Tag: 4 Stars

Review

Fool Me Once: A Novel by Ashley Winstead – My Review

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Title: Fool Me Once: A Novel

Author: Ashley Winstead

Release Date: April 5th 2022

Genre: Romantic Comedy, Second Chance

“A simmering slow burn bursting with banter… This is a romance for anyone who’s ever felt too messy to be loved.”

—ROSIE DANAN, author of The Roommate

In this fierce and funny battle of the exes, Ashley Winstead’s Fool Me Once explores the chaos of wanting something you used to have.

Lee Stone is a twenty-first-century woman: she kicks butt at her job as a communications director at a women-run electric car company (that’s better than Tesla, thank you), and after work she is “Stoner,” drinking guys under the table and never letting any of them get too comfortable in her bed…

That’s because Lee’s learned one big lesson: never trust love. Four major heartbreaks set her straight, from her father cheating on her mom all the way to Ben Laderman in grad school—who wasn’t actually cheating, but she could have sworn he was, so she reciprocated in kind.

Then Ben shows up five years later, working as a policy expert for the most liberal governor in Texas history, just as Lee is trying to get a clean energy bill rolling. Things get complicated—and competitive—as Lee and Ben are forced to work together. Tension builds just as old sparks reignite, fanning the flames for a romantic dustup the size of Texas.

Fool Me Once is a quirky and fun read. Lee Stone is smart, strong, and funny. She also has her issues which we see come out during the story. While this was a fun read for me, it had some cringe moments. It made me say “Girl what are you doing?!” more than once. I think that is what makes Lee relatable. The other characters are not perfect and some are not likable at all. The energy between Lee and Ben is great. The playful banter between the two had me laughing. I kept saying “Just kiss already!”

This is not my normal kind of read and I’m glad I took a chance on it! It was fun along with some heartfelt moments that caused me to tear up. This is a new to me author and I will be looking into her other book. If you love fun quirky romance reads, I highly recommend you check this book out! I give it 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

A Good Day for Chardonnay: A Novel (Sunshine Vicram Book 2) by Darynda Jones – My Review

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Title: A Good Day for Chardonnay: A Novel (Sunshine Vicram Book 2)

Author: Darynda Jones

Release Date: July 27th 2021

Genre: Mystery

From the New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones comes the second novel in her laugh-out-loud Sunshine Vicram mystery series, A Good Day for Chardonnay.

Running a small-town police force in the mountains of New Mexico should be a smooth, carefree kind of job. Sadly, full-time Sheriff—and even fuller-time coffee guzzler—Sunshine Vicram, didn’t get that memo.

All Sunshine really wants is one easy-going day. You know, the kind that starts with coffee and a donut (or three) and ends with take-out pizza and a glass of chardonnay (or seven). Turns out, that’s about as easy as switching to decaf. (What kind of people do that? And who hurt them?)

Before she can say iced mocha latte, Sunny’s got a bar fight gone bad, a teenage daughter hunting a serial killer and, oh yes, the still unresolved mystery of her own abduction years prior. All evidence points to a local distiller, a dangerous bad boy named Levi Ravinder, but Sun knows he’s not the villain of her story. Still, perhaps beneath it all, he possesses the keys to her disappearance. At the very least, beneath it all, he possesses a serious set of abs. She’s seen it. Once. Accidentally.

Between policing a town her hunky chief deputy calls four cents short of a nickel, that pesky crush she has on Levi which seems to grow exponentially every day, and an irascible raccoon that just doesn’t know when to quit, Sunny’s life is about to rocket to a whole new level of crazy.

Yep, definitely a good day for chardonnay.

I love the Sunshine Vicram series! It’s addicting and I’m totally hooked.

The mystery continues as Sunshine searches for answers to her past. She’s also solving a new case that seems to have more than meets the eye. We also get more of Levi Ravinder! He’s totally book boyfriend material. I love the chemistry and the push and pull between Sunshine and Levi. There’s a lot of snark between the characters which is funny cause I love a good snark. However, at times it was a bit too much. The beginning is slow going. Which I now know is how these books will go. Once it gets going, there’s no putting the book down. Twists I didn’t see coming and that ending! Whyyyy!! I need the next book asap!

This book has it all! Suspense, snark, book boyfriend material, and murder. Start this series today! You’ll be entertained and falling in love with a new series. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

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The Golden Couple: A Novel by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen – My Review

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Title: The Golden Couple: A Novel

Author: Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Release Date: March 8th 2022

Genre: Domestic Thrillers

Wealthy Washington suburbanites Marissa and Matthew Bishop seem to have it all—until Marissa is unfaithful. Beneath their veneer of perfection is a relationship riven by work and a lack of intimacy. She wants to repair things for the sake of their eight-year-old son and because she loves her husband. Enter Avery Chambers.

Avery is a therapist who lost her professional license. Still, it doesn’t stop her from counseling those in crisis, though they have to adhere to her unorthodox methods. And the Bishops are desperate.
When they glide through Avery’s door and Marissa reveals her infidelity, all three are set on a collision course. Because the biggest secrets in the room are still hidden, and it’s no longer simply a marriage that’s in danger.

You’ve seen those couples. You know which ones I’m talking about. The ones who have the perfect life. Or so it seems…..

I never really know what to expect when I pick up a Hendricks/Pekkanen book. I was intrigued by the description and was excited to dive in. The story begins and you meet the characters. Right off the bat, I don’t like any of them. I know I’m supposed to feel that way but I couldn’t help feeling irked. Yet it’s not enough to turn me off from the book. More like, let’s see where this is going. The story unravels lots of suspense and turns. Just when you think you’ve figured it out, it’s a dead end. LOVED THAT! What an ending! Totally satisfying. It felt like the sun came out after being hidden by the clouds. Very nice.

This is a great read! You have suspense and that thrilling feeling like something bad is going to happen but you’ll get all your answers. I highly recommend this book! I give it 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Master Debater: A Billionaires of Boston Novel by Cynthia Page – My Review

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Title: Master Debater: A Billionaires of Boston Novel

Author: Cynthia Page

Release Date: September 2nd 2021

Genre: Romantic Comedy

He’s always right… except when it comes to love.

In need of a fresh start, I move to Boston to fulfill my music-writing dreams. Next up, fixing my other pressing issue—ever since my ex-husband’s infidelity, I’ve been struggling to um, get there, regardless of how many oddly-named toys I try. Naturally, I’m carrying a whole box-full when my new, smokin’ hot neighbor barrels into me. My collection goes flying, and just like that, my unmentionables are on display.

Nathan Fox is a high-powered attorney intent on taking down the rival law firm that screwed over his family on his way to the top. When he overhears my solo-play struggle, he offers to be on top of something else—me. Turns out, his controlling tendencies are the key to unlocking my wildest fantasies.

As our heated nights extend into blissful days, I quickly begin to fall. But how can I give my heart to a man who’d rather be right and enact vengeance than give himself over to love?

A hot & hilarious standalone romantic comedy about a woman who gets in way over her head with her sexy billionaire next-door neighbor. Guaranteed HEA!

It has been awhile since I’ve read a book like this. I was not disappointed! It was a welcome escape from reality.

Willa is a very likable character. I was drawn to her. Related to her and her situation. I rooted for her the whole time. Nathan is a man who has his beliefs questioned when he meets Willa. The chemistry between the two is very sensual. Those scenes are steamy and seductive. Oh my! The story was entertaining as well as delightful. If you enjoy romance with a great story and some steam, this book is for you! This author is new to me and I will look for more books by her. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

Ember of Night by Molly E. Lee – My Review

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Title: Ember of Night

Author: Molly E. Lee

Release Date: May 4th 2021

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

“What to read after A Court of Thorns and Roses! Full of twists you’ll never see coming!” –UppercaseYA

I’ve never been a stranger to the darkness. But when darkness comes knocking and looks thatgood, who wouldn’t invite him in?

Draven is mysterious, evasive, and hot as sin. The only thing more infuriating than how much he won’t say is how obnoxious he is every time he does open his mouth. But when a group of strangers attacks me and he fights back, causing them to vanish into a cloud of black dust, I know Draven is more than he seems.

He finally shows me there’s a veil separating the world I know from a world of demons living all around us. Turns out, good and evil are just words. Some of the demons don’t fall into either category. And I’m realizing just how easily I fit in among the ancient warlocks, the divine soldiers, and the twisted supernaturals…

There’s so much more to me. To my past. And to what I am truly capable of than I ever thought possible. So when all signs point to me having the ability to unleash Hell on earth? I’ll have to decide if I want to do the world a solid and save it, or give it one hell of a makeover.

Let’s take a moment to appreciate this cover! Love the colors and the vibe. Totally eye catching!

Right from the start, I was pulled into the story. It was dark and dangerous, which called to my black heart. Harley has been through a lot. My heart went out to her right away. Weird things are happening but it’s all in her head right? Enter Draven. Who gives so little but surprises her at almost every turn. As you’re reading, you can feeling the danger simmering just below the surface and you know things are gonna start to happen! The author does a fantastic job of building suspense and keeping the reader engaged. I loved the push and pull between Harley and Draven. The heat factor is definitely there! That ending! I need book two like NOW!

As a whole, this book is darkly entrancing. It has suspense, action, secrets, and a really hot guy who is book boyfriend material. This is a new to me author and I quite enjoyed her writing and storytelling style. I look forward to reading more from this author. If you love paranormal with a dark vibe, I highly recommend this book! I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

The Memory Collectors: A Novel by Kim Neville – My Review

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Title: The Memory Collectors: A Novel

Author: Kim Neville

Release Date: March 16th 2021

Genre: Fantasy Fiction 

Perfect for fans of The Scent Keeper and The Keeper of Lost Things, an atmospheric and enchanting debut novel about two women haunted by buried secrets but bound by a shared gift and the power the past holds over our lives.

Ev has a mysterious ability, one that she feels is more a curse than a gift. She can feel the emotions people leave behind on objects and believes that most of them need to be handled extremely carefully, and—if at all possible—destroyed. The harmless ones she sells at Vancouver’s Chinatown Night Market to scrape together a living, but even that fills her with trepidation. Meanwhile, in another part of town, Harriet hoards thousands of these treasures and is starting to make her neighbors sick as the overabundance of heightened emotions start seeping through her apartment walls.

When the two women meet, Harriet knows that Ev is the only person who can help her make something truly spectacular of her collection. A museum of memory that not only feels warm and inviting but can heal the emotional wounds many people unknowingly carry around. They only know of one other person like them, and they fear the dark effects these objects had on him. Together, they help each other to develop and control their gift, so that what happened to him never happens again. But unbeknownst to them, the same darkness is wrapping itself around another, dragging them down a path that already destroyed Ev’s family once, and threatens to annihilate what little she has left.

The Memory Collectors casts the everyday in a new light, speaking volumes to the hold that our past has over us—contained, at times, in seemingly innocuous objects—and uncovering a truth that both women have tried hard to bury with their pasts: not all magpies collect shiny things—sometimes they gather darkness.

The Memory Collectors is an interesting and unique story concept. I was intrigued by the blurb and wanted more. The cover is really pretty and also caught my eye.

We are introduced to two characters. Similar, yet different. There’s a mystery surrounding both of these characters. Both had endured something and I wanted to know! It took me awhile to warm up to Ev. Her character isn’t very likable at first. I did like and feel for Harriet. The pacing of the story is slow in some places. I was already invested in the story, so it didn’t stop me. I did not expect that ending. I always say that’s a good thing. There’s a sense of lightness at the end. Like a burden had been lifted and it had. You’ll have to read the story to see what I mean!

A wonderful debut for this author! I enjoyed her writing and story telling style. I can’t wait to see what’s next from her! I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

Amelia Unabridged: A Novel by Ashley Schumacher – My Review

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Title: Amelia Unabridged: A Novel

Author: Ashley Schumacher

Release Date: February 16th 2021

Genre: Young Adult

Sparks fly between two teens as they grapple with grief, love, and the future in this unforgettable debut novel sure to entice fans of Jandy Nelson and Jennifer E. Smith

Eighteen-year-old Amelia Griffin is obsessed with the famous Orman Chronicles, written by the young and reclusive prodigy N. E. Endsley. They’re the books that brought her and her best friend Jenna together after Amelia’s father left and her family imploded. So when Amelia and Jenna get the opportunity to attend a book festival with Endsley in attendance, Amelia is ecstatic. It’s the perfect way to start off their last summer before college.

In a heartbeat, everything goes horribly wrong. When Jenna gets a chance to meet the author and Amelia doesn’t, the two have a blowout fight like they’ve never experienced. And before Amelia has a chance to mend things, Jenna is killed in a freak car accident. Grief-stricken, and without her best friend to guide her, Amelia questions everything she had planned for the future.

When a mysterious, rare edition of the Orman Chronicles arrives, Amelia is convinced that it somehow came from Jenna. Tracking the book to an obscure but enchanting bookstore in Michigan, Amelia is shocked to find herself face-to-face with the enigmatic and handsome N. E. Endsley himself, the reason for Amelia’s and Jenna’s fight and perhaps the clue to what Jenna wanted to tell her all along.

Ashley Schumacher’s devastating and beautiful debut, Amelia Unabridged, is about finding hope and strength within yourself, and maybe, just maybe, falling in love while you do it.

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This is a touching story about two people dealing with their grief and finding the calm after the storm. Amelia is dealing with the loss of her best friend. They had plans. Their futures planned and it’s all gone in an instant. A mysterious package is delivered to Amelia and she sets off to find out the reason for it and finds more than she bargained for. 

This was an emotional story. Losing a loved one isn’t easy. There are many feelings and emotions to process. I loved the story telling style and the story is very well written. I found myself wanting to take a trip and find this amazing bookstore! The characters were great and really made the story pop. My heart went out to Amelia and N.E. This book got me right in my feels! 

This is a wonderful read. A fabulous debut for this author! I enjoyed both the story and her writing. I can’t wait to read more from her. I highly recommend this book! Add it your TBR today! I give this 4 stars. 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

The Bad Muslim Discount: A Novel by Syed M. Masood – My Review

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Title: The Bad Muslim Discount: A Novel

Author: Syed M. Masood

Release Date: February 2nd 2021

Genre: Historical Literary Fiction

“Masood’s novel presents a stereoscopic, three-dimensional view of contemporary Muslim America: the way historical conflict in the Middle East lingers in individual lives, the way gossip travels in a close-knit immigrant community.” The New York Times Book Review

Following two families from Pakistan and Iraq in the 1990s to San Francisco in 2016, The Bad Muslim Discount is an inclusive, comic novel about Muslim immigrants finding their way in modern America.

It is 1995, and Anvar Faris is a restless, rebellious, and sharp-tongued boy doing his best to grow up in Karachi, Pakistan. As fundamentalism takes root within the social order and the zealots next door attempt to make Islam great again, his family decides, not quite unanimously, to start life over in California. Ironically, Anvar’s deeply devout mother and his model-Muslim brother adjust easily to life in America, while his fun-loving father can’t find anyone he relates to. For his part, Anvar fully commits to being a bad Muslim.

At the same time, thousands of miles away, Safwa, a young girl living in war-torn Baghdad with her grief-stricken, conservative father will find a very different and far more dangerous path to America. When Anvar and Safwa’s worlds collide as two remarkable, strong-willed adults, their contradictory, intertwined fates will rock their community, and families, to their core.

The Bad Muslim Discount is an irreverent, poignant, and often hysterically funny debut novel by an amazing new voice. With deep insight, warmth, and an irreverent sense of humor, Syed M. Masood examines universal questions of identity, faith (or lack thereof), and belonging through the lens of Muslim Americans.

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When I read the synopsis for the book, it piqued my interest. This is definitely a genre I don’t typically read but I wanted to give it a try. The beginning is slow but picks up the pace after awhile. It was both interesting and heart wrenching to read about each of their journeys. The story telling is great and the characters are as well. Not sure how I felt about Anvar but I did find his humor entertaining throughout most of the story. Safwa was a favorite A survivor for sure. Anvar’s father is a hoot! 

I realize there are mixed reviews on this book. I went into this book expecting a good story and  that’s what I got. I don’t believe that all Muslims are like the ones portrayed in this book. I DO believe there are people in every race and or religion that question why things are the way they are. I myself did that with my own upbringing. That being said, I truly enjoyed this book. It’s well written and I loved the different cultures that were woven in. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to read outside of their comfort zone. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

New Release · Review

Pretty Little Wife: A Novel by Darby Kane – My Review

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NEW RELEASE

Title: Pretty Little Wife: A Novel

Author: Darby Kane

Release Date: December 29th 2020

Genre: Domestic Thrillers 

Debut author Darby Kane thrills with this twisty domestic suspense novel that asks one central question: shouldn’t a dead husband stay dead?

Lila Ridgefield lives in an idyllic college town, but not everything is what it seems. Lila isn’t what she seems.
A student vanished months ago. Now, Lila’s husband, Aaron, is also missing. At first these cases are treated as horrible coincidences until it’s discovered the student is really the third of three unexplained disappearances over the last few years. The police are desperate to find the connection, if there even is one. Little do they know they might be stumbling over only part of the truth….

With the small town in an uproar, everyone is worried about the whereabouts of their beloved high school teacher. Everyone except Lila, his wife. She’s definitely confused about her missing husband but only because she was the last person to see his body, and now it’s gone.

Fasten your seatbelt because this book is one crazy ride!

Is it possible to read a story where none of the characters are likable and yet you still enjoyed the story? Yes. Yes it is. This story has suspense and mystery. Secrets and lies and I was there for it. Most if not all the characters didn’t do it for me but I found Lila interesting. She gave nothing away and did not apologize for anything. I respected that. There’s a lot of twists and turns. Some I saw coming and others surprised me. As the story progressed, I found myself more and more invested and was rapidly page turning because I knew the ending would blow my mind. It sure did! Wow…..

I highly enjoyed this book! I really liked the dark vibe it gave off and the many twists the author threw in there. It made my little black heart happy. Darby Kane is a new to me author. Her storytelling and writing is really good. I can’t wait to read more by this author! Add this to your TBR if you love suspense with a dark vibe. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*

Review

The First Day of Forever (Romance in Chicago Book 2) by Lisa Keifer – My Review

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Title: The First Day of Forever (Romance in Chicago Book 2)

Author: Lisa Keifer

Release Date: September 22nd 2020

Genre: Contemporary Romance

What do you do when a secret catapults your steady relationship onto rocky ground?

Christabel and Eric’s wedding preparations have had their ups and downs—including a cancellation!–but she just knows their big day will be absolutely perfect. Their relationship already is.

When Eric drops a bombshell three months before the scheduled nuptials, Christabel must navigate through her heartbreak. Eric, the first person she would normally run to in times of trouble, suddenly becomes the only person she wants to avoid.

Until she’s sure whether this is a break or a break-up, Christabel decides it’s best to pretend things are just fine to their loved ones. Admitting the truth would only make it all too real. Why can’t a real fiancé be a fake one, too? But, at some point, she must decide if trusting Eric—and loving him—is worth the risk.

Find out what happens now in book 2 of the Romance in Chicago duet!

They’re back! I love Christabel and Eric’s love story. Their chemistry is pretty awesome! Eric is definitely book boyfriend material. Totally swoon worthy! What is a wedding without some sort of drama. Right? Christabel finds herself dealing with one heck of a bombshell. I haven’t always been a fan of her choices but in some ways I found myself relating to her more in this book. She still doesn’t make some great choices in this book either but the hurt she is feeling is real and relatable. Jetta is the bestest friend a gal could ask for!

This is a good read. You smile and you’ll shed a tear or two. The love between these two characters is truly heartfelt. You’ll be rooting for them throughout the story! If you love romance, this book is right up your alley. I give this 4 stars.

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion*