Tag: #bookreview

Review: Everyone is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Severn House

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A woman’s life is upended when her past comes back to mess with her mind in this psychological thriller full of twists and turns.

There’s no such thing as perfect.

It’s been fifteen years since Carly Bennett’s mother was brutally murdered during a home robbery. Since then, she’s worked hard to build a normal life with a stellar career as an English professor—far away from the picture-perfect stepfamily that abandoned her at boarding school.

When a male colleague is found dead in Carly’s office—her name scrawled next to his body—everything she’s strived for starts to fall apart. There are eerie similarities to her mother’s attack, and Carly determines to find the truth. 

Yet things take a bizarre turn when she suddenly experiences lost time, waking up in strange places, and flashes of dormant memories . . . memories that can’t possibly be real. Because, if they are, then she was there the night her mother was killed.

Could Carly have been responsible? Or is something more sinister at play in her stepfamily’s perfect world . . .?

This eerie domestic suspense is perfect for fans of Frieda McFadden and Lisa Jewell.

Review:

Everyone Is Perfect Here by Jane Haseldine is an engaging, twisty domestic suspense that leans heavily into family drama, buried trauma, and the lingering impact of the past. Told across dual timelines, the story follows Carly Bennett as she’s pulled back into the mystery of her mother’s murder, an event that shattered her childhood and continues to echo into her present. The past and present structure keeps the narrative moving at a steady, compelling pace, gradually revealing secrets that reshape everything Carly thought she knew.

Carly herself is an intriguing and layered protagonist, especially as her grip on reality begins to blur with unsettling memory gaps and flashes of something darker beneath the surface. The story thrives on that eerie uncertainty—what really happened, what can be trusted, and how much of the past has been buried for a reason. The pacing is quick and the twists keep things entertaining, making it an easy book to fly through, especially for fans of family centered thrillers with psychological elements.

While this one didn’t fully land as a standout for me, it was still a solid and enjoyable read. The exploration of trauma and complicated family dynamics adds depth, even as the story leans into more dramatic, twist driven moments. Overall, it’s a fast paced, intriguing suspense that will appeal to readers who enjoy unraveling messy family secrets with a touch of unreliability and tension.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Into the Blue by Emma Brodie

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Goodreads

Release date: April 7, 2026

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the award-winning author of Songs in Ursa Major comes an epic, decade-spanning love story that blazes through the worlds of acting and comedy, and charts a connection so powerful it might just break space and time itself.

In the summer of 2000, AJ Graves dreams of writing for SNL; instead, she’s stuck working in a video rental store, with slim odds of escaping her Massachusetts small town and large family. Then in walks Noah Drew, the enigmatic and intense scion of the Drew acting dynasty, and her life changes forever. Despite wildly different upbringings, the two forge a deep, cosmic bond first as friends, then as acting partners—until one day, Noah disappears without a word.

Seven years later in New York City, AJ is shocked to find herself cast in the same intergalactic TV production as Noah, by then a well-known Hollywood heartthrob. As their on-screen characters grow closer every day, the lines between reality and acting begin to blur. Unable to stay away from each other, AJ and Noah are forced to confront the truth of what happened years ago—and the devastating secret that will send their lives careening apart, even as fate continues to draw them together.

Blending unforgettable characters, explosive chemistry, and devastating emotion, Into the Blue is a journey unlike any other—one that asks: What does it mean to diverge from the script to forge your own story?

Review:

Into the Blue by Emma Brodie is a tender, heart wrenching saga that lingers long after the final page. At its core, this is a deeply character driven story about AJ Graves and Noah Drew, two fated soulmates whose lives intertwine across years, distances, and even the blurred lines of acting versus reality. Brodie masterfully explores the raw and authentic emotions of first love, friendship, and the heartbreak of unspoken truths, pulling readers into an angsty, unforgettable romance that is as intimate as it is cosmic.

What sets this story apart is the fascinating backstage peek into the world of acting, particularly improvisational work, which feels both immersive and authentic. AJ’s journey from her small town Massachusetts life to the chaotic allure of New York City and a sci fi TV set adds a unique, cinematic layer to the story. The chemistry between AJ and Noah is electric, their connection unshakable, and the tension (rooted in years of unresolved longing and secrets) keeps the pages turning.

Brodie’s prose is tender, gentle, and yet raw, capturing the nuance of love, heartbreak, and the choices that shape our lives. Into the Blue is perfect for readers who love sagas about soulmates, angsty romance, and stories that make you feel every emotion, all while offering a fresh, behind the scenes glimpse into the acting world. It’s heartbreaking, swoony, and impossible to put down—a love story that feels destined yet painfully real and raw. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Save the Date by Mallory Kass

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Goodreads

Release date: April 14, 2026

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A romantic comedy of manners about a lavish wedding weekend gone very, very wrong with the slow-burn romance of Emily Henry and the fizzy humor of Sophie Kinsella.


The Bride: Beautiful, seemingly carefree Marigold, is tired of being treated like a shallow it-girl. That’s one of the many reasons she’s excited to marry Jonathan—the handsome, kind, respectable doctor of her dreams. So, when a shocking secret from her past threatens to ruin her wedding, she’ll do anything to make it disappear…even if it means tracking down a man she vowed to avoid forever.


The Maid of Honor: As the bride’s best friend, all Natalie wants is for this wedding to go off without a hitch. There’s only one problem: Natalie has secretly been in love with the groom since college. When Marigold disappears, Natalie is forced to ask whether she can keep burying her feelings for the sake of friendship…or if she’s ready to risk everything to pursue her own happy ending.

The Sister: Olivia has spent her life cleaning up Marigold’s messes. So, she’s determined to keep the wedding on track for the sake of their mother, who’s battling cancer and longs for one last perfect weekend. But when Jonathan’s best man—a prickly academic with a heart of gold—ropes her into a fake dating scheme, sparks unexpectedly fly. Will Olivia sacrifice her own happiness again, or could this fake relationship turn into the truest choice she’s ever made?

Heartwarming, hilarious, and sparklingly romantic, Save the Date will have you cheering for love in all its messy, unexpected glory.

Review:

Save the Date by Mallory Kass is the kind of ensemble romantic comedy that feels tailor made for spring reading, it’s bright, dramatic, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way. Set over the course of one lavish wedding weekend, the story unfolds through multiple POVs, giving us a front row seat to the tangled emotional lives of the bride, her sister, and her maid of honor. Each perspective adds a new layer of tension, humor, and heart, creating a story that feels both expansive and intimate as secrets unravel and relationships are tested.

What makes this one especially fun is how it leans fully into the drama. Between long buried secrets resurfacing, complicated romantic entanglements, and the pressure to keep everything picture perfect, the weekend quickly spirals into a delicious mess. There’s a satisfying balance here—sparkling, witty moments alongside more emotional beats about loyalty, family expectations, and choosing your own happiness. The romance threads (especially the fake dating and unrequited love angles) deliver plenty of swoony tension while still letting the friendships and family dynamics shine.

Overall, this is an entertaining, warm, and delightfully soapy read that embraces its rom com roots while still offering a bit of depth. If you love wedding centered stories, multiple POV chaos, and character driven drama with a hopeful, feel good payoff, Save the Date is a perfect pick. It’s the kind of book you breeze through in a weekend, fully immersed in the glitter, gossip, and emotional fallout.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Love Song by Elle Kennedy

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Goodreads

Release date: March 17, 2026

Publisher: Bloom Books

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns with her signature heat and humor for a Briar universe standalone romance featuring the next generation Off-Campus characters―where one unforgettable summer changes everything.

After a brutal breakup, college junior Blake Logan escapes to her family’s lake house in Tahoe, determined to shut out the world. Her plan is simple: no men, no drama. Until Wyatt Graham shows up. Four years older and far too good at getting under her skin, Wyatt is the living embodiment of a “bad idea,” and the guy who shattered her pride when she confessed her crush at sixteen.

With his music career stalled, Wyatt has come to Tahoe for inspiration. The last thing he expects is to find it with Blake. He’s spent years keeping his distance, convinced he’s all wrong for her, but she’s no longer the innocent girl he once knew. She’s confident, captivating, and impossible to ignore. And the slow-burning tension between them? It’s catching fire fast.

They both know this can’t last, but one reckless kiss turns into another, and soon they’re tangled in something that feels dangerously like more. Just as they finally give in to the pull, tragedy tears them apart, leaving their hearts in pieces.

But forgetting that one, nearly perfect summer? Not a chance. And when fate brings them together again, Blake and Wyatt must decide if this is a second chance…or the final verse.

Review:

There are certain fictional worlds I will never, ever get tired of visiting, and the Briar universe is at the very top of that list. With Love Song, Elle Kennedy delivers everything longtime fans could possibly want — nostalgia, next gen chaos, swoony romance, and emotional depth — and somehow still makes it feel fresh. Being reunited with this crew (plus watching the older generation interact with the next?) was pure serotonin. The group chats alone had me snort laughing, and the dad chat? Elite. Absolute elite content.

Wyatt and Blake were so obviously meant to be, but watching them actually get there was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The angst? Perfection. The chemistry? Off the charts undeniable. I tried so hard not to devour this book because I didn’t want it to end, I wanted to live in that Lake Tahoe summer bubble forever, but it was impossible to pace myself because it was just so freaking good. Blake’s post breakup resolve and Wyatt’s long simmering feelings created the kind of slow burn tension that aches in your chest in the most satisfying way.

And while this book is wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight. Elle Kennedy doesn’t shy away from serious topics, and she handles them with her usual care and tenderness, adding layers of depth to what already felt like a perfect romance. For me, the Lake Tahoe setting added an extra layer of comfort — it’s a place that holds special family memories, and seeing it come alive on the page made this story feel even more personal. Fans of this series are going to be absolutely delighted. It’s everything we’ve been waiting for and more. I’m fully obsessed.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

February Recap

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February felt a little shorter (because it literally is), but somehow I still packed in a solid mix of romances, thrillers, and a few surprise favorites. I leaned into seasonal vibes, Valentine’s reads, and a couple binge worthy backlist picks that completely delivered.

If you missed anything this month, here’s a quick catch up — plus a peek at what I’m excited about heading into March.

ICYMI: February Highlights

February Book Recommendations

A mixed genre roundup of love stories, twisty suspense, and a few books that genuinely surprised me in the best way.

→ Read the full list here

Full February Reading Wrap Up

All the stats, standouts, and quick hit thoughts.

→ See the wrap up here

I also shared:

• Books to read if you’re missing the Winter Olympics

• Romance books that feel like a Valentine

• An audiobook starter guide

• A 2016 vs. 2026 Bookstagram post to celebrate 10 yearsof reviewing (!!)

A Few of My Favorite Reads in February

Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris

This one absolutely wrecked me in the most beautiful way. It’s devastating and tender, layered and deeply human — a story about grief, survival, found family, and what it truly means to begin living again. Leigh’s journey is heavy with trauma, but the way healing slowly unfolds on that Alabama flower farm felt thoughtful and earned. It’s character driven fiction at its finest.

The audiobook experience elevated this story to something unforgettable. Narrated by Tracie Thoms, Dionte Black, and the author herself, the performances were immersive and emotionally precise. You can hear every crack in Leigh’s armor. This would be such a powerful book club pick — it lingers long after the final chapter.

→ Read my full audiobook review here

Whisper Sweet Nothings by Laura Pavlov

The perfect send off to Rosewood River. Winnie and Archer were EVERYTHING. Single dad x nanny tension? Elite. Banter? Top tier. The Chadwick group chat? Completely unhinged in the best way.

This had humor, heart, spice, small town charm, and the sweetest emotional core. Melody stole my heart, and that extended epilogue? I devoured it. Laura Pavlov truly writes single dads like no one else, and I would happily live in Rosewood River forever.

→ Read my full review here

Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles

Romantic suspense done right. Emotional depth, high stakes tension, layered mystery, and a slow burn romance rooted in trust and vulnerability. Brae as a fiercely protective single mom added so much weight to the story, and watching Dex with Owen melted me.

The twists absolutely got me (again), and the groundwork laid for future books has me fully invested. Catherine Cowles just knows how to balance danger and devotion.

→ Read my full review here

Love Song by Elle Kennedy

Returning to the Briar universe is pure serotonin for me. Nostalgia, next gen chaos, group chats, emotional growth — it’s everything I want from this world.

Wyatt and Blake’s slow burn tension was delicious torture in the best way. The banter? Incredible. The chemistry? Off the charts. And while it’s wildly fun, it also carries emotional weight in a way that feels real and grounded. I’m fully obsessed and will never get tired of visiting this universe.

→ Read my full review here

Currently Reading / Listening / Watching

• Reading: Turn Off the Light by Jacquie Walters and it is creepy AF. Dual timelines, haunted house energy, women separated by four hundred years, and something in the walls? I’m unsettled in the best way.

• Listening: Served Him Right by Lisa Unger I’m about to start this one and I’m so ready for messy brunch drama, secrets, and revenge.

• Watching: Season 2 of Paradise on Hulu. I’m a HUGE Sterling K. Brown fan and this show is excellent.

What’s Next

Honestly? I’m fully in my mood reading era right now. No strict plan, just vibes.

You can definitely expect:

• A spring themed reads post soon

• More carousels, guides, and random themed lists whenever inspiration strikes

• Continued 10 year anniversary throwbacks and celebratory content throughout the year

Thank you for being here! Whether you read every post, tap through a carousel, or just lurk quietly in the background. I appreciate this little corner of the internet more than you know. 🤍

Audiobook Review: The Fall of Iris Henley

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Goodreads

Release date: February 24, 2026

Publisher: Wednesday Books/Macmillan Audio

Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

For fans of Megan Lally and Kara Thomas, a twisty thriller about a Texas teen accused of murder who’s desperate to clear her name. 

All it takes to ruin someone’s life is the stroke of a key. Just ask Iris Henley. Her life is destroyed when someone posts an anonymous message on her high school’s subreddit thread: “Iris Henley is a killer. I’ve been too scared to come forward until now, but I saw her murder Rocky and Lynette last summer.”

Just like that, Iris loses everything. Her reputation. Her friends. Her hope of getting into college on scholarship. Even, possibly, her freedom, once the police start to investigate. After all, she’s the perfect suspect: Rocky was her boyfriend, and Lynette was her ex-best friend—and the girl he was cheating on her with. But Iris didn’t do it, and now it’s up to her to clear her name by finding out who did—before it’s too late.

Propulsive, sharp, and absolutely twisty from the New York Times bestselling author who brought readers the Veronica Mars duology, Jennifer Graham’s YA thriller is unputdownable.

Review:

I’ll admit I don’t always gravitate toward YA thrillers (too often they feel predictable or watered down) but The Fall of Iris Henley genuinely surprised me. This twisty, digital age thriller drops us straight into the nightmare scenario of a Texas teen whose life implodes after an anonymous post accuses her of murder. The premise alone feels chillingly plausible: one post, one rumor, and suddenly everything—friendships, college dreams, freedom—is on the line. The pacing is sharp and propulsive, making it incredibly bingeable, especially in audio format.

Narrator  Eva Kaminsky perfectly captures Iris’s youth without overplaying it. She leans into the emotional volatility of being a teenager, the panic, the desperation, the indignation, in a way that feels authentic rather than melodramatic. Her performance adds weight to the cyberbullying element, amplifying how isolating and terrifying it would be to have your entire community turn on you overnight.

As a parent of two teens myself, this one hit differently. I’m endlessly grateful social media wasn’t what it is now when I was in high school, because the behavior in this book is brutal and all too believable. While some twists are easier to anticipate than others, the story as a whole is solid, timely, and unsettling in a way that lingers. A strong YA thriller that understands the stakes of growing up online.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Audiobook Review: Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman

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Goodreads

Release date: February 3, 2026

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Publisher: Harper Audio

Synopsis:

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets Tell Me Lies in this binge-worthy debut murder mystery about a college student whose senior year takes a deadly turn when her exes start turning up dead…

Every time a guy breaks my heart, I write him a eulogy in my journal. It’s kind of my thing—closure through creative mourning. They don’t actually die… or, at least, they didn’t.

Now? These guys aren’t just dead to me, they’re dead to everyone. And I’m the prime suspect.

With my senior year at Pembroke College—and my entire future—on the line, I’ve got no choice but to play detective. Unfortunately, that means teaming up with my long-standing frenemy, Asher, who is insufferable and somehow always there when I need him the least. We bicker, we banter, we occasionally almost hook up, but with the body count rising and my name all over the suspect board, there’s no time to get distracted.

Between college parties, messy exes, suspicious deaths, and a murder investigation I never asked to be a part of—one thing’s for this is not how I thought my last year would go.

Here’s to hoping I can find out who the real killer is… before someone ends up writing my eulogy.

Review:

Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmeman is one of those audiobooks that grabs you immediately and refuses to let go. Narrated by Andi Arndt and Aaron Shedlock, this was an instant binge for me. Andi Arndt is a true comfort narrator—her voice is soothing, grounded, and somehow calming even when she’s describing murder, toxic relationships, and spiraling college chaos. She brings so much depth and emotional clarity to Sloane, a protagonist who is messy, flawed, and deeply cathartic to follow.

Sloane’s coping mechanism (writing eulogies for her exes as a form of closure) is morbid, creative, and surprisingly relatable. Many of these relationships were unhealthy and toxic, and the story doesn’t shy away from portraying that reality. When those exes start turning up actually dead, the book leans hard into suspense territory, with a smart, compelling mystery at its core. If you like college kids behaving badly, poor decisions stacking on top of each other, and consequences lurking around every corner you’ll like this and I can easily see why it’s being compared to Tell Me Lies and A Good Girls Guide to Murder. 

The enemies to lovers dynamic between Sloane and Archer adds another delicious layer of tension that is banter filled, sharp, and just toxic enough to fit the overall vibe. These characters aren’t trying to be good people, and that’s what makes the story so fun. The energy is campy, juicy, and chaotic in the best way, with a solid mystery threading it all together. This audiobook fully embraced the mess, the drama, and the suspense, and I had a blast listening from start to finish.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Ultimate Holiday Reading Guide 2025

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Curl up with cocoa, turn on the twinkle lights, and settle in — your next festive read is right here.

Tip: the Instagram carousel features the full 100+ list with cover art, this blog shares a curated “highlight” selection plus blurbs and affiliate links.

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💕 Holiday Romance Recs

Sweet, swoony, and full of festive cheer — these are the romances I’ve read and adored.

The Eight Heartbreaks of Hanukkah — A tender, heartwarming rom com centered on family, tradition, and second chances during Hanukkah.

Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal — Irreverent, spicy, and unexpectedly emotional, perfect for readers who like their holiday romance with attitude.

Merry Little Kissmas — Sweet, cozy, and full of holiday mischief—ideal for fans of laugh out loud meet cutes.

Good Spirits — A warm, witty romance with a touch of magic and lots of seasonal charm.

The Christmas List — A nostalgic, cozy story about love, mistakes, and the miracle of second chances at Christmastime.

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🎁 Holiday Romance TBR

If your e reader is ready for seasonal sparkle, these are next on my list.

Three Holidays and a Wedding — An emotional holiday romance about family, reunions, and one unforgettable festive celebration.

Snowed In — Classic snowbound trope with sparks, secrets, and the perfect forced proximity setup.

Christmas Fling — A flirty holiday romance made for cozy winter nights.

How the Grump Saved Christmas — Grumpy x sunshine holiday energy with tender moments and lots of heart.

Christmas Eve Love Story — A sweet, cinematic romance that feels like your favorite holiday movie in book form.

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🔪 Holiday Thriller TBR

Prefer your holiday reads on the darker side? These chilling thrillers bring murder, mystery, and a touch of tinsel.

I’ll Be Alone for Christmas — A tense, psychological holiday thriller about isolation and the danger of being alone on Christmas.

The Christmas Party — An old friends reunion that goes terrifyingly wrong—perfect for readers who love locked room tension at Christmas.

The Christmas Killer — Chilling, relentless, and set against a deceptively cozy holiday backdrop.

Last Christmas — A twisty festive thriller that will keep you guessing until the final pages.

The Christmas Guest — A short, sinister holiday novella where seasonal cheer turns cold and dangerous.

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☕ Cozy Mystery Recs

For those who love crime with cocoa and clues with candy canes — these festive whodunits are perfect fireside reading.

Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off — Baking mishaps, small town charm, and a deliciously twisty mystery.

Mistletoe Murder — Classic cozy energy: holiday traditions, nosy neighbors, and a puzzling murder to solve.

Rest Ye Murdered Gentlemen — A festive small town mystery with holiday events and plenty of red herrings.

Murder with a Hint of Peppermint — A sweet sleuthing romp with peppermint lattes and cozy clues.

The Diva Cooks a Goose — Light, funny, and full of culinary chaos—mystery meets kitchen hijinks.

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🔍 Cozy Mystery TBR

Still can’t get enough? These upcoming holiday cozies are next in my queue.

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year — A festive, puzzle filled cozy that reads like a gingerbread house of clues.

A Holiday Homicide — Small town drama and a seasonal whodunit that’s perfect with a cup of cocoa.

Peppermint Cookie Murder — A charming bakery mystery that pairs perfectly with cookie baking and sleuthing.

Death of a Christmas Caterer — Catering drama, family secrets, and a holiday themed mystery that’s delightfully suspicious.

Deck the Hallways — Festive campus hijinks and a cozy mystery vibe that’s quirky and fun.

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That’s 25 festive reads to get you through the season — and my full 100+ books Holiday Reading Guide (with every genre + cover art) is on Instagram if you want every single recommendation.

Follow @novelgossip on Instagram for the complete carousel and more holiday reading inspo.

Affiliate disclosure: I use Amazon affiliate links on this page. If you purchase through these links I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — thank you for supporting novelgossip.com.

Review: Same As it Ever Was by Claire Lombardo

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Goodreads

Release date: June 18, 2024

Publisher: Doubleday

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

Same As It Ever Was showcases the consummate style, signature wit, and profound emotional intelligence that made The Most Fun We Ever Hadone of the most beloved novels of the past decade. Featuring a memorably messy family and the multifaceted marriage at its heart, Lombardo’s debut was dubbed “the literary love child of Jonathan Franzen and Anne Tyler” (The Guardian) and hailed as “ambitious and brilliantly written” (Washington Post). In this remarkable follow-up—another elegant and tumultuous story in the tradition of Elizabeth Strout, Ann Patchett, and Celeste Ng—Lombardo introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters, this time by way of her singularly complicated protagonist.

Julia Ames, after a youth marked by upheaval and emotional turbulence, has found herself on the placid plateau of mid-life. But Julia has never navigated the world with the equanimity of her current privileged class. Having nearly derailed herself several times, making desperate bids for the kind of connection that always felt inaccessible to her, she finally feels, at age fifty seven, that she has a firm handle on things.

She’s unprepared, though, for what comes next: a surprise announcement from her straight-arrow son, an impending separation from her spikey teenaged daughter, and a seductive resurgence of the past, all of which threaten to draw her back into the patterns that had previously kept her on a razor’s edge.

Same As It Ever Was traverses the rocky terrain of real life, —exploring new avenues of maternal ambivalence, intergenerational friendship, and the happenstantial cause-and-effect that governs us all. Delving even deeper into the nature of relationships—how they grow, change, and sometimes end—Lombardo proves herself a true and definitive cartographer of the human heart and asserts herself among the finest novelists of her generation.

Review:

I was in the minority with the authors last novel, I thought it was just ok but I wanted to try her again and I’m so glad I did! I really enjoyed this one much more and can see why she has so many fans. Her writing is so strong, it seems really simple at times and at others there was a sentence that was so beautiful and relatable it made me gasp a little. She has an uncanny and unmatched ability to really dive deep into familial relationships and the complexities that exist in a way that feels so authentic it hurts. Her characterization here was flawless, this a meaty novel, not only in length but also in just how far she delves into the characters psyches and it allows the reader to connect with them so deeply and so personally. There are universal themes and commonalities that I think many people will find relatable and relevant, especially if you are married or in have been in a long term relationship. There are also so many thoughts and ideas on parenthood at all its different stages and iterations that were profound and really made me think. The entire thing packs a powerful punch and is one of those books you need to take your time with, there is so much to unpack and ponder over, definitely not a quick or light read but one I really enjoyed.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Haters by Robyn Harding

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Goodreads

Release date: July 2, 2024

Publisher: Grand Central

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Camryn Lane is living her dream. After years of struggle and rejection, her first novel has finally been published. Her editor is happy; her teenage daughter is proud; and her boyfriend and friends are all excited for her. She’s on top of the world—until she receives a disturbing message from an unknown sender.

Rattled by the accusations she finds there, Camryn swallows the sick feeling in her stomach and resolves to put the missive out of her mind. But when she checks her ratings on a popular book site, she finds a scathing one-star review. The reviewer is so articulate and convincing that soon, Camryn’s book is flooded with bad reviews. Could the reviewer be the same person who sent the ugly email? And why do they want to ruin her?

As the online harassment creeps into Camryn’s personal life, she vows to find out who’s behind it. Is it really a disgruntled reader? Or could it be someone she knows? The troll’s actions are escalating, and when the abuse turns deadly, it will take everything Camryn has to unmask the enemy so intent on destroying her—and finally learn why she’s being targeted. 

Review:

As soon as I saw this was about an author receiving a one star review I was in. If you’re all involved in the bookish community you’ve seen authors get review bombed before and it’s craziness so naturally I was curious how the author would use this as a plot point. She put her own unique spin on it, this was less thriller and more character driven domestic suspense but I liked it. Just don’t expect super exciting and tense pacing, more of a steady build up with lots of sly reveals and secrets. I actually felt sorry for Camryn throughout most of the book, all of the events taking place made her rightfully distrusting of everyone in her life and her loneliness was apparent. The author included sections from Camryn’s book, Burnt Orchid and I’m always down for a book within a book bit of cleverness. The ending did get a little over the top but it was fun so I didn’t truly mind. Overall a fun read and a great option for poolside reading this summer!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.