Tag: Suspense

Book Review · Books

So Close by Sylvia Day

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Kane is a devilishly handsome man who has become a shell of who he once was after his wife, Lily comes up lost at sea when she decides to go out and sail her boat. He has numbed his grief by the occasional one nighters, but they just aren’t her. To comfort himself, Kane has paintings of her in his snazzy penthouse. In his bedroom there is one specially placed so that he can gaze on her when he goes to sleep and when he wakes up. His home is a mausoleum of sorts dedicated to her.

One day as he’s stuck in NY traffic he spies a woman who looks like the spitting image of Lily. He can’t help himself. Kane yells out her name and the woman in question turns to him in recognition and runs to get away from him. In the process of trying to get away from Kane, she gets hit by a car. In order to protect this possible Lily Kane has guards stand to keep an eye on who comes and goes to see who he hopes is his long lost wife.

When Lily recoups from her coma she insists that she is his Lily. Will Kane and Lily be able to rebuild their marriage and relationship? Where has she been since she was presumed dead? Not everyone in Kane’s life is thrilled his wife has come back from the dead.

This thriller is intense. If you enjoy psychological thrillers you just might enjoy this story. This is my first book I’ve read by Sylvia Day and I’m pleasantly surprised with her skill of storytelling. If you are a fan of Sarah Pinborough, then I think you will become a new fan. This novel had me hooked from the start.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of So Close by Sylvia Day from Ronin House, care of Smith Publicity for my honest feedback. The views expressed are my own and my choice.

Book Review · Books

I Love You To Pieces

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Olivia appears to have a charmed life. Her father is rich, so she is not in need of want when it comes to accommodations, but the one thing missing is her mother’s love. No, matter what Olivia does it seems to grate on her mother’s nerves. Her times of respite come when gets to visit her grandmother. At her grandmother’s house Olivia’s stress can melt away while looking for seashells on the beach.

When incidents with Olivia’s mother turn sour, Olivia is whisked off to live with her grandmother. Peace reigns, but then Olivia has to return to life with her mother. Olivia can’t wait for her father to return from one of his business trips, but then the unthinkable happens. Olivia is crushed as her father was her protector. After a dire incident involving her mother, Olivia’s grandmother takes matters into her own hands. Olivia has got to be protected at all costs. She is sent off to a private boarding school.

With Olivia’s best friends by her side her as an adult, life seems to be normalizing after her rocky childhood. After a few incidents of Olivia waking up with different nail polish on and mystery items she’s wondering what’s going on. Why can’t she recall some evenings? Why does she wake up feeling hung over when she hadn’t drunk the night before?

I received my complimentary digital complimentary copy of I Love You To Pieces by Lori Flynn from Austin Macaulay Publishers, care of Booktasters and the author. The views are mine and of my own choice. This novel is nail biting. I can’t fathom growing up in a home with a mother as monstrous as Olivia’s. This story is one of great challenges, but also, shows how the gift of true friendship and a love interest can spur you on to survive.

Book Review · Books

Burn Our Bodies Down

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Margot’s life is within the walls of the place she shares with her over worked, emotionally closed off mom. Her mom always tells her to keep a candle burning. Margot thinks this is a tad weird, but any time she deviates her mom gives her an earful. Margot’s life consists of her, her mom and school. No one else.

One day to be thoughtful to her mom, Margot decides to go to the local pawn shop to buy back an item her mom pawned. While trying to find the special item she discovers her mom’s childhood Bible. Inside she discovers a message she’s not expecting and proof her mom had a childhood. She purchases the Bible. The proof contains the name of a place and number. Does she have extended family?

While her mom is at work Margot decides to risk calling the number. Will this family member answer? Do they know she exists? As a person answers the phone her mom appears at the phone booth and demands her to hand over the receiver. There are words exchanged and Margot’s mom slams the payphone down. What’s so terrible about possible family?

Margot decides she has to find out. With the money she skimmed from her mom she hitchhikes to the town referenced. Will Margot find a long lost, loving family member? Can she ever gain the home life she yearns for that her mom seems unable to provide? Why is her mom keeping Margot from family? What could her mom be hiding?

I received my complimentary digital copy of Burn Our Bodies Down by Rory Power from Delacorte Press, care of NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own choice. This novel is a whirlwind of different emotions. It’s a roller coaster that keeps you hanging on till the end of the ride wondering what the heck just happened. I’m still trying to mentally wrap my brain around Margot’s story. This novel captures the challenges of family and what family means. If you enjoy YA suspense with a dash of surrealism jump on to this hair raising ride.

Book Review · Books

Dead To Her

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Marcie has come up in the world now that she’s married to Jason, lives in a nice home and hobnobs with the rich inner circle of Savannah. The only thing is Marcie’s past is shut away in a little box. When her and Jason’s friend William marries a new wife, Keisha, a woman who makes everyone’s head turn. Marcie wonders if this new wife is all who she appears to be.

Keisha is thrust into this high society that is out of her comfort zone, but even though William is much older then her, the money is worth it. But her past keeps knocking at her door, making her feel unworthy of her new found love and home. Can Keisha move beyond her past?

Two women trying to fit in to a world that has its own little secrets. Why was William’s first wife so beloved? Are the inner circle ladies truly your friend, or is it just for social appearances? Will Marcie and Keisha ever get along?

I received my complimentary copy of Dead To Her by Sarah Pinborough from William Morrow, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and of my own choice. Sarah Pinborough creates complex characters that take you on a whirlwind of adventure. My brain is still wrapping around the ending. If you enjoy Gone Girl, then you may enjoy this Southern thriller. Pinborough is a master of the psychological thriller. Once you read one of novels you’ll be greedy for more.

Book Review · Books

10 Days Gone

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Police detectives A.L. and Rea have a serial killer that needs to be caught, but will they let their personal struggles distract them? Rea is trying to get pregnant, but her husband seems distracted and aloof. A.L.’s teen daughter is starting to act out. Can’t life ever not include extra drama?

When they figure out what the past victims have in common the serial killer becomes even more mysterious. Will Rea and A.L. be able to figure out whose next on his/her list? Will they get to the next upcoming victim in time?

This book was a fun, intense read that keeps you guessing. The characters are relatable and lovable. The setting of the story is in a small town where you think you know everyone, until women start dying with no signs of struggle. I am definitely going to seek out other titles in this series with A.L. and Rea.

I received my complimentary digital copy of Ten Days Gone by Beverly Long from MIRA Books, care of NetGalley. The views are mine and of my own choice. If you enjoy mystery, suspense with some romance thrown in then I recommend this title. This book makes me want to become a detective. Yes. It’s that engrossing.

Book Review · Books

Kidnapped on Safari

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Do you like Africa, suspense, mystery, danger and a unique cast of characters? Kidnaped On Safari is the story of Pero, a wildlife TV show producer on set in Africa when his Safari guide, Mbuno learns that his son has been kidnapped. Pero has been through many harrowing adventures and when he decides to help Mbuno rescue his Safari guide’s son, they have no idea what they’ll be stepping into.

Two of the gentleman on the safari that Mbuno’s son was kidnapped on arrive back and explain that they were on the safari to take pictures of the wildlife. Pero wonders why someone would want to kidnap Mbuno’s son, but after enlarging the photos Pero realizes there’s more involved then it appears.

This novel is short, but action packed. I like how each chapter is written in the native tongue of the country where the novel takes place, plus the African characters speaking in their native language I think is a great authentic touch to the story. I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but thankfully Pero explains some of his past adventures.

I received my complimentary copy of Kidnaped On Safari by Peter Riva from Skyhorse Publishing, Inc., care of FSB Associates. The views are mine and of my own choice. After a previous thriller book I think I’ve determined I’m partial to psychological thrillers, though if you enjoy more tame thrillers then Kidnaped On Safari may be a great pick.

Book Review · Books

Cross Her Heart

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Lisa’s life is finally getting into a great rhythm with her daughter Ava. She has a great job, landed a big account at work and has the best friend ever in her coworker, Marilyn. Ava is turning into a classic surly teenager with attitude. She can’t understand why her mom is so protective of her. Ava is practically an adult, can’t her mom are that? Lisa knows they can get through her daughter’s rebellious phase.

One afternoon at a local town fair Ava saves a little boy who falls into the river. Being on the high school swim team has it’s perks. Ava swallows up all the attention while Lisa is trying to avoid being a part of the spotlight.

The affects of Ava’s heroism turn Lisa and Ava’s world upside down when people come looking for someone named Charlotte. Whose Charlotte? Does she know Lisa? Does Lisa know her? Are things as they seem for Lisa and Ava?

I loved Sarah Pinborough’s young adult novel 13 Minutes. Cross Her Heart is even better. For fans of Gone Girl, this new book by Sarah will definitely become a new all time favorite. I already want to read it again. If you adore suspense and psychological thrillers then this is a must read.

I received my complimentary copy of Cross My Heart by Sarah Pinborough from William Morrow, care of TLC Book Tours. The views are mine and my own choice to post. Pick up a copy here and learn more about the author. I thought I was a big fan of Sarah Pinborough, but after reading Cross Her Heart, I’m now an avid fan and am going to read her other novels.

Book Review · Books

Hangman

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Do you like mysteries that keep you turning page after page? Hangman is a short, fast paced, engrossing read. If you are a fan of Dexter then you’ll want to add this novel to your TBR.

Timothy Blake is a man whose had the life from Hell. He grew up in the foster care system after his parents died tragically and lived on the streets after he aged out of the system. He managed to survive long enough to snag a special job assignment with the FBI. In exchange he’s got his own special prize for helping solve cases.

When he’s asked to solve a missing teen case he’s assigned to Agent Reese. She’s attractive and seems to get along with him, but Timothy always keeps others at arms length. When they start to get talking about life they both realize their pasts are connected. When she uses an old nickname for him “Scary Timmy,” he wonders if Agent Reese will figure out his secret?

While researching the case Timothy keeps getting stuck in the wrong place at the wrong time. He just wants to solve it so he can get his reward. Will Timothy solve the case in time, or will his secret be his undoing?

I received a complimentary copy of Hangman by Jack Heath from Harlequin Trade Publishing as a courtesy before I dive into the upcoming sequel. The views are mine and of my own will.

Book Review · Books

Where The Forest Meets The Stars

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Reading debut novels is an adventure. You don’t know what thrilling new author you might discover. Honestly who can look at this book cover and not want to dive into this story? I just finished reading the last page and I already want a sequel.

Jo is still reeling from the passing of her mom and coming to terms with her own health challenges. As a bird researcher she enjoys the solitude her work gives her. One night Jo encounters a little girl who appears lost, hungry and shy. Feeding this unknown waif Jo learns this girl is an alien visiting from another plant. Ursa does seem very bright for her approximate age. Doing the right thing a few days later, Jo calls the local police, but gets the strangest reaction. Ursa runs off as soon as she senses it’s the police.

After locating Ursa, Jo realizes the police won’t be any help. Her and Ursa encounter the local egg man who sells eggs near the house she’s renting for her summer research. Egg man is handsome and Ursa seems to take a liking to him. Because of Jo’s health challenges she doesn’t feel desirable, but egg man is cute and they seem to get along.

Both Jo and egg man take to both helping out Ursa by swapping taking care of her. Through this joint effort they all start to create a bond of sorts. One day when they are out helping Jo with her field work Ursa gets whacked by a tree branch. Due to the injury Jo and egg man start to drive her to the hospital, but Ursa leaps out of the car and makes a dash for it.

This book covers a myriad of topics from what makes up a family, relationships, health, to missing children, and so much more. This book was intense from page one and had me wanting to find out what happens to Jo, Ursa and egg man.

I received a complimentary copy of Where The Forest Meets The Stars by Glendy Vanderah from Lake Union care of TLC Book Tours. The views expressed are my own.

Book Review · Books

Under My Skin

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Poppy’s life seems perfect: handsome husband, Jack, best friend, Layla and a thriving business in NY. Everything screeches to a halt when Jack is murdered one morning while jogging early in the morning. Poppy is sick with a cold so she stays home instead of going jogging with him like usual. She wonders who would want her husband dead?

Poppy wants to piece together the why of her husband’s untimely death. Who killed Jack and why? In her grief over his death there are days after his funeral that are missing for Poppy. Where was she? Who was she with? Layla, her husband, Mac and their security connections just want Poppy to let it be and allow the professionals to look into Jack’s death. The detective Mr. Grayson keeps trying to keep Poppy from doing her own investigation, but once Poppy is on a mission with her camera to find her husband’s killer she won’t be stopped.

This novel is fast paced, intense, a mental gymnastics that will have you guessing till the end. Lisa Unger is a master suspense story teller that brings to life her stories. I haven’t read a book by her in almost ten years, but I’m so glad I got asked to review this novel. It has renewed how much I enjoy her novels.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Under My Skin by Lisa Unger care of TLC Book Tours from Park Row Books. The opinions expressed in this review are strictly mine. Connect with Lisa via her website and buy a copy.