nebulous07's reviews
297 reviews

The Fall by Shari Low, Shari Low, Ross King

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4.0

The Fall is a part of the Hollywood Thriller series, something I wasn't aware of. So, you have been given a disclaimer as I power on with my review. This is my first read of Shari Low and Ross King, and it was delightful. This book is heavy on the narrative style across three characters, and its execution is well done, for it kept me engaged. You do not have to read the other two books to understand the premise, but it can get overwhelming with the number of supporting characters. I promise you it gets better with every page. 

Out of the three characters, Davie's wit and banter with his ex-wife and his fiance made me giggle and was a standout. Mirren and Xander have a more serious undertone as their challenges are painful, insightful and reflective. The Oscars are used as the present, and the plot powers on through different vantage points of the past. The integration of the current plight of Hollywood, along with the pop culture references, made this book refreshing. 

Overall, I recommend this read if you're enamoured with the fame and glamour of Hollywood or if you're looking for something light to read. However, I recommend reading books one and two first to understand the characters and their motivations better. 

Thank you, NetGalley & Boldwood Books, for inviting me to read this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Trust Me by Rachel Grant

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious 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

Trust Me by Rachel Grant is one of my most anticipated reads for 2023, and it has delivered. The queen of romantic suspense has done it again! The plot is a beautiful mix of strategy and archaeology sprinkled with passion, drive and reflection. The protagonists are complete gems, distinct in their ability to hold themselves in dire situations but identical in how they love and protect one another. The element of suspense shines throughout this book and keep you on edge as Diana's ordeal grows dire by the minute. The supporting characters (yes, we have a few from a previous serious making their return) complement the operation immensely well. You do not need to read the last series to get acquainted with this story, but it is highly recommended to understand the characters better. 

Leave it to the author to balance expertise, passion and well-rounded characters. One of the easiest five-stars reads I have given this year. Grab your copy on June 15th! 

Thank you, NetGalley & Janus Publishing, for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Untethered by Ayesha Inoon

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring 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? No

5.0

Untethered by Ayesha Inoon is thought-provoking, emotional and immensely reflective. This read was very close and struck so many chords; it voiced all my emotions and thoughts when I moved to Australia. I spent most of my time in tears as I read the metamorphosis of Zia, a resilient and courageous young woman who navigates the meandering of coexisting between two cultures. The progression of key relationships, the discord between Zia and Rashid, is dealt with realism. I was hooked from page one, and as I went through the four key phases of the book, I was present with every character. Ayesha Inoon beautifully weaves a narrative of moving to a new country and discovering your voice. This book is easily one of my top reads for 2023, and I will carry it with me long after the final chapter.

Thank you to Harlequin (HQ Australia) and Harper Collins Australia for sending me this review copy. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Black Lies by Mercedes Mercier

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Black Lies is my first book of the Dr Laura Fleming series. This is my first time reading Mercedes Mercier, and I am so delighted I picked up this book! I was hooked from page one with a plot that drew me instantly with a crisp narrative style. Dr Fleming is a well-written character, and discovering the protagonist through multiple lenses was a delight. The main plot and the subplot revolving around one of Laura's patients complement each other exceptionally well. The twists and turns are placed well throughout the book, and Mercedes Mercier pulls off an ultimate shocking reveal.
I look forward to reading more of this series and will keep an eye out for the author's work.

Thank you, NetGalley & HarperCollins Publishers Australia, for giving an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
The Woman In My Home: A BRAND NEW completely addictive, gripping psychological thriller from Diana Wilkinson for summer 2023 by Diana Wilkinson

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dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Diana Wilkinson's "The Woman In My Home" is thrilling, twisted and unexpected. Diana Wilkinson has done a fantastic job of creating morally grey characters entwined with secrets, and cruel intentions, driven by lust and payback. We have a dual point of view between Flo and Ciara, who couldn't be more opposite. Flo is reeling from the pain of discovering her husband's (Ryan) cheating actions with the neighbour down the street. She flees to Ireland to contemplate and reevaluate her relationship. Her paths cross with Ciara, who proposes that they switch homes, with Flo staying in Ireland and getting acquainted with Patrick while Ciara crashes into Ryan's life in England. What happens when there is more than meets the eye between our characters? Do past events have a shelf life with consequences creeping into the present? 

Each character held their own, and the puzzle pieces came together with every passing page. The main plot and the subplot complement each other well, and the association between the characters is well presented. The ending was surprising and rather unexpected. 

Thank you, NetGalley & Boldwood Books, for inviting me to read this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 
A Cornish Seaside Murder by Fiona Leitch

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adventurous emotional funny informative inspiring mysterious 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

The Cornish Seaside Murder is the sixth book of A Nosey Parker Cozy Mystery series. Fiona Leitch delivers again with an exciting plot (with a serious undertone, a deviation from her usual plots), fantastic banter, situational humour and a dash of realism. This cozy mystery was a comforting blanket. I was rooting for Jodie throughout this book. The protagonist is so personable, relatable and strives for her best in a professional and personal setting. It was beautiful to see her work as an auxiliary police officer alongside her boyfriend, DI Nathan Withers. Without giving too much away, brace yourself for numerous twists and turns, folklore, blossoming friendships, heart-tugging family moments and an exciting ending!

Thank you, NetGalley & One More Chapter, for inviting me to read this ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Hotel 21 by Senta Rich

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

Senta Rich's "Hotel 21" is a refreshing, uplifting and unputdownable read! At first, it took time for me to warm up to the pacing and the writing style, but I couldn't help but root for the growth of Noelle, our endearing yet troubled protagonist. 

Noelle has a PhD in doing things by herself and leaving a mark by presenting different versions depending on the type of managers and supervisors across her employment in 20 Hotels. It is evident that Noelle is a kleptomaniac, but there's a lot of discover and unpack between the lines. The crossroads between old habits, healing, secrets and acceptance comes into the fold when Noelle is employed at the Magnolia (Hotel 21), and her paths cross with Gabi, Rose, Mali and Phil. Noelle is pushed out of her comfort zone as she explores her instant yet complicated connection with Phil and witnesses the camaraderie between Gabi and Mali and the perseverance of Rose.  

Senta Rich delivers a simple plot with complex characters with grace and excellence. The humaneness of all the characters shines brightly throughout the book. The testament to friendships, support, and humour is well presented, and the ending tugged at my heartstrings. Please be warned that elements of child abuse are briefly mentioned. I recommend this book if you're a fan of "Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman. 

Thank you, Union Square & Co and NetGalley, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 
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The Comeback by Lily Chu

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

The Comeback by Lily Chu is a delightful, engaging and comprehensive read. This is my second Lily Chu book. Her writing style is growing on me, and I especially enjoyed the balance between detail and punch. The cherry on top is the element of reliability. Ari Hui has nearly ticked off everything on her list; a successful lawyer eying the title of partner at her law firm, a dutiful daughter and acing mediocrity. Until a catalyst named Jihoon, a cousin of Hana, Ari's roommate, shows up unannounced, which causes friction to her head and heart. Coupled with this inner torment, her long-lost sister returns to Toronto, bringing up years of resentment and unresolved issues. The author has developed a comprehensive plot that spans choices, family relationships, work dynamics, and romance. I resonated with and resisted the lead characters across different chapters. Ari is special because I connected with all her fears and choices. Although the ending tugged at my heartstrings, it appeared too far-fetched. It felt rushed, in addition to the need to correct all the wrongs and challenges faced. However, the wisdom and character growth made this read enjoyable and comforting. 

Thank you to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and Netgalley for this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 

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The Brink by Jamie Fewery

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad tense 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? Yes

4.25

Jamie Fewery's "The Brink" is a refreshing, realistic read. Dan and Anya have been together for 15 years and have decided to get a divorce. Different facets of their relationship are explored as they work with a mediator, which always concludes with a resounding question, "How did we get here?" This book is unique in how their relationship has evolved, mainly through meandering past and present events. Broad topics such as infidelity, finances, homes and children give a glimpse of Dan and Anya as lovers, partners, homemakers and parents. I appreciated how realistic this book is, relationships require honesty and effort, and love isn't enough. There are no rainbows and sunshine, or romanticisms, a deviation from your usual romance reads. Instead, it focuses on how these two individuals are flawed beings and are in the process of determining whether or not they wish to continue being together. There were moments when I laughed and got emotional. The ending was beautifully written and heartfelt. It left a lasting impact as I read the final chapter twice. If you're looking for something different that touches on the realness of relationships, give this book a go! 

Thank you, NetGalley & Legend Press, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
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Vibrations in the Field by Daniel Burke

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challenging dark emotional informative inspiring reflective 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

5.0

Daniel Burke's Vibrations in the Field is one of the most unique books I have read in 2023. I don't even know where to begin. Joe Caroll, an ex-Army Captain turned Almost-Priest, finds Jane walking on the side of a road amidst a torrential downpour. Upon close inspection, Jane appears to have left a psychiatric hospital. The rapid oscillation and escalation of her moods prick Joe's curiosity. What might have started as a coincidental meeting leads readers down the rabbit hole of science, faith, good, evil and revenge. The author's ability to tackle grave mental health issues is supreme, as it is handled carefully. The depth of the key protagonists are well explored; I found myself relating with Joe and Jane on multiple levels. The references to religion and quantum physics are well-balanced and intriguing. The pacing was great, and the high stakes lured me in every time I returned to the book. The ending was deeply impactful and resounding, and apt for the key themes explored. This book has left a lingering mark, and I look forward to reading more from this author. 

Thank you, NetGalley & Black Rose Press, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 
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