And Then You Were Gone: A raw and emotional read

 Ivy Logan’s And Then You Were Gone is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of trauma, mental health, and the complicated bond between mother and daughter. Nina, the mother, carries the scars of psychological abuse and abandonment by her narcissistic husband. Her daughter, Sophie, becomes her everything, but then Sophie faces relentless bullying and emotional turmoil.

 

Sophie’s struggles with anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem shape her view of the world, affecting her intimate relationships and sense of self. As Nina desperately tries to help, she creates a fictional narrative to control Sophie’s fate, blurring the line between reality and fiction.

The novel powerfully captures the emotional toll of trauma but offers little hope or resolution, making it an unsettling read for those seeking closure. It challenges readers to consider how the past shapes our present and how the stories we tell ourselves can both protect and harm us. A raw and emotional read, And Then You Were Gone is deeply affecting and, at times, a difficult story.

I give And Then You Were Gone by Ivy Logan a solid 4 out of 5 stars. The novel is powerful and emotionally charged, offering an insightful exploration of trauma, mental health, and the complex dynamics between mother and daughter. Logan’s writing is haunting, and the depth of the characters, particularly Nina and Sophie, draws you in from the start.

However, while the story is beautifully crafted, its lack of hope or resolution left me feeling unsettled. The emotional intensity of the book might be difficult for readers seeking closure or a more optimistic ending. Despite this, the book’s thought-provoking themes about trauma and self-perception make it a compelling and deeply affecting read.

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As BookHookup, I am a longtime book reviewer. I received a free advance review copy of this book from BookTasters and have not received compensation for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

 

Jurrasic Jemma & the Trail of Evil: A blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is the final installment in this series by John J. Delaney, and having had the pleasure of reading all three books, I can confidently say it’s a fitting conclusion. This one picks up with Jemma Thorne—a fossil hunter, mother, grandmother, and wife—eager to settle into a peaceful life in the seaside town of Lulcombe, England, alongside her husband and young son. Her grown daughter, Ellie, and granddaughter live next door. All seems set for a quiet, happy life, but peace is quickly disrupted when Jemma becomes the target of a vengeful plot.

BookHookup Review: Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil

Delaney excels at creating relatable, well-developed characters that feel like family, each adding depth to the story and enriching the relationships, motivations, and drama. The female antagonist stands out as particularly memorable—someone you love to hate—adding an exciting layer of tension to the plot.

The pacing is spot-on, with plenty of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Delaney offers neatly packaged clues throughout, leading to a satisfying conclusion that ties up loose ends and leaves you with a sense of fulfillment.

Jurassic Jemma and the Trail of Evil is a delightful blend of intrigue, heart, and clever storytelling, making it a must-read for fans of the mystery-suspense genre. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire series to fully appreciate the depth and richness of Jemma's journey. A solid 5-star recommendation from me.

False Impressions: a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel

Ace Bryann’s False Impressions is a gripping blend of political intrigue, family drama, and romance set in the microstate of Calina. The story follows Derek Landino, a young monarch navigating the complexities of rebuilding his country while managing political opposition and personal conflicts. His progressive push for Calina’s EU entry divides the nation, with some seeing it as a path to freedom and others as a threat to the monarchy.

 

Derek's personal life is equally complicated. His engagement to Christine, an American who saved his life, is met with mixed reactions—some admire her bravery, while others view her as a foreign influence. Their relationship, forged through trauma, is emotional and poignant. Meanwhile, the developing bond between Derek’s younger brother, Nic, and Tanya, a member of parliament, adds further layers of tension. Their secret connection, complicated by political danger and the weight of royal expectations, threatens both the monarchy and the stability of the country.

The novel’s antagonist, Enzo DiGrassi, works behind the scenes to destabilize Derek’s reign, fueling political unrest and creating a constant sense of danger. Bryann masterfully balances political drama with deeply emotional and personal storylines. The emotional depth of Derek and Christine’s relationship, along with the evolving connection between Nic and Tanya, adds richness to the narrative, complementing the political drama without overshadowing it.

False Impressions is a fast-paced, dramatic romance novel, with a well-crafted plot that keeps readers invested in the complex relationships and political machinations. The personal stakes—love, loyalty, betrayal—intertwine with the broader political conflict, making this a compelling and unmissable read.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Adult Content Warning: This novel contains one scene involving explicit sexual content

Il Lupo: A gripping, intelligent thriller

Il Lupo by Gregory Alexander Sharp is a masterful blend of psychological depth and supernatural horror, skillfully combining ancient folklore with the complexities of modern life. This character-driven thriller, reminiscent of classics like Frankenstein and Dracula, centers on two old friends, Nick Frobisher and Charlie Mortimer. After Nick’s father’s death, the friends journey to the Amalfi Coast seeking solace but instead find themselves ensnared in an ancient curse and a confrontation with Telemaco Russo, a man believed to be a werewolf.

Book review: Il Lupo

Sharp's use of an omniscient narrator is brilliant, shifting perspectives seamlessly to build an ever-deepening sense of suspense. This narrative technique enhances the pacing and ensures tension remains high, even as the story shifts direction. The real strength of Il Lupo lies in its exploration of grief, the fragility of the human psyche, and the complex dynamics of friendship. Nick, spiraling into self-destruction, and Charlie, battling anxiety, are portrayed with such depth and empathy that they never feel like mere caricatures.

The suspense builds gradually, like a fuse burning toward an inevitable explosion. By the time the midpoint climax arrives, it’s almost cinematic in its intensity, gripping the reader tightly. Sharp’s approach to horror, relying more on psychological tension than blood and gore, makes the supernatural elements feel even more chilling and personal. The clues to the mystery are woven subtly throughout the text, rewarding attentive readers with a richer experience.

The novel's settings, from the breathtaking Amalfi Coast to the eerie ruins of Pompeii, add layers of atmosphere and mythology, making the world feel alive and steeped in history. The blend of gothic horror and modern sensibilities makes Il Lupo feel timeless yet fresh, a rare book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

With its compelling characters, slow-building suspense, and thought-provoking exploration of fate, Il Lupo is a must-read for fans of intelligent thrillers with supernatural twists, classic horror, and psychological horror. I highly recommend reading Il Lupo before its sequel, Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2.0, to fully appreciate the depth of the characters and their journey. A gripping, intelligent thriller that earns 5/5 stars.