apagetoturn's reviews
1352 reviews

 

Cut and Run by Mary Burton is a suspenseful page-turner that kept me guessing until the very end. The mystery surrounding Faith and Macy, twin sisters separated by secrets and reunited by tragedy, made for a compelling and twisty read. Watching these two women piece together the fragments of their past while chasing down a dangerous criminal was both thrilling and emotional.

The plot was intricate and layered, which kept me on my toes, though at times it was a bit hard to follow exactly what was going on. However, the complexity added to the suspense and made it all the more satisfying when everything clicked into place.

Faith’s and Macy’s contrasting yet intertwined journeys, paired with the Texas Ranger's steady presence, brought depth to the story, and the burial ground discovery added a chilling touch. The balance of personal revelations and dark crime-solving was expertly handled, making the stakes feel both intimate and high.

While it wasn’t a flawless read, it was certainly a gripping one. Fans of suspenseful mysteries with strong female leads will enjoy unraveling this story. A solid addition to the Criminal Profiler series! 

 

Frozen Lives by Jennifer Graeser Dornbush is another gripping addition to the series, and Dr. Emily Hartford once again proves she can’t resist diving headfirst into danger—whether it’s in her job or her personal life. As always, Emily finds herself way too involved for a doctor or medical examiner, but that’s what makes these stories so engaging!

This plot was a little far-fetched at times—her best friend’s son going missing, secrets unraveling, and the twisted villain lurking beneath it all—but it was interesting enough to keep me hooked. The tension surrounding Jeremiah’s disappearance and return felt real, and the ripple effects on Jo’s marriage added layers of drama that kept me invested.

And that ending—wow! It was a shocking, leave-you-hanging moment that has me anxiously awaiting the next book. While some moments stretched believability, the story’s pacing and Emily’s tenacity made it a thrilling ride. Fans of the series will love this latest installment, and newcomers will find plenty of suspense to sink their teeth into. Can’t wait to see where Emily’s adventures take her next! 

 

Wild Hearts by Kacey Shea is a stunning second-chance romance that had me completely captivated—and in tears. Ryan Wilder’s story as a single father raising three kids while managing the family ranch was both heartbreaking and inspiring. The pain he endured from being abandoned by his wife, and the sacrifices he made for his children, hit me hard. What kind of mother could walk away like that?

Enter Val, his high school sweetheart. Her return to Wilder Valley couldn’t have been more perfectly timed. Watching these two reconnect after years apart was an emotional rollercoaster. The chemistry between them felt raw and real, but it was the way they worked through their past pain and rediscovered their love that made this story unforgettable.

Ryan’s struggles to balance his responsibilities, Val’s uncertainty about her future, and the tenderness they both showed to his kids added so much depth to the story. The small-town charm and family dynamics brought warmth, while the romance was steamy yet heartfelt.

This book is a must-read for anyone who loves second-chance love stories with real-life stakes. It left me feeling hopeful and deeply satisfied. I can’t recommend it enough! 

A sharp, thrilling dive into the mind of a vigilante with a flair for justice and a killer sense of style. Cordelia Black is equal parts terrifying and captivating—an antiheroine who unapologetically takes out the trash while maintaining a flawless image as a pharma rep by day.

The story is fast-paced and deliciously dark, with a razor-sharp wit that makes Cordelia's internal monologue as compelling as her late-night "karma" missions. The tension ramps up when her seemingly perfect system begins to unravel, especially as her best friend's new boyfriend becomes a potential threat to her carefully curated world.

Wells does a fantastic job of exploring moral gray areas, making you question whether to root for or fear Cordelia. Her chosen family adds depth and heart, grounding the story in relationships that feel real and raw.

If you’re into morally complex protagonists, dark humor, and suspense with a side of sass, this one’s a must-read. Cordelia Black is a character you won’t forget anytime soon. 

A delightful blend of charm, humor, and a dash of spooky magic! While it’s not the most groundbreaking story I’ve read, it kept me entertained and intrigued—especially with the enchanting Shadow House and its ghostly residents.

Riley Everett’s journey as a new witch juggling unexpected powers, a haunted Victorian house, and a flirtatious rivalry with the town’s handsome librarian, Edison, is a fun ride. Their witty banter and growing connection add a sweet romantic spark, while the mystery surrounding Shadow House kept me turning the pages.

If you love small-town magic, sassy ghosts, and a touch of romance, this one’s worth picking up. Perfect for fans of cozy witchy tales with a side of love and laughter!

This book is everything you want in a romantic suspense—a perfect blend of sizzling chemistry, edge-of-your-seat danger, and deeply layered characters who capture your heart from page one.

Ridley and Colt (a.k.a. Chaos and Law Man) are the ultimate opposites-attract duo, and their banter is absolute gold. Ridley’s fiery determination and Colt’s steady, broody charm create sparks that fly off the page. Their hilarious back-and-forth had me laughing out loud, while their unexpected teamwork and growing trust left me swooning.

Ridley’s journey as a true crime podcaster with a tragic past is equal parts gripping and heart-wrenching. Her resilience and drive to uncover the truth are inspiring, and it’s impossible not to root for her. And Colt—oh, Colt. The ultimate protector with a heart of gold hidden behind his gruff exterior. Watching him slowly open up to Ridley, even as his protective instincts kicked into high gear, was pure magic.

Emerson, the sweet and endearing sister, added so much heart to the story, and Trey’s quiet, watchful presence as her guardian warmed my soul. The way Cowles weaves these relationships into the narrative makes you feel like you’re part of their world—invested in their lives and cheering them on every step of the way.

The suspense in this book is top-notch, with twists and turns that kept me glued to the pages long into the night. As Ridley and Colt worked together to solve the case, their teamwork proved just as compelling as their romance. 

The small-town setting and cast of secondary characters added depth and charm, while the danger lurking in the shadows kept the stakes high.

All the Missing Pieces is a story of healing, hope, and finding the missing pieces of yourself in the most unexpected places. Catherine Cowles delivers a perfect mix of humor, heart, and nail-biting suspense. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and swoon, this one is not to be missed. Highly, highly recommend.

Don't Forget the Girl by Rebecca McKanna started with intriguing premise and a story that grapples with the lasting impact of trauma, the media's fascination with killers over victims, and the complexities of friendship. The overall plot was compelling, keeping me curious about the resolution. I was really interested in what actually happened to Abby and that's what kept me from DNF'ing this book. 

However, I struggled to connect with the characters and found their voices indistinct. The alternating POVs between Chelsea and Bree felt too similar, which often left me flipping back to confirm whose chapter I was reading. This lack of distinction made it harder to fully immerse myself in their emotional journeys. Additionally, the author's writing style wasn't my favorite—some scenes, particularly the crass sexual references, felt jarring and out of place.

While Don't Forget the Girl tackles important themes and has moments of tension and introspection, the execution of the characters and voice left me feeling disconnected. It's a solid debut with room for growth, and I would be curious to see where McKanna goes next.

"Leaf It to Me" by Laney Hatcher is a heartwarming, small-town romance that feels like a cozy hug on a crisp autumn day. Candace Judd’s return to Kirby Falls is a journey of rediscovery, not just of her family’s apple orchard but of herself—and the charmingly rugged Mark Mercer.

Laney Hatcher beautifully captures the magic of second chances and the pull of home. Candace’s determination to reconnect with her roots is relatable and inspiring, while Mark’s quiet strength and vulnerability make him a swoon-worthy leading man. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their slow-burn romance unfolds with all the charm of a starry night at the orchard.

The vivid descriptions of Kirby Falls and the orchard make you feel like you’re right there, surrounded by the scent of apples and the warmth of a close-knit community. This story is about finding where you belong, facing your fears, and realizing that love sometimes grows where you least expect it.

A fantastic addition to the Kirby Falls series, Leaf It to Me will leave you smiling, swooning, and ready to pack your bags for a small-town escape.

 

Wow, just wow! The Debutantes by Olivia Worley is an absolute must-read for fans of twisty YA thrillers. Think Karen McManus meets the glittering, dark world of New Orleans Mardi Gras. This book hooked me from the very first page and didn’t let go until the jaw-dropping ending—I honestly did NOT see it coming!

The story immerses you in the opulence and intrigue of the Les Masques Ball, where secrets, scandals, and murder lurk behind every mask. The setting is so atmospheric, you can practically hear the jazz and feel the tension in the humid New Orleans air. The characters—Vivian, Piper, and April—are richly drawn and wonderfully flawed, each with secrets that keep you guessing about their motives.

I loved how the mystery unraveled in layers, with clues sprinkled throughout that made you think you’d figured it out, only to be thrown by another twist. The Jester’s eerie threats and the sinister connections to Margot’s death added such a chilling element to the story. And the ending? Absolutely explosive!

This book is a perfect blend of glamour, danger, and suspense. If you love stories where nothing—and no one—is as it seems, The Debutantes is for you. I’m already hoping for more books from Olivia Worley. Five glittering stars! 

Forbidden Dreams by Natasha Madison is a thrilling rollercoaster of emotions that will leave you breathless and turning pages until the very end! Brady and Harmony’s story is the perfect mix of tension, desire, and heart-wrenching moments that will make you both swoon and root for them from start to finish.

Brady is everything you want in a hero—determined, strong, and fiercely protective, with just enough vulnerability to make him irresistible. His battle to resist the magnetic pull toward Harmony is palpable, and watching him struggle with the attraction while trying to keep things professional is an emotional journey you won’t be able to put down. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and you’ll find yourself eager for each encounter, knowing that every moment they spend together inches them closer to crossing that line.

Harmony, on the other hand, is the ultimate heroine—smart, strong, and fiercely protective of her son. Her journey from heartache to healing is beautifully written, and you can’t help but cheer for her as she steps into her power. The moments of vulnerability she shares with Brady are so touching, and the slow-burn tension between them is pure magic. I loved seeing her come into her own as she navigates her new life, and Brady proves to be the perfect partner to help her heal.

The world-building in Forbidden Dreams is phenomenal—Montgavin Township feels like a character itself. The small-town vibe, the family dynamics, and the suspense of the distillery showdown all add to the depth of the story. The secondary characters, particularly Brady’s family and Harmony’s ex-husband, add intrigue and drama that keeps you hooked.

Natasha Madison has truly outdone herself with this one. Forbidden Dreams is an absolute must-read for fans of forbidden love, second chances, and swoon-worthy heroes. It’s a beautiful, emotional, and steamy story that will make your heart race and leave you wishing for more. Get ready to fall in love with Brady and Harmony—they are the kind of couple you’ll never forget!

This book gets ALL the stars. Don't miss out on this captivating love story—grab it now!