Vanish by Tess Gerritsen

Title: Vanish
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: #5 in the Rizzoli/Isles series
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Ballantine Books (August 23, 2005)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕1/2

Synopsis: A nameless, beautiful woman appears to be just another corpse in the morgue. An apparent suicide, she lies on a gurney, awaiting the dissecting scalpel of medical examiner Maura Isles. But when Maura unzips the body bag and looks down at the body, she gets the fright of her life. The corpse opens its eyes.

Very much alive, the woman is rushed to the hospital, where with shockingly cool precision, she murders a security guard and seizes hostages . . . one of them a pregnant patient, Jane Rizzoli.

Who is this violent, desperate soul, and what does she want? As the tense hours tick by, Maura joins forces with Jane s husband, FBI agent Gabriel Dean, to track down the mysterious killer s identity. When federal agents suddenly appear on the scene, Maura and Gabriel realize that they are dealing with a case that goes far deeper than just an ordinary hostage crisis.

Only Jane, trapped with the armed madwoman, holds the key to the mystery. And only she can solve it if she survives the night.

My Thoughts: This was the second time I've read this book and my opinion is the same as it was so many years ago. A good installment to the series but not my favorite.

The Good: The suspense was so realistic with Gabriel's emotional journey while Jane was trapped in the hospital and the final scene where Jane thought she and her baby were going to die. I liked both Maura's and Jane's input into this book where in the past books the focus was on one woman or the other. In this one it felt a little more balanced between the two of them as they both were hostages at one point or another by Olena and they had input into the investigation in their own way.

The Bad: While I think this book was truly a good installment into this series it just didn't resonate with me. I think there were too many conspiracy theory things going on. It was hard to take some things serious when it appeared the conspiracy theorists were just whackadoos and pointing their fingers at everyone in authority. I also took issue with Maura's opinion that one of the secondary characters was really attractive. I am so glad nothing came of it because it seems that in every book Maura seems to have another man she's attracted to. Come on Maura!

In a Nutshell: I'm happy to have been re-reading these first few books in the series and I'm looking forward to my re-read of the 6th book as well.

A School For Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin

Title: A School for Unusual Girls
Author: Kathleen Baldwin
Series: #1 in the Stanje House series
Genre: Historical Romance YA
Publisher: Tor Teen (May 19, 2015)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: It’s 1814. Napoleon is exiled on Elba. Europe is in shambles. Britain is at war on four fronts. And Stranje House, a School for Unusual Girls, has become one of Regency England’s dark little secrets. The daughters of the beau monde who don’t fit high society’s constrictive mold are banished to Stranje House to be reformed into marriageable young ladies. Or so their parents think. In truth, Headmistress Emma Stranje, the original unusual girl, has plans for the young ladies—plans that entangle the girls in the dangerous world of spies, diplomacy, and war.

After accidentally setting her father’s stables on fire while performing a scientific experiment, Miss Georgiana Fitzwilliam is sent to Stranje House. But Georgie has no intention of being turned into a simpering, pudding-headed, marriageable miss. She plans to escape as soon as possible—until she meets Lord Sebastian Wyatt. Thrust together in a desperate mission to invent a new invisible ink for the English war effort, Georgie and Sebastian must find a way to work together without losing their heads—or their hearts . . .

My Thoughts: While I enjoyed the first half of this book I thought the last half was a little long and drawn out.

The Good: I really liked the idea of a YA historical romance and for the most part this book was a winner. I liked Georgie and felt she was very real. She was self conscious about her looks because red hair and freckles were not considered beautiful and her parents continued to remind of that often. Her only option she had as a young woman was to learn to be a proper lady and marry well. This was not what Georgie was all about. She had a scientific mind and liked to do experiments. This was also a contention between her and her parents. I liked her logical mind. I liked how she thought through issues. I also liked the other girls in the Stranje house.

I thought Georgie's reactions to Sebastian were all in agreement with a teenage girl. I thought maybe she would be more scientific about it but she is first and foremost a girl so even though I don't care much for teenage angst this did ring true as well.

The Bad: I thought the book would be more about Emma Stranje's teaching of the girls. She was teaching them lock picking, how to remove themselves from being tied to a chair, how to be a spy, etc. Unfortunately, between the longish introduction to Georgie and the girls in Stranje House then the entire second half trying to rescue Georgie's love interest, there wasn't a whole lot of learning. I also struggled with the history aspect a bit. The author takes some liberties with history and called it "alternate history". I would rather a book with so much (and there was a lot) history have that history accurate.

In a Nutshell: Although I did like this book, I only liked it to a point. Since I found the last half of the book a bit tedious and the spying aspect of the book was not my cuppa I probably will not continue with this series.

 

Fragile by Lisa Unger

Title: Fragile
Author: Lisa Unger
Series: #1 in the Jones Cooper series
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Crown; (July 28, 2010)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕1/2

Synopsis: Everybody knows everybody in The Hollows, a quaint, charming town outside of New York City. It's a place where neighbors keep an eye on one another's kids, where people say hello in the grocery store, and where high school cliques and antics are never quite forgotten. As a child, Maggie found living under the microscope of small-town life stifling. But as a wife and mother, she has happily returned to The Hollows's insular embrace. As a psychologist, her knowledge of family histories provides powerful insights into her patients' lives. So when the girlfriend of her teenage son, Rick, disappears, Maggie's intuitive gift proves useful to the case--and also dangerous.

The investigation has her husband, Jones, the lead detective on the case, acting strangely.  Rick, already a brooding teenager, becomes even more withdrawn.  In a town where the past is always present, nobody is above suspicion, not even a son in the eyes of his father.

Determined to uncover the truth, Maggie pursues her own leads into Charlene's disappearance and exposes a long-buried town secret--one that could destroy everything she holds dear.

My Thoughts: While the ending was quite good the entire book was bogged down by an excruciatingly slow pace and so many characters it was hard to keep track of them all.

The Good: The last 25% of the book was quite interesting and Unger did a great job of wrapping things up in a very believable way. I actually enjoyed reading how everything was interwoven and discovering everyone's secrets. Of course by the time I got to the 75% mark I opted to skim read the last part to just get through it. This doesn't bode well for any book, IMHO.

The Bad: As mentioned above, the extremely slow pacing of the book made the first half seem overly long and really boring. In addition, Unger added almost two dozen characters, either by mention or by an actual appearance, which  made the first half confusing, not to mention there were no characters who I actually liked. Out of all of them! During the course of the book I thought about stopping the book and adding it to my DNF list several times.

In a Nutshell: Even though the ending was rather good I couldn't get over the first half of the book being so...well, not good. I usually give an author at least 2 tries but I'm seriously thinking of not picking up another Unger again, if this book is a testament to how she writes.

Promise Not to Tell by Jayne Ann Krentz

Title: Promise Not to Tell
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: #2 in the Cutler, Sutter, and Salinas series
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Berkley (January 2, 2018)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: A painter of fiery, nightmarish visions throws herself into the sea—but she leaves her secrets behind . . .

Seattle gallery owner Virginia Troy has spent years battling the demons that stem from her childhood time in a cult and the night a fire burned through the compound, killing her mother. And now one of her artists has taken her own life, but not before sending Virginia a last picture: a painting that makes Virginia doubt everything about the so-called suicide—and her own past.

Like Virginia, private investigator Cabot Sutter was one of the children in the cult who survived that fire... and only he can help her now. As they struggle to unravel the clues in the painting, it becomes clear that someone thinks Virginia knows more than she does and that she must be stopped. Thrown into an inferno of desire and deception, Virginia and Cabot draw ever closer to the mystery of their shared memories—and the shocking fate of the one man who still wields the power to destroy everything they hold dear.

My Thoughts: While I found the mystery interesting this book just won't stick with me in the long run.

The Good: The underlying cult theme that started in the first book moved forward during this book which I actually enjoyed even though I don't gravitate towards books with cults in them. I'm looking forward to seeing how JAK wraps it up in the last book of this trilogy but having to wait until January of next year seems like such a long wait. I liked some of the supporting characters in this book especially Anson (Cabot's dad) and Xavier (Cabot's young cousin). The pacing of the book is really good as the suspense and tension starts right away and continues to grow through out the book.

The Bad: Once again, as with the first book, I found the romance just not quite right. I didn't see their attraction and despite JAK having dialogue to support it (in the form of "I want to kiss you,") it just wasn't there. There were no epiphanies of "I can't live without you". There were no instances where I just felt they had to be together.

In addition, the mystery was subpar. Although, Cabot is a PI, and we follow his methods to investigating Hannah's death they seem to jump to conclusions a lot. Even with Cabot explaining to Virginia they can't rely on speculation as facts they seem to make some conclusions just because it fits the storyline instead of relying on just the facts. "Follow the money" makes perfect sense but to draw a conclusion that the entire thing was about money with no hard evidence seemed a stretch. Also, the number of murderers in this one, similarly to the first book, seems more complex than necessary.

In a Nutshell: So, even though these are only average reads and there are way better Romantic Suspense books out there I'm going to read the last book when it comes out. I want to read how the underlying story-arc pans out.

When All the Girls Have Gone by Jayne Ann Krentz

Title: When All the Girls Have Gone
Author: Jayne Ann Krentz
Series: #1 in the Cutler, Sutter, and Salinas Trilogy
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Berkley (November 29, 2016)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: When Charlotte Sawyer is unable to contact her stepsister, Jocelyn, to tell her that one of her closest friends was found dead, she discovers that Jocelyn has vanished. 

Beautiful, brilliant—and reckless—Jocelyn has gone off the grid before, but never like this. In a desperate effort to find her, Charlotte joins forces with Max Cutler, a struggling PI who recently moved to Seattle after his previous career as a criminal profiler went down in flames—literally. Burned out, divorced and almost broke, Max needs the job.  

After surviving a near-fatal attack, Charlotte and Max turn to Jocelyn’s closest friends, women in a Seattle-based online investment club, for answers. But what they find is chilling...

When her uneasy alliance with Max turns into a full-blown affair, Charlotte has no choice but to trust him with her life. For the shadows of Jocelyn’s past are threatening to consume her—and anyone else who gets in their way...

My Thoughts: As a fan of many of JAK's books this one was just lukewarm for me.

The Good: The underlying plot thread which should continue throughout the trilogy is actually pretty interesting even though I don't usually care for "cult" themed novels. Max and his 2 brothers were children when their parents joined a cult. They were orphaned when the leader lit fire to the entire complex, including the barn where the children were kept. Placed in  foster care, Max, Cabot, and Jack were taken in my the cop who saved all the children. Anyway, this plot thread is actually pretty interesting as they all three believe the cult leader is still alive despite being pronounced dead in a boating accident years after the cult complex fire.

I did like Max and Charlotte but didn't necessarily believe in their romance completely. I liked Charlotte's quirkiness and absolutely loved the retirement home she worked at. With the retirement home came with some wonderful residents. Their appearances in the story stood out to me in such a positive way.

The Bad: While I did like the darker themes within the book (rape cases in addition to murders) I thought they were underplayed a bit while JAK was trying to pull off a believable romance. Also, the mystery was a bit convoluted as the number of murderers increased and finding connections between everything seemed a bit of a stretch.

Even though Max and Charlotte fell in love and we could see how they were heading towards this I thought it was not quite believable because of the time frame and well, insta-love. Throwing in an ex-fiancé into the mix didn't do much to propel the story forward either.

In a Nutshell: Even though this book was just an OK for me I definitely will continue the trilogy to find out how the cult story arch plays out.

 

Compulsion by Allison Brennan

Title: Compulsion
Author: Allison Brennan
Series: #2 in the Maxine Revere series
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Minotaur Books (April 7, 2015)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: Investigative reporter Maxine Revere has a theory: that the five New York City murders for which Adam Bachman is being tried are just part of his killing spree. In probing the disappearance of a retired couple who vanished the prior summer, Max uncovers striking similarities to Bachman's MO and develops a theory that Bachman wasn't working alone.

Max wins a coveted pre-trial interview with the killer, whose disarming composure in the face of her questions is combined with uncomfortable knowledge of Max's own past. She leaves the room convinced, but unable to prove, that Bachman knows exactly what happened to the missing couple. The D.A. wants nothing to jeopardize his case against Bachman and refuses to consider Max's theory. With no physical evidence, Max has to rely on her own wits and investigative prowess to dig deep into Bachman's past. The picture that Max puts together is far darker and more deadly than she ever imagined.

As Max gets closer to the truth, she doesn't realize that she's walking down a road that has been paved just for her. That every step she takes brings her one step closer to a brilliant, methodical sociopath who has been waiting for her to make just one small mistake.
And when she does, he'll be there waiting.

My Thoughts: While the first book in this series was just ok for me I really enjoyed this second one a lot!

The Good: Maxine was a little hard to like in the first book. As an investigative reporter she digs for the truth often to the point of causing some people emotional distress, like her family. In this one she is forced to acknowledge her shortcomings (and there are many). It was nice to see her so vulnerable. We also got to know more about David and Marco. Love David by the way.

The suspense did take nearly half the book to really take off. The first half is interesting though because we see Max's methodology in researching the cold cases in addition to the beginnings of a trial. These aspects, I felt, were really well written. And oh boy! When the suspense took off it did. Maxine proved she is not only a strong independent woman but a kick ass survivor.

The Bad: Even though I really liked this book I thought the mystery kind of got really convoluted and complex. I think simpler might have been a little better but ultimately I did enjoy the mystery as well. Also just an FYI this is light on the romance so if you're looking for some hotness this one is really mild with the smooching and the wet parts.

In a Nutshell: I totally liked reading this second book in the Maxine Revere series and I'm really looking forward to the third book.

The River House by Carla Neggers

Title: The River House
Author: Carla Neggers
Series: #8 in the Swift River Valley series
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: MIRA (April 1, 2018)
Source: NetGalley
Rating: ☕1/2

Synopsis: Felicity MacGregor loves organizing social events for others, but her own personal life is a different story. After a brief but failed attempt at a career as a financial analyst, she returned to Knights Bridge, where she enjoys running a thriving party-planning business. Then Felicity's life gets a shake-up when her childhood friend Gabriel Flanagan returns unexpectedly to their tiny hometown. Now a high-flying businessman, Gabe always vowed to get out of Knights Bridge, but he is back for the local entrepreneurial boot camp Felicity's been hired to organize. Together again, they'll finally have to face each other--and their complicated past. Gabe and Felicity soon realize their reunion is stirring up long-buried emotions. While Gabe has big plans for his future, Felicity is discovering that hers doesn't depend on fate--she must choose what's right for her. But if they can find a bridge between their diverging paths, they may just discover that their enduring connection is what matters most.

My Thoughts: OMGoodness! I normally love a good small town romance. Unfortunately, I just couldn't like this one.

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: I normally like to start my book reviews with the good I found in the books I read. Unfortunately, I really don't have anything good about my experience regarding this book.

What I didn't like about this book was the first 25% of the book was a recap of who each of the enormous cast of characters. Their background. Who they are married to. Their happiness or problems they may have  had. So and so separated for a short time (I learned this tidbit twice). Even after Felicity and Gabe came together in the present we spent an even greater amount of time recapping their past. They used to go to the swimming hole. They used to hang out on the campsite sitting by the fire. They used to be best friends. Now you'd think they would have had a falling out over something significant but what it actually was about was Gabe giving Felicity unwanted advice about her career choice. Yep. That's it. He didn't cheat on her. She didn't use him to make a boyfriend jealous or do something super bad to make him hate her. Also, this was actually only 3 years ago so it makes it hard to believe they have grown up so much at this time.

The conversations between Gabe and Felicity are boring and pretty much just rehashing their past. As a matter of fact all the dialogue in this book is boring. There was a woman thrown into the story to add as potential conflict but that was only half realized and just weird.

One last thing...all the women in this story are purportedly strong and independent women. Yet all the men are the high powered educated millionaires. In one case one man is a multi-billionaire. Gabe just sold his start up company. I still have no idea what he does but he's a millionaire and his official title is (actually unofficial as this is my take on him) is start up company entrepreneurial. So, the women...one is a party planner, one is a caterer, one is children's author, one is an innkeeper, one is an ex-librarian, and one is the current librarian. None of these are shabby careers by any means but I find it grating the men in this book are all high powered ultra-rich CEOs. Why aren't any of the women architects or owners of the security firms?

In a Nutshell: I really thought this book was tedious. I couldn't wait for it to end. I'm sad this was my take on it because I really wanted to like it. I just couldn't.

 

Notorious by Allison Brennan

Title: Notorious
Author: Allison Brennan
Series: #1 in the Maxine Revere series
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Minotaur Books; Reissue edition (March 25, 2014)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: Maxine Revere has dedicated her life to investigating murders that the police have long since given up any hope of solving. A nationally renowned investigative reporter with her own TV show and a tough-as-nails reputation, Max tackles cold cases from across the country and every walk of life. But the one unsolved murder that still haunts her is a case from her own past.
When Max was a high school senior, one of her best friends was strangled and another, Kevin O'Neal, accused of the crime. To the disgrace of her wealthy family, Max stood by her friend, until she found out he lied about his alibi. Though his guilt was never proven, their relationship crumbled from the strain of too many secrets.

Now Max is home for Kevin's funeral―after years of drug abuse, he committed suicide. She's finally prepared to come to terms with the loss of his friendship, but she's not prepared for Kevin's sister to stubbornly insist that he didn't kill himself. Or for an elderly couple to accost her at the airport, begging her to look into another murder at Max's old high school. Max is more interested in the cold case at her alma mater than in digging around Kevin's troubled life, but she agrees to do both. As Max uncovers dark secrets, she finds herself caught in a complicated web of lies that hit far too close to home. And it's becoming increasingly clear that someone will do whatever it takes to make sure the truth stays buried.

My Thoughts: An alright book with a hard to connect to heroine but an interesting murder mystery.

The Good: While I might not have enjoyed the ultra rich people and their surroundings I did think the actual mysteries involving the old murder case and the new one were quite intriguing. I liked learning about both murders and Kevin's suicide but honestly this was just about it for the good things in this book.

The Bad: This book was pretty tedious to read. It seemed to take forever because of all the details that were actually not necessary to the progression of the storyline. Max was also a detriment to the story as she starts investigating for personal reasons all the while denying she is investigating. Her background is supposed to make her seem more real to us and help us connect to her. For me this didn't work because all I could think about was "Oh poor Max. Abandoned by her mother as a child and she never knew her dad. How terrible she had to endure living with her billionaire grandparents and go to the elite private school." She would complain and then back it up with how she was privileged as a child and shouldn't complain.

Have you ever read a book where you think "If only this (insert plot twist of your choice) would have happened instead of the one the author actually used. I'm not saying I could have written this book better. I am a reader not a writer...obviously. However, I would have loved if Max's mother had been discovered in this book and a certain Uncle, who is nothing more than a douche-canoe, knew all about it. I'm assuming the re-entry of Max's mother will happen in one of the next two books but as of right now it's a dangly bit. I don't like dangly bits.

In a Nutshell: So, not a terrible book but not great either. I know Allison Brennan writes some really good books and I'll continue with this trilogy if only to finish something I started. And of course with the hopes I'll connect with Maxine at some point.

The Drowned Girls by Loreth Anne White

Title: The Drowned Girls
Author: Loreth Anne White
Series: #1 in the Angie Pallorino series
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Montlake Romance (June 20th 2017)
Source: Kindle Lending Library
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: He surfaced two years ago. Then he disappeared ...

But Detective Angie Pallorino never forgot the violent rapist who left a distinctive calling card—crosses etched into the flesh of his victim’s foreheads.

When a comatose Jane Doe is found in a local cemetery, sexually assaulted, mutilated, and nearly drowned, Angie is struck by the eerie similarities to her earlier unsolved rapes. Could he be back?
​
Then the body of a drowned young woman floats up in the Gorge, also bearing the marks of the serial rapist, and the hunt for a predator becomes a hunt for a killer. Assigned to the joint investigative task force, Angie is more than ready to prove that she has what it takes to break into the all-male homicide division. But her private life collides with her professional ambitions when she’s introduced to her temporary partner, James Maddocks—a man she’d met the night before in an intense, anonymous encounter.

Together, Angie and Maddocks agree to put that night behind them. But as their search for the killer intensifies so does their mutual desire. And Angie’s forays into the mind of a monster shake lose some unsettling secrets about her own past . . .

How can she fight for the truth when it turns out her whole life is a lie?

My Thoughts: So, a terribly unlikable heroine that somewhat grows on you by the end of this 500 page book coupled with an outstanding thriller makes for an OMG I have to read book 2 result. Even if I hated Angie.

The Good: The cast of characters are quite intriguing...even Angie...who I hated. We have cross over between sex crime detectives and homicide detectives. Some are total good ole boys club boys (like Detective Leo...what a douche) and then there is Angie. I almost felt sorry for her at one point because she was super paranoid of being the fall guy, being black balled....and guess what? She wasn't paranoid. It was actually happing. Of course her piss poor attitude and her inability to be a team player had something to do with this. Her most current partner, Kjel (pronounce h-yell)Holgerson has some history I'm hoping we will learn more about later. Also, Angie's investigation into her past, what little of it there was, actually was a turning point for her and for the readers. Without this bit of information I'm afraid Angie would have killed this book entirely.

I very much enjoyed watching the police doing their investigation. We weren't left out of the loop in hopes of some shocking revelation, not always a bad thing, but for this particular book the systematic police work just well, worked.

The Bad: Um...Angie. Yep I hated her. Her attitude was so prickly I likened her to Jane Rizzoli in the first Rizzoli/Isles book The Surgeon. With Jane, her attitude was checked and she became more likable as the series went a long. With Angie I wasn't sure this would happen. She was more than prickly. She was a hot mess with a dangerous attitude. Now I have to admit I did warm up to her a bit but that is because 2/3 into the book she lightened up a bit. Once she started investigation her early childhood the book did get better but I'd be remiss not to add her into the "Bad" category since she was horrid through a good portion of the book.

Also, I really don't care for religious themes in my books. The author does not preach to the reader but the entire mystery aspect of it and the serial killer/rapist is motivated by his lust and repentance according to the church. This is just a personal issue of mine and most people wouldn't find it a hindrance. Just an FYI why I couldn't give this book higher praise.

In a Nutshell: By the end of this book I was wowed. I couldn't say I actually liked Angie but I did like the ending so much and wanted to dive right into the next book. This should say something as I do not binge read series books.

 

Early Review: Cooper's Charm by Lori Foster

Title: Cooper's Charm
Author: Lori Foster
Series: Stand-Alone
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HQN Books; Original edition (August 1, 2018)
Source: NetGalley
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: One summer, two sisters and a chance to start over…

Before the burglary that shattered her confidence, Phoenix Rose had a fiancé, a successful store and a busy, happy existence. After months spent adrift, she takes a job at the lakeside resort of Cooper’s Charm. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, friendly colleagues and a charismatic, widowed boss, Phoenix is slowly inching her way back into the world.

Visiting Cooper’s Charm to check up on her little sister, Ridley Rose impulsively agrees to fill in as housekeeper. Still reeling from an ego-bruising divorce, she finds satisfaction in a job well done—and in the attention of the resort’s handsome scuba instructor.

For Phoenix and Ridley, Cooper’s Charm is supposed to be merely temporary. But this detour may lead to the place they most need to be, where the future is as satisfying as it is surprising…


My Thoughts: A book with two women wanting to start over but only enough dedication to one of them getting a cohesive HEA.

The Good: So, I fell in love with the cover of this book. I'm a sucker for dogs and I'm happy to say, Sugar, the beagle, totally stole every scene she was in. I loved Cooper's interactions with her and he was totally my hero when he helped rescue her (with Phoenix's help) from a nasty piece of a so called human.

In addition to my love of Sugar I was happy to find this book had a suspenseful element to it as well. Phoenix is broken from a terrible assault several months ago and she's really trying to heal. I love how she came to Cooper's Charm (a camping resort) to do this. Oh speaking of Cooper's Charm...the setting was spot on. It took a small town feel (love me some small town romances) and placed it in a picturesque spot I wished was real. I'd totally go there for a few weeks to relax.

The Bad: Remember that suspenseful element I mentioned earlier? Well, here it is, now, in the bad area of my review. It wasn't fully realized. The conclusion of the mystery behind Phoenix's summer danger seemed a stretch and requires the reader to suspend their disbelief. We readers didn't even know there was danger, really, until well into the middle of the book and between it and two love stories none of them were truly satisfying.

So, Phoenix's sister Ridley, joins the crew at Cooper's Charm as a housekeeper. Never mind she has never done such taxing labor (the book even mentions how no one stays on because it's grueling work). Never mind she is a night owl and seems to be ok with starting work at 7am all the while staying up late to have hot monkey sex with one of the 3 single studs working at the resort. Anyway, we do learn a bit about Ridley, however, there just isn't enough space within this book to give her a storyline I think she deserved.

In a Nutshell: Overall an OK book. It's what I'd call a cute beach read for your summer days but nothing that'll stick with you in the long run.

 

To Kill a Hummingbird by J.R. Ripley

Title: To Kill a Hummingbird
Author: J.R. Ripley
Series: #4 in the Bird Lover's Mystery series
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Lyrical Underground  (July 11th 2017)
Source: NetGalley
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: For Amy Simms, owner of Birds & Bees, nothing is more important than impressing her old professor, but this odd bird is about to fall to earth . . .

When her favorite ornithology professor comes calling, Birds & Bees owner Amy Simms hangs six hummingbird feeders around the shop to welcome Professor Livingston with a flock of his favorite flying creatures. But Amy soon finds that the sugar water in the feeders brings more than a swarm of hummingbirds. It also attracts murder.

Professor Livingston is just as friendly as Amy remembers, but something seems to be troubling him. When Amy pays him a visit that night, she finds the professor slumped over a table with a pair of scissors buried in his neck. And standing over his body is Rose Smith, the local bookseller, who claims she killed him. But while the police believe they have a bird in hand, Amy thinks the real killer may still be in the bush . . .

My Thoughts: My first venture into the world of Birds & Bees and I wasn't super impressed but it wasn't horrible either.

The Good: The setting was interesting. I've really never thought about bird watching as a hobby so it was an interesting bit of information on the subject. The small town setting was also likable and the interactions between the people of the town was fun.

The Bad: Because this wasn't the first book in the series and I've not read anything else by this author I wasn't sure how the character dynamics happened. Amy almost hates her tenant, a little old lady who helps out in the shop when she feels like it. I'm not sure why because she seems nice enough but more inserted into the series for some comic relief. I didn't like Amy's dislike of having her around with n back ground to support the animosity. Also, Amy's boyfriend has an ex-wife also named Amy. This created unnecessary confusion and not humor as perhaps intended.

In a Nutshell: I like the cozy mystery genre and even though I didn't enjoy this as much as I'd hope I'm going to give the author and this series another go.

The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen

Title: The Sinner
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: #3 in the Rizzoli/Isles series
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Publisher: Ballantine Books (August 19, 2003)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: Not even the icy temperatures of a typical New England winter can match the bone-chilling scene of carnage discovered at the chapel of Our Lady of Divine Light. Within the cloistered convent lie two nuns–one dead, one critically injured–victims of an unspeakably savage attacker. The brutal crime appears to be without motive, but medical examiner Maura Isles’s autopsy of the dead woman yields a shocking surprise: Twenty-year-old Sister Camille gave birth before she was murdered. Then another body is found, mutilated beyond recognition. Together, Isles and homicide detective Jane Rizzoli uncover an ancient horror that connects these terrible slaughters. As long-buried secrets come to light, Maura Isles finds herself drawn inexorably toward the heart of an investigation that strikes close to home–and toward a dawning revelation about the killer’s identity too shattering to consider.

My Thoughts: The third book in the Rizzoli/Isles does not disappoint.

The Good: This particular book showcases Maura Isles this time around. I liked the change in protagonists even though I have really warmed up to Rizzoli. She is, of course, still a main character within the book and pregnant to boot. Anyway, I really think varying the view works well for this series. Seeing things from Maura's view (this is still 3rd person perspective just an FYI) was a little different than Jane's. There are more opportunities for medical aspects within the book whereas with Jane's "stories" it was more about the police work. Even with the heavier medical things we still get a nice dose of police procedures as well.

Maura's background is explored a little within this book which was a positive because she's such an enigma. I love strong and intelligent women and Maura certainly fits the bill. Despite how put together she is Maura also struggles with her faith as many people do which makes her easier to connect to in my opinion.

The Bad: I struggle with books that have religious undertones and this one had them in plenty. Gerritsen didn't beat us over the head with her religious views so that was good. I just didn't like Maura's struggle with her attraction to the priest she meets at the Chapel. I know it happens but for me this is kind of a hot button subject. Nothing actually happened

In a Nutshell: I really enjoyed my re-read of this book and I'm really looking forward to my re-read of the next book as well. I cannot recommend this series enough. If you love thrillers/mysteries and haven't started this series pick it up. You won't be sorry.

The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen

Title: The Apprentice
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Series: #2 in the Rizzoli/Isles series
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1st edition (August 20, 2002)
Source: Purchased
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: It is a boiling hot Boston summer. Adding to the city's woes is a series of shocking crimes, in which wealthy men are made to watch while their wives are brutalized. A sadistic demand that ends in abduction and death.
The pattern suggests one man: serial killer Warren Hoyt, recently removed from the city's streets. Police can only assume an acolyte is at large, a maniac basing his attacks on the twisted medical techniques of the madman he so admires. At least that's what Detective Jane Rizzoli thinks. Forced again to confront the killer who scarred her - literally and figuratively - she is determined to finally end Hoyt's awful influence . . . even if it means receiving more resistance from her all-male homicide squad.
But Rizzoli isn't counting on the U.S. government's sudden interest. Or on meeting Special Agent Gabriel Dean, who knows more than he will tell. Most of all, she isn't counting on becoming a target herself, once Hoyt is suddenly free, joining his mysterious blood brother in a vicious vendetta. . . .
Filled with superbly created characters and the medical and police procedural details that are her trademark, The Apprentice is Tess Gerritsen at her brilliant best. Set in a stunning world where evil is easy to learn and hard to end, this is a thriller by a master who could teach other authors a thing or two.

My Thoughts: This is a re-read for me because I'm reading this series with a group of buddies on GoodReads. Originally I'd read the first six books in the series way back when each of them had been released and time tends to make specifics a little hazy. This makes for practically brand new experiences with re-reads. So yay for that! Boo on not remembering what I did yesterday.

The Good: As super villainous Hoyt was in the last book I wasn't sure how Gerritsen would come up with an equally bad guy for her second go round in this series. She did it. She did it in a wicked gruesome way. I loved every nasty, bloody, disgustingly evil thing our villains did in this book. You read that right, kids. Villains. Plural.

Jane Rizzoli is totally in the good column in this second book. In the first book her abrasive personality grates. In this one she mellows and becomes likable even. She is no one's victim even after being victimized. Those who might not have liked her in the first book should have no problem warming up to her in this one. Oh and for those of you wondering where Isles is....well, this second book is still all about Rizzoli.

The Bad: As a warning, new to this series readers really need to read The Surgeon first. Not many people would think this is a bad thing but I do. I like to be able to grab a book and read it without having to worry about if I'm reading a book in the proper order. This is just a peeve of mine and some who insist on reading series books in order will have already read The Surgeon so no harm no foul.

In a Nutshell: Such a good second book. If you love Thrillers and haven't started this series you really need to. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series!

Trust Me by Brenda Novak

Title: Trust Me
Author: Brenda Novak
Series: #1 in The Last Stand series
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: MIRA; Reprint edition (January 13, 2017)(originally published in 2008)
Source: Purchased
Rating: ☕☕☕

Synopsis: Four years ago, Skye Kellerman was attacked in her own bed. She managed to fend off her knife-wielding assailant, but the trauma changed everything about her life. As a result of that night, she joined two friends—also survivors—in starting The Last Stand, an organization to help victims of crime.
But now, her would-be rapist is getting out of prison. Skye knows that Dr. Oliver Burke hasn't forgotten that her testimony cost him his reputation—and his freedom. Sacramento detective David Willis, who investigated her case, believes Burke is a clear and present danger—and guilty of at least two unsolved murders.
And now Burke is free to terrorize Skye again. Unless David can stop him. Unless Skye can fight back. Because Oliver Burke has every intention of finishing what he started. And that's a promise. Trust me.

My Thoughts: A great suspenseful read with an unfortunate romance that didn't work well.

The Good: I loved the suspense of this story. I really like when victims of horrible crimes fight back. With The Last Stand ladies we have women battling back for themselves and for other victims. With Skye, she fought back after being the victim of a serial rapist and then helped establish TLS with 2 other women. I'm looking forward to reading their stories as well. One of them has some psychic ability which is right up my alley.

If you've read any other thrillers by Brenda Novak (I'm thinking specifically the Evelyn Talbot series) you know she has a knack for creating diabolical villains. In this case Burke certainly fits the bill. He is so smart and evil I loved each page featuring him.

The Bad: Ugh....the romance. The problem lies mostly in the "hero" David. He was the lead detective on Skye's rape case so four years ago Skye was obviously off limits but he was attracted to her and now is pretty much in love with her. The problem? His two times ex wife. That's right folks, he married her, divorced her, married her again, and divorced her again. Now he's trying to "make it work" because she has been diagnosed with MS and they have a young son. What this translates to is he ran hot and cold with Skye throughout the book. He pulled her close then pushed her way. Rinse. Repeat. Also, just a note...public restroom sex is not sexy. It's something young people do. Not full grown adults with the kind of experience they have.

Oh and one more little irritant for me was Burke was really the main villain in this story and by introducing additional bad guys and multiple murder attempts muddied the story bit.

In a Nutshell: Overall, not a bad book but it really could have been better especially with the romance but I will continue with the series because The Last Stand women are pretty intriguing. And just a disclaimer if blood and rape storylines are hot button topics this might be one you should probably avoid.

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

Title: The Surgeon
Author: Tess Gerristen
Series: #1 in The Rizzoli/Isles series
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Publisher: Ballantine Books (October 2, 2001)
Source: Library find
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: He slips into homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, about to awaken to a living nightmare. The precision of his methods suggests that he is a deranged man of medicine, prompting the Boston newspapers to dub him “The Surgeon.” Led by Detectives Thomas Moore and Jane Rizzoli, the cops must consult the victim of a nearly identical crime: Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and filled an attacker before he could complete his assault. Now this new killer is re-creating, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell’s ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. And neither Moore nor Rizzoli can protect Cordell from a ruthless hunter who somehow understands—and savors—the secret fears of every woman he kills.

My Thoughts: This is a re-read for me and just as enjoyable the second time around. Of course it helps that I read this book over 15 years ago so things I thought I remembered happened just didn't happen. Old age memory is real kids!

The Good: While this is technically the Rizzoli/Isles series it is only Rizzoli featured in this one. This isn't a bad thing because it gives the reader a good sense of what makes Rizzoli tick. I think if this first book wasn't set up as Jane's her abrasive personality might have been more grating, making the book not as enjoyable.

The mystery is compelling and the killer is so unbelievably evil. Be aware that this is heavy into the thriller category with quite the graphic scenes. Also with the added medical aspect we have ER procedures added as well. I loved every bit of this book from every graphic gross detail to the personal conflict that makes Jane, Jane.

The Bad: Even with Jane's background her personality is abrasive and can irritate some readers. Even though this was my second read through and I was well aware of who she was I also found her to be a bit annoying. By the end of the book I did warm up a bit towards her but not enough.

In a Nutshell: I totally loved reading this book again and am looking forward to re-reading the next book in the series.

Getting Out of Hand by Erin Nicholas

Title: Getting Out of Hand
Author: Erin Nicholas
Series: #1 in the Sapphire Falls series
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Erin Nicholas (July 13, 2014)
Source: Purchased/ Kindle Freebie
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: Genius scientist Mason Riley can cure world hunger, impress the media and piss off the Vice President of the United States all before breakfast. But he’s not sure he can get through his high school class reunion.

Then he meets the new girl in town.

Adrianne Scott loves Sapphire Falls. The sleepy little town has been the perfect place to escape her fast-paced, high stress lifestyle. Her only plans now include opening her candy shop and living a quiet, drama-free life.

Until Mason Riley bids four hundred dollars just to dance with her.

Mason sure doesn’t look—or kiss—like a genius scientist geek. In fact, he makes Adrianne’s heart pound like nothing she’s ever experienced. Passion like this with a guy who travels the world and parties at the White House should probably be a red flag for a girl who wants a simple boring life.
Good thing no one falls in love in a weekend.

My Thoughts: I love when a freebie ends up being the beginning to a new favorite author. What a gem!

The Good: I love small town romances. This one is set in the quaint (yet fictional) town of Sapphire Falls, Nebraska. Being from the Midwest I love when a book is set in my neck of the woods. So double pluses for this book! I also love me some genius nerd boys! Mason fits the bill to a T. Super smart, socially awkward but so endearing and charming and don't forget he grew up hot too! (please forgive my excessive usage of exclamation points...I'm just super excited for this book!!!)

In addition to many charming characters and quaint setting the romance is sweet and the sexy bits are hot. Adrianne + Mason + Jar of Caramel = well you get the picture. Both characters are equally amazing. Both have strengths and flaws and Nicholas did an amazing job of creating the prefect balance between the two.

The Bad: I think the sexual orientation of Mason's best friend was dwelled on for a bit longer than necessary. We never take up pages explaining someone is straight so to do so for a bi-sexual character seemed a bit much. In Nicholas' defense (I'm playing both sides right now....bi-sexual pun intended LOL) the fact that she likes women was presented in a couple of scenes later on and the early explanation prepared the reader for those. I just want to make myself clear here....I am in no way complaining about a bi-sexual character. I am complaining about treating her introduction to the book in a different way than a straight character would have been introduced.

In a Nutshell: I really enjoyed this book so much and am looking forward to reading more from Erin Nicholas. Plus this book is still being offered for free on Amazon! Why haven't you tried out Sapphire Falls yet?

Favorite Quote: “Why do you care so much?” he asked. “You haven’t been here long.” She looked up at him with a thoughtful expression. “Home isn’t about time,” she finally said. “It’s about where you feel good and can be yourself.”

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

Title: The Assassin's Blade
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: #.1-.5 in the Throne of Glass series
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens (March 4th 2014)
Source: Purchased/ Kindle Freebie
Rating: ☕☕☕☕


Synopsis: Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's most feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trusts only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.


My Thoughts: First off this is a collection of novellas designed to fill in gaps within the first book. I am usually not a fan of Novellas or short stories but Maas did such a great job with these.

The Good: Sarah J. Maas' writing is engaging. She gave just enough world building to ensure I wasn't lost in the world she created and gave an equal amount of character building if you look at the 5 novellas as a whole. It is the background of Celaena that is completely compelling and makes me want to continue with the series. The last novella posed the question on if another character could forgive her roots. Why would that be a relationship deal breaker? I want to know.

The Bad: Celaena. Well, at least at first. She is a brat and she is arrogant. I wanted to throat punch the twit on multiple occasions during the first novella.  I'm happy to say she and my opinion of her improved as the book progressed. By the last novella I was hooked.

In a Nutshell: I'm glad I read these novella's before starting the series. I was told by a friend that I'd hate Celaena in the first book and now that I have some inkling on her I'm prepared and I'm full on excited to start the first book in the series now. Plus I'm hoping Arobyn will meet with an unfortunate accident.

 

Hello, Again by Brenda Novak

Title: Hello, Again
Author: Brenda Novak
Series: #2 in the Evelyn Talbot Chronicles
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: St. Martin's Press (October 3rd 2017)
Source: Library Find
Rating: ☕☕☕☕

Synopsis: SHE CAN MAKE SENSE OF A COMPLEX CRIMINAL MIND.

Evelyn Talbot, a psychiatrist at a maximum-security prison in Alaska, studies some of the world's worst serial killers. But she’s about to meet her most elusive patient at Hanover House yet: Dr. Lyman Bishop, AKA the Zombie Maker given his fondness for performing ice-pick lobotomies on his victims. A brilliant cancer researcher, Bishop is either the most cunning psychopath Evelyn has ever encountered―or he is wrongly convicted.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CRIMINAL CAN SEE INTO HER OWN?

When a new ice-pick fatality occurs, it seems Bishop really was wrongly convicted. Except...Evelyn has a personal connection to the victim and that suggests the killer may be someone from her own past: Jasper Moore, her high school boyfriend who tortured her and left her for dead when she was only sixteen. Jasper also murdered three of her friends―and was never caught. Is he trying to send a message with this copycat crime? The only thing Evelyn knows for sure is that if Jasper is on her trail, she might not be able to escape again . . .

My Thoughts: Just when you thought no one could be more evil and creepy than Evelyn's psycho stalker, Brenda Novak gives us The Zombie Maker and I love her for it!!!!

The Good: I have to admit I was completely ignoring all adulting responsibilities while reading this book. I couldn't help it. This book sucked me in and wouldn't let me go until I knew Evelyn was going to be OK. I'd hate to use the tired cliché  "I couldn't put it down" because then I'd have to punch a baby, so I'm just going to imply my ability to release this book from my non-baby punching hand may have been hindered by the awesomeness of said book.

What I mean to say is this book is chock full of suspense. Between Evelyn's career at Hanover house, the psycho inmates, the psycho outmates (I may have just made up that word but just go with me on it, mmmkay?), I just was one nail-biting session from needing new fingertips. Thank goodness there was a nice blend of romance and other things to balance this book out. Seriously, where would I find new fingertips anyway? Bed, Bath, and BodyParts?

Speaking of romance, in the first book and novella I was getting annoyed with her hang-up with the age difference between her and Amarok. I'm glad it wasn't as prevalent in this book. Their romance is progressing at a slower pace than other books Novak has written but based on the Evelyn's established history it feels organic and not forced. 2 big thumbs up for not being a big sloppy thrown together insta-love couple.

The Bad: As much as I enjoyed this book I was really hoping this would be the end of Jasper. Not so much. His part in Evelyn's life and these books are still dangling. Can you say cliffhanger? (albeit a little one) I really wish there was some closure on this story arc.

In a Nutshell: Even with the minor cliffhanger I gave this book a solid 4 stars and I'm really looking forward to the next book coming out sometime in 2018.