thisgayreads's Reviews (566)

3 / 5 ⭐️‘s

"The Fear of Winter" by S.C. Sterling

A thrilling and suspenseful novel set in a small town in the midst of a harsh winter, the story follows the disappearance of a young women, and the efforts of a father and private investigator to unravel the mystery and catch the perpetrator.

The writing is crisp and concise, with well-developed characters that sets the stage for the unfolding events. The tension builds steadily as the story progresses, with unexpected twists and turns that keeps you guessing until the very end.

An overall good read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery or thriller.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

3 / 5 ⭐️‘s

"Burying Eva Flores" by Jennifer Alsever

This one kept my attention until the very last page. 

Alsever has crafted a complex and intriguing plot that is full of unexpected twists and turns. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional. The pacing is spot-on, with just the right balance of action, suspense, and character development.

Overall, this is a good YA paranormal thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“Scorched Grace" by Margot Douaihy

I was worried at first that this one would be too much about religion and God for me. I mean its about a nun, so of course its going to cover some religion and does throw out a few bible verses but it wasn’t the main focus.

I found the concept to be unique and fun. I mean how can you go wrong with a chain-smoking, crime solving queer nun!

The ending provided a good twist and it was 🔥!

(Pub Date: 02/21/23)

This ARC (audiobook) was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 / 5 ⭐️‘s

"The Writing Retreat" by Julia Bartz

I really enjoyed this one. The story follows a group of writers who have gathered at a remote retreat to overcome their creative blocks and complete their books but little do they know something much more sinister is planned for them.

I found the characters to be well-developed and relatable. The setting was vividly described, and I could easily imagine myself in the idyllic countryside setting.

One aspect of the book that surprised me was the representation of LGBTQ+ characters and relationships that provided a few surprising twist and turns!

I found the overall story to be engaging and well-written. I would definitely recommend!

(Pub Date: 02/21/23)

This ARC (audiobook) was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“Middlegame” by Seanan McGuire

“Craft herpes can strike anyone at any time,” she says dryly. “Practice safe crafts,” says Smita.”

This book follows the story of two children, Roger and Dodger, who were created in a secret laboratory with the goal of becoming the ultimate alchemical power. The two are separated at a young age, but as they grow older, they find that they have a strange, unexplainable connection to each other.

What I loved most about this book was the complexity of the world-building and the depth of the characters. McGuire has created a fascinating world of alchemy, magic, and time travel, and she doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of these concepts. The characters are multi-dimensional and flawed, making them feel very real and relatable.

My only complaint is that at times the plot felt a bit convoluted and hard to follow at times. However, overall, I would recommend this one to anyone who loves fantasy and science fiction.

Also, I listened to the audio book and Amber Benson does a fantastic job on the narration!

3 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin

“But it is worth noting that to be good at something is not quite the same as loving it.”

The premise of the book is intriguing. The characters are well-developed and their relationships with each other are complex and realistic. The writing is engaging and the pacing of the story is consistent throughout.

However, it does have its shortcomings. The plot is somewhat predictable and there are no major surprises or twists that had me dying to keep turning the pages. The ending is also somewhat unsatisfying and feels slightly rushed.

Overall a decent read, but it didn't quite meet my expectations, whatever those may have been…

3 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“The Mistress Next Door” by Lesley Sanderson

A missing child, a secret past and a cheating husband…

This one didn’t wow me but kept my attention and overall was a good story with a decent plot twist.

(Pub Date: 02/15/23)

This ARC (audiobook) was provided by the publisher via @Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

5 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“The lucky Ones” by Kiersten Modglin

“The truth was, the past hadn’t made me a victim like everyone thought; I think it made me a monster.”

Another great thriller with of course plot twists that keep you wanting more!

4 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“A Quiet Retreat ” by Kiersten Modglin

Another fast paced plot twisting suspenseful thriller!

2 / 5 ⭐️‘s

“Never Le Me Go” by Kazoo Ishiguro

In summary this one just wasn’t my kind of book. I read (listened to audiobook) this one because it was the February read for my @goodreads group “Apocalypse Whenever.”

The book had HINTS of science fiction and dystopia. I kept listening hoping that it would get deeper into those elements at some point but it just never really did until the very very end. Really this was more a romance book than anything in my opinion.

This one was made into a movie with the same title, part of me wants to watch it just out of curiosity…