mv_reads's reviews
355 reviews

Deep End by Ali Hazelwood does it again! Seamlessly blending STEM and steam in the best way possible! The duet style audiobook narration was absolute perfection, making the chemistry between Lukas and Scarlett even more electrifying. I was a little disappointed that we didn’t get to see more of what was on their lists or have them explore them as much as I expected, but that didn’t take away from the heat at all. Hazelwood knows how to bring the tension, and this one definitely delivered. Another solid, steamy, and smart romance that kept me hooked from start to finish!

Whirlwind by Kayla Grosse starts off hot and heavy, pulling you right into the thrill of storm chasing and all the adrenaline that comes with it! The intense beginning eventually mellows out to a more balanced pace compared to some of her other works, which isn’t a bad thing at all. I loved the dynamic between the team and how supportive they were of each other. I would definitely read more about the Tornado Tamers. 

Thank you to Kayla Grosse for an eArc. 

The Thrashers by Julie Soto had me hooked from the very beginning! It gave me I Know What You Did Last Summer vibes with its mix of suspense, high school politics, and the dark secrets lurking beneath it all. The dynamic between the popular crowd and the outsiders was so compelling, making every twist and turn even more intense. And that epilogue… WHAT?! I need more.  If you love a gripping YA thriller with a dose of drama, this one is definitely worth the read! 

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/ Wednesday Books for the eARC. 

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter was such a cute and fun read! I flew through it in one sitting because it kept me hooked the entire time. The audiobook was especially enjoyable—the narrators did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. I also loved how the police logs were incorporated; they added a unique touch to the storytelling. If you’re looking for a lighthearted holiday mystery, this one is a great pick! 

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams completely took me by surprise in the best way. I went in not knowing what to expect, and I was so pleasantly surprised by the magic, romance, and beautifully woven storytelling. The writing was lush and immersive, making it easy to get lost in Ricki’s world. This book had depth, heart, and a love story that felt both timeless and fresh. Tia Williams has done it again, and I can’t recommend this one enough!

Still Missing is a gripping psychological thriller that kept me hooked, even when the pacing felt a bit slow at times. I really enjoyed how the story was structured through therapy sessions it made Annie’s trauma feel raw and personal, pulling me into her mindset. However, I do wish the author had included trigger warnings at the beginning, as this book deals with some extremely sensitive topics. While I wasn’t completely shocked by the twist (I had guessed part of it), the journey to the reveal was still compelling enough to keep me reading. Overall, a dark and unsettling read that lingers with you long after you finish.

Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall is a must-read. She tackles so many crucial issues, this was written in 2020, and it feels even more relevant today. With everything happening in the world, this book is a powerful reminder to check our privilege and do the work. Kendall’s perspective is eye-opening, challenging, and necessary for truly inclusive feminism. If you haven’t read this yet, now is the time.

DNF-- Elphie by Gregory Maguire was a huge disappointment for me. I wanted to love it, especially since I enjoyed Wicked years ago, but I just couldn’t finish. The writing style was overly complicated and difficult to follow, filled with words that didn’t add much substance. While it was meant to explore Elphie’s childhood, the story never really felt like it was about her. Unfortunately, this one completely missed the mark for me. 

Thank you yo NetGalley and William Morrow for the eArc.

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey was an enjoyable read, but not the strongest in the Big Shots series. Sig and Chloe’s chemistry was undeniable, and their connection kept me hooked. However, the main conflict didn’t feel like a big enough issue to justify all the concern surrounding it, which left me a little underwhelmed. While I still had fun reading it, this one just didn’t hit as hard as the others in the series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC.