Okay it's official... if Jason Rekulak writes it, I will read it!
The Last One at the Wedding went in a direction I never would have expected and I absOkay it's official... if Jason Rekulak writes it, I will read it!
The Last One at the Wedding went in a direction I never would have expected and I absolutely loved the ride. Rekulak gives his readers twists they didn't know to look for and my jaw hit the floor on more than a couple occasions!
I really loved the characters in this novel. They were all surprising, and complex, and so human. I loved trying to navigate Maggie's motivations and learn about her past. Tammy was a conundrum to me and it was impossible not to love her though during the wedding there were moments where she definitely baffled me. She was smarter than she let on but I didn't always agree with her choices or how she chose to react to things. Abigail was a unique addition to the storyline and added so much. There were moments during the wedding weekend that I was laughing out loud and I could literally smell the mayonnaise being spread throughout her hair on the porch!
Frank was a wonderful character. He felt so authentic and genuine. His love and care for Maggie came through the pages and I respected him so much. He was strong, brave, and always trying to do the right thing. There were times I felt he bumbled a bit, but his intentions felt so pure that I couldn't fault him. It also felt completely relatable that he could never truly see any faults in Maggie and that he loved her so unconditionally.
The setting of this book was also great. I could envision the penthouse apartment in Boston and the sprawling "camp" estate at the lake. Rekulak didn't bog us down with details but he painted a perfect picture that transported me to New Hampshire and had me celebrating Maggie and Aidan's nuptials right alongside them.
I listened to this book on audio and really enjoyed it. I had heard the narrator before and thought he played a perfect Frank. His voice and inflection were on point and never felt overacted.
All in all, this book was a homerun. I absolutely loved it and I can't wait to see what else Rekulak comes up with!
Thank you to MacMillan Audio and NetGalley for the copy....more
If you're a fan of action-packed novels Zero Days definitely needs to move to the top of your list. This book had my heart pounding and had everythingIf you're a fan of action-packed novels Zero Days definitely needs to move to the top of your list. This book had my heart pounding and had everything from gaping wounds, hits for hire, people jumping off moving trains, police manhunts, valuable source code, and a few things in between. It was intense, emotive, and fast-paced.
This would translate super well to the big screen and I would love to watch an adaptation. As for books, it wasn't my usual style but I did find it entertaining. Admittedly, at times, it was verbose and could feel a little repetitive. There was also a major suspension of belief as with many man hunt storylines but maybe that's just because I know that I for one would never make it!
I listened to this novel on audio and it was highly entertaining. The narrator was good and definitely added to the theatrics. She was emotive and the acting felt authentic.
Overall, this was fun but just not totally for me. For readers more into action, I think this will exceed expectations.
The Perfect Sister was a fun mystery that kept me guessing. I wasn't sure who I could trust or what anyone was hiding but everyone felt shady! I reallThe Perfect Sister was a fun mystery that kept me guessing. I wasn't sure who I could trust or what anyone was hiding but everyone felt shady! I really liked that there were so many different viewpoints and that we got to hear from most of the main characters. It was a great way to convey the story and give off red herrings.
The setting was great and I appreciated the details about the Hamptons. I liked being pulled into the world of wealth and power and I thought DeCarolis did a good job of intersecting that extreme with the people who serve and support them.
I listened to this book on audio and appreciated the use of various narrators. The energy and tone were great and kept the story exciting and entertaining.
There were certainly some moments where suspension of belief were necessary, but I liked how everything played out. It was fun and really well done.
Thank you to Ballantine/Bantam for the copy....more
If you loved The Menu (the 2022 film with Anya Taylor-Joy), Guillotine is definitely up your alley. Dark and twisted, this book has just about every tIf you loved The Menu (the 2022 film with Anya Taylor-Joy), Guillotine is definitely up your alley. Dark and twisted, this book has just about every trigger warning possible so if you're squeamish, struggle with gore and violence, or are generally sensitive, just skip it.
This is a super-fast read. At clocking in at just over 200 pages, it was perfect for an afternoon binge or long car ride. I listened to the audio and the narrator was great. The pacing is spectacular, and it is highly entertaining, so the audio format worked well for me.
Slightly predictable but still a wild ride, I definitely recommend.
The Sequel is the perfect novel for people who love to write or have aspirations to write their own novel. The Sequel is the second book to The Plot aThe Sequel is the perfect novel for people who love to write or have aspirations to write their own novel. The Sequel is the second book to The Plot and while I remember enjoying The Plot and the very basic premise, I recalled almost zero details. Hanff Korelitz was good about providing enough context and detail when necessary to make this moot point. That being said, I do think this works best in tandem and not as a standalone.
The writing in this novel is great. It's a unique premise, building off The Plot and focusing on Anna and life after Jake. I thought much of the book would be focused on her trying to write her own novel and while the plot certainly focuses on her book, the actual writing of it seemed to come easily. I love the dichotomy of Anna's character and how well she played into each role she adopted. It was hard to know her true colors or motivations so I loved when the inner monologues became more prevalent.
For a short book, there were parts that felt verbose. I think this was done intentionally to give the literary effect and it worked. It also took me a bit to get into it. I really started to get invested once The Afterward was written and Anna started her tour.
I listened to this novel on audio and always love Julia Whelan's delivery. She was great in this role and it was an excellent casting choice.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. It was a superb sequel and because I still don't recall a whole lot of details from The Plot, dare I say better than the first book!
Thank you to Celadon and MacMillan Audio for the copy....more
The early days of new parenthood are exceptionally hard and Dearest brought me right back to that place of insecurity, sleep deprivation, and feeling The early days of new parenthood are exceptionally hard and Dearest brought me right back to that place of insecurity, sleep deprivation, and feeling utterly overwhelmed. If Walters isn't a mom - and a relatively new one at that - then this book is all the more impressive for how accurately she portrayed the emotions, fear, and burdens of new motherhood and the shift of a new parent's identity.
As a new-ish mom myself, I've focused quite a bit on books discussing the trials and tribulations of motherhood. Dearest felt on point for any mama's suffering from PPD or PPA, sleep deprivation, or going at it without a lot of support. However, it felt maybe TOO on point sometimes and I was ready for the shift once Flora's fraught relationship with her mother became more the focus and the horror elements cropped up.
The writing was really well done and it doesn't surprise me at all that Walters has written several adaptations. The scenes were vivid and without knowing that Walters has written many pilots and tv series, I felt that this book would translate perfectly to the screen.
This novel was in many ways genre bending. It's likely classified as horror but really didn't feel or read as a horror until well into the plot. Much of the book read as a family drama or as a suspense and I appreciated the mix of flavors and genres.
I listened to this novel on audio and enjoyed the narrator. It was well acted but not over-acted, she had a good voice, and the theatrics were well executed.
All in all, this was an enjoyable read and one I definitely recommend. Thank you to Mulholland Books and Hachette Audio for the copy....more
I love Anna Downes and I'm always quick to pick up her books. Red River Road had a unique premise with Katy on a mission to find her missing sister PhI love Anna Downes and I'm always quick to pick up her books. Red River Road had a unique premise with Katy on a mission to find her missing sister Phoebe who disappeared a year prior while trying to make it as a van life travel influencer. The novel bounced around a bit with posts from Phoebe, the present day story with Katy and a grifter Beth, Beth's past, and a mystery narrator. There were subplots, mixed timelines, and overall just a lot going on.
Between all the subplots, various narrators, and fake names, it was easy for me to get lost. There were times I wasn't quite sure who was who or how they fit in though everything did come together without any loose ends. The plot was definitely unique and fairly exciting, but I wanted more of the van travel life and less of the jumping around to other stories.
I listened to this novel on audio and enjoyed the narrator. It kept me interested and the accents were really well executed.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but I don't think it'll be super memorable for me. I'm still eager to pick up more by Downes and excited to see what she comes up with next!
How can you not love (to hate!) Paul Strom?! I love that the narcissist himself has returned and is richer and more smug than ever! But has he met hisHow can you not love (to hate!) Paul Strom?! I love that the narcissist himself has returned and is richer and more smug than ever! But has he met his match with his new young bride?
Told in a similar fashion to the best day ever, we walk through one what should be enchanting day through the streets of Paris with the beautiful Mr. and Mrs. Strom. It's a full year into their marriage and several years after the first Mrs. Strom exited the picture. Mr. Strom has "upgraded" and after conning a ridiculous wealthy socialite to leaving her estate to him, he's ready to re-flame the fires with his stunning new wife.
The flashbacks and diary entries kept me guessing and were really well done. There were some twists I wasn't expecting and I loved how everything unfolded and came together. No one and nothing is what it seemed! Except Paul of course!!
I listened to The Second Mrs. Strom on audio and it was well executed. I didn't particularly love the female narrator but she did work pretty well for Mrs. Strom. I listened to The Best Day Ever on audio as well and I think it was a different narrator for Paul but it didn't take anything away and I enjoyed them both.
I'm glad I read the first book in this series but I still would have thoroughly enjoyed it had I not. The plot was enough it's own here that the prior story wasn't entirely relevant and the necessary details were provided without rehashing the whole plot.
This was a fun one and I'm excited to read more by Rouda....more
I always love Pekkanen's books and House of Glass was definitely intriguing and held my interest. There were a few different storylines going on in thI always love Pekkanen's books and House of Glass was definitely intriguing and held my interest. There were a few different storylines going on in this novel and mostly I enjoyed that. At times, I wanted less about Stella's past and more about her current case, but it did all work together nicely.
I had inklings about what really happened to Tina, but Pekkanen was fantastic at constantly throwing me off and making me question everything. I loved the strange and aloof characters, the interesting dynamics between Stella and the family, Stella's career, and the descriptions of the eerie home. At times, it almost felt like there might be horror elements woven through and I thought that added a nice element to the story as well.
I listened to this novel on audio and felt it was well done. I liked the narrator and appreciated the sense of drama she brought to the story. She helped me visualize the setting and I think it would translate really well to the big screen.
Overall, I enjoyed this book but think it may ultimately be a bit forgettable for me.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for the copy....more
A stunning setting, terrible people, school drama, mama drama, and so much more - this one had it all for me!
I'm a sucker for a good ol' mama drama aA stunning setting, terrible people, school drama, mama drama, and so much more - this one had it all for me!
I'm a sucker for a good ol' mama drama and Pink Glass Houses absolutely delivered. Set in Miami, this book takes place at the most prestigious public school in the state. I loved the school elements with the PTA drama, fundraisers, and helicopter moms. The fact that it took place at a public school rather than private made this all the more juicy because of how righteous all the privileged families felt sending their offspring to a public school with the masses.
I listened to this novel on audio and it was fantastic. It's told from the viewpoint of many characters and each one had their own narrator which is something I always love. I thought every narrator was well chosen and added a great level of theater and drama to the story.
This was a super quick read that I couldn't put down. I wanted to devour it in one sitting and probably could have!! It was wildly entertaining and was one of those books where even the good guys were pretty terrible and I loved to hate the whole cast!
Thank you to William Morrow, Libro.fm, and NetGalley for the copy. HIGHLY recommend!!...more
If you're a locked-room mystery/thriller lover, run run run to grab Jamie Day's latest - One Big Happy Family.
Charlie works as a maid at a Maine hotelIf you're a locked-room mystery/thriller lover, run run run to grab Jamie Day's latest - One Big Happy Family.
Charlie works as a maid at a Maine hotel. The owners of the hotel are converging on the area for one weekend to discuss the will and testament of their father - George Bishop. George Bishop was a horrific human being and his three daughters - the Bishop sisters - aren't all that much better. To make the weekend just that much more entertaining, Hurricane Larry is rolling through and he's predicted to be a doozy.
Cue all your best elements of a locked-room thriller: trapped in a creepy hotel with a murderer, eerie clues about who might be next, countless secrets and terrible people, tons and tons of red herrings and layers of drama.
I listened to this novel on audio and enjoyed the narrator though I didn't think she was the best choice for Charlie. Her voice was more mature than I typically associate for a 19 year old so I often forgot how young Charlie was. She did add great elements of theater and drama to the tale though so I appreciated the entertainment value.
Overall, this was an entertaining read. Thank you to St. Martin's Press and MacMillan Audio for the copy....more
Humor Me was a very different read and not quite what I was expecting. A little bit of romance, a lot of friendship, some self-discovery and coming ofHumor Me was a very different read and not quite what I was expecting. A little bit of romance, a lot of friendship, some self-discovery and coming of age, and some "me too" movement - this book had a lot going on. For a book with humor in the title, I didn't find it very funny but I did appreciate the stand up comedy elements.
There was more suspension of belief in this novel than I anticipated. Shook did a good job explaining how Susan and Presley reunited and bonded but it still took me a while to believe it. Part of me wished there wasn't the backstory of Presley's mom and Susan and that Presley and Susan just kick started their own friendship. That would've felt more genuine for me.
I enjoyed this book but there were times when I was a little underwhelmed. I didn't get the Adam obsession nor did I really feel invested when she finally saw the light and had enough. I liked Presley's feminism generally but at times found her grating and immature. Her reaction to her best friend finding love, her jealousy issues, and her general demeanor toward men was often frustrating and obnoxious. Also if I heard the word "gag" one more time or read about one of Presley's very unnecessary dramatic reactions to just about anything I was going to lose it!
I listened to this novel and didn't particularly love the narrator - her voice was a little obnoxious and immature which was maybe perfect for Presley or just added fuel to the fire for me!
Overall, I did enjoy this book but it's not one that will likely stick with me. I may have enjoyed it more had I not listened to the audio so I'll be curious to hear my fellow book club members' opinions!
Thank you to Celadon Books, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for the copy....more
This book was freaking awesome. I read it long enough after Covid that it didn't feel redundant but close enWHY DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS BOOK?!
This book was freaking awesome. I read it long enough after Covid that it didn't feel redundant but close enough that I was thrown right back into the general sense of fear and trepidation that surrounded every interaction during the pandemic. I loved that this book recognized Covid and built off of it. It felt fresh, scarily plausible, and wholly unique.
Dawson did a really great job creating a detailed plot and story. I was totally invested in the characters, loved that we had some backstory, and learned of the violence pandemic in "real time" along with them. It was easy to remember how scary everything felt during the early days of Covid and I just couldn't imagine how I would feel or react if the violence was real too.
Dawson was sneaky in a few places referring to a particular president and I hope and pray she wasn't telling the future. I appreciated how she didn't use any names and let the reader draw conclusions - it was really well done.
This book is long but well worth it. I did the audio and absolutely adored it. I definitely recommend....more
Wow. Wow. WOW am I glad I decided to read this one! This will definitely be in my top reads of 2024!
I loved every single thing about this book! It surWow. Wow. WOW am I glad I decided to read this one! This will definitely be in my top reads of 2024!
I loved every single thing about this book! It surprised me in all the best ways and it was one of those rare gems that I just did not want to end. This really surprised me because I actually opted not to read it... but then I saw it was a BOTM pick AND I got an audio copy from Libro.fm (thank you!) and after seeing a few glowing reviews decided I'd give it a go. I had already fallen in love with it (less than halfway through) when I learned that Apple TV picked it up and hot dang I am excited!!
I listened to this novel on audio and the narrator - Elle Fanning - was spectacular. She was so, so perfect for the role of Margo and I'm not sure an audiobook has ever felt so natural to me.
The characters in this novel are perfection. They are developed just enough, there are just the right amount, and they are the right level of quirky and relatable while also feeling entertaining and fictional.
Margo was a gem of a protagonist. She was young but this didn't read like YA at all which was a plus for me and her age didn't often feel like a factor except when you considered how people took advantage of her and some of her less than excellent choices. But, overall, it was so easy to root for her. She was a wonderful mother and her love for Bowdie permeated through the pages.
Quirky, unique, well written, emotional, and overall just perfection. This book was amazing and I can't recommend highly enough. Thank you to William Morrow, Libro.fm, and NetGalley for the copy....more
I was ready to love this book because I'm always drawn to stories about influencers and people behaving badly. However, I'm not a huge fan of YA or loI was ready to love this book because I'm always drawn to stories about influencers and people behaving badly. However, I'm not a huge fan of YA or locked-room thrillers and those two elements seemed to outweigh the pros for me. Overall, this was entertaining, but I was ready for it to be over.
I listened to this novel on audio and appreciated that each narrator in the story was done by a different narrator on the audio. Some of the narrators were better than others, most had really bad southern accents, and some were exceptionally grating (but they were supposed to be!). The audio definitely added an element of theatrics, for better or worse.
I really enjoyed the concept of this novel - a group of influencers shuttled out to a private island for several weeks to disconnect, but being filmed while doing so and having it go terribly (murderously) wrong. It was super entertaining, I didn't guess the killer, and it was fun how everything connected and played out.
All in all, this was a unique and interesting plot line but I probably would have enjoyed it more had it not been YA. Very entertaining and the audio was fun. Wasn't really for me, but I do recommend because I could see a lot of people really enjoying this!
Thank you to NetGalley and Wednesday Books for the copy....more
Chelsey (a_novel_idea11)
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