As her dreams fade to black: THE HEIGHTS.

The Heights by Louise Candlish
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Ellen Saint is visiting a client in a high rise building when she spots a man across the rooftops. She's convinced he's Kieran Watts, the man she holds responsible for killing her son. Ellen is horrified to see Kieran again, as his presence brings back awful memories. But she's even more shocked, because Kieran Watts should be dead--after all, Ellen killed him.

"Kieran Watts has been dead for over two years when I see him standing on the roof of a building in Shad Thames."

This book was slightly weird and not what I expected, though not all in bad ways. However, it was a little long and dragged in places. It's very sad and sort of painful to read. Ellen is a very hard to like narrator, despite the fact that she's grieving. She's filled with so much anger and vitriol that it's incredibly hard to stomach. Her focus on Kieran and his role in her son's life is borderline too much.

"It can't be Kieran Watts, I tell myself. And if anyone can be sure of that it is me. Because I'm the one who killed him."

Ellen's story is one of revenge, but she's quite the unreliable narrator. It's told as a book within a book--as her memoir--and peppered with bits of news articles. You do find yourself questioning what you would do in Ellen's position. And there's certainly a bit of a mystery to unravel about what happened when Ellen's son died and how Kieran supposedly died and then returned. The intrigue is the best part, but Ellen's anger drags the book down. Overall, 3 stars from me.

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

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Fate skips a beat and it scares you to death: SUITE SPOT.

The Suite Spot by Trish Doller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Rachel Beck's careful life crashes when she loses her job as a night manager at a luxury hotel in Miami Beach. She's fired thanks to a wrongful accusation from a wealthy guest who actually assaulted her. Blackballed in the local hotel industry, Rachel follows a lead from a friend for a management position at a brewery hotel in Lake Erie at a place called Kelleys Island. Despite the owner's slightly gruff manner, Rachel decides to move herself and her daughter to the island, looking forward to the chance to run a hotel and brewery. But when she arrives, she finds the hotel... isn't built yet. Mason, its owner, begs her to stay, offering her carte blanche in the creation and design of the place. As the two work together, she realizes Mason has his own troubled past, but that working together on Kelleys Island might just be the second chance they both need.

"A career I spent nearly ten years building, gone in an instant because the Blackwells of the world always get their way."

This book was such a fun and pleasant surprise! I'll admit that I didn't really love the first book in the series, FLOAT PLAN, which featured Rachel's sister, Anna. It was a little too slow and sad for me. I wouldn't have really guessed that PLAN and SUITE SPOT were written by the same author, honestly, if they weren't linked by Anna and Rachel. SPOT does have a sad side, due to what we learn about Mason's past, but it's also sweet and romantic and funny.

The setting for this one is fun--a small island with a group of island folk that we get to know. Rachel is an interesting character; she's tough and motivated, but she has a soft side too. Her daughter, Maisie, is adorable, and it's enjoyable getting to know both of them. And Mason, is of course, a grumpy guy with secrets, but he does not come across as a cliche or trope, but a man with depth. He was easy to like, and I loved the chemistry between Mason and Rachel. I didn't like that there was only a hand wave to Rachel being plus size--not sure why that was introduced and then only briefly mentioned once or twice.

This book made me laugh and cry. It's really witty (there's an amazing appearance by a cat). I loved the themes of family and believing yourself that ran through it. This is a great read--sweet and inspiring. 4 stars.

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

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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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I know why we had to say goodbye like the back of my hand: HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER.

Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Hannah Bellinger is back in Westport, Washington, thanks to her brilliant idea to have her boss, Sergei, film his latest project there. She's had a crush on the director for ages and a desire to move up the ranks from assistant to music producer as well. Giving her romantic advice is Fox Thornton, Hannah's friend and Westport King crab fisherman. Fox is well-known in Westport for being a ladies man, but secretly he's been in love with Hannah since they met. As for Hannah, even though she's been pining after Sergei, the more time she spends with Fox, the more she falls for him. They both care about each other, but each has their own hang ups. Can Hannah and Fox get past them to find long-lasting love?

"What was that like? To be the star in the movie of your life?"

"He had never been jealous over a girl in his life. Except for this one."

This is a fairly cute story, but I never found myself wanting to pick it up, because it's fairly repetitious. We hear over and over about how Fox is a player, but cannot commit and people only think of him one way. He's the only one standing in his own way. Hannah, meanwhile, is stuck on the idea that she's the supporting player in her own life, not the leading lady. As they fight their own issues, they are constantly jumping to conclusions about the other, or immediately misunderstanding an action the other person took. Ugh! The plot, therefore, cannot move forward because we are constantly rehashing emotions or going over the same thing over and over.

It's sad, because when the story moves, it's quite enjoyable. When Fox or Hannah have breakthroughs or act like reasonable people, I like them a lot. They are cute together, amusing, and a powerful force. And there are certainly a lot of sexy times in the book, for sure. There's also a really cute and fun epilogue that offers some great insight into Hannah and her sister, Piper, from the first book.

Overall, this book is romantic and funny, but also slow-moving and often frustrating. 3 stars.

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

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Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end: THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN.

The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

THE GIRLS I'VE BEEN is the nineteenth book in my author challenge.

Nora grew up the daughter of a con-artist. Her mom used her as an accomplice to pull off her many cons. But when her mom fell for her latest mark and married him, Nora used her only escape hatch, her half-sister, and fled her poisonous old life. She's spent five years living with her sister and leading a "normal" life. This includes a former boyfriend and now best friend, Wes, and her new girlfriend, Iris. Both Wes and Iris are with Nora one morning at the bank, depositing money they've raised together for charity. But everything goes horribly wrong in an instant when someone pulls a gun, and they realize they're in the middle of a robbery.

"And the third thing I think is We're all gonna die because I waited for bacon donuts."

This was a fast read, divided into four parts, mostly all taking place during the robbery. It's very compelling. The story is told in Nora's voice, as she details the bank robbery and then reflects upon her past and the girls she's "been"--aka the girls she was forced to be during each con her mom forced upon her. We learn about how Nora became who she is and realize her past is complicated and often tragic. How will Nora's past affect this robbery?

This book is exciting in that it depicts a high pressure bank robbery, but is also complex, delving back into Nora's dark past. Please note that it covers topics such as sexual assault, rape, and abuse. It also looks at friendship, though, and Nora's relationships with Wes and Iris are really excellent and wonderfully portrayed. It's nice to see a teen book so respectfully portray bisexuality. I love the idea of found family and it's a strong central theme here.

This book can be brutal, but it's also touching and insightful. I really enjoyed learning more about Nora's past (although it could be sad). This story is twisty and compelling. 4+ stars.

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The strains of silence have grown so strong: THE GOLDEN COUPLE.

The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Marissa and Matthew Bishop are known as the Golden Couple--they seem to have it all. And perhaps they do, until Marissa is unfaithful. In an attempt to save their marriage, they seek out therapist Avery Chambers. Avery is known for her unusual methods--ten sessions, each with a different name and purpose, that can get her clients back on track after almost anything. This despite the fact that Avery lost her license a while ago. But Marissa and Matthew are desperate, and when they seek out Avery, they set off a series of events that will change everyone's lives.

"I'm also no longer a therapist; I lost my license five months ago."

This was an interesting thriller. It started off a little slow, probably because I wasn't completely invested in the characters. But, overall, it kept me turning the pages--curious to see what would happen to next. There's a lot of plot packed in to this novel--Marissa and Matthew's marital issues, Avery having lost her license, a side plot with Avery and a drug company, Marissa's beef with her assistant, and more. Sometimes it seems like too much, but overall, the authors do a good job of weaving everything together.

The book is filled with red herrings and crazy twists that keep you guessing. Overall, it's pretty fun if you just sort of roll with it. It was not exactly what I expected going in, and honestly, that was okay--I liked these story choices better! Avery also had a rescue dog named Romeo, who was easily my favorite character!

Overall this is a fairly compelling if not somewhat far fetched thriller. It delves deep into marital secrets and weaves together a lot of crazy plot points. 3.5 stars, rounded up.

I won a copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways and also received a copy from St. Martin's Press and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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I'll leave the luggage of all your lies behind: THIS GOLDEN STATE.

This Golden State by Marit Weisenberg
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Poppy Winslow's family has five rules:

1. No one can know your real name.
2. Don’t stay in one place too long.
3. If you sense anything is wrong, go immediately to the meeting spot.
4. Keeping our family together is everything.
5. We wish we could tell you who we are, but we can’t. Please—do not ask.

Poppy does not know her parents' real names, or why they have been on the run her entire life. She just knows something really bad would happen if they got caught. It means constantly changing schools, never making friends, and not getting a cell phone or even access to the Internet. When her parents take Poppy and her little sister to California, things seem different. The house they stay in has meaning to her family. She mails in a DNA test, not fully realizing the consequences of her actions. As Poppy grows close to a classmate, she also starts to uncover some truths about her parents. Combined with the results of her DNA test, everything unravels all the hard work her family has done to stay hidden all these years--and reveals some shocking truths about the past.

"If I could pinpoint the moment things changed, it was as simple as this: a high school library in Illinois, cozy, me working at a table with my science-fair group."

Oh this book was such a fun surprise! I could not put it down; it was mesmerizing. I found myself completely caught up in Poppy and her family's story. Who on earth were her parents? What did they do? Why would they force their children to go through such lengths to protect their identities? Why would their kids--especially Poppy, nearly eighteen--go along with it? The book is part mystery (unveiling all those answers) plus part character-driven coming of age tale as Poppy grows up, learning about herself. She's spent her entire life putting her family first, but is that really the best thing for her?

I loved learning more about her parents' backstory and also delving into Poppy's relationship with Harry, the boy she meets in math class and starts to fall for. The family dynamic in STATE is complicated and complex, but interwoven so delicately. Weisenberg also makes some timely and intriguing points about our digital footprint and how DNA can link people together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It's different, with fascinating family dynamics and a really riveting plot. 4.5 stars.

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

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Cause I can't breathe when I'm with you: FULL FLIGHT.

Full Flight by Ashley Schumacher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Enfield is a small town in Texas whose world revolves around football season. With football comes Marching Band. For Anna James, that means contest season and having to learn a new piece on her saxophone. She's paired with mellophone player Weston Ryan for a duet. Her tiny town has big thoughts on Weston, none of them good. But as the two work together to learn the piece, Anna sees past the rumors to the real Weston, and she likes him, a lot. Anna's parents don't, however, and when they find out she's spending time with him, they are not happy.

This is often a lovely and well-written book, though other times it had me questioning decisions and plot points. It's a little slow and the cover and description literally scream that something tragic is going to happen, so I felt extremely tentative, knowing that everything was working up to something apparently awful and sad. It seems slow, at times, too, as Weston and Anna spend time thinking and re-thinking things, and then it rushes the ending.

I liked Weston and Anna as people. What I did not like was the extremes they were sent to, especially as kids. Weston, you see, cannot love Anna because his parents are divorced, and therefore, since his parents once loved one another and then broke up, all is doomed, and he cannot ever love. Anna, meanwhile, seems to fall into insta-love with Weston (which is reciprocated, but remember, HE NEVER CAN LOVE EVER), but her strict parents hate him for no real reason (apparently your parents divorcing and being sent to another high school for a year is a sin like no other in Enfield), so she is banned from seeing him. But, then, magically, it's all okay, and we love Weston. Extremes! And, then, also magically, Weston seems fine loving Anna. Anna, thankfully, seems fairly steady through all of this or I would have thrown my book out the window. (Fine, I get that's an extreme too.)

There are a ton of references to marching band, band music, band things, things that happen on the band bus, band contests, and more. If you were in band, you would probably rate this book a bit higher just by default. (I was not in band.)

That's not to say I didn't like a lot of FLIGHT. There are plenty of lovely romantic moments and good moments and funny moments. I just don't like books that set out to make me sad, but I didn't realize that's what this book was before I won the Goodreads giveaway. It's interesting, but also tragic, and things just swing from one extreme to the other too often for me. A lot of people seemed to enjoy it, though. 3 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Wednesday Books via a Goodreads giveaway.

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I see you everywhere I go and everywhere I go: LATE TO THE PARTY.

Late to the Party by Kelly Quindlen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Codi knows she's never had the "typical" teen experience. At seventeen, she spends most of her time watching movies and hanging out with her best friends, Maritza and JaKory. So when they suggest crashing a party, she refuses. She's happy in her little world. However, when they need someone to come get them at said party, Codi stumbles across one of the popular kids, Ricky, kissing another boy in the shadows. In return for keeping his secret, Ricky and Codi form an unlikely friendship--one she keeps from her other friends. She finds herself in a world of parties and new experiences, and she meets a really great girl, Lydia. It's all well and good, but what will happen when JaKory and Maritza find out?

I enjoyed this book a lot. I found myself smiling while reading it; Quindlen perfectly captures all that awkwardness and hope of falling in love as a teen. There's plenty of teen and YA melodrama, yet it's just so classic in its portrayal of the teen experience of being in love and wanting to enjoy what you think is the quintessential teen life.

I really liked Codi; she was a wonderful and engaging character. JaKory and Maritza? Eh. Ricky was excellent, and the book is filled with a diverse and representative cast--so refreshing. Watching Codi come out of her shell and the beauty of her and Lydia finding each other was just lovely. This is a coming of age story, but also a great look into queer relationships and friendships in general. It's about finding yourself and then learning to like that self. A really touching read. 4+ stars.

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Made with pretty lies and broken dreams: THE NIGHT SHIFT.

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New Year's Eve, 1999. At the Blockbuster in Linden, New Jersey, four teenage girls and their manager are brutally attacked. Only one girl survives, Ella. The police rapidly hone in on a suspect, who escapes and is never seen again. Fifteen years later in Linden, it seems to happen again. Four teenage girls at a Linden ice cream store are attacked. Again, there is only survivor. As Linden struggles to recover from this new tragedy, Ella--now a therapist--is requested at the scene to counsel the new survivor, Jessica ("Jesse"). But as Ella gets to knows Jesse, she's drawn into a dark web of lies and deceit.

I've never read an Alex Finlay book before, and this one was a really pleasant surprise! I read each half over two days thanks to the short, quick chapters. It spans two time periods: 1999, when the first killings happened and then nearly present-day, when the ice cream store murders happen. These killings are linked by Ella, the earliest lone survivor, who now becomes a counselor to Jesse, the girl who survives the ice cream store killings. We also hear from FBI Agent Sarah Keller, called in to investigate the 1999 Blockbuster case, and from Chris, a young man who has ties to both time periods.

Honestly, this book captivated me. The multiple points of view helped it fly by and while I had some suspicions about who might be responsible, the book kept me guessing. There are lots of twists. Both the then and now storylines are interesting, especially since you have some teen drama thrown in, and Ella looking back on what was happening in 1999. Having multiple characters tie between the two time periods (Linden is a small town) really helped make everything work. Honestly, this would have been a 5-star read for, except the ending was a little abrupt and made me sad. Still, I really loved this fast-paced and intriguing thriller. 4+ stars.

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

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I can't hide what I am, guess it's plain to see: THE VERIFIERS.

The Verifiers by Jane Pek
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Claudia Lin secretly works for Veracity, a dating detective agency for those who use matchmaking sites. Claudia is the youngest of three siblings, and her brother and sister resent her for receiving the majority of her mother's attention. Her mom, meanwhile, just wishes Claudia would settle down with a nice Chinese boy (this may be difficult, since Claudia is gay). Claudia loves mysteries and books (she wrote her thesis on Jane Austen), so when a Veracity client goes missing, she starts to investigate. Before she knows it, Claudia is swept up in a web of lies and trouble.

"Sometimes I fear I may be out of joint with my time."

This is an interesting and complex novel, part mystery and part character driven family tale. I don't know if it will be for everyone, but I enjoyed it. At times, it offers a nearly textbook-like exploration of the matchmaking industry and data exploitation, going very in-depth into these topics. If you don't like your books to be on the cerebral side, it may feel like a bit much. But this is also a really enjoyable, witty, and sarcastic read with an awesome protagonist--a lesbian, Chinese character who loves mysteries and reading and is smart, spunky, and yet reserved. She made me laugh and I found myself totally rooting for her. My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more happening for Claudia in the romance department!

THE VERIFIERS is packed with New York descriptions, setting you right smack down in the middle of the city as Claudia rides her bike all about. We also watch her navigate her difficult family. This family thread is often a sad undercurrent, as I found them to be difficult to like at times. She makes frequent references to various mysteries, usually classics, and to her beloved Inspector Yuan, a favorite series she grew up with. There's also lots of nods toward literature, many of those classics as well. These meta nods will be a big hit with many readers.

The mystery here is a bit hard to follow at times, as it threads itself into the world of matchmaking and data analytics. But it's interesting and intriguing, and Claudia is a great character to follow. Overall, I enjoyed this detailed, diverse, and witty mystery. 4 stars.

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Would you sell your soul for someone just to talk to: 56 DAYS.

56 Days by Catherine Ryan Howard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

56 days ago, Oliver and Ciara meet at the supermarket in Dublin. They begin a new romantic relationship. At 35 days, in the wake of the global pandemic and subsequent lockdown, they decide to move in together. Ciara is relieved; she can finally have a relationship without pressure from her friends and family. And Oliver is relieved as well; this offers him more time to hide from Ciara who he really is. And now, at Day 0, the police are called to Oliver's apartment. A decomposing body has been found.

"Everything is so much easier when he stays away from other people. The only way you can lose your own shadow is to stand in the dark. The problem is, Oliver hates the dark."

This book completely captivated me with its short chapters and twisty story! It is told from Oliver and Ciara's point of view, going back and forth from the present to when they meet and all the time in between. We also hear from the police and detectives who are investigating the body they find at Oliver's apartment. Occasionally Oliver and Ciara tell us the same event from their own side, which I typically find repetitive, but somehow it worked quite well here.

"In between favorite movies and what they studied in college and where they hope to go this summer, they forgot to ask each other what kind of person are you in a global pandemic?

This book was just fun. Most of it occurs as Dublin is in lockdown, or heading toward it. Howard weaves in COVID expertly into the story. It's the reason for the plot, but it does not dominate it. It's fascinating to think about--how would you react in a brand new relationship if something like COVID hit? It is filled with twists and surprises that keep you guessing. It's interesting, especially since you can quite read Oliver and Ciara fully.

Overall, this is a quick read--it's an easy-to-read, interesting thriller. 4+ stars.

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Dive right into the pain: NO SECOND CHANCES.

No Second Chances by Rio Youers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kitty Rae left her life in Kentucky behind to come to Los Angeles and be a star. So far it's not working out quite like she planned. She spends most of her time as a courier, running "product" (aka drugs). She meets her next door neighbor, once beloved actor Luke Kingsley, when she fears he's about to commit suicide. Luke's career has tanked as he's under suspicion for killing his wife, Lisa, who disappeared three years ago--and Luke showed up drunk, disheveled, and with her blood all over his shirt. But Luke and Kitty form a bond and he's the only one she can trust when she gets in trouble with Johan Fly--the "Viking"--a social media influencer and drug dealer to the Hollywood elite. Johan's out for blood, but as Luke and Kitty try to escape his clutches, they stumble into a dark web of violence, drugs, and deception.

"It was all coming together. Life was good. And then, in a blink, it wasn't."

I didn't love CHANCES quite as much as LOLA ON FIRE, but like LOLA, it's powerful, intense, and packed with jaw-dropping violence. You have to just go with the idea that this book will be filled with punches, literal and emotional, and see it almost as a film. Youers writes in such a mesmerizing fashion that it's nearly impossible not to be caught up in the brutality and story of the novel. It's a fast, shocking read, but there's a surprising emotion underneath, especially with Kitty and Luke's surprising friendship.

I flew through this one, as it's dramatic, ferocious, and fascinating. 4 stars.

Major trigger warnings for all the drugs, violence, mentions of suicide, and animal cruelty.

I received of copy of this book from William Morrow and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Rationing off bits of myself so I can crumble at your side: ONE NIGHT ON THE ISLAND.

One Night on the Island by Josie Silver
My rating: 3,5 of 5 stars

Cleo is heading to the remote Irish island of Salvation for work, but it's personal too. She's about to turn thirty, an age her father never reached, and she's trying to reconcile where she is in life. A columnist who writes about finding love, she's yet to discover it herself. On Salvation, she plans to "self-couple"--a concept brought up by her boss, but Cleo can't help but feel there's something to finding herself. As for Mack Sullivan, he's heading to Salvation to research his ancestry and photograph the island he's heard so much about from his mother and grandmother. Escaping his estranged wife and crumbling life is a bonus, though he'll miss his two sons terribly. It's only when they arrive on the island that Mack and Cleo realize they've booked the same one room cottage--a terrible mix-up on a tiny island with no other accommodations. Forced to live together until the next ferry arrives, the two can barely stand being in the same space. But as time passes on the lovely island, their attitudes change.

This is a very slow moving, slow burn romance that focuses on being thoughtful and deliberate in its descriptions. There's less action and a lot of focus on the island and tons and tons of focus on Cleo and Mack's emotions and thoughts. So many thoughts, so much angst!

As for my thoughts... seriously, even on a small island, no one had a spare room? Not even a little one? Enjoying this book means buying into the premise that two complete strangers were truly willing to share a ONE ROOM cottage--sleeping across from another in a bed and a sofa. Thanks but no thanks. Also odd was Cleo's self-coupling (aka marrying herself) concept, which both she and her boss seemed quite into and even Mack accepted. Hmm...

Far more delightful was Salvation Island and its inhabitants. I could have read an entire book just focused on the enjoyable folks Cleo and Mack ran across, particularly the women Cleo joined at knitting circle and the lively group who gathered at the local pub. And while there were plenty of descriptions of this island, some were quite fun (otters!).

The book is told in a back and forth point of view from Cleo and Mack. They grow on you. It's not their fault they were trapped in the same lodge. This one was a little too slow and emotional for me in the beginning, but I still got a bit tearful at the ending. 3.5 stars.

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

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With a smile all sweet with pain: THE ARC.

The Arc by Tory Henwood Hoen
My rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

Ursula Byrne is thirty-five, single, and lives with her cat. Her life revolves around her career (and the cat), and she's starting to wonder if it will always be that way. Most of her dates are disasters (reminder the time she threw up on the first date?) and she's underwhelmed by the men she comes across on the dating apps. But then discovers The Arc: a very selective matchmaking service that uses a week-long, immersive assessment to architect lifelong love. It's expensive, but they promise 100% success. Ursula is paired with Rafael Banks, a lawyer. Their connection is immediate, but as their relationship continues, they begin to wonder about The Arc and its role in their life. Can lifelong love truly can be guaranteed?

"'My fertile years are waning, my chance at love has passed, my cat is my greatest asset,' she thought."

This was one of the weirdest books I've read in quite some yet I found it oddly mesmerizing, even when Ursula and Rafael were at their most annoying moments. Probably I'm not smart enough for a book like this (I find this happens a lot with books set in NYC and featuring single thirty-somethings). Even now, I'm not sure if THE ARC was a true romance, satire, or something in between.

For instance, Ursula and her best friend belong to The Stake, billed as a nouveau feminist wellness club. What would be a private club or gym for the rest of us is some sort of strange immersive experience for them, where they can participate in things like the Scream Den, Smash Center (literally smashing things), Swaddle Station, Sobbing Pods, and more. Massages are intense and emotional experiences. I never could quite figure out if it was all for real.

As for The Arc, they charge Ursula the cool price of $40,500 to match her for life (adjusted down from $50,000 for Rafael, what with the gender wage gap and all). But, since she's a VP for strategic audacity, she can consider this ridiculous sum. Why, yes, this is her real title. I believe most of us would consider it marketing or advertising. Again, mocking? Again, I'm not sure. Throughout the book Ursula struggled with her place in her career, and I found it very easy to identify with her and the struggles of females in corporate America. Honestly, it was one of the things that endeared her to me. Some of the pieces of the book may have been exaggerated, but the sexism Ursula faced was not. Same with her trying to find a balance between happiness and a career.

As for Ursula and Rafael, this probably would have been a 4+-star read for me (even with all the weirdness!) if I liked them more as a couple. I need to be fully invested in my couple for a romance, and while I liked them both, I wasn't able to completely root for them together. (I did, however, love Ursula's Russian Blue cat, Mallory.) The book slowed the most when they were together.

THE ARC offers a nearly sociological look at relationships and society. It's humorous at times and serious at others. The book is more character driven and deep than a regular contemporary romance--expect pondering, delving into societal customs and the meaning of love. Honestly, I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would based on other reviews. It's different and often witty, and some of the messaging is really interesting. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you're willing to get out of your comfort zone, it's worth a try. 3.75 stars.

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

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Cause you know, my heart & soul will carry on: BLACK CAKE.

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Siblings Byron and Benny are estranged, but after their mother's death, they discover she’s left them a black cake, a beloved food from their childhood and history, and a voice recording that reveals many surprises about her past. Their mother Eleanor's story is heartbreaking and shocking, but will it bring Byron and Benny together to share the cake "when the time is right," as their mother desired?

This is a really interesting and different book. It’s a sweeping tale that spans from the 1960s to the present and touches on racism, homophobia, immigration, assault, the meaning of family, and so much more. If that sounds like a lot, it is, and sometimes it feels like too much. The story meanders at times--it's a lot to go from the 1960s to the near present, and the story is told through many narrators and short chapters. It's sometimes confusing to keep track of. At times, the musings and whining of present-day Byron and Benny are frustrating because you just want to get back to Eleanor and the past.

And that is where BLACK CAKE shines. Because while this is a debut novel and it shows at times, the story really is engrossing, especially when Eleanor gets into her origin story and we learn about the Caribbean and how she became who she is. There's almost a mystery in there, and it's fascinating. We are taken back to the islands, meeting a young determined swimmer and her best friend. I love how Wilkerson weaves everything together into a touching and poignant tale that delves deep into this family's past. I was mesmerized and needed to know everything that happened. There are a lot of characters and a few false starts, but this story winds around to make sense, and it was a really beautiful and fascinating. 4 stars.

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

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I struggle with some demons, they were middle class and tame: HORROR STORIES.

Horror Stories: A Memoir by Liz Phair
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

HORROR STORIES the sixteenth book in my alphabetical author challenge. It is Liz Phair's memoir, featuring snippets of her version of horror, which she deems every day moments that can make us who we are. These moments can form us into who we are as the small indignities we suffer can affect us just as much as the bigger moments of our lives. Rather than go into the more traditional look at her life and career, Phair focuses on such moments: a particularly bad relationship; memories from college of ignoring a girl passed out at a club; being trapped in a NYC blizzard; and more. She zeroes in on these incidents and how they affected her.

"Horror can be found in brief interactions that are as cumulatively powerful as the splashy heart-stoppers, because that's where we live most of our lives."

This is definitely not a traditional memoir. I'm pretty sure I'm not cool enough to read something like this, because I think I would have enjoyed a linear tale more, or least learning more of the mundane "stuff" about Phair's career. She grew up the daughter of wealthy parents (that was interesting) and clearly bounced around various schools before becoming famous, but we never really learn how, or get any real insight into her career or her songs. We do get a vibe that's she a bit pretentious and she whines about how hard it is to be famous, so there's that. (I hate that in memoirs.)

Some of the anecdotes are interesting, though I was confused why two of them centered around New York City weather events, and she certainly offers some profound thoughts and good quotes. There's no argument that Phair can write; you know that just by listening to her songs, and HORROR enforces it. However, this starts off intriguing and then just drags as you realize nearly every chapter will be the same... somewhat self-centered, woe is me, and nearly always mentioning the need to be loved/failed relationships. Sometimes it was all a bit much.

For the most part, this proved she lived the kind of life Liz Phair would lead--emerging unscathed after trudging blocks in a blizzard, for instance, and just generally seeming "above" everything--yet she's also a mom, wife (sometimes), sister, and daughter, like the rest of us. But, it felt lacking (and often annoying) to me. 3 stars.

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I'll follow you into the dark: COUNT YOUR LUCKY STARS.

Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Margot Cooper isn't much for relationships anymore. But with her friends rapidly pairing off around her, she's beginning to feel like a fifth wheel. Then she learns that her friend Brendon's wedding planner is her long ago best friend, Olivia Grant. Margo and Olivia were inseparable as kids, but when they crossed over into a teen romance that ended badly, they lost touch. It's been ten years since Margot's seen Olivia, but she's still as lovely and wonderful as Margot remembers. As for Olivia, she's divorced and finally pursuing her own dreams. When an unwelcome flood means Olivia and Margot wind up roommates, they are forced to confront what happened all those years ago--and if it still means anything to them now.

This is an excellent entry in the Written in the Stars series--a fun and sexy read filled with wanting and sexual tension. I've always loved Margot, a character we've known since the first book, when we met Margot's best friend, Elle, with whom she runs a business. (This book can stand-alone quite easily, but the entire series is certainly worth a read.) At this point, Margot feels like an outsider in her friend group, with everyone else quite paired off. She's okay being single and does not feel like you necessarily need someone to be complete, but there's only so many times she can not be invited to couples yoga.

Seeing Olivia again feels like fate... but what exactly does it mean? There's clearly some sort of misunderstanding that happened between Olivia and Margot in high school. And of course, Margot very stubbornly and annoyingly wont talk about her feelings. A very common thread in this series is the lack of communication and a willingness to jump to conclusions--this is certainly a pet peeve of mine in books, and while I wanted to shake Margot and Olivia at times, it didn't drive me as crazy as it did in the first two books.

This was probably because it's impossible not to like Margot. and Olivia is easy to care for too. Plus, the book is just so fun and filled with innuendo and banter and lots of hot scenes. There is no lack of lesbian love here. It's funny and touching and quite enjoyable. 4+ stars.


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You're the only thing that I'm chained to: THE ROAD TRIP.

The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Addie and her sister Deb are headed to the north of Scotland for their friend Cherry's wedding. They get an early start, but it does nothing to prevent them from getting into an accident on the highway when a car hits the back of theirs. Even worse, the driver turns out to be Addie's ex, Dylan, who is headed to the same wedding. With the car carrying Dylan and his best friend Marcus totaled, Addie feels obligated to offer them a ride--and soon Deb's Mini is packed with Dylan, the acerbic Marcus, Addie, Deb, and Rodney, a tag-along they gathered from Cherry's Wedding Facebook group. Now Dylan and Addie are literally forced together to confront their failed relationship... with an audience.

I loved Beth O'Leary's other two books, but this one was not for me. I did not care for any of the characters, beyond maybe Deb, and while this is supposed to be a romance between Addie and Dylan, it often felt like a serious exploration into Dylan and Marcus' friendship. The problem is that Marcus is pretty awful--a spoiled rich drunk who constantly interferes in Dylan's life and while we are sometimes given some excuses for him, they all fall flat. Dylan is also wealthy, and the "rich boys partying away their life" got boring quick.

The book is told in alternating chapters and alternating points of view--Dylan and Addie's. We get the present day road trip and then flashbacks to Dylan and Addie meeting and their relationship progressing. I did not care for the flashbacks and had no interest in their relationship and felt no investment in rooting for these two. The present day is supposed to be filled with crazy road trip hijinks, but they often felt forced instead of funny. My favorite parts certainly involved Deb and a trucker she meets named Kevin.

This story improves a bit near the end, even though it offers some serious and emotional moments, but by then it was too late. I did not care if Dylan and Addie got back together, because I never liked them as a couple in the first place. I did not care if Marcus redeemed himself, because he had been so awful all along.

I will certainly read Beth O'Leary's next book, because I've all truly enjoyed the others, but this one was a miss. 2.5 stars.

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What in heavens name have you done: LAST SEEN ALIVE.

Last Seen Alive by Joanna Schaffhausen
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Ellery Hathaway met Reed Markham years ago as a teen when he pulled open a closet, freeing her from a serial killer. She was Francis Coben's only survivor. Now Ellery and Reed have an intense history. And Coben, who is in prison, wants Ellery back. He'll reveal the location of his remaining victims only if Reed brings Ellery to visit. What follows is a bittersweet and terrifying tale as Ellery must once again face her demons.

"The monster was still out there breathing the same air. No wonder there was a huge crowd at her door. Of course, everyone wanted a picture. The story wasn't finished."

I loved every single thing about this book (even all the murderous killing bits). I adore Ellery and Reed, and this was a perfect addition to the series. This is the fifth book in the series. You can catch up easily if you haven't read the first four books, but I highly recommend reading them, because they are excellent.

This is a dark and emotional read. Coben is on death row, and with some women--potential victims--still missing, his only power remains in knowing their location. He holds this over Ellery and Reed's heads, forcing Ellery to reconcile her desire to stay away from her tormentor and hold on to her shreds of privacy versus her need to find these women. Schaffhausen does such an excellent job at portraying how awful Coben is. We always knew how terrible he made Ellery's existence, but we see now how horrific he is--gaining both more details about his past and the present.

"You cannot call up the devil and ask him to dance."

Also in the present, more women go missing, in a similar fashion to Coben's previous victims. With Coben in prison, it cannot be him, so Reed, Ellery, and Ellery's partner Dorie investigate. Also on the scene is a reporter, Kate, and a movie producer, Ben, who want to film Coben in prison. All of this combines for a fascinating story that weaves in Coben and a new murderer. There's excellent descriptions of Chicago as Ellery returns home, for the first time, to help investigate Coben. And I love her dynamic with Dorie.

The book makes some excellent points about society's obsession with true crime and what it does to the real victims. It explores Reed and Ellery's relationship from a variety of angles and gives us a lot of insight into how Ellery became who is she is. She's such a strong, brave character, and it's a pleasure to read about her. Combining her strength with such a twisty and dark plot makes for a wonderful read. 4.5 stars.

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

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And he must do something that I didn't do: LAST COUPLE STANDING

Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman
My rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

Jessica and Mitch Butler have been married for fifteen years. But when the other three couples of their "Core Four"--a group of best friends from college, all of whom happen to be paired off and married--get divorced, they feel forced to reexamine their marriage. Deciding that the Core Four marriages broke apart due to sex (not having it, having it with other people while married, etc.), Jessica and Mitch embark on a marriage experiment. They set up rules, discuss conditions, and even help each other out with dating site profiles. But as lines get blurred and feelings burn hot, they start to wonder if they've made a terrible mistake.

"Everything that went so thoroughly wrong that spring can be traced back to The Divorces."

Sometimes a book comes along at the exact right time, and I think STANDING was that for me. I'm not sure I would have enjoyed this book nearly as much a decade ago, but I really liked it at this point in my life. It captures marriage with young kids spot on and does so in a mostly humorous way, though it certainly has its poignant (and cringe-worthy) spots.

Norman examines marriage through a funny but truthful prism, as Jessica and Mitch struggle with marriage: if their friends are all splitting, surely they must be next. Mitch watches his once married best friends, several of whom are also dads, out and about in the dating world again. Jess sees the same with her female pals, as they despair over the fact that the men can easily nab younger women but they are relegated to older men. The book may rely on cliches a bit too often (and I hated the constant references to "the Wives" and "the Husbands") but I have to admit... a lot of those cliches are true.

There are also some excellent teen storylines thrown in, between a patient of Jessica's (she's a therapist, of course) and one of Mitch's high school English students who also happens to be his next door neighbor. This kid, Luke, was truly one of my favorite characters. I was also a fan of the Baltimore/Maryland settings, as I recognized a lot of places.

Overall, I can see how this book might come across as a little banal to some, but if you're married and slogging through life with kids, you'll find a lot to laugh at and love here. This is a funny yet touching tale. 3.75 stars.

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There's a wolf at the door: THE OVERNIGHT GUEST.

The Overnight Guest by Heather Gudenkauf
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Wylie Clark is a true crime writer escaping her ex-husband and son by working in Burden, Iowa. Years ago, at this isolated farmhouse she's renting, a horrible crime happened--two parents were murdered and a young girl disappeared. Wylie finds herself trapped in the farmhouse in a snowstorm, working on her book, when she finds a small child nearly frozen in the snow in her backyard. As she tries to figure out where the child came from, she quickly realizes neither she nor the child are safe--and that she's not as isolated and alone in the farmhouse as she thought.

I loved this dark and twisty thriller--it was a total page-turner. It's told from three different perspectives that intertwine perfectly. We have present day Wylie, a writer escaping her present by researching the past. We have the 2000s timeline that gives us the story of the farmhouse murder Wylie is researching. And we have an undated story told by a daughter and her mother.

So much of Wylie's story takes place in the snow and ice, creating an eerie and ominous setting. The snow feels oppressive and dark, mirroring how Wylie feels. The theme of darkness, in fact, threads superbly through the entire book.

"It isn't the dark you should be afraid of, the girl thought, it's the monsters who step into the light that you need to fear."

I don't want to give away too much about this one, but the story is excellent--full of twists and plenty that kept me guessing. It touches on family and friendship while offering a dark, creepy, and intricately plotted tale. 4.5 stars.

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

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I've been lost in yesterday: SOMEBODY'S HOME.

Somebody's Home by Kaira Rouda
My rating: 2.5 of 5 stars

Julie Jones finally musters the courage to leave her wealthy but inattentive husband, Roger. She and her daughter Jess move across town to a new house in a different part of Oceanside. The old owners, Doug and Sandi, have moved out. However, they have left someone behind, their eldest son, Tom. Tom lives in the guesthouse and he hates his father and stepmother with a passion. For Doug, the feeling is mutual. Tom is supposed to vacate the guesthouse by the end of the weekend, but he has other plans. Ones that will change the lives of all involved by the time the weekend is over.

"Somebody's home, and he isn't supposed to be there."

This book starts off creepy, letting us know that someone has invaded a home and shouldn't be there. But then it flashes back several days later, leading up to the days before the event and truly goes sort of off course. The premise is interesting--a man refuses to leave his childhood home--but the story heads off in so many directions: Julie's marriage; a scandal with Jess and her friends; a scandal with Roger; a scandal with Doug, a pastor (sense a thread here)...

Each character tells their story from their point of view and it's a bit boring and repetitive at times. There is certainly an impending sense of doom at times and some good twists, but more needed to happen. Every person repeats their feelings over and over, instead of progressing the story forward. Worse, many are hateful, and it's hard to care about them or their motivations.

Overall, this one has its creepy at moments and some story threads are interesting, but it didn't work very well for me as a thriller. 2.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer and Netgalley in return for an unbiased review.

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Don't take for granted the love this life gives you: MESSAGE IN THE SAND.

Message in the Sand by Hannah McKinnon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wendell Combs knows loss more than most. Both his parents are gone, along with his little brother. Wendell still lives in his hometown and he's found comfort in White Pines, the large estate of Alan Lancaster, his wife, and their two daughters, Julia and Pippa. There he can seek peace in the land and the animals. But all that changes when tragedy strikes. Suddenly, Wendell, Julia, and Pippa find their lives upended.

"It was true what others said about him: that Wendell preferred the company of animals to people."

This book was sadder than I expected for a Hannah McKinnon story, but it was excellent. I love McKinnon's work, and this was a very heartfelt read that delved into loss and the meaning of family.

I fell for Wendell immediately--I am a sucker for a loner who prefers animals to people! (I wonder why, ahem...) Throw in two kids (teenage Julia and six-year-old Pippa) and this was pretty much guaranteed to be a winner for me. The cast is also filled with other interesting female characters, including Candace, the girls' prickly aunt, whom they've never met; Roberta, an ex judge with strong ties to Wendell; and Ginny, Wendell's ex-girlfriend who has returned to town to help her parents with their real estate agency.

So, is the plot a little predictable at times? Sure. Do we care? Not at all. A few times the book veered toward overdone or a tad too schmaltzy for me, but otherwise I found it to be a sweet and touching tale. Julia was a tough and wonderful character and, as mentioned, I loved Wendell immediately. He is faced with the systematic destruction of White Pines, the place that saved him, in the novel, and watching him overcome that, as well as seeing Julia and Pippa become stronger--it's beautiful. I loved SAND's message about finding family in the most unexpected places. 4+ stars.

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'Cause there is so much wrong going on outside: NOT A HAPPY FAMILY.

Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena
My rating: 3.75 of 5 stars

NOT A HAPPY FAMILY is the twelfth book in my author challenge. Fred and Shelia Merton live in a fancy house in a wealthy neighborhood. They have three children, Dan, Catherine, and Jenna, whom they have spent most of their life emotionally abusing and neglecting. As such, the kids hate them. After a disastrous Easter family dinner, Fred and Sheila are murdered. If they had to be honest, the kids are a bit relieved: they will now inherit millions and their hateful parents are gone. But their meddling aunt is convinced one of them murdered her brother and she's out to prove it.

"Something awful has happened here."

FAMILY is a compelling, quick read. Told from multiple POV across our many characters, it's snappy and intriguing. Despite my instant dislike of Fred and Sheila--and, honestly, their children too--I wanted to know what happened. The kids turn on each other nearly at once, as predicted by the family's housekeeper and former nanny. The book is packed with unlikable characters, but in this case, it's almost where the joy of the novel comes from. Which terrible person committed this heinous act? They are all almost competing for the award of "worst person."

Lapena tosses in some good twists and turns and family secrets to keep us surprised. There are certainly some dark secrets buried here. I was not a fan of the ending and felt like it left too many things unresolved, knocking my rating down to a 3.75. Still, this a quick and enjoyable thriller and worth a read.

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But I ain't looking back on the seeds I've sown: THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET.

The Last House on the Street by Diane Chamberlain
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kayla Carter and her husband are so excited to be building their dream house in the neighborhood of Shadow Ridge Estates in Round Hill, North Carolina. But then tragedy strikes and he dies while working on the house. Then Kayla is confronted by a mysterious woman who warns her against moving into the property with her young daughter. Kayla finds the property creepy, honestly, between her husband's accident and the trees that seem to swarm the house. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Ellie, whose family has a history with the property that dates back years. Is Kayla's property really bad news--and does Ellie know why?

This is a mesmerizing story told from dual points of view: Kayla, in 2010 and Ellie, in the 1960s. It delves deeply in the South's horrible history of racism and does so in the most personal way, through our cast of diverse and fascinating characters. In the 1960s, Ellie decides to becomes involved with SCOPE, an organization devoted to helping black individuals register to vote. Everyone is against this--even, at first, the minister running SCOPE in the Round Hill area. Ellie's parents are appalled, convinced harm will befall their daughter, as well as what her involvement may mean for their family's reputation. Her brother, Buddy, worries about her safety as well. Her best friend, Brenda, refuses contact, and her boyfriend, Reed, ends their relationship.

But Ellie is strong and determined; she joins SCOPE, making new friends and falling in love with a black man named Win. Ellie's story is absolutely captivating, as Chamberlain makes clear the absolute prejudices and challenges facing black people in the 1960s. There's a lot of history and much of this story is heartbreaking and will anger you, as many of these tales from the 1960s can.

As for Kayla's story, it's not quite as engrossing as Ellie's, though it does provide the link between the two time periods. For Kayla, she's on a quest to discover if her property is haunted or if she's just suffering from bad luck. We learn how her life intersects with Ellie, which is interesting in itself.

Overall, this is such a touching tale--you become so attached to the characters and absolutely appalled at some of the events that unfold. Chamberlain does a great job at highlighting the utter injustices of racism through the prism of a story, as well as painting a sad history of a particular piece of property. HOUSE is part mystery and part historical/character driven fiction. It will certainly stick with you. 4+ stars.

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

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It was worth it just to learn some sleight of hand: RECKLESS GIRLS.

Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Lux McAllister followed her boyfriend Nico to Hawaii after losing her mom to cancer. She was drawn to his adventurous ways and his love of his boat, The Susannah. She winds up stuck in a dead end job as they save up money to get the boat ready to sail. When two college best friends, Amma and Brittany, offer Lux and Nico a large sum of money to sail them to a remote island, they jump at the chance. This is what they've been waiting for. Meroe Island has a strange, mysterious history, when a group of soldiers were shipwrecked and their story ended in cannibalism and murder. When they arrive on the Island, they find another boat anchored there, housing an apparently wealthy and gorgeous couple, Eliza and Jake. The group gets along well on the exotic island, until the arrival of a solitary stranger changes everything.

This is a twisty "locked island" thriller that takes a little time to get going as we are introduced to Lux and her past, along with how she met Nico. Things get more exciting when they finally set sail and hit the island. Meroe is a very atmospheric place--beautiful and ominous. The story is interspersed with past memories and blog posts of other's experiences with the island (none of them exactly pleasant).

GIRLS is a dark tale that slowly introduces us to our characters--there's Lux, who is recovering from her mother's death and trying to seize the day like Nico. Nico, meanwhile, seems not to have a care in the world, which is especially easy since he has family money. Then there's Amma and Brittany--two best friends who may or may not be keeping secrets from one another. The couple they meet, Jake and Eliza, are gorgeous and lavish the group with food and wine, but are also potentially hiding things from their newfound friends.

I enjoyed most of the twists in this one and its dark plot. It takes some time to get into it, and the characters are certainly hard to like. But the setting is great, between the boat and the island. 3.5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from St. Martin's Press and Goodreads via a giveaway.

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From your tower you say you see the way to go: WHEN YOU GET THE CHANCE.

When You Get the Chance: A Novel by Emma Lord
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Millie Price has never known her mom. She left Millie with her dad when Millie was a baby. Millie has never really felt a gap, since she's had the support of her introverted dad and her aunt, Heather. But when Millie decides she wants to go to a super-competitive arts college for her last semester of high school--against her dad's wishes--it inspires her to search for her mom. With the help of some angsty entries from her Dad's Livejournal, circa 2003, she narrows her search down to three women: Beth, Farrah, and Steph. While tracking down Steph, she stumbles into an internship possibility that pits her against her arch-nemesis from high school, Oliver. He tends to bring out the "Millie Moods," the periods of intense emotion that she can't help but wonder come from her mother. As Millie fights with Oliver and tries to find her mom, it feels like life may be getting out of control.

This book was an awesome way to start the year! I LOVED this sweet, charming cross of Mamma Mia and Definitely Maybe.

Amanda Seyfried walked so Millie Price could run.

CHANCE is witty, romantic, and delightful. Millie is utterly bewitching--an amazing character that you cannot help but love. She needs people to like her, a desire that often rules her life, along with her strong moods. She has a deep and lasting best friend in Teddy, the boy across the hall. The theme of friendship runs strong in this book, and Teddy and Millie's friendship is wonderful, formed on geocaching, food, and loyalty. It's so nice to have a strong friend relationship along with a romance.

As Millie searches for her mom, she meets Steph, who works at a talent agency, where she battles with Oliver, her enemy from high school. Oliver, a straitlaced stage manager, is the opposite of Millie and they have a history of fighting and battling over school performances. I loved this "enemies to more" romance--it was witty and cute, filled with humor and great banter and serious moments. I was grinning dumbly at half the things they said.

The best thing about this book is that it's so much more than Millie and Oliver's romance--there's the quest to find Millie's mom, Millie forming relationships with a variety of the mom contenders and related side characters, her friendship with Teddy, Millie's gay aunt (who is awesome), and more. There's wonderful 90 musical references, odes to theater and musical theater, and Livejournal mentions (oh the time I spent on LJ)!

This is a delightful book--such a beautiful ode to family and theater. I loved it! 4.5 stars.

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

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I could see it from miles away: AT THE END OF EVERYTHING.

At the End of Everything by Marieke Nijkamp
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Hope Juvenile Treatment Center is not a place of hope. It's where troubled teens are sent when few other options exist. Then one day the guards start acting strange--and then they don't return. When some of the teens leave the facility, they find a group of armed soldiers. They tell them there is a respiratory plague spreading throughout the country and no one is allowed to leave their homes. The group realizes this means they've been abandoned to try to survive a plague at Hope.

This was my 150th book of the year, and it was a terrifying plague thriller that hit way too close to home right now! Honestly, it was almost too hard to read about a respiratory plague at the moment, especially with COVID ramping up again!

I think this is my favorite Nijkamp book so far. It grew on me--I really started to care for the teens left behind at Hope, and this book really makes you think. Because, let's be honest--the Government abandoning a group of wayward teens to survive the plague doesn't sound too farfetched right now, does it? The book involves things like total lockdowns and ration cards and while it's billed as apocalyptic, it does not sound like a world too far from our own.

The representation in EVERYTHING is excellent, with a cast of queer and non-binary characters. You do not get to know the teens too well, but well enough to form attachments to several of them. As with any group in a dangerous situation, some move to the forefront and others blend in. The moral questions abound--both on a larger scale (why were they left there)--but also within the facility. How will they govern themselves? What do they do with their dead? What is the right and wrong way to obtain food and supplies? It really brings up some interesting ideas on morality and what these kids should be allowed to do after being abandoned.

Overall, this book was hard to read, but it brings up interesting and thoughtful questions. It takes you into the teen's world and offers a sad but hopeful story. 4 stars.

I received a copy of this book from Sourcebooks Fire 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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