April Reads

The Book Tour by Emily Ohanjanians 

First, I want to thank NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I’m grateful for the opportunity to review.

The Book Tour offers an engaging & contemporary romance, balancing lighthearted escapism with moments of genuine emotional insight. While it leans into the conventions of a beach read, the narrative carries enough thematic weight to feel purposeful rather than superficial. Although romance is not typically my preferred genre, I found myself pleasantly surprised by the novel’s appeal. One of the elements I enjoyed is the mother, whose well-intentioned but overbearing influence reflects a familiar dynamic, one in which parental aspirations can overshadow an individual’s own sense of direction. This added a layer of relatability & subtle tension that enriched the story. The novel also provides an intriguing, behind-the-scenes glimpse into the publishing world, particularly the mechanics & emotional landscape of a book tour. This perspective adds texture to the narrative, offering readers insight into an industry that often remains opaque. Equally compelling is the depth of the interpersonal relationships depicted throughout the novel. The author thoughtfully develops both familial & friendship dynamics, creating a network of characters whose interactions feel authentic & multidimensional. These relationships ground the romantic elements, giving the story a broader emotional resonance.

While there are a few moments of heightened intimacy that definitely made me blush, they remain within the bounds of mainstream romance & do not dominate the narrative. Instead, they complement the story’s emotional arc without detracting from its overall tone.

Overall, The Book Tour is a well-crafted, engaging read, ideal for those seeking a novel that is both entertaining & emotionally grounded. It may not redefine the romance genre, but it delivers a satisfying & fun reading experience.

My Husband's Wife by Alice Feeney

This book is a fast-paced & engaging read. The twists are unpredictable & continue to unfold in surprising ways, keeping the narrative dynamic. It is an ultimately satisfying novel. While it may not rank among the strongest psychological thrillers, particularly as parts of the ending feel somewhat contrived & overly sensational, making them difficult to fully follow, it remains compelling & difficult to set aside. The opening is especially effective, establishing a sense of urgency & shock that immediately draws the reader in.

The Final Target by Nora Roberts (to be released May 26, 2026)

To begin, thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC.

This was my first experience reading anything by Nora Roberts, and I was immediately struck by the elegance of her prose. Roberts writes with a vivid, almost cinematic descriptiveness that immerses the reader fully in both setting and emotion. Her language is not only beautiful but also purposeful, creating a narrative atmosphere that feels richly textured and deeply engaging.

One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its character development. The ensemble cast is thoughtfully constructed, with relationships that feel authentic and layered. The bonds of friendship and family are portrayed with a warmth and sincerity that evoke a sense of belonging many readers will recognize and long for. Even in moments of tension, that underlying sense of connection remains a grounding force throughout the story.

In contrast, the antagonist, Dustin, is profoundly unsettling. While deeply unlikeable, his characterization is remarkably effective. Roberts offers a chilling glimpse into the psyche of instability, crafting a figure whose presence casts a persistent shadow over the narrative. This psychological depth heightens the suspense, subtly permeating even the novel’s more joyful moments with unease.

Arden, the protagonist, is particularly compelling. As a survivor of a violent attack, her emotional journey is depicted with striking authenticity. Her fear, lingering trauma, and gradual reclamation of agency feel honest and respectful of the lived experience of survival. Rather than diminishing her, these elements strengthen her character, making her resilience all the more powerful and inspiring.

What initially appears to be a straightforward psychological thriller gradually unfolds into something far more multifaceted. The romance that develops is handled with restraint and grace, organic rather than forced, tender without veering into sentimentality. It enriches the story without overwhelming it, adding emotional depth to an already complex narrative.

The audiobook narration further enhances the experience, bringing the characters and their emotional landscapes to life with nuance and clarity. It is a particularly engaging way to experience the story.

The novel concludes on a deeply satisfying note. The resolution is emotionally resonant without being excessively harrowing, offering closure that feels both earned and thoughtfully rendered.

The Lost Bookshop by Evie Gaughan

The Lost Bookshop was an intriguing & emotionally layered read. At times, I couldn’t put it down; at others, it was heartbreakingly tragic. The plot was engaging, & the characters felt thoughtfully developed & compelling. I especially appreciated the subtle supernatural elements & unexpected twists, which added depth without overwhelming the story. The author skillfully wove multiple storylines together into a cohesive & satisfying conclusion. Overall, it was an enjoyable & easy read.

The Irish Daughter of New York by Kate Hewitt

Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Publishing for providing an advanced readers copy of this book.

The Irish Daughter of New York is beautifully written, with vivid descriptions that made me feel like I could see and experience everything alongside the characters. Kate Hewitt does an incredible job creating an immersive, gripping story that pulls you into the harsh realities of Irish immigrants chasing the American Dream.

The novel powerfully portrays the Irish plight and the deep struggles of poverty—how it traps people and how incredibly difficult it is to escape. At times, it’s heartbreaking, offering a stark reminder of how little things we take for granted truly matter. The tension between dreams and responsibility is a constant theme, and it’s portrayed with striking realism. Maggie, the main character, is both admirable and frustrating. Her strength, independence, and determination to build a life for herself are inspiring, especially as a woman navigating such difficult circumstances. However, her stubbornness often crosses into selfishness, making it hard to sympathize with her at times. Her inability to humble herself and the choices she makes, particularly her betrayal of her employer and her treatment of Brendan, left me disappointed. While the narration is compelling and Maggie’s voice is strong, the story carries a heavy sense of loss throughout. There’s so much sadness and so little redemption that it often feels like no one truly wins. The line, “we all need dreams to survive,” resonates deeply, but the novel also shows how those dreams can come at an overwhelming cost.

I found myself wishing for more growth from Maggie or even a moment of hope or redemption. Although I admired her drive and appreciated the rich historical context, the emotional weight of the story made it difficult to fully enjoy. When I realized this was the first book in a series, I initially felt excited, but by the end, the lack of resolution and hope made me unsure if I could continue, despite the beautiful writing and strong historical elements.

Overall, this is a gripping and evocative novel, but one that leans heavily into tragedy. It’s a powerful read, just be prepared for a story where loss outweighs hope. I gave this 4 stars because the writing is fantastic and the story is gripping, but I don’t know that I would recommend it for the reasons stated above.

The Most Mysterious Bookshop in Paris by Mark Pryor

To begin, I want to thank NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of this book. This was my first novel by Mark Pryor, and my introduction to Hugo Marston. I had no idea when I started the book that this was part of a series, but about halfway through I found myself hoping for more of Hugo, only to discover there’s a whole collection to go back and enjoy.

Set against the backdrop of a charming Paris bookstore, a dream for any book lover, the story begins as a cozy mystery but quickly deepens into something more layered and compelling. Hugo’s slow, methodical approach to solving the case feels grounded and believable, and his integrity makes him an especially likable protagonist. As a Texan myself, I also appreciated that, Pryor didn’t use the exaggerated Texan accent for Hugo you sometimes expect.

The audiobook narration added a lot to the experience, especially in capturing Hugo’s thoughtful, deliberate questioning and the story’s quieter humor, though some funny moments are easy to miss if you’re not listening closely. The audiobook narrator is really great. There are a few drawbacks: the pacing can feel a bit long (it’s a slow burn), some side plots distract from the main story, and occasionally the dialogue tries too hard to sound modern for example the saying “mad skills” made me cringe. Also, the female detective’s voice sometimes sounded too manly. I had to remind myself the character was female.

That said, the ending genuinely surprised me, and the dynamic between Hugo and Claudia, especially her teasing about “Bobby”, was a highlight. Their chemistry left me wanting more of their backstory. I appreciate the authors really thoughtful weaving of little pieces of side stories to create a bigger story. Overall, this was an engaging and enjoyable read that has me eager to start the series from the beginning.