Read, Run, Ramble

I'm just a girl on a mission - a mission to read many books, run (walk) many miles and ramble about it all!

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Reckless Recluse by Lia Fairchild

Title: Reckless Recluse (Cocky Hero Club) Author: Lia Fairchild Genre: Romance Publisher: Cocky Hero Club, Ince Publication Date: September 12, 2021 Format: ARC from Give Me Books

Synopsis

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, Give Me Books for providing me with a copy of this book!

Go pre-order this one now for $2.99; perfect way to end your summer reading list!

Admittedly, I am a huge fan of pretty much everything Fairchild writes and I'm not deviating with this one! Reckless Recluse was the perfect flight read for me (I always start and finish a book with every work trip I take by reading my way through all my flights). I stepped into the world Fairchild created and was instantly swept away. Mia is nervously embarking on a "family" vacation with the family she nannies for and JT is taking a break from his life as he evaluates who he is and who he wants to be. Neither are in search of a partner, but once they meet, it is clear what they were or were not looking for may not matter in the least. I'm not even remotely interested in a "committed relationship" these days and this book made me swoony for one anyway. JT and Mia are sweet, cute, fun, and HOT! Reckless Recluse has a strong storyline that will keep readers flipping pages and hungry for more. Complex characters with issues to resolve are Fairchild's strong point no matter what genre she's writing, and I am never let down by the development of her characters. Mia and JT meet that standard - this isn't a oh-look-I-met-gorgeous-guy-and-now-all-my-problems-will-disappear book. Lia doesn't write like that and I appreciate it. Likewise, the male lead isn't instantaneously "fixed" by meeting some Barbie doll of a woman who wants to screw him 100% of the rest of the story. There is depth and growth along with the romance and the fun! If you're looking for a sweet, fun, easy-to-read story to wrap up your summer reads, grab this one!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen

Title: The Golden Couple Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen Genre: Psychological Thriller Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Publication Date: March 8, 2022 Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, St. Martin's Press via Netgalley, for providing me with a copy of this book!

Look for this one in March 2022; you definitely do not want to miss it!

Honestly, when I received an invitation to download an early copy of The Golden Couple, I didn't even read the synopsis. The second I knew who wrote it, I knew I had to read it and was grateful to be an early reader.

As expected and with all their other novels, I was captured within the first page; Hendricks and Pekkanen waste zero time pulling readers in and ensuring they must continue - sometimes without putting down the book for hours!

As intrigued as I was, several times through the first half of the story, I kept wondering if they'd chosen a different genre this time and I mistakenly only thought it was a psych thriller; it felt more like a family drama though breadcrumbs were being dropped. Then ... well, then ... everything started to twist and twist some more. And BAM - I'm deep in the thrill of a Hendricks/Pekkanen psychological tale that is exciting, ever-changing, and driven by strong characters.

What stands out the most in The Golden Couple is those strong characters. So many players and they each have a story that the authors wove together intricately and masterfully. At every turn, readers learn a little bit more about one of the characters, but not until the very end do you truly understand what stories overlap and how.

Marissa and Matthew are at the center of everything and readers can expect to adore them one second, then completely distrust that love the very next. Avery, trying to help and guide Marissa and Matthew through a surprising rough patch, has secrets and fears of her own - do they intertwine with the seemingly perfect couple's layered issues? How can they; Marissa only found Avery by reading an article about the non-traditional "therapist." What are the odds?

As that question and SO.MANY.MORE. are introduced and answered, the authors take great care not to leave any of their characters or plots behind. I truly adore this about Hendricks and Pekkanen - they don't mention something or someone if it doesn't play into the central story and theme so readers are never left wondering, "Why did they write this?" or "Why was this never resolved?"

If you've read their past thrillers and loved them, you're going to blast through this one in no time, and if you haven't read their others, why? But seriously, go grab The Wife Between Us and An Anonymous Girl to read while you wait for The Golden Couple to hit shelves March 8, 2022!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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An Anonymous Girl by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Title: An Anonymous Girl Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen Genre: Psychological Thriller Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Publication Date: January 8, 2019 Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, St. Martin's Press via Netgalley, for providing me with a copy of this book! Having missed the boat on The Wife Between Us (I still haven't read it), I immediately jumped at the opportunity to read and review An Anonymous Girl. One, I have adored Pekkanen's writing since day one and two, it sounded like an awesome concept. It doesn't pub until January 2019, but I couldn't wait to read it so.... I was not disappointed to say the least. This duo is an amazing writing team. Hendricks and Pekkanen created a psychological thriller like none I've read thus far. Every page brought new intrigue, making it impossible to put down. I read it in a day because nothing else existed once I started reading. Jess is a makeup artist with a bit of a secret past; Dr. Shields is noted professor and psychiatrist running a study on morality. As the two come together things get dark, twisted, and obsessive right to the end! I highly recommend this one - look for it in January! I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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Social Creature by Tara Isabella Burton

Title: Social Creature Author: Tara Isabella Burton Genre: Psychological Thriller  Publisher: DoubleDay Publication Date: June 5, 2018 Format: ebook via Johnson County Library

Synopsis

My Rating: 2 of 5 stars

My Review:

This book leaves me with two questions:

1. What in the actual hell did I just read, and 2. What in the actual hell do I feel about it???

Here's the deal: I liked the premise and the creepy psychological craziness that is happening in the book; it definitely makes for a great story. BUT the writing wasn't for me. There were these weird run-on sentences where a characters name would be used multiple times. Something like, Lavinia picked up the sock because Lavinia saw the sock and didn't like it on Lavinia's floor. (That is not an actual quote in the book, but that's the type of weird a$$ writing in this book and I could not get it to work for me.

Additionally, at some point, I just got bored. Their antics became tiresome and redundant, and I'd basically figured out where everything was going. It felt more like a chore to finish that a, "I need to know how this is all gonna end!" finish.

So, I went with 2 start. It was just okay. I finished the book and definitely enjoyed aspects of the novel. If you like twisted, psychological, jacked up stories - go for it; you might love it!

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Title: The Coincidence Makers Author: Yoav Blum Genre: Fantasy Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Publication Date: March 6, 2018 Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My Rating: 3 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, St. Martin's Press via Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

The Coincidence Makers is a unique and interesting tale. The concept that every little thing that happens was put into play by puppet masters behind the scenes really starts to make you think about the happenings around you. Though interesting in concept, something just wouldn't click or connect for me. Since getting this ARC, I have picked it up, started reading, and put it back down several times. Finally, this time, I was able to finish, but there were many times I almost put it down again.

The writing was not poor and the characters were okay characters, but I just never felt pulled to read or as excited as one would expect to feel through the types of scenarios being written. I wish I could put my finger on it in order to be more constructive, but I just don't know what it was.

I can say that the sporadic chapter that were written as academic text and teaching were not for me. After the first few, I started skipping them entirely. I don't like reading academic text when I have to and I certainly don't want it in my fiction! (I use the words "academic text" loosely; it was fictional academic text, but academic text none the less - the author included teaching the coincidence makers had to learn/go through in order to become coincidence makers.)

I'd still recommend you give this book a go if the concept intrigues you. Many other reviewers loved it and I think it has merit.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay

Title: The Cabin at the End of the World

Author: Paul Tremblay

Genre: Horror 

Publisher: William Morrow

Publication Date: June 26, 2018

Format: Hardcover via Johnson County Library

Synopsis

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

My Review:

This will be a hard one to write because there's so much I don't want to give away by reviewing. I enjoyed this read; it was intense and heart pounding. I adored Wen and her dads, Eric and Andrew. Leonard and his gang are well-written characters, but to write  more detailed would give things away I fear. Just trust me, all the characters in this book are well developed, well written, and engaging.

The story they are meant to play out is weird and freaky and will have you thinking about things you'd rather not. Or maybe you've thought them before.

I guess I'll leave it at this: my heart was pumping the entire time, I will not soon forget Wen, Eric, and Andrew, and this book left a lasting impression. Go read it, but remember, it truly is horror/apocalyptic so if that's not your jam, this isn't your book because Tremblay did horror really freakin well here!

**Update: this story was so real to me; written so well and with such an authentic voice that it created a strong connection. When I logged into my online news page today, I found myself looking for specific events related to this story! I’m updating my stars to 5 bc I cannot stop thinking about the book, the characters, or the events!! Paul Tremblay, look what you’ve done! 👏

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The Ruin by Dervla McTiernan

Title: The Ruin Author: Dervla McTiernan Genre: Mystery/Thriller   Publisher: Penguin Books Publication Date: July 3, 2018 Format: egalley via First to Read

Synopsis

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, Penguin, for selecting me for an advanced copy of The Ruin!

I was quickly engrossed in Cormac's plight and life as well as the twisted story which was being woven. I thoroughly love that McTiernan brought a true, back-to-the-basics crime/murder mystery. I also love reading international settings and enjoyed the authentic Ireland background.

I'm looking forward to future Cormac Reilly installments!

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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The Border by Steve Schafer

Title: The Border Author: Steve Schafer Genre: Young Adult Fiction Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire Publication Date: September 5, 2017 Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My Rating: 3 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, Sourcebooks Fire via Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

What to say about The Border?

Well, it was an okay book. I liked the story, I liked the characters, and I liked the writing, but none of the three blew me away. There were times it was super exciting and intriguing, but an equal number of times when I was just a little bored. The premise is super different and I've never ready anything similar so I do wish this one had done more for me. One thing I flat out did not like was the way the ONE AND ONLY female character was written - she was one dimensional and flat and deserved way more than given in this story. She was a object of protection and ownership for one, while the object of desire and some infighting for others. She barely had a place or voice and the few times she did, her contributions were trite at best and ridiculously sexual, flashing her breasts first in exchange for a book to give to a boy and then second to that boy because she'd already shown the clerk who gave her the book - WHY?

I do think, based on the author's bio and the way the story felt, that it was well researched and that a lot of heart was put into the book. I think it is an important topic and one that deserves more voices and more space in today's world, and I did enjoy the book to some extent. While I won't necessarily go shouting recommendations for it from rooftops, I do think if someone finds it intriguing, they should give it a shot.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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The Gunslinger by Stephen King (The Dark Tower I)

After years, decades really, I finally made it through this book. I didn’t love it. I was bored often which is odd 1) because Stephen King and 2) the popularity of this series. It is the first book in a long series so I’m hopeful it gets better from here (I’m told it definitely does).

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Title: The Sea of Tranquility Author: Katja Millay Genre: Young Adult Fiction Publisher: Atria Publication Date: November 13, 2012 Format: ebook purchased from Rainy Day Books through Kobo

Synopsis

My Rating: 5 of 5 stars

Buy your copy now: The Sea of Tranquility

My Review:

I met a new book friend at work. When she realized I liked YA, she asked me if I’d read The Sea of Tranquility (I hadn’t). She highly recommended it, said she was recommending it to everyone, and explained that the author ties everything up, amazingly, in two words at the end of the book. Well, I was intrigued so I bought it and I cannot believe how much I love this book.

Millay lays pieces of this story out bit by mysterious bit throughout the story. Readers know Nastya is dealing with something, but they won’t get the details all at once or even early in the book. The author’s pace is quite perfect that way!

Josh has issues of his own and Millay does lay those out for readers. His quiet, lone wolf attitude becomes even more intriguing when considering his best friend, Drew, who is a stereotypical high school boy – after any girl who’ll take him – at least at first glance. I challenge readers to try and make it through the book without falling for Drew (you’ll see what I mean)!

Now, put Josh and Nastya together and you have a confusing yet wondrous pairing. The two are drawn to yet afraid of each other. That isn’t to say this is anything like a normal “insta-love” story. It is not that. In fact, it is the opposite of that and I adored it. These two have wounds that need to heal and neither expects to ever achieve that healing so love isn’t what they are looking for, nor want. They’re both just looking for ways to move on – get through one more day any way possible.

Loved the characters, loved the writing, loved the story – I cannot say enough good things about this novel!

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Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman

Title: Orange is the New Black Author: Piper Kerman Genre: Memoir Publisher: Spiegel & Grau Publication Date: April 6, 2010 Format: ebook borrowed from the Johnson County Library

Synopsis

My Rating: 1 of 5 stars (abandoned around 50%)

My Review (originally posted at Read, Run, Ramble):

I am unable to finish reading Orange is the New Black. When I am on the fence about quitting a book, I go out and start reading reviews to see if I think the book might be able to redeem itself. If I feel, after reading a few reviews, that it can, I continue. However, after reading several reviews for OitNB, I’m positive I do not want to continue.

A few reviews stood out to me and seemed to verbalize my thoughts and feelings about the book perfectly, so instead of writing re-worded versions of those, I’ll just say this:

I didn’t enjoy the portion of this book I read. The author didn’t have anything to write about. Literally, her privilege left her with nothing to write about since she insisted upon focusing on her journey (yes, I know that is what a memoir is, but usually there’s a compelling REASON to tell your own story – one that isn’t, “I’m privileged, I’m rich, I’m white, I’m unrepentant” … I could go on here, but I won’t. Maybe there was an injustice, a struggle, growth/development, learning … SOMETHING, but here, I’m seeing nothing.  What I’ve read so far is just page after page of how easy the author had it, how pretty and privileged and liked she is, and how she just manages to glide through each day with her books, her money, and her lack of responsibility/remorse for what she’d done. Why not pit that against the treatment of those around her a little more and show how truly unrealistic her time was? Why not show some of the horrible things that probably happened to those people while she was all kicked back and comfy (because she was “comfy” compared to those around her)? I’ll stop there since I didn’t finish and can’t speak to about the last half of the book.

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The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Title: The Girl on the Train Author: Paula Hawkins Genre: Psychological Thriller Publisher: Riverhead Books Publication Date: January 13, 2015 Format: hardcover borrowed from the Johnson County Library

Synopsis

My Rating: 3 of 5 stars

My Review:

I’ve been slightly interested in reading The Girl on the Train since it published, but I simply never got around to it. However, once I heard the movie was coming out, I grabbed it because I won’t be able to watch the movie if I haven’t read the book (yes, I AM one of those people).

Slow to start, the book picked up around page 100 and really had me intrigued. The novel offered many twists and turns, which I definitely enjoy in a psychological thriller. I began working on my own theories almost immediately. I can’t help myself with this type of book. One of my first and strongest theories ended up being exactly what happened so that was a bit disappointing. Though there were at least a couple times in my reading that had me doubting my instincts and wondering if someone else could have pulled everything off.

Like with other novels of this type, readers get several unreliable narrators along with a few unreliable supporting characters and they are all pretty unlikable. I don’t mind that. I mean, we’re talking people with sketchy morals and motives, of course they are going to be unlikable. If they weren’t unlikable, this type of novel wouldn’t exist. It takes pretty unlikable characters to pull of the types of things that happen in The Girl on the Train.

Hawkins’s writing is good for a debut author. I enjoyed her prose and I think she was able to build great levels of suspense, intrigue, and mystery. I imagine writing in two different times as well as many different POVs is tough, but Hawkins did so with ease. The story flowed and each narrator had their own, distinct voice. I never felt lost or confused by the switching of times or voices.

At the end of the read, I had enjoyed the story and even changed my mind about at least one of the narrators. If you’re in the mood for a few surprises and a little crazy, give this one a read!

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Hidden Bodies (You #2) by Caroline Kepnes

Title: Hidden Bodies Author: Caroline Kepnes Genre: Psychological Thriller Publisher: Atria/Emily Bestler Books Publication Date: February 23, 2016 Format: egalley via Netgalley

Synopsis

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, Atria/Emily Bestler Books via Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book!

Kepnes is the true master of psychological thriller! The great twist is the reader is right in the psycho’s head.

After reading You, I never wrote a full review. I simply could not put words down to describe the book. It left me, quite literally, speechless. I loved it, but it felt like maybe I shouldn’t like it – isn’t it wrong to be so entertained by such a dark and demented POV?? But I did LOVE it so when Hidden Bodies was announced, I knew I HAD to read it.

Joe is back and he is as jacked up as one would expect. He’s hilarious. He’s deranged. He’s intelligent. He’s murderous. And he’s … in love again.

Like with You, I simply don’t know what to write. I enjoy Kepnes’s writing. Putting the sociopath in the protagonist’s seat is genius and it is one freaky ride. Joe can be alternately sexy and creepy and it is oddly satisfying.

If you’re looking for something out of the norm, You and Hidden Bodies are a couple to read.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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The Fireman by Joe Hill

Title: The Fireman Author: Joe Hill Genre: Horror Publisher: William Morrow Publication Date: May 17, 2016 Format: egalley via Edelweiss

Synopsis

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

My Review:

Thank you, William Morrow via Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this book!

Great premise, good book. Joe Hill is back and this time he has a post-apocalyptic world struggling to survive after a fire-inducing virus takes over the world. A couple of kick-ass protagonists create a fun vibe in a depressing world, loveable supporting characters to crack even the iciest of hearts, and sick, demented antagonists that represent people readers probably know in their own lives make this book an intriguing read.

I’ll go ahead and get this out of the way because it is just something I get bogged down with and won’t necessarily be something that bothers every reader, but sometimes Hill just over writes. There are scenes that drag on and out that feel unnecessary to the story or even the atmosphere of the book. How many travel days do readers REALLY need at the end of the book?? I understood the foreshadowing they were providing pretty quickly and after that the scenes just became annoying. I’ve said this about other Hill books and undoubtedly will say it about others in the future. I doubt this factor will ever keep from reading his books because they are great, but it is a nuisance and it does cause skimming on my behalf.

Now, that isn’t to say any of it is written poorly. Even when the writing feels unnecessary to me, it is written in unbelievably well-chosen prose. Hill can write like a beast. His words flow off the page and create worlds and characters that come alive in a reader’s mind. Not only that, but he shows you just how easily the scenarios on his page can happen … here, in real life.

In this story there was no lack of references to the types of people and mentalities that we deal with today. Group think, mob mentality, mass hysteria, discrimination, genocide, rogue leadership (doing nasty, despicable things in the name of “the greater good”), cult-like following, over-zealous and misguided organized religion … this list could go on and on, and these are the things that any reader can easily translate into our world. If we are ever attacked by the Dragonscale spore, I imagine it would go down much like Hill has depicted it. And THAT means if we are attacked by anything similar, it will go down as Hill depicted it and it ain’t pretty (yes, I just used ain’t)! Hill serves up a very telling and ugly look at human kind in the form of “far out” fiction. We ARE like the book depicts. You only have to look at any number of current news stories to see the similarities, but that’s another topic …

This story also has no lack of references to pop culture or Disney. Using these references, Hill gave his characters a quirky fun-ness amidst the darkness of his topic. I enjoyed his characters, Harper especially. She’s got a lot of strength and fight inside herself that has even gone unnoticed to her. The Fireman, Nick, Allie, Renee – the entire cast was enjoyable. As will be the case with many readers, Nick is my standout favorite. Young and vulnerable, I knew he’d play a big part and I am pleased that Hill chose him to make such an impact on the story. Readers need to see more characters like Nick in stories.

So, go grab this one. There are times you might wish things would just move on, but it is worth it – skim a little if you must.

I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher or author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am not compensated for any of my reviews.

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I am a mess. I am a total slacker. I owe those still following this blog so many reviews. A few of them are pictured above (still reading Hidden Bodies and Me Before You). There are others though.

Life circumstances got in the way of reading and reviewing, but I’m going to try and get back to it now!

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Bulletproof (Clay and Tanner Thomas #3) by Jeff LaFerney

Title: Bulletproof Author: Jeff LaFerney Genre: Mystery Publisher: Tower Publications Publication Date: July 6, 2013 Format: ebook purchased from Amazon

Synopsis

My Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review:

Clay and Tanner bring on the intrigue and mystery again!

As mentioned in my review of Skeleton Key, I was more than ready to move on and read Clay and Tanner #3, Bulletproof. I jumped right in because I simply had to have more of this father and son duo. I definitely got what I asked for in this installment.

First, I have to mention Jasper. I failed to mention him in my review of Skeleton Key, which is the book in which he first appears. Jasper is a-FREAKING-mazing. He cracks me up, but he also turns out to be a great friend to Clay and Tanner. He’s a self-proclaimed “little person” with some intense acrobatic skills! Seriously, readers will not find another character like Jasper out there – he is supporting character GOLD!

Now, I cannot mention Jasper without also mentioning Sherman who first appears in this novel and he is the absolute perfect counterpart to Jasper. Just wait. When you read it, you’ll get it. Sherman, like Jasper, starts out a little rough (though funny), but this story wouldn’t be what it is without him.

As for Clay, Tanner, Zander, and Erika, they are on point. Again, their stories are so interesting and fun to read that I had a hard time putting my book down. When I did, I often found myself thinking about them as I went about my day. Honestly, I’ll probably have them in my head for quite a while.

Even after all the growth from the previous two books, readers will find that Clay and Tanner are still learning to navigate the world with their abilities and as they figure it out, they simply become more and more loveable. These two make me smile from ear to ear. Erika and Clay face some conflict in this story, which I was happy to see. Every couple, no matter how perfectly they seem matched, will face conflict and LaFerney weaved some into this story for them. Additionally, Clay and Zander face their own set of conflicts. Again, I love to see this. When a novel has so many good-hearted characters, it can be a bit of a letdown (for me) if they are always “perfect”, so I greatly appreciate LaFerney’s gift for writing mistakes and major mess-ups with these otherwise squeaky clean characters without turning them into sleazy bad guys!!

The mystery – oh, let’s talk about the mystery!! I’ve heard it said that Bulletproof is the “best” of the Clay and Tanner novels. I think it really might be the best. This story had me guessing and wondering the entire way through. I don’t know where LaFerney gets these ideas, but his mystery-building mind is unbelievable. AND, he’s offered up another ghost story component in this novel. There are a few ghosts looking for resolutions and readers won’t be disappointed with their stories!

At this point, I have no idea if the Clay and Tanner series is complete or not, but I can say that I will jump at the opportunity to read more of their stories should LaFerney write them.