totallytales's Reviews (1.9k)

Unputdownable! & utterly beautiful. Definitely pick it up if you enjoyed me before you :)

I loved the premise of this book but sadly I found it became a bit wearisome towards the end. There were a few 'I didn't see that coming moments' but I found it all a little far-fetched. The majority of the novel is a comprehensive analysis of narcissism; how a narcissist thinks, feels, what they're needs and insecurities are, etc. So although it wasn't my cup of tea, if you enjoy psychoanalysis, this book is for you!

I did enjoy this novel for the most part. It's intriguingly told through diary extracts and police interviews, giving you a sense of foreboding that something disturbing is about to unfold. However, I can't help but feel the ending was rushed almost too sudden in comparison to the build-up of the hauntingly disturbing ending. The ending itself isn't really explained, leaving me feeling a bit bereft. But maybe that is the whole point and I just don't appreciate it?

So, I'll have to admit I spend so much time with my head stuck in a book that I missed the viral sensation that was Hilborn performing 'OCD' (don't fear after reading this anthology I have now watched a fair few of his performances on YouTube!) The stand out poem for me was 'OCD' (despite having missed the hype) the way it pulls you into its happiness then breaks your heart is powerful. I also loved 'liminality', 'here and away' & 'little poems'. Overall this collection is touching, raw and honest.

Rose once again pulled me in and got me hooked, expertly providing a cast of characters you are rooting for. This book 6 in the Baltimore series but each book focuses on a different character so you don't need to read them from the beginning. If you are returning for the latest installment you will be in for a treat getting to see what the other characters are up to now. As well as reading chapters through the eyes of Thorne and his friends as all they try to prove his innocence you also get to read through the eyes of the gang lord trying to destroy him. This is pure sensational escapism.

Thanks to Netgalley and Headline in exchange for an open and honest review.

Ava's life is thrown into disarray when her longterm boyfriend splits up with her and she inherits a house from an anonymous benefactor. As she is forced to reassess her life we laugh, cry and hope with her throughout the novel. Although sadly I felt this book was rushed at times, with some situations not being fully explored. And I found some chapters didn't flow seamlessly on from one another; occasionally I had to flick back to check I hadn't skipped a bit. Overall the novel is a good story that in my opinion could benefit from some extra chapters.

Thanks to Netgalley and Bloodhound books for sending me this in exchange for an open and honest review.