The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve | Review

The Memory Collectors by Dete Meserve

Genre(s): Science Fiction, Mystery

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Release Date: May 20th, 2025

Publisher: Crooked Lane
Pages: 336
Spice: No Spice 🚫

The Memory Collectors explores time travel and its emotional impact. The novel introduces a groundbreaking company that allows people to relive a single hour from their past. With no control over which moment they revisit, applicants pay a steep price for the rare chance to experience time in a way never before possible.

Four of the lucky ones are chosen to embark on this extraordinary journey, believing they are revisiting moments personally significant to them. However, their lives intertwine in ways they never expected, bound by a shared event that altered their futures. As their stories unfold, the novel reveals how memories shape identity, relationships, and the choices we make.

This book hit me right in the heart. It made me wish I could rewind time, even just for an hour, to reconnect with people I've lost and relive the moments that shaped me. The story dives deep into the idea that our choices ripple through our lives in ways we don’t always realize. This is one of those books that makes you pause, reflect, about the “what ifs.” I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

The Puck Stops Here by Rachael Stewart | Review

 

The Puck Stops Here by Rachael Stewart (#3 - Karma Club Series)

Genre(s): Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Release Date: June 17th, 2025

Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 386
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️ 

This installment of the Karma series has completely won me over. This novel is easily my favourite so far. The story follows Astrid, who is determined to seek justice for her friend Sienna after Aiden, her ex-boyfriend, shattered her heart. Astrid sets her sights on revenge, ready to give Aiden a taste of his own medicine, but things take an unexpected turn when she meets his twin brother, Blake. Despite being labeled a bad boy, Blake is anything but a bad boy and Astrid can’t help but be drawn to him. As emotions swirl, she realizes her heart has made its choice, and suddenly, her carefully planned scheme feels impossible to carry out.

What truly impresses me about this series is how seamlessly the group of authors weave connections between each book. The authors have collaborated so well together and I am SO impressed. This is my favourite series of the summer. Each novel only gets better and I’m beyond excited to dive into the fourth book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this arc copy and the chance to read and review this entire series in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Check out my reviews on the other books in the Karma Series:

#1 - The Payback Plan by Amy Andrews

#2 - How to Get Even by Pippa Roscoe 

#3 - The Puck Stops Here by Rachael Stewart

#4 - Settling the Score (available July 24th, 2025) 

 

Someone Knows by Vi Keeland | Review

 

Someone Knows by Vi Keeland

Genre(s): Psychological Thriller

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Release Date: June 17th, 2025

Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 288
Spice: Aggressive 🔥🔥🔥

This gripping thriller keeps readers on edge from start to finish. The story delivers an unsettling reminder that no one is ever quite who they seem. Elizabeth, a professor in New York, has built a life far removed from her Louisiana roots and the past she’s worked hard to forget. But when her students begin submitting writing assignments that mirror deeply buried secrets, she realizes someone knows far more than they should. With nowhere else to turn, she returns to Louisiana in search of answers.

What follows is a relentless pursuit of truth, forcing Elizabeth to confront the ghosts of her past. The novel weaves together layers of mystery, complex characters, and unexpected twists, making it impossible to put down. Fast-paced and chilling, this book keeps you hooked right to the last page. I really hope there is a sequel as to what happened afterwards, told from a different perspective. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Palm Meridian by Grace Flahive | Review

 

Palm Meridian by Grace Flahive
Genre(s): Fiction
Release Date: June 10th, 2025
Publisher: Avid Reader Press
Pages: 256
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: Mild 🌶️ 

A darkly hilarious, unapologetic celebration of life and friendship, this book paints a world where Disney has crumbled and unpredictable storms are the new normal. At its core, it’s a story of everlasting friendship, love and second chances.

Hannah, a resident of a vibrant retirement community for queer folk in Florida, is facing her final days with congestive heart failure. She decides that she will throw the ultimate farewell party before her pre-arranged appointment for medically assisted death. Her friends rally around her, indulging in every last cup of coffee, ignoring sunscreen (because why bother when cremation awaits?), and embracing the raw beauty of their decades-long friendship.

With biting wit and an unfiltered lens, the story unpacks the joy and heartbreak of saying goodbye. It is a fiercely real tribute to love, friendship and living on your own terms.

This is the debut novel by Canadian author Grace Flahive. It was full of personality and such a fun read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avid Reader Press for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten | Review

 

The Bachelorette Party by Camilla Sten
Genre(s): Thriller
Release Date: June 10th, 2025
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Pages: 304
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice: No Spice 🚫

Wow. This story hooked me from the very beginning. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. What an exciting way to start a novel.

Tessa and her sister Lena are invited to a bachelorette party on a remote island to celebrate their friend Annalise's upcoming wedding. Although Tessa is hesitant to attend —struggling with her mental health and the thought of reuniting with old high school friends—her obsession with true crime drives her curiosity about the island’s dark past.

Ten years ago, a group of women vanished without a trace on this very island. Upon arrival, Tessa discovers the island’s new hotel is owned by the sister of one of the missing girls. Tessa, a former true crime podcaster, sees this as an opportunity to investigate and perhaps solve the mystery. As she digs deeper, the island's secrets start to unravel, and Tessa soon realizes that she and her friends are in grave danger.

The novel keeps you guessing with its intricate plot and unexpected twists. Each twist kept me on the edge of my seat, and I had a hard time putting the book down because I wanted to find out what would happen next.

I was rooting for Tessa the entire time. She is a smart, observant character who started to put together pieces of the mystery. Over the course of the novel she grew confident in herself and didn’t question her abilities as much. This was an excellent novel. I highly recommend it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

The Wife’s Silence by Amanda McKinney | Review

 

The Wife’s Silence by Amanda McKinney

Genre(s): Psychological Thriller

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Release Date: May 23rd, 2025

Publisher: Storm Publishing
Pages: 274
Spice: No Spice 🚫

This book completely blew me away. It is fantastic Thomas and Emilia have been married for over a decade, but beneath the surface of their relationship lies a web of secrets. After Emilia suffers a stroke, Thomas hires Lucy to care for her but Lucy soon realizes Thomas’ obsessive need for control extends far beyond his wife’s care. Lucy is determined to uncover the truth and reveal the family’s secrets. 

I haven’t read a thriller like this in quite awhile. Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative unravels at the perfect pace, leading to shocking twists and revelations. At first, I worried because the plot was starting to remind me too much of another book, but my concerns vanished almost immediately. I highly recommend this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley | Review

 

The Roommate Experiment by Camilla Isley (#3 - Funny Feelings Series)

Genre(s): Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 

Release Date: May 27th, 2025

Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 316
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️ 

The “Roommate Experiment” wraps up the 3-part romance series in a hopeful and heartfelt conclusion. 

Hunter has feelings for Dylan, but Dylan is completely oblivious… for ten years. To make things more complicated, Dylan is dating someone he doesn’t even seem to care about. It’s a sweet, slightly frustrating love story about longing, putting yourself out there, and finally asking for what you want.

Beyond the romance, this series features a likeable mix of friends, adding warmth and depth to the story. The books were all easy, enjoyable reads that would make perfect picks for summer.

Check out my review in book 2 below:

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

In the Blood by Kate Wiley | Review

 

In the Blood by Kate Wiley (#4 - Detective Margot Phalen Series)

Genre(s): Psychological Thriller, Fiction

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

Release Date: May 14th, 2025

Publisher: Storm Publishing
Pages: 337
Spice: No Spice 🚫

FBI agent Margot Phalen is such a badass woman. She has been through a lot of trauma and survived. Her father, a notorious serial killer who is locked away for unspeakable crimes, tries to exert psychological control over her even from behind bars. He finds ways to manipulate her, pulling her back into his twisted schemes despite her attempts to break free and move on with her life. 

Though haunted by her past, Margot refuses to surrender to it. Every encounter with her father forces her to relive the pain, yet she pushes forward, confronting both her emotional scars and the criminals she faces in her work. My stomach was in knots. I felt every ounce of tension right alongside the characters. This series reminds me of the Prodigal Son, a tv series on Netflix that explores family ties, psychological conflict, and crime. 

This is definitely one of my favourite thriller series this year! The plot is intense and addictive. After devouring two books by this author, I can’t wait for the next installment.

Check out my review of the 3rd book in this series:

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

An Italian Wedding by Leonie Mack | Review

 

An Italian Wedding by Leonie Mack

Genre(s): Romance

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 

Release Date: May 9th, 2025

Publisher: Boldwood Books
Pages: 338
Spice: Sweet 🌶️ 

This heartfelt second-chance romance takes place in the breathtaking mountains of Italy, where wedding planner Sophie and mountain guide Andreas find themselves forced to work together several years after a painful breakup. Their past is messy, complicated, and full of unresolved feelings that they’d rather avoid but being thrown back into each other’s presence makes that nearly impossible.

Despite all the misunderstandings and stubbornness, there’s still something undeniable between them, even if neither is ready to admit it. Their slow-burn reconnection is frustrating at times and following along with the conversations can sometimes get confusing.

The Italian mountain setting makes the story feel fresh and different, giving their romance a unique twist. I enjoyed this book, even when I wanted to shake the characters and tell them to just say how they feel!

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.