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booksbytheglass's reviews
873 reviews
The Family Experiment by John Marrs
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
every single new book in this universe (which is disturbingly less sci-fi and more possible in present day) is a BANGER! it’s so eerily futuristic but I can totally see it happening because clearly this world doesn’t learn from fiction 👀
ANYWAY
following THE ONE, THE PASSENGERS, and THE MARRIAGE ACT, this one focuses on having children in the metaverse, specifically targeting those who have lost children or are unable to biologically have children. and for some odd reason, all of this is tied into a game show to see which parents are most deserving of having a children 😶
john marrs knows how to find the darkness in humanity and put it on paper for all to see! for a futuristic sci-fi book, the characters in this one were so lifelike and human, following the same path of our emotions and decisions (and sometimes our downfall).
and while I did guess the main plot twist almost right away, I LOVED seeing how it all played out! I just wished it would have paid off a little later in the book instead of a slow burn reveal - as well as having a greater impact on the overall story…
while it’s not required to read the others in this series before reading this one, I highly recommend it as events and technology from the other books are mentioned frequently
another winner from john marrs!!!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: new zealand sauvignon blanc
ANYWAY
following THE ONE, THE PASSENGERS, and THE MARRIAGE ACT, this one focuses on having children in the metaverse, specifically targeting those who have lost children or are unable to biologically have children. and for some odd reason, all of this is tied into a game show to see which parents are most deserving of having a children 😶
john marrs knows how to find the darkness in humanity and put it on paper for all to see! for a futuristic sci-fi book, the characters in this one were so lifelike and human, following the same path of our emotions and decisions (and sometimes our downfall).
and while I did guess the main plot twist almost right away, I LOVED seeing how it all played out! I just wished it would have paid off a little later in the book instead of a slow burn reveal - as well as having a greater impact on the overall story…
while it’s not required to read the others in this series before reading this one, I highly recommend it as events and technology from the other books are mentioned frequently
another winner from john marrs!!!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: new zealand sauvignon blanc
You Killed Me First by John Marrs
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ok this one was so wild!! john marrs always writes the most heart-pounding stories, and I was so here for every twist and turn!
each of the three women were absolutely so unique from each other, and it was a hoot to read each of their POVs! margot was so irritating and deserved everything coming to her, but I will say that anna and liv had their own secrets that had me GASPING!
it was a slower paced thriller, which usually is not my jam, but the ending paid off so satisfyingly! the main plot twist was so fun and quirky, and the epilogue had me GAGGED!
there were so many moments that were a bit far-fetched, but there’s something about having no reliable narrators that makes the mystery so much more interesting!
I almost wanted more chapters from the “men” of the story too as they had to be as gagged as I was when they learned the truth about their wives 🫢
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast oak-aged chardonnay
each of the three women were absolutely so unique from each other, and it was a hoot to read each of their POVs! margot was so irritating and deserved everything coming to her, but I will say that anna and liv had their own secrets that had me GASPING!
it was a slower paced thriller, which usually is not my jam, but the ending paid off so satisfyingly! the main plot twist was so fun and quirky, and the epilogue had me GAGGED!
there were so many moments that were a bit far-fetched, but there’s something about having no reliable narrators that makes the mystery so much more interesting!
I almost wanted more chapters from the “men” of the story too as they had to be as gagged as I was when they learned the truth about their wives 🫢
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast oak-aged chardonnay
Count My Lies by Sophie Stava
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I fear I’ve read too many similar thrillers to really be invested in this one… along the same lines of THE HOUSEMAID, THE LAST MRS PARRISH, and THE WIFE BETWEEN US, it features a nanny who befriends a couple with not-so-honorable intentions (only for everything to be topsy turvy of course)…
I did really enjoy the characterization of the two main women, sloane and violet, and seeing how similar they were in their bones. it was refreshing to get honesty among two liars, and I loved how they both knew it all along from the beginning!
although the story itself was repetitive and way too similar to other books, it was a quick-paced bingeable one! and under 300 pages, it was an easy read!
the ending was very satisfying and a bit neat for a thriller - and while it definitely wasn’t my favorite, it was entertaining to say the least…
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: columbia valley pinot noir
I did really enjoy the characterization of the two main women, sloane and violet, and seeing how similar they were in their bones. it was refreshing to get honesty among two liars, and I loved how they both knew it all along from the beginning!
although the story itself was repetitive and way too similar to other books, it was a quick-paced bingeable one! and under 300 pages, it was an easy read!
the ending was very satisfying and a bit neat for a thriller - and while it definitely wasn’t my favorite, it was entertaining to say the least…
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: columbia valley pinot noir
Someone Knows: A Novel by Vi Keeland
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
holy shirtballs this book threw me for a loop!!! as someone who reads a lot of thrillers, it’s very satisfying when an author fools me with an ending or plot twist - and I’m very pleased that vi keeland was able to do both!!
while the premise of heavy trauma relates similarly to MY DARK VANESSA and FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, the plot itself goes way beyond! the concept of using people as a conduit for trauma was a recurring theme that was done rather nicely - and led into the mystery elements of who knows what really happened to elizabeth twenty years ago 👀
the pacing of the story was well done, focusing on elizabeth’s anxious-driven chase to find out who is mentally torturing her as well as chapters of an anonymous book writer. the chapters broke up the daily grind of elizabeth’s life and gave more detail into her past - while giving the reader more clues about who is truly behind it all!
and it is not over until the very last page!! the last chapter had me SO GAGGED y’all 👀 while I guessed the first plot twist moments before it happened (and I was so pleased), the rest had me along for a roller coaster ride!!
a huge thank you to atria for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: walla walla valley pinot noir
🚩🚩🚩 TW: physical abuse, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, grooming, r!pe, assault, death of a parent, death of a child, stalking 🚩🚩🚩
while the premise of heavy trauma relates similarly to MY DARK VANESSA and FOR YOUR OWN GOOD, the plot itself goes way beyond! the concept of using people as a conduit for trauma was a recurring theme that was done rather nicely - and led into the mystery elements of who knows what really happened to elizabeth twenty years ago 👀
the pacing of the story was well done, focusing on elizabeth’s anxious-driven chase to find out who is mentally torturing her as well as chapters of an anonymous book writer. the chapters broke up the daily grind of elizabeth’s life and gave more detail into her past - while giving the reader more clues about who is truly behind it all!
and it is not over until the very last page!! the last chapter had me SO GAGGED y’all 👀 while I guessed the first plot twist moments before it happened (and I was so pleased), the rest had me along for a roller coaster ride!!
a huge thank you to atria for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: walla walla valley pinot noir
🚩🚩🚩 TW: physical abuse, emotional abuse, domestic abuse, grooming, r!pe, assault, death of a parent, death of a child, stalking 🚩🚩🚩
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death
Saltwater by Katy Hays
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
rich people are WILD 🤯 I’m a sucker for a family drama turned murder mystery, so I knew I was all in from the very first chapter!!
alternating between the 1990s and present day, the lingate family is full of secrets, including what really happened to sarah on capri - and what is happening now to the family as they reunite on the same island… and let me tell you, the backdrop of capri and the lilian islands was GORGEOUS 💛 I absolutely ate up every description & felt like I was truly there
the alternating POVs between sarah in the 90s, helen (her daughter) in present day, and lorna (the family assistant) in present day, made sense in theory - but there were some chapters that just felt jarring to me 🤷🏼♀️ I did enjoy seeing all of the events play out through their respective eyes though
and while I figured the family’s own secrets would be the death of them (literally and figuratively), the ending still shocked me 😮💨 it ended on a very satisfying note
helen was the only factor that didn’t always work for me… a product of her own family, she wasn’t the most likable or willing to do what it takes in the end (which I get it’s your family but they might have unalived your mom so 👀)
a huge thank you to netgalley and ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: barbara d’asti red blendo
alternating between the 1990s and present day, the lingate family is full of secrets, including what really happened to sarah on capri - and what is happening now to the family as they reunite on the same island… and let me tell you, the backdrop of capri and the lilian islands was GORGEOUS 💛 I absolutely ate up every description & felt like I was truly there
the alternating POVs between sarah in the 90s, helen (her daughter) in present day, and lorna (the family assistant) in present day, made sense in theory - but there were some chapters that just felt jarring to me 🤷🏼♀️ I did enjoy seeing all of the events play out through their respective eyes though
and while I figured the family’s own secrets would be the death of them (literally and figuratively), the ending still shocked me 😮💨 it ended on a very satisfying note
helen was the only factor that didn’t always work for me… a product of her own family, she wasn’t the most likable or willing to do what it takes in the end (which I get it’s your family but they might have unalived your mom so 👀)
a huge thank you to netgalley and ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for a honest review!
rating: 4 stars
wine pairing: barbara d’asti red blendo
Long Live Evil by Sarah Rees Brennan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
DNF (or more accurately not right now) @ 30% - I do fear this one was very cringe for me, and I have heard it gets a lot better so I’ll pick this up again someday, but it was just not for me at the moment. I wanted to love it as I love a good ol reader insert story, but the writing just read like a bad fanfiction and the FMC was so irritating and just leaning into “I’m evil and you’re my minions” and not adapting to the fantasy culture…
Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave by Elle Cosimano
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
finlay is by far one of the most idiotic heroines of any novel I’ve read… and for a novelist and amateur detective, that’s not a great quality to have and survive… which leads to me to the main point: HOW the heck is this woman still alive 👀
finlay and vero are up to no good, per usual, when they have to prove that steven, finlay’s ex-husband, didn’t unalive their neighbors (when everyone clearly thinks he did it) 🥴 and in usual antics, nothing goes as planned in their investigation
what continually bothers me the most about this series, and specifically finlay as a character, is how careless she is when jumping into situations. she has a whole family at home and she clearly doesn’t think before acting, and it’s just getting more and more unbelievable that she’s still alive and allowing life to happen to her 🤷🏼♀️
I did enjoy how this one tied specifically into the first two novels, and I would risk it all for nosy maggie (a sentence I’d never thought I’d say) - and as always, another quick and easy read!
will I keep reading this series? yes… will I still continue to hate on finlay? also yes…
thank you netgalley and st martins press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
finlay and vero are up to no good, per usual, when they have to prove that steven, finlay’s ex-husband, didn’t unalive their neighbors (when everyone clearly thinks he did it) 🥴 and in usual antics, nothing goes as planned in their investigation
what continually bothers me the most about this series, and specifically finlay as a character, is how careless she is when jumping into situations. she has a whole family at home and she clearly doesn’t think before acting, and it’s just getting more and more unbelievable that she’s still alive and allowing life to happen to her 🤷🏼♀️
I did enjoy how this one tied specifically into the first two novels, and I would risk it all for nosy maggie (a sentence I’d never thought I’d say) - and as always, another quick and easy read!
will I keep reading this series? yes… will I still continue to hate on finlay? also yes…
thank you netgalley and st martins press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 2 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver
dark
emotional
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
4.5
there’s nothing more that I love than a little emo romance 🥹 I absolutely adore this series and every single character in it! except leander, he can get fu-
I am in a chokehold with the kane brothers! and fionn has always seemed like a mystery in the previous books, so I’m very happy he got a chance to shine! his slow decent into accepting who he is at his core was indeed a struggle but a worthwhile one!
and rose, my sweet vigilante baby, she deserves the world! I loved watching her grow into herself and her feelings for fionn, and as much as I initially disliked starting over back in time, it was so satisfying to see fionn and rose throughout the years 🥹 especially when the overlap started through B&B and L&L
one criticism I have overall throughout the series is that while the kane brothers are so unique from one another, sloane, lark & rose have the same cookie-cutter mold and motivations, so I wished they were a little more differential (but that’s a minor compliant from me)
the reasoning behind some of the motives of both fionn and rose were questionable at best, such as the chess move from leander that had me rolling my eyes at the convenience… or using smut as an excuse and buffer not to actually talk to one another… but overall, it was another fantastic installment in this series!
I’m looking forward to seeing what other spinoffs may happen in this universe!
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast chardonnay
I am in a chokehold with the kane brothers! and fionn has always seemed like a mystery in the previous books, so I’m very happy he got a chance to shine! his slow decent into accepting who he is at his core was indeed a struggle but a worthwhile one!
and rose, my sweet vigilante baby, she deserves the world! I loved watching her grow into herself and her feelings for fionn, and as much as I initially disliked starting over back in time, it was so satisfying to see fionn and rose throughout the years 🥹 especially when the overlap started through B&B and L&L
one criticism I have overall throughout the series is that while the kane brothers are so unique from one another, sloane, lark & rose have the same cookie-cutter mold and motivations, so I wished they were a little more differential (but that’s a minor compliant from me)
the reasoning behind some of the motives of both fionn and rose were questionable at best, such as the chess move from leander that had me rolling my eyes at the convenience… or using smut as an excuse and buffer not to actually talk to one another… but overall, it was another fantastic installment in this series!
I’m looking forward to seeing what other spinoffs may happen in this universe!
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: sonoma coast chardonnay
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
okay hi I love this series FECKIN’ HELL 🙂↕️
lachan and lark’s story was just as intriguing and entertaining as rowan and sloane’s! I loved seeing bits and pieces of every character’s life while still focusing on lachan and lark the most 🥹
lachan was by far my favorite of the kane brothers when we were introduced to them in BUTCHER AND BLACKBIRD - so I loved getting an in depth backstory and exploration of his “work” 😇 he has such a heart of gold and you know I love an irish boy
lark, on the other hand, was so lovely to read about (even if she felt like a completely different character than in the first book)! her trauma and past was another mystery to me, and while the underlying thriller aspects focused on her family, I wanted more!!!
the fake marriage itself, one of my favorite tropes, felt a bit forced, but I also pushed past that because this couple was everything 🥵 and I wanted a bit more understanding on the phantom and his reasoning behind his twisted way of unaliving sloane’s family? to hurt rowan? it just felt forced once again
but can we talk about that cliffhanger at the end???
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: provencé rosé
lachan and lark’s story was just as intriguing and entertaining as rowan and sloane’s! I loved seeing bits and pieces of every character’s life while still focusing on lachan and lark the most 🥹
lachan was by far my favorite of the kane brothers when we were introduced to them in BUTCHER AND BLACKBIRD - so I loved getting an in depth backstory and exploration of his “work” 😇 he has such a heart of gold and you know I love an irish boy
lark, on the other hand, was so lovely to read about (even if she felt like a completely different character than in the first book)! her trauma and past was another mystery to me, and while the underlying thriller aspects focused on her family, I wanted more!!!
the fake marriage itself, one of my favorite tropes, felt a bit forced, but I also pushed past that because this couple was everything 🥵 and I wanted a bit more understanding on the phantom and his reasoning behind his twisted way of unaliving sloane’s family? to hurt rowan? it just felt forced once again
but can we talk about that cliffhanger at the end???
rating: 4.5 stars
wine pairing: provencé rosé
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
it’s books like these that give me the ick about dating and trusting people in general 🙃 and for someone who can fully relate to ash and her grief, it hit a little too close to home for me… (but that’s a personal problem I realize)
the story goes back and forth between ash, a grieving daughter trying to make sense of the world after her father’s sudden passing, and a mystery man, scamming women out of money and justifying it because “no one loves him enough” 😅 and the reasoning only got worse I fear…
lisa jewell is known for her borderline creepy storylines, and this was no exception as it’s a first look at how easily men can prey on women down on their luck… it was horrifying to read - and as I said, after losing my own dad and having my own delusions about someone taking advantage of our family, it was a little too much for me 🥴
I also guessed all of the major twists right away… I didn’t find anything shocking or surprising to me, even though I did binge this as I wanted to know how it was all going to end (very satisfying, I might add)
thank you to netgalley and atria for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
the story goes back and forth between ash, a grieving daughter trying to make sense of the world after her father’s sudden passing, and a mystery man, scamming women out of money and justifying it because “no one loves him enough” 😅 and the reasoning only got worse I fear…
lisa jewell is known for her borderline creepy storylines, and this was no exception as it’s a first look at how easily men can prey on women down on their luck… it was horrifying to read - and as I said, after losing my own dad and having my own delusions about someone taking advantage of our family, it was a little too much for me 🥴
I also guessed all of the major twists right away… I didn’t find anything shocking or surprising to me, even though I did binge this as I wanted to know how it was all going to end (very satisfying, I might add)
thank you to netgalley and atria for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: dry creek zinfandel
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Mental illness and Misogyny