A review by minimicropup
You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose

dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Narration 👍: No complaints. Sometimes a character voice was cheesy (especially with accents) but neither was unbearable. 
 
Main POVs 👍:
  • Vacation rental host. Are they hard-working, compassionate, needy, but emotionally resilient? Or are they lazy, scheming, obsessive, and emotionally toxic?
  • Vacation rental guest. Are they overworked, independent, introverted, and emotionally intelligent? Or are they avoidant, vulnerable, taking advantage, and emotionally unavailable?
 
Atmosphere 🤷‍♀️: Claustrophobic, accusatory, confusing
  • Set In the IRL town of Dubois, Wyoming and a ranch on the outskirts of the town
 
Cred Rating 🥸: Suspended disbelief
This is a “don’t think too hard” simple read. Don’t think too much about forensics or witnesses etc. The twist ending may seem OTT, but IRL killers have functioned in a similar secret double-life way.
 
Growls and Howls 🐺:
  • Plot relies on coincidence and convenience
  • So. Many. Red. Flags. For both MCs. Found myself screaming at them both and although it eventually makes sense, it is so drawn out.
  • Mis-matched. There is essentially one main plot point that is only revealed at the end, and to get there the reader must wade through a lot of contemporary fiction and low-key romatic suspense (i.e., little relevant to the twist happens in the plot). If you like that, no probs, but if you don’t, the genre and synopsis verge close to being misleading. 
 
Reading Journey 😳: Highs and lows, gentle twists and turns marred by potholes and eerie scenery. No way we’re stopping here - hold-it ‘til the next town. Good to be home but made some memories on the way.
 
Mood Reading Match-Up:
  • Those early date “are these red flags or examples of honesty” feels 
  • Touch of “will-they-or-won’t-they” and “country boy vs city girl” romantic suspense
  • OTT cat-and-mouse action/fighting
  • Lie by omission plots
  • Contemporary fiction with cozy mystery elements 
 
Vibes: 🤥😯😶
 
Content Heads-Up: Animal attack (on humans), Violence, Jealousy/Obsession, Alcohol-fueled fighting

Format: Library Audio via Libby
Expand filter menu Content Warnings