White Lights by Lauren Kate

On the worst night of her life, Desdemona “Dez” Rae gets the opportunity of a lifetime.  She discovers that she’s been accepted to the elusive Acheron Film School on a full-ride scholarship.  Once she meets her new peers including the enigmatic Rafe who she just can’t stay away from no matter how hard she may try, she discovers the school is much more than it seems. 

White Lights was fantastic.  I loved Lauren Kate’s Fallen series when I worked at Borders back in the day and White Lights has similar dark angelic vibes but on a much more adult level.  The spice level soars to an adult (18+) level here and the stakes are out of this world. 

I really liked Dez’s grit and fighting spirit.  I also loved the way Kate described Dez’s filmmaking vision and what it means to her.  As someone who also studied TV/Film production and loves the creative process, I felt Kate did a great job of expressing this will through Dez.

As for the world of Acheron, I don’t want to say too much as to avoid spoiling the whole thing.  There are lot of twists and turns and the book leaves you wanting more.  I look forward to the planned future installments.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing for the e-ARC and the “acceptance letter” to Acheron and Netgalley for delivering the widget.   You can find White Lights by Lauren Kate at your favorite local bookstore, library or online shop.  

 

 

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline (pub date 07/14/26)

 

Julia Pritzker loves her new life as a wife and mother in beautiful Tuscany—except that she misses her best friend Courtney, back in the States. One night, Julia calls Courtney and reaches her as she’s arriving at her grandmother’s farm in Pennsylvania.

Then the unthinkable happens. A dreadful premonition overwhelms Julia moments before Courtney enters the house—and makes a heartbreaking discovery. Her beloved grandmother has been murdered, and the killer is escaping out the back door.

Julia flies home the next morning to support Courtney in her grief. The local police believe the murder was a botched burglary, but the women suspect something much more sinister and enlist hotshot Philly lawyer Bennie Rosato to assist. In addition, Courtney entreats Julia to trust her psychic intuition to point her to the missing pieces of this dark puzzle.

But in a town filled with explosive secrets, events take a deadly turn, and Julia becomes the target of a murderous conspiracy. She ends up fighting for her life, with no one to save her … but herself. author's website

 

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline was one of the best books that I have read this year.  I’ve been a fan of Lisa’s for years now and her latest novel really ratchets the thrills and tension up to a new level.  This is a follow-up to last summer’s The Unraveling of Julia, but you don’t have to read that book (although you definitely should as it’s also great) to enjoy This Changes Everything.  This Changes Everything also features a cameo from attorney Bennie Rosato from Lisa’s Rosato & Associates and Rosato & DiNunzio series.  I hope we hear more from Bennie and the ladies at the law firm in the near future too.

This Changes Everything by Lisa Scottoline releases 07/14/26 but you can pre-order now at your favorite local bookstore or online shop.  Check out Lisa’s social media for more details and try to catch her on tour. 

Thank you to the publisher, Grand Central Publishing and Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.