No One Aboard by Emy McGuire #bookreview @harlequinbooks

Posted on December 1, 2025 by fredreeca

No One Aboard

Emy McGuire

On Sale Date: December 2, 2025

9781525831621

Trade Paperback

Graydon House

$18.99 USD

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The White Lotus meets Laura Dave’s The Last Thing He Told Me in this debut domestic mystery

about a luxury sailboat found floating adrift in the ocean and the secrets of the missing family

who set sail aboard it weeks before.

“No One Aboard is a riveting, astonishing debut, and Emy McGuire is an important new voice in

fiction. I will read anything she writes!”

—Sarah Pekkanen, #1 New York Times bestselling author

At the start of summer, billionaire couple Francis and Lila Cameron set off on their private luxury sailboat to celebrate the high school graduation of their two beloved children.

Three weeks later, the Camerons have not been heard from, the captain hasn’t responded to radio calls, and the sailboat is found floating off the coast of Florida.

Empty.

Where are the Camerons? What happened on their trip? And what secrets does the beautiful boat hold?

Set over the course of their vacation and in the aftermath of the sailboat’s discovery, No One Aboard asks who is more dangerous to a family: a stormy ocean or each other?

Review

At the start of summer, billionaire couple Francis and Lila Cameron set off on their private luxury sailboat to celebrate the high school graduation of their two beloved children. Three weeks later, the Camerons have not been heard from, the captain hasn’t responded to radio calls, and the sailboat is found floating off the coast of Florida.

EMPTY

These characters just get a bit crazier and crazier as this story moves along. And as a reader, this really keeps you guessing. This is very much a character driven tale. And I will be honest, when I first started it, I thought…I am not reading this…way too many characters. But the author does a fabulous job introducing them and keeping the intensity up.

Also, this story has some beautiful prose. It will come out of no where and surprise you. One minute you are trying to figure out what is going on and the next you are blown away with a description or a character’s feeling.

Need a story which will keep you guessing…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

EMY MCGUIRE holds a bachelor’s degree in theatre/creative writing from New College of Florida. She has toured nationally in the Edgar Allan Poe Show, sailed from Rome to Antigua, and written everything from ocean thrillers to pirate musicals. She lives in Colorado.

Social Links:

Author website: https://www.emymcguire.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emy_

mcguire/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emy.mcguire/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emymcguire?lang=en

Twitter: https://x.com/AuthorEmy

Buy Links:

Bookshop.org:

https://bookshop.org/p/books/no-one-aboard-emy-mcguire/63fa7273f5ac1803

B&N:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-one-aboard-emy-mcguire/1146730882

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/No-One-Aboard-Emy-McGuire/dp/1525831623/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.f319inHNhLU1wAiH2KL7rg._adJBWlXQ3kfFOuKUfnOBW2-IByPb1JvDNEFXuI1f2U&qid=1738439567&sr=8-1

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Brady vs. Belichick #audiobook #bookreview @macmillanaudio

Posted on November 30, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

A unique and unparalleled look into the nature and relationship of two of the pillars in the NFL’s greatest dynasty.

The greatest dynasty in NFL history stood on two pillars – Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Together they forged a working relationship that provided thrilling results that would change the NFL forever.

But what was the nature of that relationship? How did it function? How and when did it falter? How did these two figures come together on a national – and global – stage and create the most dominant team in NFL history? Was it driver and passenger? Mentor and mentee? Superstar and mad scientist? Phenom and tactician? Or were they equals? The Yin and Yang that made the New England Patriots championships possible? It is the greatest unanswered question in NFL history that sparks animated debate across the league, and the answer is more complex and more fraught than anyone really understands.

Brady vs. Belichick: Who deserves the credit for nine Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl championships?

Veteran NFL insider and New York Times bestselling author Gary Myers draws on his unique and unparalleled access to Belichick and Brady over the course of the two decades, but also to the myriad players, coaches, personnel and family, to get to the bottom of this argument and resolve it once and for all. He drills into the numbers, analyzes the psychology and sociology of this partnership, and use the powerful wand of perspective and context to illuminate the greatest duo that has ever graced the game.

Review

My husband has been a fan of the Patriots since he was young. I have watched tons of games. So, I jumped at the chance to read this.

I honestly felt this was a bit one sided. Everything was Belechick’s fault. These two guys could not have done what they did without each other. Both are super smart and talented so that always comes with egos. Do I know what went on behind the scenes? No, I do not. But I do know no body is perfect. And it takes two to tango.

I was also not a big fan of this author’s writing style. Just because this is a sports biography, you don’t need a lot of sports metaphors.

Now that all of that is out of the way, this is very well researched and full of interesting tidbits. And the narrator, Jonathan Todd Ross, is a pro!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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On Elton John by Matthew Restall #audiobook #bookreview @highbridgeaudio

Posted on November 28, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

Elton John is not only “still standing,” he is a living superlative, the ultimate record-breaking, award-winning survivor of the great era of pop and rock music that he helped to shape during his six decades in the music industry. Yet few of his numerous biographies and song guides take him as a historical subject worthy of scholarly study.

In contrast, On Elton John approaches the artist seriously and analytically, while still couched in a highly accessible style. Author Matthew Restall offers a new way to explore Sir Elton’s career and music within the contexts of other artists and of sweeping shifts in popular culture during his lifetime. Each of the ten chapters is anchored to an Elton song, rooted in its pop culture history, and advances a clear argument, pairing him with figures ranging from Bernie (Bernie Taupin, his lyricist) to Bennie (of the Jets), from “frenemy” David Bowie to artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Dua Lipa, from Diana (the princess) to Jesus (yes, that one).

A must-have for fans, On Elton John will appeal to a wide range of audiences interested in music history, popular culture, and the social issues of our era.

Review

This is a different take on Elton John. This is basically about his music and his writing collaborations.

I love anything to do with Elton. I have been a long time fan of his talent. And I have read numerous books about his life and addictions. So, this is unique. I love how the author just basically talked about Elton’s work and how he was able to keep his career alive.

The narrator, Richard Trinder, is very matter of fact. I enjoyed listening to his voice.

Need something unique about Elton…THIS IS IT!

I received this audiobook from the publisher for a honest opinion.

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The Door to December by Dean Koontz #bookreview #audiobook

Posted on November 26, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

A call in the middle of the night summoned psychiatrist Laura McCaffrey out into the rain-swept streets of Los Angeles. The police had found her husband-beaten to death. But what of her daughter, Melanie, whom he had kidnapped six years earlier? At the brutal murder scene, the police lead Laura into her husband’s makeshift lab—and open the door to a rising tide of terror that has trapped Melanie in its midst…

Review

Well! I have not read a Dean Koontz book in years! So, needless to say, I forgot how intense and weird his books are. But y’all! This book brought it all back! I need to read more!

Law enforcement has just found Laura’s husband dead. She is terrified for her daughter, Melanie. Her husband kidnapped her 6 years ago. And after finding a makeshift lab, Laura is struggling with what her daughter may have gone through in his care.

As I said before, no one does weird quite like Dean Koontz. And of course the reader cannot quite figure out what is going on. Yes, I did figure out some of it…but not all! And talk about intricate and intense! Yes, there are a few mind games going on!

And in true Dean Koontz fashion…the snarkiness is spot on and the narrator, Troy Duran, nailed this. Moniqua Plante, is the voice of Laura and Melanie. As most of you know, I have issues when a narrator gets a child’s voice wrong. Moniqua Plante did an excellent job with Melanie!

Need a mind control tale that will have you hoping for the best…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Best Offer Wins by Marisa Akashi no #bookreview #audiobook @macmillanaudio

Posted on November 25, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

A Good Morning America Book Club Pick * A Good Housekeeping Book Club Pick * An ELLE Best Mystery/Thriller of 2025 * A BookRiot Best Mystery/Thriller of 2025

“It starts out feeling pretty light and fun, but I promise you, you have no idea where this story is going.” -Taylor Jenkins Reid, recommended for her Must-Read Book of 2025 in TIME Magazine

An insanely competitive housing market. A desperate buyer on the edge. In Marisa Kashino’s darkly humorous debut novel, Best Offer Wins, the white picket fence becomes the ultimate symbol of success—and obsession. How far would you go for the house of your dreams? 

Eighteen months and 11 lost bidding wars into house-hunting in the overheated Washington, DC suburbs, 37-year-old publicist Margo Miyake gets a tip about the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood, slated to come up for sale in one month. Desperate to escape the cramped apartment she shares with her husband Ian — and in turn, get their marriage, plan to have a baby, and whole life back on track — Margo becomes obsessed with buying the house before it’s publicly listed and the masses descend (with unbeatable, all-cash offers in hand).

A little stalking? Harmless. A bit of trespassing? Necessary. As Margo infiltrates the homeowners’ lives, her tactics grow increasingly unhinged—but just when she thinks she’s won them over, she hits a snag in her plan. Undeterred, Margo will prove again and again that there’s no boundary she won’t cross to seize the dream life she’s been chasing. The most unsettling part? You’ll root for her, even as you gasp in disbelief.

Dark, biting, and laugh-out-loud funny, Best Offer Wins is a propulsive debut and a razor-sharp exploration of class, ambition, and the modern housing crisis.

Review

Eighteen months and 11 lost bidding wars into house-hunting in the overheated Washington, DC suburbs, 37-year-old publicist Margo Miyake gets a tip about the perfect house, in the perfect neighborhood, slated to come up for sale in one month. Desperate to escape the cramped apartment she shares with her husband Ian — and in turn, get their marriage, plan to have a baby, and whole life back on track — Margo becomes obsessed with buying the house before it’s publicly listed and the masses descend (with unbeatable, all-cash offers in hand).

I really did not expect to like this book as well as I did. I usually do not like anything to do with finance. But that is not necessarily what this is about. This is about the lengths someone will take to get what they want.

And just to let you know…I HATED MARGO. The author did a great job with her though. Usually if I am not a fan of the main character, I will DNF the book. But, this is very intense and it kept me reading. I really wanted to know how far Margot would go…and trust me…she will go far!

And I have to say, the narrator, Cia Court, did a great job with Margo! She just made this more real!

Need a dark story about ambition…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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The Meet-Poop by Noelle Salazar #bookreview #romcom

Posted on November 24, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

Shit happens…

Supermodel Lior Flynn is at the top of her game: gorgeous, confident, and successful. But as her thirtieth birthday looms, she finds herself growing tired of the constant media scrutiny and even more tired of men who only view her as arm candy. Yearning to travel the world’s beautiful places rather than just pose in them, she’s ready for a change and ready to make a real connection—if she can find the courage to take the first step.

Bestselling novelist Graham Forrester is still reeling from the collapse of his marriage to a flashy socialite turned influencer, and officially done with high-drama women. Trapped post-divorce in a house that no longer feels like home and tending to his beloved old dog Brontë who doesn’t have long to live, he knows he’s stuck in a desperate rut but has no idea how to get out.

When Lior’s designer sneaker hits a steaming pile of you-know-what from the sweet golden retriever at the end of Graham’s leash, it’s no meet-cute – in fact, it’s a meet-poop. And every encounter after is somehow messier than the first, until a chance moment when both let their guards down and sparks fly. But can Lior trust Graham not to put her in a book and bolster his own fame? And can Graham trust that the drama of Lior’s life won’t derail his own?

Review

When Lior’s designer sneaker hits a steaming pile of you-know-what from the sweet golden retriever at the end of Graham’s leash, it’s no meet-cute – in fact, it’s a meet-poop. And every encounter after is somehow messier than the first, until a chance moment when both let their guards down and sparks fly. But can Lior trust Graham not to put her in a book and bolster his own fame? And can Graham trust that the drama of Lior’s life won’t derail his own?

This is such a cute, adorable read. These characters have such great chemistry and you cannot help but fall in love!

I enjoyed how their story played out. Yes, it is predictable, as all romances are. But Loir and Graham’s attraction, the secondary characters (I loved Graham’s sister and Loir’s best friend) and of course sweet Brontë will keep you smiling as you fly through this book.

I love when an author gets it right. And this one nailed a dog lover reading her book. Just know…you are prepared!

Need an adorable rom com to get you through the holiday season….THIS IS IT! This book publishes on December 2! Add it to your list!

I received this novel for a honest review.

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The Death Letter by J. Stephen Beam #bookreview

Posted on November 21, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

Jesse Thomas, a humble, unassuming war hero from a tiny northeast Mississippi town, has dealt with a lot in his short life, including the tragic loss of his parents in a car crash. But what troubles him most is the disappearance of his wife, Mary, over a year ago. Cleared as a suspect by investigators, Jesse is perplexed that no one talks about her anymore. It’s as if she never existed.

Only one clue was left behind: the remains of Mary’s dog. Although dismissed by law enforcement, Jesse thinks it’s significant to the case. Other than sympathy, it’s difficult to get much else from enigmatic sheriff Frankie Weatherford, Jesse’s legal guardian and the father of Brax, Jesse’s best friend growing up. Mr. Frankie, who’s like a second father, wouldn’t have anything to hide … would he?

The more Jesse pokes around, the more hostility he encounters, especially from a pair of seedy childhood acquaintances who radiate envy and hatred toward him. Do they know what happened to Mary? Does Brax, a once-promising athlete whose life is in ruins, know more than he’s telling? Can Johnny Coats, a hard-to-read friend of the sheriff, be trusted? And how far will Jesse go to protect Ellie, his soulmate since middle school?

Review

Well this first chapter will grab you and keep you reading. And be aware, you might need a tissue to get through it!

Jesse Thomas, a humble, unassuming war hero from a tiny northeast Mississippi town, has dealt with a lot in his short life, including the tragic loss of his parents in a car crash. But what troubles him most is the disappearance of his wife, Mary, over a year ago. Cleared as a suspect by investigators, Jesse is perplexed that no one talks about her anymore. It’s as if she never existed.

Being a southern girl, I loved this setting and all the southern references. And these characters, they are straight from my home town! Trust me when I say, this is a southern tale full of charm, emotion and love.

Now, it is a bit slow in spots and the author spends quite a bit of time on things that don’t really matter to the story. But, it is a tale that draws you in and keeps you there.

Need an emotional, southern tale…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

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Winter Wishes For The East End Girls by Jean Fullerton #bookreview #historicalfiction

Posted on November 20, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

East London, 1942: With the war still raging, can the East End Girls help bring comfort and joy to their friends and neighbours this Christmas?

Christmas is coming, and Alice Starling is trying hard to get into the festive spirit. Two years ago, she lost her beloved husband at Dunkirk, and it feels like a piece of her heart will always be missing.

With almost nightly raids on London, all Alice can think about is her important work defending the city with the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force until, on a rare night out with her friends Nell, George and Maeve, she encounters US Army Lieutenant Brogan Rafferty. Sparks fly at their first meeting, and when Alice walks away, she isn’t sure whether the brown-eyed soldier was infuriatingly handsome or just plain infuriating…

But when Brogan volunteers to help to drum up rations and decorations for the Christmas party for local families that Alice and her friends are organising, she begins to warm to the smooth-talking American. There’s a kindness in his smile as he plays with the children who have lost everything in the Blitz that has her wondering if there might be more to this man than meets the eye…

Their relationship deepens as they spend more time together, and Alice begins to hope with all her heart for a future with Brogan. But as sirens wail over the city on Christmas Eve, they are separated in the rush for the air raid shelters. When the dust clears, will they find their way back to each other and their happy ending?

Review

Alice and Brogan’s relationship deepens as they spend more time together, and Alice begins to hope with all her heart for a future with Brogan. But as sirens wail over the city on Christmas Eve, they are separated in the rush for the air raid shelters. When the dust clears, will they find their way back to each other and their happy ending?

This is a sweet read. Maybe I have read way too many of those lately. But this one was just slow. I wanted more drama and less what the girls are wearing 😜.

This story does have a great setting and it is good for a breather between heavy reads. Plus, it might make you smile a time or two.

I really hate to say this but I despised this narrator. This is narrated by Eilidh Beaton. Lord have mercy, she was overly dramatic and just got on my nerves. And I have a lot of patience where an audiobook is concerned but she just did not suit me.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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Sisters in Death by Eli Frankel #bookreview #audiobook #nonfiction @tantoraudio

Posted on November 19, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

In January 1947, the body of Elizabeth Short, completely drained of blood, was discovered in an undeveloped lot in Los Angeles. Its gruesome mutilations led to a firestorm of publicity, city-wide panic, and an unprecedented number of investigative paths led by the LAPD—all dead ends. The Black Dahlia murder remained an unsolved mystery for over seventy years.

Six years earlier and sixteen hundred miles away, another woman’s life ended in a similarly horrific manner. Leila Welsh was an ambitious, educated, popular, and socially connected beauty. Though raised modestly on a prairie farm, she was heiress to her Kansas City family’s status and wealth. On a winter morning in 1941, Leila’s butchered body was found in her bedroom bearing the marks of unspeakable trauma. One victim faded into obscurity. The other became notorious. Both had in common a killer whose sadistic mind was a labyrinth of dark secrets.

Eli Frankel reveals a key fact about the Black Dahlia crime scene that leads inexorably to the stunning identification of a criminal who was at the same time amateurish and fiendish, skilled and lucky, sophisticated and brutish. Drawing on documents, law enforcement files, interviews, the victims’ own letters, trial transcripts, military records, and more, this true-crime saga puts together the missing pieces of a legendary puzzle.

Review

Eli Frankel reveals a key fact about the Black Dahlia crime scene that leads inexorably to the stunning identification of a criminal who was at the same time amateurish and fiendish, skilled and lucky, sophisticated and brutish. Drawing on documents, law enforcement files, interviews, the victims’ own letters, trial transcripts, military records, and more, this true-crime saga puts together the missing pieces of a legendary puzzle.

It has been a while since I have read a true crime book! I am glad it was this one!

This is very well researched. Now, since the murders were never solved there are quite a few suppositions. Do I think the murders were solved in this book? Yes! Yes I do.

Talk about wicked! These murders were a bit ghastly and these details are very important. It is what ties these two murders together. So just be prepared!

I love that the author narrated this himself. It always makes a book better!

Need a true crime book…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this from the publisher for a honest review.

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The Seven Rings by Nora Roberts #audiobookreview @macmillanaudio

Posted on November 18, 2025 by fredreeca

Overview

The #1 New York Times-bestselling author Nora Roberts concludes her compelling Lost Bride trilogy as two women—one dead, one alive—prepare for a terrifying final showdown…

Long ago, Arthur Poole built a grand house overlooking the turbulent ocean, in a Maine village that bore his name. Today, Sonya MacTavish lives in that house—a manor that has been cursed for generations. Within its walls, she has witnessed the deaths of seven brides and the thefts of seven wedding rings. And now, to break the curse and banish a malevolent spirit once and for all, a difficult task must be completed.

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens and their anger is renewed. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story, putting the picture together, unearthing small treasures, and uncovering the moments of joy that existed among the sorrows. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

But the enemy in the black dress continues to hover, to come at her in frightening forms. They may be illusions—but illusions can be powerful enough to wound and kill. She feeds on fear, and lies are her weapon. This dark-hearted witch wants to be mistress of Poole Manor, at any cost. And Sonya will need to fight a battle across two realms to finally take possession of the house on the clifftop—and of her own future…

Review

After Sonya, her boyfriend, Trey, and their friends are forced to hear, see—and feel—the suffering of the house’s many ghosts as their torment is reenacted by the evil presence, their bond only strengthens. Refusing to let her spirit be broken, Sonya searches each room for clues to her ancestors’ hidden story. She’s determined to bring light to this haunted place—to fill it with people, with life and hope, once again.

There is so much happening in this story. Let me tell you…my emotions were all over the place. One minute I would be gasping for air because of the witch and then the next I would be smiling at the antics of the young ghost, Jack.

I enjoyed the creativity of each ghost. They all have a unique way of letting their presence be known. But, don’t rule out the darkness!

This is third book of the Lost Bride Trilogy. My favorite is still the first one. However, I do not believe this could have a better ending! I loved the way this played out and I was rooting for Sonya to nail this witch and get on with her life…you need to read this to find out!

I have listened to all three books and this trilogy would not have been the same without the voices of Brittany Pressley!

Need a good witchy, ghost tale that will have you wanting more…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

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