Goodreads

Release date: September 13, 2022

Publisher: Blackstone

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Two sisters, a lifetime of secrets

Lilian and Rosie were once the closest of sisters, but the untimely death of their parents pulled them apart. Now, three years on, Rosie has reached out to her big sister, asking to meet. Driving on an icy road in the middle of a snowstorm, Rosie admits that she has something important to tell Lilian—a secret she describes as a matter of life and death. But before she has a chance to tell Lilian, a car careens into theirs, with devastating consequences.

Lilian survives unscathed, but Rosie is left with a traumatic brain injury, unable to communicate. Lilian is convinced that someone deliberately rammed Rosie’s car. But why? As Lilian begins to explore her sister’s past, she uncovers disturbing secrets that make her question if she ever really knew Rosie.

The closer Lilian comes to the truth, the more danger she and Rosie find themselves in. But Lilian is certain of one thing: she abandoned her little sister once before and will never do so again. Even if it means sacrificing everything.

Review:

If there’s one type of book I’ll always read, no matter the genre it’s a story about sisters. Bonus points for a dark thriller about sisters so I knew this was a must for me the minute I read the synopsis. This is is told from both sisters viewpoints, Lilian in the present day and Rosie through journal entries from the past so you’re slowly fed the details on their relationship and everything that led up to their falling out and beyond. While the secrets are slowly revealed I still found the pacing to be pretty fast and I was definitely never bored. Not knowing if either sister was even reliable kept things exciting and a couple of twists in the end surprised me. Overall a solid debut and I look forward to reading more from the author.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 16, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

She’s addicted to sex. He’s addicted to booze…the only way out is rock bottom.

No one would suspect shy Lily Calloway’s biggest secret. While everyone is dancing at college bars, Lily stays in the bathroom. To get laid. Her compulsion leads her to one-night stands, steamy hookups and events she shamefully regrets. The only person who knows her secret happens to have one of his own.

Loren Hale’s best friend is his bottle of bourbon. Lily comes at a close second. For three years, they’ve pretended to be in a real relationship, hiding their addictions from their families. They’ve mastered the art of concealing flasks and random guys that filter in and out of their apartment.

But as they sink beneath the weight of their addictions, they cling harder to their destructive relationship and wonder if a life together, for real, is better than a lie. Strangers and family begin to infiltrate their guarded lives, and with new challenges, they realize they may not just be addicted to alcohol and sex.

Their real vice may be each other.

Review:

I’ve seen this book floating around for years so when I saw Berkley was rereleasing it, I figured it was the perfect time to finally read it. I’ve heard a lot of hype surrounding both this book and the entire series and while I can sorta see where people are coming from, I also kind of don’t get it either. There were things I liked, for sure. It was just as addictive as everyone said and it was a whole lot like watching a train wreck but it gave me the same type of feelings I would have if I was watching an actual train wreck. It was hard to watch two such self destructive characters make awful decisions over and over again and it didn’t help that they were both very unlikable. Their relationship is the very definition of toxic and while I don’t usually mind that, I also don’t need a whole book focusing on it either. There was something entertaining here and I liked the authors style, but overall I’m not sure if there was enough here for me to like. Especially unsure if I will continue this series.

Overall rating: 3/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: September 1, 2022

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The day of their dreams was nothing short of a nightmare.

On the one-year anniversary of her wedding, Colbie Moore’s life looks nothing like it should.
Still grieving the loss of the man she meant to spend her life with, Colbie prepares for a weekend away to take her mind off her heartache, but the simple plan results in much more than she bargained for.

A box of letters, meant for the bride and groom to open on their anniversary, is instead opened by Colbie and her three best friends—Miles, James, and Eric.
And what it holds could ruin everything.

A mysterious note from a surprising sender shocks Colbie, propelling her down a dark path to discover the truth about the man she loved—his life and his death—before it’s too late.

Soon, Colbie begins to question everyone around her as the mystery unravels.
What was Phil hiding from her when he died?
What secrets are still hidden?

The closer she gets to answers, the clearer it becomes that someone has gone to great lengths to protect their lies.
And if she pushes any more, everything she has left could be exactly what she stands to lose.

Is it worth risking everything to truly know the man she’s already lost?
After all, she’s been warned…she might not be able to handle what she finds.

A heart-wrenching domestic suspense about love, loss, and deception from bestselling author Kiersten Modglin.

Review:

There are not many authors who are able to release ten plus books per year but somehow KMod does this and she makes it look easy. Not only is she releasing a ton of books each year, she’s also still maintaining a really high quality with her books AND she somehow manages to come up with really original ideas for her books. I swear the concepts she writes about are always interesting and this was no exception. Actually, I even found it to have a slightly different feel to her other books and I mean that in a good way. This was emotionally charged and while it still felt very much like a suspenseful story, it didn’t have the usual twists and turns throughout. But of course there was a shocking turn in the end, it is KMod after all, I just wanted to point out that this one felt unique compared to some of her other books. Colbie was a character you can’t help rooting for, she’s been through so much and while she knows finding answers may help her with closure, she also knows it’ll be painful. I’m gonna stop with details there but if you like thrillers with an emotional component that are still very fast paced, give this one a try!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the author for my copy.

Goodreads

Release date: September 27, 2022

Publisher: Thomas and Mercer

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Such a quiet and ordinary wife and mother. Who will even notice what she’s done?

Lillian Smith leads an unexceptional life, writing obituaries and killing time with her inattentive husband and disconnected son. Then she meets David, a handsome stranger, in a coffee shop. Lured into an affair, she invents a new persona, one without strings, deadlines, or brooding husbands.

Lillian has never felt so reckless, unpredictable, or wanted. But as her affair with David intensifies, she withdraws from everything that’s real, even her closest friend. When evidence of her life as a secret lover finds its way onto her son’s social media, she risks ruining much more than her marriage or reputation.

As lies beget lies, Lillian’s two worlds spiral dangerously out of control. And betrayals run deeper than she imagines. Because Lillian isn’t the only one leading a double life.

Review:

I’ve really enjoyed this authors books in the past, she writes in a really addictive way that always makes me want to read her books in one sitting and basically that’s all I’m looking for in a thriller lately. This one has that same feel and I was into it from the start. At one point things get flipped upside down and I think this particular choice will be divisive. It mostly worked for me, I don’t mind if things get a little unhinged and that’s definitely the case here. I always appreciate the unexpected and I definitely didn’t see things coming ahead of time here. It does require you to just go along for the ride and not ask too many questions so just a heads up there but if you’re looking for a page turner with some bananas surprises this one was fun.

Overall rating: 3.75/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 16, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Turns out that reading nothing but true crime isn’t exactly conducive to modern dating—and one woman is going to have to learn how to give love a chance when she’s used to suspecting the worst.

PhD candidate Phoebe Walsh has always been obsessed with true crime. She’s even analyzing the genre in her dissertation—if she can manage to finish writing it. It’s hard to find the time while she spends the summer in Florida, cleaning out her childhood home, dealing with her obnoxiously good-natured younger brother, and grappling with the complicated feelings of mourning a father she hadn’t had a relationship with for years.

It doesn’t help that she’s low-key convinced that her new neighbor, Sam Dennings, is a serial killer (he may dress business casual by day, but at night he’s clearly up to something). It’s not long before Phoebe realizes that Sam might be something much scarier—a genuinely nice guy who can pierce her armor to reach her vulnerable heart.

Review:

If you like true crime and romance novels (and really, who doesn’t?) this one is a must! Do you think every man you ever met is a potential serial killer? If so, you’re gonna love Phoebe. She’s neurotic (again, who isn’t in 2022) and smart and her brand of wit is right up my alley. Sam was the sweetest most awkwardly adorable hero and together they made such a cute pair. Their relationship was gentle, tender and felt so genuine. They took care with each other in a way that felt so pure. Since Phoebe’s father recently passed away there’s a grief element throughout the story and she’s also trying to rekindle a friendship with someone she lost touch with years ago. Then there’s her brother and his girlfriend who were such fantastic secondary characters I kinda want to read a whole ass book about those two. These extra elements added additional depth to this cute romance, I adored it and can’t wait to see what the author has in store next.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: September 13, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Lucy Rourke has two great loves in her life: the gorilla troop she cares for as a primatologist and the laundry list of reality TV shows she watches to escape the fact that her actual love life doesn’t exist. And like a reality contestant gunning for the final rose, Lucy’s laser-focused on one thing: getting promoted to head keeper. So when a wildlife docuseries hosted by hotshot TV personality Kai Bridges chooses her zoo as its summer filming location, she sees an opportunity to showcase her beloved gorillas to the world and land a starring role in her department.

When Kai and his film crew arrive, however, it’s obvious to Lucy that Kai cares more about sky-high ratings than the gorillas, and he considers her a camera-averse know-it-all whose wardrobe consists entirely of khaki. But she’s surprised to discover there’s more to him than his rugged good looks and cheesy catchphrases…and that maybe a promotion isn’t the only thing she wants. But when secrets from their pasts threaten to complicate everything, Lucy discovers that happiness and success aren’t the same thing—and that finding joy just might mean getting a little wild.

Review:

Who knew I needed a romance with a zoo and a troop of gorillas as the backdrop? Kerry Rea knew exactly what I needed even when I didn’t, I absolutely adored this one!

Lucy was the kind of heroine we’ve all been waiting for, she’s child free by choice, fiercely passionate about her career and hilarious. This was full of witty banter between Lucy and Kai and there were so many funny pop culture references interspersed in their exchanges that made me laugh. While much of this was light and funny with the enemies to lovers trope being executed perfectly there was so much emotional depth as well. Both Kai and Lucy experienced trauma in their childhoods and have to work through their issues and this gave their story such a genuine and mature feel. I adored this one just as much as I loved The Wedding Ringer and highly recommend both books.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: September 14, 2022

Publisher: Bookouture

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

We were all there that prom night, but one of us didn’t make it home…

Ten years ago: We laughed together on the dance floor that night, our dresses glittering in the swirling lights. One final night of fun before the rest of our lives. We couldn’t have known that for one of us, it would be our last…

Now: They say that I’m the lucky one, the survivor. But no one knows the truth—the thing I’ve been running from all this time. How I escaped.

Back in my hometown a decade later—the place I’ve avoided—I can feel the questioning eyes on me, the whispers. The rumors.

I can’t shake the feeling that I am being followed, the shadow of a reflection in the glass storefronts, the murmur of footsteps before I turn to look. But no one’s ever there, and I tell myself it’s all in my head. Then the anonymous messages land in my inbox, overly familiar and insistent: I’m watching. I’ve been waiting for you.

I should have known I couldn’t run forever. I want to feel safe surrounded by my best friends. But everyone has something to hide, and I don’t know who I can trust.

Someone out there won’t let me forget what really happened that night, what I promised. What if, this time, I’m not so lucky?

Review:

Ohhh this was a pacey and clever little thriller. I really liked the basic setup here, especially that Norah was able to trick a serial killer back when she was in high school into letting her go. Obviously I immediately needed to know how because I just knew anyone who could manage that was someone that would be interesting to read about. Norah was definitely fascinating, she took all her fear and anger surrounding her past trauma and channeled it into a career for herself as she’s now a famous MMA fighter and coach. Seriously badass! So I was definitely rooting for Norah and then you have this exciting and fast paced storyline that really kept me engaged. The chapters were short and many ended on a small cliffhanger which really made me want to keep reading. The author did a pretty good job at misdirecting the reader and I had fun trying to figure out who the killer was. My first by the author but definitely not my last, definitely a fun binge read with good tension and thrills.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 9, 2022

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis: When Amaya is invited to Kaavi’s over-the-top wedding in Sri Lanka, she is surprised and a little hurt to hear from her former best friend after so many years of radio silence. But when Amaya learns that the groom is her very own ex-boyfriend, she is consumed by a single thought: She must stop the wedding from happening, no matter the cost.

But as the weeklong wedding celebrations begin and rumors about Amaya’s past begin to swirl, she can’t help but feel like she also has a target on her back. When Kaavi goes missing and is presumed dead, all evidence points to Amaya.

However, nothing is as it seems as Jayatissa expertly unravels that each wedding guest has their own dark secret and agenda, and Amaya may not be the only one with a plan to keep the bride from getting her happily ever after…

Review:

This was one of those reads that took me awhile to get into, but once I was settled in, I was super into it! For me the slowish start paid off in the end, so patience may be required but it does get interesting.

The author did a great job with the format, it’s told both in the present and a few months before the wedding and there are interview transcripts interspersed from various wedding guests that reveal so much juicy gossip. I really liked the look inside Sri Lankan culture and traditions and the lavish wedding was so fun. There’s a lot of dark humor here which I enjoy in a thriller and I found it to be smart and sharp in such a wicked way. I think this is one of those thrillers where the readers enjoyment really hinges on the twist. I didn’t have it fully figured out ahead of time so I ended up really liking the direction it took, but if you guess it early I don’t think you’ll be impressed. I say this because I guessed the twist in the authors debut and I was bummed so just wanted to put it out there. But overall I do recommend it and think if you like whodunnits with lots of secrets this was a fun one.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Goodreads

Release date: August 9, 2022

Publisher: Berkley Romance

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Commitment-phobe Nina Lejeune lives by two rules:
1. Always have fun.
2. Don’t rely on anyone but yourself.
The first rule is easy; the second, she’s only broken once.

Ten years after fleeing home, Nina is the chief stewardess on the super yacht Serendipity, single by choice, and perfectly content with how life has turned out.

But Nina’s ex-coworker and old flame, Irish chef Ollie Dunne, isn’t so happy with the status quo. One year after leaving yachting, he’s returned as the Serendipity’s chef with an ultimatum: if Nina continues to deny she’s in love with him by the end of this charter season, he’ll go back to Ireland for good.

Nina and Ollie’s shared secret from their past threatens to shipwreck not only their relationship, but the entire boat. But as their connection grows amidst chaotic guests and crew drama, could there be smooth sailing in their future?

Review:

I absolutely loved the first book in this series when I read it last year and have been so looking forward to getting to read Nina and Ollie’s story and I’m so glad it lived up to the hype for me! It had a different feel to it than the first book, which was a good thing because to me it just showed that the author is multifaceted and able to still right such an amazing romance just with a different feel. I think the biggest difference I noticed was this one was more angsty, but not in an annoying way. Nina and Ollie’s pain came from such a relatable place and I was rooting for them SO hard. They had amazing chemistry which lead to some wickedly funny banter and so much sarcasm. If you like romances with depth, some summery vibes and are a fan of Below Deck this is a must!

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.