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mackenzierm's reviews
1612 reviews
Echo Road by Melinda Leigh, Kendra Elliot
5.0
A country maintenance worker discovers two suspicious suitcases abandoned on the side of the road during a heat wave. Sheriff Bree Taggert responds to the call and discovers two bodies stuffed into the luggage. In Oregon, a senator’s daughter has gone missing and FBI Special Agent Mercy Kilpatrick agrees to keep the politically sensitive case on the down low. When she finds a link between the missing senator’s daughter and the double homicide three thousand miles away, Mercy takes the next plane out and lands right in the middle of Bree’s investigation.
To say that I binged ECHO ROAD would be highly accurate, given I sat glued to my Kindle gobbling this story up. I’ve never read anything by Kendra Elliot before but I love Melinda Leigh’s writing style and was excited to catch up with Sheriff Bree Taggert. After reading this clever duet, I know that I now must seek out Kendra Elliot’s work. These two authors write beautifully together, crafting a story that you don’t want to put down.
I love Sheriff Bree Taggert and quickly came to adore FBI Special Agent Mercy Filpatrick. ECHO ROAD is told in dual POV, alternating between these two characters. It’s so fun to find not one, but two series with incredible female leads in law enforcement. Both women are strong, brave, and able to put their ego to the wayside when needed for the common good.
The plot is fast-paced with several twists that serve to up the ante at every turn. The ending had me reading with bated breath as I desperately read, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.
Can’t wait to see what’s next for Sheriff Bree Taggert… and now I’ll also be on the lookout for FBI Special Agent Mercy Filpatrick’s books too!
To say that I binged ECHO ROAD would be highly accurate, given I sat glued to my Kindle gobbling this story up. I’ve never read anything by Kendra Elliot before but I love Melinda Leigh’s writing style and was excited to catch up with Sheriff Bree Taggert. After reading this clever duet, I know that I now must seek out Kendra Elliot’s work. These two authors write beautifully together, crafting a story that you don’t want to put down.
I love Sheriff Bree Taggert and quickly came to adore FBI Special Agent Mercy Filpatrick. ECHO ROAD is told in dual POV, alternating between these two characters. It’s so fun to find not one, but two series with incredible female leads in law enforcement. Both women are strong, brave, and able to put their ego to the wayside when needed for the common good.
The plot is fast-paced with several twists that serve to up the ante at every turn. The ending had me reading with bated breath as I desperately read, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.
Can’t wait to see what’s next for Sheriff Bree Taggert… and now I’ll also be on the lookout for FBI Special Agent Mercy Filpatrick’s books too!
The Fiancé Dilemma by Elena Armas
4.0
Josie has given men plenty of chances, four if you count her failed engagements, and five if you count her absentee father. When her father decides to announce his retirement with a flashy magazine piece about his family, Josie realizes her romantic history makes for complicated PR issue. Matthew has been fired from his job and his car is stuck in the mud after a wrong turn in Green Oaks. He grabs his duffle bag and sets out on foot for a place to crash until he can get his life on track. Instead, he finds Josie, his best friend’s sister, greeting him as her fiancé. What starts as a messy misunderstanding turns into a temporary arrangement.
THE FIANCÉ DILEMMA is the second book in the Green Oaks series, but I’d say it reads like an interconnected series and is easy to read as a standalone.
I adore fake dating tropes so this was an easy grab for me. The beginning definitely starts off rocky and a little bit cringey to me but once I really got a foot into the story and the pacing picked up, I began to enjoy it more and more.
I enjoyed both Josie and Matthew as the main characters for this romance. I think what would have really elevated this story would have been the storytelling be told in both Matthew and Josie’s POV. Dual POVs are my favorite in romances so I may be biased though.
The romance itself is cute and well written. There are some spicy scenes which were well placed and didn’t feel gratuitous. The bathtub scene was my absolute favorite. Having read book one before this one, I really enjoyed the cameo of those characters here.
THE FIANCÉ DILEMMA is the second book in the Green Oaks series, but I’d say it reads like an interconnected series and is easy to read as a standalone.
I adore fake dating tropes so this was an easy grab for me. The beginning definitely starts off rocky and a little bit cringey to me but once I really got a foot into the story and the pacing picked up, I began to enjoy it more and more.
I enjoyed both Josie and Matthew as the main characters for this romance. I think what would have really elevated this story would have been the storytelling be told in both Matthew and Josie’s POV. Dual POVs are my favorite in romances so I may be biased though.
The romance itself is cute and well written. There are some spicy scenes which were well placed and didn’t feel gratuitous. The bathtub scene was my absolute favorite. Having read book one before this one, I really enjoyed the cameo of those characters here.
Lights Out by Navessa Allen
5.0
Aly is scrolling her favorite social media app while learning something new about herself, discovering new kinks as she goes. Her feed has been dominated by masked men in a variety of full cosplay scenarios. But her favorite is of shirtless men wearing ghost masks. She never could guess that sending a drunken text would make her wildest dreams a reality.
LIGHTS OUT is such a fun read! Who knew that a dark romance featuring stalking could be so entertaining?! The same could be said about masked men (🔥). I’ve seen LIGHTS OUT be compared to Butcher & Blackbird by other reviewers and while I can sort of see the comparison, I’d say this one is less dark and also not super comparable?
Aly is the female main character, she’s a trauma ER nurse and I really loved seeing her day to day in that role. Josh is the MMC and I absolutely adored seeing the complexity of his character. Although, forced to pick a favorite, it would be Fred – what a cool cat!
LIGHTS OUT feels like two halves of two different novels – the first half has a totally different feel and tone to the second. But that said, I loved it as a whole and think that it meshes well together. The plot is compelling, fast-paced, and features some great action scenes. I was hooked and didn’t want to stop listening. The audiobook narration is done by two narrators, one for each POV – and it’s so well done. I’d highly recommend the audiobook route if you’re into them!
The plot to spice ratio is a good balance with the steamy scenes well written, fun, and sexy. I’m not usually a fan of insta-love/lust but I didn’t mind it here. I really loved the ending and will be keeping my eyes peeled for this author’s next book release!
LIGHTS OUT is such a fun read! Who knew that a dark romance featuring stalking could be so entertaining?! The same could be said about masked men (🔥). I’ve seen LIGHTS OUT be compared to Butcher & Blackbird by other reviewers and while I can sort of see the comparison, I’d say this one is less dark and also not super comparable?
Aly is the female main character, she’s a trauma ER nurse and I really loved seeing her day to day in that role. Josh is the MMC and I absolutely adored seeing the complexity of his character. Although, forced to pick a favorite, it would be Fred – what a cool cat!
LIGHTS OUT feels like two halves of two different novels – the first half has a totally different feel and tone to the second. But that said, I loved it as a whole and think that it meshes well together. The plot is compelling, fast-paced, and features some great action scenes. I was hooked and didn’t want to stop listening. The audiobook narration is done by two narrators, one for each POV – and it’s so well done. I’d highly recommend the audiobook route if you’re into them!
The plot to spice ratio is a good balance with the steamy scenes well written, fun, and sexy. I’m not usually a fan of insta-love/lust but I didn’t mind it here. I really loved the ending and will be keeping my eyes peeled for this author’s next book release!
Where the Dead Sleep by Joshua Moehling
4.0
Acting-Sheriff Ben Packard is called to the scene of a home invasion in the early morning, finding Bill Sanderson shot in bed. Bill is a well-liked local who chased money his whole life, leaving him on a path of broken hearts and bad debts. But everyone Acting-Sheriff Packard speaks to has no clear motive for wanting Bill dead. As Packard begins his investigation, tragedy strikes the Sheriff’s department, forcing Packard to make a difficult decision: step down as acting Sheriff or run in the election for full-time Sheriff. Packard doesn’t know the hidden history of small-town Sandy Lake, and as his investigation continues to unravel bad blood and old secrets, he gets closer to the truth and puts his own life at risk.
WHERE THE DEAD SLEEP is the second book in the Ben Packard series. Although this novel could be read as a standalone, I think that the reader would lose out on the overall context of Ben’s character and his character arc.
I really like Ben as the main character of this story, and I feel like this book really defined his character more clearly. Ben has this underdog vibe that I absolutely adore and I am so eager to see how his character will continue to grow in the next book. I loved seeing how Ben’s feelings changed over the course of the novel as he contemplated his future and ruminated over a big decision he will have to make soon.
As for the plot, the investigation is filled with secrets and old rivalries whose reveals make for some great twists and turns. It’s well-placed with a compelling plot. The ending had me shocked and eagerly awaiting book three!
WHERE THE DEAD SLEEP is the second book in the Ben Packard series. Although this novel could be read as a standalone, I think that the reader would lose out on the overall context of Ben’s character and his character arc.
I really like Ben as the main character of this story, and I feel like this book really defined his character more clearly. Ben has this underdog vibe that I absolutely adore and I am so eager to see how his character will continue to grow in the next book. I loved seeing how Ben’s feelings changed over the course of the novel as he contemplated his future and ruminated over a big decision he will have to make soon.
As for the plot, the investigation is filled with secrets and old rivalries whose reveals make for some great twists and turns. It’s well-placed with a compelling plot. The ending had me shocked and eagerly awaiting book three!
The New Couple in 5B by Lisa Unger
4.0
Rosie and Chad are barely making ends meet when they receive life-changing news: Chad’s late uncle has left them his luxury apartment at the historic Windermere. This building is the epitome of old New York charm with an impeccably uniformed doorman and prewar elegance. As Rosie and Chad start to settle into their new home, Rosie begins to suspect there’s more to the Windermere than meets the eye.
THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B features a delectable setting within a prewar, historic luxury apartment at the Windermere in Murray Hill. The atmosphere is dark, gothic, and suspenseful, with plenty of intrigue. It features dual timelines with one set in the past that serves to add an extra sense of eeriness. I’ve read a couple books by this author but found this one to be quite different from the others I’ve read. It’s filled with suspense, tension, along with some horror and supernatural elements.
I really enjoyed the storytelling and plot that has some well-placed twists that kept me wanting more. Each of the characters are well-written, complex, and suspicious, leaving me uncertain of whom to trust as the story continues to unravel. I always think it’s particularly cool when a building or space can feel like its own character – A+ for this aspect of the book. The ending wasn’t entirely what I had expected but was well done nevertheless. Notably, the audiobook narration is excellent!
THE NEW COUPLE IN 5B features a delectable setting within a prewar, historic luxury apartment at the Windermere in Murray Hill. The atmosphere is dark, gothic, and suspenseful, with plenty of intrigue. It features dual timelines with one set in the past that serves to add an extra sense of eeriness. I’ve read a couple books by this author but found this one to be quite different from the others I’ve read. It’s filled with suspense, tension, along with some horror and supernatural elements.
I really enjoyed the storytelling and plot that has some well-placed twists that kept me wanting more. Each of the characters are well-written, complex, and suspicious, leaving me uncertain of whom to trust as the story continues to unravel. I always think it’s particularly cool when a building or space can feel like its own character – A+ for this aspect of the book. The ending wasn’t entirely what I had expected but was well done nevertheless. Notably, the audiobook narration is excellent!
Of Sky & Embers by Claire Butler
5.0
When Henri took claim of a foreign Merovian kingdom, he didn’t anticipate fighting in a deadly trial against the rival kings to retain his throne. Malik knows the odds of Henri surviving the summit are not in his favor, but he is prepared to sacrifice everything to ensure Henri survives. Tahlia cannot regret her choices but saving the king meant revealing herself to the gods that have hunted her for years. She owes them an eternity but wants to make what’s left of her mortal life count.
OF SKY & EMBERS is the second book in a Middle Eastern inspired world and it picks up where book one, Of Sand & Silk leaves off. The setting and world building is rich, vibrant, and well written. It is very easy to digest, so perfect for those new to the fantasy genre.
This novel is told in multiple POV, alternating amongst Henri, Malik, Tahlia, Ele, Kala, and Isa. Most of these characters were met in book one but there are some new faces here too. I really enjoyed the multiple POV as it helped shape the narrative as the story evolved, particularly given that not all of the characters were together throughout the duration of the story. Each character is well written and interesting - I definitely have a soft spot for each of them!
The plot contains many moving parts as each of the main characters’ arcs develop. OF SKY & EMBERS is filled with action (and some particularly harrowing scenes), clever (and heartbreaking) twists, and some spicy scenes.
The bonus extended epilogue was absolute perfection. I’d love to stay within this world and with these characters forever. Truly a must read! I’ll be keeping my eye out for whatever Claire chooses to write next!
I would like to thank the author, Claire Butler, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
OF SKY & EMBERS is the second book in a Middle Eastern inspired world and it picks up where book one, Of Sand & Silk leaves off. The setting and world building is rich, vibrant, and well written. It is very easy to digest, so perfect for those new to the fantasy genre.
This novel is told in multiple POV, alternating amongst Henri, Malik, Tahlia, Ele, Kala, and Isa. Most of these characters were met in book one but there are some new faces here too. I really enjoyed the multiple POV as it helped shape the narrative as the story evolved, particularly given that not all of the characters were together throughout the duration of the story. Each character is well written and interesting - I definitely have a soft spot for each of them!
The plot contains many moving parts as each of the main characters’ arcs develop. OF SKY & EMBERS is filled with action (and some particularly harrowing scenes), clever (and heartbreaking) twists, and some spicy scenes.
The bonus extended epilogue was absolute perfection. I’d love to stay within this world and with these characters forever. Truly a must read! I’ll be keeping my eye out for whatever Claire chooses to write next!
I would like to thank the author, Claire Butler, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Paint It All Red by S.T. Abby
5.0
It’s time to f*ck with their minds and finish it all. Monsters don’t usually wish for happily ever after…
Like the others, PAINT IT ALL RED starts where <i>All the Lies</i> ends. I honestly had no idea how this series could end on a satisfying note or even what that would look like, because it’s been a wild ride. I came into this series with no expectations and have been well rewarded. I’ve loved every second I’ve spent reading each page of this five book series and this last one was just what I didn’t know I needed.
The suspense, action, and romance were all top tier. Lana’s characterization over the course of this series was very compelling – I loved her strength and how much of a badass she is. Jake is the best friend a girl could have, and I loved seeing how creative he is with tech. I had no clue how Lana and Jake were going to pull this off, but the ending was absolutely perfect. I actually didn’t put together who the ‘original’ serial killer was (and truly, I had actually forgotten about it) but was definitely surprised (although it made perfect sense) by this reveal. I cannot recommend this series enough if you like dark romantic suspense, do check the trigger warnings though.
Like the others, PAINT IT ALL RED starts where <i>All the Lies</i> ends. I honestly had no idea how this series could end on a satisfying note or even what that would look like, because it’s been a wild ride. I came into this series with no expectations and have been well rewarded. I’ve loved every second I’ve spent reading each page of this five book series and this last one was just what I didn’t know I needed.
The suspense, action, and romance were all top tier. Lana’s characterization over the course of this series was very compelling – I loved her strength and how much of a badass she is. Jake is the best friend a girl could have, and I loved seeing how creative he is with tech. I had no clue how Lana and Jake were going to pull this off, but the ending was absolutely perfect. I actually didn’t put together who the ‘original’ serial killer was (and truly, I had actually forgotten about it) but was definitely surprised (although it made perfect sense) by this reveal. I cannot recommend this series enough if you like dark romantic suspense, do check the trigger warnings though.
All the Lies by S.T. Abby
5.0
Logan has never felt conflicted on any case. Right is right and wrong is wrong. It’s simple and there are no gray areas. But this case is different, and Logan isn’t sure what side he’s on anymore. Every time Logan finds a shard of truth within this town; he begins to hate it a little bit more. Worst of all, his head is all messed up and he doesn’t know who to trust anymore.
Ooooo okay. I seriously didn’t think that this series could continue to get better but I have since been proved wrong. ALL THE LIES picks up where <i>Scarlet Angel</i> leaves off.
It’s been alluded to over the course of the previous books what happened to Lana and her family in the past at the hands of some of the boys in her hometown of Delaney Grove and how it was all handled, but it is truly dark and disturbing to have it all laid out. I was heartbroken and devastated at what this girl had to live through.
The plot is just as suspenseful here as with the previous books with twists that I certainly didn’t see coming. I’m shocked at how things played out and I am truly scared in anticipation of what will come in book five!
Ooooo okay. I seriously didn’t think that this series could continue to get better but I have since been proved wrong. ALL THE LIES picks up where <i>Scarlet Angel</i> leaves off.
It’s been alluded to over the course of the previous books what happened to Lana and her family in the past at the hands of some of the boys in her hometown of Delaney Grove and how it was all handled, but it is truly dark and disturbing to have it all laid out. I was heartbroken and devastated at what this girl had to live through.
The plot is just as suspenseful here as with the previous books with twists that I certainly didn’t see coming. I’m shocked at how things played out and I am truly scared in anticipation of what will come in book five!
Scarlet Angel by S.T. Abby
5.0
Logan makes Lana want to have a future that is not tainted by revenge. It doesn’t mean she’s going to stop, but it does mean that she wants more…one day. How do you make a good man love the monster inside you without stripping away his soul as well?
SCARLET ANGEL picks up right where <I>Sidetracked</i> leaves off and truly ups the ante. Lana does what Lana does best but when a witness is present, Lana’s abilities are no longer a secret shared between her and Jake.
I am truly loving the plot of each book and the story as a whole to date. The unexpected twists, the tension and suspense, and best of all the stabby scenes. I seriously can’t get enough.
I am adoring the characters we’ve met in books 1-3 so far: Lana, Logan, Hadley and Jake. Each is well-written, intriguing, and relatable.
The ending to this book is JUICY and I seriously can’t wait to read book 4!
SCARLET ANGEL picks up right where <I>Sidetracked</i> leaves off and truly ups the ante. Lana does what Lana does best but when a witness is present, Lana’s abilities are no longer a secret shared between her and Jake.
I am truly loving the plot of each book and the story as a whole to date. The unexpected twists, the tension and suspense, and best of all the stabby scenes. I seriously can’t get enough.
I am adoring the characters we’ve met in books 1-3 so far: Lana, Logan, Hadley and Jake. Each is well-written, intriguing, and relatable.
The ending to this book is JUICY and I seriously can’t wait to read book 4!
Sidetracked by S.T. Abby
4.0
Logan’s had tunnel vision with one main goal in mind for so long that he’s forgotten that there’s a whole other world outside of his career. Lana is everything Logan never expected, and he loves that he can never guess her next move or reaction. Logan knows that Lana shuts him out and hides the things she feels she can’t share, but he hopes that one day she will trust him enough to do so. When Logan’s job puts Lana at risk, he realizes how fierce she is… He starts to think he should walk away to keep her safe, but he knows he can’t.
SIDETRACKED is the second book in the Mindf*ck series. It picks up exactly where <i>The Risk</i> left off. I was very excited to start this one given how book one ended. SIDETRACKED continues to alternate between Lana and Logan’s POVs and I loved this way of telling the story.
I think that this book missed a little bit of the original thrill that is felt in <i>The Risk</i>. There’s a lot more back and forth on Lana’s behalf as she toes the line, making it feel repetitive. I enjoyed seeing more of Logan’s day to day in this one, but I absolutely love seeing Lana recoup on her debts so I was a little sad that this wasn’t as present here.
That said, I can’t wait to see what book three will bring after that cliffhanger ending!
SIDETRACKED is the second book in the Mindf*ck series. It picks up exactly where <i>The Risk</i> left off. I was very excited to start this one given how book one ended. SIDETRACKED continues to alternate between Lana and Logan’s POVs and I loved this way of telling the story.
I think that this book missed a little bit of the original thrill that is felt in <i>The Risk</i>. There’s a lot more back and forth on Lana’s behalf as she toes the line, making it feel repetitive. I enjoyed seeing more of Logan’s day to day in this one, but I absolutely love seeing Lana recoup on her debts so I was a little sad that this wasn’t as present here.
That said, I can’t wait to see what book three will bring after that cliffhanger ending!