montanamomreads's reviews
700 reviews

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave

emotional mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to NetGalley, Marysue Rucci Book and the author for the gifted e-book.

I was expecting a thriller and turned out this was a heartbreaking family drama.  

When their father falls to his death from the cliff at his home, Nora and her estranged brother Sam investigate Liam’s suspicious death. Secrets held by close family and friends fuel their search for answers, which also leads them to examine their own lives. The dual timeline revealing Liam's history, along with Nora's investigation, provides an intriguing narrative.

I was captivated by the mystery of Liam's death and its impact on the family. Nora and Sam’s evolving relationship added depth to the story.  Although it is more centered on heartache and grief than being a typical thriller, the fluctuating pacing and smooth writing make it a compelling and brisk read. 

If you enjoy mysteries with depth, I highly recommend this book, which is set to be released on September 17th.

The Cloverton Charade by Sarah E. Ladd

lighthearted mysterious relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I want to express my gratitude to @sarahladdauthor, @tlcbooktours, and Thomas Nelson - Zondervan @tnzfiction for the wonderful book. 

This book was fantastic, with its blend of historical fiction, mystery, and romance set in Regency England. The story was captivating from the very beginning, and I was thoroughly engrossed. I absolutely adored Olivia, a strong and self-assured character with a deep knowledge of antiquities. She stands out among other women, and that's what draws Lucas to her, whom she knew in her childhood. Her bravery is remarkable, and her vulnerability around social elites adds depth to her character. 

The supporting characters are equally delightful and cunning, depending on the situation. The vivid descriptions of the era, including the house party, carriage rides, and London scenery, are simply beautiful. The mystery surrounding the counterfeit pieces added a layer of depth to the story.

If you have a penchant for the Regency era, mystery, and a hint of romance, I wholeheartedly recommend this book.

To Kill a Shadow by Katherine Quinn

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thanks to @entangledpublishing for the gifted e-book.

This book was truly incredible. I enjoyed both listening to the audiobook and reading the book simultaneously. The narrators did an exceptional job, bringing the characters Kiara and Jude to life. 

Kiara Frey is a fierce fighter, loyal friend, and strong woman.  When she is selected to train with the King’s knights, her unexpected attraction to the commander, Jude, adds an intriguing layer to the story. As a small group venture into the darkest part of the lands, Kiara showcases her fighting skills and friendship.  

Each chapter started with some background that tied the story together.  The plot is fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with surprising revelations that will keep you hooked. The ending leaves you eager to jump into the next book to discover what happens to Kiara and Jude. I highly recommend this book! The sequel, "To Shatter the Night," is set for release on December 3, 2024.

Vilest Things by Chloe Gong

adventurous dark mysterious

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Huge thanks to @sagapress #sagasaycrew and @thechloegong for the amazing gifted book.  

This book is the second installment in the Flesh and False Gods series. After being captivated by Immortal Longings, I eagerly anticipated finding out what's next for Calla and Anton. This book not only delivered on that but went above and beyond.

Although the pacing was slower, the author used this time to intricately develop the magical system, delve into the history of the lands, and explore the political structure. I encountered some confusion with the magic system but found it worthwhile to persist. Unexpected character developments involving Calla, Anton, August, and Otta added depth, and the power struggle for political control was enthralling. The introduction of new characters with hidden agendas further enriched the narrative.

The twists in the conclusion left me speechless and craving more. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. 

The Lafitte Affair: A Bruneau Abellard Novel by Norman Woolworth

informative mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Thank you to @getredprbooks, @levelbestbooks and the author, @uwoolnx56 for the gifted book. 

I love historical fiction and this one was an absolute gem. Set in both present-day and 1820s New Orleans, it follows the efforts of a detective and his childhood friend, an antiques dealer, to unravel a puzzling crime involving a 19th-century actress's grave. 

The narrative immerses readers into a riveting tale of grave robbing, romance, pirates, diamonds, and mystery. The character of Bruneau Abellard shines brightly, with his intriguing combination of stuffiness, intelligence, passion for history, love of food, and engaging personality. The supporting cast is equally captivating, each playing a role in solving the mystery.  The letters exchanged between Jane and her sister provide a beautiful backdrop to the love story.  The mix of history and fiction was just perfect. 

If you're a fan of mystery novels, this one should be at the top of your reading list!  This book is available now.

Girl Abroad by Elle Kennedy

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I was captivated by Abby's journey to find her own identity outside of her famous father's shadow. The love triangle with Jack and Nate kept me on the edge of my seat, especially with the unexpected twist thrown in by the author. Abby's flatmates, Lee and Jamie, were such supportive characters, and their bond with Abby warmed my heart.

Abby's research project for school, particularly the story behind the painting, had me intrigued throughout. The ending beautifully tied everything together, leaving me with a satisfying conclusion.

Florida Girls, A Novel by L L Kirchner

mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to the author for the gifted audiobook.  

This was an interesting historical read. The story takes us back to the late WWII era, following a group of young women on a bond tour. They form a strong bond in a male-dominated world and the main character, Thelma, undergoes a transformation into a confident woman who takes on a mob boss, the mafia, and the FBI.

The narrative unfolds from different perspectives, delving into the inner lives, struggles, and motives of the characters. Organized crime, Hollywood glamour, and the societal views of women in that era are intricately woven into the story.

The narrator did an exceptional job in bringing the characters to life and immersing us in the 1940s. 

It was captivating, and the ending sets the stage for the sequel, "The Vegas Girls," which is set to be published on January 1, 2025. 

If you love historical fiction with strong female characters and a gripping plot, this book is a must-read.

The Mostly True Story of Tanner and Louise by Colleen Oakley

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to @berkleypub and @writercolleenoakley for the gifted book and to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook. 

I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway and decided to finally give it a read with the audiobook accompanying my reading. I absolutely adored it. The writing was stellar, and the characters were truly hilarious. Louise, an 84-year-old with a secret, is tough, witty, and sarcastic, while her 21-year-old caretaker, Tanner, is struggling to find her way after a devastating injury.  Their journey together forms an unbreakable bond, and the twists and turns as Louise's secret is revealed kept me on the edge of my seat.

The narrator's portrayal of Louise's humor and sarcasm was simply exceptional and breathed life into the story.

If you're a fan of adventure, friendship, and humor, I highly recommend this book. Plus, keep an eye out for the author's upcoming book, "Jane and Dan, at the End of the World," set to be released in March 2025.

A Curse of Breath and Blood by K.W. Foster

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A big thank you to @authorkwfoster for the gifted e-book.

From the very first chapter, I was captivated by the rich and imaginative fantady world created by the author. The character of Aelia, who overcomes betrayal and torture inflicted by her husband Gideon, is truly compelling. With the support of her childhood love, Caiden, and the infamous bastard son of the Alder King, Tharan, she transforms into a strong and determined figure ready for battle. The story and the magic system were simply mesmerizing. The author's ability to craft such an immersive and engaging narrative is truly commendable. 

While the ending felt like a happily ever after, the tantalizing glimpse provided in the epilogue hints at the sequel, which I eagerly anticipate. 

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any fantasy enthusiast. Keep an eye out for its publication on September 17th. 

Repeat After Me by Jessica Warman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the gifted e-book.

 I had to DNF this book at 40%. I was excited to read it, but I couldn't continue with this one.

The story is told from the point of view of multiple characters, which makes it hard to follow. This also added to the choppiness of the story. The plot was confusing, and figuring out who was in the time loop was difficult. The book contained crass and explicit content. I'm unsure how this qualifies as a young adult (YA) book.

While some readers gave this book 4 or 5 stars, it seems it wasn't in my preferred genre.