nebulous07's reviews
297 reviews

Sex Ed by Kristen Bailey

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? No

4.0

Kristen Bailey is my comfort blanket for when I need to resign from this world and learn how to laugh again. Sex Ed is a hilarious and heartfelt book that touched me in many ways (yes, I know what I typed). Firstly, our leads Mia and Ed are teachers! The protagonists couldn't be opposites as Mia thrives on social interactions, Tinder and has a direct relationship with sex. Compared to our wallflower, structured and "he must be protected at all costs", Ed has had nothing but a cold relationship with sex. A drunken confession leads to Mia showing Ed the ropes regarding sex, but this discovery process leads to both wanting something more. Leave it to the author dedicated to making readers cackle and snort. The banter between the characters is well-written, and the interactions with the students at school hit close to home (I am a teacher myself). For long-standing Kristen Bailey fans, BETH AND LUCY ARE HERE!! My heartstrings were tugged like a harp on reading their interactions with Mia. The ending was delightful and heartfelt. Overall, if you're looking to laugh, or yearning for something romantic or uplifting, give this book a go! 

Thank you, NetGalley & Storm Publishing, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

Mind Waves by Amanda Uhl

adventurous dark emotional informative mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

An exciting, suspenseful and romantic start to the Mind Hackers series!

Mind Waves is my second Amanda Uhl book, and I enjoyed it. The author has created a compelling yet complex plot across three genres - romance, suspense and paranormal. The story follows David, one of the top agents for the CMU (Cognitive Mind Unit), who possesses a specific yet unique skill set. He's a mind hacker who can extract information and compel speech among civilians. His powers are primarily used for the protection of intellectual property. On the other side, we have Grace, an artist, who is financially reeling from her divorce and needs a job to pay the bills. Their paths cross at a job interview, and David poaches her to create one of her glass mosaics for his family home. Both protagonists are drawn to one another, with brief tension highlighted throughout the book. However, a dark and sinister hacker wants Grace for his personal use and will do anything to have her. Mind Waves delivers on high stakes and romance, even though I would have loved more tension between Grace and David. The action scenes kept me on my toes, and the last 30% of the book had me hooked. The ending was simply magical and endearing. I can't wait to dig into the second book of the series.

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for this review copy. This honest review is left voluntarily.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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

5.0

The Seven Year Slip is a read that captured my mind, spoke to my soul, made my heart beat faster, and tugged just a little more as a swarm of emotions enveloped me. This is my first book by Ashley Posen, and I am captivated by the simplistic yet impactful prose character development that spans seven years into the past and future. This book is about finding yourself through grief, learning to pick the little pieces as they drop, romance and becoming the best version of yourself. Clementine is one of my favourite characters of 2023. Her evolution as she sees the safety net of her job slowly begins to tear into unfulfillment; her devotion towards being a best friend and confidant and reading her heart soar with Iwan is magical. The timelines were distinguished and flowed exceptionally well. The lead and supporting characters were full of life and highly relatable. The little wisdom giveaways are something that lingers in the corner of my mind for a long time. However, I found the ending to be a little rushed, but it did not take away from the central message of this beautiful read. 

If you're a fan of romance, time travel, what if and nostalgia, this is the perfect read for you. 

Thank you, NetGalley & Harlequin Australia, HQ (Fiction, Non-Fiction, YA) & MIRA for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 

The Nail Salon by Natalie Tambini

dark mysterious sad tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

Natalie Tambini's The Nail Salon had me hooked from page one. The plot centres around a mix of characters devoid of any stereotypes who find reprieve in Melanie's Nail Salon. The owner is aware of her customers' lies, secrets and betrayals and keeps each revelation close to her chest. However, her path crosses with the formidable DCI Sue Fisher, whose reputation is iron-clad with respect and reverence. However, appearances can be extremely deceptive as Sue is battling the wrath of her domestic circumstances. Told from multiple POVs, this book is fused with multiple unexpected twists and turns and delivers a memorable yet shocking ending. I must admit that this read was darker than most thrillers and police procedurals. Readers must be aware of multiple trigger warnings, including domestic abuse, animal abuse, suicide and self-harm. Do not skip this book if you're looking for an unconventional plot, gripping prose and a shocking ending. 

Thank you, NetGalley & HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, for providing an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 

You Look Beautiful Tonight by L.R. Jones

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

You Look Beautiful Tonight is infused with suspense revolving heavily around secrets. L.R Jones' prose was captivating, and the book has a good mix of narration and dialogue. At times, I found that the details deviated from the central plot, dragging on a bit. Mia Anderson is a thirty-three-year-old librarian who has always been invisible. Putting herself out there and taking risks is outside her comfort zone, and she accepts her solitary existence. Occasionally, she is thrust into the social and busy life of her best friend, Jess, a successful journalist who signs her to an online dating website as part of her article. While completing her tasks in the library, Mia watches the world around her until she finds a man holding her gaze. She also begins receiving notes saying, "You look beautiful today, " affirming the words she longs to hear. The frequency of these notes ignites a sense of creepiness and paranoia within Mia, leaving more questions than answers in her wake. Things take a drastic turn when people around Mia, particularly from her past and present, suddenly die, and the safety of the ones closest to her is used as a bargaining tool to ensure Mia complies. Will Mia pay the ultimate price as she tries to orchestrate an escape route? The ending was unnerving and caught me off guard. If you have been subject to stalking and catfishing, I strongly suggest that you skip this one. However, if you enjoy suspense and thrillers, get ready to be swayed! 

Thank you, NetGalley & Thomas & Mercer, for providing a reviewer copy. This honest review has been left voluntarily 

Fear the Silence by Robert Bryndza

challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense fast-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? No

5.0

Fear the Silence is one of my top reads of June 2023. This book is brilliantly written (umm...hello, it's Robert Bryndza) with sharp twists and turns that had me on the edge of my seat. In contrast to the idyllic life of Maggie & Will, the building uneasiness is akin to a brewing volcano kicks off with a trauma code of M10 (gunshot wound and stabbing) and another victim who suffered a gunshot wound. The difference is that the second victim is Will, who Maggie kissed goodbye a few hours ago. When the investigation reveals that Will took his own life, Maggie's life is turned upside down. Determined to get to the bottom of this, Maggie visits Tisina, a refuge of her and Will's holiday home. However, instead of peace, Maggie is confronted with suspicion, being watched, and puzzle pieces sent by Will. The layers of dread and the growing paranoia are written so well, and the comparison to the brewing storm made this read thoroughly engaging. Maggie is a survivor, grounded by principle and an oath to do right by people. I was rooting for her throughout the book. The supporting characters are a great mix of being supportive of the protagonist and being guarded by secrets and hidden motives. The last few chapters are utterly spell-binding when the puzzle pieces align, delivering an intense and well-deserved ending. 

Do not skip this read if you're looking for a psychological thriller full of twists and turns. If you wish to read Robert Bryndza, start with this brilliant stand-alone book. Thank you, NetGalley & Raven Street Publishing, for this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 

When You're Dying by M.Q. Webb

challenging dark informative mysterious reflective sad 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? No

4.0

MQ Webb's "When You're Dying" is a well-executed thriller infused with reflections on several topics ranging from family and revenge to forgiveness. The dual narratives between Sarah and Oscar, the key protagonists whose paths merge owing to Sarah's sister missing with the past and present events, are woven exceptionally well. The author implores the reader to ponder the complexities of human interactions, relationships and choices. By the end of the book, readers have a crystal clear understanding of Sarah and Oscar. The cat-and-mouse game of chase reeled me in from page one with unexpected twists and turns, which had me reeling. At times, the narrative got a bit repetitive, which slowed the book's pacing, but that didn't deter me from giving up on this book. For fans of psychology, suspense and thrillers, do not skip this one. 

Thank you, NetGalley & TBR Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Titles for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 

The Rebel King by Kennedy Ryan

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad fast-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? No

5.0

WHAT AN EPIC CONCLUSION! I am still reeling from the tsunami of emotions that engulfed me as I finished this duology. 

The Rebel King reels you in with the high-stakes, intense cliffhanger from The Kingmaker. Leave it to Kennedy Ryan to masterfully portray character development, passion and integrity amidst a plot full of twists and unexpected turns. Lennix and Maxim are truly inevitable as they navigate life-changing circumstances that alter their paths, their brewing passion that screams intimacy and a true partnership. The banter and feistiness were refreshing, which hit me right in the feels. The insights of both characters deeply resonated with me even though they couldn't be more different. The supporting characters shine throughout this book, and their interactions with the main leads are laced with humour, sassiness and some harsh truths. Given the roller coaster, the ending was impactful and well-deserved, and these characters will be well missed.
I look forward to reading more from the author! 

Thank you, NetGalley & SOURCEBOOKS Bloom Books, for this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.

The Prophet And The Idiot by Jonas Jonasson

adventurous challenging emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Written in the true Jonas Jonasson style, this book takes you on a journey with a mix of quirky characters. It's a fun-filled, laid-back, easy read, even though towards the middle, my care factor towards the characters skewed downward. Get ready for this road trip that will take you to multiple European countries in your mind's eye, and as always, the stakes become higher and higher as the mileage ticks onward. A simple yet effective message is etched towards the end of embracing the little moments and living life to the fullest. 

Thank you to NetGalley & HarperCollins Publishers Australia, Fourth Estate, for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 

Dark Dangerous Truth by J.S. Ellis

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Dark, Dangerous, Truth was an intriguing read full of twists and turns with a surprise ending. It was interesting understanding the protagonist from a dual-lens - as a broken father and as a professional psychiatric nurse. J.S. Ellis has done a good job of presenting a simple yet complex plot with morally grey characters. I loved and enjoyed reading the transcripts that were well-placed throughout the book. I could predict the outcome, but the ending caught me off guard. Overall, it is a fast-paced, engaging read, and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to BookSirens for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.