Category: 5 Stars

The Spy Coast By: Tess Gerritsen

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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I want to start off by saying that Tess Gerritsen is one of my all-time favorite authors. I discovered her late in my reading lifetime and I’ve been working my way through her catalog ever since. The Rizzoli and Isles series is still one of my all-time favorite series (so much better than the TV show IMO) and her standalones are also phenomenal. Gerritsen obtained her MD before switching to a writing career which lends authenticity and credibility to her writing.

We all know that I am a sucker for a great police procedural thriller and The Spy Coast certainly does not disappoint.

This is yet another book with dual timelines (they seem to keep popping up in my TBR) as we meet Maggie Bird, who has gone by a number of different aliases throughout her life, but who now resides in Purity, Maine, as a chicken farmer. Her life as a CIA operative is long behind her, or so she thought.

Our story opens 10 days prior, with Diana, one of Maggie’s old CIA colleagues escaping with her life after an attack, but failing to find out who is trying to take her down. Then we meet Maggie, hunting down a fox that has gotten into her henhouse.

This turns out to be the least of her problems when a woman who visited her earlier in the day ends up dead in her driveway. It appears that one of her old and still-classified cases has been compromised, and her name, along with others, has been leaked. The Spy Coast takes us around the globe and flashes back to 16 years ago to events in Malta right before Maggie left the CIA firmly in her past. But as we all know, the past does not always stay in the past, and Maggie’s past seems to be out to get her.

I enjoyed this book very much and I’m really hoping that based on the ending of this book there will be another, and that this will turn into a series. The side characters are phenomenal. They consist of a group of other, retired CIA agents who all reside in Purity, Maine. And the poor police chief Jo, who seems competent and smart, just to be outwitted by The Martini Club. The twist in this book is something I certainly did not see coming. The end leaves more questions unanswered than answered, which usually bugs me, but in this case, I don’t mind.

P.S. – In taking a look at the author’s website it looks like The Martini Club will indeed be a new series! I’m very excited and cannot wait for more adventures.

A huge thank you to the author Tess Gerritsen, NetGalley, and Thomas and Mercer for the ARC copy of this book.

One sale now, you can grab your copy here. This awesome book is available on KU for both reading and listening!

Keep reading for some more thoughts that I need to say out loud but SPOILERS!

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🛑 ✋ POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD ✋ 🛑

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I love that we meet Maggie while she’s after a fox in the henhouse. And she explains to Callie that even though she kills the fox, another predator will move in to take its place. Much like Bella, who has now assumed her father’s place.

So now let’s talk about this planet crash. There were supposed to be 8 people on board. But we know two didn’t board the plane. Maggie and Bella. Our girl Maggie seems poised to enter into a romantic relationship with Declan, who I’m sure has lots of his own secrets. BUT is Danny really dead?

Here’s my theory- Maggie did indeed fall victim to the honey trap, and Dr. Danny was indeed a double agent, or working for the Russians. But who knows. Only time and Tess will tell..

Wise Gals By Nathalia Holt

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Nathalia Holt, a New York Times bestselling author renowned for uncovering untold stories, delivers another gem with Wise Gals: The Spies Who Built the CIA and Changed the Future of Espionage. Diving into the hidden history of the CIA’s early days, the book introduces readers to four extraordinary women—Adelaide Hawkins, Mary Hutchison, Eloise Page, and Elizabeth Sudmeier—who defied societal norms to play pivotal roles in the Agency’s formation and operations.

These aren’t your average femme fatales from spy novels or the stereotypical honey traps that normally come to mind when you think about female spies. No, these women are intellectual powerhouses with nerves of steel. Their remarkable stories span from World War II through the Cold War era, touching on ongoing international crises. In what was described as a “male, pale, and Yale” dominated workspace, Adelaide’s cryptographic genius, Mary’s diplomatic skills, Elizabeth’s daring field intelligence, and Eloise’s groundbreaking scientific contributions all shine through.

What sets this book apart is Holt’s meticulous research, evident on every page. Drawing from first-hand interviews and declassified documents, Holt doesn’t give readers a James Bond-esque narrative but instead offers a grounded account of these women’s determination and significant contributions. This includes crucial roles in predicting the Soviet Union’s early development of atomic capabilities and intelligence gathering that contributed to the Cuban missile crisis.

However, the book doesn’t shy away from the grim realities these extraordinary women faced, particularly their battles for equal pay and recognition in a notoriously misogynistic environment. A poignant example is Jane Burrell, another key figure who has yet to receive a star on the CIA’s Memorial Wall—an oversight that Holt brings into focus.

Wise Gals serves as a significant addition to both historical non-fiction and discussions about the challenges and triumphs of women in the workforce. Reading it leaves you with a complicated mix of pride for these women’s achievements and frustration at the societal barriers they had to fight. It’s a fight many continue to this day. While the book may not offer high-octane thrills, it provides a long-overdue homage to these unsung heroines of American history. Whether you’re interested in untold stories of women instrumental to our country’s security or simply a well-crafted narrative, this book is an excellent read.

A huge thank you to the author Nathalia Holt not only for an advanced copy of this book, but for shedding light on these crucial but long-overlooked narratives. And thank you to the publisher Penguin and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book.

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion.

On sale now, you can get your copy by clicking Here

Rogue Justice By Stacey Abrams

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I was just telling my work wife last week that I really needed a good political thriller. As someone who devoured James Patterson and John Grisham growing up, this was the perfect book to satisfy my craving. (FWIW, those are still two of my auto buy authors.)

Of course I had to read While Justice Sleeps before diving in here, since it sets the stage for the events of Rogue Justice. While I suppose you could read it as a stand alone, I strongly recommend you read While Justice Sleeps before Rogue Justice.

In Rogue Justice, Stacey Abrams captivates us with her skillful blend of political intrigue, current events, and meticulously researched fiction. A direct sequel to her previous work, While Justice Sleeps, this novel continues the story of the ballsy Supreme Court clerk Avery Keene, who we’ve all grown to love.

Abrams effortlessly brings us back into the world she built in the first book. We’ll get reacquainted with the disgraced President, the on-the-run Major Vance, Jared Wynn, Dr. Ling, Noah Fox and Special Agent Robert Lee. Their stories expand as we uncover that the events in the first book were just the tip of the iceberg. And we can’t forget about the new players who will reek havoc of their own, including an expat female assassin.

The story picks up as Avery, attempting to regain stability after exposing an international conspiracy, is drawn into yet another web of secrets and lies. She’s still ensnared in the aftermath of When Justice Sleeps, as President stokes has been reinstated and there is a looming impeachment trial. Avery is approached by Preston Davies, a law clerk who suspects that his boss, a federal judge, was being blackmailed before her unexpected demise.

The plot intensifies as Avery uncovers a list of names of all the judges on the FISA Court, America’s “secret court” that authorizes wiretapping and spying on suspected terrorists. What follows is a series of alarming revelations that suggest a grave threat to the nation’s judicial branch.

As this story is deftly woven with details lifted from today’s headlines, I can’t help but admire how Abrams has manipulated certain character traits to keep readers on their toes. For instance, while the depiction of the President might echo real-life figures, he’s no caricature. This unexpected portrayal challenges readers’ preconceived notions, ensuring an engaging read as we sift through truth and deception.

What sets “Rogue Justice” apart is Abrams’ detailed exploration of the FISA Court, a topic of growing concern in America. As Avery unravels layers of deceit and power plays, she grapples with threats to her life, her loved ones, and the sanctity of the nation’s judicial system.

While the book is undoubtedly thrilling, it’s Avery Keene’s eidetic memory and relentless pursuit of justice that truly make it shine. She navigates through a complex maze of legal and political challenges with ease, serving as a beacon of truth in a world where power often trumps honesty.

Blending suspense, mystery, and political insight, Abrams’ once again proves her talent for storytelling is as potent as her understanding of the real-world political landscape. The scariest part about this legal thriller…it could actually happen. Rogue Justice is a must-read, ensuring you’ll be on the edge of your seat from start to finish, eagerly anticipating the next move in this masterful game of chess. Undeniably, Stacey Abrams’ second novel in the Avery Keene series has surpassed its predecessor, leaving me wondering and anticipating what’s coming next. No matter what that is, rest assured, I’ll be eagerly waiting.

As always, I encourage you to read Rogue Justice and come to your own conclusions. Thank you to the author Stacey Abrams, the publisher Doubleday Books and NetGalley for providing the ARC copy of this book.

On sale now, click here to grab your copy here. While your at it you can pick up a copy of While Justice Sleeps here.

King of Wrath by Ana Huang

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

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I was late to the game discovering Ana Huang, but thanks to TikTok, I’m now better informed and all caught up. I devoured the Twisted Series way too quickly, so imagine my delight when Damon made his appearnce in the debut of the Kings of Sin series.

And I have good news and bad new about the series. The good news: This book is amazing, unputdownable (is that a word? If not, it should be) and is one of seven based off of the Seven Deadly Sins. The bad news: This is the only book out in the series so far. Womp womp. So we’re going to have to wait.

If you’ve read the Twisted Series, you’ll remember Damon from the debacle with the painting and some other quick cameos. It seems like this book overlaps some of the last book of Twisted and we get some cameos by those characters which I love. Damon is blackmailed by Vivian Lau’s father into marrying her to cement the family’s social standing. It seems Damon’s brother Luca has gotten himself mixed up with a forbidden mafia princess, and Mr. Lau has decided this is the perfect way to marry off his daughter and escalate the family into the upper echelon of society. Too bad Damon and Vivian mix about as well as oil and water.

“Missed me?” Amusement lengthened his drawl. “As much as a sailor misses scurvy.”

This is my favorite quote from the book, because it sums up Vivian in one quick comeback. She’s smart, savvy and witty. However, she’s tethered to her overprotective and somewhat abusive parents who only value Vivian for what she can bring to the table from a monetary stand point.

As per usual, the twist is great, and we get our hard fought HEA. I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series. I actually preordered book number 2, which is something I rarely do. So I’ll be over here, patiently waiting until April.

Tropes hit: Arranged Marriage, Enemies to Lovers, Billionaire Romance

RED HOT READ ALERT: this book is sexy sexy in typical Ana Huang style. Not quite the full five ghost peppers, but don’t be fooled this one will leave you blushing.

Click here to get your copy of King of Wrath

Click here to preorder your copy of Kings of Sin (Luca’s story!)

Click here to order your copy of the Twisted Series

The Wrong Bride by Catharina Maura

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

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For the love of all that is Jerry Springer, Maury Who’s The Daddy, Sally Jessy Raphael I’m really not sure what I just read. All I know is that I freaking couldn’t put it down! Holy Smokes!

OK let me back up. This whole year has been one big, long, extended reading slump for me. I catch a spurt, then my fire goes out. I blame growing a human at the old ass age of 36, but whatever. ANYWAY, I was bored in the doctor’s office, scrolling through the book of face, and an advertisement for this book came up. Pretty cover. Intriguing blurb. In KU. Add to list. And then I read it all in one sitting.

Raven has been in love with Ares Windsor since, well forever. He’s her best friend’s older brother and she’s very much been ingrained in their family. The Windor’s have an old tradition of arranged marriages, and originally the plan was for Raven and Ares to be married. Too bad he’s always loved her older, perfect, sister Hannah. Are’s Grandmother, the matriarch of the Windsor bunch agrees to let Ares and Hannah have their love match. UNTIL EVERYTHING FALLS APART AND GOES BANANAS!

I’m not going to give much away because this book is chock full of twists, turns and surprises. I literally could not put it down, all the while muttering wtfffffff over and over again. Just when you think everything is hunky dory, Maura manages to rip the carpet out from under you. I’m so excited for the rest of the series, which promises 6 more books, one for each of the Windor siblings. Up next is Luca and Valentina, but I’m really excited for Sierra (Raven’s best friend) and Xavier. You guys, she sends him a fish bomb! (I’m going to need to hear more about this and how exactly one makes a fish bomb….) Their story promises to be an excellent Enemies to Lovers book, one of my favorite tropes. It also looks like this is a spin off from Catharina’s other series, Off Limits. Silas and Alanna are two of Raven’s friends, and it appears the already have their own book.

So, I’ll BRB while I go devour the Off Limits Series

BONUS: All the books are in Kindle Unlimited!

One sale now, you can grab your copy here. You can also preorder the next book in the series Luca & Valentina’s story here.

Tropes hit: Forbidden Romance, Arranged Marriage, Friends to Lovers, Billionaire Romance, Sister’s Best Friend, Best Friend’s Brother

RED HOT READ ALERT: this book is sexy sexy. Don’t be fooled by the pretty cover this book is a scorcher.

The Maid: By Nita Prose

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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So I honestly feel like I owe this book an apology. I picked it up and put it down so many times. I just couldn’t get into it. Everyone said “Oh if you like popular book xyz then you’ll love this one!” Well, I didn’t love it, it was a DNF for me. So I though this one would be too. So in a last ditch effort, I put it on hold at my library. It was a 20+ week hold. These people all must know something I didn’t. Boy, were they right. I was wrong.


This book is delightful! Turns out, it was one of those books I did better listening to then reading. It was a bit of a romance, a big mystery, with a few dramatic twists and turns. I fell in love with Molly the Maid, and her beloved cast of found family. Molly has had to figure out the world without her beloved Gran. You see, Molly sees things differently than most people. While this makes her susceptible to unkindness, it also doesn’t allow her to see the kindness of people right under her nose.

I love Molly’s snark and wit, and I would love to have a book of the quotes she spews from her Gran. I feel like I know Gran, even though she wasn’t present for the events that transpired between the pages.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here

A big hank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC copy of this book.

𝐔𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤𝐞𝐝: 𝐁𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐬

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I had to take a break from some of the romance I’ve been reading lately, and I don’t think that there is anything less romantic than some true crime.

We first meet Paul Holes in I’ll Be Gone In the Dark, the CSI who became as obsessed with GSK as Michelle did. (I’m actually re-reading this now, I should have done it before I picked up Unmasked.) Paul takes us through his life, how his career ruined his marriage, finding new love, and what is was like to tackle some of the most notorious cold cases we’ve ever seen.

It was extremely interesting to see the evolution of genetic and DNA testing as used for investigation. I wish there was more on some of his most memorable cases (there was a lot about GSK, maybe because it was his longest running cold case), but the book was full of information.

Be warned, this isn’t for the faint of heart or those who aren’t accustomed to reading True Crime. Holes doesn’t pull any punches with his descriptions.

Thank you so much to the author and @celadon for the ARC copy of this book.

Overkill: By Sandra Brown

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶/5

This site contains affiliate links to products. I may receive a commission for purchases made through these links

I’m not going to lie, when I got approval email from NetGalley for the new Sandra Brown book, I did a squeal and a happy dance around my kitchen. She introduced me to the romantic thriller genre, and I quickly devoured her books.

Overkill hits all of the best things I’ve come to expect from a Sandra Brown book:

⚫️ Rugged hero who prefers a hermit’s life, is wealthy and has a past claim to fame ✅

⚫️Pretty, smart heroine who is ballsy and confident ✅

⚫️A good mystery and driven story ✅

Zach Bridger was a former NFL Super Bowl hero, before an attack on his ex-wife, Rebecca, and the subsequent fall out jettisoned his career. He got his life in track, retired to a mountain side and hiked every day. It would have been happily ever after had his wife’s attacker not gotten out of jail early thanks to his daddy’s connections. Enter Kate Lennon, a up and coming star state prosecutor. She comes up with a way to put the slimy Eban away for good. Too bad it means Bridger facing the decision and confrontation he’s been avoiding for years.

This book is everything I want in a romantic thriller. Intriguing, full of suspense and a red-hot romance all in one.

Overkill is on sale August 16th, get your copy here

The Paris Secret By: Natasha Lester

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️/5

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I was in a major reading funk for most of the spring, then mix in a summer full of weddings and wedding related shenanigans, and I accomplished almost no reading. Unless you count listening to the Harry Potter audiobooks for the 1000th time and catching up on true crime podcasts. Then, out of nowhere, this book landed in my mailbox. I read the summary on the back and just like that, my reading bug was back. If adulting didn’t always get in the way of my reading, I would have finished this book in a day. As it is, it only took me 3 days. Before the great reading rut of 2022 ensued, I was deep into the romance books, with a good psychological thriller thrown in here and there so things don’t get too happily ever after. You know, need to balance out the meet cutes with a good psychopath every once in a while. I haven’t read any historical fiction in a while. But at this point, I had zero interest in reading anything anyway, so I figured why not.

Let’s break it down:

  • WWII historical fiction
  • A long-forgotten closet full of Dior gowns
  • Modern day mystery
  • Female RAF pilots
  • Good ole forbidden romance

ALL OF THESE THINGS ARE AMAZING ON THEIR OWN! But together, they were amazing. The publisher’s summary sums it up-

England, 1939: The Penrose sisters couldn’t be more different. Skye is a daring and brash pilot, and Liberty the one to defy her at every turn. Even if women aren’t allowed in the Royal Air Force, Skye is determined to help the war effort. She’s thrilled when it reunites her with her childhood soulmate, Nicholas. She’s less thrilled to learn Nicholas is now engaged to an enigmatic Frenchwoman named Margaux Jourdan.


Paris, 1947: Designer Christian Dior unveils his glamorous first collection to a world weary of war and grief. He names his debut fragrance Miss Dior in tribute to his beloved sister Catherine, who forged a friendship with Skye and Margaux through her work with the French Resistance.


Present Day: Fashion conservator Kat Jourdan discovers a priceless collection of Dior gowns in her grandmother’s vacant cottage. As she delves into the mystery of their origin, Kat begins to doubt everything she thought she knew about her beloved grandmother.

The book flips back and forth between past and present, with Kat trying to unravel her grandmother’s life. I don’t want to give too much away because every chapter felt like a new twist, turn, punch in the gut. I cried over this book. I generally avoid books that make me cry, but all the emotions (also, I’m pregnant, so…. hormones…) and I was a goner.

While there are multiple timelines going in multiple countries, the book is remarkably concise and clear. I was worried with all of the multiple POV that it would be confusing, but it wasn’t. It’s also clear the amount of research that the author put into this book. I was blown away not only by the story, but by the attention to detail that made the book come alive.

Stay tuned for Natasha Lester’s next book, The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre due out in January 2023. Click Here to get your copy of The Paris Secret. While this has been my first Natasha Lester book, it will most certainly not be my last.

Thank you to Nicole Andress at Hachette Book Group Publishing and the Author Natasha Lester for the copy of this book!

The Wedding Crasher By: Mia Sosa

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

The Wedding Crasher is the follow up book to The Worst Best Man (love love loves), and Dean, Max’s best friend, is getting married. Or so he thinks.

Dean was one of my favorite characters from the previous book so I was super excited that he was getting his own story line. Enter Solange, one of Lina’s cousins. She’s roped into helping out on Ethan’s big day, and inadvertently ends up interfering. So much so that she stops the wedding.

But, as fate would have it, Solange and Ethan both find themselves in need of a significant other. Ethan to woo a new partner at his work, Solange to cover for a fib her mom told to a snooty relative.

They’re contending with way too many people who can screw everything up. There’s Peter, a snarky sneaky brown noser from Ethan’s job, who is determined to catch them in a lie. I have to admit, without any spoilers that I was pleasantly surprised how that loop was closed. But if I’m keeping a list of book characters I want to throat punch, he’s on it. Then there’s all the various aunts and cousins who can’t lie to save a life.

(*side note, I just started a list of fictional characters I hate. I have a feeling it’s going to be large)

This book hits some of my favorite romance tropes- fake lovers, enemies to lovers, family interference, food and cultural influence.

This book is delightfully funny, steamy hot, and left me a little hungry and looking for a place that sells some Brazilian food. And not just the meat. I’m going to need some of that stuffed breakfast bread and Pao de Queijo ASAP.

And don’t be fooled by the tame cover, be still my heart this book was smokin. But the heat didn’t interfere with the overall story, and this was a slow burn for sure. A rom-com done really really well.

A special thank you to the author @miasosaromance @netgalley and the publishers @avonbooks and @harpervoyagerus for the advanced copy of this ebook!