I loved Darling Rose Gold so was excited to read this one! A little more confusing as several different POVs involved, but once I finished I figured it out! Cults, parent behaving badly, release of fear thru pain….creepy good!

This is an awesome book by my friend, Laura. We taught high school English together for years and she‘s written several YA books (Queen Geek series). Now this one is being adapted into a movie (adult themes but so good)! I‘m so proud of her and can‘t wait to see it!

This is a cute romance novella with several other stories. Summer is a pansexual who has broken up with her girlfriend and meets a darling boy. Enough said. Fun summer read!

This book is awesome! Originally selected it because hubby is a long-time ftball coach and wanted to understand his enthusiasm. But it‘s so much more! So many themes: tribal attitudes, survival, jealousy, autism, teamwork, along with humor and pathos! Absolutely loved it!🏈
#NetGalley/ out in July

If you love, dark, brutal books you may like this one. I read it in one sitting as I didn‘t want to prolong it (and now I need a palate-cleanser for sure)! Two couples “meet” under unusual (and deadly) circumstances and things go haywire from then on! Maybe don‘t attempt to read in the dark of night!😱

This is a sweet, but an often bittersweet, poignant novel about Sam—who goes from ages 7-20 during the course of this coming-of-age book. Heartbreaks, disappointments, and achievements all affect her outlook as she begins rock climbing and must deal with both parents and friends as she navigates this life that can be both exhilarating and exhausting!

I adored Queenie so was overjoyed to get this one! Very funny but poignant story about Cyril and his 5 children by 4 different women. They meet once and then are “called together” when Dimple gets herself in trouble with a boyfriend and needs family support. Witty and relevant, this novel is sure to please!
#NetGalley Out 9/13/22

Adore her books! This one gives a new meaning to “game” though; it‘s diabolical, creepy, and mind-bending! Harriet meets fiancé, Edward‘s wealthy family and is sucked into a web of deceit, secrets, and unspeakable horrors (and a meet-up with Krampus), evil “twin of St. Nick. Don‘t read with the lights off!?
#NetGalley Out 11/22

This is a lovely book that details 78-year-old Len‘s life when his mother (dead for 7 years) is suddenly “resurrected” and appears in his home! Alternating in time, the novel showcases both past and present as we see Len in good and bad times, dealing with pain, family, remorse, but above all, redemption! Such a sweet book!

Cooper is one of my all-time favorite authors so I was beyond excited for this ARC! Gavin struggles with his ambivalent feelings about his sexuality as a young boy and then as a married man and father. That‘s all you need for plot; it‘s lovely, insightful, humorous, and poignant! Just read it and try not to cry (I dare you)!
#NetGalley 9/22

This awesome book is both hilarious and depressing until everything falls into place! Danny has just been dumped by his boyfriend and must move in with bestie Jacob who is flamboyant and over-the-top. What ensues is somewhat a “comedy of errors” at work, at home, with his therapist, and in public. I laughed, I cried, I rooted for Danny as the writing is insightful and vivid!
#NetGalley

This novel made my head spin like a pinball out of control! Ellie is reeling over her father‘s early death but then disappointed when she is gifted only a tie rack as her inheritance. But she‘s an investigative reporter so she digs, and what she finds is more compassion than she believed she was capable of feeling. Enough said. I laughed, I cried, but I will always remember this heartbreaking, heartfelt, deftly-written novel!
#NetGalley June ‘22

Know many of you have probably seen this but I love a good lit reference in a cartoon!😝

Adored this thriller (one of the best I‘ve read this year)! Skye, Burke, Heather, Libby….all characters in this fiendishly twisted novel about love, deception, power, wealth, revenge, and mental illness/compassion. Had me gasping for breath and reaching (ok, gulping) a glass of wine! Creepy good!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️👏

Since I love books set in schools I knew I‘d like this! Alternating between past (college) and present, the novel reveals three couples who were best friends then and now gather for a reunion of sorts. But we all know that appearance and reality rarely mesh, so be ready for secrets, lies, and miscommunications that will have your head spinning like a top!

This is one of those fun Murder Mystery parties where guests are given identities and clues to help them solve the “murder” and is set in a beautiful mansion in an idyllic setting. Becca is still upset with husband Blake‘s indiscretion earlier in the year but is pleased as she is a fan of mysteries. But of course a real murder takes place so the stakes are high. Good romp and 1920‘s speakeasy theme so enjoy the intrigue!
#NetGalley Out in Sept.

I‘m not even sure how I feel about this book except to say it‘s dark, weird, and eccentric; and I think I liked it! Patrick travels to LA to work on a movie version of his novel and meets sassy starlet, Cassidy who loves bossing him around. Climate change, corporate greed, corruption, and family are all addressed in this novel that may haunt my dreams for days to come!

This is a bittersweet novel about a Dominican family living in New York. When gentrification begins on the condos, Eusebia and her friends plan to halt progress by committing small “crimes.” But when her daughter Luz falls for the white developer, things get dicey! It‘s a novel about family, culture, values, and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. This one will surely take the world by storm!
#NetGalley❤️

What She Said by the same author (couldn‘t find it in the Litsy database) was an awesome thriller in the Karen Hart series. Even though this is the first I‘ve read of hers, it can be a stand-alone easily! Karen is searching for an abducted woman whose only “witness” is a 5-yr-old girl who has a wild imagination and tends to fabricate. Many twists and turns as suspects range from the husband to a favorite author. Raced through this one!
#NetGalley

This is a freakishly good book with snarky mean girls (and boys)! Jessica is invited to her Homecoming reunion which brings back memories of all the secrets, lies, and transgressions that still seem to “rule” their lives. Alternating in time from “then” to “now,” the novel documents everything from silly pranks to murder. Couldn‘t tear my eyes away from this one!😱

This is a heartbreaking and lovely—but often depressing—look at one man‘s search for meaning. Michael is a high school teacher in London who decides to move to the US and kill himself when he runs out of money. Past trauma weighs heavily on him and he sees this as the only way out. But is it?
#NetGalley Out Nov. 2022

We‘ll, adulting went out the window today as I couldn‘t stop reading this once I started! I bought it because I loved Lock the Doors and think I liked this one even better! Jess is 17 when she is offered a reality tv show as her mother was murdered 10 years ago by the infamous Magpie Man. Enough said; just don‘t start it if you don‘t have time to finish soon! Billed as YA, it‘s interesting and clever enough for crime aficionados everywhere!

Great YA thriller about Hunter and girlfriend, Chloe who suffer an accident the night of Homecoming; it leaves Hunter with a concussion and amnesia as well as a girlfriend who‘s gone missing. Clever humor and plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the bitter end!
#NetGalley Out Nov. 2022

Oh man, this was a great thriller with a million twists until the very last page! Nicole fears losing her job as an attorney when she‘s told her billing hours fall short of expectations. Coincidentally, she is invited to Panthera Leo, a group of women who vow to always stick together and empower each other in the face of the male patriarchy. Sound too good to be true? Of course! I adore McKenzie‘s novels!
#NetGalley Out 9/23

Apparently this is part of a series but it‘s the first and can be read as a stand-alone which is what I did. Abby is an FBI agent when a suitcase is left in front of their office and it contains a drugged little girl. That‘s all you need to know. Good guys, bad guys…you get the picture! Creepy and interesting!

So creepy good! Family trip to an Australian island to see indigenous animals turns into an accident/nightmare/kidnapping. This one kept me on the edge of my seat for hours! Had loved his novel The Chain so I knew this was worth it!
#NetGalley Out 5/17

Creepy thriller set on an island? Yes please! Elle is accepted into a clinical trial set in the Canary Islands where participants will be given an experimental drug in exchange for $20,000. Sound too good to be true? You be the judge! Great cast of characters, twists and turns, and an ending you won‘t believe!
#NetGalley Out July 7

Andrew and Maeve move to Maine where Andrew once worked on a lobster boat. But of course a quaint town is not always a peaceful tight-knit community and soon Andrew discovers deception running rampant! Corruption, greed, class differences, and inequality are rooted in this small town. Many twists and turns as people are not who they pretend to be.
#NetGalley Out June 7

This is a cute romance about 3 millennials, Joy, Annie, and Celine. Joy and Annie are roommates looking for a 3rd, but when Theo moves in of course the dynamic changes. None of these women are terribly likable but who is when you‘re desperate for love (or at least a loving connection)? It‘s a fun romp and will give you some laughs as well!
#Netgalley Out Aug. 2

This is one of those creepy twisted thrillers that you can‘t put down! The opening line is, “Home is where the hate is.” Now if that doesn‘t scare you…😱! Tom is in high school when he meets “the new girl” who used to live in his house. And things go downhill from there. I still have chills just thinking about it. Not for the faint of heart, it‘s a novel that will resonate for a long time!

I love books set on deserted islands so this was a no-brainer request for me! Newlyweds set sail for a tropical deserted island recommended by a local they meet in a bar. But you know it won‘t be paradise, right? Making friends with the 3 other couples there is a great idea…at first…until things go wrong! Creepy good!
#Netgalley Out May 31st

Awesome thriller that sucked me in from the beginning as it navigates through past and present lives of Molly, Jake, Hunter, and Sabrina. Love triangles, a child, pretense, and secrets…what‘s not to like??
#NetGalley Out mid-June

This was a weirdly wonderful book! Emma is a “healer” who returns to her hometown. That‘s all you need as every event seems to fly in the face of logic so let logic go and laugh, cry, hum to yourself if you like! Will give you all the feels!

I love a good book in a school setting! Alternating between past and present, this novel delves into the lives of “The Divines” with all of the “mean girl” vibes: their jealousy, faux friendships, and outright animosity towards others. We see how, as an adult looking back, things are so much clearer and yet some actions can never be reversed!

Emily and Jody were once friends in high school; now they are reunited when Emily returns to town after dropping out and discovers Jody has a son. Those are the bare bones. Their true feelings for each other are finally realized as they‘ve never admitted to anyone they are gay. But there are forces keeping them apart:a meth lab, thugs, parents….I usually love dark stories but this one messed with my head more than usual!😳

It took me a bit to understand the format of this fascinating novel as Hannah is writing a book and her “characters” are, in a sense, writing their own story! It‘s a murder mystery/thriller that surprises you with dozens of twists and turns!
Out June 7 #Netgalley

This is a bittersweet story of a family torn apart by loss. Juliette is still devastated over the accidental death of her young son and fears she‘s losing her husband so she plans a weekend away for them to heal. But she has no idea that the wilderness has other plans for them….Sounds terrifying but it‘s sweet and so worth reading!❤️

This novel is crazy-good! Rose is determined to get her son into The Woolf School as it appears to be unique and a perfect fit for young Charlie. But there are so many things lurking beneath the surface that will have your head spinning until the end. Takhar speaks to so many issues including entitlement, gender, and economic inequality. It could be subtitled “Mean Girls Grow Up” but now I‘m hooked by this author!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Out 8/2/22 #NetGalley

This is a cute novella and a good palate cleanser for me as I‘ve read so many creepy thrillers lately! Mara owns a retro video arcade and Val owns the jewelry store next door. When a break-in occurs…well see where this is going?? Very sweet and romantic!

Awesome thriller that entranced me from the beginning! Mary receives a “gift” that is a list of first names and the date on which they will be murdered. As a freelance crime writer, she is intrigued until she sees her own name listed on April 1st. And the shivers begin! Could it be a coincidence as it‘s a common name? Ha! Kept me up at night (with the doors locked and lights on)!
Out May 31st #NetGalley

Great thriller! Jamie and boyfriend Spider are making a documentary about the many intentional fires set in their area. Newly-married Mom Ella is having trouble with husband Ant as he bosses her younger daughter Cleo who becomes obsessed with the history when she and a friend discover the remains of a burnout and are determined to solve the mystery. This is a 1 (or maybe 2) day read so be prepared to immerse yourself!
#NetGalley

Great thriller that keeps you guessing until the bitter end! Alice leaves Joseph after discovering his cheating, and meets handsome Luke on holiday. But of course there‘s always something about strangers that compel and repel at the same time so Alice must figure out why he “needs” her so desperately! All in good time my friends as you won‘t know the full truth until the final pages! Yikes!
#NetGalley Out May 13th

I adore Laura Dave and didn‘t realize this was her debut! Emmy leaves Matt in the middle of the night and later returns home for her brother‘s wedding. But his life is complicated as well and when an old boyfriend of hers shows up, Emmy has many difficult decisions to make. Told with wry wit and compassion, the book reveals her empathetic nature in the face of adversity as well as the lovely bond she shares with her brother!

Fascinating love triangle! When Tom leaves his wife, Rachel for younger woman Heidi, things get dicey. Seven years later he‘s missing and no one seems to know anything. Alternating between past and present, the novel details the events leading up to the betrayal and the lengths to which people will go to maintain a facade, deceive others, and keep the truth from emerging!

This is an odd but very interesting novel about surrogacy, parenthood, jealousy, and mental health. When Jake and Kate hire a surrogate, they assume things will go as planned as they willingly invite her in as their “lodger.” But does anything ever go according to plan? Ha! Regardless, it‘s an awesome storyline that will keep you guessing until the end!

This was an entertaining look at a marriage where secrets, lies, and deception are the tapestry woven into Duncan and Gina‘s lives. Seriously, my head was spinning as I tried to figure out who was the bigger liar! Jump in and don‘t try to figure it out…just let that fabric unravel before your eyes!
#NetGalley

Fascinating book that kept me from adulting until I finished it! Naomi is in love but obsessed with her boyfriend‘s ex and stalks her on social media until she finds a way to casually “run into” her in a coffee shop. And you can imagine how things go downhill from there! Yep, might have you looking over your shoulder…but it‘s worth it!

Don‘t be deceived by this innocuous title! This is as dark and creepy as it gets…and I‘m reading it in daylight! College girls, old men pedophiles, secret societies, and prominent officials…the list goes on! Such an absorbing read but like I mentioned, best not to read in the dark!😱
Thanks to #NetGalley

I had read Freshwater and didn‘t even realize it was the same author but wow, what a fascinating story/romance that I wasn‘t expecting! Fruit is invited to a lush tropical island by the man she is dating, she has no idea what will transpire. This is an awesome story with flawed, lovable characters, scenery that leaves you breathless, and a romance that leaves you craving more!
#NetGalley Out May 24th

I haven‘t read any of Wilson‘s novels before this one but surely will now! Frankie and Zeke are sixteen and when they meet, they create a poster and have no idea the repercussions it will have as they surreptitiously hang them all over town. It‘s funny, it‘s charming, and bittersweet as adolescence can be! Certainly worth the read!
Out November 8 #NetGalley