xsummer_readsx's reviews
132 reviews

Just the Nicest Couple by Mary Kubica

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slow-paced

1.0

I listened to this audiobook at 2.2x speed and it was still such a slow paced read. It was uninspired. I did not enjoy it at all 
All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham

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adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

5.0

The House in the Pines by Ana Reyes

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

I’m glad this book had a bit of a happy ending for the main character. After what she’d been through it was deserved. I am now worried my lapse in memories are from just getting older or
if I’ve been hypnotized and my time was stolen from me
Pen Pal by J.T. Geissinger

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fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

So much of this book is cringey and corny but the Sixth Sense of it all is very appealing. I didn’t know I signed up for a paranormal story. That was a lovely surprise 
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

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emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

4.0

What a ride this book was. It felt like Haunting of Hill House with the shadows and ghouls and family trying to turn a house into a home. Although knowing what must have happened to Petra the whole time, but not the full story was a horribly sad tale.
Parents get themselves into more trouble while trying to cover up things for their children. Also how did no one notice someone was walking into the child’s armoire?? No one was checking on her often? Rearrange the furniture?
 
A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham

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challenging emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I had already read this book but couldn’t remember all the details so it felt like a first read all over again! Figuring out all the details with the main character with all the misdirection and fear is a fun read
Only If You're Lucky by Stacy Willingham

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is my second Stacy Willingham book and I enjoy her style. I love having so many of the answers dangled in front of me the whole time but I still can’t fit the pieces together until the very end! Although I will say, almost all the characters are completely unlikable 😅
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

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adventurous challenging mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

As with most British narrated audiobooks, I was having a hard time keeping up with the story line. And found the pacing odd. Eventually, the story pulled me under its spell and I needed answers! Just about every character is morally grey in some way or another. I don’t think I liked a single person 😅
The Quiet Tenant by Clémence Michallon

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book carried out the dark theme of a serial killer who fits in well in his home town well. I didn’t like that one of the women in his life knew him when she was a teen and fell head over heels for him. Add groomer onto this guys rap sheet. 

Although the bravery of the kidnapped woman was incredible. Sometimes I wonder how I would react in situations like these. Would I fight the whole time and be attacked? Would I play along and get lost in it? Would I gain their trust and use it against them? There is no telling how I would respond. May I never find out! 

I would also like to note that rape was common in the book but was never explicit. I’ve been saying this for a long time: it can be used in a story without being traumatizing for readers, especially those who have lived it 
That's Not My Name by Megan Lally

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adventurous dark emotional sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I went into this book blind, and I ended up very much enjoying it. I completely thought I had figured out what was going on early on in the book and I was proven wrong, which does not happen very often so I am impressed. The ending is so bittersweet because we have lost something but gained something new, but for the most part, I think having closure for everyone is very important