Shannon O'Connor's Blog

July 2022 Wrap-Up

June 2022 Wrap-Up

May 2022 Wrap-Up

/5 Stars

/5 Stars

April 2022 Wrap-Up

3/5 Stars

I liked this story, it was cute and had a sapphic relationship take on the pandemic. I liked dot and Caitlin but I didn’t really care if they got back together or not. They was nothing powerful or extremely special about them. The writing was great, but I just didn’t feel connected to the characters.

5/5 Stars

Let me start by saying this is not my usual read. I’ve been on Sara Cate’s arc team for years now and it’s her writing that keeps me on. The stepbrother trope is something I’ve never read before and honestly I’d probably never pick it up again— unless Sara was writing it. Somehow she made me fall head over heels for this couple and absolutely love this book. Her writing only gets better with each book. Garrett intrigued me from Praise and it was lovely reading his story. I LOVED the mental health representation and how it was done so tastefully. The explanations, the solutions, the way it was spoken about. I appreciated the lack of stigma and how she wrote it. I will definitely be re reading this.

The Mindf*ck Series

The Risk

5/5 Stars

This may be one of my favorite reads this year. I saw a tik tok, got hooked and had to download. The book is just as addicting. It’s short enough to consume quickly and the cliffhanger has you buying the rest of the series with one click.
I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but a female serial killer dating an FBI agent who’s working her murders unknowingly?? Amazing. Lots of close calls and suspense.
DEFINITELY check the warnings on this series. It’s a bit graphic that I sometimes skip

Sidetracked

5/5 Stars

This series is taking over my life. It’s so fucking good. Some of it can be a little predictable if you’re paying attention but then other times it’ll throw you for a loop. Starting the next book right away.

Scarlet Angel

5/5 Stars

I'll be honest, the flashbacks killed me. The trigger warnings aren't something to ignore. But the story was just as good. I did guess a few of the things early on but it didn't take away from how the story was told. Even when I'm sure of the direction there's something to throw me off.

All the Lies

5/5 Stars

I’m so glad we finally found out how this started. I’m sure there’s more to it but wow. This is one of those stories that will stick with me for a long time.

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Paint it all Red

5/5 Stars

OH MY GOSH. THAT ENDING. I genuinely want to restart the series now but I know it won't feel the same. This was so good. I will be talking about nothing else for the rest of 2022.

February 2022 Wrap-Up

January 2022 Wrap-Up

4/5 Stars

Eileen delivers a great collection of solemn poetry. A look into life with depression.

This is also available for Free HERE

5/5 Stars

Re-Read 1/3-1/6
I love this story. It’s so addicting and raw. It’s been almost 3 years since I first read it and it was every bit just as amazing. Truly one of my favorite books ever.

Now renamed Lovesick
____________________

Originally read in 2019

**I Received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review**

This book is easily one of my favorite novels this year (yes its only February but it's that amazing). I was left wanting more and unable to put this book down. Throughout the novel I was surprised, not at a single point did I know what was coming next, even when I thought I did, I was wrong. There were so many twists and turns that you were constantly on the edge of your seat. I would've liked a little more build up to Abel and Rose's love story, I feel like it was fast paced when there could've been a bit more. I loved the change in point of views, seeing both sides to this story is extremely important and kept the book moving. I was instantly intrigued by the plot and I wasn't sure how it would end up, but it did not disappoint. I'd recommend that anyone who isn't okay with reading a book with murders to not read it, but overall it was amazing and I can't wait to buy a copy when available.

5/5 Stars

This story was recommend as a “fun and romantic New Year’s story” and it delivered! Lily and Declan are two people you can’t help but root for. This story was short and sweet, with just enough spice to show their chemistry.

5/5 Stars

The Naughty List by Sara Cate

Age gap & taboo. Cate’s typical genre and writing is nothing short of great in this short story. The chemistry between the characters is great and I love the character growth.

5/5 Stars

***I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I'm genuinely in awe of this collection. A lot of these poems I couldn't relate to but it didn't matter because the emotion Mian wrote could be felt through the pages. Her collection was raw, beautiful, and personal. I found myself bookmarking so many poems and devouring this collection.

"Accept that I am a dug-- I will destroy you from the inside out but make you feel euphoric while doing so"

5/5 Stars

This may be one of my favorite reads this year. I saw a tik tok, got hooked and had to download. The book is just as addicting. It’s short enough to consume quickly and the cliffhanger has you buying the rest of the series with one click.
I don’t want to say too much and spoil it, but a female serial killer dating an FBI agent who’s working her murders unknowingly?? Amazing. Lots of close calls and suspense.
DEFINITELY check the warnings on this series. It’s a bit graphic that I sometimes skip

5/5 Stars

This series is taking over my life. It’s so fucking good. Some of it can be a little predictable if you’re paying attention but then other times it’ll throw you for a loop. Starting the next book right away

5/5 Stars

I'll be honest, the flashbacks killed me. The trigger warnings aren't something to ignore. But the story was just as good. I did guess a few of the things early on but it didn't take away from how the story was told. Even when I'm sure of the direction there's something to throw me off.

5/5 Stars

I’m so glad we finally found out how this started. I’m sure there’s more to it but wow. This is one of those stories that will stick with me for a long time.

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5/5 Stars

OH MY GOSH. THAT ENDING. I genuinely want to restart the series now but I know it won't feel the same. This was so good. I will be talking about nothing else for the rest of 2022. One of my favorite series of all time.

/5 Stars

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***

Pangaea

Pangaea by Hinnah Mian

5/5 Stars

***I received an ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

I'm genuinely in awe of this collection. A lot of these poems I couldn't relate to but it didn't matter because the emotion Mian wrote could be felt through the pages. Her collection was raw, beautiful, and personal. I found myself bookmarking so many poems and devouring this collection.

"Accept that I am a drug-- I will destroy you from the inside out but make you feel euphoric while doing so"

Kissing My Co-Worker

Kissing My Co-Worker by J. Sterling

5/5 Stars

This story was recommend as a “fun and romantic New Year’s story” and it delivered! Lily and Declan are two people you can’t help but root for. This story was short and sweet, with just enough spice to show their chemistry. I’m honestly not usually a fan of workplace romances but this is my exception. I don’t want to give anything away, but a man willing to act the way Declan does makes this workplace romance a 5/5.

Avery

Avery by Kat Savage

5/5 Stars

***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review**

This is my new favorite in the series. If you don’t like this book, we can’t be friends. It may be one of my favorites of the year. Avery is a love story that makes you smile, swoon and blush. Savage outdoes herself in this one. I’m hoping for a spin off with the little crumbs she left, let’s just say if she does I’ll be the first to 1-click. Avery and Helena are the perfect couple in my opinion, I have no flaws with this book, nothing I would’ve changed. Except maybe making it longer, just because I wanted more.