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Release date: October 13, 2016

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Goodreads blurb: 

Imagine you are having lunch at an exclusive restaurant, filled with Hollywood’s hottest stars.

And a masked gunman walks in and takes everyone hostage.

You must bargain for your life against a twisted individual who knows everything about you.

He also has a bomb set to detonate if his heart rate changes.

If he dies. You die.

You have four hours to stay alive.

What would you do?

A heart-stopping thriller with plenty of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat, for fans of Peter Swanson, Harlan Coben and Linwood Barclay.

Review:

Let’s start by talking about that cover and blurb. The cover is striking and immediately caught my eye, then when I read the blurb I was instantly fascinated. Hostage situations are always good for high intensity and drama. This was another book that I just had a feeling about, I knew that I would love it based on the blurb/cover combo alone and was I ever right!

Everyone that was eating lunch at LA hotspot Alfie’s is suddenly taken hostage by a crazed, masked madman. The suspense and intrigue start immediately with no hesitation from Carol. Thus begins a nonstop, action packed, thrilling ride that left me breathless. I swear I couldn’t keep up with all the crazy thoughts swirling around my head while reading this and I mean that in the best way possible. It just never lets up, the reader is constantly being assaulted by insane plot twists and shocking turns of events. This is a read in one sitting type of book and I would’ve done just that if I was able to. Since I was unable to do that, I was thinking about how it would all play out constantly.

I’m skeptical about revealing too much about the plot, but I will say that I loved the glimpse into both the lives of Hollywood’s elite and the journalists that are covering the situation. Carol showed the seedy and dark side of both worlds and you just know that it’s sadly an accurate portrayal of how this stuff really plays out.

Relentless action, nail biting moments, and a cast of characters that are flawed, self serving, egotistical and real are what The Killing Game is made of. I wholeheartedly recommend this one for anyone that enjoys thrillers or even action movies as it reminded me quite a bit of a blockbuster movie. Just be prepared for a chilling, exciting and entertaining ride that you won’t want to end.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: February 2, 2016

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Mystery/Thriller 

Goodreads blurb: 

A woman uncovers earth-shattering secrets about her husband’s family in this chilling page-turner from New York Times bestselling author Heather Gudenkauf 

Sarah Quinlan’s husband, Jack, has been haunted for decades by the untimely death of his mother when he was just a teenager, her body found in the cellar of their family farm, the circumstances a mystery. The case rocked the small farm town of Penny Gate, Iowa, where Jack was raised, and for years Jack avoided returning home. But when his beloved aunt Julia is in an accident, hospitalized in a coma, Jack and Sarah are forced to confront the past that they have long evaded. 

Upon arriving in Penny Gate, Sarah and Jack are welcomed by the family Jack left behind all those years ago—barely a trace of the wounds that had once devastated them all. But as facts about Julia’s accident begin to surface, Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlans is what it seems. Caught in a flurry of unanswered questions, Sarah dives deep into the puzzling rabbit hole of Jack’s past. But the farther in she climbs, the harder it is for her to get out. And soon she is faced with a deadly truth she may not be prepared for. 

Review: 

I’ve never read anything by Gudenkauf before but have heard great things about her books. Missing Pieces had a pretty long wait list at my library so I assumed that it would be a great read, after all it’s been out since February and still had a fairly long list. You know what they say about assuming things. Regrettably this one missed the mark completely for me.

The premise was great and I liked the opening prologue. It’s 1985 and Jack’s mother is murdered. It’s clear she knows her attacker so I expected that there would be a small group of suspects to choose from and I was fine with that. What I wasn’t ok with was this group being flat, two dimensional characters that were annoying and frankly, dumb.

Back in the present now Sarah and Jack arrive in Penny Gate when Jack’s aunt Julia has an accident that lands her in the hospital. Upon arrival, Sarah immediately begins to learn that Jack was less than honest about his past. She starts digging into the events surrounding his mothers death and is shocked by what she discovers. I’m not sure how she was so shocked because I had pretty much of all this one figured out early on. 

This was another book with huge potential that just wasn’t well executed. I had a huge disconnect with the characters and as much as the author tried to portray Sarah as a smart woman, she sure came off as stupid. Her marriage to Jack wasn’t believable to me either, they did not act the way you would expect a couple that’s been married for twenty years to act at all. Their twin daughters were often mentioned but why? They were very briefly in the book and had nothing to do with the story whatsoever. The twists were all mediocre and yawn worthy with lackluster secrets that were easily guessed. Give these pieces a miss.

Overall rating: 2/5 (that’s only because Gudenkauf is a good writer and I respect the time she took to write this. Based on the story alone this was a one for me)

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Release date: April 3, 2016

Publisher: Malin Press

Genre: Mystery

Goodreads blurb: 

Suspense, mystery, action, a little romance and lots of laughs

Out-of-work actress Derry O’Donnell is talented, professional, just a little psychic… and broke. Spurred on by an ultimatum from her awesomely high-achieving mother, Derry embarks on a part-time career as Madame Tulip, fortune teller to the rich and famous. But at her first fortune-telling gig – a celebrity charity weekend in a luxurious castle – a famous rap artist mysteriously dies.

As Derry is drawn deeper into a seedy world of fashion, millionaires, horses and cocaine, she must race to save her best friend from jail and a supermodel from being murdered. Her efforts threaten to destroy her friends, her ex-lover, her father and herself.

Fans of humorous mystery writers Janet Evanovich and Carl Hiaasen will love Madam Tulip.

Madame Tulip is the first in a series of thrilling and hilarious Tulip adventures in which Derry O’Donnell, celebrity fortune-teller and reluctant amateur detective, plays the most exciting and perilous roles of her acting life, drinks borage tea, and fails to understand her parents.

Review: 

Though this is categorized as a mystery I found it to be much more than that as it fit under a wide variety of genres. It had a cozy mystery feel to it as well as humor and bit of romance. Set in Ireland, it had a certain charm that I don’t think would have been there had it been in a different country. While not filled with my usual preference of tension and intrigue, this still had enough heart to keep me engaged.

Derry is a great character, she’s funny and a bit wacky. She reluctantly decides to use her gift of seeing bits of the future to make money because she’s flat broke as struggling actors tend to be. With some encouragement from her friend Bella, she decides to attend a celebrity event and take on the persona of Madam Tulip. She gets far more than she bargained for when one of the guests winds up dead. Thus ensues some madcap hijinks as Derry is unwillingly involved in a zany adventure full of drug dealers and generally unsavory characters.

This was a quick and enjoyable read for me with not a lot of heavy thinking. The characters are what make this book as the plot is a bit far fetched and silly. But Jacko, Derry’s outlandish, gambling scamp of a father and Bruce, her gay out of work actor friend really added to the fun. While I found it to drag a little in the middle, the action thankfully picks up in the end. Though it blends genres pretty skillfully, I think cozy mystery fans will enjoy this the most.

Overall review: 3/5

Thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: October 8, 2016

Publisher: Pink Bloom

Genre: Chick Lit

Goodreads blurb: 

Have you ever wondered what might have been?

Gemma Dawson is at the airport, staring at two plane tickets to two different cities. Two different weddings. Two possible futures. She’s at a crossroads.

Be maid of honor at her best friend’s wedding or crash her ex’s?

Gemma’s decision, unknown to her, hinges on a delayed flight and a chance meeting. Now her life is about to go down two parallel tracks—will Gemma fly toward a life with her first love or a future with a man she’s not even met yet? 

Love Connection is a feel good Romantic Comedy about one woman, life’s infinite possibilities, and the destiny that lies beyond two different choices.

Review: 

This book caught my attention as I think we’ve all wondered how our lives could have turned out completely differently had we made other choices and in Love Connection you get to see how Gemma’s life could be by making both choices and seeing her two very unalike lives side by side. She can either attend her best friends wedding as the maid of honor, or crash her exes wedding and reveal her true feelings. Which choice does she really make? And will the outcome really change much or is fate guiding her to the same place either way?

Gemma is such a fun character. In fact, all of the characters here are loads of fun. Besides Gemma you have her best friend Amelia. The two are quite the pair and they have a deep friendship full of humor and true understanding. Several of their scenes made me giggle and after finishing such a heavy novel a bit of lighthearted fun was exactly what I needed. Jake is Gemma’s ex and the one that got away. He’s moved on and is getting married on the same day as Amelia, hence Gemma’s huge decision. Lastly there is Richard who is the new man in Gemma’s life. He is utterly charming and quite the catch but Gemma can’t quite seem to completely let go of her past and embrace her future.

It was really fun and interesting to read this one. Every chapter alternates between both choices; one chapter with Gemma heading to Amelia’s wedding and the other to Jake’s. I was dying to see how it would all end and I was not disappointed, although I’m rather eager for book two in the series now! Filled with witty banter, humor and heart Love Connection is a delightful read that will make you feel good and leave you with a smile on your face. In fact, I smiled most of the way through this book and still am!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads|Amazon|Wrecked
Release date: October 4, 2016

Publisher: Algonquin YR

Genre: YA/NA

Goodreads blurb:

Everyone has heard a different version of what happened that night at MacCallum College. Haley was already in bed when her roommate, Jenny, arrived home shell-shocked from the wild Conundrum House party. Richard heard his housemate Jordan brag about the cute freshman he hooked up with. When Jenny formally accuses Jordan of rape, Haley and Richard find themselves pushed onto opposite sides of the school’s investigation. But conflicting interests fueling conflicting versions of the story may make bringing the truth to light nearly impossible–especially when reputations, relationships, and whole futures are riding on the verdict. 

Review: 

Every once in awhile a book comes along that tackles difficult subject matter head on in a moving and poignant way. Some of you may remember my glowing review of It Ends With Us and a big part of why I liked that book so much was that Colleen Hoover was not afraid to shed light on a disturbing, yet important subject. Though the issues explored in Wrecked are different, they are no less important and I found myself thinking that it is similar because it’s such an important book for young people to read. This is another one that I want my kids to read, it will be especially relevant at the end of high school before they head off to college.

This one is told from two perspectives, that of Haley and Richard. Haley is a soccer playing freshman who has just been sidelined after her third concussion and Richard is a sophomore math whiz. Their paths cross in unexpected ways after Haley’s roommate, Jenny claims Richard’s housemate, Jordan sexually assaulted her. At the same time Haley and Richard begin to explore their very new relationship, the two are placed unwillingly on opposite sides of the schools investigation into the matter. The truth of what really happened that night is slowly and painstakingly revealed through small snippets at the end of each chapter. At times this frustrated me, but it was also very clever on Padian’s part because the reader is just as much in the dark about what went down as the rest of the characters.

As details about the investigation are leaked on campus, rumors spread like wildfire. Jenny becomes the target of cyber bullying and harassment and everyone even remotely connected to the events of that fateful night are forced to take sides. Though it pains me to admit this, I found myself questioning if Jenny was telling the truth several times. She was wasted and barely remembers anything that happened, so how can she know for sure that she was raped? Padian was so skillful in showing how this event affected an entire college and she successfully managed to make me, as a reader experience all the emotions and conflicting thoughts that the characters were feeling themselves. 

Rape culture is such a heavy topic but one that couldn’t be more timely and relevant, especially when it happens on a college campus. It’s running rampant and I googled some statistics that were shocking and horrifying. What happened to Jenny is happening to young women all across the country and it is not ok. The importance of consent is prevalent in this book and for that reason alone I will be encouraging everyone to read this. 

This isn’t a story with a neat and tidy ending, but you know what? That’s ok for me this time. Why? Because it’s true and accurate and I can definitely see things playing out in the exact same way at colleges across the country. Victim blaming/shaming, people only worrying about covering their own asses, and frankly, appalling behavior is the sad and unfortunate truth of what usually happens when a college student is sexually assaulted. I applaud Padian for taking on a tough issue and sharing it in a book that teenagers will actually want to read. She’s created a story that is relatable and well timed with characters that you would see at any college in America. She succeeded in making me really think all the while going through a plethora of emotions that will stay with me for quite some time. 

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: July 26, 2016

Publisher: Createspace (independent publishing)

Genre: YA

Goodreads blurb: 

One pill every 7 hours. That could be all it takes to give Chanel the chance to finally see the world around her. Chanel is an independent 19-year-old, despite what her overprotective mother and senator father may think. Being the daughter of a Senator comes with its own problems, one simple afternoon out with friends becomes overwhelming when they’re swarmed by reporters. Keeping the secret of the experimental treatment close to her chest, she is able to fool everyone but her hawkeyed bodyguard, Leon, that has now been assigned to protect her. Chanel doesn’t want a bodyguard, but will she get more than she bargained for.

Review: 

I don’t generally read many novellas, I think I usually want a bit more meat with my reading, but I’m really glad that I gave this one a chance as it was the perfect, quick read for an evening at home. 

Chanel was born blind and has decided to try an experimental drug to help regain her sight. She has told no one about this, not her two best friends, Mike and Bridgette and most definitely not her over protective parents. She’s determined to be as independent as possible despite her disability, which is one of the many reasons I loved her character. She has a fiery spirit and is just a fun and slightly quirky young woman. 

This book made me think about what it would actually mean to never have the gift of sight.There are times where Chanel is trying to understand what colors look like and it struck me how impossible it would be to try and explain such a thing to someone with no frame of reference. As hard as it is for her mother to explain colors, it’s even more difficult for Chanel to comprehend.

My only very slight complaint is that there a couple of times where the writing was a bit stilted. Other than that, I loved the story and the relationships between the characters, especially Chanel and her friends then later, with Leon. For such a short story it sure packed an emotional punch.

Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

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Release date: October 5, 2016

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Thriller

Goodreads blurb: 

When you’ve lost everything, you’ll do anything to survive. 

Saskia Frost’s world is blown apart when her dad dies. Without any family, she’s on her own now and up to her eyeballs in her father’s debts. He owed a lot of money to some very dangerous men – Joshua and Vincent Harper. Before long, aspiring ballerina Saskia finds herself lap-dancing in a London club to survive. A club run by the infamous Harper brothers. Saskia is now their property and they’re going to make her pay every penny back. 

Teenager Lena Cona has fled a cruel and controlling marriage. She arrives in England with her newborn daughter, desperately relying on strangers for help. But she soon learns that not everyone can be trusted as she finds herself caught in the clutches of Colin Jefferies, a twisted individual obsessed by his own sinister secrets. As the sickening truth is revealed, Lena is forced to fight for her life – and her baby’s. 

When their worlds collide, Lena and Saskia form an unlikely friendship. But with the terrifying Harper brothers on their tail, as well as Lena’s vengeful and violent husband, can they escape with their lives? 

Fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers will lose themselves in this brilliantly tense and gripping story. 

Review: 

Holy smokes! What a read this one was. It grabs you from the first page and grips you tightly until the bitter end. The tag line nails it, this one is definitely not for the faint of heart. Lots of triggers here too, but if that stuff doesn’t bother you, as it doesn’t me, then this is a must read.

You have three central characters here, and I found myself puzzling over how their storylines would converge. Fear not, because Kelleher masterfully weaves things together. First is Lena, a young mother who has seen more horrors in her young life than anyone ever should. She’s desperate to keep her baby daughter, Roza safe and this determination is the only thing that keeps her going. Saskia is also desperate but in a different way. Her parents are both dead and she finds herself in a bad way when she is forced to work as an exotic dancer in order to keep her family home. Finally there is Colin, a young man who works as a caretaker at the cemetery. It’s clear throughout that he’s struggling with some serious demons of his own, but the truth is more sinister and shocking than you can imagine.

My heart was in my throat while reading the majority of this book. It was an action packed and electrifying ride full of suspense and moments of bone chilling horror. Seriously you guys, some downright creepy and twisted stuff. Besides the three main characters there are several secondary characters that are just downright deplorable. The entire storyline is gritty and raw and I found myself totally immersed in the lives and worlds of the characters, especially Lena. She is so bound and determined to survive against all odds and I was totally taken by her strength against every adversity imaginable. 

I can’t say much more without revealing key plot points, but suffice it to say that I loved this book. I was flipping the pages like a maniac, I’m quite surprised that my Kindle didn’t burst into flames from my frantic pace! This would make such a great movie, something along the same lines as The Bourne Identity or Taken.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to Bookouture for my copy in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads|Amazon|Author Website
Release date: October 4, 2016

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Genre: YA/Mystery/Thriller 

Goodreads blurb: 

Flynn’s girlfriend has disappeared. How can he uncover her secrets without revealing his own?

Flynn’s girlfriend, January, is missing. The cops are asking questions he can’t answer, and her friends are telling stories that don’t add up. All eyes are on Flynn—as January’s boyfriend, he must know something.

But Flynn has a secret of his own. And as he struggles to uncover the truth about January’s disappearance, he must also face the truth about himself.

Review: 

Reading almost back to back YA mysteries is something I haven’t done in a really long time. I tend to stick to mainstream thrillers and when I read YA I tend to gravitate towards contemporary romance. After reading One Was Lost and feeling slightly disappointed I didn’t have very high hopes for this one. I was starting to think that maybe I’m getting too mature to read YA mysteries as I read so many really well plotted mainstream ones. I had even told myself that this would be the last YA mystery I would pick up, but I think I may have changed my mind. I’ll definitely be checking out anything that Caleb Roehrig writes in the future.

This one gives you more bang for your buck as you really get two stories in one. The first is obviously the mystery surround the disappearance of Flynn’s girlfriend, January. But you also get to see Flynn’s journey as he grapples and tries to come to terms with his own sexuality. Don’t worry, this isn’t really a big secret, it’s pretty apparent from the start that he is gay and it’s revealed very early on. Though January’s story was interesting and well written, what really made this book good for me was Flynn’s storyline.

Flynn is such an compelling character and I just loved him! He’s smart, sarcastic and has a biting sense of humor that made me laugh out loud several times. His character development was spot on and I truly enjoyed every minute I spent with his character. His parents were also awesone and added something great to the story. January was also a fascinating girl, I still haven’t been able to figure out if I like her not. She’s complicated and interesting though and the truth behind her disappearance was filled with plenty of twists and turns.

I think the YA crowd will love this book and though I was able to see a few things coming, it was still engaging enough that I was eager to reach the conclusion. There is also some LGBT romance here which is such an important addition to fiction, especially YA fiction. An impressive debut from Roehrig, he is one to watch.
Overall rating: 3.5/5

Thanks to Feiwell and Friends for my copy in exchange for an honest review.