phantomparagrapher7's reviews
111 reviews

dark emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

After a DNF this morning, I knew I needed an author where I would love the book and I have found anything written with Tate James or that she is involved in, they have been titles that I have enjoyed as she has a way where you just come to love all the characters. You also know that it will become a RH story. This book starts with us meeting Stella who has taken over from her father as a paparazzi after he was injured to help with his medical bills as well as life in general. One night she heads to a bar to get some shots and ends up meeting Gemini Harrison and she has an amazing night of passion with him. Unfortunately, their encounter ended up splashed across the tabloids and it was under the assumption that it was Gem's twin brother Seven who is currently a big Hollywood Heartthrob. Stella shrugs things off as this is her life and it's not like she will ever see him again or so she believes. While out at a party snapping shots, she runs into her ex-boyfriend and fellow paparazzi Dillon and he tries to kill her when celeb Oliver steps in to help her and he takes her to his place where surprise -he lives with his best friends Gem and Seven Harrison. Thus begins an on/off again friendship between Gem and Ollie which also includes sleeping with both. What happens though when Seven needs her help and she finds herself part of all their world? Can Stella afford to live their lives or does she still have to do photography on the side to help her family even if it continually puts her in danger? Find out in Overexposed by Tate James and Heather Long. A great RH read for anyone who needs to have a bit of sexy me time this weekend.

Forced Proximity by Jaymin Eve, Tate James

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Scrolling to find a book to read, I grabbed this ARC to read as I love both of these authors and OMFG it was amazing. I now can't wait to read Book #2 as this book ended on a major cliffie that had me going NOOOOO !!. The book starts with our main female character Evelyn aka Eve being a victim of a school shooting and moving to a new school under a new name as the police can't track down the school shooter. When she gets to the school, she has a panic attack and ends up kissing the first handsome guy she sees aka Ethan who later turns out to be her Economics of Crime Professor. She then finds herself befriended by a few of the most popular guys in school. One thing leads to another and Eve and the four most popular guys in the school Haze, Drew, Connor, and Brodie end up being put in the same dorm along with Ethan - their teacher in charge. We later learn that Andrew is being blackmailed by Eve's father to look out and protect her, this was a surprise as Eve hasn't seen or heard from her father since she was 10 years old. We also see that each of the five has dark secrets or past trauma and a couple of them have Eve in their sight for a romance aka Ethan and Brodie. Without giving away the book, this was one of those dark romantic suspense stories that everyone needs to read and it also gave me vibes of Meli Raine's Harmless and False series. I now have to sit and try and be patient for Book #2 which OMG I need now.... and I now have at least two new guys to add to my book boyfriend’s list Haze and Ethan.

The Crash by Freida McFadden

Go to review page

dark hopeful mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

Freida McFadden is well known for her fast-paced, twist-filled psychological thrillers, often packed with shocking revelations and morally gray characters. While this book delivers some of those elements, I found it to be a more subdued thriller compared to her usual work. The setup is gripping, but the execution left me wanting more.

The story follows Tegan, a heavily pregnant woman fleeing from a past she’d rather leave behind. With nowhere else to go, she sets out to find refuge with her brother, hoping for a fresh start. But fate intervenes when she is caught in a blizzard and stranded in the middle of nowhere. When a seemingly kind couple rescues her, offering her warmth and shelter, she believes she’s been granted a stroke of luck. However, that illusion quickly shatters as she realizes something is very wrong. Her "safe haven" becomes a chilling trap, and her battle for survival—both for herself and her unborn child—begins.

The premise is undeniably strong, and Freida McFadden does an excellent job of creating an eerie, claustrophobic atmosphere. The snowbound setting amplifies the sense of isolation, and the creeping tension keeps the reader engaged. However, I felt the psychological depth and darkness that usually define McFadden’s work were somewhat lacking. The suspense is present, but the twists, while entertaining, were a bit predictable, and the stakes didn’t feel as high as they could have been.

Tegan is a compelling protagonist, and her situation is one that immediately evokes sympathy. However, some of her choices were frustrating, making it difficult to fully connect with her character at times. The couple who takes her in are sufficiently unsettling, but their development felt somewhat surface-level, making it easier to guess the direction of the story early on. While Freida McFadden’s signature short chapters and fast pacing make this a quick read, I found myself hoping for more surprises and deeper psychological complexity.

Overall, this is still an engaging thriller, but it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Freida McFadden’s best work. If you enjoy atmospheric, snowbound thrillers with a slow burn, this could still be worth picking up—especially for Kindle Unlimited readers. However, if you’re looking for a truly dark, unpredictable, and intense psychological thriller, her other books might be a better choice.

Lock Me Inside by C. Hallman

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Lenora's life used to be great as she was on her way to becoming a successful gymnast and had a shot at the Olympics. That was until she had an accident that caused her to almost be paralyzed, she had to wear a back brace and have surgery on her spine. At school, she was bullied and made to look like a snob and someone too good for the rest of them. Two of her bullies were brothers Colt and Nixon. Now coming home from spending time with her grandmother, she is surprised to find out that her mother has moved in with her boss James Alistair, and is now engaged to her. The downside though is his sons are two of her bullies and the worst of them. Now Lenora is stuck in a home with two young men who are determined to break her in any way they can from physical and mental abuse. Lenora thinks though she has had the worst she can have happened, Colt and Nixon are nothing compared to their father and the horrors he will bring upon Lenora. Lock Me Inside was quite a dark romance and one that has a lot of Trigger Warnings involved. This book is not for the faint-hearted and crosses the line from dark romance to sexual abuse and degradation. This book I would rate this as an R18-21+ read and reminded me of the A Hurt So Sweet series by Isabella Starling.

Content Warnings

New Year's Day: A Lancaster Holiday Novella by Monica Murphy, Monica Murphy

Go to review page

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Continuing in my effort to not only this series which I am enjoying but also the books on my physical bookshelf, I picked up Book #5.5 in the Lancaster Prep series. This quick-read novella just hits the spot and gives you all the happy feels as it is New Year's Eve and Summer and Whit Lancaster are hosting their annual New Year's Eve party with their family and friends. However, a freak snowstorm has hit and it's caused their guests not to turn up. This has then, in turn, turned this New Year's Eve into a Lancaster family celebration with all the parents and their children. I enjoyed this book as all our couples from the previous five books are married and have children of their own, we also catch a side glimpse of Arch and a pregnant Daisy as they end up having to get a hotel room due to the snowstorm. During the ball drop on the television, we also see a snippet of Scarlett Lancaster and her new husband Tate Ramsay, their love story is in "Lonely for You". New Year's Day is also a great connection read as it sets up the beginning of a new series by Monica Murphy - Lancaster Prep Next Generation, I am now excited to read the children's stories as they too attend Lancaster Prep and fall in love.

You Said I Was Your Favorite by Monica Murphy

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.75

Every year, I try and pick an author or a series to clear off my bookshelf and this year was Monica Murphy's Lancaster Prep series and I am loving it so far, it's one of those why I wait so long series to read. I did have the feeling that I would enjoy it of course as she is one of the OG's new adult romance writers and it shows with her books. Book #5 takes us to another of the Lancaster families, this time Archibald aka Arch Lancaster who is the son of George and Miriam Lancaster. He is the cousin of all the previous Lancaster characters. You Said I Was Your Favourite features Arch and his younger sister Edie. Arch wished he could go to Europe for a gap year and graduate early, but alas his family won't let him, and trust me he has inherited the jerkiness of his cousins Whit and Crew. He is currently #1 for his grades and is set to be Valedictorian. Daisy Albright is a scholarship kid as her father Ralph works as the groundskeeper at Lancaster Prep. She is also Arch's competitor in the classroom as she is currently in the #2 spot and looks like she may overtake him. Daisy is the invisible one, but she feels lonely sometimes and the odd one out. She would rather spend her time helping out in the school office, tending her rose garden, or reading her romance books. When an incident arises with Arch and his ex-girlfriend Cassidy forces Arch to work in the office with Daisy, you can guess where the book goes as we have enemies to lovers situation happen. Like the previous books, we have an I'm secretly in love with someone below my status and eventually when I feel comfortable or forced to choose - I will reveal to everyone that I love her and she will be my HEA we also have the cameo of I have an annoying Lancaster sibling who loves to stir up trouble and wants to befriend the girl I love. This series is one that you know what you will get before you open the book, but it is also one that has you craving the angst and romance of #oppositesattract and the girl or guy depending on which book you read, bringing the Lancaster down to earth and reality, making them the decent person they were all along. Stay tuned for more Lancaster Prep adventures as I continue to read the rest of the books in the series.

Holmes Is Missing by James Patterson, Brian Sitts

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

James Patterson has long been one of my go-to authors, and with each new release, I’m always eager to see if it will be a hit or a miss. His Holmes, Margaret and Poe series quickly became one of my favorites, blending classic literary inspirations with modern detective work. Holmes is Missing continues this thrilling saga with high stakes and a gripping mystery.

The story kicks off with the shocking disappearance of Holmes, the sharp-minded detective of the trio. While Margaret and Poe attempt to carry on without him, they are soon pulled into a heart-wrenching case—the abduction of six newborns from a private hospital in New York. As they investigate, disturbing links to similar disappearances in London surface, prompting Margaret to follow the clues across the Atlantic. Meanwhile, Holmes has his own dangerous mission, delving into a decades-old cold case known as "The Mother Murders."

One of the strengths of this book is its fast-paced, intricate plot. Patterson and Sitts expertly weave together multiple storylines, keeping readers hooked as the team struggles to solve their biggest case yet. The dynamic between the characters remains a highlight—Margaret’s determination, Poe’s analytical mind, and Holmes’ mysterious absence create a compelling narrative filled with tension and urgency.

The stakes feel particularly high in this installment, making for an edge-of-your-seat experience. The dual mysteries—both the missing babies and the elusive Mother Murders—add layers of suspense, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. Fans of the series will appreciate the deeper character development, while newcomers can still jump in and enjoy the thrill.

Overall, Holmes is Missing is another strong addition to the series, delivering a blend of clever detective work, unexpected twists, and engaging storytelling. If you’re a fan of fast-paced mysteries with literary-inspired sleuths, this one is well worth a read. I borrowed this book using the Libby Library App, and it was a thrilling ride from start to finish!

The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

Go to review page

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.75

After receiving an ARC of The Charlie Method (Book #3 in the Campus Diaries series), I figured it was high time to dive into the first book, The Graham Effect. And wow—what an absolute delight! If you loved Elle Kennedy’s Briar University and Off-Campus series, Campus Diaries will give you those same heartwarming, swoon-worthy vibes, maybe even more so.

This book centers around Gigi Graham, the daughter of Garrett and Hannah from The Deal (Off-Campus Book #1), and it’s a fantastic continuation for longtime fans. Gigi is determined to make her mark in the hockey world, separate from her father’s legendary status. Her three goals are simple: qualify for the women’s national hockey team, win Olympic gold, and step out of Garrett’s shadow. The problem? She needs help improving her game, and the best person to do that is Luke Ryder.

Ryder is a force to be reckoned with—towering at 6’5”, brooding, and an absolute beast on the ice. However, his life is far from perfect. The men’s hockey team at Eastwood University has just merged with Briar University after Eastwood University closed their doors , creating massive tension, and his shot at impressing Garrett Graham as a coach is ruined thanks to a disastrous first encounter. So when the opportunity arises to train Gigi in exchange for a favor, it seems like a win-win. The only hitch? Their scorching chemistry, which neither of them wants to acknowledge—but can’t seem to ignore.

Elle Kennedy masterfully delivers her signature mix of humor, steamy romance, and heartfelt moments. The banter between Gigi and Ryder is electric, making their slow-burn romance all the more rewarding. Gigi is a fantastic protagonist—independent, ambitious, and unwilling to be defined by her father’s legacy. Meanwhile, Ryder is the perfect mix of gruff and endearing, adding to the tension and eventual payoff of their relationship.

With its addictive storytelling, well-developed characters, and just the right amount of angst, The Graham Effect is an absolute must-read. I cannot wait to jump into The Dixon Rule next

In The Way by Ava Strong

Go to review page

adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

Ava Strong’s In The Way is a gripping psychological thriller that brings a literary twist to the serial killer genre. When iconic death scenes from classic literature begin unfolding in real life, FBI Agent Elle Keen must unravel the clues and outsmart a murderer who is using books as inspiration for their deadly crimes.

One of the standout aspects of this novel is its ability to be read as a standalone, despite being part of a series. As someone who often finds myself accidentally reading books out of order (no matter how hard I try not to! LOL), I truly appreciate when an author crafts a story that doesn’t leave me feeling lost. This made In The Way even more enjoyable, as I could fully immerse myself in the mystery without needing prior knowledge of the series.

Elle Keen is a phenomenal protagonist—sharp, intuitive, and deeply compelling. Her knack for decoding puzzles and literary references makes her the perfect match for this chilling case. As someone who enjoys cracking codes and solving riddles myself, I found Elle’s investigative style particularly fascinating. Her intelligence and determination kept me engaged, and I couldn’t help but imagine how thrilling it would be to have her job at the FBI.

The novel is fast-paced, with non-stop suspense that keeps you turning pages late into the night. The killer’s method—recreating famous death scenes from classic novels—adds a chilling layer to the mystery, making each crime scene feel eerily familiar yet horrifyingly unique.

Overall, In The Way is an enthralling crime thriller that combines literary intrigue with a relentless game of cat and mouse. With a strong, intelligent lead and a plot full of suspense, this book is perfect for fans of psychological mysteries with a dark, clever edge.

Y2K: How the 2000s Became Everything by Colette Shade

Go to review page

informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

Reading Y2K by Colette Shade felt like stepping into a time machine and revisiting the chaotic, colorful, and sometimes cringeworthy era of my youth. This essay collection is a brilliantly provocative and entertaining deep dive into the turn-of-the-millennium years, capturing both the cultural highs and the unsettling lows of a generation-defining period. From the gaudy excesses of the bling era to the shadow of global political turmoil, Shade paints a vivid picture of the early 2000s—one that resonated deeply with my own memories.

For anyone who grew up in this time, Y2K is like flipping through a personal scrapbook. I could practically see my childhood and teen years reflected in its pages, from the Leonardo DiCaprio and Heath Ledger posters adorning my bedroom walls to the iconic pink lips-shaped phone that sat on my nightstand. My gold blow-up plastic backpack was the height of fashion, just as my sister's blue plastic chair was a staple in our home. The nostalgia was almost overwhelming, and it was impossible to read this book without smiling at the sheer absurdity and brilliance of it all.

Shade explores not only the glittering surface of Y2K culture—metallic clothing, pierced belly buttons, and boy bands like Backstreet Boys, *NSYNC, Aqua, and Vengaboys—but also the deeper societal shifts that shaped the era. She deftly unpacks the rise of AOL Instant Messenger, the dominance of McMansions, the Hummer H2 craze, and the financial recklessness that ultimately led to the subprime mortgage crisis. The book doesn’t shy away from the darker side of the early 2000s, tackling issues such as post-9/11 fearmongering, the anti-Bush political movement, and the horrors of Abu Ghraib.

Her writing is both witty and insightful, making complex topics accessible and engaging. The book is not just a nostalgic trip but a reminder of how the pop culture we embraced reflected the economic and political landscape we were living through.

For fans of cultural history, memoirs, and social commentary, Y2K is a must-read. It perfectly captures the essence of an era that shaped a generation, making it a fascinating and deeply personal experience for anyone who lived through it. Colette Shade has delivered an unforgettable, thought-provoking book that will have readers reminiscing, laughing, and maybe even cringing in equal measure.

More...

phantomparagrapher7's reviews 111 reviews

phantomparagrapher7's reviews
111 reviews