srivalli's reviews
1556 reviews

 3.5 Stars

This is a teeny story set on Christmas Eve after Molly and Andrew become a couple (post-Holiday Romance and pre-Snowed In). Molly and Andrew invite his family to their apartment to spend that year’s Christmas. How does the day go? 

Well, I enjoy the author’s writing style but this was too short and ended before I could fully feel the vibe. Of course, I still chuckled a few times, so that’s a plus. 

My advice is to read this immediately after book #1 or before #2. Don’t pick it at random like I did. It’s hard to get into the mood and appreciate how the characters manage to stand out despite the page count. 

 4 Stars 

Gale Nathaniel is the head of Royal Hastings University’s new Multimedia Art course. She finds six people from diverse backgrounds to join the master’s program. This course has to be a hit or the university would take it off the list. 

Enter, a young Jem (an overachiever and clay sculptor), Jonathan (who runs his family art gallery and has limited knowledge), Patrick (a 50-something business owner who sells art supplies), Ludya (a single mother and small-time professional graphic designer), Alyson (an overqualified artist), and Cameron (a marketing executive who needs a hobby for stress-relief). 

The Examiner, the man hired to grade their final assignments finds something he shouldn’t. If his guess is right, someone on the course had died or could be in danger. 

The story comes in a collection of emails, text messages, essays, and notes. 

So, this is my first book by the author though I have her works in my TBR. I was postponing it because of the page count (460+ pages) and since I was worried the pacing would be slow. 

Guess what? I was wrong. Considering the length, the pace is very good; much, much better than I expected. The use of chat, emails, and notes keeps the story moving. There are no chapters as much but headings we may or may not track. It doesn’t matter if you don’t track the heads as long as you figure things out. 

The characters are so distinct and easy to remember despite not knowing anything about them. We get only the basic information and yet, we can imagine them easily. Of course, whether or not our imagination aligns with the actual depends on the reveals. ;) 

My favorite is Jem (not because she’s an Indian… okay! A little because she is). She is a gem in many ways (remember that a gem has many definitions). She is the youngest in the team and her outspoken nature made the whole thing so much more interesting. 

Naturally, important details are not revealed immediately. However, it is easy to see how the tensions and the hidden agendas (even if we don’t know what these are) affect the characters. The part about teamwork and credit is spot on! It is one reason I don’t prefer to work in teams (in college, I ended up doing everything and herding others to be there when they should. Ugh!). 

Things are not straightforward. Neither is the timeline. That shouldn’t matter if you follow the plot and can fill the gaps with your ideas. Mystery lovers will find it easier, I guess. The brain is wired for it, lol. 

The climax and reveal are OTT bordering on absurd. However, there’s a sense of crazy fun in it that makes the whole thing work somehow (for the reader). TBH, I’m not sure I’d have liked it as much if the format was different. Yeah, it is convoluted but entertaining nevertheless. 

Don’t ignore the author’s note and don’t read it first. Read it at the end. She makes some really great points. Also, makes me glad I opted for distance mode education for my MA in English Literature! 

To summarize, The Examiner is best enjoyed if you go with the flow, but also track a few plot elements that grab your attention. There’s a lot of drama, lies, secrets, etc., that can make the whole thing confusing but manages to deliver as a package. I won't postpone reading her next book. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Atria Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheExaminer 

 4.5 Stars

Tulip, the cutesy green tugboat, knows she is special even if the other tugboats don’t think so. But when a big-big-BIG boat gets stuck, it’s Tulip who rises to the occasion and proves her worth. 

Well, after Rosh reviewed this book, I knew I had to read it. Luckily, the very next day, I got an email notification from BookSirens about the ARC being available for reading. 

I googled tugboats already, so knew what they were and how they worked (a little bit). Tulip is one of the cutest tugboats I have seen (another is the one with a face and a cap I found on the internet). 

This is a really short story but would be a super fun piece to read aloud with younglings. The repetition will make kids laugh and ensure they remember the story (with the message). Coz, obviously, the message is just as important here – don’t let others’ opinions affect you when you know you are good, and being different doesn’t mean there’s something wrong. 

The cover is a great example of the illustrations. The text is presented in the rope box and the corresponding scenes are presented through a ship’s window. This leaves a lot of white (green) space around to prevent distractions. I wouldn’t have minded if the font size was a bit bigger but no worries. The watercolor illustrations are super cute, especially the big-big-BIG boat! Tulip too, of course. She looks like a tugboat plant or a plant tugboat. 

To summarize, Tulip the Tugboat is a teeny book with an important message and beautiful illustrations. I’m sure kids will enjoy reading this more than once. 

Thank you, BookSirens and the author, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 3.7 Stars

Antonia Torres likes to think that she thrives on chaos. She quit her job as a museum coordinator to move to NYC to reopen her late grandmother's arts community center. However, her grandmother put a stipulation in the will that Antonia has to be married to claim her inheritance. 

Matthew Larabee is an art history professor (and Antonia’s friend’s older brother) waiting for his tenure to be approved. As a socially awkward person, he thinks Antonia would help him with his career if she agrees to be his wife. 

A marriage of convenience can solve both of their problems. Will it give them more than what they hoped for? 

The story comes in Antonia’s first-person POV. 

My Thoughts: 

This is a debut work by the author and it does read well to a good extent. 

The characters’ personalities are easy to follow and understand. The first-person narration from Antonia brings a touch of humor and lightens up the scenes. 

Since this is a novella, the story is pretty straightforward with low angst and loads of sweet stuff. Matt is an absolute dear! The side characters get just enough space to not blend into the background. 

There are some nice descriptions of the setting and food. I like it when food is important in books, especially when it comes with a cultural theme and vibe. 

As a clean romance, this one is limited to a few non-descriptive kisses. The interactions between the characters were also sweet, though I wouldn’t have minded a few more scenes to establish their relationship. 

There’s no third-act breakup, so that’s a plus! We get an epilogue too. Very Hallmarky, overall but I’m not complaining.  

To summarize, The Super Big Favor is a nice and super sweet romance novella with cute characters. The pacing is on the slower side but the content is interesting enough to keep reading. 

I received a copy of the book by signing up for the author’s newsletter on her website. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinions. 

 4.2 Stars

2018, Bangalore 

The suicide of a business tycoon’s son is declared murder when evidence is found. Inspector Meenakshi Rao is ordered to solve the case ASAP. While she has three women suspects, the case is far from easy. As if the pressure isn’t enough, Meenakshi Rao has to deal with her messy personal life too. Can she find the killer in time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV in a dual timeline (past in past tense and present in present tense). 

Well, this was a great ride. Knowing the author’s style, I can say this book displays her writing talent in full. It starts with an author’s note, establishing what to expect from the story. This helps since there’s quite a bit of content that would make some readers uncomfortable. A fair amount of cussing too! 

Right from the beginning, we know there will be nothing fluffy or lighthearted here. The primacy characters are damaged in some way or another. It’s hard to like most of them but we are expected to. Yet, we might empathize with a couple of them. 

The FMC is gritty, foul-mouthed, bitter, angry, and toxic. She lashes out at anyone and everyone but there’s a part of her that bleeds for others. She’ll annoy you like crazy. Yet you grudgingly feel sad for her at times. It’s like watching a train wreck. You know it’ll hurt. Still, you cannot help but be fascinated by it. And the way she carries the plot on her shoulders is marvelous. 

The chapters alter between the past and present. It might take a little while, but you’ll get used to the change in tenses. In fact, I stopped noticing the shift. After all, the timeline is clear in the tense. 

The other main characters have varying levels of character development. It suits their importance in the plot. However, I wish the FMC’s hubby also got some development. It’s very sketchy, though for some that’s all they need to know. I need more before I decide. I confirmed from the author that she plans to make it a series (the book works perfectly well as a standalone), so the hubby might have something when it happens. 

As expected from a book high on feminist rage, the men are evil in varying degrees or jerks/ idiots in some cases. So far, there’s just one guy who seems decent, soft, and compassionate (and the poor guy gets abused for it). I would have liked it if just one guy was nice and assertive. Maybe in the next book? 

So, there’s a bit of graphic content about kink along with some open-door scenes. These have just the required amount of detail and are used to provide a picture of the characters. A few other scenes are just mentioned, which works out to balance the effect. I gained some knowledge too (hey, it's all a part of a writer’s life).  

There are a bunch of triggers too (check TW at the end). Most of it is presented in a matter-of-fact tone which helps. The grief over a child’s death hits really hard, though. It is raw and so potent that the feeling lingers for a while. 

The pacing is steady from start to finish. I finished 60% in one go and had to stop for dinner. This means, the book doesn’t linger on descriptions but keeps the plot moving through actions and dialogues. Those who want a feel of the setting won’t really find it. Should be okay for Indian readers since the cities tend to have common aspects but it may not work for everyone. 

The same can be said about the lack of a glossary, though there are only a few words that need to be translated. Adding one for the international readers would have helped. 

The mystery as such can be figured out after the halfway point. There isn’t any attempt to surprise the reader with unwanted twists, so the progress feels organic. 

To summarize, Shameless in Stilettos is a fast-paced gritty thriller with unlikeable but well-crafted characters. The book is not for everyone. However, if you are into dark subjects and like messed-up characters it might be your thing! 

The author is a friend (we’ve worked together on the editorial board of The Hive) and a fellow writer. That does not affect my review. 

 3.5 Stars 

After the death of Mab and Nessa’s mother, their father relocated to New Zealand and married his third wife, dusting off his young daughters’ responsibilities. The kids had to deal with a lot more than the loss of parental support. 

Twenty years later, the sisters receive the news of their father’s death. They are forced to handle the grief that weighed them down for years and confront the secrets from the past that changed their lives forever. 

They return to the Lowlands where they live for a while with Con, their father’s first wife. Can Mab and Nessa find the answers this time? 

The story comes in the third-person POV of Mab, Con, and Nessa in a dual timeline. 

Rating this is hard coz I like it but also didn’t like it much. 

The book is essentially a family drama with secrets and messy emotions. The story shifts between present and past, clearly distinguished by the years mentioned under the chapter title. 

Mab has a major share of the narration, which works and doesn’t work. At times, she sounds like an adult. But most of the time, she sounds pretty much like the eight-year-old version in the past. Moreover, her POV is not entirely reliable since she continues to think like a kid even twenty years later. The way her thoughts spiral into a tangled mess is exhausting to read. 

 Nessa, the older sister, has a better arc. She was parentified as a young teen and grew up taking care of her younger sister (Mab). This affected her in many ways, though her POV is reliable and easier to read. 

Con is an intriguing character. She is rather sweet and lovely, which is a welcome change from a bad stepmom (though she is not really a stepmother). However, she too is flawed and makes some mistakes, which have long-lasting effects. 

The core premise relies on assumptions, keeping secrets, and lack of communication. While it works to an extent, the story goes in circles in the first and second parts to keep the reader in suspense. However, there are clues to guess (which I did) that make it hard to enjoy the narration. 

While the descriptions are lovely, there’s too much internal thought. Some of it aids in character development but it mostly reduces the pace and tires the reader. There were many instances when I had to skim a bit when the characters went on and on without a break (Mab specializes in this). 

The third part is stronger since we finally address the issue. Such a relief! The ending is hopeful and positive. It may seem like an easy way out but I don’t mind. 

Not sure why but the last chapter (the one before the epilogue) is in omnipresent third-person POV breaking the fourth wall and has a philosophical touch. I don’t think this is necessary. Much of it could have been included in the epilogue. 

To summarize, The House of Echoes is a slow-moving story about a dysfunctional and broken family caused by a selfish man who couldn’t take responsibility for his actions or for his people. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Bloodhound Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley #TheHouseOfEchoes 

 4.5 Stars

It’s Ivan Vert’s birthday and his sister, Estie is super excited. She organizes a party and invites the neighbors. Who doesn’t want a party? Ivan doesn’t. He is more than happy to spend time with his family and snuggle under a blanket to read his book. How will the extroverted sister and her introverted brother handle the day? 

I knew I had to read this one after Rosh reviewed it. I’m an introvert bordering on ambivert depending on my mood. Parties are okay for as long as I want to socialize; then you go home, lol. 

Anyway, this is an adorable little book about siblings with different personalities. Neither of them is wrong or right. They are who they are, which is emphasized by Mr. Vert’s dialogue (twice). Easy acceptance of their kids and supporting them too. 

Mrs. Vert is cool. She knows what her children want and lets them be. Seems she is an ambivert and Estie got her genes from Mr. Vert. There’s Grandma Vert too, though I don’t know why she’s drawn like one of those old ladies from the classics when others had a more modern style. Maybe it reflects her taste (cool, though). 

As the story progresses, we see the sister trying to understand what her brother wants and giving him that even if she cannot fully comprehend it. The kids love each other, which is evident in their interactions. 

The illustrations are so vibrant and messy (in a good way). Some pages are a riot of color but it all makes sense. I love it! My favorite ones are towards the end where Estie makes the makeshift comfy tent at the back of the sofa. A little gesture that speaks so much! And boy, those curls! I want Estie’s curly hair (look at the cover picture). 

The characters are diverse and inclusive. There are varied pets and more kids. Though I wonder how that little child slept through all those sounds. Haven’t been around kids lately but I’m sure some moms would be delighted if their younglings did the same. 

To summarize, The Verts: A Story of Introverts and Extroverts is a delightful read about how kids (and adults) can be comfortable being who they are without having to become someone else. Moreover, they can co-exist and live comfortably in the same space. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and HarperCollins Children’s Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 

 4.5 Stars

Little Lupita loves to dance and is learning ballet. However, she doesn’t feel the same when wearing the pink ballet slippers that don’t match her lovely brown skin. Lupita realizes there aren’t many options. Nevertheless, she is determined to find a way and get her chance under the spotlight. 

This is an #ownvoices book with a Latino main character. Like Lupita, the author is a dancer and had similar experiences. I know only a wee bit about ballet, so I didn’t know the costumes were not inclusive and didn’t suit diverse skin tones. 

The story is the right length for kiddos and shows how Lupita comes up with ideas to match the ballet slippers with her skin tone. This little girl is resourceful, hopeful, and positive. She does her research, makes plans, comes up with an alternative until her goal is reached, and then buys the shoes from a store that sells different-toned ballet slippers. I love how it ends, almost like a ripple effect. 

There is more information about non-White ballet dancers and their experiences. Surprisingly, it took so many decades for companies to come out with ballet slippers in more shades. Shows how the industry has been rigid and so-not-supportive of talented ballet dancers from diverse backgrounds. 

Illustrations are the key to any children’s book. The artwork gets a top score for realistic paintings of the characters. The kids come in different shapes, sizes, and skin tones. The elders are in proper proportions. I especially love the shape of Lupita’s eyes (nice little almonds). The earthy tones are a perfect match for the book’s theme and create a sense of warmth. 

To summarize, Lupita's Brown Ballet Slippers takes on an important topic and gives it a positive and hopeful ending. 

Thank you, Edelweiss+ and Beaming Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

 4.5 Stars (since I read it with book one) 

Sonya MacTavish is actually a Poole and the only one who can break the centuries-old curse and free the lost brides in the manor. 

One night, the elusive mirror appears, and Sonya walks through to watch a bride get killed and her ring stolen. The events seem to happen in a loop. Sonya and her friends have to find the rings soon, but that’s easier said than done. 

The story comes mainly in Sonya’s third-person POV (with a few scenes from others’ POVs). 

I continued with book two immediately after the previous one, so the cliffhanger lasted only a few seconds. My poor heart was saved, lol! 

The story continues seamlessly as we get bits and pieces of new information. There’s progress on multiple levels but it is blended into routine. This makes it seem like the book has a lot of fluff with the same scenes (working, eating, meeting, etc.). It is necessary to create this buffer for the development to feel organic. Think of it as watching the episodes of your favorite serial. You get lured into their lives, watching them live a make-believe life on the screen with subtle developments. It’s the same here. 

Hence, the pacing continues to be on the slower side. Again, I don’t mind. I love Molly, Clover, Jack, and the fur babies who enrich the narrative. Imagine a haunted house with built-in cleaning services, a DJ, a pet-sitter, and a spooky witch. Yeah, we can do without the last one but she’ll be there until they break the curse. 

I absolutely love Clover. I liked her a lot in book one but here she is easily my favorite. Though I’m not into English music, the song titles were enough to see just how wonderful she was. We meet more side characters, and Imogene stands out with ease. I like Winter too (everyone needs a mom like her) but Imogene is a star. I hope we get to meet her in the next book again. 

When I started Inheritance, I didn’t think it would become a new favorite (The Sign of Seven trilogy continues to be at the top). However, this one might reach there. I don’t think the year-long gap between the books would work. In fact, reading one and two back to back kept me inside the haunted manor for six+ days and made me a part of the story. A long break would diffuse that mood and may make this feel slow and repetitive. 

I was prepared for a cliffhanger ending, so this didn’t shock me. Knowing the stakes, I know book three will have a lot of action and intense scenes. We also need to get more information about Hester-Pest. I’m curious to see what lay in her past. 

There is romance but it is pretty much mild. From what I remember, her books have a little more spice. This one doesn’t. Not a complaint since the current stuff works well but I wouldn’t say no if the next book has an extra sprinkle of heat. ;) 

To summarize, The Mirror is a great continuation of book one. It establishes the character arcs, sets a routine, and provides more details about the lost brides. Can I get the ARC for book three when it is available? Pretty please! 

Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book. 

#NetGalley 

 4 Stars

1806 

Astrid Poole, a happy bride in love with Collin Poole, was excited about her future. However, before her marriage was consummated, she was murdered and the ring torn from her finger. Astrid promised never to leave Collin and kept it for centuries. 

Sonya MacTavish is a graphic designer who ended up without a fiancé and her wedding in a few minutes. However, a bigger shock to her is finding out that her late father was adopted and had a twin brother. Sonya has inherited a Victorian mansion on the Maine Coast. 

Reaching the mansion, Sonya is excited and nervous. Despite her self-assurances, she has to soon admit that the mansion is indeed haunted by the Lost Brides. She needs to break the centuries-old curse to free the ghosts as well as herself and the future generations from brutal deaths. 

The story comes in Sonya’s third-person POV with snippets from others’ POVs. 

I’m always excited to read a book by Nora Roberts. It’s been a while since I enjoyed her works, so this seemed like a good opportunity (I’d have been happier if all three books of the trilogy were out but two are better than one). 

The book takes its time to get to the gothic mansion. The beginning establishes Sonya’s character and gives us an idea about her family, career, etc. Though we are made to wait, this initial setup makes it easy to understand how she settles in Poole Manor once she gets there. 

I absolutely love how the author writes friendships. I’ve seen this in most of her books and enjoy it every time. They could be cousins, best friends, childhood buddies, new friends, or anything basically, the interactions are usually positive, cheeky, and fun with many feel-good vibes. No gender bias either. 

Another aspect I noticed is how at least one main character is an artist (professionally). The characters are not only talented but love their craft and are passionate about it. I enjoy the scenes detailing their artwork. 

Naturally, I loved Cleo. She is not just a perfect balance to Sonya but also a very lovable character. The men (Trey and Owen) are just as good and complement the ladies well. 

Descriptions are another favorite. It was her books that made me fall in love with magical Ireland. While this one doesn’t reach that level of awesomeness, I could picturize the mansion and the surroundings. Who wouldn’t want to live there (never mind the haunted part)? 

One thing I didn’t expect was the slower pace throughout. I usually used to breeze through her books (to be fair, most of them were physical copies from the library) but this one took some time. I wasn’t bored but I wondered why the % moved so slowly. 

The romance between the lead couple could have been a little slower. While they don’t jump into the act right away, the slow burn is missing. I wouldn’t have minded a bit more teasing. 

Thank god I had the next book ready. That was one heck of a cliffhanger. Most of her trilogies tend to have moderate cliffhangers. Of course, this one deviated from the template of three couples (which got repetitive), so maybe that’s the reason. 

Oh, there are a lot of characters to remember. That’s bound to happen when you need to cover seven generations. A family tree would be a spoiler, so we can’t ask for it. Just go with the flow. You’ll figure them out soon. 

To summarize, Inheritance is a slow-paced yet entertaining contemporary gothic romance with enough lighthearted moments to make you smile. The dogs are adorable!