NetGalley Archives

April 22, 2019April 30, 2019

BOOK REVIEW: Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson

Don’t let the title fool you, this was more RomCom than bodice ripper. Although, the main character (Cassie) does love herself a good bodice ripper, especially ones involving men in kilts. Hmmmmm……

This was actually a fast and fun read. Five women made a pact while they were in college: five years after they graduated from college, they would travel to five European countries, with each of them picking a country to visit.

The premise is fun, the opening chapter is hysterical, and the story flows quick and easy. The conflict between Logan (said “hot Scot”) and Cassie is legitimate and makes sense – there is no melodrama or false indignation to be found, and their chemistry is off the charts.

The dialogue is witty, and the interplay between the five women is especially well-done. The author did a fantastic job of making this reader feel like she was in the middle of the fun and didn’t want it to end.

I thought the descriptions of Scotland, particularly Logan’s family and home, were especially detailed, and painted complete pictures. It definitely made me want to return to Scotland!

The only thing I didn’t completely have a feeling for was Logan’s internal struggle. It was alluded to in the first part of the book, but then took center stage in the second half. It felt a little bit forced, even though it logistically made sense for the character. In retrospect, I understand why the author chose to write it this way (because the book gets a little more serious, so the characters do as well). It just was a little jarring.

All of that being said, I still enjoyed it immensely. I now know this is the first of at least three books, and I’m assuming two more will be coming to round out the five women. I can’t wait to read the rest of them!

My Goodreads review is below.

Expected Release Date: April 30, 2019

Getting Hot with the Scot (Sometimes in Love, #1)

Getting Hot with the Scot by Melonie Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a lot of fun to read. I appreciated that the author gave the reader just enough background to make the main characters, Logan and Cassie, believable – but without going over the top with backstory. The opening chapter was terrific and had me wondering if I misjudged what the book was about (but in a good way). The author did a fantastic job of tying that chapter closely to Cassie’s reading choices. The dialogue was snappy, especially between the group of friends, and I could practically feel the camaraderie spill off the page. I wanted to hang out with them. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and devoured the book in a day. I look forward to reading about each of the girl’s experiences (I hope!) Check out my more detailed review on firefliesandfreekicks.com. This review was written based on a pre-release ARC provided by NetGalley.

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October 12, 2018October 12, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: The Wife’s Secret

If you read any psychological thriller, make sure it is this one. I know I’ve said this, or something close to it, a few times, but I guess I have just been lucky when it comes to psych thrillers lately. I had never read anything by Kerry Wilkinson, but the description of this one grabbed me, and I am so glad that I chose it. While there were parts that I almost guessed what was going on (a bad habit due to too many psych thrillers, I think), there was enough to keep me guessing. I was really impressed with the way the story was laid out: from the groom’s point of view in the present, then from differing points of view in the past. It was all layered very nicely to build the story towards the climax. I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

The Wife’s Secret by Kerry Wilkinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So many books these days have a tagline similar to this one: “A gripping psychological thriller with a heart-stopping twist.” Some don’t live up to the hype, while others rise to the occasion and earn the tag. This book is solidly in the latter category. At first glance, it seems as if the alternating chapters of present and past, with the past coming from multiple viewpoints and at varying times, would be confusing. But the author keeps juggling everything, and does so with finesse. The method highlights the dread of knowing that everything is not as it seems, while building layers of plot that make the twists true “OMG” moments. I loved every page of this book, and upon finishing immediately downloaded other books by Kerry Wilkinson. An excellent psych thriller in a crowded market. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

October 5, 2018October 5, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Tell Nobody

I usually hate coming into the series in the middle, especially if it’s a serial story where continuity is important. It’s hit or miss; sometimes an author makes a passing reference that is intriguing and makes me want to read the previous books, and sometimes an author refers to previous events so much that I don’t feel a need to read any of the others. This book, the 5th in the Lottie Parker series, fits in the former category. A really cracking crime story, set in Ireland, it weaves several perspectives into one narrative. A perfect break from rom-coms and psych thrillers. If you like crime novels, I’d start with the first one of the series, only because you’ll get better continuity of characters. Below is my Goodreads review:

Tell Nobody by Patricia Gibney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Even though this was the 5th in the Detective Lottie Parker series, it was the first one I have read. Aside from a few references to previous events, it did not matter much that I was new to the series. This was a well-crafted crime thriller, with many threads weaving into one narrative. I loved the setting, and thought the author did a great job with detail. Told from different perspectives depending on the action, the narrative never got lost or jumbled. In fact, the differing voices gave credibility to the story, making it well-rounded. I found the law enforcement perspective especially interesting, because it was so similar to an American point of view; LE is universal! The author did a great job of dropping hints and revealing clues in a timely manner, so that there was always something driving the plot forward. I did feel like the first half was a little slower, as everything was being set up; but once I got halfway through, the pace really took off as more pieces started falling into place. I will definitely be going back for the first four books in the series, and will be looking for the next one! A solid 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

October 4, 2018October 4, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Under My Skin

I’ve been reading so many books lately, that there are times where I can’t keep them straight (sad, but true); this is especially the case when it comes to psychological thrillers. This is a genre that has exploded recently, and it sometimes seems that everyone who can type has written one. Now, I’ve read quite a few good ones, but it takes a lot to really make one stand out in a crowded field. This is that book!

The atmosphere is set when we learn that Poppy’s husband was killed just about a year prior to the action, and she hasn’t dealt with the grief very well. That’s actually quite an understatement. Poppy’s uncertainty about what her own life has become is made even more confusing by mysterious events that occur. Ultimately, the line between dreams and reality are irrevocably blurred, and Poppy needs to make some difficult decisions as to whether she is strong enough to move forward.

This book had twists and turns galore, and had high tension all throughout. A real page turner, I can’t recommend it highly enough! Below is my Goodreads review:

Under My Skin by Lisa Unger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good. God. This book was amazing! I could not turn the pages fast enough to get through the twists and turns of this psychological thriller. The characters are very real, even as they may not actually exist, and the plot is very well-crafted. The reader is essentially in Poppy’s shoes as she navigates her increasingly mysterious life. The author did an incredible job with tone and atmosphere, as there were times where I could literally feel Poppy’s panic as my own. The revelations that begin to clear up the mystery are well-done, and timely within the plot. I especially liked how the author kept me off balance; just when I thought I had something or someone figured out, something else would occur to make me doubt what I knew. This was extremely effective, because it mirrored Poppy’s experiences. And the “what the heck” moment that comes in every psych thriller? Yeah…didn’t see it coming at all. Incredible story, with excellent resolution. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin-Hanover Square Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Louisiana’s Way Home

I’m sorry to say that this is one case where I had seen movies based on the author’s books, but hadn’t read the books themselves. Never having read them, I wasn’t sure what to expect style-wise from this middle school-appropriate story. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were vividly described and the situations Louisiana found herself in were sometimes laugh out loud funny. I really loved Louisiana’s voice, and was glad the author wrote the story in the first person; her commentary on the events gave additional perspective that fit the story perfectly. Fans of “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “The Tale of Despereaux” will definitely like this book!

My Goodreads review follows:

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a short, easy read with a well-loved character at the center. Fans of the author’s “Raymie Nightingale” will be thrilled to see the return of Louisiana Elefante. Written in the first person, Louisiana’s voice really comes through. I can’t imagine this story being told any other way, because her voice is truly unique. Headstrong Louisiana deals with major life changes with tenacity, humor, and heart. Although not entirely easy to see on the surface, young readers will learn the message that good things come to those who wait, and that it sometimes just takes a little bit of faith in others to be able to find one’s own strengths. I would recommend reading “Raymie Nightingale” first, to get a better depth of understanding of the characters, but it isn’t necessary for understanding this book. Best for middle grades, although advanced elementary readers may enjoy it as well. Thank you to NetGalley, Candlewick Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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September 27, 2018September 27, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Stuck in Manistique

I was fortunate enough to be pre-approved for this book. Even though it didn’t look like something I would normally read, I’m very grateful for the “read everything you can” perspective I got from my mom. I would really have hated to miss out on this lovely book by Dennis Cuesta. It was like taking a quick vacation to a more serene place. Even though it was set in the UP of Lake Michigan, it reminded me a lot of the small towns in the Sierra Nevada where we used to spend our summers (right down to the interactions with residents that make you realize that everyone knows everyone’s business…and is okay with it). Really, a simple time in a simple place. I sincerely hope they still exist, not just in fiction.

Please note that Amazon does not have a listing for this title yet. When they do, I will post an updated link to the book. My review follows:

Stuck in Manistique by Dennis Cuesta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely charming book. The author’s love for the setting, the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Lake Michigan, comes through in his descriptions of the sights, the people, and even the lexicon of the area. The characters are memorable, and the plot lines are believable. Even though I guessed at a couple of the resolutions, it was still a nice ride with the characters as they reached their destinations. There were some very funny moments (nice odes to Fawlty Towers), as well as some heart-wrenching ones. All of it was written with care and attention to detail. In all of the noise of everyday life, it was very relaxing to spend some time in Manistique. I sincerely hope the author writes more stories with these characters. Thank you to NetGalley, Celestial Eyes Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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September 25, 2018September 25, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: The 7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

I love science fiction. I love Downton Abbey. Did I ever think that I would find a book that would meld the two together in a plausible manner? No. Did I actually find such a book?

Yes.

This is probably the most unique book I have read in a long time. I don’t even know how exactly to classify it. It’s mostly mystery, but there’s more to it than that. I don’t know how to describe it without giving major plot points away, because just the story arc itself is unique. The writer keeps the reader as off balance as the characters are, and that’s no easy feat. If you’re looking for something out of the norm that will take up a few days of reading and make you forget about other stuff, find this book. It will draw you in and hold you until the end. My Goodreads review is below:

The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Every once in a while, there comes a book that forces you to slow down your reading and really savor the story being told. This is that book. It’s Downton Abbey, as written by Agatha Christie, starring Sam Beckett (from Quantum Leap). And it all works. Ultimately a mystery, this book is also a stunning tapestry of the lives of the characters, both the rich and the servants. In that regard, I suppose it’s a little bit like Upstairs, Downstairs as well. Regardless, it is a highly atmospheric book with very vivid characters. The author does a fantastic job of creating a feeling of foreboding that the reader shares with the main character as the plot progresses. I really can’t go into the plot, because it is truly a book that needs to be discovered and unraveled slowly. Which brings me to another point: clear time to read this. It is not a fast read. You’ll need to take your time to really get all of the nuances (and to keep all of the characters straight). Highly innovative and intriguing, I hope this author writes more like it! Definite five stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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September 21, 2018September 25, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: One Dark Night

Release Date: 10/23/2018
(Low Pre-Sale Price)

Every once in awhile, a book really leaps out at you, grabs you, and takes you on a crazy terrific ride. You know what I mean? There are the books that are fun outings, where you progress leisurely and finish with a happy sigh. Then there are the books that say “screw that” and careen through the action, keeping you off balance, where you’re practically gasping for breath and thinking, “what the hell did I just experience?”. This is solidly in the latter category. A page-turner by any definition, “One Dark Night” explores how a reaction to a simple, every-day occurrence can have far-reaching and (very) unintended consequences. Trust me, you’ll re-think being angry at the next person who cuts you off on the highway! A smart author also knows that it is difficult to credibly sustain a particular action for an entire book. Tom Bale recognizes this, and changes up the story to give the reader little breaks and shifts in focus. This works wonderfully to keep the tension level high, but not with pointless filler. If you’re looking for an action movie in book form, look no further. This one is for you!

Here is my Goodreads review:

Sit down, buckle up, and get ready for one heck of an adrenaline rush! This book starts off fast and never really lets up. From the opening event to the wrap-up, I was enthralled and couldn’t read fast enough. What made this book unique was that the author zigged when I thought he was going to zag, and every time I thought I had a bead on what was happening, the author switched gears. No matter what the setting, the descriptions were so vivid that the atmospheres felt very real. The action is at times thriller, crime, suspense, mystery…but it is fluid and morphs naturally from one to the other. This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and I will certainly be looking for his other ones! An excellent entry in the Mystery/Thriller genre. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

September 19, 2018September 19, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Perfect Girls (Detective Rachel Prince Book 3)

As you’ve probably been able to tell, I don’t stick to one genre of books. I read whatever strikes me (or whatever is up next on my NetGalley list). As a result, I sometimes end up with a book that is part of a series. I usually don’t like to read these for two reasons: 1) it can feel like reading the end of something to know what happens before reading the rest or 2) there’s so much detail from the previous events, it’s not worth going back and reading the others. I get happy when I find a series that doesn’t do either. This is one of those. However, don’t be me: find the first one and start from the beginning. Below is my Goodreads review.

Perfect Girls (Detective Rachel Prince #3) — Published
9/18/2018

Perfect Girls by Alison James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cracking good crime thriller! The third in the Detective Rachel Prince series, it’s the first one I’ve read, and I will definitely be going back to read the first two. Det. Prince is a flawed heroine; she apparently has a tendency to think romantically about people she works with (according to references to previous events), tends to be obsessive, and seems off-balance in some of her familial relationships. All of this makes her more human, and not the usual “superhero cop” who solves a case easily. The story unfolds in “real time,” with the actions of Rachel and co-workers interspersed with brief perspectives from the perpetrator of the crimes. This lends authenticity to the story, and the glimpses of the criminal mind slowly draw the reader deeper into the investigation. The author has researched well; the description of travel and locations are accurate and vivid. The time constraint that Rachel is working under compels the reader to keep up with Rachel’s sense of urgency. The crimes at the heart of the story are timely, especially in the age of social media saturation. Not really a spoiler, but you probably won’t look at a certain growing trend in travel the same way ever again. A great read, and I look forward to adding this series to my “follow” lists. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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September 18, 2018September 18, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Meet Me in San Francisco

Meet Me in San Francisco by Shana Gray

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The second in the “Girls Weekend Away” series, this book is as breezy as the first one. Half girlfriend road-trip, half wonderful guy sweeps woman off of her feet, there is plenty for everyone to like. Celia is the focus of this one, and moms of all types will definitely be able to relate to her desire to re-discover herself after a divorce. The only thing that disappointed me a little bit about this book is that there was too much focus on Landon impressing Celia. These scenes came at the expense of detailing other events. I understand the author’s focus for Celia, but I would have liked to have had a little more of the girl-talk between the four friends (because the author does it well), and a little less of the inner monologues of Celia and Landon. As in the first book, the conflict is fleeting, although I do hope the author follows Celia’s story through the next two books because the storyline with the ex is interesting. The ending was also a little abrupt; it almost seemed like an afterthought. I will give the author credit for doing her research on San Francisco and the California Coast. I’m a born and raised California girl (SF Bay Area), and reading the descriptions of Northern California brought me to the beautiful parts of the state that I miss the most. Looking forward to seeing what happens with Fredi and Ava! 3.5 stars, but bumped to 4 for the nostalgia that the scenes in Monterey and Napa Valley invoked. Thank you to NetGalley, Entangled Publishing LLC, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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