aliciamarie
Johnson County Library
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aliciamarie's rating:
Added Mar 04, 2024
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Dec 08, 2023
Summary:
This was a fast paced thriller set from multiple points of views. Every chapter alternates between several different character points of views. To be honest, it was very confusing for the first half of the book.
We have several families, each with several family members all gathered for a glamping experience in the the middle of nowhere but near the cliffs of an ocean. We are told right from the start that there was a body at the bottom of the cliffs but the entire book is figuring out who it is by starting at the beginning of the weekend as told by the characters.
I have to say that there wasn't a single likeable character, but that didn't stop me from reading on. The fact that every single one was a horrible person and was capable or deserving of murder made the read that much more fun.
It is not a story that kept me up wanting to read from start to finish in one sitting, but I did look forward to opening my Kindle and reading every night. The character development was terrific. The setting was spectacular. Very well written and easy to follow along once you get the characters sorted out.
The ending was a surprise even though the death wasn't. That sentence will make sense one you've read the book.
This was a highly enjoyable 4 star read for me. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for allowing me an ARC to read and give my honest review.
"The Search Party" is set to be released here in the U.S. on January 16, 2024 so pre-order now!
Happy Reading!This was a fast paced thriller set from multiple points of views. Every chapter alternates between several different character points of views. To be honest, it was very confusing for the first half of the book.
We have several families, each with…
Counting the CostCounting the Cost, Downloadable Audiobook
by Duggar, Jill • Dillard, Derick • Borlase, CraigDownloadable Audiobook - 2023Downloadable Audiobook, 2023
Available
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Dec 03, 2023
Summary:
This is Jill Duggar's way of getting SOME of her story out there. This is not a tell-all. She is not spilling the beans and throwing her family under the bus. For that I commend her. She still loves and respects her family, even after everything she has been through.
I too watched 19 Kids when the specials first aired way back when. I was fascinated by their way of life. Growing up in a religious household myself, I could semi-relate to how they viewed the world. I could completely understand how all the children, especially the girls, were sort of brainwashed into believing what they believed.
Jill Duggar paints a clear picture of what her life was like growing up in a strict IBLP household. My parents dabbled in the IBLP ways of life briefly and I have to say I am truly thankful they saw they evil in the lifestyle quickly and dragged our family out and away from it.
Jill shares her life experiences, both the good and the bad, from when she was young to the present day. She talks about how she got into midwifery to how she met her husband. She talks about how she felt during Josh's very public scandals and how it effected her and her family. She is very candid about how her and her husband felt about her father's controlling ways when it came to the show, the money, and ultimately how they lived their life.
I wouldn't say that this is a completely safe book on her part. She does get truthful about her feelings and says things I feel like members of her family probably hadn't truly heard or understood until she put it into words.
I hope that by telling her story she felt like a bit of weight was taken off her shoulder. Perhaps she will stop feeling like she owes the world an explanation, which she 100% did not. I hope that she has found peace, or at least the path to it.
This was a 4 star "read" for me. I actually listened to the audio version which is read by Jill Duggar herself and I highly recommend it.This is Jill Duggar's way of getting SOME of her story out there. This is not a tell-all. She is not spilling the beans and throwing her family under the bus. For that I commend her. She still loves and respects her family, even after everything she…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Nov 04, 2023
Comment:
For starters, I listened to the audio version read by Michelle Williams. She did an amazing job narrating the words written by Britney Spears. Even though I know what Spears sounds like, Williams did such a great job that at times I forgot that it wasn't Spears herself narrating.
This was honestly a jaw dropping memoir. I had hear snippets of secrets here and there on social media prior to finally getting my hands on the book. I was in so much shock and awe at what Britney Spears has gone through when I finally listened to the words she wrote myself.
I am so angry at the "friends" and family that she was surrounded by for the majority of her life. I am proud of the strong woman she has been and continues to become. The paparazzi involved should go to bed every night and wake up every morning feeling nothing but pure guilt for the decades of abuse she has gone though.
As an elder millennial I am the same age as Britney, and I watched her from her Mickey Mouse Club days to when she became a superstar. I would say I was a fan but not a superfan. I have followed some tabloid stories over the years, tidbits I saw on magazine covers in checkout lines, but never went seeking out tabloid gossip.
I am so glad Spears decided to write this book and share her side of the story. I hope she continues on her journey of self discovery and enjoys her freedom that she so rightfully deserves.For starters, I listened to the audio version read by Michelle Williams. She did an amazing job narrating the words written by Britney Spears. Even though I know what Spears sounds like, Williams did such a great job that at times I forgot that it…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Nov 04, 2023
Comment:
This one just didn't deliver for me on a couple fronts. The characters were so boring. From the get-go with the "birthday twins" comment I knew it was going to be an eye roll situation chapter after chapter.
The thrills just weren't there for me either. It was a log, drawn out storyline that only got interesting at the very end. Even when everything did unravel and reveal it was a very unsatisfactory ending. I wasn't wowed and I just felt disappointed.
If you are looking for a heart pounding, phycological thriller that leaves you on the edge of your seat this isn't the Jewell book for you. It was a 3 star read.This one just didn't deliver for me on a couple fronts. The characters were so boring. From the get-go with the "birthday twins" comment I knew it was going to be an eye roll situation chapter after chapter.
The thrills just weren't there for me…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Oct 03, 2023
Summary:
Don't let the cute little title fool you. This book is the perfect way to start spooky season. I would label this as supernatural, horror, phycological thriller. It is not my first book by author McMahon. She is amazing at eerie novels. She has a way of taking a typical story and twisting it just-so.
Mavis is a dying woman with a single wish: that her daughter take her in and care for her in her last few days despite the fact she was a cruel and horrible mother. Even though every bone in Alison's body says no, she agrees to allow her mother to stay in her farmhouse with her and her family. This could prove to be a horrible mistake.
Alison must relive instances of her past to try and find out what is happening in the present and figure out how it may effect her and her family's future. The process of doing so may just drive her crazy, literally.
I hate to give to much away. This was sooooo good. I got swept up in it and found myself not wanting to put it down and get back to reality. McMahon does such a wonderful job developing characters and setting scenes it seems like I am there, a part of the story.
I should have seen the ending coming, but honestly didn't! It was one of those endings that leaves you satisfied but weirdly wanting more.
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 5 star read!
Happy Reading!Don't let the cute little title fool you. This book is the perfect way to start spooky season. I would label this as supernatural, horror, phycological thriller. It is not my first book by author McMahon. She is amazing at eerie novels. She has a…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Sep 01, 2023
Summary:
The cover of this book is bright and gorgeous, but don't let that distract you from the fact that this is a dark, twisted horror read.
Sarah is an up and coming social media influencer and therapist. She and her husband have decided to take on a major renovation of an entire house and document the entire process for her followers online. Except this house happens to be cursed by a gruesome murder and is said to be haunted. Black Wood House witnessed a murder-suicide and it's said that screams can still be heard on some nights.
Sarah and her husband also have secrets they are trying to keep. They are running from their past and their marriage is hanging on by a thread. Most nights Sarah is left home alone in this haunted house, with strange sounds coming from the attic and threatening notes appearing everywhere.
This book was a wild read. It started out strong, but I feel like there were too many twists and turns and too many loose ends that I was just left dizzy with information-overload. There were also some really good avenues the author could have taken, character-wise, that I thought were blaring obvious and would have added SO MUCH MORE to the story, but weren't touched on at all.
The further I got into the story, the weirder the plot became and more confused I got. Certain things just didn't make sense and became laughable.
The author's writing style was great and I liked the way the characters were presented and built on. Something was just lacking overall.
Thanks to Netgalley, Random House Publishing Group- Ballantine, and Penguin Random House, who sent me the email reaching out to me to read this gothic, horror, psychological read. It was a 3 star book for me.
"The Stranger Upstairs" is set to be released September 12, 2023 here in the U.S. so pre-order now!
Happy Reading!The cover of this book is bright and gorgeous, but don't let that distract you from the fact that this is a dark, twisted horror read.
Sarah is an up and coming social media influencer and therapist. She and her husband have decided to take on a…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Jun 29, 2023
Summary:
David Bell's latest novel has hit shelves and online retailers. Dubbed a thriller, I felt this was more of a domestic suspense at best.
This was not my first Bell book. "Kill All Your Darlings" was a 4 star thriller that I reviewed in 2021.
This book started very, very slow and stay that way for 85% of the story. I found it so hard to pick up and read it daily because I truly didn't connect or care about a single character in the book.
The three sisters names were all similar so even halfway through the book I was still confused about who was who. This family was truly dysfunctional, and while some of the character's backstories were interesting, the book just lacked action.
The ending was predictable and when it did come it felt rushed.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me an advanced e-copy to read for my honest opinion. It was a 3 star read for me.
Happy Reading!David Bell's latest novel has hit shelves and online retailers. Dubbed a thriller, I felt this was more of a domestic suspense at best.
This was not my first Bell book. "Kill All Your Darlings" was a 4 star thriller that I reviewed in 2021.
This…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Jun 18, 2023
Comment:
Author Danielle Trussoni's latest was one hell of a journey. I read and reviewed her previous book, The Ancestor, and really enjoyed it. This one was no different.
I think the less the reader knows going into this, the wilder the ride will be. We know from the blurb that Mike Brink's brain injury has left him a highly sought after puzzle master. He is asked to try and speak to a prison inmate who hasn't spoken a word since her arrest, but drew a puzzle they think Brink can solve. Little does he know his life is about to change.
This story is told from several different perspectives and in several different timelines. I learned about religions, science, math... and it was fun! This is a thriller mixed with horror mixed with sci-fi, and it's amazing!
Trussoni is a master (see what I did there- wink wink) at story telling and does a phenomenal job intertwining facts and fiction to create a truly unique adventure. This is a very skilled, very talented author and I cannot wait for the next book.
This was a 5 star read for me. I enjoyed every single page.
The Puzzle Master is out now and ready to be read here in the U.S. so get your copy now!
Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for allowing me an advanced e-copy to read and give my honest review.
Happy Reading!Author Danielle Trussoni's latest was one hell of a journey. I read and reviewed her previous book, The Ancestor, and really enjoyed it. This one was no different.
I think the less the reader knows going into this, the wilder the ride will be. We…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Apr 15, 2023
Summary:
This wasn't my first book by author Jen Williams. Her book "A Dark And Secret Place" I read and reviewed on my blog a couple years ago.
The premise to her latest novel was perfect for a good read! Small town, creepy folklore, missing girls and dark secrets. The perfect setup for a good page turner. This book is told from 3 different perspectives and from 3 different timelines.
At first there is no possible way you would think they all fit together in present day. You keep reading and reading, trying to put the pieces together.
Charlie and her niece are on an off season holiday at a seaside town that Charlie once vacationed at with her family as a child. Charlie has an ulterior motive for visiting the town, clearly to investigate the missing teenage girls and how they somehow relate to her past, her niece is clueless to her agenda.
We do get to see into Charlie's past and her relationship with her childhood vacation friend as they investigate creepy folklore and start to do weird rituals to try and summon the spirit of Stitch Face Sue, a tale they become semi obsessed about.
The third storyline is about a doctor who cognitive abilities are compromised by an accident. He ends up with a beautiful woman who also has an accident, but hers effects her looks, which effects her self esteem.
A long way into the novel these stories interconnect. But I got bored long before that happened. So many times I wanted to quit this book. I actually started reading another book while still reading this one because I was so incredibly bored. There is so much potential here with this book and I am so disappointed the author wasted it on nonimportant side stories and ramblings. There were also so many storylines missed. There were characters I would have loved to know more about, but they were passed over as unimportant.
This was a gracious 3 star read for me. I really struggled to finish.
"Games For Dead Girls" is set to be released here in the U.S. on April 18. 2023 so you can pre-order it now!
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review.
Happy Reading!This wasn't my first book by author Jen Williams. Her book "A Dark And Secret Place" I read and reviewed on my blog a couple years ago.
The premise to her latest novel was perfect for a good read! Small town, creepy folklore, missing girls and dark…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Apr 01, 2023
Summary:
Author Sally Hepworth hit the mark again with her latest release. I have read and reviewed two other of her works. Her novels have a way of sucking the reader in, get the reader excited with all the twists and turns, have their head reeling with how the story will end and then surprising them with an ending they didn't see coming.
"The Soulmate" was no different. This story follows Pippa and Gabe- husband and wife with two children who live in a cottage near a cliff. The cliff is a known spot for suicide jumps, and Gabe is usually very good at talking people off a ledge, literally. But a woman didn't make it. That fact is eating Gabe from the inside out. Pippa is trying all she can to help him get past his deep regret and sadness.
We also follow Amanda, the woman who died falling from the cliff. It turns out Amanda knew both Pippa and Gabe. The stories she tells from her past slowly start to show the reader that Pippa and Gabe don't have the perfect life that they show the world.
Pippa also learns that Gabe knew the "jumper" and starts to questions if she truly knows her husband.
This story was wild and unexpected. At no point did I know what was going to happen next. There were shocking plot twists that turn the entire story upside down and made me wonder how on earth it could be related to the overall plot, but in the end it all came together seamlessly.
Drug addiction, infidelity, power struggles, criminal enterprises, and strong family bonds are the themes sprinkled through this roller coaster of a book!
"The Soulmate" is set to be released here in the U.S. on April 4, 2023 so pre-order now! It was a 5 star read!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review.
Happy Reading!Author Sally Hepworth hit the mark again with her latest release. I have read and reviewed two other of her works. Her novels have a way of sucking the reader in, get the reader excited with all the twists and turns, have their head reeling with how…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Jan 08, 2023
Summary:
When I saw that author Kat Rosenfield had a new novel coming out I was so excited! I LOVED her book, "No One Will Miss Her". Her writing style was phenomenal and she did a magnificent job setting up scenes and characters. Reading the synopsis for this newest novel had me so excited. It sounded like a fast-paced, who-dun-it, not-what-you-think type of thriller. It was not.
I liked the main setting of this story. The Whispers is a mansion on the sea that dates back decades. Too big to be occupied as a whole, it has entire wings that haven't been lived in for years. There are also secret rooms and passageways from when the original owner built it 100+ years ago. It's a spooky, gothic setting that I enjoyed very much.
The characters themselves were a hoot! A good mix of funny and uptight family members that I think any reader can relate to. They have all come together to spend what they assume will be the last holiday with Miriam, their mother/grandmother. None of them actually seem to want to be there, but since their inheritance is on the line, they must put up appearances.
This story alternates from present day, told from the perspective of Delphine, Mariam's granddaughter, and the 1940's from a younger Mariam's perspective. It was fun to read the story of Mariam's past and try to figure out who, if anyone, from her past might want to harm her all these years later. It was also fun to read about how The Whispers was back in its heyday when it was grand, regal and full of life.
Most of story is predictable, so it drags on and on and seems like it never really picks up. Honestly, it if weren't for the flashbacks, I probably would have given up on this novel. Even the parts that are meant to be plot twists weren't that interesting. The ending, however, was amazing but not because of the story itself.
I'm not sure if Rosenfield saw the future or decided to write a pop culture easter egg into her book for fun, but I really enjoyed it! I was wondering if the Prosecco was actually going to be added and was laughing out loud when it finally was!
All in all, this wasn't a horrible read, I think the disappointment came because the set up was over-hyped. It was a solid 3 star read for me. I look forward to Kat Rosenfield's next novel.
Thanks to Edelweiss and William Morrow for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review.When I saw that author Kat Rosenfield had a new novel coming out I was so excited! I LOVED her book, "No One Will Miss Her". Her writing style was phenomenal and she did a magnificent job setting up scenes and characters. Reading the synopsis for…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Dec 07, 2022
Summary:
This was such a dark, raw, and twisty psychological thriller. The author, Liv Andersson. does a phenomenal job writing this novel full of intense, one of a kind characters in a disturbing plot full of lies and secrets.
This story is told in alternating past and present timelines from the point of views of two different characters- Eve and Constance.
Eve's story takes place in 1997 New Mexico. Her daughter has gone missing and a small town called Nilah is the last place her daughter has been tracked to. Eve is desperate to find her only child and will do anything, even shady and illegal acts, to figure out what happened to her daughter, Kelsey. In a town filled with misogynistic men in power Eve must carve her way though the truth of this small, backwards town.
In present day we meet Constance, one half of twin girls. Constance and her twin were both raised by Eve but are nothing alike. Eve favored her sister, Lisa, while mentally and physically abusing Connie (Constance). When Eve dies under what the girl think are mysterious circumstances, they are surprised to learn that Eve has left Connie a house in New Mexico they never knew existed.
Connie isn't sure why Eve's last wishes banished her to this desolate New Mexican desert town of Nilah. Strange things seem to happen in this town and Connie and her sister assume it's just the final, twisted mind game their stepmother is playing with them. But as Connie tries to figure out the puzzle she realizes this current game is more about her and less about Eve.
The entire plot is so well thought out. Fast paced, gripping, and surprises around every page kept me wanting more. I couldn't have guessed the ending in a million years.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 5 star read!
Happy Reading!This was such a dark, raw, and twisty psychological thriller. The author, Liv Andersson. does a phenomenal job writing this novel full of intense, one of a kind characters in a disturbing plot full of lies and secrets.
This story is told in…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Nov 06, 2022
Comment:
It was real and raw and emotional and she got down to the meat of the story. She didn't include long, drawn out, unnecessary details. I appreciate that. It was a very organized, well-balanced and tastefully humorous memoir.
I am happy that McCurdy has found some sort of peace and is finding a way to get through life and do things that truly bring her happiness and joy.
I recommend the audio version as it's read by the author herself and just adds a whole layer of depth to the story. You get to hear her emotions behind the words, which added to the experience.
Read my complete review of this and other books on my blog at www.booklovinalicia.blogspot.comIt was real and raw and emotional and she got down to the meat of the story. She didn't include long, drawn out, unnecessary details. I appreciate that. It was a very organized, well-balanced and tastefully humorous memoir.
I am happy that McCurdy…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Oct 08, 2022
Comment:
It had been so long since I read "We Were Liars" that I wondered if I would be lost and needed to reread it before starting this. I honestly loved the first book and read it the week it came out. After doing some internet sleuthing I determined it was not necessary, so I dug into this prequel!
This is a "prequel", though I feel it's more like a sequel. Do not read this if you haven't read WWL because it gives away the previous books ending in the first paragraph. Aside from that I felt it read like a stand alone book. The story in itself was so interesting and engrossing that I almost forgot it was tied to tragic happenings in the future.
We are taken back to 1985 and Carrie Sinclair has a lot going on. She is on her family's island for the summer, recovering from a major jaw surgery and grieving from the loss of her sister, Rosemary, who drowned on the island the summer before.
Carrie's cousin, Yardley, shows up with surprise guests- a bunch of boys from college that will also stay on the island for the summer. Now Carrie is preoccupied with her hormones and the fact the ghost of her dead sister visits her at night. There's also a secret picture she finds hidden on her mother's vanity with the face of a man scratched out. Carrie needs to find out who the man is.
A small island, a large family, and so, so many secrets. This was a well thought out novel with so many twists and turns. I loved the realistic ending.
This was a 4 star read for me!
Happy Reading!It had been so long since I read "We Were Liars" that I wondered if I would be lost and needed to reread it before starting this. I honestly loved the first book and read it the week it came out. After doing some internet sleuthing I determined it…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Aug 08, 2022
Summary:
Slow clap and standing ovation for Lisa Jewell. Every book she releases I wonder how she will top the last, yet she does. This was a sequel to "The Family Upstairs" which I loved and reviewed back in 2019. This can also be read as a standalone. If you are reading in as a sequel I suggest re-reading the first book to brush up on the events and characters if it's been awhile.
I will try to review this without giving anything away. This follows the lives of The Lamb children all grown up. Both Lucy and Henry have come into money thanks to baby Libby now coming of age and inheriting the fortune. They want to get on with their lives but a shared person from their past causes chaos and disrupts the lives of everyone.
A new character, Rachel, is introduced in alternating chapters and in a past timeline. Her story was very interesting to me and although I did really enjoy her plotline I kept wondering how she fit in with the cult mansion and the Lamb family.
This book is broken into five different parts and really kept me reading. Once again Jewell knows when to throw in some twists and keep the reader on their toes. The characters were relatable in some ways and yet infuriating in others. It was fun to see the setting change to America in this book and as an American I felt that the author did a great job setting all the scenes and getting the right feel for a large American city.
The ending was heartwarming and a bit surprising, seeing as how I have never felt teary-eyed from a Lisa Jewell novel. Then in true fashion the epilogue was a dark twist that left me shaking my head and smiling because, of course! Of course Jewell would end a book like that...
Thanks to Netgalley and Atria books for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a five star read!
"The Family Remains" is set to be released here in the U.S. tomorrow, August 9, 2022 so preorder now so you are ready to read asap!
Happy Reading!Slow clap and standing ovation for Lisa Jewell. Every book she releases I wonder how she will top the last, yet she does. This was a sequel to "The Family Upstairs" which I loved and reviewed back in 2019. This can also be read as a standalone. If…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Jul 18, 2022
Summary:
Author Jennifer Hillier is back with another thriller and I was so excited to get my hands on this! I have read and reviewed "Jar of Hearts" and "Little Secrets" which you can read on my blog, Book Lovin Alicia.
I have to say this is my favorite I have read of hers so far. This is such a smart and suspenseful novel. Cleverly written with characters that are multi-dimensional and truly add to the overall story. There's no fluff here- every single happening in this thriller happens for a reason. Pay attention!
This is broken up into different parts and is told from different perspectives and in different timelines. It gives such a unique perspective to the overall story. There are those moments when something suddenly clicks and you think " okay! Now that makes sense!". The writing just flows and wraps you up in the story.
This book is filled with so many secrets and lies you will have a hard time guessing what's next. There are twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages wanting more while simultaneously wishing it weren't coming to an end. The end was a twist I never saw coming!
"Things We Do In The Dark" is set to be released July 19, 2022 here in the U.S. so pre-order now!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 4 star read!
Happy Reading!Author Jennifer Hillier is back with another thriller and I was so excited to get my hands on this! I have read and reviewed "Jar of Hearts" and "Little Secrets" which you can read on my blog, Book Lovin Alicia.
I have to say this is my favorite I…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Jul 17, 2022
Summary:
This wasn't my first book by author, Sarah Gailey, as I read and reviewed "The Echo Wife" in January of last year. It was a genre bending book that I enjoyed so I was excited to read her latest. The premise sounded right up my ally- a gothic thriller is what it was marketed as and I was excited when I was approved via Netgalley.
This will be a short and sweet review because saying too much will give everything away. This story is told in two timelines, past and present. Vera returns home to her dying mother and to the house that her father built- The Crowder House. Her father was a serial killer. Bad things happened in her basement, just below her bedroom.
We learn that Vera had a closeness with her father and that her mother, Daphne, resented from her birth. Daphne never really liked her daughter and the two had an estranged relationship even during Vera's childhood. Now that Daphne is dying Vera is going though the contents of the house and the house is revealing secrets. Secrets even to Vera...
I was so intrigued with the serial killer past timeline. The story flowed easily and I felt the switches back and forth between past and present felt natural. Each timeline gave a glimpse into Vera's weird, messed up life. It was interesting seeing the relationship between Vera and her father knowing he would one day be arrested for serial murders.
Then the horror aspect comes in. Well, it was always there, but it wasn't a definite. At least not to me. At first I thought it was perhaps just a mindfu$k of Vera's memories. A way she coped with her horrific childhood. I was wrong. There was true horror that happened between the walls of The Crowder House. The horror sunk deep down into the cracks and filled every crevice...
I am not sure I liked the horror aspect. I think I would have like it more had that part just been left out completely. The ending was a surprise but it felt unfinished and unsatisfying.
Thanks to Netgalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 3 star read for meThis wasn't my first book by author, Sarah Gailey, as I read and reviewed "The Echo Wife" in January of last year. It was a genre bending book that I enjoyed so I was excited to read her latest. The premise sounded right up my ally- a gothic…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Jun 13, 2022
Summary:
This isn't my first Lovering novel. I loved reading her book, "Too Good To Be True", that was published last year. It was full of twists and turns and was so well written. I was very excited for this read!
I will let you know from the start that this is a thriller with a twist of romance. I wasn't expecting to have my heart strings pulled, and I think that it's only fair to warn the reader that there might be tears of sadness/happiness shed.
The story is told through different perspectives and different timelines. We get bits and pieces of past and present and the overall picture starts to become much clearer with every turn of the page. Just when I thought I had figured it out an even bigger twist is thrown in!
This was such a fun read and I enjoyed every chapter. It is a perfect summer read for the beach, the pool, or on the couch while enjoying your a/c!
Thanks to Netgalley, and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 4 star read for me! I look forward to Carola Lovering's next book!This isn't my first Lovering novel. I loved reading her book, "Too Good To Be True", that was published last year. It was full of twists and turns and was so well written. I was very excited for this read!
I will let you know from the start that…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added May 28, 2022
Summary:
This book was...something. I was so excited to read this! I hadn't even heard about it until I received a Netgalley email highlighting this new 2020 thriller and it sounded amazing so I decided to request and read it. The first chapter started out strong. I had high hopes. I was wrong.
I am not sure I can even classify this as a thriller. It's the most slow moving book I have ever read. It's really more of a "how-to-sail" handbook. The minute details the author gives on how to operate a boat was mind-numbing. Chapter after chapter of useless information that added no thrill to the overall story whatsoever.
If you can get past the mindless chit-chat about absolutely nothing there are some characters that will bore the hell out of you. The main characters are unlikeable while being unrelatable and unbelievable all at once. Throw in even more unlikable characters and it's a big pot of disappointment.
Not once while reading this "thriller" was I remotely interested in the plot, let alone on the edge of my seat. Absolutely nothing happens for the first 3 quarters of the story. There's not even an intense build up. The ending came fast and was anticlimactic.
This was an ARC provided by Netgalley and Gallery Books for me to read and give my honest review. It was a 1 star read for me.This book was...something. I was so excited to read this! I hadn't even heard about it until I received a Netgalley email highlighting this new 2020 thriller and it sounded amazing so I decided to request and read it. The first chapter started out…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Apr 25, 2022
Summary:
Paranormal stories are not my thing. I also do not enjoy horror. So tell me why author Jennifer McMahon is one of my favorite genre bending authors of all time!?! Any book she releases I will read! She does a phenomenal job at writing. You can check out my past reviews of "The Drowning Kind" and "The Invited" and PLEASE read "The Winter People" which I loved and read prior to my blog days.
So, her latest book is a must-read! I mean, I was expecting nothing less than a 5 star read and I got what was expected!
This is told from primarily 2 different perspectives, but also has a 3rd view thrown in every so often from the "monster's view". I have to say that both perspectives and alternating timeline stories kept me on edge throughout the entire read. Even when I thought I knew how it would end, I still kept getting surprises thrown at me and I loved it!
McMahon has pure writing talent. I loved reading the 1978 story line. The picturesque landscape of the Vermont countryside with a looming and eerie treatment center filled with odd and sketchy characters was a whole mood. The way the she sets the dark, cautious and mysterious tone along side of the cheerful, playful, innocence of childhood was masterful.
Then we are in 2019 and podcaster and blogger Lizzy Shelly is a famous monster hunter. We know she has changed her name, but what we don't know is why. She seems to be hiding, yet searching for a monster from her past. She hears about a girl who has gone missing after bragging about an encounter with a "mythical monster". Lizzy knows this isn't the first girl to go missing under these circumstances. There have been many more spanning back decades. To investigate she will have to go back to the home state she left when she was a child and possibly face a monster she has been running from most of her life.
The ending is everything! Just when you think it's over, it's not! This is a 5 star read!
Lucky for you all this is set to be released in the U.S. tomorrow April 26, 2022! So get your copy now and be ready to be blown away!
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest opinion.
Happy Reading!Paranormal stories are not my thing. I also do not enjoy horror. So tell me why author Jennifer McMahon is one of my favorite genre bending authors of all time!?! Any book she releases I will read! She does a phenomenal job at writing. You can check…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Apr 05, 2022
Summary:
I will let you know now that this book will not end how you think it will end. You will be confused and possibly even upset about the ending. You will go back and re-read the last few chapters to see if you missed something. If you are like me, you will curse out loud that you wish you were part of a book club so you could discuss it with someone. That being said, I am not sure how I feel about the ending. I think that is exactly how author, Sally Hepworth, wanted it to be.
This story is told from multiple different perspectives. The first perspective we are introduced to is a complete mystery and remains so until about 3/4 of the book. The other perspectives are via the two daughters and the younger (almost) wife.
I like the different perspectives because it did help round out the characters and give the full view of each of their lives. All three have very deep, unresolved issues from their past they are dealing with. All three's unresolved pasts stir together and create complete and utter dysfunction in all lives involved.
I do want to let readers know that this may have triggers for some- rape, domestic abuse, mental abuse, alcoholism, eating disorders, and kleptomania are all topics in this novel.
This was not my first Sally Hepworth book. "The Good Sister" I read and reviewed last year and gave 5 stars! Hepworth is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. She knows how to build diverse and complete characters that make the story unique. She is great at setting the scenes and creating the atmosphere needed for the twists and turns in the storyline.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martins Press for allowing me a digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 4 star read for me!
"The Younger Wife" is available for purchase today, March 5, 2022 here in the U.S. so get your copy now!
Happy Reading!I will let you know now that this book will not end how you think it will end. You will be confused and possibly even upset about the ending. You will go back and re-read the last few chapters to see if you missed something. If you are like me, you…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2022
Summary:
Paranormal novels aren't usually my thing. I get scared easily and ghosts are something I believe in, so I often avoid any book that deals with ghosts. Simone St. James is an author I can never pass up. The stories are unique, well put together, and even though there is always a paranormal element, I simply enjoy them from start to finish. The latest book, "The Book Of Cold Cases, is my favorite so far.
Previously I have read and reviewed "The Broken Girls" in 2017 and "The Sundown Motel" in 2020. Both were amaing 5 star reads so please add them to your TBR pile if you haven't already.
The summary listed on both Goodreads and Amazon do an amazing job explaining what the novel is about, so I won't waste both my time and yours going over the plot again. What I will tell you is that this story alternates perspectives and timelines of both Shea in the present and the Beth of the past. There are HUGE secrets each women hiding from each other and from the rest of the world. Will they share them or will their secrets be their demise?
St. James did a phenomenal job of creating atmosphere and imagery. From the coziness of Shea's shut-in apartment, to the eeriness that is the Greer Mansion. Every scene was thought out and worded to perfection. You might need to leave some lights on if reading at night because this story is spooky.
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review. It was a 5 star read! I look forward to the next Simone St. James novel!
Lucky for you this book was released today, March 15, 2022, in the U.S. so get your copy at our favorite book retailer!
Happy Reading!Paranormal novels aren't usually my thing. I get scared easily and ghosts are something I believe in, so I often avoid any book that deals with ghosts. Simone St. James is an author I can never pass up. The stories are unique, well put together,…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Mar 03, 2022
Summary:
This was not the fist book I have read by writing duo Hendricks and Pekkanen. In early 2020 I read and reviewed their book "You Are Not Alone" and gave it a 4 star rating and in 2018 I read and reviewed "An Anonymous Girl" and gave it a 5 star rating.
Here we are in 2022 and I can say that their latest book is another fantastic read!
Therapist Avery Chambers has a very unique and unconventional approach to helping her patients. So unconventional that she has lost her license to practice, but accepts wealthy clients who know the risks to her therapy sessions.
Rich and beautiful couple Matthew and Marissa Bishop agree to fix their marriage via unconventional ways with the help of Dr. Avery. Both seem to still be keeping secrets from each other and from their therapist...
Soon we learn that Avery has a dilemma of her own. A previous client involved her with some very powerful and angry people. Is she being paranoid or does she have a stalker?
This book was slow to get into, but I did become invested in the characters. Little twists in the plot and new, slightly suspicious characters kept popping up along the way, making me question what was going on with the overall plot. These little surprises kept me engaged and interested.
This was not my favorite book from the writing duo, but I did enjoy the story from start to finish. If you are looking for a thriller I suggest pre-ordering "The Golden Couple" now, as it is set for U.S. release on March 8, 2022. It was a 4 star read for me!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest review.
Happy Reading!This was not the fist book I have read by writing duo Hendricks and Pekkanen. In early 2020 I read and reviewed their book "You Are Not Alone" and gave it a 4 star rating and in 2018 I read and reviewed "An Anonymous Girl" and gave it a 5 star…
aliciamarie's rating:
Added Jan 19, 2022
Comment:
Despite my list of grievances, I did like this book and would recommend it. It was a 3 star read for me. Read my complete review on my blog at www.booklovinalicia.blogspot.com
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for allowing me an advanced digital copy to read and give my honest opinion. Greenwich Park is due to be released here in the U.S. on January 25, 2022 so pre-order now!
Happy Reading!Despite my list of grievances, I did like this book and would recommend it. It was a 3 star read for me. Read my complete review on my blog at www.booklovinalicia.blogspot.com
Thanks to Netgalley and Gallery Books for allowing me an advanced…
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