The Wife Upstairs (Rachel Hawkins)

The Wife Upstairs
Rachel Hawkins
⭐: 5/5

Pros: though I'm not out with the same end goals as MC, Jane, is, I still found myself in her coming from nothing to something. That was rather nice to read about.

I won't give away spoilers, but I absolutely was surprised about the shift of things and how I thought this was going to be another Behind Closed Doors (B.A Paris) or The Housemaid (Freida McFadden). It most definitely wasn't and I'm pretty sure I need to add this to my personal library! I only buy books I've read and loved, so that's saying a lot.

Cons: sometimes I found the scene transitions a little confusing, as in one place, MC was somewhere and in the next paragraph, she was somewhere else. This doesn't happen often, but the times it did, I found myself rereading to see if I missed something.

Conclusion: I'd say to give this work a shot. It's got a fairly original spin and if you liked the titles I aforementioned, I'd venture to guess you'll like this one, as well. If you've read My Lovely Wife (Samantha Downing), that's even more a higher chance you'll enjoy this! 

I'm Glad My Mom Died (Jennette McCurdy)

I'm Glad My Mom Died
Jennette McCurdy
⭐: 5/5

Calling all children of truly difficult parents: this book is for us. We are not alone. Also, this review will not be my standard pro/con format. (For those of you who know me and my mother, it is what it is. Talk to me, not about me, if you don't like this review.)

Initially, I was skeptical. The title is a bold thing to say, but I knew deep down it wasn't without reason. As I listened to Jennette tell her story, I felt the little girl in me being drawn to her. I was a plethora of emotions throughout the whole ride.

I related to the hoarding issues, to the mother being emotionally reliant on everyone but herself, to the struggle it takes to face oneself, and to the eating disorder. I still struggle with the latter, though I've had more control than it has for more than a decade now. I loathe that Jennette had to go through all she did, but damn it, I'm also really proud of her for being willing to go head first into all the traumas that followed her into adulthood and to show them who's boss! I'm proud that she's continuing to do what it takes to find peace and happiness. I admire her for being true to herself, even when it's difficult.

I also loved how raw she was. She says what every kid probably does when we're little, but that we never admit to. She's hilarious and I giggled more than a few times, too.

I don't normally get star struck, but I think I wouldn't mind having coffee (or a drink) with this girl! I totally understand dysfunctional relationships with mothers, as well as overcoming oneself and eating disorders. I also love how raw, blunt, and unfiltered she is.

Jennette, thank you for sharing your story! I'm sure you've gotten a lot of flack, but I'm here cheering you on for what it's worth! Even if the world doesn't like it, this stuff still happens, so it needs to just deal with it!

Suicide Med (Freida McFadden)

 

Suicide Med
Freida McFadden
⭐: 5/5

First, I must absolutely own this!

Pros: if you love science, specifically anatomy, and have any sort of medical background, you might nerd out like I did while reading about specific lab scenes. I also had to giggle about formaldehyde not being so noticable over time. I remember those days well!

Next, the format of this book surprised me with how well it was done. Essentially, it's one situation seen from a few different perspectives but isn't confusing to follow. I was blown away with how much more depth each character got once their own chapters came along and almost wish I could read more like this!

Last, that ending... Didn't feel overly rushed. Everyone was addressed and when I read "the end", my only words were, "WOW. Also, WTF... It's already 1AM? This was definitely a 'just one more chapter... Yeah, right' book!" Always a great reaction to have!

Cons: there's a specific situation that occurs with a character named Abe that my science brain can't wrap my head around and I know McFadden is a doctor in real life, so it's got to be plausible, but I wish we'd had a little more info about infection aftermath. She gave a lot of info overall, but I'm curious by nature and will probably rabbit hole that topic soon.

Conclusion: if you're a science/health/medical nerd like I am who appreciates well-executed format and character development, as well as a thorough and engaging plot, you really need to give this a "shot"... Pun intended.

Someone We Know (Shari Lapena)

 

Someone We Know
Shari Lapena
⭐: 4/5

Just... WHOA.

Pros: tech isn't really my thing, but I was sucked in from page one of this! The story relies heavily on technology, but still also is character driven and well written.

I had my suspicions throughout about "who done it", though I was quite surprised at the ending! When I wasn't able to be reading, my mind was still soaked up into this twisted tale!

Cons: I really can't think of any. The writing style is unique when it comes to character povs and that might bother some, but it didn't me.

Conclusion: if you're interested in a twisty story with several plausible, get-to-the-point, of-course-they-think-the-husband-did-it, this is your book. Every question I'd have asked in others, this one immediately poses and answers. I loved the rawness of that aspect! This was definitely a great impulse grocery store buy!

I Liked My Life (Abby Fabiaschi)

 

I Liked My Life
Abby Fabiaschi
⭐: 5/5
*Buddy read with my lovely "bonus sister", caffeinereadrepeat on Instagram. She's amazing and you should go follow her for more book reviews!

This book wrecked but simultaneously healed me.

Pros: grief has been a friend of mine for some time now, so seeing it in I Liked My Life was refreshing. It's nice to know I'm not alone in the isolation and immense growth I was forced into.

My grief wasn't specific to death, either, so in those aspects, I felt like I had revelations in how to deal with or think about things, as well as to have grace with myself.

I immensely enjoyed the no nonsense writing style, staying on point, and flow of this work. Such a beautiful, beautiful book despite the cloud of pain it carried in initially. "The end depends on the beginning" is not only a quote from this, but one that fits the entire context as a whole.

Cons: if you're not the type to face your pain or traumas, you need to skip this. I Liked My Life will force you to confront them, so only read if you're ready to grow. That's not even a con, but I don't have any other con to give and this is my traditional review formatting.

Conclusion: If you're ready for a story where the main characters grow in realistic yet admirable ways, you'll want to give this one a shot. The interactions, lack of predictability, and overall plot absolutely will pull you in to the very last line!

P.S.: this was such a joy to buddy read with you, C! We both grew immensely in our own ways and I'm super thankful in how much stronger our friendship has become due to this alone! I just love you and thank you, Abby, for writing this and letting the world see it!

Hide (Kiersten White)

 

Hide
Kiersten White
⭐: 5/5

Pros: if you're a fan of Hunger Games, this book will be up your alley in terms of gore and survival. However, the premise for which the candidates are chosen couldn't be further from HG.

I really enjoyed how the story has a primary character, but how it feels as if a narrator is telling it from a third party point of view. It wasn't confusing at all. I also was intrigued with the background and development overall. I'm highly considering buying this and adding it to my thriller section!

Cons: I despise cliffhangers and this has one! I know many readers love them, so maybe that's not a con for you. Also, the world "incongruous" is used several times. Not a big turnoff, but it's one that I don't hear often in every day speak, so to hear it so much in this book, made my ears perk. Again, not really a horrible con. I just do all my reviews in pro/con format, so needed something here.

Conclusion: if you're wanting a fairly quick read that keeps you on the edge of your seat, has a unique take on things, and isn't something you've read before, pick this one up!

Under the Grave (Willie E. Dalton)

 

Under the Grave
Willie E. Dalton
⭐: 4/5

Side-note: I am IN LOVE with the cover!

Pros: more character growth for MC, Helen! I absolutely love that as much as I love how many afterlife options there are. I admire how Dalton entertained mythology in several cultures more than anything, I think.

Fantasy isn't usually my thing, but I devoured these!

The setting shifts and creativity is allowed to flow. I'm trying not to spoil it, so that's a vague sentence, but once you read it, you'll understand!

I really loved how nothing was rushed, either. Everything was natural and I didn't see the end coming until it did.

Cons: as with the others, there is quite a bit of sex. Sex is great, but I personally am just not a fan of reading about it (the actual act takes the cake there). Still, the plot of this and the previous ones leading to it make those scenes bearable, especially for character interaction and development.

There are quite a few typos, so if you're the type to catch them like I am, just try to look over them. There's not enough to ruin anything, but still.

I'm also sad the next book isn't out yet. I was sure this was a completed series!

Conclusion: if you're fascinated with death, afterlife, mythology, and fantasy while keeping parts of your humanity, you really need to read this series. You'll think about the afterlife in ways you probably haven't before, as well as become attached to the characters!

Digging to Hell (Willie E. Dalton)

 

Digging to Hell
Willie E. Dalton
⭐: 4/5

Pros: this is the second book in the series and so far, I'm still hooked! I usually lose interest quickly when it comes to series, but not this one. The intrigue of "are things what they really seem?" haunts my mind, constantly leaving me hungry for more.

Speaking of hungry, new creatures are introduced feeding my appetite, mixing the world with creepy and mythology. I'll be starting book three shortly. Still need to figure out what happened to the earth loves of these dead souls!

Also, I'm a bit obsessed with the Romanov family, which is how I came to know about Rasputin, and even in book one, was humored by that. It's been intriguing to see the old mystic in this new, creative spin.

Cons: I actually can't think of any for this one. My con for the first book doesn't even apply, as there's not as much in this one as there was in that. (Go read my review to know what I'm referring to.)

Conclusion: if you're gunning for a paranormal book with an original take, this is your slice of cake, baby!

Digging Up the Dead (Willie E. Dalton)

 

Digging Up the Dead
Willie E. Dalton

⭐: 4/5

Pros: this is the second book in the series and so far, I'm still hooked! I usually lose interest quickly when it comes to series, but not this one. The intrigue of "are things what they really seem?" haunts my mind, constantly leaving me hungry for more.

Speaking of hungry, new creatures are introduced feeding my appetite, mixing the world with creepy and mythology. I'll be starting book three shortly. Still need to figure out what happened to the earth loves of these dead souls!

Also, I'm a bit obsessed with the Romanov family, which is how I came to know about Rasputin, and even in book one, was humored by that. It's been intriguing to see the old mystic in this new, creative spin.

Cons: I actually can't think of any for this one. My con for the first book doesn't even apply, as there's not as much in this one as there was in that. (Go read my review to know what I'm referring to.)

Conclusion: if you're gunning for a paranormal book with an original take, this is your slice of cake, baby!