adrayreads's reviews
198 reviews

It's One of Us by J.T. Ellison

4.0

A solid 4 star domestic thriller. Loved the multiple narrators, short chapters, and twists along the way. I also really enjoyed the references to a lot of places that I’m familiar with. It was a little difficult to get into but once I did, I was hooked. The ending fell flat for me and I honestly still feel like I have some unanswered questions. Would definitely recommend this one but major trigger warnings!! 

Sunset Beach by Mary Kay Andrews

3.0

A decent read with some twists that I didn’t see coming! A typical Mary Kay Andrews with converging stories, short chapters, pretty settings, and a plot that keeps you hooked. There was a lot of unnecessary fluff and random scenes/characters that I really could’ve done without. Ultimately glad that I finished it but wouldn’t be my first suggestion of hers to read.

Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon

4.0

I highly enjoyed this murder mystery! Cute characters with just enough back story to root for each one. I loved the family dynamics as it kept it entertaining. The author did a great job of keeping the book flowing with the different subplots that all converged. Reminded me of the Finlay Donovan series. A great audiobook to pass the time!

One-Star Romance by Laura Hankin

4.0

While not 1 star or 5, I’ll give it a solid 4. This author’s way of writing is so easy to read and exactly what I needed to get me out of a rut. A cute, enemies-friends-lovers romcom with a jumping timeline to get us through. I love books that span longer time periods so you get to see different stages of life. I also loved the transitions to fill in the gaps at each jump. This story also spanned further than just romcom and really told the story of friendship and how it grows and changes over the years. The nutcracker scene.. IYKYK. Warmed my heart, kept my attention, and I liked the ending. Would def recommend!

Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner

5.0

Wow. A heartbreakingly beautiful story of life, loss, and love. If you saw me sobbing on the highway/walking my dog, no you didn’t. Going to go call my mom and tell her I love her. I don’t have any other words. 

Natural Selection: A Short Story by Elin Hilderbrand

3.0

As a massive Elin fan, this was surprisingly average. Elin usually knows how to pack tons of good gossip/characters into a book so I thought a short story by her would be full of the same. This was quite boring for being a short story and predictable. It was a nice transition book though and helped me get out of a rut. *potential spoiler* I really thought she was going to turn on the camera and find pics that led to her putting the pieces together since the camera of it all felt like a main plot point. I think that would’ve left for a better ending than the phone call.

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

5.0

An unexpected read in all the best ways! The cast of characters, life lessons, and found family made it a heartfelt read but the underlaying storyline/social issues is what kept me hooked. The author discussed so many heavy topics in such an interesting and unique way. I would take a bullet for Arthur & those kids. A wonderful read!

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

4.0

An interesting read! Stories from an unlikable character’s perspective are usually not my favorite and I think this holds for this one. The amount of secondhand anxiety I get is never worth it but alas, I persisted and I’m glad I did. This book covers heavy topics that could be thoroughly analyzed- racism, cancel culture, doom scrolling, publishing world- but does it in a light and easy way where you don’t have to. If I had to describe it in one word: messy. 

The Getaway List by Emma Lord

4.0

A very cute YA read! Perfect for a short summertime read/listen if you want to escape to young love. Was pulling for them to all find happiness and the ending wrapped everything up nicely! Wish we had the delivery app in real life, how fun would it be to get an anonymous gift?! Feel like this one would make a great Netflix movie/show. Highly recommend if you’re in the mood for something cute! 

One Summer on Mackinac by Alana Robin

3.0

Cute for a debut YA novel but kind of dull and boring.. I liked the idea of the novel but I felt like it needed a little more drama or something more engaging. I thought the subplot of her high school crush was going to turn the book around but then he just left and never was mentioned again. Thought the end was also going to make it all worth it but it was also just dull. Would’ve loved an afterward where they bumped into each other visiting the island a few years later or something along those lines.