When a pilot suffers a widow maker at 35,000 feet in the air, a commercial plane filled with passengers crashes into a nuclear power plant in small toWhen a pilot suffers a widow maker at 35,000 feet in the air, a commercial plane filled with passengers crashes into a nuclear power plant in small town Wiketa, Massachusetts. As local heroes work to minimize the damage and stop an even bigger catastrophe from occurring, painful decisions are made as they put themselves in the line of fire to save their town, the nation and the world.
I will drop everything to read a T.J. Newman book, and this was no exception. From the moment she announced its release, it made its way to the top of my TBR as my most anticipated read. And I am so happy to say, it was all I had hoped it would be. From the pulse pounding plot line, to the edge of your seats moments, I COULD. NOT. PUT. THIS. BOOK. DOWN.
One thing that sets her books apart from others in this genre, is the depth of her characters. While the plot line is at the forefront, you would not have the emotion she elicits without establishing these pivotal characters in a multi-dimensional way allowing the reader to form such intense connections.
I am a big fan of Freida McFadden, particularly her Housemaid duet. However, this book just did not work for me. First and foremost, the mental healthI am a big fan of Freida McFadden, particularly her Housemaid duet. However, this book just did not work for me. First and foremost, the mental health rep was done in such a negative way, I worry that those who suffer from the illnesses represented will be further stigmatized. Derogatory terms were used by the “medical professionals” further adding to this negative portrayal.
Another big issue I had with the book is how far fetched it was. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good thriller and can suspend disbelief - to a point. The small inaccuracies riddled throughout this story were very hard to look past. In addition, the pacing felt off with an intense and gripping beginning and end, but a middle section that felt long and repetitive.
It pains me to write negative reviews, and as I stated above, I’m a big fan of McFadden’s so this saddens me all the more. There are quite a few rave reviews for this book so as always, if you are on the fence, give it a try. You might feel differently.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for the advanced listening copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more
4.5⭐️ Kyland is my first Mia Sheridan, and it did not disappoint. I binged it on audio in under a day, and was surprised by how much of an emotional r4.5⭐️ Kyland is my first Mia Sheridan, and it did not disappoint. I binged it on audio in under a day, and was surprised by how much of an emotional read it is. Set within a rural mining town in Eastern Kentucky, two strangers turned friends, compete for the same academic scholarship to help them escape their abject poverty. A love story of sacrifice, this is a gorgeous novel about what we do for those we love....more
While at work, Leila Syed receives a phone call that will change her life. Her brother-in-law informs her that her nephew isn’t at daycare, on the dayWhile at work, Leila Syed receives a phone call that will change her life. Her brother-in-law informs her that her nephew isn’t at daycare, on the day she was to take him in. As Leila races to the parking lot in the sweltering heat, she realizes too late that she has made a horrible and tragic mistake.
Thoughts: Oh. Em. Geeeeee. I knew I was going to love Kia Abdullah’s writing thanks to some trusted recommendations, but this book was on another level. While labeled a thriller, it does have something for everyone. Courtroom drama? Check. Legal/Police procedural? Check. Domestic suspense? Check. And family drama? Check check check. Every single time you think have things figured out, another curveball is throw that will make your jaw drop.
One element that is usually missing in thrillers is character development and depth. Given their plot heavy nature, thrillers don’t normally lend themselves to deep dive character studies. And yet Abdullah does that here and she does it beautifully. We are continuously in the minds of the MCs and understand, especially by the conclusion, everything that makes them tick.
Read if you like: •domestic suspense •courtroom dramas •legal thrillers •twisty reads
TW: Oh yes! DM me if sensitive to triggers.
I am now fully prepared to binge her entire backlist which I have heard is just as amazing. If you’ve not yet read a book by Kia Abdullah, now is the time. Grab this on audio via scribd and prepared to be fully enthralled until the final page. ...more
There is a lot to love about this character rich, second chance romance/women’s fiction novel featuring the more mature Helen and Cal. Told in both paThere is a lot to love about this character rich, second chance romance/women’s fiction novel featuring the more mature Helen and Cal. Told in both past and present timelines, I found myself very invested in their history and what ultimately tore them apart. The present tense storyline was charming and quirky, though it didn’t capture my attention quite the way the present tense did. All in all, a really fun, heartwarming read.
Thank you Getredpr and William Morrow for my gifted copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more
As a literary fiction novel, I think this would have been excellent. Unfortunately, it was labeled a thriller and I don’t think the content matches thAs a literary fiction novel, I think this would have been excellent. Unfortunately, it was labeled a thriller and I don’t think the content matches the label. The focus here is much more on the postpartum experience than on the murder and mayhem usually included in a good thriller.
Thank you to Minotaur and Macmillan Audio for the gifted advanced copies in exchange for my honest review. ...more
I had heard from many that Heartless was their favorite of the Chestnut Springs series. Knowing how much I enjoyed Flawless, how much I was looking foI had heard from many that Heartless was their favorite of the Chestnut Springs series. Knowing how much I enjoyed Flawless, how much I was looking forward to Powerless and the fact that I’m not a huge fan of the single parent trope, I felt sure I would not feel the same. And while I’ve not yet finished the series, so cannot say with certainty, I am pretty confident that when all is said and done, this book will be my favorite of the series as well.
I am fussy with my steam, and anyone who knows me knows I like open door, but I like the tension and the chemistry building more than the actual act. There needs to be sufficient plot and character depth prior to any sort of canoodling. There is a scene is this book that is an absolute scorcher with zero touching or nudity. It is this scene alone that solidified my love of Elsie Silver’s writing style and had me fully invested in Cade and Willa’s romance.
My favorite part of this book and the series, is the world building that occurs. I feel as though I live in Chestnut Springs with this family and their friends on the Wishing Well ranch. I loved getting a glimpse of how the other relationships and lives of the family members progress from book to book and that alone keeps me coming back for more. I cannot wait to continue on.
Read if you like: •enemies to lovers •age gap •sunshine/grump •single parent •boss/employee •forced proximity
The newest book in the series, titled Reckless, is releasing June 9 on KU. ...more
Given my book slump, I was surprised how quickly this one pulled me in. There is a whole lot I loved about this story, including the mental health repGiven my book slump, I was surprised how quickly this one pulled me in. There is a whole lot I loved about this story, including the mental health rep and the focus on interpersonal dynamics. However, there are also a few elements that gave me pause and are worth noting.
While this is labeled YA, the themes and topics addressed including Dissociative Identity Disorder and sexual molestation, feel very heavy for the younger population. I would recommend this one for more mature YA and older. I also had concerns that there may be overdramatizing of this rare disorder, though I do understand this is fiction.
All of that said, I really enjoyed it, especially on audio, and would definitely recommend it.
Thank you Wednesday Books and Macmillan Audio for the early copies in exchange for my honest review. ...more
This is a really interesting look inside a hit television show and the relationship dynamics and personal drama that can occur off set. While there isThis is a really interesting look inside a hit television show and the relationship dynamics and personal drama that can occur off set. While there is a good amount of plot, this one felt much more character driven. I really liked the way the author developed each of the characters, particularly Kat and Summer, and the very realistic and nuanced elements of their complicated relationship. ...more
Update - reread via audio and loved it! This book has such a special place in my heart.
It is no secret that I am a huge Kathrine Center fan. So thereUpdate - reread via audio and loved it! This book has such a special place in my heart.
It is no secret that I am a huge Kathrine Center fan. So there was very little doubt this would be any less than a five star read for me. And yet I had no idea I would love it as much as I did. From the wonderful, quirky characters to the very unique plotline, I found myself completely immersed in Sadie’s world and never wanted to leave.
First and foremost, Center creates *the* most relatable characters I have ever read. Whether the MC is a female firefighter struggling to succeed in in a male dominated profession, a thirty-year-old divorcee struggling to find her place in the world, or an executive protection agent assigned to a reclusive moviestar, I always feel as though I know the ins and outs of each of these characters. I knows what makes them tick and what demons lurk in their shadows. By the time I have finished reading, they have become the best literary friends.
Sadie is no different. From the moment she busts out a Smokey Robinson performance in the middle of the corner store, I knew Sadie was my kind of person. At every turn, I felt as I knew her. I laughed at her silly antics, cried at her struggles, and swooned right along with her as the least likely candiate became a potential love. As for Joe, well there are not enough words to express my love for his character. And let’s not forget the loveable Peanut who dare I say, eats better than I do.
Read if you like: •unique plots •well done love triangles •laugh out loud dialgoue •family drama •swoony romance •charming characters
If you are looking for a book that has a whole lot of humor, swoony romantic vibes, fantastic main and supporting characters, and a whole lot of heart, this is the book for you. I would give it 10 stars if I could. Somehow Center always manages to speak to my soul.
Thank you to SMP Romance and Edelweiss for my advanced copy in exchange for my honest review....more
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