Review: The Retreat by J.A. Baker - ARC

The Retreat by J.A. Baker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

In the atmospheric setting of Chamber Cottage, Alec and Peggy find themselves grappling with their troubled pasts and struggling to salvage their troubled marriage. As they seek solace in their new retreat, they become increasingly aware of a sense of being observed. Peggy, already burdened by the scars on her face, experiences heightened paranoia and agoraphobia, seeking refuge within the cottage's protective stone walls. However, her sanctuary is shattered when she learns that her estranged mother is stalking her and Alec, claiming to possess a dangerous secret that threatens Peggy's life. Doubt and uncertainty plague Peggy as she grapples with questions about the origins of her facial scars, the true nature of Alec, and the dark secrets harbored within Chamber Cottage. The story unfolds as Peggy navigates a treacherous path, unsure of whom to trust and where the truth truly lies.

From the very start, the book plunges the reader into a bewildering maze. The initial chapters leave much to be desired in terms of establishing a solid foundation for the story. Instead of captivating the reader, I was very confused. Even at the halfway point, the story remains incoherent, leaving the reader without a sense of direction.

One of the book's major drawbacks lies in the glaring lack of communication between Peggy and Alec. Their inability to convey their thoughts and feelings effectively results in a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings. This recurring theme not only impedes the development of their relationship but also contributes to the overall confusion experienced by the reader.

The ending of the book proves to be the final blow to an already bewildering narrative. The unanswered questions and unresolved plotlines only serve to compound the confusion experienced throughout the book.

View all my reviews

Review: The Party by Triona Walsh - ARC

The Party by Triona Walsh
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Bookouture via NetGalley.

Claire believed her first husband, Declan O'Shea, was dead. Five years later, she has moved on and is preparing to marry again. But on her wedding day, Declan reappears, claiming it was all a misunderstanding and that he won't let her go again.

As Claire and her family try to heal and move forward, Declan's return disrupts their newfound happiness. The once-perfect wedding celebration is shattered as Declan asserts his love for Claire and his determination to reclaim his family.

Amidst the chaos and confusion, Claire's loyalty and protective instincts are put to the test. She will do whatever it takes to safeguard her children and the life she has built. However, as shocking secrets emerge, Claire begins to question the trust she has placed in those she loves most.

Despite an intriguing premise that captured my interest from the start, this book fell short of my expectations as the story progressed. The unraveling of the plot left much to be desired, with characters lacking clear motivations for their actions. Furthermore, apart from the protagonist Lizzie, the supporting characters felt one-dimensional and failed to leave a lasting impact.

One aspect that added to my disappointment was the title's lack of coherence with the actual plot. It left me questioning the connection between the book's name and the unfolding events.

While the initial chapters showed promise, the overall execution of the story left me wanting more depth and development. The lack of compelling character motivations and the title's disconnect from the plot were notable drawbacks.

View all my reviews

Review: Fern Gully by Diana Young

Fern Gully by Diana Young
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The peaceful forest faces a dire threat when an ancient enemy named Hexxus starts manipulating the weather. To protect their home, Crysta, a young fairy, joins forces with her friends Pips, Batty Koda, and Zak. Together, they embark on a mission to save FernGully from impending destruction caused by Hexxus.

Get ready to scratch your head and wonder what on earth you just read! This book is a mind-boggling roller coaster of confusion. It's like the author took cramming so much into its measly 130 pages that it forgets to actually touch on anything substantial.

The illustrations are the saving grace in this topsy-turvy tale. Sadly, though, this book missed its mark. It had so much untapped potential that it only managed to reach the motion picture adaptation.

View all my reviews

Review: The Chaperone by M. Hendrix - ARC

The Chaperone by M. Hendrix
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from SOURCEBOOKS Fire via NetGalley.

In the controlled society of New America, Stella follows strict rules and lives under constant supervision. After her chaperone, Sister Helen, passes away, Stella is assigned a new chaperone, Sister Laura, who behaves differently and exposes Stella to forbidden experiences. As Stella spends more time with Sister Laura, she begins to question the purpose and effectiveness of the rules imposed by the Constables. Challenged by newfound freedom and unsettling truths about New America, Stella embarks on a perilous journey across the former United States, risking everything to fight against the oppressive world she knows.

This story was a rollercoaster of unsettling and thought-provoking moments that left me both intrigued and unnerved. It struck a chord with the issues we face in today's society, making it incredibly relevant. The mere possibility that events depicted in the story could actually unfold is utterly terrifying.

While the story had its merits, I couldn't help but feel that it had the potential to be even better. It left me wanting a more extensive narrative. Certain aspects felt rushed and underdeveloped, leaving me craving a more comprehensive understanding of the story's intricacies.

Review: The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade - ARC

The Shadow Sister by Lily Meade
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley.

Casey's world is turned upside down when her sister Sutton goes missing. As she joins the search efforts, Casey grapples with her anger towards Sutton, unable to reveal their recent argument. Despite the perception of Sutton as a perfect and popular girl, Casey knows the truth about her sister's manipulative nature, even stealing from her. However, the disappearance of Black or mixed-race girls often goes unnoticed, and Casey is determined to find her sister, believing there is an angel in need of saving.

When Sutton mysteriously reappears, Casey's initial relief turns to unease. Sutton has no memory of her time away or her previous life, including the pain she caused Casey. Her behavior is unsettling, particularly her intense interest in spending time with Casey and observing her goldfish.

Driven by her growing suspicion, Casey embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets Sutton kept hidden. The more she delves into her sister's past, the more questions arise. Did Casey truly know Sutton at all? Why is there silence surrounding the other missing girls in their community? And what sacrifices will Casey have to make to uncover the truth behind it all?

This book had a plethora of well-crafted characters. Seriously, they were so on point, even the side characters stole the show. I loved how diverse and intriguing their backgrounds and motivations were. And let's talk about the main character's attitude towards her sister—hilariously relatable! It had just the right amount of teen angst to keep things interesting without going overboard. Kudos to the author for capturing that dynamic so well.

Now, let's talk about the resolution. I mean, come on! I needed more!

All in all, if you're a YA reader looking for a quick and easy read, this book will hit the spot. Just be prepared for some unresolved subplots and a villain that needs a serious upgrade. But hey, the characters and the magical elements will make it worth your while.

View all my reviews

Review: The Weekend by L.H. Stacey - ARC

The Weekend by L.H. Stacey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from Boldwood Books via NetGalley.

The death of Thomas Kirkwood was never solved. Now ten years later, his mother is bringing everyone that was there that night back for a reunion but her real motives are to find out exactly who that murderer is.

I really liked how the story revolved around the supposed girlfriend that never quite fit in. None of the people involved in this weekend getaway were all that great. I know everyone has their flaws but man these people were really screwed up. I also enjoyed going back into the past with the characters and getting a glimpse of what happened that weekend and trying myself to put all the pieces together.
Also, definitely read until the very end, I was not expecting that.

View all my reviews

NetGalley Profiles

Creating a strong NetGalley profile can significantly improve your chances of receiving book approvals and building relationships with publishers. Here are some tips to help you optimize your NetGalley profile:

1. Complete your profile: Fill out all the necessary information in your profile, including your name, location, and contact details. This makes it easier for publishers to connect with you.
2. Provide relevant details: Highlight your reading preferences, preferred genres, and any specific topics or formats you're interested in. This helps publishers understand your preferences and target their book offerings accordingly.
3. Include your bio and photo: Write a concise and engaging bio that showcases your passion for reading, your reviewing style, and any relevant qualifications or experiences. Adding a friendly, professional photo can help personalize your profile and build trust.
4. Showcase your influence: If you have a blog, website, or social media accounts dedicated to book reviews, include links to them. This demonstrates your commitment to sharing your thoughts and expanding the reach of book recommendations.
5. Keep your profile up to date: Regularly review and update your profile information, including your reading preferences and contact details. This ensures publishers have the most accurate information about you and your interests.
6. Maintain professionalism: Use a professional tone in your profile and avoid using overly casual language or slang. Publishers appreciate professionalism and professionalism helps establish trust and credibility.
7. Be active and engaged: Participate in NetGalley discussions, leave thoughtful reviews, and interact with publishers and authors. This shows your dedication to the reading community and can lead to more opportunities and connections.
8. Provide feedback and review promptly: If you receive books from publishers, make an effort to read and review them in a timely manner. This demonstrates your commitment and reliability as a reviewer, and publishers are more likely to continue providing you with books.
9. Follow NetGalley guidelines: Familiarize yourself with NetGalley's guidelines and best practices to ensure you are using the platform effectively and professionally.
10. Engage with the NetGalley community: Connect with fellow reviewers, join reading groups, and participate in discussions. Engaging with the community can enhance your visibility and help you discover new books and opportunities.

By implementing these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a compelling NetGalley profile that attracts publishers and allows you to enjoy a rewarding reviewing experience.