Maria, thank you for writing this. It has inspired me to do a little more research and ask my doctor some more questions. My treatment plan is far from perfect, but it could probably be better.
As a migraine sufferer I found this very interesting and validating. I related to many of the insights the author had, especially the "its just a headache" and the insights regarding finding the right treatment. It is crazy to think in this day and age, the medical field still approaches migraine treatment as trial and error because the human brain is still a mystery.
This short audiobook had me nodding in agreement so many times as I had experienced so many of the same or similar situations as the author in finding my own functional solution. If you know someone who suffers from migraine, be kind, it isn't "just a headache". Migraines suck, and unless you've experienced one first hand, you really can't understand the pain and misery those of us who get them experience. As the author points out, each person has different symptoms and treatment. The only thing they share in common is that all migraines are terrible
I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This was a an interesting thriller told in multiple points of view. It was definitely more on the slow burn side and has more of a psychological aspect than action packed thriller.
This follows the charismatic Aiden Thomas, and upstanding member of the community from the perspectives of the women in his life. Everyone likes him, he goes to work, and he takes care of his daughter as he has recently lost his wife to illness. What people don't know is that a monster lurks inside the neat and kind exterior that is Aiden Thomas. Most of the book is told from "Rachel's" perspective, she is the quiet tenant for whom the book is named and we get to know her throughout the book. We also get chapters form Aiden's daughter Cecelia and Emily the local bartender who Aiden is sort of courting.
This book book was disturbing for sure and had many uncomfortable moments. While it isn't super suspenseful or action packed, it does provide a creep factor and make you feel icky. I don't want to spoil anything but this was constructed in an interesting way as you knew who the "bad guy" was the entire time. The suspense moments come into play as the story unfolds regarding Rachel and her survival and how she navigates her situation to stay alive and if she is ever going to escape her captivity. You also are always waiting for something terrible to happen.
If you are looking for domestic thriller that is more psychological and isn't graphically violent or gory this is a good one to check out. There are off page references to SA and violence, and other traumatic events, but they aren't described in detail.
I was provided both a print and an audio arc of this book via Netgalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.
I enjoyed that this had two narrators to distinguish between Blair and Alexis' perspectives. I enjoyed both narrators performances and felt they did a good job.
This follows Alexis after she and her husband Sam move in to a dilapidated house in the DC suburbs. The house is in their dream neighborhood and perfect for their growing family. Unfortunately the house came with a hefty mortgage, and at every turn they are sinking more and more into repairs just to make it safe to live in. Alexis has just given birth to their second child and with the financial burden and stress of the new house that strains her marriage even more. When their neighbor turns up dead a few weeks after they move in, Alexis begins to notice that her neighbors have strange night time behaviors as she is up for nighttime feedings with her little one. Her husband is growing more and more irritated by the house and trying to make partner at his law firm and thinks she is just being paranoid. As she begins to befriend some of the women in the neighborhood she finds that some of her paranoia is warranted.
Our other perspective comes from Blair, whose husband has just been murdered. She quickly befriends Alexis and is happy to have someone to lean on after such a tragedy. As the women begin to grow close, strange things continue to happen in their luxurious neighborhood. Things aren't always what they seem in the carefully constructed neighborhood of wealth and priveledge.
I found this to be pretty predictable. I kind of had the whole thing figured within a few chapters. There weren't very many red herrings to mislead the reader, you just weren't clear on the motivations which aren't revealed until much later. This is pretty low on the thrill and suspence aspects, which is not my type of thriller. I prefer heart pumping fast paced action. This is slow burn and follows the characters through their day to day lives until the truth about what happened is revealed. I had a hard time connecting with any of the characters. They were all self absorbed and shallow, I didn't like any of them and that makes it hard for me. Alexis made alot of questionable decisions, but she was supposed to be a very intelligent woman. I'm not a fan of the domestic thriller where the female character is supposed to be really smart but she keeps doing dumb things.
I believe the author was trying to make a statement about motherhood, body image and marriage and how that changes a woman and her relationships. While that is accurate, it didn't really work for me. While this book didn't work for me, I think there is an audience for this book. There is no gory crime scene and there isn't alot of police procedural stuff going on. I you enjoy a slower burn domestic thriller this is a good one to check out, it isn't what I'm looking for.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley, however I did end up borrowing the final published version of the audiobook from my local library. As always all opinions are my own. I opted for the audiobook because one of my favorite narrators, January LaVoy, narrates the audio version. As always she does a wonderful job acting out the different characters and really bringing the book to life.
This book is a bit on the long side, roughly 15 hours for audio or 450 pages, but I found it engaging to listen to and I was invested in the storyline. The writing gets a bit repetitive after a while and the plot is a bit predictable, but I still enjoyed it. I've found some of Roberts' thrillers to be hit or miss for me, but this had a good plot and kept me interested. I liked that we got perspectives from both main character Nora as well as the man who is trying to ruin her, Gavin. For it being a thriller I never was concerned for Morgan's safety, I think that was because it was predictable. You kind of knew where things were going to go by the time the final showdown occurs.
I did think the parts about Morgan's stolen Identity could have used a bit more work. Some of the facts about actual identity theft and hacking were a bit vague and loose. I feel like a little more care could and should have been taken with the information regarding identity theft and fraud protection. As someone who works in that field I would have appreciated a bit more accuracy and detail. Identity theft is a very real problem and this made it seem like there is nothing you can do once it happens and that it will keep happening to you.
Overall if you are looking for an entertaining thriller that isn't overly graphic this is a good one to check out. It has a nice family element and a decent romance that is light on the steam.
With the backdrop of paradise and sizzling chemistry, anything could
happen!
How to Honeymoon Alone, a sexy romantic comedy featuring a feisty heroine and
a grumpy hero from Olivia Hayle is out now!
A paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw
coming…
When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she
expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds
possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off.
She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails until
she feels like herself again… or falls over. Whichever comes first. What she’s
not expecting is the brusque, handsome stranger who sits down at her table on
the first night.
Philip Meyer is a grumpy workaholic, and so irritatingly cynical that it makes
her forget she’s grieving just to prove him wrong about the world. The two
have nothing in common… except trying to forget who they’ve left behind.
The luxury resort isn’t too big, and fate soon pushes them together again. And
again. Catamaran cruises and midnight swims give way to late night room
service and whispered nothings. Maybe opposites really do attract. But every vacation has to end, even the very best ones… Can these two
opposites make it last?
This steamy romantic comedy is the perfect summer read! Great for fans of The
Love Hypothesis or Beach Read, it involves a feisty heroine and the grumpy
hero who reluctantly (but inevitably) falls for her charms…
Check out a special excerpt from How to Honeymoon Alone!
“Good evening,” a smiling host says. “Do you have a reservation for
tonight?” “I don’t, no. I can see that you’re pretty busy. Is there a
space for one?” “Just one?” “Yes.” I can feel myself shrink. “Let
me check…” He looks down at the screen and taps it a few times. “We do seem to
have a table available. You’ll get our last one of the night!” “Oh,
that’s wonderful. Thank you.” Next to me, a man clears his throat. “There
you are,” he says to me. “Sorry, I’m late. Table for two, actually.” I
stare up at the stranger. His head of dark-brown hair towers over me by a
few inches, and he’s wearing a white button-down. He’s also watching me
meaningfully. “That’s not a problem,” the host says, grabbing another
menu. “Right this way.” He turns and sets off through the packed
restaurant. I remain locked in a staring contest with the intrusive
stranger. He raises an eyebrow. “Share the last table?” he asks and
motions for us to start moving. I’m too stunned to do anything but follow
the host obediently through the restaurant. He leads us to a two-top right
next to the boardwalk and the soft waves. There’s a single lit candle on it,
it’s flame flickering in the light breeze. “Here you are,” the host
chirps and sets the menus down. “Your waiter will be over soon to take your
drink orders.” And just like that, I’m left staring at the tall stranger
in front of me. He pulls out a chair and sits as if he hasn’t just stolen it.
There’s a hint of stubble along his sharp jaw. He looks closed-off and a bit
predatory like he spends much time getting his way just as he is right now. “Excuse
me,” I say. “What was that?” “Maybe I just wanted to get to know you,” he
says. Judging by his lack of accent, he’s American, too. I cast a
meaningful look around the crowded restaurant. “No, you wanted a table in a
full restaurant.” “Nothing escapes you.” He nods to the chair in front of
him. “Have a seat.” “You know, I studied karate for seven years, and I
always carry pepper spray. Not to mention we’re in public.” “Consider me
warned,” he says and opens his menu. “They do good fish here, I’ve heard.” I
finally sit down, my movements slow. “Yes. It’s in the name.” He gives a
low hum. I look down at my menu, but the words bleed together on the page. At
least his sudden arrival means I don’t need to think twice about what the
other guests may be thinking, seeing me here alone. Across the table, he
flips a page of his menu. “Dinner is on me as a thank you,” he says. “Choose
whatever you want. And no need to worry about awkward small talk, if you’re
not in the mood. I have some emails I need to take care of.” I look at
him. “You’re going to work?” He keeps his eyes trained on the menu.
“Would you rather we talk about nothing important just to fill the
silence?” “Wow. I… just wow.” He looks up with a faint frown.
“What?” “I don’t think anyone’s ever spoken to me like you have.” “Right.
I can be direct.” “No, really?” I ask. Sarcasm drips from my words. He
puts the menu down, and it looks like it pains him. “I’m sorry about crashing
your evening. Is it okay with you? Say no, and I’ll leave, no questions
asked.” “It’s okay,” I hear myself saying because, if nothing else, this
is a story to tell Becky about. “I’m just… surprised.” He nods like
that’s that and returns to his menu. The silence stretches between us. I
read my menu without taking in the words and sneak looks at him. I haven’t
spoken to a man who wasn’t my family member, a co-worker, or a friend’s
husband since Caleb and I ended our engagement. He leans forward, a lock
of dark hair falling over his forehead. A heavy watch on his wrist reflects
the flickering candle on the table. “What are you having?” I finally ask
him. He closes the menu with a snap. “The steak.” “The steak,” I
repeat. “At a restaurant famous for its fish? On an island in the middle of
the sea? You do know that swordfish is famous in Barbados?” “Yes.” “I
think I’m having the locally sourced marlin.” He makes that low humming
sound again and reaches into the pocket of his slacks. He pulls out a phone
and puts it on the tabletop. “I don’t want to be rude,” he says, “but I really
do need to answer a few emails.” “You’re working on your vacation?” His
eyes are already on the screen. “Yes.” “Why didn’t you just order room
service?” I ask. He doesn’t look up at me, but he seems to tense up at my
question. “My room wasn’t properly cleaned when I arrived. They’re fixing it
now.” “Oh.” That seems… odd at a five-star resort, but okay, then. I
entertain myself by reading through the dessert menu, and then the wine list.
My eyes graze over the impossible prices of the glass to the bottle. Between
mine and Caleb’s salaries, this was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Staying at
the Winter Resort was always going to be a stretch. When I sat down to cancel
the honeymoon and learned about the cancellation fees, we’d have to pay for
the flights and the deposit we’d lose on the standard double at the resort…
well. Caleb already took the wedding from me, and I’ll be damned if he takes
my lifelong dream vacation, too.
Read this meet cute romance today! Exclusively on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited!
Olivia is a hopeless romantic who loves billionaires heroes, despite never
having met one. So she took matters into her own hands and creates them on the
page instead. Stern, charming, cold or brooding, so far she’s never met a
(fictional) billionaire she didn’t like.
A voracious reader of romance, Olivia picked up the pen a few years back and
what followed was nothing short of a love affair of. Now she spends her days
chuckling at the steamy banter she’s writing or swooning at
happily-ever-afters.
She’s been writing contemporary romance novels since 2019. They’re all
available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
(Phew. Now I can go back to writing first-person love stories!)
I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed this! I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book and its sequel, look for my review of that soon. I can't believe more people aren't talking about this series. This was a great genre mash up of fantasy, mystery, and a touch of horror. I do feel that this was a tad on the long side, and following three different POVs was a bit hard to keep track of at first especially with the audio version. There are alot of characters, names, and places to keep track of as the story unfolds and while I eventually was able to settle in and keep track, I feel some readers may prefer to follow along or opt completely for the print version to better keep track of everything.
The premise of this was really unique. This follows Krona, a regulator in a world where magic is available and accepted. Regulators can most easily be compared to police officers. Krona's team was tasked to protect some enchanted objects at a party, but they were stolen. One of the items was an enchanted mask of a serial killer named Charbon. Masks can be enchanted upon the death of a person to retain their memories and when worn their memories and knowledge is passed on to the wearer as long as they are wearing the mask. The thief is imitating Charbon's murders and Krona's and her team led by her older sister must investigate all of the angles. Krona uncovers secrets and information that takes her to places she never expected and to things that are better left alone.
This is told from the perspectives of Krona. Melanie, and Charbon himself. The story is told in the present and past as it leads up to the current day events. I thought the 3 POVs really worked well here as we really got to understand how the magic and religion worked and eventually how all three of the characters were tied together and what their motivations are. I thought the author did a great job tying the three POVs together at the end. The worldbuilding was done well, beware there are some gruesome parts. Despite the book being on the long side, I was engaged the entire time and thought the pacing was good. There were ample action scenes to keep you on your toes and wanting to know what happens next. The books ends with a minor cliffhanger, but overall the main story ends and I got a sense of closure from the book with a tease of what is to come in the next book.
Because this is told from three different perspectives, it was nice to have three different narrators to voice each of the characters. Because their storylines are told at different times and are independent, I find it nice to have a separate voice for each part of the story to keep the storylines and timelines straight. Each of the narrators did a good job with the characters and I hope some or all of them are back to narrate the next book in the series.
If you liked this book, I think you would also like Drunk on All Your Strange New Words. It has a unique storyline and mystery but with more of a sci-fi twist.
Take one ex-bride recovering from a nuptial disaster and one workaholic who
doesn’t know how to relax, and you’ve got a romantic comedy for the
ages!
How to Honeymoon Alone, a steamy, meet-cute, opposites-attract romantic comedy
from Olivia Hayle, is available now!
A paradise island. Two strangers. The attraction they never saw
coming…
When Eden dumped her cheating ex before the wedding, the last thing she
expected was to go on their tropical honeymoon alone. But with no refunds
possible, she packs her budget guidebook and broken heart, and sets off.
She plans to relax on the beach, swim in the ocean, and drink cocktails until
she feels like herself again… or falls over. Whichever comes first. What she’s
not expecting is the brusque, handsome stranger who sits down at her table on
the first night.
Philip Meyer is a grumpy workaholic, and so irritatingly cynical that it makes
her forget she’s grieving just to prove him wrong about the world. The two
have nothing in common… except trying to forget who they’ve left behind.
The luxury resort isn’t too big, and fate soon pushes them together again. And
again. Catamaran cruises and midnight swims give way to late night room
service and whispered nothings. Maybe opposites really do attract. But every vacation has to end, even the very best ones… Can these two
opposites make it last?
This steamy romantic comedy is the perfect summer read! Great for fans of The
Love Hypothesis or Beach Read, it involves a feisty heroine and the grumpy
hero who reluctantly (but inevitably) falls for her charms…
Fall in love in paradise! Exclusively on Amazon and in
Kindle Unlimited!!
Olivia is a hopeless romantic who loves billionaires heroes, despite never
having met one. So she took matters into her own hands and creates them on the
page instead. Stern, charming, cold or brooding, so far she’s never met a
(fictional) billionaire she didn’t like.
A voracious reader of romance, Olivia picked up the pen a few years back and
what followed was nothing short of a love affair of. Now she spends her days
chuckling at the steamy banter she’s writing or swooning at
happily-ever-afters.
She’s been writing contemporary romance novels since 2019. They’re all
available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.
(Phew. Now I can go back to writing first-person love stories!)
I was provided an ARC of this book via the author and The Indie Author's Apprentice, all opinions are my own.
This was so fun! If you are looking for a beach read look no further. This follows Eden and Philip as they both honeymoon alone at a beautiful resort. Philip is a grumpy lawyer who works too much, while Eden is an unpredictable kindergarten teacher who wants to make the most of her vacation. Eden has decided to be her best vacation self and doing things that she normally wouldn't do at home and experience everything she can on her once in a lifetime vacation to Barbados. Philip is stoic and serious, but when he crashes Eden's dinner plans on their first night on the island he finds himself having the most random and interesting conversations and being challenged to become his best vacation self. The more time he spends with Eden, the less time he spends answering emails and work calls and doing fun things on his vacation itinerary and things Eden bookmarked in her island guidebook.
This is a moderately steamy, grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract romance and I loved every minute of it. Philip and Eden take their time getting to know one another before jumping into something more, which I appreciated. While they only spent 2 weeks together, they spent alot of time being platonic before being romantic so it almost felt like a slow burn even though it was only 2 weeks. They had great conversations that made me smile and laugh. I loved the descriptions of the island, it made me want to go on a tropical vacation and drink locally sourced cocktails and go snorkeling.
Overall I highly recommend this and if you enjoy a good romance you should check this out when it comes out on June 13th.
I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This was the perfect beach/summer read. It was a sweet romance, but it almost felt like two books in one. This follows Harper after she left her high stress, fast, paced life in California for a slower paced lifestyle that makes her happy in Tahoe. She used to spend summers there with her mom and it is the last place she remembers truly being happy. There she meets Ivy and Bodie, two people she was never looking for but completely turn things upside down. Ivy is kindred spirit for Harper. Harper gives her a safe place to stay and becomes a trusted adult as Ivy figures things out. She has lots of secrets, but Harper doesn't push and gives the teenage runaway plenty of space to work through her baggage. Bodie is an ATF agent home on leave after an injury. He is running the family bar and his family is worried about him. When Harper literally comes crashing into his life, they instantly connect. They both have a hard time opening up to each other and dealing with emotions, but they find friendship, comfort and healing in each other as they get to know one another.
This was a cute read about fresh starts and finding what makes you happy. This has a couple of tame spicy scenes. I do feel like Bodie and Harper's story was a bit overshadowed by Ivy's story and it almost felt like there were two separate stories being told. We get perspectives from each of the 3 characters and it made the story a bit disjointed in my opinion. I enjoyed all three characters making this a bit more of a family drama than a straight up romance, which isn't something I normally read.
I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.
This was a nice collection of poems about joy, nature, and everyday things. Some of the poems were only a few words or one line, while others were a little longer. The poetry was straight forward, which I enjoy. I didn't have to decipher what the author was getting at, I knew what he was trying to say without having to think deeply.
If you enjoy more complex and deep poetry, this may not be the collection for you. Sometimes you need something easy to read that you can enjoy in one sitting.
Looking for a Fake FiancéHave you ever wanted to prove someone wrong so badly that you could taste
it?It doesn’t matter if they’re right. The fact that they had the audacity to
say it is what counts.Hi. It’s me. I’m that person.The man I’ve been casually seeing told me I’m not “wife material” and should
“lower my expectations”. Didn’t he realize I lowered them the moment I met him
for dinner?Obviously not.Am I petty? Maybe. Annoyed? Of course. Determined? Definitely.I need someone to help me flaunt my new engagement—my fiancé couldn’t wait to
pop the question because I’m that amazing—in his face.The problem? I don’t have a boyfriend, let alone a husband-to-be.Which brings us to you.Are you handsome? Successful? A smooth talker extraordinaire?Are you willing to do all the things that someone madly in love would
do?Putting your hand on the small of my back. Forehead kissing. Acting like I’m
a treasure you can’t live without. I need you to be prepared to do all those
things … and maybe more.What do you get out of this? I’m willing to negotiate terms—especially if
they include a job and a place to stay. It’s a long story.
One night. One event. Let’s put on one heck of a show.From USA Today and Amazon Charts Bestselling author comes a “hot and
hilarious!” fake-dating tale between two frenemies that turn into roommates,
coworkers, and, ultimately, lovers. Fans of close proximity, one-bed trope,
and blue-collar, small-town heroes will fall madly in love with this
story.
About the Author:
USA Today Bestselling author, Adriana Locke, writes contemporary romances
about the two things she knows best—big families and small towns. Her stories
are about ordinary people finding extraordinary love with the perfect
combination of heart, heat, and humor.She loves connecting with readers, fall weather, football, reading alpha
heroes, everything pumpkin, and pretending to garden.Hailing from a tiny town in the Midwest, Adriana spends her free time with
her high school sweetheart (who she married over twenty-five years ago) and
their four sons (who truly are her best work). Her kitchen may be a perpetual
disaster, and if all else fails, there is always pizza.
I loved this! I got the pretty hardback with the sprayed edges as a Mother's Day gift, then I started to hear mixed reviews. I was hesitant to read the book because it quickly became super hyped up and some of the reviews I had seen did not paint this in a good light. My hold on the audiobook came in at the library and I'm so glad I didn't listen to the negative reviews and formed my own opinion. This has everything I love about YA fantasy but with a new adult cast and there are dragons. It has great world building, excellent pacing, and I loved the characters.
This more of a fantasy romance but there is a nice balance between the fantasy elements and romance elements. I think this would fall in the new adult category given the ages of the characters, they are all in their early 20s. The cast is sometimes immature, but again they are in their early 20s and being asked to participate in tasks that may end their lives daily. I can understand why some people felt there were some eye rolling moments, but I didn't mind at all. This does have some spicy scenes but they really don't start kicking up until about the 80% mark. The action scenes are fast paced and well described. That final battle scene had me on the edge of my seat. There is alot of violence and death, as Violet and her fellow students train for war.
I did not see the twist at the end coming. I normally hate cliffhangers, but that was the best kind of cliffhanger. The book itself ends and gives you closure, but the author leaves us with a new storyline brewing and chomping at the bit for the next book. I cannot wait for the next book! I really love what the author did with the plot throughout the book and while there are lots of things unanswered, we really got to know Violet and this sets up the series nicely.
I own a copy of the hardback but listened to the audiobook which I borrowed from the library. I thought the main narrator was awesome, she did a wonderful job voicing the cast of characters. You could feel tension and emotion in the scenes. Giving us Xedan's POV with a different narrator was a nice touch for the last chapter. I hope that they are both onboard to narrate the future installments! This is roughly 21 hours long (500 pages), but I listened to it in about 3 days, I basically couldn't put down.
Migraine; Inside a World of Invisible Pain by Maria Konnikova
