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mackenzierm's reviews
1612 reviews
The Risk by S.T. Abby
5.0
Ten years ago, they took from me and left me for dead. They should have made sure I stayed dead, because now I’m taking from them. I’ve trained too long and been patient, but I can’t stop now. And it’s like they say, revenge is best served cold. Logan is brilliant, he’s also a hero, saving lives and making the world a better place. While he’s saving lives, I’m collecting the debts that are owed to me. They’re looking for a monster and no one suspects a dead girl…
THE RISK is the first installment in the Mindf*ck series. It’s a series that I’ve seen on and off, always associated with glowing reviews. I am honestly disappointed with myself that it took me this long to pick it up.
THE RISK is a novella that rings in at 132 pages and it’s easily bingeable. The writing style is captivating and crisp. The story is told in dual POV, alternating between Lana and Logan. I loved both main characters and the flirtatious banter they share. The suspense aspect of this book is so well done. I also absolutely adored the action scenes and can’t wait to see what comes in the next book, particularly after that ending!
Each chapter starts with a quote from Albert Einstein which I thought was a nice touch!
Burn With Me by Ashley Marie
4.0
Griffin’s Den is Amelia’s fresh start where she will be able to focus on building an aquaponics farm, her dog, and her friends. After her last relationship, she has no intention of dating any time soon. That is until Lucas Grant moves to town. Lucas needs a change from his big city Boston life and is moving with his best friend, Sam, where they’re both hoping to focus on their careers. Lucas wasn’t expecting to fall for Amelia the moment he laid eyes on her. He’s going to have to put the work in for Amelia to give him a chance though.
BURN WITH ME is an excellent romantic suspense debut. I really enjoyed the author’s clear writing style. The setting of Griffin’s Den in New Mexico was interesting and I loved the small-town vibes where everyone knows everyone. I didn’t know much (if anything) about aquaponics coming into this story and loved learning a little about it through Amelia’s character.
BURN WITH ME is told in dual POV, alternating between Luke and Amelia’s POV with less than a handful of chapters in a select few other’s perspectives. I thought this was done really well and fleshed out the story a little more. I really liked Amelia and Luke – they’re so cute together. I loved how thoughtful and caring Luke was to his friends, but specifically towards Amelia. There’s some spicy scenes in this story but I think they’re well placed. I enjoyed the friendships between the characters and how supportive they are of one another.
The one thing that felt a bit weird to me was the excessive and gratuitous name calling as terms of endearments amongst Amelia and Pam, but also to a lesser extent between Luke and Sam. For characters who seem to be in their 30s (if I understood the context well), this felt immature and unnatural.
Lastly, I adored the suspense aspect. I thought it was really well done and definitely had me worried about what the outcome would be. I can’t wait to see what will come next for this friend group in the future Griffin’s Den books.
I would like to thank the author, Ashley Marie, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
BURN WITH ME is an excellent romantic suspense debut. I really enjoyed the author’s clear writing style. The setting of Griffin’s Den in New Mexico was interesting and I loved the small-town vibes where everyone knows everyone. I didn’t know much (if anything) about aquaponics coming into this story and loved learning a little about it through Amelia’s character.
BURN WITH ME is told in dual POV, alternating between Luke and Amelia’s POV with less than a handful of chapters in a select few other’s perspectives. I thought this was done really well and fleshed out the story a little more. I really liked Amelia and Luke – they’re so cute together. I loved how thoughtful and caring Luke was to his friends, but specifically towards Amelia. There’s some spicy scenes in this story but I think they’re well placed. I enjoyed the friendships between the characters and how supportive they are of one another.
The one thing that felt a bit weird to me was the excessive and gratuitous name calling as terms of endearments amongst Amelia and Pam, but also to a lesser extent between Luke and Sam. For characters who seem to be in their 30s (if I understood the context well), this felt immature and unnatural.
Lastly, I adored the suspense aspect. I thought it was really well done and definitely had me worried about what the outcome would be. I can’t wait to see what will come next for this friend group in the future Griffin’s Den books.
I would like to thank the author, Ashley Marie, 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 Co-op by Tarah DeWitt
4.0
LaRynn and Deacon shared a summer fling when they were teenagers. A decade later, their grandmothers have left them shared ownership of their dilapidated Santa Cruz building, thrusting LaRynn and Deacon back together to pick up the pieces. LaRynn has money in a trust but can only access it if she is married, Deacon is lacking funds, but does have the construction experience necessary to repair the building. Together they strike a deal, marry for however long it takes to fix up the property, collect a profit, and then cut ties.
Even the best of relationships can be tested by home renovation work so I was intrigued to see how LaRynn and Deacon would manage the rift between them while simultaneously repairing the Santa Cruz building their grandmothers left them.
I thought it was really cool that LaRynn’s family (grandmother) was described as having come from Quebec as well as the little snippets in French. This is not common in many of the books I read, and it was a fun discovery!
THE CO-OP is a second chance romance with a little marriage of convenience that I absolutely adored. This is the updated version of the book that was initially published in 2022. I’ve never read the original so I’m not sure how this one may compare.
I enjoyed both main characters, Deacon and LaRynn. The story is told with short chapters flashing to the past that gives additional context to what created the rift that exists between the two. The character and relationship development was well done and I enjoyed seeing Deacon and LaRynn’s bond develop over the course of the story. I loved the concept of this construction project bringing them together and the antics they participate in to egg on each other. There’s some spicy scenes that are well written and with great timing.
Overall, a cute story!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Even the best of relationships can be tested by home renovation work so I was intrigued to see how LaRynn and Deacon would manage the rift between them while simultaneously repairing the Santa Cruz building their grandmothers left them.
I thought it was really cool that LaRynn’s family (grandmother) was described as having come from Quebec as well as the little snippets in French. This is not common in many of the books I read, and it was a fun discovery!
THE CO-OP is a second chance romance with a little marriage of convenience that I absolutely adored. This is the updated version of the book that was initially published in 2022. I’ve never read the original so I’m not sure how this one may compare.
I enjoyed both main characters, Deacon and LaRynn. The story is told with short chapters flashing to the past that gives additional context to what created the rift that exists between the two. The character and relationship development was well done and I enjoyed seeing Deacon and LaRynn’s bond develop over the course of the story. I loved the concept of this construction project bringing them together and the antics they participate in to egg on each other. There’s some spicy scenes that are well written and with great timing.
Overall, a cute story!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, St. Martin’s Griffin, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
A Tale Told by Traitors by Renee Dugan
5.0
Lionyra Vara is a humble immigrant baker living in Mithra-Sha, but she is not who she seems. She is the sole inheritor of the ruling regime in the neighbouring country of Amere-Del. She’s been captured and is being forced against her will to return to the land of her worst fears and nightmares. The life of her oldest friend hangs in the balance and their only hope for freedom is to outwit the people who seek to enslave them. Ryker Kassian is a legendary pirate who owes an insurmountable debt and sees the runaway Delina as his chance for ransom to obtain a lofty sum. By helping Lionyra hunt down her missing friend, Ryker seizes this opportunity as his only chance to fix everything he’s broken and protect his crew from death. With a ruthless regime seeking both of their heads, Lionyra and Ryker must choose where they stand as they shape their destinies.
I was surprised when I first began reading this novel that it was 1) not following the same characters as book one and 2) that it was not picking up where book one ended. Once I got over this initial surprise, I was fully invested in what lay before me. It’s an utterly fantastic story.
The writing style in A TALE TOLD BY TRAITORS is beautiful with a descriptive, intricate, and flowing prose. Dugan spins a story that you can’t help but gobble up. I adored that the overarching message, in my opinion, was about taking your own power back.
The characters within this story, both ones we knew from book one and the new ones we encounter here, are well written, filled with depth and unique voices. There are some characters that are less likable than others, but I think that’s the point. I adored the characters Lionyra meets over the course of this story and the relationships she develops with them. The theme of found family is strong here and I couldn’t have been happier for it. I loved Lionyra in A Story Spun in Scarlet (book one), so I adored getting to know her better within her own story. This story is told primarily in Lionyra’s POV but does have a few chapters in Ryker’s which was a nice balance.
The romance is a light touch but so endearing and swoon-worthy with more of an emotional connection than physical.
The plot is a series of adventures that kept me guessing from one moment to the next. It’s evenly paced with a steady level of tension. I adored the ending and will be keeping an eye out for whatever this author will write next!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the author, Renee Dugan, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
I was surprised when I first began reading this novel that it was 1) not following the same characters as book one and 2) that it was not picking up where book one ended. Once I got over this initial surprise, I was fully invested in what lay before me. It’s an utterly fantastic story.
The writing style in A TALE TOLD BY TRAITORS is beautiful with a descriptive, intricate, and flowing prose. Dugan spins a story that you can’t help but gobble up. I adored that the overarching message, in my opinion, was about taking your own power back.
The characters within this story, both ones we knew from book one and the new ones we encounter here, are well written, filled with depth and unique voices. There are some characters that are less likable than others, but I think that’s the point. I adored the characters Lionyra meets over the course of this story and the relationships she develops with them. The theme of found family is strong here and I couldn’t have been happier for it. I loved Lionyra in A Story Spun in Scarlet (book one), so I adored getting to know her better within her own story. This story is told primarily in Lionyra’s POV but does have a few chapters in Ryker’s which was a nice balance.
The romance is a light touch but so endearing and swoon-worthy with more of an emotional connection than physical.
The plot is a series of adventures that kept me guessing from one moment to the next. It’s evenly paced with a steady level of tension. I adored the ending and will be keeping an eye out for whatever this author will write next!
I would like to thank Netgalley and the author, Renee Dugan, 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 Ex Vows by Jessica Joyce
4.0
Georgia lives by her lists, particularly the one of dos and donts she has about her ex, Eli, after they broke up five years ago. Adam, their mutual best friend, is getting married and has asked Georgia and Eli to step up as the best woman and man. Her list goes awry when Eli arrives with a new-rule breaking attitude and the wedding venue burns to the ground. Adam asks Eli and Georgia to help him make a miracle happen, leaving them to their own devices to scrape together a beautiful wedding day while old chemistry is lit aflame.
THE EX VOWS is a second chance romance that has strong found family/friends vibes. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author and will certainly not be my last. I really enjoyed this story and these characters.
This story takes on a lens that reflects on the life changes that occurs in your 20s as a friend group grows, and sometimes, grows apart. I thought this to be really realistic and well written, also providing some food for thought. I also liked the theme of finding oneself through these life changes.
I really liked Georgia and Eli – their romance, chemistry, emotional connection, and the tension associated was wonderfully done. The concept of paper rings was so cute and unique. Georgia and Eli are such a sweet couple.
The premise of the story focuses on Georgia and Eli trying to save the day for their mutual best friend, Adam. There is a wedding curse that further complicates things, and was a little overkill if you ask me. I did enjoy seeing Georgia and Eli work together to achieve the perfect wedding day on short notice. There’s certainly some laughs involved.
All this to say that I really love Jessica Joyce’s writing style and I’ll be sure to keep my eye out for whatever she publishes next!
THE EX VOWS is a second chance romance that has strong found family/friends vibes. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author and will certainly not be my last. I really enjoyed this story and these characters.
This story takes on a lens that reflects on the life changes that occurs in your 20s as a friend group grows, and sometimes, grows apart. I thought this to be really realistic and well written, also providing some food for thought. I also liked the theme of finding oneself through these life changes.
I really liked Georgia and Eli – their romance, chemistry, emotional connection, and the tension associated was wonderfully done. The concept of paper rings was so cute and unique. Georgia and Eli are such a sweet couple.
The premise of the story focuses on Georgia and Eli trying to save the day for their mutual best friend, Adam. There is a wedding curse that further complicates things, and was a little overkill if you ask me. I did enjoy seeing Georgia and Eli work together to achieve the perfect wedding day on short notice. There’s certainly some laughs involved.
All this to say that I really love Jessica Joyce’s writing style and I’ll be sure to keep my eye out for whatever she publishes next!
Grounds For Murder by Betty Ternier Daniels
3.0
Jeannie is being hounded by an incredibly persistent realtor to sell her precious farm following the death of her husband a few months ago. When that realtor ends up dead after borrowing Jeanie’s car, it becomes clear that this mystery client who wants to buy her farm won’t take no for an answer. There’s plenty of land for sale in the surrounding area, so why does this client want Jeannie’s land so badly? Jeannie joins forces with Derek, an off-duty cop posing as a journalist, in a quest to get to the bottom of this situation.
GROUNDS FOR MURDER is the first book written by Canadian author, Betty Ternier Daniels. It is set in rural Saskatchewan, approximately a two-hour drive from Saskatoon. The setting is well written and easily visualized.
Jeannie is a sixty-year-old widowed woman, living on her own following her husband’s death, and continuing to work on her farmland. I enjoyed Jeannie’s narration as the MC of this book – it was so refreshing to have an older main character compared to other books I’ve read lately and I can’t say that it is very common. Jeannie is a stubborn woman who is set in her ways, but she’s strong and written realistically. She comes off a bit overbearing towards her friends, family, and tenants, believing her way is the right way, so this obviously causes tensions amongst her and the other characters. It never seems that Jeannie is doing anything maliciously, simply performing ‘good deeds’ that don’t always translate well.
I found the plot to be very intriguing and was invested in seeing the characters’ investigation to find the culprit of this whodunnit as well as the reason why this was all happening. The writing style feels a bit scattered and clumsy but not terribly so. I am excited to see how this author’s style will progress and grow with future books!
The romance angle felt forced and awkward, and to me, wasn’t wholly necessary to the story, nor did it really add anything.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, ECW Press, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
GROUNDS FOR MURDER is the first book written by Canadian author, Betty Ternier Daniels. It is set in rural Saskatchewan, approximately a two-hour drive from Saskatoon. The setting is well written and easily visualized.
Jeannie is a sixty-year-old widowed woman, living on her own following her husband’s death, and continuing to work on her farmland. I enjoyed Jeannie’s narration as the MC of this book – it was so refreshing to have an older main character compared to other books I’ve read lately and I can’t say that it is very common. Jeannie is a stubborn woman who is set in her ways, but she’s strong and written realistically. She comes off a bit overbearing towards her friends, family, and tenants, believing her way is the right way, so this obviously causes tensions amongst her and the other characters. It never seems that Jeannie is doing anything maliciously, simply performing ‘good deeds’ that don’t always translate well.
I found the plot to be very intriguing and was invested in seeing the characters’ investigation to find the culprit of this whodunnit as well as the reason why this was all happening. The writing style feels a bit scattered and clumsy but not terribly so. I am excited to see how this author’s style will progress and grow with future books!
The romance angle felt forced and awkward, and to me, wasn’t wholly necessary to the story, nor did it really add anything.
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, ECW Press, of this advanced digital copy for the opportunity to read this novel in exchange for an honest review! All opinions expressed are my own.
Daydream by Hannah Grace
4.0
Henry’s procrastination lands him in a difficult class with his least favorite professor and he knows he’s going to have to work extra hard to survive his junior year of college. He’s also the new captain of the hockey team, a position he didn’t want. Halle is a fellow junior who finds herself befriended by Henry when he accidentally crashes her book club. When Henry reveals to Halle his academic troubles, she offers to help as long as he helps her with getting new experiences to help beat her writer’s block as she struggles to write a novel.
I think that DAYDREAM may be my favourite of this series so far, although I have no clue if other books are in the works. I was absolutely delighted to finally have gotten Henry’s story.
Henry is a character that I’ve been curious about since the first book and my interest in getting to know him more has only increased as time has gone on. Both Henry and Halle are well written and dynamic characters. I loved the friendship they established that slowly evolved into something more. The romance is well written and sweet with some hot, well-placed spicy scenes.
I loved that both main characters were so supportive, kind, and caring of each other and understanding of the other’s needs. Their friend groups are also amazingly supportive and caring, giving off strong found family vibes as they go above and beyond for each other – so heartwarming!
I think that DAYDREAM may be my favourite of this series so far, although I have no clue if other books are in the works. I was absolutely delighted to finally have gotten Henry’s story.
Henry is a character that I’ve been curious about since the first book and my interest in getting to know him more has only increased as time has gone on. Both Henry and Halle are well written and dynamic characters. I loved the friendship they established that slowly evolved into something more. The romance is well written and sweet with some hot, well-placed spicy scenes.
I loved that both main characters were so supportive, kind, and caring of each other and understanding of the other’s needs. Their friend groups are also amazingly supportive and caring, giving off strong found family vibes as they go above and beyond for each other – so heartwarming!
Holly by Stephen King
4.0
Penny calls the Finders Keepers detective agency with hopes of relocating her missing daughter. Holly is reluctant to accept her case because her partner, Pete, has 🦠; her mother has just died, and Holly is supposed to be on leave. There’s something about Penny’s desperate plea that Holly can’t ignore. Professors Rodney and Emily Harris live mere blocks from where Penny’s daughter disappeared. They’re married octogenarians and the picture of respectability, devoted to each other and academia. But they have a terrible secret in their basement, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance.
While HOLLY is the third in the Holly Gibney series, it can be read as a standalone. Although, I’d recommend starting with the Bill Hodges’ trilogy to get a better grasp on Holly’s character.
I absolutely loved this story, although I was a bit apprehensive about all the 🦠 talk, but given the story is set in 2021, it feels right and gives context to world events during this time period. And rest assured, if you’re like me and are not into 🦠 talk, its concentrated at the beginning but tapers down as the story progresses.
HOLLY is told primarily in Holly’s POV, but there are chapters in select other characters’ perspectives as well. Holly is a unique character; she’s witty, quirky, and a whole lot of fun!
King has a special talent for introducing some of the most horrific scenes with the utmost nonchalance – it’s truly a remarkable talent! I really loved the plot of this novel, with its twisty mystery elements and thrilling scenes, all culminating into a fantastic ending.
It was cool to see Holly team up with Jerome, Barbara, and Pete for this case. I will be circling back to finish the Bill Hodges’ trilogy and the beginning of this series though!
While HOLLY is the third in the Holly Gibney series, it can be read as a standalone. Although, I’d recommend starting with the Bill Hodges’ trilogy to get a better grasp on Holly’s character.
I absolutely loved this story, although I was a bit apprehensive about all the 🦠 talk, but given the story is set in 2021, it feels right and gives context to world events during this time period. And rest assured, if you’re like me and are not into 🦠 talk, its concentrated at the beginning but tapers down as the story progresses.
HOLLY is told primarily in Holly’s POV, but there are chapters in select other characters’ perspectives as well. Holly is a unique character; she’s witty, quirky, and a whole lot of fun!
King has a special talent for introducing some of the most horrific scenes with the utmost nonchalance – it’s truly a remarkable talent! I really loved the plot of this novel, with its twisty mystery elements and thrilling scenes, all culminating into a fantastic ending.
It was cool to see Holly team up with Jerome, Barbara, and Pete for this case. I will be circling back to finish the Bill Hodges’ trilogy and the beginning of this series though!
Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
4.0
Cassie Hobbes is a seventeen-year-old with a gift for profiling people and has landed a spot in an elite FBI program, the Naturals, for teens with an innate crime-solving ability. Cassie barely escaped a confrontation with an unbalanced killer who was obsessed with her mother’s murder and she’s hoping her and the rest of the team can stick to solving cold cases from a distance. Unfortunately, a new serial killer’s victims start turning up, pulling the Naturals into another active case that strikes too close to home – a copycat killer of Dean’s incarcerated father.
KILLER INSTINCT was such an interesting read, diving into yet another case that touches a little too close to home.
I really enjoyed The Naturals character development in this second installment of the series, as well as the growth in relationships the characters share.
The plot was twisty and fast-paced keeping me guessing as the conclusion came to an ending I didn’t anticipate. I really liked the ending and am really curious how it will influence the future books in this series.
KILLER INSTINCT was such an interesting read, diving into yet another case that touches a little too close to home.
I really enjoyed The Naturals character development in this second installment of the series, as well as the growth in relationships the characters share.
The plot was twisty and fast-paced keeping me guessing as the conclusion came to an ending I didn’t anticipate. I really liked the ending and am really curious how it will influence the future books in this series.
Pike Island by Tony Wirt
4.0
Harry was destined for politics and has quickly rose through the ranks to become the youngest representative in Congress. He’s now on the brink of something big, aiming for presidency if all goes well. Then a postcard arrives, except its addressed to Andy Leonard, a name Harry hasn’t used since high school. Krista, Harry’s chief of staff, recognizes his old moniker, and when he tries to dodge her questions about it, wonders what he’s trying to hide. Krista begins to investigate into Harry’s past, uncovering the truth of what happened one fateful teenage summer. As more details come to light, how far will Krista go to keep Harry’s career, and her own, safe?
PIKE ISLAND is a fast-paced and suspenseful read with tensions mounting as the chapters change. It’s told in two timelines and dual POV in the third person: Krista in the present, and Jake in the past.
The first few chapters are heavy on American politics and if that’s not your jam, don’t worry, because this soon tapers down as the real story begins.
I enjoyed both POVs as they each add something to the story, as more and more is uncovered about Harry’s past. The characters are relatable and well-written. The ending finishes on a jaw-dropping scene. I was so shocked that I actually read it twice because I simply couldn’t believe it.
A solid political thriller.
PIKE ISLAND is a fast-paced and suspenseful read with tensions mounting as the chapters change. It’s told in two timelines and dual POV in the third person: Krista in the present, and Jake in the past.
The first few chapters are heavy on American politics and if that’s not your jam, don’t worry, because this soon tapers down as the real story begins.
I enjoyed both POVs as they each add something to the story, as more and more is uncovered about Harry’s past. The characters are relatable and well-written. The ending finishes on a jaw-dropping scene. I was so shocked that I actually read it twice because I simply couldn’t believe it.
A solid political thriller.