#fictional romantic thrillers

[thecatsreaderslibrary]

The John Callahan Series - Sales Book Blitz and Giveaway For Author Elizabeth Upton. . .

Father Callahan is forced back into dangerous filth, corruption, and crime. Can he remain a celibate priest, or will he abandon the life of faith for more sensual pleasures? Will he stay a good man or return to the dark criminal life he once knew so well?”  At Home Among SinnersThe John Callahan Series Book 1by Elizabeth UptonGenre: Romantic Mystery Thriller  ​John Callahan is a good man with a…

[writing-to-survive]

#196

Feeling butterflies in your stomach is a deadly disease, which only occurs when feeling mass amounts of affection and love towards someone. The more love, the quicker and and bigger the butterflies grow. They'll fill your stomach, killing you, then flutter out by any means necessary. The only way found to survive this disease is to stop feeling that love.

[nejjcollectsbooks]

The Appeal by Janice Hallett. The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett.

You've no idea the shock I had when I was sifting through the books in whatever second-hand shop I was in and came across the eye-catching and rather aesthetic cover of The Appeal. I remember reading the summary and finding it interesting, taking note of how thick the book was, a promising long read. Then I began flicking through the pages and to my confusion and delight the whole thing was strictly written in emails, letters and texts.

Janice Hallett's mystery thrillers are unorthodox in that they are written in emails, letters and texts, where the reader follows the solving of the mystery through these kinds of exchanges.

[spookieloop]

NEW STORY | The Lighthouse at Summer's Edge

The Lighthouse at Summer’s Edge is a relatively short coastal thriller with eldritch horror influences focusing on Danae, a woman who struggles with amnesia after being fished out of the ocean. Over the course of roughly a month, Danae adjusts to life in the small peninsula town of Summer’s Edge as she tries to piece together the secrets of her past, all the while forming new relationships with the people of the town.

Between painful familiarity she doesn’t understand and romantic entanglements, the more Danae discovers about the woman she was, the more estranged she feels from her former self.

All of my books are available through my Linktree.

🌊DETAILS🌊 • Single, First Person POV • Thriller with Romantic elements • Spice in the form of one fully detailed sex scene • Openly bisexual protagonist • Eldritch horror elements • 8.5k Words

⚠️WARNINGS⚠️ 🔺Manipulation 🔺Cult 🔺Villain is in the LGBT community (But so is the protagonist. Putting this here because I know it's a deal breaker for some people, and I'd rather be up front) 🔺Mild Violence 🔺Near Drowning

[imaginationofomi]

Suite Surrender

Matchmaker by day, sex worker by night, Raelynn Marquette liked to think she ruled the world around her. Some would say she was too confident, almost to the point of arrogance. And too blunt. She found no purpose in beating around the bush, but she didn't mind telling a white lie.

With the world at her feet, she marched to the beat of her own drum, trouble following her every step of the way.

Get Into It

Act One: Part One

Act One: Part Two

[all-the-prompts]

Thriller/romance/science fiction prompt:

A detective gets involved in a deadly game of wits with a time traveling serial killer who happens to be obsessed with them.

[could-they-be-a-pro-wrestler]

Click here for part 4

Click here for part 2

[quirkycatsfatstacks]

Review: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradly

Author: Kaliane BradlyPublisher: Avid Reader Press/Simon & SchusterReleased: May 7, 2024Received: Own (BOTM)Find it on Goodreads | BOTM | More Sci-Fi Book Summary: Would you take a top-secret job without knowing the details first? Frequently, that’s how life goes – you only learn the details of a top-secret job once you’ve signed all the paperwork. Thus, before she knew it, our leading lady…

[lasagnadenoodles]

Chapter 1

Zion felt that he had underestimated the summer  heat of Louisiana, but then again, he didn't think much about it before moving. He was sent out on a mission back up north; he knew he should just be happy to be here now. Not just happy. honored in fact. Little old town in the Deep South where good and faithful men and woman live; glory, glory to God. 

Everyone was excited for the new priest to come to town since the death of Father Louis. He seemed to roll into town like tumbleweed overnight, that Yankee. Of course, some were reluctant at first. But the young man's got an old soul, they said. They loved his preaching, his devotion to the gospel, and his old school teachings. It was hard to question him and exactly what his intentions were. 

To root out all the sin, of course. 

Can't argue with that. Everyone accepted him with open arms and attended his church every Sunday, singing his praises afterwards. 

Except the little lamb, Rosemary LaRoux. 

The young woman who was rumored to be the 'town witch", which is what they whispered in hush-hush tones to Zion between sermons. Caught collecting animal bones, stuffing Spanish moss into jars, seducing and luring good and honest men into the woods to sacrifice, and hex anyone who said a word about it. She, the lamb who was so far strayed. 

His partitioners complained how her presence in town made them uncomfortable. How her wicked demeanor was unsettling. Why couldn't she just go to church like all the other good girls here? She was unwedded at her age, no children, didn't give her life to God, and was worshiping the devil? That just won't fly here. Something must be done about it, and they turned to their wonderful new Father for help. 

There was a special teaching at the commune for lambs who lost their way home. Zion knows it all too well; he's used it on many of his followers, and his superiors once used it on him when he too lost his way. It looked like he would have to use it on this young lady causing such a ruckus here. Perhaps that was why he was called down to this little town. Zion will have to teach the witch who's in charge now. 

Zion feet scrapped against the gravel road, feeling beats of sweat forming on his forehead, his attire heavy and the darkness soaking up the sun like a blackhole. It had dawned on him in that moment he had never met a witch before. He was always told that they worshiped the devil, they succubi on earth here to tempt holy men like him. He was a confident man though, a woman such as that could never lead him astray, no matter the temptation.

  He turned the corner, going up to the address he was looking for. The house was small and weathered, the white paint chipping and a few old rocking chairs sitting on the porch. But it looked well-kept otherwise, the lawn neat and a white picket fence separating the backyard. He furrowed his brows as he looked up at the house, walking up the porch steps, pulling back the screen door and knocked. A moment or two later, a young woman answered. 

"Can I help you?" She asked, her voice more of a Southern Belle rather than a wicked old witch. Zion's gaze studied her for a moment, his brows twitching as he held back his disgust. She was pretty in that little black dress of hers, but it was no excuse to flaunt her figure and skin in such a way. 

"Good afternoon. I've been sent here by a few...concerned citizens of the town that attend my church. They believe you may be in need of spiritual guidance, and it's my duty to provide it to you. Do you have a moment to talk about your faith?" His voice was smooth, a smile cracked over his thin lips. The question hung in the air as he studied her face. She was rather beautiful, in an innocent way for someone rumored to be wicked.  

Rosemary gave him a polite smile and shook her head. "I'm not interested, thank you." she said softly as she began to close the door. Zion's smile faltered as he held the door with his hand. His touch was silent but firm as he held it from her closing it any further.

"I don't think you got the message, little lamb." He said, his voice like velvet but his emerald eyes gazing harshly down at her "I don't want these nasty rumors to continue about you, do you? I think we could put an end to all of them, you and me. I cannot tolerate straying sheep in this town." 

He may be lean, but he carries himself like the leader he is. The air crackles with an oppressive tension. Rosemary's gaze on him was unwavering, keeping her eyes locked on his. 

"I apologize. I'm not sure I follow, Father...?" 

"Father Zion. Please, don't play dumb with me. You know why I'm here." He gave her a harsh glare, his charming facade dropping fast "I've heard stories about you-that you dabble in witchcraft. I've decided to either cleanse you and the filth your sins have left on your soul, or rid of the evil that stands before me." 

"Oh, well Father. I hate to tell you but I'm afraid your efforts will be in vain. I don't plan on accepting Jesus as my Lord and savior anytime soon. Nor do I plan on moving out of the town I was born and raised in." She informed in, keeping that sweet smile across her ruby red lips "But I do appreciate the thought. You're most kind."

Her honey coated words were only an annoyance to Zion. She was more stubborn than he imagined, but he did enjoy a challenge. He wasn't the type of man to take "no" simply. 

"I'm not giving you a choice in the matter, little lamb. You are tainted with sin. Sin that must be cleansed." His eyes narrowed onto her, and he seemed to be studying her, as if he could see all the black marks on her soul. Rosemary kept her deep-sea grey eyes on him, letting him look down at her like she was the scum on his shoe. She said nothing to this at first, just letting out a little breath. 

"It's awfully hot out here. You wanna come inside and discuss this over some iced tea?" She sighed, placing a hand on her hip.

Zion took a small step away from her, releasing the door. He blinked at her, and for a moment there's a flicker of something different behind his eyes. A weakness, a confusion even. This meeting wasn't going as he expected. He thought she'd be more defensive, put up a fight even. Instead, she just invited him inside for some iced tea...

He quickly regains control of himself after a moment, his expression is once again cold. "I'm not thirsty." he said flatly.

"Sure you are, Father. Seems like you walked all this way under the hot sun, all in this black priest robes. Come, I won't turn you into a sacrifice or nothing." She teased with a grin "We can discuss more inside on how my soul is damned and whatnot all you want." 

That small flicker of curiosity sparks in Zion's eyes again hearing her offer. The way one could almost see his guard lower, just for a moment before his heavy walls are built right back up. He hated to admit it, but he was scorching in this weather. He stares at her for a moment before finally speaking. 

"I suppose some tea couldn't hurt. Perhaps a few moments of hearing me out in a more comfortable setting will open your eyes better."

"I'm sure, Father." Rosemary grinned, stepping aside and lead him inside. It was a bit cooler inside, but anything was better than what laid outside. The house smelled of burnt sage and incense. It was cluttered, almost overwhelming for Zion. He wasn't quite sure where to settle his eyes on. The walls were covered in dark oil paintings, old photographs, dried flowers wrapped in a bundle with twine, and some animal skulls. Books, half-melted candles, jars full of mysteries and other trinkets were scattered around the rooms. It was clear that every object in this house had a story to it, or perhaps a spirit tied to it. It was only right before Rosemary led him towards the back and into the kitchen, he noticed a black cat snoozing by the windowsill, soaking in the sunrays that poured in through the lace curtains. 

He turned his attention back to Rosemary. He felt that this house was as soiled as her and could only imagine how many spirits she had summoned to keep her company in her devil's paradise. 

Rosemary gestured for the priest to sit at the little wooden table in the kitchen while she went to the cabinet and grabbed two glasses. 

"So, Father, what brought you into town anyway? This isn't exactly the most popular corner of the south." She said as she set the glasses on the table. Zion sat down, keeping a sharp eye on her. 

"I felt called by the Lord to come here and cleanse the soul of the lost lambs. It's the ones who don't get enough attention that need it most." He said, watching her every movement as she went to the fridge to retrieve a glass pitcher of iced tea. "The congregation has informed me that you are the most trouble among them. So, it falls upon me to set you on the path of righteousness. And I will see that you follow it." 

Zion's tone is direct, leaving no room for compromise. His expression remains steady, his green eyes drilled onto her as if he was waiting for her to unleash any sudden movements as she poured him some iced tea.

"I didn't know they cared so much about me. Usually, they whisper nasty things about me to each other whenever I pass by them in town. I assume they've told you all the rumors about me?" She smiled at him as she took a seat across from him. 

"Indeed I have. Your deeds aren't exactly discreet from the sounds of it. You don't hide your practice, and you're known for hexing people and collecting animal bones, and other oddities I've been told. I'm sure your little rituals are very occult."

He leans back as he crosses his long legs, never taking his gaze off her. Rosemary lets out a little sigh, pouring herself a glass. 

"I try and be secretive about it. But people can be so nosey, aren't they? Especially when they're bored."

"If it's all true, it sounds awfully demonic. It attracts demons, doesn't it? Dark spirits that possess and corrupts the souls of mortals."

"Oh no, you're mistaken Father. There's no devil in my craft. No demons or nothing of the sorts." She gave him that sweet little smile that made Zion's eyebrow twitch. "I'm not looking to possess or corrupt any souls in this lifetime, so you have no need to worry about that." 

Zion's gaze deepened, his eyes narrowing at the witch who sat before him holding a glass of iced tea. Despite her hospitality and sweetness, he didn't feel swayed in the slightest by her. And frankly, he was getting annoyed with how coy she was being. 

"So, what do you do then? You haven't denied that you've hexed people here. I can only assume this is true?"

"Oh, goodness me, that was only twice." She sighed and rolled her eyes, but then let out a chuckle before taking a sip of her tea. He arched a dark brow, clearly unamused. 

"So you are hexing people?"

"It was only on an ex who cheated on me, and the girl he was sleeping with." She shrugged "Word only got out when he got chlamydia and yet they still pointed a finger at me. Now, I can only hope it was because of my hex, but somedays I think that was just because the girl he was sleeping with was no better than him." she added with a sly smirk.

For a moment Zion was unsure of what to say. She was clearly an open book. Maybe a little too open, but at least he felt the comfort of knowing she would be truthful with him. Or was this just a trick to gain his trust? 

"What about the animal bones?" He pressed on, not really caring to hear more about a silly old ex-boyfriend. He was certain she's casted other spells on people, and over time she would confess to it. She was just playing the victim now. 

"The bones are true; I like collecting them." She nodded with an eager grin "They made nice decor and sit nicely on my alter. I believe the animal's spirit is still tied to them, and I like to honor their spirit by bringing them into my home." 

"You are at least aware how macabre this all looks, right? It's scaring people here." 

"People are only afraid of what they do not understand, Father." 

"You've made it perfectly clear to me what you do, little lamb. And its not pretty." 

Zion pressed his lips together, his gaze darkening as he glared at her. Yet her expression was unwavering, smiling at him as she sipped her tea. "I was also informed that you seduce men and lure them into the woods."

"Now what did they say about that? That I force them into an orgy with the devil, or that I use them as a sacrifice?" She grinned widely at the priest. Zion scowled deeply at her.

"You tell me, witch." 

"I wish I had the ability to seduce men in this town, but they avoid me like the plague since that little chlamydia-hex two years ago." She let out a laugh "I can't even ask a man on the street for the time, let alone take them to the woods all alone." 

Zion said nothing, only processing her words. He felt a little confused, she would deny these accusations, and yet there was still some truth to it that she was still confident enough to admit. 

"How old are you?" he asked, as if he was even suspicious of that. 

"I'm twenty-five. How old are you, Father?"

"Old enough to have authority over you." He answered as if he was speaking down to a child. He was only twenty-eight.

Zion opened his mouth to speak again, but Rosemary quickly cut him off. 

"How's your tea, Father? Any good? It's a recipe the women in my family have passed down for years now."

"I-the tea is fine!" He snapped. Zion was getting agitaed here. He was trying to keep his temper under control, but this girl kept throwing him off course. He had to admit, this was the first time he had delt with a witch before. He had only seen his superiors knock sense into wicked woman like her, but it didn't take long before they were crying and begging for forgiveness. He feels as if she was undermining his power with her relaxed demeanor, and he was finding it intolerable. 

"The women in your family were witches, I take it. Another sin to stack atop of your long list of blasphemes, huh?"

"Oh, they were. My mother, my grandmother, and her mother were all witches. My grandmother was what you'd call a kitchen witch. I've got loads of delicious recipes from her. I'll have to make you something from her cookbook sometime." She smiled brightly at him

"Well, isn't that cute?" Zion's expression tightened, his jaw clenching. What a line of wicked women. All of them so steeped into witchcraft that they couldn't even see the depravity of their sins and passed it onto their own children. And yet what made him the maddest was how...nice she was being. She can't be this innocent. "But I'll have to decline. I would not dare put something so pagan into my body. You are an unholy woman, anything you make would be tainted with sin."

"Mmhm, but it tastes so delicious." She leaned forward, grinning at him "Where are you from anyway, Father? You've got a northern accent." She observed, folding her hands into a hammock and resting her chin on it. 

"I..." Zion pauses. She threw him off with this question. Of all the things she could ask, she asks about his origin. But he does not want to be distracted again, throwing all these off-topic questions about him. "Where I'm from doesn't matter."

"Lemme guess..." She trailed off, studying his face. This made him shift uncomfortably in his seat. He opened his mouth to cut her off, but she beat him to it "Somewhere in New England, right? New York, maybe Vermont? You seem like a small town, country boy yourself."

Zion stares back at her with a scowl, and it was clear his patience was running out. He uncrosses his legs and leans forward a bit, his bright green eyes locked on her. 

"Why do you insist on asking so many questions about me? My past is not relevant to you; only my status as a priest of the Lord and the cleansing of your sins." 

"I'd like to get to know you, if you're gonna get to know me." She answered simply with a shrug of her shoulders, that smile across her damn lips never falling.

She was being too friendly with him, her charm too potent. "The only thing that matters is for me to cleanse your soul. There is nothing to know. Nothing else about me matters to you."

"Sure it does." She insisted with a wave of her hand, "It's not every day I get company. And you were sweet enough to come and pay me a visit."

Zion was speechless now. He couldn't tell if this was a form of manipulation to charm her way out of the situation, or she was just extremely oblivious. He was unsure who the biggest fool sitting here was now. 

"Now, I hate to be a bad hostess, but I do have a few errands to run. I hope you understand, Father. But it has been a delight having you over." She said as she stood from the table and began to pick up the glasses. 

"And how do you get your daily sustenance? Do you just steal food from people's home, or is the devil so generous as to drop off groceries at your door?" 

Rosemary burst into laughter as she set the glasses into the sink. Her sudden fit of laughter made Zion jump a bit, but then felt his face grow hot with anger.

"You crack me up, Father! That would be mighty generous of him, wouldn't it? But just like you, I go to the grocery store. Only I ride my broom over." she added, throwing a wink at him over her shoulder. Her sense of humor was wicked, and she only mocked him. He stood to his feet, the chair scrapping against the wooden floor loudly. 

"I think it's time you stop acting like a sweet little girl. I know was lurks beneath that mask of yours. I know your true intentions. I'm not a fool to fall for your feminine charms." 

Rosemary blatantly ignored him, stepping over to a tall cabinet and began to rummage around. Zion's eyebrows knitted together, his head cocking to the side as he watched her. 

"What are you doing now?" 

"I don't like my guest to leave empty handed." She said as she took out a small tin box, stepping over and handing it to him. He examined the box. It looked hand painted, a navy-blue box with yellow moons and stars on it. "It's tea I've made from my herbal garden, chamomile and lavender. It helps you sleep and have good dreams." 

Zion frowned, opening the box and smelling it. "I bet you're trying to poison me." he muttered as he put the lid back on.

Rosemary laughed "If that's what you think, you don't have to accept my gift. Not to be rude, but I couldn't help but notice the dark circles under your eyes." She pointed a finger to the purple circles that made the green in his eyes stand out more "I get those too when I haven't been sleeping well. But I swear that tea will get you caught up on your sleep in no time." 

The priest felt his cheeks go hot with embarrassment at the witch for pointing out his fatigue. But he couldn't deny that he had not had a good night's sleep in years. Of course, he would not admit this to her. However, he was not sure what to say now. 

"Now, I best get ready to head out. But feel free to drop by whenever you please, and we can talk more about my impure soul and whatnot." She grinned at him, placing her hand on his elbow and led him to the front door. 

Zion blinked, unable to believe what was happening right now. Not only was she dismissing him after he told her just how vile her sin is, but she was inviting him back into her home as if this was the most normal thing to do. She was treating him like any priest that came to your home would.

"I-"

He was truly flabbergasted. 

"Alright. But you're not out of the woods yet. I'm far from done dealing with your soul, witch."

"Sounds good to me, Father." She nodded and opened the door for him, gently pushing him out "Now, you come back anytime. Keep me and my tainted soul in your prayers now. Bye-bye now."

Zion said nothing as he stumbled onto her porch and down the steps, watching as she waved him on before closing the door. He walked angrily off into the streets, replaying their who encounter in his head. He felt the angriest at himself. How on earth did he just let her dismiss him like that? Nobody had ever been so defiant with him. And she was so...nice to him, even after everything he said about her. He looked down at the tin box full of handmade tea bags she gave him. He scoffed to himself, his pace quickening as he headed back to his church.

[newbookcats]

Ten Noteworthy and Unforgettable Stories to Stash in Your Travel Bag to Explore Both Real and Fictional Worlds on Your Next Vacation or Olympic Games

Originally posted on my blog: https://newbookcatsreads.blogspot.com/2024/08/ten-noteworthy-and-unforgettable.html

Unless you live in the sun-blazing heat and humidity of Houston or anywhere close to the Earth's equator, Summer rolls around only once a year. Nonetheless, summer in the United States is a time of change: the weather itself turns warmer as the sun works overtime, tropical storms and hurricanes become more occurrent as beach attendance rises, another academic year ends and readies for the subsequent classes to come later, and the awaited summer vacation and family traveling. 

Whether I went to my local park or partook in a family road trip to Florida, each vacation was the most anticipated part of my summer. Moreover, partaking in exciting adventures only gave me more brownie points when I inevitably returned to school and expressed all the amusement to my classmates and friends. Nonetheless, I still left energy to read imaginary stories as well as listen to my classmates' summer stories. 

Meanwhile, to distract myself from the never-ending wait to reach a destination (seriously, how many times is too much to ask a parent "Are we there yet?"?) to the inevitable downtime needed for my family to recharge after too many waves on the lazy rivers, my requirement for serious entertainment was delivered in the form of binging episodes of true-crime from Forensic Files or a murder mystery novel...and from the title of my blog, I do not have a doubt which of the two choices I or you chose on our previous vacations. 

Thus, here are ten noteworthy stories to stash in your next vacation's travel luggage! In between glimpses of dragons and historical romances, do not forget to look up from the imaginary universe in your hands to explore reality outdoors! 

Ten Noteworthy and Unforgettable Stories to Stash in Your Travel Bag to Explore Both Real and Fictional Worlds on Your Next Vacation

 1. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

Need a break from home? If yes, then may I suggest traveling with Monty along with his younger sister Felicity and his best friend/crush Percy on their Grand Tour of Europe set in the 19th century?! Not only is Monty perfectly sassy and desired by the likes of many women and men, but his desires for trouble and flirts with danger only lead this trio to life-threatening adventures only heard in tall tales. Watch out for this impeccable novel that tackles both pirates and social issues in the midst of a historical comedy and romance!

Henry “Monty” Montague was born and bred to be a gentleman, but he was never one to be tamed. The finest boarding schools in England and the constant disapproval of his father haven’t been able to curb any of his roguish passions—not for gambling halls, late nights spent with a bottle of spirits, or waking up in the arms of women or men. But as Monty embarks on his Grand Tour of Europe, his quest for a life filled with pleasure and vice is in danger of coming to an end. Not only does his father expect him to take over the family’s estate upon his return, but Monty is also nursing an impossible crush on his best friend and traveling companion, Percy. Still it isn’t in Monty’s nature to give up. Even with his younger sister, Felicity, in tow, he vows to make this yearlong escapade one last hedonistic hurrah and flirt with Percy from Paris to Rome. But when one of Monty’s reckless decisions turns their trip abroad into a harrowing manhunt that spans across Europe, it calls into question everything he knows, including his relationship with the boy he adores.[Goodreads]

2. My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows

From the book that inspired the hit Amazon Prime series, it's only fitting to read the book before summer ends and compare the book to its television adaptation. Then, we may all decide whether the book is better than the series?

In My Lady Jane, coauthors Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows have created a one-of-a-kind YA fantasy in the tradition of The Princess Bride, featuring a reluctant king, an even more reluctant queen, a noble steed, and only a passing resemblance to actual history—because sometimes history needs a little help. At sixteen, Lady Jane Grey is about to be married off to a stranger and caught up in a conspiracy to rob her cousin, King Edward, of his throne. But those trifling problems aren’t for Jane to worry about. Jane gets to be Queen of England. Like that could go wrong. [Goodreads]

3. The War Outside by Monica Hesse

It's 1944, and World War II is raging across Europe and the Pacific. The war seemed far away from Margot in Iowa and Haruko in Colorado--until they were uprooted to dusty Texas, all because of the places their parents once called home: Germany and Japan. Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a "family internment camp" for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day, and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother's health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis. With everything around them falling apart, Margot and Haruko find solace in their growing, secret friendship. But in a prison the government has deemed full of spies, can they trust anyone--even each other? [Goodreads]

4. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. “Jess and Jason,” she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train...[Goodreads]

5. Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Although this is my current read, Maniscalco has me completely trapped in impulsively purchasing a one-way ticket to Italy and engulfing plates of pasta while reading. Be sure to bring this book and a bookmark with you wherever you go to vacation because it will keep you hooked!

 Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister's killer and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that's been long forbidden. Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked—princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia's side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women's murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems...[Goodreads]

6. The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn

Anna Fox lives alone, a recluse in her New York City home, unable to venture outside. She spends her day drinking wine (maybe too much), watching old movies, recalling happier times . . . and spying on her neighbors. Then the Russells move into the house across the way: a father, a mother and their teenage son. The perfect family. But when Anna, gazing out her window one night, sees something she shouldn’t, her world begins to crumble and its shocking secrets are laid bare. What is real? What is imagined? Who is in danger? Who is in control? In this diabolically gripping thriller, no one—and nothing—is what it seems.[Goodreads]

7. Angelfall by Susan Ee

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back. Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel. Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl. Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.[Goodreads]

8. Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller

If you are still mourning the last book of Sarah J Maas' Throne of Glass series, I highly recommend Miller's Mask of Shadows. The story follows Sallot who is training to be a royal assassin...but only if someone does not kill them first!

Sallot Leon is a thief, and a good one at that. But gender fluid Sal wants nothing more than to escape the drudgery of life as a highway robber and get closer to the upper-class—and the nobles who destroyed their home. When Sal steals a flyer for an audition to become a member of The Left Hand—the Queen’s personal assassins, named after the rings she wears—Sal jumps at the chance to infiltrate the court and get revenge. But the audition is a fight to the death filled with clever circus acrobats, lethal apothecaries, and vicious ex-soldiers. A childhood as a common criminal hardly prepared Sal for the trials. And as Sal succeeds in the competition, and wins the heart of Elise, an intriguing scribe at court, they start to dream of a new life and a different future, but one that Sal can have only if they survive.[Goodreads]

9. Any Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys Mystery

If your ideal read on a vacation is short but still encapsulates all the features of well-thought stories, then I highly recommend choosing a novel from either the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys series. I might also recommend bringing several of these novels, particularly if you plan to travel for several days, as they might just leave you wanting more adventure after your first look.

10. Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold by Iain Reading

Reminiscent of the Nancy Drew series, this novel is for those who have read all the Nancy Drews and are looking for more history, action, and adventure!

Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is the thrilling first installment in a new series of adventure mystery stories that are one part travel, one part history and five parts adventure. This first book of the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency Series introduces Kitty Hawk, an intrepid teenage pilot with her own De Havilland Beaver seaplane and a nose for mystery and intrigue. A cross between Amelia Earhart, Nancy Drew and Pippi Longstocking, Kitty is a quirky young heroine with boundless curiosity and a knack for getting herself into all kinds of precarious situations. After leaving her home in the western Canadian fishing village of Tofino to spend the summer in Alaska studying humpback whales Kitty finds herself caught up in an unforgettable adventure involving stolen gold, devious criminals, ghostly shipwrecks, and bone-chilling curses. Kitty's adventure begins with the lingering mystery of a sunken ship called the Clara Nevada and as the plot continues to unfold this spirited story will have armchair explorers and amateur detectives alike anxiously following every twist and turn as they are swept along through the history of the Klondike Gold Rush to a suspenseful final climatic chase across the rugged terrain of Canada's Yukon, the harsh land made famous in the stories and poems of such writers as Jack London, Robert Service and Pierre Berton. It is a riveting tale that brings to glorious life the landscape and history of Alaska's inside passage and Canada's Yukon, as Kitty is caught up in an epic mystery set against the backdrop of the scenery of the Klondike Gold Rush. Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold is a perfect book to fire the imagination of readers of all ages. Filled with fascinating and highly Google-able locations and history this book will inspire anyone to learn and experience more for themselves as Kitty prepares for her next adventure - flying around the world![Goodreads]

Love,

newbookcats

What stories that you read on vacation were so noteworthy that it surpassed your trip experiences? Were any of the novels so good you felt forced to shout its praises from clifftops, or were any so bad that you hid the evidence of your bookish guilt in a dark cave for only Wilson volleyballs to find? Which of my above picks would receive Gold at the Olympics? Correspond with me in the comments below or via my social medias. Talk to you soon!

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[schlock-luster-video]

On June 25, 2021, Making Mr. Right and Lunatics: A Love Story were screened as a double-feature on TCM Underground.

[jessread-s]

✩🫀🔎Review:

Maniscalco’s young adult debut is a gripping murder mystery with a heartwarming romance.

I appreciated reading from the perspective of Audrey Rose, a strong and progressive female lead. Throughout the story, Audrey Rose fights against conforming to traditional gender roles that confine women to the domestic sphere. What makes Audrey Rose’s character so powerful is her determination to pursue her passion regardless of whether or not that passion align with society’s expectations of her. Yet, even Audrey Rose could not have anticipated working on one of the most notorious murder cases of all time—the Jack the Ripper case. Still, she rolls with the punches and proves that women make great detectives. 

The plotline of “Stalking Jack the Ripper” itself is very reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle’s stories about Sherlock Holmes, which I enjoyed as a fan of murder mysteries. The shocking reveal of the killer’s true identity paired with Maniscalco’s subtle clues leading up to the novel’s end made for a thrilling read! I especially loved Audrey Rose and Thomas Cresswell’s relationship dynamic, which mirrored that of Sherlock and Watson’s. Their playful banter made me laugh out loud and their building romantic attraction made my heart race.

Though “Stalking Jack the Ripper” takes place during a real time in history, Maniscalco goes to great lengths to build an immersive world to avoid the drabness associated with textbooks. Much of the novel takes place in London, specifically the Whitechapel district, when Jack the Ripper was an active serial killer. Maniscalco does a fantastic job engaging the reader with her detailed descriptions of the region’s dreary atmosphere and the medical instruments used by scientists in the late 1800s. She also provides real photographs from the time period in relation to the content of some of her chapters and weaves facts of the Jack the Ripper case into her fictional narrative as a means of further exploring the past. While the real Jack the Ripper remains unidentified, I loved unmasking one of Maniscalco’s characters as the culprit and receiving a sense of closure as a result. 

➤ 4.25 stars

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph

[vynpop]

Verity

By Colleen Hoover

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Synopsis

"Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.

Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity's notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn't expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity's recollection of the night her family was forever altered.

Lowen decides to keep the manuscript hidden from Jeremy, knowing its contents could devastate the already grieving father. But as Lowen's feelings for Jeremy begin to intensify, she recognizes all the ways she could benefit if he were to read his wife's words. After all, no matter how devoted Jeremy is to his injured wife, a truth this horrifying would make it impossible for him to continue loving her."

Review

Let me begin this review with a piece of my day...I have reheated my coffee in the microwave over 5 times. The end.

Now for the book! This is the same author who wrote It Ends With Us, and I could not fathom the amount of darkness this woman could depict. It had my blood boiling and my bones chilled. I could not put this book down and finished it at 2 in the damn morning!

Verity Crawford is a monster. A vile character who should've never been allowed to exist on paper. I found myself full of anxiety with every confession she made.

I know that Colleen Hoover is not the author to promote or stand by with the controversy surrounding her, but this book was good. I enjoyed it. Unfortunately, I still have two more of her books on my bookshelf back when she was the hype of the book world. So with that being said I will be reading those and not purchasing more of her work. So please do not come for me. I am just a reader sharing her thoughts and book journey with you.

MY COFFEE IS COLD AGAIN!!!!

[imaginationofomi]

Masterlist

Come Together (18+ MDNI)

Suite Surrender (18+ MDNI) 🏳️‍🌈

Something Wicked This Way Comes (18+ MDNI) 🏳️‍🌈

[rd-lancaster]

My OC’s!! (Art by Kristy P on Instagram. Her username is thirdattempt. Fantastic to work with and so talented. Please check her out!)

Title: Heartbeats in the Crossfire

Introductions (left to right)

Name: Silas Griffin

Codename: Apollo

Gender: Male (he/him)

Age: 28-29 (duration of the story)

Occupation: American Special Ops Soldier

Name: Grace Abbott

Alias: Ivy Hudgens

Gender: Female (she/her/hers)

Age: 25-26 (duration of the story)

Occupation: CIA Field Agent

MORE CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT AND DESCRIPTIONS TO COME

[thedeadgameblog]

(via ALONE IN THE DARK)

Who sits and waits in the darkness?

There is no movement in the blackness.

As still as a fox waiting to pounce,

She waits without a ruffle or flounce.

A hissing sigh floats through the air.

Are those snakes slithering in her hair?

The ghostly form stands to meet us.

Is she the hostess sent to greet us?

We stand alone in this bleak hall.

There won’t be dancing at this ball.

Time to leave this creepy place

And quicken this story’s pace.

But since this is a horror story,

We won’t be leaving with much glory.

THE DEAD GAME