3⭐(could be a Pick for some)
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. It often felt like action scenes occurred without explanation for how we got there. It has a cool concept, and at a different point in my life, I might've loved this. As it stands, though, the execution fell short.
🎙️•Both Tiffany Bache and Neil Thorne could use improvement, though neither was outright bad.

2⭐
• mystery thriller • P.I. amateur sleuthing • psychological aspects • disappearing orphans • fast-paced • single POV •

There could've been a decent story here, but the inept private investigator, the sloppy writing, and the wholly unbelievable situations left me unable to see it.
🎙️Michelle H. Lee‘s narration must‘ve been working on some level since I kept listening to this.

3.5⭐Light Pick
I thought the snowstorm would play a bigger part in the plot than it did, which disappointed me. Who knew this was going to go in the direction it did, especially towards the end, not me. While I‘m always for a good cult story, things definitely get dicey in this one and take a one wild ass turn, which is unfortunately difficult to follow and possibly swallow.
🎙️Isabella Tugman is a “new to me” narrator, and she was decent.

My OCTOBER #bookspinbingo board is ready to go.

@TheAromaofBooks

4⭐
This features a slow-burn romance with satisfying buildup and occasional steamy moments, all set against an apocalyptic fantasy backdrop. I sensed where the story was headed and was relieved to be right—it could have crashed and burned so easily.
🎙️It feels like this was a waste as a GraphicAudio production since it essentially only has two characters for the majority of the story. But I still enjoyed it nonetheless.

3.75⭐
The story alternates between the evil Aunt Clara's perspective, whom you'll love to hate, and her newly orphaned nieces, who move in with her. While the nieces' viewpoints gave the story a YA feel, they're what kept me engaged and made the story worthwhile. Unfortunately, the pacing dragged at times, and I found myself wishing it would move along more quickly.
🎙️The narration was fantastically performed.

My OCTOBER #bookspin list.

The first 9 books are for Halloween Bingo. Not picking actual books yet for the remaining squares because I've been DNFing so many books, lately.

@TheAromaofBooks

My final results for September #bookspinbingo. A decent month of books. I finished all except one (In the Veins of the Drowning). Including my #bookspin and #doublespin.

Six of these were DNFs, plus 3 more DNFs that are not pictured. I'm clearly in my DNF era.

I also finished 3 additional books not on the board.

@TheAromaofBooks

4.25⭐
I loved Tasha Coryell‘s debut. While this one didn‘t hit quite as high as Love Letters to a Serial Killer did, it still brought the same unhinged energy and put yet another unconventional twist on the serial killer thriller.
🎙️Sarah Mollo Christensen did a decent job with the narration. She isn‘t a fav, but I don‘t dislike her, either.

4⭐
Despite its unbelievability, it ended up being wildly binge-worthy and quite thrilling.
🎙️Renata Friedman grew on me as I listened.

4.75⭐
I flew through this story and was genuinely moved by it. Although many readers share my positive reaction, I have noticed that there are quite a few who disliked it. I saw common complaints about disliking the MC, her repetitiveness, and believability issues. I'll admit the MC's thoughts were repetitive, and some story elements strained credibility, but neither bothered me much—I was too invested in the story for it to diminish my enjoyment.

2.5⭐• body horror • literary contemporary • the dark underbelly of wellness culture • racial and cultural identity • a music prodigy • with an edgy tone • single POV •

This isn't a novel to be read lightly—it's well-received by many readers, so take my rating with a grain of salt. It certainly conveys an indelible message. Unsurprisingly, the flowery prose pulled me out of the story. By the end, I wasn't even sure how we'd gotten there.

5⭐
This is one of my two all-time favorite series (Hunger Games is the other). My fourth reread is now complete…I‘m sure I‘ll be back for another. This last book ties everything together and comes full circle. Our characters have a newfound family vibe going on that I love—and wouldn‘t mind seeing more of.
🎙️The narration is the icing on a perfect cake or pie if you prefer that.

2.5⭐• true crime inspired fiction • an atmospheric Vermont setting • dark history • ghostwriting • child abuse • single POV•
While the story draws from the real atrocities at St. Joseph's Orphanage in Burlington, VT—which gives it important historical weight—the execution was painfully slow & ultimately a chore to get through. Additionally, I found it a drag to be inside the MC‘s head—like she was trying to pull me down into her pit of depression.

3.25⭐ (Honestly, the cover is what made this a Pick over a So-So)
This kept bringing me to the brink of terror, only to pull back each time. The creepy atmosphere would build beautifully, then dissipate before reaching its full potential. Additionally, the closer it got to the conclusion, the more confusing and outrageous it became.
🎙️Brittany Pressley‘s narration is ultimately what kept me listening even when the story was disappointing me.

4.5⭐
What we have here is a septuagenarian with anti-hero/morally gray energy of the serial killer variety. Her macabre wit alongside her proclivity for killing undeserving people may not be for everyone, but despite that, she is wildly entertaining and weirdly likable.
🎙️Elizabeth Wiley was, without a doubt, the perfect narrator for this. She nailed it.

5⭐
This is my fourth time through this series, and my love for it remains strong. While I didn‘t love this quite as much as Illuminae, due to the confusing time warps, I still found it gripping. The newcomers—Nik, Hanna, and Ella—brought excellent chemistry and perfectly complement the already loveable crew of Kady, Ezra, & Aiden from book one.
🎙️The narration in this book brings the same🔥as book one.

4.75⭐
This was genuinely unsettling—the combination of that cursed toy dread (totally Jumanji vibes) and raw emotional power made it stand out in the horror genre. Despite a disappointing conclusion, the overall narrative had a profound impact on me. It‘s also safe to say that I won‘t ever buy a toy train set for my grandchildren.
🎙️Eva Kaminsky was fantastic.

5⭐
Why hasn‘t this been made into a TV show already? I think this is my 4th reread of this series, and I never get bored with it. For first-time readers, I suggest starting with the print version because it‘s easier to comprehend, and then try it on audio later. Both formats offer a unique experience and shouldn't be missed, though.
🎙️The narration is🔥🔥🔥

4.75⭐
This author has a way of pulling you in and keeping you there until the end. The misdirections were misdirecting, and the suspects were sussing. Every time I thought I had it figured out, she'd throw in another curveball.
🎙️January Lavoy knocked it out of the park with this one.

4⭐
This loose retelling of Snow White is darker (and more adult) than the original, but it maintains a cozy feel through heart and humor. The plot incorporates familiar elements, such as poison and a magic mirror, but reimagines them in a unique, sometimes unsettling way. While I didn't enjoy it as much as Nettle & Bone, I'd still recommend it to fans of that earlier work by the same author.
🎙️Jennifer Pickens performed swimmingly in this.

3.5⭐
This was an interesting take on a reality show. It starts rather slowly, but it still manages to keep my interest for the most part. However, the billionaire's motivation for bringing these kids to such a remote location was rather laughable. I definitely prefer this author's adult fiction to her YA work.
🎙️•Jess Nahikian‘s narration was a little breathy, but overall not bad.

3⭐
This story could have been genuinely creepy, but the writing style didn't work for me. The weak atmosphere, political diversions, and constant interruptions to the backstory prevented me from connecting with it, though I really wanted to. I rewound several times to try to figure out what I missed when my mind wandered, but it didn‘t work.
🎙️Amara Jasper‘s voice was pleasant to listen to, maybe too pleasant.

3.5⭐Light Pick
This kind of shifting isn't what you generally think of when you hear the word 'shifters'—it's different, in a kinetic way. I'll leave it at that. It did tend to feel like a fast-moving stream of consciousness that wasn't always easy to follow. While certain elements resonated with me, I found I really dislike this author's writing style, though it took me two books to recognize the pattern. ⬇️⬇️⬇️

2⭐
• novella/short story • science fiction • murder mystery • futuristic horror • eerie architecture in the form of AI house • multiple POVs •

The premise seemed so promising that I was genuinely excited to dive in. Unfortunately, as a mystery, this failed unless you like mysteries that ask more questions than they answer. The sci-fi horror elements were present, but they created more confusion than satisfaction.

3.75⭐
While it didn't grab me the way a full-length novel might, it was a decent one-day listen and a solid addition to the series.
🎙️The narration by Hillary Huber was decent as always.

My #bookspinbingo board is ready to be filled...I've already finished When the Wolf Comes Home and three-quarters of the way through Cold Eternity.

@TheAromaofBooks

August's top book is The Reality of Everything by Rebecca Yarros, with a rating of 4.5 stars. I didn't have any 5-star books this month.

Top books are Sunrise on the Reaping and Atmosphere.

#readingbrackets #readingbrackets2025 #favoritebook2025

4.5⭐
I‘m never disappointed by this series of books by Yarros. However, I am a little bummed that I read this one out of order, because I should‘ve read Hallowed Ground first. I feel like it would‘ve had some lead-up to this book. Either way, I love these characters, and I especially love Samantha from book 3 of the series, who plays a significant role in this.
🎙️Teddy Hamilton always delivers top-notch narrating, and CJ Bloom was decent, also.

4⭐
That ending was positively savage. It was OTT at its finest. Which could be viewed as good or bad depending on how the over-the-top writing style hits for you. While it was a slow burn throughout, that ending made it all worth it for me.
🎙️The narration by Andrew Joseph Perez grew on me as I listened.

My #bookspinbingo list for September. I had to keep some openings for last-minute change-ups for Halloween Bingo, which runs from September through October.

@TheAromaofBooks

My #bookspinbingo board for August is looking pretty good with several bingo's going on. Unfortunately, five of these books were DNFs—some by authors I usually love, which is disappointing to say the least.

I only had three books unfinished (faded covers). I finished my #bookspin (Hello, Juliet) and #doublespin (Rose/House).

@TheAromaofBooks

4.5⭐
I love the characters and story, but the writing could use some polish. Some lines require multiple readings before they make sense, which disrupts the flow. Still, I can't lower my rating significantly because I'm so invested in these characters and their journeys. Just one more book left...

4.25⭐
Although the character development was somewhat lacking, the story's premise and excellent narration easily drew me in. You could probably find flaws if you looked hard enough, particularly the similarity to another popular book, but I enjoyed it overall.
🎙️The narration by Cassandra Campbell and Karissa Vacker was phenomenal.

2.25⭐
• psychological thriller • murder mystery • Hollywood‘s underbelly of fame • supposedly adult but felt ya • past & present timelines •
This ultimately failed to engage me. Between the lackluster writing and the jarring timeline shifts, I never managed to connect with the story. That said, this book has received plenty of rave reviews, so perhaps it's just a me thing.
🎙️I was not a fan of Kira Fixx's narration.

4.5⭐
If you're looking for a fun listen with a twisted ending you won't see coming, I highly recommend this. The electric performances made it absolutely unputdownable.
🎙️While this is a full-dramatization, Shailene Woodley knocks this one out of the park.

3.75⭐
The writing was excellent and created a genuine slow-burn atmosphere, but the payoff didn't quite live up to expectations. The ending will either disappoint readers or feel refreshingly different—I landed somewhere in the middle of those two responses.
🎙️The narration by Carly Robins & Graham Hamilton was perfect.

3.25⭐Light Pick
From what I can see in the reviews, most people seem to be loving this. I mostly understand what the author was trying to achieve, and the story was solid overall. Unfortunately, the writing style created distance from the narrative, which had mixed effects: beneficial given the disturbing content, but problematic for engagement.
🎙️The narration by VyVy Nguyen was decent. She fit the part perfectly.

2.5⭐
• 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 • 𝐦𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲 • 𝐬𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐧 • 𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐮𝐫 𝐬𝐥𝐞𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 • 𝐩𝐬𝐲𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 • 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐎𝐕𝐬 •
This was such a disappointment. I'm usually a fan of this author, but this one failed to engage me. I tried—as evidenced by my finishing the story at all.
🎙️January LaVoy's narration was good. Could it have been better with another narrator? Probably not.

2⭐
• domestic suspense • mystery thriller • Millie and Enzo buy a new house • vexing neighbors • salacious gossip • peculiar happenings • multiple POVs •

The sluggish first half and disappointing second half made me regret continuing with the series. It feels like it's been stretched out far too long. I mean, the unknowing antagonist twist loses its impact once you've encountered it multiple times.

2.25⭐
• 𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚 • 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 • 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 • 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐞𝐫? • 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐎𝐕𝐬 •

At least it was short, so I didn‘t end up wasting too much time on it.
🎙️•Enzo gets a POV in this at the very end.

3.75⭐(a slightly off-kilter pick)
What a wild premise, like absolute bananas. I‘ve never read anything quite like this before. While the first twist wasn't very twisty and was easily foreseeable, the story becomes less cringy and more suspenseful after that. Also, kudos for surprising me with that ending.
🎙️You can't go wrong with Brittany Pressley and Hillary Huber in my opinion.

2.25⭐
• short story • psych thriller • mystery suspense • spicy scenes • single POV •

I recently finished A Marriage of Lies and liked it, so I thought maybe I'd found a new author to binge. This was my next book by her—and sadly, now I'm not sure how I feel since I didn't care for this at all. It was just so cheesy to me. Even the ending, which might have had potential, fell short because of the cheesy writing.⬇️⬇️⬇️

4⭐
I came for the 80s nostalgia, and it delivered. This is a well-structured memoir with clear, coherent timelines that don't jump around confusingly.
🎙️Ione Skye delivered an excellent performance reading her own work.

3.5⭐Between a So-So and a Pick
This was significantly better than her other recent books I've read. However, I still had issues with the excessive length and the numerous unlikable characters—keeping track of them all was also challenging. I feel Lisa Unger was trying to channel Simone St. James and Riley Sager, but unfortunately failed to write a story as compelling as either of those authors can.

July's book is Shield of Sparrows by Devney Perry. Runner-up was Night Watcher by Daphne Woolsoncroft.

Sunrise on the Reaping is still beating out Shield of Sparrows for #1.

#readingbrackets #2025brackets

Somewhere between a Pick and a So-So
3.5⭐
This was a challenging listen due to the difficult subject matter, though it was also compelling. I struggled to follow the shifting timelines, and there was considerable filler content that seemed unnecessary. I'm considering watching the Netflix adaptation to see if the visual format makes it easier to follow.

🎙️Hillary Huber gave a good performance.

My #bookspinbingo board for AUGUST.

#bookspin = Hello, Juliet by Samantha M. Bailey
#doublespin = Whatever book I choose to start my Halloween Bingo with. I have no idea what book that will be, but I will know by August 29th because that's when I can start it.

@TheAromaofBooks

4⭐
This was certainly a page-turner, but it bears too many similarities to S.T. Abby's books to overlook: the author name (was that purposeful or just a coincidence), the killer heroine, and the FBI agent. That‘s not to say that it feels like a complete copy of the Mindf*ck series, because there are definite differences—but damn. Anyways—it left me unable to go all in on it.⬇️⬇️⬇️

My final results for JULY #bookspinbingo. 6 books unfinished, plus one free spot still open.

I just squeaked by with finishing the center square today (so I had to switch that one out on my August board).

#bookspin (which was my doublespin for June) is still not completed. Hopefully next month I can get that finished.

#doublespin is completed (Birds of Prey).

@TheAromaofBooks