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bellebookcorner's reviews
1215 reviews

What the Nanny Saw by Kaira Rouda

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

What the Nanny Saw is a quick, multi-POV, psychological thriller following Cecilia’s new stage of life – motherhood. 
It’s important to note that this is the 3rd book in the series, starting with Best Day Ever and followed by The Second Mrs. Storm. 
 
 I wasn’t aware that this book was part of a series. Although some reviews stated that it could be read as a standalone, I wouldn’t recommend it.  
There’s a tragic event in Paris mentioned repeatedly from the previous book (I think). While it provides enough information about what happened, I can’t help but feel I would’ve connected more if I had read the previous book in the first place. 
 
The characters are not very likeable; in fact, one of them become quite unreliable as the story goes. 
I didn’t know who to trust, who’s telling the truth or if it was just Cecilia’s paranoia. 
This left me with many questions while reading, which was quite fun. 
 
The last few chapters felt rushed and the twists are pretty predictable. Despite this, I still quit enjoy this psychological thriller drama. 
 
I think I would’ve liked this book better if I had read the previous books. Cause then I would’ve had better understanding of the whole situation especially regarding the Paris tragedy and Cecilia’s ex-husband, Paul. 
 
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, Netgalley, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily! 
 
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Domestic abuse, manipulation, psychological manipulation 
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Running Cold by Susan Walter

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

If you’re looking for a simple, quick and easy-to-read murder mystery then this one is perfect for you.
The writing style made me feel like I was there with Julie in the cold Canadian Mountains!!
 
The plot started out a bit slow at first, since the murder mystery doesn’t kick in until the second part of the story. But once it started, especially with the addition of a new POV from the detective, the story becomes much more engaging and gripping. 
 
Although, I figured out the mystery pretty early on, I still enjoyed the journey and the big reveal at the end. 
I also admire Julie’s character growth as she navigated several painful events from childhood until present day. 
 
Overall, Running Cold is a highly atmospheric read with a gripping storyline and relatable characters. 
I will definitely be on the lookout for more books by this author in the future! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
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Gossamer by Shannon Mayer

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Gossamer is the final book in The Golden Wolf trilogy bringing Cin’s journey to an end. After the events of the previous book, I was curious to know whether Cin will have a happy or bittersweet ending.  
The flashbacks were a nice touch which I really appreciate to refresh my memory and keep me up to speed. 
 
This book is also more action-packed seeing Cin is on the run from the villain. 
Numerous secrets about Cin, about Ragnarok and the prophecies are revealed and it was fascinating to see some of the Norse Gods made an appearance as Cin sought out their help to save the realms. 
 
One of the standout characters from this book is Bebe, the cat – Cin’s best girlfriend. 
Their strong friendship is heart-warming and Bebe’s sarcastic comments always liven up the story! 
Another favourite of mine is Jor, the fun and selfless Midgard Serpent. I would definitely go on a coffee date with him! 
 
While I enjoyed this book, I couldn’t say the same with how the romance unfolded. Cin and Havoc’s interactions were sparse, and I would have loved to see more of them as they finally stopped fighting their feelings for each other. 
 
Overall, this is a highly entertaining, fast-paced book. Everything was wrapped up quite nicely, I really enjoy seeing Cin’s character grow throughout the trilogy. 
I’m looking forward to see if this series might continue with a different couple, as I’m not quite ready to leave this captivating world. 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
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The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Following three separate characters who come to a small town called Maple Bay, unaware of how their lives will intertwine with one another as dark family secrets come to light… 
 
I absolutely devour this fast-paced, easy-to-read story with its short chapters, making it difficult to put down my Kindle. 
Treasure hunting and murder mystery are a fantastic combo to make a great book, I was captivated with the mystery of the hidden treasure and later, the murder investigation. 
 
The last 20% of the book is where things get really intense! 
That one huge twist was something I didn’t see coming at all, the clues were there but I completely missed them! 
 
Overall, such a fun and thrilling mystery with a satisfying ending! 
The author cleverly wrote the twist and placed the clues in a way that wasn’t obvious, making for an unexpected surprise! 
I will definitely be looking for more books by this author in the future! 
 
I received an advanced review copy for free through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
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Scythe and Pen by A.C. Hobbs

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Calling all dark fantasy lovers—you need to grab this book asap! 
Especially if you love: 
• Enemies to brothers
• Slow-burn romance
• Heists and political intrigue
• Angels and demons
• Hades/Persephone vibes 
 
There’s a lot going on in this story from the murder mystery to vampires-human political intrigue and gangsters. 
Numerous dark secrets and hidden agendas make it difficult to know which character to trust as I read this story. 
 
The book is divided into four parts. 
The first part felt slightly slow due to the introduction of characters and the world-building, but things started to get a lot more interesting by the second part. By the third and fourth part I couldn’t put my Kindle down! 
 
The characters are complex and well-developed. 
Gabriella's character development is particularly striking, as she undergoes significant changes after what she learned and went through. 
I was also deeply invested in Hades, who remains a dark enigma with uncertain motives. Despite his ambiguity, I absolutely adore the brother-friend complex relationship between Hades and Demetrius throughout the story! 
 
The romance wasn’t the centre of the plot but added a great touch. Seeing the forbidden romance between a politician and an assassin, as well as the enemies-to-lovers romance between the mafia boss and a journalist, was intriguing. 
I’m looking forward to see more of them in the next book! 
 
Overall, this is a remarkably well-written story with a massive cliff-hanger ending and a gripping storyline. Such a page turner! 
I’m definitely keeping an eye out for the sequel once it comes out! 
 
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
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The Academy of the Dead by Vermilion H. Baine

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Academy of the Dead is the 2nd book in the the Haunted Creatures, Haunted Places series but don’t worry-it can be read as a standalone. 
I didn’t read the 1st book and I completely enjoy the whole story without feeling like I missed anything! 
 
The delicious tension of academic rivals turning to a burning and swoony romance, combined with dark family secrets kept my eyes glued to my kindle, making this one so hard to put down! 
 
Maddox and Atticus have a complex love-hate relationship, it was fascinating to see how their relationship developed as the story progressed. 
I adore the slow-burn chemistry between them. They clearly had history and something happened that left me dying to know what Atticus was hiding from Maddox.  
 
The unique, dark and enchanting world-building complete with fey, necromancers and the green witches was captivating. 
I absolutely loved Maddox’s big family-they’re chaotic behaviour really livened up the story. I admired the love they have for each other, seeing as they never treat Maddox differently for being a necromancer in the family. 
 
The last few pages are quite intense as dark secrets were revealed and the stakes got higher, 
I was on the edge of my seat the whole time wondering the fate of Maddox and Atticus. 
 
Overall, this is such a page turner! 
A very well-written story - I’m definitely coming back for more of this series! 
 
If you’re looking for a dark romantasy with gothic vibes, academic rivals to lovers, spicy slow burn romance, dark secrets and a redemption arc then this book is perfect for you!
 
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: Friendship breakup, lying, familial betrayal, complicated and toxic sibling relationship, funerals, loss of family member, eldest son trauma, alcohol use, grave-digging, hellraising, dark magic, necromancy, toxic family, violence, swordplay, open door romance, light and consensual breath play, possession, exorcisms, body horror, insect horror. 
 
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily! 
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A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur

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adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This is the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. 
The intriguing storyline, combine with great writing style, vivid setting, and loveable characters, kept me flipping the pages for more! 
 
The plot was easy to follow despite a lot of things going on like saving Iseul’s sister, the murder mystery investigation as well as defeating the tyrant king. 
However, I found the timing of the big reveal for the murder mystery slightly odd. 
 
Initially, I found Iseul slightly annoying due to her spoiled behavior, but as the story progressed and she faced the harsh realities of her world, Iseul grew on me. 
I’m a huge fan of found family trope and I loved seeing Iseul find hers with Yul and Wonsik! 
 
The romance as a subplot added a nice touch to the story, seeing Daehyun and Iseul, who are opposites, find comfort in one another throughout the story. 
The author successfully played with my feelings over and over again; with so many deaths throughout the story I kept wondering about the fate of these two…. 
 
Overall, this is a beautifully well-written story which offers insight to the Korean history. 
The last few chapters are quite intense and very emotional keeping me on the edge of my seat. 
If you’re looking for a historical fiction with political intrigue, found family and light-hearted romance then grab this one! 
 
Thank you to TBR and Beyond Tour, Netgalley, author and the publisher for sending me an e-arc of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily! 
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What the Wife Knew: A Novel by Darby Kane

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Well, the ending of this book had me laughing with the lies and how manipulative most of the characters are! 
 
I was hooked right from the beginning with the dark secrets, blackmailing, threats, and the investigation.  
Even though the pace turned slow in the middle part of the story, things got a lot more interesting once the secrets started unraveling one by one. 
 
The last few chapters were quite intense as all the truths finally came to light with the secrets Addison, Kathryn, and Richmond had been hiding throughout the story. Some twists I could guess, but a few managed to surprise me near the ending! 
 
Overall, it was an entertaining read with an easy-to-read writing style, short chapters, and unexpected twists. Putting my Kindle down was the last thing I wanted to do. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author in the future! 
 
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers Tour, authors and publishers for sending me an e-arc of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
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Queen of Ever by Lorelei Johnson, Hailey Jade

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adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Hidden power, court intrigue, a rebellion and spicy swoony romance kept me interested from the beginning until the end. 
Queen of Ever started right after the ending of the previous book with that massive blow of betrayal to our FMC, Imogen. 
 
Told in multiple POVs, we get a new set of characters and a new area to explore such as The Seelie Kingdom. 
The first half part is slightly slower but things gets a lot more interesting in the second half part where the rebel group was introduced. 
 
As for the romance, I really like seeing Imogen and Tarian interaction throughout the story as they clear out the misunderstanding and finally stand together. 
It also comes with a bonus of seeing Tarian grovel his way back to earn Imogen’s forgiveness and trust which lead to some spicy times! 
 
The last few chapters were very intense with shocking plot twist, show of power, and a large-scale war between the high and lesser fae. 
Although some things felt like already resolved, the epilogue seems to say otherwise so I’ll be looking forward to see where the story will go in the third book. 
 
Thank you to RR Book Tour and the authors for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
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Wish by Sara Flanagan

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wish is a dark fantasy romance so I would advise checking out the trigger warnings before diving into this one cause some parts may be sensitive to some readers. 
 
Told in multiple POVs and dual timeline, we follow our FMC – Mora is a cursed to be a genie in a flask for centuries. 
If you're looking for a female-rage kinda of story, you won't be disappointed with Mora! 
Mora is not the kind-hearted heroine, she’s been through so much she’s turned into a monster just to survive. I felt so bad for her but also admire her strength and determination to seek her freedom and revenge. 
 
I also like seeing Mora and Zadriel’s relationship grows from resentment to something more as sparks flew between them and bond them together. 
I absolutely love the way they comfort each other and helping each other move on past the traumas caused by the same villain.  
 
Love the great writing style and how it delivers each emotions Mora was feeling very well that I felt the rage and hatred she felt towards the villain. I was as furious as her whenever I read the flashback timeline! I hate the villain, he’s a despicable human being!! 
 
Overall, this is a very well written book and a fantastic start for a fantasy series! 
Well, Mora’s journey is far from over and I’m really looking forward to see what happens next after that cliff-hanger ending! 
 
Thank you to Book of Matches Media and the author for giving me an e-ARC of the book and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
 
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: 
• Graphic Violence, Torture and Murder (on page)
• Trauma, Anxiety, Depression and PTSD
• Suicidal Ideation
• Sexual Assault (Fade to black - this trauma deeply affects the main character and we see the effects throughout the story)
• Abortion
• Depictions of Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse
• Child Abduction and Child Abuse (abduction is explained by the chatacter as an adult when they share their story, the abuse is shown in a short character flashback, 1 scene)
• Graphic Sexual Content
• Graphic Language 
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