“The problem with little white lies is that they sometimes grow up to become bigger, darker ones.”

 

Perfectly ominous and spine-tinglingly atmospheric.  

 

Family drama + a locked room + hourly murders???  Yes, please!  And as an added bonus, my family seems perfectly (well, mostly) normal after getting to know the Darkers.  

 

Agatha Christie is the OG of locked room mysteries with good reason.  I reread Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None during the pandemic and enjoyed it every bit as much as the first time.  Needless to say I was a bit skeptical about this retelling.  

 

But I should’ve know that if anyone could make this work, it would be Feeney!  

 

The Darker family home has always been a welcome respite, even when cut off by the tide.  But when the celebration in which they’ve come home turns murderous, the isolated location becomes an eerie setting for a real life game of clue.  Daisy was born with a broken heart.  Just how will it fare under these circumstances?

 

Feeney’s ability to write brilliantly cringeworthy characters and build a foreboding atmosphere is second to none and kept me completely enrapt to the final reveal.  

 

Any potential critiques of the book… {There were a few far-fetched plotlines. And I did figure out part of the “who-dun-it.”} …were easily diminished by the uniqueness of a plot that honored Agatha Christie.  

 

Set on Halloween, this is the perfect book to get you in the mood for all things spooky!

 

The audiobook was skillfully narrated by Staphanie Racine. Her depiction embodied the mood of the text and was exactly what I wanted from this spooky read.  

 

Many thanks to my partner @macmillan.audio for the #gifted l-arc!

 

Stunning. Beautiful.  Bittersweet yet hopeful.  

 

Rich, evocative prose.  Well developed, intricately layered characters.  Vivid sense of place.  All spun together with a resonate message: life isn’t tidy.  

 

Emilie and Sara both come from tumultuous childhoods.  The narrative shifts between perspectives as both age from youth to adulthood, with both characters maturing to find a way to use what they’ve been given while accepting where life leads.  

This isn’t your quintessential romance.  Rather, this is realistic and whole and adult.  It’s what you get when a deep connection is mixed with growth and healing.  It’s full of life’s complexities and the beauty of how patience and work can create…. It’s a love that allows both to shine while celebrating connection.

 

A gorgeous bouquet.  A perfectly mixed drink.  No matter which… the ingredients must be both unique and properly balanced.  Complement and enhance not overpower or upstage.  

 

Much like the yerba buena herb, LaCour has perfectly balanced the bitter and sweet in this story, giving readers a love story (for self and other) that resonates.  

 

Narrated by Julia Wheelan, the audiobook is exceptionally narrated. It’s important to note that the beginning of the book was easier to follow in physical form, until I got used to the transitions between characters and storyline.  But once I settled into the story, I greatly enjoyed the voice Wheelan gave to this book.  

 

Many thanks to my partner @macmillan.audio and @librofm for the #gifted l-arc!!!

 

TJR serves up another epic heroine.  (See what I did there?)

 

It’s not lost on me that Carrie Soto is Back hit shelves just ahead of Serena Williams’s last US Open. #truegreatness #thegoat

 

Honestly, I’ve never really followed tennis.  I do find exceptional athletes fascinating though.  That drive.  That commitment.  That hustle. 

 

And while Carrie Soto is, in fact, fictional, I’m not sure she could’ve felt any more real.  

 

Best said by Elton John… the B!tch is back.  

 

Carrie Soto wasn’t liked.  She was elusive and self-absorbed and full of pride.  Oh but she didn’t care about that.  She only cared about being the best.  And she was.   But 7 years into retirement, there’s a new player who threatens to take that title away.  Carrie can’t let that happen.  

 

But the training for this comeback isn’t all physical.  This time Carrie must come to terms with her inner self… Why is she so determined? What hold does “win at all costs” have on her?  

 

This evolution of self is what catapults Carrie back into the limelight, and ultimately, cements her love of the sport anew.  Excellence built on flaws.  

 

And it was that adept character development and masterfully executed arc that was the true grand slam in this book.

 

Carrie Soto is a dynamic and powerful character that once again proves that Reid writes bold, brazen women like few others can.  

 

As I often do, I partnered my e-arc with the audio.  The majority of the audiobook is expertly narrated by Stacy Gonzalez.  But where the audiobook really shines is in the sports commentary.  Those sections, read by a cast, were *chef’s kiss* perfection.  They made Carrie’s story feel even more real.  

 

Many thanks to my partners @penguinrandomhouse @prhaudio @librofm for the #gifted copies of these.  

“A little thunder doesn’t bother someone who’s lived in a storm”

 

Charming and full of whimsy yet deeply poignant and healing.  

 

Growing up in Georgia, I haven’t ever given thought to relocating to Alabama.  There’s never been an…ahem…*tide* strong enough to pull me in that direction.  Oh but Heather Webber… if Sweetgrass truly was a place, she might convince me.  

 

{And that, my friends, is one of the strongest endorsements I can give.  Also, #godawgs }   

*All in good fun, my AL friends.  

 

Webber transported me right back to my southern roots, where time passes a bit slower and people almost always have a warm smile to share.  

 

That doesn’t mean life is easy though.  Cora Bee and Emme can attest to that.  

 

Oh but there’s magic at play… Maybe it’s coming from Glory, my favorite character.  Maybe it’s coming from the town itself.  Or rather, it could be that unexpected love (familial, friendship, romantic) found in surprising places wields all the healing that’s needed. 

 

This book was like a warm hug.  Rather than shying away from hardship, Webber lays it bare in a way that deeply resonates.  I found bits of myself in both characters.  That kind of openness allowed me to explore complex emotions leaving my heart full to the brim in the end. 

 

Trust me… you need this dose of book sunshine! 

 

I partnered my physical book with the audio, and it was perfection.  The narration by Hallie Ricardo and Stephanie Willis (and their perfect southern accents) made both characters come alive in a rich way.  

 

Many thanks to @forgebooks and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copy.

I read my first Tessa Bailey!  And it turned out to be just the steamy, summer romance I was looking for.  It had heart and humor and spice.  The Alexis vibe came through strong in our main character, Piper.  But it was Brendan, the hunky fisherman that was both tender and burly, that made me hang on for one more “baby.”  

Do you have a spunky grandma?  I sure did.  She was the epitome of grace, but her stubborn streak was a mile long!  

 

I’ll never forget the morning her cardiologist told me to *rush* her to their office.  Her idea of rushing out was to use lipstick for blush instead of getting all of her makeup out.  My idea was leaving the house sans makeup.  Guess who won?  

 

I have a feeling our main character, Jenna, and I could commiserate.  

 

She’s Up to No Good is a sweet story filled with nostalgia that celebrates the connection between a grandmother and granddaughter.  

 

When Jenna’s octogenarian grandmother, Evelyn, decides to return to her childhood hometown to handle “personal business,” Jenna can’t imagine letting her go it alone.  But Evelyn isn’t as senile or incapable as others think, and her plans for this trip will generate a long lasting impact for both.  

 

The dual timeline storytelling and adept Jewish representation were both noteworthy.  But it was the characterization that really kept me hanging on.  

 

Jenna… straight laced, a bit overwhelmed by life, and a little fearful of the future.  I think many of us can empathize with her, especially those times when life hasn’t turned out the way we expected.  

 

Evelyn… brash, bold, and full of confidence.  She is who we all aspire to be!  She speaks her mind and has a full arsenal of zingers (that will keep you in stitches).  But most importantly, Evelyn is a woman who has lived life to the fullest, even amongst the hardships.  Like the best grandmothers, it’s hard to decide whether to roll your eyes or be inspired by Evelyn (probably both).  She’s the true star of this book!

 

This was a light, heartwarming story that will make you want to call your grandma.  

 

Many thanks to @getredpr and #lakeunionpublishing for this #gifted copy.

To say this month has been hectic is a *vast* understatement.  (Sports, camps, company, vacation, practice….) Because of that my reading has taken a hit… lack of time and lack of energy/focus.  

 

But this book.  This book was just what I needed.  In all of the hullabaloo of life, this book drew me in, charmed me, and kept me hanging on, eager for the next opportunity to read. 

 

Tae and her mother, April, are really more like sisters considering they basically grew up together.  Both struggle to find their place in the world and neither has found luck in love.  

 

Riggs is back in town, a bit begrudgingly.  He’s never been one to settle down, mostly because he constantly feels like he’ll let others down.  

 

This book is an exploration in love…both romantic and family.  While April and Tae grapple with reframing their adult relationship, Tae and Riggs reconnect and sparks fly.  Shalvis delivers a flirty, sexy book that also has depth and heart.  

 

From the meet cute to the raging chemistry to the real life lessons and growth we see in the characters… this was the perfect book to put me in that beach read mindset (which I desperately needed!).  

 

Last year I read the first book in this series and loved it so much that I immediately reached out to my #bookpartner and begged for this next book. I’m not usually a series reader, but this one has me hooked. Each book works well as a standalone, but definitely add all of them to your reading list!  (Thank you for feeding my obsession Lori, @getredpr!!!  Now about that third book… )  

 

Because of my (ridiculous) schedule commitments, I listened to at least half of this book.  I usually prefer physical books in the romance genre, but the narrator for this one, Andi Arndt, did a great job.  I’d recommend checking it out in either format. 

 

Many thanks to @williammorrowbooks @getredpr and @macmillan.audio for the #gifted copies of these books.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Full of drama and scheming with an heaping dose of fun!  I completely devoured this book and am already on the hunt for the next installment.

 

Book 2, Majesty, left me with so many complex emotions...  I was completely besotted with the dishy storyline and sensational characters.  But I hated that it was an ending (to the at-the-time 2 book series).  I wanted more.  I needed more.  Apparently, I wasn’t the only one because, like a ray of sun shining through the grumpiest of storm clouds, Rivals appeared on the scene.  And let me tell you… it did not disappoint!   

This book has everything I’ve loved in the other books.  But with the majority of the book taking place at the worldwide League of Kings summit, the stage is broadened, and we are introduced to a slew of other monarchs, which richened the plot.  The Princess of France, Princess Louise, plays a particularly large role, and I enjoyed seeing how she impacted Bea.  

 

While there are many rivalries in this book, the standout pairing is with previous arch enemies, Daphne and Nina!  Their plotting and conniving led to an unlikely friendship <gasp> that I couldn’t get enough of.  

 

While keeping the storyline fully entertaining and fun, McGee also touches on some important themes with finesse.  Themes of friendship, racism, gender roles, and power & privilege are all interwoven with subtlety and skill.  

 

That ending!!!  MAN oh MAN.  McGee really did that to us.  And I’m conflicted as to whether I am mad about it or I love it.  

 

Ultimately, I think I really love that it ensures another book. So now I must begin my “persistent nudging” of  both her and the publisher to get my hands on book 4!!!  In the famous words of The Temptations, “ain’t too proud to beg!”

This series is best read in order.  Each book picks up right where the previous left off.  But you’ll find it a worthy investment.

 

Considering how heavy the political landscape has been lately, escaping to McGee’s alternate reality was a very welcome reprieve from real life.  

 

The audiobook narration by Brittany Pressley was superb.  It was easy and seamless to go from the voice in my head, as I read the physical copy, to the voice on the audio.  

 

Many thanks to @getunderlined @prhaudio for the #gifted copies.  

 

Funny, flirty, and completely heartfelt.  There’s a reason I’m a diehard Katherine Center fan.  Her books always combine the perfect mixture of escape and impact.  

 

Hannah might be able to drop a man to his knees and have a tough as steel exterior while doing it.  But on the inside, she’s tender, a bit messy, and plagued with self-doubt.  

 

Jack. (Yep. That IS a complete thought!) Those crooked glasses.  That laugh that reaches all the way to his toes.  And those Levi’s that I can’t get out of my head.  I can’t deny that I fell hard for him.  

 

The premise could be such a syrupy sweet cliché… Hollywood hunk.  Disinterested regular girl.  Both carrying around some major familial baggage from the past.  

 

But when Center works her magic, and I believe she has magic in spades, that premise turns into absolute swoon-worthy perfection with a heaping dose of laughter.  

 

Don’t let me mislead you though.  There’s more to this story than a great romance.  The message of this book nourished my soul and made me feel seen.  It gave a voice to my own situation with my parent with such tenderness and honesty, while never being heavy handed. 

 

The Bodyguard gave me everything I wanted and fully charmed me, leaving me with the biggest, happiest, most satisfied smile as I closed the last page.  

 

As I often do, I went back and forth between the print and audio versions of this book, and I would strongly recommend either version.  The audio is narrated by Patti Murin, and I just adored the voice she gave to Hannah.  

 

“You can be the love you wish you had.  That’s the way to be okay.  Because giving love to other people is a way of having it for yourself.”  

 

Many thanks to my partners @smp and @macmillanaudio for the #gifted copies.

 

WOW!  Wow, wow, wow.  That’s my review.  

 

Months ago I found myself completely and wholly consumed by this book.  But I couldn’t seem to adequately express why.  I still can’t.  But with the highly anticipated second novel, Bloodmarked, hitting shelves this fall, it’s only fair that I try.  

 

Deonn has created a beautifully cinematic re-envisioning of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table that skillfully tackles the important topics of grief, trauma, racism, and sexism.  

 

With an intense and compelling storyline, this 500+ page book was a surprisingly quick read.  The gripping characters (especially Bree!) and immersive fantasy world kept me enrapt until the very (I didn’t see that coming) end.  

 

And its that jaw dropping ending that has me impatient for the November release of Bloodmarked.  

 

Full of symbolism, diversity, and a unique plot, this made for a great buddy read and discussion with one of my favorites, @mrsboomreads.