Category: Book reviews

Review: Undercover Bromance by Lyssa Kay Adams

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Release date: March 10, 2020

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Liv Papandreas has a dream job as a sous chef at Nashville’s hottest restaurant. Too bad the celebrity chef owner is less than charming behind kitchen doors. After she catches him harassing a young hostess, she confronts him and gets fired. Liv vows revenge, but she’ll need assistance to take on the powerful chef. 

Unfortunately, that means turning to Braden Mack. When Liv’s blackballed from the restaurant scene, the charismatic nightclub entrepreneur offers to help expose her ex-boss, but she is suspicious of his motives. He’ll need to call in reinforcements: the Bromance Book Club. 

Inspired by the romantic suspense novel they’re reading, the book club assist Liv in setting up a sting operation to take down the chef. But they’re just as eager to help Mack figure out the way to Liv’s heart… even while she’s determined to squelch the sparks between them before she gets burned. 

Review:

I’ve been dying to find out more about Mack since reading (and absolutely loving) The Bromance Book Club last year and I’m so glad he played a starring role in the latest installment. The fact that he was the founder of the book club immediately fascinated me, what really made this super charming man pick up a romance novel in the first place? Besides learning so much about him, you also get to hear from Liv (Thea’s sister from book one) in alternating chapters. It has the same hilarious humor and supporting cast of characters as the first book but it also has a fresh plot that made this one just as much fun as the first.

Once again this had the perfect balance of sexiness and humor for me and there was also plenty of depth as Liv is dealing with the fallout from not only losing her job, but also from trying to take down her former boss who is a sexual predator and the lowest of the low. There’s a lot going on here but also a lot to love and I’ll be following this series as long as the author keeps writing it!

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Two Lives of Lydia Bird by Josie Silver

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Release date: March 3, 2020

Publisher: Ballantine

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Lydia and Freddie. Freddie and Lydia. They’d been together for more than a decade, and Lydia thought their love was indestructible.

But she was wrong. On her twenty-eighth birthday, Freddie died in a car accident.

So now it’s just Lydia, and all she wants to do is hide indoors and sob until her eyes fall out. But Lydia knows that Freddie would want her to try to live fully, happily, even without him. So, enlisting the help of his best friend, Jonah, and her sister, Elle, she takes her first tentative steps into the world, open to life–and perhaps even love–again.

But then something inexplicable happens that gives her another chance at her old life with Freddie. A life where none of the tragic events of the past few months have happened.

Lydia is pulled again and again across the doorway of her past, living two lives, impossibly, at once. But there’s an emotional toll to returning to a world where Freddie, alive, still owns her heart. Because there’s someone in her new life, her real life, who wants her to stay.

Written with Josie Silver’s trademark warmth and wit, The Two Lives of Lydia Bird is a powerful and thrilling love story about the what-ifs that arise at life’s crossroads, and what happens when one woman is given a miraculous chance to answer them. 

Review:

I’m probably one of the last people on the planet who still hasn’t read One Day in December, (I’ll get to it one day, especially after reading this gem) so I had no clue what to expect when I started this one. From the description I knew it would be emotional, but I had no idea just how poignant and beautiful it would truly be. It made me laugh, it gave me hope and even though I didn’t cry (cold black heart, remember?) it did make me melancholy and definitely tugged on my heartstrings.

Grief is a bitch, and mourning the loss of the love of your life in your twenties is just about the most heartbreaking scenario I can imagine. I thought the author did a fantastic job of exploring grief and loss in an authentic way and while I was skeptical about the whole idea of Lydia living in a “dream world” it was done incredibly well. This was a unique love story with so much heart and a touch of magic, a really beautiful book that touched me and I adored Lydia by the end.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Woman on the Edge by Samantha M. Bailey

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Release date: March 3, 2020

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

A moment on the platform changes two lives forever. But nothing is as it seems…

‘Take my baby.’

In a split second, Morgan’s life changes forever. A stranger hands her a baby, then jumps in front of a train.

Morgan has never seen the woman before and she can’t understand what would cause a person to give away her child and take her own life.

When the police question Morgan, she discovers none of the witnesses can corroborate her version of events. And when they learn Morgan longs for a baby of her own, she becomes a suspect.

To prove her innocence, Morgan frantically tries to retrace the last days of the woman’s life. She begins to understand that Nicole Markham believed she and her baby were in danger. Now Morgan might be in danger, too.

Was Nicole a new mother struggling with paranoia?

Or was something much darker going on?

Pulse-pounding, heartrending, shocking, thrilling. This is one book you won’t be able to stop thinking about. 

Review:

Let me start by saying that this book wasn’t perfect for me but I’m still going to say it’s worth a read solely based and sheer entertainment value. It’s short and reads incredibly fast and is definitely gripping. It’s also twisty and maybe if you’re newer to thrillers you’ll be surprised but I found the turns to be predictable. You also just have to kind of let things go and realize it’s a bit of a crazy story and not worry too much about plausibility, but I swear if you can just not nitpick it’s a really fun one. Was I blown away? No, but I wasn’t mad that I read it either. I’m thinking this would be a perfect vacation read honestly as it’s written in a super compulsive and breezy style that doesn’t require intense concentration. I also liked it enough that I would read another book by the author as well she definitely has potential and the premise was intriguing.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Hide Away by Jason Pinter

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Release date: March 1, 2020

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

On the surface, Rachel Marin is an ordinary single mother; on the inside, she’s a fierce, brilliant vigilante. After an unspeakable crime shatters her life, she changes her identity and moves to a small town in Illinois, hoping to spare her children from further trauma…or worse. But crime follows her everywhere.

When the former mayor winds up dead, Rachel can’t help but get involved. Where local detectives see suicide, she sees murder. They resent her for butting in—especially since she’s always one step ahead. But her investigative genius may be her undoing: the deeper she digs, the harder it is to keep her own secrets buried.

Her persistence makes her the target of both the cops and a killer. Meanwhile, the terrifying truth about her past threatens to come to light, and Rachel learns the hard way that she can’t trust anyone. Surrounded by danger, she must keep her steely resolve, protect her family, and stay one step ahead, or else she may become the next victim.

Review:

There’s been a theme in many thrillers over the past few years (especially if the main character is a woman) where she’s delusional and helpless and frankly, I’m beyond sick of reading books with these pathetic women. This book had none of that nonsense, Rachel is the polar opposite of a weak woman, she’s the kind of kickass character that you can not only root for, you can respect her and I couldn’t get enough of her sheer grit and determination.

I was pleasantly surprised that a big aspect of this book focused on police procedure but it was coupled with Rachel’s own story and it was revealed slowly via flashbacks, you know something awful happened but getting to the what takes some time. It build up suspense slowly with that storyline but the other plot line in contradiction was fast paced making for a really engrossing read. Basically if you like domestic suspense AND a police procedural you’ll like this because you get a little bit of both worlds. A super solid start to a new series and finally, a heroine I can enjoy!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Please See Us by Caitlin Mullen

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Release date: March 3, 2020

Publisher: Gallery

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

Summer has come to Atlantic City but the boardwalk is empty of tourists, the casino lights have dimmed, and two Jane Does are laid out in the marshland behind the Sunset Motel, just west of town. Only one person even knows they’re there.

Meanwhile, Clara, a young boardwalk psychic, struggles to attract clients for the tarot readings that pay her rent. When she begins to experience very real and disturbing visions, she suspects they could be related to the recent cases of women gone missing in town. When Clara meets Lily, an ex-Soho art gallery girl who is working at a desolate casino spa and reeling from a personal tragedy, she thinks Lily may be able to help her. But Lily has her own demons to face. If they can put the pieces together in time, they may save another lost girl—so long as their efforts don’t attract perilous attention first. Can they break the ill-fated cycle, or will they join the other victims?

Evocative, eerie, and compelling, Please See Us is a fast-paced psychological thriller that explores the intersection of womanhood, power, and violence. 

Review:

I had very high hopes for this one, maybe a little too high if I’m honest and while this wasn’t a bad book by any means, it didn’t live up to my expectations. It’s very slow paced and while I was initially interested in how things would play out, I also found it to be slightly disjointed. It switches between a few viewpoints and while I appreciate multiple narrators, it felt choppy for me.

One thing that really kept me reading despite my issues was the authors gorgeous writing, she’s really talented and her sense of place was amazing. This one is bleak y’all, and not just in terms of the plot, it’s atmospheric and incredibly well written with a strong sense of despondency throughout every component. If you’re going to give this one a try I recommend taking your time with it, definitely not one to race through, and be prepared for a more subtle style of suspense.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Boy from the Woods by Harlan Coben

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Release date: March 17, 2020

Publisher: Grand Central

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

The man known as Wilde is a mystery to everyone, including himself. Decades ago, he was found as a boy living feral in the woods, with no memory of his past. After the police concluded an exhaustive hunt for the child’s family, which was never found, he was turned over to the foster system. 

Now, thirty years later, Wilde still doesn’t know where he comes from, and he’s back living in the woods on the outskirts of town, content to be an outcast, comfortable only outdoors, preferably alone, and with few deep connections to other people.

When a local girl goes missing, famous TV lawyer Hester Crimstein–with whom Wilde shares a tragic connection–asks him to use his unique skills to help find her. Meanwhile, a group of ex-military security experts arrive in town, and when another teen disappears, the case’s impact expands far beyond the borders of the peaceful suburb. Wilde must return to the community where he has never fit in, and where the powerful are protected even when they harbor secrets that could destroy the lives of millions . . . secrets that Wilde must uncover before it’s too late. 

Review:
If like me, you’re a longtime HC fan then you’ll share in my excitement that we finally get a book with Hester as one of the main characters and not just a secondary one!! She has been such a fantastic addition to so many of his other books and she’s also fascinating, so a book featuring her was a real treat. Spoiler alert, she’s just as interesting as she’s seemed in the past and I’m even more obsessed with her than I was before.
Per usual there is a lot going on here with a main plot and several subplots, I love how there’s always so much happening, truly never a dull moment. If you like thrillers where nothing is ever as it seems, read this. Or maybe you like books that are smart, well written and chock full of characters that are beyond interesting. Or maybe you just like to read a really, really good book. Whatever you like give this one a chance because it was absolutely fantastic!
Overall rating: 5/5
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: This Won’t End Well by Camille Pagan

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Release date: February 25, 2020

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Women’s Fiction

Blurb:

No new people: that’s Annie Mercer’s vow. It’s bad enough that her boss sabotaged her chemistry career and her best friend tried to cure her with crystals. But after her fiancé, Jon, asks for space while he’s gallivanting around Paris, Annie decides she needs space too—from everyone.

Yet when Harper moves in next door, Annie can’t help but train a watchful eye on the glamorous but fragile young woman. And if keeping Harper safe requires teaming up with Mo, a maddeningly optimistic amateur detective, who is she to mind her own business?

Soon Annie has let not one but two new people into her life. Then Jon reappears—and he wants her to join him in France. She’s pretty sure letting anyone get close won’t end well. So she must decide: Is another shot at happiness worth the risk? 

Review:

This one was a breath of fresh air, I’ve had a super weird reading month, I’m a little all over the place and this was one of the handful of books I read in February that I truly enjoyed. It was fun, fresh and heartfelt and full of so many hilarious moments that it was just such an amusing read.

CP never disappoints when it comes to relatable characters and while I’m not quite as done with other people as Annie is, I’m pretty close 🤣 Seriously though, I’m not a fan of change either and when life throws Annie a curveball I could relate to how she handles herself. She’s a quirky woman and I loved her dry wit and humor and then in the authors true fashion there was a delightful cast of supporting characters who all brought something unique to the story. This book was just so much fun and such a fast, breezy read, I loved it!

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Starting Over at Blueberry Creek by Annie Rains

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Release date: February 25, 2020

Publisher: Forever

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Firefighter Luke Marini moved to the small town of Sweetwater Springs with the highest of hopes – new town, new job, and new neighbors who know nothing of his past. And that’s just how he wants to keep it. But it’s nearly impossible when the gorgeous brunette next door decides to be the neighborhood welcome wagon. She’s sugar, spice, and everything nice – but getting close to someone again is playing with fire. 

Brenna McConnell put college on hold to raise her little sister. Now that Eve is grown, Brenna is ready to leave Blueberry Creek and finish what she started. Moving on isn’t easy, however, when her gruff new neighbor gives Eve a dangerous firefighting job. And yet, even as Brenna is telling him off for putting her sister in harm’s way, she can’t deny the sizzling chemistry between them. She put her dreams on hold once. Is she willing to make that sacrifice again for a chance at forever?

Review:

This is the fourth book in the Sweetwater Springs series and this lives up to it’s name, it doesn’t get any sweeter than this! You can definitely read this on it’s own but after four books I’ve become really attached to the residents of this adorable town and really believe I’ve enjoyed this series as much as I have because I’ve read all of the books.

As much as I’ve liked every single book in this series this one was my absolute favorite so far. I say so far because I’m hoping Annie Rains keeps on writing these books for a long time. You know those books that truly provide an escape for you when you read them? The ones where you forget about anything troubling in your own life because you get so caught up in the story and you forget you’re not actually living in a picturesque little town with a hot firefighter as your next door neighbor? Ok, that last part is just me, but what I mean is this was the perfect little escape for me and a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Small town romance fans, this series is not to be missed!

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: No Bad Deed by Heather Chavez

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Release date: February 18, 2020

Publisher: William Morrow

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

Driving home one rainy night, Cassie Larkin sees a man and woman fighting on the side of the road. After calling 911, the veterinarian makes a split-second decision that will throw her sedate suburban life into chaos. Against all reason and advice, she gets out of her minivan and chases after the violent man, trying to help his victim. When Cassie physically tries to stop him, he suddenly turns on her and spits out an ominous threat: “Let her die, and I’ll let you live.”

A veterinarian trained to heal, Cassie can’t let the woman die. But while she’s examining the unconscious victim, the attacker steals her car. Now he has her name. Her address. And he knows about her children. Though they warn her to be careful, the police assure her that the perpetrator—a criminal named Carver Sweet—won’t get near her. Cassie isn’t so sure.

The next day—Halloween—her husband disappears while trick-or-treating with their six-year-old daughter. Are these disturbing events a coincidence or the beginning of a horrifying nightmare? Her husband has been growing distant—is it possible he’s become involved with another woman? Is Cassie’s confrontation with the road-side attacker connected to her husband’s disappearance? With all these questions swirling in her mind Cassie can trust no one, maybe not even herself. The only thing she knows for sure is that she can’t sit back while the people she loves are in danger.

As she desperately searches for answers, Cassie discovers that nothing is as random as it seems, and that she is more than willing to fight—to go the most terrifying extremes—to save her family and her marriage.

Review:

If you’re looking for your next pacey, entertaining and just downright fun thriller then look no further friends because NBD is it! I haven’t seen much about this one in the book world, which is a shame because in a sea of boring, predictable thrillers that all feel and sound the same this one is a standout. Huge thanks to my girl Chelsea @suspensethrill for putting this one on my radar, it was just the book I needed to restore my faith in thrillers once again!

I’m gonna keep this fairly short because A, it’s a thriller and the less you know the better, and B it went in several unexpected directions that surprised me and I want you to be surprised too! You may need to suspend disbelief a few times, but guys when a thriller is as fun and twisty as this one was, who minds letting things go a bit? Not me! It’s worth it, especially if you like a dark and addictive read

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

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The Sun Down MotelThe Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

Release date: February 18, 2020

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Blurb:

The secrets lurking in a rundown roadside motel ensnare a young woman, just as they did her aunt thirty-five years before, in this new atmospheric suspense novel from the national bestselling and award-winning author of The Broken Girls.

Upstate NY, 1982. Every small town like Fell, New York, has a place like the Sun Down Motel. Some customers are from out of town, passing through on their way to someplace better. Some are locals, trying to hide their secrets. Viv Delaney works as the night clerk to pay for her move to New York City. But something isn’t right at the Sun Down, and before long she’s determined to uncover all of the secrets hidden… 

Review:

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As much as I enjoyed the authors previous book, The Broken Girls, I freaking loved this one even more! It had the perfect blend of straight up mystery, dual timelines that flipped back and forth seamlessly and just enough of a supernatural element to scare me, but not so much that I couldn’t read it. For me to truly enjoy a thriller with the hint of the supernatural I really have to believe that the scenario is plausible and what made this one amazing for me was that it was not only believable, it was so well written and thought out that I could easily (almost too easily) picture this happening.

Is there a setting more creeptastic than an old, rundown and possibly haunted hotel in the dead of night? After reading this I’m gonna have to say no because this truly scared me to death. You have Viv working at the hotel in the eighties and then her niece, Carly who is basically living her aunts life in order to find out what happened to her in 2017. This was beyond atmospheric and I felt like I was right next to both women the entire time because the author was so great at setting a scene. it was seriously hair raising stuff. If you’re hesitant because of the supernatural stuff, please don’t be it adds so much to the story and I promise that it makes sense to the storyline. This is a must read for sure!

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.