Saturday, February 25, 2017

Stolen by Carey Baldwin (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

Is she missing…or a murderer?

When Laura Chaucer, daughter of a U.S. senator, vanishes from her college campus, celebrated FBI profilers Special Agent Atticus Spenser and forensic psychiatrist Dr. Caitlin Cassidy are called in. Thirteen years ago, Laura and her nanny disappeared from her family’s Denver home. Laura was found alive, but her nanny wasn’t so lucky… and the killer was never caught. Laura could identify him—if only she didn’t have a deep, dark hole in her memory.

Now she’s missing again. Did the troubled young woman run away or has the kidnapper returned? As women who look eerily similar to Laura’s nanny begin turning up dead, the Chaucer family psychiatrist renders a disturbing opinion: Laura is unstable, a danger to herself and others. Who knows what terrible secrets lurk in the shadowy recesses of her mind? Cassidy and Spenser must solve one of the most infamous cold cases ever to uncover the answer: Is Laura a killer, or is a monster still out there, waiting to claim another victim?


My Thoughts:

I am loving this series so much!!  I'm only two books in and it has already become a fast favorite of mine.  One of the reasons that I'm enjoying these books so much is because they are such page turners.  With both books that I've read, I'm just been able to sink into the mystery from the very first page.  These are books that I couldn't put down- and wouldn't want to even if I could.  LOL!  But seriously, I knew as soon as I read that description that I wanted to read this book.  The idea of Laura having holes in her memory on what happened to her so long ago combined with the possibility that she is dangerous herself was something that I just couldn't resist.  I'm such a sucker for books where you can't trust one of the characters.  It is one of those things that will make me want to read a book instantly.  I loved how the author used what happened so long ago and tied it into the present.  The mystery had me guessing from the very beginning which is always a good thing.  The best part though was even though I spent the majority of the book thinking that I had the killer figured out....I was completely wrong.  I've got to say how much I love when that happens.  

One of the other things that I really love about these books is the main characters of Caitlin Cassidy and Atticus Spenser.  I love that with each book (at least the ones that I've read) we get to see their relationship grow and develop.  They are a really great team and it is fun "watching" them work.  With each book I find that I'm more and more invested in their characters and their relationship.  I want to see everything work out the way that I want it too.  I like that the author isn't afraid to put their relationship to the test at times even if it makes me nervous while reading.  The ending of this book was really intense which is just the way I like it.  I found myself reading this book in a matter of days because I just didn't want to stop.  I loved the way that the story was set up from Laura's point of view at times and other times it was focused on Cassidy and Spencer's investigation.  It worked out really well and this seemed to add to the tension that was present throughout the book.  

Overall this was a really great read and I'm eager for more!  I really, really need to go back and read the first two books in this series since I've loved books three and four so much.  At least I have those two books to look forward to while I wait for the next book in this series to release.  This author and this series has definitely jumped on to my favorites list so I can't recommend them enough!  You obviously don't have to read the books in order because I sure haven't and I still love them.  I do think that parts from previous investigations and books are referred to at times but since I haven't read them yet it doesn't really affect my enjoyment.  I would recommend these books to both mystery and thriller fans alike.  Highly, highly recommended!

Bottom Line:  A great addition to one of my favorite mystery series!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher as part of a PICT book tour.

Book Details:

Genre: Suspense, Thriller
Published by: Witness Impulse
Publication Date: February 14th 2017
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 0062495542 (ISBN13: 9780062495549)
Series: Cassidy & Spenser #4
Purchase Links: Amazon πŸ”— | Barnes & Noble πŸ”— | Goodreads πŸ”—

Author Bio:

Carey BaldwinCarey Baldwin is a mild-mannered doctor by day and an award-winning author of edgy suspense by night. She holds two doctoral degrees, one in medicine and one in psychology. She loves reading and writing stories that keep you off balance and on the edge of your seat. Carey lives in the southwestern United States with her amazing family. In her spare time she enjoys hiking and chasing wildflowers.

Catch Up With Ms. Baldwin On: Website πŸ”—GoodreadsTwitter πŸ”—, & Facebook πŸ”—!

Wednesday, February 22, 2017

In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"In 1978, a small town in Derbyshire, England is traumatised by the kidnapping of two young schoolgirls. One girl, Rachel, is later found unharmed but unable to remember anything except that her abductor was a woman.

Over thirty years later the mother of the still missing Sophie commits suicide. Superintendent Llewellyn, who was a young constable on the 1978 case, asks DI Francis Sadler and DC Connie Childs to look again at the kidnapping to see if modern police methods can discover something that the original team missed. However, Sadler is convinced that a more recent event triggered Yvonne Jenkins’s suicide.

Rachel, with the help of her formidable mother and grandmother, recovered from the kidnapping and has become a family genealogist. She remembers nothing of the abduction and is concerned that, after Yvonne Jenkins’s suicide, the national media will be pursuing her for a story once more. Days later, the discovery of one of her former teachers’ strangled body suggested a chain of events is being unleashed."


My Thoughts:

In Bitter Chill was one of those books that I anticipated for months and months prior to getting the chance to read it.  I read the above description and just couldn't help but want to start reading it.  Happily enough this book was just as good as I had hoped it would be with a chilling mystery among the pages.  There is just something about a book where the main character is missing memories that I can't get enough of.  It adds this layer of suspense to the story line in a way that almost feels like when you have an unreliable narrator.  I can't help but wonder while reading what other memories are we not being told about.  What else might come to the surface as time passes?  It is such an intriguing way to tell a story and for me it is something that I can't get enough of as a reader.  I love books like this for that reason alone!  

This book begins a series featuring DI Francis Sadler but really the major focus of this book was on Rachel herself.  Rachel is struggling to remember what happened that day when she and Sophie were abducted.  These were memories that she repressed for so long and it seems now that they might start trickling back if she tries hard enough.  I found this book to be quite the page turning read which is how I like my mysteries to be.  I didn't want to set this book down and I really couldn't read it fast enough.  I loved reading about Sadler's investigation into the abduction that happened so long ago.  It is always interesting to see a book where the focus is on a cold case and the investigation is trying to take a fresh look at it.  All of this added up to a very good read for me overall.  Then you add in one of those endings that leaves you breathlessly trying to finish- definitely a winner in my book!

Overall I really enjoyed this book and am glad that I'm finally writing up my thoughts on it.  I can go read the second book, A Deadly Thaw, without feeling guilty for not having written my review for this book.  LOL!  Seriously though, I really enjoyed this book and have been meaning to share about it every since I finished it last year.  I'm really excited to see what this author comes up with next since I enjoyed this one so much.  If you enjoy mysteries that you cannot put down, this is definitely a book to pick up!  I would highly recommend it to fans of mysteries, thrillers, and suspense.  A book that came very close to making my top reads list for 2016!

Bottom Line:  An enjoyable mystery and series that I can't wait to read more of!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher as part of a Goodread's giveaway.

Monday, February 20, 2017

Sinful Scottish Laird by Julia London (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Widowed and forced to remarry in three years' time or forfeit her son's inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly and unwillingly bewitched.

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy's brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart."


My Thoughts:

I am so glad that I picked this book up and finally gave this author a try!  I've got numerous books by Julia London on my TBR list but this is actually my first book by her.  It won't be my last though as I really enjoyed this book.  This series is titled The Highland Grooms series and I can honestly say that I haven't read a lot of highlander books.  Why not though?  This book had everything that I enjoy in a good historical romance including that feeling of just being swept away to another time and place.  I loved how easily I was able to immerse myself in this world where a widow is being forced to marry in order to not lose her son's inheritance.  Something that doesn't seem possible nowadays but back then was probably the norm.  Crazy!  I felt for Daisy so much because of all the struggles that she had to deal with because of this.  She couldn't trust any of the men that paid attention to her in any way without wondering if they were just trying to get at her money.  It was just sad and it was a reminder on how lucky I am.  

I haven't even talked about how much I loved the relationship that developed between Daisy and Cailean yet.  Oh goodness but I adored them together so much!  Daisy especially was a character near and dear to my heart because she was so strong willed.  She did what she wanted and didn't apologize ever for who she was.  I especially loved this about her but I also appreciated how comfortable that she was with her sexuality.  She was a widow and never pretended to be some innocent who didn't know her own wants or desires.  What a refreshing change of pace from the historical romances with virginal heroines or those who need the hero to bring about their sexual awakening.  I just liked everything about Daisy's character and then you add in a strong hero like Cailean and it equaled perfection.  I also really liked the fact that I didn't know how their happy ever after was going to happen.  The author did a really amazing job of creating realistic obstacles to their happiness- there was a point where I didn't see how it could possibly work itself all out.  The ending of this book was just perfect though and I was sad to see it end.  What a great romance and great read!

Overall, I obviously really enjoyed this book and am left ready for more.  Luckily I have the next book ready for me on my Kindle so I won't wait too long before continuing on.  I'm also lucky enough to have many more books by this author to look forward to so I'm excited about that.  This was the perfect change of pace in between the mysteries and thrillers that I've been reading.  I really loved every minute of it!  I would recommend this book to both romance and historical romance fans alike.  If strong heroines are your romance cat-nip then definitely give this book a try!

Bottom Line:  A wonderful read and I want more books just like this!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley as part of a TLC Book Tour.

 

Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Moonglow by Kristen Callihan (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

Once the seeds of desire are sown . . .

Finally free of her suffocating marriage, widow Daisy Ellis Craigmore is ready to embrace the pleasures of life that have long been denied her. Yet her new-found freedom is short lived. A string of unexplained murders has brought danger to Daisy's door, forcing her to turn to the most unlikely of saviors . . .

Their growing passion knows no bounds . . .

Ian Ranulf, the Marquis of Northrup, has spent lifetimes hiding his primal nature from London society. But now a vicious killer threatens to expose his secrets. Ian must step out of the shadows and protect the beautiful, fearless Daisy, who awakens in him desires he thought long dead. As their quest to unmask the villain draws them closer together, Daisy has no choice but to reveal her own startling secret, and Ian must face the undeniable truth: Losing his heart to Daisy may be the only way to save his soul.


My Thoughts:

Why did I wait so long to read this book?  I adored Firelight which is the first book in this series but then I never moved on to this one until now.  Well actually last year to be exact as this is a book that I read months back and am just now sharing my thoughts on (definitely a different discussion for a later date but my lack of blogging in 2016 is to blame).  Moonglow was just as good as I hoped that it would be overall.  Once again I found myself swept away by the romance that was brewing, this time between Daisy and Ian.  What made this book even better for me was that there was a bit of mystery involved as well.  A romance and mystery combined?  I'm so in!  I loved the relationship that developed between Daisy and Ian...but I especially liked Daisy's character.  There is just something about the female characters that Callihan writes that I can't get enough of.

What else can I tell you?  The author does an amazing job with the world that she is creating.  I loved that there is some paranormal aspects mixed in with the historical romance feel.  It is a winning combination in my opinion and different from so much out there.  My one and only complaint with this book was the ending.  This may just be my personal preference but I didn't care for the way the book ended.  I obviously can't say much more than that without spoiling anything.  I didn't hate the ending by any means but it just wasn't my favorite.  The thing is I thought about it for a really long time and I can't see how it would have worked any other way either.  So take my opinion with a grain of salt as overall the book is really great!

All in all, I found that this book cemented my love of this series!  I really, really need to try and read the third book sooner rather than later.  I love how different these books are from what's out there in the romance genre.  I also love the gorgeous covers!  I just plain really love these books and can't say enough good things about this series.  I can easily recommend to other romance readers!  And the best part is that you really don't need to have read the first book to read this one.  Recommended!

Bottom Line:  Another great addition to this series that is fast becoming a favorite of mine!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book for review thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

Thursday, February 9, 2017

Fudge and Jury by Ellie Alexander (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"It’s almost spring in Ashland, Oregon, and the town is preparing for the Shakespeare and the annual Chocolate Festival. Business is cookin’ at Torte, and the store is expanding as Jules’ team whips up crΓ¨pes filled with mascarpone cheese and dark chocolate. Torte stands a chance of being this year’s confectionery belle of the ball! Life couldn’t be sweeter—unless murder taints the batter.


Evan Rowe, of Confections Couture, makes a chocolate fountain that would put Willy Wonka to shame, and his truffles are to die for—literally? Yes, the world-renowned chocolatier has just turned up dead…right after sampling a slice of Jules’ decadent four-layer chocolate cake. Now all eyes are on Jules as she tries to find the mysterious ingredient in her own recipe. Can she sift out the truth before another contestant bites the buttercream?"


My Thoughts:

Fudge and Jury is the latest installment in one of my favorite cozy mystery series! I have so been looking forward to this book and it didn't disappoint in the least.  I was so excited when I managed to snag a copy on NetGalley but I had to wait to read it just so that I could savor it.  Because we all know how impatient I am and the wait for the next book is going to feel SO long!  This book had everything that I love about this series, and I enjoyed every minute while I was reading it.  I read this series for the characters and the food period.  Both are so great and something that I just can't get enough of!  After five books now, I've come to really love the characters in this series but especially Jules.  I love that throughout the series we have watched her both struggle and grow as she tries to figure out her life and what she wants out of it.  In this book, we got the chance to see her struggle with the decision on whether or not to expand Torte.  With everything still up in the air in regards to Carlos, expanding Torte will be a major commitment to her life in Ashland.  I won't say what is decided as that would definitely be a spoiler but as always I love how real this series feels.  Jule's life isn't perfect but it comes to life in the pages of these books.  

Of course I can't share my thoughts on this book without talking about the food that is described throughout.  Every book in this series has just left me craving desserts of any and all kinds and this book was no different.  I would gain thirty plus pounds if I attempted baking all of the wonderful recipes that Jules creates throughout the books.  They all sound so delicious and it is no wonder that I'm constantly hungry while reading.  This book was particularly decadent as chocolate played such a prominent role in the Chocolate Festival that Jules is participating in.  I have a particular weakness when it comes to anything chocolate so this was right up my alley.  I could read all day long about the different types of cakes and pastries that are baked in Torte.  Yum, yum yum!  The mystery portion of this book was also intriguing.  I find that with this series that I'm sometimes less interested in the actual mystery than I am with everything else that is going on.  I guess that is what happens when you come to adore a series so much!  The actual mystery is secondary to everything else.  LOL!  It was still an intriguing story line though and I liked the way it ended as it just felt true to life.  I'm trying not to spoil anything so I won't say any more than that.

Overall this was another amazing addition to this series and one that I can highly recommend.  I cannot say enough good things about this series- each book is just so, so good!  I'm just bummed that I now have to begin the long wait for book six.  This book was worth the wait though and I'm sure that one will be as well.  With such great characters and delicious food, what else could I ask for in a cozy series like this?  For those readers who haven't tried this series yet, I do think that you could probably read this book without having read the beginning books.  The author does a great job of giving bits of the back story in each book so you could read this by itself.  I would recommend reading them all though because they are just that good.  Highly recommended to fans of mysteries and cozies alike!!

Bottom Line:  Another amazing addition to one of my favorite series.  Read it!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Rage Against the Dying by Becky Masterman (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Keeping secrets, telling lies, they require the same skill. Both become a habit, almost an addiction, that's hard to break even with the people closest to you, out of the business. For example, they say never trust a woman who tells you her age; if she can't keep that secret, she can't keep yours. I'm fifty-nine."

Brigid Quinn's experiences in hunting sexual predators for the FBI have left her with memories she wishes she didn't have and lethal skills she hopes never to need again. Having been pushed into early retirement by events she thinks she's put firmly behind her, Brigid keeps telling herself she is settling down nicely in Tucson with a wonderful new husband, Carlo, and their dogs.

But the past intervenes when a man named Floyd Lynch confesses to the worst unsolved case of Brigid's career—the disappearance and presumed murder of her young protΓ©gΓ©e, Jessica. Floyd knows things about that terrible night that were never made public, and offers to lead the cops to Jessica's body in return for a plea bargain.

It should finally be the end of a dark chapter in Brigid's life. Except…the new FBI agent on the case, Laura Coleman, thinks the confession is fake, and Brigid finds she cannot walk away from violence and retribution after all, no matter what the cost."

My Thoughts:

Two books in and this author has already jumped on to my must-read, favorite authors list.  I love these books!  I love this series!  This is one of those authors and series that I cannot recommend highly enough (obviously as I've already started gushing)!  And honestly, I really feel like this series is a bit underrated at least as far as I have seen in the blogging world.  Why aren't more bloggers reading and loving this series as much as I am?  I don't know other than the fact that it is fairly new with only two books so far and a third coming soon.  Maybe I should stop rambling on how much I love this series though and actually tell you what I loved about this book.  Ha!  Let's start off with the fact that I couldn't stop reading  this book.  Like I literally started reading this one and was just as hooked as I had been with Fear the Darkness.  To be clear, I read this series out of order.  Rage Against the Dying is the first book in the series and because I loved the second book so much I had to pick up this book.  This book was just as good as I had hoped it would be.  Heck I can't even seem to write clearly about this book because I loved it so much!

One of the things that I love most about this series is the main character Brigid Quinn.  She is former FBI and the things that she experienced as an agent seem to haunt her.  There is this unreliable feel to her where you are never quite sure what she is doing and why.  Or if she is being honest about everything as well.  It is quite the combination in a main character and I find it to be so compelling.  I can't stop reading because I have to see what she is going to do next.  This book was just as much of a page turner as the second book was.  I found myself reading at one of those frantic paces where you just can't stop because you NEED to know what is going to happen next.  The mystery portion was really well done....I was left guessing until the very end.  And I really can't tell you anymore than that as I don't want to spoil anything about this book.  Your just going to have to read it so you can fall in love with this series as much as I have!

Obviously I loved this one.  It made my top ten reads of 2016 easily and I'm just pining away for the third book which releases this year.  At this point I will read anything and everything that this author writes.  I just need that third book and my reading life will be complete.  LOL!  I would recommend this series and author to mystery and thriller fans alike.  I think those readers that enjoy Tana French should give this book a try.  You can read these books out of order but I really think that you should read them both as they were both that good.  Highly, highly recommended!

Bottom Line:  One of the best thrillers that I read in 2016.  Enough said.

Disclosure:  I checked this book out from my local library.      

Friday, February 3, 2017

Grilled For Murder by Maddie Day (thoughts)

Summary from Goodreads:

"Robbie Jordan may have had reservations about the murder victim, but she still needs to turn up the heat on a killer if she wants to keep her new restaurant open for business…

In the charming small town of South Lick, Indiana, Robbie has transformed a rundown country store into the runaway hit Pans 'N Pancakes. But the most popular destination for miles around can also invite trouble. Erica Shermer may be the widow of handsome local lawyer Jim Shermer's brother, but she doesn't appear to be in mourning. At a homecoming party held in Robbie's store, Erica is alternately obnoxious and flirtatious--even batting her eyelashes at Jim. When Erica turns up dead in the store the next morning, apparently clobbered with cookware, the police suspect Robbie's friend Phil, who closed up after the party. To clear Phil and calm her customers, Robbie needs to step out from behind the counter and find the real killer in short order…"


My Thoughts:

This cozy mystery series is fast becoming a new favorite of mine and we are only two books in so far!  Actually I just found out that the third book in this series is supposed to release in February so that is super exciting.  But I'm getting off track here.  I actually read this book last year but just never ended up sharing my thoughts on it which is a shame as it was really good.  One of the things that I like my cozy series to have is a great cast of characters and these books definitely have that.  I love Robbie's character and there are some really great secondary characters as well.  The thing I love most about these books though is reading about Robbie's restaurant and the food that she makes.  What is it about me that loves these foodie cozies so much?  Especially when I'm not much of a cook myself!  I cannot seem to get enough of them though, and I just adore reading about the delicious foods that Robbie is always making.  It is no wonder that I'm always so hungry while reading though!

I really enjoyed the mystery portion of this book also.  Sometimes with cozies it is easy to lose interest in the actual mystery but I never seem to with these books.  I won't say anything specific as it would be considered to be a spoiler but I really like what the author did with Robbie and Jim's relationship.  I can't say anything more than that but let me just say that I was happy with the way things went.  I'm curious as to how everything will play out in that upcoming third book (cue gimme hands that are anxiously awaiting book three).  This book turned out to be quite the page turner - or since I read it on my trusty kindle what would I call that?  Anyways, it was really good and I found myself pulled away into Robbie's world of food whenever I was reading.  I enjoyed the way this book ended and it was just an overall really great read!

Ultimately just writing up my thoughts on this book has me pining to continue on with this series right now!  It has everything that I enjoy in a cozy mystery series which is why I keep coming back for more.  I'm excited to see what kind of troubles that Robbie can get herself into next.  I'm eager to get back to the small town of Salt Lick, Indiana and read about the delicious foods that Robbie is cooking up.  I just want more and that is always a sign of a really great book!  I can't say enough good things so obviously I recommend.  You don't have to read the series in order but I would say that you should if possible.  It definitely will enhance your overall reading experience (and besides there are only two books so far).  Highly recommended!

Bottom Line:  A mouthwatering follow-up to the first book in this cozy series.  I need more!

Disclosure:  I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher through NetGalley.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

February Reading Plans (2017 Edition)


Here we are and I'm already planning out my reading for February.  How fast time flies by lately!  I went off pile with my reading in January but I also managed to read a few books that were included in January reading plans.  A good mix if I'm being honest with myself.  I'm a very moody reader so sometimes I just have to go with my reading moods or risk a nasty reading slump instead.  I'm having fun still with coming up with books that I want to read each month so here we are with my February reading pile.  A few things to note though (besides the given fact that I will most likely ALWAYS go off pile at some point each month): one- I feel like it is a given that any library book I have checked out currently is always a possibility for that months reads.  I include library books in my reading piles sometimes but I certainly don't include them all - because I always have a ridiculous number checked out.  LOL!  I'm also still mulling over what my nonfiction pick will be for this month.  I'm still working on January's pick- which is Into The Wild by Jon Krakauer.  In light of everything that is going on in politics lately....well, I'm still deciding on my next nonfiction read.  I will leave it at that.  Here are the print books that I'm hoping/wanting to read in February:
  • From Potter's Field by Patricia Cornwell - Last year I binged out on the earlier books in this series and enjoyed every minute of it.  I am ready to continue on and see what type of case Scarpetta gets involved with next.  These books are always page turners and I'm especially looking forward to this one.  This book is from my own shelves which is an added bonus.
  • Baby It's Cold Outside by Addison Fox -  I added this one to my TBR list awhile back thanks to the Smart Bitches, Trashy Books podcast which is a favorite of mine for romance recommendations.  This book just sounds like fun and the perfect read for this time of year.  I kind of have an obsession with anything related to Alaska so it is high up there on my reading list!  This is a library find.
  • Wilde Lake by Laura Lippman - This is a review copy for an upcoming TLC book tour.  My tour date isn't actually until March but I'm trying to read ahead so it is on this month's pile.  Also, it basically sounds amazing so why wait?  Lippman is one of those authors that I always mean to read- but I don't know that I've actually ever read anything by her.  I have high hopes though for this book!
  • Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass - In 2017 I'm really hoping to push myself in reading in different ways.  One of those ways is in actually reading the books that EVERYONE else seems to be talking about or have loved.  I add those books to my TBR list but then never read them myself (sad fact- I've never read The Hunger Games- for real).  I picked this one up from the library to push myself.  I don't read a lot of YA or fantasy but I've heard such good things about these books.  I can't wait to see for myself what the hype is all about!
  • The Drifter by Christine Lennon - Another review copy for upcoming TLC book tour.  This is also for a March tour date but I don't want to wait that long to read it as it sounds too good.  Add to that an absolutely gorgeous cover and I'm ready to begin this one right now!
  • Asylum by Jeannette De Beauvoir - This is a Goodread's giveaway win that I then never read.  What in the heck as I love the sound of this one??  I'm changing that this month though and finally knocking this book off of my TBR shelves.  It sounds quite creepy and I am always in the mood for a good mystery.
  • The Book of You by Claire Kendal - This is the review copy that I picked out to read this month that has been on my shelves now for WAY too long.  I don't even know why I never read this one until now as it sounds like my type of book.  I'm really looking forward to finally giving this book a try!
The e-books that I'm adding to my February reading pile are:





  • Stolen by Carey Baldwin - Edelweiss review copy for an upcoming PICT book tour.  My tour date is actually in February (though later in the month) so this will be my 1st e-book choice.  I couldn't resist the opportunity to read this one after loving the previous book in this series last year.  I'm anxious to get started!
  • First Degree Mudder - This is the latest installment in one of my very favorite cozy mystery series.  I'm been waiting to read this one for awhile now so I'm glad to finally add it to the pile.  This is a NetGalley review copy and one that will count towards #COYER Blackout.  I'm looking forward to getting back to these characters and catching up!
  • Chasing Shadows by Karen Harper - NetGalley review copy (as are really all of the e-books on my list almost) and also the 1st in a new series.  I read the description of this book and just knew that I had to read it.  This author has been on my radar for awhile now so I'm excited to give her a try with this new book.
  • No One Knows by J.T. Ellison - This book is on my radar thanks to the What Should I Read Next podcast (which is also becoming one of my favorites).  She was talking about it and I was instantly intrigued.  I've enjoyed this author in the past so I have high hopes for this book!
  • Her Husband's Lover by Julia Crouch - I just read a really great review for this one and knew that I needed to move this book up my reading TBR list!  I can't get enough of thrillers as of late and this book just sounds intense!  I need it in my reading life for sure!  
  • Someone Else's Skin by Sarah Hilary - This is the 1st in a mystery series that I've been meaning to try for WAY too long.  I've seen some rave reviews for it and I've no excuse on why I haven't yet read it.  February is going to be an amazing month of reading if I get the chance to read half of these books and authors!
  • Shadowed by Karen E. Olson - 2nd book in a series where I just loved book one.  And yet I STILL haven't continued on with this series yet.  I'm hoping to change that especially as I think the 3rd book is due to release soon (if it hasn't already).  
  • A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanders - This book was recommended to me by the publisher and something about that cover is just calling my name.  I like the sound of it even though it means I will be starting yet another series out of order.  No worries, if I enjoy this one I will just go back to the beginning then.  LOL!  
Whew!  I'm both excited and exhausted just thinking about all of these great sounding books.  My book piles overflow!  I tried to include a mix of books in a variety of genres to keep things interesting (and maybe keep me from going off-pile so much).  Any books that I didn't read from my January reading pile are also being thrown into the mix here as obviously I want to read them as well in the near future.  I'm going to burrow under the blankets this month and just read to my heart's content!

What books are you hoping to reading in February?  Is there any book here that you think I should read first?  I hope that all of you have an amazing month of reading in February as well!