Category: NetGalley

Dream Maker (Nashville Nights: Book 2) by Erin McCarthy

Dream Maker: A Nashville Nights Novel (Nashville Nights Series Book 2) by [McCarthy, Erin]

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, Loveswept

Date of publication: October 18th, 2016

Series: Nashville Nights

Heart Breaker – Book 1 

Dream Maker – Book 2

Love Taker – Book 3 (review here)

Genre: Romance

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

The bestselling author of Heart Breaker returns with another sultry Nashville Nights novel of country hits and stolen kisses, as a one-night stand turns into the beginning of an irresistible partnership.

Shane Hart loves the ladies. Like hit records, he can never have too many. Shane swore long ago never to treat a woman the way his abusive father treated his mother, but his traumatic past has kept him from making any solid commitments—even to a fiery redhead like Avery O’Leery. Shane’s happy enough to rescue her from a tight spot, but that’s as far as their connection goes—until their unforgettable liaison has him rethinking his impulse to love ’em and leave ’em.

Avery has big plans: first, shake the dust of small-town Kentucky from her boots; second, become a bona fide songwriter; and third, keep the truth hidden about her birth father  from everyone in Nashville. Nowhere on that list is she supposed to land in bed with a sexy stranger who rescues her off the street at midnight, especially if that stranger is Shane Hart. Avery’s trying not to fall for the dreamy music producer who could make or break her career. But her best-laid plans seem to be no match for a love that feels like destiny.

My review:

Before I write the review, I suggest you guys look at the titles of the author’s book and tell me what song/artist she got the title’s from. I had a clue (the lyrics kept going through my head, but I was drawing a blank on the name of the artist). It wasn’t until I decided to google the lyrics in my head that I got a hit and I was impressed.

Now, let’s get on topic with this review.

I didn’t think I would like this book. It did start on a funny note. The first  two sentences went like this:

Shane Hart never went out of the house with the sole intention of hooking up with women. Getting laid just happened to him.

I giggled when I read that because it set the tone of the first few chapters perfectly. I know I will have people reading what I wrote and go, “What is so funny about a guy who sleeps around. A manwhore?” I have a skewed sense of humor about stuff like that because when the manwhores do fall in love, they fall hard.

Shane is the brother/producer to country star Jolene Hart and her fiance/husband. The night he meets Avery O’Leery, who had been left on the side of the road by her cheating boyfriend, Ben. Shane decides to wait with her while she gets her purse back. The chemistry between them was electric, and I wasn’t surprised when they ended up together. I was surprised that Avery was a virgin when she slept with Shane and Shane was too. I also was surprised that she walked away from her encounter and left him a note that said, “Thanks for being decent.” Of course, he takes it the wrong way.

Fast forward three months later and Avery is doing pretty well for herself. She got her life together within weeks of breaking up with Ben. She landed her dream job as a junior songwriter for a publisher called Rusted Truck. She has fantastic roommates and is pretty happy with herself. But she keeps on thinking about her night with Shane.

She happens to meet Shane again when he stops by Rusted Truck, shopping. They (her boss and Shane) happen to hear her playing a song that she had written and wanted to run it by his sister. While there, he also fuels the rumor mill when he asks her out to dinner. He also asks her if she was pregnant in front of her friend and coworker. I was mentally shaking my head at this point. Avery could get fired because she isn’t supposed to be involved with clients in any way outside of the office.

Avery also has a huge secret that she is keeping. Not going to tell.

Shane has a secret too. His mother was beaten on an almost daily basis by his father, and if Shane got between them, he would get beaten also. He has been affected by what happened (I mean who wouldn’t be) to the point where he doesn’t ever celebrate his birthday. I felt awful for him because he was almost held hostage by what his father did, years ago, and it nearly cost him his relationship with Avery.

The end of the book was pretty explosive. A whole lot of stuff happened and was revealed. But it ended in what I consider a HEA.

How many stars will I give Dream Maker? 3.5/4

Why? A sensual romance that keeps you reading. There was a small lag in the middle of the book but the author did a great job of getting momentum up in the book.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why? Lots of hot steamy sex, some violence (which includes a fist fight in a music studio) and language.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book

A Raven’s Heart (Secrets and Spies: Book 2) by K.C. Bateman

A Raven's Heart (Secrets and Spies Book 2) by [Bateman, K. C.]

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, Loveswept

Date of publication: October 18th, 2016

Series: Secrets and Spies

To Steal a Heart – Book 1

A Raven’s Heart – Book 2

Genre: Romance

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

When a bookish codebreaker and a dashing spy are reunited in this steamy historical romance from the author of To Steal a Heart, their lives depend on their ability to resist temptation. But fate is a mistress who cannot be denied. . . .
 
In the war against France, Heloise Hampden is a high-value asset to the Crown. She’s cracked the enemy’s most recent communication, and for that, someone is trying to kill her. However, it’s the agent assigned to protect Heloise who poses the greatest threat to her heart: William de l’Isle, Viscount Ravenwood. Heloise has quarreled with the man they call Raven since childhood, yet always maintained a chaste distance. She’s sure nothing will change, thanks to the disfiguring scar on her face. So why is she so enchanted by the sight of Raven’s jet-black hair, rakish smile, and wicked green eyes?
 
Nothing has changed. Raven still wonders how Hell-cat Hampden’s lithe body would feel pressed against his, but for the mission he must remind himself that the woman takes more pleasure in ancient languages than she does in seduction. His imprisonment six years ago broke him in a way that makes the prospect of love impossible. Still, his heart beats like mad whenever he’s within ten paces of Heloise, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe—even if that means taking her to Spain as an unwilling hostage. Protecting her from danger will be a challenge; protecting her from desire will be pure agony.

My review:

I love to read historical romance and have been reading them since I was 14. Something about them sparked my interest and fueled my obsession with historical romances.

So saying that, when I got the email that I was accepted (through NetGalley) to read this book, I was excited. It sounded perfect. Regency Era romance plus spies, the ideal read!!

It was, for the most part.

I liked the book and am interested in reading not only the 1st book but any afterward. But, Heloise got on my nerves. Raven is trying to protect her and she is going out of her way not to follow his orders.The Altamira Caves was a huge one. Raven tells her to stay put, and she goes, with an armed escort, anyways. At that point in the book, I was sick of her headstrongness and wanted to smack her and say ,”Listen to him, you idiot.”

I did like her, though. She had a fantastic bucket list. I loved it when Raven took her diary, was reading them out loud and then rewriting them. I cracked up laughing. I also cracked up laughing at all the mentions of her fancy undergarments. Heloise surprised Raven but having such decadent things.

Raven drove me nuts too. All his inner dialogue was about Heloise. How she was perfect and how he wasn’t. How he didn’t deserve her because of what he went through when he was kidnapped. When he was abducted, thoughts of her kept him sane. How he wrote her name, her name with his last name. Put his crest of arms, her crest of arms and what he thought a combined crest of arms would be. There are more examples, but I won’t bore you guys with them. After a while, it got tedious and at one point I said out loud, “Tell her how you feel, ding-dong.”

Other than that, the book was great. Heloise and Raven had a rocky relationship at the beginning of the book that turned into a great relationship by the end. They had fantastic chemistry together. The pages sizzled with looks and Heloise’s tongue wetting her lips (that drove Raven crazy). When they ended up having sex, it was off the page hot.

The end of the book was a little bit of a surprise, and there was a lot of action. People die, people makeup, and people do things that even they didn’t think they were going to do. The epilogue was perfect!!!

How many stars will I give A Raven’s Heart? 3.5/4

Why? Great romance with steamy sex scenes but Heloise was too headstrong and Raven was stuck in the past. Once he moved past his self-doubts, the book became fantastic.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Unlucky in Love (Whisper Creek: Book 4) by Maggie McGinnis

Unlucky in Love: A Whisper Creek Novel by [McGinnis, Maggie]

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, Loveswept

Date of publication: October 11th, 2016

Series: Whisper Creek

Accidental Cowgirl – Book 1

A Cowboy’s Christmas Promise – Book 2

Once Upon A Cowboy – Book 3

Unlucky in Love – Book 4

Meant to Be – Book 5 (Expected publication date: January 10th, 2017)

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

From the author of Once Upon a Cowboy (“Sexy, charming, and perfectly heartwarming.”—Lauren Layne) comes another sweet novel of the Whisper Creek Ranch, where sizzling Montana men melt the most stubborn hearts.

After Alexis Maguire’s wedding day comes and goes without a groom, she decides that it’s time for a change. Tired of being the dependable, steady—and apparently boring—one, Alexis hopes that a cross-country road trip will help her loosen up and find her inner sparkle. Her first stop is the Whisper Creek Ranch, where the hot wranglers are sure to bring out her inner party girl. The trouble is, she can’t stand pretending to be someone she’s not—especially around the cowboy who tempts her to stay put.

Gunnar Peterson has spent six months working at Whisper Creek, and he’s never been happier. Having grown up an army brat, he’s ready to put down roots, and the only thing missing is a woman to share his life with. When Alexis blows into town, Gunnar thinks he may have met his match, despite the wild-child facade he sees right through. But Alexis swears she won’t settle down anytime soon—so it’s up to Gunnar to convince her that what she’s looking for . . . is right here.

Maggie McGinnis’s sweetly sensual Whisper Creek novels can be read together or separately:
ACCIDENTAL COWGIRL | A COWBOY’S CHRISTMAS PROMISE | ONCE UPON A COWBOY | UNLUCKY IN LOVE | MEANT TO BE | TAKING A CHANCE

My review:

I know I begin a lot of my book reviews this way, but I loved this book. For me to say this about a book that is the 4th book in a series, AND I haven’t read the other three before it, it’s enormous. Like super huge because I am very picky about books in series. I am that person that has to read a series from the beginning, so I know about the other people in the book first. Usually, if I read the books out of whack, then I get out of whack. So I was happy that I could read this as a standalone.

The romance between Alexis and Gunnar was so sweet. It started as a friendship of sorts. The romance grew from there.

Alexis was a sweetheart in my eyes. She was a dependable person who was somewhat afraid to step out of her comfort zone. Her summer job at the Whisper Creek Ranch is supposed to let her explore her adventurous side. With her sister’s help, she makes up a list of what to do. That goes out the window when she meets Gunnar.

Gunnar was a cowboy with a past. Not an awful past. Up until he was 16, he traveled the country with his mother, who was following his father and his wife. Yeah, that’s screwed up. So he craves stability, which is no shocker. He is also Mr. July in the Whisper Creek Ranch calendar and website. He is also working with rescued horses and is very, very talented with that. Finding his love was the last thing on his mind, but when he saw Alexis, it was over.

For some reason, I related to Alexis. I could see us being great friends. Heck, she even had a dysfunctional family (waves hand over here, I do too).

The ending and the epilogue got me right in the feels. Let’s just say that Gunnar is incredible and is perfect for Alexis.

How many stars will I give Unlucky in Love? 5

Why? A great clean (aka no sex) romance that makes you laugh and cry at various points in the book. Put it this way, I want a Gunnar in my life!!!

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why: The cleanest romance that isn’t a Christian romance that I have read in a while. No sex, a couple of kissing scenes and that’s it. Some language, a drunken night at karaoke bar complete with bad singing and some poor lobsters getting cooked….lol.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy: Book 1) by Rysa Walker

The Delphi Effect (The Delphi Trilogy Book 1) by [Walker, Rysa]

Publisher: Skyscape

Date of publication: October 11th, 2016

Series: The Delphi Trilogy

The Delphi Effect – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

Goodreads synopsis:

It’s never wise to talk to strangers…and that goes double when they’re dead. Unfortunately, seventeen-year-old Anna Morgan has no choice. Resting on a park bench, touching the turnstile at the Metro station—she never knows where she’ll encounter a ghost. These mental hitchhikers are the reason Anna has been tossed from one foster home and psychiatric institution to the next for most of her life.

When a chance touch leads her to pick up the insistent spirit of a girl who was brutally murdered, Anna is pulled headlong into a deadly conspiracy that extends to the highest levels of government. Facing the forces behind her new hitcher’s death will challenge the barriers, both good and bad, that Anna has erected over the years and shed light on her power’s origins. And when the covert organization seeking to recruit her crosses the line by kidnapping her friend, it will discover just how far Anna is willing to go to bring it down.

My review:

This. Book. Is. Awesome.

Not kidding you, it is. I have been reading reviews that have been giving it 5-star reviews. Usually, when I see all 5-star reviews for a book and then read it, I end up not liking it. I am picky, but that’s another post. I am happy to say that this book lives up to its 5-star hype!!!

I loved Anna. She went through so much in her life. She learned rely only on herself and her best friend Deo. Her only constants in her life are Deo, Dr. Kelsey (her psychiatrist) and the spirits that she picks up. Yes, she picks up spirits. Dr. Kelsey labeled them as ibbur (for the good ones) and dybbuk (for the evil ones). They take up residence in her head until she can resolve their issues. Then they can go to the light, leaving her with their knowledge/experiences. Remember the scene from Ghost when Patrick Swayze takes over Whoopi Goldberg to reconnect with Demi Moore? It’s like that except Anna refuses to allow her ghosts to take over her body. Well refused until she picked up Molly at a homeless shelter. She then got caught up in something that she never expected would happen to her.

Deo has to be the best secondary character that I have ever read. He is loyal to Anna and over the top vibrant. What I liked is that he was questioning his sexual preference. He might or might not like women, and he might or might not like men, and he might or might not like both. The author chose to add it as an afterthought during one of Anna’s inner dialogues. After that, it didn’t come up again during the book.

The storyline for this book was great too. Molly wants Anna to talk to her grandfather and give him the name of the man who killed her mother. That way, he can start to look into her death (he’s a retired detective). But Molly’s grandfather, Jerome Porter, is a skeptic and refuses to believe Anna. He takes her phone, talks to her psychiatrist, and has her investigated. After a meeting with him, where she lets Molly take over her body for 10 mins, he is convinced that she is the real deal. When they were shot coming out of Dr. Kelsey’s, the story takes a huge turn.

The ending was bittersweet. There is an unexpected death of sorts, a reunion and the beginning of a road trip. The author did wrap up Molly’s storyline, but she left the other storylines wide open for book 2. Which I cannot wait to read!!

How many stars will I give The Delphi Effect? 5

Why? A fantastic fantasy/mystery that gets you hooked. I couldn’t put the book down. Seriously, I couldn’t. I read while I cooked, looked over homework, gave baths/showers, did dishes…..lol.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Teen

Why? No sex (just one kiss), violence, language. There is a pretty graphic description of Molly’s death and the killing of 3 kids.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

My Seductive Highlander (Highland Hearts: Book 4) by Maeve Greyson

My Seductive Highlander: A Highland Hearts Novel by [Greyson, Maeve]

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept, Loveswept

Date of publication: October 11th, 2016

Series: Highland Hearts

My Highland Lover – Book 1

My Highland Bride – Book 2

My Tempting Highlander – Book 3

My Seductive Highlander – Book 4

Genre: Romance

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Goodreads synopsis:

In this scintillating novel from the author of My Tempting Highlander (“Another exciting and heartwarming time-travel romance.”—Vonnie Davis), the ladies’ man of Loch Ness meets a hot-tempered lass who sets his heart aflame.
 
Though part of a legacy of time-traveling sisters, Lilia Sinclair is planted firmly in twenty-first-century Edinburgh. Her granny’s matchmaking with thirteenth-century Highlanders isn’t about to lure her into the past, especially as ancient Scotland enters troubled times. After all, Lilia is blessed—or cursed—with dire prophetic visions. To protect herself, she’s put up an icy emotional wall no man could cross—until a pair of gorgeous, rippling arms breaks right through.
 
Graham MacTavish is pure trouble. Once the dragon bound to Loch Ness, he’s transformed into a philanderer of the first order. In fact, because of his dalliances with other men’s wives, a rival clan wants his head on a pike. Before he provokes an all-out war, Graham is banished to the twenty-first century, where he must win Lilia’s hand—or return to die. But after meeting a lass as fierce as any Highland warrior, Graham knows one thing: life with Lilia, in any century, is a fate to embrace.
 
Praise for Maeve Greyson’s Highland Hearts novels
 
“Maeve Greyson surprises and enchants. The imaginative storytelling is hard to resist in this time-traveling tale of love, betrayal, and sacrifice.”—Victoria Roberts, bestselling author of My Highland Spy, on My Highland Lover
 
“What a roller coaster of emotions throughout! I love, love, love the Sinclair sisters and can’t wait to read more about the twins.”—Cassidy Cayman, author of the Lost Highlander series, on My Highland Bride
 
Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

My review:

From the first sentence, I knew I would like this book.  It goes:

“Dammint, man! Did ye no’ think to learn her name afore ye decided to bed her?”

Right from that sentence, I knew this was going to be a fun book and oh boy, was it. I got so involved in reading this book that I finished it in one night.

But on a serious note, I loved that the author chose to address depression. This had to of been the most realistic portrayal of depression that I have read to date. It was refreshing to read this. Most books that I have read that portrayed a person with depression described them as emo or loony. I loved that her support system could see when she was falling into a depressive state and be there for her.

Lilia is an empath, can read auras and has a prophetic vision, which contributed to her depression. And also the fact that she was almost screwed over by her business partner. So it’s not any surprise that Vivienne and Alberti are so protective of her. She is fragile.

It didn’t surprise me that they went into overdrive when Graham and Angus showed up.

Oh Graham, such a bad boy. He got caught having relations with a rival clan chieftain’s wife and mistress in a stable. According to him, he was making up for lost time. He spent 300 years as a dragon protecting Loch Ness due to an evil witch’s curse. He was, well for lack of a better term, screwing everyone that had a skirt because he got none as a dragon. His punishment was to be put into the 21st century, find Lilia, make her fall in love with him and bond. So he isn’t teleported back. He only has a month to do this, or he goes back and gets killed by the rival chieftain. Angus had to go along because, well, he was guilty by association and Granny Sinclair had a vision, and he was in it. Poor Angus.

When Angus and Graham hit the 21st century, it there was culture shock. From the toilets to riding in the cars to going in an elevator, it was hilarious.  I had tears streaming down my face during those scenes.

The relationship between Lilia and Graham was a little fast. But considering that he only had a month to bond with her, it wasn’t. He was under a deadline. And the sex was out of this world. The scene with the toy (not saying which one) was out of this world.

The end was what I expected, but the epilogue broke my heart. It was a great way to end the series, but still sad. I would love to know if there is going to be books with the kids? Because I enjoyed this book this much

How many stars will I give My Seductive Highlander? 4

Why? A fun filled romance that takes you on a wild ride between the 13th century and modern day.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, mild violence, and language

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Nemesis by Anna Banks

Nemesis by [Banks, Anna]

Publisher: Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Series: Nemesis

Nemesis – Book 1

Ally – Book 2 (expected publication date is sometime in 2017)

Where you can find this book: Amazon|Barnes and Nobles

Goodreads synopsis:

The princess didn’t expect to fall in love–with her nemesis.

Princess Sepora of Serubel is the last Forger in all the five kingdoms. The spectorium she creates provides energy for all, but now her father has found a way to weaponize it, and his intentions to incite war force her to flee from his grasp. She escapes across enemy lines into the kingdom of Theoria, but her plans to hide are thwarted when she is captured and placed in the young king’s servitude.

Tarik has just taken over rulership of Theoria, and must now face a new plague sweeping through his kingdom and killing his citizens. The last thing he needs is a troublesome servant vying for his attention. But mistress Sepora will not be ignored. When the two finally meet face-to-face, they form an unlikely bond that complicates life in ways neither of them could have imagined.

Sepora’s gift could save Tarik’s kingdom from the Quiet Plague. But should she trust her growing feelings for her nemesis, or should she hide her gifts at all costs?

A thrilling futuristic fantasy in which the fate of the world’s energy source is in the hands of a prince and princess who are rivals, by the New York Times-bestselling author of the Syrena Legacy.

My review:

This book has been in my TBR pile since I heard that it was going to be published. When I got an ARC from NetGalley, I was pumped. I couldn’t wait to sit down and read it. When I did, I was utterly absorbed in the story.

I loved Sepora. She was ballsy. Who would fake their death, trudge across a desert, take on slave traders, save a half-fish/half girl cannibal and then escape from the royal harem? She would. She also had to hide the fact that she is a Forger of spectorium, a rare metal that all the kingdoms need. Not an easy task since she produces it like sweat, but she has her ways.

I liked Tarik and felt bad for him. He had just lost his father to and incurable illness called the Quiet Plague that is running rampant through his people. At the age of 18, he is responsible for running the kingdom of Theoria. Which is a considerable task but he has a hidden ace up his sleeve. He is a Lingot. A Lingot is someone who can tell if someone is lying just by listening to them. An advantageous trait to have for a Pharaoh.

I was thrilled that the Theorians were modeled after the Egyptians. I have a strange fascination with Egyptian mythology and love when it is used in a book. I am still trying to figure out what Sepora’s people, the Serbulians, are modeled after. I want to say Vikings, but I am not too sure.

Sepora and Tarik’s romance was a slow burn. There was an attraction, but neither one of them did anything until the end of the book. It worked for me because they were able to work on other aspects of their relationship.

Sethos is my favorite secondary character, followed by Rashidi and Cy the Master Healer. Sethos was the epitome of a 15-year-old, and I loved it. From wanting into the pharaoh’s harem to just being the annoying younger brother, it was awesome. I liked Rashidi because he was older and gave Tarik some sound advice and Cy the Master Healer because he was a 13-year-old prodigy. He was willing to everything and anything to stop the Quiet Plague.

The ending of the book, I didn’t like. While I understand what happened had to happen, doesn’t mean that I like it. Nothing was resolved, and that meant everything in Book 1 would be carried over into Book 2.

I want to add that I LOVE the cover of the book!!!

How many stars will I give Nemesis? 4

Why? I loved the plot and the characters. The only thing I really didn’t like was the ending (see above)

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why: Very clean. No sex (just one kissing scene), no violence, no offensive language. Just some pretty descriptive scenes of the Quiet Plague

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Lost Stars by Lisa Selin Davis

Lost Stars

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Children’s Book Group

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Genre: Young Adult

Where you can find this book: Amazon|Barnes & Noble

Goodreads synopsis:

Eleanor & Park meets Perks of Being a Wallflower in this bittersweet 1980’s story about love, loss, and a comet that only comes around every ninety-seven years. 

When Carrie looks through her telescope, the world makes sense. It’s life here on Earth that’s hard to decipher. Since her older sister, Ginny, died, Carrie has been floating in the orbit of Ginny’s friends, the cool kids, who are far more interested in bands and partying than science.

Carrie’s reckless behavior crosses a line, and her father enrolls her in a summer work camp at a local state park. There, Carrie pulls weeds and endures pep talks about the power of hard work. Despite her best efforts to hate the job, Carrie actually feels happy out in nature. And when she meets Dean—warm, thoughtful, and perceptive—she starts to discover that her life can be like her beloved night sky, with black holes of grief for Ginny and dazzling meteors of joy from first love.

My review:

Words can’t even begin to express what I feel about this book. I have so many feeling about it, good and bad. I was in tears for about 75% of this book. The depth of pain and guilt that Carrie has for her sister’s death comes off the page. She dealt with it the only way she knows how: by drinking, doing drugs and doing dangerous things sexually. Dealing with death at any age is awful but coupled with a parent checking out well that is devastating.

I am glad that the author decided to make Carrie as unlikable as possible. It only underlined how she grew as a person throughout the book, and I enjoyed that. She went from being a girl with grief and anger issues to a girl who was becoming happy with her life again.

Carrie’s romance with Dean was a slow burn. It was so slow that I felt that it wasn’t going to happen. Dean had his own issues, and it made him perfect for her. There are hints dropped when Dean arrived on the scene, but those hints don’t even begin to hint at what he went through.

The part of the book where Carrie went and worked for the rec department was great. That is what started her healing process. She was separated from her sister’s friends, surrounded by people who didn’t take her crap and she reconnected with an old friend.

I will say that the end of the book was pretty cathartic to Carrie and me. I was confused where her and Dean’s relationship was going. But in the grand scheme of the book, it wasn’t important. I felt fulfilled, as weird as it sounds, after finishing reading.

Oh, and I will say that the music (think the soundtrack to 1987) took me back to my childhood. I need to make a playlist now.

How many stars will I give Lost Stars? 3.5/4

Why? A wonderfully written book about healing and forgiving yourself. Like I said above, I was in tears reading it. I wouldn’t read without a tissue in hand.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Teen

Why? Drug use, underage drinking, and some mild (very mild) sexual scenes.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Book of the Night by Oliver Potzsch

Book of the Night (The Black Musketeers #1)

Publisher: AmazonCrossing

Date of publication: October 4th, 2016

Series: The Black Musketeers

Book of the Night – Book 1

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Genre: young adult 

Goodreads synopsis:

In this thrilling adventure by bestselling author Oliver Pötzsch, thirteen-year-old Lukas has been trained as a swordsman by his father, a nobleman who was once a famed Musketeer. When the threat of war and accusations of witchcraft spread across the land, Lukas’s life is forever changed. He flees his home and vows to find his missing sister.

Surviving as an outcast, Lukas encounters thieves and mercenaries, a strange astrologer, and a master swordsman. He also meets three other fencers—Giovanni, Paulus, and Jerome. Each brings a special talent to their team that leads them to the Black Musketeers, the best fighters in the army. But living with the black-armored Musketeers is nothing like they imagined. In his quest to find his sister, Lukas learns of a legendary book that holds powerful magic. As he fights to keep the Book of the Nightout of the hands of his greatest enemy, Lukas discovers the secrets of his own family and what it really means to be a Musketeer.

My review:

I rarely read historical fiction even though I like reading it. I don’t know why I don’t read that genre. Maybe because 90% of the historical fiction that I have read is dry. It becomes boring because the authors usually stick to the facts.

That is what I liked about this book. While it was accurate, the author built a fictional story around those events.

I felt awful for Lukas. His whole world was ruined within a day. His father murdered, his mother accused of being a witch, and his sister kidnapped. If that wasn’t enough to break someone,he happened into town when his mother was being burned at the stake. Talk about traumatizing, and my heart broke for him.

After almost freezing to death and a run in with a group of children who were not good to be around, he fell in with a traveling group of performers. There he met Giovanni, Paulus, and Jerome, fencers who put on an act. He proves his worth against the Master fencer and is incorporated into their act.

After the troupe is attacked, the foursome decides to seek out the “Black Musketeers”. They are a group of legendary fighters in the King’s army. Lukas had found out that his father was part of the “Black Musketeers” and the fencing master in the troupe was also.  After a journey, they find the “Black Musketeers” and beg to join. After proving themselves to the leader, he allows them in.

Not going to go into the book from there. All I have to say is that Lukas finds out a lot of things about his mother, sister, and father from a few people. Also his fencing skill is put to the test as well.

The end was a bit surprising to me because I wasn’t expecting it. I thought that the opposite was going to happen and was preparing myself for it. I also loved that the author did leave the book open for a second book.

How many stars will I give Book of the Night? 4

Why? A great, engrossing read. I was up most of the night and got emotionally invested in Lukas’s character.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age Range: Adult

Why: Violence

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

Exhume by Danielle Girard

Exhume (Dr. Schwartzman Book 1) by [Girard, Danielle]

Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

Date of publication: October 1st 2016

Series: Dr. Schwartzman

Exhume – Book 1

Excise – Book 2 (expected date of publication August 22nd, 2017)

Genre: mystery, thriller, suspense

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

Dr. Annabelle Schwartzman has finally found a place to belong. As the medical examiner for the San Francisco Police Department, working alongside homicide detective Hal Harris, she uncovers the tales the dead can’t tell about their final moments. It is a job that gives her purpose—and a safe haven from her former life at the hands of an abusive husband. Although it’s been seven years since she escaped that ordeal, she still checks over her shoulder to make sure no one is behind her.

Schwartzman’s latest case is deeply troubling: the victim bears an eerie resemblance to herself. What’s more, a shocking piece of evidence suggests that the killer’s business is far from over—and that Schwartzman may be in danger. In this pulse-pounding thriller from award-winning writer Danielle Girard, a woman must face her worst nightmare to catch a killer.

My review:

When I read the blurb, I was intrigued by this book. I love anything to do with medical examiner’s/CSI. I was a huge fan of Dr. G when it was on the air and CSI. It was a no-brainer that I was going to read this book.

Annabelle’s character touched me. She got her medical degree when being stalked by her ex-husband. She was paranoid about going out. She would never know when he would call and tell her that he knew what she was doing. No matter, how many times she called, the police couldn’t tie anything to Spencer MacDonald. Even worse, they didn’t believe her. “He’s an upstanding citizen,” “You must be imagining it,” “He would NEVER do anything like that.”

The story itself was fantastic. I didn’t know where it was going to take me, even though I knew who the bad guy was. I was kept wondering until the end if karma was ever going to catch up with Spencer and I did a fist pump when it did.

The subplots were brought together mid-book and merged into the main one. I was amazed that the author was able to do it so seamlessly. Usually, there is a lag in the plot, but not here. The suspense was kept up until the last pages of the book.

The ending was what I expected but with an extra twist to it. While things weren’t resolved, they were on their way to be, and the book was left open for the second book.

How many stars will I give Exhume? 5

Why? A great thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to the book. I couldn’t put it down!!

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Murder (graphic but the main character is an M.E.), spousal abuse and offensive language.

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**

The Storykiller by Humfrey Hunter

The Storykiller: A gripping thriller by [Hunter, Humfrey]

Publisher: Silvertail Books

Date of publication: September 29th, 2016

Where you can find this book: Amazon

Book synopsis:

The Politician. The Powerbroker. The Secret.

And the man they want to help them hide it – at any cost. Because some secrets are worth killing for…

Jack Winter was once an idealistic and brilliant news reporter who broke the biggest stories around. But after wrongly blaming himself for a young girl’s murder he changed sides and began killing stories for the rich and powerful, protecting them from exactly the kind of journalist he used to be. 

When a new client drags Jack into a lethal world of corruption and long-buried secrets, he finds himself wishing he could turn back the clock, because now he is fighting not just for headlines but his life. 

My review:

The story is started by introducing Jack Winter as he is standing on a street corner. While he is standing there, a woman stabs him. Later it is revealed that she was the mother of a little girl who was kidnapped and killed. Jack was the lead reporter on the case. While Jack was interviewing the main suspect, the little girl was being held in the suspect’s house. Jack harbors deep guilt over not being able to sense that the child was there. He believes that he caused her to be killed. Make sure to keep this in mind while reading the book. It explains a lot about Jack’s actions during the book.

Fast forward three years.

Jack is no longer a reporter. He has earned a reputation as a story killer. What that means is that he gets to the reporter before the story is published and squashes the story. He squashes it either by bluffing or calling his contacts. He then has them contact the reporter/people wanting the story published. He has them tell the people that they will take legal or other action if the story is published.

One day, he is contacted by a businessman named Edward Valentine. He has a job for Jack to do. His friend, Adam Pryor, needs a story killed. Adam will be in the running for the PM of England. He did something foolish. He slept with a 19-year-old girl and didn’t tell her that he was married. She is threatening to go to the media because she was mad that he didn’t tell her he was married. This is where Jack will come in. He will talk to the girl and convince her to not to go to the media. If that doesn’t work and he knows the reporter the girl is talking to, he will go straight to the reporter. He will try to convince the reporter not to run the story.

This is where the story took a couple of unexpected turns. I was expecting the story to be about Jack trying to convince this girl not to go to the media. I was not expecting the story to take the twists and turns that it did. The book went from being dull to me devouring the pages because I wanted to see what Jack was going to do next. It was that good!!

The ending was not what I expected, and I loved it. I was kept on my feet until the last page.

How many stars will I give The Storykiller? 4

Why? This book starts off pretty boring for the first couple of chapters but more than makes up for it!! It is fast paced and keeps you guessing. A great read.

Will I reread? Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends? Yes

Age range: Adult

Why? Sex, drinking, drug use and an awful scene of molestation

**I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book**