justreaditalreadypod's reviews
474 reviews

I read Gillian McAllister's "Wrong Place, Wrong Time" a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it, but then I read "Just Another Missing Person" and was really underwhelmed by it. This latest novel landed somewhere in between - it was engaging and easy to read, but it didn't completely blow me away.

The novel opens with a young literary agent named Camilla preparing to return to work after months of maternity leave. What should have been a normal day of dropping Poppy off at daycare for the first time and returning to work is upended when she wakes to find her husband, Luke, is not at home. It's not like him to miss an important event in Poppy's life, but Camilla shrugs it off as Luke being busy - but what's with that cryptic note she found before leaving the house? Things get even more strange when she arrives at work and learns that a hostage situation is unfolding in London. It's then that the police show up at her office to inform her that Luke is involved, and he isn't a victim - he's the one holding three other people hostage.

It's an explosive start, and from the outset, the tension is palpable. Camilla's perspective is particularly compelling because she's just as in the dark as the reader. She knows Luke as a loving father and a man that everyone loves - so why is he now holding people at gunpoint? We get to see the drama unfold outside on the street through both Camilla's and Niall's (a hostage negotiator) eyes, but things don't go as well as they hope, and the story takes an unexpected turn.

This is when McAllister jumps forward seven years. While I understand this allows the story to explore the long-term consequences of that fateful day, and it was necessary for another plot point, I struggled with it a bit. It was hard to believe that certain things could go undetected for seven years. I realize that this is likely a me thing, but I feel like a couple of years would have been a little more believable. I realize I am being very cryptic here, but I don't want to spoil anything.

As far as characters go, Camilla is a strong protagonist, and I really felt for her. She's grappling with the exhaustion of new motherhood, the challenges of returning to work, and now, this unimaginable crisis. The sense of betrayal and helplessness she experiences as she tries to reconcile the man she loves with the violent figure on the news is one of the novel's strongest elements.

Another standout character is Niall, the negotiator brought in to de-escalate the situation. He's calm, methodical, and deeply human, which makes him an interesting counterpoint to the emotional chaos unfolding around him. He quickly became one of my favorite characters, and I found myself invested in his approach to handling the case.

Despite being at the center of the story, Luke remains something of an enigma. Because so much of the book is spent trying to piece together his motives, we don't get to know him in the same way we do Camilla or Niall. That's not necessarily a flaw, but it did make it difficult to feel a strong connection to him beyond Camilla's memories of their relationship.

While there were some plot points/reveals that I really liked, there was one in particular that bothered me a bit. There is a specific twist involving someone close to Camilla that I picked up as a possibility early on - only because it has been done to death. I was really hoping the author wouldn't use it, and I was so disappointed when she did. Without giving too much away, I found it to be predictable and a bit of a letdown.

Despite my issues with the time jump and the predictability of a third-act twist, this was still an entertaining read. I'm finding that I am super critical of thrillers these days, and I'm a bit difficult to please, so that was likely also part of my problem. That said, the premise is undeniably gripping, and the character work is strong. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with emotional depth and an intriguing central mystery, this is worth a read.

Black Woods, Blue Sky by Eowyn Ivey

Go to review page

emotional sad tense 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

I'd heard great things about this author but had not read any of her books. I added "The Snow Child" to my list for the year ahead, but when I saw this one on BOTM, I decided to give it a go. I love magical realism when it's done right, and this one definitely is. This novel is an exquisite blend of family drama, romance, and mystery with a touch of magical realism, all wrapped in the wild and untamed beauty of the Alaskan wilderness. With echoes of Beauty and the Beast, this story is about love - romantic love, the love between a mother and child, and the painful choices that love sometimes demands.

The novel follows Birdie, a single mother struggling to provide for her young daughter, Emaleen, in a small Alaskan town. When Arthur Neilsen, a reclusive and mysterious man, rescues Emaleen after she wanders too far into the woods, Birdie is drawn to him. Birdie has always known Arthur but has never paid him much attention. This simple act of kindness toward her daughter sparks something in Birdie, and she finds herself drawn to him. Unlike the rough and directionless men she has been with in the past, Arthur is a gentle giant: quiet, strong, and deeply connected to the wilderness. For Birdie, Arthur and his simple life in the remote mountains represent the type of life she has always longed for.

And so, against the warnings of those closest to her, Birdie moves with Emaleen to Arthur's isolated cabin, miles away from civilization. After cleaning up the cabin and settling in, their new life seems perfect. They fish, forage, and live simply, disconnected from the world's expectations. But as the seasons change, so does the atmosphere in their secluded home. Birdie soon realizes that Arthur harbors a secret, and she and Emaleen may not be as safe as she once thought.

The pacing of the novel is perfect, slowly building tension as Birdie's dream life in the mountains begins to crack. She and Arthur love each other very much, and Arthur - despite a dark secret and a sometimes short temper - is the man she has always dreamed of. Emaleen adores him, and he is so gentle with her. But as he continues to disappear for extended lengths of time, Birdie can't help but wonder where he goes or what he does. We, the readers, and eventually Emaleen, know his secret before Birdie, and watching her make the discovery and then reconcile this new normal is beautifully executed by the author. We know how dangerous Arthur is, but we also know how sweet he can be. Just like Birdie, we struggle with whether she should stay or take Emaleen and run far away.

As far as characters go, Birdie is headstrong, resourceful, and deeply flawed. Her love for Emaleen is evident, but so is her desire for something more. Her decision to uproot their lives for a chance at love is questionable, but it's also painfully human. Who wouldn't want to believe in the possibility of a fresh start? Ivey has written Birdie as both admirable and frustrating, forcing the reader to wrestle with her choices rather than passing easy judgment.

Emaleen, on the other hand, is a bright spot in the novel. Ivey captures her six-year-old voice and personality perfectly, making her one of the most endearing aspects of the story. Through Emaleen's eyes, we see the magic of the wilderness, as well as the slow unraveling of the world her mother has created.

And then there's Arthur. Scarred, silent, and deeply enigmatic, he is a character who embodies both danger and tenderness. His existence teeters between the monstrous and the human, making him a perfect modern-day Beast. Yet, unlike the traditional fairytale, his darkness isn't just an illusion to be dispelled by love - it's something real, something that threatens Birdie and Emaleen. What makes him so compelling is that he is never truly a villain despite his potential for harm. Instead, he is a tragic figure shaped by forces beyond his control. Had the novel stripped away its magical realism, Arthur could have been just another damaged, brooding figure with a violent past that Birdie is too blinded by love to leave. But with the hint of the supernatural woven into his character, he becomes something else entirely, someone whose fate feels inevitable, yet deeply heartbreaking. He was someone I really cared for.

The novel also thrives on atmosphere. Ivey's descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness are beautiful and terrifying. She captures the isolation, the rawness of nature, and the way it can either cradle or consume those who dare to live within it. The tension in the novel is as much about the setting as it is about the relationships. The land itself feels like a character - unpredictable, untamable, and filled with secrets.

Overall, I found this to be a haunting and beautifully written novel. Ivey masterfully blends magical realism with raw human emotion, creating a book that is both enchanting and unsettling. Fans of literary fiction, modern fairytales, and atmospheric storytelling will find much to love here. It is a novel that asks difficult questions about love, family, and what it truly means to be free. Highly recommended!

Unromance by Erin Connor

Go to review page

funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Romantic comedies often function as palate cleansers for me. I tend to approach them as predictable, light-hearted distractions when I need a break from horror/thrillers or literary fiction that is a bit more emotionally intense. As we know, many rom-coms stick to a familiar formula: meet-cute, trope assignment (enemies-to-lovers, fake dating, etc.), some dating and/or sexual tension, a falling-in-love montage, a climactic breakup, and the inevitable grand gesture that seals the happily ever after. While this book certainly follows this familiar formula, it does so in a refreshingly self-aware and unconventional way. Despite knowing the direction the story would take, I really enjoyed watching Sawyer and Morgan - a romance writer in denial and a hopelessly romantic TV star - stubbornly try (and fail) not to fall in love.

The story introduces us to Sawyer Greene - a romance novelist whose personal life has left her deeply cynical about love. At the top of the book, Morgan finds herself stuck in an elevator with Morgan Kelly, a gorgeous and charming actor famous for playing the romantic lead on TV. Sawyer, who has sworn off anything more than casual flings, decides Morgan is the perfect candidate for a one-night stand. However, fate (or rom-com magic) has other plans, and the two find themselves repeatedly crossing paths in settings straight out of a Hallmark movie.

What really makes this book work is the personalities of the two leads. Sawyer is deeply disillusioned, her writer's block stemming from a painful breakup that has soured her belief in romance, which is all the more tragic because she is a writer who writes romance books. She's witty, guarded, and allergic to sentimentality. On the other hand, Morgan is her polar opposite: a true believer in grand gestures and happy endings. This guy loves to fall in love - even if it often ends in disappointment. Their chemistry crackles not just with attraction but with conflicting worldviews. Sawyer sees Morgan's faith in love as naïve, while Morgan finds Sawyer's cynicism intriguing. Both Sawyer and Morgan are self-aware enough to poke fun at the romantic tropes they find themselves trapped in, resulting in many laugh-out-loud moments. The meta-commentary on romance conventions is playful without being annoying.

One thing that I really appreciated was the alternating points of view. This allowed me to immerse myself in both characters' heads. I always like it when we dive deep into a character's thoughts to get a feeling for where they are and what they are really thinking - even if it makes me want to slap some sense into them sometimes.

I mostly listened to this one, and the performances by Mia Hutchinson Shaw and Lee Osorio are exceptional. Both narrators capture the essence of their characters perfectly. Shaw's portrayal of Sawyer nails the mix of sarcasm and vulnerability, while Osorio gives Morgan a warmth and sincerity that feels effortlessly natural.

While this book doesn't break the mold of the rom-com genre, it succeeds by embracing and subverting familiar tropes with intelligence and charm.

It's an entertaining, heartfelt read that will likely appeal to both rom-com skeptics and die-hard fans. If you're looking for a clever, character-driven story with plenty of laughs and just the right amount of rom-com magic, this book definitely delivers.

Good Dirt by Charmaine Wilkerson

Go to review page

emotional hopeful 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? Yes

3.5

I've heard a lot of good things about Charmaine Wilkerson's "Black Cake". I have a copy of that book but have yet to get to it (though I plan to soon). I'd read a lot of good reviews for this one as well, and since FOMO is real for me, I snagged this one from Book of the Month and decided to give it a go. While I wasn't totally blown away by it, I still enjoyed the story and the characters.

The novel follows Ebby Freeman - a twenty-something Black woman whose life has been shaped by the unsolved murder of her older brother when she was ten. Someone broke into Ebby's family home while she and her brother were home alone. He was shot and killed, and Ebby heard it all happen. Years later, Ebby still deals with the trauma of that event, and to make matters worse, she was just left at the altar by her white fiancee. Hoping to get away for a while and reset her life, Ebby goes to France to stay with a friend. A few months later, Ebby's friend is out of town and asks Ebby to help a couple who have rented her guest house get settled. When the couple arrives, Ebby is surprised to find her ex-fiancee and a young, blonde woman are the guests. This opens up some barely healed wounds and kicks Ebby's healing journey into high gear.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its structure. The short chapters create a sense of momentum, making it easy to get through. The book jumps around in time and between different characters. We hear from Ebby, both of her parents, Henry (the ex), Avery (the new woman), and several of Ebby's ancestors who were once enslaved and are tied to a family heirloom that was broken when her brother was killed. Despite the jumps in time and perspective, I was never lost or confused, so kudos to the author for that. Oftentimes, when I read a book with multiple perspectives and timelines, it feels convoluted or distracting, but that wasn't the case here. Instead, each perspective and era added another layer to the story and kept me engaged.

As far as characters go, Ebby is very compelling, and her journey forms the emotional core of the novel. She is complex, vulnerable, and deeply human, shaped by both trauma and resilience. Her flight to France following her highly publicized breakup feels like a natural response for someone who has spent much of her life under scrutiny, both due to her family's tragic history and her own celebrity because of it. As one of the only Black families in a wealthy New England neighborhood, the Freemans have long been viewed as outsiders - even though they are just as wealthy as their neighbors - and their tragedy was treated almost like a spectacle. This adds another layer to Ebby's struggles.

As far as the supporting characters, I found most of them to be just as compelling, but Henry, Ebby's ex-fiancé, felt flat in comparison. He kind of bored me. His role in the novel is crucial, yet he lacks the same depth as Ebby or even some other supporting characters. The revelation of why he left Ebby at the altar was underwhelming and, quite honestly, didn't make a lot of sense to me, especially given how much weight it holds in Ebby's narrative arc. It made him feel super weak and made me dislike him even more. What did Ebby even see in him?

I think my biggest complaint with this one is that the last 1/3 or so of the novel felt really convoluted, and it didn't really go anywhere. There was a ton of buildup, and I was left feeling a little underwhelmed when all was said and done. I enjoyed the journey but was a little let down when we reached the destination.

I did a tandem read of this one (I listened to the audiobook and read a hardcover) and thoroughly enjoyed the narration. January Lavoy is one of my favorite audiobook narrators, so it was no surprise that she handled this one like a pro. If you prefer audiobooks, I would recommend checking this one out.

Overall, this is an engaging, emotionally resonant novel with an interesting premise and an engaging lead character. While I felt like it started strong but ended on a weak note, I still enjoyed it for the most part. If you enjoy novels that explore family secrets, history, and a touch of mystery, you'll likely enjoy this one.

A Circle of Uncommon Witches by Paige Crutcher

Go to review page

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No

3.0

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.

I love books about witches, so I naturally gravitated toward this one. While the book is an enjoyable blend of magic, trials, and an enemies-to-lovers romance, I found it stumbled a bit - especially in the areas of pacing and plot clarity. Despite these issues, I still found it to be a fun read that reminded me of a lighter version of "A Discovery of Witches" sprinkled with a little "Practical Magic".

The novel follows a twenty-nine-year-old woman named Doreen MacKinnon. Doreen is a witch burdened with a centuries-old family curse that dooms her and her descendants to heartbreak and loneliness. No man will ever truly love them, but if they don't marry by the time they are thirty, they will die.

The origin of this curse is rooted in a forbidden love story: Ambrose MacDonald, a powerful male witch, fell in love with Lenora MacKinnon three hundred years ago, only to be separated and banished from her by the MacKinnon family of witches. In his grief and rage, he cast a curse upon their family, ensuring that none of them would ever find true love. But the curse came at a price: Ambrose was imprisoned, doomed to be forever alive and eternally alone.

Doreen, as the 13th-generation MacKinnon witch, is not only one of the most powerful in her bloodline but also desperate for honest companionship. Doreen is coming up on her thirtieth birthday, and she doesn't want to marry just anyone to ward off the curse - she wants real love or no love at all. But she also doesn't want to die, so she does what any headstrong witch would do - she sets out to break the curse. Doreen releases Ambrose from his magical prison, hoping that he will help her, but he sees this as an opportunity for revenge - setting the two on a journey filled with danger and love that neither could have imagined.

The concept of the book is definitely fun, and I really liked the characters. Doreen is strong-willed and determined but also extremely lonely. Her connection with her cousin, Margot, is one of the strongest aspects of the book, offering moments of warmth and loyalty that ground the story emotionally. I also liked Ambrose, even if he did tend to fall into stereotypical "broody bad boy" territory.

The trials that Doreen and Ambrose must endure together in an attempt to break the curse are another fun part of the novel. These challenges inject excitement and adventure into the plot, keeping the momentum moving even when the romance feels uneven. The magic system, though not particularly unique, is enjoyable enough, with its spells, enchantments, and familial lore adding a rich texture to the story.

That said, there were several elements that felt underdeveloped or unclear. One major point of confusion for me was Doreen's aunt Stella's decision to prevent her from forming romantic attachments as a teenager, despite knowing that marriage was essential to Doreen staying alive. Did she want Doreen to die? Was there an alternative plan that was never explained? Why did she stop her from building a relationship but not Margot? Did I miss something?

Another thing that felt off was that the romance between Doreen and Ambrose leans heavily into the enemies-to-lovers trope, but the execution felt a bit rushed. While it's clear from the start that a romance will develop between them, the transition from adversaries to lovers happens abruptly. It seemed that one moment, Doreen and Ambrose despised each other and the next, they were in love. The emotional build-up was lacking, which might disappoint readers who enjoy a slow burn.

My only other complaint with this one was the pacing felt really off. We are dropped into the action within a couple of pages, and I never felt fully grounded before we were off on the adventure. I also felt like there were some chapters that could have been edited down and others that could have used a bit more exposition.

Despite these flaws, the book is still an enjoyable read, especially for those looking for a lighter fantasy romance. The trials and adventure elements are engaging, and Doreen is a character I had no problem rooting for. The romance, while abrupt, has its charming moments, and Ambrose makes for a compelling - if somewhat underdeveloped - love interest. If you're looking for a fun, magical romance that doesn't take itself too seriously, this book might be for you.

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby

Go to review page

dark emotional tense fast-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? Yes

5.0

After reading (and being blown away by) S.A. Cosby's "All the Sinners Bleed" last year, I knew I had to dive into his backlist. I went into this one with high expectations and wasn't disappointed. In fact, I think I may have enjoyed it even more than "Sinners".

This book follows two fathers, Ike Randolph and Buddy Lee Jenkins, whose sons, Isiah and Derek, were married and recently murdered in what appears to be a hate crime. Both fathers are ex-cons, hardened by years of violence and regret. But despite their shared grief, they aren't exactly kindred spirits. Ike is a Black man who has worked tirelessly to leave his criminal past behind, while Buddy Lee is a white man whose life has been shaped by alcoholism and several missteps. But the two share a common regret - neither fully accepted nor supported their sons while they were alive, mainly due to their prejudices - and now they are dead.

The pain of these unresolved relationships sets the foundation for a brutal and deeply emotional journey. Ike and Buddy Lee team up, not just to get answers but to exact bloody revenge once they learn that their son's graves have been desecrated with homophobic slurs. This kicks off a brutal and bloody quest for answers and a good, healthy dose of vigilante justice. The novel's plot is driven by revenge, and Cosby doesn't hold back when it comes to action. The violence is often brutal and shocking, yet it never feels gratuitous. He has a gift for writing action sequences that are both cinematic and emotionally charged.

What I love most about this author's books is that he doesn't sugarcoat anything. This time around, he forces his characters and readers to sit with the uncomfortable truths about race, class, toxic masculinity, and homophobia in America, and he does it all through the lenses of two very complex characters. Ike and Buddy Lee are rough around the edges, hardened by life's trials, and quick to resort to violence. But beneath their tough exteriors are men who loved their sons in their own imperfect ways. Their grief feels raw and honest, and as they wrestle with their pain and regrets, it's impossible not to feel for them.

What makes their arc so compelling is how they begin to change as they work together. Their relationship is tense and uneasy at first, but through shared experiences and mutual suffering, they slowly develop a bond built on respect and understanding. Watching Ike and Buddy Lee learn to let go of their hate and embrace a broader definition of masculinity and fatherhood is very moving.

Another standout element of the book is its exploration of race and privilege. Cosby examines how Ike and Buddy Lee's experiences are shaped by their racial identities. Ike is hyper-aware of the dangers he faces as a Black man, especially when dealing with law enforcement or navigating predominantly white spaces. Buddy Lee, on the other hand, is forced to confront the ways his whiteness has shielded him from certain consequences, even as he's suffered in different ways due to his poverty and criminal past. Their differing perspectives add nuance to their relationship and highlight the complexities of systemic racism and oppression.

Overall, I loved this book and devoured it in a day. Cosby has once again crafted a powerful and gut-wrenching crime thriller with the emotional weight of a family drama. This is a novel that's both hard to read and impossible to put down. For readers who appreciate stories that are gritty, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional, this is a must-read. I can't wait to read more by this author.

More...

justreaditalreadypod's reviews 474 reviews

justreaditalreadypod's reviews
474 reviews