Lisa
I had high expectations going into this book which I think effected my enjoyment a bit. I did like it but wanted a bit more character development.
What I liked: humor, found family, adventure/game like structure
What I didn't like: reading footnotes on a kindle (it took me out of the story a bit - I prefer footnotes in physical format)
I also didn't realize that it was part one of a duology so was surprised by the “To Be Continued” at the end. All that being said, at this moment, I would read book two.
I won a Goodreads giveaway of this book.
Rounded up from 4.75
What I liked: witty banter, building of sexual tension, serial killers killing serial killers falling love trope, concept of an annual murder game
What I disliked: too open door for me. I knew this would most likely be too much going in (the author has content warnings at the beginning of the book). This is “me as a reader”, not an author/book issue. This is whay I rated it 4.75
Overall, very fun read. I think you can skip reading the sexy time if that is not for you - it comes later in the book and you can easily skip most of it and it won't detract from the plot of the book. This is a series but it wraps up nicely at the end and the epilogue leaves you wanting to read the next in the series. Also, don't skip the bonus chapter.
Rounded up from 3.75
I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this book but I have a few takeaways:
1. This is NOT a romance. It doesn't follow any of the formulas that make a book a romance so keep that in mind before you read this.
2. I almost DNF'd this during the first half. I just really wasn't enjoying it but it was recommended to me by a trusted source so I continued.
3. I'm glad that I didn't DNF. I enjoyed the second half better. It made me laugh and cry.
4. I can't stop thinking about this book. It makes you think about double standards for men/women when dating someone younger, art and what is considered art, fandom (especially girl fandom) - the boy band craze and also how we as a society under value anything that girls and women love.
5. This is open door through out the entire book so you can't just skip the open door scenes. You have to be OK with that.
I think if you have the right expectations going in then you will gain something from this read. I almost didn't read this because of the mother/daughter element and that is what bothered me most about this book. If your book club can handle sexy time I think this would make a great book club read.
I read this one out of order - not sure how I missed it the first time around. I really loved this book and am kind of glad I read it after I finished the rest of the series. Helped me understand a bit more about How the Light Gets In though :)
listened to this on audio and loved it! Narration was fantastic. I felt like I knew the characters in the book, you don't find out who gets murdered until very close to the end - found myself guessing someone different throughout the book. Serious topics discussed in a fun approachable manner. If you are married and or have kids you will find something to relate to in this book.
The ending left me with too many questions. Both books I have read of hers have done that and I like to understand the characters better and the end of the book. Just not for me.
My absolute favorite part of this book was the section on politics, gender and race and back to me
Rounded up from 4.5. A sweet (and at moments spicy) romance that is also about the power of sisters and female friendships. You must be okay with magical realism in your books to enjoy this one.
I loved this book - full of banter and wit, loveable but very flawed characters (who I was rooting for the whole time), NYC setting. Also has a lot of raunchy humor so if that's not your thing you probably won't enjoy this as much.
fresh take on When Harry met Sally (and made me want to re-watch the movie)
I abandoned this book. Got about half way thru and was due back to the library. Found it interesting but not enough to check back out and start again.
I enjoyed the book for the most part but found the main character annoying at times and was unsatisfied with the ending.
It was good but felt a little above my head at times. The concepts stuck with me though and I find myself thinking about it often.
What I liked: coming-of-age story about two people in their 20's, the relationship between these two best friends set in 1990's Cork, touches on male/female infidelity double standards, effects of abortion access
What I didn't like: too much on page infidelity (this is a me thing - I don't like reading stories about infidelity). I am glad I read this one though - sometimes it's good to push through things that make you feel uncomfortable.
The story felt messy and realistic and was told in a very sensitive way.
. I felt so much rage when the wife finds out about her husbands infidelity and the way everyone in the town treats Rachel yet he walks about his life as if nothing happened. I sobbed while listening to the part about her trying to access an abortion in a country that doesn't allow abortion - it was very triggering for me in the current US Political climate. I loved that Rachel and James stay friends through the distance and that Rachel ends up marrying the other James. And I loved that Rachel had a conversation with Fred's wife.
This book got me out of a rut. Simple, easy read about murder and a bit of romance in 1800's Scotland. I really love Lady Darby and it was just the visit I needed to get over this book slump hump.
I really enjoyed this book. Has been on my list for awhile and glad I finally read it. Writing kept me engaged and I was guessing until the end. Looking forward to reading the others in the series.
I abandoned this book. Got about 50% of the way thru and just couldn't get into it. Oates is one of my favorite authors which is why I stuck thru half of it but had to give in and admit this one just wasn't for me.
I loved the first third of this book, enjoyed the last third and tolerated the middle. Rating is rounded down from 4.25.
A very thought-provoking book that makes you think about AI, consent, satisfaction, autonomy, emotions and what it means to be human.
I love this entire series and loved this book. Very sad that it is over. Can't wait to read all of them again with my younger son.
I listened to this on audio and it was long. In fact I almost stopped listening to it around the 13 hour mark but wanted to understand what happened to all the characters. With 5 hours left to go the story really picked up and I loved every minute of it. The end is what pushed my rating from 3 to 4 stars.
It is unlike any book I have ever read. Or do I mean series?
I loved it I can't even explain how good it is !!!!!! So awesome it makes you think if your right about not having your breath taken away!
I really enjoyed this book. I found it very atmospheric. The house was truely scary. It was well written and I cared about Eric, Dess and Stacey. I also got to see Johnny Compton on a panel at Bookmarks Book festival and he was a delight.
It is really hard to scare me in books and usually supernatural books don't scare me. There were a few times while reading this that I heard a noise in my house and jumped a bit in my chair. I would say that its more spooky than scary unless supernatural books normally scare you - then it might be terrifying. A great haunted house story to add to your TBR.