en-US Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:59:10 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Review4580153455 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:59:10 -0700 /review/show/4580153455 Melany gave 4 stars to Remarkably Bright Creatures (Hardcover) by Shelby Van Pelt
bookshelves: currently-reading
I'm so glad I go in blindly to my books because if anyone EVER recommended I read a book that has a POV from an octopus I would've laughed at them and skipped it. I'm so very glad I read this book! Beautifully written and so interesting with some twists that surprised me. The octopus is such a wise and genuine guy. Loved how this story played out and the ending. Such a beautiful story! ]]> Review7660905638 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 20:48:38 -0700 /review/show/7660905638 Melany gave 4 stars to The Crash (Hardcover) by Freida McFadden
After all that, all I can say is Polly is truly bonkers. Hank seemed like a wonderful man and husband, though. This was quite interesting, with a few surprising twists. 3.5 to 4 stars ]]> Review7676458541 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:43:26 -0700 /review/show/7676458541 Melany gave 4 stars to The Instant Kitchen Meal Prep Cookbook: Plan and Cook Ahead for Fast, Family-Friendly Meals Using Your Pressure Cooker and Air Fryer (A 10-Week Guide to Fast, Healthy, and Delicious Meals) by Coco Morante
We've tried several recipes so far. My son's favorite were the BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders and Picadillo Joes. I truly enjoyed the Ground Beef Burrito Bowls and Broccoli Pesto Penne! They were all delicious! I enjoyed that it includes vibrant pictures of the food as well, as many don't, and it helps me decide which I want to try first. We are quite picky eaters, so several of these recipes we wouldn't give a go, but there are still options within this cookbook for any picky eater in your family! I loved that they're quicker/easier meals through the air fryer or pressure cooker. Being a single mom, working full time, and all of my son's activities... having quick recipes truly helps take less time cooking/prepping meals so I have more time to spend with my son and relax. I thoroughly enjoyed this cookbook! Easy recipes and fun new ones to try!

I received this cookbook from NetGalley and William Morrow / Harvest to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this cookbook and trying over 8 recipes. ]]> Review6761383602 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 18:30:04 -0700 /review/show/6761383602 Melany gave 2 stars to Say a Little Prayer (Paperback) by Jenna Voris
This fell pretty flat for me. It had quite hilarious moments, but overall, nothing truly stood out and didn't really "reel me in". I'm clearly in the minority compared to the other reviewers on this one, so I'd still suggest you give it a go yourself and see if you enjoy it. I gave it 2 stars for the funny, sarcastic moments, though. ]]> Review7488358943 Sun, 22 Jun 2025 12:27:29 -0700 /review/show/7488358943 Melany gave 4 stars to The Woman in Suite 11 (Lo Blacklock, #2) by Ruth Ware
While I truly felt the first half was overly drawn out, the last half truly made up for it. I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns along the way. I kept trying to figure out who did it. I truly enjoyed the FMC. She was relatable, but I also felt like yelling at her during moments when she was making decisions. Overall, this was a cecent read with interesting twists and turns to keep you reading to fit all the pieces of the puzzle together.

I received this ARC from NetGalley and Gallery/Scout Press to read/review. All of the statements above are my true opinions after fully reading this book. ]]> Review7660820007 Sat, 21 Jun 2025 11:38:45 -0700 /review/show/7660820007 Melany gave 4 stars to Vicious (Villains, #1) by V.E. Schwab
Yall think you've read about morally grey characters until you read this one. He's definitely going to put the others to shame for you. Devoured this in 1 day. Truly kept me interested and enjoyed the storyline. ]]> Review7367072957 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:39:38 -0700 /review/show/7367072957 Melany gave 4 stars to A Clean Mess: A Memoir of Sobriety After a Lifetime of Being Numb (Hardcover) by Tiffany Jenkins
I thought it was amazing that she narrated the audiobook! I've always watched Tiffany's videos and had lots of laughs. It was truly interesting to learn more about her. It was deep, eye-opening, and beautiful how transparent she was. I love her even more now seeing what she's been through and how far she's come! ]]> ReadStatus9564120923 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:38:51 -0700 /review/show/7666188899 Melany wants to read Draw Your Day: An Inspiring Guide to Keeping a Sketch Journal by Samantha Dion Baker
]]> Review6385967330 Wed, 18 Jun 2025 20:15:04 -0700 /review/show/6385967330 Melany gave 4 stars to Wish You Weren't Here (Hardcover) by Erin Baldwin
This was cute! Loved the quirky and funny moments as well as the wonderful character development. This was a light and easy read. It takes a bit to pick up but it was decent! ]]> Review6168871533 Tue, 17 Jun 2025 21:28:02 -0700 /review/show/6168871533 Melany gave 4 stars to The Stars Too Fondly (Paperback) by Emily Hamilton
3.5 stars rounded up

This felt very YA vibe, so it kind of made me want to stop reading it. The little twists were what truly made me keep reading it. Then, the little spicy moment near the end made me realize it's not completely YA vibes. Overall it was a decent read. I enjoyed the sci-fi/mystery aspect and the LGBTQ+ aspect. ]]>