I have complicated feelings about this book. It was different. I’m usually one for dystopian speculative sci-fi thrillers, but this one was lacking foI have complicated feelings about this book. It was different. I’m usually one for dystopian speculative sci-fi thrillers, but this one was lacking for me. I’m sitting here writing this review, impressively immediately after I finished the book, and I’m still trying to figure out what the thriller aspect was. So that part was lacking for me. It read more as a technology focused novel, and I wish it was more of a character driven novel. I’m not always up for a character driven book, but in this case, I think it would have worked better. This book was so science / technology focused the characters just got lost, and I needed to know how they worked together. It felt that there were two separate stories going on in the same world, but they didn’t necessarily intersect. Don’t get me wrong, I loved reading about the technology, it seemed really cool. I just wanted to know how it worked with people. On the character side, I felt there was a lot lacking and a lot was left to the reader to infer and interpret. This book also borderlines on bizarre, I’m not sure if that shines through more because I listened to this rather than viewed the pages, but it was another element of the story that just added to my confusion.
Thank you to @simon.audio for my review copy, all thoughts are my own....more
This book is the first in a series and is seamlessly translated from Japanese. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a Japanese translated novel, and it was a lThis book is the first in a series and is seamlessly translated from Japanese. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a Japanese translated novel, and it was a lot of fun. I enjoyed the pictured that were scattered throughout which aided in understanding the story. This book didn’t focus on one human character necessarily, but they were all connected, and I really enjoyed that. The true main characters, though it didn’t feel that way at the start, were the cats of the Full Moon Café. They read the astrological characts of the human characters and offered them guidance for their life. The astrology was so well explained and introduced some deeper terms than I had experienced before. But because of how they were explained, I had a firm understanding of the concepts and really enjoyed the story. This book and how well it was written is why I love magical realism.
I highly recommend this book to cat and astrology lovers alike, and it was a quick read.
Thank you so much to the publisher, Ballantine Books and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I was lucky to be able to read this #23 book in the Temperance Brennan collection. I really enjoy these books and each one is a new adventure. I don’tI was lucky to be able to read this #23 book in the Temperance Brennan collection. I really enjoy these books and each one is a new adventure. I don’t know why but this one was particularly interesting as Tempe was called to the scene of a fire scene. This story is fairly vivid in its description and listening to it really brought those scenes to life. So, this rendition of the story is not for the faint of heart. I love the narrator of these stories; she does such a good job brining the story to life and really nailing the mood and atmosphere.
This rendition did have a fun mystery and it packed the punch that I have come to expect from a Temperance Brennan novel. It is interesting that this series goes back and forth between being based in the US and Canada. While I loved this one because it was fire based, I seem to think that I enjoy the Canadian mysteries more. I think that in Canada Tempe is a different character if that makes sense and I love it.
This one is a lot of fun, but be careful if you get squeamish. I highly recommend for Temperance Brennan fans.
Thank you to @scribnerbooks for the physical book and the e-arc, @netgalley for the e-arc, and @simon.audio for the ALC copy. I appreciate them all however, all thoughts are my own. ...more
Thank you to the publisher @randomhouse and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
I loved this book so much. It was a fast paced amazinglThank you to the publisher @randomhouse and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
I loved this book so much. It was a fast paced amazingly well-done police procedural with a nice tech tie in. I loved how the futuristic, though not too unrealistic or futuristic AI was incorporated into this book. It was interesting as I was reading this book, I was reading about how our government agencies are currently looking at using AI. While this book is based in the UK, I couldn’t help but wonder if we would get to the point that our police force carried around AI devices like described in this book. Its quite the interesting topic.
The plot was very unique and well thought out. I kept wondering how all the characters could tie together and the breadcrumbs leading up to the reveal was just *chefs kiss* absolute perfection. The main character, Kat Frank was likeable and utterly human. I enjoyed that we got to see many different emotions from her and I’m a sucker for a strong female main character and she was just that.
This book is incredibly well written and will not only leave you on the edge of your seat because of the thriller aspect, but it will make you stop and think about the line between technology and policing and where we are going as a society.
This book was interesting and certainly made me question a few things while not feeling the best about it. This book is meant to be autobiographical aThis book was interesting and certainly made me question a few things while not feeling the best about it. This book is meant to be autobiographical and it’s about a serial killer. Okay interesting, color me hooked. But I didn’t like the feeling of feeling sorry for him. It was just a weird feeling and not one I was entirely comfortable with. The writing was a little odd at times as well. I do think that this is how this author might write as I realized after that I did DNF a different book by them. It was almost that there was an odd number of details and that they weren’t evenly dispersed throughout the book. Because of this, the pacing was off. At certain points the book flew by, but then it lagged, and I was dreading going on. I do wonder how much of this was impacted by my choice to listen to it on audio, but for me that usually helps even out the pacing. I did like the narrator, they did a great job of sounding like how I envisioned this book to sound like in my head.
3.5 stars rounded down.
Thank you to @sagapressbooks and @simon.audio for this ALC. All thoughts are my own. ...more
Miscommunication is always a trope that has to be done so well in order for me to like it. I was drawn to this one simple because it came in my @afterMiscommunication is always a trope that has to be done so well in order for me to like it. I was drawn to this one simple because it came in my @afterlightbooks box, it was stunning, and well, I’m a sucker for friends to lovers. Then I saw the author, @bettysbooklist and she just seemed so kind, I knew I needed to read the book.
I ended up being happy I read this one despite it being miscommunication. Yes, the characters simply talking to each other would have solved their problem. But honestly, I had to think how often in my own life have I avoided problems that could have been solved by simply talking them out. After reflecting on that I had more appreciation for the book. The story was captivating, and I fell in love with the characters. This book had a familiar feeling to it, but not so much so that I felt like I’d read it before, more like a warm hug welcoming me. Friends to lovers always has a special place in my heart and it is one of the quickest ways to get me to read a book and I loved it here. They were perfect for each other and once they realized that, swoon.
I highly recommend you pick this one up, it is really a lot of fun. ...more
French Army officer Yann Roussel has sought solace in the diary of the late French-Russian artist who lived in Paris in the late 1800’s, Marie. Marie’French Army officer Yann Roussel has sought solace in the diary of the late French-Russian artist who lived in Paris in the late 1800’s, Marie. Marie’s diary was published and became a bestseller. Yann is fascinated with her.
When Yann meets Marya, he is convinced that she is Marie, reincarnated.
Yann is left trying to figure out if love truly can conquer all, even in death.
Aww, what a sweet story. This short novella packed a punch in its 108 pages. This was such an emotional journey and really pulled at my heartstrings. The writing was captivating and engaging. I felt like I was right there with the characters, experiencing the story right with them. Sometimes with short stories I feel that they aren’t fully developed or that something is missing, however, that was not the case here. I felt like I got everything I needed, and I was left satisfied. The plot was intriguing, and one that I had not quite experienced in this way before. Reincarnation is not something I read about often and this author had a unique twist on it. I also sometimes struggle with historical romance, but I found this one so well done that I did not have my usual hang ups and was easily able to enjoy it.
If you are looking for a historical romance with a unique twist, then you need to read this book. ...more
I read the first book of The Marriage Auction and really enjoyed it so was excited for another season and new characters. As with the first round, thiI read the first book of The Marriage Auction and really enjoyed it so was excited for another season and new characters. As with the first round, this is an incredibly well-written book and a whole lot of fun. There are four new couples, and each character brings something new to the table. This story, just like the first is told through their different perspectives, and occasionally their partner or prospective partner as well. I loved the addition of a male character in this season, Memphis, he was fantastic. I can’t wait to read more about him and find out what Ms. Carlan has in store for him. Out of the four characters I think that my favorite was Summer because she has a very unorthodox upbringing and she doesn’t need a man to prop her up. She has very strong female vibes going on and I want to read more about her in the upcoming books.
This book releases July 16 and don’t worry! The entire season is going to release on that day so once you finish one book you can pick the next one right up and keep going! Genius right (I think so) ...more
This is a book you need to pick up. I didn’t think that the end of the world could be so hilarious, but it was! This book had me hooked from the startThis is a book you need to pick up. I didn’t think that the end of the world could be so hilarious, but it was! This book had me hooked from the start, we are dropped right into action, and it doesn’t let up. I read a lot, and I can say that I don’t think that I’ve ever read anything quite like it. I didn’t expect to like it as much as I did, but then I fell in love with the writing and the story. The writing was so well done, I felt like I was right there with the characters where the world ended, and it invoked quite a few emotions. I love it when a book can do this for me, and it takes a lot, but I was rooting for Dan and Mara even when things got pretty intense. I really wasn’t sure how this book was going to go until the final pages of the book, and it was fantastic! Perfect ending and it nicely wrapped up all the loose ends.
I did not realize that this was a debut! I only found out when I went to write my review. My socks are blown off! I can’t believe it
So, while this one is called “Zero Stars Do NOT Recommend” I HIGHLY recommend it!
Thank you to the publisher @bookmarked, the author, @wassmerwrites and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This true crime book was rather interesting. I, unlike so many, had not heard of Alex Murdaugh so learning about this terrifying family was truly horrThis true crime book was rather interesting. I, unlike so many, had not heard of Alex Murdaugh so learning about this terrifying family was truly horrifying. I know, this was all over the news, so how could I not know about it? I don’t watch a lot of news. The Murdaugh family is like the villain type family you read about in fiction novels. Alex Murdaugh was so horrific, and he committed so many crimes that I really didn’t think that he was real half of the time. I just couldn’t believe that someone could get away with so many crimes for so long, but he did because of the family he came from.
This book was long, at almost 500 pages, and for me I felt that it really could have been condensed. I found myself tuning out a lot of the details and wanting to skip over them but because I was unsure where everything was going, I kept reading. I do think that the author wove an interesting story, but there were too many details on certain parts of the story, and not enough on the others. I wish I could have learned more about the court case and what went into that aspect. The piece about Alex Murdaugh’s falling apart on the stand was a real treat though.
Overall, I Learned a lot about the Murdaugh’s and the corruption of Alex Murdaugh. Alex Murdaugh was not a good man, not a nice man, he was by all accounts a lowly criminal and the only reason everyone didn’t think so was because of his family.
I liked reading that Alex still will serve a lengthy sentence even if somehow, he manages to overturn his convictions for the crimes he committed against his wife and son. While it isn’t enough, it’s something.
This was a well don’t true crime book and shared a lot of very valid information about the case. I would most definitely recommend this to others looking to learn more about the family.
Thank you to the publisher Ballantine and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This book just wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. I did appreciate the language and how atmospheric this book was, however, I felt that it was wayThis book just wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. I did appreciate the language and how atmospheric this book was, however, I felt that it was way too slow for my liking. Nothing really happened until the very end, and I feel like I sat around the entire time waiting for something to happen. I didn’t find it to be suspenseful and I found it hard to stay focused. My mind often wandered, and I don’t like that when I am reading. I will say that the book is extremely well written I just couldn’t get into it.
I do think that this book would have been a bigger hit for me had I listened to the audiobook. I talked to my sister, who did listen to the audiobook, and she loved it and said it was very enjoyable. ...more
I will preface this review by saying that I have been reading quite a bit of horror lately, so I may be a little numb to what I’m finding scary or eveI will preface this review by saying that I have been reading quite a bit of horror lately, so I may be a little numb to what I’m finding scary or even creepy. I picked this book up because I thought it would be unique in that it was written from a child’s POV. I don’t think that I’ve read a book quite like this in that regard before, but it felt off in some way. Maybe because I have a child roughly this age and I kept comparing how my daughter speaks to how Bella spoke. It didn’t really match up. However, I really didn’t find this book that unsettling or even very creepy. Yeah, Bella saw Other Mommy, but then the rest of her family did too. That was strange to me and seemed like an odd choice. I think that I would have got into it more if only Bella would have been able to see Other Mommy the entire time.
Despite not really finding this book scary the entire time, the ending was on point and totally worked! It was a little rushed but matched up to the style of the book. Because of the writing style, I think that this makes for a quick read.
Despite my drawbacks, I think that this book would be amazing on audio or even adapted to a movie.
Thank you to @delreybooks and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This is a beautifully written book, and I really enjoyed it a lot. This book made me wonder and it prompted a discussion with my husband. If we’d beenThis is a beautifully written book, and I really enjoyed it a lot. This book made me wonder and it prompted a discussion with my husband. If we’d been married for 50 years, but I reconnected with the love of my life, would he be upset? It was quite the discussion, and we didn’t really come to a conclusion but ultimately he said he would let me have the conversation, even drive me to it, but it would make him feel sad.
Okay now onto the story. What a sad story with lots of depression. First, we have the breakup of the wedding, then more loss once Roya is married to a man she meets at school. So much sadness. But always amidst the sadness, comes some light, and this book talked about the light quite nicely as well.
Roya’s life didn’t work out how she envisioned it would, and while it was sometimes sad, she persevered and made the best of things. It’s a very heartfelt story of love and loss, and forgiveness.
I was deeply rooting for Roya and had grand ideas about how things would work out for her. While I don’t dislike the ending of this book, it wasn’t the ending I felt she needed and it was hard for me to reconcile.
Thank you to the publisher @gallerybooks for this gorgeous book. All thoughts are my own. ...more
Elizabeth hates the summer in the Hamptons. She’s lived there her whole life, but every June, her hometown is inundated with rich Manhattanites who paElizabeth hates the summer in the Hamptons. She’s lived there her whole life, but every June, her hometown is inundated with rich Manhattanites who party all day and disappear in September. But Lizzy needs to help her parent bakery.
Will is everything Lizzy isn’t. Aloof, arrogant, and well, rich. He knows Lizzy is wrong for him, but he can’t stop thinking about her.
Can the two figure out what the other wants, or is it going to be a summer neither of them forgets for the wrong reason?
This is a fun and angsty romance story with nods to Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice that hooked me right from the start. The relationship between Will and Lizzy was so much fun and so full of some fabulous banter. I think great banter is my favorite part of the enemies to lover’s trope and that was most definitely the case with this book. This one is perfect for a lazy and relaxing summer day of reading. It was just so lighthearted and fun. Lizzy’s family was fabulous. I couldn’t imagine having a family like that, but it was so heartwarming to read how fantastic they all were with each other. The writing was well done and lighthearted and evoked so many emotions when I was reading.
This is book two in the For the Love of Austen series, but I had no idea that was the case until I was writing this review, and I don’t feel like I missed anything not having read it.
Thank you to @gallerybooks, and @netgalley for e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This was a fun and easy read. I completely devoured this book in one quick setting and don’t regret it at all. Well maybe I regret that it is over andThis was a fun and easy read. I completely devoured this book in one quick setting and don’t regret it at all. Well maybe I regret that it is over and that makes me a little sad. This is one of those books that I just could have kept reading and reading because I loved the characters and the writing so much. Cade and Alex were amazing characters, and they were so well written. They felt like fully developed and whole people fully of quirks and likeable traits. Together they were dynamite. I loved that this story was told in dual point of view, and I loved this. Romance books just work so much better for me when told in dual point of view and that was most definitely the case here. I loved the amount of character growth Alex showed over the course of the book. She really came into herself, and I like seeing that especially in younger characters. The side characters were also well written and aided in moving the story along at a nice clip while adding value.
I highly recommend you check this book out if you are looking for a feel-good romance.
Thank you so much to @hottreepublishing and the author @author.maria.dean for sending me a pr package that included the book. While I appreciate the goodies, they did not influence my review and all thoughts are my own. ...more
A group of employees and their CEO celebrating the sale of emotion tracking AI algorithm, crash onto a not-quite-deserted tropical island.
For those wA group of employees and their CEO celebrating the sale of emotion tracking AI algorithm, crash onto a not-quite-deserted tropical island.
For those who do survive, they come across a beautifully stocked private palace. The house however has more secrets than anyone might have guessed
This book is for fans of Black Mirror, and I think that it was delivered. However, my biggest complaint was that these people all survived this plane crash, but there’s really no explanation really into what happened with the plane. Why did they go down. But the people who survived just carried on like nothing had happened. I would be a mental mess; on the verge of a breakdown, you can guarantee that. The characters were detached and showed sociopath tendencies. Kristen was a great character and full of depth. It was interesting to see the flashes to the past so I could get to know her more. Really added a lot of understanding.
This book is most certainly a twisted read and one that will make you wonder, and keep you guessing until the last minute.
Thank you to @tornightfire and @netgalley for this e-arc. I appreciate it so much.
If you are looking for a super cute and clean romance full of angst, then you need to check this one out.
Thank you to @eviesterling.cleanromance for If you are looking for a super cute and clean romance full of angst, then you need to check this one out.
Thank you to @eviesterling.cleanromance for sending me this super fun book. I appreciate it so much.
All thoughts are my own.
Warren is the CEO of the company that Emily has recently been hired after she relocated after the passing of her husband. They develop a deep friendship that blooms into love neither of them was expecting. However, Emily wasn’t expecting to learn that she is pregnant with her late husband’s baby, but what will Warren think?
I’ve really pivoted lately from darker romances to clean romances, and it has been a lot of fun along the way. Not to say that I don’t still like to mix it up, but as a mood reader, it’s been my mood lately. This one is very clean as it doesn’t really have any affection including touching, kisses, or fade to black scenes.
Evie Sterling did a great job with this one. There was a lot of angst between Warren and Emily, and I could just feel it through the pages. They were a solid pairing and they complimented each other nicely. I loved how their relationship progressed in a realistic manner. I do think that there was a little more that could have been explored between Emily as a character, and her deceased husband, but for a novella it did work.
This was my first Evie Sterling book, but it most definitely won’t be the last. ...more
Thank you to Astra House Books @astrahousebooks for the physical copy. All thoughts are my own.
A science-based, data-driven, and global exploration ofThank you to Astra House Books @astrahousebooks for the physical copy. All thoughts are my own.
A science-based, data-driven, and global exploration of racial disparities in health care access by virologist, immunologist, and science journalist Layal Liverpool.
This was an eye opening and hard read. A lot of the information wasn’t new to me, I’d heard it in passing. How women of color are almost three times more likely than white women to die during childbirth. And it isn’t just in the US, this is felt in the UK and elsewhere as well. But it doesn’t stop there, marginalized groups basically just have worst chances at the doctor no matter what they go for. Longer waits for pretty much everything from cancer to mental health. It’s a mess. So, what’s the cause. Well, that isn’t a clear-cut answer, but in short, racism. Doctors are taught on primarily white skin patients, and some diseases look differently on different skin tones. The author also went into other ways that racism is present in medicine, such as the belief that certain groups feel less pain or are not as intelligent, so cognitive scores need to be adjusted. Strides are being made in diversity in medicine, but there is a long way to go. There is plenty of research to back the claims that the author makes. Her writing style helps make a difficult topic palatable and engaging.
So, despite this not being the most comfortable read for me, it was a good one, and one that I am not likely to forget for a long time. ...more
Keila (speedreadstagram)
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