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elle_laine's reviews
113 reviews
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Grady Green, a previous New York Times bestselling author, needs to write another bestseller if he wants to continue his life. Living in a cheap hotel is not the dream he had envisioned for himself, but after the mysterious accident that occurred the year before, Grady's life has not been the same. One year ago, Grady's wife, Abby, was driving home while talking on the phone with Grady when she found someone lying on the side of the road. After getting out to investigate, Abby was never seen again. Now, Grady is being offered a remote cabin of a recently deceased renowned author to work at to get his next work ready to hit the shelves.
Thank you Alice Feeney and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for a complete and honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This was a book that definitely captured my attention the whole way through. I really liked the remote island and cabin vibes that made the book that much creepier. The plot was also somewhat unusual for a thriller, which I really liked, but I did guess some of the twists, although I don't really think that takes much away from the story.
The narrators of this story were excellent and I definitely recommend this audiobook if you are a lover of Alice Feeney and twisted thrillers. It will definitely hold your attention and creep you out!
Thank you Alice Feeney and Macmillan Audio for this audiobook ARC in exchange for a complete and honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This was a book that definitely captured my attention the whole way through. I really liked the remote island and cabin vibes that made the book that much creepier. The plot was also somewhat unusual for a thriller, which I really liked, but I did guess some of the twists, although I don't really think that takes much away from the story.
The narrators of this story were excellent and I definitely recommend this audiobook if you are a lover of Alice Feeney and twisted thrillers. It will definitely hold your attention and creep you out!
Something in the Walls: A Novel by Daisy Pearce
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
Mina, a newly licensed child psychologist, meets Sam, a news journalist, and after hearing about a haunting in a remote village, they set off to help the young girl who is being afflicted and figure out what is going on. The village seems to have turned on the young girl, Alice Webber, who claims to be haunted by a witch. Sam and Mina are there to help Alice, but ghosts from their own pasts come back to haunt them as well. What really is going on in this village?
Thank you Daisy Pearce and Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for a thorough and honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This book really freaked me out. The author perfectly set up each scene with enough ghostly happenings and real occurrences that gave me a claustrophobic feel in just about every scene. As the story progressed, the fear squeezed me more and more until the big reveal. The big reveal was perfect for the story and I know I will be thinking about this book for weeks.
The narrator was excellent. I liked how the story flowed as she voiced each character and added her vocal interpretation of the moment.
Thank you Daisy Pearce and Macmillan Audio for this ARC in exchange for a thorough and honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This book really freaked me out. The author perfectly set up each scene with enough ghostly happenings and real occurrences that gave me a claustrophobic feel in just about every scene. As the story progressed, the fear squeezed me more and more until the big reveal. The big reveal was perfect for the story and I know I will be thinking about this book for weeks.
The narrator was excellent. I liked how the story flowed as she voiced each character and added her vocal interpretation of the moment.
Statistically Speaking by Debbie Johnson
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Gemma is a teacher, living alone and regularly full of anxiety. When she was 16 years old, she gave birth to a daughter and immediately put her up for adoption to break the cycle of the tumultuous childhood that was her own. Now, nearly 18 years later, Gemma can't help but think often about Baby's upcoming 18th birthday. Who has Baby become? Where does she live? And, most importantly, is Baby safe and happy?
Thank you Debbie Johnson and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the ARC in exchange for a thorough and honest review. All thoughts written here are mine and mine alone.
This was a lovely and heartfelt story that had me cheering for Gemma the whole time. Life is never simple, and I appreciated how reality was shown through Gemma's life. I also liked the addition of romance that was messy but sweet. The story flowed well and the characters were flushed out well.
I really enjoyed the audio production of this novel. The narrator was wonderful, giving the characters unique and pleasant voices throughout the story. I definitely recommend this audiobook. I absolutely consumed it and I know you will too!
Thank you Debbie Johnson and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the ARC in exchange for a thorough and honest review. All thoughts written here are mine and mine alone.
This was a lovely and heartfelt story that had me cheering for Gemma the whole time. Life is never simple, and I appreciated how reality was shown through Gemma's life. I also liked the addition of romance that was messy but sweet. The story flowed well and the characters were flushed out well.
I really enjoyed the audio production of this novel. The narrator was wonderful, giving the characters unique and pleasant voices throughout the story. I definitely recommend this audiobook. I absolutely consumed it and I know you will too!
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
While protecting a high-profile client, Amy, a bodyguard, is thrown into the intrigue of several murders. Enlisting her routine-oriented father-in-law, Amy seeks out the killer.
This was such a funny and entertaining book. The characters were hilarious and I loved sitting back and watching the story unfold.
This was such a funny and entertaining book. The characters were hilarious and I loved sitting back and watching the story unfold.
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
•Legends run deep in Firgaard, many of which include Asha, the feared Iskari. Destined to marry a man she could never love, Asha sets out on a task to kill the First Dragon and win her freedom. Or so she thinks.
“When she didn’t respond, he did something even worse. He raised his eyes to hers. A startling heat surged through her as their gazes met.” pg. 21
•This was an unexpectedly AMAZING book! I went into it with no expectations and came out of it in love. The story is captivating and the lore really added to the suspense of what was happening. I also really liked that the ending wrapped up the book nicely while also leaving room for a sequel. I will definitely get around to reading the next book, but I don’t feel the need to jump to it right now.
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Then, Again by Jaclyn Youhana Garver
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Asha is experiencing a life-changing complication. After a freak medical emergency, her husband is in a coma and the doctors do not know if he will ever wake up. During this time, Asha has her dad, her best friend, and surprisingly, Jason, a boy she had been in love with for years growing up, by her side.
Thank you Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I started out absolutely loving this book. I loved all the timelines going back to different moments of Asha's life. I loved how middle school romance was written. But then as the book progressed, everything became about sex. Plainly stated, it was too much. There is more to life than being horny or having sex with a guy who is dating someone else. It just felt icky and almost praised or brushed aside in the book. Having said that, I liked the ending as well as it left Asha with hope for her future. It was nice, it felt right, but I don't think we needed all the sex to get there.
The narrator was amazing and I really liked her voicing for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by this narrator.
5 star beginning
1 star middle
4 star ending
5 star narrator
2.75 stars overall, rounded up to 3 stars
Thank you Jaclyn Youhana Garver and Brilliance Publishing for the audio version of this ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone.
I started out absolutely loving this book. I loved all the timelines going back to different moments of Asha's life. I loved how middle school romance was written. But then as the book progressed, everything became about sex. Plainly stated, it was too much. There is more to life than being horny or having sex with a guy who is dating someone else. It just felt icky and almost praised or brushed aside in the book. Having said that, I liked the ending as well as it left Asha with hope for her future. It was nice, it felt right, but I don't think we needed all the sex to get there.
The narrator was amazing and I really liked her voicing for the different characters. I would definitely listen to another audiobook read by this narrator.
5 star beginning
1 star middle
4 star ending
5 star narrator
2.75 stars overall, rounded up to 3 stars
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infidelity, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Medical content, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Death of parent
The Gardener's Plot by Deborah J. Benoit
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Maggie Walker, along with her fearless leader, Violet Bloom, design and organize a community garden. On opening day, Maggie is assigning plots to each of the members when something disturbing is found buried in a plot. The community is in uproar as police scramble to find whoever is guilty of the murder that was committed.
Thank you Deborah J. Benoit and Dreamscape Media for the audio version of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions here are mine and mine alone.
This was an easy listen. The characters were fun and the plot was simple. I wish there was more romance even though the focus was mainly on the mystery and murders. I just think that romance would have added another layer to the story, especially since the author set up two of the characters to have a potential love interest. Overall, the story just didn't stand out to me.
I enjoyed the narrator's voice. She was clear and had good variations in tone for the different scenes and characters.
If you are looking for a light cozy mystery, this is definitely the book for you! It has perfect colder weather vibes.
Thank you Deborah J. Benoit and Dreamscape Media for the audio version of this ARC. All thoughts and opinions here are mine and mine alone.
This was an easy listen. The characters were fun and the plot was simple. I wish there was more romance even though the focus was mainly on the mystery and murders. I just think that romance would have added another layer to the story, especially since the author set up two of the characters to have a potential love interest. Overall, the story just didn't stand out to me.
I enjoyed the narrator's voice. She was clear and had good variations in tone for the different scenes and characters.
If you are looking for a light cozy mystery, this is definitely the book for you! It has perfect colder weather vibes.
Three Days in June by Anne Tyler
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Gail's only daughter is getting married. The day before the wedding is not a good one for Gail. First she loses/quits her job, then some drama makes her concerned about her daughter's big day, and finally, her ex-husband shows up at her house because he cannot stay with anyone else due to the cat he has in tow.
Thank you Anne Tyler and Knopf for this eARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This was a delightful novella following only three days of Gail's life. It was well-executed and had a strong storyline even if it left the reader wanting more at the end. It felt very realistic and relatable in its dry humor and mishaps. The only thing I can critique it on is that I wanted more of the characters. More backstory, more thoughts, etc.
I definitely recommend this one as it is quick and enjoyable. It is a good story to curl up in a chair with and read in one sitting.
Thank you Anne Tyler and Knopf for this eARC in exchange for a review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This was a delightful novella following only three days of Gail's life. It was well-executed and had a strong storyline even if it left the reader wanting more at the end. It felt very realistic and relatable in its dry humor and mishaps. The only thing I can critique it on is that I wanted more of the characters. More backstory, more thoughts, etc.
I definitely recommend this one as it is quick and enjoyable. It is a good story to curl up in a chair with and read in one sitting.
Later On We'll Conspire by Kortney Keisel
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Lacee bumps into a very handsome man while shopping and somehow they keep running into each other leading to some very interesting conversations and situations. She plans to fly home for the holidays, and who should she run into at the airport? The handsome stranger, of course.
Thank you Kortney Keisel and Dreamscape Select for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This book was definitely a stretch. It was also predictable, which is fine, but there was supposed to be an element of surprise for the reader. I never found myself getting very attached to the characters and there was no slow burn which I enjoy in a book.
I liked the narrators except when they voiced a different character and there was little to no differences in the voice fluctuations. They voiced Park and Lacee well, but not any of the side characters. This story just didn't speak to me or kept me engaged as the reader.
This is a fun holiday mystery/romance for people who are fans of Hallmark movies and spy missions. It is light and easy, just not my cup of tea.
Thank you Kortney Keisel and Dreamscape Select for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts here are mine and mine alone.
This book was definitely a stretch. It was also predictable, which is fine, but there was supposed to be an element of surprise for the reader. I never found myself getting very attached to the characters and there was no slow burn which I enjoy in a book.
I liked the narrators except when they voiced a different character and there was little to no differences in the voice fluctuations. They voiced Park and Lacee well, but not any of the side characters. This story just didn't speak to me or kept me engaged as the reader.
This is a fun holiday mystery/romance for people who are fans of Hallmark movies and spy missions. It is light and easy, just not my cup of tea.
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
After a whirlwind romance, Theo and Connor are newly engaged and Connor is ready to take the relationship to a new level. He and Theo embark on a winter trip to meet his family up at their exclusive and remote cabin retreat. But Connor’s family is no ordinary family. They are wealthy and really good at keeping their secrets at all costs.
Thank you Kate Alice Marshall and Flatiron Books for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This is a review that reflects my thoughts and opinions alone.
This was a very engaging thriller even though I wouldn’t count it as a favorite of mine. I flew through it and was never bored. I liked how it was difficult to trust anyone and the remote cabin vibes were very creepy and satisfying. I also liked how the ending was satisfying and not soul-crushing like some thrillers. My only major criticism is that it didn’t feel very original, which is okay for a thriller because we as readers are all expecting the same formula in a thriller, but I would have liked more unexpected twists.
This is a great cold weather thriller to read curled up in a cozy chair at home. I recommend this as a quick, engaging read that can help get you out of a reading slump.
Thank you Kate Alice Marshall and Flatiron Books for the eARC copy in exchange for my honest review. This is a review that reflects my thoughts and opinions alone.
This was a very engaging thriller even though I wouldn’t count it as a favorite of mine. I flew through it and was never bored. I liked how it was difficult to trust anyone and the remote cabin vibes were very creepy and satisfying. I also liked how the ending was satisfying and not soul-crushing like some thrillers. My only major criticism is that it didn’t feel very original, which is okay for a thriller because we as readers are all expecting the same formula in a thriller, but I would have liked more unexpected twists.
This is a great cold weather thriller to read curled up in a cozy chair at home. I recommend this as a quick, engaging read that can help get you out of a reading slump.