Archives for September 7, 2024

* Review * THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB by Brenda Novak

September 7, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE BANNED BOOKS CLUB by Brenda Novak

The Banned Books Club by Brenda Novak
Published by MIRA on September 17, 2024
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She left her hometown following a scandal—but family loyalty is dragging her back…

Despite their strained relationship, when Gia Rossi’s sister, Margot, begs her to come home to Wakefield, Iowa, to help with their ailing mother, Gia knows she has no choice. After her rebellious and at-times-tumultuous teen years, Gia left town with little reason to look back. But she knows Margot’s borne the brunt of their mother’s care and now it’s Gia’s turn to help, even if it means opening old wounds.

As expected, Gia’s homecoming is far from welcome. There’s the Banned Books Club she started after the PTA overzealously slashed the high school reading list, which is right where she left it. But there is also Mr. Hart, her former favorite teacher. The one who was fired after Gia publicly and painfully accused him of sexual misconduct. The one who prompted Gia to leave behind a very conflicted town the minute she turned eighteen. The one person she hoped never to see again.

When Margot leaves town without explanation, Gia sees the cracks in her sister’s “perfect” life for the first time and plans to offer support. But as the town, including members of the book club, takes sides between Gia and Mr. Hart, everything gets harder. Fortunately, she learns that there are people she can depend on. And by standing up for the truth, she finds love and a future in the town she thought had rejected her.

Angsty and so much more than I was expecting! There are certain books that grab onto your heart and pull on it very quickly when based on the blurb you weren’t even sure you were going to like the storyline and this is indeed one of those. This book is about so much more than banned books, and the heart of the story is very attention grabbing and heartfelt. I loved Gia from the start and her connection with Cormac winds up being very endearing regardless of the drama surrounding them from the start. Her sister has her own problems and is guarding her secrets even from those who love her. The characters are attention grabbing, the turmoil is on point and the resolution to their problems is satisfying. I loved their story and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a women’s fiction novel that is very family centric as life’s problems and unresolved issues grab your attention and won’t let go until that happily ever after comes along.

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* Review * REMEMBER HER NAME by Lisa Regan

September 7, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * REMEMBER HER NAME by Lisa Regan

Remember Her Name by Lisa Regan
Series: Detective Josie Quinn #21
Published by Bookouture on September 17, 2024
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Her heart stutters as she draws closer. A woman’s fingertips curl over the boat’s edge. Dark crimson blood clashes with the faded blue peeling paint beneath. They’re too late, the beautiful woman within has been dead for some time…

Detective Josie Quinn lifts the baby from the pram, holding her close and gently soothing her. Josie scours the scene for the sweet little girl’s mother, but the park is deserted. Glancing down, something catches her eye. Nestled amongst the child’s soft pink blankets is a polaroid photo, the corner smudged with blood.

The search for Cleo Tate has Josie and her team in a chokehold; the abandoned newborn needs her mother, and every second counts now lab results show the blood belongs to her. The blurred photo of a body of water is Josie’s only lead. But what does it mean? And where was it taken? The answer is just within reach, but with Cleo’s husband lying about his movements that day, Josie can’t see it. Then it finally clicks: Cold Heart Creek, a crime scene from Josie’s past that she will never forget. Josie is terrified by what she finds there: Cleo’s body, cold as ice, with a second photo of a new location.

A twisted killer is playing a devilish game. And when Josie finds a second innocent victim at the site of a different case she solved, she begins to suspect that she herself is at the very heart of it. But why? As more bodies and more photos follow, Josie must dig deep into the secrets and mistakes of her past to get one step ahead.

The link between these women is key to cracking the case. Someone wants revenge, and won’t stop until their story is told, and no one involved is left breathing. Can Josie stop them before any more precious lives are taken? And just what will it cost her?

Twists and turns around every corner as Detective Josie Quinn reignites her reign and revisits some of her most riveting cases! I loved seeing more of Josie’s family again in this book and get a touch of home and hearth from her instead of just all business. This storyline also gave a good amount of development into figuring out what makes the new detective Kyle Turner tick. I still haven’t figured out his past, but we got a better feel for him this time and I tend to think he will be the center of the storyline here soon. This book reconnects the reader with several past crimes and Josie’s turmoil about each as she races against the clock to figure out who’s playing games with her and why. Really intense and addictive! I’m always leave happy and ready for more Josie!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * HOCKEY WIFE by Kate Meader

September 7, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Hockey Wife by Kate Meader
Series: Rookie Rebels #10
Published by Kate Meader LLC on September 16, 2024
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"I need us to stay married, Big Guy."

Recently traded to the Chicago Rebels, hockey veteran Dylan “Banks” Bankowski is adjusting to what might be his last team and his final year in the NHL. That means taking care of his battered body while he strives for the one goal that’s managed to elude him: a championship ring. What he does not need is a visit from the woman to whom he gave a different kind of ring months ago.

His young, flighty, socialite wife.

Apparently, signing the annulment papers within a week of their quickie wedding in Vegas didn’t quite take, and now she’s back, right before the playoffs when he needs his focus most. Only this time she has a different request: let’s keep up the charade. He should say no, but he once said “I do” and surely that means something …

Georgia Goodwin has good reasons for wanting to keep her hockey player husband. Convincing the big lug to cooperate is the easy part. Not so easy? Ignoring the flutter in her chest when he grunts in jock, kisses her neck, or calls her wife. But it’s only for a few weeks, and as soon as the playoffs finish, so will they.

But the more time Georgia and Banks spend together, the more real their marriage feels. Less Vegas mistake, and more like the start of something amazing. They said goodbye once. Can they do it again … or will they figure out that a love this good is worth fighting for as much as that championship ring?

Tropes: Accidentally married, age gap, grumpy x sunshine, forced proximity, only one bed, fake kisses turned real, hockey player x Chicago socialite, big guy x petite gal, and “my wife” moments galore

Sexy, sweet and sentimental! In the next book in Kate Meader’s entertaining Rookie Rebels hockey series, we meet Banks and his quicky Vegas wife Georgia. I liked both of them to a degree, but she in particular was a bit underdeveloped. I wanted more in getting satisfaction from her parents, I wanted her to see that her friends were just using her, and most of all, I wanted more reminiscing on time with Dani. Banks was my very favorite! I loved his connection with his family and I loved how dedicated he was to aiming for that cup. A bit slow paced at first, but I really enjoyed their connection and watching them figure it all out in the end.

I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who loves a close knit/family like group of hockey players who know how to live it up and support one another as they each fall hard for “the one”!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * THE VANISHING WIFE by Nichole Severn

September 7, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE VANISHING WIFE by Nichole Severn

The Vanishing Wife by Nichole Severn
Series: Leigh Brody FBI Mystery #2
Published by Storm Publishing on September 12, 2024
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Her friend is missing. A teen has been murdered. And Leigh will have to put everything on the line in this serene town where secrets simmer below the surface…

FBI criminologist Leigh Brody arrives at her friend Elyse’s beachfront Alabama vacation home and walks straight into a crime scene. Blood spatters the floor, and Elyse’s worried husband and reserved teenage daughter have no idea where she is.

Her boss orders her not to get involved, but Leigh is determined to find her friend. She’s trying to understand reports of Elyse’s erratic recent behaviour when the body of a fifteen-year-old girl is found on the nearby boardwalk. And the case takes a chilling turn when another girl goes missing.

What deadly game had Elyse got involved in? And how much will Leigh have to risk to find the killer terrorizing this sleepy vacation town, before it’s too late to save the vanishing girls?

Quickly thrust into the middle of danger and intrigue! The second book in Nichole Severn’s Leigh Brody FBI Mystery series is quick to hook the reader with a crime occurring from the very beginning that has us in the midst of a hunt the minute we start reading. I really wanted a better developed catch up for the reader of what took place in the first book so we didn’t have to recollect in dribbles throughout the story as an after thought. It would really set this book off as more of a standalone, and also refresh the memory of someone that read the first book as well. The core story was very interesting and held my attention, but there was a hard to follow aspect because we were constantly being taken back and forth in time from a week or so ago to present time over and over again. And on a personal pet peeve, there was mention of an inch of snow and ice being on the ground in September in Quantico … uhmm … no. This is my neck of the woods, and it’s really quite simple to research weather in a particular area and find out those kinds of details, so to see a lazy research screw up like that really tweaks my irritation. Overall, I enjoyed the story substantially and will continue following Leigh Brody into another adventure should there be one. Fast paced, intriguing characters and an attention grabbing case!

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * KING by Sawyer Bennett

September 7, 2024 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * KING by Sawyer Bennett

King by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Pittsburgh Titans #14
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on September 10, 2024
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Jack Kingston is known for his dominant playing skills on the ice, but off, he’s a down-to-earth guy who values a true connection over a meaningless hookup.

I love being a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, even if my teammates are constantly ribbing me about women who they claim are throwing themselves all over me. Could I go for the easy lay? Sure, but that’s not my style. I’m more of long-term kind of guy. Instead, I’m going to keep doing what I do best—killing it out on the ice. Everything else will fall into place…eventually.

That time comes sooner than expected, in the most unlikely of ways. At the rink to watch our goalie’s kids play Peewee hockey, I meet Willa Montreaux and somehow, by the end of that interaction, I’ve offered to help her coach the Ice Pups. Altruism or were there other intentions in that offer? A little of both, if I’m being honest.

As the time I spend with Willa increases, I am absolutely certain I want even more. She’s gorgeous, sure, but that’s superficial. Willa is also funny, loving, determined and smart. SO smart. Doctor smart. Probably too intelligent for a jock like me, but that’s not going to stop me from shooting my shot.

Not looking for anything more than a fling and concerned that she’s too old for me, Willa doesn’t want to venture into anything serious. I’m willing to put in the work and give her the space she needs to come to terms with the fact that the connection we have is far more than physical. Willa and I are end game, but I’m willing to play into overtime if that’s what it takes to walk away with her by my side.

Sawyer Bennett is the queen of hunky hockey heroes! The next book in her always entertaining Pittsburgh Titans hockey series centers on Jack Kingston. King is a sincerely nice guy and brings a whole new level to the Titans realm. I enjoyed his camaraderie with his teammates, his allegiance to his family and the gentle heart he showed on more than one occasion. Willa was endearing and I liked her from the start. I wanted a smidge more delving into her backstory, but overall the storyline felt well developed. Lots of warm fuzzies, some strife here and there and just the right amount of steamy goodness!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a close knit team of hockey players who give as good as they get when it comes to their team friendships and support as each one falls hard for their forever love!

New Release from Sawyer Bennett
King (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #14)

Synopsis:

Jack Kingston is known for his dominant playing skills on the ice, but off, he’s a down-to-earth guy who values a true connection over a meaningless hookup.

I love being a member of the Pittsburgh Titans, even if my teammates are constantly ribbing me about women who they claim are throwing themselves all over me. Could I go for the easy lay? Sure, but that’s not my style. I’m more of long-term kind of guy. Instead, I’m going to keep doing what I do best—killing it out on the ice. Everything else will fall into place…eventually.

That time comes sooner than expected, in the most unlikely of ways. At the rink to watch our goalie’s kids play Peewee hockey, I meet Willa Montreaux and somehow, by the end of that interaction, I’ve offered to help her coach the Ice Pups. Altruism or were there other intentions in that offer? A little of both, if I’m being honest.

As the time I spend with Willa increases, I am absolutely certain I want even more. She’s gorgeous, sure, but that’s superficial. Willa is also funny, loving, determined and smart. SO smart. Doctor smart. Probably too intelligent for a jock like me, but that’s not going to stop me from shooting my shot.

Not looking for anything more than a fling and concerned that she’s too old for me, Willa doesn’t want to venture into anything serious. I’m willing to put in the work and give her the space she needs to come to terms with the fact that the connection we have is far more than physical. Willa and I are end game, but I’m willing to play into overtime if that’s what it takes to walk away with her by my side.

Grab your copy of King directly from Sawyer by shopping the Sawyer Bennett Bookstore!

E-Book: https://geni.us/STORE_KingEbook
Audio (narrated by Robert Hatchet and Erin Mallon): https://geni.us/STORE_KingAudio
Signed paperback (available to US mailing addresses): https://geni.us/STORE_KingPB

You can also get King at the following retailers:

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).