sorasbookland's reviews
1195 reviews

Promise Me Not by Meagan Brandy

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

3.0

This book is an emotional rollercoaster filled with tension, heartbreak, and moments of tenderness. The story delves deep into themes of love, trust, and personal growth, with complex characters who carry their fair share of flaws and vulnerabilities.

While the narrative is engaging, it occasionally feels predictable, and some parts seem to drag. The chemistry between Mason and Peyton is compelling, but certain plot points lack the depth needed to make them truly memorable. Overall, this was an enjoyable read with heartfelt moments, but it didn’t fully work for me. 

Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy

challenging emotional inspiring sad tense slow-paced

4.0

This is an emotional rollercoaster that expertly blends heartache, love, and self-discovery as the story blossoms into a tale of second chances and healing. The chemistry between Ari and Noah is electric yet tender. 

The book also delves into themes of forgiveness, trust, and personal growth, making it more than just a romance. And with its compelling mix of angst, passion, and heartfelt moments, Say You Swear will resonate with readers who love a swoony, emotionally intense love story. Be prepared for tears, smiles, and a story that lingers long after the final page.

All the Missing Pieces by Catherine Cowles

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense slow-paced

5.0

This is a captivating mix of romance, suspense, and emotional depth. The story seamlessly blends a gripping cold-case mystery with the slow-burn romance between Ridley Sawyer, a determined true crime podcaster, and Colter Brooks, a protective small town sheriff.

Ridley is driven, resourceful, and haunted by the disappearance of her twin sister. The contrast between her fierce independence and the vulnerability she carries from her sister’s loss makes her incredibly relatable. Opposite her is Colter, the quintessential brooding sheriff with a guarded heart. His initial resistance to Ridley feels believable, but as the two navigate their differences, his walls begin to crumble in a deeply satisfying way.

The chemistry between Ridley and Colt is electric, evolving naturally as they uncover layers of each other’s personalities. Their banter provides moments of levity amidst the darker undertones of the story, while their shared moments of vulnerability highlight the emotional stakes. The addition of small-town dynamics, complete with nosy neighbors and a lovable dog who quickly warms up to Ridley, adds a sense of warmth and charm.

The twists are both unpredictable and well-paced pulling readers deeper into the story. The balance between the romance and the suspense is perfect, and the resolution ties everything together in a satisfying and heartfelt way. All the Missing Pieces is an addictive blend of romance, mystery, and emotional healing. It’s a must-read!!!

𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 :
• cold case mystery 
• grumpy x sunshine
• psychological thriller 
• forced proximity 
• small town romance 
• slow burn

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.5

This book delivers a compelling story of ambition, resilience, and redemption. The novel explores not only the grueling world of elite sports but also the emotional toll of chasing greatness.

Carrie is unapologetically driven and flawed, yet deeply relatable. Her relationship with her father and coach, Javier, adds a touching layer of vulnerability to her fierce persona. The vivid descriptions of high-stakes matches and the personal cost of success make this story both exhilarating and heartfelt. This is a powerful tale of grit and self-discovery, perfect for fans of drama and character-driven stories.

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

This book delivers a riveting tale of family, fame, & survival set in the dazzling world of 1980s Malibu. The story unfolds over 24 hrs as the Riva siblings prepare for their infamous annual party. As the night spirals out of control, long-buried secrets and tensions come to the surface, forcing the siblings to confront their painful history. 

The writing excels at blending emotional depth with a fast-paced narrative, creating characters that feel vivid and complex. The Malibu setting is richly atmospheric, capturing both the glamour and the grit of life under the shadow of fame. A novel about an engrossing exploration of family bonds, identity, and resilience with a compelling, bittersweet story that lingers long after the final page.

Keep Me in Your Heart by Monica Murphy

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

4.5

This romance focuses on Rowan Lancaster and Arabella Hartley Thomas as they navigate an unexpected connection during a pivotal time in their lives. The banter and chemistry between them are delightful, balancing the emotional weight of their individual struggles. It’s about the thrill of young love mixed with the bittersweet uncertainty of impending change. While some plot points could have been explored more deeply, the emotional resonance and character growth make this story shine.

We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

This book is a haunting blend of psychological suspense and supernatural horror. As eerie events escalate, including mysterious disappearances and a ghostly presence in the basement, the tension keeps growing, creating an unsettling atmosphere that blurs the line between external threats and internal paranoia… Chilling, thought-provoking, and impossible to put down. 

Mr. Broody by Piper Rayne

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

4.0

This is a heartfelt and swoon-worthy romance, a story of second chances, old wounds and enduring love. This book is a perfect blend of emotional depth and sizzling chemistry, leaving you rooting for Henry and Jade, to find their way back to each other.

Jade is strong yet vulnerable, dealing with the pull of her feelings for Henry while trying to protect herself from heartbreak. Henry is a perfect mix of broody hockey star and devoted single dad, making him hard to resist despite his past mistakes. Their chemistry is undeniable, and the tension between them keeps the story engaging as they confront old wounds and new challenges. One of the standout aspects of the book is Bodhi, Henry’s son. His introduction into Jade’s classroom creates a unique twist, raising the emotional stakes and adding heartwarming moments.

The book balances steamy romance with emotional depth, making it hard to put down. However, the pacing in some parts felt a bit uneven and some problems could have been resolved more easily in my opinion. Overall, this was a satisfying read about healing, forgiveness, and rekindling lost love.

𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 :
• second chance 
• hockey romance
• single dad
• childhood friends to lovers
• forced proximity 

Thank you Piper Rayne & Valentine PR for an e-ARC copy.

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

This book is a masterclass in psychological suspense and a true-crime-inspired thriller that will keep you guessing until the very last page. I absolutely loved this it, it’s clever, immersive, and impossible to put down.

The story follows Lucy Chase, who is at the center of a murder case. Found covered in her best friend’s blood with no memory of the crime, Lucy quickly becomes the object of public scrutiny. As a true-crime podcast dives into the case, the author cleverly uses this narrative device to peel back layers of truth, lies, and Lucy’s unreliable memories. Adding to it a little twisted romance subplot and the result is a page-turning mystery that keeps you doubting everyone and everything.

What makes this thriller stand out is Lucy herself. Her dark humor, raw honesty, and sharp-edged wit make her a protagonist you can’t help but root for, even when you’re unsure of her innocence. It’s the perfect balance between tension and character development, crafting a heroine who feels flawed yet fiercely real.

The pacing is spot-on, with each chapter leaving you desperate for answers. The twists keep coming, expertly navigating themes of memory, guilt, and the public’s obsession with true crime. The podcast element adds a modern, engaging touch, making the story feel incredibly relevant and fresh.

Listen for the Lie is an absolute must-read. It’s smart, gripping, and delivers a satisfying ending that ties it all together beautifully. Amy Tintera has created a compelling mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. Highly recommend!!!

𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙨 :
• psychological thriller 
• true crime obsession
• small town secrets
• morally gray protagonist 
• complex female friendships

All My Kisses for You by Monica Murphy

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

4.0

The perfect blend of high school drama, forbidden romance, and self-discovery. Willow Lancaster’s perfect world unravels as she falls for Rhett Bennett, the charming, cocky quarterback who’s everything she shouldn’t want. Their chemistry sizzles, and the story captures the angst and excitement of young love. This book is a sweet, addictive romance you won’t want to put down.