Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Smile and Look Pretty in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Smile and Look Pretty by Amanda Pellegrino is a contemporary fiction novel that follows the lives of four young women—Cate, Lauren, Max, and Olivia—who work as assistants in the cutthroat world of media and entertainment. Frustrated by the demeaning treatment and lack of recognition, they create an anonymous blog, “The Assistants,” to voice their grievances and expose the harsh realities of their work environments. As the…
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The Stars Between Us
The Stars Between Us by Cristin Terrill My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Stars Between Us in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Stars Between Us by Cristin Terrill is a young adult science fiction novel that follows Vika Hale, a girl from the lower echelons of society living on a poverty-stricken planet. Vika’s life takes a drastic turn when she learns she is the heiress to a massive fortune left by a wealthy benefactor. As she is thrust into a world of luxury and intrigue, she must…
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Nine Lives
Nine Lives by Peter Swanson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Nine Lives in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nine Lives by Peter Swanson is a mystery thriller that follows nine strangers who each receive a cryptic list with their names on it. As the people on the list start dying one by one under suspicious circumstances, the survivors must uncover the connection between them and the sinister plot that threatens their lives. The story weaves through multiple perspectives, each adding a piece to the puzzle as the characters…
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Edgewood
Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Edgewood in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Edgewood by Kristen Ciccarelli is a young adult fantasy novel that follows the journey of Emeline Lark, a talented singer haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her grandfather. When she returns to her hometown of Edgewood, she discovers that the forest she once feared is calling her back. To save her grandfather, Emeline must confront the dark secrets of Edgewood and navigate a world filled with fae magic and dangerous bargains. The…
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Herrick’s End
Herrick’s End by T. M. Blanchet My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Herrick’s End in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Herrick’s End by T. M. Blanchet is an intriguing fantasy novel that delves into a mysterious and eerie underworld. The Details Blanchet excels at creating a haunting and vividly detailed setting. Herrick’s End is brought to life with rich descriptions that evoke a sense of dread and wonder, immersing readers in its eerie ambiance. Furthermore, the protagonist, Ollie, is a relatable and well-rounded protagonist. His determination, vulnerability, and growth…
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Unlock Your Storybook Heart
Unlock Your Storybook Heart by Amanda Lovelace My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Unlock Your Storybook Heart in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **Trigger warning: various themes of trauma are discussed.** The Gist Unlock Your Storybook Heart by Amanda Lovelace is a beautifully crafted collection of poetry that serves as a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the journey of self-discovery. Following in the footsteps of her previous works, Lovelace’s poetry is deeply personal, raw, and resonant, inviting readers to delve into the depths of their own emotions and experiences. The…
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This Vicious Grace
This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of This Vicious Grace in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist This Vicious Grace introduces us to Alessa, a young woman with a powerful but dangerous gift meant to protect her people. The Details The novel presents a unique magic system centered around Alessa’s gift and her role as a Finestra. This concept is fresh and adds an interesting dynamic to the story. Thiede crafts a vibrant and detailed world with its own customs, politics, and history. The setting…
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The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare
The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare by Kimberly Brock My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare weaves a tale of mystery and historical fiction, drawing from the legendary lost colony of Roanoke. The narrative follows Alice, a descendant of Eleanor Dare, as she unearths family secrets and a mysterious book linked to her ancestors. The story intertwines past and present, exploring themes of legacy, memory, and the enduring impact of history. The…
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Her Darkest Secret
Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Her Darkest Secret in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Her Darkest Secret by Jessica R. Patch is a riveting and emotionally charged suspense novel that delves into the complexities of trauma, memory, and the quest for justice. Patch, known for her gripping storytelling and nuanced character development, delivers a page-turner that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The Details The novel follows the story of FBI Special Agent Fiona Kelly,…
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River of Ashes
River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of River of Ashes in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. **Trigger Warning: contains rape, violence, and psychopath POV** The Gist River of Ashes by Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor is a dark and gripping thriller that delves into the sinister undercurrents of a small Louisiana town. With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and chilling narrative, this novel offers a haunting exploration of evil and obsession. The Details River of Ashes centers on the mysterious and macabre happenings…
