Well... any time I start a new book and finish it within the same day will always get a 5 star rating from me. I picked up The Innocent Wife this Well... any time I start a new book and finish it within the same day will always get a 5 star rating from me. I picked up The Innocent Wife this morning on my subway commute to work and couldn't put it down! I read it during my lunch break, commute home, on the stair master (I literally kept going until my legs tired—so keep that in mind if you need a cardio read), and when I got home. It was just that addicting!
Twenty years ago, high school jock, Dennis Danson was arrested for the murder of Holly Michaels in Red River County, Florida. The death of Holly Michaels sparked a nationwide investigation into the deaths of several other women in the small rural town—sending shockwaves through the media. Dennis's story is picked up by a documentary team and the rest is history. Dennis is a worldwide topic, gathering the attention of many celebrities, politicians, influencers, and 31 British schoolteacher Samantha. Samantha becomes immersed in Dennis's story and becomes an active member in the online following that he has garnered. After a brutal break up with her boyfriend Mark, Samantha goes out on a limb and decides to write Dennis and try to show him support. Samantha is surprised when Dennis appreciates the introduction and the two begin to have a budding relationship. It isn't long before Samantha and Dennis are married. As the case continues to gain recognition, evidence is released the proclaims Dennis's innocence. Samantha is more than ready to begin her life with Dennis and start their happy life together as husband and wife, but as their time together begins to grow, things are not what they seem. Why is Samantha growing suspicious of the man she once trusted with all her might?
The Innocent Wife is a quick, light mystery that will hook you in from the beginning. I was deeply drawn into Amy Lloyd's interpretation of society's interest in these Making a Murderer-esque shows and her original storytelling thereafter. When you first pick up this book, you will feel as if this is a typical suspense story and that you have it all figured out, but you're wrong. The Innocent Wife goes from zero to sixty real fast, with no lack of emotion and suspense. If you like Ruth Ware and Riley Sager, you'll love this one. I have always wondered what the perspective was from the eyes of these people who marry inmates in jail. I wonder, 'what are they thinking?', 'are they desperate?', 'are they mentally sound?'. These types of questions do not go unnoticed in this novel.
Thank you Hanover Square Press for my advanced copy for an honest review.
Merged review:
Well... any time I start a new book and finish it within the same day will always get a 5 star rating from me. I picked up The Innocent Wife this morning on my subway commute to work and couldn't put it down! I read it during my lunch break, commute home, on the stair master (I literally kept going until my legs tired—so keep that in mind if you need a cardio read), and when I got home. It was just that addicting!
Twenty years ago, high school jock, Dennis Danson was arrested for the murder of Holly Michaels in Red River County, Florida. The death of Holly Michaels sparked a nationwide investigation into the deaths of several other women in the small rural town—sending shockwaves through the media. Dennis's story is picked up by a documentary team and the rest is history. Dennis is a worldwide topic, gathering the attention of many celebrities, politicians, influencers, and 31 British schoolteacher Samantha. Samantha becomes immersed in Dennis's story and becomes an active member in the online following that he has garnered. After a brutal break up with her boyfriend Mark, Samantha goes out on a limb and decides to write Dennis and try to show him support. Samantha is surprised when Dennis appreciates the introduction and the two begin to have a budding relationship. It isn't long before Samantha and Dennis are married. As the case continues to gain recognition, evidence is released the proclaims Dennis's innocence. Samantha is more than ready to begin her life with Dennis and start their happy life together as husband and wife, but as their time together begins to grow, things are not what they seem. Why is Samantha growing suspicious of the man she once trusted with all her might?
The Innocent Wife is a quick, light mystery that will hook you in from the beginning. I was deeply drawn into Amy Lloyd's interpretation of society's interest in these Making a Murderer-esque shows and her original storytelling thereafter. When you first pick up this book, you will feel as if this is a typical suspense story and that you have it all figured out, but you're wrong. The Innocent Wife goes from zero to sixty real fast, with no lack of emotion and suspense. If you like Ruth Ware and Riley Sager, you'll love this one. I have always wondered what the perspective was from the eyes of these people who marry inmates in jail. I wonder, 'what are they thinking?', 'are they desperate?', 'are they mentally sound?'. These types of questions do not go unnoticed in this novel.
Thank you Hanover Square Press for my advanced copy for an honest review. ...more
I battled between 2 or 3 stars for this title, and ultimately felt that the writing and the story deserved more than a lackluster response, so 3 starsI battled between 2 or 3 stars for this title, and ultimately felt that the writing and the story deserved more than a lackluster response, so 3 stars it is! Disclaimer: I've never read Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, but I was told that by not reading the original, that I'd enjoy this retelling more (eeek!). The Winters is a modern day retelling of du Maurier's classic horror novel, but falls flat on the suspense and mystery that the original story embodies (I've heard it's scary AF).
Our unnamed narrator lives in the Cayman Islands, working for a boating company, trying to make a living, while supporting herself after her parents's deaths. One day at the office, she meets Max Winter—state senator and heir to the Winter family fortune. The two of them immediately hit it off and begin a whirlwind romance; an affair that is completely against the rules at her job. Max's responsibilities detour the couple's relationship and fast tracks their progress—our narrator moves to Long Island with him and is quickly engaged. Max has the life that our narrator has always dreamed about, but there's a catch. His ex wife died a year prior, and their daughter is still angry about it. Max's daughter Dani is an unstable spoiled brat, who will not let this new woman come in between her family—and she will do anything in her power to stop it.
My actual commentary on The Winters will be brief, because while the writing and atmosphere was intriguing, everything else to me fell flat. #meh The Winters is a sloooooooooooowwwwww burn, and the pay-off isn't worth it to me. While I enjoyed the dynamic between our narrator, Dani, and Max; the plot was a little lackluster. Not for a second did I think that this story had any suspense oozing from the pages. It was a family drama that dipped it's toes in a light mystery, at best.
I thought that Lisa Gabriele's writing was beautifully done; one of the best pieces of fiction I've read this year, that's for sure! As you read The Winters, you can picture everything that the author is portraying for you, while realizing that you've been captured into the plot. I know that a lot of readers have been on both sides of the spectrum with this story—some are loving it, some are hating it, but at least Lisa Gabriele's got us talking! I'm more in the middle of the road with this story, but am totally supportive of those interested in picking this story up. It's definitely a quick read, and I don't regret going on this journey. ...more
Millie Morris is a professor, teaching criminology, obsessed with women serial killers, and is a guys g3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 for cuteness!
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Millie Morris is a professor, teaching criminology, obsessed with women serial killers, and is a guys girl—hanging with a group of male teachers that she gets along with effortlessly. Millie and her friends, Chris, Ed, Alex, and Reid all decide to try this new dating app, IRL, in order to try and find love, or at least a hook up. After the group all creates their own pages, Millie helps them with their bio's, while failing at opening up on her own. After her friends give her grief over her lackluster account, Millie decides to restart with a new account, but when she matches up with someone unexpectedly, she starts to realize that maybe this app is more relevant than meets the eye.
I don't want to dive too much more into the story, because this story is very cute, but slightly predictable. I guess that can be said about romantic-comedies in general (#grinch). If I spill too much tea in my review, it'll ruin the whole story for you. My Favorite Half-Night Stand is my first read by the romance writing duo Christina Lauren, and I'm very happy that I got my hands on this copy. It's not a short read, but the pacing is fast and you can totally read this in one sitting if you have time to dedicate to it. My personal opinion, try to read it within a day like I did, because the story goes fast and you'll want to know how it ends. Trust me, pages will fly by faster than you know it! I definitely can see why people enjoy reading these stories by this dynamic duo, because it's so realistic about how dating can be, and it doesn't sugar coat or fairy tale-ize (is that a word? I'm patenting it!) relationships. I think this book will be a great December read, when the winter is colder, snow is landing, and people want to cuddle up with someone and a good book. I highly recommend this novel to those interested in romance, even if there's only a little bit of interest. I really enjoyed taking part in this story's adventure, and I hope to see more from Christina Lauren.
Thank you Gallery Books for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. My Favorite Half-Night Stand will be released December 4, 2018....more
Joey Mullen is a recently married, twenty-six year old woman, trying to find where she belongs in the world. Her husband, Alfie, is a musician, bartenJoey Mullen is a recently married, twenty-six year old woman, trying to find where she belongs in the world. Her husband, Alfie, is a musician, bartender, and home decorator. The two are struggling financially and decide to move into Joey's brother's house so they can save money and figure what they want to do when they grow up. Joey can't help but feel infatuated with her brother's new neighbor, Tom Fitzwilliam. He's the new headmaster at the local school, and he brings along his wife Nicola and son Freddie to their new house. Joey can't seem to resist Tom's charms and begins to catch herself trying to pry into the new neighbors's lives. We are also introduced to another neighbor, Jenna Tripp. Jenna is a student at the school that Tom manages, and her mother seems to recognize him from somewhere. Mrs. Tripp is a paranoid, possibly mentally ill conspiracy theorist, who's always on guard and ready for conflict.
Watching You brings all these diverse characters into one world, where obsession and manipulation are skyrocketed. How do all these people play in each other's lives? When all these character begin to engage with each other, it ultimately turns dark. There's now a murder to investigate, but who or what is the reason for it?
Watching You is my first Lisa Jewell novel, and it definitely won't be my last. Lisa Jewell has a very powerful writing tactic that I haven't seen in many authors—she writes from different point of views, and allows them to all have different, yet equally powerful voices. Let's be clear folks, that's not an easy feat by any means. I was able to easily keep track of everybody, because each person was characterized so effortlessly. Jewell leaves clues scattered around the story for you to try and investigate yourself, which was also fun! Who's guilty? Who's crazy? Who's evil? Who's an innocent bystander? All these questions came to fruition as I ventured through the story and honestly, I didn't figure it out until the end. Once the point of no return came, I quickly had my "ah-hah! moment and saw the clues that were left behind.
Watching You is a slow burn and can be a little confusing in the very beginning, so pay close attention to the story. For the first half of the novel, I was slightly confused on where the story was going, and who, if anyone, was a red herring. I felt that some of the characters really just deviated from the main focus of the novel and didn't need to be included, but overall each character was fully vested and developed.
I really enjoyed seeing that Watching You wasn't a typical domestic thriller that played by the rules. This story is original, and very immersive and atmospheric. Watching You will be released December 26, 2018—thank you Atria Books for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Daughters of the Lake is a gothic, historical fiction mystery blended with your typical ghost story. Kate Granger has been having dreams, or nightDaughters of the Lake is a gothic, historical fiction mystery blended with your typical ghost story. Kate Granger has been having dreams, or nightmares, about a woman, her child, and her family life, but just tunes it out as fiction. That is, until the woman and her baby are washed up along the shore by their house. Kate is in shock, disbelief even, because it shows that her dreams are in fact premonitions. Kate has been going through a lot lately, with her divorce proceedings about to start, and now the police force believes that Kate is more involved in this murder than she's letting them believe.
While the police and Kate try to investigate how this woman and her child died, generations of mystery and deceit hidden deep in the roots of her family begin to unravel. Kate needs to tap into this woman's life and find out how this woman's life ended in tragedy. It's only until she notices a family photo of hers that she can pinpoint who the woman is—dated over 100 years ago.
Daughters of the Lake reminded me of Michael J. Malone's House of Spines, so if you enjoyed that novel, you'll definitely like this story. It's a ghost story, fused with love, tragedy, and mystery. It's a slow burn at it's core, so you will only start uncovering the mystery of this story when you reach the halfway mark. I've read a lot of mysteries in the past year, so I sadly was able to figure out what happened rather quickly, however the writing and mystery is vastly original. In fact, Wendy Webb masterfully immerses you into this atmospheric tale. If you are looking for a slower paced whodunnit that won't keep you up at night, I'd recommend Daughters of the Lake....more
Everyone who knows me, knows that I love everything Britney King, and everything about the New Hope series that she writes. I jumped at the chance to Everyone who knows me, knows that I love everything Britney King, and everything about the New Hope series that she writes. I jumped at the chance to read her upcoming release, Speak of the Devil—continuing to follow the members of the New Hope church. A major part of religion is recruiting new members to join, but the New Hope church has an unconventional ploy to engage prospective members. Vanessa Bolton is a wife, mother, and siren for the church. Vanessa uses her sexuality, not only for prospective members, but for the gain of the church. Vanessa is a trained seductress, playing upon the emotions of people to benefit the church.
Vanessa is tasked with a new client, a chemist that goes by the name Elliot. Elliot is married, with his estranged wife and daughter out of the picture. The church sees Elliot as someone who can pivot the church to groundbreaking success, but he's been reluctant to manipulate. Once Vanessa begins her assignment, the duo's relationship becomes too much for them to handle. Vanessa is stuck between her life with her family and the church, and protecting a man who's only treated her with the respect and adoration that she deserves. The New Hope church is a formidable opponent, but are they ready to handle yet another breach in their congregation?
Speak of the Devil is vastly different than The Social Affair and The Replacement Wife, in a good way! The exploration of the characters feels unique and original—both Elliot and Vanessa are distinctively different than the previous protagonists in this series, and they are definitely more memorable. After finishing the story, these characters will definitely resonate with me for awhile. Speak of the Devil is a romantic thriller, oozing of sex and sensuality—exploring the most exhibitionist behavior, while tapping into the human mind's most primitive emotions. You'll devour the story quickly, while also noticing how this book relates to sex and interpersonal relations in a much more profound way than it's predecessors.
Without spoiling anything (trust me, I want to spill the tea, but I can't), I'm very curious to see how Britney King will continue the New Hope series,if she plans to do so, and I'm also excited to see how the direction her next story will go. Speak of the Devil is the darkest and most personal story from King yet—pushing the boundaries of what you may expect from this series. ...more
I've never read anything by Louise Penny before, and I've definitely never read her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, but you don't need to in orI've never read anything by Louise Penny before, and I've definitely never read her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series, but you don't need to in order to follow along with Kingdom of the Blind. The author provides a lot of developments along the way for the reader to quickly get up to speed about the characters and their mishaps. While Armand Gamache is under suspension from the Sûreté du Québec, he receives a letter summoning him to preside over the execution of a will of a woman he's never met in his life (her name is Bertha, but is nicknamed The Baroness). When he arrives to this woman's house, he notices that there's two other people who have been included as co-executors of the will as well—Myrna Landers, a bookseller residing in Three Pines, and Benedict, a builder. Neither Myrna nor Benedict have ever met this woman, but the three are intrigued by this mystery and decide to distribute this woman's estate to her family. When the trio start allocating the estate to the Baroness's family, they stumble across a murder, linking them to this family's dark history. Armand's skeletons of the past also become a factor in this tale, leading to an ultimate showdown between the police force in Quebec, the estate of this deceased woman, and the trio themselves.
I questioned whether or not my low rating was given because I've never read anything in this series. I may be in the minority, but I just wasn't a fan of how the story was written. It's a very dialogue-based novel, reminiscent of the Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling's pseudonym). If you've enjoyed that series, then please ignore me and pick up this novel! There's enough action throughout the story to entertain, but the driving force in this tale is the dialogue between Armand, Myrna, Benedict, Armand's wife, and the family of the Baroness. While the story had entertaining moments, I was bored to death by the dialogue. It could be because I haven't grown to care for the characters, as I would've if I read the series from the beginning, but I'm not confident enough in that statement to really confirm that theory. If you have read this series before and are curious, I do think it's worth a try in reading—prove me wrong!...more
Ava's world came tumbling down when she befriended the three mean girls of her high school class. Saanvi, Cass, and Mel were the trio of trouble in thAva's world came tumbling down when she befriended the three mean girls of her high school class. Saanvi, Cass, and Mel were the trio of trouble in their school hierarchical order. After Ava helps Mel by sabotaging someone who has wronged her, the group invites her into their social circle. Never really feeling fully immersed into the group, Ava questions the dynamic between the clique. After one night of partying, the girls decide to backstab Ava, and destroy her social life completely. Ava is now a target of habitual bullying, not only by Cass, Saanvi, and Mel, but also by the student body. Ava's high school career is coming to a close, but she will have to live with this pain for the rest of her life. Ava is now older, wiser, and more cunning. She has decided to show these frienemies of hers that what happens in the past can shape your future and she is out for revenge. As she watches in the shadows, Ava starts gathering as much information about Saanvi, Cass, and Mel, so she can destroy them.
The Spite Game is one of those psychological suspense novels that knowing less about is important. Don't read too much into the plot, because the best thing about this book is that the slowly developing suspense builds as each chapter goes on. It gets extremely gripping and utterly suspense-filled once you get into the action, and it will hold your attention until the end. After reading countless YA novels dealing with high school theatrics, The Spite Game is high school drama story that I've been looking for. It handles very mature content expertly, but also doesn't go in too deep where it becomes a crazy emotional attachment.
This book is super fast paced and fun, but you need to be careful as you read along. The book does several time jumps, from the past to the present, without letting the reader know how it happens. It can easily be lost in translation if you aren't fully paying attention.
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I definitely feel like this book is a perfect addition for those who enjoy Ruth Ware, and BA Paris—Anna Snoekstra, you have a fan in me! Thank you MIRA Books for providing my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The Spite Game will be released October 30, 2018....more
This will not be a long review, because I am disappointed that this book didn't live up to my expectations. I just think retellings aren't my thing, aThis will not be a long review, because I am disappointed that this book didn't live up to my expectations. I just think retellings aren't my thing, and this is the second time I've been disappointed by one. Last year, I read Heartless and I was bored stiff. This time around, Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel was just not for me, in the slightest.
The book is broken into multiple parts, and Part I is the strongest. It is a complete retelling of the original movie that we've all come to know and love, however I didn't ask for a retelling of my favorite childhood movie. I wanted the book to initiate in the future as a sequel. Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel is not a sequel at all—we dive into the characters from the movie and they're reinterpreted in their own way. We do get some of the movie quotes in here (Another Glorious Morning!, yaboos, etc.), but it still comes off too immature for fans of the 1990s movie. We are older, and should get something a little stronger to read. I understand that this book is for young adult readers, but still... ugh!
After Part I wraps up, I'm ready for the action! However, the plot felt forced and repetitive from the movie. Similar experiences happen in the sequel that have happened in the original, but changed up for the modern day. Without spoiling, the witches brooms get stolen again and a nostalgic situation occurs. It was funny, but so obviously repetitive. If the story isn't revisiting the movie, it's verging on the side of ridiculousness. After 500 pages, I just felt deflated. womp, womp I'm going to just give this book to my little sister, because I think she will enjoy it more than me....more
Rumer Cross has been cursed all of her life. She was not meant to survive as a child, and therefore everyone she loves or encounters suffers from the Rumer Cross has been cursed all of her life. She was not meant to survive as a child, and therefore everyone she loves or encounters suffers from the curse that is her life. Her mother, Celene Cross, died shortly after Rumer's birth, but her memory lives in history as one of the most violent criminals London has ever seen. Celene, nicknamed the Witch Assassin, has left her reputation for Rumer to deal with long after she perished. As Rumer grew up in-and-out of foster families, she grew a thick skin, and learned that she only has herself to trust.
As an adult, Rumer encounters Reverend Mara, a mobster who is now terrorizing London. He believes that Rumer holds the Crook Spear, and he claims it as his own. Rumer doesn't know what this man is talking about, but that doesn't prevent this criminal in seeking out vengeance against her. Celene's past is in Rumer's DNA, and whether she likes it or not, she will have to dive into this world of crime to survive.
Vicious Rumer is typically not a book that I would pick up, because it has very supernatural undertones, but it's fun and vastly original. I've never picked up a book that has such original storytelling in my life. Vicious Rumer is very action-packed—I'd even go so far as to say that it can be too action-packed at times. We rarely get a break from conflict, nor do we really get to sympathize with her. However, this story did keep my attention from beginning to end—I finished it in one sitting.
If you're looking for a fast-paced, dark, and creepy supernatural read, Vicious Rumer is definitely something you should consider. ...more
This review will be short and sweet, since Rich Walls' novella is under 100 pages. Time Square introduces us to Angie, a New Yorker, 3.5/5 stars!
This review will be short and sweet, since Rich Walls' novella is under 100 pages. Time Square introduces us to Angie, a New Yorker, and takes her on a ride through the city. If you have ever visited New York, it's nostalgic and fun. Time Square pays homage to the city that I've always known and loved, and it made me smile to see how the city incorporates the main character's life and balance in her day-to-day. Go in blind, only read the blurb provided, and make sure to read this in one sitting (it's more fun that way)! Let Time Square take you on the joyride through Manhattan that you've always wanted. ...more
After Nightfall is AJ Banner at her finest. Banner's latest tale is immersive and deeply suspenseful, while also fun and captivating. After NigAfter Nightfall is AJ Banner at her finest. Banner's latest tale is immersive and deeply suspenseful, while also fun and captivating. After Nightfall is by far my favorite of AJ Banner's novels, and I can see that many other Goodreads users agree with me on this recognition. After Nightfall really catapults AJ Banner into the spotlight for one of the better summer novels out there this year. At under 250 pages, After Nightfall is a story you need to go in blind to fully enjoy. In fact, skip the synopsis—don't read it! I chose to not read anything about After Nightfall and I'm happy that I did because I was pleasantly surprised at how the story developed.
After Nightfall is a light mystery/thriller, but deeply engaging with its storyline and dialogue. The main character Marissa, and all the secondary characters are fully developed and realistic, which is definitely hard to do in such a fast-paced and short novel! We don't get too many twists in this tale, but we do get some relevant red herrings to throw you for a loop along the way. I've read a lot of similar domestic thriller novels recently, and I did not figure the ending out this time. I was hooked from the first chapter, and never deterred from the story because everything was going full speed ahead. Think of a fully developed mystery novel, and take a butcher knife to cut off all the fat—that's After Nightfall.
After Nightfall is perfect for the beach (ugh summer's ending!!!!), a relaxing night with wine, or a rainy lazy day during the weekend. I finished this story in one sitting, and now I'm ready for what AJ Banner has up her sleeves next. ...more
One of my favorite novels this year was Christopher Rice's Bone Music. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the realistic vibes of the sOne of my favorite novels this year was Christopher Rice's Bone Music. I fell in love with the story, the characters, and the realistic vibes of the supernatural that I've never seen before. This review will not be about Bone Music, but I just needed to make that disclaimer before I move on. If you haven't picked up Bone Music yet, do not read Blood Echo.
Blood Echo picks up right where we've left off. Charlotte (aka Charley—sometimes I will go back and forth with the naming of this character, because I'm lazy) has aligned herself with Cole and his pharmaceutical company in hopes to continue working with them on her Zypraxon-induced abilities. Zypraxon is a drug that has been created by Cole's company that has allowed Charley to gain superhuman strength and regenerative properties. Charley is the only person that this drug has ever worked for, and will continue to use it in hopes of creating a better society. Charley will team up with Cole, using Zypraxon, and preemptively strike serial killers and criminals before they attack. With one serial killer already taken into custody, the team decides to go after more.
As Charley and Cole continue with their experiments, the town that Charley and her boyfriend Luke call home—Altamira, California, has a problem of their own. When one of the richest developers in town's girlfriend comes to Luke's precinct to report criminal activity, Luke only scratches the surface of what's at stake here. Altamira needs Charlotte, and Charlotte needs Altamira. Will Cole allow Charlotte to pause on her experiments, in order to protect her home?
Blood Echo is rather different than it's predecessor, but still just as intoxicating. This time around, the story is more character driven than ever before. In fact, this time around, Cole takes the center stage. Blood Echo is more about Cole and his characterization, rather than any of the other characters. We do a deep dive into Cole's perspective, which is refreshing because we didn't get too much into detail about his life in Bone Music. Although I gave this story five stars, that does not mean that this novel isn't flawed. The first part of Blood Echo is astounding! Like hold onto your weaves, bitches, because we are moving fast! However, the second part changes course, and it's pacing dramatically. It really caught me off guard, but it sets the stage for the bigger, more important action in part three. Don't let frustrate you or put you off about continuing the story. The final 25% of the book reigns supreme, and really sets the series up for an unbelievable storyline. PS Christopher Rice, if you're reading this... I want more Dylan! Go into this book, and do not hold it up against Bone Music, because this story is more transitional than the first, but equally just as important to read if you're interested in continuing with the series.
Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. Blood Echo will be released on February 19, 2019....more
The Witch of Willow Hall is a period piece taking place in 1821, New Oldbury, Massachusetts. Lydia Montrose and her family relocate from Boston toThe Witch of Willow Hall is a period piece taking place in 1821, New Oldbury, Massachusetts. Lydia Montrose and her family relocate from Boston to New Oldbury after a scandal rocks the family's core. To prevent any conflicts or controversies with their family, Lydia's dad becomes business partners with a new firm in New Oldbury. Their family is ready to start over—but the past can never be forgotten. Faced with conflict beyond her control, Lydia finds out about her new special abilities. Lydia's family descends from the Salem Witches, dated over two hundred years ago. Lydia can assemble these powers once forgotten, but she needs to learn to control them before news of these abilities gets to the wrong person.
Above all else, The Witch of Willow Hall is a story about family and their dynamics. Sure, we get some nice witchcraft moments while the story progresses, but the main theme here is family, and love. I thought that the author did a fabulous job with the historical fiction aspect of this novel, and I surely believe that she's found her niche with this genre. If you're looking for a supernatural action/drama, look elsewhere. If you're looking for period piece, with a hint of Gothic and romance, then The Witch of Willow Hall is for you....more
I'm not going to go fully into detail about this story, because The Exes' Revenge was one of the more disappointing stories that I've2.5 / 5 stars
I'm not going to go fully into detail about this story, because The Exes' Revenge was one of the more disappointing stories that I've picked up this summer. Imogen and her son Alistair are trying to recuperate after Imogen decides to divorce her husband Phillip Rochester. Phillip is a successful doctor (I think?) who lives a double life. He is a misogynist and domestic abuser who has cheated on his wife with a plethora of women during their relationship. Now that Imogen has decided to divorce Phillip, he is still trying to control her by any means necessary. After bumping into Phillip's new girlfriend, Naomi, she realizes that Phillip is not a changed man—he is still the evil, abusive, horrible man that she's always known him to be. As the divorce proceedings continue and Phillip's attacks on her image and security are growing, Imogen is left with virtually nothing. At the brink of desperation, Imogen decides that it's her time to fight back. Phillip's life has always been one that burns bridges. He just didn't think that the women in his past and present would be the ones to light the match.
UGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! I'm so disappointed, everybody! The Exes' Revenge really started out strong for me—like 5 out of 5 stars strong. However, as the story develops, the plot begins to go around in circles. Once I got to the halfway mark, I realized that the story wasn't progressing like it should be. It was so fast-paced and intriguing and now I'm waiting for the next move like *YAWN!*. I wish that the story was more condensed so that it would continue with the original pacing and have the story develop the way it should've been. Once I was 65% into the story, the plot just got to the point of ridiculous. It was like someone lit a fuse to a bomb that exploded everywhere. The story was all over the place, and honestly so were my emotions about the story.
I wish I could've enjoyed this story more, but I read a lot of domestic thrillers and it just left me feeling exhausted when I completed it. I know this is not a popular opinion, so if you're still interested in this story, I think you should pick it up and tell me why I'm wrong!...more
I really wasn't expecting to fall head over heels with Camilla Way's The Lies We Told, but ladies and gentlemen, I DID. Every once in a while,I really wasn't expecting to fall head over heels with Camilla Way's The Lies We Told, but ladies and gentlemen, I DID. Every once in a while, a book comes along that completely captivates you—hook, line, and sinker, and I didn't know that it was going to be The Lies We Told. Wow—what a thrill of a ride!
Clara is at her flat in London, waiting for her boyfriend Luke Lawson to arrive from work, but he isn't responding to her text messages. After she notices that Luke's phone was left at home, she checks her computer to see if he's contacted her through email. When Clara checks her inbox, she notices that Luke has indeed emailed her, expecting to be home at a normal time. As Clara's suspicions grow, she contacts Luke's family, friends, and the police. As the investigation develops, evidence starts suggesting that Luke had a stalker, and a darker past than Clara ever realized. Luke's sister Emily had disappeared when he was a kid, and the family just erased her from their memory. As the investigation gains nationwide appeal, Emily she shows up to assist Clara in her search for Luke, but refuses to sit down with her family. Clara wants to find her boyfriend, but the dark secrets of Luke's family begins to come to the surface.
The Lies We Told is a story that you you must go in blind. I may have even told you too much, but I'm promising you that it's worth it. The mystery behind Luke's disappearance was cleverly written, with minor red herrings along with way, but nevertheless strong and convincing. It's rather difficult to stump me with new thriller-mysteries because the genre is so over-saturated, but The Lies We Told is here to slay!
The story juggles two POV's—one coming from Clara's perspective, while another twenty years prior. Both POV's are masterfully written, and convincing. Most of the characters in this story are unlikable, but multifaceted. I devoured this book in one sitting, but didn't plan to! #WhatAreChores The Lies We Told is kind of like if Zoje Stage's Baby Teeth and JT Ellison's Lie to Me had a love child. It should be on your TBR list, and you can thank me later after you fall in love with. Thank you Berkley Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The Lies We Told will be released October 2018! ...more
#FashionVictim is a perfect blend of American Psycho meets The Devil Wears Prada, sprinkled in with some Jane Doe. Anya St. Clair is working at La#FashionVictim is a perfect blend of American Psycho meets The Devil Wears Prada, sprinkled in with some Jane Doe. Anya St. Clair is working at La Vie, the fashion conglomerate stationed in New York and she's in one of the most cutthroat businesses in the city. Her role as fashion editor has given her the opportunity to be part of the fashion elite—the high society of New York. After her boss, the editor-in-chief, offers her and a colleague the chance at a promotion, Anya knows that it's hers for the taking. Anya's colleague Sarah Taft is the woman with everything at her fingertips. She's famous, rich, and beautiful—everyone wants to be like her! When the race for the promotion starts getting a little too close, Anya's mental state becomes questionable. She will stop at nothing to win over her boss and get the promotion she so desperately wants, and nobody will stand in her way.
This review is difficult for me because #FashionVictim is just so fun to read, but still had it's flaws. However, this is Amina Akhtar's first novel and I'm excited to see her master her craft further. #FashionVictim is not a dense or deep read by any means, and you should definitely consider this a book you can read on the beach, relaxing with some wine at home, or picking up while on your morning commute (MASS TRANSIT ONLY PEOPLE PLEASE :P). Mini-spoiler alert: As we get deeper into the story, we also get a peek into the darkness of Anya's mental state. We don't get deep into the psyche of Anya, or into the personalities of any of the secondary characters. I wish #FashionVictim took you even farther, but we only get a little taste of what she's capable. With the storyline's short explanations and unbelievable results, I just felt myself wanting more. Please note, #FashionVictim's writing can be grating for those looking for a more immersive and atmospheric read. You get a lot of short sentences and millennial jargon running throughout the story (OMG! WTF! Bee Tee Dubs, etc.) so if you pick up this story, please don't say that I didn't warn you.
#FashionVictim is definitely a story you should pick up if you enjoyed this summer's Social Creature or Jane Doe because the writing and plot are very similar. While this was a fun, fast-paced read, you must go into it with no expectations and just enjoy the ride!...more
An Unwanted Guest is my first Shari Lapena read, and it'll definitely not be my last one. This review will be short and sweet, because you really An Unwanted Guest is my first Shari Lapena read, and it'll definitely not be my last one. This review will be short and sweet, because you really need to go into this story blind. An Unwanted Guest is the Clue of the modern era—we get a cast of characters up in an estate up in the Catskills, New York. Each character has a devoted storyline, and we get a peek into all of them, without Lapena playing favorites. Each person arrives to this estate, named Mitchell's Inn, where they have trekked in a snow storm and luckily arrived unscathed (for the most part). As the weather takes a turn for the worse, cellphone service and electricity shut down, and the roads are impermeable. After the first relaxing night at the hotel, the group wakes up to turmoil—the beautiful hotel estate has now become a crime scene. One of the guests has mysteriously died, but the group believes that it was intentional. One of them is a murderer, but who? And even more importantly, why?
An Unwanted Guest is a fun, immersive, and very atmospheric story. While not totally original (let's be clear, this storyline has been told countless times via Agatha Christie), it makes up in it's writing. If you enjoy Ruth Ware's The Woman in Cabin 10 or The Death of Mrs. Westaway, I would encourage you to pick this story up. It did end up surprising me, so don't fret mystery aficionados! ...more
While, The Boy at the Keyhole promises a psychological horror showdown, it falls flat on its delivery. It's the early 1960s, and nine year old SamWhile, The Boy at the Keyhole promises a psychological horror showdown, it falls flat on its delivery. It's the early 1960s, and nine year old Samuel lives in this beautiful spacious estate in England, where he is being taken care of by his housekeeper Ruth. Samuel's father had passed away, leaving the family in financial disarray. Samuel's mother has ventured to America in pursuit of work so the family can get stable again—before the family loses their house. In the mean time, Ruth is Samuel's primary caregiver, while also the house guardian. Samuel's mother has been gone for months now, only providing sporadic postcards to update the duo on her adventures in the United States.
Samuel is desperate for his mother's return—Ruth runs the house with an iron fist, and he really doesn't want her authoritative behavior instilled on him any longer. After speaking with his best friend Joseph, he begins to believe that his mother is never coming home. Samuel even begins to believe that Ruth had something in his mother's disappearance. He begins covering his tracks, while trying to find out more clues about his mother, Ruth, and their relationship. As Samuel's investigation progresses, he and Ruth begin a game of cat-and-mouse. Ruth's frustration with Samuel deepens, as she tries to prevent Samuel from continuing his investigation. It's a battle of minds, and even though Samuel is young—he is not going to let this person destroy what he has left.
The Boy at the Keyhole just didn't work for me, but I think it'll polarize readers in general. It's definitely one of those books that you'll either really enjoy, or possibly dislike. I do think you should pick this book up if you're interested in a horror/mystery, and can handle a slow burn. Samuel and Ruth's battle begins early on, but the story really doesn't move fast enough for me. Each chapter afterwards just felt repetitive and drawn out. The Boy at the Keyhole isn't even 300 pages, but could've been even shorter. While the writing was strong (writing from the perspective of a nine year old isn't easy), I just didn't connect to the story at all.
Thank you Handover Press for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. The Boy at the Keyhole will be released September 4, 2018....more
Victoria Helen Stone, or shall I say Victoria Dahl—I absolutely loved Jane Doe and I am pleading for you to write a sequel. I need Jane in my Victoria Helen Stone, or shall I say Victoria Dahl—I absolutely loved Jane Doe and I am pleading for you to write a sequel. I need Jane in my life, and now that I'm done with this novel, I don't know how I will be able to cope without her. Jane, my imaginary bff, is a sociopath, hellbent on revenge. Jane moves back to the United States, specifically to Minneapolis, after living a very profitable life in Malaysia for years. Jane has gone rogue, working at an insurance company as a temp assistant for the firm, so she can get to know Steven Hepsworth. Steven is super religious, controlling, and a chauvinist asshole who preys on the weak and timid. Jane has played mind games before—she's a master manipulator and an expert at playing on the emotions of men. Jane is ready for revenge and ready to destroy Steven at all costs. Why is Jane so determined to ruin Steven?
I can't really dive any deeper into the story, and trust me, you don't want to know anymore because the best thing about this story are the secrets behind the characters. Jane is seriously my imaginary bff and I can't wait for you to see why. She's ruthless, sarcastic, hilarious, and devious. If you think Gone Girl was intense, you haven't met Jane Doe. I devoured this book; sneaking some reading at work, on the subway, at home, you name it! I just couldn't get enough of Jane and her antics. I promise you all, I'm not a sociopath, but I am so intrigued in the inner workings of people who suffer from this personality trait. Jane exhibits all signs of sociopath behavior, but she's quite lovable as a character—you are rooting for her to win!
Jane Doe is sexy, smart, and truly the dark psychological thriller that I've been looking for. With this tale, you get an original, truly immersive story, while also comedy and thrills that you didn't see coming. I urge you to pick up Jane Doe when it's released August 1st. Thank you Amazon Publishing for my advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. ...more
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