DRC Review: What Harms You

• Publisher: Kensington Books
• Publication Date: July 25, 2023
• Author: Lisa Black
• Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
• Page Count: 320

⭐⭐

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Blurb

The Locard Institute is a state-of-the-art forensic research center where experts from around the world come together to confront and solve the world’s most challenging and perplexing crimes. When Dr. Ellie Carr arrives for her first day as an instructor at the prestigious facility, the buildings glimmer amid the brilliant fall foliage on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. But within hours a colleague, Dr. Barbara Wright, is found dead on the floor of a supply closet. Her death appears to be an accident—but Ellie and her new supervisor, Dr. Rachael Davies, suspect a more sinister explanation.

A young woman attending a professional training program then disappears, only to be found in a gruesome tableau. Other than their link to the Institute, there seems to be no connection between the student and Dr. Wright. Although forensic traces are elusive, Ellie and Rachael are determined to find the bizarre link between the violent and diverse deaths. 

As reporters shatter the privacy of Ellie’s new workplace, she searches old files and finds evidence of a crime that feels much too personal. But who, among those dedicated to justice, could be the threat? No matter how skilled she and Rachael may be in uncovering the truth, they may not be able to prevent a well-schooled killer from striking again.

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Review

What Harms You is the second novel in the Locard Institute series, but it’s possible to read it as a standalone novel.

While I do enjoy forensic science novels (Rizzoli & Isles, Bones,) What Harms You was just too over the top with acronyms and forensic terminology. But I admit that a lot of research must have been conducted to make everything real. Most of the novel consisted of classroom instruction on DNA tracing, and evidence retrieval. The murders just seemed to take a backseat, which made for a slow read.

I didn’t particularly like the main characters. They were not as fleshed out to distinguish one from the other. Maybe it had something to do with both of them being in the same profession.

The narrative didn’t flow as smoothly as I expected or liked. The story seemed to jump around from classroom instruction, to lab work, to field work and in between three murders took place. And then, a stray pub is added into the mix, which just made for another distraction. So in the end, the story just fell flat for me. Two okay stars.

I received a DRC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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Release Day Blitz: My Little Island Life

• Publisher: Independently Published
• Publication Date: June 27, 2023 (Kindle)
• Author: Alex Apostol
• Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
• Page Count: 440

Blurb

Whisked away to the island of Oahu by her new Navy sailor husband, twenty year old Kleio realizes she hardly knows the man she married. Looking for an escape from the vicious cycle of abusive boyfriends, Kleio soon finds out that Danny is just another part of that cycle. When she receives a disturbing email from his ex explaining that he had been asking both of them to marry him at the same time, Kleio’s world spirals out of control. The only reason she’s married to Danny is because another girl had said no. Feeling trapped on the tiny island, Kleio does whatever she can to find an escape from her marriage, and to figure out who she is and what she really wants in life. Can she ever find happiness, or will she be crushed by the darkness of her depression forever?

About the Author

Alex Apostol is an Amazon bestselling author of Supernatural Thrillers, Paranormal Suspense, Mythology, Authorship, and Journals. Her favorite genres to write in include Fantasy and Sci-Fi, though soon she will be venturing into Historical Fiction as well. She has been writing and publishing for six years. Her hobbies include horseback riding, hiking, nerdy fandoms (especially Harry Potter, Supernatural, and Superheroes), reading everything she can get her hands on, and drinking copious amounts of coffee early in the morning. She currently lives outside of Chicago in Northwest Indiana with her husband, daughter, and black cat Bob.

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DRC Review: The Bitter Past

• Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
• Publication Date: July 18, 2023
• Author: Bruce Borgos
• Genre: General Fiction (Adult) | Mystery & Thrillers
• Page Count: 320

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Review

It began with a grisly torture and murder of a former FBI agent. Sheriff Porter Beck had seen more than his share of gruesome crime scenes. But nothing could compare to what was in front of him. And the motive befuddled him until FBI agent Sana Locke showed up at his office doorstep looking to investigate the crime.

When crime scene evidence began to point toward covert operations dating back to the nuclear testing era, Sheriff Beck and Agent Locke team up to solve not only the murder, but also that secrets that lay behind it.

I thoroughly enjoyed The Bitter Past. The novel combined two genres that I love — historical fiction, and mysteries/thrillers.

The story unfolds through dual timelines and dual points of view. This method of storytelling works excellently for this particular novel. Not only did I get transported back in time to learn of the historical significance on the present day crime, the dual points of view really united and blended everything perfectly.

There are numerous characters with a number of aliases. I stumbled in the beginning. But as the story progressed, it got easier to navigate and identify each of them. I did like the main character of Porter Beck and going forward, Porter will probably evolve into someone who I would admire due to his snarky humor and deductive skills.

The Bitter Past is the first novel in the Porter Beck series. It certainly won’t be my last. Four solid stars.

I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: The Block Party

• Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
• Publication Date: July 18, 2023
• Author: Jamie Day
• Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
• Page Count: 384

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Review

The Block Party is such a complex story. I can’t even begin to describe it. And the blurb doesn’t divulge much either.

There are numerous characters and families. So many that I had to take notes on who’s who. But they were developed enough to distinguish one from another. But it took a while.

The story unfolds through dual timelines and dual points of view. It got a little confusing at times. Especially if I wasn’t paying attention. The pacing was a little slow. And it wasn’t until past the 60% point that the story took off. With numerous twists and turns, patience paid off with a rewarding finale. Four stars.

I received a DRC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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DRC Review: Forget Me Not

• Publisher: Forever (GCP)
• Publication Date: July 11, 2023
• Author: Julie Soto
• Genre: Romance
• Page Count: 352

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Review

After spending a number of years under the tutelage of Whitney Harrison, Ama Torres started up her own wedding planner business. Ama was successful with the smaller boutique weddings. But landing a big name would certainly boost her image as well as reputation.

As if all the stars were aligned in her favor, Ama was contracted with big name influencer and cosmetic guru, Hazel Renee to plan her wedding along with her finance Jackie Nyguen. The only catch was that Ama had to utilize Blooms — her ex (Elliot’s) floral design store. A bit of a dilemma since Ama and Elliot didn’t part ways on good terms.

Forget Me Not is a wonderful second chance romance that knocked my socks off. The novel features great characters, some bubbling with personality, and other characters that you would love to hate.

The story unfolds through dual points of view. Through the lens of Ama and Elliot, I got to experience each characters temperament, and perspective. I was amazed at how author Soto managed to capture a male’s (Elliot’s) point of view so expertly. The dual timelines just added depth and context to the past and present narrative. I really got to learn how Ama and Elliot’s relationship evolved.

There were some tense and tearful moments. But everything came together so seamlessly, especially with the well timed plot twists. However, I didn’t expect those explicit hot and steamy episodes and some readers may be put off by them.

Overall, Forget Me Not was a fun and enjoyable read worthy of 4.5 stars rounded up.

I received a DRC from Forever (GCP) through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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ARC Review: Goodbye Earl

• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Publication Date: July 3, 2023
• Author: Leesa Cross-Smith
• Genre: General Fiction (Adult)
• Page Count: 400

⭐⭐

Rating: 2 out of 5.

Review

Goodbye Earl is a story about four besties whose friendship withstood the tests of time. Rosemarie, Ada, Caroline, and Kasey aka the RACK were best friends since forever. They each had each other’s back through good times and bad times. Even fifteen years later, their friendship was just as strong as though nothing changed. But something did change. Caroline married a monster… Which brought back painful childhood memories for Kasey. And Kasey vowed to make things right for everyone.

I struggled with Goodbye Earl. My struggles had nothing to do with the characters or the plot. It was the pacing. The narrative chugged along and nothing exciting occurred until past the 43% point. By that time, I just about lost interest in the story. It didn’t help that the multiple timelines jumped forward, backward and in-between. Toss multiple points of view into the mix and you have a hot mess. I was constantly referring to the table of contents to determine the point in time for the characters.

In the end, I was just grateful it was over and done with. Two okay stars.

I received a digital ARC from Grand Central Publishing through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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ARC Review: Davy in the Snow

• Publisher: NorthSouth Books
• Publication Date: September 12, 2023
• Author: Brigitte Weninger
• Genre: Children’s Fiction
• Page Count: 32

⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 3 out of 5.

Review

Davy in the Snow is a cute story about brother and sister rabbits who get lost in a snowstorm. And how Davy protects his younger sister, Mia, from the elements.

The illustrations in the book are adorable! Using muted pastel colors render the book a perfect read for bedtime.

I suppose there’s a life lesson in the book, but it’s very subtle. I gathered that the teachable moment had to do with caring and compassion, especially toward the younger siblings.

Overall, a cute and short read that is sure to please preschoolers. Three cute stars.

I received a digital ARC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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ARC Review: Fatal Fudge Swirl

• Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
• Publication Date: June 27, 2023
• Author: Meri Allen
• Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
• Page Count: 304

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Review

Former CIA Librarian, Riley Rhodes, is enjoying her new job as manager of a quaint ice cream shop. Riley loved the town, the people, and the seasons that came with it.

When Riley is commissioned by her best friend and chef, Mary Ann Dumas, to construct a Halloween ice cream cake for a wedding, Riley was overwhelmed but grateful for the opportunity. The cake could boost the shop’s presence and showcase Riley’s skills. Especially since the bride was none other than socialite, Diantha Collins — a name everyone recognized.

But when the wedding date arrives, Diantha is found dead in her bedroom. And all fingers point to Mary Ann who’s ex-husband was to be Diantha’s latest groom.

Like all cozy mystery novels, the story takes place in a small town with lots of atmosphere. And Fatal Fudge Swirl is no exception. The pacing is on the slower side of the spectrum. But that’s the charm of a cozy mystery. It’s a nice respite from those adrenaline-filled mystery/thrillers.

Fatal Fudge Swirl is the third novel in the Ice Cream Shop Mystery Series. But I found it possible to read as a standalone.

There are quite a number of characters and I almost lost track of who’s who. But it really helped that the author saw fit to have the protagonist/amateur sleuth (Riley) compile a suspect list during the course of her investigations.

Fatal Fudge Swirl wasn’t one of the best cozy mystery novels for me, but it still ranks up there with four noteworthy stars.

I received a digital ARC from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

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