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356 reviews
The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Kennedy Girl is such a unique historical fiction novel. It follows Mia who is scouted in NYC to be a model for a fashion house in Paris. While she is there, she ends up involved - unbeknownst to her - with a network of spies during the Cold War.
I loved how suspenseful this book was. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what's going to happen to Mia since she became unknowingly tangled up in espionage.
I have to admit, though, that my interest in this book didn't pique until the spy stuff started happening. I wasn't really connecting to Mia or her occupation and I found her day to day life to be not that exciting. But things started getting very interesting once the talk of the Cold War started.
Mia ended up surprising me as a character. She seemed very skiddish at the beginning, but as time went on, I could tell she became more comfortable in her modeling role and her role as a spy. Her character development was seamless.
Some of the spy and Cold War stuff did confuse me a little bit and I wasn't always able to follow who was sided with who.
The ending of this book was super satisfying. If you enjoy historical fiction and suspense, you are bound to enjoy this one when it releases on January 14th!
The Kennedy Girl is such a unique historical fiction novel. It follows Mia who is scouted in NYC to be a model for a fashion house in Paris. While she is there, she ends up involved - unbeknownst to her - with a network of spies during the Cold War.
I loved how suspenseful this book was. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what's going to happen to Mia since she became unknowingly tangled up in espionage.
I have to admit, though, that my interest in this book didn't pique until the spy stuff started happening. I wasn't really connecting to Mia or her occupation and I found her day to day life to be not that exciting. But things started getting very interesting once the talk of the Cold War started.
Mia ended up surprising me as a character. She seemed very skiddish at the beginning, but as time went on, I could tell she became more comfortable in her modeling role and her role as a spy. Her character development was seamless.
Some of the spy and Cold War stuff did confuse me a little bit and I wasn't always able to follow who was sided with who.
The ending of this book was super satisfying. If you enjoy historical fiction and suspense, you are bound to enjoy this one when it releases on January 14th!
Stolen Heir by Sophie Lark
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a good continuation of the Brutal Birthright series, but it just didn't deliver like Brutal Prince for me 😩
I really liked FMC Nessa. I thought she was sweet. The ballet was fun to read about - the author did a good job writing the dance scenes.
MMC Mikolaj was very intense and I didn't always vibe with him. He's detestable at the beginning. It was neat to see how he was connected to the Butcher from the previous book, though.
The mafia action was solid but I was hoping for more emotional scenes like the last book. Gimme all the grit! The very beginning was super emotional and made me feel things, but it slowly dwindled throughout the story. Maybe it's just me 🤷🏼♀️
I thought the character development was done well, but I felt like the change in Mikolaj was very sudden. Like the moment hekidnapped Nessa and got close to her, he was suddenly wanting to be a good man and he could feel emotions. It was a bit fast for my liking. I really liked Nessa's character growth, though, and I thought the direction she went it was fitting for her.
Overall, this was a good story and I'll still be continuing the series! If you enjoy dark mafia romance, you'll enjoy this book.
I really liked FMC Nessa. I thought she was sweet. The ballet was fun to read about - the author did a good job writing the dance scenes.
MMC Mikolaj was very intense and I didn't always vibe with him. He's detestable at the beginning. It was neat to see how he was connected to the Butcher from the previous book, though.
The mafia action was solid but I was hoping for more emotional scenes like the last book. Gimme all the grit! The very beginning was super emotional and made me feel things, but it slowly dwindled throughout the story. Maybe it's just me 🤷🏼♀️
I thought the character development was done well, but I felt like the change in Mikolaj was very sudden. Like the moment he
Overall, this was a good story and I'll still be continuing the series! If you enjoy dark mafia romance, you'll enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Kidnapping
Shell Games by Bonnie Kistler
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? No
4.0
Thanks so much to the publisher and Bibliolifestyle for the gifted review copy!
I really enjoyed this one! I thought it was entertaining from start to finish. It's probably the most uniquely told suspense novel I've read this year. I loved Bonnie Kistler's writing style, too. It felt very sophisticated for the genre, and now I need to read her other works!
What I liked most about this story was how the author included her own fictional twist on the real life Tylenol murders from the 1980s. Being from Chicago, I learned about this event in history classes, so it was cool to see it mentioned in a book. I like that she stayed true to the crime remaining unsolved to this day.
The ending of this book completely blew my mind. It was so satisfying and so unexpected.
What I am not a huge fan of is all the moving parts to this story. There was a lot going on, and it felt overwhelming to keep track of everything. However, all these moving parts ended up being like puzzle pieces, so it was cool to see how everything connected at the end.
Overall, this was a great suspense thriller. The twists and reveals were unexpected and I had fun reading this one. Highly recommend for my mystery and thriller lovers!
I really enjoyed this one! I thought it was entertaining from start to finish. It's probably the most uniquely told suspense novel I've read this year. I loved Bonnie Kistler's writing style, too. It felt very sophisticated for the genre, and now I need to read her other works!
What I liked most about this story was how the author included her own fictional twist on the real life Tylenol murders from the 1980s. Being from Chicago, I learned about this event in history classes, so it was cool to see it mentioned in a book. I like that she stayed true to the crime remaining unsolved to this day.
The ending of this book completely blew my mind. It was so satisfying and so unexpected.
What I am not a huge fan of is all the moving parts to this story. There was a lot going on, and it felt overwhelming to keep track of everything. However, all these moving parts ended up being like puzzle pieces, so it was cool to see how everything connected at the end.
Overall, this was a great suspense thriller. The twists and reveals were unexpected and I had fun reading this one. Highly recommend for my mystery and thriller lovers!
North Is the Night: by Emily Rath
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
It's a great concept and I made it almost halfway but it is dragging in the middle and becoming very repetitive with Siiri's journey to find Ainna. Maybe I'll pick it back up one day, but right now it's moving too slow for my liking.
Brutal Prince by Sophie Lark
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.5
Thanks Hambright PR and Sophie Lark for the gifted review copy!
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that we got a deep dive into the mafia and the various rivalries between the different gangs. I liked that this book truly was "brutal" in terms of the violence and the dirty politics.
Aida is a great FMC! She's so strong and quick witted and thinks on her feet. I had to warm up to Callum since he started off so controlling towards Aida. I did like the progression of their relationship, though, and liked how the ending of this book played out.
The more action-packed scenes in this book were written so well! I was glued to the story during those scenes.
If you enjoy dark mafia romance, you'll like this book! The marriage of convenience trope is done well. The angst and tension was perfect. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series!
I really enjoyed this book. I liked that we got a deep dive into the mafia and the various rivalries between the different gangs. I liked that this book truly was "brutal" in terms of the violence and the dirty politics.
Aida is a great FMC! She's so strong and quick witted and thinks on her feet. I had to warm up to Callum since he started off so controlling towards Aida. I did like the progression of their relationship, though, and liked how the ending of this book played out.
The more action-packed scenes in this book were written so well! I was glued to the story during those scenes.
If you enjoy dark mafia romance, you'll like this book! The marriage of convenience trope is done well. The angst and tension was perfect. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Stalking
The Games Gods Play by Abigail Owen
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Infinite stars. This is my new favorite book. I don't have the words to do it justice!
Lyra is an amazing FMC and obviously Hades is so swoon-worthy that I was eating up every scene with him in it.
But what I loved most about this book was the crucible game. The concept was done so well and I want to read everything Abigail Owen has written now. The action was amazing and I'm not usually an action girlie! And I didn't mind that the romance was super subtle because everything else was so unique and entertaining.
I think this would be a good read for anyone looking to branch into the fantasy genre and has a particular interest in Greek gods and goddesses. I found the world building easy to understand and everything was explained so well.
I am so excited for the next book! I will be dropping everything to read it when it comes out.
Lyra is an amazing FMC and obviously Hades is so swoon-worthy that I was eating up every scene with him in it.
But what I loved most about this book was the crucible game. The concept was done so well and I want to read everything Abigail Owen has written now. The action was amazing and I'm not usually an action girlie! And I didn't mind that the romance was super subtle because everything else was so unique and entertaining.
I think this would be a good read for anyone looking to branch into the fantasy genre and has a particular interest in Greek gods and goddesses. I found the world building easy to understand and everything was explained so well.
I am so excited for the next book! I will be dropping everything to read it when it comes out.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
12/18/24 reread: the below review still stands. The ending of this book is truly an emotional roller coaster!
Mind. Blown.
World building ✅
Character development ✅
Satisfying ending? ✅
My heart broke and then pieced itself back together. Sarah J Maas does it again!
Overall another amazing book to the ACOTAR series. I can't wait to read the rest!
Mind. Blown.
World building ✅
Character development ✅
Satisfying ending? ✅
My heart broke and then pieced itself back together. Sarah J Maas does it again!
Overall another amazing book to the ACOTAR series. I can't wait to read the rest!
Stranded for Christmas by Noelle Adams
lighthearted
fast-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
5.0
An amazing final installment to the Holiday Acres series! I loved Laura and Russ together.
If you enjoy an age gap romance, single mom, and pining (!!!) this is one you should check out!
If you enjoy an age gap romance, single mom, and pining (!!!) this is one you should check out!
Stranded in the Woods by Noelle Adams
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really loved this third installment to Holiday Acres! It took me a moment to realize it takes place during the same timeline as Stranded in the Snow, but once I realized that, I was no longer confused.
I love Penny and Kent. They are probably one of my favorite book couples now. Penny is so sweet and there was just something about Kent's grumpy hermit demeanor that I loved.
The character growth that was shown in this short story was phenomenal. I'm super excited to read the fourth book now!
I love Penny and Kent. They are probably one of my favorite book couples now. Penny is so sweet and there was just something about Kent's grumpy hermit demeanor that I loved.
The character growth that was shown in this short story was phenomenal. I'm super excited to read the fourth book now!
Christmas in Aspen by Anita Hughes
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you St. Martin's Press for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Christmas in Aspen read like a Hallmark movie and a fairytale; it gave off the perfect cozy Christmas vibes!
FMC Caroline is an editor for a NYC publishing house and is coping with the recent death of her mother. After finding a letter from a so-called lover of her late mother's, she ends up in Aspen to learn who it is. While she's there, she just might end up finding love of her own...
I liked Caroline as a character. I thought she was sweet and she really cared about her career and this side quest of finding her mother's secret lover.
I feel like the main point of this story got lost in between all the other stuff that happened:
1. Caroline is struggling with her job and is told she needs to find a manuscript to sell ASAP, so now that's all Caroline can think about.
2. Daphne - Caroline's sister - also ends up in Aspen to elope with her boyfriend of 2 months. So that's mentioned a lot and Caroline deals with that, too.
3. Caroline meets MMC Max and starts a sort of romantic fling with him. It's very volatile mainly because Caroline can't make up her mind about him.
4. Caroline also meets an aspiring author, Nick, and she wants to help him with his manuscript so she has something to give her publisher. This becomes a huge part of the story but never goes anywhere.
5. Caroline is going through these letters from a late author friend of her mother's, Nina, and these letters become a huge focus of the story.
So while the synopsis makes us think this huge mystery of Caroline finding her mother's secret lover is the main focus of the story, it's really not because - spoiler alert - she has to wait until NYE to solve this mystery and that doesn't happen until the end of the book. I personally did not mind this but other readers may find it disappointing.
The cast of characters in this book was great and I liked how all of the various plot lines played out. The ending was very much worth the journey to get there!
Overall, a cute cozy Christmas story. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this!
Christmas in Aspen read like a Hallmark movie and a fairytale; it gave off the perfect cozy Christmas vibes!
FMC Caroline is an editor for a NYC publishing house and is coping with the recent death of her mother. After finding a letter from a so-called lover of her late mother's, she ends up in Aspen to learn who it is. While she's there, she just might end up finding love of her own...
I liked Caroline as a character. I thought she was sweet and she really cared about her career and this side quest of finding her mother's secret lover.
I feel like the main point of this story got lost in between all the other stuff that happened:
1. Caroline is struggling with her job and is told she needs to find a manuscript to sell ASAP, so now that's all Caroline can think about.
2. Daphne - Caroline's sister - also ends up in Aspen to elope with her boyfriend of 2 months. So that's mentioned a lot and Caroline deals with that, too.
3. Caroline meets MMC Max and starts a sort of romantic fling with him. It's very volatile mainly because Caroline can't make up her mind about him.
4. Caroline also meets an aspiring author, Nick, and she wants to help him with his manuscript so she has something to give her publisher. This becomes a huge part of the story but never goes anywhere.
5. Caroline is going through these letters from a late author friend of her mother's, Nina, and these letters become a huge focus of the story.
So while the synopsis makes us think this huge mystery of Caroline finding her mother's secret lover is the main focus of the story, it's really not because - spoiler alert - she has to wait until NYE to solve this mystery and that doesn't happen until the end of the book. I personally did not mind this but other readers may find it disappointing.
The cast of characters in this book was great and I liked how all of the various plot lines played out. The ending was very much worth the journey to get there!
Overall, a cute cozy Christmas story. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, you will enjoy this!