botm Archives

Thirteenth Child, The

“I couldn't have a lifetime, but I could have this moment.” Author: Erin A. Craig Hazel’s parents never wanted her. As a matter of fact, they gave her to The Dreaded End as an infant. Since then, they have none so patiently waited for this thirteenth child of theirs to be taken by the Dreaded End, her supposed godfather. But he never comes. And so Hazel waits for him, year after year, unwanted, unloved, un-celebrated. On her twelfth birthday, after watching her closest brother be given to the dissonant Fractured Ones, The Dreaded End finally comes for Hazel and whisks [...]

Frances Carden2025-09-22T11:22:22-07:00September 22nd, 2025|Tags: book review, botm, fantasy, read, reading|

Too Good To Be True

"The irony in unbearable things is that they actually are bearable." Author: Carola Lovering You’ve heard the old saying – if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. This certainly describes Skye’s sudden whirlwind romance and marriage to Burke. Skye is a beautiful, wealthy woman. But her extreme OCD has turned away many a would-be suitor. Another event from her past has also left her traumatized and unable to trust. But Burke is different – or so she thinks. After returning from the honeymoon, Skye “accidentally” receives an email that shatters everything. Burke’s digital diary is included as an [...]

Frances Carden2025-07-28T17:28:23-07:00July 28th, 2025|Tags: book of the month, book review, botm, fiction, read, reading, thriller, Too Good to Be True|

Bad Tourists

Bad Tourists, Bad Logic, Bad Story Author: Caro Carver Three friends, bonded by collective loss and trauma, take a fancy trip to the Maldives on the ten-year anniversary of the massacre that drew them together. Camilla, an influencer/fitness instructor in an open marriage lost her brother in the killing. Darcy lost her mentor/boyfriend, and Kate is the sole survivor of that fateful night. They all found each other later, online, and bonded over a shared conviction that the man who was caught and prosecuted was not the true killer. Now in the Maldives, ostensibly celebrating Darcy’s divorce, they try to relax [...]

Frances Carden2025-07-14T10:23:30-07:00July 14th, 2025|Tags: Bad Tourists, book review, botm, read, reading, thriller|