After binge-watching beauty videos online, a shy comic book fan masters the art of makeup and sees her social standing skyrocket as she becomes her school’s prettiest pretty girl overnight. But will her elite status be short-lived? How long can she keep her real self a secret? And what about that cute boy who knows her secret?
Review:
This is a great sequel to True Beauty! Jugyeong has to keep the secret of how different she looks without makeup. People treat her differently when she wears makeup and looks traditionally pretty, from when she looks like her natural self. I think she’s starting to understand the problem with becoming someone she’s not, just to conform to society’s standards.
Title: Missing Clarissa Author: Ripley Jones Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary Publisher: Wednesday Books Source: Purchased Format: Hardcover Release Date: March 7, 2023 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
In a gripping novel perfect for fans of Sadie and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, two best friends start a true crime podcast—only to realize they may have helped a killer in the process.
In August of 1999, dazzlingly popular cheerleader Clarissa Campbell disappears from a party in the woods outside the rural town of Oreville, Washington and is never seen again. The police question her friends, teachers, and the adults who knew her—who all have something to hide. And thanks to Clarissa’s beauty, the mystery captures the attention of the nation. But with no leads and no body, the case soon grows cold. Despite the efforts of internet sleuths and true-crime aficionados, Clarissa is never found—dead or alive.
Over twenty years later, Oreville high-school juniors and best friends Blair and Cameron start a true crime podcast, determined to unravel the story of what—or who—happened to this rural urban legend. In the process they uncover a nest of dirty small-town secrets, the sordid truth of Clarissa’s relationship with her charismatic boyfriend, and a high school art teacher turned small-town figurehead who had a very good reason for wanting Clarissa dead. Such a good reason, in fact, that they might have to make him the highlight of their next episode…
But does an ugly history with a missing girl make him guilty of murder? Or are two teenage girls about to destroy the life of an innocent man—and help the true killer walk free?
Review:
This is a suspenseful thriller! It really kept me guessing until the end. I couldn’t figure out what could have happened to Clarissa or who could have killed her. I really liked Cam and Blair. They were a fun pair of best friends to read about because they were similar but also different in a lot of ways. The ending was very fast-paced and exciting! I’m looking forward to reading the sequel!
Missing Clarissa is a suspenseful and exciting thriller!
Content warnings: death of parent (off page), kidnapping, stalking, grooming (off page)
Other books in the series:
The Other Lola
Have you read Missing Clarissa? What did you think of it?
Title: Miss Match Author: Susan Hughes Genre: Middle Grade, Contemporary, Romance Publisher: Orca Book Publishers Source: Publisher Format: Paperback arc Release Date: April 15, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Thirteen-year-old entrepreneur Polly Corbert has a good idea―no, a great idea―for the upcoming end-of-year dance at her middle school.
While almost everyone in the seventh and eighth grades has a crush, none of them are brave enough to ask anyone to the dance. That’s where Polly and her friends’ matchmaking service comes in. But setting up dates for middle-schoolers isn’t as easy as it seems. Polly and her friends face unexpected obstacles and uncomfortable truths as they discover the ups and downs of running a business and dating.
This short novel is a high-interest, low-reading level book for middle-grade readers who are building reading skills, want a quick read or say they don’t like to read!
Review:
This is a fun middle grade story about a girl and her friends who start a matchmaking service at their school. This story brought back so many memories of middle school. My friends and I had our first relationships in middle school, so I could relate to these characters. This story was also quite short, so I think it is accessible to reluctant readers. Despite the story being short, all of the characters were well developed!
Miss Match is a fun middle grade story!
Thank you Orca Book Publishers and Susan Hughes for sending me a copy of this book!
Have you read Miss Match? What did you think of it?
For fans of romances with dashes of action and comedy, this hit WEBTOON comic with over 1.7 million subscribers follows Davina on her first assignment out of the Elite Nanny Academy: protect the young son of notorious mafia underboss, Gabriel Angelini.
Being an Elite Nanny is simple: protect the charge, obey the principle, and don’t get emotionally attached.
This is easier said than done when Davina’s first client is a dangerously compelling Venetian underboss who’s determined to get under her skin. What he wants from her, she can’t imagine, but Gabriel Angelini drags her back into the glittering world of organized crime she thought she’d left behind forever.
Davina might get answers about her past if she digs deep enough, but her challenges will be protecting Mikey from his father’s ambitions and keeping her heart from getting tangled up in their treacherous web.
This volume collects episodes 1–12 of the smash hit WEBTOON series The Mafia Nanny.
Review:
This graphic novel follows Davina, a nanny from the Elite Nanny Academy, on her first assignment to protect the son of a mafia boss. The young boy tried to outsmart her many times, so Davina had to keep on her toes. There were some hints to her backstory that led her to this kind of job, which I hope will be explored more in the next books.
The Mafia Nanny is a funny action graphic novel!
Thank you Wattpad Books for sending me a copy of this book!
Content warnings: death of parent (off page) kidnapping, knife violence
Have you read The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?
Title: A Corpse and a Cat (Cass Peake #4) Author: Rena Leith Genre: Cozy Mystery, Contemporary Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Source: Publisher Format: Ebook Release Date: October 28, 2024 Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
What’s a ghost to do when she needs a little excitement? In Doris’ case, she hitches a ride inside her human roommate’s big black cat Thor. But she didn’t intend to find a dead body.
With her smarmy ex-husband in town trying to cozy up to her, romance with a local cop cooling, and a St. Patrick’s Day party to plan, Cass Peake already has her hands full.
But the loss of her most lucrative client yet and the near-loss of her ghost pal forces Cass to consider a shocking idea. Is there a killer among the DNA relatives vying for a lucrative conservatorship? And did she really see someone load a body-sized canvas bag into a car?
Review:
This book is an entertaining cozy mystery! Cass lives in a house with a ghost named Doris, who likes to inhabit Cass’s cat Thor so that she can leave the house. This is the fourth book in the series so it took a few pages to figure out what was going on with Doris. This book could be read as a stand-alone. Though this was a murder mystery with a lot of characters and suspects, it was quite funny at times.
A Corpse and a Cat is a fun cozy mystery!
Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Content warnings: death, asthma attack, murder
Have you read A Corpse and a Cat? What did you think of it?
Title: No Good Deed Author: C.D. Bennett Genre: Thriller, Contemporary, Romance Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Source: Publisher Format: Ebook Release Date: June 26, 2024 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
No Good Deed…goes unpunished.
Kiya James’ relocation to idyllic Riverton Colorado is disrupted when she discovers a critically wounded man lying in a field near her home. Little did she know that her selfless act to save the man’s life would thrust her into a world of corruption, greed, and danger. As the only witness to the initial attack, and shaken by an attempt on her own life, Kiya is offered refuge with the victim’s family. Together, they struggle to uncover the circumstances that would trigger an unknown assailant to unleash a string of deadly attacks in an otherwise quiet rural ranching community. Jake McCleary’s world could have been destroyed with a single bullet if it hadn’t been for the quick actions of a stranger. Now, in a desperate attempt to protect her, and his entire family, Jake must fight to defend his home, livelihood, and the woman who is rapidly capturing his heart, against the vicious actions of a criminal that will stop at absolutely nothing to get what he wants. But will they find the answers they need in time, or will they lose everything to the conceit of a madman? And will the bond between his wounded brother and the woman that saved him prove to be too big of an obstacle for Jake to overcome in the pursuit for Kiya’s love?
Review:
This book was suspenseful and exciting. I loved how close the McCleary siblings were. They all worked together to run their ranch, and to solve the mystery of who shot Dylan. There were quite a few heart pounding twists that kept me wondering what would happen next. The ending was sweet and heartwarming!
No Good Deed is an exciting thriller!
Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Title: The Mystery at Love’s Manor Author: D.W. Thompson Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary Publisher: The Wild Rose Press Source: Publisher Format: Ebook Release Date: December 4, 2024 Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Emma Love never thought she’d return to her hometown after years away from her estranged family. But when her sister-in-law is kidnapped, Emma puts her life on hold to help an old flame, Deputy Sam Mattingley, solve the case and bring Gwen home. With a degree in Criminal Justice and part-time experience working at a detective agency, Emma’s skills are tested. As the layers of secrecy are peeled back, Emma realizes the mystery shrouding Love’s Manor and her brother’s marriage is more intricate than anyone could have fathomed. Can she navigate the convoluted trail of clues and locate Gwen before it’s too late? And what of her long-suppressed feelings for Sam Mattingley…are they merely a product of nostalgia…or something more?
Review:
This story was a thrilling mystery, with lots of twists that kept me guessing. The characters were well developed, with enough backstory to understand their dynamics and relationships. I thought I had the story figured out, and I was close, but I was surprised at the reveal at the end. This was a great story!
Mystery at Love’s Manor is a mystery that will keep you guessing until the end!
Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Content warnings: kidnapping, death, death of parents, drowning, car accident (off page), hospital scenes, adultery (off page)
Have you read The Mystery at Love’s Manor? What did you think of it?
Title: The Unexpected Heiress Author: George Mallory Genre: Contemporary, Adult Fiction Publisher: GM Publications Source: iRead Book Tours Format: Ebook Release Date: April 29, 2024 Rating: ★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
She inherited a legacy of ambition, betrayal, longing and secrets.
In the shadow of Poisson Gold, a multi-billion-dollar gold mine conglomerate, a family’s legacy unravels in a compelling tale that dives deep into the human psyche.
At the helm of this empire stands the enigmatic Abe Silver, a concentration camp survivor whose past holds secrets as complex as his fortune. With his health failing, Abe’s last-minute will alters the course of history, leaving his daughter Ellie, a newly minted lawyer, to navigate a treacherous path to control the colossal riches.
As grieving Ellie grapples with the immense responsibility thrust upon her, she must confront not only the malignant opposition of her own family and the rigid glass ceiling, but also her deeply buried secret – her sexuality. Set against the backdrop of 2010, a time when LGBTQ+ acceptance was scarce, Ellie’s struggle to reconcile her personal truth with her public facade adds an extra layer of complexity to this riveting narrative.
Review:
This book is a suspenseful family drama about a wealthy mining family in Australia. There were some serious and intense scenes involving medical diagnoses and assaults. This tragic family saga proves that money can’t buy happiness, but it had an uplifting ending. If you like family dramas, this is the book for you!
The Unexpected Heiress is a tragic and intense family drama.
Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!
Content warnings: death of parent, death of grandparent, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, assault, hospital scenes
Have you read The Unexpected Heiress? What did you think of it?
Award-Winning author of The Secrets We Conceal, Call Her Janie, and Keeping Janie.
Janie’s Hope is a powerful and heartwarming conclusion to the Southport Series, set in a charming small town where secrets run deep, and love can heal the deepest wounds. Janie, a strong neurodivergent heroine raised by a reclusive billionaire, is finally ready to step beyond her sheltered world and uncover the truths of her past. Following whispers of her late mother, she journeys to Southport, where her father’s warnings of hidden dangers only strengthen her resolve.
Her existence has been shaped by stories of her mother, Lizzie Levine, and the fleeting moments they shared in Southport. Eager to uncover her past, Janie is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps, even as her father’s warnings of danger loom large.
Enter Noah, the sweet and adorkable cinnamon roll with hidden abs and quiet confidence, who falls for Janie almost immediately, captivated by her fiery spirit. But hidden truths linger in the shadows, including Janie’s secret identity, complicating their growing connection.
In this emotional journey of self-discovery and love, Janie’s Hope will sweep you away into a world where second chances and found family collide, proving that sometimes, the strongest bonds are forged in the most unexpected ways.
Janie’s Hope will sweep you into an emotional journey of self-discovery, romance, and the unexpected strength of a found family. S.R. Fabrico’s storytelling captivates with suspense, passion, and unforgettable moments, making this finale a must-read for fans of heartfelt romance and compelling mysteries.
Review:
This book is the finale to the Southport series. I haven’t read the first two books, but this one can be read as a stand-alone. However, there were some complicated relationships that happened in the first two books, so it might be helpful to read them first. This was a thrilling read. It was fast paced and difficult to put down. Everything came together very well in the end so I think it’s a great ending for a series!
Janie’s Hope is a great thriller!
Thank you iRead Book Tours for providing a copy of this book as part of a sponsored campaign!
Content warnings: death, parental death (off page), kidnapping (off page), gun violence, cancer
Other books in the series:
Call Her Janie (Southport #1)
Keeping Janie (Southport #2)
Have you read Janie’s Hope? What did you think of it?
Title: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo (Inkbound #1) Author: Philippa Leathley Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Contemporary Publisher: Frenzy Books Source: Publisher Format: Paperback arc Release Date: January 28, 2025 Rating: ★★★★★
Goodreads Synopsis:
Enter an extraordinary magical adventure about family, fate and finding the courage to be truly yourself – perfect for fans of Nevermoor and The Swifts.
On her tenth birthday, Meticulous Jones–known to her friends as Metty–receives her fate, as all children do, in the form of a magical tattoo on her hand. She hopes that her ink will reveal something exciting: a tattoo that will symbolize travel, or discovery, or adventure. What appears is a skull, balanced in the palm of a violet glove.
Metty’s fate is to become a murderer.
Metty is swiftly hidden away by her father, Moral Jones, in a remote Welsh farmhouse, with only a miserable housekeeper (who’s terrified she’ll become Metty’s first victim) for company. But when Moral goes missing, his sister, Aunt Magnificent, arrives to sweep Metty off to the glittering city of New London. Metty is mesmerized by the magic and enchantment she discovers there. But when she starts to hear rumors of a mysterious and dangerous organization known as the Black Moths, she wonders if they might be connected to her father’s disappearance–and to her own fate. . . .
Review:
This was such a fun fantasy story! There was a distinct magical world, but it was similar and alongside our real world. I loved that kids found out what their “fate” or magic was through a tattoo on their hand. There were some exciting twists that I didn’t see coming. I’m excited to see what happens in the next book!
Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo is a great middle grade fantasy!
Thank you Frenzy Books for sending me a copy of this book!
Have you read Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo? What did you think of it?
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