scorpireads's reviews
83 reviews

Ward D by Freida McFadden

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No

5.0

mystery, psychological thriller
  • medium-paced, stand-alone pov, dual timeline

"after all, if you meet someone who is truly crazy, that's the only way to know that you're sane."

another masterpiece from my favorite thriller author, freida mcfadden! the story follows amy, a young medical student who is doing a night shift on ward d, the lockdown ward known to hold violent mental patients. when weird things start happening in the ward, she may have to face the things she wants to hide from to make it through the night.

first of all, you know that a psychological thriller book is amazing, if it makes you question your sanity. when i read the blurb, i knew right away that it will be so interesting. it has the same concept as the inmate, but for me, it was a better version and freida wrote it so excellently. the plot is beyond perfect and mind-twisting. i literally had goosebumps the entire time and i was losing my mind while flipping the pages. and as expected in freida's books, it has layers of twists, plus the untrustworthy narrators and characters. i honestly thought that i have predicted what's going to happen, but i was entirely wrong. 

overall, this book is a perfect balance of mystery and suspense, and this is one of the creepiest books i've ever read so far. if you're into something that will keep you guessing 'til the very end, you should definitely read this.

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The Teacher by Freida McFadden

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challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No

4.0

mystery, psychological thriller.
  • slow-paced, multiple povs

"he truly believes all those things were enough to make him a good husband. that you can check all the right boxes, and it's okay, even if you don't love your wife."

freida mcfadden really never disappoints. the story follows eve and addie. eve, a teacher at caseham high who also has a perfect relationship with her husband, nate. and addie, a student who has been cast aside after some rumors from last year about a student-teacher affair. but eve knows there is far more to these ugly rumors than meets the eye. 

first of all, this is the first psychological thriller book that i've read this 2025, and i am not expecting it to be this good. the plot and writing style were perfect, and i even did not have any idea on what's going to happen with the whole story, it is completely unpredictable. one thing i also like about this book is the element of mystery and excitement building up in every chapter. 

to be honest, i hate all the characters in this book. it seems like all of them are hiding skeletons in their closets. for me, all of the characters need a therapist. plus, there are lots of details that are completely disturbing and too uncomfortable to read. i know some people are unable to read dark concepts like this, so please read at your own risk. 

there are also plot holes and confusing scenes that would definitely leave you some questions, but it was still a mind-blowing read. lastly, the epilogue? jaw-dropping! if you're into dark mysteries, and books that will completely fuck with your mind, then this is for you. 

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Last Chance Books by Kelsey Rodkey

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A

2.0

light romance, romcom
  • tropes: summer romance, rivals to lovers, forced proximity
  • medium-paced, stand-alone pov

“just a few days ago, i thought i had enough of him. marked him as did-not-finish. but now i feel every part of him will remain to-be-read.”

the story follows madeline, a young teenager who had just graduated from high school, and is currently working in her family's bookstore. but her world collapses after her aunt announces that due to financial problems, the store is going to close at the end of the summer—and that her mom is moving back. at the same time, she has an ongoing (book) war with jasper, the guy who works at prologue—a chain bookstore that opens across the street, who seems intent on ruining her life.

first of all, the premise of this book looked very promising. plus, the cute cover. but am i satisfied with what i've just read? no. when i read the first chapter, it seems interesting for me. however, it was getting boring as the story progressed to the point that i almost dnf it. the plot is very inconsistent. . . and messy. the story is a typical rivals to lovers but it really did not focus on that. to be honest, i feel like i am just reading a series of paragraphs but it lacks feelings and excitement. yes, i love the bookstore setting because everything related to books is heaven. i also like the dysfuntional family concept as it somehow provided emotions in the story. and some of the main characters' banters are cute and funny. 

the female main character—madeline, i like her obsession in books and her passion in saving her family's bookstore. her anger towards her mother is also understandable and i completely get her frustrations with everything that's happening to her life, but sometimes i think she's being rude just for the sake of being rude. on the other hand, the male main character—jasper, i think his life story deserves to be highlighted more in this book. it would be so much better if the story was written in dual pov. 

overall, for me, there are lots of things in this book that are still needed to be improved. 
Picking Daisies on Sundays by Liana Cincotti

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

started: 012425 | finished: 012625

light romance, romcom
  • tropes: friends to lovers, fake dating, forced proximity, mutual pining
  • medium-paced, stand-alone pov

"to be close to you was to be haunted by what i couldn't have and to be reminded of how much i truly wanted you."

* spoiler alert !

i actually decided to read this book because of its cute cover. the story follows dani, a hopeless romantic finishing college, who agrees to embark on a fake relationship with her childhood bestfriend, levi, who unfortunately for her, also happens to be her first love.

first of all, the concept of this book is good and the writing style is somehow similar to lynn painter's—my favorite romcom author. there are also lots of taylor swift references, and as a swiftie, i love it so much! one more good thing about the story is it gets better every flip of the page, so the thought of dnf-ing it suddenly went away. those heartwarming and dreamy scenes also made the story more entertaining. i love levi coldwell so much, and the fact that he's been hiding his feelings for dani for so long—plus, writing a collection of french poems about her? so romantic! i also like the way he expresses his feelings towards dani by being her number one fan, her bestfriend, and comfort zone. having someone as your bestfriend and lover rolled into one is the best feeling ever. on the other hand, i'm not a huge fan of dani, but i really feel sad for her, particularly when she's hearing negative words from people, and whenever she feels that she couldn't be romantically involved in levi's life. 

this book is just a typical friends to lovers, but it absolutely ended well. i don't know if it is just me, but i can't feel the emotions of the characters in the first few parts, but thankfully, it built up as the story progressed. honestly, the fake dating also just literally came out of nowhere. like after four years of not seeing each other, no enough catch up, then they immediately end up fake dating each other? it does not sit up well with me. also, the push-pull in their relationship was somehow frustrating, but i still enjoyed it. and it would be much better if the story was written in dual pov. overall, it was still a good read. there are lots of character development, and this is definitely a book for all hopeless romantic out there.
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

started: 012125 | finished: 012425

light romance, romcom
  • tropes: small town romance, neighbors, rivals to lovers, forced proximity
  • medium-paced, dual pov

“i can’t get her off my mind. i want to spend every second of the day with her. i want to make up for every day or every year i spent fighting with her instead of loving her.”

this book proves that enemies to lovers is the best romance trope. the story follows emily, who is organized and secretly writes romance novels, and jack, her annoying neighbor, who is back in town after breaking off his engagement. and with their red-hot animosity at an all-time high, emily makes a mistake that could reveal her secret literary identity. from there, she frustratingly need jack’s help to make it right.

first of all, as a sucker of enemies to lovers/rivals to lovers trope, i am deeply obsessed with this book. the plot is phenomenal and sarah adams’ writing style really never disappoints. the main characters’ endless banters were hysterically funny, and it is satisfying whenever they are getting confused about what they truly feel for each other. emily is such a ball of sweetness and comfort. i love her whole personality, especially when she is with her siblings. and the fact that she might look strict on the outside, but she’s so considerate and selfless on the inside. it would be great to have a friend like her in real life. one thing i also like to highlight about her is when she’s being straight-to-the-point and she can say whenever she wants to say whenever she’s with jack. on the other hand, i am on my knees for jack and the way he shows his feelings for emily. the story also made me realize how lovely it feels to have someone who will make you feel less lonely, and someone whom you can be openly honest with. 

for me, this book is more emotional and heartwarming compared to the first two books in the series. honestly, i was emotionally attached to all the characters. overall, this book—and the whole when in rome series—is absolute perfection. it you’re into a romcom book with little to no spice, then this series is definitely for you.
Practice Makes Perfect by Sarah Adams

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adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

genre: light romance, new adult fiction
tropes: small town romance, bad boy/good girl, opposites attract, friends who pine, fake dating, forced proximity

“i need you in my life like i need air, annie. you have wrecked me in the best way i could ever imagine, and i’ll never be the same. never want to be the same.”

give me a sarah adams book and i will definitely eat it up. so here’s my first five-star read this 2025. the story follows annie, who struggles to find love with her innocent and sweet personality. to gain confidence, she accepts help from will, the bodyguard of her brother’s pop star fiancee. however, the more they practice, the more that she develops real feelings for will.

first of all, the plot and writing style in this was magical and entertaining. i don’t know but there is really something about sarah adams’ books that will immediately get you full attention just by reading the first chapter. i love how the story had started, the main characters’ first encounter was heart-warming, and that specific scenario really satisfied one of my bookworm fantasies. annie is so perfect, and i can completely relate to her in some aspects. her perspective in life is what i admire the most. on the other hand, will is my weakness. a bad boy with soft side? sign me the freak up for it! he is someone most book lovers will fantasize about. there is absolutely nothing to dislike about all the characters in this book. i also liked that noah and amelia from when in rome—one of my favorite main leads—was also a part of this book. i also like all the emotions that the story had made me feel. sometimes, it just feels good when there is a person who will support you to become who you want to be, and someone who will being out the real and best version of you. there are lots of parts in this book that i would like to highlight; everytime annie calls will in different names, which is hilarious, the endless friendly bickerings between amelia and will, noah being supportive towards annie and will’s relationship, and a lot more. 

this is exactly what a romcom should be. the whole story is a perfect combination of different tropes. honestly, i stayed up all day to read this and it felt like therapy, just like what will said in this book. this is one of the best romcoms i’ve ever read and i will highly recommend this without hesitation. 
Betting On You by Lynn Painter

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

⭐️ 4.5
started: 01062025 - 01112025

genre: light romance, young adult fiction
tropes: opposites attract, enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, fake dating, workplace romance
— slow-paced, dual pov

"she was all i could think about, all the time, and sometimes it felt like i'd do anything—anything—just to make sure she was happy."

i decided to start the year by reading a romcom book, so i immediately thought of a lynn painter book. the story follows bailey, a seventeen-year-old, who starts a new job at a hotel, and she finds out that charlie, who she mets a year ago on a long flight to omaha, is one of her co-workers. now, bailey and charlie are still polar opposites, but instead of everything about him rubbing bailey the wrong way, she starts to look forward to hanging out and gossiping about the waterpark guests and their coworkers—particularly two who keep flirting with each other. from there, they made a bet on whether or not the cozy pair will actually get together. charlie insists that members from the opposite sex can't be friends, and bailey is determined to prove him wrong.

first of all, everything that lynn painter writes is gold. the plot is cute and amazing, and as expected in lynn painter's books, the writing style is beyond perfect. the book was so taylor swift coded, and i enjoyed reading it while listening to taylor's albums. the first encounter of the main characters was hilarious. as a sucker for cute banters and romcoms, charlie and bailey—the main characters—are now one of my favorite banter duos. i love charlie's personality, the way he addresses every situation is what i admire about him the most. plus, his effortless flirting? chef's kiss! if wes from better than the movies is the number one on the list of my favorite male main characters, then charlie would be the second. on the other hand, i somehow see myself in bailey—being an introvert, and having a fear of confrontation. her whole personality is relatable. to be honest, i love both of the main characters so much. i love how they are very comfortable with each other, and the fact that there are no awkward moments when they are together. 

also, the story made me realize how good it feels when you meet someone who understands you in a whole different level. yes, the first few chapters were a bit slow-paced for me, but there are no dull moments. and the storyline might be cliché for someone who loves to read/watch romcoms, but it is indeed a beautiful book. lastly, the tropes, banters, and cute conversations in this book literally made me jump out of excitement and happiness. this is another young adult fiction that made me giggle and kick my feet. i will definitely recommend this to all romcom readers out there. 


A Welcome Reunion: A Short Story by Lucinda Berry

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dark emotional mysterious sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.0

The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

4.5

psychological thriller.
— slow-paced, multiple povs

“why did the universe allow people who hurt kids to have them? why couldn’t give them to people like me, who wanted them?”

this is my first lucinda berry book and i absolutely ate it all up. the story follows hannah and christopher, a happily married surgeon and nurse with picture-perfect lives. all that’s missing is a child. when janie, an abandoned six-year-old, turns up at their hospital, christopher forms an instant connection with her, and he convinces hannah they should take her home as their own.

first of all, i finished the whole story in just a few hours because it is literally a page-turner. the plot was indeed amazing. i got immediately interested after reading the first few chapters. i like the writing style and it was very easy to understand. it actually had the ‘orphan’ movie vibes in it, and i love how the mystery and suspense built up as the story goes. the characters are so effectively irritating and they definitely tested my patience. hannah is the only character i like in this book. on the other hand, christopher is so stupid and blind when it comes to hannah’s struggles and it made me loathe him more. 

to be honest, i somehow dislike the ending of this book because it was a cliffhanger and i am looking for something more. but overall, this is still one of my best psychological thriller reads so far. i am horrified, mad, and frustrated the entire time i was reading this book. if you’re looking for a psychological book that’s horrifying but emotional at the same time, you should definitely pick this book up.

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The Ex by Freida McFadden

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No

3.5

psychological thriller.
— slow-paced, dual pov

“no, it’s not the greatest love story ever told. there have been no great romantic moments in their love story.”

once again, another freida mcfadden book. the plot centers around cassie, a woman who has a seemingly new fiancée, francesca, comes into the picture. cassie, while trying to navigate her life post-divorce, is drawn back into a web of deceit when she becomes suspicious of francesca’s real intentions. but as secrets from the past resurface, it becomes increasingly difficult to determine who’s telling the truth and who’s hiding something sinister.

first of all, this is my least favorite freida mcfadden book. yes, the plot was good, and the concept was interesting at some point, but there are parts that are honestly unnecessary for the story. i know that her books are slow-paced at the beginning, but this one is very, very, very slow to the point that i am close to losing interest in reading it, plus there are some dull moments. all the characters are weird as hell, and i just couldn’t handle the frustration i’ve felt because of the ex’s obsession. one thing i also dislike about this book is that the other chapters were written in third-person point-of-view. i did not see the plot twist coming, but it really confused me. 

overall, this book might not be as great and as intense as the other books of freida mcdadden, but i still kind of liked it and it still made my jaw drop.

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