The Ripple Effect by Maggie North

Meet Lyle "McHuge" McHugh, a man who claims 6'4" when under duress (though we all know he's lying), a man who chooses kindness in every circumstance at the expense of his own feelings, a man who needs help to keep his business afloat... literally! This is the first session of his startup relationship therapy whitewater adventure, but his business partner is forced into paternity leave early, leaving McHuge floundering for help. Stellar Byrd only offered help as a last resort given their history but now the job is even more complicated than expected when they add in a fake engagement, a hostile client, and unexpected business competition. Will their fledgling business survive the summer?

I loved McHuge in the first book so I was so happy he was getting his own. I love how these total opposites teach other to become their best selves and their love story is a such a sweet slow burn. The Canadian wilderness setting was beautiful, the whitewater scenes were fun, and the characters were unique and relatable. The ending was a bit abrupt for me, but overall I really enjoyed this book.

Unwanted by Mia Sheridan

There are two victims in the small town of Helena Springs, Montana and wilderness guide Harper is called in to assist with the investigation. The only suspect is an enigma...a man dressed in animal skins carrying a bow and arrows going only by the name Lucas. He's been called a savage, but Harper can see the intelligence in his eyes and the more time she spends with him the more questions she has. How has he survived in this harsh environment alone for 15 years? Why was he abandoned in the wilderness at only 8 years old? And why does she feel such a strong attachment to this stranger?

What a great mystery! The details were given sparingly as Lucas can trust no one. The story is told with flashbacks to his earlier time in the wilderness and his struggle to survive. As the details fall in place, it only created a bigger mystery and more questions. And the final connection between him and Harper was such a great surprise! The pacing of this story was perfect, the romance just enough, the setting was absolutely beautiful, and the conclusion even surprised me. 

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb

This book is an emotional and heartbreaking experience but so worth the read. Corby Ledbetter suffers from anxiety and depression after losing his job and becoming a stay at home father to his two year old twins. After a tragic accident, his life spirals out of control when he sentenced to a three year prison sentence. While inside, he has to learn to survive the harsh conditions and awful treatment by guards and other inmates, but there are small glimmers of kindness when he makes an unlikely friend and cell mate and some kindly staff. Throughout his time, he tries to atone for what he's done, but how can he ask forgiveness when he can't even forgive himself?

This book is an emotional rollercoaster of grief and guilt, hope and despair. I know this story will stay with me for a long time. I love Wally Lamb's writing and I was so excited to see he had a new book after so long, and it was worth the wait! I highly recommend this book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Aftertaste by Daria Lavelle

In this unique debut novel Konstantin “Kostya” Duhhovny has a disturbing ability to sense the presence of ghosts by tasting their favorite meal. But he only discovered this ability after losing his own father and recognizing the taste as his favorite dish, and now the aftertastes won't stop haunting him. After his mother's extreme reaction when he told her of sending him to a mental institution, he's kept his ability a secret. Then one night he decides to act on it and learns that he can briefly reunite people with their loved ones by serving the food. 

I love all the descriptions of different foods and the high stress atmosphere of a busy New York kitchen. Kostya clawed his way up through the ranks with no professional training, trying to learn, believing in the good he can do, and hoping finally to get closure with his own father. Things start to turn toward the end with Kostya not fully realizing the danger of what he's done until it's too late and the ending is a nailbiting twist I never saw coming. Great debut novel... I can't wait for more!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.