Noone Keeps A Secret by Denise Brown

=No One Keeps a Secret by Denise Brown
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 288

Publisher - Hashtag Press

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

When three teens track down a missing chihuahua to an abandoned theme park, they stumble upon a chilling discovery: a corpse, strangled by his own camera strap. The victim was meant to be 400 miles away in London, where he'd promised a lot of people a lot of money. But every one of them has a solid alibi. As Haigh, Cherry, and Sunrise get pulled into the murder investigation, they uncover mafia connections, a still-operating ghost train, and gossiping grannies, revealing their quiet village is far more dangerous than they ever imagined.


My Review

Young adult, mystery, the main characters are Haigh and Cherry, teens, told in first person point of view. Haigh's mum is dating Oz, a not very nice guy at all, the duo Haigh and Cherry become a trio when they meet Sunrise. The three end up meeting whilst chasing down a temperamental bitey chihuhua and bond over the trauma of finding a dead body, that of Oz and things go from there. Haigh has ADHD so we see snippets of that in different situations whilst trying to investigate what happened and be "the man of the house".

So there is a fair bit to unpeel in this, friendship, teen attraction, murder, investigation like the kids are on the case a bit like maybe the secret seven or something. It is super busy and sometimes, some of the elements like the ADHD could have been either much more in depth or just left off. I think people will be happy to see more representation absolutely but whilst we get glimpses and moments of how Haigh lives with it they are fleeting. Like maybe if he was not a main character? Also the characters are sixteen but come across so much younger in a lot of it. So it was a bit mixed for me at times.

The adults/secrets part I did like and wanted to know all of what Oz's chat was, I feel so much was touched on or hinted at but then didn't give us as much as I would have liked. If they book was chunkier and we got more backstory and depth I think I would have liked it a lot more. I also felt some things came so left of field and I do love when an author shocks you and or pulls the rug but, I don't know instead of ooooh I was a bit more oh, wait hang on. If that makes sense? I liked it, I didn't love it. Small village, secrets, murder, teen protagonists, kid working through some big developments/shocks with his friends and living with ADHD. It was different, 3/5, this was my first time reading her, I would read her again if I come across the book(s).

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The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards Happy Publication Day

Happy publication day, out to buy NOW, here is my review, I was lucky enought to get an arc but kept my review til today.


The Wasp Trap by Mark Edwards
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over a few days

Pages - 336

Publisher - Michael Joseph books

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

A dinner party in a beautiful Notting Hill townhouse turns into a sinister game, as six old friends are forced to spill their darkest secrets…or else.

Six friends reunite in London to celebrate the life of their recently deceased ex-employer, a professor that brought them together in 1999 to help build a dating website based on psychological testing.

But what is meant to be a night of bittersweet nostalgia soon becomes a twisted and deadly game when the old friends find themselves held at gunpoint. They are given an ultimatum: reveal their darkest secrets to the group or pick each other off one-by-one.

It soon becomes clear that their current predicament is related to their shared past. The love questionnaire they helped develop in 1999 for the dating site was also turned into a tool for weeding out The Wasp Trap. This and the other tragic events of that summer long ago may help reveal the truth behind a killer hiding in plain sight.

Alternating between the past and present with a colorful ensemble of characters, The Wasp Trap is a fast-paced and twisty thrill ride that is perfect for fans of Lucy Foley and Alice Feeney.#


My Review

It has been over 20 years since everyone was together, getting together to celebrate the man who had once brought them all together, all those years ago. Six friends who live very different lives coming to their affluent pals, the duo of the group who have done the best and now having a posh meal at their fancy gaff. No expense spared, all the stops are pulled out however the night takes a turn and the six are forced to face the past and come clean about secrets they would rather stayed buried.

The first part of the book they are all kind of feeling each other out, catching up with the missed past twenty odd years. Then a turn of events, violence and shocking admissions as they try to get to the bottom of what is wanted. We then go back to when they were all pulled together on a project as we try to figure out, along with the character, what exactly the secret is.

Tense, shocking, violent, a forced game of cat and mouse almost with people being put on the spot to choose and try and figure "the secret". Psychological thriller, the guests/friends are clueless just like the reader so we are all figuring out, or trying to figure out what is going on. The threat of violence is constant and looming and as moments tick by (we are very much clock watching) tempers fray and fear climbs making everyone volatile in an already tense and dangerous situation, 4/5.

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Giveaway time self care package as shown

Hey you guys I am so sorry it has taken to long to get another comp up, technically July's but we are almost in August! I am still off, still recovering the leg and totally fed up. I even started watching Love Island (last seen season 4, injured then too), binged and up to date lol! This giveaway will be UK only guys.

So what is up for grabs? As shown below:

X1 Clip on booklight, white flower head and this runs on batteries (included)

x1 Silicon bookmark, the floppy part can be put at the last line you read, if you stop mid chapter.

x1 avocado face mask

x1 box of orange matchmakers

x1 clip on, battery operated, book light

Different angle

Different angle

and x1 hummingbird sun catcher, as shown.

Ending this with one of my faves "you cannot pour from an empty cup, self care is an absolute must" - to enter, please use the Rafflecopter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Time of Love and Tartan by Alexander McCall Smith

A Time of Love and Tartan by Alexander McCall Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 256

Publisher - Abacus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Amazon

The latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith's perennially popular and irresistibly charming 44 Scotland Street series.
When Pat accepts her narcissistic ex-boyfriend Bruce's invitation for coffee, she has no idea of the complications in her romantic and professional life that will follow. Meanwhile, Matthew, her boss at the art gallery, attracts the attention of the police after a misunderstanding at the local bookstore.

Whether caused by small things such as a cup of coffee and a book, or major events such as Stuart's application for promotion and his wife Irene's decision to pursue a PhD in Aberdeen, change is coming to Scotland Street. But for three seven-year-old boys--Bertie Pollock, Ranald, and Big Lou's foster son, Finlay--it also means getting a glimpse of perfect happiness.

Alexander McCall Smith's delightfully witty, wise and sometimes surreal comedy spirals out in surprising ways in this new installment, but its heart remains where it has always been, at the center of life in Edinburgh's New Town.


My Review

If you haven't read the previous books I think maybe you wouldn't enjoy it quite as much as I have. The usual we follow some of our fave characters and some of those we dislike. You do find in some of the books we see/hear more from some characters than others, for example the triplets developing/growing are a bit more in this one with Matthew and Elspeth moving home. However my main thing is wee Bertie and his dad Stuart both long suffering of Irene, she is unbearable and sucks the joy out of every room. Quite a bit of focus and development on them and I was quite happy because I feel we have been waiting for 12 books for a sniff of goodness for them, we got a wee pinch of it in this one. Bruce, whilst he doesn't feature largely in this, even his small appearances irks me, he is such a banger lol.

Such a mishmash of characters, across different ages set in Edinburgh. I often say this is like Friends but with classism, mixed ages and instead of 6 pals in each others pockets this is residents in 44 Scotland street :D and there about!

This one covers a bit of political correctness, feminism and someone having the edge in the work place and someone being disadvantaged on their gender. Whilst the books poke fun and have humour they do occasionally have serious tones or threads. So overall, for me it was a 4/5 and I bought the next in the series. I like these as a genre switch palate cleanser, wee Bertie whilst being a wean he is such a sweetheart and makes me smile.

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Innocent Guilt by Remi Kone

Innocent Guilt by Remi Kone
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 5 days

Pages - 424

Publisher - Quercus

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

'A startling new crime writing talent!' Peter James
'Impossible to put down' Patricia Cornwell

Victim or murderer . . .
Can she discover the truth?

On a misty autumn afternoon, a woman covered in blood clutching a baseball bat walks silently into a London police station. The two officers assigned to her case are DI Leah Hutch and DS Benjamin Randle.

But the woman refuses to speak. She is not injured and the blood on the bat is not hers. What has she done? Is she the victim or the perpetrator? As Leah and Randle start their inquiry, a man is found battered to death in a nearby park. Journalist Odie Reid receives a tip off and is determined to solve the case first, trying to link this death to the woman held in custody.

Leah and Odie have history and very quickly their cat and mouse game becomes personal, leading them both to the very darkest corners of their pasts.


My Review

Opening chapter with Leah, clearly just having suffered a loss when she heads to work, she is a copper, a DI to be precise. As she gets to work, the station, a woman appears, covered in blood, clearly in shock, holding a bloody baseball bat. When she is checked over, she is uninjured so whose blood is it and where are they because it is A LOT of blood. We then get a chapter with a victim and then we meet Odie, a journalist who is enemy to Leah, why? They used to be work together, now in different careers they still have a very strained relationship. Odie is like a bloodhound, she gets a sniff of a story and nothing will get in her way.

The book is pretty good, the blood covered self presenting to the police station was a great pull, the damaged female detective dealing with a recent loss and with that of course comes family drama/trauma. Then the very tense "relationship" between Leah and Odie although to be fair Leah is very closed off to everyone and you get her back story, slowly unravelled so you do understand a bit better why she is the way she is. I really liked her partner, DS Randle, he is so understanding, patient and a real nice all rounder.

It is a busy book, the victims, the investigation, Odie investigating, Odie's family dynamics, Leah as the officer, Leah's personal life and following the aftermath of her loved ones death the opens another vein of story. A good start to a series, this is a debut from what I can see, so if it goes onto a series I will absolutely read more. Be interesting to see what else is in store for these guys and where the writer goes next, 4/5.

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Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody

Grumpy Darling by Alexandra Moody
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Electric Monkey

Source - Vine review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

Alexandra Moody's BookTok sensation continues with Darling Devils #2: Grumpy Darling — perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, clean romance, and slow-burn fire on the ice!

She's never been kissed. He's never felt this way about anyone.

Paige has ticked off everything on her senior year bucket list except one tiny thing — she’s never kissed anyone. And her best friend, Grayson Darling, is to blame.

Grayson is the school hockey team’s notorious enforcer, and he’s been scaring away any eligible bachelors that so much as look in Paige’s direction. With time running out, she demands that Grayson stop defending her honor. Instead, he’ll become her dating coach, training her to win the guy of her dreams.

But Grayson has plans of his own. He’s been in love with Paige since they were kids, and his clock is running, too. Coaching Paige might be his last chance to show her how good they’d be together. After all, practice makes perfect.


My Review

So this is book two in the Darling Devils series, you however do not need to have read book one. So this, like the first, is young adult but this one feels very young adult. So this book concentrates on Grumpy, Reed's twin brother. He has been in love with his best friend Paige forever but Paige is completely oblivious. As they get ready to finish school and head towards university or whatever they choose, Paige has a list she is working through of things she wants to do before then. The last thing on her list and soon becomes the main focus is getting her first kiss. She ends up enlisting Grumpy's help to kiss the newest recruit to the ice hockey team, their old pal. The chapters jump between Grumpy and Paiges point of views.

I really liked book one and figured this would be similar vibes which it does but because it centres around this first kiss it was very young. And I know it is young adult so it is young as is the characters but book one they seemed older, like the dramas and behaviours. This time round it was very high school, the pursuit of the first kiss, the crushes and all the drama's surrounding the situations, party, drink, embarrassment etc.

The banter and ribbing of the boys to each other did make me laugh, Paige and Grumpy are cute but it just seemed to take forever, a bit of a slow burn and I did find my self exasperated at times. That being said it is a cute read, poolside for sure, 3.5/5 for me. I would read the next in the series and check out her other books!

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The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros

The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 426

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Beckett,

If you’re reading this, well, you know the last-letter drill. You made it. I didn’t. Get off the guilt train, because I know if there was any chance you could have saved me, you would have.

I need one thing from you: get out of the army and get to Telluride.

My little sister Ella’s raising the twins alone. She’s too independent and won’t accept help easily, but she has lost our grandmother, our parents, and now me. It’s too much for anyone to endure. It’s not fair.

And here’s the kicker: there’s something else you don’t know that’s tearing her family apart. She’s going to need help.

So if I’m gone, that means I can’t be there for Ella. I can’t help them through this. But you can. So I’m begging you, as my best friend, go take care of my sister, my family.

Please don’t make her go through it alone.

Ryan


My Review

So I seen this one all over book tok and obviously I had FOMO (fear of missing out) and had to buy it. That and most of the videos/reviews were saying the book had them in tears and heartbroken, challenge accepted. I normally had a swinging brick but recently gal has had the emotionals so it is the perfect time to find out what I was missing. The book starts with a letter, yes letter format from Ella to Choas and it has the letter number (this is good because they aren't all in order). It is super easy to follow as it has the chapter/persons pov and then who the letter is from and to. Once you read the letter the person it is written to it is their surroundings and what is happening from when they put the letter down. So we get to hear from Ella in letter and meet Chaos, her brothers pal she agreed to write to. She is strong, stubborn, living in a small town with two twins she had to raise alone because the father (trust fund baby) is a complete rat! Then we get a reply letter to Ella from Chaos and then meet her and her life. Oh and we meet Chaos dog, a working dog cos he is special ops, the dog is called Havoc and we LOVE HER.

So when you read the blurb you know Ella's brother basically tells Beckett he needs to do what he can't and go look after his sister. She will be against it as she is fiercely independent but also been hurt and abandoned and or let down by the men in her life so no easy feat. Beckett didn't immediately go causing a bit of an issue and makes a huge mistake because the one thing Ella can't and won't stand for is lies, even if it comes from kindness. Beckett comes to town and regardless of what Ella says she will be there for her. Oh did I mention Beckett is also hot, mysterious, brooding and a good guy. When one of the weans becomes unwell Beckett steps up to help and together they all try to get through some of the most trying times. Strap in folks, it is an emotive rollercoaster.

So we don't do spoiler reviews and it can be a bit difficult to review without giving stuff away. So let me say this, I knew folk said it was sad, wrecked them but I went into it like, well page 4 we met the dog and I was like NOTHING BETTER HAPPEN TO THE DOG! Yes I am one of them lol. There were a few minutes when I had a lump in my throat but overall, 3 quarters through I was like yeah I am fine, sad but no tears. Then it was like the author said here hold my pint, she gripped my heart and then ripped my heart. I was up til 6am reading it to finish. I was telling my o/h about it, he really doesn't care for my nonsense and I got teary and emotional just telling it again lmao. Well played Yarros, well played, 5/5 I thought I knew it all when I was in fact Jon Snow and I knew nothing and then emotional damage. Get your munchies, tissues and a blanket or thick cardigan to wrap yourself in cos you are going to need them!

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Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody

Rival Darling by Alexandra Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 3 days

Pages - 416

Publisher - Electric monkey

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads


When seventeen-year-old Violet is left heartbroken by the captain of her school's ice hockey team, she vows to never date a jock again. But, in an attempt to prove she's moved on, she turns to the most unlikely person—her ex's biggest rival, the notorious captain of the Ransom Devils.

Reed Darling is gorgeous, mysterious and intimidating, both on and off the ice. Wild rumors constantly circulate about him, and the only thing people love to talk about more than his hockey skills are his exploits as a ruthless heartbreaker and bad boy. Who better to serve as Violet's fake boyfriend until her ex gets the message, right?

But despite the intense rivalry between their two schools and Reed's infamous reputation, Violet soon starts to wonder if there's more to him than the gossip suggests. And while she tries her best to control their 'relationship' with a list of strict guidelines, Reed has other ideas. He's set his sights on winning her over and is determined to show Violet he's not the guy everyone thinks he is.

She should have known better than to make a deal with a devil because this one is going to break all her rules.

Rival Darling is a YA hockey rom-com with a HEA and no cliffhanger and the first in the Darling Devils series.


My Review

Hey so this is my first dance with this author. Young adult isn't a genre I pick up too much, I don't ow why because the ones I have read I have liked. I got book two sent for review so bought this one to read first, absolutely can be a standalone to be fair. Violet is living in a small town with her uncle whilst her mum pursues her career again! Let down by her boyfriend, super spoiled, head of the school ice hockey team, comes from money and cocky as she finds herself stranded and at the mercy of bad boy Reed Darling she reluctantly accepts his help. He is captain of the rival ice hockey team, his history and reputation is everything she hates about Jocks, more so now her boyfriend has betrayed her. She vows never again but needs to keep the ex off her case so enters into a fake relationship with Reed, she will keep the ex at bay and he can keep all the puck bunnies away and focus on his game. The only problem is Reed really likes Violet and knows she isn't interested in another sports guy, by doing this he can get closer.

This could have been a college set book and sometimes reading it I completely forgot they were high school, the parties, the ice hockey (we don't have that in schools here). The way the rivalry between the teams/sides of town. Violet is sweet but girl some of the stuff she does, but I get wanting to fit in and really missing her mum who always promises to call and consistently lets her down. She, the mother has a lot to answer for! The issues she has with dating a sports guy, also comes from past/parents and typical when she breaks that rule her boyfriend is a total rat.

It is a good wee reality break, poolside read if you will, I really liked the family bonds with the Darlings. His mum and dad should have their own books, they seem like really nice people, it makes you wonder how so many of the rumours got so easily swallowed in the town. Like Reed, fair enough but the truths that come out vs lies, how you manage to keep anything private in a small town is almost non existent but rumours are also rife and easily accepted in small towns.

The story is very cutesy, fake romance but they both clearly like each other, very cute to see developing, a few irritations but they are teens so totally normal, 4/5 for me. Nice we dip from adult reality and book two at the ready which I believe will be centred around Reed's brother and the object of his affections.

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Kitty's War by Eimear Lawlor Blog Tour

Today is my stop for the blog tour for "Kitty's War" by Eimear Lawlor, for my stop I have my review, enjoy. This is a Rachels Random Resources tour. Buy link for the book from Amazon UK.

About the author:

Eimear Lawlor was born in Co. Cavan and now lives in city of Kilkenny with her husband John and two sons. Unfortunately, her middle child Ciara passed away in 2016, who was the inspiration of her writing career. Her debut novel Dublin's Girl was an Irish Times bestseller and was inspired by the true story of her aunt, who worked with Michael Collins and Eamon De Valera as their private secretary.

Kitty's War by Eimear Lawlor


Time taken to read - in and out over 6 days

Pages - 317

Publisher - Head of Zeus

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

Kilkenny, 1939. Ireland might be neutral, but Kitty Flynn is caught in her own war. Forced to give up her child at seventeen, she escaped to London in search of a fresh start.

However, in 1941, upon hearing that her brother, Anthony, who had been injured during the Spanish Civil War, is now gravely ill, Kitty must return home to care for him. In a time where food and medicine are scarce, Kitty is relieved to secure a nursing job – that is, until G2, the Irish Intelligence notices her proficiency in German…

G2 are determined to use Kitty's translation skills to extract information from the German internees at The Curragh Military Camp, even using Anthony as leverage.

Before she knows it, Kitty finds herself in the treacherous world of espionage. And soon Kitty must will she sacrifice herself to save her brother?

Inspired by real life events Kitty's War is the new sweeping historical novel by the bestselling author of Dublin's Girl, Eimear Lawlor.


My Review

So Kitty is our main character, living in London after fleeing for a fresh start, unwed and forced to give up her baby - it is 1939, Ireland. Her plan is a new life and with her friend they both are going into healthcare. When Kitty has to go home due to a bereavement she finds her brother in trouble, now it is just the two of them they need to stick together. Kitty will do whatever it takes to save her brother, from illness, from authorities even from himself.

Poor Kitty, travelling whilst a war and bombs are going on, getting caught up in all kinds of dodgy situations and everything comes back to saving her brother. She risks just about everything for him, they had a turbulent childhood, often depending on each other and now as adults he needs her more than ever.

I kinda wish I hadn't read the blurb because it goes on about Kitty being caught up in espionage which doesn't come until later, much later. I thought the book was going to be thick of war/espionage and whilst war and threat is peppered throughout this is really all about Kitty. She has constant inner battles, putting herself in some really dodgy situations all in desperation of doing what is right for her brother.

The whole war/Ireland part was really interesting, I know not a lot about the wars so I fond myself having to put the book down and reading up XYZ. I love when books make me do that. There are some dodgy characters and Kitty had me frustrated at times but again it was all through the love and devotion she had to her brother. The book also deals with issues relevant to the time period, babies out of wedlock and being hidden away as a result, the impacts that kind of loss has. Her mother 's treatment and her ideals/memories of her father.

The book has huge threads of family weaved throughout, dodgy morals, sexuality, family, friendship, accusations of espionage, mistrust of anyone seemingly linked to or sympathising with Germans/IRA or a parent being German. There is a lot going on and I wasn't sure where it was all headed, I do enjoy a book that keeps you guessing. Touching in places, some bits she had me ripping my knittin and some emotive scenes. This is my first by this author, I would absolutely read her again.

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Secrets Of The Toffee Factory Girls by Glenda Young

Secrets of the Toffee Factory Girls: The second in a heartwarming wartime trilogy about secrets, friendship, love and toffee . . . by Glenda Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 328

Publisher - Headline

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

As the Great War rages, Jack's toffee factory in the market town of Chester-le-Street, Durham, is threatened with closure when sugar rations begin.

Anne, who works for the owner Mr Jack, must choose between her heart and her head when Mr Jack declares his love for her. Not only might he have to sell the toffee factory if he breaks off his previous engagement, but he can never know the secret that Anne carries.

Elsie is forced to keep a secret when she risks her safety as well as her reputation in order to make ends meet.
And, for Hetty, a long-hidden family secret surfaces, threatening to tear Hetty's family apart. Her future with Dirk feels more fragile than ever.

Together the three toffee factory girls share laughter, sorrow and secrets, and support one another through the challenges ahead.


My Review

Book two of a trilogy (book one is The Toffee Factory Girls) - I absolutely recommend reading book 1 because it is good and you get your intro and back story to the characters. We mostly follow the three main who happen to be colleagues and friends, Hetty , Elsie and Anne. They came together and forged a friendship in book 1 and had many a drama there.

So where are we at now? Hetty, poor Hetty has never had it easy with her mother, she can be quite vicious and this book we finally get some insight into why the mother behaves as she does. Hetty we see a bit of a dramatic change in Hetty and she gets into scrapes along the way, some I found myself irritated noooooo, don't do that, why are you doing that? She finds herself in some dangerous and shocking scenarios. Anne, there has always been something between her and the boss, now with feelings being made clear Anne finds that not everyone is happy about it and it isn't just the effects of war causing issues.

We see the pressures and strains with the war, rationing not just on the families and money issues but of course the factory. With sugar rationing it puts the factories future in danger, jobs and that of course has huge impact of all the workers.

A lot of drama, issues, some violence and threats, relationships, family, secrets ooft a mixed bag. Whilst some attitudes and actions raise temper and emotions it is a book I easily found myself immersing in, 4/5 for me and I am very much looking forward to book 3.

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Anarchy by Megan DeVos

Anarchy by Megan DeVos
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 396

Publisher - Orion books

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads


The world is different now. There are no rules, no governments and no guarantees that you will be saved . . .Rival factions have taken over, fighting each other for survival with no loyalty to anyone but their own. At twenty-one, Hayden has taken over Blackwing and is one of the youngest leaders in the area. In protecting his camp from starvation, raids from other actions and the threat of being kidnapped, he has enough to worry about before he finds Grace. The daughter of the head of the rival camp, Greystone, Grace is slow to trust anyone-much less the leader of those she has been trained to kill . . .This is danger. This is chaos. This is anarchy . . .


My Review

A bit The Walking Dead (minus zombies) with a vibe of Romeo and Juliet. So the world is toast and we have small communities of survivors that have their own place (hence the Walking Dead vibes, Alexandria, The Governors place etc). To survive they raid the other communities and head into town, they do what they need to. When Hayden is caught raiding Greystone, instead of being shot on the spot his and anothers life is spared by Grace. Hayden has principles and loyalty so when he sees the chance to repay the favour he saves Grace. She can never go home and must stay in Blackwing. This follows their time in the before, how they meet and everything that follows after.

So natural enemies, teens, natural draw to each other you get the picture. Hayden is the leader of Blackwing so very selfless and aloof. Grace needs to stay with him as she is the natural enemy so not safe in Blackwing but can't be allowed to go home. Forced proximity, readjustment and we get glimpses of the before the world came to be like this.

One thing I noticed was a lot of breath mentioned, took a breath in, let a breath out, inhaled a sharp breath. I didn't count but it was more than a few times and I noticed it, meh! A bit Romeo and Juliette, limited resources, danger coming from just about every field. Survivalism, mixed emotions, danger on almost every corner, 3/5 for me. It is book one so will see how we go.

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The Girl With The Suitcase by Lesley Pearse

The Girl with the Suitcase: A captivating historical novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author by Lesley Pearse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 391

Publisher - Michael Joseph

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

The enthralling new novel from the 10-million-copy, No. 1 bestselling author is available to PRE-ORDER now!

London, 1941

When Mary meets a glamorous stranger named Elizabeth she realises their lives couldn’t be more different. Elizbeth is beautiful and charming, about to set off on a dazzling adventure to Ireland where she’s inherited a grand house. Mary, shy and meek, has nothing to look forward to but the dreary life of a maid in Hampstead.

But when an air raid forces them to take shelter underground Mary’s life is suddenly changed forever. After waking up in hospital, injured but alive, the nurse mistakes her for Elizabeth and hands over her suitcase with Elizabeth’s money and tickets to Ireland inside.

This is Mary’s chance to escape the hardship of her life and start afresh.

Will she take it and what could go wrong?



My Review

Mary has known poverty and cruelty her whole life, it is wartime and she is desperate to escape her job as housekeeper, cleaner and general dogsbody. When she meets the beautiful Elizabeth who offers her a chance at a new life, she has just came into a fabulous house in Ireland, inheritance from an estranged aunt. A bomb hits, the girls are in an underground shelter when everything goes dark. Mary wakes injured but alive, she is misidentified and finally has a chance to live, really live but can she do it?

Aw Mary, what a poor soul and hard going "upbringing" she had. We find out more about Mary and why she is the way she is by going from present to past. As always Pearse's books feature some of the darker side of humanity, abuse, SA, child endangerment, substance abuse, stolen identity. You get reeled in because you are rooting for Mary aka Beth but you do question some of her decisions and behaviours. I think that is one of her gifts, she gives you characters who aren't wholly whiter than white (Mary), and some downright horror bags the "stepfather".

When Mary goes to Ireland we meet a whole cast of people, sweet, nosey, hearing about the aunt, ooft she was a character in herself. We see how world war 2 affected different parts of the world, meat rationing, families, love, loss. It is a busy book as is Pearse's way but she does it so well the story flows and envelopes you. Lots of characters/happenings, some time and place jumps but all done effortlessly.

Even when I have a reading block I can still inhale one of her books, 4.5/5 from us, I need to check her backlist and see what I have missed (we have read loads but she has published loads) and catch up on any missed. She is a fab writer, pulls you emotively and allows you to escape your own life and merge into a world full of love, loss, sadness, friendship, family, she ticks the boxes.

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Alien Invasion The Rage War #2 by Tim Lebbon

Alien: Invasion by Tim Lebbon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 319

Publisher - Titan books

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

For centuries Weyland-Yutani has tried to weaponize the aliens. Now someone has beaten them to it, sweeping through Yautja space and turning predator into prey.Faced with the overwhelming forces of the Rage, Earth envoys forge an unprecedented alliance with the Predators. Yet even the combined might of two races may not be enough to stop the carnage, as an unstoppable swarm of Xenomorphs topples planet after planet, penetrating ever deeper into the Human Sphere.


My Review

This is book two but you can absolutely read it as a standalone! Predators and humans, marines and a synthetic are joining forces to face the ultimate threat. Aliens have always been sought after by the company because of their value as a weapon, well someone has beat them to it. Not only have they honed it to weaponize them, control them and added some even more deadly features *gasp* I know right!

It took me a wee bit to settle into this one as it jumps about a fair bit, the marines, the synthetics, the predator(s), there are so many characters/scenes. Once I did get into it and settle to what was going on I did enjoy it. The aliens, your chances have always been low with them but once weaponised and controlled, especially in the numbers these guys are, ooft.

I am hoping we see more of the queen in book three and things come to a head, that karma finds those that need it AND get to see more of the predators. There really has only been one main featured with little mention of the others even though we know they are there and teaming up with us, at a distance.

The people behind the alien weaponization are not just sickos but absolutely mad, like genuine madness. Even the whole plan I am like what the actual so it will be interesting to see what book three holds and where it is going to take the story. I do quite like the synthetic, ours not the other side, 3/5 for this one.

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A Cornish Legacy by Fern Britton

A Cornish Legacy by Fern Britton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read -

Pages - 425

Publisher - Harper Collins

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads (to follow)

My Review

Ahhhh I had my whole review typed and she wiped (using a Bluetooth keyboard and my phone).

The book is split into two parts, we start present day and Cordelia is heading, reluctantly, to Wilder Woo. A beautiful huge house that I am envisioning as a mansion. It holds nothing but negative memories and hurt for Cordelia. Her bestie Sammi is making her go, it is hers now and she needs to face her past.

The book deals with many themes, some sadly are fleeting and with one especially being very dark/triggering I personally don't think it needed to be in there. Some themes throughout, especially in part one are relationship heavy. Families, friendship, love and an insider look at love bombing, gaslighting and toxic love and people.

I was not a huge Cordelia fan at times but I did feel sorry for her. Part two has brought us to present day and Cordelia purging her soul by telling her aunt the truth of all that happened to her. She is still hating Wilder Woo but now we know why and Aunt Rose is determined to see the place. Part two is much more positive, healing and restoration to self and the gaff.

Set in Cornwall, a mixed bag of people with flaws, characters and some with hearts of gold. Mrs Joy was a beacon of joy, at one point I wondered if she was a ghost. She always knows what you want, what you need and shows up literally whatever thing/task is required, an actual Mary Poppins vibe. I am not sure if this is my first Fern Britton book, I did like it so overall 3.5/5 for me this time. The imagery and settings are actually so well done, perfect for sitting indoors with the horrible rain/wind and a nice fire on the go!

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No Mercy by Max Connor

No Mercy by Max Connor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 6 days

Pages - 412

Publisher - HQ Stories

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

The old unit will reunite to complete one last mission in honour of their fallen comrade. But all she wants is revenge … When their old comrade, retired veteran and decorated Royal Marine Frankie Chapman, dies during a home invasion, the 11/06 club come back together to recover his stolen military medals. After they find out the medals have fallen into the hands of a wealthy billionaire who dabbles in human trafficking, they form a plan to steal the medals back – and Frankie’s daughter, Josie, wants in on the action.

But Josie wants more than just her father’s medals returned. She wants retribution, and she’s out for blood …



My Review

When a robbery results in the death of retired vet Frankie Chapman his old team pull together to get his military medals back. They weren't counting on his daughter not only joining them but being the driving force in some aspects. The more they dig the dirtier the people they find. As they get closer to finding the medals the danger ramps up, pulling resources they are trying to do what is right and will cross whatever lines it takes.

The book opens well with Frankie, bless him he is a good soul and Josie, his daughter, takes after her old man. The team investigating took a bit to really get started I felt, there was so much they needed to do and explore. Then we get to the people behind it, there is nothing this guy won't take if he wants it, money is no objective and no morals.

Once we get into the third end of the book I felt that is where it really came into its own, action, plan, movement, lets do this! Up to that I would say was more getting to know the character(s), them building up and becoming a team, the old boys previously served together but Josie was just their comrades daughter. One thing that did annoy me with Josie when when they called her a term of endearment (which was frequent) she would get annoyed and pull them on it, often! Maybe its just a generational thing, my folks friends still use kiddo, pet, terms for young women and whilst it can be grating as an adult let alone one who is breaking the law with them it just happened more than I liked. That and a frequent bladder although I absolutely got it and am the first to admit I am super prickly just now so things that normally would be water off a ducks back really gets under my skin just now.

I do like Josie's character and hopefully this is just book one in a new series, this is an established author writing under another name but I think this is my first time reading him, I will need to check. 3.5 rounder up to 4 because whilst I liked some bits and disliked some of the first 3/4's I did really really like the last quarter of the book. Pace, action, banter, interactions with each other so yeah 4/5 for us overall with all things considered.

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It's Always The Husband by C L Taylor

It’s Always the Husband by C.L. Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages -

Publisher - Avon

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

The school gates have never been so dangerous…

When newly divorced Jude arrives in the small town of Lowbridge, she is soon drawn to the enigmatic Will, father to her young daughter's best friend.

But Will's devastating past holds questions that nobody knows the answer to – and after two tragedies tore his life apart in just a few short years, gossip and rumours abound about what really happened to the women he loved.

Because whilst one dead wife is tragic, two starts to look like murder…



My Review

Jude has just recently moved into a small town post divorce, she can't warm to the mums who convene at the school gates gossipy judgement oozing out of them. She is however drawn to Will, one of the single dads at the gates and they get on, they have young daughters of the same age and there is no denying the attraction. When Jude finally goes to a group meet set up by the driving force that is Victoria, head mum she is pumped for info about her relationship with Will. In between the gossip and alcohol Jude also finds out why they hate Will so much. His first wife died and his girlfriend went missing, the group is worried for her whilst spilling some gossip and secrets of their own.

So the book goes between the key characters povs, Jude, Victoria, Victoria's ex Andy (who is a cop btw), Sorrell across X days. With a creepy eerie suspense building like what is Will's deal, the domestics between Victoria and Andy (they have kids so custody and all the jazz). Victoria is a total PTA mum but also in everybody's business, little miss popular, its a bit of a bitch and a control freak. The group is a very mixed dynamic, Jude is over their nonsense before even getting fully embroiled in it all but she needs info. What she does hear only makes her want to do some more digging, she has her own trauma from the past which pushes her on and her needs for answers.

Oooooh what a bitchy wee town, gossip, drama, secrets, suspense, thriller, trauma, like this has it all. I have been having some hard readers block but this pulls you in and lets you absorb all their drama/chaos/suspense so you can pause your own life for a bit. This is one of the reasons I love reading so when you can't it is super stressful, this book pulled me out of mine. Full absorption, some shady characters, skulduggery and who doesn't like scandal in a small town that isn't your own, 4.5/5. We are big fans of Taylor's work and yet to read one we didn't like, yet another fab read of dastardly deeds, dodgy biscuit people and a whole lot of drama and danger!

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Flawless by Elsie Silver

Flawless by Elsie Silver
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 424

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

The rules were simple . . .
Keep my hands off his daughter and stay out of trouble.

But now I’m stuck with her . . . And there’s only one bed . . .
Oh well, rules are made -- to be broken . . . aren't they?

I’m the face of professional bull riding -- the golden boy.
Or at least I was, until it all blew up in my face.
Now my agent says I have to clean up my image, so I’m stuck with his ball-busting daughter for the rest of the season as my “full-time supervision.”

But I don’t need a goddamn babysitter --
especially one with skin-tight jeans, a sexy smirk,
and a mouth she can’t stop running.

A mouth I just can’t stop thinking about . . .

Because Summer isn’t just another conquest.
She sees the man behind the mask, and she doesn’t run --
she pulls me closer, even when she shouldn’t.

She says this means nothing -- but I say this means everything.

She says there are boundaries we shouldn’t cross.
That my reputation can’t take any more hits -- and neither can her damaged heart.

I say I’m going to steal it anyway.


My Review

Well guys I have finally read my first cowboy book, YEEEEEHAW! Rhett is a champion bull rider, raking in the ladies, bad press, money and titles but he isn't getting any younger. When he finds himself in yet more hot water, this time costing him sponsorship his agent assigns his daughter Summer to keep him in check and help fix his rep during this next title competition. She is desperate to make a good impression to her dad as this is her first run at a job in his company but there is no denying Rhett is as hot as he is trouble!

Ok once you get past some of the cringe smut talk, like she tells him to shoosh and I was like halleluiah, shut it chatty cathy lol! I believe this could be considered enemies to lovers trope? He resents her because she is effectively a babysitter, his family rip on him because they are all boys and thats what they do. Rhett is stunning and famous so women are flinging themselves at him and buckle bunnies are a thing. I got an education as well as a spicy story!

This is book one, I assume the others are the same characters, I have bought the next three but not read them as yet. I loved the family threads and how they are with each other, the friendships, his moody brother - I hope we get more of his story. Her bestie seems like a good yin too so I am hoping the next books give us more into them.

There is spice, adult smut talk - I am sure some folk will LOVE that but a lot of that I had a riddy for him lmao. Hot and spicy, sweary, cheeky and of course cowboys/bull riding, I do feel sorry for these animals, I know it is a fiction book but sports with bulls are a real thing so heads up, 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars because I did like the relationships, family, buildup but some of the cringe chat/scenes and animal stuff took a bit of the spark off it so all round a 4 for me and I will be reading the next books.

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Book sleeve with zip giveaway

So sorry I haven't had one up for a bit, still chasing the winner of the last one (we usually say 48 hours and we will pick another winner, it has been weeks, going to give them one more message!) but here we are. Open worldwide, to enter please use the Rafflecopter below, good luck.

What is up for grabs? X1 book sleeve with a zip as pictured.

It has a handle on the side you can hang it on your wrist or a bag.

Zip along the top so your book won't fall out.

Lined inside, black soft material.

It also has an open pocket at the front (no zip on that part), decent depth. The sleeve is large and can fit paperback and hardback or your kindle.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Love At First Sight by Laura Jane Williams

Love at First Sight by Laura Jane Williams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Penguin

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

She’s found the one. He’s just not the one for her.

Jessie doesn’t believe in love at first sight. Until one sunny Saturday in London, a fire alarm in Whole Foods throws her into a stranger's arms. Cal is charming and funny: their chemistry is instant.

Quick-fire flirting turns into the most romantic day of Jessie’s life. But that evening they're forced apart before swapping numbers. Jessie is devastated – has she just lost the one?

After weeks of searching, Cal turns up on her doorstop holding two dozen red roses. It feels like fate.

The only thing is, they’re not for her…


My Review

Ah Jessie, shopping when she meets Cal, both are shopping, fire alarm goes off and they end up chatting and having a pretty magical date/evening. When Cal is a hero their night is cut short, they hadn't gotten each others details and the love that could have been is cut short Jessie can't believe it. So imagine her surprise, x amount of time later Cal appears with flowers but they aren't for her and Jessie can't say anything without upturning her life.

Ooft talk about nightmare, poor Jessie cannot catch a break, her dad is dating someone her age and she isn't the nicest at all. Her would be dream man disappeared and now she wishes he had stayed gone but she can't deny she is attracted to him still but actions and consequences. Her local butcher is a dish but he is a bit of a ladies man and she can't bring herself to take him seriously. Her boss is famous, high maintenance but also mostly friendly and Jessie dotes on her wee boy but even that aspect of her life isn't clear cut and issues are at every corner.

Jessie is nice but she also ripped my knitting a fair few times, some of her choices, behaviours, actions I was like really gurl come on! Her dad I wanted to slap more than a few times too, her employer, Cal, more than half the playing cast at times lol but I am also the first to admit I am beyond irritated the now so things that may have irked me now enrage lol.

Enjoyable poolside ride or just a wee wanting to dodge your own reality for 5 minutes, that being said it does have themes of infidelity, toxic behaviours, coercion, bitching, game play, emotional blackmail, a few doosies, 3/5 for us this time.

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