thelovelylibrarylady's Reviews (1.1k)

Unfortunately, I think this novel was marketed wrong. I went into this story thinking it was a thriller and, in reality, Wednesdays at One is a literary fiction title that focuses on forgiveness. It was extremely slow-paced, had religious undertones that I did not enjoy, and was just not what I thought I was getting into based on the blurb.

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

Set primarily on a Greek island, Ladykiller is the ultimate high-drama thriller that offers its readers a form of escapism. It would make a great beach read as it officially publishes this summer. The cast of characters are horribly privileged, but I found myself quickly consumed in their drama. Overall, most readers will not be able to relate to the characters and their issues, but will find this title to be an entertaining read. 

(PUB DATE: 07/09/2024)

(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

 The Coworker is a fast-paced thriller by the beloved Freida McFadden. Like many of her other books, this title was a quick and easy read. The internet is obsessed with McFadden and her stories, but I continue to not be wowed by her writing or development of characters. They tend to remind me of other popular thrillers by utilizing similar storylines and tropes. I find her books are great palate cleansers as they don’t take much “brain power” to read and can usually be read in just a few sittings.

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

I would love to see this novel adapted as a streaming series. It has so much potential with a vigilante female serial killer, two seemingly unrelated plots that eventually come together in a shocking way, and a strong theme of revenge. This dark, psychological thriller was a fantastic story that I probably would have read in one sitting if I didn’t have other responsibilities.

Penelope In Retrograde is a hilarious and entertaining read. I couldn’t help but to root for Penelope, the protagonist, despite her messiness. Other reviewers noted that they found her to be annoying, but I did not feel the same way. The family dynamics highlighted in this story felt very real and I found myself quickly consumed with the story. I cannot wait to read whatever Abrams, the author, writes next!

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

I liked the idea of this book more than the actual book itself. An “opposites attract” romance with fated mates? Sign me up. However, the plot of Red String Theory was a little bit unbelievable and I didn’t connect with the love interests as much as I would have liked to. Honestly, the character I felt the most attached to was Gōng Gong, Jack’s grandfather, who is only in a handful of scenes. I would LOVE to read a book about his life. I would like to give Jessen’s writing another try in the future as she is obviously talented and this book just didn’t work for me. 

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.) 

I am glad that this is the last title in the “Aunties” series. This third and final book was not necessary and I have trouble seeing how Sutanto could continue with this cast of characters without it getting completely ridiculous. While it may have not been necessary, or as well-written as the other books in the series, The Good, The Bad, and The Aunties was entertaining! I will miss the Aunties and their shenanigans and enjoyed how Sutanto wrapped up the Chan family’s different sagas. 

(PUB DATE: 03/26/2024)

(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

 Set in the DC metro area, House of Glass is a nail-biting thriller that I had trouble putting down. While other early readers have complained about the pace of the plot, I thought appropriate pacing was used throughout the story. I really enjoyed that the revelations at the end of the novel were ones that I did not suspect, but also made logical sense. There is a fine line that thriller authors must tiptoe with plot twists and Pekkanen nailed it. 

(PUB DATE: 08/06/2024)

(I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)

I absolutely loved reading Exes and O’s. Lea, the author, includes feminist commentary about the “crazy ex-girlfriend” stereotype and crafted a hunky firefighter for our protagonist to fall for. What more could we, as readers, ask for? While this title is part of The Influencer series, it can definitely be read as a standalone novel. If you are looking for a romance with witty banter, have a thing for firefighters, or just want to read something that will make you laugh, Exes and O’s is a title that I would recommend. 

House of Yesterday is a contemporary YA title that explores intergenerational trauma and identity using the supernatural as a bridge between generations. Drawing from her own Afghan-Uzbek heritage, Zaragarpur crafted Sara, the protagonist, as a teenager from an immigrant family. I was amazed at how “real” Sara felt and how her family’s traditions, language, and values were woven into her identity. 

(PUB DATE: AVAILABLE NOW)

(I received an audio recording of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed above are my own.)