His Hidden Wife is a suspenseful book. I enjoyed that I couldn’t figure out the ending. Everyone in His Hidden Wife is keeping secrets. There were manHis Hidden Wife is a suspenseful book. I enjoyed that I couldn’t figure out the ending. Everyone in His Hidden Wife is keeping secrets. There were many revelations throughout the book that kept the reader engaged. I found it interesting the book was told from Maya, the daughter, and Theresa, the friend, perspective. I felt like His Hidden Wife is Stephen’s story, but the story being told from two other perspectives made Stephen even more of a mystery. Maya and Stephen have an interesting father/ daughter relationship. I found it interesting to see how their relationship changed and Maya’s reactions when she finds out questionable information about her father. Maya feels like she can’t go away to school because she is worried about leaving her father alone. Maya’s reaction to Amy was very realistic. Theresa’s story was also very interesting. She has many of her own secrets and is constantly debating what to tell Stephen.
I recommend His Hidden Wife to anyone that likes suspenseful domestic thrillers.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for His Hidden Wife.
His Hidden Wife is a suspenseful book. I enjoyed that I couldn’t figure out the ending. Everyone in His Hidden Wife is keeping secrets. There were many revelations throughout the book that kept the reader engaged. I found it interesting the book was told from Maya, the daughter, and Theresa, the friend, perspective. I felt like His Hidden Wife is Stephen’s story, but the story being told from two other perspectives made Stephen even more of a mystery. Maya and Stephen have an interesting father/ daughter relationship. I found it interesting to see how their relationship changed and Maya’s reactions when she finds out questionable information about her father. Maya feels like she can’t go away to school because she is worried about leaving her father alone. Maya’s reaction to Amy was very realistic. Theresa’s story was also very interesting. She has many of her own secrets and is constantly debating what to tell Stephen.
I recommend His Hidden Wife to anyone that likes suspenseful domestic thrillers.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for His Hidden Wife.
4.5 Stars I loved Trust Me. There was so much drama in this book. All the couples are keeping secrets, and the reactions when the secrets are revealed 4.5 Stars I loved Trust Me. There was so much drama in this book. All the couples are keeping secrets, and the reactions when the secrets are revealed are crazy. Trust Me is told from multiple perspectives which really added to the story. The main story is Emily and Jake, but their friends and family are also important to the story.
Emily and Jake work together at the local doctor’s surgery (office). Emily starts to question everything Jake does at work, home and when they are not together. This really puts a strain on their relationship. This affects their two children, Millie and Ben. Millie and Ben are also dealing with their own problems. Some couples from the town are also pulled into the story. Some are close to Emily and Jake and some seem like people they hardly know.
I really enjoyed this story and all of the character dynamics. I suspected part of the ending, but it was still so good and way more than I guessed.
I highly recommend Trust Me to thriller fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for Trust Me. All Opinions are my own.
4.5 Stars I loved Trust Me. There was so much drama in this book. All the couples are keeping secrets, and the reactions when the secrets are revealed are crazy. Trust Me is told from multiple perspectives which really added to the story. The main story is Emily and Jake, but their friends and family are also important to the story.
Emily and Jake work together at the local doctor’s surgery (office). Emily starts to question everything Jake does at work, home and when they are not together. This really puts a strain on their relationship. This affects their two children, Millie and Ben. Millie and Ben are also dealing with their own problems. Some couples from the town are also pulled into the story. Some are close to Emily and Jake and some seem like people they hardly know.
I really enjoyed this story and all of the character dynamics. I suspected part of the ending, but it was still so good and way more than I guessed.
I highly recommend Trust Me to thriller fans.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for Trust Me. All Opinions are my own.
I loved An American in Paris. I loved how it switched back and forth between the World War II story and the modern story. The stories were so differenI loved An American in Paris. I loved how it switched back and forth between the World War II story and the modern story. The stories were so different but had a connection. Florence and Otto’s love story is heartbreaking, but their love is unbreakable. I loved the characters. Florence is so determined to make a difference in the war. She is personally offended and ready to cut anyone that supports the Nazis out of her life. Sage is a popular influencer that is sick of living a fake life and wants to figure out how to be more authentic. She is inspired to make a difference rather than say what she is paid to say.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for An American in Paris.
I loved An American in Paris. I loved how it switched back and forth between the World War II story and the modern story. The stories were so different but had a connection. Florence and Otto’s love story is heartbreaking, but their love is unbreakable. I loved the characters. Florence is so determined to make a difference in the war. She is personally offended and ready to cut anyone that supports the Nazis out of her life. Sage is a popular influencer that is sick of living a fake life and wants to figure out how to be more authentic. She is inspired to make a difference rather than say what she is paid to say.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for An American in Paris.
Meet Me in Paradise is an emotional story with romance. Marin is always careful and looking out for her sister, Sadie. Sadie is adventurous and travelMeet Me in Paradise is an emotional story with romance. Marin is always careful and looking out for her sister, Sadie. Sadie is adventurous and traveling the world as a photographer. Sadie convinces Marin to go on a sisters trip but Sadie misses their flight. Marin ends up exploring the island with Lucas, the stranger that sat next to Marin on the plane. Meet Me in Paradise is a story of unexpected love and stepping outside your comfort zone. It is also a story about family and looking out for others. Don’t let the cover fool you, this book is a tear jerker and emotional rollercoaster. I loved the story and the characters. The differences between Marin and Sadie are interesting. I recommend Meet Me in Paradise for fans of emotional novels.
Thank you Berkley Romance for Meet Me in Paradise.
The Kindred Spirits Supper Club is an entertaining romantic comedy with spirits. After losing her job, Sabrina moves back home to the Wisconsin Dells.The Kindred Spirits Supper Club is an entertaining romantic comedy with spirits. After losing her job, Sabrina moves back home to the Wisconsin Dells. All the women in her family can see spirits and help spirits resolve unfinished business so they can pass on. Sabrina doesn’t want to live in the Wisconsin Dells because she can only see spirits there. She was bullied in school and her only friend growing up was Molly, a spirit. Ray loves the Wisconsin Dells and moves there to spend time with his uncle before he dies. He owns the local supper club. Sabrina and Ray have an entertaining first meeting that isn’t enjoyable for Sabrina. Ray wants to get to know Sabrina, but all she wants to do is find a job outside Wisconsin. Ray convinces Sabrina to help him with the Goodbye Gala. The Kindred Spirits Supper Club grabbed my attention for the whole book. I couldn’t wait to read what would happen to Sabrina and Ray next. Sabrina is afraid to get close to people but learns that the right people will accept you for who you are. Sabrina has spent a lot of time being lonely but is always nice to others. She has a great relationship with her family. She is even nice to her bullies. Ray will do anything to spend time with Sabrina. He has to prove to his family that he can make the supper club successful. I enjoyed the setting of Wisconsin Dells because it reminded me of weekend trips there as a child.
Thank you Berkley Romance for The Kindred Spirits Supper Club.
The Vatican Secret is an action packed novel about a priest trying to save the Vatican. Marco has to stop an attack on the Vatican and discover who thThe Vatican Secret is an action packed novel about a priest trying to save the Vatican. Marco has to stop an attack on the Vatican and discover who the traitor is. Marco sees two possibilities for the traitor, one that Marco is convinced is innocent and one that Marco trusts. Marco is an interesting character, and it was interesting seeing him make decisions he thought were bad but didn’t have a better option. Marco is a priest that is killing the bad guys. The Vatican Secret is the second book in the Marco Vanetti Thriller series. The book can be read as a standalone, but I think you would miss a lot. I recommend starting with The Vatican Conspiracy Theory. The characters are a big part of this book. All of my favorite characters returned. My only complaint is I wish Sarah was in the book more. The Vatican Secret is full of action that kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t figure out who the traitor was and enjoyed going on the journey with Marco. I also enjoy all the different point of views in this book even the bad guys. I recommend The Vatican Secret.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for The Vatican Secret.
Hana Khan Carries On is a modern day “You’ve Got Mail” with a podcast, halal restaurants, and Indian culture. This story grabbed my attention from theHana Khan Carries On is a modern day “You’ve Got Mail” with a podcast, halal restaurants, and Indian culture. This story grabbed my attention from the first page. Hana runs an anonymous podcast. Her first follower has become her friend but they don’t know each other’s true identities. Hana’s family owns the only halal restaurant in town until another halal restaurant opens across the street. Hana will do anything to save her family’s restaurant even though her true passion is with her podcast and radio internship. Aydin is the new restaurant owner’s son who is pushing Aydin to be a ruthless business owner. Aydin develops a friendship with Hana’s cousin and tries to be friends with Hana. I loved the perspective of the Indian Canadian culture in the novel. Family secrets are revealed and Hana must find her voice and figure out what she wants to do. Some parts of the story were hard to read because of the hate toward Indians, but it is an important perspective to hear. Hana Khan Carries On is an interesting and impactful story of rival restaurant owners.
Thank you Berkley Romance for Hana Khan Carries On.
American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar is an enlightening story about an Indian teenager secretly dating a white boy and trying to fit in. This is a American Betiya by Anuradha D. Rajurkar is an enlightening story about an Indian teenager secretly dating a white boy and trying to fit in. This is a great story of individuality and fitting in. Rani is a high schooler focused on her secret boyfriend which causes her to stray away from her family and friends. She is put in uncomfortable situations and has to figure out how to deal with them. When Oliver starts calling her an Indian princess and making questionable decisions Rani has to decide what she will do. Rani isn’t allowed to date and her parents would definitely not approve of her boyfriend. Rani grows up in a culture very different than mine, so I found it enlightening to hear her story. Family is important to Rani, so it is hard for her to go against her family’s wishes. I also found it very interesting that Rani’s best friend, Kate, is white and seeing how she fits in with Rani’s family. Kate’s reaction to everything going on with Oliver was interesting. Kate was a great friend to Rani throughout everything. Difficult issues like drug use are discussed in American Betiya. Rajurkar does an excellent job bringing the reader inside Rani’s perspective to think and feel like her. There were many situations that I was angry with while reading that I might not have even realized in person. I recommend American Betiya for anyone interested in an entertaining novel about teens and Indian culture.
Thank you Books Forward, Random House Children’s/Knopf Books for Young Readers and NetGalley for American Betiya.
Life’s Too Short is an emotional and humorous romance raising awareness for ALS. Vanessa is a popular travel YouTube vlogger raising awareness for ALSLife’s Too Short is an emotional and humorous romance raising awareness for ALS. Vanessa is a popular travel YouTube vlogger raising awareness for ALS. She is now raising her niece, so she is adjusting to parenting and staying at home. Adrian is a lawyer that is always working. One night when the baby won’t stop crying, Adrian goes over to complain which starts their friendship. I loved watching their friendship progress. Neither of them wants anything more than friendship. I learned about hereditary ALS and how terrifying it is for the family to always worry. Life’s Too Short is a cute romance with a great story and many funny moments. There are many serious issues though throughout the book like addiction, ALS, and unwanted pregnancy. Life’s Too Short is the third book in The Friend Zone series but can be read as a standalone. There is one scene with the main characters from the previous novels and a few mentions throughout the book. I highly recommend reading the whole series starting with The Friend Zone. I loved Life’s Too Short and love The Friend Zone series. Life’s Too Short is a story of friendship, family, love, and overcoming fears.
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for Life’s Too Short.
Watch Her Sleep by L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain is a suspenseful mystery with strong female characters. Watch Her Sleep is the third book in the DetectiWatch Her Sleep by L.T. Vargus and Tim McBain is a suspenseful mystery with strong female characters. Watch Her Sleep is the third book in the Detective Charlotte Winters series. This book can be read as a standalone, but parts of the previous books are revealed. I recommend reading the whole series. All of my favorite characters returned in Watch Her Sleep. Charlie is strong and determined to solve the case. The case she is working on is a woman that is being stalked. Charlie is reckless at times. Paige, Charlie’s assistant starts working in the field rather than just working on her computer. Zoe is back to help and joke around with Charlie. I was glad that Will returned in this book. Will is looking for forgiveness. The book grabbed my attention from the first page with action and suspense throughout. The story is told from Charlie, the victim, and the perpetrator’s perspectives. I loved the different viewpoints. This was my favorite book yet in the series and the ending had me very stressed out. I love when I can’t figure out the ending, and this one I only figured out in the last few chapters but was still wondering what would happen next. I recommend Watch Her Sleep to anyone that likes suspenseful mysteries.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGaley for Watch Her Sleep.
Little Pieces of Me is an excellent novel about family where the main character finds out her dad isn’t her biological father. A DNA test reveals PaigLittle Pieces of Me is an excellent novel about family where the main character finds out her dad isn’t her biological father. A DNA test reveals Paige’s biological father while she is still grieving her father. She is left questioning everything and wondering what is the truth. Paige has a difficult relationship with her mother which makes it hard for Paige to discuss her paternity. Paige ends up trying to find the truth with the help of her friends by sneaking around to trying to find out about her father and eventually meets him. The story is told from Paige’s perspective in the present day and in the past from Betsy and Andy’s perspectives. The chapter switched off between past and present in a way that made it impossible to put down this book. Paige’s mother, Elizabeth, and her college self, Betsy are very different, and I enjoyed learning what caused Betsy to change. Mark is very different in college compared to Paige’s impression of him. Andy was in a difficult situation in college but made some bad choices and didn’t handle things well. However, in the present Andy is very friendly and kind. Paige’s Aunt is a very interesting character with a lot of personality. Little Pieces of Me is an emotional read that caused me to consider what I would do if I was in Paige’s position. I felt like how Paige handled things was realistic and relatable. This book really focuses on family with Paige’s father but also with her mother. This book brings up great discussions, so I highly recommend for book clubs. I read it with LoveARCtually and we discussed Little Pieces of Me with Alison Hammer.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for Little Pieces of Me.
The Wedding is a thriller with a few characters that I was constantly questioning who was guilty.
The Wedding is a quick and entertaining read. There aThe Wedding is a thriller with a few characters that I was constantly questioning who was guilty.
The Wedding is a quick and entertaining read. There are only a few characters which mean there are few options of who can be after Lauren. I constantly thought I figured it out and then was thrown another curveball. There was suspense throughout the book that lead me to constantly question who was in charge of all these weird events. The Wedding includes domestic suspense, family drama, jealousy and wedding planning. The book is comprised of short chapters which make it an easy read that keeps the reader wanting more. Lauren blinding loves her fiancé and now has to question whether he is hiding something. She becomes suspicious of everything and only confides to a few people. All of the characters are interesting with their own secrets which is exactly what I look for in a thriller. The Wedding is an enjoyable thriller with twists and turns to keep the reader invested.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for The Wedding.
Between Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad is a memoir about a woman’s cancer journey from diagnosis through life cancer free. Jaouad does a great job takBetween Two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad is a memoir about a woman’s cancer journey from diagnosis through life cancer free. Jaouad does a great job taking the reader through her cancer journey. Between Two Kingdom is the perfect mix of informative and emotional. Jaouad discusses everything she went through as well how cancer and her actions affected her loved ones. She was very open and honest. Jaouad wasn’t afraid to say things she messed up and how she should’ve done something differently. Suleika was graduating from college when she was diagnosed. The life she was planning to live changed into a life based around treatment without being able to work. Suleika has to find hobbies to fill her time that she is able to do while sick and tired from chemo. This is what got her into writing. Suleika is a strong woman and it is empowering to read her journey. Learning about Suleika’s cancer journey was very interesting but my favorite part of the book was her describing entering back into a cancer free world. I feel like this is something that isn’t discussed and is something I never would’ve thought of. Suleika goes on a roadtrip meeting other survivors and discusses their experiences. I highly recommend Between Two Kingdoms for anyone that is interested in learning about a strong woman’s cancer journey and learning to live without cancer.
Thank you Random House and NetGalley for Between Two Kingdoms.
It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is an entertaining and impactful book about the main character putting herself first and finding herself. Noni has alIt’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is an entertaining and impactful book about the main character putting herself first and finding herself. Noni has always focused on everyone else and for the first time in her life is putting herself first. Noni decides she is moving to Europe for a few months and temporarily leaves her old life behind. Noni focuses on finding herself and discovering what will make her happy. Noni starts this journey still not over a long term relationship that ended eighteen months ago. Noni is a complex character that is relatable at least to some extent. Her trip does not go as planned. Noni ends up in hilarious awkward situations. She is embracing and exploring her sexuality. Noni meets a new friend and finds a job. She finds an unexpected love interest and has to decide what she actually wants out of their time together. It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake is full of funny moments but also serious topics. Noni discusses counseling and the effects of a miscarriage even years later. All of the characters are unique and the story is the perfect mix of entertaining and serious. Noni shows the reader that it’s never too late to find yourself.
Thank you MIRA, HARLEQUIN Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for It’s Been a Pleasure, Noni Blake.
Sparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi is an impactful and complex story. The first part of the story takes place in Afghanistan and this is the first booSparks Like Stars by Nadia Hashimi is an impactful and complex story. The first part of the story takes place in Afghanistan and this is the first book I’ve ever read set in Afghanistan. I was fascinated by their culture with both the good and bad described. Daily life is described as well as unrest. The second part of the story takes place after Sitara moves to the US and changes her name to Aryana. There is so much going on in Sparks Like Stars but Hashimi tells it in a way that is easy to keep up with. I had so many feels while reading Sparks Like Stars and felt all of Sitara/Aryana’s emotions. Family is one of the themes in Sparks Like Stars. Sitara has the family she was born with and Aryana has the family she chose. It is interesting to see how she reacts to both and how her family affects her decisions. The main character is a strong, independent woman that never gives up. She fights for answers and tries to help others. Sparks Like Stars is a must read for anyone that likes learning about other cutlures and reading about strong women.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Mozhan Marno and thought she did an excellent job. Marno was the perfect voice for Sitara. She used her voice to emphasize emotions.
Thank you Harper Audio, William Morrow and NetGalley for Sparks Like Stars.
Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz is an interesting shot story collection covering difficult situations. Family, friends, loss, grief, infertility, Milk Blood Heat by Dantiel W. Moniz is an interesting shot story collection covering difficult situations. Family, friends, loss, grief, infertility, pregnancy, and race are all discussed. The stories flow seamlessly from one to the next. I was very invested in all of these stories and couldn’t put the book down. Moniz writes with so much emotion that really drew me to the characters. It was difficult to read what these characters were going through, but their stories are important and impactful.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Machelle Williams and her narration really added to the story.
I recommend Milk Blood Heat for fans of impactful short story collections.
Thank you Libro.fm, NetGalley, High Bridge Audio, and Grove Atlantic.
Unchosen is an action packed post-apocalyptic novel with zombies. Charlotte grew up in her sisters’ shadows. Her little sister is The Chosen One. Her Unchosen is an action packed post-apocalyptic novel with zombies. Charlotte grew up in her sisters’ shadows. Her little sister is The Chosen One. Her older sister is dating her best friend that she has feelings for. Charlotte decides to claim she is the Chosen One to protect her sister. Charlotte is taken in hopes of saving everyone. Soon her lies start to unravel and she has to figure out how to save her loved ones.
Unchosen is full of action. The heroine is a young woman like in all of my favorite post-apocalyptic novels. The curse and flesh eating humans was an interesting addition. I loved the characters in the novel. Charlotte is determined and strong. She doesn’t give up and will do anything to protect her family. There is an unexpected love interest that adds to the story. He is a great match for Charlotte and their interactions are great. There are many twists and action throughout the Unchosen. It was interesting to read Unchosen during a pandemic especially during the winter storm. I recommend Unchosen for fans of post-apocalyptic novels with strong female leads especially those that like zombies.
Thank you Megan Beatie Communications, Katherine Tegen Books, and Epic Reads for Unchosen.
Accidentally Engaged is a cute romantic comedy about a Muslim woman that fakes an engagement to enter a cooking contest for couples.
Accidentally EngagAccidentally Engaged is a cute romantic comedy about a Muslim woman that fakes an engagement to enter a cooking contest for couples.
Accidentally Engaged is cute, funny, and entertaining. Reena is passionate about baking bread and is always cooking. Reena’s parents want her to marry a nice Muslim boy and are always trying to set her up. Their newest option for her is Nadim. Reena and Nadim are both different than their parents realize. They both are passionate about food which causes them to quickly bond. They are very cute together and have great chemistry while filming the cooking show. Reena has no interest in marrying Nadim. There are family dynamics throughout Accidentally Engaged. Reena has a strained relationship with her sister that her sister is trying to fix. Their family is not honest with each other which lead to some entertaining revelations. Reena is a strong, independent woman that doesn’t live by her parents standards. She moved out of their house without being married and continues to defy their expectations. She isn’t satisfied with her career in finance and has to decide if she’d rather do something else. Nadim is always looking out for Reena and is very caring. There are many funny moments throughout the book. I learned some about the Muslim culture. Reena and Nadim are constantly cooking and talking about food so Accidentally Engaged makes the reader hungry. I recommend Accidentally Engaged for fans of cute romantic comedies and own voices romances.
Thank you Forever and NetGalley for Accidentally Engaged.
When the World Stood Still by Kate Eastham is an emotional novel about a nurse during World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic.
When the World Stood StWhen the World Stood Still by Kate Eastham is an emotional novel about a nurse during World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic.
When the World Stood Still is a moving story with great characters. Emily is very hard working and fights for what she wants. Even though she isn’t allowed to have a fiancé and work, she does anyways. Emily is very career oriented and doesn’t want to give up nursing after she gets married like is expected. Lucy is Emily’s best friend, and they are always there for each other. A new nurse arrives from America and Emily quickly develops a friendship with her. Emily has a loving family back home. Emily is put in heartbreaking situations. It is interesting to see how Emily reacts to the unexpected and doesn’t give up. The hospital is over capacity so it is hard for the nurses to keep up. There is constantly something going on in the hospital or in Emily’s personal life. I recommend When the World Stood Still to fans of historical fiction.
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for When the World Stood Still.
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