apagetoturn's reviews
1352 reviews

 

Jasmine Guillory delivers a sweet and witty forced-proximity romance in Drop, Cover, and Hold On, blending humor, charm, and sizzling chemistry into a bite-sized treat. Daisy and the grumpy-yet-irresistible baker’s long-standing tension makes for an engaging dynamic, and being trapped together in a bakery during an earthquake sets the perfect stage for sparks to fly. Their opposites-attract energy is playful and heartwarming, making every moment feel both cozy and electric.

With Guillory’s signature banter and feel-good storytelling, this short story is a delightful, low-commitment read that will leave you grinning. If you love quick, charming romances with a dash of fate, this one is a must-read! 

 

From the moment Theo Scott steps into the secluded winter retreat of the Dalton family, the tension begins to mount, creating a palpable sense of unease that lingers throughout the novel.

The story unfolds with a gripping hook: Theo, newly engaged to the charming Connor Dalton, must navigate the judgment of his powerful family while reckoning with disturbing messages and a creeping sense that she's been to this place before. As Marshall expertly peels back the layers of Theo’s past, readers are taken on a wild ride filled with twists and chilling revelations.

Marshall’s strength lies in crafting vivid, wintry settings that heighten the suspense, making Idlewood as much a character as any member of the Dalton family. The isolation of the retreat adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere, amplifying every threat, from footprints in the snow to long-buried secrets.

The only reason this isn't a full five-star read is that some plot elements veer slightly into predictable territory, particularly toward the climax. A few characters, especially within the Dalton family, felt underdeveloped, leaving their motivations less compelling than Theo’s gripping narrative arc.

Overall, A Killing Cold is a chilling, page-turning thriller perfect for fans of The Guest List and The Last House on Needless Street. With its fast pace, rich atmosphere, and strong protagonist, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a dark, wintry mystery with a shocking secret at its core. 

Thanks Netgalley for the ALC.

A pulse-pounding thriller that hooks you from the very first page. Brooke is a compelling protagonist, balancing the weight of a past she wants to escape with the pressure of maintaining a perfect façade. The tension builds masterfully when a simple celebration turns into a nightmare, and the relentless suspense kept me flipping pages late into the night.

Lally excels at crafting an eerie atmosphere, making every shadow and turn of the road feel ominous. The twists are well-executed, and while some moments felt predictable, there were plenty of surprises to keep things exciting. The emotional depth of Brooke's character adds another layer to the story, making it more than just a thriller—it's a tale of resilience and facing one's fears.

If you love thrillers with strong female leads, dark secrets, and heart-racing suspense, No Place Left to Hide is definitely worth the read. A solid four stars! 

This Wild Heart by Karla Sorensen took me on an emotional rollercoaster in the best way possible! One moment, I was wiping away tears, and the next, I was laughing out loud. The chemistry between the characters was off the charts, and their banter made the story even more addictive.

I listened to the audiobook, and the narrators absolutely nailed it! Their performances brought Parker and the heroine to life, making every moment feel raw and real. Plus, they had to sing—and they did it so well! That extra touch made the experience even more immersive.

The story itself was the perfect blend of swoon-worthy romance, heartfelt emotion, and laugh-out-loud moments. A forgotten Vegas wedding, a fake marriage full of tension, and a twist that changes everything—what more could you ask for? Parker is the ultimate broody, irresistible hero, and the heroine's journey of navigating their "marriage" had me hooked from start to finish.

If you love romance books that make you feel everything—joy, heartbreak, and butterflies—then This Wild Heart is a must-read (or must-listen!). Karla Sorensen has outdone herself with this one!

Forever Starts Tonight by Karla Sorensen is the kind of book that stays with you long after the final page. Jax and Poppy’s story had me hooked from the very first chapter, and I know I’ll be thinking about them for a long time!

The tension, the slow burn, the undeniable chemistry—it was all so good. Poppy’s determination and heart paired with Jax’s broody, reluctant feelings made for an emotional, deeply satisfying love story. Their push and pull felt so real, and watching them navigate their history, their feelings, and their undeniable connection was pure magic.

The forced proximity, the brother’s best friend dynamic, and the angst-filled journey to love made this book impossible to put down. Karla Sorensen has such a way of writing characters that feel real, raw, and utterly lovable.

If you love a grumpy/sunshine romance with all the feels, sizzling chemistry, and a heroine you can’t help but root for, Forever Starts Tonight is a must-read! Absolutely five stars! 

Jinger Vuolo's People Pleaser offers a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of the struggles many face with constantly trying to meet others’ expectations, often at the cost of their own well-being. As someone who has grown up in the public eye, Vuolo’s perspective is uniquely insightful, providing readers with both a relatable and authentic voice on the challenges of shedding the desire to please.

The book is divided into various sections that tackle the psychological roots of people-pleasing, the cultural pressures that exacerbate it, and the steps toward breaking free. Vuolo weaves in personal anecdotes from her own life, especially her journey through faith and the emotional toll of trying to live up to unrealistic standards. Her experiences make the book engaging, and her vulnerability is both commendable and relatable.

However, while the book offers valuable insights, there are moments where the narrative feels somewhat repetitive or lacks depth in addressing some of the underlying causes of people-pleasing behaviors. Some readers may also find the faith-based advice to be a bit niche, though it will undoubtedly resonate deeply with others, particularly those in similar communities or faith backgrounds.

Despite these critiques, the book is an encouraging guide for anyone struggling with the pressure to conform and please. It's a gentle reminder that breaking free from these patterns is a gradual, sometimes uncomfortable journey, but one worth taking for the sake of personal growth and inner peace.

Minka Kent delivers a riveting psychological thriller in The Stillwater Girls, a book that hooked me from the first page and didn’t let go until the shocking, sideways twist I never saw coming. The story of Wren and her sisters—raised in a remote cabin, cut off from society, and steeped in fear—unfolds with a chilling intensity that left me on edge throughout.

Kent masterfully builds a bleak, claustrophobic atmosphere as the girls fend for themselves after their mother and youngest sister vanish. The harsh wilderness, dwindling supplies, and an impending winter make survival seem impossible—until a stranger arrives, setting off a chain of events that forces Wren and Sage to break their lifelong rule: never leave the forest.

What lies beyond the woods is far more terrifying than the isolated life they've known. The revelations are jaw-dropping, each secret peeling back another unsettling layer. Kent’s pacing is taut, and her ability to balance tension with emotional depth makes this novel unforgettable.

While the twists kept me on my toes, I docked half a star only because some character motivations felt slightly underexplored in the final stretch. That said, the gripping suspense and haunting revelations more than make up for it.

If you love psychological thrillers that explore survival, resilience, and hidden truths, The Stillwater Girls is a must-read. Prepare for a wild ride—and brace yourself for the twist that’ll linger long after you turn the last page

 

"Steal My Heart" is a delightful, steamy office romance with a twist of forbidden attraction that pulls you in from the very first page. Henley Holloway and Jace Harlow are a power couple in the making, though neither of them seems ready for the whirlwind of emotions they’re about to face.

Henley, the boss's daughter, is both witty and hardworking, and she quickly proves to be more than just a pretty face in the office. I loved her strong sense of independence and how she wasn’t afraid to hold her own, even in the face of Jace’s initial resistance. Jace, on the other hand, is a bit of a closed-off, determined workaholic with a no-relationship rule, especially not with his boss’s daughter. But the undeniable chemistry between them builds quickly, and it's impossible not to root for them.

The dynamics between Jace and Henley are fantastic, filled with banter, tension, and plenty of emotional depth. I appreciated how the author didn't rush their relationship but allowed their connection to evolve naturally. The slow burn and the internal struggle each character faces made the eventual romance even sweeter.

What kept me hooked was the balance between their professional lives and their personal chemistry. Pavlov does a great job of making both characters multi-dimensional, and their growth felt earned. The conflict in the story is realistic, adding depth to the characters' journey, and the ending was satisfying, though I would have loved just a bit more resolution on one particular plot point.

Overall, this book is a fun, engaging read with a touch of angst and lots of heart. If you’re into office romance with strong characters, witty dialogue, and steamy moments, "Steal My Heart" will definitely hit the spot. Highly recommend for romance lovers who enjoy a bit of forbidden flair. 

 I had high hopes for The Girl You Gave Away, but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to its intriguing premise. The plot was messy, with too many twists that felt forced rather than gripping. The characters were underdeveloped, making it hard to connect with or care about their struggles. The shifting narrative style—from first person to third person, with alternating POV chapters—was jarring and pulled me out of the story repeatedly. It made the book feel disjointed and hard to follow, leaving me more frustrated than thrilled. While the premise had potential, the execution left much to be desired. 

 Wild Mistake by Kacey Shea completely captured my heart. Sarah’s journey as a single mom returning to her hometown to pick up the pieces of her life was both raw and inspiring. Watching her reconnect with Aiden, her first love, was like seeing a flower bloom in slow motion—equal parts beautiful and heart-wrenching.

The dual timelines, with their current love story interwoven with letters from their past, were masterfully done, adding layers of emotion that left me teary-eyed more than once. Aiden was such a grounding force for Sarah—his unwavering love and patience made their reunion feel so natural and inevitable, like they were always meant to find their way back to each other.

On a deeply personal level, the portrayal of their father suffering from dementia hit close to home for me. The emotional toll it takes on the family was written with care and authenticity, which made the story resonate even more.

This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about forgiveness, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Kacey Shea created something truly special here, and I’ll be thinking about Sarah and Aiden’s journey for a long time. Highly recommend for anyone who loves second-chance romances with real, relatable characters and heartfelt storytelling.