Author Emma Lord transitions into the world of adult romance with THE BREAK-UP PACT. Fans expecting the normal laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy romcom typAuthor Emma Lord transitions into the world of adult romance with THE BREAK-UP PACT. Fans expecting the normal laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy romcom typical of Lord may be disappointed, although this story has some of that with a hefty dose of real adult life issues.
June Hart is in danger of losing Tea Tide, a tea shop dream opened by her sister before she passed away suddenly. June's adamant about keeping the shop just as her sister envisioned it, even though she has bright new ideas that might help it compete with other businesses on the beach block. The problem is, June can't make the rent. And now her boyfriend has broken up with her in a very public way. June's desperate, humiliated and out of ideas on how to salvage her sister's dream.
Levi lives in New York working as a hedge fund manager while allowing his dreams of writing a novel to fall by the wayside. He's engaged . . . until his fiancé dumps him on TikTok, and his humiliation goes viral. Levi returns to his childhood hometown to regroup and start writing again. June and Levi were inseparable childhood best friends until a misunderstanding tore them apart. It's been ten years since they last spoke until they come face to face outside Tea Tide. Someone posts a picture of them on TikTok and suddenly they become the new "in" couple. An idea to save them both forms - they agree to fake-date with a friend of June's posting pictures on social media. It'll drive traffic to June's tea shop, and hopefully make Levi's ex jealous. It's a win-win situation. Right? What they didn't account for was the unresolved feelings and chemistry sparking between them.
THE BREAK-UP PACT is a warm, sweet fake dating, friends-to-lovers romance that includes a lot of miscommunications. Readers watch as June and Levi both learn to deal with adult issues such as derailed careers, bad breakups and unresolved feelings while also hashing out their backstories. The tone is more serious than Lord's normal young adult rom coms, but the delivery is excellent with a lot of time focused on the couple's pasts. The public display of their evolving relationship complicates things and is relevant in today's world of social media. Side characters are authentic, caring and supportive, all adding to the overall enjoyment of this story. The pace is slow in the beginning as the author takes time rebuilding a broken relationship that's grounded in some difficult past issues and playing out in the limelight.
I listened to the audiobook of THE BREAK-UP PACT, and it is a delightful delivery of the story. Narrator Natalie Naudus gives an excellent performance bringing characters to life. Fans of adult contemporary romance will enjoy this one....more
ONE LAST PROMISE, the third book in Susan May Warren's popular Alaska Air One Rescue series, features Moose Mulligan, a former Navy rescue chopper pilONE LAST PROMISE, the third book in Susan May Warren's popular Alaska Air One Rescue series, features Moose Mulligan, a former Navy rescue chopper pilot now leader of a successful search and rescue team and Tillie Young, the mysterious waitress Moose can't get out of his head even though she disappears without a trace after turning down his request for a date. Moose is shocked when Tillie shows up on his doorstop, savagely beaten and begging for his help in rescuing her kidnapped daughter, Hazel, from an evil man from her past. Moose promises to bring her daughter home safely and with his SAR Team covering his back, he begins a search that quickly spirals out of control. As the story progresses, readers learn there's more to the kidnapping than Tillie admits to, putting everyone involved in dire danger; however, Moose gave his word and while he's failed before, this time failure is not an option.
Author Susan May Warren expertly draws readers in and keeps them on high alert from beginning to end in her latest high-octane, action-packed thriller. The Alaskan wilderness provides a dramatic, breath-taking backdrop for the action exploding on each page, while a torrid pace keeps readers fully engaged in the tautly delivered plot line. Main and support characters are authentic and supportive, welcoming readers into their lives. Rounding out the suspense thriller vibes, a sweet, emotional romance ignites despite Moose and Tillie's reluctance to commit to a relationship before each settles their disturbing pasts.
ONE LAST PROMISE is a well-plotted, highly entertaining romance suspense story with strong Christian themes woven throughout. Characters are repeatedly challenged to trust in their faith while looking to a higher power for answers to prayers. Fans of romance suspense with strong Christian overtones will enjoy this book. Special thanks to The Big Thrill Magazine and the author for a gifted copy of this title. Opinions expressed are my own. This review is published at The Big Thrill and on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
Author Karen Rose returns to New Orleans in BURIED TOO DEEP, book three in the New Orleans series and book thirty in the Romance Suspense series. RoseAuthor Karen Rose returns to New Orleans in BURIED TOO DEEP, book three in the New Orleans series and book thirty in the Romance Suspense series. Rose's ability to keep plot lines unique and engaging after so many books is a testament to her expert ability to craft a highly entertaining and intriguing story with authentic characters readers enjoy time after time. Whether you're a series fan or a first timer, you can feel confident in picking this book up and settling in for an entertaining evening of reading as the author includes any needed backstory.
With his PTSD therapy dog, SodaPop, by his side, Phin Bishop pauses outside his employer's office, Broussard Private Investigations, an elite personal security firm, to settle his nerves. What if he's no longer welcome after ghosting them following his last bad episode? What if Burke refuses to allow him to return as a nighttime security guard? Before he can make a move, total chaos erupts with gunshots ringing out and a woman fleeing the office before Phin rushes inside to find Joy, a friend and colleague, lying on the floor bleeding out. Authorities arrive and Phin finds himself in handcuffs and jailed as a suspect in the attack. After his identity and status are verified by Burke Broussard and the rest of the gang, Phin is released and rejoins the firm with a vow to locate the mysterious woman and get justice for the recovering Joy. Locating Cora Winslow, a feisty librarian who's recently learned the skeletal remains unearthed beneath a demolished building is her father who disappeared twenty-three years ago but has continued sending her handwritten letters every year, is the first step. The second is finding out who forged the letters and why. After numerous break-ins at her house, Cora seeks help and protection from Broussard Private Investigations where she meets Phin, forming an immediate bond. Promising to keep her safe, Phin, Burke and the gang double down to solve the mystery of the letters and the motive behind the attacks. As the attraction between Phin and Cora grows, he fears jeopardizing the case and Cora's life if he can't control his PTSD. As the story progresses, the plot thickens, the threat increases and secrets begin leaking out. Time is running out as bodies pile up.
BURIED TOO DEEP is a multilayered, tautly plotted romance thriller set in the mysterious Garden District of NOLA lending an additional mysterious, secretive air to the story. It's unique in that, in addition to others, readers get the point of view of the villain meaning only the characters are in the dark as to who the evil perpetrator is. Rose remains true to her signature writing style by slowly building the foundation before steadily increasing the pace and suspense throughout while leaving tidbits of clues sprinkled throughout for characters and readers to discover. The plot line is complex, and the mystery of why Cora Winslow is targeted a well-guarded secret until the reveal near the end. The romance blossoming between Cora and Phin is heartwarming as they both work through personal issues from their respective pasts. Fans of the series will enjoy seeing many favorites from past books, but again, no worries if you're new to the series. Author Karen Rose fills in any blanks needed by readers to enjoy this book.
The action is swift, the tone dire and the stakes high in Rose's latest romance suspense thriller, BURIED TOO DEEP. Dark, deeply buried secrets are threatening someone's lifestyle, and it's up to Phin and the rest of the gang at Broussard Private Investigations to solve the mystery before more bodies pile up. A sweet side of romance helps balance the scales making this another great addition to the New Orleans Series. Highly recommended to fans of romance suspense, mysteries and suspense thrillers. Just remember . . . “Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.” (Quote from BURIED TOO DEEP by Author Karen Rose.) Much appreciation to Berkley Publ. and Author Karen Rose for a gift copy of this title and for the book tour invitation. Opinions expressed in this review are my own. This title is available Aug. 13, 2024. My review is available in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
Author Fiona Barton taps into the wildly popular world of online dating in her latest thriller, TALKING TO STRANGERS. Highly relevant in today's worldAuthor Fiona Barton taps into the wildly popular world of online dating in her latest thriller, TALKING TO STRANGERS. Highly relevant in today's world of online dating, this story highlights the potential danger associated with connecting with virtual strangers. In doing so, Barton also explores the social divide that exists between those who get off on victim blaming and those who remain focused on stopping the predators using the platforms to stalk unsuspecting victims as well as women's continuous struggle to overcome misogyny.
DI Elise King suspects a middle age murder victim's prolific online dating activity may have led to her death. Karen Simmons frequented the apps in hopes of finding a real connection that might lead to true love, but in letting down her guard, did she unwittingly invite a killer into her life? Half the town believes she reaped what she sowed while the other half protest violence against women. Kiki Nunn is a reporter in need of that one big story to catapult her back to the top of her field and having recently interviewed Simmons about the pros and cons of online dating, she's especially chagrined over her murder, pledging to unmask the killer at any cost. The story could potentially land her back on the front pages of major newspapers, but is it also putting her in the killer's crosshairs? As the story unfolds, readers also meet Anni, a mother still grieving the loss of her son whose body was discovered in the same area and manner as Karen's fifteen years prior. Are the cases connected? DI Elise King has her work cut out for her and despite suffering the continuing effects of chemotherapy for cancer, she’ll stop at nothing to bring these grieving families' closure.
TALKING WITH STRANGERS is delivered through the three engaging points of view of Elise, Kiki and Annie. The author does an excellent job portraying each woman's strength while allowing readers to feel their pain and vulnerability, their desire for a real connection with another loving human being. Barton doesn't shy away from highlighting prevalent issues including the world of online dating with its many potential dangers and cultural blaming via the points of view of these three women. While there are several potential red herrings with motive for characters and readers to sift through, savvy couch detectives will uncover the who and why early on, and yet the drama unfolding on the pages along with the need to see these three brave women get justice holds readers attention to the end.
Author Fiona Barton has rendered another highly atmospheric, entertaining police procedural in TALKING WITH STRANGERS. Both the characters and plot line command readers' attention while earning their empathy. The topic of online dating and its usage by our aging population looking for love in today's world is highly relevant and thought-provoking. While today’s society is painfully aware of the danger faced by unsupervised children using the internet, not enough attention is paid to lonely older adults who are also vulnerable to exploitation by online predators. Kudos to Barton for tackling relevant issues facing today's society with love and grace. With short concise chapters, shifting points of view and a tense, fast pace, fans of mysteries and police procedures will be engaged from beginning to end while reading TALKING WITH STRANGERS. Special thanks to Berkley Publishing for an arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release Aug. 15, 2024. My review is available at Mystery & Suspense Magazine and also on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
Author Kate Bateman returns with book two in the Her Majesty's Rebels series with HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL. While each book in the series stands alAuthor Kate Bateman returns with book two in the Her Majesty's Rebels series with HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL. While each book in the series stands alone with dynamic characters and an intriguing mystery or two to solve, I encourage fans of historical romance to grab book one for an entertaining evening of reading and for an introduction to the three fiesty women who are featured in the overall story arc.
Eleanor Law and two of her closest friends, Daisy and Tess, are the secret founders, as well as the brains and muscle, behind King & Co., London's most successful private investigation firm during a time when women weren't considered intelligent enough or educated enough to run businesses. They operate behind the facade of a fictitious boss named Charles King, who doesn't exist until now when a man appears claiming to be Charles King. They know, of course, that he's lying, but the women can use his con man skills on a difficult case reclaiming a precious manuscript, so they strike a deal playing along to discover the true identity of this mysterious stranger who's captured Ellie's attention and heart.
Harry "King" aka Henri Bonheur aka any of at least a dozen other names has returned to London to reclaim his birthright, but he needs the help of the three smart, beautiful women who run the best PI Firm in London. He strikes a deal with the delectable Ellie, claiming he's given up his notorious past as a con man and thief and will help them recover the manuscript if they help him prove his real identity. The deal throws Ellie and Harry in close proximity for extended periods of time which fuels the flame of desire sparking between them. Ellie repeatedly reminds herself there's no future in falling for a con man and scoundrel. This is business and business only. Right?
Author Kate Bateman is one of the best at rendering heartwarming historical romance stories with a lot of heart, depth, banter and humor. Ellie is highly intelligent, beautiful, spunky and fun. Harry is every woman's dream with a perfect blend of great looks, skills and heart. The growing sexual banter, sizzling chemistry and mutual admiration offsets the intriguing mystery playing out, and a strong support cast, including Daisy and Tess, highlight the value of strong female friendships. Bateman's utilization of short chapters drives a fast pace as this unlikely team of cohorts' race toward the final climax.
HOW TO FALL FOR A SCOUNDREL is a highly entertaining, well-written historical romance with all the right ingredients for romance as well as a good mystery. A strong, smart, witty female protagonist and a kind, loving, charming male protagonist who can't resist bowing to temptation team up and deliver one of my favorite romances by Bateman to date. Highly recommended to fans of mystery, historical romance and even romcoms. This one is a delight to read! Special thanks to Berkley Publ. for a gift copy of this title. Opinions expressed are my own. This book is scheduled for release on Aug. 20, 2024. My review is posted at Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
Author Jessie Q. Sutanto takes readers on a chilling, eye-opening deep dive into the cutthroat world of social media super influencers in YOU WILL NEVAuthor Jessie Q. Sutanto takes readers on a chilling, eye-opening deep dive into the cutthroat world of social media super influencers in YOU WILL NEVER BE ME. A place where the stakes and potential for making six figure incomes are high and the odds of crashing and losing it all higher. A place where friendships are made and broken and greed, jealousy and insecurity take root and grow. A facade where revenge turns dark, ugly and deadly.
Super "Momfluencer" Meredith Lee is riding a social media high at the top of her game when she takes a struggling mother, Aspen Palmer, under her wing teaching her how to become a successful, top earning influencer on social media. In a short amount of time, the student surpasses the teacher in the number of followers, likes, sponsors and income earned on TikTok and Instagram. Suddenly, Aspen is the social media darling invited to all the right parties, meeting other super influencers and making the big bucks, and she has little time for her former mentor. After a particularly nasty argument, the former friends part ways. Aspen is basking in her new fame and lifestyle while Meredith's flame is fading fast leaving her on the outside looking in, but don't count her out just yet. She made Aspen . . . and she can break her. Meredith begins stalking her former friend and when opportunity knocks, she walks through the door. Two can play this game . . . until someone goes missing, and the accusations fly.
YOU WILL NEVER BE ME unfolds through the dual points of view of Meredith and Aspen. The pace builds slowly as the author lays the groundwork, allowing readers to get to know each of the women and their families while setting the stage for what's to come. Halfway through, the pace intensifies, and the tone takes a dire turn into an imminent danger zone with warning signs flashing on every page. From this point on, no one will be putting this book down for any reason as it shifts gears with each shocking twist. While most of the characters are shallow, arrogant and extremely self-centered, the kind you love to hate, they are exactly what one would expect to find within the context of this story. Sutanto does an expert job at character development, allowing readers to see what drives each one. Like a wreck on the highway, I couldn't look away afraid of what I might miss. I suspect the ending may be controversial, but whether you like the way the author chose to wrap this story up or not, I guarantee you won't forget it anytime soon. I know I won't, and I'll never look at social media influencers the same way ever again.
Author Jesse Q. Sutanto brilliantly renders a dark, witty, parody of the fake, cutthroat world of social media influencers in YOU WILL NEVER BE ME. Toxic friendships are fed by greed, lies and the desire to be seen as the top influencer in the niche. I'm amazed and quite frankly shocked at the idea of how far some will go and how much they're willing to sacrifice to reach the pinnacle of success in the influencer world. I'm happy to say this reader has no desire to dip a toe in those toxic waters. Highly recommended to fans of suspense thrillers and anyone curious about the world of social media influencers. I received a gifted copy of this arc from Berkley Publishing. Opinions expressed are my own. This title is scheduled for release on Aug. 20, 2024. My review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
While reading HOUSE OF GLASS, I experienced the same imminent danger ahead vibes that I associate with the old Alfred Hitchcock Hour Show with its sinWhile reading HOUSE OF GLASS, I experienced the same imminent danger ahead vibes that I associate with the old Alfred Hitchcock Hour Show with its sinister music by Bernard Herrmann overtook me, raising goosebumps on my arms. Hitchcock was an expert at creating scream-worthy fear from the ordinary be it a normal person, object or situation and now, in my opinion, so is Author Sarah Pekkanen. There's a sense of foreboding, of fear brought on by the unknown, a hidden danger you know is coming - just not from where, when or how in HOUSE OF GLASS.
Recently divorced, Best Interest Attorney Stella Hudson reluctantly accepts a child custody case at the urgent request of her dearest old friend and mentor Charlie after he convinces her she's the best lawyer to help a young girl suffering from Traumatic Mutism - a condition that rendered Stella unable to speak for a period of time as a young child following the trauma of finding her own mother dead. Young Rose Barclay hasn't spoken since she witnessed the mysterious death of her nanny Tina who either fell or was pushed from an upper floor window in the Barclay mansion. Rose's parents, Ian and Beth, are amid a bitter custody battle, and Stella must determine which one of them will provide the most stable, safe home for Rose. From her first arrival at the Barclay's large, sterile, historic home, warning bells sound in Stella's head. Something is very wrong in this gilded house and her first instinct is to run screaming, but she made a promise to see this assignment through and she will. As the story progresses, it becomes obvious that every person in the household is lying, and each has a motive for wanting Tina dead . . . including young Rose with the dark, haunting eyes who's been hiding sharp objects in her room. Why? Is she afraid of someone? Or is she planning on harming someone? Stella needs to uncover the truth quickly as threats warning her to leave and stay away escalate even as her own secret past comes calling.
Pekkanen has brilliantly mastered the art of creating a menacing tone that resonates throughout a story with highly atmospheric settings, hard to read characters and eerie, complex plot lines. A sense of unease and a strong undercurrent of danger increases page by page as you read HOUSE OF GLASS. The author offers up several red herrings with strong motive and challenges Stella and readers with figuring out which one of them is a killer. I had a strong feeling about the identity of the villain, and my intuition proved to be right, but the evil tone that permeates each page of this book kept me riveted in my seat, burning through pages until the end - with every light in the room on. The cast is outstanding with well-defined characters harboring dark, disturbing secrets. A second story line involving Stella's past intertwines throughout, adding another dimension and intriguing backstory into Stella's life.
HOUSE OF GLASS is a creepy, well-written, multi-layered psychological thriller that's sure to entertain fans who enjoy books that leave them with a sense of unease and armchair sleuths who love solving a good murder mystery. Lies, deception, fraud and secrets abound in the face of innocence in this story. Highly recommended to fans of psychological thrillers. Special thanks to St. Martins Press and Author Sarah Pekkanen for a gifted arc of this title. All opinions expressed are my own. House of Glass is scheduled for release on Aug. 6, 2024. My review is published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is also available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews. ...more
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