marekcornett's reviews
755 reviews

The Really Dead Wives of New Jersey: A Novel by Astrid Dahl

funny 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? No

4.0

Bravo fans, this one is for you. As the author notes, she’s a fangirl, and this book is steeped with references you will absolutely understand if you’ve been an active participant in the Real Housewives universe through the years. 

This was fun, entertaining and had me guessing until the very end. I really enjoyed it. The only complaint I had is that it could have been a little longer with more of the storyline developing, specifically in the middle of the book. 

Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the advanced copy!

Is She Really Going Out with Him? by Sophie Cousens

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

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

4.0

A very sweet enemies-to-lovers story where you're cheering them on the entire way. Of course this trope comes with its share of "JUST FIGURE IT OUT ALREADY!" moments, but the author did a great job of navigating those. If you're a fan of new beginnings after divorce or workplace romance tension, pick this one up! 

When She's Gone by Rea Frey, Rea Frey

dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

2.5

This book wasn’t quite the right fit for me. While the synopsis initially caught my attention, I found the writing style leaned a bit juvenile, with an abundance of gymnastics-specific terms and references. It often felt like the focus was more on showcasing the author’s deep knowledge of the sport rather than building a strong foundation for the story. That said, there were a couple of twists I enjoyed, but the plot relied heavily on convenient coincidences, which ultimately held the book back from fully coming together for me. This book would likely appeal to readers who are passionate about gymnastics or have a strong interest in the sport’s inner workings. Fans of drama-filled stories with twists and turns might also enjoy it, especially if they don’t mind some coincidences driving the plot.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Kidnapping

Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Oof Jewell built the tension with this one. Multiple timelines + multiple points of view had my brain working overtime at the beginning of this one. But once I caught on to where we were headed, I was on the edge of my seat. Throw in a few good twists and one absolutely diabolical character, and we have ourselves a winner! If you liked Dirty John, you’ll love this.

Thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the advanced copy! 

They All Fall the Same by Wes Browne

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

It’s not very often that you get caught up rooting for the bad guy. In any other scenario, Burl Spoon would have me seething. But when Burl’s family gets involved with a rival drug lord, all hell breaks loose in rural Kentucky. The author did a great job of building the characters, drawing me in as they developed. 

The audiobook narrator did a phenomenal job, as well.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the advanced copy.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse and Murder

Be Ready When the Luck Happens by Ina Garten

funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective medium-paced

(I don’t rate memoirs)

This was a damn delightful book!! I knew next to nothing about Ina, and now I think I’m in love! This woman is so damn charming. Loved hearing more about her story, her love story, her success story. What a treasure.

Five Tuesdays in Winter by Lily King

I don’t feel like I can answer these questions or truly rate it. What I can do, however, is say that short stories are *not* for me. Like, at all. I wanted to DNF at the same time I wanted each short story to be a full novel. Didn’t enjoy it at all.

Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

I really enjoyed this one. I struggle to say it’s a romance book as that’s just a sliver of the story. We get a full insight into the main character’s life through sobriety, and her love interest is simply part of it. The author did a phenomenal job of diving deep into some very complex emotions and relationships. 

Thanks to Harlequin Trade Publishing & NetGalley for the advanced copy!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cancer

Home Sweet Christmas by Susan Mallery

emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

3.5

Sweet enough, but I wanted a little more from the characters. Very much a “ugh, just talk to each other!” kind of novel. 

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I was 3/4 of the way into the book and had absolutely NO IDEA where it was going to end up. Really loved the story and how things came together. But what I really would like is a partner book told from the viewpoint of Abby with snippets of Grady interspersed. I feel like her story goes deeper.

Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the chance to review this ahead of time! 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Domestic abuse