No Regret by Martina Cole and Jacqui Rose

No Regret: the gripping Sunday Times bestselling thriller from the iconic queen of crime by Martina Cole
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 404

Publisher - Headline

Source from Goodreads

Soho 1962.

When Rory Sheehan decides he wants Maggie Riley as his own, her fate is sealed.

Luca Romano knows all too well that what Rory wants, Rory gets. And the violence that erupts between their rival gangs is just the start of it.

Thomas Johnson owes Rory big time, and he must deny his feelings for Maggie to protect her. Faced with no alternative, Maggie throws herself on Rory's mercy, unaware of the brutality that she will face.

But Maggie Riley is a survivor. And the secret she's hiding could be her best weapon . . .


My Review

Oooft talk about dark! This is the third I think I have read of these two authors together. Maggie has it rough, her mother is a cold fish, her father is a drunk and abusive, her friendship with Thomas faces resistance because racism is high where they are. It is also set in the 1960s in England so it is brutal both in its attitudes to anyone not white English male. When Maggie attracts the eye of not just one but two very bad men she is essentially jumping from the frying pan and into the fire.

You know Cole's books always feature bad people, bad actions, the worst of humanity, drugs, selling people, murder, racism, abuse, sa, dv, ca, violence, drug addiction, prostitution honestly it is dark dark stuff and hardly a redeeming person in the whole thing.

Actions, consequences, death, betrayal, murder, you name it it is in it. Short chapters which we love, page turning because you want to see where it is going and if we are going to get retribution. 3.5/5 stars for me this time, I need a genre switch and something lighter because dear lord this was a dark yin, prepare yourselves!

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The Asylum by Karen Coles

The Asylum by Karen Coles
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 5 days

Pages - 352

Publisher - Welbeck

Source - Bought/gift

Blurb from Goodreads

1906: Being a woman is dangerous, being different is deadly.

Maud Lovell has been at Angelton Lunatic Asylum for five years. She is not sure how she came to be there and knows nothing beyond its four walls. She is hysterical, distressed, untrustworthy. Badly unstable and prone to violence. Or so she has been told.

When a new doctor arrives, keen to experiment with the revolutionary practice of medical hypnosis, Maud's lack of history makes her the perfect case study. But as Doctor Dimmond delves deeper into the past, it becomes clear that confinement and high doses are there to keep her silent.

When Maud finally remembers what has been done to her, and by whom, her mind turns to her past and to revenge.


My Review

Check your triggers, set in the early 1900s's Maud is in an Asylum, not a good place for anyone and the time for a woman, absolutely not. There is a new doctor in and Maud is the perfect candidate for his research. As he tries to get Maud to open up and trust he takes her back to her past and we flip between the two. As He digs deeper and Maud starts to remember it is clear there is someone who doesn't want her to and Maud's safety is at risk.

The before and memories are a bit slow burn to get to what we want, whatever caused Maud to block our her memories. The treatment she gets in the asylum, I use the word treatment loosely absolutely diabolical, brutal, evil and really unsettling. What she endures, how she is treated and the fact she is in a medical establishment, it is nothing short of abuse and I always think when it is vulnerable people it is even more horrific and by people who are meant to care for them and in a position of power. Absolutely enraging and upsetting and really brutal at points because historically we know things like that happened, I know this is fiction but still.

The book teases out the story, who is Maud, why is she there and why does it seem like she is being deliberately given the short end of the straw every single time. I can't give much in the way of triggers and themes because we don't do spoilers. I would say go into this with open eyes and prepare for themes that centre around abuse types that have been historically documented in asylums. 3/5 for me this time, I felt it slow at times, shocking at others but I was kept interested and wanting to see what was in Maud's past and what future, if any was ahead for her. I would read this author again.

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Missing by Shelley MacKenney

Missing by Shelley MacKenney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days

Pages - 304

Publisher - Penguin

Source - bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Missing is Shelley MacKenney's remarkable story of life as a 'missing person'. An inspirational tale of her journey through extreme personal crisis. "You can run, but you can't hide from yourself." Abandoned by her mother as a young child and with a father constantly on the run, Shelley's life was never normal. Her family's involvement with South London's criminal underworld left her isolated, vulnerable and lonely. Falling deeper and deeper into depression and despair - she snapped. Shelley got on the first coach out of London with only the clothes she stood up in and £30 in her pocket. She didn't care where she was going, as long as she could disappear completely from her oppressive life. For years, she lived anonymously in refuges, hostels and on the streets. It would take something remarkable to bring her back to the real world.



My Review

Shelley is very sheltered in a family who are constantly involved with the wrong side of the law. Shelley tends to be the exception to the family, she gets an education, she has a respectable job, she is escorted and shielded constantly by someone in the family, usually her nana. She wants to take care of them and before long finds herself getting into debt and pressuring herself to the point where she makes some decisions that have lasting impacts. With it all too much Shelley takes off and runs away. This is her story about the before, during and after, leaving behind the safety of her family and into a new life of never knowing where the next bed/meal is coming from and a constant stream of people looking to take advantage.

It is a gritty raw real telling of life on the streets, going from one help facility to another, trying to make ends meet and facing down all kinds of danger. The amount of people who look to take advantage of people down on their luck, struggling with money and or homeless is actually quite frightening. Even females coming from a place of "safety" males would hang around and threaten and or try their luck.

The thing in this one I would say is how let down Shelley was in regards to her mental health and so many opportunities for support to be provided and yet missed. As a result she ostracised herself from everything she knew, did some risky behaviours and actions and would fall into relationships/friendships that weren't healthy.

A stark look at what drives someone to going missing and a rare look at coming out the other side, a honest personal journey that examines cause and effect and trying to pick up the pieces, reconnect with family after a sudden enforced silence and X years gone by. She talked about her nana a lot, a lady who was tough as nails, in and out of trouble with the law and took no snash from anyone. She actually wrote a book too which is referenced a couple of times in this so of course I had to buy it, hopefully get to it soon, 3.5/5.

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The Family Friend by Claire Douglas

The Family Friend by Claire Douglas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Michael Joseph books

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads

When Imogen is told she’s inherited a country house near Bath, she thinks it must be a mistake. She last saw its owner, reclusive artist Dorothea Roe, sixteen years ago, during a tragic summer which changed her life for ever.
Now, with partner Josh in tow, it’s a chance for a fresh start.
But after discovering an old box with her name on it in Dorothea’s abandoned study, Imogen starts to believe the woman was trying to send her a secret message.
And when rumours begin to swirl that Dorothea was murdered, she starts to suspect that this gift might not be the life-line she thought it was.
Who would want to kill Dorothea?
Could it be tangled up in Imogen’s own dark family history?
And what if Imogen is now the one in danger?


My Review

The book flips between two characters, Dorothea, initially the incident that kicks everything off and then when we go to her chapters back through the years. And Imogen, Imogen met Dorothea years ago when her and her mum escaped DV from her father. Dorothea is an artist, eccentric, famous, rich and has more than a few secrets. Imogen's mum was a cleaner for Dorothea but they became friends and when they needed help, Dorothea offered her home. For four months a young Imogen flourishes and blooms but then her mum goes back to her dad and everything goes to pot. That was years ago, now Imogen has been left with everything and Dorothea's passing is looking like foul play. Is Imogen in danger and who is hanging around Dorothea's, well now Imogen's home.

There is so so much going on in this book! Like an onion, layers are revealed as we plough through, Dorothea has secrets, Imogen has a lot in her past and is off work pending investigation. Now out of the blue everything is changing, her journalist inquisitiveness is kicking off and Imogen thinks maybe that is why Dorothea done what she has done, she knew what Imogen would be like. So whilst Imogen is digging and exploring the house she has such fond memories of as a kid her boyfriend is along for the journey. The boyfriend!!!!! I didn't like him very quickly and as the book goes on oh my God I HATED him, he is such a tool and his behaviour and attitude I absolutely wanted Imogen to go full throtto on him. You know me I LOVE karma and people getting their comeuppance.

My last book before this I enjoyed but took me I think a week as I had a bit of readers block, this I read in less than 24 hours! Douglas has a way of drawing you in, one I am nosey so I wanted to know exactly what was going on, what happened, what was Dorothea hiding, what things does Imogine not like about her boyfriend, oh who is that, oh why did that happen, like there was so many twists and things thrown up! Hooked, absolutely hooked and more mysteries or secrets were coming and I love when a book does that. Sometimes when there is a fair few characters or a lot going on and or different timelines it can be really distracting especially when you have readers block but I was completely tuned in. That is always a testament to the authors writing, I have read this author before in the past but I absolutely need to check out her back catalogue. Thanks so much to the publisher for sending me an arc, helping me over my reading blip and reminding me how much I enjoy this authors writing, 4.5/5 for me. The book is out on the 12th of March but you can pre order now, its a belter!

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Taming 7 by Chloe Walsh

Taming 7 by Chloe Walsh
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 464

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

My Review

Taming 7 is an epic and unforgettable love story in the international bestselling and TikTok-phenomenon The Boys of Tommen series, from Chloe Walsh.

She's the quintessential sunshine girl. He's the lovable class clown. But storm clouds are rolling in, and this Tommen boy is about to get serious.

Tommen's cheekiest lad, Gerard 'Gibsie' Gibson, has always been a comedian, but most people don't see what lurks beneath the surface. He is haunted by events of the past and he uses humor to cope, hiding his true self from the world.

Claire Biggs, the epitome of sunshine, has always loved Gibsie, her brother's friend and her favorite neighbor. She has always seen a side to him that no one else seems to notice. She becomes determined to tame her wild-at-heart childhood best friend.

When lines are crossed, it becomes unclear whether Gibsie and Claire's friendship will survive. Will it blossom into something more, or will they lose themselves in the wild?

Following characters that readers have grown to adore, Taming 7 will only expand your love for the Boys of Tommen universe.


My Review

This is book 5 in the boys of Tommen series, this book focuses centrally around Gibsie and Claire, Gibsie has been a big character since the series started. He is fiercely loyal, big mouth, a womaniser however he has always had a soft spot for Claire and Claire has always loved Gibsie. She see's Gerard, the soft kind thoughtful sensitive boy under all the filth, banter and nonsense. Claire's brother is teammate and pals with Gibsie but absolutely doesn't want him near his wee sister, understandably so. The book we get to see more of Gerard and the build up and turn in the friendship/relationship between Claire and Gibsie.

So these books have always been YA and the main characters teens but I felt books 1-4 were always more mature and depth, like the characters just seemed older. Probably because of the issues they were dealing with and how mature they were and had to be. This one absolutely had more of the YA feel, the teen angst, the attraction between the two that was acknowledged but never crossing the line. Lizzie, Claire's pal absolutely hates and I mean HATES Gibsie and whilst she is and has always been barbed and cutting this book she really got worse. As the book goes on and reveals it's secrets you get more of an understanding of why Gibsie takes so much of her crap and why Lizzie is so emotionally damaged and as Claire says, hurt people hurt people. I found Lizzie really difficult to stomach at times, her behaviour and Claire was so doormat at times and I get it it is how she is and she does get pushed to a limit but I would have snapped. Conversations would have been had and I did think oh Claire nooooo don't do that a fair few times but then need to remember that these ARE young adults, emotions and hormones are high and they don't always do the sensible thing.

I am looking forward to the next book, much as I am not a fan of Lizzie's at all I think we will hopefully get more depth into her and her behaviours. The books are mostly around the same(ish) time so I would read the previous books before this one, if nothing else they are so good and you get a better understanding for the characters/dynamics.

There is humour, daftness, annoyances, romance, teen exploration and dark dark themes, Walsh does give trigger warnings so check yours. I did enjoy this book but it just wasn't the same level as the previous four for me, so for that it is 3.5/5 for me this time. Very much looking forward to the next and I am sure we have more to come from the author.

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Diamond by Jesse Keane

Diamond by Jessie Keane
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 4 days

Pages - 543

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

This thrilling and twisty crime novel is perfect for fans of Martina Cole' My Weekly'A rollercoaster of crime, revenge and murder' The SunIn the early years of the last century, a desperate young girl changes her name and flees the confines of her brutal, dominating gangland family in London. Now calling herself 'Diamond Dupree', she goes to Paris to become an artist's model but the world there is different to what she had supposed it would be and she soon falls on hard times. When she manages to escape at the end of the First World War, she leaves behind her a mystery - and a dead man.Back home in London, she reluctantly re-joins the Soho family 'firm' she'd once been glad to leave behind. Having grown tougher during her time in Paris, she soon becomes a force to be reckoned with, a feared and respected gangland queen. But then she meets Richard Beaumont, the youngest son of a wealthy aristocratic family, and sparks fly. But can she escape the long arm of the law and the hangman's noose, when the crimes of her past finally catch up with her?For fans of Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers, as well as viewers of Peaky Blinders, this is historical crime fiction at its most compelling.'No one delves into the underworld like Keane!' Woman's Weekly'A brilliant historical crime read' Bella'A gritty and enlightening read'



My Review

When Diamond's father faces those they have been running from, noone could know it would change their lives forever. Trying to navigate loss at fourteen is never easy but when her estranged uncle forces his way into their lives things go from bad to worse. Forced to do things she would never by choice she meets Richard Beaumont, a man who has as much affect on Diamond as Diamond has on him.

Ok so I normally love Keane's books, this one is historical fiction, her uncle is an absolute vile abusive ratbag, he avoids doing his duty for his country because why should he risk his life when he could be making a mint! The timeline and reference to the war really is the only historical so it isn't huge to the book although it is more relevant to Richard who is home from serving, ptsd and survivors quilt. We don't hear a whole lot about him in the book until much later so I was a bit meh. Also Diamond, Diamond made me want to pull my hair out at times, the way she reacts to a violent SA encounter, the way she falls for these guys quicker than heels on an ice patch. I know a lot with a book can be impacted upon with the readers mood but the rage I had for some of this, especially after the SA, just no!

Her uncle Victor is just horrible, like we get his card very quickly and he only escalates as the book goes on. DV, SA, drugs, murder, abuse, coercion, cheating honestly the guy has zero redeeming qualities and I just wanted karma through the whole book.

I didn't hate it, I didn't love it. A lot of unsavoury characters, some questionable behaviours and turf war and old grudges over rivals, I can't say gangs because that doesn't fit right but crews or organised crime gangs would cover it, 3/5 for me. I will read her other stuff because I do like her books, I just didn't love this one but I know I am in the minority.

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Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh

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

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 766

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

He's underwater, but she'll pull him out, whatever it takes. With his world unraveling around him and pressures rising at home, Joey Lynch's life has never been in more turmoil. Desperate to prove himself worthy of the only person he's ever put his trust in, Joey fights hard to save himself from his addiction, but the odds are stacked against him. Day by day, the water is rising. Giving into his demons would destroy everything he's worked for—but soon, even love doesn't seem like enough to reach the surface. Unwilling to give up on her best friend, the boy she's fallen for, Aoife Molloy fights back against Joey's self-destruction with everything she has. But she's drowning, too, in this world she doesn't understand, with only her fiery heart to guide her. As circumstances change and unexpected hurdles rise between them, hearts will break and mend and break again. All the while, Aoife refuses to turn her back on Joey—because he's always had hers, too. In the end, it will be up to both of them if their hearts are worth healing and their love is worth saving.


My Review

If you haven't read Saving 6 you need to as this is a follow up to that book, you could get away with not reading Keeping 13 and Binding 13 but I would read them anyway as they are good and also were we meet Joey but you can start with Saving 6. So we don't do spoilers in our reviews so I will try not to but as it is a follow on from Saving 6 some of it won't. So we left things with Joey and Aoife in a pretty sad state and this book delves deeper into that. Aoife is fiercely loyal to Joey despite how far he goes into self destruction, even to the point I was like GIRL!!!!

The book goes into a lot of dark places, abuse, addictions, domestic violence, family violence, alcoholism, drug use and ingestion, fighting, sexual violence, self harm, threats like so much darkness. The chapters go between Joey and Aoife's points of view, as things happen and Joey reacts to it and the fall out for Aoife. Family dynamics, secrets, betrayals, love, loss, spicey scenes and the characters are teens as you know so things that affect and are relevant to that age group.

I have the next two to read and looking forward to them but also have the fear because they are absolutely engaging but also have dark dark themes, 4.5/5.

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One Rainy Night by Richard Laymon

One Rainy Night by Richard Laymon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 410

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

An unusual black precipitation is having a horrifying effect on the residents of Bixby, California, transforming ordinary people into deranged killers. Original.


My Review

So I apparently read this back in 2011 so before my reviewing I believe and one of the reasons I started reviewing. I would buy/read books and be like oh I have read this so this way I can keep track and I actually remembered none of this book at all. A young boy was brutally murdered, likely racially motivated. An officer is back at the scene, looking around when the heavens open and the rain comes pounding down. This is no ordinary rain, it is black and upon touching the skin of a person they become wild, dangerous, murderers even cannibalistic in some cases. It is only affecting the small town of Bixby California and before the night is over many lives will be gone and changed forever.

Right big warnings here guys, racism, racist language, murder, sa, sv, abuse, cannibalism like all the biggest and baddest things humans can do to each other is in this. The book follows a few main characters, a police officer (not the guy at the start), a young girl and her babysitting charge, the wee girls parents who are headed to a restaurant, three teenage boys who are vile even before a spot of rain touches them and a pizza delivery woman who unfortunately delivers to the teens.

It reminded me a little of the movie crazies but far far darker and shocking. Absolute horror, quite graphic in the abuse, murders, sexual violence and abuse so please prepare yourself, 3.5/5.

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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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Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh

Keeping 13 by Chloe Walsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 937

Publisher - Piatkus

Source - bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Falling in love was the easy part. What comes next is the test . . .

Johnny Kavanagh has been living a different life since his injury sidelined him. He's never known life without his beloved number 13 jersey, and he feels lost. Luckily for him, there is a mysterious girl who is now taking up most of his thoughts.

Shannon Lynch has always been good at keeping secrets. She has realized that evil men aren't only in stories. They are very real. After her traumatizing trip to Dublin, she is trying to find a way to protect her little brothers above all else. She is beginning to revert to her old self, hiding away so that she can try to contain the few scraps of her future she has left.

There's only one boy who can pull her out of the shadows into which she is retreating. The boy who owns her heart. But what she doesn't know is that secrets are about to be revealed that could change lives forever. Will Johnny and Shannon's love survive?

Following the beloved characters from Binding 13, Keeping 13 will cement your love for the Boys of Tommen universe. This book is perfect for readers looking for:

New adult/YA crossover Irish romance
Dual POVs
Friends-to-lovers
TikTok books
Sports romance


My Review

If you haven't read Binding 13 then DO NOT read this one first, I often read books out of sequence however book one is an absolute before this one. It goes through how they met, everything about Shannon's home life, how they got to where they are but most importantly, this book opens where Binding 13 stopped.

So we know from book one this isn't just a YA romance there are some really deep dark topics visited. I said in my previous review if the author hasn't had first hand experience with this then she has done very in depth research, if you have ever lived through any of this you know, I actually wasn't expecting the level of emotion some of those scenes evoked. The alcoholic abusive violent father, the way the mother behaved it really did pull the rug a bit but if you read book one you know all this and are prepared. Whilst we visit all of that Shannon and Johnny are a couple , Shannon still has some issues from Johnny's bunny boiler ex, I really really wanted karma to get her good. We see more of Shannon's family, siblings, Johnny's parents and pals and Johnny's injury, rehab and focus for his career and future.

There is so much emotion in this one too, we know of Shannon's struggles but I feel we get more than a glimpse into Joey, aw Joey I just wanted to hug him. Domestic violence has such a long reach in the impact it has, far beyond the physical side of it. There is just so much to process, I loved the development in Shannon and Johnny's relationship, Gibsie and Claire get a bit more glimpses in this one. I haven't read the blurbs for the upcoming books but I am hoping Gibsie gets one.

With a lot of the main character(s) being teens there is a lot of sex type talk, banter, words/phrases that some may find offensive but it lends authenticity to the group/age of the characters. I don't have the next in the series, I do have two of the books in the series but I think one is that last and the other may be the fourth so I need to buy them. They are thick chunky books and I have been having readers block but I sank this, 900 odd pages in 3 days. They absolutely grab you, pull you in and I think if you come from that type of background you get emotionally wrought, ooft, 4.5/5.

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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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Koresh: The True Story of David Koresh and The Tragedy at Waco by Stephan Talty

Koresh: The True Story of David Koresh and the Tragedy at Waco by Stephan Talty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 8 days

Pages - 464

Publisher - Head of Zeus

Source - Review copy

Blurb from Back Cover

"If you think you know what really happened at Waco and why, think again" Bob Kolker
In the Spring of 1993, federal agents raided the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas. A 51 -day standoff ensued. Known as the Waco Seige, it has become a founding myth of the extreme wing of American conservatism, invoked by militiamen, gun rights advocates, and the alt-right. The leader of the evangelical sect, an extreme form of Seventh-Day Adventism, was David Koresh.

Koresh is Stephan Talty's extraordinary, meticulous narration of the events that led up to the Waco Massacre. Drawing on new sources, FBI negotiation tapes, and interviews with family and friends, this definitive biography explores how Koresh grew from a young man to a cult leader, and investigates why the siege has become an enduring symbol for radical opponents of the democratic state.

My Review

So I hadn't read or seen anything about Koresh, I had heard maybe a few passing references in crime programmes but just Waco in passing. This was my first real introduction to David Koresh aka Vernon Howell. The book takes us back to the early years, his mum, his birth and life up through to him getting involved in the cult and how he took over becoming David Koresh and everything that transpired after that.

So if you know the story, apparently there is a lot of misinformation about the siege, what happened, what the ATF and FBI did. This book gives verbatim accounts/tape transcriptions/recordings, the surveillance, how each team got involved, even the then President of America, Bill Clinton who was only a month in office at that point.

In Vernon's rise he abused underaged females and when he was deep into Waco and the leader he subjected many of the followers to abuse, violence, gaslighting, manipulation. There are so many dark themes/actions/happenings, so much done because he wielded a power over people, proclaimed messiah/leader. As he gained more followers and "visions" and heard the voice of God he became "more than a human" and his people treated him as such. Things got so dark I had to stop reading halfway through just to get a breather and read a different genre because it was horrific and heartbreaking and I knew it was just going to get darker.

It is mind blowing how one individual could influence and cause so much hurt/chaos/violence and even once Waco was over, more violence happened from different groups/causes/people against law enforcement/the government. I think psychologists would have a field day breaking down the behaviours and control of this individual and the impact he had on many who heard him preach. Like people didn't just give over their cash, sell up and go there, they allowed him to claim multiple wives even if they had a husband in the compound, their underage daughters. It is jaw dropping, even someone who got out, when they met him again even though they were enemies the person had a fondness and great love for him, like *GASP* it is wild, 4/5 for me. It is so interesting but heartbreaking, shocking, stomach turning, prepare yourself going into this one, it is dark.

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A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - about 3ish days

Pages - 372

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry the troubled and bitter Rasheed, who is thirty years her senior. Nearly two decades later, in a climate of growing unrest, tragedy strikes fifteen-year-old Laila, who must leave her home and join Mariam's unhappy household. Laila and Mariam are to find consolation in each other, their friendship to grow as deep as the bond between sisters, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter.

With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan, the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women's endurance tested beyond their worst imaginings. Yet love can move people to act in unexpected ways, lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism. In the end it is love that triumphs over death and destruction.

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a portrait of a wounded country and a story of family and friendship, of an unforgiving time, an unlikely bond, and an indestructible love.


My Review

So this has been on my tbrm for years, my pal Mazza recommended this and The Kite Runner (also on my tbrm), we have very different reading tastes but sometimes they match. Miriam is just a wean, fifteen years old, living with her mother away in what amounts to a wee hut style house. Born out of wedlock her father comes to visit once a week, she dotes on him, hangs on his every word and her mum is very bitter and reminds her often of who her father really is. When Miriam decides she no longer is happy being a secret kept away hidden she makes a decision that changes her whole life.

Oh guys, my heart, I just want to hug that wee soul, going through a huge heartache she is married off to a grown man thirty years older than her. She endures abuse and has to abide by the rules he sets. The first approximately half of the book or at least more than a quarter is Miriam then we move onto Layla, the neighbours daughter, another wean, her dad sees Layla's worth as a person and not to be looked down upon as many do in that country. Then the Taliban take over and we see Miriam and Layla thrown together in the most uncomfortable circumstances. Both endure abuse, violence, heartache and the Taliban really get into their stride we seem violence and terror escalate.

The book takes place in Afghanistan, centering on Miriam and Layla over X period of time and their lives in contrast to each other before the Taliban, as they start to come into their own and then as they rule/terrorise their home.

Whilst the book is fiction it does include actual real historical facts woven into the story. I was so mad, sad, raging, upset, furious and rooting for the ladies at different parts. When I finished I was like RIGHT MAZZA we need words lol. Ooft emotive, heartbreaking, shocking and knowing that some of these practices and "traditions" happen still in places in the world just makes for a more powerful punch. Absolutely not an easy read but a very important one, I often find myself reading up on stuff/events/history after reading books like this, 4/5. Be a wee bit before we pick up The Kite Runner I think!

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My Sister's Bones by Nuala Ellwood

My Sister's Bones by Nuala Ellwood
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Penguin UK

Source - Given by a friend

Blurb from Goodreads

Are You Brave Enough To Go Back?

Kate Rafter is a successful war reporter. She's the strong one. The one who escaped Herne Bay and the memories it holds. Her sister Sally didn't. Instead, she drinks. But when their mother dies, Kate is forced to return to the old family home. And on her first night she is woken by a terrifying scream.

What secret has Kate stumbled upon?

And is she strong enough to uncover the truth . . . and make it out alive?


My Review

Well this was different and not what I was expecting at all, Kate is a reporter, covers war torn countries. Home now after finding her mother has died (she missed the funeral) and her sister Sally is still not speaking to her. Kate has PTSD, medicated to try and get through the recurring traumas, the first half of the book focuses on her being back home and facing old trauma from her past and alcoholic father. The second half of the book really changed in pace, we then go to Sally and see her POV of the things Kate told us she suffered as a kid, now we see Sally's version. Sally is an alcoholic and only when something forces through the haze of booze is Sally forced out of her bubble, further pushing her already strained marriage.

Warning, as well as things witnessed in an active/ongoing war country/flashbacks, we have memories of abuse/violence/DV/alcoholism/exploitation and a horrific scene of animal death. I wasn't prepared for it and despite maybe showing just how far Sally has falling I just don't think it was needed and the scene is brutal (its a bird).

The narrators are unreliable, it jumps about, it is really dark and whilst there were things I really didn't like there is no denying the book has a pull about it. It is a very dark read so proceed with caution, this was my first by this author, I would absolutely read them again. They have a knack for painting very vivid scenes and lots of it is brutal and gives authentic vibes, 3/5.

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A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J Maas

A ​Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 757

Publisher - Bloomsbury Publisher

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she's struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can't seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre's Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta's orbit. But her temper isn't the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other's arms.


My Review

This book is hugely Nesta's story - don't get me wrong the others do feature especially Cassian but mainly they two. If you haven't read the previous four please do, you get much more out of them and clarity of the situation and characters. Nesta has been on a path of self destruction, time for intervention is here and man is she raging! Forced by Feyre she now lives in the house that is 10,000 steps back to the village and she can't winnow in and out so is completely at the mercy of the others. Cassian is to train her, no alcohol is allowed and Nesta is furious. Furious and self loathing from what previously transpired and ptsd, clearly there is a spark with Cassian but Nesta refuses to acknowledge anything, remaining on her path of self destruction.

If you aren't familiar with the books well there is a lot of spice AND body fluids, man do they love their fluids so you have been warned lol! Nesta really ripped my knittin and I know some will relate to the self destructive behaviour but she really is her own worst enemy at times and has a spiteful mouth on her! That being said I did warm a wee bit to her, she has been through a lot and loathes herself so has more than a few chips on her shoulder.

The whole will they won't they, reluctance to do anything and slowly dealing with her own issues, making acquaintances and dare I say, friends, Nesta thinks she isn't entitled to anything good so it is quite the journey. Can we please talk about the house, I LOVE that house, I have always had a thing about magical houses, furniture/objects with any kind of brain power, personality AND magic, I blame Beauty and the beast, Bedknobs and broomsticks etc and fling in a love of books, I was hooked.

There is a lot of sexism, predatory behaviour from some of the males in the book, referred to traumas females have suffered/survived from males. I loved how brave the library ladies are and as much as Nesta royally annoyed me for probably three quarters of the book she also made me laugh with some of her sass, exasperated by her self sabotage and spiteful tongue but she also has some metal. 4.5/5 for me, this was my first series by this author - I am sure I have at least one other book by her, not sure which series or number but will absolutely be reading her again!

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Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt

Hex by Thomas Olde Heuvelt
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 2 days

Publisher - Tor Nightfire

Source - gifted

Blurb from Goodreads

The English language debut of the bestselling Dutch novel, Hex, from Thomas Olde Heuvelt--a Hugo and World Fantasy award nominated talent to watch

Whoever is born here, is doomed to stay 'til death. Whoever settles, never leaves.

Welcome to Black Spring, the seemingly picturesque Hudson Valley town haunted by the Black Rock Witch, a seventeenth century woman whose eyes and mouth are sewn shut. Muzzled, she walks the streets and enters homes at will. She stands next to children's bed for nights on end. Everybody knows that her eyes may never be opened or the consequences will be too terrible to bear.

The elders of Black Spring have virtually quarantined the town by using high-tech surveillance to prevent their curse from spreading. Frustrated with being kept in lockdown, the town's teenagers decide to break their strict regulations and go viral with the haunting. But, in so doing, they send the town spiraling into dark, medieval practices of the distant past.

This chilling novel heralds the arrival of an exciting new voice in mainstream horror and dark fantasy.


My Review

A small town with a curse, a curse they keep from everyone not from the town. You can come and live here but you can never move. She is a witch, an actual physical entity and there are rules. The town is covered with surveillance and everyone knows, even the kids, they must abide.

The cast is made up of youngsters/families/the towns folk and of course madam witch, she can enter any home. Oooft guys she is a creepy scary biscuit and you don't know a whole lot about her, the story unfolds as you go along. We have some kids who, well, kids are kids and rebel and these handful are no different. However actions have consequences and these kids are way WAY over their heads.

The book has some great suspense, creepy, weird, small time stuff but also also slips in parts into some really dark and I felt unnecessary stuff. Like the animal dream stuff *vomits* - the abuse scenes and I get it is to show the mind slippage/depravity but it did make for uncomfortable reading. There are some really dark taboo bits and also self harm, death, loss, spiralling so just a heads up, it does get dark.

I really liked some of it and the darker threads yeah not so much. Small town, legends, haunting like, curse, witch, actions/consequences. It is a good/dark read but just a bit out there in parts that for me took away from the book a wee bit although am sure some horror fans will love it, 3.5/5 for me.

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Dancing in the Dark by Maureen Lee

Dancing in the Dark by Maureen Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 448

Publisher - Orion books

Source -

Blurb from Goodreads

A brilliantly compelling Liverpool saga following the lives of two women - three generations apart.

Millie Cameron is not at all pleased when she finds herself obliged to sort through the belongings of her aunt Flo, who has recently died. She hardly knew her aunt and besides, she has her own career to think about. But when she arrives at Flo's basement flat, Millie's interest is awakened.

As she sorts through her aunt's collection of photographs, letters and newspaper cuttings she finds herself embarking on a journey - a journey to a past which includes a lost lover and a secret child.

Picking through the tangled web of Flo's life, Millie makes the startling discovery that all the threads lead to herself...


My Review

First thing to say guys is the book features domestic abuse & violence towards children, not overly graphic as some books. The opening chapter is from the wean's point of view as they know what is coming, whilst it isn't gratuitous or depth of details, Lee writes the character's fear & words so authentically it is just worth an fyi. It reverts back to and has lasting reach as the children are adults, one being the main character and it has shaped how she is as an adult, her issues with relationships and letting anyone get close. Now, from nowhere she finds out her estranged auntie has died and she has to go and sort her house and belongings. What starts off as a reluctant chore soon becomes life changing for Millie. We flip from present with Millie to the past with Flo and learn about her life, mixed in and happening during war time.

Whilst the characters are overly loveable and warming, Millie does go through quite the journey of personal growth and finding herself by learning about her aunt. There are some very shady decisions/behaviours/relationships throughout and my God I wanted to slap a few people. The book deals with some dark topics and unsavoury, infidelity, domestic abuse, manipulation, unwed mother and what can happen (this was actually really sad) and how choices of the past can last throughout your whole life. It is hard to give too much heads up as we don't do spoilers and we would be venturing into that if we go further.

I liked Flo, she had a bit of a unique way of thinking especially when she decides what she can do to help the war! I liked her though, she got taken advantage of, people who should have been there for her weren't and she got done dirty more than once, I would have liked to have hugged her, poor soul.

It is a book centred heavily on family, family dynamics, relationships, secrets, lies cause and effect to name but a few. This is my second read by Lee and I have I think six more on the tbrm, if you want to leave you life for a little while and get caught up in la scandalosa of others this is for you, 4/5.

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Hera by Jennifer Saint

Hera by Jennifer Saint
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 400

Publisher - Wildfire

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Hera, immortal goddess and daughter of the ancient Titan Cronos, helped her brother Zeus to overthrow their tyrannical father so that they could rule the world. But, as they establish their reign on Mount Olympus, Hera suspects that Zeus might be just as ruthless and cruel as their father was, and she begins to question her role at his side. She was born to rule, but does that mean perpetuating a cycle of violence and cruelty that has existed since the dawn of time? Will assuming her power mean that Hera loses herself, or can she find a way to forge a better world?

Traditionally portrayed as a jealous wife, a wicked stepmother, and a victim-blaming instrument of the patriarchy, Hera is ripe for a retelling that shows her as a powerful queen―ruthless when she needs to be, but also compassionate, strategic, and ambitious. With Hera, beloved and bestselling author Jennifer Saint delivers another epic and enthralling reimagining of a Greek heroine we only thought we knew.


My Review

I don't know a whole lot of the Greek Mythology, like you know some or snippets of or the legends so when I see Saint has a new book coming out I tend to grab it. They are really interesting retellings and as I have little knowledge on the originals I am not sure how much is different but I do enjoy them (although enjoy seems the wrong word at times for some of the shocking stuff they get up to!).

So this book is about Hera and how she is left with no choice but to accept Zeus and his marriage proposal. Many of the Gods feature in this and their own actions/legends but it is Hera who is the main character and this is from her view point/interactions with the others.

The Gods are not very nice people, Zeus, Zeus comes off terribly in this, he doesn't know the word no, consent, he forces himself on females more than once and often they then suffer again after his initial assault. Hera I really felt for but at times, her choices with her revenge/vengeance against innocents, I struggled at times with her and her choices.

Constant drama/retribution(s)/skulduggery and overall shady behaviours by most if not all of them but it does make for interesting reading, 4/5 for me this time.

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The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 389

Publisher -

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Aging and reclusive Hollywood movie icon Evelyn Hugo is finally ready to tell the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life. But when she chooses unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant for the job, no one is more astounded than Monique herself. Why her? Why now?

Monique is not exactly on top of the world. Her husband has left her, and her professional life is going nowhere. Regardless of why Evelyn has selected her to write her biography, Monique is determined to use this opportunity to jumpstart her career.

Summoned to Evelyn’s luxurious apartment, Monique listens in fascination as the actress tells her story. From making her way to Los Angeles in the 1950s to her decision to leave show business in the ‘80s, and, of course, the seven husbands along the way, Evelyn unspools a tale of ruthless ambition, unexpected friendship, and a great forbidden love. Monique begins to feel a very real connection to the legendary star, but as Evelyn’s story nears its conclusion, it becomes clear that her life intersects with Monique’s own in tragic and irreversible ways.



My Review

I had been seeing this book everywhere and of course had the FOMO (fear of missing out). Evelyn is Hollywood royalty, over the decades she has been actress extraordinaire but also had her fair share of scandals/gossip/hit pieces in the news. The book opens with Monique, a very little cog for a big magazine whose having personal issues (relationship) and her career isn't close to where she wants it. Yeah she is working for a huge glossy mag but writing nothing much more than puff pieces. When she is named to interview the elusive Evelyn Hugo she knows this can change her career trajectory but she doesn't know it will change her whole life.

The book jumps in time a bit, easy to follow, from present day the interviews with Monique to Evelyn telling her life stories taking us back to when it all first happened. The book gives me Marilyn Monroe/Liz Taylor style vibes, behind the scenes for the climb in Hollywood. It covers some hard topics too, dv, abuse, violence, LGB representation and the hardships lesbians/gay individuals face let alone when under scrutiny of the whole world in a time where sexuality was kept hidden/discriminated against.

You can completely loose yourself in this, it has scandal, bad behaviour, people more interested in profit than peoples welfare. How fickle the world of fame is, how corrupt money is, how bad the press treat celebs - quick to tear them down but lift them up depending on what they can spin. It is wild, dark, shocking, entertaining - a whole load of drama! 4.5/5 for me this time, perfect for zoning out, poolside reading or just a day on the couch, easily a read in one sitting type book!

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The Know by Martina Cole

The Know by Martina Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 5 days

Pages - 629

Publisher - Headline

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Joanie Brewer' s children meant the world to her. She'd do anything to protect them, even resorting to prostitution and petty crime in order to feed and clothe them. So when her beautiful teenage daughter is raped and murdered, only one thing will stop Joanie's pain - seeing her daughter's killer brought to justice. Joanie knows who he is and she'll do whatever it takes to nail him...7


My Review

This one has some hard hitting themes, from the opening prologue you learn a child has died and been the victim of a predator. There are quite a few references to deviants so just a heads up not for the faint hearted. Joanie is working in the world's oldest profession, a lady of the night. Her oldest son is starting to make a name for himself and coming into his own with all things within the criminal world. Her eldest daughter has absolute middle child syndrome and is acting out trying to find her place and who she is. The youngest Kira is the antithesis of them all, sweet, innocent, loved and adored by them all well maybe not Jeanette so much (middle child) but even she can't keep up being mad at the wean.

The story has many dark themes, sa, murder, rape, violence, drug dependency, absolute deviants so you can imagine how seedy things get. The language can be pretty offensive and some of it not used nowadays but reflective of the characters and their time/place. Racism and white supremacy rears its ugly head in this one too so something to really grate on and hate many characters for.

When you think things couldn't get any worse, Cole keeps you on your toes and keeps shocking and bringing it. If you have read her books before you know what to expect. Short chapters and if you want a break from your own reality and sinking into shady characters and all manners of skulduggery, this is as good a place to start as any. It is a standalone too, 4/5 from us but proceed with caution, it is pretty shocking.

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