The Revenge List by Hannah Mary McKinnon My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Revenge List in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Revenge List by Hannah Mary McKinnon falls short of its potential, offering a shallow and predictable tale of betrayal and vengeance that fails to resonate with readers. The Details One of the main issues I have with the novel is its lackluster characters. The protagonist, Abigail, comes across as unlikable and unsympathetic. It makes it difficult for readers to connect with her struggles or root for…
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A Curse of Blood and Wolves
A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan My rating: 2 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of A Curse of Blood and Wolves in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist A Curse of Blood and Wolves by Melissa McTernan presents itself as a dark and gripping fantasy tale, but unfortunately, it falls short of its ambitions. It leaves one feeling underwhelmed and disappointed. The Details One of the main issues with the novel is its lack of originality. The story follows the tired tropes of the fantasy genre without bringing anything new…
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The Wife in the Photo
The Wife in the Photo by Emily Shriner My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Wife in the Photo in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Wife in the Photo by Emily Shiner is a exploration of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory. Set against the backdrop of a picturesque coastal town, it’s a tale that transports readers into the lives of her characters. The Details At the heart of the novel is the protagonist. Her mysterious disappearance years earlier continues to haunt her husband and their…
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Three Kisses, One Midnight
Three Kisses, One Midnight by Roshani Chokshi, Sandhya Menon, and Evelyn Skye My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Three Kisses, One Midnight in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Three Kisses, One Midnight by Chockshi, Menon, and Skye is a whimsical journey into a world of enchantment and romance. While the novel offers moments of magic and charm, it falls short of achieving a perfect spellbinding experience, earning a modest three-star rating. The Details The plot revolves around the protagonist, whose destiny is intertwined with three magical kisses beneath the…
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The Night She Went Missing
The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Night She Went Missing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Night She Went Missing by Kristen Bird presents a solid mystery that captivates with its premise but falls short of reaching its full potential. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the novel follows the mysterious disappearance of Emily, unraveling a tale of secrets and suspense. The Details One of the strengths of the novel lies in its atmospheric storytelling. Bird skillfully…
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Fan Club
Fan Club by Erin Mayer My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Fan Club in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Fan Club promises a descent into the twisted world of fandom but ultimately falls short of delivering a compelling and satisfying narrative. Erin Mayer attempts to explore the dark side of admiration but stumbles along the way, leaving readers with an underwhelming experience. The novel’s central premise, the existence of a sinister fan club, lacks the depth needed to sustain interest. The plot unfolds predictably, and any attempts at building…
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Local Woman Missing
The Sacrifice by Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Local Woman Missing in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica is a chilling and intricately woven psychological thriller. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. With its gripping narrative and cleverly constructed plot, Kubica delivers a suspenseful tale that explores the darkest corners of human nature. The Details The story revolves around the disappearance of three women in a tight-knit community. Kubica skillfully…
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The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World
The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World by Laura Imai Messina My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Phone Booth at the Edge of the World is a moving and contemplative exploration of grief, loss, and the unexpected ways in which connections can mend fractured hearts. Set against the backdrop of Japan’s beautiful coastline, the novel unfolds with a delicate yet profound touch. The Details At the center of the narrative is…
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The Last Story of Mina Lee
The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Last Story of Mina Lee in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Nancy Jooyoun Kim’s The Last Story of Mina Lee is a exploration of identity and family, though it navigates a path that might not fully satisfy every reader. While the novel has notable strengths, it also grapples with certain elements that impact the overall reading experience. The Details The narrative structure, with its shifting perspectives between Mina and Margot, provides depth…
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South of the Buttonwood Tree
South of the Buttonwood Tree by Heather Webber My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of South of the Buttonwood Tree in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Heather Webber’s South of the Buttonwood Tree is a charming and whimsical story. It journeys into a small Southern town where magic and mystery intertwine with the lives of its inhabitants. Blending contemporary fiction with elements of magical realism, Webber crafts a story that is both enchanting and heartwarming. The Details Webber’s writing is imbued with a sense of nostalgia, capturing the essence of…
