Books & Iced Brews

I'd rather be reading (thrillers)

[booksandicedbrews]

Third one is (not) the charm

Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Vicki Thriller-rating: 3 stars 

I want to start off by saying that this book is not yet released in Canada - or at least it looks like it isn't - which is really confusing me. I think it is going to be released in November, 2018. I ordered my copy from Amazon and it is published Penguin Ireland (so my copy is a pretty rare one in Canada right now), this is how much I wanted to read this book & how excited I was. The reason I was so excited was because Liz’s “Lying in wait”  is probably one of my favourite books of all time. It is very very dark & twisted & I loved it for that specific reason (the darkness kind of reminds me of “Sharp Objets” by Gillian Flynn, which in my opinion does not get enough praise).

While this book had a lot of potential, and I enjoyed the “journey” of the main character - I found the final twist, again, very cheesy; which seems to be happening a lot, perhaps I need to lower my expectations..

Liz’s writing really appeals to me because she is really good at setting the mood of her stories & her books stand apart from the rest at how dark the setting is & how twisted the main character(s) are. While she did not disappoint with her writing yet again; I thought it was as good as her other books, the story could have used some more work & she definitely needed to work more on the final twist.

Overall, 3 disappointing stars from me, however I would order Liz’ next book from Ireland again. I am still a huge fan & will be looking forward to her future work & continue recommending “Lying in Wait” to my fellow bookies.

Love, Vicki

[booksandicedbrews]

A non-thriller, finally

Goodreads rating: 3.52

Vicki’s rating: 5.0

I was debating giving this book a 4 star, but I really don’t have a reason to. It grabbed me in from first page & I couldn’t put it down the whole (busy) weekend. I read it in between errands, before bed & as soon as I woke up. 

I though the story was very well written & very interestingly told. I read some reviews where people complained that this story was “nothing special” and is simply about a woman’s failed marriage but I chose to disagree. This is a very special story & the author lets us into the deepest, darkest parts of her life & relationship & for that I applause her. Those people who said that this story is nothing special should try to write a book about their life & then talk. 

Overall - I recommend. Super fast read & even more interesting because it is a true story. Bonus points for the cover art. Love the blue butterfly.

Love, Vicki

[booksandicedbrews]

Bring Me Back

.......to 3 days ago so I can never pick this book up in the first place. 

Good Reads Rating: 3.65

Vicki Thriller Rating: 2

Oh what a shame. I was actually very excited for this book to come out as Behind Closed Doors (click to see it on Good Reads) was one of my fave books ever & her other novel, The Breakdown was also pretty entertaining  (scoring respectively 5 & 4 stars on my thriller meter). 

This book was SO CHEESY. The idea behind it could be kinda cool if it was written differently. Some parts made me cringe because the writing felt so rushed & not thought out. The twist at the end was OKAY, but so so so unrealistic, I can’t bring myself to like it.  First part of the book kinda grips you in a bit and I actually thought this might be another good one by B.A. Paris but alas by the middle of the second part all hope was lost. I did finish it pretty quickly because it was a super easy read, but I do not recommend it. 

I will still stay on the B.A. Paris fan train & will await her 4th book in hopes it is a little bit lot better......In the mean time if you have not read Behind Closed Doors - do not hesitate if you're interested in a very good domestic psychological thriller. 

Love, Vicki 

[booksandicedbrews]

June’s Thriller of the month

GoodReads Rating: 3.95/5 stars

Vicki’s Thrillers Rating: 4.25/5 stars

I love thrillers & I read a lot of thrillers. This year has been very tough for us, thriller lovers, because it just does not seem like many new exciting thrillers are coming out. The ones I have read so far in 2018 are either so predictable my dog can write a better page turner or have just been written so poorly that it is painful to read. Somehow this novel released in January 2018 has slipped by my Thriller Radar and only came to my attention in June. Perhaps it was the generic title or the cheesy cover page. But I am so glad it did eventually come to my attention .

Short Vicki Synopsis: 

Boy meets girl .They fall in love. (kinda cliche but don’t let this stray you away from the book). He’s accused of crime. Will she stand by him? She’s afraid her own secrets will come to the surface as she is in his crime’s spotlight. 

Real synopsis link.

The reason I gave this book a high rating was because it really kept me entertained the whole way. I didn’t once wish it was over already & was actually very curious at how it will end. 

I personally did not predict (some) of the twists at the end & was very surprised & excited because usually these days I can predict most thrillers’ endings. 

Conclusion: if you’re looking for a thriller - don’t hesitate to grab this one. One of the better more entertaining thrillers I’ve read this year.  

Love, Vicki 

[like-fairy-tales]

By: Kathryn Holeywell | wanderforawhile

[amormedarei-deactivated20200116]

[allthingsshabbyandbeautiful-dea]

[booksandicedbrews]

I love thrillers

Hi everyone,

My name is Vicki & I live in Toronto. I am a young HR professional by day & avid reader / bookie by night. My favorite genre is Thrillers (psychological & regular) but I do enjoy a historic fiction, romance & memoir once in a while. The idea to start this blog came to me one day when I was in a book slump. I had no idea what book to read next & I could not find a good book blog that I could turn to in times of a book struggle. I always have to have a book on the go. As soon as I finish a novel I start a new one. I read everywhere I go, waiting for elevator, on the subway, waiting for my coffee, on my lunch, at the gym, well you get the idea. I hope that my blog will help you find your next favorite book & will be the place to turn to when you just really don’t know which book to read next.

I am so so excited to start this journey.

Love, Vicki

P.S: I really need this sweater