Life's about changing nothing ever stays the same: DAUGHTER.

Daughter by Kate McLaughlin


Scarlet leads a pretty average teenage life, except for her very overprotective mother. Her mom has always watched Scarlet's every move and kept her from engaging in a lot of activities. When FBI Agent Logan shows up on their doorstep, it all starts to make sense. He reveals her mother was once married to notorious serial killer Jeffrey Robert Lake, known for killing and burying many women at his family's lake house. And Scarlet? She's his daughter. Now Lake is dying, and he will only reveal the names and locations of more victims to one person--his daughter. Scarlet is suddenly faced with a horrible decision, as well as the burden of learning about her troubled past.

"Her father's crimes will haunt her for the rest of her life. God help her. I don't reckon she'll ever get a moment's peace."

This is a captivating story that I breezed through in one day. If you like shows like Criminal Minds, this is the perfect book for you. Does it simplify a lot of things? No doubt. Is it completely entertaining? Yes.

Just imagining what it would be like to learn Scarlet's news is pretty insane, and McLaughlin, as always, does a wonderful job of capturing Scarlet's teen voice. She's an engaging narrator and it's quite easy to get sucked into her world. The book also features articles and new pieces about Scarlet's father (and mother) back in the day, so we learn about Lake's evil side and all his horrific crimes and are led to wonder--what sort of role did Scarlet's mother play in his crimes?

There are certainly some simplified pieces to this story. Scarlet and her mom deal with the same FBI Agent as she did nearly twenty years ago, even stay with his family at their home, and, of course, Scarlet develops a crush on his son. One has to question the wisdom of sending a teen in to meet with an infamous serial killer... but, hey, it's mesmerizing in the story. The book also does a great job of illustrating how society focuses on killers and not the real victims.

Overall, this is a quick read, even though it covers a lot of serious topics. Its narrator is excellent, and I would have loved this book as a teen. (I quite enjoyed it now!)

I received a copy of this book St. Martin's Press / Wednesday Books and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Then the lonely can't pretend: THE REPLACEMENT WIFE.

The Replacement Wife by Darby Kane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Elisa Wright is a busy mom who also happens to think her brother-in-law is a murderer. One of Josh's past wives is dead and his fiancee is missing. And now he's dating someone new, without showing much grief. As Elisa starts to investigate Josh's past, she uncovers some terrifying information about him and the family. She also befriends his current girlfriend, who gives off mixed messages about how she feels about Josh. Meanwhile, events start to happen that have Elisa wondering about her own sanity--and her husband seems to be questioning her as well.

The premise of this book was interesting, but it just did not work well for me. Most of the plot was Elisa entertaining Josh and his girlfriend, then an argument with them or her husband, rinse and repeat. Or pick up her kid, some angst, and an argument. It felt slow and repetitive and the tension and intrigue that should exist did not. There were no huge surprises or twists there. In addition, the characters were so whiny and just irritating.

The ending was kind of fun and all in all, the book kept me just curious enough to keep reading. 3 stars.

I received a copy of this book from William Morrow/Custom House and Netgalley / Scene of the Crime in return for an unbiased review.

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As if I belonged to you: MY DARLING HUSBAND.

My Darling Husband by Kimberly Belle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jade Lasky thinks she has a perfect life--a beautiful home, a wonderful and handsome chef husband, Cam, who owns a chain of successful restaurants, and two lovely children. But all that changes when a masked man springs on her and the children in their garage. He terrorizes them and demands a large amount of ransom from Cam. As Cam rushes to gather the money, Jade tries to decipher clues about this man and begins to wonder if their lifestyle is really as good as Cam was telling her.

I quite enjoyed this riveting page turner; it's quite impossible to put down, honestly. The story is told from Jade's POV as the invasion unfolds, interspersed with an interview from the Cam after it happens and a few snippets from the "bad guy's" perspective. It's an amazingly effective format, propelling the story forward in an action-packed format. Why on earth is that man torturing this family? Is it random or personal? The family's young children are involved, as Jade feels she must do anything to protect them.

As a reader, you can't help but wonder what would you would do in this horrible situation. It's a dark and twisty read, with secrets popping up around every corner. While it's very much a thriller, there's also a lot of emotion and family trauma involved as well. Definitely an excellent page-turner. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Harlequin/Park Row and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Best Of... Favorite Books Read in 2021!

Trying a simplified "best of" edition this year... let's see how this goes! I've broken my favorite books read into genres. As always, a reminder that these are the favorite books I read in 2021, thought they might not have necessarily been published in 2021. If you'd like to read more in-depth reviews of any of the books featured here, you can find them on my Goodreads site. 

Happy reading!  

MYSTERY & THRILLERS 

*EXIT — a funny and heartwarming tale coupled with an excellent, intricate mystery that keeps you surprised. Protagonist Felix Pink is a delight. 

*LOLA ON FIRE — a dark, fast paced thriller that feels like an action movie. It’s raw and violent with a layer of underlying tenderness.

*THE POSTSCRIPT MURDERS — a wonderful and witty mystery filled with bookish references; the second in the series featuring the excellent DS Harbinder Kaur. (A crime series with a lesbian lead—I love it!) 

*MOTHER MAY I — a riveting and addictive thriller about the power of motherhood. So suspenseful and twisty—an excellent page turner! 

*WHITE NIGHTS — second in the Shetland Island series and an atmospheric mystery that will keep you guessing. I love Detective Jimmy Perez. 

*THE NIGHT HAWKS — number 13 in the Dr. Ruth Galloway series, but still as captivating as ever. It’s a lovely book with beloved characters and a strong, creepy story. 

 *GONE FOR GOOD — a cold case intersects with a new murder in the first entry of the Annalisa Vega series. Well-written, great protagonist, wonderful intertwining of Vega’s personal life with the investigation, and keeps you guessing. 

*THE NIGHT SHE DISAPPEARED — an intricate and twisty page turner about a missing young woman. Very dark but features such a great balance of thrills and characterization—complex and intricate and so well-done. 

 

 FICTION & NON FICTION (And yes, non-fiction is used lightly here as there is only one. But it was great!)

 *THE KINDEST LIE -- a beautifully written book that deftly examines the issues of racism and class in America. Set in 2008, its characterization is great and it's often sad, often touching, and always well-done.

*HONEY GIRL -- one of my favorite books ever, this is a beautiful, charming, must-read lesbian romance. I loved the main character Grace beyond words. It's hilarious and funny yet deftly covers mental health issues and racism.

*WHAT COULD BE SAVED -- a lyrical and fascinating look at the pull of family. Much of this book is set in Bangkok and the entire story is immersive and illuminating.

*SKYE FALLING -- a unique look at the complexities of family and race. It's funny, heartfelt, and completely engaging, with an authentic cast of characters.

*THE GUNCLE -- a beautiful, funny, and sweet story of finding hope after loss, when "Gay Uncle Patrick" takes in his brother's kids for the summer after his sister-in-law's death. This sad yet hopeful and witty book is made up of a million little wonderful moments you will treasure.

*SHE DRIVES ME CRAZY -- Maybe should have gone in my romances section, but who cares, it's SO GOOD! Friends to enemies + fake dating done in the best fashion ever. Queer romance, basketball, humor, and tenderness.

*MY MONTICELLO -- beautifully written, nuanced, and insightful collection of short stories and a novella that explore race, identity, and more.

*RAZORBLADE TEARS -- riveting and heartbreaking story about a black father, a white father, and their murdered sons. Brutal and not afraid to tackle hard topics.

*EVERYTHING WE DIDN'T SAY -- suspenseful family drama that perfectly captures small town Iowa. Taut and slow burning with nuanced characters.

*THE RURAL DIARIES -- delightful and honest memoir detailing Hilarie Burton Morgan and her family settling in Rhinebeck, NY. 

 

ROMANCE 

 *THE SOULMATE EQUATION -- a witty and wonderful romance about a number crunching single mom, Jess, who matches with the creator of a new dating site that predicts love through your DNA. Features a great couple with awesome chemistry, excellent banter, and made me smile constantly.

*ONE LAST STOP -- a dazzling, heartfelt queer romance filled with diverse characters. August and Jane are a romance for the ages. This book is swoony and sexy. A gorgeous story flowing with passion, with beauty, and with magic.

*THE CHARM OFFENSIVE -- a delightful romcom set in the reality show realm. This is a truly lovely book, with a great romance filled with crackling tension. It combines excellent points about mental illness and being loved unconditionally. I loved its blend of serious and fun and flirty.

*EIGHT PERFECT HOURS -- Charming, passionate, slow-burn romance about two people finding their way back together after being stuck in the snow. Great chemistry, excellent coverage of mental health, and so heartwarming.

*SPOILER ALERT -- Funny, sexy, and sweet read centered around fan fiction and body positivity. So charming with amazing banter but also some moving emotional moments. 

 

YOUNG ADULT 

*CONCRETE ROSE -- A striking prequel to THUG that deftly shows how institutionalized racism has affected Maverick's world. It touches on friendship, family, belonging, and more. Spellbinding and so well-done.

*COOL FOR THE SUMMER -- a wonderful book about finding yourself and love. Adler's characters pop onto the pages. Portrays the queer community very well and does an excellent job capturing teens and the spark of falling in love. Fun, sweet, and captivating.

*THIS POISON HEART -- captivating YA fantasy. Briseis knows she has a rare gift--with just a touch, she can grow plants. Filled with strong women, including Briseis (who is bi) and her two moms. Part mystery, part myth, and all page-turner.

*HAZEL BLY AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA -- an absolutely stunning read that viscerally captures grief and loss. Everything in this book is amazing--the whimsical myth of the Rose Maid; the diversity of the characters; and the total acceptance of Hazel's parents being gay and bi. It made me cry, but left me hopeful too.

*THE DEAD AND THE DARK -- mesmerizing look at the supernatural and the pull of family. Gould’s book (a debut!) is original and spellbinding and filled with LGBTQIA rep. Part horror story, part exploration of the meaning and depths of darkness, and part look at family dynamics. A ghost story and a sapphic love interest--what more do you need?

*NEVER SAW YOU COMING -- an insightful look at love and religion. A really lovely and moving story. While it includes a lot of religious themes and discussion, religion and forgiveness informs the story, rather than detracts from it. This lovely book offers a charming romance, along with a timely look at religion and how it can affect young people as they make their way in the world.

*FROM LITTLE TOKYO, WITH LOVE -- wonderful exploration of belonging and family. It's impossible not to root for Rika. Features real characters, covers serious topics while remaining funny and romantic, and will sweep you off your feet with its beautiful story.

If you've got a gambler's heart: THE MAID.

The Maid by Nita Prose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Molly Gray has always been a bit different. She has trouble interpreting the social clues of others. For the first twenty-five years of her life, Molly had her Gran to help her navigate life. But Molly's Gran recently passed away, leaving Molly alone. Molly works as a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, a job she adores: the order, the routine, the cleanliness. Molly lives for order and the joy in restoring hotel rooms to the perfection they require. Her routine is upended the day she finds one of the hotel's most famous guests, wealthy Charles Black, dead in his room. Molly's strange way of interacting with the world soon has the police convinced she was involved. It will take a group of friends--friends Molly never realized she had--to get her out of this mess and help Molly determine who really was responsible for Mr. Black's death.

This is one of those books that was slightly over-hyped for me, but I still really enjoyed it. The characters are excellent, especially Molly and Mr. Preston, the doorman at the hotel who looks out for her. Molly's way of looking at the world is different, yes, but she's also smart and charming. The book does a great job of highlighting that being different is not necessarily wrong--and, in fact, it might just be better.

While Molly's quirks are certainly part of the story, it's truly a murder mystery at heart, as we try to figure out who killed Mr. Black. His younger second wife? His ungrateful children? Other hotel guests or workers? As we filter information through Molly's eyes, there is much to uncover about the true goings on at the Regency Grand Hotel. Sometimes this was a bit saccharine for me, but overall a charming read and an intriguing story. 4+ stars.

I received a copy of this book from Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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All this time I lived inside a memory: IF THIS GETS OUT.

If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

The boy-band Saturday is huge and beloved by their fans. But behind their carefully crafted image is four real boys (Ruben, Zach, Angel, and Jon), who are starting to resent all the handling and smoothing that goes into what makes Saturday tick. Eighteen-year-old Ruben is gay, but unable to come out under Saturday's management. Angel is starting to crack under the strain as well, increasing his partying ways. On Saturday's European tour Ruben and Zack grow closer than ever, sharing a moment that makes each of them question their friendship and Zack to wonder about his sexuality. They also realize that if they want this moment to turn into a romance, there's no way Saturday's management will ever allow it. How can Ruben and Zack ever live their own lives and be in the band?

I loved parts of this book and found other parts to be eh. I took me a while to get into this story and honestly to get to know the boys and to be able to tell them apart. The story felt very YA and juvenile and it seemed like you needed to be a boy band fanatic and care about what boy bands do to get into the story. While I sympathized with the band parts of the story, I could take or leave a lot of it. I didn't care for the drug use, the partying, or even all the discussion of the treatment of celebrities.

What I did love was Zack and Ruben's friendship and relationship and the book's exploration of bisexuality (via Zack), closeting in the music industry, and just its delicate look at a budding relationship between two boys. In that case, this was a sweet story of two people falling in love, with the added element of having to hide it. I would have liked to get to know Zack and Ruben's characters more (the whole band, really, but especially Zack and Ruben)--we learn a bit about Ruben's controlling mother and Zack's own mom, but I never felt like I truly knew them and what got them to this place.

This was an interesting story, and I enjoyed Zack and Ruben, even if I wished there had been more character development. I can see this being a big hit with YA music lovers. 3.5 stars.


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We got the life that we wanted: GOLDEN GIRL.

Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Author Vivian Howe, well-known on her beloved Nantucket, is out for a run when she's struck by a car and killed. Vivian goes to the Beyond, where she's assigned a Person, named Martha, who gives Vivi three "Nudges" to use over the course of the summer. She's allowed to watch her family until Labor Day, when she'll pass to the next step. Vivi can use those nudges to change the outcomes down on earth, as she watches over her children: daughter Willa, who is struggling after three miscarriages; daughter Carson, a wayward bartender; and her young son Leo, who is struggling with his relationship with his high school girlfriend.

In GOLDEN GIRL, Hilderbrand writes that she hopes her characters "feel real," and she always seems to have the magic touch, because they really do. My favorite thing about opening a Hilderbrand book is that you get completely lost in the story, no matter what. The supernatural element here is different from the typical Hilderbrand, but no matter what, her storytelling remains strong, and I felt lost in the world of Nantucket and Vivi's family, including her kids, her ex-husband, and his girlfriend.

This is a rather meta story, as Vivi is an author writing a book called GOLDEN GIRL as well. You learn about her past through her flashbacks, as well as about her family as she watches over them. It's so easy to get immersed in the story and get entangled in Willa, Carson, and Leo's lives. And, as with any of Hilderbrand's Nantucket novels, it makes you long for the beach.

Overall, I enjoyed this one. 4 stars.

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I'm bound to be back by morning time: A SLOW FIRE BURNING.

A Slow Fire Burning by Paula Hawkins
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

When Daniel dies on his houseboat -- not long after his mother, an alcoholic, has died as well -- suspicions are high. They fall on three women: Laura, a troubled young woman who just had a one night stand with Daniel. Carla, his grief-stricken aunt. And then Miriam, his nosy neighbor who finds the body. All three women have their own reasons to keep secrets. How far would they go to protect them?

"Accidents do happen, and they especially happen to drunks, but mother and son, eight weeks apart? In fiction, that would never stand."

This was an interesting and well-woven read, but I found it rather predictable. I thought for sure it would turn out differently, but the twists were not all that surprising. Still, I enjoyed it and found it intricate enough to hold my interest. Most of the characters are fairly unlikable (that's often an understatement), but Laura has a fairly sad past and there's a pretty awesome spunky older woman, Irene, who is Angela's neighbor and she basically redeemed the story for me.

This book, while a mystery, has a decent amount of character-driven moments and it can truly be pretty sad and depressing. We start with Daniel's death and then sort of go in reverse, so you learn a lot about everyone's backstories, and none of them are particularly uplifting. The story touches on family, motherhood, and the idea of forgiveness. Overall, a solid 3-star read for me.

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Put your dreams away for now: BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME.

Better Luck Next Time by Julia Claiborne Johnson
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

In the 1930s, women seeking divorce--no-questions-asked--could come to Reno, Nevada. The only catch was they had to spend six weeks there to become residents. Enter the Flying Leap, a dude ranch for the wealthy that facilitates the divorces by giving them a lovely stay and helping take care of everything. Ward, age 24, spent a year in college before his family lost everything to the Great Depression. Now he's working at the Flying Leap. Handsome and helpful, he's quite adored by the women. Soon, his life will be upended again by the arrival of two of the latest guests: Nina, who is back for her third divorce, and Emily, who is struggling after leaving her cheating husband.

I adored Julia Claiborne Johnson's book BE FRANK WITH ME and was so excited to read this one. The books are very different, but she's such a good writer and brings you into the worlds she creates. LUCK is told in a conversational style by Ward, about the time period when he wasn't quite 25, though he's now quite an older man. It's not the kind of book you'd typically come across, but it's fascinating too. It's honestly refreshing to read such a unique book with such memorable characters. The plot is so interesting and while it certainly covers serious topics, it's also really funny and witty in places and could make me laugh out loud.

The characters could be totally frustrating at times, but also truly real. If you're looking for a read unlike most, I recommend this one. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Custom House and LibraryThing in return for an unbiased review.

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She's still around but she is gone: THE DISAPPEARING ACT.

The Disappearing Act by Catherine Steadman
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Mia Eliot is a London-based actress who is now in LA for pilot season. She's ready for her big break in Hollywood. At an audition she meets another fellow actress, Emily. After she agrees to help Emily out, things take a turn, and suddenly Emily is missing, with Mia the last person to have seen her. Mia thinks all is well when Emily shows up, but the person who shows up claiming to be her... isn't Emily. Why would someone claim to be Emily? Worried for her own mental health, Mia goes on a quest to find Emily and soon uncovers some very dangerous and worrisome answers.

This was a pretty decent page-turner. I had to get past the fact that Mia seemed somewhat obsessed with Emily: the whole situation was a bit contrived. It would have been a bit easy for her to be like, okay, this was weird, but the police are handling it. (It was also a little interesting to think what I would have done in a similar situation too, though.) If you can move past that, the book is full of twists, especially once it really gets in full swing. It has a lot of surprises and truly kept me guessing until the end.

Sadly, I didn't really love the resolution--I wish the ending had been a little different. Still, the presentation of the #MeToo theming and overall insights into acting are presented quite well. Mia is an interesting character, as well, her obsession not withstanding. 3.5 stars.

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And wonders of his love: IT HAPPENED ONE SUMMER.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

After a break-up, socialite Piper Bellinger holds a wild party that ends with her in jail. Fed up, her wealthy stepfather cuts her off and sends Piper and her sister Hannah to Washington state (aka purgatory) to run her late father's dive bar. Piper is appalled by the state of their accommodations (bunk beds!) and the hideous bar they need to fix up. But she's determined to show her stepfather that she can cut it. In Westport, she meets Brendan, a local sea captain, who shares her stepfather's idea that Piper stands no chance at survival in his town. Piper and Brendan are total opposites, but they certainly seem to share chemistry. Piper needs to focus if she's going to survive in Westport, but as she starts to learn about her family's past here, she begins to wonder if LA is where she really belongs... and if Brendan--and Westport--are truly that terrible.

"If she didn't have her social status, what did she have?"

This is a fun read, with Piper inspired by the character of Alexis in Schitt's Creek. I enjoyed imagining Piper as Alexis. While this may be a somewhat predictable story, it's also really funny, and very steamy and sexy. Piper is quite vapid at first, but offers us some surprising depth as she finds her way in Westport. She becomes an engaging character and her relationship with Brendan is one that's easy to get behind.

Overall, this story is just easy to like. It's nice to have an enjoyable story that makes you smile once in a while. This was my first book by Tessa Bailey, but I'll definitely be reading others. 4 stars.

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If I could go back in time, I would in a second: FLOAT PLAN.

Float Plan by Trish Doller
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Ever since Anna lost her fiance, Ben, to suicide, she's been wandering around like a lost soul. But when a reminder pops up about the sailing trip they had planned, she decides to take it. She sets off in their sailboat to take the trip around the Caribbean that Ben had meticulously designed. But after one night, Anna realizes she can't do the trip alone (and survive). So she hires a professional to help her. Keane is also grieving, in his own way, and dealing with a life that hasn't turned out like he's planned. Together the two need to make it to Puerto Rico--and perhaps find a way to rediscover happiness.

"One of the things I’ve learned is that suicide doesn’t break a person’s heart just once."

This is a lovely book--it's also much sadder than I expected. If you've lost someone to suicide, it will hit you right in the gut. It deals with loss and grief very directly, but also in a very touching way. It's quite a "boaty" sailing book--there is a lot about sailing and boating and such terminology. Sometimes it's a bit much and the story seems to get lost in the details.

FLOAT PLAN is about finding your way back to your life after loss and even finding love after sadness. That part is quite well-done. As for Keane and Anna as a couple, I didn't particularly love them together. But this is a sensitive and well-written book, which pushes up the score. I'm not sure I really knew the characters fully (though I knew the sailing terms), but I really enjoyed the writing and the ideas presented. 3.5 stars.

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Headed back to where their hearts belong: THE BALLERINAS.

The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Delphine grew up in the world of ballet. Her mother was a famous dancer, and she followed in her footsteps. But she left her prestigious place in the Paris Opera Ballet, her mother's company, to become a choreographer in Russia. She left behind her two best friends, and fellow dancers, Lindsay and Margaux, and a dark secret. But now, fourteen years later, Delphine is coming back, to choreograph a ballet she hopes will change her career--and that of her former friends--for the better. But she soon realizes that things have changed for Lindsay and Margaux while she's been away. Picking up their friendship won't be as easy as she thought, and neither will keeping her long buried secret.

"You start out as whole and then you break."

I really wanted to like this book more than I did. It took quite some time to get interesting, and I use that term loosely. There's a great deal of ballet talk and terminology in the beginning (in the whole book). The girls are bitter and prone to jealousy and in-fighting, and they are not any easier to like as they grow up. Our protagonist, Delphine, is incredibly hard to root for, as she comes across as self-centered and narcissistic.

The book is told in a back and forth non-linear format--switching from the girls in ballet school at one moment to present day to memories of Delphine's time in Russia. It's very hard to follow the timeline, to be honest. I also really hate the whole "we did something bad but haha we aren't going to tell you" trope, which the plot revolves around a great deal. It's so frustrating to have this held over our heads, especially when you don't really care that much about the characters. Just spit it out!

THE BALLERINAS seemed to veer around, suffering from a crisis of identity. Coming of age ballerina tale? Angry #MeToo vengeance tale? Twisty thriller? It was hard to keep up. This was not a thriller, no matter how it was billed, but more of a character-driven story. It does get more interesting as the book goes on, but the characters never become more likable and the plot could only provide so much intrigue.

Overall, this story didn't really work for me. But many other reviewers really enjoyed it, so hopefully you'll fall into that camp. 2.5/3 stars.

I received a copy of THE BALLERINAS from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.


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Where the sky came apart with my guilt-stricken heart: FALSE WITNESS.

False Witness by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Leigh Coulton has a normal life on the surface: job as an attorney, a well-adjusted daughter, a civil relationship with her ex-husband. But in Leigh's past is a terrible childhood, with a neglectful mother and lots of buried secrets. The only one who truly knows Leigh is her younger sister, Callie, a drug addict whom she rarely sees. When a case lands on her desk--a high-profile one that could make or break her career--Leigh realizes it's no coincidence why the accused man asked for her as his attorney. He knows about her past and the secrets she's worked so hard to remain hidden. And if she can't get this monster acquitted, he'll ruin everything she's tried so hard to forget and keep buried.

Wow, so Karin Slaughter's stand-alones are typically dark, but this one takes it to a whole new level. This book is brutal and horrifying. It's filled with descriptions of drug addiction, sexual assault, rape, and murder--if you cannot handle detailed depictions of these things, skip this one.

Still, at it's core, this is a love story about two sisters, so damaged by their past that they are barely hanging on, and it's really well-done. It's a rough read, but an intricate one, and Slaughter crafts Leigh and Callie so well that you become quite attached to them (even if I wanted to shake Leigh on multiple occasions for her bad decisions--ironic, since Callie is the supposed drug addict and screw up).

The "bad guy" in this book is so terrible, so hideous, it's almost hard to read at times. Slaughter has created a true beast. This book is not for the faint of heart in any way. You pretty much learn who he is from the beginning, and the book revolves around whether Leigh and Callie will be able to stop him and recover their lives. The point of view goes back and forth between Leigh and Callie and also skips between past and present. I'm not sure how it all works, but it does, and the result is a total page-turner. The pandemic factors in, but only tangentially.

This is a harsh read, but a completely suspenseful one. There's a lot about family under all the horror, and the entire book is quite well-written. If you don't mind a really (really) dark read, it's very good. 4+ stars.

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This was a town took care of its own: THE RURAL DIARIES.

The Rural Diaries: Love, Livestock, and Big Life Lessons Down on Mischief Farm by Hilarie Burton Morgan
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

THE RURAL DIARIES is Hilarie Burton Morgan's story of meeting her partner, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and their moving to Rhinebeck, New York and growing their working farm and family together. I read it on a whim, as I follow Morgan on Instagram and am fascinated by her life. I've watched ONE TREE HILL a bit, but she's not a celebrity I know a lot about, so I wasn't looking for anything specific here.

As a result, I found this memoir absolutely delightful. Morgan is a wonderful writer, and this book is charming while being incredibly honest and real. She covers some very serious topics, such as infertility, miscarriage, marriage, and loss, while candidly talking about building up their farm into a working and usable place. She is a total badass with everything she does on that farm, by the way, from manual labor to home renovations to overcoming any obstacle thrown her way. You will finish this book filled with utter admiration for Morgan--I was completely envious of everything she could do.

As always, when I read a memoir, I look for similarities with its author. I had no idea she'd grown up in Virginia and enjoyed hearing about places in Northern Virginia that I recognized. I took delight in the fact she doesn't like the phone and seeks out kids, not adults, at parties because she's an introvert. Morgan has a way of writing about herself that's honest, but not in the typical self-centered celebrity fashion and I think that's why this memoir is so successful. She feels like a real person in THE RURAL DIARIES; a friend you could be chatting with over coffee, not an actor trying to get a few laughs.

"So folks, this is a love letter. To a town. To a farm. To a man."

THE RURAL DIARIES starts around the time Morgan first meets Jeffrey Dean Morgan and goes from there. It's interspersed with recipes and little anecdotes from her life spent on the farm. The format works well, and it's incredibly easy to read. You're left feeling that you've learned about a strong, humble, tough woman who has led an admirable life. Overall, I found this to be a really enjoyable read. 4.5 stars.

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I don't want to be one of those forlorn fools out on the street: BATH HAUS.

Bath Haus by P.J. Vernon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Oliver has a past history of addiction and abuse. He has a safe life now with his partner, Nathan, who is a doctor. However, he jeopardizes that when he goes to a bathhouse when Nathan is out of town. While there, a man tries to kill him and then begins stalking Oliver and making his life miserable. Terrified of ruining everything, Oliver lies to Nathan about the incident and chaos ensues.

I'm definitely the outlier for this book, but I didn't love it as much as everyone else. I am always glad to see a gay protagonist, but never thrilled when they are cheating, lying, and generally up to no good. I was not as invested in the characters of BATH HAUS as I had hoped--I didn't care for anyone, even Oliver, that much. There are a lot of side plot lines: one with Oliver's ex, one with Nathan's friend, one with Nathan's parents--and they often seem distracting and as if there's too much going on at once.

As the book goes on, it goes get better and it definitely kept me guessing. It's tense and suspenseful, for sure. There's a limited pool of suspects, but you find yourself flipping from person to person and thinking it's each one for a few pages. Still, this just wasn't what I had expected or as good as I hoped. I am not a fan of books where the characters do not communicate, and wow, that certainly happened here.

Overall, this is quite a page-turner, but I couldn't find myself invested in the characters. Still, basically everyone else on the planet seemed to love it. 3 stars.

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I don't mind working without a net: RAZORBLADE TEARS.

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

RAZORBLADE TEARS is the third book in my alphabetical author challenge (C). This story about a black father, a white father, and their murdered sons was riveting and heartbreaking.

Ike has been out of jail for fifteen years when his son Isiah is murdered, along with his husband, Derek. Ike never fully accepted that Isiah was gay and neither did Derek’s father, Buddy Lee. But as two ex-cons, Ike and Buddy Lee feel that they can seek justice for Isiah and Derek better than the cops. As they do, they set off a violent chain of events that may put themselves in danger as well.

This book is so good—well-written and not afraid to tackle hard topics such as racism and homophobia. It made me cry, and Ike and Buddy Lee felt like real people to me. It’s not for the faint of heart—it’s gory—but it’s also about love, family, and acceptance. This story is brutal but also hopeful, and I cannot recommend it enough!

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Like I'm the only one who knows your heart: WISH YOU WERE HERE.

Wish You Were Here by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Diana O'Toole has her life perfectly planned out. Marriage, kids, a career in art history at Sotheby's. Key in her plan is her boyfriend, Finn, a surgical resident. She's sure he's going to propose during their upcoming trip to the Galápagos. But before they can go on the trip, COVID hits, and the world shuts down. Finn cannot leave New York: he's required to stay at the hospital. Not wanting their nonrefundable trip to go to waste, they decide Diana should go without him. Once there, she finds the entire island under quarantine and realizes she's stranded until everything reopens. Without her hotel reservation or even usual shopping open, Diana finds herself reexamining her life and all she has planned.

This is certainly a COVID themed book, which hits you hard, but it's very well-done. It's told from the perspective of Finn, as he struggles in his New York hospital, and Diana, as she finds herself stranded in the Galápagos. She occasionally writes him postcards and he sometimes writes her emails. It's a fast read, and very "Picoult"--all twisty and emotional, with our protagonist, Diana, questioning her life and her choices. Also meticulously researched--the Galápagos, Diana's art history career, and all the COVID aspects.

Overall, this one makes you think. I found it moving and timely and worth the read. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Random House / Ballantine in return for an unbiased review.

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She's nothing like the things you said: ALL THE FEELS

All the Feels by Olivia Dade
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Alex Woodroe plays Cupid on the popular show God of the Gates. But he hates what the showrunners have done with his character. When he gets into a bar fight--just the latest in a series of escapades--said showrunners hire someone to keep watch over him and his public behavior. One more misstep, after all, and Alex's career is basically over. Lauren Clegg is cousin to one of the showrunners, a former ER therapist whose experience in stressful situations makes her well-situated to deal with the impetuous Alex. However, the more time she spends with him, the more she realizes his behavior may be misunderstood--and have some actual reasons behind it. And the more Alex gets to know Lauren, who is often mocked for her short height and appearance, the more he can't help but feel something for her. As the two face scandals and a road trip together, they'll have to choose what is really important, for themselves and for one another.

"His new nanny looked like a bird."

This is a fun romance and a good companion to SPOILER ALERT. You can read them as stand-alones, but they are intertwined and FEELS runs somewhat concurrently in plot to ALERT. I didn't think this one was quite as good as ALERT, but still really enjoyed it. Full-time Alex could be a little grating and there was sometimes too much focus on Lauren's appearance--her height and constant references to looking like a bird, etc. But I enjoyed learning Alex's backstory, and Lauren was another strong, tough protagonist.

This is a very good and funny story, with excellent banter and overall focus on body positivity. It encompasses other important issues (ADHD, domestic abuse) too while still being a sweet romance. Alex can drive you a bit crazy (which is often the point) but he's still so humorous and kind, and Lauren is a good foil for him.

I felt Lauren and Alex fell in love a bit more quickly than our SPOILER ALERT duo. Each could be very black and white in the way they dealt with their issues. However, Alex's approach to calling out tropes ("there's only one bed!") was absolutely hilarious.

Overall, this is an amusing and delightful romance, even with its little quirks. Dade writes an excellent romance. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Avon and Harper Voyager and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Sometimes I don't know how we walked away: THE GRIMROSE GIRLS.

The Grimrose Girls by Laura Pohl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Grimrose Académie is an exclusive boarding school. There, Ella, Yuki, and Rory's best friend, Ariane dies before school even begins, and the police declare it a suicide. But the remaining trio are convinced that Ariane would never take her own life and set out to determine what happened to her. Then a new girl, Nani, arrives at the school as their roommate. Taking Ariane's place in her old bedroom, she discovers some of Ariane's left behind belongings. This sets off a series of events that will soon overwhelm the girls--and threaten their lives.

"The first day of school started with a funeral."

I have mixed feelings on this book. Some pieces of it frustrated me deeply, and I found them skim worthy and repetitive. It felt like a pale version of a typical "bad things happen a boarding school" read. It got off to a slow start, and I wasn't sure I felt like continuing.

But eventually it begins to work in a fairy tale angle. That piece is really fascinating and far more original. Tying deaths at Grimrose to ancient fairy tales and adding magic, the book picks up speed. There are still pieces that felt as if they could have been shortened, and sometimes the story is too melodramatic--even for teenage girls--but the fairy tale piece is really fun and interesting and carries the book. Honestly, in the beginning, I had a difficult time keeping Ella, Yuki, Rory and some of their other boarding school counterparts separate, though they do become more individualistic as the book goes on. Also, the representation is wonderfully diverse here, so kudos to Pohl for that.

Overall, this book is a slow mover at the beginning, with a decent bit of repetition, leaning too much on character description. But as it moves into its real plot twist and focus, it picks up speed and becomes quite intriguing. The fairy tale piece is original and exciting. I will give the next book a chance. 3 stars.

Also, please note a trigger warning for suicide, self-harm, anxiety, and OCD.

I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Fire and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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