I love reading: August 2016

Wednesday, 31 August 2016

Review: The Accidental Hero

The Accidental Hero by Joshua Graham
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Firstly this is a very short story.
The kind of short that you can read while sat in a waiting room waiting for you appointment.
It's also free so that makes the fact it is so short ok.
The idea behind the story is very good, and I think given some thought this could have been made into a really good book, a really interesting story.
For me it was way to short, you don't get to know enough you feel you are just getting to understand the story and it that's it THE END.

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Review: Anything He Wants 1: The Meeting

Anything He Wants 1: The Meeting by Sara Fawkes
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I'm not going to do a review for this on my blog. Just here and Amazon.
But I think the best thing I can say about it is IT'S FREE!
It is a very quick read, and to be honest It wound me up reading.
Maybe I'm old fashioned, or because I've been with my husband for 22 years, I can't relate to a sex starved woman wanting to have sex in a life with a complete stranger.
I just don't get it. At least learn his bloody name. His line was "I can smell your arousal"
I laughed out loud, thought I'd try that one on my hubby, his reply was "It's sweat my love, I'm going for a shower, Have you had your medication today" lol
If you want to pass a little time then give it a read, but there are far better books out there to pass your time on.
Sorry but it really wasn't my cup O tea.
Having just read some of the reviews after I finished it, it's apparently being compared to the 5o shades shite, but I can't compare it as I only read the first two chapters of 50 shades and give up. Yet so many people loved it, so with this one I guess it just depends on what you like reading, some people have really enjoyed it and some haven't.

Happy reading.

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Review: Anything He Wants 1: The Meeting

Monday, 29 August 2016

Review: The Major Crimes Team - Vol 1: Lines of Enquiry

The Major Crimes Team - Vol 1: Lines of Enquiry by Graham Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great introduction to DI Harry Evans and his team I really liked the idea of this book, a collection of Short stories, each one featuring one of the individual officers. A great way to get to know them all, with some great short stories.
I can't say that any of the stories were my favourite or stood out from the others, as in my opinion they were all very well written and well put together. I find sometimes with short stories, that Just as they get going, they end. But I didn't feel that at all with these stories. They were very well written and very well put together.
I recently read Snatched from home, and although it's really not necessary I think I would have liked to have read this one first. And got more of an early feel for the officers. But there is nothing stopping me going back and reading it again.
I'm really looking forward to more Harry Evans, He's a very different and individual character and I for one can't wait for more books by Graham Smith.
I look forward to reading more.

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Sunday, 28 August 2016

Review: Screams in the Dark

Screams in the Dark by Anna Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a read. Anna Smith certainly has a way of dragging you right into the story and has produced yet another first class page turner. The action through this book was constant, and you are really kept on your toes wondering what is going to happen next.

For this story Rosie Gilmore #SuperJourno is investigating a missing refugee, after speaking with his friend Rosie thinks something isn't quite right and offers to see what she can find out. In typical Rosie style, every time she finds something out, she manages to get her self deeper into a story and deeper into trouble. It soon becomes clear to Rosie that there is a lot more going on and there is a reason these refugees are going missing.

Is there anything this woman wont do for a story? Rosie really does have a knack of getting herself into the thick of it and trouble just seems to follow her. She's certainly a woman on a mission, a bit like a dog with a bone. One sniff of a juicy story and she's all over it.

I have really enjoyed getting to know Rosie, and we see a little more of her home life/love life in this book. It's going to be interesting to see what happens to Rosie in future books, and I really cant wait to get stuck into the rest of them.

Anna Smith has certainly outdone herself in this book, A first class Page Turner.

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Thursday, 25 August 2016

Review: Devious Intention (A gripping psychological thriller)

Devious Intention (A gripping psychological thriller) by M.A. Comley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firstly I'd like to say a huge super big THANK YOU, to Mel. Who sent me an ARC of this book. You never fail and I'm grateful for every chance I get to read one of your books.
So here we are book 3 in the Intention series, another cracking series from this amazingly talented author.
Just to help refresh my mind, as sometimes when you read so many books, you tend to forget little bits of each, so I did a re read of books one and two before this, and I have to say I enjoyed them just as much the second time around as I did the first time. You can click the images below to take you to my original reviews of each book.

Wowzerz.. what another great book from this very talented author. The list of books by Mel seems to be growing all the time, which for a reader like me is a bloody good thing.
In this book we meet Louise Gillespi, she is off on a holiday with her husband and young daughter. A family holiday by the seaside n Cornwall.
Only this getaway turns out to be no holiday for Louise. Her and her family are involved in a terrible car accident on their way there.
Waking up from the accident Louise seems to have concussion, and is told her husband and child were not in the car with her at the time of the accident. But how can that be she is sure they were all together. What's more she also discovers that she was driving and not wearing a seatbelt.
Very confused and not knowing what to do next, Louise has the very good fortune of ending up chatting to Ellen Brazil and her partner Brian Lynx, who are on holiday with Brian's daughter Cally. Louise soon starts to tell Ellen what has happened to her and can't believe her luck when it emerges that Ellen and Brian are Private investigators.
It now looks like although on holiday, they have a new case to work, they just can't help themselves.
So the big question that needs answering is Where are Louise's family?

Be warned the way this book is written once you start it, it is very difficult to put it down. You want the answers to the questions you have, and the only way to get them is to continue reading.
I am a huge MC fan and have read almost all of her books, I'm also a huge fan of The Justice series that she writes, but I have to say this series is slowly creeping up alongside it in my favourites.
Mel I can't help thinking you are making it hard for yourself to keep on topping each book you write, but somehow you keep doing it. Keep going girl. Looking forward to the next one.

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Thursday, 18 August 2016

Review: Christmas at the Little Village Bakery

Christmas at the Little Village Bakery by Tilly Tennant
My rating: 0 of 5 stars

Having recently read The Little Village Bakery, the first book I had read by Tilly Tennant, I was eager to start this one when it came available for review. I was buzzing to get an ARC of it.
And what better time to read a Christmas book than August sat in the sun. I must admit I was kind of wanting to be there, walking in the snow, tucking into my Christmas dinner, then I had another sip of my drink applied some more sun screen and carried on reading.
What another bloody brilliant read it was too.
I loved being back with the characters, I enjoyed the fun, the banter, the gossip, the arguments. Oh I just enjoyed everything about it.
Millie and Dylan seem to be in the thick of it all, trying to run their bakery and looking after baby Oscar, but luckily for them they have Millie's cousin Darcie staying with them and she's proving to be a great help.
We have the local gossip and busybody Ruth, and I just think she's great. I chuckle each time she turns up somewhere she is not wanted. I can chuckle because she's not in my life, I have to be honest if she was a local to me I think we'd have really fallen out by now. lol.
The lovely Spencer and his wife to be Tori are back in Honeybourne and as it's Christmas what a perfect time for both of their parents to meet. Oh god I felt for both these characters, you shouldn't be embarrassed by your parents at all but I think you could make exceptions here. lol
I loved some of the other character who it was nice hearing about again, Jasmine and Rich are just wonderful, I loved Jasmine again in this book and i'm hoping book 3 (if there is going to be on) features Jasmine some more, I would love to know the outcome of her little disagreement with Rich and who actually gets their own way.
Again it was brilliant being back with such colourful and wonderful characters.
I really will be reading more from this author pretty soon.

Thank you to Netgalley, The author and the Publishers for an ARC of this book.

Loved it...............

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Saturday, 13 August 2016

Review: Private Investigations

Private Investigations by Quintin Jardine
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, It still amazes me how far this series has come. I have been reading this series now over many years, and I never tire of it. I would love to see Bob Skinner as a detective series on TV.
I have to say though with this book, it was like having a reunion with old friends. There are an awful lot of characters that have been in these books over the years, and this book seems to give you a reminder or a history lesson of some of the more memorable characters, it also helps refresh your mind as you do forget certain people as the books progress. But it was just wonderful to be back with old friends. I have loved and enjoyed each and everyone of these books, and this one is certainly no exception.
I would say if you have not read any of the Bob Skinner series then it really is worth doing so in order. It really would add to the enjoyment of the reading, and following Bob through his personal life as well as his police Career.

In this instalment, Bob is now a Private Investigator, no longer a police office. But come on this is Bab Skinner. You think not being a copper is going to hinder him in any way at all. After all he has a whole heap of friends on the police force, Doesn't he?
His first PI case is to help an old acquaintance whose Luxury Boat has gone missing. I don't mean a little pedal boat, its a 5million pound Yacht.
How the hell can one of those go missing, well that's up to Bob to figure out, and it soon becomes apparent that his colleagues on the police force have not really done a thorough job of looking for it.
And yes in true Bob style he is caught up in a police investigation after he has a bump in his car and the driver of the other car does a runner, It was only a little bump so what the hell made the other driver run for it, like his life depended on it.

I can't be giving to much away so I'm not going to say any more, but if like me you do enjoy a QJ book, then this one is certainly well worth reading.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Headline for an advance copy of Private Investigations. A book like all the others I really did enjoy.

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Friday, 12 August 2016

Review: See How They Run

See How They Run by Tom Bale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I'll just start this by saying if that damn postman/woman knocks on your door with a parcel that isn't for you. DO NOT TAKE IT IN.

What a great story, this was just something that felt really different. A very interesting read.
Husband and wife against the clock, both trying to stay alive and not know who to trust.

Alice and Harry are wakened in the middle of the night only to realise that there are masked intruders in their bedroom. This it's self gave me the shivers. How horrible would that be. But when you realise their baby daughter is in her crib at the side of the bed, my blood ran cold.

Why are they here, it's not a robbery. Is it mistaken Identity? Just what to they want? Well it turns out they are looking for a man named Edward Renshaw, But do Alice and Harry know him, or do they have the wrong house.

As things start to come together and Alice and Harry in a quest to find out the truth and why these men broke into their home, end up separated in a search for answers. It soon becomes apparent that there really isn't anyone you can trust, but how the hell have they gotten caught up in this nightmare. And how the hell do they get out of it?

There were a few things through out this book that I just didn't see coming, Some great twists. A real good mystery to it.

This is the first book I have read by Tom Bale but I really am sure it will not be the last one.

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Review: Blood Sister

Blood Sister by Dreda Say Mitchell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firstly a super big thank you to the Author and Publishers for an ARC of this book.
In true Dreda style this book is a first class read.

As with all her other books, this is a first class read. I have never been disappointed when finishing one of Dreda's books.
This is the first book in a new series and it's a series I can see going from strength to strength if this first book is anything to go by.

I loved everything about this book from the cover to every single page in between. It really is a page turner.

In this book we are introduced to 'The Devils Estate' certainly not somewhere you would want to live.
Saying that the residents don't want to live there either and for some all they want to is meet someone and do well in life to allow them to get off the estate.

Bab's and her two girls, Jen and Tiff live on this estate. Tiff is a bit of a sod, and will go out of her way to upset people, where Jen is the total opposite, Jen want's off the estate and is trying to do her best at collage so she can do well and get out of the The Devil..
Tiff end's up running errands for one of the local gangsters, and you just know this will not end well for Tiff. She's in too deep before she realises she needs out.

As Jen and Tiff grow their rolls seem to change. It isn't long before their paths cross with the wonderful character that is Dee, the story takes a turn.

I loved the main characters in this book, and I certainly loved Dee she's just a time bomb waiting to go off. But she's a woman that knows what she wants and will do what it takes to get it.

I'm getting worried about giving to much away, as it certainly is a book well worth reading.
It has everything in it that you expect from a DSM book and more. And I think anyone out there who enjoyed any of Kimberley Chambers, Mandasue Heller, Casey Kelleher. all those sort of authors, then you really must pick this one up and give it a read, you will not be disappointed.

It seems like forever ago since I read my first DSM book. Geezer Girls, back in 2009. And as I read so many books I'm finding I can go back to books and still enjoy them so I have just bought the 3 books again, to read again and enjoy all over again.

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Tuesday, 9 August 2016

Review: We'll Always Have Paris

We'll Always Have Paris by Sue Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading this. But after just finally getting around to reading Bella's Christmas Bake off and loving it, I ended up giving my to read pile a bit of a shake up and starting this one.
The book opens with Rosie Draper and her husband Mike who is terminally ill. He passes away not long after his diagnosis and Rosie is left heartbroken. It was a very sad and moving opening to the book.
I must confess though it was so nice to read a book that wasn't focused on some young girl/lady. Rosie is a slightly more mature lady in her 60's, and I loved how the book was based around her and her life, I like the little bits that told of pasts gone, and it gave a great warmth to the story.
Rosie has an unexpected encounter with a man from her past, forty plus years after she last saw him. And although its very nice to see him again, Rosie has so many mixed emotions about Peter. After all he was her first love.
But can a friendship be re built after so much time has gone by. Or will their lives be so much different now that there is no room for past events. I loved Rosie's family her overprotective daughters and her super cool granddaughter, they were just what the book needed to help the humour along. But I'm guessing there are an awful lot of families out there who are just like Rosie's family. And after the death of her husband and the girls father, It's got to be so difficult introducing a new friend to the family. I know because when my mother met My step dad, I was only 8 and I hated him and the fact that he was with MY MUM. Luckily we soon became inseparable and I loved him with all my heart.

A brilliantly written book, Sue certainly seems to be able to write a damn good book and although this one is a little different from her other books there is still some of that humour that we've grown to love with Sue's books. And I always seem to end up somewhere in sue's books not only laughing but crying too. So when you start this book you need to make sure you have a good few hours where you have nothing to do, a big comfy chair, several bars of chocolate or cake, a cuppa and a box of tissues.

I can't wait for more books by this amazing author. Another Bloody brilliant book.
Thank you to the publishers, Author and Netgalley for a review copy of this book.

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Saturday, 6 August 2016

Review: Bella's Christmas Bake Off

Bella's Christmas Bake Off by Sue Watson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What can I say about this. Well first off if you haven't read any of Sue Watson's books, you really do need to.
I have loved everyone I have read, and Bella's Christmas Bake Off is no exception. It's fun, heart-warming, enjoyable and bloody funny.
I will also add that as well as laughing out loud, I did end up with a warm fuzzy feeling and slightly watery eyes towards the end.
It felt a bit like that huge mug on the TV commercial that wraps its arms around you, and gives you a warm feel good feeling.
I just can't believe it's taken me until now to read it, but it got lost in kindle world and has just turned up again, So glad I decided to read it. After feeling a little down and fed up this really give me the pick me up I needed.
The characters in this book were just first class, and I have to admit I liked each and every one of them. Even Bella who to start off with I though was a little up her own arse, but she grew on me.
Amy I just adored from the start, trying to build a new life after a marriage break up, I really felt for her and was rooting for her and praying for happiness for her. I loved how things just seemed to go against her, but in the humorous way it was written, I really did laugh most the way through this book.
Sue really does seem to write books that as well as covering every day topics and the mishaps of everyday folks, she manages to write them with an air of fun and her humour in the characters shines through in this book.
Bloody loved it....

Thanks to Netgalley and The Publishers for an ARC of this book. I'm just gutted it's taken me this long to get around to reading it.

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Thursday, 4 August 2016

Review: The Little Village Bakery

The Little Village Bakery by Tilly Tennant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a brilliant read. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. I'm a huge fan of crime books, and every so often I like to take myself off somewhere a little different and a little less gruesome. And this was the perfect book to do that with.

I loved every bit of this book. The characters were just perfect, Once started I read this in just over a day. A real feel good book.

Millie has moved to Honeybourne to get away from things that have happened in her past. The only problem is when things just seem to be going as they should for her, and she's slowly on track setting up her new business, a run down bakery. She is making friends and finding romance. An unexpected visitor from her past turns up to destroy all that she has.
The only way Millie is going to get anywhere is open up and be honest to the people she has become friends with. But is it to late for that.

I can't believe when looking at Tilly's other books on Amazon that this is the first one I have read. But on the plus side, I have found myself a new author, and can now read all her other books.
Even better today I have just learnt that there is to be a second book out in September. Christmas at the Little Village Bakery: A feel good festive romance to curl up by the fire with (Honeybourne Book 2).
And I am now so looking forward to reading that. I really can't wait. I look forward to reading many more books from this author.

A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for allowing me the chance to read and review this book.

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