Things We Do in the Dark

"As a woman once reminded her a long time ago, the common denominator in all the terrible things that have happened to you is you." ~ 11%

What's worse than a murder charge? Two murder charges! Paris Peralta is arrested in her own bathroom. She's covered in blood, holding a razor with her celebrity husband dead in the bathtub. It's obvious she'll be charged for murder. But that's not what worries Paris. All of the unwanted media will bring attention to her and it's only a matter of time before she's recognized by someone in the past.

Five of my Goodreads friends found Things We Do in the Dark to be at least a 3⭐️ rating. However, the story was too obvious. Too foreseeable. Too repetitive. The best thing is the cover. At first glance it is a plain navy background with the title in large yellow gold caps. But behind the letters are a woman's face. Eyes that have seen better days and hide secrets. I just wish it matched the content.

Happy Pub Day, Jennifer Hillier! Things We Do in the Dark is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Things We Do in the Dark
Author: Jennifer Hillier
Published: July 2022
Pages: 352
Edition: Galley
Genre: Thriller Mystery
Rating: 🖤 🖤

First Lines Friday

First Lines Friday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Grab your current read(s).
• Share the first line(s).
• Include the title and author.

"It's like being awakened from a dream, a real-feeling dream where you didn't know you were sleeping. Like being pulled from a thick, muddy river bottom into cold, clear water. Thought last I checked, rivers don't have candles, and this place is full of them. Voices murmur around me: a prayer I've never heard."

~ Embers on the Wind by Lisa Williamson Rosenberg 

The 6:20 Man

"The money folks will forgive a lot if the cash keeps rolling in. Same goes for the government." ~ 69%

Cheap suit? ✔️ Faux-leather briefcase? ✔️ Entry level analyst? ✔️ 

Travis Devine boards the 6:20 a.m. train to his job in Manhattan at a prestigious investment firm. The train's route passes an affluent neighborhood giving Travis dreams of someday living in one of the lavish homes with a hot lady poolside. 

Until one morning his routine is changed by an anonymous email: She is dead. Devine's ex-girlfriend/co-worker is found hanging in a storage room at the office. He is tasked by his past in the Army to participate in the investigation into her presumed suicide and shady dealings of the firm. 

This new novel penned by the great David Baldacci is the perfect example of thriller buildup. At 88% through, it was not even close to over! I was wondering how this would wrap up. Bodies were dropping left right left. The little details all lead to a very satisfying end. The 6:20 Man is a realistic deep dive into dark finance at its finest. 

Happy Pub Day, David Baldacci! The 6:20 Man is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: The 6:20 Man
Author: David Baldacci
Published: July 2022
Pages: 432
Edition: Galley
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

Wash Day Diaries

"Nah, it's wash day. I ain't goin' nowhere." ~ pg. 32

Wash Day Diaries tells the story of four best friends: Kim, Tanisha, Davene and Cookie. In comic book style, the daily lives of these young women in the Bronx are followed. As a Black woman, I know the authors tell no lies when they titled this new release. Wash Day really is an all-day affair. Set aside all plans for a full day of washing, conditioning and nourishing our hair with a group text of your best girlfriends keeping you company.

Wash Day Diaries is a tribute to Black joy, womanhood and hair care. The women chat about their personal lives, family rifts and spill the tea. At less than 200 pages in a comic/graphic novel format it is easily read in one sitting.

The representation in Wash Day Diaries is on point! Women with different hair types and shades of skin are represented in the group of friends. Their hair routines are full of accuracy like co-washing, deep conditioning and Black hair care. It is so beautifully illustrated in detail too! Order the paperback or Kindle edition (less than $10) for viewing on an iPad/laptop for the impressive colors, illustrations and layout. This is how a graphic novel is done!

Happy Pub Day, Jamila Rowser and Robyn Smith! Wash Day Diaries is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Wash Day Diaries
Author: Jamila Rowser & Robyn Smith
Published: July 2022
Pages: 192
Edition: Galley
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤 🖤

Series Sunday: The Moment We Met

(Met #2) 

Series Sunday is a bookish meme hosted by Literary Marie. I encourage all of my fellow book bloggers and bookhearts to play along.

• Read an installment of a series.
• Share your review/recommendation below.
• Include the title, author and series name.

My Series Sunday pick is The Moment We Met, the second book in the Met series by Camille Baker. Remember that meddling dating app called Met? Well it strikes again. Tiwanda's 30th birthday is a turning point and now she has an app that promises four matches, and among them, her soul mate. Despite the doubt, Tiwanda taps "yes" and hope it leads to a real love.

"Stop complaining and shoot your shot." ~ 79%

I didn't quite enjoy this follow-up book much as the first. The title is catchy. The cover is pretty. But the content was a bit dull. For the premise to be so promising, it fell flat. I can only imagine how lost readers would be if they haven't read the first book. The author did not provide a back story or introduction to previous characters. It was like an inside joke that you grin about but don't crack a full smile or laugh. I am not sure if the author has intentions on making this a full series but maybe it's a wrap for Met.

Happy Early Pub Day, Camille Baker! The Moment We Met will be available Tuesday, July 5.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: The Moment We Met
Author: Camille Baker
Published: July 2022
Pages: 256
Edition: Galley
Genre: Romance
Rating: 🖤 🖤

The Ex-Husband

"It's my ex. Trust me on that. He moved next door, and he's been intent on making my life a misery ever since." ~ 46%

So goes the story of Leah and her ex-husband Craig. She finally escaped the nightmare marriage, no longer flinching if she accidentally burns dinner and knows the kids are now safe. Until she sees Craig stroll past her window and lets himself into the house next door. He claims it is a coincidence and they can be good neighbors. 

But Leah is on edge. She doesn't believe it is a coincidence. She fears for her safety and that of Craig's new girlfriend. Her actions going forward make me question her character and credibility of the past. She rifles through his garbage, eavesdrops and more. Then something happens to make the reader wonder who is the innocent one here?

I understand book descriptions are written to entice the reader. But "unputdownable" or "master suspense thriller" this is not. The comparisons to bestselling psychological thrillers are a stretch. If you are still in the mood for domestic suspense after this review, then this book is for you. Otherwise, I do not recommend reading. It was a struggle to finish.

Happy Pub Day, Samantha Hayes! The Ex-Husband is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: The Ex-Husband
Author: Samantha Hayes
Published: June 2022
Pages: 356
Edition: Galley
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Rating: 🖤 

Fake It Till You Bake It

"He could not be attracted to the customer from hell." ~ 4%

Reality star meets cupcake-baking football player and pretend to be a couple. The fake relationship has its benefits. Jada is trying to rehab her public image; she turned down a proposal on a reality dating show. Donovan's new cupcake bakery needs good publicity and a solid customer base. When Jada finds herself working at the bakery (thanks to a meddling good-hearted grandmother), a reporter mistakes them for a couple so they roll with it.

"Okay, boomer." ~ 76%

When a main character is unlikeable, it is very hard for me to fully enjoy the story. Jada was a whining, selfish, clueless young woman that didn't appreciate the opportunities in her path. Donovan seemed charming and headstrong, essentially a catch. Jada's first impression was of her talking shit about Donovan's bakery. It was downhill from there for me. 

Funny one liners and the writing style is what kept me reading to the end. If you like cute fake-to-fall-in-love stories, then read Fake It Till You Bake It. Otherwise, you can skip this one.

Happy Pub Day, Jamie Wesley! Fake It Till You Bake It is now available.

Disclaimer: An advance copy was received directly from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are my own and would be the same if I spent my hard-earned coins.

Title: Fake It Till You Bake It
Author: Jamie Wesley
Published: June 2022
Pages: 320
Edition: Galley
Genre: Romance
Rating: 🖤 🖤