montanamomreads's reviews
700 reviews

The Book Swap by Tessa Bickers

emotional hopeful sad 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 @netgalley @htpbooks @htphive and the author for the gifted e-book. 

I went into this book thinking it was going to be a lighthearted romance. Instead, I found a much deeper and more profound novel.

Narrated from the perspectives of Erin and James, the story delves into the tragedies they have faced, overshadowing the romantic elements. Both characters are grappling with family issues and struggling with their own self-worth. They are stuck in unfulfilling careers and are burdened by their family's demands. But what really drew me in was the moment Erin began exchanging classic books with a stranger. Their correspondence led to the sharing of innermost thoughts, pushing both of them to pursue new directions in their lives. I was captivated by how annotated books connected these characters and unveiled their shared history.

This novel is a beautiful exploration of self-discovery, the acceptance of our flaws, and the enduring love for family, friends, and those we may have lost along the way. Be mindful that it does touch on themes like mental illness, bullying, and death, which made the characters both unlikeable and endearing at different points in the story.

If you're in search of a meaningful and introspective read, look no further. This compelling book is set to be published on September 3rd.

The Ring Academy: The Trials of Imogene Sol by C.L. Walters

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

I want to express my gratitude to @KateRockBookTours and the author @CL.walters for the wonderful audiobook and book. This story is a thrilling blend of mystery, fantasy, and sci-fi with a fast-paced narrative that captivated me from start to finish.

I truly admired Imogene’s determination and drive, and the interactions between the characters made the story truly captivating. The author skillfully played with my emotions, making me rethink my feelings towards the characters. The world-building in the story is incredibly imaginative, with vivid depictions of various species, planets, and systems that truly immersed me in the plot. The book also includes stunning drawings and detailed descriptions of the different species.

The narrator of the audiobook did an exceptional job of bringing the characters and the drama to life. Her pacing was perfect, and her voice drew me in, providing an immersive experience for the reader.

If you enjoy books set in an alternate world with elements of mystery and competition, this is a must-read.

Red River Road by Anna Downes

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

Thank you to Macmillan Audio @macmillanaudio #MacAudio2024 and the author for the gifted audiobook.  

Get ready for a gripping tale set in Australia. The story follows Katy as she searches for her missing sister, Phoebe, across the country. Along the way, she meets Beth, who is on the run from her past.

Narrated from the perspectives of Katy, Beth, and Wyatt, who’s mother vanished, the intertwining stories reveal how each character's fate is interconnected. The outcome was not what I expected and left me wanting more of Phoebe’s story. 

The author skillfully keeps readers on the edge of their seats, instilling a sense a mistrust of everyone Katy comes into contact with. The narrator's captivating voice adds depth to the characters and intensifies the suspense throughout the story.

I found the author's note added a fascinating layer as to the inspiration behind the book and the research conducted on missing female solo travelers.

If you're a fan of thrillers that keep you hooked and wanting more, mark your calendar for the release of the book and audiobook on August 27.

The Finders Keepers Library by Annie Rains

hopeful lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you to @hachetteaudio and  @annierainsbooks for the gifted audiobook. 

This was a captivating audiobook. The romance between Savannah and Evan was sweet. Savannah moved back to Bloom for the summer to take care of her aunt and regroup.  She has lost her boyfriend, job and home.  In the midst of this, she has received a medical diagnosis that will change her world.  As she helps repair her aunts garden and the little library, she finds love and herself. 

Each chapter started with a quote from a notable book. The story was told from the POV of multiple characters. The narrators did an amazing job of bringing the characters to life. 

I highly recommend this book publishing on August 27. 

Golden Secrets by Willa Layne

adventurous emotional mysterious tense fast-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

5.0

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-book.

I can't believe how captivating it was! This book is the sequel to Silver Lies and continues the story of Ash and Diesel. Ash, still reeling from betrayal, is thrust into circumstances that force her to question everyone around her, including herself. She may also have the opportunity to uncover why the blondes were originally hunted and find a way to stop it. When Ash is taken to the King by Diesel, a whole new group of characters is introduced, making it difficult to discern if they are good or bad. 

Just when you think you have the plot figured out, a twist is thrown in, making the story even better. I was completely absorbed in the book and the last chapters left me with so many questions and an amazing cliffhanger. We even got a little teaser for book 3. The author's storytelling is remarkable, and the character development is spot-on. The book provided just the right amount of world-building and history of Novum and the blondes, and the unfolding of the characters' backstories was perfectly paced. 

I highly recommend this book and the entire series. This book will be published on August 27th.

Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert

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

Thank you to @prhaudio for the free audiobook.

I tandem read the book with the audiobook and the combination truly brought the story to life for me.

This is the first book in the Crimson Sails series and it was a fantastic journey. This story includes witches, pirates, magic, vampires, and portals, creating an immersive and captivating world. The characters of Evelyn and Bowen were engaging and the dual POV adds a richness to their stories.  Their banter was well-executed, and Evelyn's influence on Bowen brought depth to his character. The seamless blend of world-building, romance, and adventure made for an action-packed read.  The narrators did an outstanding job capturing the essence of the characters and the setting.

If you haven't delved into this world yet, it's time to set sail with Crimson Sails!

Cave of Secrets by Lynne Golodner

informative mysterious 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

Thank you to the author for the gifted e-book.

This captivating novel blends history and fiction, intertwining romance with the mystery of letters discovered in a Scottish cave. Delving into the profound themes of anti-semitism and homophobia within a prominent family, the story unfolds through the perspectives of Eve, Mac, Eve’s father, and Mac’s mother. The narrative offers a touch of magical realism as Eve encounters the deceased writer of the letters, adding depth to the story. Set in Scotland and Michigan, the author vividly portrays the enchanting settings. 

If you enjoy historical fiction with a hint of romance, this book is for you.  It will be published on August 27th.

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong

adventurous mysterious fast-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

5.0

Big thanks to @sagapress #sagasaycrew and @thechloegong for the amazing book gift!

I was completely captivated by this book, a modern retelling of Antony and Cleopatra. The relentless action and suspense had me hooked from start to finish. I opted to read the book while simultaneously listening to the audiobook, and the combination truly brought the characters to life. The magic system, allowing characters to inhabit different bodies, was incredibly fascinating. The vivid depiction of life in the twin cities of San-Er, the scarcity of food, and the political tensions added an extra layer of depth to the story. Calla's unwavering determination to overthrow the king and her complex dynamics with August and Anton kept me guessing right until the end. The conclusion left me yearning to discover what lies ahead for Calla. 

I absolutely recommend this book to anyone seeking a thrilling and fast-paced read. And to top it off, the sequel, Vilest Things, is set for release on September 10th.

All the Missing Girls by Linda Hurtado Bond

dark mysterious tense fast-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 @entangled_publishing and @authorlindahurtadobond for the gifted e-book.

This was a thrilling and suspenseful ride.  

Mari Alvarez, a television reporter in Florida, sneaks into Cuba to rescue her sister and bring her mother’s murderer to justice in the states.  With her videographer, Orlando, and her Cuban-Anerican police detective friend, Tony, they embark on a journey to find her sister before they have to meet the boat to take them home.  They have 48 hours to find her.  What they find is that her sister is not the only girl gone missing.  As they investigate, they find the truth, and it is darker and more disturbing than they could have imagined.

Despite not knowing there was a prequel, All the Broken Girls, I found this book thoroughly engaging as a standalone read. The suspense heightened as the clocked wound down, with the intriguing depiction of Cuba and the deep exploration of its cultural practices. Mari emerged as a resilient, resourceful heroine, and her steadfast bond with Orlando and Tony is heartfelt. The tantalizing conclusion set the stage for the sequel, "The Phantom Pirate of Gasparilla," promising another exhilarating race against time.

If you enjoy suspenseful thrillers, this book is a must-read! This book will be released on August 19.

A Great Marriage by Frances Mayes

emotional inspiring reflective slow-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 @randomhouse and the author for the gifted copy of the book and to @prhaudio for the gifted audiobook. 

I tandem read and listened to this book and loved it.  The multiple and diverse narrators brought these characters to life and made the reading experience incredible.  

Dara Wilcox and Austin Clarke are about to tie the knot after a whirlwind romance. However, when Austin receives a life-changing call, Dara is left shattered and cancels the wedding.  She keeps the news to herself as she struggles with feelings of failure. Seeking solace in California, she finds support from friends while Austin faces his own challenges in London. A visit from Dara's mom in London alters their fate, prompting them to confront their future together.

This story was a pleasant surprise. It beautifully delves into love, family, and the choices that affect our relationships. The writing is strikingly beautiful and evocative, with a poignant and thought-provoking narrative. The supporting cast brings unique and unwavering support to Dara and Austin, and the ending brings everything together with a sweet touch.

If you're in the mood for contemporary fiction with a heartwarming conclusion, I highly recommend this book.