No Apology Book Reviews - authentic reviews and insightful interviews for inquisitive readers

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

November 18, 2023

Title: Iron Flame Author: Rebecca Yarros Series: Fourth Wing #2 A great follow-up! Got a bit long, though. I spaced off from time to time during the second half when it was all boring war- or strategy-talk. Xaden and Violet’s argument got old, too; felt like they were just arguing in circles. Didn’t help that, like they themselves acknowledged, they kept getting interrupted by either hormones or external matters before they could finish the argument. Thank god they finally did, …

Interview with Wendy Walker (American Girl)

November 18, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper American Girl by Wendy Walker is a character study that begins as a murder mystery that then turns into a psychological thriller with elements of danger and twists. It is a story of good versus evil and life versus death. It is about friendship and relationships between women surrounded by solving the crime of murder. The story begins with the owner of a sandwich shop where Charlie Hudson works found murdered. Each member of …

Interview with Peggy Townsend (The Beautiful and the Wild)

November 11, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper The Beautiful and the Wild by Peggy Townsend is a riveting suspenseful mystery. There are secrets, the haunting terrain of Alaska, as well as hope. It is a fight for survival by a mother who dearly loves her son. Liv Russo thought she was happily married until one day she became a hero. This opened knowledge of her past where she was shunned by all. Then her husband leaves to supposedly go on an …

Interview with Amanda Flower (Dating Can Be Deadly)

November 5, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Dating Can Be Deadly by Amanda Flower is a great cozy mystery. Readers never get disappointed with any book Amanda Flower writes. As with all her cozy mysteries there are many suspects, a lot of humor, learning more about the Amish community, and some very touching moments. There is always a contrast between the Amish characters and the English characters. Millie is Amish and someone who is unassuming, quietly competent, and not eager to …

Interview with Amy Vastine (His Texas Runaway Bride)

October 28, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper His Texas Runaway Bride by Amy Vastine is the last in the Stop the Wedding series. It seems the author saved the best for last. This story opens with the heroine, Willow Sanderson, about to walk down the alter when she realizes she does not want to be a Dallas trophy wife. She leaves and flees to the small town of Maple Grove Texas where she lucks out and finds a job as the …

Inheritance by Nora Roberts

October 22, 2023

Title: Inheritance Author: Nora Roberts Series: The Lost Bride Trilogy #1 No self-contained plot, protag too perfect Much thanks to Nora Roberts, St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio, and NetGalley for allowing me to both read and listen to free ARCs of the ebook and audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The premise checked a lot of boxes for me, as it did for Nora when she was brainstorming her next trilogy. Old haunted mansion, ghosts, spooks, a family curse, …

Review Roundup Fall 2023

November 18, 2023October 21, 2023

A quick little roundup of several smaller reviews I’ve written so far in Fall 2023. Depending on how many more I do, I may add on to the end, or make a part 1/part 2 deal, we’ll see. Beware of spoilers! Title: The Witchfinder’s Serpent Author: Rande Goodwin Series: The Witches of Windsor #1 Thank you to Rande Goodwin, Greenleaf Audiobooks, and NetGalley for allowing me to listen to a free eaudio ARC in exchange for an honest review. This …

Interview with Anna J. Stewart (Deadly Vegas Escapade)

October 21, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Deadly Vegas Escapade by Anna J. Stewart is a great suspenseful whodunit tinged with romance. What makes the story interesting is how Stewart shows the good side and the bad side to those serving. The hero is of course a military man, but as with some in the military there are those who sell their souls for money. The plot begins with a car chase where Army Intelligence officer Riordan Malloy is forced off …

Interview with Suzanne Woods Fisher (Lost and Found)

October 15, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper Lost and Found by Suzanne Woods Fisher has a story that looks at change and how someone faces that change. There are hints of romance, dashes of humor, and some drama. Most of the characters in the story explore difficult choices. There is conflict between the Liberal Beachy Amish order, and the more conservative Amish order plus the conflict between those who want to protect the bird sanctuary of Wonder Lake and those who …

Interview with Melinda Curtis (A Cowboy’s Fourth of July)

October 6, 2023

Article and Interview by Elise Cooper A Cowboy’s Fourth of July by Melinda Curtis is the second in the series. What makes the plot interesting is how the dynamics between the characters have changed over the years. The hero and heroine were high school friends with her having the upper hand but as they grew to adulthood the roles reversed. Allison Burns has many responsibilities. She gave up her dream of becoming a singer after becoming pregnant. Now a single …