snugglesandpages's reviews
250 reviews

The Private Island is an exhilarating destination thriller laced with opulence, greed, jealousy and deception, making it the ideal read to wrap up your summer reading. 

Fiji has always held a special place in my heart, and this book instantly whisked me back to its enchanting shores. Set during the lead-up to New Year's at an isolated lux six-star island resort, Ali Lowe skillfully weaves together multiple perspectives, capturing the essence of Fiji while expertly building an atmosphere filled with tension and suspense.  

I loved the dynamic cast—characters I genuinely rooted for alongside those I couldn’t stand. It really kept my judgment on the edge! 🤣 It's truly refreshing to see Fijians portrayed as key characters in this narrative. I've always found resort staff to be incredibly kind and genuine, and this authenticity shines brightly in their perspective chapters. 

The third act was a whirlwind, shattering everything I thought I understood with a series of shocking revelations.  

I also love that the published copy includes a Map of the Island (because we love a map!) and the resort’s 'cocktail of the day' featured each day really elevated the island vibes to the next level for me. I can't wait to try every single one of them—let the fun begin!

Thank you to the team at @hachetteaus and @Netgalley for providing me with an eARC for review. I'll be grabbing a physical copy this weekend to add to my Ali collection.

Wow, I understand now why everyone votes that this was their favourite in the series so far. 

I dove into the audio version over a couple of sessions, and let me tell you-what a blast! Annie Walker is like the bookish girl we have all been/or are at down stage of our life; she's the introverted sweetheart living her best secret life as a smut reader! Her journey to find the confidence to embrace her true self is so relatable and inspiring-it had me cheering for her every step of the way! 

And can we talk about Will? He is the ultimate walking green flag! A man that communicates, is there anything more sexy? The practice dates they went on were my fav parts, even though it was obvious to us from the start that little miss enteral sunshine and the sexy bodyguard were end game. 

I loved seeing more of Amilia and Noah too, and it was so qood be able to see how their love story evolves in this installment. 

Now I'm officially on a mission to get my life together so I can jump into book 3 ASAP! The excitement is real

What a fun time this was! I found myself laughing throughout the short yet engaging 82 pages, completely embracing the quirky premise of an apartment building having their 'stairs incorrectly removed, resulting in a unique forced proximity that truly made this story stand out.
 
Charlotte and Seth are captivating characters with clever whitty banter. And Izzy is the ultimate best friend we all wish we had-a total Sam Puckett vibe. In the midst of serious conversations about stalkers, infidelity, divorce, and fascinating facts about trees, I uncovered a crucial piece of knowledge. A standout tip? Slipping a sock over a baseball bat can give you a tactical advantage-throw your attacker off balance and create an opening to strike twice effectively. 

The conclusion felt just a touch anticlimactic after everything Charlotte faced with her stalker. I would have loved a bit more action to enhance the payoff. However, considering the weight of the topic, I understand why it wrapped up quickly to maintain the book's uplifting tone.

Ashley has truly outdone herself with "Cold Truth," my most anticipated thriller of the year, and let me tell you, it absolutely slayed! 

From the very first page, this novel is a masterclass in suspense, igniting an urgency in me that was palpable. Ashley delivers a high level of detail and research with the meticulous care she takes to weave in intricate details about online behaviour and privacy, which will undoubtedly make readers reconsider just how much they share about themselves in the digital world. You'll find yourself questioning your own online habits long after turning the last page. 

Readers are vividly transported to the chilling landscape of Winnipeg, Canada. The -20° temperatures practically leap off the page, and I felt as if I was walking the snow-covered streets alongside the characters. The incorporation of fascinating local trivia and true crime snippets throughout the narrative kept me engrossed, even leading me down some thrilling rabbit holes of my own! ( the U-Haul baby case is not for the faint-hearted 

One of the standout elements of this novel is how Ashley navigates the complex dynamics of family relationships. The lengths one would go to protect their loved ones resonate throughout the story. I found myself wanting to reach through the pages and give Blaise a good kick in the shins! Harlow's struggles in dealing with her at times were so relatable; it's that kind of writing that truly makes the characters feel real and their experiences painfully authentic.

Truth or Die 

"No Place Left To Hide" centres around Brooke Goodwin. a senior at Waldorf Prep. Brooke's seemingly perfect life and aspirations for an Ivy League education depend on maintaining her reputation and trying to forget a troubling incident from her past. However, things take a dark turn when the anonymous harassing messages she has been receiving suddenly escalate to deadly threats. 

The book draws readers in with its fast-paced, suspense-filled narrative, full of electrifying chase scenes and unexpected twists. While Brooke may initially come off as a self-absorbed rich kid, the tension and mystery of the plot quickly take centre stage, making it impossible to put down. 

The dual timeline structure adds layers to the mystery, as it intertwines the past and the present -revealing the mystery behind the fateful event 6 months ago that changed everything. With its blend of privilege, mean-girl drama, and high-stakes suspense, No Place Left to Hide evokes the vibes of 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' and 'Pretty Little Liars'. 

A big thank you to the team at Sourcebooks Fire and @netgalley for providing me with a digital ARC No Place Left to Hide. I also grabbed myself a physical copy while out shopping today because... Well, why wouldn't I?

Karina has a remarkable ability to pull us in with raw, heartfelt stories that perfectly capture life’s bittersweet rhythm—yes, we're talking that "bittersweet symphony" vibe (if you sang it, you’re definitely one of the cool kids 🤘🏼). That Island Feeling seamlessly blends the beauty and struggles of adult friendships, the weight of family responsibilities, vital insight into small coastal town industries, all while set against the enchanting backdrop of a dreamy coastal paradise on Pearl Island. 🏝️🦪 

I adored this book just as much as I adore its beautiful soul of an author, so much so that @shelle_reads_books and I harassed Big W staff into giving us copies the day before its official release 🤭 

There were so many laugh-out-loud moments, and the witty banter between Andie and Jack is top-notch. That Island Feeling really is the must-read rom-com of the summer!

I've had this book on my shelf for far too long, and I wish I had read it sooner. 

When in Rome is a fluffy, sweet-as-pie romance between pop star Amelia Rose and Small-town Baker Noah Walker. The opposites attract, grump x Sunshine banter was just what I needed to pull me out of my slump, devouring it over 2 days on audio.

The family dynamics between Noah and his three sisters gave me all of the feels. You can tell a lot about a man by the way he treats his family, and this one is a green flag! I’m really excited to dive into the next books in the series that focus on his sisters!