Blog Archives
Flee
Tracy Myhre’s Flee picks up where the first book of the Haven series left off, and it doesn’t waste a single beat. The story follows Sadie Masters, a young Marine Reserve and librarian-in-training, as her bus journey to a family reunion turns into a desperate fight for survival after a nuclear catastrophe devastates Washington State. Interwoven with her storyline are the perspectives of others, family, friends, and strangers, all caught in the chaos that follows society’s collapse. Myhre builds a world where every decision feels like it could be someone’s last, and every relationship is tested by fear, loyalty, and grief. It’s a book about what we hold onto when everything else falls apart.
I found Myhre’s writing raw and alive. She doesn’t dress things up or linger on flowery descriptions. Instead, she cuts straight to the emotion of the moment. The dialogue feels natural, sometimes painfully so, like listening in on real conversations you wish you hadn’t overheard. Sadie’s voice especially stands out. It’s strong yet vulnerable, brave yet messy in all the right ways. The pacing is quick. Chapters snap forward like jolts, each one dragging you into another cliffhanger or gut punch. Some scenes, especially the violent or intimate ones, feel real. They left me breathless and a bit shaken. That’s not a complaint, though, it’s proof that Myhre knows exactly how to get under a reader’s skin.
What impressed me most was how the book handles survival and morality without getting preachy. It’s not about heroes or villains, it’s about people just trying to live through impossible choices. I loved the smaller human moments, like Sadie’s flashbacks to her mother, or the quiet fear in characters who’ve already lost too much. At times, I did wish the story would slow down and let those moments breathe a little longer, but maybe that tension is the point. In Myhre’s world, there’s no time to rest.
I’d recommend Flee to anyone who loves survival stories that make your heart race and your mind spin. It’s perfect for readers who enjoyed The Road or Station Eleven, but want something a bit more grounded in family and personal history. It’s emotional, dark, and real. I finished it feeling wrung out and strangely hopeful, the kind of book that doesn’t just tell a story, it makes you feel like you’ve lived through it too.
Pages: 386 | ASIN : B0FQ1H1WRH
Dangerous Shadows
Amanda Shittim’s novella, Dangerous Shadows, dives deep into the steamy and suspenseful world of New Orleans, weaving a tale of love, betrayal, and survival. At its heart is Tessa Lane, a private investigator with a knack for getting in over her head. When her simple surveillance job collides with the enigmatic Dominic Steele, Tessa is pulled into a web of deadly secrets and high-stakes danger. The narrative carries readers through the sultry streets of the French Quarter, where every shadow hides a potential threat, and every kiss feels like a gamble.
Shittim’s writing is sharp and evocative, particularly when describing New Orleans. The city itself feels like a character, alive with its juxtaposition of charm and menace. From the flickering gaslights to the tense alleys, the setting pulls you in, making every scene vivid. I found myself lingering over the description in Chapter 1: “The underbelly of the French Quarter smells like stiff bourbon, desperation, and cigarette smoke.” That line encapsulates the atmospheric grit of the story.
The chemistry between Tessa and Dominic is undeniably electric, but it often feels rushed. Their relationship pivots between hostility and passion so quickly it can feel like emotional whiplash. That said, their interactions are some of the story’s highlights. When Dominic warns Tessa, “You’re supposed to trust me,” the tension crackles, showcasing Shittim’s talent for writing compelling, charged dialogue. Yet, I wished for more gradual development of their bond to balance the fiery, impulsive moments.
The burner phone’s role as the catalyst for the chaos is a strong narrative device, but the frequent “safe house escapes” in later chapters started to feel repetitive. Still, Shittim excels in creating high-stakes action. The chase sequence in Chapter 3 had my heart racing, with descriptions so vivid I could almost hear the pounding footsteps and roaring engines. Dominic’s brooding past and Tessa’s headstrong recklessness sometimes felt more trope-driven than authentic.
Dangerous Shadows is an exciting, fast-paced read that fans of romantic thrillers will devour. It’s perfect for those who enjoy stories brimming with tension, danger, and fiery romance, even if they can overlook some melodramatic moments and familiar plot devices. If you love a mix of steamy romance and nail-biting suspense, this book will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0DR67BG3F
The Pillar
T. E. MacArthur’s The Pillar (The Praetorius Agency Files: File No. Two) dives deep into the world of paranormal romantic mystery. The story unfolds in San Francisco, where Jack de Sombras, newly arrived in California, finds himself immediately thrust into intrigue. His partner at the Praetorius Security Agency, Tessa Wells-Lancing, has a case waiting: Darius Trădat, a tattoo artist with a penchant for antiquities, faces cryptic threats steeped in curses and old-world superstitions. But just as Jack and Tessa begin unraveling the mystery, they’re confronted with a grim crime. Was this crime the work of something supernatural or a cunning imitation meant to deceive? And how does this brutal act connect to the deaths of other members of his family?
Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I found this sequel equally compelling. MacArthur deftly balances the paranormal and the mundane, threading humor through Jack’s determined disbelief in all things supernatural. Jack’s contract with the agency, which hilariously bans vampires, werewolves, zombies, and aliens from being classified as valid subjects of investigation, adds a light touch. In contrast, Tessa’s ability to see ghosts and experience prophetic visions grounds the paranormal elements in genuine tension. Their opposing views create a dynamic interplay that adds depth and humor, especially as Jack stubbornly chases logical explanations for everything that goes bump in the night. Yet, he does permit haunted objects and spectral apparitions in his investigations, a concession that plays into the narrative’s eerie atmosphere.
MacArthur weaves a dual storyline at the outset: Jack and Tessa’s investigation into Darius’s threats and a separate case being worked by the San Francisco Police Department. Initially, these threads seem unrelated. However, the author expertly interlaces them, creating a satisfying convergence as events unfold. Watching these parallel mysteries interconnect was a highlight of the novel, as it provided both intrigue and a sense of narrative cohesion.
While I enjoyed this story and found it gripping overall, I felt some pivotal moments were glossed over. For instance, the transition from Jack’s arrival and initial conversation about the case to the chaos of the aftermath, Darius’s murder and Tessa’s injury, was missing an essential and vivid scene. I think this abrupt jump leaves a gap. The tension of Jack and Tessa discovering the murder firsthand, rather than the aftermath, I think, could have added a more visceral impact and deeper engagement with the stakes at play.
The Pillar still delivers a richly textured mystery filled with suspense, humor, and the supernatural. Jack and Tessa’s chemistry, alongside a plot brimming with twists, makes this book a gripping read that fans of paranormal mysteries won’t want to miss.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0DJDKTWYL
Zainab!
In Zainab!, by Tajudeen Bioku, readers are transported into a captivating narrative that balances romance, political unrest, and personal dilemmas. Set against the backdrop of an America seeking a new beginning, Nigerian émigré Zainab finds herself entangled in a complicated love triangle. Her burgeoning romance with Razak, a sharp-witted TV producer, is disrupted by the resurgence of her old flame, Talib, just as her homeland Nigeria plunges into turmoil.
Bioku skillfully intertwines personal and political threads, creating a tapestry rich in emotional depth and cultural resonance. The novel’s exploration of themes such as racism, rebellion, and diplomacy is handled with a careful balance, making the narrative both thought-provoking and engaging. The author’s command of storytelling is evident in the interwoven plotlines and perspectives, using foreshadowing and symbolism to enrich the narrative. The pacing of the novel brings a dynamic rhythm to the narrative, with some scenes lingering for added depth while others briskly move the plot forward, enhancing the overall reading experience. The characters, especially Zainab, are crafted with depth and authenticity, anchoring the story’s emotional core.
Bioku’s use of Nigerian English adds a layer of authenticity, immersing the reader in the cultural context. The dialogues in the novel are vivid and expressive, adding a dramatic flair that complements the action-oriented narrative. This style, punctuated with just enough non-verbal cues, makes the book highly accessible and particularly engaging for enthusiasts of commercial fiction.
Beyond its surface as a romance novel, Zainab! delves into the complexities of identity, tradition, and the concept of African victory. It’s a narrative that resonates with a broad spectrum of readers, offering both entertainment and insight into the intersections of personal and political landscapes.
Pages: 454
Fiona’s Fury
Fiona’s Fury, by Roxy Blue, presents an intricate narrative exploring themes of love, jealousy, and the pursuit of freedom. Central to this story is Fiona Turner, a character skillfully depicted as navigating the complexities of a constrictive marriage and an emerging, intriguing connection. The storyline gains momentum as Fiona’s husband, Quade, grapples with intense jealousy and anger, precipitated by a florist’s interest in Fiona. This scenario unfolds into an engrossing journey through human emotions, with Quade’s insecurities prominently featured, threatening the stability of their outwardly perfect marriage.
Fiona, depicted as the CEO of a florist company, is a blend of resilience and independence. Yet, she finds herself drawn into a complicated relationship with a mysterious new character. Blue deftly portrays Fiona’s internal conflicts, offering readers a window into the intricacies of her emotional landscape. The narrative escalates as Fiona considers leaving her domineering husband, introducing unexpected twists that engage the reader. The florist’s role transcends a mere romantic interest, symbolizing the emergence of repressed desires and challenging traditional societal expectations. Roxy Blue succeeds in delivering a story that adeptly dissects the nuances of love, jealousy, and self-revelation. The prose is both vivid and engrossing, maintaining a tension that resonates throughout the book. Incorporating multiple perspectives, the novel offers a multifaceted view into its romance thriller plot, making for a compelling read.
Fiona’s Fury is a novel that effectively captures the reader’s interest, leaving one eager to discover the unfolding events. Ideal for those who appreciate stories that question societal norms and delve into emotional complexities, this book is a notable addition to the romance thriller genre, offering an unconventional and emotionally resonant narrative.
Pages: 325 | ASIN : B0CQBGL4LD
Off Kilter
In the thriving and evolving art scene of Los Angeles, a mystery envelopes the community, and James Terra, a well-known artist, seems to be at the center of it all. With one minor accident after another, James begins to realize that everything that is happening to him and his loved ones may all be connected, but the reason for such intentions always leaves him blank. As he begins to connect the dots, he slowly realizes that someone powerful has other plans for the art community, and his role in the scheme of things is far larger than he expected.
Off Kilter, by M. Lee Musgrave, is a compelling novel that packs the right amount of art, romance, and mystery that keeps its readers intrigued with every chapter it throws. From the start of the book, the author’s writing style will have readers drawn further into the storyline and drama. The author has a fantastic method that mixes creative and descriptive writing, beautifully enhancing the imagination of readers for each setting and what takes place in it. Furthermore, the way each clue was gradually given was well thought out, unlike some mystery novels that offer a “savior” in the novel that immediately solves the mystery. Instead, this allows the audience to piece together the mystery in their own time, identify the culprit, and bask in theories based on what they have read.
For somebody unfamiliar with fine arts, I could comprehend the parts of the novel that heavily feature it and dig up clues that the author wanted me to get from the conversations and descriptions. Moreover, I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys mystery novels. The setting of the story is one of the most famous places in the world, the City of Angels. It takes place in current times, during the rise of COVID-19, so it will be easy for readers to imagine the world the novel built.
Off Kilter is the exciting sequel to M. Lee Musgrave’s first mystery novel, Brushed Off. This romantic thriller keeps readers engaged and on edge as the mystery slowly unfolds. Readers will love following along as James discovers who is behind all the trouble that plagues him in this fascinating new mystery thriller.
Stars Aligned
Stars Aligned by Leah Lake tells the story of Emily Moore, a woman grieving over the fact that she gave her daughter, Ivy, up for adoption. She has decided to move to Miami in order to start her life over. Leaving behind an abusive ex-husband, Emily hopes to find happiness in this new place.
Emily finds her dream job at a card and gift store. It is here that she meets Alex Hutchinson. She is drawn to Alex immediately, and after a misunderstanding, they discover there is an attraction between them and decide to see where things can go. Emily feels happy being with Alex but, at times, is not sure what Alex sees in her. He’s young and successful, and she’s just a regular woman without many prospects. What ensues is a rollercoaster ride of love, hurt, misunderstandings, and plenty more.
One of the highlights of this romantic thriller is the character development. Leah Lake has created memorable and interesting characters that are well developed and entertaining. Emily, the protagonist, is sometimes sweet but at times unsure of herself but has moments of confidence. This makes her relatable to many women that struggle with confidence despite being genuine and good at their work. There are times it appears that Emily has a dual personality. Given her past life and the secrets she is hiding, this is not surprising but does enhance the storyline’s drama by never knowing what side of Emily you will see.
Emily’s love interest, Alex, is sweet, loving, passionate, and determined to make Emily his. He’s a powerful man but doesn’t make a habit of flaunting his wealth in a brash way, which is great. Emily’s friends, Molly, Ali, and Tom, are a delight. Always kind, caring, and up for a good time. They keep the story airy but entertaining. When her ex-husband Jason arrives in town, his character adds the thrill of darkness and added suspense, wondering if he is going to destroy everything Emily has worked so hard to build.
The story has dark moments, but I felt they are not touched upon enough. Though interesting, it’s almost as if the darker things are skimmed over. What could have been more a highly suspenseful plotline addition fizzled out into an interesting side story. The hinted-at dark and twisted secrets do add a thrill to the story, and readers will want to find out what Emily is hiding and how this will impact her relationship with Alex.
Stars Aligned as a whole is an exciting and complex story that romantic thriller lovers will want to read. The story has romance, steamy scenes, grit, and a shocking finish.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B0B78BDD5K
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