This author's imagination knows no bounds. I was first fascinated by his storytelling in The Book of Doors. Could he repeat the success of tha4.5 stars
This author's imagination knows no bounds. I was first fascinated by his storytelling in The Book of Doors. Could he repeat the success of that book? In this latest release, he most definitely did.
This book has a small common theme with his prior release, where an ordinary object holds power. But instead of various books, this story involves more random objects - where a chess piece can allow you to control others, or a necklace gives the wearer the ability to fly. What happens if these objects get into the wrong hands? That is precisely what the Society of Unknowable Objects is for, to project those objects. And one member, Magda Sparks is thrown into the thick of things when she attempts to secure an object and things go very wrong.
Where things really get interesting is when not one, but two villains are revealed. As previously mentioned, the objects the society protects have immeasurable power, and these villains hold nothing back once they acquire an object. Can they be stopped? If so, how? Magda and her ragtag group (James Wei, Will Pinn, Henrietta Wiseman and Frank Simpson) have some tricks up their sleeves, aka their own special objects, and work together to fight back. Did I think they stood a chance against someone like Lukas (whose story I didn't see coming)? I had my doubts.
I'm usually a quick reader and can finish a book in 2-3 days. This one almost took me a week due to me being in the process of moving. While I would rather have been reading this fascinating story than packing, I'm glad I didn't rush it. There is a lot going on in this book and it is one to be savored. So, if you are ready for a story unlike any other, a highly recommend you check this one out!
Amanda Ravenel meets her sister for the first time, when contacted by the public defender representing Georgia Cartwright. That sister she never knew Amanda Ravenel meets her sister for the first time, when contacted by the public defender representing Georgia Cartwright. That sister she never knew existed is now in a mental institution as she awaits trial for the murder of her younger sister, Annabelle Cartwright (not related to Amanda). As you can imagine, Amanda is left with so many questions.
How were the sisters separated? Is Georgia insane? Is she guilty of murder?
It is a lot to digest for someone going in cold, but Amanda does her best to keep an open mind, rather than block Georgia. Not everyone would do the same given the circumstances. But Amanda finds one major plus, she can get a little taste for the luxurious life Georgia was accustomed to (wearing her clothes, sleeping in her bed, etc) something that was missing from Amanda's life. So, I didn’t exactly trust her intentions.
There's an interesting development in this story involving a Senator, who we are first led to believe is a pedophile. However, things aren't quite as they seem, and the big reveal uncovers more than one secret. I definitely was caught off guard by the killer's identity. Especially with the second twist revealed at the end. I love when thrillers end that way.
While I didn't really care for either sister, this was overall a gripping thriller. Go check it out!
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review....more
A brother and sister looking for a nice relaxing break at the Ara Hotel in Utah, but it becomes anything but. 1) Another guests is found murdered. 2) OnA brother and sister looking for a nice relaxing break at the Ara Hotel in Utah, but it becomes anything but. 1) Another guests is found murdered. 2) One of the two is a suspect in that murder. And with that suspicion, a lot of their secrets may become exposed.
This book has several timelines; *** Frida and Gabriel first meet officially in a closet. Sounds strange, but they meet there after being punished by their cult leader. Yes, they grow up, basically as sister and brother in a cult. This part of the book highlights their blossoming friendship and how they got out. *** In the present, the story focuses on the activities at the hotel before and after the murder. What surprised me is that it seems even though Frida cared for Gabriel, she is one who is quick to believe he may be responsible. Why? Well that leads to the third timeline when Gabriel meets his wife. Why is this significant? You'll have to read to find out.
I had my suspicions about who was the murderer, which proved wrong. But it didn't mean that person was entirely innocent. I was definitely caught off guard with the twist about Gabriel's wife. But this twist shows just how much these two have each other's backs.
Overall, while this wasn't as gripping as the author's first release, it is a good followup for thriller lovers to check out.
For romance readers, this has a little something for everyone: Hollywood romance Hate-to-love Second chance romance And even a little Historical Romance
CyFor romance readers, this has a little something for everyone: Hollywood romance Hate-to-love Second chance romance And even a little Historical Romance
Cynthie Taylor was new to the acting scene when she first met Jack Turner-Jones. And it didn't go very well. But one on screen kiss almost changed everything. Almost. Instead, the two actors spent most of the time filming A Lady of Quality, hating each other.
Fast forward years later when the two are offered the opportunity to do a sequel. Can they get along this time around? Given that we get both characters' POVs, and had insight into how they really felt, I think they stood a chance. The obstacle ended up being an unexpected one.
While Jack is painted as the bad guy, mostly due to some poorly timed comments, it was clear he felt something deep for Cynthie. Question is, is he willing to put himself out there, and is she willing to take the risk as well. I personally got a little frustrated by Cynthie at times. It seemed everyone understood her better than herself, and thankfully for her, they were patient enough to help her along. With everything Jack did for her, how can she not fall in love with him?
While I enjoyed the storyline, the switching from past to present and alternating POVs made this book a bit longer than I think was warranted. I think it would have been better edited down. But overall, this was a sweet romance that showed one man's infinite patience ultimately paid off.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review....more
A dirty gritty adventure ride, where there are no "good guys". There are just bad guys who enjoy doing bad things, and guys who do bad things to surviA dirty gritty adventure ride, where there are no "good guys". There are just bad guys who enjoy doing bad things, and guys who do bad things to survive.
Leading the charge is the main protagonist, Roman Carruthers, He returns to his home town following an accident that put his father in the hospital. What he learns quickly as this wasn't an accident, but an intentional attack due his brother Dante's bad decisions.
I won't get into it all, but Dante decided to play drug dealer, making promises his weak ass couldn't keep. And the brothers he borrowed from, don't really give second chances. So, being good brother he is, Roman steps up. Putting his own life on the line, he decides to play a long game of revenge. I'm sure he regretted that decision more than once, but at some point, he really had no choice. Do bad things or get killed.
What amazed me was Roman's loyalty. Not only is Dante a huge fuckup, this whole nightmare didn't seem to be a wakeup call for him. He just continues to make bad decisions. And ultimately I had to wonder if these boys were in a losing battle.
I never expect a HEA in this type of book, and you shouldn't either. But there is some resolution. Is a lot of blood spilled along the way? Most definitely. Do the Carruthers siblings walk away unscathed? Unlikely.
Overall, another wild ride from this author. Buckle up!...more
There are very few authors who I pre-order books from, but VE Schwab is one of them. Added to the fact that the book would be signed, AND feature lesbiThere are very few authors who I pre-order books from, but VE Schwab is one of them. Added to the fact that the book would be signed, AND feature lesbian vampires, I couldn't 1-click fast enough. And lucky for me, the book arrived on release day when I had just finished a book. So, of course, I jumped right in.
The story centers on three female vampires: Maria, her origin story dates back to the 1500s. Charlotte Hastings, her origin story dates back to 1827. Alice Moore, the newest of vampires, her origin story begins in 2019. With three heroines in such distinct timelines, the author delves into their lives shortly before they are turned, and then in deeper into what happens after they turn. Do they embrace their new state? Or are they repealed by it? And what happens to their lives between the centuries, as the three women ultimately connect.
I don't want to get too much into the characters themselves but I was most interested in who they formed relationships with and how they maintained that relationship for so long. I get the idea of soulmates, but could you really spend 100 year with the same person? I'm not sure I could, lol. And what happens if you want to break from that relationship and the other person doesn't feel the same? As it turns out, it is not as easy as writing a "Dear John" letter. Vampires don't handle rejection so well.
While I was fascinated by the storyline, the book was a bit long for me (I struggle with books over 400 pages). So, I would have preferred some editing. That said, all indications from the ending is this is a standalone book, which I liked. We shall see if I'm proven wrong down the road.
Overall, this was another well crafted story by this author with extensive character development. Fans of this author and the paranormal genre should definitely check it out! ...more
I've read a lot of thrillers, and it definitely is not common for the killer to be revealed in the beginning of the book. However, professor, 4.5 stars
I've read a lot of thrillers, and it definitely is not common for the killer to be revealed in the beginning of the book. However, professor, Elizabeth Davis has more than one secret. One she has kept not only from those close to her, but from herself.
Years have passed since a murder was committed. Elizabeth believed that dark time was put to rest. But when a student in her class turns in a story that is too close to home, down to every detail, she realizes that the past may not be buried after all. Who is the author of this story? (as Elizabeth is not familiar with the student's name) Is it her friend Jocelyn, who Elizabeth was protecting years prior? Is it her other friend, Ivy, who knows about the secret? Or a more random person? What I didn't get was how could anyone know all of the details about what led up to the crime. I think there's an obvious answer, but that answer also comes with a twist.
When Elizabeth returns home to check in on her ailing mother, she confronts a lot of old memories, and creates some unexpected new ones with a man named Noah. Let me be clear, I did not trust this guy at all. Elizabeth didn't either, it seems, but lust got in the way of her good judgement.
What I liked more about this story is the big reveal. It comes with a couple more twists. And I loved the ending. I kind of love an open ending for thrillers, it allows my mind to get creative. While this author is best known for her romance books, this second thriller shows she has a solid place in this genre. Can't wait for more!
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review. ...more
The intro to this story had me hooked. A dead man was found in the middle of the road in the small English village of Fleetcombe. Tied to a cha3.5 stars
The intro to this story had me hooked. A dead man was found in the middle of the road in the small English village of Fleetcombe. Tied to a chair. With antler's tied to his head. WTF!! My immediate thought would be that this was part of some cultish ritual. It turned out not to be quite so complex.
Going into this book, I had no idea that this was from the same creator as Broachchurch, the British police procedural series. But now the pacing of the story makes sense. If you haven't watched that show, this investigation into this murder was a very slow one, led by Detective Nicola Bridge and Detective Constable Harry Ward (a relatively inexperience member of the team). As we are given the POVs of several of the town suspects, everyone seemed to have some connection to the victim, owner of the local pub, the White Hart, and maybe have a motive to kill him. Now they just have to find the evidence to build their case.
It took some time, but one key witness proves to be a game changer to the case. I admired how Nicola handled this fragile situation, letting little clues lead her and Harry to the evidence they needed. And like Nicola, I was impressed with some of Harry's discoveries during their investigation, showing despite his lack of cases, he has good instincts for the job.
In the end, I would never have guessed who the killer was, and why, so good on the author for surprising me. While I do thinking the pacing could have been quicker, fans of police procedurals and/or Broadchurch, should enjoy this newest release.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review....more
The most adorable meet cute turns into the most unexpected slow burn romance, in this latest release from the author.
Do Xavier Rush and Samantha Diaz The most adorable meet cute turns into the most unexpected slow burn romance, in this latest release from the author.
Do Xavier Rush and Samantha Diaz hit it off right away at his veterinary clinic? Not really. But Xavier does something unexpected later, catching Samantha's interest. This leads to the first date to end all first dates. It is 100% clear on this date that these two are a perfect match. Only problem, which Samantha reveals at the last moment, is that this date night is her last night in town. Not for a couple weeks. No, she has no plans to return, for reasons I won't reveal. I'm not sure why she even agreed to go on the date, but despite the risks, I love the fact that she had a "what the hell" attitude about it. But now both know what they are missing out on.
What impressed me most about this couple is how hard they worked on this long distance relationship. They stretched money as best they could, and made no attempt to move on with someone else. More importantly, they were there for each other in the most difficult of times. Also, both characters are truly good people. Xavier is a protector. A true animal lover, he sacrifices his time to help the four legged creatures that are a key part of many families. Elizabeth has sacrificed a lot to help her mother. Not only does she walk away from "the one", she also steps up her care for her mother, as things deteriorate further with dementia. Watching my own parents struggle with memory issues, this part of the story was heartbreaking. Should I need to, am I able to step up like she did?
The only thing that I didn't understand in this story, was the obvious solution to this long distance romance. Sure, money would be lost, but isn't love more important? I think with time, the answer to that question is clear.
So, does this couple get the HEA they deserved from the beginning? Read it and find out. . . . Seriously, go read it. It's amazing!
In this author's newest crime series, the protagonist isn't the main detective, but actually a suspect in a murder. Her husband's murder.
Asse3.5 stars
In this author's newest crime series, the protagonist isn't the main detective, but actually a suspect in a murder. Her husband's murder.
Assemblyman Derrick Bell was brutally murdered one night, his wife, Noelle is of course, is a suspect. Even though she herself sustained injuries too. Did she hurt herself to cover up his murder? If not, who killed him and why?
This story is basically told in two parts, the initial murder and investigation and the follow up investigation, given the murder was never solved. Now Noelle's last name is Marshall and she's a sheriff's detective. Who inspired this new job? You'll never guess.
Anywho, there are a lot of mini timelines (too many in my opinion), some giving a backstory on the couple, some counting down to the murder itself, which shows that Derrick was a huge asshat to Noelle, along with his Mom. Was this motive for murder? I didn't think so, but I definitely thought Noelle hadn't revealed everything, mostly due to memory loss following the murder. How convenient. LOL.
The big reveal was a surprise for me, as the author never indicated anything about the particular character that concerned me. What was more shocking was how was also part of the tragedy and why everything went down. It's sad that no one saw the signs earlier to help this person struggling.
Overall, this was an intriguing mystery that had several surprises along the way. A good choice for those who like police procedurals.
I've read a number of thrillers, but this one was definitely a first. Two sisters. Each accusing the other of murdering their father. With evide4.5 stars
I've read a number of thrillers, but this one was definitely a first. Two sisters. Each accusing the other of murdering their father. With evidence from both sisters on the victim, they are charged with the same crime. Murder. It is for the court and jury to decide who was the killer - Alexandra Avellino, Sofia Avellino, or both.
The story is told from three narrators: Eddie Flynn, Sofia's attorney Kate Brooks - Alexandra's attorney And the best part, "She". We don't know what sister "She" is, but one thing is clear, they are psychotic. I had my thoughts about who "She" may be, but I also think that was the author's attempt to mislead me.
Other than the mind games of trying to figure out who the killer may be, this story had some great courtroom scenes, with both attorneys trying to unravel the prosecutor's case. They had some hits, and some misses, but I was hooked throughout trying to unravel the mystery.
This was my first read from this author, but won't be my last. Overall, a gripping courtroom thriller that kept me guessing.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review....more
The writing is actually good in this book but the plot is all over the place, losing my attention. For a book this long, I need to be more iDNF at 30%
The writing is actually good in this book but the plot is all over the place, losing my attention. For a book this long, I need to be more intrigued. ...more
I've read several books from this author, but nothing in this series. Even with this being the 11th installment, I didn't feel lost in the storyline, I've read several books from this author, but nothing in this series. Even with this being the 11th installment, I didn't feel lost in the storyline, which centers on a personal case for the detective.
Eric Schmidt and his connection to the man who killed detective Tracy Crosswhite's sister, continues to haunt her, even with his conviction. But a technicality puts him back in her crosshairs, so to speak. Add to that a horrific shooting drilll, and Tracy is ordered some time away, for both professional and personal reasons.
The author does something different here. Rather than focus on Eric's case and what can be done to get him back in jail, he instead focuses on Tracy and basically retraining her mind to become a better shooter. And he does that with a charming teen, Lydia, who happens to be a master shooter. Using video games and then real life drills, they work together to help Tracy get her groove back (having been a good shooter prior to the work drill).
I loved the friendship between these two and how Tracy helped Lydia take steps for her own future, something no one else did given she is on the spectrum. Even better, I cheered for how Lydia managed to pay her back.
This story doesn't end in typical police procedural fashion, but that made this that much more enjoyable. Overall, an enjoyable read. I will definitely look to read other books in the series.
*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review....more
In this third installment to the series, Ava Rodriguez (cousin to Jasmine and Michelle, books 1 & 2 respectively) struggles to come to grips with her In this third installment to the series, Ava Rodriguez (cousin to Jasmine and Michelle, books 1 & 2 respectively) struggles to come to grips with her own forever after. Mostly because she doesn't feel worthy. Following a divorce and lacking emotional support from her family, she has unjustified low self-esteem. But could one sexy stranger change all that? Wealthy hotel owner, Roman Vazquez, will certainly try his best.
It was just meant to be one night. HA!!! That's what they all say, lol. But clearly one night was never going to be enough with the chemistry between these two main characters. While Ava says Roman is a fling, or distraction, it was clear that Roman saw things a bit deeper. What I liked best was his patience with Ava and care for her feelings given her vulnerability.
At times Ava stepped outside of her comfort zone, I just wished she did it more often. I'm not sure why she didn't speak up during her friend's wedding planning, but I'm glad she later confronted Roman with her issues later. And he responded . . . . perfectly. In fact, he came to realize how many people use Ava because she is a people pleaser. I loved how he challenged her to stand up for herself more.
I wasn't a fan of why she hid her relationship from her friends, if you can't trust your friends to support you, then why have them? However, her secret and Roman's "line in the sand" so to speak, had an epic moment that was a turning point in the story. I would have loved to be a bystander for that drama, lol.
Overall, this was a sweet and sexy romance, with a little humor and drama mixed in. A fun installment to the series....more