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hardcover_hazel's reviews
172 reviews
Those People Next Door by Kia Abdullah
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A quickreads audio book - the first audiobook I've finished from my local e-library 😊
A fued between neighbours turns deadly as things start escalating. I'm sure a lot of detail was cut out from the longer book for this one, so it ends up being more factual.
The twist at the end was surprising! A good, quick little read for the evening.
A fued between neighbours turns deadly as things start escalating. I'm sure a lot of detail was cut out from the longer book for this one, so it ends up being more factual.
The twist at the end was surprising! A good, quick little read for the evening.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Child death, Death, Hate crime, and Racism
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
“It stops here. With me and you. It ends with us.”
This book contains abuse and more - please check the trigger warnings before reading or watching the movie 💕 it’s not an easy girls-night-out movie.
I was in a relationship that my therapist has deemed abusive in the past (emotionally not physically) but there are similarities between the two. It definitely brought up feelings as I was reading and I cried a lot over the past version of me. (I’ve done a TON of healing since this relationship, but memories and feelings can be replayed. I cried over past me, I cried for Lily, I cried for others who’ve experienced this).
I appreciate the awareness brought towards abusive relationships in this book and I know Colleen wanted to shed light on those who would always question why they don’t leave their abuser.
However, there’s also a form of romanticising abuse in this book.
The characters didn’t feel like they had a ton of substance, but I did enjoy the story overall.
This book contains abuse and more - please check the trigger warnings before reading or watching the movie 💕 it’s not an easy girls-night-out movie.
I was in a relationship that my therapist has deemed abusive in the past (emotionally not physically) but there are similarities between the two. It definitely brought up feelings as I was reading and I cried a lot over the past version of me. (I’ve done a TON of healing since this relationship, but memories and feelings can be replayed. I cried over past me, I cried for Lily, I cried for others who’ve experienced this).
I appreciate the awareness brought towards abusive relationships in this book and I know Colleen wanted to shed light on those who would always question why they don’t leave their abuser.
However, there’s also a form of romanticising abuse in this book.
The characters didn’t feel like they had a ton of substance, but I did enjoy the story overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This series has been sitting on my shelf for a while and I’ve been too intimidated to start it (until a read along came by 😂). There are so many fans out there and I don’t always like the popular book but this was a pretty good start ✨
For:
-enemies to lovers
-beauty and the beast fantasy retelling
-magic and easy world building
-with a bunch of action (and some gore)
-has its main focus on the romance of the story
read it. ✨
It’s a great introduction into fantasy without having to focus on the world building or characters to understand it. You feel almost compelled to continue reading even though there isn’t much happening. The last few chapters were the best - with challenges and trials and hope.
I have to say Feyre irritated me a bit 😂 I felt exhausted at her trying to fight literally everything, even though I understood why. I do love that she becomes a bit more relaxed and human and we get to see how she views the world and lets out her emotion - through painting.
Though there’s some dubious actions from the males in this series 👀 so check any warnings before reading.
Overall, I loved it and I might just become an ACOTAR fan as I continue this journey 💕
For:
-enemies to lovers
-beauty and the beast fantasy retelling
-magic and easy world building
-with a bunch of action (and some gore)
-has its main focus on the romance of the story
read it. ✨
It’s a great introduction into fantasy without having to focus on the world building or characters to understand it. You feel almost compelled to continue reading even though there isn’t much happening. The last few chapters were the best - with challenges and trials and hope.
I have to say Feyre irritated me a bit 😂 I felt exhausted at her trying to fight literally everything, even though I understood why. I do love that she becomes a bit more relaxed and human and we get to see how she views the world and lets out her emotion - through painting.
Though there’s some dubious actions from the males in this series 👀 so check any warnings before reading.
Overall, I loved it and I might just become an ACOTAR fan as I continue this journey 💕
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, and Alcohol
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
emotional
reflective
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
4.5
4.5 ✨
A delicious book! The way Coco makes words melt on your tongue is just magic.
This book made me deeply want a sister. And it also made me find small parts of myself in a variety of characters, based on being human, and being a woman.
This is a story about addiction, about messy (realistic) characters, and about grief.
We follow the Blue sisters - who used to be four, and are now three. A year later, we enter into their lives in time to see their worst mistakes, their lowest lows, their deepest regrets.
And we watch them heal, pull themselves back together, and rebuild their lives.
The metaphors and meaning scattered throughout is just stunning.
(The only thing that disappointed me is one of the stereotypes that bi people struggle with. It’s a bit of a spoiler so I can’t say the word but can we stop the stereotype please).
A delicious book! The way Coco makes words melt on your tongue is just magic.
This book made me deeply want a sister. And it also made me find small parts of myself in a variety of characters, based on being human, and being a woman.
This is a story about addiction, about messy (realistic) characters, and about grief.
We follow the Blue sisters - who used to be four, and are now three. A year later, we enter into their lives in time to see their worst mistakes, their lowest lows, their deepest regrets.
And we watch them heal, pull themselves back together, and rebuild their lives.
The metaphors and meaning scattered throughout is just stunning.
(The only thing that disappointed me is one of the stereotypes that bi people struggle with. It’s a bit of a spoiler so I can’t say the word but can we stop the stereotype please).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Infidelity, Grief, and Alcohol
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Abortion
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The twists!!!
This book was incredible. Even more twisty than the first (dare I say??)
The writing style is still very basic, simple, factual. We follow Millie again, who has a new job with yet another rich client.
Except she just can't seem to not look behind closed doors.
"It all started with a simple cleaning job. And now it might end with my blood being mopped off the cabin floor."
At one point I literally had to fight the urge to wake my partner up and tell her the latest twist 😂 she enjoyed hearing them as much as I enjoyed reading them.
I'm so excited to read more by this author! 🩷
This book was incredible. Even more twisty than the first (dare I say??)
The writing style is still very basic, simple, factual. We follow Millie again, who has a new job with yet another rich client.
Except she just can't seem to not look behind closed doors.
"It all started with a simple cleaning job. And now it might end with my blood being mopped off the cabin floor."
At one point I literally had to fight the urge to wake my partner up and tell her the latest twist 😂 she enjoyed hearing them as much as I enjoyed reading them.
I'm so excited to read more by this author! 🩷
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Infertility, Physical abuse, Blood, and Murder
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
My first Kindle read! 🥰
Literally lying here in the dark digesting that ending. The ending was so good I rated it 5 stars but then while writing this, it made me remember the rest so it's a 4 star total 😂
This isn't a literary masterpiece, the writing style is almost factual and basic - there isn't a lot of detail and some of it is a little repetitive. But we're here living for the thrill of it all (and by that I mean the storyline)
We follow Millie who is an ex convict trying to find a decent job - and soon, as she's living out of Casa Nissan. She lands the dream job of working for a super richhh family.
But nothing is as it seems. With anyone really.
I LOVED this storyline. The end - girl go OFF.
Read it if you want a book that'll grip you from part 2 and that you'll spend all your waking time wanting to continue from that point on. Don't read if you stress eat (lol).
Literally lying here in the dark digesting that ending. The ending was so good I rated it 5 stars but then while writing this, it made me remember the rest so it's a 4 star total 😂
This isn't a literary masterpiece, the writing style is almost factual and basic - there isn't a lot of detail and some of it is a little repetitive. But we're here living for the thrill of it all (and by that I mean the storyline)
We follow Millie who is an ex convict trying to find a decent job - and soon, as she's living out of Casa Nissan. She lands the dream job of working for a super richhh family.
But nothing is as it seems. With anyone really.
I LOVED this storyline. The end - girl go OFF.
Read it if you want a book that'll grip you from part 2 and that you'll spend all your waking time wanting to continue from that point on. Don't read if you stress eat (lol).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Domestic abuse, Torture, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was so cute! It's a sapphic sports YA romance 🩷 with fake dating, only one bed, banter, enemies to lovers - all the best tropes 😍
Our main character is Scottie, who's been trying to get over her ex. Turns out she was pretty toxic and the relationship has taken a massive blow to her confidence and she's so doubtful of herself now. When she gets into a fender bender with the most popular girl in school (who's bullied her before) she wonders what she did to deserve it. But when she notices her team plays better when she cheers on their practice, and she gets more attention from her ex for driving her to school, she formulates a plan to benefit them both.
This book made me feel the feels! I laughed, I cried, I felt so happy for them 🥹 it's full of old romcom references which makes it feel like an 80s romance movie 🩷
A new favourite ✨
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, and Alcohol
The Estate Agency Revolution: making your business vital through your data by Mark Burgess
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
"The selling of a property is simply the tip of the iceberg"
Bad Fruit by King Ella
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
One bad apple spoils the bunch.
When it comes to trauma, just how much of it is spread around a family unit? How many rotting secrets can be held?
"Underneath, the clementines are white and furred, the bananas are black. Why haven't Mama and Daddy noticed? Not thrown out bad fruit?"
When Mama suspects Daddy is having an affair, only one thing will calm her down - a glass of perfectly spoiled orange juice served by her daughter, Lily, who has to taste it first to make sure it's just right.
This book explores the relationship of generational trauma and toxic mother/daughter relationships. It is not a plot-twist or who-dunnit thriller.
Please check the warnings before reading - this book goes through rape, self-harm, child abuse, etc. If you have a strained parental relationship I would not recommend reading this.
The author understands the layers of trauma and domestic abuse - the guilt, the bargaining, the Stockholm Syndrome of it all - and lays it out in a fully textured family.
I literally read through half of this book in an evening, I couldn't put it down. I love that there is a lighter ending, that there were people who could help heal.
I LOVED the cultural aspects spread throughout - and the author is Asian. The dishes sound delicious, I need to find some Peranakan places.
Ironically, my therapist recommended this book to me so guess what my Wednesday therapy session is going to be about 🤪
🌟🌟🌟🌟
When it comes to trauma, just how much of it is spread around a family unit? How many rotting secrets can be held?
"Underneath, the clementines are white and furred, the bananas are black. Why haven't Mama and Daddy noticed? Not thrown out bad fruit?"
When Mama suspects Daddy is having an affair, only one thing will calm her down - a glass of perfectly spoiled orange juice served by her daughter, Lily, who has to taste it first to make sure it's just right.
This book explores the relationship of generational trauma and toxic mother/daughter relationships. It is not a plot-twist or who-dunnit thriller.
Please check the warnings before reading - this book goes through rape, self-harm, child abuse, etc. If you have a strained parental relationship I would not recommend reading this.
The author understands the layers of trauma and domestic abuse - the guilt, the bargaining, the Stockholm Syndrome of it all - and lays it out in a fully textured family.
I literally read through half of this book in an evening, I couldn't put it down. I love that there is a lighter ending, that there were people who could help heal.
I LOVED the cultural aspects spread throughout - and the author is Asian. The dishes sound delicious, I need to find some Peranakan places.
Ironically, my therapist recommended this book to me so guess what my Wednesday therapy session is going to be about 🤪
🌟🌟🌟🌟
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Toxic relationship, Blood, Car accident, Gaslighting, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The People of Sparks by Jeanne DuPrau
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was fun reading the continuation of Lina and Doon's journey in this sequel. The people of ember find the people of sparks and when an ember is sparked, it creates fire.
Passion and anger ignite in the strain of a village doubling overnight. But there is still so much potential and hope in this YA dystopian world missing so much, like libraries and electricity.
I'm excited to read the rest of the series ✨
Passion and anger ignite in the strain of a village doubling overnight. But there is still so much potential and hope in this YA dystopian world missing so much, like libraries and electricity.
I'm excited to read the rest of the series ✨