phoenixfaie's reviews
432 reviews

I was very lucky to be approved for an ARC of this via Netgalley. 
 I had originally seen a reel on instagram advertising this book and was instantly intrigued, so when I saw it listed on netgalley I just had to request it. 

I will be honest, this was a slow start and I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy the writing style, for example here is a very  small excerpt from the first page "THERE’S BEEN ANOTHER MURDER. “It was a hundred-foot drop,” Kara-from-Accounts says as she presses the door close button at the end of the day. “One fifty, at least,” says Stanley-from-IT."  luckily this was resolved very quickly and it is explained that the MMC Jake uses this kind of processing pattern to catalogue information about his colleagues. 

There were quite a few twists and turns throughout this novel, some of which I predicted very early on such as the identity of The Paper Pusher, the identity of another male character and a medical condition. 
 However whilst I did predict them I did enjoy the way the twists were revealed to the characters and the audience throughout the novel. 

This wasn't what I was expecting when I saw the description "What would you do if you thought your coworker was getting away with murder—literally? 

Dolores dela Cruz has been dying to spot one in the wild, and he fits the mold strangler gloves, calculated charm, dashing good looks that give a leg up in any field . . . including fields of unmarked graves. 

The new office temp is definitely a serial killer. 

Jake Ripper finds a welcome distraction in his combative and enigmatic new coworker. He hasn’t come across anyone as interesting as Dolores in a long time. But when mere curiosity evolves into a darkly romantic flirtation, Jake can’t help but wonder if, finally, he’s found someone who really sees him, skeletons in the closet and all. 

Until Dolores asks Jake’s help to dispose of a body . . ." 

I was expecting something darker but I was pleasantly surprised, it does have dark undertones to it, characters isolating themselves in order to protect themselves and others, a serial killer, an emotionally abusive partner, dismembered body parts, but there is also a levity and hopefulness throughout topped off with found family, this really is worth a read. 

I wouldn't class this a dark romance, maybe moderate thriller comedy with romance. 

On the topic of romance, this isn't a spicy novel, there is one scene with mild sexual content, however there is an undercurrent of wanting and desire throughout the novel- a "will they, won't they?" Situation 
 

This is Kate Poseys debut novel and if this is anything to go by I am looking forward to seeing what else she has for readers. 

I was very lucky to get an ARC of this through Netgalley after seeing the author post about it on threads. 

I was initially drawn in by the synopsis :
 "After her rockstar fiancé's tragic accident, Phoebe Fletcher is hit with false accusations and relentless media spotlight once the video of the car crash is released. Thrust into the spotlight, the budding artist becomes the focus of obsessive fans, putting both her life and aspirations in jeopardy. 

To ensure her safety, Phoebe seeks refuge with her ex's band, the Brothers of Anarchy, where she forms a bond with the brooding drummer, Axel Adler. Despite the forbidden nature of their growing attraction, Axel's unwavering care and encouragement sparks a fiery connection between them. 

In the midst of fame, betrayal, and illicit love, Phoebe and Axel must navigate a web of lies and treachery, or risk losing all they hold dear. " 

The only spoiler that I will give is that there is cheating in the first few chapters of this story and it is referenced throughout as it is significant to the plot. 

I enjoyed the development of Phoebe and Axels relationship, while I could understand people saying she moved on too quick, I think its important to remember that she had found out that her ex had been having an affair for a significant amount of time and looking back at his behaviour and actions she could see that their relationship was over long before the accident, whereas Axel wasn't "just there" and convenient, he was There For Her, him silently and loudly supporting her is what made them fit together. 

I worked out the twist very early on, although briefly I was torn between three people because one friend seemed slightly suspicious 🤔  but it wasn't long before they were off my suspect list. The final reveal was intense, I was actually holding my breath whilst I was reading. 

I would say that there is mild to moderate spice, there isn't a lot but it packs a punch without being overwhelming. 

I have to say, I was left with more questions when I finished, I want to know why Cillian started the affair in the first place, why Axel was so drawn to Phoebe from the moment he saw her (aside from the pink hair, red dress and paint on her hands). 

This is the first time I have actually read anything by Kate Callaghan (although I do have one of her books on my tbr) and I have to say I really enjoyed it. As someone with chronic pain and disabilities I love how she wrote it into the novel in such a natural way. I will definitely be checking out more of Kates books in the future.

I was very lucky to be approved for an ARC of Death & Decay by JA Welch, now this is the 2nd book in a Trilogy so you do need to read the 1st book Glass & Grim beforehand. 

Both Glass & Grim and Death & Decay have serious trigger warnings, so please make sure you read through them before reading the novels.

Death & Decay takes place a couple of months after the events of Glass & Grim, although I would also say its on a dual time frame as we do periodically get flash backs to help move the story and plotline along. 

Amri is starting to hone her powers. Her relationship with Zain & Callyx has... evolved. Vincent and Damion are facing their own problems. 

Death & Decay definitely has more of the fantasy aspect to it as we are now out of the human world, we are in the underworld so not only do we have more reapers and witches, we are amongst demons of all kinds, yet honestly none of it seems far fetched 

I will admit that the hint of a new relationship whilst two of her mates are being held captive did stop me in my tracks for a moment, however the progression was actually very respectful and nothing happened until everyone (all 4 original mates) were OK with the addition of another person. 

Because of the dual time frame, this novel is quite fast-paced. It feels like a lot has happened over a short period of time. 

Without spoilers, I will say that there is an event that happens within the last 40 pages, and while I knew it was coming, I still had to take a moment for it to sink in.

As for the ending... well, I can't wait for the final instalment because I NEED to know what is in store for Amri and her mates.