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Abby and Mitch are back, and the stakes are higher than ever. The Exchange picks up 15 years after the ending of The Firm. Mitch and Abby, out of hiding, are enjoying life in NYC: Mitch works for a high-end international law firm, and Abby edits cookbooks.
Once again, the McDeere family finds themselves in the thick of a nefarious plot, but this time, the bad guys zero in on Abby. As Mitch frequently reminds her, “They picked you.” The book takes readers back to Memphis for a spell, bouncing us around the world from London to Italy, Morocco, and beyond, with a cameo of a familiar but not so friendly face from Mitch’s previous life.
While some might argue that the pace of The Firm was on the slower side, the opposite could be said for The Exchange. I found The Exchange to be extremely fast-paced. If I had one criticism, it would be that the ending kind of snuck up on me and felt rushed. Overall, this was a solid legal thriller, and the international aspect added a good spin. It’s a quick read that you won’t want to put down.
Grisham is one of my all-time favorite, auto-buy authors. This book most certainly lived up to its predecessors.
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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
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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.
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One of the joys of reading is stumbling upon a story that surprises you, takes you on a roller-coaster of emotions, and leaves you with a lingering sense of satisfaction. ‘Hello Stranger’ by Katherine Center does exactly that, weaving a tale rich with humour, character development, and a unique take on romance.
Center takes us on a journey with Sadie Montgomery, an aspiring artist who quite literally does not see what’s coming. After a monumental achievement of making it to the finals in the North American Portrait Society competition, life throws her a curveball in the form of face blindness. Every face Sadie encounters is a jumbled puzzle, a foreign language that she struggles to comprehend.
However, Center doesn’t let this situation define Sadie. Our protagonist battles not only her newfound condition but also familial tensions and the demands of her artistic career. And of course, let’s not forget her loyal canine companion, Peanut, adding another layer of heart to this story.
At the heart of ‘Hello Stranger’ is a comedy of errors fueled by mistaken identities. It’s a testament to Center’s writing prowess that she weaves these plot elements together seamlessly, producing a story that keeps the reader intrigued.
One of the key strengths of ‘Hello Stranger’ is its colorful cast of characters. Sadie is undeniably engaging, and her duality of being sunshiney and stubborn makes her relatable. The men in her life are equally compelling and nuanced, further enhancing the narrative.
The secondary characters too, like the best friend Sue, although a tad insensitive at times, brings in her own share of humor and conflict. Sadie’s parents and her step-sister Piper are portrayed as caricatures, yet they serve the purpose of furthering Sadie’s journey and personal growth. Notably, the transformation of Sadie’s father and stepmother is satisfying, while Piper’s fate provides a sense of poetic justice. Even if we a glimpse of why she’s such an asshat, I hope her cat eats her.
I do love how Joe calls Sadie on her preconceived notions. Like with “Busty McGee”, who ends up being the exact opposite of Sadie’s made up persona for her. Joe ends up challenging Sadie (and us, the readers) to reevaluate our quick judgments.
Now, I won’t pretend that ‘Hello Stranger’ is perfect. For a romance novel, it does fall a little short on the spice scale. Readers expecting steamy romance might find themselves yearning for more. Yet, Center’s focus on character development and plot progression gives the novel its own unique charm.
Despite the occasional stumble, ‘Hello Stranger’ is a triumph of character-focused storytelling. Katherine Center has created a heartwarming, hilarious tale that embraces the complexity of human relationships and the myriad ways of seeing the world. As Sadie learns, sometimes what we find when we’re not looking can be the most surprising thing of all.
As always, I encourage you to read for yourself and see how you like it for yourself!
As always thank you to the author, the publisher St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for sending me this amazing book for my review. It’s on sale now and you can pick up your copy by clicking here
Potential spoiler- stop now if you haven’t read the book yet….
Still here? I am not unconvinced that this chick has not had some kind of face blindness or issue recognizing people her whole life. I don’t know how you can think that there are two different barista‘s a.k.a. Hazel one and Hazel two based on someone putting their hair up. End of rant.
Tropes hit: Enemies to Lovers, Slow burn, sweet romance, strangers, mistaken identity
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“Behold the Monster” by Jillian Lauren is a chilling and comprehensive account of the life of Samuel Little, touted as the most prolific serial killer in history. As an avid reader of true crime literature and a regular listener of true crime podcasts, I was taken aback by my unfamiliarity with Sam Hill, a testament to Lauren’s extensive research and deft storytelling.
Lauren skillfully weaves together various narratives, including her conversations with Sam Hill during his incarceration, trial transcripts, and deeply emotional interviews with the victims’ family members. These diverse narrative threads form a haunting tapestry that offers readers a glimpse into the lives of Little’s victims and their tragic last moments.
“Behold the Monster” delves into disturbing territories as it unfurls the life of Sam Little. From his shocking birth and unsettling upbringing to his harrowing reunion with his biological mother, every aspect of his life seems steeped in horror. These unnerving details might make the book a difficult read for some. For me, it was an overwhelming journey through the macabre details of his heinous acts.
The strength of the book lies in its empathetic storytelling. Lauren gives voices to the victims, interviewing their family members to ensure that their memories endure. It’s heartening to witness the resilience of the four women who escaped Little’s clutches, their stories forming a ray of hope in this dark narrative.
I hardly ever put trigger warnings on my reviews especially true crime books. More than likely if you’re reading a true crime book, you know that you’re going to read some messed up stuff. However, readers should be forewarned that the book contains graphic descriptions that might trigger sensitivities. From violence to deep-seated trauma, if there’s a potential trigger, it’s likely present in this book. Despite its disturbing content, the book is informative, engaging, and at times it is as difficult to put down as it is to read.
In comparison to other true crime books like “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” which detail the exhaustive hunt for the criminal, “Behold the Monster” might come off as excessive in its detailing of Little’s gruesome crimes. Personally, I would have appreciated more insight into the trial proceedings and the evidentiary process.
Jillian Lauren’s “Behold the Monster” is a definitive account of Samuel Little’s life, making it a must-read for true crime aficionados. However, its graphic content makes it a tough read at times. I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5. I was hoping for more courtroom drama and investigative details and less graphic depiction of his horrific deeds.
For those interested in the history, mystery, and thriller genres or in historical biographies and memoirs, this book is a crucial addition to the true crime non-fiction landscape. But proceed with caution: this book pulls no punches when it comes to the brutal reality of Samuel Little’s crimes.
As always, I encourage you to read this book and form your own opinions and thoughts as I have mine.
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The story of the Everheart Brothers of Texas continues in the second installment of Kelly Cain’s three-part series, “A Tasty Dish.” Kasi, an ambitious movie producer is striving to create a name for herself in an industry where her father’s reputation looms large. Much like Declan and his siblings, Casey finds herself overshadowed by her film producer father, who has blackballed her latest project in an effort to force her back into the family business.
Determined to make her movie her way, Kasi teams up with Declan, and together they navigate a path filled with obstacles, twists, turns and the ever-present Flynn Everheart. As they face their share of trials and tribulations, their relationship deepens, and the heat between them intensifies. Kasi is all work and some play, and really isn’t looking for anything serious. Meanwhile, Declan is all in with all the feels. In contrast to the first book, the author has turned up the spiciness in “A Tasty Dish,” adding a full pepper to the mix. This book is full of family drama, fun BFF’s, laughs and spice. Both Kasi and Declan have major daddy issues. Kasi’s kind of cause her to be a jerk at times. She tends to speak first and think later. It happens more than once. She also has gut reactions that aren’t always mature (who blocks their business partner for a week??) and get her into trouble. This wouldn’t be such an issue if she had some redeeming qualities, but I found her almost unlikeable at the beginning and only towards the end did I kind of feel like she could be a good person.
One notable improvement in this sequel is the relocation of the food recipes to the end of the book, allowing readers to enjoy them without interruption from the main story. While the pacing of this book picked up considerable compared to the first book, there are still mini cliffhangers, which drive me bananas. Once again, the absence of the male protagonist’s point of view is once again felt, leaving readers longing for more insights into Declan’s thoughts and feelings. I would have really liked it, particularly in this book. Declan’s relationship with Flynn is so complicated and important to who he is, it would have been beneficial to his character to have a bigger voice.
All in all, A Tasty Dish is a delectable blend of romance and ambition and I cannot wait to read what’s in store for Weston in Book Three. I gave it a 3.5 star overall rating, bumped up to a 4 because there are no 1/2 star emojis.
Read my review of An Acquired Taste, Book One in The Everheart Brothers of Texas Series.
Click herefor your copy of A Tasty Dish and herefor your copy of An Acquired Taste.
Tropes hit: Relationship Vs Fling, Friends with Benefits, Workplace Romance
Thank you to NetGalley, Kelly Cain and Dreamscape Media for the ALC copy of this audiobook.
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“An Acquired Taste” by Kelly Cain* is the first book in a trilogy that introduces us to the Everhart brothers. The story is narrated from the female protagonist’s perspective, Rowan Townsend, who works as a chef in her mother’s restaurant. Rowan dreams of owning her own establishment where she can break free from her mother’s traditional culinary style. Knox Everhart, on the other hand, is the golden boy of the culinary world, poised to take over his father’s Michelin-starred restaurant. Rowan and Knox share a history of rivalry from their culinary school days, where Knox was admitted as a legacy while Rowan struggled to secure her spot.
When Rowan’s family restaurant, Smothered in Love, faces severe challenges, she decides to participate in a cooking contest to save it. Unbeknownst to her, Knox and his family have also entered the competition, reigniting their long-standing rivalry. As the story unfolds, we witness their journey from enemies to friends and ultimately to lovers.
While “An Acquired Taste” is an enjoyable read with quirky characters and a captivating plot, there are some aspects that could have been improved. For instance, the chapters often end on mini cliffhangers, only to jump ahead in time in the next chapter, leaving readers feeling somewhat disoriented. This narrative technique might not appeal to everyone.
Additionally, the incorporation of cute food recipes at the beginning or end of chapters, while endearing, could be seen as filler content. The story might have benefitted from a dual perspective, offering insights into Knox’s thoughts and feelings alongside Rowan’s.
The slow-burning romance between Rowan and Knox doesn’t truly heat up until chapter 19, and some readers may wish for more development in their relationship. The book’s focus on the cooking competition occasionally overshadows the romantic aspects, leaving one craving more from the protagonists’ love story.
All in all, An Acquired Taste is a charming and engaging read that will leave you with an appetite for Southern soul food and the journey of two fierce competitors finding love amidst the heat of the kitchen. It is a solid three-star book that promises entertainment and a craving for something tasty. I can’t wait to try out some of Rowan’s recipes, and read the next book in the series! You can get your copy here.
Tropes hit: Enemies to Lovers, Slow burn
*updated 04/17 to correct the spelling of the author’s last name. dang auto correct!!
OK, so I put this book off for awhile for no particular reason other than having too many books and too little time. But I read this book just after The Club, a closed door mystery so to speak since all the possible suspects are together on an island. So here in The Woman in The Library, we have an open door mystery, as the author puts it.
The book follows writer Winifred, aka “Freddie,” who attempts to work on her manuscript in the Boston Public Library. She becomes intrigued by the three people at her table and gives them nicknames in her work. After a scream and the discovery of a murdered woman, the group bonds and secrets come spilling out.
The novel has an interesting structure, with each chapter ending with the author Hannah’s correspondence with a fan/beta reader named Leo. Hannah is based in Australia and Leo in Boston, where the novel is set.
I found this book to be fantastic, and I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because the ending felt a little rushed and unclear, and the characters were a bit underdeveloped. Otherwise, it was a solid whodunnit and a quick read for me.
Now, for the most part, I like to post spoiler free reviews. I’ll admit, depending on the book I’m reading, I’m ok with some spoilers, and not with others. For example, I read a spoiler for the Darynda Jones Charley Davidson series, and I had to walk away from the series. Which is a real shame since she’s one of my favorite writers and I really liked what I had read of the series. So since then, I’m overly cautious about which ones I read, and what I consider to be a spoiler. If you’ve gotten this far and don’t want a spoiler, or you want to read blind, I’ll leave you here. This book was fantastic. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars was because I hate unclear endings and the ending to this book felt a little rushed and muddled. Also, the characters we a little under developed, but otherwise, a solid whodunnit. It was a quick read for me, I finished it in a day. So if you aren’t down for spoilers, see you next time. If you’ve already read the book or don’t care if I give some stuff away, keep reading/scroll down.
Still here?
In the final part of the book, there’s a lot of confusion about what happens in the elevator. Cain isn’t a murderer, and Freddie and Marigold aren’t dead. The perpetrator is behind bars, and the weirdo from Boston is locked up. But then, which Leo is in the elevator? Is something going to happen to Freddie and Marigold? Has he had something to do with all of this?
The last letter from Letter Leo ends with him telling Hannah he’ll be there if she needs him, and the book ends with creepy neighbor Leo in the elevator telling Freddie “I thought you might need me…”
I. Am. So. Confused. And intrigued. So I guess the author accomplished her goal, because I couldn’t put this book down, and I’m still thinking about it. I’ve read some other reviews that suggest that the author could have done a better job clarifying the ending, but I’m pretty sure she was vague on purpose.
A gripping book where ambition, secrets, and glamour collide in an elite celebrity members’ club. In a similar vein to Lucy Foley’s The Guest List and Sandie Jones The Guilt Trip. This book is set in a remote location where all the characters are trapped together.
The owner of Island Home, Ned is throwing the massive party for the elite of the elite. The book cycles through the different perspectives of the island staff as they prepare to pull off the opening of the latest club.
Interspersed with the dueling perspectives from each of the characters, there are articles from Vanity Fair detailing the events of the party and the events leading up to it.
The Club by is a tantalizing and suspenseful read that transports you into the world of elite celebrity clubs, where glamour and secrets intertwine. Lloyd’s vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters make it easy to become immersed in the story as we follow the protagonist on her dangerous quest to expose the truth. The plot is filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on their toes. You’re constantly questioning who is lying, who can be trusted, and what really happened.
If the book has a “flaw”, the pacing can be a bit slow but the author’s ability to create tension and build anticipation more than compensates for any lulls. This is a solid 4-star read that provides a glimpse into the exclusive world of fame, while reminding us that appearances can be deceiving and not everything is as it seems.
Reminiscent of a classic murder mystery or whodunnit, I enjoyed this book. Thank you to NetGalley, Harper and the Authors for the ARC copy of this book.
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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.
Feed The Bookworm 