Goodreads

Release date: January 3, 2023

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

ELIZA BENNETT IS NOT YOUR NORMAL BRIDE…

For Eliza Bennett, all her planning and scheming for her dream wedding is about to pay off. She’s girlbossed her way into an elite Manhattan lifestyle, including a high-powered job in PR and an engagement to Graham Walker, a high-society Yale graduate from a prominent blue-blooded family.

But as the big day approaches, secrets from Eliza’s past attendance at an Evangelical college start to throw her true motives into question. Who exactly is Eliza Bennett and what does she really want?

Written with a breakneck pace and capturing the glittering, privileged world of the one-percenters, The Night We Met is a gripping novel that shows how you can never truly outrun your past—nor the people from it.

Review:

I will always pick up a novel about rich people behaving badly and the synopsis doesn’t even begin to cover what lies ahead. It’s still basically all you need to know though because this was a slow burn where you don’t even fully understand the characters motivations and intentions until the bitter end. Many times I’m not a fan of a slow burn, I tend to gravitate towards books with some action but I was never even close to bored here. The whole thing read as intoxicating to me and Eliza definitely had me under her wicked spell. You have a past and present alternating timeline and things don’t converge until almost the very end but when they do things were pretty explosive. Eliza as a character fascinated me, she got under my skin and there was something unsettling about her but I kind of liked that? Overall this had a sophisticated feel but a darkness as well, something cruel and complicated lurking. Definitely a fan!

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 3, 2022

Publisher: Putnam

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A new mother chases the secrets her partner left behind after his sudden disappearance in this pulse-pounding domestic thriller from the author of The Perfect Escape.

Janie needs a break: her baby won’t sleep, she’s struggling with motherhood, and a secret from her past threatens to tear her new family apart. So when Max offers to do their baby’s feedings that night so she can finally get some sleep, she jumps at the chance. But when Janie wakes up at three a.m., her daughter is screaming alone in her bassinet … Max has vanished.

Alone with a newborn and desperate for answers, Janie searches for Max, but the more she learns about the man she loves, the more she wonders how well she knew him at all. When a woman is murdered and Max becomes the prime suspect, Janie must face her partner’s secrets—and her own—if she ever wants her daughter to see her father again.

An endlessly suspenseful and surprising look at both the beauty and darkness of modern motherhood, You Should Have Told Me is a rollercoaster of a thriller with family at its heart.

Review:

This is the third book I’ve read by the author and I really like her brand of writing. She always seems to come up with storylines that at first glance seem like something you’ve read before, but then when you dive in you realize she puts her own unique spin on it. A partner with secrets is nothing new but there was still something fresh here. The author managed to really capture the feeling of being a new parent, especially the low moments that aren’t often discussed. This aspect alongside a plot full of tension and secrets worked pretty well for me. I did think there was a repetitive feel at times but I almost wonder if that was done intentionally as much of it revolves around Janie taking care of her newborn. Other than that it was solid, some mild surprises along the way and it was the kind of compulsive read I’ve come to expect from the author.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: October 18, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

When event planner Hallie Goodman receives party-inspiration material from the bride of her latest wedding project, the last thing she expects to find in the files are digital videos from Darcy’s ex-boyfriend. Hallie knows it’s wrong to keep watching these personal videos, but this guy is cute, funny, and an astronaut on the International Space Station to boot. She’s only human. And it’s not long until she starts sending e-mails and video diaries to his discontinued NASA address. Since they’re bouncing back, there’s no way anyone will ever be able to see them…right?

Christopher Ortiz is readjusting to life on earth and being constantly in the shadow of his deceased older brother. When a friend from NASA’s IT department forwards him the e-mails and video messages Hallie has sent, he can’t help but notice how much her sense of humor and pink hair make his heart race.

Separated by screens, Hallie and Chris are falling in love with each other, one transmission at a time. But can they make their star-crossed romance work when they each learn the other’s baggage?

Review:

How does this author manage to combine so many of my favorite romance aspects into one amazing book all of the time? I swear if another author tried to write a book that was part rom com but also had lots of angst and pining it wouldn’t work. She is just SO good at blending so many different elements together and she ends up with these epic stories of love. I adored both Chris and Hallie right from the jump and could not wait for them to get together. It was a bit of a wait, this was a slow burn (that’s where the angst comes in) but it was the delicious kind of torture that only certain authors can pull off. I was lining myself 😂 There was a ton of character development and growth as well, you see both of them come so far by the end, both separately and together and I always appreciate that deep type of growth. Overall an outstanding romance that I truly adored, if you’re already a fan of the author you’ll be pleased and if you’ve never read her before you should!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: December 1, 2022

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A husband with secrets. A wife with no limits. A riveting novel of marriage, privilege, and lies by Kaira Rouda, the USA Today bestselling author of The Next Wife.

Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t.

Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished.

When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.

Review:

I really enjoy the authors brand of writing, she always creates fascinating characters that are wholly unlikable but this is done intentionally. You know that that you’re supposed to be annoyed by these people and they’re supposed to get under your skin and Jody was no exception. There is something deliciously fun about reading about a devious character and I definitely enjoyed that aspect. Unfortunately that’s about all I enjoyed here, so thank god for unapologetically awful characters like Jody haha. I knew this centered on politics but it was just too much for me and I felt bogged down by all the political talk. The drama felt convoluted and unnecessarily messy just for the sake of it and I didn’t fully believe many aspects of the characters actions and behaviors. Overall a bit of a miss for me but if you like sociopathic characters and politically charged plots this may work for you.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: December 1, 2022

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A husband with secrets. A wife with no limits. A riveting novel of marriage, privilege, and lies by Kaira Rouda, the USA Today bestselling author of The Next Wife.

Jody Asher had a plan. Her charismatic husband, Martin, would be a political icon. She, the charming wife, would fuel his success. For fifteen congressional terms, they were the golden couple on the Hill. Life was good. Until he wasn’t.

Martin’s secret affair with a young staffer doesn’t bother Jody personally. But professionally? It’s a legacy killer. Soon a reporter gets word of this scandal in the making, and Martin’s indiscretions threaten to ruin everything Jody has accomplished.

When Martin suddenly dies, it’s a chance to change the narrative—but the reporter won’t let go of his lead. As the balance of power shifts in the Asher house and on the Hill, it’s time for Jody to take control. And there’s nothing the ruthless widow won’t do to secure the future she’s entitled to. Even if she has a secret of her own.

Review:

I really enjoy the authors brand of writing, she always creates fascinating characters that are wholly unlikable but this is done intentionally. You know that that you’re supposed to be annoyed by these people and they’re supposed to get under your skin and Jody was no exception. There is something deliciously fun about reading about a devious character and I definitely enjoyed that aspect. Unfortunately that’s about all I enjoyed here, so thank god for unapologetically awful characters like Jody haha. I knew this centered on politics but it was just too much for me and I felt bogged down by all the political talk. The drama felt convoluted and unnecessarily messy just for the sake of it and I didn’t fully believe many aspects of the characters actions and behaviors. Overall a bit of a miss for me but if you like sociopathic characters and politically charged plots this may work for you.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: October 4, 2022

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

When former bad girl Genevieve West returns home for her mother’s funeral, she’s prepared to keep her distance from her ex-boyfriend, Evan Hartley. Their history is rife with turbulence. And passion. A heck of a lot of passion… which she’s trying desperately to forget. 

But it’s impossible not to run into Evan in the small coastal town where they once ran wild. And the moment she sees her gorgeous ex again, it’s clear to Gen that Evan is still as unruly, sexy, and irresistible as ever. This time around, however, she’s resolved to walk a new path. No more partying. No more foolish mistakes. Her plan is to temporarily remain in town to help her father run his business, but the second he finds somebody else, she’s out of there.

Evan has other ideas. He knows they can be good together, but he just has to convince Genevieve of that, even if it means turning over a new leaf himself. But can a bad reputation ever truly be shed? Do second chances really work? Genevieve and Evan are about to find out.

Bestselling author Elle Kennedy returns to Avalon Bay in this sexy second chance story about two exes who can’t stay away from each other, Bad Girl Reputation.

Review:

If you like second chance romances between a bad boy AND a bad girl this was really fun. I loved both Gen and Evans’s passion and intensity and appreciated their growth throughout the book. The angst was real here, it’s a genuine struggle for both of them to stay away from each and the pining was so raw. You hear from both of them in alternating POV and the audio version was great, I especially liked Summer Morton as Gen and can highly recommend that version. I really enjoyed Gen and Evans story and appreciated their dangerous feeling relationship. Elle can do no wrong in my book and this was another winner!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks GetRedPR for my copy.

Goodreads

Release date: October 4, 2022

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

With a name like Astra Noel Snow, holiday spirit isn’t just a seasonal specialty–it’s a way of life. But after a stinging divorce, Astra’s yearly trip to the Milwaukee Christmas market takes on a whole new meaning. She’s ready to eat, drink, and be merry, especially with the handsome stranger who saves the best kringle for her at his family bakery.

For Jack Clausen, the Julemarked with its snowy lights and charming shops stays the same, while the world outside the joyful street changes, magically leaping from one December to the next every four weeks. He’s never minded living this charmed existence until Astra shows him the life he’s been missing outside of the festive red brick alley.

After a swoon-worthy series of dates, some Yuletide magic, and the unexpected glow of new love, Astra and Jack must decide whether this relationship can weather all seasons, or if what they’re feeling is as ephemeral as marshmallows in a mug of hot cocoa.

Review:

This is the second holiday book I’ve read in the last few weeks that had magical realism and I have to say, I’m into it. The holiday season is already magical on it’s own so add in a little real magic that’s grounded in reality and I’m 🫠 One thing the authors books always have is amazing descriptions of food and this was no exception. The treats Jack makes at the Julemarked sounded delicious and I needed many snacks while reading this. There was something so pure about this one, maybe it’s because Jack himself was such a pure and innocent character but this was sugar sweet. If you’re looking for an adorable and whimsical holiday read this was an enchanting delight sure to give you all the Christmassy feels.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: September 27, 2022

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Newlywed Jade Westmore has finally found her forever in husband Wells, a charming, successful, and recently divorced architect—only there’s one caveat. Behind the gates of their elysian estate, hidden from street view in the caretaker’s cottage … lives Wells’ first wife, Sylvie.

Three years ago, the original Mrs. Westmore suffered an unfortunate accident—and hasn’t uttered a sound since. Not a physician, psychologist, or world-renown specialist has been able to elicit so much as a word from the silent woman … until now.

On an ordinary Tuesday while Wells was away—despite instructions to never disturb the fragile woman—Jade visited her isolated predecessor bearing a peace offering: a bouquet of white lilies. Only she wasn’t expecting Sylvie to have something for her as well: a slip of torn notebook paper with a single word scrawled in shaky black ink.

That word? Run.

Review:

Whenever I’m in the mood for a twisty and bingeable thriller that I can read in one sitting I know I can pick up a Minka Kent book and it will satisfy me. When I started this I felt like I knew exactly where it would all go and I’m so pleased to say that I was pretty off. Sure I saw some minor things coming but overall I was wrong and parts left my head spinning with questions and theories that changed almost every chapter. This is super fast paced and the kind of book you don’t want to put down until you finish. I loved the old Hollywood noir vibes next to a ton of lies, betrayals and suspicions and thought that overall it was a solid suspense read and other winner from the author.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 10, 2023

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A husband’s disappearance inextricably links two couples in this twisty thriller from New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica

Two couples, two close friends, one missing husband…

Jake Hayes is missing. This much is certain. At first, his wife, Nina, thinks he is blowing off steam at a friend’s house after their heated fight the night before. But then a day goes by. Two days. Five. And Jake is still nowhere to be found.

Lily Scott, Nina’s friend and coworker, thinks she may have been the last to see Jake before he went missing. After Lily confesses everything to her husband, Christian, the two decide that nobody can find out what happened leading up to Jake’s disappearance, especially not Nina. But Nina is out there looking for her husband, and she won’t stop until the truth is discovered.

Queen of suspense Mary Kubica delivers a high-octane, edge-of-your-seat thriller filled with delicious lies and shocking betrayals, and shows how even the deepest secrets will always find a way to the surface.

Review:

I have read all of the authors books and enjoyed almost all of them (I wasn’t a fan of When the Lights Go Out) but this one missed the mark for me. I think my biggest issue was the writing felt off, if I had read this without having any idea who wrote it I would have never guessed it was a MK book at all. Her style wasn’t the same, it felt staccato and abrupt. It was just very weird and I had a hard time settling into the story because of it. Maybe it’s going to go through another round of edits before it actually comes out and things felt off since I read such an early copy, I don’t even know. Besides that issue things were ok, I was invested enough in the plot and curious to see where things would go but for a book that felt a little slow at times the ending felt rushed and there were some loose ends that needed to be tied up. Overall not my fave from the author but of course I’ll still read her books because some of them have been really good.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.