Reading Round Up April 11-20

Hello Book Friends! Hope your April is still going well! Today it is the middle of April as I am writing this and we have about 6 inches of snow and it keeps coming down. I don’t know about you but I am so over winter and am dreaming about warmer weather. How is your April going?

Eight Perfect Murders by Peter Swanson – 4 Stars Malcom Kershaw is the owner of a bookstore that caters to the mystery genre, years ago he wrote a blog post that detailed 8 perfect murders from books. One day an FBI agent comes into the store and says that she has noticed a recent string of murders that are matching the list that Malcom wrote all those years ago. What follows is Malcom trying to figure out who could be setting him up and why. I really enjoyed this story and the ride you go on to find out who the killer is. I did not see the end coming and I love being surprised in my thrillers. This was my first Peter Swanson book and I am excited to read more from him.

Beach Read by Emily Henry – 4 Stars This is the story of January who is a romance author and her grumpy neighbor Gus, a literary fiction writer. January is having a rough year after her father suddenly passes away and is struggling with writers block, she decides to moves into a cabin on Lake Michigan that her father left her. Here she reconnects with her college nemesis, Gus. One night they decide to swap genres and see if the other can write outside their comfort zone. Gus takes January on interviews for his next book that deals with a cult that used to be in the area to help her to write a more serious book and January take Gus on rom-com dates. I loved the interaction with these two when they were out doing their “research”. I always love a grumpy main character so I loved Gus right away. One of my favorite parts of the book is that both characters have to overcome some obstacles and how this is mirrored in their books. I think there was something missing for me in the book but not sure what that kept me from giving it a 5. Overall, I really enjoyed this one and highly recommend to fans of romance books!

Love on the Line by Kirsten Fuller – 4 Stars Love on the Line is a story about Andy, who has recently graduated college and decides to work with her grandpa laying pipe in West Virginia.  This is a great story about someone finding out who they are and what they want to be. Andy loves the work she does and finds that this kind of work suits her.  Along the way Andy must deal with sever sexism of working in such a masculine environment where woman are not appreciated.  During her months working with these men she ultimately earns most of their respect for being such a hard worker and with the new knowledge of how things should be done! I loved how the author really took you on Andy’s journey by going into so much detail about the workings of pipe laying.  There is a romance that was sweet to watch unfold but I loved how the main focus was the maturing of Andy. I highly recommend if you are looking for a run new adult romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Don’t Go Stealing My Heart by Kelly Siskind – 4 Stars This is the story of Clementine who is a cat burglar charged with stealing a rare Van Gogh painting from the David family. The David Family live in a small town in Nebraska called Whichway and it is know for its Elvis Tribute Artist concert. Every year Jack David is in the show and this year Clementine has him marked so she can get close to the painting that hangs in the David’s home. During the book we see how Clementine grapples with the life she’s in and if she deserves anything more. Jack was a very compassionate person which was just what Clementine needed to realize there was more for her in life.

I really enjoyed this one overall, I thought the plot and characters where really fun and well developed. One of my favorite things in the book is the name of the places in the town. You have the Who’s It’s Cafe, Wherever Park, Whenever is a bar and the the Whatnot Diner. I thought this just added a nice touch to the overall sense of the town. I will say this was a bit steamy at times so just know that going in. I would pick this one up if you are looking for a fun and charming read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you Netgalley and CD Books.