Series – Page 3 – Feed The Bookworm

The Lies You Wrote By Brianna Labuskes

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

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If you’re a frequent reader over here at Feed The Bookworm, you know I’m a huge sucker for a good police procedural thriller. I think it’s because I read a lot of detective stories when I first discovered my love of books. This book came out of nowhere for me. If you’re a fan of Women’s Murder Club and Stephanie Plum, I can guarantee that you’ll love “The Lies You Wrote” by Brianna Labuskes. This was a one-day read for me and marked my first book of the new year. Throughout the day, I switched between the audio and Kindle versions, depending on my activities. I love that both the Kindle book and the audiobook are in KU.

The book centers around Raisa Susanto, a forensic linguist for the FBI. Side tangent – I didn’t know a forensic linguist was even a thing before this. Prior to reading “The Lies You Wrote”, my dream book job was event planner for a billionaire’s consulting firm (can you tell I’ve been reading a lot of romance books this winter?), but now I want to be a forensic linguist and play with words all day.

Raisa is tough, smart, and wily, raised on the streets and in foster care after losing her parents. She’s a loner in the FBI, with no partner and one of only two linguists, so she gets farmed out to other departments. She’s quick with her words and pulls no punches

She’s paired with Callum Kilkenny, a broody, gruff, and seasoned FBI forensic psychologist to investigate a copycat killing of a crime committed 25 years ago. So far, so good, very straightforward. Now throw in a true crime podcaster snooping around trying to get a scoop (Jenna) and a police informant cyber wiz who has inserted herself into the case (Delaney), and things start to get interesting.

Raisa is coming off the loss in a tough case, where her conclusions led down the wrong end, and things went badly. Callum is renowned for his capture of the ABC killer 10 years ago, however it also came with the loss of his wife, who was targeted by the serial killer before Callum brought him down. Now the must figure out if they’re dealing with a copy cat killer, or if the real killer evaded capture decades ago.

This book was such a twisty, turn-filled, and captivating mystery. I always pride myself on being able to figure out “the twist,” but this book had so many it was like whiplash. Where in some stories this could be considered overwhelming, it all makes perfect sense in the context of this book. I was able to kind of figure out the mini twist, the buildup to the big twist was great, even though I kind of saw it coming.

Labuskes is a master wordsmith (I am trying to figure out a way to use psycho-killer stabby man in every day conversation somehow), her prose is witty, engaging, and fast-paced. The book made me laugh, kept me reading, kept me guessing, and most importantly I cannot wait to read the next book. I’m so happy that it’s going to be a series. The romantic thriller lover in me is hoping for a little romance between Raisa and Callum. In the mean time, Labuskes has a robust backlist to enjoy, many of which are in KU. I’ll be happily reading all of them while I wait for The Truth You Told, due out September 10, 2024. On sale now, you can grab your copy of The Lies You Wrote here. This awesome book is available on KU for both reading and listening!

Thank you so much to the author, Brianna Labuskes, Netgalley and Thomas & Mercer for the ARC copy of this book. The Lies You Wrote is out now, and available on Kindle Unlimited and Kindle Unlimited Audio. You can grab your copy here.

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!

🛑 ✋ POSSIBLE SPOILER AHEAD ✋ 🛑

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..

Something Bad Wrong By: Eryk Pruitt

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/3.5

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When I read the description for Eryk Pruitt’s new book Blood Red Summer on NetGalley and saw it was read now, I instantly hit ‘add to shelf’, even though I’m supposed to be on a requesting ban. C’est la vie. I realized it was the second book in a series so in true fashion I knew I had to read the first one before I could dive into this one. In a twist of luck, I already had the audiobook of Something Bad Wrong in my library. I do love a good police procedural.

I’m giving Something Bad Wrong 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed it. I thought that the premise was intriguing and it was well written. I really enjoyed the multiple points of views and the jumps between the past and present. I’ll get into what I didn’t like shortly as it contains a spoiler and I want to give you ample time to read this and then keep scrolling should you choose.

Something Bad Wrong tells 2 stories- in present day we have Jess, a J school drop out, divorced “mommy blogger” who is set to break into the world of true crime podcasting. Her small town was the scene of an unsolved double murder years ago and her grandfather just happened to be the primary investigator on the case. The case remained unsolved, and her grandfather’s police career met an early end. She brings in disgraced reporter Dan Decker to help her gain credibility and traction and the two embark on a path neither can predict. The ending had a great twist ending for our villain. If you enjoy police procedurals and true crime style storytelling, you’ll really enjoy this book.

Scroll down to hear why I knocked off some stars, but be warned, spoilers.

🛑 ✋ SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS. ✋ 🛑

SPOILERS AHEAD!! STOP NOW.

Are you still here?

Great! OK, here it goes. This book started off with what seems to be a budding romance between Jess and Dan. Sure Dan has been accused of something untoward. And Jess had a moment with her ex husband, but it seems like the two are on a collision course. Then. He. Dies. WTF. Maybe I’ve been reading too much romance lately, or maybe I mistook this for a romantic thriller, but I’m sorry, killing off one of the main characters is just a no for me. And it was like out of the blue. All of a sudden he and Jess have different visions for the podcast and boom, they’re separated. I was expecting them to reconcile and make a good podcast. We also get no closure on what happened to Dan to cause his fall from grace. He hints that he was wrongly accused, but he’s never vindicated. Nothing is ever explained.

Also, there is a scene between Ballard (Jess’s grandfather) and his daughter Samantha (Jess’s mom) that really bothered me. I feel like it was put in there simply to push Ballard to the breaking point. But there could have been other ways that could have been accomplished.

OK, rant over. On to the next book.

One sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Witches Get Stuff Done by Molly Harper

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️/5

🌶🌶/5

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OMG, with my love of witchy cozy’s/romcoms, how have I not read any books by @mollyharperauth before?! This book was the ideal segue from the non-fiction I’ve been reading lately and just in time for Fall/Halloween. I’m not one for scary tales, so the witchy romances all over the shelves this season are right up my alley.

Riley receives a summons to Starfall Point by her late mother’s hitherto unknown sister, Nora. Her arrival on the island is far from grand, leading to her first encounter with the town librarian, Edison Held. Soon, she finds herself amidst chaos, eclectic ghosts, and a buzzing nanna grape-vine gossip network, while falling in love and finding her coven.

I adored this book! The magical world-building is phenomenal, the characters compelling, and the writing brims with wit and sharpness. I also appreciate the twist with Edison as a small-town librarian escaping his past, a part typically reserved for female leads. The paranormal mystery threads through well-devised plots, even if it leads to a somewhat foreseeable twist. My only quibble is that Edison and Riley’s relationship isn’t as fleshed out as Riley’s ties with the coven, lending the narrative a slightly rushed tone.

Nonetheless, it’s an amazing concoction of magic, cozy romance with a dash of spice, and paranormal mystery. I’m already devouring Caroline’s story (the 2nd book) and can hardly wait for Alice’s. Looks like I’ll be binging on Molly Harper’s backlog for the remainder of the weekend 😉.

Bonus – it’s available as an Audible original included for audible members. You can get your copy here. Or if you prefer the kindle version: here.

Tropes hit: Enemies to lovers, small town romance, found family, long lost relative, opposites attract.

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.

A Tasty Dish by Kelly Cain

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️/5

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

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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.

An Acquired Taste By Kelly Cain

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶🌶/5

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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!!

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.

Hook Line And Sinker By: Tessa Bailey

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

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Hook Line and Sinker is the 2nd book in The Bellinger Sister series by Tessa Bailey. I’m assuming that it is also the last book in the series since there are only two sisters. This book takes place right as the last one ends. I would recommend reading It Happened One Summer (you can read my review here) prior to reading this book, as Hannah and Fox’s dynamic is really started here.

Hannah and Fox have been texting non-stop since she left Wesport 6 months ago. Hannah is working as a production assistant to her director crush, and convinces him that Wesport will be the perfect place to film. With Piper’s guest room full, Hannah ends up staying with Fox, and the two spend the whole time trying not to bang.

This was a slow burn romance that could have used a Red Bull. It was frustratingly slow at times, which is why I knocked a star off. Overall a cute, feel good and happy romance. I liked it MUCH better than It Happened One Summer, and i find Hannah much less insufferable that I did Piper.

Tropes hit: Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity.

RED HOT READ ALERT: this book is sexy sexy. Don’t be fooled by the cutesy cover, it has major blush potential.

One 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.