The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
LOVED IT! No notes!
I downloaded this book because I wanted something to match the level of intrigue I had while reading The Intruder. I also partially wanted to prove my belief that this book was incredibly over-hyped. BookTok has let me down ALOT so I was convinced that this book was not for me.
Nope, this book got me HOOKED! The Housemaid follows Millie, a young maid who is desperate for a job.
She gets a live-in position at the Winchesters, a wealthy but odd family. The daughter is a brat. The mother randomly messes up the house to disastrous levels. Millie’s only support is from Enzo, the gardener who speaks very little English but keeps warning her to leave and Andrew Winchester, handsome and charming and always there to reassure Millie.
As Nina Winchester’s behaviour worsens, Andrew keeps stepping in to defend Millie. And it isn’t long before Millie starts to catch feelings for him.
Millie and Andrew’s relationship was SUCH a cliche. But I had barely adjusted to their feelings when this book threw me for a loop. And another. And another.
All I can say is don’t wait for the movie. Pick up a copy of this book ASAP!
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Category: Books
Book Review: The Intruder by Freida McFadden
The Intruder by Freida McFadden
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The synopsis had me borrowing a copy of this book from KU.
The writing and the creepy young girl had me HOOKED!
“The Intruder” follows Casey, a former teacher who lives in the middle of nowhere. Right from the start it is clear that something is not right with her. She is hiding from something or someone. Casey is preparing to wait out a storm in her cabin when she comes across a young girl, bloodied and holding a knife.
We also get to see the backstory of Ella, a troubled young girl with a disturbing mother. Ella tries to make excuses for her mother’s odd behaviour- hoarding, refusing to feed Ella and even locking her up in a closet to ensure that none of her dates find out that she has a kid.
As Ella’s mother’s behaviour escalates to dangerous levels so too does Casey’s creepy young guest.
I really enjoyed this book. I finished it in one go (which has not happened in a while). This was well-written and compelling.
I hated the twist at the end and found it unnecessary but I am choosing to ignore it. Besides that I had the feeling that I really got to know these characters and was sad that this book ended. I would LOVE if this turned into a series but I am low-key routing for Casey to find a happy life.
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Book Review: Problem Child by Victoria Helen Stone (Jane Doe #2)
Problem Child by Victoria Helen Stone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love love LOVED being back in Jane’s twisted little world.
This time she is busy causing chaos at work when she gets a call about her missing niece. Jane doesn’t care until she realises her niece might be exactly like her.
Jane decides to track her niece down to make sure she is okay but this isn’t motivated by love. Jane wants to learn more about her mini-me and is simply curious.
Jane’s mind is incredibly twisted and her plots are too. But it’s always fascinating to see how she works things in her favour.
This was a quick read that I enjoyed immensely however there is a cliffhanger that seemed a bit overdone. Read at your own risk
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Book Review: Awkward in Trouble by Rachel Rhodes
Awkward in Trouble by Rachel Rhodes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When Emma Johnson meets the perfect guy, the last thing she expects is for her best friend, Megan to make a pass at him.
But Megan’s motivations go well beyond the emotional. She plans to ruin Emma’s career. Emma teams up with the new charming exec who replaced Megan at her old job. Armed with this new male bestie, her perfect guy and a boss on her side what could go wrong?
But it soon becomes clear that someone is still out to get Emma. Is Megan more devious than Emma thought? Or is it someone else close to her?
This was a quick and easy read that left me speechless. I didn’t see the ending coming but it was done so so brilliantly.
I highly recommend this book if you’re looking for a quick but entertaining read.
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Book Review: Tempests & Tea Leaves by Rachel Morgan (The Charmed Leaf Legacy #1)
Tempests & Tea Leaves by Rachel Morgan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Tempests and Tea Leaves is a cute fantasy romance set in a rich magical world. I have always loved Rachel Morgan’s skill with worldbuilding and this book is no exception.
Iris is a half fae who joins Fae society in an attempt to save her family from financial ruin. She instantly clashes with Lord Jasvian, a way too serious heir to one of the most elite families in the United Fae isles.
Jasvian dismisses Iris and her magical ability but the two of them are forced to spend time together when Jasvian’s grandmother takes a liking to Iris and offers her an apprenticeship at her business, The Charmed Leaf Tea House.
I loved how fully fleshed the character of the tea house was. From the rooms and secret nooks and crannies to its personality. Yes, I said personality.
My only issue with this book is that it felt really long. Take that comment with a grain of salt though since I am returning to books after a very long while on TikTok and my attention span isn’t what it used to be.
Nonetheless I am really excited to start the next book in the series.
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Fiction Friday: Book Review- WorkParty: How to Create and Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams by Jaclyn Johnson
WorkParty: How to Create & Cultivate the Career of Your Dreams by Jaclyn Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I don’t know how I found this book but from the first second I started reading, I was HOOKED!
WorkParty tells the story of how Jaclyn was climbing the corporate ladder and then she wasn’t. Boom, layoff (don’t we all know it? I feel like that particular plot point was so relevant for today’s world). She was sad for a bit (so valid) and then she decided to start a business.
While this book focuses on her experience of running a business, I found it so relatable as a freelancer. It felt like talking to a friend who had been through what I had been through but she was there to tell me that it would be okay. And she knew that because she had come out the other side.
WorkParty is hilarious, entertaining and full of little nuggets of wisdom that I believed every female who is freelancing or running a business should read.
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Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I received a copy of this ebook on SALE and it brought me so much of joy!
After hearing nothing but praise for Katherine Center’s books, I was excited to finally see what the hype was about- and The Bodyguard did not disappoint.
The story follows Hannah Brooks, a recently dumped bodyguard who’s assigned to protect Jack, a charming actor with a stalker problem. What unfolds is a delightful mix of family, funny moments and even some romance.
I loved how perfect Hannah and Jack were together and I especially enjoyed how funny Hannah’s colleagues were.
Highly recommend if you love smart rom-coms with strong female leads and just the right amount of swoon!
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Fiction Friday: Book Review- Reckless by Lauren Roberts
Reckless by Lauren Roberts
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Paedyn’s on the run. Kai’s ordered to bring her back alive. Sounds simple, right? (Spoiler: it’s not.)
With nowhere else to go, Paedyn ends up in the Scorches—a place we’ve definitely been warned about since book one. Cue: danger, tension, and enough heat to toast your TBR pile.
Here’s the thing—I have conflicted emotions.
I didn’t hate it.
I didn’t love it.
But I did love seeing how well Paedyn and Kai worked together. Their dynamic? Chef’s kiss.
And that ending?
That ending!!!
All I’m saying is read this series the way I did- binge it! There is no other way.
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Fiction Friday: Powerful by Lauren Roberts
Powerful by Lauren Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book had no business hurting me the way it did especially after Powerless.
Powerful tells the story of Adena as she is left alone in Loot and how she manages without Paedyn.
Adena meets mysterious Mak who needs her help with an outfit. As she spends time with him the two of them start to fall in love.
I actually think I might like Adena and Mak more than Paedyn and anyone else. Which is what makes this book so heartbreaking.
This could be read as a standalone but of course that means some spoilers for Powerless.
If you’ve read Powerless and sobbed the way I do, I actually suggest you DON’T read this book. It’s a cute fun read that will eventually tear your heart out.
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Fiction Friday- Book Review: 101 Secrets for Your Twenties by Paul Angone
101 Secrets for Your Twenties by Paul Angone
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’m not sure how I stumbled across this book on Everand but it really made me feel like someone understood me. My only regret is I wish I found this book sooner.
This is a quick read with 101 secrets for your 20s. I feel like during this period there is little to no support and yet it’s almost like your second puberty. You’re developing into an adult with no guidance and it’s so important that you put in the effort early to ensure you work towards creating a life that you would enjoy.
If you’re approaching your 20s or in your 20s I definitely recommend this book. I will be moving on to 101 Questions to Ask in Your Twenties next.
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