A Review - All the Little Raindrops by Mia Sheridan

All The Little Raindrops
Author: Mia Sheridan
Format: Digital
Genre: Mystery, Thriller
Publication Date: November 1, 2023

Date Read: October 12, 2023

Synopsis:

The chilling story of the abduction of two teenagers, their escape, and the dark secrets that, years later, bring them back to the scene of the crime.

It’s senior-year spring break, and Noelle Meyer and Evan Sinclair have been kidnapped. Neither knows why they were chosen, only that they share a tragic past: Evan’s father got away with killing Noelle’s mother, effectively ruining her family when the death was ruled an accident.

Despite the connection that should have made them enemies, the teens instead unite to face their other common denominator—their abductors. Noelle and Evan survive one sadistic circumstance after another, eventually making a harrowing escape. But every happy ending comes at a price…

Years later, Evan, now a private investigator, revisits the crime when he learns it may be ongoing. He reaches out to Noelle for help, and they discover that the answers lie with a man known only as the Collector. To close their case and solve the ones that followed Noelle and Evan must unmask this mysterious spectator—the only man who knows enough secrets to take their captors down.

I cannot even convey how much I loved this book! I like to say that thrillers aren't my type of book because you can usually find me hiding in the world of fantasy, but I've found that a great thriller will almost always find its way onto my ever-growing TBR. I can't continually read them because I freak myself out too much, but they always scratch the itch when I need it!

Mia Sheridan did such a great job hiding the antagonists in this book. Every new character that was introduced, and even a best friend thrown in there was under my suspicion. But when it all came to blows, I really wasn't expecting it. In fact, if you were to see my Kindle notes, you will see an 'oh shit, oh shit, oh fuuuuuck' when you finally find out one of the key players. I highly recommend this one to anyone who loves these types of books. However, as a warning, I very rarely get triggered on subjects, but I recommend checking the warnings on this one because if you do get triggered easily you might want to stay away from this one.

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

My Rating:

A Book Review: The Bully by Willa Nash

The Bully (Calamity, Montanta #4)
Author: Willa Nash
Format: Digital
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: March 3, 2022

Date Read: 

Synopsis:

Nellie Rivera is trading traffic for tranquility. When the quiet streets of small-town Montana beckon, she leaves Denver behind and moves to Calamity. It would be the perfect adventure if not for Cal Stark. When her archnemesis dares to show his face one Saturday morning, declaring he is moving there too, she vows to make his life a misery. The town isn’t big enough for the both of them and besides . . .

She was here first.

Cal has been a thorn in her side since high school. He might have bullied her back then, but she’s not a modest teenager anymore and has learned a few plays of her own. If all goes to plan, she’ll run the former pro quarterback out of town within a month.

There’s only one problem. Cal has the same plan. He wants Calamity bad enough to pull out all the stops. And after one kiss, she realizes that he doesn’t play fair.

Another great #EnemiesToLovers book. The feuding between Nelly and Cal is comical at times and I'm here for it.

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

My Rating:

A Book Review: Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment #1)
Author: Rebecca Ross
Format: Digital
Genre: YA, Romance, Magical Realism, Historical
Publication Date: April 4, 2023

Date Read: July 28, 2023

Synopsis:

When two young rival journalists find love through a magical connection, they must face the depths of hell, in a war among gods, to seal their fate forever.

After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.

This was a booktok recommendation that really piqued my interest. I tend to love enemies to lovers so I was already sold but it also had mythical gods at war which is right up my alley. To me though, this book really started off slow and I actually contemplated about putting it down. However, I'm glad I didn't because once the two main characters were surrounded by the war, it really hooked me in and I couldn't put it down. Rebecca Ross did a great job writing this wonderful enemies to lover story that just so happens to end with a huge cliffhanger that will make you immediately preorder the next book that drops in December.

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

My Rating:

The Friday 56 - 10/13/23

The Friday 56 is a bookish meme hosted by Freda's Voice.

These are the rules are as follows:
1. Grab a book, any book.
2. Turn to page 56, or 56% on your eReader.
3. Find any sentence (or a few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you.
4. Post it (or comment here)
5. If you blog post, add the URL to your post in the link on Freda's most recent Friday 56 post.

I'm Reading: How to Walk Away by Katherine Center

Page 56:

"

“No Picture of Kitty?" I asked - not because I was surprised, but as a way of calling attention to our allegiance, a way of reinforcing a little closeness when I could.

My mom gave me an eye-roll that was just as reinforcing. "Please." 

"

                           

Synopsis:

“Margaret Jacobsen is just about to step into the bright future she’s worked for so hard and so long: a new dream job, a fiancé she adores, and the promise of a picture-perfect life just around the corner. Then, suddenly, on what should have been one of the happiest days of her life, everything she worked for is taken away in a brief, tumultuous moment.

In the hospital and forced to face the possibility that nothing will ever be the same again, Maggie must confront the unthinkable. First there is her fiancé, Chip, who wallows in self-pity while simultaneously expecting to be forgiven. Then, there's her sister Kit, who shows up after pulling a three-year vanishing act. Finally, there's Ian, her physical therapist, the one the nurses said was too tough for her. Ian, who won't let her give in to her pity, and who sees her like no one has seen her before. Sometimes the last thing you want is the one thing you need. Sometimes we all need someone to catch us when we fall. And sometimes love can find us in the least likely place we would ever expect."

A Review: The Brazen

The Brazen (Calamity, Montana #3)
Author: Willa Nash
Format: Digital
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Publication Date: July 15, 2021

Date Read: July 21, 2023

Synopsis:

Kerrigan Hale’s personal life is about as exciting as a bucket of tar. With hard work and hustle as her steadfast companions, who needs romance or adventure? Her empire in Calamity, Montana, isn’t going to build itself.

For years, her mentor—and investor—helped make her dreams come true. Until his unexpected death put her fate in his grandson’s hands. A brazen billionaire, he seems intent on ruining Kerrigan’s life.

But if Pierce Sullivan thinks she’ll go down without a fight, he’s sorely mistaken. Pushed to the extreme, she drives to his ritzy mountain lodge to force the arrogant You Can Call Me Mr. Sullivan to hear her out.

No sooner does she arrive than a snowstorm traps her with Pierce. Stranded together for days, she’s in for the battle of her life. Pierce is nearly irresistible by candlelight. Without his suits and fancy cars, he’s almost human.

Except only a fool would let down her guard. And Kerrigan can’t risk her future. Not when she doesn’t know if he’s out to pilfer her dreams . . . or to steal her heart.

I loved the characters in this book. Kerrigan Hale is kickass and knows what she wants in life until Pierce Sullivan shows up and knocks her world askew. This book was such a quick, easy read that will make you want to read the rest of the series as fast as you can.

 
Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

My Rating:

A Book Review: In the Likely Event

In The Likely Event
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Format: Digital
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Publication Date: August 1, 2023

Date Read: July 18, 2023

Synopsis:

When Izzy Astor gets on a plane to go home, she isn’t expecting much. It’s the usual holiday travel experience: busy, crowded, stressful.

Then she spots her seatmate, who is anything but ordinary. Nate Phelan sports dark hair, blue eyes, and a deliciously rugged charm that Izzy can’t resist. Their connection is undeniable. Izzy never believed in destiny before, but she does now.

Just ninety seconds after takeoff, their plane goes down in the Missouri River.

Their lives change. They change. Nate goes on to a career in the military while Izzy finds her way into politics. Despite a few chance encounters over the years, the timing never feels right.

Then comes a high-stakes reunion in Afghanistan, where Nate is tasked with protecting Izzy’s life.

He’ll do anything to keep her safe. And everything to win her heart.

I was happy to see this as an Amazon First Reads days after I read Fourth Wing. If Fourth Wing is my favorite for the year, it would be so easy to say this is probably my 2nd favorite. There's just something about Rebecca Yarros' writing that makes it easy to get lost in. The slow burn of the story makes you root for the couple and yearn for the chance for their relationship to actually come together.

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

My Rating:

Read Every Day Update #5

Just started one of my October Amazon First Reads choices. This one is a psychological thriller which I thought would be a perfect choice for this month. 50 pages in and I completely agree with the warning in the summary about it not being for the faint of heart. 😳

Read Every Day Update #4

Haven’t updated in a few days but I’m still reading! During the week I’m only getting about an hour a day but I was able to dedicate more time finish Happy Place by Emily Henry today! It was the first book I’ve read in awhile that gave me a good cry during! Loved it 😆❤️

A Review: The Bluff

The Bluff (Calamity, Montana #2)
Author: Willa Nash
Format: E-book
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Publication Date: November 11, 2021

Synopsis:

As Calamity’s newest resident, Everly Christian thought life in small-town Montana would be dull and tame—and she needs a little mundane after the last few chaotic years. But one night, boredom drives her to the local bar, where she finds herself sitting beside a handsome and mysterious artist.

The man is anything but dull and tame, especially in the bedroom, and when she steps out of his shower and overhears his conversation, life gets interesting again.

Reese Huxley needs a wife.

And why shouldn’t Everly be the bride?

She’s got her reasons for agreeing to the hasty nuptials—reasons she’s keeping to herself. As long as she can stop herself from falling in love with her husband, she’ll make it out of this sham marriage in one piece. But Everly has a weakness for wayward men, and the more Hux pushes her away, the more she realizes this bluff is anything but a lie.

I'm always a sucker for a marriage of convenience story. I love the fact that Everly & Hux are complete opposites of each other, this combo always makes for a good read!

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

My Rating:

A Book Review: Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1)
Author: Rebecca Yarros
Format: Digital
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Publication Date: May 2, 2023

Synopsis:

Twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail was supposed to enter the Scribe Quadrant, living a quiet life among books and history. Now, the commanding general—also known as her tough-as-talons mother—has ordered Violet to join the hundreds of candidates striving to become the elite of Navarre: dragon riders.

But when you’re smaller than everyone else and your body is brittle, death is only a heartbeat away...because dragons don’t bond to “fragile” humans. They incinerate them.

With fewer dragons willing to bond than cadets, most would kill Violet to better their own chances of success. The rest would kill her just for being her mother’s daughter—like Xaden Riorson, the most powerful and ruthless wingleader in the Riders Quadrant.

She’ll need every edge her wits can give her just to see the next sunrise.

Yet, with every day that passes, the war outside grows more deadly, the kingdom's protective wards are failing, and the death toll continues to rise. Even worse, Violet begins to suspect leadership is hiding a terrible secret.

Friends, enemies, lovers. Everyone at Basgiath War College has an agenda—because once you enter, there are only two ways out: graduate or die.

Probably my most favorite read of this year to date. I have enjoyed reading over the years but it's few and far between books when I find one that I just can't put down and it makes me yearning for more.

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

My Rating: