Let’s be honest—we all have “that” pile. The towering, ever-growing, slightly unstable stack of books we swear we’re “getting to next.” Mine currently looks like it’s about to file a complaint. So in the spirit of full transparency (and mild public accountability), here’s what’s currently giving my nightstand structural anxiety:
Badlands by Preston & Child
Yes, I’m back with one of my favorite author duos—Preston & Child. This one’s a little break from our usual gloomy darling Agent Pendergast (though let’s be real, the man has a talent for showing up uninvited like a Victorian ghost with an agenda). Instead, we’re following FBI agent Corrie Swanson and her brilliant archaeologist partner Nora Kelly as they unravel another adventure soaked in history, mystery, and just enough weird to keep me hooked. Light reading, happy endings, and that trademark Preston & Child pizzazz. Bliss.
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Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister
The cover had me at “One morning, he’s your husband. By nightfall, he’s a criminal.” Add in “famous last words” and I was basically clawing off the shrink wrap. I’ve heard it’s twisty—and you know how I feel about a good twist. (Give me whiplash or give me nothing.) I’ll be diving into this one the second I need a break from ancient skeletons and FBI dossiers.
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Blood Moon by Sandra Brown
Listen, Sandra Brown always delivers. I don’t even read the blurbs anymore. This one promises a “fast-paced steamy romantic thriller,” and frankly, if that’s not enough to make you stop scrolling, put down your phone and pick up a book, we need to talk. I’m already predicting a strong, smoldering man with a mysterious past and a woman who doesn’t take his nonsense—but takes his shirt off. (I hope)
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I Would Die for You by Sandie Jones
There’s an ’80’s rock band obsession, a tangled present-day mystery, and someone trying to dig up a past everyone would rather forget. Sold. Reese Witherspoon says it has “one of the most twisted and entertaining plots” she’s read, and if it’s good enough for Reese, it’s good enough for my insomnia. Bonus points if there are leather pants and bad decisions. I’m SO in.
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Black Raven by Ann Cleeves
This one’s a wildcard. I’ve never read Ann Cleeves (*I know, I know*), but this was the book that apparently put her on the crime fiction map. So I’m starting here. Will she make it into my sacred rotation of trusted authors? Or will she end up a DNF?
(That’s “Did Not Finish” for the uninitiated. It’s reader-speak for: “I gave it a fair shot and then bailed. No regrets.” Maybe a little regret.)
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So that’s what’s keeping me company every night (besides my wonderful husband, a glass of wine, and the occasional snack I pretend is “for energy”).
What’s on your TBR stack right now? Got a rec for me? Drop it in the comments—or DM me if it’s a guilty pleasure and you don’t want to admit it publicly. Remember, I’m a mystery, thriller, spy buff so they go on top of the pile.
P.S. If you’re curious about any of the books above, I’ve linked them in the blog—yes, they’re affiliate links, which means I may earn a few cents if you buy one. Your support = more books = more reviews = less space on my nightstand. Win-win.
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