And Now, Back to You
B.K. Borison can do nothing wrong in my book! I have been a HUGE fan since reading Lovelight Farms! And Now, Back to You is the sixth book which I have read by this author, and she delivers every single time! As with her other books, I found And Now, Back to You to be wonderfully written, well thought out, captivating, hard to put down and swoon worthy! Jackson is a radio weatherman who has custody of his two sisters. He has a lot on his plate and loves routine and being organized. He struggles with anxiety and enjoys staying in his lane and reporting on the weather. Delilah loves being out in the field, engaging in zany and silly antics, and meeting her fans. She is spontaneous, fun loving and responsible. They have orbited around each other for years and now that a HUGE snowstorm is about to hit, they have been tasked with working together to report on it. Deliah wants to be taken seriously as a reporter and offers to help Jackson find his fun side if he can help her with this assignment. Enter chemistry stage left!!!!! Both Jackson and Delilah are adorable. I enjoyed both of their characters and rooted for both of them. I enjoyed how the author showed both their strengths and weaknesses. This made both feel more real and relatable. I felt for Jackson and his anxiety but also felt for Delilah when she shared her care for her grandfather. I enjoyed their banter and how they both had to deal with a nasty character in this book. Romantic, charming, captivating and a wonderful addition to the Heartstrings series!!! Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Gossip
Tongues are wagging and rumors are swirling in Rona Halsall’s The Gossip! Secrets and lies are the name of the game in the village of Talysarn! All it takes is one rumor is said, an accusation made, and the someone tells someone who tells someone who tells…you get the picture. The rumor spreads like wildfire and it doesn’t matter if it is true or not, the villagers will believe what they want to believe and people’s lives will be changed!!!!! I have read seven of Rona Halsall’s books, and she always delivers dramatic, twist-filled, shocking and thrilling books! Nia, a young widow, has recently moved to the village of Talysarn. It is the fresh start she is looking for, until a horrible rumor is started- that she is having an affair with an older married man! When the man’s wife hears the rumor, well, the you-know-what hits the fan! This book is packed full of drama, secrets, adults behaving badly, gossip, and shocking revelations!!! I loved the tension and the feeling of dread which seeped from the pages. Plus, there are a nice number of characters who kept the drama high and the tensions higher. There are secrets and then there are secrets! This was an entertaining, twisted, and thrilling read! Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Anniversary
Addictive, shocking, dark, and deadly, Alex Finlay delivered with The Anniversary! I could not read this book fast enough. I was instantly engrossed in the plot which features Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley, who had their lives changed forever on one night in 1992. This book follows them as they navigate their lives after what happened to them when they were seventeen years old. 1992Jules, was a popular high schooler who was attacked by a serial killer known as the May day killer. The killer strikes every May 1st. After being attacked, Jules is struggling with shame, anxiety, and trauma. She is still trying to grapple with how and why she survived. Quinn, tried to break up a fight and in the process almost kills someone. He is arrested and is sent to juvenile detention. Their lives intertwine over the next decade as more victims are taken…. This book had me on the edge of my seat and turning those pages! This book took me through a roller coaster ride of emotions. I felt for both Jules and Quinn. Both had their lives changed, both left traumatized, and both are seeking answers. Plus, the pacing was fantastic! I loved how things moved along. This book was neither too slow nor too fast. I loved the tension, the feelings of dread, danger, and suspense as the book moved toward the end. Like other reviews, I have to say that this is Alex Finlay’s best book yet. I loved the mystery, the characters, the nostalgia of the ’90’s, and how everything came together in the end! Wonderfully written, well thought out, dark, and chilling! I can’t wait to read what Finlay writes next!!! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Tremaine
I love a good reimagining and could not wait to dive into Lady Tremaine, a reimagining of Cinderella. Rachel Hochhauser did not disappoint with this captivating book! Taking on one of the world’s most famous fairy tales is a bold thing to do, and it paid off! Every young girl who grew up watching Disney or reading Cinderella dreamed that one day their prince would come. But what happens when Prince Charming is well, not so charming, and the evil stepmother isn’t evil at all. No, she is just a mother trying to survive and raise her daughters. Etheldreda has not had an easy life. She is twice widowed and left with the care of her two daughters, her stepdaughter, and a fierce and loyal peregrine falcon. Their home is crumbling around them, but Etheldreda throws herself into making a life for them. When a royal ball is announced, and only her stepdaughter is invited, Etheldreda throws her pride to the wind and does what she can to see that her daughters get an invitation as well. This book is dark, delightful, and gripping. I enjoyed the take on a mother’s love, survival, and the unraveling of secrets. I enjoyed how some of the characters learned that not all that glitters is gold! I had both the audiobook and the book and enjoyed the experience of both. The narration of the audiobook was very well done. The writing and vivid descriptions were fantastic, . Plus, there is some suspense at the end which got my heart rate elevated and put a smile on my face. I loved the message that women can save themselves. The old mama bear instinct when a mother will go head-to-head with any obstacle to protect her children. Imaginative, creative, dark, and wonderfully written. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tell Me Her Name
Gripping, dark, intriguing, and thrilling! Tell Me Her Name is the first book in the Margot Phalen FBI Series and this series is off to a great start. Margot is a FBI Special Agent who has a knack for getting criminals/killers to crack and reveal victims no one was aware of. She knows how to work with and zone in on killers – because her father was one! Her current case involves a killer who hunts for victims at child beauty pageants. As if that is not enough, she gets an alarming call from home; her partner Wes was to the last to see a teenage victim alive prior to her being murdered. I enjoyed both cases and how the author showed how Margot coped with both. One was professional and had her doing what she does best; the other hit closer to home and saw her experiencing a myriad of emotions. I enjoyed the blend of her personal and professional life. I also was intrigued by the investigation in this book. This was an enjoyable psychological thriller, and I enjoyed the myriad of twists and tiny reveals which led to the final scenes in the book. I enjoyed the pacing – this was neither slow nor did it move too fast. I also enjoyed it when the author threw in one twist that I did not see coming. I love it when that happens and it made the book even more enjoyable for me. Overall, an enjoyable psychological thriller which has piqued my interest and has me wanting to read the next book in the series. Apparently, there are previous books in another series featuring the main character. I have not read those books. Plus, this is a new series. So, if you are like me and have not read the previous books, you will do just fine. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours
I know that Nat Cassidy has a knack for writing books which I want to read! When I saw he had a short story collection coming out, I had to get my hands and eyes on it. I’ll admit, I am usually hit or miss when it comes to short stories. Lately, I have been warming up to them. As with most short story collections there are ones that I like, some that I don’t, and others I feel meh about. I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours was the exception to that rule. I actually enjoyed every single one of them- while enjoying some more than others! If you enjoy the horror genre and short stories, this might be the book for you. The ones I really enjoyed were Rest Stop, Run for Your Life, Generation, and Jubilee Juncture. But again, all were enjoyable; I just enjoyed the ones I mentioned the most. I found all of the stories to be imaginative, horrific, original, and entertaining! Thank you to Shortwave Publishing | Shortwave and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
And Now, Back to You
B.K. Borison can do nothing wrong in my book! I have been a HUGE fan since reading Lovelight Farms! And Now, Back to You is the sixth book which I have read by this author, and she delivers every single time! As with her other books, I found And Now, Back to You to be wonderfully written, well thought out, captivating, hard to put down and swoon worthy! Jackson is a radio weatherman who has custody of his two sisters. He has a lot on his plate and loves routine and being organized. He struggles with anxiety and enjoys staying in his lane and reporting on the weather. Delilah loves being out in the field, engaging in zany and silly antics, and meeting her fans. She is spontaneous, fun loving and responsible. They have orbited around each other for years and now that a HUGE snowstorm is about to hit, they have been tasked with working together to report on it. Deliah wants to be taken seriously as a reporter and offers to help Jackson find his fun side if he can help her with this assignment. Enter chemistry stage left!!!!! Both Jackson and Delilah are adorable. I enjoyed both of their characters and rooted for both of them. I enjoyed how the author showed both their strengths and weaknesses. This made both feel more real and relatable. I felt for Jackson and his anxiety but also felt for Delilah when she shared her care for her grandfather. I enjoyed their banter and how they both had to deal with a nasty character in this book. Romantic, charming, captivating and a wonderful addition to the Heartstrings series!!! Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Gossip
Tongues are wagging and rumors are swirling in Rona Halsall’s The Gossip! Secrets and lies are the name of the game in the village of Talysarn! All it takes is one rumor is said, an accusation made, and the someone tells someone who tells someone who tells…you get the picture. The rumor spreads like wildfire and it doesn’t matter if it is true or not, the villagers will believe what they want to believe and people’s lives will be changed!!!!! I have read seven of Rona Halsall’s books, and she always delivers dramatic, twist-filled, shocking and thrilling books! Nia, a young widow, has recently moved to the village of Talysarn. It is the fresh start she is looking for, until a horrible rumor is started- that she is having an affair with an older married man! When the man’s wife hears the rumor, well, the you-know-what hits the fan! This book is packed full of drama, secrets, adults behaving badly, gossip, and shocking revelations!!! I loved the tension and the feeling of dread which seeped from the pages. Plus, there are a nice number of characters who kept the drama high and the tensions higher. There are secrets and then there are secrets! This was an entertaining, twisted, and thrilling read! Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All my thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Anniversary
Addictive, shocking, dark, and deadly, Alex Finlay delivered with The Anniversary! I could not read this book fast enough. I was instantly engrossed in the plot which features Jules Delaney and Quinn Riley, who had their lives changed forever on one night in 1992. This book follows them as they navigate their lives after what happened to them when they were seventeen years old. 1992Jules, was a popular high schooler who was attacked by a serial killer known as the May day killer. The killer strikes every May 1st. After being attacked, Jules is struggling with shame, anxiety, and trauma. She is still trying to grapple with how and why she survived. Quinn, tried to break up a fight and in the process almost kills someone. He is arrested and is sent to juvenile detention. Their lives intertwine over the next decade as more victims are taken…. This book had me on the edge of my seat and turning those pages! This book took me through a roller coaster ride of emotions. I felt for both Jules and Quinn. Both had their lives changed, both left traumatized, and both are seeking answers. Plus, the pacing was fantastic! I loved how things moved along. This book was neither too slow nor too fast. I loved the tension, the feelings of dread, danger, and suspense as the book moved toward the end. Like other reviews, I have to say that this is Alex Finlay’s best book yet. I loved the mystery, the characters, the nostalgia of the ’90’s, and how everything came together in the end! Wonderfully written, well thought out, dark, and chilling! I can’t wait to read what Finlay writes next!!! Thank you to St. Martin’s Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lady Tremaine
I love a good reimagining and could not wait to dive into Lady Tremaine, a reimagining of Cinderella. Rachel Hochhauser did not disappoint with this captivating book! Taking on one of the world’s most famous fairy tales is a bold thing to do, and it paid off! Every young girl who grew up watching Disney or reading Cinderella dreamed that one day their prince would come. But what happens when Prince Charming is well, not so charming, and the evil stepmother isn’t evil at all. No, she is just a mother trying to survive and raise her daughters. Etheldreda has not had an easy life. She is twice widowed and left with the care of her two daughters, her stepdaughter, and a fierce and loyal peregrine falcon. Their home is crumbling around them, but Etheldreda throws herself into making a life for them. When a royal ball is announced, and only her stepdaughter is invited, Etheldreda throws her pride to the wind and does what she can to see that her daughters get an invitation as well. This book is dark, delightful, and gripping. I enjoyed the take on a mother’s love, survival, and the unraveling of secrets. I enjoyed how some of the characters learned that not all that glitters is gold! I had both the audiobook and the book and enjoyed the experience of both. The narration of the audiobook was very well done. The writing and vivid descriptions were fantastic, . Plus, there is some suspense at the end which got my heart rate elevated and put a smile on my face. I loved the message that women can save themselves. The old mama bear instinct when a mother will go head-to-head with any obstacle to protect her children. Imaginative, creative, dark, and wonderfully written. Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tell Me Her Name
Gripping, dark, intriguing, and thrilling! Tell Me Her Name is the first book in the Margot Phalen FBI Series and this series is off to a great start. Margot is a FBI Special Agent who has a knack for getting criminals/killers to crack and reveal victims no one was aware of. She knows how to work with and zone in on killers – because her father was one! Her current case involves a killer who hunts for victims at child beauty pageants. As if that is not enough, she gets an alarming call from home; her partner Wes was to the last to see a teenage victim alive prior to her being murdered. I enjoyed both cases and how the author showed how Margot coped with both. One was professional and had her doing what she does best; the other hit closer to home and saw her experiencing a myriad of emotions. I enjoyed the blend of her personal and professional life. I also was intrigued by the investigation in this book. This was an enjoyable psychological thriller, and I enjoyed the myriad of twists and tiny reveals which led to the final scenes in the book. I enjoyed the pacing – this was neither slow nor did it move too fast. I also enjoyed it when the author threw in one twist that I did not see coming. I love it when that happens and it made the book even more enjoyable for me. Overall, an enjoyable psychological thriller which has piqued my interest and has me wanting to read the next book in the series. Apparently, there are previous books in another series featuring the main character. I have not read those books. Plus, this is a new series. So, if you are like me and have not read the previous books, you will do just fine. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours
I know that Nat Cassidy has a knack for writing books which I want to read! When I saw he had a short story collection coming out, I had to get my hands and eyes on it. I’ll admit, I am usually hit or miss when it comes to short stories. Lately, I have been warming up to them. As with most short story collections there are ones that I like, some that I don’t, and others I feel meh about. I Know A Place: Rest Stop and Other Dark Detours was the exception to that rule. I actually enjoyed every single one of them- while enjoying some more than others! If you enjoy the horror genre and short stories, this might be the book for you. The ones I really enjoyed were Rest Stop, Run for Your Life, Generation, and Jubilee Juncture. But again, all were enjoyable; I just enjoyed the ones I mentioned the most. I found all of the stories to be imaginative, horrific, original, and entertaining! Thank you to Shortwave Publishing | Shortwave and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
