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stephs_cozycorner's reviews
265 reviews
The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins
3.0
I really wanted to love this one but sadly it was a miss for me.
I don’t know if it was reading it at the wrong time and a me thing, or if it’s the book itself.
It was a slow burn, but I almost felt like it was too slow and it was struggling to keep my attention.
I like a good dual or multiple POV, but this felt a bit too much between Camden and Jules’s POV, Ruby’s letters and news articles.
In the end I felt this was more of a domestic family drama then a thriller and it just wasn’t for me.
I listened to the audiobook and I did really like the multiple narrators.
Thanks Netgalley and St Martins Press for an advanced audio copy for an honest review.
I don’t know if it was reading it at the wrong time and a me thing, or if it’s the book itself.
It was a slow burn, but I almost felt like it was too slow and it was struggling to keep my attention.
I like a good dual or multiple POV, but this felt a bit too much between Camden and Jules’s POV, Ruby’s letters and news articles.
In the end I felt this was more of a domestic family drama then a thriller and it just wasn’t for me.
I listened to the audiobook and I did really like the multiple narrators.
Thanks Netgalley and St Martins Press for an advanced audio copy for an honest review.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
5.0
I had taken a little break from reading fantasy, but I’m right back in my fantasy era after reading 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙃𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧.
My goodness this book!!!
I was hooked right from the beginning. I loved this magical world and the unique way that the witches performed their magic.
I loved the dual POV and it was executed perfectly. Gideon and Rune hate each other but try to use one another to gain intel all while trying to ignore their intense chemistry.
There was the perfect mix of action and romance. The story was captivating and I especially liked getting the backstory of the witches and the revolution.
This is a quick fast paced romantasy that you can’t help but be transformed into the pages of.
The twists and turns were plenty and that ending still has me shook.
The cliffhanger sets up the sequel perfectly and I’m itching to continue this series with 𝙍𝙚𝙗𝙚𝙡 𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙘𝙝.
If you’re a fan of fantasy, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, then you need to grab this book!
Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano
3.5
3.5 Stars ⭐️
I’m really not sure how I ultimately feel about this one.
I know this has been very loved in the Booktok and Bookstagram worlds, so I’m offering an unpopular opinion here. And it’s also why I hesitated and waited so long to read it.
Ultimately I think I did enjoy this book. But I didn’t really like it until about half way through.
I don’t mind a good slow burn, but this one took a long time and I was finding I was losing interest quickly.
I really liked the parallels to 𝙇𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙒𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙣 and the complex relationship between William and the Padavano sisters, which is what I think kept me going.
I listened to the audio and Maura Tierney did a fantastic job narrating.
CW: depression, attempted suicide, abandonment, death of a child, terminal illness, grief, death of a parent
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Years in the Making by Megan McSpadden
5.0
Meg, you did it again!!!
I loved this book.
I was so looking forward to Teddy and Nellie’s story. Their chemistry, witty banter, the forced proximity, the secret tattoos, literally just everything worked so well!
I absolutely loved the dual POV and the before and after parts. My fave was the before parts as I really loved seeing how Teddy and Nellie met and the things they went through.
I especially loved their meet cute. I mean it really couldn’t have been more perfect for these two.
This book has an amazing cast of characters and I loved every single person.
And it wouldn’t be a Megan McSpadden book without a beloved dog companion and this time we get Kevin!!!
Another knockout book!!! So proud of you Meg.
Play Along by Liz Tomforde
5.0
Move over Ryan Shay because Isaiah Rhodes has taken top spot for me and I "𝘓𝘪𝘷𝘦, 𝘓𝘰𝘷𝘦, 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩" him.
𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝘼𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 is my favourite book so far of the series, and that is saying something because this entire series is so dang good!
We got a glimpse of Isaiah and Kennedy in the previous book 𝘊𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘜𝘱, and with the way that book ended I have been anxiously waiting to read their story.
I absolutely fell in love with baseball star Isaiah Rhodes and loved being back with these characters. He is so sweet and understanding and is the polar opposite of who we initially think he is. The way he just absolutely loved, cared for and protected Kennedy had me swooning.
And Kennedy is such a strong woman though she may not realize it herself. She’s smart, caring, attentive and really damn good at her job. And watching her grow and overcome her fears with Isaiah is what made this story.
These two have such strong chemistry, fun witty banter and spice. Those open door spicy scenes were fire 🔥🌶️🥵
I love getting glimpses of our favourite characters from the previous books and their family dinners together. They are the heart of these stories and I love how interconnected they all are.
I had a smile on my face the whole time and could not put this book down.
If you haven’t read this series yet I highly suggest it! (And don’t let the size of the books scare you, they are quick page turning reads).
* The fifth and final book comes out next year.
Speechless by Lindsey Lanza
5.0
Wow.
I absolutely loved this story.
This book has everything.
- An amazing group of characters, especially Graham. I absolutely adored him and his friendship with Lucy.
- The best book boyfriend. Henry is so sweet, understanding and sensitive - oh how I love thee. And his story is just so raw and emotional.
- Found family. Again this amazing group of characters. You can’t help but love them all.
- Endometriosis rep and living with a chronic illness. And anxiety and mutism.
- The sweetest, fluffiest most amazing service dog Rowan!
Lanza writes this story so beautifully and really takes care to be sensitive with the topics.
I especially loved the music rep and how Lanza used music as a coping mechanism for the MC’s. This really resonated with me as I use music to cope with my own anxiety and panic attacks.
And I have to make note of Henry and Lucy’s meet cute. There really could not have been a more perfect moment for these two to meet each other.
Once I started this book I could not put it down and found I was even thinking of the characters when I wasn’t reading.
This truly is an amazing book that I will remember for a long time after and one I highly suggest reading!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Infertility, and Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Infidelity, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
4.0
This is the third book in 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘏𝘰𝘶𝘴𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘪𝘥 series and once again it did not disappoint.
Millie is back and is ready to move on with her life and moves her family to a lovely cul-de-sac into her dream home. But once again she finds herself in a precarious position when she is told to “𝘣𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘰𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘯𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴.".
This was a page turning binge read and once I started I couldn’t put it down.
I did find the first bit a little slow but it doesn’t take long before it takes off and you get completely hooked.
And just when I would think I was starting to figure things out Freida throws in a curveball and has me reevaluating all my theories.
And that final twist in the epilogue completely shocked me, I was not expecting that.
I highly suggest grabbing this series.
You can read this as a standalone, but I recommend reading 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙙 and 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙙'𝙨 𝙎𝙚𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙩 first.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
Moderate: Gaslighting
Minor: Child abuse and Pedophilia
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
2.5
I enjoy Freida McFadden’s books because they are quick unputdownable thrillers.
This one unfortunately was not my favourite of hers and I found myself about 60% of the way through wondering if I should just give up and DNF.
The pace of the story really slowed down around the middle and the characters were really unlikeable.
When part two hit I realized there was going to be more to the story which is why I stuck with it, but the ending was quite unrealistic and the twist was a big let down.
Please make note this book contains pedophilia and relations with a minor.
This one unfortunately was not my favourite of hers and I found myself about 60% of the way through wondering if I should just give up and DNF.
The pace of the story really slowed down around the middle and the characters were really unlikeable.
When part two hit I realized there was going to be more to the story which is why I stuck with it, but the ending was quite unrealistic and the twist was a big let down.
Please make note this book contains pedophilia and relations with a minor.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship and Pedophilia