Book Review: His Mother's Lies

By Sara Steven

I married her son, but he couldn’t see her evil…

Charlotte’s dream wedding to Ethan was the happiest day of her life. She knew his mother, Anna, loved her only son, but her overbearing nature starts driving Charlotte insane. Ethan always claimed his mother accepted her as part of the family, but her gut instincts couldn’t be wrong.

To help the happy couple save for their first house together, Anna presents an offer they can't refuse with a rent-free room in the family home. This is when Charlotte suspects Anna wants her boy back for good. Convinced she is out to destroy their marriage; Charlotte has a surprise that was about to bring them closer together or rip their relationship apart.

As tensions mount and Anna digs her claws in, Charlotte discovers a hidden family secret, but Anna’s manipulative nature ensures no one would believe her. Charlotte must survive a wave of cruelties and play the most vindictive mother-in-law she’s ever encountered at her own sinister game if her marriage is to survive a mother who can’t let go of the past.

Anna will stop at nothing to get what she wants… (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads)

I spent the majority of my time while reading His Mother’s Lies attempting not to feel contempt and annoyance towards Anna. She reminded me of the mothers from the TLC TV show, I Love a Mama’s Boy. I’m often annoyed with them, too, but I still love the drama, and there is a lot of that within this novel. 

The story is told through three different perspectives: Charlotte’s, Anna’s, and Ethan’s. Charlotte begins to notice how controlling Anna is, particularly when it comes to the relationship she has with her son, while Anna thinks that Charlotte is a major threat and doesn’t think she’s a suitable match for Ethan. Ethan seems pretty clueless. He thinks that there is no contention, having complete trust in his mom and her intentions. He is constantly caught in the middle, having to defend the two women he loves from one other.

Little by little, ulterior motives begin to show. Anna wants the couple to move in with her because she’s convinced her son belongs with her at home, and she will stop at nothing to have him all to herself. Even if that means sabotage. There was one particular scenario where I had a strong feeling Anna was doing something to Charlotte to ultimately harm her, but Anna even had me second guessing! A lot of mind games and trickery are constantly afoot, which made it super suspenseful. 

I was surprised by the family secrets. There wasn’t much leading up to that revelation, so it dropped like a huge bomb! I felt like the ending was pretty fitting to the scenario that leads up to it, and much like Charlotte and Ethan, the feelings I experienced about it felt pretty justified. His Mother’s Lies really was like I Love a Mama’s Boy on adrenaline. A thrilling time!

Thanks to Rachel's Random Resources for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Purchase Links:
Amazon US * Amazon UK

JA Andrews is from Devon in the UK and is the author of gripping twisty psychological thrillers. As well as writing fiction, he enjoys reading a mix of genres, watching reality TV and spending time with family and friends...

Visit JA Andrews at his website and on Twitter.

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Guest Book Review: New Normal

By Melissa Smoot

After the sudden death of her husband, Emilie Russell just wants to feel normal. But being a middle-aged widow doesn't come with a how-to manual. Her well-meaning friend, Viv, believes the cure to all that ails is simple: a new man. So, she sets Emilie up with her handsome and charming new neighbor, widower Colin. There's only one problem with the plan-Colin is gay.

Emilie embarks on a rollicking journey of self-discovery with Colin as her mentor and best friend. From learning to swipe right without cringing while midlife dating in constricting shapeware to cougar moments in Key West, Emilie reenters the dating pool with both humorous and soul-crushing results.

With the encouragement of her friends, including a new furry one, plus a little therapy, Emilie begins forging a new life, one where she exchanges tears for laughter, and one that maybe-just maybe-includes the courage to find love again. (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

When I was given the opportunity to review this book, I wasn’t sure if the story would be relatable, as I am not widowed. Once I started reading, I realized that there is something in the story for everyone. I may not have lost a partner to death, but learning to put yourself out there again and start dating after any long relationship isn’t easy and I found that I had more in common with the main character than previously suspected. 

New Normal is about a young woman who loses her husband unexpectedly and then has to begin again, navigating her grief, dating, rejection, loss, and what her life will look like after the pain and trauma. 

I really enjoyed this book as well as the author’s ability to bring the characters and the setting to life. I liked how supportive and encouraging the main characters friends were and that she had different relationships with each of them. I would recommend this book to anyone going through any major life changes as well as to those just looking to read a heartfelt and inspiring story. 

Thanks to Michelle Paris for the book in exchange for an honest review. We are also reviewing this for Lola's Blog Tours.

Melissa Smoot became an avid reader as a small child, growing up in Chicago. The first book she remembers reading (and loving) was Mandy by Julie Andrews. She has since become a lover of Women’s fiction as well as mystery and suspense and everything in between. Melissa graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in American Indian Law and is also pursuing an M.L.S degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State, with a focus on Tribal Law and Corporate Compliance. In her spare time, she likes to read, do jigsaw puzzles, go for long early morning walks, spend time with family and friends, and try new places around town. She works in finance and currently lives in Scottsdale with her Jack Russell Terrier, Dolly.

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Guest Book Review and Giveaway: The Boyfriend Candidate

By Allyson Bales

Alexis Stone, self proclaimed introverted Virgo, dubbed mousey and boring in bed by her ex-boyfriend Chris, decides she's going to prove him wrong and heads to the Fleur de Lis bar for a one night stand.  There she meets Logan, a “classic, British, Texan.”  Alexis uses one of the funniest pick up lines I have ever read, sparks fly, and they end up canoodling at a hotel right down the street.  A freak lightning storm happens and Logan rushes to carry Alexis outside where they are met with photographers and Logan disappears.  Alexis can’t understand what has happened until pictures of her and Logan hit the news and she finds out Logan is a candidate for the governor of Texas!

I think it's important to begin by stating that Ashley Winstead is my hero.  She is one of my favorite authors and my TOP auto-buy authors.  Her writing style is so descriptive, her characters are three dimensional and come to life off the page that make her books bingeable and some of my favorites of all time and The Boyfriend Candidate was no exception.  If you haven't read Fool Me Once, stop reading this review and go read it NOW and then come back!  You get to meet Alexis and her sister Lee and while it's not completely necessary to read before reading The Boyfriend Candidate, I highly recommend you do because there is a backstory that you won’t want to miss.  Lee and Alexis’ sister relationship evolves in a very relatable way and I really enjoyed watching their communication, support, and dynamic unfold.

The character development in The Boyfriend Candidate is some of my favorite.  Logan may be my new favorite character.  I am not sure if you have watched Ted Lasso or seen the movie Definitely, Maybe from 2008, but Logan reminds me of a mix between Lasso’s character Roy and Ryan Reynolds' character in Definitely, Maybe.  He is passionate, curses like a sailor, has a tough exterior but is a softy on the inside and I loved him for Alexis.  Alexis, a  cardigan wearing, romance book club host, middle grade school librarian  is timid and quirky, and also incredibly relatable with her lack of self confidence.  Her evolution had me rooting for her the entire book!  

I absolutely devoured The Boyfriend Candidate and I think you will too.  There is fake dating, miscommunication, and a supportive cast of characters that are so endearing.  I could not wait to see what happened between Logan and Alexis!  Also, make sure you read the acknowledgements.  One of the most thoughtful tributes by an author.  I am really looking forward to Winstead’s next read, Midnight is the Darkest Hour, out in October!  Her ability to write romance and mystery is unmatched.  

Thanks to Harlequin for the book in exchange for an honest review. They also have one copy for a lucky reader!

Allyson Bales lives in New Jersey.  She is an art therapist working with at-risk youth and loves making a difference.  Books have been her saving grace and really helped her manage being a front line worker during the Pandemic.  When she’s not helping others, she loves to travel and camp with her wife.  One of her favorite places to read is by a campfire with some good tunes in the background.  You can find her on Bookstagram at @readswithally.

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Giveaway ends May 16th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: Hazel Fine Sings Along

 

By Melissa Amster

As Hazel Fine steps out of her crummy hotel room into the bright LA sunshine, she knows she’s got one, and only one, chance. Her audition for the massive talent show, The Sing Along, could change her life forever. She has the skills, what she needs now is a bit of luck.

Soon Hazel finds herself alongside fifteen other contestants who all have the same dream: superstardom. There’s the beautiful Hollywood golden child, Bella. The bright, bubbly country singer, Zoey. The extraordinarily handsome surfer/influencer, Benji. And Hazel, who has more to hide than her past. She’s got the chops, but can she handle the pressure without self-combusting?

Add in an undeniable attraction to the show’s talented yet brooding musical director, Nick, and the lecherous tactics of one of the judges, Hazel soon finds herself in over her head. But with her guitar strapped to her shoulder, she’s going to sing her heart out—and maybe open herself up to love at the same time. Who says you can’t have it all . . . (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

I had my eye on Hazel Fine Sings Along ever since Catherine McKenzie announced she would be writing this one as Katie Wicks. Catherine writes thrillers, but she did start out with a couple rom-coms and it was nice to see that side of her again. Her debut as Katie Wicks hits it out of the park! It is such a fun and interesting story. I even got teary-eyed a couple of times. I really liked getting to know Hazel and seeing what it was like behind the scenes of a reality music competition. (I watched American Idol for a few years in the late 2000s.)

If you're looking for drama, you've come to the right place. There is a lot of stress in Hazel's life and it starts to affect her relationships with the others in the competition. She has a secret that could hurt her career if it surfaces, so she is doing a lot to guard that, along with fending off advances from the show's host and hiding contraband (in this case, a quirky pet) in her hotel room. 

I just really liked this story overall. It kept me going from beginning to end, wanting to know what secret Hazel was keeping and wondering who would win the competition. The supporting characters were great (except the ones we weren't supposed to like) and the plot moved along smoothly. I also felt like I was right there because of the great use of detail. However, I felt like it was overkill to always describe everything each of the supporting characters was wearing. That part could have been simplified a bit. 

The only concern I had was that I felt some characters didn't receive consequences that were due to them. And when one of them did, it felt minor in comparison to what they deserved. 

Hazel Fine Sings Along is available now, so pick up a copy right away! I hope Katie will write more novels like this one, perhaps featuring some of the other characters (i.e. Bella, Zoey, etc.). 

(Trigger warning at the bottom of this post.)

Movie casting suggestions:

Hazel: Kaitlyn Dever
Benji: Darren Barnet
Nick: Theo James
Bella: Sofia Carson
Zoey: Amandla Stenberg (It can be a Dear Evan Hansen movie reunion with Kaitlyn too!)
Georgia: Gwyneth Paltrow
Kate: Julianne Hough
Martin: Jack Davenport

Keshawn: Tituss Burgess

Thanks to Wattpad for the book in exchange for an honest review.

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TW: Sexual harassment

Spotlight and Giveaway: Funny Guy

We're pleased to feature Emma Barry's latest novel, Funny Guy, which is releasing next week. Thanks to Kaye Publicity, we have one copy, along with a copy of Chick Magnet (which we featured in January) to give away!

Sam can’t escape the smash hit “Lost Boy” because, well, he is the lost boy. His pop-singer ex immortalized him in a song about his childish ways, and now his comedy career is on the line.

At least he still has Bree, his best friend and confidante. Bree has always been there for Sam, but she’s never revealed her biggest secret: she’s in love with him. To help herself move on, Bree applies for her dream job across the country—and doesn’t say a thing to Sam.

But as Sam tries to resuscitate his career, he turns to Bree for support—and maybe more. In the confines of her tiny apartment, they share a different dynamic. A charged dynamic. But she’s his friend. He can’t be falling for her.

Except he is.

Are his feelings for Bree just funny business? Or is their smoldering attraction the real deal? (Synopsis courtesy of Amazon.)

“This ingenious friends-to-lovers romance …[is] a fresh take on a favorite trope that perfectly marries humor and heartache.” 
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

Emma Barry is a teacher, novelist, recovering academic, and former political staffer. She lives with her high school sweetheart and a menagerie of pets and children in Virginia, and she occasionally finds time to read and write. 

Visit Emma online:
Website * Twitter * Instagram

How to win: Use Rafflecopter to enter the giveaway. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. If you have trouble using Rafflecopter on our blog, enter the giveaway here. 

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Giveaway ends May 14th at midnight EST.

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Book Review: Hate Rinse Repeat

By Sara Steven

Maisy Moore is not looking forward to the holiday season. As owner of the only hair salon in Gamble, Alaska, she’ll be run off her feet helping her clients get dolled up for Christmas and New Years Eve parties. Parties she’ll never be invited to.

But that’s not the worst of it. As a single mom, she knows she still won’t be able to give her seven-year-old son, Jack, the kind of magical Christmas his classmates get. Telling him how much she loves him will only get a kid that age so far. If only she could give him what he really wants—to know who his dad is.

The last thing Maisy needs is for NHL star Chase Evans to come waltzing back into town like he’s God’s gift to women. But that’s exactly what Chase does.

After taking a crosscheck from behind, Chase’s season is over. Instead of scoring goals, he’s recovering from shoulder surgery, and according to his mother, there’s no better place to recover than home. Because let’s face it, basking in the glow of local adoration won’t be too bad. There are no fans quite like hometown fans.

The last thing Chase expects is to find Maisy Moore still single. He decides to see if maybe they could rekindle their brief romance that occurred the night of their ten-year high school reunion. But when he tries to talk to her, he discovers Maisy’s feelings of lust have turned to loathing. And he’s determined to find out why.

Will Maisy manage to keep the identity of her son a secret? Will there be a holiday miracle that will reunite two hard-headed lovers? Will the BOGO special on shampoo and conditioner be a hit? (Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads.)

Chase has always been the one Maisy hates to love, and loves to hate. Their relationship spans decades, starting with what Maisy has always viewed as childhood torment and humiliation–yet, despite that, she developed a crush on him, culminating into one fateful night at their ten year high school reunion. Miscommunication, skewed views and several years later, the fact that his career in the NHL has kept him away from their small town of Gamble has always been seen as a big benefit to Maisy, never a hindrance. The further away, the better.

For Chase, it’s the opposite. His goal in life from day one has always been to support Maisy and make life easier for her, particularly during their youth, when she would get picked on by fellow students. The night of their reunion is a memory he brings up from time to time and thinks of fondly, with an air of “what if,” and “what would have happened had he never joined the NHL,” and it isn’t until that reality is challenged will he focus even more on the one who got away. 

Those opposing views made Hate, Rinse, Repeat an interesting experience! In the beginning, there is no love lost for Maisy, while for Chase, there is a chance for new beginnings. Somewhere along the way, after a major inciting incident that leaves Chase reeling, views flip, with Maisy wondering if she’ll ever receive his forgiveness, and Chase intent on blocking her from his heart. 

While I’ve never been in a situation exactly like this one, I know what it’s like to try to delicately balance what feels almost like a professional relationship with someone, particularly when someone else’s well-being is involved. Past feelings and hurts can often get in the way, and when wounds are fresh, it’s even harder to see clearly. There were times when Chase really irritated me, because I felt he would take things too far and purposely inflict pain, yet it was a very human reaction to being blindsided by someone you love. Maisy would often cower and there were moments I wished she would stand up for herself more, but when you hurt someone, sometimes you’re not really sure what the best steps are going forward. Plus, there is a lot of baggage from the past that feeds into everything.

I really loved the dialogue between characters. Maisy and Chase were so great with their snarky, sassy lines, along with other characters who provided a great supporting cast for two individuals who just can’t seem to get their sh&% together, but they want to, more than anything. It was at times funny, and charming, with an undercurrent of raw emotion due to the subject matter–when it comes to love, it can be messy and beautiful, depending on the moment. I rooted for a positive outcome, however that might look in the end, making this a definite five-star experience for me.

Thanks to Whitney Dineen for the book in exchange for an honest review.

Other books in this series:

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What's in the (e)mail

Melissa:
Business or Pleasure by Rachel Lynn Solomon from Berkley (NetGalley)

Maribelle’s Shadow by Susannah Marren from Beaufort Books (NetGalley)

The Measure of Silence by Elizabeth Langston from Lake Union (NetGalley)

The Breakaway by Jennifer Weiner from Atria (NetGalley)

Ciao for Now by Kate Bromley from Graydon House (NetGalley)

Someone Else's Bucket List by Amy T. Matthews from Kensington (NetGalley)

The First Date Prophecy by Kate and Danny Tamberelli from Kensington (NetGalley)

Through the Snow Globe by Annie Rains from Kensington (NetGalley)

A Beautiful Rival by Gill Paul from William Morrow (NetGalley)

The Happiness Plan by Susan Mallery from Harlequin (NetGalley)

The First Ladies by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray from Berkley (NetGalley)

Confessions of a Canine Drama Queen by Stefanie London from Harlequin (NetGalley)

The Moon Represents My Heart by Pim Wangtechawat from Blackstone (NetGalley)

Dreaming of Water by A.J. Banner from Lake Union (NetGalley)

Thank You for Sharing by Rachel Runya Katz from St. Martin's Press (NetGalley)

California Golden by Melanie Benjamin from Ballantine (NetGalley)

The Greatest Love Story Ever Told by Suzy K Quinn from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

You, with a View by Jessica Joyce from Berkley (NetGalley)

The Fiction Writer by Jillian Cantor from Park Row (NetGalley)

Sara:

Where the Grass Grows Blue by Hope Gibbs from Author Marketing Experts (ebook)

Mom Com by/from Hilary Grossman (ebook)

The Fall by Shari Low and Ross King from Rachel's Random Resources (NetGalley)

Love Notes by/from Aimee Brown (ebook)

I’m Not Done With You Yet by Jesse Q. Sutanto from Berkley (NetGalley)

Sara and Melissa:

Pity Date by/from Whitney Dineen (ebook)

Jami: 

All You Have to Do Is Call by Kerri Maher from Berkley (NetGalley)

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