Review: Fluke by Adriana Locke

Fluke by Adriana Locke
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

This book is part of the Carmichael series, however you can read it as a standalone.  Each of the books in the series are companion novels with each book reading as a standalone with interconnected characters.  This one focuses on Jess one of many Carmichael brothers, and Pippa an old family friend who has moved back to town for work.

I'm a big fan of Adriana's family series.   I love that we get glimpses into the other characters lives and we always get hijinks from Banks.  His antics are laugh out loud funny.  I can't wait for his book.  This has all of my favorite things: friends to lovers, great banter, great conversations, humor, and great characters.  Jess and Pippa have known each other for many years, but their attraction never worked out when they were younger.  Now that they are adults, they have an opportunity to see if there is more to it than just attraction.  Pippa has created a situation for herself at work where she needs an ex-husband to go on a couples retreat with to see if she can rekindle a spark with.  This is where Jess, her long time crush come in to save the day.  Fortunately for Pippa, he's been asking her out for years and jumps at the chance to actually have a chance with her.  

Jess and Pippa's romance seems to develop a big quickly, but they have known each other for along time.  It is a bit on the insta-love side of the romance spectrum, even with them knowing each other previously.  I usually dislike insta-love storylines, but I didn't mind this one.  Jess is patient and kind and was the kind of cheerleader Pippa needed to show her that not all relationships end in doom and gloom and disappointment.  Pippa has had some pretty bad experiences when it comes to love in her life romantic and otherwise, so when Jess sweeps her off her feet she keeps waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop because that's all she knows.

Overall this is another home run romance in the series.  It is one of the spicier books Adriana has written, but I didn't feel it was over the top or too much.  The characters are fun and playful and this is a fun twist on the fake relationship trope.  I love this series and can't wait for the next book in the series!

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Review: Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury

Delicious Monsters by Liselle Sambury
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, however I did end up listening to the final publication version of the audiobook. As always all opinions expressed are my own.

This was excellent. It is a tough one though, full of trigger warnings. I wouldn't particularly say it was scary, but it is terrifying and gives you that uncomfortable feeling in your stomach you are looking for in a horror book. This isn't exactly what I consider traditional horror as it doesn't have the jump scares and gruesome bits that you might expect thought there are some, it is more in the social horror realm with a paranormal twist. It does have the atmosphere and tension you need and as the story progresses you are more than horrified by what the characters go through.

This is told from the perspectives of Daisy and Brittney. Brittney is a film student, and her latest project is attempting to find out what happened to Daisy 10 years ago at the mansion that Brittney's own mother had a life altering experience at. We mainly get Daisy's story, with brief interjects of Brittney's research and glimpses into how both girls are connected and why telling Daisy's story is so important to her.

Daisy has the ability to see the dead. Her mother is aware of her ability and has been "helping: her since she was a child to control it. When Grace, Daisy's mother, inherits a mansion aka "The House" from her late uncle, they jump on a chance to have financial stability by turning the property into a rental. Grace is adamant that Daisy never enter the mansion and only go into the greenhouse and guest house where they live. Grace has always kept secrets from Daisy, but now that they have "The House" she is determined to find out what is going on inside and find out what her mom is keeping from her. Daisy uncovers truths she never expected to find and learns more about the house than she ever anticipated. She also learns more about her ability and why her mother has kept so many secrets.

I don't want to spoil anything but there are so many different social commentary topics discussed, many of which lead to a content warning. I've listed them at the end of the review. The characters start out a bit unlikable, but mainly that is a protection tactic as they are all suffering. As the story unfolds we find that Grace, Daisy, Brittney, and several of the other characters have had traumatic experiences and they are all doing the best they can. They are all dealing with their personal trauma in different ways, some better than others. I really liked the way that Sambury used supernatural elements to talk about the real life horrors the characters experienced. I thought it was a great way to get people thinking about how this stuff happens in real life. The author did a great job weaving this horrible topics into a creepy paranormal backdrop that made for a very compelling read. The characters go on a journey, and I think it was well done. I also thought the world building was well done. I felt like I was in the forest or the bush as they refer to it in the book with Daisy.

This was a tad bit on the long side and there were some respective parts. I think this was an important story to tell, and I loved the setting the author chose. I feel the story could have had the same impact without taking quite so long to get to the reveals. I also could have done with out the maggot scenes, but this is a horror book so they were appropriately placed and fit well with the storyline. They were kind of gross though.

Overall, I loved this! I couldn't put it down once I started listening to it.

This is not an easy book to get through. There are many content warnings and social commentary topics discussed. It is a wonderful book, however I would not recommend it for everyone, it was heartbreaking and upsetting. These are the content warnings that the author lists prior to chapter 1, so I'll put them here: childhood sexual assault (off page, some details discussed), childhood physical abuse (corporal punishment, off page, described), childhood physical abuse (confinement punishment), childhood neglect, gaslighting, grooming, suicide (off page, mention), killing of a goat (off page, described), discussions of fatphobia, body horror/gore, violence, death

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Review: Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft

Condemn Me Not: Accused of Witchcraft by Heather B. Moore
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an Audible Code for this book via the author, all opinions expressed in my review are my own.  I want to also mention that I have previously read and reviewed the kindle version back in 2018 and I purchased a copy because I enjoyed it so much.

As with my first read through of this book, I very much enjoyed this.  The narrator does a wonderful job of portraying Susannah at 25 and at 71, she does a good job changing her voice so you are aware of the time change so you know which part of the story you are listening to.  I always appreciate great voice acting in my books.

I loved learning about the Salem Witch Trials in my youth and the cast of familiar characters and excerpts from the actual trials was a very nice touch.  I always find Moore’s books to be very well researched and because this has a tie to one of her own ancestors you can tell a lot of personal care went into the crafting of this book.  She provides her resources at the end a brief note as to what she fictionalized for the sake of the story.  I always appreciate that in my historical fiction.

The story follows Susannah North Martin at various times in her life, we see her during her time in jail as a 71 year old woman after being accused of witchcraft and as a 25 year old unmarried woman living with her family. Susannah's time in jail shows us her strength and devotion to her family and her faith. Her time as a young woman, though she was almost a spinster for the times, tells us the story of a woman devoted to her family but who had a mind of her own and often said what she thought. This was not generally accepted in 1646, and those who did not conform did not often do well in the community.   As the Salem trials proved, those who dare cross those in power ended up at the Gallows. Susannah's story takes us through her romance with her new neighbor George and develops their relationship nicely.  Their brief courtship is a little awkward and really showcases Susannah's personality.  I really appreciated revisiting the subject of the witch trials and the author's ability to stay true to the events that took place during the time.

I’m so glad I got to revisit this story in audio format.  If you enjoy historical fiction especially tales that deal with the witch trials, this is a great one in whatever format you prefer.  I highly recommend the both the print and the audio versions.

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Review: Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker

Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an audio ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  Thank you to Macmillan Audio & Macmillan Young Listeners for providing me the opportunity to listen to this book early.  This book will be out on April 4, 2023.

I was initially drawn to the beautiful cover!  This has a little bit of everything.  It touches on social issues like race, cultural appropriation, LGBT issues, mental health and so much more.  Not only does the author present important topics to the reader in a way that makes you think, but we get a mystery and story full of magic, emotion, and characters you won't soon forget.  

There is alot going on in this book.  The audiobook has multiple narrators, and mulitple POVs.  The story is mainly told from the perspective of the twins Clem and Cris, but every once in a while we get the occasional POV from another character.   Having so many characters made it a little hard to follow at times especially when you are trying to keep track of the plot as well.  That being said,  I had a hard time putting this down.  I kept opting to listen to this instead of picking up the other book I am reading at the moment.  I found the characters engaging, the plot moved at a good pace, and the magic was intriguing.  I really liked the magic system and the concept of the magical community.   The twins both go through some things in the book but like all teenagers they struggle to reach for help despite having a support system in each other and their family.  They both have to struggle through some things before they are ready to face their problems and ask for help from their loved ones.  Their is alot of good discussion about family in this book, and I suspect we will see more in the future as Clem and Cris still have more obstacles to face down in the future.  

There are some dark moments in this book, and while I do feel it is appropriate for a YA reader I would recommend it for the older more mature reader.  This does end on a cliffhanger but I believe this is book one of a trilogy, and I'm anxious to get my hands on the next book.  I'm looking forward to finding out what happens next.  There are alot of loose ends that need to be tied up and I expect that there is going to be some backlash based on the events that took place in this installment.  This is my first book by Terry J. Benton-Walker but it certainly will not be my last.  

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Excerpt Reveal: Fluke by Adriana Locke

 

   

FLUKE BY ADRIANA LOCKE

Release Date: April 10th Genre/Tropes: Fake ex-husband / Small Town Romance / Friends to Lovers / One Bed / He Falls First

Fluke, an all-new small-town romance, by USA Today bestselling author Adriana Locke is coming April 10th!

CHECK OUT AN EXCERPT BELOW!

Pre-order this fake ex-husband, small-town romance TODAY! https://amzn.to/3FCU3Uj

Add to Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61946841-fluke    

        

EXCERPT

   “Do you check your email?” she asks. “Yeah.” “Have you checked it today?” “Uh, no. I’ve been working all day.” She clears her throat, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. “May I ask you to let me see your emails, please?” Excuse me? I press my lips together, curiosity getting the best of me, and pull my phone out of my pocket. “Jess?” “No, you may not see my emails.” Her hands go to her hips. “Please?” “What are you up to, Pip?” She reaches for my phone in a quick, bold move. Unfortunately for her, I’m quicker. I hold it up in the air and effectively out of her reach. “Please, don’t look at them. At least not with me standing here,” she says, hopping a whole foot off the ground to try to reach the device. I chuckle. “What did you do?” “Give it to me.” She hops again. “Now.” “Not a chance.” I swipe the screen and find my email app as she tries to tug my arm down. “Will you stop it?” “Jess,” she says, fake crying. She stops hopping. “Wait.” I laugh at her little pout. “You are so fucking cute.” “I hate you.” “You do not.” The app opens, and I scan my inbox. It’s the third message from the top that catches my attention. Plum, Pippa Re: SEEKING AN EX-HUSBAND   

   

  Blurb:   

  SEEKING AN EX-HUSBAND   I need a fake ex-husband. Let me explain … I may have let it slip to my new co-workers that I have an ex-husband. Now they’re fascinated with the details, specifically with him. Why wouldn’t they be? He’s gorgeous, has exceptional skills in the bedroom, and is determined to win me back. But there’s a problem. He doesn’t exist. The bigger problem? I have to produce him to save my job. This is where you come in. I’m seeking someone to play a smitten ex-husband for two weeks. You’ll need to remember our love story—details matter when it comes to romance! Please be prepared to travel in-state at a moment’s notice. We may be in close proximity and sharing a bed may be required. One more thing—kisses are required for optics as necessary. If this sounds interesting or, at the very least, entertaining, let me know. Signed, Your Future Ex-Wife   Buckle up for a steamy adventure between friends-turned-lovers in this new “fresh twist on a favorite trope!” take on fake dating, close proximity, and romance in the workplace from USA Today Bestselling author Adriana Locke.     

  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.   Learn more at adrianalocke.com.

 

Connect w/Adriana: 

  Website: https://adrianalocke.com 

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoradrianalocke 

  Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/booksbyadrianalocke 

  Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoralocke 

  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authoradrianalocke 

  Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8379774.Adriana_Locke 

  Amazon: https://amzn.to/3ivy7xd 

  Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/adriana-locke 

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Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided both a print and audio ARC of this book via Netgalley.  Thank you to Wednesday Books and Macmillan Young Listeners for the opportunity to read and review this early.  As always all opinions are my own.

The audio narrators were wonderful.  The did an amazing job brining Kitt and Iris to life.   I really enjoyed that we get alternating male and female dialogue where appropriate so if feels like they are having a conversation.   I mainly opted to listen to the audiobook and couldn't put it down once I started.  

I loved this!  I've been a fan of Ross' work for sometime so when I saw that she had a new YA Fantasy out I jumped on the chance to read it.  This follows Iris, and aspiring journalist who is struggling to keep things together after her brother leaves for the war front.  Iris is competing for a columnist position at a reputable newspaper with Roman Kitt.  Roman is handsome, rich, and put together; basically everything Iris is not.  They are opposites in everyway, but their opposition drives them to be better at their craft.  While Iris can't stand Kitt, what she doesn't know is that they are tied together in the most unusual way.  When Kitt wins the spot at the paper, Iris decides to become a war correspondent in an attempt to escaper her life that has fallen apart and to find her missing brother on the front.  Iris not only becomes a published writer, but she also finds so much more on the front than she was expecting.

I really love what Ross did with the mythology aspect in this.  I'm not sure if the myth is based on an actual myth or if she completely made it up.  Either way I really enjoyed that there was something otherworldly driving the war and a small magical and fantastical element to the plot.   I really liked the concept of the magical typewriters and I'd love to know where the 3rd one is.  I wonder if we'll ever find out.  This does heavily focus on the rivals to lovers trope, and while we do get the background myth that started the war I hope to get a bit more background or interaction with the gods in book 2.  I love mythology whether made up or based in ancient cultural myth and legend so I really appreciate when an author weaves that into their storyline.  

This is classified as YA, but it does have some more serious and mature themes.  This does end on a cliffhanger, and I cannot wait for the next book!  I'm so anxious to find out what happens next!  I loved the development of the relationship between Iris and Kitt and Iris and Carver.  I really loved Iris' character development throughout the book.  In the beginning I was wondering if she was going to throw in the towel, but she really snapped out of it and stepped up.  She was appropriately scared in the situations she was in, but she was also courageous, kind, and selfless.  As a correspondent she is supposed to write what she sees, but she was also respectful of the soldiers and wasn't just in it for a story.  While this was tense and serious at times, it also has light hearted moments as well.  The banter between Iris and Kitt is witty and their romance is fun.  

Content warnings: loss of a parent, addition specifically alcohol, PTSD, violence and injury due to war, non graphic intimacy

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Review: You Wouldn't Dare by Samantha Markum

You Wouldn't Dare by Samantha Markum
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.

I'm not sure I was the right audience for this book.  Does that mean I'm getting old?  Maybe it does.  I think this is going to be perfect for teens and young readers.  

I was irritated with Junie the main character for the entire book.  She is really selfish, immature, irresponsible and dramatic making her unlikable.  She has a wonderful group of friends, and they put up with her antics instead of calling her on her BS.  Nothing is ever her fault and all of her bad decisions are turned into a joke.  She doesn't realize she is hurting people around her and in turn hurting herself.  I'm glad finally someone addressed her emotional issues with her dad, which was causing most of her ridiculous behavior.  While her character development arc did take a step in the right direction, for me it came too late in the game.  

While Junie took a long time to grow on me, I loved her group of friends.  She has a wonderful support system in her friends and family that no matter what will love her unconditionally.  While this was too dramatic for me, I do think there will be an audience out there who will love Junie and her antics.  

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