Review: You Were Never Here by Kathleen Peacock

 Title: You Were Never Here

Author: Kathleen Peacock

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller

Published By: Harper Teen (October 20, 2020)

My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:

Cat hasn’t been to Montgomery Falls, the town her family founded, since she was twelve years old. Since the summer she discovered she could do things that no normal twelve-year-old could do. Since she had her first kiss with Riley Fraser. Since she destroyed their friendship.

Now, five years later, she’s back and Riley has disappeared.

For the last three months no one has heard from or seen Riley. And while there are all sorts of conspiracy theories about where he went, neither the police nor his parents are any closer to finding him. When Noah, Riley’s brother, asks for help in discovering what happened, Cat is torn between wanting to learn the truth and protecting the secret that she’s been guarding ever since that summer she and Riley stopped speaking.

But then a girl is discovered floating in the river, barely alive with no knowledge of who attacked her or why. With the possibility that someone out there is hunting teens, Cat must make a choice: Use her unusual ability to discover the truth and find Riley or keep running away from a power she can’t control. Only one choice will put her in a killer’s sights… 

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I really enjoyed Peacock's Hemlock series years ago so when I saw she had written a new book, a thriller at that, I knew I had to read it.

This was everything I love in a good page turning mystery that keeps me on my toes and in a thriller that really knows how to get the heart pumping. 

I could not put this one down. It was everything I was looking for and then some. I loved the setting, the characters, the mystery and of course the touch of paranormal that I always crave in a good read. It kept me wondering, guessing, and most of all, turning the pages eagerly awaiting the next clue, the next thrill ride, the next puzzle to piece together. 

I can't recommend this enough. It reminded me all over again what a treat it is to read one of this author's books and how much I enjoy her writing. A perfect read to get out of my own head, from the worries of the world and be immersed in a good story that takes me away and into another place, into new characters, and into something that lets you let it all go, relax and enjoy the ride. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Review: In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

 Title: In A Holidaze

Author: Christina Lauren

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Contemporary

Published By: Gallery Books (October 6, 2020)

Source: ARC Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)

My Rating: 5 Stars!

Book Description:

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but thirty-year-old Maelyn Jones is in the midst of a major crisis. She’s living with her mom, hates her boring job, and has yet to make any romantic progress with Andrew, the friend she’s been in love with for the last thirteen years.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born. Devastated as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple wish to the universe: show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows there’s a screech of tires and metal, followed by Mae gasping awake…on an airplane bound for Utah. Now Mae has the chance to live the holidays all over again but with one disaster after another sending her repeatedly back in time, she has to figure out how to end this strange holiday loop and get Andrew under the mistletoe. Otherwise, she’s going to need a miracle.

With Christina Lauren’s trademark “heartfelt and funny” (Kirkus Reviews) prose, this swoon-worthy romance will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays. 

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Is there anything better than a sweet, slow burn romance from Christina Lauren on a long lazy weekend? I think not! 

I always love their books, it isn't a secret how deliciously good they are but there was just something that really spoke to me with In A Holidaze. Something that moved me to tears, had me choked up, smiling ear to ear and never wanting the story to end. Something so endearing it weaseled it's way right into my very heart and mind and I'm a better person because of it. 

This was exactly what I needed when I needed it without me even knowing it. Maisie and Mandrew, were exactly who I needed. Their story, their history, the slow burn, that family, ever single one of them. It was all so magical, so real, so raw, and completely what I love about all their books. 

*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*