Heart and Horses: An Amazonian Triumph

I love when I can spend a whole day lost in a book, and this one was absolutely worth the afternoon. This novel is part of the "Retold Series" about Greek women, and having read one other book in it, I can confidently say the quality is fantastic. Greek Mythology is a genre I happily dwell in—perhaps because my family is from Macedonia, which is nearby.

I loved this so much; it's a total five-star read. The book held my focus and attention throughout the entire story and never lagged or felt dull. I loved every single character—Iphinone, Aina, Damaris, Phile, Thalassa, and Althea. The story features so many strong female warriors that it’s hard to keep track of all their names!

I want to make an honorable mention for the horses in this story; they added so much warmth and character.

I especially respected Otrera for making the hard calls she did, and I loved that we always saw the human element behind those often controversial decisions. I particularly adored her relationship with Cleon and how it helped her heal and reach her full potential as Queen of the Amazons. I fell in love with this story and will absolutely be reading the author’s other works, backtracking in this series, and looking forward to anything new in the future.

A Romance That Earns Its Happy Ending

Confession: I have leaned hard into my antisocial era. Work, gym, and total immersion in reading are my weekend essentials, and I wouldn't trade it. Finding a book that makes me happily disappear is the best feeling.

This adorable story marks the author's return to romance, and I'm so glad I picked it up. This book avoids the pitfalls of being overly dramatic or sappy; it's a romance that feels utterly earned.

The story's strength lies in its realism and deliberate pacing. It completely centers on Ingrid's evolution, showing her step outside her long-term relationship, grapple with dating again, and redefine her career and family ties. This grounded approach made Ingrid feel incredibly authentic—no rushed plot points, just honest growth.

And the love interest? Macon is perfectly imperfect: prickly, funny, and beautifully complicated. While I did crave more of his perspective, focusing on Ingrid's journey ultimately made their connection feel deeper.

Bottom line: This is a must-read for fans of emotional honesty and slow-burn romance. It's a gorgeous story about a woman finding herself, and I highly recommend it. I'll definitely be checking out this author's backlist, especially if they sneak in any libraries or bookstores!

Buckle Up! A Wild Ride with a Frustrating Heroine

I dove into this one blind and couldn't put it down—a testament to this solid, high-octane thriller that I devoured in a single sitting! This book is a pure adrenaline shot, perfectly encapsulating the warning: choose your friends wisely.

For a debut, this was exceptional. The plot was interesting, relentless, and packed with constant tension. The author is a master of suspense, continuously raising the stakes until the narrative goes spectacularly off the rails. You genuinely feel like there's no way out, and that level of commitment to chaos made me incredibly invested in the story.

My one major sticking point? The characters' decision-making.

While the narrative itself was flawlessly executed, the characters occasionally felt like they were in a different book. Kayla was particularly frustrating; her stated desire to change was constantly undermined by a baffling series of terrible decisions, making her motivations hard to pin down. On the other hand, Zorie was a fascinating, unpredictable presence. A dual Point-of-View (POV) could have been the key to unlocking the necessary depth to justify both of their extreme actions.

The verdict: If you want a non-stop, gripping thriller that will keep you guessing, this is it. The plot is the real star, grabbing hold from the beginning and refusing to release its grip. While I wished for more logical motivation from the lead, the sheer excitement makes me very eager to pick up the author's next release.

A Thriller of Two Halves

"Finally crossed A Twist of Fate by Se-Ah Jang off my overdue TBR list! The verdict? It's a debut that left me utterly conflicted. The good? That stunning cover and synopsis hooked me instantly. The first half? A masterpiece of lies and luxuries, easily a 4-star read. Se-Ah Jang is a master manipulator; the twists were wild and had me genuinely yelling at the page!

The bad? The thriller snob in me crashed hard during the second half. It veered into a direction that felt rushed, poorly executed, and frankly, incoherent. The ending didn't land at all. Ultimately, I was invested, but the messy execution of the final act dropped it to a painful 3/5 stars. I just wanted more polish!

Who should read it? Despite my mixed feelings, I do recommend this book to readers who enjoy having their minds altered and love a good mind game. Just be aware: this book handles heavy topics and is a lot to process. I'll keep an open mind for this author's future work, hoping to shed my inner thriller snob."

A Masterpiece of Magic and Mayhem

Gareth Brown has done it again! After the pure magic of The Book of Doors, I immediately dove into this second novel and became an instant, lifelong fan. This author is a master painter, splashing genuine magic and wonder onto every page.

Brown doesn't just put his characters in danger—he propels them into high-stakes, breathless situations that kept me firmly on the edge of my seat from the first chapter to the last. While the anxiety was real, the characters were so deeply likable that I simply couldn't stop turning pages. I tried to guess the plot twists, but time and again, Brown brilliantly delivered shocks that defied my predictions.

The pacing is relentless and pitch-perfect. Once the conflict ignites, it’s a series of heart-pounding moments—a boom, next thing escalation that mirrors the best elements of his first book. I especially loved watching Magda’s transformation. She evolves from a writer hiding in her fictional worlds to someone bravely living the life she always dreamed of, finally getting closer to her mother’s spirit. The final scene was a beautiful payoff.

Though a standalone story, the connection to The Book of Doors's universe is a delightful Easter egg for returning readers and a tempting hint for newcomers. I would instantly recommend this five-star magical adventure to anyone looking for a truly unique and captivating concept. The covers? Always stunning and perfectly matched to the story. Thank you, Gareth Brown, for a book that let me happily disappear for hours.

Pro Tip: If you haven't started, The Book of Doors is available on Kindle Unlimited—go experience the magic!

A Story of Loss and Complex Family Ties

This is a profound, deeply personal read—less about enjoyment, more about emotional recognition. Assigning a numerical rating felt impossible, but the visible talent of the author ultimately earned it 3.5 stars.

The story centers on Winter, a Korean American high school senior whose life is defined by the long-ago abandonment by her father, Sung. When he suddenly re-enters her life, the resulting conflict is an emotional crucible: Winter must decide if a purely transactional relationship is worth the risk of more heartbreak.

The family dynamics are where this book truly shines and where my personal connection was strongest. I adored the grandmother but held a deep dislike for the mother, yet the most complex emotional thread was with the estranged father, Sung. As someone deeply rooted in the disability community, I felt a strong understanding for why he felt compelled to leave them the second time, even though his initial abandonment remains an unforgivable act. This nuanced portrayal of his desperation and choice resonated powerfully.

I connected strongly with Winter's attempts to build a protective shell against the universal pain of loss. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that every form of grief is painful, and that sometimes, we must risk connection to heal.

While I struggled with the short chapter structure, the emotional complexity and the raw, honest depiction of family estrangement make this a thoroughly worthwhile, if painful, reading experience. I'm excited to see what Joanne Yi writes next.

Missing Persons and Muted Folklore

Today has been the day of reading books I planned to read this summer (I am very behind, considering it is November!). But I'm enjoying the page-turning and discovering new authors, and this particular book by a first-time-for-me author proved to be an interesting, solid three-star read.

Ten years ago, three little girls vanished from a tight-lipped Appalachian town. Desperate for answers, Max hires private investigator Annie to look into his sister's disappearance. Annie quickly discovers that extracting information from this insular community will be far harder than anticipated.

The author absolutely nailed the procedural aspect. As Annie investigates and questions everyone connected to the families, the pacing and focus keep the reader engaged. There were several effective red herrings woven throughout the narrative, and enough well-placed clues to keep me guessing until the end.

However, the book seriously lacked atmosphere for me. With the intriguing local folklore—including the mystery of the Applehead dolls and the Witch of Quartz Creek—this should have been a genuinely creepy read, but the execution fell flat. The attempt to interweave the procedural investigation with the rich Appalachian folklore felt disjointed and lacked cohesion. I struggled to see the relevancy of including the folklore at all, but perhaps I missed the intended connection.

Additionally, I felt like I might be missing a prequel. Annie's backstory was touched upon but left too many blanks unfilled. While this could be a sign we'll see her again in a future novel, it made the character feel incomplete here.

If you enjoy missing-person mysteries with a pinch of folklore, this is definitely a book to check out. It would make for a good fall or spooky season read. Despite the three-star rating—due to my admittedly high standards and picky nature when it comes to thrillers—the writing itself was solid, and I would still be interested in reading more from this author in the future.

A Creative, Compelling, and Creepy YA Horror Ride

I'm a firm believer in the adage, "Never judge a book by its cover," but when I picked this up, the stunning visuals immediately drew me in. Having been disappointed by cover-buys in the past, I braced myself—but there was no need. This book delivered a truly creative concept that kept me fully engaged, often in a slightly grossed-out, fantastic way. The high-water mark for comparison here is The Last of Us, and if that connection appeals to you, this book is a must-read.

The world-building is immediately absorbing. Simply studying the map at the start was enough to pique my interest. The description of AM—an island paradise run by drag queens—sounds like the perfect vacation spot (especially for someone trying to escape cold New Jersey!). The setting looks like it would be an absolute blast, and my biggest regret is that the plague set in so quickly, robbing us of more time to explore that vibrant setting before the chaos.

This was a true rollercoaster ride. The synopsis piqued my curiosity, and the book quickly proved to be a perfect entry point for new horror readers, myself included, or those exploring the YA horror subgenre. I loved the alternating timelines (before and after the outbreak); every single chapter seemed to hold a new, compelling clue to the central mystery. The transcripts interspersed throughout the text were a highlight—the audiobook version enhanced this perfectly, creating a genuinely creepy, recorded atmosphere.

The only downside? That ending! The massive cliffhanger left me wanting to scream. I am already impatiently counting down the days until the release of book two.

Sharp Focus, Shock Ending

As a rule, I’ll always seek out a new release from an author I’ve previously enjoyed, and my second deep dive into Jessa Maxwell’s work, The Dead of Summer, proves she's a master of the modern thriller.

What I appreciate most is Maxwell’s disciplined plotting. The Dead of Summer utilizes a lean cast, preventing the common thriller pitfall of being overwhelmed by tertiary characters. The story remains tightly focused, free of conflicting or distracting backstories that might confuse the reader. This laser-like focus drives the book to a satisfying and classic Jessa Maxwell finale: it has a great, twisty structure that feels familiar, yet it manages to deliver a bombshell ending that you genuinely won't see coming.

The narrative follows Orla and Alice, neighboring best friends on Hadley Island, New England, who are bound by a mutual passion for art and a shared plan to escape their small town for college in New York. That dream is fractured when Alice realizes her personal circumstances will block her path to New York. Orla, oblivious to the severity of the situation, can only watch as Alice begins to act erratically, change her style, and distance herself little by little.

Of course, a thriller set in a wealthy community needs a rich boy—a character you love to hate, or just plain love. I experienced both emotions with this one. It is undeniably a slow burn, but its deliberate pace pays off handsomely. It's another strong 4-star read. I'll happily continue my quest for the 5-star masterpiece from this excellent author!

A Book that Needs a Spotlight

When I was younger, I used to write poems for every good thing or bad thing that happened because it was the easiest way to get thoughts onto paper. I wish I had the talent to tell my story the way Idris Goodwin does—this was truly outstanding. The novel itself is a coming-of-age story told in verse, set in the 1990s. It follows a Black teen boy named Pernell who is struggling in summer school, grappling with a diagnosis of ADHD, and ultimately learning to express himself through his own rhymes.

This book offers a fantastic and crucial look at the challenges of being neurodivergent, particularly as a person of color. It captures the difficulty of dealing with teachers who don't understand how you learn and wrongly assume you're being intentionally difficult. As someone who has been underestimated the majority of my life for things beyond my control, Pernell’s journey truly resonated with me and hits home in the best way. While I might not be Black, I understand challenges on a similar level. Pernell’s navigation of his learning environment and his struggle to work effectively while dealing with a learning difference he wasn't fully aware of yet was deeply relatable. I really appreciated that he had a community around him, committed to ensuring he had the right support.

This book needs more of a spotlight. It is a short read that delivers a powerful, necessary message about self-acceptance and takes a direct swing at knocking down the outdated concept of "being different" as a bad thing. King of the Neuro Verse is uniquely itself, and it is beautiful.

Checking In and Never Leaving

I’ll admit I came to John Fram’s The Midnight Knock a little late, but it was absolutely worth every minute. As a self-proclaimed thriller lover who’s been hunting for a reliable horror author to anchor my spooky season reads, this book was a stunning and solid introduction. The novel is set in a strange, remote motel in the Texas desert, but the plot quickly throws you for a loop. I went in blind and didn't realize it had a chilling, Groundhog Day-like element until I was deep into the story. The resulting narrative complexity made my head spin—I had to reread passages just to ensure I hadn't lost my grip on reality! That feeling of disorientation was incredibly entertaining and a testament to how well the bizarre plot was executed.

This is a deeply atmospheric, creepy, and dark tale. Fram does an excellent job with the cast: most of the characters were intriguing and, eventually, developed enough to root for. They aren't perfect; each harbors a dark side, but their actions often feel justified by the circumstances. While the true villain was easily identifiable, it didn’t detract from the tension. While I'm still processing the full experience and trying to decide exactly where it lands for me, The Midnight Knock is proof that John Fram is an author worth following. I’m eager to explore more of their work to see if I can find my permanent new go-to for a good scare.

When all else fails, sometimes you just need to pick up a book based on a pretty cover and a promising blend of Greek Mythology. That impulse buy paid off spectacularly: I don’t have a negative thing to say about this one, and it was the perfect change of pace I desperately needed from thrillers and true crime. This book absolutely blew me away and instantly became one of my favorites of 2025 so far!

The premise immediately grips you: In a shattered, post-apocalyptic world overrun by monstrous Titans, power rests with the immortal rulers known as the Spartans. Alexis, our protagonist, only wants to survive—until she discovers she harbors forbidden Spartan blood. Forced to enlist in the deadly Spartan Academy, she must navigate harrowing training challenges to master her newfound immortality.

Imagine the high-stakes, competitive atmosphere of the Fourth Wing Academy combined with the modern-day mythological twists of Percy Jackson, and you’ve captured the vibe of this book. I couldn't put it down; the pacing was incredible with no slow spots, making the entire novel a thrilling, action-packed ride.

The world-building is excellent—creative, expansive, and unlike anything I’ve encountered before. I loved the seamless genre blend of post-apocalyptic survival and romantasy. A pleasant surprise was the humor laced throughout the narrative, which lightened the intensity without sacrificing the stakes.

Crucially for a romantasy, the book is a definite VERY slow burn. If you’re looking for instant gratification, be aware: the romance here is a subtle, delicious sprinkle, but it does an excellent job of building serious anticipation for the future books. My only small quibbles were some of the modern slang choices and the main character falling into a predictable "chosen one" archetype—but these issues didn't diminish my enjoyment of the overall journey.

If you enjoy academy tropes, mythologically-inspired fantasy, or action-heavy world-building, I couldn't recommend this more. Five stars all the way for this brand-new author! I'm already planning to buy the physical books just to have these pretty covers on my shelf.

A Haunting Premise, But Not Enough Dread

I’m a girl who lives for a creepy read. Add a haunting cover, and I’m already reaching for my wallet. Nicky Gonzalez’s debut, Mayra, had so much potential to be the dark, chilling story I crave—but it ultimately left me hungry for the sinister feast it promised.

I like to think of myself as a gothic horror connoisseur. Give me a cursed object, a decaying journal, and psychologically twisted relationships, and I’m in twisted heaven. Gonzalez clearly understands these beloved tropes; her prose is strong and kept me eagerly turning pages. However, having the ingredients is not the same as mastering the recipe.

The novel features all the right elements, yet the execution needed a stronger, more cohesive hand. What I craved was a deeper grasp of the genre’s essence: more creeping atmosphere, more tension threaded throughout the narrative.

I don't mind a slow burn, but this one saved far too much dread for the finale. The climax felt like the entire story was abruptly poured into the final quarter instead of being carefully built, brick by unsettling brick. The best gothic horror teases you—leaving breadcrumbs of eerie symbols and small, escalating terrors layered chapter by chapter. I didn't get that delicious, gradual sense of dread until nearly the end.

That being said, when the darkness finally arrives, it delivers. The imagery is striking, the premise is intriguing, and the final act is undeniably intense. You can tell this is a debut, but don’t hold that against it—it is a promising, unsettling introduction to an author with real potential.

Overall, Mayra is an eerie little read worth a few hours of your time. I’d give it three out of five stars—entertaining, atmospheric in parts, and a solid first outing for Gonzalez. With time and polish, she could easily grow into a true visionary of modern gothic horror, and I’ll be waiting for her next haunted offering.

A Story That Stays with You

I finished The Nightingale on July 25th for a readathon, and I had to sit with it for a few days afterward — that's how deeply it moved me. I don’t usually gravitate toward historical fiction; it tends to break me. And yes, this book did exactly that. But it was beautiful, powerful, and absolutely worth the emotional toll.

This was my first Kristin Hannah novel, and now I get the hype. Her writing is immersive, raw, and emotionally charged. I’ve got two more of her books on my TBR, and after giving this one a solid 4 stars, I’m ready to check out more — tissues in hand.

The story opens in 1995 with an elderly woman in Oregon who stumbles upon a WWII-era identity card in her attic, marked with the name Juliette Gervaise. The mystery unfolds as we flash back to wartime France, where we meet the Rosignol sisters: Vivianne, the older sister, trying to survive with her young daughter in a home occupied by Nazi soldiers while her husband is away at war; and Isabelle, the fierce, impulsive younger sister who joins the Resistance in Paris, risking everything.

What follows is a devastating and unforgettable look at how women fought, resisted, and endured during the Nazi occupation. Mothers, daughters, wives, and sisters all caught in the storm — all finding their own ways to fight back.

This book is lyrical, intense, and heart-wrenching. I loved every second, even when it broke me. If you're looking for a story that sticks with you long after you turn the last page, The Nightingale delivers. Just don’t forget the tissues.

The Book I Almost Forgot—and Couldn’t Put Down

I love July readathons. Not just because I power through a good stack of books—last year I knocked out 10 books in 10 days—but because they push me. I’m forced to dig deep into my shelves, hunt for titles that match a theme, and finally read the books I’ve been putting off or completely forgotten about.

Dark Matter was one of those forgotten ones. I’d added it to my list ages ago after falling in love with the show adaptation, but somehow it got buried. I’m glad this readathon brought it back into view. This book completely pulled me in. I’m not a hardcore sci-fi reader, but I do love a good thriller—and this one was both.

From the first few chapters, Dark Matter messes with your head in the best way. It’s a mind-bending story about alternate realities and the lengths someone will go to in order to get back to the life—and the family—they love. It’s gripping, emotional, and full of "what if?" moments that make you pause and reflect on your own path. What if you could live out every possible version of your life? What would you give up to reclaim the one that matters most?

Some of my coworkers warned me I wouldn’t get it—but they were wrong. This book is totally accessible, even if sci-fi isn’t your usual genre. I’d call it a solid 3.5 stars—maybe higher just for how much it made me think. It’s suspenseful, smart, emotional, and surprisingly human.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Jon Lindstrom, and he nails it. The voice work added depth to the story and kept me hooked. And Blake Crouch? He’s brilliant. I didn’t realize he also wrote the Wayward Pines series until afterward, but it makes sense. He knows how to build tension and deliver twists that hit hard.

Best advice? Go into Dark Matter blind and let it take you for a ride. Whether you're a sci-fi fan or just want something original that’ll keep you thinking long after it ends, this one’s worth your time.

I read this for a July readathon. Keke Palmer is a force—genuine, magnetic, and unapologetically herself. I was already aware of the drama involving her and her (now ex) partner over that Usher concert in Vegas, but after reading this, my takeaway is simple: he’s an idiot.

I don’t have a lot to say about the book itself. If you’re already a fan of Keke—if you’ve caught her interviews or listened to her podcast—it feels like a natural continuation of that vibe. It’s candid, full of her signature charm, and unmistakably her. I’d especially recommend the audiobook—hearing it in her own voice makes the experience feel even more personal.

As for the content, it doesn’t offer much that’s new. Like others have said, it sits somewhere between memoir and self-help. Once I stopped expecting a deep, revealing look at her life and instead saw it as a collection of stories shaped into advice, I appreciated it more. Still, I found myself wishing it went deeper—I wanted more of her, not just the lessons.

It’s tricky rating someone’s life, so I wouldn’t go under three stars. But I definitely walked away wanting more.

A decent follow-up, but not the dark, gripping thriller I’m chasing.

I’m working through a book a day for the rest of July to salvage my 100-book reading goal, so I listened to Freak during my shift at work and finished it on the drive home. This continues the story from Creep, and shifts the spotlight to Abby—Ethan’s girlfriend from book one. And honestly, I wasn’t a fan.

In Creep, I assumed Ethan was the mastermind. Turns out, Abby was pulling the strings all along. That could’ve been compelling, but the way she relied on her so-called feminine wiles to manipulate everyone around her just annoyed me. Her jailhouse scheming felt more performative than dangerous, and I couldn’t buy into her as a real threat.

The pacing is solid and the plot keeps moving, but like Creep, Freak left me wanting more. I’m on the hunt for a truly kick-ass, creepy thriller—something with real psychological teeth, Dexter-level darkness, and a romance that adds tension instead of checking a box.

This was fine for a workday listen, but I’m still waiting for that book that makes me uncomfortable in all the right ways.

Can’t Help but Sing I’ve had the luxury of being off work for the past ten days. Today was my first day back, which meant grabbing my phone and picking a book to keep me company during my five-hour shift. Creep by Jennifer Hillier was today’s pick. Tomorrow, I’ll be diving into book two, Freak.

While working, I tend to stick with thrillers—they keep me focused and engaged. Creep was another solid 3-star read. I’m still hunting for that elusive 5-star thriller this summer, but I’m not giving up yet.

The story follows Dr. Sheila Tao, a psychology professor engaged to a former football star—and secretly entangled with her charming, obsessive teaching assistant, Ethan. When Sheila ends the affair to commit to her fiancé, Ethan doesn’t take it well. At all. If he can’t have her, no one will. What unfolds is twisted, creepy, and uncomfortably believable.

For a debut, Hillier delivers. The writing is tight, the pacing steady, and the plot feels like it’s made for the screen. Characters are flawed but relatable, and the tension builds just right. There’s minimal gore or explicit content, which I appreciated—the suspense stands on its own.

As someone with a psych degree, I couldn’t help but notice the delicious irony: the two most damaged characters are both in the psychology field. Not surprising. Those who can’t do, teach—and apparently, those who can’t heal, treat. That little twist added an extra chill, especially knowing how easily someone with the right knowledge can get into your head.

All in all, Creep made for a compelling workday read. I’m on board for Hillier’s next—Freak is up tomorrow