Review: The Paris Widow by Kimberly Belle

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Release date: June 11, 2024

Publisher: Park Row

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

A dream vacation turns deadly when secrets from the past catch up to a married couple in Paris in this new edge-of-your-seat thriller from USA Today bestselling author, Kimberly Belle.

When Stella met Adam, she thought she had finally found a nice, normal guy—a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter lifestyle with him. But her secure world comes crashing down when Adam goes missing after an explosion in the city square. Unable to reach him, she panics.

As the French police investigate, it’s revealed that Adam was on their radar as a dealer of rare and stolen antiquities with a long roster of criminal clients. Reeling from this news, Stella is determined not to leave Paris until she has the full story. Was Adam a random victim or the target of the explosion? And why is someone following her through the streets of Paris?

An irresistible, fast-paced read set in some of Europe’s most inviting locales, The Paris Widowexplores how sinister secrets of the past stay with us—no matter how far we travel.

Review:

If you’re building your summer TBR this would be a fantastic addition! It’s fast paced and begs to be read in one sitting, it’s addictive and has some high stakes for the characters and its set in Paris, so if you can’t make the trip there for your own vacation you can at least see the sights from the pages of this one. The author does domestic suspense really well and I enjoyed her vacation spin this time around. The idea of a dream trip turned nightmare was fascinating and I felt for Stella as she tried to navigate the mess her husband created on foreign soil which added another layer of tension and anxiety. Not all of the surprises were true surprise for me but this was still really fun and enjoyable for me.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Jackpot Summer by Elyssa Friedland

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Release date: June 11, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

After the Jacobson siblings win a life-changing fortune in the lottery, they assume their messy lives will transform into sleek, storybook perfection—but they couldn’t be more wrong in the new laugh-out-loud novel from beloved author Elyssa Friedland.

The four Jacobson children were raised to respect the value of a dollar. Their mother reused tea bags and refused to pay retail; their father taught them to budget before he taught them to ride a bike. And yet, as adults, their financial lives—as well as their personal lives—are in complete disarray.

The siblings reunite when their newly widowed father puts their Jersey Shore home on the market. Packing up their childhood isn’t easy, especially when they’ve all got drama brewing back home. Matthew is miserable at his corporate law job and wishes he had more time with his son; Laura’s marriage is imploding in spectacular fashion; Sophie’s art career is stalled while her boyfriend’s is on the rise; and Noah’s total failure to launch has him doing tech repair for pennies.

So when Noah sees an ad for a Powerball drawing, he and his sisters go in on a ticket. Matthew passes but the ticket is a winner and all hell breaks loose as the infusion of cash causes sibling rivalries and family secrets to resurface. Without their mother, and with their father busy playing pickleball in a Florida retirement village, the once close-knit siblings search for comfort in shiny new toys instead of each other.

It’s not long before the Jacobson’s start to realize that they’ll never feel rich unless they can pull their family back together.

Review:

I really enjoy the authors style of writing books about messy families, she explores that dynamic in a really authentic and charming way that always works for me. I think we’ve all daydreamed about what we would do if we won the lottery and that’s the reality for the Jacobson family and the premise here. As exciting and life changing as it is for this family, it also opens up a host of issues and exposes some problems they weren’t ready to face. They’re all still reeling from the loss of their beloved mother and trying to navigate life without their matriarch and grief was discussed in such a relatable way. I enjoyed all four of the siblings and sometimes shook my head at some of their struggles and others were very universal. Their father, Leo was such a character and he was one of my favorites. This is such a perfect summer read, especially if you enjoy reading about other people’s problems and dramas in an endearing and entertaining way.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Summer Escape by Jill Shalvis

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Release date: June 11, 2024

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Secrets are revealed and forbidden sparks ignited in this sizzling Sunrise Cove tale of enemies to lovers, redemption, missing treasures, and love—by romance superstar and New York Timesbestselling author Jill Shalvis.

Anna Moore didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go on a wild quest — especially since her life no longer lends itself to wild anything — so how in the world does she end up racing against the clock with Owen Harris, a sexy, enigmatic adventurist, to prove her beloved dad innocent of stealing a million-dollar necklace? 

It’s all Wendy’s fault. Her older, bossy sister, who’s seven months pregnant and on bed rest in their small Lake Tahoe hometown, is desperate to clear their dad’s name. Owen though is convinced he’s guilty as hell and wants to return the jewelry back to its rightful owner—his elderly great aunt. Together they go on a scavenger hunt for clues to the past (with Wendy remotely along for the ride via an ear bud, supplying a running wry commentary to boot).  

On opposing sides and suspicious of each other as they are, Anna and Owen still can’t deny the inexplicable and explosive chemistry between them on this heart-stopping adventure, the outcome of which will prove the necklace isn’t the only thing stolen — their hearts have been as well.

Review:

This one reminded me exactly why I adore Jill Shalvis. I can always count on her to write a heartwarming story that will make me laugh, make me swoon and make me want to befriend her characters. Besides those must haves this one also had a dash of mystery which is something new and it was such a fun addition. Anna and Owen have an immediate connection but their push and pull relationship kept me wanting more and the author delivered the perfect amount of angst to keep me invested. Anna’s sister, Wendy and her husband, Hayden are serious goals. Their relationship was adorable and Wendy and Anna’s sisterly bond was so sweet. Some of my favorite scenes were when Wendy was on the phone eavesdropping since she was on bed rest, too funny! No one does witty dialogue better than JS and not only did Anna and Owen have great banter, the sisters did as well. If you like cozy romances with a side of spice, all the good vibes and humor and a beautiful setting this was excellent.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Seven Summer Weekends by Jane L. Rosen

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Release date: June 4, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

A woman inherits a beach house, along with a series of weekend guests, while butting heads with the irritable (and irritatingly handsome) man next door, in this sparkling new escape from Jane L. Rosen.

When a Zoom disaster upends Addison Irwin’s decade-long career at a posh Manhattan advertising agency, things look bleak for the thirty-something mid-western transplant. But an unexpected inheritance from an aunt she barely remembers—a property on Fire Island, complete with guest house and artist’s studio—changes everything.

While debating whether to stay or sell, Addison learns that she’s also inherited her aunt’s list of eclectic guests, tying her to the island for seven summer weekends. Eager to convince Addison to keep the house rather than let a new buyer build a monstrosity in its place, the neighbors welcome her to their laid-back community. Well, all except the moody guy next door, who seems intent on glowering his way through life.

Steadfast in her path since college, Addison is determined not to let this detour on Fire Island throw her off track. But soon, between the revolving door of weekend visitors and the up-and-down relationship with her neighbor (and his adorable dog), she finds herself in unfamiliar territory. Should she try to pick up where she left off—or embrace entirely new possibilities?

Review:

If you’ve read the authors previous release, On Fire Island you will recognize some of the characters here which was a pleasant surprise for me! Though connected you can still read this one on its own too though just fyi. I loved the setup with each section of this following Addison over seven summer weeks as a lively and colorful cast of characters rents out the guesthouse her aunt left her in her will. The estrangement added a level of depth and complexity to the otherwise fluffy beach read and opened up a bunch of emotional issues for Addison. The characters, both and main and secondary were all such a delight and charmed me almost as much as the setting did. This is ideal summertime reading, it has basically everything you would want in a seasonal read, there’s romance, drama, laughs and a dreamy setting.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone

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Release date: June 4, 2024

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

The murder of Elise Rockwood’s sister shattered her family. Their mother’s anxiety kept her housebound. Elise’s paranoid brother, Kyle, saw conspiracies everywhere. Elise numbed her grief in an aimless lifestyle that left her emotionally broken. All of them victims. A local boy eventually confessed, but the damage was already done.

Years later, Elise is reinventing herself. She’s bought a mountain lodge to be close to home again and to find stability. Not even an email from her ex tempts her into revisiting the past. But Kyle won’t let it go. He still believes there’s more to their sister’s murder—and the confession—than meets the eye. When Elise’s ex is found dead in the same forest where her sister went missing decades before, Elise is finally willing to listen.

The traumas of the past are reemerging. So is the truth. Elise’s greatest fear now is who will survive it.

Review:

I’ve really enjoyed several of the authors books but this one just didn’t work for me. I was disappointed because I had high hopes but I had too many issues with it. The premise had potential but the execution was lacking, the pacing was very slow and the payoff wasn’t there for me in the end. I failed to connect with any of the characters, I didn’t feel like they were well developed and in turn I just didn’t care what was happening. Then there were still some unanswered questions at the end and I hate when things are unresolved. Overall a flop for me.

Overall rating: 2.5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Feels Like Summer by Wendy Francis

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Release date: May 28, 2024

Publisher: Lake Union

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

For three sisters, this Memorial Day weekend is a much-anticipated reunion—and a sizzling escape—where secrets, lovers, and betrayals collide in a small coastal town.

It’s Memorial Day weekend, the annual kickoff to summer for the Lancaster sisters. But the festivities take a deep dive when a mysterious boating accident occurs off their seaside town, sparking questions about how well the sisters know their neighbors—and each other.

Kate, whip smart and rich, lives a charmed life—if only her lawyer husband wasn’t always disappearing for his next big case. Older sister Shelby, when not selling houses, is falling hard for an on-again, off-again lover. He’s perfect for Shelby in many ways, and so wrong in others. And Bree, the youngest, is reeling from a recent breakup and in desperate need of her sisters. They’ve always been there for each other, but as secrets arise and gossip spreads like wildfire, the idyllic weekend takes a dramatic tailspin. Will this summer’s troubles change their bond before their sisterhood is righted again?

Review:

Looking at this you already know it’s a perfect summer read but I have to say, it would be absolutely ideal to bring on your summer vacation. It’s light and gossipy, plenty of drama and intrigue and has a pretty summer setting that makes you feel like you’re already on vacation anyway. This is a family drama that follows three sisters who are all at pivotal moments in their lives. I love a story about sisters and Kate, Bree and Shelby were entertaining and relatable at times. Besides an interesting family dynamic there is also a mystery sub plot that was a pleasant surprise. If you want an escapist read with all the summertime vibes this was really enjoyable.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Next Mrs. Parrish

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Release date: June 18, 2024

Publisher: Bantam

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

Daphne and Amber Parrish are thrust back into each other’s lives upon the resurgence of a long-forgotten threat, forcing a vicious game of cat and mouse where everything is on the line, in this thrilling sequel to the million-copy-bestselling Reese’s Book Club pick The Last Mrs. Parrish.

Amber Patterson Parrish has come a long way from being an invisible wallflower. Her hard work and immaculate planning have paid off now that she’s a prominent socialite, but that doesn’t mean there haven’t been bumps along the way. Less than a year since her husband Jackson’s tax-evasion scandal, Amber is still at the top of the Bishops Harbor community pecking order, free to do as she wishes while Jackson sits in prison. But that freedom is quickly coming to an end. With Jackson getting released from prison, Amber’s time—and money—is vanishing.

Meanwhile, Daphne Parrish left Bishops Harbor after her divorce from Jackson Parrish, swearing she would never go back. But when one of her daughters runs away from home, desperate to see her father, Daphne agrees to return for the summer to allow him supervised visits. Once out of prison, Jackson swears he’s a changed man, but Daphne knows all too well that he can’t be trusted.

When a ghost from Amber’s past emerges looking for revenge, the three of them find unlikely allies in one another, but who is playing who? When all is said and done, they’ll have to fight tooth and nail for everything they have left in this zero-sum game.

With shocking turns and entertaining characters, The Next Mrs. Parrish will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about duplicity and betrayal.

Review:

As much I was excited about getting an early copy of this I did wonder, do we really need a sequel? Things were fairly wrapped up in the first book but yes, we did need a sequel because this was just as wickedly fun and outrageous as the first book. Besides perspectives from Amber and Daphne there was a third one from Daisy Ann and I wondered how she fit in. When all came to light it totally made sense and she was an excellent addition to this group of messy characters. If you enjoy domestic suspense with characters you’ll love to hate, twisty stories and plenty of delicious drama this was so fun and I predict will be in many beach bags this summer.

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: The Guncle Abroad by Steven Rowley

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Release date: May 21, 2024

Publisher: Putnam

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

From the nationally bestselling author of The Guncle comes the much-anticipated sequel, in which Patrick O’Hara is called back to his guncle duties…at a big, family wedding in Lake Como, Italy.

Patrick O’Hara is finally in a league of his own…professionally. Inspired by his stint as Grant and Maisie’s caretaker after their mother’s passing, Patrick has “un-stalled” his acting career with sit-com, Guncle Knows Best . Still, some things have had to take a back seat. Looking down both barrels at fifty, Patrick is single and lonely after breaking things off with Emory. But at least he has family, right?
When his brother Greg announces his big, second wedding in Lake Como, Italy, Patrick feels pulled toward Grant and Maisie and flies to Europe to attend the lavish event, only to butt heads with a newfound Launt (Lesbian Aunt), curb his sister Clara from flirting with guests, and desperately restore himself to the favored relative status in the eyes of the kids, as they struggle to adjust to a new normal. But is it Patrick’s job to save the day? Or is simply celebrating love enough to quell the family chaos?
Gracing the page with his signature blend of humor and heart, Steven Rowley delivers the long-awaited sequel to a beloved story, all about the complicated bonds of family, love, and what it takes to rediscover yourself, even at the ripe age of fifty.

Review:

I didn’t realize how much I needed to be reunited with these characters until I actually was, I missed them so much 🥹 If you somehow haven’t read The Guncle yet, first off what are you waiting for?! Secondly, these really do need to be read in order to get the full picture. Patrick just really speaks my language, he’s so witty and sarcastic and I can’t get enough of his humor. Maisie and Grant are five years older than they were in the first book so that was both delightful to see and also sad because they’re SO grown. Patrick having a rivalry with the kids new Launt was hysterical and it was Patrick at his petty best. The setting takes you on a journey as Patrick and the kids do their own jaunt before settling in Italy for Greg’s wedding and nothing says summer read louder than an idyllic setting. I was just as charmed with this one as I was with the previous book, the characters are entertaining and endearing, the plot was cute and the entire thing was a blast from start to finish.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins

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Release date: May 28, 2024

Publisher: Berkley

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Synopsis:

Lark Smith has always had a plan for her life: find a fantastic guy, create a marriage as blissful as her parents’, pop out a couple of kids and build a rewarding career as an oncologist.

Things aren’t going so well.

For one, the guy didn’t work out. Theoretically, she’d love to find someone else, but it hasn’t happened. Two, she’s just been transferred out of oncology for being too emotional. (Is it her fault she’s a weeper?) Three, her parents just split up.

Deviating from the plan was…well, not in the plan. A potential solution comes from the foul-tempered and renowned surgeon Lorenzo Santini (aka Dr. Satan). He needs a date this summer for his sister’s wedding. His ancient Noni wants to see him settled. In exchange, he could make a few introductions and maybe get Lark back into the field of her choice.

As a sucker for old people and fake relationships, Lark agrees. Teeny problem—she instantly falls for his big, warm family. Especially his estranged brother.

Meanwhile, Lark’s mom has moved in with Lark’s flamboyant landlady, Joy, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. The three women have a long summer and a big beautiful house on the ocean to figure out what’s next…and quite possibly learn that the best things in life aren’t planned at all.

Review:

I just adore the authors books, she never misses for me and her style of writing books that both lift you up and break your heart just really works for me. I was pleasantly surprised to see some characters from A Little Ray of Sunshine and if you’ve read that one too, I’m sure you’ll be just as delighted as I was. If you haven’t read it yet, you should! Especially if you like messy families with larger than life characters and just wonderful storytelling. But I digress, I immediately connected with Lark, she’s a tender hearted little angel who I felt protective of, I seriously wanted to tuck her into bed with some tea and a good book after learning more about her backstory. That’s the thing about this author, (and this book) is that one minute you’re laughing at some witty dialogue and the next I’m crying and didn’t even realize it. The characters here are larger than life, they leapt off the page and right into my heart. I know that’s cheesy but it’s true! Besides Lark you hear from her mom, Ellie and her landlady, Joy in alternating chapters and I just adored all three of these women. Each was struggling individually with some aspect of their life and the way they helped and supported each other was everything. Per usual this is one of the best books I’ve read this year, an emotional read with characters I won’t forget and a story that was heartfelt and beautiful.

Overall rating: 5/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.

Review: If Something Happens to Me by Alex Findlay

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Release date: May 28, 2024

Publisher: Minotaur

Genre: Mystery/Thriller

Synopsis:

For the past five years, Ryan Richardson has relived that terrible night. The car door ripping open. The crushing blow to the head. The hands yanking him from the vehicle. His girlfriend Ali’s piercing scream as she is taken.

With no trace of Ali or the car, a cloud of suspicion hangs over Ryan. But with no proof and a good lawyer, he’s never charged, though that doesn’t matter to the podcasters and internet trolls. Now, Ryan has changed his last name, and entered law school. He’s put his past behind him.

Until, on a summer trip abroad to Italy with his law-school classmates, Ryan gets a call from his father: Ali’s car has finally been found, submerged in a lake in his hometown. Inside are two dead men and a cryptic note with five words written on the envelope in Ali’s handwriting: If something happens to me…

Then, halfway around the world, the unthinkable happens: Ryan sees the man who has haunted his dreams since that night.

As Ryan races from the rolling hills of Tuscany, to a rural village in the UK, to the glittering streets of Paris in search of the truth, he has no idea that his salvation may lie with a young sheriff’s deputy in Kansas working her first case, and a mobster in Philadelphia who’s experienced tragedy of his own.

In classic Alex Finlay form, If Something Happens to Me is told from several distinct, compelling characters whose paths intersect, detonating into a story of twist after pulse-pounding twist. The story cements Finlay as one of the leading thriller writers today.

Review:

Talk about a fast paced binge read! This was an effortless read for me, the pages flew by and I was finished before I even realized how far in I was. You have three narrators, Ryan, Poppy and Shane and at first glance it’s hard to see how they will all be connected. There was an excellent twist that tied them all together and just made this one really clever. Besides short and snappy chapters you get some great tension and lots of action leading up to a conclusion that I didn’t totally see coming. I don’t wanna spoil anything, but if you like addictive and pacey thrillers that are a puzzle to piece together this was great!

Overall rating: 4/5

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy.