The Piper is a story that in its simplicity, manages to do a multitude of things simultaneously. The first and most important of which being to give tThe Piper is a story that in its simplicity, manages to do a multitude of things simultaneously. The first and most important of which being to give the specter of Hamish MacLeod, which has managed to haunt the beloved Ian Rutledge without fail from book to book. A life outside of our tormented leading man's mind. Reader's also get to view Hamish as a smart, resourceful, compassionate, and home-loving man. A man who, had he not died, would have had the stuff to make a great crime stopper in his own right.
Though short, the story is intense and extremely readable. One is very much able to clearly delineate the who's and why's of where character loyalties and such will lie. All with a speed and surety that comes as a most welcome surprise. Speaking of welcome surprises. The completeness of the story told here is one that definitely merits accolades. The complexity, plot twists, character development, and overall polish of a story that, when measured against the length of a standard novel, would span only a few chapters. Is in and of itself a hallmark of great story craft.
Lastly, and most enticing of all, is the fact that reader's are also given the added treat of a sneak preview of the latest Ian Rutledge Mystery, Racing The Devil. Published on February 14, 2017, by William Morrow.
Reviewer's Note: The Piper is a related standalone short story within an ongoing series. As such, it may be read at any time within the series's course.
Merged review:
The Piper is a story that in its simplicity, manages to do a multitude of things simultaneously. The first and most important of which being to give the specter of Hamish MacLeod, which has managed to haunt the beloved Ian Rutledge without fail from book to book. A life outside of our tormented leading man's mind. Reader's also get to view Hamish as a smart, resourceful, compassionate, and home-loving man. A man who, had he not died, would have had the stuff to make a great crime stopper in his own right.
Though short, the story is intense and extremely readable. One is very much able to clearly delineate the who's and why's of where character loyalties and such will lie. All with a speed and surety that comes as a most welcome surprise. Speaking of welcome surprises. The completeness of the story told here is one that definitely merits accolades. The complexity, plot twists, character development, and overall polish of a story that, when measured against the length of a standard novel, would span only a few chapters. Is in and of itself a hallmark of great story craft.
Lastly, and most enticing of all, is the fact that reader's are also given the added treat of a sneak preview of the latest Ian Rutledge Mystery, Racing The Devil. Published on February 14, 2017, by William Morrow.
Reviewer's Note: The Piper is a related standalone short story within an ongoing series. As such, it may be read at any time within the series's course....more
It seems that a great deal has changed for Miss Velvet Spencer in the two years since she made the heart breaking decision to end things with the noncIt seems that a great deal has changed for Miss Velvet Spencer in the two years since she made the heart breaking decision to end things with the noncommittal love of her life. One Jay Colfax. While trading the hustle and bustle and friends of her former life in Phoenix, Arizona. For a new life of relative obscurity in the tiny, touristy, New Orleans adjacent, town of Catalina Cove, Louisiana.
She has settled in. Found a beautiful apartment in a renovated mansion. And is a respected teacher at the local high school. With it seems, all thoughts of Mr. Jay Colfax and his sinful sensuality well in her life's rearview. That is until he becomes her new neighbor. Next door neighbor. To be exact.
Yep... Jay Colfax. Love of her life. Unwilling to commit. Capable of making her have some of the most powerful orgasms of her life with nothing more than a kiss. Has settled in as her neighbor for at least six months. While he over sees the opening of a new bank in Catalina Cove. And try as she might our dear Miss Spencer can't resist the idea that she may be open to a no strings attached fling with the man that once held her heart.
This is a book that is delicate on well written sweetness and charm in every area except SEX. Catalina Cove is so well described that you almost want to pack your bags and move there from word one. All.of the supporting characters are so full of quirk and nuance that they read more like old friends. And even Jay's plan to win and woo his lady love. Can be described as subtle. But there is absolutely nothing subtle about the chemistry that jumps off of every single page of every single scene in which these two are involved. It's almost as though the romance is hidden in the sex. At least until the physical connection deepens to something more at about 65% of the book.
Though the sex to love story plot takes up a great deal of the story. There are thankfully a great number of smaller interwoven subplots that provide both depth and a welcome distraction from Velvet and Jay's supposed secret sexual shenanigans. It is within these subplots that most of the story, character development and interaction, and secrets, plots, manipulation, and reader to story connection is to to be found.
In short... While this read goes a little overboard the the sexual attraction aspect of what is essentially a "second chance romance". Brenda Jackson's The House On Blueberry Lane is a book that is a book that will make you believe in the power of the fickle heart. And that even the most wounded of men can also allow love to remove the thorn from a long wounded paw.
Reviewer's Note WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Harlequin Desire and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which this critique is based. The opinions herein area own. And have been in no way influenced by any agency outside of myself.
Merged review:
It seems that a great deal has changed for Miss Velvet Spencer in the two years since she made the heart breaking decision to end things with the noncommittal love of her life. One Jay Colfax. While trading the hustle and bustle and friends of her former life in Phoenix, Arizona. For a new life of relative obscurity in the tiny, touristy, New Orleans adjacent, town of Catalina Cove, Louisiana.
She has settled in. Found a beautiful apartment in a renovated mansion. And is a respected teacher at the local high school. With it seems, all thoughts of Mr. Jay Colfax and his sinful sensuality well in her life's rearview. That is until he becomes her new neighbor. Next door neighbor. To be exact.
Yep... Jay Colfax. Love of her life. Unwilling to commit. Capable of making her have some of the most powerful orgasms of her life with nothing more than a kiss. Has settled in as her neighbor for at least six months. While he over sees the opening of a new bank in Catalina Cove. And try as she might our dear Miss Spencer can't resist the idea that she may be open to a no strings attached fling with the man that once held her heart.
This is a book that is delicate on well written sweetness and charm in every area except SEX. Catalina Cove is so well described that you almost want to pack your bags and move there from word one. All.of the supporting characters are so full of quirk and nuance that they read more like old friends. And even Jay's plan to win and woo his lady love. Can be described as subtle. But there is absolutely nothing subtle about the chemistry that jumps off of every single page of every single scene in which these two are involved. It's almost as though the romance is hidden in the sex. At least until the physical connection deepens to something more at about 65% of the book.
Though the sex to love story plot takes up a great deal of the story. There are thankfully a great number of smaller interwoven subplots that provide both depth and a welcome distraction from Velvet and Jay's supposed secret sexual shenanigans. It is within these subplots that most of the story, character development and interaction, and secrets, plots, manipulation, and reader to story connection is to to be found.
In short... While this read goes a little overboard the the sexual attraction aspect of what is essentially a "second chance romance". Brenda Jackson's The House On Blueberry Lane is a book that is a book that will make you believe in the power of the fickle heart. And that even the most wounded of men can also allow love to remove the thorn from a long wounded paw.
Reviewer's Note WTF Are You Reading would like to thank Harlequin Desire and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which this critique is based. The opinions herein area own. And have been in no way influenced by any agency outside of myself....more
Everywhere To Hide is one of those Suspense/Thrillers that you find yourself drawn to simply because you understand that the heroine is an overcomer bEverywhere To Hide is one of those Suspense/Thrillers that you find yourself drawn to simply because you understand that the heroine is an overcomer by nature. And you simply want the chance to see her in action. And leading lady, Whitney Garrison, does not disappoint. A woman struggling to make sense of the world around her. Even as all that she thought she knew of said world is falling apart in front of her. And she can even see it.
Face blindness makes quite the foil for Whitney. And poses quite the obstacle to those investigating the murder of the man that is found at the back door of the coffee shop where Whitney works. A man that Whitney knows from her time as an intern on The Hill. A man with information that someone is willing to kill for. This is a book that is made by the characters moreso than the underlying intrigue surrounding cryptocurrency and the implications of its use upon the world markets. Which can get a bit tedious as time goes on.
But Whitney's life being turned upside down, and all of the snakes that crawl out from beneath their respective rocks as a result. Is what really makes this book work.
Thanks to Netgally and PIC Book Tours for providing the review copy upon which my honest review is based.
Roan Parrish's Better Than People offers readers the perfect "get to know me to love me" romance. With an unassuming and painfully shy Simon Burke, comRoan Parrish's Better Than People offers readers the perfect "get to know me to love me" romance. With an unassuming and painfully shy Simon Burke, coming to the aid of a very sweet gang of furry friends. While their owner, one Jack Matheson, a grumpy children's book illustrator. Who hasn't drawn anything since being double crossed in a publication deal by the man who was his friend and writing partner. Nurses a rather unfortunate green stick fracture to one of his legs.
Neither of the two ever daring to believe that each could be just what the doctor ordered for the other. With their shared affection for Jack's myriad of pets serving as the perfect bridge to join these two hurt and fragile souls to each other and the world at large.
Bearing witness to the gentleness and patience the both Simon and Jack showed toward Jack's pets. In no way however, prepares you for the emotional rollercoaster that Jack and Simon's relationship becomes; as their story progresses. Revealing both the life altering severity of Simon's social anxiety. And the career ending effects of his long time friend's betrayal on Jack.
But wait... There's more. Because just as these two start to let their respective guards down around each other enough to become comfortable enough as friends. The undeniable attraction they share becomes a very scintillating avenue that they can't help exploring. Giving readers some of the most beautifully expressed love scenes ever. And adding layers to an already complex emotional onion.
This is a book, a story, and a relationship that is so well written that readers can't help becoming increasingly immersed in each detail of these men's lives. In much the same way that the two become singularly wrapped up in becoming a couple.
Readers literally fall in love with Simon and Jack's falling in love. With each managing to be both the tailor made strength and gentleness that the other needs. At the very moment that it is needed most.
Jack and Simon are the quintessential "your imperfections are just the right kind of perfect for me couple. And their story is one of two souls finding their forever homes. Courtesy of a little time, a lot of love, patience, understanding, a broken leg, and more than a few wet noses and sniffed butts.
*WTF Are You Reading? Would like to thank Netgally and Carina Press for providing the unsolicited review copy upon which my honest critique is based.
All I can say about Carole Stivers' The Mother Code is a truly heartfelt WOW! This book is an amazing and somewhat mind-binding look into what could veAll I can say about Carole Stivers' The Mother Code is a truly heartfelt WOW! This book is an amazing and somewhat mind-binding look into what could very well be our not to distant future. The bio-weapon. The mistakes. The cover-up The solution So many parts of a very complex human puzzle. That of the continuation of the human species. Against all odds. And in the face of sure extinction. If not for one key factor. The technology of a mother. Programmed into machines. Machines built to protect. Machines built to nurture. Machines built to endure.
The the seamless blending of technology and the human experience is the key to this story. Gone are the days when technology is simply there to make the human experience convenient. This book speaks of a time when technology combined with the capacity to learn, adapt and understand. Serves as the saving grace for the continuation of human life.
Told in points of view that shift from pre-epidemic to post. Readers come to understand both the reasons that precipitated the creation of the Mothers. As well as the motives, lives, failings and successes of the small group of people bearing that knowledge and responsibility.
But the key element that really serves to bring all of the others together. And give the story is purpose is. The children. Each as unique in his or her personhoood as the robot mother programmed to rear them. They are the ones through whom the world after the pandemic is realized. Both for the reader and for themselves. They become everything. Their experiences, hope, dreams fears, more precious to the reader than gold. This book serves as a modern day Noah's Ark. A most harrowing, yet hopeful glimpse at what it could really mean to begin again....more
Authoress Adele Parks Lies, Lies, Lies is a story that begins as a family drama. But evolves into so much more over time. Possessed of an amazingly comAuthoress Adele Parks Lies, Lies, Lies is a story that begins as a family drama. But evolves into so much more over time. Possessed of an amazingly complex story-line. What at first glance appears to be a story chronicling one family's battles with fertility issues and alcohol addiction. Soon morphs and grows, turning in upon itself and becoming a labyrinth of secrets, doubts, abuse, fear, recriminations, and lies, lies, and more lies. Fracturing souls, lives, and a family. And leaving a marriage and family already on the brink of collapse seemingly forever beyond repair.
All Simon and Daisy have ever wanted is a child. Or in the case of Simon, children. But Daisy's fibroids and Simon's nonexistent sperm count seem to have conspired to nix that dream. In a way that even the miracle of IVF can't manage to fix. Until the miracle that is Millie. The blonde haired, blue eyed, bundle of perfection that the two managed to conceive "the old fashioned way". Or so they thought.
Flash forward six years. Milly is all that the two proud parents could ever want. And all seems perfect in Daisy and Simon's world. Yes. It's true that Simon drinks a bit more than he should. And things with Daisy have settled in to a bit of a routine. But that happens with all couples, right? They're happy aren't they? Or at least they would be. If... They had another baby. At least that's what Simon believes, and is doing all he can to convince a reluctant Daisy of. And its off to the fertility clinic for tests that prove the unthinkable. And sends Simon on an alcohol driven downward spiral that is at once fascinating to see and horrific to watch. A spiral at the end of which, we find that the one person we thought to be the problem. Turns out to be merely the one destined to open the Pandora's box surrounding Milly. Milly. Their sweetest dream come true. Destined to live a nightmare crafted for her by her parents' inability to face, deal with, or tell the truth. Both to themselves and to each other. A nightmare that just may cost everyone everything. Even their lives.
Simon, Simon, Simon. Everything seems to begin with the lovable drunk gone terribly wrong. But this is a man who at his core is having to deal with the fact that everything that he thought he knew about his world his daughter, and his wife, is simply not true. And rather than face those issues head on. He chooses to hide literally "in a bottle". While his life implodes. He is that character that you really want to hate. But you just can't.
Daisy on the other hand... So good, so kind, so long suffering, so vigilant. Is the one person that one does come to hate over time. Not for what she does. Nope... She's got all the boxes ticked that every uber "doer" should. -Clean up after drunkard husband. Check. -Be the perfect mother, Check -Be the wallflower best friend. Check -Lie about everything...hmmmmm. Daisy's problem is not it seems. Nor could it ever be that she does things. Daisy's problem, dear reader, as well as the whole premise of this tragedy. Resides firmly in the fact that Daisy's apparent victimhood and it's well appointed side of martyrdom work in concert to render her ineffectual on so many levels. That in the end. She becomes 'side-eye worthy" in the worst way.
In the interest of time and my already flagrant disregard for brevity. I will end the commentary here. But please hear me when I say that Adele Parks' Lies Lies Lies is a family drama like no other. Written to make you cringe, maybe cry, but most of all to consider what true intimacy, family bonds, and honesty really mean. In a world where it has indeed become the norm and seemingly so much kinder to LIE.
*WTF Are You Reading? would like to thank Netgalley and Mira Books for providing the review copy on which this nonbiased and completely honest critique is based. ...more
Unity and Ellen have been friends forever. Always together... Thick and thin, rain, shine, and now hiding.
Unity doing her best to make herself the younUnity and Ellen have been friends forever. Always together... Thick and thin, rain, shine, and now hiding.
Unity doing her best to make herself the youngest member of the Silver Pines retirement community. First, by partaking in a large number of the community activities. Then by making herself an indispensable fixture through her hometown handyman service. Staffed by and servicing the senior community. All the while, making a habit of being as nondescript as possible. And silently grieving the death of her husband and high school sweetheart, Stuart.
Ellen is a teacher, a single mom, a great person and friend. She, like unity, has a very select group of friends, and loves her job, nondescript clothes, and has built a life around her son. And she, like her friend, thinks that her life is fine, fulfilled, and happy. At least, that is until she stumbles into a conversation between her now teenage son and a friend. During which he discloses that he will not be going on the upcoming college out of state college tour to California. Because he has decided NOT to go to school out of state because he has to "be there for his mother" Because he "is her whole life."
Meanwhile... Unity is receiving a bit of a push out of he nest of her own. As she has been declared at 34 to be "too young, tall, and fit to be a member of the senior pickleball team. And has been made an unaware datee and a well intentioned by ill-fated blind date with her senior bestie's great-nephew, Thaddeus.
Something has got to be done. And it appears that Ellen, spurred into action by her son's heartfelt words. Has come up with a plan to prove to herself and the world that she, and Unity by extension. Can and will have a life. Or are perfectly willing to die trying. By way of their "Friendship List". A bucket list of sorts that the two women challenge themselves to complete. While we the readers come along for the ride.
The Friendship List is a very sweet and poignant glimpse into what starting over can mean. When major shifts in the dynamic of one's life occur. In the case of Ellen. The shift from single parent to that of single empty nester. And in the case of Unity. The shift from happily married military wife, sans child. To childless young widow. And the lengths, both long and short, comical and painful that one sometimes must go to. In order to find their way back to self, life, love, and the possibilities of forever.
*Special thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for providing the review copy on which my non-biased critique is based. ...more
Aubrey and Landon's story serves readers the perfect blend of comic nuttiness, frienemy saltiness, and happily ever after fluff. With the most exquisiAubrey and Landon's story serves readers the perfect blend of comic nuttiness, frienemy saltiness, and happily ever after fluff. With the most exquisite gastronomically centered tale of two chefs that one could imagine sandwiched oh so perfectly in-between.
One can't help falling in love with both the spunky "never say die" persona of leading lady and bakery owner, Aubrey Choi. Especially when paired with the class, polish, and heart of leading man, Landon Kim. Even though in most cases, one is never quite sure where loyalties or blames lie. Due to the comedy of errors that ensues after Aubrey's assistant, Lily, accidentally sells celebrity food critic, Landon, a gummy worm infested bundt cake. About which he then writes and is forced to publish; an unfavorable review. Which sends Aubrey's once booming business into an unchecked nosedive. A fate which Landon is determined correct. Because he and she, each unaware of just who the other was.
Shared a hot and passionate night that neither of the two can seem to forget. But don't exactly have the time to remember. Because his plan has is them joining forces in a race against the ravages of time and bad press. To save her bakery, his reputation and both of their hearts.
Jayci Lee's expressively descriptive writing style is perfect for both the emotional and culinary adventures that one becomes a party to when reading this book. She literally brings the story to life through the sights, smells, tastes, and feelings that her audience is allowed to sample like so many "tasting plates". Just when one thinks that they have mastered the nuance of a particular scene or scenario. There is yet another character, plot twist, or turn of phrase, that completely changes the bitterest of beginnings into the sweetest of endings. With each discovery that Aubrey and Landon make about themselves and each other; adding just the right amount of emotional depth along the way. Bravo Miss Lee!!!! This reviewer thanks you for a Michelin Star worthy romantic masterpiece. That one just can't help raving about.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for proving the digital review copy on which my unbiased and unsolicited critique is based. ...more
What can I say about Burn by Patrick Ness. Well...let's see. How about...hmmmm. This is an awesome sleeper of a read that definitely should grace the TBRWhat can I say about Burn by Patrick Ness. Well...let's see. How about...hmmmm. This is an awesome sleeper of a read that definitely should grace the TBR's of those who love thoughtful and strangely philosophical tomes. That both inform and entertain. Titillate and incite. Managing to both inspire one to believe in the stuff of dreams. With its tales of dragons, prophecies, and alternate realities. And provoke one to rage against the evils of institutionalized bigotry. As experienced by leading lady and biracial teen, Sarah Dewhurst. And her best friend/ maybe something more, leading man, Jason Inagawa. Who, as you can probably guess, is also experiencing quite a lot of the same bigoted prejudice as Sarah. Given his Japanese heritage. And the relative newness of Pearl Harbor.
But let's get back to the more pressing matters of the story, shall we? You see... This all started because Sarah's father, one Garret Dewhurst, hired a Russian Blue dragon to raze his fields. In the hopes that he would be able to plant the crops that just may bring in the money that is needed to save his farm. All of which would have been fine, if not for the Cold War, a Russian satellite set to launch, and a prophecy meant to change the world.
Oh yeah... About that whole prophecy thing. It's a whole lot bigger than just some words written on a dusty scroll somewhere. And by bigger, I mean the FBI out investigating in the wilds of Canada, bigger. Two agents trying to track down a person, who they believe may have had something to do with the death of one of their fellow agents. In those very same Canadian wilds. With a big assist from a dragon, of course.
And then there is Malcolm. At least that's his name for this mission. Trained to serve the dragon goddess, Mitrea Thea.. By any mean necessary. Even if it means that he has to kill. Never dreaming that he might fall in love along the way. A love that most consider to be an abomination. A love that calls him out of the shadows that his mission and his goddess says that he must make his home. A love with the power to change more lives than just that of young Malcolm.
In the interest of not getting all spoilery and not writing a review that one would need a few days to read. We will get on with the more technical part of the review. Burn is that book that is so much more than it appears at the outset. Just ripe to become the latest episode of the X-Files. Complete with dragons, alternate realities, institutionalized racism, religious cults and prophecies, and a good old dose of world saving. The intellectual and emotional depth of this read will captivate readers of all ages. A true storytellers' story. ...more
How to describe Christina Lauren's newest rom-com inspired holiday romance? Sweet, Chistmasy "Goundhog Day-esque" turned "OMG. Will this bo My Thoughts
How to describe Christina Lauren's newest rom-com inspired holiday romance? Sweet, Chistmasy "Goundhog Day-esque" turned "OMG. Will this book ever be over?" cuteness. But to be fair. That was also my opinion of Groundhog Day, the movie, as well.
The problem with books / movies that are written with the premise of the dreaded time loop. Is that the reader is also forced to relive said loop. Along with the knowledge. In this case, of the fact that the authors' entire purpose for said time loop is a second-chance love story of sorts. Involving a choice between two brothers. Which really isn't a choice at all. The impending end to Christmases spent in the bucolic setting of the Hollis cabin. And the ever present threat of a car crash that seems determined to happen come heel or high water.
Or in the case of leading lady, Mae. For as many times as she and the person reading this book care to run around the "I'm stuck in a perpetual do-over until I can make all of my happily ever after shit work out" plot line
This would be fine except for one major flaw. This book is written for adults!!!! I say that because... That is the one point that the authors of this book seem to have forgotten!
At least in as much as the Mr Right part of the story is concerned The do over part... Was just perfect.
But Mr. Right... That quickly became an annoying series of... "Oh let's make out in this closet" "Did we get caught yet?" "Uhhh nope." "Damn, oh well" "Oh. Let's make out in this simi-public place." "Did we get caught yet?" "Almost" "Hot damn...we're on to something now?" "Let's start getting all weird and secretive". And so on... Until The big secret that really isn't a secret is revealed. The choir sings, the heavens part, and everybody gets to go home.
Christina, Lauren, let me warn you both now. Your YA is showing ladies. And while it is a bet warm and fuzzy precious. It lowers the readability for those of us seeking the more adult read that we have come to expect from a CL title. ...more
Christina Henry's The Girl In Red is... Well... It's a whole lotta... Whole lotta... In short... It's part Little Red Riding Hood retelling. Part post apocaChristina Henry's The Girl In Red is... Well... It's a whole lotta... Whole lotta... In short... It's part Little Red Riding Hood retelling. Part post apocalyptic survivors sci-fi read Part social commentary on the evils of the break down of so-called "civilized" social norms and mores. When people are reduced to the basic "fight for survival". Or in the case of many of the rogue militias evidenced. Mob rule, prejudice, and stupidity are allowed to roam unchecked. And oh yeah... Said mob rule and friends also just happen to be armed with assault rifles.
And making her way downtown, Walking fast... Not really... She's really just trying to make her way to Grandma's. On a prosthetic leg, armed with an axe, more prepared than fifty of the best girl scouts, and the finest sense of paranoid over awareness of any "last girl standing" heroine ANYWHERE!! There is Cordelia aka RED.
It used to be Red and people. But you know... People close to the "last girl standing" have to die. Because REASONS! And plot continuity and all that. But I digress... Back to the review we go. So... Now it's just Red. On her way to Grandma's. In a life or death race against contagion, murder, rape, starvation, and a mystery element that I can't talk about due to spoiler potential.
Now on to the technical part of the review. The first 80 percent of the book is great. The world building, the attachment and and investment in Red and her survival. The constant sense of foreboding that seems to shadow her every move. Love...love...love. Even if things start to devolve into the plot of every corny horror flick that anyone has ever been forced to watch through their fingers. But don't worry allowances have been made for this.
But what we as readers are not prepped for. The anticlimactic last 20%. In particular the portion of said 20% relating to that very spoilery unmentionable element that was mentioned earlier. Yeah... About that? Uh....wtf? Really? So much of the latter half of the book is dedicated to that... And that is how it ends? Really? People died! And that is what we're left with. Oh well... Shrugging shoulders and checking my kindle docs for the next read shall begin in 3-2-1....more
Ann Aguirre's newest Adult Suspense/Psychological Thriller release, entitled The Third Mrs. Durst is first rate when it comes to mail biting suspense Ann Aguirre's newest Adult Suspense/Psychological Thriller release, entitled The Third Mrs. Durst is first rate when it comes to mail biting suspense and a leading man that you will love to hate. Michael Durst... Rich, privileged, charming, cultured, and lethal. And to Mariana... So much more.
Marlana Altizer is a woman who has always known what she wanted. Even at sixteen. When she left her life as the daughter of a drug addicted mother in small town Kentucky. To seek her fortune as a model in Nashville. And later... The world. But at what cost?
It is very safe to say that neither Michael, nor Mariana really know what the other is truly capable of when they marry. But it is that marriage that marks the start of the time clock during which all is revealed. Ann Aguirre elevates the "sleeping with the enemy" trope in very twisted ways. That promise readers the chance to be both horrified and intrigued by both Michael's depravity. As the abusive and controlling husband. And Marlana's calculation as his long suffering spouse with secrets.
It is in fact Marlana's hidden agenda and the stealth with which it is allowed to unfold in the face of Michael's tyrannical scrutiny; that makes read. Because there are several points at which Michael's control over Marlana becomes so great and so violent that one is not even sure that she will survive. Let alone bring down her husband.
There are of course, parts of this book that are not as stellar as the Michael\Marlana aspect. Like the cliche relationship between Mariana and her bodyguard Vin. Or the ease with which Marlana seems to find herself in just the right places at just the right times when it comes to first becoming a model. And then catching the eye of Mr. Durst. But let's just chalk up those little faux pas as necessary evils. Gotta keep the story moving right?
Those few journeys into the land of "been there, done that" aside. The Third Mrs. Durst is a fast paced thrill ride of a read. That just like your favorite roller coaster promises to leave you punch drunk, and yearning for more by the last page....more
In Joanne Ramoes' 2019 release entitled The Farm. She dares to shine a glaring light on the very sensitive subject of what has become the most highly In Joanne Ramoes' 2019 release entitled The Farm. She dares to shine a glaring light on the very sensitive subject of what has become the most highly prized boon in the world of 'human commodities '. The womb. Or more to the point. The paid use of one's womb to carry the offspring of another.
In this case. The carrier being Jane. A young Filipino woman recently fired from her position as a baby nurse to an affluent Caucasian family. Seemingly out of options, and desperate to make a better life for herself and her 6-month old daughter, Amalia.
Her solution... Golden Oaks, a state-of-the-art, first of it's kind facility. Built to cater to those wealthy clients who due to infertility or for the sake of aesthetics; are willing to allow a woman of their choosing to carry their unborn.
For a price. And while the cost to both Jane and her fellow surrogates, of time, freedom, personal autonomy, and personal relationships are all pretty much the same across the board. The compensation rates vary according to race and education level. With the college educated Caucasian leading the list on all fronts.
Exploitation and manipulation of Jane and the others by the clients is just the tip of the iceberg however. With the introduction of Mae Yu, Executive Director of Operations at Golden Oaks. We are presented a woman determined to make the business of buying and selling womb space. The gateway through which she ushers in her American Dream.
And what system of usery could be complete without it taking place even among those cast lowest on this convoluted totem pole. That's right folks. Even the surrogates are casting their lots in the "what's in this for me game." With unschooled Jane being their prime target. And for her part... Jane plays the unwitting "lamb to the slaughter" to perfection . A part that leaves her with progressively more to lose as time goes on. But one in which readers don't become aware of the magnitude of Jane's loses until story's end.
The truths told here are ones that have been experienced by minorities and disenfranchised peoples the world over. And while this is an admittedly a difficult read. It is both very timely and extremely important....more
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