REVIEW: Zeus by Kamery Solomon

Title: Zeus (The God Chronicles #1)
Author: Kamery Solomon
Publisher: Starlight Run Productions
Publication Date: February 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance / New Adult / Urban Fantasy
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: Sometimes, even the gods can't change their fate...

Vegas is not where Karly had imagined herself to be at this point in her life. She was supposed to be living in California, soaking up the sun and enjoying the life of an artist. Instead, she's just moving out of her parent's house and going to a school that could loosely be called her second choice. When she meets Zeus Drakos, owner of the new hit casino and resort in town, he seems just like every other jerk guy out there. How was she supposed to know who he really was?

My Thoughts: Decent story that took me ages to finally get around to, but I’m glad I did. As a fan of Greek mythology, I enjoyed this alternate take on the lives and activities of Zeus and his fellow gods and goddesses. This is the first book of the series and focuses on Zeus and his punishment for divorcing Hera. He’s stripped of his powers by the Fates and sent to live on Earth for nine years, to Las Vegas of all places. There he will remain until a mortal woman falls in love with him and he falls in love with her. Should be a piece of cake, right? I mean, he is Zeus, after all, and his prowess with the mortal ladies and his legions of offspring are well known to those who have read any Greek mythology.

It's not going to be as easy as Zeus assumes. Firstly, the woman he has his sights on thinks he’s a grade A pig and makes no bones about it when she meets him the first time at his Vegas resort, Tartarus (insert eye roll here, I know, but it really works). Secondly, his father Kronos manages to break out of his prison and is determined to destroy Mount Olympus this time and keep Zeus stuck on Earth. You remember Kronos right? He swallowed his children to include Zeus, Poseidon and Hades and if he hadn’t been stopped the first time would have likely destroyed all of humanity. Excellent villain casting here as he is a truly despicable character.

Though this book is quite predictable from the true identities of certain characters that Karly meets to her discovering the truth of who Zeus really is to the epic battle back on Olympus, it does prove to be entertaining. The author takes a few liberties with which I was OK.

My Final Verdict: Overall, this book is a good start to a series that consists of five books. I am unable to determine if this is a series that should be read in order, but if you are like me, you will want to read them in order to ensure any past references are not confusing. I recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and fantasy genres.

REVIEW: Forgotten in Death by J.D. Robb

Title: Forgotten in Death (In Death #53)
Author: J.D. Robb
Narrator: Susan Ericksen
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: September 2021
Genre: Mystery / Thriller / Urban Fantasy
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: In the latest novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling series, homicide detective Eve Dallas sifts through the wreckage of the past to find a killer.

The body was left in a dumpster like so much trash, the victim a woman of no fixed address, known for offering paper flowers in return for spare change―and for keeping the cops informed of any infractions she witnessed on the street. But the notebook where she scribbled her intel on litterers and other such offenders is nowhere to be found.

Then Eve is summoned away to a nearby building site to view more remains―in this case decades old, adorned with gold jewelry and fine clothing―unearthed by recent construction work. She isn’t happy when she realizes that the scene of the crime belongs to her husband, Roarke―not that it should surprise her, since the Irish billionaire owns a good chunk of New York. Now Eve must enter a complex world of real estate development, family history, shady deals, and shocking secrets to find justice for two women whose lives were thrown away…

My Thoughts: This series is simply amazing! Forgotten in Death, the stellar fifty-third offering in the In Death series continues to impress, entertain and shock me. This series gives no indication that it is starting to wind down, which is excellent for the many fans of this series as we have not yet begun to get enough of Eve Dallas and the equally wonderful cast of characters. These characters are so well developed through this series that the reader feels a deep connection with them. The reader cannot help but care about what happens to them and time spent with them is always a joy.

After fifty-three installments of this futuristic series, one cannot help but think Eve has pretty much seen it all. Nothing should come as a surprise or shock to Eve. In the relatively short time she has been a homicide cop, she has been thrust into the underbelly of New York City. She has seen the worst humanity is capable of. I wouldn’t say this case is any different than those she has undertaken, but it serves as a reminder just how cruel, selfish and heartless mankind can be and, often, are.

While investigating the apparent random murder of a homeless woman, Eve is called to an excavation site at a nearby building where the skeletal remains of an adult and an infant are discovered. Adding to the issue is that her Irish hottie husband, Roarke owns this building doesn’t surprise Eve as he pretty much owns the planet, but it does create snags.

I loved the way Eve tackles both of these cases. Her determination to not only find the killer of the homeless woman, but she is also determined to lay some punishment on the ex-husband who brutally abused her years before. Eve is convinced that the acts of domestic abuse are what set this woman on a path that led to her eventual murder, so to Eve’s way of thinking, it’s connected. Additionally, the discovery of decades old remains don’t stop Eve in her tracks. Her methodical approach to uncovering not only the identity of the victims, but her ability to quickly analyze and piece together the forensic evidence is simply brilliant.

In addition to the characters, the reader can connect and empathize with, J.D. Robb creates a futuristic New York City, circa early 2060. I get such a kick out of what this world entails, including prisons that are off-planet, cars that fly, Pepsi that comes in a tube and full course meals delivered through a machine called an auto-chef. This time period is not too far away from the time period I live in. I can only hope that some of these amazing things will sprout from J.D. Robb’s imagination into reality.

With the exception of the first few books in this series, I have gone with the audiobook format narrated by Susan Ericksen. Her performance adds to the enjoyment of this series with the various voices and emotions displayed by the characters. The realism she gives to these characters gives the reader a sense of being in the room with these characters, witnessing first-hand the eyerolls, the body language and Jenkinson’s eye-blinding ties.

The best part of this series and this story in particular occurs when Eve goes in for the apprehension of the killers. Her tenacity and dogged determination make for a supremely satisfying conclusion to a hard-hitting story, leaving the reader excited for the next book.

My Final Verdict: An excellent series that I highly recommend to fans of the mystery, thriller, police procedural and urban fantasy genres that need to be read in order.

REVIEW: A Litter of Bones by J.D. Kirk

Title: A Litter of Bones (DCI Logan Crime Thrillers #1)
Author: J.D. Kirk
Narrator: Angus King
Publisher: Zertex Media Ltd.
Publication Date: July 2019
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Was the biggest case of his career the worst mistake he ever made?

Ten years ago, DCI Jack Logan stopped the serial child-killer dubbed 'Mister Whisper,' earning himself a commendation, a drinking problem, and a broken marriage in the process.

Now, he spends his days working in Glasgow's Major Incident Team, and his nights reliving the horrors of what he saw.

And what he did.

When another child disappears a hundred miles north in the Highlands, Jack is sent to lead the investigation and bring the boy home.

But as similarities between the two cases grow, could it be that Jack caught the wrong man all those years ago?

And, if so, is the real Mister Whisper about to claim his fourth victim?

A Litter of Bones is the explosive debut crime thriller novel from JD Kirk, an exciting new voice in Scottish crime fiction.

My Thoughts: In A Litter of Bones by new to me author J.D. Kirk, the reader is introduced to Detective Chief Inspector Jack Logan, a Scottish police investigator and, along with Jack, is drop-kicked into the Highlands to investigate a missing child case that bears a striking similarity to the case of the Mister Whisper case a decade ago. Jack knows this case all too well as he was the one who captured this despicable and vile man. Unfortunately for Jack, the whereabouts of Mister Whisper’s last victim, Dylan, were never resolved and it has haunted Jack all these years.

In addition to racing the clock to locate the newest missing child, Connor, Jack has to acquaint himself with a new team of investigators. I really liked Jack and though he carries a lot of turmoil and pain in his soul (who wouldn’t?), there were many moments the reader is given a glimpse of the humor, wit and charm lying below the surface. I look forward to getting to know Jack and this team of investigators better as I get further into the series.

J.D. Kirk’s writing is tightly woven and keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. This story has numerous graphic descriptions of the horror the villain inflicts, but it is appropriate subject matter for this story. As horrifying as it was to listen to, it pulled me further into the story. The identity of the killer and the surrounding reasons completely knocked me off my feet in shock and surprise.

The narration was expertly performed by the very talented Angus King, complete with a beautiful Scottish accent. Readers who aren’t familiar with some of the terminology or have never experienced Scotland may find it easier to read the text. For me, the audiobook was amazing. The emotions are felt keenly and are appropriate for the characters in that moment. Additionally, I appreciated the humor and wit displayed by the characters more than I would if I had read a text copy.

My Final Verdict: There are currently nineteen books in this series so I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading this series in order as I suspect character growth and development will evolve throughout the series. I am looking forward to more from this very talented author and will stick with the audiobook format.

REVIEW: Slaughterhouse by K.A. Lugo

Title: Slaughterhouse (Jack Slaughter Thrillers #3)
Author: K.A. Lugo
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing
Publication Date: December 2023
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: It's the anniversary of the date he lost his family and Jack doubts he'll ever find those responsible. Depression has taken hold, and he pulls out his Beretta for the last time. As he fingers the trigger, Ray shows up with the identity of the man who’d killed himself in Jack’s house weeks before, leaving a note simply saying, ”I’m sorry.”

Jack soon finds himself dragged into San Francisco's underbelly and his life threatened at the hands of the city's deadly Chinese gang, the Jade Dragons. When things become more dangerous, Jack must keep pushing forward, even knowing it could mean his death because the gang's leader, Li Zihao, may have the answers Jack’s looking for—who destroyed his family and what happened to Leah.

Is Jack ready for the truth?

My Thoughts: I have been looking forward to my Jack Slaughter fix for a while and K.A. Lugo packs a punch right from the start! Chapter 1 pulled no punches and I thought I was going to have to put this book in the freezer. Thankfully for my Kindle, no freezer action was required as Ray shows up with news that Jack has been waiting to hear for the last four years.

My heart breaks for the pain and agony Jack is experiencing. His daughter and family dog are brutally murdered and his wife’s whereabouts are unknown. Her body has never been found. Jack often wonders if she is still alive or if she is the one responsible even for this devastation. I can completely empathize with what Jack is going through and understand why he wants to end it and be with his family again. Being told that the man who committed suicide in his home may have been involved in his family’s murder lights a fire under Jack as he knows in his gut it goes much deeper than a random homicide.

Not only was it great to be back in Jack’s world again, but it was also wonderful to see Ray. I love the relationship these two brothers from another mother share. They will always have each other’s six, but it goes beyond the badge. They are family and Ray proves it over and over again even when Jack keeps pushing him away. Their verbal sparring is so enjoyable to witness and even when they are angry with one another, it doesn’t last long. Of course, Jack gives Ray plenty to be angry with him about.

This story proceeds at a very fast pace, full of tense moments but also moments of laughter and moments of tears. The characters are so well developed, they feel real and are people the reader will care about. The city of San Francisco and surrounding area is a character in this series as well. The locales are expertly researched and described so vividly, the reader will get a keen sense of being able to visualize what Jack and Ray see.

My Final Verdict: Slaughterhouse is an excellent read, but you must read the series in order. K.A. Lugo has created a world and characters that the reader can grow with and get to know better with each book. I highly recommend this book and the whole series to fans of mysteries, thrillers, police procedurals and action stories. Thank you, K.A. Lugo for giving me so many hours of reading enjoyment.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Slaughterhouse from the author in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: A Quiet Retreat by Kiersten Modglin

Title: A Quiet Retreat
Author: Kiersten Modglin
Narrator: Carly Robins
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Publication Date: January 2023
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: You are cordially invited to visit the new Black Hills Manor Writing Retreat.

That’s how it all begins—with a simple invitation.

For five authors, it’s meant to be the start of a restful week, filled with free food, drinks, and likeminded company.

But shortly after their arrival, things take an unsettling turn.

Broken property, missing items, and strange noises are just some of the odd occurrences that have each member questioning their companions. As suspicions mount, the authors are pitted against each other.

Whom can they trust in a house full of strangers?

With tensions rising, the writers find themselves in the middle of their own mystery. Death, terror, and despair are common elements in their books, but at Black Hills Manor, the murders being plotted are their own.

My Thoughts: Good premise that holds a lot of promise, beautiful cover and a good narration that keeps the story moving and the tension high. There were a few moments when I felt I was on the edge of my seat, but they were few and far between. I honestly expected much better from such a prolific author.

Let’s break it down, shall we? The premise of five mystery authors all receiving an anonymous invitation to this beautiful and secluded retreat to knuckle down and write is what initially grabbed me, of course, after I saw the cover. Sounds like an author’s dream. Escape the daily distractions to eat, drink, mingle, network and write.

When personal items of the guests begin to disappear, I rubbed my hands together in anticipation. Honestly, it was such a disappointment that it took practically to the end of the book for anybody to vanish. Way too much build-up and the delivery fell flat. It would have been better if a couple of the author guests disappeared sooner.

There’s a definite Hitchcock feeling here as the group decides they need to split up when they discover all their cell phones are missing and the tires on their vehicles have all been slashed. It’s never a clever idea to split up, but this is where the story kicked it up a notch for me.

I didn’t mind the dual storyline from the past as I knew it would be connected to the current events, but it was never wrapped up cohesively and instead left me with more questions and confusion.

The author does a good job of giving us plenty of suspects to choose from and I was way off base with my picks, but the big reveal was a bit of a let-down for me as the motives behind everything was just plain juvenile and petty.

The narration performance by Carly Robins was very good. She kept the story moving at a good pace with the right amount of emotion and tension in the characters to make them more believable.

My Final Verdict: Overall, die-hard fans of mysteries and thrillers will enjoy this offering, even if they don’t love it. This was not my favorite, but there are so many more in my pile from this author, I’m sure I will find others that are more enjoyable.

REVIEW: The Night Stalker by Robert Bryndza

Title: The Night Stalker (Detective Erika Foster #2)
Author: Robert Bryndza
Narrator: Jan Cramer
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: June 2016
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: If the Night Stalker is watching, you’re already dead…

In the dead of a swelteringly hot summer’s night, Detective Erika Foster is called to a murder scene. The victim, a doctor, is found suffocated in bed. His wrists are bound and his eyes bulging through a clear plastic bag tied tight over his head.

A few days later, another victim is found dead, in exactly the same circumstances. As Erika and her team start digging deeper, they discover a calculated serial killer – stalking their victims before choosing the right moment to strike.

The victims are all single men, with very private lives. Why are their pasts shrouded in secrecy? And what links them to the killer?

As a heat wave descends upon London, Erika will do everything to stop the Night Stalker before the body count rises, even if it means risking her job. But the victims might not be the only ones being watched… Erika’s own life could be on the line.

My Thoughts: As the New Year kicks off with this most excellent book, I can only hope the rest of my reading year will meet this same standard. Book #2 in the Erika Foster series brings the reader back into Erika’s orbit as she is investigating the murders of vastly different men…all single, all successful and trying to piece together how they are all connected to the mysterious night stalker is a puzzle Erika and her team are scrambling to figure out.

As with the first book, Erika continues to be a diligent investigator who is willing to go outside protocol and defy orders from her chain of command to solve these homicides. She is still keeping people at arm’s length, not allowing anyone to get too close, but there is a glimmer that she is open to friendships so I’m hoping this is explored more in the next book.

Robert Bryndza writes a tense story that keeps the reader in high anticipation. The identity of the killer is revealed fairly early, which I actually enjoyed, so the intense anticipation I was experiencing was from how the killer would be caught and what the body count would climb to. Mr. Bryndza’s research is so well executed, one can’t help but wonder if he has a background in law enforcement. The story flows very smoothly in spite of the subject matter. Be warned, readers, as the homicides are described in specific detail and are a bit disturbing.

The audio narration, performed by Jan Cramer, was also excellent. Her performance moves the story forward with the right amount of emotions to make the actions of the characters logical and believable.

My Final Verdict: If you have yet to read this series, I must encourage you to not waste any further time. I highly recommend this story to fans of mysteries, thrillers and police procedurals. Though the topic is quite graphic, fans of this genre will appreciate the attention to detail and the well-researched subject matter.

REVIEW: What Happens at Christmas by Victoria Alexander

Title: What Happens at Christmas (Millworth Manor #1)
Author: Victoria Alexander
Publisher: Kensington
Publication Date: October 2012
Genre: Christmas / Historical Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Camille, Lady Lydingham, requests the pleasure of your company at a festive house party in the English countryside, as she endeavors to coax a marriage proposal from Prince Nikolai Pruzinsky of Greater Avalonia. Given the nature of the hostess’s eccentric relatives, they will be played by a troupe of actors hired to impersonate a proper Victorian family. What a clever way to fool the prince! And gate-crashing, distractingly handsome first loves like Grayson Elliott are most unwelcome.

But nothing about Camille’s charade goes as planned. Tonight, at Millworth Manor, games will be played, motives will be revealed, the masks will come off, and hearts will be lost—and won—in the most romantic, magical season of all.

My Thoughts: I’m not saying that the Regency time period does Christmas better than any other time period, but this book really pulls the reader in and surrounds them with the beauty and the spirit of the holiday. I can certainly see why Camille was so insistent on giving Nikolai the full effect of an English countryside Christmas as I was completely drawn into the elegance, charm and beauty of the home and the Christmas finery and frippery.

I loved that Camille’s so-called brilliant plan is so full of holes and nearly every time she manages to catch her breath, something else happens to make this undertaking all the more tasking. Of course, hiring a troupe of actors to play one’s family is definitely not a clever idea, especially when the actress portraying your mother can’t remember her name! Of course, the arrival of your first love, the man who broke your heart eleven years ago and vanished without a word is bound to add a few unplanned complications.

I loved Camille and Grayson individually and as a couple. There’s a lot of unresolved hurt and anger they need to work out, but it was so clear they were perfect for one another and though eleven years have elapsed since they have seen or spoken to one another, it felt like no time had passed at all. I couldn’t pick a side as they both are carrying pain from the past, but Camille is definitely the more stubborn of the two.

In addition to the madcap behaviors occurring at Millworth Manor, the spirit of the holiday is keenly felt as decorations are put up, a fresh evergreen is cut down and brought inside and there is ice skating at a nearby frozen pond. Everyone has a role to play to pull off this Christmas charade and it was so much fun to watch it all unfold.

My Final Verdict: I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy Christmas themed stories as well as historical settings that really bring the traditions of the period to light. Christmas is a time for new beginnings and what better way to begin again than with a second chance at love?

REVIEW: Scrooge-ish by L.B. Dunbar

Title: Scrooge-ish
Author: L.B. Dunbar
Narrator: Stella Hunter, Teddy Hamilton
Publisher: L.B. Dunbar Writes, Ltd.
Publication Date: November 2022
Genre: Christmas / Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: I hate Christmas.

I don’t know who thought every female must love shopping, wrapping, baking and hosting but I missed the memo. On top of that, I manage an upscale department store. Sprinkle in the fact I’ll be turning forty during this holiday season, and my life is a Christmas cookie recipe gone wrong.

And every year I become a little more Scrooge-ish.

But the spirit of the most wonderful time of the year seems to have a plan for me and my midlife-crisis attitude.

First, my past returns when I attend a high school reunion happy hour and run into that boy—the one I had a summer fling before I left for college, then promptly ghosted me.

The torture continues because that boy is now a man, worldly, wise, and sexier than I remember. And he invites me to attend a holiday work party with him.

That’s where I learn this forty, fine, former NFL quarterback, now fireman has a new role: single father to the sweetest little girl, putting me at risk of falling for both of them.

However, I have my reasons not to believe in love and the happiest time of the year. And the first twenty-five days of December tests all my strength.

Just what the Dickens is happening? Charles himself might approve of this plot.

Even I’m a little curious to see how it all plays out.

With the past behind her and the future uncertain, can Eva Nazar accept that the present is a gift and love is the greatest treasure we receive even if it isn’t always wrapped in pretty paper with a perfect bow on top?

My Thoughts: Finally a fun story that can be flirty and sexy with a character who is turning forty. As a reader who is more than a dozen years older than this character, it’s nice to read a story about a woman who isn’t in her twenties or just turning thirty, who is still viable and has a lot to offer the right man. For Eva, turning forty may be the best thing that has happened to her in quite a long time.

Right after high-school graduation, Eva had a fling with the guy she had a major crush on. But it was over practically as soon as it started. Zebb went on to a successful NFL career and Eva went on to college and now manages a large department store in Chicago. She never really got over Zebb, but life moves on and we all get older and hopefully, wiser.

Working in retail at Christmas time was the job I hated most and Eva tries to power through it as she doesn’t have any family to celebrate with, so staying busy with work is just fine with her. Her mother left when she was ten and her father pretty much cancelled all celebrations. Eva is definitely a scrooge-ish character, absolutely no holiday spirit. She is not in a festive or celebratory mood so when her coworker practically forces her to attend her high-school reunion, she grudgingly agrees. Imagine her shock and surprise when she runs into none other than Zebb, who is back living in the same town again and is a fireman.

Their attraction reignites, though in Eva’s case, I doubt it was ever fully extinguished. This story mainly centers on Zebb’s efforts to change Eva’s mind about Christmas and he can be pretty persuasive. I absolutely adored Zebb’s daughter and loved how accepting she was of Eva in their lives. I loved Zebb and Eva as a couple, but really wish I were given more information about why they didn’t stay together. The blurb for this book says he ghosted her, but I don’t recall that being addressed in the story. It seemed that there was no real resolution with that, but it didn’t seem to affect my enjoyment of the story.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I found this to be a very enjoyable story and recommend it to readers who enjoy Christmas themes and second-chance romance plot devices. This story has a lot of spice and heat that will make the most grinchiest of grinches blush.

REVIEW: Last Couple Standing by Matthew Norman

Title: Last Couple Standing
Author: Matthew Norman
Publisher: Random House - Ballantine
Publication Date: May 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: A couple determined not to end up like their divorced friends try a radical experiment—and get in way over their heads—in this hilarious, heartfelt novel from the author of We’re All Damaged.

The Core Four have been friends since college: four men, four women, four couples. They got married around the same time, had kids around the same time, and now, fifteen years later, they’ve started getting divorced around the same time, too. With three of the Core Four unions crumbling to dust around them, Jessica and Mitch Butler take a long, hard look at their own marriage. Can it be saved? Or is divorce, like some fortysomething zombie virus, simply inescapable?

To maximize their chance at immunity, Jessica and Mitch try something radical. Their friends’ divorces mostly had to do with sex—having it, not having it, wanting to have it with other people—so they decide to relax a few things. Terms are discussed, conditions are made, and together the Butlers embark on the great experiment of taking their otherwise happy, functional marriage and breaking some very serious rules.

Jessica and Mitch are convinced they’ve hit upon the next evolution of marriage. But as lines are crossed and hot bartenders pursued, they each start to wonder if they’ve made a huge mistake. What follows is sexy, fun, painful, messy, and completely surprising to them both. Because sometimes doing something bad is the only way to get to the heart of what’s really good.

My Thoughts: Last Couple Standing by new to me author Matthew Norman had me wondering is divorce contagious? As part of a group of four couples, three of which have systematically split up, Mitch and Jessica Butler are wondering if they are next. This is probably a common thought amongst couples whose friends are splitting up. As depressing as the subject may be, this book addresses this issue with open honesty and a lot of humor.

Mitch and Jessica decide to try an experiment by introducing a relaxed marriage. This wasn’t a free for all, have sex with anyone you want, but more of an opportunity to try some things differently, with rules and communication to see if their marriage is worth fighting for. What ensues was very entertaining as well as surprising.

I really liked both Mitch and Jessica and thought they were taking a huge risk by going in this direction and I was worried for them, to be honest. I absolutely did not want to see them end up the way of their friends. Personally, I didn’t think their marriage was on the rocks to begin with, but hey, sometimes we have to mix things up a bit and make some radical choices.

The supporting characters were all interesting and added to the entertainment of the story too. I found the writing to be clear, concise, and flowed very smoothly. The dialogue was relevant and drove the scenes and the story so the reader doesn’t feel bogged down in a lot of monotonous discussion.

My Final Verdict: It seems like we live in a throw away society these days where it is much easier to toss relationships aside when things get tough or boring. I highly recommend Last Couple Standing to remind us the important things in life, like love, are worth fighting for.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Last Couple Standing from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Christmas in Chamonix by Sasha Wagstaff

Title: Christmas in Chamonix
Author: Sasha Wagstaff
Publisher: Canelo
Publication Date: September 2019
Genre: Christmas / Contemporary Romance / Chick-Lit
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN

Description: When life goes downhill... head to the snow-capped Alps for roaring fires, apres-ski and festive romance.

Lily Jackson loves Christmas. She also loves her childhood friend Jamie, but when her plan to kick-start their romance goes drastically wrong and her job gets her down, Lily decides it’s time to make changes. A job opens up in snowy Chamonix and egged on by her best friend Imogen, Lily decides to go for it.

As Lily settles in with the eccentric Devereux family at their gorgeous boutique ski hotel, she starts to confront her past. But when she meets handsome ski instructor Luc, who hates Christmas, Lily might have taken on more than she can handle.

Can Lily make a new life – with or without skis? And can she get Luc to see how truly romantic Christmas can be?

A heart-warming, feel-good romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Holly Martin, Carole Matthews and Tilly Tennant.

My Thoughts: My first time reading this author and for the majority of the book found it to be just OK, bordering on the less than bright and shiny aspects of Christmas I look for in my reading this time of year. I didn’t feel much of a connection to Lily for most of the book. I couldn’t understand what she saw in Jamie. Her constant pining over this tool for most of the book started to get old but then she pours salt into the wound by jumping to all sorts of conclusions about Luc without even talking to him about it. It takes her to just about the very end of the book for them to resolve their concerns. Add to that her paralyzing fear of heights and emotional trauma about her father contributing to her reluctance to ski but then deciding to take a job at a ski resort where everybody’s favorite pastime is you guessed it…skiing left me with my eyes rolled up into my head so far that I thought I was going to have to make a trip to the hospital to have them fixed.

Enough of this negativity, let’s discuss what I did enjoy. I thought Luc was a wonderful character and the fact that he was even available to the wishy-washy Lily was nothing short of a Christmas miracle. He hates Christmas and with good reason as he is carrying his own trauma that really got me right in the feels. I enjoyed how Lily wants to help him learn to love Christmas again and when he surprises her in return, I got a little teary eyed.

The descriptive setting of Chamonix was simply breathtaking. Sasha Wagstaff did an excellent job of bringing this community to life and though you will never catch me on a pair of skis, I would love to be there sitting in a cushy chair in front of a roaring fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate or whiskey laced eggnog and a keeper shelf book in my hands.

The supporting characters also brought a lot of interesting moments to the story as well. Some of these characters, like Elodie, turned out to be quite different than I was expecting. Lily’s best friend, Imogen, was a delight and I thought Lily was very fortunate to have her. I also was quite surprised that I liked Lily’s sister, Ivy, as much as I did. Having your sister start dating the man you have been harboring feelings for could create a lot of animosity in their relationship, but I was glad to see that Lily wanted her sister to be happy and Ivy wasn’t the type to rub it in Lily’s nose when she finds out about Lily’s feelings.

My Final Verdict: Though I found Lily’s indecisiveness annoying, this story was quite heartwarming and a good addition to add to your Christmas reading this year. Readers who enjoy skiing will enjoy the snow-covered slopes and the mindfulness the author gives to this sport. If you’re like me and prefer to enjoy the snow from the comfort of the ski lodge, this story will also appeal.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Christmas in Chamonix from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Fool Me Twice at Christmas by Camilla Isley

Title: Fool Me Twice at Christmas (Christmas Romantic Comedy #1)
Author: Camilla Isley
Narrator: Denice Stradling
Publisher: Pink Bloom Press
Publication Date: January 2023
Genre: Chick-Lit / Christmas Holiday
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: There are two types of relationships: fake and real.

Chuck and Kate’s used to be real, oh-so-real. But after she broke his heart four months ago, leaving him, it became all just pretense for the sake of their entwined families.

With parents who are best friends and business partners, it’s not easy for Chuck and Kate to announce they’ve split up. But with the holidays looming over them, they can no longer keep pretending.

Chuck and Kate head home for Christmas, determined to tell the truth—and end up accidentally engaged instead. The more they try to pull apart, the more the Universe seems to push them back together, shortening the road to the altar. And when just-for-show kisses stir up forgotten feelings, things get even more complicated.

Now, with the midnight hour approaching, will Chuck and Kate’s relationship turn out to be real or fake?

My Thoughts: I enjoyed Fool Me Twice at Christmas but I should have skipped the audio format. The story was good, but the narration felt like nails on a chalkboard. There should have been two narrators, in my opinion, instead the narrator’s voice sounded like a squeaky mouse for all of the female character’s lines and kept pulling me out of the story.

Chuck and Kate broke up four months ago after a decades long relationship. Or, rather, Kate dumped Chuck and broke his heart and has moved on. They never told their parents who are all best friends and business partners. Now they are faced with Christmas and all the fun and frolic with family that believe not only are Chuck and Kate still in love decades later but are on the verge of matrimony. The lies keep piling up and before they know it, Chuck and Kate are engaged, pregnant and the wedding is on Friday! Even worse, their parents have an innovative marketing strategy for the company that features Chuck and Kate as the company role models. How will this work if word gets out that they broke up? Worse, Kate and Chuck feel horrible because they don’t want to shatter their parents’ dreams or hurt the business.

I really liked Chuck and Kate and the level of discomfort they both feel trying to pretend there is still a relationship as well as having to share a bedroom was quite entertaining. There are also a lot of things left unsaid between them so their emotions are filled with tension and irritation. I loved it when they find themselves in a pre-marriage counseling class pretending to still be together when Chuck starts airing their dirty laundry. It was impossible to take sides on who was right as I had a lot of empathy for both of them and didn’t wish to be in their shoes one bit when the proverbial poo finally hits the fan.

My Final Verdict: If you are looking for a quick read filled with Christmas cheer and warm fuzzies about two people who belong together as much as hot chocolate and marshmallows, give this book a go, but steer clear of the audio.

REVIEW: Highlands Christmas by Amy Quick Parrish

Title: Highlands Christmas
Author: Amy Quick Parrish
Publisher: Flying Cactus
Publication Date: October 2022
Genre: Christmas / Contemporary Romance
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Christmas wishes do come true.

Melissa MacKenzie is an American interior designer with a seemingly happy life — until her husband Dave reveals he's been cheating on her and wants a divorce and the house. But when a letter informs her that she will inherit a home in Scotland, things start looking up. At the airport she inadvertently meets Colin McGregor, a charming Scottish-American lawyer who happens to be her husband's divorce lawyer. She's taken by his sexy Scottish accent and charm and, as fate would have it, he's on Melissa's flight to Edinburgh ... and on her train to Inverness and happens to live in the same town where she's inherited her home.

As sparks fly between Melissa and Colin, he agrees to help her secure the Scottish home that she believes she's entitled to. They dive right into Scottish culture — and each other's arms — as love and a new home seem within reach. Will they be able to succeed in both missions? Or will everything fall apart?

Highlands Christmas is a romantic and delightful story that will set hearts afire. In a fairy tale as captivating as the Loch Ness monster, Melissa and Colin must cross an ocean to end up right where they belong... because home is where the heart is.

My Thoughts: Highlands Christmas by new to me author Amy Quick Parrish was a cute and enjoyable story to add to my Christmas theme reading. Imagine after throwing a lavish Thanksgiving party for your spouse and a group of friends, your pig of a spouse announces that he wants a divorce because he is hooking up with your brother’s ex-girlfriend. The house you live in is in his name and he wants you out so you’re going to be homeless as well as divorced. Not a very festive beginning to the Christmas season. A letter arrives from Scotland advising you that as the last living relative of someone you’ve never met, you have inherited a home and rather than selling it, you decide to go to Scotland and see about making this house your new home.

Having a pig for a husband, one would assume that his divorce attorney is also a pig, but after meeting spontaneously in the airport, at the train station and in town, Melissa tries to maintain a professional and friendly demeanor. It’s quickly obvious that Colin is not the type of attorney or man who lacks integrity. I thought their meet cute was well played and a lot of fun to watch. Colin’s family is also wonderful and I thought it was so sweet how they welcomed Melissa into their home and invited her to participate in their holiday festivities.

My Final Verdict: I recommend this book to readers who are looking for a sweet romance with the Scottish Highlands at Christmas in the background. Sightings of the Loch Ness monster may happen, but not guaranteed.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Highlands Christmas from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Cobble Hill by Cecily von Ziegesar

Title: Cobble Hill
Author: Cecily von Ziegesar
Publisher: Atria Books
Publication Date: November 2020
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: From the number-one New York Times best-selling author of the Gossip Girl series, a deliciously irresistible novel chronicling a year in the life of four families in an upscale Brooklyn neighborhood as they seek purpose, community, and meaningful relationships—until one unforgettable night at a raucous neighborhood party knocks them to their senses.

Welcome to Cobble Hill.

In this eclectic Brooklyn neighborhood, private storms brew amongst four married couples and their children. There’s ex-groupie Mandy, so underwhelmed by motherhood and her current physical state that she fakes a debilitating disease to get the attention of her skateboarding, ex-boyband member husband Stuart. There’s the unconventional new school nurse, Peaches, on whom Stuart has an unrequited crush, and her disappointing husband Greg, who wears noise-cancelling headphones—everywhere.

A few blocks away, Roy, a well-known, newly transplanted British novelist, has lost the thread of his next novel and his marriage to capable, indefatigable Wendy. Around the corner, Tupper, the nervous, introverted industrial designer with a warehouse full of prosthetic limbs struggles to pin down his elusive artist wife Elizabeth. She remains...elusive. Throw in two hormonal teenagers, a 10-year-old pyromaniac, a drug dealer pretending to be a doctor, and a lot of hidden cameras, and you’ve got a combustible mix of egos, desires, and secrets bubbling in brownstone Brooklyn.

Smart, sophisticated, yet surprisingly tender, Cobble Hill is a highly entertaining portrait of contemporary family life and the colorful characters who call Brooklyn home.

My Thoughts: She felt a little left out. Stuart knew all these people, and she knew no one. But that’s what you got for pretending to have MS and hiding in your house with boxes of other people’s food and a whole lot of weed.

With Cobble Hill by new to me author Cecily von Ziegesar, we are introduced to a plethora of people living in the Brooklyn, New York neighborhood of Cobble Hill. Writer types, musician types, artist types and even people who lie about being afflicted with a debilitating disease and stealing their neighbor’s gourmet food deliveries from their front stoops. I want to live in this neighborhood. Prior to authoring this book, Cecily von Ziegesar had already made a name for herself with her Gossip Girl series, which I haven’t tackled. This book, however, is full of snarky wit, humor, sarcasm and the most eclectic group of people I have ever met.

Roy Clarke, his wife Wendy and their daughter, Shy are new to the neighborhood, having moved over from across the pond. Roy is a best-selling author struggling with his next book while his wife struggles to remain relevant in the highly competitive fast-paced world of magazine publishing. Their daughter is struggling with all of her classes, except Latin and her crush on her tattooed Latin teacher.

Stuart Little, (not the mouse), former lead singer of popular boy band, the Blind Mice, his wife Mandy, his high-school sweetheart who now struggles with her weight and self-esteem issues and takes it one step further by lying to her husband about her health and stealing. They have a young son, Ted, who is developing some behavioral concerns.

Peaches Park, the nurse at Ted’s school, an avid drummer who has a major crush on Stuart, her husband Greg, who teaches music and wears noise cancelling headphones everywhere and their teenage son, Liam, who has a crush on Shy Clarke and practically jumps at the chance to tutor her.

Rounding out the group are Tupper, an inventor of sorts and his wife, Elizabeth, an artist who is as mysterious and strange as the works of art she creates using prosthetic limbs.

I enjoyed how all of the lives of these characters intersect in the most unusual but entertaining way. It felt like those movies that have a bunch of people with different storylines, but then at the end, you see how connected they are to one another.

My Final Verdict: Overall, I found this story to be enjoyable with equal parts drama and humor. My takeaway from this story is that we all have the opportunity to meet some pretty amazing people living right in our neighborhood if we just open the front door and step outside. Readers who enjoy women’s fiction and stories about families and relationships will enjoy this book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Cobble Hill from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: All the Dirty Secrets by Aggie Blum Thompson

Title: All the Dirty Secrets
Author: Aggie Blum Thompson
Narrator: Hillary Huber; Josephine Huang
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: July 2022
Genre: Mystery / Thriller
Buy The Book:Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: One warm summer night twenty-five years ago, Liza Gold and her friends celebrated their high school graduation with a party on the beach. It should have been the best night of their lives, only one of them never came back out of the ocean.

The tragedy haunted Liza Gold for years. Now, Liza is a recently divorced working mom struggling to connect with her standoffish teenager daughter Zoe when history repeats itself. Another young woman has drowned at Beach Week, and this time the victim is Zoe’s secret best friend.

Liza begins to suspect that the two deaths are somehow related, which causes her to face hard truths and take an unflinching look at the people she’s called her closest friends for the past two decades. She must discover what really happened to both women before it’s too late.

Set in the upscale DC private school scene, where silence can easily be bought, All the Dirty Secrets asks how far you would go to protect your status and your family, and if some secrets should ever be revealed.

My Thoughts: With All the Dirty Secrets, new to me author Aggie Blum Thompson presents a novel that is so masterfully crafted with twisty suspense, it feels like something that comes from the mind of Alfred Hitchcock. Combined with the excellent narration by Hillary Huber and Josephine Huang, the reader is presented with a novel that is both written and narrated in such a way that I was unable to figure out what was happening while keeping me on pins and needles anticipating the big reveal.

Additionally, the story occurs both in the present and thirty years in the past and both time periods blend together so smoothly, the reader barely notices the shift. Understanding the background of all of the characters took a little bit of time as well as who was responsible for the two deaths.

If I had a problem with any part of the story, it was mainly centered around Zoe and her attitude towards her mother. I understood she’s a teenager and just found the dead body of her best friend but knowing that her mother went through something similar with her own best friend should have brought them closer together. Instead, Zoe acted like a petulant brat and I felt bad for Liza, who feels like she is losing her daughter and there isn’t anything she can do about it.

Understanding how the two deaths are connected in addition to the mountain sized pile of secrets everyone is keeping really ripped the rug out from under me. I really liked Liza and for the most part found her behavior and choices reasonable and understandable given the situations she finds herself.

My Final Verdict: This book illuminates brightly the problems that can and do occur when terrible things happen and are then covered up and people you thought you knew are keeping massive secrets. No amount of time passing will ever diminish the truth from eventually coming out and it packed quite a punch when it did. I highly recommend this book to fans of twisty thrillers, mysteries and novels of suspense. I think Alfred Hitchcock would approve.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of All the Dirty Secrets from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: She Wouldn't Change a Thing by Sarah Adlakha

Title: She Wouldn’t Change a Thing
Author: Sarah Adlakha
Narrator: Cassandra Campbell
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Publication Date: August 2021
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Sliding Doors meets Life After Life in Sarah Adlakha's story about a wife and mother who is given the chance to start over at the risk of losing everything she loves.

A second chance is the last thing she wants.

When thirty-nine-year-old Maria Forssmann wakes up in her seventeen-year-old body, she doesn’t know how she got there. All she does know is she has to get to her home in Bienville, Mississippi, to her job as a successful psychiatrist and, most importantly, to her husband, daughters, and unborn son.

But she also knows that, in only a few weeks, a devastating tragedy will strike her husband, a tragedy that will lead to their meeting each other.

Can she change time and still keep what it’s given her?

Exploring the responsibilities love lays on us, the complicated burdens of motherhood, and the rippling impact of our choices, She Wouldn't Change a Thing is a dazzling debut from a bright new voice.

My Thoughts: Holy Bookworm, Batman, what did I just read here? This story gives the reader a front-row seat to the opportunity to start one’s life over, so to speak. What would you do if you were given such a chance? When Maria suddenly finds herself in this situation, her primary objective is to get back to her husband, daughters, unborn son and her psychiatry practice. Learning her trip back to her seventeen-year-old self comes with a life-or-death purpose, what will she choose? Fulfill her purpose or go back to her family? She can only choose one. I did not envy Maria one little bit. The stress and anxiety she feels was so brilliantly written and narrated, I felt loads of empathy for her and her situation.

This story got me thinking about so many topics such as reincarnation, past life regression and death, just to name a few. I couldn’t imagine myself in Maria’s shoes, because she is carrying a heavy burden, especially when she wakes up no longer pregnant and back in her parent’s home and seventeen again. Not only does it freak her out and she thinks she’s dreaming, but the people around her think she’s lost her mind, demanding to know where her husband and children are.

This story has so much going on, not just with Maria, but with the numerous supporting characters as well. It’s a lot to unpack and it took me a few stops and starts with the audio to get plugged in, but once I did, I was riveted. The writing and the story are exceptional. The characters are very complex and well developed. Their behaviors, thoughts and dialogue are appropriate for the situations they find themselves in. The audio narration performed by Cassandra Campbell was superb. She conveys not just the emotions of the characters in her reading, but also their personalities. I got an excellent sense of knowing these characters, which is vital for the reader to have any empathy for them.

My Final Verdict: Sarah Adlakha has created an amazing story around the concept of time travel and I absolutely loved it. Readers who enjoy the same concept will enjoy this tale as well as fans of women’s fiction and readers who love strong familial relationships in their stories. This book was highly focused on family and the connections we have with the people we meet throughout our journey of life.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of She Wouldn’t Change a Thing from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Rome is Where the Heart Is by Tilly Tennant

Title: Rome is Where the Heart Is (From Italy with Love #1)
Author: Tilly Tennant
Publisher: Bookouture
Publication Date: March 2017
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: Can a holiday romance ever have a happy ending? Escape with Kate to the sun-drenched city of Rome where a love affair is just about to begin…

When Kate’s husband Matt dumps her on Friday 13th she decides enough is enough – it’s time for her to have some fun and so she hops on a plane to Rome. A week of grappa and gelato in pavement cafes under azure blue skies will be just what the doctor ordered.

What she doesn’t count on is meeting and falling for sexy policeman Alessandro. But the course of true love doesn’t run smoothly – Alessandro has five meddling sisters, a fearsome mama and a beautiful ex Orazia. They’re all certain that Kate is not the girl for him.

Can Kate and Alessandro’s love last the distance? Or will she return home with the one souvenir she doesn’t want – a broken heart …

Fall in love with the colorful cafes and the cobbled piazzas of Rome and follow Kate’s dreams and her heart in this enchanting escapist read. Perfect for fans of Debbie Johnson and Carol Matthews.

My Thoughts: With Rome is Where the Heart Is, Tilly Tennant once again brings to life a story so rich in locale detail that I don’t know why I am sitting here writing this review when I should be on a plane bound for Rome! In addition to all of the food and drink delights that await one visiting Rome, the city has amazing history and architecture that really should be reason enough to put a visit on your bucket list. Instead, I was able to tag along with Kate on her holiday to Rome.

I really liked Kate and admired her courage to not only travel to another country by herself, but her determination to not let fear or apprehension keep her from enjoying all the city of Rome has to offer. I really enjoy stories that shake the characters out of the rut they are in and do something exciting and unexpected. Deciding to move to Italy and start a new life is definitely something very unexpected and not something I recommend but it definitely worked for Kate. I thought Kate’s sister advising that Kate take more time before jumping into this plan also made sense, and I understand she was only trying to look out for her. Kate’s frustration and sense of guilt for doing something for herself for a change was keenly felt and understood too. I very much enjoyed Kate’s family meeting Alessandro and seeing them connect with him made the impossible seem possible.

I also enjoyed the side story of Kate’s new friendship with American businessman Jamie and thought he filled the role of big brother, tour guide and new best friend perfectly. This is the first book in the series and ended with Kate returning to Rome to start her new life. I am looking forward to the next book to see how she fares and hopefully get to reconnect with these characters again.

My Final Verdict: Overall, if you can ignore the voice of reason in your head pointing out why moving to another country, a country whose primary language is not one you speak or understand is a bad idea, then you will enjoy seeing Rome through Kate’s eyes and will likely fall in love with it as she did. I recommend this book to readers who enjoy romances and the excitement of visiting exotic destinations. Readers who enjoy seeing the characters take chances, not worrying about the future and living in the moment will also enjoy this story.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Rome is Where the Heart Is from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

REVIEW: Bookworm by Robin Yeatman

Title: Bookworm
Author: Robin Yeatman
Narrator: Karissa Vacker
Publisher: Harper Perennial and Paperbacks
Publication Date: February 2023
Genre: Women’s Fiction
Buy The Book: Amazon | BN | Audible

Description: A wickedly funny debut novel—a black comedy with a generous heart that explores the power of imagination and reading—about a woman who tries to use fiction to find her way to happiness.

Victoria is unhappily married to an ambitious and controlling lawyer consumed with his career. Burdened with overbearing in-laws, a boring dead-end job she can’t seem to leave, and a best friend who doesn’t seem to understand her, Victoria finds solace from the daily grind in her beloved books and the stories she makes up in her head. One day, in a favorite café, she notices an attractive man reading the same talked-about bestselling novel that she is reading. A woman yearning for her own happy ending, Victoria is sure it’s fate. The handsome book lover must be her soul mate.

There’s only one small problem. Victoria is already married. Frustrated, and desperate to change her life, Victoria retreats to the dark places in her mind and thinks back to all the stories she’s ever read in hopes of finding a solution. She begins to fantasize about nocturnal trysts with café man, and imaginative ways (poisoned pickles were an inspired choice in Jane Smiley’s A Thousand Acres) of getting rid of the dread husband.

It’s all just harmless fantasy born of Victoria’s fevered imagination and her books—until, one night, fiction and reality blur and suddenly it seems Victoria is about to get everything she’s wished for . . . .

My Thoughts: With Bookworm written by new to me Robin Yeatman, we are introduced to Victoria, an avid bookworm stuck in a dead-end job and a dead-end marriage to Eric, a lawyer who sneers at her book reading. She lives a very dreary existence. I wouldn’t even go so far as to characterize what she is living as a life. There is no joy in Victoria’s world, except between the pages of the book is reading and the imaginary stories she makes up in her mind about the people around her.

One day while sitting in her favorite coffee shop, reading a book she absolutely detests, she notices a man who is reading the same book she is! It has to be fate, right? This man is her soul mate and she can’t stop thinking about him. That is, when she isn’t thinking about ways her husband should suddenly and tragically meet his doom. She even goes so far as to tamper with his vehicle. There isn’t a whole lot about Victoria that I found likeable and she is seriously several sandwiches short of a picnic. However, I also felt a lot of pity for her. Her parents adore her husband. He’s the model example of the child they wish they had, instead of Victoria. They even maneuvered the two of them together, so I guess you could say theirs is an arranged marriage. A very solid pre-nup agreement would leave Victoria with nothing more than the clothes on her back if she should ever leave, so here she is drifting through life, making chicken dinners of various varieties and imagining her husband dead, in quite creative ways.

I don’t want to say too much without giving away the plot, but I will say I was dreading just how far Victoria would go with her fantasy life, not just with her husband, but also with her café crush, Luke. None of these characters are likeable or relatable, but I couldn’t look away. What is Victoria going to do? For most of the book, I wanted to shake her and slap some sense into her.

I enjoyed this book and I was highly anticipating what would happen. There were some unexpected surprises, some laugh out loud moments and some great twists. Bookworm is Robin Yeatman’s debut book and I will be on the lookout for her next book.

My Final Verdict: This book does not end with the happily ever after Victoria was yearning for, but that’s life, isn’t it? The takeaway for me after reading this book is we have a choice every day to be happy or to be unhappy and we have the power to change or fix what’s lacking. I don’t think Victoria would know how to choose happiness even if it showed up with a gold embossed invitation. I recommend this book to readers who like to be surprised and entertained and don’t mind if the characters have no moral compass.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of Bookworm from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.