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mandikaye's reviews
943 reviews
The Nanny Share by Emily Shiner
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
Emily Shiner’s The Nanny Share is a taut, compulsively readable thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While the characters may not win any popularity contests, their morally complex, self-serving actions only add to the gripping tension as the story unfolds.
From the first page, The Nanny Share hooks you with its high-stakes premise. Two families wake up to find out their pre-school age girls are missing. Then we learn that these two families had decided to share a nanny, intertwining their lives in ways far beyond convenience. But now that things have taken a dark and unexpected turn, it becomes clear that no one is as innocent as they seem. The layers of deceit and self-preservation build a story that’s as compelling as it is unsettling.
The tension in this book is razor-sharp, and Shiner masterfully ratchets it up with every chapter. The plot twists are genuinely surprising, and even when the characters’ decisions made me cringe, I couldn’t look away. Every interaction pulses with the potential for disaster, making it impossible to stop reading.
None of the characters in The Nanny Share are particularly likable. They are selfish, manipulative, and more concerned with saving their own skins than protecting their children. And yet, their flaws make them utterly fascinating. Each choice they make—whether driven by fear, greed, or desperation—pulls you deeper into the story.
This is not a tale of heroics or redemption. It’s a story about survival, and Shiner isn’t afraid to explore the murky depths of human behavior when the stakes are at their highest. You might not root for the characters, but you’ll find yourself glued to the page, desperate to uncover the truth.
If you’re a fan of dark, twisty thrillers that make you question who you can trust, The Nanny Share is a must-read. Shiner’s prose is sharp and suspenseful, and the relentless pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment. Despite the lack of sympathetic protagonists, the story’s intensity will keep you hooked until the final reveal.
The themes of trust, betrayal, and parental instincts create a compelling backdrop for the drama. Even if you’re left shaking your head at the characters’ choices, you’ll find yourself turning pages late into the night.
From the first page, The Nanny Share hooks you with its high-stakes premise. Two families wake up to find out their pre-school age girls are missing. Then we learn that these two families had decided to share a nanny, intertwining their lives in ways far beyond convenience. But now that things have taken a dark and unexpected turn, it becomes clear that no one is as innocent as they seem. The layers of deceit and self-preservation build a story that’s as compelling as it is unsettling.
The tension in this book is razor-sharp, and Shiner masterfully ratchets it up with every chapter. The plot twists are genuinely surprising, and even when the characters’ decisions made me cringe, I couldn’t look away. Every interaction pulses with the potential for disaster, making it impossible to stop reading.
None of the characters in The Nanny Share are particularly likable. They are selfish, manipulative, and more concerned with saving their own skins than protecting their children. And yet, their flaws make them utterly fascinating. Each choice they make—whether driven by fear, greed, or desperation—pulls you deeper into the story.
This is not a tale of heroics or redemption. It’s a story about survival, and Shiner isn’t afraid to explore the murky depths of human behavior when the stakes are at their highest. You might not root for the characters, but you’ll find yourself glued to the page, desperate to uncover the truth.
If you’re a fan of dark, twisty thrillers that make you question who you can trust, The Nanny Share is a must-read. Shiner’s prose is sharp and suspenseful, and the relentless pacing ensures there’s never a dull moment. Despite the lack of sympathetic protagonists, the story’s intensity will keep you hooked until the final reveal.
The themes of trust, betrayal, and parental instincts create a compelling backdrop for the drama. Even if you’re left shaking your head at the characters’ choices, you’ll find yourself turning pages late into the night.
Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things by Breanne Randall
Now, let’s talk characters—because Lucien? Absolute Shadow Daddy perfection. And Grim stole every scene he (it? I'm not sure of the pronouns of a magical book...) was in. Randall is fantastic at crafting complex, compelling characters, and I’d happily spend more time in their world. That said, Lucien’s coven drama also wrapped up a little too nicely for my liking. The stakes could have been higher, and the resolution felt a bit too tidy.
Despite a few loose ends and overly convenient plot twists, the book was still a joy to read. Randall’s blend of magic, emotion, and sisterly bonds shines, and I’d love to see these characters explored further in future stories. If you’re a fan of whimsical, heartfelt fantasy with a hint of darkness, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Breanne Randall delivers another enchanting tale with Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things, but while it’s a delightful read, it didn’t quite capture the same magic as her debut, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic.
The story brims with intriguing concepts, but some of the plot details felt a bit rushed. I wanted to dive deeper into the conflict between Lightcrafters and Shadowcrafters—it felt like we only got small snippets before it was all tied up too neatly. And don’t even get me started on the sisters’ mom’s spell. What exactly did she do before she disappeared? The girls seemed to understand it, but I was left scratching my head.
The story brims with intriguing concepts, but some of the plot details felt a bit rushed. I wanted to dive deeper into the conflict between Lightcrafters and Shadowcrafters—it felt like we only got small snippets before it was all tied up too neatly. And don’t even get me started on the sisters’ mom’s spell. What exactly did she do before she disappeared? The girls seemed to understand it, but I was left scratching my head.
Now, let’s talk characters—because Lucien? Absolute Shadow Daddy perfection. And Grim stole every scene he (it? I'm not sure of the pronouns of a magical book...) was in. Randall is fantastic at crafting complex, compelling characters, and I’d happily spend more time in their world. That said, Lucien’s coven drama also wrapped up a little too nicely for my liking. The stakes could have been higher, and the resolution felt a bit too tidy.
Despite a few loose ends and overly convenient plot twists, the book was still a joy to read. Randall’s blend of magic, emotion, and sisterly bonds shines, and I’d love to see these characters explored further in future stories. If you’re a fan of whimsical, heartfelt fantasy with a hint of darkness, Spells, Strings, and Forgotten Things is worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Other Family by Theo Baxter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
I really wanted to like The Other Family by Theo Baxter. The description promised a captivating psychological thriller, but unfortunately, it didn’t deliver. The characters and dialogue felt flat and lifeless, making it impossible to connect with Sam and Jesse or care about their story. The writing itself was overly simple and lacked the depth or sophistication that makes thrillers immersive.
For me, a good thriller should pull you into its world, but this one never managed to transport me off the page. By the time I got a third of the way through, I realized I wasn’t invested at all and gave up.
If you’re looking for a gripping, atmospheric read, this one might leave you disappointed.
Note: I was given an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I was given an ARC by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Conjurer's Wife by Sarah Penner
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Sarah Penner’s The Conjurer’s Wife is a mesmerizing novella set in 1820s Venice, weaving magic, mystery, and personal awakening into a captivating tale. The story follows Olivia, wife and assistant to renowned magician Oscar Van Hoff, as she begins to unravel secrets both on and off the stage. Along the way, the story drops intriguing references to Amalfi and the witches of Positano—breadcrumbs that hint at something much larger brewing. Perhaps a prequel of sorts to The Amalfi Curse?
Penner’s writing is lush and atmospheric, transporting you to the canals and dimly lit theaters of Venice. Olivia is a wonderfully relatable character, caught between loyalty to her husband and her growing need for independence. The twists are compelling, and the novella sets an intriguing stage for the themes Penner may explore further in The Amalfi Curse.
If there’s one downside, it’s that the story left me wanting more—a testament to how engaging it is. But as a standalone or a teaser of things to come, it works beautifully. Fans of historical fiction with a supernatural edge will devour this one.
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Getting Over Mr Right by Chrissie Manby
3.0
“Getting Over Mr. Right” by Chrissie Manby offers an enjoyable, light read with a relatable premise: the dreaded heartbreak and the awkward, often hilarious, path to moving on. The protagonist, Ashleigh, has her moments of charm, especially when navigating the post-breakup chaos we’ve all seen (or lived through).
That said, while the humor and pacing keep things moving, the story leans heavily on familiar tropes. Some plot twists felt more like turns you could see a mile away, and Ashleigh’s journey, though occasionally poignant, didn’t go quite as deeply into her character growth as I’d hoped.
It’s a decent pick if you’re in the mood for a quick, entertaining rom-com, but it’s not one that will leave a lasting impression. Perfect for an afternoon escape—but probably not one I’d re-read.
That said, while the humor and pacing keep things moving, the story leans heavily on familiar tropes. Some plot twists felt more like turns you could see a mile away, and Ashleigh’s journey, though occasionally poignant, didn’t go quite as deeply into her character growth as I’d hoped.
It’s a decent pick if you’re in the mood for a quick, entertaining rom-com, but it’s not one that will leave a lasting impression. Perfect for an afternoon escape—but probably not one I’d re-read.