Thank you @berkleypub and @prhaudio for the free #gifted book.

 

A dark stretch of highway.  A string of murdered hitchhikers.  An old urban legend.  

 

April and Eddie had plans for beer and scrabble along the shores of Lake Michigan.  Instead, they find themselves in a much more harrowing game.  One where they must prove their innocence.  And one where they aren’t sure who the opponent really is.    

 

Cinematic and full of atmosphere, St. James perfectly depicts the ominous roadway and derelict lakeside town.  A strong sense of foreboding ruminates through the storyline and each scene is painted with dread.  

 

But it’s also full of 90s nostalgia.  From Seventeen Magazine to Blockbuster Video, I was transported back to my youth.  And references to the OJ trial and Tonya Harding provided an easy timestamp for technology and police procedures.  But my favorite mention: the obsession over Princess Diana.   

 

St. James is a master when it comes to portraying the line between the seen/knowable and the paranormal.  I found myself questioning each detail.  Imagination?  Ghost?  Trick of the senses?  Something not yet explained?  Even halfway through this one, I found myself totally unsure how it would unwind, which made the ending that much more satisfactory.   

 

Sun Down Motel remains my favorite by St. James.  But this one proved to be a fast paced, entertaining read. And I’ll be the first in line for whatever she writes next.  

 

🎧 As always, Brittany Pressley’s narration is pitch perfect.  It encapsulated the tension and creepiness while also giving our main characters distinct voices.  Her depiction well hones the mood of the story and of the characters.  

“We’re all strange, romantic emotional people in this family,”

 

What a story!  It’s outlandish and relatable.  It’s quirky and full of heart. And I enjoyed every single minute. 

 

It's an understated book that deserves all of the applause, and it’s well-likened to Schitt’s Creek, with both full of hilarity, outrageousness, and genuineness.   

 

Mostly, this is a story about Greta and Valdin, queer Russian Māori siblings sharing a flat in New Zealand and navigating love and life.  But it’s also about their big, zany family.  

 

It’s a story where the characters take center stage, and these were made to SHINE…  from Valdin who’s the most tender yet anxious soul… to Greta who’s determined and sharp and witty… to a full cast of extras that are authentic, fascinating, and endearing.  These are characters that feel like family.  

 

This isn’t a book full of big moments (though there are a few).  Mostly, it’s a collection of all the little things.  Those mundane parts of life that seem inconsequential but become the fullest parts of life.  

 

It’s Valdin buying Greta feta cheese and orange juice as an apology.  It’s Greta distracting Valdin in the midst of a crisis by describing the narratives of different songs for him to guess.

 

Themes of connection and growth run throughout and the representation- queerness, mental health, culture- is broadly welcoming.  

 

Eccentric and thoughtful, this was an absolute treat of a book!

 

🎧 Primarily narrated by Natalie Beran (Greta) and Jackson Bliss (Valdin), the main characters are brought to life authentically and full of verve.   The portrayal accentuated all of the peculiarity and lovableness, making the read even more endearing. 

 

Many thanks to my friends at @viking @pameladorman @prhaudio for the #gifted free copies of this book. 

 

“We have to be quiet,’ she whispered. ‘We have to be quiet! If we’re not quiet the monster will get us!”

 

Terrifying.  Brilliant.  Sometimes monsters aren’t just a thing of nightmares.  

 

This book got INTO MY HEAD.  I felt as though I was trapped.  The walls of the secret room closing in.  Riddled with anxiety, I kept reminding myself to breathe, even if quietly for fear of who might hear.  Sierra’s writing held me tight in its grip, not letting me go.  

 

This premise is one of my worst fears.  Home alone with my son.  An intruder in the middle of the night.  Would instinct kick in?  Or would I be paralyzed by fear and overthink everything?   

 

With each new detail, I wove together theory after theory.  So many theories.  I questioned everything.  And the clever plotting kept me on my toes the whole way through, never quite sure.  This had me turning pages faster and faster, fully addicted to the unfurling.  

 

Somewhere along the way, my terror subsided only to be replaced by visceral anger and white-hot RAGE.  This isn’t just some storyline.  This happens to women.  And as my frustration boiled over, it reminded me: sometimes the worst monsters aren’t the ones you run from.  

 

What a debut!  It’s skillfully crafted and fiercely feminist.  It’s a page turner rife with tension.  And that ending!   I CHEERED.  

 

🎧 In print, this storyline is truly scary.  But somehow Emily Ellet’s narration amplified each and every fear. Rife with tension, her performance brought the unnamed protagonist’s story to life and enhanced each emotion.  It was such a masterful portrayal that I found myself needing breaks to catch my breath.  

 

Thank you @prhaudio for the #gifted free copy of this book.  

 

Relatable.  Witty.  Completely surprising.    

 

After 3 years 10 months 29 days, Jen no longer wants to be in a relationship, and Andy just can’t understand why.  

 

It’s been a long time since I’ve been in the dating world.  No doubt it has changed monumentally.  And yet, Alderton taps into the universality of the lovelorn and heartbroken in a way that relates broadly.  Moreover, she does it from the male perspective.  

 

This is a brutally honest examination of both soul and relationship.  The feeling of not being good enough, needing an overhaul to be worthy.  Learning to be a singular when used to be a unit, invalidating those inside jokes and favorite shared experiences.  

 

The booze.  The wallowing.  The cyber stalking.  The rebound relationship. The gym membership.

 

It’s all so very messy… and so sharply observed.  

 

Be forewarned, Andy is insufferable at times.  (Though, that is likely the most authentic part of this breakup portrayal.)  He’s desperate and dramatic.  Like a ship without a sail.  

 

But then, as he sought to reconnect with himself and with life, I began to feel for Andy.  

I appreciated the growth he went through, from whining to winning.  

 

The side characters were dynamic and a perfect juxtaposition to Andy.  I especially loved Morris!  He was such a quirky guy, and I wanted to give him the biggest hug.  

 

And that ending!!!!  A 5⭐️ finale!  This isn’t your typical HEA, but it was chef’s kiss perfection for this read.  

 

This made for such a great buddy read.  The more @thats.one.for.the.books and I talked about it, the more I appreciated what Alderton accomplished here.  

 

🎧 The audiobook was a treat.  Narrator Arthur Darvill brought Andy to life, fully embodying the range of emotions and dramatic forays.  Darvill accentuated Andy’s hurt and brought a warmth to his growth.  There’s a “guest appearance” by Jen at the end, narrated by Vanessa Kirby, who well depicts Jen’s point of view.  

 

 

Thank you @uplitreads and @williammorrow for the #gifted free copy of this book.  

 

“It wasn’t enough for a woman to be talented, clever, and good.” 

 

Powerhouse historical fiction authors, Quinn (one of my forever favorite authors) and Chang (this is my first by her), combine forces to tell the tale of unlikely friends surviving the unthinkable and united for justice.  

 

The heart of this story is its women and the bonds they form.  Four dynamic females:  Gemma the opera singer, Suling the Chinese seamstress, Alice the botanist, and Nellie the artist.  

 

Alice was my favorite.  She shined on these pages just as she shined in real life.  I was fascinated by her.  So enigmatic.  So different from the women of her time.  Bold. Brazen.  A true standout!

 

These women: fully capable and talented as individuals, yet fierce and unparalleled when they joined forces.  A true testament to the female bond.  

 

The author’s note (a must read) highlights the meticulous research that went into this book.  The storyline is rich in history and well explores San Francisco’s heyday in juxtaposition to the lowly Chinese community. Vivid scenes from the earthquake and subsequent fire were well depicted.  I especially appreciated the look at stollen Chinese antiquities and the racist laws of the time. 

 

For fellow Quinn devotees, it’s important to note that this read is different than what we find in her solo endeavors. With alternating narratives, the depth and complexity I associate with her writing was not prominent.  Instead, the elements of collaboration are given space, allowing Chang’s style room to breathe.  

 

It felt apropos to read a book about female friendship with some fabulous female friends:  @bookmarked.by.becky @rachellelovesbooks @readingfortheseasons @sarahgreatbooktoread @shesbecomingbookish @thatsoneforthebooks

 

 

Many thanks to my friends @henryholt and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this book.  

 

Fascinating.  Completely enchanting.  A truly lovely read.  

 

In this tale of enigmatic foxes that beguile, it’s Choo’s storytelling that truly enthralls.  

 

The Fox Wife meticulously blends Chinese history and folklore, creating a uniquely softer, more thoughtful narrative on murder and revenge that captivates. 

 

This a surprisingly quiet novel filled with wonder that unfolds precisely.  It’s adeptly layered and worthy of patience with an awe-inspiring ending that brings each detail together in a remarkably fulfilling way.

 

Steeped in Chinese mythology and gleaning from the best parts of old tales, Choo creates a modernized depiction of the female fox, crafting her into a more robust and bold character. Snow was the true heart of the story, and just as she entranced those in her midst within the story, I also found myself delighted by her.   

There are other foxes too, as well as a detective intrigued by foxes.  And while there is finely plotted mystery at play, it was the dynamic characters that truly shined.  They enamored.  They enticed. And the foxes provided a particularly fascinating commentary on human nature.  

 

The impact of grief threads throughout the storyline, highlighting its complexities and portraying the journey from immobilization to anger and finally healing. 

 

This is an easy story to recommend.  It’s a truly magical narrative that is unforgettable. 

 

👯‍♀️ Getting to experience this book with a friend was a true highlight.  It might even be my favorite buddy read with @rachellelovesbooks to date, and that is saying something!  

 

 

 

🎧 Partnering the audiobook with my print copy created a fully immersive read.  Narrated by the author, she brought a quiet authenticity to the culture, language, and folklore.  While Choo’s voice fully encapsulated Snow, I did wish for a male counterpart for Bao’s sections to bring balance and allow for easier transitions between POV.  

 

Many thanks to my friends at @librofm and @simon.audio for the #gifted copy of this audiobook. 

 

A young girl seeking help.  A suicide prevention volunteer at the ready.  One call will change everything for both.  

 

I hate being an outlier. 

 

There has been so much hype for this book.  And I want to be a part of the hype!  But unfortunately, this one was a mixed bag for me.

 

What worked:

This is the best kind of audiobook.  With dual narration, both POV stood out.  AJ Cook (from Criminal Minds!) brings to life worried single mom and helpline volunteer, Felicia, and Tessa Albertson embodied all the teen angst and trauma of the adolescent victim.  Background effects enhanced the production and heightened the suspense of the storyline.  For these reasons alone, this is worth a listen.

 

What didn’t:

I went into this book expecting a thriller.  So, when I figured out the storyline within the first scenes of the book, it threw me for a loop.  With the element of surprise being removed, the thrill was lost for me.  Honestly, I think this is a case of a book being incorrectly labeled. 

 

Chatting with two friends (@bookmarked.by.becky and @book_wine_and_thinker ) made me appreciate the themes of the book.  The exploration of victim trauma, moral conflict, and nature vs nurture was well executed.  

 

My recommendation:  Forget that this is labeled a thriller/mystery.  Instead, go into it expecting a thought provoking read that will focus on victims, mothers, and the lengths one will go to for justice.

 

Many thanks to my friends at @stmartinspress and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of this book. 

 

Suspenseful and easy to get lost within. 

 

🤨 If you walk off with your best friend’s baby, is it really kidnapping?  

 

That’s not a spoiler.  It’s the attention grabbing first scene in Lovering’s newest drama infused domestic suspense.  

 

Bye, Baby is a character driven novel that explores the gritty details of a friendship turned toxic.  

 

With dual narrators and timelines, the complexities of the relationship are examined in thought provoking detail.  From loyalty to obsession.  From devotion to superficiality.  There’s much to glean from this exposition, and I think that many will find it relatable in some capacity.  

 

Neither character is particularly likeable.  Early on, I found myself frustrated with Billie.  But at some point, the frustration melted away, and I began to feel empathy for her situation, even understanding her impulses and motivations.  Cassie, though…I found no redeeming qualities in her. But that amplified the intricacy of the situation all the more.  

 

The short chapters brimming with drama made this a quick read.  And the deeper themes regarding the impact of living with a sick parent (and eventual grief) alongside the trauma of sexual abuse created a thoughtful commentary.  

 

This was an addictive plot with a stark reminder: not everything is worth holding on to.  

 

🎧 With dual narration by Karissa Vacker (a fav!) and Helen Laser, both characters are distinctly brought to life.  The separate narration amplifies the best and worst within the friendship and harnesses the tension within the unraveling. 

Thank you to my friends at @berekleypub and @prhaudio for the free #gifted copies of this book.

 

The banter!  The tension!  Oh man did I SWOON over Misery and Lowe.  

 

I thought I knew Hazelwood and the stories she writes.  But this book proved me so wrong.  (No teeny tiny female lead to be found here!)  Hazelwood has broken out of that mold, and totally won me over again. 

 

I was needing a good romance.  And this book fit the bill.  It was SO MUCH fun.  From the beginning, I was easily absorbed by this story of forbidden love, and I managed to binge it in less than 24 hours.  

 

Enemies to lovers is my favorite trope.  It tends to bring the heat.  And this vampire/werewolf pairing did just that.  There’s a certain plane scene that had me 🔥!

 

Completely aside from the swoony, spicy romance, I was besotted with Lowe’s 7-year-old sister, Anna.  She kept me laughing, and I had a strong mama urge to protect her. 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this new side of Hazelwood.  And I have to admit, I’m hoping for a sequel featuring a certain pair of best friends!  

 

🎧 The narration for this one is oh-so-good.  Primary narrator, Therese Plummer fully embodied the snarkiness and sass of Misery.  She had me hanging on, one more chapter, until I reached the end.  Sadly, Wil Damon only narrates short snippets.  But his narration… BOY was it good.  He had me longing for more from Lowe.