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natlbugz's reviews
370 reviews
The Connellys of County Down by Tracey Lange
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.25
TLDR: If you love books that explore the complexities of family, loyalty, and second chances, this one will pull you right in. And if you’re the youngest sibling, prepare to feel very seen.
I love a good family saga, and The Connellys of County Down delivered all the things I love about them: complicated siblings, deep-seated family dynamics, and enough drama to keep me fully invested from start to finish. This book is part family saga, part mystery, part romance—basically a genre mash-up.
Tara, the youngest of three siblings, felt especially relatable to me because, well, I’m also the baby of three. Her struggles, resilience, and determination hit me hard, and I couldn’t help but root for her. The Connelly family’s messy, complicated love for each other felt so real—like sitting in on someone else’s family therapy session but way more entertaining.
The mystery aspect? Had me hooked. The romance? Sweet but not overpowering. Lange balanced all the elements so well, and while the twists weren’t totally shocking, they were satisfying enough to keep me flipping pages like a madwoman.
This was my first time reading Tracey Lange, and I’m already lining up her debut We Are the Brennans, and her upcoming release What Happened to the McCrays? because if she can write sibling drama this good, I’m automatically a fan.
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
TLDR: A beautifully understated story about the messiness of life and relationships. If you love character-driven books with real, flawed humanity at their core, this one is a must-read. Olive isn’t always kind, but she’s always honest, and that’s what makes her unforgettable.
This book is a quiet masterpiece. Elizabeth Strout has this rare ability to find beauty in the mundane, and Olive Kitteridge captures life in all its messy, raw, and deeply human moments. It’s not about dramatic twists—it’s about the small, everyday choices and regrets that shape us.
Olive herself is unforgettable. She’s prickly, flawed, and often unlikable, but that’s what makes her so real. Strout doesn’t ask us to love Olive; she asks us to understand her. And through Olive’s wisdom—sometimes sharp, sometimes unexpectedly tender—there’s a perspective that only comes from having lived a full, imperfect life.
Each chapter feels like a snapshot of the people in Olive’s orbit, with her as the constant thread. The interconnected stories highlight how we affect others in ways we may never realize. Strout’s simple, understated prose hits hard, delivering moments of reflection that are quietly profound.
There’s a quiet wisdom here—about aging, love, loss, and the unglamorous truths of life. It’s not sugar-coated, but that’s what makes it resonate. Reading this during the Christmas holiday felt like the perfect choice—reflective, cozy, and with just enough melancholy to keep it grounded.
This book is a quiet masterpiece. Elizabeth Strout has this rare ability to find beauty in the mundane, and Olive Kitteridge captures life in all its messy, raw, and deeply human moments. It’s not about dramatic twists—it’s about the small, everyday choices and regrets that shape us.
Olive herself is unforgettable. She’s prickly, flawed, and often unlikable, but that’s what makes her so real. Strout doesn’t ask us to love Olive; she asks us to understand her. And through Olive’s wisdom—sometimes sharp, sometimes unexpectedly tender—there’s a perspective that only comes from having lived a full, imperfect life.
Each chapter feels like a snapshot of the people in Olive’s orbit, with her as the constant thread. The interconnected stories highlight how we affect others in ways we may never realize. Strout’s simple, understated prose hits hard, delivering moments of reflection that are quietly profound.
There’s a quiet wisdom here—about aging, love, loss, and the unglamorous truths of life. It’s not sugar-coated, but that’s what makes it resonate. Reading this during the Christmas holiday felt like the perfect choice—reflective, cozy, and with just enough melancholy to keep it grounded.
Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was my first Kevin Wilson book, and honestly, what a wild little ride. The concept—kids who literally catch fire when they're upset—is bizarre and brilliant, and I loved how the story leans into its weirdness without apology.
The writing is sharp and quirky, and the heart of the book lies in the relationship between Lillian, our delightfully sarcastic protagonist, and the fiery twins she’s hired to nanny. There’s so much depth in how Wilson explores themes of family, belonging, and the ways we care for people who are just a little... different.
That said, there were parts that felt a bit underwhelming, like the emotional stakes didn’t quite burn as brightly as I wanted them to (pun intended). Still, it kept me turning the pages, and I’m definitely intrigued to explore more of Wilson’s work.
The writing is sharp and quirky, and the heart of the book lies in the relationship between Lillian, our delightfully sarcastic protagonist, and the fiery twins she’s hired to nanny. There’s so much depth in how Wilson explores themes of family, belonging, and the ways we care for people who are just a little... different.
That said, there were parts that felt a bit underwhelming, like the emotional stakes didn’t quite burn as brightly as I wanted them to (pun intended). Still, it kept me turning the pages, and I’m definitely intrigued to explore more of Wilson’s work.
Definitely Better Now by Ava Robinson
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
TLDR: A solid debut with relatable moments, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. If you enjoy a straightforward, stream-of-consciousness style, this might be more your vibe!
This book was… fine. It’s got the slice-of-life, introspective vibe that I think a lot of readers are going to connect with, but for me, it fell just a little flat. I’m all for contemporary fiction that mirrors the messiness of real life, but this one leaned a bit too much into that “everyday monotony” feeling. At times, it felt like I was reading someone’s unfiltered diary—not necessarily a bad thing, but not quite the depth or excitement I was hoping for.
I think my main issue was how heavily it relied on now-isms.TikTok, dating apps, endless references to modern life—it’s all there, and while I get that it’s supposed to make the story relatable, it came across as a bit on-the-nose. I want contemporary fiction to feel timeless, not like it’s timestamped with every cultural trend from 2024. Honestly, it felt a little juvenile at times, which pulled me out of the emotional impact the story was aiming for.
That said, I did enjoy some aspects of it. There’s an honesty in the writing that feels raw, and Ava Robinson clearly has a knack for capturing the uncertainty of life in your late 20s/early 30s. The simplicity of the narrative does give it a kind of charm, but it also made the story feel… uneventful. Like I was waiting for a moment to punch me in the gut, but it just never came.
Overall, Definitely Better Now has its moments, and I can see it being a comfort read for people who want something low-stakes and reflective. For me, it just lacked that extra spark to make it stand out. I’ll definitely keep an eye on Robinson’s future work, though—I think there’s a lot of potential here once she finds her stride.
This book was… fine. It’s got the slice-of-life, introspective vibe that I think a lot of readers are going to connect with, but for me, it fell just a little flat. I’m all for contemporary fiction that mirrors the messiness of real life, but this one leaned a bit too much into that “everyday monotony” feeling. At times, it felt like I was reading someone’s unfiltered diary—not necessarily a bad thing, but not quite the depth or excitement I was hoping for.
I think my main issue was how heavily it relied on now-isms.TikTok, dating apps, endless references to modern life—it’s all there, and while I get that it’s supposed to make the story relatable, it came across as a bit on-the-nose. I want contemporary fiction to feel timeless, not like it’s timestamped with every cultural trend from 2024. Honestly, it felt a little juvenile at times, which pulled me out of the emotional impact the story was aiming for.
That said, I did enjoy some aspects of it. There’s an honesty in the writing that feels raw, and Ava Robinson clearly has a knack for capturing the uncertainty of life in your late 20s/early 30s. The simplicity of the narrative does give it a kind of charm, but it also made the story feel… uneventful. Like I was waiting for a moment to punch me in the gut, but it just never came.
Overall, Definitely Better Now has its moments, and I can see it being a comfort read for people who want something low-stakes and reflective. For me, it just lacked that extra spark to make it stand out. I’ll definitely keep an eye on Robinson’s future work, though—I think there’s a lot of potential here once she finds her stride.
Acts of Service by Lillian Fishman
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Acts of Service feels like one of those novels that wants to shake you by the shoulders and demand, “What do you really want?” It's provocative, deeply intimate, and almost unnervingly honest, diving headfirst into the murky waters of desire, power, and identity.
The story centers on Eve, a woman questioning not just her sexual desires but the entire framework of what she believes about herself. She posts a nude photo online (because, why not?) and tumbles into a relationship with a couple, Olivia and Nathan, that’s as intoxicating as it is unsettling. The dynamic between these three is charged with tension—sexual, emotional, and philosophical—and Fishman uses their interactions to explore themes that feel raw and urgent.
First off, let’s talk about the exploration of desire and sexuality. This book doesn't shy away from hard questions, like what it means to truly want something and how societal norms can twist those desires into guilt or shame. Eve's journey isn't about easy answers—it’s messy, contradictory, and human in a way that feels painfully real.
And then there are the power dynamics. Olivia and Nathan? Fascinating. The way they interact with Eve is equal parts seductive and disconcerting. The book leans into this discomfort, forcing you to sit with the complexities of control and submission, asking who holds the power and why we let them.
I also appreciated how much space this book gives to identity and self-discovery. Eve’s constant questioning—of her orientation, her values, her boundaries—feels like watching someone strip down to their most vulnerable self. It’s both captivating and exhausting.
That said, it’s not perfect. While I loved the sharp writing and the unapologetic dive into taboo topics, some of the philosophical tangents felt heavy-handed. Like, yes, I get it—we’re all trapped in a web of societal expectations and existential longing—but could we not hammer it in quite so often?
Still, I have to admire the book’s bravery. It doesn’t spoon-feed you answers or wrap things up neatly. It forces you to confront your own ideas about what’s “normal” and what’s “desirable,” even if you’re uncomfortable.
A Very Bad Thing by J.T. Ellison
mysterious
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
3.75
If you're into twisty thrillers with a meta vibe, A Very Bad Thing was pretty great. The story centers on Columbia Jones, a bestselling author at the peak of her career, who collapses during a book tour after spotting a familiar face in the crowd. By the next morning, she's found dead in her hotel room.
Ellison masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of fame, family secrets, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. The multiple perspectives—from Columbia's daughter Darian to journalist Riley Carrington, and Detective Sutcliffe—add depth and keep you guessing. The "story within a story" element is particularly engaging, offering a peek into the mind of a writer whose own life becomes a mystery.
The twists are plentiful and well-executed, keeping the suspense high throughout. However, at nearly 500 pages, the pacing occasionally lags, and some plot developments stretch believability. Despite these minor issues, the book remains a compelling read that explores the dark side of literary fame.
Ellison masterfully weaves a narrative that delves into the complexities of fame, family secrets, and the blurred lines between fiction and reality. The multiple perspectives—from Columbia's daughter Darian to journalist Riley Carrington, and Detective Sutcliffe—add depth and keep you guessing. The "story within a story" element is particularly engaging, offering a peek into the mind of a writer whose own life becomes a mystery.
The twists are plentiful and well-executed, keeping the suspense high throughout. However, at nearly 500 pages, the pacing occasionally lags, and some plot developments stretch believability. Despite these minor issues, the book remains a compelling read that explores the dark side of literary fame.
The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf
mysterious
tense
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
TLDR: A gripping, atmospheric thriller with a killer vibe (pun intended). Just don’t overthink the police work, and maybe avoid it if you’re snowed in alone… especially on a farm.
Thrillers are hit or miss for me, but The Overnight Guest delivered on the creepy, atmospheric vibes I love—isolated farmland, a raging snowstorm, and secrets that refuse to stay buried. It’s twisty, chilling, and the kind of book that made me rethink living alone for a solid minute. (Thankfully, I’m nowhere near a farm because I could literally never.)
The story weaves together multiple timelines: a tragic night on a rural farm, a decades-old unsolved case, and a writer who finds herself snowed in with something very sinister outside her door. Gudenkauf nails the claustrophobic tension—you can practically feel the storm closing in—and I was hooked trying to piece everything together. The mystery is layered, and I genuinely had trouble putting it down.
That said, the police work? Yikes. I’m no detective, but even I know the first 48 hours are crucial. So why did it take so long for the dogs to show up? And the idea that Josie (a civilian) stumbles upon evidence and missing people after the cops had already scoured the farm? Make it make sense. I get it’s Iowa, but still.
Believability issues aside, I really enjoyed the pacing, the eerie setting, and how immersive the story felt—especially in those chilling, high-stakes moments. If you’re into thrillers that are dark, twisty, and claustrophobic in all the right ways, you’ll enjoy this one.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
A reminder that small choices can carry the heaviest weight.
emotional
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Short, simple, and profound—just like the book itself.
Claire Keegan packs so much depth into so few pages, it’s almost unfair. A quiet story that hits hard, exploring decency, morality, and the weight of doing what’s right when it’s easier not to.
Claire Keegan packs so much depth into so few pages, it’s almost unfair. A quiet story that hits hard, exploring decency, morality, and the weight of doing what’s right when it’s easier not to.
"The worst was yet to come, he knew. Already he could feel a world of trouble waiting for him behind the next door, but the worst that could have happened was also already behind him; the thing not done, which could have been – which he would have had to live with for the rest of his life."
A reminder that small choices can carry the heaviest weight.
Pictures of You by Emma Grey
The love story at the heart of this book isn’t simple—it’s messy, layered, and at times, heart-wrenching. And that’s what makes it so powerful. The story doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of relationships either, so fair warning: there are trigger warnings for abusive relationships. But the way Grey handles these topics is delicate and respectful, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing the hopeful moments.
What really stuck with me was the depiction of love as an action—something you do rather than just feel. It’s about showing up, even when things are hard, and finding beauty in the imperfections. It’s a story that feels raw and real, and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
...the bioluminescence scenes at the beach just melted me.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
TLDR: If you’re looking for a beautifully written love story with emotional twists and layered characters, pick this one up. Just maybe go in blindly.
I didn’t expect to be so floored by this one. I went into Pictures of You completely blind, and I’m so glad I did because the twists in this story wouldn’t have hit nearly as hard if I’d known more upfront. It’s a beautifully written, deeply emotional book that explores love, resilience, and what it means to truly show up for someone, even in the messiest of circumstances.
This was my first novel by Emma Grey, and now I’m officially hooked—I already have The Last Love Note lined up next because her writing style just works for me. She has such a natural way of weaving complex emotions into every page, making you feel so connected to the characters.
I didn’t expect to be so floored by this one. I went into Pictures of You completely blind, and I’m so glad I did because the twists in this story wouldn’t have hit nearly as hard if I’d known more upfront. It’s a beautifully written, deeply emotional book that explores love, resilience, and what it means to truly show up for someone, even in the messiest of circumstances.
This was my first novel by Emma Grey, and now I’m officially hooked—I already have The Last Love Note lined up next because her writing style just works for me. She has such a natural way of weaving complex emotions into every page, making you feel so connected to the characters.
What makes things true? I can imagine a whole world of experience missing from my memory, but if I don’t remember it, did it ever happen? Aren’t we meant to be the sum of our experiences? Surely that works only if our memories are intact. Piled up over years, shaping us into the people we become.
The love story at the heart of this book isn’t simple—it’s messy, layered, and at times, heart-wrenching. And that’s what makes it so powerful. The story doesn’t shy away from showing the darker side of relationships either, so fair warning: there are trigger warnings for abusive relationships. But the way Grey handles these topics is delicate and respectful, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing the hopeful moments.
What really stuck with me was the depiction of love as an action—something you do rather than just feel. It’s about showing up, even when things are hard, and finding beauty in the imperfections. It’s a story that feels raw and real, and one I’ll be thinking about for a long time.
...the bioluminescence scenes at the beach just melted me.
Fleishman Is in Trouble by Taffy Brodesser-Akner
emotional
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
TLDR: A thoughtful and modern take on marriage, gender roles, and societal expectations, with flawed, very real characters and a razor-sharp voice. It’s worth a read for the commentary alone, but be warned: the pacing might test your patience. Still, as a debut? Impressive.
This book feels like sitting at a brunch table in NYC, listening to your friends unpack the intricacies of their lives over overpriced mimosas—sometimes riveting, sometimes dragging, but always deeply personal. I loved the casual, conversational tone of the writing, which made it feel like I was being let in on someone’s very messy, very real life. That said, the middle of the book dragged hard for me. There were moments when I genuinely debated setting it down for good.
But let me tell you, those last 100 pages? They saved it. The story zooms out and digs deep into what marriage means in modern society, the roles we play, and the absurd expectations placed on women—especially successful ones who dare to prioritize their careers. The commentary on societal double standards for men and women? Absolutely spot-on. The exploration of what it means to be a wife, a husband, a mother, a father, a human? Intimate and raw in a way that makes you reflect on your own relationships, whether you want to or not.
The characters are painfully flawed, messy, and visceral, and they feel like people you’d actually bump into in NYC—like the ones you’d avoid on the subway because they’d definitely start oversharing about their ex. That realness made me love them and also get frustrated with them in equal measure.
Still, I wish the middle had more action or tension to keep me hooked. It’s a book full of conversations—some of which feel like they’re going in circles—but not much happens. It’s reflective, thoughtful, and razor-sharp, but it loses momentum just when you want it to ramp up.