The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

The House Swap by Rebecca Fleet

Published 05/22/2018

A free ebook, the following review is my own.

A slow- burn mystery. This book took a long winding path of revealing simple clues throughout. There was nothing gigantically shocking but a slow slide into intense drama. I think the story did a great job showing a marriage falling apart. How perceived wrongs and being on the wrong page causes tension and bigger problems room to move in. I think couples can relate to Caroline and Francis and how the child is one of the major glues holding them together during some of the rough patches.

Caroline wants to shake things up so when the opportunity for swapping houses for a vacation comes available she jumps on it. As Caroline and Francis settle into their borrowed home their relationship tensions start bubbling to the surface. It doesn’t help that the house seems to be cropping up clues of a past Caroline does not want to remember.

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

The Flight Attendant by Chris Bohjalian

Published 03/13/2018

A free ebook, the following review is my own.

This book was a bit slow for me. I felt like the author focused so hard on Cassandra's drinking problem and repeated it so much that I was too bored to enjoy any of the other workings of the plot. There were some twists at the end that I didn't see coming so that gave it what I needed to enjoy the story. If you like slow burn plots I would highly recommend.

Cassandra “Cassie” Bowden is used to being hungover in the mornings. She is not used to waking up next to dead men. Afraid to call the Dubai police she cleans up and sneaks out of the hotel. The lies build up from there until she thinks she is safely in New York. Trying to piece together the night, and remember if she killed the handsome stranger, she falls too deep into her lies to climb back out and ask for help.

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

The Other Einstein by Marie Benedict

Published 10/18/2016

A free physical copy, the following review is my own.

First, the cover on this book is so pretty!

Second, this story… It made me feel all types of uncomfortable, in a good way. Albert Einstein is a well-known historical figure, but what about his first wife? She gave birth to three children and was a brilliant physicist. What is the phrase, behind every great man is a woman who pushed him there? 

While Albert’s fame grew, Mileva gave up on her own budding career, or did she? As a woman her thoughts and findings would not have been readily accepted by the public. If Einstein, a man, were to publish them as his own though…

This was a very intriguing book and makes you think more about history that is not told in school. What if Einstein’s theories were not his own? Based on found letters this book could be history, or it could be fiction. Either way it was engaging.

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson

Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson

Published 05/08/2018

This was a free ebook from Penguin First to Read, the following review is my own.

I LOVED this book. It was constantly on the verge of being cheesy but damn! It was funny, it was sad. It had powers, it had teenage hopes and dreams. It was a great murder mystery with a twist! So happy to have received a copy and I cannot wait to push it onto my friends to read!

Mila Flores is an overweight teenage Wiccan, this doesn’t exactly translate to popularity in high school. When Mila’s one and only friend Riley dies she is devastated. Add that to the two deaths just a week earlier and things just don’t seem to be right in their small town. Mila uses the things Riley taught her and tries to bring Riley back to life to help her resolve what she thinks was a murder. It is not just Riley that comes back from the grave though. With a week deadline before the girls going back to their graves Mila is trying to get the girls to focus on their murders before the killer strikes again.

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green

Published May 1, 2018

I received a free ebook copy from Penguin First to Read, the following review is my own.

The first chapter had be hooked. I LOVED Tash's point of view. Then the point of view started switching constantly and initially I thought that it did not add a ton of value. I think the first third of this book could have used some ruthless editing. I know there needs to be world building but it didn’t have to be so dumpy in the beginning. That being said I did enjoy it, the last third especially saved the story for me. I would pick up the second!

The synopsis could use an overhaul as well.

Tash was sold to a demon hunter and has quickly learned and mastered her share of the trade, being the bait. Hunting demons and capturing their smoke to sell is illegal though and when a petty argument leads to a local boy stealing the hard earned bottle for cheap thrills an adventure starts for more than just Tash and the thief. In a town over, the Princess Catherine is about to be forced into marriage. Her knight in shining armor though is the man she really wants to be with. Her father just tortured and publicly humiliated and murdered his sister though. He last words signed though lead her searching for answers to why her death needed to be so brutal and public, what does it have to do with boys and smoke?

Even though it had pacing issues, it was a great YA fantasy and I cannot wait for the rest of the series!

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

The Pisces by Melissa Broder

The Pisces by Melissa Broder

I received a free ebook from Penguin First to Read, the following review is my own.

Wow, just wow, and not in a good way. This book was trash. I should have known from the first page.

“I liked the smell of his meaty breath, which he didn’t know was rancid. I liked the warmth of his fat belly, the primal way he crouched when he took a shit. It felt so intimate scooping his gigantic shits, the big hot bags of them.”

It only got worse from there.

Next couple pages the author took several paragraphs to describe another girls butt cheeks hanging out of her shorts and how the questions a guy was asking her has nothing to do with the question, but about the girls butt line… like…what…

Everything was super repetitive like Bubba Gump listing the millions of way to prep shrimp (thank you Nate).

“I only wanted to lie around and eat sugar and fats: giant chocolaty drinks from Starbucks, bags of Hershey’s minis and gummy candy, tortilla chips with nacho cheese dip.”

As the reader, I am pretty sure I know what has sugars and fats in it. So much wasted space, yet not enough.

The only good part of this book was the description on her split from the boyfriend:

“The confusion of just wanting it to end, seeing someone you don’t love, but then seeing the person you did fall in love with. Getting what you want but it not being what you meant/want now.”

I personally connected on this since I was in a long, serious relationship of almost 7 years and it came to this same feeling. It was an in the same moment, I love him but I am not in love with him realization. This was basically the only sentence I liked though.

This book has a ton of BAD BAD BAD stuff. It was gross. It was not poetic. It was terrible. I only scratched the surface with the "intimate gigantic shit" with how gross this book is.

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GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

The Girl I Used to Be by Mary Torjussen

The Girl I Used to Be by Mary Torjussen

Published April 24, 2018

I received a free ebook from Penguin First to Read, the review below is my own honest opinion.

The first half of this book was so very slow. Very, very slow. That being said, it was interesting enough though to keep me going and it was totally worth it. When Part 2 hits, those first 30 pages...BAM BAM BAM. There is still some pacing issues but holy twists!

Gemma Brogan is a real estate agent. While out of town for a conference she bumps into a client and has dinner. Waking up though she knows that there are things that went horribly wrong the night before even though she is having difficulty remembering what did happen. For a while nothing comes of it, then she starts receiving things, a photo of a kiss, a video of her complaining and more. Gemma still cannot remember the night though. As the threats mount Gemma fears for her already in trouble marriage. Piecing together clues she tries to find out what really happened that night, and the night from her graduation years and years ago.

Though there was definite pacing issues in the start, and couple at the end, I really enjoyed this story!

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

The Saint of Wolves and Butchers by Alex Grecian

The Saint of Wolves and Butchers by Alex Grecian

Published April 17, 2018

I received a free ebook from Penguin First to Read.

I was expecting to like this book, that it would be interesting enough but I really enjoyed it! Told in past and present we follow "Rudy Goodman", Skottie and Travis Roan and his big dog Bear. I quickly got caught up in their individual stories as they were revealed and needed to know more! As you progress from history to present the book gets more sinister. It was really interesting to watch how someone's individual ideals can poison an entire town. An intense read, not for overly sensitive readers.

Travis Roan has the unusual, and niche, job of hunting down evil doers, in specific Nazi’s. After wrapping up a case in Africa he is called back to find out where his father disappeared to. Right away he is pegged as an outsider in the small town and the people are not happy to have him around. As he starts his investigation more sinister details of the town start surfacing. Festering evil with no repercussions has taken over.

A very easy read it packs a punch. I cannot wait to follow Travis Roan and his dog Bear into their next adventure.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

June Quick Shot Reviews

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli

I LOVED Simon versus the Homo Sapiens Agenda and I found this book a little bit of a letdown. It wasn’t bad, just didn’t hit me as hard as Simon’s book did.

There was a huge variety in characters, from race to sexuality. The drama was over the top but it still felt plausible. My problem was just connecting to the characters in this story. Again, not a bad story just not as good of a reading match for me.

Warcross by Marie Lu

I really enjoyed this book! I listened to it on audio and I found every excuse I could to pick my headphones back up and continue to listen. Similar premise to Ready Player One, I think this one was executed better for the masses though. Where RP1 was geared all around the 80s had had references out the wazoo, Warcross allowed anyone to easily slip into the world. I absolutely cannot wait for book two to come out!

  

The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden

Book one in a series I received this copy from my book group for our “books around the world” challenge.

A slow start but gripping story. This was everything I wanted from a Russian story. I was born in Russia and even though I was in a Catholic orphanage the ladies that worked there believed in the fairytales and whispered their stories to us at night. I cannot wait to pick up The Girl in the Tower!

Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich

I love the Plum series, I did not really like this novella though. It just felt so odd compared to the rest of the series. Had fantastical elements that are not in the other books. It could have been normal every day but then it was throwing in supernatural elements. In this series, it did not work for me.

Just One Drop by Quinn Loftis

This is book two in the series and it continues to entertain me. Lots of teenage drama, terrible relationships (in treatment of each other) and not the best writing but I am entertained! I will continue with this series.

Wild Fire by Nelson DeMille

My default genre so of course I was entertained! I LOVE John Corey and his adventures through this series keep me highly entertained. I cannot wait to keep going with them!

Crossed by Ally Condie

The first book was a huge prologue to this one. Questions were answered and you get to see who is picked by the protagonist but this book is only a smidge better than the first. Since it is a trilogy I think I will just finish up the third but this is just a so- so series and probably can be skipped for better works.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

A classic, so not too much to say. Taking into account the differences in today’s culture versus then it was an interesting read and I can see why it was so popular and remains a classic today.

Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

I loved this book. I have seen the movie, Christmas with the Kranks, many times and this book was pretty much word for word the screenplay. It is highly entertaining and worth the quick read!

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

History Is All You Left Me - Adam Silvera

History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera

Published January 2017

This was a book club read with #readyourfaceoff and one of the books I have seen on BookTube and have been wanting to pick up. I really enjoyed the discussion board on GoodReads, giving my thoughts as I went.

History Is All You Left Me has trigger warnings. So sensitive readers beware.

Told in past and present we find out about Theo, Griffin’s ex-boyfriend, who has died by drowning. The last sentence on the first page gutted me. Immediately this book promises to be an emotional ride and it does not disappoint. I really loved how supportive and amazing all the relationships are. I am not sure how realistic it is, but it was nice to read, and I would hope that I would be the same way for any of my friends or possibly children. I loved how the best friend and parents are being portrayed as happy and supportive and that the dad goes to the extent of researching what his son will need to know for sexual encounters.

The friendship with Wade especially seems so real. I can totally imagine this as being a real friend group between Theo, Griffin and Wade and I love that while Wade is supportive of his friends he is worried about being the odd man out in the group.

It literally made me laugh out loud when the boys got caught in the grocery store buying the condoms. Then I wanted to sob for days reading about Theo's death, how Jackson was there. I hate "what ifs" and the whole situation is a big what if. Then I was gutted when the kisses were shared… I want my own kiss made just for me.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Read Your Face Off Book Club
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/545840-read-your-face-off-book-club

The House on Harbor Hill by Shelly Stratton

The House on Harbor Hill by Shelly Stratton

Published March 27, 2018

This was my second box from Once Upon a Book Club book subscription box. Another book where the cover, the title, even the synopsis would not automatically draw me in. The experience of the box though and the book itself was 4 stars!

So downside to the box, it is a small company that has their issues with vendors. The box per their site should have shipped out by the 17^th but several days later they were still waiting on the last gift to arrive. So if it was my first box, and due to the high price, this would have been nerve wracking and a little upsetting. That set aside though, the gift was worth the wait.

The House on Harbor Hill is told in present and past. It has a love story, murder mystery, racial prejudice and domestic abuse. Delilah Grey is an outcast in her small town, she takes in abused woman that are down on their luck and shelters them until they can get back on their feet. Tracey is invited to be one of those women. She is trying to escape a desperate situation with her two young children in tow. As Delilah learns more about Tracey’s struggle, Tracey learns more about Delilah and her dark past.

This book flew past. I was interested and wanting to know both ladies stories and wishing that they had happy endings. Reading as part of the Once Upon a Book Club box just adds that extra special touch as you open the gifts. Check out my Instagram for photos reveals!

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

May Quick Shot Reviews

The Hating Game by Sally Thorne

I LOVED this book. I was a little hesitant to read this after Dating You/Hating You by Christina Lauren since they sound exactly alike. The Hating Game though is a million times better and that is saying a lot since I gave Dating You/Hating You a 4 star rating.

The Hating Game is about two co-workers that are from two companies that merged together. They work for their respective heads from their previous company and they are the only two in a room. They play little mind games with each other to make the work day more bearable but at the same time it makes it harder on each other. Their story was just so freaking cute. I had borrowed this from the library but it is one that I will need to buy to keep on my shelves!

Hard Eight, Seven Up, To The Nines by Janet Evanovich

Still loving this series. I listened to it on audio and it just makes my commute so much fun!

The Son by Jo Nesbo

I listened to this on audio. I loved the protagonist, Sonny Lofthus. He is a convicted murderer and a heroin addict. Sonny may be convicted but we quickly learn that he has not committed the crimes that he is in jail for. His confessions are all based on getting a steady stream of heroin while he wastes his days locked up. Through the narrative we learn why Sonny is in the position he is. Sonny then receives information that changes his whole view on his life, and his fathers. The rest of the narrative follows Sonny has he tries to get justice for past wrongs.

The point of view switches between Sonny and Simon Kefas. Simon is an aging police detective with his own set of character flaws. As the two hunt their own end game the tension mounts and keeps you as the reader hooked.

Kissing Sin by Keri Arthur

Book 2 in the Riley Jenson Guardian series. I will give this series one more book but not too sure if I will keep on after that.

Matched by Ally Condine

I was disappointed with this book. The entire 369 pages was just a long intro into the series. Literally all world building and character development. Along with it being so slow, the writing was very stilted. If it was done on purpose, I get why. If this is just the author’s writing style… yikes. I want to pick up book two, I feel like I need to get some answers and I am already this invested. I will be picking it up as an audio though so that it forces me to keep moving right along.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

I always thought that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire was my favorite in the series but after this re-read I want to say this is in the running for the favorite position. Knowing how the series progresses my heart aches for Harry and Sirius. Though I know all the excitement that happens I was still cheering and booing and crying out in fear in all the same places.

The Freedom Broker by KJ Howe

This was a great fast paced interesting read. There are some areas that are unbelievable, okay a lot, but that didn’t damper the excitement as you follow Thea Paris through her kidnap rescues. I received book two, Skyjack, for free so of course I needed to pick up book one first. Happy I did and I cannot wait to pick up Skyjack now!

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeny

Sometimes I Lie by Alice Feeny

Published 03/23/2017

1. I’m in a coma. 

2. My husband doesn’t love me anymore. 

3. Sometimes I lie.

A free e-book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Wow, this book takes you on a ride. I do not want to say much, go into it blind. This was a book that I wanted to read just one more chapter so that my latest question could be answered only to find myself 5 more in.

Amber Reynolds is in a coma after an accident. The timeline hops back and forth as she tries to remember how she ended up in the hospital. Amber is not a character that is easily liked. I found her very whiny and annoying in general. I saw some of the things coming but I was pleasantly surprised at the way that everything unfolded.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman

Published April 1, 2018

Thank you Bookish First for the free ARC to this book!

I enjoyed the If I Stay books and when I saw this one available for raffle I knew I just had to have it. I was not disappointed! I Have Lost My Way was a super quick read, I could have read it in one sitting if adulting did not get in the way. That being said, it was not an "easy" read when it came to the emotions and subject manner.

Diversity in this book was a little bit of everything. You got to see different races, religions, sexual identities, mental states and the list just goes on from there.

This was not a classic happy ending story and it tore my heart out at the end. I cannot recommend this book highly enough and cannot wait to share it with my book loving peeps!

I do not feel like any part of the story dragged, there was nothing that stood out as being too extra and not necessary. Though the story threatened to be cliché and have a stereotypical happy ending it strayed from the beaten path and though it was not satisfying in “happily ever after” it made me appreciate the story for being more real if that makes sense?

As you followed the three stories from individuals, how they met and how they moved forward, it all felt natural. It was a slow build to a climatic end but that pacing never seemed slow or too rushed. Everything flowed naturally from scene to scene and it all wrapped up at the end as I sat on the edge of my seat urging the characters on.

You could clearly picture New York. Beautiful, wonderful, too big, too small and romantic New York. As we followed the characters through their day the dialogue flowed smoothly, the relationships between strangers, friends and family felt dynamic and real. I seriously cannot praise this book enough.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen

Published March 20, 2018

A free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a quick book, but not an easy read in terms of the topics brought up. Sarah is struggling to survive as a blonde haired blue eyed Jewish girl in a Nazi Germany. As her mother and her flee from one town to the next to escape the Nazi parties her luck starts to slowly run out. Sarah's mother is killed and she is forced to survive on her own, with the help of another mysterious character. As the mysterious man spies on the German's she makes her way into his care and becomes one of the little "monsters" in order to get into the good graces of elite German families building bombs. I enjoyed the characters, the fast pace of the books. You are right there in the action. I did not overly care for the constant bad words, even if they were in German. I do not think the extent they are used was totally necessary? Maybe it was. The struggles feel real, the plot seemed plausible. Overall, an easy quick read that keeps you entertained and on the edge of your seat.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

This Love Story Will Self Destruct by Leslie Cohen

This Love Story Will Self Destruct by Leslie Cohen

Published January 23,2018

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.

This story was really hard to get into and not for me. As we meet the two characters that are in their angst filled 20s, I cannot like either one of them. Halfway through the book there is a little plot twist that proves to be interesting and the relationships start to gather my interest. I did enjoy the last half of the book.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

April Quick Shot Reviews

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

I listened to this on audio book. I think I prefer the movie version better. (Did I just say that?!!?) The book just seemed to drag and I did not get as much of an emotional punch like I do from the movie.

Prince of Wolves and Blood Rites by Quinn Loftis

Both were audio books. I am really enjoying this series! It is super easy read/listen. Its pretty generic in what is happening but I am fully entertained and can’t wait to see where everything goes for each of the characters.

The Girl Before by JP Delaney

Apparently I went on an audio book binge! This was another good one though. A highly entertaining domestic thriller and the twist at the end left me surprised.

The Taster by VS Alexander

My hubby bought me a three month subscription to Once Upon a Book Club and this was the March Box, April Read. Set with the rise of Hitler the main character finds her way in the service of Hitler as his food taster. This was a unique point of view for this type of story and I thoroughly enjoyed the reading. I also enjoyed the experience with the box! You open a gift as you read the story. You can check out my Instagram for the unboxing photos!

Waking Gods by Sylvain Neuvel

This is another book two and an audio. I cannot say enough how much I love these audio books. It just really brings the narration to life. It is full cast and the voices are just perfect! I cannot wait for Only Human to come out!

Code Black by Philip Donlay

Book two in the series this one was just as much fun as the first. It was another audio book and it kept me at attention to the very end. I cannot wait to continue with this series!

Roomies by Christina Lauren
Another audio and another quick easy read/listen.

Dead Letters edited by Conrad Williams
This was not what I expected. That being said. It also took me forever to get through all the stories. There were a couple stand outs and I mention the authors in my GoodReads page. I was thinking the letters would be more of a focal point then they were.


We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Mgozi Adiche
This is about 50 pages and punches you in the face. I highly recommend this book for everyone. Young girls especially. Young boys, men should read this too.

Full Moon Rising by Keri Author
Another in the series, I am still liking it. It is a supernatural erotic version of the Stephanie Plum series. I am listening to these on audio and they go quickly and are entertaining.

Bakuman Vol 10.
I am still thoroughly enjoying this series!

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Lose Me by MC Frank

Lose Me by MC Frank

Published April 11,2017

I received a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

"Today is not the day I die."

Ari is trying to start a career as a stunt girl, a job she has been training for years to achieve. Lucky for her she catches a break when a modern adaptation of Pride and Prejudice is being filmed on her island home. Thrilled for the opportunity, even if the source of it was not fully welcomed, she can’t wait to start the job. Unlucky for her, an accident before they even start filming almost claims her life. She is saved by Wes, the British heartthrob and star of the film. Their first meeting is just the start of them both fighting to live through the making of the movie and their lives after.

This book was adorable and NOT easy to put down. That being said, there were a lot of issues with it, even though I rushed out to buy myself a physical copy of it because it was just that cute and I love the cover.

In the edition that I read, there were technical issues with grammar and spelling, some jarring plot jumps or realignments that did not make sense and you do have to have some suspension of belief with the plot and character development. Again though, I REALLY liked this book and enjoyed every second of reading it.

Lose Me is told in multi-media format. Though most of it is traditional novel format we do have texts, journal articles, emails and tumble posts scattered throughout. In most book written like this I feel like it is just wasted space. In Lose Me though I felt like almost all of these added to the overall story and was relevant.

Since this is a retelling I wasn’t shocked with the tropes while building the characters. We have the beautiful shy naïve girl next door, the rich slightly edgy and damaged handsome guy, the fun loving rowdy best friend and the snarky ex-girlfriend/female rival. With that though I still thoroughly enjoyed the characters. I loved to hate them and I loved to love them.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Published February 6,2018

A free physical copy in exchange for an honest review.

I LOVED this book. It was written so beautifully. Told from the perspective of two woman in two different times, one story lead to another but with past and present interwoven.

In the copy that I received there was a note from the author at the start explaining her inspiration behind the story. You can just feel the passion Chanel Cleeton has for this book on every page. I highly recommend to anyone that loves historical fiction and romance.

Marisol, a Cuban-American, just lost her beloved grandmother. With instructions to spread her grandmother’s ashes in Cuba she sets off on a journey to discover her roots. Marisol gets more than she bargained for as she unearths the secrets hidden since the revolution and learns that the Havana that she is visiting today can be just as dangerous as the Havana her Grandmother and her family were forced to flee back then.

Historical fiction with a beautiful love story woven in you cannot help but fall in love with Chanel Cleeton’s writing!

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Nothing Left to Burn by Heather Ezell

Nothing Left to Burn by Heather Ezell

Published March 13, 2018

A free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was riveting, an awesome debut. The story is told in a broken time frame and it leaves you anxious to know what happened, what happens. I can easily imagine the scenario, with friends in California that have been evacuated due to fires, it is just to easily imagined the happenings in this book.

16 year old Audrey just lost her virginity, and now is about to lose her home to a wildfire. Over the course of 24 hours she comes to grips with losing her home while reflecting on her relationship with Brooks, a volunteer firefighter that is just itching for the inferno to burn more so he can get his chance to fight it.

Audrey is a very flat character, only the events and the people in her life keep her interesting. Just like many people, she loses herself in others. She molds to what people want or need her to be. She was a ballerina for her sisters recovery, she was the perfect daughter for her parents, she was consumed with her love for Brooks and his fires. As she learns more about the people around her, she learns more about herself.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Let Me Lie by Clare Mackintosh

Let Me Lie by Claire Mackintosh

Published March 13, 2018

I was given a free e-book copy in exchange for an honest review.

This story was gripping and thrilling and though I should have seen all the twists and turns, I didn't. I was a little worried in the beginning that it was going to be a supernatural thriller, that was not what I intended to sign up for. I enjoyed the way this all twisted together and the constant turns and emotional turmoil I went through as the reader. I would highly recommend this to anyone that likes domestic thrillers!

Anna’s parents committed suicide two years ago. Her father went first, jumping off the cliff, and her mother followed six months later. Unable to accept these facts, Anna tries to dig up the past and is being thwarted and threatened along the way.

I was impressed with the twists and flew through this book! It was my first Clare Mackintosh book but it won't be my last!

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Your One and Only by Adrianne Finlay

Your One and Only by Adrianne Finlay

Published on February 06,2018

I received a free physical copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was unexpected. I thought I would enjoy this book, I didn't expect to love it. Well, Love/Hate it.

I first saw this book mentioned on Jesse the Reader's YouTube channel and when I saw it on Bookish 

First I knew I wanted to check it out even though Fantasy, YA Fantasy, are usually not my favorite genres. This book though hit me in all the emotions. I love it when an author can make me have violent emotions towards fictional characters. I loved them, I hated them, I wanted to reach in and help, I wanted to reach in and punch a clone or two in the throat.

I would recommend this to anyone who loves dystopia, post-apocalyptic, even romance.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving

Close to Home by Cara Hunter

Close to Home by Cara Hunter

Published March 6,2018

I received a free e-book in exchange for an honest review.

A very procedural murder mystery book, I enjoyed it from the start. This is my go to type of book and I was not disappointed.

Eight year old Daisy has disappeared from her family’s BBQ party, and it takes hours for anyone to notice. Why? The family is picture perfect, but now Daisy is missing and the stories are not lining up very well. The hard part to swallow in all this was Daisy’s age. On average I would have put her to be at least 12 or older.

I did enjoy the way the story was written. The investigation is unfolding in one timeline and then you have a reverse counting away from the party timeline. You get snippets of events leading up to her disappearance and it keeps you thinking. The ending was a surprise for me and I really enjoyed that I couldn’t guess the ending.

Instagram: @shelf.loving

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/shelfloving