Scan barcode
queendbw's reviews
1226 reviews
Betwixt by Darynda Jones
funny
mysterious
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Book #34 of 2023. Betwixt by Darynda Jones.
Daphne is fresh out of a disastrous marriage when she finds out that a woman she didn’t know has left her a house - in Salem, Mass. She plans to stay only a few days, but there are circumstances. Soon she finds that she owns the home, has the funds to maintain it, her bestie is her new housemate, she has a handyman tenant (who’s quite sexy). Everything is great, right! Well, maybe not. Strangers keep coming to her to help them find missing things and the townspeople think she’s a witch. After a few strange events, she kinda does too…
This is the first book in the Betwixt & Between series. It was a great fast-paced story that kept me hooked from start to finish.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Daphne is fresh out of a disastrous marriage when she finds out that a woman she didn’t know has left her a house - in Salem, Mass. She plans to stay only a few days, but there are circumstances. Soon she finds that she owns the home, has the funds to maintain it, her bestie is her new housemate, she has a handyman tenant (who’s quite sexy). Everything is great, right! Well, maybe not. Strangers keep coming to her to help them find missing things and the townspeople think she’s a witch. After a few strange events, she kinda does too…
This is the first book in the Betwixt & Between series. It was a great fast-paced story that kept me hooked from start to finish.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia
dark
mysterious
fast-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
4.25
Book #32 of 2023. Dead Dead Girls by Nekesa Afia.
This was an intriguing murder mystery set during the Harlem Renaissance. Louise escaped kidnapping as a teen and is trying to live a normal, low key life. She has great friends and a job and her own spot in a boarding house - she’s estranged from her dad, but she still sees her sisters - so all is not right, but it’s ok.
Then a girl is murdered and her body is left in front of the cafe where Louise works. One thing leads to another and Louise is arrested and compelled to help find the murderer.
This was a very solid story and while not formulaic, I was able to narrow it down to the criminal before the reveal. I’d still recommend this story.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This was an intriguing murder mystery set during the Harlem Renaissance. Louise escaped kidnapping as a teen and is trying to live a normal, low key life. She has great friends and a job and her own spot in a boarding house - she’s estranged from her dad, but she still sees her sisters - so all is not right, but it’s ok.
Then a girl is murdered and her body is left in front of the cafe where Louise works. One thing leads to another and Louise is arrested and compelled to help find the murderer.
This was a very solid story and while not formulaic, I was able to narrow it down to the criminal before the reveal. I’d still recommend this story.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
All My Knotted-Up Life by Beth Moore
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
4.75
Book #33 of 2023. All My Knotted-Up Life by Beth Moore.
Another non-fiction pick. Like many I’d done my share of Beth Moore studies, but I honestly knew very little about her. This memoir was eye-opening - at turns inspiring rage and awe. Ms. Moore details her early childhood and family life. There was dysfunction, mental illness and abuse. There was also love, affection and good times. Reading Ms. Moore’s story pulled at my heart strings and made me want to be able to sit and talk with her. I doubt that I will ever be able to read this again, but this was a stellar story.
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Another non-fiction pick. Like many I’d done my share of Beth Moore studies, but I honestly knew very little about her. This memoir was eye-opening - at turns inspiring rage and awe. Ms. Moore details her early childhood and family life. There was dysfunction, mental illness and abuse. There was also love, affection and good times. Reading Ms. Moore’s story pulled at my heart strings and made me want to be able to sit and talk with her. I doubt that I will ever be able to read this again, but this was a stellar story.
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.75
Book #31 of 2023. Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro.
Funmi, Enitan and Zanab became friends while at university in Nigeria. They were three very different young ladies from very different backgrounds, but they became the best of friends. Life and the decisions they made took them in different directions (one married an American, one is wealthy and one has a sick husband) and they weren’t as close.
It’s been 30 years but now they’re together again for a wedding. Funmi’s daughter, Destiny, is getting married and they’ve all gathered to celebrate. Over the course of the festivities we learn about their lives together; how they parted and where life took each of them. The author covered life, love, betrayal, heartbreak and enduring friendship beautifully.
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Funmi, Enitan and Zanab became friends while at university in Nigeria. They were three very different young ladies from very different backgrounds, but they became the best of friends. Life and the decisions they made took them in different directions (one married an American, one is wealthy and one has a sick husband) and they weren’t as close.
It’s been 30 years but now they’re together again for a wedding. Funmi’s daughter, Destiny, is getting married and they’ve all gathered to celebrate. Over the course of the festivities we learn about their lives together; how they parted and where life took each of them. The author covered life, love, betrayal, heartbreak and enduring friendship beautifully.
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Book #30 of 2023. Please Don’t Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson.
I got another non-fiction read under my belt! This was a collection of completely enjoyable essays. I was not familiar with the author, but the book was recommended to me. Ms. Robinson covered a range of topics from mental health and self care to interracial dating and performative allyship. She’s a great writer and I found myself laughing out loud (literally) at some of the things she said. I’ll definitely read more of her writing.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
I got another non-fiction read under my belt! This was a collection of completely enjoyable essays. I was not familiar with the author, but the book was recommended to me. Ms. Robinson covered a range of topics from mental health and self care to interracial dating and performative allyship. She’s a great writer and I found myself laughing out loud (literally) at some of the things she said. I’ll definitely read more of her writing.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
challenging
dark
emotional
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
4.5
Book #29 of 2023. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo.
A young royal is sent is sent south to wed the Emperor. This is a political move and soon all her brothers and armies are gone. She is lonely and alone but finds an unlikely ally in Rabbit. Rabbit is a poor girl who is sent to serve the emperor because her family cannot afford to pay their taxes.
This was an epic fairy tale set somewhere in Asia. The writing is beautiful; the characters are unforgettable and the story is amazing. I think this is an author to watch!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
A young royal is sent is sent south to wed the Emperor. This is a political move and soon all her brothers and armies are gone. She is lonely and alone but finds an unlikely ally in Rabbit. Rabbit is a poor girl who is sent to serve the emperor because her family cannot afford to pay their taxes.
This was an epic fairy tale set somewhere in Asia. The writing is beautiful; the characters are unforgettable and the story is amazing. I think this is an author to watch!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book #28 of 2023. Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews.
This is the fist book of the Innkeeper Chronicles. Dina runs a quaint B&B in a small Texas town, but all is not as it seems. Dina has a magical broom, a permanent guest that cannot leave the grounds and a house that thinks for itself. When an unknown terror starts attacking her neighbors, Dina has to use all her wits, skill, magic and an annoyingly attractive neighbor to protect her town.
I generally enjoy the urban fantasy genre and Ilona Andrews’ books never fail to please me. I look forward to seeing where this series goes.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This is the fist book of the Innkeeper Chronicles. Dina runs a quaint B&B in a small Texas town, but all is not as it seems. Dina has a magical broom, a permanent guest that cannot leave the grounds and a house that thinks for itself. When an unknown terror starts attacking her neighbors, Dina has to use all her wits, skill, magic and an annoyingly attractive neighbor to protect her town.
I generally enjoy the urban fantasy genre and Ilona Andrews’ books never fail to please me. I look forward to seeing where this series goes.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Book #27 of 2023. Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline.
Jade is kidnapped by aliens and taken to another planet. She manages to escape her captors, but is told that she cannot be returned to Earth and must choose a husband. She finds herself adapting to living on a female-centric planet, being married and Theo’s mercurial mood changes.
This was a book club read and not anything that I would have chosen for myself, but the story was ok.
3/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Jade is kidnapped by aliens and taken to another planet. She manages to escape her captors, but is told that she cannot be returned to Earth and must choose a husband. She finds herself adapting to living on a female-centric planet, being married and Theo’s mercurial mood changes.
This was a book club read and not anything that I would have chosen for myself, but the story was ok.
3/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Book #26 of 2023. Peace Talks by Jim Butcher.
This is the last Dresden Files tale for a bit.
The nations of the supernatural world are meeting to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities and Harry is tapped to serve as security. Unfortunately, his brother is framed for the murder of a major player. Harry must now prove his brother is innocent and figure out who the real culprit is, all while he helps tomaintains the “peace”.
Another solid story from Mr. Butcher. The plot, characters and pacing were superb. I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read the 17th tale in the series.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This is the last Dresden Files tale for a bit.
The nations of the supernatural world are meeting to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities and Harry is tapped to serve as security. Unfortunately, his brother is framed for the murder of a major player. Harry must now prove his brother is innocent and figure out who the real culprit is, all while he helps tomaintains the “peace”.
Another solid story from Mr. Butcher. The plot, characters and pacing were superb. I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read the 17th tale in the series.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Skin Game by Jim Butcher
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Book #25 of 2023. Skin Game by Jim Butcher.
I guess I just wanted the comfort of familiar characters back in April, because I have 2 more books from the Dresden Files.
Mab is “lending” Harry’s services to pay off a debt. She has agreed to let one of Harry’s most despised enemies, Nicodemus, use his skills to steal the Holy Grail from a vault in the underworld. What ensues is a wild game of backstabbing and double crosses beyond imagining! This was a great read!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
I guess I just wanted the comfort of familiar characters back in April, because I have 2 more books from the Dresden Files.
Mab is “lending” Harry’s services to pay off a debt. She has agreed to let one of Harry’s most despised enemies, Nicodemus, use his skills to steal the Holy Grail from a vault in the underworld. What ensues is a wild game of backstabbing and double crosses beyond imagining! This was a great read!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental