lit_vibrations's reviews
223 reviews

The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Be careful who you fall for...Running away from her own past Lauren just moved to Happy Valley and is already in the center of a murder mystery. Hoping to start fresh in a new place with her mom and her mom’s new boyfriend she can’t seem to shake the bad memories and trauma she so wished to leave behind. Making matters worse she starts hooking up with Robbie Cresmont who was recently accused of murder. A few girls on the soccer team try warning her about the Cresmont’s. Struggling to accept the truth of who Robbie might be Lauren begins doing some digging of her own. 

This was such a fun, fast-paced, will have you on the edge of your seat page-turner. So many twists and turns you don’t know who to believe. The thrill of finding out who was behind the murders was such a wild ride until it was revealed. The author played the characters against each other so well I was for sure we had at least 4 potential suspects. But just when you think you know you’re so wrong. 

I thought the twist with who the killer actually was made no sense. Clever maybe even a little jaw dropping cause it wasn’t expected. But the killer’s overall purpose for doing it didn’t fit the narrative. It felt unrealistic and made me feel like they did entirely too much just to kill someone. 

Overall, I enjoyed it for the most part. The characters are complex each with secrets of their own making them all seem a little suspicious. The author successfully creates a perfect web of drama, mystery, and suspense that spiraled out of control by the end. If you’re looking for a YA high school murder mystery this is it. Special thanks to the author & @henryholtbooks for my gifted copy‼️

The Ballad of Jacquotte Delahaye by Briony Cameron

adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Pirates of the Caribbean ain’t got nothing on Jacquotte Delahaye. With the strength of a man, brilliance of a woman, and the heart of a lion Jacquotte was absolutely unstoppable. Going toe to toe with male merchants, soldiers, pirates, and the Governor she proved time and time again why they should put some respect on her name‼️Battered, bruised, and beaten but never defeated. 

Based on true events the novel follows Jacquotte Delahaye an upcoming shipwright forced to flee her home because of a conniving acquaintances act of rebellion and betrayal against the Governor. Once Florian takes the Governor’s spot he will stop at nothing to have Jacquotte at his side dead or alive. Now on the run with a crew of refugees and a mysterious woman aka her new found lover they band together and become servants to a ruthless pirate captain Blackhand. When things go haywire under his command Jacquotte must decide what price she is willing to pay to secure a better future for them all.

This was a great read I was a little skeptical going into this one because it involved pirates. But I’m so happy I read this book it was such a thrilling experience. Not gone lie Jacquotte stood on business. Her character really grew on me and by the end of the book she was a fav. The character development was chef’s kiss PERIODT I mean all of them‼️ The premise, vivid details, and dialogue left no questions unanswered for me. I honestly feel this book was perfectly crafted like can we get a movie adaptation? 

Overall, y’all know I loved this I mean a female pirate need I say more? Tackling so many themes from oppression, racial/gender inequality, the struggle for power and dominance, male ego, self-discovery, and finding home. The author took the facts and twisted them into her own narrative. If none of this really happened she definitely made me a believer. Looking for a medium-paced, action packed, adventurous read you found it. Special thanks to the author & @atriabooks for my advanced copy‼️

Troubled Waters by Mary Annaïse Heglar

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

3.0

When you’re involved in something that’s bigger than yourself it can be hard to get others to see the bigger picture or for them to understand why you’re going so hard for what you believe in. 

After the loss of her brother aboard an oil boat on the Mississippi River, Corrine awakened to the realities of climate change and its perpetrators. A year of grief and depression leaves Corrine trapped in a lonely cycle of mourning her brother and the progression of global warming. She convinces herself in order to save her future she has to ensure her brother’s life meant something. Even if that means jeopardizing her safety to do the impossible. In a brave attempt to honor her brother Corrine peels back the scabs of her family wounds that rattle Grandma Cora to the core. 

This was a rather interesting read the author provided a mix of everything in this one. We’re given some historical context and generational trauma with Cora’s backstory of school desegregation during her childhood. Corrine gives a bit of magical realism with her premonitions of catastrophic events or seeing the ghosts of those affected during those events. The author also made relevant references to past events like the oil spill, Hurricane Katrina, the Great Flood of 1927, Eric Garner, and Trayvon Martin. 

Throughout the book I could tell Corrine was passionate about making everyone aware of global warming. But she failed to make the impact she intended because she acted out of emotion and didn’t think her actions through. But I loved the support she received from her family and those around her. Although they didn’t agree with the stance she wanted to make everyone still backed her decision. 

Overall, I thought the book was okay as it tackled many themes throughout and loved that it was based on the authors family history. My only downside is the loss in focus when one theme is presented to the next. But the book is very well-written and something many will enjoy. Special thanks to the author, @hearourvoicestours , & @harpermuse for my gifted copy‼️

Undiplomatic: How My Attitude Created the Best Kind of Trouble by Deesha Dyer

funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

5.0

This book is a MUST READ‼️ Without credentials or connections, community college student and advocate Deesha Dyer navigated her imposter syndrome, landing one of the most exclusive positions in the White House.

Loved reading about Deesha’s experience and journey to the White House. How often is a regular day person without a political background given the opportunity to intern at the White House? Not many but sus applied, got the role, turned it into a permanent position, and showed everyone why she deserved to be the Social secretary‼️

She spoke on so many themes throughout the book from chronic imposter syndrome, finding her place in the world, overcoming doubt, her educational/ career background, abortion, relationships, the effects music has on our culture, and of course what lead up to her applying for the internship and working at the White House. This book and her personal story proves nothing is out of reach for a dreamer. Had she allowed doubt and the assumptions of others to get in the way of her potential she wouldn’t be where she is today. 

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Not only was her story inspiring but it was such a joy hearing from someone that I could relate to. There were even a few moments I laughed out loud. Imagine meeting Barack Obama for the first time and you blow it. Her attempt to make a good impression resulted in her suggesting she could jump off the plane in midair like girl what lmao. If you’re looking for another great memoir you found it and check out the custom playlist curated by the author on Spotify. Special thanks to the author & @legacylitbooks for my gifted copy‼️

Promise Kept by K'wan

adventurous dark tense fast-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? It's complicated

4.0

One thing I love about urban fiction you already know what you’re in store for. You’ll get some violence, drugs, money, sex, betrayal, a little romance and some. No matter how many times these same themes are thrown into the mix the stories are never the same. I live for the drama, the messiness, and the overly exaggerated narratives. 

K’wan delivered with Promise Kept it was grimy and street in the best way. Literally gotta go back and read book 1 to know what broke Promise in the first place cause I need answers.

Book 2 opens with Promise working as a waitress at a hole-in-the-wall strip club Dirty Wine. It was def giving Players Club with a twist of P-Valley and Power‼️ After the murder of B-Stone, Promise and her bestie Mouse fled to New York City to hide out. But what Promise has to understand is you can’t outrun your past. Trouble will always follow. Asher on the other hand finally put himself in place to be a boss after the death of B-Stone. But his struggle for power will put him in a tough spot left to choose between killing his best friend or sacrificing himself. 

This was a twisted tale of mess sooooo much was happening I couldn’t keep up. Action-packed and drama filled doesn’t begin to describe this book. My biggest takeaway was there were way too many characters. Promise, Ruby, Asher, Cal, Sin, Mouse, Unique, Trap . . . .etc I could literally keep going 😂. 

Overall, the book was lit very fast-paced and will have you hooked from beginning to end. The character development was okay quite a few of them are memorable. Definitely would recommend if you’re looking for some ratchet urban drama. Special thanks to the author & @blackstonepublishing for my gifted copy‼️

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

adventurous lighthearted fast-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? No

5.0

Inspired by stories of Greek gods and goddesses the author did not miss with this book. 

Bri was always curious about the origins of her powers. So, when she inherits her birth family’s mansion near Rhinebeck all her questions will soon be answered. 

I really enjoyed reading this one and can’t wait to read book 2 in the series. The way the author ended Poison Heart I was immediately ready to jump into book 2. Definitely a series that deserves to be on my shelf. It was the plot twist for me cause I did NOT see it coming at all. The whole group had assumptions and was iffy about a few characters. So, when everything popped off we were all a little surprised. 

The character development was great and diverse actually found them all to be very likeable. Whenever I read I always put a face with the characters. So, I couldn’t help but picture Bri’s parents Thandie and Angie as the two women from The Chi Nina and Dre. Their personalities really fit these characters for some reason. Loved Marie for Bri she seemed really solid and that damn Karter had us all fooled. 

Overall, the book was great loved the mythological aspects throughout. The writing was incredible and so descriptive which really brought it to life. Definitely a book I’d recommend the author also has a new book releasing in June “Sleep Like Death” that I can’t wait to read‼️

Gail's Family by Ruby Dixon

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Have you ever stumbled across a book and just read it on a whim? Didn’t read the synopsis just jumped into it?

That’s basically what I did with this one. I got the ALC a while ago didn’t actually look at the cover thoroughly until after I finished the book. The baby had horns how did I miss that.

It follows Gail once a wife, mom, and divorcee back on earth. She was abducted by aliens and held captive. But now that she’s been brought to the ice planet she’s free and found a new love Vaza. Gail and Vaza both suffered a loss and longed for family. Gail lost her son back on earth and her husband asked for a divorce awhile after. Vaza’s wife and child both died as well. Since Gail is no longer at the child bearing age and Vaza’s an alien making a baby is out of the question. When they hear of an orphan up for adoption at one of the Icehome camps this was their chance to be parents. But Gail couldn’t help but wonder if their alien baby would love them back. 

This novella was fun, crazy, and good at the same time who knew I’d enjoy a Sci-fi alien romance lol. I didn’t realize it was an alien romance until halfway through. The sex scenes were even spicy lmao can’t believe ppl really fantasize about stuff like this. 😂 

I’m still contemplating on whether or not I want to go read the other books in this series. But if you’re looking for something different to read here you go. Special thanks to @librofm @tantoraudio for my ALC‼️

Girls with Bad Reputations by Xio Axelrod

adventurous funny lighthearted 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? No

3.75

Fame can bring more than popularity and with the press now hot on their heels nobody’s past is safe. 

It’s the 2nd book in the Lilly’s series which can be read as a standalone because this one focuses more on Kayla and her new love interest Ty. Things were simple when the Lillys were playing local gigs at dive bars, but now they're on their first official tour and all Kayla can see are warning signs. Desperate to escape the worry churning inside her, Kayla finds solace in quiet tour bus driver Ty Baldwin…and discovers in him a kindred spirit like no one she's ever met before. 

This was a cute bubbly romance kind of slow at times but having the audiobook really kept me engaged. I really enjoyed the diverse cast of characters throughout the book. But what really got me was Kayla and Ty’s insta-love connection. Over the course of the tour they gradually grew closer. Realizing they have so much in common this attraction eventually turned into more which I expected was going to happen. Also knew Kayla’s mom would have an issue with them dating. 

I liked that we were given some backstory on the main characters allowing the author to touch on other themes aside from their romance. Kayla dealt with some grief after losing her brother, was a college dropout, living double lives, not to mention she had to deal with a toxic mother who only cared about her reputation. Ty on the other hand had problems of his own. False accusations nearly ruined his life, he’s taking care of his grandfather, and now has to deal with his past possibly being exposed. 

This wasn’t an all out fav after reading but still enjoyable. I came for the romance but stayed for the drama. If you liked the first book in this series you’ll adore this one too. Special thanks to @sourcebookscasa for my gifted copy & @libro.fm for my ALC‼️

Lady Charlotte Always Gets Her Man by Violet Marsh

adventurous funny lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.0

Lady Charlotte finds herself in an entanglement in the end will she really get her man?

The novel follows Lady Charlotte Lovett who ran away after discovering she’s been arranged to marry Hawley. An entitled duke with blood on his hands . . . .  great job parents. There are rumors circling that Hawley murdered his previous wives so Charlotte refuses to be next. Set out on an adventurous quest she partners with Hawley’s brother Matthew hoping to escape this arrangement by revealing Hawley’s secrets and proving how sinister he really is. As scandalous secrets unfold and confrontation arises Charlotte and Matthew’s hearts are at risk. The two are playing a dangerous game trying to expose Hawley.

I love historical fiction and I love romance put the two together and you’ve usually got a winner . . . . . However, this one wasn’t quite what I expected.  It had some interesting moments, a good premise even a little plot twist thrown in there. But nothing about it was really memorable aside from the bird lol and Charlotte falling for her fiancé’s brother. I know, I know scandalous right. 

Overall, the book was meh wasn’t really for me but I read it. The pacing was slower than it should’ve been and the characters weren’t really memorable. They say fans of Bridgerton would enjoy this so it might be for you. Special thanks to @readforeverpub #DiscoverForever for my gifted copy‼️

Daughter of a Promise by Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg
Did not finish book. Stopped at 11%.

DNF’d after page 37 just wasn’t for me