Can't Wait Wednesday: Wedding at Sea (Muir Harbor Book 3) by Melissa Tagg

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 Wedding at Sea (Muir Harbor Book 3) by Melissa Tagg releasing June 29.

About the Book

Two enemies. One wedding. And a seaside mystery decades in the making.

Lilian doesn’t remember anything about her life before the day Maggie Muir found her on her front porch—a toddler, abandoned and alone. And maybe that’s okay. She has a beautiful life at Muir Farm, including an adopted family she adores and a successful career as a lawyer. But she also has a secret . . . one that raises just as many questions about her future as it does her unknown past.

And, of course, it would be private investigator Wilder Monroe, her brother’s best friend and the bane of her existence, who sniffs out her secret before anyone else.

Wilder has spent the past three years trying to close the one case his father couldn’t—the mystery of Maggie Muir’s long-lost granddaughter. But the decades-long search has become more tangled than ever. It’s become more personal, too. Not only are the Muirs the closest thing to family he has left, but if he can solve this mystery, maybe he'll keep himself from drowning in the one he can’t . . . the truth about his father’s death.

In the midst of secrets and swirling questions, Maggie asks a favor of both Lilian and Wilder: put aside their bickering and work together to plan her summer wedding. It’s a big ask, made all the more difficult when danger comes calling at Muir Farm. But if the two enemies can stand each other long enough to pull off the event of the year, they just might solve a mystery in the process.

And the biggest discovery of all? That sometimes the one your heart longs for is the last person you ever would've expected.

Wedding at Sea is the breathtaking finale in bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Tagg's Muir Harbor series.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: The Shifting Current: A Coastal Guardian Novella by Dani Pettrey

About the Book

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Fast-paced and impossible to put down, this story pulled me right in and didn't let go until the very last word. I loved the Coastal Guardians series and am so happy that Logan and Emmy got their own story with this standalone novella. I was eager to spend more time with them and loved learning more about them and their pasts.

This case was personal. Logan and Emmy head to New Mexico to find the person who murdered his grandpa. My heart absolutely broke for Logan. I was rooting so hard for him to bring swift justice to the criminal.

Despite being a novella, it never felt too short or lacking. While the full-length books had multiple mysteries going on at the same time, this one just focused on Logan and Emmy, which I really appreciated. I highly recommend this to fans of romantic suspense. I loved it and am eager for Dani Pettrey's next series.

4.5 STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Fractured Lies (Lantern Beach Exposure Book 1) 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.

This week I'm featuring Fractured Lies (Lantern Beach Exposure Book 1) by Christy Barritt. 

About the Book

Lantern Beach has seen its fair share of trouble. But the danger isn’t over yet . . .

As security agent Jonah Gray zeroes in on his current mission, he finds scientist Rachel Atwood in his crosshairs. Right before his foster brother died, he handed Jonah a slip of paper with the woman’s name on it and muttered the word “killed.” But the more Jonah gets to know Rachel, the more he’s uncertain if she’s a killer or a target.

Rachel Atwood hopes to leave trouble behind when she takes a new research position at a cosmetics company located on Lantern Beach. But things aren’t as idyllic on the coastal island as she’d assumed. Something fishy is going on at the waterfront lab, and Rachel is unsure who to trust.

When lies are exposed, Jonah and Rachel's newfound trust is shattered. Can they pick up the fractured pieces of truth in time? Or will a killer’s devious plan destroy them both?

A suspenseful mystery full of romance, forced proximity, hidden identities, secrets, and danger around every turn.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Jonah Gray glanced at his watch again. 

Ganon "Gandalf" Jones was ten minutes late. It wasn't like his friend not to be on time.

Friday 56

She shouldn't have come here to Lantern Beach. This job change was a mistake. It could get her killed.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Veil of Destruction (Kessler Effect Book 3) by Vannetta Chapman

About the Book

How far would you go to save your brother?

It’s been six months since all of the lower orbital satellites crashed to Earth. Akule Lopez has waited through every one of those days...waited to see her brother arrive home in Alpine.

Now she’s done waiting. Winter has fallen across the desolate Texas landscape. Rumors of war and insurrection abound. Akule doesn’t know how she’ll get from Alpine to Dallas. She doesn’t even know that her brother is still there. But she does know that she’s going to find out.

Her father doesn’t want her to go, but Akule isn’t a child anymore. She doesn’t need her father’s permission. She also understands that if she goes, if she dies in the attempt, then her father will have lost both of his children. She won’t let that happen. If it’s the last thing she ever does, she will find Paco and bring him home.

What sacrifice is too big, when it seems your life has been draped in a Veil of Destruction?

From USA Today Bestselling author Vannetta Chapman comes a survival series unlike any other.

Veil of Destruction is book three in a new post-apocalyptic survival thriller series from USA Today Bestselling Author Vannetta Chapman. An exciting contribution to the genre of disaster fiction, this is a series that will keep you reading late into the night.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This has to be one of the most realistic books in this genre that I've read. The characters, their actions, and the situations they found themselves in all felt so authentic. I've lived in West Texas my whole life, so I was very familiar with the landscape, cities, and route the characters took to find Paco and his family. I think because I knew the places, it made it feel all the more real. There were times when I forgot I was reading. I was so immersed in the story that I began to wonder how my family, who lives in one of the towns mentioned, was faring, lol.

I really liked Akule, Dylan, and Keme. I admired Keme's level-headedness, Dylan's positive outlook, and Akule's determination and bravery to find Paco and his family and bring them back home. They knew it was going to be a long and dangerous journey, but they weren't going to let anything stop them. They made a great team.

Even though this is book three in the series, it stands alone just fine. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic fiction. I'm really looking forward to the next one.

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

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

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 Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh releasing June 13.

About the Book

She’s out to prove that there’s no such thing as choosing happiness.

Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.

As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.

But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.

As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Man of Shadow and Mist (Of Monsters and Men Book 2) by Michelle Griep

About the Book

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”
–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

Where do I even begin? This book was so good! It's the kind of Gothic yet faith-filled read that I can never get enough of. And what a wonderful homage to Dracula! Since Dracula is one of my all-time favorite books, I loved all the nods to the classic. I had to smile every time I noticed a familiar name or place.
​
I liked James and Rosa right from the start. Rosa's the kind of bookish, spunky, and determined heroine that I love reading about. James was charming, chivalrous, and just an all-around good guy. He was the very definition of swoony. I really felt for him, though. The way others treated him with suspicion and superstition regarding his health condition infuriated me. I didn't know much about porphyria beforehand, so it was really interesting learning about it.

I can't say enough good things about this book. It's one of the best I've read this year. If you're a fan of Gothic historical romance, you're sure to love it too. I can't recommend it highly enough.

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: The Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey

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 Shifting Current by Dani Pettrey. I loved the Coastal Guardian series, so I was excited for this novella featuring Logan and Emmy. It did not disappoint. I think it might be my favorite of the series.

About the Book

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Death. It permeated her hair, her skin. She wanted to crawl out of it, but there was nowhere to go.

Friday 56

He reached the edge of the forest in time to see a dune buggy disappearing in the distance.

He was too late.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse

About the Book

In her new role as Emergency Operations Center director for Fairbanks, Alaska, Darcie Phillips prevents disasters. But none of her training can prepare her for the terror that's coming.

As a cybersecurity specialist, Jason Myers is determined to ferret out any threats to the town he now calls home--and that includes his reckless brother and his ecoterrorist friends.

When an old woman's wild prediction--widespread destruction as soon as the Fairbanks temperature falls to 26 below--hits national headlines, neither Darcie nor Jason sees a real risk to anything but tourism.

Then the bodies start dropping.

Darcie is relying on her experience and intelligence to stop a killer; Jason is relying on God to guide the way. They'll have to work together to find the truth and prevent their Alaskan town from becoming a city of nightmares. The first in a thrilling new suspense series from best-selling author Kimberley Woodhouse, 26 Below will delight fans of Lynnette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Lynn Blackburn.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a thrilling and fast-paced book! I was hooked from the very beginning and wasn't let go until the very end. The premise of this book was terrifying in how realistic it was. It was a great reminder of how reliant we are on technology and how easy it would be for cyber criminals to bring it all down. It's also a good reminder to be prepared in case something like this were actually to happen.

Jason was a great guy and easy to like. I didn't know what to think about Darcie, but once she started opening up and I learned more about her past, I ended up liking her. I wasn't sold on the romance at first, but as the story progressed, I could see how good Darcie and Jason were for each other.

I loved the Alaska setting. It really came to life, and I felt like I was actually there. Which is something, considering the temperatures where I live were in the 90s for part of the time I was reading it. It was fascinating learning about emergency management and all the preparation, prevention, and response that goes into it. I had no idea.

I can't believe this was my first time reading anything by this author. I'm definitely looking forward to more from her. This is one of my favorites so far this year. I highly recommend it to fans of romantic suspense.

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

FIVE STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Estuary (Oceans of Time Book 1) by Lisa T. Bergren

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 Estuary (Oceans of Time Book 1) by Lisa T. Bergren releasing June 13. I loved the original River of Time series, so I'm excited for this spinoff!

About the Book

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace . . . or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Betarrini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Nico's theory that their lost Betarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

In this new trilogy, author Lisa T. Bergren is extending the world originally created in her bestselling River of Time series.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Counter Attack (Pearl River Book #1) by Patricia Bradley

About the Book

A brand new heart-stopping series from a USA Today bestselling author

No sooner has Alexis Stone been sworn in as the interim sheriff for Russell County, Tennessee, when a serial killer dubbed the Queen's Gambit Killer strikes again--this time in her hometown. Pearl Springs is just supposed to be a temporary stop along the way to Alex's real dream: becoming the first female police chief of Chattanooga. But the killer's calling card--a white pawn and a note with a chess move printed on it--cannot be ignored.

Pearl Springs chief of police Nathan Landry can't believe that his high school sweetheart Alexis (he refuses to call her Alex) is back in town, and he can't help wanting to protect the woman he never stopped loving. But as the danger mounts and the killer closes in, can Nathan come through on the promises he makes to himself to bring a killer to justice before it's too late.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great start to a new series. This compelling and fast-paced read had me instantly intrigued and turning the pages as fast as I could.

I love a good second-chance romance, and I really enjoyed this one. Alex and Nathan had great chemistry. You could tell right off the bat that there were still strong feelings between them. The sparks were flying early on and I was rooting so hard for them.

I figured out who the killer was pretty quickly, but that didn't hinder my enjoyment one bit. While I wanted to nudge Alex and Nathan in the right direction a time or two, it actually ramped up the anxiety and added to the suspense.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of inspirational romantic suspense. I'm so excited for the next one!

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

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse

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 26 Below by Kimberley Woodhouse. 

About the Book

In her new role as Emergency Operations Center director for Fairbanks, Alaska, Darcie Phillips prevents disasters. But none of her training can prepare her for the terror that's coming.

As a cybersecurity specialist, Jason Myers is determined to ferret out any threats to the town he now calls home--and that includes his reckless brother and his ecoterrorist friends.

When an old woman's wild prediction--widespread destruction as soon as the Fairbanks temperature falls to 26 below--hits national headlines, neither Darcie nor Jason sees a real risk to anything but tourism.

Then the bodies start dropping.

Darcie is relying on her experience and intelligence to stop a killer; Jason is relying on God to guide the way. They'll have to work together to find the truth and prevent their Alaskan town from becoming a city of nightmares. The first in a thrilling new suspense series from best-selling author Kimberley Woodhouse, 26 Below will delight fans of Lynnette Eason, Irene Hannon, and Lynn Blackburn.

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

75 Degrees Above Zero

August 12 - 7:00 p.m.

Fairbanks, Alaska

The warmth of the summer wouldn't last. After all, this was Alaska. 

Friday 56

Beeping brought him awake. Where was that horrid noise coming from?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Flight (The Collective Underground #3) by Kristen Young

About the Book

The fight for what is right is also a fight to survive

On the cusp of graduation, Cadence is finally feeling in control. She’s about to become one of the prestigious Elites working in the Hall of Love. Plus, she can take her place as a full member of the underground Sirens who meet secretly in Love City. She’ll finally be able to use her memory skills for good, instead of reporting people as a Watcher.

But a dangerous trap is set, throwing Cadence into unwelcome and unfamiliar territory. Someone in the Collective remembers things that could very well get her killed. The Muse is by her side, after all, but will she be protected when someone powerful wants her dead?

Cadence just wants to be normal, free from politics or squad intimidation. Will she be able to achieve her Elite dreams, or will sinister forces leave her running for her life?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a great conclusion to this thought-provoking dystopian series. I probably should've reread the previous books because it took me longer than I would've liked to get settled back into this world and remember how things left off. But once I did, oh man, I couldn't read fast enough! There were so many things that surprised me. It took some turns that I never saw coming. A lot happened, and while I usually struggle with a book that's so jam-packed, I didn't here. It never felt like too much. In fact, it felt just right.

I don't want to say too much, but wow! What a powerful read. I absolutely loved the faith element. It was so strong and impactful. And that ending? Perfection! I might've even shed a tear or two. If you're a fan of the dystopian genre, don't hesitate. Run and grab yourself a copy of this series. You'll love it!

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Seams like Murder (Grace Designs Mysteries Book 1) by Tilly Wallace

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 Seams like Murder (Grace Designs Mysteries Book 1) by Tilly Wallace releasing June 7. This sounds like a fun start to a new cozy mystery series. I've read a few of this author's books and am looking forward to checking this out.

About the Book

There are two things that can’t talk—moving pictures and dead showgirls…

1920, Wellington, New Zealand. Grace Devine is poised to build her thriving dress design business as the twenties begin to soar. But when a fashionable client is murdered, suspicion falls on Grace as the last person to see Agatha alive.

As wary clients cancel and business begins to fail, Grace decides there’s only one way to prove her innocence and save her career…this seamstress will turn sleuth to find who really murdered the showgirl.

The more she learns, the more she uncovers of the darker side of the dead woman’s personality. Agatha liked to collect secrets and use them against people. But what target snapped that fatal night? Can Grace stitch together the clues before her life is torn apart…

These heart-warming historical mysteries will send you on a unique New Zealand adventure.

What upcoming release are you eagerly awaiting?

Review: Necklace Without A Trace (Sierra Finley Adventures #1) by Lucy Penrose

About the Book
I've struggled, using all of my savings to get here to Deva city, with its floating airships and steam-propelled motorcars. I'm basically penniless, and soon to be homeless, never again able to feast my eyes on the city's brass luster.

I’ve come all this way to work for The Guild. An antique magical necklace has been stolen, and I’m assigned the case. If I don't screw this up, I'll achieve my dream of being a private investigator.

Unfortunately, the crime scene has no prints, no suspects, and no evidence. No pressure, right?

With supernatural creatures roaming the city, and monstrous mechanical creations in every corner, my job seems to get more difficult by the minute. A handsome shapeshifter dogs my every step, just waiting for me to mess up. Sneaky gnomes aren't exactly helping either. I’m threatened by lords, and sipping tea with the upper-crust. I'm way out of my depth.

How will I get out of this mess?

Necklace Without a Trace is the first novel in the Sierra Finley Adventure series: a cozy fantasy adventure set in a Victorian steampunk world full of mythical beasts and monsters, dirigibles and crazy inventions. Join Sierra in a story of adventure, crazy hijinks, and self-discovery.

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

This was fun! I'm always on the lookout for a good steampunk book and this didn't disappoint. The worldbuilding was great, and I liked the fact that there were a plethora of different paranormal creatures. Pixies, shapeshifters, vampires, satyrs, fae, trolls, gorgons, ghosts... the list could go on.

Sierra was a likable heroine with spunk and determination. She wants nothing more than to be a private investigator with the Guild, but it's gonna be an uphill battle. She has to prove herself on a probationary case first. She's tasked with finding a valuable necklace that was stolen from a museum. This high-profile case really tests her. There were plenty of suspects, and while I had my suspicions about who the guilty party was, I wasn't sure until right before the reveal.

I really enjoyed this book and hope there are many more stories to come!

FOUR STARS

Book Beginnings, First Line Friday, & Friday 56: Flight (The Collective Underground #3) by Kristen Young

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 Flight (The Collective Underground #3) by Kristen Young.

About the Book

The fight for what is right is also a fight to survive

On the cusp of graduation, Cadence is finally feeling in control. She’s about to become one of the prestigious Elites working in the Hall of Love. Plus, she can take her place as a full member of the underground Sirens who meet secretly in Love City. She’ll finally be able to use her memory skills for good, instead of reporting people as a Watcher.

But a dangerous trap is set, throwing Cadence into unwelcome and unfamiliar territory. Someone in the Collective remembers things that could very well get her killed. The Muse is by her side, after all, but will she be protected when someone powerful wants her dead?

Cadence just wants to be normal, free from politics or squad intimidation. Will she be able to achieve her Elite dreams, or will sinister forces leave her running for her life?

Book Beginnings / First Line Friday

Once the Sirens underground meeting is finished, we work the usual anti-surveillance measures to get back to Elite Academy.

Friday 56

"Hi, everyone, sorry I'm late. I had a bit to do back at the soup kitchen." He smiles broadly at Aria in a way that makes me want to kick him.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Recovered Secrets by Jessica R. Patch

About the Book

When a woman with amnesia is targeted by assassins, a Mississippi detective is out to piece together her past in this inspirational romantic thriller.

Two years ago, Grace Thackery washed up on a small-town Mississippi riverbank with no memory of who she was or how she got there. But now she has just discovered the first clue about her past: someone wants her dead. And while search-and-rescue director Hollis Montgomery is determined to protect her, the secrets of her mysterious life are darker than they expected. Can the bond between Grace and Hollis survive her true identity . . . and an assassin?

Amazon / Goodreads

MY THOUGHTS

What a thrill ride! This book was fast-paced and impossible to put down. The story took so many surprising turns, and I never knew what would happen next.

The amnesia trope is always hit or miss for me, so I went into this story with a slight bit of trepidation. No need to worry though, this was very well executed. I was immediately invested in Grace's life and intrigued about her past. With every new memory that surfaced, more questions were raised, and I couldn't read fast enough. I had to know the truth about who she really was.

If you're a fan of romantic suspense, you're sure to enjoy this story. I'm looking forward to reading more from Jessica R. Patch. She's quickly becoming one of my favorite authors in this genre.

FOUR STARS

Can't Wait Wednesday: Man of Shadow and Mist (Of Monsters and Men #2) by Michelle Griep

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 Man of Shadow and Mist (Of Monsters and Men #2) by Michelle Griep releasing June 1. I loved the first book, Lost in Darkness, which was inspired by Frankenstein. When I heard there was gonna be a sequel inspired by Dracula, one of my all-time favorites, I was so excited! I can't wait!

About the Book

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”
–Bram Stoker, Dracula

England, 1890

Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.

James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.

When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.

Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating? 

Review: The Study of Poisons by Maria V. Snyder

About the Book

Fierce, determined, dangerous. No wonder her soul called to his.

As Chief of Security of Ixia, Valek has spent the last fifteen years keeping Commander Ambrose and his citizens safe. With his complex network of spies, informers, and soldiers, it’s his job to hunt down and capture criminals, including the intriguing Yelena.

Sensing there is more to the story of why she killed a general’s son, Valek arranges for Yelena to become the Commander’s new food taster, training her in the delicate art of detecting poisons. As mysteries and a devious plot to harm the Commander unravel, Yelena’s presence becomes crucial. Will her intelligence, stubbornness, and survivor instincts be a help to Valek’s investigation, or a hinderance?

A companion novel to Poison Study, The Study of Poisons reveals Valek’s side of the story. Return to the world of Ixia and discover just how the lovely Yelena got Valek’s cold heart pumping!

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MY THOUGHTS

Oh my goodness, y’all! I can’t even tell you how happy this book made me. Poison Study is one of my all-time favorites. I’ve read it countless times, so to get the story from Valek’s POV was something special. I never expected it, but I couldn’t have loved it more.

It was so great seeing some iconic moments from Valek’s perspective. To see what he was thinking in the moment and to learn his motivation behind certain things. And I loved seeing what other things he had going on at the castle.

When I reached the end, I immediately wanted to go back to the beginning and read it all over again. I loved it so much! I really hope we get the other two books in the series from Valek’s perspective. This was just too much fun!

FIVE STARS