heater43's Reviews (1.19k)

An intense, slow-burn psychological thriller that lingers long after the final page.

Anna Snoekstra delivers another gripping story in The Ones We Love, a novel steeped in secrets, tangled loyalties, and the dark shadows of family. The story opens with a chilling premise: the discovery of a hidden key that unlocks far more than just a door—it opens a Pandora’s box of past choices, betrayals, and uncomfortable truths.

The atmosphere is moody and claustrophobic, and the writing pulls you into a world where everyone seems to be hiding something. Snoekstra excels at creating tension through subtle character dynamics and complex emotional undercurrents. The pacing is deliberate, leaning more into psychological unease than action-packed thrills, which may not be for every reader—but if you love domestic noir, this hits the mark.

The characters are layered and flawed in a way that feels real. I especially appreciated how Snoekstra explores themes of trust, guilt, and the consequences of decisions made in desperation. The relationships—particularly between family members—are central to the story and feel authentic and emotionally charged.

While the ending was satisfying and well-earned, a few parts in the middle dragged slightly. A bit more momentum in the second act would have bumped this to a five-star read for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton  for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Where Evil Resides by L. B. Romero
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 

This one was different for me—in the best way. I don’t usually gravitate toward sci-fi, but Where Evil Resides completely pulled me in with its eerie atmosphere, slow-burning suspense, and haunting originality.

Set in the misty, mysterious Robur Copse, this story blends speculative sci-fi with psychological horror and a creeping sense of dread that never lets up. I genuinely didn’t know what to expect next, and that made the reading experience feel fresh and unforgettable.

L. B. Romero’s writing is cinematic and immersive—I could see the fog, feel the tension, and sense that something was deeply wrong in the woods. The plot was tight, the twists hit hard, and the sci-fi elements were thought-provoking without being overwhelming for a genre newbie like me.

If you’re looking for something outside the usual haunted house tropes, this book brings a smart, eerie twist to the idea of where evil truly resides.

Highly recommend for fans of dark speculative fiction, mysterious small towns, and sci-fi with a sinister edge. 👁️🌲💀

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I'm still reeling from the clever twists and turns in Bookmail by Jason R. Davis. This captivating story had me hooked from the start, with it's unique blend of horror,mystery and suspense and the literary wit was on point. There are Triggers so please check them out! The author's love for storytelling shines through on every page, making this a must-read for book lovers, I mean who doesn't want to be a book influencer ?

From the first page of Parents Weekend, I was hooked—and Alex Finlay never let go. This is everything I love in a thriller: an ominous setting, complex characters, and secrets that unravel at just the right pace. The college campus backdrop layered with the emotional stakes of missing students and panicked parents adds an intense and relatable urgency.

The alternating points of view kept me on my toes, and just when I thought I had it figured out… plot twist! Finlay knows how to weave suspense and emotion masterfully, giving us characters we care about while pulling us deeper into the mystery.

It’s chilling, timely, and impossible to put down. Highly recommend for fans of smart, character-driven thrillers that make your heart race and your mind spin.

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc

We Live Here Now by Sarah Pinborough is everything I want in a haunting psychological thriller. This isn’t just a haunted house story—it’s a slow burn that crawls under your skin and stays there. The writing is atmospheric, the characters are complex, and the plot twist? Jaw-dropping.

Pinborough masterfully blends grief, secrets, and the supernatural into a deeply emotional, eerie, and satisfying story. The house almost becomes a character itself, and I was captivated from the first unsettling moment to the last.

Absolutely chilling, emotionally rich, and beautifully written. I couldn’t stop listening. Five stars!

Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the audiobook! So grateful for the chance to listen early. 🎧📚

Of Earthly Delights” reminded me why I fell in love with YA in the first place. It’s dark, clever, and full of that moody atmosphere I didn’t realize I’d been craving. Goldy Moldavsky masterfully weaves together gothic aesthetics, biting humor, and a layered, twisty plot that kept me turning the pages.

I was hooked from the first chapter. The world is deliciously eerie, with just the right balance of mystery and satire. And those sharp character dynamics? Loved every minute of the drama. It felt like Heathers and The Secret History had a dark, floral baby—and I mean that in the best way.

This is for fans of offbeat, brainy heroines, secret societies, and moral grayness. The themes sneak up on you, but they land hard—art, obsession, beauty, and the cost of belonging.

I docked a star just because a few pacing moments dipped for me, but overall? I’m obsessed. YA is back in my life, and I’m not mad about it.