PLBR Book Reviews 2018 - ELLES BOOK BLOG

ELLES BOOK BLOG

THE COUSINS BY KAREN M. MCMANUS

12/25/2020

Young adult mystery and thrillers are my guilty pleasure and McManus slays the genre! I love a book that not only keeps me interested but surprises the heck out of me just like this one!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: December 1, 2020
Genre: Young Adult Mystery and Thriller
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 330 pages
Format: Hardcover. Purchased.

Milly, Aubrey, and Jonah Story are cousins, but they barely know each another, and they've never even met their grandmother. Rich and reclusive, she disinherited their parents before they were born. So when they each receive a letter inviting them to work at her island resort for the summer, they're surprised . . . and curious.

Their parents are all clear on one point--not going is not an option. This could be the opportunity to get back into Grandmother's good graces. But when the cousins arrive on the island, it's immediately clear that she has different plans for them. And the longer they stay, the more they realize how mysterious--and dark--their family's past is.

The entire Story family has secrets. Whatever pulled them apart years ago isn't over--and this summer, the cousins will learn everything.

HEART BONES BY COLLEEN HOOVER

10/19/2020

Colleen Hoover is one heck of a writer and I find myself completely immersed in every story she writes. Heart Bones is an exquisite, new adult romance with all the emotion.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: August 19, 2020
Genre: New Adult Romance.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 338 pages
Format: eBook. Borrowed with Kindle Unlimited.

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of Verity and It Ends With Us delivers another breathtaking novel with a magnetic suspense that will keep you glued to the pages.

Life and a dismal last name are the only two things Beyah Grim's parents ever gave her. After carving her path all on her own, Beyah is well on her way to bigger and better things, thanks to no one but herself.

With only two short months separating her from the future she's built and the past she desperately wants to leave behind, an unexpected death leaves Beyah with no place to go during the interim. Forced to reach out to her last resort, Beyah has to spend the remainder of her summer on a peninsula in Texas with a father she barely knows. Beyah's plan is to keep her head down and let the summer slip by seamlessly, but her new neighbor Samson throws a wrench in that plan.

THE HONEYMOONER BY MELANIE SUMMERS

8/22/2020

I've seen this book around amazon and finally grabbed a copy when it went on sale. What a delightful read! I'm so glad I took a chance on this book because I really enjoyed it. I liked it so much that I immediately grabbed the next book in the series!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: Romantic Comedy. Chick Lit.
Series: The Paradise Bay series #1 (can stand alone).
Pages: 248 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

From bestselling author Melanie Summers comes the wickedly funny, ridiculously romantic spinoff of her highly-acclaimed Crown Jewels Series…

Twenty-nine-year-old workaholic Libby Dewitt lives by the motto ‘if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.’ She’s finally about to start her dream life with her steady-as-a-rock fiancé, Richard Tomy. Together, they’re the perfect power couple—right down to the fact that he’s agreed to use their honeymoon to help further her career in mergers and acquisitions. But ten minutes before the wedding, her dreams dissolve via text message.

Devastated and humiliated, Libby escapes to Paradise Bay alone. She’s got two goals for her trip: to devise a plan to get Richard back and to convince resort owner Harrison Banks to sell his property to her company. Unfortunately, when she arrives, she discovers that tall, dark, and built, Harrison is not about to make anything easy for her.

MOTI ON THE WATER BY LAYLAH ATTAR

6/16/2020

Moti on the Water is a gorgeous and uplifting beach read about one woman finding herself amidst family drama! I know, that seems like a lot but this is a wonderful story and so funny!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: August 13, 2019
Genre: Family Drama. Women's Fiction. Romance.
Series: None. Complete standalone.
Pages: 258 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

2019 Writer's Digest Award Winner: A delightful romantic comedy about family, love, and inconvenient truths from New York Times bestselling author, Leylah Attar.

A Greek family. An Indian family. A summer wedding on the Aegean coast…

Meet Moti Ferreira—spectacularly jinxed from the day she’s born.

Saddled with an eccentric mother, she stumbles upon the one man who holds the key to her freedom—the best man at her cousin’s upcoming wedding.

All Moti has to do is overcome her fear of water, board a yacht to the Greek Isles, seduce the dreamy Nikos Manolas, and survive two weeks at sea with her oddball family.

The only obstacle Moti doesn’t see coming is Alexandros Veronis,

JAWS BY PETER BENCHLEY

9/20/2019

I wanted to read Jaws as summer was winding down because let's face it, it's a summer novel! While I liked the book, it wasn't a favorite. I actually enjoyed the movie more.

Rating: ★★★
Release Date: May 6, 1973
Genre: Horror
Series: Standalone.
Pages: 340 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

When Peter Benchley wrote Jaws in the early 1970s, he meticulously researched all available data about shark behavior. Over the ensuing decades, Benchley was actively engaged with scientists and filmmakers on expeditions around the world as they expanded their knowledge of sharks. Also during this time, there was an unprecedented upswing in the number of sharks killed to make shark-fin soup, and Benchley worked with governments and nonprofits to sound the alarm for shark conservation. He encouraged each new generation of Jaws fans to enjoy his riveting tale and to channel their excitement into support and protection of these magnificent, prehistoric apex predators.

This edition of Jaws contains bonus content from Peter Benchley’s archives, including the original typed title page, a brainstorming list of possible titles, a letter from Benchley to producer David Brown with honest feedback on the movie adaptation, and excerpts from Benchley’s book Shark Trouble highlighting his firsthand account

THE PERFECT COUPLE BY ELIN HILDERBRAND

7/18/2019

A women's fiction, domestic drama, and who-dun-it all rolled into one! The Perfect Couple is the PERFECT beach read. I devoured this one from start to finish. I highly recommend it.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: June 19, 2018
Genre: Women's Fiction
Series: Standalone
Pages: 480 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

It's Nantucket wedding season, also known as summer-the sight of a bride racing down Main Street is as common as the sun setting at Madaket Beach. The Otis-Winbury wedding promises to be an event to remember: the groom's wealthy parents have spared no expense to host a lavish ceremony at their oceanfront estate.

But it's going to be memorable for all the wrong reasons after tragedy strikes: a body is discovered in Nantucket Harbor just hours before the ceremony-and everyone in the wedding party is suddenly a suspect. As Chief of Police Ed Kapenash interviews the bride, the groom, the groom's famous mystery-novelist mother, and even a member of his own family, he discovers that every wedding is a minefield-and no couple is perfect. Featuring beloved characters from The Castaways, Beautiful Day, and A Summer Affair, The Perfect Couple proves once again that Elin Hilderbrand is the queen of the summer beach read.

WHEN AUGUST ENDS BY PENELOPE WARD

4/20/2019

When August Ends is an age gap romance! Penelope Ward has brought these characters to life (as she always does) and made me swoon hard! While it may not have been my absolute favorite of all her books, it's still one I won't forget anytime soon!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: February 25, 2019
Genre: Contemporary Romance (Age Gap)
Series: None. Complete Standalone.
Pages: 253 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

What do you do when a sexy, older man moves into your family’s summer rental?

Well, apparently, you make a fool of yourself—over and over. Things didn’t exactly get off on the right foot with Noah Cavallari. Our first encounter was embarrassing, to say the least.

But despite that, I found myself waking up every day with a newfound energy. Nothing exciting ever happened on the lake—not until Noah moved into the small boathouse on our property. He’d booked it for the entire summer…and I was still trying to figure out why.

When my mother became ill, I inherited the responsibility of making sure our guests were well taken care of. I should have been in college. Instead, I was living my best life…as a maid.

Dark, handsome, and mysterious, everything about Noah screamed forbidden.

REMIND ME BY SAMANTHA CHASE

3/22/2019

Remind Me is a sweet, second chance romance by the amazing Samantha Chase! This is also the first book in a brand new series that takes place in the Magnolia Sound. I adored this book!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: March 12, 2019
Genre: Second Chance Romance
Series: Magnolia Sound #1 (can stand alone)
Pages: 234 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

It’s been years since Mallory Westbrook set foot in Magnolia Sound, but the death of her great-grandfather forces her back. Two weeks to get his affairs in order then she would return to her life in New York. The perfect plan, if not for Jake Summerford—her first love who broke her heart.

Jake always regretted the way things ended with Mallory and now that she’s back in town, he’s hoping they can put the past behind them. As they reconnect, old feelings resurface and Jake realizes that friendship is only the beginning of what he wants from Mallory.

With one foot out of the door, Mallory is looking for any excuse to leave Magnolia Sound behind. Forever. Will Jake’s plan to replace the old, painful memories help him finally show her their love deserves another chance?

NO EXIT BY TAYLOR ADAMS

3/18/2019

No Exit is truly an edge of your seat thriller. This book was so unexpected for me and I am so glad I gave a new author a chance. I very much recommend this to those who are looking for thrills and chills in their novels.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: January 15, 2018
Genre: Thriller and Suspense.
Series: Standalone.
Pages: 336 pages
Format: Hardcover. Purchased.

A kidnapped little girl locked in a stranger’s van. No help for miles. What would you do?

On her way to Utah to see her dying mother, college student Darby Thorne gets caught in a fierce blizzard in the mountains of Colorado. With the roads impassable, she’s forced to wait out the storm at a remote highway rest stop. Inside, are some vending machines, a coffee maker, and four complete strangers.

Desperate to find a signal to call home, Darby goes back out into the storm . . . and makes a horrifying discovery. In the back of the van parked next to her car, a little girl is locked in an animal crate.

Who is the child? Why has she been taken? And how can Darby save her?

There is no cell phone reception, no telephone, and no way out.

KILL RIVER 2 BY CAMERON ROUBIQUE

11/23/2018

Kill River 2 is another awesome slasher novel with the best 80's nostalgia that I have felt in a long time! If you enjoy teen horror slasher novels, this series is a must read.

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: October 13, 2017
Genre: Horror. Slasher Horror.
Series: Kill River series #2
Pages: 270 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

This is the second book in the Kill River series and should be read in order of publication. Series information is below.

It’s been a year since Cyndi went into the empty water park with her friends and almost got killed by a masked maniac. One full year since she learned how to be strong, how to be a survivor. Now it’s 1984, and summertime has come around again. Cyndi has a boyfriend, a new group of friends, and a part-time summer job. She has every reason to be happy and forget about the past.

But she can’t forget. Her nightmares about the water park and her dead friends are getting worse. Wherever she goes, she keeps thinking she sees the killer from last summer watching her from the shadows. Worst of all, there’s a new water park opening up in town, and it looks eerily similar to the one from last year. Opening day is just around the corner, and Cyndi is starting to wonder if her water park nightmare is really over, or if it’s just beginning.

KILL RIVER BYCAMERON ROUBIQUE

10/26/2018

Kill River is slasher horror at it's best! I remember reading books like this when I was younger so this brought back so many great reading memories. I highly recommend it!

Rating: ★★★★
Release Date: August 1, 2015
Genre: Horror
Series: Kill River series #1
Pages: 345 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

In the summer of 1983, thirteen-year-old Cyndi and her three new-found friends, Stacy, Zack, and Brad decide to sneak away from their summer camp in the middle of the night by rafting down the nearby rivers. After spending a tense night lost in the woods, the four teenagers stumble into a mysterious water park that appears to be completely empty.

At first they are thrilled to have the rides all to themselves, at least until one of them disappears. Soon they discover that they are trapped in the park, and a dark figure is stalking them from the shadows, picking them off one by one. Once night falls, Cyndi will have to fight to escape the park, a masked maniac, and a living nightmare.

Kill River is a wild water park ride filled with blood, gore, and '80s nostalgia. Slasher fans rejoice, old school horror is back!

SKINNY DIPPING WITH MURDER BY AURALEE WALLACE

10/14/2018

Yes! I loved this book so much. It brings readers a summery fee to go with the cozy mystery and has a ton of humor. I was laughing my butt off! I highly recommend it to all cozy fans!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: March 1, 2016
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Series: Otter Lake Mystery Series #1
Pages: 305 pages
Format: Paperback. Purchased.

Welcome to Otter Lake, where the relaxing, restorative atmosphere is to die for.

Erica Bloom is in no rush to return to Otter Lake, the site of her mother's spiritual retreat for women. Erica met her inner goddess years ago and she's happy to have forged a new identity on her own, thank you very much. But her new-age-y, well-meaning mother is losing her grip on the business, and needs Erica's help. So she heads back to her New Hampshire hometown, where nothing much has changed-except for maybe the body in the well...

SKINNY DIPPING WITH MURDER
When Erica was a teenager, she fell prey to a practical joke that left her near-naked in Otter Lake's annual Raspberry Social. The incident was humiliating, but it wasn't like anyone got killed-until now. Those who were behind that long-ago prank are starting to turn up dead, and Erica's appearance in town makes her a prime suspect. To make matters worse, the town sheriff just happens to be Erica's old nemesis, Grady Forrester...who also happens to be

BEST SERVED COLD BY EMMA HART

9/25/2018

I loved this book!!! So much. It's a second chance, enemies to lovers romance and takes place in an ice-cream shop! How freakin cute is that!?!? I highly recommend this rom-com.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 200 pages
Format: eBook. ARC.

Best Served Cold, an all-new standalone romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Emma Hart is LIVE!

Trust me. I know. The only reason I decided to renovate my family’s ice-cream store was to serve up a sundae full of revenge for my a-hole ex who opened an ice-cream store right next to mine.

It was supposed to be simple.

Renovate. Reopen. Put his peachy butt out of business.

Until he decided to get under my skin—and broke my toe.

Now, I’m stuck with Chase in my store every day, helping me renovate. But he’s also in my head, and I’m spending a little too much time up against his abs.

Not that it’s the worst place to be.

MY BIG GREEK SUMMER BY SUE ROBERTS

9/20/2018

My Big Greek Summer is an amazing read and filled with substance! I thought this would be a light and mindless read but it's got quite the kick to it. I very much recommend it!

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: May 3, 2018
Genre: Chick Lit
Series: None. Standalone.
Pages: 288 pages
Format: eBook. Purchased.

A holiday can solve everything… can’t it? A hilarious, hot new summer escape about kissing your past goodbye and learning to love again…

Carefree, thirty-something Mandy thought she’d be married to first-love Danny forever.

So when she discovers her heart-throb husband has had a fling, she realises it’s time to make some BIG changes. But what will Mandy do now she’s single for the first time in her adult life?

Determined to find her spark again, Mandy hops on a plane, ready for adventure and a second chance at happiness. Escaping to a sun-drenched Greek island, the glittering blue seas, golden beaches and delicious cocktails are exactly what she needs.

Over one spontaneous summer, Mandy has the time of her life making new friends in a pretty little Mediterranean village by the

DESERTS, DRIVING, AND DERELICTS BY TONYA KAPPES

9/18/2018

This series is my guilty pleasure! I love the characters, setting, and honestly everything about it. I wish I could visit Normal, Kentucky! I would love befriending all the characters.

Rating: ★★★★★
Release Date: June 26, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Series: Camper & Criminals #2
Pages: 205 pages
Format: eBook. Borrowed from Kindle Unlimited.

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothin' is normal!

Mae West is getting settled into the RV lifestyle as the owner of a campground in Normal, Kentucky. Happy Trails Campground, located in Daniel Boone National Park, has started to attract late summer vacationing families who love to hike, swim, fish, and enjoy being outdoors.

Betts Hager, owner of several small businesses, is swamped with work and desperate for help with her cleaning business. Mae offers her services, happy about the prospect of a little extra cash. Heiress Tammy Jo Bentley’s mansion is the first one on her schedule.

Mae makes sure Tammy Jo’s house is spotless because the Kentucky Kennel Association's annual meeting is going to be held at the mansion. Fifi, Tammy Jo’s high pedigree, insured poodle, is

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