Thanks to Sourcebooks Landmark for the copy of this ARC!

Man. I kept putting this book off because I was *only* seeing fantastic reviews and I was highly anticipating it after loving Julie Clark’s 2020 book, The Last Flight. I finally picked it up and, of course, should’ve just picked it up months ago! Julie does the Dual POV impeccably well, and in this book I loved going back between con artist and journalist. The whole premise of lies, deception, and blurred lines made for a fast-paced and compulsive read, and I just love where everything ended up. Love love love Julie’s writing!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for gifted ARC.

Shea Ernshaw is an author that continually blows me away with consistent five-star reads. A Wilderness of Stars diverges from Shea's typical witchy YA magic toward astronomy and settlements, while incorporating her skill as a mystery/thriller author. She keeps the prose atmospheric and focused on natural elements, strong female characters, and sweet romance. Our MC Vega goes on quite the journey in this book in more of a slowburn mystery style, and the ending will make your jaw drop. I stayed up until midnight to finish this because I could *NOT* put it down. Safe to say at this point, Shea has moved right up to the tippy top of my favorite authors list and I'll be ruminating over this book for awhile.

Gutted

3.5⭐️

Thanks to Macmillan Audio for the complimentary audiobook!

The Villa was a really fun audio experience - I loved the full cast and fast-paced, easy listening. I also really enjoy stories that center around authors, past murders, and vacation homes, so this had a lot of winning elements for me. In general, I’ve found that Rachel Hawkins thrillers are good for when I need something entertaining and easy to listen to, where I don’t have to think hard about what’s happening. They’re predictable and perfect for my brain on hard weeks. Definitely recommend saving this one for an overwhelming week when you just need to escape a bit!

3.5 ⭐️

Mostly a YA-style Addie LaRue? Quick and good read, but predictable. Will still probably read book 2

Merged review:

3.5 ⭐️

Mostly a YA-style Addie LaRue? Quick and good read, but predictable. Will still probably read book 2

4.5 ⭐️

Thanks to Sourcebooks Fire for the copy of this ARC!

I haven't read Dystopian YA for awhile, but The Stranded took me right back to my Hunger Games / Divergent days where I just didn't want to put a book down! This book takes place aboard a cruise ship-turned-refugee quarantine ship, The Arcadia, which has glaring classism, a strained good citizen/rebel dynamic, and terrifying enforcement officers. Anxiety levels were HIGH while reading this action-packed piece, and I loved the multiple POVs from characters in various parts of the ship. Everything came together so well, the twists were good, and I can't wait for book two!

DNF - wasn’t connecting and couldn’t handle a numbered list on every third page.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Minotaur Books for the ARC!

“After all, violence always comes to us in ways we could never expect: quickly, quietly. Masked as something else.”

Stacy Willingham does it again! Another five-star thriller that completely captivated me. The pacing was perfect, holding my attention the entire time, with twists (that I couldn’t guess!) in all the right places. Although missing child stories can be hard to read as a mom, this one was really well done from the perspective of a mother MC. I loved the domestic suspense, unreliable narrator, and podcast element. Total win!