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Vacancy (The Seven #1)
Vacancy (The Seven #1)
Linda Kage | 2023 | Paranormal, Romance
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
VACANCY is the first book in The Seven and I am already desperate for the rest of them, but am so glad Hudson is coming up next. But I'm jumping. Let me tell you about this one first…

First off, I love Oaklynn's name. She is a strong character, even when things get tough. She is unapologetic about her past but has a plan for her present. Unfortunately for her, Damien is there to blow those plans out of the water.

I loved how it was written for Oaklynn and Thalia. Even though it was clear to the reader, Oaklynn's naivety made it perfect. I did find it hard when the revelations came out though, and my heart broke for Oaklynn for how everyone had treated her, even if I could 'maybe' understand the reasons for it.

Damien falls first and I love that trope, especially when it's written as well as it is here. He knows he has to tell her but hopes for just one more day. Until he has no choice. How he behaved after that made it realistic.

The Seven - oh, man. I love this lot. Such distinct personalities, going through so much, and having each others' backs. I can't wait to dive back into their world. And I'm really hoping Raina and Waverley are in there too somewhere. Jaylini, well, I didn't really warm to her so I'm not too bothered if she doesn't reappear.

The mystery side wasn't such a mystery, as it was pretty clear from the hints given who it was, but for me, it wasn't so much who it was, but rather how it was written and the reactions to it.

A brilliant story that I loved and HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

** same worded review will appear elsewhere **

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 11, 2023
  
The Newcomer
The Newcomer
Mary Kay Andrews | 2021 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Romance, Thriller
6
8.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
A fairly cute but rather unbelievable romance/mystery
When Letty Carnahan finds her sister Tanya dead, she knows she has to flee. Tanya warned her about this--if anything happened to her, Letty was to take Tanya's four-year-old daughter, Maya, and run. Letty has no idea where to go, but Tanya's left behind one clue: a magazine article with a motel circled. She and Maya arrive at the Murmuring Surf, a little motel in Florida, exhausted. Letty is convinced that Tanya's ex--Maya's father--a rich businessman is after them. But at "the Surf," the owner, Ava DeCurtis, takes a liking to Maya (and Letty). Despite the No Vacancy sign, she lets Letty and Maya stay in a tiny efficiency. But the rest of the hotel regulars regard Letty and Maya--the newcomers--with suspicion, as does Ava's son, local cop Joe DeCurtis. Joe is pretty convinced Letty is a fugitive and maybe even a murderer. As Letty tries to settle in and heal with Maya, she attempts to unravel exactly what happened to Tanya: and the more she finds out, the more it leads back to the Surf.

"Nobody could be trusted. Not after everything that had happened."

This is a cute, serviceable mystery-romance combo, albeit a slightly preposterous and unbelievable one. Letty flees Tanya's murder scene successfully, a wanted criminal, recognized by no one except Joe, an upstanding, rule-abiding cop who doesn't turn her in. And when the FBI enters the tale, their actions seem highly unreasonable, but... I guess we are supposed to believe anything in the name of love?

As for this love, it's complete insta-love and honestly, at times, a little cringe-worthy. Joe falls for Letty basically on sight and is rather pushy in trying to convince her to be in a relationship. (Hey this is crazy, we just met, I'm not turning you in, let's move in together... umm ok?) It was all a bit much.

Now, the old folks staying at the motel were a total trip. I could completely buy their crazy. And I loved Ava, who was a sweet, overly-trusting, but tough and brave mom, who just wanted to take care of everyone. (I didn't believe that Maya, who had endured great trauma, just sweetly sat and colored for hours each day while Letty worked--I'd like to meet that four-year-old!) The motel setting was spot on, and I desperately wanted to be at the beach while reading the entire book.

Overall, this one held my attention and I couldn't help but root for Letty (and Maya), but it probably won't stick with me. Joe often rubbed me the wrong way and some of the plot points had me rolling my eyes. Still, a cute summery read. 3 stars.