Cheater's Regret by Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis:

Austin Rogers’s dreams of domestic bliss involved watching Netflix and eating hot dogs with the love of her life. But then he cheated on her. And dumped her—as if the whole thing was her fault. To maintain her pride and restore her sanity, she decides to get revenge. It feels immensely satisfying to plot her ex’s downfall—but so does kissing him.

Thatch Holloway, a plastic surgeon straight out of residency, knows he ruined the best thing that ever happened to him. But not all cheaters are created equal. He got himself into this messed-up situation—true—but he has his reasons for what happened, and he’d do it all again to protect Austin.

He’s not over her. And she’s not over him.

Austin wants closure, but since Thatch refuses to give it to her, she takes matters into her own hands. She needs to write a human-interest piece for her MBA, so she demands the full plastic-surgery experience. Sparks fly as they’re forced to work together. But Thatch isn’t afraid to play dirty in return. And he’s still hiding something—something that has the power to destroy not only Austin but their second chance at finding forever…
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Earlier this week, I read Cheater by Rachel Van Dyken. I wasn't a big fan of the book, but I decided I wanted to read the next book in the duology, Cheater's Regret. I was more interested in the couple that's featured in Cheater's Regret, and wanted to know why Thatch did the things he did in Cheater. I'm glad I decided to pick up Cheater's Regret. I enjoyed it a lot more than Cheater.

There were still a couple of issues that I had with Cheater's Regret. Although the abusive behavior wasn't as prevalent in this book, it still happened a couple of times that made me uncomfortable. Austin displayed abusive tendencies toward Thatch during the first half of the book. I don't want to get into too much detail because I don't want to spoil the book for those that haven't read it. However, during one part of the book, she slits his tires. I understand being mad at someone, but there's no excuse for that level of payback. Another part of the book, she slaps him so hard that he loses his balance and staggers. And we won't even talk about the whole soy thing. He treats both instances as if she's being cute. To me, that's abusive behavior, and shouldn't be encouraged. As I've previously stated in my review of Cheater, women abusing men is a real thing, and most people just brush it off. That's one of my biggest pet peeves. I feel it should be acknowledged for what it is, not encouraged.

In Cheater's Regret, it almost seemed like Austin was two different characters. In the beginning of the book, I had to keep reminding myself that she was an adult in college because of her actions. She still lived with her parents. She also talked a lot about the classes she was going through, and needing to get good grades. The last thing that made her feel so much younger than what she is was her behavior. She was incredibly immature, so much so that it pulled me out of the storyline. I can't believe someone her age would act that way in real life. However, something happened around the fifty percent mark. All of a sudden, I was really starting to like her. It was almost like she became a completely different person. She stopped treating Thatch in an incredibly jerkish, abusive way. She became a lot more mature. The book started to focus less on her parents, and school, and more on her relationship with Thatch. Instead of being so selfish, she started helping those around her. Her and Thatch started to have a lot of chemistry, even though I still feel weird about their relationship based on her previous abusive behavior. From that point on, I really started to get into the book and enjoy it until the last sentence.

Even though it had a rocky start, I really did enjoy Cheater's Regret. I had a lot more fun reading it than I did reading the first book in the series, Cheater. I especially loved the last half of the book. Between the two books in this duology, I think that this was just an okay series for me. Without the problematic issues, I probably would have loved it. I will definitely continue to read Rachel Van Dyken's books though because I've loved most of her other books that I've read. She will always be one of my favorite authors. 

I give Cheater's Regret: 3.5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachvd/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882127.Rachel_Van_Dyken

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Cheater by Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis:

Lucas Thorn wasn’t born a cheater. All it took was a single moment—say, a certain disastrous incident on the night before his wedding—and boom. Reputation destroyed forever and always. So now he owns it. He has a lady friend for every night of the week (except Sundays—God’s day and all), and his rules are simple: No commitments. No exceptions.

But a certain smart-mouthed, strawberry blonde vixen is about to blow that all to hell.

Avery Black has never forgiven Lucas for cheating on her sister. And suddenly being forced to work with him is pretty much a nightmare on steroids. Of course, it does afford her the opportunity to make his life as difficult as possible. But no good revenge scheme comes without payback. Because he didn’t become the Lucas Thorn without learning a few things about women.

Now Avery’s lust for vengeance has turned into, well, lust. And if Lucas stops cheating, it’s definitely not because he’s falling in love…
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Rachel Van Dyken is one of my favorite authors. I'm making it a goal of mine this year to catch up on all of her books (and a few other of my favorite authors) that I've missed out on over the last few years. For some reason, I really fell behind on reading my favorite authors' books. I decided to start listening to the first book in the Curious Liaison's duology, Cheater. After finishing the book, I have mixed emotions.

I don't read other reviews until I finish typing mine, so I'm not sure if I'm in the minority on this, but I found Cheater to be very problematic. I didn't really have an issue with the "cheating" because in a round about way, it wasn't cheating. There were a few things that I did have an issue with. First and foremost, there was a lot of the female main character, Avery, hitting and slapping, the male main character, Lucas very hard. Instead of being addressed as abusive behavior, it was just brushed off, or Lucas chuckled about it. Men being abused by women is a real thing that happens everyday, and the way the author treated the slapping and hitting in this book almost like it was cute was not okay with me.

The other thing that I found to be problematic in Cheater was a specific scene in the wine cellar. I don't want to get into to much detail because I don't want to spoil things for those that want to read the book, but there's a scene of dubious consent that really made me cringe. Lucas kisses Avery without her permission. She is obviously very upset about this, and Lucas just laughs off the fact that she's upset like it's no big deal.I know it's just kissing, but consent is consent, and I think he should have dealt with her feelings in a better way instead of just brushing them off like it didn't matter. It really upset me that the author chose to handle the situation that way.

Usually I love Rachel Van Dyken's books, but I found Cheater to be very problematic. There were parts that I enjoyed. I did like the humor that was throughout the book, especially the scene at the gynecologist's office. I also liked the side characters, Austin and Thatch, a lot. I am excited to read their book. However, for me, this book was more cringe worthy than enjoyable. Hopefully the second book, Cheater's Regret, fixes those issues so it can be a more enjoyable read. 

I give Cheater: 3/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachvd/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4882127.Rachel_Van_Dyken

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

What the Wind Knows by Amy Harmon

Synopsis:
In an unforgettable love story, a woman’s impossible journey through the ages could change everything…

Anne Gallagher grew up enchanted by her grandfather’s stories of Ireland. Heartbroken at his death, she travels to his childhood home to spread his ashes. There, overcome with memories of the man she adored and consumed by a history she never knew, she is pulled into another time.

The Ireland of 1921, teetering on the edge of war, is a dangerous place in which to awaken. But there Anne finds herself, hurt, disoriented, and under the care of Dr. Thomas Smith, guardian to a young boy who is oddly familiar. Mistaken for the boy’s long-missing mother, Anne adopts her identity, convinced the woman’s disappearance is connected to her own.

As tensions rise, Thomas joins the struggle for Ireland’s independence and Anne is drawn into the conflict beside him. Caught between history and her heart, she must decide whether she’s willing to let go of the life she knew for a love she never thought she’d find. But in the end, is the choice actually hers to make?
(Synopsis from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:
Amy Harmon is one of my favorite authors. I've read all of her books, and loved most of them. Recently, I noticed that she had a new release that I hadn't had the chance to read yet, What the Wind Knows, so I decided to pick it up. It was just an okay book for me.

I was disappointed that I didn't love What the Wind Knows as much as Amy Harmon's previous books. I don't know if it was the characters, the setting, or the plot, but it just felt different from her other books. It dragged on a lot, especially in the beginning. Throughout the first half, it was hard to hold my interest. I found myself being bored, and my mind wandering while reading. Then I would have to go back, and re-read what I just read because I wasn't absorbing any of the information. It made for a very tedious reading process, and definitely took away from my enjoyment of the book.

There are two things that saved What the Wind Knows from being a DNF for me. The first one was that about halfway through the book, I switched to the audiobook. That helped immensely. Hearing the accents and everything pulled me into the story a lot more. It also made it seem like the plot picked up, and things got more exciting and action packed. Not sure if that's because of the audiobook, or because the plot actually did have a lot more action. The second thing that saved the book from being a DNF is that in my mind, it reminded me a lot of Outlander in terms of the plot, which is my favorite book of all time. I kept drawing comparisons between Anne's story in What the Wind Knows, and Claire's story in Outlander. There were quite a few. I kept listening, hoping to find more and more, and I did.

Although Amy Harmon will always be one of my favorite authors, I didn't like What the Wind Knows as much as I had hoped that I would. I found it to be boring, and hard to hold my attention. There were a few parts that I loved, and I really enjoyed the ending. If someone wants to read an Amy Harmon book for the first time, I recommend starting with one of her other books, such as Making Faces, or The Law of Moses. Both of those are two of my favorites. If you do want to read What the Wind Knows, I highly recommend the audiobook. 

I give What the Wind Knows: 3/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://www.authoramyharmon.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authoramyharmon
Twitter: https://twitter.com/aharmon_author
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/amy.harmon2/
Pintrest:  https://www.pinterest.com/authoramyharmon/
BookBub:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/amy-harmon
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxWykpRGYyQOzwhNgtH-QA
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5829056.Amy_Harmon

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. 

Killman Creek by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
Every time Gwen closed her eyes, she saw him in her nightmares. Now her eyes are open, and he’s not going away.

Gwen Proctor won the battle to save her kids from her ex-husband, serial killer Melvin Royal, and his league of psychotic accomplices. But the war isn’t over. Not since Melvin broke out of prison. Not since she received a chilling text…

You’re not safe anywhere now.

Her refuge at Stillhouse Lake has become a trap. Gwen leaves her children in the protective custody of a fortified, well-armed neighbor. Now, with the help of Sam Cade, brother of one of Melvin’s victims, Gwen is going hunting. She’s learned how from one of the sickest killers alive.

But what she’s up against is beyond anything she feared—a sophisticated and savage mind game calculated to destroy her. As trust beyond her small circle of friends begins to vanish, Gwen has only fury and vengeance to believe in as she closes in on her prey. And sure as the night, one of them will die.
(Synopsis from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:
Earlier this month, I read Stillhouse Lake. I loved it. So far, it's one of my favorite books that I've read in 2019. As soon as I read that crazy cliffhanger ending, I knew I needed the next book immediately. After finishing Killman Creek, I really enjoyed it, although not as much as the first book.

Even though I enjoyed Killman Creek, there was just something missing from it that the first book had to keep me captivated throughout. It felt like the plot dragged in parts, and got repetitive and boring at times. There were times where I was listening to the audiobook, and I'd find myself tuning out because nothing was happening. It just wasn't as action packed. There were a few moments that shocked me, but it just didn't get get that emotional response from me that Stillhouse Lake did.

One thing I really did love about Killman Creek was that the reader also got sime additional point of views in this book, including the kids. I thought it was so interesting to get their side of the story, and finally see why they did the things they did. I especially loved Lanny's point of view. I loved a certain aspect of her story line, and I can't wait to see where the author takes that next. I thought it was also interesting to see from Sam's point of view. In the first book, I was kind of iffy about how I felt about him. Now, what he does makes much more sense to me. I loved seeing this different, protective side of him. I like him a lot better now.

Although Killman Creek wasn't as good as Stillhouse Lake, I still found myself enjoying the book. Killman Creek wrapped up in such a closed ending that I'm not sure where the author is going with the story line next. It should be interesting to see where Rachel Caine goes from here, and what trials and tribulations the characters go through next. I will definitely be reading Wolfhunter River, the third book in the series, as soon as it is released.  

I give Killman Creek: 3.5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://rachelcaine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelcainefanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelcaine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelcainewriter/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15292.Rachel_Caine

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Love in the Shadows by Barbara Wallace

Synopsis:
Can a feisty four-legged matchmaker help four best friends find the romance of their dreams?

Jenny is a woman on a mission – she’ll even resort to dognapping to make her point! But can she teach a reclusive, emotionally-wounded tycoon that love heals all things?
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Lately, I've been trying to read more of my smaller books that I've had for a while. It feels nice to be able to get so many books off of my TBR, which I'm always trying to lower to a manageable number (haha, like that's ever going to happen). I wanted to read a cute, light, fluffy contemporary that would be a quick book to read, so I decided to pick up Love in the Shadows. Unfortunately, I didn't really like the book.

Love in the Shadows just wasn't a book for me. I found it to be very cliche. Throughout most of the book, I found myself wanting to roll my eyes at the things that Jenny thought, and the way she and Nick acted. It reminded me of reading one of those cheesy Harlequin romance novels that my friends and I used take from her mom, and pass around in middle school. The plot, and the dialogue were both very cringe-worthy. In fact, the only reason why I finished Love in the Shadows was because it was so short. It does get an extra star because the scenes with the dogs were cute, but it wasn't enough to save the book for me.

Even though the dogs were cute, they just weren't enough for me to like Love in the Shadows. Everything else about the book was cringe-worthy, and cliche. I don't think that I will be reading anymore of this author's other books due to not liking the writing style so much. I'm sure there are other people that love this sort of romance, but it just wasn't my cup of tea.

I give Love in the Shadows: 2/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://barbarawallace.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BarbaraWallaceAuthor/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5762368.Barbara_Wallace

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

How Saeter Robbed the Underworld by Meredith Katz

Synopsis:
The day before his coming-of-age ceremony, Eirik has a fight with his best friend—who had pointed out that, adopted by a pair of traveling warriors as Eirik was, how can he know who his ancestors are to celebrate them? Embarrassed and angry, he's not in the mood for the story his fathers insist on telling him.

Despite himself, however, Eirik becomes engrossed in the tale of the son of the god of Love who has never felt pain, and the son of the god of Envy who always does, how they struggle with each other and their community, and how, ultimately, they trick the underworld out of a very special prize.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
I'm participating in the buzzword readathon this week. The words for the readathon are Who, What, Where, When Why, and How. Due to that, I recently decided to pick up How Saeter Robbed the Underworld, which had been on my TBR for a long time. I thought it was a really cute short story.

How Saeter Robbed the Underworld has one of my favorite tropes in it. I like it when books tell a story within a story. It was interesting to meet the different characters, and see how everything connected in the end. The story that Eirik's father told was cute, yet meaningful. I also very much appreciated the LGBTQ+ representation. It's hard to find short stories that pull that off well. I do have to admit that I saw the plot twist at the end. Even though I thought it was a cute short story, there was nothing that really made it stand out, or for me to think it was worthy of five stars.

I do have to admit, I really liked Eirik. I would love to have a full book about his friendship with Leif, their fight, and what happens after. I want more of his character. I always think it would be interesting to see him interact with his siblings more, especially because he is the oldest one. I think it would also be great to learn about the ceremony he went through.

I thought that How Saeter Robbed the Underworld was a cute short story. I enjoyed reading it. Even though I enjoyed it, it was more of a three star read. I think that's because I just wanted more details, especially about Eirik. I will definitely read more of this author's other works, especially any longer LGBTQ+ fiction that she might have written. I look forward to it.  

I give How Saeter Robbed the Underworld: 3/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.softcryptid.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MeredithAKatz
Tumblr: http://king-of-katz.tumblr.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14675483.Meredith_Katz

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine

Synopsis:
Gina Royal is the definition of average—a shy Midwestern housewife with a happy marriage and two adorable children. But when a car accident reveals her husband’s secret life as a serial killer, she must remake herself as Gwen Proctor—the ultimate warrior mom.

With her ex now in prison, Gwen has finally found refuge in a new home on remote Stillhouse Lake. Though still the target of stalkers and Internet trolls who think she had something to do with her husband’s crimes, Gwen dares to think her kids can finally grow up in peace.

But just when she’s starting to feel at ease in her new identity, a body turns up in the lake—and threatening letters start arriving from an all-too-familiar address. Gwen Proctor must keep friends close and enemies at bay to avoid being exposed—or watch her kids fall victim to a killer who takes pleasure in tormenting her. One thing is certain: she’s learned how to fight evil. And she’ll never stop.
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Lately, I've been in the mood to read thriller books. It's unusual for me because it's not my usual genre. I think it's because there has been a lot of hype for the thriller genre lately on booktube, and I watch a lot of booktube. I see Stillhouse Lake all the time on Amazon, and it catches my eye, so I decided to pick it up. I loved everything about it.

Stillhouse Lake was a suspenseful thrill ride every second that I spent reading it. Just when I thought that the book was going t be predictable because I had everything figured out, the plot would go in a completely different direction, and throw me off again. It kept me second guessing everything I thought I knew. I never did figure out the two big plot twists before they were revealed. I was shocked. I just sat there thinking "No, this can't be happening, this can't be right!" as I was reading. My jaw dropped.

Rachel Caine has a way of writing that makes it easy to be drawn into her character's worlds. I loved the main character, Gwen. She was a strong woman that did whatever it takes to keep herself and her kids safe, no matter what else she has to sacrifice along the way. It's a sign of a great writer that can make you feel all of the emotions the main character is reading. When Gwen was scared, I felt myself tensing up and having anxiety as I was reading. There were several times where I cried as well, due to the situations she was going through, and being able to feel her emotions.

I loved Stillhouse Lake so much. The book is one of my favorite thrillers that I've read over the past few years. I can't wait to read the next book in the series, Killman's Creek. The ending of Stillhouse Lake absolutely killed me with the somewhat cliffhanger that happened. I need ot know what happens next, especially between Gwen and a certain side character that I really trusted and liked that betrayed her. I will probably end up starting Killman's Creek today, and just marathoning the whole thing in one day because I can't get enough.  

I give Stillhouse Lake: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: https://rachelcaine.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachelcainefanpage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rachelcaine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelcainewriter/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15292.Rachel_Caine

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.