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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
How I'll Kill You by Ren DeStefano
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The threads get tenuous and the plot points feel sloppy in parts, but this is a fun thriller with an innovative premise--three triplets who do murder? I'm already intrigued!
Ren DeStefano humanizes her murderer-protagonist more than other thrillers I've read recently, which I appreciated. I enjoyed the insight into Sissy's relationship with her sisters and her turmoil over her potential first kill, having selected a mark she grows to love. I wasn't expecting the development of Sissy's relationship with Edison's stepdaughter, which is another oddly tender aspect of this book. While the ending genuinely surprised me, I wish it weren't so rushed; I wanted to explore its lead-up more.
Again, this could use some tightening/clean-up, but I enjoyed it--and I think other popcorn thriller fans will too.
The threads get tenuous and the plot points feel sloppy in parts, but this is a fun thriller with an innovative premise--three triplets who do murder? I'm already intrigued!
Ren DeStefano humanizes her murderer-protagonist more than other thrillers I've read recently, which I appreciated. I enjoyed the insight into Sissy's relationship with her sisters and her turmoil over her potential first kill, having selected a mark she grows to love. I wasn't expecting the development of Sissy's relationship with Edison's stepdaughter, which is another oddly tender aspect of this book. While the ending genuinely surprised me, I wish it weren't so rushed; I wanted to explore its lead-up more.
Again, this could use some tightening/clean-up, but I enjoyed it--and I think other popcorn thriller fans will too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool by Emily Oster
informative
medium-paced
This was more effective for me than Expecting Better, probably because there are fewer medically risky recommendations. While some readers may be frustrated by her "here's the data, do what's best for you and your family" approach, I appreciated that there's more neutrality here than the clear bias presented in her previous book. (Except for vaccines. Completely agree with her on that one.) I also took issue with folks who used Expecting Better as their pregnancy rulebook, so I like the pick-and-choose aspect of this one.
The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles
dark
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
K.J. Charles' plotting meanders too much for my taste, but her romantic pairings are always full of chemistry and steam. (The banter between Joss and Gareth is my favorite aspect of this book.) I also found the antagonists believably terrifying without becoming caricatures, which ramps up the tension--it made me want to keep reading. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this new series!
K.J. Charles' plotting meanders too much for my taste, but her romantic pairings are always full of chemistry and steam. (The banter between Joss and Gareth is my favorite aspect of this book.) I also found the antagonists believably terrifying without becoming caricatures, which ramps up the tension--it made me want to keep reading. I'm looking forward to reading the other books in this new series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Sexual assault
Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how realistic the teenagers are. Blair and Cam aren't professional podcasters, nor do they have expert insight into how to solve the twenty-year-old cold case of missing person Clarissa Campbell. They're just two seventeen-year-olds trying to complete a class project; their first attempt at podcasting goes awry, and their insecurities and lack of risk aversion permeate the story. I also love their concept of dating and romance and how to navigate that realm successfully (or, well, not-so-successfully). I'm glad Ripley Jones includes adults in the story, both as sources of information and levity; it creates some variety in perspective that's compelling.
The "villain" is predictable, but I still enjoyed solving the mystery with Blair and Cam.
One of my favorite aspects of this book is how realistic the teenagers are. Blair and Cam aren't professional podcasters, nor do they have expert insight into how to solve the twenty-year-old cold case of missing person Clarissa Campbell. They're just two seventeen-year-olds trying to complete a class project; their first attempt at podcasting goes awry, and their insecurities and lack of risk aversion permeate the story. I also love their concept of dating and romance and how to navigate that realm successfully (or, well, not-so-successfully). I'm glad Ripley Jones includes adults in the story, both as sources of information and levity; it creates some variety in perspective that's compelling.
The "villain" is predictable, but I still enjoyed solving the mystery with Blair and Cam.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault
When in Rome by Liam Callanan
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I requested this because I was intrigued by the setting--I have a lot of fond memories of Rome--and because the premise of Claire hanging out with three nuns in a convent to figure out her relationship to religion feels unique. While the descriptions of Rome's food, culture, and beauty are compelling and lush, unfortunately, I disliked the characters. (Well, all the characters except the nuns. The nuns are hilarious, and I would love to hang out with them.)
Claire is so wishy-washy in her priorities that I became disinterested in her journey. This might have been affected by Liam Callanan's narrative drive; while the framework is there, the plot meanders so much that it becomes tough to follow. The second-chance romance blossoming between Claire and Marcus is mildly interesting but, again, Marcus doesn't have much going for him besides the fact that he's a successful actor and has loved Claire for decades. While she doesn't feature heavily in the story, Claire's daughter Dorothy behaves more like a nineteen-year-old than a twenty-nine-year-old, inserting at least one abbreviation in each of her texts (think "G2G" or similar) and bemoaning how "old people" think.
I felt myself disengaging from the book halfway through because of these feelings, and while there are a couple of exciting plot points toward the end, I wish it had worked better for me.
Claire is so wishy-washy in her priorities that I became disinterested in her journey. This might have been affected by Liam Callanan's narrative drive; while the framework is there, the plot meanders so much that it becomes tough to follow. The second-chance romance blossoming between Claire and Marcus is mildly interesting but, again, Marcus doesn't have much going for him besides the fact that he's a successful actor and has loved Claire for decades. While she doesn't feature heavily in the story, Claire's daughter Dorothy behaves more like a nineteen-year-old than a twenty-nine-year-old, inserting at least one abbreviation in each of her texts (think "G2G" or similar) and bemoaning how "old people" think.
I felt myself disengaging from the book halfway through because of these feelings, and while there are a couple of exciting plot points toward the end, I wish it had worked better for me.
Off the Map by Trish Doller
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm skeptical about romance with insta-love, and I was worried Carla would be written as flighty or flakey. But even though the romance feels rushed--the book is around 270 pages, so I guess some plot aspects have to be condensed--it's still sweet, and Eamon is equal parts charismatic and brash and thoughtful and patient as a love interest. I wasn't expecting so much insight into Carla's relationship with her dad, Biggie, who has dementia; it's both a heartbreaking and tender look at their relationship and how Carla grew up.
This book does instill a sense of adventure, but I appreciate how Trish Doller emphasizes the importance of prioritizing aspects of one's life too. (Although after reading it, if I could realistically drop everything and take a road trip through Ireland right now, I probably would...)
I'm skeptical about romance with insta-love, and I was worried Carla would be written as flighty or flakey. But even though the romance feels rushed--the book is around 270 pages, so I guess some plot aspects have to be condensed--it's still sweet, and Eamon is equal parts charismatic and brash and thoughtful and patient as a love interest. I wasn't expecting so much insight into Carla's relationship with her dad, Biggie, who has dementia; it's both a heartbreaking and tender look at their relationship and how Carla grew up.
This book does instill a sense of adventure, but I appreciate how Trish Doller emphasizes the importance of prioritizing aspects of one's life too. (Although after reading it, if I could realistically drop everything and take a road trip through Ireland right now, I probably would...)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia
Minor: Death of parent
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a light and funny paranormal romance; with the themes and the cozy town, it reminds me of The Ex Hex. I enjoyed the twist on the fake dating trope--by having Ozoroth the Ruthless bound to Mariel Spark in a demonic soul-exchange bargain, it creates a sense of forced proximity that works well. There's plenty of chemistry between the two of them, but both also offer strong support for one another as they deal with their respective overbearing and emotionally abusive parental figures. The system of magic Hawley describes is also compelling; I wanted to learn more about it.
Hawley sets up a sequel, so this won't be the last book about the magical town of Glimmer Falls; I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
This is a light and funny paranormal romance; with the themes and the cozy town, it reminds me of The Ex Hex. I enjoyed the twist on the fake dating trope--by having Ozoroth the Ruthless bound to Mariel Spark in a demonic soul-exchange bargain, it creates a sense of forced proximity that works well. There's plenty of chemistry between the two of them, but both also offer strong support for one another as they deal with their respective overbearing and emotionally abusive parental figures. The system of magic Hawley describes is also compelling; I wanted to learn more about it.
Hawley sets up a sequel, so this won't be the last book about the magical town of Glimmer Falls; I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
There Goes the Neighborhood by Jade Adia
challenging
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? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a timely debut novel that deals with gentrification, racism, and other issues in a way that is incredibly obvious and over-the-top (as other reviewers have pointed out), but I don't think the plot is unbelievable based on reality. It also helps that Jade Adia introduces humor to make it feel even more readable and realistic. Our three teen protagonists are realistically flawed and have conviction in their goal to protect their neighborhood from changing and becoming overpriced, and I also enjoyed the aspects of sexuality and neurodiversity Adia introduces--I think the target audience will really identify with these characters and appreciate reading about the neighborhood.
This is a timely debut novel that deals with gentrification, racism, and other issues in a way that is incredibly obvious and over-the-top (as other reviewers have pointed out), but I don't think the plot is unbelievable based on reality. It also helps that Jade Adia introduces humor to make it feel even more readable and realistic. Our three teen protagonists are realistically flawed and have conviction in their goal to protect their neighborhood from changing and becoming overpriced, and I also enjoyed the aspects of sexuality and neurodiversity Adia introduces--I think the target audience will really identify with these characters and appreciate reading about the neighborhood.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence and Violence
Minor: Sexual content and Abandonment
Study Break: 11 College Tales from Orientation to Graduation by Aashna Avachat
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Having authors who recently graduated from or are still getting their undergraduate degrees makes this anthology feel so authentic to the college experience and how differently students go through their four-year journey. My one criticism is how every story had romance thrown in--I love romance, but it should make sense and develop well alongside the rest of the plot, which isn't always the case here. Otherwise, I think readers who are in college or contemplating college will find this collection relatable and worth reading!
Having authors who recently graduated from or are still getting their undergraduate degrees makes this anthology feel so authentic to the college experience and how differently students go through their four-year journey. My one criticism is how every story had romance thrown in--I love romance, but it should make sense and develop well alongside the rest of the plot, which isn't always the case here. Otherwise, I think readers who are in college or contemplating college will find this collection relatable and worth reading!
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a cute, heartwarming, diverse romance with just enough You Got Mail allusions to keep things sweet and not annoyingly obtuse. I appreciate how both Nick and Lily have family dynamics and trauma to work through and that they do so in a healthy way. The chemistry and romantic pacing felt a little off, but I still enjoyed seeing their relationship develop (even if I wanted to throttle Nick for breaking things off prematurely...).
It's more than 400 pages, but it feels like a quick read if you're looking for a solid contemporary romance.
This is a cute, heartwarming, diverse romance with just enough You Got Mail allusions to keep things sweet and not annoyingly obtuse. I appreciate how both Nick and Lily have family dynamics and trauma to work through and that they do so in a healthy way. The chemistry and romantic pacing felt a little off, but I still enjoyed seeing their relationship develop (even if I wanted to throttle Nick for breaking things off prematurely...).
It's more than 400 pages, but it feels like a quick read if you're looking for a solid contemporary romance.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse