Title: Kill For Me, Kill For You Author: Steve Cavanagh Format: Hardcover Length: 340 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date Of My Edition: March 19, 2024
I gave Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh four stars because it completely pulled me in with its dark, twisty premise and kept me guessing the whole time I was reading. The concept is chilling and clever, and the pacing made it hard to put down once things really got going. I especially liked how the multiple POVs were essential to the story. Seeing events unfold from different perspectives added layers to the plot and kept building suspense, making me want to keep reading to piece everything together. The characters were compelling, even if not always likable, which added to the overall intensity. Just when I thought I had things figured out, another twist would shift everything.
Title: Taming Demons for Beginners Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 52 minutes Narrator: Cris Dukehart Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: December 31, 2019
Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie is such a fun and refreshing start to the The Guild Codex: Demonized series. The story follows Robin, a quiet and rule-loving bookkeeper who works for a guild of mages but wants absolutely nothing to do with magic herself. Of course, that plan quickly falls apart when she accidentally summons and becomes magically bound to a powerful demon named Zylas.
What makes this book so enjoyable is the contrast between Robin and Zylas. Robin is cautious, anxious, and determined to follow every rule, while Zylas is reckless, dangerous, and constantly pushing her out of her comfort zone. Their reluctant partnership creates a lot of humor, tension, and surprisingly heartfelt moments as they slowly learn to trust each other.
I also really enjoyed how this story intertwines with The Guild Codex: Spellbound. Both series take place in the same world and run alongside each other, which makes it fun to see overlapping events and characters from different perspectives. It adds an extra layer to the story for readers who are following both series, which I am doing.
The worldbuilding is easy to jump into, with a unique take on guilds, contracts, and demons that keeps the story moving without feeling overwhelming. The pacing is quick, the action scenes are exciting, and the banter between the characters makes it hard to put the book down.
Overall, Taming Demons for Beginners is a highly entertaining urban fantasy with lovable characters, witty dialogue, and the start of a really intriguing series. If you enjoy magic, slow-building relationships, and a bit of chaos mixed with humor, this is definitely a book worth picking up.
Title: Her Last Breath Author: Taylor Adams Format: audiobook Length: 10 hours 8 minutes Narrator: Sophie Amoss Genre: Thriller Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: February 17, 2026
Her Last Breath by Taylor Adams is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that refuses to let you look away. Adams has a remarkable ability to drop readers straight into danger and then steadily tighten the screws with each chapter. The pacing is razor-sharp—every scene feels purposeful, every detail loaded with tension—and the story escalates in a way that makes it nearly impossible to stop reading.
What truly elevates the novel is its emotional core. Beneath the suspense and shock lies a deeply human story about fear, resilience, and the instinct to survive. The protagonist is written with depth and vulnerability, making the stakes feel intensely personal. You’re not just watching events unfold—you’re experiencing them alongside the characters, sharing in their dread, hope, and determination.
The author also does a great job at the atmosphere. The setting feels immersive and vividly cinematic, heightening the sense of claustrophobia and urgency. Quiet moments are just as powerful as the explosive ones, creating a rhythm that keeps readers on edge. And when the twists arrive, they’re both surprising and satisfying, grounded in the logic of the story.
The audiobook narration adds another layer of intensity, with a performance by Sophie Amoss that captures the urgency and emotional nuance of the story beautifully, making the suspense even more immersive.
In the end, Her Last Breath delivers exactly what great thrillers promise: relentless tension, emotional investment, and a finale that lingers long after the final page. It’s a standout read for fans of smart, character-driven suspense.
I received a complimentary audiobook through William Morrow’s Scene of The Crime program. I was sent a widget through NetGalley.
Title: Demon Magic and a Martini Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 15 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Demon Magic and a Martini was an absolute blast from start to finish. Annette Marie nails the perfect balance of humor, action, and urban fantasy vibes, making this a story that’s incredibly easy to fall into and hard to put down. The pacing is spot on—there’s always something happening, but it never feels rushed or overwhelming. Each scene flows naturally into the next, keeping the tension high and the momentum strong.
One of the biggest highlights is the cast of main characters. Every single one of them shines, with distinct personalities, great banter, and believable chemistry. The protagonist is especially fun to follow, and the supporting characters add so much charm and depth that the story feels alive and dynamic. Their interactions are just as entertaining as the plot itself. Highly recommended for fans of urban fantasy with heart and humor.
Title: You’ve Been Warned Author: James Patterson and Howard Roughan Format: Hardcover Length: 306 pages Rating: 5 stars Publication Date: September 10, 2007
The story follows Kristin Burns, a New York photographer whose life begins to unravel when her dreams start bleeding into reality. At first, it’s small things, moments of déjà vu and unsettling coincidences. But soon the line between waking and dreaming collapses entirely. People she’s never met recognize her. Events she only remembers from dreams seem to have actually happened. And then there are the warnings, cryptic messages that suggest she is both in danger and somehow responsible for what’s happening.
What makes this novel so gripping is its relentless uncertainty. The authors expertly manipulate perception, keeping both Kristin and the reader disoriented. Just when you think you’ve grasped the truth, the narrative shifts. The short chapters (a Patterson trademark that I love) intensify the pace, creating a breathless, almost cinematic rhythm. It’s nearly impossible to stop reading because every chapter ends with a hook that makes you keep turning the pages.
Kristin herself is a compelling protagonist. She’s not a hardened detective or a fearless action hero. She’s an ordinary person whose mind may be betraying her. Her vulnerability makes the suspense more intimate and disturbing. As her world destabilizes, so does ours. The paranoia is contagious.
Exploring themes of guilt, memory, and identity, You’ve Been Warned delivers plenty of twists and a bold, haunting conclusion. Dark, gripping, and deeply unsettling, it’s a thriller that lingers after the final page.
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.
Title: Two Witches and a Whiskey Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 8 hours 9 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: February 28, 2019
Two Witches and a Whiskey by Annette Marie was an absolute delight to listen to, and the audiobook experience made an already engaging story even more immersive. From the very beginning the story pulls you in and never lets go. The pacing translates beautifully to audio, with sharp dialogue, well-timed humor, and escalating tension that makes it hard to press pause. Every chapter flows smoothly, keeping the momentum high and the stakes clear.
One of the biggest strengths of the audiobook is how vividly the characters and their relationships come through. Hearing the interactions really brings the banter, emotions, and shifting dynamics to life. The friendships, rivalries, and found-family moments feel incredibly natural, and listening to those relationships develop adds an extra layer of connection. The characters chemistry is a joy to experience through audio.
Overall, the Two Witches and a Whiskey is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining experience. The combination of a gripping story, strong character relationships, and lively dialogue makes it easy to get completely absorbed. It’s the kind of audiobook that makes commutes fly by and keeps you looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Highly recommended for anyone who loves urban fantasy and character-driven storytelling.
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.
Title: Dark Arts and A Daiquiri Author: Annette Marie Format: audiobook Length: 7 hours 39 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: November 16, 2018
This audiobook is a fast and funny urban-fantasy adventure. Tori’s snarky voice and fearless attitude make her a fantastic protagonist, and the chemistry with her mage roommates is as charming as ever. Annette Marie delivers sharp humor, great action, and surprisingly heartfelt moments, all wrapped in vivid world-building that’s impossible to resist. I cannot wait to listen to the next book in this series!
Fifteen years ago, the Tanner family vanished without a trace, leaving behind a chilling scene: half-eaten meals, a bloodstain by the door, and a smoldering fire consuming their business across town.
The once-vibrant home stands untouched, a haunting relic of the past. As rumors fade into local folklore, the mystery of their disappearance seems destined to remain unsolved–until Aubrey Tanner returns.
Now a hardened thirty-year-old, Aubrey arrives in town with secrets etched in her silence. Why did she come back? Was she a victim of the night that changed everything, or does she hold the truth of what happened to her family? The town is rife with theories, but three women share a dangerous bond: they know more than they’ve ever confessed.
As the past resurfaces, old alliances fray. A teacher, a café owner, and a psychologist are drawn together by memories they’d rather forget. Each holds a piece of the puzzle–and a dark secret of their own. When a new disappearance sends shock waves through the town, blackmail begins, and the stakes climb higher.
In a race against time, these women must confront the truth or risk becoming the next victims of a past they cannot escape. With tension rising and danger lurking, one thing is clear: someone is destined to kill again.
I received a complimentary ARC through Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse.
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.
Title: This Is A Safe Space Author: Lucinda Berry Format: audiobook Length: 3 hours 40 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: October 21, 2025
Audiobook Challenge, COYER, Library Love Challenge
This audiobook is a fast, razor-sharp psychological thriller that grabs you from the first page and never lets up. The full-cast narration takes it to another level, with realistic text message dings and voicemail audios. It’s immersive, emotional, and so vivid that it feels like you’re right inside the story. Smart, twisty, and impossible to stop listening to, it’s a standout thriller from start to finish.
I borrowed this audiobook from my library. Thanks Libby!
Title: Friends and Liars Author: Kit Frick Format: eBook Length: 272 pages Rating: 3 stars Publication Date: December 2, 2025
COYER, Netgalley/Edelweiss
Friends and Liars delivers an intriguing premise—old friends reuniting under uneasy circumstances and long-buried secrets bubbling to the surface. While the suspense has its strong moments and the shifting timelines add some interest, the story doesn’t always maintain its momentum. Some character motivations feel a bit underdeveloped, and the twists, though satisfying enough, aren’t particularly surprising. Still, the writing is solid, the atmosphere is engaging, and the book offers an enjoyable, if not standout, thriller experience.
I received a complimentary e-copy. Thank you to Atria Books for allowing me to read this ARC through Edelweiss.
The 11:59 Bomber is an absolute knockout—Marshall Karp delivers a fast-paced, clever, and wildly entertaining thriller that’s impossible to put down. The plot is sharply constructed, balancing high-stakes suspense with the humor and heart that make this series such a standout.
What truly elevates the book is the main cast. Karp’s characters have always been one of the strongest parts of the series, and they shine here more than ever. They’re vibrant, funny, deeply human, and endlessly engaging—exactly the kind of characters you can’t wait to follow into the next installment. Their chemistry and banter add warmth to even the most intense moments, making the story feel alive on every page.
If you’re already a fan of the NYPD Red series, The 11:59 Bomber is everything you’re hoping for and more. And if you’re new to Marshall Karp, this book is a fantastic place to see why his characters and storytelling have earned such a dedicated following. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary e-copy. Thank you to Simon & Schuster for allowing me to read this ARC through Edelweiss.
Cozy up this season with the newest Pinegrove FD Romance book!
Thanksgiving Overruled A Pinegrove FD Novel Book 3 by Libby Kay Genre: Contemporary Small-Town Firefighter Sapphic Romance
Everyone wants to hear those three little words during the holidays… Where’s the casserole?!
Winnie Kerr wants to utter another three-word phrase to her girlfriend, but Thanksgiving has other plans. After spending far too much time on work, this legal eagle decides an impromptu road trip to visit her sister is the perfect time to tell her girlfriend she loves her. What could go wrong during a few days away from work, right?
Mari Balogh has a problem, she’s madly in love with her girlfriend and cannot get those three little words off her tongue. After being burned before from her unsupportive family and a string of bad breakups, this paralegal is guarded. She happily agrees on a road trip to Pinegrove, eager for the space to profess her affections. How hard can it be, right?
From a little trespassing and a kitchen nightmare to a surly cat and a series of misunderstandings, the road to I love you is rife with hiccups. Can these two find their way to happily ever after? Or will their relationship go up in a puff of sweet potato casserole scented smoke?
But Pinegrove has proven that love is never overruled!
Return to small-town Pinegrove, Georgia, the romantic setting of Libby Kay’s endearing novels, When Sparks Fly and Old Flames, as well as the 2026 novel about another of the hunky firemen in town. Don’t miss any of the action or romance!
This is not my typical genre, but I thought this was a cute holiday novella. I could see this being made into a Hallmark TV holiday movie. All of the characters are likeable, and my favorite was a side character named Trevor.
Libby Kay lives in the city in the heart of the Midwest with her husband. When she’s not writing, Libby loves reading romance novels of any kind. Stories of people falling in love nourish her soul. Contemporary or Regency, sweet or hot, as long as there is a happily ever after—she’s in love!
When not surrounded by books, Libby can be found baking in her kitchen, binging true crime shows, or on the road with her husband, traveling as far as their bank account will allow.
Libby cohosts the Romance Roundup podcast with Liz Donatelli where they recommend romance books and interview authors, influencers, and publishers. Check it out for your weekly dose of romance!
Title: The Kill Clause Author: Lisa Unger Format: eBook Length: 68 pages Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: December 1, 2025
COYER, HRCYED 2.0
I really enjoyed this quick, twisty read! Lisa Unger manages to pack so much tension and emotion into such a short story. It has that perfect mix of suspense and dark humor that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters feel like real people, the pacing is on point, and the ending totally sticks with you. It’s a fast, satisfying thriller that shows just how good Unger is at what she does.
I received a free e-copy of this book. Thank you to Amazon First Reads.
Title: The Writer Author: James Patterson & JD Barker Format: audiobook Length: 9 hours 30 minutes Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: March 17, 2025
Challenges: Audiobook, HRCYED 2.0, Library Love
The premise is irresistible: a famous true-crime author found standing over her husband’s dead body, covered in blood, claiming she didn’t do it. NYPD detective Declan Shaw quickly realizes nothing about this case is straightforward, and the more he digs, the more twisted it becomes. Every time I thought I had it figured out, another twist sent me in a completely different direction.
What I liked most was how the story blurs the line between truth and fiction. The idea of a writer whose life starts to resemble the crimes she writes about is fascinating — and a little unsettling. The pacing is classic Patterson: short chapters that make it almost impossible to stop reading. I flew through the book in just a couple of sittings.
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that keep you guessing right up to the final reveal, The Writer delivers exactly that. Fast, addictive, and loaded with twists — it’s the kind of book that reminds me why I love the genre.
I borrowed this audiobook from my library. Thank you to Libby! I own a hardcover copy of this book thanks to James Patterson Street Team.
Challenges: Beat The Backlist, COYER, Library Love Challenge, Netgalley
Steve Cavanagh just keeps getting better. Witness 8 hooked me from page one! A murder, a mysterious witness, and Eddie Flynn right in the middle of everything. Ruby Johnson is one of the most fascinating characters Cavanagh’s written yet: part victim, part mastermind, and totally unpredictable.
The twists come fast, the courtroom scenes are tense, and I loved the mix of clever legal drama and real danger. Every time I thought I knew what was happening I didn’t. The pacing is tight, the writing’s great, and it was impossible to put down.
If you love smart, twisty thriller, this one is a must! Easily one of my favorite Eddie Flynn books so far!
I borrowed the audiobook of a Netgalley eBook I have thanks to Libby.
Title: The Passengers Author: John Marrs Format: eBook Length: 341 pages Genre: Speculative Thriller Rating: 4 stars Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Challenges: Beat The Backlist, COYER, HRCYED 2.0, Library Love Challenge
This book takes you on a whirlwind ride – literally. It’s multiple POV, as you’re strapped into the autonomous cars with the characters of this story. All of them are on a crash course collision to their deaths by a Hacker. It was fast paced and didn’t stop till the end! What a great book! I definitely plan to read the next book in this series. P.S. all of the books can be read as standalones, they are just set in the same universe.
I borrowed an e-copy from my library thanks to Libby.
Title: All Systems Red Author: Martha Wells Format: hardcover Length: 171 pages Rating: 3 stars Publication: 2017
Challenges: Library Love, HRCYED 2.0
Review: Funny sci-fi books aren’t normally my thing, but I’ve been hearing lots of buzz about this books for awhile now and figured I’d give it a try. I liked it. It was a fun ride. I will probably read the next book in the series. And eventually get to the TV show lol.
