Weekly Wrap-Up (Dec 7 – Dec 13)

Posted on by Darinda

Weekly Wrap-Up

I’m a little behind on my reading list. This time of year is so busy, I don’t have as much time for reading. My time has been filled with other fun things though, so it’s all merry and bright. I have a lot of books that look great on my TBR, so hopefully I get a few read next week.

BOOKS READ

No books finished this week.

CURRENTLY READING

• The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica Walters (eARC)
• Force of Nature by Jane Harper (audio)

The Dead Girls Club by Damien Angelica WaltersForce of Nature by Jane Harper

ADDED TO MY TBR

No books added to my TBR this week

BLOG POSTS

• Weekly Wrap-Up (Dec 7 – Dec 13)

Thanks for stopping by Nightcap Books. Happy Reading!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 30 – Dec 6)

Posted on by Darinda

Weekly Wrap-Up

BOOKS READ

• Princess in Waiting by Meg Cabot (ebook)
• Dangerous Minds by Janet Evanovich (audio)
• The Wedding by Nicholas Sparks (audio)

Princess in Waiting by Meg CabotDangerous Minds by Janet EvanovichThe Wedding by Nicholas Sparks

CURRENTLY READING

• Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters (eARC)

Would Like to Meet by Rachel Winters

ADDED TO MY TBR

• Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine (eARC via Netgalley)
• Dead to Her by Sarah Pinborough (eARC via Netgalley)
• The Girls Weekend by Jody Gehrman (eARC via Netgalley)
• You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (eARC via publisher)

Bitter Falls by Rachel CaineDead to Her by Sarah PinboroughThe Girls Weekend by Jody GehrmanYou Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

BLOG POSTS

• November 2019 Reading Recap
• Book Review: Enforcing the Paw by Diane Kelly
• Book Review: Paw of the Jungle by Diane Kelly
• Book Review: The Last Affair by Margot Hunt
• Book Review: Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra
• Book Review: Reputation by Sara Shepard
• Book Review: In the Dark by Loreth Anne White
• Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 30 – Dec 6)

Thanks for stopping by Nightcap Books. Happy Reading!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Book Review: In the Dark by Loreth Anne White

Posted on by Darinda

In the Dark by Loreth Anne White

BOOK INFO

Title: In the Dark
Author: Loreth Anne White
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Publish Date: December 1, 2019
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Series: na
Goodreads Ratings: Me 4.0 / Community 4.09

BOOK BLURB

A secluded mountain lodge. The perfect getaway. So remote no one will ever find you.

The promise of a luxury vacation at a secluded wilderness spa has brought together eight lucky guests. But nothing is what they were led to believe. As a fierce storm barrels down and all contact with the outside is cut off, the guests fear that it’s not a getaway. It’s a trap.

Each one has a secret. Each one has something to hide. And now, as darkness closes in, they all have something to fear—including one another.

Alerted to the vanished party of strangers, homicide cop Mason Deniaud and search and rescue expert Callie Sutton must brave the brutal elements of the mountains to find them. But even Mason and Callie have no idea how precious time is. Because the clock is ticking, and one by one, the guests of Forest Shadow Lodge are being hunted. For them, surviving becomes part of a diabolical game.


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MY REVIEW

Eight guests travel to a secluded lodge for a luxury spa vacation. They soon learn everything is not as described. A storm is heading their way, but they are trapped. Not only can they not get away, but one of them is responsible for luring the group there. Meanwhile, a search team is looking for the missing group.

Told with multiple points of view and alternating timelines. The viewpoints include the lodge guests and two members of the search party. The timeline for the search party is set in the “now” and follows the tracks of the lodge guests from days earlier. The writing is well done, and the POVs and timelines are easy to follow.

A fast-paced and intriguing mystery. Recommended for fans of And Then There Were None, which is referenced quite a bit in this book. Suspenseful, atmospheric, and clever.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Book Review: Reputation by Sara Shepard

Posted on by Darinda

Reputation by Sara Shepard

BOOK INFO

Title: Reputation
Author: Sara Shepard
Publisher: Dutton
Publish Date: December 3, 2019
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Series: na
Goodreads Ratings: Me 3.00 / Community 3.68

BOOK BLURB

In this perfectly-paced new novel from Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Pretty Little Liars, the women of a tight-knit college town learn through gossip, scandal, betrayal, and even murder, who their neighbors and husbands really are.

Aldrich University is rocked to its core when a hacker dumps 40,000 people’s e-mails—the entire faculty, staff, students, alums—onto an easily searchable database. Rumors and affairs immediately leak, but things turn explosive when Kit Manning’s handsome husband, Dr. Greg Strasser, is found murdered. Kit’s sister, Willa, returns for the funeral, setting foot in a hometown she fled fifteen years ago, after a night she wishes she could forget. As an investigative reporter, Willa knows something isn’t right about the night Greg was killed, and she’s determined to find the truth. What she doesn’t expect is that everyone has something to hide. And with a killer on the loose, Willa and Kit must figure out who killed Greg before someone else is murdered.

Told from multiple points of view, Reputation is full of twists, turns, and shocking reveals. It’s a story of intrigue, sabotage, and the secrets we keep—and how far we go to keep them hidden. Number one bestseller Sara Shepard is at the top of her game in this brand-new adult novel.


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MY REVIEW

A university’s emails are hacked, and leaked online for all to see. Lives are turned upside down as everyone tries to minimize the fallout of having private emails go public. Things escalate when a man is murdered, and it turns out everyone is keeping secrets.

Told using multiple points of view – Kit, Lynn, Raina, Laura, and Willa. Kit works at the university, is married to Greg, and has two daughters. Lynn works with Kit. Raina is a college student and friend of Kit’s daughter. Laura worked with Greg and is married to a police officer. Willa is Kit’s sister. A large cast of characters, but the various viewpoints are easy to follow.

A fun and intriguing thriller. Good for readers who enjoy juicy mysteries. Gossipy, exciting, and twisty.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Book Review: Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra

Posted on by Darinda

Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra

BOOK INFO

Title: Meg & Jo
Author: Virginia Kantra
Publisher: Berkley
Publish Date: December 3, 2019
Genre: Contemporary
Series: na
Goodreads Ratings: Me 3.00 / Community 3.74

BOOK BLURB

The timeless classic Little Women inspired this heartwarming modern tale of four sisters from New York Times bestselling author Virginia Kantra.

The March sisters—reliable Meg, independent Jo, stylish Amy, and shy Beth—have grown up to pursue their separate dreams. When Jo followed her ambitions to New York City, she never thought her career in journalism would come crashing down, leaving her struggling to stay afloat in a gig economy as a prep cook and secret food blogger.

Meg appears to have the life she always planned—the handsome husband, the adorable toddlers, the house in a charming subdivision. But sometimes getting everything you’ve ever wanted isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

When their mother’s illness forces the sisters home to North Carolina for the holidays, they’ll rediscover what really matters.

One thing’s for sure—they’ll need the strength of family and the power of sisterhood to remake their lives and reimagine their dreams.


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MY REVIEW

A retelling featuring the March sisters – Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The two older sisters, Meg and Jo, are the focus of this novel. Meg is living a picture perfect life as a stay-at-home mother. Jo is living in New York working as a cook and food blogger. When their mother gets ill, the sisters step in to help out.

Told from the alternating points of view of Meg and Jo. They live completely different lives, but both women want to be there for their family. A modern tale of family, life, romance, work, and sisterhood.

An enjoyable read. Recommended for fans of Little Women and contemporary novels.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Book Review: The Last Affair by Margot Hunt

Posted on by Darinda

The Last Affair by Margot Hunt

BOOK INFO

Title: The Last Affair
Author: Margot Hunt
Publisher: MIRA
Publish Date: November 26, 2019
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Series: na
Goodreads Ratings: Me 4.00 / Community 3.89

BOOK BLURB

Love may be blind, but obsession’s a real killer.

Nora Holliday is not that kind of woman. Not the kind who has an illicit affair with a married man. But Josh Landon is everything Nora’s alcoholic husband isn’t. And now she and Josh are so infatuated, they can’t stay away from one another.

Abby Landon, Josh’s daughter, is home from college nursing a broken heart. She’s seeking solace, not more scandal, so when she catches her dad kissing Nora, she vows to take the homewrecker down.

And as for Abby’s mother and Josh’s wife, Gwen? To anyone on the outside looking in, the mother of two appears to be living the ideal suburban life.

Until she winds up dead.

The serene seaside town of Shoreham has always been the perfect place to raise a family—not somewhere housewives are brutally murdered. So who killed Gwen Landon, and how many twisted secrets will be exposed as the vindictive plot comes undone?


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MY REVIEW

Josh and Nora are having an affair. Josh’s daughter is home from college, and she discovers her father’s secret. Josh’s wife Gwen is living what appears an ideal life, but she is not a happy woman. Family drama and suspense combine to make for a gripping read.

Told with alternating points of view of the women – Nora, Abby, and Gwen. Each woman is behaving differently than her usual self. The characters are well-developed and add a different and intriguing layer to the novel.

A fantastic book for fans of domestic suspense. This is my third novel to read by Margot Hunt, and each one has delivered an addictive story. The Last Affair combines my favorite elements found in domestic suspense – unlikable characters, family drama, and a twisted plot.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Book Review: Paw of the Jungle by Diane Kelly

Posted on by Darinda

Paw of the Jungle by Diane Kelly

BOOK INFO

Title: Paw of the Jungle
Author: Diane Kelly
Publisher: St. Martin
Publish Date: November 26, 2019
Genre: Mystery
Series: Paw Enforcement #8
Goodreads Ratings: Me 4.0 / Community 4.29

BOOK BLURB

Police officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner in crime, Brigit, are on all fours as they try to solve their latest Lone Star mystery.

AT THE ZOO
The weather is beautiful, work is slow, and her canine colleague could use a walk. What better day for Megan to take Brigit to the Fort Worth Zoo, where they can let loose and witness the law and order of nature unfold? But what begins as a fun field trip turns serious when a pair of rare hyacinth macaws named Fabiana and Fernando goes missing. Is the new custodian, a gentle soul who happens to be an ex-convict, to blame? Or is something far more sinister afoot?

AND ON THE HUNT
The birds are worth thousands of dollars, and the list of people on the premises who might have stolen them is long. Soon other animals start disappearing. . .and Megan and Brigit have their hands and paws full of suspects. But when a rare black rhino is taken from the zoo, presumably for its black-market-friendly horn, time is of the essence. Can Megan and Brigit find out who’s behind the mystery—before they too become prey?


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MY REVIEW

The eighth book in the Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly. Officer Megan and her K-9 partner Brigit investigate missing animals from the zoo. In addition to the main crime of finding who stole the animals, Megan is also working a case involving missing jewelry. Plus, her firefighter boyfriend Seth is working with a new paramedic. An attractive woman who causes Megan to worry about her relationship with Seth.

Told using multiple points of view – Megan, Brigit, and the guilty party. Megan is a likable character. She’s hardworking, sensible, and quick witted. Brigit is a delightful dog, and I enjoy her amusing viewpoints. It’s great to read how Megan and Brigit work the case, but also nice to get the viewpoint from the one committing the crimes.

A fun, humorous, and entertaining mystery. An enjoyable addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more books about Megan and Brigit.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Book Review: Enforcing the Paw by Diane Kelly

Posted on by Darinda

Enforcing the Paw by Diane Kelly

BOOK INFO

Title: Enforcing the Paw
Author: Diane Kelly
Publisher: St. Martin
Publish Date: June 27, 2017
Genre: Mystery
Series: Paw Enforcement #6
Goodreads Ratings: Me 4.0 / Community 4.10

BOOK BLURB

When a case of he-said/she-said turns criminal, it’s up to Megan Luz and her devoted K-9 to dig for the truth…

A TAIL OF TWO LOVERS
When relationships go south, some people just can’t—or won’t—let go. When Fort Worth Police Officer Megan Luz and her pawed partner Brigit investigate a series of stalking incidents involving a couple who recently broke up, their detective powers are put to the test. Is this a case of a controlling creep who refuses to accept rejection—or one about a woman scorned whose fury has been unleashed?

WHO END UP IN THE DOGHOUSE…
As hostilities escalate between the former lovers, the situation goes from romantically dysfunctional to downright dangerous. He insists his former flame has become a crazy ex-girlfriend intent on vengeance. She alleges that he is a master of manipulation and lays blame entirely at his feet. Who’s the culprit and who’s the victim? Can Megan and Brigit sniff out the truth. . .before somebody ends up dead?

Enforcing the Paw is part of Diane Kelly’s fun and smart Paw Enforcement series.


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MY REVIEW

The sixth book in the Paw Enforcement series by Diane Kelly. Officer Megan Luz and her K-9 partner Brigit investigate a stalking case. The case involves a former couple. He’s claiming his ex-girlfriend is stalking him. She claims he’s manipulating things, and he’s the stalker.

Told with multiple points of view – Megan, Brigit, and the guilty party. I enjoy the humorous parts involving Brigit’s viewpoint. The mystery is entertaining, and Megan has to do a little work to discover what is really going on with the former couple and their problems.

A delightful mystery. Likable characters in a fun story. This is an entertaining series, and I look forward to reading more of these books.

I received a free digital copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

November 2019 Reading Recap

Posted on by Darinda

Reading Recap

NOVEMBER 2019 STATS

BOOKS READ
· print – 4
· ebooks – 12
· audiobooks – 7

READING CHALLENGES
Completed all of my reading challenges for the year!
· Goodreads
· Audiobook
· Colors
· Genre Bingo
· Library Love
· Modern Mrs. Darcy
· Netgalley & Edelweiss
· Popsugar
· Read Harder

TOP 5 NOVEMBER READS

1. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

2. In Her Eyes by Sarah Alderson

In Her Eyes by Sarah Alderson

3. In the Dark by Loreth Anne White

In the Dark by Loreth Anne White

4. The Last Affair by Margot Hunt

The Last Affair by Margot Hunt

5. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

NOVEMBER 2019 BLOG POSTS

BOOK REVIEWS
· Under Lying by Janelle Harris
· Not the Girl You Marry by Andie J. Christopher
· Tracking Game by Margaret Mizushima
· In Her Eyes by Sarah Alderson

TOP TEN TUESDAYS
· Autumn Vibes

WEEKLY WRAP-UPS
· Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 2 – Nov 8)
· Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 9 – Nov 15)
· Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 16 – Nov 22)
· Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 23 – Nov 29)

YEARLY GOALS UPDATE

✗1. Read more print books that I own. – I didn’t read any books I own this month.
✓2. Read 350 books this year.
✓3. Participate in reading challenges.
✗4. Finish more book series. – I didn’t finish any series this month.
✗5. Post 5 days a week on the blog. – I haven’t been posting much this month, but hope to get back to blogging soon.

Thanks for stopping by Nightcap Books. Happy Reading!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.

Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 23 – Nov 29)

Posted on by Darinda

Weekly Wrap-Up

Hey y’all! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! We had a nice family trip, got to visit with family, and ate lots of delicious food. I’m still behind on reviews, but I have been reading. My goal is to be caught up on all reviews by the end of the year. It seems that lately I’ve been using my free time for reading rather than blogging.

BOOKS READ

• The Last Affair by Margot Hunt (eARC)
• Meg & Jo by Virginia Kantra (eARC)
• Reputation by Sara Shepard (eARC)
• We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver (audio)
• Stars Above by Marissa Meyer (audio)

The Last Affair by Margot HuntMeg and Jo by Virginia Kantra
Reputation from Sara ShepardWe Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel ShriverStars Above by Marissa Meyer

CURRENTLY READING

• Just Watch Me by Jeff Lindsay (eARC)

Just Watch Me by Jeff Lindsay

ADDED TO MY TBR

No books added this week.

BLOG POSTS

• Weekly Wrap-Up (Nov 23 – Nov 29)

Thanks for stopping by Nightcap Books. Happy Reading!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. That means I may receive a very small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase.