Review of The Wife Before by Shanora Williams

 

Samira Wilder has never had it easy, and when her latest lousy job goes south, things only promise to get harder. Until she unexpectedly meets a man who will change her life forever. Renowned pro golfer Roland Graham is wealthy, handsome, and caring, and Samira is dazzled. Best of all, he seems to understand her better than anyone ever has. And though their relationship moves a bit fast, when Roland proposes, Samira accepts. She even agrees to relocate to his secluded Colorado mansion. After all, there’s nothing to keep her in Miami, and the mansion clearly makes him happy. Soon, they are married amid a media firestorm, and Samira can't wait to make a fresh start—as the second Mrs. Graham . . .

Samira settles into the mansion, blissfully happy—until she discovers long-hidden journals belonging to Roland’s late wife, Melanie, who died in a tragic accident. With each dusty page, Samira comes to realize that perhaps it was no accident at all—that perhaps her perfect husband is not as perfect as she thought. Even as her trust in Roland begins to dwindle and a shadow falls over her marriage and she begins to fear for her own life, Samira is determined to uncover the truth of Melanie’s troubled last days. But even good wives should know that the truth is not always what it seems . . .

Review:

5 Stars

Sometimes the rich and famous are not always what we want them to be. Samira thinks that she's fallen into a blessed life. Famous husband, secluded mansion in beautiful Colorado and a new life that is so many steps ahead of where she was. Not everything is as it should be though. 

When she discovers Melanie's old journals, Samira just can't help herself. She wants to know about her husband's previous marriage and if there are any clues into her tragic passing. Will learning about her husband's previous life be everything that she wants it to be or will it end with doubts, questions and suspicions that can only be answered if the questions are asked?

A delicious morsel that will be quickly devoured, when in all actuality it should be savored for the delicacy that it truly is. 

Review of Getting Even by Lisa Jackson

 

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author—two timeless novels of revenge in one volume, perfect for fans of Jeneva Rose, Freida McFadden, and Lucinda Berry.

“Trask McFadden is back.” Those are words that Tory has been waiting to hear, half in dread, half with longing. It’s been five years since Trask landed her father behind bars for horse swindling, using things she’d told him in confidence. Her father died there, but now Trask insists he has information that could help prove who was really responsible for the crime, not to mention his own brother’s death. Trask needs her help. But he won’t get it, not after destroying her family, her ranch, and the love they shared.

Lauren Regis’s ex-husband has kidnapped her children. There’s nothing she won’t do to get them back, including hiring Zachary Winters. The unconventional attorney has made a name for himself by locating people—especially those who don’t want to be found. But he’s got a darker reputation too, and there are rumors swirling about the fate of his ex-wife. How much is Lauren willing to trust him—or to lose?

Review:

5 Stars

Lisa Jackson always has a way of writing a story that draws the reader in. While I did wish that these were full stand alone books, it was the perfect weekend snack. 

The first story if full of deceit, family secrets and unbridled passion between two people who love each other deeply, but let everything get in the way of that love. Everything that tests one person's loyalty to her family or her heart. 

The second story hits home to any mother, especially if they are not with the child/children's father. Her ex-husband takes the kids for a weekend a way, but never returns. Leaving Lauren forever wondering what has become of her precious kids, but not stilling by when the police's investigation begins to stall.

Two intriguing and gripping stories that will have you on the edge of your seat.  

Review of Woman Last Seen by Adele Parks

 I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Leigh Fletcher: happily married stepmom to two gorgeous boys goes missing on Monday. Her husband, Mark, says he knows nothing of her whereabouts. She went to work and just never came home. Their family is shattered.

Kai Janssen: married to wealthy Dutch businessman Daan and vanishes the same week. Kai left their luxurious penthouse and glamorous world without a backward glance. She seemingly evaporated into thin air. Daan is distraught.

Detective Clements knows that people disappear all the time—far too frequently. Most run away from things, some run toward, others are taken but find their way back. A sad few never return. These two women are from very different worlds. Their disappearances are unlikely to be connected. And yet, at a gut level, the detective believes they might be.

How could these women walk away from their families, husbands and homes willingly? Clements is determined to unearth the truth, no matter how shocking and devastating it may be.

My Review:

5 Stars

This was a really great story and idea. I was honestly in the dark for a good portion of the book. Only late in the game did I start putting together the obvious clues and little nuggets of information the author leaves for you. These are the types of stories that I greatly enjoy. Something that keeps your mind engaged and not just reading to see what you know is going to happen play out. 

Two woman that both lead completely different lives go missing. Two woman that never would have crossed paths with each other, let alone be considered the same "type" to an obvious string of abductions. Yet something isn't sitting right with the two detectives assigned to the case. 

A book that will have you guessing until the end. I can't recommend this enough. A definite must read. 

Review of Daughter by Kate McLaughlin

 I received a copy of this title via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. 

Scarlet’s life is pretty average. Overly protective mom. Great friends. Cute boy she’s interested in. And a father she’s never known – until she does.

When the FBI show up at Scarlet’s door, she is shocked to learn her father is infamous serial killer Jeffrey Robert Lake. And now, he’s dying and will only give the names and locations of his remaining victims to the one person, the daughter he hasn’t seen since she was a baby.

Scarlet’s mother has tried to protect her from Lake’s horrifying legacy, but there’s no way they can escape the media firestorm that erupts when they come out of hiding. Or the people who blame Scarlet for her father’s choices. When trying to do the right thing puts her life in danger, Scarlet is faced with a choice – go back into hiding or make the world see her as more than a monster’s daughter.

My Review:

5 Stars

This is one of those books that has been on my Kindle for awhile. After just finishing it I asked my why the hell did I wait so long. I absolutely loved everything about this book. The storyline, the characters and it was concluded perfectly. 

It seems that everyone is obsessed with serial killers. There are multiple documentaries, docuseries and movies on the subject. While Scarlett imbibed in the phenomenon, she never imagined that she would suddenly become apart of it. 

Her mother's helicopter parenting and police like vigilance are now starting to finally make sense. Due to living that type of lifestyle, Scarlett is not prepared for the onslaught of attention being the daughter of a serial killer brings. She's not prepared to be blamed for horrific acts that were never her fault. 

A gripping coming of age, love and doing the right thing story. I would highly recommend you take the time to read this book. I'm very sorry it took me this long.