Goodreads

Release date: February 23, 2023

Publisher: Knopf

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Six women—mothers, daughters, sisters–gone missing. When the first is found floating dead in the river, it reveals the disturbing truth of a small Ohio town. Inspired by the unsolved murders of the Chillicothe Six, this harrowing and haunting novel tells the story of two sisters, both of whom could be the next victims, from the internationally-bestselling author of Betty.



Arcade and Daffodil are twin sisters born one minute apart. With their fiery red hair and thirst for an escape, they forge an unbreakable bond nurtured by both their grandmother’s stories and their imaginations. Together, they create a world where a patch of grass reveals an archaeologist’s dig, the smoke emerging from the local paper mill becomes the dust rising from wild horses galloping on the ground, and an abandoned 1950s convertible transforms into a time machine that can take them anywhere.



But the two sisters can’t escape the generational chaos that grips their family. Growing up in the shadow of the town, the sisters cling tight to one another. As an adult, Arcade wrestles with these memories of her life, just as a local woman is discovered drowned in the river. Soon, more bodies are found. While her friends disappear around her, Arcade is forced to reckon with the past while the killer circles ever closer. Arcade’s promise to keep herself and her sister safe becomes increasingly desperate while the powerful riptide of the savage side becomes more difficult to resist.

Drawing from the true story of women killed in her native Ohio, acclaimed novelist and poet Tiffany McDaniel has written a powerful literary testament and fearless elegy for missing women everywhere.

Review:

Wow. That was my initial reaction upon finishing this book, just WOW. I’ve sat with my thoughts for awhile, it’s been several days since I finished this one and I needed some time to process my feelings. I almost didn’t have a choice in the matter, the way that these characters and this story got under my skin and in my heart and head is unmatched and unlike any other experience I’ve had with a book before. It’s the kind of story you cannot escape. I took my time reading it too, and there were many reasons for that as well. The story the author tells is harrowing and uncomfortable to read about so as a reader you will need to take a breather occasionally. But it is important and necessary and I don’t think it is the type of book you’re meant to read in just a few sittings. You’ll need time to sit with the beauty of the writing. You’ll need time to process the horrors you just read about. You’ll need time to think about all of the women who live lives like this. You’ll just need time, but the time invested is so very worthwhile.

I don’t think it’s necessary for me to get very far into the plot itself because there is a special kind of magic in the way this story unfolds. I will talk about the characters and the way the author humanizes the victims of the River Man because it gave a voice to women everywhere. Arc and Daffy are followed throughout several years, through life and death. Through addiction and prostitution. Through loss and more tragic loss. If there is an issue that anyone could find triggering it is in here at some point, but again it is important. I can’t even begin to describe how phenomenal the authors writing is, she’s on a level all of her own and it’s incredible. It’s haunting and devastatingly beautiful and the kind of poetry that speaks to my soul. It was an honor to read this one, I won’t soon forget it and I’m glad I won’t.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the author for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 22, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Opposites become allies to fool their matchmaking friends in this swoony reimagining of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

Jamie Westenberg and Bea Wilmot have nothing in common except a meet-disaster and the mutual understanding that they couldn’t be more wrong for each other. But when the people closest to them play Cupid and trick them into going on a date, Jamie and Bea realize they have something else in common after all—an undeniable need for revenge.

Soon their plan is in place: Fake date obnoxiously and convince the meddlers they’re madly in love. Then, break up spectacularly and dash their hopes, putting an end to the matchmaking madness once and for all.

To convince everyone that they’ve fallen for each other, Jamie and Bea will have to nail the performance of their lives. But as their final act nears and playing lovers becomes easier than not, they begin to wonder, what if Cupid’s arrow wasn’t so off the mark? And what if two wrongs do make a right?

Review:

This was such a sweet and deeply romantic romance. That statement may seem kinda silly, it is a romance novel after all but the way Bea and Jamie handle their relationship is so gentle and tender. They do start out as enemies, but soon enough they decide to scheme against their meddling friends and family to fake date which is one of my fave tropes. These two were just so adorable together and per usual the author shone a light on neurodiverse characters in the most sensitive and authentic way. Besides the cutest romance developing between Bea and Jamie you have a cast of secondary characters that were so incredibly likable and fun. I’m hoping this isn’t the last we see of these characters, it definitely has series potential! Overall a lovely and well rounded romance.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 8, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

As a self-proclaimed book hater and a firm believer that the movie is always better, Drew Young didn’t anticipate inheriting her grandma’s bookstore, the Book Nook. She’s in way over her head even before the shop’s resident book club, comprising seven of the naughtiest old ladies ever, begin to do what they do best–meddle.

Bestselling author Jasper Williams is a hopeless romantic. When he meets Drew at his Book Nook signing event, he becomes determined to show her the beauty of reading. He curates a book bucket list in exchange for her help exploring the local Denver scene for his current manuscript. From river rafting to local restaurants, Drew begins to connect with Jasper in a way she only thought happened in fiction.

When messy family ties jeopardize the future of the Book Nook, Drew is caught between a bookshelf and a hard place. She’s reminded that real life isn’t always big dreams and sweeping romance. But Jasper is the plot twist she never saw coming and he’s writing a happily ever after just for them.

Review:

I’ve read plenty of books where the main character is a book store owner and usually it’s because they love to read but this was my first time reading a book about a bookstore owner who hated reading. So I wasn’t sure what to think about that aspect but it ended up being surprisingly fun actually. I was utterly charmed by this one, between the super swoony Jasper, the gorgeous Colorado setting and the hilarious dirty birds every aspect of this was enjoyable. I also really liked the fact that Jasper was a male romance author and his while he was lovable he wasn’t written in a cheesy way. I think this was an ideal fall romance, so delightful and funny and sexy! I could even see it becoming a series because I would love to see a book about Drew’s sister, Daisy 🤞🏻

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: December 27, 2022

Publisher: MIRA

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A young woman’s life is torn apart when her wealthy ex-lover is found dead—along with his wife.

Vera is ruthlessly ambitious, beautiful, and knows how to get exactly what she wants—no matter who stands in the way. When she meets a wealthy older man on an exclusive dating app, she thinks nothing of the wife he tells her he’s separated from. But days later, when the man and his wife are found dead in their home, Vera is immediately blamed for their deaths and branded as good as a murderer.

A year later, she emerges from a cocoon of self-pity and tries to reenter the world, but the specter of scandal still clings to her. Then she’s invited to a memorial for the wife of her former lover. As she learns more about the family, and about the couple and their friends, she begins to suspect there was more to the story than an affair gone wrong. In a quest for redemption, Vera uncovers layers of lies and close-kept secrets held by an inner circle of filthy rich tech millionaires who will go to any lengths to protect their reputations.

Review:

I’m usually not a huge fan of a slow burn mystery but there was something incredibly intoxicating about this one that held my attention. I think a big part of the reason was that I was captivated by the authors writing style, she managed to write a story full of unlikable characters and somehow I was still invested in them? The way the story slowly unraveled revealing so many layers of deception, obsession and betrayal was hypnotic and really had a hold on me. This one went dark too, super dark in unexpected ways. Definitely many moments were I felt uncomfortable and unsettled but I’m telling you, this one got under my skin! If you like slow burn stories full of women’s rage this was good.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 22, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

For Astrid Parker, failure is unacceptable. Ever since she broke up with her fiancé a year ago, she’s been focused on her career–her friends might say she’s obsessed, but she knows she’s just driven. When Pru Everwood asks her to be the designer for the Everwood Inn’s renovation, which will be featured on a popular HGTV show, Innside America, Astrid is thrilled. Not only will the project distract her from her failed engagement and help her struggling business, but her perpetually displeased mother might finally give her a nod of approval.

However, Astrid never planned on Jordan Everwood, Pru’s granddaughter and the lead carpenter for the renovation, who despises every modern design decision Astrid makes. Jordan is determined to preserve the history of her family’s inn, particularly as the rest of her life is in shambles. When that determination turns into some light sabotage to ruffle Astrid’s perfect little feathers, the showrunners ask them to play up the tension. But somewhere along the way, their dislike for each other evolves into something quite different, and Astrid must decide what success truly means. Is she going to pursue the life that she’s expected to lead or the one that she wants?

Review:

I absolutely loved the first book in this series, Delilah Green Doesn’t Care early this year so I definitely had high expectations going into this one. While I still enjoyed this one I didn’t like it quite as much as it’s predecessor, I think it was missing some of the magic book one had for me. BUT. Still lots to like here, I’ve been curious about Astrid and it was nice to get her perspective, you also get Jordan’s POV too and in a romance especially I’m all for seeing both sides. I was into the home renovation aspect of the story as well, design talk is interesting to me and it was a cute and fun backdrop for a romance. I felt like both Astrid and Jordan were well drawn too, it’s hard to put my finger on exactly why this wasn’t the five star read I assumed it would be. I’m still going with four stars, I loved the representation, checking in on Claire and Delilah and the authentic characters. I think maybe it felt a little long and drawn out for me in the end, maybe? But if you like queer romances that are super steamy and witty try this.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 1, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

When college sweethearts Frankie and Ezra broke up before graduation, they vowed to never speak to each other again. Ten years later, on the eve of the new millennium, they find themselves back on their snowy, picturesque New England campus together for the first time for the wedding of mutual friends. Frankie’s on the rise as a music manager for the hottest bands of the late ’90s, and Ezra’s ready to propose to his girlfriend after the wedding. Everything is going to plan–they just have to avoid the chasm of emotions brought up when they inevitably come face to face.

But when they wake up in bed next to each other the following morning with Ezra’s grandmother’s diamond on Frankie’s finger, they have zero memory of how they got there–or about any of the events that transpired the night before. Now Frankie and Ezra have to put aside old grievances in order to figure out what happened, what didn’t happen…and to ask themselves the most troubling question of all: what if they both got it wrong the first time around?

Review:

I struggled with this one so I’ll just keep this fairly brief. I went into it thinking it was gonna be this fun nostalgic romance and really it was more fiction, not a lot of romance and missing the nostalgia I was hoping for. I found both Frankie and Ezra to be frustrating and frankly, annoying characters so I wasn’t able to connect to them or care about them. The story also dragged for me and it felt like it was an endless cycle of trying to piece together the night before and I just didn’t care eventually. I have enjoyed the authors past books but this was just a miss for me.

Overall rating: 2.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: October 31, 2022

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

You are cordially invited to visit the new Black Hills Manor Writing Retreat.

That’s how it all begins—with a simple invitation.

For five authors, it’s meant to be the start of a restful week, filled with free food, drinks, and likeminded company.
But shortly after their arrival, things take an unsettling turn.

Broken property, missing items, and strange noises are just some of the odd occurrences that have each member questioning their companions. As suspicions mount, the authors are pitted against each other.

Whom can they trust in a house full of strangers?

With tensions rising, the writers find themselves in the middle of their own mystery. Death, terror, and despair are common elements in their books, but at Black Hills Manor, the murders being plotted are their own.

Review:

KMod books are always tricky to review because I don’t want to give too much away, but I also want to make sure y’all know how much I enjoy her books. You never quite know what to expect when you start one of her books, her last release was super emotional but still tense and this one felt more like her usual style. It definitely gave me the same vibes as Just Married so if you’ve read and liked that one this one was even creepier for me.

I love reading books with an author as a character and this one has five so that was fun! You have the present day timeline with Blakely at the writers retreat and then “before” chapters mixed in from an unrelated character. I had no idea how she would fit in or how anything would come together but in true KMod fashion when things merged I was totally surprised. This one had some super dark moments and I loved how you knew that Blakely had something mysterious and sinister in her past, but you don’t know exactly what it is until late in the game. Kept me on my toes for sure. If you liked locked room style stories with lots of suspense, a creepy atmosphere and a strong ending try this.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 1, 2023

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Country music’s golden boy Colton Wheeler felt the most perfect harmony when he was with Gretchen Winthrop. But for her, it was a love him and leave him situation. A year later, Colton is struggling to push his music forward in a new direction. If it weren’t about to be the most magical time of year and the support of the Bromance Book Club, he’d be wallowing in self-pity. 

It’s hard for immigration attorney Gretchen not to feel a little Scrooge-ish about the excess of Christmas when her clients are scrambling to afford their rent. So when her estranged, wealthy family reaches out with an offer that will allow her to better serve the community, she’s unable to say no. She just needs to convince Colton to be the new face of her family’s whiskey brand. No big deal…

Colton agrees to consider Gretchen’s offer in exchange for three dates before Christmas. With the help of the Bromance Book Club, Colton throws himself into the task of proving to her there’s a spark between them. But Gretchen and Colton will both need to overcome the ghosts of Christmas past to build a future together

Review:

This is the fifth book in a series and man, I’ve really enjoyed every single book which is honestly not all that common as a series goes on. I’ve been loving celebrity romances this year too so I was excited to get that side of Colton’s story as well as his history. This also has a sunshine and grump trope and when the guy is the happy go lucky one like Colton was I just swoon. This is definitely Christmassy but no too much of that’s not your thing, I was still satisfied with that aspect and my love of all things festive was pleased. The best part of this series is checking in with the boys and it was hilarious as usual when they all get together. Loved the latest installment in this series and adored the charm and humor as always.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: January 3, 2023

Publisher: St. Martins

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

As kids, Emily and Chess were inseparable. But by their 30s, their bond has been strained by the demands of their adult lives. So when Chess suggests a girls trip to Italy, Emily jumps at the chance to reconnect with her best friend.

Villa Aestas in Orvieto is a high-end holiday home now, but in 1974, it was known as Villa Rosato, and rented for the summer by a notorious rock star, Noel Gordon. In an attempt to reignite his creative spark, Noel invites up-and-coming musician, Pierce Sheldon to join him, as well as Pierce’s girlfriend, Mari, and her stepsister, Lara. But he also sets in motion a chain of events that leads to Mari writing one of the greatest horror novels of all time, Lara composing a platinum album––and ends in Pierce’s brutal murder.

As Emily digs into the villa’s complicated history, she begins to think there might be more to the story of that fateful summer in 1974. That perhaps Pierce’s murder wasn’t just a tale of sex, drugs, and rock & roll gone wrong, but that something more sinister might have occurred––and that there might be clues hidden in the now-iconic works that Mari and Lara left behind.

Yet the closer that Emily gets to the truth, the more tension she feels developing between her and Chess. As secrets from the past come to light, equally dangerous betrayals from the present also emerge––and it begins to look like the villa will claim another victim before the summer ends.

Inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and the infamous summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at a Lake Geneva castle––the birthplace of Frankenstein––The Villa welcomes you into its deadly legacy.

Review:

This was such an addictive and fun popcorn thriller! I know it’s early for me to be reviewing it but it was entertaining enough that I figured getting it on your radar early would be a good thing. One of the things I’ve come to enjoy the most about this authors books is the way she creates unsettling settings for her books and this was no exception. It flips back and forth between present day when Emily and Chess are vacationing in Italy and then back to the 1970s when Mari spends a summer at the same villa as Emily. I was very drawn to the past timeline because you already know the summer comes to a violent and deadly end but the lead up to the tragedy was so fascinating. The author did a really great job with these two timelines showcasing such similar and parallel experiences but it was still easy to keep things separate in my head. I think I expected a slightly more explosive ending after such a strong lead up but I appreciate what the author was doing and why she made the choices she did. Overall a solid read with a unique edge and very cool throwback vibes.

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: November 1, 2022

Publisher: Atria

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

One year ago, recent Portland transplant Ellie Oliver had her dream job in animation and a Christmas Eve meet-cute with a woman at a bookstore that led her to fall in love over the course of a single night. But after a betrayal the next morning and the loss of her job soon after, she finds herself adrift, alone, and desperate for money.

Finding work at a local coffee shop, she’s just getting through the days—until Andrew, the shop’s landlord, proposes a shocking, drunken plan: a marriage of convenience that will give him his recent inheritance and alleviate Ellie’s financial woes and isolation. They make a plan to spend the holidays together at his family cabin to keep up the ruse. But when Andrew introduces his new fiancée to his sister, Ellie is shocked to discover it’s Jack—the mysterious woman she fell for over the course of one magical Christmas Eve the year before. Now, Ellie must choose between the safety of a fake relationship and the risk of something real.

Perfect for fans of Written in the Stars and One Day in December, Kiss Her Once for Me is the queer holiday rom-com that you’ll want to cozy up with next to the fire.

Review:

I adored the authors last book, The Charm Offensive and had super high expectations for this one. I’m so happy to report that this one more than lived up to my expectations and I enjoyed it just as much.

You have fake dating and instead of a love triangle you get a love trapezoid and that worked so much better for me than a boring triangle. The relationships between the characters are complicated to say the least so the entertainment value alone makes it worthwhile but it’s so much more than a sappy rom com with funny moments. It also has those too but the author does such an incredible job at representing a wide variety of people and handling their issues and problems in a delicate and sensitive way. The side characters don’t even feel like a secondary part of the story, every one adds value to the story and they were all so well drawn. Everything about this one felt thoughtful and combine that with a charming sapphic romance, a festive setting for a good portion of the book and Taylor Swift references and I was beyond happy. Loved this one!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.