Blagica Jankuloska

I was very behind on reviews this year and I promise I will not say that next year but that is not important. I decided that since I was not going to make it by the deadline for this review that I would buy the audiobook and I am so glad I did. A story that tugs at the depths of your soul. I think I only paused this book long enough to eat and use the restroom it is that good. Characters that become so alive you cry with them, get angry for them, and want them to prevail. Twist and turns you never see coming, inhaling the book so fast, but wanting it to last much longer than it ever does because you can't put it down. A Prologue and Epilogue that sent chills through my body I loved this very much and will be picking up more books by this author very soon.

I have finally come to my last book of the year and I am so glad I stopped with The Ballerinas by Rachel Kapelke-Dale. This was a stunning book I adored it. It is the tale of three friends that unfolds across their lives. All this is wrapped around the unique world of professional ballet. Which if I was coordinated enough I would want to at least do one lesson as a child. However, being as I am 34 I will live my fantasies through books. I will say that this read specifically shows the dark side of the profession which I loved and hated in equal measure, this story somehow captures enduring truths about how women struggle to achieve their dreams and potential. While some struggle to be at the top some struggle to find love. The truth is I think that can be said about any profession and any lifestyle and job. You will love and hate the friendships in this book but you will have one person in your reading circle that you want to share this story with. It is twisty, dark, and a must-read for those who love a thriller. I am so pleased to say that I ended my year at 1033pm with a 5-star read.

I finished this book a few weeks ago however I am beyond behind on everything this year and it is new years eve and I am trying to review all the books I have managed to finish this year that I just haven't been able to do. This was yet another solid three-star thriller. Based on the description I was expecting a solid easy quick read in the who done it format. However, what I received was a book that was completely obsessed with opioids. most of the book is focused on the main character Viv and her struggles with alcoholism. I thought it was done pretty well and that should have been the focus of the story. However, the book kept trying to convince me that the real story was the “mystery” of how a teenage girl with addiction issues and a disastrous personal life managed to overdose on opioids.
Vivienne's story, told through flashbacks, is interwoven with the (mostly pretty dull) stories of two of her friends, as well as interviews by the police as they try to find out where she could have obtained the single painkiller, she took that caused her overdose. I just can't imagine the police putting in that kind of an investigation when Viv was filmed taking the drugs willingly. Overall there are bits of the story that I love and it did have a resolution at the end of the story which I was happy to see. Overall, I am happy I gave this author a chance not sure if I will be reading the next one but only time will tell.

This was an interesting read for me, not the best thriller I have read this year but not the worse. A solid three stars. The story surrounds Effie, Anna and Lizzie forged a strong bond of friendship during college that has endured through the ensuing years, although careers, marriage, and motherhood. It is all wrapped up in a secret that is shared by two of the women that adds fuel to the story. The focus of the story is the pending marriage of Lizzie and Dan, but in the week leading up to their destination wedding, they call it off and cancel all the arrangements. Determined to enjoy the time off the cast of characters and some awesome extras along for the rollercoaster ride.
However, once the group arrives things begin to unravel quite rapidly, exposing a somewhat sinister element leading to a psychological game impacting the entire group. The suspense is generated by the gradual revelation of clues as to the identity of the mastermind behind the game, but a subtle thread keeps things off balance. It is that off-balance that drove me to continue reading and the factor that will get me to pick up yet another book by this author.

My thanks to the author, Random House Publishing - Ballantine, and NetGalley for the privilege of reviewing a digital ARC in exchange for an independent, honest review. So sorry that it is very delayed it is no reflection on how much I enjoyed this book.

I have to say that this book is stunning. From start to finish. There are not many books that I receive arcs of that I actually go out and buy hardcover but this is on my shelves and it is stunning. In a world where witchcraft is to the season, she was born in. Clara was born an Everwitch and is now able to use the magic of all seasons which is very rare. With such magical ability comes the power that is immeasurable and hungry seeing as if Clara doesn't control her powers, they tend to go after the ones she loves most. The solar eclipse is fast approaching and all witches are required by law to flee the path of totality, for being in the eclipse's path will strip a witch of her powers permanently. If Clara can't find a way to get her powers under control before the eclipse arrives, she has vowed to strip her powers to prevent hurting anyone else she loves.

That is all I am giving away from the story. I think. Now it's time for some honesty. I don't read enough YA to be a professional in this genre but I can tell you that I really did enjoy this. I am hoping that there might be a book two. I loved the magic in this book and thought it was a very unique take. The nature and weather that the author ties into each season in the book are just simply beautiful. I also loved that the author had a bisexual main character and managed to write it without it being complicated or questioned or over-explained or rationalized. There is so much beautiful character growth in this novel. There are not enough novels that express that love is love no matter who you chose to love. . Griffin elegantly explores risk and trust and believing in yourself. This was just an outstanding feel-good read. Thank you NetGalley for my arc I am truly sorry for my delay.

Stand Out Read


I was one of the lucky ones this year to get an arc of this book and I feel that with my delay that I let not only the author down but myself. I am very late on this review and not because it was a bad read it wasn't. It was amazing. I just have been in such a funk of highs and lows with my reading that many things have been lost in the shuffle that has become my life. That being said let me tell you about the highlights of this book and why it is worth your money, time, and energy. I have been a fan of B.A. Paris ever since I read her debut thriller Behind Closed Doors a few years ago. Seriously, if you want to read an amazing book, I highly recommend that one. As soon as I see she has a new book coming out I immediately add it to my TBR on Goodreads and inhale it in one sitting. This one was no different. I even went as far as to send a copy of this book to my best friend for Christmas.

The story surrounds Alice and her partner Leo who move into a house in The Circle, a gated community in London. As Alice is getting to know her neighbors, she finds out that Leo never told her that the former owner, Nina Maxwell who was a therapist, was murdered in the house and her husband, Oliver, who ended up killing himself, was accused of killing her. What adds fuel to this story is Alice's past trauma. About twenty years ago Alice's parents and her sister, Nina, were killed in a car accident and ever since then, whenever Alice meets another Nina, she becomes obsessed with them and their life story. This is the case with Nina Maxwell, and as she digs into Nina's life, she discovers that Oliver may not have killed her. What is also interesting is that the more time Alice spends in community the more people do not want to talk about Nina or Oliver. They rather believe that Oliver is the killer then trying to wrap their mind around the idea that their perfect gated community is far from perfect. So much so that there might be a killer living amongst them. What I love about this author is her ability to keep me on my toes. Every time I thought I figured out what happened and who actually killed Nina something would be thrown at me to the point I would feel like I am completely wrong. Not one character is safe from your suspicion while you are reading and it's great. There are a few things in this book that add to the spook factor and mystery. I however do not want to spoil this book for everyone so I will say go figure out if you need The Therapist in your life like I needed it in mine. You will not be disappointed I promise. Thank you Netgalley and all those involved in me receiving this arc.

Heavy Read but Good


This story expresses the point of view of Anna Hart who is a seasoned missing person detective in San Francisco with far too much knowledge of the darkest side of human nature. When tragedy strikes her personal life, Anna, desperate and numb, flees to the Northern California village of Mendocino to grieve. She lived there as a child with her beloved foster parents, and now she believes it might be the only place left for her. Yet the day she arrives, she learns that a local teenage girl has gone missing.

The crime is scarily similar to a crime that occurred during a pivotal time in Anna's childhood. The unsolved murder of a young girl touched the town and changed the people who lived there forever. When past and present collide, Anna realizes she was brought back to her hometown for a reason and that her upbringing and life experience gives her insight into how the victims are selected and how they come in contact with this killer. As Anna becomes consumed with the history and needs to save these girls, she must come to terms with the fact that to help others she might need to help herself by letting others in.



Intertwining together actual cases of missing persons, trauma theory, and a hint of the metaphysical, this propelling and deeply affecting novel tells a story of fate, necessary redemption, and what it takes, when the worst happens, to reclaim our lives and come to terms with the fact that we are not meant to live life alone.

What I enjoyed with this novel is that when it begins we are immediately caught up in whatever Anna is running from. You can feel that she is running from love and heartbreak and all this information is given to the reader in little pieces. I enjoyed meeting characters from her past and her time in the system and how the author used that as a way to connect her to the victims she is trying to save. What was also well done was the cast of supporting characters in the town. What I love most and why this is such a high-rated four- star read for me is the fact that the author blends Anna's past and present so beautifully that by the end of the book I feel like the character comes out as a whole person. The transition is beautiful and shows how having community and faith in yourself is important to make an impact in helping others.

I am beyond behind this year that I think I have crammed in six books in one day which I think is pretty impressive. While I am sure Netgalley would have liked to get my review on time when this book was set to release that is sadly not how my life worked out this year.

I apologize to the author and publisher because this book is absolutely stunning.

What a debut novel! It was such a disturbing read that I seriously couldn't put it down. As a compulsive thriller reader, I really appreciated the obsession and young family in this book. It was perfectly creepy, intimate, and entertaining, making it a sure 5-star read for me. The title character, Delta Dawn, is a taken family photographer in New York City. She is hired to turn pouts into smiles and turn tantrums into memories She loves her job and the job loves her, but then... she is hired to photograph an 11–year-old Natalie's birthday party. That is when she realizes that she wishes she could become part of this family. This is where her editing skills come in handy and she sets out to become part of the family. First by becoming the babysitter then by offering to do something much more personal praying on the need for another child by Natalie's mother.  There is so much more I could say honestly but I think the best thing to say for this book is go read it. I will be waiting on more books by this author for sure I was impressed and obsessed in equal measure.

Magical and Beautifully Written


Insomnia was a real thing for me yesterday. I managed to finish four books and this is one of. I think the fact that I sat here in the dark with nothing but my kindle and it was such a joy. What I love with this author is that I never know what to expect when I read a Silvia Moreno-Garcia book. Honestly, that is so refreshing. Sometimes I want predictability, but sometimes I want to have no idea what I'm getting myself into. I just want to sit back and enjoy taking my emotions on a bumpy ride. Book rollercoasters are the only ones that don't make me sick.

I will start out by saying that this book does have a love triangle of sorts in it. I usually don't go for that trope, but this one was handled well. Nina was a delight. She's such an oddball and a perfectly whimsical heroine, which are my favorite kind. Hector, the hero, took a bit more time to warm up to, but I think that's part of his story. He really had to work to get the reader's approval and Nina's I loved when I felt this big shift in him–breaking apart the old and new Hector. I don't want perfect characters. I want characters that mess up, learn from their mistakes, and grow into better humans. I think Nina and Hector were able to do that. Because it's Silvia writing this, I honestly had no idea how the story would end. I didn't know if I'd get a happily ever after ending or if I'd close the book with tears in my eyes. I will let you pick it up and try it for yourself that is the best way to experience this book.
The prose is lovely and the writing style is so easy that you can get lost in it beautifully. Not one word was wasted and sometimes there were so many profound quotes that I had to keep from underlining text on every other page. It's really good writing that sweeps you up and into this world. If you like family drama, unrequited love, second chances and a playful dose of magic in your stories, this might be for you. If it isn't I would recommend that you try Mexican Gothic first that is the book that got me started on this magical ride into finding a new author I truly enjoy. Overall this is a four-star read for me I think it could have been a five for sure I just have become a very picky girl when it comes to my books. I already have Velvet was the Night. It's high on my list for 2022. I am truly just enjoying this author.

 I had a friend who I lost touch with who first got me into these two authors. She and I went through the entire House of Night series in about two weeks. In reality, this book is so much better than I expected but I love anything to do with witches.  This book and its characters are absolutely stunning!
After she and her daughter escaped, Sarah Good set up her new life in Illinois.
Present-day, the Good twin's Mercy, and Hunter, are about to have their 16th birthdays. The twins are complete opposites but are also extremely close. They are also absolutely witches. I was worried at first when it jumped that it would be a book where they didn't know their lineage and had to discover their powers but instead, they were witches descended from witches and they were about to come into their full powers after they chose their god or goddess. can I just say that I find it funny that most of the books that have to do with witchcraft that it all happen on their 16th birthday and I find that amusing. 
It starts with the twins losing their mother on their big night, midnight on their birthday. Their cat then turns human and becomes their guardians so at least they don't have to leave town. Their cat as a human has to be one of my favorite characters as a whole and I hope she is in book two. 

Overall, I really enjoyed it. I enjoyed the differences between the twins and their interactions with their friends and others in the town. I also loved the darker side of the books. There are a ton of murders that happen and the twins are racing to stop them.

The ending was something I was slightly expecting. .not the exact end but rather, an obvious setup for another book. I love that it continues and that I get to read more. I have high hopes for book two but I will say that unlike other readers I do not find this to be lazy writing or slow-paced at all. I look forward to more. The only reason this is getting a four-star rating and not a five-star is because I hate cliffhangers and waiting. 

Twisty and Fun!



I have been dying to read this book and now that we are away for a few days I actually have time to myself to try and enjoy books without dwelling on everything else that is going on in my world and I am so glad I brought this on vacation with me.

This psychological thriller was cleverly mapped out, chapter by chapter, and paragraph by paragraph drawing the reader into this addictive novel. It is evident Feeney wants to captivate the reader into her brilliant setup. Told from the first-person point of view, His, Hers, and the character who speaks to us using an italics font is clearly a mesmerizing technique.

Anna is a pretty woman who has worked very hard to reach her present position as a BBC presenter of lunchtime news. She covets her job. When obstacles are presented, she is smart, mean and has many stories to reveal to the reader regarding her teen years. Explicit stories, that may shock you, but keep reading. Anna Andrews, a woman who finds solace in alcohol, seems to be sloshing from scene to scene until I cannot keep up with her torrid thoughts. She is divorced from HIM, DCI Jack Harper, probably the nicest character in the novel. The third narrator is clearly the killer. It is important to note that all three narrators are reliable but they are not purely forthcoming. I found myself wanting to figure out who the killer is so I kept on turning. You will be engrossed in what you are reading and if you are anything like me you will think that each of the main characters committed the crime at least once. Overall, this was a three-star read. It was good it was twisty and it kept me engaged but I have read books that were similar in content that I enjoyed more. I would read it again I actually even bought the audiobook and will read books by this author again.

So, the girl with the reading slump which would be me has had a very hard time finding a book to say I LOVED it to. In my humble opinion, this book is the one that everyone should read. When I reluctantly finished The Lost Apothecary, I did so with a sigh and chills, my most visceral of 5-star reviews. This dual timeline tale takes place in the 1790s and present-day London, centering around a mysterious hidden apothecary shop and its effect on the lives of two troubled women. This satisfying read will leave you looking forward to more from debut writer Sarah Penner.

It's a cold night in February of 1791 and in an unmarked back alley in London, Nella sits awaiting her customer.
Nella is an apothecary, as her mother before her was. Women came from all around for her healing potions and salves. Taking care of women. Nella is carrying on the tradition in another way. Women come to her for poisons that will release them from the men who have done them wrong. It might be morbid but I loved the darkness of the interactions between Nella and the women. What is impressive is the rules that must be followed if the poison is to be given and used. The poison must never be used to harm another woman. And the names of the victim, poison, and the killer are to be recorded in a register.

As the pages turn you meet Nalla's next client what is different about this client is that she is a 12-year-old girl named Eliza. You would think or at least I thought what would a 12-year-old girl need to kill a man? It turns out that her employer sent her to get poison to be used against her husband. Little does Nella know that this meeting will alter both of their lives as well as the life of present-day historian Caroline? the woman who is spending her anniversary alone after her husband has an affair. Which in my opinion if Caroline lived in the era of Nella, she would want one of the poisons to use on her husband. What propels the present-day story is a vile with a bear on it and the researcher in Caroline is awakened. She does anything and everything to figure out what about the magic that was Nella and Eliza and the magic of the shop. I will say that Sarah Penner has the write stuff. This was a great five-star read hands down.

This is one of my most anticipated releases of 2021 and thank you so much to both Netgalley and Random House for the gift advance copy of You Love Me. I also want to say I am truly sorry for the delay of this review. This lateness is no reflection on how good or bad this book is. I have just had a few months where I haven't wanted to do anything but read sleep repeat.

I first off want to say I am a major fan of Joe Goldberg and the YOU series. I love the character that is Joe. (don't judge me I know he is nuts.) there is just something so captivating in the way this author describes this crazy man and the women that come across him.

I read You and Hidden Bodies  again to prepare myself for book three and I am really glad I did. Once the story finishes in Hidden Bodies, I am instantly wanting to know how Joe and Love's story continues. This book takes you in a completely different direction than what's expected, and I think I really enjoyed that the most. I wasn't expecting Joe to fall for someone else and I certainly wasn't expecting that person to be in the predicament she was in.

Although the fact that this other person loves books is a complete added plus to this read. I will say I missed a bit of Joe in this book considering that I felt like this book was very tame in who he was in book one and two. That being said will people die in this book? Will we get a crazy obsessive Joe? Yes and kind of. There are parts you will find that the old Joe shines and it is great and there are parts where he tries to be tame and normal and it is just weird. I know this review is a bit tame and lacks detail but it is truly something you should experience on your own if you are a fan of the series. I will give it three stars because it was good but I can't go any higher then that because I just needed a bit more crazy Joe and a little less attempt at normal. Will I continue the series if it continues? Yes, I would I would even love to see a different series from her. I will say that if you haven't read the first two books start there. They are worth it.

The Movie Was Better!

I watched the movie a few years ago because I am a big fan of Anna Kendrik. When I saw the book on Scribd I thought I would give the book a chance and I am not sure if this was worth the time or the energy. I went back and forth with how to rate this book considering this is my jam usually. I love me a good thriller. Where things fall short is that I couldn't relate to any of the characters and I didn't really like them. I feel the casting is what made the movie enjoyable. Stephanie was a mess who blogged her life and needed validation from everyone and this need to fit in which made her the perfect mark. Now Emily she just pulled no punches you knew she was a badass from the first page. Now Sean I just found him a dull and very pliable person.
Now, the story, yes it was a tad cheesy. You saw a lot of it coming. But you didn't see it happening the way it did. Or for the reasons it did. That, and only that, made the book good. Really good actually. The twists were well placed it left you turning pages. If the cast of characters were better or more personality-infused, I would have loved this. Overall, I liked it. I might have to see what else this author has to offer just to give it a second chance. Part of my discomfort might be the fact that I watched the movie first and I usually never do that.

The Trickster Loki


While I've always loved mythology, I wasn't as familiar with tales of the Norse gods and goddesses as I was with the Celtic and Greek myths. I have read Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman and I loved it but that is as far as I have explored. What I did know of the Norse myths didn't include the love story of Angrboda and Loki, mostly associating them with evil based on the stories of their children—Hel, Fenrir, and Jormungand—who all play a role in Ragnarok.

However, it's always good to remember that there are two sides to every story, and the stories are often written by the winners or those with the most power, and these stories often favor men. Loki is a trickster. Thor is a bit of a narcissist. And Odin can be quite manipulative and self-absorbed. I had a bit of a hard time because I have seen the Thor movies so trying to picture the characters differently was a stretch.

Angrboda the burned witch and her friend Skadi the huntress are the central figures in this reimagining of the events leading up to and culminating in Ragnarok. Their story is just as important as the stories of the Aesir and much less dramatic. I loved the pacing and the good feelings that I had when reading this book it is worth the time for sure.

Magical



I am so behind on telling you all about the lovely books I read that as much as I love reading I need to learn to love writing about what I am reading. This came to my attention via a booktuber I watch. Kayla from Booksandlala read this and the way she described it made me curious enough to pick it up. When you think of marriage you think of forever in love all hearts and flowers, right? Not in this book and not for our main character. In Chasland, marriage means a warded collar that stifles a sorceress's magic to nothingness, all in the name of protecting the woman. You might be thinking what's the big deal like I did when I first started, according to their laws an uncollared married woman could be pregnant and the child could become ensouled. Beatrice wants to be a mage, but her family's survival depends on her marrying well. Without a favorable marriage, the mortgage her father took out will come due; When you have to choose between happiness and love or duty to your family what do you decide? I loved Beatrice and her sister Harriet and I loved the balance between duty, love, and magic that took place. What I love most are the feminist feelings it develops both in the story and in the reader without being preachy.

The story is beautiful a search for a book of magic spells and a journey that leaves you wanting to find a way to have it all without hurting and sacrificing what you want. If you don't love the supporting cast and the spirit Nadie go ahead and start over you missed something because it fits together beautifully. I won't spoil the story I will just say that this is worth every minute that you will lose in sleep. Four stars all the way I hope that the next book I pick up from this author is wrapped in this much magic and fun.

If you were to peek at my bookcase you will know that I am a big fan of Stephen King. I am the person who rereads IT every year in October just for fun. I am a big fan of the craft that is a book written by Stephen King. I really did enjoy this latest addition to the King catalog. The book once you start you will notice has familiar elements that hold to classic King novel. The big difference with this one is the added magic that is mystery and crime. I am not sure if any of the other books have that as I am still working my way through the catalog but I can say that I truly did enjoy this one.

There are familiar themes of a child forced to grow up and rely on himself in the face of less than stellar adults; supernatural powers are both a blessing and a curse. Always beautifully described so you can picture it all which is great. The fact that the protagonist is recalling his difficult childhood reminded me of other King books, but this one is more modern;

I was drawn into this story, even though the beginning is a little bit slower than some other crime novels. The action picks up later. I wish I could say I read this in one sitting buy I read it with a friend and we finished it in about four even though I am way behind writing this review. Now let's talk about more things that are great. I love the way King describes his characters; so that the feelings and emotions of the characters seem so realistic, even when their abilities are supernatural. I really liked the ending too, even though there was something that I didn't see coming.

If you are a true Stephen King fan then I think you will love it. It is different and unique. Even if you haven't read any of the classic King books this one is a solid read and worth the time for sure. It stands on its own well and is great. The only thing I wish about this book is that it was much longer. That being said this is a five-star read hands down.

Different and Interesting

This is my second book by Sally Hepworth I loved the mother in law and when I saw this on NetGalley I was thrilled. This is a really good read. Thank you, NetGalley, and all parties involved for my arc, and my sincerest apology for my delay.
This new book is the story of twin sisters who grow up in less than ideal circumstances. Fern is now a librarian and is sensitive to too many stimuli. Rose, an interior designer for businesses, has always acted as Fern's protector. Sadly, Rose discovers that she is unable to have a baby so Fern decides to get pregnant and give the baby to Rose since she has been her lifelong champion and beloved sister. Now as I was turning pages the author tossed me hints that something between these two sisters is not what we think it is. I loved that aspect of the story it added more curiosity to the story that I didn't think I needed.
I will say that I found myself feeling bad for Fern and all his social anxieties and I loved how she tried to make the best of things. What is hard is the flashes of the past that you as the reader don't know if it is real or not. I loved how everything was not what it seems and that everything seemed to be going as Rose wanted because she was the good sister or so we are meant to believe. In the end, everything I thought would happen was done in reverse. Thank you again for this arc I can not wait to see what comes next from this author.

If you would like to buy a copy of The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth, please click the link below.

Dear Ms. Keeland and Ms. Ward,

I have to tell you if anyone ever told me that I would love biking while reading a romance novel, I would tell them they were crazy. Thank you so much for writing a book that is such a pick me up. Now let's talk about what I loved about these pages. DIRTY LETTERS is the new co-authored friends-to-lovers rockstar romance that I found utterly refreshing You ladies outdid yourselves. The heroine is agoraphobic, that first reared its ugly head after her best friend died in a fire at a concert. And there, of course, is also survivor's guilt. When Luca was seven years old, she became pen pals with a boy in England. They became best friends and confidantes over the years, their honesty one of the most remarkable features of their friendship. Until the fire. After that, it is a ghost town Luca disappeared leaving the boy not knowing anything.

Griffin, now a famous rockstar known as Cole Archer, lets her know how he feels about this in a petty letter eighteen years later. I have to say, I was happy to see how fast Griffin forgave Luca. For a few months, these two communicate only by letter and they find back into their easy friendship with the addition of a growing attraction. But Griffin, who has learned the hard way that fame comes at a price, cherishes the fact that Luca doesn't know who he is. Luca with the help of the letters becomes braver and I am here for it.

I have so much love for all the characters in this book. Griffin was a great guy, an amazing friend, and a patient, an understanding boyfriend who was totally smitten with his girl, how he held on when things got rough, never letting her down. The way Luca's debilitating condition was portrayed made her relatable and my heart ached for her because, really, when you can't go out of the house without fearing a panic attack, how do you deal with the idea of dating a popstar? The despair because you're trapped in your head...what do you have to offer except your heart?

Lastly, there is Doc, Luca's therapist, who was simply the sweetest. I just picture a cross of Mr. Rogers and the Doc from back to the future. This book packed such a punch of steamy moments and a mixture of sweet moments and drama. The story is new and refreshing and fun and the only thing that made me sad was when it was over. I hope there is more co-writing in the future.

With Love,
Blagica

Brutal and Dark

Mystery and thrillers are usually my cups of tea. Sometimes I need to sink my teeth into some true crime. This was given to me for an honest review by NetGalley. I am so glad that it hit my radar. This is a sad story about a woman who continued to make excuses for the man she loves and was constantly hoping will change. At the end of the day, it costs her a life and destroyed the lives of the two people she loved the most her children. Shele Danisheefsky who was the breadwinner in the family, put aside her pride and funded the lifestyle of the man she married without knowing what kind of monster he was and would become.
He was the type of person who is good at conniving and convincing those around him what a good father and great guy he was. Truth be told, he was a narcissistic scam artist, all show with no substance.
His life revolved around backgammon and women he met online. He thought of nothing and no one but himself. I do not understand how money could be more important than the health and wellness of his kids. When he saw that bad-mouthing Shele didn't get the result he wanted he changed tactics to get what he wanted he turned her beautiful kids against her. She was willing to do anything to keep her kids' lives stable. When things failed to work in his favor, he brainwashed both the kids but especially Anna to think that her father was the best and that her mother was nothing.

In the end, he decided to eliminate her to try and get his hands on her money and the kids. I paced myself with this one because a large portion of this book is heavy and it requires time to process. I am so happy that after so many years that justice was served and Rod is in jail. This book should be read by anyone who is in an abusive relationship. Not so they can cry but so they can see themselves in Shele and get help before it's too late to get help and all that is left is for their families to grieve them. This story has such a sad and satisfying ending. It is sad because these kids were shown that their father was the only one who loved them and it is so far from the truth. Satisfying because after ten long years justice was served.

I first read The Ladies of the Secret Circus back in 2021, and at the time, it was an easy five-star read for me. Revisiting it now, I still love the concept, but I found the pacing slower this time around, which brings my rating down to a 3.5. While the story remains beautifully immersive, it didn’t grip me in quite the same way on this reread.

The novel weaves together generations of the Cabot family, spanning from the 1920s to the early 2000s, with a blend of mystery, magic, and romance. At its heart is Lara, who is left at the altar when her fiancé mysteriously disappears. As she pieces her life back together, shocking revelations about her past, her missing fiancé, and her dark family legacy begin to surface.

One of my absolute favorite aspects remains the journal entries. They added so much depth and intrigue to the story, and I found myself flying through those sections the quickest. The way Constance Sayers blends the ordinary with the magical is seamless, creating an atmosphere that feels both enchanting and haunting.

That being said, the pacing felt uneven on this read. While I still adore the concept, there were moments where the story dragged, making it harder to stay fully engaged. Despite this, the book’s rich atmosphere and unique premise make it worth the read—especially for those who enjoy historical fantasy with a touch of mystery.

If you love stories that mix magic, romance, and a sense of deep-rooted family secrets, The Ladies of the Secret Circus is still a journey worth taking. Just be prepared for a slower, more deliberate unraveling of its mysteries.

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So, When I got approved for this audiobook by NetGalley I was thrilled. I went through the first 18 chapters in one day. My issue was that after chapter 18 things started to not make sense like bits and pieces of the chapters were missing. So, what I had to do was wait for the book to be published and grab myself a hardcover. That being said I loved this book. My bookish heart is still, the author has done it again. Let me start by saying he can that this is dark, highly addictive, and not for a short novel but this has sealed the deal for this offer to be on my instant buy list. Grab a Cup of tea and your favorite reading spot because you probably could finish this in one sitting. I tend to go into these books blind and get pulled into the atmosphere of them better that way. I did read A Witch in Time and loved it beyond words so happy to have both on my bookshelf. The plot follows generations of the Cabot family between the 1920s and the 2000s and spreads out over three parts. Lara is left at the alter on her wedding day by a vanished husband-to-be. As she puts the pieces of her life back together new revelations on her past, her missing fiancé and a dark heritage start to surface. I am learning that I love a good magic or circus-inspired read. I appreciate an author that can tie in the regular with the magical and make the story not miss a beat. I will confess this has become my new favorite genre where magic and romance are mixed. I will apologize for my late review I had such a fun ride with this book that I can not wait to see what comes next for this author. You will want to find out what happens to him and how she copes. You will most likely love the journal entries they were the parts that I inhaled the quickest and they added so much to the story. I loved everything about this thank you to the author NetGalley and everyone involved. Keep up the great writing of an awesome book.

This is my first read by author Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, but I promise it will not be my last. I was lucky enough to get an arc of this and so happy about it. This was an edge-of-your-seat kind of page-turner. I liked this so much I bought the audiobook for my best friend because I knew this would be right up her alley. This book is so intense that it leaves you uneasy the entire time you read and you still cannot put it down.

Flynn is a wordsmith with the precise language it is crisp and clear that the words feel like a best friend that keeps you going until you get to the end. She lets you come to the party keeps you there with every page you turn and does it without missing a beat. It felt like the two main characters Ambrosia and Sully were caught in the writer's web and you needed to know if they would come out alive or come out trapped for good. This book is recommended if you want a thrill ride with a group of women who know what they want and don't want to be mixed with a bit of danger. This makes sexuality and independence and women empowerment a thing to behold. But what will keep you turning pages is to find out if the girls are nice or if some friendships are deadly. After reading this novel Ms. Flynn has made my instabuy list and for good reason. This is hands down a great dark thriller go get it! Thank you Netgalley for my arc and thank you to the author for writing a story that will stay with me.

When you are an outsider looking in on the life of a celebrity you typically only see the pretty parts or the drama but you as the bystander never get the full story. In her beautifully crafted memoir, Demi Moore gives you an insight into not only the good, the bad, and especially the ugly. I have read many memoirs and like many readers, they are rather hit or miss. The Psychopath is my only memoir other than Inside Out that had a four-star read but the subject matter was heavy. I connected with this one and can confidently say that this is worth your time and my five-star rating. This memoir is thoughtful well written and it feels like you are invited into the author's inner circle if you come with an open mind and an open heart.

One of the best things about this memoir is its openness and honesty. I think if you have ever dealt with any of the things Ms. Moore opens-up about that it will connect with you and help you feel like you are not alone. I think the only thing I truly wish for this novel is that it was longer. She gave us so much to digest about her life and experience that once it ended, I was sad.

When I picked this up and requested it, I really did want something easy breezy and something to break up the mystery and bloody reading sprees. I was enchanted by the story. There were times I laughed and flipped through it and got lost in the cuteness. I liked Brougham. He was all big heart and grumpy brute and it was great. The way he opened up to Darcy as the pages turned it was great. His family life added to the story for me and when things rough and he opened up to Darcy and showed us his inner silly I was sold,


Darcy however was a tougher sell for me. While I felt like she had a generosity of spirit and a big heart, some of her actions were just...really off-putting. But also, Probably true to her age. And in the end, I was happy with the way it was all resolved. And I loved her with Brougham. There were sweetness and honesty to their relationship that felt so heartfelt to me. But I also appreciated the honesty in the inner-conflict Darcy felt while sorting through her own feelings for him. In this, I felt like everything was basically perfection.

I enjoyed this book but this was a bit of a mixed bag for me. That is why it is getting three stars. I liked the writing style of the author. It took a bit for me to settle into the story, and then some parts felt like they dragged - I found most of it engaging and relatable but the pacing of the storytelling felt off to me, or maybe it was just that I wasn't as invested in all storylines? In any case, I enjoyed the LGBTQ+ representation and once I got comfortable in the pages, I was happy to see it through to the end. If you are looking for an easy-breezy diverse read this is a great one to read.

hate that life gets in the way when you want to tell the world how obsessed you are about a book. I LOVED THE POET! This is my second book by Lisa Renee Jones. I did read If I Were You in 2015 and inhaled it in two days and this has just reignited my need for more by the author. The Poet was an extraordinary gripping read that kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time from page one to the very last. I finished the first 68% in two days then life got in my way and I needed to put it down. Sam is strong and she is determined to bring the Poet down. She's the brainy, intuitive and methodical one. He is the charmer, the sounding board, and the protective voice of reason. You will love the banter that takes part between Sam and Lang and the chemistry between FBI boyfriend Wade adds so much to the story you will love the dynamic between the three of them. Sam is a strong independent woman who does not turn her brain off until the case is solved and it is fantastic. The twists and turns in the story are not predictable and make you more invested in the story. Just about the time you think you have figured it out the plot takes a right turn and off you go in a different direction.
I was so thrilled that Goodreads shows this as book 1 in the Samantha Jazz series because after the last page I was sad that it was over. This book gave me Women's Murder Club vibes which I inhaled up until book 15 so I need a replacement for a great crime-fighting duo or group and the female lead is amazing! I am totally obsessed with this read everyone needs to read it.