Caller Unknown | By Gillian McAllister

Publication Date: May 5, 2026

A vacation in Texas goes wrong for UK residents Simone and Lucy. 

Simone awakens to find that her daughter Lucy is gone. A ransom call instructs Simone to not call the police and to meet at a certain location. The demand is dangerous and revolves around illegal activities. 

There is evidence that Lucy is alive and Simone will do anything to get her daughter back. The demand for Lucy's return isn't money - it is something much more dangerous. Simone refuses to tell her husband where she is going and what the demand is. She instructs him to not call the police. Damien urges her to contact the police and Lucy choses to lie to him making things much more complicated.

Simone must commit a crime to get her daughter back but it could be costly.

Caller Unknown starts of strong. Slows down to a slow crawl and then builds back. It isn't the usual fast pace I expect from McAllister and the ending tied up way too neatly for me. There were too many moments that felt unreal however the story shows the length a mother's love will go save their child. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Five by Ilona Bannister

 

Published May 5, 2026

In five minutes the lives of five strangers will change. Four will survive and one will die. They await the next train to London. 

We have Emma and her son Gideon. Mrs. Worth a 78 year old woman. Sonny a 27 year old who struggles with addiction and Liam a 50 something man. 

Each other their stories unfold giving readers insight into who they are as people and in life. None of the characters are particularly likable but their backgrounds are interesting.

 Sometimes you forget the clock is counting down to the death of one of them. Their stories are a stark reminder that we each have our own stories, our own judgments and moral compasses. You find yourself leaning towards the demise of one character more than the other which makes you question your own moral character.

Five is told in second and third person. Bannister pulls this feat off with ease and pulls the reader into the story. This book isn't a fast read or a typical thriller. It's more of an insight into the  psychological/sociological aspects of humanity. 

** I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

The Better Mother by Jennifer van der Kleut

After a brief fling Savannah Mitchell finds out she is pregnant. She informs Max and he tells her that he has reconciled with his ex, Madison. After speaking with Madison, Max lets Savannah know that Madison isn't upset - that she is excited and wants to help. 

Savannah is open to having a friendly co-parenting relationship but Madison soon starts to blur the lines and test boundaries. Madison shows up uninvited, makes demands of Savannah and starts to act as the baby is hers. Savannah brings her concerns up to Max but he makes excuse after excuse for Madisons unhinged behavior. Savannah is at her wits end and then things take a sinister turn and the intensity of the book is dialed up to 10.

This is a dark thriller full of sharp turns and character's you will  love to hate. The Better Mother is plot driven and will have you questioning everyone. 

Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke

Natalie Heller Millls has climbed the social media ranks and is an influencer. She has 8 million followers not all of them are fans

Her life seems ideal but behind the scenes there are producers, nannies and family drama. 

Her husband comes from a life of privilege and with that comes political aspirations. 

Natalie seemingly perfect life is turned upside down when she wakes up and finds herself living in a different life. Everything is different. Her home is no longer updated, her kids are different and life is full of hardships. No electricity, running water or modern conveniences like the internet.

Life is hard and full or hardships. She doesn't like her husband or children and something feels off. She tries to escape but fails and is forced to deal with her new reality.

Yesteryear explores many topics such as religion, patriarchy, abuse and postpartum depression. Natalie is an unreliable and unlikable character which pushes the book forward in a way that delivers a unforgettable read. 

Finders Keepers | By Natalie Barelli

Rose peeks into the window of a shop and see's a book titled, "Diary of an Octopus". She rushes into the store and flips through the book. She is shocked and frightened to see the events of her teenage years laid out on the pages of the book. 

The content is from her diary that was written on a laptop she lost many years ago. Rose is determined to figure out how Emily Harper the author of the book got her laptop. 

Rose manages to integrate herself into Emily's life in order to get the laptop back before her darkest secrets are revealed.

Rose moves in with Emily and things get dark fast. Expect twists, turn and an unreliable narrator. The pace and drama unfolds quickly which makes for a quick read.

All the Ways You Save Me (Sandy Harbor #1) | By Melissa Wiesner

 

Release Date: August 19, 2025

Madeline Sullivan's mom unexpectedly uproots the family and moves them from Sandy Harbor, New Jersey to Maple Ridge, Pennsylvania. Her moms says the move is due to a job opportunity  but Madeline feels there is more to it. 

Madeline is understandably upset in particular because she has to finish her senior year in high school but this school year is going to change her life/world in more ways than one.

Madeline befriends Jason and Adam on her first day of school. Jason and Adam are best friends . When Adam and Madeline become a couple the three form a strong friendship. Then tragedy strikes and Adam loses his life.

Ten years later Madeline is still mourning the death of her beloved Adam despite being engaged to Jason. Madeline feels that she is moving on until she sees Adam's doppelganger on a tiktok video. She quickly discovers that the look alike  lives in her hometown and his name is Garrett.  

Madeline disregards Jason's protests and heads back to Sandy Harbor. She meets Garrett but he is distance and peculiar. She pushes it aside and makes it her mission to know Garrett because everything about him reminds her of Adam. 

All The Ways You Save Me is addictive. It's a bit predictable but in a fun way. The story is told in two timelines that blend together beautifully.

 The narrator's gave the characters life and moved the story along. If you love romance this is the book for you,

** I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Rewind to Us | By Molly Morris

Dixie Mulligan and Swayer are best friends. The keep in contact long distance. Every spring Dixie visits her aunt and Swayer in Cielo Springs California. Dixie has decided that this summer she is going to tell Swayer that she is in love with him. Her plans are crushed when she see's Swayer kissing someone else. 

Dixie focuses on helping her aunt, cousin and Swayer fix up her aunts movie theater while pining for Swayer. Dixie is keeping secrets and when one revealed Swayer is hurt. Dixie also has another secret one that could change her life. 

Dixie and her family have the ability to rewind ONE event in their life. The process requires permission and reports that are put out family members. Dixie is trying to decided it she wants to use her rewind to revisit a missed opportunity with Swayer in New York (where she lives). Before she has the opportunity to do so events transpire that keep readers turning the pages to see how the story is going to unfold.

Rewind is told via current day along with flashbacks to the past. This book is a perfect read to stay cool inside as the hot days of summer approach us. 

How to Kill a Guy in Ten Dates | By Shailee Thompson

 

Jamie Prescott and Laurie are best friends and roommates who decide to attend a speed dating event. The event goes from ok to bad to worse to fighting for their lives. 

During a round of dates the lights go out and when the come back on dead bodies liter the room. Chaos ensues and soon it is discovered that there is no exit. Teams are formed. Bodies continue to pill up and just about everyone is suspect.

Jamie and Laurie have a deep trust in one another and quickly start to rely on Jamie's knowledge on how to survive a slasher film. As the night progresses Jamie finds herself in a love triangle and discovers that she might be the final girl.

If you love horror films and rom-coms this slasher rom-com is for you. I had no idea there was a slasher rom-com genre. I feel like I've been missing out. This book  a mix of of old and new horror. 

Expect a fast paced thriller that will have you turning the pages as alliances form, tensions rise and characters bite the dust.

The majority of the book takes place in one setting, an old nightclub. Thompson cleverly uses this to her advantage to build suspense and terror. 

This is a debut novel for Shailee Thompson and she knows horror and romance. I hope to read more of her books in the future. 

Dogs, Boys, and Other Things I’ve Cried About | By Isabel Klee

 

Expected Publication Date: April 28, 2026

I have been following Isabel Klee on social media for quite some times. I squealed in excitement when I was approved for an ARC (advanced readers copy). Not only is this fabulous book coming on this month but Klee has also announced that her book is being turned into a TV Series. I am beyond excited for Klee. I don't share links of authors on my blog until now. That is how much I like Klee and the work she does fostering and loving dogs. 

You can find her here: 

Simonsits

IsabelKlee

Isabel Klee and Simonsits

Isabel Klee's memoir is beautiful. 

It's a love story about dogs, men, friends, family and loving yourself.

Isabel takes us through her life as a young woman in her 20s to current day. She's left Jersey and moved to NY City. She made friends, dated men and fostered so so many dogs. Loving them as her own. We learn about her sweet dog Simon. 

My soul dog passed away Feb 27th and I have been deep in grief. Isabel's book helped me in unexpected ways. Dogs are magical, their love is never ending and pure. 

If you love dogs and/or a fan of Klee this is a book you need to read. Klee is inspiring and passionate about dogs. We need a lot more Klee's in this world.

Dollface | By Lindy Ryan

 

Publication Date: Feb 24, 2026

I was given the opportunity to listen to Dollface from NetGalley. Dollface had me addicted from the start. The narration was fantastic and brought the characters to life.

Dollface takes place in the suburbs of New Jersey. Jill who is a horror story novelist has just moved into the neighborhood with her husband a son. She is quickly roped into joining the PTA but before she can finish unpacking her home a real life slasher film starts to unfold in her town.  A plastic faced serial killer starts making the rounds. 

The audiobook adds to the creepy factor and if you love slasher stories mixed with humor this book is for you. It's chaotic, wild, funny and eerie. 

It took me way longer than usual to figure out who the killer was. In fact, it was just right before the big reveal that it dawned on me. This is super rare for me. Usually I can figure it much much sooner. Ryan threw me through a loop! 

I'd love to see this made into a horror movie and tv series. If you love 90s' horror films this book is for you! Run don't walk to get your copy today! 

      ** I received a free copy of this audiobook from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Slayer (Slayer #1) | By Kiersten White

I love Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BTVS) and Slayer takes place in the BTVS universe. 

Nine and Artemis are twins who grew up in the Watcher's Academy. Their mom is a member of the Watcher's Council. The twins father was Buffy's first watcher and died protecting Buffy as a result of this Nina hates Buffy's and slayers. 

Nina and her sister have essentially been training as watchers but their lives are about to change especially Nina's. Nina is the last slayer ever! This means Nina has to learn to be slayer. She has to train to be one. She tries to keep it a secret but when bodies start to pile up and her dreams start to come true she had take her slayer role seriously.

I read this book ages ago but decided to revisit it before I read the second installment. I  miss BTVS. 

Slayer is a character and plot driven book. I loved reading about the watcher's world, new prophecies and meeting new characters. This book will fill the BTVS void.