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booksbytheglass's reviews
869 reviews
Saltwater by Katy Hays
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rich people are WILD š¤Æ Iām a sucker for a family drama turned murder mystery, so I knew I was all in from the very first chapter!!
alternating between the 1990s and present day, the lingate family is full of secrets, including what really happened to sarah on capri - and what is happening now to the family as they reunite on the same islandā¦ and let me tell you, the backdrop of capri and the lilian islands was GORGEOUS š I absolutely ate up every description & felt like I was truly there
the alternating POVs between sarah in the 90s, helen (her daughter) in present day, and lorna (the family assistant) in present day, made sense in theory - but there were some chapters that just felt jarring to me š¤·š¼āāļø I did enjoy seeing all of the events play out through their respective eyes though
and while I figured the familyās own secrets would be the death of them (literally and figuratively), the ending still shocked me š®āšØ it ended on a very satisfying note
helen was the only factor that didnāt always work for meā¦ a product of her own family, she wasnāt the most likable or willing to do what it takes in the end (which I get itās your family but they might have unalived your mom so š)
a huge thank you to netgalley and ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: barbara dāasti red blendo
alternating between the 1990s and present day, the lingate family is full of secrets, including what really happened to sarah on capri - and what is happening now to the family as they reunite on the same islandā¦ and let me tell you, the backdrop of capri and the lilian islands was GORGEOUS š I absolutely ate up every description & felt like I was truly there
the alternating POVs between sarah in the 90s, helen (her daughter) in present day, and lorna (the family assistant) in present day, made sense in theory - but there were some chapters that just felt jarring to me š¤·š¼āāļø I did enjoy seeing all of the events play out through their respective eyes though
and while I figured the familyās own secrets would be the death of them (literally and figuratively), the ending still shocked me š®āšØ it ended on a very satisfying note
helen was the only factor that didnāt always work for meā¦ a product of her own family, she wasnāt the most likable or willing to do what it takes in the end (which I get itās your family but they might have unalived your mom so š)
a huge thank you to netgalley and ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: barbara dāasti red blendo
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
DNF (or more accurately not right now) @ 30% - I do fear this one was very cringe for me, and I have heard it gets a lot better so Iāll pick this up again someday, but it was just not for me at the moment. I wanted to love it as I love a good ol reader insert story, but the writing just read like a bad fanfiction and the FMC was so irritating and just leaning into āIām evil and youāre my minionsā and not adapting to the fantasy cultureā¦
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
finlay is by far one of the most idiotic heroines of any novel Iāve readā¦ and for a novelist and amateur detective, thatās not a great quality to have and surviveā¦ which leads to me to the main point: HOW the heck is this woman still alive š
finlay and vero are up to no good, per usual, when they have to prove that steven, finlayās ex-husband, didnāt unalive their neighbors (when everyone clearly thinks he did it) š„“ and in usual antics, nothing goes as planned in their investigation
what continually bothers me the most about this series, and specifically finlay as a character, is how careless she is when jumping into situations. she has a whole family at home and she clearly doesnāt think before acting, and itās just getting more and more unbelievable that sheās still alive and allowing life to happen to her š¤·š¼āāļø
I did enjoy how this one tied specifically into the first two novels, and I would risk it all for nosy maggie (a sentence Iād never thought Iād say) - and as always, another quick and easy read!
will I keep reading this series? yesā¦ will I still continue to hate on finlay? also yesā¦
thank you netgalley and st martins press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
finlay and vero are up to no good, per usual, when they have to prove that steven, finlayās ex-husband, didnāt unalive their neighbors (when everyone clearly thinks he did it) š„“ and in usual antics, nothing goes as planned in their investigation
what continually bothers me the most about this series, and specifically finlay as a character, is how careless she is when jumping into situations. she has a whole family at home and she clearly doesnāt think before acting, and itās just getting more and more unbelievable that sheās still alive and allowing life to happen to her š¤·š¼āāļø
I did enjoy how this one tied specifically into the first two novels, and I would risk it all for nosy maggie (a sentence Iād never thought Iād say) - and as always, another quick and easy read!
will I keep reading this series? yesā¦ will I still continue to hate on finlay? also yesā¦
thank you netgalley and st martins press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
thereās nothing more that I love than a little emo romance š„¹ I absolutely adore this series and every single character in it! except leander, he can get fu-
I am in a chokehold with the kane brothers! and fionn has always seemed like a mystery in the previous books, so Iām very happy he got a chance to shine! his slow decent into accepting who he is at his core was indeed a struggle but a worthwhile one!
and rose, my sweet vigilante baby, she deserves the world! I loved watching her grow into herself and her feelings for fionn, and as much as I initially disliked starting over back in time, it was so satisfying to see fionn and rose throughout the years š„¹ especially when the overlap started through B&B and L&L
one criticism I have overall throughout the series is that while the kane brothers are so unique from one another, sloane, lark & rose have the same cookie-cutter mold and motivations, so I wished they were a little more differential (but thatās a minor compliant from me)
the reasoning behind some of the motives of both fionn and rose were questionable at best, such as the chess move from leander that had me rolling my eyes at the convenienceā¦ or using smut as an excuse and buffer not to actually talk to one anotherā¦ but overall, it was another fantastic installment in this series!
Iām looking forward to seeing what other spinoffs may happen in this universe!
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast chardonnay
I am in a chokehold with the kane brothers! and fionn has always seemed like a mystery in the previous books, so Iām very happy he got a chance to shine! his slow decent into accepting who he is at his core was indeed a struggle but a worthwhile one!
and rose, my sweet vigilante baby, she deserves the world! I loved watching her grow into herself and her feelings for fionn, and as much as I initially disliked starting over back in time, it was so satisfying to see fionn and rose throughout the years š„¹ especially when the overlap started through B&B and L&L
one criticism I have overall throughout the series is that while the kane brothers are so unique from one another, sloane, lark & rose have the same cookie-cutter mold and motivations, so I wished they were a little more differential (but thatās a minor compliant from me)
the reasoning behind some of the motives of both fionn and rose were questionable at best, such as the chess move from leander that had me rolling my eyes at the convenienceā¦ or using smut as an excuse and buffer not to actually talk to one anotherā¦ but overall, it was another fantastic installment in this series!
Iām looking forward to seeing what other spinoffs may happen in this universe!
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast chardonnay
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
okay hi I love this series FECKINā HELL šāāļø
lachan and larkās story was just as intriguing and entertaining as rowan and sloaneās! I loved seeing bits and pieces of every characterās life while still focusing on lachan and lark the most š„¹
lachan was by far my favorite of the kane brothers when we were introduced to them in BUTCHER AND BLACKBIRD - so I loved getting an in depth backstory and exploration of his āworkā š he has such a heart of gold and you know I love an irish boy
lark, on the other hand, was so lovely to read about (even if she felt like a completely different character than in the first book)! her trauma and past was another mystery to me, and while the underlying thriller aspects focused on her family, I wanted more!!!
the fake marriage itself, one of my favorite tropes, felt a bit forced, but I also pushed past that because this couple was everything š„µ and I wanted a bit more understanding on the phantom and his reasoning behind his twisted way of unaliving sloaneās family? to hurt rowan? it just felt forced once again
but can we talk about that cliffhanger at the end???
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: provencƩ rosƩ
lachan and larkās story was just as intriguing and entertaining as rowan and sloaneās! I loved seeing bits and pieces of every characterās life while still focusing on lachan and lark the most š„¹
lachan was by far my favorite of the kane brothers when we were introduced to them in BUTCHER AND BLACKBIRD - so I loved getting an in depth backstory and exploration of his āworkā š he has such a heart of gold and you know I love an irish boy
lark, on the other hand, was so lovely to read about (even if she felt like a completely different character than in the first book)! her trauma and past was another mystery to me, and while the underlying thriller aspects focused on her family, I wanted more!!!
the fake marriage itself, one of my favorite tropes, felt a bit forced, but I also pushed past that because this couple was everything š„µ and I wanted a bit more understanding on the phantom and his reasoning behind his twisted way of unaliving sloaneās family? to hurt rowan? it just felt forced once again
but can we talk about that cliffhanger at the end???
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: provencƩ rosƩ
Donāt Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
dark
mysterious
medium-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
3.0
itās books like these that give me the ick about dating and trusting people in general š and for someone who can fully relate to ash and her grief, it hit a little too close to home for meā¦ (but thatās a personal problem I realize)
the story goes back and forth between ash, a grieving daughter trying to make sense of the world after her fatherās sudden passing, and a mystery man, scamming women out of money and justifying it because āno one loves him enoughā š and the reasoning only got worse I fearā¦
lisa jewell is known for her borderline creepy storylines, and this was no exception as itās a first look at how easily men can prey on women down on their luckā¦ it was horrifying to read - and as I said, after losing my own dad and having my own delusions about someone taking advantage of our family, it was a little too much for me š„“
I also guessed all of the major twists right awayā¦ I didnāt find anything shocking or surprising to me, even though I did binge this as I wanted to know how it was all going to end (very satisfying, I might add)
thank you to netgalley and atria for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
the story goes back and forth between ash, a grieving daughter trying to make sense of the world after her fatherās sudden passing, and a mystery man, scamming women out of money and justifying it because āno one loves him enoughā š and the reasoning only got worse I fearā¦
lisa jewell is known for her borderline creepy storylines, and this was no exception as itās a first look at how easily men can prey on women down on their luckā¦ it was horrifying to read - and as I said, after losing my own dad and having my own delusions about someone taking advantage of our family, it was a little too much for me š„“
I also guessed all of the major twists right awayā¦ I didnāt find anything shocking or surprising to me, even though I did binge this as I wanted to know how it was all going to end (very satisfying, I might add)
thank you to netgalley and atria for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness and Misogyny
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I love everything about this book omg š„¹ reading two five star stories back to back simultaneously revived me from my previous book slump and sent me careening back into another oneā¦
aiden and lucie need to be protected at all costs š they are so pure and real and relatable to the world surrounding them, and itās so rare to find that in a fictional character without the pressure to be āperfectā - even when theyāre perfect for each other!!!
while lucie needed the reminder from her dating horror stories that she doesnāt need to be perfect all the time, aiden needed the push to see the world through rose-colored glasses again after his trauma. and seeing them work through it without miscommunication and third act breakups was just š¤š¼ I love them forever
and donāt get me started on the best supporting cast Iāve seen in a romance!! grayson and mateo could have their own spinoff story (they are that great, along with maya), and I wanted more from the radio station dynamics with jackson and maggie! I cannot wait to see where bk borrison takes this new world because Iām obsessed thanks
this gave all of the true love experiment vibes with less comedy and more open feelings š„¹š„¹š„¹ no I will never shut up about this book thanks
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!
rating: 5 stars
wine pairing: banfi rosa regale sparkling wine
aiden and lucie need to be protected at all costs š they are so pure and real and relatable to the world surrounding them, and itās so rare to find that in a fictional character without the pressure to be āperfectā - even when theyāre perfect for each other!!!
while lucie needed the reminder from her dating horror stories that she doesnāt need to be perfect all the time, aiden needed the push to see the world through rose-colored glasses again after his trauma. and seeing them work through it without miscommunication and third act breakups was just š¤š¼ I love them forever
and donāt get me started on the best supporting cast Iāve seen in a romance!! grayson and mateo could have their own spinoff story (they are that great, along with maya), and I wanted more from the radio station dynamics with jackson and maggie! I cannot wait to see where bk borrison takes this new world because Iām obsessed thanks
this gave all of the true love experiment vibes with less comedy and more open feelings š„¹š„¹š„¹ no I will never shut up about this book thanks
thank you to netgalley and berkley for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!!
rating: 5 stars
wine pairing: banfi rosa regale sparkling wine
Manacled by SenLinYu
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
Moderate: Body shaming, Self harm, and Abortion
The Crash by Freida McFadden
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
so, this was misery by stephen king right? š„ø anyone else?
Iām usually a huge freida mcfadden supporter as sheās the queen of last minute plot twists & addictive canāt-put-em-down thrillers! and boy was this one addicting too š I binged the entire thing on my sick day today because I absolutely needed to know how this ended
what didnāt work for me this time around was the characterization. tegan was one of the worst FMCs Iāve read in a while - she is quite literally an idiot, and while I feel for everything sheās been through, she blindly accepts help from anyone and listens to her unborn fetus to see what she thinks šāāļø like okay hallucinations
and sheās a terrible judge of character - like yes, letās blame the giant teddy bear who saved you from the snow and crash & not the creepy lady who is quite literally locking you in her basement cool
the ending itself, save from that gasping plot twist which is the only reason this has 3 stars, was so frustrating and morally against everything tegan stood forā¦ but that goes back to her terrible judge of red flags probably š¶
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: australian malbec
Iām usually a huge freida mcfadden supporter as sheās the queen of last minute plot twists & addictive canāt-put-em-down thrillers! and boy was this one addicting too š I binged the entire thing on my sick day today because I absolutely needed to know how this ended
what didnāt work for me this time around was the characterization. tegan was one of the worst FMCs Iāve read in a while - she is quite literally an idiot, and while I feel for everything sheās been through, she blindly accepts help from anyone and listens to her unborn fetus to see what she thinks šāāļø like okay hallucinations
and sheās a terrible judge of character - like yes, letās blame the giant teddy bear who saved you from the snow and crash & not the creepy lady who is quite literally locking you in her basement cool
the ending itself, save from that gasping plot twist which is the only reason this has 3 stars, was so frustrating and morally against everything tegan stood forā¦ but that goes back to her terrible judge of red flags probably š¶
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: australian malbec
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Kidnapping, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy
The Songbird & the Heart of Stone by Carissa Broadbent
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
this series has a chokehold on me ā¦ while I didnāt connect to this installment in the universe as much as oraya and raihn, I loved seeing the growth and backstory of mische!
mische was one of my favorite characters from the first books of the series - so I was beyond excited to finally delve into her (hopefully) HEA! while it was only hinted at prior, seeing her trauma-filled past play out and bleed into the present was simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring š„¹
who I didnāt really connect to was asar š I wanted to love him so much (I mean, heās everything my type is come on), but he truly had little to no personality? other than being broody and dark and hard to love?
did I love the growth that he and mische went through on their journey? of courseā¦ but I wanted more than the disgruntled half-brother who is ready to sacrifice himself for the world because the world hasnāt given him anythingā¦ I wanted in depth pain of his past (like mische) and Iām holding out hope for the 4th book ok I love getting hurt š„ø
I felt the journey itself and mischeās ultimate decision at the end was a tad predictable, but I did indeed love being back in this world so much!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
mische was one of my favorite characters from the first books of the series - so I was beyond excited to finally delve into her (hopefully) HEA! while it was only hinted at prior, seeing her trauma-filled past play out and bleed into the present was simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring š„¹
who I didnāt really connect to was asar š I wanted to love him so much (I mean, heās everything my type is come on), but he truly had little to no personality? other than being broody and dark and hard to love?
did I love the growth that he and mische went through on their journey? of courseā¦ but I wanted more than the disgruntled half-brother who is ready to sacrifice himself for the world because the world hasnāt given him anythingā¦ I wanted in depth pain of his past (like mische) and Iām holding out hope for the 4th book ok I love getting hurt š„ø
I felt the journey itself and mischeās ultimate decision at the end was a tad predictable, but I did indeed love being back in this world so much!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel