Review: I Know My Name by CJ Cooke

I Know My Name

by CJ Cooke

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pages: 384

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  …But what if that’s the only thing you can remember?

Komméno Island, Greece: I don't know where I am, who I am. Help me.

A woman is washed up on a remote Greek island with no recollection of who she is or how she got there.

Potter’s Lane, Twickenham, London: Eloïse Shelley is officially missing.

Lochlan’s wife has vanished into thin air, leaving their toddler and twelve-week-old baby alone. Her money, car and passport are all in the house, with no signs of foul play. Every clue the police turn up means someone has told a lie…

Does a husband ever truly know his wife? Or a wife know her husband? Why is Eloïse missing? Why did she forget?


The truth is found in these pages…

Kritters Thoughts:  With alternating chapters, this thriller keeps the reader guessing from the beginning to nearly the end with many questions that get answered in the last few chapters.  

A woman washes up on shore in Greece and is rescued by four people.  With not knowing her name they can't help her find out where she belongs.  In London a husband comes home from a work trip because the neighbor reports his wife missing and his two young children left home alone.  

It is hard to talk about this book without giving major spoilers so this review will be somewhat vague and quick.  I thought this one was interesting solely because I couldn't for the life of me figure anything out.  Being an avid reader, I can guess the ins and outs of a book sometimes too quickly, but this one kept me wondering for the longest time.  

The sole plot point of this book and the thing that connects the story didn't completely work for me.  I just didn't like it.  Its hard to say more because I really don't want to spoil a thing.  

The writing was fantastic and I loved that there were two stories and the reader had to find how they connected; I was just disappointed by what that connection ended up being.  

I think I would read another book by this author, but I would definitely have to check the synopsis and would maybe even check a few reviews before diving in.


Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 6 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Grand Central Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: A Wedding at Two Love Lane by Kiernan Kramer

A Wedding at Two Love Lane

by Kiernan Kramer

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Pages: 346

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Never say never when it comes to love.

Greer Jones has made a real name for herself at the elegant matchmaking agency Two Love Lane. For a lot of reasons--including a past engagement she broke off--practical tech expert Greer is more interested in the business of love than the experience of it, but she can't help but covet a gorgeous wedding gown that's the prize in an upcoming cocktail-party contest. In a moment of brazen inspiration, Greer asks a handsome Brit she's only just met to accompany her to the party. He agrees--and Greer believes her date is a starving artist. Little does she know the truth. . .

Ford Smith, as he calls himself, is actually Stanford Elliott Wentworth Smythe, the Eighth Baron of Wickshire. Fresh off a breakup with a money-grubbing siren who deceived him all the way to the altar, Ford has no desire to fall in love--especially with Greer who, like the desired wedding gown, is beautiful but only skin-deep. But soon Ford realizes that there's more to Greer than meets the eye. Her professionalism is matched only by her passion for life and love. . .and, best of all, she has no idea that he's to the manor born. Could it be that true love is priceless after all? 

Kritters Thoughts:  The second in a series, but as in all romance series book one focuses on other characters, so you can skip ahead to this book, but I read the first one because I like to start at the beginning.  

To talk quickly about book one as I am not doing a full review here on the blog, it is called Christmas at Two Love Lane and you are introduced to four women, three partners who own a matchmaking agency in Charleston, SC and their office manager of sorts who they have known for years.  The first book centers around its main owner Macy and her love story.  

This is book two and it centers around Greer jones who is the numbers person of the matchmaking agency and there are a few reasons why she has avoided love and enjoyed setting up others, but never focused on finding her soulmate for herself.  Of course in the first few chapters you meet the probably main guy in the book and the journey sets off from here.

I love the setting and the characters in this series, but the plot and the writing were just ok for me.  At times the story jumps and was just a bit all over the place and then at other times it flowed just nicely.  There were also a few moments where I felt as though there were plot points that didn't quite make sense or just didn't work.  

I had mixed feelings when I finished book one and I had the same thoughts about book two.  Because I read a lot of romance books, maybe my bar is a little high, but these books were just ok in my opinion.  With each romance author, I like to read more than one book to get a full opinion and I may read one more in this series because the characters are just so easy to fall in love with.  If character drive your reading experience, than you will enjoy these books, just know that plot and flow may not always work.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 3 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from St Martin's Press.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: This Love Story Will Self Destruct by Leslie Cohen

Softly and Tenderly by Sara Evans 

Publisher: Gallery Books

Pages: 336

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  This is the classic tale of boy meets girl: Girl…goes home with someone else.

Meet Eve. She’s a dreamer, a feeler, a careening well of sensitivities who can’t quite keep her feet on the ground, or steer clear of trouble. She’s a laugher, a crier, a quirky and quick-witted bleeding-heart-worrier.

Meet Ben. He’s an engineer, an expert at leveling floors who likes order, structure, and straight lines. He doesn’t opine, he doesn’t ruminate, he doesn’t simmer until he boils over.

So naturally, when the two first cross paths, sparks don’t exactly fly. But then they meet again. And again. And then, finally, they find themselves with a deep yet fragile connection that will change the course of their relationship—possibly forever.

Kritters Thoughts:  First, it was easy for me to get into this book because when we go back in time to Eve's senior year in college it is 2005 and that was my senior year.  It made me smile that I could go there to that exact year and remember where I was in that year.  Now granted she was in New York City and I was in North Carolina, but same spot in time!

What a cute and sweet love story.  Sometimes when you are reading all the heavy literary fiction and mystery thrillers and such, you just need something light and airy to escape for awhile.  Eve and Ben both have opportunities to move the story along from their own perspectives and I love hearing about the ups and relationships from both the guys and the girls point of view.  

There isn't much to stay beyond the fact that I just adored this book.  I hope that this isn't just the one and only from Leslie Cohen and that she continues to write books that are in the same vain as this book.  I would even suggest readers to get this book and hold on to it for your next vacation, it would be a perfect any time of the year vacation - easy to pick up and put down and just a sweet simple escape!


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2018 challenge: 5 out of 100 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Gallery Books.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

What a fun week of reading, I am loving 2018, it is the year of reading for me so far . . . .

A meme hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. 

Finished this past week:

DIY Rules for a WTF World by Krista Suh
The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley
Killer Choice by Tom Hunt
A Bella Flora Christmas by Wendy Wax
The Bowl with Gold Seams by Ellen Prentiss Campbell
Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake

Currently Reading:

Next Year in Havana by Chanel Cleeton

Next on the TBR pile:

She Regrets Nothing by Andrea Dunlop

Review: The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley

The Pearl Sister

by Lucinda Riley

Publisher: Atria Books

Pages: 528

Format: eARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  CeCe D’Aplièse has always felt like an outcast. But following the death of her father—the reclusive billionaire affectionately called Pa Salt by the six daughters he adopted from around the globe—she finds herself more alone than ever. With nothing left to lose, CeCe delves into the mystery of her familial origins. The only clues she holds are a black and white photograph and the name of a female pioneer who once traversed the globe from Scotland to Australia.

One hundred years earlier, Kitty McBride, a clergyman's daughter, abandoned her conservative upbringing to serve as the companion to a wealthy woman traveling from Edinburgh to Adelaide. Her ticket to a new land brings the adventure she dreamed of…and a love that she had never imagined.

When CeCe reaches the searing heat and dusty plains of the Red Centre of Australia, something deep within her responds to the energy of the area and the ancient culture of the Aboriginal people, and her soul reawakens. As she comes closer to finding the truth of her ancestry, CeCe begins to believe that this untamed, vast continent could offer her what she’s always yearned for: a sense of belonging.

Kritters Thoughts:  The fourth in a series and as I have said a few times before, I would start at book one so you get the development of the sisters and this family.

This story centers on CeCe the fourth daughter of Pa Salt and before he recently passed away he left clues for each of his daughters to find where they came from and learn about their heritage.  CeCe's takes her back to Australia and it was fun for me to read this book as I have visited Australia and I loved the country.  

Again the author nails the transition from CeCe's story to the story of the past.  I loved how she worked in her dyslexia and it just felt seamless!  The way she flowed from CeCe's story to Kitty's was just spot on and it made me love dual narratives even more.  

I loved reading CeCe right after Star to see how different they were even though they were raised in the exact same home.  You could tell that there was such a difference in their personality and their drive to know where they came from.

I almost wish there were more than seven sisters because I would love to read a book or two from this series every year!

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel (I mean I can't wait for it!)

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 11 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Atria Books.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: The Shadow Sister by Lucinda Riley

The Shadow Sister

by Lucinda Riley

Publisher: 528

Pages: Atria Books

Format: ebook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Star D’Aplièse is at a crossroads in her life after the sudden death of her beloved father—the elusive billionaire, affectionately called Pa Salt by his six daughters, all adopted from across the four corners of the world. He has left each of them a clue to her true heritage, and Star nervously decides to follow hers, which leads her to an antiquarian bookshop in London, and the start of a whole new world.

A hundred years earlier, headstrong and independent Flora MacNichol vows she will never marry. She is happy and secure in her home in England’s picturesque Lake District—just a stone’s throw away from the residence of her childhood idol, Beatrix Potter—when machinations lead her to London, and the home of one of Edwardian society’s most notorious society hostesses, Alice Keppel. Flora is torn between passionate love and her duty to her family, but finds herself a pawn in a larger game. That is, until a meeting with a mysterious gentleman unveils the answers that Flora has been searching for her whole life...

As Star learns more of Flora’s incredible journey, she too goes on a voyage of discovery, finally stepping out of the shadow of her sister and opening herself up to the possibility of love.

Kritters Thoughts:  The third in the Seven Sisters series and as I said yesterday, I would highly recommend starting at book one.  Although the stories are self contained with each sister getting a book, they completely build on each other and its nice to have background knowledge of the sisters before going into the next book.  I will be reviewing the latest release, book four - The Pearl Sister tomorrow.

I loved that this story took place at the same time as The Storm Sister and that there were hints at the timeline in a few spots.  Ally's story was highlighted in this book, so I am so glad I had the historical knowledge of her full story to see the peeks into it through this story.  

I also loved the many times that sibling relationships were shown in this book.  Brother/sister or sister/sister or brother/brother it was full of sibling relationships and this story showed how hard that can be sometimes because you are family, but of the same generation and fighting for attention and just so interesting!

For me this book had a little bit of frustration in the reading during Flora's sections.  There were too many spots were Flora should have been informed of what was going on and the conversation dropped or things got interrupted, it was just a little too much.  I kept fussing at the book that I was read for Flora and I to find out the details - it felt a little too drawn out.

In the end, I liked this one, but as this is the third book, I am starting to rank the sisters and I liked Ally's story just a bit more!


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 8 out of 100

Review: The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley

The Storm Sister

by Lucinda Riley

Publisher: Atria Books

Pages: 501

Format: ebook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Ally D'Aplièse is about to compete in one of the world's most perilous yacht races, when she hears the news of her adoptive father's sudden, mysterious death. Rushing back to meet her five sisters at their family home, she discovers that her father - an elusive billionaire affectionately known to his daughters as Pa Salt - has left each of them a tantalising clue to their true heritage.

Ally has also recently embarked on a deeply passionate love affair that will change her destiny forever. But with her life now turned upside down, Ally decides to leave the open seas and follow the trail that her father left her, which leads her to the icy beauty of Norway...

There, Ally begins to discover her roots - and how her story is inextricably bound to that of a young unknown singer, Anna Landvik, who lived there over 100 years before, and sang in the first performance of Grieg's iconic music set to Ibsen's play 'Peer Gynt'. As Ally learns more about Anna, she also begins to question who her father, Pa Salt, really was. And why is the seventh sister missing?

Kritters Thoughts:  The second in a series and I would completely recommend starting at book one so you can get the full enjoyment of these books.  

The series is about Seven Sisters and they are all adopted from different places, their adoptive father has passed away suddenly, but he has left clues for each daughter to find out where they came from and their heritage.  I believe the books are going in order from oldest to youngest.  This second book is the second daughter.

I found out the big reveal probably very early in the book, I was a little disappointed that I did, but the book was still really good!  I like these epic books where the character has to go on a big journey to find out something about themselves. 

The one thing that made this book really shine was how she intertwined the historical storyline into the journey to the past.  By literally putting a book within a book, the reader is easily swept up into the past and it doesn't feel forced, it was nice and easy.

I will be reading the next two books in this series and reviewing them over the next two days, the fourth book was just released, but I will repeat for this series I would completely suggest starting at the beginning and enjoying each epic story in order.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 7 out of 100

Review: The Promise Between Us by Barbara Claypole White

The Promise Between Us

by Barbara Claypole White

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing

Pages: 384

Format: ARC

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Metal artist Katie Mack is living a lie. Nine years ago she ran away from her family in Raleigh, North Carolina, consumed by the irrational fear that she would harm Maisie, her newborn daughter. Over time she’s come to grips with the mental illness that nearly destroyed her, and now funnels her pain into her art. Despite longing for Maisie, Katie honors an agreement with the husband she left behind—to change her name and never return.

But when she and Maisie accidentally reunite, Katie can’t ignore the familiarity of her child’s compulsive behavior. Worse, Maisie worries obsessively about bad things happening to her pregnant stepmom. Katie has the power to help, but can she reconnect with the family she abandoned?

To protect Maisie, Katie must face the fears that drove her from home, accept the possibility of love, and risk exposing her heart-wrenching secret.

Kritters Thoughts:  I am writing this review after pondering a few days and am still completely on the fence, but I am on the fence because I am uneducated when it comes to OCD and I just don't know how close to the truth this book sits and because of that it was hard for me to read and separate fact and fiction.

Beyond those thoughts, Barbara Claypole White always writes great characters in the perfect setting and just solid stories.  Katie Mack used to live in Raleigh, North Carolina but ran away after life hit an extreme low, she is pulled back nine years later and is quickly confronted with the demons of the past, but she has more tools to equip herself to confront them head on.  

Again, I am uneducated when it comes to different forms of OCD, so it was hard to read and really understand if there are people who are faced with this form of OCD everyday.  The main character Katie even says that this is a different form than the one people know and because of that it seems like people may not believe that it is a true form of the illness.  I have to admit that I felt that way and wondered how much truth there was in the book.  I would have loved a note or something to give some context and truth behind this form of OCD.

After reading this book, I am motivated to read books about people who are very different from me and I hope that I continue to read stories about people who are different from me this year.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Ebook 2018 Challenge: 2 out of 100

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from TLC Book Tours.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

What a great week in reading and even with a busy week of activity and a few of these books were chunky!
A meme hosted by Kathryn at The Book Date. 

Finished this past week:

The Storm Sister by Lucinda Riley
The Shadow Sister by Lucinda Riley
Becoming Mrs. Smith by Tanya E Williams
Glitter and Glue by Kelly Corrigan
The Power by Naomi Alderman

Currently Reading:

The Pearl Sister by Lucinda Riley
DIY Rules for a WTF World by Krista Suh

Next on the TBR pile:

Just Between Us by Rebecca Drake

Review: Royally Wed by Teri Wilson

Royally Wed

by Teri Wilson

Publisher: Pocket Star

Pages: 304

Format: ebook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  When Asher Reed, an American classical musician, is hired as a last minute replacement to perform at the royal wedding of Princess Amelia in Great Britain, he’s hoping he can shake his recent bout with performance anxiety long enough to get through the festivities and get his career back on track. Little does he know that his life is about to change forever.

As a guest of Buckingham Palace, he knows he has no business even speaking to the princess, but he’s completely awed by her beauty and more than a little intrigued by her rebellious spirit. Still, he definitely knows he has no business kissing her silly at the fitting of her wedding gown. He’s there to perform, not cause a royal scandal. But when he stumbles upon her groom’s appalling secret, the fate of the princess and the British Crown suddenly rest squarely in his cello-playing hands....

Kritters Thoughts:  The third and current book in this series and as I have said before this is a series where each book is self contained and there aren't repeat characters so you can start with any book in this series.

This book is about Asher Reed and Princess Amelia.  Asher Reed is an accomplished musician and through circumstances he is called to London to play for a royal wedding and in an interesting turn of events he runs into Princess Amelia and both of their worlds are turned upside down.  

I feel like a broken record when it comes to this series, but each book has such great plot.  I was reading this one while rewatching the first season of the Crown on Netflix with my parents and I love that this book helped add to my love of all things royal.  If you watch the Crown, are dying over royal weddings and the royal family, this book was made for you.  And of course like the other books, there are sexy times in this book but again they are perfectly timed and it added to the story.  

I couldn't find any information to see if we are going to have another book in this series, but I would love to have one!

Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Simon and Schuster.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Review: Royally Romanov by Teri Wilson

Royally Romanov

by Teri Wilison

Publisher: Pocket Star

Pages: 304

Format: ebook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Finley Abbot is organizing the most prestigious art exhibit of her career at the Louvre museum—a retrospective of art from the House of Romanov. But the sudden appearance of Maxim Romanov threatens to turn her into the biggest laughingstock of the art world. When she finds herself falling in love, she realizes there’s even more at stake than her career. How can she trust a man with her whole world when he can’t remember a thing about his past?

After suffering a violent blow to the head, Maxim’s only clue to his identity is a notebook containing carefully researched documentation in his own handwriting indicating that he is the sole surviving descendant of the Grand Duchess Anastasia, previously thought dead in the murder of her family during Russia’s Bolshevik revolution. His struggle to put the mysterious pieces of his past back together leads him to Finley. At first, she’s convinced Maxim is nothing but a con artist. But there’s something undeniably captivating about the beautiful, brooding man who claims to be searching for his identity—something Finley can’t quite bring herself to resist. When he reveals a secret about one of the imperial Fabergé eggs in the collection, she accepts he may actually be telling the truth. But as soon as Finley and Maxim act on their feelings for one another, Maxim is confronted with evidence that calls into question everything he’s begun to believe about himself.

Kritters Thoughts:  The second in a series, but this is one of those series where book two is is a whole new story with different characters so this can be ready completely out of order.  This story is about Finley Abbot and Maxim Romanov.  It is a twist on the Anastasia story and I loved how they used that story as a foundation, but flipped it on its end a little.  This story took place in Paris and I just loved it.

Finley Abbot is a curator at the Louvre and has been working on this huge exhibit about the Romanovs as an anniversary is coming up of their execution.  And at a book reading for a book she has written about the Romanovs up shows Maxim who after ending up in a hospital has woken up with a journal full of Romanov genealogy and he has an inkling that there is some truth in it all.  

This was a great book.  Like the first book there was a great plot and I loved the characters.  Just like the first book also there are some sexy times, but they fit in the right moments of the book and didn't seem overtly used or in weird spots.  

Tomorrow I am reviewing the most current book in the series and am feeling hopeful that this is a series that I am going to hope continues for awhile.


Rating: definitely a good read, but can't read two in a row

Review: Royally Roma by Teri Wilson

Royally Roma

by Teri Wilson

Publisher: Pocket Star

Pages: 251

Format: ebook

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  Julia Costa is too busy trying to complete her PhD while also holding down a full-time job as a private tour guide in Rome to keep up with celebrity gossip. So when she crosses paths with a real, actual prince, she mistakes him for a client and takes him on a daylong tour of the city.

Intrigued by the idea of spending time with someone who obviously has no idea who he is, and delighted at the prospect of a day free of royal obligations, Niccolo La Torre, Crown Prince of Lazaretto, acts on impulse and assumes the role of Julia’s client. He swears to himself that he’ll return to his royal duties after only half a day…but he’s having the time of his life.

Until Julia presents him with the bill. Since he snuck out of the hotel without so much as a dime, he tries to escape, only to discover that she won’t let him out of her sight until he can pay her back. She’s determined to get her money…and perhaps more from the handsome stranger she’s fallen for.

Kritters Thoughts:  The first in a series where each book is self contained, it is a remake of a story, but maybe with a little twist.  This book was a remake of Roman Holiday and from the beginning I was swept up into this grand story.  A prince is mistaken by a tour guide for her private tour of the day and as he wants to get out of his duties, he decides to go along for the ride.  

From the beginning, I loved Julia Costa the tour guide.  She was fun and spunky and I just loved her energy.  I almost wanted to try to get a plane to Rome and have her by my tour guide for the day, I loved that she was trying to do the tour guide thing to pay the bills while getting a degree that bled into her tour guide life.  The prince was fantastic.  He was the brother that never got into trouble and always followed what was told and for one day he wanted to throw caution to the wind and make his own decisions - I loved it.
I just adored this book and the writing and the pace.  The characters were right on point and with all things royal, I loved it.  This one is completely romance so if that isn't your jam you may not like it.  It definitely had some sexy times, but they weren't unwarranted or weirdly placed, they were just right.

I was excited to start the series and will be reviewing book two and three the next two days.

Rating: absolutely loved it and want a sequel


Ebook 2017 Challenge: 73 out of 50

Review: Funeral Platter by Greg Ames

Funeral Platter

by Greg Ames

Publisher: Skyhorse Publishing

Pages: 266

Format: book

Buy the Book: Amazon

Goodreads:  From the author of the award-winning novel Buffalo Lockjawcomes a powerful collection of darkly humorous short stories. A young girl uses a burnt log for her ventriloquist act; Franz Kafka and an unnamed narrator cruise a dive bar for women; a grieving couple stage and execute their own funeral; a son brings hot chowder to his caged parents. This stunning collection―packed with moments of violence and tenderness―explores the humor and unease of modern life. Since he first began publishing his fiction, Greg Ames has been praised for his willingness to take risks and the strength and freshness of his voice. Assembled here for the first time, this collection brings together the best work from a brilliant American writer, a playful and innovative artist. In these twenty original short stories, Greg Ames earns his place as one of the best writers of his generation.


Kritters Thoughts:  When pitched this book, I was excited to do another short story collection in 2018, I am hoping to read more about of my usual comfort zone in 2018.

I rate a short story collection based on my feelings on the stories and if I would want any of these stories to be full blown novels.  I didn't want really any of these stories to have more time, the plots weren't compelling enough to make them longer than a short story.  

Unfortunately, most of the characters in these stories seemed the same and were completely beyond neurotic and nutty.  After the first few stories, I just felt as though each story had the same main character and not only did I not love them, I didn't want to keep reading with the same guy taking front and center of each story.  Now it wasn't the exact same character, but same traits and same personalities.

I was sad not to fall in love with this collection, but am still optimistic that I will find a collection that I love.  


Rating: enjoyable, but didn't leave me wanting more

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one copy of this book free of charge from Skyhorse Publishing.  I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for receipt of the book; rather, the opinions expressed in this review are my own.