Category: Memoir

adult, ARC, Four Star Book, Memoir, true crime

Behind the Murder Curtain ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Thank you to Netgalley and Post Hill press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and feelings are my own.

When Veterans Hospital patients on the road to recovery suddenly die in increasing numbers, it’s up to VA Special Agent in Charge Bruce Sackman to find out why. His shocking discovery rips open the hidden world of what goes on behind the bedside curtains when a killer doctor or nurse decides a patient must die.

Behind the Murder Curtain is the true story of Bruce Sackman, Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General. Sackman’s main responsibilities had been investigating white-collar crimes such as embezzlement when he is drawn into the macabre world of doctors and nurses who murder their patients. Sackman evolves from an investigator of routine cases to the world’s leading expert on Medical Serial Killers—MSKs—doctors and nurses who ply their evil trade hidden behind the privacy curtain at a patient’s bedside.

Behind the Murder Curtain tells how this dedicated investigator brought down four MSKs in Veterans Hospitals while developing the RED FLAGS PROTOCOL, which is now taught to investigators and forensic nurses throughout the world as a tool for stopping an MSK. 

– Goodreads

I was super excited to get an ARC of this true crime, and I am so sad it took me so long to get to! I am a huge true crime fan, especially when it comes to medical crimes, so this was right up my alley!

This is Bruce Sackman’s memoir about his time spent with the VA. He started out investigating fraud cases, but then got called to investigate a suspicious doctor. This turned into a lifelong journey in learning the best ways to catch MSK – Medical Serial Killers.

As a nurse, it amazes me that people can go into this profession with intent to harm. I remember how upset I would get if a patient of mine died. I cannot imagine killing them on purpose! And the doctors and nurses were usually well liked among their comrades. Just goes to show you never really know a person.

I loved seeing how Bruce’s process changed from his first case to the last. He even created a manual that they use to teach today! MSKs beware!

I recommend this to any true crime fan, especially if you are in the medical profession!

What is your favorite true crime book?

Until next time..

adult, book meme, book tag, contemporary, Memoir, Romance

Down the TBR Part 19!

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Sheeeeeesh have I been in a funk this week! Zero motivation to do anything blog related. However, I have finished 5 books this week! You’ve seen reviews for We Didn’t Ask For This, Girls with Razor Hearts, and Ghosted in LA. This week be on the look out for reviews for Crave and Open Fire!

This will probably be a short one. Like I said, just in a blah mood. I also just started Red Hood by Elana K Arnold and Deny Me by Karen Cole and I can’t wait to dive further into them! I’m reading Red Hood for a book discussion over at Words & Whimsy!

We are starting the TBR at 1811. Let’s see where we end!

✔ What I Kept ✔

Chinese Cinderella by Adeline Yen Mah
I know I am going to sob while reading this, but it sounds so good and heartbreaking. Plus, I love memoirs.

✘ What I Deleted ✘

The Pact by Jodi Picoult
I just can’t with kids dying – even if they are teenagers.

The Prodigal by Beverly Lewis
Number 4 in an Amish series…

Picture Perfect by Fern Michaels
This was listed as romantic suspense, so I thought I’d be here for it. However, the reviews were awful so I think I’ll pass.

Irresistible by Susan Mallery
Number 2 in a series and also serious chick lit.

Vendetta by Fern Michaels
Number 2 in a series about a group of women who get revenge on those who have wronged them. I mean, normally I’d be up for trying, but something about it is just off-putting to me.

Dream of Me by Fern Michaels
A book of two contemporary adult romances. Just not my style.

Kentucky Sunrise by Fern Michaels
Book 3 in a series. I’m just not interested in reading about a romance based around the Kentucky Derby.

The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis
Book 3 in another Amish series.

Breaking Dawn by Stephanie Meyer
I know I’ve read this. And I’m not deleting it because it’s Twilight. I’m removing it because I have fond memories of this series and want them to stay that way. I’m afraid of a reread.

Wow, this one ended up being pretty good! I deleted 9/10, bringing my TBR to 1802! So close!

What do you think of my selections? Did I make a mistake? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

adult, ARC, contemporary, Erotica, fantasy, Memoir, middle grade, Sci-Fi, thriller, ya

January 2020 TBR

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Hey guys! Here’s my TBR for January! I have two books off my TBR list, a libby book, some arcs and other ebooks to read!

I said I was going to try to read 15 books a month, so here is what I plan on reading! 11 are for Book Battle criteria, and four will count as freebies – if I read them before the 26th! That’s when Battle ends.

Book Battle Reads

Freebies

So far, I am only 43% into Grey. It’s one of my TBR books and my libby hold came in, so I wasn’t thinking it would be my first book of the year. So far I’m not loving it. Grey makes me aggravated with this thoughts. But I feel like I’m too far in to DNF. So a more thorough review to come when I finally finish it.

I have a blog tour coming up for Cub on Jan 6. Be sure to come back and check it out!

Halfway to the Grave was recommended to me by my friend and fellow Book Battle and Words & Whimsy modmin, Jordan. I’m excited to read it! She always gives the best recs.

My ARCs for this month are: The Weight of a Soul, Every Other Weekend, Cub, Second Star, Lost Boy, Don’t Read the Comments, The Weight of the Stars, Center of the Universe, You Too?, A Beginning at the End and Say Something.

Here are the Goodreads links to the books I plan on reading this month!

  1. The Weight of a Soul by Elizabeth Tammi
  2. Halfway to the Grave by Jeanine Frost
  3. Every Other Weekend by Abigail Johnson
  4. Cub by Cynthia L. Copeland
  5. Grey by EL James
  6. Lock and Key by Sarah Dessen
  7. Second Star by JM Sullivan
  8. Lost Boy by JM Sullivan
  9. Don’t Read the Comments by Eric Smith
  10. The Weight of the Stars by K. Ancrum
  11. Center of the Universe by Ria Voros
  12. The Wives by Tarryn Fischer
  13. You Too? by Janet Gurtler
  14. A Beginning at the End by Mike Chen
  15. Say Something by Cathy Morrison

Until next time…

adult, ARC, contemporary, fantasy, Five Star Book, Memoir, thriller, ya

My top 5 reads of 2019!

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

I cannot believe it is the last day of the year! What?! This year has flown by. I’m noticing the years are going faster since I joined book battle and since having Mylzs!

Here I am going to tell you my top reads of 2019. There were some great ones!

Let’s dive right in.

Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

Ninth House was my top read of the year! Yes, Leigh is my most favorite, but man this book was good. It was dark, it was creepy, there was romance. Let me tell ya, I’m ready to go to Hell! In book 2, that is.

The Grace Year by Kim Liggett

Next up is The Grace Year. Such a powerful read. The ending left me sobbing and hoping for a brighter future.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

So Verity was my first CoHo book and honestly, I’m not sure I want to read her others! I know this wasn’t her normal genre, but it was SO.GOOD. I was thinking about the ending for weeks after.

Girls with Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

Girl power seemed to be a theme with me this year. I think because I have found some amazing friends in Words & Whimsy! This was another powerful tale of what happens when girls stick together.

Over the Top by JVN

Last but certainly not least, is Over the Top. I love JVN. He’s a self care QUEEN. I loved learning from him and learning about him. Still hoping he’ll be my bff one day.

Well guys, there’s my top 5! What were your top 5 reads this year? Did you like any of these? Let me know in the comments below! I would love to discuss!

Until next time…

adult, contemporary, Memoir, mystery, thriller

Down the TBR Part 3!

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

I just really love these posts. I know I’ve said it before, but it’s just so calming to clear out this list. I even think my friend, Erin, is going to join in on the fun!

I was going to do a review today, I really was. But after work, I just was too tired to think about a review. I just wanted something simple and fun, so here we are!

My TBR is starting at 1976. Let’s see where we end up!

Grey by EL James

  • Date Added: June 26, 2015
  • Thoughts: Yep. I read all the 50 Shades books, so obviously this one is on the list. I mean, yeah, I’ll keep. Guilty pleasure?
  • Keep or Delete: Keep

While My Sister Sleeps by Barbara Delinsky

  • Date Added: June 26, 2015
  • Thoughts: Book about two sisters, one who suffers a heart attack and may never wake up. Seems too chick-lit for my tastes now.
  • Keep or Delete: Delete

Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella

  • Date Added: June 26, 2015
  • Thoughts: This is like a chick-lit, cozy mystery mix. She is trying to help her dead aunt find a necklace. Just doesn’t seem all that interesting to me.
  • Keep or Delete: Delete

Body of Evidence by Patricia Cornwell

  • Date Added: June 26, 2015
  • Thoughts: Yes yes yes. Keep the crime novels coming my way. I read the first in this series and loved it so I’m good with continuing!
  • Keep or Delete: Keep!

High Water by Lynn Hightower

  • Date Added: June 27, 2015
  • Thoughts: Mystery book about a borderline(?) abusive father who might have killed the mom – until he turns up dead too. I’m into it.
  • Keep or Delete: Keep

The Drowning Tree by Carol Goodman

  • Date Added: June 27, 2015
  • Thoughts: This is another mystery, but the synopsis isn’t sticking out to me. I think I’ll let this one go.
  • Keep or Delete: Delete

There’s No Place Like Here by Cecelia Ahern

  • Date Added: June 27, 2015
  • Thoughts: Ugh I don’t know about this one. At first it’s like, yes this girl finds missing people and I’m here for it. Then she disappears and ends up in some weird place all missing people go? That does not sound right up my alley.
  • Keep or Delete: Delete. I feel like I’d love the looking for people but absolutely hate the missing people place.

Let It Rain Coffee by Angie Cruz

  • Date Added: June 27, 2015
  • Thoughts: Plus for Latina author, but unfortunately the synopsis seemed too chick-lit for me. I just don’t do happy books well, apparently.
  • Keep or Delete: Delete

Blindsighted by Karin Slaughter

  • Date Added: June 27, 2015
  • Thoughts: Serial killer. Cops try to find him. Victim’s family wants to take justice themselves. Sign me up please, ma’am.
  • Keep or Delete: Keep.

Meet Me at Emotional Baggage Claim by Lisa Scottoline

  • Date Added: June 27, 2015
  • Thoughts: Ok, there’s a cute dog on the cover so I already feel like this isn’t for me. I’m not a cute-dog-on-the-cover kinda girl. It looks like maybe a chick-lit book of short stories. No thanks.
  • Keep or Delete: Delete

Ok, so to recap. I kept 4 books and deleted 6. That brings my TBR to 1970. Making progress, guys!

My most surprising keep was High Water. Based on the cover I thought for sure it’d be a delete. I also learned I’m not into chick lit or happy books, but I’m very into murder. Who knew?!

Until next time…

adult, Humor, Memoir, three star book

Modern Romance Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You
  • Title: Modern Romance
  • Author: Aziz Ansari
  • Publisher: Penguin Press
  • Publish Date: June 16, 2015
  • Book Form: Audiobook
  • Pages: 279
  • Genre: Nonfiction, Humor
  • Dates Read: Dec 3- Dec 5
  • Rating: ★★★.5

A hilarious, thoughtful, and in-depth exploration of the pleasures and perils of modern romance from one of this generation’s sharpest comedic voices …

… For years, Aziz Ansari has been aiming his comic insight at modern romance, but for Modern Romance, the book, he decided he needed to take things to another level. He teamed up with NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg and designed a massive research project, including hundreds of interviews and focus groups conducted everywhere from Tokyo to Buenos Aires to Wichita. They analyzed behavioral data and surveys and created their own online research forum on Reddit, which drew thousands of messages. They enlisted the world’s leading social scientists, including Andrew Cherlin, Eli Finkel, Helen Fisher, Sheena Iyengar, Barry Schwartz, Sherry Turkle, and Robb Willer. The result is unlike any social science or humor book we’ve seen before.

In Modern Romance, Ansari combines his irreverent humor with cutting-edge social science to give us an unforgettable tour of our new romantic world.

– Goodreads

Modern Romance was a club read over in Book Battle this month. I was so excited this was chosen because I had been wanting to read it. Plus I love nonfic books narrated by celebrity authors, so this was perfect for me! (Those are really the only audiobooks I can get into.)

This book was not what I expected. Part of that is on me. I didn’t read the synopsis. I saw a comedian wrote a book called Modern Romance and I just assumed it was going to be funny story after funny story of his dating life. While that is part of it, it is mostly a book about his investigation into ‘modern romance’ and what makes finding that special someone so hard these days.

Now, don’t get me wrong. It was interesting. I loved seeing how technology played a part in how people date now. One part that really resonated with me was how people are so quick to leave during the ‘companionship’ stage of love. That stage where the fire is gone. Maybe you have kids, a 9-5, car note, mortgage, and more stress than ever before. Instead of leaning to your partner and trying to make it work, we look for the next best thing to get us out of our slumps. I’ve seen it happen time and time again, and it’s nice to see some science behind that!

This book really makes you look at your love life during today’s time to see what you could improve on. A few times I was like, ‘ouch. I did that while dating.’ So sorry to all my exes. I was probably a terrible girlfriend rofl.

So, Modern Love got 3.5 stars from me. I couldn’t get over my disappointment over this book not being what I expected. And like, it isn’t a bad book! It was interesting. If you read the print book there’s graphs and stuff. It just wasn’t what I wanted and the disappointment is all on me.

Until next time…

adult, ARC, Erotica, Five Star Book, Humor, Memoir, thriller, ya

WWW Wednesday!

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

What am I currently reading?

I’ve been wanting to read this for a while. It’s a club read this month over at Book Battle so it was the perfect chance! Not what I was expecting, but still good. Should finish tomorrow!

I’m also listening to the audio. I love books read by the celebrity authors!

Modern Romance on Goodreads

Honestly, I looked at kindle unlimited’s Christmas selection and saw this was a dark romance. I was thinking Verity-esque, but it’s not really. I’m a little over halfway done and still unsure about how I feel.

Checking Him Off My Christmas List on Goodreads

What did I recently finish reading?

This book wrecked me in the best way. I’m still reeling. Top 5 books of the year, for sure. Review to come soon!

The Grace Year on Goodreads

What do I think I’ll read next?

I was invited to be a part of The Kill Club’s blog tour and I am so excited! Look for my review on December 14!

The Kill Club on Goodreads

What is your WWW? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time…

ARC, Four Star Book, Memoir

Toil & Trouble ARC Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

“Here’s a partial list of things I don’t believe in: God. The Devil. Heaven. Hell. Bigfoot. Ancient Aliens. Past lives. Life after death. Vampires. Zombies. Reiki. Homeopathy. Rolfing. Reflexology. Note that ‘witches’ and ‘witchcraft’ are absent from this list. The thing is, I wouldn’t believe in them, and I would privately ridicule any idiot who did, except for one thing: I am a witch.”

For as long as Augusten Burroughs could remember, he knew things he shouldn’t have known. He manifested things that shouldn’t have come to pass. And he told exactly no one about this, save one person: his mother. His mother reassured him that it was all perfectly normal, that he was descended from a long line of witches, going back to the days of the early American colonies. And that this family tree was filled with witches. It was a bond that he and his mother shared–until the day she left him in the care of her psychiatrist to be raised in his family (but that’s a whole other story). After that, Augusten was on his own. On his own to navigate the world of this tricky power; on his own to either use or misuse this gift.

From the hilarious to the terrifying, Toil & Trouble is a chronicle of one man’s journey to understand himself, to reconcile the powers he can wield with things with which he is helpless. There are very few things that are coincidences, as you will learn in Toil & Trouble. Ghosts are real, trees can want to kill you, beavers are the spawn of Satan, houses are alive, and in the end, love is the most powerful magic of all.

– Goodreads

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love reading about Augusten’s life. I’ve been a fan since Running with Scissors and this new novel did not disappoint.

Thanks, giphy!

What I liked:

As I said, I’ve loved Augusten for a while now. His life is so interesting, but I guess it’s always interesting when someone other than you is facing grief and trauma. Not all of Augusten’s life has been sad, but he’s seen some shit.

I loved getting to learn about him being a witch, the way he can just know when things are going to happen, the spells he casts. He takes you through what it’s like to be an actual witch. It’s super interesting.

The story goes present to past and back again. We get to learn about him learning he’s a witch, the people who taught him how to harness his abilities. We get to see the present day life of he and his spouse, Christopher. We get to see how he uses his powers now. Honestly, I’m a little bit jealous.

What I didn’t like:

Nothing! This book was just as good as his past ones.

Would I recommend?

Yes! This is a perfect book for Halloween. Its such a fast read that pulls you in. I loved it!

Until next time…

adult, Five Star Book, LGBT, Memoir

Over the Top Review

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

Who gave Jonathan Van Ness permission to be the radiant human he is today? No one, honey.

The truth is, it hasn’t always been gorgeous for this beacon of positivity and joy.

Before he stole our hearts as the grooming and self-care expert on Netflix’s hit show Queer Eye, Jonathan was growing up in a small Midwestern town that didn’t understand why he was so…over the top. From choreographed carpet figure skating routines to the unavoidable fact that he was Just. So. Gay., Jonathan was an easy target and endured years of judgement, ridicule and trauma—yet none of it crushed his uniquely effervescent spirit.

Over the Top uncovers the pain and passion it took to end up becoming the model of self-love and acceptance that Jonathan is today. In this revelatory, raw, and rambunctious memoir, Jonathan shares never-before-told secrets and reveals sides of himself that the public has never seen. JVN fans may think they know the man behind the stiletto heels, the crop tops, and the iconic sayings, but there’s much more to him than meets the Queer Eye.

You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll come away knowing that no matter how broken or lost you may be, you’re a Kelly Clarkson song, you’re strong, and you’ve got this.

– Goodreads

Yall. I cannot tell you how excited I was for this book.

Thanks, Giphy!

What I liked:

O.M.G. JVN. He’s just everything. I love him with every ounce of my being.

But man, has he been through some struggles. I won’t divulge what’s in the book, but I just wanted to cry for him. He’s been thrown so many curveballs and faced so many challenges, but he pulled through and became such a beautiful soul who is helping so many other people.

I think Chapter 1 is what hit me the hardest. I know. I was crying at work. Jonathan talks about wondering if people would love all his parts after the book. Everyone sees the bubbly, happy, loving JVN. That’s who people want to see. But what about when he’s had a bad day, running late, not feeling well? People still expect to see the Jonathan they see on Queer Eye. He talks about loving all of his parts. That hit home. There are so many parts of me that I struggle with, so knowing I’m not alone in that really moved me. I mean, of course everyone has struggles, it’s just not pushed in your face. Everyone wants to show the perfect Instagram part of their lives, not what’s really under the surface. Over the Top made me want to come to terms with those not so pretty parts of me, learn to embrace them, and show them.

Jonathan was really thrown some shit in life. I can’t image how he got through it being the person he is today. I honestly don’t think I could have. This just makes me love him so much more.

Also, I totally recommend the audio because who doesn’t want to listen to Jonathan tell them his life story for 5 hours? It was so ah-ma-zing!

What I didn’t like:

Uhm, nothing! This novel made me laugh and cry. Perfection.

Would I recommend?

Oh 1000%. If you need a pick me up, read this. If you’ve faced struggles and want to know you aren’t alone, read this. If you need to learn how to get more involved with your self-care, read this. If you just love Queer Eye, read it!

Until next time…

adult, ARC, contemporary, cozy mystery, dystopian, Memoir, ya

July Wrapup!

Courtney/Enchanted.to.Read.You

July was a bit of a slow month for me. I was on vacation the first week and got a lot read. Then back to work and my baby and I got sick, and well, it all just stopped. But here’s what I read, loved, and hated!

Thanks, giphy!

Sweet Dreams Bake Shop by J.A. Whiting

Review here.

Cute cozy mystery. Three stars. Just isn’t my favorite genre.

Amid Stars and Darkness by Chani Lynn Feener

Review here.

Great start to this space trilogy! It was one of my recommendations for the upcoming Book Battle!

Ice Cream Murder by Leighann Dobbs

Review here.

Another cutsey cozy mystery. A lot of our Book Battle criteria were food themed, so a lot of cozy mysteries this month.

Double Stuffed by Farrah Paige

My least favorite book this month. I didn’t review it. The plot had promise – baker forced to go on a reality baking competition and falls in love with producers. But the language – like meat stick. I just couldn’t.

Between Frost and Fury by Chani Lynn Feener

Great second installment to the Xenith trilogy! I was so glad I already had book 3 – that cliffhanger!

Within Ash and Stardust by Chani Lynn Feener

My first blog tour! See it here!

The reason I binged this whole trilogy this month. I absolutely loved it! Review on the blog tour post.

Final Girls by Riley Sager

Review here.

Such a twisty mystery! I LOVED it! Can’t wait to read more from Mr. Sager.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Review here.

Probably my favorite book I read this month. I want to live in this universe! Ugh this was just such an adorable novel!

Sadie by Courtney Summers

Review here.

This just didn’t live up to the hype for me. If the book was completely podcasts and interviews I think I would have liked it better.

Karamo by Karamo Brown

I love getting to read all the Fab 5’s memoirs! He gave great advice on emotional growth and how to handle problems. My favorite chapter was about the Queer Eye casting process!

Contagion by Teri Terry

Review to come!

I just finished this book today and I loved it! I was graciously provided an ARC. It was a page turner and I want to read book two!

Be sure to check out my August TBR! It’s a doozy!

Until next time…