mandikaye's reviews
943 reviews

37 Questions by June Kaye

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I love that most of 37 Questions takes place over a single night—it makes everything feel so intimate and immediate, like being let in on a secret conversation between two people figuring out their place in each other’s lives. The concept alone hooked me, but what really made the book shine was how human and layered both Nora and Aiden felt.

Nora’s fibromyalgia representation was a standout for me. The way she navigated chronic pain—acknowledging it but not letting it consume her—felt real and deeply relatable. It’s rare to see disability and chronic illness portrayed with such nuance, and it made her feel even more authentic.

I also really appreciated how the book handled relationships, particularly Nora’s friendship with her ex. So often, breakups in books  (even if off-page) are either messy and dramatic or nonexistent, as if exes just vanish from existence. But here, it was refreshing to see two people recognize they worked better as friends and actually maintain that connection without unnecessary angst. It added depth to Nora’s character and made her feel even more grounded.

And then there’s Aiden—kind, thoughtful, and carrying his own quiet struggles. The way he and Nora answered the questions together, slowly peeling back layers of themselves, was captivating. Their chemistry was undeniable, but what really made their connection work was how deeply they saw each other.

The only reason I’m not giving this 5 stars is that it’s a pretty predictable rom-com. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it delivers exactly what you’d expect, which makes it perfect for anyone who loves the genre. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it does execute the formula really well. If you’re looking for a quick, enjoyable read with lovable characters and genuine emotional depth, 37 Questions is definitely worth picking up. 

The House Of Echoes by Rachel Crowther

2.0

 I went into The House of Echoes expecting a gripping murder mystery, but what I got was a frustratingly convoluted story that seemed intentionally vague just to keep readers in the dark. The writing style felt needlessly cryptic, making it difficult to engage with the characters or piece together what was actually happening.

And then—the worst part—I slogged through all of that only to discover there was no murder. I’m spoiling it here to save others the disappointment. The buildup led to nothing, and instead of a satisfying reveal, the ending felt like a cheap trick. If you’re looking for a compelling mystery, this isn’t it.

Two stars because the atmosphere was decent, but the lack of payoff left me completely unsatisfied. 

Guided Numerology Workbook: A Beginner's Guide: Understand Yourself and Unleash Your Potential through Your Numbers by Kelli Miller

4.0

 Kelli Miller’s Guided Numerology Workbook is an engaging and accessible introduction to numerology, perfect for beginners looking to explore the power of numbers in their lives. The workbook’s hands-on approach makes learning easy, with clear explanations, guided exercises, and plenty of opportunities for self-reflection.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its multidisciplinary approach, weaving numerology together with astrology, tarot, and gemstones to create a richer understanding of personal energy and life patterns. I also appreciated the inclusive perspective, acknowledging chosen names and birthdates for those who have changed them—a thoughtful touch often missing in numerology books.

I would have liked more depth in the interpretations—the book introduces many interesting ideas but sometimes moves too quickly past how to synthesize multiple numbers into a full numerology chart. A few more real-world examples or case studies would have made the concepts even more tangible.

Overall, this is a great workbook for numerology beginners, offering a structured yet flexible way to explore self-discovery through numbers. It’s interactive, well-organized, and easy to follow. If you’re looking for a practical, engaging introduction to numerology, this book is well worth picking up! 

More Fool Me: A BRAND NEW unmissable psychological thriller full of twists by CL Jennison

challenging mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

 More Fool Me by CL Jennison is a psychological thriller that keeps you guessing until the very end. Paige Carrigan’s journey is both haunting and compelling—she’s a survivor trying to rebuild her life, but the past refuses to let go. Between the secrets of her writing group, a proofreading job that pulls her into something much darker, and the unsettling messages that start appearing, the tension never lets up.

What really worked for me were the plot twists—I did not see some of them coming, which is always a win in a thriller. The story kept me on edge, blurring the lines between fiction and reality in a way that felt fresh and unsettling. If I had one small gripe, it would be that certain moments felt rushed, and I wouldn’t have minded a bit more depth in some character motivations.

Overall, this was an engrossing read with plenty of surprises. If you love psychological thrillers with an eerie, atmospheric edge and a protagonist you can root for, More Fool Me is absolutely worth picking up! 

Cursed by Gina LaManna

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

 Cursed by Gina LaManna was such a fun, cozy escape! With its Gilmore Girls-esque charm (but make it magical), this book swept me away to The Isle, a place full of mystery, fascinating creatures, and one seriously stubborn curse.

Alessia is the kind of protagonist I love—smart, skeptical, and deeply passionate about helping people (hello, she prescribes Pepto to a vampire with heartburn!). Her journey from no-nonsense doctor to reluctant magical savior was equal parts entertaining and heartwarming.

I do wish we got more backstory on who she really is and how her life ended up the way it did—everything wrapped up a little too neatly. But do I actually care? Nah. The world is enchanting, the characters are charming, and I’ll 100% be reading the next book. If you love fish-out-of-water heroines, reluctant magic, and a swoony, powerful love interest, Cursed is absolutely worth the read! 

The Lost Apprentice by Tara O’Toole

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

 I ended up captivated by The Lost Apprentice—Tara O’Toole has a knack for weaving an intriguing story that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The premise is fascinating, and the pacing kept me turning pages late into the night. However, while the plot kept me engaged, I couldn’t help but notice some inconsistencies that occasionally pulled me out of the story.

The biggest drawback for me was the lack of character depth. Other than their shared aspiration to become lawyers, I feel like I know next to nothing about the characters. I wanted to connect with them on a deeper level, to understand their motivations, personalities, and what makes them tick. Without that, the stakes felt a bit less impactful.

Despite these issues, the book’s charm lies in its ability to draw you into its world, and it’s clear that O’Toole has a talent for crafting an engaging narrative. If you’re looking for a quick and entertaining read, this one’s worth picking up—but don’t expect to walk away feeling like you truly know the characters. I’m curious to see where O’Toole takes her storytelling next! 

Take Back Magic by Casey Blair

fast-paced

4.0

Casey Blair's Take Back Magic might have struggled a bit with editing, but Sierra Walker more than makes up for it—so much so that she singlehandedly earned this book an extra star from me. Fierce, competent, and unapologetically herself, Sierra is the kind of heroine I can't get enough of. One of my favorite moments is when she says, “…my type is a man who can appreciate how competent I am and is dedicated to helping me achieve what I’m capable of without trying to overshadow me.” That line encapsulates her strength and self-awareness, and I was cheering for her the whole way through.

The book does have some rough edges, particularly in pacing and structure, which could have been tightened with stronger editing. But even with those flaws, the story has enough heart and promise to keep me invested. The world-building feels like it’s just getting started, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds in the rest of the trilogy.

If you love strong, fiercely independent heroines and magical adventures, give Take Back Magic a try—Sierra Walker makes it absolutely worth it. 

The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

 The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans was a delightful departure from my usual reads—and I couldn’t put it down! The plot pulled me in, leaving me constantly wondering where the story would twist next. From the moment E's father’s secrets began to unravel, I was captivated, knowing that her journey would be one of discovery and determination.

E’s resilience as a female academic navigating a society stacked against women is both inspiring and deeply moving. Evans weaves this theme seamlessly into the narrative, making it a story as much about personal triumph as it is about mystery and history.

Bentham-on-Hudson, though fictional, felt entirely real to me. The vivid descriptions of the town, the striking beauty of E’s family home, and the evocative emotions tied to her circumstances—the loss of her parents and the financial burden she inherits—made it all leap off the page. I never once questioned the authenticity of the world Evans created.

Mary Anna Evans is a true master of her craft, delivering not only an engaging mystery but a poignant exploration of grief, ambition, and courage. I can’t recommend The Dark Library enough—especially for readers who, like me, find themselves entranced by characters who triumph against the odds. This one will stick with me for a long time! 

The Last Session by Julia Bartz

challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

3.0

Julia Bartz’s The Last Session is one of those books that keeps you flipping pages, not because you’re enjoying every moment, but because you’re desperate to figure out what’s actually happening. Even after finishing, I’m still not entirely sure I know.

The story is packed with intriguing elements—past lives, cult-like dynamics, and the ever-present question of how mental illness factors into the narrative. The unreliable narrators only add to the swirling confusion, making it hard to know what’s real and what’s not.

While the uncertainty is compelling in its own way, it also left me feeling unsatisfied. The book raises so many fascinating questions but doesn’t necessarily deliver clear answers, leaving me wondering if that was the intention or a missed opportunity.

That said, the writing is sharp, and the tension is undeniable. If you’re a fan of psychological twists and unreliable perspectives, The Last Session might be right up your alley. Just don’t expect all the pieces to fit neatly together. 

The Mysterious Bakery On Rue De Paris by Evie Gaughan

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.0

 Evie Gaughan’s The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a charming, light-hearted story that’s perfect for a quick escape. While I enjoyed the whimsical vibe and the journey of Edie finding herself in a picturesque French village, I found myself wishing for more depth and focus in several areas.

The title led me to believe there would be more emphasis on the bakery itself—baking, working, and the magic of the craft—but that wasn’t really the case. Instead, the story centered more on Edie’s self-discovery, which, while enjoyable, felt a bit misleading. Adding to the disconnect, it wasn’t even Edie who ultimately saved the bakery but rather the romantic lead swooping in with a financial rescue.

The ghost story, which had so much potential, felt underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more haunting charm. Similarly, the incorporation of WWII history felt like it skimmed the surface when it could have added emotional weight and historical richness to the story.

The stakes throughout the book felt fairly low, so while it was a pleasant read, it lacked the tension or intrigue that might have made it truly memorable. Overall, The Mysterious Bakery on Rue de Paris is a fun, cozy read, but it didn’t quite deliver on its full potential.