Netgalley Review: Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

https://amzn.to/3YzIMuC

Title: Missing Clarissa

Author: Ripley Jones

Release Date: March 7th, 2023

Page Count: 249

Format: Audiobook/Netgalley Ebook

Start Date: March 7th, 2023

Finish Date: March 8th, 2023

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

Two girls who are looking for an amazing project for their journalism class decide to do a podcast investigating the disappearance of a girl in their town. She disappeared twenty years before and the case was never solved. This is more of a case where one girl had the brilliant idea and the other girl went with it. Either way, it was amazing!

I think there were parts of the book that I would have liked to have seen get expanded upon a little more. There are also references that I wish were more than just references. This isn’t a criticism of the book. It’s my own personal opinion. I also wouldn’t hate it if there were many other books set involving Blair and Cameron. I don’t know if there will be. If it were to ever become a series, I’d instabuy all of the rest of the books in a heartbeat. I wouldn’t even need to think twice about it.

I started to read it via Netgalley, but I preordered the audiobook once I was sure that I was going to enjoy it very much. The moment it hit my library, I listened to it. The narrator did a fantastic job. I did have to slow down my normal speed to listen to it. Not that I’m complaining. I’d definitely try out other books narrated by her.

Similar To:

A Good Girls Guide to Murder

ARC Review: And Finally by Henry Marsh

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: And Finally

Author: Henry Marsh

Release Date: January 17th, 2023

Page Count: 242

Start Date: December 29th, 2022

Finish Date: January 17th, 2023

Review:

I’m not going to lie, I don’t really know what I was expecting when I picked up this book. I actually can’t even tell you why I picked it up. Once I found out what it was about, I was fully expecting a book full of depressing chat. I was expecting for this book to make me feel awful and overwhelmed. Especially when I found out that a doctor wrote it. However, I am happy to say that I was completely wrong. In fact, I am very impressed with how transparent the doctor was as he wrote this book. He even Made it easy for anybody to follow along with. If it was a little too complex, he took the time to explain it. I’m very impressed and very thankful that I read the book.

ARC Review: The Devil You Know by P.J. Tracy

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: The Devil You Know

Author: P.J. Tracy

Release Date: January 17th, 2023

Page Count: 294

Start Date: January 2nd, 2023

Finish Date: January 16th, 2023

Review:

Story: This is the third book in the Detective Margaret Nolan series. I really enjoyed it very much. I’m going to have to get it in audio when it releases to go with my other two audiobooks in the series. I’m bound to reread it eventually. These books are pretty dark, but not too dark. I don’t know how to really explain it better than that. I had trouble trying to predict anything that happened. Something I enjoy doing with mysteries. I sincerely hope that there are more books in this series.

Characters: I really enjoyed the multiple perspectives. The other two did the same thing. I guess it’s kind of obvious that Nolan is my favorite of all of them. She’s just so level headed. She’s constantly surrounded by very negative colleagues who would rather shut the case down quickly than accurately. Not her though. She’s tough, but she’s fair. She’s willing to hear people out.

Critiques: None

Final Thoughts: I can’t believe I’ve completely read all three books in this series. I really enjoyed them much more than I could ever explain. I want to see more books in this series. I’m a little sad that I don’t have any more books in this world to read if I’m being honest. I also love that this is written by a mother daughter team. That makes it even more wonderful in my opinion. These books can all be read as standalones, but I fully recommend reading them all. I know the authors also have other books out. I’ll be checking them out as soon as I can.

ARC Review: Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame by Meg Long

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame

Author: Meg Long

Release Date: January 17th, 2023

Page Count: 413

Start Date: January 2nd, 2023

Finish Date: January 16th, 2023

Review:

Story: I really enjoyed this book very much. I found the main character really relatable. The story was fast-paced and action-packed. It was full of intrigue and allure. It was easy to get sucked into this world and crave for more. There were parts I didn’t like as much as the rest, but that’s with all books. It’s also a personal thing for me. I also wish that I could have gotten some more for the end of the book. It makes me think that there will be more books to come in the future! I really hope so.

Characters: I really related to Remy so much. She’s got so much guilt over things she felt she did wrong. Especially feeling like she betrayed the only friend she really had. There were traits about her that I didn’t really care for, but I completely understood why. I liked her companion and the companion’s wolf as well. I wish there were more of her and that I remembered her name.

Critiques: None. Especially not if the book has a sequel eventually.

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. The author has another book that I thought I had read. I just found out I didn’t. I will definitely be reading it. It might actually be a book before this. I’m not really sure. I kind of hope so. There are things that were referenced in this book that I really would like to see played out.

ARC Review: The Tudors In Love by Sarah Gristwood

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: The Tudors in Love

Author: Sarah Gristwood

Release Date: December 13th, 2022

Page Count: 571

Start Date: December 11th, 2022

Finish Date: December 12th, 2022

Review:

I’ve read many books about King Henry VIII. Mostly fiction if I’m being honest. It’s always had me curious to learn more about that time frame. Most of the books that I’ve read have mostly focused on him and sometimes his wives. This covers the family in general. This was very informative. I actually wound up buying a copy so I can read it a second time and make highlights and notes. I’d also like to explore the book references made in the book for further reading on the family. I really recommend this for all the history buffs who love to read about the time period and about the Tudors.\

The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses Blog Tour and Review

The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses by K.N. Smith

YA. First book in the Urban Boys series, 339 pages.

Universal link for the book

Link for the book on Amazon

 

Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.

“A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!” 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer

A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, can the boys defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike.

 

My Review:

Title: The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses

Author: K.N. Smith

Release Date: September 29th, 2015

Page Count: 341

Start Date: December 1st, 2022

Finish Date: December 8th, 2022

Review:

Story: I found this book to be very interesting. I think this is the first book in a series. I could be wrong on that though. I am curious to see where it goes if it winds up being a series though. This book was a wild ride. Just when things were calming down and I thought I had it figured out, I was thrown through another loop. I was totally here for it though.

Characters: I really can’t remember the characters names. I’ll be honest, there were a few times I got the names mixed up. I do know that it was a group of boys and their parents. There were other adults sprinkled through the book as well. As this is a young adult novel, you mainly see the plot through their point of view. They do play a strong part though. All of the characters had really strong personalities. Good and bad. I only wish I could have seen a bit more points of view from all of the characters.

Critiques: None

Final Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. It is pretty fast-paced and action packed. This is a middle grade novel, but I think it would be enjoyable to people of all ages. I know I did, and I am very much an adult. I am thankful that I came across this book. I look forward to reading other books by this author.

ARC Review: Rookie by Rebecca Barber

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Rookie

Author: Rebecca Barber

Release Date: December 8th, 2022

Page Count: 303

Start Date: December 7th, 2022

Finish Date: December 8th, 2022

Review:

Story: This is the fifth book that I’ve read in this world and by this author. To say that both have become a favorite is a serious understatement. I’m obsessed with knowing what happens to everybody in the series! The writing style of Barber is just so unique. I can’t wait to see other books written by her. These books can be read alone, but I seriously think they should all be read. Even if they aren’t read in order. All of these books pack so much humor, spice, and thrill!

Characters: I was really happy to see that Seth got his own book. There were times that I was not happy with his attitude, but he didn’t stay in those attitudes long. There were times that I wanted to jump into the book and yell at both him and Clare to get it together. Maybe even shake them a bit. Lovingly, of course. I still adored both of them! Especially Clare. She’s so strong, but vulnerable and scared. I also loved seeing characters from other books. Especially Bryce, Emma, Luca, and Elise.

Critiques: As if!

Final Thoughts: When I first started reading these books, I knew that I would like them. I like sporty books. Romance or not. I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with the series. With every single character and their stories. I wasn’t expecting to become obsessed. This author is now on my instant buy list! She’s such an amazing writer!

ARC Review: The Third Instinct by Kent Lester

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: The Third Instinct

Author: Kent Lester

Release Date: December 6th, 2022

Page Count: 361

Start Date: November 25th, 2022

Finish Date: December 7th, 2022

Review:

Story: This book was both hilarious and intense. A very unique combo to have in a story and I loved every minute of it. I found out before starting this book that it was the second book in the series. I was nervous to read it without reading the first book first. I decided to give it a chance anyway. I really didn’t have any problems following along. It doesn’t mean that it can be read out of order. I may regret my decision when I read the first book. We will see.

Characters: I really liked Dan. He seemed to be in over his head half of the time. Yet he still managed to pull everything off. My favorite character in the whole book was Rudy. Even if he wasn’t in the book as much as I would have liked. I really empathized with Rachel. However, she made some decisions that I didn’t really agree with. She actually reminded me of 13 from House.

Critiques: None

Final Thoughts: This book was so fun! Just when it seemed like things were calming down, it all blows up again. I am looking forward to other books by this author. I also really look forward to reading the first book as well. I’m hoping there are many other books in this series!

Nonfiction Review: Empire of Ice and Stone by Buddy Levy

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Title: Empire of Ice and Stone

Author: Buddy Levy

Release Date: December 6th, 2022

Page Count: 426

Start Date: November 24th, 2022

Finish Date: December 5th, 2022

Review:

I was actually surprised to find that this book was nonfiction. I was expecting a fantasy novel of some kind. Or something similar at the least. I really enjoyed the book anyway. I feel like I learned a lot about an expedition that I had never heard about until now. There was only one part of the book that I didn’t really care for. I won’t get into the details, but it was a very gory thing that happens in a pack of dogs. I really wish I could unread it and get it out of my brain. Because of this and other things that happen through the book, I do caution being aware of triggers before getting into it. There are references of violent incidents that happen through the entire expedition. This includes animal violence.

Anthology Review: Mine This Winter

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Title: Mine This Winter

Author: Multiple Authors

Release Date: December 1st, 2022

Page Count: 1,282

Start Date: November 7th, 2022

Finish Date: December 4th, 2022

Review:

Crushing It

Very cute and short read. There are things that I’d wish had been drawn out a bit more, but other than that it was a very cute read. I enjoyed it a lot.

Auld Lang Sighs

Ever read a book that is drawn out and full of miscommunications? Ever wish it wouldn’t be so drawn out? Read this story then. There’s some build up, but not much. It’s a very cute story with a bit of steam. I want to read more about this couple!

Snowfire

I really love that one of the main characters is an ex-con. I also loved that the other one was career driven and was very passionate about what she did. I’d love to see back stories about both of these characters. Especially what happened to the dancer.

Merry and Bright

This story covers something that a lot of holiday stories don’t. It’s not about somebody who finds love when they are least expecting it. It’s about somebody who feels unappreciated and wants to get away from her home life for a  bit. It’s a really wholesome story. I enjoyed it very much.

Four Nipple Sam

I can’t say that I loved this story, but I can’t say I hated it either. It was okay. It was really cute. There are things that I feel should have been detailed more that were glossed over in my opinion. I also think that other things should have been done differently. I’d read more works by this author.

Love on the Lifts

I really enjoyed this story a lot more than I thought I would in the beginning. I had thoughts that it was going to go on a different path than it did. It really was very wholesome!

Naughty List

This story was fun and spicy. It was also very sweet. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. I actually would have liked to see more of this story if I’m being honest.

Mistletoe Mishap

There was a bit of cringy angst in the story, but other than that it was really great. There’s a part in the beginning that I wish had been drawn out a little more. Other than that, this was a really adorable story. I loved the couple in this story! They were just so cute!

Don’t Leave

This story was very short, but very sweet. Two people who are trying to get away from their family and their jobs rent a cabin. Only they didn’t rent the cabin. They rented a room. It all winds up working out, and it turns out they have some mutual connections!

Highland Vows

I enjoyed this story. It was rich with a culture that I’m not really familiar with. I really enjoyed learning about it. I also loved that the main character in the story is a photographer. I’d have loved to see more of this story. I’ll have to track down the story that’s referenced at the end of the book. It’s definitely worth it.

Captivated by You

I really would have loved to see so much more to this story. It’s short and sweet and to the point. I’d really love to get to know the characters more. Maybe the author will one day write more on them. Who knows? I also love that this takes place in Georgia, and that the author is from Georgia!

Toys for Tats

This story was really adorable. I was kind of expecting more steam than there was. Not that I’m complaining on how it was. I was just expecting more. I was really hoping to hear at the end of the story I’d hear all about how this is part of a series. I was fully intending to get the series or put it on my wish list. No such luck! I’ll still check out other works by the author.

Flirting for the Holidays

I thought this would be full of a lot of miscommunications and angst. I wasn’t crazy about the idea, but I prepared myself anyways. It wasn’t. I really want to see more into this world! I’ll have to look to see what the author has out!

The Next Tomorrow

This was a very adorable and short read. I really loved getting to see the author’s writing style. I think I would have liked to seen some of the parts of the book prolonged just a little more. I’d have also liked to see more of the past. Especially from the male lead’s point of view.

Yule Be Mine

I think this is a very cute story that has a lot of potential. I really would have liked to see more of the back story and more of the scenes a little more drawn out into better detail. I also really didn’t care for the main lead at all. I get her reasons for being the way she was, but not her actions. I’ll just leave it at that.

It’s All About David

This is a MM romance. I was convinced that there was a full novel set in this world with all the references about their best friends and them being so in love. I would love to see one. I would also love to see this story turned into a full novel as well. I would suggest another read through though. Just to clean it up a bit.

Lie To Me

This was an okay story. It was cute and gave some very adorable vibes. Not to mention it had furbabies! Who doesn’t like a story with a sweet pet? I feel like there could have been more. I just can’t quite put my finger on what it’s missing for me. I didn’t dislike it though. I found it very adorable.