What a great book! A man innocently catches a dead body while ice fishing. It's the body of missing 17 yo Keisha. On Christmas Eve. With bare bones stWhat a great book! A man innocently catches a dead body while ice fishing. It's the body of missing 17 yo Keisha. On Christmas Eve. With bare bones staff, the investigation leads to a burial ground. Another young man is missing - but are the cases connected? The suspense in this one had me grinding molars. I love the inclusion of therapy and working on personal relationships. Great job with realistic situations!...more
I love this series - I am a huge fan of these characters. Nikki is called to a gruesome scene - two dead, one barely hanging on and a missing woman deI love this series - I am a huge fan of these characters. Nikki is called to a gruesome scene - two dead, one barely hanging on and a missing woman dead from a fall. As Nikki tries to piece to together, it just gets more confusing. Talking to Bryce's frat house, Nikki learns of past accusations- assault by Bryce and his confidant Garrett. Great twists at the end....more
After a harsh meeting with her mentor, Nicole wonders why she's been working so hard. Learning of her husband's aunt's decline, Nicole realizes they mAfter a harsh meeting with her mentor, Nicole wonders why she's been working so hard. Learning of her husband's aunt's decline, Nicole realizes they may soon be out of a home. Dan and Nicole have rented their fabulous apartment for years with the understanding of buying. An email catches Nicole's attention - a group of women. Networking. Connections. Hoping to inject some life in her career, Nicole signs up. After the bonding retreat, things start looking up. She has choices for amazing apartments with low rent. And a career boosting case. A company fired their CEO after a woman alleged inappropriate behavior. Nicole's need to solve problems leads her down a dark path - uncovering the truth behind her new group of friends. Kept my attention. I enjoyed the characters, the present and past narrative....more
This #gorgeouscover does not disappoint! Loved the critique of options for the poor - drug addiction, young deaHouse of Hunger Alexis Henderson ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This #gorgeouscover does not disappoint! Loved the critique of options for the poor - drug addiction, young death, factory work and household servant subjected to the abuse of those in charge. Marion's parents died when she was a young child. Her older brother, Raul, did what he had to do, putting food on the table. Marion remembers this while scrubbing a bitter old woman's floors - she spits abuse and disgust. Marion's only friend, Agnes, works at a factory. Dreaming of freedom, Marion is desperate to go North. As a bloodmaid - paid well, to have a pension at end of service. So she takes a deep breath, takes on her future. #houseofhunger #alexishenderson #creepy #bloodmaid #vampire #berkley #berkleypublishing #buddyreads #berkleystrongwomen...more
4 women celebrating retirement - on a high end cruise. After 40 years working for the Museum- as in as assassination gigs to help eliminate treacherou4 women celebrating retirement - on a high end cruise. After 40 years working for the Museum- as in as assassination gigs to help eliminate treacherous people. Until they recognize another staff member from the Museum. Sent to take them out. On a mission to clear their names, these women refuse to back down. I loved this book - the commentary on women over 30 not being visible. And the Acknowledgments- she sees those identifying as women. And their rage....more
I enjoyed this unique look at women in Hawthorne's era. Very slow build - the relationship between Hester and Hawthorne actually starts more than halfI enjoyed this unique look at women in Hawthorne's era. Very slow build - the relationship between Hester and Hawthorne actually starts more than halfway through the book. I considered not finishing several times. Hester and her husband leave England due to her husband's debts. Hester must leave behind her beloved father - and depend solely upon her husband. While her husband travels as a ship medic, Hester earns money with her incredible needlepoint. She expertly hides words underneath her designs, a skill passed down in her family. I enjoyed Hester's wish for independence; the juxtaposition of her with her "freed" neighbors - outcasts from supposed polite society....more
I'm sifting through my thoughts -this book is just unlike anything I've read before. Pompeii - 74 AD. The daughter of a doctor is sold into slavery by I'm sifting through my thoughts -this book is just unlike anything I've read before. Pompeii - 74 AD. The daughter of a doctor is sold into slavery by her mother - with the hope of bettering their lives. Now Amara, living in Pompeii as a proustite, owned by a cruel Felix and her fellow prostitute slaves. She tries to shield the youngest, Dido, from the cruelty of their world. Yet is helpless to shield herself. The potter's slave is also Greek; sharing a language, a culture, a connection. The reality of their lives not sparing them. Harsh. Brutal in truth of men's violence and sexuality. ...more
I wanted so much more about Haiti. I eagerly consumed the first quarter of this book - such amazing detail regarding Sylvie's life as a mulatto in HaiI wanted so much more about Haiti. I eagerly consumed the first quarter of this book - such amazing detail regarding Sylvie's life as a mulatto in Haiti. Her social standing based upon her father's was not something I was aware occurred. This gave her some freedoms - yet Sylvie struggled to be accepted by either race. The slave revolt forces Sylvie and her family to flee to the southern states of America. Refusing to stay with her family, Sylvie joins her brother - seeking residence with their father's sister. Her life expands - a need for attention allows her to ingest the revolution's literature. Equal rights, human rights, the need to ease poverty. And of course her relationship with Robespierre and his lover, Cornélie. Harsh in its depiction of war, realism of seeking solace from close friends while struggling with the exhaustion of revolution. ...more
Brilliant. Harsh. Reality of young women and adolescent girls. Summers does exactly what is needed today - exposing the lurking dangers for our adolesBrilliant. Harsh. Reality of young women and adolescent girls. Summers does exactly what is needed today - exposing the lurking dangers for our adolescent girls and young women. Their constant sexualization in media as well as by men. Everywhere. The leering looks. The sense we develop to locate creepy men. The grooming provided by society - reinforcing we are simply here to satisfy men's lurid needs, their perversions. Georgia Avis is 16 - in debt to her brother to buy the suggestive pictures she posed for with adult men. An underage young woman with older men. Only to have the pictures stolen when hit by a vehicle. Opening her eyes - Georgia finds herself face to face with Ashely, a 13 yo girl reported missing by her family. She had been raped. Held somewhere for days before murdered. Georgia lands a job at the local country club - members include wealthy men, actors, and of course local law enforcement. They educate Georgia about the real world - her purpose regardless of her sexuality, age, their inherit right to her body....more
A slow setup narrative to a thrilling and satisfying end. An amazing retelling of Sleeping Beauty, complicated, romantic, doomed and tragic. Alyce is A slow setup narrative to a thrilling and satisfying end. An amazing retelling of Sleeping Beauty, complicated, romantic, doomed and tragic. Alyce is half Vila - abhorred and shirked by society, as well as her house Sisters. Graces are blessed by a light magic, used by those who can afford their services. Alyce shares a house with Rose - a beauty Grace; as she is valued as the opposite of beauty, Rose and Alyce share a mutual disdain for each other. Alyce is used for her magic as well - vials to give warts, ugliness. Alyce hates every day. Until she meets Aurora - the last Briar Princess, waiting for true love's kiss to release her from the curse of death at the age of 21. Their friendship grows as together they search to end the Briar Curse - Alyce finally feels worthy, valued. Until they are torn apart. This complex plot cannot be summarized without giving anything away. ...more
Inspiring. Enhancing perspective. Words to ignite your inner activist. This work consists of journals, essays - they are so empowering. I had so much Inspiring. Enhancing perspective. Words to ignite your inner activist. This work consists of journals, essays - they are so empowering. I had so much energy listening to the narrator speak Lorde's words. Activism. Facts about the 1980's - American culture, Apartheid, patronizing from medical providers. So inspiring for social change and justice. For equality in society. Demand medical providers to listen and respect their patients. There are so many kernels of advice. Loved it. ...more
This was a cute enemies to lovers romcom. Cassie has struggled for years to establish her photography business - usually in competition with Reid MontgThis was a cute enemies to lovers romcom. Cassie has struggled for years to establish her photography business - usually in competition with Reid Montgomery. Cassie built her business - Buxom Boudoir, with the help of her longest and bestest friend Dana. Creating an empowering and comfortable atmosphere, Cassie exudes body positivity - inspiring Dana to create an amazing lingerie line for people of all body types. Dana is forced on bedrest for the duration of her pregnancy - pushing Cassie to become the model. And Reid the photography. The conflict between Reid and Cassie could have been embellished. I really enjoyed the author's clear emphasis on the difference between their career paths - Cassie's struggles to be seen, taken seriously and landing career building gigs....more
I started this book as an audio - but I couldn't handle the suspense. I finished the ebook. This book was one of my most anticipated for this year - dI started this book as an audio - but I couldn't handle the suspense. I finished the ebook. This book was one of my most anticipated for this year - did not disappoint. This book's plot is compared to the movie Momento - it is not wrong. Liv wakes up - confused an disoriented. Calling a cab, she goes home. Only to be told she doesn't live there anymore. Liv notices writing all over her hands, arms. And the story begins. Gripping. Creative. Ruthless suspense. I'm counting down to Goldin's next release....more
This book is worthy of so much more praise than I could ever give. Lyrical. Brave. Real. Raw. Authentic. Pain. Family. In the beginning of this book, This book is worthy of so much more praise than I could ever give. Lyrical. Brave. Real. Raw. Authentic. Pain. Family. In the beginning of this book, Kiara talks about how investments seem to escape Oakland. Right down to the roads - the potholes. No one cares enough to even invest to care for the roads. What an amazing metaphor for the occupants of this town - everyone wants to get out but they all get stuck. Their optimism withering. Their dreams. Their families. Withering. Kiara only has her brother, Marcus, left. Spending months focusing on his rap career, Marcus hasn't worked in months. Kiara carries the burden of bills, rent - no available jobs force her onto the streets. Discovered by cops, Kiara is forced to attend their gatherings, staring at the ceiling with guns pressed to her forehead. The joy in her life - 10 yo Marcus, Dee's son. Kiara cares for him while his mother is missing - again. And her long time friend - Ale. Kiara has so much love in her life - optimism, focusing on the good in her life. This book will not fail to feed into your rage....more
A highly anticipated read for 2022- and rightfully so. A new twist on an old tale - Dr Moreau. I have not read the original story - I was a little losA highly anticipated read for 2022- and rightfully so. A new twist on an old tale - Dr Moreau. I have not read the original story - I was a little lost in a few areas. Which I have come to expect from this author. But never fails to make it worth my time. Carlota grows up in an isolated estate in the Yucatan - with her father, his hybrids and few household staff. She is surrounded by all she loves - birds, her father, her friends; Carlota cannot imagine a different life. Montgomery joins the staff as the majordomo - hunting wild animals, daily activities such as tending to the hybrids. All is quiet until Lizalde's - the owner of the estate, son stumbles upon them while hunting rebel rousing Indians. Enamored by Carlota, he returns; Dr Moreau pushes his daughter to make this match with the hope of securing additional funding for his research. Carlota just wants them all to be safe. Complex examination of humanity, racism and tolerance....more
Great start to a new series. The ending was well done - I cannot wait for the next book! Teachers are leaving a conference, heading home when bombs anGreat start to a new series. The ending was well done - I cannot wait for the next book! Teachers are leaving a conference, heading home when bombs and earthquakes disrupt their plans. A green mist settles, moves on the wind - killing the majority of men. Or else breaking something within them. While women have enhanced abilities - almost like superheroes. I am not usually a fan of post apocalyptical themes - with the current political stance, this book definitely intrigued me. The humor and cultural references caught me off guard - very enjoyable and lent humanity to the characters. Though fear and the unknown are rampant, the interaction between the main characters is so well done. Personality clashes, learning acceptance. Great read....more
I always seem to start this series at night, around 9 pm when I'm lounging and almost ready for sleep. And this series has me roused, alert and inhaliI always seem to start this series at night, around 9 pm when I'm lounging and almost ready for sleep. And this series has me roused, alert and inhaling Tallon's words. Definitely can be read in one sitting. Ruby and Scarlet continue their angsty vendetta. I can never seem to determine if Scarlet is really the manipulator Ruby views her as or if Ruby seethes with an intense motto of entitlement. Cillian starts boxing at the local club - his source of support, safe place in the neighborhood to release his teenage tension. Now as an adult, Cillian appreciates the opportunity it provides for the community. But members are disappearing - leaving behind notes for loved ones, never to be heard from again. A local developer wants to tear it down and build condos. Lily gets involved, determined to prevent the sale. Excellent addition to this series - loved it and ready for the next!...more
This book wasn't for me. It had some great plot ideas - discarded bones coming together, a forest working together to prison a character. I DNF @ 50%.This book wasn't for me. It had some great plot ideas - discarded bones coming together, a forest working together to prison a character. I DNF @ 50%. A very slow burn, so much description and I just didn't care to finish. ...more
Humor, wit, touch of ghosts and tense family relationships - such an enjoyable read. I may possibly believe in love again. Florence is late to meet heHumor, wit, touch of ghosts and tense family relationships - such an enjoyable read. I may possibly believe in love again. Florence is late to meet her new editor - holding onto her congratulations gift (a cactus), she needs a minute. To not climb her new editor. Florence quickly moves past her lust as he denies her desperate request for an extension on her manuscript. Florence ghost writes for one of the most loved romance authors - after a crap breakup with a crap boyfriend, she determines love is dead. A phone call from home forces Florence to return - 10 years after she ran off to college, refusing to return. Did I mention she grew up in funeral home? Gah I loved so much about this book. Oh the family dynamics. The funeral home. The ghosts. And of course the romance - I ate the book whole. Highly recommend....more
If you are looking for a domestic thriller author that consistently delivers, Nicole Trope must be at the top of your list. Intense relationships. ReaIf you are looking for a domestic thriller author that consistently delivers, Nicole Trope must be at the top of your list. Intense relationships. Realistic characters. Realistic events. Her writing just grabs your attention - easy to finish in one sitting. Sarah carries tremendous guilt - so much grief experienced in a short time. In an effort to process, Sarah cuts her husband out of her life, forcing a divorce. Gideon complies - though he yearns for Sarah to allow him to help. Their daughter, Emily, caught in the middle. Charlotte drives her relationship with Gideon - shortly after she proposed, Gideon places Sarah in care, his young daughter in their home full-time. And Charlotte loves it. After a few months, Sarah is released and begins again with Emily. Charlotte loudly informs Gideon Sarah isn't ready - but he encourages Sarah, supporting her progress. Excellent read....more
Brenda Marie
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