phantomparagrapher7's reviews
96 reviews

The Good Samaritan by Toni Halleen

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective tense slow-paced

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

3.0

 

The Good Samaritan by Toni Halleen is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of redemption, moral choices, and the consequences of helping others—even when it might be the wrong thing to do. 

Matthew Larkin, a sociology professor whose life has unraveled in the wake of his toddler son’s death, is barely holding it together. After a messy divorce, the estrangement of his daughter, and the loss of his job, Matthew is clinging to the last thread of stability with a new tenure-track position at a small college. But life has a way of testing you when you're already at your breaking point, and that test comes on a desolate stretch of road one stormy evening. 

Caught in a hailstorm, Matthew’s attention is drawn to a small child huddled under a tarpaulin. The boy is unconscious, soaked, and potentially hypothermic. In a split-second decision, Matthew makes the choice to rescue him, even though it means putting himself at risk. But when the boy wakes and frantically pleads with Matthew not to take him to the hospital or call the police, the situation spirals into a moral quagmire. As Matthew faces the prospect of saving this child, he must grapple with his grief, guilt, and the urge to make amends for his past. 

What follows is an intense, slow-burn thriller where every decision Matthew makes seems to lead him further down a dangerous path. This book explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and moral ambiguity, asking the question: if you could redeem yourself, at what cost? This is a gripping, thought-provoking novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the final page. 

Fans of psychological thrillers with a deep emotional core will be hooked from the first chapter. The Good Samaritan is a must-read for anyone who loves a morally complex story that keeps you questioning what you would do in Matthew’s shoes. 

Return to Wyldcliffe Heights: A Novel by Carol Goodman

adventurous challenging dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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? Yes

4.0

Reading Return to Wyldcliffe Heights felt like stepping into a world of eerie deja vu. Even though Goodreads told me I hadn’t read it before, there was something about this book that felt so familiar—perhaps because it taps into a beloved trope of mine: the unreliable narrator. It’s a type of story I can never resist, and this one absolutely delivered. 

Agnes Corey, a junior editor, is hired to transcribe the long-awaited sequel to The Secret of Wyldcliffe Heights, a 1993 literary hit by the reclusive author Veronica St. Clair. St. Clair’s life has been shrouded in mystery since the release of her book, which was followed by a tragic fire that left her scarred and blind. When Agnes arrives at St. Clair’s crumbling estate, once a psychiatric hospital for “wayward women,” she expects a routine project. But as St. Clair dictates the sequel, Agnes uncovers chilling details that blur the line between fiction and reality, hinting at a long-unsolved murder that could be tied to the very story she’s transcribing. 

The vibes of Jane Eyre are undeniable, with echoes of the madwoman in the attic and the haunting fire that changed everything. Fans of The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield will also recognize the same atmospheric, magical realism tones that linger long after the book is closed. There's a subtle pull that keeps you turning pages, unsure whether to trust the unreliable narrator—or your own senses. 

What’s truly captivating about Return to Wyldcliffe Heights is how Agnes’s descent into the tangled web of fiction and reality mirrors the experience of losing yourself in a book. The secrets of Wyldcliffe Heights, once uncovered, may be more than Agnes can bear, and perhaps more than any reader should know. 

For fans of psychological suspense with a touch of gothic allure, this one’s for you. Expect to lose yourself—and maybe never find your way back. 

 

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous challenging dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-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

3.0

 

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal is a whirlwind of steampunk vibes, danger, and deceit, with a twist of romance and intrigue that will keep you hooked from start to finish. 

Set in the vibrant city of White Roaring, the story centers on Arthie Casimir, a criminal mastermind who runs a seemingly innocent tearoom by day, which secretly transforms into an underground bloodhouse catering to the city's feared vampires by night. When her empire is at risk, Arthie must forge an unlikely alliance with a dangerous adversary to protect her world—one that balances precariously between the living and the undead. 

Faizal’s world-building is exceptional. Picture the elegance and intrigue of The Parasol Protectorate series combined with the high-stakes action of Heist Royale, and you’ll get a glimpse into the dazzling yet perilous life of White Roaring. Arthie is a force to be reckoned with, balancing power, wit, and charm in a story that’s as much about surviving as it is about reclaiming what’s hers. 

As Arthie recruits a ragtag crew of outcasts, the plot thickens. Each character brings their own set of skills and secrets, making the tension palpable. What starts as a heist to infiltrate the glittering vampire society, the Athereum, soon spirals into a conspiracy that threatens to shake the very foundations of her world. 

 A Tempest of Tea not only delivers heart-pounding action and vivid steampunk aesthetics, but also an exploration of identity and belonging in a world teeming with vampires, secrets, and shifting alliances. Arthie’s journey is a balancing act of romance and revenge, and as her plans unfold, the stakes rise in the most satisfying way. 

If you love diverse YA fiction, strong BIPOC protagonists, and the perfect blend of fantasy, intrigue, and danger, this is a must-read. A Tempest of Tea is the start of an unforgettable duology. Grab your tea, and prepare for a ride! ☕🖤 

The problem with neighbors by M.T. Morgan, M. Morgan

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

 If you’re after a small-town romance that packs a punch, M. Morgan’s The Problem with Neighbors is everything you need and more. After devouring Morgan’s dark romance These Vicious Games, I was intrigued to see what her take on a lighter, funnier romance would be—and wow, did it deliver!

Marcilynn’s fresh start in the quaint town of Gentry is anything but easy. Moving on from a painful betrayal by her ex-fiancé and sister, she’s ready to open her dog grooming business and live life on her own terms. Enter Tucker Dixon, her grumpy but undeniably handsome neighbor who keeps getting in her way (in the best possible way). From the get-go, their chemistry is undeniable, but what starts as a reluctant, fake relationship quickly turns into something much more real.

Tucker, a lifelong Gentry resident, likes his quiet, routine-driven life, and the last thing he needs is a messy, sassy neighbor who somehow manages to win over his dog. But Marcilynn’s chaos proves impossible to ignore, and before long, he’s pulled into her drama, resulting in one of the most endearing fake relationships I’ve read in a long time.

What truly made this book shine, aside from the sizzling romance, was the cast of characters that made Gentry feel like home. Marcilynn’s loveable quirks and Tucker’s brooding charm were perfectly balanced, while the side characters—especially Jerry and the quirky women of the Book Club—brought so much warmth and humor to the story. Oh, and let’s not forget Tucker’s dog Dozer, who definitely steals the show with his cuteness.

This book blends romance, comedy, and a touch of suspense seamlessly. It took me a few days to get through, but that’s more a reflection of my hectic life than the book itself. If you're in the mood for a heartfelt, funny, and a little bit spicy read, The Problem with Neighbors will fill your jar of good reads right to the brim.

Her Dying Day by Mindy Carlson

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.25

 

The mystery surrounding Her Dying Day by Mindy Carlson captivated me from start to finish, not only because of the eerie disappearance at the heart of the plot but also because it evoked memories of the infamous real-life vanishing of Agatha Christie. 

 Aspiring filmmaker June Masterson is on a quest to document the mystery of Greer Larkin, a renowned mystery author who disappeared under strange circumstances. Growing up on a remote commune, June first heard about the case at fourteen, and now, years later, she’s determined to uncover the truth behind Greer’s disappearance. 

This book is a must-read for fans of unsolved cases, as it explores every possible theory about what happened to Greer. Was it her controlling fiancé, Jonathan? Did Greer take her own life due to writer's block, as her agent suggests? Or was it one of the women closest to her—her possessive mother, Blanche, or her obsessive best friend, Rachel? The twists and turns kept me hooked, especially as June digs deeper and uncovers personal writings that could hold the key to unraveling the mystery. 

But the tension doesn’t stop there—Rachel’s sudden death just adds more fuel to the fire, and June realizes she’s not just uncovering a dark secret, but putting herself in the crosshairs of a killer. The suspense builds to a breathtaking crescendo, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the rug is pulled out from under you. 

Oh, and can we talk about that cover? It’s total Cover Crush vibes. The moody, atmospheric design perfectly mirrors the chilling tone of the story, hinting at the danger and intrigue that lurk within its pages. 

Her Dying Day is an addictive, atmospheric thriller that will keep you up long past your bedtime, with a mystery that will haunt you long after you’ve finished reading. If you love a good unsolved case with plenty of suspense, this one’s for you! 

Pretend You're Mine by Lucy Score

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

  I have to admit, when it comes to Lucy Score’s books, I’m either all in or completely out. *Pretend You’re Mine* was definitely one of those hits for me! I was completely hooked from the start, drawn in by characters that were so easy to love and a romance that had all the feels.

Harper is on her way to stay with her friend Hannah when she gets lost and finds herself in the middle of a fight, stepping in to defend a woman being beaten. She doesn’t walk away unscathed, but luckily, Luke Garrison is there to help. Luke, a broody and selfless National Guard soldier, takes her in so she can heal. What starts as a simple act of kindness quickly turns into something more. Harper ends up sticking around, finding a job, and—of course—falling hard for Luke. And despite his best efforts to resist, Luke falls right back.

But Luke isn’t looking for love. He’s already lost his wife and unborn child, and he refuses to go through that pain again. With a deployment to Afghanistan looming, the last thing he wants is to get attached. So, he pushes Harper away. But love has a way of sneaking in when you least expect it, and sometimes, second chances come in the most unexpected ways.

This book had everything I love in a small-town romance—found family, heartwarming moments, and just the right amount of steam. Harper was such a strong and kind-hearted heroine, and Luke, despite his grumpy exterior, had a heart of gold. The slow burn was so worth it, and the emotional depth kept me turning the pages late into the night.

While some moments felt a little predictable, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. I laughed, swooned, and even got a little teary-eyed. If you love emotional, small-town romances with swoon-worthy heroes and fierce heroines, *Pretend You’re Mine* is a must-read!  

Prince of Pain by Tara Gallina

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

 He’s no prince, she’s no princess—and their love story is anything but a fairy tale. Welcome to the cruel, glittering world of Prince of Pain, where the Gilded Age vibes of opulence and decadence collide with the toxicity and torment of a modern-day old-money romance. 

Tara Gallina’s Prince of Pain dives headfirst into the lives of Adelaide and Kingston, childhood friends turned enemies-turned-something-more. Adelaide, raised in the lap of luxury yet emotionally bruised by betrayal and loss, is determined to keep her guard up in a world where people take what they want, no matter the cost. Kingston, with his piercing moonbeam eyes and dangerously sharp edges, is the boy who saved her once—but has become the man who knows exactly how to break her. 

The setting, a Rhode Island mansion enclave, feels like a character itself—full of secrets, echoes of past grandeur, and shadows that can’t be escaped. 

The push-pull dynamic between her and Kingston will have readers hooked, even when you’re screaming at them to make better choices. It’s toxic, messy, and borderline unbearable at times, but it’s written with such emotional depth that you can’t look away. Adelaide and Kingston’s story is a collision course of destruction—or salvation. 

This isn’t a sunshine-and-rainbows romance. Prince of Pain doesn’t shy away from the darker side of love, tackling themes like emotional manipulation, dominance, and past trauma. Readers should approach with care, as some moments are intense and may hit close to home. But if you love angst, drama, and high-stakes love-hate chemistry, this book delivers all of it in spades. 

For fans of modern romances with high heat, dark twists, and a touch of the forbidden, Prince of Pain is an addictive read that will leave you breathless, frustrated, and desperately needing the next installment of the Cruel Legacies series 

Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious reflective 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? Yes

3.75

 It’s equal parts murder mystery, romantic suspense, and biting social commentary—all wrapped up in a sharp, unforgettable narrative. 

The story kicks off with Evie Gordon, a scholarship kid who’s done everything right but still finds herself treading water post-college, drowning in student debt and tutoring the super-rich SAT crowd in Beverly Hills. Evie’s mundane routine is upended when she stumbles into a crime scene at the Victors’ estate: the parents are brutally murdered, and their blood-spattered mansion hides a bound woman Jae crying out for help. Without a second thought, Evie rescues the stranger, only for the two of them to be spotted and mistaken for the perpetrators. In a flash, Evie and her new companion—a mysterious, near-silent woman—are thrust into the spotlight as the prime suspects in a case gripping the nation. 

Evie’s transformation from anonymous tutor to notorious fugitive is a wild ride. One moment she’s a nobody, the next she’s being labeled the next Charles Manson. 

There’s dark humor sprinkled in the tensest moments, romantic tension that crackles between Evie and her mysterious accomplice, and layers of suspense that keep you glued to the pages. The LGBTQA+ representation is seamlessly woven into the narrative, and the slow-burning bond between the two women adds emotional depth to the pulse-pounding plot. 

Killer Potential is a thrilling exploration of ambition, privilege, and the lengths we’ll go to in the name of survival. Hilarious, heart-pounding, and unflinchingly bold, this one deserves a spot on your shelf. A new adult thriller with a razor-sharp edge! 

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.0

 

It’s no secret that The Ruinous Love Trilogy has been one of my favorite dark romantic comedy series, and I dove into Scythe and Sparrow with sky-high expectations after devouring Butcher & Blackbird and Leather & Lark. Brynne Weaver’s previous books set the bar incredibly high with their perfect blend of wit, chaos, and heart, but unfortunately, this final installment didn’t quite hit the mark for me. 

Fionn Kane, the nerdy yet emotionally scarred town doctor, and Rose Evans, the edgy motorcycle performer with a penchant for murder, seemed like they would deliver the same fiery chemistry and complex connection that made the first two books so irresistible. Sadly, I struggled to connect with their relationship—and that lack of emotional resonance made this one a tougher read. 

Thematically, Scythe and Sparrow tackles grief, trust, and second chances, but the execution felt uneven. The "friends with benefits" dynamic promised plenty of tension and emotional payoff, but instead, it felt rushed and lacking in the kind of raw honesty that made the earlier books so powerful. I also felt the pacing dragged in places, with Fionn and Rose’s individual arcs overshadowing their romantic one. 

While Scythe and Sparrow didn’t quite live up to my expectations, I’m still glad I finished the trilogy. Brynne Weaver’s unique voice and genre-defying storytelling make her a standout in the world of dark romance, and I’ll continue to look forward to her future projects. If you’re a die-hard fan of the series, it’s worth the read to see how the story ends—just go in with tempered expectations. 

The Daughter by T.M. Logan

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

3.5

 

T.M. Logan has mastered the art of taking a parent's worst nightmare and spinning it into a slow-burning, psychological thriller that leaves you reeling. The Daughter is no exception. This gripping tale draws readers into the life of Lauren, a mother who sets out on a seemingly ordinary trip to collect her daughter, Evie, from university—only to find that Evie has vanished without a trace. 

The story kicks off with a sense of unease that steadily builds as Lauren discovers that Evie hasn’t been seen for weeks. The situation spirals into a desperate search, revealing secrets and lies that make Lauren question everything she thought she knew about her daughter. 

At its core, The Daughter delves into themes of trust, family, and the lengths we’ll go to for those we love. TM Logan’s slow-paced narrative allows readers to savor every clue and red herring, creating an immersive experience. While the plot may take its time to unfold, the payoff is well worth the wait, with a series of twists that will leave you questioning everything until the final pages. 

Drug trafficking forms a central thread of the mystery, adding a gritty, real-world edge to the story. As Lauren digs deeper, she’s pulled into a dark and dangerous world that forces her to confront not only external threats but also her own fears and vulnerabilities as her ex-husband comes back into the picture. 

 The pacing may not be for everyone as this follows the famous slow-paced thrillers that are synoymous with UK Fiction, especially if you prefer fast-moving thrillers, but those who enjoy a slow-burn suspense will find themselves completely hooked. 

Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Clare Mackintosh, this is one thriller you won’t want to miss.