Scan barcode
snugglesandpages's reviews
243 reviews
All I Want: A Holiday Horror Story by Marie Aitchison
dark
fast-paced
3.5
Looking for a holiday themed slasher to get your blood pumping?
ALL I WANT is a short (58 pages) holiday horror that takes place at a high school reunion where the bullies get what's coming to them in the most satisfying way.
Keen? You can grab this one from Kindle Unlimited.
Also, this TW made me cackle:
"Violence, gore, adult language, drug use, shallow characters being murdered"
ALL I WANT is a short (58 pages) holiday horror that takes place at a high school reunion where the bullies get what's coming to them in the most satisfying way.
Keen? You can grab this one from Kindle Unlimited.
Also, this TW made me cackle:
"Violence, gore, adult language, drug use, shallow characters being murdered"
Candy Cain Kills by Brian McAuley
dark
fast-paced
4.0
If you're in the mood for some holiday horror, Candy Cain Kills is a treat.
📖 From the burb:
When Austin’s parents drag him and his little sister Fiona to a remote cottage for Christmas, he’s less than thrilled about the forced bonding exercise. But after learning that their holiday getaway was the site of a horrific crime, this family on the rocks will have to fight for their lives against a legendary killer… because Candy Cain is slashing through the snow with a very long naughty list.
ðŸ’The title of this was perfectly chosen with its connection to the story of Cain (Candice) and Abel (Abby). Of course, candy canes also play a role and together make for a ho-ho-horiffic Christmas Eve. 😂 Sorry, I couldn't help it.
It's a fast and graphic sleigh ride with a tragic backstory, making it the perfect palate cleanser between holiday reads for all my twisted friends 🎅
📖 From the burb:
When Austin’s parents drag him and his little sister Fiona to a remote cottage for Christmas, he’s less than thrilled about the forced bonding exercise. But after learning that their holiday getaway was the site of a horrific crime, this family on the rocks will have to fight for their lives against a legendary killer… because Candy Cain is slashing through the snow with a very long naughty list.
ðŸ’The title of this was perfectly chosen with its connection to the story of Cain (Candice) and Abel (Abby). Of course, candy canes also play a role and together make for a ho-ho-horiffic Christmas Eve. 😂 Sorry, I couldn't help it.
It's a fast and graphic sleigh ride with a tragic backstory, making it the perfect palate cleanser between holiday reads for all my twisted friends 🎅
Green Dot by Madeleine Gray
3.0
I will admit that Green Dot is not a book I would normally gravitate to because I do not enjoy reading about Infidelity. But, I had started listening to it on audio before heading to book club with the author in attendance and while the writing is fantastic, I honestly wasn't sure how I felt about Hera at that point. A mid-twenties queer messy girl who is entering her first relationship with a man, and a married man at that. I just simply didn't like Hera and so I wasn't sure going into book club whether I'd finish the book.
Isn't it funny how some lively conversation and a difference of perspective can shake things up? It was so refreshing to be in a room discussing a book that evokes an array of emotions from its readers in response to unlikable characters, morality, and the stigma surrounding the women counterpart in affairs.
I think that any book that makes you feel uncomfortable in a way that challenges your perceptions is worth the read, so I finished the audio the next day and while i didn't LOVE it, I am glad that I saw it through.
Hera isn't a likable character by any means and Arthur is an absolute joke of a man
The ending is a bit ambiguous as to whether that final scene was Aruthr's doing, unable to let go and toying with Hera's emotions again... it felt that way to me and made me dislike him even more.
I also heard the screen rights have been picked up, so look out for more on that.
Isn't it funny how some lively conversation and a difference of perspective can shake things up? It was so refreshing to be in a room discussing a book that evokes an array of emotions from its readers in response to unlikable characters, morality, and the stigma surrounding the women counterpart in affairs.
I think that any book that makes you feel uncomfortable in a way that challenges your perceptions is worth the read, so I finished the audio the next day and while i didn't LOVE it, I am glad that I saw it through.
Hera isn't a likable character by any means and Arthur is an absolute joke of a man
The ending is a bit ambiguous as to whether that final scene was Aruthr's doing, unable to let go and toying with Hera's emotions again... it felt that way to me and made me dislike him even more.
I also heard the screen rights have been picked up, so look out for more on that.
A Holly Jolly Ever After by Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy
3.5
📖 Kallam, the third member of ex-boy band INK, is riding the wave of his viral sex tape and is now set to make his comeback in the next big movie from Hope After Dark, Santa Baby, The r-rated hallmarky movie that brings a whole new meaning to the North Pole.
Winnie Baker married her childhood sweetheart at 18 & is Hollywood's heavenly daughter. When she discovers her husband has been cheating on her, Winnie divorces him and sets on a path to reclaim her tarnished reputation. With The Hope Channel cancelling her contracts, Winnie decides that taking the female lead in Santa Baby is how she will make a new name for herself. When Winnie realises she is bad at faking her O because she's never really had one in real life 😵, she asks Kallam to help her with "research" and the unlikely duo enter an agreement that their sexcapades end when filming finishes... But feelings get caught and, well other things too. 🫣
💠I'll start by saying that the first half of this book was a Holly Jolly good time. Being back on the set of another Hope after Dark Xmas movie, with the over the top romp and appearances from our Merry Little Meet Cute faves, I was practically ho ho ho'ing...
Then in the second half, we are hit with a surprise trope that to me, felt like someone just dumped a bucket full of snow on my fire and there was no coming back from that.
My tip... Read it, because the first half of gold! but stop at the end of chapter 15 and just envision they live HEA without all the blah that comes before it. Sorted! Done! Huzzah!
Winnie Baker married her childhood sweetheart at 18 & is Hollywood's heavenly daughter. When she discovers her husband has been cheating on her, Winnie divorces him and sets on a path to reclaim her tarnished reputation. With The Hope Channel cancelling her contracts, Winnie decides that taking the female lead in Santa Baby is how she will make a new name for herself. When Winnie realises she is bad at faking her O because she's never really had one in real life 😵, she asks Kallam to help her with "research" and the unlikely duo enter an agreement that their sexcapades end when filming finishes... But feelings get caught and, well other things too. 🫣
💠I'll start by saying that the first half of this book was a Holly Jolly good time. Being back on the set of another Hope after Dark Xmas movie, with the over the top romp and appearances from our Merry Little Meet Cute faves, I was practically ho ho ho'ing...
Then in the second half, we are hit with a surprise trope that to me, felt like someone just dumped a bucket full of snow on my fire and there was no coming back from that.
My tip... Read it, because the first half of gold! but stop at the end of chapter 15 and just envision they live HEA without all the blah that comes before it. Sorted! Done! Huzzah!
Merry Kismet by Anneka R. Walker
fast-paced
4.0
Merry Kismet was a sweet second chance holiday romance with a touch of magical realism and all of your favourite cozy tropes.
Brie received a kismet notebook from a kind stranger at the grocery store and decides to write down her Christmas wish. A second chance at a happily ever after with her high school sweetheart, Rockwell. When he suddenly shows up at her door Brie can't believe it! Is this fate?
I really enjoyed the chemistry between our two MCs Brie and Rockwell which made for a feel good hallmarky read.
Though part of a series, all books can be read as a standalone and this one is my fav of the 5.
Thank you Netgalley and the Audio Publisher for an ARC audio of Merry Kismet. I went on to listen to 3 of the others after this one, I enjoyed it so much.
Brie received a kismet notebook from a kind stranger at the grocery store and decides to write down her Christmas wish. A second chance at a happily ever after with her high school sweetheart, Rockwell. When he suddenly shows up at her door Brie can't believe it! Is this fate?
I really enjoyed the chemistry between our two MCs Brie and Rockwell which made for a feel good hallmarky read.
Though part of a series, all books can be read as a standalone and this one is my fav of the 5.
Thank you Netgalley and the Audio Publisher for an ARC audio of Merry Kismet. I went on to listen to 3 of the others after this one, I enjoyed it so much.