want to get outside with the right equipment and nutrition to see the beautiful ways that Nature presents itself.
Not only does this guide give you tips on the best way to start hiking, but it also emphasizes on not getting stuck on how far you can go. It's helpful that they included a section on what to wear. Picking out a backpack for a hike is scary and so are finding the right shoes that would be beneficial for you to your hike. It's not a one size fit all. The guide contained reviews and locations to hikes that might seem intimidating, but you hear about their personal experience. It helps that its personal, because you realize that you may have the same struggle, but it's worth it for the view at the end. Most of all, it's good to know you're not alone.
This guide isn't focused on the fitness or weight loss of hiking - or getting prepared by going to the gym every day like I did when I first started. This guide is about connecting with the outdoors. It also talked about the struggles of being overweight in a society that pushes diets.
As stated earlier, this guide couldn't come out soon enough. The pictures were amazing, it showed the trails, the end game and the inclusive reviewers. It was diverse and refreshing, not fat shaming or participating in diet culture. I think this guide will help a lot of people, it's informative to all sizes and abilities capable in the world of hiking.
Makes me want to go to trails they reviewed, but most importantly it makes me want to get outside with the right equipment and nutrition to see the beautiful ways that Nature presents itself.
Everything Must Go by Camille Pagán
3.0
Firstly, thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm giving this book a solid three stars, with my points below on why. When I read what the book was about and the way the title is represented, I thought this novel would reflect a woman who's marriage is in the air while having to deal with her sick elderly mother. I thought the title meant more in terms that since the marriage was over, she would start completely over. That's not what happened at all.
Laine is a professional organizer from New York but currently resides in a small town in Michigan. Within the first chapter, you learn her beloved pet whom she's had for 15 years passed away, she wants a baby so somebody needs her and she asked her husband for a divorce. As the story unfolds, we learn Laine has two sisters and a mother they suspect to have dementia.
Laine packs a suitcase and heads to New York to be with her family and to really think about whether she wants a divorce. Throughout the story, we experience the story from two point of views. One from Laine and one from Sally, her mother. In the chapters that Sally narrates, they are pretty lucid and easy to follow. Oh, by the way, Laine runs into her ex best friend who she's in love with while in New York (Ben, that's important for later).
Throughout the book, I felt that dealing with a family member with dementia was pretty accurate. I can also understand the struggle of wanting to be a mother while your husband doesn't. However, I found the book a bit boring. It seemed like it ran in constant circles of Laine saying yes to all the things she wants to say no. Laine doesn't want to live in New York. I don't know how many times I read that, yet she still contemplated it. I know that the character building was intended to build Laine into having more of a backbone when it's doing what she wants rather than what her family wants. It just fell flat for me though, it seemed like once she finally had Ben whispering into her ear, she grew her backbone.
Which leads me to my next point. I think this story would have been a lot better if Ben wasn't involved at all. If Laine had the chance to explore what motherhood meant to her while being a single woman, while trying to figure out the best route for her mom and growing the courage she needed all by herself. Ben didn't add a lot other than past time of a 16 year old grudge, settling for a man who she loves but I'm not sure she was ever in love with and a happy ending. I mean, if you hold a grudge for that long - are you really able to fall into the arms of the same man within a few days after deciding with your husband that the divorce will be done? It just doesn't make sense to me and the more I think about it, the less sense it makes to me with the timeline in the book.
I did enjoy this book, I think it explored raw emotions when having to become a caretaker. I wouldn't read it again though.
I'm giving this book a solid three stars, with my points below on why. When I read what the book was about and the way the title is represented, I thought this novel would reflect a woman who's marriage is in the air while having to deal with her sick elderly mother. I thought the title meant more in terms that since the marriage was over, she would start completely over. That's not what happened at all.
Laine is a professional organizer from New York but currently resides in a small town in Michigan. Within the first chapter, you learn her beloved pet whom she's had for 15 years passed away, she wants a baby so somebody needs her and she asked her husband for a divorce. As the story unfolds, we learn Laine has two sisters and a mother they suspect to have dementia.
Laine packs a suitcase and heads to New York to be with her family and to really think about whether she wants a divorce. Throughout the story, we experience the story from two point of views. One from Laine and one from Sally, her mother. In the chapters that Sally narrates, they are pretty lucid and easy to follow. Oh, by the way, Laine runs into her ex best friend who she's in love with while in New York (Ben, that's important for later).
Throughout the book, I felt that dealing with a family member with dementia was pretty accurate. I can also understand the struggle of wanting to be a mother while your husband doesn't. However, I found the book a bit boring. It seemed like it ran in constant circles of Laine saying yes to all the things she wants to say no. Laine doesn't want to live in New York. I don't know how many times I read that, yet she still contemplated it. I know that the character building was intended to build Laine into having more of a backbone when it's doing what she wants rather than what her family wants. It just fell flat for me though, it seemed like once she finally had Ben whispering into her ear, she grew her backbone.
Which leads me to my next point. I think this story would have been a lot better if Ben wasn't involved at all. If Laine had the chance to explore what motherhood meant to her while being a single woman, while trying to figure out the best route for her mom and growing the courage she needed all by herself. Ben didn't add a lot other than past time of a 16 year old grudge, settling for a man who she loves but I'm not sure she was ever in love with and a happy ending. I mean, if you hold a grudge for that long - are you really able to fall into the arms of the same man within a few days after deciding with your husband that the divorce will be done? It just doesn't make sense to me and the more I think about it, the less sense it makes to me with the timeline in the book.
I did enjoy this book, I think it explored raw emotions when having to become a caretaker. I wouldn't read it again though.
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin
5.0
I know, it's unlikely a book actually gets a five star review. Hear me out, it was so good. I listened to this book as an audiobook but finished it off by ebook, I listen to books all day at work and get tired when I get home. I couldn't put this down though. Go ahead and take all my money, Megan!! You've made a fan out of me. BE WARNED: SPOILERS AND SA
Let's get to business though. Rachel is a successful true crime podcaster who was known for solving cold cases. Rachel went to a small town to cover the trial of a sexual assault for the next season her podcast. She was investigating and releasing segments on her podcast about the rape of Kelly by the "all American" boy. The chapters are unique, a rotation. It goes from Rachel researching and investigating with personal thoughts, to her podcast entries throughout the season and letters being narrated by Hannah.
Over the course of the book, we learn that Hannah wants help from Rachel to find out who brutally sexually assaulted and murdered her sister a long time ago in the same town.
This novel is a psychological thriller about not one, but two rapes in a small town. It's emotional and unsettling, the author captures the way that real life court will try to blame the victim.
With all that being said, I knew who the culprit was for Hannah's sister. As soon as he came onto the book, he was unsettling. I am, however, glad to see that a protagonist saved the day in the least way we all expected. I'm not mad that I knew, I would pick this book back up in a heartbeat.
Let's get to business though. Rachel is a successful true crime podcaster who was known for solving cold cases. Rachel went to a small town to cover the trial of a sexual assault for the next season her podcast. She was investigating and releasing segments on her podcast about the rape of Kelly by the "all American" boy. The chapters are unique, a rotation. It goes from Rachel researching and investigating with personal thoughts, to her podcast entries throughout the season and letters being narrated by Hannah.
Over the course of the book, we learn that Hannah wants help from Rachel to find out who brutally sexually assaulted and murdered her sister a long time ago in the same town.
This novel is a psychological thriller about not one, but two rapes in a small town. It's emotional and unsettling, the author captures the way that real life court will try to blame the victim.
With all that being said, I knew who the culprit was for Hannah's sister. As soon as he came onto the book, he was unsettling. I am, however, glad to see that a protagonist saved the day in the least way we all expected. I'm not mad that I knew, I would pick this book back up in a heartbeat.
Do You Follow? by J.C. Bidonde
3.0
I would rate this novel as 3.5 stars. "Do You Follow" is a psychological thriller that deals with mental health issues.
Alexa is a twin who just got her first big job and independence in New York City and is living on her own. Beth is her twin sister who seems to be just released from the hospital after a year, shows up at her door and is now living on Alexa's couch. The dynamic of the duo shifts how Alexa originally feels independent to now having a sister who brings up their unresolved issues.
Curt is an up-and-coming youtuber who is known for his cooking videos, with only 30k shy from one million subscribers. Curt and Alexa both met before, Alexa when she was seeing her therapist and Curt cooking in the kitchen at the same place.
As the books unravels, we learn that Beth is not so nice unless its to her sister but it seemed like Alexa always took the fall for it. I thought Beth was a bit overbearing and kept mentioning how Alexa liked to be in control, but in reality, it seemed like she wanted to control Alexa. As for Alexa's character, I didn't really see much depth of her. She moved into a relationship too fast, couldn't tell her sister to get lost even though her inner monologue felt it and just seemed like the author wanted to create the "good girl" image for Alexa.
I enjoyed this book, but the signs of the twist started happening early on. I do like that we read the chapters from both Alexa and Beth's perspective and I liked that the book didn't try to drag on this huge twist to make it longer than it needs to be. The ending wrapped up in a nice little bow.
Big thanks for NetGalley providing the story ARC for an honest review!
Alexa is a twin who just got her first big job and independence in New York City and is living on her own. Beth is her twin sister who seems to be just released from the hospital after a year, shows up at her door and is now living on Alexa's couch. The dynamic of the duo shifts how Alexa originally feels independent to now having a sister who brings up their unresolved issues.
Curt is an up-and-coming youtuber who is known for his cooking videos, with only 30k shy from one million subscribers. Curt and Alexa both met before, Alexa when she was seeing her therapist and Curt cooking in the kitchen at the same place.
As the books unravels, we learn that Beth is not so nice unless its to her sister but it seemed like Alexa always took the fall for it. I thought Beth was a bit overbearing and kept mentioning how Alexa liked to be in control, but in reality, it seemed like she wanted to control Alexa. As for Alexa's character, I didn't really see much depth of her. She moved into a relationship too fast, couldn't tell her sister to get lost even though her inner monologue felt it and just seemed like the author wanted to create the "good girl" image for Alexa.
I enjoyed this book, but the signs of the twist started happening early on. I do like that we read the chapters from both Alexa and Beth's perspective and I liked that the book didn't try to drag on this huge twist to make it longer than it needs to be. The ending wrapped up in a nice little bow.
Big thanks for NetGalley providing the story ARC for an honest review!
We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride, Jo Piazza
4.0
"I don't know how I can sit down with your husband and eat burgers and act like everything is a-okay. It's so not okay. And the fact that you don't get that.."
It's difficult to bring up hard conversations with people you love. Jenny is a white woman who grew up alongside Riley, who is black. The book highlights hardships on both sides when a 14 year old boy who is black is shot by Jenny's husband. It also highlights white privilege up until the end, I'm still not completely sure that Jenny understood that. I think this book has a great concept to bring up hard conversations with people you love, but I didn't really feel the bond between Jenny or Riley at all.
Even in the flashbacks, they seemed oblivious to the other parties thinking. And sometimes envious. We're in an era where time is not regarded to the large factor in staying in toxic relationships. Jenny mentions that she's trying and she may say the wrong things - but in that same apology she mentioned that she doesn't think about the color of Riley since they're like sisters. She isn't acknowledging that in order for her to say that she doesn't think about color, she is providing claim of her white privilege.
Overall, I do like this book and would reread it, more to annotate and break down the book to study it. I gave it four stars as I wasn't a big fan of reading a paragraph in present to be presented with a flashback of the past in the next paragraph. It's not my cup of tea, but tea comes in variety.
It's difficult to bring up hard conversations with people you love. Jenny is a white woman who grew up alongside Riley, who is black. The book highlights hardships on both sides when a 14 year old boy who is black is shot by Jenny's husband. It also highlights white privilege up until the end, I'm still not completely sure that Jenny understood that. I think this book has a great concept to bring up hard conversations with people you love, but I didn't really feel the bond between Jenny or Riley at all.
Even in the flashbacks, they seemed oblivious to the other parties thinking. And sometimes envious. We're in an era where time is not regarded to the large factor in staying in toxic relationships. Jenny mentions that she's trying and she may say the wrong things - but in that same apology she mentioned that she doesn't think about the color of Riley since they're like sisters. She isn't acknowledging that in order for her to say that she doesn't think about color, she is providing claim of her white privilege.
Overall, I do like this book and would reread it, more to annotate and break down the book to study it. I gave it four stars as I wasn't a big fan of reading a paragraph in present to be presented with a flashback of the past in the next paragraph. It's not my cup of tea, but tea comes in variety.
Every Last Secret by A.R. Torre
4.0
I'm biased. I love women phycological thrillers. However, I'm not a fan of douche bag husbands.
Maybe because part of me wanted to see if would get caught and what my sweet, perfect wife would do when she found out what I'd done.
This review contains spoilers.
We meet Neena Ryder, a college educated, married woman who moves next door to Cat Winthorpe, the wife of the husband everybody wants to shag. Neena works for him, OF COURSE. Where's the drama if they're just neighbors? Neena has come up with the perfect way to play the "game" as she calls it. Marry somebody richer who will provide her with a life of luxury, she says she deserves this because she grew up low class and has worked hard. Sorry to break it to Neena, but working hard as an assistant to shag the boss and getting promoted to a salary that's tripled, isn't what I would call working hard.
We see Neena go through the game with Cat to steal away her husband, who she hopes will fall in love and want to marry her. If not, plan b is to get a big paycheck. Unbeknownst to Neena, she's playing checkers and Cat is playing chess. Once the deed, the cheating is done. Cat begins her move. Endangering Neena's husband (Mark), poisoning Cat and Mark and hiring a man to shoot a blank in the mouth of Mark to unfold Neena's career, marriage and her affair.
Honestly, it was a quick read and I loved it. I only gave it four stars because I had guesses that Cat wouldn't roll over and let Neena walk all over her. After her poisoning, I was pretty aware of Cat's movements. Checkmate.
Maybe because part of me wanted to see if would get caught and what my sweet, perfect wife would do when she found out what I'd done.
This review contains spoilers.
We meet Neena Ryder, a college educated, married woman who moves next door to Cat Winthorpe, the wife of the husband everybody wants to shag. Neena works for him, OF COURSE. Where's the drama if they're just neighbors? Neena has come up with the perfect way to play the "game" as she calls it. Marry somebody richer who will provide her with a life of luxury, she says she deserves this because she grew up low class and has worked hard. Sorry to break it to Neena, but working hard as an assistant to shag the boss and getting promoted to a salary that's tripled, isn't what I would call working hard.
We see Neena go through the game with Cat to steal away her husband, who she hopes will fall in love and want to marry her. If not, plan b is to get a big paycheck. Unbeknownst to Neena, she's playing checkers and Cat is playing chess. Once the deed, the cheating is done. Cat begins her move. Endangering Neena's husband (Mark), poisoning Cat and Mark and hiring a man to shoot a blank in the mouth of Mark to unfold Neena's career, marriage and her affair.
Honestly, it was a quick read and I loved it. I only gave it four stars because I had guesses that Cat wouldn't roll over and let Neena walk all over her. After her poisoning, I was pretty aware of Cat's movements. Checkmate.