3.5 stars rounded down for this well narrated audiobook. 

I’m going to admit that I probably would have DNFed this if I read a physical copy. Don’t get me wrong- the first chapter HOOKS you, but it does develop incredibly slowly from there.

However, the narration made the story quite enjoyable for me so it bridged the gap. 

I did end up guessing the ending, but still enjoyed the ride. 

This is a great, light read for a rainy day or to take on a flight with you. There’s a bit of romance, mystery, and supernatural suspense that will easily keep you engaged. 

It’s also a quick read! 

By no means is it ground breaking and it’s length means that the relationship developed rather quickly. Is it ground breaking? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes.

Deep Water is Emma Bramford’s debut novel that follows a couple’s adventure on the island of Amaranthe, What should have been a lighthearted adventure turns into something sinister that will change Virginie and Jake’s lives forever.

Sounds exciting, right?

Unfortunately for me, this book lacked any sort of excitement. 

Just about nothing happens for about 60% of the book aside from some simple tensions amongst a group of travelers roughing it on the island. 

I thought there were going to be some sort of horror elements thrown in with the discovery of ruins on the island, but that ended up leading nowhere and I’m honestly not sure why it was included. 

Overall, this book failed to deliver what it promised and didn’t end up feeling like much of a thriller. I will say that it is written beautifully- I could easily picture the island and the people on the island. 

However, there is only so much time you can spend on scenery.

Boy Parts is incredibly disturbing, casually violent, and absolutely repulsive in the best possible way.

We follow fetish photographer Irina as she collects men right of the street and shapes them into the subject of her troubling and uncomfortable photography. She consistently oversteps the line of consent and we eventually discover just how far she will go.

Everyone forgets, and everything disappears. The things you do, the things you are; it’s all nothing. Would anyone miss you, if you went away? Would anyone look for you? Would anyone listen, or even care, if I hurt you? If I put my hands around your neck and crushed your windpipe and chopped you up, would anyone find you? And if it’s a no to any of these, did you even exist in the first place? 

Perhaps one of the most uncomfortable books I have ever read and I suggest you proceed with caution.

Laura Kirman did a fantastic job narrating this book- I highly recommend the audiobook! 

While yes, I did predict whodunnit, I still enjoyed the ride and by go the last sentence was sooooo satisfying!

And while I usually complain about unlikable characters- I think the author managed to do them right. After all, you’re not supposed to like many of them anyway.

This book covers heavy topics such as sexual assault and child loss so please read with caution! 

Richmond House is the first installment of the Astoria Trilogy from Leigh Maynard. This is a contemporary gothic romance set in the Pacific Northwest that is a fast, creepy read with spice thrown in!

Greer was a sad child who was forever in the shadow of her mother who suffered from anorexia due to childhood trauma. The beginning of the book is rather heartbreaking as we’re quick to be introduced to the way her mother’s trauma has impacted Greer’s life.

I have to say I almost wish we could’ve seen more of this relationship as it really set the tone for the book!

Greer is a surprisingly well adjusted woman in her early twenties despite never knowing her father and parenting her mother. When her mother passes, she attempts to get to know her mother’s estranged family and THAT is where the drama starts.

The Richmond family is… creepy to say the least and fucking crazy to be entirely honest.

Greer’s grandfather Sterling is a PIECE. OF. WORK.

As Greer digs into her family’s past, she becomes close with an employee of her grandfather named Jace. They quickly form a relationship despite her grandfather’s warnings and Jace’s feelings of inadequacy- he’s from a low income family and the son of addicts.

I think this book does a great job of sucking you in and making your feel empathy for our FMC and MMC as we get to read this book through their dual POVs. Sometimes I dislike dual POVs in romance because the author just ruins the male love interest this way, but I didn’t find that to be the case here.

I gave this book a 3.5 (rounded down) for two reasons- I wanted more from this book and think it could’ve benefitted from another 50 pages so the ending and beginning were more fleshed out. I didn’t mind the cliffhanger, but dang it so much drama happened and I wish we’d spent a bit more time on it. 

Additionally, I’m not sure that the big family secret (or really one of them) was necessary to the plot line ((view spoiler)). I’m sure we’ll figure more of that out in the next book so I’ll happily adjust my rating if that ends up being the case! 

Thank you to Leigh for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!