BAILEY IN THE CORNER—When Do You Cut Loose From a Friendship?

BAILEY IN THE CORNER

Lindsay Hiller

Summary

It’s okay to say no when someone tries to walk all over you. But what if that person’s your best friend

Bailey Dupree keeps to her corner. It’s safer that way. No chance of embarrassing her celebrity boss or getting fired. Again. But Bailey’s glamorous best friend, Daisy, is her polar opposite. A fitness influencer with thousands of followers, Daisy craves the spotlight.

So, when Daisy fumbles her audition for their boss’s new weight-lifting program, Bailey comes to her rescue—and catches their boss’s eye. But there’s one Daisy liked him first.Daisy gets revenge by stealing Bailey’s new dress and abandoning her in a thunderstorm, forcing Bailey to ask a life-altering does she keep to her corner because she wants to? Or because it’s easier than competing with Daisy?

As Bailey steps into the spotlight to audition for the same exercise program as Daisy, she must face two uncomfortable lopsided friendships are tricky, and following her heart may require sacrifices she isn’t prepared to make.

Courtesy of Goodreads.com

Review

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Fiction
Sub genre: Romance
Spice Level: Sweet to Medium (off page, pre-book fling that’s mentioned)

I was so vested in Bailey! Cheering her on as she muddled through her life.

The secondary characters are also fleshed out, and I loved them. There’s a character you’re meant to hate—and it worked. Enough background was given so I understood why she was despicable.

This book is amazing, full of feel-good vibes.

I highly recommend this book!

Happy reading,
Michelle

THE WITCH’S LENS—When the Camera Catches the Dead

THE WITCH’S LENS
The Order of the Seven Stars

Luanne G. Smith

Summary

As World War I rages, there are evils—both living and dead—that only a witch can see in a spellbinding novel by the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Raven Spell.

With her husband off fighting at World War I’s eastern front, Petra Kurková embraces her fleeting freedom, roaming the city at night with her camera. A born witch, she’s discovered that she can capture the souls of the dead on film. Her supernatural skills don’t go unnoticed by the enigmatic Josef Svoboda. He’s recruiting a team of sorcerers to infiltrate the front lines, where the bloodshed of combat has resurrected foul creatures. Petra’s unique abilities will be needed against the most dangerous enemies of all—those ever present, undead, and unseen.

Deep in the cursed Carpathian Mountains, the ragtag team meets with an emissary of an ancient organization founded to maintain balance between worlds. Photographing the escalating horrors is beyond anything Petra imagined. So are the secrets among her fellow witches. But Petra can’t turn back. Not before she discovers her husband’s fate and the myriad ways her magic is manifesting. To defeat an occult foe, Petra must release the power she’s been concealing for so long, or risk damning a war-torn world to ashes.

Goodreads.com

Review

I have an ARC for the next book, and so I picked up this one to have a solid base to start the next.

Genre: Historical Fantasy, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romantasy
Spice Level: Low—this is a slow burn
Gore Level: Medium—you’ve got a lot going on because of WWI but not a lot on the page

THE WITCH’S LENS crosses technology, magic, and the horrors of war.

I LOVED how the main character, Petra, is using a camera to take pictures of ghosts. So clever and fun to see what she discovers.

Josef recruits Petra for his select and magical strike force to solve the problem of the undead. I found him to be a bit of an enigma, and that’s exactly why I liked him—I suspect more will be discovered in book two.

Romance is set at a slow burn and is a subplot—which I thought was perfect because so many other things are on the horizon. I wish there was a tiny bit more with her using the camera because that was a fun concept, but I was still satisfied because it’s used in an important way.

The twists and turns continue. We slowly learn more about Petra’s past and her magic. I’m starting the next book ASAP.

I highly recommend this book.

Happy (rising from the dead) reading!

– Michelle

SCALES AND SENSIBILITY—When a Lap-Sized Dragon Has Sense

SCALES AND SENSIBILITY
Regency Dragons #1

Stephanie Burgis

Summary

Sensible, practical Elinor Tregarth really did plan to be the model poor relation when she moved into Hathergill Hall. She certainly never meant to kidnap her awful cousin Penelope’s pet dragon. She never expected to fall in love with the shameless – but surprisingly sweet – fortune hunter who came to court Penelope. And she never dreamed that she would have to enter into an outrageous magical charade to save her younger sisters’ futures.



However, even the most brilliant scholars of 1817 England still haven’t ferreted out all the lurking secrets of rediscovered dragonkind…and even the most sensible of heroines can still make a reckless wish or two when she’s pushed. Now Elinor will have to find out just how rash and resourceful she can be when she sets aside all common sense. Maybe, just maybe, she’ll even be impractical enough to win her own true love and a happily ever after…with the unpredictable and dangerous “help” of the magical creature who has adopted her.

A frothy Regency rom-com full of pet dragons and magical misadventures, Scales and Sensibility is a full-length novel and the first in a new series of standalone romantic comedies.

Goodreads.com

Review

I was in the mood for something light and fun. My go to is Sweet Regency romance. But here we have lap-sized dragons . . . well, that sounds fun.

Genre: Romantasy, Fantasy, Regency Fantasy
Spice Level: Sweet with kisses
Language: Some swearing (primarily British)

This book ticked all the boxes for me.

The characters are fun and digging themselves in deeper with every decision.
Magic makes the problems worse and isn’t the solution in the end.
Ah! A wonderful country setting.
Levels of bad guys.
Twists.
Plain good fun!
Well plotted.

Brava! Brava!

Yes, I highly recommend this one when you’re in the mood for light and fun.

Happy (dragon) reading!
– Michelle

TIDEMAGIC: THE MANY FACES OF ISTA FLIT—The Next Must-Read for Middle Grade Fantasy and Adventure!

TIDEMAGIC: THE MANY FACES OF ISTA FLIT

Written by Clare Harlow
Illustrated by James Mountford

Summary

Magic, mystery, and monsters abound in this series opener about a girl with the rare magical ability to look like anyone she’s ever seen.

In misty Shelwich, magic rises and falls with the tides, everyone is born with a magical gift, and people have started to . . . disappear.

Rumor has it they are snatched by monsters, but Ista Flit doesn’t want to believe it. Not when her own father is missing. As she scours the city, searching for clues, a notorious thief finds her. Ista has a rare talent: she’s a face-changer, able to take on the appearance of anyone she’s seen, and Alexo could use a girl with her skill. Ista could use Alexo’s help in her search–if only she could trust him.

As more people disappear from the city, Ista finds unexpected allies in Nat and Ruby, each searching for their own missing loved ones. These three determined kids will need to use all the Tidemagic they can summon, infiltrate the city’s highest elite circles, and dive into its lowest caverns, in order to find how thieves, monsters, and the missing are all connected.

Goodreads.com

Review

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Random House Children’s | Knopf Books for Young Readers. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Audience: About 10-13
Representation: Multiple races, I think there was one adult who might be part of LGBTQ (but it was so fast, I didn’t get a solid bead on who it was—that’s my fault for reading too fast).

I adored the magic flowing like the tide in TIDEMAGIC: THE MANY FACES OF ISTA FLIT. Ista is working through her challenges and gains allies (and new friends) as she tries to solve her problem—her dad is missing.

But there is so much more going on! And she’s caught in the middle.

Every moment of this story is grabby (meaning it grabs you and makes you want to keep reading). I think kids are going to eat up this adventure and want another book. This one ends in a great way but there are loose threads to resolve later.

I hope you pick up this book. I want to hear all about your thoughts.

So YES! I recommend this as one of my new favorite middle grade books.

Happy reading!
– Michelle

THE HEIRLOOM—Do Superstitions Overshadow Love?

THE HEIRLOOM

Jessie Rosen

Summary

He popped the question. She’ll search the world to find the answer…

Shea Anderson’s beloved Nonna had endless rules for a happy, healthy avoid owls, never put a hat on a bed, and never, ever accept a marriage proposal that comes with an heirloom ring. Happily ever after is hard enough without bad karma in the mix.

Naturally, panic sets in when Shea’s boyfriend, John, proposes with an heirloom ring. Yes is her answer, but Nonna’s warning sets Shea on a mission to ensure the ring contains forever She will find its previous owners wherever they may be. With the help of her long-suffering big sister and a nosy journalist eager for a big story, Shea embarks on a journey that takes her from Los Angeles and New York to Italy and Portugal.

Sophisticated, cinematic, and full of lively observations, The Heirloom is a diamond-sharp read for everyone who’s ever tried to make their own good luck.

Goodreads.com

Review

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam; G.P. Putnam’s Sons. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Women’s Fiction, Romance
Spice Level: Medium (nothing on the page but mentions of liaisons and people living together)
Language: Some swearing
Representation: A gay couple is mentioned about two times

I actually liked the premise of THE HEIRLOOM. It was fun to watch a character go through contortions (not literal) to solve her superstitions. I also thought it worked because of the setup with how close she was to her grandmother. And if you have ever known someone who is superstitious, it doesn’t matter if you use logic, they will stick to their beliefs.

There is sort of a SPOILER coming next. So skip to the end if you don’t want to know this . . . okay you’ve been warned. Here it comes.

For me, the main point that got me was Shea’s wishy-washy about how she felt about her fiancé. Come on! You’re in love with the guy—why doubt that now? I’m still sticking with this being a romance, but this point is what brings the rating down for me.

END OF SPOILERS

If you love women’s fiction and are ready for the ride of Shea’s personal growth, you’re going to love this book. In ways, I think this book fits with women’s fiction better than a romance, but you could still see it as a romance.

Happy reading!
– Michelle

NONNA MARIA AND THE CASE OF THE LOST TREASURE—An Italian Thriller

NONNA MARIA AND THE CASE OF THE LOST TREASURE
Nonna Maria #3

Lorenzo Carcaterra

Summary

Nonna Maria, “one of the most charming amateur sleuths ever created” (Tess Gerritsen), dodges assassins and hunts for hidden treasure in this transporting mystery from #1 New York Times bestselling author Lorenzo Carcaterra.

As Nonna Maria’s longtime friend and sometimes colleague, Captain Murino of the Ischian caribineri never wanted to see harm brought to the doorstep of everyone’s favorite espresso-brewing, counsel-giving amateur sleuth. But when you live a long life, you’re bound to make a few enemies. And when those enemies come calling, you have to rely on friends. Faced with an assassin seeking revenge for a decades-old grudge, Captain Murino has no choice but to turn to Maria, who must use all her neighborly resources, clever faculties, and web of connections to save him from his perilous predicament.

On the other side of the island, a second mystery begins to unfold from the deathbed of another of Maria’s old friends, when he hands his granddaughter a yellowed map and tells her of a treasure to be found in one of Ischia’s secret caverns, known as the Magician’s Cave. There are traps and pits. There will be others with sinister motives who will do all they can to make the treasure their own. But this map is a guide—the only gift he has to give. When the granddaughter needs help cracking the code, she turns to her grandfather’s most trusted Nonna Maria.

From battling foes in medieval castles to exploring the notorious caverns where smugglers hid their goods, Nonna Maria and her friends—some old, some new—embark on their most swashbuckling adventure yet.

Goodreads.com

Review

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine; Bantam. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Thriller
Language: I don’t remember it having swearing
Readability: Easy to read without having read previous books

This is the first Nonna Maria novel that I’ve read. The world on this island embraces the reader and made me feel like I was among all the people in this small town. I loved how Nonna Maria took care of those she considered family. She is also quirky and fun. She’s the type of grandmother I would love to have in my neighborhood.

There are really several stories going on:

1. The Nonna Maria world of being part of her circle
2. A Thriller where we know someone is trying to kill the police captain
3. A second thriller where there is a lost treasure

In ways, I wish we had one of the thrillers instead of two because I didn’t feel like they interwove enough. The book is only about 288 pages long. I also didn’t love how two of the characters were only known as the “Pirate” and the “Magician.” I wish they’d had a name instead of a nickname. Some of the dialogue felt unrealistic to me—but maybe that’s part of the sense that this book is taking place in Italy.

Because I love Nonna Maria, I would try another novel.

Happy reading!
– Michelle

HIGHCLIFFE HOUSE—When Your Enemy Takes You to Brighton

HIGHCLIFFE HOUSE

Megan Walker

Summary

Love ignites when two rivals vie to secure a possible fortune at the seaside town of Brighton.

Brighton, England, 1813

When a romantic entanglement leaves her humiliated and reeling, Anna Lane wants nothing more than for her father to whisk her away from the gossip of the ton. Unfortunately, he has obligations elsewhere, leaving her stuck in London.

Graham Everett’s financial security depends on an investment with Mr. Lane, his long-time friend and business partner. He’ll do just about anything to secure it for his family, even if it means fighting spoiled, embittered Anna for her father’s attention.

Luckily, Mr. Lane concocts a plan that will give everyone what they wat, with one stipulation: Anna must accompany Graham to Brighton in her father’s stead and make a decision to invest—or not—based on a thorough report.

But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that they’ve been wrong about each other. If they are willing to invest a little time working out their differences, they might have a chance at real love.

Goodreads.com

Review

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Sweet Romance, Historical Romance, Proper Romance
Spice Level: Kissing

HIGHCLIFFE HOUSE was incredibly enjoyable. I liked how the two main characters were in competition for her father’s attention, and I loved how that played out. The depth of the characters is fantastic! I really felt for both of them. All of the scenery and background information for the era was spot on. It’s so refreshing to know that this author gets it and I can trust what I’m reading—I’ll be back for more from her.

And without giving any spoilers, I want to give a shoutout for the ending! It didn’t rely on a simple misunderstanding. YAY! I thought it was a unique and masterful ending. I was so satisfied that I was grinning.

If you love historical romance, this is the perfect book. Seriously, it’s one of the best I’ve read for this time period.

I highly recommend this book!

Happy reading!
– Michelle

THE BEST LIFE BOOK CLUB—Self-Improvement and Romance

THE BEST LIFE BOOK CLUB

Sheila Roberts

Summary

It started as a book club. It became a way to build a better life together.

Karissa Newcomb is ready for a new start in a new neighborhood, as far away as she can get from Seattle, where her husband cheated on her with the neighbor who was supposed to be her best friend. She and her nine-year-old daughter are moving on to the city of Gig Harbor on the bay in Puget Sound. She even has a new job as an assistant at a small publishing company right in Gig Harbor. Her new boss seems like a bit of a curmudgeon, but a job is a job, she loves to read, and the idea of possibly meeting writers sounds fabulous.

Soon she finds she’s not the only one in need of a refresh. Her new neighbors, Alice and Margot, are dealing with their own crises. Alice is still grieving her late husband and hasn’t been able to get behind the wheel of a car since a close call after his death. Margot is floundering after getting divorced and laid off in quick succession. They could all use a distraction, and a book club seems like just the ticket. Together, the three women, along with Alice’s grumpy older sister, Josie, embark on a literary journey that just might be the kick start they need to begin building their best lives yet.

Goodreads.com

Review

My thanks for the ARC goes the NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Women’s Fiction, Book about Books
Spice Level: Sweet
Language: I don’t remember any swearing
Format: Multiple-POV

THE BEST LIFE BOOK CLUB draws us into four women’s lives. They’re different ages and at different stages of life except that they’re all single. The book club brings them together, and they learn from the books they read. (There’s a bit more to that, but I don’t want to spoil it for you.)

Karissa is the first woman introduced, and I felt like she is the primary protagonist. A single mom who has just moved, and her trust is shattered. She’s rebuilding for herself and her child. I felt like her kiddo was almost always at her dad’s because she wasn’t on the page much.

Alice, Karissa’s neighbor, lost the love of her life and has somewhat shut down her life. She is sweet and demure.

Josie is Alice’s sister, and also a widow, though she doesn’t miss her husband. She is brusque.

Margot is another neighbor, but she and her husband divorced equitably. She’s managing her life and figuring out her relationship with her mom.

I wanted to feel more deeply connected to the characters. Mind you, I knew how each one felt, but it didn’t seem as interior as I expected. I cheered for the women as they made strides to improve their lives. This was a fun book that centers around self-improvement and change, and I recommend it. The literary bent of it is fun.

Happy reading!
– Michelle

COLTON GENTRY’S THIRD ACT—Romance After Hitting Bottom

COLTON GENTRY’S THIRD ACT

Jeff Zentner

Summary

“A story of love, healing, and second chances ” (Emily Henry) following a down on his luck country musician who, in the throes of grief after a shocking loss, moves back home and rekindles a relationship with his high school sweetheart, from award-winning author Jeff Zentner.

Colton Gentry is riding high. His first hit in nearly a decade has caught fire, he’s opening for country megastar Brant Lucas, and he’s married to one of the hottest acts in the country. But he’s hurting. Only a few weeks earlier, his best friend, Duane, was murdered onstage by a mass shooter at a country music festival. One night, with his trauma festering and Jim Beam flowing through his veins, Colton stands before a sold-out arena crowd of country music fans and offers his unfiltered opinion on guns. It goes over poorly.
 
Immediately, his career and marriage implode. Left with few choices or funds, he retreats to his rural Kentucky hometown. He’s resigned himself to has-been-dom, until a chance encounter at his town’s new farm-to-table restaurant gives him a second shot at a job working in the kitchen with Luann, his first love, who has undergone her own reinvention. Told through perspectives alternating between his senior year of high school, his time coming up with Duane as hungry musicians in Nashville, and the present, COLTON GENTRY’S THIRD ACT is a story of coming home, undoing past heartbreaks, and navigating grief, and is a reminder that there are next acts in life, no matter how unlikely they may seem. 

Goodreads.com

Review

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Romance, Contemporary Fiction
Spice Level: Slow burn, sex on the page
Language: Smattering of f-bombs and more
Format: Dual timeline. Present and past of Colton.

This book is mostly about Colton’s journey—and I don’t feel like you see as many romances with the guy front and center. The first chapter was rough for me with the f-bombs. I get it though. We had to see Colton blow up his life. And he did, landing in rehab and more.

I thought Colton’s journey to stay sober was pretty realistic. I was rooting for him not to fall and drink again. This was also a bit rough to read. (I had a sibling who became an alcoholic and died young.) But his journey was also cathartic.

The girl he loved from high school was interesting. I was surprised how she was so supportive of him when she’d had so many people bow out of her life or utterly fail her. But it was also sweet that she was prickly on the outside and a marshmallow inside.

I did end up enjoying this book, and I think the majority of romance readers will love it. (The spice was not to my taste. It’s pretty fast and done.)

Happy reading!
– Michelle

EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES

EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES

Catherine Mack

Summary

Ten days, eight suspects, six cities, five authors, three bodies . . . one trip to die for.

All that bestselling author Eleanor Dash wants is to get through her book tour in Italy and kill off her main character, Connor Smith, in the next in her Vacation Mysteries series―is that too much to ask?

Clearly, because when an attempt is made on the real Connor’s life―the handsome but infuriating con man she got mixed up with ten years ago and now can’t get out of her life―Eleanor’s enlisted to help solve the case.

Contending with literary rivals, rabid fans, a stalker―and even her ex, Oliver, who turns up unexpectedly―theories are bandied about, and rivalries, rifts, and broken hearts are revealed. But who’s really trying to get away with murder?

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies is the irresistible and hilarious series debut from Catherine Mack, introducing bestselling fictional author Eleanor Dash on her Italian book tour that turns into a real-life murder mystery, as her life starts to imitate the world in her books.

Goodreads.com

Review

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books. I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Travel Mystery, Mystery, Books about books
Spice Level: Med-High (Fade to black but some details . . . )
Language: Some swearing, including f-bombs

I loved the premise of EVERY TIME I GO ON VACATION, SOMEONE DIES. This book was so much fun in many ways.

The main character Eleanor has major flaws, and sometimes is really kind of a jerk. But I actually kind of liked her because some of the things that happened to her were worse than what she’d done to others. (Levels of how terrible the people were.) Connor is such a villain with his behavior, everyone looked great compared to him.

So many people had reasons to be angry with Eleanor—and you’ll have to decide if they were good enough for murder. But hey, you’ve got lust, money, position all on the table. Sometimes, the author breaks the fourth wall—as in she actually says this—and invites the reader to figure it out. Since I’m always trying to figure things out, I felt pretty seen. In this story, I thought it worked as a device.

I hope you enjoy it too.

Happy reading!
– Michelle