emmreadsbooks's Reviews (1.28k)

I love it when a mystery constantly has you questioning your narrator. I found myself exclaiming about clues and red herrings as the story progressed. This story perfectly mixed a compelling plot with a cultural narrative all within the lush setting of New Zealand. I seriously loved it.

Isabella Maldonado did it again. Following up the cerebral thriller of The Cipher, we get a more subtle serial murderer with a connection to Nina's past. This book lets us delve into the relationships within Nina's team and allows for far more character growth than seen previously. I have high hopes that the next book will focus on Breck and allow Nina a small break from all of her trauma.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.*

To be honest I've never read Pride & Prejudice, but I don't feel like that's necessary to enjoy this book. This book is full of culture, poetry, and important social commentary that will keep you interested the entire time. Zuri is a devoted and determined narrator who really makes this story special. Overall a great read.

This book was the perfect follow-up to Lobizona. We were able to explore more of the world and meet new characters, all while on the run from the cazadores. This book had STAKES!

But moreover it had action, romance, social commentary, just basically everything you want in a book. Will there be a book 3? I don't know. But the ending left me frantically DMing Romina on instagram, so there's that.

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

This book took all of the great things from A Good Girl's Guide to Murder and amped it up to 11. This case is personal for Pip and the devotion shows. Adding in the multimedia of the podcast, Facebook, and Reddit made it even more immersive (though you can see DMs on the desktop version of Instagram, just saying) and I loved the twists. There were so many elements of the story that kept me turning pages and I'm so excited for the next book.

An atmospheric mystery on the beaches, plagued by a murder suspiciously similar to one 10 years prior... This book wasn't necessarily predictable, but I was able to discern who the murderer was quite early on. This is a slow burn mystery but didn't give me any thrills.

This book tells the story of 2 childhood friends, each individually plucked from obscurity and placed in the limelight. I loved how she described music, both in the sound itself and the process of playing it, within the book. Adding in the slow burn romance with the telltale sexism of the music industry really made this a book to remember. I loved the flashbacks, the gigs, the characters, and of course THE SOUNDTRACK! This is a perfect book for fans of Taylor Jones & The Six and Almost Famous.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*

This book was anything but half-baked. Farah Heron expertly weaves together culture and romance while maintaining a well-proved plot. She also discusses mental health, familial pressure, and what it means to make a home for yourself. Overall a beautiful book that I couldn't put down. Plus she includes recipes for some of the delicious food mentioned in the book which is a win in my book!

I can't help the bread references, don't be sour about it.

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange of an honest review*

This is a beautiful book that celebrates culture and body positivity all through the lens of a K-pop competition. Skye is a wonderful heroine, comfortable in her own skin and unafraid to show it. This book touches on fatphobia and cultural norms while never vilifying Skye for her beliefs. I'd totally be down for a second book if this were to become a series, but it's also perfect as a standalone.

This was a fun book about moms behaving badly and all the small town drama. I was laughing out loud at Bells' blogs as she evolved into the County Dutchess. Throughout the book we explore the many facets of motherhood as Bells navigates being 40 and pregnant, the pressures of college acceptances, and the standard overcommitments of the PTA. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants to read about motherhood through a more comedic lens or just needs a laugh.

*Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review*