Category: COYER

Review: When I Kill You by B.A. Paris

Title: When I Kill You
Author: B.A. Paris
Format: audiobook
Length: 7 hours 52 minutes
Rating: 4 stars
Publication Date: February 17, 2026

I listened to this last year so it counted for last years challenges.

When I Kill You is another gripping, emotionally charged thriller from B.A. Paris, and I was hooked from the very first page. The tension builds beautifully throughout the story, with Paris’s signature blend of atmospheric suspense and deeply personal stakes. I found myself completely immersed, not just in the plot but in the way the story unfolded with such precision and psychological depth. I did guess the plot twist before it happened, but it did not ruin the book for me.

If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on edge while delivering strong character insight, When I Kill You is absolutely worth the read. 

I received a complimentary ALC through NetGalley.

Review: Inside Man (Head Cases #2) by John McMahon

Title: Inside Man
Author: John McMahon
Format: audiobook
Narrator: Will Damon
Length: 9 hours 35 minutes
Publication Date: January 13, 2026

Inside Man by John McMahon is a gripping, smartly constructed thriller that kept me fully invested from start to finish. McMahon writes his cast with depth and emotional realism, making it easy to become immersed in their world and genuinely care about what happens as the story unfolds. 

The dual investigations are especially compelling. As the two cases gradually intertwine, the tension builds in a way that constantly pulled me forward. Just when I thought I understood where things were heading, new connections emerged, keeping the story fresh and unpredictable without ever feeling forced or confusing. The pacing strikes a great balance between thoughtful development and propulsive suspense. 

The audiobook elevates the experience even further. Narrator Will Damron does an outstanding job, bringing nuance and authenticity to each character’s voice. His performance enhances the emotional beats and sharpens the tension, making it hard to stop listening. 

I received a complimentary audio copy. Thank you to the lovely people I reached out to at Macmillan for allowing me to have this ALC on my NetGalley Shelf.

2026 COYER – Extended Lunch Break Challenge

This is where I will be keeping track of my COYER Challenge books to share with everyone. You know I also track everything on multiple spreadsheets like a huge nerd!

January 2026

  1. Two Witches and A Whiskey by Annette Marie
  2. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
  3. Inside Man by John McMahon
  4. The Shut-In by James Patterson and Duane Swierczynski
  5. Demon Magic and A Martini by Annette Marie
  6. Nine Pines by Kiersten Modglin

February 2026

  1. Empire of Silence by Christopher Ruocchio
  2. Mastered By Desire by Calista Jayne
  3. The Wrong Sister by Claire Douglas
  4. The Chef by James Patterson and Max DiLallo

Review: Warping Minds and Other Misdemeanors by Annette Marie @annettemarie.author and Rob Jacobsen #readalong2026 #librarylove

Title: Warping Minds and Other Misdemeanors
Author: Annette Marie and Rob Jacobsen
Format: audiobook
Length: 6 hours 34 minutes
Rating: 3.5 stars
Publication Date: August 25, 2020

COYER Library Love

I liked the characters in this book, but something about the story won’t let me rate it above 3.5 stars. I think my mind is wanting to compare it to the other series that Annette Marie wrote, and while they are in the same universe, this one just has a different feel. It was not a bad story, and I will continue on with the read-along.