stellie_c's reviews
164 reviews

The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

I am a big fan of Jennifer Hillier. I have read a few of her books now, and she really knows how to write a dark and twisty story! This one was quite disturbing at times. Some of the serial killers' stories were a little gruesome. The story was told through 3 POVs, each a very different type of character. it was fun to see how all the characters' lives were twisted together, and I was shocked how it unfolded in the end. I can't wait to read the rest of Hilliers books! 

Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.0

Alice Feeney does a fantastic job at writing an erie story about a man, Grady, who's lost his wife, goes to an island to write, but weird unexplainable shit keeps happening. Is his wife there? Are the people of the island trying to get him? Who can he trust? I really liked how Grady is an unreliable narrator. We can't quite tell if what he's saying is real or if he's hallucinating. The story is also told from multiple points of view. The twist at the end was fantastic, I was shocked about how Alice weaved all the characters and stories together. Of course, she confuses you with thinking one thing about a backstory when it turns out it's totally different! Great book. I wasn't expecting the ending! very pleased with this book! 

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden

dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was such a fun popcorn thriller! It kept me entertained throughout the whole story, and I wanted to keep reading to find out the twist at the end! I loved the dual POV and the two different timelines. It was very light hearted, fun to follow. Sydney is on a dating app trying to find her love of her life. She's on a really bad date when a mystery man saves her. Next thing you know, her best friend was murdered by a serial killer! Lol, it's a very fun who did it, and i thought I figured it out! I was wrong! The twist got me!  

What Lies Between Us by John Marrs

dark emotional 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? It's complicated

5.0

This was a great domestic thriller! Wow, what the hell did I just read? I loved the multiple POVs between Maggie and Nina, as well as the different timelines. Marrs is amazing for short chapters, which really hit a punch, and you want to keep reading. I liked how Marrs made both the characters unreliable. I loved the many plot twits that had my jaw-dropping. John Marrs is my favorite author because he just keeps you guessing on how sinister he could really make his characters! They are pretty sinister! John Marrs, you have done it again! 

I'll Be There for You: The One about Friends by Kelsey Miller

informative inspiring medium-paced

4.0

This was a fun read! I love "Friends" and it was really great to read about how the show came to be and other fun facts about the show over the years! 

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

slow-paced

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

2.0

Starling House is a thriller and fantasy story. I am not a fantasy reader, but I thought I'd try it, and I am not a fan. I thought the main character Opal was very whiny and unlikeable. She just complained about everything. I thought the story of Starling House was very confusing. I mean, Opal was getting "gossip" about Elanore from the people of the town, but I think that made it more confusing. I just didn't understand the whole "underworld" thing. This isn't the book for me. 

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

This book was fantastic! Malibu Rising was beautifully written, a story about multigenerational characters. The Riva family story was about the importance of family and relationships mixed with the drama of a rich and lavish lifestyle. The story had a lot of emotion to it, and it was great reading from the whole families POV. It was also fun to read about the family in the different eras! I loved how TJR had a little connection with the characters to her other books, The Seven Husband's of Evelyn Hugo (I read) and Carrie Sotto (I now have to read). I think TJK is a fantastic storyteller and really knows how to get you to fall in love with her dynamic characters! This is a great book, I definitely recommend it!

Christmas at Hogwarts by J.K. Rowling

emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing slow-paced

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

4.0

Christmas at Hogwarts was beautifully written and very nostalgic for me. The artwork is amazing. It really depicts JK. Rowlings words. i loved it. It's a great children's story to accompany the philosophers' stone at Christmas time.

Behind a Closed Door by J.D. Barker

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

This book had me hooked from the start! Abby and Brendan are having some marital issues, so they decide to go to couples therapy. The therapist suggested downloading an app called "Sugar and Spice" kind of like truth or dare for adults. The app starts out fun, getting them to move out of their comfort zone and connect. Then it gets wild when it asks them to murder someone! Not to mention, bad things happen if you don't follow the rules! This was a crazy ride, very fun and fast-paced. I really enjoyed it! It shows us how dependant are on our apps and social media and how they end up controlling us! 

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

I was fully invested in this book! Bright Young Women is true crime fiction retelling of Ted Bundy, but starlights on  the female victims of his violent crimes. This book was very emotional, it's about sisterhood, love, determination and tragedy. I loved the Dual POVs and timelines. I loved how you grew with Pamela, and you really feel her struggles dealing with the tragedy in her sorority house and how she overcomes it. Ruth was also a strong character that I enjoyed hearing about her growth and accomplishments. I loved how Knoll ties together all the characters in the story, even throughout the multiple timelines. I really felt for all the victims by the end of the book. What a great read!