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ross_emm's reviews
90 reviews
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
Overall a solid ending to the AGGGTM series! This book was definitely the hardest to get through for me, the descriptions of Pip's PTSD, anxiety, & paranoia were very intense (but also very real because of all the shit she's been through).
very VERY happy Max Hastings got punched in the face by Nat, she well deserved to do that and more!!! Max got what he deserved in the end and that's all that matters to me 🤷♀️
It was quite easy to sort out the Jason/DT business (and that Pip would kill him), but I really did not see the whole pin someone else for murdering him plot coming lol. But lik Ravi is the epitome of supportive boyfriend, helping your GF get away with murder??? okay...
I know Pip still tried to help him in the end but I wish more thought had gone into the Billy side of the plot. My man was coerced by the police and sat in jail for YEARS and Pip helping seemed kinda tacked on the end.
I will say I'm a big fan of thr cyclical nature of these cases! The way they all flow from one to the next and are all connected is So Good. Loved seeing points from the other books being used in the current investigations.
It was quite easy to sort out the Jason/DT business (and that Pip would kill him), but I really did not see the whole pin someone else for murdering him plot coming lol. But lik Ravi is the epitome of supportive boyfriend, helping your GF get away with murder??? okay...
I know Pip still tried to help him in the end but I wish more thought had gone into the Billy side of the plot. My man was coerced by the police and sat in jail for YEARS and Pip helping seemed kinda tacked on the end.
I will say I'm a big fan of thr cyclical nature of these cases! The way they all flow from one to the next and are all connected is So Good. Loved seeing points from the other books being used in the current investigations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Blood, Drug abuse, Drug use, Kidnapping, Murder, Torture, and Death
Moderate: Confinement and Panic attacks/disorders
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
I read the first AGGGTM book in late 2021 and for some reason never finished off this series, but boy am I glad I am now! I appreciated how easy this story was to get in to, not much information is needed from the previous book but they still have a very strong connection.
Honestly my main (and really only) qualm with this book is how young Pip is! It's hard for me to wrap my head her only being 17/18, like hello adults in her life help her??? why is pip chasing down murders and solving misssing persons cases before graduating high school!?
I do love the additional case files, podcast excerpts, and photos added in really keeps me in the action. Jamie is an intriguing character and I loved getting to learn about him!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Blood, Gun violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Drug abuse
Minor: Child abuse, Child death, and Fire/Fire injury
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.0
all I have to say is I hope I never meet somone like Oliver
Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
first off, where is my cheerleader girlfriend?? a cute and cozy read but still had the power to throw me back into how it felt to be a queer highschooler in a not so nice small town.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Car accident
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Outing and Toxic friendship
None Shall Sleep by Ellie Marney
dark
mysterious
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
Had me 100% from the beginning! Emma and Travis are great characters and I love their relationship dynamic throughout the book, their bond is very strong and it becomes that way quite quickly. Simon is such an interesting character to me and I relished watching him go absolutely batshit on Anthony during their final battle. I liked having a few chapters from the butchers perspective, but having information that the characters don't possess did drive me a little crazy (in a good way)
Definitely interested in reading more from Ellie Marney!
Definitely interested in reading more from Ellie Marney!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Death, Medical content, and Murder
Moderate: Gore and Sexual assault
Minor: Animal death and Animal cruelty
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
The sappy wlw fake dating romance book we all deserve! Love seeing the progression of Scottie having to work through her feelings for Tally and their breakup. Irene is such a relatable character and she feels so real to me! The tropes, man the TROPES I'm such a sucker for them!!! The healthy communication between Scottie & Irene is so wonderful (also A+ parent/child dynamics) Love love love this story and characters, definitely wish I had this around to read in my teen years <3
This is the 2nd book by Kelly Quindlen I've read and I have to say I love the writing style so much. I had this book finished in 2 sittings!
This is the 2nd book by Kelly Quindlen I've read and I have to say I love the writing style so much. I had this book finished in 2 sittings!
Sadie by Courtney Summers
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
I'm always down for a dual POV book and this delivered! the written format of the podcast works very well for me and I love the way the story weaves back and forth through sadie and the podcast. a devastating read but well worth it
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Sexual assault, Death, Murder, Blood, and Drug abuse
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Vomit
When All the Girls Are Sleeping by Emily Arsenault
dark
emotional
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? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Death
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Bullying
I was fully invested in the ghost / paranormalish side of this book and really didn't see the ending plot twist coming. Would love to reread just to see how much you can pick up on this with prior knowledge! And what can I say I'm a sucker for books that take place within a school so the boarding school aspect was right up my alley.
The Ivies by Alexa Donne
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship and Death
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Gaslighting
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
adventurous
hopeful
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
took me a second to get fully immersed into this book, but oh BOY once you're in you're In It! Every character is so so good and I think you can see and understand everyone's perspective of this story. A wonderful read all around!