marcyjmf's reviews
1251 reviews

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an advanced copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved The Perfect Marriage—it was a wild, twisty ride—but The Perfect Divorce took things to the next level! This sequel was even better, delivering an even more thrilling, twist-filled experience.

I’ve always had a soft spot for an unreliable narrator, and going into this story already knowing that Sarah was exactly that made the whole experience even more exciting! From moment to moment, I knew that I didn't know who I could trust, which kept me on edge in the best way possible. The whole thing kept me guessing, and every few pages, my theories changed. Just when I thought I had it figured out, a new twist would send me in a completely different direction!

Jeneva Rose has crafted a sequel that doesn’t just live up to its predecessor—it surpasses it. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Not Safe for Work by Nisha J. Tuli

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? Yes

4.5

Disclaimer: Thank you to Hachette Book Group and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Reader Copy. All opinions are my own.

Wow. Not Safe for Work was everything I wanted and more! As a huge fan of both the rivals-to-lovers trope and the only-one-bed trope, I was absolutely hooked from the first chapter. Nisha J. Tuli masterfully weaves together sharp banter, sizzling tension, and heartwarming moments into a story that had me grinning, swooning, and desperately turning pages to see what trouble Tris and Rafe would get into next.

And let me tell you—this slow burn? Chef’s kiss. Every moment between Tris and Rafe was layered with the kind of tension that makes you want to scream at the characters to just kiss already (but in the best possible way). Their dynamic was the perfect mix of frustration and undeniable chemistry, making every stolen glance and reluctant moment of closeness all the more rewarding. The payoff? Absolutely worth the wait.

Beyond the romance, this book was funny, sweet, and full of hope. Tris is a fantastic protagonist—strong, determined, and wonderfully relatable—and Rafe is the kind of grumpy, guarded love interest who surprises you with just how deep his emotions run. Their journey together felt so natural and satisfying, and I loved every second of it.

This was my first book by Nisha J. Tuli, but it definitely won’t be my last! I’m already making plans to dive into her backlist, because if Not Safe for Work is anything to go by, I have been seriously missing out. If you love workplace romance with razor-sharp wit, undeniable chemistry, and all the best tropes, do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Executioners Three by Susan Dennard

Go to review page

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.75

Thank you to Tor Teen for providing an Advanced Reading Copy of this book via NetGalley for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.

As an elder millennial, I couldn’t get enough of the 90s references sprinkled throughout The Executioners Three. Susan Dennard crafts a story that feels both nostalgic and fresh, weaving in nods to an era that shaped so many of us. The moment I realized that I graduated high school the same year as Freddie, I felt an instant connection—honestly, I think we would have been friends in real life. Her quirky, offbeat personality was one of the highlights of the book for me. She’s smart, a little awkward, and endlessly determined, making her a protagonist I couldn’t help but root for.

That said, I was completely unprepared for how scary this book would actually be. The supernatural elements were incredibly well done, setting a creepy and unsettling tone that lingered long after I put the book down (which, to be fair, wasn’t often). Once the mystery started unraveling, I found myself unable to stop reading—I even read straight through my lunch and barely noticed my stomach growling.

One of the strongest elements of the book was the loyalty between Freddie and her best friend, Divya. Their friendship felt so authentic, with its mix of unwavering support, inside jokes, and the kind of fierce devotion that can only come from years of shared experiences. It’s rare to find female friendships in fiction that are this well-developed, and I absolutely loved seeing their dynamic unfold.

And then, of course, there’s Theo. The interactions between Freddie and Theo were an absolute delight—filled with tension, humor, and just the right amount of heart. Their chemistry jumped off the page, making every scene between them something to look forward to.

With the quirkiness of the characters, the Buffy-esque dialogue, and the cozy yet terrifying mystery, The Executioners Three felt, in the very best way, like the early books of Sarah Rees Brennan. The blend of humor, horror, and heart made for a truly immersive reading experience. If you love books with smart, quirky protagonists, strong friendships, and a touch of 90s flair, this one is definitely worth picking up!

Time Loops & Meet Cutes by Jackie Lau

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.5

Thank you Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love a good time travel or time loop story and have read as many as I can get my hands on, so I was really excited to dive into Time Loops & Meet Cutes. And honestly? It was such a fresh take on the trope that it completely won me over. Jackie Lau brings her signature humor, warmth, and heart to this story, making it not just a fun romance, but something deeper and more meaningful.

The setup is classic: Noelle Tom is stuck reliving the same Friday after eating some mysterious dumplings. But what makes this book stand out is that she’s not the only one in the loop—Avery, a stranger to her before this all started, is also stuck. Their friendship quickly becomes one of the best parts of the book, adding both humor and heart. Instead of feeling trapped and isolated, Noelle has someone to navigate the chaos with, making the story feel even more dynamic and hopeful.

Of course, there’s romance—Cam, the charming brewery owner, is easy to fall for—but this book isn’t just about finding love. It’s also about finding yourself. Through Noelle’s repeated day, she gains a new perspective on her life, her family, and her friendships. It’s about the messy, imperfect relationships that actually make life feel full and happy. The story is heartfelt, funny, and uplifting in a way that sticks with you.

This was my first book by Jackie Lau, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’m so excited to go back and dig into her back catalog because if this book is any indication, I’m in for some amazing reads. And if you loved The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, I can almost guarantee you’ll love this one too. It has that same mix of magical realism, romance, and self-discovery that makes for such a compelling and emotional story.

If you love time loop stories but want one that feels fresh and full of heart, this is worth picking up. Time Loops & Meet Cutes is the book that makes you smile, think, and maybe even appreciate your perfectly imperfect life a little more.

The Love Haters by Katherine Center

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you St. Martin's Press for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Book Review: The Love Haters by Katherine Center

Katherine Center has a way of writing stories that feel like a warm hug—filled with humor, depth, and characters so real they practically step off the page. The Love Haters is no exception. This book isn’t just about romance; it’s about all kinds of love—the kind between family, best friends, and perhaps the hardest love of all, the one we give ourselves.

At the heart of the story is Katie, a talented but somewhat reluctant videographer who unexpectedly finds herself in the Florida Keys filming a semi-famous rescue swimmer named Hutch. What starts as a work assignment quickly turns into something much more as Katie and Hutch navigate their undeniable chemistry, personal struggles, and the kinds of emotional walls that take more than a little courage to break down.

Like all of Center’s novels, The Love Haters isn’t just about the two main characters falling in love—though their romance is swoon-worthy. It’s about healing, self-acceptance, and the deep, complicated ties that connect us to the people in our lives. The book beautifully explores familial love, the strength of true friendship, and the way we often stand in our own way when it comes to happiness.

One of the things that makes this book so special is its cast of lovable characters, and none more so than Rue. Everyone needs a Rue in their lives—the kind of friend who sees you, believes in you, and isn’t afraid to call you out when you need it. Rue’s presence in the story adds so much heart (and plenty of humor), making it impossible not to fall in love with this book even more.

Some parts of this book had me laughing out loud, others were so heartwarming I couldn’t stop smiling, and more than once, I found myself wiping away tears. Katherine Center has a gift for writing stories that feel like real life—messy, beautiful, and full of unexpected joy.

This was an easy 5-star read for me, the kind of book I know I’ll want on my shelves so I can revisit it again and again. If you love stories that make you laugh, cry, and believe in love (of all kinds), The Love Haters is one you won’t want to miss.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced