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mackenzierm's reviews
1629 reviews
The Unlucky Ones by Hannah Morrissey
5.0
Sergeant Nikolai Kole is called to the scene of the murder and discovers the body is his former lover’s ex-husband. Hazel is a police transcriber turned novelist who left Black Harbor eight years ago. Her ex-husband has been murdered, and she returns to find out who killed him and why. As the atmosphere in Black Harbor becomes more volatile, Hazel and Nikolai are forced to call a truce and work together to solve the murder.
THE UNLUCKY ONES is the fourth book in the Black Harbor series, and while I think it could be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading book one Hello, Transcriber first as this book is a continuation of Hazel and Nikolai’s story.
I’ve enjoyed each of Morrissey’s books, but I think this one takes the cake as my favorite with When I’m Dead taking a close second. Morrissey’s writing is vivid, descriptive, and highly engrossing. The setting of Black Harbor, like in her previous books, is so well described, eerie, and feels like a living and breathing character of its own.
I gained a better appreciation of Hazel and Kole’s story here. While I liked Hello, Transcriber, I enjoyed the continuation of their story and the characters themselves a lot more than my first reading experience. THE UNLUCKY ONES is told in dual POV, alternating between Kole and Hazel’s perspectives. The characters are well written with good depth, flaws, and distinctive voices. The chemistry and tension between the two characters is palpable. I really enjoyed the rapport they rekindle over the course of the story. A special shout out to Kole’s dog whose name I already cannot remember but whose presence I truly adored.
The plot is well-crafted with layers of grit, twists, and intrigue that kept me captivated from start to finish. I wasn’t sure how it would all go down but was more than willing to jump in and enjoy the ride!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
THE UNLUCKY ONES is the fourth book in the Black Harbor series, and while I think it could be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend reading book one Hello, Transcriber first as this book is a continuation of Hazel and Nikolai’s story.
I’ve enjoyed each of Morrissey’s books, but I think this one takes the cake as my favorite with When I’m Dead taking a close second. Morrissey’s writing is vivid, descriptive, and highly engrossing. The setting of Black Harbor, like in her previous books, is so well described, eerie, and feels like a living and breathing character of its own.
I gained a better appreciation of Hazel and Kole’s story here. While I liked Hello, Transcriber, I enjoyed the continuation of their story and the characters themselves a lot more than my first reading experience. THE UNLUCKY ONES is told in dual POV, alternating between Kole and Hazel’s perspectives. The characters are well written with good depth, flaws, and distinctive voices. The chemistry and tension between the two characters is palpable. I really enjoyed the rapport they rekindle over the course of the story. A special shout out to Kole’s dog whose name I already cannot remember but whose presence I truly adored.
The plot is well-crafted with layers of grit, twists, and intrigue that kept me captivated from start to finish. I wasn’t sure how it would all go down but was more than willing to jump in and enjoy the ride!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Minotaur Books, for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
DNF - 19%.
The premise sounds great and like something I would really enjoy. Unfortunately, the delivery and execution is not holding my attention and interest.
The premise sounds great and like something I would really enjoy. Unfortunately, the delivery and execution is not holding my attention and interest.
Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
One More Wish by Lindsey Lanza
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
For as long as Maya can remember, all of her wishes have come true. But they always backfire. This is why Maya is done wishing, until her wedding day when she desperately wants the truth. This leads to her life imploding and a split-second decision to flee to Vermont to be with her best friend, Ellie. Liam is a Michelin star chef, but has moved to a small town in Vermont to be his best single dad self. He can’t stop thinking about two years ago, when he had met Maya. So when Maya shows up in Sugar Valley, Liam wonders if he will get a second chance with the woman who’s been haunting his dreams.
ONE MORE WISH is the second book in the Sugar Valley series (?) and while I do think it could be read as a standalone, I do think it is way more impactful if read after book one, A Little Magic. It heavily features the characters from book one, Theo and Ellie, which I absolutely loved seeing more of and seeing how their relationship progressed. It was like the sweetest of epilogues and really warmed my heart.
I absolutely love Lanza’s writing style; it’s beautiful, heartfelt, and so incredibly immersive. ONE MORE WISH is told in alternating dual POV, Liam’s and Maya’s. Both of these main characters have such distinctive voice, personality, and are so real and relatable. I really loved them as a whole, together and apart. The growth they experience over the course of the story is really well done. The relationship they share is beautiful, swoon-worthy, and filled with love and laughter. The romance is well written, and features a few spicy scenes. Liam is definitely up there on the book boyfriend scale. Pro tip: have snacks nearby because the meals Liam prepares sound divine *chef’s kiss*.
I really loved the magical realism aspect within this story. It was the absolute perfect touch.
As with every other book Lanza has written, chronic illness is featured in this story. In this case, the reader is exposed to type 1 diabetes and lupus. Lanza writes about chronic illness with such care, exposing the reader to a small piece of someone with chronic illness’ reality. Based on this story, and all her other works to date, it made me reflect on how all the little things in life can be taken for granted by those who don’t experience chronic illness. An important moment for self-reflection.
I would like to thank the author, Lindsey Lanza, for providing an advanced digital copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
ONE MORE WISH is the second book in the Sugar Valley series (?) and while I do think it could be read as a standalone, I do think it is way more impactful if read after book one, A Little Magic. It heavily features the characters from book one, Theo and Ellie, which I absolutely loved seeing more of and seeing how their relationship progressed. It was like the sweetest of epilogues and really warmed my heart.
I absolutely love Lanza’s writing style; it’s beautiful, heartfelt, and so incredibly immersive. ONE MORE WISH is told in alternating dual POV, Liam’s and Maya’s. Both of these main characters have such distinctive voice, personality, and are so real and relatable. I really loved them as a whole, together and apart. The growth they experience over the course of the story is really well done. The relationship they share is beautiful, swoon-worthy, and filled with love and laughter. The romance is well written, and features a few spicy scenes. Liam is definitely up there on the book boyfriend scale. Pro tip: have snacks nearby because the meals Liam prepares sound divine *chef’s kiss*.
I really loved the magical realism aspect within this story. It was the absolute perfect touch.
As with every other book Lanza has written, chronic illness is featured in this story. In this case, the reader is exposed to type 1 diabetes and lupus. Lanza writes about chronic illness with such care, exposing the reader to a small piece of someone with chronic illness’ reality. Based on this story, and all her other works to date, it made me reflect on how all the little things in life can be taken for granted by those who don’t experience chronic illness. An important moment for self-reflection.
I would like to thank the author, Lindsey Lanza, for providing an advanced digital copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.