GR: January

MYSTERY WRAP UP

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Excited to share my reads with you!

If you could describe Cat Winthrope in one word, it would be determined as she has worked hard to get the life that she’s always wanted. A handsome husband, gorgeous home, good social standing, and all the love she can get from those she is close with. But soon her dream is throw into a tailspin when a new couple moves into the neighborhood and threatens the very life she has worked hard to make come true.

This is one of the few books that I read in one sitting as I couldn’t put it down cause it had me on edge. In the last year or so, I’ve been reading more mysteries and thrillers. I think I may have found my new favorite author because Torre really knows how to reel you in and keep you guessing. The plot was very interesting and I did enjoy the dynamics between the characters especially Cat and Neera. The only thing I didn’t like is how short it was, I usually read books that are longer than 200 pages but even with that, I enjoyed it. Would highly recommend especially if you’re looking for a good thriller!

Dr. Gwen Moore is an expert on killers who has spent a decade treating California’s most deadly and depraved killers and unlocking their motives especially the killer known as the bloody heart serial killer who last victim escaped who later identified, high school teacher, Randall Thompson as his captor. The case against Thompson was an open and shut case or so everyone including Gwen thought until a new development throws everything into a tailspin making Gwen question everything she knows.

Wow! This was such a good thriller! I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I’m glad that I started reading her books because I haven’t been disappointed yet. Torre knows how to reel you in and make you feel like you’re a part of the story and I love that. Her writing is something else that I really enjoy and she does a great job creating the dynamics between the characters and making it feel very real. This was such a enjoyable thriller so I highly recommend it to anyone even if you’re not super into them.

Taylor and Sierra thought they’d be best friends forever but things started to change between them when Taylor is caught kissing Sierra’s trust, things begin to change. Taylor is fed up with how Sierra treats her friends as she doesn’t seem to care when she hurts them. So when Sierra goes on a date with Jacob Jones who Sierra thinks is the one, everyone including Taylor laugh it off. Like her usual dates, everyone suspects she’ll be back the day next day but when she doesn’t show up, Taylor begins to worry as days keep passing with no word from her. Taylor begins to wonder if something sinister has happened to Sierra and she must find out before it’s too late.

This the first book by Ferris that I’ve read and it won’t be the last as I was absolutely entranced from beginning. Thrillers and mysteries have become my new favorite genre after I got burned out reading fantasies. Some thrillers have been predicable but this was a true thriller as I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The plot was super interesting and not done like it usually is so I did like that Ferris changed things and made it unique. This isn’t like the usual YA thrillers that I read, this felt more adult than anything and I feel as thought the topics in the book were handled with care while also making it real. Highly recommend this book!

Fiction WRAP UP

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Hey everyone! I can’t wait to share my fictions reads with you so let’s get started.

Having just moved back to his old home in London to settle down and take up work as a school teacher. But, Tom has a very dark secret as he’s not who people think he is as he might look a young forty one year old high school teacher but in reality, he’s been alive for centuries as a result of a rate condition. He has lived through some of the most important dates in history but now he just wants a normal life. Unfortunately, that doesn’t happen as shortly after the beginning of the school year, he breaks a rule that could potentially ruin everything that he’s ever wanted.

I wasn’t quite sure if I would like this book as sometimes historical fiction is hit or miss with me but I ended up liking it more than I thought. The plot was what got me interested as it something unique yet interesting.While I did like the plot, I wasn’t crazy about Tom as their were parts in the story where he really annoyed me and I feel like he wasn’t as compelling as I thought he would be. But, the other parts of the book helped make up for that so if you’re into fantasy and time travel stories, you would like this book!

Paige has always been scared to be herself. The real Paige who is proud to be a nerd and stick out in the crowd, who has no problem making friends, talking about books, and losing her virginity. But, no one knows who the Paige as only quiet Paige exists. But, with a new opportunities arriving as Paige will be starting at a new school, it could be the perfect time to embrace who really is and stop hiding behind a mask.

Absolutely loved this book and not only because the lead was asexual but because it was a super cute and fun book to read through. I found Paige very relatable as she struggled to embrace her real self and not hide. That’s something that still sticks with me even as an adult who has now accepted her flaws and all and I felt like it was written very well. Not only did I love Paige but the other characters especially the friendship between Paige and Shawn, the boy she becomes very close with. The asexuality aspect of the book made me very happy because it’s super hard to find asexual characters written well so I was happy that I found this book. I will reading the second book for February so stay tuned!

Non-Fiction Wrap up

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I’m trying out something new with my book reviews so we’ll see how this works out!

For many of us, navigating the stress that comes with the pressure of our daily lives can force us to take on patterns that aren’t healthy which can impact our lives in the future. While it can be difficult to develop healthy patterns or strategies, they are crucial for our own well-being. The Age of Overwhelm provides readers with techniques, skills, and strategies to help improve our well-being while still being present in our every day lives.

I don’t normally read self-help that much those kind of books are hit and miss with me but I enjoyed this one quite a bit. I found it relevant for the times especially with learning to be more present, learning to say no without feeling guilty, and cutting people out your life who drain your energy. All of the issues that were discussed in this book struck a cord with me especially being more present. I think these are all things that most people struggle with in their daily lives as many of us come from home environments where we learned unhealthy strategies and coping skills. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking to better themselves as I found this very helpful.

Have you ever wondered why you can’t control some of your emotions at times or why people do the things that they do? If so, you’re not alone and it’s nothing that has anything to do you as a person but the events that occurred in your life that altered your ability to deal with them in a healthy way.

This book has been on my tbr for a long time so I was glad to finally have a chance to read it. I have read a lot of books having to do with trauma and this was the first one I read where I got clarity on the experiences I went through as a child. Before reading this book, I had watched a few interviews with Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry and I was hoping that I would enjoy the book and I did. It’s very difficult to navigate through life when you have a messed up childhood and when you can finally make sense of the events that happened to you and that last part is so important. It’s not what’s wrong with you but what happened to you? It’s such a simple yet profound statement. I would highly recommend this book to anyone!

The Crossing Gate

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“A moment passed before he peeked at my necklace, and his eyes became tender. “You know, Leen love isn’t always a crazy, obsessive emotion. Love is understanding and respecting each other, and giving space to grow and sacrifice and compromise. It’s about being there for each other, not running away. And it certainly isn’t treason.”

In the kingdom of Elpax, juveniles must walk through crossing gate to become adults. Seems very simple doesn’t it? For a young woman named Lenore it would be anything but as when the time comes her to cross through the gate, it goes horribly wrong. The young woman who was hoping to have to finally have success with crossing the gate is now being accused of trying to start a revolution and she must follows the rules if she wants to stay alive. But, following the rules is never easy and Lenore is going to find herself being tested in ways she didn’t imagine especially when a young handsome stranger shows up and she starts to feel emotions that she’s never felt before. But, juveniles aren’t allowed to fall in love so Lenore is finding herself at a crossing point as she wants to follow the laws and keep her family safe but more and more secrets come out about her kingdom that she realizes, fighting against the system and saving her family and loved ones might be the only way she will survive.

Wow! This was a truly beautiful story and the plot was so unique and that’s what caught my attention when I was looking for new books coming out. Someone called this a mash up between The Handmaiden’s Tale and Hunger Games and they couldn’t be more right as there were moments of terror, rage and anger but also heartwarming moments that made you feel for the characters and Lenore. There were so many times that I wanted to rage with her and I’m glad that she finally got to rage herself. This is so true for many of us as there are reasons why we have to keep certain emotions suppressed but all that does it create more problems especially if we longer have room to suppress them. Not only did I enjoy and relate to Lenore, I enjoyed all the characters and their dynamics with each other so I highly recommend it!

KIng of Battle and Blood

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“All of the stars in the sky are not as bright as my love for you.”

While many brides find their wedding day to be their happiest day but not Isolde De Lara, she expected to wed the vampire king Adrian Alexksandr Vasiliev in order to end a decades long war. She is planning to kill him on their wedding night but things don’t go as planned as he catches her in the act and threatens to raise her as the undead, which is the thing that she hates the most. Isolde isn’t going to go down without a fight as she finds other ways to defy him and survive the brutal vampire court. But, the court isn’t what she fears most. It’s Adrian himself and despite their obvious electrifying chemistry, she wants to know why he would chose her as his consort.

Well, here have another predictable enemies to lovers vampire story that I found myself engrossed in even if the writing was choppy in some parts. From the reviews on this book, people either loved it or hated and I’m one of those people who is in the middle. I didn’t exactly love it as much as I wanted to love it but it was entertaining and I did like the smut. The second book isn’t coming out for awhile and I don’t even know if I’m gonna read it but let’s get started on the good with this book. As I mentioned, the smut was pretty good and I did enjoy that because sometimes either the smut is written poorly or there’s not enough. While I did find Isolde annoying, I did buy the chemistry between herself and Adrian so that’s one of the pluses. One reason why I didn’t completely like Isolde is because I got I’m not like most girls vibe and I hate that type of character because it’s over done so it made me enjoy the book even less.

But, overall I enjoyed it and maybe I’ll check out the second book when it comes out!

Lore Olympus by Rachel Symthe

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“I know it may seem overwhelming right now. If I were lucky enough to have somebody love me, I would try everything to make it work. You’re lucky to have that even if it hurts.”

Young goddess of the spring, Persephone, is new to Olympus but as the young woman who has promised to train as a sacred virgin is about to get more than she’s bargained for when she’s meets the mysterious, Hades during a night out with her new roommate and sister Artemis and her life is thrown into a chaos as she finds herself attracted to the older man who is charming yet very misunderstood ruler of the underworld. Now, Persephone must find her place among the world of Olympus all while navigating through the confusing politics and find her true power.

I know what you’re thinking! Great, another Persephone and Hades retelling? I hear ya I hear ya but this is one retelling that is guaranteed to keep you wanting more. Going into this, I thought it was going to be a similar retelling and it was the opposite and it did not disappoint as I loved everything about it especially the personalities of the gods especially Hades and Persephone. In addition to the fantastic characterization, the dynamics between the gods and chemistry between Hades and Persephone felt very real. They are so cute together and I can’t wait to read more of their adventures in the next book coming out this year but not until July, ugh that’s too long. Not only did it feel real but it was relatable at times especially with how Persephone was navigating through the political climate in Olympus while trying to figure who she is and what he wants to do with her life.

Definitely check this out if you love mythology but I think many people would actually enjoy this book as it was a wild, entertaining, and fun ride from beginning to end.

The Exiled Fleet

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“What’s our motto, friends?”
“Get it done fast and don’t die, sir.”

The crew of sentinels, led by courageous Adequin Drake are making a desperate preparations to return to the galaxy that abandoned them all before they all starve. Having stabilized the situation at the Divide, the immediate threat, the crew is now low on supplies and their is a impending mutiny brewing. With tensions building, the team must find a way to get through this or they may not make it out alive.

A thrilling and entertaining follow up to The Last Watch and I am so happy that I didn’t have to wait a long time to read this follow up or else I would’ve been unhappy. I was engrossed from beginning to end and while I did find the novel very entertaining there were a few things that didn’t make me love it as much as the first one. One plus was the continued developed fo the characters as I felt like it was very real and and relatable especially with Rake and her own self-doubt about whether she’s fit to be a leader. Out of all the characters, she’s probably my favorite. It’s hard not to root for her and the other members. I felt like this novel was a bit overcrowded with new characters, plot details, and a bit too much information that made me confused at times. I think I would’ve enjoyed it more it there wasn’t so much going on as it was hard to keep track of who was who especially with new characters being introduced in this book. But even with all of that, Dewes crafted a entertaining and fun follow up to the first book and I am excited for the third to come out even though it won’t be for a long time!

The Last Watch

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“One act doesn’t define someone, good or bad. I hate what you did. Not you.”

The Last Watch follows a band of criminal misfits who have been banished to the edge of space that have to their petty grievances aside to save the universe from certain destruction. Each character has their own agenda but if they want to save earth and find a way to redeem themselves, they must work together before it’s too late.

Wow! This book was truly enjoyable and I’m glad that I don’t have to wait for the second book. I’ve been reading a lot of Sci-Fi lately and I’m really glad that I have because I haven’t had a miss yet and will probably be my new favorite Sci-Fi series. The plot wasn’t something that I’d seen before with a band of misfits coming together to save the world but the way it was done here made it more unique and interesting and I believe the writing had a lot to do with that. It honestly felt like I was there and I could feel the tension between the characters in stressful situation. Another great aspect of the book were the characters as they each had their own flaws that made them very relatable and I felt invested not only with their personal journey but how they fit in with the rest of the group. Overall, this was a really good suspenseful Sci-Fi space opera filled with everything you would hope for a Sci-Fi series to have.

Quiet In Her Bones

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“Ten years was a long time for evidence to age and fade. For flesh to disappear. For everyone to forget that Nina Parvati Rai had been a living, breathing woman who’d loved music and cooking and had a mind like a computer.
In another life she could have been a professor.
In this life she’d been a rich man’s wife.
Now she was just bones.”

Quiet In Her Bones tells the story of socialite Nina Rai who disappeared mysteriously one night and was never seen again. At the time, no one thought it was suspicious, just a trophy wife tired of her wealthy husband. But when her bones turn up in the forest greens that surrounds their wealthy neighborhood where secrets have been kept but now people are starting to ask questions and while the rich who live there may not want to know what happen, one person knows that something terrible happen. Her son, Aarav remembers the chilling scream that came from his mother that fateful night ten years ago and he’s determined to find out what happen to her no matter the cost.

Wow! What a fantastic murder thriller and I truly mean that. While this book had his downsides which I will get to in a bit, this was a truly exciting and gripping thriller that had me turning the page for more. The writing style was a bit different and while I did like it, there was also a downside to it as some of the writing was a bit over-sexualized and almost came off as though it was written by a man. While I understand that the author could’ve been intending it be portrayed a little over the top, it still felt a bit much. But, there were other parts of the book that helped me enjoy it as much as I did. I felt as though the characters were well developed and while there was a lot of them, I was invested in each of them so that’s always a good thing cause there’s nothing worse than under developed characters. Lastly, what made this novel so great was the twists throughout the book and usually with some thrillers, they can very predictable but not in this book and I think that makes this a true thriller. I recommend it if you like you suspenseful thrillers that keep you wanting more.