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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Aphordite: A Humorous Regency Novel
Author: D.G. Rampton
Book Series: Regency Goddesses Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, historical romance
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 328
Synopsis: When the beautiful Miss April Hartwood arrives in London to be introduced to Regency high society, she hopes for some fun and frivolity after a life spent in rural obscurity in Cornwall. Unfortunately for her, her grandmother has other ideas...marriage.
Lively and strong-willed, April does not appreciate being compelled to catch a husband. Yet, before long, she finds herself courting the affections of the Duke of Claredon, while struggling with a wholly inappropriate attraction to the insufferable Mr Royce.
In the lead up to Christmas, in the year 1820, a delightfully devious campaign is orchestrated to bring together two people destined for one another, regardless of the obstacles to be overcome and the inconvenient tendency on the part of the protagonists to resist their attraction...until they are finally brought to realise they cannot escape fate, or the meddling of one determined grandmother!
Review: Awww this was a cute romance! I loved the story and it might be because I just watched Pride and Prejudice with my movie watching friends (@abookloversplaylist and co), but it was so cute and I adored it. The characters were well done, the storyline was interesting, and I enjoyed this book.
My only issue is the pacing. It's so slow in most spots and I'm used to faster paced books.
Verdict: This was adorable!
Book: Aphordite: A Humorous Regency Novel
Author: D.G. Rampton
Book Series: Regency Goddesses Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: romance lovers, historical romance
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Genre: Historical Romance
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 328
Synopsis: When the beautiful Miss April Hartwood arrives in London to be introduced to Regency high society, she hopes for some fun and frivolity after a life spent in rural obscurity in Cornwall. Unfortunately for her, her grandmother has other ideas...marriage.
Lively and strong-willed, April does not appreciate being compelled to catch a husband. Yet, before long, she finds herself courting the affections of the Duke of Claredon, while struggling with a wholly inappropriate attraction to the insufferable Mr Royce.
In the lead up to Christmas, in the year 1820, a delightfully devious campaign is orchestrated to bring together two people destined for one another, regardless of the obstacles to be overcome and the inconvenient tendency on the part of the protagonists to resist their attraction...until they are finally brought to realise they cannot escape fate, or the meddling of one determined grandmother!
Review: Awww this was a cute romance! I loved the story and it might be because I just watched Pride and Prejudice with my movie watching friends (@abookloversplaylist and co), but it was so cute and I adored it. The characters were well done, the storyline was interesting, and I enjoyed this book.
My only issue is the pacing. It's so slow in most spots and I'm used to faster paced books.
Verdict: This was adorable!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Curse of Ash and Embers
Author: Jo Spurrier
Book Series: Tales of the Blackbone Witches Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: paranormal, fantasy, magic
Publication Date: November 3, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (child abuse TW (emotional, verbal, physical), domestic violence, misogyny, dissociation, suicide TW, gore, death, violence, kidnapping TW)
Publisher: Voyager
Pages: 368
Synopsis: A dead witch. A bitter curse. A battle of magic.
Some people knit socks by the fire at night. Gyssha Blackbone made monsters.
But the old witch is dead now, and somehow it's Elodie's job to clean up the mess.
When she was hired at Black Oak Cottage, Elodie had no idea she'd find herself working for a witch; and her acid-tongued new mistress, Aleida, was not expecting a housemaid to turn up on her doorstep.
Gyssha's final curse left Aleida practically dead on her feet, and now, with huge monsters roaming the woods, a demonic tree lurking in the orchard and an angry warlock demanding repayment of a debt, Aleida needs Elodie's help, whether she likes it or not.
And no matter what the old witch throws at her, to Elodie it's still better than going back home.
Review: Overall, I liked the book. The book was very atmospheric and perfect for the Halloween season! The book had witches and darkness and things that go bump in the night! The characters were likeable and well developed. The world building was amazingly well done. I liked this book!
The only issues I had with the book is that the pacing was a bit too slow in my opinion and the plot was a bit hit or miss in places. Sometimes I got fed up with the book and had to walk away from it. The book also talks about a lot of very tough subjects and it’s a really hard read, especially for someone like me who has somewhat thick skin.
Verdict: It was good!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Disenchanted
Author: Brianna Sugalski
Book Series: Disenchanted Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: vampire lovers, fantasy lovers, ya readers, romance lovers
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, romance, language, death, violence, gore)
Publisher: The Parliament House Press
Pages: 456
Synopsis: A Breton princess at the peak of the French Renaissance, Lilac lives prisoner in her parents' castle after a wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her tenth birthday soirée. Years later, her coronation ceremony looms, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobleman bent on snatching the throne, Lilac prepares for the worst... Until a mysterious letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to cure her darkness forever.
Lilac begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande in pursuit of the impious enchantress at the edge of town. With only the protection of an inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—she must traverse Brocèliande and return in time to claim her rightful position as sovereign monarch.
This is the story of a cursed princess,
A crestfallen killer,
The town that wants them to burn,
And the witch that can save them both.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. I thought the author excelled at world building and I love all the lore she put into the book. The book did well to keep me intrigued in the story as well and the pacing was very on point.
However, wow I didn’t realize that this was a vampire romance book and I was thrown for a loop when I did realize it. The cover does not give that vibe at all lol. The book also had some weird writing, with the characters using modern language and swears and the characters doing some really weird things. The book was also super predictable.
Verdict: It was good, just needs some work.
Book: Disenchanted
Author: Brianna Sugalski
Book Series: Disenchanted Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: vampire lovers, fantasy lovers, ya readers, romance lovers
Publication Date: March 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, romance, language, death, violence, gore)
Publisher: The Parliament House Press
Pages: 456
Synopsis: A Breton princess at the peak of the French Renaissance, Lilac lives prisoner in her parents' castle after a wicked secret is revealed on the eve of her tenth birthday soirée. Years later, her coronation ceremony looms, and between the riotous townsfolk and scheming nobleman bent on snatching the throne, Lilac prepares for the worst... Until a mysterious letter arrives from The Witch of Lupine Grotto, detailing a curious offer to cure her darkness forever.
Lilac begrudgingly trades her coronet for a cloak and ventures into the forest Brocéliande in pursuit of the impious enchantress at the edge of town. With only the protection of an inherited dagger—and unsolicited help of the sardonic stranger who inserts himself on her quest—she must traverse Brocèliande and return in time to claim her rightful position as sovereign monarch.
This is the story of a cursed princess,
A crestfallen killer,
The town that wants them to burn,
And the witch that can save them both.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. I thought the author excelled at world building and I love all the lore she put into the book. The book did well to keep me intrigued in the story as well and the pacing was very on point.
However, wow I didn’t realize that this was a vampire romance book and I was thrown for a loop when I did realize it. The cover does not give that vibe at all lol. The book also had some weird writing, with the characters using modern language and swears and the characters doing some really weird things. The book was also super predictable.
Verdict: It was good, just needs some work.
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Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Dreams of the Dying
Author: Nicolas Lietzau
Book Series: Enderal Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Many LGBT+ characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller
Publication Date: October 20, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, violence, gore, mental illness, horror)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 728
Synopsis: Years after a harrowing war experience, ex-mercenary Jespar Dal’Varek has taken to drifting. It’s a lonely existence, but barring the occasional bout of melancholia, he has found the closest thing to peace a man like him deserves. Life is “all right.”
Or so he tells himself. Hoping to turn the page, Jespar accepts a mysterious invitation into the beautiful but dangerous archipelago of Kilay—and everything changes. Plagued by boiling social tensions and terrorism, the tropical empire is edging ever closer to civil war. Kilay’s merchant king may be the only one able to prevent this catastrophe, but he has fallen into a preternatural coma—and it’s Jespar’s job to figure out who or what caused it. As the investigation takes him across the archipelago and into the king’s nightmares, unexpected events not only tie Jespar’s own life to the mystery but also unearth inner demons he believed to be long exorcised.
Battling old trauma while fighting for his life, his sanity, and the fate of Kilay, the line between dream and reality blurs further and further, until only one question remains: If your mind is the enemy, where do you run?
A unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and psychological horror, Dreams of the Dying is a haunting exploration of mental illness, morality, and the dark sides of humanity.
Review: For the most part this was a well done book. The book did well with having an unique plot with many diverse characters. I loved the symbolism and I thought the plot was promising. The book also had well done world building.
However, I did think that the characters weren’t as developed as they could have been and some of them were not as personable as other characters. I also thought the book was a bit too slow and that that the way the story was written was a bit wonky.
Verdict: It’s really good!
Book: Dreams of the Dying
Author: Nicolas Lietzau
Book Series: Enderal Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Many LGBT+ characters
Recommended For...: fantasy, horror, mystery, thriller
Publication Date: October 20, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, violence, gore, mental illness, horror)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 728
Synopsis: Years after a harrowing war experience, ex-mercenary Jespar Dal’Varek has taken to drifting. It’s a lonely existence, but barring the occasional bout of melancholia, he has found the closest thing to peace a man like him deserves. Life is “all right.”
Or so he tells himself. Hoping to turn the page, Jespar accepts a mysterious invitation into the beautiful but dangerous archipelago of Kilay—and everything changes. Plagued by boiling social tensions and terrorism, the tropical empire is edging ever closer to civil war. Kilay’s merchant king may be the only one able to prevent this catastrophe, but he has fallen into a preternatural coma—and it’s Jespar’s job to figure out who or what caused it. As the investigation takes him across the archipelago and into the king’s nightmares, unexpected events not only tie Jespar’s own life to the mystery but also unearth inner demons he believed to be long exorcised.
Battling old trauma while fighting for his life, his sanity, and the fate of Kilay, the line between dream and reality blurs further and further, until only one question remains: If your mind is the enemy, where do you run?
A unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and psychological horror, Dreams of the Dying is a haunting exploration of mental illness, morality, and the dark sides of humanity.
Review: For the most part this was a well done book. The book did well with having an unique plot with many diverse characters. I loved the symbolism and I thought the plot was promising. The book also had well done world building.
However, I did think that the characters weren’t as developed as they could have been and some of them were not as personable as other characters. I also thought the book was a bit too slow and that that the way the story was written was a bit wonky.
Verdict: It’s really good!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Warriors of Wing and Flame
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: Sister books, duology, fantasy, viking inspired, romance
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 382
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, sexual content, romance)
Synopsis: The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.
In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book and series immensely. The book did well with the character development and I loved seeing Inara's voice more in this book. The world building was great, the pacing was good, and I really enjoyed the plot and ending.
The only things I didn't like were that the tone of the book felt a bit too somber for it in certain parts and that the book had too much action for a tone that was somber and emotional. Don't get me wrong, it was emotional and sometimes heartbreaking, but in the action scenes I felt a little depressed.
Verdict: it's a good series!!
Book: Warriors of Wing and Flame
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: Sister books, duology, fantasy, viking inspired, romance
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 382
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, sexual content, romance)
Synopsis: The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.
In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book and series immensely. The book did well with the character development and I loved seeing Inara's voice more in this book. The world building was great, the pacing was good, and I really enjoyed the plot and ending.
The only things I didn't like were that the tone of the book felt a bit too somber for it in certain parts and that the book had too much action for a tone that was somber and emotional. Don't get me wrong, it was emotional and sometimes heartbreaking, but in the action scenes I felt a little depressed.
Verdict: it's a good series!!
Disclaimer: I received this book from @enchanted_fandoms in a book box of theirs. Thanks! Make sure to purchase from your favorite small bookish shops and sub boxes! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sisters of Shadow and Light
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, sister stories
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (child abuse, starvation, slight sexual content, violence, gore)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world--including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father's Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a "roar" that drowns everything else out--leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world...until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Review: Overall I really enjoyed this book! It had a great story and plot. The story hooked me right into it and I fell in love with the sisters. The character development was very well done and I felt like the world building was amazing as well.
The only issue I had with the book was that the book was rushed at the end in my opinion and I felt like the book would have been better on a bigger cliffhanger.
Verdict: It was great! Definitely read!
Book: Sisters of Shadow and Light
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, sister stories
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (child abuse, starvation, slight sexual content, violence, gore)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world--including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father's Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a "roar" that drowns everything else out--leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world...until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Review: Overall I really enjoyed this book! It had a great story and plot. The story hooked me right into it and I fell in love with the sisters. The character development was very well done and I felt like the world building was amazing as well.
The only issue I had with the book was that the book was rushed at the end in my opinion and I felt like the book would have been better on a bigger cliffhanger.
Verdict: It was great! Definitely read!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Chanel Sisters
Author: Judithe Little
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, fashion, Chanel
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (grief, romance, sexual content)
Publisher: Graydon House
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Antoinette and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel know they’re destined for something better. Abandoned by their family years before, they’ve grown up under the guidance of pious nuns preparing them for simple lives as the wives of tradesmen or shopkeepers. At night, their secret stash of romantic novels and magazine cutouts beneath the floorboards are all they have to keep their dreams of the future alive.
The walls of the convent can’t shield them forever, and when they’re finally of age, the Chanel sisters set out together with a fierce determination to prove themselves worthy to a society that has never accepted them. Their journey propels them out of poverty and to the stylish cafés of Moulins, the dazzling performance halls of Vichy—and to a small hat shop on the rue Cambon in Paris, where a business takes hold and expands to the glamorous French resort towns. But when World War I breaks out, their lives are irrevocably changed, and the sisters must gather the courage to fashion their own places in the world, even if apart from each other.
Review: For the most part I thought the book was pretty good. It felt well researched and I liked the voice of the narrator. I felt the book was well written, the characters well developed, and the world building was solid.
However, I did feel like the book felt more like a nonfiction than a fiction book. The book also glossed over Chanel’s involvement with Nazis and her time in occupied Paris was not mentioned. The author’s note addressed it, but the omission of it felt like hiding a lie. I feel like we do that sometimes with historical figures. We gloss over the bad and honor the good. But no one is without fault. Even Mother Theresa did bad and evil things. If we’re going to talk candidly about someone, we should talk about their whole being and not just the cherry picked parts.
Verdict: It was good, but not a total account.
Book: The Chanel Sisters
Author: Judithe Little
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, fashion, Chanel
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (grief, romance, sexual content)
Publisher: Graydon House
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Antoinette and Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel know they’re destined for something better. Abandoned by their family years before, they’ve grown up under the guidance of pious nuns preparing them for simple lives as the wives of tradesmen or shopkeepers. At night, their secret stash of romantic novels and magazine cutouts beneath the floorboards are all they have to keep their dreams of the future alive.
The walls of the convent can’t shield them forever, and when they’re finally of age, the Chanel sisters set out together with a fierce determination to prove themselves worthy to a society that has never accepted them. Their journey propels them out of poverty and to the stylish cafés of Moulins, the dazzling performance halls of Vichy—and to a small hat shop on the rue Cambon in Paris, where a business takes hold and expands to the glamorous French resort towns. But when World War I breaks out, their lives are irrevocably changed, and the sisters must gather the courage to fashion their own places in the world, even if apart from each other.
Review: For the most part I thought the book was pretty good. It felt well researched and I liked the voice of the narrator. I felt the book was well written, the characters well developed, and the world building was solid.
However, I did feel like the book felt more like a nonfiction than a fiction book. The book also glossed over Chanel’s involvement with Nazis and her time in occupied Paris was not mentioned. The author’s note addressed it, but the omission of it felt like hiding a lie. I feel like we do that sometimes with historical figures. We gloss over the bad and honor the good. But no one is without fault. Even Mother Theresa did bad and evil things. If we’re going to talk candidly about someone, we should talk about their whole being and not just the cherry picked parts.
Verdict: It was good, but not a total account.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Last To See Her
Author: Courtney Evan Tate
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Recommended For...: thriller, suspense, mystery
Publication Date: December 15, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: A woman disappears into the dark city night…
Gen is on the verge of a divorce from her cheating husband. When her sister, Meg, has a convention to attend in the Big Apple, she invites Gen along to celebrate her newly found freedom. But the perfect sisters’ getaway quickly goes awry when a tipsy Gen defiantly throws her wedding ring off the hotel room’s balcony. Then, wanting some fresh air, she decides to take a late-evening walk alone and vanishes without a trace.
The investigation that follows uncovers secrets—and betrayals—between sisters and spouses that will twist the truth in on itself until nothing is clear.
What really happened to Gen and who, besides Meg, was the last to see her?
Review: I had to DNF this one. The book had a lot of issues, including that the mental illness in this book was wrote badly and the story of it wasn’t consistent, two main characters names were switched constantly, Gen’s mother is named Gin and in an audiobook that will be too confusing, the criminal justice system was grossly misrepresented, the writing was just bad altogether, and it got to a point where I was so angry while reading this book.
Verdict: It was not for me.
Book: The Last To See Her
Author: Courtney Evan Tate
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Recommended For...: thriller, suspense, mystery
Publication Date: December 15, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: A woman disappears into the dark city night…
Gen is on the verge of a divorce from her cheating husband. When her sister, Meg, has a convention to attend in the Big Apple, she invites Gen along to celebrate her newly found freedom. But the perfect sisters’ getaway quickly goes awry when a tipsy Gen defiantly throws her wedding ring off the hotel room’s balcony. Then, wanting some fresh air, she decides to take a late-evening walk alone and vanishes without a trace.
The investigation that follows uncovers secrets—and betrayals—between sisters and spouses that will twist the truth in on itself until nothing is clear.
What really happened to Gen and who, besides Meg, was the last to see her?
Review: I had to DNF this one. The book had a lot of issues, including that the mental illness in this book was wrote badly and the story of it wasn’t consistent, two main characters names were switched constantly, Gen’s mother is named Gin and in an audiobook that will be too confusing, the criminal justice system was grossly misrepresented, the writing was just bad altogether, and it got to a point where I was so angry while reading this book.
Verdict: It was not for me.
Disclaimer: I received the e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Wrong Alibi
Author: Christina Dodd
Book Series: Murder in Alaska Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: thriller, mystery, suspense
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (death, gore, violence, romance, sexual content, language)
Publisher: HQN Books
Pages: 384
Synopsis: WRONG JOB
Eighteen-year-old Evelyn Jones lands a job in small-town Alaska, working for a man in his isolated mountain home. But her bright hopes for the future are shattered when Donald White disappears, leaving her to face charges of theft, embezzlement—and a brutal double murder. Her protestations of innocence count for nothing. Convicted, she faces life in prison…until fate sends her on the run.
WRONG NAME
Evelyn’s escape leaves her scarred and in hiding, isolated from her family, working under an alias at a wilderness camp. Bent on vengeance, intent on recovering her life, she bides her time, patiently searching for the man who took everything from her.
WRONG ALIBI
At last, the day comes. Donald White has returned. Evelyn emerges from hiding; the fugitive becomes the hunter. But in her mind, she hears the whisper of other forces at work. Now Evelyn must untangle the threads of evidence before she’s once again found with blood on her hands: the blood of her own family…
Review: For the most part, this was a good book. The setting and tone of the book is perfect for the genre, the story is intriguing and kept me interested in the book, and I liked the world building. I also felt that the twists were fairly good and, while predictable, was really good.
However, I couldn’t connect with the characters. They all feel flat and uninteresting and their development wasn’t that well done.
Verdict: It was good, just needs a bit more character development.
Book: Wrong Alibi
Author: Christina Dodd
Book Series: Murder in Alaska Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: thriller, mystery, suspense
Publication Date: December 29, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (death, gore, violence, romance, sexual content, language)
Publisher: HQN Books
Pages: 384
Synopsis: WRONG JOB
Eighteen-year-old Evelyn Jones lands a job in small-town Alaska, working for a man in his isolated mountain home. But her bright hopes for the future are shattered when Donald White disappears, leaving her to face charges of theft, embezzlement—and a brutal double murder. Her protestations of innocence count for nothing. Convicted, she faces life in prison…until fate sends her on the run.
WRONG NAME
Evelyn’s escape leaves her scarred and in hiding, isolated from her family, working under an alias at a wilderness camp. Bent on vengeance, intent on recovering her life, she bides her time, patiently searching for the man who took everything from her.
WRONG ALIBI
At last, the day comes. Donald White has returned. Evelyn emerges from hiding; the fugitive becomes the hunter. But in her mind, she hears the whisper of other forces at work. Now Evelyn must untangle the threads of evidence before she’s once again found with blood on her hands: the blood of her own family…
Review: For the most part, this was a good book. The setting and tone of the book is perfect for the genre, the story is intriguing and kept me interested in the book, and I liked the world building. I also felt that the twists were fairly good and, while predictable, was really good.
However, I couldn’t connect with the characters. They all feel flat and uninteresting and their development wasn’t that well done.
Verdict: It was good, just needs a bit more character development.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Good Enough
Author: Gemma Donoghue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: contemporary fans, ya readers
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide TW, romance, slight gore and violence)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 273
Synopsis: Ten facts about myself.
1. My name is Simon Baker.
2. I'm seventeen years old.
3. I have two sisters. Jessica, who's fourteen and Bailey who's twelve.
4. My parents aren't divorced, they're still together.
5. We live in a nice two-story house in a nice neighborhood.
6. My parents don't do drugs, they don't even drink that often, and neither do I.
7. My parents have never hit us, they've never kept us locked up in the basement or kicked us out of the house.
8. No one has ever touched me in the wrong place.
9. I've been to parties and I've been in a few fights but never over anything serious.
10. I didn't try to kill myself.
Except that Simon wakes up to find that his parents have had him committed to Palmdale Psychiatric Hospital after a failed suicide attempt. Simon wasn't normal and he knew it. He was struggling after losing his best -and only- friend, with being an outcast at school. He tries his best to pretend that everything is okay, but there is still a part of him that he would always keep locked away from everyone else.
Here, Simon meets the other patients and is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety and depression. His healing process has just begun when he meets Oliver, another patient, who changes his life.
Review: For the most part, this was a good book. The book instantly drew me in. The story was intriguing and the characters were well developed. The author has a wonderful writing style and I really loved how beautiful the book was.
The only issues I had were that I wish there was more world building and I wish the book was a bit longer.
Verdict: It was great! Get the tissue box ready!
Book: Good Enough
Author: Gemma Donoghue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: contemporary fans, ya readers
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide TW, romance, slight gore and violence)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 273
Synopsis: Ten facts about myself.
1. My name is Simon Baker.
2. I'm seventeen years old.
3. I have two sisters. Jessica, who's fourteen and Bailey who's twelve.
4. My parents aren't divorced, they're still together.
5. We live in a nice two-story house in a nice neighborhood.
6. My parents don't do drugs, they don't even drink that often, and neither do I.
7. My parents have never hit us, they've never kept us locked up in the basement or kicked us out of the house.
8. No one has ever touched me in the wrong place.
9. I've been to parties and I've been in a few fights but never over anything serious.
10. I didn't try to kill myself.
Except that Simon wakes up to find that his parents have had him committed to Palmdale Psychiatric Hospital after a failed suicide attempt. Simon wasn't normal and he knew it. He was struggling after losing his best -and only- friend, with being an outcast at school. He tries his best to pretend that everything is okay, but there is still a part of him that he would always keep locked away from everyone else.
Here, Simon meets the other patients and is finally able to confront the sources of his anxiety and depression. His healing process has just begun when he meets Oliver, another patient, who changes his life.
Review: For the most part, this was a good book. The book instantly drew me in. The story was intriguing and the characters were well developed. The author has a wonderful writing style and I really loved how beautiful the book was.
The only issues I had were that I wish there was more world building and I wish the book was a bit longer.
Verdict: It was great! Get the tissue box ready!