100+ Books in 2025 discussion
2017 Lists
>
Nan's 2017 Books
50. Tangled Threads by Jennifer EstepIn the fourth novel in the urban fantasy series finds Gin Bianco, AKA the Spider, being stalked by a ruthless assassin, Elecktra. Hired by her nemesis, Mab Monroe, this assassin may be the death of Gin. Electrocuting people is what Elecktra does, and she likes frying people and Gin will have to muster all her own magic to protect herself and others from the 'frying pan' by kicking some giants' butts protecting Elecktra.
Discovering the depths of love for her growing family can both help and hinder her, but revealing some secrets may cost her everything. Touching moments, deeper understanding, and new characters all add to the enjoyment of reading it.
51. Banished Love by Ramona FlightnerThe year 1900...a time before women had the vote, a time when women without chaperones was forbidden and if caught in that situation, it would destroy a reputation, a time when societal mores determine who is an appropriate suitor (or not), a time of class distinctions and immigrant distrust, ...this is the setting for this historical romance.
Clarissa, a clumsy young woman, has had an issue with a young man, Cameron, as the novel opens. What it is exactly, the reader can only guess. Is it a stalker? Is it a ruined reputation? What, and does it matter? Yet when she knocks over a young man, Gabriel McLeod, who is working at her uncle's store, this is the precipitating moment of the romance. Over time Clarissa and Gabriel begin a friendship that deepens into love, but mores are against them, class distinction is against them, and some family members are against them, determined to split them apart with innuendo and rumor.
A sweet romance with a few chaste kisses and hand holding; there are some truly memorable characters particularly Sophronia Chickering, the suffragist who befriends Clarissa. The author is extremely descriptive, so descriptive that the reader can imagine every room, every piece of clothing, every person's features. This ends on a cliffhanger with no real resolution as to whether the couple will ever get their happily-ever-after (although there are others in the series).
52. Craving for Love by Violet VaughnA contemporary romance of a couple who want two different things. Casey and Jason have a passionate and loving relationship except she wants children and he doesn't.
Truly a deal breaker for Casey, who packs up, leaves Vermont, and moves to Breckinridge, Colorado. There she meets hunky ski instructor Blaine, who supposedly wants what she wants...a home and family. Except there's little or no chemistry between these two despite protestations of love. She's craving sex, and he's taking it glacially slow. Chaste kisses and hand holding to the point where she questions everything about herself.
Reenter Jason, who, surprisingly enough, moves out there, too, and gets a job as a ski instructor. Passions still run high, but who will she choose? The man who wants a family, or the man she truly loves? A few surprises, a few secrets, and lots of snow and descriptions of skiing.
Lots of What-the-tuck trends seen...lots of hair tucking as well green-eyed characters, a messy ponytail (which actually was appropriate for the moment), and even a mention of a pencil skirt and stilettos in this first romance in the series. 3.5 stars
53. Lease on Love by Violet VaughnThe second book in the three book set finds a couple mentioned in the first one (Craving for Love) as the love story.
Lori becomes a ski instructor after having her Olympic dreams shattered by her abusive coach. Once an Olympic hopeful in figure skating, Lori is fleeing her past as well as the man who cost her everything.
For Kaleb and Lori both, it is lust at first sight. Kaleb is so enamored he runs into the bathroom door; for Lori, he is Adonis personified. As they get to know each other better, lust turns to love, but Lucas, her former coach, is no longer in rehab and is out to find her again.
Romance and suspense go hand in hand in this contemporary romance. Like its predecessor, it features skiing and spicy, romantic moments of early love. Yet, will they work out their own particular issues? Of course, there are plenty of What-the-tuck moments, too. 3.5 stars
54. I Saw a Man by Owen SheersSecrets and lies, death and grief, guilt and screwdrivers. All play their part in this slowly evolving and resolving tale of Caroline, Michael, Josh, Samantha, Rachel, and Lucy.
And Daniel, let the reader not forget Daniel; he should not be forgotten as he plays his part in the cascade of events. Like a line of dominoes, the events fall into place one at a time.
Could anything have prevented any of the tragedies? How often does one event trigger another? And another? Never, ever let a person borrow a screwdriver!
55. Rush for Love by Violet VaughnThe third contemporary romance in the Snow-kissed Love series finds Gretchen and Derrick becoming involved.
Gretchen Nickelson is all about sex with bad boys. She doesn't do relationships, especially the idea of love. Men who want more, who get clingy, get kicked to the curb AND fast. An Olympic hopeful in the sport of snowboarding, she's there in Breckenridge for a good time and training to improve her skills to make the team.
The same thing is true for Derrick Hamilton. He's all for a great lay, especially preferring it hot and preferably not vanilla, but don't talk to him about the subject of love. His biggest concern is his twin sister Nika's happiness and health.
But when these two meet all bets are off. Intense from the get-go, and could it be two wild, take-no-prisoner, people are perfect for each other? And want a permanent thing? When things get out of control, will an accident destroy the chance for the pair's happiness?
Loved Gretchen's euphemisms for curse words as she attempts to swearing so much; it's too funny when she changes them to something more appropriate to civil conversation (example: shiitake mushroom).
Characters from previous two in the series show up, often in parallel scenes, which shows continuity between the romances (even the same words used in dialogue from one to the next); however, unlike the previous two, this one seemed more rushed as it has more typos (missing words or trailing or lacking word endings) and incorrectly used words (to vs. too, taught vs. taut). While it is complete as is, it seems like there are a few too many loose ends, but then life itself is messy and sometimes the answers to 'what happened then' or 'what about this person' never do really get answered...and still life goes on.
Lots of WTT trends...lots of hair tucking incidents, messy hairstyles, rich men with super hot abs.
56. Love Life by Lexy TimmsA contemporary romance with a twist. The guy, Antonio Rivera (Tony Rivers) comes from a poor, bad background...gangland LA, but thanks to his deceased mother, he can dance (ballet); the girl, Allison, is wealthy at least money-wise, emotional-wise not so much since he father is emotionally distant.
Yet, the pair clicks from the moment they meet at Sam Olauh, an arts school. It shouldn't be, but it is steamy from the moment they first kiss. Blake Smithson, however, upon first laying eyes of Tony, wants to destroy Tony's chances at the school and with Allie. And he may just succeed.
Channeling 'West Side Story' in more ways than one (they star in the production together), it is a matter of star-crossed lovers and vengeful classmates.
Will they take a chance on each other, or will happiness elude them like Maria and Tony? Will Blake succeed in getting diversity student Tony kicked out, or will others take the fall for the mayhem he causes?
A few too many typos and a cliffhanger ending makes this reader wonder if it is worth finding out whether a happily ever after is possible for the two. On the other hand, the What-the-tuck trends were kept to a minimum (see: a romance with a twist). 2.5 stars
57. From Glowing Embers by Emilie RichardsA second chance romance that finds Julie Ann Mason (now renamed Julianna) and Gray Sheridan meeting up on a plane to Hawaii after ten years apart. Caught in a hurricane along with Australian Dillon, Paige, the woman he plans on marrying, and Jody, a friend's daughter, they are forced together.
Married ten years ago, the death of their daughter Ellie broke them apart, or that's how Julie Ann saw it. Running away without explanation, she has reinvented herself, but the feelings haven't changed. Or have they? Will they get a divorce or will they finally reconcile, finally coming to terms with their past?
Not a steamy read, but a romance that will stir heartstrings.
58. Man and Boy by Tony ParsonsKramer v. Kramer British-style and with a reverse twist.
Harry is about to turn the Big 3-0, and he wants a sports car and has a one-night stand which implodes his marriage to Gina. His son Pat becomes collateral damage, but after Gina leaves for Japan, the relationship between Harry and Pat, after a few false starts, becomes stronger and stronger despite the rest of his life falling apart.
When Gina returns a year later, she wants Pat to live with her and a custody battle ensues. Who will get residency (the term for custody)?
Sometimes hilarious, sometimes sad, this is the story of a father and his son as well as a son and his father.
59. Spider's Revenge by Jennifer EstepThe fifth installment of the Gin Blanco series finds Gin (AKA the notorious assassin , the Spider) going up directly against Mab Monroe, the woman who killed her mother and older sister, seventeen years ago.
And someone is going to "get dead" in Gin vernacular. Will it be Gin or Mab? Redemption, family, love, and magic are some of the themes seen as Gin battles Mab to the death.
In characteristic Estep fashion, there is humor mixed with touching moments. 4.5 stars
60. Forever in Love by Leanna MorganA contemporary romance that is good clean fun to read. It is not full of spicy bits, but kissing can be pretty fulfilling.
Amy has returned home to Montana, home to the Gray family, which includes Nathan. She has her younger sister, Catherine, with her. After her mother dumped the five-month-old on her doorstep in Chicago, Amy sought temporary custody and brought her here.
Old feelings between Nathan and Amy emerge, but can either one release control? Especially when each is (or feels) damaged in some manner? Will either admit to loving the other?
What about Catherine? Will Amy and Catherine ever see their mother again? And if they do, will the sisters be separated?
Family values, friendships, and a simple romance with a happy ending.
61. Rescue by Anita ShreveRescue, an apt title...from one rescue to another, this is a story full of rescues.
When young EMT Peter Webster rescued Sheila from a crash fueled by alcohol, it set off a chain reaction of rescues. Instantly smitten with Sheila, he not only rescues her, but they become involved. When she gets pregnant, they marry and have a daughter Rowan.
Briefly, life is wonderful for the new family until Sheila gets in another alcohol-induced accident, this time with two-year-old Rowan in tow. Decisions are made, and Webster sends Sheila away, preferring to rear Rowan as a single parent.
Through the years as an EMT, Webster experiences many rescues in his position, but when
teen-aged Rowan acts out, and has her own issues with alcohol, there will be another rescue.
Sheila eventually returns, but will there be any resolution for Rowan? For Sheila? For Webster? Ultimately can this family be rescued?
62. Wrath of Magic by Simone PondThe final novel in the Mysterium Chronicles trilogy finds Jordan Temple, AKA the Chosen One, feeling bereft, unaccomplished, and despondent. Starting out where the previous novel, River of Magic, ended, she has fulfilled the prophecy, returning the Ancients to their homeland, but...she is now separated from them. What next for her? Can she find a way in?
Finding out she has more to do to complete the prophecy, she and the few remaining ragtag members are tasked with going to the cities of the Confederated Six to offer a choice: life or death, the Ancient One or Ashtar. Then return for a Final Battle against the evil Magnus.
With new characters seen as well as old characters reintroduced, this is an urban fantasy novel with twists and turns, paranormal creatures and magic, and a clear distinction between good and evil leading to redemption or death.
A few minor typos, but none are so egregious as to spoil the pleasure of reading this compelling, spiritual story. It is action-packed with plenty of surprises.
63. By a Thread by Jennifer EstepIn this installment of the Gin Bianco series the Spider takes a vacation with her sister Bria. Just what they both need after their adventure with Mab Monroe.
Troubles find Gin and Bria and Callie, Bria's best friend, and the Spider is called back into service. This time might be the last time as Gin meets her match in Randall Dekes. Who will 'get dead' in this urban fantasy that brings back the whole cast of characters and introduces a few new ones? So much for a relaxing vacation!
Always fun reads with just enough spicy romance and action to keep a reader coming back for more.
64. Widow's Web by Jennifer EstepThe seventh book in the Gin Blanco series finds Gin on the horns of a dilemma regarding a new (returning) elemental in Ashland. She is Owen's first love (and a nasty piece of work) and is determined to have him again no matter what despite Gin. Eva, Owen's sister, wants something entirely different...the woman's death for reasons of her own. To kill or not to kill, that is the question. To risk Owen's love or to risk friends and family being killed by her? Irony is biting Gin on the butt...what will she do?
65. The Story Keeper by Lisa WingateA mysterious manuscript comes into the hands of Jen Gibbs, Jennia Beth to her family, and starts her down a rabbit hole that leads her back to family and a life she thought she left.
Mystery after mystery unfold in this tale of Appalachia...the mystery of the manuscript and the mystery of who wrote it. Who is the Story Keeper?
Two stories morph into one marvelous story with love, faith, redemption, family, and more at its core.
Quotes to remember: "It's so easy to make assumptions, passing by other people's homes at a distance. To be so certain that the goings-on mirror the exteriors--that glittering facades and squeaky-clean windows equate to perfect families, yet the reality is that containers often tell nothing of the contents." (p. 162)
66. The Confession of Stella Moon by Shelley DayMatricide? It just sounds creepy, doesn't it? And it is just the one thing the reader knows from the outset, that Stella Moon confessed to killing her mother, Muriel.
Stella has served her sentence, and she is now out of prison, but things are not what they seem. Making her way back to the house she grew up in, Stella finds a boarded-up wreck of a place and trouble, lots of trouble as memories crowd in. Creepy and mesmerizing, this story will give the reader chills, cause the reader to shudder as the story is slowly revealed. Poor Stella...everyone has used her in one way or the other except for Marcia.
Marcia may be the sole redeeming character.
The epilogue is a must read as the reader learns about Stella's ultimate fate, and the story wraps around nicely.
67. Neighborhood Watch by Cammie McGovernA twisted tale of murder and secrets on a street where all the houses are alike (cookie cutter houses), but the people within...well, they hide secrets from themselves and their neighbors. Who killed Linda Sue? Was it the protagonist, Betsy Treading, who served twelve years in prison before being exonerated, or is another person in the neighborhood? Follow the paths, let the story unfold, as Betsy tries to figure it out, too.
68. Beyond the Rising Tide by Sarah Beard4.5 stars...this YA romance is not a run-of-the-mill romance, but it is one that is full of angst and spirituality. Told from the alternative perspectives of the two main characters, Avery and Kai, the story tells of their first meeting when Kai saves Avery from drowning with his death as a result.
Now, a healer in Demoror, he observes Avery's continuing difficulty with his death, and he wants to help her to rediscover her sense of self and vivacious life. Always a rebellious soul, Kai breaks the rule and finds a way to have a body and they meet for real and form a deep relationship.
Avery and Kai have a few days together, but will it be enough? Can Kai save Avery without losing her forever? Will they ever be together again? Is it possible to be dangerously happy?
It's a refreshingly clean teenage romance with deeper issues at its core, and a surprise ending.
A few mild WTT trends...hair tucking, green eyes (okay blue-green eyes). Well edited, too, with few typos...except for the use of repel for the word rappel.
69. The Perfect Stranger by Megan MirandaHow well do you really know your friends? That is the question that stumps Leah Stewart in this twists-and-turns filled suspense thriller.
Everyone in this novel has something to hide including Leah, but Emmy Grey, her roommate for the second time, seems to have disappeared (and now seems to have never existed).
When a woman is attacked who looks like Leah and then Emmy inexplicably disappears, Leah tries to get to the bottom of it all. With the help of Kyle Donovan, a detective, she might figure it out, or she may be implicated in something worse.
This one will keep you guessing until the end. It is high octane suspense at its best.
70. Good Guys Love Dogs by Inglath CooperWhile more of a cat person than a dog person, this reader found this to be a wonderfully romantic story. A contemporary romance that brings together two wounded-by-losses people, who have guarded their hearts for too long.
Colby Williams, single mother to her daughter Lena, has shielded her heart for years when Lena's father dumped her when she became pregnant. She's the town veterinarian, and loves all animals particularly dogs.
Ian McKinley, single father to his son Luke, has shielded his heart since his wife died shortly after Luke's birth. When Luke gets in trouble, Ian moves them from New York City to rural Keeling Creek, and culture shock ensues.
But each parent, individually, is dealing with issues with their children when they first meet. Ian is engaged, though, and for Colby, there are certain lines that shouldn't be crossed despite growing attraction.
Will Ian and Colby have their happily ever after? What about Luke and Lena? And even some of the other couples in the story?
A clean cut romance about families who care...and it doesn't matter if you prefer cats to dogs or vice versa because how you treat animals of any sort is the measure of a person as the title reminds us...the story is just one to bring a smile (and a few tears) to one's face.
71. Kiss of Venom by Jennifer Estep (70.5)Owen's Story, finally
A novella told from Owen's perspective...with his friend Philip at his side...finds him protecting Gin Blanco secretly. Will he win back his love?
This novella fits between books 8 and 9, and reminds the reader what a good guy he is. What a hunk, who can be tough and sweet at the same time. Also this gives insight into his and Philip's long time friendship. A must read for those invested in the Gin Blanco Elemental series.
72. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul KalanithiWhat a profound and poignant read about a man, a neurosurgeon nearing the end of his education and training, discovering he has lung cancer. A man who has so much to contribute to medicine and having to make choices of life and death for himself and his young family.
Paul Kalanithi was entering the last phase of his training when he inexplicably began to lose weight. Being the physician he was, he researched his symptoms thoroughly. No one wanted to believe him, but he was right. It was lung cancer, and he became a patient. Yet, that was not the end for Paul; he lived beyond his diagnosis, giving the reader hope even into death.
In this memoir, he writes about his journey of being a neurosurgeon and being a patient. How it changed him, how it changed his practice, and how it affected his wife, his daughter, and him. A worthwhile read for anyone in the medical field as well as the general public, but be prepared for tears and more. The epilogue, written posthumously by his physician-wife, completes his tale.
73. Deadly Sting by Jennifer EstepGiant-sized problems...
Gin Blanco, AKA the Spider, takes on some giants in the 8th book in the Elemental Assassin series.
All she planned on doing was attend the big gala, but if Gin is there, someone is going to get dead. With all these giants, it just may be that Gin's luck has run out.
Sassy, sexy, and humorous... just a fun read, if not a bit violent.
74. Thread of Death by Jennifer Estep (73.5)Funerals can be deadly.
For Gin Blanco, AKA the assassin Spider, they certainly can be. Trouble follows Gin when she attends the funeral of her nemesis in this novella set between books #5 and #6.
New characters and old give their own perspective making this an informative read and a few hints into the next couple books. And of course, Gin does what she does best: get people dead.
75. One for the Money by Janet EvanovichThe first is the Stephanie Plum series finds her out of job, out of money, and out of items to hock. Finding herself in dire straits, she takes a job finding people who have skipped out on their bail bond. Her main target: Joe Morelli, a crush from her teen years. However, learning the job has its own rough patches as she attracts unwanted attention and this may be her first (and last case).
76. Family Tree by Susan WiggsThe key ingredient to Wiggs' Family Tree is her fresh characters. Added to this are family, friends, love, and new starts. The story is thoroughly engaging from the moment that the story with Annie finding out she is pregnant until the end. It is an emotional read of love, lost and found, of dreams, lost and found, and families, lost and found. The tale, told in a Now and Then format, can be heart-wrenching as the reader roots for Annie Rush Harlow, the protagonist.
Annie's and Fletcher's story is one of this author's best contemporary novels. Having reading quite a few of her others in the past, this reader can definitely make this claim. For those who like women's fiction or for those who have never experienced Susan Wiggs' writing, this is a good one with which to start. As for this reader, loved it.
77. Queen of the Trailer Park by Alice QuinnHow to solve a mystery with younger children in tow. Rose, queen of trailer trash, has four kids...two of hers and two of a friend's, in tow when she hits the jackpot. The jackpot: thousands in Euros, found in trashcans. Instant wealth and trouble with the Russian mafia and police ensue.
Can she and her four charges figure out what is going on before something bad happens? New friends help out, but can they be trusted? Especially as goons come visiting?
Totally camp mystery with plenty of implausible situations. Rose has more synonyms for young children, some of which were totally new to this reader. If for no other reason, consider reading this just for the colorful, clever terminology for rug rats, which may have been one she DIDN'T use.
78. Be Frank with Me by Julia Claiborne JohnsonA reclusive writer, M.M. Banning (Mimi), has penned one stellar, classic novel before hiding herself away. (Think: Harper Lee, perhaps...or at least, that was this reader's first thought). Now, after being swindled out of her money, she must write another novel. Any novel will do.
Enter Alice Whitley, a young editorial assistant. Sent by Mimi's publisher to help, but instead of helping with the novel, she becomes a companion to Mimi's nine-year-old son, Frank.
Frank is an atypical lad...a devotee of films, a snappy dresser with a wardrobe of a 1930s movie star, and an intellectual giant (Think: Sheldon Cooper of 'The Big Bang Theory'). There are two rules to understanding Frank. Rule One: No touching Frank's things. Rule Two: No touching Frank.
Thus begins the education and relationship between Frank and Alice. This is a charming debut novel about a unique child and his companion Alice, all told through her perspective. There are laugh out loud moments; there are poignant silences; there are 'double entendre' moments. And lots of jokes that fall flat (knock, knock), and dialog that doesn't. Frank is adorable and lovable, and the story is a joy to read. Lots of classic movie references, too.
Quotes to remember:
"There are a lot of words for nothingness," Frank said. "Love means nothing."
"That's not true."
"Yes it is. In tennis." (page 83)
(about mothers in LA) "If you ask me, I think every small town mean girl in America who's pretty but not much else comes out here to die. Which they start to do the minute they realize there are a million girls already here who look just like them but have more talent.... The ones who smile like lunatics and wear yoga pants all day are the worst. (page 117)
4.5 stars
79. Heart of Venom by Jennifer EstepHistory repeats itself...Gin Blanco, AKA the Spider, is having a relaxing spa day with friends and family when it goes horribly wrong. Sophia's past catches up with her when Harley Grimes appears, and Gin and company goes after the man, who messed with her. Will she survive this encounter in this ninth installment of the Elemental Assassin series?
Humor, particularly dark humor, is the hallmark of Estep's novels as well as references to her works of fiction. Always fun reads with lots of magic and sexy, strong women.
80. Pollyanna by Eleanor H. PorterWhile written for children, this story is good for adults as well. The message of the story is to find the 'glad' in it (to put it in a more modern context: find the positive in whatever situation one finds themselves in). Example: a person wants a doll but gets crutches instead, yet the person should be glad he/she doesn't need the crutches because his/her legs work just fine so be glad one doesn't need the crutches.
Pollyanna goes to live with her aunt, Polly Harrington. While she is excited to get to know her aunt, to have a new home, for Miss Polly, it is duty only. To begin with...that is. Pollyanna becomes friends to all even winning over the most curmudgeonly man and woman in the Vermont village with the 'Game' (the game of being glad taught to her by her father) over time.
It is this positive attitude that is necessary for Pollyanna to finally deal with her own find-her-glad moment after a horrible accident leaves her bereft and inconsolable.
Love, redemption, and acceptance bring about changes to Aunt Polly, servants, neighbors, the whole village, and of course, ultimately Pollyanna.
Older novels have a certain charm not seen in books written now. The vocabulary is complex as is the grammar. While there are people speaking in dialect, it is still more precise than text-speak. This may be the best reason for reading a text written well over a century ago.
81. The Santangelos by Jackie CollinsThe tenth book in the Lucky Santangelo series finds Lucky dealing with the death of her father, Gino. To be honest, this reader has not read any of the others in the series; thus it could have been difficult to understand all the dynamics between various family members and friends. Yet there are enough back story references to catch up even this novice to Lucky's and her extended family's previous exploits. In other words, this can be read without having read the previous nine although it is probably an advantage to having read the rest as many of the events were hinted at, rather than totally revealed.
Having read at least one other Collins' novel, this reader knew that it would be spicy with lots of racy, raunchy moments between characters. Moreover, there would be some unseemly characters playing fast and loose with the law (and each other). In other words sex, drugs, and Hollywood. She writes what she knows (or wrote what she knew as this may have been her last novel before she died in 2015).
This one has a huge cast of characters with lots of interactions between the main players. There is revenge, back-stabbing, and one woman, Lucky, trying to orchestrate them all, or as much as possible.
No, it's not a classic, nor will it ever be, but for a great gossipy beach read, check it out.
3.5 stars
82. Leaving Lucy Pear by Anna SolomonA wealthy young woman, destined to go to Radcliffe as a gifted pianist, finds herself pregnant out of wedlock in 1917. Leaving the infant underneath a pear tree the night the pear-stealers appear, Beatrice (Bea) Haven hopes one of the families will claim her. And it comes to pass that Emma Murphy finds the baby and rears her as her own.
Ten years later, the two women meet and are brought together once again through a series of coincidences. Each of the women carries secrets, but the biggest one is that Emma realizes that this woman, Bea Cohn, is Lucy Pear's biological mother. Does Beatrice know, and if she does, what will happen?
Set during the time of Prohibition, women's suffrage, and post-World War I, it is a novel of families and unfulfilled dreams. It is a time of rampant xenophobia, worker's struggles, and class distinctions (reminding this reader of what is going on even today).
Literary in language and nature, it is a bit slow to start and keeping track of all the characters and their relationships is, at times, difficult. After what was a slowly revealing story, the ending almost seemed rushed, and it took this reader a few re-reads of the last several chapters to understand it all.
The title character, Lucy Pear, is a ten-year-old cross-dressing girl, who is bright and bold, doing whatever jobs she can to escape a father who is cruel. Discovering her birth mother has a heart-wrenching effect upon Lucy and the whole Murphy clan. Overall, this is a story of motherhood and the sacrifices that women make for love.
3.5 stars
83. The Spider by Jennifer EstepGoing back to the beginning in this novel that predates all the others.
A gift arrives, and in recollection, Gin returns to the beginning and a hit that goes awry. One of her first solo hits as the Spider, but she may get caught in a web of her own making.
Cameo appearances of characters who have become mainstays in later novels add to the enjoyment of the story. Like C.S. Lewis' The Magician's Nephew, it would be a shame to read it first. Let the drama unfold and the surprises be revealed as only Estep can by reading them in order including the free short stories on her website.
84. The Other Einstein by Marie BenedictMileva Maric (Mitza to close friends and family) is a brilliant physicist and mathematician in her own right, in a time when women didn't pursue academic careers. She meets Albert Einstein at the Polytechnic in Zürich, and they fall in love, have a daughter, and eventually marry.
But there is only room for one Einstein in this fictional novel as he subjugates her contributions as his own. Was his theory of relativity first conceived by her? Were her contributions equal to, if not greater than his?
The story, which was researched using letters written by the pair, is Mitza's story of their lives together. This could be a story that many women have experienced... a man taking credit for a wife's thoughts without regard to her feelings, or more important, the truth.
Antisemitism, anti gender, anti Serbian, etc. are all part of the story.
85. Cooking for Picasso by Camille AubrayI am not a gourmet cook, unfortunately, because this review just calls for all kinds of adjectives that refers to cooking; however, having said that, this is a story of cooking, art, and love told through the past as well as the present.
1936--In a small village in southern France, a young seventeen-year-old girl is recruited by her parents to cook and then deliver lunch daily to a new patron, a mysterious man by the name of Ruiz. Bicycling up one of the steep hills of Juan-les-Pins, Ondine finally meets the man, Picasso, who is hiding out from everyone. Over time, she meets Matisse and Cocteau, but ends up modeling (and a bit more) for Picasso.
2014--Celine, Ondine's granddaughter, has heard stories from her mother Julie about her grandmother and a mysterious painting all her life. With her mother in a nursing home following a stroke, Celine travels to France in her mother's place with her aunt for a cooking class, and to search for this painting, that is, if it really exists.
Just a well-constructed story that brings three generations of women together in a story that all are connected to an enigmatic artist and his art. Added to that, there are French cuisine references throughout (just reading the story, I think a few pounds were added to this reader's waistline), and lovely impressionistic pictures of southern France were painted.
Overall, recommended for anyone who has interest in gourmet cooking, art, and love for ultimately it is a love story written in a historical context of the missing years of Picasso. Could it be a chance encounter with a young woman was enough to spark a new period for this artist? This novel answers this question, and a bit more.
Quotes to remember/consider:
"Yes, we cook and eat things that were once alive--be they vegetables or animals--in order to stoke the fire of life in us; but in return, we must keep our end of the bargain, which is to handle them humanely with great respect; and when it's our turn to die, we should do so gracefully and willingly, so that we, too, feed the fiery furnace of the earth's future plants and creatures." (p. 267)
86. Poison Promise by Jennifer EstepThe 11th novel in the Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco battling a new evil in the form of the a new street drug called Burn. And she may just get burned in the process because the man behind the drug is tough as nails and twice as dangerous as some of her former adversaries.
Will the Spider ever clean up the streets of Ashland, or will she be swept away by a fire out of control?
The continuing saga of Gin's extended family as well as her ironic observations are just some of the reasons to read the urban fantasy series. Finding carefully placed reminders of her other novels is just an added plus.
87. Black Widow by Jennifer Estep
Spider vs. spider...
A new threat from a new player who is out to destroy Gin Blanco and her family and close friends has Gin stuck in a web. This black widow may have more venom and cunning than Gin.
Can she and all she loves survive this onslaught? Who will win in this battle?
Estep adds another dimension to the Elemental Assassin series with a new adversary who just might be her match. A fun series with a strong female lead.
88. Fates and Traitors by Jennifer Chiaverini4.5 stars actually, this historical novel of John Wilkes Booth and four women who loved him and kept his secrets. His mother Mary, his sister Asia, his secret fiance Lucy Hale, and Mary Surratt, the boardinghouse owner who was implicated in the plot, are the focus of the novel.
The first man ever to assassinate a President is chronicled here and it is fascinating reading all the machinations, plotting, and his career of Booth (as well as his family). Lots of details, well researched novel.
89. Blessings by Anna QuindlenWhat makes a family a family? This is the basis of this story.
When Skip Cuddy finds an abandoned newborn on the Blessings property, he wants to keep it. Hiding the child away as he goes about his job as caretaker of the property. His employer, the elderly Lydia Blessing, wants the same thing (when she finally discovers the baby) and is willing to help him keep the child he names Faith.
They all become a family of sorts even as secrets are kept, discovered, and shared.
An okay story with moments of redemption and love. Resolves all the secrets even if it is not all happily ever after for the characters (but isn't life like that for most people?).
90. Spider's Trap by Jennifer EstepGin takes on a metal elemental who is bent on revenge. Friends may come and go, but enemies accumulate and now that she is head of Ashland's underworld, she has acquired more enemies including one that she didn't even realize she created oh-so-long-ago.
91. The Look of Love by Bella AndreThe look of love...is lovely (as the author reminds the reader over and over again--wish I had counted every time Chase called Chloe lovely).
While this is a spicy romance between a good man who rescues a battered woman, it is a bit unbelievable. His family, for one. They all are over-the-top gorgeous and have perfect jobs. Added to that, there is Chase's instant attraction (love) for Chloe despite her desire to keep her distance.
Breaking down her trust issues, though, makes up most of the story, and Chloe's acceptance of her sensual nature makes for a spicy read.
92. Bitter Bite by Jennifer EstepThe past will bite...The past has a way of coming back and biting Gin Bianco, and this time it is bitter. Moreover, her "brother" Finn is bitten as well when his past is revealed. His mother is alive! But is it good news for the pair? Gin thinks not, but Finn thinks otherwise.
With Estep's skill at keeping the Elemental Assassin series fresh, this fourteenth novel is more suspenseful, gripping and introduces new characters to keep Gin busy. And worried about her extended family.
92.5 Unwanted by Jennifer Estep (an e-novella)A novella told from the viewpoint of Finnegan Lane about the aftermath of the robbery of his bank. Finn shows his softer side when he helps out the widow of a slain guard, but he can be as tough as his "sister" Gin is when the situation warrants it.
Gotta love the handsome, well-dressed, green-eyed Finn, and this shows him off just (Fiona) Fine.
93. Unraveled by Jennifer EstepUnraveling the mystery...
Gin Bianco, the elemental assassin, is hoping to unravel the mystery of the Circle and her mother's involvement in it. Her whole world was rocked when she found out her mother wasn't what she seemed, but to do that she must track down Tucker again.
At the same time, her brother Finn has just received a deed to a Western themed amusement park so he wants to take a weekend trip away with Gin and company. The last time Gin tried to take some time off it went horribly wrong, but not this time, right? Yeah, right!
Old enemies and new will go after Gin, Finn, Brian and Owen and Gin must protect them all as well as unravel the mystery of some missing gems without getting dead. Is it possible or has her Spider web unraveled once too often?
Each novel in the series just gets better and better. With Estep's humor and attention to detail, there is so much to enjoy in this urban fantasy that combines magic, paranormal characters, and a tough, intelligent protagonist.
93.5 Eight Elemental Assassin short stories by Jennifer EstepAll of these can be found on the author's website. They are written from the perspective of various characters...from Gin, Fletcher Lane, Finn Lane, Mab Monroe, the Devereaux sisters, etc. giving an added dimension to the serThis is a suspense-thriller with as many twists and turns, as many ups and downs (cliffs especially) as the Hana Road where the husband (and the woman with whom he is having an affair) go over a cliff to their deaths.
94. The Good Widow by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke
For Jacks, she is devastated by all the revelations brought on by James' death: that her husband wasn't in Kansas; that he was having an affair; that there is a fiance (Nick) who is equally devastated with the loss of Dylan. Will her life ever be normal again? Can she reconcile the man she knew and loved with the reality of his affair and maybe her part in it?
When Nick suggests they retrace Dylan's and James' last days, walking in their path, Jacks reluctantly agrees. Flying to Maui and sharing their grief, they bond in surprising ways.
Told from the perspective of Jacks (before and after) and Dylan (before), the reader is treated to the thoughts, actions, and interactions of these characters. As the story unfolds, it gets darker and twistier whipsawing the reader around like a roller coaster.
95. Love Garage by Liz CroweLove Garage, the title alone conjures up a getaway place (especially for horny teens) where sex happens, but that is not the case (ENTIRELY) because the Love Garage is a auto mechanic's business owned by Antony Love, oldest of the Love siblings.
Yet, it is classified as a family saga with humor, heat, and heart mixed in with beer, bourbon, and basketball. Family dynamics are constantly in play; some good, some not-so-good. The Love family's mother Lindsay has cancer and may be dying; the father Anton is distraught over it; and the Love children (basically adults) of Antony, Kiernan, Dominic, Angelique, and (the prodigal son who returns to the fold after quitting school, AGAIN*) Aiden are trying their best to help (theoretically).
When Aiden returns, he needs a place to stay. Antony takes him on with three caveats: don't smoke in my truck, get to work on time, and don't mess with my girlfriend. Well, one or two out of three he follows. The rest fall by the wayside, and fast. Basically, he gets to work on time, and the girlfriend, well, she is forbidden fruit that is just ripe for the picking.
Random hookups, casual sex, fisticuffs, and more occur in this one as all the Love brothers are players. (Maybe the novel was well-named.) Some more than others. In other words, Lindsay's Swear Jar is usually full of dollar bills despite her illness and Anton's smack-downs.
Yes, there are moments of humor (Lindsay's punishment for fighting, for example), but there are a fair amount of typos, a continuity error or two, and quick change of scenes without obvious signs (giving this reader whiplash more than once, causing re-reads constantly). This last could be due to the fact that it was an e-book format, but even that is easily remedied with spaces or scene dividers.
Loved the kid Jeffrey; he was a typical 4-year-old dealing with too many caregivers, being handed off often. There was a happy ending for all the loving couples even if getting there was, at times, painful, and the possibility of continuing the family saga to see what happens next.
Oh yeah, there were a few scenes and activity at the Love Garage.
96. The Night Mark by Tiffany ReiszLike Reisz's "The Bourbon Thief" this is a real departure for the author (reading the author's note, even she called it a weird weird book); it's a time-travel romance of a grieving woman, Faye. Grieving for her husband Will, she can barely make it out of bed each day. Finally, she returns to her only passion: photography, and takes on a job in South Carolina's coastal regions.
Once there, she is drawn to the lighthouse known as the Bride Island lighthouse and its legends. In a strange twist, and a rogue wave, she is hurled back into 1921 (from 2015). Meeting the lighthouse keeper Carrick Morgan, who looks like her beloved Will, she discovers a love that stands the test of time.
Traveling back and forth between 2015 and 1921, she makes decisions that affect her life and those she knows and loves. It's a touching love story although it takes a bit to really get into the story. Will there be a happy ending for Faye? For Carrick? For Patrick Cahill? And for Dolly? How will history be affected; will it be changed forever? Or as the back cover blurb states: Fate is changeable. Broken hearts can mend. But can she love two men separated by a lifetime?
97. Hard Rules by Lisa Renee JonesCorporate intrigue and lust...When Shane meets Emily in a coffee shop, chemistry happens. Paths cross again, and the pair begin a relationship, or possibly just sex. Each has secrets, and family dynamics play a part in corporate intrigue.
Can the pair learn to trust, or will this relationship crash and burn especially if Emily's past comes to light?
Spicy sexual scenes are interspersed with corporate intrigue and untrustworthy characters. The first in a series, told through the perspectives of Emily and Shane, it is a story of good vs. evil, a family business at war, and who is playing straight or not. The author gives away little about Emily's past leaving a reader wanting to know more.
97.5. Nice Guys Bite by Jennifer Estep (an e-novella)Silvio Sanchez, Gin Blanco's personal assistant, has his own story, finally. Told from his perspective, he meets a man for a coffee date when it goes horribly wrong. Silvio isn't without his own resources, but can he save himself and his friend from the giants?
A sweet and sassy contemporary romance from Lia Riley finds Annie Carson, a mommy blogger, sugarcoating her reality of life as a single mother to four-year-old Atticus. Returning home to Brightwater to prepare her family's rundown property for sale isn't what she had in mind for her life, particularly since her heart was once broken by the hunky next door neighbor, Sawyer Kane.
Yet in a backwater town, it is hard to avoid him and sparks are re-united. But longstanding feuds (with his formidable, feisty grandmother) get in the way even as he is patiently trying to convince her to stay permanently.
Will old hurts destroy new happiness? Will she go or stay? Is there a happily ever after possible for Annie and Sawyer? And Atticus?
A modern Romeo and Juliet without the dying at the end, this romance is relatively free of graphic language and contains relatively tame sexual content. 3.5 stars
50. A Mother's Reckoning: Living in the Aftermath of Tragedy by Sue Klebold
In her own words, the mother of Dylan Klebold talks candidly about her son, Columbine, depression, and brain health. At times chilling, at times sad, and despite everything, loving, she doesn't spare herself in the difficulties that she and her family endured as the facts and suppositions of the horror that was one of the first mass school shootings.