Wednesday 7 October 2015

The Mistake I Made by Paula Daly

   Book Description : We all think we know who we are.

What we’re capable of.


Roz is a single mother, a physiotherapist, a sister, a friend. She’s also desperate.

Her business has gone under, she’s crippled by debt and she’s just had to explain to her son why someone’s taken all their furniture away.

But now a stranger has made her an offer. For one night with her, he’ll pay enough to bring her back from the edge.

Roz has a choice to make.

Author : Paula Daly
Publisher : Random House UK
Publish Date : 27th August 2015
Format : Kindle Edition

* Thank you to Random House UK  and Netgalley for providing me with this copy in exchange for an honest review *

My thoughts : I feel like one of the only people in the world that hasn't read a book by Paula Daly before this one. And why haven't I? I can't believe I haven't come across this fabulous author before.

The Mistake I Made had me totally gripped from the start. We meet Roz a single parent bringing up her 9 year old son George. Roz works as a physiotherapist but is struggling money wise after losing her business and being left in terrible debt by her ex husband Winston. On top of that George is playing up at school and things look very bleak for Roz until she gets an offer she can't refuse.

I loved Roz, she was a very realistic character. My heart broke for her being in the situation she was in. Trying to do the best for herself and her son, it was like taking two steps forward and three steps back. I found myself wondering what I would do if placed in her situation and when you find yourself doing this you know you've got a good book.

All the characters were well described and it makes you feel like you know them, like they could just jump out the page. Also the descriptiveness of The Lake District where its set was just brilliant, it's made me want to go and visit.

I don't want to give too much away about the story but it was gripping, thrilling, sad, funny and just thoroughly brilliant. Paula Daly has wrote a cracker of story that left me completely satisfied. It had twists and turns and I couldn't put it down.

I'm now looking forward to reading What Kind of Mother Are You and Keep Your Friends Close by Paula and I look forward to more from this fab author in the future x

5 stars from me x 




Tuesday 6 October 2015

The Ghost Tree by Sara Bain

Description : A newcomer to a small town must contend with a 17th century poltergeist intent on murder

Five years after the death of his wife, MacAoidh Armstrong moves into a smallholding in southern Scotland with the intention of living a self-sufficient existence. Although he’s heard the steading has a reputation for being haunted, the pragmatic Highlander does not believe in ghosts. On a hill by the steading stands the Ghost Tree: all that remains of the former Ringcroft of Stocking. Local legend says, when the last of the Ghost Trees dies, the Rerrick Parish Poltergeist will return. The Ghost Tree is dying and, just days after MacAoidh moves in, he is forced to contend with a number of strange and terrifying events that put his very life at risk. This series of bizarre and increasingly threatening occurrences at The Ring defy all logical and scientific explanation, and compel MacAoidh to face phenomena that will make him question his very beliefs.


Author : Sara Bain
Published By : Urbane Publications LTD
Publish Date : 1st October 2015
Format : Kindle Edition

* I'd like to thank Sara Bain the author and The Book Club on FB for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

My thoughts : Where to start with this book? From page one I was totally hooked, and when I had to put it down (as apparently sleep is very important) I couldn't wait to pick it back up again.

Set in Southern Scotland we meet MacAiodh ( Mackie), he's moved into a smallholding ready to start a new life but things don't go quite as smoothly as planned. Mackie has a past but he's a great character and I fell in love with him straight away.

We also meet Libby a solicitor who lives in a near by town. Another great character who's a strong woman with a past also. The scenes with Libby and Mackie's mum had me laughing out loud at times.

Sara has written a fabulous descriptive book that sooks you right in, you feel like you are actually part of the story. It's scary, funny at times and there's tragedy too and as I was reading I could feel myself holding my breath waiting for the next thing to happen.

I also loved the scenes in the pub where you got a true Scottish accent in the dialogue. Living in Scotland it made me feel closer to the story if that makes sense.

I don't want to give too much of the story away but I will say don't read this one if you're alone. It gave me shivers and the hairs on the back of neck stood up. I highly recommend this book and so look forward to reading more by the very talented Sara Bain x

I give this book 5 huge stars x

Time to Die by Caroline Mitchell

Time to Die
Book Description : Don’t ever cross his palm with silver.
~He will reveal your most shameful secrets.
He will predict your death.
He is hiding a secret.
He is hiding a monster.
And all his predictions come true.

Investigating a series of chilling murders, Detective Jennifer Knight finds herself tracking a mysterious tarot card reader known only as The Raven.

As the death toll rises, Jennifer and her team build a picture of a serial killer on the edge of sanity, driven by dark forces. But these are not random killings. And the method behind the madness could be the most terrifying thing of all …

Especially when it seems the death of one of their own is on the cards.




Author : Caroline Mitchell
Publisher : Bookouture
Publication Date : September 24th 2015
Format: Kindle Edition



* I'd like to say a huge thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

My thoughts : After reading Caroline's first book Don't Turn Around and giving it 5 stars I was so excited for the next book and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest.

We head back to Haven with DC Jennifer Knight and her side kick Will, where they are working amongst a team called operation moonlight. A police team that investigates crime with paranormal elements.

I love the chemistry between Jennifer and Will, they work so well together and their friendship warms the heart. Jennifer with her psychic abilities is a very interesting character, both her and Will are very likeable.

The Raven on the other hand sent chills down my spine but I was intrigued by him. He's a character that you love to hate and is evil to the core but I just couldn't get enough of him. I've always been interested in Tarot cards and Bert (The Raven) had the ability to see the past and also the deathly future with his. He's an incredibly scary character I certainly wouldn't want a reading from.

I just loved this book, it has a great mix of paranormal and crime and Caroline has done a truly fantastic job writing this book, it had me on the edge of my seat. It's one of those stories where you can't sit still while reading it, you feel like you have to move about a bit or you'll be absorbed right into the story for real. Totally engrossing and I really had to make myself slow down while reading it as I just didn't want it to end.

Although this is book number 2 it could be read as a stand alone but I definitely recommend reading Don't Turn Around first. Both absolutely fab books and I can't wait for number 3.

An amazingly chilling, thrilling edge of your seat story that you wont want to read when you're all on your lonesome.

  
A fabulous 5 stars from me xx
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Sunday 20 September 2015

Recipes for Melissa by Teresa Driscoll



Description : 

Is it ever too late for the gift of goodbye?


Melissa Dance was eight years old when her mother died. They never got to say goodbye.

Seventeen years later, Melissa is handed a journal. As she smooths open the pages and begins to read her mother’s words, she is instantly transported back to her childhood.

But returning to her past is painful and memories of her mother’s beautiful face are a cruel reminder to Melissa that she’ll never see her again.

As Melissa slowly makes her way through the precious book, reading the snippets of advice and cooking the dishes from the recipes she is also shocked to learn of her mother’s secrets – secrets that if shared, could change Melissa’s world forever.

  Publish Date : 5th June 2015

Published By : Bookouture

Format : Kindle Edition

* Thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review*

My Thoughts : What a truly delightful read this was.
Melissa is 25 and has just received a journal her Mother wrote for her while she was dying from cancer when Melissa was just 8 years old.

A lot of the book is set in journal style and as you may have guessed from the title there are recipes, these aren't just recipes though, they are stories that bring back many memories that Melissa has put to the back of her mind since her Mothers death.

On reading the blurb I thought this book would be a tear jerker and I was right in a way, although I shed a few tears it was also so much more. The story is about rediscovering and healing and the love Eleanor has for her daughter Melissa shines through, it's beautiful.

Teresa has written a beautiful heartfelt story with wonderful characters that will stay with me for a long time to come. I'd wholeheartedly recommend this book to everyone but just make sure you have a box of hankies and plenty time to read as once you start you won't want to stop until the end.





Saturday 12 September 2015

The Summer of Secrets by Sarah Jasmon

The Summer of Secrets
Description : One day she was there . . .

and the next day, the day after the fire, she was gone.


In the summer of 1983, when Helen is sixteen, Victoria Dover and her eccentric family move in next door, at once making her lonely world a more thrilling place. But the summer ends with a terrible tragedy, and everyone involved – her father and the entire Dover family – simply disappears.

Then one day, thirty years later, Victoria comes back.



A suspenseful, spell-binding coming-of-age story about young friendship, damaged families and how one simple action on a long, sultry summer can echo through the years. Perfect for fans of Louise Doughty's Apple Tree Yard, Liane Moriarty's The Husband's Secret and Helen Dunmore's The Lie.


Publish date : August 13th 2015
Published by : Transworld Digital
Format : Kindle Edition


* Thank you Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers, Black Swan for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest opinion. *

My thoughts :  This is a slow moving story, but it's beautifully written and thought provoking.
Set in the summer of 1983 and interwoven with the year 2013 we read about the main character Helen, a bored and lonely 16 year old girl and her neighbours the Dovers who suddenly appear cause a whirlwind and just as suddenly disappear leaving Helen confused and still wondering 30 years on what happened.

Sarah Jasmon tells a wonderful descriptive story, the canal side comes to life as you read and the characters are believable. There's secrets and twists but if you're looking for a fast paced book this isn't for you. Instead we get a slow moving yet intensely thought provoking story that captures you from page 1 and slowly twists its way through to the end where you are desperate to find out what happened on that fateful night in the summer of 83.

I really enjoyed The Summer of Secrets and it's a fantastic debut novel from Sarah and I really look forward to reading more by this author.



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The Secret Daughter by Kelly Rimmer. A beautiful novel of adoption, heartbreak and a mother's love.

Description : As I saw my new-born baby’s face for the first time I tried desperately to capture her face in my mind—to stamp it onto my eyelids. As she was taken from me I knew I might never see my daughter again.

37 years later…
‘You were adopted’. Three short words and Sabina’s life fractures. There would forever be a Before those words, and an After.

Pregnant with her own child, Sabina can’t understand how a mother could abandon her daughter, or why her parents have kept the past a secret.

Determined to find the woman who gave her away, what she discovers will change everything, not just for Sabina, but for the women who have loved her all these years.

From the bestselling author of Me Without You comes another touching, beautifully told story about the pain of separation and the enduring strength of love.

Publication Date : June 18th 2015
Publisher : Bookouture
Format- Kindle edition


* I'd like to say a huge thank you to Bookouture and Netgalley for providing me with this ARC to review*

My thoughts : This was a truly outstanding book, one which I couldn't put down and will stay with me for a long time.

The Secret Daughter is based in Australia and the main character Sabina and her husband Ted have just found out they are to be parents for the first time. Obviously over the moon Sabina can't wait to tell her parents but doesn't get the reaction she was expecting and that's when her whole world is turned upside down.

Forced adoption in Australia is something that has been on the news a lot, back in the 60's, 70's and early 80's if you were a minor and fell pregnant out of wedlock the baby was instantly taken away from you and given to a married couple. The Secret Daughter although fiction is like reading a documentary. I was just engrossed from the very beginning, I was brought to tears numerous times through out the book.

The characters are well developed and I felt like I knew them personally by the end. The story is told from Sabina's first-person narrative, which is emotional to say the least. We're also taken into the past through Lily's letters and also Megan's first-person narrative which gives us an understanding to these characters and their feelings at the time which is also emotional. Ted, Sabina's husband was just a lovely character, so supportive and caring. A true gem.

Kelly Rimmer has taken a very tender subject and turned it into a wonderfully fabulous well written book, one that draws you in and never lets you go again. This book has made it's way into my top 10 this year,  and I look forward to reading more from Kelly soon.

I'd highly recommend this book, but make sure you have a box of hankie's by your side.

Thank you Kelly for an emotional, wonderful and truly magnificent book.


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Sunday 12 July 2015

The Doris Day Vintage Film Club by Fiona Harper

Book Description : The amazing new romantic comedy from the #1 bestselling author of The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams!

’Sweet and romantic, a story guaranteed to have you smiling’ - Milly Johnson

The perfect pair for ‘pillow talk’?

Claire Bixby grew up watching Doris Day films at her grandmother’s house and yearned to live in a world like the one on the screen – sunny, colourful and where happy endings were guaranteed. But recently Claire’s opportunities for a little ‘pillow talk’ have been thin on the ground.

Until she meets new client Nic who comes into her travel agency looking to book the perfect get away. Too bad it’s for two!

But as Nic and Claire get closer, the sparks start to fly, and Claire’s questioning everything Doris taught her about romance.

Can true love ever really be just like it is in the movies?

Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…


* Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers of this book for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review*

My thoughts: The first things to attract me to this book was the quirky book cover and Doris Day in the title. I've been a huge fan of Doris Day for as long as I can remember and was quite looking forward to reading this book.

It was a joy and an easy read. It made me laugh and was a book I could put down and pick up again and get straight back into.

The only downside for me was it was so very much like The Little Shop of Hopes and Dreams by Fiona Harper so was a tad predictable and also the ending seemed a bit abrupt but apart from that it was a nice dreamy read.

Friday 10 July 2015

The Girl Who Wouldn't Die by Marnie Riches



Book Description : HE’S WATCHING HER. SHE DOESN’T KNOW IT…YET

When a bomb explodes at the University of Amsterdam, aspiring criminologist Georgina McKenzie is asked by the police to help flush out the killer.

But the bomb is part of a much bigger, more sinister plot that will have the entire city quaking in fear.

And the killer has a very special part for George to play…

A thrilling race against time with a heroine you’ll be rooting for, this book will keep you up all night!


My thoughts  The Girl Who Wouldn't Die was the chosen book for the month of June in TBC on FB. It wasn't a book I'd heard about and after reading the description I was eager to get stuck in.

I have to admit though I did struggle to get into this book to start with and I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it was the strange names I couldn't pronounce or the fact there seemed to be two stories (George and Ella) and I couldn't for the life of me figure how they would come together, then BAM I was hooked and couldn't put it down. Each chapter I finished wasn't enough and I wanted to keep on reading and find out more.

The characters are well described and although I didn't feel I could relate to any of them I did like George the heroine, she's young, quirky and intelligent but also quite vulnerable. The descriptions of Amsterdam and Cambridge, 2 places I have never been, drew me in and I could see them in my mind as I was reading.

This turned out to be a fast paced thriller that I really enjoyed and I was thrilled to find out this is the first book of a series and I'm really looking forward to finding out what troubles George finds herself in next.

Wednesday 8 July 2015

See Her Run by A.K. Leigh

Book Description : You can run from everything except your past.

Diana King has moved to Smithfield, North Carolina to start fresh. With a
new look, a new address, and a new name, she's hoping to begin a safe,
quiet life far from the horrors she's endured.

On the painful road to recovery, Diana begins to think she can move
forward … until she meets local farmer, Jonathan Smith, and realizes his
connection to her previous life. While Jon doesn't recognize her, they both
have an undeniable attraction.

Just when Diana begins to see a hope of happiness, she discovers that her
ex-husband Russ is on the hunt and will stop at nothing to get her back.
For Diana holds evidence that could lock him away for life ...


My thoughts :  * First off I'd like to say thank you to Netgalley and momentum books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this book, essentially it's a romance story but there is suspense through out it too and it keeps you turning pages. The characters are realistic and I loved how Diana and Jonathans relationship progressed through out the book. The characters are described well and the story is well written, its a wee bit predictable but that didn't spoil anything for me.  

A.K. Leigh has done a wonderful job in writing this book, it flows well and is enthralling. I kept wanting to read more and more even though it was well past bedtime, I just couldn't put it down and had to find out what happened next.
A very enjoyable read x

Little Black Lies by Sharon Bolton

Book Description : In such a small community as the Falkland Islands, a missing child is unheard of. In such a dangerous landscape it can only be a terrible tragedy, surely...

When another child goes missing, and then a third, it’s no longer possible to believe that their deaths were accidental, and the villagers must admit that there is a murderer among them. Even Catrin Quinn, a damaged woman living a reclusive life after the accidental deaths of her own two sons a few years ago, gets involved in the searches and the speculation.

And suddenly, in this wild and beautiful place that generations have called home, no one feels safe and the hysteria begins to rise.

But three islanders—Catrin, her childhood best friend, Rachel, and her ex-lover Callum—are hiding terrible secrets. And they have two things in common: all three of them are grieving, and none of them trust anyone, not even themselves.

In Little Black Lies, her most shocking and engaging suspense novel to date, Sharon Bolton will keep the reader guessing until the very last page.


My thoughts : I was sent this book for review and I seemed to be so bogged down with books I'm ashamed to admit that Little Black Lies sat on my shelf for quite a while before I finally got round to reading it. Oh my word, I wish I had brushed the others to the side and read this as soon as got it. I loved it.

Set in the Falkland Islands this is a dark, emotional rollercoaster of a read that pulls at your heart strings and absorbs you completely. I've never read a book set in the Falkland Islands before and I was engrossed as you get a real feel for the place and also what it was like during the Falkland war. It sounds like a wonderful place.

Little Black Lies centres round Catrin, Rachel and Callum and told over 5 days, each of them being the narrator. I've found in some books I've read the jumping back and forth from characters can get a bit confusing but it's not done like that in this book and is just perfect and by the end you feel like you know each one of them personally.

I'm not going to say too much about the story as I want anyone who reads this review to be surprised and enjoy it as much as did. Its a fabulous intense psychological thriller about family, friendship, fear and heartbreak and it's a must read book you wont be able to put down. It's full off twists and turns right up to the last page and it will stay with you for a long time after you're finished reading.

Second Hand Jane by Michelle Vernal

Book Description : When footloose and fancy-free Jessica, a thirty-something writer, decides to follow her journalistic instincts and trace the story of a young girl for her weekly column in a Dublin newspaper, she unwittingly embarks on a journey into Northern Ireland’s tragic past.

With her love of all things vintage, Jessica Jane Baré is known as Second-hand Jane to her friends. Hailing from New Zealand, these days she’s finding the grass is greener in Dublin and not just because of all the rain. In fact, life would be sweet if it weren’t for the reason she left home in the first place–her meddling mother. Marian views Jess’s life in Dublin as nothing more than a stop-gap until she meets Mr Right and he’s taking his time. Things look set to change, however, when Jess meets the delectable Nick, who ticks all of Marian’s boxes.

In the meantime, Jess’s latest second-hand collectible–a children’s book—gives her an idea for her column. Deciding to track down the girl whose name is scribbled inside the cover of that book, she uncovers more than she ever expected. “Amy was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” the girl’s taciturn brother, Owen, informs her. Intrigued, Jess travels to the family pig farm in County Down and listens to Amy’s poignant tale unfold through Owen. With a little help from a rather cute runt of the litter she names Wilbur, Jess is about to help put the past to rest and learn that appearances can be deceptive.

Then Marian announces she is coming to Dublin to sort her daughter’s increasingly tangled love life out and Jess’s chance of a happy ending like those in the story books she collects looks about as likely as Wilbur flying.


My thoughts :

First off I'd like to say a huge thank you to TBC on FB for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Second Hand Jane is a wonderful book, It's easy to read and so easy to get lost in. Jess the main character is a very likeable character, she's quirky and her love of second hand things is really nice. Especially the books, I love buying second hand books and often when I find a name inside I find myself wondering who the person is etc. Jess's two best friends are fab too in the story, Nora and Brianna are two very different characters but all three are fab together.

Marian, Jess's mum is quite funny and it was nice to see the relationship between her and her daughter and you could also feel the dread Jess felt when her mum announced she was coming to Dublin. I was reading and cringing at the thought.

I really enjoyed this book, the writing is lovely and the description through out made me want to jump on a ferry and go and visit Northern Ireland and find out more about the sad history of The Troubles. Also I have fallen head over heels in love with Wilbur the little piglet, I live on a farm so really a little piglet would just fit in ha ha.

A really enjoyable read and I highly recommend this book.

Monday 22 June 2015

Break in to Murder by Paul Moore

Publish Date: April 6th 2015

Description: Victoria Bell feels very much at home in a court of law but when an underworld boss is killed is it murder? Two warring families want justice but will they get it?

*Thank you to TBC and Paul Moore for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

My thoughts: This is the first book I've read by this author and also the first courtroom drama too.

Break in to Murder is a nice paced book and although it's a courtroom drama its not filled with all your legal mumbo jumbo, it's easy to understand. The characters and settings are well described with makes it easy to visualise what's going on.

This isn't a long book with roughly 3 hours reading time but it was just perfect for me, there's twists and turns in the story that made me just want to keep reading. Over all this is an enjoyable book and I'd recommend it to anyone who likes courtroom dramas that aren't over dramatized and full of legal jargon.

An enjoyable read.



Sunday 21 June 2015

First One Missing by Tammy Cohen

Pre-Order your copy HERE

Publication Date: July 2nd 2015

Published by:  Transworld Digital

Description: There are three things no-one can prepare you for when your daughter is murdered:

- You are haunted by her memory day and night

- Even close friends can't understand what you are going through.

- Only in a group with mothers of other victims can you find real comfort.

But as the bereaved parents gather to offer support in the wake of another killing, a crack appears in the group that threatens to rock their lives all over again.

Welcome to the club no one wants to join.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Random House UK, Transworld Publishers for sending me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review*

My thoughts: After not long since finishing the Broken for TBC's book of the month and thoroughly enjoying it I was quite excited to see Tammy had a new book set for release, I immediately requested and was thrilled when accepted.

First One Missing is a dark psychological thriller set around the murders of four little girls with hint's to paedophilia which isn't an easy topic to read but must have been a difficult subject to write about but Tammy has done it so brilliantly.

Each individual character's story line is very believable, Tammy has a way of writing, that the characters seem so real and you can feel their emotions. Emma in the book especially I connected with, the way her feelings of grief are explained are remarkable. After loosing my daughter last year to cancer I am going through the grief process and when reading about Emma sometimes it could have been me writing her feelings.

I couldn't put this book down, It had me hooked from page one and I'd highly recommend to lover's of psychological thriller's. And without giving too much away, all I'll say is wow to the ending. I did not see that coming what so ever. Absolutely brilliant.


Tuesday 16 June 2015

Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey

Publisher: Simon & Schuster U.K.
Publish Date: 23rd April 2015
Buy your Kindle copy HERE
Paperback Copy HERE

Book Description : 1943, in the ruins of Blitzed London...

Stella Thorne and Dan Rosinski meet by chance and fall in love by accident. Theirs is a reluctant, unstoppable affair in which all the odds are stacked against them: she is newly married, and he is an American bomber pilot whose chance of survival is just one in five...

He promised to love her forever

Sixty years later Dan makes one final attempt to find the girl he has never forgotten, and sends a letter to the house where they shared a brief yet perfect happiness. But Stella has gone, and the letter is opened by Jess, a young girl hiding from problems of her own. And as Jess reads Dan's words, she is captivated by the story of a love affair that burned so bright and dimmed too soon. Can she help Dan find Stella before it is too late?

Now forever is finally running out.
 

* I'd like to thank Simon & Schuster and Netgalley for giving me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

My Thoughts: Now and again a book comes along and totally sweeps you off your feet, you can't put it down and when you're not reading it you're thinking about it and Letters to the Lost is certainly one of those books.

Letters to the lost is two love stories, one set in post blitz London in the early 1940's and the second 60 years later. Both stories are captivating and pull at your heart strings.
The characters are believable and mostly likeable, both Stella and Jess have an interesting story to tell and the way the book goes back and forth keeps you captivated. The way Dan's character comes through in the letters and shows his love and passion for Stella had me bowled over, I really loved his character.

Iona Grey has written a wonderful book, Letters to the Lost is definitely one of my favourites this year and one I will be going back to read again and again.

Letters to the Lost is a compelling, fantastically written, beautiful novel that will stay with me for a long, long time. If you've not read it yet it's a must for anyone and everyone, just make sure you have plenty of time as with over 500 pages once you start you really don't want to put it down. And make sure you have a box of hankies beside you too.

This book gets a magnificent 5 hearts from me.

Tuesday 19 May 2015

Evil Games (D.I. Kim Stone #2) by Angela Marsons

Release Date : May 29th 2015

Publisher : Bookouture

Pre-order your Kindle copy HERE

Description : The greater the Evil, the more deadly the game…
When a rapist is found mutilated in a brutal attack, Detective Kim Stone and her team are called in to bring a swift resolution. But, as more vengeful killings come to light, it soon becomes clear that there is someone far more sinister at work.

With the investigation quickly gathering momentum, Kim finds herself exposed to great danger and in the sights of a lethal individual undertaking their own twisted experiment.

Up against a sociopath who seems to know her every weakness, for Detective Stone, each move she makes could be deadly. As the body count starts to mount, Kim will have to dig deeper than ever before to stop the killing. And this time - it’s personal.

*I received this ARC courtesy of Netgalley and Bookouture in exchange for an honest review*

My thoughts : Wow wow wow, after reading Silent Scream I pre-ordered Evil Games as soon as I could and I didn't think it could get any better but Angela Marsons has done it again.

As soon as I started reading I felt like I was back with an old friend, D.I. Kim Stone. In Evil Games Kim is just as determined and damaged as in Silent Scream but we find out a bit more about her past and she softens a bit. Her friendship with her partner D.S. Bryant continues and I can't help but smile at the way they interact with each other sometimes.

Evil Games brings in the nasty but very clever Dr Alex Thorne, she's pretty, smart, intelligent but also a sociopathic psychologist and is evil through and through but a fantastic character.
Two very intelligent women caught up in head to head battle, both with secrets they don't want revealed makes for a gripping story.
Kim is also investigating a child abuse case, a tough subject but Ms Marsons does a brilliant job with her writing and I could feel the anger and frustration Kim and her team were feeling.

This book, with every page you turn gives you goose bumps. I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing up and I just didn't want to put it down. It's fantastically written, it's gripping right to the last page and I just can't wait for book three now.

If you haven't read Silent Scream you can get a Kindle copy HERE 


Dubious Justice (Justice Series Book 11) by M.A. Comley

Release Date : April 17th 2015
Description :  Nothing is as it seems.

DS Lorne Warner and DI Katy Foster are called to the scene of an electrician's suspected suicide but quickly discover that they're dealing with a murder case instead.

Katy's family emergency forces her back home to be by her parent's side in Manchester, leaving Lorne as detective inspector, working alongside a new, and frustrating, partner.

When two more murders of tradesmen occur, the investigation throws suspicion on a couple who have recently renovated their home. However, the forensic team uncovers a lot more than anyone bargained for.


My thoughts : First off I'd like to say a huge thank you to Mel Comley, Tracey Fenton and The Book Club for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In my haste to say I'd review this book I didn't realise it was book number 11, I was hesitant to start it after realising as I haven't read any of the books previous to this one, but there was no need to worry as this book works as a stand alone as well as part of the series. A couple of times there are some references to story's in the past but it didn't matter and it's just made me want to read the other 10 books now.

The story is well written and from page one it's gripping, it's fast paced and the characters are easy to get to know. Through out the book  the surprises keep coming and when you think it's starting to wind down, boom you're hut again with more shocks and twists. I really don't want to give to much away, but Mel has done an incredibly good job of telling the story of a difficult subject and the book comes together fantastically. I have to admit I did shed a few tears.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who likes thrillers, police procedural or just anyone who likes a blooming good edge of your seat story.


Sunday 3 May 2015

The Faerie Tree by Jane Cable

Release Date : April 28th 2015

Published by : Troubador Publishing Ltd

You can buy your copy HERE

Description : How can a memory so vivid be wrong?

I tried to remember the first time I’d been here and to see the tree through Izzie’s eyes. The oak stood on a rise just above the path; not too tall or wide but graceful and straight, its trunk covered in what I can only describe as offerings – pieces of ribbon, daisy chains, a shell necklace, a tiny doll or two and even an old cuckoo clock.
"Why do people do this?" Izzie asked.
I winked at her. "To say thank you to the fairies."

In the summer of 1986 Robin and Izzie hold hands under The Faerie Tree and wish for a future together. Within hours tragedy rips their dreams apart.

In the winter of 2006, each carrying their own burden of grief, they stumble back into each other’s lives and try to create a second chance. But why are their memories of 1986 so different? And which one of them is right?

With strong themes of paganism, love and grief, The Faerie Tree is a novel as gripping and unputdownable as Jane Cable’s first book, The Cheesemaker’s House, which won the Suspense & Crime category of The Alan Titchmarsh Show’s People’s Novelist competition. It is a story that will resonate with fans of romance, suspense, and folklore.

*I received this book courtesy of NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion*

My Thought's : When I received this book I was expecting a bit of magic as the title kind of suggests and after reading the description where it says "strong themes of paganism" this was what I thought this book would involve. Sadly there is no magic and hardly any paganism, I was hoping as the story moved on more would be explained about paganism but it didn't.
It is however a story about love and grief. About how memories we so strongly believe aren't always true and how running away from your problems doesn't really solve anything.

This is a well written story and the characters are explained quite well although I think there could have been more added to them. I enjoyed reading this story but I just felt like I was waiting for something and it just never appeared which was quite disappointing. It's still a good story though and I'm giving it 3 hearts.

Thursday 16 April 2015

The Lie by C.L. Taylor

Published : 23rd April 2015 by Avon UK

Get your copy HERE

Description : I know your name's not really Jane Hughes...

Jane Hughes has a loving partner, a job in an animal sanctuary and a tiny cottage in rural Wales. She's happier than she's ever been but her life is a lie. Jane Hughes does not really exist.

Five years earlier Jane and her then best friends went on holiday but what should have been the trip of a lifetime rapidly descended into a nightmare that claimed the lives of two of the women.

Jane has tried to put her past behind her but someone knows the truth about what happened. Someone who won't stop until they've destroyed Jane and everything she loves...


First of all I would like to say a huge thanks to the publishers for sending me a review copy of The Lie via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

My thought's :
I started this book late one evening, I'd got myself all snuggled up in bed and thought I'll read a couple of chapters before I go to sleep and the next thing I knew I was half way through the book and I didn't want to stop reading.
The story alternates seamlessly between the past (5 years ago) and the present day and at the end of a lot of the chapters your left hanging, desperately wanting to find out what happens next and it usually jumps from past to present and vice versa so you have to keep reading on. It's such a gripper and so well written.

The friendship or lack of between the 4 main characters really get's you thinking. We've all had a friend who we thought we could trust but can't, I'm sure. Thankfully I've never been stuck at a retreat with any not like Jane who has went on the holiday of a life time to Nepal with her closest friends who she's known since University. Their true friendship is shown in the trauma's that unravel in the retreat and it becomes a race against time to escape. Each of the friends have flaws and troubles from their past and each one is very different from the other and the author paints a brilliant picture of each character.

Each page brings more twists and turns and this really isn't a book you want to read while you're alone. My heart was beating ten to the dozen most of the way through this book. The scenes set in Nepal are frightening and written so realistically I can still picture them in my head.

C.L. Taylor has a remarkable way of describing scenes and characters and this gripping edge of your seat psychological thriller is a must read. I highly recommend it and I'm looking forward to more reads from this author.





  

Tuesday 14 April 2015

Close to home by Lisa Jackson


 
 
 
 
Release Date : 26th March 2015

Publisher : Mulholland books

Pages : 432

Buy your copy HERE


Description :

HOME IS WHERE THE FEAR IS...

The house where Sarah McAdams grew up has always terrified her. But now she's moved back with her daughters, determined to put her childhood fears behind her.

It's harder than she thought. Increasingly haunted by the past, Sarah soon realises that the present has its own threats. One by one, teenage girls are disappearing...

Frantic for her daughters' safety, Sarah feels the house's walls closing in on her once more. Somewhere deep in her memory is the key to a very real danger.

And only by confronting the terrifying truth can she protect her children from a nightmare that is roaring back to life...

My Thoughts : First off I'd like to say I received this book Via Bookbridgr in exchange for an honest review and I'm honoured to be part of Lisa Jackson's blog tour.


To be honest this is the first book I've read by Lisa Jackson but what a thrill it was and I really look forward to reading more. Close to Home has a bit of everything in it, we have ghost's, family secrets, romance, kidnapping and after reading a few reviews before I started this book I thought maybe there was just too much going on but the book flows really well and everything is combined for an easy but thrilling read.

The suspense starts on page one and continues right through to the end and keeps you guessing and needing to read "just one more chapter" before you go to sleep to find out what happens next. I didn't figure out who the kidnapper was up until it was revealed which was fab.

The characters are described well and realistic and I liked Sarah, mum to Gracie and Jade. Sarah's trying to do what's best for her family but is also trying to put her fears behind her. Jade's your typical teenage girl who needs a good kick up the bum and Gracie who's 12 is a smart girl who like's the paranormal and isn't afraid to go snooping in dark scary places.
I loved how we were taken back to the past in Blue Peacock Manor and how Sarah and Gracie researched the family genealogy and put it in order and how family secrets are revealed.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who like's a good, can't put down book.
I give this book 5 hearts.
 
About the Author

Lisa Jackson and her sister, Nancy Bush, grew up in a small timber town in Oregon. She attended Oregon State University and later worked in the banking industry.
In 1983, Jackson's first novel, A Twist of Fate, was published by Silhouette Books. Currently, Jackson writes contemporary romantic suspense novels for Kensington Books and medieval romantic suspense novels for Onyx Books. Her books regularly place high on the New York Times, USA Today and Publisher's Weekly best seller lists.
Her novel Shiver won the Rendevous Rosebud Award, and If She Only Knew was a finalist for the Reviewer's International Organization Dorothy Parker Award for Excellence for Best Suspense Novel.
Jackson has been nominated twice for Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards, winning in 2005 in the Best Medieval Romance category for Temptress.

You can visit Lisa Jackson's webpage here

Sunday 12 April 2015

Nobody's Angel (A Willow Park romance) by Sarah Hegger

Release Date : March 31st 2015
Publisher : Zebra
Pages : 352
To buy this book click for Kindle Edition

Description : In this evocative new series from author Sarah Hegger, a woman returns home after a long absence--and wonders if two wrongs really can make a right. . .

Nine years ago Lucy Flint ran away to Seattle, taking her friend's boyfriend and leaving her high school sweetheart without a word of explanation. Now she's back in Willow Park, Illinois, to help care for her ailing father--and it's no surprise that her ex, Dr. Richard Hunter, is still angry.

Still, she's a different Lucy now. Sober, wiser, ready to make amends to the long--make that very long--list of those she mistreated during her wild younger days. Falling for Richard all over again would mean wreaking havoc in both their lives and possibly squandering her opportunity for redemption. But here, in the place where everything went wrong, is the one person who always felt right, and a second-chance that could be the best mistake she ever made. . .

My Thoughts :
This is the first of Sarah Hegger's books I've read and I'd like to thank NetGalley for sending me a copy to review.
From page 1 I was hooked on this little treasure of a book. Lucy's character is likeable and she's come home to face her past.
The story is very well written and not just your typical romance. Lucy's a recovering alcoholic and she's come back home to Willow Park after 9 years to help out her Mum with her ailing Father. Both her parents aren't very likeable characters but Lucy see's this chance to move forward with her life and with support from her sponsor taking these steps to right her wrongs she will be able to move forward with her life and put her troubles behind her, hopefully.

Through the story we find out why Lucy has stayed away for so long, why she left and what she has to try to put right. One being the handsome Richard who was once the love of her life and now lives next door to her parents and is her Fathers Dr.

Lucy's a strong character who doesn't blame anyone else for her past. She's the one who has done wrong and I think anyone who reads this book will be able to take something away from this fact. Reading this story I got quite attached to Lucy and felt her emotions within me as I went along. I love when you can connect with a character and feel their frustration, anger, hurt, joy etc. It makes you feel like you've slipped into the book beside them.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series Nobody's Fool.

I'm giving this book a fabulous 4 hearts
Nobody's Fool (Willow Park romance) Release date 25th August 2015
In Sarah Hegger's latest Willow Park Romance, long-held crushes and past frenemies reunite--and wonder if there's ever a second chance to make a good first impression. . .

Holly Partridge had no plans to return to Willow Park, Illinois, until her troubled younger sister Portia fled her home and aimed herself straight at Holly's high school nemesis--too-gorgeous-to-be-true Josh Hunter. Riding a manic bipolar high, Portia's only a danger to herself, but Holly needs to find her before she crashes. That means asking Josh for help.

The ultimate love 'em and leave 'em lothario, Josh was never good for anything but a broken heart. But now he's lending a hand when Holly needs it most--and revealing surprising generosity and compassion. Has Josh shed his bad boy ways? Or is Holly suddenly grown up enough to acknowledge her own mistakes? Trusting Josh could be a disaster--or the first step in banishing the past to make way for a future happier than Holly ever imagined. . .
To pre-order click HERE
 

Sunday 29 March 2015

Geek Girl 4: All that Glitters by Holly Smale. Reviewed by Ellie


 
 
Description : “My name is Harriet Manners, and I am still a geek.”
The fourth book in the award-winning GEEK GIRL series.
Harriet Manners has high hopes for the new school year: she’s a Sixth Former now, and things are going to be different. But with Nat busy falling in love at college and Toby preoccupied with a Top Secret project, Harriet soon discovers that’s not necessarily a good thing…

I have to be honest and say I haven't read any of the Geek Girl Books before but when I saw this come up on NetGalley I knew I had to request it for my daughter Ellie who is 13 years old and a huge fan and has also read the first three books so a huge thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for sending a copy in exchange for an honest review.

So over to Ellie for her first review on my blog.

My thoughts : This book is very captivating and made me feel as if I was part of the story, but for it all to make sense you would have to read the first three books.

The main character of the book is Harriet, a teenage super model living a double life. I found Harriet a very likeable character and very realistic. The book starts off quite funny as Harriet get's to school then realises that it's not actually a school day.
Harriet believes that if she starts a new school year with a clean slate she will make some new friends and have a fresh start. Only things don't go quite to plan, not only does her best friend Natalie start ignoring her but her other friend/stalker Toby does as well.
Poor Harriet is left on her own but soon things start to change for the better.

The story kept me guessing and I just couldn't put it down. The only downside is it finishes on a bit of a cliff-hanger but surely that means there will be a Geek Girl 5..?

The book is very well written and easy to understand. The characters are all very realistic and I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good un put down able series!

I give this book 5 lovely hearts!


Don't Turn Around by Caroline Mitchell

Description : You don’t know him. But he knows you.

Soon he would be able to touch her, to feel the warmth of her blood. And when the time came, nothing would stop him.
As D.C. Jennifer Knight investigates a routine stabbing in the quiet town of Haven, she is shocked at what seems like a personal message from beyond the grave.

When more bodies are found, Jennifer is convinced the killings are somehow linked. What she discovers is more chilling than she could possibly imagine. The murders mirror those of the notorious Grim Reaper – from over twenty years ago. A killer her mother helped convict.

Jennifer can no longer ignore the personal connection. Is there a copycat killer at work? Was the wrong man convicted? Or is there something more sinister at play …

With her mother’s terrifying legacy spiralling out of control, Jennifer must look into her own dark past in a fight not only to stop a killer – but to save herself and those she loves.

Release Date: 24th April 2015
Publisher : Bookouture
Pre-Order HERE

My thoughts : Wednesday 25th March was Caroline's big cover reveal and I was so looking forward to it. Don't Turn Around is a paranormal Crime Thriller, two of my favourite genres and after seeing the amazing cover I was most looking forward to it's release on April 24th.. Twitter was buzzing with excitement over the cover reveal then Bookouture tweeted that it was available on NetGalley and I immediately went and requested and was so happy to be approved and started reading it straight away. Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture.

Don't Turn Around is the first book in the Detective Jennifer Knight series and what a thrilling read it is.
The story is told through the present time but also flips back to when Jennifer's mother Elizabeth was in the police and helped convict the notorious Grim Reaper also known as Frank Foster. Franks story is also told and the story all comes together nicely if not terrifyingly.

Jennifer is a great character, she's had her troubles in the past and not had a great childhood but is trying to get things back on track and is trying to prove that the past is in the past where work is concerned. I loved the connection  Jennifer and her police partner Will have and look forward to seeing their friendship progress in future stories.
Frank Foster the Grim Reaper is a character who is quite vile but in a way you can't help feeling sorry for him.
This is a fantastically written story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and I really didn't want to put it down and was gutted when it ended but what an ending it was and one I didn't see coming at all.

I've really struggled to write a review for this book as it's just so fantastic and I don't want to give away any spoilers to anyone reading this review, I want them to be able to pick up the book and enjoy the terrifying thrills I enjoyed through this book.

The only problem I have now is, I can't bloody wait for the next book x
I give this a book a terrifying 5 hearts





Wednesday 25 March 2015

Scent of Triumph: A novel of Perfume and Passion by Jan Moran

Publisher :  St. Martin's Griffin

Release Date : 31st March 2015

Description : When French perfumer Danielle Bretancourt steps aboard a luxury ocean liner, leaving her son behind in Poland with his grandmother, she has no idea that her life is about to change forever. The year is 1939, and the declaration of war on the European continent soon threatens her beloved family, scattered across many countries. Traveling through London and Paris into occupied Poland, Danielle searches desperately for her the remains of her family, relying on the strength and support of Jonathan Newell-Grey, a young captain. Finally, she is forced to gather the fragments of her impoverished family and flee to America. There she vows to begin life anew, in 1940s Los Angeles.

Through determination and talent, she rises high from meagre jobs in her quest for success as a perfumer and fashion designer to Hollywood elite. Set between privileged lifestyles and gritty realities, Scent of Triumph is one woman's story of courage, spirit, and resilience.

I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My Thoughts : Set with WWII as the backdrop we meet Danielle, her husband Max and their good friend Jon aboard the luxury liner heading to England from New York when it's hut by a torpedo and things will never be the same again for pregnant Danielle.

I'm not really a historical fiction reader but when I signed up to NetGalley I made a promise to myself I would try different genres. This has got to be the best decision I've made as I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
 Danielle is a courageous woman. The story tells of Danielle's heartbreak and determination to find her son Nicky who has been lost due to the war. The heartbreak Danielle endures through out the story made me want to weep and as the heartbreak continues I kept wondering how the hell this lady could continue sometimes, but her passion and determination made me feel proud of her, if it's possible to feel proud of a fictional character?

Jan's writing and description made feel like I was travelling the journey with Danielle from France, England, Poland and Los Angles and the way Jan describes the scent's of the flowers and perfumes were amazing and I felt I could actually smell Danielle's creation, the perfume Chimére.

It's been a while since a book has stirred up so many emotions in me, there was passion, love, drama. heartbreak, fear and joy and I just couldn't put the book down. It's one of those books where you need to process the story before starting another.

I really enjoyed Danielle's journey and Scent of Triumph I'd recommend to anyone who loves a good story that sets your emotions running.

I'm giving this book a beautiful 5 hearts

You can buy Scent of Triumph HERE