emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

Just perfection, the comedic cozy mystery I've come to expect from Jesse Q Sutanto. It's even better on audio as Eunice Wong encapsulates Vera and her sassy inner monologue. I did guess the killer from the beginning, but it was definitely pure luck. What's more important to this book is the glimpse we get into each character and their struggles. From the struggling artist to the stay at home mother, the cast is unique and wholly lovable. I'd love to see more books in this universe, especially with Vera leading the sleuthing charge.

*Thank you to PRH Audio for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

It's funny and it gave me feelings, so overall a great title. Farley and Meyer just need their cheeks squeezed, followed by smushing their faces together and screaming "NOW KISS". This was a fun friends to lovers, mixed with fake dating and workplace romance. I enjoyed the incorporation of ASL throughout and how respectfully they treated Hazel as a member of the deaf community. Honestly I would've loved to see Farley's sets live because her imitation of a bumblebee just killed me. It was a bit difficult at times following the PoV and timeline switches, but still heartwarming nonetheless. Mad respect for those s'mores bars.

Finally an Ashley Schumacher book that doesn't make me want to curl up and sob. It's charming, wholesome, and COZY! I'm a sucker for any book set at a renaissance fair, especially when we get to see all of the behind the scenes action. Uh YES give me a moat that functions as a lazy river please. Maddie is still processing her mom's death when she gets to the faire, but she's quickly swept off her feet by an annoying bard who asks her to be the faire's princess. While coping with her grief and body image issues, she begins to fall back in love with Stormsworth (and Arthurrrrrr). I really enjoyed the discussion on the idea of fate and letting yourself be spontaneous. Also a huge shoutout to the Target saleswoman because being plus size in a dressing room is no joke. If you need a sweet and easy read, pick this up stat.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

Ruth Ware isn't a sure bet author for me - we have a very tenuous relationship of hits or misses. But MAN was this a hit for me. Hired as a penetration specialist, Jack is uniquely qualified for infiltration and extraction. She just didn't expect to be escaping her life as she knew it. Between the mysterious countdown of days as chapter titles, the twists and turns as the plot unfolds, and the high octane writing, this is a definite win for thriller fans. It's definitely a departure from her slow and winding mysteries, rather full of action and travel. I really hope that she sticks with this style for future books, because I could get used to this.

*Thank you to Scout Press and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

The cutest coziest fantasy to ever exist, HONEST. I've been recommending this to all of my fantasy-averse friends because it's just so low key and happy. Who can't relate to wanting to quit your job and go after a passion project? I'd love to read more in this series, especially about Cal and Thimble. I definitely thought that this was going to be a steamy romance, but it leans much more into sweet small town vibes. I'm not even a huge coffee fan, but this gave me pastry cravings like nobody's business. There are already some little novellas set in the universe, but I'd be excited to see another full-on book.

I'm a sucker for a supernatural thriller, especially ones featuring dramatic irony so heavily. As the reader, we know EXACTLY what's going on in the town of Bishop. At times I found myself yelling "DON'T GO IN THERE!", because god damn. In a town where so many women go missing or die of strange circumstances, we follow a found family of 4 teenagers. Alternating between their perspectives, we unravel the secrets of Bishop and find the truth about what really happened to their mothers. I loved the use of the wind as a supernatural entity and how the land truly felt like a character. Will I ever look at a sunflower in the same way? Hell no. But this is a really quick and enjoyable supernatural thriller with some heavy themes.

*Thank you to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review*

I think reading the complete trilogy back to back was a mistake, namely because they all bled together. And by that, I mean that I don't feel like I can properly review each novella. That being said, I enjoyed the concept of the series. Math as a magic system? Uh yeah, I love it. The pacing felt a bit off at times, likely from me transitioning between novellas without noticing. I also agree with most reviewers here that Binti is the strongest of the 3 novellas, and then they begin to go downhill. That being said, I liked that we get to explore the world further as the series progresses, learning about other alien races and customs. 

PSA: Don't read this right before bed! This book is perfect for anyone who grew up in the Goosebumps error and is justifiably terrified of Slappy the dummy. However we delve into the art of puppetry and family drama, and all of the secrets they entail. Mark and Louise function perfectly as estranged siblings, united as they face their parents' deaths and the house of horrors they left behind. It's certainly horrific, but missing Grady Hendrix's trademark camp. In some ways that made it feel scarier, but also didn't make it a horror novel that I'll want to keep forever. But god damn I'm glad that I don't own any dolls or puppets, I'm sticking with stuffed animals y'all. 

I love me some Roshani Chokshi and this felt like a totally new genre for her. I've read middle grade and YA, but The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is something ELSE! It's dark and gothic, fueled by the mystery around Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada and the House of Dreams. The alternating POVs between the bridegroom and Azure only added to the mystery, leaving me hanging onto every word as the story unfolded. I definitely want to read my physical copy because I feel like I missed some crucial clues! I don't know how to properly describe this book, sort of like a gothic Scheherazade meets The Magician's Nephew? The C.S. Lewis vibes are certainly present, but reimagined in a way that feels wholly unique. It creates this magical realism thriller that doesn't quite fit any one genre and I loved it.

*Thank you to LibroFM for an ALC in exchange for my honest review*

Nic Stone writes some of the most striking novels, even with relatively small page count. This book explores issues like alcoholism and bipolar disorder, as well as what it feels like to lose yourself entirely in a friendship. I loved Shelbi and Andy's text exchanges, especially as they were narrated by Nic herself and Dion Graham. Literally 2 of my favorite narrators on the planet. And while we explore their respective traumas, we also gain insight into those of their parents. I also loved how we get a letter from the author before we see the epilogue, especially since it staunchly defends destigmatizing mental health issues. All hail Nic Stone, queen of hard hitting YA that gives you a little cuddle after.

*Thank you to Crown Books and NetGalley for an ARC and PRH Audio for an ALC, both in exchange for my honest review*