Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Winds of Danger (Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense #4) 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.

This week I'm featuring Winds of Danger (Lantern Beach Romantic Suspense #4) by Christy Barritt.

About the Book

Wes O’Neill is perfectly content to hang with his friends and enjoy island life on Lantern Beach. Something begins to change inside him when Paige Henderson sweeps into his life. But the beautiful newcomer is hiding painful secrets beneath her cheerful facade.

Police dispatcher Paige Henderson came to Lantern Beach riddled with guilt and uncertainties after the fallout of a bad relationship. When she meets Wes, she begins to open up to the possibility of love again. But there’s something Wes isn’t telling her—something that could change everything.

As the winds shift, doubts seep into Paige’s mind. Can Paige and Wes trust each other, even as the currents work against them? Or is trouble from the past too much to overcome?

Book Beginning

Wes O'Neill shoved his paddle into the water and glanced at Paige Henderson across the glassy surface of the Pamlico Sound.

Friday 56

Paige jerked back, clinging to Wes's arm as she tried to comprehend what had just happened. All she'd heard was a crash and glass breaking.

Have you ever enjoyed the same book in two or more formats? For example, print and ebook, print and audiobook, ebook and audiobook, or all three?

I only read ebooks. I have an allergy to the ink and dye in paperbacks. With audiobooks, my mind tends to wander.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Always: A Lost Princesses Prequel Novella by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I was in a bit of a rut when I picked up this book, having struggled through the last two short stories I read. I was ready for something completely different and am so happy I decided to try this novella. It was just what I needed. Such a breath of fresh air. Such a delightful read full of heart-stopping adventures and a gloriously sweet romance.

While this is a novella, the story lacked for nothing. I was fully riveted by this tale from beginning to end. I wasn't expecting it to be as action-packed as it was, but my goodness, I could hardly put it down for all the excitement! I highly recommend it and am very eager for the next book!

Favorite Quote: “Sometimes, when we think we've come to a dead end, we've arrived instead at God's stepping-stone on the way to bigger plans.”

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: One Final Breath (Dive Team Investigations #3) by Lynn H. Blackburn

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 One Final Breath (Dive Team Investigations #3) by Lynn H. Blackburn releasing September 3.

About the Book

When investigator Gabriel Chavez had his cover blown by an aggressive reporter, the silver lining was being able to rejoin the dive team. The downside? Dive team captain Anissa Bell--a woman who both fascinates and frustrates him.

Anissa grew up as a missionary kid on the Micronesian island of Yap and always planned to return after college. But she remained stateside, determined to solve the case that haunts her--the murder of her best friend and the disappearance of a three-year-old child.

When Anissa's fractured past collides with Gabe's investigation into the tragic shooting death of a teenage boy in Lake Porter, they'll have to put their complicated history with each other aside in order to uncover the identity of a killer. What they'll discover is that revenge has no statute of limitations.

Award-winning author Lynn H. Blackburn closes out her nail-biting Dive Team Investigations series with a story that will have you wondering how long you can hold your breath.

Why I Need It

I flew through the first two books in this series and have been anxiously awaiting the conclusion. I'm so excited for Gabe and Anissa's story!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Fledgling (Sorcery and Society #2) by Molly Harper

About the Book

Days away from completing her first year at Miss Castwell’s Institute for the Magical Instruction of Young Ladies, Changeling-born Sarah Smith might just get away with posing as an upper-class Guardian girl named Cassandra Reed.

But strange visions of a Lightbourne destroyed by Miss Morton’s revenant army keep Sarah from enjoying her achievement. Plus, the Mother Book, Sarah’s one secret advantage and the ultimate entrée in Guardian society, suddenly stops revealing itself to her…putting her in a precarious position with the Guild. On top of all that, her former lady’s maid left Miss Castwell’s, and the new hire is, well, taking some getting used to.

If it weren’t for her two best friends, Alicia McCray and Ivy Cowel, who will do anything to protect her secret, Sarah doesn’t know if she’ll make it another year. When the three girls take summer holiday with Alicia’s family (chaperoned by an exacting and very disapproving Mrs. McCray), a relaxing vacation in Scotland is the last thing they’ll find.

Mrs. Winter is thrilled that Sarah is spending time with the influential McCray family, but Sarah can’t help but feel that her real purpose is to find other Changeling children like her, and free them to realize their own magic. Can she find genuine satisfaction in her accomplishments when she knows there are others like her out there who need her help? Will the three girls uncover the deeply-held secrets they’re looking for in the mysterious mountains of Scotland? Will the Mother Book finally start talking to her again? And will Sarah come to understand the importance of her connection with Ivy and Alicia, and the true nature of her own power…before it’s too late?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I loved Changeling and was so excited to dive back into the series with Fledgling. It was just as fun, witty, and cute. Yet there was also more depth and substance. It wasn't just a fluffy read. It struck a nice balance.

The heart of this book were the friendships. Old and new. Cassandra, Ivy, and Alicia's friendship was so sweet. They got themselves into quite a few messes, but they're so supportive of one another and were there for each other no matter what. It was refreshing. Their circle of friends grew a lot in this book and I enjoyed getting to know some of the other Castwell girls.

Cassandra made a couple of eye-roll worthy decisions late in the book that had me so frustrated, but for the most part I had a great time reading Fledgling. I'm really curious to see what happens in the next installment.

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

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Always: A Lost Princesses Prequel Novella by Jody Hedlund

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.

This week I'm featuring Always: A Lost Princesses Prequel Novella by Jody Hedlund. Also, I'm excited to be participating in the Book Blogger Hop for the first time!

About the Book

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

Book Beginning

"Another sip, Your Majesty," I pleaded, holding out the golden chalice of raspberry-leaf tea.

Friday 56

Constance screamed again and buried her face against my coarse skirt. At the sight of the enormous wolf, slinking down and baring it's teeth in a growl, I wanted to scream too.

How do you choose the next book to read?

It depends on what kind of mood I'm in and what books I need to read for a review. I usually can't read more than a couple of books in the same genre in a row, so I try to mix it up. A mystery here, fantasy there, then a contemporary or historical. It really all depends on what type of book I wake up that morning wanting to read.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright

About the Book
Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a creepy good book! There's no way I can ever come up with the right words to describe just how awesome it was.

Seriously, this book is fantastic! Captivating, atmospheric, deliciously creepy, so hard to put down. It had a gothic-vibe that I absolutely loved. There were many chilling, goosebump-inducing moments. I was completely consumed by the story. Holding my full attention, nothing could distract me from it.

I enjoyed both timelines equally. Heidi and Thea were really great characters, relatable and likable. All the characters, no matter how small or big their role in the story, were fully fleshed out and three-dimensional. So real. My favorites were Emma, an autistic young woman, and her service dog Ducie, and Mr. Amos, the curmudgeon town photographer.

I really can't say enough good things about this book. If I could give it more than five stars, I would. It's my new favorite from author Jaime Jo Wright and will definitely be on my list of best books for the year.

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Diamond in the Rough (American Heiresses #2) by Jen Turano

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 Diamond in the Rough (American Heiresses #2) by Jen Turano releasing September 3. 

About the Book
To save her family from financial ruin, Miss Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season in exchange for her grandmother settling a family loan that has unexpectedly come due. Ill-equipped to handle the intricacies of mingling within the New York Four Hundred, Poppy becomes embroiled in one hilarious fiasco after another, doomed to suffer a grand societal failure instead of being deemed the diamond of the first water her grandmother longs for her to become.

Reginald Blackburn, second son of a duke, has been forced to travel to America to help his cousin, Charles Wynn, Earl of Lonsdale, find an American heiress to wed in order to shore up his family estate that is in desperate need of funds. Reginald himself has no interest in finding an heiress to marry, but when Poppy's grandmother asks him to give etiquette lessons to Poppy, he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

Why I Need It
Jen Turano always injects so much humor into her novels. I usually have a permanent smile on my face when I'm reading one of her books. I'm so excited for this one. I imagine the etiquette lessons will be quite amusing!

What upcoming release are you excited about?
 

Review: Spark by Sarah Beth Durst

About the Book

When a shy girl and her dragon-like companion discover their country’s idyllic weather comes at a steep—and secret—cost, they recruit fellow students to defy authority and attempt to spread the truth.

Storm beasts and their guardians create perfect weather every day, and Mina longs for a storm beast of her own. But when the gentle girl bonds with a lightning beast—a creature of fire and chaos—everyone’s certain it’s a mistake. Everyone but Mina and the beast himself, Pixit. Quickly enrolled in lightning school, Mina struggles to master a guardian’s skills, and she discovers that her country's weather comes at a devastating cost—a cost powerful people wish to hide. Mina’s never been the type to speak out, but someone has to tell the truth, and, with Pixit’s help, she resolves to find a way to be heard.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

She liked to think this was one of the secrets about being quiet: when you finally speak, everyone assumes you have something important to say. And I do, she thought.

Mina is the shy, quiet girl who stays in the background, overlooked by everyone, even her family. And she's comfortable with that. She doesn't like the spotlight, being the center of attention. But everything changes when she bonds with a lightning beast and then discovers a terrible secret. One that many powerful people would be very upset if it were revealed. Can Mina find her voice, make herself be heard, and tell a truth that must be told?

I'm a grown woman, but my gosh, this book spoke to me so much. I was that shy, quiet girl in the background, still am to an extent, and would've loved to have read about a heroine like Mina when I was a kid. She's so relatable. It was nice to have a quiet girl be the brave one in the story. To show that you can be quiet, yet courageous at the same time.

This was a beautiful book. One that celebrates being true to yourself. Accepting yourself for exactly who you are. Learning that it's okay to be different and realizing that, sometimes, that's exactly what the world needs.

“Just because she’s quiet doesn’t mean she isn’t brave.”

4.5 Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright

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.

This week I'm featuring a book I recently finished, The Curse of Misty Wayfair by Jaime Jo Wright. So creepy, yet so good!

About the Book

Left at an orphanage as a child, Thea Reed vowed to find her mother someday. Now grown, her search takes her to Pleasant Valley, Wisconsin, in 1908. When clues lead her to a mental asylum, Thea uses her experience as a post-mortem photographer to gain access and assist groundskeeper Simeon Coyle in photographing the patients and uncovering the secrets within. However, she never expected her personal quest would reawaken the legend of Misty Wayfair, a murdered woman who allegedly haunts the area and whose appearance portends death.

A century later, Heidi Lane receives a troubling letter from her mother--who is battling dementia--compelling her to travel to Pleasant Valley for answers to her own questions of identity. When she catches sight of a ghostly woman who haunts the asylum ruins in the woods, the long-standing story of Misty Wayfair returns--and with it, Heidi's fear for her own life.

As two women across time seek answers about their identities and heritage, can they overcome the threat of the mysterious curse that has them inextricably intertwined?

Book Beginning

Melancholy was a condition of the spirit and the soul, but also of the mind.

Friday 56

Thea had no idea where this was going, but a restlessness inside her made her edge her way to the door. Toward the escape. But Mr. Fritz followed like a horsefly on a hot, muggy day.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: A Witch to Remember (A Wishcraft Mystery #9) by Heather Blake

About the Book

Not even a witch can keep her secrets safe in the sizzling ninth installment of national bestselling author Heather Blake’s Wishcraft series.

Wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather’s enchanted wedding plans are put to the test when murder invites itself to her bridal luncheon…

The Enchanted Village always has a touch of magic about it, but the buzz of excitement over the wedding between wish-granting witch Darcy and Police Chief Nick Sawyer is positively electric. With every spellbinding detail planned to perfection all that’s left is to sit back and let wishes come true. But Darcy’s dream wedding is threatened when the Divinitea Cottage, the tea room hosting her bridal luncheon, goes up in flames, revealing the strangled body of the owner, Leyna Noble.

Making vows to solve the crime without delaying the nuptials, Darcy focuses on her prime suspect, and number one nemesis, wicked witch Dorothy Hansel Dewitt, a notorious firebug. But when a psychic vanishes without a trace, Darcy’s investigation shifts to Leyna’s mysteriously bewitching past. Darcy must sort through mystical claims and old, vengeful grudges to find a killer before she is forced to forever hold her peace.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Finishing this book was bittersweet. It was such a great ending to the series. But it was the end. This has been my favorite cozy series and to know there won't be anymore adventures in the Enchanted Village with these beloved characters has me feeling sad. But what a great way to go out.

I read it slowly, savoring it. I didn't want to rush it. I wanted to linger as long as possible. … That was the plan, at least. But once I hit a certain point, I couldn't stop and had to finish it as quickly as I could. I had to know if everything would turn out alright.

I don't want to say much more because I don't want to spoil anything. I'll just end by saying, this is a must read for anyone who has loved this series. If you haven't started it yet, grab a copy of book one and be prepared to fall in love with the quirky characters and charming village.

Four Stars

(Note: I took a star off because there were multiple instances where God wasn't capitalized. It's one of my biggest pet peeves and totally throws me out of a story. If not for that, this would've been a five star read.)

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Spice King (Hope and Glory #1) by Elizabeth Camden

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 Spice King (Hope and Glory #1) by Elizabeth Camden releasing September 3.

About the Book

Gray Delacroix has dedicated his life to building his very successful global spice empire, but it has come at a cost. Resolved to salvage his family before it spirals out of control, he returns to his ancestral home to save his brother and sister before it's too late.

As a junior botanist for the Smithsonian, Annabelle Larkin has been charged with the impossible task of gaining access to the notoriously private Delacroix plant collection. If she fails, she will be out of a job and the family farm in Kansas will go under. She has no idea that in gaining entrance to the Delacroix world, she will unwittingly step into a web of dangerous political intrigue far beyond her experience.

Unable to deny her attraction to the reclusive business tycoon, Annabelle will be forced to choose between her heart and loyalty to her country. Can Gray and Annabelle find a way through the storm of scandal without destroying the family Gray is fighting to save?

Why I Need It
Elizabeth Camden always writes about really interesting, sometimes obscure, historical facts. I always feel like I learn something new when I read one of her books. And this time, I'm really looking forward to learning about the spice industry in the early 1900s.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Remembering Sadie

This is a different kind of post for me. Not about books. But about my sweet dog Sadie. It's been a year today since she passed away. So this is, in a sense, a tribute to her.

I can't believe it's been a year. I still miss her everyday. I miss her sassiness. Her diva attitude. I miss her "high fives", her hugs, and kisses. How she had this uncanny ability to know when I was feeling bad and would come sit with me. Comfort me. How her very presence would make me feel better.

I still expect to find her sitting at the door. When it's storming, I still expect to hear her trying to bark it away. I miss her barking at the UPS man. At fireworks. Annoying neighbors. Pretty much anything she thought didn't "belong" around here.

There's never gonna be another one like her. Words can't do justice to describe how amazing and special she was.

Review: Playing Hearts by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

It begins the way it has always begun: with a card on Mabel's pillow. But Mabel has been in Underland before, and she's not so anxious to go back. No matter what name it takes, Underland is always bizarre, always mad, always dangerous.

There's the Queen of Hearts, terrifying, powerful, and possibly insane. There's Hatter, purple-eyed and undoubtedly mad. March Hare has always been one sandwich short of a picnic, and Sir Blanc is missing his wits.

And then there's Jack. Jack the aristocratic son of the Queen. Not quite mad, but not far off. Disinclined to help anyone but himself. A liar. And, thanks to an ancient ceremony performed by the Queen, Mabel's fiancé.

Fall into the rabbit hole with Mabel as she climbs through tea-pots, battles the Jabberwock, and attempts to overthrow the Queen of Hearts herself.

Don't lose your head.

And whatever you do, don't be late...

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

“You're invited. It's a very important date. Don't be late.”

What an imaginative twist on Alice in Wonderland! I was never a huge fan of the original tale, but I can't seem to resist a good retelling of it. They're so much fun and Playing Hearts is the best one I've read.

Author W.R. Gingell does an excellent job bringing to life Wonderland, or rather Underland as Mabel knows it to be, making it her own and yet still keeping it familiar.

This was a blast to read. Hatter and Hare were my favorite characters, of course. They're still as mad as ever, but there's a lot more to them if you just look close enough.

Things were a bit violent at times, but that's the nature of Underland for ya'... well, the Queen actually. She's just as ruthless and terrible as you'd expect.

If you're a fan of retellings, I highly recommend Playing Hearts. My only complaint is that it ended. I could've definitely kept reading more about Underland.

Five Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: A Witch to Remember (A Wishcraft Mystery #9) by Heather Blake

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.

This week I'm featuring the final book in my favorite cozy mystery series, A Witch to Remember (A Wishcraft Mystery #9) by Heather Blake. I'm sad to say goodbye to these characters.

About the Book

Not even a witch can keep her secrets safe in the sizzling ninth installment of national bestselling author Heather Blake’s Wishcraft series.

Wishcrafter Darcy Merriweather’s enchanted wedding plans are put to the test when murder invites itself to her bridal luncheon…

The Enchanted Village always has a touch of magic about it, but the buzz of excitement over the wedding between wish-granting witch Darcy and Police Chief Nick Sawyer is positively electric. With every spellbinding detail planned to perfection all that’s left is to sit back and let wishes come true. But Darcy’s dream wedding is threatened when the Divinitea Cottage, the tea room hosting her bridal luncheon, goes up in flames, revealing the strangled body of the owner, Leyna Noble.

Making vows to solve the crime without delaying the nuptials, Darcy focuses on her prime suspect, and number one nemesis, wicked witch Dorothy Hansel Dewitt, a notorious firebug. But when a psychic vanishes without a trace, Darcy’s investigation shifts to Leyna’s mysteriously bewitching past. Darcy must sort through mystical claims and old, vengeful grudges to find a killer before she is forced to forever hold her peace.

Book Beginning

"This wedding might be the death of me, and I'm not even the one getting married. So much to get done, so little time."

Friday 56

Her gaze narrowed on me. "How are you faring, Darcy? You look" - her brows knitted - "anxious."

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Vow of Justice (Blue Justice #4) by Lynette Eason

About the Book
FBI Special Agent Lincoln St. John is living his own personal nightmare. When the woman he loves, Allison Radcliffe, is killed, he devotes his life to tracking down the killers and making them pay for their crimes. He expected it to be a challenge. What he never expected was to find Allison very much alive shortly after her "murder." As his anger and hurt mix with relief, Linc isn't sure how he's supposed to feel. One thing he does know for sure: he and Allison will have to work together to stop a killer before she dies a second time--this time for good.

Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason closes out her Blue Justice series with a story that will have you tearing through the pages to get to the stunning conclusion.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What an exciting conclusion to a fantastic series! I've loved the time I've spent with the St. John family. There's been so much suspense, so many adventures, and heart-racing moments. I've enjoyed every minute of it and am sad to say goodbye. Though I hear there's a novella featuring Derek coming soon, so I still have that to look forward to.

Vow of Justice is finally Linc's time in the spotlight. Allison, the woman he loved and thought dead is actually very much alive. He feels slightly betrayed at not being let in on the secret, but he sets his frustration aside to work with Allie to stop a ruthless killer before she dies for real this time.

Never a dull moment, Vow of Justice was an anxiety-inducing thrill ride that kept me thoroughly entertained and gasping for breath from beginning to end. I had my suspicions about a couple of things pretty early on, but wasn't 100% sure until the reveal. This was one of my favorite books from Eason. And though it's book four, it stands alone just fine. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys romantic suspense.

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

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: A Single Light (The Line Between #2) by Tosca Lee

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 A Single Light (The Line Between #2) by Tosca Lee releasing September 17.

About the Book

In this gripping sequel to The Line Between, which New York Times bestselling author Alex Kava calls “everything you want in a thriller,” cult escapee Wynter Roth and ex-soldier Chase Miller emerge from their bunker to find a country ravaged by disease, and Wynter is the only one who can save it.

Six months after vanishing into an underground silo with sixty others, Wynter and Chase emerge to find the area abandoned. There is no sign of Noah and the rest of the group that was supposed to greet them when they emerged—the same people Wynter was counting on to help her locate the IV antibiotics her gravely ill friend, Julie, needs in order to live.

As the clock ticks down on Julie’s life, Wynter and Chase embark on a desperate search for medicine and answers. But what they find is not a nation on the cusp of recovery thanks to the promising new vaccine Wynter herself had a hand in creating, but one decimated by disease. What happened while they were underground?

With food and water in limited supply and their own survival in question, Chase and Wynter must venture further and further from the silo. Aided by an enigmatic mute named Otto, they come face-to-face with a society radically changed by global pandemic, where communities scrabble to survive under rogue leaders and cities are war zones. As hope fades by the hour and Wynter learns the terrible truth of the last six months, she is called upon once again to help save the nation she no longer recognizes—a place so dark she’s no longer sure it can even survive.

Fast-paced and taut, A Single Light is a breathless thriller of nonstop suspense about the risks of living in a world outside the safe confines of our closely-held beliefs and the relationships and lives that inspire us.

Why I Need It

I LOVED the first book and have been impatiently awaiting the sequel to find out what happens next. So excited! 

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Fire Storm (Kaely Quinn Profiler #2) by Nancy Mehl

About the Book

When FBI profiler Kaely Quinn's mother is diagnosed with cancer, Kaely takes time off work to go to Dark Water, Nebraska, to help her brother care for their mother. Upon her arrival, she learns of a series of fires in the small town, attributed by the fire chief to misuse of space heaters in the frigid winter. But Kaely is skeptical, and a search for a pattern in the locations of the fires bolsters her suspicions.

After yet another blaze devastates a local family, Kaely is certain a serial arsonist is on the loose. Calling upon her partner from St. Louis, Noah Hunter, and her brother's firefighter neighbor who backs Kaely's suspicions, Kaely and her team begin an investigation that swiftly leads them down a twisted path. When the truth is finally revealed, Kaely finds herself confronting a madman who is determined his last heinous act will be her death.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Kaely Quinn is one of the most unique and interesting characters I've ever read about. In Fire Storm we get to know her and her family better when she returns to Nebraska to care for her sick mother. When there's a string of suspicious fires around town, Kaely questions whether they're accidents like the officials have ruled or if there's something more sinister going on.

I'm not gonna lie, the first book in this series was spectacular, one of the most suspenseful books ever. To say my expectations were high for this one would be an understatement. Was it as good as Mind Games? Not quite. Occasionally, things felt robotic and stilted, and the ending was abrupt, feeling a bit rushed. But in no way does that mean this was a bad read. I did, mostly, enjoy it. It was nice getting to see more of Kaely's family. I felt like I was beginning to understand her better. And the mystery was good, keeping me invested and trying to figure it out alongside Kaely. I finished it in two days which is fairly quick for me.

Despite the few issues I had with this book, I still plan to continue the series. I want to know what happens to these characters. Plus, I just read the synopsis for the third book and oh my! Sounds like it's gonna be a doozy!

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

Three Stars

Review: Colt, Billionaire Reunion: Sweet, Clean Christian Romance with Suspense (Billionaire Protectors Book 2) by Alexa Verde and Autumn Macarthur

About the Book

Billionaire protectors. They'll risk their lives to protect the woman in jeopardy. But will they risk their hearts?

When the ex-wife scientist Colt Jarvis assumed left him for another man returns, his attraction to her flares. But he can't trust her. During their brief marriage, she kept way too many secrets. She still does. For the past year, they've only seen each other during her visits to their children.

Fiercely independent security expert Mirabella Jarvis didn't choose to leave her husband and children. An accident followed by years of amnesia weren't part of her plan. Slowly, she's picking up the pieces of her old life, including rebuilding the trust of her twins again. Her husband's trust is far tougher to gain, especially as he never trusted her in the first place.

When the serial killer who almost murdered her once before threatens her life, Colt will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means falling in love with her all over again.  

Amazon / Goodreads

Available in Kindle Unlimited

My Thoughts

A story of second chances and learning to trust again.

Mirabella is being targeted in a way that's suspiciously similar to the serial killer she hunted down and thought dead. She lost her memory, years of her life, the trust of the man she loved, and the privilege of watching her kids grow up because of that man. Is it really the same guy or a copycat killer?

I loved Brett, the first story in this series, and was so excited for Colt. It was so good! What an exciting ride! Although we met Colt, Mirabella, and their adorable twins, Kitty and Corbin, in book one, it was nice to get to know them even better here.

The mystery was really good. There were lots of suspects and any one of them could've done it. But when the reveal came, I was completely shocked. Didn't see that coming!

I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a little suspense with their romance. I can't wait for David's story!

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Playing Hearts by W.R. Gingell

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.

This week I'm featuring Playing Hearts by W.R. Gingell, a really fun twist on Alice in Wonderland.

About the Book

It begins the way it has always begun: with a card on Mabel's pillow. But Mabel has been in Underland before, and she's not so anxious to go back. No matter what name it takes, Underland is always bizarre, always mad, always dangerous.

There's the Queen of Hearts, terrifying, powerful, and possibly insane. There's Hatter, purple-eyed and undoubtedly mad. March Hare has always been one sandwich short of a picnic, and Sir Blanc is missing his wits.

And then there's Jack. Jack the aristocratic son of the Queen. Not quite mad, but not far off. Disinclined to help anyone but himself. A liar. And, thanks to an ancient ceremony performed by the Queen, Mabel's fiancé.

Fall into the rabbit hole with Mabel as she climbs through tea-pots, battles the Jabberwock, and attempts to overthrow the Queen of Hearts herself.

Don't lose your head.

And whatever you do, don't be late...

Book Beginning

It started the way it usually starts: with a card. It was on my pillow that morning when I woke, its red pips showing up clearly against the whiteness of the pillow-slip. The Jack of Hearts.

Friday 56

Jack narrowed his eyes at me from across the room, and scooped up the two full glasses. "Have you been annoying Mother Dearest again?"

What have you been reading lately?

Review: The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

About the Book

Brought together by a charming bookstore in England, three women fight to defy expectations, dream new dreams, and welcome love into their lives.

As a counselor, Sophia Barrett is trained to help people cope with their burdens. But when she meets a new patient whose troubles mirror her own, she realizes she hasn’t dealt with the pain of her recent past. After making a snap decision to get away for the summer, Sophia moves overseas to an apartment above a charming bookstore in Cornwall, England. She is hopeful she will find peace there surrounded by her favorite thing: great literature.

Bookstore owner Ginny Rose is desperate to save her business without asking for help from a husband who’s decided to take a break from their marriage. Ginny never imagined she’d be solely responsible for keeping afloat her husband’s dream, but the unexpected friendship with her new renter has her feeling more optimistic. Between the two of them—and Ginny’s brother-in-law, William—the bookstore might stand a chance.

Then Sophia finds a notebook in the bookstore that contains journal entries from Emily Fairfax, a governess who lived in Cornwall more than 150 years ago. Sophia learns that Emily harbored a secret passion for becoming an authoress—as well as a deep love for her childhood friend, Edward, whose station she dared not dream to touch.

Eager to know more of Emily’s story, Sophia goes on a quest—dragging Ginny and William with her—to discover the heart of the woman behind the beautiful entries. Soon Ginny’s need to save the bookstore becomes more than a way to save her marriage, and Sophia finds new purpose of her own. Together they find that sometimes both heartache and hope can reach across the centuries.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

The Secrets of Paper and Ink follows three women, Sophia, Ginny, and Emily, and spans two timelines, Cornwall 150 years in the past and present day. It was my first time reading anything by Lindsay Harrel and I absolutely loved it! I'm definitely looking forward to more from her.

I was completely sucked into the story and read about 60% of it in one afternoon, which is pretty fast for me. I couldn't put it down. I had to know how the story ended, how the mystery resolved, and if everything worked out.

I was afraid I'd find one POV more entertaining than the others, or possibly not enjoy one of them at all, which has happened to me a few times before with books like this. But I had no need to worry. All three women were likable, interesting, and compelling to read about. They were so connected to each other and the story flowed really well switching between them all.

This was a beautifully powerful story of the journey, struggles, triumphs, and second chances of three women. And the healing power of paper and ink.

4.5 Stars