The Christmas she married the playboy & The Greek Secret she carries

The Christmas She Married The Playboy / The Greek Secret She Carries: The Christmas She Married the Playboy (Christmas with a Billionaire) / The Greek ... Diamond Inheritance) by Louise Fuller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 3 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - Mills & Boon

Source - Bought

Blurb from Goodreads

Their convenient winter wedding!

To save her pristine image from scandal, Santina must marry notorious playboy Louis. But after a past betrayal, it’s not gossip she fears…it’s the burning attraction that will make resisting her convenient husband impossible.

One scandalous Greek night…

Months after their passionate fling, rumours bring enigmatic Theron to Summer’s doorstep – to discover a pregnancy as obvious as the still-sizzling desire between them! He will give their child the family unit he lost. But Summer’s trust isn’t so easily won…


My Review

Mills and Boon if you have read them you know exactly what you are getting. This book is a two in one. Book one, meet Santina, pristine image and trying to make it in the professional world of ice skating. She has zero interest in the opposite sex especially after having her heart broken and crushed by her ex. Meet Louis, money galore, bad boy reputation, womaniser and often in the press for his antics, so much so it is impacting his work life. When a chance encounter brings them together and the press catch a juicy story the two have to work together to try and salvage both their images.

Story two sees Summer, naive going from university and a mostly sheltered life to trying to find her real father and helping her sick mother. She has a passionate tryst with Theron ending in disaster. He shows up again in her life trying to make amends for his behaviour and assumptions but is it too late.

The first story I did like better and it was very reminiscing of what I remember Mills and Boon to be but with a modern day theme to it. Good girl, bad boy, money, reputation, hard exterior (for both) and absolute attraction they both try to deny and it goes from there.

Book two, I think the whole Greek man and behaviours, for me, didn't work. Instead of passion and sense of wanting to do the right thing as is expected of him I found him to be controlling and really negative behaviours. Summer also came across weak and annoying rather than damsel in distress but also doing the right thing by her family. Maybe if I had read the the other way around I may have taken to it more? Both good stories but I really wasn't a fan of either of the main characters in the second book therefor overall it is 3/5 for me.

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Silent Sisters by Jenny Tomlin

Silent Sisters by Jenny Tomlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - < 1 day

Pages - 385

Publisher - Hodder

Source - ?bought, it has been on my tbrm for years

Blurb from Goodreads

For years, Jenny and sister Kim suffered horrendous physical and sexual abuse at the hands of their father. They survived in part because of their closeness and their determination to be there for each other. Both sisters left home at the earliest opportunity to escape but before long, Jenny was embroiled in a relationship with an abusive man that kept her locked in a cycle of violence and fear. Their lives followed parallel paths, with first marriage, then kids and always the terror that things would never change. Eventually, with a lot of love, grit and courage they helped each other to climb out of the pit of despair and truly free themselves from the legacy of the past. Every bit as harrowing and inspiring as Behind Closed Doors, this is a story of the power of unstintingly loyal love.



My Review

So this author has written a few books like this and there is certainly one before this if not more. The book before this is referenced and covers the authors abuse growing up at the hands of her parents, her and her siblings horrifically abused. Her father committing the worst atrocities a father could do to their child and their mother failing to protect them in any way. This book the author focuses on her adulthood, leaving home and finding her way in the world, adult relationships and sadly repeating the history of her mother, falling for an abusive partner.

The book is extremely graphic, the abuse this poor woman experienced at the hands of her father and then her partner, the book covers physical, mental and sexual abuse. It is hard hitting even if you are from a place where you have never experienced anything like this, if you come from a place where you experience this first hand it will absolutely trigger some of your own memories so just a heads up.

I hadn't read the blurb nor any of the authors other books so was surprised when a very famous name popped up as one of the family members, just shows you never know what goes on behind closed doors or someone's history.

I have read many true stories books like this were abuse features heavily but this one really hit hard, these woman have came through and survived so much, 4/5 for me this time.

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Three Weddings and a Proposal by Sheila O'Flanagan

Three Weddings and a Proposal by Sheila O'Flanagan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages -

Publisher - Headline Review

Source - Vine copy

Blurb from Amazon

At the first wedding, there's a shock

The second wedding is unexpected

By the third, Delphie thinks nothing could surprise her. But she's wrong . . .

Delphie is enjoying her brother's wedding. Her surprise last-minute Plus One has stunned her family - and it's also stopped any of them asking again why she's still single. But when she sees all the missed calls that evening, she knows it can't be good news. And she's right.

Delphie has been living her best life, loving her job, her friends, her no-strings relationships and her dream house by the sea. Now she has to question everything she believed about who she is and what she wants. Is her mum right - is it time to settle down? Or does she want to keep on trying to have it all?

Each wedding of a glorious summer brings a new surprise. And as everything Delphie thought she had is threatened, she has the chance to reshape her future . . .



My Review

Delphie has a job she loves, she gets to experience the riches of life she can't afford, her boss is a great guy. What she lacks in her personal life she more than makes up for in her work achievements much to the Umbridge of her family. When tragedy strikes Delphie's life is turned upside down and she finds herself caught up in chaos, relationship dramas, feuds all whilst trying to sort her own life out.

I liked Delphie, strong, independent, career driven, focusing on what she wants despite everyone else pressuring her to settle down, marry a person instead of her job. I liked the dynamics between the characters, how different some of them are, bitchy, bridezilla and ugh the creeps at her work. I was spitting chips and some of the antics/attitudes. And one point I actually gasped out loud, I was raging!

Perfect book for a poolside read or just getting out of your own life to nip into someone elses, it has tons of drama to keep you hooked. Past love coming back into her life, marriages, scandal, families, job issues, a strong independent business woman - not just your typical love story. I liked it, sure I have read O'Flanagan before and I will read her again, 4/5 for me this time.

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A Fatal Secret by Faith Martin Blog Tour

Today is mine and the final stop in the blog tour for A Fatal Secret by Faith Martin, please check out the other stops as we all offer different content/reviews.




A Fatal Secret by Faith Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - HQ Stories

Source - Review Copy

Blurb from Goodreads -

Oxford, 1961

A family day out at Briar’s Hall ends in tragedy when a young boy goes missing – and his body is found at the bottom of a disused well in the orchard.

It looks like a simple case of an eleven-year-old exploring where he shouldn’t: a tragic accident. But Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday aren’t convinced. If Eddie had been climbing and fallen, why were there no cuts or dirt on his hands? Why would a boy terrified of heights be around a well at all?

Clement and Trudy are determined to get to the truth, but the more they dig into Briar’s Hall and the mysterious de Lacey family who live there, the murkier things become.

Could it be that poor Eddie’s death was murder? There are rumours of blackmail in the village, and Clement and Trudy have a horrible feeling that Eddie stumbled on a secret that someone was willing to kill for…


My Review

We open with a nice day and someone pondering over the fact they need to kill, there is no other option, how is that for a wee opening! A boy is reported missing and the search is on, the police aren't overly concerned but sure enough they find the lad and it isn't good news. Coroner Clement Ryder and Probationary WPC Trudy Loveday are asked to look into it, on behalf of the family whose grounds it happened on. Not everyone likes people poking around in their business and of course when investigating one matter others tend to arise and someone has much to hide, enough to kill a child over!

So this is book 4 in the series, I haven't read anything by this author and can honestly say I don't feel at a disadvantage starting here. There is reference to things gone past in the previous book(s) and I think haven't my interest piqued I will absolutely be checking out the previous books. Means I will also get to know the characters better.

A chunk of the story is obviously the "investigation" into what happened to the wee boy, who was around, anyone who knew him. However we also have a huge focus on WPC Trudy, her personal life, her family and how important the job is to her. I do enjoy when a book has depth to the characters and a bit of meat in the story, not just the police procedural parts. Ryder and Loveday seem to have a tight friendship which is unusual for both the time, opposite sexes and job differences but it works. I look forward to going back to the beginning of this series and seeing how their friendship comes about. I like how it highlights how unusual Trudy's choice is to focus on a career, despite being good/successful at it. It reminds us of just how apt that was for that time and I do like books that capture a different time period and how things are so very different now! 4/5 for me this time, it may be my first dance with this author but it won't be my last, it also kept me guessing, I had no idea who the baddie was!

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Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas

Promised by Jodi Ellen Malpas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 480

Publisher - Forever (Grand Central Publishing)

Source - Bought (Asda I think)

Blurb from Goodreads

Livy notices him the moment he walks into the coffee shop. He's heart-stoppingly stunning, with a blue-eyed gaze so piercing she's almost too distracted to take his order. When he walks out the door, she thinks she'll never see him again. Then she finds the note he left on his napkin . . . signed M.

All he wants is one night to worship her. No feelings, no commitment, nothing but pleasure. Every defense mechanism Livy has adopted during her solitary life is at risk of being obliterated by this confounding man. He's obnoxious but well-mannered. He's a gentleman but aloof. He's passionate but emotionless. Yet the fascination is so powerful, Livy can't deny him... or herself.

M awakens something in Livy, something deep and addictive that she never knew existed -- and that she fears only he can satisfy. But she senses that behind the fast cars, fancy suits, and posh apartment, he's aching inside. To have him, body and soul, she'll have to brave his dark secrets. Delving into his world and breaking down his defenses become her obsession - an obsession that could shatter her heart beyond repair..



My Review

Livy works in a coffee shop, she has zero interest in the guys who keep hitting on her. When M comes into her life, insults her coffee making abilities and leaves a note on a napkin Livy can't stop thinking about him. Again they "bump into" each other and M makes it clear he wants Livy for one night only, pure pleasure, no strings, can she do it?

So, things I liked and things I didn't about this one. I think, for me Livy seemed like two different people, at one point she isn't fussed with the opposite sex but falls, hard for this random stranger that we know nothing about. She is a bit wishy washey in the first part of the book and lets this guy literally sweep her off her feet and take her away in a car. I know I know it is a book but it annoyed me, she is so seemingly meek. The second half she gets some spark though and a bit of bite, female characters should have that and not be falling all over themselves for a guy.

M is pretty mysterious and we don't get to learn about him really until the book starts to get going. Yes there is sex scenes, lots of heart fluttering and oh my moments, it is erotica so par for the course. I loved the other aspects of the book, I LOVED her wee nan, not often in the book but when she was, for me, she was a wee scene stealer. Some of the book I think you can guess where it is going but I was still shocked and didn't see some things coming. I like when a book does that for you. I will say there was a few scenes that more than echoed fifty shades and some shiny brand new. If you liked the fifty books I think you will enjoy these, the book ends leaving you wanting more, not sure how many books are in this series but I need to look up the next to see what is in store for the characters, 3.5/5 for me this time.

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Lover Awakened by J R Ward

Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 448

Publisher - Signet

Source - Bought online (I think)

Blurb from Goodreads

In the shadows of the night in Caldwell, New York, there’s a deadly war raging between vampires and their slayers. And there exists a secret band of brothers like no other - six vampire warriors, defenders of their race. Of these, Zsadist is the most terrifying member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood.

A former blood slave, the vampire Zsadist still bears the scars from a past filled with suffering and humiliation. Renowned for his unquenchable fury and sinister deeds, he is a savage feared by humans and vampires alike. Anger is his only companion, and terror is his only passion—until he rescues a beautiful aristocrat from the evil Lessening Society.

Bella is instantly entranced by the seething power Zsadist possesses. But even as their desire for one another begins to overtake them both, Zsadist’s thirst for vengeance against Bella’s tormentors drives him to the brink of madness. Now, Bella must help her lover overcome the wounds of his tortured past, and find a future with her…



My Review

If you haven't read the previous books they are worth checking out for back stories and to avoid spoilers so stop reading here! Ok so if you have kept going and haven't read the previous books The Brotherhood are fierce vampire warriors and fight for their lives against the Lessers who are trying to wipe the vampires out. We ended book two with Bella being kidnapped and if she wasn't dead she would be soon. Bella was intrigued by Zsadist, the most feared and deadly of the brothers, vile to women, scarred, survivor being a blood slave and ruined inside and out. Now that Bella is gone the Brotherhood and Zsadist are in a desperate race against time to find and save Bella before she suffers the fate of so many vampires before her.

Right so, if you haven't read the books, the previous two focus mostly on one of the brothers although everyone gets a bit of a mention. This book is Zsadist, in the previous book he used women, was aggressive, rude, violent, ruthless and we know he had suffered in the past. This book lets the reader get into Zsadists past and start to understand why he is the way he is. We see a softer side as he struggles with how he treated Bella, how he is feeling now she is gone and how helpless he is to find her.

As with the previous books there is sex - graphic in parts, violence, murder, a bit more information on the Lesser society and how they operate. If you like the previous books you will like this one, I hated Zsadist in the last book, he was brutal, pushing the limits to be honest on consent and made a bit for uncomfortable reading . This book sees him go on a personal journey, confront demons and learn some painful life lessons. 4/5 for me this time, I have quite a few on my tbrm and look forward to learning more about the brothers and what comes next.

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Fatal by Jacqui Rose Blog Tour

Today is my turn on the blog tour for Fatal by Jacqui Rose, please check out the other stops as we all offer different content and if you haven't checked out this author and enjoy crime, get clicking.






Fatal: Be gripped in the new year by the latest crime thriller from the best selling author by Jacqui Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - in and out over 2 days

Pages - 384

Publisher - Avon

Source - ARC

Blurb from Goodreads


An eye for an eye.
Cabhan Morton wants to leave the Russo crime family for good and live in peace with his daughter, Alice Rose. But the Russos won’t let him walk away without a fight.


A tooth for a tooth.
Franny Doyle would do anything for Cabhan and Alice, but helping them escape the vindictive Russo brothers won’t be easy. The only place they’ll be safe is back in Essex with Alfie Jennings.


A daughter for a daughter…
Franny knows she won’t be welcomed by Alfie with open arms – but she doesn’t have a choice. The Russos are out for blood and they won’t stop until Alice is dead…


My Review

The Russo's are a bad lot and not people you want to cross, Cabhan Doyle was warned to stay but Cabhan went to work for them anyway. Now the warning has proven true and not only is Cabhan in trouble, his precious and innocent daughter Alice Rose is caught up in it all and the Russo's will stop at nothing and let no one get in the way of revenge!

I have read Rose before but this is the first time I have came across these characters, we open with a horrendous insight into the brutality of the Russo brothers, violence, rape, aggression. Now Cabhan finds himself on the wrong side of the brothers and their wrath is deadly. After a freak accident and a lose lose choice Cabhan needs to reach out to save not only himself but his daughter.

It is a fast paced book, we open with a brutal scene and it kicks off from there and keeps pace, you wonder why anyone would mix with these guys. Alice Rose is a sweet character and it is nice to have a bit of innocence in the mix of so much badness, violence and terror. I did find some of her choices very frustrating but also that of many of the characters, the old WHY?!?!?! and Nooooo don't do that oh for god-sake but even being frustrated at parts it pulls you right into the story and investing in where it is going next, what is going to happen. A lot of not very nice characters in this one and some you feel heart sorry for and rooting for them along the way. Not sure if this is going to have more coming but I would like to hear about more of these characters and see what is in store for them. I do enjoy this authors writing, think I have read two previous books and after reading this one I will be looking to see which I have missed from the back catalogue, 3.5/5 for me this time!

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Cross by James Patterson

Cross by James Patterson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 393

Publisher - Little Brown and Company

Source - Poundshop

Blurb from Goodreads

Alex Cross was a rising star in the Washington, DC, Police Department when an unknown shooter gunned down his wife, Maria, in front of him. The killer was never found, and the case turned cold, filed among the unsolved drive-bys in D.C.'s rough neighborhoods.

Years later, still haunted by his wife's death, Cross is making a bold move in his life. Now a free agent from the police and the FBI, he's set up practice as a psychologist once again. His life with Nana Mama, Damon, Jannie, and little Alex is finally getting in order. He even has a chance at a new love.

Then Cross's former partner, John Sampson, calls in a favor. He is tracking a serial rapist in Georgetown, one whose brutal modus operandi recalls a case Sampson and Cross worked together years earlier. When the case reveals a connection to Maria's death, Cross latches on for the most urgent and terrifying ride of his life.


My Review

I love Alex Cross, I read the series as I come across them and not in order which results in spoilers, I really need to stop. Anyway, here we see Alex revist when his wife died, back to present day when he has a chance to finally leave the force and set up his own business. However we all know Alex can't be kept from his true calling and not when a carrot is dangling, could he actually find out about what happened all those years ago when his wife was brutally snatched from him?

We get a police care, Cross doing what he does best, an investigation, a bit of the past and Alex's family life. I love Nana, she is nobody's fool and the glue that keeps the Cross family together, we don't see her often but when we do it is usually ruling the roost with her wit and tongue!

If you like the previous books I don't see why you wouldn't enjoy this, book 12 in the series, short chapters we have come to know and love, well I do. I think I would have loved it had I had more on the back story, Alex's. We have a lot of focus on the investigation, the bad guy is brutal, he abuses women, rape, control, violence, murder and mutilation. Rotten to the core, very skilled in his madness and feart of no one. Good, page turner but whilst I liked it I didn't love it, 3/5 for me this time.

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The Munitions Girls by Rosie Archer

The Munitions Girls by Rosie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 432

Publisher - Quercus

Source - Amazon

Blurb from Goodreads

An enthralling, eventful WW2 saga from the popular writer of the Daisy Lane novels - perfect for fans of Daisy Styles.

1943, Gosport, Hampshire. Pixie Saunders is 19 and employed in the local armaments factory. Not for the first time, her mother has run off with a dodgy-looking bloke, leaving Pixie to pay the rent and fend for herself. Pixie, along with her best friend Rita, Em, the factory overseer, and the rest of the girls are making the most of the war while trying to stay alive. The work is dangerous and the hours long, but in the evenings they take off their overalls and go to the pub or, better still, go dancing. Pixie meets American serviceman Cal and falls in love. But then Cal rejoins his ship.

When Pixie falls pregnant, her life changes dramatically. Alone and unable to work, she has to rely on the kindness of friends to help her survive. Happiness seems like a thing of the past. Little does she know that there are plenty of surprises waiting for her - good ones at that. Love may be closer than she thinks.


My Review

Meet Pixie, Rita & Em all working in the local factory helping to make weapons for the war. It is a dangerous job and not just because of the risk of blowing themselves up, their boss and son have wondering eyes and hands. Pixie lives at home with her mother when her mother graces her with her presence, normally flitting in and out, running up bills then going off with her newest man. Em runs the factory floor, cares for her disabled husband and her youngest daughter who is a beautiful young woman with the mind of a much younger child. Rita lives at home with her mother and stepdad and would rather be in the factor at risk or in the pub, anything to not be home.

This is a story of friendship, the threat of bombs a daily occurrence, family, the best of humans and the worst. I loved Pixie, no matter how shady her mother was she remained so loyal, she is a feisty, strong, independent and quick to stand up to injustice. I love when you get a strong female character and whilst she did swoon a bit I thought she was grand.

There are lots of themes to the book, some is light hearted, warming, sweet, however there are darker themes, abuse, social judgement, the ravages of war. It is very well written, the characters carved well to draw you in and actually want to know what happens next, even to the ones you aren't a fan of. This was my first time reading this author, it won't be my last, I have bought the next two in the series already, 4/5 for me this time.

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The Perfectly Imperfect Woman by Milly Johnson

The Perfectly Imperfect Woman by Milly Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Pages - 464

Publisher - Simon and Schuster

Source - Waterstones store

Blurb from Goodreads

Marnie Salt has made so many mistakes in her life that she fears she will never get on the right track. But when she ‘meets’ an old lady on a baking chatroom and begins confiding in her, little does she know how her life will change.

Arranging to see each other for lunch, Marnie finds discovers that Lilian is every bit as mad and delightful as she’d hoped – and that she owns a whole village in the Yorkshire Dales, which has been passed down through generations. And when Marnie needs a refuge after a crisis, she ups sticks and heads for Wychwell – a temporary measure, so she thinks.

But soon Marnie finds that Wychwell has claimed her as its own and she is duty bound not to leave. Even if what she has to do makes her as unpopular as a force 12 gale in a confetti factory! But everyone has imperfections, as Marnie comes to realise, and that is not such a bad thing – after all, your flaws are perfect for the heart that is meant to love you.

The Perfectly Imperfect Woman is the heart-warming and hilarious new novel from the queen of feel-good fiction – a novel of family, secrets, love and redemption … and broken hearts mended and made all the stronger for it.



My Review

Marnie has had a hard time with her family, it impacts on most aspects of her life. When things come crashing down around her, a chance internet encounter gives her the opportunity to not only flee but make big life changes. Wychwell is a small village that has much it can offer Marnie but not everyone is as welcoming and soon Marnie is questioning if she has made the right decision.

Oh I do love Johnson's stories and it has been a wee while since I last picked one up. There are many layers to this one, Marnie's story then we have the village history which we read snippets of as Marnie makes her way through the book. Her past and family relationship, her current life before she needs to flee to the village and everything that transpires from her arrival, her friendships and interactions with the village people. There are many secrets, relationships are a key theme throughout the book. I found myself absolutely raging at some of the treatment Marnie has at the hands of her family and how this impacts on her as a person. The behaviour of some of the villagers is beautiful, heartwarming and from others rage inducing and even giving one a twitchy eyeball. I loved the family history and would have read a book on that by itself, I hope it is something Johnson toys with! Other themes that crop up are infidelity, food - oh my I so wanted to eat cheesecake and I don't even eat cheesecake really, cheating, friendships, family, love, office politics, back stabbing, bitchiness, loss, grief, lies and loyalty. It is a busy wee book but very well done and flows nicely, if I hadn't had work I would have read it in one sitting!

Another thing to highlight, the book has a lovely coloured map of the village with the houses and everything labelled so you can follow everything as Marnie experiences the village for the first time. I just think wee extras like that in a book are lovely and get a thumbs up for me, I am a gimmick geek and I love things like that. 4.5 stars for me, I need to look at what books I have missed from the back catalogue and snap them up!

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Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage by Lucy Daniels

Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage by Lucy Daniels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 384

Publisher - Hodder & Stoughton

Source - Amazon

Blurb from Goodreads

Christmas has arrived in the little village of Welford. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts is in the air, and a layer of frost sparkles on the ground.

This year, vet Mandy Hope is looking forward to the holidays. Her animal rescue centre, Hope Meadows, is up and running - and she's finally going on a date with Jimmy Marsh, owner of the local outward bound centre.

The advent of winter sees all sorts of animals cross Mandy's path, from goats named Rudolph to baby donkeys - and even a pair of reindeer! But when a mysterious local starts causing trouble, Mandy's plans for the centre come under threat. She must call on Jimmy and her fellow villagers to put a stop to the stranger's antics and ensure that Hope Meadows' first Christmas is one to remember.

One thing's for certain: this Christmas, there'll be animal escapades, kisses under the mistletoe...and plenty of festive cheer for all.


My Review

Firstly let me say this is book two in the series and whilst you can read this as a standalone I would suggest getting the first as I don't think I would enjoy it as much not knowing the back story. Mandy now has her rescue centre up and running, helping animals in need whilst doing her job as a vet. It seems someone is not happy and has a vendetta against the unit, but who wouldn't to help animals or is there a deeper reason behind the sabotage.

I read and loved the first book, it is so nice to have a character who loves animals and cares more about their welfare than money. Mandy is the same in this book, animals come first but the bills are pouring in and now someone appears to have an issue with the centre. Sabotage is confirmed, Mandy is trying to juggle many balls and has some personal issues to contend with too.

A wee mixed bag and definitely has a Christmas feel to it. Again, wee bits of learning in relation to animal care and conditions but not the full focus or detracting from the heart of the story. I did enjoy this but loved the first one more, not too sure why. This was 3.5 for me, I do enjoy this series and already have the third on my wishlist.

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Summer at Hope Meadows by Lucy Daniels

Summer at Hope Meadows by Lucy Daniels
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1 day

Pages - 400

Publisher - Hodder

Source - Publisher

Blurb from Goodreads

Based on the globally bestselling Animal Ark series.

Newly-qualified vet Mandy Hope is leaving Leeds - and her fiancé Simon - to return to the Yorkshire village she grew up in. There, she will help out in her parents' surgery whilst they're short-staffed. Mandy's life has always revolved around her work with rescued animals, and Welford offers an opportunity to work with creatures of all sizes, from hedgehogs and puppies to farm stock and even wild deer.

But rural Yorkshire is very different to the hustle and bustle of a big city. Mandy must work hard to be accepted by the close-knit village community, and convince them of her abilities as a vet - especially Jimmy Marsh, the gruff owner of the local Outward Bound business, with whom she just can't seem to get along.
When some long-neglected animals are discovered in a critical state on a nearby farm, Mandy is determined to prove herself as a confident and fearless vet. When it comes to protecting animals in need, she's prepared to do whatever it takes...


My Review

So my last few books have been quite heavy and or dark. I really needed something lighter and this has been on my review mountain for a good while now. Mandy is our main character, a newly qualified vet who is heading back to her wee Yorkshire village to help out with her family vet surgery. Her boyfriend Simon is an animal surgeon, the more complex the better, he has high aspirations for their future business. When Mandy goes back to her roots she realizes how much she has missed the quiet life and how much is needed in the village compared to city life. Her and Simon's views could not be more different, someone has to give, but who?

Oh I just needed a book like this, animal focused, Mandy is so passionate about caring for animals and there is so much need in her wee village. Her parents clinic is short staffed and Mandy is just finding her feet. I learned about animals care and some conditions that I hadn't heard of, I actually put the book down a few times to look them up. Thrown into that we have the struggles in her relationship with Simon, both have different views for their future and to be honest I am not a fan of Simon at all. You have the aspect of her reintegrating into the small village which in itself brings issues as well as trying to work out the complex grumpy business man and form relationships with the townsfolk.

The book covers so much, relationships, a small village and all the trimmings that come with it, I do enjoy a book where you learn things and animals always get a thumbs up from me. This was my first time reading this author and I enjoyed the book so much I checked it out on Fantastic Fiction and bought the next in the series. Lucy Daniels is the collective name for the writing team that created the kids series Animal Ark, the author of this book is Sarah McGurk. I enjoyed the writing style so much and the fact she draws from her job as a qualified vet that I am going to see if she has written anything other than these two books. 4/5 for me this time, thanks so much to Hodder for sending me a new author to try who I am sure I would have otherwise missed. As I said I bought the next in the series which is actually "Christmas at Mistletoe Cottage" perfect for my December reads. If you like animals and chick lit I think you will enjoy this book, I was frustrated at times with some of her choices and reactions or lack of with another character but on the whole I really enjoyed it.

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Chasing the Traveller by Alex Kane

Chasing the Traveller by Alex Kane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 222

Publisher - Indie

Source - ARC (author)

Blurb from Goodreads

Kat is trapped in a world where she has never belonged. As a traveller, she has always felt lost, especially since the death of her parents in a fire when she was fourteen years old. Having been taken on by the Denton family as their own, Kat falls in love with their son, tearaway Jimmy. His charm soon wears off and Kat finds herself married to a controlling and violent thug.

Sixteen years later, Kat decides enough is enough and begins plotting her escape from a lifetime of abuse.

Stripped of her personality, Kat has no idea how to start again but she finds an unlikely ally in her sister-in-law Ellie who shows Kat that she is not alone.

Kat and Ellie Denton begin their venture into a new world, where they meet new people and build new lives. But Kat still wants to know more about her parents’ past and when she seeks the location of an address on the back of a family photograph, Kat begins to uncover more than she expected including a revelation that will lead Kat back to the traveller site she had been so desperate to escape from.

Will she find the answers she is looking for, or will she fall prey to the violent Jimmy Denton once more?


My Review

Kat Denton is battered, abused, treated like an animal and has nowhere to turn to in her travelling community. Finding herself in a situation that changes everything and forms an unlikely alliance with Ellie, her sister in law, Kat takes the plunge and runs from her abusive husband. This is their story, by escaping Kat and Ellie find themselves on a journey of self discovery, healing, hope and that you cannot outrun your past.

I have bought a few of this authors work when writing under Emma Clapperton but had yet to read them. This is a genre switch and my first dance with this author, the story is both very dark and filled with hope. The start of the story sees Kat being horrifically abused by her husband, violence, rape, emotional abuse and manipulation which makes for hard reading at parts. It is very real to life in parts and I think anyone who has experienced such trauma(s) may find a very emotive response. Passages like this in fiction is really a testament to the authors writing skills and much of the book is not like this, however I feel it needed comment on.

I thought the story was going to be lots of violence and suspense, in actual fact a lot of the focus was about rebuilding a life, acceptance, self discover, survival and recovery. Trust and learning how to assess, accept and recover from emotional manipulation, we follow Kat's very personal journey. It also has danger looming on the edges as Kat and Ellie are on the run from Kat's husband who we know could appear anywhere. The book is a very different read than what I expected and depending on the readers background and life experiences I think it will strike very emotive responses.

Human beings are amazing in what they can endure, survive and cope and whilst this is a work of fiction I think many will be able to relate to it from very real experiences. The book tackles relationships, roles, abuse, family, friendship, love, actions and consequences it also has a sense of danger, survival and the old you cannot run from your past. It is a busy wee book and had time permitted I would have read it in one sitting. 4/5 for me, at time of posting the ebook is available for pre order for 99p. I think I will need to bump the authors other works up my TBRM mountain, this may have been my first dance with this author, it won't be my last!

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The Woman Who Met Her Match by Fiona Gibson

The Woman Who Met Her Match by Fiona Gibson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - on and off over 3 days

Publisher - Avon

Pages - 400

Blurb from Goodreads

What if your first love came back on the scene . . . 30 years later?

After yet another disaster, Lorrie is calling time on online dating. She might be single in her forties, but she’s got a good job, wonderful children and she’s happy. This, Lorrie decides, is going to have to be enough.

That is, until she receives a very unexpected request from France. Antoine Rousseau, who had once turned a lonely French exchange trip into a summer of romance, wants to see her – after thirty years.

But Lorrie is a responsible woman. She can’t exactly run off to Nice with the man who broke her teenage heart . . . can she?

A wonderfully funny novel, perfect for fans of Jill Mansell, Joanna Bolouri and Milly Johnson.


My Review

We open at the Summer of 1986 where we meet our main character Lorrie, just a slip of a girl at 16, not very confident and shipped over to France for an exchange. She meets her first love and is heartbroken when she goes home. Fast forward thirty years, her children have signed her up for online dating, after a few disastrous dates Lorrie's first love gets in touch out of the blue. Lorrie is a responsible adult, a mother, making woman feel gorgeous with beauty products she can't just leave it all to chase her first love, or can she?

This is a lovely wee book, funny, light and some darker themes of loss and discrimination in the work place. Dating disasters, friendship, love, loyalty and trying to get yourself back after fully focusing on your kids and picking up life after a bereavement. Humor is laced throughout and I think because so many of the themes within the book are applicable to your normal every day person that there is something for everyone in this story. The chapters are relatively short which is great if you don't have time to sit and get stuck right in, had I had more time I would have read this in one sitting.

Lorrie is a relate-able character, a good heart, focusing on family and to be honest a wee bit of a door mat at times where you are urging her to stand up for herself. I found myself getting really invested in the characters, we all have a family member who is self involved, someone else we are looking out for. The element of the one who got away and what would happen if they got in touch again is something most people have thought about once in their adult life, if not more. A great read for a blue day or just by the pool. This was my first time reading this author, I absolutely would read her again. Thanks to Avon Books for introducing me to a new author and putting her on my radar, I will be looking up more of her work, 4/5 for me this time.

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The Last Hack by Christopher Brookmyre

The Last Hack: A Jack Parlabane Thriller by Christopher Brookmyre
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Publisher - Atlantic Monthly Press

Pages - 432

Blurb from Goodreads

Sam Morpeth has had to grow up way too fast, left to fend for a younger sister with learning difficulties when their mother goes to prison and watching her dreams of university evaporate. But Sam learns what it is to be truly powerless when a stranger begins to blackmail her online, drawing her into a trap she may not escape alive. Meanwhile, reporter Jack Parlabane has finally got his career back on track, working for a flashy online news start-up, but his success has left him indebted to a volatile source on the wrong side of the law. Now that debt is being called in, and it could cost him everything.

Thrown together by a common enemy, Sam and Jack are about to discover they have more in common than they realize—and might be each other’s only hope.



My Review

It has been a while since I caught up with Parlabane and I have missed a few books inbetween, my o/h lied and told me a main character died and I stopped reading lol. Jack is up to his usual, trying to stay out of trouble but landing right in the middle of it, or rather being sought out for it. Sam Morpeth is a young woman trying to pick up the pieces her mother has left behind when she went to jail. Looking after her wee sister, trying to keep an education, avoid the drug dealers her mum owes her and local bullies shy Sam has her hands full. Sam has a secret, she is a hacker and forceful online rep lands her in a heap of trouble. With no option but to force Jack to help her, they both must come together to tackle one of the biggest hacks yet, violence and mayhem lies ahead for both.

This book is about hacking, hacking for initially the "right" reasons, not for financial gain and showing that even the best laid intentions can go awry. That consequences have actions and the old adage the world is a really small place, never knowing when your past may come back upon you. Sam I found to be a frustrating character, online a force to be reckoned with, offline in her own words "a victim". She also grated because she is such an intelligent girl who makes some very questionable choices and falls prey to many things she should be able to spot a mile away. Jack is Jack, in trouble, cheeky, likable rogue whose heart is in the right place, I forgot how much I liked him.

Split two fold, we have the whole hacking side of it and the personal life and struggles of Sam which helped break up the computer stuff. Whilst a good chunk of it was really interesting and highlights just how vulnerable we are with our online activities it was nice to have a human emotional aspect of the story. The book doesn't have the earlier grit, dark unpc humour the very first Parlabane books do, maybe because Jack (and Brookmyre) has ages but there are still wee flashes of it. 4/5 for me this time, thanks to Netgalley for sending me a copy to review. Available to buy under the title Want You Gone, not sure why they changed it, I think I preferred The Last Hack.

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Murder At The Laurels by Lesley Cookman

Murder at the Laurels by Lesley Cookman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 4 days on and off

Pages - 368

Publisher - Accent Press Ltd

Blurb from the back cover

Steeple Martin amateur detective Libby Sarjeant's friend, and sleuthing partner, psychic investigator Fran Castle, suspects that there is something suspicious about the death of her aunt in a nursing home. When Fran's long-lost relatives turn up and seem either unconcerned or obstructive, Libby and Fran are sure something is wrong, particularly as the will is missing.

As usual Libby needs little persuasion to start investigating, even if she doesn't see herself as Miss Marple. They discover surprising links to Fran's own past but, as murders multiply and the police take over, can the amateur sleuths keep on the trail?




My Review

Fran gets a call out of the blue to visit her aunt for her upcoming birthday, giving her a chance to see her friend Libby. However Eleanor dies and Libby and Fran can't help but think something isn't right and the relatives make them even more suspicious. Libby has gotten involved with murder before and Fran has psychic abilities that soon get the ladies wrapped up in a who done it.

This is a relatively easy read, book two in a series although I must admit I hadn't read the first and don't feel I lost anything as previous events are referred to. It reminded me very much of a murder she wrote cozy murder mystery style tale. There is murder, skulduggery, violence, lies, deception, relationships and secrets galore but nothing gory or too out there.

The pace goes along nicely, the characters have relationships building and not wholly focused on the murder and who done it. I would like to see more of Fran's psychic abilities and wonder if they featured more in the first book. I think I would read more of these tales, an enjoyable 3/5 for me. If you like crime and murder stories without the gore and gunk, these will be perfect for you.

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The Mistress's Revenge by Tamar Cohen

The Mistress's Revenge. Tamar Cohen by Tamar Cohen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Pages - 346

Publisher - Black Swan

Blurb from Goodreads

You think you are rid of me. You think you have drawn a line under the whole affair. You are so, so wrong.

For five years, Sally and Clive have been lost in a passionate affair. Now he has dumped her, to devote himself to his wife and family, and Sally is left in freefall.

It starts with a casual stroll past his house, and popping into the brasserie where his son works. Then Sally befriends Clive's wife and daughter on Facebook. But that's all right, isn't it? I mean, they are perfectly normal things to do. Aren't they?

Not since Fatal Attraction has the fallout from an illicit affair been exposed in such a sharp, darkly funny and disturbing way. After all, who doesn't know a normal, perfectly sane woman who has gone a little crazy when her heart was broken?


My Review

Silly Sally, thats what Clive called her. Clive whom she embarked upon a five year affair with, both married, both have children, both linked in each others circles. Now Clive has called time on the affair, Sally is seeing a therapist and keeping diary entries cataloging the affair and how she saw it all. Clive has moved on, Sally just can't let go and this is her story, of her fall from a loving mum, wife and career woman to one who is fully obsessed with her ex and her world is crumbling around her.

Firstly, there are no chapters in this book, there are page breaks, however it is almost a continuous monologue. Told in first person, Sally speaks clearly to Clive in her entries, there are no dates, she just launches in as if she is having a conversation, all one sided of course. Whilst this isn't my favourite type of layout, I think it serves its purpose, casting light onto just another aspect of how obsessive Sally is/has become.

I can't say I liked any of the characters, Sally is hard to like at all, selfish, obsessed, her behaviour and all consuming affair takes over everything. It is hard for the reader to witness the destruction to those around her, and Sally, whilst she is oblivious. I think this was smartly done in that these kind of situations you see the actions but not the insight of the mind or rational of the individual.

Whilst this was hard to read in parts it was hard to put down, understanding just how Clive managed to get Sally to that state, by manipulation and his actions was quite an insight. Whilst this is a work of fiction I am sure people can identify seeing behaviours like this with friends or family. Going by reviews, this is a marmite book, I think it was very well done however with such unlikeable characters one may require something lighter after finishing this. 4/5 for me this time, I have read Cohen before and I would read her again.





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The Summer of Secrets by Sarah Jasmon

The Summer of Secrets by Sarah Jasmon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Publisher - Black Swan

Pages - 352

Blurb from Goodreads

In the summer of 1983, when Helen is sixteen, Victoria Dover and her eccentric family move in next door, at once making her lonely world a more thrilling place. But the summer ends with a terrible tragedy, and everyone involved – her father and the entire Dover family – simply disappears.

Then one day, thirty years later, Victoria comes back.


My Review


Sixteen year old Helen is lonely and bored when the Dover family come crashing into her garden and life. She quickly becomes enamoured with the family, particularly Victoria, they build a friendship which comes crashing to an abrupt end and the family disappear. Years later Helen sees Victoria which sees her flipping back to the past and recounting their meeting, leading up to that night. Can Helen get her answers to what happened that night and everything that followed?

This is a tale about friendship, intrigue, personal growth, secrets and families. Helen is a young lonely girl that quickly becomes enveloped in the strange family who appear during the summer of '83. Her mother has left, her father is neglectful and more concerned with his boat and drink than Helen. A story of growth and friendship, from the point of view of a young teenager and what can happen when things go wrong of a night.

The story is interesting and you know there is a reveal however you wait a while to get there. The focus is on the budding relationships and Helen's personal growth, it was just a bit too much teen angst style for me. So many people have loved this book, I liked it and felt the whole thing is tied up nicely which I always think is a good thing, there was just a little oomph missing for me. This is my first time reading this author and I would certainly read her again, 3/5 for me this time, thanks so much to Ben at Penguin Random House for sending me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

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PRR - Someone Else's Skin by Sarah Hilary

Someone Else's Skin by Sarah Hilary
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 1.5 days

Publisher - Headline

Pages - 420

Blurb from Goodreads

Some secrets keep you safe, others will destroy you...

Detective Inspector Marnie Rome. Dependable; fierce; brilliant at her job; a rising star in the ranks. Everyone knows how Marnie fought to come back from the murder of her parents, but very few know what is going on below the surface. Because Marnie has secrets she won't share with anyone.

But then so does everyone. Certainly those in the women's shelter Marnie and Detective Sergeant Noah Jake visit on that fateful day. The day when they arrive to interview a resident, only to find one of the women's husbands, who shouldn't have been there, lying stabbed on the floor.

As Marnie and Noah investigate the crime further, events begin to spiral and the violence escalates. Everyone is keeping secrets, some for survival and some, they suspect, to disguise who they really are under their skin.

Now, if Marnie is going to find the truth she will have to face her own demons head on. Because the time has come for secrets to be revealed...



My Review

The book opens five years ago, DI Marnie Rome arrives at her parents home, cordoned off by the police. She knows it is bad, the way the scene is, the glimpses she can have from the house, the way her colleagues talk to her. Then we flick to present day, almost five years to the day it happened. The book teases the details along of what happened to Marnie's parents. But the world of crime stops for noone and she has a job to do. Arriving at a refugee house for abused women, to interview one of the woman who can help with an investigation they happen upon a bloody scene, one of the women have stabbed her partner she had fled from. Each of the women need to be interviewed, each has reason to hide, distrust and secrets are something they all have. As DI Rome tries to cope with her personal trauma and do her job, she needs to keep her wits about her to figure out what truly happened and how to solve the case.

The opening chapter pulls you in, your given enough to know something bad has happened but you don't know who done it or what they actually did. Present days packs quite a punch as one of the women meant to be kept safe has attacked her husband in self defense. There is a lot of tension within this book, the topic of abuse these women have endured is always present. It is a subject that if you have been touched personally by it the book will pack more of a punch with you. If you haven't it gives an insight into what these women endure and why they behave as they do.

I would say it is a psychological thriller, laced with crime and violence. Whilst the matter is dark and may be close to home for some readers, it is handled in a way that I feel didn't cheapen the subject but stayed true to the issues and reflected real life.

For a debut novel it packs quite a punch, I was up past 6am reading this, I could have gotten through it in one sitting had I not had other things to attend to. The chapters are nice and short which I do light in stories, it makes it easier to read more when you have other things to do in between. The time period jumps about a bit, between some of the characters although it is sign posted well enough, in parts it took a wee bit or getting used to. A great introduction to some new characters that I hope to see more of, 4/5 for me this time. I would certainly read more by this author and think Detective Inspector Rome and the other characters (especially Stephen) have some great tales still to come. Thanks so much to Headline for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and for introducing me to a new author.

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NR - Yours Truly by Kirsty Greenwood

Yours Truly by Kirsty Greenwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Time taken to read - 2 days

Publisher - PAN

Blurb from Goodreads

Your bum does not look big in that dress.
Mmmm, it tastes delicious!
Of course you're better looking than Jon Hamm.

Newly engaged Natalie Butterworth is an easy-going girl. She'll do anything for a quiet life and if telling a few teensy white lies keeps her friends and family happy, then so what? It's not like they'll ever discover what she's really thinking...

Until one night, thanks to a pub hypnotist, Natalie's most private thoughts begin to bubble up and pop out of her mouth. Things get very messy indeed, especially when some sticky home truths offend her fiancé.

Natalie must track down the hypnotist before her wedding is officially cancelled. So along with bad influence bestie Meg, Natalie finds herself in the Yorkshire Parish of Little Trooley - a small village bursting with big secrets, nosy old folk and intriguing Wellington-wearing men.

When the girls get stuck in the village with no means of escape and no way to break the hypnotist's spell, Natalie is forced to face the truths she has been avoiding her whole life..



My Review

Natalie Butterworth is a people pleaser, she will do almost anything to keep the peace and go out of her way for her loved ones and strangers. Recently engaged and her wedding brought forward her family are helping by taking over all aspects of the wedding and Natalie doesn't want to rock the boat so stays quiet. Meg decide to take Natalie to a hypnotist show and Natalie ends up accidentally getting hypnotized. What follows is utter mayhem, Natalie cannot lie and everything that has annoyed or upset her comes out ten fold when she is asked a question. With hilarious, cringey and upsetting consequences, Natalie must track the hypnotist before her truth telling loses her everything and everyone she cares about.

I got this book as a new release for a fabulous £2 bargain, selling in Tesco under the try this section. I had never heard of the author, a friend recommended and at that price it is hard to say no. From the first couple of pages your pulled in to poor Natalies life, she is such a trier to keep everyone happy, even going to the hairdressers and disliking the service she is too polite to pipe up. She is a very likable character, sweet, tries really hard to loose weight but the love of food always makes saying no to those calories that wee bit too irresistible to say no to. I think everyone could related to Natalie, the annoying family but wanting to do right and look after them. The uber hot boyfriend who is a tad OTT and OCD but feeling he is above her station and he is super hot, you would have to put up with his quirks right?

The journey is one of humour, humility, bad words, sex, friendship, family and moments of social disaster to name but a few of the topics covered in this book. It is a great wee debut novel, it is laugh out loud at some parts, some moral dilemmas and like I said there is bad language and some sex. Overall a great introduction to a new author and I would definitely read more of her work, 4/5 for me this time.

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