rissreviews_xx's reviews
636 reviews

The Blue Monsoon by Damyanti Biswas

medium-paced

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

4.25

Last year I read and loved The Blue Bar, the first book in the series. The Blue Monsoon follows Senior Inspector Arnav Singh Raiput where they are called to a gruesome crime scene. His personal life is pulled into the mix as he tries to solve the case. I really liked reading the second book, the characters were just as enjoyable as I hoped. This is a perfect read for thriller fans and mystery lovers! There are multiple POVs as the story goes on and it fits well for a character driven story. Well written and perfect to read as a standalone.

The Librarian of Burned Books by Brianna Labuskes

challenging emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Cleopatra's Vendetta (Stryker, #1) by Avanti Centrae

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

4.0

As a big fan of Cleopatra and all of the history surrounding her, this was a book that I knew I had to read. It was so much fun diving into this book as it covers ancient mysteries. This is a thriller book that I could not put down, it was such a fast-paced read for me. If you love ancient Egypt and all of the history regarding its rulers, definitely give this one a chance. You won't regret it.

Heroes of the Empire Book 1: The Cavalier by Israel Azizi

4.25

 I grew up reading YA books, and it has forever stuck with me to read one when I see it is about fantasy. Heroes of the Empire is filled with adventure and a war that the two main characters cannot escape. This was a fast-paced read for me because I loved all of the details that the author included. Velamir and Natassa are two new characters that I enjoyed getting to know. Readers will be pulled in from the very beginning. I cannot wait to see what the author writes next! 

BlindSided by Marguerite Ashton

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.25

 As a major fan of thrillers and YA books, I knew this was going to be a good one! Lexi Archer is such an interesting character, especially when she is facing first-degree murder charges. There were twists and turns in this book that I was not expecting, but I loved every minute of it! Readers will find themselves wrapped up in the mystery that Lexi unravels as she faces the truth.

Marguerite Ashton is definitely a new favorite author and everyone should read her book! Based solely on the synopsis, I just know this will be your next favorite thriller. The book reads at a great pace and will keep you guessing until the end. 

Beyond the Wand by Tom Felton

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.25

Two Wrongs Make a Right by Chloe Liese

medium-paced

3.25

The Stories Whiteness Tells Itself by David Mura

informative reflective tense medium-paced

4.25

David Mura’s essays are both relevant and important, but readers are able to read this book because of the way he has written it. I think the topics that are written in this book are well done and provide a positive perspective on how to continue.

The last section of this book wraps up the topics in a way that makes sense and gives readers a way to understand. I definitely recommend this book to readers!

Last Known Location by Eva MacKenzie

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.75

When I first read Eva Mackenzie's first book last year (2022), I knew I had found a new favorite thriller author. Last Known Location is just as thrilling and leads readers down a dark path filled with mystery, exes, and more. Gwen is an interesting character and I think Noah's storyline was quite exciting! I was pulled in from the start and I know readers will be too. Mackenzie knows how to create an enthralling book with characters that are hard not to find enjoyable. Give this one a read y'all! 

Final Offer by Lauren Asher

challenging emotional funny reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

 Final Offer has my heart.💘

Out of the three Kane brothers, Callahan is completely and utterly my favorite character and no one can change my mind. Cal has proven himself to be an absolute gem of a person and has redeemed himself!

From the very beginning, we were teased about Cal’s task for his inheritance and wondered who the mysterious Alana was.😅

And, oh my gosh! Cal and Lana had a history that was crafted very well and worked for their present time. Their chemistry is off the charts and the spicy moments are to die for.🥰

I am heartbroken and happy all at once because this is the end of the road for my favorite brothers. Forever a favorite trilogy.