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I decided that I needed a bit of a change. So I started a new page. You can now follow all my reviews and recommendations on the following page:
https://thereadingpapillon.wordpress.com
Thank you for being on this journey with me.
Category: Book reviews
Book Review: UNDER CURRENTS by Nora Roberts
About the bookβ¦
The perfect facade can hide dark undercurrents
From the outside, the house in Lakeview Terrace looks perfect and the Bigelows seem like the perfect family. But the perfect facade hides far undercurrents. Teenager Zane and his younger sister Britt, are terrorised by their violent father until one dark, brutal night when their fatherβs temper takes a horrifying turn for the worse.
Over time, Zane moves on and builds a new life for himself but a childhood like that can cast a shadow the length of a lifetime. Can Zane ever really be free of his past? Or could those dark undercurrents rise back to the surface, forcing Zane to fight for his once againβ¦
My thoughts π ππ
First! I love Nora Roberts.
This is probably my favourite book of hers.
Trigger warning: domestic abuse and violence
Nora Roberts captures her readers from the moment you open the book. Thereβs no doubt about that. Sheβs brilliant!
Darby starting afresh in a new town. After getting a feel of the place she decides this is where sheβll start over.
Zane Walker is one hell of a guy. Heβs been through hell and back and heβs come out stronger.
This book is about new beginnings, leaving the old life and starting over. It speaks in detail of violence and abuse from childhood to adulthood. Are we ever free from a past that was filled with violence? Well read Zaneβs story and youβll see that you can come out better and stronger.
Obviously there was romance and suspense rolled into one. You can always find a book of Nora Roberts with a bit of everything in it.
Loved it! Loved it! Loved! βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ
Book Review: the LOST HOURS by Susan Lewis
Synopsis
A perfect marriageβ¦
Golden couple Annie and David Crayce have it all. A loving marriage, three beautiful children and a thriving family business. Life couldnβt be better. Until the unthinkable happensβ¦
A perfect crime?
A piece of damning DNA evidence has arisen, placing David as the prime suspect of a murder committed twenty years ago. Annie is sure David is innocent.
As the police investigate the cold case, so does Annie. Trawling through her old diaries, she begins to desperately looking for answers. But it all comes down to a few lost hours she canβt solve.
And Annie begins to doubt the one person she thought she knew bestβ¦
Her husband.
What I thought π ππ
I was into it from the beginning. It starts with a scene from 20 years ago. Then weβre in 2019 living the perfect life with Annie and David Crayce.
Imagine having the perfect life. The perfect husband. Three adorable children. Extended family thatβs always there through thick and thin. Then one day your whole life comes to a halt and youβre questioning everything everyone does. This is what Annie had to go through.
We are pulled back and forth between the now and the crime that happened twenty years ago. There are quite a few secondary characters which puts you in a position of questioning all of them.
I loved Annie. Sheβs strong, vulnerable and determined to find the truth. David is a man who has changed his life from the wild past to the now perfect husband.
DS Rundle I was drawn too as well but I often felt that she was using her own past experience and comparing it to David Crayce. She was determined to prove him guilty.
This book is probably one of my favourite books from Susan Lewis. I became a fast fan of hers in a short time and am always looking forward to her books. Sheβs got a way with speaking to the reader. Getting us involved in the investigation and feeling what the characters feel.
Would I recommend this book? Yes. I enjoyed it. I gave it βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈπ«
If you want to solve a cold case. This is a book which will help you play detective.
Canβt wait for the next Susan Lewis novel to be released.
Book Review: THE MAIDENS by Alex Michaelides
Synopsis
ST CHRISTOPHERβS COLLEGE, CAMBRIDGE, IS A CLOSED WORLD TO MOST.
For Mariana Andros – a group therapist struggling through her private grief – itβs where she met her late husband. For her niece, Zoe, itβs the tragic scene of her best friendβs murder.
As memory and mystery entangle Mariana, she finds a society full of secrets, which has been shocked to its core by the murder of one of its own.
Because behind its idyllic beauty is a web of jealousy and rage which emanates from an exclusive set of students known only as The Maidens. A group under the sinister influence of the enigmatic professor Edward Fosca.
A man who seems to know more than anyone about the murders – and the victims. And the man who will become the prime suspect in Marianaβs investigation – an obsession which will unravel everythingβ¦
My thoughts
I have questions. Iβm still thinking about that plot twist in the end. I had a suspicion but then dismissed it.
The author had me going in circles figuring out this plot.
A page turner and twisted. Itβs dark and brutal. A little Greek Mythology added to the mix.
βTis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at allβ¦
Alfred Tennyson
I enjoyed it. But I didnβt get into it like I did with The Silent Patient.
Book Review: THE PERFECT CATCH by Meghan Quinn
Blurb
“Kiss me. Just this once . . . please Walker.”
Those whispered words were my undoing . . .As the most hated player in baseball, I had two options: either clean up my image or pack my bags. Being traded wasn’t an option which only meant one thing, I had to become compliant.
That’s how I found myself sharing a small bistro table with Kate Chapman, the Chicago Bobbies newest PR Manager. Devastatingly beautiful, vastly intelligent, and incredibly cunning, she knows exactly how to handle my grumpy demeanor. It was supposed to be simple. Book some PR events, show up, smile for the camera, and be done. But one massive mistake on my end sends me into the trenches with Kate, forcing me to open up to her.
Innocent glances turn into cordial encounters.
Secret touches turn into tempting invitations.
And dangerous nights alone turn into consuming desperation.
Iβve never wanted a woman as much as I want her. And I know she wants me, but thereβs a no fraternizing with the players rule. Neither of us can afford to lose our jobs, but we also can’t seem to keep our hands off each other either.
My Thoughts:
Okay, so these narrators, Jason Clarke and Vanessa Edwin are one of the reasons I love romance audio books. They were the perfect match for these characters.
Walker Rockwell is an alpha-hole. He is setting himself up for self-destruction. Enter, Kate, the newly appointed PR person, who not only stands her ground, but pushes his buttons.
Walker doesn’t like airing his personal life and charity work he does. But in order to make him look like a human, Kate, forces him to show his charitable side.
Fun. Witty. Entertaining.
I loved this book. The banter. The laughs.
Meghan Quinn never disappoints.
The narrators were excellent. The best choice for this book.
Kate and Walker were so cute together.
I canβt wait to see what the next book is going to be like.
Well done.
Book Review: THE BONE CODE by Kathy Reichs
Synopsis
When a hurricane hits the Carolinas it uncovers two bodies sharing uncanny similarities with a cold case that has haunted Temperance Brennan for fifteen years.
The bodies that washed ashore in Charleston were put in a container, wrapped in plastic sheeting and bound with electrical wire, looking almost identical to those from fifteen years ago. With a growing sense of foreboding, Temperance flies to Montreal to convince her boss to reopen the case.
Meanwhile, a rare bacterium that can eat human flesh is discovered. Panic erupts as people rush to test themselves for a genetic mutation that leaves them vulnerable.
With support from her long-time partner Andrew Ryan, in a search that soon proves dangerous, Temperance discovers the startling connection between the murder cases – and that both the murders and the disease outbreak have a common causeβ¦
Review:
Gets your attention from chapter one. But…
Temperance Brennan is a strong female character, but she’s arrogant and cold. I did not connect with her very well. I found her clinical towards other people. The only time she really seemed more “normal” was when she was working with her bones.
I enjoyed the book, but got a bit bored in the middle and I think it’s because I did not connect to the lead character.
This was my first read from this author and the title caught me. I enjoyed the first few chapters and was eager to see where things went, but I had to put it down because I had to get Temperance out of my head for a while.
I gave this book 3 stars.
Book Review: JUDAS HORSE by Lynda La Plante
Synopsis
A violent murder
A community living in fear
A detective with everything to lose
Violent burglars have been terrorising residents across the English countryside. But when a mutilated body is discovered in a Cotswolds house, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary group of opportunist thieves.
As Detective Jack aware investigates, he discovers locals with dark secrets, hidden crimes – and hits countless dead ends. With few leads and the violent attacks escalating, he will have to act audaciously as the criminals if he hopes to stop them.
When aware meets Charlotte Miles, a terrified woman with links to the group, he must use her to lure the unsuspecting killers into one last job, and into his trap. But with the law already stretched to breaking point, any failure will be on Warrβs head – and any more blood spilled, on his handsβ¦
Review
This book is so good! It was a page turner for me.
DS Warr is meticulous in his job. He has no time for mistakes.
“Charlotte Miles, for three years you’ve been De Voe’s Judas Horse, now you’re mine.” – DS Jack Warr
Loved the insight into Jack’s personal life. We got to know him as a family man and not only as a cop chasing burglars.
Beautifully written, entertaining and keeps the attention of the reader.
Lynda La Plante has always been a favourite of mine and this book has proved why once again. She doesn’t disappoint.
I may have wanted some more damage to be done to the one character, but he got what was coming to him.
An entertaining read.
Thanks to Jonathan Ball Publishers for gifting me a copy of this book.
Release Blitz: FALL by Graham Claire
Fall, the intense and must read conclusion to the Rise and Fall Duet from USA Today bestselling author Grahame Claire, is available now!
I have one thing in my life more important than anything else.
Protecting my brother
Lincoln Hollingsworth is the beautiful distraction who stormed into our lives without so much as a hello.
I thought I hated him.
Heβs determined to prove me wrong, earning pieces of my trust and my heart with every step.
But I shouldβve paid attention.
While I was distracted, my past made a move that could cost me everything.
Iβm not ready to lose Lincoln or my brother.
But I canβt keep them if Iβm locked in a prison cell.
Grab your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3nAsd0B
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/FallGC
Apple Books: https://apple.co/331UPGI
Nook: https://bit.ly/3xBGmzd
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3aQ7YHr
Google Play: https://bit.ly/2SaJRwp
Add Fall to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3bzFlyo
Start the Duet today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3gOWc3z
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/RiseGC
Apple Books: https://apple.co/330hcwf
Nook: https://bit.ly/3xtoarA
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3xBG2jZ
Google Play: https://bit.ly/3yqaJJm
About Grahame Claire
Grahame Claire is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance.
A writer. A blogger. United by our love of stories and all things romance. There was definitely some insta-love. Hello? Books involved. A little courting. A lot of writing. The result…Grahame Claire.
Soulmates. Unashamed of our multiple book boyfriends. Especially the ones that rooted in our heads and wouldnβt leave us alone. Donβt worry. Weβll share.
Pleased to meet you.
Want to find out what we’re up to?
Connect with Grahame
Facebook: https://bit.ly/2PvwpPc
Twitter: https://bit.ly/31uStPH
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/33AE9ro
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2XzMFTI
Instagram: https://bit.ly/33AEla6
Website: https://www.grahameclaire.com
Book Review: VOW TO PROTECT by JL Beck & Monica Corwin
Blurb: (taken from Goodreads)
They call me a monster.
Murderous and hateful.
Beautiful but broken.
Nothing can calm the ever raging storm inside of me. As the ruthless leader of the Doubeck family there is a certain standard of brutality I have to uphold.
To be gentle or kind is a weakness I cannot afford.
That is until the day I meet her.
Beautiful, innocent, and so very afraid.
Valentina is a rival family’s daughter, and the little temptress has purposely tangled herself in my dark web.
She seeks me out, needing my help, but the price for what she wants will be steep.
Since my fatherβs death Iβve needed a wife to solidify my family name and this woman has piqued my interest.
We strike a deal intertwining our futures.
Iβll put a ring on her finger, own her body, keep her safe, and kill them all.
I make a vow to protect her at all costs.
That is until her secrets come to light, and Iβm left with the choice of becoming the monster sheβs only ever heard rumors about.
**This is a dark forced marriage mafia romance, that ends on a cliffhanger. It contains dub-con/non-con as well as other scenes that may be triggering to some readers.**
Review:
Adrian is a crime boss. Valentina is the daughter of a rival crime boss. She comes to Adrian for help.
Valentina takes damsel in distress to heart. She’s dependent on Rose, her best friend and cousin before her marriage, then becomes dependent on Adrian. She’s clingy, which I did not care for.
I enjoyed the story and found it entertaining, but Valentina annoyed me. I didn’t care much for her as a lead character.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m hoping that the book that follows portrays our heroine as a strong independent woman and not this damsel needing her husband around at all time.
Trigger Warning: Rape/Brutality to women/organized crime/forced marriage.
Book Review: TAINTED BLOOD by Catherine Wiltcher and Cora Kenborn
Blurb: (taken from Goodreads)
Santi Carrera is the war I never saw coming.
A beautiful liar.
Ruthless.
Captivatingβ¦
The architect of my own undoing.
He twisted my loyalty into an ultimatum.
He chained me to his side with a vow of deceit.
I should despise him for all heβs done to me…
But behind those dark eyes, I see his pain.
I recognize his conflict because itβs ours to share.
Now, Iβm a pawn in a new war.
Stolen by a stranger, Iβve been taken to a foreign land.
My fate rests in the fragile truce between our families.
They will tear this world apart to find me.
But he’s the only man who can save me.
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Review:
*TRIGGER WARNING: Human Trafficking/Brutality towards women
We pick up where we left off in the first book, with Thalia and Lola gone and Santi and the rest of the crew are clueless as yet.
With the realization of the disappearance of the girls, Santi’s feelings for Thalia is revealed. He will do anything to find his wife.
Action packed. Great dialogue. And of course romance.
We go on this journey with these cartel bosses to find the women they love. We see alliances being formed. Families bonding.
A story of love, family and revenge. A story of women rising from the ashes.
This is part two of the Corrupt Gods duet. Book one must be read to understand this book.
Enjoyed this duet.
Hey Candi! What are you reading??? 