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lit_vibrations's reviews
319 reviews
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
Did not finish book. Stopped at 57%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 57%.
At this point I’m gonna DNF cause wtf is the point of it all like I’m dead ass confused lol I was gonna push through to see how it ends but it’s not worth it
The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Special thanks to the author & @simonandschuster for my gifted copy‼️
Why was this book so good‼️ Literally read it in a day and a half probably less because I couldn’t put it down. It’s so intense, engaging, and the twists OH THE TWISTS will have you on the edge of your seat. I just love how I didn’t see any of it coming.
You’d think Ellie disappearing then suddenly reappearing would be the highlight of the book but there is sooooo much more to it. When Detective Chelsey Calhoun took on the case Ellie wasn’t giving up any info on her whereabouts or who held her captive the past two years. I didn’t find it odd because she was still in a traumatized state and I really felt like it was the weird guy from the hotel that did it. But the way the author twisted all of this OMG it was so clever. When Ellie started talking with the therapist that’s when the truth gradually poured out.
The multiple perspectives, the manipulation and rawness of the kidnapping situation added so much depth to the story. Reliving what Ellie went through along with the other girls held captive was so sad and scary. Then the ABDUCTORS like that was such a jaw-dropping moment and Chelsey’s sister just wow.
Overall, I loved it it’s another fav of the year‼️The characters were well-developed and it’s so descriptive and well-written. If you’re looking for a page-turning thriller I highly recommend this one.
A Dream in the Dark by Robert Justice
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Special thanks to the author & @crookedlanebooks for my gifted copy!!!
This is book 2 in A Wrongful Conviction series which both can be read as a standalone. Absolutely loved this one will definitely go back and read the first book. It was literally like watching a movie while reading think Just Mercy or the movie Marshall.
Inspired by true wrongful conviction cases Liza Brown works for a free nonprofit organization that helps free those wrongfully imprisoned for crimes they didn’t commit. Liza’s fight for justice transpired after her father was wrongfully convicted and she couldn’t save him before he was sentenced to death.
When she receives a letter from Moses King a man convicted of a brutal crime he has proof of his innocence. Liza was skeptical on helping since he wasn’t sentenced to life or death in prison like other clients. When she learned he knew her father her feelings changed and she wanted to help Moses any way she could.
The reason for Moses conviction was WILD asf!!! A woman by the name of Claudette Cooper accused Moses of being her attacker solely based off a dream she had. She was raped and beaten so badly that she wasn’t able to identify who did this to her. The fact the court allowed her statement to be enough to prosecute was absolutely disgusting. I get she wanted justice and so did they but the judicial system failed to give her that and imprisoned a man who didn’t deserve the treatment he was given. Imagine losing years of your life because of a DREAM . . . .
Overall, read the book ya’ll this was really good. The pacing in the beginning is a tad slow but I beg that you push through. Oh and the ending was NOT what I expected because Moses didn’t actually get the justice he deserved. If you’ve ever seen the show Reasonable Doubt Moses situation was kind of similar to the first episode.
Back Down Memory Lane by Lamartz Brown
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
They say keep your friends close but your enemies closer . . . But what do you do when the enemy is your family?
This was my first book by the author and it definitely won’t be my last. It had a slow start but was so worth the read. Of all the characters I loved Iceland cause talk about loyalty bae gave it‼️
When Berkeley lost her memory things between her and Ice drastically changed. The fact that he held on to hope and his love for her the entire time was so romantic. But Berkeley irked my nerves a little bit the way she pushed him away after the incident. Like sis you have no recollection of what happened or who anyone is the last thing you wanna do is push people you’ll end up needing away.
I also didn’t like Berkeley with Mykel from the moment his character was introduced. He was giving off this aggressively controlling energy. Her sister Syd did not let up off him either I know she wanted to slap some sense back into Berkeley. Then when fate brought Iceland and Berkeley back together Mykel was so pressed because he knew he was gonna lose her. AND DID‼️ Oh and let’s not forget the author gave the right amount of spice with this one too.
Overall, I enjoyed it this isn’t your typical romance and definitely recommend. The timeline jumps which I liked and there was a major plot twist you may or may not see coming. This was giving romance, messy family drama, loss, rekindled relationships, betrayal, and a little mystery. If you’re looking for a new indie author to add to your radar you found one‼️
I Shot the Devil by Ruth McIver
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Special thanks to the author, @libro.fm for my advanced listening copy, & @blackstonepublishing @bibliolifestyle for my gifted copy‼️
This one had a lot of potential I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. There are A LOT of trigger warnings so be aware before reading.
Erin dealt with an abusive situation way too young. Ricky Hell was on different level of psychotic and I felt like her dealings with him, childhood memories, the loss of her mother and sister, and the murders is why she abuses her pill prescriptions. Nobody was the same after the incident in the woods and since drugs were involved they didn’t remember what really happened either.
What made me originally think this would involve some satanic cult-like behavior was the death of Andre supposedly being a result of it. But Erin knew it was more to the story than devil worship because Ricky was also murdered. The more she uncovered the darker and more dangerous things got for her.
The author was very descriptive in this one and didn’t hold back. I liked the dual timelines set in the 90’s and present day. The pacing was up and down until the last quarter which was when things got good. There were so many lies told to coverup the truth, learning Andre’s backstory and why he was actually murdered, and the police involvement threw such a huge loop in the story.
Overall, this was meh I didn’t like that it had so many characters that always annoys me though. The ending with who was really involved in the murders got a little confusing because what you may think happened actually didn’t. I don’t fully recommend this one but if it’s on your radar I say go for it‼️
What Fire Brings by Rachel Howzell Hall
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Special thanks to the author & #thomasandmercer for my gifted copy‼️
If you’ve ever read any books by Hall then you know she writes super slow-burn thrillers. She’s literally the only author I’ll accept this from lol like no matter how much the book drags I go back for more. But I love her writing style, the way she slowly builds up to the climax, and there’s always a clever twist you didn’t see coming.
What Fire Brings was interesting because nothing was what it seemed. Bailey Meadows went so deep undercover she basically lost sight of reality. As she began uncovering secrets and linking things together strange events began happening. The weird security guard that doesn’t actually work for the security company, the old lady that keeps popping up with random hints, creepy stuff occurring in her cabin, and the danger of the wildfires increased Bailey’s anxiety and paranoia. It seemed as though someone or something was trying to harm her or maybe it was all in her head.
This was one of those books where you don’t know who to trust because everyone is a suspect. It was also the twist in the end that got me. I’m still lost on how this played out because Bailey wasn’t just undercover. She suffered from confabulation, dissociative fugues, PTSD and past trauma so maybe she suppressed her real identity as a defense mechanism or it could’ve just been the amnesia. I just need answers as to how Sam was looking for Sam but didn’t know she was. Like when did the disconnect with reality first occur. The ending was really mind blowing literally had me saying wtf as things were revealed‼️I also really liked the twist with Jack cause I did not see that coming.
Overall, it was okay but I wouldn’t recommend if you don’t enjoy slow-burns. Despite the pacing the story really takes the reader on this psychological rollercoaster to uncover the truth. With themes of trust, survival, mental health, and exploring the unknown Hall once again creates a decent thriller.
Rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️
If you’ve ever read any books by Hall then you know she writes super slow-burn thrillers. She’s literally the only author I’ll accept this from lol like no matter how much the book drags I go back for more. But I love her writing style, the way she slowly builds up to the climax, and there’s always a clever twist you didn’t see coming.
What Fire Brings was interesting because nothing was what it seemed. Bailey Meadows went so deep undercover she basically lost sight of reality. As she began uncovering secrets and linking things together strange events began happening. The weird security guard that doesn’t actually work for the security company, the old lady that keeps popping up with random hints, creepy stuff occurring in her cabin, and the danger of the wildfires increased Bailey’s anxiety and paranoia. It seemed as though someone or something was trying to harm her or maybe it was all in her head.
This was one of those books where you don’t know who to trust because everyone is a suspect. It was also the twist in the end that got me. I’m still lost on how this played out because Bailey wasn’t just undercover. She suffered from confabulation, dissociative fugues, PTSD and past trauma so maybe she suppressed her real identity as a defense mechanism or it could’ve just been the amnesia. I just need answers as to how Sam was looking for Sam but didn’t know she was. Like when did the disconnect with reality first occur. The ending was really mind blowing literally had me saying wtf as things were revealed‼️I also really liked the twist with Jack cause I did not see that coming.
Overall, it was okay but I wouldn’t recommend if you don’t enjoy slow-burns. Despite the pacing the story really takes the reader on this psychological rollercoaster to uncover the truth. With themes of trust, survival, mental health, and exploring the unknown Hall once again creates a decent thriller.
Rating: 3.75/5 ⭐️
Batch of Love by Natasha D. Frazier
adventurous
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Special thanks to the author & @hearourvoicestours for my gifted copy‼️
Ginger is a successful baker who’s ready to take her business to the next level. She entered a baking competition with hopes of using the money to move her business out of the mall. After signing up she runs into her high school ex Brock Pearson who just so happens to work for the company. Brock was well on his way to the top if he could find potential clients for his employer Decadent Dough. Ginger’s bakery was at the top of his list.
Small town books involving bakers or chefs are always fun to read and will most likely leave you hungry. I loved Ginger and Brock together. No matter how hard Ginger tried to resist she couldn’t deny she wanted to be with him. Brock was the reason they didn’t work out the first time so I like how he took ownership of that and wanted to make things right between them. There was a bit of drama and miscommunication thrown into the mix when Decadent Dough tried sabotaging Ginger’s business.
But Brock sacrificing a promotion and his career for Ginger was the true definition of his love for her. I liked the relationship Ginger had with his family and how they were rooting for them too. I couldn’t have wished for a better ending with this book when it’s meant to be you can’t fight fate.
Overall, this was a really sweet and cozy read so if you enjoy books with small town settings, second chance romance, and mentions of food you’ll enjoy this book.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
Ginger is a successful baker who’s ready to take her business to the next level. She entered a baking competition with hopes of using the money to move her business out of the mall. After signing up she runs into her high school ex Brock Pearson who just so happens to work for the company. Brock was well on his way to the top if he could find potential clients for his employer Decadent Dough. Ginger’s bakery was at the top of his list.
Small town books involving bakers or chefs are always fun to read and will most likely leave you hungry. I loved Ginger and Brock together. No matter how hard Ginger tried to resist she couldn’t deny she wanted to be with him. Brock was the reason they didn’t work out the first time so I like how he took ownership of that and wanted to make things right between them. There was a bit of drama and miscommunication thrown into the mix when Decadent Dough tried sabotaging Ginger’s business.
But Brock sacrificing a promotion and his career for Ginger was the true definition of his love for her. I liked the relationship Ginger had with his family and how they were rooting for them too. I couldn’t have wished for a better ending with this book when it’s meant to be you can’t fight fate.
Overall, this was a really sweet and cozy read so if you enjoy books with small town settings, second chance romance, and mentions of food you’ll enjoy this book.
Rating: 3.5/5⭐️
Kiss and Spell by Celestine Martin
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Special thanks to the author, @readforeverpub, & @rpmystic for my gifted copy‼️
It took a while but I finally got into book two of the Elemental Love series. Same as before I loved the vibes just wish we got a little more magic. Unlike book one Kiss and Spell seemed to be a combination of fairytale-like retellings with references to Cinderella and the Frog Prince but with its own twist.
Ursula Caraway was in search of her own happily ever after. If being left at the altar wasn’t enough she’s ridiculed for not seeing her own fate and can’t really use her magic the way she wants. At this point she’s desperate and will do anything to have her chance at love again. When Prince Xavier arrives in town in search of the one to help break his curse he bumps into Ursula sealing their fate. Unfortunately it would take a couple failed attempts with online dating, Ursula being his wingman, and Xavier not actually believing in love before the two give in to what’s meant to be.
This was a really cute and swoony story with excessive pining and a whole lot of wishing on a star energy. The chemistry was undeniable so it was like come on already just say you’re in love. Wish we had gotten more backstory on the enchantment curse placed on Xavier. I also like Ursula’s character a lot more compared to book one where she was giving bridezilla.
Overall, it’s a cozy small town romance I’d recommend. My only downside was the pacing being really slow and I kind of wish it had more of a fall type vibe. But I’m excited and ready to read book three Deja Brew.
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
It took a while but I finally got into book two of the Elemental Love series. Same as before I loved the vibes just wish we got a little more magic. Unlike book one Kiss and Spell seemed to be a combination of fairytale-like retellings with references to Cinderella and the Frog Prince but with its own twist.
Ursula Caraway was in search of her own happily ever after. If being left at the altar wasn’t enough she’s ridiculed for not seeing her own fate and can’t really use her magic the way she wants. At this point she’s desperate and will do anything to have her chance at love again. When Prince Xavier arrives in town in search of the one to help break his curse he bumps into Ursula sealing their fate. Unfortunately it would take a couple failed attempts with online dating, Ursula being his wingman, and Xavier not actually believing in love before the two give in to what’s meant to be.
This was a really cute and swoony story with excessive pining and a whole lot of wishing on a star energy. The chemistry was undeniable so it was like come on already just say you’re in love. Wish we had gotten more backstory on the enchantment curse placed on Xavier. I also like Ursula’s character a lot more compared to book one where she was giving bridezilla.
Overall, it’s a cozy small town romance I’d recommend. My only downside was the pacing being really slow and I kind of wish it had more of a fall type vibe. But I’m excited and ready to read book three Deja Brew.
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Some Soul to Keep: A Short Story Collection by J. California Cooper
emotional
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Special thanks to the author, @stmartinpress, & @netgalley for my gifted copy‼️
When I say this was by far one of the best historical short story collections I’ve come across recently I MEAN IT‼️ Some Soul to Keep was the perfect title because she only left me with a little bit the way she snatched mine with this book. I was wondering why I never saw anyone really talk about it and now realize it’s because it’s a gem from the past. A MUST READ ONE TOO.
✨Sisters of The Rain - Superior was a strong character the amount of betrayal she endured from her husband and so called friends was unimaginable.
✨The Life You Live (May Not Be Your Own)- Neither Molly nor Belle had a good man. Gravy thought he did some getting a younger woman and got treated the same way he did his wife.
✨Red-Winged Blackbirds- This one moves quickly and I felt bad the way Birdie lost her parents. Spent her whole life wanting to be loved and to love someone almost died a virgin. When she found Reva she knew she was meant to be her daughter. Reva’s situation started out just as bad.
✨About Love and MoneyLove’s Lore and Money’s Myths- This one was so crazy siblings left to fend for themselves cause dad’s in prison and mother passed away. Oh but the twists in this one will get you. The way they talked about sex was funny too and knowing the reason Doctor’s wife was cheating on him.
✨Feeling for Life- this one might get to you our MC was born blind, mother passed away, abandoned by her siblings at the church, and had a baby by the pastor. This story was the icing on the cake.
I love that everything was so fleshed out, well-written, and detailed with southern dialect making each story sound so authentic. The unforgettable characters, the suffering of Black women and their trauma, heartbreak, struggle, and pain felt so real. I wasn’t left with unanswered questions but definitely wanted more. If you’re a fan of Alice Walker, Mary Monroe, or Latoya Watkins definitely think you’d enjoy this collection.
Devil Is Fine by John Vercher
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Special thanks to the author & @celadonbooks for my gifted copy‼️
This was such an interesting and creative read literally like nothing I’ve read before. There was this perfect blend between the past and the present and reality against magical realism to the point you couldn’t tell what was real and what wasn’t. My initial reaction to the book had me a bit confused so I gave it 3.75 ⭐️ but after sitting with my thoughts for a while I can say it at least deserves 4⭐️.
In the novel the narrator was unnamed which I’ve only seen happen once before in another book I read. Everything flowed so well that knowing who the main character was by name didn’t add nor take away from the story.
From the very beginning you’re pulled in as the narrator is attending his son’s funeral. My thoughts were immediately drawn to what happened with his son. But as the book continues our MC becomes aware he’s inherited some land from his white grandfather. What he wasn’t immediately aware of was the land was a former plantation that still housed a few corpses of the enslaved.
Trying to get a handle on his grief and owning this new property our narrator goes into a downward spiral. Suppressed emotions, dealing with grief, and the guilt he has bottled up about his son caused him to relapse and begin drinking again. I felt a lot of the mystical energy and supernatural experiences he encountered were an adverse effect of his drinking and mental state. The ending of the book is what really got me because I can’t say whether he commits suicide or actually turned into a jelly fish or maybe he imagined he did. This is one of those books that leaves room for the reader to create their own assumptions.
Overall, this was oddly satisfying I highly recommend reading with an open mind. It may come off confusing but the more you read the more you understand the authors direction. He touched on a few themes including addiction, the guilt surrounding forgiveness, father and son relationships, the effects divorce have on children, and ancestral legacy.
Rating: 3.75-4/5⭐️
Rating: 3.75-4/5⭐️