Playground of Randomness

The Coworker by Freida McFadden

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


When odd duck Dawn doesn’t show up for work at her usual 8:45AM, her colleague Natalie is curious. Curious enough to try and track down Dawn at her house where a crime scene awaits.

Told in two timelines, this book paints an intriguing picture. Was Natalie really so unaware of Dawn? Were they friends? Enemies? Why did Natalie insist on going to Dawn’s house to find her? Did Natalie DO something to Dawn?

This was a creepy book that I enjoyed immensely. At this point I know not to trust anyone in a Freida McFadden novel but this was still a delightful read.

If you’re looking for your next thriller, give this a try.





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The Fury by Alex Michaelides

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a copy of this book on Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Holding one star captive simply because I hated the main character and the ending.

“The Fury” follows a group of wealthy friends- Lana Farrar, her two best friends, her husband and her kid. A nice wholesome getaway to her private island.

But then someone is killed.

The annoying narrator is telling you this story but with it. they’re including so much of back story that at times I got bored.

It all came together beautifully at the end though.

This was a read that I was invested in mainly because Lana seemed like a sweet person and everyone else around her seemed incredibly deceitful.

I feel like this is one of those books that you will either love or hate so proceed at your own risk.



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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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