Saturday, March 16, 2024

Review: She's Not Sorry

She's Not Sorry She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Meghan is recently divorced and learning how to juggle raising a teenage girl alone and working to support her family.  She is a nurse and has seen the good and bad in the world.  When a new patient arrives in a coma and a witness says she was pushed, Meghan gets a little too close to the patient and the drama that is her family.  What happened to Caitlin on the bridge?  What is going on with Meghan’s daughter?

She’s Not Sorry is a stand-alone mystery that does start a little slow, but then the last third of the book twists and turns and goes in many unexpected ways.  Events that seem trivial when introduced turn out to be important to the plot and Kubica brings everything together seamlessly.  The book ended up being an exciting read and I suggest not starting the last few chapters at night, otherwise, you might end up staying up to finish the book.

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Sunday, March 10, 2024

Review: Royal Scandal

Royal Scandal Royal Scandal by Aimee Carter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Evan is finally getting used to all the media attention since the world discovered she is the illegitimate daughter of the King of England.  Almost all of the clickbait is false news, but Evan has been receiving threats of another story … one that is all too true.  As more and more information is leaked about her, she wonders if she will always be hated by the people of Britain.  Then there is an assassination attempt … and another.  Does someone really want Evan dead or is there another motive?

Royal Scandal is the second book in the Royal Blood series.  This mystery had enough clues at the beginning to nudge my memory about events in the first book without feeling that the author was trying to recap everything for readers.  I will say that I was constantly running scenarios in my head as I was working my way through the novel and was happy that it wasn’t completely predictable.  Goodreads has an untitled third book listed and I hope that Carter can continue this series past three books.  

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Saturday, March 2, 2024

Review: Under This Red Rock

Under This Red Rock Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Neely has always been haunted by monsters.  The only place she can get away from them is in the caverns near her home.  She thinks she will finally have some quiet when she lands a job at this cavern and the added perk is Mila.  Mila is everything Neely wishes to be, but when a staff party has her using drugs … her monsters get worse.  Soon, Mila is found dead, and Neely can’t trust her memories of that night.  Who killed Mila? 

Under This Red Rock is a supernatural story with a mystery twist.  Readers will easily be able to suspend disbelief as they uncover hidden truths above and below ground.  McGinnis has once again stretched into a new genre and proven that she will not be contained by one type of writing.  This book is a fast-paced mystery with some interesting supernatural components to keep the reader on their toes.  Under This Red Rock is a wonderful read for everyone.

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Friday, February 23, 2024

Review: Angelbound Tales Volume 1

Angelbound Tales Volume 1 Angelbound Tales Volume 1 by Christina Bauer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I am one of those readers who LOVE everything to do with Myla Lewis.  She is quirky, funny, and is a kiss a$$ protagonist!  This collection of five short stories had everything I love and did not disappoint.  Two stories take place before the series began and the other three are interspersed throughout the many volumes.  Because of the various locations within the series, I believe readers should NOT read this unless they have read most of the original stories.  Walker’s Love Connection (before Angelbound Book One), Sharkie and Snickerdoodles (before Angelbound Book One), Wedding Bells (after Angelbound Book One), Herbie and Baby Hotdogs (after Scala), and Saving Mrs. Pomplemousse (after Acca).  I hope this information helps future readers.

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Monday, February 19, 2024

Review: Four Letter Word

Four Letter Word Four Letter Word by Gretchen McNeil
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Izzy’s mom has planned for her to study abroad in Italy and Izzy has looked forward to leaving her boring life behind.  When Alberto, an Italian foreign exchange student, moves in with them, she realizes that her life isn’t as boring as she thought.  Izzy is also a true crime fan and has been following a case of a serial killer in San Francisco.  When the murderer seems to have traveled north, Izzy wonders if Alberto is who he says he is.

Four Letter Word is a predictable mystery that was still enjoyable to read.  McNeil was able to put in a few unexpected twists and turns, but the trajectory of the story followed the usual path.  I was satisfied with the ending, but I only recommend this for those who need a simple escape and not a heart-pounding mystery.

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Friday, February 9, 2024

Review: The New Couple in 5B

The New Couple in 5B The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Chad and Rosie helped take care of Chad’s uncle in his last months of life.  When they find out that he unexpectantly leaves them his expensive apartment, they were floored.  Everyone was welcoming and they tried their best to adjust to their new place.  Rosie soon learns that there are mysteries contained within Windermere and not all of them are in its past.  Will Rosie discover the truth about Windermere before it is too late?

The New Couple in 5B is a stand-alone mystery that was one-part suspenseful and one-part history.  Readers will wonder how many of the issues are personal and which parts may be supernatural, yet Unger did a superb job blending all elements into a cohesive storyline.  I was a little disappointed in the ending, but the build up made the entire experience a pleasure.

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Friday, February 2, 2024

Review: The Encanto's Daughter

The Encanto's Daughter The Encanto's Daughter by Melissa de la Cruz
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

MJ and her mother are always moving.  They have been on the run because MJ is the only child of King Vivencio of the Sirena Court.  After her father dies, she is tasked with returning to his realm and taking her place as the heir.  Unfortunately, she is half human and many do not feel she has the right to become ruler and she only has one month to get ready for the throne.  Will she discover her magic in time to demonstrate her power?  Will she be able to survive the numerous attempts on her life?

The Encanto’s Daughter is the first book in the series with the same title.  This fantasy novel is nothing like de la Cruz’s other books, yet this fast-paced book was a wonderful distraction.  Readers will quickly find characters they love and hate as the story develops and climaxes.  The Encanto’s Daughter would be a great introduction to the fantasy genre.  

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