Fiction | Stacy Alesi's BookBitch.com™

BRILLIANCE by Marcus Sakey

February 8, 2016

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From the publisher:

In Wyoming, a little girl reads people’s darkest secrets by the way they fold their arms. In New York, a man sensing patterns in the stock market racks up $300 billion. In Chicago, a woman can go invisible by being where no one is looking.

They’re called “brilliants,” and since 1980, one percent of people have been born this way. Nick Cooper is among them; a federal agent, Cooper has gifts rendering him exceptional at hunting terrorists. His latest target may be the most dangerous man alive, a brilliant drenched in blood and intent on provoking civil war. But to catch him, Cooper will have to violate everything he believes in—and betray his own kind.

Jack says: Following in the tone of Hunger Games and Divergent, fast but interesting read. First of a three part series.

2/16 Jack Quick

BRILLIANCE by Marcus Sakey. Thomas & Mercer (July 16, 2013). ISBN 978-1611099690. 439p.

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ANYTHING FOR YOU by Kristan Higgins

February 6, 2016

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The Blue Heron Series

Jess Dunn is a young woman with a past – and everyone in this small town knows all about her alcoholic parents, her mother’s death, her father’s disappearance, her younger brother with fetal alcohol sydrome and her nickname, “Jessica Does.” Jess was the high school slut, but she had good reasons for sleeping around; all the boys she slept with helped protect her brother.

As an adult, she’s managed to turn her life around. She has a good job in marketing at a small, prestigious winery and works a second job as a waitress at the town’s swankiest restaurant. When the restaurant owner wants to send her for a wine class to help her upsell her customers wine, she reluctantly agrees. But when she gets to class, the teacher is none other than Connor O’Rourke.

Jess met Connor as a child, and when her dog attacked and almost killed him, the dog had to be put down. Connor felt terrible, and they basically fell in love with each other at age 12, but never pursued it or even acknowledged it. But the time had come, and after Connor spends the night with her, he accidentally blurts out the dreaded nickname – Jessica Does.

Their relationship is off to a rocky start, and over a ten year period they are on again, off again more times than anyone even knows. But eventually things come to a head and decisions have to be made.

I loved these characters and although their relationship was ridiculously overrun with obstacles, most of their own making, I couldn’t help but root for this couple. I also loved the small town setting, the vineyard beautifully brought to life, and the inside look at a passionate chef’s first restaurant.

This was my first Kristan Higgins book, which I picked up after seeing several stellar reviews, and I have to agree. I loved it. This is the fifth book in the series, so happily, I have some catching up to do.

2/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

ANYTHING FOR YOU by Kristan Higgins. HQN Books (December 29, 2015). ISBN 978-0373789085. 416p.

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THE LANGUAGE OF SECRETS by Ausma Zehanat Khan

February 4, 2016

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Rachel Getty and Esa Khattak Novels (Book 2)

This is the follow up to The Unquiet Dead, and features Canada’s Community Policing Section Detectives Esa Khattak and Rachel Getty.

Canada’s federal intelligence agency, INSET (Integrated National Security Enforcement Teams,) wants Khattak to help solve the murder of Mohsin Dar, an undercover agent who had infiltrated a local terrorist cell and was killed in a supposed hunting accident. It turns out the terrorist training ground is deep in the woods frequented by hunters.

INSET knows a major terrorist attack is planned for New Year’s Day, so the timeline is tight. Getty is sent to the small Toronto mosque that is home to the cell, which she easily infiltrates. INSET doesn’t want their involvement known, but the detectives are more intent on finding the murderer than keeping INSET secrets.

As Getty learns more about the terrorists, the motives for murder seem almost boundless. To further complicate the story, Khattak’s sister, Ruksh, has become engaged to the main suspect, one of the radicals.

Khan explores the Muslim faith and culture, making this an excellent study of diversity in these times of uncertainty and attacks.

2/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE LANGUAGE OF SECRETS by Ausma Zehanat Khan. Minotaur Books (February 2, 2016). ISBN 978-1250055125. 336p.

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OPENING BELLE by Maureen Sherry

February 2, 2016

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I love me a good play on words, and the title here really fits the bill. Set in 2008 just prior to the housing and credit bubble bursting, Isabelle – Belle to everyone – is a young woman living the dream. She’s a top trader at a small, prestigious brokerage house, married with three children, living on the upper West Side of New York City. Her kids are in the best private school money can buy, and her husband is a stay at home dad.

Belle works a lot of hours and there is some resentment that her husband doesn’t work and doesn’t take care of things the way she would like, but for the most part she seems happy, at least when she has a minute to think about it, which is pretty much never. Then Henry pops back into her life.

Henry is her former fiancé, who unceremoniously dumped her when she caught him cheating. He is now working for her biggest customer, and their day to day contact has him working overtime to get her back, but on his terms.

Belle’s work place is like a frat party on steroids. It would be hard to believe that in the 21st century women are still objectified in a work environment, but I know a woman in a similar situation – maybe not so much grabbing going on, but a definite boys club, with no girls allowed.

As the market heads towards its inexecrable crash, so does Belle’s world – her marriage, her job, everything she has been juggling for so long. But she is a not a professional for nothing, and her strong backbone stands her in good stead.

Interesting characters and a compelling situation make this a terrific read, with enough humor to lighten the load. I enjoyed this fast paced story immensely.

2/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

OPENING BELLE by Maureen Sherry. Simon & Schuster (February 2, 2016). ISBN 978-1501110627. 352p.

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2 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Women's Fiction | Permalink
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THE FORGOTTEN ROOM by Karen White, Beatriz Williams & Lauren Willig

January 30, 2016

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Olive Van Alan, Lucy Young, and Kate Schuyler – three generations of women all connected to one grand mansion and a mystery that stretches through decades of war and change.

In 1892, Olive Van Alan takes a position working in the grand Pratt mansion. Olive, the daughter of the very architect who designed the building, is on a mission that involves finding evidence that her father was cheated out of his pay and career by the Pratts. But then Olive begins to fall for the youngest member of the Pratt dynasty. THE FORGOTTEN ROOM by Karen White, Beatriz Williams & Lauren Willig

In 1920, Lucy Young rents an attic room in Stornaway House. But Lucy knows the building as her mother did, as the Pratt mansion. Lucy doesn’t know her mother’s exact connection to the home, but taking a position at the law office of Cromwell, Polk, and Moore brings her one step closer to the answers she seeks.

In 1944, Kate Schuyler is a doctor working in Stornaway Hospital when young Captain Ravenel is brought in as a patient. Ravenel immediately recognizes Kate, or seems to, though Kate has never laid eyes on the man. What’s more, he calls her Victorine.

The connections between these three women and the stories that have led each of them to their current positions are all part of the tale, and it’s one that the three authors have woven together almost seamlessly. I’m impressed at how fluidly the narrative works – chapters alternate between the three women and I can only assume that each of the authors handled a particular character/story line a piece. And while each character had their own voice and personality, at no point did it feel as though the story had been penned by three different authors.

The Forgotten Room is highly enjoyable and definitely one I’d recommend to fans of historical fiction, WWII historical fiction in particular considering it’s Kate who kicks off the tale.

1/16 Becky LeJeune

THE FORGOTTEN ROOM by Karen White, Beatriz Williams & Lauren Willig. NAL (January 19, 2016). ISBN 978-0451474629. 384p.

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SHADE ME by Jennifer Brown

January 29, 2016

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Merriam-Webster defines synesthesia as: a concomitant sensation; especially : a subjective sensation or image of a sense (as of color) other than the one (as of sound) being stimulated

For Nikki Kill, her synesthesia manifests not only in the form of colors associated with numbers and letters, but with feelings as well. In other words, it makes her something of an emotional barometer for those around her. Not that she always understood that, though. And it certainly has made it hard to concentrate all her life, making her a not so great student. It’s while she’s supposed to be studying that she receives two strange phone calls. The first, from an unknown number, ends shortly after the caller says her name. The second is from the hospital where an unidentified teen with just Nikki’s number in her cell has been brought in after being found beaten unconscious.

The girl is Peyton Hollis, daughter of a famous Hollywood figure and his gorgeous wife. Not a friend of Nikki’s at all. In fact, the only thing they have in common is that they attend the same school. Nikki can’t possibly imagine why Peyton would have called her or why hers would be the only number Peyton has in her phone. But she soon realizes that Peyton seemed to have expected something of this sort to happen. And she’d been leaving clues for some time. Clues only someone like Nikki would be able to recognize. Nikki has no idea where the clues will lead her, but she’s driven to find out why Peyton singled her out and determined to solve the mystery of her assault no matter what.

Synesthesia may be rare but it is quite real. And it’s fascinating how it manifests in different people. They can see sound, feel or hear color, or, as is Nikki’s case, see colors associated with numbers and letters. Hers is a double whammy in that she gets to also see colors associated with the emotions of those around her. So she’s quick to realize that Peyton’s tattoo, photography, and even paraphernalia left behind in the wake of her injury are meant to spark a reaction from a synesthete. And since Nikki was the last person Peyton mysteriously reached out to, it’s obvious the synesthete in question is Nikki herself.

The clues introduce Nikki to the dark underbelly of her town. It’s a town full of elites and Hollywood types, but one not immune to crime and the list of suspects who could have attacked Peyton grows with every discovery. Turns out the teen had quite a few enemies ranging from her band mates, friends, family, and beyond.

Shade Me unfolded in a way that kind of surprised me. I couldn’t have guessed at the beginning how the story would end. Nor did I realize it’s the first in a projected series. It’ll be interesting to see just how Nikki’s story continues to play out, but this first outing is a great start for sure.

1/16 Becky LeJeune

SHADE ME by Jennifer Brown. Katherine Tegen Books (January 19, 2016). ISBN 978-0062324436. 448p.

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COLD-HEARTED RAKE by Lisa Kleypas

January 24, 2016

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Lisa Kleypas writes romance, both contemporary and historical. This one is historical, and terrific!

Devon Ravenel has inherited an earldom from his cousin, which he is none too happy about. The earldom includes a large estate that has fallen into serious disrepair after years of neglect, along with substantial debt. The former Earl’s wife and sisters are living in the manse and Devon decides to visit, kick them all out and sell off all the property. But when he gets there, he finds it’s not as easy as he thought it would be.

For one thing, his cousin’s widow Kathleen is stunning, and gets under his skin immediately. They butt heads constantly, but eventually Devon decides to keep the property. He send his drunken brother out to find out exactly what needs to be done, and with Kathleen’s sharp tongue keeping him in check, and sober, the work begins.

Eventually the romance heats up, but Devon has a love ’em and leave ’em reputation, and Kathleen isn’t interested – or so she thinks. This is a fast paced romance filled with snarky humor, my favorite kind. I can’t wait for the next book in this series – Marrying Winterborne (May 2016.)

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

COLD-HEARTED RAKE by Lisa Kleypas. Avon (October 27, 2015). ISBN 978-0062371812. 416p.

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2 Comments | Book Reviews, Fiction, Romance | Tagged: Historical | Permalink
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THE READERS OF BROKEN WHEEL RECOMMEND by Katarina Bivald

January 23, 2016

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This is the first book of the year that is sure to make my best books of 2016 list! Loved, loved, loved. Seriously.

Sara works in a bookshop in Sweden. She has been pen pals – letters written on actual paper – with Amy, an older woman in Broken Wheel, Iowa, a tiny, depressed town. They met online and started swapping books and a friendship was formed.

Sadly, the bookshop closes, and Amy invites Sara to come for a nice, long visit, and she does. But when she arrives in Broken Wheel, she is just in time to attend Amy’s funeral. The small town begs her to stay, and makes her feel welcome.

Eventually Amy falls in love with the town, and with Tom, Amy’s nephew. But theirs is a relationship fraught with doubts, misunderstandings and a sort of apathetic malaise. The town is full of interesting characters which truly bring this novel to life; George, a recovering alcoholic whose wife and daughter have left him; Grace, who runs the town’s only diner; Andy, who owns the town’s bar; John, the grocer and only black man in town and several others.

Everyone is so kind to Sara that she wants to do something nice for the town, so in one of the boarded up old stores, she opens a bookstore, stocking it with all of Amy’s books. This is not a town of readers, but Sara is convinced that there is a book for every person and she sets out to prove it.

Filled with tiny excerpts of classics and contemporary books, and many literary references, this book will appeal to anyone who loves books. It is a charming read, reminiscent of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin and I loved it. Don’t miss it!

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

THE READERS OF BROKEN WHEEL RECOMMEND by Katarina Bivald. Sourcebooks Landmark (January 19, 2016). ISBN 978-1492623441. 400p.

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SUMMER ON BLOSSOM STREET by Debbie Macomber

January 22, 2016

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Blossom Street #6

This is the 6th entry into this very gentle series, which of course I started with book 10. When I need something I know will be light, sweet and ultimately satisfying, I turn to Debbie Macomber. It encompasses everything Macomber readers expect; women’s friendship, sweet romance and knitting. The series is set in Seattle and centers around A Good Yarn, a knitting shop. I don’t knit but I envy those who do.

Lydia Goetz, owner of A Good Yarn, decides to offer an evening knitting class called “Knit to Quit.” She gets an interesting mix of people. Phoebe Rylander signs up in hopes of getting over her broken engagement. Her fiance was arrested for soliciting a hooker – for the second time. She took him back once before and despite her mother’s pushing, not to mention his need to always be in control and working hard to get her back, she won’t budge. She hopes the knitting will take her mind off of things.

Hutch took over his family’s chocolate business after his father died very suddenly, and very young, from a heart attack. His doctor warns him that he is heading down the same path and recommends he takes up knitting as a stress reducer, so Hutch joins the class. And Alix Turner joins to try and help her kick the smoking habit since she wants to have a baby.

The young widow, Anne Marie Roche, is finally happy to be settled with her adopted daughter Ellen. They are a small family, and when Tim comes by the bookshop asking about Ellen, Anne Marie gets her guard up. Lydia and Brad decide they want to try and adopt a baby. Anne Marie loves being stepmother to Brad’s young son Cody, but two rounds of brain cancer left her unable to have her own so they hook up with a social worker to try and adopt. While they are waiting, a 12 year old girl needs immediate placement in a foster home so they take her in, which causes a bit of strain on the family.

All these women are friends, and their relationships and the budding romance between Phoebe and Hutch make for an interesting and enjoyable read.

I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it was completely captivating and entertaining, despite the reader. Narrated by the single-named Delilah, who I did not love, to say the least. Delilah is quite the actress, or at least thinks she is, but was completely over the top here. Not to mention reading the same line twice on more than one occasion, and even worse, mispronunciations – I was especially annoyed when a thriller reader in the story was reading Brad “Metzler” books, who I happen to know as Brad MELTZER! Twice she called him Metzler. Arggh! I am very glad a different narrator does some of the later books, I won’t be listening to any more Delilah if I can help it.

1/16 Stacy Alesi, AKA the BookBitch™

BLOSSOM STREET BRIDES by Debbie Macomber. Ballantine Books (March 31, 2015). ISBN 978-0345528865. 432p.

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LEVIATHAN WAKES by James S. A. Corey

January 21, 2016

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The invention of the Epstein Drive made it possible for humanity to spread beyond Earth. Now there are stations and colonies stretching from our planet to Mars. Joe Miller is a cop on Ceres, one of the stations that houses the Belters, workers born off world and recognized by their lanky forms and unique dialects. Miller has been hired to find a girl whose last known address was Ceres itself until she seemingly vanished, ignoring all attempts at contact from her lunar-based parents. The job is an easy one, an off-books one too. But when the investigation changes from a simple wayward young adult to one Miller suspects has deeper ramifications, he’s told to back off.

At the same time, an ice hauler about to return from its latest job answers a distress beacon that turns out to be something much more menacing. Jim Holden, XO of the Canterbury, leads the rescue attempt and barely manages to escape with his ship and team intact when the Cant is destroyed. Holden and his team’s discovery on the abandoned Scopuli and witness to the Canterbury’s destruction make them prime targets for those responsible but revealing what they know could lead to all out war between Earth and Mars.

This first in The Expanse series is a whopper of a read, one that crosses genre borders and boundaries with ease. A science fiction epic and first in what George R. R. Martin calls a “…kickass space opera…” Leviathan Wakes is also part noir mystery and part horror.

Miller, a cop with a definite chip on his shoulder, bucks authority and bends the rules at will. He becomes obsessed with finding this girl, imagining that through his investigation he’s gotten to know her and has built a connection with her that’s more intimate than any he shares with his colleagues or acquaintances. Of course when told to back off he’s going to ignore it, he’s stubborn and bullheaded just like all of his noir detective predecessors.

In Holden, the authors have built a character who is in many ways the polar opposite of Miller. The rules are there for a reason, justice and right will prevail, and Holden will do anything he can to ensure this remains the case. As narrators go, they provide the reader with two very different views of the world of The Expanse. Miller is a Belter through and through. Holden is military and was born on Earth. The only piece missing so far is Mars.

I have to say, I am absolutely loving the series and the current Syfy TV adaptation as well.

1/16 Becky LeJeune

LEVIATHAN WAKES by James S. A. Corey. Orbit; First Edition edition (June 15, 2011). ISBN 978-0316129084 592p.

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