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662 reviews
The Wrong Kind of Love by Lexi Ryan
5.0
*Fans self*
Synopsis
On the day of her wedding, Nic finds out that her fiancé cheated on her with her twin sister... and got her pregnant. She runs off and finds herself in a small town in Michigan where she plans to hide and lick her wounds. Then she meets Ethan.
Ethan has a past he can't forgive himself for, and keeps everyone at arms length. But his feelings for Nic won't go away. And now they're stuck together for the next 3 months.
Overview
This was a wonderful slow burn romance. Seriously guys. Around 65% through, I felt metaphorically blue balled by all the sexual tension.
This is told from alternating perspectives - Nic and Ethan.
Content warnings: Depression, suicide, cheating, cancer, drug abuse, and child neglect.
What I Liked
1. The chemistry between the main characters was palpable. Their connection felt so believable and I was completely absorbed into their worlds.
2. This spent some time discussing mental illness and I felt like it was handled with such respect. There was a big focus on mental illness being a disease and how it's affect on family and those around them. It talks about the guilt of losing a loved one to mental illness. It was heartbreaking but expertly handled. I really appreciated seeing this side of mental illness in a book.
3. I'm in love with the Jackson family. I'm so excited that each of the children are getting a book, and I can't wait to get my hands on each of them.
What I Didn't Like
1. I mention this a lot in romance reviews, but I HATE when conflict is created due to lack of communication. It drives me bonkers. This one wasn't terrible, but towards the end, Ethan learns something about Nic and pushes her away without ever hearing her out. Just once I want the characters to talk it out..
Overall I was completely engrossed by this novel. It was hard-hitting yet sexy. I've been in a major reading slump but still devoured this in 2 sittings. I just couldn't put it down. If you're looking for a new romance series, definitely check this one out!
Synopsis
On the day of her wedding, Nic finds out that her fiancé cheated on her with her twin sister... and got her pregnant. She runs off and finds herself in a small town in Michigan where she plans to hide and lick her wounds. Then she meets Ethan.
Ethan has a past he can't forgive himself for, and keeps everyone at arms length. But his feelings for Nic won't go away. And now they're stuck together for the next 3 months.
Overview
This was a wonderful slow burn romance. Seriously guys. Around 65% through, I felt metaphorically blue balled by all the sexual tension.
This is told from alternating perspectives - Nic and Ethan.
Content warnings: Depression, suicide, cheating, cancer, drug abuse, and child neglect.
What I Liked
1. The chemistry between the main characters was palpable. Their connection felt so believable and I was completely absorbed into their worlds.
2. This spent some time discussing mental illness and I felt like it was handled with such respect. There was a big focus on mental illness being a disease and how it's affect on family and those around them. It talks about the guilt of losing a loved one to mental illness. It was heartbreaking but expertly handled. I really appreciated seeing this side of mental illness in a book.
3. I'm in love with the Jackson family. I'm so excited that each of the children are getting a book, and I can't wait to get my hands on each of them.
What I Didn't Like
1. I mention this a lot in romance reviews, but I HATE when conflict is created due to lack of communication. It drives me bonkers. This one wasn't terrible, but towards the end, Ethan learns something about Nic and pushes her away without ever hearing her out. Just once I want the characters to talk it out..
Overall I was completely engrossed by this novel. It was hard-hitting yet sexy. I've been in a major reading slump but still devoured this in 2 sittings. I just couldn't put it down. If you're looking for a new romance series, definitely check this one out!
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
5.0
I read this for the first back in high school. I read the entire thing in a single afternoon and completely loved the story.
This time around, I took a little longer to finish (yay adulthood), but I loved the story just as much.
Everyone in this story is flawed to an extreme. And it's what I love most about the story. You see each of them thinking their actions are justified and correct. It's such an great peek into, and commentary on, that part of society.
Still one of my favorite classics of all time.
This time around, I took a little longer to finish (yay adulthood), but I loved the story just as much.
Everyone in this story is flawed to an extreme. And it's what I love most about the story. You see each of them thinking their actions are justified and correct. It's such an great peek into, and commentary on, that part of society.
Still one of my favorite classics of all time.
What He Always Knew by Kandi Steiner
4.0
I loved this duet! I want to read everything Kandi Steiner has written now.
This picks up immediately after What He Doesn't Know. This follows Charlie through the two months she agreed to give her husband. She is torn between 2 men - her husband Cameron and a man from her past, Reese.
Oh man this duet blew me away. I was invested in Charlie's story and who she would choose.
What I Liked:
1. This felt so believable. I love how this book worked in shades of gray. It didn't endorse cheating nor settling. All of the characters were so dynamic. I loved all three of them so much.
2. This story was not only steamy but hard hitting and intense. By the end I was simply sitting on my kitchen floor tearing up.
What I Didn't Like
1. So many of the problems these characters had stemmed from an utter lack of communication. I just wanted to shake them all at times.
Overall I can't recommend this duet enough! It had me so stressed and invested from start to finish. I loved this and can't wait for the companion story early next year!
This picks up immediately after What He Doesn't Know. This follows Charlie through the two months she agreed to give her husband. She is torn between 2 men - her husband Cameron and a man from her past, Reese.
Oh man this duet blew me away. I was invested in Charlie's story and who she would choose.
What I Liked:
1. This felt so believable. I love how this book worked in shades of gray. It didn't endorse cheating nor settling. All of the characters were so dynamic. I loved all three of them so much.
2. This story was not only steamy but hard hitting and intense. By the end I was simply sitting on my kitchen floor tearing up.
What I Didn't Like
1. So many of the problems these characters had stemmed from an utter lack of communication. I just wanted to shake them all at times.
Overall I can't recommend this duet enough! It had me so stressed and invested from start to finish. I loved this and can't wait for the companion story early next year!
What We Saw by Aaron Hartzler
5.0
4.5 stars. This is such an important story with a powerful message and characters.
Synopsis
This takes place in small town Iowa where basketball reigns. Kate and her friends attend a big party at the home of a star player - Kate drinks too much and the boy she's had a crush on since she was 5, Ben, gets her home safely. But the next day, a classmate is missing from school and Kate gets the impression something terrible happened at that party.
Later at lunch, four of the star varsity players are arrested on charges of rape.
The entire town erupts in defense of the boys. But what really happened that night? And why doesn't anyone seem to want to find out?
Overview
This books is intense - I'll be honest and say it was a very triggering story for me. I barely slept after finishing this, my anxiety was so piqued. I'm so glad I read it anyways. Things like this (horrifically) happen all the time and these stories need to be heard.
Huge warning for a detailed depiction of sexual violence, tread lightly with this.
Content warnings: Rape, hoarding.
What I Liked
1. The characters were so realistic. The high school students felt like high school students. And everyone, including the teachers and parents, were so flawed. It was so believable but difficult to read some of the comments the characters made
People say garbage like this every day. This town cared more about the successful basketball careers of four smart-mouthed, privileged white boys than the health and wellbeing of single girl. Because she was flirtatious and wore short skirts.
2. But woven in, we see amazing depictions of people fighting back and standing up.
3. This book covers it all - rape culture, misogyny, consent, victim blaming, slut shaming, gender equality.
4. I really connected with Kate. Her struggles to do what was right versus what was easy were so relatable. She was strong, intelligent, and always questioning but still read like she was only 17.
What I Didn't Like
1. My half star deduction comes from the end.
Overall this book absolutely destroyed me. This sat on my TBR for years and I'm so glad I finally picked it up. I recommend this for absolutely anyone who can handle the subject matter.
"Not being able to say no isn't the same as saying yes."
Synopsis
This takes place in small town Iowa where basketball reigns. Kate and her friends attend a big party at the home of a star player - Kate drinks too much and the boy she's had a crush on since she was 5, Ben, gets her home safely. But the next day, a classmate is missing from school and Kate gets the impression something terrible happened at that party.
Later at lunch, four of the star varsity players are arrested on charges of rape.
The entire town erupts in defense of the boys. But what really happened that night? And why doesn't anyone seem to want to find out?
"'Boys will be boys' is what people say to excuse guys when they do something awful."
Overview
This books is intense - I'll be honest and say it was a very triggering story for me. I barely slept after finishing this, my anxiety was so piqued. I'm so glad I read it anyways. Things like this (horrifically) happen all the time and these stories need to be heard.
Huge warning for a detailed depiction of sexual violence, tread lightly with this.
Content warnings: Rape, hoarding.
What I Liked
"I want to tell her that I don’t think a book from the Bronze Age is a good enough reason to relegate women to the role of “helpers” for all time."
1. The characters were so realistic. The high school students felt like high school students. And everyone, including the teachers and parents, were so flawed. It was so believable but difficult to read some of the comments the characters made
"I just think it’s awful what that Stallard girl is doing to them. Dragging their good names through the mud."
"All I’m saying is there are rules. You don’t get wasted. You don’t take off your top. You don’t flirt with raging drunks. You don’t dress like a slut. You have to play by the rules. If you don’t, this is what happens."
People say garbage like this every day. This town cared more about the successful basketball careers of four smart-mouthed, privileged white boys than the health and wellbeing of single girl. Because she was flirtatious and wore short skirts.
2. But woven in, we see amazing depictions of people fighting back and standing up.
"Words have meanings. When we call something a theory in science, it means something. Reggie, when you say that you 'can't help yourself' if a girl is wasted, that means something, too. You're saying that our natural state as men is 'rapist.' That's not okay with me, Reggie. That's not okay with the rest of this class, either."
3. This book covers it all - rape culture, misogyny, consent, victim blaming, slut shaming, gender equality.
"What does it mean to say yes? To consent to a kiss? To a touch? To more than that?"
4. I really connected with Kate. Her struggles to do what was right versus what was easy were so relatable. She was strong, intelligent, and always questioning but still read like she was only 17.
What I Didn't Like
1. My half star deduction comes from the end.
Spoiler
Once Kate sees the video, she confronts Ben and tells him she is turning it in. And giving his name. While this ending was insanely powerful, it felt mildly unrealistic for a 17 year old. It was difficult to imagine myself at that age, being able to make that choice on my own. With such resolve. So it took me out of the story slightly.Overall this book absolutely destroyed me. This sat on my TBR for years and I'm so glad I finally picked it up. I recommend this for absolutely anyone who can handle the subject matter.
Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
3.0
Re-read - March 2019
I decided to pick this up on audio to refresh my memory before starting the sequel. And I still stand by my original review. Solid 3.5 stars.
I really enjoy this story but I don't feel any strong attachment to the characters. The setting, I love though! And I'm still completely desperate to know about that box!
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This was a solid 3.5 stars. I enjoyed my time reading and the mystery/suspense was handled well. But I wasn't in love.
-The story is told in 2 perspectives - one in the present about Stevie and one set in the past about the Ellingham murders. And some of the chapters set in the past are told in interview or report form. I like the dual perspectives and changes in format, it really worked with this story. The chapters set in the past gave the reader insight and information into a case the main character knows really well, without info dropping constantly.
-The characters overall were well written and interesting but I didn't find myself especially attached to anyone. I actually think Nate is my favorite character.
-The romance I wasn't expecting. But I do appreciate the utter awkwardness of it as this is about juniors/seniors in high school. All the super suave 17 years in YA books drive me crazy. These 2 are awkward and have no idea how to communicate and I appreciate that realness.
-The cliffhanger - while David's identity wasn't a huge shock, the contents of the box... I NEED TO KNOW! Ugh I will continue this series just because of this. I need to know if she solves the Truly Devious mystery.
-My biggest issue with is was there was literally zero wrap up. I understand that it's the first book in a series but I would have appreciated at least 1 tie up. I feel like by the time the next book comes out I will have forgot the dozen open ended story lines.
Overall solid read. If you're new to mysteries this would be a great place to start! And I do plan to continue with the story.
I decided to pick this up on audio to refresh my memory before starting the sequel. And I still stand by my original review. Solid 3.5 stars.
I really enjoy this story but I don't feel any strong attachment to the characters. The setting, I love though! And I'm still completely desperate to know about that box!
--------------------------------------------
This was a solid 3.5 stars. I enjoyed my time reading and the mystery/suspense was handled well. But I wasn't in love.
-The story is told in 2 perspectives - one in the present about Stevie and one set in the past about the Ellingham murders. And some of the chapters set in the past are told in interview or report form. I like the dual perspectives and changes in format, it really worked with this story. The chapters set in the past gave the reader insight and information into a case the main character knows really well, without info dropping constantly.
-The characters overall were well written and interesting but I didn't find myself especially attached to anyone. I actually think Nate is my favorite character.
-The romance I wasn't expecting. But I do appreciate the utter awkwardness of it as this is about juniors/seniors in high school. All the super suave 17 years in YA books drive me crazy. These 2 are awkward and have no idea how to communicate and I appreciate that realness.
-The cliffhanger - while David's identity wasn't a huge shock, the contents of the box... I NEED TO KNOW! Ugh I will continue this series just because of this. I need to know if she solves the Truly Devious mystery.
-My biggest issue with is was there was literally zero wrap up. I understand that it's the first book in a series but I would have appreciated at least 1 tie up. I feel like by the time the next book comes out I will have forgot the dozen open ended story lines.
Overall solid read. If you're new to mysteries this would be a great place to start! And I do plan to continue with the story.
A Heart in a Body in the World by Deb Caletti
5.0
I stayed up way too late and cried my eyes out. But this book was amazing ❤❤
Summary
After a traumatic year, Annabelle decides to run from her home in Seattle to Washington DC. With the help of her "PR team" and Grandfather in his RV, she slowly makes her way across the country. She runs to forget everything that has happened. To punish herself for a tragedy she blames herself for.
Overview
This book is truly harrowing and I was sobbing my eyes out through the entire last chunk of this book. This book is beautifully written and covers such a difficult but important topic.
Content Warnings: The reason for Annabelle's run is a mystery for the majority of the book, so most of content warnings are a spoiler.
What I Liked
Literally everything.
1. I loved Annabelle's character. I found her to be extremely relatable and realistic. And her emotions were so real and raw, I felt everything along side her.
2. In fact, I loved all the characters. Her grandfather brought the perfect amount of relief to an other wise dark story - he was kind and humous and inspiringly supportive.
3. This book was also very self aware - it made sure to acknowledge how dangerous a run like this is, now Annabelle's coping skills were lacking, that her blame was ill placed. And I really appreciated that! This book did not glamorize these events in any way.
4. The way the message/event was finally revealed was so impactful I burst into tears immediately. I don't want to say anymore than that, I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is interested in reading this (and I definitely recommend you do!)
What I Didn't Like
I have literally nothing to put here. This book was outstanding.
This is book is extremely dark and intense - so please tread with caution if you are in a tough headspace. But if you are able to handle difficult subjects, I can't recommend this book enough! I was seriously blown away by how much this book drew me in. It's a beautiful story with a powerful message and powerful characters.
Summary
After a traumatic year, Annabelle decides to run from her home in Seattle to Washington DC. With the help of her "PR team" and Grandfather in his RV, she slowly makes her way across the country. She runs to forget everything that has happened. To punish herself for a tragedy she blames herself for.
Overview
This book is truly harrowing and I was sobbing my eyes out through the entire last chunk of this book. This book is beautifully written and covers such a difficult but important topic.
Content Warnings: The reason for Annabelle's run is a mystery for the majority of the book, so most of content warnings are a spoiler.
Spoiler
Murder, gun violence, stalking, PTSD, depression, anxietyWhat I Liked
Literally everything.
1. I loved Annabelle's character. I found her to be extremely relatable and realistic. And her emotions were so real and raw, I felt everything along side her.
2. In fact, I loved all the characters. Her grandfather brought the perfect amount of relief to an other wise dark story - he was kind and humous and inspiringly supportive.
3. This book was also very self aware - it made sure to acknowledge how dangerous a run like this is, now Annabelle's coping skills were lacking, that her blame was ill placed. And I really appreciated that! This book did not glamorize these events in any way.
4. The way the message/event was finally revealed was so impactful I burst into tears immediately. I don't want to say anymore than that, I don't want to spoil it for anyone who is interested in reading this (and I definitely recommend you do!)
What I Didn't Like
I have literally nothing to put here. This book was outstanding.
This is book is extremely dark and intense - so please tread with caution if you are in a tough headspace. But if you are able to handle difficult subjects, I can't recommend this book enough! I was seriously blown away by how much this book drew me in. It's a beautiful story with a powerful message and powerful characters.
A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro
3.0
This was a cute reimagining of Sherlock Holmes. But I don't have any strong feelings or attachment.
Synopsis
This follows Jamie Watson who left the UK and attends a boarding school in Connecticut on a rugby scholarship. When a classmate of his dies in a Sherlock Holmes spoofed murder, Jamie and the famous detectives descendent Charlotte, get wrapped in the investigation.
Overview
This story is told from Jamie's perspective, mirroring the original Sherlock books (which were also told from Watson's POV).
This was good book and the mystery was well done. But I didn't feel any strong connection to the characters or story. I haven't thought about this again since finishing it.
Content Warnings: Drug abuse, murder, sexual assault
What I Liked
1. I loved the parallels between this retelling and the original stories. Charolette has inherited Sherlock's addictive habits, the Watson family has an instruction manual on how to handle the Holmes', the Moriarty's are still the archenemies. Overall it was just a really well done retelling.
2. The characters were well rounded and dynamic. They had flaws but were still likable and relatable.
3. This felt like a classic whodunit mystery - a la Sherlock Holmes. And overall it was well done.
What I Didn't Like
1. I don't know what this story was missing but I just don't feel any strong feelings about this story. The mystery was fine, the characters were fine, but I didn't LOVE any of it. I wasn't shipping the romance like everyone else was, and I just didn't connect to either main character. I haven't thought about this book at all since finishing it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book while I was listening to it, but don't feel strongly about it in any way. However, I did enjoy it enough to pick up the next book on audio. I'm hopeful that my connection will grow as the series continues.
Synopsis
This follows Jamie Watson who left the UK and attends a boarding school in Connecticut on a rugby scholarship. When a classmate of his dies in a Sherlock Holmes spoofed murder, Jamie and the famous detectives descendent Charlotte, get wrapped in the investigation.
Overview
This story is told from Jamie's perspective, mirroring the original Sherlock books (which were also told from Watson's POV).
This was good book and the mystery was well done. But I didn't feel any strong connection to the characters or story. I haven't thought about this again since finishing it.
Content Warnings: Drug abuse, murder, sexual assault
What I Liked
1. I loved the parallels between this retelling and the original stories. Charolette has inherited Sherlock's addictive habits, the Watson family has an instruction manual on how to handle the Holmes', the Moriarty's are still the archenemies. Overall it was just a really well done retelling.
2. The characters were well rounded and dynamic. They had flaws but were still likable and relatable.
3. This felt like a classic whodunit mystery - a la Sherlock Holmes. And overall it was well done.
What I Didn't Like
1. I don't know what this story was missing but I just don't feel any strong feelings about this story. The mystery was fine, the characters were fine, but I didn't LOVE any of it. I wasn't shipping the romance like everyone else was, and I just didn't connect to either main character. I haven't thought about this book at all since finishing it.
Overall, I enjoyed this book while I was listening to it, but don't feel strongly about it in any way. However, I did enjoy it enough to pick up the next book on audio. I'm hopeful that my connection will grow as the series continues.
The Vanishing Stair by Maureen Johnson
4.0
This is a sequel and may contain spoilers for book 1 - Truly Devious
Summary
In the aftermath of book 1, Stevie is back home after being pulled from Ellingham Academy. But an unexpected person whisks her back to school with an assignment - keep David in line. Now her mission to solve the murder is back on and she's more determined than ever. And she has one huge thing on her side, she has the first new evidence in years.
Overview
This is told in third person, in dual timelines - today from Stevie's POV and 1936 from Albert Ellingham's.
I LOVE the flashback format! I feel like it adds so much to this story.
This book ends on a massive cliffhanger. If that's not your jam, I definitely recommend waiting for book 3 to be released!
Content Warnings: Murder/Death, Anxiety, Panic Attacks
What I Liked
1. This mystery is so twisty and well done! And these cliffhangers will be the death of me!
2. I love the format of this book! The flashbacks slowly reveal what really happened in 1936 and it adds so much to the atmosphere and tension of the mystery.
3. The pacing of this book was perfect - which is important as this is definitely a plot driven book. We learn so much new information about the murders and happenings of Ellingham and were introduced to even more new threads. There were so many reveals and twists that I was 100% invested from start to finish. I never wanted to put this down!
4. I just want to mention once more how many years this cliffhanger has taken from my life. So. Good.
What I Didn't Like
1. I'll be honestly I still feel very meh and unattached to the characters. My love for this series is much more about the plot than the actual characters. I don't have strong feelings about any one of them or their relationships.
Spoiler
Summary
In the aftermath of book 1, Stevie is back home after being pulled from Ellingham Academy. But an unexpected person whisks her back to school with an assignment - keep David in line. Now her mission to solve the murder is back on and she's more determined than ever. And she has one huge thing on her side, she has the first new evidence in years.
Overview
This is told in third person, in dual timelines - today from Stevie's POV and 1936 from Albert Ellingham's.
I LOVE the flashback format! I feel like it adds so much to this story.
This book ends on a massive cliffhanger. If that's not your jam, I definitely recommend waiting for book 3 to be released!
Content Warnings: Murder/Death, Anxiety, Panic Attacks
What I Liked
1. This mystery is so twisty and well done! And these cliffhangers will be the death of me!
2. I love the format of this book! The flashbacks slowly reveal what really happened in 1936 and it adds so much to the atmosphere and tension of the mystery.
3. The pacing of this book was perfect - which is important as this is definitely a plot driven book. We learn so much new information about the murders and happenings of Ellingham and were introduced to even more new threads. There were so many reveals and twists that I was 100% invested from start to finish. I never wanted to put this down!
4. I just want to mention once more how many years this cliffhanger has taken from my life. So. Good.
What I Didn't Like
1. I'll be honestly I still feel very meh and unattached to the characters. My love for this series is much more about the plot than the actual characters. I don't have strong feelings about any one of them or their relationships.
My Life in Shambles by Karina Halle
3.0
2.5 stars but I'll round up. I desperately wanted to love this. But it did not work for me... Full rtc