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celeste_velocci's reviews
475 reviews
One by One by Freida McFadden
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this one! I listened on audiobook in less than a day and a half. It sucked me in right away and in true Freida fashion was really bingeable, twisty, and had me guessing until the very end.
I went into this one pretty blind and never found myself picking this one up when deciding to read one of her books. I for sure recommend this one! It had Scream and Final Girls vibes. The setting was so creepy and felt claustrophobic at times. I only guessed one thing that was right the rest came as somewhat of a shock. Very fast paced and easy read! Perfect for summer!
I went into this one pretty blind and never found myself picking this one up when deciding to read one of her books. I for sure recommend this one! It had Scream and Final Girls vibes. The setting was so creepy and felt claustrophobic at times. I only guessed one thing that was right the rest came as somewhat of a shock. Very fast paced and easy read! Perfect for summer!
The Best of Friends by Lucinda Berry
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5⭐️ this was my fourth book by this author and by far my favorite! I listened on audio which made it even more fast pace than it already was. This was a mysterious read with a lot of tragic moments. From death to teenage drama to parent and child drama to long time friend drama to domestic abuse this book has it all.
I never saw any of the twists coming especially the one at the end I went *jaw drop* if this is on your TBR for sure read it! I read it in about a day! This will be a strong contender of the month.
I never saw any of the twists coming especially the one at the end I went *jaw drop* if this is on your TBR for sure read it! I read it in about a day! This will be a strong contender of the month.
The Secret by Rhonda Byrne
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
I’ve decided to not rate self improvement reads because it applies differently to everyone.
I’m a huge believer in the law of attraction and manifestation. This book taught me some things I was unaware of and showed me how I can apply this phenomenon to my everyday life.
Whether life has you up or down I suggest reading this book to teach you how you can get everything and more that you want simple by your mindset and thoughts. Don’t knock it until you try it.
I’m a huge believer in the law of attraction and manifestation. This book taught me some things I was unaware of and showed me how I can apply this phenomenon to my everyday life.
Whether life has you up or down I suggest reading this book to teach you how you can get everything and more that you want simple by your mindset and thoughts. Don’t knock it until you try it.
The Stranger by Kiersten Modglin
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Super quick thriller. I guessed the twist towards the end but wasn’t 100% sure if I was right or not. It did keep me guessing until the end. The last quarter of the book was a bit rushed and the only reason I’m rating it a 4⭐️
This book has a super creepy vibe and would be good for spooky season!
I watch so much Dateline that I would never get in the car with a stranger if I was stranded on the side of the road but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.
I recommend this author if you like popcorn thrillers some are better than others this one falls in the middle for me. It was good not life changing or jaw dropping but still good!
This book has a super creepy vibe and would be good for spooky season!
I watch so much Dateline that I would never get in the car with a stranger if I was stranded on the side of the road but I guess desperate times call for desperate measures.
I recommend this author if you like popcorn thrillers some are better than others this one falls in the middle for me. It was good not life changing or jaw dropping but still good!
Still Beating by Jennifer Hartmann
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Okay I don’t know why I waited so long to read this book!! I’ve been putting it off for years and I accidentally opened it on my kindle and was like I guess I’ll finally read it and wow I’m so glad I did.
Heart wrenching, traumatic, moving these are just some of the words that describe this book. I don’t even want to say much more because I think everyone should go in blindly to it (besides checking trigger warnings)
I’ll be thinking about these characters for a really long time. It was one of those books that just touched my heart. A new favorite for sure.
I’ve been trying to read a little bit more romance books and this was perfect for me because it still had a thriller vibe to it as well. Add to TBR. Read it now. All the feels.
Heart wrenching, traumatic, moving these are just some of the words that describe this book. I don’t even want to say much more because I think everyone should go in blindly to it (besides checking trigger warnings)
I’ll be thinking about these characters for a really long time. It was one of those books that just touched my heart. A new favorite for sure.
I’ve been trying to read a little bit more romance books and this was perfect for me because it still had a thriller vibe to it as well. Add to TBR. Read it now. All the feels.
Like It Never Was by Faith F. Gardner
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? Yes
2.0
Thank you Net Galley and Xpresso Book Tours for the early release of Like It Never Was by Faith Gardener in exchange for my honest opinion. A psychological thriller with an unreliable narrator is usually my jam. Unfortunately this one was not for me but it doesn't mean that it won't be for you. I mainly read thrillers so as time goes on it is difficult to really stump me. By the last quarter of the book I figured out the ending.
I found none of the characters to be relatable or likable and I found the plot to be a little ridiculous and far fetched. I understand what was trying to be portrayed but as a seasoned thriller reader I found the story and outcome very underwhelming. This is just my honest opinion but I do feel like others really will enjoy this one it just wasn't for me.
This book follows Jolene a young woman in her thirties who is stuck in her past mistakes. Jolene seeks revenge on a highschool friend and lives the rest of her life feeling the guilt and weight of what she has done. It will have you questioning reality which in my opinion was the main thing I did enjoy about the book.
If you like psychological thrillers with an unreliable narrator and you are new to thrillers I believe this one could be for you. If you are a thriller lover and read a lot of them like me then you could probably skip this one.
This book comes out July 2nd 2024 and will be available then.
I found none of the characters to be relatable or likable and I found the plot to be a little ridiculous and far fetched. I understand what was trying to be portrayed but as a seasoned thriller reader I found the story and outcome very underwhelming. This is just my honest opinion but I do feel like others really will enjoy this one it just wasn't for me.
This book follows Jolene a young woman in her thirties who is stuck in her past mistakes. Jolene seeks revenge on a highschool friend and lives the rest of her life feeling the guilt and weight of what she has done. It will have you questioning reality which in my opinion was the main thing I did enjoy about the book.
If you like psychological thrillers with an unreliable narrator and you are new to thrillers I believe this one could be for you. If you are a thriller lover and read a lot of them like me then you could probably skip this one.
This book comes out July 2nd 2024 and will be available then.
Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
I was going to stop rating memoirs because who am I to rate someone’s story but I cannot not give this 5 glowing stars. To say I’m impressed and surprised is an understatement. I had NO clue what Paris Hilton actually has gone through in her lifetime. I recommend listening to this on audio because her voice is so iconic!
From advocacy to being the OG influencer to who everyone thought was just a “party girl” this memoir will change your entire perspective. As a huge reality tv and pop culture fan it’s easy to forget the people we are watching only show us a glimpse into their life and even though it’s called “reality” when it comes to reality tv and content creation these are real people behind the face and name.
Truly, truly impressed and mad at myself for misjudging her for so many years. Her story is so inspiring it made me choked up at times. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors and she is a role model to women, entrepreneurs, influencers, and just good humans. Her strength, resilience, and force is admirable and I hope anyone who reads this learns something from it.
From advocacy to being the OG influencer to who everyone thought was just a “party girl” this memoir will change your entire perspective. As a huge reality tv and pop culture fan it’s easy to forget the people we are watching only show us a glimpse into their life and even though it’s called “reality” when it comes to reality tv and content creation these are real people behind the face and name.
Truly, truly impressed and mad at myself for misjudging her for so many years. Her story is so inspiring it made me choked up at times. I wish her all the best in her future endeavors and she is a role model to women, entrepreneurs, influencers, and just good humans. Her strength, resilience, and force is admirable and I hope anyone who reads this learns something from it.
Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? Yes
5.0
I read this in one day!! It’s been awhile since a romance hooked me right from the start. This was a wonderful book that will have you feeling all the feels. If you’re new to romance, love romance, or just need a palette cleanser like me this is one I would most definitely recommend.
I’m a big believer in fate and that we could meet the right person at the wrong time. Timing is everything and I truly believe everything happens for a reason. This book had me reflecting on my own past relationships and the thought of fate and past love. It truly will make you think and any book that can evoke emotion out of me or get my brain moving is an automatic 5 star read for me.
I usually connect more with female main characters but the book starting with the male main characters point of view made me like him more than the FMC. I enjoyed hearing his point of view and hearing his love story first rather than hearing more of the females perspective so I thought that was pretty cool.
I’m a big believer in fate and that we could meet the right person at the wrong time. Timing is everything and I truly believe everything happens for a reason. This book had me reflecting on my own past relationships and the thought of fate and past love. It truly will make you think and any book that can evoke emotion out of me or get my brain moving is an automatic 5 star read for me.
I usually connect more with female main characters but the book starting with the male main characters point of view made me like him more than the FMC. I enjoyed hearing his point of view and hearing his love story first rather than hearing more of the females perspective so I thought that was pretty cool.
With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
Super cute!! Great for a palette cleanser! Too short to rate but it was a fun and relatable story. These mini romance reads are great to help along your reading goal + shake up your TBR + read a popular author!
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really wish I would’ve read this book before seeing the movie. Some parts were a bit different but overall the same premise. It took me longer than usual to finish this book but I think it’s just because I knew what was going to happen had I not known I wouldn’t have wanted to put it down. I was leaning towards a 3.5 but ended up giving it a 4 for the sole reason that the plot was just so good and twisted how could I not rate it at least a 4!? I’m happy I finally read this blockbuster thriller I feel like I can’t call myself a thriller fan if I haven’t read this book it’s for sure a staple in the genre. I recommend this if you haven’t watched the movie and if you have it might seem a little bit slower for you because the shock factor isn’t there but I’m still happy I read it. It was twisty, unpredictable, had unreliable narrators, and honestly made me cringe (in a good way). Nothing is better than a twisty mindfu*k if you ask me!!