Taylor Fenner's Blog, page 53

🎧Audiobook Review: The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

The Woman in the Library by Sulari GentillBlurb:

In every person’s story, there is something to hide…

The ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library is quiet, until the tranquility is shattered by a woman’s terrified scream. Security guards take charge immediately, instructing everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait for the all-clear, four strangers, who’d happened to sit at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning—it just happens that one is a murderer.

Award-winning author Sulari Gentill delivers a sharply thrilling read with The Woman in the Library, an unexpectedly twisty literary adventure that examines the complicated nature of friendship and shows us that words can be the most treacherous weapons of all.

Add to Goodreads | Amazon

My Review

Omg this book! It’s going straight onto my list of favorite books this year!

I love how it was written, as the main meat of the book is actually a book being written by an author within the book… it’s a bit hard to explain to those that haven’t read the book but I enjoyed how it was done!

We also see correspondence to the author Hannah from her stalker freaky fan beta reader. Any writer/author reading or listening to this will get the chills from Leo’s sections.. I definitely did!

I liked the main character Freddie and I liked Cain even though throughout Leo tries to convince us that he’s the killer. The story definitely keeps you guessing and I swore I had the killer figured out but I was definitely surprised!

This book is like a love letter to anyone that likes mysteries, loves books, and anyone that would like to think of themselves as amateur detectives! I adored it in audiobook but I definitely plan to pick up a physical version as well!

My Rating:

5/5 Stars!

Book Review: The Club by Ellery Lloyd

The Club by Ellery LloydBlurb:

From the author of People Like Her comes a smart and sinister murder mystery set in the secretive world of exclusive celebrity clubs.

Everyone’s Dying to Join . . .

The Home Group is a glamorous collection of celebrity members’ clubs dotted across the globe, where the rich and famous can party hard and then crash out in its five-star suites, far from the prying eyes of fans and the media.

The most spectacular of all is Island Home—a closely-guarded, ultraluxurious resort, just off the English coast—and its three-day launch party is easily the most coveted A-list invite of the decade.

But behind the scenes, tensions are at breaking point: the ambitious and expensive project has pushed the Home Group’s CEO and his long-suffering team to their absolute limits. All of them have something to hide—and that’s before the beautiful people with their own ugly secrets even set foot on the island. 

As tempers fray and behavior worsens, as things get more sinister by the hour and the body count piles up, some of Island Home’s members will begin to wish they’d never made the guest list.

Because at this club, if your name’s on the list, you’re not getting out.

Add to Goodreads | Amazon

My Review:

Welcome to Island Home, the newest, most exclusive, celebrities-only resort everyone is dying join…

Each of the four narrators – Jess, Annie, Nikki, and Adam are slightly unreliable and each has a motive to murder. Then sprinkled throughout is a magazine article, written after the fact that sort of summarizes how the weekend descends into chaos and murder.

I wouldn’t exactly call this a locked door mystery, but they members are cut off from the mainland due to the tide.

I enjoyed this book, and it was a fairly fast-paced, keep you going read which I always appreciate.

I would recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers and who also are obsessed with peeking into the secret, sometimes dark, lives of celebrities. Because on Island Home, everyone has something to hide… and they’ll do anything to keep it covered up.

My Rating:

4/5 Stars!

Can’t Wait Wednesday… Secretly Yours!

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released.

Secretly Yours by Tessa Bailey

A Vine Mess, Book 1, Contemporary Romance

eBook, Hardcover, Audiobook, 384 Pages

February 7, 2023 by Avon Books

Add to Goodreads | Amazon

Blurb:

From #1 New York Times bestselling author and TikTok favorite Tessa Bailey comes a steamy new rom-com about a starchy professor and the bubbly neighbor he clashes with at every turn…

Hallie Welch fell hard for Julian Vos at fourteen, after they almost kissed in the dark vineyards of his family’s winery. Now the prodigal hottie has returned to their small Napa town. When Hallie is hired to revamp the gardens on the Vos estate, she wonders if she’ll finally get that smooch. But the grumpy professor isn’t the teenager she remembers and their polar opposite personalities clash spectacularly. One wine-fueled girls’ night later, Hallie can’t shake the sense that she did something reckless—and then she remembers the drunken secret admirer letter she left for Julian. Oh shit.

On sabbatical from his ivy league job, Julian plans write a novel. But having Hallie gardening right outside his window is the ultimate distraction. She’s eccentric, chronically late, often literally covered in dirt—and so unbelievably beautiful, he can’t focus on anything else. Until he finds an anonymous letter sent by a woman from his past. Even as Julian wonders about this admirer, he’s sucked further into Hallie’s orbit. Like the flowers she plants all over town, Hallie is a burst of color in Julian’s grey-scale life. For a man who irons his socks and runs on tight schedules, her sunny chaotic energy makes zero sense. But there’s something so familiar about her… and her very presence is turning his world upside down.

Why I Want to Read Secretly Yours:

Ever since I read It Happened One Summer I fell in love with this author’s steamy rom-coms. I love the whole grumpy-sunshine trope as well and this author does it really well.

Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Cozy Reads

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish and currently hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Cozy Reads

This week’s TTT is all about cozy reads and we’re instructed to share books that give off a cozy vibe, whether through atmosphere, setting, or some other factor. Please tell us why they’re cozy for you, too! Here are ten books that give me cozy comforting vibes, some that I always reread when I need to cheer up…

1. Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot2. Strange Bedpersons by Jennifer Crusie3. Maybe This Time by Jennifer Crusie4. Play by Kylie Scott5. And Then There We’re None by Agatha Christie6. Texas Gothic by Rosemary Clement-Moore7. Fresh Brewed Murder by Emmeline Duncan8. 15 Minutes of Flame by Christin Brecher9. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare10. Book of Shadows by Cate Tiernan

What are the first books that come to mind when you think of cozy or comfort reads? Let me know in the comments or drop me a link to your TTT!

First Chapter, First Paragraph: Tuesday Intros – Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Socrates Book Reviews where you share the first paragraph of one of the books that you are currently reading. Each week bloggers will choose a book or books of the week (which will be one of the books that you are currently reading) and that book will take part in this book blog meme.

My book of the week is: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger

The carcass is splayed in the middle of the table. Carved, flesh torn away, eaten, ribs exposed. The turkey, brown and glistening when it was removed from the oven, is now just a pile of bones. Plates are smeared with gravy, wineglasses empty, stained red. A swath of maroon lipstick mars a white cloth napkin. The lights from the towering Christmas tree blink, manic.

What do you think? Would you keep reading?

I’m about 70 pages into Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six and I like it so far. I’m hoping to get some more time to read it soon.

Blurb:

Three couples rent a luxury cabin in the woods for a weekend getaway to die for in this chilling locked-room thriller byNew York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.

What could be more restful than a weekend getaway with family and friends? An isolated luxury cabin in the woods, spectacular views, a hot tub and a personal chef. Hannah’s generous brother found the listing online. The reviews are stellar. It’ll be three couples on this trip with good food, good company and lots of R & R.

But the dreamy weekend is about to turn into a nightmare.

A deadly storm is brewing. The rental host seems just a little too present. The personal chef reveals that their beautiful house has a spine-tingling history. And the friends have their own complicated past, with secrets that run blood deep.

How well does Hannah know her brother, her own husband? Can she trust her best friend? Meanwhile, someone is determined to ruin the weekend, looking to exact a payback for deeds long buried. Who is the stranger among them?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 28 November 2022

#IMWAYR is a weekly meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at The Book Date.

Hey Bookdragons! Did you get a lot of reading done during the long weekend (if you had one) or were you busy shopping? I managed to finish the two books I was reading last week.

Last Week I Read:The Club by Ellery Lloyd

I really liked this one. I would have liked to have seen more of the mayhem when the police arrived on the island through the characters’ perspectives but overall it was an enjoyable thriller read.

The Woman In The Library by Sulari Gentill

I listened to the audiobook of this one and I loved it!

Currently Reading:Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger

I just started this one earlier and I’m interested so far, I just haven’t had much time to get into it.

Next Read:The Last Party by Clare Mackintosh

This was my November BOTM pick when I rejoined and I’m excited to dive in.

I also have to pick my next audiobook read but I don’t get my next credit until December 6th. Might have to see what I have stored that I haven’t listened to or check out one on Hoopla.

Have you decided what your first read of December will be? What are you reading this week? Let me know in the comments or drop me a link to your post!

The Sunday Post: Light Week, Thanksgiving, and Nasty Spills

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See rules here: Sunday Post Meme.

Light Week, Thanksgiving, and Nasty Spills

Hey Bookdragons! How was your week? Did you have a great Thanksgiving if you celebrate?

I didn’t get to all of my posts this week (mainly my Friday ones) because I got really busy with the holiday and my schedule got screwed up due to other reasons, so it was a bit of a light week for me with blogging, reading, and writing.

I did have a really enjoyable Thanksgiving. My mom and I worked out an appetite organizing and rearranging the den and the living room while my sister and her boyfriend were out hunting. We decided to do a turkey breast and a pork roast and the turkey was really tender. The pork roast not so much but I skipped that. The only unfortunate part was I was going to make carrots but the carrots we bought only the day before had a thick layer of slime so they had to be tossed out instead.

Earlier in the week my dog decided to wrap his leash around my legs and I fell in the driveway between my sister’s car and our mailbox. Luckily no broken bones, only a sore back and a scraped up elbow that still hasn’t quite healed. Hopefully the scab falls off soon and it stops hurting when I sleep or when it rubs against my clothing.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 21 November 2022

First Chapter, First Paragraph: Tuesday Intros – The Club

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Authors I’m Thankful I Picked Up That First Book By

Can’t Wait Wednesday… Wicked Dreams!

Taylor Fenner’s Spooky Season 2022 – Week 12 Wrap Up & Horror Movies/Books/Authors/Directors I’m Thankful For

Book Review: A Quiet Retreat by Kiersten Modglin

Book Review: The Rhythm Method by Kylie Scott

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? – 28 November 2022

First Chapter, First Paragraph: Tuesday Intros – Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six

Top Ten Tuesday: 10 Cozy Reads

Can’t Wait Wednesday… Secretly Yours!

Audiobook Review: The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

The Friday 56

Book Blogger Hop: Do you go back and reread the previous book before starting the sequel?

Winter TBR

Book Review: The Club by Ellery Lloyd

Physical:PangoBooks HaulBOTM selection PangoBooks HaulNot book related but I did bookmark this recipe while writing this week…

Italian Sausage Pasta

Book Review: The Rhythm Method by Kylie Scott

The Rhythm Method by Kylie ScottBlurb:

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kylie Scott comes a new story in her Stage Dive series…

It all started in Vegas…

After a wild and tumultuous beginning to their relationship, Evelyn Thomas and her rock star husband David Ferris have been happily married for years. Nothing needs to change, their life together is perfect. Which means that change in the shape of an unexpected pregnancy is bound to shake things up some. But could it be for the better?

**Every 1001 Dark Nights novella is a standalone story. For new readers, it’s an introduction to an author’s world. And for fans, it’s a bonus book in the author’s series. We hope you’ll enjoy each one as much as we do.**

Add to Goodreads | Amazon

My Review:

This was not my favorite Stage Dive novella. While I always enjoy reading about the couples from the original Stage Dive novels and the new side characters introduced in the novellas since, revisiting David and Ev in this one was a bit painful.

I found both characters to be a bit immature in handling the situation considering their ages and preferred to read more about the other characters that swooped in to help them.

As always, Mal saved the day and adds comic relief to the story.

Overall, this book is great for fans of the series to see David and Ev overcome and embrace their new surprise role of parenthood, but in comparison with the other novellas, it’s a bit lacking.

My Rating:

3.75/5 Stars!

.75

Book Blogger Hop - 2 September 2022

Book Blogger Hop

 About the Book Blogger HopThe Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer @ Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer's permission, Billy @ Ramblings or a Coffee Addicted Writer relaunched the hop on February 15, 2013. Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end the following Thursday. There will be a weekly prompt featuring a book related question. The hop's purpose is to give bloggers a chance to follow other blogs, learn about new books, befriend other bloggers, and receive new followers to your own blog.
September 2-8, 2022
AOTW: Kind of? There is no bookstore in the town I live in. There’s only a used bookstore in the next town to the north and Walmarts that don’t have the best book selection in the towns to the north and south so I usually have to go about 35 miles to get to the nearest chain bookstore to look for new books. Most of the time, I order books online or directly from the author in the case of indie books.
🔱🔱🔱
What about you?  Let me know in the comments or drop me a link to your post!

I Can't Wait for... Cruel Illusions!

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released.
This might actually be my most anticipated for the rest of 2022... 
Cruel IllusionsStandaloneby Margie Fuston
eBook, Hardcover, Audiobook 448 Pages
November 1, 2022 by Margaret K. McElderry Books
Blurb:
Caraval meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer in this deliciously dark young adult fantasy about a girl who makes a deal with a magical secret society to enter a potentially deadly competition for the chance to avenge her mother’s death.

Ever since a vampire murdered her mother, Ava has been determined to get revenge. This all-encompassing drive has given her the fuel she needed to survive foster home after foster home.

But it’s been ten years since anyone’s seen a vampire, and Ava has lost hope that she’ll ever find one…until she stumbles across a hidden magic show where she witnesses impossible illusions. The magicians may not be the bloodsuckers she’s hunting, but Ava is convinced something supernatural is at play, so she sneaks backstage and catches them in acts they can’t explain.

But they’ve been waiting for her.

The magicians reveal they’re part of an ancient secret society with true magic, and Ava has the same power in her blood that they do. If she joins them, they promise to teach her the skills she needs to hunt vampires and avenge her mother. But there’s a catch: if she wants to keep the power they offer, she needs to prove she’s worthy of it. And to do so, she must put on the performance of her life in a sinister and dangerous competition where illusion and reality blur, and the stakes are deadly.

Add to Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop.org
Why I Want To Read Cruel Illusions:Caraval meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Do I really need to say any more? The cover is gorgeous as well. I'm curious to see if any of the book boxes will have this one as an exclusive edition. That would be awesome! 
***Will you be checking this book out? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to?