One of my main goals for 2018 was to read more—and to write about what I read. In an earlier post I mentioned getting stuck in reading slumps where I keep returning to old favorites. That year I decided to broaden my reading and actually post reviews. In January I took a few concrete steps toward that goal.
- I signed up for NetGalley to request ARCs (Advance Reader Copies) from authors and publishers. I read and review the books there and, when the titles are released on major retail sites, I post reviews on those platforms as well. So far I’ve received every copy I requested.
- I joined CrateJoy for a book subscription box. Each box includes two books and small treats—candies, candles, stationery, and the like. The books often arrive as surprises and sometimes are autographed. It’s a fun way to discover independent authors. January’s box was excellent.
Books in January
My 2018 target was 75 books; in January I completed eight. A bout of flu gave me a long weekend of reading, which helped—four books came during that stretch. Below are short thoughts on what I read.
The Favorite Sister – This ARC from the publisher (released May 15) is by the author of The Luckiest Girl. I enjoyed it immensely. The plot centers on five women cast on a reality-TV-style competition, similar in feel to The Bachelorette. I haven’t watched those shows, but I’m a fan of UnReal and the behind-the-scenes drama it portrays. In this novel the season ends with one of the five murdered, and the mystery of who did it and why unfolds through complex character dynamics. It’s a compelling, page-turning read.
Collision Point – Another ARC, scheduled for February 27, this launches the Brute Force series by Lora Leigh. Leigh’s Elite Ops and Navy SEALs series are favorites of mine, and Collision Point serves as a stand-alone entry that spins off those worlds. Rory is the protector and boyfriend of Amara, daughter of the Russian Resnova family. After Amara is rescued from a kidnapping she has lost a year of memories but keeps having dreams of Rory. She tracks him down and together they try to determine who to trust and what happened before and after her abduction. If you like Leigh’s blend of action and romance you’ll enjoy this new series; if you’re new to her work, consider starting with Elite Ops to get a feel for her style.
After reading Collision Point I went on to read two more of Leigh’s novels: Killing Secrets and Deadly Games.
The Woman in the Window – This book is a roller coaster and very Hitchcock-influenced. The protagonist struggles with agoraphobia and family issues, and the story includes nosy neighbors, wild speculations, and an unsettled line between reality and imagination. At times I found myself shouting at the pages—it’s that gripping. The mix of possible murder, dreams, and unreliable perception makes this a deliciously tense read.
Judgement Road – Christine Feehan moves into the motorcycle club (MC) genre with this novel. If MC stories aren’t your thing, you may want to skip it, but fans of Sons of Anarchy–style drama will find much to like. The plot follows a capable woman who takes a bartender job at Torpedo Ink, unaware it’s connected to a rival club. She has no interest in club life, but her presence sparks conflict—and attraction—with a club member who carries a dark past. Feehan’s trademark intensity and tough subject matter make this story dark in places; it’s a strong, hard-edged read that isn’t for everyone.
Coming Up Roses – This light, easy read came from my Reveal book crate and served as a pleasant palate cleanser between heavier novels. Set in the South, it follows Myla, who is pregnant when the baby’s father abandons her. A clumsy encounter in a grocery store brings her into contact with Cash, and their chemistry unfolds naturally. Cash isn’t looking for commitment, but Myla’s charm shifts his perspective. The characters feel believable and the baby daddy’s actions give the plot enough tension to keep it engaging—an ideal rainy-afternoon book.
Shadow Woman – I’d hoped for more from this Linda Howard title. Howard has long been one of my go-to romantic suspense authors, and some of her older works are favorites. In Shadow Woman, Lizzie wakes to find a face in the mirror that doesn’t match her memory; flashbacks surface and she soon becomes a target. Xavier, who has watched over her for years, tries to protect her as they piece together the past. The premise is intriguing and at times suspenseful, but the execution felt uneven. I wanted more plausible connective details and clearer development of what occurred before these events. The pace and revelations didn’t align until late in the book, and while I appreciate a slow burn, this one tried to juggle too many elements to land fully.
February planning: I haven’t settled on a specific schedule yet. I might dive into a long series or sample a few standalone titles. Either way, I’ll share more reviews later in February.