Friday 11 December 2020

Jingle all the Way by Debbie Macomber

Synopsis:

Everly Lancaster always dreamed of leaving behind her hometown in rural Illinois, but her new life running a burgeoning startup in Chicago leaves little time for friends . . . or a holiday.

When a massive snowstorm hits, Everly's mother urges the workaholic to come home for Christmas, but she hesitates to return to the life that she tried so hard to escape.

Searching for other holiday plans, Everly tasks her assistant with booking her a cruise - an ideal escape. She embarks on a week-long tour of the Amazon guided by charming naturalist Asher Adams, but slowly realises just how important her relationships are to her.

Everly makes a bold decision to abandon her lonely holiday plans - but can she make it home in time for Christmas Day?

Review:

Lovely, easy read, just in time for Christmas. I mean, who doesn’t like a little romance at this time of year.

Set mostly in the Amazonian rainforest, on board an adventure cruiser, this is a perfect book for those long evening, whilst your Christmas lights twinkly in the background.

Daisy (Everly) is a high, flying, real estate career woman, who has forgotten how to live and love. She ditched her family for her work one year already and her job her completely overtaken her personal life, making it non-existent. She is reluctantly pushed into having the whole of December off and going on a supposedly luxury cruise, booked by her spoilt-brat assistant.

Tings turn out very differently when she comes aboard the Amazonian explorer, but Daisy soon gets into the swing of things, especially thanks to the handsome naturalist Asher.

As you can imagine, their love blossom, but there are obstacles in the way that could mean them parting and never looking back. The rest – you’ll have to read yourself.

Lovely book, perfect romance. Daisy was relatable and likable character.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Tuesday 1 December 2020

Bells and Spells by Lana Melyan

Synopsis:

Our Academy of Magic was invited by another one to a Christmas masquerade ball. That should be fun.

Or I thought it would be. But so far I wasn’t sure if my three friends and I would make it there.

While the whole Academy was already on their way to Pittsburgh for the ball, someone conjured mystical powers to prevent our arrival.

Every step forward threw us two steps back, and our efforts to catch up with the others took us even farther from our destination.

What the heck? Was this some Christmas joke? Or was someone trying to punish us, or even avenge or challenge?

The four of us decided we would make it to that party no matter what. We were witches, and whatever or whoever was doing this to us was about to taste our—
Oh, come on, we’d already bought our dresses.
 

Review:

Lovely, magical novella from my favourite magical author and even better – it’s set at Christmas time.

It has it all: four naughty witches, mystery evil Santa, secrets that need to be told, castles, boys, sexy/mysterious guy called Caleb and a magical ball! Trust me, you don’t need anything else (perhaps mulled wine on the side).

Ali and her three friends are the last ones leaving their magical academy to go to the ball. At least that’s what they are trying to do when the gates are shut and they get locked in the grounds of their school by an evil Santa, summoned by someone that is not the girl’s biggest fan.

All four girls have secrets that won’t stay locked in if they want their freedom back. They each think their secret is the worst until Ali speaks and finally reveals the truth. But that’s not the end of it and Ali has to work a little harder to find out what really is going on and when she does, she has some choices to make.

Great twists and turns, lovely setting throughout the book. This is a fabulous, quick Christmas read with some magic thrown in for good measure. And I am kind of hoping there’ll be a second book!

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The Witching Stone by Danny Weston

Synopsis:

Beneath this stone lie the remains of Meg Shelton, alleged witch of Woodplumpton, buried in 1705.

After a messy breakup with his girlfriend, Alfie needs to get away for a while – so he decides to spend the summer holidays with his dad in a tiny village in the North of England.

In the local church graveyard, he chances upon a boulder with a strange inscription – and meets Mia, who then tells him about the local superstition surrounding the stone.

“If you walk three times around the stone and say “I don’t believe in witches,” Meg will come after you.’

Alfie, in a reckless attempt to show his bravery, accepts the superstition as a challenge. He thinks the story is nonsense. But it soon becomes apparent that he’s just made the biggest mistake of his life…

Review:

Fab book for any young adult (or older adult such as me), who is a fan of the supernatural and mystery. It’s got great pace, interesting back story and enjoyable characters.

Alfie is a bit lost, nothing to do, when he arrives in Woodplumpton with his dad. Whilst his father works, he finds himself exploring the local graveyard and bumping into Mia, makes the biggest mistake of not taking superstitions seriously. That mistake means he summons a 18th witch who is set on revenging her untimely death.

Meg has her reasons and the more Alfie finds out about her life, the more willing he is to follow through (he has to or she’ll destroy all he loves – so that’s a good reason to do Meg’s bidding).

The only downside for me was the link between Alfie and Meg that has not been explored further, just hinted at and I found the story somehow missing a key piece of information about the characters.

Overall, this is a great, quick read; perfect for those drawn out autumn/winter evenings.

Thank you to NetGalley.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Wednesday 18 November 2020

The Last Resort by Susi Holliday

Synopsis:

When Amelia is invited to an all-expenses-paid retreat on a private island, the mysterious offer is too good to refuse. Along with six other strangers, she’s told they’re here to test a brand-new product for Timeo Technologies. But the guests’ excitement soon turns to terror when the real reason for their summons becomes clear.

Each guest has a guilty secret. And when they’re all forced to wear a memory-tracking device that reveals their dark and shameful deeds to their fellow guests, there’s no hiding from the past. This is no luxury retreat—it’s a trap they can’t get out of.

As the clock counts down to the lavish end-of-day party they’ve been promised, injuries and in-fighting split the group. But with no escape from the island—or the other guests’ most shocking secrets—Amelia begins to suspect that her only hope for survival is to be the last one standing. Can she confront her own dark past to uncover the truth—before it’s too late to get out?

Review:

Fabulous, fast moving, mysterious thriller. Very clever concept that was completely new to me and very much goes with modern day technology advances and where they might (scarily) lead to.

Amelia finds herself on a secret island with 6 other strangers, all there for a supposedly luxury, never-been-seen before adventure retreat. They all signed a non-disclosure agreement, which makes this trip that little bit more exciting.

However, the trip just doesn’t go the way they expect. Right from the start, the main bit they were looking for, the promised luxury, is missing and replaced with pain, fear, cold and confusion. And it just goes from bad to worse very quickly. With the use of some very clever technology, their biggest sins and secrets are replayed for all to see. And amongst all this chaos, Amelia feels alone, with a growing sense of knowing exactly where she is and why.

Some brilliantly clever twist and turns, this book won’t allow you to put it down.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Thursday 12 November 2020

Sherlock Holmes and the Ripper of Whitechapel by M.K. Wiseman

Synopsis:

I am afraid that I, Sherlock Holmes, must act as my own chronicler in this singular case, that of the Whitechapel murders of 1888. For the way in which the affair was dropped upon my doorstep left me with little choice as to the contrary.

Not twelve months prior, the siren’s call of quiet domesticity and married life had robbed me of Watson’s assistance as both partner and recorder of my cases. Thus, when detective inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard required a lead—any lead—I found myself forced to pursue Jack the Ripper alone and without the aid of my faithful friend. And all for the most damnedable of reasons:

Early on in my investigations, Dr. John H. Watson, formerly of 221b Baker Street, emerged as my prime suspect.

Review:

This was a treat. A real fast-pacing, well written Sherlock Holmes story with likeable characters and all the mystery of the case of Jack the Ripper added to it.

This book reminded me of the BBC adaptation of Sherlock Holmes, it was written in a similar language and therefore easy to read in character (with Benedict Cumberbatch’s voice in my head). The mystery surrounding Sherlock’s good friend Dr. Watson added the suspense needed to make this story new and exciting and it was written in a skilful way to ensure the reader was kept in the dark until the right moment.

Perfect dark mystery to accompany those long autumn evenings.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Thursday 29 October 2020

Scavenger Girl: Season of Zoetica by Jennifer Arnston (Scavenger Girl #5)

Synopsis:

Haunted by her past and unsure of her future, Una slowly realizes not everything is as it appears. Disenchanted with plans and progress, her attempts to do what’s right while keeping those near her safe, continue to fail. When a battle outside the gates of the Resistance leaves them vulnerable to the encroaching world, Una learns the true cost of war and the reality of what lies ahead. Frustrated with the Council, and struggling to control the battle within her own spirit, her grip on humanity slips and the beast within grows stronger. After losing control one too many times, Una flees far from her friends and family in an attempt to protect them from the single greatest threat to their survival...her.

Review:

Scavenger girl has been such a rollercoaster of a series and I cannot believe this is over. And I am kind of hoping it's not especially after reading this final season and being left wondering with that surprise ending.

Una has grown so much already but life has even more to throw her way in Season of Zoetica - no human being should have to be put through so much but Una manages to come out fighting. Although she nearly loses herself in all the turmoil, pain and heartache, Una still manages to pull herself through and fight for her family, her children and all of Ashlund, to bring down the terrible rule of her Uncle Reinik.

This series is full of characters I loved, there isn't one person who didn't fit the story or wasn't needed to carry on with Una's journey through life. Her love for Calish, Hope, Marsh and her children is at the centre of all she does and all she feels and is what saves her soul every time she's about to lose it and give up. She is an incredible heroine, who is allowed to make mistakes as all humans do and learn from them.

I must admit I was slightly taken aback by the ending. It left the story somehow untold and I just need more, if just for Una's sake.

Fabulous read, massive thanks to Jennifer for allowing me to be part of Una's journey. It's been fantastic.

My rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Tuesday 8 September 2020

Only Human by Diane Chandler

Synopsis:

Tiger mum Anna, who gave up her career to build the perfect home life in London's leafy Chiswick, is shocked to the core when she discovers that her husband of 20 years is having an affair.

Her daughter meanwhile is transforming into a tricky teen chopping at the apron strings.

Then Jack walks into their lives. Sophie’s first boyfriend is a breath of fresh air for the whole family, and Anna gradually discovers new purpose for herself.

But when more deceit creeps in, tensions soar, and Anna is propelled through a tangled web of secrets and lies towards a devastating climax.

This tale of love & betrayal, by the winner of the 2016 People's Book Prize for Fiction and longlisted for The Guardian Not The Booker Prize 2020, is the perfect novel for you if you enjoy intelligent, elegantly-written, novels by authors like Jodi Picoult and Louise Doughty.

Review:

Perfect reading for the summer nights just gone. A proper family drama novel that you can get your teeth stuck into and enjoy every page.

Anna is indeed shocked to discover her husband’s affair and it forces her to question the quality of their relationship. Like many couples, their own relationship was unintentionally put onto the side burner, whilst they brought up their daughter Sophie. But now that Sophie is a proper teenager with a charming, first boyfriend, Anna must face the possibility of future alone. 

Sophie’s boyfriend Jack seems to breathe fresh air into the family setting and to an outsider, the Bonds seems to be a very happy family. But cracks appear very quickly. I was annoyed with Anna and her own affair, it just seemed selfish to me and it made her lose sight of the important things in her live. But I did love her relationship with Fred and the way she took him under her wing.

This book covers that middle agreed issue of kids flying the nest and couples being forced to question their life together. It shows how fragile relationship can be if not looked after.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

This Side of Death by Andrew Barrett (CSI Eddie Collins #6)

Synopsis:

This Side of Death. When the past comes back to hunt you. 

Alex Sheridan believes the only way she can be free of her demons is to kill the men in her life. She has a list, and Crime Scene Investigator Eddie Collins is on it. 

Death misses Eddie by inches, and Alex is locked away in Juniper Hill high-security hospital.

Everything is fine for Eddie until one day four years later, when Alex escapes. This time she’s better prepared.

The week that follows ruptures Eddie’s life and shatters the belief he had in his own past, leaving him wondering what really happened, and facing one stark choice: who to kill and who to save.

This Side of Death is the most revealing CSI Eddie Collins novel to date. Prepare to see inside his past and understand what makes him the angriest, most feared, and yet most respected CSI in England.

Review:

You either love or hate Eddie. Either way, he wouldn’t really care. He prefers if people dislike him, as they talk to him less.

I love him. He is rude, uncompromising, doesn’t listen to anyone and seems to have fewer friends with each book in the series. Eddie is also bloody good at his job; and surprisingly under all that hardened outer shell, he also has a heart and that comes out in this book more than before.

I remember reading The Note (Eddie Collins novella) and wishing there was more. Andy delivered and did not disappoint. When Eddie finds out that Alex escaped her high security mental health hospital, leaving a trail of horrific murders, he knows his time is running out. He knows Alex will come for him; it is just a question of when and how. And when she does, well what a tornado.

This is my favourite Eddie Collins book. Main reason is that we get to know Eddie in a slightly different way. He cares. He sympathises. He doesn’t want Alex to suffer. After all she has done to him and his family, he feels sorry for her. This really humanises his character for me and makes this story believable. I cannot wait for another book, especially after that little twist that Andy has left us with at the end of This Side of Death.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Friday 14 August 2020

Prey by L.V. Lane (A Fantasy Reverse Harem #1)

Synopsis:

I am prey. This is not pity talking, this is an acknowledgment of a fact. I am small and weak; I am an Omega. I am a prize that men war over. For a year I have hidden in the distant corner of the Empire.

But I am running out of food, and I am running out of options. That I must leave soon is not a decision for today, though, but a decision for tomorrow. Only tomorrow's choices never come.

For tonight brings strangers who remind me that I am prey.

Publisher’s Note: Prey is a fantasy reverse harem omegaverse with three stern Alphas, an Alpha wolf-shifter, and a stubborn Omega prey. It includes smoking hot sexual situations, spankings, and domestic discipline.

Review:

This book will make you blush. It’s hot, full of action (all sorts), plenty of gorgeous characters and a seemingly helpless young girl, finding herself in a rather awkward situation.

But not awkward for long. This is the world of Alphas and Omegas and a world, where sharing is most definitely caring.

What makes this book better though is a good story line. This book is not just about the passionate scenes, although these are fab too, but it’s also about the world of Omegas like Belle being a highly priced prey and alphas that would do anything to protect her. Belle is a prey, but also a treasure and her royal Alphas Silas, Dax, Nate and Bram will face various dangers to keep her safe from outlaws like Oswold. They get well rewarded for all their troubles!

There’s clearly more to come and I am looking forward to reading the next chapter.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Tuesday 11 August 2020

Witches' Haven by S. E. Amadis (Alumari #1)

Synopsis:

Charlie lives the perfect life... or so she thinks. She’s beautiful, successful, holding the job of her dreams, the mother of two gorgeous children and married to the perfect man.

But everything isn’t always as it seems.

Charlie’s husband is violent and abusive. Her job is teetering on the brink. And to make things worse, her teenage daughter is rebellious and uncooperative. One day, Charlie’s children disappear without a trace.

Now Charlie’s life turns into a desperate race against time to find them. She has no idea where to turn or who to go to.

Has her husband kidnapped their own children? Or is someone — or something — even more terrifying and invincible holding them in its thrall? Someone more horrifying than even Charlie can imagine?

Why is a mysterious group so interested in her children? Will Charlie be able to find them in time to save them? And what are all these strange and awesome powers that Charlie is suddenly uncovering within herself?

Witches’ Haven is the story of an ordinary mother who makes an extraordinary discovery about herself — but will that be enough to save her children?

Review:

Good characters, fast paced story and plenty of surprises. This book has all of the above. Charlie doesn’t know what or who she is. She thinks she is a normal wife, mother and interpreter for a successful firm. But there is fear at home. Her seemingly fabulous husband is a violent man and Charlie is terrified for herself and her two children.

Her fears are confirmed when Steve turns on her and her children disappear. And that’s just the start of her true nature and faith unraveling. Fighting her powers, the allusive Maestro and not knowing who she can really trust, Charlie feels alone and like she’s walking on egg shells. She entrust her future into the hands of a mysterious group called Alumari, led by Jeremy and his wife Regina. But we have to wait for part two to see if how that’s working out.

This books left on a massive cliff-hanger, so yes I can’t wait for book two!

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Thursday 16 July 2020

Baba Lenka by Sarah England

Synopsis:

1970, and Baba Lenka begins in an icy Bavarian village with a highly unorthodox funeral. The deceased is Baba Lenka, great-grandmother to Eva Hart. But a terrible thing happens at the funeral, and from that moment on everything changes for seven year old Eva. The family fly back to Yorkshire but it seems the cold Alpine winds have followed them home...and the ghost of Baba Lenka has followed Eva.

This is a story of demonic sorcery and occult practices during the World Wars, the horrors of which are drip-fed into young Eva's mind to devastating effect. Once again, this is absolutely not for the faint of heart. Nightmares pretty much guaranteed...

Review:

Wow. If the blurb doesn’t put fear into your bones, the book certainly will. This is a tale of the darkest powers, practices and beliefs and it sends shivers down your spine with every page.

Eva experiences a funeral that no child should ever be part to with horrific consequences. She is ripped from her home, her parents and her own little self, forced to grow up and accept that she is a pawn in something much bigger and stronger than anything she ever knew and believed in.

The story of Baba Lenka is fascinating, cruel and sad all at once with the added disbelief of what one person can actually be put through. The lives of those girls are torn away from them when very young and their paths set up into a life of hatred, darkness and loneliness.

Fantastic book and highly recommended to anyone with interest in the paranormal and all things occult.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Amazon UK or Amazon US


Tuesday 30 June 2020

The Call of Blood by Lana Melyan (The Weight of Magic #9)

Synopsis:

It's now or never.

The Gates to the land of the dead are about to open. This is our last fight, our last attempt to put Kenneth down.

Will I be able to fulfil my mission?

All I know is that I am ready to use every bit of my magic to stop hell from breaking loose.

Review:

Fabulous finale to a great series. Great to read how well friends come together. Sacrifices are made but the greater good and for the safety of the world.

Saving Nate has cost Nicki more than she could ever foresee but she doesn’t regret any of it. She is exactly where she needs to be and she is ready for the last fight.

These nine, quick read books take you on a whirlwind journey of love, hate, sacrifice and bonds that cannot be broken.

Thank you very much to the author and TBConFB for this book.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Amazon UK

Amazon US


Wednesday 3 June 2020

The Last Secret by Lana Melyan (The Weight of Magic #8)


Synopsis:

The mission always comes first.

That's what I've been told and what I believed. I tried to do my best. But I've made my fair share of sacrifices, and I'm not losing anyone else.

This time, I'll first protect the one I love, and then I'll deal with the consequences.

Review:

Mission doesn’t come first anymore. After losing almost everyone she loves, Nicki is not willing to sacrifice anyone else. She will do everything in her power to find Nate and keep him safe and they will deal with the consequences together.

However, the consequences might be harder than either of them could ever imagine. Every step in Nicki’s journey backfires and now they have to deal with to worst of it all and stop the Order.

Again, this is fast paced and reads very well. The story continues to grip imagination and you just need to keep going. Can’t wait to see what Nicki and her friends come to next.

Thank you very much to the author and TBConFB for this book.

Rating: 4/5

Available from:

Wednesday 27 May 2020

One Last Step by Sarah Sutton (A Tara Mills Mystery #1)


Synopsis:

ONE LAST STEP (A Tara Mills Mystery—Book One) is the debut novel in a new FBI mystery series by debut author Sarah Sutton.

Two hikers go missing along the Appalachian Trail, leaving only a bloodstained forest behind them, and when another hiker collapses on someone’s porch in New Hampshire, murdered by crossbow, the local police realize they have a serial killer on their hands––and need to call in the FBI.

FBI Agent Tara Mills is young, brilliant and new to the force. With a promising career in front of her, she faces the ultimate test when she is assigned the case. It soon proves to be more challenging than she ever could have imagined––an impossible riddle that leaves even her seasoned partner stumped.

Meanwhile, something about the case stirs a darkness within her––a tortured past that even her long-term boyfriend doesn’t fully understand. As nightmares consume her, she only hopes that her past will not come back to ruin her once again.

As more hikers go missing, and with her job on the line, Tara finds herself on a race against time as she combs through the forest’s trails. Peeling back each layer, she soon realizes that she is up against a true diabolical mastermind. And just when she thinks she has it all figured out, her instincts lead her to the most shocking truth of all.

Review:

Fabulous start to a new series. FBI agent Tara Mills is assigned her first case with a veteran agent Warren. Hikers are disappearing on the Appalachian Trail and it’s up to them to catch the killer before more people die. The only clues left behind are a broken compass, carving of a sunset and the blood of the victims.

Tara and Warren soon realise this killer is too clever to be caught by making mistakes, he is too clever and too calculated. Tara also has to work this out whilst fighting her own demons from the past, also realising that to do that she will have to face what happened to her and finally find out the full truth.

This is a fab, fast-pacing thriller with everything you need to keep turning the pages – serial killer, wrong turns, nightmares and plenty of suspects.

Thank you to the author and TBConFB.

Rating: 5/5

Available from:

Tuesday 28 April 2020

The Family Way by Tony Parsons


Synopsis:

It should be the most natural thing in the world. But in Tony Parsons’ latest bestseller, three couples discover that Mother Nature can be one hell of a bitch.
Paulo loves Jessica. He thinks that together they are complete – a family of two.
But Jessica can't be happy until she has a baby, and the baby stubbornly refuses to come. Can a man and a woman ever really be a family of two?
Megan doesn't love her boyfriend anymore. After a one-night stand with an Australian beach bum, she finds that even a trainee doctor can slip up on the family planning.
Should you bring a child into the world if you don't love its father?
Cat loves her life. After bringing up her two youngest sisters, all she craves is freedom. Her older boyfriend has done the family thing before and is in no rush to do it all again. But can a modern woman really find true happiness without ever being in the family way?
Three sisters. Three couples. Two pregnancies. Six men and women struggling with love, sex, fertility and the meaning of family.
Review:

Another brilliant book from my own collection. This has been on there for years and I remember actually getting this through BookMooch website, which I used alongside Read It Swap It.

I have never read books by Tony Parsons but I will do now. This is a very truthful, poignant story of three sisters, abandoned by their own mother and left in care of eldest sister Cat, who was only twelve at the time. It is a story of their own need for a family unit and realisation that their ideas of family might not be how life will eventually play out.

Cat has a successful job, older boyfriend who doesn’t want children. Meghan is in her last year of medicine before being qualified as a GP and Jessica is happily married and seems to have it all. Except the baby she is longing to bring into the world.

Their worlds and relationships start falling apart when Meghan finds out she is pregnant. After a one night stand. All three sisters find that they have some growing up to do, facing their past and looking into the future and what they want it to look like.

It’s a brilliant, real-life-like story and as a mum I found it very touching and emotional.

Rating: 5/5

Available from: