A.K. Alexander

The women of Happy Hour are an eclectic group. Their lives intersect in numerous ways and their friendships survive many trials of adversity. Through it all, they share their stories, their joys and pains, their disappointments and loves.

I loved the relationships these women shared. I wanted to join their little group, and by the end of the book, I felt that I had. I consider a book a good read when I don’t want to leave the characters behind after turning the last page. That was certainly the case with Happy Hour.

Each of the women’s stories is unique, yet each carries a similar theme of what constitutes a family and makes a home. Each woman searched and discovered her own answer to that question.

I received this book in a giveaway from the Goodread’s First Reads program.
… (mere)

Well, this was an unexpected little gem. I dived straight into it not knowing much about it other than that it was a thriller, but that if it was in my collection of TBRs, then I must have thought it had promise when I downloaded it. And that, it did.

Helena Shea is an ex-model who has had press coverage for both good and bad reasons, the latter on account of an affair with a married man at a young age and then a bad relationship with drugs. Following rehab, she rebuilds her life by setting up her own modelling agency and building a home for young single mothers whose paths have taken them to an unhappy place not dissimilar to hers. A threatening phone call, a fire and its devastating effects suddenly rock Helena’s rebuilt world, but when evil touches her estranged daughter, Helena has to dig deep into her troubled past to search for whom might be so intent on seeking revenge. Little does she know that a sick and twisted killer is way too close to home for comfort.

The story wastes no time and ensures you’re well and truly hooked. It delivers on suspense and there’s a gosh, I didn’t expect that moment towards the end that seals a well-earned four/five-star stamp for this novel. The writing isn't quite as sophisticated as it could be, perhaps, but the characters are well combined and profiled, and the author portrays a depraved killer with unnerving skill.

I’m glad I squirrelled it onto my Kindle!… (mere)

Joey Pelligrino a school friend of Michala's has encouraged her to open a riding center for teaching riding to autistic children. In order to raise money for the new riding center Michaela agrees to participate in a "polo match".

A “nasty” polo player is killed after this charity tournament in Indio. And, Michaela is the suspect. If she wants to clear herself, she will have to do her own investigation. Joey is there to get her info from his many, many cousins. And, Marianne, Joey’s wife takes on a more active role.

Like the characters, like the plot,… (mere)