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The Ballerinas

The Ballerinas- 3 stars

By- Rachel Kapelke-Dale

The Ballerinas is a story of female friendship.  Delphine Leger and her friends share a deep and troubling secret.  Delphine left the prestigious Paris Opera Ballet for a new life in St. Petersburg only to return several years later.  She hopes this will be a new chapter in her life but she soon learns secrets never stay buried.

This book was fine.  It was a little confusing with all the time jumps but the characters were interesting enough to hold my attention.  The mystery was compelling and while the plot flowed in a lot of different directions overall this was a decent read.

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Stay Awake

Stay Awake- 2 stars

By- Megan Goldin

Stay Awake tells the story of Liv Reese.  The story begins with our protagonist waking up in the back of a cab on the way to her apartment...only it's not her apartment anymore.  When she goes to grab her cell phone from her pocket she finds a blood knife instead.  The only clues she has to follow are words scribbled on her arm.  The most prominent one says STAY AWAKE.  Every time Liv falls asleep she wakes up with no memories of the past two years.   Liv has no idea who to trust and isn't even sure if she can trust herself.

I really wanted to like this book, but it was too confusing.  There were so many time jumps that I often felt like Liv...unable to remember things from one chapter to the next.  All of the characters are flat and not fully developed.  When everything came to a head at the end I was speed reading bc I honestly didn't care what happened.  I'd give this one a a miss.

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My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding

My Sister’s Big Fat Indian Wedding- 4 stars

By- Sajni Patel

My Sister's Big Fat Indian Wedding tells the story of Zurika Damani.  The biggest music competition of her young life is the same weekend as her older sister's wedding.  Add into the mix a cute boy who is also the competition and you get a big fat mess. 

I thought this book was very cute.  I enjoyed the romance aspect as well as Zuri's struggle to find her way in life.  I especially enjoyed learning about all the customs and traditions that make up an Indian wedding.   My only complaint is the warp speed in which Zuri and Naveen fell in love.  Talk about insta love.  Overall, though, I would recommend this book.

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You’ve Reached Sam

You’ve Reached Sam- 3 stars

By- Dustin Thao

Right before graduation Julie's boyfriend, Sam, dies.  This turns her whole world upside down.  All the plans she had for the future are suddenly gone.  After Sam's funeral Julie calls him on her cell phone and he answers.   As the story unfolds Julie learns about love, loss, and moving forward.

I thought the premise of this book sounded awesome...unfortunately it didn't quite deliver.  All of the main characters felt a bit one dimensional and I didn't find myself caring about either of them.  I also wish there had been more of an explanation of how Sam and Julie were able to communicate.  The magic was never explained.  I did like the side characters...those people were far more interesting.  Overall everything just felt a bit flat.

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Caramel Pecan Roll Murder

Caramel Pecan Roll Murder- 3 stars

By- Joanna Fluke

Hannah Swensen is back on the case.  This time her skills are being put to use at a local fishing competition.  Hannah is working in the kitchen at the Lake Eden Inn when the star of a televised fishing show is murdered.  Sonny was universally disliked so the suspect list is long.  Along with her sister, Andrea, Hannah is determined to catch the killer and bake...a lot.

This book is exactly what you think it's going to be.  Joanne Fluke did not deviate from her usual formula of 90% recipes and 10% plot.  The mystery unfolds in a straight forward manner and it was pretty easy to guess who the bad guy was That being said I did appreciate the fact the setting was something other than The Cookie Jar and that the character of Mike developed a slight bit of depth.  I'm going to go with 3 stars for this one.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

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The Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks

A Nobleman’s Guide to Scandal and Shipwrecks- 4 stars

By- Mackenzi Lee

The conclusion to the Montague siblings trilogy follows youngest son Adrian Montague as he tries to piece together his mother's death and his own anxiety with the help of the older brother and sister he never knew he had. I absolutely adored the first two books in this series. Monty and Felicity (especially Felicity) are two of my all time favorite characters. This book did not disappoint. I enjoyed getting to know Adrian and see him interact with his siblings. Sometimes I have a hard time following the plot of historical fiction but this book was very easy to read and entertaining to boot. And don't get me started on the end...perfection

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Home Field Advantage

Home Field Advantage- 3 stars

By- Dahlia Adler

Amber wants to be cheer captain more than anything. Jaclyn “Jack” Walsh wants to play football more than anything. When she finally gets the chance it’s nothing like she thought it would be. The team is cold and unwelcoming and the only person who is friendly is the only one with the most to lose by befriending her…Amber.

None of the characters were very developed. I felt like Amber and Jack were only together because they needed to be for the plot…no actual chemistry. This book has a good premise, but was underwhelming.

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The Inheritance Games

The Inheritance Games- 3 stars

By- Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The Inheritance Games tells the story of Avery. She unexpectedly inherits a fortune from Tobias Hawthorne, a man she's never met. In order to collect the money she must stay with the family from whose money she just 'stole' for one year. During this time she, along with the four Hawthorne grandsons, realizes there's more to this inheritance than meets the eyes. This book was enjoyable. The mystery was interesting and the characters were fun, but there were a few too many different plots that were less gripping than the main one. I did, however, like the puzzle aspect of the storyline (along with the bite sized chapters). I really could have done without Avery's friend from back home, though...her 'non swearing' swearing was really grating. The book ends on a twist which sets up the sequel.

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Not the Witch You Wed

Not the Witch You Wed- 3 stars

By: April Asher

Not the Witch You Wed centers around Violet Maxwell, a magic-less witch.  Violet and alpha wolf shifter, Lincoln Thorne, are forced by old fashioned supernatural laws to find mates.  Instead of bending to the law they decide to fake date to buy themselves some time.  The two have a shared past and soon sparks begin to fly.

This book was decent.  I enjoyed the romance and supernatural elements of the story.  The characters were well developed and interesting.  My only complaint was it was a little too cutesy at times and probably could have been shorter...parts of it dragged.  Overall it was a fun read.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

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The Silent Friend

The Silent Friend- 3 stars

By- Diane Jeffrey

The Silent Friends tells the story of Laura and Sandrine.  Laura is a young Irish woman who is looking forward to attending a concert with her friends during their holiday to France.  Sandrine is a French wife and mother to two teenage boys.  The two women have nothing in common until a terrorist attack at the hands of Sandrine’s son brings them together.  Laura is struggling with survivor's guilt and Sandrine is dealing with both the loss of her son and her immense guilt for his actions.  Sandrine creates a website to help bring victims together and ends up connecting with Laura.

I'm not sure what to think of this book.  It was interesting and sad, but it wasn't really the gripping thriller it's made out to be.  I enjoyed reading each characters' POV and going through their struggles and triumphs with them, but overall it just wasn't that page turning.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and HQ Digital for this ARC.

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Without a Hitch

Without a Hitch- 4 stars

By- Mary Hollis Huddleston & Asher Fogle Paul

Lottie Jones is a wedding planner at a top tier boutique event firm in Dallas.  She is unlucky in love herself, but enjoys helping others achieve their perfect big day.  Lottie's boss announces he's going to open a new office in Atlanta and she is eager to prove she's the right person to be in charge.

This book was a lot of fun.  I'm a sucker for any kind of bridezilla behavior in media.  While this book didn't really have too many ugly brides it did have a lot of over the top fun characters with big ideas about their big days.  I liked Lottie a lot and it was interesting to watch her learn and grow.  The only thing I didn't enjoy was the repetitive conversations the characters seemed to have.  The topic of Lottie's unluckiness in love and not being sure if event planning was right for her were beaten into the plot a little too much.  But overall, a cute and fun read.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for this ARC.

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The Night Shift

The Night Shift- 4 stars

By- Alex Finlay

It's New Year's Eve 1999 in Linden, New Jersey.  Four teenage girls are working at the local Blockbuster Video.  Late into the shift the girls are attacked and only one survives.  A suspect is quickly identified, but when he isn't convicted he flees and is never seen again.  Fifteen years later four teenage girls are attacked at a ice cream store and only one survives.  Coincidence?

 I enjoyed this book a lot.  It's told from the perspective of the Blockbuster Video final girl, the brother of the missing suspect and an FBI agent.  I liked reading the different points of view and seeing how everything connected.  The story took several interesting turns and it wasn't until the very end that I pieced together what happened.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a thriller and is nostalgic for wandering the aisles at Blockbuster.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

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Daughter

Daughter- 2 stars

By- Kate McLaughlin

Daughter tells the story of Scarlet Murphy, a typical high school senior with an overprotective mother.  One day her world is turned upside down when she finds out she is the daughter of serial killer, Jeff Lake.  Scarlet's mother divorced Jeff when he was on trial and left with their daughter...assuming a new identity in New England.  Jeff is dying and in exchange for seeing Scarlet he is willing to give up the names of more of his victims.  Scarlet decides to see her father and try to bring justice to the families of his victims.

This book was painful to read.  I feel like the author made a cartoon version of a serial killer and then crafted a haphazard story around it.  I know this is a young adult book, but I felt like it was geared towards an audience much younger.  Everything was explained to death and the plot felt so contrived.  Most of the characters were completely one dimensional...they had no development and the ones who did have development were changed SO MUCH and SO QUICKLY that it felt unbelievable.  Several parts of the book made me cringe, but I think the worst part was trying to insert a love story between Scarlet and the FBI agent's son.  It felt so inappropriate for a book like this.  I would give this one a pass.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC.

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Payback’s A Witch

Payback's a Witch- 4 stars

By- Lana Harper

Witch Emmy Harlow has left her magical home of Thistle Grove behind and moved to Chicago.  She's mostly accepted the fact she will never call Thistle Grove home again until she's called back to serve as arbiter for the traditional spellcasting tournament.  On her first night back she runs into her ex, Gareth Blackmoore.  He's as awful as ever...and she finds out from her bff, Linden Thorn, and resident badass Talia Avramov that his two timing ways haven't ceased in her time away.  The two witches recruit Emmy to help them bring down Gareth once and for all.

There was a lot about this book that was enjoyable.  The author created a very detailed and vivid world in Thistle Grove.  The history and use of magic was very clear and easy to follow.  Sometimes fantasy books can get bogged down, but not this one.  Emmy was an interesting character.  I enjoyed watching her grow and come into herself and her magic.  Emmy and Talia were cute together and watching their relationship blossom was very sweet.  All of the tournament scenes were well written and exciting.  You really felt like you were caught up in the magic.  The only fault I can find is that of why Emmy left home in the first place.  As the book develops you come to understand it was more than just Gareth Blackmoore's rejection, BUT the fact that a high school heartbreak was such a large part of the reason she left seems silly.  It also seems silly that two women like Linden and Talia would fall/be so upset about Gareth as well.  But overall, this was a very fun read.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for this ARC.

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The Long Weekend

The Long Weekend- 3 stars

By- Gilly Macmillan

Jayne, Ruth, and Emily are married to three best friends.  When the couples decide to go away for a long weekend Jayne suggests Dark Fell Barn, a very isolated retreat.  Everyone agrees a chance to get away from it all is just what they need.  The three women arrive the night before their husbands do to a note and a bottle of champagne.  The note informs them that one of their husbands is dead.  What happens next uncovers a twisted web of lies and deceit.

This book was full of twists and turns...that is for sure.  The plot kept you guessing from the beginning to the end.  BUT...it was also very confusing.  The POV changed practically ever other paragraph so I found myself constantly trying to figure out who was speaking.  The story grew bigger and wilder as the book continued and it seemed pretty implausible at times.  The overall plot was compelling, but the execution fell flat for me.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and William Morrow for this ARC.

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The Death of Jane Lawrence

The Death of Jane Lawrence- 2 stars

By- Caitlin Starling

Jane Shoringfield is a very practical woman.  In order to remain in such a lifestyle she sets her sights on Augustine Lawrence, a doctor who she will marry for convenience.  Now Jane can be married and still work and keep her independence.  Augustine agrees to the match as long as they keep separate residences at night.  Jane will stay at the surgery in town and he will stay at his family's estate.  However on their wedding night circumstances beyond their control cause Jane to stay at the estate.  This opens up a whole world (and other world) of trouble.

I did not like this book.  The beginning of the story is so repetitive.  Jane wants to marry Augustine...he doesn't want to marry her...but yes, he does...and then she wants to marry him, but no, she doesn't.  Very dry to read.  Then after the marriage and the first night at the estate things take an eerie turn and I found myself interested.  But that didn't last very long as the plot veers into the nonsensical for the remainder.  I found the storyline extremely hard to follow and worse than that I found myself not caring if I understood it or not.  I think this would play out much better on the screen.

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.

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Count Your Lucky Stars

Count Your Lucky Stars- 2 stars

By- Alexandria Bellefleur

The final book in the Written in the Stars series focuses on Margot Cooper.  Margot isn't interested in relationships, but she has to admit it's hard being the fifth wheel in her friend group.  When Annie and Brendon's wedding starts to fall apart Olivia Grant, wedding planner and former best friend (and more!) of Margot steps in.  Unresolved feelings between the two women dictate the rest of the story.

Ugh.  This series ended on a sour note.  I really enjoyed the first two books in the trilogy and was looking forward to a whole storyline dedicated to Margot, but Count Your Lucky Stars fell flat.  The entire plot seemed so rushed and I found myself caring very little about Olivia.  Even characters I liked from the previous books didn't do it for me.  Everyone seemed so mean and one dimensional.  And while I'm not prude the "steamy" scenes took up so much of the book I found myself skimming over them to get back to the actual storyline (speaking of the plot...if this wedding was such a big deal and was going to require so much work on Olivia's part why didn't she ever seem to be working?).  The big climax at the end felt juvenile and then was neatly wrapped up within about a half a chapter.  Just read the first two books...this one wasn't necessary.  

I was given this book in exchange for my honest opinion.  Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC.