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🪾 EXPECTATIONS are vital!

Whether you will enjoy this book depends on what you anticipate diving into the pages. Thank you @times.reads & @putrifariza for sending me this review copy. A further induction for me in reading slowburns...

What is Fawn by CN Vair about and...

Did I enjoy it?

SWIPE!

#timesreads #bookstagram #shahridzuanpages
#bookreview #bookfluencer

We have Tess Wynne, who runs an animal sanctuary in Appalachia. When she finds a fawn, with a full set of teeth and red-mouthed beside a doe split open, Tess ends up with something primal inside her. The town awaits to witness what she will do.

🪾🪾🪾🪾🪾

My first error in expectations was anticipating this was going to be a dark, eerie fast-paced horror book. I started questioning the pace and the "deviation" from what I thought this book was as I approached 50% of the novel. That was when I discovered this was indeed a slowburn horror book. A folk horror story, to be exact.

Interesting...

I had challenges fully appreciating the entirety of the book, but the atmosphere induced is likely something you would enjoy. The plot is rather slow and I reckon this qualifies as a book that needs to be reread to truly reap its wholesomeness. For me, it didn't fully work this time but I am already thinking of having a second go next time.

The element of animals naturally casts something disturbing while wrapping you in a sort of comfort I can't quite explain. That's another trait this book has to offer.

Given the way it is written and the setting, this could be the perfect novel to make it your own. Each reader could interpret something different.

If I'm being honest, I am a tad frustrated I didn't get to experience the full potential of this book. I'm passing this baton along. Will you read this and share your experience?

⭐⭐⭐ for me!

#bookrec #bookblog #bookstagrammalaysia #readersofig #reading

A woman...

A fawn...

A town that watches...

#booklover #bibliophile #bookworm #bookaddict #bookaholic

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Big Bad Wolf was initially published as A Curse of Blood and Wolves under Laurie Gilmore’s other persona. Following the success of the Dream Harbor series, this book has now been rewritten and edited.

For those who have been following me for a while, you know I enjoyed the books set in the cosy small town of Dream Harbor. So, I was especially excited to dive into this one.

We follow Ruby who lives in a fairy tale-esque cottage in the small town of Maple Hollow with her twin sister, Lena. She works as a waitress in the town’s only bar, navigating life while trying to keep it together when her sister seems to be going through episodes of literally being in her own world (unable to hear or see those around her). During one of her night shifts, she comes across Rafe who lives deep in the forest and somehow, they both develop a strange and strong pull towards each other.

While I am not a big fan of insta-love, I went with the story because I was curious to see where it was going. However, the more I read, the more forced the chemistry and interactions felt. I have lost count of the number of times the characters felt a strange pull towards each other or the things that went through their minds whenever they were face-to-face. It felt as though everything else was simply there to set up this supposedly fated love between our protagonists. But honestly, it came off more as lust than love, especially with how quickly things were progressing.

This book simply was not a good fit for my personal taste and I am not the target audience for this story. I am happy to have finished reading and reached the end. And, nope, I am not interested in picking up book 2 in this series.

Since reading is very subjective, please read this book for yourself (if you are interested) as you may end up liking/loving it!

Rating: 2/5⭐️

Thank you, @times.reads and @putrifariza for the opportunity to spend some time at Maple Hollow.
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#lauriegilmore #bigbadwolf #magicalrealism #wolfromance #paranormalromance

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| review

title: The Last Contract of Isako
author: Fonda Lee
ratings: ★★★½☆ | gr: 4.00

Isako is a legendary swordswoman who knows that even legends must eventually come to an end. When her longtime client retires unexpectedly, she prepares to embrace her own fate. But one final mission changes everything, especially when she discovers that it involves Martim, her last and most troublesome apprentice, who has somehow risen to the top. What follows is a journey into corporate espionage, hidden secrets, and revelations that could change humanity’s future among the stars.

I’m not usually the biggest fan of sci-fi, but Fonda Lee is one of those authors who can convince me to step outside my comfort zone. Having enjoyed Jade City, I went into this one with high hopes. Unfortunately, I struggled more than I expected.

The premise was right up my alley! I enjoyed the subtle cyberpunk elements, the strange and inhospitable setting, and the character-driven approach. I was even fine with the slower pace and the fact that not much seemed to happen for a good portion of the story.

My biggest issue? The repetition. The constant explanations and internal monologues became tedious, especially when the same trivial details were repeated over and over again. I understood the first time, so for it to be repeated multiple times afterwards were kinda frustrating.

The final revelation also didn’t have the impact I’d hoped for because I had already guessed where things were heading. So, while there were elements I appreciated, the overall reading experience just didn’t click with me.

I can see this working better for readers who enjoy character-focused sci-fi. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t for me.

Thank you Ms @putrifariza and @times.reads for the review copy! 💛

#bookreview #fondalee #scifi #bookstagram #books

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⋆˚࿔ Reap & Sow 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

“𝙇𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙚𝙭𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙚𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙣𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡 𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙤𝙛 𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙬𝙞𝙨𝙝, 𝙀𝙙𝙖. 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 𝙞𝙨 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙤𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙙𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙚𝙠 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙪𝙩.”

This book was such a blessing for my mood after reading Rachel Gillig’s books! Wdym this is such a great gothic fantasy debut about a hot freaking demon and some bloody soul bargain? SAY LESS I’M IN🤏🏻 Definitely recommend this one especially for fans of Rachel Gillig🤭

The plot hooked me right from the start, with an intriguing storyline revolving around a soul bargain. And not to mention, I couldn’t help but notice a little mortal instruments vibe in this book?? Idk if it’s just me, but I definitely felt it and I guess that’s part of why I enjoyed this book so much!

Kit, the MMC, is genuinely funny AF. I didn’t expect him to have THAT much humour. Like, this man is flirty as hell but he actually had me laughing out loud. And the way his relationship with Eda develops? Even though it’s a slow build, it’s definitely one of my favourite parts of the book😚

The writing is really good and easy to follow, too. DID I MENTION THE DIALOGUE?? Because some of their conversations were so funny, I swear🤣 Idk how to explain it properly, but trust me yall need to give this book a try!

The plot also leans heavily into religious and political themes, which I found really interesting and well done. It added so much to the story and made the whole experience even more engaging.

Now idk what else to say. Just go grab this book😾🫰🏻

Thank you Ms @putrifariza and @times.reads for this copy!!😆💞

☆ Personal rating: 4/5

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Unbox this surprise bookmail with me from the sexiest people at @times.reads @harper_reach @dezziray_ !!!

Today's theme is Biggest, Best and Beloved. We are celebrating 100 years of Agatha Christie, THE QUEEN OF CRIME 🪓🩸 featuring her most iconic titles that have had the biggest impact on readers.✨️

AND this also marks our very first official buddy read challenge!! This is such a great way to experience the story together. I'm so so excited to dive into the world of Agatha Christie with you, Min!! @mint.booked 🩷😭

If you're an Agatha Christie fan (or have been wanting to get her books), head down to @kinokuniya_singapore at Takashimaya to check out the gorgeous gorgeous spread and display of titles that the times reads team has put together! 🙌🏻😍

Psst there is also a giveaway happening over at @times.reads so don't forget to check it out, don't say bojio hehe 🎁

Also did I spend 4 hours filming and editing this video? Yes. Yes I did. It was so worth it. I hope you enjoy it! 🥰 Thank you once again to @times.reads and @harper_reach for sending this over and for the fun activity!! 🫶🏻

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I’m in for a treat next year with so many upcoming releases that are truly up my alley, so here’s a compilation of my most anticipated reads for 2027!!!

I already have an ARC for Don’t You Miss It, since I picked it up at @times.reads’ Book Buffet so can’t wait to read that ✨

Sidenote: seems like I’m def going to be booked and busy in April 🫣

Are any of these books on your radar? Share with me your most anticipated! ☺️🤍

#2027tbr #bookstagram #reading #bookrecs

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(1/2) I was looking forward to read Hannah Whitten’s Reliquary, as it has a gothic-sounding theme and women raging, or I thought it did. Unfortunately, this wasn’t for me. The main character, Claire, is so passive the entire book and only wakes up in the last chapters; I found that unrealistic and her character not well-built enough for me to care for her or her fate. However, this may be a pleasant read for other audiences.

Claire has just lost her fiancé, Elias, to a mysterious neurological illness. Having lost her parents and sister in a boating accident as a child, she’s desperate for a sense of family and belonging. So when Elias’s wealthy, estranged family invites her to a four-day wake at their private island estate, Harrow Point, she accepts.

But the family is strange, the mansion is even stranger, somehow everyone resides in the rooms under water, in sort of a cave-setting and Elias’s older brother, Ash, seems determined to get her off the island. As Claire discovers more about the Ashbury family’s secrets, she also begins to uncover the connection between the island, the ocean, and her own past. And this is where I feel like Claire was naive from the getgo: first, the family invited her and treated her like their own, even know she had never met them; second, everything about the family and the mansion is weird and screams “horror movie”, but she ignores it; third, she is given clues constantly that things are not good, and she ignores them too.

The setting was probably the best part of the book. An isolated island, an enormous mansion built into a cliff, strange family rituals, and something monstrous lurking beneath the sea. There was plenty of potential for a disturbing horror story, but I never felt particularly scared or even uncomfortable. There was no horror, no buildup, and I didn’t care if Claire is devoured by monsters or had other tragic fate.

➡️ part two in the caption of the next slide

#bookstagram #bookreview #horrorfiction

(2/2) The twist was not really a twist either, as by then, you had already figured out something freaky was happening. So when what’s supposed to be horror happens, I kind of felt relieved because maybe, final

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“𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘶𝘨 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰, 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘵𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳. 𝘞𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘣𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘫𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘸𝘦 𝘤𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮. 𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘴 𝘧𝘭𝘺 𝘰𝘧𝘧, 𝘣𝘢𝘣𝘺 𝘨𝘪𝘳𝘭, 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘱𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴, 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦.”

🌋 It has been so long since the last time I've dipped into a literary horror book, and this one sure didn't disappoint! The kind of book where "just one more chapter" led to actually finishing the book quicker as ever. It had me spinning a lot of theories about the mysteries.

🌋 Inspired by the real West Mesa murders, the story follows Fortuna Miércoles, a mother haunted by a generational curse that she fears will reach her daughter, and Detective Jeanette Palacio, who's spent years chasing the truth behind a string of unsolved killings near a volcano. The two collide when a body turns up in Fortuna's backyard, and what starts as a mystery slowly unravels from there on.

The narrator, Fortuna, is sometimes unhinged and unreliable, leaving me confused (in a good way) of what is happening.

Part thriller, part horror, part mystery, part something more folkloric and eerie underneath, this book is great for those wanting a fast paced plot-filled book. 4.2 🌟

Thank you @times.reads @putrifariza for this copy of The Sleeping Sisters!

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#BookReview : Hello Baby - Kim eui-Kyung ; tr from Korean by Sora Kim-Russell 🇰🇷
4 ⭐️

Hello Baby gathers 6 women who meet at Seoul fertility clinic and bond in a group chat called “Hello Baby,” sharing the injections, failed cycles, and societal pressure of IVF. They know not everyone will get a supposedly good news until Jeong-hyo who is 46 years old broke the news of having a daughter finally. And so the rest of them are left with curiosity and hope of there will be a possibility in the future.

Truthfully, reading this felt personal. The story is sort of alarming because it’s painfully close to my own reality. It’s like count your days girl before you hit infertility. Women over 35, they will be considered having “geriatric”pregnancies because of eggs production starts to produce less. Can’t denied the fact but beneath to it, the book shares the stories of hopeful woman who still want pregnancies to happen despite of meeting difficulties in the future.

They are easy to read, sail smoothly but with a heavy heart undertone. Mainly, it’s about IVF journey but to each woman, they have their own struggles. Hello Baby is definitely truthful in telling the harsh reality in conceiving despite of having advanced tech like IVF to help or expedite. Apart from that, societies also are portrayed being so unforgiving in the conceiving process. They keep putting expectations and pressures. Even the close families have come to be so pushy but no effort or steps taken from their side. The audacity!

These women are lucky to able bonding over same issues. Sharing experiences to lessen the burden, griefs and stress so it warms my heart. We get to see a couple of POV from these women, it’s sharp, funny and honest at the same time. But when it comes to their male partners, I’m rolling my eyes. iykyk 🙄. Sk men *cough*

Hello Baby really stands out for me because it explores motherhood that isn’t comes freely as it has to be fought for, mourned, begged for, prayed for, and sometimes it miraculously arrives. Written from the author’s own IVF journey, it urgently needs to be read. Understanding this struggle shouldn’t require living it first.

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queen of crime readalong unboxing! in celebration of Agatha Christie 🔪🩸☠️

💬 what’s your favourite Agatha Christie novel?

i got A Caribbean Mystery, and my buddy is @hweezbooks! 🤓 it’s a Miss Marple story and i’m terribly excited after getting to know her from Marple: Twelve New Stories, which reimagined the character from a collection of authors!

also enclosed was a list of 12 works that have made the largest impact of readers and the mystery genre, and i absolutely agree with Murder on the Orient Express being dubbed “biggest impact on you as a young reader”, because it was one of my favourite novels when i read it at 15!

keep an eye out for the promotion and display celebrating Agatha Christie’s life and her work at Kinokuniya main store (Takashimaya Orchard)! thank you again @times.reads and @harper_reach ❤️

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| review

title: People in Love
author: Claire Daverley
ratings: ★★★★☆ | gr: 3.73

Many thanks to Ms @putrifariza and @times.reads for sending me this review copy! 🤍

⚠️ Minor spoilers ahead!

Nora says yes when her longtime partner, Robin, proposes, despite their years of agreeing that marriage wasn’t necessary. But when Bren, her childhood best friend and the one who got away, suddenly reappears, old feelings resurface, leaving Nora questioning whether her heart can truly belong to two people.

For the record, I enjoyed this book more than I expected. There’s something about Claire’s writing that draws you in, a deep sense of humanity that makes the story feel real. A certain depth of humanity that quietly seeps through the pages.

This isn’t just a will-they-won’t-they romance. It’s a story about grief, unresolved trauma, and how unprocessed pain can hurt not only ourselves but also the people we love. It is also a story about a tender, understated kind of love. The kind that comes from being truly seen by another person, from someone paying attention to the little things about you that everyone else might overlook.

The book is full of what-ifs, family drama, and the messy realities of relationships. It explores how differently life might have turned out if we’d made just one different choice. Honestly, some of these characters desperately needed therapy 😭😭

Now, let’s talk about Bren. I could have enjoyed this book SO much more if it weren’t for him. He’s perpetually pining the old version of Nora, seemingly unable to accept that she has grown and changed. Dude, LET THE WOMAN LIVE! People are allowed to outgrow their past selves, and that is perfectly okay. You can disagree with marriage without making someone feel guilty for choosing it. CAN WE NOT??

At times, I felt Robin deserved better, but I appreciated Nora’s character growth and how she eventually showed up for him.

Overall, a good read, even if it didn’t quite hit me the way Talking at Night did. Still, Claire’s writing continues to intrigue me, and I’m looking forward to whatever she writes next! 🤍

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