This book is part of a series; while you don't NEED to read the past books, I would highly encourage you to do so as they (Characters and such) play p
This book is part of a series; while you don't NEED to read the past books, I would highly encourage you to do so as they (Characters and such) play parts in this book.
If you have been following this series, you will remember from the last book that Casey found out she was pregnant. This book jumps about 8 months, and she is now in her final stages of pregnancy. It doesn't really help her at all to find out that a serial killer may be in their midst.
What starts out as something horrible yet innocuous soon turns deadly, and Casey and Eric are on the hunt. Mix in some complications with the pregnancy, and things soon turn even more lethal.
This is an exciting and excellent addition to this series, and remember that this is a spin-off of the Rockton books---which I am going to turn around and re-read until the next highly anticipated book in this series comes out!
*ARC supplied by the publisher Minotaur Books/Macmillan Publishers, the author, and NetGalley. ...more
If you have Kindle Unlimited right now, this book is free to borrow.
Wow! If you like twisty plots and red herrings with unbelievably intricate endingsIf you have Kindle Unlimited right now, this book is free to borrow.
Wow! If you like twisty plots and red herrings with unbelievably intricate endings, this book is for you!
As they say, Karma can be a *itch. For the book's first half, you become enmeshed in Jasmine's and Stephanies lives. One is leaving her abusive boyfriend, and the other is getting ready to go to a news broadcasters conference. They meet on a plane, and this is the beginning of things going in a much different direction.
I have to admit I really did not like Jasmines' idea that the whole world owes her. She was a character that was pathetic one minute and hateful the next.
I never once thought the book would end the way it did, and I am so glad; otherwise, I don't think I would have been so enthusiastic, nor would I have enjoyed it so much.
Geez, this author can really write---both plot and believable characters.
I highly recommend this book; if you are in a book club, this will be perfect.
I am going to be buying my own copy, and it will be going on my comfort-read bookshelf!
*ARC supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Press/ Macmillan Publishers, the author, and NetGalley.
I needed time to think about this book before writing my review. This book is a curious mix of a horror novel and family fiction. I was going to DNF tI needed time to think about this book before writing my review. This book is a curious mix of a horror novel and family fiction. I was going to DNF this book, but curiosity, more than anything, had me reading until the end.
Fox and Haze seem to be the perfect couple, and they are as long as they are killing evil men. Once they had their child, life changed. No more killing, and from there, life goes totally downhill for them. Also, note that Fox is ultra-rich with what appears to be a good job. Haze is a famous artist renowned for her mixed-media canvases. You can imagine what she mixed into her paintings! They had met in Paris when Haze was caught by Fox taking care of business - shall we say.
The whole plot is a bit unbelievable, but that is fiction, right? Well, the ending is even more unbelievable but somewhat clever.
What I did have were significant issues with the whining and moaning from Haze -and she whined and moaned about everything. We get that she had a bad childhood. For goodness sake, you can't pick up a book today where someone isn't blaming everything in their lives about their childhoods. Fox wasn't much better, and all this inner dialoguing eventually got on my nerves to the point that I just didn't care what happened to them.
Fantasy fairy tale ending *sigh*, what are you going to do?
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Bantam/Random House, the author, and NetGalley....more
I'm of two minds about this book. There are some parts that I enjoyed, but the character of Mia was annoying and overly naive at times. I realize thatI'm of two minds about this book. There are some parts that I enjoyed, but the character of Mia was annoying and overly naive at times. I realize that she was only 19, but even a 19-year-old should have been more skeptical of the offer made to her. Okay, rant over!
This book was set in the early 1960s during the middle of the Cold War. Espionage is at its height, and things are so much different in the spying game than I imagine they are today.
Mia, our main character, gets mixed up unknowingly into this game and is a good little sheep, always doing what the "bad" guys want her to do. But playing the role of double agent was quite interesting, and she did it well.
This is a predictable book, but it still has its moments.
ARC* supplied by the publisher Sourcebooks Landmark, the author, and NetGalley....more
The synopsis gives you a very, very good idea of what this book will be about. Of course, there is a HEA also, which you could see from a mile away! The synopsis gives you a very, very good idea of what this book will be about. Of course, there is a HEA also, which you could see from a mile away! That is a comforting aspect of this novel.
I would have given this book more stars except for the fact that there was just a little too much 'plot' that really wasn't needed and that this author tried just a little too hard to write about the South, like author Mary Kay Andrews does. It didn't work for me. There were just too many things going on that weren't needed to get to the finish line. Everyone had some problem that needed Mack's attention, and Mack's mother was a bit of a caricature, which could sometimes be annoying.
It's a bit predictable.
ARC supplied by the publisher Harper Muse/HarperCollins, the author, and NetGalley. ...more
If you have been following this series since its start, you may have wondered, like I did, just what happened during the Urban Wars and who exactly foIf you have been following this series since its start, you may have wondered, like I did, just what happened during the Urban Wars and who exactly fought in them. Well, this book might answer most of your questions. Maybe not all, but most.
This was a powerful book, especially considering the world as it is today. I can somehow imagine things like this happening now. It has very strong characters, some of whom don't like each other much but worked very well together. It is a great side story learning about The Twelve, who are Summersets' friends and colleagues from back in the day. And they still work well together.
Action-packed both mentally and physically, with Rourke using all of his skills, The twelve kicking in with some of their own, and the ending was just spectacular. To see the four prominent women in these books (Eve, Peabody, Reo, and Mira) completely mess with The Shark was the icing on the cake for me.
I HIGHLY recommend this book, and I feel that you can read this as a stand-alone...but if you do, be aware that it may hook you in to read all of the other 59 books.
I can't wait for the next in this series.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher The St. Martin's Publishing Group / Macmillan Publishers, the author, and NetGalley....more
This book was riveting ... see what I did there? No, seriously, it was riveting. I couldn't put this book down. We all have an idea of what the DepresThis book was riveting ... see what I did there? No, seriously, it was riveting. I couldn't put this book down. We all have an idea of what the Depression was like for the common folk, but no book that I've read so far has captured it so clearly. The research that went into this book was outstanding.
The story is about twins, one a man and one a woman, their mother, a younger and ill sister, and several other families. Grace, our main character, was born to be a dancer, but circumstances intervene, and she finds herself the first Rosie the Riveter on the Empire State Building. Can you imagine working on a building like that without the safety mechanisms we have in place now? There is no net, no anything as far as safety goes. But Grace did it and even saved a life while doing so.
Life is not easy for Grace's family, nor was it easy for many other people, but horrors just keep piling up on Grace's shoulders. And just when you, the reader, think things can't get any worse, they do. But never fear, life eventually becomes better and there is even romance in the air!
I highly recommend this book for those who like strong, capable women and like learning a bit about the era's history. This would be perfect for book clubs.
Bravo for this debut novel.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Gallery Books/Simon Schuster, the author, and NetGalley....more
A compelling, fascinating look into the lives of two iconic actresses and the wife of George Orwell. This book is mainly about the lives and tragediesA compelling, fascinating look into the lives of two iconic actresses and the wife of George Orwell. This book is mainly about the lives and tragedies of Vivien Leigh and Maureen O'Sullivan. Vivien Leigh eventually married Sir Laurence Olivier, Maureen O'Sullivan Married John Farrow, and Sonia married George Orwell.
Maureen, Vivian (the original spelling of her name), and Sonia meet in a harsh convent school in England and become good friends, or so it would seem. Remember that this is a fictional retelling of their lives.
This book deals with the trials and tribulations of two up-and-coming actresses: one who goes on to win an Oscar for Gone With the Wind and the other who makes a career out of playing Jane in the Tarzan series.
Their lives were filled with lies, booze infidelities, and tragedies.
It is a captivating read, though a little boring in places. It will pull you in, especially if you like books about strong and famous women.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher One More Chapter, the author, and NetGalley. ...more
I am on the line about this book. I must have misunderstood the book's synopsis because I thought that this was going to be about the first-ever womenI am on the line about this book. I must have misunderstood the book's synopsis because I thought that this was going to be about the first-ever women's bank—it is not. There were so few banks that actually followed the letter of the law at that time period that you can see why something like this was groundbreaking, life-changing, and filled a great need for women.
I can't believe how far women have come, and reading this book has helped me understand just what women just a few years younger than I was at the time went through to get where we are today.
This book was quite interesting if you don't mind that it has extremely dry writing and too many primary, secondary, and tertiary characters. I know it was necessary, but I felt like I needed a spreadsheet to keep track of everyone.
It was a bit of a chore to keep up with everything, and it may have been more enjoyable if I had a degree in finance!
*ARC supplied by the publisher Little A Publishing, the author, and NetGalley. ...more
This is a review of the Kindle version of this book.
This was a lovely novel set in the days of Queen Elizabeth II's first years on the throne. This boThis is a review of the Kindle version of this book.
This was a lovely novel set in the days of Queen Elizabeth II's first years on the throne. This book is really about how two people who met many years ago (on VE day) then lose touch with each other and meet up again when both of their jobs take them to Sandringham. Jack is one of the chefs, and Olive as a minor reporter for the BBC. The Queen and Prince Phillip really play secondary characters in this novel of love found, lost, and found again.
Olive, a single mother, has a secret, and we fret with her as she wonders if she should let the cat out of the bag. Jack is dealing with the unexpected loss of his wife yet finds that when he meets Olive again and spends time with her, he may have feelings for her.
It is a lovely, warm novel that is a tad slow in parts - especially in the first quarter of the book, but then grabs you and won't let you go until you've read every word.
*ARC was provided for review by the publisher Blackstone Publishing, Inc., the author's Hazel Gaynor; Heather Webb, and NetGalley. ...more
If you like super sweet romances, this book will knock your socks off. But when I say super sweet, I really mean saccharin sweet.1.5 Stars rounded up.
If you like super sweet romances, this book will knock your socks off. But when I say super sweet, I really mean saccharin sweet. Perhaps even cloyingly sweet. Everyone was just so perfect; the relationships were perfect, and even the Grandmother's dying was done perfectly and sweetly! Except for one scene at the beginning of the book, the rest of the book was filled with stilted characters, unreal interactions, forced dialogue, and pure perfection.
The author was very vague about many parts that were important and would have contributed a great deal to the story.
I don't mind telling you that I only made it to the 70% mark before I gave up on this.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Forever/Hachette Book Group, the author, and NetGalley....more
This is a review of the Kindle version of this book.
This was a lovely novel set in the days of Queen Elizabeth II's first years on the throne. This boThis is a review of the Kindle version of this book.
This was a lovely novel set in the days of Queen Elizabeth II's first years on the throne. This book is really about how two people who met many years ago (on VE day) then lose touch with each other and meet up again when both of their jobs take them to Sandringham. Jack is one of the chefs, and Olive as a minor reporter for the BBC. The Queen and Prince Phillip really play secondary characters in this novel of love found, lost, and found again.
Olive, a single mother, has a secret, and we fret with her as she wonders if she should let the cat out of the bag. Jack is dealing with the unexpected loss of his wife yet finds that when he meets Olive again and spends time with her, he may have feelings for her.
It is a lovely, warm novel that is a tad slow in parts - especially in the first quarter of the book, but then grabs you and won't let you go until you've read every word.
*ARC was provided for review by the publisher Blackstone Publishing, Inc., the author's Hazel Gaynor; Heather Webb, and NetGalley....more
Wow, did I ever get lucky with this book! It was the most excitement I've had in ages. This was a fun read, and it may be the last in this series of bWow, did I ever get lucky with this book! It was the most excitement I've had in ages. This was a fun read, and it may be the last in this series of books. I'm not sure, but the reason I say so is becuase things may be finished with the storyline of Travis Devine and The Girl On The Train! I hope Mr. Baldacci will give us a book with Travis and Pru working together throughout the entire book. Or even make it a tiny little romance.
The only issue I had with this book, which may only be an issue with the ARC, is that we didn't have 50 states in the 1920s. That happened in the '50s. What can I say? I'm a stickler for details!
Other than that little thing-this was an excellent action-packed novel with a fabulous and intricate mystery, wonderful characters, and excellent dialogue.
If this is not a trilogy but a series, you can better believe that I will be the first in line eagerly awaiting its release!
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Grand Central Publishing, the author, and NetGalley....more
As other reviewers noted, this book starts at the same place that Inheritance ended - on the cliffhanger.
I am sorry to say that I expected th3.5 STARS
As other reviewers noted, this book starts at the same place that Inheritance ended - on the cliffhanger.
I am sorry to say that I expected this book to move the story forward, but I'm afraid that wasn't the case. Don't get me wrong; it was a good book, but it added little to the main plotline. We are still dealing with the seven brides, but we have done nothing about trying to find their rings if that is what actually needs to happen. Hester Dobbs, the evil witch, makes several appearances, which are the book's highlight. There is a lot of repetition and discussions about food and plenty of talk about the new cat ( and it just has to be something more than a cat to be trained that fast and easily!LOL!) and the dogs.
We hear mainly about Sonya and Cleo's mundane everyday activities, though we do find out if Sonya got the big job. They did have their "event," which was mundane with no surprises, which surprised me!
In my opinion, this book almost fell into the boring category, but enough exciting things happened to prevent that. I must say that I am thoroughly intrigued by the 'good' ghosts!
I AM looking forward to book three. I need to find out if/how the curse breaks and if Cleo will become one of the cursed!
*ARC was supplied by the publisher St. Martin's Press/Macmillan Publishing, the author, and NetGalley....more
This book is part of a series but can be read without reading the preceding books.
If you love feisty female characters, strong yet flawed male charactThis book is part of a series but can be read without reading the preceding books.
If you love feisty female characters, strong yet flawed male characters, enemies, to, well, not lovers, but you know what I mean, stories, then this one is going to be a perfect book for you. It had it all: stubborn main characters, an evil mother, a fight about property rights, and a learning experience where both learn, grow, and accept. There were also a lot of surprises, as well as a few laugh-out-loud episodes.
It's a fantastic read that will have you frustrated at times but thinking hard about life and your place in it at other times.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Zebra/Kensington Publishing, the author, and NetGalley.
This was a light, fast read, but it was written large - if you know what I mean. Prominent characters, a large and interesting plot line—everything juThis was a light, fast read, but it was written large - if you know what I mean. Prominent characters, a large and interesting plot line—everything just screams old-time Hollywood Epic of the inexpensive kind!
I loved the enemies to best friends/sisters trope, and added in the fact that I was busy trying to figure out which Hollywood star of that generation the authors were describing; well, that just added the cherry to the top of my ice cream sundae!
At times, this book just screamed slap-stick comedy, and at other times, it shouted that it was an old-time Mafia movie. Murder mystery one minute, then slap-stick the next.
I really loved this book.
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Harper Muse/Harper Collins, the authors Lee Kelly, Jennifer Thorne, and NetGalley. ...more
I hate to say this, but I'm just not loving this book like most others. While the different timelines were interesting in theory, they just kept pulliI hate to say this, but I'm just not loving this book like most others. While the different timelines were interesting in theory, they just kept pulling me in a direction that I don't think the author meant for me to go. The differing timelines are not about the same person either. In one, you have a very young Nena; in the modern timeline, you have an over 90-year-old Nena and her grandniece Marta. Sounds confusing? Maybe, maybe not. I suppose it's all about how you cope with all of this. And let me tell you the last couple of chapters confused me even more!
The author tried very hard to explain how one becomes a witch, how one can time jump, etc., but I think he tried just a little too hard (at least for me). The explanations just kept making me more confused and frustrated.
I loved the 1700s timeline and learning about life in a convent, even if nefarious practices were taking place there!
This was a fast read that even if it weren't my glass of wine, it would most likely be yours!
*ARC was supplied by the publisher Atria/Primero Sueno Press/Simon and Schuster, the author, and ATTL/Edelweiss. My thanks to all....more
This is a typical generational/family book filled with lies and secrets. The author's analogies are quite descriptive and lyrical3.5 stars rounded up.
This is a typical generational/family book filled with lies and secrets. The author's analogies are quite descriptive and lyrical, even poetic at times. However, sometimes, they are just a tad too much.
The main character, Lila, seems to have split personality disorder. One minute, I feel I should be totally on her side, and I love her. The next, she seems to have a personality turnaround, and I dislike her immensely. She also cannot seem to get over her feelings of dislike/hatred for her mother. However, her mother seems to have the same sort of disorder that Lila has. The author does a great job dealing with all the different types of hate throughout this novel. But it does get a bit depressing at times.
Several storylines were unnecessary to advance the plot, in my opinion. We didn't really need romantic interests when this was a novel about family. We also didn't need the death of a family member, and I thought it was a little too much, but because of who it was, I can see why it was necessary. I would have liked to see a little more of Lila deciding what to do about the house and why she chose the path that she did.
I did find it interesting to learn about India, its different factions, and political parties. However, I had a difficult time with the language. Kindle can't seem to translate this form of Indian into English, so I feel like I missed out on a lot.
It was a very good read, and I would recommend it to those who want something different, educational, historical, and, at times, fiendish.
This ARC was supplied to me by the publisher Algonquin Books/Hachette Book Group, the author, and NetGalley....more
As usual, Patricia Davids hits the right notes with this new book. She happens to be an excellent author of Amish fiction/romance - she is 'teachy witAs usual, Patricia Davids hits the right notes with this new book. She happens to be an excellent author of Amish fiction/romance - she is 'teachy without being preachy'!
This was one of the most unusual stories I've read in the Amish genre but not untypical -a couple thrown into a dangerous situation that pushes them into the correct direction. A marriage that may or may not be of convenience, that naturally turns into something more. A life or death situation.
All of these above buttons are pushed with this novel, and I really ended up at the edge of my seat in parts. Yes, there are one or two inconsistencies-but this is an ARC and I m hoping that these will be changed upon publication.
*ARC supplied by the publisher.
Merged review:
As usual, Patricia Davids hits the right notes with this new book. She happens to be an excellent author of Amish fiction/romance - she is 'teachy without being preachy'!
This was one of the most unusual stories I've read in the Amish genre but not untypical -a couple thrown into a dangerous situation that pushes them into the correct direction. A marriage that may or may not be of convenience, that naturally turns into something more. A life or death situation.
All of these above buttons are pushed with this novel, and I really ended up at the edge of my seat in parts. Yes, there are one or two inconsistencies-but this is an ARC and I m hoping that these will be changed upon publication.
What more can an avid reader want than mayhem, murder, and booze? This book appealed to me very much and will be enjoyed by those of any age, but I thWhat more can an avid reader want than mayhem, murder, and booze? This book appealed to me very much and will be enjoyed by those of any age, but I think it will appeal to a younger crowd based on the type of cocktails served.
The action was well-timed, the romance is just hot enough to keep you reading, but without a ---shall we say a final climax? LOL! The mystery part was not that difficult to guess but tough enough to keep you guessing and reading.
I enjoyed this book so much and the little excerpt from the next book that I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
*ARC supplied by the publisher and author.
Merged review:
What more can an avid reader want than mayhem, murder, and booze? This book appealed to me very much and will be enjoyed by those of any age, but I think it will appeal to a younger crowd based on the type of cocktails served.
The action was well-timed, the romance is just hot enough to keep you reading, but without a ---shall we say a final climax? LOL! The mystery part was not that difficult to guess but tough enough to keep you guessing and reading.
I enjoyed this book so much and the little excerpt from the next book that I am looking forward to the next book in this series.