jaihook's Reviews (389)

2 stars only because I pushed through and finished it. I wanted to DNF. 

Thank you, NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this advanced copy. Now onto the review.....

What I liked -
- dual POV with part one is Regan's POV, part two from John’s POV where we learn more about him. Part three is present day and tieing it all together.
- strong character development
- the plot is what drew me to want to read this but it was predictable
- mother who will do what she has to do to protect her kids

This book took me over a week to complete which is a long time for me. I couldn't get motivated to pick it up. From the beginning, there was something about Regan, FMC, that I did not like. I couldn't relate to her. At times, she seemed to live in a world of delusion. She ignored John's red flags. The beginning was a slow start. It wasn't until about 40% in that I had my first gasp. It does pick up in part 3 but it was predictable and there was no crazy twists. 

I can't understand why this book doesn't have better reviews. Did it seem predictable at one point? Yes. But did it completely flip the script and pick up on the action? Absolutely, and I loved every moment of it.

Featuring two Black private investigators, with a Black woman who is a total bad a$$, this book is a refreshing and thrilling read. The story starts with Jackson Jones and Mackenzie Cunningham being competitive and not liking each other, leading to plenty of witty banter. As the plot unfolds, they realize they're better off working together as friends and dive into the mission of finding Ashley Cross.
This is the first book I've read by these authors, and it won't be the last. Their ability to blend action, suspense, and character development is impressive. I’m definitely checking out their other works.

Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): YES! This was a fast, fun read, and I can easily see it being adapted into a show or movie. I need a book 2 with even more action and some romance! If you’re looking for a swoon-worthy, action-packed mystery, this is the book for you.

Troupes & Warnings:
BIPOC
Dual POV
Rivals to friends
Private Investigators
There is some violence but I didn’t find it too bad but if violence and g*ns isn’t your thing then this may not be for you.

Sips About to Go Down is set in a charming small town in Tennessee and features a dual point of view that immerses readers in both Rose's and Wes's perspectives. Their journey from rivals to lovers is peppered with witty banter and undeniable chemistry, heightened by the forced proximity of becoming roommates. The story's depth is enriched by its exploration of character growth and overcoming past misconceptions, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant cocktail bar that feels invitingly real. Vaughn's skillful storytelling and the engaging dynamics between the characters, including a special nod to Nana who adds a touch of wisdom and humor, ensure a satisfying happily ever after.

Now, if you know me, I am not a big fan of slow burns (patience is not my virtue) but the tension in this book builds beautifully, especially with the added twist of sharing one bed. After reading this, I think my new favorite troupe is “one bed”. This one bed troupe did not disappoint. 🥵

Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): YES! Spicy and entertaining. I loved it!

Troupes & Triggers:
Small town (TN)
Dual POV
Roommates
Rivals to lovers
Forced Proximity
He falls first
One bed
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

This book had a lot of build-up and development, only for the twist to unfold unexpectedly that didn't leave me gasping as much as I'd hoped. While twists are a key element in thrillers and mysteries, these didn't quite hit the mark. Despite being a multiple-POV book, I found it easy to follow the different characters. The character development made sense along the way but ultimately didn't contribute much to the main plot. The ending felt like a letdown; given the story and character development, it had the potential for much more impactful twists and shocks.

The narration by Tamsin Kennard was excellent. Despite there being only one narrator for multiple characters, I was still able to easily distinguish between them.

Recommend (Yes/No/Maybe): Maybe. This could be a good read for someone looking to get their feet wet in this genre. However, if you’re well-versed in thrillers, you may not enjoy it as much.

Thank you Bookouture Audio and NetGalley for this advanced copy. Review left voluntarily.