Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: He Walks Among Us (True Crime Junkies #2) by Christy Barritt

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. (Friday 56 is on hiatus right now, but I'll still be participating.)

This week I'm featuring He Walks Among Us (True Crime Junkies #2) by Christy Barritt. 

About the Book

With a killer walking among them, no one is safe . . .

When the newly formed Arctic Circle Murder Club meets in Fairbanks, Alaska, to investigate the mystery of the Missing Women of Dalton Highway, their plans take a gruesome turn.

Upon the group’s arrival at the hotel, three women’s frozen bodies are pulled from the nearby river. When a friend of one of the victims pleads for help finding out who's behind the murders, how can they say no?

The club must detour from their original plan and dive into the recesses of a killer’s mind before another victim is claimed. As they seek the truth behind the murders, opposition hits them at every turn. Shocking revelations from the past along with brimming conflict threaten to end the group just as they’ve started.

Can this group of true crime podcasters uncover someone’s dark secrets before one of their own plunges into an icy grave?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

No one has ever really loved me.

Friday 56

Their murder board had been destroyed. All the papers once on it had been ripped down. The board had been dented as if someone had tried to break it in half.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

About the Book (From Amazon)

It's the most wonderful time of the year--for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn't bad enough, she's dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister's uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding--to Starr's ex-boyfriend. But when her brother's best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn't so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother's Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away--to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this sweet Christmas romance. It lifted my spirits and brought a smile to my face.

Reluctantly back home for the holidays after losing her job, Starr’s hopeful she can keep her unemployed status a secret from her family, all while feigning happiness for her sister’s impending Christmas Eve wedding to her ex-boyfriend. Talk about a complicated holiday!

I liked Starr a lot. She was nice, genuine, and down to earth. She was an easy character to root for. Waylon was such a sweet and caring guy who I couldn't help falling for. His cheesy one-liners made me laugh. I loved watching their genuine friendship grow into more. And since they already knew each other, their speedy relationship felt natural.

I enjoyed getting to know the Lewis family. Well, some more than others. Angel was a handful, to say the least. She was so self-centered. She treated Starr so badly, and I don't even know if she realized it because she was so focused on herself. But, other than Angel, I really liked the other Lewis siblings and enjoyed seeing the dynamic between them.

This sweet romance is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. I highly recommend it!

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my own honest opinion.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Suspended in the Stars by E. A. Hendryx

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Suspended in the Stars by E. A. Hendryx releasing November 7.

About the Book

A girl in hiding. A boy on the run. The fate of the galaxy between them.

When Talie Zarna is forced to hide rogue soldier, Renner Cartha, her life isn’t the only thing threatened. Living as the famed Soaring Staress on the circus spaceship Midway masks her true identity, but Renner’s very presence threatens to draw unwanted attention.

As a former royal guard, Renner holds secrets of his own. Like evidence of a political assassination he is on a mission to deliver to the Xerus Galaxy’s governing council. Renner's flirtatious confidence is at odds with the seriousness of his mission, but when his former guard captain, Jas Uli-Tai, discovers him hiding among the circus performers, Talie risks everything she's come to cherish—going so far as to leave the safety of the Phenomena circus—to do what is right.

With Jas closing in at every turn, Talie and Renner come close to finding the High Council only to discover corruption at its core. Their only option for escape is a cocky smuggler who’s not quite what he seems and an underground resistance group called The Rising that’s fighting for change in the galaxy.

Faced with the weight of her true identity and the cost of embracing it, Talie must decide if she is willing to give up everything for the sake of saving the Galaxy, even if that means giving up the boy she loves.

---
Suspended in the Stars is the first book in the Xerus Galaxy Saga. It is a no spice romantic space opera perfect for fans of The Lunar Chronicles, The Starboard Trilogy, and The Illuminae Files.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Black and Deep Desires by Claire Trella Hill

About the Book

Is the vampire in Ophelia’s cellar a man she can save, or a monster out for blood?

From an early age, Ophelia learned to keep her pets away from her unfeeling scientist father or they would disappear into his laboratory, never to be seen again. When her father unexpectedly returns to their isolated Yorkshire estate with a mysterious box, Ophelia’s suspicions are aroused…but nothing prepares her for the bloody business she finds.

Caged in silver and hungry, Salem is out for blood. Someone has betrayed knowledge of vampire existence to humans—but before Salem can discover who, he must escape diabolical experiments seeking the source of immortality. He cannot afford to trust the frustratingly intriguing girl who says she wants to help and smells of orange blossoms. He especially cannot wonder how she would taste.

Even though the darkly mysterious Salem insists he has no soul, that he’s dangerous, Ophelia can’t leave him to be tortured. But to help him escape, she must risk her family’s wrath—which may be a bigger threat than the monster in the cell.

The supernatural bleeds into Victorian England in this captivating YA gothic paranormal romance novel, perfect for fans of Lakesedge, Down Comes the Night, Erin A. Craig, and anyone who longs to run across a dark windswept moor in a nightgown.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Wow! I don't think I can accurately express just how much I absolutely loved this book! My goodness, it was fantastic! Such a beautifully written Gothic romance. I was instantly pulled into the story and completely captivated. I didn't want to put it down.

 

I used to read a lot of vampire romances, but they started to get a bit stale after awhile and were always a bit too steamy for my tastes. I'm happy to say that this book rekindled my love for the genre, all while being a relatively clean read that featured a strong Christian perspective. There was a little bit of language and violence, but, seriously, this book had so many of my favorite things, that I can't complain.

 

I loved the spooky gothic atmosphere. And I loved the characters. (Well, most of them.) Salem and Ophelia were great. Salem was a bit of a grump, but I loved his loyalty, sense of honor, and the fact that he regularly quoted Shakespeare. Ophelia was compassionate and had such a tender heart for others, yet she was fierce and brave too. To say she had a difficult relationship with her family is putting it mildly. I don't think I've disliked characters as much as them in a long time. They were just flat-out horrible, and I was sorry that Ophelia had to deal with them. There were a lot of great secondary characters, too. Addie, Etienne, Faelad, etc. I'd love to read more about them someday.

 

This book took some surprising turns. And it posed some interesting questions that I'll be thinking about. Is anybody beyond redemption? What makes someone a monster?

 

I didn't want this book to end. It was so ridiculously good. It's a definite contender for book of the year. 

 

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday. (Friday 56 is on hiatus right now, but I'll still be participating.)

This week I'm featuring You Make It Feel Like Christmas by Toni Shiloh. Yep, another Christmas story this week. I can't stop, lol! :)

About the Book (From Amazon)

It's the most wonderful time of the year--for everyone except Starr Lewis.

As if going home for the holidays jobless and single wasn't bad enough, she's dragged into a holiday season full of activities leading up to her sister's uber-romantic Christmas Eve wedding--to Starr's ex-boyfriend. But when her brother's best friend, Waylon Emmerson, attends their family Thanksgiving, she starts to wonder if maybe coming home for Christmas isn't so bad after all.

As Starr finds the perfect distraction in helping Waylon make over his late mother's Christmas shop, the most wonderful time of the year works its magic and the spark between them grows. But with the holidays fast approaching, Starr must decide what she wants out of life after the gifts are unwrapped and the ornaments are put away--to go back to New York City or to open her heart to a love that will last beyond Christmas Day?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Thanksgiving Day

Washington, DC

Starr Lewis hated to return home a failure, but at least she had the cover of the holiday season to hide her embarrassment.

Friday 56

Lord, I don't know what to do with this information. Should I just let it go? Talk to Starr about it? Share it with Noel?

What have you been reading lately?

Mini Review: On the Run by Lynette Eason

About the Book

She's worked hard to distance herself from her father's legacy--but family ties are hard to break

When FBI Agent Daria Nevsky returns home to an intruder, she's not exactly surprised. She's been on high alert ever since her father, a powerful figure in Russian organized crime, was killed. She is surprised, however, when the man in a ski mask and hoodie tells her that her father sent him.

Dr. Ryker Donahue knows he's heard the name Daria Nevsky before. As he tends to the young woman's wounds, he tries to put the pieces together. No sooner does she show up at his hospital than it becomes painfully clear that whoever she is, she's in trouble. He feels a strong pull to protect her--but he quickly realizes that this is a woman who knows how to handle herself.

It will take both of them--and a handful of their skilled friends--to figure out who's after her, what they really want, and how to make it out alive.

Amazon / Goodreads

(This is also part of Targeted, which can be found here)

MY THOUGHTS

This was a quick and fast-paced read where danger seemed to follow the characters every step of the way. Some suspension of belief was needed a few times, and I felt like the nonstop action got to be too much at times, but overall, this was an enjoyable read. I thought Daria and Jeremy had a fun dynamic, and I enjoyed catching up with characters from some of Lynette Eason's previous books.

THREE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Unexpected Encounters of a Draconic Kind and Other Stories by Beka Gremikova releasing October 17.

About the Book

Encounters. Whether with magic or science, expected or unexpected, they can change our minds, our destinies, even our world…

In this collection of twenty-two short tales, journey across multiple genres alongside various characters, including:

~a mother who gathers dragon scales to provide for her family despite a perilous jungle and her own self-doubt;

~a young half-human, half-mermaid girl on the search for her father with murderous soldiers on her heels;

~an opera singer-turned-ghost-hunter attempting to thwart a Phantom who just won’t stop interfering with her act;

~a family at risk of losing their humanity to the Moon as its magic wreaks a monstrous change within them;

~and an alien on a rescue mission to save her best friend’s children from those who wish them harm.

Full of comedy and tragedy, heartache and hope, monsters and magic, these stories are an encounter that just might change you too…

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

About the Book

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this story! It's one of the best books I've read this year. I loved that even though it's a fun rom-com full of hilarious laugh-out-loud moments, there was a lot of depth there too. It tackles some real-life issues with grace and honesty. I laughed a lot throughout this book, but I also shed a few tears.

 

Mackenzie is one of the most relatable characters I've ever read about. She has social anxiety (like me), and a lot of her reactions, doubts, fears, awkwardness, and overthinking were very familiar to me. I saw a lot of myself in her, and I can't express how much it meant to me to read about a character like her.

 

I really liked Jeremy. He was a great uncle, and I loved seeing him be such a good "parental" to his niece and nephew. I also loved watching him get to know the real Mackenzie that hid behind her shy exterior.

 

This was a well-rounded and delightful romance. It's full of Christmas spirit and joy but can be enjoyed year-round. I know I'll be rereading it again and again.

 

I received an advanced copy of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion. 

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon. It's never too early for a Christmas story, right?

About the Book

Two workplace rivals. One festive competition. And a romance that upends it all.

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew, he needs the salary increase to support his family. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the promotion isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

Book Beginning / First Line Friday

My boss is so generous. She gave me three whole days to look forward to our meeting this morning. Isn't that just the sweetest, most considerate employer of all time? In my anticipation, I've spent the last seventy-two hours having no less than a dozen one-on-ones with her in my mind. After all, she never said what the meeting was in regard to, only that she wanted to talk to me about something important on Friday morning.

Friday 56

I'm stuck smack in the middle of a food court flash mob. My throat goes dry. I know I'm physically safe, but I feel as if I'm being circled by sharks. Like I'm in the center of a tornado swirling all around me. A sharknado.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Someone They Can Trust by Colleen Scheid

About the Book

Three devoted staff of a thriving, creative church are derailed when a corrupt leader breaks their trust

When art school graduate Maya Devin moves to Pleasant Hill, she’s warmly welcomed into its thriving, diverse church. Music minister, Matt Schuller, who is more than a little attracted by Maya’s faith, talent, and beauty, invites her to be a part of his creative arts ministry. Janice Williams, also on staff, befriends Maya too, supporting her as she learns to be a caregiver to her grandmother with Alzheimer’s. Janice is healing from a wrenching divorce and draws strength from the welcoming community.
The church is a haven for all three until a new pastor puts their faith, hope, and love to a severe test. Not only is their happiness at stake – so is the survival of the church.

Their courage to stand against evil will hinge on one thing – how willing are they to deal with their own brokenness?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a faith-stirring read! This story really came to life. I felt like I was getting a glimpse into the lives of real people who were dealing with real situations. There was an honesty and authenticity that shone through the pages.

I liked the fact that this story followed the lives of three different characters - Maya, Matt, and Janice. I instantly cared for them. They were likable, and I loved that there was something about all of them that I could relate to.

I loved that this story had a very strong Christian message but wasn't judgmental or heavy-handed in its delivery. And while this wasn't an action-packed book, I couldn't put it down and was reading as fast as I could. I was so invested in these characters' lives. I really enjoyed this story and highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book via BookSirens and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

4.5 STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater by Jaime Jo Wright releasing October 10.

About the Book (From Goodreads)

Barlowe Theater stole the life of Greta Mercy's brother during its construction. Now in 1915, the completed theater appears every bit as deadly. When Greta's younger brother goes missing after breaking into the building, Greta engages the assistance of a local police officer to help her uncover the already ghostly secrets of the theater. But when help comes from an unlikely source, Greta decides that to save her family she must put the threat of the phantoms to rest.

Decades later, Kit Boyd's best friend vanishes during a ghost walk at the Barlowe Theater, and old stories of mysterious disappearances and ghoulish happenings are revived. When television ghost-hunting host and skeptic Evan Fisher engages Kit in the quest to identify the truth behind the theater's history, Kit reluctantly agrees to work with him in hopes of also finding out what happened to her friend. As the theater's curse begins to unravel Kit's own life, she sets out not only to save the historical building and her friend, but to end the pattern of evil that has marked their hometown for a century.

In this atmospheric dual-time tale, two women--separated by a century yet bound by the ghosts of the past--pursue light in the face of darkness.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities #1) by Sara Ella

About the Book

Solve the clues. Face your fears. Survive the Trials.

All Alice Liddell wants is to escape her Normal life in Oxford and find the parents who abandoned her ten years ago. But she gets more than she bargained for when her older sister Charlotte is arrested for having the infamous Wonder Gene—the key to unlocking the curious Wonderland Reality.

Soon, Alice receives a rather cryptic invitation to play for Team Heart in this year’s annual—and often deadly—Wonderland Trials. Now she has less than twenty-four hours to find her way into Wonderland where nothing is impossible . . . or what it seems.

The stakes are raised when she discovers players go missing during the Trials each year. Will she and her team solve the clues and find the missing players? Or will betrayal and distrust win, leaving Alice alone in a world of her own? Follow the White Rabbit into this topsy-turvy fantasy where players become prey, a sip of the wrong tea might as well be poison, and a queen’s ways do not always lead one where they ought to go.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

I absolutely loved this story! If you know me, you know I love a good retelling, and this was one of the most imaginative ones I've ever read. It's not only the best Alice in Wonderland retelling, but one of my favorite retellings in general.

I was very intrigued to learn about this dystopian Wonderland and thought the worldbuilding was spectacular. The whole concept behind the Wonder gene, and the fallout it caused, was really fascinating.

Alice was a great leading lady. I loved watching her wonderment (pardon the pun) as she discovered Wonderland. Chess was probably my favorite character. He was so complex, and while I wasn't sure I could 100 percent trust him, I wanted to. Speaking of trust, everybody seemed to have some sort of hidden agenda or secret, so I never knew who to trust.

I can't recommend this book highly enough. It was so much fun. I loved all the clever nods to the original story, but I thought it was unique in its own right too. It did leave off on a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm very eager to grab a copy of the sequel.

FIVE STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities #1) by Sara Ella

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two. I'm also linking up with Carrie at Reading is My Superpower for First Line Friday.

This week I'm featuring The Wonderland Trials (The Curious Realities #1) by Sara Ella. This is such a fantastic Alice in Wonderland retelling. The sequel comes out later this month and I'm so excited for it.

About the Book

Solve the clues. Face your fears. Survive the Trials.

All Alice Liddell wants is to escape her Normal life in Oxford and find the parents who abandoned her ten years ago. But she gets more than she bargained for when her older sister Charlotte is arrested for having the infamous Wonder Gene—the key to unlocking the curious Wonderland Reality.

Soon, Alice receives a rather cryptic invitation to play for Team Heart in this year’s annual—and often deadly—Wonderland Trials. Now she has less than twenty-four hours to find her way into Wonderland where nothing is impossible . . . or what it seems.

The stakes are raised when she discovers players go missing during the Trials each year. Will she and her team solve the clues and find the missing players? Or will betrayal and distrust win, leaving Alice alone in a world of her own? Follow the White Rabbit into this topsy-turvy fantasy where players become prey, a sip of the wrong tea might as well be poison, and a queen’s ways do not always lead one where they ought to go.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Only someone as mad as a hatter - as the saying goes - would risk her life to win a game.

Friday 56

Taking a risk is one thing. But playing a game without rules?

You might as well cheat to win.

Absolutely, one hundred percent out of the question. I refuse. Not happening.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Escaping Illusions by Therese Heckenkamp

About the Book

All she wants is a new beginning, but it will come at a chilling cost.

Brook Morton doesn’t believe in happily ever after. Not after what she’s been through. Determined to protect her daughter and start a new life, she seeks refuge in the dead of winter in the small town of Vanishing Lakes.

But not everything is as it seems . . .

When a blizzard hits and Brook encounters an old friend’s brother, charismatic stage magician Max, at an isolated lake house, it complicates everything. Although she shared a special connection with him years ago, she can’t let that cloud her judgment. A man famous for deception is the last person she should trust. Especially with her heart.

When danger lurks where it’s least expected, no place—and no one—is safe.

Don't miss this riveting clean romantic suspense mystery by an award-winning author!

Escaping Illusions is the third book in the Frozen Footprints series but can be enjoyed as a standalone novel.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a compelling story! I was hooked from the first paragraph and on the edge of my seat. This was a high-stakes, tension-filled suspense novel that I couldn't put down. The mystery kept me guessing and reading as fast as I could while trying to figure out who the killer was.

 

My heart broke for the situation Brook and her daughter Ella were in. I was fully in their corner and rooting them on as they escaped that nightmare. I admired Brook's determination, strength, and resiliency. And I thought Ella was an adorable but realistically portrayed child.

 

Max didn't make the best first impression, but it didn't take long before my opinion changed, and I ended up really liking him. He brought a nice bit of humor and steadiness to a situation that really needed it. And I thought his job as a stage magician was really cool.

 

Even though I hadn't read the first two books, I didn't have any trouble following along. This book stands alone perfectly. I highly recommend it to fans of clean romantic suspense.

 

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Into the Fire (Undaunted Courage #1) by Irene Hannon

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Into the Fire (Undaunted Courage #1) by Irene Hannon releasing October 3.

About the Book

As a former smokejumper, arson investigator Bri Tucker knows her way around fires. But after a mysterious blaze takes the life of a former colleague, Bri inherits a curious puzzle from him that raises questions about several fiery deaths. Someone, however, doesn't want her picking up where he left off in search of answers.

When she teams up with ATF Special Agent Marc Davis to solve the puzzle, the danger escalates. But will they manage to track down the person behind the mysterious deaths before their budding romance--and maybe even their lives--go up in flames?

The bestselling and award-winning queen of romantic suspense is back with a brand-new series that is sure to get your adrenaline pumping as you burn through the pages to discover the truth.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Brynn and Sebastian Hate Each Other by Bethany Turner

About the Book
She’s a sunny morning-show host. He’s a cynical ex-reporter. They’re destined to hate each other . . . Aren’t they?

Brynn Cornell has to be stuck in a nightmare. Just last week, she was riding high as cohost of the popular morning show Sunup. She’s America’s Ray of Sunshine—the girl-next-door beauty who drives up TV ratings while never exuding anything but her trademark positivity and poise. All it took was one huge on-air mistake to expose her snarky side to the world and make it all come crumbling down. Now she’s back in her hometown of Adelaide Springs, Colorado, in a last-ditch attempt to convince viewers she’s not the mean girl they think she is. All she has to do is apologize and capture some feel-good footage reminding everyone she’s just a girl from humble beginnings who’s grateful for her big break, and she might manage to preserve both her career and her image. But this town holds painful memories that she’s not ready to face.

Sebastian Sudworth was on the fast track to the journalist hall of fame. A superstar reporter with a reputation for being in the center of the action, his fearless, relentless coverage of major events around the globe was winning him awards and accolades—until something snapped inside him and he vanished from the scene under mysterious circumstances. Sebastian sought refuge in tiny Adelaide Springs, working odd jobs and trying to blend in as a scruffy mountain town citizen.

When Sebastian is assigned to chauffeur Brynn around town, Brynn is sure he can see right through her carefully cultivated, sunny persona. But she’s determined to do what it takes to maintain her image and save her career—so she’ll just have to charm the socks off Sebastian the same way she charmed her viewers. Easier said than done. It’s no picnic to play nice around someone you hate . . . especially when you might be crazy about them.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This is a great enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine romance. Those are two of my favorite tropes, so I was eager to dive in! This story was so much fun and had me laughing up a storm.

Brynn is the "sunshine" part of the duo, and, well, I didn't know what to think of her at first. She was essentially playing a role in her job as a morning show anchor. A role that was nothing like who she really was. She was supposed to be "America's Ray of Sunshine", but her true self gets exposed in an unexpected moment on air. To rehabilitate her tarnished image, she heads back to her hometown. A town she's actively avoided since she left twenty years ago. Brynn wasn't the most likable character in the beginning. She came across as rude, condescending, and a bit of a spoiled brat. I was worried that she'd remain unlikable throughout the whole story, but thankfully that wasn't the case. I loved when she started opening up more and we got a glimpse of who she used to be before she became famous.

As soon as Sebastian the Grump appeared on the page, I instantly fell for him. Yes, he was a grump, but he had so many more layers to him. He was a really interesting guy, and the more I learned about him, the more I liked him. You could see how passionate he was about the things (and people) he cared about.

I loved the town of Adelaide Springs. There was a quirky charm to it that I couldn’t help but be drawn to. Their love of colonial history was endearing, and I loved the creativity behind some of their business names. (The Bean Franklin in particular.) And I can't fail to mention the fact that the town was full of some really wonderful people too. Doc, Laila, Cole, Jo, Old Man Kimball—the list could go on and on. By the end of the novel, Adelaide Springs started to feel like home. I didn't want to leave the town or its residents.

If you're looking for a fun romantic comedy set in a charming small town, grab a copy of this book. I highly recommend it!

I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

FOUR STARS