endless_tbr_list's Reviews (537)

A compelling read about the tragic and mysterious true-crime case that came influenced many works, including Nathanial Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter. Kate Winkler Dawson is a well known writer whose decision to cover Sarah Cornell's death is made even more interesting by her choice of a co-investigator - Catharine Williams, a woman who wrote her own version of this case, America's first true-crime novel, nearly two centuries ago. Compiled from the extensive research of both women, and supplemented with Dawson own investigation into Williams's and her work, this novel is a well-researched, close examination of the events leading up to and surrounding the chilling death of thirty-year-old Cornell.

Despite it's subject being a 1830s murder trial, there are pieces of the tale that unfortunately ring true even in today's society. The Sinners All Bow tells the heartbreaking story of a women's desperate search for justice in a world where religious evangelism, sexism, and shame all do their best to muddy the waters. 

Thank you to Penguin Group, Putnam Books, and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

When Sawyer Greene, a romance author experiencing a serious case of writer's block since her last relationship ended, finds herself stuck in an elevator with the attractive Mason West, she immediately guards herself, and him, from any potential meet-cute feelings. Sawyer is NOT looking for love...but a one-night-stand she can do. Yet when she continues to run into Mason all over the city, she realizes she needs to nip this in the bud, so they make a deal. Sawyer needs inspiration for her new book and Mason needs to stop seeing every remotely romantic moment as a sign, so over a series of friendship dates, Sawyer will do her absolute best to ruin all of the quintessential rom-com tropes so Mason will never fall for them again. 
 
 Such a fun holiday romance! I really enjoyed the chemistry between Sawyer and Mason, and loved watching them try to make this ridiculous agreement work, but there were times where I wish they felt a little more fleshed out. Not that the romance wasn't entertaining, but I think I would have also loved to see more of Sawyer and Mason at work, to see those sides of them have a bit more depth. Overall the banter was delightful, the side characters charming, and the romance spicy!
 
 Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.