Book Review: A Stranger on the Beach by Michele Campbell @MCampbellBooks @StMartinsPress #AStrangerontheBeach #bookblog #bookblogger #bookreview #bookreviewer

PUBLISHER: St. Martin’s Press

PUBLICATION DATE: July 23rd, 2019

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Happy Publication Day to this amazing, gripping novel!

Thank you to the publisher St. Martin’s Press for a gifted physical copy of this book to read and share my review with my followers.

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ABOUT THE BOOK: 

There is a stranger outside Caroline’s house.

Her spectacular new beach house, built for hosting expensive parties and vacationing with the family she thought she’d have. But her husband is lying to her and everything in her life is upside down, so when the stranger, Aiden, shows up as a bartender at the same party where Caroline and her husband have a very public fight, it doesn’t seem like anything out of the ordinary.

As her marriage collapses around her and the lavish lifestyle she’s built for herself starts to crumble, Caroline turns to Aiden for comfort…and revenge. After a brief and desperate fling that means nothing to Caroline and everything to him, Aiden’s obsession with Caroline, her family, and her house grows more and more disturbing. And when Caroline’s husband goes missing, her life descends into a nightmare that leaves her accused of her own husband’s murder.

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MY REVIEW:

Caroline seems to have it all. A lavish beach house, a doting husband, a daughter in university, and lots of money. What else could she possibly want? She is the envy of everyone and seems to have the perfect life. One day Caroline sees a man standing on the beach, a stranger that seems to be watching her property. Why would this man be standing there staring at her house?

Caroline throws a lavish party at her beach house, only for her husband to call and tell her something with work has come up and he unfortunately will not be able to make it home in time for the party. Caroline is upset. What could be more important than attending his own party with his wife, and their family and friends? Later on at the party, Caroline finds out that he husband has made a brief appearance with another woman. Caroline is furious and confronts him and this mystery woman. Who is this strange woman and why would she show up with her husband? Confused and hurt, Caroline doesn’t know what to think.

I loved the dark and twisty mystery of this book, and the way it kept you on your toes and at the edge of your seat as the book takes you on a wild ride right through to the very shocking ending of this book! And wow, what a ride it was! There is so much deceit, lies and betrayal, it was hard to figure out who was actually telling the truth. There are so many unreliable characters in this book that it makes for a fabulous book! Who is telling the truth? Are they all just as crazy as the next person, or are there actual victims here?

There were times I felt sorry for Caroline, then for her husband, then for Aiden. As the story unfolds, I wasn’t sure who to feel sorry for, and I loved that about this book. Just when you think you have it all figured out you find out you were wrong.

This book will definitely not disappoint! A great read that was addictive from the very beginning!

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MY RATING: 5/5 stars

Book Review: Vox by Christina Dalcher @CVDalcher @BerkleyPub @PenguinRandomCA @penguinrandom #Vox #100words #bookblog #bookblogger #booksonthebookshelf #partner #bookreview #bookreviewer

Today this amazing book is available in paperback! If you haven’t had your eyes on this book be sure to check it out and add it to your summer reading list!

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the near future, the American government has silenced half of the population by placing a wrist band on all of the female population, women and children alike. The wrist band on each female counts each word spoken by the female, and pulses on their wrist as each word is spoken. They are only allowed to speak 100 words a day. Go over that 100 words, and you pay the price, depending on how much you go over in words.

This book follows the family and life of Dr. Jean McClellan. She is married and they have 1 daughter, and the rest of their children are boys. While sitting around the family dinner table, her husband and sons talk about their day – how work was, what they learned in school, etc while Jean and her daughter are silent as they have limits on the words they can speak.

Jean is determined to do something about this new rule the government has put into place. Women can no longer hold jobs, girls are no longer taught in school to read and write. Jean strongly feels that this is not right.

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MY REVIEW:

This book was amazing! I loved the way it was written and the author’s style of writing. It held my attention from beginning to end and was so hard to put down, I read this in a day. It was that good of a book. A crazy roller coaster of a ride, this book did not disappoint. Several twists and turns to keep you interested throughout.

Imagine being a woman and only being allowed to say 100 words a day. Wearing a tracker on your wrist that tracks the words you speak, knowing that all males – including your husband and son, can speak freely, but you have to closely monitor what you want to say on a daily basis or suffer consequences? I cannot imagine!

I cannot say enough great things about this book. It was a pleasure to read. If you are looking for the next great book to read then this is it. Be sure to add this one to your tbr list!

If you could only speak 100 words a day, what would you say to be heard?

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Book Review: For Better and Worse by Margot Hunt #ForBetterandWorse #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblog #bookblogger #booksonthebookshelf #netgalley

PUBLISHER: MIRA

PUBLICATION DATE: December 11th, 2018

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Thank you to the publisher for the eARC of this novel via Netgalley to read and share my review.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

On their first date back in law school, Natalie and Will Clarke bonded over drinks, dinner and whether they could get away with murder. Now married, they’ll put the latter to the test when an unchecked danger in their community places their son in jeopardy. Working as a criminal defense attorney, Nat refuses to rely on the broken legal system to keep her family safe. She knows that if you want justice…you have to get it yourself.

Shocked to discover Nat’s taken matters into her own hands, Will has no choice but to dirty his, also. His family is in way too deep to back down now. He’s just not sure he recognizes the woman he married. Nat’s always been fiercely protective, but never this ruthless or calculating. With the police poking holes in their airtight plan, what will be the first to fall apart: their scandalous secret—or their marriage?

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MY REVIEW:

Enter married couple Natalie and Will Clarke. They met years ago in law school, and joked about whether or not they thought they could get away with murder. Fast forward many years later, and that theory is put to the test. They have a young son together and his safety is put into jeopardy when something happens in their community that may involve their son. The person blamed claims he is innocent, but who really knows? Nat decides to take matters into her own hands, and plans to get revenge on this man who is well known in the community – her son’s school principal!

Will is shocked when he learns his wife Nat plans to take matters, and justice, into her own hands. When he learns of her plan, he is shocked and speechless! Is his wife truly capable of what she is claiming to do? Does he really know his wife, and had he ever really known her at all? As Will manages to get dragged into this situation with his wife, he becomes involved in her scheme as well, whether he meant to be or not. They are now facing serious charges if they are ever caught for what they did, and want to remain anonymous and try to cover their tracks. Will they be able to pull it all off?

As the story continues, they begin to sweat, panic, and stress as the police are investigating what happened that one fateful night, and they claim they are innocent, but their nerves are catching up to them. Will they be able to keep their cool until the police are off their trail or will they cave and give themselves away? 

I enjoyed the book as you never knew which way events would turn. There were moments I thought for sure the marriage would completely crumble, and at times I thought they would give themselves away to the police. A novel that will keep you guessing until the shocking last pages, this novel was a good read with a shocking ending you won’t see coming.

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MY RATING: 3/5 stars

Book Review: The Woman in our House by Andrew Hart @AmazonPub @netgalley #TheWomanInOurHouse #AndrewHart #bookblog #bookblogger #bookreview #bookreviewer #partner #booksonthebookshelf

PUBLISHER: Lake Union Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: June 18th, 2019

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Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an eARC via Netgalley to read and share my review with others.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

What happens when you open your home to the perfect stranger?

Anna Klein is ready to return to work as a literary agent for the first time since having children. She and her husband, Josh, decide to hire a live-in nanny with some trepidation, but all their misgivings disappear as soon as they meet Oaklynn Durst. She has stellar references, a calm disposition, and a natural way with children. Not to mention their kids simply adore her.

But not long after Oaklynn arrives, the children start to come down with the most puzzling illnesses and inexplicable injuries. When the maternal Oaklynn is there to comfort everyone, Anna can’t help feeling a little eclipsed. And suspicious. Her husband and friends assure her that her anxieties are getting the best of her—Oaklynn is perfect. But Anna’s not so sure…

As she delves into Oaklynn’s past, she discovers too late that the woman who has been living in her house is not at all who she claims to be. But Oaklynn’s not the only one who has been lying. And when everyone’s dark secrets are forced into the light, the consequences may just turn deadly.

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MY REVIEW:

This was a gripping, entertaining, edge of your seat novel that will keep you on your toes and leaving you flipping through the pages wanting to know more. The main characters Anna, Josh and Oaklynn are such diverse characters and they are have their fair share of secrets, lies and personality quirks that make for a very dynamic and entertaining read.

Anna and her husband Josh agree to hire a live in nanny to care for their two young girls so Anna can return to work as a literary agent. At first things are going well. Their two children seem to really adore and get along well with their new nanny Oaklynn. Oaklynn seems perfect – she is great with the girls, and is like a second mother to them. Anna suddenly becomes suspicious of Oaklynn, as many strange and unexplainable things begin to happen not only to the girls but to others around them. Add to that the jealousy that Anna begins to feel, as well as the guilt, when the girls grow increasingly closer and closer to Oaklynn. Anna feels Oaklynn is overstepping sometimes and Anna becomes frustrated as she is the parent, the mother… not Oaklynn.

Is everyone who they say they are, or are some keeping their true selves hidden from everyone else? This book is packed full of shocking twists and turns of events that will leave you guessing and wanting more.

A great novel that I recommend highly for your summer read this summer!

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MY RATING: 4/5 stars

Blog Tour & Book Review: Layover by David Bell @DavidBellNovels @BerkleyPub @penguinrandom #Layover #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblog #bookblogger #booksonthebookshelf #blogtour #LayoverBlogTour #partner

PUBLISHER: Berkley

PUBLICATION DATE: July 2nd, 2019

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Happy Publication Day! Thank you to Berkley for inviting me to be part of this exciting Blog Tour and for sending me an early finished copy of this book to read and share my review!

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Joshua Fields takes the same flights every week for work. His life is a series of departures and arrivals, hotels and airports. During yet another layover, Joshua meets Morgan, a beautiful stranger with whom he feels an immediate connection. When it’s time for their flights, Morgan gets up to leave, leans over and passionately kisses Joshua, lamenting that they’ll never see each other again.

As Morgan slips away, Joshua is left feeling confused by what just happened between them. That’s when he looks up and is shocked to see Morgan’s face flashing on a nearby TV screen. He’s even more shocked when he learns the reason why–Morgan is a missing person.

What follows is a whirlwind, fast-paced journey filled with lies, deceit, and secrets to discover the truth about why Morgan is on the run. But when he finally thinks every mystery is solved, another rears its head, and Joshua’s worst enemy may be his own assumptions about those around him…

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MY REVIEW:

I have read several novels by David Bell and have loved them all. So when Berkley contacted me inviting me to be part of this exciting Blog Tour for Bell’s newest novel, LAYOVER, I was thrilled! This book did not disappoint!

Joshua works in his father’s company as a commercial real estate developer. His life is the same every week – airports, security lines, arrivals, departures, hotels, meetings, and of course… layovers! While on a layover in a major airport, he happens upon Morgan. She dropped her phone and he returns it to her. He then asks her to join him for a drink, and she obliges. They have a brief drink and chat, then Morgan suddenly kisses Joshua quite passionately, then explains they will never see each other one again. Intrigued, Morgan is confused as to what had just happened. They seemed to connect instantly, at least Joshua thought so. So then why did she disappear all of a sudden, saying they would never see one another again? That is until Joshua sees her photo on the TV news – Morgan is listed as a missing person!

Joshua is hooked on this girl and he wants answers. Why would she kiss him like that then disappear. Why is she a missing person? Should he call the police and let them know he just seen her? Joshua decides he needs to see her again and embarks on a cross country journey to try and find her. 

I loved how fast paced and addictive this thriller was. I enjoyed reading about Joshua as a character and reading his character development in the novel. He works with his dad in his dad’s business and when he met Morgan in the airport he was actually en route to a meeting for the company. He decides to drop the business meeting and change his ticket in an attempt to find Morgan in another state. Despite how upset or angry his father will be with this decision, Joshua is sure he is making the right choice. He is not sure he wants to work in his family business anymore anyways.

I loved how the mystery of Morgan was revealed the way it was in such a way to keep the reader hanging on. I wanted, needed, to know more and flipped through the pages to unravel the mystery that is Morgan. She was an intriguing and interesting character and I enjoyed reading about her. Her relationship with Joshua was also very interesting, especially since Joshua seems to give up everything to find the woman he literally just met moments before in an airport. A complete stranger to him, and he gives up everything for her.

What ensues is a whirlwind of drama that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Be sure to hold on tight and strap yourself in – this book will take you on a wild ride and you will love every second of it!

Well done David Bell! I love your novels and I look forward already to your next one!

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MY RATING: 5/5 stars

Book Review: False Step by Victoria Helen Stone @LUAuthors @AmazonPub @VictoriaDahl #FalseStep #bookreview #bookreviewer #bookblog #bookblogger #partner #booksonthebookshelf

PUBLISHER: Lake Union Publishing

PUBLICATION DATE: July 1st, 2019

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HAPPY PUBLICATION DAY!! This book goes on sale today!

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an advanced finished copy of this book to read and share my review with my followers.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Stay calm, keep smiling, and watch your step. In this marriage of secrets and lies, nothing is what it seems.

For days, all of Denver, Colorado, has worried over the fate of a missing child, little Tanner Holcomb. Then, a miracle: handsome, athletic Johnny Bradley finds him, frightened but unharmed, on a hiking trail miles from his wealthy family’s mountain home.

In a heartbeat, his rescuer goes from financially strapped fitness trainer to celebrated hero. The heat of the spotlight may prove too much for Johnny’s picture-perfect family, however. His wife, Veronica, despises the pressure of the sudden fame, afraid that secrets and bitter resentments of her marriage may come to light. And she’s willing to do anything to keep them hidden.

But when a shocking revelation exposes an even darker side to Tanner’s disappearance, Veronica realizes that nothing in her life can be trusted. And everything should be feared.

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MY REVIEW:

After reading (and LOVING) Victoria Helen Stone’s previous novel JANE DOE I knew I had to get my hands on a copy of this newest novel. I was thrilled when I received a copy and I was not disappointed!

This book was truly amazing and had me sitting on the edge of my seat as I read page after thrilling page. Who doesn’t love a book full of lies, secrets, deceit, betrayal, and drama. This girl right here certainly does! The seemingly perfect marriage isn’t all it appears to be, as married couple Johnny and Veronica have their own fair share of secrets. Secrets they not only keep from one another but from the rest of the community, and the world as well.

Veronica hasn’t been happy in her marriage for a while. They are struggling financially, having a hard time making ends meet, and then when Johnny is seen as a hero for finding and rescuing little Tanner who has been missing she is weary and nervous when news and camera crews hang around their home. She has many secrets she doesn’t want revealed and is afraid that all of this media attention will bring those secrets to light. She is riddled with anxiety and fear.

I loved the drama and the wild ride this book takes the reader on as you never know what will happen next. Little by little all the secrets and lies are revealed to pain the bigger picture. Who is telling the truth? And are those truths only half truths?

A great book from beginning to the very climactic ending that you will NOT see coming, I absolutely LOVED this book. Be sure to grab your copy today! This book is on sale today!

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MY RATING: 5/5 stars