Book Review - The Other Girl by Erica Spindler

 

Miranda Rader is a police officer for Harmony, Louisiana and she is known for her ability to work under pressure and for her integrity and honesty. This wasn't always the case when she was growing up in Jasper. She grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and she worked hard to earn the respect of her coworkers and community.

Miranda and her partner, Jake,  is called to investigate the murder of a beloved college professor. When they arrived to the scene of the crime, they are unprepared for the brutality of the scene. She thought she saw the worst of it until she finds a piece of evidence that shakes her to her core. She finds an article about the terrible night that happened fifteen years ago that Miranda has tried to forget. She tried to bury the memories of that night as well as the girl she once was. 

Now another person has turned up dead. He was the cop who took Miranda's statement that night. His murder was different than the professor and nothing links the two of them except for Miranda. Will Miranda be able to find out who is behind the murders?

I thought the novel started off interesting then slowly descended to being unbelievable to boring. I found Jake's and Miranda's relationship to be tedious and confusing. Jake claims he loves her and trusts her but, then goes behind her back and discloses her secrets to other people time and time over again. And then she forgives him and takes him back repeatedly. Somehow, the two of them claim that they both love each other but, I don't see a single reason why they feel that way towards each other. Then in the end Jake mysteriously puts together all the clues and is able to solve the mystery behind the murders when he was supposedly off the force and visiting his family. The author hints that Jake might be hiding something else about his family but, we never get to know more. 

The plot is completely predictable. I am not sure how Miranda was able to guess so quickly how one person was tied to her past but, then forget another major player from that event until the last possible moment. It was fairly easy to guess who was behind the murders and their motive. I am not sure how this novel is billed a suspense or thriller as the story was slow and barely moved along at times. I also think the title gave away the twist to the end of the novel.

Book Review - 29 Seconds by T.M. Logan

 

Sarah is a young professor who has worked and sacrificed everything for her career. However, she is struggling to prove herself to her controlling and manipulative department head, Alan Hawthorne.  Alan is a popular television host and a well known scholar. He brings in million dollar grants to the university where they work. As Alan is the university's golden child, his malicious behavior towards female colleagues have gone ignored for years. Unfortunately, Sarah is his newest victim.

When Hawthorne's unwanted advances become more menacing, Sarah feels helpless. She isn't sure what her options are. One day, during her drive home, she witness an attempted kidnapping of a young child. Sarah intervenes to prevent the child from being hurt. The child's father wants to show Sarah he appreciates her help by offering her a favor in return. The man is a successful businessman who is known to have dangerous connections with the mob. He gives Sarah a burner phone and tells her that he can make all  her problems disappear with one call.

I am not sure if I completely believe this plot. I felt like it was overdone and over the top. I had a hard time connecting with Sarah. She is a well educated professor but, her reactions and personality are the exact opposite. The story took too long to get to the point and by then, I lost interest.  I am not sure what part of the book was supposed to be thrilling but, this entire thing was a snooze fest.

Book Review - Ally Hughes Has Sex Sometimes by Jules Moulin

 

 

Ally Hughes is a single mother who has her hands full with teaching at Brown with a cranky boss. At home, she has to deal with an old house in desperate need of repair, a critical mother, and a genius daughter. Ally spends her times taking care of other people's needs and she barely has time to date or even entertaining the idea of finding someone.

She doesn't have time for a relationship and she isn't into flings. However, when she meets, Jake, all her best intentions are out of the window. Jake is her student and who wants Ally to open her heart and life to loving someone. Ten years later, Ally is still single. Jake reappears in Ally's life but, as the boyfriend of Ally's daughter.

This novel was a boring read. It feels like this was someone's romantic dream and they decided to create a novel behind it. The story is an fluff piece with boring and predictable characters. If you want to read a book with an abundant amount of sex but, with no story, this is the novel for you.

Book Review - The Secrets of Paper and Ink by Lindsay Harrel

Photo Credit - Amazon

Sophia Barrett is a trained counselor who helps patients deal with their burdens. After taking time off because of a tragic accident, Sophia returns to work. However, when she meets a patient who has similar troubles as her, Sophia realizes she hasn't dealt with her loss. Deciding she needs some space and time to heal, she heads to Cornwall, England to heal. She moves into an apartment above a charming bookstore where is she surrounded by her favorite thing: books.  Will Sophia be able to heal from her past trauma? 

Ginny Rose is the bookstore owner and she is desperate to save her husband's dream business. She can't even ask her husband for help as he decided to take a break from their marriage. She is trying to keep her husband's dream alive but, she feels that she is missing something in her life. But, with an unexpected friendship emerges between her and Sophia; Ginny is hopeful that together with her brother-in-law, William,  they can save her bookstore. Will Sophia be able to save her bookstore and find herself in the process?

While organizing the bookstore's rare book inventory, Sophia finds a notebook containing journal entry from Emily Fairfax. Emily was a governess who lives in Cornwall more than 150 years ago.  Emily has a secret dream of being an author and she writes about her secret crush on her childhood friend, Edward. However, Edward is above her class and their union would be frowned upon.

Sophia is drawn and feels connected to Emily's story. Curious to learn more about Emily, Sophia enlists William and Ginny to research Emily's past. Together, Ginny realizes that she wants to save the bookstore on her accord and not because she thinks it would save her marriage. Sophia finds a new purpose and a way to heal during her journey with Ginny and William.

I thought the novel had an enjoyable but, predictable story. The author's idea of combining three different points of views of the women added an extra dimension to the story. It allowed the readers to understand and feel for each character. I enjoyed seeing two strong females helping each other heal and move on. However, if you are expecting a novel with secrets, suspense, and thrills, you would be better off reading another book.

 **Disclosure - I received a free  copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**