Tag: ARC

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..

The Exchange By: John Grisham

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️/5

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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.

One sale now, you can grab your copy here.

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

Hello Stranger by Katherine Center

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶/5

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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

The Woman in The Library By Sulari Gentill

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/𝟓

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.

The Club By Ellery Lloyd

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️/𝟓

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.

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.

Overkill: By Sandra Brown

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶🌶🌶/5

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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

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.

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!