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hlbayles23's reviews
434 reviews
Broken Beauty by Ketley Allison
adventurous
dark
mysterious
3.0
I really loved the gothic vibes in this one! Clover was a really great character with enjoyable character development, and I was so intrigued with her adventure of figuring out more about the witch and her daughter. The fact that she falls for four different men during her quest is an added bonus.
I wasn’t really fan of all of the male characters tbh, but a certain one made it bearable.
It started off a bit too slow for my liking, and ended on a cliff hanger so of course I need to read on to see how it will play out.
Thanks to Valentine PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa M. Matlin
That was amazing! I’m shocked this was a debut novel, and sad because I was fully ready to go read every other Lisa M. Matlin book.
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
That was amazing! I’m shocked this was a debut novel, and sad because I was fully ready to go read every other Lisa M. Matlin book.
I was sucked in right away and couldn’t stop reading. When I wasn’t reading, I was thinking about the book and when I’d be able to read more.
Sarah is a marriage therapist/struggling social media influencer, who buys an old house where a grizzly murder took place decades earlier. Her plan is to renovate the controversial home, while documenting it on social media. The end goal is to grow a larger following, get brand deals, then sell the house for way more than it was purchased for after reno. But, of course the house has a different plan for Sarah.
The twists and turns through this book were wild! At some points I felt like I was losing my mind right along with Sarah. I can’t wait for any other book that Lisa writes because I’m buying them all!
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House, Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
I’ll read anything Riley Sager ever writes. As always, this was a gripping, mysterious story. The main character is a flawed, alcoholic widow, actress, who’s basically been shunned to her families old lake house . When she meets the new neighbor from across the lake in a very mysterious way, things seem to just get more unexplainable. I can guarantee that what you think is happening in this book, is wrong haha. At the twist I was like wtffff definitely didn’t see that one coming!
Dead Lake by Darcy Coates
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was my second Darcy Coates book, and I am officially hooked on her writing. The stories pull me in right away, and keep me turning the page wanting to know more. Dead Lake was super creepy, thrilling, and atmospheric. I love secluded in the woods vibes and this was perfect! It was a very quick and to the point read, which was great, but I would’ve read even more of this. Overall I really enjoyed it and highly recommend if you want a quick and spooky read!
I'll Stop the World by Lauren Thoman
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-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? N/A
3.0
This is a YA, which is a genre I rarely reach for. However, this was clever an enjoyable read. I love the time travel and of course all of the 80s references. The characters are a diverse group teenagers, who are facing realistic challenges that many still face today, while facing the pressure of undoing a tragedy that happened before their time. It took a bit of time to get to the time travel part, which was what I was looking forward to the most. Overall, it was an easy yet enjoyable read.
Creep by Jennifer Hillier
Sheila Tao is a college professor, who is engaged to Morris, an ex pro football player turned high stakes banker. It seems that she has a picture perfect life. However, Sheila has a seedy past and has been sleeping with her TA, Ethan (who is also in a long term relationship), for a few months.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Sheila Tao is a college professor, who is engaged to Morris, an ex pro football player turned high stakes banker. It seems that she has a picture perfect life. However, Sheila has a seedy past and has been sleeping with her TA, Ethan (who is also in a long term relationship), for a few months.
Once Morris proposes to her, Sheila decides it’s best to end things with Ethan. Feeling a bit scorned and jealous, Ethan develops a plan to take what he thinks is his. After all, if he can’t have Sheila, no one can.
I can’t recommend Jennifer Hillier enough! I’m never disappointed when I read her books. Creep is now added to that list. It was captivating and had me thinking about it when I wasn’t reading. I figured out the twist about half way through but I really enjoyed reading the backstory that supported said twist.
There were a few times that I wanted to scream, “WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?” at Sheila because some of her choices were just *facepalm.* I could overlook that though. I definitely would recommend this for all of my thriller reading people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Death, Gore, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read a few of the ‘On Dublin Street’ books years back and absolutely loved them! So, I knew I wouldn’t be disappointed by Beyond the Thistles. The way Samantha writes her stories is so captivating, and makes me want to sit and read the whole book in one sitting. My kids would never let that happen, but I digress.
Sloane is such a bad ass momma that’s trying to do right by her daughter, Callie, in any way that she can. That includes moving to a different country to protect her.
Walker is a rough and tumble body guard with a chip on his shoulder, who likes to just keep to himself.
When Sloane’s past comes knocking, Walker springs to action to protect her and Callie. But, of course, the close proximity brings about feelings that they were both trying to suppress.
Beyond the Thistles has the perfect mix of suspense and romance. It had me hooked from the beginning. I can’t wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
Thank you to Samantha Young and Valentine PR for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this! The isolated winter setting was so good. I thought every character in the book was the butcher at one point or another. Just when I thought they were going to figure out the killer, it would take a turn and they’d be back at square one. It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I’d say it’s my favorite read so far this year, and I need to read more Darcy Coates ASAP!
Thank you to Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press, and Net Galley for this ARC.
Thank you to Darcy Coates, Poisoned Pen Press, and Net Galley for this ARC.
The Coldest Winter by Brittainy C. Cherry
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Well, that started off with a bang 😏
Milo and Star’s story was so tragic and so beautiful at the same time. One second I was laughing, the next I was sobbing. It was an emotional roller coaster in the best way! The recipe cards and the letters….ugh my heart!!! Let’s not forget the outstanding character development, A+! I loved everything about this book.
*Thank you to Brittainy Cherry and Valentine PR for the eARC of this book. All thoughts are my own.*
Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne
4.0
Ahhh, I love a good grumpy/sunshine, forbidden romance. Chase is a grumpy football player in the NFL, who doesn’t really care about having a relationship.
Twyla just experienced a called off engagement, and is escaping her hometown to temporarily live in the same city as her brother, who just so happens to be Chase’s teammate.
Did I mention that the apartment Twyla is living in for a few months is conveniently located across the hall from Chase? *eyebrow raise*
I really enjoyed this! It was so cute, steamy, and a quick read. I honestly wish it would’ve been longer because I loved Chase and Twyla’s dynamic and wasn’t ready for it to end.
*I received this book as an eARC from Valentine PR & Piper Rayne*