Thursday, July 28, 2022

NEVER AGAINNEVER AGAIN by V L PETERS
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A tale with twists and turns around every corner. Being with a powerful attractive man can put you in harms way so it seems. But she has many secrets to find out from her own family as well. A good read with an interesting twist.

View all my reviews

Saturday, February 2, 2019

Review: Redeemable: A Memoir of Darkness and Hope

Redeemable: A Memoir of Darkness and Hope Redeemable: A Memoir of Darkness and Hope by Erwin James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An honest and eye-opening account of a lad growing up rough and the dangerous road it takes him on.
Losing his mother was a pivotal point in a young Erwin's life. It changed his relationship with his father and brought out the worst in his father. Erwin and his sister being moved from one house to another and eventually being separated had a negative effect on Erwin and he began to stray from the right side of the law.

The fact that Erwin gives an honest view of his criminal activity and the attitude he had, never believing that these minor offenses would hurt anyone. It was only after his sessions with Joan that he started to understand the downward steppingstones of his life.
Having had an alcoholic father myself I can relate to many of the memories Erwin shares about his father. However trying to understand the choices he made is still difficult, though he indicates the understanding that they were his choices and he could have chosen a different path.

I enjoyed reading about how Erwin turned his life around, even if it took the entire incarceration. It truly gives an insight into the life of the not so blessed youth.
In some ways, Erwin's story has many similarities of another Scottish lad in Jimmy Barnes, told by him in Working Class Boy and Working Class Man.


View all my reviews

Friday, January 25, 2019

Review: A Maiden's Grave

A Maiden's Grave A Maiden's Grave by Jeffery Deaver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A twist I knew would come but it still surprised me all the same. A story that draws you in, will Potter save them? Being a negotiator in a situation like this would be a tough one, the calmness, and coldness that Art displays can be deceiving. Great writing by Deaver, gets you emotionally involved in the safety of the hostages.

View all my reviews

Friday, August 10, 2018

Review: Heir of Fire

Heir of Fire Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am loving the development of Aelin/Celaena. The growth of this character keeps you wanting to more. The introduction of Rowan and how their friendship and bond develops is a great way to lead into the next book.
It was heartbreaking reading about Dorian and the sadness that he endures along with Chaol. I am looking forward to finding out if the Celaena/Chaol romance continues somewhere down the line.
The introduction of the witch covens and their storyline has me intrigued as to how they will be used or will they turn on the ones that employed them?

This is another great addition to the storyline, I look forward to book 4.

View all my reviews

Sunday, April 1, 2018

Review: Whiskey Secrets

Whiskey Secrets Whiskey Secrets by Carrie Ann Ryan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A spicy romance - 2 people with troubled pasts are thrown together when Dare's parents announce that they are hiring a new manager for the inn above his bar. I enjoyed reading about Dare and his family and the relationship he is fighting against.

View all my reviews

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Review: The Money Honey

The Money Honey The Money Honey by Clarissa Rodgers-Briskleigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A story of a broken dancer learning how to get through life. After a disaster in the theatre, Miranda jumps at a proposition to spend time with a wealthy man for money. She doesn't expect it to be as pleasant as it was. But as her life goes, disaster follows and she decides she needs to look out for number 1 in this world and if that means using her body to get it so be it.

I enjoyed this novel, it is an intriguing but easy read, the part that surprised me was the multiple choice ending. I chose to read all 3 endings as they are all so different. I enjoyed Run and Enemy, but not so much Destiny. But this is something you will need to decide and judge for yourself.

View all my reviews

Friday, January 26, 2018

Review: Lost Girls

Lost Girls Lost Girls by Graham Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I will admit it took me awhile to get into this book. I think that even though this can be read as a standalone it would be better to read the series in order. It will make this one easier to understand at the beginning. Once I got into the story however I couldn't put it down. Hearing the stories of how the girls met Mark and then 'disappeared' was enough to keep me glued to the pages. I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway and I am glad I had the chance to read it.

View all my reviews

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

We That Are Left

We That Are LeftWe That Are Left by Lisa Bigelow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An Australian story about the women left behind during the war and the pressures that they face. It is a story of courage and strength. Not knowing if her loved one is alive and taken captive or indeed died in the attack on the Sydney. Mae chooses not to give up hope even when everyone else has. She believes that he will be found, but eventually agrees she has to keep paving the way for her and Katies future. Alice out on the farm and pregnant has to learn how to manage a farm and a family by herself now that Jim has been announced dead. This story shows how love is gained and then lost, how much family meant during times of war and how much the ones left behind struggled mentally. Women working in what has been known as a man's world is a great leap for woman's rights, but not something that the men left behind take lightly and they make it known. The way that Lisa writes about locations and events is very descriptive and helps to set the mood and theme of the story. I really enjoyed reading this novel. Thank you (Goodreads giveaway)

View all my reviews

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Review: Bridget Crack

Bridget Crack Bridget Crack by Rachel Leary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An interesting look at convicts and bush rangers from the settlement days of Tasmania. Explaining the wild life and landscape in a very descriptive way. I found it to be almost poetic in some parts of the book and I found the ending as I expected it to be, however just not written the way I thought it would be. I won this as part of a good reads giveaway and enjoyed it.

View all my reviews

Thursday, June 22, 2017

Review: Hot Ice

Hot Ice Hot Ice by Nora Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great story of adventure and romance. When Whitney had Douglas Lord jump into her car. The last thing that she expected was to end up in Madagascar running for her life. Treasures to be had, but would they matter in the end?

View all my reviews

Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Review: Spellcaster

Spellcaster Spellcaster by Claudia Gray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A good read for young adults. Dealing with a new high school and an evil sorceress while learning to embrace the craft. Learning who you can trust and who is out to deceive. The whole town seems to be under a spell and selected residents are cursed, can the new girl in town break the spell?

View all my reviews

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

Review: The Hate U Give

The Hate U Give The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even though it is a work of fiction it is still a very confronting account of an unnecessary death at the hands of police. It makes you stop and think about gun violence. Are these neighbourhoods so bad that the police feel like their lives are in danger, on the other hand do the community fear for their life every time they are pulled over by police. I really enjoyed reading this book and the controversial issues that it addresses.

View all my reviews

Saturday, June 3, 2017

Her Final Breath - Robert Dugoni

Tracey Crosswhite Series #2

In the first novel Nolasco, Tracey's boss deems a case to have gone cold and sidelines it to the cold case files. However on Tracey's return they discover that more erotic dancers have been murdered using the same MO. Nolasco now under orders from the chief sets up a task force to try and locate the serial killer. Naming Tracey as the lead investigator is meant to set her up for failure and he plans to do everything he can to have her disgraced and kicked off the team, it makes you question why he has it in for her. Once again on the quest for truth Tracey starts looking into a case from years before where a man was arrested for a murder that matched the murders that are happening today. The twist is that it was a case handled by none other than Nolasco; who with his partner at the time, closed the case under sketchy circumstances. The cowboy is elusive and proving difficult to catch. Tracey and Dan are still an item with Dan coming to stay with Tracey when he can. She is thankful that he is about when she discovers that she is being watched.

Another novel by Dugoni that has you on the edge of your seat just waiting to see where the next twist will lead. Tracey is a crusader for the truth and will let nothing stand in her way.

My Sisters Grave - Robert Dugoni

Tracey Crosswhite Series #1

I picked up this novel because it intrigued me. Tracey's sister went missing and her body was never found; until now. Tracey left her home town to become a police officer and put away the bad guys after her sister went missing and a local man was arrested for her murder. But when her body shows up many years later Tracey, not satisfied with the outcome starts investigating further, this leads to the case being reopened. Dan, an old school friend who has moved back to town to start his own law firm is determined to help Tracey do whatever it takes to find the answers she needs. What they are not prepared for is the cover-ups and threats on their lives. Dan and Tracey soon realise that there is more to their relationship than just friendship. It makes for a nice romantic sideline to the main story. I found this was a novel I didn't want to put down. Waiting for the next twist in the story at every page turn. This is certainly a series that I want to follow. Tracey the firey detective that does whatever it takes to get the truth.

Monday, October 5, 2015

The Faerie Guardian - Rachel Morgan

A introuduction to guardian's of the fae world, their rigorous training and their assignments. Volet never expect to be seen by a human on one of her assignments, especially with her glamour in place... was there more to this human than met the eye?? When an ex friend who is now someone who is out to cause you as much stress as possible finds out. There is trouble to be had, things take a turn when this 'frenemy' needs help.

I enjoyed reading about the Fae realm that Rachel has described.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Long Time Coming - Edie Claire

I loved this novel. After a tragic accident where her best friend was killed Joy flees her home town, she has shut out all memories leading up to that point. When her dad dalls ill she is forced to move back. The one person she hopes not to run into s her BFs boyfriend who was badly hurt in the accident. Running into Jeff's dog puts that plan to rest very quicly. Being the new vet in town Joy feels a obligation to nurse the dog back to health and that means talking to Jeff on a daily basis. t also means remembering and recalling all those memories and what happened in the lead up to the accident. Can Jenny's ghost show Joy that she is forgiven/ Can Joy forgive Jeff.

Fantastic romance novel where they leave the best to the imagination.

Who Needs a Man? E.J. Russell

an interesting account of a woman who after losing a baby to her esetranged partner, decides she doesnt need a man except for his sprem. She advertises for a donor as she wants to screen them first. going through the ups and downs of pregnancy and the reactions of her friends and family. Fun lighthearted novel. Great read.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Beautiful Surrender by Priscilla West

I loved the finale of the trilogy. Vincent and Kristen's relationship has hit some rough points but it has still got plenty of places to go and turns to take. 
Last thing that Kristen was exxpecting is her abusive ex tracking her down. She thought she had covered her tracks. 
This novel threw me a little, due to the fact that it sends the reader back 2 or so years to help understand the backstory of Kristen and Marty. But once I had read this it really helps the rest of the story flow well. A great choice by Priscilla to include this. Finished well. 

This nove was gifted to me through netgalley in exchange for an honest and fair reiew.

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Secret Surrender by Priscilla West

This book was gifted to me for an honest review through NetGalley.

I enjoyed the second novel in the series. A lot of hot scenes. We see more of Vincent's former life in this novel and are also introduced to Kristen's ex.
I didn't enjoy this as much as the first, however I am looking forward to the next in the series to see how the story ends.
Priscilla's writing style is very realistic and intimate in this novella.

Friday, July 10, 2015

Forbidden surrender by Priscilla West

Copy courtesy of the author, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review

Vincent Sorenson, spoilt millionaire or risk taking bad boy. Both could be used to describe our main character. Kirsten is a finance analyst who is assigned with her boss to win over his account. All the preparation in the world could not prepare her for the feelings she has when she literally falls in his lap at their first business meeting. After what seemed like a failed attempt at winning him over, she is surprised to run into him at a backstreet bar and learning of other ways he does his business. Kirsten is going places with her keen intelligence and knowledge. But can she resist the charm of this bad boy who usually gets what he wants. Will she discover another side to him?
I enjoy Priscilla's writing style. Touching on subjects that can affect us all. Descriptive, not repetitive in her explicit scenes. Can't wait to read more.

NEVER AGAIN by V L PETERS My rating: 3 of 5 stars A tale with twists and turns around every corner. Being with a powerful attractive m...