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debbilynn42's reviews
593 reviews

How to Slay on Holiday by Sarah Bonner

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lighthearted mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The plot premise pulled me in -- how fun would it be to follow along the disgruntled wife -- but in the end, the book left me with lingering plot holes as its lasting memory. I did enjoy the multiple POVs as the days unfolded, each person with her own grievances and motivations. But that wasn't enough to offset the letdown of the book's flow and execution for me. I'd still give this author another try though.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC of this novel for my early review.
Behind You by Rylie Dark

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

Murdle Jr.: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds by G.T. Karber

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adventurous funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

Chocolate, Clues, and Catastrophe by Meredith Potts

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.75

Deadpan Murder by Meredith Potts

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A Deal for a Kiss by W. Winters

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dark fast-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

3.0

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My Big Fat Fake Marriage by Charlotte Stein

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A whirlwind fake dating/marriage story that delivers on spice but misses on any character development. I could see the framework the story was trying to establish, but it didn't deliver in the end. The FMC's internal narration overburdened the story progression, and we didn't get to know much of the MMC other than that he's not like the other guys she's encountered.

I did find the text formatting quite confusing for being able to understand the flow of dialogue and written conversations (text/email/notes). This was especially difficult when blended with the FMC's internal dialogue. I'm hopeful that this was only an issue in the ARC I received and that the final version makes these portions more clearly delineated. 

In summary, this was a quick romp that I read in a single sitting, but I do not foresee it as something that'll stick with me.

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with this ARC for my early review.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Welcome to Murder Week by Karen Dukess

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emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

This mystery made me want to pack my bags and join Cath on a Murder Mystery Week trip! The characters were delightful, and we even found where Amity and Wyatt's paths each lead afterwards. I found the two unraveling mysteries well choreographed throughout the pages with both of them driving the story and developments. I especially appreciated the traditional reveal party for the mystery week! 

Thank you to NetGalley and Scout Press for the ARC of this book for my early review.
The Handmaid's Tale: The Graphic Novel by Margaret Atwood

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challenging dark sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Parable of the Sower: A Graphic Novel Adaptation by Octavia E. Butler

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adventurous challenging dark reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5