[Review] Friction by Sandra Brown

Friction by Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date:
Format: hardcover
Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

Crawford Hunt wants his daughter back. Following the death of his wife four years ago, Crawford, a Texas Ranger, fell into a downward spiral that left him relegated to deskwork and with his five-year-old daughter Georgia in the custody of her grandparents. But Crawford has cleaned up his act, met all the court imposed requirements, and now the fate of his family lies with Judge Holly Spencer.

Holly, ambitious and confident, temporarily occupies the bench of her recently deceased mentor. With an election upcoming, she must prove herself worthy of making her judgeship permanent. Every decision is high-stakes. Despite Crawford's obvious love for his child and his commitment to being an ideal parent, Holly is wary of his checkered past. Her opinion of him is radically changed when a masked gunman barges into the courtroom during the custody hearing. Crawford reacts instinctually, saving Holly from a bullet. 

But his heroism soon takes on the taint of recklessness. The cloud over him grows even darker after he uncovers a horrifying truth about the courtroom gunman and realizes that the unknown person behind the shooting remains at large . . .and a threat. 

Catching the real culprit becomes a personal fight for Crawford. But pursuing the killer in his customary diehard fashion will jeopardize his chances of gaining custody of his daughter, and further compromise Judge Holly Spencer, who needs protection not only from an assassin, but from Crawford himself and the forbidden attraction between them. 

FRICTION will keep you on the edge of your seat with breathtaking plot twists and the unforgettable characters that make Sandra Brown one of the world's best-loved authors. It is an extraordinary novel about the powerful ties that bind us to the ones we love and the secrets we keep to protect them.

My Review

OMG. I loved this book! I read it in two days and it was so hard to put down to go to bed! It kept me hooked from the very first sentence. Sandra Brown is one of those authors whose books I must buy when they come out. She never disappoints and her romantic suspense novels are my absolute favorite. Crawford is a really sympathetic character. He's been through a really hard time over the last few years after his wife died and he lost custody of his daughter. There's just something about him that is really intriguing. I also really liked Holly and she takes her job very seriously. But really, Joe? I hated him! I may have hated him more than some of the other more obvious characters in this book, and Neal came in a close second. But, Joe? Ugh. He made me want to throw the book across the room! Now Conrad on the other hand, Crawford's dad, I really liked as well. He's clearly got a few problems of his own, but he straightens out a little. 

Throughout this whole book, my emotions were up and down. I wanted to cry so many times because of the struggles Crawford was going through. I practiced as an attorney in family law for a while, so I definitely understood and empathized with his situation and the difficult time he had with the court system. My heart was broken for him as he tried to get his daughter back. 

As the events unfolded, I was really stunned! Like usual, there were a few things that I could pick up on, but there were a lot of surprises! I remember yelling, "WHAT?!" during a certain part of this that I really can't hint at! 

Seriously. Pick up this book. Read all of her books (especially the romantic suspense ones). They're so good! 

[Review] The Good Girl by Mary Kubica

The Good Girl by Mary Kubica
Publisher: Mira
Publishing Date: July 29, 2014
Format: hardcover
352 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

"I've been following her for the past few days. I know where she buys her groceries, where she works. I don't know the color of her eyes or what they look like when she's scared. But I will." 

One night, Mia Dennett enters a bar to meet her on-again, off-again boyfriend. But when he doesn't show, she unwisely leaves with an enigmatic stranger. At first Colin Thatcher seems like a safe one-night stand. But following Colin home will turn out to be the worst mistake of Mia's life. 

When Colin decides to hide Mia in a secluded cabin in rural Minnesota instead of delivering her to his employers, Mia's mother, Eve, and detective Gabe Hoffman will stop at nothing to find them. But no one could have predicted the emotional entanglements that eventually cause this family's world to shatter. 

An addictively suspenseful and tautly written thriller, The Good Girl is a propulsive debut that reveals how even in the perfect family, nothing is as it seems.

My Review

I was really excited to get a copy of this book for Christmas last year and to start reading it right away. I had heard about this book many times; it sounded really good, so I figured I would give it a try. 

I will admit that I was a little unsure about the book in the beginning. I couldn't remember who the characters were at first (not sure why) and I really wanted to hear from Mia. However, the more I read, the more I got hooked. I really didn't like Mia's dad at all and didn't like Mia's mom at first. As the story goes on, you find out more about her and things fall into place about why she acts how she does. She's definitely more sympathetic than I originally realized and she really grew on me. 

When Mia is kidnapped, I wasn't sure what was going to happen. But as I kept reading, I had an idea of what was going to happen. And I'll be honest. I kind of liked Colin, in a weird way. There was something about him that was a bit sad, though kidnapping someone certainly doesn't make him a great guy. Regardless, I liked him. And I also really liked Mia throughout the whole book. She was obviously one of the main characters, but we never heard from her until the very end of the book. 

The characters are definitely what kept me the most interested in this story. The plot line was great, but I was so intrigued by each character and why they were doing certain things that I couldn't stop reading. And there is a serious twist at the end! I remember reading the end, finishing it, and then just thinking, "Oh damn, what did I just read?!" I still have that feeling when I think about this book! It was seriously great and one of my favorites that I've read not only this year but ever! I can't wait to read more by Kubica! 

[Review] Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf

Missing Pieces by Heather Gudenkauf
Publisher: Mira
Publishing Date: Feb. 2, 2016
Format: hardcover, ARC
284 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis 

Sarah Quinlan's husband, Jack, has been haunted for decades by the untimely death of his mother when he was just a teenager, her body found in the cellar of their family farm, the circumstances a mystery. The case rocked the small farm town of Penny Gate, Iowa, where Jack was raised, and for years Jack avoided returning home. But when his beloved aunt Julia is in an accident, hospitalized in a coma, Jack and Sarah are forced to confront the past that they have long evaded. 

Upon arriving in Penny Gate, Sarah and Jack are welcomed by the family Jack left behind all those years ago—barely a trace of the wounds that had once devastated them all. But as facts about Julia's accident begin to surface, Sarah realizes that nothing about the Quinlans is what it seems. Caught in a flurry of unanswered questions, Sarah dives deep into the puzzling rabbit hole of Jack's past. But the farther in she climbs, the harder it is for her to get out. And soon she is faced with a deadly truth she may not be prepared for. 

My Review 

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I've read just about all of Gudenkauf's work (just missing 1 I think!) and I'm a big fan. I think The Weight of Silence might be my favorite of hers, but I can't really decide! This book didn't disappoint, either. 

From the minute I began reading this book, I was hooked. From the very beginning, you're thrown into the story. Sarah thinks she knows her husband really well, but once they're in Penny Gate for a few hours, she realizes there are things she really doesn't know everything about her husband. Jack's past slowly comes out throughout the story and you not only have to figure out what happened to his aunt Julia, but what happened to his parents as well. 

Throughout the whole book, I thought I knew what happened. Little things throughout the story made me think I was right. There were a few times I changed my mind and looked somewhere else (should have stayed on that path!) but then I went back to another theory. Turns out, I was wrong. But that's really one of my favorite things about mysteries. I love not being able to figure it out what happened. I mean, sometimes it's fun, but I like being surprised and I really was in this book. 

The characters were all very interesting. Each had their own quirks, each had traits that annoyed me, and then most of them had traits that I liked. Gudenkauf did a great job of balancing these characteristics for each person. Sarah was a great main character and I think the doubts she had throughout the story were very realistic, something This really was a great book. I loved everything about it and was really interested throughout the whole story. 

[Review] Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica

Don't You Cry by Mary Kubica
Publisher: MIRA
Publishing Date: June 1, 2016
384 Pages
Format: ebook, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Synopsis 

In downtown Chicago, a young woman named Esther Vaughan disappears from her apartment without a trace. A haunting letter addressed to My Dearest is found among her possessions, leaving her friend and roommate Quinn Collins to wonder where Esther is and whether or not she's the person Quinn thought she knew. 

Meanwhile, in a small Michigan harbor town an hour outside Chicago, a mysterious woman appears in the quiet coffee shop where eighteen-year-old Alex Gallo works as a dishwasher. He is immediately drawn to her charm and beauty, but what starts as an innocent crush quickly spirals into something far more dark and sinister than he ever expected. 

As Quinn searches for answers about Esther, and Alex is drawn further under the stranger's spell, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes readers on a taut and twisted thrill ride that builds to a stunning conclusion and shows that no matter how fast and far we run, the past always catches up with us in the end.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review. 

This is the first book I have read by Mary Kubica and it definitely won't be the last. I have The Good Girl on my shelf right now, which is why I requested this one through Netgalley. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this! 

I really enjoyed reading this book and I can't wait to read what else Kubica has to offer. This book takes place in Chicago and a small town in Michigan. Quinn is trying to figure out what happened to her roommate Esther, while Alex is trying to figure out a little about the mysterious girl who appeared in town. There are so many different things going on in this book, but I didn't find it confusing. The characters are interesting but I found myself annoyed a few times. Mostly because Quinn was so easy to jump to conclusions and Alex was so easy to believe everything this mysterious girl told him. But regardless of that, this was a very intriguing story. I couldn't figure out what was going on until the last few chapters. 

It wasn't a very fast-paced story, but it was steady and kept me interested the entire time. 

[Review] Stay Close by Harlan Coben

Stay Close by Harlan Coben
Publisher: Signet
Publishing Date: Feb. 12, 2013
446 Pages
Format: paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

The past never truly fades away...

Megan is a suburban soccer mom who once upon a time walked on the wild side. Ray used to be a talented documentary photographer, but now he finds himself in a dead-end job posing as paparazzo. Broome is a detective who can’t let go of a cold case. 

Three people living lives they never wanted are hiding secrets that even those closest to them would never suspect. And as each confronts the dark side of the American dream—the boredom of a nice suburban life, the excitement of temptation, the desperation and hunger that can lurk behind even the prettiest facades—they will discover the hard truth that the line between one kind of life and another can be as whisper thin as a heartbeat.

My Review 

I think I say this every time I read one of his books: Harlan Coben is easily one of my favorite mystery/suspense authors. I first read one of his books about two years ago when I started my blog, and ever since then, I've been hooked. He creates a really great story that seems so real! This book was a lot of fun to read. I really liked all the characters, especially Megan and Broome. Megan, although she's lived a lie for quite some time, has her life together and tries to forget her past. But, like most people, her past creeps up on her and she can't overlook it now, so she goes back to Atlantic City. While there, she meets up with her ex, after not seeing him for nearly 17 years. Broome is trying to solve a murder that happened right before Megan fled Atlantic City, and Megan might hold a lot of information for him. 

As the story unfolds, there are so many twists and turns and I couldn't figure out what happened! It's one of those things that I love about mystery/suspense novels. Most of the characters are sympathetic and inserting; I really didn't like Ken and Barbie (you'll find out why in the book), and I wasn't a big fan of Ray. I don't know why, but I never clicked with him. Overall, a very good book that I enjoyed reading. I truly am a fan of Coben's work, and I can't wait to read more! 

[Review] Mean Streak by Sandra Brown

Mean Streak by Sandra Brown
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: 2014
Format: paperback and ebook
409 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 Stars

Synopsis 

Dr. Emory Charbonneau, a pediatrician and marathon runner, disappears on a mountain road in North Carolina. By the time her husband Jeff, miffed over a recent argument, reports her missing, the trail has grown cold. Literally. Fog and ice encapsulate the mountainous wilderness and paralyze the search for her.

While police suspect Jeff of "instant divorce," Emory, suffering from an unexplained head injury, regains consciousness and finds herself the captive of a man whose violent past is so dark that he won't even tell her his name. She's determined to escape him, and willing to take any risks necessary to survive. 

Unexpectedly, however, the two have a dangerous encounter with people who adhere to a code of justice all their own. At the center of the dispute is a desperate young woman whom Emory can't turn her back on, even if it means breaking the law.

As the FBI closes in on her captor, Emory begins to wonder if the man with no name is, in fact, her rescuer.

My Review

I received a free copy of this ebook in exchange for a honest review. So, I received a free copy of this but completely forgot and bought the book anyways! So I mostly read my paperback copy, but switched to the ebook version when I was at the gym. 

I'm a huge fan of everything Sandra Brown writes. I started out reading all of her romance novels and then I moved to her romantic suspense novels. I absolutely love her work and the romantic suspense novels are fantastic. This book was no exception and might be one of my favorites (maybe tied with Chill Factor). The characters in this book are very interesting and easy to like. Emory is a well-known doctor who goes missing and her husband is the prime suspect. But throughout the whole story, we get Emory's perspective, and she's not missing. There's so much going on throughout this book that it keeps you hooked. It's so fast-paced and I never really saw the end coming. I guessed a few things, but certainly not the biggest! 

I highly, highly recommend this book, or any other books by Brown. I can't wait to start reading Friction, the next on my list! 

[Review] The 9th Judgment by James Patterson

The 9th Judgment by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Series: Women's Murder Club, #9
Publisher: Little Brown
Publishing Date: April 26, 2010
Format: hardcover, purchased
355 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 3 stars

Synopsis 

The most personal

A young mother and her infant child are ruthlessly gunned down while returning to their car in the garage of a shopping mall. There are no witnesses, and Detective Lindsay Boxer is left with only one shred of evidence: a cryptic message scrawled across the windshield in bloodred lipstick. 

The most dangerous

The same night, the wife of A-list actor Marcus Dowling is woken by a cat burglar who is about to steal millions of dollars' worth of precious jewels. In just seconds there is a nearly empty safe, a lifeless body, and another mystery that throws San Francisco into hysteria. 

The most exciting Women's Murder Club novel ever

Lindsay spends every waking hour working with her partner, Rich--and her desire for him threatens to tear apart both her engagement and the Women's Murder Club. Before Lindsay and her friends can piece together either case, one of the killers forces Lindsay to put her own life on the line--but is it enough to save the city? With unparalleled danger and explosive action, The 9th Judgment is James Patterson at his compelling, unstoppable best!

My Mini Review

Another good, fast-paced book by James Patterson! I really enjoy this series by Patterson and always look forward to his next one. I started this series much later so I've been able to read them closer together than people who have followed from the beginning, which I think helps me interested. While I really liked this book, I think Patterson has some other novels that are a bit better. There wasn't anything particularly wrong with this book, and like I said, I still enjoyed it. I found the plot line interesting and it kept me hooked. I like this series and I'll continue to read them! 

[Review] Broken by Cynthia Eden

Broken by Cynthia Eden
Series: Lost #1
Publisher: Avon
Publishing Date: March 31, 2015
384 Pages
Format: paperback
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4 stars

Synopsis 

The first novel in New York Times bestselling author Cynthia Eden's sizzling LOST series introduces the Last Option Search Team, an elite unit that must protect the only surviving victim of a serial killer.

Ex-SEAL and LOST founder Gabe Spencer is accustomed to the unusual in his job. But when knockout Eve Gray steps into his office, he's rattled. For the mysterious woman is a dead ringer for the heiress thought to be the latest prey of the serial killer who goes by the name Lady Killer.

When Eve awoke in an Atlanta hospital, her past was a blank slate. Then she recognized her own face in the newspaper and vowed to learn the truth. Determined to confront the nightmares hidden in her mind, she never expects to find a partner in Gabe.

As Gabe and Eve work together, their explosive attraction becomes irresistible. Gabe knows that his desire for Eve is growing too strong, bordering on a dangerous obsession, but nothing pulls him away from her. And when another Eve lookalike disappears, Gabe vows to protect Eve at all costs. While Eve may have forgotten the killer in her past, it's clear he hasn't forgotten her.

My Review

I won this book as part of a program that Avon Romance was putting on. I had no idea what the book was about, but I really love romances and suspense novels, so romantic suspenses are usually a great choice for me. I was in the mood for a romance book, so I picked this one up off my shelf. I was immediately drawn into the story. Gave is an Ex-SEAL and created the company LOST to help find missing people. But this case is a little different for him since Eve is alive, but missing her memory.

We learn along with Eve who she is and what has happened to her. Like many other suspense/mystery novels I read, I had an idea of who the killer was, but I couldn't be sure. And then the plot twisted and my theory went out the window. I love those kinds of books. I don't want to know from the beginning what happened; I love being surprised throughout the story. This book kept me hooked from beginning to end. I can't wait to start the second in this series!

[Review] The Drowned Boy by Karin Fossum

The Drowned Boy by Karin Fossum
Series: Inspector Konrad Sejer, #11
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishing Date: Aug. 25, 2015
Format: hardcover, ARC
240 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads Rating: 3 stars

Synopsis 

A new addition to the captivating Inspector Sejer series, the first since The Caller, from Norway’s finest crime writer.

Carmen and Nicolai failed to resuscitate their son, Tommy, after finding him floating in their backyard pond. When Inspector Skarre arrives on the scene, Carmen reports that Tommy, a healthy toddler with Down syndrome, wandered into the garden while Nicolai was working in the basement and she was cleaning the house. Skarre senses something is off with Carmen’s story and consults his trusted colleague, the famed Inspector Sejer. An autopsy reveals Tommy’s lungs to be full of soap.

When Sejer and Skarre revisit the couple, Carmen, an epileptic, changes her story, confessing that she’d been knocked unconscious by a seizure while bathing Tommy. When she came to, she found him drowned in the tub and, horrified and frightened, threw him into the pond.

But Skarre and Sejer’s doubt is not appeased and the case is reopened. What more could Carmen be hiding? And what lengths will she take to cover her guilt? As Carmen’s own family starts to doubt her, Skarre and Sejer work to find the truth.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I was immediately drawn to this book after seeing the cover and reading the synopsis. I knew I had to read it even though I haven't read anything else by this author. I was a little concerned at first that I hadn't read the other books in this series, but after reading this, I'm guessing they can be read out of order. I didn't feel like I had missed anything by not reading the others. Though reading this definitely makes me want to read some more of Fossum's work. 

This was an interesting book and I really enjoyed reading it. It's a little slower paced than some other mysteries that I've read, but it was a nice change. But even though it was slower, I didn't lose interest and it wasn't missing anything. Inspector Sejer is a really unique character; he lives alone with his dog but there's definitely a lot that has gone on in his life. Carmen absolutely drove me crazy in this book; I didn't like her from the very beginning. It was her mannerisms and personality that just didn't fit with mine. She was too blasé about her child dying and wanted to move on too fast after. And poor Nicolai; he was clearly torn up about Tommy dying and I felt so bad for him. 

It's interesting to watch this story unfold and find out what happened to Tommy. It's definitely a book that kept me interested and I'm glad that I was given the chance to read this!

[Review] The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
Publisher: Riverhead Books
Publishing Date: Jan. 13, 2015
Format: purchased, hardcover
323 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 5 stars

Synopsis 

Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.

And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel offers what she knows to the police, and becomes inextricably entwined in what happens next, as well as in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

My Review

I couldn't wait to pick up this book! I had a gift card to Barnes and Noble, and I couldn't pass up buying this one! I had heard so many good things and my aunt read it and loved it, so I needed to start it immediately. I've heard it compared to Gone Girl, and since I really enjoyed that book, I thought this one would be a good read as well. 

One of the first things I noticed about this book is the unreliable narrators. A few of the main characters are so unreliable, but at the same time, I really enjoyed reading from their point of views. Rachel is one of those unreliable narrators, and while there were times I was absolutely annoyed by her, there were other times I felt so bad for her! Same with Maggie; a little unreliable, but really enjoyed seeing the story through her eyes. 

I loved that the story was told from three women's perspectives. It was so interesting to watch the story unfold from these three women. They were each able to bring something different to the story and filled in a lot of gaps that would be there if told from one perspective only. I really didn't like Anna in the beginning of this book, but the more I heard from her, the more I liked her. And then at the very end of the book? Oh, loved her! 

There's so much going on in this book. I was constantly trying to figure out what happened, who did what, and where the story was going. There was a time I thought I had it figured out, but then everything changed again. It wasn't until pretty close to the end that I figured it out. But even then, there were a few moments that I thought that something else was going to happen, but it didn't. I like that I wasn't able to figure out everything that had happened. This book just kept me hooked and I couldn't put it down. I truly had a fun time reading this book and I'm anxious to see what else Ms. Hawkins will write! 

[Review] The Fixer by Joseph Finder

The Fixer by Joseph Finder
Publisher: Dutton
Publishing Date: June 9, 2015
406 Pages
Format: paperback, ARC
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
Goodreads rating: 4.5 stars

Synopsis 

New York Times bestselling author Joseph Finder delivers his next breakneck stand-alone thriller about the secrets families can keep, and the danger of their discovery.

When former investigative reporter Rick Hoffman loses his job, fiancée, and apartment, his only option is to move back into — and renovate — the home of his miserable youth, now empty and in decay since the stroke that put his father in a nursing home.

As Rick starts to pull apart the old house, he makes an electrifying discovery — millions of dollars hidden in the walls. It’s enough money to completely transform Rick’s life — and everything he thought he knew about his father. Yet the more of his father’s hidden past that Rick brings to light, the more dangerous his present becomes. Soon, he finds himself on the run from deadly enemies desperate to keep the past buried, and only solving the mystery of his father — a man who has been unable to communicate, comprehend, or care for himself for almost 20 years — will save Rick... if he can survive long enough to do it.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Before I started blogging, I had never heard of Joseph Finder or his novels. Now, he's becoming one of my favorite authors. Everything I've picked up by him have been wonderful reads. They're fast-paced, complex, and keep you guessing. This surely won't be the last book by Finder that I pick up. 

Rick Hoffman finds millions of dollars in his father's home when he begins to renovate it. Then he does what I think a lot of people would do, spends a ton of money on silly things like clothing and fancy dinners, all while trying to impress a girl. However, he soon realizes that this money wasn't just left for him, and someone wants it back. His life is now in danger and he must try to figure out where it came from and who's trying to kill him. He uses his skills as a former investigative reporter to figure out just what his father was up to and why he had all of this money. Rick learns things about his father that he never knew before, things that aren't always good. But Rick knows he needs to keep digging for the truth, even if it means it could kill him. 

I love how Finder wrote this book and really enjoyed the characters. I thought the story was pretty complex and I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out what was happening. I never really figure out what was going to happen until the very end. I had suspicions about some characters and didn't trust a few of them throughout the story. But sometimes I would be surprised and they were good people; other times I was surprised that they weren't. All in all, this was a good book and I'm thankful that I was given the opportunity to read and review this one. I can't wait to read more of what Finder has in store for his fans. I'm sure I won't be disappointed! 

[Review] Alienated by Melissa Landers

Alienated by Melissa Landers
Series: Alienated, #1
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publishing Date: Feb. 4, 2014
Format: hardcover, won
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
344 Pages

Synopsis 

Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.

My Review

What a fun, unique book! I want the L'eihrs to be real! First of all, a cure for cancer?! Yes, please! Second, telepathic communication? Absolutely! And do I need to mention really good looking guys?

I really wasn't sure what to expect with this book, or whether I would like it. I've never really read anything with aliens before, but since I won it last year, I figured I should give it a try! This really was an interesting and unique book. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. But Aelyx and Cara are great characters. They seem to hit it off pretty fast, and Cara tries so hard to make Aelyx feel at home and find foods he likes. There was a little romance in this book, suspense and science fiction. An interesting combination that really worked. There were times I laughed, wanted to cry, and many, many times I swooned over the characters. Definitely worth the read if it can bring out that many emotions in me!

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. Good thing I just found out the short story between Alienated and Invaded, Until Midnight, is free on Amazon! I just downloaded it and can't wait to start it and then buy Invaded! That should hold me over until I can get to the store next... :) 

Others in the Series

Alienated, #1.5                                       Alienated, #2

The 8th Confession by James Patterson

The 8th Confession by James Patterson 
Series: The Women's Murder Club, #8
Publisher: Grand Central
Publishing Date: 2009
Format: purchased, paperback
352 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

As San Francisco's most glamorous millionaires mingle at the party of the year, someone is watching--waiting for a chance to take vengeance on Isa and Ethan Bailey, the city's most celebrated couple. Finally, the killer pinpoints the ideal moment, and it's the perfect murder. Not a trace of evidence is left behind in their glamorous home. 

As Detective Lindsay Boxer investigates the high-profile murder, someone else is found brutally executed--a preacher with a message of hope for the homeless. His death nearly falls through the cracks, but when reporter Cindy Thomas hears about it, she knows the story could be huge. Probing deeper into the victim's history, she discovers he may not have been quite as saintly as everyone thought.

As the hunt for two criminals tests the limits of the Women's Murder Club, Lindsay sees sparks fly between Cindy and her partner, Detective Rich Conklin. The Women's Murder Club now faces its toughest challenge: will love destroy all that four friends have built? The exhilarating new chapter in the Women's Murder Club series, The 8th Confession serves up a double dose of speed-charged twists and shocking revelations as only James Patterson can. And remember, this is the only Murder Club episode of the year.

My Review

I always look forward to picking up another book by James Patterson. I'm a huge fan and love how fast his books are to read! I'm slowly building up my library to own all of his books and I'm making good progress! In the mean time, I actually need to read them all :) I was in the mood for a quick read and a mystery, so I knew I had to pick up one of Patterson's. 

This book, like most of his others, was a really quick read. I love the short chapters because I feel like I'm always telling myself, just one more chapter... and then 5 chapters go by... Lindsay is a great character. I think she makes a really good detective and she's not willing to settle on a case until she can solve it. I also really like the addition of her partner Rich Conklin. He's been in a few of the books so far and I think he's a great addition. I really like Jacobi and I'm glad he's still part of the books, but Conklin is fun. I know some people are frustrated with Lindsay in this book since she can't seem to make her mind up about the men in her life, but I think that can sometimes be common in real life. While you may not want to be with a certain person, you like the attention they give you and don't necessarily want to give that up. I think she made the right decision and I'm curious to see who their relationship will play out in the next books. 

I liked this book and it was interesting to see how it all played out. It probably wasn't my favorite of this series, but I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to The 9th Judgment! 

[Review] Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag

Cold Cold Heart by Tami Hoag
Publisher: Dutton
Publishing Date: Jan. 13, 2015
Format: hardcover, ARC
400 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

Dana Nolan was a promising young TV reporter until a notorious serial killer tried to add her to his list of victims. Nearly a year has passed since surviving her ordeal, but the physical, emotional, and psychological scars run deep. Struggling with the torment of post-traumatic stress syndrome, plagued by flashbacks and nightmares as dark as the heart of a killer, Dana returns to her hometown in an attempt to begin to put her life back together. But home doesn’t provide the comfort she expects.

Dana’s harrowing story and her return to small town life have rekindled police and media interest in the unsolved case of her childhood best friend, Casey Grant, who disappeared without a trace the summer after their graduation from high school. Terrified of truths long-buried, Dana reluctantly begins to look back at her past. Viewed through the dark filter of PTSD, old friends and loved ones become suspects and enemies. Questioning everything she knows, refusing to be defined by the traumas of her past and struggling against excruciating odds, Dana seeks out a truth that may prove too terrible to be believed…

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I loved this book! It's the first Tami Hoag book I've read and it definitely won't be the last! This book was unlike anything I've ever read before. It's obviously a mystery and about a serial killer, but there were definitely times I laughed and I didn't expect that. Dana is an easy character to sympathize with immediately. She survived a horrific experience and it has completely changed the person she was. I can't begin to imagine what she went through. However, I really loved her new honesty. She had to relearn a lot of things, and obviously filtering her thoughts and words wasn't something she picked up! She was brutally honest, but some of the things she said were so funny. I wrote this quote down right when I read it: "I remember you now," Dana said dryly. "You were always full of shit." This seriously made me laugh out loud. Like I said, she's honest! And then there was John; I instantly felt sorry for him. He had a really crappy life growing up with an abusive father and it seemed that everything that could go wrong for him did. I didn't like Tim; there was something about him that annoyed me from the beginning, and Roger is fishy - I don't know what it is about him that I don't trust, but disliked him too! 

I really thought this was a highly original book, and I can't wait to get my hands on more of Hoag's work. For those of you who haven't read anything by her, I would recommend this in a heartbeat! And for those who have read her work, no questions asked, read this. There were many times I thought I had this story figured out, but then something would happen and I'd change my mind. Hoag is definitely good at what she does (: 

[Review] Suspicion by Joseph Finder

Suspicion by Joseph Finder
Publisher: Dutton
Publishing Date: May 27, 2014
Format: Hardocover, ARC
387 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

When single father Danny Goodman suddenly finds himself unable to afford the private school his teenage daughter adores, he has no one to turn to for financial support.

In what seems like a stroke of brilliant luck, Danny meets Thomas Galvin, the father of his daughter’s new best friend, who also happens to be one of the wealthiest men in Boston. Galvin is aware of Danny’s situation and out of the blue offers a $50,000 loan to help Danny cover his daughter’s tuition. Uncomfortable but desperate, Danny takes the money, promising to pay Galvin back.

What transpires is something Danny never imagined. The moment the money is wired into his account, the DEA comes knocking on his door. Danny’s impossible choice: an indictment for accepting drug money that he can’t afford to fight in court, or an unthinkably treacherous undercover assignment helping the government get close to his new family friend.

As Danny begins to lie to everyone in his life, including those he loves most in the world, he must decide once and for all who the real enemy is or risk losing everything—and everyone—that matters to him.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I was really excited to start this book because it sounded so good. A single dad whose trying to keep a stable life for his daughter ends up getting involved with the wrong group of people. This was a really good, fast-paced book! I found myself wanting to skip ahead just to find out what happens! But I paced myself and was completely drawn into the story. I kept wondering what was going to happen to Danny? What is going on with Galvin? Is Danny's daughter going to be in trouble? So many things to think about while reading this one. This is the first Joseph Finder book I've read and I really enjoyed it. I liked his writing style and really felt for the characters. Danny was someone you could like instantly and I felt really bad for him. I was always rooting for him though! Sure, someone offering you $50,000 out of the blue, without really knowing him that well, is a little suspicious, but if you're a parent, you probably want to do anything and everything to help your children. So while I'd be hesitant, I might take that money if I were really desperate too. Just gives you one more thing to think about while reading this enthralling story. 

[Review] Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner

Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner
Series: Tessa Leoni, #3
Publisher: Dutton
Publishing Date: Feb. 3, 2015
Format: ARC, paperback
386 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis

My name is Nicky Frank. Except, most likely, it isn’t.

Nicole Frank shouldn’t have been able to survive the car accident, much less crawl up the steep ravine. Not in the dark, not in the rain, not with her injuries. But one thought allows her to defy the odds and flag down help: Vero.

I’m looking for a little girl. I have to save her. Except, most likely, she doesn’t exist.

Sergeant Wyatt Foster is frustrated when even the search dogs can’t find any trace of the mysterious missing child. Until Nicky’s husband, Thomas, arrives with a host of shattering revelations: Nicole Frank suffers from a rare brain injury and the police shouldn’t trust anything she says.

My husband claims he’ll do anything to save me. Except, most likely, he can’t.

Who is Nicky Frank, and what happened the night her car sailed off the road? Was it a random accident or something more sinister given the woman’s lack of family and no close friends? The deeper Wyatt digs, the more concerned he becomes. Because it turns out, in the past few months, Nicky has suffered from more than one close accident. . . . In fact, it would appear someone very much wants her dead.

This is my life. Except, most likely, it’s not. Now watch me crash and burn.

My Review

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

I was really excited to start this book when I first got it! I jumped right into it and couldn't put it down! This book is not what I was exactly expecting! And I mean that in a good way. I can't describe too much of they story because then it will ruin it, but let's just say it was really good! Lisa Gardner knows how to write a story very well and I always look forward to what she'll write next. I really like Tessa Leoni; yes, she's made some questionable decisions, but she's truly looking out for her daughter and herself. Then comes Wyatt Foster - he's not her knight in shining armor because he can't solve all her problems. But he's there for her when she needs him and I'm hoping they stick it out! 

Nicky and Thomas Frank weren't what I was expecting, whatsoever. And what about Vero? Who is she and how does she fit into this story? Throughout the book, we learn more details that help us figure it out. But right when I think I know what's going on, something else happens that completely throws me for a loop! You never really know who you can trust and that makes me love this story even more! Gardner is a master storyteller and I always look forward to what she has in store for us next. I highly, highly suggest you read her work! 

Others in this series: 

 Review                          Review

[Review] Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner

Touch & Go by Lisa Gardner
Series: Tessa Leoni, #2
Publisher: Signet
Publishing Date: Feb. 5, 2013
Format: paperback, purchased
442 Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Synopsis 

This is my family: Vanished without a trace…

Justin and Libby Denbe have the kind of life that looks good in the pages of a glossy magazine. A beautiful fifteen-year old daughter, Ashlyn. A gorgeous brownstone on a tree-lined street in Boston’s elite Back Bay neighborhood. A great marriage, admired by friends and family. A perfect life.

This is what I know: Pain has a flavor…

When investigator Tessa Leoni arrives at the crime scene in the Denbes’ home, she finds scuff marks on the floor and Taser confetti in the foyer. The family appears to have been abducted, with only a pile of their most personal possessions remaining behind. No witnesses, no ransom demands, no motive. Just an entire family, vanished without a trace.

This is what I fear: The worst is yet to come…

Tessa knows better than anyone that even the most perfect façades can hide the darkest secrets. Now she must race against the clock to uncover the Denbes’ innermost dealings, a complex tangle of friendships and betrayal, big business and small sacrifices. Who would want to kidnap such a perfect little family? And how far would such a person be willing to go?

This is the truth: Love, safety, family…it is all touch and go.

My Review

This is the second book in the Tessa Leoni series and I really enjoyed it. It did take me a little bit to get into, but I think that had more to do with starting it around Christmas and getting a bunch of new books that I really want to read. This book had a lot going on right away; the Denbe family goes missing and we start learning about all these secrets each family member harbors. I really like Tessa as a character in this series. If you read the previous book in this series, Love You More, you'll know why she's such an interesting character. I don't want to say too much about it, but Tessa claims to have shot her husband in self-defense (this is on the synopsis of the book, so I'm not ruining anything). We really see her grow throughout these two books, both as a law enforcement personnel and as a mother. She works on this case with a sheriff's officer, Wyatt, and you can feel their chemistry from the beginning! 

What I really liked about this book is it was so detailed. The business of Denbe Construction was described really well and we found out all the key players in the business. There were so many times I thought I knew who kidnapped the family, but then something else happened and I couldn't be sure any more! Once the holidays were over, I began reading this again and couldn't put it down. I ended up staying up well past my normal bedtime to finish and couldn't wait to tell my husband about it the next day. I recently received an ARC of Crash & Burn, the third in the Tessa Leoni series, and I can't wait to dive in! I want to know if anything happens between Tessa and Wyatt! I always love a little romance between characters, even if it isn't the main part of the story. 

Others in the Series

Stacking the Shelves! 12.20.14

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course, ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog! 

ARC

I was so excited to find this beauty on my doorstep today!! I seriously cannot wait to start reading it! I actually started last night and got a few pages into it, but then I realized that its actually the 3rd book in the Tessa Leoni series. I've read the first and I have the second sitting on my shelf, so I going to read that one next and then Crash & Burn. I know I can read this one as a stand-alone, but I'd rather read it in order. Ahh! So exciting :) 

What books, physical or virtual, did you add to your shelves this week?!

Stacking the Shelves 11.16.14

 

Stacking the Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga @ Tynga's Reviews. Its all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, whether physical or virtual books. This means you can include books you buy in physical stores or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts, and of course, ebooks! Tynga posts this meme on Saturdays, but you can post on any day that works best for you! Check out the guidelines by visiting Tynga's blog! 

Bought

Only added one book to my shelf this week! But that's definitely a good things because my TBR shelf is out of control (: 

[Review] One For the Money by Janet Evanovich

One For the Money by Janet Evanovich
Publisher:
Publishing Date:
Format: paperback, purchased
Pages
Links: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Synopsis 

ONE FINE MESS

Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, home to wiseguys, average Joes, and Stephanie Plum, who sports a big attitude and even bigger money problems (since losing her job as a lingerie buyer for a department store). Stephanie needs cash—fast—but times are tough, and soon she’s forced to turn to the last resort of the truly desperate: family...

ONE FALSE MOVE

Stephanie lands a gig at her sleazy cousin Vinnie’s bail bonding company. She’s got no experience. But that doesn’t matter. Neither does the fact that the bail jumper in question is local vice cop Joe Morelli. From the time he first looked up her dress to the time he first got into her pants, to the time Steph hit him with her father’s Buick, M-o-r-e-l-l-i has spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. And now the hot guy is in hot water—wanted for murder...

ONE FOR THE MONEY

Abject poverty is a great motivator for learning new skills, but being trained in the school of hard knocks by people like psycho prizefighter Benito Ramirez isn’t. Still, if Stephanie can nab Morelli in a week, she’ll make a cool ten grand. All she has to do is become an expert bounty hunter overnight—and keep herself from getting killed before she gets her man...

My Review 

This is the first Evanovich book I've read and it won't be the last! This book had been sitting on my shelves for quite a while, and I really wanted to read something from my acquired-before-2014-TBR list, so I grabbed this one. 

One For the Money is a fast-paced mystery with a touch of comedy. Stephanie Plum isn't your average bounty hunter, and she only picks up the job because she's recently out of work and low on money. As she becomes more involved in finding the suspects, she realizes this isn't as easy as she though. On top of that, she's pissed off a very prominent professional boxer, and he's out for her life. I've never read a book that's both a mystery and a comedy, so I wasn't sure what to expect. But it turns out Evanovich does a really great job balancing all aspects. The comedic parts don't take away from the mystery, which I really appreciated. I can't wait to keep reading this series and learning more about Stephanie Plum and Joe Morelli!