Reviews of books I’ve read recently

2025/11/17 Edited to

... Read moreIf you're a fan of gripping stories that combine suspense, mystery, and emotional depth, the recent books reviewed here offer a rich variety of experiences worth exploring. Many of these books revolve around themes of survival and tension, such as kidnapped teens facing dangerous caretakers and claustrophobic scenarios involving captivity. Titles with dark suspense and past trauma highlight stories marked by hidden secrets and family conflict. These elements create an immersive atmosphere, captivating readers who enjoy psychological thrillers and emotionally charged narratives. Cozy mysteries with sassy tones and unique settings add a lighter, yet intriguing dimension. For example, "Magic, Lies, and Deadly Pies" brings a blend of female empowerment and wit, wrapped with secret recipes and secrets that unfold throughout the story. These books often feature charming characters and clever plots, ideal for readers who prefer suspense with a humorous or heartwarming touch. Other intriguing reads include multi-perspective and unreliable narration styles that deepen the mystery and uncertainty, keeping readers guessing until the end. Stories featuring eerie isolation, creepy mansions, or locked-room island thrillers heighten the suspense and create immersive environments that thrill-seekers will appreciate. Books exploring emotional love stories with slow-burn romances and protective, silent love add a heartfelt layer, appealing to readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with strong emotional connections. Themes of trauma, memory, and family secrets are woven carefully into plots, providing a bittersweet, reflective experience alongside the tension and mystery. In sum, these recent book reviews cover a broad spectrum of genres and themes, including survival struggles, secret assassins, false identities, domestic thrillers, and heartfelt journeys of identity and rescue. For readers seeking a compelling mix of dark suspense, cozy mysteries, emotional drama, and clever storytelling, these books represent excellent options to add to your reading list.

Related posts

TERRIBLE REVIEWS of my faves …
i can’t tell you how many times i’ve picked up a book … BECAUSE of a negative review i saw about it! so with that in mind - and because i think you should always be able to laugh about the things you love - here are some one star reviews of books i loved. thanks to the goodreads reviewers who
Steph 📚💫

Steph 📚💫

781 likes

Standalone book reviews
#standalones #darkromancebooks #militaryromance #bookrevieweroflemon8 #stalkerromance
Hallie📖💓

Hallie📖💓

18 likes

one star reviews of kid’s books!
did you guess any of the books before i showed the covers? I know this is a silly video, but I really do believe in the value of negative reviews. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve decided to buy something because I read a one star review!! do you check out negative reviews when shopping?
Steph 📚💫

Steph 📚💫

863 likes

CHRISTIAN BOOK RECS + REVIEWS
#christianbooks #christianbookrecommendations #christianbookreview #booktok #faithbasedcontent
starlette

starlette

216 likes

1 star reviews of my favorite books
i feel like people can be really sensitive around negative reviews and one star reviews … but i love them! i think it’s great to engage with them lightly and giggle. :) and soooo many times those terrible reviews are what actually makes me pick up a book (which inspired this series). #lemon
Steph 📚💫

Steph 📚💫

256 likes

One sentence book reviews
Super short book reviews Sometimes that whole “reading the synopsis” thing feels like way too much effort. So, because I'm all about efficiency, I'm sharing some one-sentence reviews of nonfiction books that blew my mind. Consider it your cheat sheet to smarter living. Reply in th
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

50 likes

✨Silent Book Reviews✨
I love these kind of book reviews - Which ones have you read?? Did you add anything new to your TBR? 📚💕😊 #books #bookreview #bookish #bookrecommendations
Lydia Kyle

Lydia Kyle

159 likes

A collage of books with text overlay "1 REVIEWS OF MY 5 READS" and star/thumbs up/down emojis, featuring a 1-star review for an Ana Huang book and a 5-star review for Layne Fargo's "Catching."
A hand holding the book "My Lovely Wife" by Samantha Downing, displayed with a 5-star review stating "I loved this nasty little book" and a 1-star review describing it as "weird and gruesome."
A hand holding the book "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver, shown with a 1-star review calling it "way, way, way too sad" and a 5-star review praising it as "a lifetime achievement level work."
1 star vs 5 star reviews of books i loved
i LOVED these books, almost as much as i love the reviews. all of these books were 5 stars for me! #lemon8bookclub #books #book #lemon8bookchallenge #BookReview #bookrecommendations #bookwormsoflemon8 #readersoflemon8 #booktok #bookstagram
megan | sahm

megan | sahm

15 likes

An open book, a pen, and a small notebook rest on a white patterned fabric. The image has a text overlay that reads 'One Reviews of books i love', serving as the title for the collection of book reviews.
The book 'Six of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo is centered on a white patterned fabric. Below it, a one-star review from 'El' dated Sep 1, 2023, states: 'dawg my math book got a better plot'.
The book 'Clockwork Angel' by Cassandra Clare is centered on a white patterned fabric. Below it, a one-star review from 'Jim' dated Jun 24, 2024, states: 'Pulling teeth'.
one ⭐️ reviews
i love these books, but some of these reviews have me giggling ahaha (please remember that this is all just for fun, and further proof that we all love reading different things 😘🫶) #booktok #bookstagram #BookReview #readersoflemon8 #fantasy
✰ ꜱᴋʏᴇ ☾

✰ ꜱᴋʏᴇ ☾

20 likes

If you love to read and love reviews I'm here for you! 🫶✨
If you love books and are tired of overhyped book recs I'm here for you! #bookcommunity #books #bookrecs
Raynee

Raynee

10 likes

Book reviews Pt2
Genre: Political Dystopian Classic Fiction Topic: Political science, socialism and communism Such a good read! I was honestly so scared of this concept cause i mean talking animals is weird but the psychology and political philosophy was so good. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #fiction #psychological ficti
Joey Mc

Joey Mc

17 likes

✨silent book reviews✨
In order of appearance: 1. Fairy Tale by Stephen King 2. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare 3. The Women by Kristin Hannah 4. Light Bringer by Pierce Brown 5. Lore Olympus, 6 6. Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland #books #BookReview #bookrecommendations
Lydia Kyle

Lydia Kyle

33 likes

A person's legs and hand holding an open book on a white bed, with text overlay '1 star GoodRead reviews that give me life pt 1?' and Lemon8 branding.
A Goodreads review for 'A Million Kisses in Your Lifetime' by Monica Murphy, rated one star, with a review stating 'You are getting an infection if a man puts a lollipop up your vagina.'
A Goodreads review for 'Haunting Adeline (Cat and Mouse #1)' by H.D. Carlton, rated one star, with a review stating 'two perverts play kinky hide-and-seek while not understanding how trafficking works'.
1 star GoodRead reviews that give me life
The Twilight one is so funny ughh. ~If you’ve seen this before it’s because this was on my last account and that one got banned. This is me reposting some stuff. Also if you haven’t already make sure to follow me on Tiktok: readingwithkenzie #reading📖 #goodreads #BookReview #bookish
Kenzie|📚🎀

Kenzie|📚🎀

152 likes

A collage of nine holiday romance book covers, including 'How My Neighbor Stole Christmas' (5 stars), 'Santa's Coming' (4 stars), 'Resting Scrooge Face' (4 stars), 'The Book Witch' (4 stars), and five books from the 'Under the Mistletoe Collection' (3 stars each). The image has a 'Holiday Book Reviews' text overlay.
The book cover for 'How My Neighbor Stole Christmas' by Meghan Quinn, featuring a hand decorating a Christmas tree, displayed on a silky background with a 5-star rating.
The book cover for 'Santa's Coming' by Serena Pier, depicting a couple in Santa hats on a chair, displayed on a silky background with a 4-star rating.
Holiday Book Reviews
How My Neighbor Stole Christmas ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ I’ve seen a lot of people either love or hate this book. I loved it! I thought the poems from the narrator were so funny! Definitely recommend! Santa’s Coming ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Serena Pier is a small author who is currently writing and releasing fun and spi
Miranda📚🧶

Miranda📚🧶

75 likes

I hear such mixed reviews
I’m getting ready to start this series to form my own opinion. If you read Lightlark, what did you think? #Lemon8Diary #books #booktok #fantasybooks #lightlarkbyalexaster
Lauren 📚

Lauren 📚

42 likes

Book Reviews Coming Soon
This is my ever-growing list of reviews I have to film for my #booktok 2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 12 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 11 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Have you read any of these? What did you think of them? #bookrecommendations #bookreview #booktalk
A Basic Girl’s Books

A Basic Girl’s Books

25 likes

A person stands in a bookstore aisle, holding an open book, surrounded by shelves filled with various books. The text "Book Reviews" is overlaid, indicating a review of books read in January.
A close-up of the red book "BLACK LOVE LETTERS" with gold text and an illustration of hands. The review notes it's a quick, easy read of short love stories, rated 8/10, described as healing, heartbreaking, and empowering.
A hand holds the book "MY SISTER, THE SERIAL KILLER" with a green cover. The review states it's a highly recommended 10/10 read that the reviewer couldn't put down, about a sister who kills men.
✨Book Reviews✨
Review of the books that I’ve read in January. #reading📖 #📚books #lemon8bookworms #bookreveiw #bookreccomendation
jae 🩷

jae 🩷

44 likes

Lovelight Farms Series (Book Reviews) 🌾
#bkborisonbooks #fakedating #forcedproximity #friendstolovers #holidayromance This is one of my favorite book series I have ever read!! Every book just gets better and better!! Title: Lovelight Farms (book 1) Author: B.K. Borison Review: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Spice Level: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️ My Revie
The Bubbly Brunette 🫧

The Bubbly Brunette 🫧

12 likes

An overhead view of open books with text, overlaid with the title "1-STAR REVIEWS ON MY 5-STAR READS." The Lemon8 logo and username @marinara.sara are visible in the bottom left corner.
The book cover for "Voyage of the Damned" by Frances White, featuring a blue background with a ship and sea creatures. Below it are three 1-star reviews for the book, and a drawing of a sailing ship.
The book cover for "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller, featuring a yellow background with a Greek helmet. Below it are four 1-star reviews for the book, and a drawing of a Greek chariot.
1⭐️ reviews on my 5⭐️ reads
i genuinely loved these books i wanted to see why people may have not liked them haha 🛥️ voyage of the damned ~ i loved the book so much i thought i would combust from reading it. i genuinely thought this book was a masterpiece and wish i could read it for the first time again and again.
☀️sara🫧

☀️sara🫧

17 likes

A bookshelf displays three mini book reviews: 'The Woods All Black' (5 stars), 'Hellmouth' (4.5 stars), and 'You Weren't Meant to be Human' (4 stars). The image also shows a 'SWIPE' indicator.
A library shelf features a mini review for 'The Woods All Black' by Lee Mandelo, rated 5 stars. The book cover is visible, alongside a text review praising the book as 'sooo worth reading'.
A library shelf displays a mini review for 'Hellmouth' by Giles Kristian, rated 4.5 stars. The book cover is shown, with a review describing it as combining Middle Ages, horror, and historical references.
Mini book reviews 😋📚
Another round of mini reviews 😋📚 I really love this format for showing some of what I’ve been reading! I’m in a big horror mood lately lol 📚🖤 - #lemon8bookclub #bookwormsoflemon8 #horrorbookreview #horrorbooks #BookReview
carmen 📚

carmen 📚

12 likes

📚 Book Reviews 📚
These are the 7 books I read in May! #bookish #booklemon8 #bookrecommendations #bookrevieweroflemon8 #lemon8bookclub
Lydia Kyle

Lydia Kyle

14 likes

Self-Help Shelfie: My 1-2 star reviews
We've all been there - staring down a bookshelf overflowing with self-help promises. But are they all sunshine and rainbows? While self-help books can be a gamble. You spend your hard-earned cash, eager to unlock your ultimate potential, only to find yourself wading through pages of fluff.
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

23 likes

I have heard great reviews about this book.
#lemon8bookclub #thrillerbooks #booktoker
FranksSaga

FranksSaga

19 likes

An open book and a coffee cup, overlaid with the title '1 STAR REVIEWS OF BOOKS I LOVE' and snippets of 1-star reviews like 'written by a man' and 'wished this book would've given me a papercut'.
The book cover for 'On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous' by Ocean Vuong, displayed with a 1-star review that reads, 'i kind of wished this book would've given me a papercut so i could have felt something'.
The red cover of Murakami's 'Norwegian Wood' featuring a black and white abstract design, accompanied by a 1-star review stating, 'I just want to find a way to unread this book.'.
Read these 1 star reviews with me
1-star review of books I love ⭐ I've seen a ton of people hopping on this trend, and they always make me laugh until my stomach hurts, so I figured why not join the fun! Here are some 1-star Goodreads reviews of books I absolutely adore - wow, some folks are BRUTAL! I get that not every b
Meredith Jao

Meredith Jao

33 likes

A flat lay of numerous books with the text '2024 Reviews MY FAV BOOKS' overlaid, indicating a book review compilation.
A hand holds the orange cover of 'The Seven Year Slip' by Ashley Poston, with 'Magical realism & romance' text, against a window with white curtains.
A hand holds the gold-toned cover of 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros, featuring 'Romantasy' text, against a window with white curtains.
Reviews of some of my 2024 favs📕
The first 3 reviews of my 9 favorite books this year! 🍋the seven year slip-4.5⭐️ This magical realism romance is perfect for fans of a cute romance, cooking, and time travel! I loved every bit of this book. 🐉fourth wing-5⭐️ I mean we all know about this book by now but as my first romantas
Madi📖💭✨

Madi📖💭✨

14 likes

Thirty Books Thirty Reviews Day 2: Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Day Two of the Thirty Days Thirty Reviews we're traveling to Scotland with Author Nichole Van. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿Love Practically will go down as my most highlighted book ever. I couldn't pick just one quote to share so I made three graphics and I could have made more 🫣 ❤️5 Reasons I think
Kimmie ᨒ↟

Kimmie ᨒ↟

10 likes

3 books, 3 reviews
It’s been a while… March was my birthday month and April has just been a little tough for me but I’ll get back on my feet soon. Here are 3 books I read recently and what I thought of them! #reading #reviewsoflemon8 #bookish #alihazelwood #romancebooks
Spookyrevioos

Spookyrevioos

33 likes

one sentence reviews of my january reads 📚🌈
Lucy, Uncensored by Mel and Teghan Hammond (Thanks to the publisher @knopfbooks for sending me a review copy!) The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava, narrated by Siena East (Courtesy of @librofm’s ALC program) The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill (Courtesy of the publisher via
Alex | LGBTQ+ Books 📚🏳️‍🌈

Alex | LGBTQ+ Books 📚🏳️‍🌈

3 likes

Books I Read Recently 📚 + Reviews & One-Word Ratings ✨
f you’re looking for your next good read, here’s a mix of romance books + urban fiction that I’ve finished recently! I’m sharing: ✔️ Quick, honest reviews ✔️ One-word descriptions (to set the vibe 👀) ✔️ What’s worth your time vs… not so much Let me know which one you’re adding to your TB
Eisha Taylore

Eisha Taylore

56 likes

A hand holds a pink and yellow book titled 'The Bombshell' by Darrow Farr, serving as the cover for 'MAY 2025 BOOK REVIEWS' and a 'READING DIARY' from @aislynn.harrison.
A review for 'That's Not My Name' by Megan Lally, rated 4.5 stars. Key themes include Dual POV, YA Thriller, Societal Judgements, and Identity & Memory, described as intriguing and fast-paced.
A review for 'Every Sweet Thing is Bitter' by Samantha Crewson, rated 4.5 stars. Themes include generational trauma, family complexities, mental health, identity, and religion vs. morality, noted for its gritty style.
May Book Reviews
Here’s everything I read in May! I know it’s June 12th but better late than never and honestly I like doing this little recap for myself if nothing else. A lot of loves on this months list✨ Have you guys read any of these? What did you think? Let me know! #books to read this month #bookrecommend
Aislynn Harrison

Aislynn Harrison

21 likes

Mini book reviews 📚🫶
I’m once again telling you that I will never do long, in depth book reviews 😂 it’s just not my style🤷‍♀️ These mini reviews are my favorite way to show how I felt about books, more than just a star rating. My ratings are also just purely vibes based, so having context helps with recommendations
carmen 📚

carmen 📚

10 likes

Book Reviews📖📖
Alchemised: 4.8⭐️ Stand Your Ground: 4.7⭐️ #fyp #reviewsoflemon8 #booktok #fantasy #hockeyromancebooks
AnxiousGirlBookClub

AnxiousGirlBookClub

12 likes

Black reads and there reviews
I know some of these books are so repetitive because everyone talk about them but they are really good! Bad Fat Black Girl: This is a really fun read and it’s actually funny. I think the author did a great job with capturing events and things black women really go through. ⭐️Overall rating
Holly Andrew

Holly Andrew

132 likes

60-seconds, 3 book reviews!
my very first ARC (advanced reader copy) was a dark retelling of Snow White with Black protagonists? yes please. sleep like death by kalynn bayron i’ll forever be a fan of Black witch narrative but even more so if they’re mixing fantasy and sci-fi, set in the near future. this duology did no
AMA B. | tastemaker 🎬📚📺

AMA B. | tastemaker 🎬📚📺

102 likes

Reading book reviews
When your experience after reading a book is different than what the reviews say #books #reading #reader #bookreview
Stephanie Matarazzo

Stephanie Matarazzo

114 likes

See more