ARC Book Review Roundups

published on


This post is a small roundup of book reviews for the 7 NetGalley novels I read a year ago and never reviewed. It's better late than never.

Still The One by Aimee Brown

This novel offers a heartfelt and nostalgic look at what it means to fight for love and second chances. Brown balances emotional tension with warm character moments, and the relationship development feels genuine rather than contrived. While the pacing occasionally slows in the middle, the ending delivers the payoff readers are rooting for. A satisfying read for anyone who enjoys romance with depth and realistic stakes.

Beneath These Cursed Stars by Lexi Ryan

This installment gives us dual perspectives (Jasalyn and Felicity) and explores trauma, identity, and revenge alongside romance and political intrigue. The worldbuilding is compelling, and the internal struggles are as gripping as the external conflicts. Overall, it’s a strong addition: emotionally resonant, romantic, and twisty. I read it before reading the first one and I still understood the plot.

A Novel Summer by Jamie Brenner

This is a light, breezy read perfect for sipping lemonade and lounging in the sun. Brenner weaves together the past and present, exploring love, regrets, and new beginnings. The characters feel approachable and real, and the nostalgic summer vibe is strong. It doesn’t aim to revolutionize the genre, but as an escape, it succeeds.

Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine

Where do I even begin? This novel was so good. After all, this YA thriller delivers relentless tension, a creepy setting, and a twisting mystery that keeps you turning pages. Valentine uses dual timelines and dual POVs to gradually peel back layers of secrets tied to Camp Lost Lake. I would highly recommend it to everyone.

Keeper of the Scarlet Petals by A.N. Skye

When the time you were so engrossed in a captivating novel that time seemed to stand still? For me, it was last week, when I read "Keeper of Scarlet Petals" by A.N. Skye. I hate flights, so whenever I have to take a plane somewhere, I pick out a book that will make time fly by. This book far exceeded my expectations. 

As the plane hit the runway and I turned the final page of this novel, I couldn't believe we already arrived. It felt like the flight had just started. "Keeper of Scarlet Petals" by A.N. Skye book weaves such a spellbinding narrative of magic, love, and duty, you'll lose track of time.

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers

This novel delves into the complexities of regret, reconciliation, and the what-ifs that linger long after decisions are made. Des Lauriers handles emotional stakes well, and the tension between characters feels real. Hurt isn’t glossed over, and healing doesn’t come overnight. It doesn’t have large set‑piece moments or bombastic reveals, but its quiet moments linger. If you enjoy character-driven stories with emotional honesty, this will hit those notes.

The Shadows of Wren by Jen Bliton

Bliton crafts a moody, atmospheric world in this fantasy with mystery and hints of darkness. The strength here lies in ambiance: the shadows, secrets, and hidden pasts all feel tangible. The pacing is careful rather than breathless, so readers who like to linger in tension and character exploration will appreciate it. Some plot threads may feel slow-moving at times, but the payoff is emotionally rewarding. For fans of gothic fantasy with subtle magic and a haunting tone, The Shadows of Wren is worth exploring.

The end!

labels:

Popular posts from this blog

library haul!! 🤎 new books i checked out june 10

published on
Image
 Hiii guys!! It's been a while, right? Maybe a month? I've been so busy, I can't remember the last time I actually wrote a post instead of just uploading a book blitz. But anyways, today I'm really excited, because this is our very first library haul post! I'm currently at the library because my brother is doing some robotics thing in the other room, and I was going to work on my novel, but then I saw the beautiful books and knew I had to check some out. Reading > writing  Sorry, I just have my priorities straight. Anyways, let's go!! I'm just going to browse the shelves and pick up every book I like, and in like half an hour, I'll come back here to write about it. ✨  choosing the books ✨ My process of deciding on a book is as follows: Run my fingers along the spines of a row of books Stop on one that looks pretty/interesting Pull it out and examine the cover If the cover checks out (pun intended) look at the back If the book is hardcover, look at the...
Read it »

A Lie for a Lie by Jane Buckingham: a 5 star review

published on
Introduction Hi everyone! Do y'all still remember me? I seriously doubt it. It's been so long since my last post, but I'm BACK for an arc review of this amazing book! Do you ever stumble upon a book so electrifying that you forget the world around you? That's exactly what happened to me with Jane Buckingham's A Lie for a Lie . This novel is not just a page-turner; it’s a white-knuckle ride through the turbulent waters of high school drama and social media warfare. Grab your favorite reading nook and prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure that’ll keep you guessing until the very last page. Unraveling the Web of Lies The Premise Imagine this: your boyfriend is cheating, a bully is making your life miserable, or a classmate steals your hard-earned work. What do you do? At Milford High, the answer is simple—message @Revenge. This anonymous avenger dishes out justice with a heaping side of public humiliation. But what happens when a prank spirals out of control, leav...
Read it »

The Art of Being Difficult by William Chekhov review (this book certainly lived up to its name because it was VERY DIFFICULT TO READ)

published on
Image
introduction A Loveless Child. A Loveless Woman. Sweet Romance. Murder. Satire. Desperation. Fate.  That's it. That's the whole back cover description. I suppose the ominous, mysterious ambience was partly what drew me in, but that's what made me lose interest, too. Hey, I'm Paige, and this is a review of "The Art of Being Difficult" by William Chekhov. I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review, but these thoughts are my own. Thank you, Mendelssohn Press! it was confusing to read  I don't know how to describe Chekhov's writing style, except that it's a tough read for those seeking a straightforward narrative. To me, it looked like a bunch of scenes. There was no storyline. I think there might have been a hidden meaning or something, but I couldn't figure it out.  The lack of clear structure makes it challenging to follow the author's train of thought. it got boring soon Aside from the whole 'I do...
Read it »