The Wishing Cradle-- Donna Walo Clancy

I came across this author with another one of her books through InD'tale and loved it so much I reached out to tell her, totally fangirling it up! Since that one I've had the complete and utter privilege of reading a couple more of her books- including this one. I am obsessed with her works! Without anymore ado, it is my pleasure to introduce you to The Wishing Cradle by Donna Walo Clancy! (And let's be honest, how utterly gorgeous is this over?!)

Rating: 5 (Utter and total perfection. Frickin Oscar worthy!)
Heat: 1 (Totally good for you to share with your mom-in-law)

Sophie has been married to Seth Greenberg for the past six years, dealing with his severe abuse and the maltreatment from his family quietly and with an outward grace. She makes the decision she's had enough when she feels her baby move at 5 months- the longest she's ever carried a pregnancy. With her newfound determination for a better future for herself and her child, she enters into a confrontation with her mother-in-law and husband resulting in yet another miscarriage. Losing the infant that night solidified her resolve to leave and start a new life, however, she has no idea how to move forward. She has nothing. A visit from the Walkers changes her prospects significantly and makes it so neither Seth nor his family can have nothing to do with her.

Feeling refreshed, Sophie throws a dart at a map to establish the place she's going to pick up her life and sets her plan in motion to make it a reality, she just has no idea how new it will be or the growth she will experience. 

This book doesn't only use all five sense but ALL the feelings as well; from despair to hope, from loss to gain, from misery to complete joy the reader experiences it all with Sophie. The very first sentence grabs, hooks, and doesn't release. Not even once the book is over! (Personally I've read it twice already!) Everything wraps up cleanly and well by the end, but that doesn't mean the characters are done whispering to the audience. It feels as though one can't get to the ending fast enough, but it's also done quicker than is wanted. One of my favourite things about this wonderful story is that it doesn't follow the "typical" romance story trope of betrayal, break up, half-hearted apology followed by them getting back together quickly with no repercussions. In this novel, Sophie has to work hard and honestly to be able to have even a hope of recuperating from a large devastation she caused. It is real, powerful, and beautiful. It forever holds a special place in my heart and I can only hope to continue to be able to read books of this incredible, amazing caliber. 

If you want to read this breath-taking novel, and believe me you do, here is the link to do so: Amazon

KEEP YOUR BOOK AS HOT AS YOUR TEA!

Lie to Me-- J. T. Ellison

This week I'm showing you another book that blew my mind, along similar lines as The Silent Patient which I had done a few months ago. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough- my husband even had to take it away one night so I wouldn't read past my bedtime. I was willing to risk not sleeping to read more, and that's something something I do lightly. So, without anymore fuss I present to you Lie to Me by none other than J. T. Ellison.

Rating: 4 (Not quite perfect, but so so so so so close!!!) 
Whoo-hoos: 4 (Sex sure does happen, but the audience can only peek in not see the whole scene) 

Sutton and Ethan seem like the perfect power couple- both quite attractive in their own right, both successful authors, and madly in love with one another. However, it comes to light that things are not what they seem when Sutton decides to leave Ethan, heading to France to start a new life for herself leaving a brief note for him to not look for her. This note is precisely what makes the police look at Ethan for her disappearance, and they believe her murder. Pressure is mounting on all sides to find Sutton, for Sutton to stay missing, for Ethan to get charged in her disappearance, for him to stay clear, for their love for each other to persevere through all of this mess. No one knows, though, that there is an insane psychopath orchestrating and manipulating the entire situation-every aspect- and they won't stop until everything ends perfectly in their mind. Sutton and Ethan must come back together to prevent their crazed stalker from making both of them disappear permanently.

This book had me saying "what the hell" during the reading more times than I ever have as a mother, and believe me, that's impressive. I was pulled into the story from the very first sentence and that grip never let up, creating a wonderfully provocative look at how choices will always catch up the person making them, how those decisions sometimes cause disastrous consequences, and how the power of trust and love in your partner can override a lot. The perspective of the narrative is unique but also disconcerting and at times uncomfortable, because it switches from third person to first person breaking the 4th wall and talking to the reader. It heightens the feeling of not knowing what is happening and it definitely makes sure all the lights are on as it's being read, though ultimately this POV shift is what made me bring down the rating a bit. The climax is completely heart-stopping and terrifying and twisty and perfect. By the time the arc arrives, the audience is aware of who the villain is, because they are told by the antagonist themselves- which is frightening in it's own right. The ending can be a bit confusing and it definitely raises it's own questions, but the author leaves it open to a sequel if they so choose. Overall, my impression is that this is an incredible, intense book and is one that must sit on the shelf of every reader who claims to love psychological thrillers. This is one to keep. 

Buy it here: Lie to Me Amazon

Keep your book as hot as your tea!

Raw Honey: Knights of Silence MC Book 4

This is the second book by Amy Cecil I have had the complete privilege to review and I am seriously so happy to have come across her! Truth time though...I'm not exactly sure where we crossed paths, but you'll hear no complaining from me! So without further ado I present to you Raw Honey- set to release the 14th of March. Make sure you get your copy!!

Rating: 5 solid stars (seriously though! It's fricking INCREDIBLE!)
Whoo-Hoos: 5 (A common thread for this series is needing some ICE for the heat) *chuckles to self for eternity*

After leaving rehab, Honey is attempting to run from the ghosts of her past and forge new pathways to her future. She is sure the best way to plow forward is with the aid of the Knights of Silence motorcycle club. There is one large problem facing her however-she does not know anyone at the mc. That is until Ice shows up as her personal saviour. Loyalty to the club quickly runs deeply through her, there is nothing she wouldn't do for the guys. Having Ice fall for her? Icing on the cake. Honey's heaven quickly falls around her when an unknown, hysterical woman appears capturing her man's attention. Complete hell rains down upon the club, seemingly disproportionately on Honey, but she is able to learn just how strong and tough she is and how to figure out her genuine desires for who and what she wants. 

Another delicious, golden gem by Amy Cecil!! As a reader, I do hereby declare that this author must keep writing! :) The title of the book does an incredible job of subtly letting the reader know that there are raw and intense emotions coming out as the book progresses, all the while the author has written the story in such a way that the audience can experience what the characters are feeling. The growth the protagonist endures is both heart-breaking and empowering as she finally seems to settle in her own skin. This book can be read as a standalone, however to fully appreciate and understand the depth of the heroine and events throughout it is advised to read them in order. It's definitely worth it though!! Be warned! Once this story has been picked up it will be glued to the reader's hand far past the ending. It is a book which will linger, forever loved and begging to be reread always. 

Buy it here: Raw Honey Amazon 

Keep your book as hot as your tea! 

The Silent Patient

I actually had this book finished early last week but didn't get this post done last Saturday because I was picking up brain matter off the walls. I still kinda am every time I think about what this story put me through. It's another one that hasn't officially been published yet- it will be February 5, 2019. It's wonderful so without further ado I present The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Rating: 5000!! (Okay, my rating system only goes up to five, so it's a five, but really 5000. So shoot me.)
Whoo-hoos: 3 (sex does happen but not on screen)

Alicia is living a life of luxury and talent between her art and Gabriel's photography, but all is not as it seems and most of it comes to light when she kills him. However, she hasn't said a word since the police initially responded to the report of shots fired. Not in defense. Not in anger. Nothing. For this reason, she is admitted to a psychiatric hospital and remains there for several years, when Theo, a therapist who has been enthralled with this case from the beginning, feels he can and needs to help Alicia. He transfers his career to the facility she has been kept in, surprising everyone when she starts responding to his guidance and even breaks her silence to speak with him. Though moving toward the truth is more perilous than originally thought...for everyone involved. 

A. J. Finn has described this book as the perfect thriller, and he is completely spot on. A novel of this caliber and magnitude has not been seen for a long time and serves to make the audience plead for the author to pen more books. From rich, intricate characters, (some with complex mental illnesses) to a plot full of incredible twists, the reader can never guess how it will conclude. Even for seasoned thriller enthusiasts, there is no level of predictability. To compare this work to any other would do severe disservice to this piece of art; it's in a realm entirely its own. The storytelling is quick paced and flows beautifully much like a rapid and swift river, securing its course and bringing whomever is on it along for the ride, whether or not they want to hit the rapids. This author manages to not show how intensive it will become, but manages to raise excitement levels to almost unbearable levels anyway. The amazing growth and development is both horrifying and gratifying, especially learning the motivation behind each action. It feels as though Michaelides wrote a nonfiction masked as fiction- this is how real everything seems, including every psychological aspect. A book that will be reread and recommended endlessly and spread far and wide.

To pre-order on Amazon go here: The Silent Patient

The Silence Ends 2.5.19

Keep your book as hot as your tea!

Forgetting the Enemy

You know those books that leave you swearing because the end is ridiculous but in a great way and it leaves you NEEDING more? That is Forgetting the Enemy by Amy Cecil. I had the wonderful privilege of doing an ARC review for this book so you'll have to wait until January 10, 2019 to read it yourself, but trust me it is well worth it. So without further ado I present the review. 

Rating: 5 (Jaw-dropping Oscar performance)
Whoo-Hoos: 5 (It's a really good thing this is coming out in cold weather...but you'll still need a fan...)

Michael and Zaira grew up together and both families have always known a marriage would happen between the two, but when Zaira's mother is killed Michael's family catches the blame and that relationship all but dissolves. Five years later, Zaira's brother is concerned about her well-being and recruits Michael's family to take out a common threat. When the hit is executed disorder erupts and amid the chaos Zaira falls, hitting her head and landing her unconscious. Michael can't leave her and does the only logical thing which is to place himself in charge of her care and safety. Things prove tricky when Michael learns the extent of her injuries and his own feelings. Struggling to help Zaira remember him, providing for her needs, and suddenly being the Don of a powerful family is becoming an increasing challenge- one Michael isn't necessarily thinking through with logic. 

A stellar book that grabs the reader from the beginning and holds them hostage past the ending, with a desperation to know how every little facet will play out. A seemingly believable glance into some of the more minor inner-workings of an Italian mobster family, and it manages to twist the audience's heart- hoping against hope that things will simply work out for the protagonists. It's heart-breaking, in the best way, to see the hero's growth throughout the novel and to see where it culminates. Not once did the story drag, but the end loomed closer and faster than one would like. A rarity in the romance world that deserves a minimum of ten stars!

To check it out on Amazon...You'll have to wait til it gets closer. ;) I'll try to update the link when it's up.

Keep your tea as hot your book!  

Nightblade

I'm putting up a post a couple days late because of sickness that infiltrated our house, (BOOOOOOOOO!) but I cannot begin to express my happiness that I found Nightblade by Garrett Robinson. I'm not even 100% sure how I discovered this tale, but Oh my heck! You'll see.

Rating: 4 (So so so close to getting an Oscar ready)
Whoo-hoos: 1 (Not bad at all. No need to get ice packs)

Loren will do anything to get away from her abusive parents, her scars and bruises attesting to her need to flee. She has only dreams of leaving until a wizard, on the run from constables, passes through her woods. She helps him escape capture and he agrees to bring her with him to the next city, but when Loren finds herself betrayed by the wizard she decides to make her own way to the village. She is both surprised and unprepared for the dangers that lie in front of her, but nothing prepares her for the response of the town. Getting on the bad side of several villains leaves her grasping her wit and intelligence with a ferocity that cannot be beat or removed. Gaining unlikely allies she manages to free herself from those wishing to do her harm and start on the path to learning just who she is. 

Such an incredible book! The way the different characters and plot lines are woven is nothing short of wonderful, playing on the feelings of the audience creating emotional bonds to the fictional people being read about. From wanting to punch Loren's father to bile rising when talking about a villain's antics, that connection is strong and played like a violin. Expect to gasp, cry, laugh, and cheer throughout the story. Though, it does slow down a little bit in the middle it picks back up making up for lost time, and the book ends up glued to one's hands. The world-building is utterly beautiful, making the words on the page disappear and thrusting the reader into the actual world and creating the need to answer the mysterious questions which arise. Thankfully this is only story one of a series as the desire to know more is strong and almost overpowering. Make sure you set a couple hours aside when you are about to jump into this tale as you'll want to finish it in one sitting!

To check it out on Amazon go here: Nightblade

Keep your tea as hot as your book!

Bayou Fire

Today I'm taking you down to New Orleans to talk about the incredible book Bayou Fire written by Sharon E. Cathcart. This book brings the heat and not just in the Gumbo! I am so happy I had the privilege of taking this journey and I think you'll love it too!

Rating: 5 stars (swoon worthy Oscar!)
Whoo-Hoos: 4 (it's steamy! OH my!)

As a travel journalist, Diana has the fascinating opportunity to explore and live in exotic and fun locations, but nowhere has piqued her interest as much as her current place- New Orleans. Though part of her intrigue is due to her inexplicable, suddenly recurring nightmares. The same ones she thought to be done, however, they hold more power for both her and the locals than she realizes, that is until she meets Amos. Meeting him causes her night terrors and her future to blend together to reveal the beautiful truth she's held this whole time. 

When the term "cajun spice" is mentioned, this book is what the person is speaking of. With an endearingly charming mix of personable characters and local food the reader can almost taste, it brings the flavour as well as the heat, and simply doesn't let up. Because of how well-written it is, one needs, NEEDS, to know what happens and can't put it down until the end. Curiosity about the perplexing nightmares and how they tie into the story creates all kinds of possibilities in a person's mind, though none are as magnificent as the truth. The people, and culture, examined are not mere 2-dimensional cardboard cutouts, but rather are intricately complex alive beings with rich accents, memories, and quirks. Truth be told, this is one of those stories that is wonderfully wrapped up at the finish, but the audience is extremely hesitant to close the cover on these new friends. Be prepared for the reread urge!!

To check this out on Amazon go here: Bayou Fire

Keep your tea as hot as your book!