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aahrobot's reviews
42 reviews
Bloodbath by Molly Doyle
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Now, I am aware that the books in this series might have never been plot-driven, but this one was not good. We were given this big secret, Quinn finds out about it, and then it just goes no where? We also learn that Damien has a twin brother. Where does that go? Absolutely no where. I read this because I read the other ones, so I was like, ‘Eh, I’m already invested.’ But at least the other ones kind of had a plot? I don’t know; I didn’t even enjoy the spice. Just felt lackluster all around.
The Surrogate Mother by Freida McFadden
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
First of all, let me just say that some of the dialogue was CRINGE. I will gladly share some of my favorite/cringe lines:
"My mother has the diabetes." - If you listen to the audiobook, this is said in such a monotone voice, and I could not stop laughing.
"She's stacked!" - This was in reference to a pregnant woman's breast, said by another woman.
"Why would she dye her hair black?!" - Girl, you're kidding me, right? Why do you care? Let people dye their hair!
Secondly, there was a small continuity error. In one chapter, the husband whistles because he's happy or whatever. A few chapters later, he is whistling again and the FMC is all, "My husband NEVER whistles!!" Like, come on. Anyway, this was mostly enjoyable. I always listen to these when I'm at work and I caught myself walking around going, 'No way!' to some of the twists. I even was cheering for the main character - I don't think I have ever actually liked any of the main characters in Freida's books (so far).
I am still not a fan of the whole, 'I am so average, but my husband is so HOT AND IRRESITIBLE!' trope that every single book seems to have. Can we just let woman be stunning without the constant downplay either on themselves or hating other women for how they look? Crazy behavior.
I will say, I am super grateful for one thing in this book:The husband doesn't suck!
As per usual, I thought I had the twist figured out, and I wasn't totally wrong, but I wasn't totally right either. Again, I found myself shocked by some of the twists and reveals which was nice; I feel like I haven't been surprised in a while. This book was good and I finished it in just a matter of days. I would put it in my top 5 favorite Freida books for now. I still have about 9-10 more to read! On to the next one!
"My mother has the diabetes." - If you listen to the audiobook, this is said in such a monotone voice, and I could not stop laughing.
"She's stacked!" - This was in reference to a pregnant woman's breast, said by another woman.
"Why would she dye her hair black?!" - Girl, you're kidding me, right? Why do you care? Let people dye their hair!
Secondly, there was a small continuity error. In one chapter, the husband whistles because he's happy or whatever. A few chapters later, he is whistling again and the FMC is all, "My husband NEVER whistles!!" Like, come on. Anyway, this was mostly enjoyable. I always listen to these when I'm at work and I caught myself walking around going, 'No way!' to some of the twists. I even was cheering for the main character - I don't think I have ever actually liked any of the main characters in Freida's books (so far).
I am still not a fan of the whole, 'I am so average, but my husband is so HOT AND IRRESITIBLE!' trope that every single book seems to have. Can we just let woman be stunning without the constant downplay either on themselves or hating other women for how they look? Crazy behavior.
I will say, I am super grateful for one thing in this book:
As per usual, I thought I had the twist figured out, and I wasn't totally wrong, but I wasn't totally right either. Again, I found myself shocked by some of the twists and reveals which was nice; I feel like I haven't been surprised in a while. This book was good and I finished it in just a matter of days. I would put it in my top 5 favorite Freida books for now. I still have about 9-10 more to read! On to the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Miscarriage, Violence, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Drug use, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Vomit
Want to Know a Secret? by Freida McFadden
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Honestly, I really didn’t enjoy this one. Maybe that’s on me for not paying attention fully, but it really just didn’t capture me like some of Frieda’s other books have. This one felt like a mix of Pretty Little Liars and Desperate Housewives, but not in a good way. Housewife kills her husband’s mistress. Wow. What a shock. And the final twist - what was the point? Maybe I just don’t get it. So it was April’s mom Janet the whole time? And she thought she killed her daughter? Also, what the heck happened to Courtney??
Also, I am so tired of hearing, ‘He/She said in her thick New York accent.’ Write what you know and all, but can we not have a book take place literally anywhere other than New York or New Jersey? I think as I dive deeper into Frieda McFadden-land, I am becoming more cynical and critical of her work. But yeah, this one is so far my least favorite. That may or may not change.
Also, I am so tired of hearing, ‘He/She said in her thick New York accent.’ Write what you know and all, but can we not have a book take place literally anywhere other than New York or New Jersey? I think as I dive deeper into Frieda McFadden-land, I am becoming more cynical and critical of her work. But yeah, this one is so far my least favorite. That may or may not change.
The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this one! And thankfully, we have left some tropes in the past. Finally a character who isn’t complaining about her mother being too loud on the phone!
Seriously, though, this was good. The twist wasn’t something that I easily predicted which was nice because I feel like I know her writing fairly well these days. This book very much gave me Sex and the City, but with MURDER!
One complaint I do have about this, and really all of her books so far, is how Freida always talks about how handsome these men are compared to the FMC. She’s always plain or basic or just attractive enough. Girl, let women be stunning!! Let these men be average! But either way, I enjoyed this book and I am excited to continue my Frieda journey.
Seriously, though, this was good. The twist wasn’t something that I easily predicted which was nice because I feel like I know her writing fairly well these days. This book very much gave me Sex and the City, but with MURDER!
One complaint I do have about this, and really all of her books so far, is how Freida always talks about how handsome these men are compared to the FMC. She’s always plain or basic or just attractive enough. Girl, let women be stunning!! Let these men be average! But either way, I enjoyed this book and I am excited to continue my Frieda journey.
Prey for Rabbit by Aiden Pierce
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Ah!! I felt like I was waiting for this book for AGES. It was a good, short, smutty read. So far, I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read from Aiden Pierce. Having books like this is a nice break and helps me stay out of a reading slump.
Anyway, this was good. Of course, the plot is never the point, but I enjoyed what there was. Interesting concept and unique world building. Honestly, I’d love to read more about Ruth & Carver. I’m always a fan of enemies to lovers (or fated mates in this case ). When was of the warning said ax play, I didn’t know what to expect, but it wasn’t what happened 😂 (I mean that in a good way). Can something be cute, gory, cozy, and smutty all in one? Cause that’s what this was to me.
Anyway, this was good. Of course, the plot is never the point, but I enjoyed what there was. Interesting concept and unique world building. Honestly, I’d love to read more about Ruth & Carver. I’m always a fan of enemies to lovers (
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I have read so many of her books so far that I felt super confident in guessing the twist. I was thinking, “Oh yeah, it’s definitely this person.”
Nope. I was very incorrect! Glad I can still be surprised even after 6 other books. Anyway, 4 stars. It was good, but it didn’t super shock me the way others have in the past. I’m starting to see a lot of overlap between books. Which, sure, write what you know, but sometimes it’s nice to not have similar things happen in different unrelated books.
Nope. I was very incorrect! Glad I can still be surprised even after 6 other books. Anyway, 4 stars. It was good, but it didn’t super shock me the way others have in the past. I’m starting to see a lot of overlap between books. Which, sure, write what you know, but sometimes it’s nice to not have similar things happen in different unrelated books.
One by One by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
If I had a nickel for every time a Freida McFadden character pushed their father down the stairs , well I’d have at least two nickels. I get that with some authors there is gonna be some overlap in terms of ideas, plot lines, twists, character traits, etc., but COME ON!!
I enjoyed this book, but it accidentally got spoiled because my audiobook app decided I needed to skip 19 chapters. I went back and finished it properly, and I’d say even knowing one of the twists didn’t necessarily ruin it. Just wasn’t as shocking as it could have been. Not my fave of her books so far. It was all right.
I enjoyed this book, but it accidentally got spoiled because my audiobook app decided I needed to skip 19 chapters. I went back and finished it properly, and I’d say even knowing one of the twists didn’t necessarily ruin it. Just wasn’t as shocking as it could have been. Not my fave of her books so far. It was all right.
Dying Inside by Pete Wentz, Hannah Klein
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Pete Wentz wrote this. Incredible. No, seriously, I loved this graphic novel. Funny with amazing pop culture references (I love a good Twilight reference especially) and of course, the sadness that is being a depressed teenage girl. I love the playlist and how we had a QR code hidden in part of the book. It was impossible to put down. Ash & Liv are adorable and I love this book.
Slashed by Thalia Sanchez
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5