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mackenzierm's reviews
1612 reviews
Just One Moment by Ronnie Mathews
4.0
Graham receives an invitation to his ex-girlfriend’s wedding and can only think of taking the vibrant woman he hasn’t stopped thinking about since they first met. Quinn has been on the move for the last few years before finally opening her dream bakery and starting to feel settled in Sutton Bay. Everything’s going well, until it isn’t, and she’s too afraid and too independent to ask for help. Graham is a sweet and shy man who has intrigued her for months, making her an offer she can’t refuse. But as the line between real and fake blurs, their lives become intertwined, and they see that they both bring out the best in each other.
JUST ONE MOMENT is the second book in the Sutton Bay series, easily being read as standalones. I absolutely adored the setting of Sutton Bay, a coastal town in New England. It has the best small town feel with a beautiful atmosphere and great views.
Graham and Quinn’s story is so sweet. Graham is a unique MMC to the ones I’ve read of late – he’s shy, but he’s also kind, thoughtful, and caring. He expresses his thoughts and feelings best through the written word, making it hard for others who are more expressive verbally to truly understand him. Quinn is an independent FMC who has had a troubled upbringing; she’s a vibrant character who is kind and courageous. I am a sucker for a dual POV romance, so this was an easy checkmark in my book.
Quinn and Graham’s relationship starts off as fake but as the story progresses, they blur the lines and end up with the sweetest of relationships. I adored the small gestures that make for swoon worthy moments. The journal entries and letters are a beautiful touch, adding so much heart. Honestly, Graham is a book boyfriend that’s hard to beat.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Curly, an easy dog to love. Pets in romances (or any books really) are my jam. I also really loved the positive mental health representation that is included – a great addition. I’ll definitely be circling back to the first book in this series in the near future!
I would like to thank the author, Ronnie Mathews, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
JUST ONE MOMENT is the second book in the Sutton Bay series, easily being read as standalones. I absolutely adored the setting of Sutton Bay, a coastal town in New England. It has the best small town feel with a beautiful atmosphere and great views.
Graham and Quinn’s story is so sweet. Graham is a unique MMC to the ones I’ve read of late – he’s shy, but he’s also kind, thoughtful, and caring. He expresses his thoughts and feelings best through the written word, making it hard for others who are more expressive verbally to truly understand him. Quinn is an independent FMC who has had a troubled upbringing; she’s a vibrant character who is kind and courageous. I am a sucker for a dual POV romance, so this was an easy checkmark in my book.
Quinn and Graham’s relationship starts off as fake but as the story progresses, they blur the lines and end up with the sweetest of relationships. I adored the small gestures that make for swoon worthy moments. The journal entries and letters are a beautiful touch, adding so much heart. Honestly, Graham is a book boyfriend that’s hard to beat.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Curly, an easy dog to love. Pets in romances (or any books really) are my jam. I also really loved the positive mental health representation that is included – a great addition. I’ll definitely be circling back to the first book in this series in the near future!
I would like to thank the author, Ronnie Mathews, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Track Her Down by Melinda Leigh
4.5
4.5 stars.
Sheriff Bree Taggert is called to respond to a murder, where she quickly realizes the crime was not a burglary gone wrong. A couple was executed in bed, with their teenage daughter left as the sole survivor. Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but the more they uncover, the more questions they have. As Bree and Matt sift through the couple’s past, a tangled web of deception is revealed, making the truth harder to see.
It’s no secret that I love this series – Bree Taggert it easily one of my favorite main characters in a police procedural. She’s relatable, kind, brave, and always goes after what’s right. Her character progression over the course of the series is very well done; I’ve loved seeing her character grow, learn to love and be loved, and learn to rely on the support system she’s created around her.
I love the relationships Bree has developed over the course of the series. Her relationship with Matt warms my heart. I would have loved to see more of her family life in this book, including her niece, nephew, and Dana, but I’ll take whatever small snippets I can get. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship Bree shares with local politician, Madeline Jager, develop in a positive way.
The side characters included in this story were mostly members of the sheriff’s department, but I enjoyed seeing how they work together and their inner reactions. There are a few chapters in different POVs which I really enjoyed.
The plot of TRACK HER DOWN is compelling, complex, and features many twists and turns. It’s also fast-paced and kept me hooked from beginning to end. Leigh’s books always feature twists that I don’t see coming and this one was no different. I loved how everything tied together in the end and will be on the lookout for the next book in this series!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Montlake, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Sheriff Bree Taggert is called to respond to a murder, where she quickly realizes the crime was not a burglary gone wrong. A couple was executed in bed, with their teenage daughter left as the sole survivor. Bree teams up with investigator Matt Flynn to work the case, but the more they uncover, the more questions they have. As Bree and Matt sift through the couple’s past, a tangled web of deception is revealed, making the truth harder to see.
It’s no secret that I love this series – Bree Taggert it easily one of my favorite main characters in a police procedural. She’s relatable, kind, brave, and always goes after what’s right. Her character progression over the course of the series is very well done; I’ve loved seeing her character grow, learn to love and be loved, and learn to rely on the support system she’s created around her.
I love the relationships Bree has developed over the course of the series. Her relationship with Matt warms my heart. I would have loved to see more of her family life in this book, including her niece, nephew, and Dana, but I’ll take whatever small snippets I can get. I also enjoyed seeing the relationship Bree shares with local politician, Madeline Jager, develop in a positive way.
The side characters included in this story were mostly members of the sheriff’s department, but I enjoyed seeing how they work together and their inner reactions. There are a few chapters in different POVs which I really enjoyed.
The plot of TRACK HER DOWN is compelling, complex, and features many twists and turns. It’s also fast-paced and kept me hooked from beginning to end. Leigh’s books always feature twists that I don’t see coming and this one was no different. I loved how everything tied together in the end and will be on the lookout for the next book in this series!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Montlake, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
4.5
4.5 stars.
In Maine, 1789, a man is entombed in ice in the Kennebec River. Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer, is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. She keeps a diary that records every birth and death, as well as every crime or debacle that occurs in her close-knit community. Several months earlier, she had recorded details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen, one of whom is now dead in the ice. A local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death an accident, leaving Martha to investigate this murder on her own.
THE FROZEN RIVER is an utterly gripping read set in 1789 in Maine. It’s told in the POV of Martha, a midwife and healer, along with snippets from her diary.
Martha is a reputable midwife and healer in her small town along the Kennebec River, Maine. She’s frequently sought out at all hours of day or night to aid her fellow community members with any ailment, death, or delivery. I loved following alongside her throughout this novel, getting a fictional account of her day to day.
Martha’s candor, intelligence, strength, and kindness are ever present through these pages. Each of the central characters to this story are well written, dynamic, and interesting people. Ephraim is Martha’s husband and his love and support of her is incredibly inspiring and beautiful to see, always, but especially during the 1700s when women’s rights weren’t as evolved. Their relationship is one for the books — I simply couldn’t get enough of them.
Martha’s investigation into the murder that occurs early on in the book is a bit of a winding path, and not entirely what I’m used to. However, she is so clever and creative, often getting herself into sticky situations in her quest for the truth. I ended up loving the pacing of this story, mystery mixed into a woman’s day to day. There are parts of the story that can be tense, but it’s also sweet and tender.
I loved discovering in the author’s note that Martha was a real person with this book based on her journals. It’s a unique and well-written novel, and while it is my first novel by this author, I will be seeking out more of her work in the near future!
In Maine, 1789, a man is entombed in ice in the Kennebec River. Martha Ballard, a midwife and healer, is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. She keeps a diary that records every birth and death, as well as every crime or debacle that occurs in her close-knit community. Several months earlier, she had recorded details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen, one of whom is now dead in the ice. A local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death an accident, leaving Martha to investigate this murder on her own.
THE FROZEN RIVER is an utterly gripping read set in 1789 in Maine. It’s told in the POV of Martha, a midwife and healer, along with snippets from her diary.
Martha is a reputable midwife and healer in her small town along the Kennebec River, Maine. She’s frequently sought out at all hours of day or night to aid her fellow community members with any ailment, death, or delivery. I loved following alongside her throughout this novel, getting a fictional account of her day to day.
Martha’s candor, intelligence, strength, and kindness are ever present through these pages. Each of the central characters to this story are well written, dynamic, and interesting people. Ephraim is Martha’s husband and his love and support of her is incredibly inspiring and beautiful to see, always, but especially during the 1700s when women’s rights weren’t as evolved. Their relationship is one for the books — I simply couldn’t get enough of them.
Martha’s investigation into the murder that occurs early on in the book is a bit of a winding path, and not entirely what I’m used to. However, she is so clever and creative, often getting herself into sticky situations in her quest for the truth. I ended up loving the pacing of this story, mystery mixed into a woman’s day to day. There are parts of the story that can be tense, but it’s also sweet and tender.
I loved discovering in the author’s note that Martha was a real person with this book based on her journals. It’s a unique and well-written novel, and while it is my first novel by this author, I will be seeking out more of her work in the near future!
Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage
4.0
Teddy’s never had a plan; she’s always a go with the flow type girl, but the flow doesn’t seem to be going her way this time. Her whole life feels like it’s starting to change and Teddy feels like she’s getting left behind. Gus has a lot on his plate and has always been the dependable one, but when he starts slipping, he has to admit that he needs help. Gus’s sister’s best friend is the only one who can step in, and she’s also someone Gus cannot stand. As tempers flare and tensions build, Gus and Teddy begin to see each other in a new light.
LOST AND LASSOED is the book I was most excited to read based on this character pairing after meeting these characters in the two previous books. While I really enjoyed it, it didn’t end up being my favorite in the series.
LOST AND LASSOED features a dual POV narration, alternating between Gus and Teddy’s perspectives. The audiobook features two narrators, making it a very fun listen. I love both Teddy and Gus together and apart. It was so fun to see two people with a strong mutual dislike but loads of shared history slowly fall for each other. The banter, spice, and romance is all very well written. My one hiccup was that I found the transition from dislike to lovers was very quick and would have appreciated more time in between.
I loved the relationships that each main character has with their respective fathers – such a beautiful relationship to showcase. The author’s note at the end of the book was a beautiful touch, highlighting pieces of her own story within Teddy and Gus’.
I really hope we get a book with Cam’s story next!
LOST AND LASSOED is the book I was most excited to read based on this character pairing after meeting these characters in the two previous books. While I really enjoyed it, it didn’t end up being my favorite in the series.
LOST AND LASSOED features a dual POV narration, alternating between Gus and Teddy’s perspectives. The audiobook features two narrators, making it a very fun listen. I love both Teddy and Gus together and apart. It was so fun to see two people with a strong mutual dislike but loads of shared history slowly fall for each other. The banter, spice, and romance is all very well written. My one hiccup was that I found the transition from dislike to lovers was very quick and would have appreciated more time in between.
I loved the relationships that each main character has with their respective fathers – such a beautiful relationship to showcase. The author’s note at the end of the book was a beautiful touch, highlighting pieces of her own story within Teddy and Gus’.
I really hope we get a book with Cam’s story next!
Sweet Fury by Sash Bischoff
4.0
Lila and her fiancé, Kurt, have settled into a stunning West Village apartment as they begin filming their feminist adaptation of Fitzgerald’s ‘Tender is the Night’. Lila has the lead role while Kurt is a visionary filmmaker. Lila prepares for her role by beginning work with accomplished therapist, Jonah, to help her dig into the trauma of her past. As Lila makes breakthroughs and her life starts to unravel, Jonah is just the man to pick up the pieces. Everyone has secrets though…and no one is quite what they seem.
SWEET FURY is a thought-provoking and twisty read with eloquent and intelligent, if in places slightly overwritten and unnatural, prose. It reads like a love letter to Fitzgerald’s works. It features a dark and atmospheric vibe, touching on heavy themes whilst navigating toxic relationships, feminism, and misogyny.
This novel is told in three acts with multiple POVs. It took me a while to become immersed in this story, initially put off by the verbose prose, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to parse through to get to the root of what the author was trying to say. The first act is long and winding, making me question the direction of this novel. I had one idea but was soon pleasantly surprised when I reached act II and III to find that I actually had the wrong idea entirely. Acts II and III are riveting. I will add that the ending felt a bit too open and would have liked more clarity.
The characters are each interesting, well-written, and magnetic. The author shifts effortlessly through the main characters’ POVs, allowing the reader to learn their motivations while the story continues to unfold. It’s certainly a rich and powerful character-driven thriller, marking an exquisite debut for this author.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Simon and Schuster Canada, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
SWEET FURY is a thought-provoking and twisty read with eloquent and intelligent, if in places slightly overwritten and unnatural, prose. It reads like a love letter to Fitzgerald’s works. It features a dark and atmospheric vibe, touching on heavy themes whilst navigating toxic relationships, feminism, and misogyny.
This novel is told in three acts with multiple POVs. It took me a while to become immersed in this story, initially put off by the verbose prose, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to parse through to get to the root of what the author was trying to say. The first act is long and winding, making me question the direction of this novel. I had one idea but was soon pleasantly surprised when I reached act II and III to find that I actually had the wrong idea entirely. Acts II and III are riveting. I will add that the ending felt a bit too open and would have liked more clarity.
The characters are each interesting, well-written, and magnetic. The author shifts effortlessly through the main characters’ POVs, allowing the reader to learn their motivations while the story continues to unfold. It’s certainly a rich and powerful character-driven thriller, marking an exquisite debut for this author.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, Simon and Schuster Canada, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
The Rewind by Allison Winn Scotch
4.0
Frankie and Ezra broke up before their college graduation and vowed to never speak to each other again. Ten years later, on the eve of 2000, they find themselves back together for the wedding of mutual friends. The following morning, they wake up in bed next to each other with Ezra’s grandmother’s diamond ring on Frankie’s finger and have no clue how it got there. Together, they must put their past grievances aside and figure out what happened.
THE REWIND is another book that I’ve had on my TBR for several holiday seasons and just never got the chance to read. I really enjoyed the premise and the rich, nostalgic 90s vibes while two exes must find out what occurred on New Years Eve as the new millennium rang in.
Ezra and Frankie are the two main characters of this novel; they have a lot of history together and haven’t spoken for ten years. THE REWIND is told in each of their POVs and also features a dual timeline. The audiobook is narrated by two narrators, one for Ezra and one for Frankie – which I truly loved. My one issue with the dual timelines in the audiobook was I was never certain when the timelines flipped back and forth, it always felt abrupt and as though I had missed something.
I really enjoyed both main characters. As mentioned already, they’ve shared a significant history and have a lot they need to work out between themselves. They tend to butt heads a lot along the way, but this serves well to add some tension to the storytelling. I loved the depth of this story, the emotional aspect, as well as the characters whom are relatable, if not always likable.
Overall, a sweet second chance romance that warms the heart. My first book by this author but will definitely seek out her other works.
THE REWIND is another book that I’ve had on my TBR for several holiday seasons and just never got the chance to read. I really enjoyed the premise and the rich, nostalgic 90s vibes while two exes must find out what occurred on New Years Eve as the new millennium rang in.
Ezra and Frankie are the two main characters of this novel; they have a lot of history together and haven’t spoken for ten years. THE REWIND is told in each of their POVs and also features a dual timeline. The audiobook is narrated by two narrators, one for Ezra and one for Frankie – which I truly loved. My one issue with the dual timelines in the audiobook was I was never certain when the timelines flipped back and forth, it always felt abrupt and as though I had missed something.
I really enjoyed both main characters. As mentioned already, they’ve shared a significant history and have a lot they need to work out between themselves. They tend to butt heads a lot along the way, but this serves well to add some tension to the storytelling. I loved the depth of this story, the emotional aspect, as well as the characters whom are relatable, if not always likable.
Overall, a sweet second chance romance that warms the heart. My first book by this author but will definitely seek out her other works.
Meet Me Under the Mistletoe by Jenny Bayliss
2.5
2.5 stars.
Elinor runs a secondhand bookshop in London and is forever torn by her working-class upbringing and her private school classmate’s extravagant lifestyles. Two of Elinor’s oldest friends invite her and all their school friend group to spend time together at a castle near their old school leading up to their wedding. The reunion brings back fond memories and leads Elinor to spend time with the castle’s head gardener, Isaac who holds plenty of contempt for the ‘snobby prep school kids’. As Elinor and Isaac get to know each other better, Elinor must decide the kind of life she wants to live.
MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE has been on my TBR for several holiday seasons but this is the first year I was finally able to read it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly what I had expected and I probably should have DNF’d it.
That said, I did enjoy the story to an extent. The setting in the cozy English countryside during Christmastime was so sweet. The downside was that though its set at Christmas, it doesn’t feel like a Christmas novel. The atmosphere and overall vibes are not what I would have expected for a holiday romance.
Elinor (Nory) is the main character and narrator of this novel. She was raised in a working class family but attended a posh private school on scholarship, leaving her caught between the two different worlds. The romance that builds between Nory and Isaac was cute. Isaac is a kind man who knows his own mind. I didn’t love the third act breakup.
The main plot surrounding the romance would have been enough for me; however, I feel like the author tried to tackle too many difficult topics in one book which resulted in a lot of side plots and wasted pages that were wholly unnecessary. Overall, a light romance with some holiday cheer and extra food for thought.
Elinor runs a secondhand bookshop in London and is forever torn by her working-class upbringing and her private school classmate’s extravagant lifestyles. Two of Elinor’s oldest friends invite her and all their school friend group to spend time together at a castle near their old school leading up to their wedding. The reunion brings back fond memories and leads Elinor to spend time with the castle’s head gardener, Isaac who holds plenty of contempt for the ‘snobby prep school kids’. As Elinor and Isaac get to know each other better, Elinor must decide the kind of life she wants to live.
MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE has been on my TBR for several holiday seasons but this is the first year I was finally able to read it. Unfortunately, it wasn’t exactly what I had expected and I probably should have DNF’d it.
That said, I did enjoy the story to an extent. The setting in the cozy English countryside during Christmastime was so sweet. The downside was that though its set at Christmas, it doesn’t feel like a Christmas novel. The atmosphere and overall vibes are not what I would have expected for a holiday romance.
Elinor (Nory) is the main character and narrator of this novel. She was raised in a working class family but attended a posh private school on scholarship, leaving her caught between the two different worlds. The romance that builds between Nory and Isaac was cute. Isaac is a kind man who knows his own mind. I didn’t love the third act breakup.
The main plot surrounding the romance would have been enough for me; however, I feel like the author tried to tackle too many difficult topics in one book which resulted in a lot of side plots and wasted pages that were wholly unnecessary. Overall, a light romance with some holiday cheer and extra food for thought.
City of Snakes by Mariet Kay
4.5
4.5 stars!
Queen Sybilla’s city was attacked by Source-weilders and left in shambles. She sees only one opportunity to protect her reign: honor her blood oath to the ill-tempered King in an enemy realm. Sybilla was always told that Darvanda’s realm was a desert wasteland, so she is surprised to find a vibrant place filled with magic. King Darvanda believes an alliance with Queen Sybilla is a prudent idea… until he discovers that she may be bound to his destiny.
CITY OF SNAKES is the second book in the Legends of Henosis series (at least it is my hope that there will be more books to come!). In hindsight, I wish I would have reread the first book, Born of Starlight because it took me some time to recollect and immerse myself with the characters and previous book’s contexts. Nevertheless, I muddled my way through and eventually caught my stride.
The world-building continues to evolve, is intricate, and easy to visualize. The magic system is interesting and relatively well described, but I do think I would have benefited from a legend or further explanation of the Source powers and their wielding capabilities.
The novel is told in multiple POV, alternating between Sybilla, Krait, and Emmerick. Each character is dynamic and well-written. I loved getting to know each character that is encountered over the course of the novel, as well as their backstories. I can’t decide which POV was my favorite, but I do think it alternated between Sybilla’s and Krait’s.
I enjoyed the romance that blossomed between two of the main characters. There was some back and forth between Krait and Sybilla in the middle point of the novel that interrupted the flow and was drawn out a bit too long, but did serve well as conflict in their relationship. There are some spicy scenes (the library scene 🥵) which are well timed and well written.
The plot of CITY OF SNAKES is fast-paced and complex with many moving parts, some action and adventure, high stakes, tension, and intrigue. There are some twists that I didn’t see coming and this was so well executed. The ending had me reading with bated breath, worried about what the outcome would be. The epilogue was perfect and leaves me wondering what will come in future books (should they one day exist)!
I would like to thank SunnyBabePR and the author of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Queen Sybilla’s city was attacked by Source-weilders and left in shambles. She sees only one opportunity to protect her reign: honor her blood oath to the ill-tempered King in an enemy realm. Sybilla was always told that Darvanda’s realm was a desert wasteland, so she is surprised to find a vibrant place filled with magic. King Darvanda believes an alliance with Queen Sybilla is a prudent idea… until he discovers that she may be bound to his destiny.
CITY OF SNAKES is the second book in the Legends of Henosis series (at least it is my hope that there will be more books to come!). In hindsight, I wish I would have reread the first book, Born of Starlight because it took me some time to recollect and immerse myself with the characters and previous book’s contexts. Nevertheless, I muddled my way through and eventually caught my stride.
The world-building continues to evolve, is intricate, and easy to visualize. The magic system is interesting and relatively well described, but I do think I would have benefited from a legend or further explanation of the Source powers and their wielding capabilities.
The novel is told in multiple POV, alternating between Sybilla, Krait, and Emmerick. Each character is dynamic and well-written. I loved getting to know each character that is encountered over the course of the novel, as well as their backstories. I can’t decide which POV was my favorite, but I do think it alternated between Sybilla’s and Krait’s.
I enjoyed the romance that blossomed between two of the main characters. There was some back and forth between Krait and Sybilla in the middle point of the novel that interrupted the flow and was drawn out a bit too long, but did serve well as conflict in their relationship. There are some spicy scenes (the library scene 🥵) which are well timed and well written.
The plot of CITY OF SNAKES is fast-paced and complex with many moving parts, some action and adventure, high stakes, tension, and intrigue. There are some twists that I didn’t see coming and this was so well executed. The ending had me reading with bated breath, worried about what the outcome would be. The epilogue was perfect and leaves me wondering what will come in future books (should they one day exist)!
I would like to thank SunnyBabePR and the author of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.