Blue Moon Mystery Saloon

Finding His Cheer, A Jewel Lakes Holiday Special

A Jewel Lakes Novella, by Claire Wilder, September 2021.

* An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

Finding His Cheer by Claire Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

FINDING HIS CHEER, A JEWEL LAKES HOLIDAY SPECIAL by Claire Wilder is a second-chance romance in the author’s JEWEL LAKES SERIES. It features neighbors Heath Bradley, a widower of three years and father of Ruby, and Morgan Carter, a potter and recent divorcee. Heath struggles to get over the death of his wife and tries providing a good home for his daughter, who is finding her voice again after remaining silent for a year after her mom’s death. Morgan hopes to have success with her pottery business, despite feeling like a pottery artist imposter. She needs to sell all of her pieces at the upcoming Christmas craft fair so she can pay her bills and not lose her cottage. Neither Heath nor Morgan is ready for love, but sometimes it comes when you least expect it.

PROS:
1. The main characters, though flawed, are good people who value their friends and families.
2. Ruby and Mousie (Morgan’s cat) are cute additions to the story.
3. The feelings of inadequacy and sadness Heath experiences since his wife died are definitely realistic, especially near a family-centric holiday.
4. The novella has an interesting plot and great secondary characters, and the main characters overcome their hesitancy to love again.
5. It’s a nice second-chance romance written in first person, past tense, frequently alternating between Heath and Morgan’s points of view.

CONS:
1. Heath and Morgan worry on and on about how they’re feeling about the other.
2. All of the inner dialogue takes up too much of the story. I’d rather read more scenes than all of the inner angst.
3. The sex scenes seemed like they were just dropped into the novella. I do like spicy books, but I think implied sex would have worked better here.

SUMMARY:
FINDING HIS CHEER, A JEWEL LAKES HOLIDAY SPECIAL, is a nice addition to the JEWEL LAKES SERIES. Its uplifting story, scenic lake setting, likeable main characters, and cute, exuberant Ruby help to make the hope-filled Christmas romance a strong 3.5 stars story. If you like character-driven stories, want to read all the books in the JEWEL LAKES SERIES, and/or like small town romances, then you should enjoy this novella.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Other books in the JEWEL LAKES SERIES by Claire Wilder, BLUE MOON SERIES and BOOTLEG SPRINGS SERIES by Lucy Score, BOOTLEG SPRINGS SERIES and THE MILES FAMILY SERIES by Claire Kingsley, HEARTBREAKER BAY NOVELS and THE WILDSTONE SERIES by Jill Shalvis, BLUEGRASS SERIES and FOREVER BLUEGRASS SERIES by Kathleen Brooks

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Coming Home to Silver Leaf Falls

Silver Leaf Falls Series, Book 1, by Meg Easton, Mountain Heights Publishing, August 2021.

* An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

Coming Home to Silver Leaf Falls by Meg Easton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

COMING HOME TO SILVER LEAF FALLS by Meg Easton is the first of six novellas in the new SILVER LEAF FALLS SERIES. It features 28-year-old Liz Jenkins, who spent most of her youth in Silver Leaf VT and returns as the new director of Silver Leaf Camp, and 29-year-old Noah Knight, life-long resident and principal of the town’s elementary school. They’ve both failed at love and think HEAs aren’t for them. Liz aims to improve the faltering camp in one year and leave it in great shape, before she runs to another town to take on another failing business. That’s what she does—moves from place to place, never setting down roots, never making strong friendships, always married to her job. Noah feels something’s missing in his life and thinks a move to another school in CT will fill that hole. He’s lived in the small town almost his whole life, got out of a relationship some months before, and thinks he’s out of dating options in Silver Leaf. Since friends are anxious to find dates for both of them and neither wants to go on dates, Liz and Noah decide to fake date each other. But what begins as a ploy to get people off their backs quickly turns into something more.

PROS:
1. Well-written characters who care a lot for friends and families, the town, and the town’s traditions. Liz is great with kids and has innovative ideas for how to improve the camp by integrating activities with the local schools. Noah enjoys his job and is loved by the school kids and their parents. I particularly like his pledge to sleep on the roof of the school to increase students’ reading minutes.
2. The good use of words, like when Noah compares Liz’s personality as “trying to fit a hurricane in a jar.”
3. Issues addressed: feeling worthy of love, difficulty facing fears, what makes a “home”, how to fill holes in your life.
4. The story is well paced with unique ideas, the main characters grow throughout the book, and it’s written in third person, past tense.

CONS:
It’s too short. I would’ve loved to read more about Liz and Noah’s story.

SUMMARY:
COMING HOME TO SILVER LEAF FALLS is a bright start to the new series SILVER LEAF FALLS. The main characters are so caring and fun, that I would’ve loved to have them in my childrens’ lives when they were younger. The town seems like a wonderful place to grow up and someplace I’d like to live. If you like character-driven stories or enjoy an upbeat, sweet romance, this is the perfect book for you.

If You Like This, You May Like:
Other books in the SILVER LEAF FALLS SERIES and the NESTLED HOLLOW ROMANCE SERIES by Meg Easton, FALLING INTO HAPPILY EVER AFTER ROM COM SERIES by Ellie Hall, ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE SERIES by Whitney Dineen, THE WILD WESTS SERIES by Kathy Fawcett, ROMANCING HIS RIVAL and BEAUTY AND THE BRIT by Poppy St. James


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Beauty and the Brit

A Novel by Poppy St. James, August 2021.

* An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

Beauty and the Brit by Poppy St. James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

BEAUTY AND THE BRIT by Poppy St. James is the story of Camryn Palmer and Sterling Quinn, characters first introduced in the author’s recent release, ROMANCING HIS RIVAL. Sterling just found out that his great-grandfather left him an inheritance of millions of dollars. The catch? He has to marry in six months or lose the money. As a family lawyer, he’s guided several clients through contentious divorces and has seen the distress caused when a marriage dissolves. And he remembers the sadness and stress he and his mom suffered when his dad left. But he needs the money so he can give his ailing mother a better life. His uncle decides to give him a push and hires a PR firm to help Sterling find a wife.

Camryn is the PR rep that will play matchmaker for Sterling. She’s the best friend and employee of Olivia, who is married to Noah, Sterling’s best friend. So she and Sterling already know each other. She’s not too excited about the assignment, especially since Sterling’s a player. But the bonus she’ll get if Sterling gets married in time will pay off the almost $10,000 her last boyfriend charged to her credit cards before leaving her high and dry and with all the bills.

PROS:
1. Though Camryn and Sterling are attracted to each other, the romance plays out over time.
2. Both main characters are imperfect, excel in their professions, and care about their actions.
3. The arranged marriage angle is a common trope, but the author has given it a unique spin.
4. All of the characters are well written.
5. The pacing is good with no lagging scenes.
6. Written in first person with chapters mostly alternating between H and h points of view.

CONS:
1. The ending is a little abrupt, with the H’s thoughts about the h’s actions being a bit rushed.
2. It’s written in present tense, which isn’t a favorite of mine, but the author writes it really well.

SUMMARY:
BEAUTY AND THE BRIT is a delightful, lighthearted story with well-written characters, good pacing, and a unique twist to arranged marriage romances. If you like character-driven stories or just want an enjoyable beach read, this is the perfect book for you.

If You Like This, You Might Like:
SECOND CHANCE SUMMER and ROMANCING HIS RIVAL by Poppy St. James, WEDDINGS IN THE CITY by Alina Jacobs, OXFORD NOVELS and THE CENTRAL PARK PACT SERIES by Lauren Layne, FBI/US ATTORNEY SERIES by Julie James, MATCH ME IF YOU CAN by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, THE HATING GAME and SECOND FIRST IMPRESSIONS by Sally Thorne


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The Perfect Bachelor

The Perfect Man Series, Book 4, by Lynn Dare, August 2021.

* An e-ARC of this book was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

The Perfect Bachelor by Lynn Dare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE PERFECT BACHELOR by Lynn Dare is the fourth book in the lighthearted THE PERFECT MAN series. It follows the romance of committed bachelor and lawyer, Grey Amore (brother of Ellie from the series’ first book), and new Cape Kismet FL resident and paralegal, Sadie Wells. Grey is the only lawyer in town, and since his business is growing, he needs to hire an assistant. Sadie has just moved to town to provide a home for her gay 17-year-old brother after he's been kicked out of their parents’ home. She needs to find a decent job, pronto, and applies for the assistant position. The H and h originally meet at the local bookstore, where Grey tries to charm Sadie. She’s not interested, much to Grey's dismay, especially since he’s not used to being turned down. So they are surprised when she shows up to interview at Grey's office. Both are wary of the other, but through work, they begin to know and trust one another.

PROS:
1. Both Grey and Sophie are fun, well-written characters. They each have their faults, but they are caring individuals who grow throughout the book. Characters from the other books in the series show up here too and provide advice and some comic relief.
2. Most of the story's characters are people I'd like to know. They tease and support each other, and are overall good people.
3. The story is lighthearted but deals with some serious issues too, like responsibility for your actions (even for teenagers), believing in yourself, coming to terms with your past, and fear of commitment.
4. No instalove. Yay!

CONS:
None that I found.

SUMMARY: THE PERFECT BACHELOR is a fun, well-paced and lighthearted story dealing with some serious issues, and it’s a great addition to THE PERFECT MAN SERIES. The main characters leap off the page and are people you’d like to know, and the secondary characters are there to give support and sometimes questionable advice. If you like character-driven stories or books featuring small town romances, then you’ll definitely want to buy THE PERFECT BACHELOR.

If You Like This, You Might Like:
Other books in THE PERFECT MAN SERIES by Lynn Dare, HEART’S COVE HOTTIES SERIES by Lilian Monroe, LOVE IS A MYSTERY SERIES by Laura Burton, BLUE MOON SERIES and BOOTLEG SPRINGS SERIES by Lucy Score, THE EASTONS SERIES by Marina Adair, THE MILES FAMILY SERIES and THE BAILEY BROTHERS SERIES by Claire Kingsley, MEET ME AT THE ALTAR SERIES and SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS SERIES by Samantha Chase, SECOND CHANCE SUMMER and BEAUTY AND THE BRIT by Poppy St. James


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Shooting Star

A Nikki Latrelle Mystery, Book 5, by Sasscer Hill, misterio press, July 2021

* An e-ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.

Shooting Star: A Nikki Latrelle Mystery, Book 5 by Sasscer Hill
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SHOOTING STAR is the fifth story in the NIKKI LATRELLE MYSTERY SERIES by Sasscer Hill. And what a fine addition it is. Nikki is in her element as a jockey extra in “The Final Furlong,” a movie in production at Santa Anita Park in California. As the story begins, Nikki witnesses a murder of a cameraman and soon after becomes the female lead when the woman playing that part is critically injured while shooting a race scene.

With murders and injuries plaguing the production, Nikki is wary of everyone, except for Will Marshall, a former jockey and one-time love. He is also her boss, as she is now a subcontractor for the Thoroughbred Racing Protection Bureau (TRPB). He asks her to remain on the production to give him information and help catch the perpetrators, and he’s angry when Nikki starts lying to him. She does so to protect him, and while her feelings grow for her hot young co-star, Jamie, she tries not to think of her unresolved feelings about Will. No matter what happens in her love life, Nikki’s determined to solve the pieces of the puzzle that will eventually lead her to the murderer.

PROS:
- Characters are so well-written, one could imagine them walking right off the page. My particular favorite is Jamie, the suave male lead in the movie, and how he totally transforms into his on-screen persona, Dillon, a total jerk.
- Smells, sights, and textures draw the reader into the scene, almost as if you’re there.
- One of the things I like about the author’s books is the absence of grammatical errors —things that usually bring me out of the story.
- The story gives the reader a glimpse of how a movie and the sets are made.
- The book has good pacing and is action packed.

CONS:
None.

SUMMARY:
SHOOTING STAR is a fast-paced mystery with lots of action and well-written characters. It’s a great addition to the NIKKI LATRELLE MYSTERY SERIES and is a must read for horse racing fans and readers who like character-driven stories.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Other NIKKI LATRELLE MYSTERIES, FIA MCKEE MYSTERIES, and TRAVELS OF QUINN by Sasscer Hill, DICK FRANCIS NOVELS by Dick Francis, THE DIMITY HORSE MYSTERIES by Leanne Owens, THE SCAR RULE by Heidi Vanderbilt, LARK DAVIS MYSTERIES by Annabelle Hunter


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The Perfect Man

The Perfect Man Series, Book 1, by Lynn Dare, July 2021.

** An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

The Perfect Man by Lynn Dare
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE PERFECT MAN by Lynn Dare is a cute, lighthearted romance and a great start to a new series. Ellie Amore is a 30-year-old author of romances living over a bookstore with a taco stand instead of a coffee shop. She’s kind of a loner and only claims two friends: the book shop owner and the taco stand owner (who’s also her brother’s best friend). Cruz Cabot, the taco cook, has had feelings for Ellie since the day she moved to her apartment. He’s been quietly loving her while providing her with food and friendship.

Ellie’s writing a romance where the heroine tries to find the perfect man. As she continues her story, Ellie includes the guys she dreams about, interspersed with a bit of the real men she knows. Even she hasn’t decided who her story’s heroine will choose for her happily ever after.

PROS:
1. Very unique plot idea — exploring romance tropes/cliches to find the perfect man.
2. Likeable main and side characters with interesting quirks.
3. A pet that isn’t totally lovable.
4. Cruz’s friendly family and their picnic antics.

CONS:
1. Too many “C” names, and not just from one family.
2. Not enough scene time with the enjoyable side characters.

SUMMARY:
THE PERFECT MAN is a delightful, quick read that is perfect for the beach. The main and side characters are well written and likeable, the main characters grow throughout the book, and the story idea is unique. If you like lighthearted and character-driven stories, then you should definitely buy this book.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Upcoming books THE PERFECT BOYFRIEND, THE PERFECT HUSBAND, and THE PERFECT BACHELOR by Lynn Dare, LOVE CLICHES SERIES by Emma St. Clair, ST. HELENA VINEYARD and THE EASTONS series by Marina Adair, APPLE VALLEY LOVE STORIES series by Julie Christianson, SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN MOTHERS series by Whitney Dineen

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Second Chance Summer

A Novel by Poppy St. James, Published July 2021

* An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

Second Chance Summer by Poppy St. James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SECOND CHANCE SUMMER by Poppy St. James is a warm, engaging story about a girl from New York trying to escape an unwanted marriage and a boy from Shady Grove TX needing a fresh chance at love. Charlotte Freemont runs away from her wedding right before going down the aisle. She's heading to L.A. to live with her best friend Valentina, but her Audi breaks down in Shady Grove TX on a Sunday, meaning no mechanic’s on the job. Luke Wilder's been left before, first by his mom when he was little, and then by his last girlfriend, so he's not too interested in getting involved with the woman whose busted car dropped her in his hometown. She's just going to leave when her car gets fixed anyway. Besides he thinks she's a snob and she things he's arrogant, so why bother?

PROS:
1. The main characters are interesting and likeable, and they each work through problems, such as trusting in others, believing in yourself, and making your own choices, and grow throughout the story.
2. The supporting cast is fairly unique and fun, particularly the petite and goth-like stylist Audrey, who gives Charlotte a more positive view of Luke, making Charlotte reconsider her initial opinion of him.
3. The book moves along at a good pace. A lot happens within a couple of weeks, but it’s enough time for Charlotte and Luke to develop trust and enjoy being with each other.
4. The story’s told in first person, past tense, and the chapters alternate between Luke’s POV and Charlotte’s POV.
5. The wonderful cover reflects the tone of the story and pulled me in right away.
6. The author’s name. Seriously, it’s awesome! That alone made me want to check the book out. And her style of writing ensures I’ll want to read her future stories.

CONS:
1. A lot happens within a couple of weeks. I’m not the biggest fan of insta-love or quick love, but I can suspend belief for a good, fun story (like I think this is).
2. The ending (before the Epilogue) seems a little rushed. A meatier ending would have been more satisfying to me.

SUMMARY:
SECOND CHANCE SUMMER is a lighthearted, quick story and perfect as a beach read. The main characters and supporting cast are well-written and likeable, and they tackle themes of trust in others, self-confidence, and freedom to make your own decisions. I would definitely recommend this story to others, particularly those who like character-driven stories, and look forward to reading more books by Poppy St. James.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Upcoming books BEAUTY AND THE BRIT and ROMANCING HIS RIVAL by Poppy St. James, the MAGNOLIA SOUND and the SHAUGHNESSY BROTHERS series by Samantha Chase, the BLUE MOON and the RILEY THORN series by Lucy Score, the ST. HELENA VINEYARD and the EASTONS series by Marina Adair

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Decidedly With Wishes

By the Bay #7, by Stina Lindenblatt, published June 2021

* An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

 

Decidedly with Wishes by Stina Lindenblatt
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DECIDEDLY WITH WISHES, by Stina Lindenblatt, is the 7th book in the steamy BY THE BAY SERIES. The story follows the fake relationship of Elias Lawson, blond, blue-eyed hockey player for the San Francisco Rock team, and Nala Johnson, beautiful, golden-skin, brown-eyed dress designer and future heiress of her grandmother's high-end fashion house. They meet when she bumps into him before a wheelchair hockey game at the local children's hospital. Nala's godchild, six-year-old Sarina, is getting ready to play in the game, and Eli is there with three teammates to join in. Eli and Nala get together when a date with Eli is auctioned off at a charity event and Nala's three best friends go together and make the winning bid in Nala's name. He needs a week-long date to his cousin's wedding in Montana, and she needs to check off items from the bucket list she made in college--which just happens to include a date with a hot hockey player. So they agree to help each other.

REALLY ENJOYED:
1. Both of the main characters have interesting and unique backstories. Eli has trouble reading and was bullied because of undiagnosed dyslexia when he was younger and only agrees to be in the auction because it benefits a literacy program for foster kids. He also has a niece with Downs Syndrome who brightens his world. Nala has designed clothes since she was young and wants to make clothes for disabled children to get on and off easily, so every child can feel special. They are both workaholics without much social lives.
2. The story highlights several disabilities in a positive way and shows how Eli and Nala are compassionate and committed to helping others.
3. Nala's pet is a hedgehog named Thistle. I love this! Very unusual and, according to Nala, perfect for her lifestyle.
4. The storyline is fun with trying to fool Eli's family into thinking Nala is his girlfriend and named Edith (Eddie for short) and with Nala getting Eli's help in setting up ways to tackle her bucket list.
5. Nala is extremely proud of how her grandmother, Bibi, overcame prejudices against a woman, especially a Black woman, to achieve her dreams in the highly competitive fashion industry.
6. Supporting characters are quite cute and have backstories a little different from usual romance stories.

SUMMARY:
I enjoyed DECIDEDLY WITH WISHES for its interesting characters, unique storyline, and fun situations. (The cover's not so bad either.) Its lightheartedness makes it perfect for a vacation read, and the whole book is a good addition to the author's BY THE BAY SERIES. It's a must-read for those who like character-driven stories, and I totally recommend it.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Other books in the BY THE BAY SERIES by Stina Lindenblatt, the CHICAGO REBELS SERIES and REBELS ROOKIES SERIES by Kate Meader, the SLAYERS HOCKEY SERIES by Mira Lyn Kelly, the SCORING SERIES by Jami Davenport, the NASHVILLE ASSASSINS and NASHVILLE ASSASSINS: NEXT GENERATION SERIES by Toni Aleo, the ARIZONA VENGEANCE SERIES by Sawyer Bennett


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The Study Date

Glasshouse Series, Book 1, by Jessa Wilder, June 2021

* An e-ARC was provided by Booksprout and the author for an honest review.

The Study Date by Jessa Wilder
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE STUDY DATE, the first book in the GLASSHOUSE SERIES by Jessa Wilder, is a New Adult romance set in the senior year of college for both main characters. Sidney King is in her last semester at the California Institute of Technology (CIT). Her dream job is at Gaple Tech Industries, where only the best and brightest students are hired. She needs an “A” in all her remaining classes to qualify, and so she must ace the legendarily difficult Behavior Change Persuasion Technology (BCPT) class. Jax Ryder is on his way to being a bona fide rock star, but before going on his first major tour, he wants to finish his degree in Computer Science at CIT. After a not-so-smooth run in at a campus coffee shop before the BCPT class, Sidney and Jax end up sitting beside each other in the only two remaining seats. She's vowed never to date rock stars, and he's frustrated with clinging fans, so they figure they can be study buddies and just friends. But what begins as a once a week study date, turns into so much more by the end of the semester.

PROS:
1. Interesting main characters with issues making it hard to trust one another. Sidney has a rock musician father who constantly makes dates with her but never shows. Jax struggles to write music and lyrics after his best friend and song writing partner dies.
2. A fairly unique storyline with writing that pulls you in, particularly in the last third of the book.
3. Likable friends with potential for future stories.
4. Lots of angst and tension-building between the H and h.
5. Satisfying ending brought about by characters' good problem-solving techniques.

CONS:
1. Story is a little too long. A few slightly repetitive scenes could have been omitted without impacting the whole plot.
2. A few misspelled and missing words, though not enough to detract from the overall story.

SUMMARY:
THE STUDY DATE is an easy read, perfect for the beach or reading on a holiday, and deserves a solid four stars. The author tells a good story and has created unique main characters and a compelling storyline. Readers who like rock star romances and character-driven books should enjoy this book.

**This story contains sex scenes, so if you prefer clean romances, this is not the book for you.**

If You Like This, You May Like:
Upcoming THE GENTLEMEN SERIES by Jessa Wilder and Kate King, BAD HABIT SERIES by J.T. Geissinger, STAGE DIVE SERIES by Kylie Scott, VIP BOOK SERIES by Kristen Callihan


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Sweet on Sophie

A Red Maple Falls Novel, Book 11, TMP Books Inc, February 2020

An e-ARC was provided by the author, TMP Books Inc, and Booksprout for an honest review.

Sweet on Sophie (A Red Maple Falls Novel, #11) by Theresa Paolo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SWEET ON SOPHIE by Theresa Paolo is the eleventh book in the RED MAPLE FALLS SERIES and the first story in the new REYNOLDS FAMILY SERIES. The main characters are Sophie Reynolds, a cute first grade teacher at the local elementary school, and Drake Stevens, a good-looking family physician in the small town of Red Maple Falls. They had an uninspired date a few years before, and Sophie has tried to avoid him since then. Drake is guardian to his precocious six-year-old niece, Charlotte, and has just brought her home after the death of his sister from ovarian cancer. Charlotte hasn't said a word since the day after her mom's funeral, and Drake realizes he's way out of his comfort zone. So he seeks Sophie's help since she is Charlotte's new teacher. The more they're together, the more they get to know and understand each other. And the more their romance grows.

Themes:
1. Restructuring priorities – Drake is a workaholic family physician in Red Maple Falls. Once Charlotte comes to live with him, he has to change his priorities and focus on Charlotte's well-being. It forces him to slow down and begin to enjoy life.
2. Overcoming grief – Drake and Charlotte are both reeling from his sister/her mom's death. Both of their lives are changed forever, but they have to move on.
3. Second chances – After two years, Sophie still regrets the lack of chemistry she and Drake had on their one date. She'd looked forward to the date, thinking that going out with him would be unforgettable. Unfortunately it was, but for the wrong reason. Also regretting the date, Drake is relieved that he can get a chance know Sophie better. As he and Sophie spend more time together, they realize how much they like and care for each other.

This is a cute story about two people who join forces to ensure that a little girl can have a happy life. As they spend time with one another, they grow as people, as they create a loving family and an enjoyable homelife for Charlotte. The characters are a great fit for the series, and the storyline flows well. It's a good, lighthearted story with a satisfying HEA and perfect for readers who like their romances lighthearted and sweet.

If You Like This, You May Like: Other books in the RED MAPLE FALLS SERIES and the MORGAN'S BAY SERIES by Theresa Paolo, THE BAILEY BROTHERS SERIES and THE MILES FAMILY SERIES by Claire Kingsley, BETWEEN THE SHEETS SERIES by Serenity Woods, BLUE MOON SERIES and BENEVOLENCE SERIES by Lucy Score, ST. HELENA VINEYARD NOVELS and HEROES OF ST. HELENA NOVELS by Marina Adair

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Under the Southern Sky

A Novel by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Gallery Books, April 2021

* An e-ARC was provided by Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY by Kristy Woodson Harvey tells the story of Amelia Paxton, Parker Thaysten, and Greer McCann and their intertwining lives. Next door neighbors growing up in Cape Carolina, Amelia is three years older than Parker. He'd always had a crush on her, but she'd always seen him as an annoying little brother. It wasn't until she was 21 and he was 18, that she realized how nicely he'd matured. When they left home, each of them ended up in Palm Beach FL. Amelia married Thad and did investigative journalism and profile pieces for a Southern social magazine, while Parker married Greer and worked for her family's publishing empire, McCann Publishing.

When the story begins, Amelia rushes home earlier than normal to show Thad the article she wrote about their perfect marriage, published in that day's edition of the NEW YORK TIMES. The moment she walks through the door, she discovers that their wonderful life together has been a lie. Thad is having an affair—with the man that does her hair. Parker can't move beyond Greer's death from ovarian cancer three years before. Their house and his life remain a living memorial to Greer, as he hasn't purged a thing. Her clothes hang in the closet, rooms smell like her, and Parker still works at McCann Publishing. While Amelia waits to interview a doctor about what people do with their frozen embryos, she snoops around and finds a list of some “abandoned” by their owners. When she sees Parker and Greer's names are on the list, she decides to tell Parker, so he can choose what to do with the embryos. It's at this point that their story really begins.

Themes: Failed relationships, wanting someone to love you for yourself, family support, fear of commitment, grieving the death of a loved one, job loss, new relationships, small town living

UNDER THE SOUTHERN SKY is a lovely story with excellent main characters and believable situations. The author weaves together the lives of three people, one of whom is now dead, with a skillful plot and meaningful words. Various scenes evoke a slower, refined life in Amelia and Parker's hometown than in hectic New York City and a glamorous Palm Beach. It's a definite page-turner and combines Amelia's inability to have children with Parker's desire to hire a surrogate for his and Greer's embryos. Character development is strong, and there is a beautiful story arc. Side characters are well-written and add much to the book's context and background.

This is one of the author's best books with it's moving, hopeful story. Harvey's way with words and poignant storyline should delight fans of Harvey's other books and those by Mary Alice Monroe, Jan Moran, and Elin Hilderbrand. It deserves every one of the five stars I've given the book.

If You Like This, You May Like: THE PEACHTREE BLUFF SERIES and other books by Kristy Woodson Harvey, THE BEACH HOUSE SERIES by Mary Alice Monroe, THE SUMMER BEACH SERIES by Jan Moran, HELLO, SUMMER and SUNSET BEACH by Mary Kay Andrews, SUMMER OF '69 and TROUBLES IN PARADISE by Elin Hilderbrand, LOWCOUNTRY TALES by Dorothea Benton Frank



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The Well of Ice

By Andrea Carter, Book 3, Inishowen Mystery Series, Oceanview Publishing, November 2020

*An ARC was provided for an honest review by Oceanview Publishing and Edelweiss Plus. 

 

The Well of Ice by Andrea Carter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE WELL OF ICE by Andrea Carter is the third in the interesting and well-written Inishowen Mystery series. The story takes place in County Donegal, Ireland on the Inishowen Peninsula and stars local solicitor, Benedicta “Ben” O'Keeffe.

It's a few days before Christmas, and Ben's sometime lover, local sergeant Tom Molloy, tells her that the man who killed her sister has been released from jail. He goes on to assure her that the killer, Luke Kirby, is unlikely to bother her as he's now living in the UK. But on a quick trip to Dublin to handle some business and see her parents, she runs into Kirby, who says something that frightens her. The day after returning home, she drives into the slightly bigger town of Glendara to tell Molloy about her run in with her sister's murderer, but she never makes it further than the outskirts of town due to a road closure. Ben walks toward the crowd of town residents spilling over the town green and sees that everyone's watching firefighters at the burning shell of a popular bar. She finds out that the fire was set and starts to wonder if Kirby is connected and in the Inishowen area after all. Thus begins Ben's quest to find the pub arsonist and help solve the murder of one of the bar's wait staff.

THEMES: Facing your past, falling for the wrong person, retribution for a murder, moving on after a loved one has died, believing in yourself

PROS: Setting well laid out and becoming like a character in the story, interesting side characters, fast-paced with good dialogue, character growth throughout, surprising twists, serious issues sprinkled throughout with believable resolution

CONS: None

THE WELL OF ICE is the third book in the Inishowen Mysteries series by Andrea Carter. The story flows seamlessly from one scene to the next, the plot is well thought out, and the side stories are neatly woven to a satisfying ending. If you like your books character-driven with a twist of amateur sleuthing and a hint of Christmas, then you'll definitely want to spend some time with THE WELL OF ICE .

If You Like This, You May Like: DEATH AT WHITEWATER CHURCH and TREACHEROUS STRAND by Andrea Carter, MAX TUDOR NOVELS by G.M. Malliet, THE BANBURY CROSS MURDER SERIES by Ben Westerham, THE CHARLES LENOX MYSTERIES by Charles Finch, RUTH GALLOWAY MYSTERIES by Elly Griffiths, VERA STANHOPE NOVELS , SHETLAND ISLAND MYSTERIES , and THE TWO RIVERS SERIES by Ann Cleeves, KATE SHACKLETON MYSTERIES by Frances Brody

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I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day

A novel by Milly Johnson, Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster, November 2020

* An ARC was provided by Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day by Milly Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY by Milly Johnson is a delightful and magical story of six travelers stranded over Christmas in a tiny Yorkshire village. Though on their way to various luxury locales to spend the holidays, a heavy snowstorm forces each of them to take refuge in the only shelter nearby, with no other occupants or village residents in sight.

Bridge, a successful real estate agent, and Luke, a millionaire veggie burger empire owner, are there to finalize their divorce. They've only come to sign the papers and then go back to their respective partners, Bridget to Ben and Luke to Carmen. Wealthy businessman Jack and his assistant Mary, who has unrequited love for Jack, are trying to meet up with an elusive potential customer from Japan, but the meeting is canceled, once again, to Jack's frustration. Charlie and Robin have been a loving couple for 32 years and married for the last three of them. Retired jeweler Charlie is around 80 years old and ill, and professional chauffeur Robin, 24 years his junior, takes care of Charlie in hopes of squeezing out a little more time together. As the six of them ride out the unusually heavy snowstorm, they settle in at the well-stocked inn, sharing stories, growing close, and having unexpected insights while they celebrate their unusual, uplifting Christmas.

PROS: Cast of well-developed, compelling characters, unique plot, growth of all characters, great pacing, believable dialogue, satisfying ending

CONS: Point of view skips around from character to character making it a tad bit confusing with who's thinking what

SUMMARY: I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY is an endearing story that will warm your heart. With its interesting, flawed characters, a unique plot, a bit of the unexpected, and a lovely epilogue, it will be a holiday story I will go to every year.

If You Like This, You May Like:
MY ONE TRUE NORTH and THE MAGNIFICIENT MRS MAYHEW and other books by Milly Johnson, CUPCAKES FOR CHRISTMAS and CHRISTMAS AT WILLOUGHBY CLOSE by Kate Hewitt, ONE FAMILY CHRISTMAS by Bella Osborne, CHRISTMAS AT AUNT ELSIE'S by Emily Harvale, CHRISTMAS AT THE CORNISH CONFETTI AGENCY by Daisy James, IF EVERY DAY WAS CHRISTMAS by Donna Ashcroft

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Always the Last to Know

A Novel by Kristan Higgins, Berkley Books, June 2020.

* An ARC was provided by Berkley Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Always the Last to Know by Kristan Higgins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kristin Higgins' books are always thought provoking, and ALWAYS THE LAST TO KNOW is no exception. It's the story of a family falling apart from miscommunication, unrealized expectations, and various levels of guilt and how they begin to heal after the patriarch has a stroke. Told from several points of view, the story includes free-spirited Sadie, perfect Juliet, poised Barb, and muddled John.

Higgins is very good at creating complex characters, interweaving their stories to a satisfactory end, and she has done so here. Barb has tried to be the envied wife, mother and homemaker for John, who's slowly drifted away from their marriage, both emotionally and physically. Barb and Juliet created a bond that left little room for John, and he developed a close connection with Sadie when she was born. All the main characters are richly complicated and feel as if they have been friends of yours for years.

John's stroke brings the women in the family back together, raising old issues of how they feel about each other. Barb is seen as the cold mother saving all her love for her older child. Juliet is the perfect wife and Barb's favorite. Sadie is seen as selfish and irresponsible. But little by little they start making small concessions with each other and finally realize how they missed important times together because of long-held beliefs. They start taking small steps to understand and help each other, and they reconnect with the special people who they've cherished along the way, with an HEA for each of them.

THEMES: How long-held beliefs may be wrong, self doubt, letting go, betrayal, second chances, being true to yourself, accepting friends and family for who they really are.

SUMMARY: ALWAYS THE LAST TO KNOW is another well-written book by Higgins. It has all the gamut of emotions, making you laugh, cry, smile and sigh. I thoroughly recommend this story for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories and other books by this author.

IF YOU LIKE THIS, YOU MAY LIKE: Recent books like LIFE AND OTHER INCONVENIENCES and GOOD LUCK WITH THAT and other stories from Kristan Higgins, THE FRIENDSHIP LIST and SISTERS BY CHOICE by Susan Mallery, RETURN TO VIRGIN RIVER and THE COUNTRY GUESTHOUSE by Robyn Carr, DUNE DRIVE and THE GOODBYE CAFE by Mariah Stewart, FEELS LIKE FALLING and THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF PARADISE by Kristy Woodson Harvey


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Feels Like Falling

by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books, April 2020

* An ARC was provided by Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books through Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Feels Like Falling by Kristy Woodson Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

FEELS LIKE FALLING by Kristy Woodson Harvey takes all the common beach read themes of woman going through a divorce when husband leaves her for a younger woman - and - woman who loses her job, boyfriend, and home in the same day, and refreshes them with humor and well-developed characters. Gray Howard, loving mother and the 34-year-old founder of ClickMarket, a successful business matching big companies to blogger influencers, is going through a strenuous divorce. She stays at her spacious beach house in North Carolina in the summer, and this year she's facing being there alone while her son goes on a three-week vacation with his dad and his dad's much younger girlfriend. Diana Harrington, 40 years old, is down on her luck, having just been fired from her photo lab job at the local pharmacy, leaving her boyfriend and home on the same day. Diana visits Gray, hoping she'll intervene with the owner of the place where she worked to get her job back. Instead, Diana starts working as cook and housekeeper for Gray. Both of them trying to overcome major upheavals in their lives, they become close friends and emotional supporters.

THEMES: Breakups, facing your past, friendship, falling for younger men, second chances with love, loneliness, following your dreams, believing in yourself

PROS: Refreshing twists of common beach read tropes, fun secondary characters, great pacing, character growth throughout the story, engaging dialogues, serious issues handled carefully and lightheartedly

CONS: None

I've enjoyed every book I've read by this author, and FEELS LIKE FALLING is another winner. The story flows easily from one scene to another, and even though it's told from two points of view, it reads seamlessly. If you like character-driven books with a lighthearted touch of serious issues, then you'll definitely want to spend some time with FEELS LIKE FALLING.

If You Like This, You May Like: THE PEACHTREE BLUFF SERIES by Kristy Woodson Harvey, SPRING FEVER, HELLO SUMMER, and SUNSET BEACH by Mary Kay Andrews, PARADISE SERIES and NANTUCKET SERIES by Elin Hilderbrand, LOWCOUNTRY SUMMER SERIES and THE BEACH HOUSE SERIES by Mary Alice Monroe


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Credible Threat

Ali Reynolds Series, Book 15, by J.A. Jance, Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster, June 2020

* An e-galley was provided for an honest review by Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster through Edelweiss.

 

Credible Threat by J.A. Jance
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

CREDIBLE THREAT by J.A. Jance is the 15th book in the Ali Reynolds Series. The mystery is well written, with fast pacing, strong backstories, and compelling characters. It's told in third person, past tense, and in several points of view.

Rachel Higgins learns her son's drug addition and subsequent death years before from an overdose may be the direct result of being sexually preyed upon by a trusted priest while in high school. She and her husband have basically become strangers in their own home. She has no friends, no home life, and nothing to do but wallow in her pain. Through her grief, she transfers her need for revenge to the highest Catholic Church priest in her community, Archbishop Francis Gillespie.

Archbishop Gillespie, the 86-year-old head of the Phoenix Archdiocese, has made it a mission to get rid of pedophile priests in his archdiocese. He's trying to come to terms with his mortality, especially after recovering from a two-month illness. He gets tired too easily, is dismayed to use a walker to get around and is slowly getting back into his everyday responsibilities, when he starts receiving threats left in the collection boxes at various local Catholic churches. After a few weeks, he starts to take them seriously and contacts security experts Ali Reynolds and her husband B. Simpson for help.

Ali Reynolds is also struggling with grief. She's found it hard to come out of a deep depression from a friend's death months earlier. She snaps at everyone and has to take on finding Gillespie's possible murderer by herself, since B. is out of the country on another case. The police don't take the threats seriously, so it's up to Ali to follow the tiniest of clues to identify the potential murderer by herself.

The story contains some great scenes full of action and includes lots of interesting mystery-related tidbits. Rachel is really cunning in how she plans the murder so to not get caught. But like all criminals who think they've committed the perfect crime, Rachel makes a couple of little mistakes that result in her identification and eventual downfall.

I was ready to give this book five stars until I got near the end. The ever increasing buildup of tension didn't match the placid ending. It's like rushing to get all your exams and papers finished before the end of a school year, then – POOF! It's over. So I deducted one star to make my rating a full four stars.

All in all, CREDIBLE THREAT is a well-written, fast-paced story, with strong characters and good story arcs, and I recommend to all mystery lovers. This is the first book I've read by this author, and I'm sorry I waited so long to get into this series. Now I intend to go back and start at the beginning.

If You Like This, You Might Like: Books 1-14 of the ALI REYNOLDS SERIES and J.P. BEAUMONT NOVELS by J.A. Jance, EVE DUNCANS SERIES by Iris Johansen, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, FBI THRILLER SERIES and A BRIT IN THE FBI SERIES by Catherine Coulter, V.I. WARSHAWSKI BOOKS by Sara Paretsky, TRACER SERIES, BORDERLINE MYSTERIES, and GLASS SISTERS SERIES by Laura Griffin


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Lady Rights a Wrong

A Manor Cat Mystery-Book 2, by Eliza Casey, Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group, June 2020

* An e-galley was provided by Berkley/Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Lady Rights a Wrong by Eliza Casey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

You know when you start reading a book and you can tell what the overall mood of the story will be? I felt it almost from the first page of LADY RIGHTS A WRONG, by Eliza Casey – an overall sense of sadness. Oh, it was a fairly decent mystery, but I found very little levity or joy in it.

The main protagonist, Lady Cecilia, is a privileged young woman living in 1912 England who wants something more with her life than being a wife to the local cleric (whom her mother keeps promoting), no matter how good looking and kind he is. Thus her interest in solving murders with Jane, her sometimes personal maid and always friend. Being interested in the suffragette movement, they are excited when a proponent of women's voting rights holds a meeting in the nearby village. Unfortunately, the meeting's speaker, Mrs. Price, ends up dead, and Lady Cecilia and Jane begin to solve the murder.

The main characters lack any special characteristics to make them more interesting, and the story is short on tension. However, I like the use of the suffragette movement and one of its leaders as the victim, including the information on how suffragettes were treated poorly and frequently ignored or heckled.

Loads of books are set in the Regency and Victorian periods, but few are set in the early 20th century, in this case 1912. So that's a plus. But the story would be more enriching if the author had included a little more context: descriptions of the cars, what people wore, the picturesque (?) landscape, and more details of the village and its residents. I'm not a huge fan of over description, but a little extra info to help the reader imagine the 1912 setting would be nice.

All in all, the basic writing is good, Lady Cecilia and Jane's sleuthing activities are done fairly well, and it's not too easy to decide who the murderer is. I've not read the first book in the series, but Casey does a good job of referring to that murder and the amateur sleuths role in solving it. But the sad feel of the book, the almost non-existing tension, and the inability of the author to draw me into the era results in a 3.5 rating.

If You Like This, You Might Like:
LADY TAKES THE CASE by Eliza Casey, HIGH SOCIETY LADY DETECTIVE SERIES by Sara Rosett, THE 1920s HISTORICAL COZY MYSTERY SERIES by Sonia Parin, ROYAL SPYNESS MYSTERIES by Rhys Bowen, MILLINER MYSTERIES by Kate Parker, MISS ALICE MURDER MYSTERIES by Blythe Baker

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Roomies

A novel by Christina Lauren, Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster, December 2017

* An e-galley was provided by Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Roomies by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love Christina Lauren's characters. Most are quirky, have lots of depth, and are given unique backgrounds. The main characters in ROOMIES are no different. Holland Bakker lives in an New York City apartment mostly paid for by her uncle. She's in a no-growth theater job, provided by the same uncle. And almost every day she goes out of her way to listen to a guitar busker in a subway station near her work. Calvin Mcloughlin is that busking guitarist. He is a guitar virtuoso who changes his repertoire depending on the day of the week and picks up odd music jobs wherever and whenever he can. One day he rescues Holland from a purse-snatcher, and thus their story begins.

The main theme of the book seems to be allowing yourself to be who you really are. Holland stumbles through life working in the theater where her uncle's play has become a smash success. Neither she nor her parents expect very much from her, and she lacks the confidence to break out of her stagnant existence and become the writer she wants to be. All of this changes after she starts her relationship with Calvin. Holland grows throughout the story to where she eventually feels confident to break out of her mundane life. Calvin has a special musical gift that he hasn't allowed to develop. (I'll not tell you why, because that is a main premise of the book.) He gets a huge opportunity to play for an influential group and finally allows himself the chance to break out of his self-imposed semi-isolation.

The secondary characters are not the stereotypical types of friends and family you normally find in books about a single working girl in a big city trying to find herself. Her best friends are her uncles, a married gay couple who look out for her, and a woman who doesn't support what Holland does. Her successful brilliant brother is the darling of her family and is just a phone call away to listen to Holland's woes.

Like Lauren's other books, ROOMIES is a light-hearted romance with pertinent themes, unusual storylines, and good character arcs. Most of the book deserves 5-stars, but the rushed ending left me unsatisfied and wondering how Holland and Calvin would continue to interact with each other and their families. An epilogue would have addressed my questions. So I'm giving the story a strong 4 stars. ROOMIES is a fun read filled with unusual characters and perfect for filling any spare time you have right now.

If you like this, then you'll like:
Other Christina Lauren books, THE HATING GAME and 99 PERCENT MINE by Sally Thorne, YOU HAD ME AT HELLO by Mhairi McFarlane, PASSION ON PARK AVENUE and the SEX, LOVE & STILETTOS SERIES by Lauren Layne, THE WORST BEST MAN and THE PRICE OF SCANDAL by Lucy Score

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When the Beat Drops

A Novel by Anna Hecker, Sky Pony Press, May 2018.

When the Beat Drops by Anna Hecker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

* An e-galley was provided by Sky Pony Press and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 You know those stories written in present tense that feel stilted and unnatural? WHEN THE BEAT DROPS, by Anna Hecker, is sooo definitely not one of them. In fact, I was on page 21 before I realized it was in present tense. That’s because this book draws you in and won’t let you go until the end.

Mira’s not looking forward to a boring summer alone. Especially when she drives her two friends to music camp even though she’s unable to go. Her summer will consist of nothing but working and practicing her trumpet to prepare for her audition to a prestigious jazz conservatory. Quite unexpectedly, her older sister Britt and a friend of hers from college encourage Mira to join them at a rave. Mira’s initially concerned that the party’s in a rundown, abandoned warehouse district. The loud music and packed dance floor doesn’t help. But everyone is so nice and the music is amazing. It’s here that Mira meets Shaye, the girl who shows her how to spin music, and Derek, the hunky party promoter who will become her love interest. The story follows Mira through the summer as she develops her DJ skills, maneuvers through life at the party scene, deals with how drugs impact her family, and decides who she wants to be while still being true to herself and her dreams.

Themes:
1. Not fitting in - Mira is a misfit in her high school. She likes jazz, is in a band with two other misfits, and she’s poor.
2. Abandonment - Her only two friends are spending much of the summer at her favorite music camp, while she stays at home (due to her parents’ bad money and life management abilities). She feels alone and dreads the boring summer stretching out before her.
3. Unrealized expectations - Mira’s older sister Britt was a soccer star and all around favorite girl at her high school. At Pepperdine University, she feels alienated by the other girls on the soccer team because she’s on a scholarship.
4. Drug dependency - Britt’s turned to “Molly,” a drug supposed to make you happy with everyone and everything. Her new friend from college has encouraged Britt to try it and now Britt relies on it.
5. Being true to yourself - Mira has to decide who she wants to be while keeping her values and realizing her dreams.

Summary:
WHEN THE BEAT DROPS is an enjoyable book worthy of your reading time. The author is adept at writing dialogue, developing in-depth characters, and creating tension. And though I’m not normally a fan of books written in present tense, I’ve made an exception for this story. The writing is solid and so true to life, that it took 21 pages for me to realize it was in the present tense. Readers who like music will like the behind-the-scenes look into DJing and passages about jazz history. It’s a good book that I highly recommend. Once again Sky Pony Press has published a timely, thought-provoking YA book!

Note: Because of a few sex scenes, I recommend this book for mature teenagers and/or readers aged 16 or older.

If You Like This, You May Like:
TONE DEAF by Olivia Rivers, LIFE BEFORE by Michele Bacon, THE ART OF FRENCH KISSING by Brianna R. Shrum, THE TAMING OF THE DREW by Stephanie Kate Strohm, DIRTY LITTLE SECRET and GOING TOO FAR by Jennifer Echols


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Rescuing the Receiver

Rescuing the Receiver by Rachel Goodman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

* An e-galley was provided by Pocket Star Books and Edelweiss for an honest review

 

RESCUING THE RECEIVER, by Rachel Goodman, is the second book in the HOW TO SCORE series. It’s an entertaining romance about a too structured owner of a rescue shelter and a bad boy NFL receiver with an image problem.

Hazel Grant runs a shelter for abused and at-risk dogs in hopes that they can have a second chance at a forever home. Chris Lalonde also needs a second chance. His NFL career with the Denver Blizzards teeters on the edge of disaster after a drug test reveals traces of a substance he quit taking the minute the NFL banned it. The team owner believes Chris needs to learn a little humility and thinks making him volunteer at the rescue shelter could teach Chris about responsibility and putting other’s needs before his own. Hazel’s not too happy about babysitting the cocky NFL player, and Chris isn’t thrilled to be a lackey for the cute but uptight shelter owner. But they need each other. Chris’s popularity can bring in donations and grant opportunities that Hazel’s shelter desperately needs, and Hazel’s rescued and rehabilitated canines can improve Chris’s downward spiraling image. They encourage each other to release old held beliefs about themselves and strive for a better future together.

PROs:
1. A well-written, nicely edited, and lighthearted story.
2. Interesting main characters with realistic flaws who learn and grow throughout the book.
3. Believable dialogue and human reactions.
4. Cute canines whose rehab and building trust reflects those of the main characters.

CONs:
1. Story’s a little too short.
2. Hazel seems too tough on Chris.

FINDINGS: RESCUING THE RECEIVER is a lighthearted romance told in first person, past tense, and with alternating points of view between Hazel and Chris. It’s an entertaining, character-driven story, and I highly recommend the (currently two-book) series, particularly to take on vacation.

CAUTION: Readers should be 18 or over due to steamy sex scenes.

If You Like This, You Might Like: INTERCEPTING THE CHEF and THE BLUE PLATE SERIES by Rachel Goodman, BOOKS & BREWS SERIES by Sara Rider, THE CHICAGO REBELS SERIES by Kate Meader, BAD BACHELORS SERIES by Stefanie London, THE OXFORD NOVELS by Lauren Layne, THE CHICAGO STARS SERIES by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, THE END GAME SERIES by Piper Westbrook


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The Dirty Book Club

A Novel by Lisi Harrison, Gallery Books, October 2017.

* An e-copy was provided by Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

The Dirty Book Club by Lisi Harrison
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE DIRTY BOOK CLUB, by Lisi Harrison, is an awesome story, and one I had to keep reading till the very last page. It’s funny, witty, poignant and inspiring.

The point of view varies among several characters but is mostly through M.J., short for May-June, who faces a career crisis while navigating a young relationship with adventurer Dan. She’s floundering, trying to decide what to do in her life. All she’s done since her family died three years before is work. She has no friends and a non-existent social life, so she flees New York City to try out a new life with Dan in Pearl Beach, California.

Jules plays the perfect wife while working as an event planner at a cushy resort in Pearl Beach. She enjoys her job and the nice villa provided as part of her employment, but it’s an hour away from her husband. She doesn’t like being put into the position of single mom to their difficult 15-year-old daughter Destiny.

Britt is frustrated with her slacker husband Paul, who lays around all day smoking weed and watching TV. She’s tired of putting in long hours as a realtor to support him and their twins. Wanting a more exciting life, she considers having an affair.

Sexpot Addie wants to travel anywhere away from Pearl Beach. She’s tired of the day to day monotony of her existence, using sex as a temporary reprieve from her unfulfilled wanderlust.

They are all invited to join the Dirty Book Club, started in the 1960’s by four women who were desperate to spice up their lives. The original book club ladies read books considered salacious in their time (think milder versions of Fifty Shades of Grey), met once a month to discuss how the stories could improve their lives, and shared their problems and joys. Now widows, they’ve all moved to France. They hope the younger four women continue the club and form the close bonds of friendships they still rely on.

Pros: This is a well-written story with themes of love, abandonment, commitment, unfulfilled dreams, and friendship. Though there are some stereotypical situations, they are presented in a fresh way. The characters are interesting with unique quirks, and there’s a good balance of dialogue and description.

Cons: The book starts a little slow but definitely picks up by the third chapter. And though some readers may not mind, I’m not too keen on more than two points of view to tell a story.

Summary:
THE DIRTY BOOK CLUB is an entertaining and engrossing story primarily about love and friendship. If you like character driven stories, then this one’s for you. It’s perfect for the beach, on a weekend getaway, or anytime at all. I recommend it for ages 17 and up.

If You Like This, You Might Like: THE CLIQUE SERIES and PRETENDERS by Lisi Harrison, SUGAR by Kimberly Stuart, LOST ALONG THE WAY by Erin Duffy, THE DIRTY GIRLS SOCIAL CLUB by Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez


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Sparking the Fire

Hot in Chicago Series, Book 5, by Kate Meader, Pocket Books, September 2016.

* An e-galley was provided by Pocket Books and Edelweiss for an honest review. 

 

Sparking the Fire by Kate Meader
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

SPARKING THE FIRE by Kate Meader is a warm, witty romance and is the fifth book in the sizzling HOT IN CHICAGO series. Sadly, this is the final book in the series and focuses on the last of the Dempsey firefighting family to find his happily ever after.

Wyatt Fox is a 6'3" tall, dark and badass ex-Marine firefighter who's doing light duty while he's nursing a shoulder injury from his latest rescue. He's assigned as a consultant to a movie being filmed about his firefighting foster sister, Alex, and, lo and behold, the star is none other than the hottest hookup he's ever had, actress Molly Cade. He's never forgotten the wild and wanton week he spent with her five years before. Molly is desperate for this movie to succeed. Her Hollywood sweetheart image has suffered from negative publicity, both from her failed marriage and leaked nude pictures. Imagine her surprise when she discovers her story consultant is none other than the man she spent five glorious nights with when she was a fledgling actress and that he's part of the Dempsey clan featured in her film. This follows their renewed connection and all their trials and tribulations in developing a deeper relationship.

Though I hadn't read any of the previous books in the series, I was able to follow this one without any trouble. The main characters are very different from each other, and as I read through the whole series (I purchased all the other series' books the minute I finished this one), I noted that each person stays true to his or her own distinct flaws and strengths. You can even recognize a character just from how they talk (similar to the unique characters in Kristen Ashley's awesome ROCK CHICKS series).

Pros:
1. The plot and subplots are realistic and are interwoven skillfully.
2. Every scene is important to the overall storyline, not just filler to increase page count.
3. Characters are all unique and stay true to their strengths and flaws throughout the series.

Cons:
None that I can tell.

Overall:
SPARKING THE FIRE is a delightful second chance romance starring an alpha firefighting male and a strong actress female, and their story is the perfect ending to the HOT IN CHICAGO series. If you like men-in-uniforms romances, this series should be one of your top choices to devour at the beach. So bon appetit and happy reading!

If You Like This, You Might Like: THE CHICAGO REBELS and TALL, DARK AND TEXAN SERIES by Kate Meader, ROCK CHICKS SERIES by Kristen Ashley, FBI/US ATTORNEY SERIES by Julie James, SEX, LOVE & STILETTOS SERIES by Lauren Layne, HOT ZONE NOVELS by Carly Phillips, CHICAGO STARS SERIES by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

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Soulmates

A Novel by Jessica Grose, William Morrow, September 2016.

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Soulmates by Jessica Grose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SOULMATES, by Jessica Grose, is an unusual book presented through narration, newspaper articles, and different points of view. The book opens as associate lawyer, Dana Morrison, sees a newspaper with her estranged husband's name on the front page. The article tells about the bizarre death of her husband and his girlfriend in a New Mexico cave. Though she's still upset from when Ethan ran off with Amaya to practice yoga and live the lifestyle promoted by a self-proclaimed guru, Lama Yoni, Ethan's mysterious death concerns her. So begins her quest to find out what truly happened to him.

Dana contacts the sheriff's department having jurisdiction over Zuni Retreat, where Ethan and Amaya taught couples yoga. The staff can't give her much information, as Lama Yoni's high-powered lawyers have prevented the sheriff's office from ever visiting the Zuni complex. So Dana decides to sign up for a three-day stay at the retreat to discover whatever she can about the owner and what might have happened to her husband. In the Zuni library, she finds a book written by Ethan describing why he separated from her. Dana acknowledges the problems he saw in her, while also realizing Ethan was a free-loading narcissist. She also believes something's shady about the Zuni Retreat. Once back at work, Dana no longer has any motivation to work the long hours needed to become partner in her firm and takes a six-month sabbatical to delve into a lengthly investigation into Ethan's life at Zuni and his unexplained death in New Mexico.

Pros:
For the most part, the story is funny and not boring at all.
The story is told through several different writing techniques.
The characters are well-developed with unique quirks and relatable flaws.

Cons:
The ending. It didn't mesh with what I thought I knew about Dana's character.

Overall:
SOULMATES is a unique mystery full of quirky characters. I would recommend it to readers who prefer character-driven stories and/or those who enjoy mysteries. It's also a perfect book to take on vacation or for a relaxing weekend at home.

If You Like This, You Might Like: SAD DESK SALAD by Jessica Grose, ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN and EMMA IN THE NIGHT by Wendy Walker, THE PERFECT STRANGER by Megan Miranda, THE LIGHT WE LOST by Jill Santopolo

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Slightly South of Simple

Book 1, Peachtree Bluff Series, by Kristy Woodson Harvey, Gallery Books, April 2017.

* An e-galley was provided by Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Slightly South of Simple by Kristy Woodson Harvey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE, by Kristy Woodson Harvey, is a warm enjoyable beach read that captures the sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes awesome interactions of a family full of women. The story is full of regrets, long-held secrets, questions of trust, and feelings of abandonment. Told in alternating points of view between 58-year-old mom, Ansley, and the oldest of her three girls, 34-year-old Caroline, the book begins as Caroline and her sisters, Sloane and Emerson, descend upon their mother's Southern beach home in Peachtree Bluff.

Mother Ansley is the widow of Carter, who died on 9/11 in the World Trade Center collapse. She's lived in Peachtree Bluff full time since 2001 and has come into her own as an interior designer. Her life suddenly changes when, all at once, her children and grandchildren fill her once quiet house. At the same time her first love, Jack, returns to town and tries to rekindle their romance. Ansley tries to keep her relationship with Jack from her girls, as she's not really sure how or whether to combine the two.

Caroline lives in New York City, is six months pregnant with her second child, and enjoys her life as a high-society wife. When her husband confesses he's fallen in love with a 20-year-old supermodel, she's devastated. Heartbroken over his infidelity and needing to escape from her gossiping so-called friends, she packs bags for herself and her nine-year-old daughter and heads to the last place she's ever wanted to go back to, hick town extraordinaire, Peachtree Bluff.

Sloane is the 32-year-old middle sister and married to her high-school love, Adam, who once again is deployed overseas. She misses Adam and yearns for the support of her family. So she loads up her two-year-old and 18-month-old sons and drives home to stay with her mom and reconnect with her sisters.

Emerson, the 28-year-old baby of the three girls, is a struggling actress who's gradually getting better jobs. Her current gig is a starring role that could really boost her career, and it's being shot in nearby Atlanta. So she figures she'll just stay at her mom's while filming and soak up some quality time with her family.

Pros:
The story's very well written and is not repetitive, thanks to a varied vocabulary.
Each of the sisters have different quirks and personalities.
The book contains a good amount of humor with a scattering of poignant events.
All the main characters are interesting, making it easy to become invested in what happens to them.

Cons:
Too much of the story occurs in Ansley's and Caroline's heads. I prefer more dialogue and action to tell a story.
The voices of Ansley and Caroline were almost identical. I like stories where you can tell, just by reading a portion of dialogue, who is speaking.

SLIGHTLY SOUTH OF SIMPLE is an excellent start to the new Peachtree Bluff series. It's a delightful beach read full of interesting characters and addresses familiar family issues. I would recommend it for everyone who likes Elin Hilderbrand and Mary Alice Monroe, but particularly for anyone who grew up in the South and/or with sisters.

If You Like This, You Might Like: LIES AND OTHER ACTS OF LOVE by Kristy Woodson Harvey, HERE'S TO US by Elin Hilderbrand, A LOW COUNTRY WEDDING by Mary Alice Monroe, SECRETS IN SUMMER by Nancy Thayer, SALTY KEY INN SERIES by Judith Keim, TEN BEACH ROAD NOVELS by Wendy Wax

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The Eyewitness

A D'Azzo Family mystery, Book One, Crimson Romance, March 2017.

* An e-galley was provided by Adams Media/Crimson Romance for an honest review.

  

The Eyewitness by Nancy C. Weeks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE EYEWITNESS is a great start to the new D'Azzo Family suspense series by Nancy C. Weeks. The author skillfully introduces all the main characters one at a time, showing how they contribute to the story, and creates energized scenes vivid enough for the reader to feel a part of the action.

The two main characters in this book are Emersyn D'Azzo, the youngest child of Grace and Joe D'Azzo, and Detective Alec Pearce, Joe's capable and trusted partner. She is a newly graduated forensic scientist, who has a long-standing love/hate relationship with the serious detective. When the story begins, Emersyn is celebrating her graduation with her family and ends up arguing with her father, while Maryland police are trying to identify a sniper who's been randomly shooting people around Maryland. Joe and Alec are part of a statewide law enforcement task force to solve the murders, and it appears Joe has been targeted by the sniper.

Pros: 1. The story is fast paced, action packed and well written. 2. All the more significant characters are well-developed, with their own unique flaws and strengths. 3. Vivid scenes transport the reader into the story. 4. The dialogue and interactions are interesting and realistic. 5. Having lived in Maryland when snipers were terrorizing DC and its neighboring counties in Maryland and Virginia several years ago, I remember the fear of not knowing where the sniper would strike next. That fear is accurately reflected in this story.

Cons: 1. The only sex scene in the story was written well, but I felt it was a little too long at that point in the story. 2. Part of the mystery isn't totally solved in this book but is provided as the link to the next story in the series. Since this is not unusual to a series, and since neither of these negatives take away from the book's overall storyline, they only drop the rating to 4.5 stars.

Overall: THE EYEWITNESS is a smart, fast-paced, and well-written mystery that should appeal to suspense and mystery fans everywhere.

If You Like This, You May Like: SHADOW SERIES by Nancy C. Weeks, TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, MORGANS OF NASHVILLE and TEXAS RANGERS series by Mary Burton, FBI THRILLER BOOKS by Catherine Coulter, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, DARKNESS by Karen Robards, BRIT IN THE FBI THRILLERS by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison, DECKER/LAZARUS NOVELS by Faye Kellerman, BUCHANAN/FBI SERIES by Julie Garwood

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The Devil's Triangle

Book 4, A Brit in the FBI Thrillers by Catherine Coulter & J.T. Ellison, Gallery Books, March 2017.

* An e-galley was provided by Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

The Devil's Triangle by Catherine Coulter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison, the fourth book in the BRIT IN THE FBI THRILLER series, is an action-packed story full of heartless villains, bright and creative FBI agents, and a master thief who is trying to save Washington, DC from a manmade weather catastrophe. The story begins in early 16th century France as Leonardo Da Vinci lies dying. His protege/lover is helping Da Vinci arrange folios of his artwork. Da Vinci demands that the folio with the lightening bolt be destroyed, as it could lead to the destruction of mankind.

The story continues in present day Venice. Master thief Kitsune (aka the Fox) delivers what's believed to be the original staff of Moses to clients who are paying her ten million euros to steal it from the Topkapi Palace Museum in Turkey. As she waits to hand over the staff, she overhears voices in another room talking about the creation of a sand tsunami that would damage Beijing. The buyers order Kitsune killed, but she escapes and then sees a TV report about a deadly sandstorm bearing down on Beijing. When she gets back to her home in Capri, she discovers her husband has been kidnapped. She calls FBI Special Agents Nicholas Drummond and Michaela Caine to ask for their help and tells them about the strange conversation she overheard. Thus begins Nicholas' and Mike's race to find Kitsune's husband and prevent future manmade catastrophic weather around the world.

Pros: 1. It's an energy-filled, engaging page-turner that never seems to lag, thanks to carefully chosen words to convey a deep sense of urgency throughout the book. 2. The villains are fully drawn and portrayed as brilliant but deeply disturbed. They only care for each other and for ultimate world power. 3. The narrative is fresh and not repetitive, and conversations are believable. 4. The descriptions of settings are fairly vivid and not overly done.

Cons: The main characters, Nicholas and Mike, are not very well developed. Maybe they've been better described in earlier books, but that doesn't help a reader new to the series, as I am. I had to gather the little info regarding their relationship, work roles, and personalities from bits and pieces scattered throughout the book.

Overall: THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE is an engrossing page-turner that would appeal to suspense and thriller lovers everywhere.

If You Like This, You Might Like: Other BRIT IN THE FBI THRILLERS by Catherine Coulter and J.T. Ellison, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, DECKER/LAZARUS NOVELS by Faye Kellerman, BUCHANAN/FBI SERIES by Julie Garwood, TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, TAYLOR JACKSON NOVELS by J.T. Ellison, FORGOTTEN FILES and THE MORGANS OF NASHVILLE series by Mary Burton

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Boss

A Trinity Novel (Book One) by J.L. Lora, Adams Media, March 2017.

*An e-galley was provided by Adams Media and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Boss by J.L. Lora
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was prepared for a kick-ass book when I read the first few chapters of BOSS, by J.L. Lora. Who couldn't pull for innocent women getting caught in the crosshairs of competing factions? I rallied behind Carissa and her friends Mel and Gia, hoping they were safe and far away from the warring families. The scenes were action packed, and I couldn't read fast enough. Then it's two years later, and turns out, the women aren't quite so innocent after all.

You see, Carissa (the lead female in this first book of a trilogy) is a "boss" who has thugs working for her. She's been "hiding out" and opening an exclusive nightclub in New York City with her two friends. But wait. The men she's been trying to hide from have taken two years to find her? They're principals in mob families who know and hate each other, and she and her friends are under the protection of principals in another known mob family and by a NYC gang. Unless I missed something, I don't understand how they wouldn't know where she was from almost the first moment she tried to go into hiding, and especially once she became so well known to the glitterati of NYC society.

Despite my confusion with who knew what and when, I thought this debut book was a good start for the author.

PROS: 1. The story rarely bogs down and is well written. I may not relate to the situations in the book, but I can't fault the author's writing style. It's fresh and non-repetitive. 2. The motivations of the characters are pretty apparent and their backgrounds strong. 3. The life-threatening scenes are full of tension and kept me riveted to those parts of the book. 4. The cover is awesome!!

CONS: 1. As the story began, I rooted for the three women who were in the wrong place at the wrong time. But when I found out just who they cozied up to, my support for them was short lived. 2. The romance between Carissa and Alec seemed a little far-fetched, especially towards the end of the book. 3. Frequently when I'm reading romances, I imagine what it would be like to be the heroine in the story. I wonder how I would react to other characters and the various situations that occur around them. In this book, I couldn't relate to any of the characters or what happened to them, though I wanted to find out who the ultimate villain was.

OVERALL: I believe the author has a good writing style, and I'll definitely read her future books. The story is fast-paced and full of engrossing action. And though I didn't care for the characters and what they got themselves into, they were fairly well drawn with strong motivations and good background stories. So if you like good mob romances, you should enjoy BOSS.

If You Like This, You Might Like: EAGLE ELITE SERIES by Rachel Van Dyken, CARTER REED SERIES and COLE by Tijan, MADE MEN SERIES by Sarah Brianne, DANGEROUS ROYALS SERIES by Annika Martin

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Windswept

A Novel by Sabrina Jeffries (writing as Deborah Martin), Pocket Books, February 2017.

* An e-galley was provided by Pocket Books & Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Windswept by Deborah Martin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the book's beginning, Sabrina Jeffries tells readers she wrote WINDSWEPT (originally published in 1996) under the name Deborah Martin near the beginning of her career. With this edition, she revised the story to make it more appealing to today's romance audience. She "heightened the drama, enriched the storyline, tightened the dialogue, and stoked" the sexual tension between the two main characters. And I believe she succeeded. It's an enchanting romance and an absorbing mystery that addresses the themes of abuse, loneliness, and love.

The heroine, Catrin Price, has denied herself a loving relationship after her husband was killed on their wedding day. She believes her family is cursed from a spell cast by an ancestor causing the death of her descendents' husbands within three years of marriage. Catrin refuses to be the instrument of death for anyone else and has resigned herself to a life without another husband or any children. She spends her days studying Welsh myths and legends, overseeing her property, and helping her tenants and friends.

The hero, Evan Newsome, has also denied himself a chance to find love after he almost killed an innocent person in a jealous rage, for which his fiancee broke their engagement. His father, a tenant farmer, emotionally and physically abused his family, and Evan truly believes he follows in his father's footsteps. But he's worked hard to better himself, thanks to the help of Rhys and Juliana Vaughan, the owners of the farm his father tended. They recognized Evan's intellect, took him in and sent him to the best schools, treating him as one of their own. Evan is now a noted scholar and tutor at Cambridge and feels he can never pay back the debt he owes them.

Catrin and Evan meet when he tries to discover who killed his best friend. Evan knows that someone calling herself the Lady of the Mist offered to buy an ancient Druid cup his friend owned, so he's followed that trail. When he discovers the woman is Catrin, he misrepresents himself as needing information on a book he's writing. She knows of the genius Evan Newsome, who speaks multiple languages, has essays published in prestigious journals and has written on the beauty of Welsh verse. So she falls for his lies. As Evan gets to know her, he begins to doubt that she is a murderer. Their attraction is strong, and though Catrin knows she can never remarry, she opens up to him, trusting him more each day.

Pros: 1. Catrin and Evan are extremely likable, believable characters with strong moral beliefs and depth of personality. Like real people, they have faults and issues to overcome, but they are primarily caring and supportive individuals who try to do the right thing. 2. I like that it's a romance based in Wales. Along with Ireland, I think Wales is woefully underrepresented in historical romances today. 3. It's a well-written romantic mystery that is interesting and unique. 4. Vivid descriptions pulled me into the story and kept me enthralled until the very end. 5. Supernatural elements are lightly woven throughout the book with a successful conclusion.

Cons: The story had to end.

Overall: WINDSWEPT is a fast-paced romance with a unique storyline and well-developed main and secondary characters. I truly enjoyed the story and recommend it to anyone who loves their romance with a hint of mystery.

If You Like This, You Might Like: THE SINFUL SUITORS SERIES and THE HELLIONS OF HALSTEAD HALL SERIES by Sabrina Jeffries, SCANDALOUS GENTLEMEN OF ST. JAMES SERIES and HELLIONS OF HAVISHAM SERIES by Lorraine Heath, MAIDEN LANE SERIES by Elizabeth Hoyt, THE HEART OF A DUKE SERIES by Christi Caldwell

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Switching Gears

A Novel by Chantele Sedgwick, Sky Pony Press, February 2017.

* An e-galley was provided by Sky Pony Press and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Switching Gears by Chantele Sedgwick
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sky Pony Press is starting to be my go-to publisher for young adult books. Their newest addition, SWITCHING GEARS, a follow up to LOVE, LUCAS by Chantele Sedgwick, is a wonderful example of what I think makes a great young adult romance. The writing is easy-flowing and never bogs down, the action is exciting and plentiful, and the lead characters have realistic flaws and grow throughout the story. And, of course, the heroine gets her HEA.

Seventeen-year-old Emmy Martin loves mountain biking. It's what makes her feel alive. As the story begins, she still mourns the death of her best friend, neighbor, and secret love Lucas, who died from cancer the month before. She strains to finish a race in first place but is passed by her nemesis, Whitney. Irritated at always coming in behind Whitney, she asks for a rematch. A cocky Cole offers to help her train, but Emmy chooses to do it by herself. She's afraid to get close to too many people, since she fears they might leave her. So she keeps only Kelsie as her friend and confidant.

Kelsie is Emmy's best friend and an exceptional one, too. She refuses to let Emmy wallow in her sadness, constantly pushing and prodding her to get out and enjoy life. She makes Emmy laugh, and she encourages her to give Cole a chance. She is perfect BFF material.

And then there's Cole. Hot, cocky and a mountain bike racing fiend. Emmy doesn't like him at first, especially after he's named captain of their school's mountain biking team, the one she started the previous summer. She's wary of him when he offers to train her for the rematch with Whitney. So Emmy turns him down. He continues to try and help her and eventually asks her out. He's supportive, treats her well and likes to tease her. But most of all, he cares enough to challenge Emmy to be her very best.

The story includes issues of abandonment, grief, self-doubt, guilt, and believing in yourself. It has funny parts mixed in with some sad passages, but it's a wonderful story overall. The only con is that it ended too soon. (I would have liked to see the last chapter expanded to include some of what happened through the year before the Epilogue occurs.) So I'm giving the book a strong 4.5 stars

SWITCHING GEARS is a sweet romance that should appeal to younger teenagers, but older teenagers and adults will enjoy the story too. And it's a book you'll want to keep on your shelf to revisit from time to time.

If You Like This, You May Like: LOVE, LUCAS and NOT YOUR AVERAGE FAIRY TALE by Chantele Sedgwick, LIFE BEFORE by Michele Bacon, THAT BURNING SUMMER by Lydia Syson, BY YOUR SIDE by Kasie West, FIRST YEAR by Sarah Hocut, STOLEN KISSES by Kerttu-Liis Kiili, SAINT ANYTHING and JUST LISTEN by Sarah Dessen 

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Sugar

A Novel by Kimberly Stuart, Skyhorse Publishing, February 2017.

* An e-galley was provided by Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Sugar by Kimberly Stuart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love books that make me laugh out loud. I also adore books filled with witty banter and cute but flawed characters. SUGAR, by Kimberly Stuart, has all those ingredients and more.

OCD-like Charlie Garrett is a masterful pastry chef in a swanky NYC restaurant. She's been promised the top pastry job there for years. So she's kept her mouth shut and put up with the jerk in charge of pastries waiting for her dream job to open.

Avery Malachowski, Charlie's ex from their culinary school days nine plus years ago, tricks her into accepting the head pastry chef position at his new restaurant in Seattle. At first she's reluctant to leave NYC, but he wears her down. She's excited to finally be in the same town as her best friend, Manda, who is married with three young kids.

Manda Hendrick shines as the best friend. She's funny, cute and open as a mom and friend. She's the ying to Charlie's yang, preferring relaxed, lighthearted interaction with her family and friends to a frantic tunnel vision on her main focus (like Charlie). I particularly enjoyed her silly conversations with her husband and children.

In Seattle Charlie meets Kai Malloy, a progressive diner owner who is as laid back as his name suggests. He is good for Charlie and keeps her from taking herself too seriously. He cares a lot for Charlie, even when she's being rude and too focused on her work. He's all about trust and enjoying life, while she's all about work, work and more work.

Pros: The story contains lots of great zingers and laugh-out-loud banter. There are well-developed and enjoyable, flawed characters who grow throughout story. The author used humorous ways to address serious issues, such as trust, disappointment, and job satisfaction.

Cons: I would've liked to know more about how Charlie felt about moving to Seattle and back again to NYC. And I didn't always like Charlie. She seems a little too critical of people and events swirling around her. Thankfully she grows more likable as the story continues, and she learns to relax a bit. And though there is a satisfying ending, the story wraps up too quickly.

Overall Message: Relax and take time to enjoy life, don't be afraid to trust your friends, and don't discount your instincts.

If You Like This, You Might Like: OPERATION BONNET and ACT TWO by Kimberly Stuart, THE TOTAL PACKAGE by Stephanie Evanovich, MY (NOT SO) PERFECT LIFE by Sophie Kinsella, THE BOY IS BACK by Meg Cabot, ON SECOND THOUGHT by Kristan Higgins


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The Dressmaker's Dowry

^{A Novel by Meredith Jaeger, William Morrow/HarpersCollins, February 2017.}

** An e-galley was provided by William Morrow/HarperCollins and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

The Dressmaker's Dowry by Meredith Jaeger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY, by Meredith Jaeger, is an appealing and unique story of love, survival, and secrets. Set in San Francisco, it alternates between modern times and 1876.

The story begins in the present day and is told in first person, past tense. Sarah Havensworth is a grad student trying to write a novel for her MFA thesis. She's stuck with her story about life in the late 19th century's Barbary Coast and hasn't written anything in several weeks. Not only does she feel like a fraud because she can't finish her book, she's reluctant to let her husband Hunter Havensworth know. He's from a wealthy San Francisco family and has been her greatest supporter, both monetarily and emotionally, while she's been writing. They've been drifting apart, and she's afraid he'll think she's a big disappointment.

While researching her novel, Sarah discovers an article in an 1876 local newspaper referring to the disappearance of two dressmakers. The story intrigues Sarah because a serial killer was in the area at the same time, and she wonders if there's any way to tell if the dressmakers were his victims. So she abandons her soulless novel to write the more compelling dressmakers' story. This portion is set in 1876 and told in the third person, past tense by Hannelore "Hanna" Schaeffer. She's an immigrant from Bavaria, speaks German and English fluently, and is the oldest of four children of a fat, alcoholic, and abusive father. He takes the money she makes from her dressmaking job to drink and eat at taverns, while she and the other children barely scrape by. She and her Irish immigrant friend, Margaret O'Brien, spend long hours sewing for an unpleasant woman and her wealthy customers. One night Margaret is supposed to watch Hanna's siblings but never arrives. Hanna vows to find Margaret and enlists her friend, real estate mogul Lucas Havensworth, to help her.

Both Sarah and Hanna are survivors. They've lived through horrible situations and experienced bullying, deprivation and self-doubt. Though they each find love, they feel they don't deserve it and try to distance themselves from their partners. Sarah and Hanna have secrets too. Deep ones, that if discovered, could make their lives miserable.

As a history and preservation professional, I'm drawn to the research Sarah conducts to gather information for her story. The author uses this info to capture the disparity in living conditions between the wealthy citizens of late 19th century San Francisco and the poor immigrant populations living in unsafe and squalid areas of the city. And her portrayal of how the upper classes treated the other levels of society is reflected in both Sara's time and in 1876.

Pros: The story is definitely unique and well thought out. The plot and subplots interweave fairly well, and the characters are multidimensional and extremely interesting.

Cons: The novel could have been shorter--some passages are a little too long without adding to the story. In many places, the length of the sentences are similar, resulting in a somewhat stilted reading rhythm.

Final Thoughts: THE DRESSMAKER'S DOWRY is a good book for readers who like mysteries and character-driven stories and for people who like a bit of history sprinkled through their fiction. Though it's in the contemporary women genre, it's something I would have wanted to read even in the fifth grade (when I read GONE WITH THE WIND), so it's suitable for teenagers too..

If You Like This, You Might Like: THE LIFE SHE WAS GIVEN and WHAT SHE LEFT BEHIND by Ellen Marie Wiseman, INTO THE WATER by Paula Hawkins, HER EVERY FEAR by Peter Swanson, THE ISLAND HOUSE by Nancy Thayer, INHERITING EDITH by Zoe Fishman

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At Close Range

A Tracers Novel (Book 11) by Laura Griffin, Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster, January 2017.

An e-galley was provided by Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

At Close Range by Laura Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

AT CLOSE RANGE is the eleventh book in the TRACER SERIES by Laura Griffin. A fitting sequel to the previous book in the series, its action-packed suspense is guaranteed to pull you into the story and keep you riveted to the very end. The characters are multidimensional and relatable, and the plot and its parts are believable. Both main characters learn a lot about themselves and each other as they track down and follow clues they hope will lead them to the actual murderer(s).

San Marcos PD Detective Danielle “Dani” Harper is the reluctant lead on a two-person homicide case. It's complicated and definitely political. The District Attorney is up for reelection and needs these murders to be solved as soon as possible, so Dani has a lot of pressure to succeed. She barely survives on gallons of coffee and little sleep as she strives to come up with a motive and a list of suspects. She fears she's not ready to lead a case, especially one where persons of interest begin to die, and she questions if she can solve the murders quickly.

Former Navy Seal Scott Black, a ballistic expert, is the chief firearms examiner for the Delphi Center, the nation's largest private forensics lab. He's also the best friend of one of Dani's older brothers and has known Dani for more than 15 years. Scott is called into the homicide case to find and process any bullets and shells found at the crime scene. He becomes the lead suspect when a 9 mm Glock is discovered fairly close to the murder site, with only his fingerprints found on the gun. Though he's never owned or borrowed a Glock, he doesn't have an air-tight alibi and can't prove he wasn't the killer. He's put on administrative leave and starts investigating the homicide case to find the real murderer(s). Dani's always had a thing for Scott and doesn't want to believe he killed the two victims. So she goes against police department policy and her own ethics to work with him.

Griffin knows how to write heightened tension and heart-pounding action scenes. The prose is never boring or repetitive, and explanation of technical information is well-written and easy to understand. This fast-paced story includes lots of twists and turns, too. So if you're looking for an exciting mystery filled with strong characters and an interesting storyline, the AT CLOSE RANGE is the perfect book for you.

If You Like This, You May Like: Other books in the TRACER SERIES by Laura Griffin, CINCINNATI SERIES by Karen Rose, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, MERCY KILPATRICK SERIES by Kendra Elliot, BOSS, INC. by Kat Martin, BODY ARMOR NOVELS by Lori Foster

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First Step Forward

Grand Valley Series (Book One) by Liora Blake, Pocket Books, November 2017.

* An e-galley was provided by Pocket Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

First Step Forward by Liora Blake
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

FIRST STEP FORWARD , the first book in Liora Blake's new GRAND VALLEY SERIES, is a witty, lighthearted, feel-good romance guaranteed to brighten your day. The stars of the story are Whitney Reed, a free-spirited sprite of a woman who's fighting foreclosure on her apple farm, and Cooper Lowry, an injured wide-receiver for an NFL team in Denver who's fighting retirement from the game he's loved all his life. They meet at a twenty-four hour pharmacy near his condo. He's suffering from a concussion he received on the field that day and can't reach the Epsom salts on a bottom shelf, and she's run across the street from her hotel to buy bottled water at a reasonable price and ends up retrieving the bag for him. The next day, Cooper is walking near the store and sees Whitney getting ready to leave the hotel. He walks over to thank her again, she gives him a jar of apple butter she's made, and they say goodbye. When Cooper's coach makes him take a few days off to let his head heal, Cooper remembers the apple butter and decides to go visit Whitney and see her apple farm. Thus begins the charming romance that, after some highs and lows, finally ends in their HEA.

Though the story is lighthearted, both Whitney and Cooper struggle to accept the end of something they hold dear. Whitney does everything she can to prevent the loss of her farm without involving the few close friends she has. But she only receives rejection letters from bank after bank. She's put all her money, three rough years, and loads of hope into building a successful apple business, but Mother Nature has fought her all the way. Cooper's facing the end of his football career, something that's defined him almost his whole life. He's getting more injuries that heal slower, and his body is racked with pain. Whitney and Cooper are both in limbo and scared, since neither one of them knows what the future holds.

FIRST STEP FORWARD has witty dialogue, great pacing, lots of amusing sections (sprinkled with a few sad moments), and fun, fully-developed main and secondary characters. It's a really cute romantic comedy, perfect for the beach or just chilling at home.

The next story in the series, SECOND CHANCE SEASON, will be released in May 2017.

If You Like This, You Might Like: THE TRUE SERIES by Liora Blake, THE GETAWAY SERIES by Jay Crownover, AFTER WE FALL by Melanie Harlow, OUT OF BOUNDS and THE SEXY ONE by Lauren Blakely, CHICAGO STARS SERIES by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, SEX, LOVE, AND STILETTOS SERIES by Lauren Layne

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Her Every Fear

A Novel by Peter Swanson, William Morrow, January 2017

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Her Every Fear by Peter Swanson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

HER EVERY FEAR by Peter Swanson is a riveting and suspenseful mystery which may make you suspicious of everyone you meet. Set in both Boston and London, it weaves the lives of the main characters into a web of anxiety, fear and distrust. The story takes place over a few days and starts out in Kate Priddy's point of view (POV), adding other characters' POVs as it goes along.

Kate has just arrived in Boston to spend six months experiencing life in a new place and taking design classes. She's agreed to a house switch with her second cousin, Corbin Dell, who she's never met, as he's been transferred to London for the six months. Kate has been anxiety ridden since she was a little girl but now has PTSD from a horrific attack by her ex-boyfriend five years ago. As she walks down the hallway toward her cousin's condo door, she encounters a girl who pounds on a neighbor's door. That girl believes something bad has happened to her friend. Later on, Kate finds out that the neighbor, Audrey Marshall, was killed. Then strange things start happening to Kate in her cousin's condo--slight changes to things around her, cat left inside when she knows she let it out into the hallway--enough to where she questions her sanity. This makes the reader wonder if Kate is an unreliable narrator or if something odd is really going on.

Corbin Dell first visited London as a student. Though he was a bit of a loner, he began dating a bartender at a local pub. He didn't really gel with the other American students but partied with them on occasion. He left town when his studies ended, with a big secret and a regret that follows him daily. Corbin arrives in London to work his six months at about the same time that Kate arrives in Boston. He emails her to thank her for the switch in homes and the detailed info she left him about the neighborhood. He also sends an email to Audrey, even though he knows she won't answer him.

Alan Cherney has lived in the condo building for about a year. He moved in with his heiress girlfriend, but since she's left him, he has to move out again within the month. He has been obsessed with Audrey for a long while, almost to the point of being a stalker.

Henry Wood was the life of the party in London. Every person he met was a friend, and the other American students tended to gravitate toward him. Corbin saw him around school, but didn't really interact with Henry until near the end of their studies in London. Though they parted under unusual circumstances, they renewed their acquaintance back in the USA and became bosom buddies. Eventually they parted ways and Corbin moved on with his life. But he still remembers Henry, and apparently, Henry has never forgotten Corbin.

All the characters have strengths and weaknesses, and no two are alike. By using the various POVs, the author reveals a bit of each character's personality and the reason behind their current actions. I'm giving the book 4.5 stars because with every new POV, I had to figure out where it began in the timeline of Kate's experiences. The pace of the novel would've benefitted from giving the time, day and city at the beginning of each change in POV.

Even though I felt that the killer was inferred before the final traumatic scene, the interplay between the characters and the intensity of the plot kept me captivated throughout the story. The author is a master in writing suspense and creating tense scenes, and readers will be engrossed in this novel to the very end.

If You Liked This, You May Also Like: THE KIND WORTH KILLING and THE GIRL WITH A CLOCK FOR A HEART by Peter Swanson, EVERYTHING YOU WANT ME TO BE by Windy Mejia, I SEE YOU by Clare Mackintosh, THE DRY by Jane Harper, THE SLEEPWALKER by Chris Bohjalian View all my reviews

Lock & Mori: Mind Games

A LOCK & MORI MYSTERY (Book 2) by Heather W. Petty, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, December 2016

 * An e-galley was provided by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Mind Games by Heather W. Petty
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In LOCK & MORI: MIND GAMES, Heather W. Petty has written a tight, intriguing mystery filled with interesting twists and turns and several unique Sherlock Holmes references. Though it ends in a cliffhanger, the path to that point contains such a captivating storyline with well-drawn, compelling characters (and a pinch of small side cases to appeal to young Sherlock Holmes fans), that the story is well worth the time it takes to read it and wait for the next installment.

The story begins shortly after the end of the series' first book, with high school friends Sherlock "Lock" Holmes and James "Mori" Moriarty practicing Bartitsu, a type of martial arts, to add to Mori's self-defense arsenal. Strong, self-sufficient, and intelligent Mori is still recovering from the brutal beating she received as her father, Detective Sargeant Moriarty, tried to kill her, and she needs to be mentally and physically ready to keep her three young brothers safe from their father's cruelty by insuring he remains in jail. But with the help of fellow officers wanting to exonerate one of their own from being charged as a murderer, DS Moriarty strives to have Mori charged as the killer, so he can get out of jail and take the boys where no one can find them.

Mori's worries multiply when she begins receiving threatening letters and the police start believing tips implicating her as the Regent Park murderer. She feels she can only rely on herself to prove her innocence. But her brilliant, frustrating, gorgeous Lock won't be pushed away from helping Mori. She is the one person he cares so much about, and he promises she can trust him. In a race against time, they travel around London following clues to the third player's identity. Through it all Mori realizes what lengths she's willing to go to protect her family and for justice to be served.

Issues of physical and mental abuse, school bullying, and the ethics of right and wrong actions are interwoven with the grief of losing a parent and trusting others. The burgeoning romance between Lock and Mori has just the right amount of teen angst, internal dialogue, and hesitant touches. The book is fast paced and full of action, and Sherlock Holmes fans will enjoy the several scenes of Lock's experiments and examples of his deductive reasoning.

Petty has a definite winner in LOCK & MORI: MIND GAMES. It's a great addition to the series and a smart mystery for both teens and adults. I look forward to the final book in the trilogy, to be released in Fall 2017.

If You Like This, You May Like: LOCK & MORI (Book 1) by Heather W. Petty, CHARLOTTE HOLMES NOVELS by Brittany Cavallaro, STOKERS & HOLMES SERIES by Colleen Gleason, GLASS AND STEELE SERIES by C. J. Archer, THE BASKERVILLE AFFAIR SERIES by Emma Jane Holloway, EMBASSY ROW SERIES and HEIST SOCIETY BOOKS by Ally Carter

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Just Fine with Caroline

A Cold River Novel (Book One) by Annie England Noblin, William Morrow, October 2016.

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Just Fine with Caroline by Annie England Noblin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In JUST FINE WITH CAROLINE, by Annie England Noblin, Caroline O'Connor returns to Cold River, MO to help care for her mom, Maureen, who has Alzheimers. She shares caretaking responsibilities with her retired physician dad, Max, and helps run her family's bait and tackle shop. Now that she's home, she views her town and it's residents through more mature eyes, making her question what she once believed about her past. Ex-veteran Noah Cranwell comes to Cold River to reclaim his family's rundown Cranwell Station. While he rehabilitates the building, he struggles with problems of his own. As Caroline and Noah's romance blooms, they uncover secrets about the town and their families that will bring them closer together.

This story is a good contemporary women's romance filled with laughter, sadness and tears. It contains strongly developed main characters supported by interesting, fun secondary characters. The plot and subplots interweave well, and the characters' actions are believable.

I took away one star, because it could've been edited a little better. First, there were too many names that began with the letter "c"--Caroline O'Connor, Court, Cranwell, Crow, Cranwell Corner, Cranwell Station, Cold River--to the point where it almost became a parody. I realize a town with a prominent family will have several businesses named after that family, but all the "c" names became a little too much. The book also could have benefitted from more dialogue. There was too much "tell" and not enough "show". And finally, the story's flow suffered from repeating some of what was said in previous chapters. Luckily the strength of the story and the characters' interactions overrode these concerns, and I gave JUST FINE WITH CAROLINE four stars.

This book is perfect for fans of contemporary women's stories and those who like character-driven romances. So enjoy it at the beach or during a relaxing weekend at home. It's a pleasant way to pass the time.

If You Like This, You May Like : SIT, STAY, SPEAK by Annie England Noblin, THE LIFE SHE WANTS and SWEPT AWAY by Robyn Carr, THE SECRETS OF ROSCARBURY HALL by Ann O'Loughlin, THE LAKESHORE CHRONICLES SERIES by Susan Wiggs, FOOL'S GOLD SERIES and MISCHIEF BAY SERIES by Susan Mallery, HERE'S TO US by Elin Hilderbrand, THE LAKE SEASON and MYSTIC SUMMER by Hannah McKinnon

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The Bullet

A Novel by Mary Louise Kelly, Gallery Books, March 2015. 

* An e-galley was provided by Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

The Bullet by Mary Louise Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

In THE BULLET, by Mary Louise Kelly, a 37-year-old Georgetown University professor has an MRI to discover why she has tingling and sharp pain in her wrist and finds out she has a bullet lodged in her neck. The problem is she doesn't remember how or when she received such an injury. There are no scars, no evidence that she'd ever been wounded. Thus begins Caroline Cashion's search for the truth about her life, who she is, and how she came to have a bullet in her body.

That night she finds out from her family that she was adopted after her real parents were brutally murdered thirty-four years ago. She was shot in the attack, but the bullet was too close to important nerves and blood vessels, so the doctors decided to leave it in her body. Caroline travels to Atlanta, her original hometown, to try and find out what happened to her and her parents. She contacts a policeman who worked on the case and finds that the murderer still hasn't been identified.

Though the main characters are fairly well developed, I didn't feel a lot of empathy for any of them. My perfect book is when I, as the reader, am transported into the story. Not only do I feel I'm part of the action, I know the characters inside and out. This didn't happen in THE BULLET. From the beginning, Caroline is telling you her story. Like you're a therapist and she's sharing her reason for needing your help. You don't feel particularly involved in the turn of events, but you still listen, as she's an compelling narrator with a fascinating story to tell.

The story, told in first person, past tense, is full of interesting twists and turns that keep the reader riveted to the action. But as Caroline gets closer to the finish, the narrative bogs down a bit. Don't get me wrong. It's still an enjoyable story. And it has a good ending. So keep reading!

If you like suspense stories with an unusual premise and filled with surprises, THE BULLET is a perfect novel for you. It's engrossing and gripping and is a wonderful book to read on a rainy day or while relaxing on vacation.

If You Like This, You Might Like : TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, FORGOTTEN FILES and THE MORGANS OF NASHVILLE series by Mary Burton, MAX REVERE NOVELS by Allison Brennan, ALL THE MISSING GIRLS by Megan Miranda, GOOD AS GONE by Amy Gentry, WITH MALICE by Eileen Cook


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The Kept Woman

Will Trent Series, Book 8, by Karin Slaughter, William Morrow, September 2016.

*An e-galley was provided by William Morrow/HarperCollins and Edelweiss for an honest review. 

The Kept Woman by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE KEPT WOMAN , by Karin Slaughter, is the eighth book in her police procedural, Will Trent series and is filled with all kinds of twists and turns pivotal to good thrillers. In this intriguing story, Will and his Georgia Bureau of Investigation colleagues work with the Atlanta Police Department to solve the murder of a crooked ex-cop. The owner of the scene's abandoned building is a well-known sports figure who Will was unable to prove guilty in a recently closed case. The murder investigation turns personal when Will's estranged wife, Angie Polaski's, blood is found at the scene and their intertwined past and current troubles bubble to the surface, endangering his professional life and his relationship with medical examiner, Sara Linton.

I have to admit I've never read this author's work before, but I won't miss her future books. I was immediately pulled into the story and had no trouble understanding the pertinent backstory between all the main characters. I also found the characters realistic, each with flaws and interesting backgrounds.

Will is a physically and emotionally wounded man who has overcome his horrible upbringing with gentleness, routine and hard work to succeed in life. Angie is a crazy ex-cop, PI, and overall survivor from a childhood filled with all kinds of abuse. She flits in and out of Will's life creating havoc wherever she lands. She enjoys messing with Sara by breaking into her home and moving things about, sometimes leaving disturbing messages. Angie wants them to know that she'll always be around clinging to Will and directing anger towards Sara. Sara has weathered some difficult events of her own (though not as horrendous as Will and Angie) and suffers from self-doubts and confusion, both about herself and her relationship with Will. Even the less major characters are fleshed out with unique and complex lives.

Though the story is told in several points of view, the majority is through the eyes of Will, Angie and Sara. Keeping up with the POV changes was relatively easy, particularly since the different POVs were easily distinguished with spacing or chapters breaking them up.

I really enjoyed the author's use of humor to get the reader throughout the book. A scene in the dead ex-cop's house caused me to laugh out loud, and some of the characters' thoughts were very witty. But make no mistake, this is definitely a gritty police procedural and thriller, with all the gore and dirty primal survival techniques found in the lives of shady, abusive people.

The only thing keeping me from giving the novel five stars is the ending. I hate loose ends and though one major storyline is fleshed out, another important one is left hanging. Probably to kick off the next work in the series?

I would recommend THE KEPT WOMAN to anyone who likes police procedurals with a smattering of humor, stories of comeuppance, and mysteries with great twists and turns.

NOTE : The rather frank discussions of physical and sexual abuse within the story may not be suitable for anyone younger than 9th or 10th grades.


If You Like This Book, You May Like: Other books in the WILL TRENT SERIES by Karin Slaughter, TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, MORGANS OF NASHVILLE and TEXAS RANGERS series by Mary Burton, FBI THRILLER BOOKS by Catherine Coulter, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, DARKNESS by Karen Robards

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How to Make Out

By Brianna R. Shrum, Sky Pony Press, August 2016.

 * An e-ARC was provided by Sky Pony Press and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

How to Make Out by Brianna Shrum
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

HOW TO MAKE OUT, by Brianna R. Shrum, is an enjoyable book about 16-year-old Renley Eisner and her quest to fund her math club trip to New York City. Along the way, she discovers she can be whomever she wants, but she may not like what she becomes.

Fairly invisible in school and home, Renley spends much of her time with April, her fellow math geek, and Drew, her next door neighbor. She doesn't have a boyfriend, and Drew goes through girls fairly quickly. He really cares a lot for Renley, but she only sees him as a really good friend.

Renley wants to go on the trip with April but doesn't have the $3000 needed to get there. She hates to ask her father for the money, so she decides to create an anonymous How-To blog and charge for answering readers' questions. She's unskilled in a lot of areas, so when she has a question to answer, she researches the best processes online and tries them out on herself before posting the best one on her blog. As Renley improves herself and her blog brings in cash, she becomes noticed at school and attracts the attention of a really cute boy she's crushed on in her Home Ec class.

As she and her blog become popular, she practically abandons her two best friends. Questions arise about who created the blog at the same time as Renley's life starts failing apart. Ultimately she has to decide what is really important in her life.

The story's main characters are well written and experience evolving maturity throughout the book. Each chapter is headed with a How-To (the first being "How to Do Long Division"), and follows Renley's progress with her blog and herself. Though the topics of friendship, personal growth, and truthfulness are addressed, trust is the overall issue, both in how a person can become trustworthy and how a person's actions can affect the trust of friends and family.

HOW TO MAKE OUT is a lighthearted, fun book that tackles important life issues, especially for teenagers. It may be a better fit with more mature teens, as some of the How-To topics are a tad bit scandalous, but Renley's discovery of herself and what's important in her life will resonate with most readers. It's a quick, enjoyable read that even adults can appreciate.

If You Like This, You May Like: SAINT ANYTHING by Sarah Dessen, DIRTY LITTLE SECRET and GOING TOO FAR by Jennifer Echols, PAPER TOWNS by John Green, THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER by Jennifer L. Armentrout, GAME ON by Michelle Smith, GOING GEEK by Charlotte Huang



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Family Tree

A Novel by Susan Wiggs, William Morrow, August 2016

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Family Tree by Susan Wiggs
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

FAMILY TREE by Susan Wiggs is the intriguing story of Annie Rush's new beginning, both physically and emotionally. One DAY Annie's living in L.A., the happy producer of her husband's (Martin) successful cooking show, "A Key Ingredient", and the next YEAR, she's waking up from a coma where her whole life is different. Not only is she having to relearn everyday activities, like walking and talking, she's also trying to remember the bits and pieces of her past and how she ended up back in her hometown of Switchback, VT. Luckily she has her parents, her brother and sister-in-law, and her four nieces and nephews to help in her recovery. Another person invested in her healing is single father, Fletcher Wyndham, the high school sweetheart she left behind to pursue her dreams.

I really liked this book. The author does a great job creating complex and sympathetic characters and allows the reader to get glimpses of Annie's life as she remembers bits and pieces of her past. All her family is important to her, but it's the memories of her interactions with her grandmother that show how huge an influence she was on Annie's dreams and ultimate decisions. And as she heals, Annie realizes how important her hometown has been in her life.

The only con to this story is the frequent jumps back and forth from NOW and THEN, the reason why I gave it 4 stars. But I understand that to follow Annie's recovery through her eyes, the reader needs to understand how her memories are necessary to her improving health and to frame her future choices.

I recommend FAMILY TREE to fans of character-driven stories and anyone who likes a feel-good book. The unusual storyline is refreshing, and the plots and subplots nicely flow to a satisfying conclusion. And you can't go wrong with a Susan Wiggs book!

If You Like This, You Might Also Like: ROSE HARBOR SERIES by Debbie Macomber, BLUE HERON series by Kristan Higgins, ON THE ROCKS and BOND GIRL by Erin Duffy, HERE'S TO US by Elin Hilderbrand, SO CLOSE by Emma McLaughlin, THE ISLAND HOUSE and THE GUEST COTTAGE by Nancy Thayer, THE LAKE SEASON and MYSTIC SUMMER by Hannah McKinnon, SUMMER WITH MY SISTERS by Holly Chamberlain 

Insidious

An FBI THRILLER (Book 20) by Catherine Coulter, Pocket Books, August 2016

* An e-galley was provided by Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Insidious by Catherine Coulter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

INSIDIOUS, the 20th book in Catherine Coulter's FBI THRILLER SERIES, is a decent followup to NEMESIS, the previous book in the series, but didn't knock my socks off. In this book, married FBI Special Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock investigate the attempted murder of 86-year-old powerful, wealthy society icon Venus Rasmussen in D.C., while Special Agent Cam Wittier flies to L.A. to help catch the Starlet Slasher.

Having known Savich his whole life, as she and his mother were best friends,Venus contacts Savich for help in discovering who is trying to poison her. The only people eating with her the three times Venus got sick were her son and a grandson, but loyal household staff can't be ruled out. Savich and Sherlock don't want to accuse family without hard evidence, but it appears that someone close to Venus wishes her dead. The two FBI agents must work quickly to find the culprit and prevent Venus's murder.

While Savich and Sherlock rush to keep Venus alive, Cam Whittier is in L.A. heading the investigation into the Starlet Slasher serial killings. A multi-municipal task force works around the clock to prevent more Hollywood starlets' deaths. Since the killer takes each woman's cellphone and computer or tablet, primary resources frequently used to help investigations, the task force lacks the immediate info to establish a connection between the murders. Cam has two resources that prove invaluable to get the info they need. Her parents, well-known actors who live down the street from one of the murder sites, know the ins and outs of the Hollywood scene and share their knowledge with the task force. Also, Cam runs into a friend from high school who is pursuing acting and who went to auditions with a few of the victims. The race is on to find the murderer before any more starlets are killed.

I've only read two other books in the author's FBI THRILLER SERIES, and the set up in this book is similar--two concurrent but distinct investigations linked by using staff from the FBI office. In this book, I didn't get a good image of Savich and Sherlock, but I guess after 19 books, fans would know the characters inside and out. Cam's background and motivations were more fully developed, so I felt I knew her better. And her investigation was much more interesting.

Though I enjoyed the plot and end of both investigations, they didn't seem to have much tension or subplots. And I felt as if I was getting two short stories instead of one compelling mystery book. So I give this book 3.5 stars. It's not a bad read, but if you're wanting to read a character-driven, tension-filled thriller, look somewhere else.

If You Like This, You Might Like: TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, FORGOTTEN FILES and THE MORGANS OF NASHVILLE series by Mary Burton, MAX REVERE NOVELS by Allison Brennan, ALL THE MISSING GIRLS by Megan Miranda, GOOD AS GONE by Amy Gentry, WITH MALICE by Eileen Cook

The Hating Game

A Novel by Sally Thorne, William Morrow/HarpersCollins, August 2016.

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow/HarpersCollins and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE HATING GAME, Sally Thorne's impressive debut work, is one of the cutest books I've read in a long time. It's a story about the love-hate relationship between Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeton, office mates and personal assistants to co-CEOs of the merged Bexley & Gamin publishing company.

From their first meeting, Lucy and Joshua have annoyed, ignored, and pushed the other in a constant dance of one-up-manship. They play little office games guaranteed to irritate (i.e., the Mirror Game, the Staring Game, the HR Game), the ultimate goal being to elicit smiles or tears. She wears bright red lipstick, and her wardrobe is full of knits and retro. His is strictly business suits and ties, colored with an array of starched shirts. She's only five feet tall. He stands over six feet. She takes baked goods to division heads meetings. He scares even the most hardened staff member. And when they become competitors for a newly created position just above their own, they do everything they can to win the sole promotion spot. So what happens when they realize just how much they love their "hate" relationship?

There are so many things I like about this story. First, is the writing style of the author. It's refreshing and engaging, and though I don't usually like books written in present tense, it works here. Second, I enjoy the main story and the subplots. They flow together seamlessly and come to a satisfying conclusion. Also, the two main characters have interesting backstories and are developed so well, I feel like I've known them forever. And finally, by the end of the story, both Lucy and Josh have grown and changed to the point you know that they'll have good things in their future.

THE HATING GAME is a witty, engaging debut book and one destined for my re-read shelf. The lighthearted story is perfect for a vacation or for a relaxing weekend at home and would be a great addition to your contemporary romance library. I look forward to reading future works by Ms. Thorne.

If You Like This, You Might Like: WEDDING BELLES and SEX, LOVE & STILETTO series by Lauren Layne, FBI/US ATTORNEY series by Julie James, GIDEON COVE and BLUE HERON series by Kristan Higgins, CHICAGO STARS series by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, HOT ZONE and LUCKY TRILOGY series by Carly Phillips



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The American Girl

A Novel by Kate Horsley, William Morrow/HarpersCollin, August 2016.

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow/HarpersCollin and Edelweiss for an honest review.

The American Girl by Kate Horsley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

THE AMERICAN GIRL by Kate Horsley is a psychological thriller set in France in the present day. American exchange student Quinn Perkins is spending a summer in St. Roch hoping to become fluent in French. At the beginning of the story, she is in the local hospital trying to remember what happened to her. Reports state she was running out of the woods, barefoot and in a torn white dress, trying to flag down a motorist. Instead, she was run down and left her for dead. She has no memory of her life before the accident, and the psychologist gives her a videocam to record whatever thoughts come to her in hopes she will remember what happened.

Molly Swift is a Boston reporter who is just one of many descending into St. Roch to discover what has happened to Quinn and her missing host family, the Blavettes: Emilie, the weird ex-schoolteacher mother; Emilie's daughter, sullen teenager Noemie; and, Emilie's son, Raphael, a handsome, irresistable Sorbonne student. Molly gets close to Quinn by saying she's Quinn's aunt. And since Quinn's family hasn't bothered to visit her in the hospital, Molly hopes she can find the truth about what happened to the American student and the Blavettes before her ruse is discovered.

I've had some difficulty in how to rate this story. I started with 4.5 stars because, on the one hand, the narrative is well-written and definitely amps up the tension. However, the constant back and forth between time frames is confusing. At the beginning of almost every chapter, I had to flick back through the book to remember where I was in the timeline. I felt like I needed a complicated series of arrows, loops and stars on a whiteboard calendar to figure out where I should be in the story. And then there was the too-long length of some chapters. After a while I felt compelled to forget about 75 pages and read the last 50 pages. Once I was assured that the ending was worth pursuing, I went back and read the 75 pages I skipped.

My final deciding factor was the heavy use of cigarette smoking by every character in the book. Not that cigarette smoking, itself, should be a reason for decrease in rating. But I feel that the overuse of this habit in the book was basically filler for the actual story. Lots of space was used up in the narrative by people lighting, inhaling, and fiddling with cigarettes (and some weed). Plus, I couldn't help feeling disgusted by the idea that the characters constantly stunk of cigarettes--their breath, their bodies and their surroundings. The overuse of cigarette smoking did nothing for the story. Instead, I think it hindered the psychological buildup to the twist at the end of the book.

Overall, I think the author has a good writing style with strong characters. She is worth watching, and I will definitely read her future books. But with the timeline all over the place and the filler-ish use of smoking, I can give THE AMERICAN GIRL only 3 stars.

If You Like This, You Might Like: GONE GIRL and SHARP OBJECTS by Gillian Flynn, MORGANS OF NASHVILLE and TEXAS RANGERS series by Mary Burton, FBI THRILLER BOOKS by Catherine Coulter, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, DARKNESS by Karen Robards




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Home Field

A Novel by Hannah Gersen, William Morrow, July 2016.

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow and Edelweiss for an honest review.

 

Home Field: A Novel by Hannah Gersen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

HOME FIELD by Hannah Gersen is a book about the suicide of a loved one and how the survivors come to terms with the death. Dean is the celebrated high school football coach in a tiny rural community in western Maryland. He's the husband to an extremely depressed Nicole, stepfather to 19-year-old Stephanie, and father to 11-year-old Robbie and 8-year-old Bryan. After Nicole commits suicide, Dean is left searching for his place within his family and with his football team. Football is his life, and the reason he moved to such a small town.

As Dean becomes immersed in the start of Fall football, his family takes a back seat while they struggle to make sense of their mother's death. Ronnie becomes belligerent, talking back and acting out at school. Bry tries to placate everyone and becomes mesmerized by his aunt's fanatical religion. Stephanie battles with wanting to stay at home, to ensure her brothers aren't overshadowed by their dad's focus on his team, and with her need to leave town and enjoy her independence as a college freshman. Though Dean encourages Stephanie to follow her dream of going away to school, he doesn't know how to help himself or his kids work through their pain. He's guilty that he had no clue that Nicole was ready to kill herself and sad that they had grown so far apart.

If you're looking for a lighthearted story, this isn't the book for you, as it teems with unhappiness. However, if you are a character-driven reader, you'll enjoy the fully-developed characters and many subplots woven throughout the book. Situations and character reactions are realistic and somewhat poignant and reveal how each person hopes to break through their despair. The ending is a little weak, but overall the story is a good one.

I would recommend HOME FIELD to book clubs that enjoy discussing themed or emotional topics and to readers who prefer the same.

If You Like This, You May Also Like: THE OTHER WIDOW by Susan Crawford, TRULY MADLY GUILTY by Liane Moriarty, ALL IS NOT FORGOTTEN by Wendy Walker, LISTEN TO ME by Hannah Pittard, THE LAKE SEASON by Hannah McKinnon

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Lost Along the Way

A Novel by Erin Duffy, William Morrow, July 2016

* An e-galley was provided by William Morrow and Edelweiss for an honest review.

Lost Along the Way by Erin Duffy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

LOST ALONG THE WAY is a story about three best friends growing apart and still being able to depend on one another when their lives begin to crumble. Jane, Cara and Meg have been best friends since the third grade and have remained close throughout their teens and twenties. The story begins the day after Jane elopes with Doug, a wealth manager on Wall Street. She can't wait to share the news with her married friends, thinking they'll be just as excited as she is. But when Cara and Meg hear about Jane's wedding, they're anything but. They think she's jumped into marriage with Doug too quickly and worried it's the wrong decision.

Seven years later, Jane's living her dream life flitting through NYC high society. She and Doug live in an elegant apartment one block from Central Park West filled with lovely antiques, and she's feeling stressed about planning for the upcoming Christmas holiday. When Doug is arrested for scamming his clients, Jane is left with nothing but her memories and her beautiful apartment. Reporters and paparazzi constantly crowd around the entrance to her building, and the co-op residents are ready to have her evicted. Her society friends have dropped her like a fake Jimmy Choo shoe. No one else will help her. So she finally decides to reconnect with her former best friends to try and salvage something from her former life.

Cara's mom just died, but her husband Reed continues to belittle her, only caring about himself and impressing his friends and coworkers. She's drowning in regret about her awful marriage and is less than thrilled when Jane reappears in her life. However when Jane leaves to try and find Meg, Cara decides it's time for her to escape her self-imposed emotional prison and get away from Reed.

Meg is a successful writer who thinks her husband Steve would be better off without her. She's lived in their second home in Montauk for a year without any contact with him. Though he's worried sick about her, he also loves her enough to let her go. Jane and Cara track her down and refuse to leave her. They need each other now more than ever to overcome their problems and discover a better future for themselves and each other.

The story is in third person and the point of view varies depending on whose story is being told. The narrative occasionally reverts to memories of how a situation came about, but the break in the story is fairly flawless and delineated by italics to prevent confusion.

Each character is well-developed and is easily identifiable from the others. Though I didn't feel an affinity for any of the best friends at first, once Jane starts her journey to reconnect with Cara and Meg, I began to root for all of them.

LOST ALONG THE WAY is light enough for a beach read and compelling enough for a book club discussion. It speaks to the choices we make and the friendships we need to see us through those choices. I'm giving this book 4 stars because it's entertaining, well-written and a satisfying book overall.

If You Like This, You May Like: ON THE ROCKS and BOND GIRL by Erin Duffy, HERE'S TO US by Elin Hilderbrand, SO CLOSE by Emma McLaughlin, THE ISLAND HOUSE and THE GUEST COTTAGE by Nancy Thayer, THE LAKE SEASON and MYSTIC SUMMER by Hannah McKinnon, SUMMER WITH MY SISTERS by Holly Chamberlain


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Final Fondue

A Five-Ingredient Mystery (Book 3) by Maya Corrigan, Kensington, June 2016

Final Fondue by Maya Corrigan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

* An ARC was provided by the author for an honest review.

FINAL FONDUE, the third book in Maya Corrigan's Five-Ingredient Mystery series, is a lighthearted mystery involving romance, revenge, and chocolate fondue.

A bride, two bridesmaids, and the best man have rented rooms for the weekend in the Victorian house owned by Val Deniston's grandfather. The group is in Bayport, MD to scope out venues for the upcoming wedding. Their stay coincides with the town's Tricentennial Festival, a full weekend extravaganza of boating demonstrations, parades, fireworks and food booths. Val is involved in all facets of the festival and has little time to help Granddad with his guests. But she agrees to help her grandfather in the kitchen whenever she can.

After the festival's opening night fireworks, Val returns to the house to prepare the next day's breakfast. To take out the garbage, she has to venture through the dark back yard. First she spots fondue leftovers on the back porch. Then she stumbles across the body of a house guest. Once again a killer is on the loose in Bayport, and Val and her grandfather are on the case.

Could it be a spurned suitor? Or an old nemesis? Might it be the result of mistaken identity? Or a spur of the moment killing? These are just a few of the questions that Val and Granddad must answer before the murderer strikes again.

FINAL FONDUE contains interesting characters, feasible situations, and supporting subplots that provide convincing motives for why each suspect could be the killer. Throw in a haunted corn maze, cooking competitions, family dysfunction, and a few red herrings, and you have a tasty mixture that satisfies the mystery palate.

And don't worry if you haven't read the other two books in the series. This book can definitely stand alone. Though to get a better feel of the main characters and the story's location, you might want to read the books in order.

If You Like This, You May Like: BY COOK OR BY CROOK and SCAM CHOWDER by Maya Corrigan, FOOD LOVERS' VILLAGE MYSTERIES by Leslie Budewitz, COOKBOOK NOOK MYSTERIES by Daryl Wood Gerber, FARMERS' MARKET MYSTERIES by Paige Shelton, CHARMED PIE SHOPPE MYSTERIES by Ellery Adams, SOUP LOVER'S MYSTERIES by Connie Archer

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A Dangerous Age

A Novel by Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Gallery Books, June 2016.

A Dangerous Age by Kelly Killoren Bensimon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

* An e-ARC was provided by Gallery Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.


A DANGEROUS AGE by Kelly Killoren Bensimon is a boring book about four, once uber fashion-forward, New York City women (who became friends in their 20s) and what happens to them over a few months. Told in first person, past tense, the book is pretentious and silly, and it skips around between current day and memories of the past. The story has very little substance and even fewer interesting scenes.

The four main characters are now in their 40s and no longer the upper society leaders they once were. Each of the four have some crisis going on in their lives. Lucy's marriage is disintegrating, Sarah is on the verge of a social collapse, Billy has no focus other than thinking she's a creative culinary genius, and Lotta, a beautiful art dealer, is a total lush. Their very real, life-crushing issues seem secondary to the reality-show-like circus of their days.

A DANGEROUS AGE may appeal to people who like the Real Housewives and Kardashian reality shows, but readers who prefer a story with substance and likable characters should skip this book.

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Life Before

A Young Adult Suspense by Michele Bacon, Sky Pony Press, June 2016.

Life Before by Michele Bacon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

* An e-ARC was provided by Sky Pony Press and Edelweiss for an honest review.

LIFE BEFORE is a young adult suspense by Michele Bacon. The serious issues of physical and emotional abuse, homelessness, murder, and being forced to run for your life are just some of the topics touched upon in this book.

Xander Fife has been living with his mom, Helen, since her divorce from his abusive dad, Gary. Xander tries to live his life as a normal kid with a normal family. But he has secrets that he can't reveal, even to his best friend Jill.

One day Xander and Jill are planning their Infinite Summer. The next, he's hiding from his murderous father. Xander ends up in Burlington VT, intending to stay off the grid (essentially disappear) until Gary is captured and thrown in jail. While in VT he meets some friendly and intriguing people who help him survive day to day, teach him to approach life with curiosity and wonder, and encourage him to live in the present instead of waiting until some future accomplishment to begin his life.

The characters in LIFE BEFORE are fully-developed with clear identities and motivations. The descriptions of places and things are so vibrant, one feels as if you're standing beside Xander as he stumbles through his days, constantly on the outlook for danger.

Xander's poignant story is both sad and beautiful. Sad for what he's had to suffer throughout his young life. Beautiful for his strength and growing confidence. Though the issues raised are serious, the story isn't depressing. It is, at times, funny and always full of friendship and hope. Xander comes to realize he has the ability to take care of himself and that he is far from alone, as he has wonderful friends who support him and who accept him for who he is.

LIFE BEFORE is perfect for readers of John Green, Jennifer Echols and Sarah Dessen and a quick read for vacation. There are a few kissing scenes and descriptions of feelings, but more involved sexual interactions are either off-scene or just implied.

If You Like This, You May Like: SAINT ANYTHING by Sarah Dessen, DIRTY LITTLE SECRET and GOING TOO FAR by Jennifer Echols, PAPER TOWNS by John Green, THE PROBLEM WITH FOREVER by Jennifer L. Armentrout, HOW TO DISAPPEAR by Ann Redisch Stampler, A STUDY IN CHARLOTTE by Brittany Cavallaro, TELL ME THREE THINGS by Julie Buxbaum

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The Lake Season

A Novel by Hannah McKinnon, Atria Books/Simon & Schuster, June 2015.

* An e-galley was provided by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster for an honest review.

  

The Lake Season by Hannah McKinnon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

THE LAKE SEASON by Hannah McKinnon is like a fine wine. Give it time and it becomes rich and tasty and forms a aromatic bouquet of words and wisdom. The first time I read this story, I'll admit I wasn't too keen on the writing style. I balked at what I thought was too much telling and not enough showing. And I failed to appreciate the message of being brave enough to risk second chances. On giving this book another chance, I discovered a charming tale of family flaws, life changes and risking the dull familiar for a chance at a happier future.

Iris is at a crossroads in her life. She barely survives the day-to-day routine of getting her three kids ready for school, and with little sleep and even less finesse, she muddles through her responsibilities of mother, wife and fledgling business owner. On top of all this, her husband, Paul, wants a divorce. Iris thinks some time at her mom and dad's farm in New Hampshire will help her determine what to do next. So she leaves the kids with Paul and returns to her childhood home for some alone time. However, the turmoil surrounding her sister's upcoming wedding overshadows her need to heal. Though the farm has seen tremendous changes in the past few years, her family dynamics haven't changed at all, and Iris still feels like an outsider and second best to her younger sister. Little by little, she starts picking up the pieces of her old self, and by the end of summer, she's survived her family's secrets and lies to forge a new, happier future for herself and her family.

THE LAKE SEASON deals with serious issues of infidelity, trustworthiness, dysfunctional families and mental illness. It involves questions of how to be happy when it may hurt those you love, how to handle divorce when children are involved, and how to overcome feelings of inadequacy. Overall, the book is about believing in yourself, new beginnings and taking chances for a happier life.

This story is perfect for book clubs and would make a great vacation read. Take a chance on THE LAKE SEASON . It's a decision you won't regret.

If You Like This, You May Like: MYSTIC SUMMER by Hannah McKinnon, SUMMER WITH MY SISTERS by Holly Chamberlain, SECOND CHANCE FRIENDS by Jennifer Scott, THE ISLAND HOUSE by Nancy Thayer, FLIGHT PATTERNS by Karen White

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Deep Dark

A Tracers Novel (#10) by Laura Griffin, Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster, Inc., May 2016. * An e-galley was provided by Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster, Inc. and Edelweiss for an honest review. Deep Dark by Laura Griffin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

DEEP DARK is the first book I've read by Laura Griffin, and, WOW, it definitely won't be my last! This sophisticated page-turner pits a young computer forensics specialist and a seasoned Austin PD detective against a cyber criminal turned serial killer. The action is fast-paced, the plot intricate and the story believable and entertaining. I was sucked right into the suspense and couldn't stop reading until I reached the end.

The complex story involves the search for a cyber villain who latches onto the web info of young women and targets them for murder. Nothing links him to the crimes, and the police are baffled in solving the murders. A cat and mouse interplay between the murderer and the Austin PD ensues, and at times is hindered by police politics.

The main characters, Laney Knox, a 24-year-old, brilliant cybercrime expert at the Delphi Center, and Reed Novak, a 39-year-old, too serious Austin police detective, are both flawed and lonely. Constant work demands and long, inconsistent hours prevent either of them from developing any serious relationships. Although their chemistry is off the charts, they are, at first, hesitant to act on it. Since Laney was attacked in her home three years ago, she is constantly on guard and has trouble feeling safe anywhere. Trusting in anyone other than herself is a huge step for her. Reed's skeptical glare and wary personality make people uncomfortable and prevents anyone getting too close. He thinks Laney is beautiful, quirky and too young for him. She thinks Reed is good-looking, rigid and too by-the-book, and she likes to make him uncomfortable. Despite their differences, they need each other to find the serial killer who cyber-stalks his prey and brutally murders them in their homes.

You can't go wrong with DEEP DARK. The story is smart, intriguing and filled with interesting and well-developed primary and secondary characters. If you like suspense that keeps you guessing and a romance that's not a cliche, then you definitely don't want to miss DEEP DARK .

If You Like This Book, You May Like: Other books in the TRACERS SERIES by Laura Griffin, MORGANS OF NASHVILLE and TEXAS RANGERS series by Mary Burton, FBI THRILLER BOOKS by Catherine Coulter, LUCY KINCAID NOVELS by Allison Brennan, DARKNESS by Karen Robards

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