Category: Book Reviews

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The Dressing Drink

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Dressing Drink 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Thomas King Flagg ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Dressing Drink by Thomas King Flagg is not simply a memoir—it’s a psychological excavation of family trauma across generations. Flagg paints his parents, Dorothy Mary and Irwin, with striking detail, bringing their inner lives to the forefront through shifting perspectives and layered narrative devices. The book leans heavily into the dysfunction that defined their lives, offering the reader both empathy for their struggles and frustration at their destructive choices.

The contrast between Dorothy Mary’s privileged Philadelphia upbringing and Irwin’s hard-won self-reliance sets the stage for a volatile love story that was destined to collapse. Flagg does not idealize his parents; instead, he frames them as fragile performers—both literally and emotionally—who could not maintain stability in love or family. His mother’s rebellion, his father’s ambition, and their eventual unraveling explain why his own childhood was marked by abandonment, instability, and pain.

What makes the memoir stand out is its unflinching honesty. Flagg does not shy away from the darker aspects of his parents’ lives—addiction, infidelity, etc and nor from the ripple effects these had on his own sense of belonging. The memoir’s greatest strength lies in its refusal to tidy up or soften the truth. It’s a book that resonates with anyone who has lived through family dysfunction, illuminating how personal histories can both empower and imprison the generations that follow.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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The Inevitable Lie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Inevitable Lie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinne Arrowood ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Babe Vicarelli is trying to adjust to civilian life, but the transition isn’t easy. Haunted by his past, he feels out of place, thinking civilian life isn’t meant for someone trained to be a weapon. His greatest challenge, however, comes in the form of love and responsibility—Trinity, the woman he loves, is pregnant. Unsure of how to be a father or even how to handle babies, Babe is filled with doubt. Yet Trinity reassures him, reminding him that he is her superhero and that she believes he’ll make a wonderful dad.

At first, Trinity wonders how Babe truly feels about the pregnancy, but he comforts her by expressing his happiness. He even has a heartfelt conversation with her father, showing his commitment to their future. With a wedding on the horizon and his best man already chosen, Babe is trying to balance his perfect outward image with the inner struggles that make him question what he really wants in life.

The author’s storytelling is captivating, with a narration that feels smooth, strong, and heartfelt. The cover photo is striking—especially the tall, commanding presence of Babe—and it beautifully complements the story. Each character is well written, but it’s Babe’s “work-in-progress” nature that makes the book truly engaging. His flaws and growth made me connect with the story on a deeper level, and I enjoyed it all the more because of that.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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The Impossible Lie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Impossible Lie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinne Arrowood ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Impossible Lie, written by Corinne Arrowood, is the third installment in the Fit the Crime series. The story follows Babe Vicarelli, a former Marine now adjusting to civilian life. Deeply in love with Trinity, Babe is still recovering from a recent gunshot wound, with Javier by his side.

Meanwhile, Trinity misses Babe intensely. Her heart aches when she realizes they don’t even have a single photograph together. Determined, she vows to take one with him when he returns to New Orleans. But before he can reunite with her, Babe has unfinished business—an investigation at Casa Garcia. If Javier has been hiding abducted children on his property while others live there in comfort, Babe knows he cannot and will not stand by.

The narrative is gripping, and Arrowood has crafted the plot with skill. Her writing keeps readers hooked, encouraging them to binge-read her books. Babe’s character, in particular, is well-developed and leaves a lasting impression.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Cupboard Love

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mark Morton ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Cupboard Love: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities by Mark Morton is truly a distinctive read. This delightful book serves up a feast of fascinating stories behind both familiar and obscure gastronomic terms.

I was especially intrigued by the history of the word cook. The occupational title actually originated from the Latin verb coquere, meaning “to cook.” From coquere came the Latin noun cocus, which eventually evolved, by the eleventh century, into the English noun cook. The book also delves into the origins of words such as cookie, course, liquor, martini, and many more.

Morton takes readers on a journey across cultures and centuries to uncover the roots of some of our most beloved culinary words and phrases. Along the way, he answers those quirky food-related questions we’ve all wondered about but never quite asked.

Overall, this book is both insightful and engaging, packed with rich historical detail. I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the hidden stories behind culinary language. Morton has done a fantastic job in this book.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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A Fifth of the Story

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Fifth of the Story 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Fifth of the Story” by Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a gripping CIA thriller that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The story follows Brock O’Reilly, a dedicated CIA agent who has worked tirelessly alongside his two best friends to rise through the ranks. But upon returning from a major mission, Brock’s loyalty and friendships are put to the ultimate test.

As the plot unfolds, Brock uncovers a dangerous infiltration by a white supremacist organization. The security breach not only endangers national safety but also places Brock’s own life on the line. Determined to survive and protect his loved ones, he pushes forward despite the deadly stakes.

Fans of fast-paced, suspense-filled thrillers will find this book hard to put down. The narrative keeps readers on edge, with blurred lines between friend and foe making trust nearly impossible. Dr. Hutchinson-Hayes’s sharp attention to detail and deep understanding of espionage lend authenticity to the story, while the constant twists and turns heighten the tension and excitement.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Death at a Wedding

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Death at a Wedding 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Marc Watson ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Death at a Wedding” by Marc Watson is an engaging and intriguing read. The title itself piqued my curiosity and drew me in. The story follows Ethan Dessier, who has been Death for nearly two years in his own time. His most recent task is to guide Derek into the afterlife. When Ethan arrives, Derek’s family is in the middle of a crisis. Instead of simply taking him away, Ethan helps Derek realize that his wife is strong enough to endure and carry on, even though the road ahead will not be easy.

As Ethan settles into his unusual role, he discovers a troubling truth: his predecessor left out one crucial detail—how to quit being Death. At times, Ethan suspects that his longing to stay alive may have disrupted the natural order, trapping him in a strange and endless cycle. But everything takes an unexpected turn when he receives a wedding invitation and encounters a woman named Victoria.

For readers who enjoy dark romantic comedies, this book is sure to entertain. Despite being a sequel, it works well as a standalone novel. The storyline feels fresh and original, the language is accessible, and the backdrop is vividly crafted. Marc Watson’s creativity truly shines in this work.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Transgression of Magic

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Transgression of Magic 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: S.A. Schneider ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Transgression of Magic by S.A. Schneider is the second installment in the Town Magician series. The story follows Samual, the youngest Town Magician, accompanied by his trusted advisor, Rory. Together, their reputation continues to grow with every performance. Yet, despite the applause, Samual often struggles with self-doubt, wishing he could perfect his craft.

Recently, the duo thrilled audiences with a daring, death-defying table act. While the crowd was amazed, Samual remained discouraged, frustrated that he stumbled over even the simplest tricks. Rory reassures him not to be so critical of himself, but Samual is determined to master his magic, knowing the weight of responsibility that comes with being the Town Magician.

Readers who enjoy middle-grade fantasy will find this book an absolute treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it—S.A. Schneider has done a remarkable job. The cover is appealing, the title fitting, and the storyline engaging from start to finish. Of all the characters, Samual stood out to me the most. This is a captivating read that young fantasy fans will surely love.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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The Identity Lie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Identity Lie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinne Arrowood ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Identity Lie is the second book in Corinne Arrowood’s Fit the Crime series. The story follows Babe, who is now living a civilian life after serving in The Corps. Chop, also known as Faraday, has saved Babe’s life more than once, and as a favor to him, Babe takes a day off work to help look for Chop’s wife, Hadley. Chop hints at Babe’s unusual abilities—being able to see what others can’t, hear the unheard, and sense things beyond normal perception.

When Babe arrives at Chop’s home in search of Hadley, he discovers a note with the impression of an address scribbled on a bedside pad. Following the lead, he finds Hadley hiding in a closet, while a dead man lies sprawled on the bed. Furious at being dragged into a drug situation, Babe learned of the reality: Hadley is addicted, her sister is raising her son Jagger, and she has been involved with other men in exchange for drugs—something Chop had feared to admit to Babe earlier. As the story unfolds, Babe is forced to confront haunting pieces of his past.

The New Orleans backdrop is vividly captured, adding richness to the narrative. Babe’s character is well-developed, and the book ends on a gripping note that left me eager to pick up the third installment soon.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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The Innocence Lie

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Innocence Lie 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Corinne Arrowood ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The Innocence Lie by Corinne Arrowood is the first installment in the Fit the Crime series. After serving as a Marine, Captain Vicarelli is adjusting to civilian life in New Orleans—a city where danger often lurks unseen.

At Louie’s Tap, Babe’s attention is instantly drawn to Trinity. With her caramel-toned skin and jet-black hair, she captivates him before a single word is spoken. Meanwhile, busser Sean Finnegan accepts an invitation to a woman’s hotel room. When he steps out to grab pizza, he returns to find her dead—and suddenly becomes the prime suspect. Convinced of Sean’s innocence, Babe steps in to vouch for him. But in New Orleans, crime hides around every corner, and the truth is never simple.

Fans of crime thrillers and steamy romance will thoroughly enjoy this fast-paced read. The cover is striking, the title fits perfectly, and Corinne Arrowood’s writing style is sharp and engaging. This gripping story kept me on edge from start to finish—I couldn’t put it down.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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Lost in the Reflecting Pool

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Lost in the Reflecting Pool 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Diane Pomerantz ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Lost in the Reflecting Pool is a powerful memoir by Diane Pomerantz. Diane first met Charles on a blind date—he was thirty-eight, a psychiatrist, while she was a psychologist. Charles quickly won her over with flowers, home-cooked meals, laughter, and even by bonding with her dog.

The two eventually married, celebrating with a beautiful wedding and honeymoon in California. Yet, small doubts crept in when Charles’s words or actions didn’t sit right with Diane. As they struggled with infertility, Diane was fine with taking all the responsibilities. Over time, she found her confidence waning. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the cracks in their marriage widened, and she began to see Charles’s lack of support and the troubling red flags in their relationship.

This memoir takes readers on Diane’s journey of pain, strength, and resilience. Will she find a way to move toward a better life? I admire the author’s courage in sharing such a personal story. For anyone in an abusive relationship, this book offers both insight and encouragement to find the strength to leave. The title could not be more fitting.

  • 𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

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