rebeccasreadingrambles's Reviews (3.06k)

Annnd I'm crying. I love historical fiction when it brings out so many emotions in me, even though I KNOW what happens because it's well known history. That's how I can say that this book was written beautifully when I care about these characters and their relationships and history; all while knowing in the back of my head what their fates are. I haven't read any books about Mary before and now I need to read more! My heart breaks for her and all the women of this time who are just trying to survive. BY the end of this book I felt the claustrophobia and beating desire to escape and feel the fresh air, just as Mary did.  Beautiful!

Note: I LOVED the narration of this audiobook!

Thanks to the publisher for a free copy to review; my thoughts and review are my own.

I loved this book! I jumped into this series with this book, but it was incredibly easy to join in late, the characters are vivid and there is a smallish recurring cast.  This book was super cozy, but didn't shy away from some serious issues. I adore Julia so much. She is so kind and smart and determined and I just admire how much she cares for others.  I also love her relationship with Barker where they truly feel like caring equals with a great rapport. I so appreciate that even though he is a police officer, he trusts her completely and doesn't talk down to her or underestimate her and allows her to follow her instincts and supports her (this is very rare in cozies with a police officer love interest to an amateur sleuth).  I just loved the story and the writing even though some parts were heartbreaking. I can't wait to read more.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and loved it!

Phew this book! I loved it. I loved that it was a legal thriller, with side of mobs, hit men, and seeing what is really happening (or at least some of it) while watching the lawyers trying to figure it out on their own. I LOVE the characters.  Eddie and his amazing group of lovable, smart badasses just made me day. I could not stop reading from the very first page and I already miss it.  No spoilers but it was diabolical. 

Thanks to the publishers for a free ARC; my review and my thoughts are my own.

Eeeep I am just so excited for Robbie. I cannot imagine working and running a cafe while in the throes of morning sickness, but her strength and resolve really shine through.  Also the running of the Outhouse race cracked me up; I love silly small town traditions like that. Of course with Robbie's luck it had to involved a murder victim, but she is up to the task of investigating this one. I was completely stumped and loved Robbie work the room of her cafe while gleaming clues from suspects, witnesses and the police force. I love the way she handled everything in a safe way for both her and her baby. There are some very sad, but tender family moments at the end and I cannot wait to see more of Robbie and her friends and family.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and have to admit, it's not my favorite, but it was still easy to enjoy the story.

This book was a wild ride. It starts out with a bang and then uses POVs from the past to guide you from a seemingly innocuous storyline to the wild and outrageous conclusion that I definitely didn't see coming. This author has such a talent for reading completely unlikable, but super compelling characters - ones you hate, but cannot stop reading about; and that was on full display in this book.  There are so many emotional aspects throughout this book and I loved the way the author really gets us into each character's head and way of rationalizing things.  I was racing though the second half as the drama and pressure really ramped up. The ending was perfect and will leave me thinking about this book for a long time!

Thanks to the publisher for a netgalley eARC; my thoughts are review are my own.

Oh I'm sorry.... I'm supposed to just go about my day after finishing this?! I am lost. I am in a fog. I will not rest easy until I have the finale in my hands. This was a masterpiece!

What can I say without any spoilers.... well I loved LOVED Bree's entire ARC in this book. She is hurt and angry and determined and strong and brave and never ever ever loses herself. No matter what she faces no matter the danger she never changes who she truly is - someone who cares deeply for other people. Down to her soul she will always fight for those who are oppressed or used or mistreated. Even complete strangers, even seemingly enemies.  Her group of found family was amazing and I loved seeing how everyone plays their part in this important journey. I ESPECIALLY loved the.... lets call it "house party" which I could NOT put down.  My sense tingled during this entire book.

Tracy Deonn's mind is absolutely insane -the creativity is really unmatched. The world, the secrets complicated like the hardest knot, the characters. All mindblowing.

As for the romance - my lips are sealed but DAMN it's so perfectly written.

The ending - chills for SO many reasons! The last line was PERFECTION.

Audiobook Note: PLEASE PLEASE listen to the audiobook at some point!

What a WILD ride.  This book honestly went off the rails about halfway through and just absolutely raced to the ending. I loved Dash's background as a professional fixer / coverup agent for the rich and famous.  Though I do say, it doesn't seem like it's skill based and he mostly just stumbles into solutions.  I also wish he was a tadddd less "mysterious" because it was hard to really connect with him / visualize his character and personality.

This book was all over the place, drama and danger and more drama.  If you love an action-packed thriller then this is definitely for you! I know I was yelling out loud as I furiously turned the pages.

Note: Thanks to the publishers for a free review copy; my thoughts and review are my own.

When I saw a book where the queens of crime fiction were playing detectives of their own... I POUNCED.  Though I may only have read Agatha Christie so far, each mystery author / character's voice shone through. Now I'm so curious to read more and compare the styles to see how they match with the way they are described in this book.

I also loved reading a fictional account of the real life Lillian to be fascinating.  I honestly expected more kickback and undermining, especially from the men in this book and it was surprising to see that they actually listened to her (for the most part). 

There were also a lot of very timely themes from history that are unfortunately still relevant (probably unintentional, but still interesting). I had an inkling of what happened but I really enjoyed following along and especially how each mystery author acted as an unobtrusive sleuth in her own way.
This book embodied how creative, smart, and cunning women are, despite how they are/were treated especially at this time. I would LOVE for this to become a series and see more of these collabs.

Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was lovely.

Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my thoughts are review are my own.

How do I even review this book. A masterpiece. I devoured it (and now I regret it because I don't want to waitttt). The way Paige has grown from the first book is absolutely outstanding. She and Warden and my favorite fictional characters EVER and dang did they completely shine in this book. Reading about their connection and them together gives me the happy tingles.  I love how complex this world is and how each book builds a little bit in a creative, but easily understandable way. Paige is a superspy because the way she handles all her different roles is mindboggling. I love the references to the Bone Season and all the previous books. I love seeing older characters. I loved all the twists and shocks and the way I GASPED aloud and all the emotions that rolled through me.  I do not want to spoil anything but I already cannot wait to reread it!

Note: The audiobook is NOT TO BE MISSED.

This book was so good! Absolutely beautifully written. Despite the time and despite the many discriminatory road blocks in the way, this book was filled with joy. Joyful Black writers and poets who are empowered to raise their voices and share their beautiful words with the world. This book will take you through allll the internal emotions and also had me needed to read more about Jessie’s life after The Crisis.

Note:I really adored the narration of this audiobook!

Thanks to the publisher for a free audiobook copy for review: my thoughts and review are my own.