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bookboundblogger's Reviews (97)
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Witness 8 introduces us to Ruby Johnson, a nanny and maid on Manhattan's West 74th Street. One night, she witnesses her neighbor's murder. Knowing both the victim and the killer, Ruby makes an anonymous call to the police, but she doesn't tell the whole truth. There's something unsettling about Ruby, and her actions set off a chain of events that pull in Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned defense attorney. Eddie takes on the case of John Jackson, a pediatric brain surgeon accused of the crime, and must navigate a web of deceit to uncover the truth.
If you're a fan of authors like John Grisham or Michael Connelly, who masterfully blend legal intricacies with suspenseful storytelling, you'll likely enjoy Steve Cavanagh's work.
In conclusion, Witness 8 is a gripping legal thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its complex characters and unpredictable twists, it's a must-read for fans of the genre.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
If you're a fan of authors like John Grisham or Michael Connelly, who masterfully blend legal intricacies with suspenseful storytelling, you'll likely enjoy Steve Cavanagh's work.
In conclusion, Witness 8 is a gripping legal thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its complex characters and unpredictable twists, it's a must-read for fans of the genre.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
Yes
Steve Cavanagh’s Fifty Fifty is the kind of thriller that grabs you by the collar, shoves you into a courtroom, and doesn’t let go until the final gavel drop. Two sisters, one dead father, and a legal battle where both claim the other is the murderer—this book is a masterclass in deception.
Cavanagh’s signature fast pacing keeps the pages flying, and the alternating perspectives (including one from the real killer) create a psychological game of cat and mouse. Eddie Flynn is back in action, and as usual, he’s a defense attorney you actually want on your side—sharp, relentless, and just a little bit morally flexible.
The best part? The guessing game. I had my suspicions, I made my predictions, and I was still second-guessing myself up until the big reveal. If you love legal thrillers packed with tension, sharp dialogue, and enough plot twists to make your head spin, Fifty Fifty is an absolute must-read.
Final verdict? Guilty of being unputdownable.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
Cavanagh’s signature fast pacing keeps the pages flying, and the alternating perspectives (including one from the real killer) create a psychological game of cat and mouse. Eddie Flynn is back in action, and as usual, he’s a defense attorney you actually want on your side—sharp, relentless, and just a little bit morally flexible.
The best part? The guessing game. I had my suspicions, I made my predictions, and I was still second-guessing myself up until the big reveal. If you love legal thrillers packed with tension, sharp dialogue, and enough plot twists to make your head spin, Fifty Fifty is an absolute must-read.
Final verdict? Guilty of being unputdownable.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Atria Books in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
"James" by Percival Everett is a profound reinterpretation of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn," focusing on the enslaved character Jim's viewpoint. This narrative delves deeply into themes of identity, freedom, and the complexities of human relationships. Set against the backdrop of pre-Civil War America, "James" chronicles the journey of Jim, an enslaved man seeking freedom. Readers see the harsh realities of slavery, the desire for freedom, and the complex relationships between people from different backgrounds. Everett masterfully intertwines adventure with poignant reflections, shedding light on the human condition under oppressive circumstances.
Jim emerges as a multifaceted protagonist, embodying resilience, intelligence, and profound humanity. His interactions with other characters, including Huck, are portrayed with depth, revealing the complexities of their bonds amidst societal constraints. Everett's portrayal challenges readers to reconsider preconceived notions and empathize with the nuanced experiences of those enslaved.
The pacing balances moments of tension with introspective passages, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Jim's journey. The novel's structure pays homage to Twain's original work while establishing its own distinct voice. Focusing on Jim, Everett highlights the voices of the marginalized, encouraging readers to consider themes of freedom, identity, and humanity.
Jim emerges as a multifaceted protagonist, embodying resilience, intelligence, and profound humanity. His interactions with other characters, including Huck, are portrayed with depth, revealing the complexities of their bonds amidst societal constraints. Everett's portrayal challenges readers to reconsider preconceived notions and empathize with the nuanced experiences of those enslaved.
The pacing balances moments of tension with introspective passages, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in Jim's journey. The novel's structure pays homage to Twain's original work while establishing its own distinct voice. Focusing on Jim, Everett highlights the voices of the marginalized, encouraging readers to consider themes of freedom, identity, and humanity.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book has been released in eBook and paperback. It will be available on audio on March 18, 2025. Thank you to Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks, Emily McIntire, and Netgalley for this ALC. It did not affect my review.
This book is not your typical romance book. It's not all fluff and love. It's a deep dive into past trauma, vulnerability, and healing. Jackson Rhoades is a 28-year-old mechanic with a wounded heart. He never thought he'd be responsible for a 19-year-old influencer, but since Blakely Donahue's dad is his boss, he can't say no. Blakely is far more complex than the carefully curated online persona she's created. She’s fighting battles no one sees, and Jackson—whether he likes it or not—becomes part of her journey.
What stood out to me most was the balance of emotional depth with romance. This isn’t a lighthearted love story—it’s raw, sometimes heavy, and deeply human. Blakely’s struggles felt heartbreakingly real, and Jackson’s quiet strength made him the kind of book boyfriend you can't help but root for. Their connection is slow-burning, complicated, and beautifully messy.
The narrators did an amazing job. I've loved Brooke Bloomington's work, but I was new to Liam DiCosimo. I can't wait to listen to more.
📖 Tropes you'll find in this book:
🔥 Age gap (9 years)
🏠 Forced proximity
💔 Damaged hero/protagonists with past trauma
👨👩👧👦 Found family elements
❤️🩹 Emotional healing through love
⏳ Slow-burn romance
🌸 Virgin heroine
⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
🔞 Explicit sexual scenes
😰 Panic attacks
💭 Anxiety disorder
🥀 Eating disorder
⚡ Past trauma
That said, if you’re looking for a romance that’s all about butterflies and grand gestures, this might not be the book for you. The love story explores broader themes like mental health, identity, and discovering self-worth beyond societal expectations. And for me, that made it all the more powerful. Don't get me wrong, though; there is a love story too.
If you love emotionally charged stories with complex characters and a romance that feels earned, this one’s for you. But be warned—it will hit you right in the feels.
🔥🥵 Spicy chapters are 32, 37, 38, 39, 48. 🥵🔥
This book is not your typical romance book. It's not all fluff and love. It's a deep dive into past trauma, vulnerability, and healing. Jackson Rhoades is a 28-year-old mechanic with a wounded heart. He never thought he'd be responsible for a 19-year-old influencer, but since Blakely Donahue's dad is his boss, he can't say no. Blakely is far more complex than the carefully curated online persona she's created. She’s fighting battles no one sees, and Jackson—whether he likes it or not—becomes part of her journey.
What stood out to me most was the balance of emotional depth with romance. This isn’t a lighthearted love story—it’s raw, sometimes heavy, and deeply human. Blakely’s struggles felt heartbreakingly real, and Jackson’s quiet strength made him the kind of book boyfriend you can't help but root for. Their connection is slow-burning, complicated, and beautifully messy.
The narrators did an amazing job. I've loved Brooke Bloomington's work, but I was new to Liam DiCosimo. I can't wait to listen to more.
📖 Tropes you'll find in this book:
🔥 Age gap (9 years)
🏠 Forced proximity
💔 Damaged hero/protagonists with past trauma
👨👩👧👦 Found family elements
❤️🩹 Emotional healing through love
⏳ Slow-burn romance
🌸 Virgin heroine
⚠️ Trigger Warnings:
🔞 Explicit sexual scenes
😰 Panic attacks
💭 Anxiety disorder
🥀 Eating disorder
⚡ Past trauma
That said, if you’re looking for a romance that’s all about butterflies and grand gestures, this might not be the book for you. The love story explores broader themes like mental health, identity, and discovering self-worth beyond societal expectations. And for me, that made it all the more powerful. Don't get me wrong, though; there is a love story too.
If you love emotionally charged stories with complex characters and a romance that feels earned, this one’s for you. But be warned—it will hit you right in the feels.
🔥🥵 Spicy chapters are 32, 37, 38, 39, 48. 🥵🔥
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
