readsinfrogpjs's reviews
449 reviews

The Kiss Countdown by Etta Easton

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

What a great debut novel.  Amerie and Vincent made interesting characters and were easy to root for.  I do think if we were able to get a point of view from hot astronaut, Vincent, the book would have been fire. I think staying with only Amerie the entire novel made the pacing of the book lull at places.  I missed the tension a dual pov can add to a rom com. I enjoyed the show burn to their romance, though. In general, the fake dating trope can feel forced, but in The Kiss Countdown, it felt authentic and natural. I'll be looking out for more books by Etta Easton.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy. 

Indian Burial Ground by Nick Medina

dark mysterious slow-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? It's complicated

3.0

I like to read a horror novel every now and again so I'm not an expert on the genre;  and while this did get gory in a few sections I didn't find it a true horror type of book.  Is a slow burn horror a thing?? I must say this was a tough read for me and struggled with it. I thought the writing was good but the dual timeline, two point of view storytelling didn't make for an easy flow for reading. I do think this will have a niche in the reading community. Was a solid story for me.  

I received an advanced digital copy to read and review honestly. From the publisher through netgalley 

Nosy Neighbors by Freya Sampson

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

I adored this book! Quirky characters.. heartwarming and emotional.. publishes April 2nd. I think fans of Frederick Bachman will enjoy reading Nosy Neighbors.. has an Anxious People meets A Man Called Ove vibe to it. 

While there is a mystery to solve, it's not the main focus of the book.. there is more going on at the Shelley House than an eviction and dirty tricks.  Dorothy Darling is the epitome of a noisy neighbor, but trust me, you'll be rooting for her by the end of the novel. 

Although pitched as a cozy mystery, I found it to have more depth and character driven storyline than your average fluffy cozy mystery. It was cozy, and there was a mystery.. just an added benefit of the characters being believable and well developed.

I went back and forth between 4 or 5 stars and settled on 4. I'm pretty stingy with my 5 stars, and this could have easily been rated 5, but in my opinion, there are some pacing issues at the beginning. Along with a weird 6-month leap in part of the story, which felt like a small cheat in character growth.. Well written, cast of fun characters and a touching story on grief, forgiveness, and friendship.  I highly recommend it.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy. All opinions are my own. 

The Love Remedy by Elizabeth Everett

challenging emotional mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

2.0

Have you ever read a book and then the reviews and wonder if you were given the same book as everyone else?? 

The Love Remedy sounded so promising.. an apothecary seeks the help of a grumpy private investigator to uncover who may have stolen her formula to treat croup. Working side by side to solve the mystery, the main characters break through invisible walls each have built strong their hearts. 

The book was fine. The writing was good, I could tell the author is talented in her style and expression.  I was expecting more mystery, and unfortunately, the romance overshadowed the mystery.  The pacing was a hurdle. As I found it to be so slow, I struggled to continue picking up the book. The main characters lack chemistry. There wasn't an urgency to the plot, and I missed that. There were some important themes and issues tackled within the story, and I appreciate the authors portrayal of ideas.  Many of these issues we still struggle with today.  I do want to point out that regency romance isn't a normal vibe for me, so my review should be taken with a grain of salt. If I'm honest, I would have dnf'd if not for the fact I was provided with an advanced copy. It wasn't a bad book or poorly written, I just didn't connect to the characters and lacked any interest in the outcome. 

What worked?
Strong female main characters 
Feminist ideas and gender stereotypes discussion
The cover 

What didn't work?
Slow pacing
Flat characters
Mystery was a secondary plot

Who should read? I think those who love the Regency Era romance genre would really enjoy this novel.  There's plenty of 4 and 5 star reviews, so I'm obviously in minority. 

Publication Date: March 19th
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ it was okay

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What is it about?: Sophie wants out of her wedding, Max is the objector to do the job.  After being hired to stop the wedding, Max and Sophie partner up to help others end their nuptials.  Could their wedding crashing partnership lead to more?

What worked?: EVERYTHING... The banter between the main characters was the best.  I actually laughed out loud multiple times, not something I do often.  The chemistry is believable and works. A bit steamy, open door but non x- rated details. Sophie's roommates are the best side characters.  I wish I knew this cast of characters in real life. 
Full of sass, fun, steam, and heartwarming moments. I also enjoyed the bluntness and maturity of the main characters. 

What didn't work?: I really don't have anything to talk about here.  The premise of hired wedding objectors was kind of outlandish but easily overlooked.  The biggest issue was that the book had to end.  😊

Who I recommend read?: Anyone who loves a fun and fast rom-com novel. If you're looking for a twist to the fake dating trope, this is the book for you.  It's a great novel to get yourself out of a reading slump and is hard to put down.  I do give it a medium language warning if that is a concern of yours. I don't mind it but some readers prefer clean language books. 

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher. I was provided an advanced digital copy to read and honestly review. All opinions are my own. 

Becoming Madam Secretary by Stephanie Dray

emotional informative inspiring reflective medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

Becoming Madam Secretary is a powerful and inspiring story of a woman who broke through barriers to achieve her dreams. Frances Perkin's journey to be the first woman appointed to the United States Secretary of State is a testament to her determination, resilience, and hard work. Her story shows us that anything is possible if we set our minds to it and never give up on our goals. Becoming Madam Secretary is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by a true story of success.

I enjoyed reading about Frances Perkins, someone I was unfamiliar with, I probably should have spent more time attending US History class in high school.. but alas. At times, I felt the pacing lagged a bit, but that might have been a me thing.  The parts of her personal life and fight for equal rights were engaging, but when it got to the political pieces, it slowed down and was a struggle for me, reason for the 4 stars.... but then, I refer you back to the not attending US History class.. there was a reason, lol.  Anyway.  An important story, a great historical fiction, and would make a good book club pick. 

I was provided an advanced copy by the publisher through netgalley to read and honestly review. 

Murder Road by Simone St. James

adventurous challenging 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? It's complicated

5.0

Murder Road gives all the creepy vibes. The first chapter had me seriously contemplating if I was ever gonna drive in the dark again.  I love the way Simone St. James tells a story.  I didn't want to put the book down, The main characters were well rounded, flawed but relatable.  Rose was the sass the story needed to give it that kicking butt feel.  Anyone who likes a creepy, ghost story will enjoy Murder Road.  Just make sure you luck your car doors at night.  


I was provided an advanced copy.  All opinions are my own.

Bye Baby by Carola Lovering

challenging dark mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.0

I was excited to read Bye, Baby, as I love twisty thrillers, which is what I was expecting of Carola Lovering's latest novel.  While it didn't meet my expectations, it didn't disappoint either.  It just wasn't what I had thought to be. Much more a domestic drama with emphasis on friendships, how they evolve from childhood to adulthood, and how trauma and secrets bond people. The characters are unreliable, not very likable, but somehow, I found myself rooting for them. It would make a good pick for a book club, it's one that has stuck with me long after reading.
I was provided an advanced copy to read and review by the publisher through netgalley. 

Ellie Haycock Is Totally Normal by Gretchen Schreiber

challenging emotional informative inspiring sad slow-paced

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

3.0

Ellie Haycock Is Totally Normal Is a decent debut novel. I will be honest and say I'm giving a bit more favorable rating simply for the content and subject matter. Diversity and representation in books, especially children and young adult novels, is so important and critical.  Being able to read about main characters that we can identify with is critical to self esteem, providing validation and support.  And at the same time breaking down negativr stereotypes and creating compassion.  Gretchen Schreiber brings to life a character with a disability, in particular VATER syndrome. You can tell Schreiber put her heart into this book.  I just wished I enjoyed it more.  Main character, Ellie was tough to like and therefore tough to root for.  This book touched on a lot of different topics, spreading the plot thin and creating underdeveloped storylines. For example, Ellie has a huge chip on her shoulder basically the whole novel, there is mention of being let down in past by friends and this is the cause.. but the reader never fully understands what transpired so Ellie comes across as a petulant toddler when it comes to her friendships.  

As I said a decent debut, with a much needed story to tell.  I think Gretchen Schreiber has the potential to knock our socks off with her next one and I'll be looking for it. 

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.  

Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad slow-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? It's complicated

3.0

I found Wandering Stars to be beautifully written but at times hard to follow and connect to the characters.  Tommy Orange is a masterful storyteller and takes the reader on a journey like no other. Wandering Stars is a prequel and sequel of sort to There There. The first half of the novel intrigued me more with its historical fiction aspect.  The second half, with its focus more on contemporary life, felt more meandering in thought, and I lost a bit of connection to the characters.  Those interested in the complexities of Native American heritage and impact of generational trauma will find Wandering Stars a powerful and exploratory narrative. 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars for writing style and content 
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars for enjoyment and characters 
Overall, ⭐️⭐️⭐️ a 3 star book for me. 

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and review honestly an advanced digital copy.