Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier

Published by Minotaur Books

Published on April 21, 2020

Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 352

Source: Gifted

Format: Kindle

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Description: Overwhelmed by tragedy, a woman desperately tries to save her marriage in award-winning author Jennifer Hillier's Little Secrets, a riveting novel of psychological suspense.

All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret...

Marin had the perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They're admired in their community and are a loving family—until their world falls apart the day their son Sebastian is taken.

A year later, Marin is a shadow of herself. The FBI search has gone cold. The publicity has faded. She and her husband rarely speak. She hires a P.I. to pick up where the police left off, but instead of finding Sebastian, she learns that Derek is having an affair with a younger woman. This discovery sparks Marin back to life. She's lost her son; she's not about to lose her husband, too. Kenzie is an enemy with a face, which means this is a problem Marin can fix.

Permanently.

Hello Readers.

This book was gifted to me from one of my best friends. She read an ARC of it and sent me a copy of it the day it released. I finally got to read it this week and I am so glad that I did. I got really into the story and even would send my friend messages about what I was reading. I was all in. 

I was pulled deeply into this book the first scene and plowed through it in less than a day. I started it one evening and finished it the next afternoon. I am sure that I would have read it faster but I had to person a little. The characters were wonderfully flawed. Driven by emotions, their actions left me in shock at times. A true roller coaster. I laughed. I cried. I wanted blood. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was an incredible book and I absolutely loved it. I will be reading all the other work by the author. I will definitely be watching for new releases. Highly recommend. 

InkedBookdragon

The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

The New Husband by D.J. Palmer

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on April 14, 2020

Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller, Contemporary

Page Count: 384

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

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Description: What makes Simon Fitch so perfect?

-He knows all her favorite foods, music, and movies.

-Her son adores him. He was there when she needed him most.

-He anticipates her every need.

-He would never betray her like her first husband.

The perfect husband. He checks all the boxes.

The question is, why?

Nina Garrity learned the hard way that her missing husband, Glen, had been leading a double life with another woman. But with Glen gone―presumably drowned while fishing on his boat―she couldn't confront him about the affair or find closure to the life he blew apart.

Now, a year and a half later, Nina has found love again and hopes she can put her shattered world back together. Simon, a widower still grieving the death of his first wife, thinks he has found his dream girl in Nina, and his charm and affections help break through to a heart hardened by betrayal. Nina's teenage son, Connor, embraces Simon as the father he wishes his dad could have been, while her friends see a different side to him, and they aren't afraid to use the word obsession.

Nina works hard to bridge the divide that’s come between her daughter and Simon. She wants so badly to believe her life is finally getting back on track, but she’ll soon discover that the greatest danger to herself and her children are the lies people tell themselves.

Hello Readers.

I was sent an ARC of this book and was really excited about reading it. I loved the other book written by D.J. Palmer and was delighted to hear that there was a new book. The premise looked so promising. Life got a little crazy so I did not get to read it as soon as I got it. Thankfully, I finally got to read it. 

I had such high expectations for this book. Perhaps they were too high going into it. The first chapter started out strong. The scenario was intriguing and I wanted to read as much as I could. I ended up reading five chapters that night before I needed to sleep. I wish that I could say that the momentum continued but it did not. The book became quite slow and even drug in some parts. I developed a love-hate relationship with some of the characters. I liked them at first and then grew to hate them as the book continued then liked them by the end. I wanted to throttle some of them at times. 

I am rating this book Three Orange Books because I liked it but it was really touch and go for a bit there. It took way too long for me to read. I tried to get into it more but there were moments that I wanted to read anything and everything else. I may be able to go back and read it again and feel differently about it but a three is all that I can give it now. I am not sure if I would recommend it.

InkedBookDragon

The God Game by Danny Tobey

The God Game by Danny Tobey

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on January 7, 2020

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult, Fantasy, Horror, Suspense, Mystery, Adult

Page Count: 496

Source: Publisher

Format: ARC

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Book Description:

You are invited!

Come inside and play with G.O.D.

Bring your friends!

It’s fun!

But remember the rules. Win and ALL YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.™ Lose, you die!

With those words, Charlie and his friends enter the G.O.D. Game, a video game run by underground hackers and controlled by a mysterious AI that believes it’s God. Through their phone-screens and high-tech glasses, the teens’ realities blur with a virtual world of creeping vines, smoldering torches, runes, glyphs, gods, and mythical creatures. When they accomplish a mission, the game rewards them with expensive tech, revenge on high-school tormentors, and cash flowing from ATMs. Slaying a hydra and drawing a bloody pentagram as payment to a Greek god seem harmless at first. Fun even.

But then the threatening messages start. Worship me. Obey me. Complete a mission, however cruel, or the game reveals their secrets and crushes their dreams. Tasks that seemed harmless at first take on deadly consequences. Mysterious packages show up at their homes. Shadowy figures start following them, appearing around corners, attacking them in parking garages. Who else is playing this game, and how far will they go to win?

And what of the game’s first promise: win, win big, lose, you die? Dying in a virtual world doesn’t really mean death in real life—does it?

As Charlie and his friends try to find a way out of the game, they realize they’ve been manipulated into a bigger web they can’t escape: an AI that learned its cruelty from watching us.

God is always watching, and He says when the game is done.

Hello Readers.

I read The God Game for a buddy read with some of my closest friends. I was sent a copy of it and this was the perfect opportunity to read it. What a book! This one was nothing like I thought it would be. I was drawn into it and could not wait to see what happened next. I have said it before but that truly is a rare thing for me. I read a lot of books and only a small percentage of them grab my full attention. This one did just that. Creepy at moments. Intense. Left me wanting more. 

I am rating this book Four Red Books because I was torn on how to rate it. This would be one of those that I would rate with half books if I had that system. It was not quite a Five but it was more than a Four. I have purchased the other book by this author and look forward to reading it. Recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare and Leave No Scone Unturned by Denise Swanson

BLOG TOUR : FOUL IS FAIR

Foul Is Fair 

By Hannah Capin

Published by Wednesday Books

Published on February 18th 2020

Hannah Capin's Foul is Fair is a bloody, thrilling revenge fantasy for the girls who have had enough. Golden boys beware: something wicked this way comes.

Jade and her friends Jenny, Mads, and Summer rule their glittering LA circle. Untouchable, they have the kind of power other girls only dream of. Every party is theirs and the world is at their feet. Until the night of Jade's sweet sixteen, when they crash a St. Andrew’s Prep party. The night the golden boys choose Jade as their next target.

They picked the wrong girl.

Sworn to vengeance, Jade transfers to St. Andrew’s Prep. She plots to destroy each boy, one by one. She'll take their power, their lives, and their control of the prep school's hierarchy. And she and her coven have the perfect way in: a boy named Mack, whose ambition could turn deadly.

Here is an excerpt:

Foul is Fair

"Fierce, vicious, and electric. If books had teeth, Foul Is Fair would have fangs. Capin's language glitters dark and her writing cuts deep. Revenge is a dish best served by this deliciously unapologetic coven." - Laurie Elizabeth Flynn, author of Firsts and Last Girl Lied To

"Capin’s writing will seduce you with its beauty and then, when you least suspect it, slice you to the bone—just like Foul is Fair’s captivating, vicious, entirely unforgettable heroine, Jade." - Layne Fargo, author of Temper and co-host of Unlikeable Female Characters Podcast

“Vicious and beautifully brutal, Foul is Fair gives a sword to every girl who has ever been a victim and makes them a warrior. This book is pulls no punches and will make anyone think twice before uttering the phrase ‘just a girl’. An unapologetic feminist battle-cry that leaves you breathless and thirsting for vengeance.” - Sonia Hartl, author of Have a Little Faith in Me

"Foul is Fair delivers the story of a girl who snatches control back from a world that stole it away, through whatever means necessary. Hannah Capin deftly combines stunningly lyrical prose with the raw power of engulfing fury, sending a message written in blood. In a world where too many are forced into silence, this book roars back." - S. Gonzales, author of The Law of Inertia and Only Mostly Devastated

Buy here: https://wednesdaybooks.com/the-real-deal/foul-is-fair/

Author bio:

Hannah Capin is the author of Foul is Fair and The Dead Queens Club, a feminist retelling of the wives of Henry VIII. When she isn’t writing, she can be found singing, sailing, or pulling marathon gossip sessions with her girl squad. She lives in Tidewater, Virginia.

Author’s Twitter/Instagram: @tldaaollf

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

The Wives by Tarryn Fisher

Published by Graydon House

Published on December 30th 2019

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 336

Source: Publisher

Format: Paperback

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Description: Imagine that your husband has two other wives.

You’ve never met the other wives. None of you know each other, and because of this unconventional arrangement, you can see your husband only one day a week. But you love him so much you don’t care. Or at least that’s what you’ve told yourself.

But one day, while you’re doing laundry, you find a scrap of paper in his pocket—an appointment reminder for a woman named Hannah, and you just know it’s another of the wives.

You thought you were fine with your arrangement, but you can’t help yourself: you track her down, and, under false pretenses, you strike up a friendship. Hannah has no idea who you really are. Then, Hannah starts showing up to your coffee dates with telltale bruises, and you realize she’s being abused by her husband. Who, of course, is also your husband. But you’ve never known him to be violent, ever.

Who exactly is your husband, and how far would you go to find the truth? Would you risk your own life?

And who is his mysterious third wife?

Hello Readers.

"What in the world did I just read?" I frequently asked myself this as I read The Wives. This is the second book by Tarryn Fisher that I have read. The first one was Never Never that she co-wrote with Colleen Hoover. I was not sure if I would like her writing style. There was a lot of talk about this one. Those of you that have been around a while know how I feel about hyped up books. I usually shy away from them. An ARC of this book was delivered to my house. This meant, hype or not, I was going to read it. 

Where do I begin with this one? Complex characters. Some likeable and some were not. The reader is thrown curve balls throughout the story. There were multiple times that I stopped and thought, "Whoa...what?" It kept me guessing. I love that. I do not care for books that I can guess within the first few chapters. I like books that keep me wondering what is about to happen. This one was great for that. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it kept me on my toes. It was a roller coaster read and I loved it. I will be looking more into the author's body of work. Highly recommend.

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes, Repeat by Kylie Scott, and Space Between: Explorations of Love, Sex, and Fluidity by Nico Tortorella

The Nanny By GIlly Macmillan

The Nanny by Gilly Macmillan

Published by Willam Morrow

Published on September 10th 2019

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

Page Count: 400

Source: Purchased

Format: Kindle

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Description: The New York Times bestselling author of What She Knew conjures a dark and unpredictable tale of family secrets that explores the lengths people will go to hurt one another.

When her beloved nanny, Hannah, left without a trace in the summer of 1988, seven-year-old Jocelyn Holt was devastated. Haunted by the loss, Jo grew up bitter and distant, and eventually left her parents and Lake Hall, their faded aristocratic home, behind.

Thirty years later, Jo returns to the house and is forced to confront her troubled relationship with her mother. But when human remains are accidentally uncovered in a lake on the estate, Jo begins to question everything she thought she knew.

Then an unexpected visitor knocks on the door and Jo’s world is destroyed again. Desperate to piece together the gaping holes in her memory, Jo must uncover who her nanny really was, why she left, and if she can trust her own mother…

In this compulsively readable tale of secrets, lies, and deception, Gilly Macmillan explores the darkest impulses and desires of the human heart. Diabolically clever, The Nanny reminds us that sometimes the truth hurts so much you’d rather hear the lie.

Hello Readers.

I bought this book as a treat for myself. I read the synopsis and had to read it. I had never read a book by Gilly Macmillan but was quite interested. It felt like a book that I would really enjoy.

This book was everything that I was wanting. Intriguing, complex, deep, and with strong characters. It was intoxicating in a way. I hated to stop reading to sleep. I had questions and I wanted answers. That is a sign of a well written mystery. I was hanging on every word.

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it was a great read. It is getting four books instead of five because there were some parts that were a little wordy and some parts that I guessed early on. Definitely worth a read. Fantastic. 

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Tell Me Three Things by Juliie Buxbaum, The Wives by Tarryn Fisher, and The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes

Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkesan

An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Published by St. Martin's Press

Published on January 8th, 2019

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 375

Source: Gift

Format: Hardback

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Description: Seeking women ages 18–32 to participate in a study on ethics and morality. Generous compensation. Anonymity guaranteed.

When Jessica Farris signs up for a psychology study conducted by the mysterious Dr. Shields, she thinks all she’ll have to do is answer a few questions, collect her money, and leave.

Question #1: Could you tell a lie without feeling guilt?

But as the questions grow more and more intense and invasive and the sessions become outings where Jess is told what to wear and how to act, she begins to feel as though Dr. Shields may know what she’s thinking… and what she’s hiding.

Question #2: Have you ever deeply hurt someone you care about?

As Jess’s paranoia grows, it becomes clear that she can no longer trust what in her life is real, and what is one of Dr. Shields’ manipulative experiments. Caught in a web of deceit and jealousy, Jess quickly learns that some obsessions can be deadly.

Question #3: Should a punishment always fit the crime?


Hello again.

After being blown away by The Wife Between Us, I was greatly looking forward to this book. I started it as soon as I could and had trouble stepping away from it when I had to "adult". Being responsible can be annoying at times. I love when books make me feel this way.

This book stayed in my thoughts when I was away from it. I loved some of the characters. I absolutely hated some of the others. They were wonderfully written but they were so infuriating that I wanted to throw my book. I would daydream about physically harming them. I assume that was what the authors were going for with this book. They did a great job.

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I loved it. It kept my interest and I hated to see it end. I felt invested. Highly recommend.


InkedBookDragon


Currently reading: The Overdue Life of Amy Byler & Lucky Caller by Emma Mills, and She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin

The First Mistake by Sandie Jones

The First Mistake by Sandie Jones

Published by Minotaur Books

Published on June 11th 2019

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense

Page Count: 304

Source: Publisher

Format: Paperback

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Description: From Sandie Jones, the author of the Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller The Other Woman, comes an addictively readable new domestic suspense about a wife, her husband, and the woman who is supposedly her best friend.

THE WIFE: For Alice, life has never been better. With her second husband, she has a successful business, two children, and a beautiful house.

HER HUSBAND: Alice knows that life could have been different if her first husband had lived, but Nathan's arrival into her life gave her back the happiness she craved.

HER BEST FRIEND: Through the ups and downs of life, from celebratory nights out to comforting each other through loss, Alice knows that with her best friend Beth by her side, they can survive anything together. So when Nathan starts acting strangely, Alice turns to Beth for help. But soon, Alice begins to wonder whether her trust has been misplaced . . .

The first mistake could be her last. 

Hello again.

To say that I was excited to receive an arc of this book is an understatement. I had heard that Sandie Jones had written a sophomore novel and I could not wait to get my hands on it. Her previous book, "The Other Woman" was a real page-turner so I was beyond intrigued. Let the review begin...

Bravo! Most authors will tell you that it is super difficult to write that second book, especially if the first one was a big hit. Everyone expects greatness. Some fall horribly short. Some write meh books. Some write really good books. This was a really good book. 

Like a great puzzle, the pieces of this story fit together perfectly. The characters were layered. The characters were realistic. They were beautifully flawed. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I greatly enjoyed it. I would have read it in one setting if I had been given the chance. It truly was that good. The author has her third book coming out this year and I cannot wait. Highly recommend this author and this book. 

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: Pines by Blake Crouch, She Died Famous by Kyle Rutkin, and Lucky Caller by Emma Mills

The Break Down by B. A. Paris

The Break Down by B.A. Paris

Published by: St. Martin's Griffin (reprint edition)

Published on May 22nd, 2018 

Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

Page Count: 352

Source: Gifted

Format:Paperback

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Description: If you can’t trust yourself, who can you trust?

Cass is having a hard time since the night she saw the car in the woods. It was on the winding rural road, in the middle of a downpour, and a woman was sitting inside―the woman who was killed. She’s been trying to put the crime out of her mind; what could she have done, really? It’s a dangerous road to be on in the middle of a storm, and she probably would have been hurt herself if she’d stopped. Not only that, her husband would be furious if he knew she’d broken her promise not to take that shortcut home.

But since then, she’s been forgetting every little thing. Where she left the car; if she took her pills; even the alarm code.

The only thing she can’t forget is that woman, the woman she might have saved, and the terrible nagging guilt.

And the silent calls she’s receiving, or the feeling that someone’s watching her…

Hello Readers.

I was given this book as a present this past Christmas. I had put it on my wishlist because it intrigued me. I had heard things about the author so I wanted to try some of her work. I thought this book would be a good read and it did not disappoint. 

Where do I begin? Hmm...this book was extremely hard to put down once I started it. I grabbed it for a long trip for the holidays.  I was pulled into the story almost immediately and was a bit heartbroken when I had to step away from it and socialize. I would think about it when I couldn't read it and could not wait to get back to it. 

The characters were complex and surprising. I thought that I could probably be friends with some of them. It really takes skill to write characters so multi-dimensional that the reader wants to befriend them. Bravo for that! 

This book did not feel like it was over 300 pages. It flowed beautifully. I was captivated the entire time.  I did not experience any lag. That is super rare. 

I am rating this book Five Blue Books because I think it is absolutely incredible. I added all of the author's work to my TBR and greatly look forward to reading more of it. Highly recommend!

InkedBookDragon

Currently reading: P.S. I Like You by Kasie West, Ash Princess by Laura Sebastian, The First Mistake by Sandie Jones, and The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Reputation by Sara Shepard

Reputation by Sara Shepard

Published by Dutton

Published on December 3, 2019

Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Fiction

Page Count: 384 

Source: Purchased

Format: Kindle

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Description: In this fast-paced new novel from Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, a tight-knit college town scrambles for answers when an e-mail hack reveals life-changing secrets and scandals.

Aldrich University is rocked to its core when a hacker dumps 40,000 people's e-mails—the entire faculty, staff, students, alums—onto an easily searchable database. Rumors and affairs immediately leak, but things turn explosive when Kit Manning's handsome husband, Dr. Greg Strasser, is found murdered. Kit's sister, Willa, returns for the funeral, setting foot in a hometown she fled fifteen years ago, after a night she wishes she could forget. As an investigative reporter, Willa knows something isn't right about the night Greg was killed, and she's determined to find the truth. What she doesn't expect is that everyone has something to hide. And with a killer on the loose, Willa and Kit must figure out who killed Greg before someone else is murdered.

Told from multiple points of view, Reputation is full of twists, turns, and shocking reveals. It's a story of intrigue, sabotage, and the secrets we keep—and how far we go to keep them hidden.


Hello Readers.

I went into this book not knowing what I would encounter. This is the first book by Sara Shepard that I have read so I was not sure what to expect with her writing style. I know that her work has been adapted. I separated this piece in my mind from everything that I had heard about her before. Now that I have given that disclaimer, let's move on to my review.

This book surprised me. I thought that the premise would be interesting but I was pleasantly surprised. The flow felt organic and not strained. The story maintained even with the different view points. That is not an easy feat to pull off. 

The characters were complex yet relatable. We have all encountered people like them. This allowed for the reader to embrace them and want to continue on this journey. I was impressed at how well the author approached character development.

I am rating this book Five Red Books because I was sad that it was over. The ease with which the author transitioned the storyline was fantastic. So many layers and paths that came together beautifully. I find myself wanting to look into Sara Shepard's body of work more. I highly recommend this book.


InkedBookDragon

Something In The Water by Catherine Steadman

Something In The Water by Catherine Steadman

Published by Ballatine Books

Published on June 5, 2018

Genre(s):Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological Thriller

Page Count: 352

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Book Description: If you could make one simple choice that would change your life forever, would you?

Erin is a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough, Mark a handsome investment banker with big plans. Passionately in love, they embark on a dream honeymoon to the tropical island of Bora Bora, where they enjoy the sun, the sand, and each other. Then, while scuba diving in the crystal blue sea, they find something in the water. . . .

Could the life of your dreams be the stuff of nightmares?

Suddenly the newlyweds must make a dangerous choice: to speak out or to protect their secret. After all, if no one else knows, who would be hurt? Their decision will trigger a devastating chain of events. . . .

Have you ever wondered how long it takes to dig a grave?

Wonder no longer. Catherine Steadman’s enthralling voice shines throughout this spellbinding debut novel. With piercing insight and fascinating twists, Something in the Water challenges the reader to confront the hopes we desperately cling to, the ideals we’re tempted to abandon, and the perfect lies we tell ourselves.

Hello Again!

I am a fan of book clubs. I always have been. I enjoy being able to read a book and automatically having people to discuss it with. I had not heard of this book prior to seeing it on a post about Reese Witherspoon's Book Club. It looked promising and I agreed to "buddy read" it with a friend. Bonding over books is always great. 

The premise of this book caught my attention and I thought it would be a fun read. It started in such a way that I was not quite sure how it was going to proceed. In the very beginning, the author painted herself into a corner. I was intrigued about how she was going to write herself out of it so I continued. In some ways, I am glad that I did. It was interesting to see where the events were going to lead. With that said, too many of plot twists were predictable. Most of the characters were not likeable and greatly frustrating at times. I found myself wanting to shake the main character on more than one occasion. Large holes in story. One is not one hundred percent sure who is actually orchestrating what. 

I am rating this book Three Orange Books because it was a good debut novel. The potential was great but the finished story fell short. Too many loose ends left untied. Reader left wondering when it all truly began. Overall, it was a decent read. I am intrigued as to what the author may do for her next offering. I may recommend to some. 

InkedBookDragon

School for Psychics by K.C. Archer

School for Psychics: Book One by K.C. Archer

Published by Simon & Schuster

Published on April 3, 2018

Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Supernatural, Paranormal

Page Count: 368

Source: Publisher

Format: ebook

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Description: An entrancing new series starring a funny, impulsive, and sometimes self-congratulatory young woman who discovers she has psychic abilities—and then must decide whether she will use her skills for good or…not.

Teddy Cannon isn’t your typical twenty-something woman. She’s resourceful. She’s bright. She’s scrappy. She can also read people with uncanny precision. What she doesn’t realize: she’s actually psychic.

When a series of bad decisions leads Teddy to a run-in with the police, a mysterious stranger intervenes. He invites her to apply to the School for Psychics, a facility hidden off the coast of San Francisco where students are trained like Delta Force operatives: it’s competitive, cutthroat, and highly secretive. They’ll learn telepathy, telekinesis, investigative skills, and SWAT tactics. And if students survive their training, they go on to serve at the highest levels of government, using their skills to protect America, and the world.

In class, Teddy befriends Lucas, a rebel without a cause who can start and manipulate fire; Jillian, a hipster who can mediate communication between animals and humans; and Molly, a hacker who can apprehend the emotional state of another individual. But just as Teddy feels like she’s found where she might belong, strange things begin to happen: break-ins, missing students, and more. It leads Teddy to accept a dangerous mission that will ultimately cause her to question everything—her teachers, her friends, her family, and even herself.

Set in a world very much like our own, School for Psychics is the first book in a stay-up-all night series.

Hello Readers.

I was quite intrigued when I first saw this book. It looked like something that I could really enjoy so I jumped at the chance to read it. Being a lover of paranormal and supernatural books, I went into this hopeful. For the most part, I was not disappointed. 

Strong characters. Great premise. I found myself wanting to read constantly. I was drawn into a story where the characters were relatable even if they were "different" from the norm. I was in the school. I was working on my abilities. I was there. I love when a book does that. 

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I was delighted to get the opportunity. I am rating it Four Red Books because I feel it is a pretty solid start to a series. I wish I could rate it higher but there were moments that were predictable and bordering on cliche. With that said, I greatly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to see what follows in the rest of the series. I will definitely be recommending School for Psychics. 

InkedBookDragon

The Wife Between Us: A Novel by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

The Wife Between Us: A Novel by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Published by Holtzbrinck Publishers

Published on January 9, 2018

Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense, Women's Fiction, Contemporary

Page Count: 352

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardback

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Description: When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.

You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.

You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love. 

You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.

Assume nothing.

Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen's The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage - and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Read between the lies.

Hello Readers.

I was looking forward to this one. I wasn't 100% sure what it was from the desciption that I had read early on but I was looking forward to it. Something about it called to me and I had to read it. Some books are like that. You cannot get them out of your mind. Something about them burrows into your brain and you cannot stop thinking about them. You have to read them, if for no other reason than to dislodge them from your thoughts. Some books go away once that happens. Others stay in there as though they have little barbed claws that refuse to let go. This book was one of the latter.

Where do I begin with this one? Do I mention how I was on the edge of my seat on more than one occasion? Do I write about how there was a moment where I exclaimed something so loudly that everyone around me stopped what they were doing and looked at me as though something was wrong with me? I could go on and on.

I had trouble returning to life while reading this book. I did not want to put it down and do things that I needed to get done. I wanted to grab my copy of this book, a hot drink, a comfy blanket, and hide somewhere so I could read it. It grabbed me from the very beginning and I knew that I was most likely in for a bumpy ride. Little did I know that it would completely veer away from what I thought I was reading. Usually when this happens, I am greatly put off because it disrupts the flow of the story. However, that was not the case here. 

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it was a truly wonderful read. I wish that I could rate it higher but there were moments of confusion that detracted from the story. Amazing character development. I found myself completely captivated, enticed, and sometimes even repulsed. I am usually hesitant to read books written by a team. This one did not feel like it had multiple authors. I would definitely read more by them. I highly recommend this book as it was one of the better offerings of its type from 2017. 

InkedBookDragon

Mr.Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Published by

Published on

Genres: Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery

Page Count: 288

Source: Purchased

Format: Hardcover

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Description: The Great Recession has shuffled Clay Jannon away from life as a San Francisco web-design drone and into the aisles of Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, but after a few days on the job, Clay discovers that the store is more curious than either its name or its gnomic owner might suggest. The customers are few, and they never seem to buy anything; instead, they "check out" large, obscure volumes from strange corners of the store. Suspicious, Clay engineers an analysis of the clientele's behavior, seeking help from his variously talented friends, but when they bring their findings to Mr. Penumbra, they discover the bookstore's secrets extend far beyond its walls.

Hello Readers.

I picked up this book one day because it looked like something that I might enjoy. Then life occurred and it became buried in my TBR stacks and I forgot about it. It wasn't until I was researching books for my book group that I remembered it. Then it was offically chosen and it finally got its turn. 

I geniunely enjoyed this book. I found myself picturing the story while reading it and I longed to see this bookstore in real life. The idea of a bookstore containing unusual books that most people have never heard of is exciting to me. It definitely makes me wonder what gems may be hidden in my nearest bookstore.

I am rating this book Four Red Books because it drug in some spots and was predictable. I enjoyed it but I did have a few moments where I felt like I was reading an advertisement rather than a novel. The characters were likeable and relatable. The premise was fantastic and I would love to find a bookstore like the one from the story. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will be looking into his other titles. Great read!

InkedBookDragon

Room 119: The Whitby Trader by T.F. Lince

Room 119: The Whitby Trader by T.F. Lince

Published by Amazon Digital Services LLC

Published on December 14, 2017

Genres: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Page Count: 282

Sources: Author

Format: eBook

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Description: High-flying trader Dean Harrison has it all – the London penthouse apartment; the fast car; the beautiful wife. But when the threads of Dean’s life start to unravel, they do so with alarming speed.

Following the advice of a frail stranger, Dean sets off for Welnetham Hall Hotel and is plunged into the mysterious world of Room 119 – a world where nothing makes sense. How does everyone in the hotel know his name? Why does he travel there on a train line that shut down over fifty years ago? And who is the sinister man in black who pursues him wherever he goes?

As he gradually pieces together the puzzle of Welnetham Hall, Dean is forced to re-evaluate his life and realises that nothing is more important to him than his wife and daughter. Desperate to get back to them, he vows he would lay down his life for the people he loves.

It’s a promise he may have to keep. 

Hello Readers.

Room 119: The Whitby Trader was one of those books that I wasn't quite sure what to think when it was given to me. A first novel by a new author. Those tend to make me nervous. I have found that they are either fantastic, decent, or just not that good. I went into this book with only having skimmed the blurb because I wanted a clean slate going into it.

It started out on a high note which both excites me and makes me nervous. Start out too high and you can only go down from there. That was not the case here. The flow was good throughout the book. Full of humor, intrigue, and emotion. I found myself wanting to read more. I could even look past the inclusion of a clown. *shudder* (There is nothing creepier than a clown.)

This was one of those books that ran the gamut of emotions. I was laughing out loud at some parts and ugly crying at other parts. It is refreshing to encounter a book that draws you in and not only makes you think but also feel. Add in a spash of the totally unexpected and you really have something.

Thank you to the author for sending me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Five Blue Books because it was a delight to read. Definitely does not feel like a debut novel. I look forward to seeing what else the author has to offer us in the future. Highly recommend.


InkedBookDragon

Series Spotlight: The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

A little about the first book: STORM FRONT* 

In the first novel in the #1 New York Times bestselling Dresden Files series, Harry Dresden’s investigation of a grisly double murder pulls him into the darkest depths of magical Chicago…

As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans. And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he’s the best at what he does. Technically, he’s the only at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business—to put it mildly, stinks. 

So when the Chicago P.D. bring him in to consult on a double homicide committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name...

Hello Readers.

The first series that I want to spotlight is The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. The reason that it is first is because I fell completely in love with it after reading the first one. Granted, it has gotten much better with each addition but it had me. I found myself completely enthralled and then deeply saddened when each book concluded. 

Harry Dresden will take you to places that you never dreamed. These books are full of humor, action, romance, revenge, and so much more. They are beyond fabulous. The writing is phenomenal. I cannot rave enough about this series. 

I don't want to spoil it for you so I won't go any deeper. All I can say is that if you like this kind of series, read it. Read it immediately. It is truly that good. 

InkedBookDragon

Books in Series:

• Storm Front               
• Fool Moon                 
• Grave Peril
• Summer Knight
• Death Masks
• Blood Rites
• Dead Beat
• Proven Guilty
• White Night
• Small Favor
• Turn Coat
• Changes
• Ghost Story
• Cold Days
• Skin Game
• Peace Talks - No release date as of yet.      

Additional:

Book - Side Jobs - Short Stories

TV show - The Dresden Files (Not the greatest representation)
Graphic novels:

• Welcome to the Jungle
• Storm Front, Volume 1: The Gathering Storm
• Storm Front, Volume 2: Maelstrom
• Fool Moon, Volume 1
• Fool Moon, Volume 2
• Ghoul, Goblin
• War Cry
• Down Town
• Wild Card
• Dog Men

Roleplaying game - The Dresden Files Roleplaying Game

Jim Butcher's Page

Amazon

*Blurb from Amazon
**Picture from White Night

Lemon Drops And Love (Cocktail Series #1) by Angela Stevens

Lemon Drops And Love (Cocktail Series #1) by Angela Stevens

Published by Cat's Pyjamas

Published on February 21, 2017 

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Fiction, Contemporary Romance

Page Count: 338

Source: Author

Format: eBook

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Description: Jude Holland is a man with a problem. His heart belongs to his best friend, but his best friend belongs to someone else. Maya Jenkins has a bigger problem. Her boyfriend’s jealousy and temper is controlling her life. When she plucks up courage to leave Carl, she reaches out to Jude. 

Four years younger, her best friend has always made her feel safe. Maya has hidden her true feelings for Jude for seven years and coming out of an abusive relationship is not an appropriate time to reveal them—or is it? 

After rescuing her from Carl’s clutches, Jude is shocked by how much Carl has destroyed Maya’s strong spirit. No longer the carefree, self-assured woman he once knew, Jude vows to help her pick up the pieces of her life. However, Jude didn’t bank on Carl’s unwillingness to let go.

Lemon Drops And Love is book one in the hot and steamy Cocktail Series. All books are full-length, standalone novels revolving around a collection of gritty characters. The men are hot hockey stick wielding guys and the women are not what they seem. 

Weaving contemporary HEA romances around sometimes harrowing tales, Angela Stevens’ characters are raw and sensual. They speak as they play - hard and sometimes dirty, and they wear their hearts on their sleeves. But when any of the Hockey Punk guys fall for a girl, sparks are guaranteed to fly. 

The Cocktail Series is best read with a cocktail or two, a bar of your favorite chocolate, and your preferred brand of tissues. Be warned, all the stories in the series are written for an adult audience. Contents contain hot sex and an emotional journey. There are chapters that will make you seethe and those that will make you cry, and others that will make you hot and flustered. But most of all, each story contains a heart felt tale of love, friendship, and a way of beating the odds.

Hello Again!

I got the opportunity to read this book and I jumped at it.  I thought that it might be one of those fun reads that allowed me a little escape.  I doubted that it would be little more than just a mushy romance with no real body it. I was so wrong.

Lemon Drops And Love by Angela Stevens is one of those that can be uncomfortable at times. The author does such a thorough job of telling the story that you feel like you are in it. You feel as though you know the characters personally and you find yourself furious with some of their decisions.  In fact, there is one that enraged me so greatly that I would daydream about ways to hurt him.  

I am normally not one that reads romance novels. I tend to gravitate towards other genres. I will be the first one to admit it. Yes, this story is a romance but it is so much more. Some mystery. Some intrigue. It was hard to put down. 

Thank you to the author for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  I am rating it Four Red Books because it was very well written and a quite enjoyable read. I laughed. I cried. I felt pure fury. I was elated. I will definitely recommend it to others.

InkedBookDragon

The Breathless by Tara Goedjen

The Breathless by Tara Goedjen

Published by Delacorte Press

Published on October 10, 2017

Genres: Young Adult, Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Gothic, Historical

Page Count: 368

Source: Publisher

Format: Hardback

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Description:No one knows what really happened on the beach where Roxanne Cole’s body was found, but her boyfriend, Cage, took off that night and hasn’t been seen since. Until now. One year—almost to the day—from Ro’s death, when he knocks on the door of Blue Gate Manor and asks where she is.

Cage has no memory of the past twelve months. According to him, Ro was alive only the day before. Ro’s sister Mae wouldn’t believe him, except that something’s not right. Nothing’s been right in the house since Ro died.

And then Mae finds the little green book. The one hidden in Ro’s room. It’s filled with secrets—dangerous secrets—about her family, and about Ro. And if what it says is true, then maybe, just maybe, Ro isn’t lost forever.

And maybe there are secrets better left to the dead.

Hello Readers.

This book completely slipped by me. I am usually pretty on top of book releases. I like to know what books are coming and when they come out. I missed this one and had no idea of its existence until I was sent a copy. I took one look at it and thought that it looked pretty interesting. The cover was eerily beautiful so I figured that I would give the book a try.

Wow! How can this be a debut novel? It definitely does not feel like one. The premise was excellent and the execution was near flawless. I was captivated within the first couple pages. The characters were so rich and multilayered. Nothing can put me off of a book quicker than characters that do not evolve at all. We tend to evolve and adapt to the world around us. It is refreshing when I read about characters that truly progress. Stagnant characterizations annoy me so much.

This novel was one of those that I had to fight with myself about sleeping because I did not want to stop reading. Creepy yet lovely. Complicated. Full of suspense. Sad yet fun. Romantic and heartbreaking. A truly enchanting read.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am rating this book Four Red Books because it did have occasional moments here and there that were predictable. With that being said, it was a true delight to read. I will be recommending it. 

InkedBookDragon