Tag: reading

Audio Book Review: Mistakes Were Made by Lucy Score

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

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This is the second book in the Story Lake series, and we’re back in the absolute chaos that is Story Lake, along with its ongoing rivalry with the nearby town of Dominion. If you loved the setting in the first book, it only gets better here. The town feels even more alive, more involved, and honestly more unhinged in the best possible way.

If you haven’t read the first book, you’ll get through this one, but you really should check out Story of My Life before proceeding. You’ll thank me, I promise. You can also check out my review.

This book centers around Zoey, Hazel’s best friend and agent. Both Zoey and Hazel are riding high on the success of Hazel’s last book, and Story Lake is fully leaning into the spotlight. As always with Lucy Score, the town itself feels like a character. Everyone knows everyone, everyone has an opinion, and no one minds their own business. Having grown up in a small town, I can confirm… this is painfully accurate.

We also get another Bishop brother thrown into the mix with Gage, the lovable and affable brother who somehow manages to be both a contractor and an attorney. He has that classic “good guy” energy, but there’s more depth to him than you initially expect, especially as the story unfolds.

Lucy Score once again delivers everything I love about her books: small town charm, quirky and lovable older residents, slightly unhinged townspeople, and some truly questionable pets. The raccoon situation alone is enough to make you question everything, and I completely understand why Zoey wants absolutely no part of that chaos. The animals always have just as much personality as the humans, and they somehow end up adding to the madness in the best way.

This story goes deeper emotionally than I expected. Gage’s character is really put to the test when his sister asks him to do the unthinkable. She has formed a relationship with the woman responsible for the accident that caused her spinal injury and killed her husband, and now she wants Gage to defend her in court. It’s messy, complicated, and honestly such an interesting moral conflict. Gage doesn’t know if he can separate his emotions from the situation, but his loyalty to his sister pushes him forward. Watching him wrestle with that decision added a lot of depth to his character, and Zoey plays a huge role in grounding him and giving him the strength to face it.

Now let’s talk about Zoey, because she really shines in this book. As someone who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, I absolutely loved seeing that representation here. It felt real in a way that you don’t always see in fiction. Her diagnosis comes from an elderly retired psychiatrist who basically yells at her, which was both hilarious and oddly perfect. I really connected with how her brain processed everything, especially once she started medication. That feeling of realizing there isn’t anything “wrong” with you, your brain just works differently, was handled in such a validating and honest way.

The romance is definitely a slow burn, but it works. The tension builds gradually, and when things finally start to shift, it feels earned. Lucy Score always does a great job balancing humor with emotional depth, and this one is no exception. You get the banter, the chemistry, and the steam, but also real character growth underneath it all.

I listened to this on audio again, and it absolutely elevated the experience. Sebastian York could read my grocery list and I would still be hooked. His voice is just unfair. Lila Winters is equally incredible, and together they brought Zoey and Gage to life in such a natural, engaging way.

This is another red hot read here. It takes a little time to get there, but the payoff is worth it. Between the humor, the heart, the town dynamics, and the character growth, this was such a satisfying continuation of the series.

Another plus, this book is available on KU!! On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Audio Book Review: Story of My Life by Lucy Score

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

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The two things that made me pick up this book.
1.) Lucy Score wrote it so, automatically add to cart.
2.) It’s described as Gilmore Girls meets Schitts Creek. I LOVED Gilmore Girls when I was younger (I have a different take as an adult, but that’s another story…) so I knew this would be good. And everyone says Schitts Creek is hysterical so…If you loved the Knockemout or Blue Moon series, this is very much on brand for her. Small town romance, chaotic townies, sharp humor, and just the right amount of steam.


Hazel is basically running straight into a midlife crisis and somehow ends up in Story Lake after getting tricked into buying a house that has been… “upgraded” by AI (and by upgraded, I mean absolutely not what she thought she was getting). She’s hoping the move will spark inspiration for her next book, but unfortunately her absolute shit weasel of an ex-husband seems to have stolen all of her creative juju.


Story Lake itself completely steals the show. This is one of those small towns that feels like a character in its own right. It’s full of opinions, drama, gossip, and people who absolutely have nothing better to do than involve themselves in everyone else’s business. The locals are colorful, over-the-top, and hysterical in the best way. As someone who grew up in a small town, I can confidently say… yes, all of this nonsense absolutely happens.


And then there’s the animals. Lucy Score always delivers here, and Goose the eagle might be my favorite “pet” yet. The animals have just as much personality as the humans, and somehow they always end up being part of the chaos.


I listened to this on audio, and I was so excited to see Sebastian York and Lila Winters back for this series. They are two of my absolute favorite narrators, and they completely brought the story to life. Their delivery made the banter sharper, the tension stronger, and the emotional moments hit even harder.
The banter is fun, witty, and full of tension, and while I’d call this kind of enemies-to-lovers-ish, it’s really more of that delicious, slow-burn tension Lucy does so well. Don’t be fooled by the pretty cover, this is another red hot read.


Her best friend Zoey was another standout for me. She’s loveable, fierce, and exactly the kind of friend you want in your corner! She’s equal parts supportive and chaotic. You can already tell she’s being set up for her own story, and I will absolutely be here for it.
This was such a fun read. I was literally laughing out loud at points (which is always awkward when other people are around). If you’re looking for a small town romance with humor, heart, and heat, this is a must-read.

Another plus, this book is available on KU!! On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Audio Book Review: Be Your Own Bestie by Misha Brown

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Like many people who picked up Be Your Own Bestie, I first discovered Misha Brown through his videos online. What immediately stood out to me was his ability to be completely himself while confidently standing up to bullies. That kind of authenticity takes courage, especially for those of us who tend to be people pleasers.

As someone who struggles with worrying about whether others are upset with me, a lot of what Misha talks about resonated deeply. It took me a long time to realize that other people’s reactions are not always my responsibility, and hearing that message reinforced in such an encouraging way felt both validating and empowering.

Part memoir, part self-help, and full of Misha’s signature sass, humor, and heartfelt honesty, it was an easy and quick read. Throughout the book he expands on many of the stories and moments that made his social media videos so popular, sharing the experiences and lessons behind them.

I listened to the audiobook version, which Misha narrates himself, and I’m so glad I did. There’s something special about hearing an author tell their own story, and his energy and personality come through beautifully. I especially loved the way he talks about his relationship with his mom. As someone who also calls their mom when things go right, wrong or somewhere in between,I completely related.

At its heart, this book is a reminder to do the work. To put in the effort to heal, grow, and learn to treat yourself with the same kindness you give everyone else.

Be Your Own Bestie is a ray of sunshine filled with positivity, encouragement, and plenty of laughs. If you’re on a journey of self-discovery or looking for a motivating and uplifting self-improvement read, this is absolutely one to add to your list, even if you’re discovering Misha for the first time

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Book Review Jurassic Park: How the Novel Differs from the Movie

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I’m honestly not sure how I’ve gone this long without reading Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. The original film has always been one of my favorites, and like many readers, I usually prefer the book to the movie adaptation. What made this experience unique is that I watched the movie countless times before ever picking up the novel.

Reading Jurassic Park after seeing the film is fascinating because, while the core premise remains the same. A group of experts visiting a revolutionary dinosaur theme park that descends into chaos…the tone and execution are dramatically different.

Jurassic Park Book vs Movie: The Biggest Differences

Michael Crichton’s novel is far darker than Steven Spielberg’s film. The book reads like a scientific techno-thriller, with a strong focus on chaos theory, corporate greed, and the dangers of unchecked ambition. The movie, while suspenseful, leans more heavily into wonder and spectacle.

John Hammond is one of the most striking differences between the book and the film. In the novel, he is driven by profit and ego, dismissive of safety concerns and ultimately responsible for the disaster. In the movie, he is portrayed as a well-meaning visionary who genuinely believes he has created something extraordinary.

The children’s roles are also reversed. In the novel, Tim is the older sibling and the dinosaur enthusiast, while Lex is younger and far more immature. The film changes their ages and gives Lex the memorable computer expertise that restores the park’s systems.

The dinosaurs themselves are more dangerous in the book. Attacks are more frequent, the velociraptors are far more central to the plot, and the infamous T. rex river raft sequence adds an entirely new level of tension. Even the ending differs significantly, with the novel delivering a much darker resolution.

Why the Jurassic Park Novel Feels More Intense

What surprised me most was how grounded and detailed the science feels in the book. Crichton doesn’t shy away from genetics, systems theory, or the philosophical implications of resurrecting extinct species. The scientific explanations add to the suspense rather than slowing it down.

The novel also explores Hammond’s past projects and motivations more deeply, making the creation of Jurassic Park feel less like a dream and more like a calculated business venture.

I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Scott Brick, and his performance heightened the tension and seriousness of the story beautifully.

Final Thoughts on Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Both the book and the movie are iconic, but they offer very different experiences. The film balances danger with awe and adventure. The novel is a cautionary thriller about human hubris and the illusion of control.

If you’ve only seen the movie, the book is absolutely worth reading. It’s darker, more complex, and more unsettling than I expected, and it solidified its place as a landmark science fiction novel.

I cannot wait to read The Lost World next. Or maybe it’s a re-read…

Grab your copy of Jurassic Park and The Lost World

Book Review: The Honeymoon Phase by Amy Daws

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ ⭐️/5

🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️/5

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Listen. If you love a “he’s always loved her” romance, this one is going to hit you right in the feelings.

Luke has been in love with his best friend Addison “Roe” for years. He’s just never said anything because he’s convinced she doesn’t feel the same way. So when Roe finds herself in a situation where she has to get married in order to inherit her family’s lumber business, Luke does what any secretly-in-love best friend would do… he offers himself up as the solution.

What starts as a marriage of convenience turns into something so much messier and sweeter than either of them expected.

This book is full of longing. The quiet kind. The “I’ve loved you forever but I don’t want to lose you” kind. Watching Luke try to protect his heart while also stepping up for Roe was everything. And Roe’s journey? She’s carrying her own emotional baggage and grief, and seeing her slowly realize that the love she’s been looking for has been standing right in front of her was just chef’s kiss.

Their shared history made every small moment feel bigger. Every touch meant something. Every misunderstanding hurt a little more because you know how much they care about each other.

The pacing at the very beginning felt a little choppy during the lumberjack competition setup, but once the story settled in, it absolutely found its rhythm. From there on out, I was hooked.

The small mountain town setting, the found family vibes, the healing from grief, the way their fake marriage slowly turns into something very real… it was all so satisfying.

If you love slow-burn tension, emotional payoff, and a hero who has been quietly in love for years, this book delivers in the best way. It’s tender, angsty, heartfelt, and deeply romantic without feeling over-the-top.

And if you loved Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score or The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker, you will absolutely fall for Honeymoon Phase. It has that same small-town warmth, emotional depth, and swoony-but-grounded romance.

Oh and don’t let the cute cover fool you, this one is a slow burn scorcher!

On sale now, you can get your copy here!

You can also check out the other books in the Mountain Men Matchmaker Series:

Book One: Nine Month Contract

Book Two: Seven Year Itch

Book Four: Coming May 2026 Bad Boy Era!

Huge thanks to Amy Daws, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Book Review: It’s Not Her by Mary Kubica

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Well, my friends, it’s been a minute since I dove into a truly twisty domestic thriller, and I could not have picked a better one to jump back in with.

I’m a huge fan of Mary Kubica, so I was already excited going in. But this one? She absolutely knocked it out of the park.

I pride myself on trying to figure out the twist or the villain before the big reveal. With this one, I was kind of right… kind of wrong… and also completely blindsided. Which, honestly, is exactly what I want from a thriller.

As always, I’ll keep this spoiler-free. But if you want to go in completely blind like I did, I highly recommend it.

The story is told through multiple points of view and shifts between past and present. Courtney Gray is vacationing at a secluded lake resort with her husband Elliott, their daughter Cass, her brother and sister-in-law, and their kids. What should be a peaceful family getaway turns into a nightmare when Courtney discovers her brother and sister-in-law dead in their lakeside cottage.

Her niece Reese is missing. Her nephew Wyatt is found upstairs asleep and unharmed.

From there, everything unravels.

The small resort town is full of secrets. Elliott had been out fishing that day and some of his details feel… murky. Reese’s disappearance raises unsettling questions. And then there’s the lingering shadow of another girl who went missing years ago. Some people say she looks like Reese. Others say the only similarity is that they were both young and pretty.

Courtney starts suspecting everyone — including her own husband. The paranoia builds fast. Every character seems to be hiding something. And just when you think you’ve got a handle on where it’s going, Kubica shifts the ground under your feet.

This was a riveting domestic thriller that I genuinely could not put down. It was twisty, tense, and unsettling without being overly graphic or terrifying. I was constantly tempted to flip to the end just to see how it all played out.

Mary Kubica does what she does best here: layered characters, slow-burn suspense, and a final stretch that makes you question everything you thought you knew.

If you love closed-setting thrillers, messy family dynamics, and stories where everyone is a little suspicious, this one absolutely delivers.

On sale now, you can grab your copy here.

Huge thank you to the publisher Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row, NetGalley, and Mary Kubica for the advanced reader copy.

Book Review: Fifteen Minutes of Shame by Lisa Daily

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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This book totally snuck up on me in the best way. It’s fast-paced, funny, and just the right amount of chaotic.

Darby Vaughn is a relationship expert whose entire world implodes after a very public (and very humiliating) breakup. What follows is a wild mix of scandal, reinvention, and the awkward, hilarious, and occasionally sweet road to figuring out what she actually wants.

Darby’s voice was one of my favorite parts…sharp, witty, and totally relatable. I loved watching her try to navigate the mess of public image, heartbreak, and second chances, all while trying to hold it together (and sometimes very much not). There’s a great balance of laugh-out-loud moments and surprisingly tender, introspective ones too.

And yes, the romance subplot is adorable. The banter is top-notch and the chemistry? Definitely there. It hit all the right notes without ever overshadowing Darby’s personal growth, which I really appreciated.

It’s light but empowering, messy in a fun way, and delivers just enough scandal to keep things interesting. A solid pick if you’re in the mood for something that blends humor, heart, and a heroine you can’t help but root for.

Fifteen Minutes of shame is on sale now. You can grab your copy here.

I received this book as an advanced reader copy. Thank you so much to Lisa Daily, Siesta Key House and Netgalley!

Book Review: The Invisible Woman by James Patterson & Susan DiLallo

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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I don’t think James Patterson could write something I wouldn’t enjoy, and his newest collab The Invisible Woman definitely didn’t disappoint. It has everything I love in one of his books: short, punchy chapters that keep you turning the pages, memorable characters, and that addictive pacing that pulls you in from the first page to the last.

Elinor’s career at the FBI ended badly—she took the fall for someone else’s mistake. Now she’s middle-aged and, for all intents and purposes, invisible. Turns out that’s exactly what the FBI needs. The catch? She’s undercover as a nanny for a wealthy family with ties to a drug cartel. And no one knows she’s there, except for the jerk who wrecked her career and her best friend (you know, just in case someone has to ID the body).

Watching Elinor handle a baby, a moody teenager, and two unruly dogs while undercover made for the perfect read. She’s sharp, relatable, and honestly, just really fun to root for.

I really hope this is the start of a new series because Elinor is amazing.

The Invisible Woman by James Patterson and Susan DiLallo comes out January 5th, but you can preorder your copy here!

Huge thanks to James Patterson, Susan DiLallo, Little, Brown and Company, and NetGalley for the ARC!

Book Review: Sisters in Science by Olivia Campbell

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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Sisters in Science is an extraordinary narrative that sheds light on the lives of four remarkable women—Hedwig Kohn, Lise Meitner, Hertha Sponer, and Hildegard Stücklen—who defied the oppressive forces of Nazi Germany to leave a lasting impact on the world of science. Olivia Campbell offers a deeply researched and compelling account of their experiences, blending historical detail with a keen sense of storytelling.

This book takes readers into the tumultuous period of World War II, a time when the Nazi regime systematically persecuted individuals based on their religion, ethnicity, and political ideologies. For these four women—brilliant physicists and chemists—the stakes were particularly high. They faced not only the danger of persecution but also the erasure of their scientific contributions in a field dominated by men.

• Hedwig Kohn found refuge in Sweden, where she was able to continue her work in physics despite the challenges of exile.

• Lise Meitner, co-discoverer of nuclear fission, fled to Sweden and then to the United States, where her groundbreaking research would lay the foundation for future discoveries in atomic science.

• Hertha Sponer made her way to the United States and became one of the first female professors at Duke University, where her contributions to molecular physics broke barriers for women in academia.

• Hildegard Stücklen, though less known, played a vital role in advancing the fields of physical chemistry and spectroscopy during her exile.

What makes Sisters in Science truly stand out is its balance between detailed historical context and personal stories. Campbell doesn’t just focus on the challenges these women faced; she also celebrates their triumphs and enduring legacies. Their exile wasn’t just a flight for survival—it was a testament to their resilience and dedication to their work.

The book’s pacing is excellent, weaving historical events with the personal journeys of each scientist. Olivia Campbell’s meticulous research is evident in every chapter, but she manages to avoid making the narrative feel heavy or overly academic. Instead, readers are invited to feel the urgency, despair, hope, and triumph these women experienced as they rebuilt their lives and careers in foreign lands.

What resonates most is the sheer humanity of their stories. These women were not just scientists; they were pioneers who refused to let an oppressive regime dictate their destinies. Their determination to pursue truth and knowledge, even in the face of unimaginable odds, is deeply inspiring.

Campbell also brings attention to an important issue: the lack of recognition for women’s contributions in science. While these four women achieved remarkable feats, their names are often overshadowed by their male contemporaries. This book is a much-needed acknowledgment of their place in history and a reminder of how far we’ve come—and how far we still have to go—in achieving gender equality in STEM fields.

The writing is accessible yet rich in detail, making Sisters in Science an ideal read for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in history, science, or women’s studies. The inclusion of photographs, letters, and archival material adds another layer of authenticity and depth, helping readers connect with the women on a more personal level.

I cannot recommend Sisters in Science highly enough. It is a powerful and inspiring reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the vital role of women in shaping our understanding of the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a science lover, or someone simply looking for an inspiring read, this book will leave you enriched and in awe of the incredible resilience and brilliance of these women.

A special thank you to Olivia Campbell, NetGalley, and Harlequin Trade Publishing for the opportunity to read this incredible book. It’s a work that will stay with me for a long time.

On sale now, you can get your copy here.

Book Review: The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️/5

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The Book of Murder by Matt Murphy is a must-read for all true crime junkies out there. Law and forensic investigation have always fascinated me, and Murphy’s extensive experience with high-profile cases makes this book an absolute page-turner. You might recognize his name—Murphy was the prosecutor who put Dirty John behind bars, as well as Skylar Deleon and Rodney Alcala. Others may know him as a frequent guest on 20/20 or Good Morning America. 

This book is part autobiography, part dos and don’ts of being a prosecutor, and part history of the horrific cases Murphy has worked on. He’s brutally honest about the toll his work took on his mental health, personal life, and relationships. His vulnerability and the regrets that came with throwing his entire life into his career add a raw and personal element to the story. Murphy gives readers an inside look at the emotional and mental strain of relentlessly fighting for justice.

I hesitate to call this an “enjoyable” read because the nature of the crimes Murphy prosecuted is so horrific but once I started reading, I was hooked—totally invested and unable to stop. His ability to bring criminals to justice is riveting, and his strong, clear voice makes him a master storyteller. If you’re a diehard true crime fan, you do not want to pass this one up. Even if true crime isn’t your usual go-to, this book is still worth diving into.

Murphy also shows a great deal of respect for his colleagues, even those on the other side of the courtroom. Often, you hear about bad blood between prosecutors and defense attorneys, but he seems to have genuine admiration for everyone involved in the process—from judges to fellow prosecutors and even defense attorneys.

I found myself constantly Googling the names, trying to put faces to the victims, heroes, and perpetrators alike. It felt like being in a twilight zone—totally invested and impossible to deter. This book offers an intense, all-consuming read, providing a gripping and insightful view into the life of a prosecutor who dedicated himself to seeking justice. Highly recommend!

As always, I encourage you to read this one for yourself and formulate your own opinion. Thank you to the author Matt Murphy, the publisher Hyperion Ave and NetGalley for the ARC copy of this book!

On sale now, you can click here for the book, or HERE for the author narrated audio book (highly recommend!)