Oh So Funny, Sweet and Romantic, “In Case You Missed It” Hits All the Right Notes.
After failing to make it big in DC, Ros hightails it back home to LOh So Funny, Sweet and Romantic, “In Case You Missed It” Hits All the Right Notes.
After failing to make it big in DC, Ros hightails it back home to London and her parent’s house. Little does she know that they’ve renovated the shed in their backyard just for her. How sweet it’s not!
Now that Ros is back, she reconnects with old friends, and thanks to a little phone blip that sent a mass text to “all contacts” in her phone with an “I’m back message,” she also reconnects with her ex-boyfriend Patrick who broke her heart. Sounds perfect right?
What Ros finally realizes however, is that sometimes you can’t rekindle what you had, you have to move forward. Luckily for her, she has her several old friends and someone kind of great waiting in the wings.
“In Case You Missed It” by Lindsey Kelk is a super sweet, funny, lighthearted rom-com that was exactly what I needed in these crazy stressful times.
Another sweet buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Harper Collins, and Lindsey Kelk for the arc.
In a quiet picturesque community on Long Island, new residents from Brooklyn move in. As soon as they arrive, it’s immediately clear to the current residents of ‘Maple Street’ that the Wilde’s simply don’t fit in. Gertie is a former Pageant Queen and her husband Arlo, is a has-been Rock Star and a former junkie. Sadly, their kids, Julia and Larry aren’t exactly ‘Maple Street’ material either.
The neighborhood is ruled by Rhea Schroeder, a master manipulator, who is adored by everyone and just happens to be the Wilde’s next-door neighbor. At first, Rhea appears to be their friend, little does Gertie know, however, that Rhea is not who she seems. Shortly thereafter, she turns on her new friends. Unfortunately for the Wildes, Rhea is a very persuasive woman and she convinces everyone in the neighborhood to turn against them as well.
While this is happening, an unfortunate incident occurs in the community. A sinkhole opens up and it swallows one of its residents. Once that happens, things go from bad to worse.
Thereafter the Wildes are brutalized and victimized by everyone in the neighborhood all because of Rhea Schroeder, one woman who wields all of the power.
A tale that takes place in the future and for which a reporter interviews the residents of Maple Street after the fact. Upon being interviewed, the residents questioned what was true and what was not.
Trying to sum up how I felt after reading “Good Neighbors” by Sarah Langan is virtually impossible. Frankly, at first, I was stunned and I had no words. I read this with my book buddy Kaceey and we found it to be wholly original. Wild and crazy, it had some quite interesting, and funny passages. Then this novel started to take a darker turn, which was unexpected, and then it became something else entirely. Something wholly astounding, devastating, and heartbreaking. To say that it broke me doesn’t quite cover it.
Even though this book wrecked me, I must say that this is one of the most brilliant books I have ever read. In my opinion, this entire novel represents a much bigger picture. An allegory if you will. I won’t spoil it for those of you who haven’t read it but what I will say is that it took me an entire day to come to that conclusion and when it struck me, I was dumbfounded.
If this book is not on your TBR, it should be. It is an incredible story and it is a MUST READ.
Sarah Langan, I applaud you for this brilliant novel and cannot wait to see what you come up with next. This is my first 5-star read of 2021 and it is also the first book that will appear on my Goodreads best-of list for 2021 as well.
As I mentioned, this was a buddy read with Kaceey - I’m so glad we shared this read together, I’m not sure I could have read this one alone.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books and Sarah Langan for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Twitter on 1.17.21. Excerpt posted on Insta....more
There’s a man who studies his victims before going on the take. For him however, it’s not about the kill. It’s about something else entirely.
His need There’s a man who studies his victims before going on the take. For him however, it’s not about the kill. It’s about something else entirely.
His need for something that’s been sorely been sorely lacking in his life.
Creepy and gruesome, the storyline in “The Shadow Man” just didn’t work for me. I was freaked out, grossed out and just couldn’t handle it.
For those of you looking for an off the wall mystery/suspense, you just might like this one as lots of other reviewers did, thus I simply might not be the right reader for this novel.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey and once again, we were on opposite sides on this one.
Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and NetGalley on 1.9.21. ...more
For me, “It Had to Be You” was simply ‘Too Good to be True.’
A Rom-Com that started out cute, and sweet, only to leave me flummoxed by the end.
“It HadFor me, “It Had to Be You” was simply ‘Too Good to be True.’
A Rom-Com that started out cute, and sweet, only to leave me flummoxed by the end.
“It Had to Be You” is a rom-com with an ensemble cast. Think “Love Actually” or “Valentine’s Day.”
Every character goes through trials and tribulations. Seeking comfort from friends, meeting new people. Bonds form quickly. Friends turn to lovers, new romances blossom, marriages go through peaks and valleys.
A character-driven rom-com with lots of laughs, the writing is solid and the storyline is quite enjoyable. If I had to come up with one word to describe this book, it would be “cute.”
My favorite couple in this novel, hands down, is Darlene and Zach. Simply put, they stole the show - if this book had strictly been about their relationship, I would have been one happy camper as they left me wanting more!
Unfortunately, the coupling up of all of the characters here is the standard trope of novels, there being a widow and her divorcee boyfriend, a gay couple, two interracial couples, and a bi-curious. Out of all of the couples in the storyline, none were typical and that is atypical of the general population and frankly, left me bewildered.
While the ending was a tad saccharine and unrealistic for me, given that it involved every couple, I think most rom-com fans will appreciate it.
A buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Atria/Emily Bestler Books, NetGalley, and Georgia Clark for the arc.
A Highly Emotional Story that Packs one Hell of a Punch.
There are two sides to every story. The difficulty is determining wherein lies the truth.
In London, a young teenage girl accuses four teenage boys of rape. The victim is Jodie Wolfe, a girl with facial deformities. The accused are four Muslim boys who claim innocence.
No one is left unscathed. And I mean No One.
Zara Kaleel is a Victim’s Advocate and a former barrister who is on Jodie’s side, for better or worse. Zara, you see is Muslim and her involvement makes things tricky.
Assault, gender, race, religion, discrimination, and misogyny are highly prevalent throughout.
Questions abound. Constant questions. The truth is never clear cut.
The characters and the plot are so perfectly delivered, so heartbreakingly real. “Take it Back” by Kia Abdullah makes you stop, look, and listen and hopefully think before you act.
A buddy read with Kaceey that gave us much to discuss.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 12.22.20. ...more
When it comes to literary fiction, if I’m being frank, the dirtier it is, the better it is. By that I mean, I like it complicated, messy and at times, really difficult, because in my opinion, that is real life.
Lucky for me, “Long Bright River” by Liz Moore certainly fit that bill and then some.
Long Bright River is a novel about dysfunction, layered on top of even more dysfunction - just how I like it.
Sisters, Mickey and Kacey couldn’t be more different. Growing up on the outskirts of Philly where drugs run rampant, both sisters took very different paths. Mickey became a cop, Kacey became an addict, and then some. Kacey’s life is not pretty, though she never purported it to be. What it is, is ugly, hard and wholly prevalent. Mickey took a different path, and is now a single mother, working a demanding job, always worried that Kacey won’t last another day.
While patrolling Kensington, where Mickey resides, bodies of female victims start piling up. Someone is on the hunt and Mickey appears to be the only one to spot a pattern. Unfortunately, Mickey also realizes that her sister Kacey has been missing from the streets for over a month.
All Mickey knows is that Kacey’s situation could be perilous. Intense desperation, utter despair, and a driving need to find her sister, lead Mickey on a hazardous goose chase.
A gritty, character-driven novel that leaves it all out on the table.
A buddy read/listen with Kaceey that was sitting in our queues for way too long. So glad we finally got to it. For me, this was a top read for 2020!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group - Riverhead Books for the arc. Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the audiobook.
I’ve always considered myself “a details girl” but after reading “How to Fail at Flirting” I have decided that there are certain details that are better left to the imagination!
If you’re the type of person who likes to read super sexy, hot, fiery romance novels, this book might be just what you’re looking for.
If however, you’re like me and you prefer women’s fiction where the romance ‘fades to black’ - you might want to steer clear of this one.
Naya Turner’s life has become monotonous and boring, that is until she goes out one night to a bar to meet her friends and they fail to show up. That night she meets a gorgeous stranger named Jake in town for a wedding. The two immediately hit it off, in and out of the bedroom.
What started off as an opportunity for Naya to try something new, becomes something else entirely, something she didn’t bargain for, but wouldn’t trade for anything.
While “How to Fail at Flirting” is full of sarcasm, witticisms and romance, the “fiery details” missed the mark for me.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey and as you’ll see from her review, she prefers her romances hot and fiery and I prefer romances that fade to black, which made this an extremely funny buddy read, if nothing else.
A huge thank you goes out to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group for the arc. Elisha - Kaceey would like you to keep these fiery romances coming, while I’d prefer mine a little tamer! Baaahh!.
How about No? Absolutely Not! This book was Absolutely Ludicrous.
Lunacy doesn’t even begin to describe it. None of the plot points in “The Half SisteHow about No? Absolutely Not! This book was Absolutely Ludicrous.
Lunacy doesn’t even begin to describe it. None of the plot points in “The Half Sister” added up or made sense and it got more ridiculous as the book went on.
Family. Parents. Siblings. DNA.
Deception. Secrets. Lies.
If only that said it all!
If lunacy and deplorable characters are what you’re after, this book is for you!
While I’ve loved all of Sandie Jones’ prior novels, this one just didn’t do it for me. 1.5 stars.
A buddy listen with Kaceey, to coincide with our arc.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc.
Hacking. Everyone knows that computers can be hacked. After all, it happens every day, right?
The British Government, however, has decided to ensure that their top-secret information stays that way, and to do so, they’ve figured out a way to store their data, deep in the minds of 5, extremely brilliant, people who are, therefore, unhackable.
These individuals are known as “The Minders” and now that they’ve had top-secret information implanted inside of their brains, they have to leave their old lives behind and start fresh.
Except for their handler, no one knows who they are, thus they cannot be found, or so they think.
Pulse-pounding, gripping and terrifying, “The Minders” is a brilliant mystery/suspense by John Marrs, who continues to push the envelope by coming up with fresh new ideas. This novel incorporates certain plot points from two of his prior novels (“The One” and “The Passengers”), thus I highly suggest reading those before diving into this one.
While “The Minders” gave me a lot to ponder as someone who works in the Legal/Tech industry and specifically with “electronic discovery” - I was troubled by the fact that the amount of electronic data implanted into an individual’s brain was never mentioned. I couldn’t help but wonder whether gigabytes, terabytes, or pedabytes were implanted. (For instance: 1 gigabyte = one truck full of paper; 1 terabyte = paper from 50,000 trees; and 1 pedabyte = 250 billion pages of text, and so on) so while I enjoyed this book, the only real issue I had is that it didn’t include a few “key details” that the geek in me so desperately needed.
That being said, this is a solid, character-driven suspense with a fabulous ending. Let me just say that I can’t wait to see what John Marrs comes out with next!
A buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
A huge thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for the arc.
A Brutal Murder of a young woman. Her body, found in a Park. A Purse found on her, with a driver's license from a woman who was murdered in the same exact location forty years prior.
Days later, another woman’s body is found in the same location, with another connection to the unsolved case from forty years ago. A killer is on the loose hunting women in the Phoenix area and it’s up to Detectives Sean Richardson and Maggie McClinton to investigate.
The Detectives soon realize that murders from years ago are being duplicated and there are a couple more to go.
The clock is ticking and ticking fast.
A thrilling police procedural that will make your pulse rise and the hair on the back of your neck stand on end, “South of the Deuce” by James L. Thane, is a well written, fast-paced, character-driven novel. After reading this story, I’ll think twice, before going out after dark.
A fabulous buddy read with Ms. Kaceey (who kindly scored me a copy!).
Thank you to the author, James L. Thane for the ebook.
What happens when everything Evan Smoak thought he knew about himself and his past is torn asunder?
In “Prodigal Son,” Evan opens up, faces the truth and takes care of his own.
This time, it’s personal.
Stunning, brilliant, heart-rending and pulse pounding this suspenseful addition to the Orphan X series delivers in a way that none of the other books in the series have so far.
This book will in fact make your eyes POP and your heart stop (just for a second though, I swear..). That my friends is a promise.
A highly entertaining buddy read with Kaceey that gave us lots to discuss.
A huge thank you goes out to Martin Quinn at Minotaur Books for the arc.
Published on Goodreads on 12.5.20. Excerpt to be published on Insta....more
Frankie Elkins is a troubled middle aged woman, who is on the run from her life. She is a recovering alcoholic who finds missing persons. It’s just soFrankie Elkins is a troubled middle aged woman, who is on the run from her life. She is a recovering alcoholic who finds missing persons. It’s just something she has been doing for the last ten years of her life.
In “Before She Disappeared” Frankie finds herself in Boston, searching for teenager Angelique Badeau who went missing from her High School eleven months prior.
Though she has no experience or training, somehow, Frankie has a way about her, an ability to make people trust her and get information that the police do not. In addition, she thinks of avenues to explore that the police don’t even consider.
Frankie is a complex character, whose backstory is somewhat compelling. She is kind and strong, yet tormented by her past.
While this book starts out as suspenseful and intriguing, it required this reader to suspend disbelief at Frankie’s ability to solve crimes, given her lack of training. I also found the romance that was brewing between Frankie and the Detective to be a bit rushed. Furthermore, I didn’t buy into Frankie’s background as the reasons for her needing to make things right and thought the novel felt “forced.”
What makes this story enjoyable however, is the writing. It is extremely solid and the character development, as always is very well done.
As a huge fan of Lisa Gardner, the DD Warren and Flora Dane series, unfortunately, this standalone novel didn’t quite live up to my expectations. I therefore hope that the author returns to her tried and true for her next go round.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing Group - Dutton, and Lisa Gardner for the arc.
A Domestic Drama with more twists and turns than the Indy 500!
When a mail-in DNA test reveals that Caroline has a half sibling, she *Outlier Alert!*
A Domestic Drama with more twists and turns than the Indy 500!
When a mail-in DNA test reveals that Caroline has a half sibling, she and the rest of her family are left reeling. While Caroline is curious about her half sister, no one else in her family wants to meet her.
For Sela, the results of the DNA test give her hope, for she is in kidney failure and desperately needs a donor. Following a separation from her husband and the premature birth of her son, Sela is scared.
When the lives of these two women become enmeshed, their lives as well as the lives of everyone around them will be altered forever. As it turns out, nothing is as it seems.
Upon finishing this novel, my first thought was that the author threw in everything but the kitchen sink: Tricks wrapped in Secrets, wrapped in Lies, leaving no one unscathed and then I thought of the title of this book: “A Million Reasons Why” and in the end, that summed it up perfectly for me. I found this book to be completely and wholly implausible because of how far-fetched it was and therefore, found A Million Reasons Why it wasn’t for me.
To date I have read all of Jessica Strawser’s novels and really liked both “Almost Missed You” and “Not That I Could Tell.” While this book wasn’t my favorite I look forward to seeing what this author comes out with next.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Jessica Strawser for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 11.8.20....more
“Confessions on the 7:45” is dangerous, delectable and absolutely wild!
Sometimes a seemingly innocent conversation is anything but.
Such is the case “Confessions on the 7:45” is dangerous, delectable and absolutely wild!
Sometimes a seemingly innocent conversation is anything but.
Such is the case for Selena, upon sitting down next to Martha, a young woman on the train, who appears to be lost in thought, and struggling with her own issues. When Martha divulges a secret (an affair with her boss), Selena does the same (her husband’s affair with their nanny).
What made you think you could trust a mere stranger? Tsk, tsk, Selena!
From that point on, Selena’s life unravels faster than a spool of thread.
Chilling, thrilling and oh so intriguing, “Confessions on the 7:45” is brilliantly plotted. Told from several POVs, this is one captivating tale! A character driven mystery suspense that will keep you guessing until the very end.
This mystery/suspense is also one of Lisa Unger’s best thrillers to date and is reminiscent of her earlier novels! 4.25 Stars!
A fantastic buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to Edelweiss, Harper Collins - Park Row, and Lisa Unger for the arc.
Published on Goodreads and Edelweiss on 11.15.20....more
Matt Pine is a student at NYU when he receives the terrible news that his entire family has been found dead while vacationA Pulse Pounding Thriller!
Matt Pine is a student at NYU when he receives the terrible news that his entire family has been found dead while vacationing in Mexico. At first the deaths appear to be accidental.
Soon however, Matt’s own life is in danger.
Years prior, Matt’s older brother Danny was incarcerated for murdering his girlfriend. Danny still maintains his innocence. A Podcast has since surfaced which also suggests that Danny was wrongfully convicted.
Are these events linked? Is anyone safe?
A heart stopping mystery suspense that will leave you guessing! While I had my suspicions and was right on, I enjoyed this thriller and look forward to seeing what Alex Finlay comes out with next. 3.5 Stars.
Another buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press and Alex Finlay for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 11.12.20....more
Sometimes being in the right place at the right time makes all the difference!
Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham’s relationship has finally progressed Sometimes being in the right place at the right time makes all the difference!
Ellery Hathaway and Reed Markham’s relationship has finally progressed to the next level and it’s about time. If only they could sit back and enjoy it!
Unfortunately for Ellery, while out and about in Boston with Reed and his daughter Tula, both Reed and Ellery are on the scene when twelve year old Chloe Lockhart goes missing. It’s an eerily familiar moment for Ellery as she was kidnapped at the age of fourteen and yet, all she can focus on right now is finding Chloe Lockhart.
As an FBI Profiler, Reed Markham consults with the Boston PD, which is extremely helpful when the team finds out that the Lockhart family has had more than one family tragedy.
Noone is safe and tensions are high. It’s therefore only a matter of time before something goes awry.
A crazy, enthralling mystery suspense that engaged all of my senses from the get go, “Every Waking Hour” delivers!
As for the ending, thanks for that epic cliffhanger, Joanna Schaffhausen! I cannot wait for the next book in this fantastic series!
A fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to Minotaur Books, NetGalley and Joanna Schaffhausen for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 11.29.20. ...more
A new Rockton novel by Kelley Armstrong that unfortunately left me wanting.
Gosh.. What can I say here: I started out liking “A Stranger in Town” and tA new Rockton novel by Kelley Armstrong that unfortunately left me wanting.
Gosh.. What can I say here: I started out liking “A Stranger in Town” and then the storyline just completely lost me.
This novel included too many characters and too many groups of people - the hostiles, the settlers, the hikers, the danish, Emilie, Jay - a new resident, Sophie - the injured hiker, all of whom simply confused me and made it such that I was unsure as to who actually was “A Stranger in Town.” Simply put, I just kind of didn’t get it.
In the newest Rockton novel, Casey and Eric happen upon several bodies while out in the forest all of whom have been murdered, save one. Some appear to be settlers, some hostiles. When they come upon Sophie, an injured hiker who appears to be alive, they of course try to save her - even though she doesn’t speak English. What happens thereafter, leaves them stunned and completely unsettled trying to figure out who Sophie really is and why she was on the outskirts of Rockton. This leads to an investigation which frankly left me scratching my head.
The outcome of all of this admittedly, left me concerned for where the series will go next. I guess we will see.
Though I didn’t feel that this was a strong showing in the Rockton series, I will undoubtedly read the next book in the series if there is one.
This was a buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley Minotaur Books and Kelley Armstrong for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 10.19.20. ...more
Oh How I love a Good Thriller, especially ones where Nothing is as it Seems!
Bravo Aimee Molloy, Bravo!
So what’s the scoop with this highly entertainiOh How I love a Good Thriller, especially ones where Nothing is as it Seems!
Bravo Aimee Molloy, Bravo!
So what’s the scoop with this highly entertaining book? “Goodnight Beautiful” includes a thrilling plot, newlyweds, therapy sessions and a highly intriguing main character whose sanity one can’t help but question. The ride is way bumpier than you might expect and it’ll make you question everything and I mean everything.
This mystery/suspense deals with a variety of themes including: Marriage; Secrets; Lies; Therapy; Obsession; Deceit; Abduction; Mental Illness and Sociopathy.
Then there is a nod to Stephen King’s “Misery.”
Can I just say Heck Ya!?!
I know you guys want more details but you’re not going to get them from me.
My advice: Go into this novel completely blind. The payoff is worth it.
The only thing I’ll say is that when you’re reading the book and that “Aha” moment comes, it’s a freaking doozy.
What more can I tell you? “Goodnight Beautiful” displays the art of misdirection beautifully. Aimee Molloy got me and she got me good. This novel is a psychological thriller that is highly captivating, compelling, wild and unpredictable and it is sure to top the list of best thrillers of the year. This was another thrilling buddy listen with Ms. Kaceey! The audiobook gave us LOTs to discuss.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Harper Collins for the arc and Libro.fm and Harper Audio for the alc.
Marriage. It’s so idyllic isn’t it? Then again, I guess that depends on who your spouse is.
When Lila Ridgefield’s husband Aaron goes missing she is tMarriage. It’s so idyllic isn’t it? Then again, I guess that depends on who your spouse is.
When Lila Ridgefield’s husband Aaron goes missing she is the prime suspect. Of course, she’s guilty as charged.
The problem is that she thought she planned the perfect murder until his body disappears from where she dumped it and now she’s up a creek without a paddle.
That, of course, is not the only problem.
Oh boy. Lila is in deep doo doo! Luckily for her, she’s not the only one!
Hang tight my friends, “Pretty Little Wife” is a roller coaster of a ride that will not let you off until the very end.
The writing in this novel started off a little choppy - which admittedly made it hard for me to connect to at first and then all of a sudden it smoothed out around 25 - 30%. Once the writing settled down, I was hanging on for dear life. A fun, crazy, wild read that had me totally engrossed even though you have to suspend disbelief.
A fun buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins Publishers - William Morrow and Darby Kane for the arc.
When Leena Cotton is forced to take a two month leave from her job, she has an idea. Her GrandmCute as a Button!
Can love be found at any age? Maybe!
When Leena Cotton is forced to take a two month leave from her job, she has an idea. Her Grandmother Eileen Cotton lives in Hameligh-in-Harskdale and has always wanted to live in London, thus the two decide to switch lives, with Leena moving to Hamleigh and Eileen moving to London.
Sounds like an adventure of a lifetime right?
For Eileen Cotton it is. She suddenly finds herself looking for love on a dating website for the elderly and what she finds is a whole lot of fun. Eileen also finds herself living in Leena’s apartment, along with Leena’s flatmates - which is an experience like no other.
Leena, on the other hand, has to take care of all of Eileen’s “projects” in Hamleigh and none of Eileen’s friends are very accepting of her. Can she win them over while also trying to mend her relationship with her mum with whom she hasn’t been close, in over a year?
A heartwarming novel that will warm your soul in the sweetest of ways, the words I would use to describe this book are “adorably cute.”
In tough times, I recommend listening to the audiobook, as it made me smile and I think it will make you smile too! 3.5 Stars
A buddy listen with Kaceey!
Thank you to Libro.fm and Macmillan Audio for the alc.
Meet Jane: An Arizona transplant who is new to Birmingham, Alabama. Jane is looking to make ends meet by being Twisty & Turny and Utterly Compelling!.
Meet Jane: An Arizona transplant who is new to Birmingham, Alabama. Jane is looking to make ends meet by being a dog walker in what appears to be the sleepy little subdivision of Thornfield Estates.
Thornfield Estates however has a “Stepford” vibe - gorgeous, perfect housewives, beautiful expensive homes with everyone following a simple easy routine, and enjoying the quintessential life.
Or so it seems.
Little does Jane know that the residents of Thornfield Estates have their secrets and boy are they doozies!
Penniless and pretty, Jane is hoping to meet “the one.”
Enter Eddie Rochester. A recent widow who is trying to get over the death of his wife, Bea and her best friend Blanche, both of whom drowned while away on a “Girls Weekend.”
Eddie is dashing, kind, smart and successful - everything Jane wants in a man.
A whirlwind romance ensues, with Jane being swept off of her feet. Of course, Jane gets what she wants: A marriage proposal. Then again, Jane always gets what she wants.
Or does she?
In this case, perhaps Jane should have looked before she leaped.
Poor Jane. I almost feel for you. Almost.
What happens next is nothing short of brilliant, twisted and completely wild. Talk about turning the freaking tables and stunning this reader to no end!
“That twist” is the reason to pick up this highly anticipated novel!
Well done, Rachel Hawkins!
Captivating characters and a fantastic plot, make this mystery suspense a must read!
This was a fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc.
*Modified version of this review published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine on 10.21.20 Published on Goodreads on 10.25.20...more
Just when Evan Smoak has decided to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble, he finds himself in the thiHeart Stopping and Completely Thrilling!
Just when Evan Smoak has decided to turn over a new leaf and stay out of trouble, he finds himself in the thick of it. This time, helping a man whose cousin was murdered and whose family has completely turned against him. A man named Max Merriweather who is now on someone’s hit list for unknown reasons.
Evan would like nothing more to just walk away from it all and yet, it is not in him. He is a man who lives by a code.
“Into the Fire” started off on a bit of a depressing note, with Evan feeling lost and alone. Being the person that I am, loving Evan the way that I do, I wanted to dive into the book and comfort him and tell him that everything would be alright. That being said, Evan is a survivor and triumphs over all.
This novel was pulse pounding, highly emotional and it put me through the absolute ringer. Reading this series, I sometimes wonder how on earth I pull through! What I loved most about this book was Evan’s interaction with Joey Morales. Joey is a fantastic addition to this series and I love the witty banter between these two. If you’re looking for a series that will entertain and make you feel alive, the Orphan X series is definitely it!
“Into the Fire” was another fabulous buddy read with Kaceey!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of this book (and series). I have loved it so much that I went out and bought the entire series!
There’s even a book entitled “House of Horrors” recounting the Holt family’s experience living there for 3 wBaneberry Hall: It is said to be Haunted.
There’s even a book entitled “House of Horrors” recounting the Holt family’s experience living there for 3 weeks before fleeing into the night, twenty-five years ago.
Baneberry has been vacant ever since. Until now.
Maggie Holt, who was a little girl at the time, has decided to return to restore Baneberry Hall to its former glory.
The question of course is whether or not the house is safe for Maggie to return to.
Silly question.. Right?!
Riley Sager’s “Home Before Dark” included sinister undertones and yet, I never felt chilled to the bone, nor did the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end. In my case, I needed a little scare factor than Riley Sager delivered. That being said, I enjoyed how the book was written, which included chapters from the “House of Horrors” interspersed with Maggie’s life in the present day as she attempted to face her past and Baneberry Hall.
This is now the fourth book that I’ve read by Riley Sager and I will say that while my favorite book of his remains “Final Girls” - I truly enjoyed “Home Before Dark” and thought it was much better than either “The Last Time I Lied” or “Lock Every Door.” 3.5 Stars.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Penguin Publishing and Riley Sager for the arc.
Published on Edelweiss and Goodreads on 10.7.20. ...more
Five teenagers set off in the woods to search for their best friend Sadie who went missing days prior. Though the police are investigating, the teens Five teenagers set off in the woods to search for their best friend Sadie who went missing days prior. Though the police are investigating, the teens are sure the police have no idea what they're doing.
The issue of course is that every single member of “The Search Party” has a secret and in this case, it turns out to be deadly.
When one of the teens winds up dead, everything goes awry, including their plans to find the truth, making this whodunit even crazier than you could imagine.
Atmospheric, compelling, intriguing and twisty-turny, “The Search Party” is an extremely suspenseful thriller that kept me on my toes throughout. The writing style is unique and admittedly took me a while to get into but once I did I was all in! Well done Simon Lelic!
Another captivating buddy read with Ms. Kaceey!
Thank you to Elisha at Berkley Publishing Group, NetGalley and Simon Lelic for the arc.
What can I say: knowing what I do about Connecticut Law, the premise of this novel simply didn't ring true almost from the get go and I, tNo. Just No.
What can I say: knowing what I do about Connecticut Law, the premise of this novel simply didn't ring true almost from the get go and I, therefore was rolling my eyes almost immediately. Then I got to the end and my frustration grew and I thought: "Oh No, You Didn't!" however, Liv Constantine did.
All I can say is that I am not a fan of far-fetched plots. If you are, this book might be just what you're looking for.
This was another buddy read with Kaceey, which definitely gave us a lot to talk about.
Thank you to Edelweiss, Harper Collins and Liv Constantine for the arc.
Evan Smoak: You are Crazy, Brave and totally Fierce and what you have planned is InFREAKINGsane!
Dude, in “Out of the Dark,” Evan Smoak had me in fearEvan Smoak: You are Crazy, Brave and totally Fierce and what you have planned is InFREAKINGsane!
Dude, in “Out of the Dark,” Evan Smoak had me in fear for his life. (I know, I know, he puts his own life in his hands all of the time, but THIS TIME?!).. Frak. Just frak. I can’t even.
Here, the life of Evan Smoak and all other Orphans (including Joey Morales, the one whose life he saved in “Hellbent”) are on the line and it’s up to Evan to save them from the man who is out to kill them. The problem? It’s the one man in the nation who it is impossible to kill and get away with. Like freaking impossible - and yet, Evan has come up with a plan to do exactly that.
Didn’t I just say that this book was INSANE?!
Just writing this review has made my pulse start pounding thinking about the plot of this ridiculous book and yet I LOVED every second of it.
“Out of the Dark” is a brilliantly plotted (terrifying), character driven novel that made my pulse skyrocket and my heart catch in my throat.
Kaceey and I read this together (of course) and I kept texting her like “Omg, doesn’t he know he can’t get away with this? No one ever has before! This is absurd”.. In true Kaceey fashion, she just laughed and laughed at how entwined I became in the storyline and in the characters. Out of all of the series we’ve read together, this just might be my favorite. Thanks for sharing in the fun with me Kaceey!
Thank you to my local library for loaning me a copy of the e-book.
The Fours Family lives across the street from the creepiest guy imaginable. A socially awkward guy who skulks around the neighCreepy and Captivating!
The Fours Family lives across the street from the creepiest guy imaginable. A socially awkward guy who skulks around the neighborhood, Owen Pick was put on leave from his job due to allegations of behaving inappropriately towards teenage girls.
Roan Fours is a Child Psychologist, his wife Cate is a Physiologist. They have two teenage kids and are a seemingly happy family.
Years prior, Roan treated ten-year old Saffyre Maddox who had been traumatized by a horrific event she never disclosed. Saffyre is now a young woman who is full of secrets.
After a number of sexual assaults are reported in the neighborhood, the Fours Family naturally suspects Owen Pick.
When Saffyre goes missing on Valentines’ night, a suspect is arrested.
Guilt or innocence: the answer is not always clear cut. In addition, things are not always as they seem and trust is hard to come by.
So many questions arose while reading this book and of course, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end.
“Invisible Girl” is a twisty, turny domestic suspense that will delight Lisa Jewell fans from start to finish. Though I guessed the ending, I still really enjoyed this entertaining thriller!
Another buddy read with Kaceey.
Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Books and Lisa Jewell for the arc.
Published on NetGalley and Goodreads on 9.28.20. ...more
Holla! Evan Smoak is back and this time he’s not going it alone!
In “Hellbent” the third book in the “Orphan X” series, Evan is tasked with obtainingHolla! Evan Smoak is back and this time he’s not going it alone!
In “Hellbent” the third book in the “Orphan X” series, Evan is tasked with obtaining a package and that package is more precious than Evan could ever dream. Turns out it’s Joey, a teenage girl who failed out of the program that Evan escaped from long ago. Now it’s up to him to save her and himself from Orphan Y, also known as Charles Van Sciver, who has been tasked with wiping out all other orphans.
Of course, Evan and Joey have their work cut out for them. If they’re going to defeat Orphan Y, they have to learn to trust each other first.
Are you excited yet? Is your heart pounding in your throat? It should be! This installment hit all the right notes. It was thrilling, pulse pounding, sentimental and sweet.
I simply adored the character of Joey Morales and loved that she brought out a softer side of Evan Smoak. I loved the idea of the student becoming the teacher and hope that this storyline continues to develop.
This was an amazing buddy read with Kaceey. We both loved this addition to the series and can’t wait to continue the journey with Evan Smoak.
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