Mercer Leighton, the youngest of the St. Clair siblings, returned to Rarity Cove following her husband’s losing battle with cancer. On the one year anMercer Leighton, the youngest of the St. Clair siblings, returned to Rarity Cove following her husband’s losing battle with cancer. On the one year anniversary of his death, she releases his ashes and walks the streets of Charleston, reminiscing about some of their good times there. Unfortunately, when she stops in an art gallery to look at a painting by one of their favorite artists, Mercer becomes an unwitting (and unseen) witness to a double murder. Homicide Detective Noah Ford takes immediate steps to shield her identity until they can identify and apprehend the killer.
I was hoping for at least one more book in this series to explore Mercer’s story and was overjoyed when I learned of this release! It surpassed my expectations as she’s a sensitive woman with complicated feelings and Noah is a man with a distinguished past. When the case takes a really bad turn, the story becomes tension filled and the action is ruthlessly scary. But before that, there’s lots of care taken to explore and develop these characters, a lovely slow dance that drew me into both of them.
I’ve loved this series and Tentler is so skilled at suspense writing. The attention to detail is exceptional without sacrificing the pace of the story, providing texture to setting and emotions. I liked how Mercer and Noah’s relationship developed and it wasn’t eclipsed by all that action. It found its rightful place quite well. This book grabbed me so fiercely I read straight through once I reached the 40% mark, finishing in the wee hours. Loved it!
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review)
First responders all over Scarlet Springs, Colorado wake to a red alert, warning of expected high winds later in the day. Eric Hawke, the town’s fire First responders all over Scarlet Springs, Colorado wake to a red alert, warning of expected high winds later in the day. Eric Hawke, the town’s fire chief, has worked tirelessly to prepare his residents by promoting prevention measures. When he sees a small plume of smoke in the distance, Eric mobilizes to investigate and resolve before this turns into a bigger disaster that could threaten the surrounds and the town.
If you’re a fan of the author and the Colorado High Country & the I-Team series, you will think you’ve reached nirvana when reading this story. It is a stroke of brilliance to create a crossover story between the two series. It has everything...tension, suspense, community and romance. Every character has some role, all highly relevant, as the fire grows and rages out of control. The beginning lays firm ground for quietly beginning the background tension as you can slowly sense what may be coming. There are multiple storylines within the main plot and the transitions are handled skillfully with perfect timing.
I loved the updates from all the characters almost as much as I did the central story. Sometimes the suspense was so tough I had to put the book down to take a much needed breath. This story hit every high mark and is just flawless. I’m leaving out so many details because there’s so much I cannot isolate one subplot over another. This is the best of both series, offering strong themes around community, resilience, family and honor. I loved everything.
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
Shelley Anderson and her two children, 8-year old Josh and 6-year old Emily, have decided to spend the summer at Pilgrim Cove. She thinks it will giveShelley Anderson and her two children, 8-year old Josh and 6-year old Emily, have decided to spend the summer at Pilgrim Cove. She thinks it will give her family the much-needed respite following a painful divorce. When she meets with Bart Quinn, the Realtor who placed the ad for the beach house rentals, he quickly realizes that the Sea View house is in order as this family needs its healing magic. And, the widower Daniel Stone is already occupying the upper unit of the house with his special dog, Jessie.
I just loved this story! Shelley’s husband, Carl, cheated on her and that led to her walking away, especially since there was no indication that he’d change his ways. Daniel’s wife died and he has yet to move on. Shelley’s children missed their father but he could be neglectful in keeping dates with them and they were still hurting. It was a perfect storm when all of them met, Shelley stirring something in Daniel and he appealing to her on so many levels, one being his natural bonding with her children. Their family events ranged from the mundane to the extraordinary, all leading to their deepening affections with each other. When Shelley’s ex-husband decides to run for political office, he creates a level of conflict that threatens the harmony his children had discovered being on the island.
One of the things I’m loving about this series is the charm of the folks living in Pilgrim Cove. They are multigenerational and look out for each other, illustrating the value of having grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins be a part of young children’s lives (and adults!). It’s done so beautifully in this story that I felt like I was in the town and knew these people. The sense of community is so strong, including the downside of everyone knowing your business. The narrator adds to the enjoyment by telling the story so well and adeptly capturing the personalities of the characters. I’m so glad I opted to listen to this series and highly recommend this format. It’s just been a special experience. I’m dreading reaching the end.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
This writing duo is an auto read/listen for me so I added this book without ever reading the synopsis. And, the title told me everything I needed to kThis writing duo is an auto read/listen for me so I added this book without ever reading the synopsis. And, the title told me everything I needed to know. So, if that’s what you’d like to do, skip the next paragraph.
Millie Morris is a University of California professor of criminology in Santa Barbara whose best friends are four men who are fellow professors. Each is relationship challenged but it’s of no concern until they’re faced with an upcoming university event that dictates they have a plus one attend with them. Reid Campbell immediately claims Millie as his date but they later backoff that commitment. Someone gets the bright idea to set up profiles on an online dating site and when they do, it sets off a chain of events that will forever change the dynamics of their friendship.
I LOVED this book! The friendships of those in this group were absolutely delightful. Each has a unique personality and sometimes their antics bordered on being immature. But, the one thing they really shared in common was a passion for their work, which is what made them relationship challenged. Millie is funny, attractive and self confident. However, she keeps anything that’s important about herself...to herself. Reid is polar opposite, ready to share himself and embrace what’s offered to him. These two had a special relationship before that half-night stand but were too clueless to see beyond being best friends. I adored both of them.
The story has everything I was hoping it would deliver. It’s funny, maddening, heartbreaking & heartwarming, enlightening and romantic. I’m so happy I chose the audio format because Deacon Lee was brilliant as Reid, completely wrapping himself in the character. Initially, I thought Shayna Thibodeaux was off the mark with Millie...until I got to know her better and realized she knew this woman well. This was a thoroughly enjoyable reading and listening experience, so much so that I couldn’t stop, finishing it in a day.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
Garrett Hollis had it all as a sixteen year old athlete in small town Eden Valley. He was handsome and popular with a bright future ahead of him. He aGarrett Hollis had it all as a sixteen year old athlete in small town Eden Valley. He was handsome and popular with a bright future ahead of him. He and Devlyn Drake have known each other since they were five years old and she’s secretly crushed on him ever since. When beautiful Sheena reluctantly accompanies her family to the town for the summer, she hones in on Garrett right away, thus beginning an intense relationship that ends with a pregnancy that shattered his life. Sheena gave birth to Mia and walked away that same day, leaving Garrett to raise his daughter on his own. He’s now 34-years old and Mia has just graduated from high school and headed for college.
Garrett devoted his life to his daughter from the day she was born, with Devlyn being a major fixture in their lives. The story is told from Garrett and Devlyn’s points of view and that made such a difference. Without both perspectives providing clarity, their long-term friendship without benefits may have seemed highly improbable but it made perfect sense given the small town community, his total commitment to his daughter and her absolute fear of ruining their friendship. I loved their relationship and how it slowly (and I mean slowly!) transitioned to something more. There’s something beautiful about two friends who love and respect each other deeply changing the direction to intimacy. Devlyn’s feelings never wavered and Garrett was the one most surprised by the awakening of his latent feelings for her. The angst she later experienced was natural given the human condition and was realistically portrayed.
I really loved this story and especially Devlyn who loved both Garrett and Mia fiercely and unselfishly. While it was primarily Garrett’s story to tell, the heart of it belonged to Devlyn. The conflicts, family dynamics and resolutions were deftly addressed without a lot of unnecessary drama and with an authenticity I found refreshing. Prescott Lane is one of my favorite authors who writes the most touching standalone stories, normally in the new adult genre so I was surprised to see her branch out and tackle older subjects and more complex issues. Once I started, I didn’t want to let go. Sometimes you only need look at what’s right in front of you to find what you’ve been looking for.
(I received an advance copy from the author in exchange for an unbiased review) ...more
Kya Clark has never known anyplace other than the marshes around Barclay Cove, North Carolina. Her impoverished family splintered because of her abusiKya Clark has never known anyplace other than the marshes around Barclay Cove, North Carolina. Her impoverished family splintered because of her abusive alcoholic father and eventually she was left alone at the tender age of eleven when he walked away and never returned. Kya managed to support herself by selling mussels to a kind owner of a marina and learned to read with the help of a friend. But more importantly, she learned about life through the ecology and wildlife in the marshes.
I don’t normally appreciate lots of descriptions about settings unless they are critical to the story and integrated expertly with the plots and characterizations. My instincts were to listen to this book instead of read it on my kindle app as I feared the marsh elements would overwhelm the story. I was right to listen to the book but for completely different reasons. The narrator, one of my favorites, brought the beautiful writing and imagery to life. Instead of being bored, I was enthralled. I could see the landscape that Kya saw, its beauty, sustenance and sanctuary amidst the poverty and bigotry of that era. The presentation was poetic in its delivery (I don’t normally like poetry!) and helped to create loveliness in Kya’s perspectives. Yes, this was expertly written.
It’s not all imagery because Kya’s story is fraught with disappointments, danger and ugliness along with her appreciation of her life in the marshes. Known as the “Marsh Girl” by the people in town, you can imagine how she was treated whenever she ventured into their midsts. People fear and ostracize what they don’t understand and Kya is definitely misunderstood. A childhood friend becomes her lifeline who knows her heart and captures his. He becomes a symbol for all those who can see beyond their discomfort with the unknown.
I loved this story that carried me through the course of Kya’s life and immersed me in her solitary world. The ending was one I foresaw but was still stunned by, leaving me reeling in the aftermath. I will always remember this character and story. I’ve a new appreciation for the satisfaction that can come from being alone when surrounded by natural beauty.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
Annika Rose is an unusual young woman by most standards. Though she’s beautiful, smart and kind, her social awkwardness and struggles keep others at aAnnika Rose is an unusual young woman by most standards. Though she’s beautiful, smart and kind, her social awkwardness and struggles keep others at a distance, some even resorting to cruel and rude responses. When she begins college at the University of Illinois, it gets even worse until her roommate befriends her and she joins the chess club. There she meets Jonathan Hoffman, also a chess lover, who sees Annika’s inner beauty and loves the innocence and authenticity behind that social awkwardness. He becomes instrumental in changing the course of her life.
The story is told from both Annika’s and Jonathan’s points of view but the primary voice is hers, transitioning between the years 1991 and 2001. It doesn’t take long to suspect that she may be on the autism spectrum but rather high functioning. Whatever opinions you may have of the people you’ve encountered with this disorder, you’ll leave more enlightened after reading this story. I found Annika's inner discourse fascinating, how the things I react to instinctively were massively hard for her to navigate. Her eventual coping mechanisms were even more exhausting and I came to admire her for her willingness to try no matter the outcome.
Annika and Jonathan’s relationship truly captured my heart. While he wasn’t perfect, Jonathan’s appreciation of her qualities endeared him in my eyes. I didn’t find him unrealistic as his life experiences led him to be open to someone like Annika. Theirs was an equal combination of heartwarming and heartbreaking situations, especially when one sparks a ten year separation. The dramatic and pivotal event that transforms Annika from her sometimes crippling dependencies was one I should have seen coming but didn’t. Her reaction might have stretched credulity but it just more strongly emphasized her emergence from her own fears, giving to the relationship in equal measure to what she received. It’s a beautiful story that taught me something important that I’ll never, ever forget. I have a newfound respect for those with this disorder and that makes this book significant. 4.5 stars
(I received an advance copy from NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
Nina Browning lives a very comfortable life being married to Kirk, one of Nashville’s elite. Their son, Finch is on his way to Princeton having done eNina Browning lives a very comfortable life being married to Kirk, one of Nashville’s elite. Their son, Finch is on his way to Princeton having done exceptionally well at Windsor Academy, the city’s prestigious private school. Tom Volpe is a single father and a skilled carpenter. He lives modestly on the east side of town and his daughter, Lyla has excelled scholastically, earning a scholarship to Windsor. The Browning’s and Volpe’s worlds intersect following an unfortunate night at a party where both their children attended.
This was an extremely troubling but compelling story told through the eyes of Nina, Tom and Lyla. Contemporary issues involving sexting, teenage drinking, social bullying and traditional tensions between those that have and others that have less. Nina is a bridge to both worlds as she comes from more humble beginnings and can empathize with Lyla’s circumstances. It puts her at odds with her husband whose only goal is to help his son evade the consequences of his behavior, furthering instilling his sense of entitlement. Tom struggles with Lyla, who doesn’t think what happened was a big deal, to get her to understand how she’s been harmed and how her view will ultimately imperil her self value.
I loved how this story unfolded, made even more powerful by having Lyla’s point of view. All of the characters were changed by what happened, Nina most profoundly as it forced her to take an unfiltered look at her life. It felt real though some of the people in her world seemed a bit caricature, but it illustrated the salient points effectively. Everyone was trying to do the best for their children but not all actions were in their best interests.
I found all three narrators’ performances outstanding. It felt as though they were inhabiting the skin of their characters. This is an important story I literally couldn’t put down, essentially finishing it in one day. I wavered on whether to listen to this one and I’m so glad my instincts pushed me in the right direction. And that thought provoking ending was truly the best final touch.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos met when she was 13-years old after her father bought a weekend cabin, located next door to Elliot. That started Macy Sorensen and Elliot Petropoulos met when she was 13-years old after her father bought a weekend cabin, located next door to Elliot. That started an ongoing weekend relationship that spanned the next five years until a single event wrenched them apart for the next eleven. A chance meeting at a coffee shop suddenly forces them to reconnect and open old wounds and resurface some really great memories.
The story transitions from past to present from the onset and that is incredibly effective. It’s not a new device but Macy & Elliot’s story can’t be told any other way. I loved following their journey through self discovery, friendship and ultimately to all-consuming affection for each other. It all leads to an emotional climax when we learn what caused their separation. I fell for these two, the people they became and the unique bond they formed between them. Hated when the story ended.
It’s cleverly written and the narration was just excellent, so good that I thought a separate person was performing the male voices (she’s that good). This would make a wonderful movie!
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
One day, 15-year old Ellie Mack was living her ideal life, preparing for exams, in a relationship with a wonderful boy and on her way to the library..One day, 15-year old Ellie Mack was living her ideal life, preparing for exams, in a relationship with a wonderful boy and on her way to the library...and then she was gone. She disappeared without a trail, leaving her family in despair, especially her mother, Laurel. Ellie was her youngest, her golden child that was the light in the home. Her absence seemed to extinguish that light over time, destroying her parents’ marriage and fracturing Laurel’s relationships with just about everyone, including her remaining two children. Then one day, Laurel meets Floyd Dunn, a divorced professor with two daughters, the youngest, Poppy, who stirs something in her she hasn’t felt in years.
I thought I knew what kind of story this would be, one where the investigation into Ellie’s disappearance would be all consuming and the heartbreak and angst of it all would be emotionally draining. This isn’t that kind of book at all. Most of the story is told through Laurel’s point of view, in third-person, so it provides some distance (somewhat) from the pain. It’s quite the work of art to see things through her perspective and experience the contrast of that with the reality of those in her orbit, particularly her daughter Hanna and ex-husband Paul. Ellie’s absence is always in the background, like an invisible third person.
There’s a literary quality to this story, with moments of insight sprinkled throughout, not liberally but when least expected and giving me pause and more profound understanding of these characters and the insidious nature of this kind of loss. As Laurel transformed, so did my clarity of the other characters, like a veil lifting allowing me to see beyond their original frames. This was more than what happened to Ellie and her fate, whodunnit and why. It’s a marvelous exploration of the human condition and the circumstances of her disappearance just made things more interesting. This was a fascinating story and the narrator did an outstanding job of capturing it and well defining most of the characters. I was riveted.
In the space of a few minutes, the lives of those visiting or working at the DownEast Mall and adjacent theater in Rockpoint, Maine were permanently aIn the space of a few minutes, the lives of those visiting or working at the DownEast Mall and adjacent theater in Rockpoint, Maine were permanently altered. Three shooters decided that whatever was wrong in their lives warranted the selfish actions they took in those moments. Survivors Reed Quartermaine and Simone Knox followed paths that weren’t part of their original destinies until that event in the mall. Reed went into law enforcement and Simone expressed her feelings through art.
I first thought this was going to be a story about a mass shooting and the immediate aftermath, more about the pursuit of the attackers and those involved in the investigation. This couldn’t be further from the reality as that event just serves as the context for those that survived the massacre. Reed and Simone may be the central characters to anchor the story but there’s a richness to the breadth and angles of the lives of those that surround them and others. Their relationship develops slowly and fairly organically, a quick ignition but then a slow burn. I adored CiCi Lennon, Simone’s grandmother and admired Essie McVee, the police detective who plays such a strong role in Reed’s life and decisions.
All of this is in the midst of a really diabolical character connected to the mall shooting. This person was chilling, a true psychopath hiding in plain sight. You’re just not going to breathe easily until the creep is stopped. The tension is constant but it doesn’t detract from some truly lovely moments throughout the book.
I loved and inhaled this book, as I knew I would, especially when I learned January LaVoy was narrating the story. She delivered her typically outstanding performance, which made this one of my more favorite reading experiences.
(I received an advance copy from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
This is the story of three friends: Emerson Duval, Georgia Sloane and Marley DeFelice. They met at a weight loss camp when they were 17-years old and This is the story of three friends: Emerson Duval, Georgia Sloane and Marley DeFelice. They met at a weight loss camp when they were 17-years old and forged a bond that continued into adulthood. Each woman deals with their body in different ways, all seemingly tied to issues stemming from some form of childhood trauma or body shaming by those who should have loved and nurtured them.
The stories were fascinating as each of the women presented separate insights into the issues surrounding being overweight. We begin with Emerson whose morbid obesity becomes her downfall and we get her story through her journal entries. Despite her own obsession with her weight, we get to know her ideals, hopes and dreams through those entries. She challenges Marley and Georgia to now do those things on the list they created at the camp that outlines all the things they would do when they became “skinny.”
As Marley and Georgia take on the list, they’re forced to confront issues holding them back and keeping them from being their authentic selves. Sometimes the situations were heartbreaking but what resounds so loudly and clearly are the essences of these women. The author gets it right in each circumstance as I’ve either lived some part of their history or lived with someone who grappled with weight.
I found the story brilliant and brave as the author speaks from her own personal experience. You have to read the entire story (some of the critics have cherry picked passages and made assumptions) to truly get the power and triumph of these women. I didn’t grow up with weight issues, but grappled with them as an adult because of the body shaming I experienced in my youth. The negative dialogue in your own head can be even more destructive than others, which only compounds the problem.
This is an important and time relevant story. I’m glad Higgins chose to write it.
Angela Powell’s orderly and comfortable life is upended when her husband Jason, an NYU economics professor and best selling author, is accused of sexuAngela Powell’s orderly and comfortable life is upended when her husband Jason, an NYU economics professor and best selling author, is accused of sexual harassment by a student. The situation escalates when another woman, Kerry Lynch, accuses him of rape.
I thought this was going to be another traditional story where the wife dutifully stands by her man to the bitter end until she’s wrenched into an alternate reality. This isn’t that story.
First of all, Angela has plenty of secrets, most notably an event from when she was a teenager that is slowly revealed throughout at well-placed moments. Jason is difficult to grasp as he’s a very layered character, a lot by his own creation. And then there’s Kerry who has accused him of an awful act and the lawyers begin to do their thing to undermine the character and motives of them both. In the meantime, we’re left to wade through it all as more details of the past are woven into the story. It’s a brilliant study in the midst of our current transformation of thinking and old paradigms about sexual harassment victims, perpetrators and accusers. I found my attitudes tested while trying to figure out truths and who to believe.
The ending. Wow. Did NOT see that coming. But, sort of should have. Even still. I’m still reeling. It was just perfect...in a way.
I know I’m being cryptic but once you listen to/read this story, you wouldn’t have me be any other way. I enjoyed Xe Sands performance, especially the second half of the story where she just didn’t get in the way, if that makes sense. In the first part, I wasn’t understanding her choice of delivery but it became clearer later on.
Run, don’t walk to the bookstore or your library or your online download site and get this book.
(I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review)...more
It all seems to begin with a troubling vision Stephen O’Connor has that is burdening him. He seeks answers from Henry Meloux but when a plane carryingIt all seems to begin with a troubling vision Stephen O’Connor has that is burdening him. He seeks answers from Henry Meloux but when a plane carrying their US Senator crashes on nearby Desolation Mountain, Stephen believes that event is connected to what he’s seen. When he, Cork and his brother-in-law Daniel English head to the crash site to help search for survivors, that sets off a chain of dangerous reactions.
I so love this series with its strong sense of setting expertly connected with the indigenous Anishinaabe culture. I’m 17 books in and continue to learn about the region and customs. The characters have evolved so naturally, especially Stephen as he embraces his heritage and attempts to find his way into his own identity. Cork is also learning how to parent his now adult children and his joy in helping raise his grandson, Waaboo, is just lovely. These are the subtler and finer points of the story in the midst of a confounding, suspenseful mystery. While the plane crash brought out every alphabet agency, all trying to assert their authority, there were rogue operators in their midst who weren’t above taking drastic measures to forward their agenda.
This was an extremely puzzling mystery, moreso because you really couldn’t figure out the good guys. Tip of the hat to the author for inserting some of the sentiments currently dividing our country without taking a point of view and making it relevant to the people in this Minnesota region. It rang so authentic and was in keeping with the characters we’ve come to know. For me, the narrator, David Chandler, has become an integral part of this series. He’s just wonderful and I’ll always listen to these stories. I loved everything about this one, even the awful parts because they kept this true and authentic. ...more
The story begins in Memphis 1939, narrated by 12-year old Rill Foss who along with her three younger siblings are riding out a storm on their family’sThe story begins in Memphis 1939, narrated by 12-year old Rill Foss who along with her three younger siblings are riding out a storm on their family’s Mississippi River shantyboat in the midst of their mother being in full labor. Not long after their parents leave for the hospital, they are besieged upon by strangers who essentially abduct them, delivering them to the Tennessee Children’s Home Society, an orphanage run by the Georgia Tann.
Next, we transition to present day and our narrator is Avery Stafford, a young federal prosecutor who returns home to Aiken, South Carolina when her father’s health takes a turn. Hers is a wealthy and influential family so when she has an unusual encounter with a mysterious woman at a nursing home facility, all that is threatened when Avery begins to pursue her history.
I knew before I started this book my heart was going to take a hit. Just take one look at the cover (one of the best, in my opinion) for a sense of what’s to come. This is a fictionalized account of one of the families destroyed by the real-life Georgia Tann who dispassionately ran the aforementioned adoption agency from 1920 - 1950, kidnapping and selling children to unsuspecting wealthy families, mostly out of state. I hadn’t heard of this scandal before this book.
While Rill’s story will almost destroy you emotionally, you’ll also fall in love with this young girl who fights desperately to keep her siblings together and takes care of their needs. Avery’s story isn’t as compelling but serves to provide a balance and bridge between the two eras. Hers offers hope and brightness to salve my hurt from Rill’s account. It was a lifeline.
Despite the heartbreak, I loved this story and am also grateful when I can learn something in the process. The two narrators were wonderful, especially Rill’s who really captured the grit of that character. She made her come alive, allowing me to create a vivid image of this brave girl. The author did an outstanding job of shining light on this abysmal and shameful period of our history while delivering a story that, at its core, is one of resilience, determination and strength of character. ...more
The first sentence knocks you off your feet and has you latch on until the end. Oliver Ryan has just slugged his wife Alice and surprises himself but The first sentence knocks you off your feet and has you latch on until the end. Oliver Ryan has just slugged his wife Alice and surprises himself but not in ways you may think. The rest of the story is a journey back in time to learn more about how Oliver and Alice arrived at this point.
It’s not always a traditionally linear look back but it’s never, ever confusing. Sort of like how someone would tell a story and take detours that matter and make the telling more engaging. There are quite a few characters taking the narrative and I’m so very, very glad multiple narrators were used in the audio performance. They all seemed to nail their characters (personality, attitudes, accents and dialects) and I always knew who was sharing. The story itself was just fascinating, challenging my opinion of Oliver at very juncture and ending with me having mixed feelings about him, even fighting with myself about where I landed.
This would be an excellent book for discussion and I wish I’d partnered with someone. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel as the writing is seamless and the charactizations are outstanding. While it’s pretty short, it definitely unravels Oliver almost perfectly as well as most of those who came within his orbit. I highly recommend this psychological thriller as it surpassed all my expectations. And, don’t miss the opportunity to listen to it if you decide to add it to your shelf. That experience was excellent and I finished it in one day....more
A normal set of events on New Years Eve sets off a catastrophe that slowly turns the world on end. Half of the population is gone, governments lose coA normal set of events on New Years Eve sets off a catastrophe that slowly turns the world on end. Half of the population is gone, governments lose control, law and order are a thing of the past and magick is unleashed...some good and definitely some dark and evil. The story chronicles the paths of Lana Bingham and her partner, Max Fallon; journalist Arlys Reid and her intern Little Fred; and paramedic Jonah Vorhies and doctor Rachel Hopman, along with others as they make their way to some semblance of sanity.
I was skeptical when I learned Nora was tackling this genre but I should have known better. She masterfully creates a world of chaos while interjecting normalcy through her characters. I was mesmerized while at the same time horrified at what might be around the next corner. The characters got under my skin and atypical of the author, not all were sacred. Julia Whelan delivers the most wonderful performance in her narration, seemingly being several different narrators. Her storytelling was just perfect and her male interpretations were more than believable.
I’m just sorry it took me so long to listen to this story. The underlying premise is mystifying but also kind of logical. The contrasts of good and evil with human nature is chilling as it has some parallels to current events. The next installment can’t come too soon and I’m definitely listening to the rest of the series. ...more
The story begins with the rather sad life of then 8-year old Wavonna (Wavy) Quinn. She’s the daughter of a major meth dealerWow. What did I just read?
The story begins with the rather sad life of then 8-year old Wavonna (Wavy) Quinn. She’s the daughter of a major meth dealer and a seriously disturbed woman who can’t seem to function without drugs and “her” man. Wavy is the only adult in the house, giving care for her toddler brother and self managing, seeing and living through too much to ever recapture childlike innocence. Her life is forever altered after an encounter in the meadow with one of her father’s men. Joe Jesse Kellen thought he was seeing a vision of an angel at the time and together they form a bond that continues and escalates over the next five years.
It was like watching a slow motion train wreck...I couldn’t close my eyes even though I knew what was coming would disturb me. What I didn’t expect, however, was to become invested in these characters and their relationship. Wavy is an old soul because she had no choice but to be anyone otherwise. It made Kellen’s connection to her more understandable, at least some foundation for it but moreso than anything else, trust was the cornerstone of their relationship. Neither had ever experienced that with anyone.
This book isn’t for everyone as I even questioned whether it was for me. The writing and characterizations are brilliant no matter where you land in judging the subject matter. I never expected my paradigms to shift, let alone move aside. It’s a tough story and one I won’t forget. The narration is excellent and I highly recommend the audio format....more
Ove is a grumpy, older man, defined as such because he lives his life by a code that’s pretty black and white and inflexible. His point of view has alOve is a grumpy, older man, defined as such because he lives his life by a code that’s pretty black and white and inflexible. His point of view has also been shaped by a system that’s often been cruel and unfair and has let him down at critical times in his life. But, there is one person who’s never disappointed him and that’s his wife, Sonja. Unfortunately, she recently died after 40 years of marriage and now he’s also forced into retirement. When a new family moves in next door, they disrupt Ove’s life in a way that has a profound impact.
I was utterly taken with the curmudgeonly Ove from the start. Many other reviewers were thrown by his age (59), thinking he was much older. But I have Oves in my life and they didn’t suddenly arrive grumpy when they became of that age. It was progressive and they had wives like Sonja to smooth out those edges when out in the world.
I don’t think it was happenstance that a street-savvy cat, a family with young children and messy lives, a former friend-turned-adversary now in need, and two young men who are misfits in the world all collide to redefine Ove’s world. Underneath the humor (there are some truly hysterical moments) lies a lot of sadness, loneliness and heartbreak that Ove has masked by being difficult. The author masterfully juxtaposes backstory into the present at just the right moments, giving Ove layers and definition.
So many of my friends have read this story and encouraged me to add it to my shelf. I’m so happy I heeded their advice as I found it spiritually uplifting. And, it comes at the right time for me personally. I opted for the audio and that really worked for me though I was expecting a Swedish narrator. I highly recommend this story to those who like exploring what lies beyond a character you think you recognize and know. ...more
If you like ménage romance with a really good story you'll love this one. Told from Haylee's point of view, there's a little bit of country and some wIf you like ménage romance with a really good story you'll love this one. Told from Haylee's point of view, there's a little bit of country and some wonderful lyrics mixed with two hot musicians to make this a completely enjoyable erotic experience.
Lucas and Ben are wonderful characters and I LOVED their relationship with Haylee before it transitioned into romance. All three were off balance when they moved forward into a sexual one but throughout, the friendship and their professional connection grounded them. The sex is HOT, erotic and romantic and the surprise turn made it even more exciting. And, Haylee has a really great sense of humor and self.
I loved everything about this story and it's now one of my favorite ménage romances.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)...more
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