Review: Torment by Mark Tilbury @MTilburyAuthor

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: August 5, 2019

Publisher: Bloodhound

Genre: Psychological Thriller

Blurb:

Who can you really trust?

Beth couldn’t be happier. She is eight weeks pregnant and married to the man of her dreams. But after returning home from a celebratory meal, she finds a wreath from her sister’s grave hanging above the bed and a kitchen knife embedded in her pillow. There are no signs of a forced entry. Nothing is stolen. And no one other than the cleaner has a key to the house.

Then a campaign of terror begins. Beth becomes increasingly paranoid as it becomes clear that someone close to the family is behind these disturbing events.

But who would want Beth dead?

Does the past hold the clue?

And can Beth find the answer before it’s too late?

Torment is a story of misplaced loyalty, revenge and sacrifice. 

Review:

When I’m in the mood for a fast paced, dark and twisted thriller I know I can always count on a Mark Tilbury book to deliver and this was no exception. I swear his books are all unputdownable, once I start I’m instantly sucked in and I have a hard time stopping for anything!

One of my favorite things about this one was that it was nonstop action, even in the more sedate parts of the story there was always a feel that something more was about to happen, there was a sense of menace and danger always lurking around the corner. Or the next page haha but seriously it was such an unsettling read, Beth was basically on pins and needles throughout which also made me anxious, a sure sign of a good psychological thriller.

This was definitely both twisted and twisty, Tilbury never shies away from exploring the dark and depraved depths of humanity, if you like very bold and dark crime reads you have to try his books. While I did predict a couple of the smaller twists, I definitely didn’t have everything worked out in the end, which was both clever and a bit shocking. Definitely recommended by me, but again it’s dark, don’t read this late at night.

Torment in three words: Menacing, Twisted and Dark

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

Review: The Escape Room by Megan Goldin

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: July 30, 2019

Publisher: St. Martin’s

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

Vincent, Jules, Sylvie, and Sam are ruthlessly ambitious high-flyers working in the lucrative world of Wall Street finance where deception and intimidation thrive. Getting rich is all that matters, and they’ll do anything to reach the top.

When they are ordered to participate in a corporate team-building exercise that requires them to escape from a locked elevator, dark secrets of their team begin to be laid bare.

The biggest mystery to solve in this lethal game: What happened to Sara Hall? Once a young shining star—”now gone but not forgotten”.

This is no longer a game. 
They’re fighting for their lives.

Review:

I love a locked room mystery, there’s something old school about them for me, but this one had a cool, modern twist. I don’t know anyone would really likes elevators, but the thought of being trapped inside one is enough to make me anxious just imagining it! Throw in a group of pretty despicable people who all have secrets and I’m all in.

This flips back and forth between the elevator and the elusive Sara Hall as she begins her professional career. I found this to be a nice balance between the tense, claustrophobic atmosphere in the elevator and the more calm, sedate pace of Sara’s story. I was equally interested in both timelines, there was plenty going on and I was dying to know what could have possibly lead up to them all being trapped in an elevator together under such strange circumstances. There was so much hostility and intense anger swirling around the coworkers that you just knew some crazy shit must’ve went down in the past and I was SO here for that.

Was this plausible? Nope, but for a super fun summer thriller, it’s great! If you can suspend your disbelief and just go along for the ride this is really fun and makes for quite the page turner.

The Escape Room in three words: Entertaining, Suspenseful and Creative

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy

Double Review: The Moonlight Bay series by Hope Ramsay

Goodreads|Amazon

Publisher: Forever Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb: (Book 1, The Cottage on Rose Lane)

Jenna Fossey’s life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor. 

Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea – at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her – especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he’s come to think of as his own?

Includes the bonus story “A Wedding on Lavender Hill” by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help – the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop. 

Blurb: (Book 2, Summer on Moonlight Bay)

Only one thing can make veterinarian Noah Cuthbert return to Magnolia Harbor-his mother’s failing health. He’ll do anything to help his family, including taking a short-term gig at the local animal clinic. What he doesn’t count on is getting up-close-and-personal with the clinic’s new manager, a woman whose love and compassion for every stray that crosses her path has him rethinking his plans to head back to his big-city life…

After her time in the Navy, Lia wants nothing more than to settle down. The quaint seaside town is just what she’d been hoping for, and not just because her new boss is movie-star handsome. As they grow closer, Lia starts wondering if Noah could be the one. But when a town crisis forces Noah to take a stand that jeopardizes their new-found happiness, can Lia convince him that home doesn’t have to be a four-letter word?

Includes the bonus novel Then There Was You by Miranda Liasson! 

Review:

Since I read these books back to back I thought I would just do one review to combine my thoughts on both of them, plus they’re also available now and I know I personally love being able to start a new series with at least a couple of books already out, waiting is the worst.

Lately I’ve been loving small town, sweet and simple romance novels and this series delivers on that! They totally remind me of feel good Hallmark movies and they’re ideal for a light and easy summertime read. Their set in a small, picturesque town and while the two main characters change from book to book, they become secondary characters the next time around. The first book focused on Jenna and Jude and then the second was about Lia and Noah but both Jenna and Jude made several appearances and I just loved getting a peek at what they were up too.

While the romance is definitely at the forefront of both books, there’s also so much more on offer as well. The residents of the town are a basically fun bunch with a few exceptions and they add some extra charm and humor to an already fun story. I found both books to be equally heartfelt and sweet and am so looking forward to the next installment in the series!

Overall rating: 4/5 (for both books)

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Love at First Like by Hannah Orenstein

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: August 6, 2019

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Eliza Roth and her sister Sophie co-own a jewelry shop in Brooklyn. One night, after learning of an ex’s engagement, Eliza accidentally posts a photo of herself wearing a diamond ring on thatfinger to her Instagram account beloved by 100,000 followers. Sales skyrocket, press rolls in, and Eliza learns that her personal life is good for business. So she has a choice: continue the ruse or clear up the misunderstanding. With mounting financial pressure, Eliza sets off to find a fake fiancé.

Fellow entrepreneur Blake seems like the perfect match on paper. And in real life he shows promise, too. He would be perfect, if only Eliza didn’t feel also drawn to someone else. But Blake doesn’t know Eliza is “engaged”; Sophie asks Eliza for an impossible sum of money; and Eliza’s lies start to spiral out of control. She can either stay engaged online or fall in love in real life. 

Review:

I think most of us with an active Instagram account have done some crazy things for the perfect shot, I know my fellow bookstagrammers have pulled out a book in some wild places just for the gram (as I have too!) but Eliza takes things to a whole new level when she fakes an engagement for her followers. If this sounds slightly insane and borderline ridiculous it totally is, but meet Eliza, she’s the type of friend that we’ve all had who makes rash decisions and finds herself in awkward, albeit hilarious situations over and over again.

I adored the premise of this, faking any sort of relationship is always a fun trope for me and there were definitely some pretty funny scenes here, for sure. While I honestly didn’t love Eliza as a character she was entertaining as hell and although I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her a few times, her unpredictability made this such a fun read and I really never knew what she would do next. There was also a great cast of secondary characters to balance out her craziness, I actually loved some of them so much that I have my fingers crossed that they may appear in a future book?!

Having now read two books from the author it’s safe for me to say that she truly knows how to write a highly entertaining story about modern dating. She captures the highs and lows and the struggles with social media all with humor and heart, I’m now a firm fan!

Love at First Like in three words: Amusing, Modern and Fun

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Right Swipe by Alisha Rai

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: August 6, 2019

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Rhiannon Hunter may have revolutionized romance in the digital world, but in real life she only swipes right on her career—and the occasional hookup. The cynical dating app creator controls her love life with a few key rules: 

– Nude pics are by invitation only 

– If someone stands you up, block them with extreme prejudice 

– Protect your heart 

Only there aren’t any rules to govern her attraction to her newest match, former pro-football player Samson Lima. The sexy and seemingly sweet hunk woos her one magical night… and disappears. 

Rhi thought she’d buried her hurt over Samson ghosting her, until he suddenly surfaces months later, still big, still beautiful—and in league with a business rival. He says he won’t fumble their second chance, but she’s wary. A temporary physical partnership is one thing, but a merger of hearts? Surely that’s too high a risk… 

Review:

I have yet another romance recommendation for you guys! Can y’all tell I’m a little bit obsessed with them lately?! I’m not sure if it’s this time of year, but I’m loving all things light and fun right now and while this has plenty of lightness it also had some serious depth as well.

I want to start by saying that if you’ve been looking for a diverse romance read, look no further. The representation here is wonderful, it’s chock full of bad ass, boss bitch women of color who are of all shapes and sizes and I’m am so here for that! There was an underlying feeling of feminism and straight up girl power here that I absolutely loved, Rhi herself had her shit together, despite her struggles in the romance department, and I love nothing more than a strong, female protagonist. Samson was a fabulous hero, he was an actual gentleman and his baggage was minor and adorably endearing, nothing problematic with either of them. Their chemistry was also smoking hot and this one definitely had some spicy sex scenes 🔥 🔥 🔥

Romance fans won’t wanna miss this one and I’m so excited it’s the first in a new series because I need a book about Katrina ASAP!!

The Right Swipe in three words: Saucy, Fierce and Fun

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy

Review: The Perfect Wife by J. P. Delaney

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: August 6, 2019

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

Abbie awakens in a daze with no memory of who she is or how she landed in this unsettling condition. The man by her side claims to be her husband. He’s a titan of the tech world, the founder of one of Silicon Valley’s most innovative start-ups. He tells Abbie that she is a gifted artist, an avid surfer, a loving mother to their young son, and the perfect wife. He says she had a terrible accident five years ago and that, through a huge technological breakthrough, she has been brought back from the abyss.

She is a miracle of science.

But as Abbie pieces together memories of her marriage, she begins questioning her husband’s motives–and his version of events. Can she trust him when he says he wants them to be together forever? And what really happened to Abbie half a decade ago?

Beware the man who calls you . . . 

Review:

Generally, I’m not the biggest fan of thrillers with a sci fi element to them, I’ve only read a select few that actually worked for me but this one sounded too bizarre and fascinating to pass up and I’m so glad I gave it a chance because it turned out to be pretty awesome.

I don’t have a lot to say in terms of the plot itself with this one because it unfolded in such a delicious way that I would hate to ruin it for anyone else. It was pretty twisty though and had lots of surprising moments, and the turns were really well executed and not added just for the sake of a shocking plot twist, they actually added something to the story. It also brought up some really interesting moral type questions that would be fun to discuss with a group of friends, so keep this in mind for a buddy read or a book club.

Anyone who has been bored to death of thrillers in general lately should give this one a try, it was highly unusual as far as the storylines goes but it still had the same elements that a great thriller has as well. Definitely recommended by me based on originality alone!

The Perfect Wife in three words: Original, Slick and Advanced

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Because You’re Mine by Rea Frey

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: August 6, 2019

Publisher: St. Martin’s

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

Single mother Lee has the daily routine down to a science: shower in six minutes. Cut food into perfect squares. Never leave her on-the-spectrum son Mason in someone else’s care. She’ll do anything—anything—to keep his carefully constructed world from falling apart. Do anything to keep him safe.

But when her best friend Grace convinces her she needs a small break from motherhood to recharge her batteries, Lee gives in to a weekend trip. Surely a long weekend away from home won’t hurt?
Noah, Mason’s handsome, bright, charismatic tutor—the first man in ages Lee’s even noticed—is more than happy to stay with him.

Forty-eight hours later, someone is dead.

But not all is as it seems. Noah may be more than who he claims to be. Grace has a secret—one that will destroy Lee. Lee has secrets of her own that she will do anything to keep hidden.
As the dominoes begin to fall and the past comes to light, perhaps it’s no mystery someone is gone after all…

Because You’re Mine is a breathtaking novel of domestic drama and suspense. 

Review:

I absolutely loved the authors last book, Not Her Daughter and was so impressed by how well she executed a highly emotional thriller, I don’t think that’s an easy thing to do at all. She has a really uncanny knack for infusing her stories with a ton of emotional upheaval but she doesn’t lose that tense, addictive quality that a really solid thriller always has either. It’s definitely a tricky balancing act but she nailed it again!

This is told from multiple perspectives, you hear from Lee, Grace and Noah and it’s clear right from the start that all three of them have complicated pasts and are hiding some things. I spent most of the book wondering who was reliable and who wasn’t, always so fun and a sure fire way to keep me on the edge of my seat. The pacing is also really on point, there’s never a dull moment, there was literally always something happening to keep me engaged.

I kept patting myself on the back because while this was super twisty I did guess all of the little surprises ahead of time, but honestly? I didn’t even care because it was still really good. Then the ending crept up on me and delivered one hell of a sucker punch that I did not see coming, so Frey got me in the end 😝 Definitely recommended by me, though I do want to mention that this gets dark and explores some sensitive subject matter. It’s not gory or anything, just very heavy at times.

Because You’re Mine in three words: Twisty, Dark and Riveting

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

July Wrap Up

The Ingredients of Us: Delectable, Fresh and Emotional

The Surfside Sisters: Breezy, Carefree and Charming

Unfortunately False Step just didn’t work for me at all.

Breath In, Cash Out: Smart, Sharp and Witty.

Girls Like Us was a great summer thriller!

Nina Hill: Quirky, Adorable and Wry

Child’s Play: Thrilling, Complex and Pacey

Last Summer: Compulsive, Sexy and Tense

Tell Me Everything was a solid mystery

Crashing the A List: Hilarious, Entertaining and Sparkling

The Floating Feldman’s: Sardonic, Enjoyable and Dysfunctional

Two Lila Bennett’s: Compulsive, Dynamic and Unexpected

The Helpline: Quirky, Endearing and Hopeful

A Stranger on the Beach was a fun beachy thriller that I had some minor issues with

Good Girl, Bad Girl: Multilayered, Unexpected and Absorbing

Please Send Help was super fun and told in a unique format.

How to Hack a Heartbreak: Fresh, Hip and Fun

That’s What Frenemies Are For: Snarky, Fun and Sharp

The Closer I Get: Unsettling, Obsessive and Engrossing

Someone We Know read like a classic whodunnit with a modern twist

Review: Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: August 6, 2019

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Blurb:

Emma London never thought she had anything in common with her grandmother Genevieve London. The regal old woman came from wealthy and bluest-blood New England stock, but that didn’t protect her from life’s cruelest blows: the disappearance of Genevieve’s young son, followed by the premature death of her husband. But Genevieve rose from those ashes of grief and built a fashion empire that was respected the world over, even when it meant neglecting her other son.

When Emma’s own mother died, her father abandoned her on his mother’s doorstep. Genevieve took Emma in and reluctantly raised her–until Emma got pregnant her senior year of high school. Genevieve kicked her out with nothing but the clothes on her back…but Emma took with her the most important London possession: the strength not just to survive but to thrive. And indeed, Emma has built a wonderful life for herself and her teenage daughter, Riley. 

So what is Emma to do when Genevieve does the one thing Emma never expected of her and, after not speaking to her for nearly two decades, calls and asks for help?

Review:

I am SO excited that it’s finally time for me to fangirl over one of my all time favorite authors latest book! She’s one of those rare gems that gets better with each book, I always say her newest is my most favorite and I’m saying it again here. This had all the elements that I’ve come to expect and love from KH and much more.

This flips back and forth between Genevieve, Riley and Emma with some chapters from other secondary characters as well giving you a true birds eye point of view of all the action. While KH books always have an engaging storyline full of humor and heart, what truly makes her books shine is her phenomenal characterization. Every single character here was portrayed in a way that made them feel larger than life and like you could easily imagine yourself chatting to them in real life. This amazing writing style allows you to get so fully invested in these people that they feel like real friends by the time you get done. This tactic also always makes me feel something, I could relate to Emma’s struggles as a mother, I felt sympathetic to Genevieve’s loss of her son, I wanted to help keep Riley safe from the mean girls at school, my point here is that it was an emotional read and I experienced way too many emotions to name, both highs and lows.

If you’re already a fan of KH you’ll be ecstatic about this one and if she’s a new to you author grab this and then be so excited she has an extensive backlist to devour because you’ll definitely want more!

Life and Other Inconveniences in three words: Heartfelt, Emotional and Moving

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Arrangement by Robyn Harding

Goodreads|Amazon

Release date: July 30, 2019

Publisher: Gallery

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

Natalie, a young art student in New York City, is struggling to pay her bills when a friend makes a suggestion: Why not go online and find a sugar daddy—a wealthy, older man who will pay her for dates, and even give her a monthly allowance? Lots of girls do it, Nat learns. All that’s required is to look pretty and hang on his every word. Sexual favours are optional.

Though more than thirty years her senior, Gabe, a handsome corporate finance attorney, seems like the perfect candidate, and within a month, they are madly in love. At least, Nat is…Gabe already has a family, whom he has no intention of leaving.

So when he abruptly ends things, Nat can’t let go. She begins drinking heavily and stalking him: watching him at work, spying on his wife, even befriending his daughter, who is not much younger than she is. But Gabe’s not about to let his sugar baby destroy his perfect life. What was supposed to be a mutually beneficial arrangement devolves into a nightmare of deception, obsession, and, when a body is found near Gabe’s posh Upper East Side apartment, murder. 

Review:

If you’re looking for a book to grab your attention from page one then look no further because this one hooked me instantly! As my friend Laura says, no need for a bookmark with this one, it’s addictive and pretty impossible to put down once you get started.

I’m all about the drama and is there anything more dramatic than a sugar daddy/sugar baby relationship gone bad?! I think not, and friends that was just the tip of the iceberg here. You hear from both Gabe and Natalie and I was so fascinated by both sides of their relationship. It was easy to see how a young, desperate woman could fall for the charms of a rich, older man and when this took a turn and went dark and obsessive I was even more intrigued. Besides a wickedly dark plot it’s also incredibly fast paced and exciting and is a true one sitting read. Highly recommended to add to your summer TBR, huge fan of RH and will be reading anything she releases!

The Arrangement in three words: Addictive, Obsessive and Dramatic

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy