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books_with_frankie's reviews
39 reviews
The Inmate by Freida McFadden
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.5
4.5/5⭐️ 1/5🌶️
My first thriller. My first Freida McFadden book and I’m telling you now, it won’t be the last. I reached for this book solely because the blurb sounded so good and I was not wrong. I ate this book up and left no crumbs.
The Inmate follows Brooke, a nurse practitioner in a men’s high security prison. The men in the prison are the worst of the worst, and that includes Shane Nelson, Brooke’s first boyfriend, who was convicted of murdering 3 of her friends and attempted to murder her 11 years ago. When she finally comes face to face with Shane after all that time, she begins to wonder if she got it wrong. If she sent an innocent man to prison, because after all she never actually saw the face of the murderer and there was one other person it may have been.
This book kept me so engrossed the whole way through the book. I couldn’t put it down wondering if she was right to suspect she’d help sentence the wrong man. I loved the alternating timelines, so it felt like we were reliving the memory along with Brooke.
One word to sum up the ending: Shocked. The ending was insane and I’m still thinking of all the plot twists days later. I can’t wait to read more Freida McFadden books and dive into more thrillers!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Tropes include:
- Gripping Psychological Thriller
- Who did it?
- Single Mom
- Dual Timeline
- Plot Twist Galore!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Lost Boy by Hannah Gray
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
Now I know I keep saying every time Hannah brings out a new book the male main character from that book is then my favourite from the series… well she’s done it again because I am officially a Cade Huff girlie.
Lost Boy follows Cade, Brooks’s very own playboy, hockey god and team joker. But no one truly knows him, no one sees his daily struggles and no one thinks he’s relapsing from a drug addiction. When his best friend’s little sister, Haley, becomes his new roommate, she is a different type of temptation Cade is used to and one he’s trying not to get addicted to. What happens when he finally gives into that temptation?
I truly think this might be my favourite book in the series so far! It’s was emotional yet made me laugh, it touch on real life struggles but made me so hopeful that they would be overcome. Cade Huff may have been suffering with his mental health and his addiction but that didn’t take away from the type of person he is. I emphasised with his story but so happy we also got to see the caring side of him throughout his interactions with Haley.
I also loved Haley. Every person should be like Haley where she cares so deeply and will always be by a persons side when needed. This book may not have been a typical love story, but it certainly was an amazing one! I can’t wait to continue this series with Watson and Ryann.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes include:
- Accidental Pregnancy
- Best Friends Brother
- Roommates
- Broken MMC
- Friends to Lovers
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Grief
Chosen Boy by Hannah Gray
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
The fourth book in the puck boys series and I’m still as obsessed with these men as I was in the first book. Hannah keeps creating these men, and I keep changing my mind on who’s my favourite and at this point I can no longer pick.
Book 4 follows Hunter Thompson, one of Brooks University’s star hockey players. When the hockey team are signed up to do a charity show where they will have to dance with a partner from the ballet class. Hunter just hopes he’s not paired up with his childhood enemy, Sutton Savage. Fate has other plans and him and Sutton are forced to work together. When they both realise they’re not actually as bad as they thought each other were, and Hunter sees his ex-girlfriend become jealous, he proposes a fake relationship. But what happens when they begin to spend more time together?
I really enjoyed this book, the characters but particularly the plot. There were so many plot twists throughout the book which kept me up past 3am as I was so engrossed! Hunter and Sutton’s relationship was the perfect enemies to lovers turn fake relationship. Even before they started to pretend date, you could see the chemistry between them.
Overall, this series is becoming one of my favourite sports romances. Lost Boy, the next book, was plotted so well in this book and I just know I’m going to be an emotional mess, but I’m ready to dive in!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Tropes include:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Fake Relationship
* Hockey Player x Dancer
* Forced Proximity
* Possessive MMC
The fourth book in the puck boys series and I’m still as obsessed with these men as I was in the first book. Hannah keeps creating these men, and I keep changing my mind on who’s my favourite and at this point I can no longer pick.
Book 4 follows Hunter Thompson, one of Brooks University’s star hockey players. When the hockey team are signed up to do a charity show where they will have to dance with a partner from the ballet class. Hunter just hopes he’s not paired up with his childhood enemy, Sutton Savage. Fate has other plans and him and Sutton are forced to work together. When they both realise they’re not actually as bad as they thought each other were, and Hunter sees his ex-girlfriend become jealous, he proposes a fake relationship. But what happens when they begin to spend more time together?
I really enjoyed this book, the characters but particularly the plot. There were so many plot twists throughout the book which kept me up past 3am as I was so engrossed! Hunter and Sutton’s relationship was the perfect enemies to lovers turn fake relationship. Even before they started to pretend date, you could see the chemistry between them.
Overall, this series is becoming one of my favourite sports romances. Lost Boy, the next book, was plotted so well in this book and I just know I’m going to be an emotional mess, but I’m ready to dive in!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Tropes include:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Fake Relationship
* Hockey Player x Dancer
* Forced Proximity
* Possessive MMC
Where's Molly by H.D. Carlton
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
4.5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
*Highly recommend reading the Cat and Mouse Duet by HD Carlton before reading this book.
I was so happy when HD Carlton announced a new book! I read all of her other ones, loved them, and couldn’t wait to dive into another of her books! Especially one that sits in the world that has Zade and Addie.
Where’s Molly follows Molly (duh) and her story from the past to the present. We first met Molly, well not actually her but her diary, in Hunting Adaline but now it’s time for her to tell us what happened after she escaped Francesca’s grasp and how she got there too.
I absolutely loved being back in this world and this was a short and not so sweet book that filled that void. I loved Molly and her strength when we got to see tidbits in Hunting Adeline and this was the perfect closure of questions I forgot were unanswered. We got to see how awful past and now her life after what we witnessed.
We were also introduced to Cage and like his name he’s everything you would expect, yet he’s protective and would literally kill for those he loves.
Overall, this book was perfect for me. I wish it was longer but it’s a novella and long one too. I particularly loved the extended epilogue as I truly feel that gave us all the closure we needed for both Molly and Addie.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Tropes include:
* Dark Romance
* Possessive MMC
* Strong FMC
* Traumatic Past
* Second Chance
*Highly recommend reading the Cat and Mouse Duet by HD Carlton before reading this book.
I was so happy when HD Carlton announced a new book! I read all of her other ones, loved them, and couldn’t wait to dive into another of her books! Especially one that sits in the world that has Zade and Addie.
Where’s Molly follows Molly (duh) and her story from the past to the present. We first met Molly, well not actually her but her diary, in Hunting Adaline but now it’s time for her to tell us what happened after she escaped Francesca’s grasp and how she got there too.
I absolutely loved being back in this world and this was a short and not so sweet book that filled that void. I loved Molly and her strength when we got to see tidbits in Hunting Adeline and this was the perfect closure of questions I forgot were unanswered. We got to see how awful past and now her life after what we witnessed.
We were also introduced to Cage and like his name he’s everything you would expect, yet he’s protective and would literally kill for those he loves.
Overall, this book was perfect for me. I wish it was longer but it’s a novella and long one too. I particularly loved the extended epilogue as I truly feel that gave us all the closure we needed for both Molly and Addie.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Tropes include:
* Dark Romance
* Possessive MMC
* Strong FMC
* Traumatic Past
* Second Chance
The Tape Job: A British Hockey Romance by Alys J. Clarke
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
3.5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
After reading the Import Slot last year I was excited to dive into The Tape Job after we got to see the tension and drama that is Liam and Vicky’s relationship, that was plotted so nicely in the first book.
The Tape Job follows Liam, twin brother to Ryan, and the newbie on the block, aka the newest Canadian hockey player in the British Ice Hockey League. However, Liam is already well acquainted with some of the team and staff. Especially Vicky, his on and off again girlfriend since they were teenagers. Now they’re reunited and having to face each other everyday, will old feelings return? Or did they never leave?
I enjoyed this book, the tension between Liam and Vicky was everything. There was so much back and forth between them with a lot of history that needed to be aired. I thought that was written really well. Although, second chance books (especially when it’s more like 4th chance) aren’t my favourite, I did like that we got to see character growth throughout this book.
Overall, I loved how spicy the spice was and as always there was drama galore! Is it bad to have a favourite twin?! Although I’m already saying this now, Johnny will be my favourite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
Tropes include:
* Second Chance
* Brother’s Best Friend
* Workplace Romance
* Close Proximity
* One Bed
After reading the Import Slot last year I was excited to dive into The Tape Job after we got to see the tension and drama that is Liam and Vicky’s relationship, that was plotted so nicely in the first book.
The Tape Job follows Liam, twin brother to Ryan, and the newbie on the block, aka the newest Canadian hockey player in the British Ice Hockey League. However, Liam is already well acquainted with some of the team and staff. Especially Vicky, his on and off again girlfriend since they were teenagers. Now they’re reunited and having to face each other everyday, will old feelings return? Or did they never leave?
I enjoyed this book, the tension between Liam and Vicky was everything. There was so much back and forth between them with a lot of history that needed to be aired. I thought that was written really well. Although, second chance books (especially when it’s more like 4th chance) aren’t my favourite, I did like that we got to see character growth throughout this book.
Overall, I loved how spicy the spice was and as always there was drama galore! Is it bad to have a favourite twin?! Although I’m already saying this now, Johnny will be my favourite.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.✨
Tropes include:
* Second Chance
* Brother’s Best Friend
* Workplace Romance
* Close Proximity
* One Bed
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Catching Feelings by Maren Moore
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
I knew I needed to read Reese’s and Viv’s book as soon as I read their banter back in the first book, Homerun Proposal, and was so grateful I received an arc so I didn’t have to wait any longer!
Let me set the scene, you’re Viv, a freshman in college, your out drinking, having a good time when you and the boy (Reese) you have this weird love hate relationship with end up having a one night stand. You swear to never talk of that night again. Fast forward a few months, you’re having to use all your savings to help your mom with rent money making you homeless for college. Reese is filthy rich and offers you a place to stay. But there’s one problem (or a few) you hate each other (more like just you) and you lowkey want to hook up again. What happens when you give in and become roommates with the one person you probably shouldn’t?
I love Reese and Viv. I typically sway more towards the guy in books like this but safe to say I have a major crush on Viv. I loved them and the plotting of their story from the first book so went into this book with quite high expectations and they were met! This book had my emotions all over the place from laughter, to smiling like I child at Christmas, to feeling so much empathy for some situations and finally to being obsessed with cat daddy’s.
This story touched on some heavy emotions based on Maren’s real life and I just want to quickly say, thank you for sharing those experiences and emotions with us.
Overall, I adored this book and these characters wholeheartedly. I think this book has plotted really nicely for the next book (if I’ve guessed correctly) and please accept this review as a petition for Grant to get his own cat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes include:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Roommates with benefits who may become friends one day
* Athlete MMC
* Broken FMC
* Found Family
* Crazy Cat Dad (& uncle)
Thank you Maren & Valentines PR for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review 💕
I knew I needed to read Reese’s and Viv’s book as soon as I read their banter back in the first book, Homerun Proposal, and was so grateful I received an arc so I didn’t have to wait any longer!
Let me set the scene, you’re Viv, a freshman in college, your out drinking, having a good time when you and the boy (Reese) you have this weird love hate relationship with end up having a one night stand. You swear to never talk of that night again. Fast forward a few months, you’re having to use all your savings to help your mom with rent money making you homeless for college. Reese is filthy rich and offers you a place to stay. But there’s one problem (or a few) you hate each other (more like just you) and you lowkey want to hook up again. What happens when you give in and become roommates with the one person you probably shouldn’t?
I love Reese and Viv. I typically sway more towards the guy in books like this but safe to say I have a major crush on Viv. I loved them and the plotting of their story from the first book so went into this book with quite high expectations and they were met! This book had my emotions all over the place from laughter, to smiling like I child at Christmas, to feeling so much empathy for some situations and finally to being obsessed with cat daddy’s.
This story touched on some heavy emotions based on Maren’s real life and I just want to quickly say, thank you for sharing those experiences and emotions with us.
Overall, I adored this book and these characters wholeheartedly. I think this book has plotted really nicely for the next book (if I’ve guessed correctly) and please accept this review as a petition for Grant to get his own cat.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes include:
* Enemies to Lovers
* Roommates with benefits who may become friends one day
* Athlete MMC
* Broken FMC
* Found Family
* Crazy Cat Dad (& uncle)
Thank you Maren & Valentines PR for an advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review 💕
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️
I went into the book a little sceptical, it’s not my typical book and I tried to read it back in January but i couldn’t get into it. BUT boy am I glad I decided to try again!
A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Fayre, a human in a world full of magical creatures. She has taken it upon herself to be the hunter within her family, to feed and keep them alive. One day, Fayre is out hunting when she kills a wolf. However, it wasn’t a wolf. It was a fae disguised as one. When the high lord fae appears at Fayre’s house, she is demanded to return to his court with him to pay off the debt of the life she killed or her family will die. What happens when Fayre crosses the wall? Will she survive being in the presence of such magical power?
I really enjoyed this story! The first 35% was a little slow to get into but I became slightly obsessed in the second half. I love Fayre, she’s such a strong character and I can’t wait to witness her growth throughout this series. I loved the fact she is just a simple human standing up to these big high lords.
I’m so excited to continue this series as I know some spoilers but I’m excited to see how they get to those spoilers. I’ll give you all a clue: Tampon 🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes include:
* Romantasy
* Strong FMC
* Fae x Human
* “Enemies” to Lovers
* World Building
* Riddles & Challenges
I went into the book a little sceptical, it’s not my typical book and I tried to read it back in January but i couldn’t get into it. BUT boy am I glad I decided to try again!
A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Fayre, a human in a world full of magical creatures. She has taken it upon herself to be the hunter within her family, to feed and keep them alive. One day, Fayre is out hunting when she kills a wolf. However, it wasn’t a wolf. It was a fae disguised as one. When the high lord fae appears at Fayre’s house, she is demanded to return to his court with him to pay off the debt of the life she killed or her family will die. What happens when Fayre crosses the wall? Will she survive being in the presence of such magical power?
I really enjoyed this story! The first 35% was a little slow to get into but I became slightly obsessed in the second half. I love Fayre, she’s such a strong character and I can’t wait to witness her growth throughout this series. I loved the fact she is just a simple human standing up to these big high lords.
I’m so excited to continue this series as I know some spoilers but I’m excited to see how they get to those spoilers. I’ll give you all a clue: Tampon 🤭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tropes include:
* Romantasy
* Strong FMC
* Fae x Human
* “Enemies” to Lovers
* World Building
* Riddles & Challenges
Filthy Boy by Hannah Gray
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0