The Divorce by Frieda McFadden

The Divorce by Freida McFadden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 368

Publisher - Poisened Press Pen

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

What is a happily ever after really worth?

Naomi was living the quintessential love story. Boy meets girl. They fall in love, get married, buy a dream house, start a family…

Then―he kicks her out, hires the city’s best divorce lawyers, drains their accounts, and takes up with a 20-something.

It’s a brutal end to the story. Naomi should accept defeat: move into a dingy apartment, get back into the workforce, and piece together the shattered remains of her life.

Except, why should she?

Instead, Naomi fixates on her husband’s new girlfriend. What begins as cynical curiosity soon twists into obsession―and then into something far darker. As Naomi uncovers secrets she never imagined, she realizes her own life may be in danger.

But if it keeps her perfect family intact, isn’t it worth it?

In The Divorce, #1 New York Times and internationally bestselling author Freida McFadden delivers a razor-sharp, subversive thriller where love curdles into vengeance, and survival becomes the most dangerous game of all.


My Review

Naomi and Jeremy are married, have a wee boy, Jeremy is the bread winner, Naomi gave up her career to raise their little one. When Jeremy pulls the rug right from under Naomi and turns their life upside down, a younger woman, pulling dirty tricks and Naomi has to face facts that Jeremy doesn't want her and if she doesn't accept that soon she could lose everything.

Oooft Jeremy is not a nice guy, blind sighting Naomi with divorce AND he has a new woman who of course is younger. He fights dirty and Naomi can't bring herself to believe it, it is just a phase, they belong together and noone, not some young slim beautiful woman is going to change that. As things get more desperate and Naomi starts to realise she needs to fight back things go from bad to worse to dangerous. How far would you go to save your marriage, your family especially when the walls are closing in and you have nothing.

Some really bad behaviour, bad people and very bad choices. Honestly I really hated Jeremy and Naomi I was like WHAT ARE YOU DOING NOOOOOOO. Short chapters which we love and I wanted to know where this was going because ooft. Unhinged, shocking, shady, some topics that may trigger folk, the author has put trigger warnings on her website so you can check that out prior to reading if that is something you need, 4/5 for me!

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Don't Fall in Love With Me by Paige Toon

Don't Fall in Love With Me by Paige Toon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 368

Publisher - Penguin

Source - Arc and bought a copy

Blurb from Goodreads

What if the person you love the most is the one you can’t have?

Grace has loved Jackson since she was fifteen – when they spent every childhood summer exploring France's breathtaking Ardèche region together. They were best friends, until life took its course and Jackson married someone else.

Years later, Jackson re-enters Grace’s life with an irresistible her dream job in the very town where their story began. And he’s newly single.

As memories from those idyllic summers flood back, Grace encounters an old friend Étienne, who proposes a plan to help make Jackson jealous. But as their scheme unfolds, Grace finds herself questioning if the sparks between them might not be so pretend after all…

Unbeknownst to Grace, Étienne is harbouring a secret that could shatter her world.

Will learning the truth finally set her heart free?

Or is this the beginning of a love story bigger than she ever imagined?


My Review

Grace has loved her bestie guy pal Jackson since she was a teenager, their summers together so precious and she always looked forward to. Her feelings growing ever stronger but nothing ever happening. Heartbroken when Jackson got married Grace moved on but Jackson was always her special someone. Now she has a chance to go back, working for Jackson, her dream job AND Jackson is now single, could this finally be her time? Etienne is still there, Grace's friend who seen her unrequited love and was there for her then and is again now. He see's what Grace doesn't and knows that making Jackson jealous may just be the push he needs to realise just how great Grace is. As the pair flirt, Grace does see herself looking at the situation between both, her long time crush and her pal and questioning her feelings and all she has ever wanted, will she get it?

Ah Grace, we have all been there, wanting that one person, in this case her bestie and never getting her moment. Over the years there has been almost moments, moments when Grace felt she might finally get that kiss, that moment they cross the friendship line. We do geta feel for how they are and what their relationship was then and is now, it flows fine going back and forth so you don't get pulled out of the story. As we get to know Jackson and how he interacts with Grace, how he sees her - we the reader see what Grace seemingly can't. Especially when Etienne and her put into place the flirting in front of Jackson. There is no denying Jackson loves having Grace in his life, she is the grounded, adoring always supporting and stroking his ego. I think we clock on quickly that Jackson dangles the carrot just enough, enough that Grace has hope that she may get a chance with Jackson.

I love Etienne, he has been through so much and there of course is an undercurrent to him wanting to help Grace. Etienne's family are so nice and Jackson's Grandad but his mum, like his fiance/wife/ex wife are horror bags. It is quite a mixed dynamic, we have the old love triangle but with the twist of fake flirting, provoking jealousy, mingled with friendship, business and small town.

There is some humour, sadness, heartache, it is a slow burner but giving us the past and present so we understand the history and dynamics between the families, friends and just how complicated love, emotions, feelings and relationships can be. I do enjoy Toon's books and I love a messy will they won't they, the question - did Grace get her man? Well you will need to read it to find out, the book is out now, 4/5.

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Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen

Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - over 3 days

Pages - 608

Publisher - Requited

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Revenge demands sacrifice. Don’t miss this action-packed, jaw-dropping, dark and romantic sequel to Dire Bound.

CROWNED BY DESTINY. CONSUMED BY VENGEANCE.

Against all odds, Meryn Cooper has inherited the crown—and a deadly war. As the Kingdom of Nocturna splinters under the weight of generations of lies, it is up to Meryn, her bonded direwolf Anassa, and their allies to bring the country back from the brink.

But the commoners, the Bonded, and the nobles are distrustful of their new queen and Meryn is caught in a deadly game of politics. Meanwhile, Meryn’s beloved younger sister, Saela, is more at risk than ever.

Confusingly, the one person Meryn can trust is Stark Therion—the dark, dangerous Alpha she thought hated her as much as she loathed him. Yet, his loyalty is unshakeable. His presence is intoxicating. And with his guidance, Meryn can seize an unthinkable level of power.

With enemies closing in and shadows stirring in her dreams, Meryn stands to lose her kingdom—and her heart.

Blood will spill. Bonds will break. Fate will be tested


My Review


This is book two of the Wolves of Ruin, if you haven't read book one I would absolutely recommend doing so. One because spoilers, like even the blurb so yeah stop here and go read book one if you haven't already. So we left book one with Meryn finding out a terrible betrayal and shocking truth, now she has claimed her birthright and has so many hills to climb, obstacles to overcome and dangers headed her way.

Oooft so book one we seen death galore between the "tributes" and even the poor dire wolves. Well this one is no different and you best prepare yourself. Meryn is still reeling from all the revelations in the last book, learning her place, the expected behaviors, hierarchy, war, threats to life ooft.

I feel like the pace of this one is so different from the first and yeah it would be because it is heading on, Meryn is in a new phase and stage. That being said, so much of the issue was about her biggest adversary, the enemy who always seemed ten steps ahead and yet when the crux of it all came it was so fast and like a secondary thought. Now we are focused on "the mission" soz no spoilers here so the book took a really different turn and feel for me, like it could have been a different storyline. And I did really enjoy that offset of the story, there were so many veins of storylines though. The chapters split between Meryn and Stark, again I feel we get a very different Stark in this book and we get to hear directly from him. Their spicy scenes, I don't know it kind of felt so samey to what she went through with Killian, I cringed at them too and don't get me started on Kitten and how Stark's behaviour after it meh.

That seems like so many complaints lol, I did enjoy it and want to see where it went but girl, Meryn did rip my knittin and I get it she has been through so so much but I just feel she was so different from book one Meryn. I suppose that is a reflection of everything she has went through but yeah I was so irked at some of it and also how some people behaved, 4/5.

I did enjoy this one but not as much as book one, I am looking forward to book three.

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Quicksilver by Callie Hart

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 4 days

Pages - 624

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember. In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water. But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares…but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed right in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him… or her. Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.

Be careful of the deals you make, dear child. The devil is in the details... Now with an embossed cover, silver foiling, and an updated interior design.


My Review

Saeris lives in a place ruled by the undying queen, their land is dirt poor, disease and poverty is rife, Saeris survives by her wit and quick light fingers. She steals and sells anything she can and steals water from the royal reserves because the rations aren't nearly enough for survival. When Saeris robs from a guard and her brother once again gets them into trouble Saeris is arrested and certainly will be put to death. When she accidentally opens a portal she ends up taken by "Death" and into a different land. One where the beings have long been told of, killers, evil, worse than the undying queen or are they? As Saeris navigates through this new and strange place, dressed up like a girly (Saeris is all trousers and fighting) as expected to behave and do as she is told, two things Saeris will not do. What lies ahead is questioning of everything she knew, as much food and drink as she could dream of and the expectation to create what is needed for this land is going through war, vampires and more.

This is such a good fantasy book and I absolutely need to get book two, danger, mythical beings, war torn countries, portals, vampires, family, friendship, loyalty and spicy scenes. Saeris is desperate to get back home, in order to get there she needs to learn and master what is expected of her in this new place, alchemy ooft. There is danger galore but she knows the undying queen will punish her whole land if she doesn't get back. She is pulled towards Kingfisher (the guy she thought was death), he is a fierce warrior, the attraction is undeniable but she is raging and refuses to admit to it. Plus he is a bit of a tool, arrogant and busts her chops so they are very competitive to each other.

I really liked this, couldn't wait to see where it was heading. Whilst there was a lot of people and places the book has a book map I could follow it fine, even with brain fog. There is a lot of catty fiery attitude which I love, violence, war, battles and Saeris despite being a human is pretty handy looking after herself, we love a strong female! 4/5 for me, this is my first time reading this author, it won't be my last.

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Death Comes To Marlow by Robert Thorogood

Death Comes to Marlow by Robert Thorogood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 366

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

It’s been an enjoyable and murder-free time for Judith, Suzie and Becks – AKA the Marlow Murder Club – since the events of last year. The most exciting thing on the horizon is the upcoming wedding of Marlow grandee, Sir Peter Bailey, to his nurse, Jenny Page. Sir Peter is having a party at his grand mansion on the river Thames the day before the wedding, and Judith and Co. are looking forward to a bit of free champagne.

But during the soiree, there’s a crash from inside the house, and when the Marlow Murder Club rush to investigate, they are shocked to find the groom-to-be crushed to death in his study.

The study was locked from the inside, so the police don’t consider the death suspicious. But Judith disagrees. As far as she's concerned, Peter was murdered! And it’s up to the Marlow Murder Club to find the killer before he or she strikes again…



My Review

So this is book two, if you haven't read the first you absolutely should because Judith is absolutely hilarious! Judith (and co) solved a murder in the last book and the village was all ooooh but things have now settled. Judith is in her 80s, sharp as a tack and often in the mix of everything. She gets a call from Sir Peter, invited to the pre wedding drinks but something he says on the phone perks Judith's interest, she heads there with Suzie and Becks. Not too long into it they hear a loud noise and Sir Peter is dead, seemingly an accident within a locked room. Not much gets passed Judith and she is sure there is more to it than meets the eye, it is time to dig and investigate!

Honestly Judith is the type of character I don't think I could ever tire of reading, she is wild and gets into some situations. Becks is married to the victor and has a secret and Suzie has a new radio show and dog sits so they all have stuff going on as well as helping Judith investigate and dig into what happened. Oh on a separate note Judith does crosswords (the clues, I could never, my brain just won't) but she ends up on a side quest related to the crosswords she does and trying to find out someone's identity!

It is a busy book, skulduggery, murder, families, love, lies and some humour, it is a fab series and I need to get book three for sure. If you fancy some quirky characters with a dash of murder and exposing secrets, dudes this one is absolutely for you, 4/5.

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Family Lies by Karen Rose

Family Lies by Karen Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out as able over 5 days

Pages - 513

Publisher - Headline

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

The fourth nerve-shattering installment of the San Diego Case Files from New York Times bestselling author Karen Rose sees Kit McKittrick’s sister caught in a maelstrom of deadly family secrets.

As an infant, Kit McKittrick’s foster sister Akiko was abandoned at a firehouse. Now 32, Akiko has received an unsettling phone call from a woman who says that she knew her birth mother but refuses to divulge any details except in person. Akiko is nervous but also thrilled at the prospect of finally learning about her blood relations.

Kit has a bad feeling about this and insists on accompanying Akiko to meet the woman. Sure enough, as they stand on Mary Sherman’s doorstep, shots are fired and Kit is hit...and inside the house is a corpse: Mary Sherman herself.

Although she’s on medical leave and forbidden to work the case, Kit cannot rest. With police psychologist Sam Reeves, she undertakes a covert investigation into the mysterious Mary Sherman. Was she Akiko’s birth mother? Why did she reach out after all these years? And who had a motive to kill her?

As more bodies pile up, Kit starts to put together the pieces of the frightening puzzle that is Akiko’s birth family, and she’ll come to wonder whether some secrets should stay buried after all.


My Review

This is book four in the San Diego case files, I haven't read the previous three but that doesn't ever stop me. The books are great you can pick them up and read as standalones, this one features Akiko - she has always wanted to know more about her bio family. She has Kit, her foster sister who was also taken in by the same loving family and has her own issues. She is a cop so when Akiko gets a call from someone who says they knew her bio mum Akiko needs to go. Kim insists on going too along with her boyfriend (police psychologist), when they arrive at the callers house they are shot at and it all kicks off from there.

Kim is hurt in the shooting so on medical leave and when more danger arrives Kit is furious when the cop assigned to the case is one who is not just lazy but has a grudge against Kit. Despite threats to her safety and threats from work about consequences if she doesn't let the police do their job Kit won't leave her sister nor stop digging to see who wants her hurt.

The book has loads of threads, characters and secrets which we LOVE, we know Akiko is in the dark, imagine this has been a theme through the previous books. We also learn about how the girls came to meet and be fostered with the family so it is fine we haven't read the previous three. There is danger on every corner, no one seems to be safe and we have no idea where the thread is coming from or why which hooks you and keeps you turning the pages. 4/5 for me this time and I have went back and bought book one of the series and will catch up on those I missed.

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The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse

The Day She Came Back by Amanda Prowse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 3 days

Pages - 317

Publisher - Lake Union

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

When her loving, free-spirited grandmother Primrose passes away, Victoria is bereft, yet resilient—she has survived tragedy before. But even her strength is tested when a mysterious woman attends Prim’s funeral and claims to be the mother Victoria thought was dead.

As the two women get to know each other and Victoria begins to learn more about her past, it becomes clear that her beloved grandmother had been keeping life-changing secrets from her. Desperate for answers, she still struggles to trust anyone to tell her the truth.


My Review

Victoria has lived with her grandma as long as she can remember, her mum died of a drug overdose when she was just a baby. Any time Victoria tried to ask about her mum the conversation was closed down quickly. When Primrose (granny) dies suddenly and a strange lady comes to the funeral and says she is Victoria's mum, Victoria finds her world turned upside down. Grieving, disbelieving, angry and the boy she has always liked seems to be the only shoulder available (she has had a fall out with her bestie) poor Victoria doesn't know whether she is coming or going!

Prowse has a way of creating characters that whether you love or hate them you are absolutely enthralled. I really liked Primrose when we met her, feisty, eccentric and fabulous but as the book goes on we realised that guuuuuurl had some secrets!!! Victoria, I cut some slack because she is a teenager, a bit naïve, grieving but some of the things she does I wanted to shake her!

The book kinda has two halves almost, the initial opening, sudden grief and trying to find her way through it and then the aftermath of the shock that actually her mum is alive and why had everyone lied to her. The book deals with difficult topics as always, grief, addiction, sudden loss, manipulative people, secrets, lies and personal growth which is always a huge part of the stories Prowse tells which is why I think so many people can relate regardless of what the topic(s) are, 4/5.

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Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister

Caller Unknown by Gillian McAllister
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 352

Publisher - MichaelJoseph

Source - Arc Netgalley

Blurb from Goodreads

How far would you go to rescue your child? A mother races against the clock—and finds herself on the wrong side of the law—in a desperate fight to save her teenage daughter in this pulse-pounding thriller from the author of Reese’s Book Club Pick and New York Times bestseller Wrong Place Wrong Time.

There is nothing that Simone won’t do for her daughter, Lucy. The two have always been close, and with Lucy about to leave home for university, they depart the UK for a vacation to Texas to spend some quality time together. But when Simone awakens on their first morning in the desert, Lucy is gone, missing from their rental cabin. In her place is a cell phone, and a voice on the other line issues a shocking ransom demand. Don’t tell the police. Come to this location. And be prepared to do a deal…

Though Simone’s husband urges her to bring in the authorities for help, she knows she can’t take any chances. The kidnappers might kill Lucy if she tells anyone. No mother would take that risk. Instead, that night, she drives to the isolated meet-up.

What she finds there changes everything. The mysterious kidnapper doesn’t want money. They want Simone to do something. The unthinkable.

A catastrophic chain of events is set in motion, with chilling consequences that extend beyond Simone and her family. What follows is a heart-pounding journey through the small towns and punishing deserts of remote Texas, in which Simone’s courage—and morality—is pushed to the brink as she discovers what it truly means to be a mother.



My Review


Mother and daughter are back together after Lucy (daughter) has been away to a wee retreat style and now mum and daughter are doing a cabin/camping trip together before she heads to university. The trip is in USA, Texas and they are from the UK, after travel they finally meet and get to the cabin have a snack and go to bed. When Simone wakes it doesn't take long to notice Lucy is missing and a phone starts ringing, it isn't hers, it isn't Lucy's and Simone's world falls apart. Someone has kidnapped Lucy and Simone will do whatever it takes to get her back and the kidnapper has indeed offered a way to get her daughter back.

Oooft - it kicks off quite quickly and Simone is just a normal mum, maybe a bit more distrust of authority due to her upbringing with an addict parent and social work involvement. Her husband wants to go to the police, he is a lawyer and fixer but Simone will take no chances with her daughters life and is going to do exactly what she is told.

The book is kinda in two halves, the kidnap and Simone trying to follow the kidnappers instructions and what happens when she gets to the "end game" and everything that follows thereafter. There are a few scenes that are really tense and you totally feel for Simone. Some of her behaviours/attitudes and Lucy's did irritate and or annoy me but it is a highly charged sleep deprived state and trauma responses so you need to give a bit of leeway but still.

It has tense moments, some moments you are like oh no why why why and others I was like really?!?!?!? It absolutely kept me engaged and I wanted to know how it was all going to play out, I read it in one day which considering how my readers block has been is no mean feat, 4/5.

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Five Years From Now by Paige Toon

Five Years From Now by Paige Toon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages -

Publisher -

Source -

Blurb from Goodreads

'Tender, heartbreaking and magical . . . I went from feeling warm and fuzzy to shock, delight before, finally, well – you'll just have to read it!'
GIOVANNA FLETCHER

What if you met the right person at the wrong time?

Nell and Van meet as children when their parents fall in love, but soon they are forced worlds apart.

Five years later, they find each other. Their bond is rekindled and new feelings take hold, but once again they must separate.

For the next two decades, fate brings Nell and Van together every five years, as life and circumstance continue to divide them. Will they ever find true happiness? And will it be together?

‘One day, maybe five years from now, you’ll look back and understand why this happened…’



My Review

Forty is present day (the chapters are labelled with the age of our main character Nell), we open at forty (prologue) and then head to the past Five. This is when Nell first meets her soon to be step brother, Van, sitting on her bed, how rude. We then jump in blocks of five years (the whole theme going by her dads old you might look back five years from now and see things differently etc. In between the five year jumps we sometimes come back to "forty" which is present day and Nell's current life.

We see from the moment Nell and Van meet, reluctant but stuck together and eventually becoming friends and growing up until tragedy hits the family and everything changes. Over the years, pretty much every five years Nell and Van are brought together and unresolved issues and feelings flare.

The book goes through and explores themes of blended families, love, loss, friendship, attraction and a love that burns so brightly and deeply but fate and circumstances keeping them apart. I do enjoy Toon's books and even if I have a bit of a reader block I tend to find I can sink into these books, 4/5 for me this time, I have to bump my others up the tbrm!

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Road Trip with a Vampire by Jenna Levine

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out as able over 4 days

Pages - 384

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

A vampire who can’t remember his past and a witch with secrets of her own hit the road in this zany, cross-country romantic comedy from beloved author Jenna Levine.

Reformed bad witch Grizelda “Zelda” Watson had hoped to never see another vampire again when she slipped away to sunny California for a fresh start. She'd grown tired of them and their nonsense ages ago. But when a vampire with amnesia unexpectedly shows up on her doorstep with a letter from her old friend Reggie, and asks for her help, she can’t say no. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Peter Elliott is tall and gorgeous, looks great in yoga shorts, and has the kind of dark hair and surly expression Zelda’s been a sucker for for hundreds of years.

Peter isn’t completely harmless—he is fanged, after all—but he’s harmless enough, and soon becomes the only person in Zelda’s new life who knows the truth about what she is. If she can help him decipher the cryptic notes in his journal, the only clues to his lost memories, she might as well try before sending him on his way.

But when an alarming message from Peter's past coincides with a clear sign that Zelda can't keep running from her own, they embark on a cross-country road trip for answers—only to find what they're looking for in each other.


My Review

This is book three of the vampire series but they absolutely can be read as standalones because each book focuses on the individuals involved own story. Zelda is a super powerful witch with a shady past, she really lived it up over her hundreds of years however after some bad things happened she toned it down and disappeared. She hasn't spoken to her old vamp pal for a decade and now had a wee yoga retreat and rarely practices magic now which brings its own perils. Now a vampire (Peter), WITH AMNESIA no less has rocked up to her quiet wee life, sent by her auld pal as he thinks she can help. Zelda has been helped in her time of need so she kinda feels like she needs to but also Mr memory loss vamp is also hot, like HOT so agrees she does and they both head off on a road trip with just a book of his memories and a building sizzling attraction, oh my!

We get glimpses of both their pasts, Peter's brings us up to present day and the fall out. In between trying to unravel his memories, Zelda trying to deal with her magic issues and doing controlled experiments allowing for controlled bursts of magic, Peter they both try to unravel his mystery between his diary, how people seem to react to him and threatening notes from ?who.

It is an attraction slow burn romance that sparks fire, some mystery for both of them, we learn as we go and the threat from an outside party who want something from Peter but neither he nor us know. Magic, sass, amnesia, vampire, witch, road trip and building attraction with some spicey scenes, I am sad this is the last book because they are all great characters, 4/5.

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The Magician by Michael Scott

The Magician by Michael Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 1 week (as able)

Pages - 464

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris, the City of Lights. Home for Nicholas Flamel. Only this homecoming is anything but sweet. Perenelle is still locked up back in Alcatraz and Paris is teeming with enemies. Niccolo Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, is working for Dee. He’s after them, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenelle. For every day spent without the Book of Abraham the Mage, they age one year-their magic becoming weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophecy is becoming more and more clear.

It’s time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic: Fire Magic. And there’s only one man who can teach it to her: Flamel’s old student, the Comte de Saint-Germain-alchemist, magician, and rock star. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world’s only hope-if they don’t turn on each other first.


My Review

I read book one in 2018 so it had been a while but it was easy enough to pick back up where I was and it gives you info of what had passed. So the twins Sophie and Josh are on the run from some baddies, magical baddies. Nicholas Flamel is with them and a warrior vampire, Nicholas's wife has been kidnapped and held against her will. Sophie's power has been awakened but needs honed and training, Josh hasn't has his awakened, their parents have no idea of everything that has transpired. Get ready for a magical barney, old powers, legends, magic oh my.

So Nicholas has a nemesis, well probably many, this one is someone he taught everything he knows but has turned against him. They all know about the twins prophecy and suspect the teenage twins are those from the books.

Relationships, new characters, threats of all manners - warriors, monsters, magical creatures and powerful elders. You can tell Josh is a bit put out that all this is happening to his sister and he is still "normal" and with distrust of Flamel he is prime for manipulation.

I don't think everyone will love this one, I enjoyed it, all the mystical beings, magic, fights (both physical and for power). Josh is a bit annoying at times but he is just a teen and it must be hard watching his sister getting power(s) whilst he is still "normal".

I have the next two books to read so it will be interesting to see where the story takes us, character progression and there is a big war type building so it will be interesting to see how that plays out. The head (well one of cos even he has a boss) bad guy has so many allies and monsters/powerful creatures under his control whereas our wee group aren't that many and Nicholas is getting older and weaker and doesn't have his wife at his side, the odds aren't looking great. It is tres exciting, well the build up and seeing how it is going to play out, 4 stars for me!

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This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page

Happy publication day, the book is available to buy NOW, from Amazon hardback, ebook and audio I think.

This Book Made Me Think of You by Libby Page
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days (in and out as able)

Pages - 416

Publisher - Penguin Viking

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

Twelve stories. Twelve months. Once chance to heal her heart...

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her fiancé waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. Mainly because Joe died five months ago…
The gift is simple – twelve carefully-chosen books from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.
Tilly sets out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to vlog her journey, her story becomes more than her own. With help from Alfie, the bookshop owner, her budding new following and her friends and family, can Tilly’s year of books show her how to love again?


My Review

Tilly is navigating life without her husband Joe, after a sudden illness robbed their future Tilly is doing what she needs to to get through an hour, a day, a week. Very much still in the throes of grief she gets a call from a small local book shop owner, a book for her. She naturally says there must be a mistake, she hasn't ordered anything then her world turns on its axis, it is from Joe. Once she gets over the shock, Tilly discovers that Joe has left her the most thoughtful gift, a book every month with a note from him. Each book is chosen by Joe to challenge her, make her take new adventures, push herself and start living again. When she thought her life and new memories with Joe was over he had planned ahead and every month (for 12 months) she gets a little gift in the form of a book and love to help her in the hardest time of her life.

AHHHHHHHH you guys! This very much gave me echoes of P.S I Love You, offt. Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things but losing your husband before you really get a chance to do the things you planned. And we are all book lovers so this is just *chef's kiss* of an idea. The book store owner, Alfie, is a wee bit awkward but so so nice and I love his work colleagues, guys there is a cat in the shop like WHAAAAAAAT, love love love it.

So without giving spoilers cos we don't do that here, Joe spent a lot of time and thought into the books and gifts. Picking things that would push Tilly out her comfort zone, challenge her, make her enjoy new experiences and of course all whilst dealing with raw grief.

We learn about their relationship, how they met, Tilly being a total bookworm and a wee bit unique and the slow building friendship between her and Alfie. Whilst we mostly follow Tilly and her months leading up to and following the new book surprise we also get to met Alfie, his history, work colleagues and why the shop means so much and what he is hiding and trying to protect his workies from.

Emotive, sweet, navigating grief, work and Tilly's journey of personal growth and healing as she tries to get through every day of life without Joe. The book idea is just so lovely because well hello books, you know I LOVE LOVE LOVE books but picking out of her comfort zone, why, the accompanying letters and how he is helping her heal from beyond the grave. This was my first book of Page's it won't be my last, 4/5.

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Inside The Mind of John Wayne Gacy by Brad Hunter

Inside the Mind of John Wayne Gacy: The Real-Life Killer Clown by Brad Hunter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages -

Publisher -

Source -

Blurb from Goodreads

Brad Hunter has spent over thirty years writing about some of America’s most horrific crimes. In this new book he enters the mind of John Wayne Gacy, the real-life ‘Killer Clown’, often said to be the inspiration for Stephen King’s evil Pennywise in It.

Gacy lured victims to his home with the promise of work or a warm bed and then duped them into putting on handcuffs, claiming he wanted to show them a magic trick. He would then rape and torture his victims before killing them by suffocating or strangling them. Twenty-six were buried in the crawl space beneath his home; others were buried elsewhere on his property, while a handful were dumped in the Des Plaines River.

Gacy was executed for his crimes in 1994, but many questions remain unanswered. How many victims were there? Did Gacy act alone? And what drove John Wayne Gacy to murder? What caused the seemingly normal Gacy to sexually assault, torture and murder at least thirty-three young men and boys? local Democratic Party circles?

Drawing on his many years’ experience investigating and interviewing perpetrators of terrible crimes, Hunter seeks to understand what drove Gacy to unleash a reign of terror in suburban Chicago.


My Review

True crime about John Wayne Gacy, a pillar in his community, friends in high places, a construction company giving jobs to young men who often were down on their luck. When stirrings of trouble arise, when Gacy's name is mentioned again and again still nothing seems to be done nor connected because he couldn't be involved in young boys going missing. The book goes into who John Gacy was, the things he did, his marriage, his façade.

I have read a lot of true crime and whilst they always focus on the bad guy, the book is about him of course it does actually cover the victims, who they were. There has clearly been a lot of research done into this one, we get snippets from Gacy's own written words/accounts.

People who knew Gacy, the way the police worked at the time, how had the police actually taken seriously what was in front of them there would not have been as many victims. It is scary how some of these deviants are seemingly so normal until they are in front of his victims. It is scary how despite having such a shady red flags background and criminal charges he still went unchallenged for so long.

The book goes from Gacy's childhood up until after he is arrested and his debt to society is "paid" - with his last meal and even last words. For a short book it packs a lot, he is an evil man who was allowed to kill and harm unchecked for far too long, 4/5.

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Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 387

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

The phenomenal fifth book in the Hunger Games series!
When you've been set up to lose everything you love, what is there left to fight for?

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena.



My Review

If you have seen or read The Hunger Games you know how Haymitch is, if you don't, don't worry you can start here because this is his story. We know Haymitch as being the drunk mentor to Katniss and Peeta, he seems a good guy but troubled and addicted booze. We know he won his hunger games hence mentor but we don't know anything else. Now we do. Its his birthday the same day as the tributes are picked for the games. He does what he can to keep him and his wee family afloat, his mum, brother and he has a girlfriend who is part of the Covey. Now Haymitch's worst fears are coming true and it takes everything he has to survive, the odds are against him at every turn, he is on Snow's radar and everyone is counting on him.

Ooft guys, twice the amount of tributes as the normal hunger games cos it's the fiftieth anniversary, it is bloody, it is murder, it is brutal, honestly the Capital and Snow are horrific. He isn't hugely seen in this one but he is the wizard behind the curtain, everything is through him, the cruelty, the brutality, ugh he is just a horror.

I felt so so much for Haymitch and I now want to go back and watch The Hunger Games but with my focus being on Haymitch now I know his back story. Love, family, loss, cruelty and you know the Hunger Games are very Gladiator like but with kids instead and the rich community betting on them surviving and Snow's game keepers manipulating things as and when they see fit.

Emotive, I didn't cry but I did feel heart sorry for Haymitch and knowing how Snow's story ends I think he got off lightly. An evil evil man causing terror, horror and cruelty, ugh! Some new characters to meet, like, hate and scream over, 4/5 for me.

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A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber

A Christmas Duet by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 288

Publisher -

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Goodreads

A solo holiday trip inspires one woman to rediscover her passion—and remember that, sometimes, duets are more fun—in this romantic Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Hailey Morgan’s life has always revolved around music. She once had big dreams of composing her own songs, but the reality of life has led her to working as an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. As the holidays approach, Hailey dreads the annual tradition of Christmas with her meddling family, where she’ll have to play nice while dodging their traditional expectations.

When Hailey’s close friend offers her family’s empty cabin for a rejuvenating solo retreat, Hailey finally decides to do something to make herself happy. However, her arrival in small-town Podunk, Washington, is anything but peaceful when she discovers the cabin is occupied by several wild animals. Luckily, Jay, the mayor’s son—who happens to be an incredibly charming former musician—is more than willing to help.

Soon Hailey and Jay are nearly inseparable, chopping down and decorating a Christmas tree, sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire, and best of all, playing music together. Jay’s encouragement and feedback inspire Hailey to believe she might succeed as a songwriter after all. But even in her snow-dusted oasis, family holiday drama still finds Hailey, threatening her newfound peace and confidence, while she realizes Jay might be more than he presents himself to be. Suddenly her Christmas paradise has become a winter storm and Hailey must weather through the challenges to stand up for herself and embrace the holiday spirit.


My Review

Think this is my first time reading this author. Hailey is so over it, her ex has suddenly appeared after they broke up three years ago. He had zero faith in her ability as a song writer and singer which is something she loves and breathes. He eroded her confidence so much she has barely written a line let alone a song since he left. Her mother has never really gotten over it as she loved him/them and now knows it won't be long before the pressure is on, oh and it is Christmas practically. When Hailey gets a chance to escape to a cabin by herself, this is the chance to make some music and just have some her time with her guitar. She has an encounter with a wild animal and a local comes to her rescue, Jay. Jay also has a love and passion for music as well as his own issues with a musical past. The two connect and music bonds them, attraction is there, could this be perfect timing and finally everything in her world coming together?

Some of the characters in this one ripped my knitting, the ex, what an absolute banger like seriously who pops back after three years and doesn't take no for an answer. Her mum as well, so so rude and ignorant of Hailey's feelings and more interested in getting them back together. To be fair though I was like Hailey come on, find your spine and get them telt!

I loved the wee town, how they were like initially a wee bit shady but then totally accepting. Her and Jay are quite cute too and I loved the time/feel/aspect of the community there. Her sister I wasn't a huge fan of for small parts but then I actually came round to her and really liked her.

Family, friendship, music, romance, annoying exe's and an isolated wee cabin, all that was missing was befriending a wild animal and I would have been delighted. Nice read for this time of the year and just switching off from the world, 4/5 for me this time. I will be checking out her other books.

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The Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk

Christmas Fling by Lindsey Kelk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 4 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - Harper Collins

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

'Lindsey is the Taylor Swift of romance writing' DAISY BUCHANAN

Laura and Callum have met exactly three times – once at a mutual friend’s wedding (Laura doesn’t remember), once at a baby shower (Callum doesn’t remember) and once right now – when Laura lets herself into his flat to find him exiting the shower completely naked (they both remember).

When Callum's parents walk in and mistake Laura for his mystery girlfriend, Laura has no choice but to play along, accepting their invitation to spend Christmas at home in the Scottish Highlands.

But then Laura's best friends show up pretending to be her family, and Callum's ex is invited, and as Laura gets closer to Callum, she can't tell if the increasingly sizzling chemistry between them is real or just a very convincing part of the act…


My Review

When Laura heads to her new home the last thing she expects to see is a very naked Callum, after some embarrassment things sort themselves out. That is until Callum's parent's mistake Laura for Callum's elusive girlfriend they haven't met. Now they have a pact, fake dating, Laura will become Callum's girlfriend Caroline, she will be the worst girlfriend ever getting his parent's off his case. He is Scottish, handsome, his family want him to come home and take the lead with the family business. Callum has his own dream, his family is a bit complicated, his sister is a firey prickly character that Laura needs her wits about her to deal with oh and Callum's ex that they all love is back in the picture, what could go wrong?

It's funny, silly, Christmasy, fake relationship but you can see they have a wee spark and attraction. His family are wealthy and Laura aka Caroline is going to be a nightmare for them. Oh and lets no forget her besties, checking in by text because who agrees to travel off with someone, to their family, for the Christmas holiday, pretending to be their girlfriend. Laura also keeps herself away from relationships, she has her own issues and keeps men at arms length but of course there is something about Callum.

Funny disasters, rubbing folk up the wrong way, some not very nice behaviours from some, it is the perfect blend to read and escape your own life and just laugh at the daftness and moments Caroline aka Laura finds herself in. She is some lassie and her two pals are a bit bonkers as we find as the story develops, I quite like Kelk's previous books I have read (I am behind on a couple though) so I knew I would like this one too, 4/5.

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Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh

Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 496

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

He's a boy made of fire, and he's about to meet his match. The second son in a broken marriage, Joey Lynch has spent a lifetime picking up the pieces of an unraveling family. When his older brother skips town, twelve-year-old Joey finds himself thrown into the role of protector to his mother and younger siblings, plagued by self-loathing and furious with the world. Soon, he finds himself teetering precariously close to a life of addiction that threatens to swallow him whole. The only light in his dark seas is Aoife. His boss's firecracker daughter. His classmate. And soon, something far more complicated. Aoife Molloy has always moved forward, not backward. Bubbly, strong, and self-assured, she's never feared being led astray, even by her own heart. That is, until her first day of secondary school, when she collides with a hotheaded boy who sparks a burning curiosity inside of her that only grows stronger by the day. But their friendship is tangled and complex, full of unwinding secrets and feelings simmering beneath the surface. Aoife wants to let Joey in. Joey desperately fights to keep Aoife out. But even if it takes years, what's between them is bound to combust. And their hearts will never be the same.



My Review

So you could read this as book one instead of book three because this is Joey's story and it goes back to before and during the time of Binding 13 and Keeping 13. I loved Joey in those books and this one gives us more insight into everything Joey went through, not just the some/passing we do in the previous books.

I absolutely feel for Joey, his mother ugh, I really didn't like her in the previous books but the way she treats Joey in this. I get it she is in a horrible cycle and he looks like the man she seems drawn to and forgives everything but Joey is her literal saviour and she still treats him like that. He has so little self worth and self value because of how they (his mum and dad) treat him, it is heartbreaking.

The romance part, it doesn't have quite the same punch as Little Shannon and Johnny probably because he was the saviour, powerful one with everything. Joey is flawed, trying to save everyone and battling with self loathing, violence at home, addiction and then him and his bestie Aoife who becomes his other half. It doesn't happen easily or quickly, he didn't want to even be friends and whilst they continue to draw towards each other they have their own "romantic interests". Joey doesn't commit but is a stud and all the girls want him. Aoife has a long time boyfriend, Paul, the guy is a walking red flag, he comes from money and is popular he is also a total douche! I hated how long she kept him around though, that ground my gears I have to admit. Without going into spoilers as we don't do them but the parts that was giving Bella/Edward, if you know you know, ahhhhh!

I have the next book in the series to read and hopefully not be too long before we get to it, 4/5 from us this time.

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My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 372

Publisher -

Source - Aldi

Blurb from Goodreads

Nothing sucks more than fake dating a vampire in this paranormal romantic comedy from the USA Today bestselling author of My Roommate Is a Vampire.

Amelia Collins is by definition successful. She would even go so far as to say successfully single. But not according to her family, and she’s tired of the constant questions about her nonexistent dating life. When an invitation to yet another family wedding arrives, she decides to get everyone off her back once and for all by finding someone–anyone–to pose as her date.

After a chance encounter with Reginald Cleaves, Amelia decides he’s perfect for her purposes. He’s a bit strange, but that’s fine; it’ll discourage tough questions from her family. (And it certainly doesn’t hurt that he’s very handsome.) For centuries-old vampire Reggie, posing as her plus-one sounds like the ultimate fun. And if it helps his ruse of pretending to be human, so much the better.

As Amelia and Reggie practice their fauxmance, it becomes clear that Reggie is as loyal to her as the day is long, and that Amelia’s first impressions could not have been more wrong. Suddenly, being in a real relationship with Reggie sounds pretty fang-tastic.



My Review

I seen this on offer in Aldi for £2.99, hadn't read the author before and to be honest, they had me at vampire! Amelia is an accountant and her family are always hounding her for being single, Reginald aka Reggie is a very badly behaved flamboyant vampire who happens to be being hunted. When their paths cross an unlikely arrangement comes about. He agrees to be her plus one to a family event to get the vultures off her back after she helped him out. It all goes from there with some hilarity, silliness, romance and spice, twit twoo!

So this is book two but you can absolutely read it as a standalone. Amelia and Reggie are so very different, she is quiet and an absolute people pleaser to the point of her own discomfort and detriment. Reggie is a riot, he is being hunted for previous "crimes" committed to other vamps, he is chaos, cheeky and quite self involved. Something about Amelia brings a change though and we get to see a different side to Reggie.

We also see small snippets from his friend Frederick through correspondences, Frederick is so prim and proper (he is in book one which I am reading just now) and introduces Reggie into a form of journaling which gives us more insight into who he is. It is funny. cutesy, romantic, I liked the "crossed wires" between Amelia & Reggie, the contrast between Frederick & Reggie yet they are friends , 4/5. I am reading book one just now and will absolutely be getting book three.

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Loyalty by Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose

Loyalty: The brand new novel from the bestselling author by Jacqui Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 624

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Amazon

Dara Tailor and Grace Perry couldn't be more different. But both had to grow up fast when their circumstances led them to Holly Brookes Children's Home.

There, the two girls unite in the face of horrific abuse and form an unbreakable bond.

But when their loyalty is put to the ultimate test, can they rely on each other to do the right thing?

Friendship - it's all about trust.


Don't miss the explosive new novel from the queen of crime Martina Cole.


My Review

Guys this is a really dark book, perverts attacking, abusing kids, like they have like minded pals some in very high positions so they have access to vulnerable kids so warning warning warning. Cole's books often take us to the darkest sides of humanity, abusers, murder, low to no morales, depravity and really unsettling at times.

Dara and Grace come together in a childrens home, Dara has grown up with her mothers addiction, neglect, trying to provide for her siblings but she is a wean herself. Grace is different, lost her dad and now it is just her and her mum, she is loved, cared for and very innocent. When fate gives a heartbreaking blow Grace finds herself in the children's home and Dara and her have an unlikely friendship.

The book takes place over X time, we meet Dara and Grace as innocent children who are subjected to some of the most horrific abuse/treatment. It takes us up until adulthood, reconnections and more drama and heartache. There are other characters involved, vile baddies, perverts one of which has a wife and her behaviours, the things she does to protect her husband will make you want to scream, zero morality. Substances, abuse, betrayal, depravity, CA, SA, domestic violence, toxic family, toxic relationships, survival, strength of character, ooft it is a mixed bag, 4/5 but approach with caution it is a dark dark book.

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Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult

Leaving Time by Jodi Picoult
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 5 days

Pages - 402

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Number One bestselling author Jodi Picoult returns with her compulsive new novel - about the lengths we go to for those who have left us behind; about the staying power of love; and about how three broken souls might have just the right pieces to mend each other.
Jenna Metcalf was with her mother the night she disappeared in tragic and mysterious circumstances, but she remembers nothing.

Over ten years have passed, and still Jenna reads and rereads her mother's journals, hoping to find some clue hidden there, in the meticulous recording of her scientific research with elephants.

Desperate for answers, Jenna uses all her savings to recruit the aid of a private detective - and a psychic.

Jenna knows her mother loved her. She knows she would not leave her. And she will not rest until she finds out what happened that night. In her most gripping mystery since House Rules, Jodi Picoult brings us a powerful story of a young girl's determination to uncover the truth, however shocking and life-changing it might be.


My Review

Another Jodi Picoult with an animal theme/focus, remember like with the wolves? But this time it is elephants and I know not everyone likes that but I do. So the book goes between present day, Jenna wants help to finally find out what happened to her mum Alice. Alice disappeared when Jenna was just a baby, now a teen she hires a psychic, Serenity and an ex cop now PI. Serenity was once famous before scandal reduced her to being the one thing she hated "a swamp with" charging to read peoples fortune by cold reading. The unlikely trio work together to try and find out what happened to Alice all those years ago.

The book flips between characters and when we hear from Alice, Jenna's mum that is where we meet the elephants. She studied them in the wild before meeting Jenna's dad and joining him at his elephant sanctuary.

I love anything with ghosts so the whole psychic thing I was absolutely YES and as the book goes on we find out what happened and why she is so disgraced. Same with the Cop turned PI. The elephants, oh the elephants. There is talk of death/harm and the things these beautiful beings go through and their behaviours, health and care. This won't be for everyone but I love learning about stuff and I love animals so it was a win win for me. At the end of the book she also adds links to check out, you can help out and learn more. There is even a live camera from a sanctuary, three free webcams you can watch elephants, support these fantastic causes and learn about the harm/Ivory trade and what you can do to help.

A few themes that some may find triggering and I can't cover them all without spoilers which we don't do. Elephants well fare and harm, loss, murder, mental health, love, lies, secrets, ghosts/medium, 4/5 for me. I do enjoy Picoults books so this is no surprise that I enjoyed this one but I think it could be a marmite for some.

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