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Knot That Pucker (Knotty Puckers, #3)
Knot That Pucker (Knotty Puckers, #3)
Cassie Lein, Bre Rose | 2025 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy
10
10.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
KNOT THAT PUCKER is the first book in the Knotty Puckers series, and also the first book with a Deaf main character that I have read.

Okay, quick run down - Bayleigh is Deaf, working as the social media manager for the Krakens, and is the younger sister of one of their players, Benton. Her scent mate has rejected her for being Deaf, and she has been bullied on more than one occasion for her disability. Korbin plays for the Scorpions, mortal enemies of the Krakens, and has a bad history with Benton. Lincoln is Korbin's brother, and Milton is their brother in all but blood, who also plays for the Scorpions. With me? Good.

Now, I read this in one sitting, because I simply could NOT put it down! I loved that it was Lincoln first, rather than the hotshot hockey players, BUT I loved how they were with Bayleigh. It is slow build, as none of them are prepared to rush Bayleigh, but when it gets hot, get your fan ready. Bayleigh is a wonderful character, being both strong and yet fragile, which, given her past, makes perfect sense. I loved how they all learnt ASL for her, which is exactly how it should be.

I spent most of the book disliking Benton for his attitude, but he pulled through in the end. And now, I can't wait to read his story! I really hope we see his sister and her mates too, as I don't think I'm ready to leave them behind. I need a Lincoln in my life!!!

Absolutely adored this book, and I can't wait to continue with the series. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED by me.

** 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!
Jan 16, 2026
  
The Perfect Mother
The Perfect Mother
Aimee Molloy | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Thriller
8
8.0 (8 Ratings)
Book Rating
Compelling and suspenseful novel that grabs you from the start
The May Mothers--a group of parents who all gave birth in May--meet regularly to discuss their parenting woes, joys, and everything in between. On the 4th of July, the group decides to go out in the evening--their first time out since their children were born. They meet at a bar, and most of the group is looking forward to an evening of drinking and dancing. But Winnie, a single mother, is reluctant to leave her son, Midas, with a babysitter for the first time. And, that evening, all goes wrong: while Winnie is out, Midas is taken from his own home while the babysitter sleeps: stolen from his crib without anyone leaving a trace. Suddenly Winnie's life is splashed across the media, who are also saying the police have done everything wrong with the investigation from the start. Three of the other mothers only want to help Winnie get Midas back--but will it come at the cost of their own privacy as well?

This is a compelling and suspenseful novel that grabs you from the beginning, when we are told that it is a year later and a woman from the Mother's group is in prison due to Midas' disappearance. From there, the story rewinds, as told from the point-of-view of several women in the group, including Francie, Colette, Nell, and Winnie. It slowly unfolds with snippets from each and turns out to be incredibly suspenseful. The characters are all entwined a bit, and there are some excellent twists and turns as plot pieces unfold.

Even better, the novel offers some excellent commentary on how women are treated wrapped up in the mystery plot. Woven into the plot twists, we see some of the harsh realities of motherhood (in the U.S., especially) related to working mothers, breastfeeding, sleeplessness, and the overall pressure placed on new moms. As Winnie is increasingly tried in the media, Molloy does a good job of weaving in TV news and commentary on how mothers are expected to behave. It's well-done and I enjoyed the dual aspect of a well-done thriller but also the social commentary aspect, too.

Overall, I really enjoyed this one. It was very exciting and very surprising. At times, there often seemed to be a frustrating character involved with something to hide and making bad decisions (secretly copying files, hacking into things, etc.), but I suppose that comes with the territory. And yes, I am a little tired of the multiple POV/surprise twist format, but it worked so well here that I'll forgive. In the end, this is a really enjoyable novel with a vast cast of characters, some excellent twists, and amazing insight into motherhood. I'm really excited that this will be turned into a movie with Kerry Washington.

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and Edelweiss in return for an unbiased review (thank you!).
  
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