REVIEW: Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter
Stevie‘s review of Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter
Contemporary Crime Novel published by William Morrow Paperbacks 19 Sep 23
One aspect of Cara Hunter’s Adam Fawley books that I really like is the way that extracts from different types of media are inserted into the narrative to give readers access to pieces of evidence and opinion that the viewpoint characters can’t see at that point in the story. This stand-alone story from the same author goes one step further and dispenses with traditional prose narrative altogether, something I didn’t know when I came to it fresh from reading the blurb. The book opens with a newspaper cutting from The Times reviewing the final episode of a TV series, the day after its first streaming, and then skips back to the original press release from the beginning of the year, announcing the show and introducing the individuals who will feature in it.
REVIEW: Dragon Arisen by Donna Grant
Fantasy Romance published by D.L. Grant LLC 13 Jun 23
Who or what is Lotti? The answer to these questions ties up so many lose ends, even those you didn’t know existed in the Dark universe. What a page turner this book is. Possibly one of the more exciting books in the series.
REVIEW: Zodiac Academy Series by Caroline Peckham
Fantasy Romance published by Dark Ink Publishing 2 Aug 19 – 30 Jun 23
For those who don’t know, this series is basically Hogwarts on crack for adults and I wish it had been in my life sooner. If you’ve seen my stories lately you know these books have taken over my life. Here’s a look at my thought process during my reading:
REVIEW: Last Rites by Sharon Sala
Romantic Suspense published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 11 Jul 23
I used to live for the stories in books, but lately I don’t seem to be able to concentrate. Part of it, of course, is that many of the authors I once enjoyed are not writing any longer or passing on, sad to say. Then comes along a story like this that reassures me that I do still love reading. The story is compelling and will keep you glued to the seat of your chair as it plays on all your emotions, especially the nail-biting suspense.
REVIEW: Bang Bang Bodhisattva by Aubrey Wood
Stevie‘s review of Bang Bang Bodhisattva by Aubrey Wood
LGBTQ+ Cyberpunk Thriller published by Rebellion Publishing Ltd 09 May 23
I don’t read a lot of cyberpunk, even though the aesthetic appeals to me, mainly because I see few recommendations for books in the genre that feature queer characters. Likewise, I don’t read as much noir as I’d like for similar reasons. So when I started seeing mentions of this mash-up of the two with its trans and polyamorous protagonist, I was very keen to get my hands on a copy. It certainly delivered hugely on diversity, with representation of a wide range of marginalised groups eking out a living in a near-future city, where tech enhancements are near universal and the police are more or less a private militia for the rich and powerful.
REVIEW: Kingdom of Crows Series by Olivia Wildenstein
Fantasy published by WildStone Publishing 29 Sep 22 and 29 Jan 23
These two stories are sooooo good. It’s such a unique story and I was in love with all the Italian vibes, the new take on fae, the serpents, and so much more. I definitely recommend bingeing these two books.
REVIEW: How to Best a Marquess by Janna MacGregor
Historical Romance published by St Martin’s Paperbacks 25 Apr 23
This is an intriguing story line. Little do each of the three women who showed up at the solicitor’s office for the reading of their husband’s will imagine that their very dead husband had been a bigamist. Even more distressing is the fact that it is not known which one of them is actually the legal widow. The silver lining to this event is the start of a beautiful friendship between the three ladies, as they seek the truth and navigate their future.
REVIEW: The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
Romantic Fantasy published by William Morrow 14 Feb 23
I’m not sure I could tell you a single thing that happened in this book. I had no idea what was going on the entire time, but I loved it.
REVIEW: Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
Stevie‘s review of Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
Young Adult LGBTQ+ Fantasy Romance published by Wednesday Books 28 Nov 23
I love it when Young Adult books take common tropes and either poke gentle fun at them, or, as in this case, turn them completely upside down. In a medieval fantasy version of England, Gwen is the daughter of the current king and her brother Gabriel is the heir to the throne. Both are preparing to attend the royal family’s annual tournament, as honoured spectators rather than contestants. Gwen is particularly looking forward to watching the contests involving the country’s only female knight, Lady Bridget. However, she is dismayed to learn that her betrothed (and childhood tormentor), Arthur, will be visiting for the entire summer. Gwen and Arthur’s match is very much a political one, designed to appease the two main factions amongst the nobility – those who fully believe in the legend of King Arthur, as well as those who are more practical in their outlook.
REVIEW: Resonance Surge by Nalini Singh
Romantic Fantasy published by Berkley 18 Jul 23
Bears! Loveable bears with their rough-and-tumble love of mischief, what’s not to love about a story featuring such animals, especially when you’re seeing double. This is Theo and Yakov’s story, but the long-simmering romance between Pavel and Arwen finally comes to a boil. There’s enough intrigue, suspense, and darkness to keep you on the edge of your seat as the story unfolds.
