quinnmarie0507's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Honestly, I am disappointed with this book. I felt like the author could’ve done a better job developing the relationship between Sage and Archer, because to me it just seemed like their connection was purely physical. The end of the book felt very rushed, like all the important stuff happened in the last 2 chapters. For me it was predictable and even with the twists at the end, it felt a little cliché. Not to mention there were SO many editing/grammar errors and sentences that didn’t make sense that it started to get annoying. I wouldn’t recommend this book.
elizabeth_anne's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. I was not expecting this book to be so good. Not a single complaint. I’ve read one other book by Monica and did not like it so I didn’t have high hopes starting this one but I was so wrong. The plot twists were insane and the storyline was so intense. A fast paced book that kept you interested. A great book that connected several pieces together. I also liked how Monica told you some major plots early then included them in more detail later in the book.
booksashleyreads's review against another edition
4.0
This steamy psychological thriller was WILD! It had me hooked from the beginning. I went into this blind and no idea what to expect. It was fast paced and kept me turning the pages the whole way through! Just when I thought I had it figured out, my jaw dropped in the end! I would have never guessed it!
•thrilling, dark, chilling vibes
•steam
•thrilling, dark, chilling vibes
•steam
colleenlouise03's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️I was lucky enough to get an #arc in exchange for an honest review, and YALL! Monica Arya DOES IT AGAIN!
linneamarch's review against another edition
5.0
Review of Shades of Her By Monica Arya.
Five stars.
This is the second book by Monica Arya that I've read. Her writing keeps getting better. This book had a hold on me from the very first page. I devoured this book in one sitting.
It was terrifying and beautifully written. The story of Sage and the demons that she has inside of her. Some of her choices in prose were inspired—her thoughts on motherhood and a failing marriage were very poignant. Arya did not shy away from the ugly aspect of both of these topics. Without giving anything away, I will say that the twist at the end got me right in the chest.
I very much enjoyed Shades of her by Monica Arya and cannot wait to read her next book. I would definitely recommend it to any fans of romantic thrillers.
Five stars.
This is the second book by Monica Arya that I've read. Her writing keeps getting better. This book had a hold on me from the very first page. I devoured this book in one sitting.
It was terrifying and beautifully written. The story of Sage and the demons that she has inside of her. Some of her choices in prose were inspired—her thoughts on motherhood and a failing marriage were very poignant. Arya did not shy away from the ugly aspect of both of these topics. Without giving anything away, I will say that the twist at the end got me right in the chest.
I very much enjoyed Shades of her by Monica Arya and cannot wait to read her next book. I would definitely recommend it to any fans of romantic thrillers.
readingonfordearlife's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
ellie_isreading's review
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i don’t really read thrillers very much, so i was intrigued by the idea of a “smutty, romantic thriller” which i saw this book described as on instagram (why i trust instagram to tell me what a book is about instead of reading the actual blurb, the world may never know)
is it smutty? no
is it romantic? only in the sense that it involves couples
is it a thriller? i would say it delivers on that aspect
i really thought i knew who the killer was and i was only partially right. the last 5% of the book was bonkers/bananas/batshit crazy/some other b word that is a synonym for fucked up
i will say: i am not a fan of the cheating trope/cheating in books, but that seemed to be a theme throughout the book so i did the reading equivalent of plugging my ears and saying “lalalala i can’t hear you!!!!” whenever it happened, so if you don’t like cheating/can’t ignore cheating in a book, this may not be for you. but it was interesting and quick and definitely not a bad book.
is it smutty? no
is it romantic? only in the sense that it involves couples
is it a thriller? i would say it delivers on that aspect
i really thought i knew who the killer was and i was only partially right. the last 5% of the book was bonkers/bananas/batshit crazy/some other b word that is a synonym for fucked up
i will say: i am not a fan of the cheating trope/cheating in books, but that seemed to be a theme throughout the book so i did the reading equivalent of plugging my ears and saying “lalalala i can’t hear you!!!!” whenever it happened, so if you don’t like cheating/can’t ignore cheating in a book, this may not be for you. but it was interesting and quick and definitely not a bad book.
jmarie21's review against another edition
5.0
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨REVIEW
Monica Arya does it again. I have been so excited since she announced the release of this book following my love of The Girl In The Reflection. The backdrop of Charleston in her newest release, Shades of Her, creates the perfect dichotomy between quaint and safe slow southern life and the home of a twisted serial killer and stalker. The twists and teases come fast and steady until the last page. The main character, Sage, a former Miss USA turned stay-at-home mom, has a flighty past and more secrets than the south has “yes ma’am’s” and “no sirs.” They say keep your enemies close…but what if you don’t know who they are? I was captivated through the last sentence. Also, two words: fur coat #iykyk
Monica Arya does it again. I have been so excited since she announced the release of this book following my love of The Girl In The Reflection. The backdrop of Charleston in her newest release, Shades of Her, creates the perfect dichotomy between quaint and safe slow southern life and the home of a twisted serial killer and stalker. The twists and teases come fast and steady until the last page. The main character, Sage, a former Miss USA turned stay-at-home mom, has a flighty past and more secrets than the south has “yes ma’am’s” and “no sirs.” They say keep your enemies close…but what if you don’t know who they are? I was captivated through the last sentence. Also, two words: fur coat #iykyk
booklover11210620's review against another edition
5.0
Shades of Her
Monica Arya
Absolutely mind blown, never would of seen that ending coming at all! Kept me interested from the beginning! Loved the way you kept the suspense going! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars! I don’t suggest walking I suggest running right now to Amazon and preordering this book!!!!!
#bookcommunity #bookobsessed #bookstagram #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2022 #ilovebooks #booknerdigans #currentlyreading #library
#readersofinstagram #readingtime #weekendreading #bookworm #readmorebooks #bookwrapup #igbooks #bookreview #bookrecommendations
Monica Arya
Absolutely mind blown, never would of seen that ending coming at all! Kept me interested from the beginning! Loved the way you kept the suspense going! I wish I could give this more than 5 stars! I don’t suggest walking I suggest running right now to Amazon and preordering this book!!!!!
#bookcommunity #bookobsessed #bookstagram #goodreads #goodreadschallenge2022 #ilovebooks #booknerdigans #currentlyreading #library
#readersofinstagram #readingtime #weekendreading #bookworm #readmorebooks #bookwrapup #igbooks #bookreview #bookrecommendations
graciouslybooked's review against another edition
5.0
Pub date: 2/14/2022
Thank you Monica Arya for this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is my 28th read for 2022 and by far already one of my favorites! This book will keep you at the edge of your seat the whole time. Serial killer on the loose, stalker vibes, drama, creepy text messages…this book literally has it ALL. Sage is a SAHM who has also won Miss USA back in the day. She is married to a fancy lawyer, Brody, who she met while waitressing. She has a bestie who she tells everything to. You won’t want to miss this one and just wait for that shocking ending that will blow you away.
Thank you Monica Arya for this eARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
This is my 28th read for 2022 and by far already one of my favorites! This book will keep you at the edge of your seat the whole time. Serial killer on the loose, stalker vibes, drama, creepy text messages…this book literally has it ALL. Sage is a SAHM who has also won Miss USA back in the day. She is married to a fancy lawyer, Brody, who she met while waitressing. She has a bestie who she tells everything to. You won’t want to miss this one and just wait for that shocking ending that will blow you away.